Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, January 26, 1901, Page 2

, } The Herald-Beview. | EDWAR By E. ©. KILEY, RAND RAPIDS, - MINNES The annual report on the Michigan state penitentiary at Jackson shows @ total population of 720, the lowest in twenty-five years. The tailors’ shop had but one man at work. In the future the United States steamship Scindia is to be known as Ajax. The Scindia, it is said, acquired an umenviable reputation by the amount of soot and cinders she emitted from her smokestack, The men on board the Scindia acquired a disrespect for her and altered her name to the “Cinders.” Various scientific departments in England recently held a conference in which they sought to obtain govern- ment powers for protecting the deli- cate instruments in the Kew and Greenwich observatories from any magnetic disturbances that arise from the working of electric tramways and railways in their vicinity. The New York socialists have com- menced a crusade that has for its ob- ject the enlistment of the women in their cause. To this end they have in- corporated a Woman’s Socialist so- ciety, which has just held a session in Brooklyn. All the orators were wom- en. Their purpose is to set on foot a movement for the incorporation of like organizations in all the states, No orders have yet been sent out to the Oregon looking to that ship’s coming home, but it is said at the navy department that she will be brought to the Mare island navy yard Within the next three months, Exten- sive repairs will be required by the Oregon and it is not unlikely that the Union iron works may get the con- tract for the work. Eccentricities of genius do not figure very largely in Mr. Howell’s recent reminiscences of our great writers of the last generation. There is no com- fort in his book for silly young men who try to excuse their own lapses from decency by the examples of By- ron and Poe; for Mr. Howells shows that our foremost Americans were clean-living as well as high-thinking citizens, The possession of genius does not confer exemptions; it imposes weightier responsibilities. Forty-two English citizens during the last ten years have changed their surnames, because they were the same as those of famous villains in well- known books and plays. For this privilege they paid the country £420. Dickens is responsible for over a third of the name changes, and, among oth- ers, seven Quilps have sued for a new name during the past six years alone. Quilp in ‘“‘The Old Curiosity Shop” was such a detestable villain that victims of the same name said it did them and their business harm. Uriah Heep, the cringing rogue of “David Copperfield,” is responsible for five people of that mame seeking new cognomens. An- other name that has been changed By seven different families is ‘Legree,” spelled in several different ways, the name of the scoundrelly painter ip “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” When the usual committee repre- senting the two houses ‘called on Pres- ident McKinley on the day they as- sembled, it is said the president cor- dially remarked that he was glad to see them and glad that congress was again in session. This is a pleasanter attitude than that of dread with which many people regard the assembling of the national legislature. When great national political ‘conflicts are taking place there is sometimes reasons for apprehension. At the present time there is need of constructive legisla- tion, and we ought rather to be sorry that congress has but three months in which to accomplish it than to regret that it has met to undertake the task. The anecdote which follows must undoubtedly be accepted as both au- thentic and official, since it is contain- ed in a report to the state department by an American consul. One of the duties of a consul is to discover, if he can, and make known to his country- men all openings for profitable busi- ness in the district within which his jurisdiction lies. Accordingly, we are told how the Germans at Aix-la-Cha- pelle received an American circus, The magnitude and character of the Dill posting and the rapid erection of the huge tents filled them. with astonish- ment. On the day of the circus not a workman went to the factories, and spindles lay in astonished idleness. ‘The tents were crowded at each per- formance. Vague antipathies against the United States were changed to re- epect and awe, any farther achieve- ment being deemed possible for Ameri- sans. That commerce follows the flag is a trite assertion. The Aix-la-Cha- pelle consul seems to add, “especially when the flag waves above an Ameri- ean circus!” That the young queen of Italy stands on a good footing with the ladies of her court may be inferred from a re- mark soon after her elevation to the throne. ‘When one has to stand so long and make so many courtesies, it ig best to seek comfort. My own prac- tice is to wear easy corsets and shoes that do not pinch.” An innovation, certainly! Hitherto, royalty’s attitude toward the discomforts of court dress has been rather the philosophy ef Rip Van Winkle on seeing his wife at the ‘wash-tubs: “Well, I suppose some- body has got to do it!” | 1 | D Vil. NOW REIGNS ENGLAND'S BELOVED QUEEN AT LAST PASSES AWAY. Career Never Eaqualed by Any Woman in the World's History Comes Peacefully fo an End— ce and Princess of Wales, yeror William and Other Royal Personages at the Bedside Death’s Summons Came — All the World Joins Her Bereaved Sub- the Loss of Au jects in Mourning This Most Respected § of Women. Cowes, Isle of Wight, Jan. 23.—Queen Victoria is dead and Edward VII. reigns. The greatest event in the memory of this generation, the most stupendous change in existing conditions that could possibly be imagined has taken place quietly, almost gently, upon the anniversary of the death of Queen Victoria’s father, the duke of Kent. ‘The end of this career, never equalled by any woman in the world’s history, came in a simply-furnished room in Os- borne house. This most respected of all women, living or dead, lay in a great four-postei bed and made a shrunken atom whose aged face and figure were a cruel mockery of the fair girl who in 1837 began to rule over England. Around her were gathered almost every descendant of her line. Well Within View of Her Dying Eyes there hung a portrait of the prince consort. It was he who designed ‘he room and every part of the castle. In scarcely audible words the white haired bishop of Winchester prayed beside her as he had often prayed with his sov- ereign, for he was her chaplain at Windsor. With bowed heads the im- perious ruler of the German empire and the man who is now king of Eng- land, the woman who has succeeded to the title of queen, the princes and princesses and those of less than royal designation listened to the bishop's ceaseless prayer. Six o'clock passed. The bishop continued his intercession. One of the younger children asked a question in shrill, childish treble and was immediately silenced. The women of the royal family sobbed faintly and the men shuffied uneasily. At exactly 6:30 Sir James Reid held up his hand and the people in the room knew that England Had Lost Her Queen. The bishop pronounced the benediction. The queen passed away quite peaceful- ly. She suffered no pain. Those who were now mourners left the room. A little of materialism stepped into the pathetic chamber, for the court ladies went busily to work ordering their mourning from London. The wheels of the world were jarred when the an- nouncement came, but in this palace at Osborne everything pursued the usual course. Down in the kitchen they were cooking a huge dinner for an assem- blage, the like of which has seldom been known in England, and the dinner preparations proceeded just as if noth- ing had happened. The body of Queen Victoria was em- balmed and will probably be taken to Windsor Saturday. The coffin arrived last evening from London. Were Hastily Summoned. It was thought that the queen was dying earlier in the afternoon and car- riares were sent to Osborne cottage and the rectory to bring ail the princes and princesses and the bishop of Win- chester to her bedside. Ic seemed then very near the end, but when things looked the worst the queen had one of the rallies due to her wonderful con- stitution, opened her eyes and recog- nized the prince of Wales, the princess and Emperor William. She asked to see one of her faithful servants, a member of the household. He hastened to the rcom but before he got there the queen had passed into a fitful sleep. Four c’clock marked the bevinning of the end. Again the family were summoned, and this time the relapse was not followed by recovery. The prince of Wales y Was Very Much Affected when the doctors at last informed him that his mother had breathed her last. Emperor William, himself deeply af- fected, did his best to minister com- fort to his sorrow-stricken uncle, whose new dignity he was the first to ac- knowledge. From all parts there are still pouring into Cowes messages of condolence. They come from crowned heads, mil- lionaires, tradesmen and paupers, and are variously addressed to the prince of Wales and the king of England. Emperor William’s arrangements are not settled. His yacht will arrive to- day, but it is believed he will not de- part unt:! after the funeral. Several other royal personages are likely to be present at the function, which will probably be a ceremony never to be equalled in this century. The record of the last days of the reign of Victoria is not easy to tell. The correspondent of the Associated Press was the only correspondent ad- mitted to Osborne, and his interview with Sir Arthur Jordan Rigg, private secretary to the queen, was The Only Official Version that has been given out. For several weeks the queen had been failing. On Monday week she summoned Lord Rob- erts and asked him some very search- ing questions regarding the war in South Africa. On Tuesday she went for a drive, but was seriously affected. On Wednesday she suffered a paralytic stroke, accompanied by intense phys- ical weakness. It was her first illness in all her eighty-one years and she would not admit it. Then her condition grew so serious that, against her wishes, the family was summoned. When they arrived her ‘reason had practically suceumbed to paralysis and weakness. Events of the last few days described by bulletins are too fresh to need repetition. At the lodge gates the watchers waited nervously. Suddenly along the driveway came a horseman, who shouted “The queen is dead!” as he dashed through: the crowd. Down the hillside the watchers shouted the ° fateful bulletin from one to another. Soon the whole country knew there was a new king in Great Britain. Every- one was mourning the death of the death of the queen, but they did not hesitate to stop and drink the health of the new king. Parliament Summoned. London, Jan. 23.—Shortly befdre mid- night an official announcement was is- sued calling parliament to assemble at 4 o'clock this afternoon to enable mem- bers of the house of lords and house of commons to take the oath of allegiance to King Edward VII. Telegrams ar- riving from all parts of the” country echo the deep feeling of sorrow pervad- ing all classes. These show that every- where bells have been tolled and public performances and functions suspended. The privy council will meet in London to-day and the proclamation of the king will occur thereafter at all places required by custom, The king will come to London to preside over the council. President Sends Condolence. Washington, Jan. 23.—President Me- Kinley last evening sent the following message of condolence to King Edward VIL: “To His Majesty, the King, Osborne House, Isle of Wight: I have received with profound sorrow the lamentable tidings of the death of her majesty, the queen. Allow me, sir, to offer my sincere sympathy, and that of the American people, in your personal be- reavement and in the loss Great Brit- ain has suffered in the death of its venerable and illustrious sovereign. whose noble life and beneficent influ- ence have promoted the peace and won the affection of the werld. —“William McKinley.” As soon as the death of the queen was announced all flags in the city were placed at half-mast. This is an unusual tribute to the memory of the deceased sovereign. Sorrow in Germany. Berlin, Jan. 23,—The death of Queen Victoria had been hourly expected in Berlin, but the news spread like wild- fire, the announcement being read with respectful sympathy. The fact that Empress Augusta left yesterday for Hamburg to be near the dowager em- press added to the sadness of the oc- casion. The German nation fully shares in the feelings of the British people toward the venerable and illus- trious sovereign who has just breathed her last. Empress Frederick Informed. London, Jan. 23. — The news of her mother’s death was tenderly broken to Dowager Empress Frederick late last evening, says a dispatch to the Daily Mail from Frankfort. “It was a terri- ble shock, but the empress is bearing up bravely. The trials of the last few days, however, have exercised a most prejudicial effect upon her health, which causes serious anxiety.” The News in Paris. Paris, Jan. 23.—The news of the death of Queen Victoria was known in Paris at § o'clock last night through special editions of the evening papers, which newsboys carried througout the city. Great sympathy was expressed on all sides. As soon as definite information reached parliament the presidents of the chambers announced that the next session would be adjourned as a sign of mourning. Enlogizes the Dead. London, Jan. 23.—All the morning pa- pers appear in heavy mourning borders with editorials eulogistic of the dead queen and recalling leading events and particular incidents of her reign. Few political references as to the future are made. BAILEY SUCCEEDS CHILTON. Texas Legislatore Name Former Conngressman for Senater. Austin, Tex., Jan, 23.— The Texas state legisiature, in joint session nom- inated Former Congressman Joseph W. Bailey of Texas to succeed United States Senator Horace Chilton. Cullom > Re-elected. Springfield, Ill., Jan. 23.—In separate session the senate and house of the Illinois legislature re-elected United States Senator Shelby M. Cullom for a term of six years. The vote: Senate, Cullom, 31; Alschuler, 18. House, Cul- lom, 68; Alschuler, 67. The vote will be ratified to-day in joint session. Sewell Re-Elected. Trenton. N. J., Jan. 23.—United States Senator Wiiliam J. Sewall was yester- day elected by the New Jersey legis- lature in separate ballot to succeed himself. Butler Steps Out. Raleigh, N. C., Jan. 23.—F. M. Sim- mons, chairman of the state Demo- cratic committee, was elected United States senator to succeed Marion But- ler. Elkins Again Choven. Charlestown, W. Va., Jan. 23.—Steph- en B. Elkins was re-elected United States senator by separate vote in the two houses of the legislature. Berry Succeeds Himsclf. Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 23. — United States Senator Berry was re-elected, receiving all but 2 votes. a ig Warrant for Neeley. Washington, Jan. 23. — The warrant for the surrender to the military au- thorities of Cuba of Charles F. W. Neeley was issued by the secretary of state and transmitted to the war de- partment. It was sent to United States Marshal Henkel in New York. who is understood here to be the officer se- lected by Maj. Gen. Wood to take Neeley back to Cuba. Marshal Henkel is the custodian of Neeley, and will hold him until next Tuesday, when Judge Lacomb will decide that the prisoner be surrendered to the military authorities on the authority of the secretary of state’s warrant. Russian Thistle Tale From the West Harrold, S. D., Jan. 23. — Trainmen and passengers on the’ Pierre trains report the novel experience of bucking great piles of drifts of Russian thistles. The thistles collect in the cuts and, becoming entangled with the rails and ties, form an interwoven mass that brings trains to a fullstop. Next Pope Supports Ireland's Claims. Rome, Jan. 23. — It is reported that Cardinal Vannutelli, who will probably be the next pope, is strenuously sup- porting the promotion of Archbishop Ireland to the cardinalship, I II EE IESG SEE AEE DEAS BE LT RE RL LE A OEE A IS LO TE EN SN OES PO ES OTN ST NE PLE ETE OEP eR se peA EI Pa AP MERA I AER Sea MN OS ae BD PO IRR DIEM SE EG ORAS le Si SSPE IN See Oerbin, Ky., Jan. 20.—The presence of the soldiers here had a quieting effect upon the citizens of Corbin yesterday and last night the troops, being no longer needed, withdrew. While mem- bers of the Whites and Shotwells are still in Corbin under arms they are not being intérfered with by the soldiers as they say they have no intention of precipitating trouble. With the arrest and removal to Williamsburg jail of five members of the Shotwells and Rolla White, who shot the father of the Shotwell boys, no further trouble is anticipated. f Shot by a Policeman. Kansas City, Kan., Jan. 20. — Frank Kester, aged forty years, was shot and killed last night at his home on Eigh- teenth Street by Policeman Silas Shu- mate, whom he attempted to assault. Kester is said to have been intoxicated and was taken home by the officer, when he rushed in the house and se- cured a weapon, declaring that he was going to kill Shumate. The officer, thinking his life was in danger, shot Kester. The dead man has a wife and three children. Valuable Almanac Free. ‘We have received a copy of the new almanac for 1901 published by the Roy- al Baking Powder Co, It is an artistic and useful book and will be of interest to housekeepers. A noteworthy feature of the almanac is a prediction of the weather for every day of the year, by Prof. DeVoe, who correctly prophesied the great Galveston cyclone and other important meteorological events. We are authorized to say that any woman reader of this paper can secure a copy without cost by sending a request to the company, at 100 William St., New York. Paving With Cannon Balls. Wash?ngton, Jan. 20.—A private letter from China says that the soldiers at ‘Ticn-tsin are using the cannon balls in the arsenals to pave the roads. They have found an enormous quantity of iron shot and shell of different sizes, which some ingenius Yankee suggested would be a good substitute for paving stones. The authorities in command adopted the idea, and with the aid of a steam roller they made a very good road. SHIPYARD STRIKE, Likely to Delay Work on Some of Uncle Sam's War Vessels. New York, Jan. 20.—A strike in the Nixon shipyards at Elizabeth, N. J., threatens to tie up the yard and delay the government work now in progress on ships for the navy, besides a num- ber of private contracts, including five submarine boats. The strike took place because nine non-union carpenters were employed. A delegation of four men, representing the carpenters, painters, joiners and calkers, waited on Mr. Nixon and asked if he would not dis- charge the men. He refused to treat with the men, and instead of discharg- ing the non-union men, discharged the delegates. This action greatly incensed the men and they went on strike. ROBBERS GOT $1,200. z Watthman Tried to Arrest the « Gang and Was Wounded. Poplar Bluffs, Mo., Jan. 20. — Three men blew open the safe in Goodman’s store at Ardcola and escaped with $1.200 in cash and valuable papers. Frank Foster, night watchman, tackled the trio and was shot and wounded. POLICE OFFICER RESCUED. Officer A. C. Swovson of the Council Bluffs Force Tells an Interesting Story. Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jan. 19, 1901.— (Special.)\—Kindhearted Officer Swan- son of the local police force is very popular in the city. He has lived here for seventeen years, and has enjoyed many high offices in social and society work. He is now Vice-President of the “Dannebrog” Brotherhood, the largest Danish secret society in America, which combines benevolent with the social features. Owing to the constant exposure and many hours on his feet, which his duty as a police officer makes unavoidable, Mr. Swanson b2- came the victim of serious Kidney and Liver Trouble. He was very bad, but has entirely recovered. He gives the story in his own words, as follows: “I have been a sufferer for many years with Kidney and Liver Trouble, and have tried many remedies, some of which gave me temporary relief, and others which were absolutely worth- less. I began to think that there was no help for me, when my nephew gave me part of a box of Dodd’s Kidney Pills which he had left, saying that it would do no harm to try them, as they had certainly fixed him all right. What he gave me helped me so much that I felt justified in purchasing more, andl grew slowly better. It took almost two months to effect a complete cure, as mine was a very bad case, but I can cheerfully and truthfully say that I am a well man to-day, and am very grate- ful that Dodd’s Kidney Pills were thus brought to my notice.” The wonderful cures effected by Dodd’s Kidney Pills in Iowa have cre- ated quite a sensation in some parts of the state. There does not seem to be any case of Lame Back, Rheuma- tism, Kidney or Bladder Trouble which these wonderful Pills cannot cure. They are certainly popular here, ani the sale through the local druggists .3 very large. Heavy Realty Sale. Rockwell City, Iowa, Jan. 24.--George L. Bower has completed ayraugements whereby he becomes the owner of all the real estate interests of J. M. Rock- well and F. M. Hubbell of Des Moines for a consideration of $100,000. The Jand consists of 1,100 acres within the city limits, and. seventy residences. Denth Sentence Commuted. Ottawa, Ont., Jan. 20.—An order in council has been passed commuting the death sentence on James Slorah of Dawson, Yukon, to imprisonment for life. Slorah, who was a bartender, shot and killed his wife, Pearl “Mitchéll. Burned to Death. Zanesville, Ohio, Jan. 20. — While Charles H. Morse and wife were absent from home last night their five-year- old daughter was burned to death and an older daughter was fatally burned while trying to save her sister, 1@_90 00 00 00 08 00 08 8 08 OO *|In Minnesota. 3 State News of the ¢ Weck Briefly Told. @ 00 00 00 00 00 00 06 06 0 0 The merchants of Winona have been flooded of late with counterfeit pennies. The Lake City brewery was destroyed by fire recently. The loss is estimated at $14,000, with an insurance of $6,00v. Hans Thompson, one of the oldest residents of Watonwan county, died re- cently at the age of eighty-seven years. A. D. McGrath of Spring Valley was arrested on the charge of uttering a forged order on Halbkal & Nichols for goods. ~~ A bill defining kidnapping and fixing the penalty at twenty years’ imprison- ment has been introduced in the legis- lature. Deputy Sheriff Sieloff arrested John ‘Winczewski at Winona charged with having shot Thomas Connaughty with a revolver. The Milwaukee will build a new sta- tion at Red Wing in the spring. Supt. Foster says the plans are already adopted. Aslak and Bven Heldal, father and son, of Neillsville have been adjudged insane and removed to the asylum at Fergus Falls. Fred Ramburg, ‘who lived near Still- water, was killed by falling under a log at James McGrath’s camp on the Snake river. The militia company at Rochester is a winner. A meeting was held and ferty-six names secured, or more than the required number. Bishop Cotter has prepared a report for the diocese of Winona for 1900. It shows that there has been much growth and improvement in the past year. Michael Manning, one of the oldest settlers in Anoka county, dropped dead of heart disease on First avenue, Anoka. He was sixty years old. The W. H. Walker Milling company’s plant at Alden is now enlarged to 150 barrels daily, running night and day. Its electric plant is also completed, lighting the town. The livery and boarding stable of J. Hausdorf at St. Cloud was destroyed by fire. Two horses were burned. The loss is estimated at $2,000, with $1,000 in- surance, * A man who had escaped from one of Colvin & Robb’s lumber camps near Biwabik, which is under quarantine for smallpox, was caught and placed in the pest house. Nick Roles and C. Bendixson of St. Leo, Yellow Medicine county, were each fined $50 and costs and given thirty days in jail for selling liquor without a license. Michael Weiler of Springfield was sentenced to five years and four months’ imprisonment for attempted criminal assault on a twelve-year-old child. ‘He pleaded guilty. A box containing four dozen bottles of whisky was stolen from the freight house at the union station at Albert Lea and two men have been arrested charged with the crime. County Supt. Wilber of Winona coun- ty has begun the publication of a paper for the county teachers. It will be known as the Winona County Teacher and will be issued monthly. Judge Qvale of Benssn sentenced Pat- rick Darrington, who was convicted of shooting Martin McAndrew, whereby the latter was made blind for life, to fifteen years’ imprisonment at Still- water. Fire Marshal Wis2 Norton reports the fire loss in Winona during 1900 to have been $6,407 on buildings and $4 632 on contents. The total insurance loss was $9,839, leaving a balance of $1,200 uninsured. A clever forgery and passing of forged checks, purported to have been signed by E. J. Foss, agent of the Strong Elevator company, was worked at Montevideo. The checks were in- dorsed by E. Ellis. The stage route known as the Currie and Tracy route, which has been in force for over twenty years, has been abandoned owing to the mail facilities made possible by the new Des Moines River road to Currie. Efforts are being made by the mem- bers of St. Paul's Episcopal church of ‘Winona who were confirmed by the late Bishop Gilbert to raise sufficient money to buy a new pulpit, to be dedi- cated to his memory. ra The work of clearing the right of way and: grading for the spur to be built from Biwabik to Mesaba by the Du- luth, Mesaba & Northern railroad is being pushed rapidly by the Minneapo- lis contractors, Winston Brothers. The Farmers’ and Investors’ Land Company of Little Falls has filed arti- cles of incorporation. The capital stock is $20,000 and the purpose of the organ- ization is to buy and sell farm lands. J. W. Berg is president and John Ver- tin secretary. Emma Schultz of Granite Falls sued Herman Just for $15,000 for personal damages. The jury awarded her $1,000. The saloon men of Granite Falls re- fused to take out license unless it was reduced from $1,000 to $750. This the council refused to do and the saloons are closed. Gustave Andétson, a farmer living a few miles north of Dassel, has been adjudged insane by a commission and sent to the Fergus’ Falls insane asylum. He was once sent to St. Peter from Winthrop, Minn., and later discharged as cured. His present attack is sup- posed to be caused by worry over the recent deah of a daughter. Capt. W. A. Mercer of the Leech lake reservation, estimates that the Chip- pewa Indians on those lands lose $100,- 000 annually as a result of the deterio- ration, fires and all other causes. He suggests that the pine be sold at pri- vate sale and the quantity cut ascer- tained by scaling. 4 The annual meeting of the Bay State Milling company was held at Winona. The following officers were elected, all residents of Boston except Mr. Gar- vin: President, B. J. Rothwell; vice president, L. S. Adams; treasurer, L. S. Brown;. secretary and assistant treas- urer, H. C. Garvin, FIRE IN A THEATER. Audience Passes Out Without the Slightest Suggestion of Panic. Cincinnati, Jan. house was last night totally destroyed’ by fire except for its stanch outer walls. The play set for the night was “Hamlet,” by the Sothern ‘company. The house was packed by a brilliant audience. The first act scene had been finished, and in the second Mr. Soth- ern, acting the part of Hamlet, had spoken but a few lines when a slight disturbance was observed in the or- chestra seats about the fourth row from the orchestra. a slight issue of smoke at that point. An usher went down the aisle and quickly asked the people to be seated, saying there was nothing wrong. Mr. Sothern at this point stepped to the front cf the stage and also assured the- audience that everything was right. To further remove apprehension Mr. Sothern resumed his part, but before he had spoken two lines the smoke is- sued in such volumes that there was a spontaneous movement of the people in its vicinity. suggestion or advice one of the most remarkable scenes ever witnessed in a crowded audience took place. It was as if the whole situation had been re- vealed to evc-~ person in the house, and withort 2 single shout or anything else indicating a leader, the disposal of the audience began and was carried out with as much order and composure as if no such thing as fire had ever ex~ isted. Nothing to indicate the possi- bility of a panic occurred. It appears from every indication that the fire started in some way from the furnace underneath the orchestra. It soon com- municated to the stage, and to this fact is owing the losses of the greater por- tion of the property of the Sothern company. Mr. Sothern estimates his loss at $50,000. His company was com- pelled to reach the streets clad in their costumes and to lose the greater por- tion of their personal effects. Adjoin- ing the rear of the opera house, sepa- rated by an alley, is the large Butler building. The fire entered this at the upper stories and the roof and the two upper floors of that building were prac- tically destroyed. the Gifts engine house, which adjoins the Butler building, was seriously dam- aged by the fire. 1 WATER AND LIGHTS. Custer, in the Hills, Moves for Im- provements. Custer, S. D., Jan. 23.—The business men are taking steps toward putting in a water system. There is now no- protection against fire. Very destruc- tive fires have recently occurred in the business portions. One plan is to bring in water from some springs about sev- enteen miles distant, which would cost about $100,000. The plan that is most favorably looked upon is to sink deep wells and pump the water into a res- ervoir. There is also talk of putting in telephone and electric light systems. Custer county is booming this winter. More mining companies are operating than ever before. EPIDEMIC OF TYPHOID. Twenty-six Deaths in a Mesaba Range Town. Duluth, Minn., Jan. 23.—In the little village of Sparta, on the Mesaba range, there has been an epidemic of typhoid fever, and sixteen young Finnish husi- ness men and miners, besides ten Eng- lish-speaking residents, have died. The disease was caused by bad water and is said to have cost the place more than $20,000. Srarta has only about 506 people at the best, so the death rate has been about 5 per cent of the total population. MAIL POUCH STOLEN. SN ELE Over 4,000 Letters Are Opened at Cheyenne, Wyo. Cheyenne, Wyo., Jan. 23.—A pouch containing over 4,000 letters was taken from a transfer truck at the union depot here and was later found in the west end of the railroad yards, where the letters had been opened and the contents stolen and robbers did not touch the money orders and checks, but it is understood they secured considerable money and valua~ ble jewelry. ALDERMAN FRUIT FARM. Cherokee, Iowa, Man Buys It for 812,000, Hurley, S. D., Jan. 23.—The Alderman fruit farm, so well known throughout this section of the state, has been sold, J. J. Prosser of Cherokees, Iowa, being the purchaser and paying $12,000. The farm has been a great advertisement of the fact that South Dakota is a good fruit raising state, and has doubtless influenced many to make their homes within its borders. Student Kidnappers Suspended. Des Moines, Iowa, Jan. 23.—President MacLaren of the state university has suspended ten students of the sopho- more claSs for having kidnapped the freshman class president on the even- ing of the annual class banquet. On the evening of the 14th ten students captured President Stiles of the fresh- man class on the street, hustled him into a hack and drove him ten miles into the country, where he was locked in a farm house and kept there for two days. Egged a Swindler. Osceola, Iowa, Jan. 23.—A traveling~ doctor, representing some German medicine firm, guaranteed to take back all the medicine sold, if not satisfac- tory, at $1 per bottle. When it was re- turned he informed the purchasers- they had the medicine and he had their~ money, whereupon they egged him. He became so infuriated that he drew~ a revolver and was fined $50, Blew His Head Off. Kimball, S. D., Jan. 23.—John Hobbs, a farmer living in the vicinity of the- Lake Andes postoffice, in Charles Mix county, south of here, committed sui- cide by blowing the top of his head off” with a ‘six-shooter. No cause known. Capt. Whitney Re-Elected. St. Paul, Jan. 23.—The state printing commission held a short meeting yes- terday and re-elected Capt. ¢. C. ‘Whitney as superintendent of public- printing. Capt. Whitney has been re~ elected for the third time. S 23.—The Grand opera. It was caused by Without further order or The upper portion of” scattered. The-