Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, March 30, 1901, Page 3

ep ia ti) ora bs paces ae IN THE WEB OF .sv...... ne LILLIAN ee| A SPIDER.. GILLIN. ae CHAPTER VY. “In a word, he fell madly in love with her, a poor, obscure girl, with only her fortune in her face and voice Such strides did his passion make that he was ready to offer her even his name; but when, in the madness of his love, he asked her to become his wi she learned of an unexpected and in- surmountable obstacle. “She aiready was a wife. Married ‘at sixteen, by her parents, to a coarse, rough man, who treated her cruelly, and whom she feared and disliked; her (Continued.) life for three years had been only wretchedress. “You can foresee the result. Mar- riage was impossible between them; but in this country nothing was known of her. My cousin had only arrived in Florence on the day of her debut, and his presence there was not sus- pected. Therefore, they agreed that they shculd put the past behind them, and find a mutual heaven in each -other’s love. “They left Florence at once—left in such a way that she might not be trac- ed. He brought her to his own coun- try, his own home. He presented her to his friends as his wife. “A year late e was born, and her mother's life paid the forfeit. Does my story you, Mr. Arnold?” ‘It surprises and shocks me, sir, be- yond all words. But, I should be in- clined to impugn it. It seems incred- ible that in all these years, I should have believed myself in ‘your cou- iY sin’s confidence, and yet that this page in his history should have been wholly shut out from my vie’ But— my .God!” he, exclaimed, as the dawn ‘ing of a new idea penetrated his legal brain, “if this be true, in the absence of any will you, and not Miss Mark- ham, are the le; r “Yes,” assen Chester, with an air of wear through his lids drooped for an instant over the black glittering eyes, to hide their flash of triumph. “Yes; but what matters that since Beatrice is to be my wife? Knowing my deep attachment for her, my cousin confided to me this history. He felt it justice to me to tell me all the truth. I need not say it made no difference in my purpose to win her for my wife. Of course, I supposed the property would pass her will. Fail- ‘ing this, I shail urge our marriage to take place at once. Once my wife, I am quite willing to allow the world to remain in ignorance of the facts, and to permit her to inherit, all undisputed by me.” “This is very generous action on your part. Mr. Chester, but I can well understand your wish to shield Miss Markham from this sad knowicdge at any sacrifice. Have you any proofs to support the statements you have just made to me?” “Proofs!” repeated Chester, with a half-sad, half-mocking smile. “It is scarcely my side of the story which requires proof. If my cousin's mar- riage had ever been legalized there would be abundant proof readily pro- eured. Where is his marriage license his marriage certificate? Among his papers we have found nothing. Yet you know how singularly methodical »@ man he was. “I know—I know!” assented the law- ‘ yer, thoughtfully; “but may not these papers be in the same hiding place with the missing will? However, I am indeed rejoiced there is so happy a road out of all the difficulty. Your marriage with Miss Markham makes BS ea, her, poor gir for you both, and sa , from a knowledge more bitter than death. I doubt, indeed, whether we fully recognize Bertram ‘Talbot’s unworthiness even of her pass- ing favor. It is he, Mr. Arnold, who has orphaned her—he who robbed her father, and now awaits his trial for that crime. I hope to secure his con, viction and condemnation before Beat- rice recovers sufficiently to know what is being done in the matter. It will only cause her new pain. She is so proud that to feel that she had ever granted such a man a place in her esteem would be most cruel and humil- tating.” “There can, of course, be no doubt of guilt?” Doubt? One does not doubt the ev- 4dence of his own senses, Mr. Arnold. I saw Bertram Talbot commit the deed. I saw him steal the papers.” And then, circumstantially, he relat- ed the story he had told to Beatrice on the night of her father’s death. The lawyer listened, silently, to the end. “Poor chi he murmured, when he q had heard all. “And yet such a man as this could turn her heart for a moment from such a one as yourself? You have, indeed, been generous, Mr. Ches. ter, and I can only from my heart wish that you may win the success that you serve.” sing as he spoke, he extended his hhand, and grasped the other’s cordially: Randolph Chester stood a moment, as XM Arnold passed out from the room, . While hate, triumph and desire alter- ns, over his face. ‘The trial is set down for next week,” the mused. “No man at the bar pos- sesses keener legal acumen than Rich- ard Arnold, and he saw no flaw in the story. How should there be a flaw? Did I not the robbery committed? Did not Tyrrell pick up the bonds? Ay, 2 “Tyrrell? Dare he be trusted on the stand? Yes, I think so. And then, Bertram Talbot, we will see how your “manly beauty adapts itself to the con- Wict’s garb! And you, my fair, proud ~fousin, will your love beat itself against the prison walis which hold your lover? I will let you bruise your wings a little an if you must! \ CHAPTER VI. It was the morning of the day ap- inted for Bertram Talbot's trial. + + ee nately swept, in their varying expres- j The master of Grey Oaks had been buried a fortnight, and Beatrice, his beloved child, had nearly followed him to the portals of the grave. For the last two weeks only she had been conscious of what was passing about her, but neither her father's nor Bertram's name had escaped her lips. She lay upon her pillows with eyes closed, or widely open and ‘staring into vacancy, through all the long hours. Mechanically she tasted the food and swallowed the medicine her attendants brought her. She shed no tears, but grief had set its impress upon that lovely young face, and needed no la mentation to proclaim its presence. For the first time to-day she roused herself from her apathy of weakness and suffering as the physician entered her chamber. “I have been trying to think,’ doc- tor,” she said, “and all is slowly com- ing back to me—all, all that happened on the night papa died. No, do not stop me;, let me talk! The thoughts keep burning, burning inside me, and I shall be better when I know that some of them are the fancies born of my deliri- um! It seems to me that some one called Bertram Talbot a thief—some one said that he had robbed papa! Was it delirium, doctor, or was it truth?” “Do not distress yourself now, my child. What matiers it? Be assured that if it be true that justice will be done the evil-doer.” “True?” she gasped. “You mean it in reality Bertram stole papa’s money? Do you not know, doctor, it would be for him as impossible as for me? I would as soon have touched papa’s gold as he. But it is true, then, that he has been accused of this frightful thing? Oh, I did not think I could have dreamed it, and little by little it has been shaping itself within my brain. Where is he? He must come home, or I must see him at once, doctor—at once!” im yourself, Miss Beatrice,” he said, quietly. ‘You will no longer wish to see this man when I tell you that all your faith in him has been misplaced; but, if innocent, as you loyally believe him, he will soon be able to prove it, and come to you triumphant, since to- day is set for his trial.” “His trial?” she repeated. mean—” “That Bertram Talbot is to be tried to-day for the robbery of bonds and papers from your father’s safe on the night of his death. Indeed, there is lit- tle doubt but that death was the result of his agitation on the discovery. In- deed, there are many witnesses to the fact that your father was sufficiently conscious to identify him at the thiet, and your cousin, Miss Markham, saw him commit the robbery.” “It is false—all false! And yet—oh, God! they will swear his liberty away, and I am powerless—powerless to save him! Oh, I sce it all—the plot and the plotter, of which he and I are to be the victims! He and I! No! If it were true, Dr. Lovel, have I no right in this matter? Who should prosecute him if not I? What right have these outsid- ers to step in and take my place? But it is a lie—a false, foul lie—and I must prove it! I am not a weak, helpless girl! This has made me a woman! I have money! Ah, I can thank God for it now, since, with it, I can protect myself and him! Is Randolph Chester mad, that he dares thus defy me?Iam strong, doctor. This event has ban- ished my weakness and given me back my strength. You say this trial—this mockery of justice—takes place to-day? Then they shall have an unexpected witness, for I will be present at the trial!” “You!” gasped the doctor, believing he, indeed, had a mad woman to deal with. “My child, I cannot permit you further to excite yourself. I told you all the truth, believing you would un- derstand, then, why your wish to see Mr. Talbot could not be granted, and so grow calmer.” But, sadly, Beatrice shook her head. “I must attend this trial doctor, or lose my life in the attempt. Do not seek to thwart me. You do but drain further by such a course the strength of which I stand in so great need. You must go with me, doctor, or I will go alone! But Bertram Talbot shall not think at such a time I have deserted him!” “He will not think so, Miss Beatrice. He already knows that you are ill, I will be your messenger to hira. Give me what message you will, and I swear to deliver it faithfully.” “T must go, doctor,” she said, firmly. “Do you not see that this contradiction is more harmful to me than granting me my own will? Besides, my life is my own, to do with now as I will. I | would lose it for Bertie’s sake than live on, knowing I might have averted this most cruel wrong. Send Marie to me, ! please; order the carriage, doctor, for the midnight train! Quick! There is no time to lose!” The noon recess was over, and the judge had resumed his,seat. The court room was crowded, and the breathless silence which pervailed during the g of the testimony showed that a ial of widespread interest was taking place. A young and handsome man occupied the prisoner’s place in the dock. There was an open, frank look on his face which belied the possibility of any crime. The great brown eyes, fringed with dark lashes, looked fearlessly out upon his accusers. ~*~ The morning session had keen occu- pied by one witness. Clearly, succinctly, Randolph Chester “You had related the story of the robbery. He had told how he himself had seen the prisoner enter the room in its own- er’s absence and steal the bonds from the open safe. He described his subse- nner quent discovery and attempt at escape. The groom, Tyrrell, with his corrob- orative testimony, was to follow him. The spectators forgot the favorable impression the prisoner had made upon them as they listened to this damaging evidence of his guilt. That seeming frankness of expression then, was the mask he wore to hide his duplicity. Now and then, as the testimony pro- ceeded, they could readily fancy his adding murder to his crime, since, 80 clearly and succinctly Mr, Chester ex- plained how he himself had been a wit- ness to the act, the brown eyes blazed into passionate fire, and the long, tawny mustache failed to conceal the white, even teeth as they met upon his under lip. Beyond this he gave no sign. Wken Tyrrell, the second witness, took the stand he relapsed into stony calm—he calm one might characterize as born of withering a contempt that such a tool might wreak him further harm. The man’s testimony was clear and forcible, though he shuffled uneasily beneath the cross-questioning and kept his eyes continually fixed upon the ground, save when he lifted them, as if for encouragement, to Randolph Ches- ter’s face. The prisoner then was permitted a few words in his own defense. They fell, weak and meaningless, as opposed to the burden of proof against him. “I am in the hands of perjurers and false witnesses,” he said, in conclusion. “I can only solemnly asseverate and declare my innocence of the charge. I returned, it is true, to Mr. Markham’s house and entered his library. He had been my best and warmest friend until a viper had crawled between us and planted the sting of suspicion in his breast. We had parted in anger. I Was about to make a long journey, to be absent an indefinite time, and I haa gone back to ask Mr. Markham to give me his hand”-here the prisoner’s voice broke, and he resumed with difficulty— “and bid me godspeed. As I neared the house, I saw a man stealing along by some bushes. It was Tyrrell, the groom. The library windows were wide open, and the room itself deserted. I wondered what he had been about, for his actions denoted guilt. I soon was enlightened. I entered the library through one of the windows as Mr. Markham entered the door. He had been absent, it seems, but a few mt utes. He was surprised and, I fancied, glad to see me. His sudden anger had died against me. He listened to my story and extended his hand to me. Thank God, he grasped mine in friend- ship once more before he died! At that moment his eye fell upon the safe, and his face grew very pale. “‘T have been robbed!’ he cried. ‘My God, Talbot, this is not your work?’ “‘s God is my judge, no!’ I replied; and then in a few rapid words, I told him what I had seen. “Tt is that scamp, Tyrrell!’ he ex- claimed. ‘I discharged him to-day from my service!’ “And then he fell back, white and gasping, in his chair. “I forgot all then but his need of succor. I feared to alarm his daughter by arousing the household, and so hast- ened to bring a physician to him, be- lieving it to be the quickest way, and intending, meantime, to send him some assistance from the lodge. Ere I could reach it I was arrested as a thief—ar- rested at the instance of the man who to-day has perjured himself before God and man. But before heaven and earth, I swear that I am innocent of this crime!” ‘The faces of the jurymen wore abso- lutely a smile of incredulity as he fin- ished speaking. Was ever defense so weak against proof so strong? The judge occupied but a few min- utes in his charge. The trial had occu- pied but one day. Scarcely half an hour were the jury absent from their places when they sent in word of their agreement and were brought back into the court room. At that moment a new sensation was apparent. Winding their way through the dense throng «vas an elderly man, and leaning on his arm was a young girl, dressed in deep mourning, her features wholly concealed from view by the long veil of black crepe. Involuntarily the crowd made way for them as the foreman of the jury stood up in his place to deliver the ver- dict of himself and his eleven com- rades. “Do you find the prisoner guilty or not guilty?” asked the judge. “Guilty, your honor!” was the firm reply. A low cry broke upon the answering silence. “God in heaven, I have come too late!” she murmured. With a quick gesture the newcomer threw back her veil. The prisoner turned his head and saw her. A quick wave of crimson flushed his face; but it was the flush of pride, not of shame. She pressed close to him. “I will save you yet, darling!” she whispered. “Put your faith in me, as mine is anchored in you!” Then he was remanded back for sen- tence to his cell. Truly, Beatrice had come too late! CHAPTER. VII. Back to Grey Oaks! Its luxury, its splendor, all were painful, for they brought to her more forcibly the con- trast of a bare cell in the Tombs, where her lover awaited sentence for an un- committed crime. Three days had passed since Dr. Lov- el had almost ca d her from the court room and brought her back to her home; three days, during which she had been able to do nothing, not even to think—when sleep had been bought by anodyne, and wakefulness tortured by hideous nightmare, She knew that she must act, but the power to do so had forsaken her. She had placed too heavy a tax on her new- ly-tried strength, and thus she had paid the penalty. But on the evening of the third day youth and strength were slowly exerting themselves. To-morrow she would send for Mr, Arncld, her dead father’s counselor ana friend. She would reveal to him all her suspicions, and would put her cause and Bertie’s in his hands, 1 A table was drawn close to her couch, and on it were scattered beoks and writing materials. She took a pen in her hand to summon him to her, when the door opened and, unannounced, unherafded, Rar.dolph Chester entered the room. ‘ Her face crimsoned, then paled. She threw back her head with a haughty, impulsive gesture he knew so well. v uaa ne seen her express her trans- itory anger as a little child, when soice one had opposed her will. But would she be as easily appeat 14 now as then? ? He believed not; but he was not dismayed. Did he not hold firmly in his hands the weapons for her subjugation?” “Pardon my intruson, Beatrice,” he said, gently, “for such I am, unhappily, sure you will deem it. But it is quite necessary that I should see and talk with you, and I feared to send my name lest you should deny me.” “You are quite right,” she answered, icily. “There is nothing you can have to say to me which I must be forced to hear—nothing which I will hear. I was about writing to Mr. Arnold to come to me to-morrow. You can make him the messenger between us.” “No, Beatrice. No man can be my messenger in what I have to say to you. You only must hear. From your lips alone can I receive my answer. My child, will you not let the tie of blood between us teach you to look more kindly upon me? Will you not believe that I am not your enemy, but your friend—your cousin? Gladly would I urge a closer claim. I love you, Beatrice—love you with all the passion and ardor of my soul! I would be your friend, lover, protector, hus, band, all in one. O, Beatrice, do not look so white, so stern, so hard! Lev me teach you to love me, to give me some little fragment of hope for my heart to feed upon!” All the subtlety of his fascination was in his manner and his words as he made his plea. His eyes blazed with passion, his voice quivered with feel- ing: but he was gentle, as though pleading with a little child. But no softening crept into the pale, beautiful face of the girl, who listened and shiv- ered. . “You force me to answer you?” she said, at last, between her firmly-set teeth, while her hands instinctively clenched. “Is it, indeed, necessary that I should let you know, in words, the utter hopelessness of such a plea to me —a plea which, coming from you, is an insult? Yes, it is well no other ear heard, no other mind conceived, this last crowning humiliation to which you have subjected me. You ask ms to marry you—you, who swore away my love and life; you, who perjured yourself in your false witness against him; you, who conceived and fastened on the world a lie, so base, so crue, that its black reflection should shut out all future sunlight from your life! Well, you have spoken and I have heard. Will my answer suffice? If not, let me make it more clear. Let there be no mistake between us. If choice were given me between going to your embrace or accepting the death em- brace of the glittering, sinuous reptile folds of the venomous cobra, I would choose the latter as-less fPoisdhcus than yours.” She spoke with panting breath, her words low-voiced but clear, distinct, though suppressed by the feeling that bore her beyond her own control. Chester's face grew red. One day she should wipe out in her heart’s blood every syllable which had burned itself upon his revengeful mem- ory—one day! But, conscious of his power, he could afford to wait. And so, by almost superhuman effort, he nerved himself to control, and when at last he spoke, his voice gave no evi- dence of the fearful external conflict. He seemed rather a man stricken b3 some great sorrow than mediating ¢ great revenge. At any cost he must make this wom: an his wife—ah, he would teach her then! “Beatrice,” h@ said, “I little knew the child who used to sit upon my knee and talk to me her childish prattle, could ever deal me such a blow. What better proof can I give you of my love than in granting you an instant par- don? One day you will see and recog- mize your own bitter injustice. But, Beatrice, there are rezsons why I must, for your own sake, force my suit, un- welcoime as it is to, you. My chiid your father’s will cannot be found, and, in its absence, there may be some diffi- culties in your assuming control of the property.” “These are matters for Mr. Arnold, not yourself.” she interrupted. “Sir, I will listen no further to your plaus- ible manner. Leave my presence and my house, or I will ring for my ser- yants to eject you!” ‘The scorn in her tone rather than her words broke down the last barrier of his control. He sprang, white and from his chair to his feet. “May I ask whose house this is, Mist Markham, that you should issue orders to your servants to have me thrust from its doors?” “here can scarcely be doubt, sir, as to Grey Oaks’ mistress!” “Grey Oaks has no mistress,” he re- plied, taking one step nearer, and fast- ening his glittering eyes full upon her, as he watched to note how, blow by plow, each stroke would tell. “Grey Oaks owns a master. It fs you, Miss Markham, who are indebted to my courtesy for your shelter here.” “Are you mad?” she said. “I your guest? My household not my own to command? May I call even my name my, own?” “No; he exclaimed, drawing himself to his full height, and folding his arms across his chest. “No! Your mother never was your father’s wedded wife! Now, my fair cousin, will you still re- ject my suit, or will you listen to the further terms on which I offer it?” (To Be Continued.) i De Answers to the Anxious. Mae—No; spelling in that way will not make people forget your freckles. Hungry Huggins—A woman's “no” does not always mean “yes.” It is well to bear that in mind when seeking food on washday. Si Hubbard—If the gold brick you bought turned out to be only plated, you have no action at law unless you got a written guarantee. Always in- sist on a written guarantee. Reginald—If she insists on the “love me, love my dog” idea, the proper thing to do is to kiss her atso for the dog.—Indianapolis Press. é trembling, TOWNS INUNDATED WISCONSIN RIVERS GO ON A RAM- PAGE. Heavy Rains and Thaw Causes Floods in Many Places Through- out the State—Business Operations in Some Places Suspended Tempo- rarily—Heavy Damage to Prop-. erty Is Expected at Black River Falls—Broken Dam Places a Vil- lage, at the Mercy of the Flood. Milwaukee, Wis., March 27. — The heavy rains and thaw throughout Wis- consin the past two days have caused high water in many places throughout the state, and as a result several busi- ness firms have been compelled to sus- pend operations temporarily at least. Sheboygan, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Saukville and this city are having the worst experience. The flood in the Menominee river valley in this city is higher than for years past and several of the factories are unable to operate, Piggsville, a Milwaukee suburb, is un- der water again and the streets and yards of the town are inundated. At Wauwatosa the river is threateningly high. Damage is not exxpxected there, but at several points lower down some loss is feared. The river at Piggsville was thirty-eight inches above high- water mark yesterday and still rising, At Black River Falls the Black river is on the rampage. It rose about eight feet yesterday, and is still rising. The ice is going out and damage to proper- ty will be heavy unless the waters re- cede. Fond du Lac reports: An ice gorge has formed at Twelfth street bridge and it is feared that the bridge will be wrested from its foundation. The river has overflowed its banks and is doing considerable damage along its course. Oshkosh reports the low lands all covered with high water, and on the road between here and Neenah the interurban track in many places is a foot or two under water, causing some delay to the interurban cars, but not stopping traffic. At the Mercy of the Flood. Manitowoc, Wis., March 27.—The vil- lage of Mishicott, situated on the East Twin river twelve miles north of here, ts completely at the mercy of the water of that river owing to the breaking of the dam there. The people of the vil- lage’ were prepared for the break. At 1 o’cleck the top of the Gam broke and the water with a rush tore several of the dwellings along the bank from their fourdstions and completely turned them around, causing much damage. The damage fo fhree bridges will aggregate $8,000. The main street of the village on which are located the stores and hotels is completely flooded, the water being over five feet deep. All business is at a standstill. Village Under Water. Milwaukee, March 27.—Saukville, a village twenty-five miles north of this city is under water as a result of the ice gorge formed in the Milwaukee river at that point. Two bridges have been swept away. The flood has ex- tended to about a dozen houses in which there was from a foot to two feet of water. The water is above the fourteen-foot mark. ASSAULT FRUSTRATED. Prisoner Said to Have Intended to Shoot Judge and Attorney. Butte, Mont., March 27. — A threat- ened attempt upon the lives of Judge Clancy and County Attorney Breen was frustrated yesterday by revela- tions made by a discharged prisoner. Tony Jantz, a desperate highwayman, was to have been sentenced yesterday morning. The information given by the discharged prisoner was that Jantz had a gun or some other deadly weap- on with which he meant to make an assault on the court and prosecuting officer when being sentenced. Jantz was searched in jail, but nothing was found on him, though he confessed he had a gun within reach. A knife and cartridges were found in his cell. SUNK UNDER THE ICE. Steamer Douglas Wrecked Near ‘West Newton Sunday. Alma, Wis., March 27.—The steamer E. Douglas, which has been in winter quarters near West Newton, sunk Sun- day when the ice went out. There is about two feet of water above the deck, and a large crew of men are at work trying to raise the boat. The steamer is owned by the Mississippi River Log- ging and Boom company. GASOLINE ENGINE LETS GO. Explosion in a Janesville, Manufactory Kills Two. Janesville, Wis., March 27. — James Horn and Daniel Preller, employes of the Janesville Barbed Wire works, were killed by the explosion of a large gasoline engine used to furnish motive power. No reason can be given for the explosion. Wis, Studying Festival Attractions, Fargo, N. D., March 27. — A mass meeting will be held to determine what will be done regarding the annual fire festival. These everts have been af- fairs of great interest since the big conflagration of '93. The last two or three have been especially successful and have attracted large crowds from all over the Northwest. : Well-known Educator Dead. Madison, Wis., March 27. — W. H. Chandler, one of the best known edu- cators of the state, is dead, aged sev- enty years. He was many years one of the most active members of the state board of normal schools. Died From Injuries. La Crosse, Wis., March 27.—Louise New, the nineteen-year-old. daughter of Philip New, a farmer residing near Hokah, Minn., who fell off a haystack onto a pitchfork one day last week, is dead from her injuries, « Porthwest Pews « THREE WOMEN ARRESTED. Confess to Theft of Silks and Men's Wearing Apparel. Mankato, Minn., Special, March 25.— Mrs, Ulrika Kohler, her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Minnie Kohler, and Mrs. Elsie Foss were arrested this afternoon on the charge of shoplifting, on complaint of George E. Brett, who alleges that they stole a piece of silk from him Saturday. Their hearing is set for Wednesday, and Mrs. Ulrika Kohler furnished $500 cash bail. Mrs. Minnie Kohler was committed to jail to await her husband's return, and Mrs. Foss was too ill to be removed from her house. All three have borne ex- cellent reputations. The husbands of the first two have been ill for a long time, and Mrs. Foss’ husband is a cripple. Mrs. Minnie Kohler made a full con- fession, and says that the three women have been shoplifting at local stores twice a week since Christmas. A trunk full of silks, men’s wearing apparel and other goods was found at her house. Mrs. Ul- rika Kohler admits stealing two pieces of silk, but Mrs. Foss denies the charge, although some of the alleged stolen goods were found in her house. The police have been on the trail of the shoplifters for several days, and as a re- sult of their raid have more than two trunks full of stolen goods, valued st several hundred dollars. Two dry goods stores, two clothing stores and a depart- ment store were the victims of the wom- en’s pedatory excursions. They would go by twos, and while one engaged the at- tention of the clerks the other would slip articles under her cape. MORE MONEY FOR PAN-AMERICAN. Commissioners Say Appropriation Is Too Small. St. Paul, March 27.—The commission- ners appointed by Gov. Van Sant to have charge of the state’s exhibit at the Pan-American exposition to be held in Buffalo this summer, are not satis- fied with the showing that can be made with the funds available. The legislature appropriated $20,000 to cov- er the cost of making a display of Minnesota’s products and resources. The members of the commission, after going to Buffalo and looking over the situation, are convinced that the amount is inadequate. The members of the commission yesterday tele- graphed to Gov. Van Sant requesting him to call the matter to the attention of the legislators. VESTIGATION. BRIBERY IN ‘Will Commence Its La- bors at Once. St. Paul, March 27.—Chairman Mal- lory of the house committee appointed to investigate the charges of bribery ‘fi Connection With the Eross earnings tax bill announced yesterday that the committee was ready to commence its work. It served notice on the house that any and all members who have in their possession any evidence bearing upon the subject were expected to lay it before the committee at once. The meetings of the committee as decided finally at>a meeting held yesterday, will be executive, but by the adoption of the resolution yesterday morning the house ordered the evidence taken by the committee to be submitted to the house. Committee Walked Ten Miles to Drown Himself. Tyndall, S. D., March 27. — Frank Koftan of Tyndall walked ten miles to the Missouri river where he committed suicide by jumping into the stream. Members of the family traced him to the river bank and found his over- coat and cap. Temporary insanity was the cause. He was a resident of Bon Homme county twenty years, and came here from Bohemia forty years ago. He had one son in the university at Madison, Wis. Fire Automatically Extinguished. Stillwater, Minn., March 27.—W. B. & W. G. Jordan’s shoe shop in the prison yard narrowly escaped a severe scorch- ing. Fire broke out under a bench in the cutting department and the heat turred on the automatic sprinklers, which prevented the fire from spread- ing. The loss -on the building and stock will not amount to much in ex- cess of $1,000. Mangiled by a Bull. Muscatine, Iowa March 27.—George Ewirg, living near Muscatine, was almost gored to death by a Jersey bull which attacked him in the feed yard and lacerated him terribly before be- ing driven away by a companion, armed with a pitchfork. Sixty-five stitches were necessary to close the wounds. School Girl Ruptures Blood Vessel. Mason City, Iowa, Mareh 27.—Miss Grace Terrill, 2 member of the senior class of the high school, ruptured a bloodvessel in her head. She bled from the nose for two hours, and although her condition is dangerous, her life is not despaired of. The rupture was caused by overstudy. Dying When Found. Le Roy, Minn., March 27. — Dennis Sugaro, aged about fifty, was discov- ered at the,crossing of the Milwaukee and the Winona railways, where he had been run over by a train and a leg severed. He was intoxicated the night before. He lived only a few hours. Will Seon Be Clear of Ice. Black River Falls, Wis., March The ice has broke in Black river. heavy rains have brought the 1 to a 9-foot siage. The river will be clear of ice in a few hours. Sorrow Unsettled Mind. Larrabee, Iowa, March 27. — Mrs. James Anderson has been adjudged insane by commissioners at Cherokee. Her little daughter died from the ef- fects of vaccination and sorrowing for the child unsettled her mind. Sudden Death of a Farmer. ‘West Union, Iowa, March 27—August Domke, a farmer of ‘this county, died while on his way to call at the home of his sister in Eldorado. He was 57 years old and jeleven children, leaves a widow and