Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, August 25, 1909, Page 1

~~ | | —— ‘Minn Historical Sec. evicw. VoL. XVII.—No, 10. Granp Rapips, Irasca CounTY, Minn., WepnEspay, AuGusT 2S, 1909. Two Dollars a Year, FINALLY LANDS IN THE COUNTY JAIL Preacher Hill Arrested on Charge of Soliciting a Bribe From Saloonists. SECURES BONDS AND 1S RELEASED Charge Made That the Coleraine “Reformer” Offered to Cease Prosecution and Withold Testi- mony For $1,289.50 F. W. Hill, Methodist preacher of Coleraine, is out on $1,000 bail to await the action of the grand jury at the next term of the district court for Itasca county, charged with soliciting a bribe. The “reverend” gentleman was arrested Monday morning on a warrant sworn out by Charles Peterson of Bovey. A hearing was had Monday afternoon before Court Commissioner Pratt. The testimony of John J. Sphect of Bovey was taken on behalf of the state. The defense did not call any witnesses, and Mr. Hill contented himself by acting as his own attorney and cross questioned the state’s wit- ness in a manner that was unique, amusing, ridiculous and. withal piti- able. With the presentation of Sphect’s testimony the state rested. Commissioner Pratt held Hill to await the action of the next grand jury in the sum of $1,000, on the charge of having solicited a bribe. Assistant County attorney Stark appeared for the state. Mr. Sphect testified that on Wed- nesday, August 18, he was told by a reliable citizen. that Hill desired to see himself and others represent- ing the saloon men of Bovey at Coleraine that day for the purpose of making a settlement of the dif- ficulties that have arisen over the arrest and prosecution of certain saloon men of Bovey for alleged vio- lations of the liquor laws. He re- sponded to the invitation of Hill, and in company with three other men went to Coleraine. Mr. Hill was tele- phoned to at his residence. George W. Johnson, the detective in the em- ploy .of Hill, answered the ’phone, and said he would meet the com- mittee at the Coleraine fire hall at once, which he did. Upon arrival there Johnson telephoned to Hill who soon put in an appearance. He greeted the men present in a very cordial manner, and Mr. Sphect said: “I understand you wanted to meet us and have a settlement.” Mr. Hill said he did, and added that he hop- ed the gentlemen would bear him no ill will; that he wanted to be on friendly terms with them—or words to that effect. Mr. Sphect inquired of Hill how he expected to make a settlement, to which the latter re- plied that he had been to a great ex- pense in the prosecution of the cases against the saloon men, and that he also intended to bring action against Mr. Specht, Mr. Knobloch and ‘Con Grefe for damages. Inasmuch as Knobloch was out of business there would be no object in suing him for damages as he could get nothing. He would settle the cases against Sphect and Grefe for five hundred dollars each. Hill stated at the time that he intended to bring action against Kiley of the Grand Rapids Herald- Review but this case would not be included in the settlement—he would handle that on the side. The cause for action against Sphect was based on the issuance of a criminal warrant issued for the arrest of Hill some time ago, and signed by Sphect. The proposed suit against Grefe is based on an assault said to have been com- mitted by Grefe on the person of Hill August 3rd. There were items of expense incurred in the prosecution of the cases under consideration that totaled $289.50, which made the ag- gregate sum $1,289.50. This amount would be accepted as a full settle- ment of all prosecutions. Mr. Sphect asked Johnson if he would receive a portion df this money? to which he replied that he would. Sphect asked Hill if this meant a settlement of the casés that had been appealed to the district court. Hill replied that it did. Johnson said that the safest not to appear. Hill acquiesced in this suggestion and added that himself and others would not appear before the’ grand jury nor in district court as witnesses against any of the de- fendants to the so-called liquor cases. Hill also volunteered to use his influ- ence with the county officials to have the matter dropped. Sphect remark- SCHOOL TOOPEN {HILL'S DETECTIVE SEPTEMBER 7TH IO IN THE TOILS ed that it would require some time] An Efficient Corps of Teachers En-|Man Hired to Spy Against Saloon in which to raise the money, as there were some who had already paid fines and costs and others who had not been arrested who would very likely refuse to contribute. Hill there upon pulled a memorandum book out of his pocket and said he had _ in- formation against those who had not peen arrested; that he would swear out warrants against them and thus gaged—Will Have Larger Attend- ance Than Ever Before. WILL ENFORCE STATE TRUANT LAWS Men Charged With Accepting i Bribe Money. G. W. JOHNSON IN COUNTY JAIL force them to contribute to the tund.| Board of Directors Have Instructed | Warrant for His Arrest Alleges That To this proceedure Sphect said he demurred. A meeting was arranged for the following Saturday when it was understood the deal would be closed. On Saturday a warrant was issued for the, arrest of the alleged grafter, signed by Charles Peterson, one of the conferees, and placed in the hands of the sheriff. Sheriff Riley thougiit he would take a chance on not making the arrest until] Monday morning, thus saving Hill from the humiliation of remaining in jail over Sunday. He arrived in. Coleraine just as Hil] was about to board the train bound for Duiuth. The sheriff served the warrant and brought his prisoner to Grand Rapids where he was placed in jail until late in the afternoon when he was released on a one thousand dollar bond, signed by A. J. McGuire and August John- son. The bond for Hill’s appearance in district court was fixed by Com- missioner Pratt in the same sum with the same sureties. Hill had endeavored to secure coun- cil to appear for him at the pre- liminary hearing, but was unable to do so and as a result he acted as his own pettifogger. His performance would put to shame the veriest petti- fogger that ever ranted in justice Truant Officer Wilson to Strictly Enforce Truant Laws— Nine New Teachers Engaged. The Grand Rapids public schools will again open their doors on Tues- day, September 7th, Monday being Labor day, and at no time in the history of the schools has there been a more efficient corps of teachers engaged to instill in the minds of the young people of Grand Rapids and vicinity that only by musa patience and diligence can true know- ledge be obtained. The school build- ings are in a better condition than ever before, they have been thorough- ly overhauled, the floors oiled, and in fact everything has been done which will tend to put the buildings in a moremore’ sanitary condition. It is expected that there will be an attendance of about seven hundred pupils, which will break all previous records. At the last session of the legisla- true the compulsory laws regarding truants were considerably changed and strengthened and the board pro- poses to see that all shall live up to the lettér of the law and to this end court. He had evidently listened to cross examinations in court, but had misinterpreted the whole proceedings and its purpose. Those who listened tc him could only conclude that Hill’s conception of cross-examination con- sisted of the asking of questions without any regard to their applica- tion to the case in hand—questions that cannot be answered by the wit- ness and hence draw the convenient conclusion that the witness is a per- jurer. He did not succeed in. chang- ing the direct testimony of Sphect in any particular, but at the conclusion of his senseless and immaterial ques- tioning he simply stated to the court that the witness had perjured him; self and that the defendant should be discharged. The court could not see it in that light. During the cross- examination the conclusion was reached by the spectators present that Hill’ intended to put up the de- fense that he had a right to make the deal contemplated and that the courts have no right to interfere with his private peculations. His questions put to Sphect indicated his resent- ment of the statement that he agreed to absent himself from district court when the appealed cases were brought on for trial. ‘Are you posi- tive that I made that statement,” asked Hill with reference to the ap- peal cases. “Yes, I’m positive, and you know you said it,’ replied the witness. Again in answer to a ques- tion put by Hill Sphect replied that he had had no intention of attemp- ting to raise any money for Hill; that he simply went to the confer- ence to hear what Hill had to say and what proposition he had. to make. “T never gave a dollar to a grafter in my life,” said Sphect, with con- siderable force and with evident feel- ing. Wants to Find Her Husband. Mrs. E. T. Hinterberg of Hau Claire has written to the local postoffice has appointed Edw. Wilson truant officer and has instructed him to see that all who are of school ~age shall attend the required length of time. Nine new teachers have been engag ed to fill the vacancies caused by resignations, etc., and it is thought by the faculty and board that this will be the most successful year in the history of the Grand Rapids schools. Each of the new teachers come with the highest recommenda- tions and will undoubtedly fill their respective positions with credit. The instructors in the various branches are all expected to arrive during the coming week and a meeting will then be held to get things in running order. We give herewith a complete list of the Grand Rapids teachers for the coming year: High School Pro. E. A. Freeman, superintendent. Miss Mary Lothrop, principal. Miss Katura Cobb, eigth grade. MKiss atheirne Fiske, eighth grade Miss Florence Burlingame, English and librarian. Miss Ada Kremer, Latin. Miss Anna M. Becker, music and drawing. Miss Abbie Carpenter, science. Mr. Richard Krueger, German and the sciences. Mr. Ferdinand Schumacher manual training. domestic Central School. Miss Honora Hessian, principal and seventh grade. Miss Effie Hall, sixth grade. Miss Anna Schmidt, fifth grade. Miss Carmen Miller, fourth grade. Miss Ailda Holmes, third grade. Miss Katherine Doran, second grade. Mrs. Clara Grove, first grade. Miss Bessie Santee, kindergarden teacher. Miss Lillian LeFebre, assistant department inquiring the where- abouts of her husband, Rudolph Hinterberg, who presumably left Eau Claire on August 6, since which time nothing has been heard of him. Anyone learning Mr. Hinterberg’s whereabouts will confer a favor to Mrs. Hinterberg by sending word to her at the above mentioned place. Mrs. Hinterberg has five small children. Infant Son of Nels Johnson Dies. Arthur Edwin Johnson, the little six months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Johnson, died Saturday evening at 10 o'clock of cholera/ infantum. The body was shipped to Rush City Monday and interment will take place at Harris, Minnesota. Mr. Johnson way would be for Hill and himself; jg employed at the paper mill. : Kindergarden teacher. Forest Lake School. Miss Margaret Aiton, principal and | thira grade. jentrapped and tested. He Accepted $100 in Part Pay- ment of His Withdrawal as Witness in Cases. According to the allegations set forth in a warrant for the arrest of one George W. Johnson, that individ- ual is an enterprising sort of a chap and knows how to get ‘the money. He also got into jail, but didn’t get bail for his release therefrom. His hear- ing, on a serious charge, which was begun late yesterday afternoon, will be resumed today at 2 p. m. before Court Commissioner Pratt. It is al- leged that Johnson had an appoint- ment with certain saloon men at Bovey last Friday to talk over “business matters.” The result of the conference was the acceptance marked bills—in consideration of by Johnson of $100.00— his withdrawal, as a witness against certain saloon men of Bovey who had been arrested for alleged violations of the liquor laws, and who had taken appeal to the district court. Johnson had been instrumental in securing evidence against the saloon men and in causing their arrest. He had appeared as a witness in justice court against them. It looks like a job put up to entrap the fellow and test’ his intriety. He was. certainly The warrant was sworn out by John J. Sphect, who handed the money to Johnson, after making an agreement to pay him more money after everything was settled by a dismissal of the cases. When arrested by Marshal Kingston of Bovey the one hundred dollars was found on Johnson’s per- son. He was brought to Grand Rapids and placed in the county jail. He claimed to be in the employ of the Northwestern Detective Agency of |Minneapolis of which J. P. Brandt is the manager. He claimed also to represent the Minnesota Anti-Saloon league. He got into communication with Minneapolis but has now con- cluded that his employer, the League, Rev. Mr. Hill and the wholedamout- fit has deserted him in his hour of trouble. When brought into court yesterday afternoon he made a gen- eral denial of the charges. The state was represented by Assistant County Attorney Stark, who called John J. Sphect as a witness. Mr. Sphect gave evidence substantially as related above. F. W. Hill who was respon- sible for securing the services of Johnson, butted in as attorney for the defendant and wasgett ing matters pretty well mixed when the hearing was adjourned until this afternoon. RETAIL CLERKS HOLD MEETING Start With Clean Slate MondayEven ing By Issuing Checks For All Outstanding Bills. The first regular business meet- ing of the Retail Clerk’s Atheletic club of Grand Rapids was held at Village hall Monday evening. The club is going to do business on busi- ness basis and the first thing done was the issuing of checks for all out- Miss Anna Sampson, sixth grades. Miss Ruth Backes, fourth grade. Miss Irene Norby, second grade. Miss Viola Backes, first grade. fh Accept Challenge of 1900 Team. We, the Grand Rapids pase ball team, hereby accept your challenge published in a former issue and will play you on Sunday, August 29, at the South Side park, at 2:30 o’clock sharp for either a side bet, gate re- fifth and ceipts or both. For final ar- rangements see manager. standing accounts incurred by the clerk’s picnic. It was decided to raise funds for the organization by giving an amateur theatrical in the near future and “Mac” and Roy Strain were ap- pointed a committee to select the cast of characters. Numerous offers of buildings for club purposes have been received and a committee’ con- sisting of Frank Sherman and A. L. LaFrenier were appointed to look them over and decide which would best suit the purpose of the club. A vote of thanks was tendered the O. L. Rannfarnz, | Grand Rapids band for their assis- ‘and also to the various business es- | tablishments for the many favors shown. Three new members were admitted to the organization. After paying all expenses of the picnic the club still has a comfort- able balance in the treasury and prospects for the success of the club are bright. The executive commit- tee met Tuesday evening to frame suitable by-laws which will be pre- sented to the club at the next reg- ular meeting for adoption. It is ex- pected before the first of the year that the organization will have a membership of over one hundred. Boys and Girls Garden Contest. The garden contest instituted last spring by Rev. Father Buechler for the school children of Grand Rapids was decided last week and the prizes awarded as follows: First prize was won Ray Boorman, second prize by Marie Rechards, third prize by: Erlda Lava- seur, fourth prize Grace Timby.. The prizes were awardéd “by the judging committee on the following points of merit: Varieties grown, quality. of products, arrangement of garden, care. In the inspection of the:gardens by the judging committee a few things were noted that should be of interest. The position of the garden in the con test was invarably better cared for than the household garden. Each member of the family was interested. Where there were little brothers and sisters all had learned . something about the garden. They had learned the names of the plants that other- wise would have been- of no. interest’ to them,in wondering “‘ifJohn” or “Mary” would win the prizé. Each garden showed some attempt at de- signing. There was something orig- inal in the little patch of ground that had been worked out by the’ children: While this contest was only a be- ginning it is believed that’ good has has come from it, and it is hoped that it will be continued next year. by Buys Hardware Stock at Bemidji. James Given, who has had charge of the hardware and implement de- partment of the Henry Hughes & Co. store for the past year, will sever connections with that institution on September 1, and will go to Bemidji where he and his brother, R. L. Given, have launched in business for themselves by purchasing the Fleming hardware stock. During his stay here “Jimmie” has made many friends who, although regret- ting to see him leave Grand Rapids, wish him the best of success 1n his business venture. He is sober, in- dustrious and thoroughly understands the needs of the people in the hard- ware business and Given Bros., will u doubtedly get their share of the trade in the northern metropolis. We un- derstand that H. J. Caldwell, who formerly:had charge of the hardware department, will return and resume his old position. Lofberg Wins Foot Race. The foot race pulled off between Albert Wellein and Lester Lofberg Thursday evening was won by Lofber he winning out by about a quarter of a second’s time. On account of Leland avenue being in poor condi- tion for racing the run was made between Kindred and Leland avenues between the Great Northern tracks. Both Wellein and Lofberg are all- around athletes and the specteble drew a large crowd. The start was given by a shot of a pistol and the hundred yards was made in 11 sec- onds flat by Lofberg, Wellein being about five feet in the rear at the finish. | Will Log at Blackduck. E. O. Moore, head of the E. O. Moore & Co. logging firm, left Sat- urday evening for Blackduck on busi- ness for his company. The Moore | people will cut and bank some four million feet of timber, in the woods near Blackduck, and Mr. Moore was accompanied Saturday evening by W. Davis, who will act as foreman for Moore & Co. in their operations, hereafter, at Blackduck. Mr. Moore anticipates a very active fall and winters work. This company logged in this vicinity for the first time last winter, and their manner of trans- acting business has made them many local friends.—Bemidji Pioneer. Services will be held at the Swed- ish Lutheran church next Sunday at CLOQUET LOSES TO GRAND RAPIDS The Grays Were In Fine Condition and Fielded Everything-Secured 4 Runs the First Inning. TNCONITE LOSES 10 THE JUNIORS Won by Score of 9 to 5-Grays and Juniors Have Both Been Prac- ticing Steady—Lofberg Pitched Good Ball. Only a small crowd was out to witness the contest between the Grand Rapids Grays and the Cloquet Indians at the South Side park Sun- day afternoon. The Grays were a dis- heartened bunch before the play was called and the old saying that “it is always darkest before the dawn” would amply hold good in this case. Huss, who was scheduled to pitch the game,*failed to put in an apear- ance, and- this caused the Grays to make some quick changes in their line-up. Lofberg was put in the box and proceeded to make good in a manner which delighted the hearts of the fans. The Indians were first up to bat. Loons got to the initial bag through an error, but the next two at the bat pushed out grounders' which were hooked in by Lofberg and Loons was put out at second on a double play, which retired the side. When the Grays went to bat they proceeded to pound the Indians for four runs before they were re- tired. During the next seven innings the scared Indians failed to score and only secured two safe hits during the entire game. The Grays fielded every- thing and gave Lofberg support that would win for any team. They se- cured three more runs during the seven innings, during which another double play was made. In the ninth the Indians secured one run which saved them from a whitewash. Er- rors on their part were responsible for three runs scored by the Grays. The Grays have been doing con- siderable practicing during the past two weeks and it showed up in the manner they “buckled” onto every- thing that came out. McLachlan, who played center out in the “gar den,” fielded all around the _ tall pines and pulled in five skyscrap- ers. McKibbage on second, Dick on third and Bell at short let nothing get past and Zmmers behind the register whippcd the sphere to second with the precision of a can- hor ball. The Indisns seemed up- able to find Lofberg for a safe hit and showed lack of team work in their plays. The score by innings: Grand Rapids 41010001 x—7 Cloquet........ 00000000 1—1 Batteries: Grand Rapids—Lofberg and Zimmers; Cloquet -Steehy, Bon- neville and Houle. Umpire—Powers. The Juniors went to Taconite Sun- day and proceeded to give the Juni- ors of that place a few pointers in the art of playing the national game Be it knewn that (he Grand Rapids Juniors play the gume like seasoned’ veterans and would give any full fledged team a run for their money. The play was hotly contested throughout the entire game but the Superior team work of the Juniors Proved too much for the Taconiters and at the end of the ninth inning the score stood 9 to 5 in favor of the locals. Henry Hughes BuyBetter Promise. The latest addition to the string of fast horses owned by Grand Rapids people is Better Promise, the beauti- ful bay pacer, that was purchased by Henry Hughes. That Better Promise is a goer is amply demonstrated by the fact that he has a mark of 2:18% and has been known to make better time than that on unofficial tracks. He was formerly owned by John, Bradford of Verndale, Minnesota, and is one of the\best horses now in the range country. Grand Rapids is fast acquiring a bunch of speeders with good marks and the sporting fraternity can rest assured of wit- 10:30 o’clock a. m. and at 8 o'clock tance in maKing the picnic a success |p, m.—L. W. Gullstrom, pastor. nessing a good meet during county fair week. 4