Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, February 17, 1895, Page 3

VE HILTON 1§ THE HOLE| HAVE THILTON 1Y Authoritios at Present Stand to Catoh Ex-0il Inspector (oiug and Coming. METHODS 113 the HIS PECULIAR UNDOING | No Matter Mow the Sult Is Determined | Yinaily, the Late Head of the Ol Inspeet.on De it Wil [l artm Loser. LINCOLN, ®ic slowly but ex-oil tor, hope (o escape he will be to an er to fhle report to been subjeet te past few more than most pe probably, that Mr. convey to the publ Teb, 16.—(Speetal) surely closiug L. F. Hilt least clvil proceeding if he is not criminal char the auditor a keener anal, This report ple imagined, and much Hilton did not Intend t Taking all of Hilton" reports for his administration, from April 1, 1593, to February 1, 1895, it 1s dis covered that his department collected for fnspection of cils, not including gasoline, sum of §18,617 To collect thid money quired an expendit of $21,144.16, leaving a deficiency of $2,5 1f, as Hilten claim he has no right to turn over gasoline f to tie state, the shortage of $2,526.88 should by law have been apportioned pro rata among the inspector and nd this | taken The toils around the He ca t and | called upon | Ingpe n fortunate Tis pla ok s within the figé | re ago has days. contains much entire the the 0. re- his from their salaries, Jetter of the law, But the Hilton with the auditor prove b 1 controver the salury and cxpens his deputies in full. C own admission, he has div sclf and five deputios n received for the spect 626.80 of the m speetion of gasoll paid®nto the state 1893, the sum of must have been deputics, This is vouele pub'i and by among_ him- 11 the money of oll, but d from the addition to this ury on February $2,000. This amount, t taken out of the ga money. So, then, aceording to his own misslon, Hilton Is short in his gasoline count $1,526.96. s incumbency department for the Inspection gasoline the sum of $10,140.80. Of this amount Le has spent, a8 stated before, $1,- 526.86—proving that he still holds in his own hands $5,622.94, which he claims belongs to the gasoline companics WHAT HE RBALLY COST. Hilton was, during the twenty menths he held the ofice of chief oil Inspector, the most_elaborately expeneive the bas ever placed in commiss ['he ers, or rather the alleged vouchers has filed with the auditor of public accounts are of themsclves sufficient warrant for th widest suepiclon of his integrily as a public officer. An Inspection of these vouchers show. that in the twenty months he was in office Hilton_ab, 3.66. Of this amount $3.660.60 salary and the balance, was “exp His expense with but one e n are not item- fzed. He simply contented Tumsell with put- ting in a voucher “for expen His month. o t ran as follows: o in- he irea 15, of L. state vouch- which he 1509 AR May . June | July August ... September October November- December December months’ sals Total for 183...... The Inspector’s exp for 1894, together with the first month of the present year, are itemized as follows: Janvary February Maren . pr May Jutie July August ... Beptembr October November December January, Decembér 31, v salary 3 Februai month's fal Total .. .$3,847.50 Here are items of expenditure for twenty months and not a scratch of a pen to show what the items of ‘“expense” consisted of. Hilton simply collected the fees, paid the salary and expenses of his five deputies, and reserved from the Lalance as much for him- self cach month as his fancy seemed to dic- tate. During the entire twenty months that Hilton absorbed state money like a sponge there is no evidence filed by himself to prove that he inspected a single barrel of oil. There are no monthly reports of inspections from Hilton, but his “vouchers” for salary and “‘expenses” are all in evidence, Hilton is involved most serlously whatc the outcome of the civil suits which will be instituted against him. It the state wins { suit he will have to pay into the state treas- ury §5022.94. If the state loses the suit and the court shall declde that the gasoline fees were lllegally collected Hilton will by his own statements have to pay the g companies $10,149.80. No one belie seri- ously that he is holding in reserve the $5,622.94 still due the state on the gasoline account, and most of the men who were for- merly his friends say that if the money was still in his hands it would have promptly been turned over to tha state, The papers in the civil procecdings will be served early the coming weck. The cases will b tried in the district court of Lancas- ter county and will be prosccuted by County Attorney Woodward, the same official who prosecuted the asylum boodlers two years ago, and who succeeded in convicting one of them. It is not Mkely that eriminal proceed- ings will be commenced until after the civil cases are determined. WHAT THE DEPUTIES DID, In th's connection an inspection of the ex- pensa vouchers of the five deputy oil in- spectors now on file with the auditor will veveal many points of interest. These ex- penses consist principally of items for rail- road fares paid, Hilton did nct allow hotel bills, exe:pt In extreme cases. Herman Timme was allowed from $5 to §7 per month for street ralway fares, Matt Daugherty's expenses for rallroad tickets were generally the largest, for the reason that his residence is at Ogalalla. As he was the inspector for the Sixth congressional district, it was nec essary for him to make frequent trips from Ogalalla to Omaha. In one month Daugherty made four trips from his home to Omaha and return, the railroad fare cost'ng him $80.80. None of the deputies file vouchers for the railroad tickets purchased by them. It is claimed that Daugherty, Brown and Killian travel on passes, but this fact cannot be ver- ifled from any records on file either in the fuspector's office or with the auditor, One of the deputies, Ross of Lincoln, admits that he had a pass over the Un'on Pacific, but claims that as his inspection trips were all made to towns on the B. & M. road his pass avall:d him not. Herman Timme lives in Omaha, and cannot, therefore, be suspected of riding on a rallroad or street railway pass The scandals now being unearthed in con- nection with the administration of the oil inspection department during the last ad- ministration have created a great deal of sentiment in favor of either a radical amend- ment of the oll inspection law or its com- plete abandonment. Under the present law. @s amply demonstrated by the history of its operation in tho past six years, the state has no protection whatever against fraud. The chief Inspector is sole judge of his own expense. He alone has the checking power The auditor nor any other state official has ny right to interfere with illegal practices on the part of the chief ol inspector. The law simply provides that once each year the chief Inspector shall file a report with the auditor, showing his receipts and disburse- ments.” The fillng of the Teport is a mere formality, for the auditor aas no power to review it. For all purposes the annual re- port might as well be filed with the fanitor, One of Hilton's methods may serve as a sample for all of them. By his written or- ders one deputy was compelled to go to the cooperage shop In Lincoln and brand empty barrels as filled with oil “approved for ii- luminating purposes.” These barrels so stamped were then shipped empty to Kear- i | submitted to a soline | mey and filled from tanks by the oll com- THE OMAHA DAILY BEE: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 17, 1895, pany. The ofl was then Alstributed to con- sumors as fully approved by the state, when, tn fact, the sinte %idd no moeans of knowing whether of not the oil placed In. the barrels was of legal standard. In fact, there 1s proot that the barrels branded in and shipped emply to Kearney W actually filled with oil below the legal standard. The Standard Oll company has three large storage tanks at Kearney. Deputy Inspector Ross went to Kearney and inspected these fanks of ofl from time to time. He refused to a prove them, and in his report to classed the oil In one fank, at leas jected. Chief Inspector Hilton wrote L curt letter instructing the deputy the ofl as ag d. Hilton added inspected the ofl myself, and 1 know it is 107 but a single instance, but it one 1 officlally braud empty bar- filled with approved oil deputies could do the DURGA W. H. Dory at the state penit speelal hous as re- to pass “1 have PROMISES of the convict labor itlary, appeared before the comm thie morning and omewhat desultory examina ction with the prizon an assumed a studied but at the same time he andidly informed the committes that he was ready at any or all times to fulfill every obligation in the contract, both in letter and in_spirit Upon being asked in regard to the eighty stone cells called for by the Mosher con- tract, assigned to him, Dorgan stated that he was ready at any time to construct the cells. Up to within a year past, he sald there had been no room for the cells, 1 new cell kouse was now complete nd the was ample room for the elghty cells, Whe asked why he had not put in the cells Do gan said t the state, through the board, hiad never notified him that th were needed, He wonld commence the con striciion of the cells within forty-eight hou it the Board of Public Lunds and Buildings instructed him to do so. He could build the colls cheaper mow than at any time since he b held the contra as his men were all practically idle. The elghty cells would cost him about $10 apiece In referring to the matter of a bond Dor- safd in answer to queries that he had never been asked to give bond. The State Board of Public Lands and Buildings, with which he had always transacted his busi- ness with the state, had never asked for nd on the Mosher contrict. The nor any other state officer had ever requested him to file a bond. He was ready hie asserted, at any time (o give a satisfactory bond in any sum the stale might reguire Mr. Dorgan replied to many queries in re gard (o the natwre of his contract. He said that it r pired him to feed and clothe prisoners, furnish them with fuel and 1 medicine, religious consolation and bacco. ) to his ntract. M. r of Indiffer ht, piug to- Matt Daugherty Makes an LINCOLN, Feb, 16.—( Matt Daugherty spent the mo lay with the auditor of public amining his reports and vouchers for the two years covering his incumbency of the office of deputy oll inspecter. He clalms to be the only ona of the deputics who has made full and complete reports, accompanied by vouch rs. Daugher that Mr. Sheld:n, edtor of the Chadron Signal, is to be named by Oil Inspector Edmiston to succeed him in the Sixth distriet, Mr. Daugherty has written statements of Inspector broad implications against Dauglierty concludes as follow “I want to say right now that you cannot blacken my character or standing, or tempt to do it in such underhanded meansy as you ave now attempting. I 'ave dona everything that the law requires me to do and ‘have done it in a first-class manner. 1 have the auditor's c e, as follows Office of Auditor of I hereby certify that 1895, there was filed in the auditor of public accounts, by ctor of Oils L. Hilton, " the jorts of M. A. Dangherty, dep- inspector of oils, from A to 1585, both tonths inclus ‘and during the term of his incumbency 1ch deputy amounted to $3,0:3.40. There are a so on file with sail reports voic tor salar. and expenses and for moneys turned ovi to his superior officel “EUGENE MOORE, “Auditor of Fublic _Accounts. “LINCOLN, N 1895, No Appropriation Wil Be Made, LINCOLN, Feb. 16.—(Special)—It Is now given out that no appropriation will be made for the support of the office of labor com- misisoner. It is stated by a member of the house committee on ways and means that a plan in line with that suggested in the message of Governor Crounse for the exten- sion of the efficacy of the office had been practically decided upon and the extra ap- propriation was ready to report. The ap- pointment of John . Powers to be deputy labor commissioner has put a damper on this plan, and the appropriation bill will contain no provision for the support of the office, Chadron Dry Goods SHADRON, Neb., Feb, 16.—(Special Tel- egram.)—G. B. Smith & Son, one of the lead- ing dry goods houses of this city, was closed this afternoon upon an execution in favor of the First National bank of Missouri_Valley. The exact amount of liabilities an) assets cannot at this time be learncd. They car- ried a §20,000 stock. It is generally hoped and supposad that they will soon be able to resume busine: Acconnting, Telegram.)— iing hours Lo counts ex- a reply to Edmiston making Daugherty. Mr. office of t; uty January House Closed. of Nirs. lward MeK o nzie SON, Neb., Feb. 16.—(Special Telegram.)—Mrs. MeKenzie, wife of Sergeant Baward McKenzie of Troop 1, Ninth cavalry, vas stricken with paralysis at the breakfast table this morning and was speecaless until sha died at 3:16 p. m., leaving several chil dren, oy don Death FORT ROBIM County Will Vote on Seed Bonds. BUTTE, Neb, Feb. 16.—(Special)—The Hoyd county commissioners have submitted the seed grain proposition to Boyd county in the sum of §10,000 at a special election to be neld February 27, 18u5. COASTING VESSELS OVERDUE. About Twenty Small Ships Missing Since the Stor NEW YORK, Feb. 16.—Much manifested among the owners of small coastwise sailing vessels as to tho safety of a fleet of about twenty-five ships which are supposed to have been lost in the bliz- zard of a week ago. Every day the office of the agents are eged by relatives anxious to know what bas become of the loved ones, who shipped a month ago. Sinc the severe storm thero has not been one ccastwise salling el reported from any southern port, and vessels bound for the south and New England are also so long overdue that they are supposed to have foun- dered. The ships about whiose whereabou there is doubt number twenty, of which the crews average ten men to each, and the total value of the cargoes is about $250,000, Most of the vessels are owned by New Yor ers. Principal among them is the schoon George R, Condcn, y b ch £l ¢d from Cha:les. ton, 8. C., in command of Captain Balley, She had a crew of twelve men, and is now ten days overdue. The barkentine Bmma J. Meyer, Captain Oliver, is twelve days overdue in Lendon, Conn,, from Charleston, 8. C. The schooner Alameda, Captain Dodge, which sailed from Mileshoro, Me., January 15, has not yet been heard from She Is twenty-five days overdue. Barken- tine B. S. Powell, Captain Hotchkinson, which sailed on January 27 from Charleston, 8. C., for New York, is sixteen days over- due. The schooner Sarah A. Fuller, from Boston for the Azores, and the schooner Sarah Potter, from Brunswick for New York, are both ten days overdue. John H Quail, agent for the vessels, said today that Ne had given up all hopes of the ships reach- ing port. anxiety is be: —————— TOO STIFF A RATE, Swift and Company Cancel Half a Milllon of Insurance. Actiug under Instructions from Chicago, Manager Foster cancelled $500,000 of the insurance upon’ Swift and Company's South Omaha packing house plant last week Most of the insurance was carried by agencies In this city, under a general policy. the risk being rated at from §2 per $1,000, a trifle less than the 1893 rate. This insurance was cancelled for the simplo reason that the Swift people considered the rate excessive. At the tme that the Swift people can- celled their Omaha insurance they also can- celled $2,000,000 which they carried on their Chicago property. Hilton | back | all the | proper | cells | him | | proscention of parties now SONE NEW RELIEE MEASURES Plans to Aid Suffering Counties Offored in the Logislature, ONE PROPOSES TO USE SINKING FUND Money the County Will Not Need for Five Years (0o Mo Fxpended for Seed Grain—Other Work of the House. LINCOLN, Feb. 16.—(Special.)—The houe went on record today in favor of the Reilly funding bill, relating to the Pacific railroads The matter came up in the shape of a re lution introduced by Howard, who asked a suspension of the rules and its immediate The resolution endorsed the action of the Nebraska congressional delegation in votlng against the me: A roll call was demanded, and the motion to suspend the rules was voted down by 67 to 28, How ard of Sarpy, author of the resolution, pressed the opinion that the member ferred to stand with Thurston than Congressmen Meikiejoln and Halner. The university people to the front today with a new bill for a direct appropria- tion of $80,000. The bill asks for $73,000 to complete the library building and §7,000 for incldentals, There s being made a strong effort to push this measure through, and as y man in Lincoln is a worker for this institution the prospect of success is flatter- ing. Allan the first pre- with ont in a bill, which was read for time, appropriating $10,000 for t arrested, or who be ar ted, char 1 with of Barrett Scott., It is consid quite doubtful that this measure will plain sailing in the house. Conversa- tion with members develops the fac that there is a strong sentiment against it. They say that such g ecelent might be dangerois in the future, when other countics had mur- der cases on their hands to prosccute. Appropriaticns had the call nong nearly all tie bills intreduced today. Hairgrove had two b for the benefit of the supreme court rooms, ona for supplying a card catalogie in the state library, and another $2,000 for the purpose of fur tional shelves for the library. Munger >, house roll No. 516, making appropria- s for the payment of miscellancous items indebtedness owing by the state. SINKING FUND TFOR SEED GRAIN Campbell of Merrick today introduced a new feature in the way of relief measures. It is evident that his people are oppcsed to bonding themselves, but are in favor of do- ing something in this way. Campbell's bill authorizes counties in the drouth stricke districts to appropriate o much of th sinking fund of such counties as is not needed for use in the payment of bouds or interest thereon during the five years next ncceeding the passage of the act. pose of this is to procure sced grain o for teams for needy farmers. It is T that a relief commission be organized each county for distribution of the surplug fund. Farmers' notes are to be taken, run ning two years. There are said to be a number of counties which prefer to do this instead of voting bonds. In this connection Mr. Campbell has o letter which asks rather a pertinent question. A week ago, whe the matter of delay in receiving supplies was vigorously debated in the house, Conaway of York explained on the fleor of the house that the principal reason of such delay was that county relief commissions had failed to organi G. Inghram writes as follows from Central City, Merrick county, to Mr. Campbell: Will you be kind erough to see Mr. Lud- den and learn why the Merrick county central relicf committee has not been rec- ognized by the State Relief commission? We organized on the 8th_inst, under the provisions « roll 113, and immedi- ately notifi commissfon, and have as_yet no reply. We have reports from subcommittecs that there will be at least families that will need relief from some urce at once. Anything that you can do to rush this matter.along will be appreci- ated by our committee. In the same line of relief measures as Campbell's, Horst introduced a biil, house roll 530, authorizing county commissioners to use the surplus of precinct funds for the purpose of procuring seed grain and feed. The maximum rate bill of the session o far is Kaup's, introduced today, house roll 513, which provides for the regulation of ex- press companies within the state of Ne- braska and for a maximum rate for the transportation of articles and fixing a penalty for violation of the same. There is a con- siderable reduction made in @ large majo; of the different classes of articles from what is now charged Crow (oday introduced. a bill, house roll 500, which provides for a uniform system of vouchers for use for all disbursements of state funds through the auditing and tr ury departments of tlle etate, This measure has the complete endorsement of the present state auditor. He says there is no reson why a state auditor should not swear to all accounts, instead of a few of them, as is now the practice. Orion of C himself sol may the ered find lereafter murder t s has succeeded vith the pages. Yesterday he gave each one of them a neat bout iere, and todzy they reciprocated by presenting Mr. Orton with a large and handsome bouquet of cut flower: ROUTINE OF THE DAY. Ghairman of the Judiciary Committee Mun- gor, in the ice of Speaker Richards, called the house to order, and introduction of bills was first in line. Howard introduced a resolution and asked suspension of the rules and its immediate adoption, endorsing the vote of the Nebraska delegation in congress on the Reilly funding bill. A vote to suspend the rules was not concurred in by a vote of 67 to 28, On the call for bills ou third reading, house roll 287, Judd's speeial grain note bill, was put upon its passage, the provisions of which were explained in yesterday’s Bee. The bill was passed, with the emergency clause, by a vote of 77 to 10, The housc then took a recess until 2 p. m. The afternoon session opened with the adoption of a resolution offered by Rhodes that the attorney general render an opinion on the constitutionality of house roll No. 1, the bill authorizing counties to vote bonds for seed grain. Rhodes explained that Valley county had put off the election one week for tae purpose of hearing from the attorney general on this point, The house then went into committee of the whole on bills on general file, with Cole in the chair, House roll 278, by Allan, relating to liquor licenses, was indefinitely postponed. House roll 86, by Kaup, relating to the printing of election ballots, providing for the distribution of one hundred voting papers for each fifty voters or fraction thereof, was recommended for passage, House roll 232, by Richardson, relating to the examination of insane patients by county commissioners and their delivery at aslyums, was recommended for passage, House roll 228, by Benedict, providing that the first Monday in the month of September be known at Labor day, and that election day in Novemb:r be, together with day, recognized as legal holidays, was rec- ommended for passage. House roll 108, by that all eubstitutes for described and branded as was made a speclal order 10:15 a. m. House roll 18, by Sutton, providing for covering nto the treasury of excess fees col- lected by county officers, was indefinitely postponed, House roll 26, by Burch, relating to fees of county attorneys, was recommended for passage, The committee of the whole then ro reported. Burns of Lancaster moved that the report of the committee on house roil 278 be not concurred in, and that the bill be en- grossed for a third readisg, and the yeas and nays. This is Burns' bill, which, if passed, would enable the Burlington Beach people to conduct a salcon at that popular resort for a $500 license. Burns' in making Burch, declaring butter shall be imitation butter, for Tuesday at se and motion was lost and the report of the com- | mitte of the whole was udopted. The house then adjourned aus After Attemptiog Sulelde. HENDLEY, Neb, Feb. 16.—(Special)— Mrs. Clay, who resides south of town, made a sulcidal attempt by taking laudanum on last Thursday, but through prompt assistance she soon rallied from the stupefylng influ- called for | i | ence of the drug. ports her have to % Clay 18 a w mind has erty, as: Howaver, the doctor re- hopel:ssly Ingane, and she will removed 1o the, asylum. Mrs, an of good education, but her falled because of pov- Iglows anaticiem, TEF MATTERS, VALLEY COUNTY RE etition Asking for an Eléction Seed tonds Clrented, NORTH LOUP, Neb,, Feb, 16.—(Speclal.)— A petition s being ciroulated here praying the county supervisors to call an election for the purpose of voting § the expens: to Vote ) bonds to defray of sced grain, in compliance with the recent act of the legislature authorizing the same. A petition calling for an election for the purpose of voting bonds to the amount of $25,000 has already been duly filed and sent in, but it Is thought that this amount wiil be utterly inadequate for the purpose, and hence the nd petition. It is argued that the former amount will not obtain more than will merely supply the more clamcrous and eager and least responsible class of applicants, those upon whom little or none of the burden of the consequent taxation will fall, and that it will be less unjust to inecrease the amount to a point likely to be of more nearly general benefit, or else vote it down altogether. If an insufficient number of signatures is obtained for the latter peti- tion the former will like take fits place and be actad on by the county board at its next meeting. 1t is still the hope of many that the necessary grain may be obtained through some other channel and the election entirely forestalled. The local relief committe with the state committee, and one or more church committees, are doing a noble and disinterested work here in leoking after the needs of the destitute, and it may probably he Bfully said that there are now none in this vieinity in a suffertng condition. It is a matter of daily observance, however, that some applicants have the “knack” of mak & a more serions showing than others really more needy, and the atest strug: gle 18 being made Ly those who can mercly manage to live by their own hard rusiling without assistance, and not by those who have nothing to do but to call upon the relief committee when put out of supplie rtunately for all concerned, the g Dbeen alimost entirely bare the and both horses and catile greater part of their pastures, a very good and expense for cutting o castern readers, n by some , In co-operatio along ound entire are get- living oft substitute As a may has winter, ting the the winter for hay your we | mention that hay has been cut in this vicin- in the month only paseable to find sale at local market. This was cut from “draws” in the bluff region south of town, ad maltes a much better forage than one might at first suppose. Though a temperature of 24 degrees be! zero has been reported here during the verer weather, the almost entire absence of ncw has made the weather quite bearable, especially in contrast with the chronie “Vlizzard” conditions prevailing in the east- \d, in view of the open winter ieral destitute condition of the untry, the poet's words, that “God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,” comes almost with the force of inspiration. ity not enough in the of January fora last that but was reasonable was good pri GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE, Governor Holcomb Writes a Letter of <8 to innass City's Commereial Club, LINCOLN, Feb. 16.—(Special.)—Governor Holcomb today sent the following letter of Teb, Sceretary , Mo.: Ay dge reccipt of the lith inst change for $1,000 ness men of Yol the Commerclal drouth sufferers Accept my the kind generou 16, 1895 —Mr. B, mmercial ¢ 1 Sir—-Permit me o of your valued wor inclosing’ Kansas City ex- the donation of the b progresgive city through club for the relief of the of Nebraska. ateful acknowledgment of est which prompted this The drouth sufferers will not fail to te this_unsolicited respo to their distressed condition, and the entire people of our state will recognize the sen- timent of good will expressed by your do- nation. Many conflicting reperts have been sent out concerning the necessities of our people and of the condition. of relief work. We have no desire to conc the true ate of affai Nebraska enjoyed many years of prosperity, and her prairies ha been made the ha of thou of farme ettled s They cam ka almost or entirely without means cre illy pre- pared to encounter the deplorable drouth of the past season, e older portions of Nebraska and other ntes these reverses 1! not have produced suffering, Nebraska b en nobly assisted by ge erous contributions from almost every state in the union, and these donations from a sympathetic 'people, together with provi- sions made by the state lezislature, are be- ing used to the best ible advantage at this time, In order to supply the immediate wants of ‘the drouth sufferers, pring draws near the people are im- pressed with the necessity for seed to sow and grain for stock to be used in the culti- vation of the land. They appreciate the zenerosity of their nieighbors and hope that, by securing b ps hercafter, they Will be_enablec he kindness, ‘ermit me a ou for appreciated eift truly v (Signed.) SILAS A. HOLCOMB, Governor. Governor Tolcomb is also in receipt of §: from the Kansas City stock ya which amount he has turned over to the relief com- mission, L b, Kan- Personals from ASHLAND, N Axhland. ., Feb. 16.—(Special)—One of Ashland’s old landmarks, known as the “stone building cn the bottom," is being torn down, the stone to be used for a founda- tion of a new Methodist Episcopal church that will be built here in the early spring. The old stone building has been in existence for nearly thirty years, and only the wood work shows any degree of ruin. J. B. Mudgeti, an old resident of Saunders county, has old out, and will remove, with Lis family, to Waterloo, Ia., where he has purchased a large farm. Mr. Mudgett came to Ashland in tie early '70s. Daniel Dislong and son, Ralph, from Johns- town, Pa., are in the city, visiting Mr. Dis- long's sister, Mrs, Fred Christian, Albert Youngquist, who had his arm broken at the Swiit and ccmpany ice plant in this city, yesterday received from the company the amount of his doctor's bill and $75 as rec- ompense for his sufferings. Mrs, William Phelon and daughter, Sarah, have returned from an extended visit to Texas. Hou, J. P. Hall has returned from Hatings where he has been attending the state en- campment of the Grand Army of the Repub- ic. A. G. Bledgett, who has been In the city for several weeks visiting his uncle, A. J. Blodgett, returned to his home in Seward. 1. C. Weddell has left for Malvern, la, to visit among relatives for the coming week. The stereopticon quartet of the Ashland High school, has left for Greenwood to give an entertainment. The''proceeds will go to the city charity fund,” The carload of goods:that has been side- tracked here for the past three wecks, has finally been forwarded to Curtis, The freight charges were guaranteed by A. G. Hagadorn, a banker at that plage,.and president of the Frontier County REldf committee. Mr. Hagadorn was in the city to make the re quired arrangements, ag he has tried every avallable means to induce the state board to do this work ahd’falled. The following were contained in the car: Two hundred and thirty-two sacks of flour, sixty sacks of meal, 5 pounds of meat, che box of crackers, two large boxes of ‘graceries. The balance was filled with clofhfig, Affairs at Exeier. EXETER, Neb., Feb: 16.—(Special)—Mr. Phillip Preston, who was called to Chicago to care for his brother, who was seriously injured in a wreck at that place, returned home this week. Mrs. Sarah E. Root and daughter, Mrs. Canse, left for southern California Wednesday, where they expect to make their future home. Joseph Mead of Long Pine, Neb., is v ing relatives and friends here. Otls Crooker, who has been in the eastern part of the state for gome months, s here visiting with bis parents, Mr. and Mrs. T. § Crooker, Mr. Frank Lewls, who has becn spending several montha up in the Black Hills coun- try, returned home Wednesday. Mesers, Wiliiam Ramsdell, C. A. Songster, B. J. Campbell and W. H. Miner, and Mes- dames G. W. Patton, W. Lamb, W. W. Woodard and William Ramsdell, ‘went to Hastings Wednesday to attend the Grand Army convention. | | | | rival INTERESTING BEATRICE CASE Sioux City Lady Declares 8he is the Wife of E T, Root. THAT GENTLENAN SUDDZNLY DISAPPEARS Indications that ried at On feally They Were Recently Mar- Aha, Though tle Emphate Denies that Any Cere- mony Was Performed. BEATRICE, Feb gram.) of a 16.—(Special been enjoying somewhat today on account of the ar- in the city last night of a lady registered at the Paddock hotel as “Mrs, B. T. t, Sioux City, la." . T. Root, who Is a well known citizen, holding the office of city assessor, went to Omaha last K, @ the Saturday morning papers that a marriage had been issued to Root and Mrs Russell of Sioux City. Seeing statement, and al:o Root return to this city unace day afternoon, a local interviewed the gentleman, denfed being married e had gone to Omah with whom he had and that he had procured a when pressed for an explana- had changed his mind about Tele- Beatrice I sensation who Ro S0l we stated license Kate the notlcing reporter it however, that meet a lady corresponding, license, and tion, said he the 'mattcr. When the tock a hack, home, but din, to lady and was inf arrived was conveyed rmed by members of the family that he was absent. She Is quite concerted at the turn affairs have taken claiming that when they parted at Omaha it was understood that she should return to Sloux City, pack up her effects and come trice. Reot, in the meantime, was to me, and procure a larger house than the one he now occupies, When inter- viewed toda, Mrs. Root produced her mar- riage certificate, and stated that the wed- he to Root's by Rev. J. P. D. Liwyd of t Bpizcopal Church of the Good Shepherd of Omaha She visited an attorney this afternoon, for the purpose of procuring advice as to what course to pursue. Diligent inquiry has failed to disclose the whercabouts of Root, and no one {s able to offer a satisfactory explana tion of his conduct. This is Root's third matrimonial venture, his second wife dying suddenly while in attendance at the World's fair. Mrs. Root is accompanied by an at- tractive little daughter of 8 years of age. MRS. ROOT'S STORY. Mrs. Root told the following story: *I became acquainted with Mm Root about four months ago, through a mutual friend, We corresponded and finally agreed to meet in Omaha, where I was going to visit friends This the first time we had ever met. He came to Omaha on the 8th, and we were married the following day in the parlors of the parish rectory. It was then deelded that I should return” home, pack my household g00ds and go to Beatrice about the first of the month, he stating that he desired to secure a larger house than the one he was then living in with his two daughters. I had my houschold goods packed when I re- ceived a letter from Mr. Root which caused me to come here at once. It was a cruel letter, and in it he suggested that we be divorced. 1 was dumfounded and cculd not derstand it. Last night, when I and m: §-vear-old daughter reached here, I wa driven to Mr. Root's home. A young lady, who, T presume, was his daughter, came to the door and replied in the affirmative when quired if E. T. Root lived there, but said 1 mistaken the place after I had intre . T then returned to the hote ays that she was formerly the wife of a banker named Russell, to whom she was married at Anamosa, Ta. Also that she has lived in Sfoux City, her present home, for six years; that she was c'ty librarian there for two years, and that of late she has been keeping house for her two sons, who are in business. She is dreesed stylishly, Is about 40 years of age, and claims to be unable to explain her husband’s conduct. According to Mr. Root, the facts in the case are these bout six weeks ago she wrote me from Sioux City, but did not say cre she obtained my name. She said the wanted to get married, and thought I would ait her. 1 answered the letter, and later went to Omaha at her request. What fol- lowed after that is like a dream to me. We were married, and after living two days as man and wife she complained that I did not suit her. We then agreed to part, and I was to come home and she was to go to her home in Sioux City, and after a while be divorced. This was our perfect understanding and agreement. 1 denled my marriage after returning home for the reason that I wanted for a time to keep it from my family. As to my future intentions regarding the matter I cannot say." WERE MARKI W > IN OMAHY, Record of the Case and Statement of the Omemting Minlsier. It required only a brief investigation last ening to establish the fact that Mr. Root and Mra. Russell were married by Rev. Mr. Liwyd, as is claimed by Mrs. Root. Mrs. Russell haa for some days previously been the guest of Mrs, Elizabeth Wilkins at Twenty-second and Grant stre-ts, who Is one of her most Intimate friends. Mr. Root called on Mrs. Russell at the residence of her hestess, and at his urgent request she con- nted to b: marrled at once. The couple went to Rev. Mr. Llwyd's residence about noon on February 9, where the ceremony ormed, Mrs, Wilkins and Mrs. Llwyd acting as witnesses, The bridal couple then returned to Mrs. Wilkins' resi- dence, where they remained until Monday, when Mr. Root went to his home at Beatrice and his wife returned to Sioux City to pack up her effects preparatory to joining him in their new home, Rev. Mr. Llwyd said that when the couple came to the rectory he was somewhat sur- prised on account of the ususual hour. He questioned them very closely as to whether they could properly be marricd by him under the law of his church, which forbids the marriage of a divorced person. They both declared that thelr former partners were dead, and this was vouched for by Mrs Wilkins, with whom the minister was quainted, so the ceremony was performed without objection. Mrs. Wilkins was scen at her residence last night and was entirely unable to account for the mysterious proceedings of the groom, She stated that Mrs. Russell was her friend and a most estimable woman. She was for- merly city librarian at Sioux City and had two sons, who were at presint employed by leading Sioux City firms, She was also the mother of two daughters who still remained as her guests. There had been no difference between the couple that could lead to such an episode as the Beatrice dispateh indicated, the only variance of opinion being in regard to the wedding, as Mrs Russell was anxious to wait a little longer. The oldest daughter, a winsome young woman of 17, was equally unable to account for the strange procedure. Both women were greatly surprised by the action of Mr. Root who had seemed to be a very reasonable and sensible person Fira Company’s Quick Work., PLATTSMOUTH, Neb,, Feb. 16.—(Special Telegram.)—Prompt action on the part of the local department alone prevented a serious conflagration in this city last night Fire was located in the basement of Me Courts' grocery in the Union block about 11 o'clcek. The hose companies responded im- mediately to the alarm, and with a flood of water drowned out the flames before they had spread to the store rooms above. The explosion of @ coal oil stove was responsibl for the blaze. The loss, 3600, is fully coy ered by insurance The members of held thelr elghth annual masquerade ball in this cily last night at Waterman hall Some 300 people W present and_partics pated In the festivities, and the affalr was a complete success in every particular. The proceeds will assist the local sociely ma- terially in arranging for the entertainment of visiting turners at the next state turn- fest, which occurs in this city In the sum- mel the Plattsmouth turner cbbles Will Banguet Fditors. PENDER, Neb., Feb. 16.—(8pecial.)—~The mzmbers of the North Nebraska assoclation will be banqueted at Hotel Peebles mpanied Mon- | ad- | ding occurred Saturday, and was solemnized | Editorlal | ;nt this place naxt Peebles, proprietor of the & meeting of the newspay for Pender on that da Monday night by W. B magnifiecnt hotel r boys belng bild KENTON BANK FAILURE. | RESULT OF Oue of the Depmitors Commits When o Lost His Money. | LINCOT Feb. 16, al)—Bank Bx- | | aminer Cline returned today from Trenton, | '“ ither he had to take charge of | wrecked bank of Trenton, lately ¢ ed. He related a tragical story of the ath of John M. Bulger st who was given a fow recent date, On charge of the bank live town was, Suicide (Spe me the which lines ss of | Cline took | Bulger m Trenton, came Into d a check for $300. There no money for and he went away hortly afterward he fatally shot himselt with a rifle. He had funds in the other bauk, the State Bank of Trenton | He wa single man, and was considered by the people of Hiteheock county in fairly goodlclreumstances, Februa a fow miles ont fr and presert of course, Mim | weather Matt Gering Father Carncy of Platts | mouth, represent he interests of llarry Hill, the murderer of mer Akerson, wh execution s set for a week from next Friday, | lial a long interview today with Governor Holeomb. They urged the governor earn- | estly to commute the sentence to life impris- | onment. They brought no ' petition, but | merely presented reasons for executive | clomency. Next week the governor will hear | arguments by the county attoruey, and then decide the matter FRANK LANDA MURDERED, Mysterious Crime i =herman Connty Wh Resulted in the Death of a Panper LOUP CITY, Neb, Feb, 16.-<(Special Tele gram.)—Yesterday the dead body of Frank Landa, a German, who lived in the north castern part of Sherman county, was found | Iylng about five feot from his door. His face was covered with blood. Word was sent to the coroner, and upon his arrival the body was examined. 1t was found that Lo had been shot in the back of the head with a charge of shot. The party who did the Killing must hav n very close to him at the t'me of the Ling, for the whole ch ntered in one spot and lifted the whole top of h's skuli, Landa was a_pauper who has been kept by the county for the past seven years, having at that time been the vietim of a practical joke, by which he was compelled o travel several miles In a blizzard which caused the freezing of his hands and feet, resulti in amputation The motive for the commission of the crime is a mystery, as he was considered inoffen- sive and very poor. There is no clew to the murderer, oh REV, JOUN ALLBERY DISAPPEARS, 8 us Justics of the Pence SHELBY, Neb, Feb., 16.—(Special.)—Rev. John Allbery was to have appeared as de- fendant at a trial set for the 11th inst., that he might account for fines he had received and not turned over to the village during his term as Jjustice of the peace. On the Saturday preceding he was allowed to leave on his recognizance in_order to consult lawyer in David City. He has not returned and’ his bondsmen expect to pay ‘his defl- ciency. He leaves a wife and several small children, Married PENDER, Neb Nnown Storm Feb, 16.—(Special. Thurston county was the scene of a wedding this week which bordered ‘Will Craig, n one night osely who was once at this place, came t town and scoured a license from County Judgs Chase to wed Miss Alta Harper, whosc parents reside between th's place and D croft, and also requested the judge to o pany him to the home of ‘the prospect bride and tie the knot. After arriving at the Harper home Mr. Chase discovered that he was outside of his jurlsdiction, the Harper lome being just over the Cuming county line, and Mr. Chase informed the young couple that in order to be made one under the license he had issued they would have to accompany him fo Thurston county, whereupon Mr. Craig, Miss Harper and a few intimate friends started with the courteous court for Pender, but just after crossing over into Thurston county €oil what appeared to be a heavy snow storm commenced, and at the suggestion of some one of the party they all halted and the judge pronounced the words that made Mr, Will Cralg and Miss Alta Harper husband and wife, as the large snowflakes fell from heaven upon the happy arty, end the moon and stars peeped through the misty sky os witnesses to the happy yet solemn event, on the romantic. a telegraph rator York High School Entertainment, YORK, Neb., Feb. 16.—(Special)—The an- nual High school entertainment of the York High school was given last evening at the Nobes opera house. Not in years had such a crowd assembled in this building, the house being packed, and even standing room not obtzinable. The house and stage were all decorated with flazs and the colors of the class, yellow and green. The program of the cvening was opened by selection from the Apollo club. After this a program, delightful in every respect, was rendered. All ad dresses of the evening were pertaining t. America. The High School Glee club cap tured the house from th2 start, but made a lecided hit in producing “Schneider’s Band.’ The subject, “Characteristic America,” ophia Lammers, and “What t} by Mr. Leroy Smith, both were very fine, and received applause. ‘In fact, the whole s carried off without'a break, and the entertainment was a decided succe:s, Those who managed and superintended the same are highly pleased with the work that was done, as the entertainment was, without doubt, one of the finest ever rendered in Yorlk. by Natlon of the Social Affairs at Tekamah. TEKAMAH, Neb, Feb, 16.—(Special)— Company §6, Nebraska National Guards, will give a ball on the 224 Inst. at the opera house, The dedication of the takes place on the 27th, Tekamah's Gun club glves a midwinter shosting tournament on Washington's birth- lay. It extends an invitation to all sports- men of the county and adjoining counties, Live birds and targets used. The unique social event of the 2 “Trilby” tea Wednes ning given by Misses Marle and Louls Adams. About twenty-five young lady friends were invited, The opera house was crowded with attén- ive I'steners to the High school oratorical contest. A nice program was rendered, con- sisting of recitations and musie. The jud selected y Wilson, in_oratorical, C trude White, dramatic, and Gail Shafer, from new Masonie hall season was county contest at Lyo The Pleasant Hour club gave a lancing party Thursday evening, from Omaha attended cn Murch 8 novelty" A few Diwac DAWSON, Neb., oom. 16.—(Special )—This quiet little village the eve of a small boom. The brick 1s now being placed on the ground for the purpose of erecting a block of buildings to b d as stcrerooms and bank The build ng will be two stories, the upper part being arranged suitable for an opera house. All branches of business are well repre sented in Dawson, a large flouring mill, tw general stores, two drug st , two hard ware stores, one lumber yard, blacksm'th shop, two hotels, two churches, Catholic and Evangelical, and, best of all, Is the graded school, so successfully conducted by FProf ocker. The graduating claes an entertainment to says, speeches, reclta will be the beginning events of this k nd Feb, is on of the schocls gave ght consist of e ons and which of a Opposed 10 Seed Gr. SHELBY, Neb, Feb. 16.—(Special)—The movement to call an election to bond Pelk county for $35,000 with five years 7 per c:nt bonds Is meeting with oppositicn in this, the eastern, part of the county. A paper is belng circulated denouncing a bond issue and ad- vocating a donation by the citizens to those who are unable to precure seed and feed for anotlier crop. Over $200 was subscrbed yes terday in this precinet. There will be a meeting this afterncon at Osceola to discuss the bond proposition. The farmers in this viclnity are decidedly opposed to an issue, Tonds, e portant | cotn. ROYAL SKATING PARTIES atars in London Are Empty and Race Meotin ENGLAND ENJDYING A CANAD'AN WINTER Osear Wilde's Rateling portanee of Betng Tarce on the “lme Farces" Mad a Sues thon Bardi's New | Saval Herpe " Paris (Convrighted, 1805 LONDON,. Ieb, in Great effect Ly 16,1 nr in an the suffer has cau e Assoclated Pross.) continued cold most untry, g the low A practical standstil of all horse trainiug operations and hunting during the last &ix woeks. A numiber of fme meetings, the great military steeplechase ndown park, fixed for yesterday, and the Manchester February weeting, had to be abandoned. Ono Qistressing feature 1s that tully two-thirds of ndon are en- water supply fa g of the water, An extraordinary as witnessed on Wednesday last in front of the Manslon hcuse, the oficial residence of the lord in connection with the intensely eild w A large number of persons \ored in consequence of the ¢ \of a report that tho had fssued a proclamation warning the citizens of London of the near approach of a furlous blizzard, which would inpedo all trafic and cause cessation of business, It was alto reported that the proclamation urged the people to provide themselves with a full steck of pro- visions for three days in order to be prepared for any omergency, and also warned all citizens to be within doors before midnight on Thursday in order to escape being overs taken by the elements. NEVER HAD BETTER 100 katers, however, in England have never ad such an excellent opportunity for indulgs g In sport upon the dee, and and ponds, all of which are frc are crowded day and night. The interest of sociely has” centered in the Dutch skating parties, wlich liave been held on the lake in Buckingham palace gardens, and at which the prince of Wi and his unmarrfed daughters, the Princesses Victoria and Maud, the duke and duchess of York, Princess Henry of York, prince Henry of Pless, who is a beautiful skater; Lord Marcus Beresford, Sir Francls Edmund Georze Astiey-Corbett, son of the prince of W, friend, the late Sir John Dugdale Astley, the noted patron of sports, and numbers of other prominent persons were in daily attendance. Hockey matches on the fee, begun at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and lasting until 5 o'clock, when tea and other hot drinks were served, have been the features of these gathering The most interesting match was held on Thursday Detween teams ained by the prince of Wales and Mr. Francis Mildmay, M. the s the princo On this oc having of tnvolved serlous Aside the ¢ from mperature race including a entirely of the the houses in L al tirely without their u: of the quence there culati false lord ¥ r Inkes over, i, slon the princess of Wale: and took at interest in the g royal ladies and their party paid whatever to the intensely cold w prevailed, the mereury heing 4 degrees below zero. The queen, who is coming to London on Monday from the Isle of Wight, has issued orders that certain membe of he court shall be invited to witness the sports on the Buckingham palace gardens lake and has an- nounced that she herself intends to witness them. CONDEMNED BY SPORTING MEN, The proceedings which the anti‘gambling league “has instituted asainst the Jockey club at Newmarkel for keeping an alleged gambling ring have been in progress during the past week and have been generally con- demned by all persons interested in sporting, John Hawke, who is at the head of the league, Is the English representative of Messrs. Jaffrey & Co. of New York., Among the members of the Jockey ciub are the prince of Wales, the duke of Saxe-Coburg- Gotha, the dule'of Connaught, duke of Yorle and Prince Christian of Schléswig-Holstein, Whe king of Belgium and Grand Duke Viadimir of Russia are honorary members, Mr. Thomas F. Rayard, United Stafes ambassador, will attend the meeting of the Royal Geographical sceicty on Monday for the purpose of receiving the Bigshy medal which has been conferred bythe socloty upon Dr. Charles D. Walcott, the director of the United States geological survey. On Tuesday last Mr. Toole produced at hi theater Mr. Arthur Law’s “Thoroughbred, which Is a farce of the usual Toole pattern. Wilde's new play entitled “The Importance of Being Earnest” had i sful premiere at the St. James's theater on Thursday night, It proved to be a rattling farce, in which London's premier joker threw all dramatic Deories, as propounded by himself, to the winds, writing anyhow as to the story which was of the scantiest character, and filling the situations with Wildeisms. The play was preceded by the comedietta “In the Season,’” written by Mitchell. In the latter ay Miss Illiott Pade, an American, made er debut and achieved a pronounced suc- no heed ther which h Bernh: th" at on Wed dt produced Suderma n's “Die Rer ater in last. The play was an ous success. The theater was filled with Germans, who warmly cheered Mme, Bernhardt for her magnificent performance, puit i L Miss Vieginin Earl 1), Migs Virginia Earl, the bright and tal- ented young woman who has becn playing Prince Mataya with the “Wang" company for the past two seasons, was compelled to remain behind when the company closed at Boyd's Tuesday night, on acec severe cage of Ia_grippé, T says ping at the Paxton. 1 #heis in excellent hands, and will be able to resume her work with the company ens tour Tuesday or Wedncsday. She has suf fered greatly, but s convaléscing rapidly, Al iy Dr. Miller’s lco ¢ ompany. The Seymour Park Artesian Ice company was incorporated yesterday, with a capital stock of $0,00. George L. Miller was named as president id Frank Mattock as zeneral manager, e L PARAGRAPIS, 8 John Stevens of Sturg 1t the Millard, Ex-Senator W. H. Conger of Loup City s tho Merchants, Mr. Conger leaves tos morrow for points in Iliinols, Wisconsin and outhern Minnesota, to solicit contributions in the way of sced, grain and feed for the Irouth sufferers of Sherman county, Mr. Conger stated that the fmmediate wants of o needy in that part of the state in the way of provisions and clothing were belng met by ample contributions through the res lied committee. At the Mercer: R. P, Hall, Chy o Louis; Anton B. Eggers, Mallory, North Platte; A W. J. Connoly, Dubuque Chicago; C. L. Coleman, Jackson. San Franclsco; York: W. M. Wallace, Tekamah; George G, Willls, Chicago; A. B. Alexander, Crawford; Wohllcbe, New York; John Pendergast, Niles, Mich.; Henry Graff jr., Chicago; W, H. Dearing, Plattsmouth; H. A, Whitmore, Chicage; O. B, Hobbs, Denver, Cola R. H., Foster, Minneapolis B. DByers, Chicago; D. B, Decker, Chicago; George M. Lovelock, Chicago. . Wyo., is a guest Mrs. Willlam B. ( Chicago; aussen, St York; Tra 1. Jester, Chicago; orge M. Tibbs, Chicago; J. R. G. Plerre, New Nebeantans at the Hotels. At the Millard: W. H. Barston, Crete, At the Dellone: W. P. Hall, Holdrege; B. Sveice, Columbus, At thoe Paxton: A, U, Dann St Paul; @, Whipple, Perry; Charles A. 8 Hanna, Line At lance Pen At the Merchants: water; B. C. Usher, mont; W, St. Paul; F «rs, Grand Fourche, the Arcade: ¥ M. Dorrington, J. T. Clark, Li coln; Hiram Chass 8. H. Littlefield, Edges Willlaia Atwood, Fres Alliance; 1. E, Field, ndorly, Gering: R. B. Roge Island; Arthur S. Gay, Bello e DIED. Mrs. P.. Febru Funcral at 8:30 clock Monday February 18, from residence of James Welch, 1319 Jones street, o Holy Bepulcher, y 16, 1896, aged 85