Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, April 21, 1902, Page 1

[ —— ‘THE OMAHA DAILY BEE. ESTABLISH sy OMAHA, MONDAY MORNING, APRIL 1902. SINGLE COPY FIVE CENTS. T0 SHUT OUT OPIUR. Bills Pending in Both Houses of Congress Intended to Buppress the Evil. LOBBY IS ON HAND TO FIGHT MEASURES "Traffic is Better Than a Gold Mine to the Few Men Who Control It. HABIT GETTING A HOLD ON WHITES Bepresentative Grovesnor Pushing His Anti-Injunction Bill, NEW STATE BUILDING IS TO BE COSTLY President Shows M of Cong Independence Appointment of Eugene ¥. Ware. (From a Staff Correspondent.) WASHINGTON, April 20.—(Special.)—A “tew days ago Senator Foster of Washin ton, acting for Semator Mason of Illimols, who was temporarily absent, presented a petition from the Chiness Empire Reform mssoctation urging the enactment of a law to absolutely prohibit the imyportation of opium for smoking purposes into the United States. It would appear that the time has come when congress should act, it a tithe of the Teports concerning the oplum trafic in this country are true. A brief history of the negotiations be- tween China and America for the suppres- slon of the trade Is Interesting. In the year 1880 a treaty was formulated between the governments of the United States and China and in accordance with a stipulation to that convention marked “Article 2" it was agreed that no citizen of the United States nor any subject of the emperor of China should en- Joy the commercial privilege of traMcking in oplum between any of the open ports of China, and it was further provided that no cltizen of the United States should engage in buying oplum in any of the above men- tioned open ports, This treaty was proclaimed by the pres dent of the United States in 1881. Congress in 1887 passed an act to provide for the ex- ecution of the provisions of this treaty. Thereupon the clause relating to this sub- Ject became the supreme law of the land immediately upon the consummation of this act of congress by the president’s signature. Falls of Its Objeet. No person of well balanced mind will doubt for a moment the good faith and pur- pose intended by both nations in framing this highly moral bit of international I It was evident that the Intention was to prevent further trade between the two countries in an article which was rapldly destroylng the physical and moral standard of China, and had already gained a dan- gerous foothold In America. But on mc- count of the limited control the United States may bave over foreigners residing in this country the treaty and the statute became but bisnk cartridges so far as the oplum trade was concerned, for they only served to transfer the trafic from the Chinese and American traders into the hands of foreigners. Under the present conditions the wonder- ful profits that are known to accrue from the sale of this perniclous drug In the United States are divided, strange as it may seém, between three prominent res! dents of San Francisco. When it became evident to the Chinese merchants that it would be unsafe for them to attempt the impofation of oplum they cast about for some forelgner who might be induced for a heavy consideration to act as their agent, ume before our customs authorities that he was the sole importer and that he was i no way comnected with Chinese or American traders. They found such an agent In H. G. Playfalr, an English banker, residing in San Francisco. Of course this was a mere subterfuge calculated to dodge the law, but it worked most satisfactorily to all concerned. There is one agency for the great oplum firm of Macao, China, in Sam Francisco. That substantially imports all the oplum that is #0ld in this country. This, of course, must be done through the connivance of their English go-between, The foreign agent re- celves a commission of §5 on each case of oplum imported. This accounts for two of this trinity. Now for the third. Of course there must be some one to act as customs broker. This has been intrusted to one of the most prominent brokerage firms of that clty. Retailers Make Little Profit. Such Chinese as are engaged In the re- tall oplum trade of the comst declare that they recelve no profit worth mentioning from the sale of the drug. Besides, all well-thinking Chinese are more than anxi- ous that oplum be placed upon the list of contraband articl It may seem astonish- ishing, and serve as a kindergarten lesson to the good citisens of the United States when they are told that the toy kingdom of Hawal{ many years ago forbade the im- portation of oplum to the islands, realizing that the use of the drug meant the certain destruction of the Hawallan race, and it seems almost incredible that with all our boasted civilization, the lawmakers of America Bave never shown that same re- sgard for the morality of our citizens as was evidenced by this semi-civilized mon- archy in the Pacific isles. It must be palpable to all right-think- Ing Americans that there Is a erylng need of national fegislation to eheck the spread of this Asiatle pl oplum smoking, amoug our own ol i It must be pal- pable, for the that nearly every municipality of ce In the United States has passed most.stringent laws to exterminate the evil, and it would cer- tainly oceur to an observer that these laws would hardly be necessary did the evil Dot exit. In the eity of San Francisco, it has been stated that there are at the lowest esti- mate, at least 10,000 white person: 0 are confirmed oplum smokers. This form of dissipation, if the curse may be dignified by such & name, is about as well known In Chicago, Denver and New York as It is there, and there is scarcely a village on the Pacific coast without Its resort for white oplum smokers. Even some of the small towns In New England have found it necessary to drive these degenerates across their municipal lines as a protection agalust the spread of the oplum plague among the young men and women there. Reallzing the demoralizing influence and effect of this decidedly un-American vi Senator Mason of Illinois bas introduced @ bill in the senate, d a similar bill has been introduced in the house by Represen- tative Blakeney of Maryland, which will put an end to the impartation of oplum to this country as soon as eitl of the bills become a I A rather respectable lobby has arrived _ 4. (Coniinued on Second Page,) ON THE INQUIRY in Samar Talks in the i 5y . MANILA, April 20.—The United States army transport Buford left here today for San Francisco after having been delained in quarantine for five days. General Jacob H. Smith, who was in com- mand of the forces in Samar at the time Commander Major Waller of the marins corps is sald to have executed natives of that island without trial, was to have gone home on Buford, but has disembarked her.. Orders have been recefved here from Washington to hold a court of inquiry into the general conduct of affalrs in Samar. General Smith asserts that to the best of his bellef the officers and men of his come mand in Samar had to face ineurmountable difficulties, that the difficulties they en- countered were almost unbearable and that the treachery of the natives of the island is unequalled in the history of warfare. He says the American soldlers acted in the circumstances with the greatest fore- bearance shown in the war in the Philip- pines. “Campaigning in Samar is not a pleasure trip, but a stern reality,” sald General Smith., He also expressed his doubt if the troops of any nation in the world would or could have acted in the circumstances in Samar as did the Amer- fcans, CHAFFEE COMPLIMENTS BELL Sends a Letter Along with the Con. mratulations of Pres Roosevelt. MANILA, April 20.—~General Chaffee has forwarded to General J. Franklin Bell the congratulations sent the latter by Presi- dent Roosevelt upon the recent campalgn In Batangas and Laguna provinces, con- ducted by General Bell. General Chaffee forwarded the president's communication through General Lloyd Wheaton and In an accompanying letter he expresses his great pleasure at the receipt by General Bell of the president’s congragtulations. No Amer- fcan troops, says General Chaffee, have ever before been charged with a task more dif- ficult of accomplishment. So unique has been the situation in Batangas and Laguna, continues General Chaffee in his letter, that only a person thoroughly familiar with it by actual contact can appreciate the con- ditions which have been met and over- come, or fairly determine what were the best methods to accomplish the objects, namely the recognition of the soverelgnty of the United States and the establish- ment of peace and order in the disturbed sections. NEVER WISHED ANYONE HARM Kind Words on Death Bed. 8T. PETERSBURG, April 20.—~The Novoe Vremya has published the first authentic account of the last moments of M. Sipia- gulne, the minister of the Interior, who was aseassinated by a studemt last Tuesday in the ministerial offices. According to this paper M. Bipiagulne recovered consecious- nees after his wounds had been dressed. He immediately realized he was dying and ex- hibited the greatest fortitude. He could only utter broken sentences. He expressed & wish to see the emperor and demanded that his wife and a priest be sent for. He muttered, “Death is hard for an unbeliever. It 1s impossible to live without faith. I mever wished any one anything but good.” His wife tried to persuade him that sleep would restore his strength, but M. Sipla- guine shook his head, declared that was their last Interview and asked for a final! kiss. He bad an affecting leave-taking with M. Vannovsky, the minister of public in- struction, and the other ministers. He finally lost consciousness before he was taken to the infirmary. BLOW UP MILITARY BARRACKS Conservatives iIn Nicaragua Cause Explosion Which Kills One H dred and Firty, MANAGUA, Nicaragua, April 20.—Some members of the conservative party caused an explosion in the military barracks here on Wednesday night. Nearly 160 lives were lost in the ex- plosion, and the barracks were destroyed ‘There has been considerable bittierness shown by the conservatives agalnst the lberal party, which is in power, and of which Presdent Selaya is the leader. EPIDEMIC | SURRENDER Small Parties of Philippine ents Give Up Arms to Americ Daily. MANILA. April 20.—Surrenders to the American authorities of small parties of in- surgents are reported dally and these have increased since the recent surrender of the insurgent general Malvar. General Rifiro, with twenty-six officers and 376 soldiers, has surrendered to the native constabulary in the province of Misamis, in Mindanao where the constabulary is co-operating with the military. Monument to Cavalry Commander, HANOVER, Prussia, April 20.—Emperor Willlam, Crown Prince Frederick Willlam and representatives of all the cavalry regi- ments of the emplre were present today at the unvelling here of & monument erected In honor of Genmeral von Rosenberg, the commander of the Thirteenth Uhlan regi- ment during the war of 1870. Empero: Willam and Count vom Waldersee, who was commander of the allied forces in China, made speeches at the banquet which tollowed the unvelling ceremonles. Seven Liv Fire, LONDON, April 20.—A fire broke out at midnight last night in Hackney, a popular suburb of Loudon, in a printer's warehouss, three stories high, the top floor of which was used for living rooms. A dozen fire engines and escapes arrived pramptly at the scene, but the flames were of overmas- tering power and it was impossible to enter the bullding. When the flames were finally under control the charred bodies of a maa, two women and four children were found Lost 1 Bishop O'Gorman in Rome. ROME, April 20.—Bishop Thomas O'Gor- man, D. D, of Sioux Falls, 8. D., who is & member of the American mission ap- pointed to confer with the pope with refer- ence to church questions in the Philippines, errived here today. Governor Taft, who is to stop here enroute to the Philippines, and Judge Smith, are expected shortly. Unable to Cheek Cholera. MANILA, April 30.—The cholera situation shows 0o Improvement. There has been a total of 388 cases and 300 deatbs In Manila and 858 cases and 602 desths ln the prov- incea I Olement Griscom Talks Freely of New Deal in Transatlantio Servioe. PRESERVE IDENTITY OF ALL THE LINES Capital to Be Two Hundred Milllon— Expect to Give Better Service on All Lines at Reduced Rates. PHILADELPHIA, April 20.—Clement A Griscom, president of the International Navigation company, one of the five trans atlantic steamship companies which have been merged under the direction of J. P. Morgan, today talked freely concerning the consolidation, its purposes and probable effects. Mr. Griscom sald he was unable to epeak definitely regarding the finarcial plan, as that was a matter for the consideration of Mr. Morgan and his partners, which will perhape be decided on within the next two weeks. In any event, President Griscom said, the consolidated companies would probably be in operation under the new conditions within a few months. 8o far as the negotiations regarding the merger are concerned, they have been com- pleted. Agreéments for a controling inter- st in each of the various lines have been secured and all that now remains to be accomplished Is the organization of the holding or parent company. This matter Is now In the hands of J. P. Morgan & Co. and their lawyers. 1t 18 possible, though by no means certain, that the International Navigation company, whose chartered powers are very broad, will be made the parent company. The question now under consideration Is the desirability of this plan as against the organization of an entirely new company to control the operations of the combined steamship lines. The published statements as to the financial basis of the combine, Mr. Griscom sald, were entirely speculative, as that detail had not as yet been com- pleted. Capitalization of Company. “The capltalization of the consolidated companies,” gaid Mr. Griscom, “will be in the nelghborhood of $200,000,000, which sum about represents the property absorbed. Working capital of course, will be provided and the profits and reserve fund should enable us to bulld the necessary additions to our fleets. While control of the com- pany will be held in this country, it will be a strictly international organization, fos- tering the various companies included in the conolidation, preserving their autonomy and respecting tneir national and local sur- roundings. “The object of the combination," continued Mr. Griscom, “is to give better transat- lantic service at a reduced cost, as hereto- fore the trade has been extravagantly con- ducted and we propose to operate more in- telligently In the future. We expect in time to Inaugurate a system of dally de- partures from New York, an Innovation that la a real necessity, “There 18 no political significance fn this deal. The negotiations have covered a period of many vears and was interested in the subject as far back as 1884. The passage of the ship subsidy bill would have but one effect, 8o far as the new enter- prise is concerned. It would enable us to sail ships now building and hereafter bullt under the American flag on an equal with the ships of other countries. The published statements that the ship subsidy bill would enable us to sall our foreign vessels under the stars and stripes are Incorrect as the Dbill specifically states that only American bullt ships can benefit by its provision, and furthermore such a course is contrary to the whole scheme. Ounly Four Benefited by Subsidy. “We have existing only four small ves- sels that might benfit by the passage of this bill and they are on the Pacific. While in the coastwise trade, in which they are now engaged, the provisions of the bill would not apply to them. After our pres- ent mail contract expires the four Ameri- can transatlantic liners of the International Navigation company are eligible for a new contract either under the present postal law or under any new act that might be passed by congress.” Mr. Griscom denied the published state- ment that Liverpool would be abandoned as a passenger port. He sald that question had mot been discussed. “‘Every port,” he sald, “will be developed, along, the lines to which each port is best adapted. We will cstablish an economic and sensible manage- ment." Mr. Griscom said it was possible the company would carry its own insurance. “The consolidation,” declared Mr. Griscom, “will result in better transatiantic service, steadier and more uniform rates, a just distributicn of trafic over all American and Canadian seaports, increased lines on the Pacific and services to South America as trafic may be found to justify them. Having lines between Great Britaln and Australia and New Zealand and intimate connections with the far east American manufacturers will be able te distribute their products on through bills of lading and avoid the expemse of transhipments which they now incur. “The products of the farm will be shipped from the seaport most convenient to thet of production. , In a word, it is intended to reduce transportation charges as far as possible to every one; to improve facilities and the company expects to make its in- creased profits over the condition of the past from economical management. To what extent these new services will ba conducted by steamships built in this coun- try and sailed under the American flag de- pends upon congress.” PRESIDENT RETURNS HOME Arrives in W ngton After Ceremonies at lumbia Univer; on Sunday Co- WASHINGTON, April 20. — President Roosevelt returned to the city at 7:30 this morning from New York WASHINGTON, April 20.—The president’s daughter Ethel returned with him to ingten, the other members of the being Dr. Urle, the president’s physiclan. and Mr. and Cortelyou. Mrs. Roosevelt will remain in New York for a day or two. The return trip was with- out spectal incident. Governor Crane of Massachusetts was ou the same train on his way to Washington with reference to some private business matters and spent some time with the president. Their meeting was accidental and nothing of public interest developed therefrom. PEIIN, April 20.—A post on the outskirts of New Chwang, garrisoned by forty Rus- bas been attacked by bandits. One Russlan Loficer and four privates were Mllled, < ~ PURPOSES OF THE MERGER| DALlAS GETS A SCORCHING Flames Burst Out Almost Simul- taneously in Several Sections of the City. DALLAS, Tex., April 20.—Two persons were fatally injured, Fire Chief Magee was prosirated and a property loes of fully $3 000 was caused by several fires which oc- curred here shortly atter 3 o'clock this morninz. At that hour an alarm was turned 'n trom the Dorsey printing establishment and in a short time one of the flercest confla- grations which has visited Dallas in years was In progress. Te add to the trouble of the fiemen several other alarms from dif- . of the city were turmed in in quick succeseion. + hgniing the fire for two hours Chiet Magee was prostrated and the command was turned over to an assistant. The chief was rescued from the flames by the police and was unconscious for several hours, but was later reported out of danger. Fireman Will Spurr was struck face with a brick and fatally injured The young son of Fire Chief Magee was found on the floor of the engine room at the fire station with a fractured skull. It is supposed that the lad attempted to slide from the bunk room to the engine room on one of the iron poles used by the firemen and fell to the floor below. He probably will die, The Dorsey Printing company’s plant was totally destroyed, the loss being about $2 000, half covered by insurance. Twenty Buildi in the % Consumed. While the Dorsey fire was in progress a fire broke out on Lamar street, near Collins, and twenty bulldings were destroyed. Half of them were ordinary business houses and the remainder boarding houses and dwell- ings. The Grifith Lumber company s one of the principal losers in that section of the city, where it is estimated the losses will aggregate $150,000, of which Grifith & Co. sustain $50,000, with insurance of $25,- 000. The loss of the Keating Implement com- pany is heavy, but mot mccurately known. About a dozen smaller mercantile and manufacturing establishments were de- stroyed, the losses ranging from $8,000 down. While the two big fires were raging a third one broke out in the residence dis- trict of Fisher lane, in South Dallas, two miles distant, which destroyed four cot- tages, worth $20,000, the fnsurance on which cannot be obtained tomight. Insurance men are positive that the fire in Fisher lane was incendlary and the police and fire departments are strongly inclined to believe that all were due to Incendiaries. USE CUBANS AS DRUMMERS American Houses Employ Islanders WASHINGTON, April 20.—Mr. Frederick Emory, chief of the bureau of foreign com- merce, today made public ap interesting extract from that portion of dmmgvm re- lations ef the United Stafrs, aow in press, which deals with our trade with Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. Our goods are favorably known in Mexico, It is stated, but in certain lines, such as dry £00ds, hats, shoes, notione and men's and women's furnishings, our exporters seem to have made practically no attempt to gain the Mexican trade. Americans are more fully realizing that they must accommodate themselves to the wants and pecullarities of the Mexicans. and as a result trade is growing. Many United States houses have adopted the plan of sending >ut young Mexicans or Cubans as traveling salesmen. These men are acquainted with the wants of the Latin- American trade and excellent results have been achieved. Business fallures are rare in Mexico, For example, in Mazatlan there has been only one in the last fifteen years, and that was due to the fallure of the main house in Parfs. Commercial travelers who come to Mexico, 1t is stated, will find a conserva- tive class of merchants, who take pride in paying their debte promptly. Floating Sample Stores. Attention Is called to an Interesting ex- periment which American firms are trylng in the shape of a floating sample store. A vessel is to leave the United States for the western coast of Mexico, Central America and South America, having for sale sam- ples of merchandise of all kinde suitabie for tropical trade, each line of goods belng in charge of an expert sman. American enterprise has figured conspic- uously in the development of the large city of Monterey, its water works, sewerage, gas plants, railways and founderies being for the most part American In the Danish West Indies the imports from the United ,States are advancing yearly, in spite of trade depression. The uncertainty of communication is the main drawback to our trade, it is stated. At one period of last year fifty-two days passed without a single direct steamer to the United States. Machinery Scores a Hit. In Guatemala our machinery is highly appreciated, although its delicacy will not admit of the ignorant handling of the Indian labor universal to the country. However, It is realized that it is far superior to other machinery in the matter of fuel economy and as the fuel supply of the country grows less each year, this tact is cxpected greatly to increase the sale of American machinery. Three-fourths of the imports of Honduras come from the United States, but trade that has been ours has diverted to the Germans on account of close quarantine of the Louisiana Board of Health during the last year. In Jamaica the United States has sup- planted England in many lines of sale, and shoes, cotton goods and coal are almost exclusively supplied by us. An increasing quantity of goods is being consumed in the Dutch West Indles, more than half the imports now being American Our machinery has a firm foothold fin Guadeloupe and our trade is good in Haytl, though it would be improved, 4 is stated, it United States merchants were willing to extend the credits granted by European sellers. Three years ago it was hardly possible to find a shoe or hat of American make ir Santo Domingo. Now these articles are handled by a number of houses and trade In other lines is increasing largely. Besides 85 per cent of the provision trade, we sup- ply all of the lumber that is imported ana & good portion of other building materials Riots In Streets STOCKHOLM, April in favor of universal today in all towns of holm the meeting was siderable disorder. The demonstrators tried to march to the palace of King Oscar, they were charged by the police and several were wounded. Othere were arrested. The “pproaches (o the palace are now guarded b Lroogs. of Stockholm, 20.—Mass meetings suffrage were held Sweden. In Stock- attended with con- — | santa Fe Mak ATTEMPT AT DOUBLE MURDER | Mrs. Katie Simet Shoots Nine Times at Goorge Baker, BAKER THEN BRUTALLY ATTACKS WIFE Trouble Starts by Man Attempting to Beat His Wife While She s Visiting at the Simet Home. Mrs. Katle Simet took nine shots at George Baker Sunday afternoon with a 32 caliber revolver, two of which took effect, one in the left arm between the shoulder and the elbow, and the other in the right foot behind the large toe. A passed through his left shoe grazing the large toe. After the shooting Baker re- turned to his home, where he had been pre- ceded from the shooting by his wife, and beat her severely. He was taken to Clarkson hospital, and Mrs. Simet, Charles Sitzman and Mrs. Baker were lodged in Jail, the two women belng detained in the matron’s department. The shooting occurred at the home of Mrs, Simet, 118 Hickory street, at 2:30 o'clock, and was caused by Baker attempt- ing to whip his wife, who was visiting at the Simet house. Baker and his wife had trouble Sunday morning and the latter went to Mrs. Simet's, and was followed In a short time by her husband, who was under the influence of liquor. When he arrived at the house Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Simet and Sitzman, who Is related to Mrs. Simet, were in the sitting room. Baker went into the room and demanded that his wife return home. She refused to go and he struck her and attempted to drag her from the house. Mrs. Simet interfered and Baker knocked her down. Rapld Firing Be, Baker then turned his attention to his wife, and the two struggled into the kitchen, where Mrs. Simet soon appeared with a re- volver. She immediately opened fire and shot five tlmes at short range, none of the ehots taking effect. Baker then stepped out of the door, as though to leave the house, and Mrs. Simet reloaded her revolver. Baker soon re- turned, re-enforced with an axe. As he started in the door Mrs. Simet took four more shots. Baker dropped his axe, threw up his hands, and with the exclamation: “My God! you hit me!” walked away. Some one sent in an alarm for the police and Officers Vanous, Cassane, Wilson and Detective Johnson rushed for the scene. Upon their arrival, both Baker and Mrs. Baker had left the house. Mrs. Simet and Sitzman were arrested, and Johnson and Cassane made & run for Baker's house, at 1817 South Second street. Upon their arrival they found Mrs. Baker Iylng on the bed, almost unconsclous, moan- ing for some one to save her from her hus- band. Her face and clothing and the bed spread were covered with blood, which flowed from a gaeh in her head, and from her nose and mouth. Her head lay on a pillow, in the fndention of which was pool of blood. . Drinks Beers as Blood Flows. Baker was seated at a table calmly drink- ing from a can filled with beer. His hands and arm were covered with blood, which bad trickled down from the bullet wound In the upper part of his arm, When quess tioned as to the cause of his wife's condi- tion, he would make no statement, except to repeat over and over: “I aln’t afraid of 00 WOmAD, DO gun, nor no man." Baker and his wife, Mrs. Simet and Sitz- man were taken te the police station, and after his wounds were hastlly dressed by Police Surgeon Benawa, Baker was removed to the Clarkson hospital. He refused to make & statement as to the cause of the shooting, but said he greatly worrled because he was afrald the wound In his foot would make it necessary for him “lay- ing off from work for a few days.” Dr. Benawa then dressed Mrs. Baker's wounds, which consisted of a gash several inches long on the top of her head, a smaller gash behind her left ear, both eyes blackened and the right eye almost closed from the effects of a blow. She suffered intensely and her condition is serious. Kicks Wife in Head. After being shot at the Simet house, Baker walked four blocks to a saloon, got a can of beer and went home, where Mrs. Baker had preceded him. He Immediately knocked her down, she said, and kicked her in the head and beat her almost sense- less, after which he left her on the floor and proceeded to drink his beer. She then managed to get upon the bed, where she was when the officers arrived. Four weeks ago, she sald, Baker had broken four of her ribs and she was still weak from the effects of that beating. Mrs. Simet said: “Mrs. Baker came to see me and while we were In the room talk- ing Baker came to'the house and demanded that his wife return home with him. When she refused he began to swear and struck her. 1 interfered and he knocked me down I then went into another room and when I came back Baker and his wife were in a rear room and as he started for me I fired at his feet, trying to scare him. He then left the house and I thought had gome away. I then reloaded my revolver and by the time I had finished he was starting in the door with an axe in his hand. Then I shot four more times. After he was struck he dropped his axe and walked away and Mrs. Baker soon left for home." Mrs. Simet Also Bruised. Mrs. Simet has several bruises on her face where ker struck her. She is the wife of a section foreman in the employ of the Burlington rallroad, who is i1l at St Joseph's hospital and is In & critical condi- tion. She Is the mother of a little boy and girl, who are with her in the matron's de partment at the police station. She weighs about 110 pounds, is below the medium In height and about 28 yea of age. She broke down at the police station and eried piteously while telling of the shooting, her greatest fear being that the shock will have a bad effect upon her sick husband. Baker {s employed at the distillery and is about 34 years of age. He took the shooting as a light matter and remarked that it took more than a woman with a gun to kill him Sitzman has been in the city about two weeks and he corroborated Mrs. Simet's statement of the trouble. From his state ment he evidently did nothing during the trouble except to get out of the way. TO OFFSET ROCK ISLAND DEAL Extensions in Okla- dian Territory hoctaw Purchase, GUTHRIE, Okla., April 20 —The Santa Fe Railway company is commencing a great number of extensions, covering 500 miles. Active construction has commenced at Shawnee, Pauls Valley, Ralston, Newkirk Cushing, Tecumseh and Owosso. It is rumored here that the Santa Fe will attempt to gain coutrol of Indian Ter- ritory lines running east and west to offset the advantage, gained by the Rock lsland 1o the purchasy of e Chostaw. N homa and Square third ball| the | Forec. Much for Nebraska—S8howers Lower Temperature Temperature at Omaha Yesterday: Hour. Deg. Hour. Deg. . BS 1 S8 o 86 Lol [ 66 .74 7 Monday geIreEeY 8 4 L3 o 4 R » 3 FIRE MAKES MANY HOMELESS Flerce Blage in Kansas City'Destroys Fifty Dwellings and Leaves Poor Destitute. KANBAS CITY, April 20.—A destructive fire visited the southwestern part of this city today, laylng waste a section of dwell- ing houses almost a quarter of a mile loug and a block wide and doing damage to the amount of $75,000. John Slinne of Quincy, Ill, a spectator, { was fatally infured by a falling plece of tron, and Bdward Bennett, a fireman, was overcome by heat About fity dwelling houses were da- stroyed and sixty or more families werc rendered homeless. A high wind, amount ing almost to & gale, was blowing and the flames spread with alarming rapidity. Because of a mistake in the alarm sent in the arrival of the firemen was delayed and the fire had gelned much headway be- fore they commenced operations. The fire started In a grocery store, and after destroying nearby buildings was car- ed by the strong wind up a steep hill, making the work of the firemen extremely dificult, Burning embers were blown more half a mile and for a time all of that tion of the city was threatened After three hours of hard fighting the fire was under control. Many persons lost all of their belongings. Much furniture and other property was destroyed, after having been piled in supposed places of safety. Most of the residents who suffered loss are poor. Those who need assistance are being cared for temporarily by nelghbors and charitable Institutions. FIND VERDICT HARD TO REACH Jury in Case of Negro Held for Mil- than por- lonatre Cooper's Murder Unable to Agree. ST. LOUIS, Mo., April 20.—The jury in the case agalnst Willlam Strother, the negro charged with the murder of A. Deane Cooper, the' millionaire, who was killed in a bathhouse several months ago, was un- able to agree on a verdict after being out all last night aad at an early hour this morning was discharged by Judge Ryan. The jury stood seven for acquittal and five for conviction. Seven ballots were taken. According to the statement of one of the jurors the first ballot stood six for convic- tion and six for acquittal. On the second ballot one of the jurors changed his vote from conviction to acquittal. The other ballote ehowed no change. J. 1. Kavanaugh, the foreman of the jury, in answer to the questions of Judge Ryan, stated that it was his opinion that no ver- dict could be reached. Other jurors werc of the same opinion. The jury was then discharged from further service. The standing of the jury caused great surprise aroung the Four Courts and to those who had followed the trial. After the jury retired it was thought a verdict would be reached In a short time, because of the strong case made by the prosecution. Strother was present in court when the fury was discharged and appeared much re- lieved over the outcome of the trial. His case will go over to the fall term of court HOT WIND DAMAGES WHEAT Crop in Kansas Must Have Rain Soon It Wil Be Fallure. TOPEKA, Kan., April 20.--A dry, hot wind trom the south Las swept over Kansas sinca early this morning, doing much damage to vegetation of all kinds. Those interested say the wind has done incalculable harm to the wheat, Unless rain comes within two days the wheat crop will amount to very little. The ground is tecomirg dry and hard. This is an unusual condition for an early spring month in Kansas. KANSAS CITY, April 20.—The highest temperature today was 91 degrees. A furious hot wind, such as might be looked for in August, blew. ST. JOSEPH, Mo., April 20.—The mercury in thermometers begin to climb about 9 o'clock today and at noon registered as high as 92, A change of more than 40 de grees in gix hours. A high sound wind set in and soon the air was dark with particles of dust and sand. Several light buildings were blown down. The sandstorm did not subside until night. Rain is badly needed throughout the state. OFFICER KILLS A GAMBLER OMcial Shoots Man Fires on Partner and Re- sists Arrest, Lawton Who GUTHRIE, Okl, April 20.—Charles E Growles wae shot and instantly killed by @ deputy marshal at Lawton last night as the result of a fight in a gambling house wherein Growles and a partner, Lewis, had fired a number of shots at each other with. out serious injury. Lewis had accused Growles of cheating at cards and the shooting followed. The of- cer attempted to arrest Growles and the latter fired in resisting, foreing the officer to fire in self-defense SUNDAY SHOOTING Quarrel Over Base Death of St. AFFRAY Res ST. LOUIS, April base ball, that was sald to have been thrown into his yard by neighbors children, | “Abe" Slupesky, a prominent local politi- | cfan, today shot and fatally wounded Charle; Pinckard, a saloon keeper, with the latte: revolver. Slupesky, who is under arrest says he shot in self-defense, after securing posses- slon of Pinckard's revolver. ce Suppress Riots. K146 Jamalca, April ous outbr occurred today at Annotta bay on the north coast. It was confined chiefly to a conflict between the polce and coolies employed on an estate. Police reluforcements, which were immediately sent from Port Antonlo, immediately put An end to the fighting. Many persons were injured und numerous arrests were made. prosecuted = ’h islend for non-paymest of taxes, —A riot CONDITION OF THE WEATHER | | Boats laden to their limit with pi | in | heroic | drownead. In a quarrel over | SHIP MASS OF FIRE Steamer Oity of Pittsburg Burns to Water's Edge. FLOATING ~ FURNACE IN MISSISSIPPI Three Bcore Perish in Flames or Leap to Watery Graves. PASSENGERS STIFLED BY THE SMOKE Passengers Asleep When Fire Breaks Out Orazed with Fear Hinder Resoue, HUNDRED AND FORTY ON FATED CR\FT Impossible - Time J to Tell at the Present How Many of Them Ar¢ Victims of the Fire and Water. CAIRO, 1ll, Apri] 20.—The side-wheel steamer Citx of Pittsburg, enroute from Cincinnati to Memphis, was burned to the waters edge early this morning at Turner's landing, near Olmstead, Ill., eleven miles from Mound City, NIL, and twenty-four miles from this city. The early reports stated that sixty-five lives were lost, and that many were badly burned and otherwise Injured, but the st of casuaities 1s not yet definitely deter- mined Two boats and every a this city went to the scene of the fire Efforts were made to catch New South of the same line at Paducah and have it steam back for relief, but New South had passed Paduach upward bound before the telegram was recelved. Most of the passengers were still in bed when Second Clerk Oliver Phillips gave the alarm. The engineers at once started all the pumping englnes, while the crew brought all the hose into play. Amid the streams of water on all sides the flames from the lower deck and dense clouds of smoke, the passengers rushed from their state rooms and a frightful panic en- sued. The appeals of the officers and crew could not appease the terror stricken crowds that Interfered with those throwing water on the flames, as well as with those working with life boats. Few could ad- just life preservers or do anything else for themselves. The smoke was stifiing. Great clouds floated through the blazing steamer, chok- ing the passengers and adding to the ter- ror. Children cried pitifully, be that they be saved. They knew as well a» their elders that death confronted them and clung to their mothers as though they alone could save them. Herolc Work of Roatmen, Life boats were manned and every effort was made to save the engers from the floating furnace of flam turdy boatmen rowed they never rowed -4 thelr heroic work of rescue, From the river banks the sparks from the burning craft and dense clouds of smoke tinged with tongues of flames from the viclous bed of fire, made a most im- pressive, yet weird spectacle. Boats were sent from the shore to help in the work of rescue, but the flames were only too surely consummating thelr work of destruction to save all from the inferno. engers attire they were able to landed at the river banks. As fast as one boat could be emptied it returned to the ill-fated steamer, the rescuers not walting to catch.n breath of rest. The burning steamer was quickly headed to the bank, but passengers had to jump off the stern, and trylng to swim ashore through the swift current many were Many also perished in the flames Only one yawl was saved without oars and the women were taken off. About twenty or thirty were taken off In the yawl. The rest were picked up from the water, flable craft from the scant gather, were | help, except from people living nearby, did until 2:30 this afternoon and clothes and not arri passengers with only night without food suffered terribly. Long List of Missing. Among the missing is a child of Pilot Al Pritchard, and Clay Breeze and wife and son, and son of Archie M. Allen of Pitts burg. Among the crew missing are: Joe Redding, Cincinnatl, stoker. Fred Jones, Newport, engineers' stoker. Tom Smith, Memphis, plot's stoker. Willlam Bollinger, Cincinnati, first stew- ard. Henry Thomas, (colored), Cinclnnatl, sec- ond steward. Jobn Botts. Cincinnati, cook Tony Gllfolle, Cincinnati, baker, and the following members of the crew whose names are unknown. First pantry man. Three colored firemen Six cabin boys. Two chambermaids. Six or elght deck bhands. Captain Phillips says twenty or twenty- five of the passengers are missing and the same number of the crew. Two women passengers were severely burned, but will recover, they are: Mre. 8, R. Leach of Bridgeport, O., burned about the hands. Mrs. Ellen Fenmore, Arbuckle, severely burned about the face. Mrs. Fannle McCullum of Leavensworth, Ind., lost three children. Pat Burt of Owensboro, Ky., wife and six children, were all lost Few Bodies Hecovered. The body of a child, dressed In night clothes was taken from the river at Mound City. Among the first bodies recovered were those of Captain Wesley Dosse of Cincin- patl, and Miss Marie Tissim of Connelton, engineer's W. Va., | Ind The fire was dicovered at 4:06 a. m. There were seventy passengers and seventy all told in the crew. A partial list of those saved is as follows James Neville, Dayton, Ky., boat carpen- Emma Smith, Paducah, psesenger. Ardue M. Ailen and wife, 251 avenue, Pittsburg. L. M. McGraw, Loulsville, Ky. Mrs. Judge Mulkey of Metropolis, 111 Artbur Shelley, Buckner, Ky., watche man. Mrs. Tuoy Myer and daughter, Pleasant, W. Va., badly burned. Margaret Brindges, Loulsville, Ky. Jenole Ressick, Lexicgton, Ky. C. K. Stalions and wife, Carrisville, Ky. Head Mate Shimers and wife. Miss Leech, badly burned. Pllot Pritchard, wife and ehild. Sylvester Doss, also died after belng brought ashore. Mise Marle Listerf Carrollton, 0., died Fourth Polnt