Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, May 15, 1902, Page 1

THE OMAHA DAILY BEE. ESTABLISHED JU NE 19, 871. OMAHA, THURSDAY MORNING, MAY ST. VINCENT LOSS BIG British Island Suffers More from Volcano Than Early Reports Indicated. SIXTEEN HUNDRED PEOPLE ARE KILLED Large Area on East Coast is Completely Desolated by the Eruption, DETAILS OF CALAMITY DEFY DESCRIPTION Governor of Windward Island Reports that Lava 8till Flows, NATIONS SENDING AID TO SUFFERERS United States in Jolmed by Fore Powers in Hastening Relief to LONDON, May 14.—The governor of the Windward islands, Sir Robert Llewellyn, telegraphs to the colonial office from the fsland of St. Vincent, under date of Tues- day, May 13, as follows 1 arrived here yesterday and found the te of affairs much worse than has been steted. The administrator's report shows that the country on the east coast betwee Robin Rock and Georgetown was appar- ently struck and devastated in a manner simflar to that which destroyed St. Plerre, and I fear that practically all living things in that radiue were killed. Probably 1,8% persons lost their lives. The exact number will never be known. Managers and own- ers of the estates, with their families, and soveral of the best class of peopls, have been killed. A thousand bodles have been found and burfed. O undred and sixty ona are in the hospital at Georgetown. ably only six of this number will re- COV The detalls of the disaster are too har- rowing for description. I got, at Bt. Lucla, a coasting steamer, which (s running up and down the Leeward coast with water and provisions. Twenty- two hundred persons have received relief. I have asked for medical officers from Trinidad and Grenada. All the ing British colonies are assistin ously. Every effort is being mgde to grap- ple with the awful calamity. All the best sugar estates in the Car- ribean country are devastated and' the cattle are dead. The eruption continues, but is appar- ently moderating. - Anxiety s still felt. All the officers and residents are co-operating with me. The women are making clothing. 8ir Frederick M. Hodgson, the gqvernor of Barbadoes, forwarded to the colonial office today the report of the colonial sec- retary, who has just returned from a visit to St. Plerre, Martinique. It confirms the worst accounts of the dis- aster. The secretary compares the ignited matter, which destroyed everything within an area of ten miles long by six wide, to burning wax. He adds, significantly, that the services of doctors are not required, as there are no wounded persons. Governor Hedgson estimates that 3,000,000 tons of voicanic dust fell on the island of Barbadoes. Earthquakes Two Weeks Ago. NEW YORK, May 14—In & dispatch from its correspondent &t St. Vincent, British West Indles, the Herald says: Admonitory rumblings and earthquakes 1a the vicinity of Soufriere came two weeks ago. On Monday, May 5, the lake in the old <rater became greatly disturbed. On Tues- day, at 2 o'clock In the afternoonm, the mountaln began a series of volcanic efforts. Bevere earthquakes accompanied these ter- Tible nolses and detonations succeeded Quickly, At 7 o'clock in the evening an immense column of steam issued from the crater and lasted until midnight. A terrific explosion followed on Wadnes- day morning and at 7 o'clock there was other sudden escape of steam. This cended for three hours, when other material ‘was ejected. At noon three craters appeared to open and began to vomit lava. Six streams at once ran down the sides of the mountains, ! making an awful scene. The mountain labored heavily for half ,an hour after the appearance of the lava. | Fire flashed around the edges of the craters ,and there were tremendous detonations, rap- ;1dly merging Into a continuous roar. | This lasted through Wednesday night and 'lnlll Friday morning. The thunderings of {the volcano were heard throughout the Caribbean sea. ' The eruption began Wednesday. A huge cloud in & dark and dense column, charged with voleanic matter, rose to & height of elght miles from the mountaln top. Dark- Dess, like midnight, descended and the supburous air was laden with fine dust. Rain of Rocks Stom. A briet raifi followed, a rain of rocks and stones. There were bright flashes, numerous and marvelously rapid. These, with the thun- dering, the mountain shocks, the earthquake roar and the falling stones, created & scene of borror. Large areas of cultivation have been buried beneath the volcanic matter, On the Windward coast seven plantations are totally destroyed. Nothing green fs ‘visible. Sixteen hundred and twenty death are already reported. There are 167 cases in the hospital at Georgetown under treat- ment. The deaths have been caused chiefly by suffocation by the sulpburous gases, light- niog and burning lava masses. Few of the cases in the hospital are Ilkely to recover. The crew of H. M. 8 Indefatigable buried thirty peasants found dead on the Owla estate north of Soufriere A new crater i reported formed on the Richmond estate near the seashore. Littered with Dead Bodies. The country districts on the Windward oast are littered with dead bodles. Kingstown, the capital, and the whole There bave been no accidents or deaths. Clouds of dust are blowlng over the city, Boweve: The royal mall steamer Wear is trans- porting food snd water to the Leeward ©oasts, salling vessels proceed to the Wind- ward coast on the same ocean. Doctors and purses have gone to the scene of dis- tress. AISE YANKEE GENEROSITY 1ah Laud Prompt Ald by Ameri- cans and Urge Melp for Thelr Kin. PR E LONDON, May 14.—At a dinner of the West Indian club, held in London tonight {the Hon. Arthur' Ponsonby declared that In view of the generosity- shown by Presi- dent Roosevelt and the American people toward the Martinique sufferers, the people of Great Britain should not be behind in emulating President Roosevelt's example and helping thelr own countrymen on the Island of St. Vimcent. Sir Arthur said he | teared, however, that ¢ A.jabion of donat- | ing funds for the sug % Ay, victims of the disaster on the "y 'y set by King Edward, might™s L s 10 overlook their suffering il I:.;‘W-/,.a cent. 5ot C. T. Cox, the administrator of the 2, of St. Kitts, in the Leeward group, spw In the same strain as had Sir Arthur Pon- sonby Mr. Cox sald: “American philanthropy shows up on Martinique, yet no one in Fng- land has any idea how severely the in- habitants of St. Vincent must sufter, not only from loss of life, but from the loss of their trade, which, in normal times, is car- ried on on the hand to mouth bas Mr. Cox, who is on leave in England, ex- pressed on behalf of the British adminis trators of West Indian islands the deepest sympathy for both the French and British sufferers from the volcanic eruptions Upon all sides bitter comparisons be. tween the British government's lack of ac- tlon In regard to the sufferers in the West Indles, and the prompt and material re- sponse of the United States to the emer- gency are being made. At the request of Joseph Chamberlain, the colonlal secretary, Sir Joseph Dimsdale, the lord mayor of London, bas opened a fund at the Mansion House for rellef of the victims of the volcanic eruption on the Island of St. Vincent. EARTHQUAKES IN GUATEMALA Disasters Cause Two T Destroy Vi of Property. msand Deaths Amount SAN FRANCISCO, May 14.~—The eteamer Guatemala brings additional detalls of the earthquake in Central America last month. Guatemala left the port of that name April 29. Up to that time 1,100 bodies had been taken out of the rulns of Quezaltenango. Captain Harris, of Guatemala, said: It fs estimated that 2000 people were killed. The dead were still being re- moved when we salled. The stench from the unburied corpses was frightful, and {o avold & pestilence the government has been compelled to _employ large gangs of men to clear the wreckage of the dead. Natives from the interfor are flocking to Guatemala. The inhabitants are ter- ror-stricken. ~ Farms are deserted and there are fears of famine In consequence, The Pacific coast suffered far greater damage than the Atlantic. of Captaln Harris said the merchants Guatemala were doing all in their power to alleviate the condition of the poor and the dlstressed. Credit has been extended in many instances for four and five years. Many of the wealthy planters bave lost their entire fortunes. HONG KONG IS THREATENED Three Fresh Cfl.:_:l Plague, Bring- ing the Total Up to Elghteen. VICTORIA, B. C., May 14.—Reports from Hong Kong, received through the arrival of the steamer Empress of India, indicate the health conditions of Hong Kong to be a threatening condition. India left there on April 23. During the | two previous days three fresh cases of| plague were reported in the colony, two of| the victims being Chinese. The third's na- tlonality was not specified. This brings the total for the year up to eighteen cases. The cases of communicable disease in the colony for the week prior to the safling of| India were: Seven, plague, with six deaths; | cholera, 24, with 21 deaths; enteric fever, one fatal case; puerperal fever, one fatal smallpox, four, with two deaths. News aleo was brought that Macao had been declared an infected port, twelve cas of plague having been located there since the beginning of the year, The Moukden dispatch says that a letter from Harbin reports the arrival there of 5,000 Russian troops, who have been brought over from the Russian side of the Amur river, enroute for Port Arthur. These troops were dispatched at the rate of 1,000 0dd men au‘y, and the ammunition brought by them filled some eight or more freight cars. The rumor at the time in Harbin was that Russia was going to war with Japan and Great Britain and that 50,000 more men were to reach Harbin in & fortaight's tim MORGAN IS GOING TO SPAIN To Negotiate for Entry of Spanish Line Inte Shipping Combin MADRID, May 14.—It is reported here that J. Plerpont Morgan is coming to Spain in order to negotiate for the entry of the Spanish Transatlantic company into the At lantic shipping combination. Officlals of the ‘Transatlantic company, however, informed the correspondent of the Associated Press that while they have not yet recelved proposals on the subject they would not reject the idea of discussing the matter if Mr. M comes. ‘The company e subsidized by the Spanish sovernment, and in view of the present con- dition of the treasury it would gradually cancel tbe arrangement. Indeed the Ques- tion of its cancellation has already been warmly debated in the Chamber of Depu- ties, but the subsidy was finally continued owing to patriotic motives. The same argument, perhaps, may impede the reported negotiations of Mr. Morgan, a the sentiment that still existe here against the United States may be an important fac- tor in the matter. STEAMER IS LONG OVERDUE Reported to W Many Passengers on Board and They May Be Lest. 4 IXON LEAVES ~ TAMMANY Oroker's Buccessor Resigns, as He Says, to Maintain His Self-Respect. WILL NOT BE DRIVEN AGAINST HIS WILL Spurns Any Vote of Confidence—After His R Per tion He Anno nent Wit trom Polities. EW YORK, May 14—Lewls Nixon, leader of Tammany Hall for nearly six monthe, resigned that position today at a meeting of the district leaders held in Tam- 7v hall. While the resignation was not Yy unexpected, it was not thought Mr. Nixon would take such positive /m until a later date, first awalting the A%50n of the leaders to see If they would give him a vote of confidence, and went 80 far as to say thct he could no longer | retain his self-respect if he remained as leader. The meeting of the district leaders was called at the instance of Mr. Nixon, who on Tuesday night sent telegraphic messages to-all of the thirty-seven. This actlon fol- lowed a deadlock at the meeting of the sachems of the Tammany Hall society Mon- day, when Mr. Nixon's intention of retain- ing Thomas L. Feitner as grand sachem was frustrated by a tie vote, there being ix of the sachems of the thirteen for and six against the retention, the thirteenth, George C. Clauseon, being absent. Demands Full The action of that time caused a general diskussion of the possibilities of Mr. Nixon losing control of the organization, and the combination headed by John F. Carroll oust- ing him. Mr. Nixon, in an interview on Tuesday, 4 if he could not have the con- fidence of the leaders he would “get out.” When Mr. Nizxon arrived at Tammany hall today all of the thirty-seven leaders were present. As soon as the meeting wi called to order Mr. Nixon arose from a front seat and said: “Gentlemen, I have determined to resign s leader of Tammany Hall. This resigna- tion 1s absolute and positive. and will not be withdrawn. I wish it to take effect im- mediately. I feel that I cannot retain my self-respect and still remain the leader of Tammany Hall. My decision is unalter- able.” Passes Out Cheap Bouquet. Leaders There was a moment's silence when Mr. Nixon had finished. Then Colonel Michael C. Murphy made a very complimentary speech in praise of Mr. Nixon. He did not ay, however, that he wished him to re- main as leader. He sald that Mr. Nixon had done splendid work as the leader and had the confidence of all the leaders. Mr. Nixon jumped to his feet as soon as Colonel Murphy had finished and sald: “I do not desire any vote of confidence whatever.” He immediately left the room, followed by an outburst of handclapping. Outside the meeting room Mr. Nixon would only say to the newspaper men: "1 am out as leader of Tammany Hall. Ship bullding & my business; I am out of Ppolitics and T am glad of it. I will devote my time to my business of ship building and: will talk about that by the hour, but I will not talk about politics hereafter. The cause of my resignation is plain. I could bave won out and elected Mr. Feltner grand sachem, but I would not appeal to Mr. Croker." Conference of Chiefs. Following the departure of Mr. Nixon several of the leaders remained for some time in groups chatting about the resigna- tion and the possible developments. It was announced that a meeting of the executive committee of district leaders will be held Thursday, at which time Mr. Nixon's res- ignation will be acted upon. There were numerous rumors about the all regarding the future policy of the or- ganization. The most persistent one, and one that was endorsed by several leaders, was that there would be no actual leader of Tammany Hall for some time to come. This was coupled with a rumor that the finance committee would be abolished, as well as the chalrmanship of this com- mittee. The chairman, who is now Lewis Nixon and was Richard Croker, as such had the handling of the funds of the organiza- tion in the political campaigns. BOER DELEGATES GATHERING Boer Conferemce at Vereenin, Be Largely Attended by Barghers. LONDON, May 14.—Lord Kitchener has potified the War office that representatives of all the bodies of Boers throughout the Transvaal and Orang River colonies are gathering at Vereening for the conference which begins tomorrow and that he has ar- ranged that the delegates shall not be im- peded in reaching the pla: Consequently the assemblage is expected to be large. The decision reached regarding the peace terms will be later submitted to the Brit- ish. A delegation, consisting probably of the same Boer leaders who went to Pre. toria recently, will be deputized to convey the decision to Lord Kitchener. GENERAL STRIKE IN SWEDEN STOCKHOLM, Sweden, May 14.—The so- clal democratic party has decreed a general strike in support of the suffrage movement. All #ts adherents throughout Sweden will stop work tomorrow, whep the debate on the suffrage bill commences in the Riks- dag. The strike will continue throughout the debate and probably last three days. It will involve most of the industries, only such work being carried out is essential to the life and bealth of the community. The newspapers of several of the cities will suspend publication during the strike, isstoner Pleased, CHRISTIANIA, Norway, May 14.—Mr. Wennerstrum, & comnissioner of the St Louls exposition, after a canvass of the sit- uation here, has vai saiisfac- tion with the plans and prospects for Scan- dinavian participation in the exhibition. Bulleting te Be Discontinued. THE HAGUE, May 14.—The physical con- dition of Queen Wilbelmina is now all that could be desired. Regular bulletins in re- gard to her health will therefore cease to be iseued. e Will of Sol Smith Russell. 15, PAGES SINGLE CoPrY FIVE CENT! MINERS SLOW IN DECIDING Seven Hundred Delegntes Le HAZLETON, Pa., May tlon of the anthracite mij two sessions in the opera and without taking any actfén on the ques- tion of inaugirating a pgrmanent strike adjourned until morning. About 700 dele- gates were In attendance. The convent'on is meeting behind closed doors and, although nothffig officlally given out, it fx known thatfthe all-import- ant question was not reachgd, the two ses sions being devoted entirelf to the organ- ization of the meeting andf the report of the committes on credentials. President Mitchell was made chalrmagof the conven- tion. The day brought forth ndj@efinite infor- mation bearing on the proflable action of the convention and the situstlon tonight re- mains about the same as it Bas been during the last forty-eight hours. President Miten- ell said that all hope of &ny concessions from the operators was gome. He has had no recent communieation, h§ sald, with the mine owners, Senator Hania or any other member of the National Clvic federation He admitted that he had mome advice to give to the delegates mt the proper time, but what it is he will not eay. Sentiment Favers Strike. The conven- workers held e here today In an interview today he sald that there was no doubt that the semtiment of the men 1s in favor of a strike, but he refused to make any reply when saked if he would give advice that would come in conflict witn their sentiments. It is admitted that what President Mitch- ell suggests will be done, motwithstanding the fact that a majority of the delegates are in favor of a strike if the mine owners do not make concessions. Therefore, it looks very much as though the whole mat- ter rests upon the natlonal president. The advice that he will give, the miners to- morrow is known to probably only four others persons—the three district presi- dents and National Secretary-Treasurer W. B. Wilson, who arrived here today. There are persons here representing raflroads, stock brokers and others who are making an effort to get first information. Tomorrow morning's session of the con- vention will begin at 9 o'clock and cording to Mr. Mitchell, a final adjourn- ment will be had in the afternoon Quiet reigned everywhere in the reglon today and not a pound of coal was mined anywhere. A great crowd of mine workers came into town from the surrounding villages and coal patches. They crowded arousd the convention hall, walting for information from the inside, and they were greatly dis- appointed when the convention adjourned this afterroon without taking definite ac- tion. BIG LOCKOUT IN WASHINGTON ng Trades Ob- ject to Employment of Non- Union Plumbers. WASHINGTON, May 14.—A lockout of about 2,400 men engaged in the building trades of the city went into operation here today. The issue is cinr the employ- ment of nou-union plumbers-4n the bulld-l ing work. HAYTI IN A CHAOTIC STATE Revolutionists Sieze Customs Houses and Collecting the Duties. Are PORT AU PRINCE, Haytl, May 14.—Ad- miral Killick, commander of the Haytien fleet, bas started for Cape Haytien with the Haytien war ships Crete A'Plerot and Toussaint Louverture, having declared him- self in favor of General Firmin, the former minister of Hayti at Paris, who is the head of the revolutionary forces In the northern part of the island. The northern revolutionists have seized the customs houses of Cape Haytien, port de Palx and Gonaives and are collecting du- tles. Protests against this action on the | part of General Firmin have been entered by the National bank and the diplomatic corps. A severe engagement bitween the north- ern revolutionists and tne southern forces, meaning the troops f~.m Port au Prince and the cities of its vicinity, is expected to take place tomorrow or the day after. A steamer from Kingston, Jamalca, is ex- pected bere today or Thursday, bringing a number of Heytiens who have been in ex: Among them are M. Fouchard and Sen- oque Plerre, two more candidates for the presidency. The French steamer Olinde Rodriguez, on which ex-President Sam embarked vester- day morning, is still in the harbor of Port | She was to have salled yester- | detained by the French min- | au Prince. day, but wi ister, M. Deprez. She will remain here until a foreign warship reaches Port au Prince. The absence of a foreign warship is caus- ing great uneasiness in the foreign colony here. After the embarkation of General Sam all the political prisoners here were re- leased, and last night they, with groups of drunken eoldiers, paraded the streets. Shots were fired from time to time, and it was feared that the plundering of stores and residences would follow. The provisional government constituted by M. Boysrond Canal. a former president, is attempting to control the situation, but General Saint Foix Colin, the district com- mander; General Kebreau, the chief of po- lice, and M. Polynice, the communal mag- istrate, are the only officials who appear to be exercising authority. They formed a corps of respectable citi- zens yesterday evening and succeeded in disarming most of the dangerous charac- ters. As a result the night was much quicter than it would otherwise have been. WASHINGTON, May 14.—In view of the critical state of affairs in Haytl and Santo Domingo the Navy department is making plans to send the training ship Topeka, now at Port Royal, 8. C., to San Domingo City, to fill the place made vacant by the dispatch of the Cinclonat to Martinique. Orders have gone forward to have the Topeka made ready for and unless th situation in the two little republics is ma terially alleviated it will sall for the scene of trouble in a short time. PREACHER MUST SERVE TIME need to Penitentlary, EMPORIA, Kao., May 14.—Rev. W. H. Pollett, a colored preacher, who last month shot and killed Isiah Edmundson, a negro laborer, as & result of family troubles, was today found guilty of mansleughter in the second degree and will President Roosevelt Lays Cornerstone and Senator Hanna and Othrers Take Part. MEMORIAL BY THE METHODIST CHURCH ution Will Be Devoted to Teach- ing of Polijics mnd Diplomacy— Elnquent Trihuify of Roose- velt and Habna. WASHINGTON, May 14.—In the presence of a large audience President Roosevelt lald the cornerstone of - the McKinley Memorfal Ohio College of Government of the American university, located a few miles outside of this city In the north- western part of the District of Colymbia When completed the bullding will be de- voted to studles embracing diplomacy, mu- nicipal government, arbitration, civic and international law. On the platform besides the president were Secretary of Agriculture Wilson, Sec- retary Hay, Senators Hanna and Dolliver, Bishop Willard F. Mallalleu of Massachu- setts and many men prominent In educa- tional and church work The ceremonies were opened by a hymn written for the occasion by Rev. Dr. J. B Hankin, president of Howard university. Responsive readings from the Proverbs and prayer by Joseph F. Perry, D. D., of Chicago followed. Senator Dolliver of lowa was then introduced. He apoke briefly of the life and character of the late President McKinley and eaid that it was fitting that his name should be connected with a school of political science. Hanne Shows Emotion. Senator Hanna was the next speaker and from the beginning of his remarks until the end his volce tremored with emotion. He sald In part The laying of this cornerstone, the found- ation of this temple of learning to be builded by the public spirited men of my native state, Is consecrated to the memory of her dearest son, Willlam McKinley. (Applause.) Pfle up your marble and every stone will mark an incident in his life, of his devotion to humanity and his fellow men. (Applause.) Crown it in the glory of its completion and he will look down from on high and bless your roble work. It is indeed a noble work.” President McKinley was deeply in- terested in this enterprise and it was owing to the tnssl-tlrm of his belief that the people of Ohlo were stirred to make the Tealization of It to meet his views and wishes. Look to Him for a Leader. It was to him that we looked for our leader, not only in thought, but in ex- ample. His Interest in this university was not because it belong-d to a sect of which he was a member, but it was because of his devotion to all public institutions that contributed to the development of his the foundation of the people which was to make his country great, and his experience in public life made him ap- preciate perhaps more than any other man | the value of an institution like this. That cornerstone has beneath it a founda- tion more enduring than granite—it is im- mortality—(applause) and that was the foundation of McKinley's life. (Applause.) Upon this subject I cannot speak as I would, my triends. The memories which come to me on an occasion like this are too | paintul to dwell on. Our martyred president is here today in spirit,_and i that sacrifice were needed that we nu-&-w our hearts to learn | whereln we tould do higher and nobler | decds—If that example were necessary to | inspire the young men of this country to broader and more liberai and higher mo- tives of soclal and governmental life—then indeed: “'His will, not ours, be done.” (Loud ap- ) plause. Is Warmly Congratulated. At the conclusion of his remarks the sen- ator was warmly congratulated by Secre- tary Hay and President Roosevelt and all within reach Commissioner McFarland, Dr. T. M, Bris- tol, who was President McKinley's pastor, and Bishop Mallalteu followed with brief | | addresses. The ceremony closed with a | | brief speech by President Roosevelt, who sald: Ladles and Gentlemen: I am to say one word, nothing need be said more than those who 'have addressed you this afternooi the statesmen who worked with McKinl and the pastor under whose ministrations he sat. It is indeed appropriate that the Metho- | dists of America, the men belonging to that | religlous organization, which furnished the ploneers in carving out of the west what [s%how" the ‘heartrof the sreat American | republic, should found this university in | the city of Washington and should butld | the college that s (o teach the aclence of | government in the name of the great ex- ponent of good and strong government who died last fall; who died as truly for this | country as Abraham Lincoln himself. (Ap- plause.) 1 thank you for having given me the op- portunity this afternoon of coming before | you and laying the cornerstone of this | bullding. (Applause.) | The president then, with trowel in hand, threw in the mortar, and the stone was lowered slowly into position. At some later date it will be raised suf- ficiently to permit of the placing of some | relics within the zinc box. The Dexolnxy} wi #ung at the president’s request and the services closed with a benediction by Rev. H. R. Naylor of Washington. DEATH RECORD. Editor George S. Du NEBRASKA CITY, Neb, May 14— (Bpecial.)—Word was received in this city today that George 8. Dunn, an old resident of Otoe county, had died in the hospital Mr. Dunn, who was about came to Nebraska City in e entered the newspaper | business, to which he devoted his attention until the time of his death, being pub- llsher of the Star at Marshall, Texas. The remains will be brought here tomorrow for burial. Seth Shoemaker, Beatrice, BEATRICE, Neb., May 14.—(Special.)— Seth Shoemaker, a veteran of the civil war and for many years a resident of this | city, died yesterday morning, aged 59 years. He served with honor during three years of the civil confiict. He is survived | by & widow and two children. The funeral was held this afternoon under the auspices of the Grand Army of the Republic. | ONAWA, Ia., May 14.—(Special.)—Joseph D. Woodward, one of the ploneers of Mo- nona county and a leading farmer, died at his bome in Onawa last night, aged nearly 75 years. In 1855 Mr. Woodward came to Monona county to select land and entered 600 acres at the Bluffs land office in what | 1s now Grani aud Map 1 ¥ Plomeer. townships. | Harwick of Buffalo, N. Y. €. W, Hird, Fairmont. FAIRMONT, Neb., May 14.—(Special.)— The funeral of C. W. Hird occurred here today under the auspices of the Masonic and 0dd Pellow lodges. The deceased had been & resident of this place for about twelve years. Interment was at Friend. A wife and daughter survive bim. Bryan af Bizad M p JBANON, Mo, May 14—The splendid monupient erscted’ hers o the memory of the late Ricl Bland will be un- velled June 1I7. an Governor FOUND M'KINLEY COLLEGE |CONDITION OF THE WEATHER Forecast for Nebraska and Kanea: Showers Thursday; Friday fair in West Fortion, Probably Bhowers in East Por- tion. Temperature at Hour. 5 Omaha Yesterday: Ho Dex. mo 1 a0 ESTTIT 1LY sEEgzaziz FRAUDULENT USE OF One of Biggest Schemes on Record Checked by Arrest and Con. feasion of Operators. KANSAS CITY, May 14.—V. D, Snyder and F. W. Stewart, president and vice president of the Union Wholesale company, with headquarters in Kansas City, pleaded gullty in the federal court here today to three in- dictments charging them with making fraudulent use of the mails. Sentence w!ll be passed next Monday. The federal an- thorities who have been working up the case against the men for some time, char- acterize the general scheme of the com- pany as one of the biggest frauds that nas ever been operated through the United States mails. The scheme has been thoroughly ac- counted in the civil courts where some of the victims brought suit. The concern was regularly incorporated and the statement of the secretary of state that the firm hed a capital stock of 58,000 gave them a rat- ing. The firm dealt In books and advertised for persons to take charge of branch agen- cles. Correspondents were required to bring a letter of credit or draft for $800 or $1,000 to cover the cost of books with which to do business. The prospective agent was promised a salary on condition that he sold a certain amount of books. The books proved to be worthles and utterly un- ble. When any of those who were caught made trouble they were sued for damages. Such a sult brought by Stewart is now pending in the federal court against W. 8. Corbly, who caused Stewart's arrest by the federal officers In Denver. Snyder was arrcsted in Chicago a month ago. DAKOTA WORKMEN IN SESSION Election of Ofcers and Selection of Next Meeting Place cupy the Day. MITCHELL, S. D., May 14.—(Special Tel- egram.)—The grand lodges of the Anclent Order of United Workmen and Degree of Honor bave been very busy today in trans- acting the matters that have come up for discuseion and action. Past Supreme Mas- ter Workman W. Warne Wilsor of Detroit, Mich., and Supreme Master Workman A. C. bave been ‘n attendance at both grand lodges today and reviewed their work of the last year. The annual election of officers in both grand lodges has occupled the attention of the delegates the greater share of the day. Fred B. Smith of Hecla was re-elected grand master workman and J. D. Lavin, ©of Aberdeen grand recorder. ¥'r the Degree of Honér Mrs. Algathe Sherwood of Des Moines was elected grand chief of honor, Miss Kate Seselons of Sioux Falls grand re- corder and Mrs. Della M. Stair of Mitchell grand recelver. The Anclent Order of United Workmen decided upon Lead. in the Black Hills, as the place for the next meet- ing of the grand lodge and the Degree of Honor also selected the same place. The Workmen met {n Lead two years ago. Lead lodge was awarded the banner for the great- est gain in membership in the last year Both lodges will adjourn tomorrow morning. ATTEMPT TO FIRE OIL WELL Watchman Absent for a Short Time, but Returns Before Match is Applied. EVANSTON, Wyo., May 14.—(Special Tel egram.)—About 6 o'clock this morning the watchman who placed at the Union Pacific oll wells at Spring Valley, after the raid of a few days ago, lef* for a half bour and when he returned he found the cap pried off of the well and petroleum scattered over the premise amount of kindling wood kerosene was also scattered about. These and other signs indicated an attempt wi made to fire the well. Armed guards have been placed at the wel and the authorities are making a rigid examination. It is claimed the attempt to fire the well was the work of a rival company. A prairie fire threatened the town this afternoon. The fire department was called out and subdued the flames before much damage had been done. PETTIGREW BUYS A MINE Former South Dakota Senator Invests | in California Gold Prop- erty. SALT LAKE, Utah, May 14.—The Tribuns today says that former Senator R. F. Petti- grew of South Dakota has purchased the Interest of former Semater Dorsey in the California King gold mine, located twenty- five miles north of Yuma, Ariz., on the Call- fornia side of the Colorado river. The mine is said to be one of the richest in that part of the country. WASHOUT CAUSES ONE DEATH Wrecks Tri on Union Pactfic, Kill- ing Engineer and Injuring Three Others. ELLIS, Kan., May 14.—A washout today on the Colby branch of the Union Pacific rallroad caused a freight wreck in which George Regueir, engineer, was killed, and the firemen and two brakemen were badly scalded HYMENEAL. Mangles-She: FULLERTON, Neb., May 14.—(Special.)— At 11 o'clock today, at the First Presby- terlan church, Miss Ollle Bheaff was mar- ried to Willlam Mangles. The bride is the only daughter of T. M. Sheaff, a prominent business man of this city, and the groom tant cashier of the First ) Beckenha WEST POINT, Neb. —At the Grace Lutheran church tod; Rev. A. B. Leamer, pastor, married Mi Camilla Bank and Charles Beckenhauer, a young attorney of this city. The bride is the eldest daughter of Andrew N. Baok, living east of town. r-Bank. May 14.—(Special ) May 14.—(Special.)— Last svening at Centenary parsonage Miss Mary Calland wes married to Perry Black, Rev. D. L. Thomas officlating. The young will make thelr home io this city, | | of the ROADS BELOW VALUE Nebraska Transportation Lines Escape Their Just Bhare of Taxation, STATISTICS SHOW THE DISCREPANCIES Unequal Assessment Proven by Figures Of- fered the Btate Board, DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN THE ROADS Valuations Previously Reported Show Some Remarkable Divergencies. E. ROSEWATER PRESENTS PEOPLE'S CASE Reasons for Rai Nebraska Railroads Given State Board of E\ tion at Lincol (From a Staff Correspondent.) LINCOLN, May 14.-—(Special ing revelations in the valuation and assess- ment of railroad property in Nebrasks were called to light by E. Rosewater In an ad- dress before the State Board of Equalizatisn today. Mr. Rosewater was accompanied by E. W. Simeral, both appearing to protest against the under-veluation of raflroad property At the opening of the session it was an- nounced that Mr. Rosewater would make & presentation regarding the valuation of the tangible railrond property, while the ques- tion of considering franchises in determin- ing the valuation of the intangible would be discussed by Mr. Simeral. The board was asked at the outset whether or not it Intended to take the franchises of the va- rious roads Into coneideration. Auditor Weston said the board had been proceeding under the taclt agreement that it had mo right to consider this side of the question and after some general discuselon it was decided to make no ruling until after the presentation of the argument. Mr. Rosewater began by detailing the re- markable discrepancies {n the valuation of the rallroads as determined by the board in recent years. He spoke for mearly an hour during the morning session, or wntil & recess for noon was taken. At the after- noon session he resumed his disoussion and' was followed by Mr. Simeral. All members of the board. Governor Savage, Auditor Weston and Treasurer Stuefer, were pres- ent throughout the hearin Tax on the Bee Build In the general talk whiech followed the formal argument Mr. Rosewater was ques- tloned again regarding the taxes pald by the Bee Building company. In response to these inquiries it was asserted that the company had paid over $70,000 In taxes within the last ten years, instead of $60,000, which were the figures given by Mr. Rose- ‘water from memory when he was before the board on Monday. Another inquiry brought forth the suggestion from Mr, Rozewater that the railroad valuation as determined by the board hould Be about 15 per ceat of the real value, including both tangible and intangible property, The board adjourned at the conclusion af the hearing, taking no action, either on the question of considering the franchises or on the general proposition of under-valua- tion. Mr. Simeral argued from a legal stand- point, citing numerous authorities, as well & the recent decision of the supreme court, all of which he contended showed plainly that the franchises should be considered in reckoning the valuation for purpose of taxation. Mr. Rosewater's Argnment. In presenting his case to the board Mr. Rosewater sald: “‘Gentlemen of the Board: For many years there has been an Impression among the people of Nebraska that the rallroads of this state were not bearing their due proportion of the burden of taxation. The legislature has vested the power of assess. ment In three members of the executive department of the state, and they are the supreme tribunal—or have been up to date —in fixing the valuations for sment of the various rallroads, telegraph and other corporate properties. Up to the present time, however, so far as I know, the various boards have only given a hear- iDg to the representatives of these cor- porate interests, and the interests that are much greater, representing as they do five-sixths of the taxable property of the state, have not appeared and have not had their hearing. “1 desire, first, to call attention to the various discrepancies in the mode of as- sessment that has prevailed up to this time and to the injustice that has been dome to other taxpayers by the mode of amsess- ment which has heretofore obtained. ““When I came down three days ago I was amazed to find that th Wwas no record of any of the elements that make up the total valuation of a railroad. Nothing in the auditor's office, excepting the total or aggregate value of each rosd, and the grand total of the valuations of all the roads for essment purposes. Now, the ordinary assessor s expected when he | values real estate or improvements on resl estate to view that property and arrive individually, as his own conclusion, ay to its relative value to other property. But the grand assessment board of the state does not take the trouble of viewing the property they are to assess, but takes in a lump, takes In wholesale, the statements or reports made by the auditors or officers various companies and arrives in some manner—I cannot tell how—at & con- clusion of the valuation of these properties. What Ro Return, “I find upon examining the records that most of the companies do not return any valuation. Some of them do, and it is very remarkable that the managers of those roads disagree so radically as to the valua- tion of properties that had a fixed and tangible value in the market, or should have a standard in some manner. “I will call your attention, for instance, to the return of the Union Pacific rallway. In 1895 it returned 142 englnes at $1,125 each. In 1902 it returned 137 emgines at & valuation of $1,000 each. In 1885 the Omaba, St. Paul & Minneapolis returned its engines at a valuation of $5000 each This year it returend is engines at a valuation of $4,000 each. Here is & di crepancy as between ome to four or one to five between two railway systems as to the value of property that should be pretty thoroughly known. “Now, I contend that in the year 1895 the cost of all rallway equipment was very much lower than it was in 1901 or is in 1902. In fact, it is well known thgt both labor and material have gradually ana steadily been going up and in some fn- stances the rost of machinery is from 25 to 50 per cent higher today thanm it in 1895 There s auotber fesiure that | desire