Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, July 10, 1902, Page 1

‘THE OMAHA DAILY BEE. ESTABLISHED JU NE 19, 1871. OMAHA, THURSDAY MORNING, JULY 10, 1902—TEN PAGES. SINGLE COPY FIVE CENTS. MAY AVERT STRIKE| Union Pacific Oar Builders Likely to Btick to Agreement. WILL HOLD A MEETING THIS EVENING | mfiq of Men Favor the Oompany's Pro- posed Premium Soale. CARMEN CONTINUE AT WORK AS USUAL Nonunion Men Lead the Agitation for a Walkout. NIGHT AND DAY SHIFT AT GRAND ISLAND ‘Unton Pacific Sald to Be Making Ar- rangements to Double or Treble Nonunion Capacity of Shop. The Brotherhood of Rallway Carmen did not meet last night to take final action upon the agreement entered Into with the Union Pacific by thelr committee, as was expected, but will hold its meeting tonight at its hall at Fourteenth and Douglas. Prominent union car builders belleve —the reement will be generally adopted and a strike averted. An active member of the brotherhood said last might regarding the car bullders’ situation: “There is ‘not as much dissatisfaction over the agreement entered into between the company and the local car bullders as has been represented. There are a few agitators who would like to precipitate a strike, and some of these have been circu- lating & petition for this purpose even since the local car builers adopted the agreement at our meeting Monday afternoon, and this, I suppose, has ziven rise to much of the alleged dissension. The most of these agi- tators are nonunion men, too. I believe that there are not more than three union car bullders in Omaha today who are opposed to that agreement. Proposition Not U “The trouble is the men over the sys- tem and here who are finding so much fault with the company’s proposition do not thor- oughly understand it. They think it is a simple plecework proposition, when as a matter of fact it is nothing of the kind. The company says: ‘We will guarantee every man in the car shops as much money he made under the former system.' Now in the case of the car bullders this would be 80 cents an hour. But the proposition does not stop ber The company further offers to pay every man much over 30 cents an hour as he may earn; for instance, 1t I earn $4 a day instead of only $3, I get that amount. But in any event I will get my $5 a day. Now, that is not, properly speaking, a plecework system; it is what stem. I belleve this very best system that could be adopted, and its adoption does not mean simply a victory for the company, but as much a victory for the men and even more 0. Watting for Ont-of-Town Men. 1t was impossible to hold the meeting last night, as not all the shops out on the 1ine had been heard from. By tonight it is expected all will have been heard. from, and what action is taken tonight will be final. It is already known by some of the local men that Grand Island and Chey- enne are favorable to the adoption of the new agreement, and they are of the opin- fon that the majority of other places will bave voted likewd This agreement, it adopted, will be ef- fective for one year. The Union Pacific of- ficlals have made the statement that if at the end of that time it proves unsatisfac- tory they will then be ready to consider concessions, but they imsist that after a year's trial the carmen will not be to abandon it. At the meeting Monday afternoon the proposition was adopted by the Omaha shopmen by a vote of 49 to 27, and the ma- jority of the negative votes are sald to erstood. LIEUTENANT _HICKMAN NEXT | STRIKE, OF SHORT DURATION Must Stand Court Martial Trial for Alleged Cruelty to Tayab Natives. MANILA, July 9.—General Chaffee has ordered Lieutenant Edward A. Hickman of the First cavalry to Manila for trial by court-martial on the charge of aileged cruelty to natives of Tayabas province. The charges arise from the Gardener in- quiry. It is claimed that Hickman ducked two natives In a stream in order to obtain information. He is further charged with having ducked a third natt “uwho died from maltreatment. The m. 4 afficials say that proot of the lattet *r% is doubtful. ey The court presided over by Gener. /[ llam H. Bisbee, which is trying Cap ¥ James A. Ryan of the Fifteenth cavah, on the charge of unnecessary severity to natives, will try Lieutenant Hickman. The defense in the Ryan court-martial closed today. The arguments will be heard Saturday. The defense offered much testimony and many documents to show that a state of insurrection existed at Jiminez, Mindanao, and that Captain Ryan was justified in using force to obtain in- formation, protect his command and pur- sue the enemy. It was shown that the two natives who were “treated” communicated with the enemy, giving information regarding the Americans’ supplies. Second Lieutenant Charles Burnett of the Fifteenth cavalry and Surgeon Major Peter R. Egan testified that they took the same treatment as administered to the natives and that they did not suffer there- from. VOLCANOES GIVE WARNING Active Mountains Near Lake Nica: Display Danger a Da Before Eruption. MANAGUA, Nicaragua, July 9.—The ac- tive volcanoes of Costa Rica, Miravallis and Rincond de la Viefa, situated respectively elghty and sixty miles southeast of Lake Nicaragua, gave a day's warning previous to their recent eruption. No natives are reported to have lost their lives. The country around the volcanoes is sparsely settled, being mainly cattie es tates. The mountains are distant from the lake and ocean and the water supply in their vicinity is moderate. Therefore they are not severely explosive. The prin- cipal causes of the outbreaks are chemical action and the readjusting of the earth's crust. PRINCE JOSEF ON TRIAL LONDON, July 9.—Hearing of the charges brought agalnst Prince Francls Josef of Braganza, who was a member of the Aus- tro-Hungarian mission to the coronation of King Edward and other members, was re- sumed in the Southwark police court today and attracted much attention. Sir Edward Clarke, the former solicitor general, de- fended the prince. The pror--utor altered the charge from “felony” to “misconduct under the ertm- inal law amendment.’ Sir Edward inti- mated that the defense would be conspiracy to rob and blackmail. ACCUSED MAN IS ACQUITTED Charles Bright of Ohio Not Concealt: uilty of Property from Creditors. LONDON, July 9.—The trial of Charles Bright, the clvil engineer of Sandusky, O., charged with concealing $500,000 in connec- tion with the bankruptcy proceedings, ended today and resulted in the acquittal of Mr. Bright. J. F. Moreno, who was formerly attached to the United States legations at Paris and at Madrid, and Louls R. Fudge, the secre- tary ot Bright's company, who were charged with being accessories in the alleged con- spiracy to defraud creditors of Bright, were have been cast by nonunion men, who are blamed with the agitation for a strike. All at Work Yesterday. All the car buflders were at work yi terday as usual and there was no indica tlon of trouble except the quiet campaign- ing done by the nonunion faction that was displeased with the result of things at the Monday meeting. The rallroad official gave out the report that the car bullders’ department was keeping up its work to the highest standard of eficiency and there was nothing about the shops to indicate a jemblance or thought of strike. They con- sider the matter already settled. also acquitted. PROGRESS IS UNINTERRUPTED Edward Contin Strength, Th Slowly He: King to Gain h Wound LONDON, July 9.—Following is the bulle- tin posted at Buckingham palace regard- ing King Edward’s condition at 10 o'clock this mornin The king's progress 1s uninterrupted. His m;‘jel’}); lleplm';Q“ 1 Inld !Ill aining trength, The wound is slowly healing. ke d "TREVES. ‘The company continues in the business of importing men from Chicago. The off- clals hold that these men are more com- petent than generally accredited, and that by their assistance conditions at the shops are very satisfactory. There fs little active work being done by the machinists and bollermakers. They Are both as determined as when they went out and are tending to the routine of thelr strik Vice President Wilson, the leader of the machinists’ faction, will leave Omaha tomorrow for a trip over the sys Yem, visiting all the towns and cities where here are shops, with & view of strength- ‘The Union Pacifie, it is reported, is pre- paring to install a night and day shift in its shops at Grand Island and thus double or treble the capacity for and volume of ‘work there. This has never been a union shop and but two of the employes were union men when the strike originated. The went out, but none of the others have ever struck. They are still at work and will be used as & nucleus to form a Jarge force. It was sald this morning that the company Intended putting in 200 or 300 shopmen there. The shops have never been run to their full capacity. Wil Prosecute Assailants. A Unlon Pacific official stated yesterday that for an assault upon an employe of the company at Denver by three former em- ployes Sunday the company would en- deavor to have the trio of rioters sent to the penitentiary. According to one of the officials the man wi returniog from his work at the shops when three strikers, who bad been his friends, called to him. Sup- poeing they wanted (o engage in a friendly chat the shopm.n stopped. He was violently aseaulted, It is charged, sustaining serious 1njuris persistently deny the r ports that Pinkerton detectives have been placed on guard at Denver or anywhere on the Unlon Pacific system, but they ad- mit that special instructions have been sent to Denver to have the force of pri- vate guards enlarged, and similar instruc- ‘tions will be g &t other places If occa- slon seems Lo demand. LAKING, BARLOW. CHAMBERLAIN IS IMPROVING Leaves the Hospital, but Perfect Quiet for the Present is Necessary. LONDON, July 9.—Joseph Chamberlain, the colonlal secretary, who was injured in a carriege accident Monday, left Charing Crose hospital this morning, accompanied by dMrs. Chamberlain, and returned to his bome in Princes’ Gardens. A bulletin issued regarding his condition says be is progressing satistactorily, but that perfect quiet is essential GRAIN AND MILLING TRUST Formed by Elevator Con- cern for New Comb Kansas. TOPEKA, Kan., July 9.—At a conference held in this city today between Walter Vrooman and representatives of various milling and gra s of the state plans were discussed for the formation of a “farmers’ grain and milling trust.” The idea is to do away with the mid- dlemen and handle the wheat produet of the state directly from the farmers to | the elevators and millers without paying |a commission. The Vrooman line of e | operative stores, the Hoftman mills and 'a lne of elevators, the Solomon County Co-operative Grain company, seven or elght | elevators on the Union Pacific and the | Western Milling company of Saline propose {to eater the trust. | 1 n Chey: Shops. | ! CHEYENNE, Wyo., Jyly §.—~The Union | Pacific is slowly importing nonunion ma- | chinists for its Cheyenne shops and mow |claims to have 275 men at work. The strikers say the figures are exaggeratad in the hope that the strikers will grow | disheartened. So far the strikers have offered no | violence o nonunion machinists and lead- New Mem | ers say the new men will not be molested. i Trouble of the Freight Handlers is Virtually Bettled at Oonference. AGREE TO TERMS OF THE RAILROADS Strikers Accept Scale of Wames Of- fered Them July 1 and Which Was Emphatically Refused at the Time. CHICAGO, July 9.—The strike of the freight handlers is virtually settled. Meet- ings of the strikers will be hold tomorrow ratify the action taken tonight by Pres- Curran of the order, but inasmuch tated tonight, after a conference Wi ‘eneral managers of the railroads, that « had agreed to their terms becaus the majority of his men were “going back" on him, there i little doubt that the terms will be accepted by the mass meeting. By the terms of the setilement the strikers accept the scale of wages offered them by the raflroads July 1. This sched- ule was emphaticalls rafused by the strikers at the time It was made. It of- fered an average Increase of 20 per cent for all classes of the freight union. The demands of the men would have made an average increase of 30 per cent. The raflroads at the time of offering the in- crease on July 1 sald that under no cir- cumstances would they recognize the union of the freight handlars to the extent of allowing the officers of the organization to make terms for the men with the offi- cers of the railroads by which they were employed. This was one of the chief rea- sons for the strike, the men insisting that the union should be fully recognized. The railroads have won a complete victory on this point. Attitude of Raflronds Unchanged. The attitude of the roads toward the freight handlers’ union is the same as that maintained toward all local organiza tions of rajiroad men. The freight handlers demanded something that no other organi- zation of rallroad employes fn Chicago had asked and the managers answered that under no circumstances would they agree to this. President Curran of the freight handiers’ union said, after the meeting with the general managers tonight, that he prac- tically had been compelled by his own men to accept the terms of the road “Two-thirds of them would have gone to work in the morning anyhow,” he sald, “and 1t was simply a question of doing the best possible under the circumstances. The raliroads agree to take back all the strik- ers who will apply for their old positions by noon tomorrow." The settlement of the strike came unex- pectedly. The meetings during the day of the various committees with the general managers of the rallroads did not produce much result, neither side making conces- slons. When the committees had reported back to the executive council of the strikers a meeting of that body was held. Several of the Chicago Federation of Labor, includ- Ing President Bowman, were present. The officers of the federation used every means to Induce the strikers to accept the terms offered them, but without avail. Twelve members {of the executlve council spoke against the acceptance of the terms and three were in favor of it. The meeting was at times acrimonious and there was a sharp exchange of words between President Bow- man of the Federation of Labor and Presi- dent Curran of the freight handlers’ union, in which the former was accused of “play- ing politics” at the ‘expense of the freight handlers. President Curran Accepts. The proposition finally was made that the matter of an agreement with the rail- roads should be left with President Cur- ran and President Bowman of the federa- tion with full power to act. A meeting was then arranged with a committee of the general managers of the rallroads, who had full power of settlement on their side. The result was that President Curran agreed to accept the basis of increase of- fered by the raiiroads July 1. The actlon of the teamsters was a po- tent factor In settling the strike. They took strong Issue with the freight handlers and intimated very plainly that no tance could be expected from them, asmuch as the freight handlers had struck against the advise of the Chicago Federa- tion of Labor, \ The session of the executive council came to a sudden termivation and Presi- dents Curran and Bowman left for the meeting with the general managers. When he left this meeting President Curran was surrounded by crowds of the strikers, who had been waiting to hear the result of the meeting, and there was great dissatisfac- tion when it was announced that no set- tlement had been reached, but that meet- ings would be held Thursday morning, at which the results of the meeting with the managers would be made known. The displeasure of the men had a marked effect in bringing about the settlement of the strike. The agreement reached by President Cur- ran with the managers tonight must be ratified by the men tomorrow, but there is only a very small probability that this will not be done. WIRELESS PLAN FOR ALASKA Electrical Engineer to Establish Tele. System from Fort G to Bates Rapids. SAN FRANCISCO, July 9.—R. Pfund, an electrical engineer, has arrived here on his way to Alaska for the p.rpose of es- tablishing a wireless telegraph system be- tween Fort Gibbons, on the Yukon river, and the fort at Bates' rapids, on the Tanana river, a distance of 195 miles. The line, which will be constructed under the direction of Chief Signal Officer Greely, will be completed by October 1. On his return from the north Mr. Pfund may take measures to establish a station near the Golden Gate, o that wireless communica tion may be had with vessels on the Pa- cific. LIGHTNING KILLS A Electrical FARMER Storm Aceom age in Pe: EASTON, Pa., July 9.—A cloudburst In the upper Bushkill district of Northamp- ton county last night did a vast amount of damage. Only meager detalls are obtain- able at this time owing to washouts and the destruction of telegraphic and te! phone lin Charles Abel, & tarmer, who with his wife was returning from the harvest flelds, was struck by lightning and killed. The Bush- kill creek overfiowed its banks and many flelds of grain were almost wholly de. troyed. MITCHELL STILL CONFIDENT Belleves that Miners Are Sure to Wi Their Demands in Present Strike, WILKESBARRE, Pa., July 0.—In an ad- dress today before the 400 delegates of district No. 1, in convention at Nanticoke, President Mitchell of the Mine Workers' union eaid he had never participated in a strike in which he was o confident of suc- cess. This statement by the miners’ chiet was greeted with great applause. The na- tional president severely criticised the citi- 1z alllance organizations which have been formed n Scranton and Wilkesbarre for the purpose of prosecuting persons who boyeott or otherwise intimidate men still working in the mines or their relativee. In the course of his speech Mr. Mitchell sald: The coal operators have organized a press bureau and are constantly sending out through It what purport to be inter- views with and statements from them, while as a matter of fact there is not a president in the entire region who wil stand responsible for any of the statements. ‘The operators have also organized an- other adjunct, under the name of the Citizen's aillance. 1 am sure I do not know how many citizens are members of this mysterious organization, a8 so far only one has had the manhood or the effrontery to acknowledge his membership. I, of course, hesitate to criticise men for doing anything they have a legal right to do, hut when an organization of the citizens of any community is formed, the alleged purpose of which is the maintenance of law and | order, and when It develops that the entire energles of the organization are being ¢ rected against the coal strikers, it arous a suspicion—to say the least—in my mind, that the name of the association is a mis- nomer and the alleked purpose a cloak under which so-called citizens have joined forces with coal operators in a damnable attempt to crush the miners’ union. In all my experience fn the labor move- ment 1 have never participated in a strike in which I felt so confident of success. If our membership. will stand, T know they will, we shall, in the not far distant fu- ture, achleve a victory and settle for all time_ the right of the coal miners to receive for honest labor and unremitting to!l at least a sufficient wage to enable them to iive, maintain and educate their families and enjoy a few of the pleasures of our civilization. CATHOLICS IN SESSION Association Fourth Annu leges Opens Comference in Chicago. of Col- CHICAGO, July 9.~The fourth annual conference of the Assoclation of Catholic Colleges opened here today. Representa- tives of colleges and parochial schools in all parts of the country are in attendance. Rev. John W. Poland of St. Xavier's| college, Cincinpati, in a paper on the sub- Ject of “Principles of Pedagogy in Colleg- iate Work,” criticised various educational methods. He sald: “Kindergartenism is bezinning to infect the teachings of col- leges and universitles. It has a tendency to lower the mental and moral powers of children and unfit them for the future and the reason for this is not merely be- cause the kindergarten is a day nursery under anotker name, but bocause children are trained to have their own way in everything and to have all things made easy for them.” Dr. Poland also denounced what he termed “‘the craze for athletics,” and de- plored the conditions that coul give rise to hazing in the higher educational insti- tutions. R oY After the conclusion of the paper a gen- eral discussion was called for by Bishop Conaty, who presided. but the priests pres- ent were slow to respond. Some of them said they agreed with the speaker's opin- fon, but a number sald that they did not care to discuss the reflections on athletics. Bishop Conaty delivered an address, telling of the progress made during the last year In the United States by the as- soclation. BRISK DEMAND FOR MONEY Movement Begins Earlier Than Usual and Interest Rates Advance in Chicago. CHICAGO, July 9.—Widespread Interest is beginning to attach to the unusual demand for money in the central west and west. Within a fortnight interest rates have ad- vanced 1 per cent. Chicago began shipping money to the northwest and west about July 1, at the rate of §500,000 daily. It is estimated that about $4,000,000 in currency has been sent out of Chicago to St. Paul, Minneapolis and St. Louls. These shipments have started a demand by Chicago banks on New York. The move- ment from that direction has continued as it was begun. The demand from the west was fully two months ahead of the season when, ordi- narily, crop moving requirements occasion money shipments. No special explanation has been offered. Northwestern and ‘we ern institutions merely report that the small banks throughout the country are king for funds and have to be accommo- dated. GIANT GEYSER BREAKS OUT Result of the Heavy Earthquakes Oc- Near Santa Crus Since April 18, SAN FRANCISCO, July 9.—Near Santa Cruz, on the Pacific side of the Isthmus of Tehuantopec, a glant geyser has broken out as the result of heavy earthquakes occur- ring In that section since April 18 I The column of water, rising to a height of about fifty feet, roars and hisses from among the rocks and is an object of great interest to the people and passing vessels, being plainly visible from the sea. It was seen and admired by the passengers and crew of the steamer Newport, which has reached this port. The news is brought by the steamer that affairs in Gua‘emala are becoming normal again after the scare ocasioned by the tremendous earthquake. The havoc wrought by the disturbances will not interfere with harvesting of the coming crope, as at first anticipated. TWELVE MORE DIE OF HEAT Mereury Still High in Pty but Cooler Weather is Promised. PITTSBURG, July 9.—The mercury is still hovering in the 90s, but thunderstorms and cooler weather are predicted for Thurs- day. Six deaths from the heat and ten serious prostrations have been reported since yes- terday. In nearly all the prostrations the condition of the patient is sald to be serious and some are in critical shape. The mill workers are the greatest suffer- ers and many have been obliged to stop work. NEW YORK, July 9.—This was the hot- test day of the year in this city. The weather bureau showed & temperature of 91 degrees at 1 o'clock. Six deaths from beat | were reporied during the morning. SERIOUS * FLOODS IN I0WA Practioally All BStreams in Oentral and Western Part Out of Banks. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY HARD TO ESTIMATE People In Lowlying Seotio Moines, Fort Dodge a Other Places Compel to Move. of Des Many The heavy rafns of Tuesday and Tuesday night falling upon ground already thor- oughly soaked, caused the rivers and creeks of lowa, Nebraska and Kansas to overflow, doing Immense damage to property. In Towa the worst ot the floods are in the central, northern and northwestern portions, extending South as far as the line of the Rock Island raliroad. In Des Molnes, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown and nu- merous other towns people have been com- pelled to abandon homes in the lowlands. Railronds have suffered to the extent of several hundred thousands of dollars and traffic In the section mentioned is either abandoned or badly delayed. In Nebraska the most serious damage, 80 far as citles are concerned, was at Lin- coln, where Salt creek overflowed its banks and flooded the rallroad yards and the sec- ton In which most of the wholesale and manufacturing industries are located. Many of the poorer people of the city also lived in this section und they were driven from their homes, abandoning everything in their houses. In the southeastern part of the state practically all the streams are out of their banks, the Blue and Nemaha doing the most damage. Beatrice, Au- turn, Tecumseh and other towns along these streams are sufferers. Railroad tracks have been washed out and trains in meny instances abandoned. The amount of damage done to crops in the flooded lands along the streams will depend largely upon how soon the waters subside. if they remain under water long the loss will be total, but it no more rain comes a large portion, particularly corn, will be saved. (From a Staff Correspondent.) DES MOINES, July 9.—(Speclal.)—The old citizens have to go back at least a half century to find anything in the nature of a flood with which to compare the pres ent condition of affairs at the Coon fork of | the Des Molnes river. Tradition says that at one time all the Jowlands in the eastern and southern portions of Des Moines were covered with water, but that was before so many houses were built there. During one of the perfods of high water many steam- boats came up from the Mississippi landed here. But the present flood bere breaks all known records. At the Locust street bridge, where the city has a gauge, the water in the Des Moines river stood fifteen feet above low mark this morning and was twenty feet at midnight. The river is very wide at this point. Leeves have been broken over, bridges washed out, parks and gardens submerged, houses floated away, factories stopped, roads destroyed and fences torn up. Large areas of the city are under water and this Includes some residence dis- tricts, chiefly the homes of laboring m and a_number of the factory districts, The greatest siugle loss is in bridges. The false work used by the workingmen en- gaged in constructing a brick arch bridge in the north part of the city went out last night and floated down to a lodgement against the street car bridge leading to Highland park and the north residence part. The bridge was in danger most of the night, but the drift was taken away this morning and floated on down past the city to the location of the Great Western freight bridge. being rebuilt and the material was on a trestle, which was carried away, taking all the materials. Trains Held by Floods. At midunight the levee on the north side of town broke, flooding a large residence section. Most of the familles removed earlier in the evening. A emall break oc- curred in the Raccoon river levee just after midnight and u large force of men Is at- tempting to hold the flood in check. Two Rock Island eastbound passenger tralns due here tonight are held at Commerce, twenty miles west of here, where the tracks are covered with water. Trains on other roads ,though late, keep in motion. The Des Moines river dam is weakening. 1t it goes out it will endanger four city vridges and all’ the rallrcad bridges. The city bathhouse 1is surrounded by water and most of the adjacent bulldings, on slightly higher ground, are in danger of being flooded before night. Most of the residents are moving out on Franklin ave- nue, just east of the bathhouse park. The families living south and east of the river are in a dangerous predicament. The water has spread over the adjoining pas- tures and 1s slowly rising. Just east of the north Sixth avenue bridge the Parker boathouses and the boat club houses of the Des Moines Riverside Canoe clubs are flooded by water. It is up around the first platforms or porches and running through the interfor rooms. Ropes and chains have been used to anchor them to trees. Race Track Under Water, The mile track of the Des Moines Driv- ing association s being flooded and the races will be given up that were scheduled for next week. The Chautauqua assembly In session here has been interfered with so that a portion of the program will be given up. In all nearly fifty families have been compelled to move out of their homes. The levees In what is known as the packing- house district have been broken over and the water has flooded that portion of the city, though not very deep. The continuous rains have forced nearly all Towa streams from their banks and the destructlon of crops, live stock and other property is assuming immense proportions It s impossible to estimate the damage from the indefinite reports received.. The damage is especially extensive in the cen- tral, northern, western and southwestern parts of the etate. The valleys of the Sloux and Maple rivers are flooded and Woodbury and Monona counties are under water. The lowa river at Marshalltown is the highest since 1881. Many county bridges have been destroyed and traffic between Marshalltown and surrounding polints practically cut off. Cattle and hogs have been drowned in large numbers in the Iowa | valley. At Cedar Rapids 5.4 Inches of rain has fallen since July 1. of its banks and many families have been forced from their homes. have been swept away in Linn county. The Skunk river and Squaw creek are out of thelr banks and near the confluence in Story county thousands of acres are flooded and crops practically destroyed. Water Four Feet Deep in Town, A deluge visited the town of Exira last night and trains on the Audubon branch of (Continued ou Second Page.) and | A portion of the bridge 1s | [ Cedar river is out | Numerous bridges | CONDITION OF THE WEATHER Forecast for Nebraska—Fair and Warmer Thursday; Friday Increasing Cloudiness, Probable Bhowers in Western Portion. Temperature Hour. a at Omaha Deg. Hour. Wasesee 1pom m.. 2 p. m.. m.. m. . m.. m.. Yesterday: Desx. o o o o o ux El b 4 Sxazae [ BEATRICE CALLS FOR HELP Disastrous Fire Raging and Flood Renders Waterworks Prac- tically Useless. BEATRICE, Neb., July 10.—(Speclal Tel- egram.)—The most disastrous fire In the history of Beatrice broke out here this The fire is sup- morning shortly after 2 o'clock. started in the Green block and posed to be of incendiary origin. Owing to the fact that the water supply here was shut off last evening the firemen were perfectly helpless and unable to cope with the flames. The fire spread rapldly to the large department store of the Klein The city is at the absolute mercy of the flames on account of Mercantile company. no fire protection. The fire is still raging and there Is no telling what the result will be, although it is boped the fire can be confined to these two bulldings. The mayor has telegraphed to Lincoln and Nebracka City for fire-fight- ing apparatus, as there Is no telling where the conflagration will end. PRICE STILL REMAINS HIGH Little Change in Corn and the pected Does Not Happen on Board of Trade. CHICAGO, July 9.—Developments in the corn deal today were the fallure of at least two expectations. One was that the bot- tom would drop out of tie market because of the reported settlements with outstand- ing shorts, which would mean the abandon- ment of the deal by the bull traders, and the other that the screws would be giveu a turn by the Harris-Gates people and the price forced still higher. Neither hap- pered and the price moved quietly along within a range of 2 cents, fluctuating be- | tween 86 and 88 cents, and closing at the lowest point of the day, 1 cent lower than Tuesday. Not over 100 bushels of the cornered | grain /was traded in during the session. The big ones, and these may be covered in a general way under the title of the ‘“‘elevator Interests” are still out. There are apparently only two places where they can cover. One seemingly is in the corn pit on ‘chapge and the other the private one of Harris, Gates & Co. The size of the transactions show that they have not bought openly, while a member of the Har- ris-Gates firm insists that he knows noth- ing of any private settlement. MAYOR AMES IS INDICTED Grand Jury Makes Serious Charge Agninst Chief Executive of Minneapolis. MINNEAPOLIS, July 9.—The grand jury hy returned Indictments charging A. A. Ames, mayor of the city; Fred W. Ames, superintendent of police, and Joseph (Reddy) Coben with accepting bribes. The charges are based on the alleged collection of tribute from abandoned women, in which it is charged that Cohen acted for the mayor and chief. When Mayor Ames was arraigned in court this afternoon on two indictments, ach charging that he recelved $15 for “protection’” on certain dates named from the keeper of & hoyse of ill-repute, his attorney denounced the charge as “Infa mous and trivial,” and demanded imme- diate trial. He urged this further on the ground that it was for the public in- terest that the charge against the chief executive officer of the city should be settled at once. Judge Harrison sald that the court wae no respecter of pereons and others. and added the ball af promptly furnished. Nelther Chief Ames nor Cohen was ar- raigned. The latter has not been found and is sald to be out of the city. DYNAMITE WRECKS BUILDING Starts Fire in Stove Containing Stick of the Explosive. $6,000, which was Lumber Ma CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo., July 9.—The front of the two-story frame buflding oc- cupled by Keith & Grube, coal and lumber dealers, was blown out by Aynamite today, causing a money loss of 32,000 Several persons narrowly escaped death. The explosion took place in the office, where Manager Westcott had built a fire. Mr. Westcott declares that dynamite was placed in the stove by enemies for purpose of killing him. GET CORNER ON TOMATOES Indiana Ci *s in Conven Assert Entire Crop in Control of Combi INDIANAPOLIS, July 9.—Indiana can- ners, in convention here, say that canned tomatoes are cornered and that local job- bers are now paylng 3176 a dozen for | three-pound cans, which s the highest price since the war. At this time of the year the price usually is about this figure. Not an Indiana packer has had & can of tomatoes in his factory for four months, {1t 1s said. It will be some time before the new crop comes into market. Movements of Ocean Vessels July 9, At Glasgow—Arrived: Corean, from Phila- delphia via St Johns, N. F. At Antwerp—Arrived: ~Nederland, | Philadeiphia. At Hong Kong—Arrived: | Japan, from Vancouver, B. | hama, Hiogo and Shanghaf |, At ¥okohama—8alled: " Empress of Ind| | trom Hong Kong, Shanghal and Hiogo, for Vancouver, B. At Lizard—Pas 8t. Louls, from New York, for Southampton. At ueenstown—Arrived from Majestic, from New York. Safl*d: trom Liverpool for Boston. At Southampton—Sailed Bremen, for New York via Cherbourg. At New York—Salled: Philadelphia Liverpool via Southampton. Arrived: Fri , trom Antwerp; Laurintin, from Gl trom mpress _of via Yoko- New England, for At uvrmol—Arflv.d; Westernland, from Philadelp! that the case must take its turn with the ! He set the case for trial July 14, | | by Ben White of the Blkhorn. RAILROAD TAX CASE Argument Commenced in Supreme Court on Railroad Assessment. ARGUMENT TO BE CLOSED THIS MORNING Four Hours Allowed to Each Side to Pre- sent Its Views on Oase. STATE TREASURER STUEFER ON STAND Doee Not Know: Assessed Value of Union Pacifio at Various Times. E. ROSEWATER ONE OF THE WITNESSES Points Out Where Property of Great Value Has Been Added to Union Pacific Holdings Within Year, (From a Staff Correspondent * LINCOLN, July 8.—(Special.)—The tak- ing of testimony before the supreme court in the Bee Bullding company's mandamus cuse against the State Board of Equali- zation was concluded this morning and at the opening of the afternoon session the argument was begun. The court a lowed each side four hours for their pres- entation. This will bring the final sub- mission at noon tomorrew. The argument was opened for the relator by E. W. Sim- eral, the co-rclator, M. F. Harrington, following. Jobn D. Howe will make the closing speech tomorrow. Ben White, representing the Elkhorn, followed Harriugton and Judge Baldwin for the Union Pacific and J. E. Kelby for the Burlington will occupy the greater part of the forenoon. Testimony Taken During Morning. An abundance of important testimony was taken during the morning session. Edward Rosewater testified at length re- rding the improvement in the terminal facilities of the Unfon Pacific railrosd at Omaha. He outlined briefly a portion of the showing he had made to the Stal Board of Equalization when he was before that body in the interests of the taxpay- ers of the state. One question brought out the fact that Mr. Rosewater showed to tho board that the Union Pacific rail- road was capitalized for over $100,000 per mile. This and other testimony of a sim- tlar nature, all regarding the value of the railroad property in consideration, was produced to show that the board had dis- regarded its information in making the ssment. On cross-examination Mr. Rosewater was asked by Mr. Baldwin to enumerate some new property obtained by the Unlon Pi cific rallroad during the past year, or any other improvement made that increased the genmeral value of the property. This was met with the rejoinder that the te minal tracks of the road had been raised, the general condition of the grounds vastly improved and many new sidetracks bullt. know also,” added Mr. Rosewater, hat the Union Pacific raliroad by treaty with the city acquired possession of val uable land whiol I.contend. 18 worth $1,- 000,000. The land consists of several hun- dred lots and until the treaty was made the raflroad never had title to any of it." Tax Commissioner Aitkin of the elty of Lincoln was called to testify as to the ratio of assessment of the property in t! ity of Lincoln. Mr. Altkin stated that all property was ssseased at full cash value. His position he held through & very rigid cross-examination. Treasurer Stuefer Testifies. After a few more questions, all of which brought forth ready responses, the cross- examination ceased and the witness was excused. State Treasurer Stuefer was stand long enough during the mornin slon to say I don't know" to a dozen or more questions. Mr. Stuefer was called by the respondents. “In assessing the raflroad property of the state, dld you do so knowing that it was the property of railroad corpora- tions?" w “Yes, sir. As property of corporations having a right to do business?” “Yes, sir.” “And that the rights and privileges of the corporations were belng exercised?” “If you had assessed the property as dead property, unused and unoperated, would 1t have been lower?" “Yes, sir.” Thus far Mr. Stuefor's replies were clear cut and straight to the point. It was on cro mination by the counsel for the relator that his memory and knowledge fafled him. “Did you consider whether or mot the Unfon Pacific held the right of eminent domatn?" “Yes, sir. “What do you mean by right of eminent domain “I guess I don’t know," was the response after some hesitation. “Then as a matter of fact you donm't know what eminent domain: means?" “I guess not.” “Can you tell us from all of this testi- mony and evidence what the earnings of the Union Pacific raflroad are per mile on the main line “I think about $6,000 per mile. “But can you show wliere the records of the Board of Equalization indicate that?" Mr. Stuefer produced a statement from the mass of evidence. “This will show for An examination falled to reveal any- thing about the nings of the rallroad and the attorney proceeded with the cross- examination. “Do you know whether you assessed the Unlon Pacific at more or less than when it was a bankrupt rallroad “I could not answer that. Start the Arguments. In opening the argument this aftermoon Mr. Simeral called attention to salient points of the testimony that had been ad- duced. He pointed out that the testimony of both Mr. Weston and Mr. Stuefer was to the effect that the franchises had not been assessed. 3 Much public interest was manifested in the hearing, many prominent people from different parts of the State being present during the hearing. Mr. Harrington's ad- dress to the court was a really brilliant effort and listened to with close at- tention by the court. Mr. Simeral's ad- | dress was & thorough exposition of the law loston, for Liverpool, and proceeded; | Ivernia, | | for taxation. Bremen, from | in regard to the assessment of property M. F. Harrington followed Mr. Simeral in the argument, and was in turn followed The case will be resumed tomorrow morning at 8:80, when John N. Baldwin will begin his ar- | sument for the respondents.