24 Dec 1903
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 26 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Benton County Times
Location
Vinton, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 24, 1903
Page
1
A column from Vinton, Benton County Times, surveys diverse notes on society, politics, and culture. Observations range from domestic matters like a divorce case to global hints about airships, economic quips, and jokes about famous figures, with humorous asides on technology, literature, and politics.
Des Moines December 17. Four robbers blew the vault of the Bank of Quimby securing about $2.44 in cash and papers. Within twelve hours two men were captured by Sheriff Price and a farmer posse six miles southeast of Sheldon after a long chase. Rural strong phones and wire lines aided locating the robbers who surrendered without firing a shot. The vault was wrecked by nitro powder. the bank insured and not lost. Principal stockholders include Borford Hall and Hamilton. Also notes on Iowa crime law reform proposals.
Cedar Rapids city street commissioner LL Moore was indicted by the Linn County grand jury for embezzlement after investigators found he drew pay for a non existent man named William Martin, described as a straw man. Alderman Hagtes initiated the probe and a Lexon committee examined the case.
Webster City Iowa December 18 bank at Garden City robbed Wednesday night about 510 was secured. Safe blown open two explosions needed. A watcher across the street saw men outside. Suspected insiders aided by guards. Private bank with Ballart and Drake as owners. Omission noted. All others unclear. Fire destroyed William Walker’s livery barn at Batavia December 18. Five horses burned. night watchman narrowly escaped death. Loss about 2040 and property saved.
Decatur county woman Mrs Charles Woodward died after convulsions on a trip to her mother’s home. Coroner Layton and Dr Brown report autopsy suggests strychnine poisoning though chemical analysis by Prof. Kinney at Drake University is pending. A son inheritance story and life insurance add to a Holmes like plot.
Malvern Dec 16 Engineer F J Knox of the Denver limited westbound was killed when his engine and the baggage car forward section left the track one mile east of Malvern at 5 am. Fireman Lauren J Haines escaped with bruises as passengers endured a panic and a heavy freight train slowed to a stop. The cause of the derailment remains unknown.
Whittemore reports Wilbur McAlpin a local real estate man and stock speculator was sentenced in Columbus to two years in the penitentiary for using the mails to defraud. He also pays a $100 fine and costs. Twelve co-defendants in a Tennessee land swindle received similar sentences. the case arose from a Fort Dodge federal grand jury investigation sparked by post office inspector Stewart.
Des Moines reports Colfax Bank may meet all obligations if all receivable bills yield 76 671 41 and leave 45 000. Receiver W O McElroy lists bank assets, notes 159 938 in checkable deposits, 6 000 cash, and 37 357 overdrafts likely collectible. Sale of real property could raise about 15 000 while some assets may shrink due to bad debts and drafts.
In Dubuque on December 18, 1911, Howard Rein, a young man near West Union, Iowa, confessed to forging a check for 18.59 and asked Sheriff Finch to pursue him. The sheriff sent him to bank officials, and Rein was jailed in West Union awaiting action. The forged item matched a later sum paid for summer work. Earlier, L. O. Carpenter died in Waterloo after his milk wagon was struck by an Illinois Central train, crushing his skull.
Des Moines reports that state authority says building and loan companies in town are winding up and going out of business after a newly enacted law caps revenue at eight percent. Boon Building and Loan sought wind up approval. council action awaited. Many others plan to liquidate. the auditor notes rapid winding up to protect investors.
Des Moines reports growing state interest in Cape Breton Coal and Iron Co. stock sale. The firm claims about forty square miles of coal and iron holdings on Cape Breton Island. Investors are told the properties promise strong profits and quick appreciation, with stock sold at low prices and a free prospectus mailed on request.
Des Moines December 26 the railroad commission will sit to investigate recent wrecks on the Milwaukee near Adel and the Burlington near Albia and Wilvern in which several lives were lost. Letters will be sent to division superintendents asking them to confirm the causes of the wrecks and invite explanations. The commission's power to compel investigations is limited by earlier parliamentary action. The legislature removed authority to inquire promptly into wreck causes.
In Allamakee County near New Albi Iowa two of August Batten's five children survived a Tuesday night blaze that consumed their home while the parents were away. A crippled seven year old girl and a nine year old boy escaped after the elder brother carried his sister from a second story window. He then tried to rescue the remaining three younger siblings but was driven back by flames and heat and was badly burned. The parents returned to learn of the tragedy.
Sioux City dispatch reports Matt Bran murder probe centering on Chas Harrington. A saloon brawl led to Harrington’s layoff threat and, allegedly, a heavy pair of tailor shears found in his hip pocket. Investigators tie the tool to the fatal wound and bloodstains near the scene.
Fire at Nora Springs destroys a store building and sentire stock of the Galbreith company. Loss estimated at $10,000, insured about the same. Fire origin traced to the store. flames spread through the roof, hindering saving any stock or structure. Aberstroth meat market and City Bank nearby were saved with efforts of firemen.
Reported telegrams describe a proposed warship dispatch to display Turkish displeasure over consul Davis case and demand apology. The exchange involves American and Turkish authorities, with threats of escalation and potential seizure of assets tied to Alexandretta amid diplomatic friction.
A confused OCR fragment describes alleged perjury and conspiracy involving state officials, including a senator, a postmaster, and other named figures. It references improper land deals, postage sale allegations, and improper rentals tied to a government land lease and a tied compensation scheme. The item mentions multiple individuals and a broad graft claim.
A Boum line dispatch reports that Riyabsids proposals at Signo may loosen the lower cenit permit limits while a Wadi Tokin correspondent notes rapid shifts in posture. The D cam seeks concessions from Dremm and maneuvers toward an accord with Japan as market tensions rise. Coal shipments from Port Arthur test government restraint and warn of broader economic impact.
A Dominican government official reports a alleged plot to kill William T. Powell United States minister to Haiti and affairs at Port Au Prince. The plan also aimed to assassinate ex President Jiminez with two prior failed attempts cited. The plot was abandoned after cabinet resistance while Powell is now guarded when he travels.
London dispatch reports official Japan signaling the Russian draft of a proposed agreement is not acceptable and requires further negotiations on key principles. Despite this, Japanese and British officials remain optimistic about a distant peace settlement as grim realities loom. The conference included Ito, Yamagata, Matsukata, Inouye, Oyama and Katsura, spanning three hours.
President Theodore Roosevelt issues the official proclamation confirming the reciprocity treaty with Cuba. It details negotiations, senate amendments, and the effective date of the convention, urging observance in good faith by the United States and its citizens. The document notes Cuba’s provision to give full effect to the articles.
Washington, Feb. 16. Senator Penrose introduced two bills to strengthen anti lottery and pool laws. One amends the 1890 act to forbid contests for prizes based on guesses or estimates and any scheme to pool horse racing or similar contests. The amendment aims to curb fraud and protect the public from betting schemes and fraudulent investment gimmicks.
New York Dec 16 United States Steel Corp announced wage cuts affecting about 10500 men 9 percent of the workforce with reductions ranging from 5 to 20 percent starting January 1 1904 The Amalgamated Association of Iron Steel and Tin Workers will keep 1 percent not affected under their existing agreement until July 1 1904 after which they are expected to join the general cut.
The US auxiliary cruiser Nixie lies at the dock landing supplies as 340 marines disembark for Empire station near Panama. Sixteen machine guns and six automatic rifles accompany them. The Dixie sailed for Philadelphia yesterday. remaining Prairie marines expected to land soon as Panama government receives cartridges via Alliancia steamer.
Cincinnati report cites George B. Cox as source that Senator Hanna has definitively ruled out candidacy for president and will not accept the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, citing health reasons and prior statements made in Washington.
Dec 15 London dispatch says the Morning Leader at The Hague reports both Holland and Great Britain insist Panama assume liability for fifteen million dollars of the Colombian debt.
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