31 Dec 1908
Page 1
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Newspaper
Graettinger Times
Location
Graettinger, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1908
Page
1
Fragmentary notes detail a Pitts inquiry into corruption involving national bank figures and local officials. Names such as Brand Wessee and Wasson appear in disconnected phrases, with references to a 20,000 money issue and a fired staffer. Further readable items mention committees and public works.
Fragments describe a Pittsburg hearing into public corruption tied to a group referred to as 3, with 6,000 in connection funds. Names appear garbled but indicate alleged wrongdoing and public affairs involvement. Further readable text names Salmaon and other individuals in a corruption inquiry.
Parla December 26 A demented restaurant waiter named Jean Mathis attempted to pull the beard of President Armand Fallieres, injuring him slightly in the incident.
Missouri supreme court ruled that Standard Oil Indiana Republic Oil Ohio and Waters-Pierce Oil Company conspired to monopolize the oil trade in the state. Each firm faces a $50,000 fine. Waters-Pierce may continue if by Jan 15, 1909 it proves steps to operate independently and satisfy the judgment. The other two must wind up by March 1, 1909. The decision, unanimous with seven judges, seen as end of illegal combinations in Missouri and may influence similar actions in other states following the tobacco trust cases.
In Sydney on December 26 Arthur Johnson of Galveston defeated Tommy Burns in fourteen furious rounds to become the new world heavyweight champion. Police briefly halted the bout early in the fourteenth round before a conference allowed it to continue. Johnson knocked Burns to the floor and the referee stopped the match as Burns could not defend himself.
Frederick A. Burnham, president of the Mutual Life Insurance Company, was indicted after an insurance investigation. He was found dead in his bed at his home, leaving the Burnham family and associates in shock amid questions about the case.
Washington December 24 twelve months for Emmuel Compers president nine months for John Mitchell one of the vice presidents and six months for Frank Morrison secretary all of the American Federation of Labor for contempt of court in violating an order barring them from boycotting Buck Stove and Range of St Louis Mo Sentences pronounced by Justice Wright after a two hour reading of the decision Gompers released on bond Mitchell and Morrison paid bonds as the court heard appeals from the defendants in the famous case The judge’s stern language marked one of the court’s most caustic arraignments in the city The labor leaders present included Gompers family who were tearful as the verdict was delivered
Labor leaders across the country protested the sentence on Gompers Mitchell and Morrison. The president referred all protests to Attorney General Bonaparte for consideration and review of testimony before deciding on any action.
Four people found dead at 168 Hastings Street, Chicago, from escaping gas. Victims include Morris Tukeman, a grocer, his wife Elizabeth, and children Annie age sixteen and William age fifteen. Police suspect a broken gas fixture caused by the victim placing a coat over it before bed. A Christmas tree with gifts was nearby.
A gasoline tank exploded at the home of blacksmith Matthew Cox in Union, nearly destroying the house and causing severe burns to Cox and his wife and five children. Cox’s burns are reported as very serious and potentially fatal. other injuries are minor.
Large gifts to the Salvation Army face scrutiny as reports claim a donor in garb and fame pocketed funds. Ensign Signal warned the public to donate only to authorized receivers. In Des Moines, William Lavean, jailed for drunkenness, resisted repeated hypnotherapy but was repeatedly treated to sobriety lessons from Rev. Cassady. Lavean remained uncertain about lasting recovery.
Herbert Levy of near Belt Rock suffered a jet hand injury when pulled into a corn shredder. Amputation between wrist and elbow was required. A week earlier William Zimmer sustained a similar injury in the same machine and vicinity during the corn shredding season.
In Ottumwa saloons were shuttered last week as part of a religious revival and prohibition era actions. Saloon men faced malt and other charges while local officials moved to close establishments, marking the first such closures since prohibitions began.
Rev Mueller Radcliffe and Rev Coling of Duncombe were badly burned on the face when a stereopticon exploded during a lecture at the Duncombe church. The blast caused panic but flames were put out and the minister escaped.
White House statement on December 26 asserts cases involving President v Gompers Vice President Mitchell and Secretary Morrison are still before the courts. It says no matter the president's views, he cannot act to pardon or express opinion on merits of the sentences.
The fragment notes an association in Ammet County electing officers including President J. Ker Armstrong and Vice President Albert Anderson, with secretary Tee Th and others. It mentions B. W. Bachman of Mather and attendance at a state regulation event.
Frank Waters, aged forty, shot himself through the right temple at his home, dying instantly. Described as despondent over ill health, he was the nephew of Bonater and related to Charles Aklep of Marshall County.
Fragmentary OCR reads a report involving a city event and a halted action related to a woman figure. Names and specifics are unclear, but the piece hints at a local incident or interference affecting a person described in tense, possibly investigative terms. No concrete dates or outcomes are readable.
In Moscow a fierce encounter near a suburban villa left Baron Cotte dead and Colonel Muraki wounded as revolutionaries entrenched in the house resisted police and troops. Fire from the building triggered artillery bombardment ending the battle with multiple casualties on both sides.
Pittsburg congressman John Dalzell has withdrawn from the race to succeed Senator Knox and endorsed George T. Oliver, publisher of Pittsburg, in a letter to Oliver announcing the decision.
Grain and livestock price data from Minneapolis and Chicago show wheat futures for December and May trading around $1.07 to $1.09, with on track No 1 hard and No 1 Northern futures near $1.10. Cattle and hog prices at St Paul reflect good to choice beef and steer values, while Chicago lists wheat and corn quotes, along with pork, butter, and poultry pricing for December and January delivery.
Interesting notes describe the state agricultural college on wheels led by Professor P G Holden. Two cars travel Iowa towns delivering lectures and demonstrations to farmers and farm wives, with free rail transport from participating lines. The short course runs November 7 to December 27, drawing farmers from miles to view displays of stock and poultry and hear instructors from Ames Institution and other colleges.
In Toleco county court a jury acquitted W. and Toler after about one hour ten minutes deliberation in the killing of George W. Davis at Marshalltown. The defendant, a former Town Central railroad foreman, faced a volatile crowd amid a strike with public anger running high and the trial moved to Toledo on a change of venue.
The Hague says Dutch hostilities against Venezuela are suspended and a settlement is likely. Venezuela reportedly revoked a curfew on goods bound for Venezuela, easing tensions. Foreign Minister Pau Venezuela notes a positive step toward normal relations and recalls Venezuelan operations and ports.
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