29 Dec 1908
Page 1
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Newspaper
La Crosse Tribune
Location
La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States of America
Date
Dec 29, 1908
Page
1
Naples reports twenty five thousand dead from a quake and tsunami that hit Calabria and Sicily. Messina, capital of Messina province, was almost totally destroyed with a tidal wave leaving mud and smoldering ruins. Fire rages as rescuers search the debris. about twenty one towns destroyed and officials struggle for figures.
A compact list of major earthquakes from 157 to 1908 detailing places such as Portius, Lisbon, Messina, Tokyo, and Naples, with thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. The chronicle names cities, dates, and death tolls across Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
President Roosevelt sent a cable of condolence to King Victor Emmanuel and announced American Red Cross aid plans. In New York, Metropolitan and Manhattan opera groups organize benefit armances led by Enrico Caruso to aid quake survivors. Rome reports pope and King Emmanuel funding relief, with Catholic and public groups contributing across Italy. France orders battleships and three destroyers to join rescue efforts at Wessina.
Weather observer reports a telegraphic warning from Washington about a marked disturbance over Manitoba moving southeast with rain and snow across northern and southern districts east of the Mississippi. Temperatures rise to the central valleys and upper lake region by Tuesday night, then fall sharply over the northwest Tuesday night as a cold high area follows.
The widow and her sister Katherine Bissel stand trial for the life of Jayton Erb, a former private secretary to Boss Durham. Judge Johnson presides as a cosmopolitan crowd gathers outside the jail to watch the proceedings.
Rome reports a catastrophe in Sicily with Messina officially destroyed and Reggio feared wiped out. The Tribuna estimates 65 000 to 75 000 dead and twice that many injured or starving. Rail link between Catania and Messina is restored.
The county board debates establishing a municipal style court in La Crosse with strong support from Judge Fruit and County Judge Brindsey. A bar committee presented a draft bill and argued the court would speed trials and reduce overall costs, though some supervisors warned of higher expenses and state officer overlap.
Rome reports a vast, mounting death toll from yesterday's catastrophe with 75,000 feared dead by evening papers and at least 25,000 dead likely nationwide. Mount Etna erupts with smoke and detonations as refugees endure freezing rain and exposure. Telegraphic links reach Palmi, delivering grim reports to the south.
New Haven reports no word on Dr. Arthur Cheney Yale consul at Messina as fear grows for his life after the disastrous earthquake. Rome dispatch puts Messina deaths around 50,000 as Mount Etna shows signs of renewed activity. State Department cables Rome Naples and Palermo seeking details on conditions in Messina and the American loss.
Diphtheria outbreak in Mount Horeb Park County forces quarantine and bans on gatherings for twenty days. The wedding of Miss Marie G Dahle daughter of former Congressman Herman B Dahle to Nels C Beim manager of Twin City Oil Minneapolis will be held New Year’s night in Minneapolis instead of Mount Horeb as planned.
The last tribute was paid to Henry Heil this afternoon at the old home on 516 South Third Street. William Lenning spoke eloquently of his life and character at the service.
A large number of friends attended the funeral. Pallbearers were M. Gunther, John Ulrich, Karl Kurtenacher, W. Harter, Emil Mueller and V. Tauche. The body was laid to rest in Oak Grove cemetery.
The front page shows the Hains jury leaving the courthouse for lunch, illustrating the panel chosen to judge Hains for a second time. The bottom caption identifies Juror Jardin, described as full blooded Indian, seated in the case.
A plea to donate New Year meals to the City Mission so 200 hungry people can be fed. Readers are urged to send one dish or component for a collective dinner, sharing resource to help those in need during the holiday. The appeal emphasizes empathy and collective action.
La Crosse sportsmen plan a petition to the Wisconsin legislature to curb seine fishing in the Mississippi and Black rivers and their sloughs. Alex Goyette of French Island leads the push, with a meeting to organize efforts and rally others to stop what they call a slaughter of game fish by seine operators.
Former Madison judge R M Bashford, appointed to fill Justice Cassoday's term, sues Secretary James A Frear for $500 claiming the $6,000 annual salary legally applies to the term. Frear had paid only $2,500 for six months, arguing the higher rate did not cover Bashford personally. Case set for Supreme Court hearing January 26.
Thornton J. Hains faces a murder trial with courtroom clashes over the unwritten law. Judge Crane rules to keep adultery from shaping the verdict while witness Reid details Hains family scandals. Darrin hands off as assistants take over prosecution before year end.
Wisconsin forecasts call for rain or snow late tonight and Wednesday, warmer in the east tonight then colder Wednesday. Minnesota expects snow tonight with colder conditions in the west then a clearing, while a cold wave lingers in the northwest. Iowa projects rain or snow tonight or Wednesday with colder conditions in the west tonight and Wednesday.
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