30 Dec 1908
Page 1
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Newspaper
La Crosse Tribune
Location
La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States of America
Date
Dec 30, 1908
Page
1
Reports estimate the quake death toll ranging from 85,000 to 100,000 as Pope Francis signals a possible attendance, while doctors reportedly caution against the advance plans amid public grief and uncertainty over the full death count.
Rome dispatches report pestilence starvation and aftershocks as Calabria and Sicily reel from the quake. Deaths in the tens of thousands are feared with meningitis and pneumonia adding to the toll while rescuers struggle amid rain and ruined roads.
Sixty hours after the quake the resilient populace nears madness, hindering rescue and accurate loss estimates. Mount Etna quiets slightly while Stromboli threatens a fresh eruption. Government tallies suggest up to 150000 dead across Sicily and Calabria as Messina endures heavy foreign casualties, including Arthur Che- among other noted victims.
Relatives of tourists were affected by a bombing incident at the national capital. Officials reported casualties and ongoing investigations. Security forces increased patrols as authorities sought suspects and clarified travel advisories remain in effect. Local hospitals treated several injured visitors.
A Malta dispatch reported by Consul W. H. Gale states Consul Cheney and his wife are both dead with their bodies not yet recovered. The note, dated December 30, was received at the state department.
Dr D Austin Cheney in New Haven reports Consul Gale in Malta confirmed Arthur S Cheney and wife were killed in the Sicily earthquake. Chicago fears many American tourists may have perished as inquiries go to Rome. In Washington relatives seek updates as the State Department gathers confirmations.
The La Crosse county board voted down a proposal to establish a superior court this afternoon after a heated debate. Lawmakers defended the plan citing Judge Fruit and county savings, while critics warned the county cannot afford it. A resolution protested police witness fees and called for amending the laws to exclude officers from such payments. A committee will investigate the county court needs as the measure ends for at least two years.
Naples dispatch reports further seismic disturbances in Palermo and Stromboli with the Ionian cable cut and cables to Corfu and Zante, heightening fears in the stricken district as another quake is feared and officials report marine cables severed to the mainland.
In a sensational Flushing court scene during the Thorn ton J. Hains murder case drastic rulings thinned the defense. Attorney McIntyre halted cross examination as Dr. Flint and Dr. Foster urged adjournment after Mrs. Gen. Peter C. Hains collapsed. Major John T. Hains may testify while Mrs. William E. Annis appeared as a star witness, expressing unwavering support for her husband and denying the charges. The session adjourned to the next day after the illness of Mrs. Hains was announced.
Gregori city chemist of Messina describes riding a ferry when the quake split the boat and sank it. He reached shore on wreckage, then Reggio, finding streets full of survivors. He cites a rough death toll near 50,000 in both Reggio and Messina.
Beatrice Matssui housekeeper recounts hearing Mrs. Erb say she faced an awful job and did not want to ask for money. She then heard a quarrel and six gunshots. Upstairs, the captain lay dead in pajamas, blood pooling around his head as Mrs. Beisel reacted in a swoon and asked what would be done to her.
London counselors Bicker and Shean served notice on the Chicago company staging The Mimic World that they will seek an injunction in British courts to restrain actress Gertrude Hoffman from using the name Maude Allen with her Salome dance.
In Denver on December 30 the wife of C Burdette Bell who killed Chas Couvier Dury for love quarrel reconciles with him after a morgue visit. She meets the widow of the deceased actor, marking a tense moment in a city crime case.
Rome Dec 30 A contribution of 10000 was received from J P Morgan the American financier Chicago promises a big relief drive with an overall target to raise fifty thousand dollars by tonight The energy underscores a coordinated national response to distress and an outpouring from prominent financiers to support relief efforts.
Executive committee votes to send 50000 to Italian Red Cross from San Francisco surplus. Taft, as Red Cross president, urges state governors to forward local appeals to support Italy. San Francisco surplus totals 200000, with 2700000 already sent to the city, plus 2 million in provisions and 2000 in cable funds. Local Italian groups in Chicago St Louis and Kansas City mobilize funds, with prayers from Archbishop Quigley and plans for a large benefit event.
A dramatic dispatch from Palermo reports Queen Helena and King Emmanuel arriving in Messina to witness scenes of horror and relief efforts. Survivors crowd the streets in shock while trains carry the injured toward Palermo. Reports note looting clashes and police measures as Gen. Fecci de Cassato imposes order amid plague fears and cremation debates.
Coldest in La Crosse at 30 degrees and Havre at 8 below. Winds 22 mph at 7 a m. Trace precipitation. Wisconsin fair tonight and Thursday with cold tonight and colder east Thursday. Minnesota fair tonight and Thursday with colder tonight, warmer west Thursday.
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