Baker Victim and Suspect in La Grande Tragedy
A La Grande incident details a young painter who killed his wife and then himself amid jealous motives. The case marks a grim record in local police annals.
09 Aug 1911
Page 1
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Newspaper
La Grande Evening Observer
Location
La Grande, Oregon, United States of America
Date
Aug 09, 1911
Page
1
A La Grande incident details a young painter who killed his wife and then himself amid jealous motives. The case marks a grim record in local police annals.
Edith Green Mansfield, a La Grande native known for her beauty, was killed last night in Baker. She was the daughter of Charles Green, formerly an engineer from La Grande, sister to Mrs. Joe McCrary, and sister-in-law to Mrs. W. Snodgrass of Colfax. Relatives reside in La Grande. She moved to Baker about five years ago with her parents.
In Baker City Louis Mansfield a sign painter and musician aged 27 shot his wife two times then killed himself after a suspected jealousy motive. The couple left behind a two year old child as police and onlookers described a quiet life prior to the tragedy at their First Street home near the Morning Democrat office. Investigators noted Mansfield calmly carried out the act awaiting a chance to execute his plan.
Neighbors describe a stormy marriage as Mrs. Mansfield was killed by a 38 caliber pistol shot to the head and heart, then her husband Mansfield killed himself. Authorities and coroner’s jury heard testimony from witnesses including Rosborough and Mrs. Pierce, with the couple’s daughter at Mrs. Mansfield’s parents’ home. The husband had threats against his wife and had attacked her in the past, while drinking heavily prior to the tragedy.
London report says clashes between police and striking dockers and teamsters involved women and children. About 75,000 workers are involved with 25,000 more expected to join. Over 200 vessels await unloading as freight handlers also strike, threatening land supplies.
President Taft plans to veto the statehood bill for Arizona and New Mexico over the recall of judges provision. The Senate passed the measure 53 to 18 after removing the recall clause, aligning with Taft’s opposition and signaling a veto message likely to voice his views. Leaders near a wool bill compromise, with Underwood optimistic about adjournment by week’s end.
Chicago railroads move to hold talks over wage increases and shorter hours amid rising shopmen unrest. Officials argue they cannot afford higher pay while San Francisco shopmen push demands, with appeals extending to Southern Pacific and Ju d Lovett. The dispute signals a broader strike threat on western rails.
Tacoma Aug 9 Miss Dora Williamson sister of the dead Claire Williamson remains weak from alleged starvation treatment by Dr Hazzard and may not recover according to Dr A H Coleman who treats her. Seattle Aug 9 Dr Hazzard denies starving the Williamson sisters and prepares a defense for the October trial.
Episcopal ministers in San Francisco denounce the planned Astor Force wedding. All clergy affirm the ceremony will not be conducted by their church.
Washington reports the committee chair reversed a contempt ruling and will not force Perkins to answer questions about political contributions. Perkins had previously testified but did not answer all inquiries as debate over the committee’s authority continued.
Portland August 9 Governor Plaisted has not indicated whom he will appoint to fill the U S Senate vacancy created by the death of Senator Frye. The appointee will be a Democrat with several candidates in contention.
A boiler explosion off Rotterdam sank the German passenger steamer Gutenburg today. The vessel split and went down almost immediately. Six are reported missing and ten injured, with others unaccounted for.
The Peary aricle ship Roosevelt under Captain Bartlett sails toward Greenland to recruit Eskimos and dogs for an expedition.
Memphis Tenn August ninth reports say General Gordon commander in chief of the United Confederate veterans cannot survive more than a few days as doctors warn of his critical condition amid advancing illness.
John Dietz defender of Cameron dam lies near death in a Wisconsin penitentiary after blood poisoning from a wound while fending off a sheriff posse. His family is by his bedside as authorities report his condition.
City editor T B Paxton of the Baker Democrat speaks of newspapermen deserving an outing every decade. He presented in full form and life size this morning during a humorous feature on the newsroom excursion.
The Observer scribe Meethie and collaborator Hi MS Reiff discuss visiting Wallowa Lake for a swim to test local legends. They plan a trip by road, noting interest in seeing how deer cross and whether fears are warranted.
The notice announces publication of the delinquent tax list for those who have not paid prior taxes. The list is published after reminder notices and reflects a sizable, yet typical, number of delinquent accounts as payment deadlines loom.
The French mail steamer Emir collided with the British steamer Silverton in fog in the Strait of Gibraltar. Silverton rescued 23 Emir passengers while about 83 passengers and crew were drowned.
Western editors including Oregon and Washington reporters favor Taft on wool and free list and statehood bills. Tribune poll lists 22 Republicans 37 Democrats 15 Independents supporting signing. Opposing side shows 55 Republicans 1 Democrat 6 Independents.
In New York Mayor Gaynor received a large silver wedding cup from a committee of admirers to mark his recovery after the assassination attempt by James Gallagher exactly one year earlier.
Washington August 9 The Wiley case witnesses a shock as counsel for Dr Wiley press a prior approval from Solicitor McCabe of the agriculture department for paying a New York expert, undermining the dismissal for violations of duties.
Rome August ninth reports say Pope Plus unable to attend ninth year as head of the church due to ill health and gout symptoms. Cardinal Merry del Val led celebrations as crowds sent greetings while heat and swelling worsen the pontiff’s condition.
Admiral Togo departed for Baltimore today in a private car, with plans to proceed to Washington. The trip marks a diplomatic mission as he travels between major cities.
A fragmented notice-like item describes a self advertised financier linked to vast wealth and promised shipments to America for an event or gift. The text hints at death and long involvement with finances, referencing millions and dubious prominence in early media style.
John W Gates the famed gambler figure in American history wowed Port Arthur Texas delegates of the Gulf Division Methodist Church with a set of eight Donts refraining from gambling stock speculation and other risky bets The record notes Gates notoriety for high stakes gambling and public betting scenes and his influence on the era’s wagering controversies
John W Gates a famed Wall Street and mining magnate dies in Paris at age 60. He will be transported to New York for burial aboard the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse on August 16. Known as Bet You a Million he built a vast fortune estimated at 25 million dollars and rose from poverty to become a flamboyant financier and self publicizing figure.
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