20 May 1912
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 21 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Monroe News Star
Location
Monroe, Louisiana, United States of America
Date
May 20, 1912
Page
1
A massive fire swept Houston's business district for hours, causing extensive damage to storefronts and nearby properties. Firefighters battled flames as smoke blanketed the area and evacuations were issued for several blocks. No injuries are reported in the initial briefing.
A massive Houston fire began in the Stowers Building and spread rapidly through the upper floors, destroying or damaging the Stowers Furniture, A L Lipper, Latham, Mason, Temple, and Goggan buildings. Authorities cited defective wiring and overheated lines as the cause. Estimated loss approaches $1,000,000 with 40 percent insured. Firemen battled the blaze for hours as flames raged across the district.
The forecast calls for generally fair conditions tonight and Tuesday with no significant precipitation. Temperatures are expected to remain mild and winds light throughout the period.
Fire engulfed a ten story Jones building housing the Texas Company, though the structure remained standing. Adjacent Levy and Michell buildings suffered damage, as did the Capitol Hotel. The sixteen story Carter building saw shattered windows and fear for its fate. Stowers and Latham buildings were destroyed. Mason and Temple fronts survived only partially, with firefighters predicting loss.
In Camden Tennessee robbers barricaded approaches and cut telephone wires during a morning hold up of the First National Bank, taking thirteen thousand dollars and fleeing the scene.
Columbus Ohio May 19 Republicans in Ohio prepare for a Tuesday primary with three sets of delegates per district pledged to Taft Roosevelt or La Follette. Six at large delegates will be chosen by the state convention in June. Democratic ballots include governors Harmon and Wilson as a test.
Morgan City Louisiana May 20 The Atchafalaya River continues to rise with back water flooding business streets and depths from four to six inches. Businesses are raising floors as officials predict about another foot of water.
Louisville report says Atlanta, Georgia was selected as the meeting place for next year's General Assembly of the Northern Presbyterian church.
Chicago reports wheat prices slipping by a quarter cent while provisions ease from two and a half to fifteen cents as markets begin trading on May 20.
Governor elect Luther E Hall was inaugurated at 1 pm in Baton Rouge with a large crowd in attendance. Thos C Barrett took oath as Lieutenant Governor and delivered a brief policy-focused address. A parade led by John M Parker passed through the city with dignitaries and naval escorts from the battleship.
Governor Hall delivers his inaugural address on the capitol platform after being sworn in by Chief Justice Breaux. Bishop Sessums gives an invocation and Father Drousseart offers the benediction as Monroe locals attend a reception at the Istrouma Hotel.
The article notes that the chief executive must begin with a formal address outlining aims and policies. It explains that today’s compliance is less significant because the administration’s purposes and plans are already suggested.
Five persons including three men and two women drowned when an automobile left a bridge and plunged into the Calumet river this morning in Chicago. Coroner and police investigated the tragedy with details pending.
The Interstate Commerce Commission decided that the freight rate of three dollars per ton for pig iron from Birmingham to New Orleans was not unreasonable or unduly discriminatory in the case brought by the New Orleans Board of Trade against the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.
Associated Press reports the Senate faced final action on Senator Lorimer of Illinois amid corruption allegations. The special committee majority says the former ruling in Lorimer’s favor should stand final and conclusive, while the minority argues evidence proves at least ten votes were corrupt.
Philadelphia May 20. After a conference between President Navin and striking Detroit American Baseball Club members it was announced Navin told his Tigers that President Johnson would not reinstate Ty Cobb at this time. Rumors swirled but nothing definite emerged. Cobb reportedly urged players to return without him. Manager Jennines warned the team must report or arrangements would be made. Also Philadelphia May 20. The Detroit strike is over and the club plays in Washington tomorrow without Cobb.
Boston May 20 The Virginian Clarence V T Richeson who will likely pay the penalty for Avis Linnell murder speaks of readiness to die and having made his peace with God He tells the warden he will talk and face the end without breaking down about to die shortly after midnight as execution draws near (Continued on Page Eight)
A tense scene unfolds in Shreveport as a latest caper by the well on far ground sparks excitement and local chatter. Police cordon off areas while residents watch the unfolding incident. Authorities provide few details as investigations continue.
A gas well near the State Fair Grounds exploded in a roar as four to five hundred feet of drill stem shot from the derrick. The crown block toppled. pieces pierced the old machinery hall roof. No injuries or major damage reported, scene drawn by hundreds of curious visitors.
A driller on the derrick narrowly escapes when a stent flies by scattering mud and broken stone. He is blinded briefly by debris but clings to a derrick timber and emerges unharmed. Secretary Brueggerhoff notes torn drill stem may be displayed as a permanent ad for the Fair Grounds attraction, though not yet decided.
Report says the well has never been uncontrollable and drillers expect to cap it today with no further trouble. The blowout theory cites gas pressure pushing into the space between casing and drill stem after valve placement. The Fair Grounds drew four to five thousand visitors, with extra guards needed to keep crowds safe.
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