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Newspaper
Rock Island Argus
Location
Rock Island, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1903
Page
1
An explosion at the United States Leather company factory on the fourth floor sent flames through the building. Daniel Phelan leaped from a window into the alley and died. Twenty to thirty workers were present. another man was burned. The blaze rapidly consumed the factory.
Jibatil French Somaliland Dee and others report that Emperor Menelik and Consul General Skinner signed a treaty between the United States and the empire of Japan, opening for the first time commercial relations.
Liberia reports Mrs. Allen of the American African Gospel mission witnessing tribal fighting near coast towns as bushmen are defeated and cannibalism not found though bodies are mutilated. Separately Scrupulous Conscience and Honesty puzzle with similar handwriting. A Cleveland insane adjudication, Indianapolis Gold Democrats defeat, and Mulliken tragedy mourners face family shock.
A crowded Hall of Agriculture witnessed a 9239 to 119 vote endorsing the company’s agreement with the United States. The management reported Panama’s sovereignty over the isthmus, noted lack of Senate ratification, and outlined Colombia’s past attempts to override the company’s rights while French interests were pled in as protections.
The report notes Colombia notified Nov. 28 it would uphold the company's rights but oppose transferring the concession to any government. Dec. 3 agent Samper warned that relations with a separatist government or a transfer would mean abandonment of the concession. The company replied Dec. 5 it would resume relations if Colombia regains possession. Disorder erupted during Lampres' reading as a Groton speech was hooted. a resolution passed 9 to 2 in favor, with sale to the United States postponed but deemed unlikely to affect the managers' support. Separately, a Galien, Michigan, fire damaged a dwelling. Mrs. Morley and two children were burned but expected to recover.
Dennis Teahy a former Virginia League player and once with the Cincinnati team was shot and killed in Knoxville Tennessee on December 31 Frank Ragan was arrested for the shooting
Chicago reports rise in death toll from the Iroquois Theatre disaster. Officials place the missing at around three hundred plus, with many injured treated in hospitals and hotels. Coroner Traeger orders strict guards as investigators search the basement for victims while a list of unidentified dead girls is compiled. Authorities describe victims ranging from age nine to twenty, with many details scarred by the blaze.
A Chicago theatre fire in the 19th century caused many deaths and injuries. The report details the panicked rush to exits, the rapid accumulation of bodies, and the efforts of clergy, physicians, and volunteers to rescue victims and aid survivors.
W D Moone reports he offered his carriages at 2021 V bash avenue to aid fire sufferers but livery drivers at the union headquarters refused to operate them. Fred erick W Job called Moone to request service, Moone agreed and urged drivers to help, but they declined. The fire started during the moonlight scene when an electric wire broke and was grounded, causing the curtain failure.
Presidents of Illinois universities addressed about 4000 teachers at the Illinois Teachers' association meeting in Springfield. A S Draper supported admitting students by certificates from accredit ed schools. James and Taylor spoke on higher education, athletics, and religion. The report also covers the Iroquois theatre disaster and local victims.
Grand Rapids, Mich. Pantlind testified that he gave William McWinnissht and ex-State Senator George Nichols a key to a private parlor in the Morton House during the Lant K. Salsbury libel trial, allegedly to bribe a witness. The prosecution argues Pantlind swore falsely to protect a friend, while Pantlind admits earlier perjury. Meridian, Miss. Miss Mothel Rovelle, heir to an heiress fortune, remains missing with fears of kidnapping and ransom. Relatives note she has been shadowed since her status became public. Boston reviews foreign mission work at the ninety third annual report, noting European Turkey missions remained neutral in Macedonian and Bulgarian unrest. Indianapolis reports the death of Emma Smith, 65, widow of Richard Smith, former Cincinnati Gazette editor, with three daughters and a son. The daughters include Mary and Laura, and Mrs. Andrews of Yokohama, Japan.
Chicago reports the Spoor trophy awarded to Iowa State Agricultural College teams with Iowa first in overall standings Ohio second Minnesota third Kansas fourth. In individual clay Sanders specials C N Howard of Owl claimed top honors. Also recalled a rice cooker explosion at Dick Brewing in Quincy Alabama wrecking the main building. watchman Leo J Joorres injured but expected to live. loss estimated at 60000.
A schoolmaster quotes that strength comes from long battles with life’s trials. He likens character to an oak, grown through persistent effort and endurance, rather than quick moments of effort or fame. The message honors resilience in both men and women.
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