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Newspaper
Rock Island Argus
Location
Rock Island, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Jan 01, 1909
Page
1
An official dispatch from Reggio cites a death toll around twenty thousand while Naples reports two thousand arrivals from the quake zone. Ambassadors coordinate relief as hospitals prepare to house the injured and authorities assess destroyed and surviving areas without confirming totals.
Amid ongoing violence guards detail entrances to the city and soldiers patrol the ruined streets. Relief parties arrive but strain limits aid as many wounded cry out in distress and exposure to the cold.
Washington January 1 a large crowd gathered at the White House to wish President Roosevelt a happy New Year. Diplomats from many nations attended along with officials and citizens from all walks of life. The Italian ambassador, now dean of the diplomatic corps, attended amid sorrow over a recent calamity in Italy.
A cable from Rome reports Taormina escaped unharmed and relief funds in the United States reach about 110000 available and 375000 subscribed. Ambassador Griscom delays Messina trip awaiting the battleship fleet. Italian quake relief widens with civic and church mobilization, Red Cross aid, and new fundraising efforts across cities including Bloomington and Galesburg.
Rome reports Professor Alfani of the Florence Observatory predicts three years of ongoing seismic activity in Italy. He urges stricter building codes for earthquake zones as survivors recount widespread devastation at Reggio and Messina, with homeless children, despair, and disease fears amid debris fires and relief efforts.
Willis Ebb, a University of Kentucky student, appeared in shore Kentucky after a widely reported kidnapping yarn. He said he ran away from hazing and was not seized or transported in a boxcar. A local chief lectured him and he confirmed the tale as a fabrication. Celebration centers here note New Year revelry with many visitors and extended saloon hours despite usual closing rules. Police laxity during the holiday allowed saloons to stay open past midnight with steady crowds and brisk business.
James F. Jeffries declined John purse’s $50,000 offer to fight Jack Johnson for the world heavyweight title. He preferred a Melbourne bout in November if arrangements could be made. Also reports Joshua II, president of the Rock club, died yesterday.
January reports describe a blaze aboard the Norwegian steamer bound for Havana at Savannah. Firefighters from Savannah respond to extinguish the flames as crew seek to control the smoke and damage.
Davenport and Moline residents spent New Year’s Eve without disorderly conduct as police reported a clean tab. Two youths were given overnight lodging after early excess attempts, reflecting a calm observed by authorities.
Augusta Ga Jan 1 Le Matin of Paris published Taft's New Year message asking for peace and continued friendly relations with all nations. He emphasized reducing disputes by force and hoped for improved settlement methods as 190% ends. The text ends mid-sentence with garbled OCR.
A .35 caliber Remington rifle presented today to C. F. Fox retiring eighth district superintendent at Des Moines. Fox resigns effective now. A. B. Richards of the fifth district succeeds him, with merged fifth and eighth districts based in Kansas City. Fox served since 1872, Des Moines ten years, plans farming in Montana after a Cuba trip. over twenty years with Postal company.
Oscar Rosene of Kewanee, once struck by a locomotive but not seriously hurt, was fatally shot in a hunting accident near Galva yesterday. The shotgun blast struck his side, ending his life.
Bloomington may hire W R McNamara catcher from Albany in the New York State league. He is a strong candidate among many applicants and could replace Arthur Wilson if chosen.
Edward Chamberlin, a Boston shoe store employee, was stricken with apoplexy while at work and died after being taken to the hospital. The nickname Olgs appears in the text but the key fact remains his sudden collapse and death.
The American Motor Car Manufacturers' Association opened its annual automobile show at the Grand Central Palace in New York with Acting Mayor McGowan presiding. Visitors praised the elaborate decorations and the lobby displays as the event, now in its new independent form, runs through Thursday. The exhibition partners with the Importers' Automobile Salon and motor accessory makers.
Last evening Rock Island police officers presented Chief L. V. Eckhart Jr. a beau tiful B P O E watch charm as a holiday remembrance. Electrician George Hill made the presentation as officers lined up for roll call. The charm bears the inscription Rock Island Police Department to Chief L. V. Eckhart Jr Jan 1 1909.
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