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Newspaper
Semi Weekly Herald
Location
Eldora, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1909
Page
2
A mosaic of notes from around the world touches on revolutions in Central America, earthquakes in Messina, aviation feats by Farman and Wright, and power projects along the St. Lawrence. Reports mention grafts of humor in everyday life, corn yields, postal rules, and a Turkish parliament vote plan for a $100 million naval build.
Washington December 13. Secretary MacVeagh issues a detailed explanation of the corporation excise tax under section 88 of the tariff act of 1909. It defines gross and net income for different corporate classes, outlines how to compute costs and deductions, and explains the ledger basis for returns and penalties for late filings. The six classes include banks and financials, insurers, transportation, manufacturing, mercantile, and miscellaneous, with explicit rules for each on gross income and allowable deductions.
Washington reports show 1909 sobriety declined after beer halls were removed from national soldiers homes. The inspector notes 1,026 more drunkenness trials than in 1906, a 32 percent rise, with one charge per 4.7 men in 1909 versus 6.5 in 1906. Church attendance also fell from 23.58% to 17.97%.
Trapped workers at McClintock Irvine roofing plant were engulfed as tar spilled from a vat and reached a boiler. Peter McGonigle John Trent and Patrick Carry died in the blaze while a fourth man escaped severely burned after the vat valve was opened unexpectedly.
The home of James A. Herne the actor and playwright was destroyed by fire in Southampton. Mrs Catherine C Herne the widow and her son Jack with servants escaped unharmed and saved little of their effects. The loss is estimated at 50000 dollars.
Washington reports Attorney General Wickersham outlines a vigorous government push to recover funds lost to sugar import frauds in New York. He cites a network of corruption involving importers and officials, requests a $50,000 appropriation to prosecute, and promises broader actions on land frauds and related cases. He urges immunity, extended government appeal rights, and revised penalties for embezzlement and bank misapplication.
In Sugar City Colorado a practical joke turned deadly when Fred Bradley was severely burned in the boiler room after someone threw wood alcohol on his back and set fire to it. The flare was not extinguished in time. Authorities allege an organized hazing gang has existed in the factory for some time.
In Sinteraville West Virginia on December 13 a nitroglycerin explosion killed a worker. Authorities report the blast severely injured others and investigators are pursuing leads ten days after the incident.
London reports a mass Albert Hall rally where Premier Asquith vowed self government for Ireland if the Liberals return to power. The crowd, all-male due to suffragist fears, welcomed the pledge amid praise for past reforms and blame on the House of Lords for blocking supplies.
New York December 13 Dr Anabel Zelaya son of the Nicaragua president faced a $100000 suit filed by Elizabeth Juliet Hero who asserts a promise of marriage. The case cites a dinner where the engagement was announced and a later presidential objection calling it a mesalliance. Hero’s mother offers more than 200 letters allegedly showing Zelaya's affection.
A severe earthquake shook Guam on December 13, wrecking the Women's and Children's hospital. No casualties were reported. Guam has about 10,000 residents, nearly all natives. The Navy Department maintains a coaling station there.
Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Nairobi in good health amid a curious report of a giant pig escapade and local festivities. The incident referenced a potential bongo or large pig but none appeared as officials planned several dinners. Meanwhile floods with bursts and home damage troubled Chicago as December coverage continued.
Report from Bluefields Nicaragua describes President Zelaya’s maneuvers outwitting Gen. Estrada. It notes American marines from the Des Moines await orders, with Commander Shipley to act under Admiral Kimball, as Zelaya’s 3,000-strong force advances toward Bluefields and Diaz seeks U.S. protection for Americans.
The National Geographic Society will examine allegations by Capt. August W. Loose and George Dunkle that they supplied Captain Cook with falsified observations to prove a north pole reach. Professor J. H. Gore Rear Admiral Pillsbury and Dr. C. W. Hayes plan to travel to New York to start the inquiry. President Willis L. Moore announced the move after a society conference. The group also intends to review Cook’s own published claims.
In Chicago two men were seriously burned and two policemen injured as a blast and fire wrecked the Heppes Company main building at 4505 Filmore Street. About 500 workers narrowly escaped death as a gasoline pour into asphalt ignited, causing about 10000 dollars in damage.
Fragmentary notice from Paso Texas dated December 13 reports a death message being sent. The readable portion references a name or identifier and an inquiry into the cause, but details are garbled and unclear. No full names, places, or outcomes are discernible from the fragments.
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