03 Feb 1902
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 19 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Indianapolis Journal
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Feb 03, 1902
Page
1
A major blaze last night consumed much of Laree Fortion’s business district in Waterbury, causing losses around two million dollars. Gale winds fanned the flames as local firemen struggled to contain the inferno, with assistance summoned from Hartford, New Haven, and nearby cities.
A blizzard gusts of wind fueled a massive Waterbury blaze that started in Read & Hughes Dry Goods on Bank Street and swept across South Main to destroy seven eight buildings and threaten the Franklin House and American office. Loss runs to millions with insurance estimates at $2 million plus. no deaths reported at Waterbury Hospital. militia and external fire teams assisted as thieves looted empty homes amid embers and alarmed crowds.
At 3 o'clock this morning the fire was believed to be under full control. It is impossible to give a full list of losses at present. The damaged properties include Miller owner assets, Johnson block, New England Engineering Company, Franklin House, Turkish bath, J. R. Mullings & Son clothiers, Camp block demolition, and several blocks occupied by various companies. Losses run into thousands with specific items such as 335,000 for the George E. Judd block and 340,00 for the Ash owest block noted among others. Further details await authorities and insurers.
Police confirm Minnie Clark thirty three was murdered in a Christie street house last night with her throat cut and a knife set in her hand to resemble suicide. Minnie came from St. Cloud Minnesota with her daughter May and husband William Clark who later was committed to an asylum after a quarrel heard by a neighbor.
Walker D. Hines vice president of Louisville and Nashville Railroad accuses the Interstate Commerce Commission of fault for rate cutting in a pamphlet. He argues the commission has failed to enforce the act, inflated the issue to seek more power, and undermined enforcement with delays and misstatements while railroads violate the law.
A Butler inquest reveals Edward Biddle shot himself with a 32 caliber revolver and John Biddle died from a gunfight with officers. Testimony details the pursuit, the fight, and the deaths, while Mrs Soffel’s condition worsens and crowds gather to view the scenes.
Diamonds stolen from two iron bound trunks of C B Clausen traveling representative for a Minneapolis jewelry firm were recovered at Terry forty miles west of Glendive. The Jan 19 theft from the Northern Pacific baggage room involved broken trunks. Jerry McCarty, arrested on suspicion, reportedly confessed to the sheriff and directed deputies to the cache.
In San Juan Porto Rico the fortnight long carnival season began with crowded streets and a theater ball featuring blue costumes and blue confetti. Seven carnival balls are planned for this year's celebration.
The public lines up to view two criminals seized by the sheriff. Women press forward to see Edward Biddle’s body while Mrs. Soffel lies in a hospital bed with a severe wound. Officers involved in the capture discuss an equal sharing of prize money among four officers, the driver, and three detectives, with McGovern absent.
In Butler Pennsylvania pastors describe the dying statements of Edward and John Biddle and Mrs Kate Soffel. The two Biddles died in the county jail after being shot. Edward claimed innocence against killings and shootings while confessing to the priest. The clergy denounced the so called crime pair and charged a woman with guiding the escape.
In Butler Pennsylvania on February 2 a trio led by Mrs Soffel and John and Edward Biddle plotted escape from prison. They intended to wear Sisters of Mercy robes to hide their flight toward Canada then live as a couple. Mrs Soffel told attendants she had accomplished her aim while hospital reports differed on her condition.
Thomas Madalena and Bennie Poli, wanted for the Shawmut murder of James Heekin, were ambushed in a Crenshaw woods near Brockwayville, captured after four days on the run. Ely County commissioners and Shawmut Mining Co offered a 3000 reward for their capture. The exhausted suspects had eaten nothing for four days as four Italian pursuers under Squire Thomas Keys arrested them.
San Antonio reported February 2 that 106 miners were killed in a gas explosion at Hondo Mexico mine No 1 owned by the Coshutia Coal Company. Most victims were Mexicans and Chinese with few Americans. all mules also died. Rescue work continues with no chance of survivors.
Washington reports the Republican House caucus will consider Crumpacker's plan to reduce Southern representation, with support from Southern Republicans and federal election law backers. A third view favors delaying action. Supreme Court likely to reject Minnesota case, pushing relief to lower courts if no ruling tomorrow.
Washington notes a busy week in Congress with the oleomargarine bill as a special order, followed by the war revenue tax repeal. Debates on tariff questions Cuban reciprocity and the Philippine tariff bill occupy the Senate alongside discussions on federal judiciary salaries. Leaders outline anticipated debate topics and key speakers as both parties push for finalizing measures.
Washington news notes the urgent deficiency bill to be reported by Senator Hale with amendments covering Prince Henry’s entertainment and coronation costs. The debate is expected but final passage is anticipated. Charles S. Conant, longtime Washington correspondent, has been elected treasurer of a New York trust company after a Philippine assignment assessing king and coinage systems.
Police detain a man calling himself Marquis Rudolph de Lucenay and his wife in Dallas awaiting El Paso officers. He allegedly lied about his wife Miss Roy Luckhardt of Los Angeles being seventeen. He claims vast lands in Mexico and Tibet and military service in France. He plans to return to India to lead natives against British rule.
Views of Capt. Frank Green, president of the American Chamber of Commerce at Manila, argue that opening mining and homestead laws and expanding forestry reserves would attract American capital and manpower. He contends this would create employment for Filipinos, reduce unrest, and bolster civil and military cooperation under Taft’s administration, with rapid pacification in Batangas and southern Luzon as surrenders rise.
New York reports a daylong cold wave and gale heavy with snow turning to slush. Winds over sixty mph at Sandy Hook caused falling signs, downed wires and a fatality. Weather forecasts predict temperatures near 10 degrees above. Ships delayed and cables grounded amid rough seas.
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