16 Apr 1897
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 26 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Apr 16, 1897
Page
1
Two women fatally injured and their escort Baily hurt during a nighttime buggy drive. Husband of one victim arrested amid grisly, disputed accounts of the ambush in a rural area. Evidence and testimonies described confusion and fear as investigators work the scene.
Chicago postal officials unveil a plan for an elaborate pneumatic tube system to move mail quickly within the city. A new central post office would serve as the hub for rapid transit tubes linking business houses and offices, with a two year implementation target and Washington discussions already underway.
A chaotic scene in Lawrence follows a suspected arson attempt at a theatre. Firefighters and witnesses describe windows, a candle ignition, and smoke filling rooms as residents rally and officials urge calm amid the commotion.
Memorial observances marked the death of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield with a full hall of citizens and assembly members. Reverend D G Tradford led prayer, speakers included Clarke J Tie and W G Cochran, followed by songs and recitations concluding the program.
In the Pitsy and Madison area two men, Frank Williams 49 and Edwards 22, caused a disorder by tipping over outbuildings and a well curb while intoxicated. They fled alleys, were chased by Det. Cuprom, and captured after a confrontation near First and Madison as a colored man with a revolver watched. Both men were taken to police and identified as Williams and Edwards.
Natchez Mississippi April 16 a fractured report states the old Brierfield plantation near Jefferson Davis’s home was flooded leading to discovery of fifteen bodies. Survivors are frightened and the scene is described as more dire than any prior incident in the area.
Senator A J Titus of Harper county faces denouncement as a puppet and his feud with ex Governor Lewelling. Bribery inquiry gains momentum as supporters rally for Titus. Petition circulating with signatures from county officials urging continued investigation and accountability.
In sealed orders, the British cruiser Ruccoen with Jett Cae Tawa arrived Feb 12, surprising ships at sea. Two British war vessels were met here tonight, though the purpose of the notable demonstration remains unclear.
Leopold von Langen a publisher and partner in a German periodical says a masked robber stepped from an alley on Second Street near Topeka Avenue and ordered him to raise his hands. Von Langen was struck and fell, the gunman fled. the assailant dressed well and wore a mustache, recent escapee from a prior similar attempt in the past year.
Washington push by Senator Hasna and labor leaders to secure better mine wages and conditions in western Pennsylvania. Ratchford and Pearce tour Pittsburgh district and seek support from Republican leaders and the White House for higher rates, while opposing tariff boosts harming coal exports.
Gov Leedy of Kansas spoke in Austin addressing the deep water committee meeting from Kansas Nebraska and Oklahoma. The aim is to secure cheaper freight rates for grain and general products through Texas to the Gulf. The group memorialized the interstate commerce commission and adjourned with plans to continue discussions tomorrow. Ex Judge Marlin of Kansas and other officials were to present their case at the sessions.
April 16 dispatch says Citizens Street Railway will accept 3 cents as fare for now amid court case delay. Mason, president, notes employees will collect 3 cents until higher courts decide. Mayor Taggart warned of orders to enforce the 2 cent fare law. Streetcar conductors get verbal instructions to enforce the fare. Public notices appeared in barns signaling 3 cent fare.
New York dispatch reports rebels captured Puerto Cortes on the Gulf of Honduras and Bairanwa on the Agua river the night of April 13. President Bonilla mobilizes large forces, seeks help from Guatemala Nicaragua and El Salvador, and warns of possible civil unrest in neighboring states.
Mrs Annie Besant theosophist leader in Denver on April 6 denies that the soul of Lord Byron has reincarnated in her. She says she cannot believe such a thing and discusses her life, family, and religious ties as she defends her beliefs amid questions about Romantic poet Byron’s possible reincarnation.
Santa Fe offices plan to form a ball team this evening to raise funds for the Fall Festival. Committee members will be named to handle work and expenses. Players named include A A Hayes, TD Alden, AM Bunton, C A Torrance, C Crosker, C Duthan, Coleman, J Thompson, FB Wilcox and J Countian.
Washington reports indicate Spain will begin partial troop withdrawal from Cuba as the rainy season begins. About 10,000 troops may depart Havana for Spain, followed by an estimated 39,000 more. Cubans claim Spain’s finances are exhausted and insist the move signals surrender of control, while Spaniards downplay the impact, suggesting only a limited insurgent threat remains.
George S. Green, a 20 year old fireman from Auburndale, died instantly at the Topeka Insane asylum when a steam boiler heater exploded during repair work. An inmate and Green were faced with a leaking heater when the nut failed and released steam. Coroner Westerfield conducted an inquest, citing lack of awareness of danger. Green’s widow awaits in Auburndale as authorities investigate potential negligence.
The south span of the old Hansas avenue bridge has sunk four inches in two weeks and is deemed weakened and unsafe. Bridge policeman Whitaker warns drivers of heavy loads while fire crews report a truck crossing at full height. Calls rise to strengthen the structure with fresh pilings and prevent a disaster until the new bridge is completed.
William Hill, founder of Hill City in Graham County, was found guilty by the United States District Court this morning of obtaining thousands of acres through false affidavits and homestead fraud. The case details allege misrepresentation and improper land acquisition. Attorneys for Hill waived further action as appeals are contemplated.
The Journeyman Barbers Union in the city has ordered Joe Carnworth William Nye and Matt Langhart to quit work at J A Nelson’s shop at Sixth and Kansas. The union claims violations of rules and warned workers to stop. Nelson says he will continue business and allow others to work if needed though Harmon’s failed purchase change splits the shop.
Agents for the Baron Hirsch American fund visiting Alliance and nearby New Jersey towns seek settlements of mortgages held by Franklin Holding and Loan Association of Salem. If agreements fail, nearly 1000000 will flow to Alliance, aiding about 5000 Russian Hebrews in the colony.
The article discusses the worth of familiar trade marks like Postum Cereal and the protection of brand names, noting their monetary value and protection against imitations. It also reports street sprinkling efforts, funded by private subscriptions, and announces Topeka’s upcoming weekly paper, the Independent, editors A Griffin and F A Root, debuting around May 1.
April reports from Larissa say Greek forces retreated across the frontier after a Turkish push near Kranta. Insurgents and irregulars allegedly aided the Turks, while Greek leaders faced criticism for handling the retreat and the army’s lack of regular support. The crown princess arrived to aid ambulance work as casualties mounted and public blame swirled around the government over mobilization and strategy.
In Austin Texas officials greeted Gulf Colorado Santa Fe president Mr Hipley with scant courtesy. A resolution granting privileges was debated for hours and then withdrawn amid claims that the party were railroad lobbyists and that officials abused rights.
A tension filled scene at a bridge as Officer Whitaker confronted jeering bystanders. Water was thrown, a warning was issued, and the officer maintained order while the crowd dispersed after a brief confrontation.
A Santa Fe line train from Leavenworth to Topeka wrecked seven miles east of Oskaloosa while approaching at 7:00 PM yesterday. The passenger coach freight car and tender were derailed but no injuries occurred as the train moved slowly. A broken axle and wheel damaged a freight car. wrecking crew worked through the night and the line was cleared by morning.
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