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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Dec 14, 1897
Page
1
In Topeka a debate on police administration draws attention from Governor Leedy and political partisans. Citizens push for a corporate style city government with reduced police fares for economic reasons while judges and officials face public scrutiny over policing budget and reform. Local residents including M Sna bringer and others weigh calls to cut force size and align policing with tax realities.
Citizens and officials discuss police staffing and efficiency in a crowded debate. Concerns about crime, saloons, and protection mix with calls to reduce the force and shift salaries to other city services. The Civic Federation begins a campaign for civil service reform with petitions and union support.
Topeka December 13 1897 The Police Board president defends staffing and budget against city council demands for cuts. He asserts the force must be sufficient for public safety and vows appeal of Judge Hazell’s decision while seeking ways to maintain service with existing personnel. The letter argues the board’s efficiency improves arrests and deters robberies, and criticizes council pressures a reduction would threaten protection.
Five Springs Missouri farmer G W Gammon was robbed by three men at the Ganme Pe freight yards near Nineteenth and Liberty. Stripped of money and clothing, he fled barefoot to a switchmen’s shanty and later received aid, reporting $33 taken.
Louisville December 14 The Kentucky Distillers Association fails to secure agreement to restrict production to 18 or 20 million gallons for 1398. The secretary has received few responses to the petition to trim the tract, and stocks on hand cover four years. Some brands distilled in 1803 and 1803 are selling from 25 to 30 cents a gallon, tax and costs pushing prices down. Distilleries with capacity of raw gallons daily will begin operating January 1, with more planned across the state. If production reaches 25 to 20 million gallons, trade faces renewed demoralization and embarrassment.
The Alaska trade committee and transportation firms agree on a 200 dollar rate from San Francisco to Dawson City to promote Alaska as a outfitting point. Ex-Governor Sharkley leads agents preparing a Chicago trip with Alaskan exhibits while a special exhibit is on display. A woman is sent to Washington to lobby with northwestern city representatives to close Dyea sub-port.
The schooner yacht Yampa, recently acquired by the German emperor, will depart from New York for Southampton England. Overhauled and fitted at Hawkins yard City Trand the Yampa is described as in prime seagoing condition for the voyage. Captain John Burt will command with full familiarity of the vessel and its racing spars and canvas shipped from Boston.
Sergeant Donovan and Patrol Whitaker investigated a late evening incident on Kenea Science Way where a horse and two individuals were found wandering. No injuries reported, authorities secured the scene and opened a basic inquiry.
Canton G December 4 The cabinet arrived by special train to attend the funeral of Mrs McKinley. Secretaries Alger Wilson and others accompanied by Washington officials greeted by crowds. Houses closed, streets filled, and floral tributes arrived from across the country as mourners pay last respects in Canton.
Dr Manchester led services for the late Mother McKinley, with Army connections to the president. The Aeolian quartet sang hymns, prayers were offered by Rev Horbruck and Rev Dr Hall, and residents filed past the casket at the church before interment at West Lawn cemetery. Rainfall and storm forecasts followed.
Washington December 14. Republicans in the House discuss modifying the civil service law after a weekend conference. The plan seeks bipartisan support including some Democratic opposition to repeal only, with changes such as exempting single-responsibility cases, making exams practical, limiting life tenure, affirming department heads to remove or promote, and curbing the expanding powers of the Civil Service Commission.
Chicago officials boosted salaries from 2 dollars a week to 1 000 a year last night, with the measure passed under suspension of the rules by a 56 to 8 vote.
Washington Herald correspondent reports Surgeon General Van Reypan plans an ambulance ship of about 3500 tons. The vessel would be 300 feet long with four steam launches and four barges, beds for 24 patients, berthing for crew, and quarters for four medical officers, two apothecaries, and twelve nurses.
The second trial of Adolph Luetgert, accused of murdering his wife Louise, opened before Judge Gary in Chicago. The crowded courtroom heard the opening prosecution by State's Attorney Denesa and McEwen, with Luetgert defended by Harme, Hesse, and Kehoe. The State outlined its case as in the first trial.
In St Louis Dor 14 a hose reel dash collided with a street car injuring Fireman John Saxacy and fatally wounding a 15 year old boy. Two women passengers Mrs J Fase and Mrs Neshware suffered cuts from shattered glass while about a dozen others endured injuries. Hose reel and car were splintered in the crash.
Snow yesterday delayed trains on the Manhattan Alma and Burlingame branch with a gang clearing the track and four snow plows at the McPherson branch. Despite the snowfall trains on that line reportedly kept moving with no time loss.
Dover England December 14 Fire gutted officers quarters and damaged the main building of Dover Castle one of England’s oldest fortresses. The powder magazine narrowly escaped as flames spread from the eastern to the western portions. The garrison of about two thousand fought the blaze to save historic and artistic treasures.
Judge Horton moves to end the Sherif Kepley contest with a demurrer arguing no showing entitles him to office. If sustained, the case may close with no House-gift evidence. court adjourns after Witnesses from Washburn College and Rossville examined for ballot irregularities and numbering on Rossville ballots.
Richmond Kentucky December 1 There is no reconciliation between General Clay aged 57 and his wife Dora. He believes she will never return to Whitshall to stay despite her protests. He cites family pressure as keeping her prisoner. A letter from Dora begs for money and asks her husband not to heed others. The general says Dora is a prisoner of her enemies in the vendetta and that he is defeated but not conquered.
St Louis December 4 Judge Sanborn in the court of appeals has granted a postpersement delaying the firepoised sale of the Kansas Pacific railroad for 60 days.
Vienna reports rising turmoil in Bohemia as troops patrol Pracne streets and special guards guard German theatres after a fire near the Royal German theater. Arrests fill prisons forcing release of minor suspects. Clashes with police erupt in Prague Cracow and Cracow. Thirty newspapers closed this week in Bohemia.
At Naghyite Tennessee December 14 delegates heard protests against the crediting rule and after discussion decided the matter should be referred to the grievance committee. Messages from Deter mayor and local chamber invited AFL to hold next convention there. Congratulatory messages from New Jersey Topeka Kansas City and Pearl read. A temperance union letter urged labor solidarity and a stand against saloons. Rule committee set meeting times and adjournment. The report was adopted.
The Rock Island Railway seeks to enlarge the south river yard by fitting from the south of the river under and near the bridge, removing a bridge span and shifting space to widen yard capacity. Attorney M A Tow indicates planning but questions legality, while work near the bridge suggests yard relocation and potential riverbank redevelopment. The project could cost the railroad several thousand dollars.
The Rock Island rail lines will lay a Jasco water main from their Horton shops to a distant crescent mile distant, with a reservoir and paraphernalia machine to be built at an estimated cost around 30,000. The Horton water service has been exposed to saltwater and the new works will improve water access for the Horton shops and roundhouse.
The French liner La Touraine bound from New York to Havre, commanded by Captain Samtet, was reported near Plymouth on December 14. It reportedly lost control after meeting a restricted vessel at 4:10 this morning, causing concern and prompting a check by port authorities.
Robbery at 55 Kansas street during a gap between ten and twelve found burglars entering the store room. An electric fire was started near the stock as redressed drawers were pried open with a hammer. Patrolman Pavey reported the break and noted silverware, jewelry, and plated items stolen along with substantial cash.
The first Trades Excursion train launched by the Commercial club and chartered by the merchant wheel shows strong interest with merchants already advancing plans for extra cars. Officials believe the original four cars will be insufficient.
State school fund commissioners plan to purchase $1,000 state bonds completing a reduction of $612,000 in indebtedness. After the transaction the fund will owe all but $25,000 of the $632,000 state debt, with plans to acquire the remaining balance under the current administration.
In Mexico City on December 14 President Diaz sent one of his aides to patrol the Chapultepec forest area. The official accompanied by a minister named Clayton and American envoy later proceeded to drive through the forest for survey and routine observations.
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