16 Dec 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Dec 16, 1898
Page
1
John Collins testified for hours detailing his troubling involvement with the Smoky Row Negroes, confessing dodgy lies and a desire to avoid disgrace. He described self doubt, pride, and fear of his father’s embarrassment as core motives behind his actions and the concealment of funds and missing items.
In a tense cross examination Collins explains his prior admissions about dealings with the Lawrence negroes and the watch loss, admitting some untruths to avoid disgrace. He describes pressure from attorney Jetmore, professes a desire to tell the truth, and recounts events surrounding his father’s death and threats against him.
Yesterday the defense in the Collins case presented testimony after the State Journal list went to press. The testimony described a racially charged assault near the starch factory, with a witness recounting a description of two colored men and a colored woman attempting to bind him.
General Hush Cameron from Lawrence walked thirty six miles to attend the Cat Uns trial in Topeka. He testified he does not believe John Colling killed his father, noting he heard the crowd’s belief but doubts the circumstantial case. He recalls seeing a dream of black birds and a white crow and says he does not think Collins is the guilty party.
Representative Rixey of Virginia introduced a bill to open all soldiers homes and government institutions to both Union and Confederate veterans. After passage, all veterans and their dependents from the Civil War would be eligible on equal terms regardless of allegiance.
In Topeka the once common slot machines have largely disappeared with only two or three remaining in cigar stores. Drug stores report removing all machines following orders from Chief Strauss acting under city council instructions to gather evidence on machine operation for the county attorney. Store owners caution toward possible inaction by the county attorney and defend slot machines as harmless entertainment despite reform pressures.
Planch Ward aged 18 daughter of Mr and Mrs William Ward died last night of appendicitis at the home of J W Stawell 421 Quincy street Des Moines listed as her home Margaret Stephens aged 84 died yesterday at the home of her daughter Mrs Lewis 505 Topeka in a fragmented city obituary notice
From Tacoma dated December 16 advices say Russia sold half a million Berdan rifles to China via the Russian China bank at high prices. Viceroy Tan of Canton is ordered from Beijing to pay, five taels per rifle and twelve taels per cartridge. Each dozen rifles include extra parts. Manchu troops across the empire are to be equipped with the rifles.
The steamer Mattewan, sailing from Galveston December 1 bound for Boston, arrived in New York December 16. Overdue at Revton, there was anxiety for her safety. She carried about £100 bales of cotton for New England mills, but appeared undamaged.
A Chicago report notes an estimate of 6 000 tons of pig iron to be sold within a week. An inquiry by Russia for 75 000 tons of rails to Vladivostok was declined due to delivery limits. Governor Leedy pardoned John W. Foulk, in Lansing penitentiary since 1897, after six months in county jail and fifteen months’ imprisonment. the pardon stems from a legal appeal regarding the remaining sentence.
The Kansas special session nears and Republicans seek civil service reforms for state charitable institutions. John Breidenthal defends the plan to remove incumbents and place party allies, while Populists push for a neutral system. Mrs. Diggs backs civil service but warns against clinging to jobs. Clem Fairchild may draft the measure.
E C Weilep representative from Cherokee county and speaker pro tem of the last house will try to retain his seat in the special session despite removal to Washington and acceptance of a job as assistant sergeant at arms of the Senate A Washington dispatch says Wesler consulted Senator Harris and others who agreed that the federal employment rule does not apply and Wellep may keep his seat He plans to return to Kansas to take his seat as soon as official notice of the extra session arrives
The senate must elect an entirely new set of officers after a ruling nullifies esperando holdovers from the last session. The secretaryship, the most sought after post, draws four active candidates as the special session reshapes leadership.
Marion Watson of Hutchinson and J ington of Hiawatha are noted in a canvass during the regular season. Ex-State Auditor Van Prather of Kansas City, Kan, is also mentioned as participating in the discussions.
An American peace delegation sails from Paris tonight, headed for Havre then Southampton, bound for New York aboard the steamship St Louis. Meanwhile Agoncillo, Philippine Republic envoy, lodges a strong protest with the United States arguing for recognition and independence amid wartime tensions.
The State House now has lamps and a kerosene supply in the basement for illumination, with lanterns distributed to principal offices while minor departments use lanterns. The goal is to avoid total darkness during electric plant outages and after-hours, urging a constant running electric system and extra staff if needed. Critics note past outages, urging competent operation and continuous lighting for public safety.
A Brown County legislator Mr A Smith describes a scheme to influence endorsements for job seekers. He claims many applicants sought his backing but were not genuinely endorsed, advising that a signed indorsement will carry weight with prominent politicians. The plan hinges on legitimate marks and signatures to secure a monument from influential supporters.
The piece reports on a camera club exhibit closure, a January election of officers by the Commercial club, a special session on the shortest day, Jay Keeler gaining admission to the bar, A G Stacey in Leavenworth federal penitentiary hospital, a 31000 contribution to the State Temperance union for next year, upcoming larger attendance at the State Teachers association annual meeting, crowded Topeka hotels during holiday week with legislators and teachers in session, Simon Greenspan’s improved condition, and Mrs. Greenspan moving him to the Ry on Quincy Street.
Benjamin Johnson, longtime Westinx house Air Frames brake expert, is named foreman at Santa Fe general shops in the city. Johnson assumes duties immediately as head of the Gusts Be ahope at Argen.
The Missouri Pacific will sell tickets on December 24 25 26 and January 1 2 limited to January 4 for travel within 200 miles at one fare for the round trip. Minimum rate 50 cents.
Missouri Pacific will sell round trip tickets for 200 miles and less on December 24 25 26 31 and January 1 2 with a limit to January 4 at one fare for the round trip Minimum rate cents Piotr Dentredgars America’s Production full line of Sigra at Gen Stansfeld’s 622 Kansan avenue.
A violent act at the British embassy in Washington leads to the arrest of Joseph W Pearson a 26 year old printer. He hurled bricks breaking glass and wounding Lady Paunceforte a slight ankle injury. Damages are estimated at 700 dollars. Pearson faces possible lunacy proceedings and potential transfer to a government asylum. The embassy and authorities plan no further action beyond standard legal handling.
A holiday sale offering 100 different glass items including cut glass bisque Venetias and Bohemas with prices ranging from 25 cents to 5 dollars. Readable items emphasize varied glassware for Christmas shoppers.
Silver goods hair brushes mirrors and combs puff boxes shavis mugs and a great variety of small goods offered at best quality and moderate prices in a display likely in a local shop or advertisement.
A brief note describes a display of lined baskets and related items titled The lady of the bouss, highlighting a fins line of work baskets and nivs as notable features in the exhibit.
A catalog offering a wide range of toilet cases and beat assortment items in the city. Includes every style and price level from 75 cents to 25 dollars, appealing to diverse needs and budgets.
Leading merchants advertise an assortment of perfumes and fancy goods suitable for gifts. Prices vary, with items ranging up to ten dollars.
Local agents offer a range of cameras and Kodaks with the latest improvements. Prices listed from 2.50 to 9 dollars, with quantities available up to any amount desired.
A small goods dealer markets a great variety of novelties. Many items are described as unique and not found in other stores. The ad invites customers to visit the shop to see the selection and says shopping there will be rewarding.
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