23 Dec 1903
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Dec 23, 1903
Page
1
Telegrams from London and Tokyo describe Britain and Japan edging toward potential conflict. Reports say Britain weighs forceful options to reestablish position while Japan sustains a cautious, restrained stance amid diplomatic exchanges and military activity in Europe and Asia.
Fragmented OCR text hints at diplomatic fatigue and cautious optimism as nations weigh war risks. Mentions Pekin Itinne Dott and a tense balance between authorities, with reference to a British diplomatic service and a shifting historical context.
A fragmentary report describes Chinese ministers arguing over foreign aid and internal reform as Prince Tsai Chen leads the board of diplomacy. Critics lament a lack of capable leadership while provincial officials despair at the government’s incapacity amid calls for change.
ShanghaI dispatch reports a solitary exchange near Kigen where four Chinese battalions from Blung Chan met 1,400 Korean invaders from Kyeng Chung in the eastern theatre. The engagement was indecisive with no clear victor declared.
In New York a court hearing reveals Colonel Untermyer disputing press access to Alexander correspondence. Witnesses discuss whether copy distribution breached privilege while Gates denies involvement in press publication amid exchanges on contempt of court. Resources and testimonies clash over who knew what and when.
Police report from Killict City Missouri details a man named Samuel Lew who killed his sister in law Florence Ler, aged 2, after attempting to force her to marry him. He then shot himself in the chest and later killed the cat before dying at his home. The tragedy followed preparations to drive away the woman and end his life.
Washington dispatch details Major Runucie charges and Leonard Wood’s request for investigation. The War Department released his letter dated July 28 and accompanying documents. Wood petitions Inspector General review of confidential letters and statements, noting the matter spans years and involves several named correspondents.
A polo match ended with Jay Goald suffering a two inch fractured bone near the knee cap. The injury will confine him to bed for about ten weeks as doctors treat the broken leg and monitor recovery.
Operator Robert Bunton says five hundred men can work Scranton coal fields at 49 to 100 dollars a month to avert a shortage as freight rates may rise 20 percent January 1. He notes miners are paid about two dollars per ton for setting coal and criticizes losses from train crews and railway layoffs. The piece argues price increases will fall on the public and foresees higher costs if shortages persist.
C F Baker forms Buffalo coal deal with Charles B Kinne. The Baker family plans May move to Buffalo New York, ending eight decades in Topeka. C F Baker will handle finances in Buffalo and Kinne will manage buying and selling. Baker recalls Topeka papers and state work, tracing family origins back to 1860 and prior Missouri moves.
City Attorney Spencer returns from Leavenworth to discuss the special master Robert Brock’s fees in the dollar gas case. Gas company lawyers push for higher fees while the city seeks a lower amount, with Brock possibly receiving two thousand or thirty-two thousand dollars. Judge Hook will hear final arguments next week, and the injunction to stop the city from enforcing the ordinance may be approved after Brock’s report.
Washington December 2 Lawrence Murray of China has been chosen assistant secretary of commerce and labor. The president announced the election today and said the office had been tendered and accepted by Mr Murray. The nomination will be sent after the holiday recess based on Secretary Cortelyou’s personal recommendation.
Charles F. Hutchins, Kansas City attorney, named assistant to Attorney General Coleman to help probe a boodle case. Coleman cites serious evidence volume and eight potential indictments against city officers and bribers. Hutchins appointment strengthens the Merchants' League, citizens' committee, and local supporters in pursuing a thorough investigation and mandamus effort.
Chicago December 22 funeral processions faced delays as undertakers and mourners struggled past pickets. A body bound for a ceremony was placed on a train and departed, despite protests and jeers from onlookers.
The Washington decision on December 21 confirms Secretary Cortelyou's order to deport skilled glass blowers detained at Ellis Island under the alien contract labor law. They had landed at Montrest and were bound for Corning New York after appealing to Cortelyou. A Corning Elise manufacturing company was implicated for contracting or inducing their U S immigration, but the British board of inquiry found insufficient diligence to justify importation of labor from abroad.
A government forecaster cautions that a white Christmas is unlikely as rain is expected tonight with possible snow on Thursday. December has run unusually warm, about 10 degrees above normal on average, suggesting a cooling trend may reduce the excess. Noon winds were southeast at five miles per hour, with trace precipitation recorded to 3 PM.
Paris labor unrest expands as bakers vote for a general strike across the baking trade and potentially all food branches. Municipal agencies limp under suppression, while police and troops brace for demonstrations near the exchange. Large crowds of bakers prepare to march, with authorities deploying guards to maintain order. The second item notes Colonel Bryan’s family timber purchases mentioned in a distant, largely unrelated reminiscence about his father’s operations decades ago.
After years of decline the old Topeka line faced ruin as owners wrecked stock and delayed funds. Vinewood dollars sparked consolidation, ousting Baker era officials and reshaping leadership. C C Baker plans to sell his West Sixth Avenue home as Topeka loses two longtime builders of the village’s 40 year rise.
Rising Sun Indiana reports grand jury true bills of murder in the first degree against James Gillespie twin brother of the murdered Elizabeth Gillespie and relatives including Mrs Belle Seward Mrs Carrie Barbour Myron Barbour. Bail set at 10000 for the women with others jailed after surrender.
Ethel Penny, a stage actress, was shot and seriously wounded by Daniel O’Hare after she left him for Newhman Schubner. O’Hare waited outside the theater and shot Penny and Schubner. Penny died by suicide after firing at himself. The couple were taken to a hospital and may recover.
Weather forecast for Kansas City region notes rain tonight and possible snow, with warming in the north tonight and a colder Thursday as winds shift to the north. In St Louis, a potential strike of 3,000 carriage drivers and teamsters threatens disruption, with union plans to halt freight and coal movements if the Citizens' Industrial association intervenes. Typhoid fever in Pittsburgh prompts alerts as St Louis liverymen dispute wage demands during an epidemic peak.
Washington reports cables on Panama issue with Colombia proposing reference to The Hague tribunal. European powers likely to approve Washington stance while US aims to safeguard Panama independence and prevent hostile Colombian expeditions. Navy instructions to prevent landings remain unchanged as coast guard detachment watches Darien Gulf area.
A torn OCR fragment notes Blue Rapids dam issues and canal concerns. It mentions a canal column in the state source and a bridge east of the area being completed, with references to a recent washout and new dams or repairs underway. The wording is fragmentary and unclear.
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