01 Jan 1904
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 18 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Jan 01, 1904
Page
1
Grim inquiry details the Weis Theater disaster with 104 believed dead or missing, 12 arrests, and stage crew under scrutiny. Jurors question exit doors, curtain operation, and use of lighting to prevent ignition as officials probe negligence.
An underwriter inspector explained the Iroquois theater fire cause, saying the asbestos curtain was held by four steel cables and the main wire prevented lowering. The heavy curtain would descend by its own weight if released, with exit doors reportedly locked.
Chicago marks January 1 with deep mourning for about 600 dead in the Iroquois theater fire. Mayor Highson urges omitting New Year revelry as the city endures gloom, business slows, and communities across miles feel the tragedy. Relatives, strangers, and distant cities offer sympathy amid widespread sorrow.
Coroner and deputy discuss negligence in fire at a theater. The jury tours the burned first floor and backstage area, noting steel frames, scenery rigging, and a collapsed stair leading to the rear. observers point to inadequate exits and unsafe design as contributing factors.
Detectives arrest William Plunkett assistant stage manager and four Moonlight chorus members as part of a corruption probe tied to the Iroquois theater fire. The chorus includes eight men and eight women. Plunkett charged with aiding the chorus in violating municipal code provisions on holding witnesses.
Three Hutchinson girls named Mise Jen Colladay Mite Florths and Mise Welle Flodine are believed among unidentified victims of the Chicago theater fire. A letter received recently hints at their possible fate as authorities continue investigations into the disaster that has shocked Hutchinson and surrounding areas.
President and Mrs Roosevelt receive callers at the White House during a scheduled open house. Local residents and visitors greet the first couple as they welcome constituents and discuss public matters in a cordial Civil Service era event.
President Theodore Roosevelt and Mrs Roosevelt hosted a White House New Year reception marking the social season in Washington. Diplomatic corps and officials attended. Colombia was notably absent amid South American tensions. The event featured ornate decorations, a 60-piece Marine band, and a display of formal military and diplomatic attire.
Washington January 1 A New Year greeting issued by El F Ware commissioner of pensions shows 150228 pension certificates were issued in 1908, 35000 more than 1907 and nearly 5000 more than 1901. Ware hopes the bureau's work will be kept up to date by year end.
A fragmentary weather note reports a cold wave with rain or snow through tonight and Saturday. It cites a rising mercury, winds from the east at one mile per hour, and mentions hourly readings around 3 oclock with garbled OCR text.
West of the Third District remains a contender as names swirl over a gubernatorial appointment to the Kansas Supreme Court. Rumors place W. D. Atkinson of Parsons as likely, while Judge J S West weighs a bid for the Republican nomination. The process involves Clark A. Smith, Ryan supporters, and a push from Third District allies, with Governor Bailey’s plans still unclear.
A line of 22 grain elevators along the Union Pacific in Kansas was sold yesterday by A J Poor Grain to C Hoffman & Son Milling of Enterprise for 375000. The deal closed at the Board of Trade in Kansas City. Hoffman says a new company with 16000 capital will form to run the business under the name Hoffman and Son Grain company with Kansas City as headquarters. Poor Chapmen, with 28 years in grain, built the network to 32 stations in Kansas, making them one of the state’s strongest wheat shippers. Weather notes forecast rain or snow and stronger north winds for Kansas.
A New York Life Insurance report for the year closes with gains in paid-for insurance, reserves, and policy counts. It notes rising bond holdings, no stock investments, and strong premium income, while forecasting easier money markets and expansive trade ahead. Foreseeable exports and imports suggest continued growth, with exports near record highs and imports surpassing all prior years.
Prof J H Sawtell former Kansas City board probe witness and Emporia High principal says he heard of pay to gain election to the Kansas City Kansas board of education. He warns the attorney general to stand firm and notes some members may be involved while others are blameless. He urges Hutchings’ help in grand jury work.
A Topeka committee outlined plans for an Auditorium Pipe Organ association to raise funds through a $5 membership and stock sales. A 15 member board will govern with a three member executive committee. Directors include J Monaghan Wilder Going Heek Reid Noble Mulvano Weil-Semin and Betts. A charity concert program begins with Parifal lecture in the Auditorium slated for April 1.
Police raided a South Kansas Avenue establishment at 11:00 last night. Inmates listed include Joe Harris, George Davis, J C Wilson, Sadie Brank, Cock Jackson, and June Reach. Officers spent the night aiming to make the first arrest on the new docket. none of Tay lor was detained.
London reports say Esron Hayashi received Paris briefing that Russia may not grant Japan ports. London notes British officials doubt peace prospects as New Year festivities proceed. Moscow cautions presses on troop movements while questioning US involvement. Russian editors hint at loyalty awaiting emperor’s stance.
A report from Denver details the killing of Mrs. Amanda Youn and the shooting of her son when robbers forced entry to a store. The assailants fled after the crime as authorities investigate.
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