Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 32, Number 214, 4 September 1907 — Page 1

rig: MOWB AIDIUM. AIMD SUN-TELEGRAM, VOL. XXXII. NO. 214. RICH3IOXD, IND., WEDNESDAY EVENING, SErTE3IIJEK 4, 100T. SINGLE COPY, 2 CENTS. BOARD OF WORKS MAKES REPLY TO . ATTACK Oil PLANT ATTITUDE OF TRACTION LINE IS BIG FACTOR IN PLANS MILLER IS OUT WITH FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT The Former Attorney General Would Be Governor. COMMISSION CONFIDENT PANHANDLE nil LY AFTER DELAY Took a Great Interest in American Newspapers

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Pronounces the Statements Made by the Evening Item As Both False and of a Malicious Nature.

fSAYS ROGERS ATTACK IS MISERABLE SLANDER. Board Does Not Claim Perfection But Says It Is Giving The City a Service That Will Bear Comparison. For two days past the Evening Item has been conducting a campaign against the "Municipal Lighting and Tower plant. The plant has been described in articles appearing in the Item, as a "bunch of Junk" and Superintendent Rogers has been charged with Incompetency and holding his position by Intimidation of the board of public works. In a signed statement by members of the board of public works, published below, the statements published by the Item are designated by the board members as unqualified falsehoods. The statement issued by the board 13 as follows: To the Citizens and Taxpayers of Richmond: The undersigned, members of the board of public works of this city, desire to make a short statement in relation to the Municipal lighting and pow- . er plant, practically the only property that Is a source of net revenue to the city. We do not make this statement in the expectation, or hope, of satisfying prejudiced or unscrupulous minds, whether inside or outside of a newspaper office these are alike Impervious to reason and shame. But we make it first, for the information of those whose servants we are and whose Interests we represent, and second, as an act of common justice toward an honest, capable and faithful city employe, Mr. Charles Rogers, superintendent of the city light plant. When this board came Into office, one year ago, its members were in perfect accc.d with Mayor Schillinger's announced policy of conducting the city's business on business principles, looking solely to the good of te public service, and paying little or no regard to the "claims' of politics or politicians, as such. It was a matter of common knowledge that the new regime was not the result of a party victory, but was rather the fruit of a healthy and worthy Independent spirit, permeating the men and women of all parties, who were sick and tired of machine rule, and whose one cry was for a clean and capable management of our city affairs. This was not only the platform we got in on, but it was the platform we stood on after we got in; and in this position we had the support and approval of the Evening Item, which preached loud and long in sea son and out of season'for non-partisan ship in local affairs. This board, with a democratic ma jority found an efficient republican at the head of the fire department, and we kept him there. We found an efficient republican at the head of the city light plant, and we kept him there. We reorganized the fire department, making it bi-partisan, asrequired by law. We had no friends to reward nor enemies to punish and we respectfully but firmly declined to reward the friends or to punish the enemies of anybody else at the expense of the public service, whether the demand came from a democratic boss or republican newspaper. If we have made any mistakes, they can not be charged to partisanship, which has had no place In our councils. Whatever censure we may consistently receive for this course from extreme partisans, it certainly is in bad taste for the Item as an apostle of local independence, to condemn the majority of this board for not surrendering that principle to the detriment of the service, even on the demand of members of their own party. Because the Item, as a radical opponent of municipal ownership, cannot see anything good in anybody connected with 6uch ownership, does that justify this board in making a partisan football of the municipal light plant, just to vindicate the Item's predictions of disasterso that paper can have the supreme pleasure of saying "I told you no?" But even if we had followed that plan, and made a wreck of the plant, would that justify the censure and slander heaped upon us by that paper in the past few days? Has it not been a cardinal doctrine of the Item that a municipal plant cannot be made to pay that they are one and all foredoomed failures from the foundation of the world? And could three ordinary mortals fairly be blamed for not accomplishing the Impossible for not working a miracle? If the Item editor were a member of this board, would he abuse and lie about himself for not making a success of an "inevitable failure?" The Item of Tuesday prints an article on Its first page with seven "scare headlines" of over a column In length (Continued on Page Six.)

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While visiting in New York, Prince Wilhelm of Sweden took a keen interi est In the making of metropolitan newspapers. He was shown through a newspaper office, where in the editorial room he dictated a story and was interviewed. When he reached the composing room he found it being set in type, and when he was taken to the press room he found the story in the finished paper, as well as a photograph taken while he was In the offlco. His inspection did not occupy mort than an hour of his time. The accompanying illustrations are from photographs made while the prince was bing interviewed. PLAN A CHANGE IN THE PHILIPPINE Need for Keeping Magoon in Cuba Necessitates New Arrangement. TAFT IS TO INVESTIGATE. HE WILL MAKE A REPORT TO PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT UPON HIS RETURN FROM THE ORIENT CALIFORNIA MAN TO RETIRE. Washington, Sept. 4 On the return of Secretary Taft from the Philippines to which he is going now he will lay before President Roosevelt plans for changes in the administration of the islands. Nearly two years ago Judge Magoon was selected as vice governor of the Philippines and really was on the way to Manila when President Roosevelt and Secretary Taft decided, on ac count of the serious situation in Cuba, to make him the provisional governor of that island. Even at that time it was expected that Judge Magoon's service in Cuba would be only temporary and that he would be able in a short time to proceed to Manila to undertake the duties of vice governor. Cuban Service Valuable. His service in Cuba was so valuable, however, and the developments of the Cuban situation so unexpected, that it finally was determined to keep him at Havana and make other provision for the vice governorship of the Philippines. It was proposed to appoint Judge Magoon governor of the Philippines as soon as he could familiarize himself with the administrative details of the island government, but as the provisional government of Cuba will be continued yet for an indefinite time, it is not likely that Judge Magoon will go to Manila at all. It, therefore, is necessary to arrange the Philippine government anew and this will be done by Secretary Taft, possibly while he is in Manila. Wishes to Leave Islands. Gen. James F. Smith of California Is now the governor of the Philippines, but it is understood that he has no desire to remain in the islands. The plan already tentatively agreed upon is to appoint Judge Tracy of the Supreme Court of the islands, as vice governor and subsequently to name him as governor to succeed Gen. Smith. Gov. Smith is popular with all classes of filipinos far more so than was his predecessor. Gen. Luke Wright and that was a particular reason for his appointment. He wishes, however, to return to California, and it is thought that he will be appointed to one of the California judgeships soon after his successor as governor of the Philippines Is chosen. HAVE HAD A NICE TRIP. Messrs. Henley and Gaar Arrive Safely At Buffalo. Word has been received from M. C. Henley and Clem Gaar, who are enroute with their families on an automobile trip to Niagara Falls, that they have safely arrived at Buffalo and are enjoying the trip. They report the roads in good condition and have met with but little trouble.

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JACK THE INK THROWER. Indianapolis, Sept. 4. "Jack the ink thrower" is much wanted by the police before his operations begin to embarrass the department. The Ink thrower is some one who mingles in the theatre crowds and throws ink on the fine dresses worn by the patrons. NDJANA DELEGATION MADE ADECIDED HIT John Maag Writes of Mail Carriers' Meeting. SEVEN THOUSAND PARADE. John Maag, now a delegate to the convention of the national association of mail carriers, in session at Canton, O., writes that the mail men are being treated royally and all are having the best kind of a time. Heretofore there have been about 600 delegates in attndance at the conventions, while this year there are 1,000. Mr. Maag says the Indiana delegation made a decided hit in the mammoth parade on Labor Day. The Hoosier carriers had white caps with red bands on them, with the word "Indiana". There were 7,000 in the parade and the Indiana delegation was greeted with applause enroute. JUDGE BROWN WILL T And With Him Will Come the ' Juvenile Band. TOURING THE MIDDLE WEST Judge Brown and his juvenile band of Salt Lake City will be In Richmond tomorrow and In the evening the "kids" will be heard in one of the most interesting concerts ever given by a band in Richmond. Thirty-five youngsters, none over 15, all coming from the court of Judge Brown in Salt Lake City, compose this interesting aggregation. The boys have been taking a trip through the Middle West, earning a part of their expenses, the remainder being contributed by Judge Brown and by friends. The admission to the concert will be 25 cents for adults, 10 cents for children. The funds deriv ed from this entertainment go toward caring for the boys welfare club in Salt Lake City. Judge Brown, who spoke at the Chautauqua last Sunday, will give a ten minute talk tomorrow night incidental to the program of music. Richmond lodge of Elks is Interesting itself in the coming of the "kids" and will honor them with a reception In the lodge rooms following the concert In the coliseum. MEDICAL SOCIETY MEETS. Interesting Session Was Held at the Court House. The September meeting of the Wayne county Medical society was held this afternoon at the rooms of the society at the court house. The meeting was well attended and several local physicians were on the program.

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SECURE NAVAL BASE FOR USE OE JAPAN

Occupation of Island Near the Philippines Makes Stir In Washington. GOOD HARBOR IS AFFORDED IT IS WITHIN 120 MILES OF AMERICAN SOIL AND IS SUITABLE ONLY FOR THE USE OF WAR SHIPS. Washington, Sept. 4 News from Yokohama that Japanese "explorers" had occupied and hoisted the national flag over the Island of Pratas near the Philippines attracted much attention here, because by this act has been added to Japanese territory an island within 120 miles of the Philippines, which would furnish an admirable naval base. Japanese possessions are brought almost within the archipelago, because Pratas Island is less than sixty miles north of the twentieth parallel, which was the northern boundary of the former Spanish dominions as de fined in the treaty of Paris. Reef Forms Good Harfcor. The bureau of insular affairs is sup plied with a great deal of information about Pratas Island and Pratas Reef, of which it is the visible part. The island is in latitude north 20:42 and longitude east 116:45. It forms the mid dle and the west side of Pratas Reef, is about one and one-half miles long and one-half mile wide, and is shaped like a horseshoe. It rises forty feet above the sea.and is visible in clear weather about twelve miles. Pratas Island, in connection with the excellent anchorage afforded by Pratas Reef, would be very serviceable to the Japanese should their navy op erate in the waters adjacent to the Philippines. . The reef, the northeast point of which is about eleven miles from the island, is a wind barrier of circular form inclosing a lagoon with water of from five to ten fathoms. Suited for Naval Purposes. The reef is about forty miles in circumference and between one and two miles in breadth. There are two chan nels leading into the lagoon, one on either side of Pratas Island. There are several good anchorages in from ten to twenty fathoms of water, the position of the south channel being well adapted for naval purposes. The War and Naval Department of ficials say that they have no official information about this new acquisition of the Japanese nation. Pratas Island is composed of sand It has been generally visited by Chinese fishermen in the early part of the year. It is said to be the last land be tween the chain running down to For mosa and beyond the Philippine Is lands. In no way could the island be of val ue to anyone except for naval purpos es. It is barren, except for bushy growth. But as a coaling and refitting base it might be of great value during a blockade of Manila or ports on the Chinese coast. ENTERS BUSINESS COLLEGE. Cecil Clopp of Whitewater has entered the Richmond Business College. THE WEATHER PROPHET. INDIANA Fair Thursday; winds mostly north and light. OHIO Partly cloudy Thursday; variable winds.

Will Be Necessary to Have Service to Proposed New Chautauqua Grounds in the Hawkins Addition.

FEELING EXISTS THAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED. Some Favor New Ideas in the Manner of Managing the Chautauqua Now at Critical Period in Its Career. Whether or not Richmond is to have a greater Chautauqua, located in the Hawkins' addition, depends largely on the McGowan traction syndicate. If there Is to be a Chautauqua grounds as planned for, the street car company will have to cross the Panhandle railroad tracks at Nineteenth street. The present road bridge is too narrow to permit of the cars running across it, and the company will have to build a bridge of its own. This, It is said will cost at least $G,0OO and the company's officials in Indianapolis are now considering the matter. Once before the traction company had the proposition up and notified the Chautauqua promoters that it could do nothing until the muddled franchise situation in Richmond was cleared up. Manager Shaw has persuaded the officials to take up the matter once more and he Is awaiting their answer. In case that the traction syndicate acts favorably' on extending its track across the railroad, a meeting of Richmond business men will be called and the Chautauqua proposition laid before them. Those behind the Richmond Chautauqua during the past five years, feel that the chautauqua should be conducted on different lines. The plan of a few men devoting their time to the chautauqua and getting no pay out of it. In fact, getting more words of condemna tion than commendation, is unsatisfactory. During the past year it was hard to secure men to take hold of the chautauqua, and President Humpe took the office under protest. But two men connected with the chautauqua in an official way, get pay for their effortsManager Shaw and Secretary Hiser. Is Some Criticism. Some have criticised the association for having contracted with Manager Shaw, whereby he has secured a large sum of money each year. His contract calls for one half of the net receipts and each year the chautauqua has been so successful that he has cleared a good sum. Had it been a failure any year, and had there been no net re ceipts. Manager Shaw would have been left without a cent of compensation for his work. , Those most closely affiliated with the chautauqua in Richmond don't object to employing Mr. Shaw as manager again, but they do object to continuing the organization on the present basis. Secretary Hiser says that the chautauqua this year was more profitable than last season. This Indicates that the popularity of the venture has not waned. It is felt that the program for next year should be prepared within the next few weeks, but the present directors have no authority to go ahead with the work, and it is likely that at the next election it will be hard to get the former directors to serve. The Richmond chautauqua is now at the critical period in its career and it remains for the next few weeks to determine the outcome. How The Vote Stands

BOYS. Anthony Hafner .. .i - ..61.064 Sylvester Hamilton 56.C&3 Nathan Mills 29.003 Carol Adams, Hagerstown . 1S.3&3 Leo Medearis 13.891 Walter Anderson (Fountain City).., 12,120 Leo King 7,629 Fred Palmer (Williamsburg) 6.618 Russell Brehm 5,679 Alvin A. Keller 4.593 Henry Schneider 4,078 Geo. Weller (R. R. No. 1) 1.607 Chauncey Eurr 1,348 Earl Miller r 1,033 Howard Hartzler 114 Robert McDaniel 110 Noel Matthews . 74 Elmer Colvin . 60 Elmer Plohe m 21 Fred Ward (Lynn) 19 Harry P. Thomas (Cambridge City) 10 Francis Brooke (Greensfork) m 7 Ralph Gault 6 Peter Lichtenfels 5 GIRLS. Mary Morrow .. .. .. .. ..33.C48 Mary E. Harmeier 33,109 Ellen Dickinson ...... 5,329 Irene Croll (Greensfork) - 3,064 Pearl Rothermal 2,038 Doris Monroe 75

LETTERS RECEIVED HERE.

Ex-Attorney General Charles W. Miller of Goshen has made formal announcement of his candidacy for the republican nomination for governor of Indiana. " The Goshen News-Times set the Miller ball rolling with a long writeup of the Goshen candidate, in which a number of reasons are given why he should be nominated for governor by the next republican state convention and particular stress is laij on the fact that there never has been a republican governor frtfm that section of the state north of the Wabash river nor within 100 miles of the Michigan line. Also, as the News-Times says. "This section of the state as regularly and consistently assisted in electing to office republican governors from other portions of the state." Miller says he is not a machine candidate. He is 44 years old. He was born in Floyd county, Ind.. Feb. 4. 1S6.1. Many of. his announcement! were received by Richmond republN cans today. IIEW INDUSTRY IF EFFORTJS MADE Libby Canning Company Would Like to Have a Branch In Richmond. IT IS NOT AFTER BONUS. ALL THEY WANT IS THE ASSURANCE THAT THEY CAN SECURE PLENTY OF' TOMATOES AND CABBAGE. If the farmers of Wayne county will agree to raise between 00 and 1.000 acres of cabbage and tomatoes, Richmond will get a new Industry a branch of the Libby packing company of Chicago. What tne UDny company desires to establish 'n Richmond Is a pulping station and l.rauting plant. General Freight Agent William Fitzgerald and District Freight Agent II. M. Hall, both of the C, C. & L.. have been in Richmond in the Interest of the Libby company. They have presented the proposition to the board of directors of the Commercial club and next Monday night at a meeting of the club, a committee will likely be named to make a canvass among farmers in this vicinity to see whether they will agree to grow the desired products. The Libby company, whose reputation Is established, asks no money from the Commercial club, site for its plant or anything of that nature. All that is desired is the assurance that it can secure tomatoes and cabbage. Other products will also be used if the farmers will raise them. The establishment of the plant will mean thousands of dollars to the farmers of Wayne county and the Commercial club directors are anxious to secure it. SHOUTING FOR EVANSVILLE. Maag and Other Indiana Delegates In Evidence. Among the convention delegates are John H. Maag, Branch No. 271, Richmond, Indiana; John C. Stutbs, Branch 377, Evansville, Indiana, who are shouting for Evansville for the 1909 convention. The Evening Repository, Canton, O. In Pony-Cart Contest

This Road Will Be Given Opportunity on Thursday to State Its Objection to Local Freight Interchange.

COMMERCIAL CLUB IS TO BE REPRESENTED. The Panhandle Has Made tho C, C. & L. Several Propositions But None Is Regarded As Practical. Thursday, at Indianapolis, the slat9 railroad commission will hear from the Panhandle railroad company, it reasons for not wanting to put In an Interchange freinht switch In Rich niond. Attorney R. K. Shiveley and Secretary E. M. Haas of the Commercial club will be present at the hearing, as will also officials of the C, C. A L. and Panhandle railroad companies. Monday of this week. Secretary Haas wait in Indianapolis and talked with the railroad commissioners about the local situation. The commissioners expressed themselves as being satisfied that the Panhandle Is trying to delay matters and does not Intend to enter Into serious negotiations with the C, C. & L. about building tho switch. The Panhandle has made the C. C. & L. several propositions for putting in a switch. One of -the propositions Is that the Gaar Scott switch connecting the two roads be used. This would not be satisfactory to tho Gaar-Scott company, nor would it be satisfactory to the Commercial club. At the present time the Gaar-Scott company has Iron-clad contracts with the two railroad companies that no Interchange of freight shall be made over this swlch. There has been but one car of freight Interchanged over the Gaar switch and that was a shipment to the Hoosier Drill company. A heavy piece of machinery was transferred, by a special arrangement. For the Panhandla and C, C & L. to use Gaar's switch, for Interchanging freight would mean that cars would be running across Washington avenue and North F street throughout the day, menacing not only the lives of Gaar-Scott employes but people walking and driving along these streets. Another proposition made tho C, C. & L. by the Panhandle is that an Interchange switch be put In about three miles north of the city beyond the point where the C, C. & I crosses the G. R. & I. Other propositions, which Secretary Haas regards as equally absurd have been made, all tending to delay tho matter. It Is very likely that tho railroad commission will ordr the matter lnt the courts and fight It out there. MRS. LAVINA MITCHELL FOUIIDJEAD III BED Well Known Woman Living New Paris. ' DUE TO HEART FAILURE. New Paris. O., Sept. 4 Mrs. LavirM, Mitchell, a respected widow, who for the past year has been living alone on her farm five miles north of this place, was found dead in bed this morning. Death was due to heart trouble. Her age was 70 years. Two children survive, Mrs. Stella Miller and Mrs. Lizzie Micksell. Funeral arrangements will be given later. MORE BLOODSHED FEARED Strikers and Police Are Again In Battle. Antwerp, Sept. 4. Fight Ing "between striking dock employes and the poller was resumed this moring and mor bloodshed is feared. Strikers are at tempting to set fire to petroleum tanks. IN HONOR OF THEIR S6$l. Jacksonburg, Ind., Sept. 4 Mr. and Mrs. George Hormel entertained a number of relatives In honor of their son, Alonzo, who was recently married to Miss Maude Miller. ABSTRACTERS TO ORGANIZE State Association Will Be Formed at Indianapolis. Indianapolis. Sept. 4 A meeting of obstracters will be held here today for the purpose of forming a state organization. It Is expected that about 150 "title men' will attend the meeting.