Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 32, Number 333, 14 January 1908 — Page 1

JLADIUM AINJD SUN-TELEGRAM vol. xxx i r. xo. ICICJIMOM). IM)., TUESDAY KVEX1XO, JAM AIiV 11, 190. SI.MSLK I'OPW 2 CENTS. GRIM DEATH REAPS AWFUL HARVEST IN HORRIBLE HOLOCAUST WHERE ISO PEOPLE GAVE UP THEIR LIVES POLITICIANS MEN OF AFFAIRS IN RICHMOND CAMBRIDG

THE RICHMOND

OVERRUNNING

WHILE WOMEN AND CHILDREN WERE IN THEATRE AT BOYERTOWN, PA., FIRE DEMON DESCENDED AND WROUGHT SCENES INDESCRIBABLE.

CHILDREN

UNDER THE FEET OF THEIR ELDERS The Five Hundred People in Theatre Went Mad With Fright When Flames Appeared. WEAK AND UNPROTECTED WENT DOWN TO DEATH. Oil Saturated the Clothes of Many and Nothing But the Charred Remains Were Left For Their Loved Ones. DID NOT HEED WARNING. HAD THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN REMAINED COOL AT THE ENTREATIES OF ACTORS, LOSS OF LIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS. NIGHT OF ANGUISH. The Shrieks of the Mothers Who Rushed to the Scene to Find Loved Ones Was Pitiful The Cause of The Fire. Boyertown. Pa., .Ian. 11. One hun

dred and sixty persons, mostly women! to one of the temporary hospitals. ! and children, were trampled and burn-(Three children, ranging in age from S

ed to death, and two hundred were in- "

Proved the Khoades opera house last;bec.n trampled almost to a pulp.

night. The opera house, which has leen declared a fire trap, went up in fire and smoke in fifteen minutes. The greatest loss of life was at the double doors at the end of the long hall, the only exit when the crowd trampled on each other and where the flames overtook them. The explosion of a gasoline tank connected with a moving jiicture machine, caused the fire. Scenes following the outbreak of the flames were indescribable. Thirty or forty school children taking a part in the entertainment, were among: those who perished. Officials declare that the number of dead cannot, be possibly less than estimated one hundred and eixty. The opera house was crowded with the members of the St. John Lutheran Sunday school, who were attending a benefit given for that church. While the show was in progress a tank exploded. The actors endeavored to quiet the audience, but in their anxiety to make themselves heard and avoid tne awful stampede of the women and children, the coal oil lamps which vrera used nt the footlights, were overturned, setting the place on fire. The flames, fed by the oil. shot almost to the celling, and there was a wild rush of the 700 persons to escape from the burning building. Scores of women and children were trampled upon and several who escaped being burned to death, died after being dragged from the opera house. In many cases, it is said, entire families have been wiped out. The scene which followed the explosion is indescribable. Scores of persona who were in the balcony at the time of the explosion were killed or injured. Penned in Roaring Furnace. To aad to the terrible disaster the fire apparatus became disabled and the structure was left entirely to the mer cy of the seething flames. It is almost certain not a vestige of the bod - les of the unfortunates who were overcome by the smoke and perished will ever be found. Assistance was asked from Pittstown. but before the fire apparatus from that city reached this place the entire center of the structure was a roring furnace. Had the women and children heeded " ""-s i vwiT uraus in me audlence the horrible loss of life mieht hav been averted, but there was the usoal panic and stampede which invariably follow at such a catastrophe. The flames spread rapidly and communicated to other parts of the theatre. Men, women and children rushvl for thf many exit, and tfm weaker cea? and the children wer trampled "

and maimed in the mad rush to gain th" street. Homes Turned Into Hospitals. Assistance v'as ;it once asked o! both Heading and Pottstown and special 1 rains carrying nurses and doctors were rushed to the scene of the disaster. Kvery home within a radius of half a dozen blocks from the. opera house wa-s made a temporary hospital, where the wounded were rushed by carriages and other means of conveyance. lioyertown is a borough with a population of about li.fioo. and is located about, midway between Pottstown and Reading. A Night of Anguish. The night was one of wailing and anguish. The shrieks of mothers who hail rushed to the scene as soon as they learned of the lire were pitiful. As the night wore on the crowds surrounding the building grew to such proportions, that it was almost impossible for the police force, which had been augmented by a score of men from Pottstown and Reading, to keep tiie people back. One woman who said she had lost her entire family in the theatre, was with difficulty restrained from throwing herself into the roaring flames. At 3 o'clock a special train from Reading, bearing physicians and nurses reached here but. there was little for them to do, as the injured who had dashed themselves to the pavement had been cared for by local physicians, assisted by the- Pottstown relief corps. A few minutes after midnight the rear wall of the theatre collapsed. The flames broke out anew and those who had vainly hoped to be able to find the remains of some of their loved ones turned in despair from the scene of the awful catastrophe. Many Fatally Crushed. It is estimated that at least 75 persons were injured by being trampled upon either in the stairway or by jumping from the windows of the burning structure. Of this number

at least a score were fatally injured I u nn at least a n :inri at least :i half flrvpn siifeiiiYihH to their injuries after being hurried ! to 12 years, and one woman who were dragged from the building by persons who nad rusned to tne rescue , had The skii!1 of one of the unfortunate children had been crushed as though an eggshell. It is doubtful if the remains of the victims can be distinguished from the debris, as many persons In the audience were covered with burning oil as the lamps exploded. RICHMOND MEN ASKED TO AID SEARCH Letter Carriers Instructed to Look for Johnson. Postmaster Spekenhicr has received cards from Muncie soliciting his assistance in locating Charles E. John son of that city, who disappeared January S. A reward nf Si 00 is offered for a clue as to his whereabouts . tt ... . L The attention oi the entire state has been attracted to the case. The identification card says the man was 60 years of age, stooped and feeble. about 5 feet eleven inches tall, dark hair, brown mustache, two or three lower left front teeth out, wears full upper plate false teeth. Wore dark sack suit, blue tie. G. A. R: button in coat, K. O. T. M. ring on finger. Mr. Spekenhicr has turned the identification cards over to the carriers. ACCOMPLICES WERE CONVICTED TODAY iTOOlS Of Clark, KillQ Of Chicken Thieves. Thomas BroHenry )roskey and kamp, accomplices of Albert Clark, reputed kins of the chicken thieves, entered pleas of guilty this morning in the cltv court to rh.irp; of staline Z L f . f v in vuivnrun 11 v 'ill istun; UUUidU Both men have hitherto borne good reputations and Prosecutor Jessup stated that he believed that they were only tools of Clark. Tho prosecutor recommended leniency in each case. Judge Converse imposed a sentence of ten days with a fine rr $io and costs in each case.

INSANITY OF THAW FAMILY .IS SHOWN BY THE DEFENSE

Defendant Writhes Under the Fire Which Is Unearthing Family Skeleton and Placing It Before Public Gaze. WITNESSES EXAMINED TELL WHAT THEY KNOW. Relatives of the Defendant on Several Instances Were Admitted to Mad Houses Littleton Makes Strong Speech New York. Jan. 11. - The first, witness in the Thaw case this morning wn:t Dr. T. J. Decmer of Pittsburg, the Thaw family physician. lie testified that Thaw was unusually nervous as a boy. He said Henry V. Copley, brother of Mrs. Thaw, was of unsound mind, and Copley's father was an imbecile. The second witness was Dr. W. S. Butler, of Roanoke, V. Va.. who said he was connected with an insane, asylum in Is::, when Horace Thaw was afimitted. lie was insane. He was a cousin of the defendant's mother. The trial yesterday afternoon was full of interesting developments. Attorney Garvan made a strong and pointed speech for the people. Afterward Mr. Littleton in his opening address, brough out the statement tnat in Paris, in lfx."., when Eve,yn Nesb,t had confessed to her bus band her relations with White, Thaw had tried to lull himself by taking poi- ! son. It required the constant efforts ;of two physicians for hours to save I him. After the four witnesses of the prosecution had been brushed aside, and a 1 minutes' recess granted by Justice Dowiing, had passed, Mr. Littleton, dressed all in black like an undertaker, walked out before the jury and tore aside the somber veil which has hitherto hidden the lives of the Thaw family from the eyes of the world. With ruthless hand he stirred up the lees of the muddy vessel filled with filthy waters. And Thaw writhed at the recital. lie twisted and turned in li is chair. He kept his eyes anywhere hut on the source of the roaring flame in which his family was being cremated, lie tried to talk to Peabody, to O'Reilly, to anybody around him who would listen. But they, like the rest of those iu the courtroom, were listening to Littleton. Every Blow a Torture. There were no great oratorical flights. It was the dull driving of the hammers of the crucifixion. Every blow was a torture, and Thaw felt them with savase resentment. He has never been quite able to rec- , , , . i , , oncile himself to the defense of insauitv. Tie high and mighty ground assumed by Delmas suits him better. But Littleton ended all this, and at the close of the day Thaw found himself with broken wings, and with his soul on the ground. Yet a man never sees so much at a glance as when he is in extreme peril. He had accepted this defense as a man would lay his1 hand upou the smaller of two deadly serpents. j Mother to Testify. j It was learned definitely that Mrs. William Thaw will arrive from Pittsburg toward the latter part of the week and will give her testimony from the stand. District Attorney Garvan said that the prosecution had ransacked Europe for witnesses iu rebuttal and that the trial would Probably last several weeks. "It did not cost the DeoDle. I anything, either." he said. "I went over and paid every cent of my own expenses too." District Attorney Garvan spoke but twenty minutes. The abrupt conclusion of the prosecution took Mr. Littleton somewhat by surprise. From Justice Doyling he asked a few minutes courtesy that he . . . , ;mISht arraDSe DOtes or his open(Continued on Page Five.) THE WEATHER PROPHET., INDIANA Rain or snow Wednesday. i OHIO Fair Jednettfay, warm

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PRESIDENT HELPS TAPI BY CALLING OFF DETECTIVES Investigation of Land Frauds In the West Will Be Discontinued for Some Time It Is Reported. WOULD HURT THE TAFT CANDIDACY IT IS THOUGHT Some of Western Politicians Have Been Inclined to "Kick Over the Traces" Because Of Investigations.' Washington. Jan. 14. Certain western senators and representatives who have visited the white house during the last few days are plainly pleased with the announcement that the administration will suspend the investigation of public land frauds for the present. According to a story told by one of the Western men. the administration has been made to realize that the continued activity of the small army of special agents who are try- j ins to discover land frauds in the West is having a serious political ef- j feet. Within the next few months, ' conventions will be held in several Western states to elect delegates to the republican national convention. There is a lot of dissatisfaction with the public land investigations, which j have been carried on in the w est. ! without cessation for the last half, dozen years. It is represented that the people generally approve the effort to expose and punish fraud, but there j have been many complaints that thei spei-iaJ agents sent out by the department of justice and the interior department have in numberless instances exhibited an utter lack of tact and have through injudicious proceedings needlessly smirched private characters. Kick Over the Traces. Some of the leading politicians in tne Western states have recently manifested an inclination to "kick over the traces." They are tired of the hunt for the land thieves for the reason that many innocent persons have been involved in the investigation and have suffered in consequence. The decision to suspend public land investigation for the present rests ostensibly on the fact that Judge Lewis, of Colorado recently handed down a decision adverse to some of the main points raised by the government in its prosecution of land cases. There will be a meeting of the Steward of the Fifth Street M. E. church on Wednesday at the close of the prayer meeting. Special business. All stewards are requested to be pres-at

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HERMAN H. MEERHOFF. Plumbing, Heating & Electrical Contra

ANDERSON LIKES RICHMOND SPEAKERS Two Prominent Local Men Addressed Union. At the meeting of tho Men's Christian Union iu Anderson, the speaker was President Kelly, of Earlham College, Richmond. The union is an undenominational organization of men of all churches of this city. (Joorgo Hallis, a township constable, is the president. The Rev. T. H. Kuhn of this city spoke before the or.nization two weeks ago.

Richmond Man Elected Chairman of Sixth District Organization

E. M. HAAS. When the republican convention in session today at Cambridge City, resumed its business after the noon recess. Edgar M. Hass. secretary of the local commercial club, was chosen to !rid the G. O. P. during th coming campaign. Haas' selection was unanimous. He in considered one of the slronsc men la tiie district and a wd sonerai.

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ctor. COLORED LOVERS GIVEN ft FINE Drunk and Disorderly Conduct Charged. Henry Miller and Ethel Augustus, both colored, were each fined $5 and costs this morning in the city court for drunk and disorderly conduct. P.oth defendants entered pleas of not guilty. After consuming a pint of whiskey Saturday, Henry and Ethel went on tho warpath until finally rounded up by Sergeant McManus.

Sixth District Republican Convention Being Held There Today and Seekers After Office Are Prominent.

WAYNE COUNTY MEN ARE IN ON EVERY HAND. Harmony Is Manifest and Men Arc Cheering Themselves Hoarse for Fairbanks and Watson. HAAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN. WENT IN BY ACCLAMATION THIS AFTERNOON WHEN THE CONVENTION REASSEMBLED AFTER NOON RECESS. SHORT SPEECHES MADE. Wayne and Other County Men Seeking Watson's Place, Are Each Given Five Minutes to Voice Their Pet Hobbies. (By C. S. Neal.) Cambridge City, Ind . Jan. 11. Tho largest and most enthufia.st.ic convention the republicans nf the sixth congressional district ever held, is in full blast here today. Iast evening delegates from the remote parte of tho district began to arrive in Cambridge City and by 10 o'clock this, morning the town was filled with visiting politicians. At the morning session, which was presided over by the retiring district chairman, Owen L. Carr, of Kushville, party harmony was evidenced on every hand. Every mention of Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks, Congressman James E. Watson uud President Theodore Roosevelt was a signal for outbursts of enthusiasm. Tiie convention is being held at the Masonic opera house and when tho chairman called the delegates to or-di-r this morning the urge mm was filled to capacity. Ccniniitb-es were first appointed, then the eight congressional candidates were calli to the stage and informed that they would ah have fiv; minutes to address the convention. These candi dates wfic the Hex. .1. O. Campbell. Wilfred Jfssup and Dr. M. L. Yencer of Wayne; Will Hough of Hancock; Thomas Davidson of I-catur; Judp? W. O. Harnaid of Henry; Senator E. E. Moore of Fayette and Charles Stivers of Union. As each prospective nicccssor to Representative Watson stepped to tiie front of tne stage to address the delegate)!, he was given a most cordial reception. In thi.i respct the motto of the delegates appeared to be "The congressional race is an open one with no favorites. Iet thi best man win." A. M. Cardner was rppointed chairman of the Wayne county delegation. C. W. Jordan was appointed vice . . . t ciiairrnan oi me convention. C S. 1 Xeal was appointed esMstant weretary of t ie convention. John If. Nicholson was appointed a member or the committee on organization. John Rupe was apiointed on the rules commltiee and John H. Russell wa appointed to the committee on resolutions. These committees will all report this afternoon. At the afternoon session the eonvent, ion will meet and effect a permanent organization. E. M. Haas of Richmond will be unanimously elected district, chairman to succeed Owen L. Carr. then the resolution will reported and enthusiastically endorsed. These resolutions after txiching 'urrn currency legislation, the tariff and other subJecta of national importance will endorse Vice President Fairhanks for the presidential nomination and James E. WaUon's candidacy for ; governor. J. II. Tomlin will be en dorsed for state school superintendent and Judge David Myers candidacy for judcre of the appellate court will also ' be sanctioned. Nearly all the promin ent republicans of Wayne county are here today. Cambridge City, Ind.. Jan. ll.-(2 p. m.) This afternoon amid much enthusiasm, Edgar M. Haas was elected district chairman by acclamation. His Lame wa placed in nomination by Charles Stivers of Liberty, and the nomination was seconded by the chairman of every county delegation In th district. Mr. Haas, after his election made a short address. John L. Rupe of Richmond, was elected permanent chairman of the convention. In a short address Mr. Rupe thanked the rtelecates frr th-

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