Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 33, Number 95, 20 May 1908 — Page 1

THE RICHMOND PAIXABUJM

AND SUN-TELEGRAM. VOL. XXXIII. NO. 95. RICHMOND, IN'D., WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY (), lOOS. SINGLE COPY, 2 CENTS.

FIRE HAZARDS IN EVERY MERCANTILE BLOCK IN THE CITY fieport of Indiana Fire Insurance Bureau Points Out Many Fire Dangers Which Need Remedying.

BETTER FIRE PROTECTION FORCIBLY POINTED OUT. In Case of Fire of More Than Ordinary Magnitude, Department Would Not Be Able to Handle It. In the report on fire protection conditions in Richmond, just prepared by the Indiana Fire Insurance Bureau, the local fire department is complimented on its efficiency, but the statement is made that in the event of a lire of more than ordinary magnitude there would not he enough firemen to handle the situation. The report states that conflagration hazards exist in practically every, mercantile block and that there is a pronounced area of combustibility in the manufacturing section. The report fctates that the electric, wiring conditions are poor and dangerous and that the police department renders but little assistance at fires. In speaking of the city ordinances the report reads that they are "not of much value and not well enforced." The water works system is described as good with the exception that there 3s only one water main leading into the city. "The fire department stations are well located and within easy access to all parts of the city with the exception of West Richmond," the report reads. Wires Fire Risk. One of the greatest fire risks In this city is from the distribution of wires, both in the streets and inside of buildings. Speaking of this the report reads. "In the alley running parallel with and north of .Main street, there is a very bad congestion of nigh and low potential wires, run in close proximity to and crossing each other. In pome localities it would be utterly impossible to handle ladders through wires and otherwise good fire streams would be broken up. The liability of crossing of high and low potential wires is not vell guarded against and Is conducive of simultaneous fires in various sections of the city." Speaking of inside wiring, it is stated that considerable risk exists especially in the older buildings and that until recently no supervision was maintained over the installation of electrical equipment. Supervision is now in the hands of the fire chief, the report states, and a very good standard is being observed. In reference to the lack of fire protection in West Richmond the report reads: "In the territory lying west, of the river, known as West Richmond, while the various departments have access over two bridges, yet a great amount of time is consumed in reaching this district, especially the section lying north of Main street. During the rainy seasons the roads in this section get very muddy and heavy, which, together with long distances from department houses, creates a very heavy strain on the horses. "Politics have not wholly been eliminated from the department." it is stated in the report, "but does not play a very important part. Civil service requirements would greatly add to the efficiency." Vaughan Building a Trap. The Vaughan block located on the corner of Eighth and Main streets, is described in the report as being "probably the worst conflagration hreediug spot." Speaking of this block the report reads: "On account of extreme age. excessive area. badly cracked and bulged walls, as well as general poor condition, a fire once paining headway here, would be hard to control." The Westcott Hotel, the report states. Is severely exposed to fire ri?k because of the "fire traps" in . its vicinity. GREAT PRESBYTERIAN BOOHMENING Rev. Dr. Fullerton Favored for Moderator. Kansas city, .May u. one hundred and twentieth meetting of the general assembly of the Presbyterians of America, opend the largest meeting in the history of the body here today. It was the first time every state in the union was represented. Rev. Dr. Baxter P. Fullerton of St Louis 43 the favorite for moderator.

PLATT DENIES IT ALL

Says He Never Married Mae Wood or Wrote Mushy Letters. SHE NEVER SAT ON HIS LAP. New York, May 2.-Senator Piatt, assisted by two attendants, tottered into the court room at noon today and later testified, he never married Mae Wood, never promised to marry her, never wrote mushy love letters and never bought a ring, and had not acknowledged her as his legal wife. He declared the marriage certificate and letters were forgeries and furthermore she never sat on his lap. An immense crowd is attending the hearing. FIVE THOUSAND VETERANS PARADE The Aged and Infirm G. A. R. Veterans Ride in Autos At Kokomo Today. CONTEST FOR OFFICES. SPIRITED CONTEST FOR POSITION OF COMMANDER OF INDIANA DIVISION MAJOR M. M. LACEY MEMBER OF ONE COMMITTEE. Kokomo, Ind.. May 2. Five thousand O. A. R. veterans were in the annual parade today. The aged and infirm rode in autos. Fifty mayors of various towns acted as escort in one hundred autos in the first division of the parade. Commander Ketcham was at the head. The latter delivered the annual address. Silver Jubilee Celebrated. At Grace M. E. church last evening the silver jubilee of the founding of the organization of the Woman's Relief Corps was celebrated. The meeting was presided over by Meribah E. Walker, department president. The exercises included music by the band from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Knightstown. . The Rev. Madison Swadener delivered the invocation and was followed by Mayor Will II. Arnett, who welcomed the members of the organization to Kokomo. The response was given by Mrs. Walker. This was followed by greetings and congratulations to the W. R. C. by representatives from the G. A. R. department commander, William A. Ketcham, and from representatives of the Sons of Veterans, the auxiliary to the Sons of Veterans, the Ladies' Aid Society, the Daughters of Veterans, the Ladies of the G. A. R, and the United Spanish War Veterans. To the greetings a response was made by Mrs. Jennie Meyerhoff, past department, president of the W. R. C. Mrs. Agnes R. Hitt of Indianapolis, past president of the Indiana department, and also a past national president, presided at the banquet given at the Frances Hotel at 10 p. m. The twenty-throo presidential officers banqucted the seventeen commanders of the G. A. R. It was owing to the peculiar situation that this banquet was given. Of the twenty-three who have served the State W. R. C. as presidents all are living and were present at this banquet. The contest for department officers at the disposal of the G. A. R. is warming tip. Col. Thompson of Lafayette was first to open up headquarters. The supporters of Messrs. John D. Alexander of Bedford, C. W. Scott of Warsaw and James Rarlow of Plainfield are urging all that can be said in behalf of the candidates. It is taken for granted that Milton Bell of this city will be chosen senior vice commander. No other name is mentioned. William K. Gorsuch of South Bend is mentioned for junior vice commander. There is yet no opposition to him. Dr. S. N. Hamilton of Connersville, medical director, elected last ear over his protest at Ft. Wayne, declares he will not serve longer. Dr. R. P. E. Brown of near Monticello has been mentioned for the place. The Rev. H. R. Todd of Flora and the Rev. F. M. Elliott of Hammond are aspirants for chaplain. The matter of the nomination of national delegates is exciting interest. Judge S. N. Hench of Ft. Wayne, says that "Allen County, and particularly Ft. Wayne, has always had one of the candidates from our district. Among them are Capt. Kile, ex-postmaster of Ft. rVayne: M. M. Thompson, ex-recorder of Allen County; Scott Swann and Jasper Estel." The Women's Relief Corps will elect officers today. Many names are mentioned for the several offices, but as yet no one has certainly avowed a candidacy for the place. The following committees were announced tonight: On Commander's Address George W. Grubbs. W. S. Marshall, I. H. G. Royse. E. R. Brown, J. R. Stormont. On Badge for Departmental Commander A. O. Marsh, J. R. Fessler, John E. Cleland, J. H. Ristine, H. C. Durbin. On Reports of Assistant Adjutant General and Assistant Quartermaster (General J. D. Gallaher, W. T. Jack1 son, M. M. Lacey, John W. Dyer, j On Elective Officers H. M. Caylor, I Daniel Ryan, D. N. Foster. David E. JJeem, -

ASKS THE LAW'S AID IN PROTECTING YOONG DAUGHTER

Complaint of L. W. Huffman Of Dalton Township, Causes Arrest of Edward Stegall On a Serious Charge. SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL LED ASTRAY. She Is Now in the Home for Friendless Women in This City Arrest Was Made in Case Ten Days Ago. Edward Stegall, a resident of Dalton township is in the Wayne county jail held on the charge of contributing to the delinquency of Nellie Huffman, of the same township. The Huffman girl is being held at the Home for Friendless Women. Stegall was arrested upon the complaint of the father of the girl, L. W. Huffman, who charges Stegall has caused her ruin. The case has not been docketed, but it probably will be brought to trial within a few days. The arrest was made ten days ago. Unusual secretiveness has been displayed by the authorities and the details have not been given out for publication. Stegall has been held in jail ever since his arrest, although he announced when taken into custody that he believed he would be able to give bond. He denies the allegations, although admitting that he spent considerable time in the company of the girl. Stegall was employed as a farm hand in the vicinity- of the farm on which the girl and her father reside. When Mr. Huffman came to Richmond more than a week ago, he made complaint to the sheriff and also was in communication with the prosecuting attorney. To them he related the details of the facts and circumstances as far as he knew them. He accused Stegall of being unduly intimate with his daughter and it was upon the testimony he provided that the charge was preferred. Stegall was arrested May 11. This was two days after Nellie Huffman became sixteen years of age. The. authorities counseled over the advisability of entering a charge of attempted rape, but it is not likely that such a charge could be substantiated. The father of the girl claims Stegall has broken up his home. Mrs. Huffman died only a few weeks ago and Nellie had been keeping house for her father. According to the story told by Huffman to the authorities, Stegall was a frequent visitor at the Huffman home and called for the purpose of seeing the daughter. Mr. Huffman objected to his paying attention to his daughter, but owing to the condition of Mrs. Huffman's health, postponed any display of hostilities toward the man. Since her death the father became more persistent in his opposition to Stegall's calls and all other precautionary measures failing, brought about his arrest. Mr. Huffman Is quoted as saying if he can not convict Stegall of the present charge he will demand he be put under a bond to keep the peace. The sentiment of residents of Dalton township, who are acquainted with the facts, is in sympathy with the father. Stegall is not held in very high regard by those residents, who have seen fit to express their opinion in the matter and some have declared he is safer in the custody of the sheriff. SEVEN AREJROWNED Gasoline Tank on Launch Explodes, Sending Pleasure Party to Death. COULD NOT BE RESCUED. Memphis, Tenn., May 20. Seven persons were drowned and nine narrowly escaped death when a gasoline tank exploded on the launch Columbia near Clarendon, Arkansas, last night. None of the bodies have been recovered. The force of the explosion stunned the occupants of the launch preventing the swimmers from rescuing them. The party was on a pleasure trip and on failing to return, a search discovered the survivors on the river bank miles from town. The drowned were prominent residents of Clarendon and vicinity and included five girls and two men. THE WEATHER PROPHET. INDIANA Thursday fair, except probably showers and cooler In north portions; light variable winds becoming fresh south. OHIO Fair and warmer Thursday, variable light winds becoming

ROYALTY PROMINENT IN FAIR WHICH WILL INFLUENCE POLITICS

As one of the recent results of the entents cordiale between France ami Great Britain, the Franco-British fair which has just been opened in London, promises to be an important factor in European politics, in that it cements more closely the relations between England and France. The fair was formerly opened by their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales. These pictures are from favorite photographs of the Prince and Princess. AT CLEVELAND, 0. Litte Girl Is Decapitated The Brawls of Last Wight. in WANT A PUBLIC BOYCOTT. STRIKERS ATTEMPTING TO CREATE SYMPATHY TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT RESIDENTS WILL REFUSE TO RIDE. Cleveland. O., May 20. Last night saw more street car rioting, when three men were shot and wounded in a conflict between strikers and deputy sheriffs in Lakewood, a suburb. Charles Marvin, a striker, was shot through the hand, and two others were seriously wounded. Folice in automobiles rushed to the scene and a running encounter with the mob took place. The first car was set on fire and burned to the trucks. In East Woodland avenue a car ran down a little girl. Her head was severed and a crowd attacked the motorman and conductor. In the confusion the girl's head was hurried to her home while an ambulance took the body to a morgue. Ask Public Boycott. The members of the Carmen's union began a series of meetings for the purpose of arousing sympathy and to appeal to the public to refrain from using the cars until the strike is over. At these meetings the proposition also of petitioning the city council to order a public vote as to whether the franchise recently granted and under which the Municipal Traction company is operating shall become effective. This proposal is based upon the new initiative and referendum law enacted by the state legislature a few weeks ago. This law provides that the question of a street railway franchise becoming operative shall rest with a majority vote of the voters of the community providing 15 per cent of the voters petition the City Council to hold such a vote. The petition will make it obligatory on the council to submit the matter to a vote. The movement was started by the strikers. Hinges on One Thing. Apparently only one thing stands between the union and President Dupont of the traction company in the matter of a peaceful settlement of all points In controversy. Mr. Dupont said today that he would take those strikers back to work only as "new men," and that those who remained with the company would be given the preference. Vice President Behner of the union positively declined to waive this point. The state arbitrators now are endeavoring to have the single objectionable point removed. HOGAN SUICIDES. Lebanon, Ind., May 20. After trying to smother his eight months' baby and being driven out of doors by his mother-in-law, last night, William Hogan, aged thirty, swallowed carbolic acid. His dead body -was found to tfc tack yard Uu reorplnft.

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SERIOUS

RIOTING

HILL A JUDGE IN PARIS ROSE SHOW Local Florist Leaves for French City to Participate in Event. IT IS A SIGNAL HONOR. HE IS THE ONLY INDIANA MAN WHO VAS CHOSEN BY FRENCHMENHAS SEVERAL ENTRIES THAT ARE NEW AND UNNAMED. E. Gurney Hill of this city, one of the most prominent florists in the United States, leaves this evening for New York, from which port he will s-ail for France. Mr. Hill has been invited to act as a judge at the great international rose show which will be held in Paris from June 1 to 13. It is expected that florists from nearly every country in the world will exhibit roses. The fame of the American roses is world wide and it is expected that the American exhibitors will exhibit specimens which will result in the United States continuing to remain in the forefront in rose culture. The only Indiana florists who will exhibit at the Paris Rose Show will be the E. G. Hill company of this city. Mr. Hill is known far and wide as one of the greatest authorities on rose culture and his roses have a market all over the United States. Numerous prizes have been won by the Hill company In flower shows held throughout the United States and Europe. Mr. Hill was asked today what variety of roses he would exhibit at the Paris Rose show. He stated that he would exhibit several new rose creations which have not yet been named. These new roses on which Mr. Hill has spent months of hard work are 6aid to be perfection in the art of rose culture and it is expected that they will add to the fame of their creator as much as have the many other beautiful varieties which are the result of his art. METSKER MISSING FROM SOUTH BEND Cassopolis Merry Widow Also Gone. South Bend. Ind., May 20. George B. Metsker has been missing for several days. His whereabouts are unknown to his wife, who was recently acquitted of a murder charge. Mrs. Maude Behrner, the Merry Widow of Cassopolis, is also absent.

The Telephone is a WilKng servant to bring your Classified Ads to the Palladium office with the least bother to you. Either Phone 1121 Automatic, 21 Old.

'BELLE GONNESS"

WRITES PROSECUTOR Laporte Official Has Received Communication Written In Norwegian. GRAND JURY INVESTIGATES. GUNNESS HORROR IN ALL ITS DETAILS IS BEING PROBED RELATIVES OF WOMAN'S VIC TIMS TO SUE FOR SPOILS. Laporte, Ind., May 20. The grand jury continued hearing the testimony of the hired man Joseph Maxson, who tells a reasonable story of his escape from the burning Gunness home a few weeks ago. Prosecutor Smith has roceived a letter signed "Belle Gunness' which is written in Norwegian. It has not yet been translated. County Prosecutor Smith says: "I am ready to go to trial at once, as soon as the grand jury Returns its indictments. I shall insist upon a trial at this term of court. The evidence for the prosecution Is so complete that I am positive that Lamphere will hang. If it were not for the death of the Gunness children and Lamphere"s participation in the murder of Helgelein, I would almost be in favor of giving the man his freedom. Mrs. Gunness's death was no more than she deserved, for she bad made a business of murder." "Negro Liz Smith." who was before the grand jury, told pome one on the street afterward that she had told the truth this time. The truth, she said, was that Lamphere had left her house very early without her knowledge, so she really did not know what time he went away. John Hipp, of Michigan City, was called before the jury. He is the manager of a livery stable. He saw Lamphere in Michigan City the night of Helgelein"s murder. The prosecution has a witness. John Rice, who will also go before the jury. Rice says that that night Lamphere returned to the Gunness farm, riding most of the way on an electric car. Coroner Mack has finally decided to bring in a vprdict to the effect that the bodies found in the ruins of Mrs. Gunnesss house were those of the woman herself and her children. Eight Persons to Sue. Eight claims for money taken by Mrs. Gunness from her victims have been filed by relatives of the deceased. Helgelein's relatives have already prepared papers for suit against the Gunness estate to recover the $2.!ri property of the late Andrew K. Helgelein that has been traced through the hands of Mrs. Gunness. If the Coroner had been in doubt about the Identification of the body it might have taken seven years to pronounce Mrs. Gunness legally dead. The claimants would have been forced to wait this length of time. The (Continued on Pase Seven.)

CHARGES AGAINST

Y. H. C. A. ARE T Foreign Contractors Were Favored Only When It Was Absolutely Necessary, Says Secretary Goodwin. DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES HAVE BEEN CHOSEN, Meeting Held Last Night Resuited in the Choosing of the Old Boards for the Ensuing Year. The first annual meeting of the incorporators of the Richmond Y. M. C. A. was held last evening and directors and trustees of the Institution were elected for the eiiMiing year. On June 5. the directors will meet and elect officers. It is Quite probable that the present officers will again 1 choseu. They are Sharon K. Jones, president; George H. Knollenberg. vice president; Arthur L. Smith, recording secretary; A. M. Gardner, treasurer and George L. Goodwin, general secretary. All the old directors and trustees were reelected last evening. The nominating committee only presented one list of names. Those re-elected to the board of directors are a follows: Sharon K. Jones, George 11. Knollenberg, W. S. Hiaer, Charles H. Moore, Richard Sedgwick, E. K. Shera, A. L. Bramkamp. J. S. Harris and Howard Dill.. The trustees are: Adam H. Bartel, John B. Dougan. M. C. Henley. Henry Gennett, John K. McCarthy. Clem Gaar and John 11. Johnson. On September 1 another meeting will be held for the purpose of thoroughly discussing all the business details in connection with the work of constructing the Y. M. C. A. building. After the election of directors and trustees President Sharon E. Jones read his annual report then General Secretary Goodwin read his report, Goodwin Explains. There has been some complaint regarding the action of the building committee in awarding contracts to out of town bidders. After mentioning the firms that secured these contracts Mr. Goodwin had the following to pay regarding the dissatisfaction referred to: " In view of the fact that the building committee has been criticised from certain sources for awarding contracts out of town and some persons not knowing the situation, have gone so far as to say that aH the contract have been let out of town, and in this way apparently seeking an excuse for not paying their subscriptions to the building fund, a word of explanation might be Kiven. Bids Were Low. "You will notice that Mr. Fosler the excavator, was a town man, and after using every endeavor and postponing the date of the opening of bids for the foundation in order to secure a town bidder, the committee failed in receiving the same through no fault of theirs and thus was compelled to award the contract to Wolf & Ewlng of Indianapolis at a figure which was considered very low. "In the contract for the superstructure we received nine bids, ranging from $49,850 to $54,237. This contract was awarded naturally to the lowest responsible bidder, which was $2,040 less than the lowest home hidder, with the understanding that any subbids that the committee had on file which were Tower than the itemized schedule given by the general contractors might be substituted by us and thus rendering a saving to the association. In this way we were able to secure the contract for the entire brick work of the building for the firm of Weaver and Williams, our local contractors in this lice. The other contracts, plumbing, heating, electric wiring, of course, rpeak for themselves a being wholly with In our town, further in view of the fact that Wolf and Ewing employed all Richmond labor except foremen and purchased all materials from Richmond dealers, and that the general contractors are persuing the same policy in so far as it is practicable for them to do, so it seems to me that the criticisms the committee have received, are certainly not justified and that you as the members of this association should have knowledge of the facts here given. The work on the building has not made as rapid progress to date as some of us wished, but weather conditions and the inability of the contractors to secure materials have been the chief reasons for the delay. Sufficient material, however, is now on the ground and is daily arriving so that much, progress will undoubtedly be made in the course of the next few weeks. Apart from this work in connection with the building there has been many things of general Interest leading up to the organization of permanent committees etc., which your secretary has been engaged In. Not least among these has been the acquaintance of the business men and the leading young men of the city through the meetings of the Commercial club and other organizations which I hare at-

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