Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 33, Number 126, 20 June 1908 — Page 1

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THE BICHMONB PAIXABIUM AISJO SUN-TELEGRAM, IVOI.. XXXIII. NO. 126. RICHMOND, IND., SATURDAY EVENING, JUNE 20, 1DOS. SINGLE COPY, 2 CENTS, ADMIRAL SEEKS REST AT HIS SUMMER HOME. EXPLOSIONJJN SHIP Fireworks Explode on Arabia And Two People Are Instantly Killed. RIVERDALE IS NARROWLY ESCAPES ESTABLISHMENT ASSASSIN'S BULLET. OF ICE TRUST MUCH DELAYED CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE NEW OF BIG FACTORY FOND IS FAVORED OF THE CITY

INVESTIGATION

WARM FIGHT FOR

SUBURB

Officials Who Have It in Their Power to Act Seem to Show No Desire to Push the Matter.

INTERESTING SIDELIGHTS ON BUSINESS METHODS. Universal Complaint Over the City Against Short Ice Weights, Which It Is Said Are Given. Is there an inclination on the part ftl some city or county official to dodge an investigation of the operation f the Rettig & Johnson Ice company, which constitutes the alleged local ice trust V This question is of unusual importance in view of the fact that the prosecuting attorney and city attorney each declared today it is not his business. City Attorney Study says he is not a detective and that such work comes under the department of the inspector of weights and measures. At the same time the 'city attorney offers en excuse for this official by saying he has no equipment whereby he can make tests or investigations. Selling ehort weights or measures is an offense against the state laws and constitutes a demeanor. The prosecuting attorney is the proper authority to conduct any litigation under the sections of this statute. With constant complaint and lamentation, on the part of consumers and three officials, any one of whom is empowered by law or city ordinance to take action and a large number of consumers to offer evidence, the reason no official inquiry into the operation of the combination ice company is made, Js attributed by some people to the lethargy of officials. Council of War. T. J. Study, city attorney, Wilfred JTessup, prosecuting attorney, Jesse A. SBailey, superintendent of police, and William C. Converse, city judge, counseled In regard to the operations of the Rettig and Johnson company this tnorning and all declared there is cause for suspicion in the business methods of the company. It was not charged openly that laws are being violated, but there was recourse to the statutes find assertions made that methods involved, are not within the understanding of others than those intimately acquainted with the affairs of the company. "Why, I can take Jesse Bailey, here, fcnd in a short time show him things that would make it awful hot for this company,' stated the city attorney. And then he added in an effective manner: "But I am not a detective. Walterman might do it as weight inspector, but he has no way to gain any information. They ought to give him have a dozen sets of scales and by placing -them in the various parts of the city he might be able to detect any short weights and secure the evidence right here. He doesn't have much of b way to work, without any scales, though." Short Weights Shown. Continuing, Mr. Study enumerated several specific Instances of complaints that had been made to him in which consumers alleged short weights. "It eeems funny," he said, "that when there is a mistake made in weight the short side seems always to fall on the part of the ice lump that is carried into the house. One man told me he ordered 200 pounds of ice and upon weighing it after delivery, found it 24 pounds short. Another told me he ordered and paid for 100 pounds, but it nly weighed 73 pounds. A prominent physician reported to me the preat discrepancy in the weight he paid for and the amount received." The court of inquiry developed more Interesting testimony. Judge Converse volunteered surprising information. "There is a neighbor of mine, who is a prominent Main street business man, and his wife has been having her troubles about ice," the judge said. "Last year she thought it might be more advisable to dispense with the coupon books so paid cash on delivery. Ehe expected to pursue the same plan this summer, but they told her at the office she wouuld have to get a book B3 she is a regular customer." Employes Instructed. Employes of the Rettig & Johnson tompany are given explicit instructions in regard to the subject of sales. Strange as it may seem to the consumer, the company has a regular schedule of prices. As given to the Palladium today by B. B. Johnson, of the firm, these prices are: Butchers, abattoirs and big hotel boxes, per 100 pounds, 15 cents. Saloons, groceries, Eoda fountains, etc., 20 cents. Family trade, taking 100 pounds each Helivery, where coupon book is used, 60 cents. Same, taking less than 100 pounds tach. delivery, where coupon book is Used, 35 cents. All cash ice, 40 cents per 100 pounds. Continued on Page Four.).

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ROBLEY D. EVANS. Broken in health. Rear Admiral Robley D. Evans, who took the Atlantic fleet to San Francisco, passed through New York to Lake Mohawk, to spend a portion of the summer. LUKE E. WRIGHT SUCCEEDS TAFT Southerner Will Take Reigns Of War Department After June 30. IS PECULIARLY FITTED. HE HAS BOTH GREAT ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL ABILITY WHItTH IS . NECESSARY TO THE HIGH OFFICE. Washington, June 20. Secretary Taft yesterday presented to the president his resignation, to take effect June 30, and it was announced at the White House that Luke E. Wright of Tennessee, would be appointed secretary of war to succeed Mr. Taft. In making this appointment the president was influenced by the desire to recognize in an emphatic way that there is no longer any dividing line between the North and South, and that all good Americans are in thought and deed one, and the president was influenced still more by the fact that Governor Wright's personal attributes and experience pre-eminently fit him for this particular position. The correspondence between the president and Secretary Taft relating to the latter's resignation is very brief. Secretary Taft simply said in his resignation: "I hereby tender my resignation as Secretary of War, to take effect June 30, next." The president, in his reply, said: "Your resignation is hereby accepted to take effect June 30." The statement given out at the white house concerning Mr. Wright's appointment says: "As Philippine commissioner, and later as vice-governor and governor, he won the affection and reward of the army to a high degree, and many of the most distinguished of the men who served in the army at the time he was in the Philippines have urged his appointment, because they felt that he was in a peculiar way their champion, and to a particular degree understood them and their needs. This is especially true as regards the men who were Union veterans of the civil war, for these grew to feel that he was always especially interested in their welfare. Peculiarly Fit. "Moreover his great administrative and legal ability both peculiarly fit him to deal with the problems in the Philippines, Panama and Cuba; for the work of the . war department is now such that only a man with special fitness and unusual training Is able to do Justice to it. Of all the men in the country, the president feels that Luke Wright is the man best equipped to take up the work of the department, which for the last seven years has been under the control first el Root and then of Taft.

Battle Wages Warmest Between Arthur I. Vorys and Frank Hitchcock, Rival Taft Managers.

DECISION OF TAFT TO BE MADE TODAY. Claims of Various Candidates For the Position Are Being Presented to Republican Candidate. Chicago, June 20. It will become today the duty of the presidential candidate, William H. Taft. to exercise for the first time his prerogative as the party leader and select the manager of the campaign. This question will come before him surrounded with complications. In fact, he faces an acute situation and one that requires boldness and promptness in settling. The smoldering and blazing rivalry between Arthur I. Vorys, of Ohio, and Frank H. Hitchcock, of Washington, is now in full flame. The friends of both of these men. who looked after the organization that won such a decisive victory in the convention, want them to be cnosen for this responsible position. Neither will work under the orders of the other. Of Vorys it is said that he has announced that he is willing to take di rections from any person that the candidate shall select, save Hitchcock, and of the Washington director, it is said that he will be satisfied with no place but the head of the council table. Two stories are afloat concerning Hitchcock. One is that he has been offered the vice-chairmanship of the committee, with headquarters in New York, and has refused it. The other was that Secretary Taft had stated in Washington that Hitchcock would be his choice. Neither story can be verified. Against Hitchcock. Because of the spectacular fashion in which the Washington man handled the contests in the Southern states, both at the polls and before the national committee, he has gained more or less glory. At the same tine has aroused a deep feeling of resentment, which has assumed formidable shape. Representatives of many powerful party interests have boldly said that they will resist his appointment to the last, and if it is made they will refuse to serve with him. It is said that all but one of the National executive committee members have declared the"ir intention of refusing reappointment if he is named. Further, it is announced that certain officers of the national committee will leave its service under this contingency. There are a number of stories regarding a dark horse for the place. It is known that some members of the committee favor the reappointment of Harry S. New, and Senator A. J. Beveridge, of Indiana has waited upon Governor Herrick in his interest. Agaln there is talk of making Governor derrick himself the Chairman. It was again stated that under no conditions would Senator W. Murray Crane, of Massachusetts, be selected, for the very good reason that he will not accept the post. Another suggestion was Postmaster General George Von L. Meyer. Last of all Charles P. Taft was boomed, because, it was said, he could secure the services of both Vorys and Hitchcock without any trouble. Left to Roosevelt. The urging 'of these people as candidates is taken as an indication that neither Vorys nor Hitchcock will be chosen. In fact, this is the consensus among the politicians. The indorsement of President Roosevelt is the strongest card In the Hitchcock hand, and it is believed to counterbalance the opposition which comes from those who have divers and sundry reasons why he should not be nominated. The re-election of Elmer Cover, of Ohio, as the secretary of the committee is not well received by the Hitchcock men. because it was well known to all that each has a cordial dislike for the other. Last night it was rumored that Dover would be opposed. Had this been done it c?.n be stated that he would have declined to stand as a candidate. Several days ago a committee of the members waited upon Mr. Charles P. Taft, and stated on behalf of their colleagues that they desired to again select the secretary. They were told by the candidate's brother that he was perfectly willing that this should be done. The new treasurer of the committee will in all likelihood be Charles C. Dawes, former comptroller of the currency under President McKinley. He is the choice of Cornelius Bliss, of New York, who will retire this year. Mr. Dawes, it is understood, favors some one else for Chairman than Hitchcock and this may lead to another complication. Start For Cincinnati. Eight members of the republican national committee left Chicago last J, Continued on P& -Twa4 -

MANY WERE INJURED.

Philadelphia, Pa., June 20. An explosion of fireworks on the steamship Arabia, at her wharf this morning killed two persons and injured twentyfive, some of them seriously. "BULLY HIE" WAS NATIONAUMENTION Mrs. Nicholas Longworth Is Greatly Pleased. Chicago, 111., June 20. Mrs. Alice Roosevelt Longworth Is quoted as declaring the convention was "bully fine." She has announced that she would go to Denver to witness the democratic national convention, after a brief return visit to her own home in Cincinnati. MEW FRANCHISE OF D. k W., MA! MEET WITH OPPOSITION Board of Works Fears Clause Allowing Company Use of Main Street Until Freight Line Is Built. T. H., I. & E. TRACTION OFFICIALS COME HERE. Vice President Todd and General Manager Peck to Confer With Local Shippers on Depot. In the franchise that has been submitted to the board of public works by the Columbus. Indiana & Eastern and the Indiana Branch of the Dayton & Western, both roads being one and the same, there is a section which provides that freight cars shall be operated on Main street until the completion of the north end freight line, which Is to be built by the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern. It is thought that the board, when it considers this franchise, will object to this section because it would be a dangerous move to authorize the company in the franchise to operate its freight cars on Main street temporarily. The board, it is understood, is of the opinion that if the company is authorized to do this, it should be done by council passing a resolution to that effect. Fears Expressed. The board fears that if the traction companies were once permitted to op erate their frieght cars on Main street by embodying the permission in a franchise agreement, it would be some time before freight cars would cease operating over Main street, because the T. H. I. & E. might delay construction of the north end route. It is con tended that if council passed a resolu tion permitting the use of Main street for a limited time, the T. H. I. & E. would be forced to construct its north end route without delay. May Take Special Action. The Dayton & Western franchise was submitted to the board of public works by Secretary E. M. Haas of the Commercial club. Mr. Haas thinks that the traction company would agree to accept a franchise which did not contain the objectionable provision re ferred to, providing that council by a resolution permitted the company the temporary use of Main street for Its freight cars. Freight Depot Sites. In a few days it is expected that Vice President Todd and General Manager Peck of the T. H. I. & E., will be in the city for the purpose of consulting the shippers on various matters regarding the construction of the north end freight route! They will also inspect the contemplated sites for the location of the freight depot. The company now has two sites under consideration. One is at the corner of North Tenth and E streets and the other is at the corner of Ft. Wayne avenue and North D street. The latter site is the most favored because the switching facilities would be better and because Jhe depot would be located nearer the other freight depots. THE WEATHER PROPHET. INDIANA Fair Saturday night and Sunday; light to fresh south to southwest winds. OHIO Thunder showers Saturday night in eastern, fair in western portion; Sunday fair;, fresh to V Arick wut wind. - -

Section Lying North of Railroad Given New Name by New Improvement League Just Organized. AUSPICIOUS BEGINNING FOR NEW ASSOCIATION.

Representatives From Other Organizations of City Presented Well Wishes of Entire City. Riverdale was selected as the deslg nation of the section of the city lying north of the railroad, at a meeting of the Riverdale Civic league which was organized last evening. Riverdale succeeds the various titles and appellations "Goosetown," North End, etc., which have been used to designate the whole or a part of this section of the city. Property ''Goosetown" was applied only to that portion east of Four teenth street but to the general pub lic the name indicated everything north of the Pennsylvania railroad With the passing of "Goosetown" springs into life the civic organization that expects to accomplish great re sults for residents of the portion of the city in whose behalf its labors will be expended. The organization was completed at the meeting held last evening at the Whitewater school building. There was an attendance of 100 or more persons and many remained away be cause of the threatening weather. No more auspicious birth of a civic organ ization in this city has been noted. Representatives of various other societies and organizations were present and pledges of assistance were forth coming. A number of the best known business men of the city were in atten dance. Unthank, President. The league's personnel of officers on its voyage for the first year will consist of: Frank Unthank, president; Thomas Yeager, vice president; Milo Stegall, secretary; George Carter, treasurer. The organization will be an association of the men of the dis trict only. The ship was launched amid a display of great enthusiasm and prospects for a most prosperous journey are unusually favorable. Among those who expressed their well wishes for the new organization were John F. McCarthy, president of the Commercial club and the Rev. T, J. Graham, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Mr. McCarthy assured those present of the advantages to be derived from a mutual organiza tion. He spoke of the cooperation that may be expected from .the Commercial club. The Rev. Mr. Graham out lined the prospects for good work that are offered the League and anticipat ed favorable returns. Others who ex pressed congratulations were Judge L. C. Abbott, G. O. Ballenger, Sharon Jones. Rutherford Jones, Leander Woodard and Prof. Ramsey, of the Whitewater school. Miss Huldah Kenley sang a vocal solo. Purposes of League. The Riverdale Civic League expects to bring about the regeneration of the northern section of the city. For many years this section has not shown the progress and civic pride characteristic of the other sections. The league will endeavor to instill into the residents civic pride that will result in improv ed conditions of homes, yards, streets alleys, etc. The organization was form ed in the customary manner and its by laws and constitution express the motive as one mutual cooperative be& efit Owing to the fact that the West Side Improvement association was in ses sion at the same time as the saw or ganisation was completing Its forma' tion, no representative was present from the older society. A letter of con gratulation had been nnt. however, and assurance was made of hearty co operation. Women Get Credit. Although the Riverdale Civic league is an organization of men, it owes its existence to the little band of women of the North End. who compose the Mothers" League of the Whitewater district. The women of this society and the teachers of the Whitewater school long ago realized the need for some general organization and set about to accomplish this result Mrs George Spalding is president of the society and she and her associates have labored incessantly for the es tablishment of the league and to guar antee its welfare. NOT LOST HERE. Merry Widow Cannot be Missed in City. Postmaster A. J. Spekenhier has been notified that in the fifth postal division, which includes Richmond, a merry widow hat and a fifty dollar bill have been reported as lost. Mr. Spekenhier states that he knows the lost mexry. widow, was not lost iere.

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Photo of General Picquart. the French minister of war. wno naa f narrow escape from an assassins bul let on June loth. WEST SIOEBS HAVE THEIR "DAI1DER" UP No Action Taken by Board of Works on New Hose House Across River. WANT NEW SCHOOL TOO. MEMBERS OF IMPROVEMENT AS SOCIATION POINT OUT THAT BAXTER BUILDING WILL SOON BE TOO SMALL. The West Side Improvement Association is getting its "dander" up in regard to the agitation for the loca tion of a hose house in West Rich' mond. The board of public works has as sured the West Siders that it would "consider" the project of giving them a hose house, but. It is stated, no ac tion has been taken by the board. At a meeting of the West Side Im provement Association last evening, the question of better fire protection again came up and It was pointed out that fire insurance rates on the west side of the river were steadily soar ing, in many cases because of the lack of proper fire protection. The association members have 6ecided to redouble their efforts to se cure a hose house and the board of public works will be asked to take prompt action in the matter. It was announced at the meeting last evening that ttfree acres of good property could be secured in the southwest section of West Richmond for school purposes and that the land could b bought at a low rate. The association will ask the school board to secure this land which for the present time could be used as a public school play ground but eventually used as a site for a school building West Siders contend that the Baxter school will in a short time be too small and that another building will have to be erected. The association members also ex pressed indignation at the action of city employes cutting down trees and brush on the old river road which runs under the Main street bridge, The association just recently went to some trouble cleaning up this pictur esque old road but now, it is stated, it looks like a cyclone had struck it. The association voted to petition to clean up the road and river bank again The board will also be asked to cut the weeds in West Richmond before they go to seed. BODY OF HANDSOME WOMAN FOOND IN RIVER Rope Was Wound About Her Neck.. New York, June 20. With a rope wound several times around her neck. the body of an elegantly dressed and handsome woman was found in the East river today. A double knot plainly showed she bad been strangl ed to death. In a pocket of her coat was a note bearing the name "illis flynn. Hotel GoOiemjr -

Citizens Realize That If Rich

mond Competes With Other Cities This Must Be Done. SUCH FUND MUST BE ' USED JUDICIOUSLY. Officers of Various Improve ment Associations and Commercial Bodies Comment on Situation. There is a probability that a move ment will be inaugurated to raise a factory fund In this city. The lews ot the Westcott Carriage company has brought the business men of this city to realize the necessity of creating such a fund if Richmond intends to compete with the other cities ot this state. A canvas made of representative business men shows that all of them are in favor of prompt stepB to create a factory fund, but all of them are of the opinion that such a fund should be used with the utmost discretion, avoiding the mistakes made by several Indiana cities, especially ones In the gas belt, which hare factory funds and have used them In securing factories which are nothing more or less than white elephants. Monday night there will be held a Joint meeting of the representatives of the various public Improvement organization and it is expected that at this meeting the movement to create a general factory fund will come up for discussion. Today officers of the Young Men's Business club, the South Side Improvement association, fhe Commercial club and the West Side Improvement association were Interviewed to ascertain their opinions of the movement to create a factory fund. The following statements were made: R. G. Leeds, president Young Men's Business club "A factory fund Is all right if it Is used properly. In some instances factories have been induced to locate In Indiana cities by giving them bonuses, and these same factor ies have proven to be wildcat affairs on the verge of bankruptcy, or they have remained In the city where they were Induced to locate until they were offered bonuses to move elsewhere. Favors the Fund. "If the right kind of factories can be Induced to locate here by means of a factory fund, then I favor the establishment of -such a fund. Richmond has never looked with favor on a movement to establish a factory fund. This movement Is now general throughout this section of the country and In most cases the cities which have made the experiment have been benefited. Take Terre Haute for. instance. That city by the Judicious use of its factory fund has doubled Us population. Local manufacturers frown on a movement to establish a factory fund in Richmond for the reason, they assert, that it would tend to complicate the local labor situation. I think that by establishing more factories in this city the labor situation would be improved and that there would be a better market for labor." Is a Good Plan. A. H. Blickwedel, president South Side Improvement association "The South Side Improvement association has been working to establish a factory fund and I think that it would be a good plan for the business men In every section of the city to Join In the movement to establish it. I think this matter should be brought up for consideration Monday night when a Joint meeting of Improvement associations is held." Anticipates Hard Task. John F. McCarthy, president Commercial club "The idea of creating a general factory fund Is a good one providing the fund Is used Judiciously. I think that it would be hard to raise a factory fund In this city. It has been tried before without success. The South Side Improvement association by creating the Beallvlew addition has come nearer establishing such a fund than any other organization which has attempted this movement. The South Side Improvement association because It is working to establish a factory fund fpr that section of the city might take luke warm interest in a movement to establish a general factory fund." Wants Only Good Factories. Dr. S. Edgar Bond, treasurer West Side Improvement association "I brought this movement up for discussion at the meeting of the West Side Improvement association last evening. The members of the association would favor the creation of a general factory fund, but the association does not favor the establishment of factories in W'est Richmond except along the railroad. In my opinion Richmond must have a factory fund if it intends to keep up with other Indiana cities. The right kind of factories should be brought here, consequently the fund

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