Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 33, Number 345, 18 October 1908 — Page 1

RICHMOND PA1XABIUM H VOL. XXXIII. NO. 345. RICHMOND, ISO.. SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 18, 1903. SINGLE COPY, 3 CENTS. HUNDREDS DIE BEFORE AVALANCHE OF FLAMES LOVE FOR WIFE CAUSES MAN TO SHOOT HUSBAND REFUSES $55 WABCLOUDSOUCE MORE GATHLRING OVER THE BALMS OFFICERS ATTEND EASTERN STAR BANQUET Event Held Last Night Was a Success. GREAT CROWDS ATTEND RALLY OF SATURDAY FOR HISIKVENTICN Hancock County Man Invents Railroad Tie.

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ESTIMATED THAT FOREST FIRES IN MICHIGAN HAVE NOW KILLED ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE AND FIRES ARE STILL SPREADING OVER BOTH UPPER AND LOWER PENINSULAS HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE FIGHTING TO SAVE THEIR HOMES.

HORRIBLE DEATHS MET BY HELPLESS PEOPLE OF STATE Residents of Lumber Regions Caught Like Rats in Traps By Fire and Many Are Cremated. ENTIRE FAMILIES WIPED OUT BY FIRE Horrible Story of Sufferings Just Beginning to Be RevealedRefugees Are Hungry and Penniless. Detroit, Mich., Oct. 17. From practically every church in Northern Michigan tomorrow morning will go up the prayers of 100,000 people for rain and relief from the great forest .fires which are sweeping across that whole section of the states. From Bay City to the Straits of Mackinac, In the lower reninsula, from the Soo to the Eagle river district in the upper peninsula, all those who dare quit their battle with the flames for an hour will kneel together and offer their t petitions that the Almighty check the ' devastations of that restless wall of flame which has long gone beyond all human control. The death roll from the forest fire has now grown to 48. Scores more of the refugees who may have fled from their homes to a near by settlement are missing. Many farm homes that were In the path of the flames are sure to have been destroyed, and with them undoubtedly were burned many of the residents. It is probable that the to tal number of dead will never be known, but it can hardly be less than 300 and may be more. Scores of others after battling in vain day and night to save their homes, have given up be fore the onrush of those roaring, indomitable flames and have after innumerable escapes, come into towns, ehowing fearful marks of the conflict faces, hands, bodies burned and scarred, blinded, desperate. Losses Incalculable. The property loss is simply incalculable. The value of the timber destroyed will run into millions. The aggregate losses of hundreds of small farmers and residents in the three towns wiped out, Metz, Bolton, and South Rogers, is probably hundreds of thousands. There are perhaps 1,000 persons homeless as a result of the fires of the last two days, and most of these- have lost everything they possessed. Further information shows that at least twenty-eight persons lost their Jives in the burning of the wrecked relief train from Metz. Nearly all of these were women and children. No less than sixteen children, none of them more than ten years old, were burned to death. Nearly every hour today reports came into Alpena and Millersburg of families of farmers wiped out by the flames. The six children of . Wm. Dust, a Metz township farmer, were found on the road near their home. What became of their parents is not known. Mrs. John Sezerski and her three children were burned to death In the destruction of their home near Rogers City. Sezerski and two hired men fought their way through the burned forests and reached. Rogers City alive, though all three were badly burned. This morning, Olga Siebert, 20 years old, cook of her father's lumber camp near Wolf Creek, Alpena county, was burned to death. Her father and two brothers were awakened by the crackling of the flames and found their cabin on fire. They awoke the girl and themselves escaped She reached the door, but half suffocated and dazed, stumbled, fell back Into the blazing shack and was burned before their eyes. Meet Horrible Deaths. Charles Brinny, who had charge of another lumber camp on Big Wolf creek, was awakened by the barking of his dog. He saw a leaping wall of flames coming through the forest toward the camp. He awakened his wife and their nine children and in their night clothing the family ran through the woods to a clearing not far off. ttbere they crouched halt suffocated

while the fire swept around them. Brinny avers that the flames were 100 feet high and two miles wide. An aged couple of Polish farmers, Mr. and Mrs. Pachenski were cremated In their house near Posen last night, their charred bodies were found

by a relief party today, in the ruins of the house. Fred Wagner, another farmer and his wife were burned in their house near Metz Thursday. The total loss of life will never be known said Fred D. Curtis, a fire insurance adjuster, who returned tonight from a trip through the burned district. The whole of Northern Michigan is burning. The fire extends from Mackinaw to Alpena on to Petosky and from Emmet into Kalkaska county. "Many of the Metz refugees undoubtedly lost their lives in trying to escape after the train was wrecked. Relief parties have found ghastly remains of bodies all along the right of way of the D. & M. railway from the point of the wreck, almost to Posena. Heaps of partially burned bones and charred skulls are found in a dozen places. George Cicero, station agent at Metz placed his wife and three of his children on the relief train Thursday evening. His oldest son and he stayed to save the depot if possible. When Cicero saw he could do nothing, he and the boy jumped into a buggy and by driving their horse at full speed through the burning forest they reached Posen in safety. Their he was told his wife and three little ones had died in the wreck. Measures of relief are now being undertaken. Hundreds of refugees who are hungry and penniless are camped in the burned over fields about Posen, Millersburg and other towns. Supplies of a temporary nature were rushed to them today by the D. & M. Railway and subscriptions are being started in many cities of states. Governor Warner will appoint a relief commission today that will begin systematic relief work. The fire in the upper peninsula Is less dangerous tonight. Some villages are still threatened, but it is believed they will be 6aved. TOWN THREATENED. Forest Fires Raging in Marion County Ohio. Marion, O., Oct. 17. Thousands of acres of pasture and timber land are ablaze in Marion county and the flames threaten to destroy th4 town of Larue, fifteen miles from here. Several hundred men are working hard to prevent the flames from reaching the town but unless the direction of the wind changes, It is feared their efforts will be in vain. Many head of cattle have been burned to death in the flames. People living in villages near the big fire have fled from their homes. Rain has fallen in the county only once since July and the district Is dry and parched. It is estimated that three hundred men, scores of them with blistered hands and faces are fighting the flames. The fire started on the farm of James. Guthery, near Larue. A brisk west wind was blowing and carried the flames from field to field. Farmers for miles around gathered to fight the flames, but could make little headway. This afternoon the direction of the wind changed and the flames crept near Larue. By telegraph word was sent to all the towns and villages surrounding the blazing sections, and more men joined the fire fighters. Wide furrows have been plowed around Larue and it is hoped that the flames will not be able to cross this NJURED BY DROUGHT Farmers Sowing Wheat in Dust. Evansville, Ind., Oct. 17. A drought which equals in severity that of last month now prevails in southern Indiana and there is a scarcity of water In many sections. Farmers in some localities are sowing their wheat in dust and the ground is almost as fine as powder. Green river, which empties into the Ohio river nine miles above here, is lined with steamboats and towboats for fully a mile up from its mouth. Navigation is practically suspended from Louisville to Cairo, III., and river men have experienced the dullest season in many years. THE WEATHER PROPHET. INDIANA Fair and warmer Sunday, Increasing cloudiness, with showers and cooler In afternoon or night. OHIO Fair ; Sunday; showers and - cooler in western portion. -

William Thornton Probably Fatally Injured by Murderous Attack Made by Unknown Negro.

ASSAILANT THOUGHT TO BE SHERMAN KELLAR. Men Near Scene of Shooting Say They Recognized Man Does Wife Seek to Shield The Man? Pure malice engendered by love for the wife of his victim or a prearranged plan for murder In which the wife betrayed her husband to the deadly aim of her sweetheart in order to get rid of him, are the motives assigned as the probable cause for the shooting of William Thornton, a well known negro, last evening at 11:10 o'clock. The name of Sherman Kellar, colored, is connected with the case as the wouldbe assassin. The police believe they can trace the hand of Kellar in the affair and all attempts to locate him had failed up to an early hour this morning. A few minutes after the shooting, Kellar appeared at the Hiatt rooming house on South Sixth street, where he makes his home, but left Immediately afterward. Thornton is believed to be probably fatally wounded. The man has two wounds in the abdomen, either of which may prove fatal. He was hurried to the hospital from the scene of the shooting, a short distance north of Main street on Fort Wayne avenue and placed upon the operating table. Dr. W. W. Zimmerman was called and undertook to lo cate the bullets and dress the wound. Upon reaching the hospital. Thornton was unconscious, although he did not lapse Into that state until weakened by the loss of blood. ..--s-r Mystery in Case. There is reason to believe that Mrs. Thornton Is trying to shield the would be murderer of her husband. She was not arrested last night, however, as it was not expected she would make an effort to leave the city. Circumstantial evidence tends to indicate the woman may not be altogether blameless. She refused to give the police the name of her husband's assailant, although he kept saying in her presence she knew him. There is a mystery in the case that at present is baffling the police department. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton had been up town and were returning to their home, 38 Fort Wayne avenue. They turned north on the west side of the street and Thornton was on the inside. As they passed the first alley north of Main street, a shot rang oul and Thornton staggered, exclaiming: "I'm shot." His wife threw her arms about him assuring him he was not shot, and while she held him from the ground another shot was fired and it, too, found its mark in Thornton. The person firing the shots was so close to .Thornton as he passed that the sparks of powder set Thorntons coat sleeve afire. Two men happened to be behind the Thorntons as they came along the street, and one of them informed the police the would be murderer was Sherman Kellar, who has been showing affection for Mrs. Thornton for some time, according to the neighbors. The police said last night there was no doubt but that Kellar was the man. Wife Denies All. Roundsman McNally was a short distance north of the scene of the shooting at the time. He heard the shots and hurried back immediately. He asked Thornton who shot him and the injured man said he could not tell. Mrs. Thornton said she did not know the man's identity. "'Yes, you do. you introduced me to him," asserted (Continued on Page Three.)

Yoiuir OpportMmiity ' Today's Classified Ad. page contains a complete directory of the Real Estate opportunities in this vicinity. Farms and town houses for Sale and Rent. Bargains to suit every want. Undoubtedly you are interested; it means $$$$$$$$$ in your pocket. NOW turn to the Classified Ads on page 11 and your long looked for opportunity will be found. The Investment fa real estate has long been considered by the wisest men In the country to be the most sound of any investment. The Investing of your dollars In mother earth is safe and there is practically no risk such as is encountered in stocks, bonds and business. Look now for your opportunity. Page 11. . .

Greenfield, Ind., Oct. 17. George Williams, of Shirley, who invented a metallic railroad tie, has refused an offer of $T5,(XX) for his rights. Officials of the New York Central Railroad Company were In Shirley last week and arranged with Mr. Williams to test the tie. A joint will be put in on the Michigan division of the Big Four at Shirley. The tie is believed to be superior to the Carnegie tie now being tested by this company.

BID FAREWELL TO OLD CHURCH THIS MORNING Members of St. John's Congregation to Begin Worship in Their Beautiful New Edifice Today. OFFICIAL DEDICATORY PROGRAM IS ANNOUNCED Old Pastors and Men Connected With Lutheran Church To Participate in the Great Event. This morning at 3t o'clock the beautiful new St. John's German Lutheran church. South Seventh and E streets, will be formally dedicated and occupied by the congregation. At 5 o'clock the congregation will assemble at the old church. South fourth street where farewell services will be conducted Many of the older members of the con gregation will feel a choking at the throat and will wipe away tears from the eyes, as the communicants bid farewell to the old edifice and march away in a body to the new church to ob serve the dedicatory services. The new St. John's Lutheran church is one of the finest church buildings in the state and is admirably adapted to meet all requirements for the next score or more years. It was erected at an approximate cost of $50,KM. The St. John's congregation is one of the largest in the city, including nearly all the German-speaking Lutheran in the city. There are about o communicants of the church and the total membership, including children, will probably reach 1.000 or :zm. The pastor of the church is the Rev. A. J. Feeger. who, during the years he has been connected with the church has done much to uphold it. Last evening the Rev. Feeger announced the following asthe official program for the services connected with the dedication of the new church : Morning Services (German). 9:00 A. M. Farewell service at old church, South Fourth street, conducted by Rev. A. J. Feeger, pastor. Congregation will march to new edifice. Seventh and South E streets, old members in carriages. Upon arrival at church, short openair services, including preaching by pastor and song by school. Doors thrown open. 10 S0 A. M. Organ prelude, Professor J. F. Huntziker. Anthem St. John's choir. Hymn Congregation. Altar Services Rev. A. J. Feeger. Dedicatory Address Rev. A. J. Feeger and assistant ministers. Anthem Mixed choir from Dayton. Hymn Congregation. Sermon Rev. H. Wickeineyer, of Michigan City. Sermon Rev. Karl Hemminghaus, (Continued on Page Three.)

Official Advices of the Mo-

bilizatiOn Of Turkish TrOOpS Have Paris. Been Received in BULGARIA EXPECTED TO RUSH HER TROOPS. France Takes Steps to Prevent Threatened Outbreak Russian Minister Visits in France. London, Oct. 17. War clouds are once more gathering over the Balkans. Today's dispatches from Paris declare that the French government has received official advices of the mobilization of Turkey's army corps, a move which would render war practically inevitable, and Burgaria might be naturally expected to rush troops across the Northern Turkish frontier in order to forestall a general mobilization by Turkey. Direct reports from Constantinople received up to this hour fail to confirm the Paris report, however, but it is known that Turkey has warned Bulgaria that she must abandon her warlike preparations or retaliatory and protective measures would be resorted to. The text of the Turkey's circular to the powers complaining of Bulgarias military activities, which was prepared before the proposed program of the conference was published. In view of this declaration there is a good deal of doubt expressed as to the truth of the Paris report. The proposed conference of the powers on the question of the revision of the treaty of Berlin is still hanging fire, but the negotiators seem to make little progress. In diplomatic circles it is not believed that the visit to Par!.of M. Iswolsky, the Russian minister of for eign affairs, will have an important bearing upon the solution of the present Balkan tangle. He conferred with President Faiiiers today. it was brought out durin this time that the i

visit is Russia's wish to prepare foy nave to ue recalled to provide reinpossible future contingencies, and to j forcement and furnish a new line of safeguard her interests should the par- defense to be attacked. Each of the tition of the near east become a fact. speakers and Charles E. Shiveley, who M. Iswolskv denied todav that he had acted 38 chairman, took occasion to

given out the program for the confer-; ence of the powers. Nevertheless it has been confirmed in London that he did impart the information that was to be kept secret until calling of the conference. France will, it is expected, use all her influence to prevent Bulgaria from going to war with Turkey, when the Turkish circular sent out yesterday calling the attention of the powers to Bulgaria's hasty preparations for war, was received by the- French foreign minister. Mr. Pichon. A telegram was immediately sent to the French minister at Sofia, instructing him to renew his efforts to maintain peace between Turkey and Bulgaria. Germany Approves Annexation. Vienna. Oct. IS. The Emperor William is the first sovereign to reply to the Emperor Francis Joseph's letter announcing the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria. Herr von Tschlrschky, the German Ambassador, had a special audience with the Austrian Emperor at Budapest today and presented the Kaiser's letter to Francis Joseph. It is reported that the letter approves the annexation and promises to support it by Germany's diplomacy and, if necessary, with all her military assistance. Although no authorized official statement can be obtained regarding the British. Russian and French agreement, it is known that Austria has not ! receded from her first position, which was that she would have nothing to do with any conference if it was proposed to review her annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Moreover, she has not the slightest intention of compensating Servia. These views are supported by the newspapers. The Allgemaine Zeltung naively asks where the compensations to Servia and Montenegro are to come from if they are not to be at Turkey's cost. The Fremdenblatt, the mouthpiece of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, severely condemns the, British press for sowing distrust of Austria and for representing the annexation of Bosnia ad Herzegovinia as a serious injury to Turkey. It says It Is oi to be expected that Austria will subordinate the permanent objects of her Eastern policy to Great Britain's momentary desires. Servian Abdication Rumored. London, Oct 17. King Peter has secretly abdicated the throne and fled from Servia, according to a report that reached London. The report, however lacks verification, but all efforts on the part of Belgrade correspondents of London papers to find the King have proved fruitless. Even members of the national assembly and the King's cabinet profess

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A meeting of the Wayne county

chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star was held last evenine at the Masonic Temple. After four candidates had been given the initiatory work a banquet was served, which was followed by a social session. The chapters outside of Richmond were represented by about sixty members. The following grand lodge officers were present: Mrs. Pauline Summers of Indianapolis, grand matron; Mrs. Charlotte R. Cloud of Connersville, grand Esther; Mrs. Ada Watts of Indianapolis, grand Ada; Mrs. Anne Robinson, grand electa, f REPUBLICAN GUNS ARE TRAINED OPOII THE OPPOSITION Billheimer, Mattingly and Brown, Riddle Democratic Bark in Enthusiastic Meet ing Last Night. RESPECTS ARE PAID TO JOHNSON AND WILLIAMS Brown Unmercifully Attacks Richmond Man, Who Called Watson a DemagogueWatson Defended by All. Three republicnn guns were trained upon the democrats at the coliseum last evening, and the defenses of the opposition were riddled by shot and shell. J. C. Billheimer. auditor of state, Ezra Mattingly, leader of the temperance forces In the state senate. and Robert Brown, a former clerk of the supreme court, directed the guns. So skillful were the shots from this battery that John Sharp Williams will rlP the speeches of Mr. Williams and , Henry u, Johnson made in the same hall the evening before. One speaker asked by what right Williams came into Indiana and preached the rule of the people, when he bails from such a state as Mississippi, where the people know not the spelling nor the meaning of the word rule. In opening the meeting. Mr. Shiveley made the first reference to the speech of John Sharp Williams. His remarks were pointed and he lacerated the efforts of the southern senator with skill and adroitness, so that when the operation was completed there was scarcely any of the fruit left for the others except the peeling and the core. John, C. Billheimer, a native of Wayne county, and auditor of state, took occasion to show how much better this office has been conducted under republican administrations than under that of the last democrat. He showed that the business of the office has increased in amount five times and even then the past year four times as much money was collected the last year as during any year of the term of the last democrat, a man named Henderson. He showed how the duties of the auditor have increased in importance as well as In number, He pronounced the charges of Thomas Marshall, the democratic candidate for governor In regard to the affair of the office of auditor of state with being absolute falsities. In closing his remarks, the speaker said the one great question before the people of Indiana today is Watson or Marshall, which? He said Marshall was unheard of before the democratic convention and even not then until Thomas Taggart brought him forth. "Wayne 13 the home county of Oliver P.' Morton, the great war governor." sad the speaker, "and I want to tell you there never was a man more traduced or defamed than Morton, except James E. Watson. Before he became a candidate for governor, no one ever heard it said he was an enemj of labor. If Watson is opposed to labor then the republican jparty must be." The superiority of the equipment of Mr. Watson as a candidate to that of Marshall was spoken of. The claim of Marshall that the ditch law Is an example of unjust republican legislation was taken up. It was shown that Marshall has used as examples for the unfairness of this law a case in Whitney county, his own county, and that a ditch costing $25,000 was built. The speaker said Marshall does not tell be was the attorney who prepared the papers in this case and oat of the total cost he received $6,000 for his own personal fee. Watson or Marshall? Ezra Mattingly, the temperance leader of the state senate, opened his

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Estimated That Seven Thous

and People Were Attracted To Greensfork Yesterday by Republican Meeting. THOUSANDS CHEER THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES Banners Strung Across the Streets of the Town Tell Sentiment Toward Gubernatorial Candidate. HARRIS LAUDS WM. H. TAFi. DEMOCRATS LOOK INTO THE DISTANCE FOR ISSUES, SAYS INDIANAPOLIS MAN, WHILE REPUBLICANS LOOK AT HOME. TOUCHES STATE ISSUES. Thomas Davidson of Greensburg, Deals With the Two Foremost Questions in the State Campaign. Governor Watson sounds pretty good. Let's stop drinking and vote for Jimmie. Hurrah for Watson right now. These were a few of the inscriptions on banners displayed ' across the streets of Greensfork yesterday upon the occasion of the greatest all day open air political rally that has been held In Wayne county In the last twelve years.. The. little village did Itself proud In every way.. There were at least 7,000 persons In the town and not a sign, of disorder of any kind. "Hello. Pete." "How are you. Bill?" "Sure some crowd here." "Never saw anything like it." This was one of the many actual conversations of the kind heard on the street yesterday and Jt reflected the sentiment of all. There was sure some crowd there. The hospitality of Greensfork was tested and found true 4 blue. The victuals were piled on Improvised tables in a down town street . and the hungry hordes were relieved of their ravenous appetites. Restaurants and hotels ran otit of provisions and then the people of the village came forward and opened their homes. Strangers were invited In and given the best the land afforded. The speaking was held hi. the Lamb -field west of town. A stard had been erected and decorated In the national colors. A call was made for the "old soldiers' to occupy the platform and the veterans of 1861-1865 forgot their rheumatic limbs and made . a wild scramble for the seats of vantage. "O, there Isn't room for half of us" came the response to the Invitation, and there wasn't More than 5,000 persons heard the addresses of Addison C. Harris and Thbmas Davidson. Mr. Harris is a native of Greensfork, and loves nothIng better than to return to the scenes of his boyhood and talk over the times when a freight train of seven cars was considered a curiosity. He accounts for that fact by saying It was in the days of Buchanan, and not & republican administration. Mr. Harris spent four years in Austria as the rep resentatlve of the United States during the Harrison administration. He ' Is a capable lawyer and a gifted speak- ' er. Thomas Davidson Is a well known resident of Greensburg. He was runner-up to Judge Barnard in the race for the republican nomination to congress In this district last April. Mr. Davidson made one of the strongest

addresses on the state issues involved -in the present campaign that has been delivered in the county. Abner Bond acted as chairman and after three rousing cheers for James E. Watson and the same number for William Howard Taft Introduced Mr. Harris as the first speaker. Mr. Harris' prefatory remarks dealt with Incidents of his early life in the communl-, ty. He addressed his hearers as Fellow citizens and former schoolmates. Recalls Old Times. "As I look at the old school house, recollections come quick to my mind of the days when you and I were boys together. Every wing that cleaves the air, every, .foot .tbat. trods. the earth' loves to come back to the place of its nativity. J am as they.. I would love to turn aside and speak soley about the days that used to be. but I can not There are other things for me to talk about, and tbat is the reason for my ' visit here today. "Our Republican party has given the guidance and power to this nation for fifty years, and I am here now wanting to know if we are not still so constant and faithful to Its principles, that we want to see it continue for another Continued on Page Three.)