Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 36, Number 47, 27 December 1910 — Page 1

RIG: MOM) PAIXABIIJM AND SUlP-TELEGRAM. VOL. XXXVI.NO. 47. RICHMOND, IND TUESDAY, EVENING, DECE3IHKR 27, 1010. SINGLE COPY 2 CENTS. LEGISLATION FOR THE LABORERS IS TO BE DISCUSSED Figures At Big St. Louis Economics Convention CITY'S FINANCES WAR PLANNED ON DESTITUTE WERE SATISFACTORY AS THE YEAR CLOSES A JOYOUS ELECTRIC TRUST CHRISTMAS- HERE

T

BILLION

DOLLAR

GIVEN

Prominent Economists, Sociologists, Scientists, Educators and Labor Leaders In a Convention.

UNUSUAL INTEREST BEING MANIFESTED Congress and State Legislatures Will Be Urged to Take Prompt Action on Proposed Bills. (American News Service) St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 27. Prominent economists, sociologists, scientists. educators and labor leaders from all over tho country arc gathering here to attend tho convention of the Amer ican Kconomlc association, American Association for Labor Legislation, American Statistical association, American rolltical Science aaocia tlon, American Sociological sock-ty nd tho American Homo Kconomlc association, which opens In this city tonight and closes on Friday. ) Unusual interest la manifested In the sessions of the American Association for Iabor legislation, where resolutions will he adopted urging uctlon by congress and the various state legislatures on their leglslatlvo program, which includes tho prohibition of olonous phosphorus In tho manufacture of matches; Investigation of Industrial Injuries, and tho enforcement (of tabor laws. Expect Prompt Action. "Wo feel confident that prompt action will he taken on some of these matters." said John B. Andrews, secretary of the organization today. "The association at tho present time lias a bill before congress which Is designed to put a prohibitive revenue tax nnon matches made with poisonous phosphorus, and as President Taft has urged legislation on this subject In his annual message, we feel sure congress will pass the measure. Nine European countries prohibit the use of this phosphorus, and tho United Mates should certainly fall In lino. "A special committee appointed by the president of our organization to Investigate Industrial diseases, has made Its report to President Taft, with strong recommendations for a national Investigation of tho Bubjoct and we will urge congressional action on this matter. "Through our various state branches, we will urge a more efficient system of factory Inspection, a uniform workmen's compensation act, and more efficient systems for the reporting of Industrial accidents In the various states." In speaking of the purpose of the organisation, Mr. Andrews said: "Our cry Is not more laws but bet. tcr laws. The United States Is about one generation behind Kuropo in Its labor legislation, and wo have, there fore, the opportunity to profit by their mistakes. We are studying this problem purely from the standpoint of tiealth. If a man or woman Is compelled to work In an unsanitary factory It Is certain to have an effect on future generations. Must Be Corrected. "It Is necessary that these conditions be corrected. Occasionally one finds a human employer, who would like to give his men better surroundings and provide some sort of compensation in case of Injury, but he Is unable to do It on account of competition. Many state legislatures are afraid to enact labor laws on account of the threat of soma manufacturers that they will move their factories Into another state where the laws are less stringent. "Our organization Is gradually remedying these conditions by getting uniform legislation in the various states. "We aro a branch of- the Internatlon Association for Labor Legislation, which has an admirably equipped labor bureau at I'asll. Switzerland, for the purpose of studying labor conditions all over the world. As a member of this body, we are entitled to the results of their experiments, which are exceedingly valuable." The American Association for Labor legislation has about 2,000 members from every section of the country, and representing almost every profession. The program for the coming meeting provides for a joint session with the American Sociological society and American Statistical association on Wednesday evening. December 2$, at which addresses will be delivered by Prof. Henry W. Farnura. of Yale University, president American Association for tabor Legislation. Prof. Franklin II. Giddings, Columbia University, president American Sociological society, and Mr. Frederick L. Hoffman of the Prudential Insurance company, vice president of tho American Statistical association. A Business Meeting. The annual business meeting and the meeting of the general administrative council will be held Thursday morning, and the afternoon session (Continued on Pace Light)

Prominent figures at ths St Louis gathering cf scientists and economists. At the top beginning at the left are Dr. Edmund J. James, cf lha university of Illinois, president cf the American Economic association; Dr. Woodrow Wilson, governor-elect of New Jersey, president cf tha American Political Science association; and Proressor Henry W. Farnum of Yale university, president cf ihs American association for Labor Legislation. Below are Martin Knapp on the left, a member of the Interstate Commerce court, and vice president of the American Statistical association; and John Mitchell, the well known labor leader, and a member of the executive committee of the American association for Labor Legislation.

APPROVED BONDS OF MEWOFFICERS County Clerk-elect Matthews and Sheriff-elect Steen Qualify J Today. The bonds of county clerk-elect, George Matthews and sheriff-elect Albert R. Steen were approved by the board of county commissioners on Tuesday. That of tho clerk-elect is for $23,000, the Union National bank being the surety thereon. Tho bond of Mr. Steen Is for $3,000, given by a surety company. Bonds of other county officials who either start In the service of the county on January 1, or who begin a second term on that date will be approved later by the board, the bonds not being ready at the Tuesday session. Tho new county officials, including clerk-elect Matthews, sheriff-elect Steen, and assessor-elect William Mathews of Centervllle will take their offices on Saturday evening, the new officers assuming the responsibilities of the office when the present officers, including county clerk Harry E. Pen ny, sheriff Linus Meredith and county assessor J. C. - Fulghura, step , out. There was some question at first whether the newly elected officers could assume their offices until next Tuesday, inasmuch as Sunday is the first of the year and Monday Is the legal holiday. The question was settled upon inquiry by the present officers as they desire to be relieved of the cares of office as soon as possible. County clerk Penny will leave at once for Colorado and Join his wife and daughters.' He will make that state his future home, but ' has not determined what business he will pursue. Sheriff Meredith has practically abandoned his trip to California and, at least for a part of the winter, will board In' this city with his wife and daughter. The county assessor will engage In the real estate and Insurance business in Richmond with George Thornburgh, formerly of Economy. PANIC CAUSED BY BOMB EXPLOSION . (American News Service) New York. Dec. 27. Six hundred persons In the apartment house at 502 East Fourteenth street, were thrown Into a panic today by a bomb explosion which wrecked the entrance to the structure and cut off escape by that means. The bomb is believed to have been set off by. blackmailers, who had threatened one of the tenants. A priest from the church of the Immaculate conception nearby assisted in calming the occupants and prevented panic-stricken women from leaping from the upper windows. Firemen rescued the families from the upper floors. THE WEATHER STATE Increasing cloudiness with ; rain or snow tonight; warmer in the North and East portion Wednesday. LOCAL Increasing cloudiness with rain or now; colder Wednesday.

HONDURAS

IS TO E EXCITEMENT Little Filibuster, the Hornet, Is Bringing Cargo of Trouble to Rort - (American News Service) Puerto Cortez, Honduras, Dec. 27. With American ships of war cruising In Honduran waters on both the eastern and western coasts, and with tho supposed filibuster Hornet . racing towards Honduras, there are nearly 3,000 revolutionists under tho command of Lee Christmas, an American soldier of fortune, and former President Uonilla, who are ready to sweep the country when the signal is given an attack upon this port. It is learned that the leaders of the revolutionists sought to have the revolt against President Davilla's government in full swing before January 12. The Honduras navy's eastern coast patrol, the Tatumbla, has kept its crew busy keeping the vessel from sinking and no time could be spared to prepare a hot reception by sea for the coming Hornet, although there probably are 500 regular soldiers in the town, which is surrounded by earthworks. The Tatumbla has been steaming about the harbor and, compared with the trim, powerful United States Cruiser Tacoma she is a sorry' spectacle. A single shot from the Tacoma would probably send the Tatumbla to the bottom in splinters. The Honduran ship carries a single six-pound cannon fore and aft. : During a battle against supposed coast pirates last summer tie Tatumbla bombarded four schooners for two hours without one shot taking effect. The greatest preparations to repel the invading forces have been made on the eastern coast and the Niearaguan frontier. Several hundred Hondurans are in upper Nicaragua ready to sweep over the Rio Coco when the signal is given. At San Pedro Sula, President Davilla's forces have six machine guns and a good sized fighting force with 30,000 rounds of ammunition. DENIES KNOWLEDGE OF. THE ROBBERIES An effort was made to get Delmar Griffith, a fifteen year old Milton lad to confess that he either knew some thing about the recent robberies in that locality, or might aid the authorities in some way in clearing up these mysteries, was made on Saturday afternoon by the county officials when he was arraigned in the juvenile court. The boy was charged with forging the names of L. H. Warren and Harry Parsons to a check for 110.20, which he raised from twenty cents. He was sent to Plalnfield boys' school. The boy denied any knowledge of either the Milton bank looting or the burglary of the F. M. Jones Company store. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the exact age of the boy, he stating he was born on November 23, 1S94, but insisted he was only fifteen years old. If he gave the correct date of his birth, he would be sixteen and in this event could cot be sent to the boys school.

HAV

FINDS BIG CHECK

GETS XMAS GIFT Honesty of a Man Out Work Is Rewarded by a Bank at Eaton, Ohio, of (Palladium Special) Eaton, O., Dec 27. A mail bag thrown from the Chicago-Cincinnati flyer on the Pennsylvania Lines at Camden, Thursday, struck the depot, bounded back onto the rails and was ground to pieces. It contained valuable mall, among the letters being one that contained a certified check for $S,072 sent by the Preble County National Bank of Eaton to the Camden National Bank. Down near Somerville a bit of paper fluttering from the train as it whizzed by attracted the attention of E. W. Riley, a bridge worker, who was walking from Hamilton to that point to secure employment. The paper alighted on the ice in a stream, where it was secured. Other letters were picked up by Riley as he continued his walk to Camden. These were turned into the Camden postoffice. The check was brought on to Eaton and taken to the bank from which it was issued. A substantial Christmas present was Riley's reward for his honesty. . BIG CHIEF SITS ON MOTHER'S LAP On 63rd Birthday, Christmas and Mrs. Gormon Called Him Her "Baby." Celebrating his sixty-third birthday anniversary, Christmas Day, Chief of Police Alex Gormon, weight 230 pounds, sat down in his mother's lap and asked her if there was much dif ference between him at the age of one and at the ' age of sixty-three. Mr. Gormon's mother, Mrs.- Priscilla Gormon, recently passed her eightyeighth year. She is' a small woman, but in excellent health. To her big son's question she replied: "Yes. Alex, there is some difference. You were a beautiful baby and I was proud of you. I am still proud of you." Mrs. Gormon 'then dropped the subject . of beauty and told her "baby to arise. . Chief Gormon is probably one of the best . known men in public life in Richmond. His career in the detec tion of crime commenced many years ago as a deputy sheriff. ' He was afterwards sheriff of the county, ' detective for' the Pennsylvania railroad, station master of . tie .Pennsylvania station at Richmond, and superintendent of the Richmond police department. He has figured in many clever and daring captures of desperate criminals in and near Richmond. Mrs. Gormon, his mother, is a remarkable woman in many respects. Her eyesight and hearing is almost perfect, which is considered wonderful for a woman of her age. It is very interesting to hear her tell of her early life when she took her washing down to a, spring, and when she cooked oyer a large open fireplace. She thinks that the housewife of the present day has a very easy Ume. Many times, Mrs. Gormon said she and her three children went to church on one horse.

A Reduction Has Been Made

in the Debt, Despite Lack of Funds at Hand, and Situation Good. CITY LIGHT PLANT IN GOOD CONDITION City's Income Will Be Larg er Next Year and Many Important Improvements Are Provided for. Of the $66,500 city debt, not including the light plant bonds of 144,000, $8,000 was paid off in 1910. There will be $24,000 more of the city's bond- j ed indebtedness due during the present Republican administration, and at the present rate this will be easily paid. The sum of $24,000 will be due at the opening of 1913. The light plant bonds will not be due until 1927. "Considering that the taxes were lowered by the Democrats and our income was considerabiy reduced thereby, I am pleased with the showing of the city this year," said City Controller E. G. McMahan, today. He continued, "Of course, the exact receipts and expenditures have not been footed up yet, but there will be no large bills or receipts before the first of the year." . A temporary loan of $25,000 made by the Democrats just before the close of the last administration, raised the city debt considerably, and $15,000 of this debt is due during tho remainder of the Republican administration. The amount of $5,000 was paid, as the first installment, by Controller McMahan a few days ago; there is $5,000 falling due in 1914. Indebtedness of City. ,.- Probably more than $24,00 of the ci.y indebtedness will be paid before 1913, as practically all the bonds, in cluding $14,000 on Glen Miller indebtedness, are redeemable at any time, according to the controller.. It may be possible, it is claimed, to pay off as much as $10,000 per year the next three years. Mayor Zimmerman, it is known, favors paying the debt as soon as possible for, to use his favorite expression, "pay interest and you rob the people." In the light plant sinking fund there is now $1,320, being two monthly payments of $660, as fixed in the ordinance creating a fund to meet the light plant bonds. This ordinance is one of the most important financial measures passed by city council during the year. Controller Ed McMahan, who drew up the ordinance, deserves great credit for it, according to city officials. By it, a sum of $660 each month, is paid from the receipts of the plant toward a fund to redeem the bonds, due in 1927. It was enacted in October. All city departments are now summing up their work for the year and making plans for 1911, when important measures are contemplated. The street department, which did little work in 1910 on account of the bad financial condition of the city treasury, will do some big things in 1911. The most important improvements now being considered are, the paving North D and E streets. Many sidewalks will be built and bridges in the city repaired. Other City Projects. Other "hang overs" from 1910 will be the flash light system for tho police department, suggested by Super intendent Gormon, improvements in the fire department; on the light plant, where a new unit is needed. and improvements at the crematory. A bill is also before council to raise the firemen's salaries, and it is expected this will pass. Another matter coming over from 1910 will be the war on the street car company, for better service, and to get the freight tracks out of Glen Miller park. The matter has been before the administration all year, but, although promising everything in the way of improvement, the company has done nothing. The mayor has threatened to revoke the company's franchise by suit if possible. The fight will be renewed with increased vigor the first of the year. Several other important considerations, such as extension of the city limits and proper lighting of ' Main street will be taken up. Faustina's Total Daily Average Circulation (Except Saturday) Including Complimentary Lists, for Weekending Dec. 24, 1910. 6f55G City CirccUtion showing net paid, news stands and regular complimentary list does cot include sample copies. 5,

First Week in January to Mark the Start of the Fight of U. S. Against Biggest U. S. Monopoly.

WICKERSHAM WANTS CRIMINAL ACTIONS Taken Against the Heads of the Organization, -Thus Bringing J. Pierpont Mor gan Under the Ban. (American News Service) Washington, Dec. 27 That the department of justice of the United States government will, in the first week in January, begin its struggle against what it terms "the greatest monopoly in the world" the so-called billion dollar electrical trust became known today. At the same time it was reported that Attorney-General Wickersham wants criminal prosecutions instituted against the heads of the conwrations making up the so-called trust and included among the financiers falling under the government ban are J. P. Morgan and George Westinghouse. It was reported today that President Tart will be called into a number of conferences which will be held before the .suits are filed. Attorney-General Wickersham already has in his possession a tentative bill of complaint which will be amended. This bill has been prepared charging civil infraction of the Sherman anti-trust law. A Basis for Inquiry. The investigation at present centers upon the inquiry whether or not such. ground exists for criminal prosecutions. They would probably be based, it is said, upon the fact that the heads of the underlying corporations making up the trust (the principal companies being the Westinghouse interests of Pittsburg and the General Electric company of Schenectady) has knowledge that a monopoly exists. The civil complaint charges restraint of trade in that the companies regulate prices and output. . According to an investigation which has been in progress for a year the General Electric company, the' Westinghouce interests and seventeen associations of smaller manufacturers of electrical equipment have an agreement as to prices and production. The investigators charge that any article with which electricity is connected falls under the agreement of these companies. The officials of these companies make an imposing roster. Among the directors of the General Electric company are J. P. Morgan, Bernard E. Sunny, president of the Chicago Telephone company; Gordon Abbott, a Manchester, Mass., millionaire; Oliver Ames, a millionaire manufacturer of Boston; M. E. Gardner, a Boston railroad man; Henry Higginson. a Boston banker; Robert Treat Payne, ol Boston, and Charles W. Steele, a partner of J. P. Morgan, ROCKEFELLER WAS HUNTED BY MANIAC (American News Service) Cleveland, O., Dec. 27. "Get that maniac," was the order given to the Cleveland police today when a hunt was begun for a man who exchanged a number of shots last night with Bert Knapp, keeper of John D. Rockefeller's Forest Hill estate, and Marshal Stamberger of East Cleveland. The man evidently thought he was shooting at Mr. Rockefeller. After emptying his revolver the man fled through the grounds and the police this morning tried to trace bis footsteps. According to the story related by Mr. Knapp today he saw the intruder as he climbed over a tall fence. Instead of heeding a challenge to stop he commenced to shoot towards Mr. Knapp. A telephone message brought Marshal Stamberger and the demented man then turned his revolver against the officer. He escaped owing to the darkness. A STATE OFFICIAL CLOSES N. Y. BANK ( American News Service New York, Dec. 27. The Northern bank of New York, at 217 West 125th street, capital $700,000, having nine branches in various parts of the city, was closed by the state superintendent of banks today,, The total deposits at the last report were $S,912,5S3. Certain irreguar transactions discovered by examiners,' is given as the reason for closing the bank to protect the de positors. A LIMITED TRAIN IS WRECKED TODAY t American News Service) Louisiana, Mo., Dec. 27. Engineer Davis and Flagman Flora were killed and Fireman Crabtree were fatally injured when the Chicago and Alton's "Red Hummer" limited crashed into the rear end of a freight train this morning. No passengers .were hurt.

Elks Lodge Members as Modern St. Nicks, Traveling in Automobiles, Took Happiness to the Poor.

A HUNDRED BASKETS WERE DISTRIBUTED And Clothing Also Presented to Those Who Needed Such Baskets Were Filled with Provisions. Members of about ninety families In . this city on Christmas eve regarded the happy Yuletide a hollow mockery. Today they share the general belief that Christmas day is a holiday of happiness, for Saint Nicholas dropped down their chimneys-smokeless chimneys on Yuletide morn, and left his ' burden of good , cheer and brotherly love. ; The Richmond lodge of Elks, assist ed by the Salvation Army, played tho , role of Merry St. Nick and it was an easy role for the Elka to assume, as charity and brotherly love are cardinal attributes of the order. Early on Christmas morning a number of members of the lodge, with automobiles, assembled at the Elks' home on North Eighth street, where the supplies had been deposited Plac- ' ing these in automobiles, they were hastily distributed among the needy. Altogether there were a hundred baskets distributed. However only nine- , ty families were served, there being ten families provided with two bas- ' kets, either because of sickness, or because these families were so large that one basket would not . contain enough to supply them. Among the provisions given to each dependent family ; were roast beef, pork or some other meat, a peck or so of potatoes, a twelve-and-a-quarter pound sack of flour, a pound of sugar. ; apples or other fruit, two loaves of ' bread, oranges, beans, rice, etc. Clothing was supplied many families. ; , Several merchant of Richmond contributed freely from their large stock of goods, one dry goods merchant giving a very large number ofsocks, mostly woolen , The lodge raised a fund of over $250 which was turned over to tho charitable organisations. Much of this was placed in the treasuries of the organizations for use later in the winter. : In addition to the benevolence of . the Elks, there were many families supplied by charitable organizations and the different churches. - Christmas in Richmond la 1910 will long be remembered by all classes. Local merchants enjoyed exception-" al business. ,, Christmas services in Richmond were well attended. The different entertainments on Sunday and Monday evenings attracted large numbers of the church and Sunday school members and at each of these entertainments every one had a thoroughly good time. LOCAL VICTIMS 111 ALLEGEDSVViriDLE Correspondence Institute of America Closed by U. S. : Had Pupils Here. . Included in the list of sixty thousand dupes of the Correspondence Institute of America, as alleged by the United States postal authorities, were about if ty high school students and young clerks employed in this city. The officers of the company including Lewis Conrad, president; Conrad Lotz, secretary; and William Bingham treasurer, were arrested In Pbiladelpiha last week, and released on heavy bond to appear later In the United States federal court to answer the charge of using the malls to defraud. Can you copy this, and other like catch phrases were used by the "Institute," it is alleged, in attracting the interest of young and ambitious Americans who are apt with the pen and pencil in sketching. Upon inquiry the concern would make the attractive proposition of giving a course valued by them at approximately $40 at the greatly reduced price of about $18, the postal authorities allege. Many "bit" and the government, in its Investigation, leads one to elieve that there were altogether about sixty thousand victims. . , After the student had been separated from all that could be secured, it is alleged, he was graduated with high honors, but with no real : training which would be useful if he obtained a position in such work. About the only course given by the ""Institute dealt with drawing, cartooning, or illustrating in some form. Irvln Potter, formerly of this city, but now of Dayton and agent: for the I. C. said that in Dayton there were about a hundred and twenty-five victims, according to his best information. While located in Richmond, he beard of several here who were enrolled in th school. -