davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
ON THE WARPATH.
j. E. Clifford Reported to Have Killed
an Indian, and the Latter Said to
Have Retaliated.
Or. Cunningham and Clifford and Two
Settlers Rumored to be Among
the Redskins Victims.
The scene OF the Trouble tho Locality
Where Two Flatheads Were Hung by
whites Last Year.

MIssoULA, Feb. l9.-[Special TO the In
dependent l-For some days wild rumors
have been aiost here about a shooting
affair at Demersville, at the head Of Flat
head lake. An effort has been made to
find out from whence the reports originated,
but without avail. Tonight the Gazette
OF this place publishes the following:
"The following letter was received by
James Swaney, Of this place, from . lady
friend In RavallI: 1T seems that an Indian
stole an overcoat from J. L. Clifford, Of
Clifford, or Demersville, and well known
here. Clifford struck him with q pistol on
the head, from which the Indian died.
Owing to the distance, with no railroad or
telegraphic communication, this Is all the
Information that can be received. There
Is no possibility Of finding out any
thing by the Indians or halfbreeds around
Ravalli. Maj. Roman says an Indian
brought him report that J. 4. Clifford
was killed by Indians Saturday night.
We have since heard that both Clifford and
DIR. Cunningham were killed. There
seems to be a feeling that IL Clifford is not
killed the Indians will lose no opportu-
nifty to do so. Every thing is quiet here.
There are few Indians In town and they
are chiefly. bent upon buying ammunition.
The squaws and children are hurrying to-
ward the agency. think two white
men In the Flathead valley have been
killed and we shall see great fight"
A freighter from Clifford said there was
no excitement In the valley when he left
last Thursday or Friday, but the Indians
threatened him good deal coming across
the reservation. Bad blood Ii known to
have existed among the Indians about the
Flathead Lake country ever since the citi-
zens OF Demersville hung two of
their number about year ago.
Notwithstanding these facts and
the rumors ahoat, many people here
discredit them, yet at the same time the
absence OF mail from that section or any
definite news has created an undercurrent
Of uneasiness among some Of the citizens
OF this place. II is generally considered
that the reports are exaggerated.
II has just been learned here that the
stage from Flathead Ia now past due at
Rayalli and the people arc anxiously
awaiting It. The uneasiness here Is In
| creaslng.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
HELD FOR TRIAL.
The Case Of Mrs. Maggie Page, the
Alleged Butte Poisoner. to Go to
the Grand Jury.
Julia Page. the woman's Daughter
Refuses to Affirm or Deny Her
Story of Saturday.
The Testimony Of Other Witnesses, How
ever. Sufficient 60 Make = strong
Case Against the Woman.

BUTTE, Feb. le.-[Special to the indie
pendent LII the examination which took
place In butte to-day Ia any indication,
Butte's county Jail surely covers a Lucretia
Borgia In the person of Mrs. Maggie Page.
She was arrested Saturday and placed in
confinement on the charge OF poisoning
her husband. who died suddenly at l:SO
Saturday, undoubtedly from the effects OF
the poison. Her s-year-old daughter Julia,
on whose evidence she was incarcerated, az
narrated In Sundays lSDKPES-
DENT, has been at the poor
farm since, and ON the witness stand In the
probate court this afternoon refused 10 say
q word ene way or the other. The child
was evidently terrified by the looks OF her
mother, who was In the court room and the
little one remained tongue-tled. J. X. Bor-
deaux testified, however, that the child
told him that her evidence before the
Jury to the effect that she had
seen her father, while splitting wood,
take something white out OF bottle was
untrue. The child's evidence was not
necessary, as the prosecution produced a
witness named Bonner, who introduced
testimony not developed at the coroner's
inquest, which will be part Of the main re-
lance OF the prosecution. lie testified that
on Saturday morning he went over TO
Pages house and was told by some one
there, he did not remember by whom,
that Page had just died. Mrs.
Page came 10 him and gave him
a small bottle which was labeled "Mor.
phlne." She took the bottle out Of q small
basket with lid TO It. When she gave
him the bottle she told him TO throw II
away. She seemed much excited while do
ing this. Afterward she took the bottle
away from him, saying she might want to
use It. Witness said he could not state
whether she said she might want 10 use II
again. she merely said she might want "a
use 1t. Finally she did give him the bot
tie and he In turn gave II TO Deputy Sheriff
Reynolds. A small bottle was produced In
court which the witness identified as tbs
one given him by Mrs. Page. The bottl,
had large label "Morphine." The wo
wan remained self possessed throughout
the examination. at the conclusion OF which
she was held without bail TO answer TO tn,
charge Of murder.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
National Capital CullIng..

WASHINGTON, Feb. Is.-The decision OF
the court Of claims giving judgment Of 81,
0O2,5l7 In favor OF the Central Pacific Rail-
road company in the suit against the United
States was for an adjustment OF the ac-
counts Of the company based on previous
decisions OF the supreme court The jndg-
ment represents the amount due the com
paDy for government transportation over
It's nOn-aided roads, and also the amount Of
certain pa, ments by the COZ pany In excess
OF the rrquii ments Of the Thurman act.
The senate special committee on the
presidents message relating 10 the Union
and Central Pacific railroads had q meeting
10 day, and decided 10 ask that the Union
| Pacific funding bill. which has been on the
senate calendar all this session as a special
order, be recommitted 10 the committee.
This action preeludes the possibility Of nc.
compllshiDg any legislation on the subject
| this session.
The president and Mrs. Cleveland were
entertained At dinner tonight by Secretary
and Mrs Villas. Il WAS the last Of the
cabinet dinners OF tie present admInlstra
ton.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
THE HALFBREED SCRIP CASE.
Tert of Secretary Villas opinion In d
GIendive Townsitc Matter.

Text OF Secretary Villas Opinion In the
Giendive Townsitc Matter.
WASHINGTON, Feb. l9.-[Special TO the
independent. 1.-The secretary OF the inte-
rior has decided two cases involving the
validity of Sioux halfbreed scrip when
filed through attorneys in fact The first
case was that OF Joseph w. Allen and
others against Lewis Merrill and others,
involving land In sections "a and 30, town
ship Is. range 55, Miles City, Mont, land
district This land involves the t0wnsite
of Glendive. The second case Is that Of
Thomas w. Hyde and August Mcdonald
against Frank Weaton and 0ville STRAIN.
The lands involved are all In section 80,
township 69, range IL. Duluth, Minn., and
include valuable mineral lands. Int the first
case Lewis Merrill and others filed half
breed scrip upon land and Allen and others
made the settlement and location. In both
cases the halfbreed scrip was flied by at
torneys In fact, and upon this point the case
hinged. In the latter case the secretary
bSs SS an ;s attorney In s fact and ID ks Moi
case the same view OF the scrip Is taken,
but the presumption locators are given the
right TO complete their entries. In his de-
cision In the Montana case the secretary
goes over the law fully and decides 1t will
not be safe TO allow the location Of scrip by
powers of attorney. lie says:
"It 10 contended that upon the location be-
ing made under the circumstances stated,
the title passed at once out OF the United
states as effectually as the title TO lands
granted TO aid railroads pass upon the Ill
ing OF the map OF definite location, and the
decision In Larrivierre VS.. Wade
man is relied upon. That
case case simply held that that the location Of
land with scrip under the act of July II,
1854, passed the fee out OF the United
States into the person to whom the scrip
was issued. This doctrine may be &C
cepted, but Il hardly needs argument TO es
tablsh that In regard 10 such effect the To-
cation must be one authorized by the act Of
congress, and this position Is not the least
antagonistic 10 the decision cited, for IN
| that case there had been valid location,
/ the court In the recitation OF the facts stat
i ing the claimant under the scrip located
said scrip upon property In dispute, fully
complying with the instructions OF the gen
| eral land Office. IL piece OF scrip wert
stolen and the letter OF the attorney
forged, and thereby the location made, II !,
plain that upon proof OF the facts the com
missioner would cancel It, and that tn,
scrip would be returned TO the halfbreet
10 whom IL belonged. In like manner, Il
the scrip be actually In the hands Of thu
parties seeking 10 locate II for their owl
benefit, contrary TO the statute and regula
tions under II, II Is equally In the power o.
the commissioner TO reject the application
and deny the attempt TO so misuse th'
scrip and secure public land without righ
thereto"
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
CARNOT'S DIFFICULTY.
The French President Can Prevail Upon
No One To Form Cabinet.

The French President Can Prevail Upon
No One 60 Form q Cabinet.
PARIS, Feb. i9.-ln spite Of the contln-
ued negotiations the settlement OF the cab
met crisis appears as distant as ever. The
failure OF Meline indicates the extreme
improbability of forming cabinet on the
Ferryist or opportunist lines. President
Carnot to-day offered the premiership to
Tirard only TO meet with another refusal.
He then summoned Meline, whom he urged
10 make another effort, but he again de-
clined TO undertake the task. President
Carnot summoned Senator Magnin, q for
mer minister, and well accredited report
says the president strongly inclines
towards cabinet formed mainly Of sena-
tors, conceiving that such ministry would
have better prospect Of securing general
support than q government composed of
the more pronounced members OF the
chamber. Late this evening nothing had
been settled. Ex.President Grevy has
been taken suddenly Ill. IL Is feared his
constitution will break down.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
Losses by Flrs.

CINCINNATI, Feb. ls.-Early this morn
ing the machine shops, car shops and loco.
motive house Of tie Cincinnati, Indlanap-
oils, st. Louis & Chicago railroad were
found to be on FIRE. A strong wind was
blowing from the west and when the 6re-
men arrived the entire property was
doomed. The loss 10 the railroad company
Is estimated at $500, 900; Insurance one half.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. l9.-Rndolph
Blankenburg q Co.'S large importing house
burned this morning.
The flames spread rapidly and the
Blankenburg and adjoining buildings In
Strawberry and Bank streets were deluRed
struction by fire was probably a smaller
item, A rough guess puts the loss at half
a million; insured.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20

NEW YORK, Feb. l9.-The annual meet
ing ofthe stockholders of the Delaware,
Lackawsnns Il Western railroad was held
to-day. The only change In the directors
was the retirement OF Jay Gould. whose
place was filed by Henry A. O. Taylor,
son OF the late Moses Taylor, whose estate
stock. The retirement of Gould WAS In se-
cordance with his wish.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
The Direct Tax RiIi.

WASHINGTON, Feb. ls.-There Is sus-
picIon In the minds OF the friends Of the
bill to repay the direct tax that the lively
opposition in the house TO the reception OF
the conference report on that bill to-day
and the fiibustering against its considera-
ton were the result Of an intimatlon from
the president that he would prefer not 10
have TO choose between an approval OF the
bill or a direct veto. II action on the bill
Is delayed beyond tomorrow, or II there
should be a failure on the part OF the SEN
ate committee on enrolled bills 10 deliver
the Dill 10 the president before next Thurs
day. the way will be open 10 pocket
veto, or In other words the president may
avail himself Of his constitutional right "a
hold bill ten days. which would carry il
over the 4,h Of March, when II would mol
be signed and would, therefore, fail.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
Hnnnrinr Sir Marisr.

BERLIN, Feb. ls.-The czar. czarlnns
and czarowitch will attend the reception u
be given by Sir r. ID. MorIer, British am.
bassador at st. Petersburg Tuesday. In
view OF the quarrel between Sir Robert and
Bismarck much comment has been caused
here by this announcement, as the attend
ance OF three members OF the imperia
family will be mark OF unusual patron
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
win Retain it, Mineral Lands.

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. I9.-In the case OF
Gore vs. Best. the supreme court OF Cali.
fornia has decided that when the govern.
ment had patented lands 10 the Central
Pacific with the understanding that they
were agricultural lands, said railroad could
not Afterwards be dispossessed by persons
setting up mining claims thereon, even
should the lands prove 10 be mineral, un.
less there was a reservation of mineral
lands other than the general one by the
government.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20

LONDON, Feb l9. Referring TO SoameS
testimony before the Times Parnell comis.
sion, Labouchere In an Interview said the
total amount Of money which he paid
Pigott was $50. He said he would not dis
close anything regarding the alleged at
tempt TO brlbe PigOtt until he went into the
witness boz.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20

MISSEAPoLIs, Feb. le-About three
weeks ago w. NJ. Leo, Of Leo 4 Muller.
dealers in furnaces, left the city, taking
with him nearly s3 900 Of the firms money.
IL Is reported he has been seen at Helena,
Montana, and Seattle, w. T., but nothing
definite Is known OF bis whereabouts
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
Law and Order Lrnrnn.

BosroN, Feb. ls.-The seventh annual
convention OF the citizens OF the Law and
Order League OF the United States was
called TO order this forenoon by President
Bonney, OF Chicago, who addressed the
convention briefly.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
prnhihiiinn I'm naI1ntn

IisaARcK, Feb. l9.-ISpecial 10 the In
depdent 1.-The prohibition bill passed
thesnate this afternoon by vote OF ~ TO
8, I'D the prospects are quite favorable
forcing through the house. A great deal
Of eitement has been created.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
stnhhsd Win a PsnLnIf.-

lzEMAs, Feb. ls.-ISpecial 10 the In
depdent lin quarrel last night man
nAsd Cobberty stabbed another named
Coer with apenknife In the abdomen.
bube wound is not serious. The quarrel
wasoncernlng a woman. Cobberty Is In
cudy,
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20

ST. JOSEPH, Feb. l9.-Advices up TO I
O'Clock this morning Indicate the election
of G. +. Boohr and X. p. c. Wilson To ill
out the term Of the late Congressman
Burns In the dftieth and hfty-hrst con-
Rresses.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
Train Robb.r. Failed

CNcISsATIlFeb. l9.-The statement ID
published that fast train on the Louis.
vile a Nashville, carrying n car load Of
silver dollars and one hundred passengers,
ran into a lot OF ties placed ON the track by
robbers near Walton, KY, Friday night,
but the force Of the shock broke the OBJ
struction and the train passed safely.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20

WAsHISeTos, Feb BIN the house To-
day Representative Btterworth, Of Ohio,
introduced for referencss joint resolution
authorizing the preside't TO invite the
members OF the parllameDpf Canada, and
the premIers and cabinesA0f the proyi.
dences 10 visit the United ktates May /,
1879, and be the guests ad partakers oi
States. An appropriation q sl5O, 900 L
made 20 carry out the pr0tsions OF the
resolution and joint counittee OF the
house and senate provided IL 70 receive
and entertain the nations gusks.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
PennsrIxnnin Prnhih.

HARRISBURG, Pa, Feb. l9.-The state
prohibition convention was called to order
this morning and the usual committees sp.
pointed.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
SENATE AND HOUSE.
some More Election Resolutions
Tax Bill Filibusters.

Tax Bill ftlibusters.
WASHINGTON, Feb. l9.-ln the senate
to-day, the committee on privileges and
elections, to which was referred the resolu-
tions offered by Chandler and Gibson for
an investigation into the recent elections
In Louisiana and other states, and memo-
rial OF political associations, reported them
all back TO be laid on the table,; IL also
reported an original resolution TO inquire
whether in all the states there was free
and lawful expression Of the will Of the
people In the election OF November for the
fifty-hrst congress, and ascertalnlDg II the
results thereof had been prevented by vio-
leuce, intimidation, fraud OF other crime;
also 10 inquire into the election
In Louisiana in April, 1883, and
whether that state has a republican form
OF government, the committee 10 report at
the session 10 be held in December, 1889
Salisbury, on behalf of the democratic
members OF the committee on privileges
and elections, expressed utter dissent from
the resolution, on the ground that the SEN
ate had no Jurisdiction. The resolution
was laid over till tomorrow. After rOu-
tine business the senate proceeded 10 the
consideration OF Vests motion by which
the conference report on the direct tax bill
was agreed 10 last Saturday. After consid-
cradle debate the motion 10 reconsider was
rejected-yeas, \: nays. AZ.
The senate then proceeded 10 the consid-
Grafton of the sundry civil appropriation
bill. A number of amendments reported
by the committee were agreed 70. Harris
interrupted the reading OF the bill 10 call
| attention 10 the large number OF uncon-
| frmed nominations and moved the senate
proceed 10 the consideration OF executive
business. Rejected by party vote. Af,er
some desultory debate the reading OF the
bill was resumed. The senate amendment
TO pay Mrs. Waite sS,7i0, the balance of
one years salary OF the late Chief Justice
| Waite, encountered considerable opposi-
| ton, but WAS finally agreed to-yeas, 2S;
nays, a. The amendment appr0priating
| 10000 each for the statues OF Gen. Philip
sheridan and Gen. John A. Logan in
| Washington was agreed 10, and Daniel
gave notice that after all the committee
amendments were disposed Of he would
offer q similar amendment for a statue "a
Gen. Winfield 5. Hancock. Without com.
pleting the bill the senate adjourned.
THE HOUSE,
After an hour OF routine business the
house went into committee OF the whole on
the postofflce appropriation bill. The pend.
ing motion offered by Cannon, Illinois, "a
strike out the paragraph relating TO sal
aries OF assistant postmasters was lost,
| Cannon moved 10 reduce the minimum sal
airy OF stenographers to postmasters from
| 200 10 $500. He thought the latter sum
| sufficient t0 be paid TO persons just enter.
ing .the service. Cummings said II the
house must begin TO reduce the expenses OF
| the government, let II bgin at the top OF
| the heap with the $4,000 year man, and
and wind up with the stenographer and
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
WI Await the Result Of the Conference

AsHISeros, Feb ls-The senate com
mice on foreign relations decided Il was
nopolitic TO take further steps In the
SaDan matter, pending the proposed Ber-
linonference. This determination was
rehed as the result of telegram from
theditor 0f the New York World, asking
II ey desired the testimony Of their cor
re0ndent, j. q. Klein, now In San Fran
| ria
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-02-20
bureau Of Barbor and Water WAYS.

WASHINGTON, Feb. Representative
La gillette, from the committee on ex-
penitures In the war department, to-day
reprted 10 the house a substitute for the
bilbntroducei early last session by Breck-
enrlge, providing for the creation In the
wa department Of bureau Of harbOrs
aDdwater ways 20 undertake all river and
haror improvements. The substitute pro.
vids for the creation OF such department,
10 officered by corps of United States
civ engineers, composed OF an equal mum
berDf military afiicers and civilians. In
theeport accompanying the bill the com.
mite explains al length its provisions and
say the time has come 10 inAugurate
a ehnite policy with regard TO national
pulic works. and 10 provide a specific
agscy for Its execution. The sense Of the
peele and of congress, IL says, has
shwn q steady growth for twenty years In
fau OF the development OF harbors and
wsrways. During this time great evils
ha been charged against the legislative
an administrative methods, and these
ehiRes have gathered force with each
paAng year. Mere changes In methods OF
maing appropriations or In the admins
traye system, or both. will not be suffi-
cid. The evil is fundamental, and re-
| quns radical change. The theory OF
thoresent bill is to provide an advisory
asfell as administrative agency. The
co,try Ia divided into districts or dlvl
si0, each embracing certain related
wns or groups Of works, and In charge OF
dision engineer. The several divisions
arto be embraced In the proposed depart
ma, which Is under an advisory board,
anthis board Ia 20 make hnal recommen-
dain 70 congress through the secretary OF
Wa The bill reported to-day Is supposed
TO eet the objections urged against the
ornal bill.