Daily Kennebec journal., 1898-12-22
MRS. H. F. nBBETTS, AUGUSTA.

son, 900. They carriedsa stock valued "a
about $25O,000, believed to be well covered
by insurance. Both buildings with theii
contents were totally DESTROYED The
boot and shoe store and stock of james
Leggett 4 Son was damaged to the ex.
tent of $4,000.
The Broom Manufacturers Associa-
ton of the United States met at Chi
cago, today, and unanimously voted tc
advance the price of brooms 25 cents a
dozen. The opinion was expressed that
an additional advance was certain &c
be made within the next few weeks. A
serious shortage in broom corn was
given as the reason for the advance
1t is stated that the low prices have
caused farmers to almost cease grow
ing broom corn and the crop, this year.
is fully so per cent. short in conse-
quence. William f. Lang, Pittsburg,
was elected president of the associa-
ton.
at San Francisco, for contempt of court
for refusing TO answer certain ques-
tons put to him by counsel for Mrs
Botkin, was released, Wednesday. He
appeared in court and Attorney Knight
withdrew the obnoxious question, thus
giving Judge Cook an opportunity 10
o,i!er his release. Mr. Dunnng then
appeared on the witness stand and
gave further testimony pointing to Mrs.
Botkin as the guilty woman. Attor-
nay Knight seemed very willing to drop
the witness. He was questioned lit
tie further by District Attorney Hos
mer. but nothing of a startling nature
was brought out.
General Manager Hays of the Grand
Trunk, Wednesday. issued a statement at
Montreal, concerning the telegraphers'
case. He denies that the company has
refused the demand of the men for
in Thertsr s hours and liners more PAY He is will
ances, but declares the road will not
make a uniform minimum scale as the
telegraphers desire. Mr.. Hays says tnat
would tie an injustice to those at impor-
tant stations. Grand Master Powell of
the Order of Railway, Telegraphers. is
tod to- that of Mr.. Hays. Nj. Powell m states states
that the men want minimum wage
scale of $40 per month adopted and that
the Grand Trunk should follow the ex-
ample of the Canadian Pacific in adopt
ing such a plan. The remainder of the
statement is an argument as to why the
Grand Trunk should pay its operators
more, the main contention DelnS tnat II
costs as much to live in Canada as in the
United States, while wages paid opera
tors by the Grand Trunk are less. He
also refutes Mr. Hays statement that
minimum scale would be an injustice TO
operators at important stations.
Timothy Ryan received telegram
at Hartford, Conn, Wednesday, from
Cincinnati, asking him if he would
fight Australian Ryan in that city, at
catch weights. Jan. 5. He Immediately
wired an acceptance. James Dolin, a
personal friend of eX-Champion James
j. Corbett received a telegram from
him, Tuesday, stating that he would be
here to see Ryan fight Dick OBrien for
the middleweight championship before
the Charter Oak Athletic Club. next
Friday. Mysterious Billy Smith has
notified the club that he will be present
to challenge Ryan if the Halter beats
O'Brien, for a match for the welter-
weight championship to weight in at
145 pounds at O'Clock. on the after
noon of the fight Ryan says he Will ac-
csipt the challenge and has promised
that he Will give the Charter Oak club
first consideration. In regard to Fitz-
simmons statement that a1e would eat
Ryan before breakfast, the latter said:
"Fitzsimmons challenged me at l54
pounds and if he wants to back his
challenge I'll furnish him with a pretty
good meal"