davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
PROGRESS IN
ABYSSINIA

Rome, Nov. S.-Major Ciccodicola,
an italian official residing in the cap
ital of Abyssinia, now in Rome, de-
clares that Emperor Menelek does not
prefer any one European nation. He
endeavors to hold the balance even
between all the nations and to satisfy
the demands Of all so far as is COM
patible with the maintenance or Or
thority and the preservation of peace.
Under Meneleks influence" says
Major Ciccodicola, the Abyssinians
are resuming agricultural pursuits and
abandoning the predatory habits fos-
tered by a long period of civil war.
European tastes are becoming more
general. The transportation facilities
are improved, a hundred miles of rail
road now being in operation"
Major Ciccodicola considers the
Abyssinian market a remunerative
field for European enterprise Silver
dollars have been coined by Menelek,
but the standard currency still in
cludes salt bars and lengths of Ameri
can calico. There is a market in the
country for silks, firearms and iron.
ware.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
BIG DECLINE
IN CROP YIELD
GENERAL AVERAGE THE LOWEST
EVER RECORDED.
CORN HAS BAD SLUMP
Low Record of 1881 Surpassed-Buck-
wheat and Hay Seems, However, to
not Have Suffered-Fruit Crop
Slightly Below Average and Some
what Impaired.

Washington, Nov. 1.-THE crop re-
port issued yesterday afternoon by
the department of agriculture says;
The primary estimate Of the average
yield per acre of corn is 1874 bushels
as compared with 25.3 bushels in 1900
and 1899. The ten-year average is
24.4 The present indicated yield per
acre is the lowest general
average ever recorded, being %
bushels per acre below the yield Of
1881, which stood for 20 years as the
lowest record. The indicated yield in
bushels per acre is as follows: Ohio
POI; Indiana 1913; Illinois 21.4; Iowa
rs; Missouri 101; Kansas IS; and
Nebraska AL OF % states having
100000 acres or upward in corn, al
but Pennsylvania, Virginia and Michi-
gan report averages below their re-
spective ten-year acreages. The gen
eral. average as to quality is 1877 per
cent compared with S5.5 per cent. in
November last and 87.2 per cent. in
| November 1899. 1t is estimated that
As per cent of the corn crop Of 1906
was still in the hands of the farmers
! Nov. !, 1901, as compared with "A per
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

cent. of the crop of 1899 in the farm
ers' hands in November 1900, and So
per cent. of that of 1898 in their hands
in November 1899.
The preliminary estimate of the
averageSield per acre of buckwheat is
1879 bushels, against Is bushels in
1900; 1876 in 1899 and ten years aver
age 1863 bushels. The preliminary
estimate of the yield per acre of pota-
toes is 500 bushels against an aver
age yield of sos bushels in 1900, $50
in 1899, ten-year average 1877 bushels
The present indicated yield per acre
is the lowest since 1890. OF states
having $4,000 acres or upward of po-
tatoes all except Michigan and Maine
report the yield as comparing unfavor-
ably with the ten-year averages. In
diana, Illinois, Iowa. Kansas and Ne
braska report less than half of the
averaging crop.
The preliminary estimate of the
average yield per acre of hay is 1872
tons against 1928 tons in 1900, 1876
tons in 1899, ten-year average 129
tons. Ohio, Wisconsin and Missouri
fall below the average yield of tobac-
co. The apple crop is considerably be-
low the ten-year average. Pear and
grape crops are slightly below
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
DEAD MAN ENLISTS
HIS SUPPOSED CORPS THAT OF
MURDERED VICTIM.
INSURANCE SWiNDLE FAILS
N. c. Rathbun Arrested at Recruiting
Station While in Body Supposed to
be His Own is Found Poison
Enough to Kill Two Men-Sup-
posed to Have Died in Indiana.

Louisville, KY, Nov. 12.-Newell c.
Rathbun who was supposed to have
died in a Jacksonville, Ind, hotel last
Thursday, was arrested in Louisville
yesterday. According to Rathbun
the corpse shipped to Little
Rock for burial as the body
Of Rathbun was the body of
W. L. TenEyke The police say Rath
bun has confessed to desertion from
the army and having formed plan
TO fraudulently collect $4,000 insur-
ance on his life, but denies having
killed the man who died in the Jeffer-
sonville hotel.
Rathbun was arrested at a recruit
ing station in Louisville and held as
a fugitive from justice. The arrest
was made on informat'or, from Ser
geant Skinner of the recruiting sta
ton. Rathbun enlisted under the
name of Lou Root, Detroit Sergeant
Skinner read the story of the Jefferson
vile case and circumstances connect
ed with the new recruit aroused Us
One of these circum-
stances was that the recruit had on
government suit of underwear. He
said he bought the garments from sol
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

Mr.. Johnson is survived by widow
and five children. four sons and
laughter. Fred A., Carl A., Hobart S..
and Maurice andd Miss Ida, all resid-
ing in Madison. The sons have all
mastered the machinist's trade and
the manifold de~ails of the business
in which their honored father was in
torested and there viii be no break or
stop in the Fuller & Johnson and
Gishoit works by reason of Mr.. John
sons death For some time past the
management Of the Gisholt plant has
been almost entirely in the hands of
the sons, while that Of the Fuller &
Johnson has been guided by Samuel
Higham, vice president OF the com
pany. The children were al! educated
in the Madison hi,h school and uni.
versity.
Mr.. Johnson as married in Milwau-
Kee in October, 1861. 90 Miss Kaia \.
N. kildahl. who was born i'll Christi
ansand, Norway and came when 4
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
EELLEViLLE SUFFERS BIG LOSS
Probably $4,000 Blaze Breaks Out in
Country Town.

Madison, Nov. 10.
The village Of Belleyille suffered a
IRE yesterday that will amount to a
loss Of $4,000 or more The flames
broke out early in the afternoon and
ragged for nearly two hours until SUBJ
dued by the village fire department.
The principal sufferer is E. A. Oliver
whose loss will be $4,000 to $1,000. In
surance covers but a small amount of
this sum. The buildings destroyed
are: Planning MILL owned by Oliver.
De Witt & Co.; blacksmith shop and
opera hall, owned by E. A. Oliver.
Paint shop, owned by E. A. Oliver.
The buildings were all located on
the south side of the west end of Main
street For time the entire village
was threatened The fire started in
the planning mill, near the stove. The
exact cause is not known. When dis
covered the entire mill was a mass of
1ames. The village fire department
of chemical and water en-
CINE. 1t was thought it would be nee
essary to send aid from this citv and
he O'Clock train on the Illinois
Central had a fat car attached ready
or the engine but it was not sent.
3elleville is II miles south of Madison
N the Illinois Central, and has a ponu-
alton of 385.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

young girl 10 the United States, with
her parents. The family settled in
Milwaukee, where the father soon
died. but the mother lived to be IS.
Mr.. Johnson was a director and presI-
dent of the Helka Insurance company,
many years ago a trustee Of the Wis
consin state hospital, when the system
Of local supervision obtained and at
one timea part owner Of Skandinaven
the Chicago exponent Of Norweg'
ian-American thought. At the time
of his death he was also president OF
the Capital City bank.
Mr.. Johnson was public-spirlted
citizen Of the best type and was active
in promoting and contributing to
many worthy causes. The Scandina-
Wan organizations of the northwest
were all broadened and strengthened
by his wise counsel and ready aid. A
dream of his late years was to estab-
lish an old peoples home and he made
g. generous offer to the Dane county
board of supervisors. His first plans
were to give $4,000 into the hands of
the county board to be used in estab-
fishing the institution. To the super
visors he left all details of manage
ment and arrangement, only broadly
indicating that his aim was to build
home where aged men and women
could retire in peace and spend the
closing days of their life. There was
some technicality that barred the
board from accepting Mr. Johnsons
proposition. But the plan did not
rest. Mr.. Johnson took steps to
found it on other lines. Last spring
he purchased the Rosenberg farm al
an expense of about $4,000. This
leaves some $4,000 endowment to
convert the farm into a home. He
named a board of directors, Judge Il.
G. Siebecker, N. O. Starks, Miss Ida
Johnson, Mrs. Jos. w. Hobbins and T.
G. Richmond. This board is given full
power of management. Possession of
the farm passes into the hands of Tie
board next spring. 1t is expected that
the home will be opened up during the
coming year. 1t is not to be charit-
able institution. 1t is expected that
people who apply for residence there
shall pay a nominal sum-proDauly
$300-tO be admitted and no one under
a certain age can enter. There will
be a revenue from the cultivation of
the farm. 1t is planned to put up one
large general building and perhaps
several cottages. If persons of means
should enter, as it is expected some
will they may build a home of their
own.
Many other gifts were made as Mr.
Johnson in 1876 gave $4,000 to the uni
versity the interest to be used in help
ing needy Scandinavian students to
complete their studies. Since that
time $1,000 interest has ACQUIRED and
has been SO used About two years
ago he gave $1,000 each to the Norweg-
ian schools at DEBORAH, Ia, and North
field, Mimi. All of Mr.. Johnson's
gifts he gave, he said, in the spirit of
debts he owed the country which af-
forded him the opportunity to win sue
cess.
Mr.. Johnson was a model of abstem, !
iousness, as regards liquor and tobac-
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
La FOllette's Proclamation.

Toilette yesterday following Thanksgiving
peace
manifold enjoyed
designate apart Thursday November 49, 1901 be
thanksgiving
of their gratitude
hereunto the
city of of November A. D., 1901
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

Robert Forbes and T. ]. McKeon aud
]. Adam Bede of Duluth Governor
Vansant later wired Mrs. Mckinley
at Canton Of the unwilling of the
monument. The monument is of
steel, mounted on a base of iron ore
typical Of the region, and the whole
resting on base of concrete. The
monument is nineteen feet above tho
ground and appropriately inscribed
1t cost $4,000 and much Of the money
was subscribed by the iron miners.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

struct an isthmian canal This state
ment was made last night by Senator
Cullom of Illinois, who will be chair
man Of the senate committee on for
Ieign relations, which will have charge
of all negotiations on that subject.
fote treaty to be as it has been so
fully printed in the press" Mr. Gull
lom continued, Il can see no objection
that can be raised to it, and I look for
its ratification without unnecessary
delay.
Protocols were signed last year
between this government and Costa
RIGA and Nicaragua, based on the
provisions of the Hay -Pauncefote
treaty, in which those two countries
United States providing for the con-
Istruction of the Nicaragua canal.
The abrOgation by Nicaragua of it's
old treaty with the United States Is
but step in that direction. With
the new Hay-Pauncefote treaty rati-
fed, it should be the duty of congress
to proceed with all rapidity to enact
the legislation that will provide for
the construction of the Nicaragua
canal, and I expect to see such legis-
lation enacted at an early day.
There is, apparently, nothing now
in the way Of the canal, and the fifty
seventh congress will not adjourn
without having started on the new
work. The Panama plan has been
carefully discussed, but it is my opin.
ion that it will not be seriously con
sidered in the discussion Of the ques.
ton Of an Isthmian waterway"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
FINAL EFFORT TO
CRUSH The Beers

has already caused guarded feelers
on this matter to be circulated in the
press, for it appears almost impossi-
BILE to keep the home forces up to the
adequate strength and supply the
necessary re-enforcements for south
Africa on tie volunteer system of en-
listment alone.
Such a strenuous measure, how
ever, will doubtless cause a storm of
disapproval in Great Britain, and it
will not be enacted unless the war
situation becomes graver. What
changes have come over the sentiment
of the country in two years can be
judged from the fact that the war of
flee has closely examined the old bal
lot laws, and has prepared an elab-
crate plan by which they can be
sprung upon the public on a moments
notice.
General Kitchener reports in the re-
cent fight at Brakenlaagte, in the east
ern Transvaal, in addition to PIG
casualties already reported, the Brit
ish lost twelve killed and thirty-two
wounded.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
LARGER NAVY FAVORED.
Great Appropriation Recommended
For Battieships.


Washington, Nov. 12.--The naval
program OF ship construction will be
considered at an early day by the gen
eraI naval board of which Admiral
Dewey is chairman. The naval board
on construction has suggested three
battleships, two armored cruisers and
thirty-five other vessels at an approx
mate aggregate cost of $40,000,000.
1t has not been decided whether the
two battelships and two armored
cruisers recommended by the lost con-
CESS can be added to the list There
is, however, a strong feeling for rs
great construction as possible.
Senator Lodge is quoted as favorine
q greet navy. If he and leading mem
bers Of the house will hold that the
ships suggested at the last session 81
congress can be added to the naval
boards list there will be five new bat
tleships and four armored cruisers.
Whether this is done or not it is the
belief that Admiral Dewey's board
will increase the program of the nav!
department.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

Barnstable, Mass, Nov. 9.-The case
the murder by poison of Mary Gibbs
was continued yesterday until Novem-
Der Is, and Judge Hopkins committed
the defendant without bail.
Miss Toppan appeared very nervous.
Apparently she is breaking down
under her Jail experience, Tne in-
quest in the death Of Mrs. My D,
Gibbs of Cataumet is in PROFESS at
Buzzard's Bay.
Jane Toppap's case promises to
rival that OF Lucretia Borgla.
dozen mysterious deaths have follow
ed the wake of the woman. In one
case, at least, that OF Mrs. Gibbs.
poison has been found.
Mrs. Gibbs was a member of the
Davis family. One Of her sisters was
a Chicago woman and her father and
mother were Massachusetts, people.
Within a month every member of the
family died, and all were under the
care of Jane Toppan.
The government has been gathering
evidence for months, directing its best
efforts to the Gibbs case. 1t is claim
ed that the government has discover
! ed that Miss Toppan purchased
| poison similar to that found in the
| body of Mrs. Gibbs by Professor Wood,
| the Harvard expert.
| The state also expects to prove
! THAI there was paris green in the Davis
| house at the time Miss Toppan was
nurse there and that this poison was
| found on the sheets of the beds where
| the family died. One witness alleges
+ that before Mrs Gibbs died she was
given a drink of spring water and be-
came unconscious. Life insurance
companies are interesting themselves
in the case.
The first positive evidence that
| would tend to show that Miss Toppap
bought drugs or poison was discover
ed here yesterday when it was learned
| that last July Jane Toppan, then at
tending the Davis family at Calumet
, ordered morphine tablets of a local
druggist. The order came by tele,
| phone and called for a bottle of nor
phine tablets. the strongest possible
The order was received by the pro
prietor and filled. The message in
| structed Waters to send the tablets
| enclosed in a paper wrapper to Miss
Toppanto be delivered to her at Catau-
! met. The druggist says the bottIt
| contained enough poison to kill d
score of persons. 1t was delivered to
Miss Toppan and paid for by her,
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
JOYCE TAKEN
REPUTED WREckER OF SLOUGH
TON BANK ARRESTED
IN CHICAGO.
Madison, Nov. IL.

Madison, Nov. IL.
A Chicago dispatch early this morn
ing states that John H. Joyce, form
erly connected with a defunct Slough
ton bank, had been arrested in Chica-
go last night charged with the embez-
element Of $4,000.
Joyce came to Stoughton some years
ago from Minnesota and assisted in
starting the Dane County State bank.
He held the Office of cashier. The
bank existed about four years ago and
went to the wall, it was reported at
that time, through the operations of
Joyce. He was compelled to leave
through fear OF violence from deposit
tors of whom there were hundreds
Some $4,000 dollars was lost by de-
pOsitors.
Joyce now has a brother Peter
Joyce, in Lake Mills, Ia. John H
Joyce moved to Chicago after his
trouble in Stoughton, taking his wife,
the daughter of Nels Thompson Of
Stoughton, with him.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
FIRST M'KINLEY
MONUMENT

Duluth, Mimi. Nov I'm the pres
ence of 5000 persons, including Gov.
Vansant and many prominent men Of
Minnesota of all political affiliations
and religious creeds, the first monu-
ment to be erected in this country to
the memory Of President Mckinley
was unveiled and dedicated at Tower
Mimi, yesterday.
Special trains were run from all the
principal towns on the iron ranges,
and there was a great parade. with
five bands. Among the speakers
were Monsignore Buh Of Tower. DR..
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
PLAN TO END SOUTH AFRICAN
WAR BEFORE THE coRo-
NATION OF EDWARD.

London. Nov. 12.-Major General
Ian Hamilton, who has started for
Africa to be Lord Kitchener's chief of
staff, is said to have a plan for ending
the war before the coronation.
General Hamilton's appointment
says the Daily News, is part of a plan
arranged after the kings return from
the continent about six weeks ago.
Unless Lord Kitchener should decline
to be complacent, the new scheme is
likely to develop about the beginning
of the year At lengthy cabinet con-
ferences the question of reinforcing
the old ballot laws has come up for
discussion. Many of the cabinet min
listers were strongly in favor of put
ting in practice this form of conscrip-
ton, for which certain obsolete laws
already provide. Thus new legisla-
ton would be obviated.
The war secretary, Mr.. Brodrlck,
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

co and his temperate habits, combined
with his native shrewdness ana great
industry, is the secret of the great sue
cess and amount OF work ne achieved
Two brothers OF John A. Johnson
Hans and Ole were in the union
army. the former, lieutenant, who
died in the service Ole died some
years ago at Beloit He was ieuten-
ant colonel Of the 18th Wisconsin
regiment in which he enlisted as a
private. All are now dead. Oliver
passed away III Stoughton four years
ago. Two married sisters, Mrs. G. Il
Stuverud and Mrs. J. H. Stuverud
live in the west, one in Kasson, MINI.
and one in South Dakota
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
NEGRO MUTiNY LEADER
TAKEN AFTER FIGHT

Topeka, Kan. Nov 12.-Frank
Thompson, negro leader of mutiny of
federal prison at Leavenworth was
captured eight miles north of Council
Grove last evening by a posse under
deputy United States Marshal Prescott
Thompson would not surrender, but
was taken after hard fignC with
the officers in which he was shot in
the head but not seriously injured.
No member of the posse was hurt.
Kansas City, Nov 12.-Lawrence
Lewis, one of the escaped federal con-
vtcts, was mortally wounded this
morning near Quenemo, Kan, while
making a dash through a Gordon of
armed deputies.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

dler friends. Another circumstance
was his knowledge of army affairs ia
Little Rock. Saturday he passed the
examination and enlisted. At the de-
tective office Rathbun was put through
a sweating process and under pres
sure made statement, according to
his inQuisitors, containing facts sub
stantially as above related.
The police believe the dead man is
tramp. Rathbun refuses to say
where he got he gold watch hearing
the name Of Ellis, found on him. Cor
oner Coots of Jeffersonville. states he
| examined the stomach of the dead
man and found traces of enough laud-
anum to kill two men.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
PENNSY'S COACH MAY
REVoLUTiONlzE FOOTBALL

Philadelphia, Nov. 9-The first OF
the annual games among the "big
four" football elevens will be played
today when the Pennsylvania and Har-
ward teams meet on Franklin field
Coach George Woodruff announces
that his eleven will spring new style
play in attack that will revolutionize
football and cause a great furore III
the football world. On this announce
ment the Pennsylvanians lay their
hope and it remains 10 be seen
whether or not it will be as effective
as Woodruff's celebrated guards back
play.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
HORSE JUMPS
TO NEW RECORD

Chicago, Nov. AT the horse show
last night Heatherbloom, the bay geld
ing owned by Howard Willetts of
White Plains, n. Y. broke the worlds
indoor record for jumping horses. He
cleared the bar at feet AZ inches.
The previous record by Rosebery was
z feet, 31a inches in competition with
Filemaker Of this city several years
ago. The first jump was feet, 3
inches. Twice the bar was raised
slightly and each time easily cleared.
Then the bar receiver was set for the
worlds record and the intensely in
terested, great audience waited the
outcome of the test Heatherbloom
sprung lightly over the mark and
new worlds record was made.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14
Willy W. SMILES.
Declares He Has Not Been Offered
Chair i'm Columbia.

Washington, D. c., Nov. 12.-Wu,
the Chinese minister, when asked
yesterday about the report that he
had been offered the chair of Chinese
literature at Columbia University, was
much amused.
What will they pay me?" he asked.
Six thousand dollars"
Mr.. WI shook his head with a smile.
DO think that is a compliment to
be offered the professorship in an
American college?" he asked.
He was assured that it was an I'M
doubted compliment, but he only
smiled. Then he denied that any such
offer had been made.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1901-11-14

s10,OO0,O00. 1t is understood the
Jones & Laughlin company of Pitts
burg, corporation with $40 900, OOO
capital, will enter the combination.
Details regarding the western inter.
ests that will be represented are lack
Ing. Charles NJ. Schwab, president of
the United States Steel corporation.
mad much to do with shaping the plans
OF the concern. This is believed to
indicate that it will be operated in
harmony with the billion dollar cor.
poration