davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
POSTMASTER MISSING.
Mysterious Disappearance from Fair
banks-A Supposition of Suicide.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
SULLIVAN. Ind. March 3-David z.
Murphy, postmaster and general store
keeper at Fairbanks. Sullivan county. drove
to Terre Haute last Wednesday with a
load of produce and postal funds to deposit
with the Terre Haute postmaster He ex-
pected to return home Thursday. but he
failed to do So On Friday morning Mrs.
Murphy, his wife, received a letter from
him. 1t written at Terre Haute. dated
on Feb. q, and said in part
eff you find my body give it a decent
burial in a plain coffin. My mind has not
will never see me alive again. Tell the
children to always be kind to their mother
and to support her.
The letter which contained some personal
affairs. has been placed in charge of Attor-
ney Charles d. Hunt. of this city. The
letter said a certificate showing the postof-
flee funds had been deposited at Terre
Haute would arrive at Fairbanks Saturday
morning, but il has failed to appear 1t
is believed by Postmaster Murphy's friends
river at Terre Haute. The postOffice at
Fairbanks has not been examined, and IL
is not known if there is a deficit in its ac-
counts Murphy an extensive dealer
in produce, and had a large general bust
ness at Fairbanks, where he had a good
reputation. He forty-nine years old.
and was appointed postmaster six months
ago. His family includes his wife and five
children.
dispatch to the Journal from Terre
Haute says Murphy did not report at the
Terre Haute pOstoffice. 1t also says that
some one. supposed TO be Murphy himself,
telegraphed to Mrs. Murphy from Marshall,
ILL.,. saying he had committed suicide.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
SPIRITED CONTEST is ON.
Decatur County and Greensburg Re-
pubIicans Are Hard at Work.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal
GREENSBURG, Ind, March "a spirit
ed campaign is in progress among the Re
publicans both for the county and city
nominations The race for representative
is between A p Bone. father Of Scott
Bone, of the Washington Post, and S. B.
Eward, a prominent young attorney. The
other candidates for places on the county
ticket as follows: Clerk-Horace Skill
man. M. c. Jenkins and j. c. Glass. Auditor
Frank E. Ryan, the present deputy, and
Jeremy A. Braden, who has been stand
ing candidate for the position for twelve
years. Treasurer-George A. Anderson,
George w. Lanham and Oscar B. Trimble.
Sherif-Jefferson c. Davis, the present in
cumbent, and Alfred A. Barnes, a hero OF
the Philippine war. Recorder-L. E. Moore,
Scott Crist, Linton w. Sands, Clyde Stage,
James Dornell and lack Boicourt.
There are five avowed candidates for
mayor, and the race is a beautiful one. The
list now includes Thomas Hendricks, ex-
postmaster; r. p. Hamilton ex-recorder:
George w. Randall, ex-coroner; A. NJ. Reid
and Harry Lathrop. the two latter repre-
senting the younger element of Republican
ism. whose following appears to be the
more aggressive, and which expresses de-
termination TO be represented on the ticket.
There are also numerous candidates for the
other city offices The county primary cleo
ton will be held Wednesday, April 2,
while the date of the city convention has
not been named.
The Republicans of Decatur county are in
good fighting trim and ready to meet the
enemy in November.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
Brazil Block Coal Men VIII Begin
Their Meeting To-day, Prepare
tory to the Joint Session.
PROPERTY LOSS OF $4,000
TWO MEN INJURED BY GAS EXPLO-
SION NEAR MUNCIE.
Strikes at Aurora and Nincennes-
Disappearance of Postmaster
Forgery Uncovered at Sullivan.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind, March 3.-The In
diana miners convention resumed its ses-
sions to-day. devoting the time to clearing
away regular business. so that the joint
conference with the operators could be pro-
ceeded with without interruption.
The miners have finished consideration of
the wage scale they will present TO the OPP
orators. While they are determined TO in
sist on some provisions not now in the con-
tract with the operators, il is thought there
will not be serious disagreement. Among
other business OF their own they adopted
resolution putting the vice president on a
salary of SIS a month. The duties of pres
ident have increased so that it practically
exhausted President Van Horn, who re-
fused a reelection because his health had
failed under the strain of the past four
years work The new vice president is
John Boyle. OF Princeton, and he will share
the work of President Hargrave.
The miners decided 10 insist on pubic ses-
sons Of the joint conference with the OPP
orators.
Representative Johnson. of vermillion
county, has spent a good deal of time in the
past few Days explaining TO the miners how
the bill rcquiring the employment of ex-
perts in firing charges of explosives In the
mines was defeated He introduced the bill
in the House and it passed that body. In
the Senate IL was sidetracked. Mr.. Johnson
says that State Mine Inspector EppersOn
told influential men in the Senate that the
miners did not want the bill enacted. Mr.
EppersCn has said that he did tell those
who may have asked him that the measure
for more deputy mine inspectors was de-
sired rather than the shooters bill.
The preliminary joint conference tonight
fairly started the work of the week. About
forty operators were present, but more will
be here tomorrow There are more than
100 miners i'm the conference.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
MEANS MUCH To MUNCIE.
Important Action Taken by Council in
Three Vital Matters.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
MUNCIE, Ind, March 3.-The Muncie
City Council tonight, after months of
heated wranglings. granted three impor-
tant franchises and the action will result
in important improvements for Muncie.
The proposed Muncie, Hartford City &
FIT Wayne Electric Railway was granted
the use of Mulberry street from the north
to Washington, thence west to High on
the public square. insuring the completion
This action indicates that the proposed
terurban, proposed from Muncie to Middle
town and Greenfield, will be treated
fairly.
to the Muncie Electric Light Company, C.
Nj. KimbroUgh. president. to construct a
steam and hot water heating system for
domestic use in the city.
The ban was removed from the Muncie
granting that company the privilege TO
charge is cents per thousand for gas during
the rest of this year and % cents thereaf-
ter. the company agreeing to furnish Mum
Gle all the gas IL requires for domestic use.
The company has refused to make improve
ments. being held down to 15-cent rate by
the Winchester court decision, and this
winter Muncie has been freezing. Large
pumping stations will now be built and gas
forced in. While there will be criticisms
of the Councils step. most of the people
will coincide with the action taken to-
MI
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04

same business house for half century.
He was a member of the Baptist Church
for over fifty years
GREENSBURG. Ind. March 3-Clarence
Ballard died at St Louis on Saturday. He
was twenty-three years Of age, graduate
of the Greensburg High School and OF Pur-
due University. He was one OF the instruc-
tors at Purdue last year, but resigned the
position TO accept a more lucrative one at
st. Louis. His speciality was chemistry. He
died of pneumonia and was sick but few
days The body reached 81. Paul TINS
morning. where the funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at the residence OF
his father DR.. Ballard, of that place.
MUNCIE. Ind, March 3-word reached
Muncie to-day of the death Of Rev. d 5.
Davenport. aged sixty-eight on Sunday
night at his home at Harrisville. Randolph
county. He was for many years Christian
Church minister and was wei known
Humes, aged forty-nine, who went TO Las
Vegas, y. NJ. few weeks ago with hopes
of benefting his health. died Sunday night.
The burial will be In Muncie. He was
prominent Odd Fellow and Red Man.
BROWNSTOWN, Ind, March 3.-Abra-
ham Branaman. living near Moony. this
county. was found dead by his son yester-
day on his farm. He had gone to feed
some sheep, and, not returning. search
was made and he was found about IL
O'clock. Paralysis was the supposed cause
of death. He was seventy-three years old.
THORNTOWN Ind. March 3.-Nancy
Jane Conrad. one of this community's old
est settlers is dead. after suffering for al
most a year with a complication of dis
eases. She was born in Ohio in 1924 and
lived in this community since 1851. One
daughter survives.
VINCENNES, Ind, March 3-Mrs. Eunice
A. Bodinot. born on Coney island on June
15 1925 and army nurse in the war of
1s61-65 with her sons regiment. died here to-
day.
WABASH Ind, March 3.-Valentine
Crate died suddenly of neuralgia Of the
heart at his home on West Sinclair street
last night. He was ill only short time.
PORTLAND. Ind, March 3.-Mrs Eleanor
Patterson is dead at her home three miles
from Westchester. aged sixty. She was
prominent woman in that locality.
KOKOMO. Ind, March 3.-W. II. Ger
hart, well-known resident of this city
died last night after an illness OF but few
days. He was carriage maker
SOUTH BEND Ind, March 3.-Alpheus
Thornton, who had been resident of South
Bend for over half a century, is dead, aged
about ninety.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04

Special ~ the Indianapolis Journal.
NGBLESVILLE. Ind. March 3.-William
MohleT, whose trial for the murder Of
Frank Innis Atlanta last fall consumed
all last week, found guilty of man
slaughter and his punishment fixed at two
TO fourteen years in the Michigan City
penitentiary. The verdict of the jury was
somewhat of a surprise 10 the public. as
an acquittal was looked for. The attor-
neys for the defendant. however. were sat
isfied and will make no efforts for a new
trial. The jury was out about eight hours
One juror voted Mohler guilty of murder
I'm the first degree. four of murder in the
second degree and two for acquittal. The
verdict was in the nature OF a compromise
The was StOutly contested at every
point Mohler was sentenced to-day by
Judge Neal and will be taken TO prison in
a day two.
In the Circuit Court this morning began
the case of the State against Charles Yekel
who is charged with shooting with intent
TO kill. This trouble grew out of a drunken
brawl at Atlanta last August when Yekel
shot Henry Crowley in the shoulder. This
county had epidemic of high crimes last
year. Besides MOhler and Yekel there are
still In Jail here &. G. Brown charged with
the murder of Joseph Groves at Arcadia
last November. and William FOdrea
charged with the killing Of j. G. Seay at the
Model mill IN this city
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
PUMPING STATION WRECKED.
Gas Explosion Near Muncfe Injuries
Two Men-Damage Is $4,000.

Special TO the Indiana polls Journal.
MUNCIE. Ind, March 3.-The $4,000 nat
ural gas pumping station of the American
Window Glass Company and the Hemin-
gray Glass Company near De Soto, six
miles northeast of Muncie, was destroyed
by an explosion this morning and two men
were dangerously burned, one fatally. Burt
Lee, acting superintendent, and his as
sstant Elmer Newkirk were the two vic
Tins. Newkirk is fatally burned, the flesh
his body being almost cooked. Lee is
horribly burned but there are hopes for his
recovery. The explosion resulted from "A
plug flying out of a large gas compressor,
the gas quickly filling the room, and il is
supposed to have become ignited from a
spark made in the friction in the gasometer.
The men were at work replacing the plug
when the explosion occurred. The brick
building. 60x90 feet, was torn TO pieces, and
the debris caught fire, making the wreck
pressors and two gas engines are complete
wrecks. The machinery was practically
new, being placed in the station last sum
mer. The force of the explosion shook the
little town and was felt for miles distant
in the country around.
The pumping station was built to force
i'm the gas from a weak field to several
Muncie several million feet of gas daily.
AS a result of the accident the window
glass plants of the American Company are
closed and the Hemingway factory is Grip
pied. There is some doubt about rebuild
ing the station for the reason that the field
will be much greater as a result. The two
victims are young men with families Lee
having been resident of Muncie for some
time.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
NEWFOUNDLAND STATISTICS.
Population of the Island and Labra-
dor as shown by the Census.

ST. JOHNS. Newfoundland, March 3.-In
the Legislature this afternoon Premier
Bond placed on the table the statement Of
the census returns for the colony for 1901.
which had only now been tabulated be-
cause OF the difficulty in reaching the more
remote sections Of the colony. The census
figures follow: Total population. 23o. 2s9. Of
which Newfoundland has Zl6.6l5 and Labra-
dor 1854. According 10 the figures OF 1871
Newfoundland had l9l, $50 inhabitants. while
Labrador had 4.1o6. The increase shown by
the last report equals about per cent. of
the total population in 1891. which Is rather
better than Canada. considering that New
fOundland is absolutely without immigra-
ton. while having heavy emigration,
whereas Canada had a large influx Of set
tiers during the last ten years.
DenomnatiOnally the chief creeds are
Catholics ~, $50: Anglicans. 72.650. Meth0-
dists GOSH In 1921 the same creeds showed
the following numerical strength: Catho-
lies p 500: Anglicans. So S4. Methodists.
81 276. Members OF the Salvation Army
were unknown in 1881; they now number
80
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
SHELLED BY LIBERTADOR
VENEZUELAN PORT OF GUIARA BOM-
BARDED BY THE PIRATE"
Insurgent Forces Landed-MOre Trou-
BILE for Characterization Gunner
Wanted by CoIOmbians..

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad B. w. L.,
March 2-The steamer Libertador. now
operating in the interests of the Matos
revolution against President Castro, Of
Venezuela, and whose name was recently
announced TO have been changed TO Boil
var, yesterday bombarded the port of
Guiara for the purpose of protecting the
landing of insurgent forces there. Details
of this action cannot be obtained, but it
is believed here that the government came
out second best in the affair. This belief
arises from the fact that there is a panic
at Carupano, where measures of defense
are being adopted. The government forces
at Carupano are actively engaged In plac-
ing a battery on a hill which dominates the
anchorage. The guns in this battery have
been taken from a Venezuelan gunboat.
WILLEMSTAD, Island of Curacao.
March 3.-News has reached here that a
revolutionary outbreak occurred yesterday
in the vicinity of Valencia capital of the
ment hastily sent troops to the disturbed
district. 1t is also reported here that Presi-
dent Castro is sending numerous reinforce
ments 10 the Colombian frontier. The gov
ernment seems TO have concluded that the
situation on the frontier is serious.
xxx
The port of Guiara Is in the Venezuelan
State of Cumana. on the Gulf of Paria, and
about 300 miles east of Laguayra. Caru-
PIANO is in the State of Bermudez on the
Atlantic, and about sixty miles west Of
Guiara. Both ports are within about a
hundred miles of the Island of Trinidad.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
Indiana Notes.

SEYMOUR.-A revival that was begun at
the Methodist Church in this city five
weeks ago closed Sunday night with sixty
four additions to the church. The pastor,
the Rev. F.. r. Vest, was assisted by Evan
geist ]. NJ. Life, of Ohio. Ex-Sen-
ator Joseph H. Shea is acting i'm the ca
Willard New, who has gone to New York
TO consult a specialist about the condition
of his eyes.
WABASH-The Wabash County Com
missoners have ordered the Bell telephone
removed from the courthouse corridor, and
made contract for two new telephones for
all the county offices with the Home Com
pany. Heretofore there have been but two
Home phones in at the courthouse,
and public convenience demanded others.
The Home Company now has in service
here 425 telephones.
HARTFORD CITY-Thomas Kegerreis,
the county truancy officer, has resigned,
and as vet his successor has not been
named. He states his action is due to lack
of support by the local courts, and nearly
all the attempts at prosecution of parents
have been nullified in the minor courts.
He says the conditions are growing worse
here, while at Montpelier they are out little
better.
COVINGTON.-The Presbyterian congre-
CATION of Newton will build a brick church
at a cost of 50 900. OF this amount 200
already has been subscribed. Word
has been received from Oklahoma to the
effect that oil well, flowing four barrels
a minute. has been sunk the land of
Challen Spinning, who went from here 10
the territory about a year ago.
CLAY CITY.-Through the efforts of the
Commercial Club an option to a Brazil
coal company has been closed on lands be-
longing TO Samuel Baumgartner, lying
east of this place. According to the terms
of the option drilling shall be commenced
not later than April l, and II the tests re-
suit favorable a coal shaft must be in
operation on the place by Sept. l.
MISUNDERSTANDING Oliver l.. Carr
has purchased a one-third interest i'm the
Rushville artificial gas plant from William
E Harens and A. l.. Riggs who recently
purchased ii from outside owners \ new
boiler and other necessary supplies will be
purchased a once, and the plant much en-
larged and improved
PLAINFIELD.-The Painfield Library
Association has renewed its application 10
Mr.. Carnegie. accompanied by letters from
superintendent York, of the Indiana Re
form School. Senator Beverage and Gov
ernor Durbin. The inmates of the State
institution have access TO the library.
NOBLESVILLE.-The greatest revival in
the history of the county closed at the
Methodist Church on Sunday night Ii
had been under way for four weeks and
was conducted by the Rev. Mr. and Mrs.
]. NJ. Harris. of Richmond. Mrs. Harris
has done most of the preaching.
An Annapolis special to the Baltimore
Herald announces that Mrs Watkins, OF
Shamokin, Pa, and Mrs. Foor, OF Indian
apolis, nave returned to their respective
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
EXPLOSION AND FIRE.
Building Wrecked, One Woman Killed
and Other Persons Hurt.

NEW YORK, March S.-An explosion to-
day wrecked the five-story building at No.
21O-212 Canal street occupied by the Aste
Press Printing Company. The building was
filled with employees. some of whom were
hurt by jumping. Half the Canal-street
front of the structure was blown into the
street and the interior was almost instant
ly a roaring mass of flame. The printing
house backed up against a row of seven
story fiat houses, occupied by Italians. The
rear wall of the burning building was
blown against the tenements, creating pam
ic among the occupants. Many jumped
from windows. Consuela Durranto leaped
from a window and alighted the stone
tagging of a courtyard She was taken to
hospital, where she died. The fire de-
partment estimated the loss at $4,000.
Reports were circulated that number OF
persons known to have been in the build
ings could not be accounted for but the
firemen said they thought all had escaped
injury, except those who jumped.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
Chance for a Gunner.

PANAMA, Colombia, March 3.-The gov
eminent launch General Campo yesterday
passed before the entrance to the harbor
of Aqua Dulce. Further down the coast
the General Campo met the revolutionary
gunboat Gaitan and only escaped because
of her high speed. The government gun
beat Chuouita has fired the revolution
airy land batteries and has dismounted one
battery. Nothing has been heard here of
the government gunboat Boyaca since her
departure and her continued absence
causes some anxiety.
The Colombian government has decided
to send for and employ the services of
an American gunner as the best method
of damaging the revolutionary fleet. OF
100 shots recently fired by the government
fleet not one was effective
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04

MADISON. Ind March 3-William Stapp
died last night at his residence. the old
General Milton Stapp homestead aged
lightweight he was born in Scott county
Virginia. IN 1914. When ten years of age
his father settled on "a farm which after
wards became the town OF North Madison
Ia 1892 he clerked In a store I'm Madison
owned by his father, Charles Stapp. General
Milton Stapp and the afterwards great
New York banker. j. r. -. Lanier. then
citizen OF Madison. He purchased Mr.
Ianier's interest later and became a part
ner In the store. lie also i'm the shoe
business with his brother. David w Sfapp
and e partner OF the late William Iron
Ar the milling business. lie occupied the
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
Other Fires.

GREENVILLE. Miss, March Sire that
broke out in the southern part of the city
to-day destroyed several small residences,
Lakes warehouse and the following bust
ness houses: Transient Hotel, We'll Con-
noily's saloon, Newman transfer stables,
the Levee Board building and part of Lake S
grocery store Loss, 100000. The insurance
is only partial.
TORONTO, March 3.-The Union Loan
building. on Toronto street, the center of
a number of big business houses, was part
ly destroyed by fire to-day. Loss to build
ing 100000 Several valuable law libraries
were also destroyed.
STANDISH, Mich, March 3.-Fire, which
started in the Standish House to-day
burned eight business houses before it was
brought under control. The total loss is
$50. 600. with about $4,000 insurance.
PENSACOLA, Fla, March Sire at
Flomaton Ala, to-day burned the Louis
vile * Nashville Railroad Passenger Sta
ton, the telegraph office. a hotel and sew
eral small buildings.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
Milford Residences Destroyed.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WARSAW, Ind, March 3.-The resi-
dences of DR.. 1. ]. Patterson and E. o.
Robinson at Milford. near this city. were
destroyed by fire yesterday. Both houses
and most of the contents were destroyed,
the total loss being about $1,000, partly
covered by insurance. The blaze originated
in the house of DIR. Patterson and quickly
spread TO the other house only short
distance away. Members of DR.. Patterson
family had a narrow escape from suf-
location. not being awakened until the
house was full of smoke. The fire had
gained such Roadway before ii was dis
covered that the fire department was I'M
able TO gain control
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
Badly Hurt by n Fall.

Special to the Indianapo Journal
WABASH, Ind, March 3.-This morning
Will K. Snavelly, many years deputy clerk
of Wabash county. and one of the leading
candidates for nomination for clerk in the
recent county convention. slipped on the Ice
and fell off the Wabash-street levee this
morning and lay unconscious for several
hours before he was discovered. He was
badly bruised and cut about the head, but
is recovering. Mr. Snavelly was clerk of
the House ways and means committee a
year ago.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-04
Petition Against a Parole.
.iaI 10 the Indiananolis Innrnai

Special 10 the Indian apolis Journal
TERRE HAUTE, Ind, March 3.-Henry
Hartley, farmer living east of this city,
is circulating a petition addressed to the
State Board of Pardons. asking that George
Cowell, sentenced under the indeterminate
act, be not released this spring, as might
be done under the minimum term of his
sentence. Cowell had been employed on
Hartley's farm, and discharged be-
cause his attentions to a daughter OF the
farmer became annoying. Then he called
her to the door and shot her, causing paral-
ysis, from which she has not yet recovered.
The girl was only fourteen years of age and
Cowell was past sixty.