davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
FRANCES POSITION.
She Has Two Sets of Claims Against
Venezuela to Settle.

Washington. Dec. 19.-It was learned
last night that France has addressed
note to her charge d affaires at Caracas
for submission to the Venezuelan gov
ernment, stating the position she viii
maintain with reference to claims of her
citizens against Venezuela. France
makes a distinction between claims
arising before Castro's assumption of
power and those arising since. The
claims of France prior to Castro's ad
ministration it is alleged are to be set
tied by arbitration. The claims arising
since Castro became president are to be
adjusted by the French minister at
Caracas and proper ministerial officers
of Venezuela. This was arranged some
time ago. In the note sent to Caracas,
France, takes the position that claims
arising since 1899, when Castro became
president should have as favorable
treatment as is given to claims of Ger
many, Great Britain and other coun-
tries. AS to the claims prior to 1919,
France says they shall be met accord
ing to the most favored nation treaty
clause and be met out of the customs
receipts. The note is courteous but firm
France, it is announced will make no
demonstration against Venezuela.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
CROSSED WITH FUNSTON
Peter Epp, Who Says He Was
on Raft, Wants Pension.

The following is from the New York
Sun: Peter Epp. who served in the war in
the Philippines with Gen. Funston, has en-
ployed the law firm of McCluskey, Beifer
& Flash of 373 Fulton street, Brooklyn, to
push his claim against the government tor
a pension. Epp was born in Brooklyn,
but was working in Kansas City when the
call came for volunteers. In May, 1898, he
enlisted in the Twentieth regiment, Kan
sas volunteer infantry, company c. OF
which Funston was colonel He served in
the Philippines from September, 1888, until
1901, and was one of the men who crossed
the River Grande. I4uzon, on raft with
Funston on April 81. 1893, for which Fun
ston received a gold medal and certifi-
cate of merit from the government.
Epp alleges that he was injured and
laid up in hospital at Manila with a
broken ankle, at the same time suffering
from kidney trouble and fever, due to ex-
posure. He thinks he and the other 1wo
soldiers who crossed the river on the aft
with Funston are entitled to medals, and
that ne is entitled to a pension for being
disabled. Epp says that when he received
an honorable discharge in Manila in 1900,
he was induced to re-enlist by a promise
of $500 bonus offered in order issued by
Gen. Otis and promulgated by the first
>aSgeant of every company Epp adds that
he is i'll now and without employment
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
HARRIS CHANCES GOOD
President Roosevelt Speaks En-
couragingIy of appointment.

Washington D. c., Dec. Ex-senator
Burton and Representatives Bowersocx,
Scott. Reeder and Miller called on sPresi-
dent Roosevelt Thursday to urge the ap-
pointment of Senator Harris as canal
commissioner. It is assumed that Repre-
sentatives Long, Curtis and Jackson. al
though unable to be at the White House,
will add their Endorsement later.
The president spoke highly of Harris and
said he had a splendid line of Endorsements
from the state regardless of politicians.
The president said that he was pleased 20
see that the state seemed to be a unit for
Senator Harris appointment. He said 2our
of the seven members of the commission
would be civil engineers and the fact that
the senator was an engineer doubled bis
chances of appointment.
The delegation feels much encouraged
over the visit. President Roosevelt said
he had as YET made no selection for any
of the places on the commission and that
Senator Harris case would receive his
earnest consideration.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
GROWS MORE HAY.
Testimony in Biggar Case Fails
to Shed Much Light.

Freehold, N. J., Dec.19-Dr. Hendricks.
one of the defendants in the case against
Laura Baggar and others for alleged
conspiracy to get Henry M. Benefits
estate, was one of the witnesses at the
trial today He said P. J. McNulty and
Attorney Waterson, of Pittsburg, called
at the Bayonne sanitarium to see Miss
Biggar regarding the estate. Witness
said his only interest in the will was
to have it probated and that at the time
of McNultys call the question was dis
better off as a common law wife Of MIR.
Bennett than in her present condition.
Willis Biggar, son of Miss Biggar, and
her former husband, J.. W. Mcconnell
testified that his father came from -he
west to see Mr.. Bennett before the lat
ter's death. P. J. McNulty testified as
to his part in employing a Pittsburg
detective to unearth the alleged conspir-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
LOOKS SUSPICIOUS.
Man Carrying $4,000 Life In
surance Is Found Dead.

Louisville, KY, Dec. 19.-R. C.
Whayne, a Louisville business man was
found dead last night in the vicinity of
the Jacobs park with a gunshot wound
in the breast. He carried insurance on
his life of $4,000 and had applications
pending for $50, 900 more.
1t is upon the fact that Mr.. Whavne
carried such a large life insurance and
was said to be suffering from rheuma-
tism that theory of suicide is based
Coroner Kelly said the circumstances
We're such that the case would require
exhaustive Investigations The inquest
will be held Saturday. Near Mr..
Whayne's body when found but on the
opposite side of wire fence, was a shot
gun with one barrel emptied and the
other loaded and cooked. His friends
and family declare death was due to an
accident and that the gun was dis
charged while he was climbing the
fence
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
DEwEY's FLEET.
It Will Remain in the Vicinity of
Venezuela Coast.

Washington, Dec. 19.-According to
the approved plans, the principal fight
ing ships of Admiral Dewey's fleet will
rendezvous at the island of Trinidad.
right off the coast of Venezuela and at
ST Thomas, near Porto Rico. Admiral
Higginson, commanding the North At
lantic squadron, will have command of
the battle ship fleet at Trinidad on his
flagship Kearsarge. with Rear Admiral
Sumner, commanding the South At
latte squadron, on his flagship Iowa as
second in command. The fleet at ST.
Thomas, which includes two battleships,
will be under command of Rear Ad-
miral Crowninshield, commanding the
European squadron, on his flagship
Illinois.
The fleet of cruisers and smaller vessels
which will anchor at St. Kits will be in
command of Rear Admiral Coghlan com
manding the Caribbean division on his flag
ship Olympia Although not stated, it is
said Admiral Dewey will retain the con
verted cruiser Mayfiower as his flag ship
and will spend most of the ten days ilol-
iday at San Juan. He is now at CuleDra
with the bulk of his immediate fleet. The
Texas and Topeka have arrived at Guile
bra
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19

London, Berlin and Rome and also ac-
quainted the members with the sub
stance of the verbal exchanges which
had taken place with the ambassadors
in Washington. After a thorough dis
vussioE of the question the cabinet gave
its unqualified approval to everything
that has been done by Secretary Hay
and also to his plans for the future so
far as they were outlined. 1t is gather
ed tnat the attitude of the United States
is for the present a waiting one of hope
that the three allies will be soon able
to agree upon the basis upon which they
are willing to accept arbitration. 1t was
stated that while the Venezuelan Ques-
ton was realized to be important the
subject did not enEross the eltire at
tentior of the cabinet. So far no notice
of the projected blockade of Venezuela
has been officially served on our gov
ernrcent
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
A WAR BLOCKADE.
That Is the Kind Now Decided Upon
by the Allies.

Washington, Dec. 19-As understood
here the blockade to be declared by the
allies against Venezuela on Saturday is
to be a war blockade" as cOntrasted
with the peace blockade" which has
been in operation since the trouble with
Venezuela assumed an acute stage. Or
dinarily a legal blockade is preceded by
a declaration of war, but at times TINS
formality is dispensed with and block
ade maintained just as though war had
been formally declared. To all intents
and purposes war has existed. and sucn
condition has been recognized by the
governments of the allies A formal
declaration that a blockade has beer.
esta blished will be sent to all the powers
and it will be recognized by the United
States government Following the prac-
maintain an attitude of neutrality
toward the belligerents which they prac
tically become by the esta blishment OF
the blockade, although whether a presi-
Dental proclamation announcing our
neutrality to the world viii be issued has
not yet been decided upon. The matter
will come up for definite determination
very soen- Opr government is fully in
formed of the intention of the allies in
the movement they are making in the
operations against Venezuela
The notice about the issue of the for
NAL blockade of Venezuelan ports is noS
understood here to mean that Minister
ISowens efforts to adjust the Nenezu-
elan difficulty have failed. It was con-
ceived that naval comma nders of the
powers were acting under explicit IN
structions which includes the establish
ment of blockade. and it was not ex-
pected that these instructions would be
suspended until the negotia tions through
diplomatic channels had assumed d
phase indicative of a final and satisfac-
tory adjustment AS Minister Bowen
was only yesterday appealed TO to en-
deavor to effect such an adjustment, Ne
has had no opportunity of moving for
ward in his negotiations to a point
where he might reasonably expect the
allied powers to cancel completely the
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
MAY GEl MUNEY.
Senate Committee Reports Let
ter Carrier Claims Favorably.
Compensation Is Asked 8 for
Working Overtime.
KANSAS MEN IN IT.
Topeka Carriers Share Is Not
Quite $500.
Representative Reeder Intro
duces New Fort Hays Bill.

Washington, Dec. 1e.-The bill ito pro
vide for the overtime claims of letter
carriers excluded from judgment as
barred by limitation" has been favorably
reported from the senate committee, and
probably will become a law at this ses-
sion of congress. The letter carriers of
Kansas are interested in this bill to the
extent of several thousand dollars. The
claims arise out Of the action of the
eight-hour law. entitled AN act to limit
the hours that letter carriers in cities
shall be employed per day" This law
became effective May "a, 1888. The let
ter carriers claim that under this law
they are entitled to extra compensation.
for work performed in excess of eight
hours per day. A large number of let
ter carriers presented their claims to the
court of claims for adjudication, but d
notice from the postoffice department
sent to the letter carriers throughout
the country to the effect that it was nor
necessary to present the claims to the
court of claims, as the postoffice depart
ment would give them proper attention
riers to abandon their prosecution. III
the meantime the claims were barred by
the statute of limitations, and as the
postoffice department has refused to
adjudieate them, the matter was taken
up by congress. The claims of letter
carriers in various Kansas cities, in
cluded in the bill are as follows.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19

Absc0nding Telegraph School
Man Is in Chicago.

Professor Miner, formerly instructor Of
the Kansas Railroad and Telegraph
School, who recently absconded with six
typewriters and some money which did
not belong to him, will be brought back
to Topeka in a few days
Miner will be arrested in Chicago this
afternoon, where he was located by detac-
tives. and VIII be brought back as socn as
a warrant. which is in the hands of the
county attorney, can be forwarded with
an officer
Besides taking advance tuition from
number Of his pupils. the professor pass
ed forged check for S54 on E1nahizer &
Mills furniture dealers, and it is probable
that he viii have a similar experience to
in jail on three separate charges.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
PARD0NED BY THE CAR.
Exiled Students Are Permitted
to Return to Their Homes.

ST. Petersburg, Dec. 19-The car has
granted amnesty to the students who
were banished for rioting on his name
day He telegraphed to the minister of
the interior as follows:
Let the students who were banished
for creating disturbances return from
Siberia. although they should not for
the present be allowed to live in towns
where there are high schools. Care
must nevertheless be taken that the
young men on their return be entrusted
to the keeping of their families as such
surroundings will familiarize them with
order
The telegram. which is equivalent to
an imperial decree. pardons fifty-nine
students exiled in addition to the sixty
two students previously pardoned-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
John Bridewerl of Baldwin is here
WRECKED AGAIN.
Heavy Loss at Santa Fe's China
Basin Freight Slip.

Santa Fe railway company's newly con-
structed freight slip at China Basin il.
this harbor, has been wrecked for the
second time by the sudden shifting OF
some hundreds of tons of material be-
hind the sea wall which was built on d
mud foundation. The extent of the dam
age has not yet been estimated. The
loss caused by the previous accident of
a similar character was about $50 900.
The former wreck of the ferry slip was
occasioned apparently in the same way
as the present disaster. At that time it
was stated that the damage was only
slight.
It is understood that the loss in these
accidents falls on the contrac actors. b
Lantry & Sons, of Strong City. Kas.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
NEARLY FREE TRADE.
House Passes Bill Lowering
Tariff on Philippine Goods.

Washington, Dec. 19-The house has
passed the bill to reduce the duties on the
products of the Philippine islands coming
into the United States from rs per cent Of
the Dingley rate (the present duty) to %
per cent of those rates.
The discussion was accompanied by con-
siderable maneuvering on the Democratic
side to secure test votes IN various
amendments designed to lower the tariff
barrier stin further, and record vote WAS
forced on a motion to recommft with in
structions to report a bill providing fer
absolute free trade with the islands. Tne
division on this proposition was on party
lines with the exception of Mr. Mccall
fRep. Mass.), who voted with the Demo-
Gratis.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
STABBED TO DEATH.
A Young Engineer Meets Death
from Brother Craftsman.

ST. Louis, Dec 19-J W. Barringer.
Jr., aged q, a civil engineer in the en-
ploy of the ST. Louis. Memphis & South
eastern railway was stabbed to death
today by S. NJ Morton. in the Granite
building. No motive is known for the
deed. Morton, who is elso a civil e-=i
neer, but at present out of employment
was arrested and taken to the Chest
nut street station. There he took a
dose of poison from which he was given
relief at the city disoensary. Deceased
was the son OF prominent army off,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
CHARGED OF TREASON.
Grand Jury Finds True Bill
Against Arthur Lynch, II. P.

London. Dec 19-The grand jury
summoned to consider the indictment
of Colonel Arthur Lynch, member of
parliament. who was arrested June L.
on the charge of high treason in con-
nection with the part he took in the
South African war, where he is alleged
to have commanded the Irish brigade,
returned a true bill today against the
defendant The lord chief justice, Baron
Alverstone in charging the jury re-
marked that it was sixty-two years
since q grand jury had to deal with
such a charge. which was the highest
crime known in law. Colonel Lynchss
trial at the bar is expected to begin
January 20.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
WEATHER IS WARMER.
Streets and Roads Are Covered With
SluSh

It has been thawing steadily for nearly "a
hours and the streets are covered with
thin slush and still it continues to grow
warmer. The weather ra&n says it will
cool off a little tonight and may be rain
or snow a little in the eastern portion of
the state. Saturday is slated Ior a fair
day and slightly colder.
The lowest temperatures in the United
States yesterday were at Huron S. D.,
where it reached zero. At Salt Lake City
it showed yesterday, but was very clear
everywhere else. At the Topeka weather
station today the temperature was rising
at the rate OF about one degree an hour,
and the wind was blowing from the south
at a l2-rnile clip.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
MILLS STORE NEWS.
New
Waistings

are just received by express.
Among them are Corduroy
white and cardinal.
Cream Woods in AIbdtros,
Bedford Cord, Serge = two
widths and other desirable
weaves.
Some mezs thin Black Goods
some all wool-otfers part
silk-all the wanted fabrics.
Tomorrow is the day to re-
plenish the wardrobe with
Hosiery, U,tder7cedr and Cloves.
We are prepared, are you?
Our tea room will be open
from a. m. to 5 P. m.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
BEATS TURKEYS.
Wells Fargo Company Gives 5000
Employees 10 Per Cent Raise.

Manager R. A. Wells. of the Central
department of the Wells. Fargo & Co
express has been informed from the
presidents office in san Francisco of an
advance of 10 per cent in the pay OF
employees in his department. The head
quarters of the central department is
in Kansas City, and all OF the 5000 peo.
pie in the department are affected by
the order. The increase is effective from
December /
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
a Favorable Report Ordered.

Washington, Dec. 19.-The house COM
nittee on interstate commerce today or
dered favorable report on the depart
ment of commerce bill, The vote on re-
porting it stood to 3. The provision
for including the bureau of labor in the
rev department was retained on tie
vote.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19

l11S11 SOIOIdl support
Representative Reeder has introduced
bill to amend the act of congress by
which Fort Hays reservation was
as to permit the state to erect school
buildings outside the reservation, and
near the town of Hays. The original
act granting the reservation to the state
provides that the state shall maintain
the school on the site of the reservation,
but experience has proven that this is
impracticable, on account of the dis
tanee from the town of Hays to the
only available building site on the reser-
walton. 1t has been found that the
growth of the school has been retarded
because of this handicap, as the stu
dents object to the long walk from
Hays to the school campus distance
of one and a half or two miles. 1t is
generally inaccessible, and in view of
this fact the regents have decided to
ask congress to authorize them to erect
the new buildings which are contem.
plated near Hays, and thus obviate the
difficulty. 1t is not believed that con-
gress will object to this request, which
is reasonable one, and the desired per-
mission probably will be granted.
The only government publication ever
translated into a foreign language was
written by Kansan- The book Oh
The Angora Goat" written by George
F. Thompson of Manhattan, editor OF
the Bureau of Animal Industry, has lust
been translated into German and pub
lished at Berlin. The translation was
made by Captain Won Posen an officer
in the German army.
Representative jackson has written his
friends in Washington that he will be mere
about January 1. He has taken apartments
at the Driscoll
s. G. Pottle of FL Dorado has returned
to Kansas He spent several days in Phil
adelphia, where he was a witness for the
government in an internal revenue case.
0. L. Benton and wife of Oberlin spent
several days in Washington this week on
their way home from New York and Phil
adelphia They were presented to the pres
ident by Representative Scott.
John Bridewell of Baldwin is here.
Representative Scott has been invited to
address the National Live Stock assoeia-
ton which meets in Kansas City from
the 18th to the 10Th of January. He has
not decided whether he will accept the in
vitation.
Otto Eckstein of Wichita is here He
was called to Baltimore legal bust
ness and stopped off at Washington for a
visit with his mother and brothers
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19

Chicago. Dec. 1a.-Forecast for Kan
sas: Threatening and colder tonight.
with POSSIBLY rain or snow in east por
ton; Saturday fair with colder in eas.
portion: south shifting to west winds.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
Nearly 1000 Killed.

London. Dec ia special dispatch
from st. Petersburg says nearly LEGO
persons were killed by the earthquake
December 16. at Andijan, Russian Cen
trail Asia They were mostly native
Turcomans.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
Temperatures of Large Cities

Chicago, Dec. 19.-7 a. m. temDera-
lures: New York. 30; Boston, 81: Phila-
delphia %; Washington. %; Chicago.
"a; Minneapolis, Il. Cincinnati SO: St.
Louis. H.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19

The members Of the Kansas delegation
IN congress are, of course giving the bill
their cordial support.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19

(continued on Page six.))
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19

There will be a strong effort to pass
more stringent game laws the coming
winter. One of the provisions viii prob
ably be to prohibit the slaughter Of
quail and prairie chickens for three or
four years. Another provision will D-
to prohibit outsiders from coming into
Kansas and killing off game.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-11-22
WHILE MANY LOOKED ON
Lewis Academy Young Man Rescued
Football

1t required the combined efforts Of the
greater part of the faculty and three
fourths Of the students Of Lewis Acade-
my to remove football from the roof OF
the academy building yesterday after
noon. That is about three persons did
the work and the balance of the crowd
stood around and looked on and offered
free advice as to the best methods 10
accomplish the desired end. Last
wednesday morning q football belong
ing to Searle Hendee was kicked TO the
roof Of the building by Sheldon Freeman
Both these boys are IN the intermediate
grades This was an awful predicament
The youngsters did not have a football
TO play with and councils OF war. confabs
and pow-wows were held and many plans
preached for getting the football down
1t rested on the shady side Of Of a big
chimney. The boys threw stones and
sticks at the ball. Some hit the chimney.
some windows and some did not touch
the building.
Yesterday some of the big boys procured
a ladder II was Of the extension kind
and after being strung out about its en-
tire length was set up against the build
ing ! II was two feet too short. II was
extended farther and Virgil Reese was
able to knock the ball down with the aid
of a heavy wire mighty cheer broke
forth from the assembled throng As the
ball came tumbliEg down and Mr. Reese
was the recipient Of hearty conEratula-
lions from the ladies who watched him
watched him climb a forty foot extension
ladder