davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
Worden-Cavc.

On Christmas eye, 1902, at the resi-
dence of Mr.. and Mrs. 9. h. Riley, in
Decatur City at E p. IN. occurred the
marriage of Mr. Arthur Worden and
Miss Lucy Cave, the ceremony being
performed by Justice G. Il. Riley.
70 the sweet strains of the bridal
march from Lohengrin, played by Miss
Pearl +. Riley, the couple entered the
parlor where under a beautiful ever
green arch they were united for life.
MIR. Roy Cave acted as best man and
Miss Pearl Riley as maid of honor. The
bride wore handsome gown of dove
colored cloth with trimmings of white
silk and applique. After the ceremony
the bridal party went to the Christmas
exercises and upon returning were sur.
prised to find that dainty wedding
supper he'd been prepared by the host
ess, Mrs. Riley.
Lucy is the eldest daughter Of Mr..
and Mfs. Edgar Cave, and Mr.. Worden
is prosperous young farmer residing
near Weldon. The happy couple will
reside in Leon until March lst when
they will remove 20 their farm near
Weldon. We extend congratulations.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
Sane. Old Thing.

A rural correspondent of a Hamilton
county paper recently sent in the fol
owing as her weeks contribution:
There's nothing to relate
Things are moving same old rate,
Same old getting up and down,
Same old teakettle putting on,
Same old WORK, same old way,
Same old cooking three times day, !.
Same old dishes all to wash,
Same old pie Hubbard squash),
Same old baking ginger cake,
Same old husking mittens to make.
Same old washing and ironing to do,
Same old scrub and churning, too,
Same old baking bread-a batch.
Same old pair Of pants to patch,
Same old conbing frizzy head,
Same old tumbling iato bed.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
ROMANCE OF j. W. MCCONNELL.
Actor who has Frequently Appear.
ed in Leon was first Husband
of Laura Biggar.

James Willis Mcdonnell, the man who
few weeks ago hurried from little
Wisconsin town to Freehold, N. j., and
gave testimony in the case of the state
against Laura Bggar which was chiefly
instrumental in securing her acquittal of
the crime Of conspiracy to defraud the
estate of the late Henry M. Bennett,
millionaire, is an actor who toured
through Iowa each season during the
past five years with the VIM. Owen Co.,
|appearing several times in Leon and Is
warm fayorite with our theatre goers.
1t was in the Grand opera house in
New York that Mcconnell first met the
demure little Laura Biggar, then a girl
in her teens, fresh from her home in
Wilmington, Del. They were playing
"Called Back" and Miss Bggar in the
juvenile role sang" Call Me Back Again"
which being suitable to the motive of the
play, had been interpolated for effect.
The song and the words and the sweet
girlish voice of the singer crept into
McConnell's heart. He fell in love with
her and in 1889 they were married in
Winnipeg. Later they separated and
played in different companies. Miss
Biggar became imbued with the idea
that Mcconnell did not love her, an es.
arrangement followed and Laura secured
divorce.
After the divorce Mcconnell came
west to JOIN the young Shakespearian
actor, William Owen, and since then has
continued to play in this section of the
country. Laura continued in the east.
where her child was born. Afterwards
she married Bennett secretly and Nc.
Connell went to her home to claim his
child. 1t was during this visit that Nc.
Connell had the conversation with Ben
nett, his testifying to which cleared
Laura Biggar of the charge of conspiracy
and her name of the imputation that
she had been living with man to whom
she was not married.
Bennett told Mcdonnell of the secret
marriage and advised him that his es-
arrangement from Laura was complete.
Mcconnell took the child and went
west where he continued TO appear as a
member Of William Ovens company.
One night while the company was
playing in a little town in Wisconsin
Mcconnell received a telegram from his
former wife. She besought him if he
remembered the conversation with Ben
nett to hurry to Freehold and save her
lfrom prison. The words of the message
| touched McConnell's heart. His mem.
ory turned back to days when they had
played "Galled Back toget her and he
seemed to hear Lanra Biggar's girlish
voice singing "Call Me Back Again.
The next day found him hurrying back
to the east where he appeared dramatic.
ally testified in behalf of the woman he
had once loved.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
OTHER FEATURES OF STATISTICS.

The statistics are unusually complete
this year and Tor the first time in the
history of the state show the number of
children between the ages of and IA
years. These figures have been obtain
ed under the compulsory education law.
They show there are about $4,000 more
children between the age of and IA
than the average of daily school at
tendance.
The figures on the number of volumes
in school libraries are gratifying. In
1900 there were 334 300 volumes. In
1901 there were over 100000 more,
bringing the total to 554 lilo.
AS to teachers wages, it is shown the
compensation for male teachers increas-
ell from $4l.53 per month in 1901 to
$45.66 in 1902, while the pay for female
teachers decreased from S3O6S in 1901
to $30.l7 in 1902. This is the lowest
since 1896.
The statistics show a marked decrease
in the number of teachers enrolled in
normal institutes. both male and female.
The total paid to teachers in the state
has been steadily increasing in Iowa
since 1896, when it was $5,2O5, ,2S7. In
1902, as shown by the census, it was
Sc, 1881 ,652.
The total expended on the schools
has increased from $s, ,271 $50 in 1896 to
So, ,556, 1870 in 1902.
The report shows the whole number
of school corporations is 4,937, against
4 1857 in 1899.
GROWTH IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
A steady growth in private schools is
shown. The following are comparative
figures, showing the number of private
schools reported, the teachers employed,
the attendance and the number of
graduates:
1899 1900 1901 1902
Number 244 250 231 267
Teachers l,457 1,655 l.65s 1873
Students 81. .799 43,Ol2 43,7l5 49, 1859
Grad 2,52o 2,seS 2,7l6 $500
Il HIGH SCHOOLS IN IIEALTfiy 3 hoNDfTIoN.
The statistics make good showing
for the high schools Of the state. The
total enrolment for October 10, 1902,
was 2l,692 which is more than the en-
tire enrolment of 1901. There were,
October 10, 3,0S3 pupils enrolled in the
graduating classes, which is 200 more
than the total number who graduated
at the close of the last school year.
| 1t is shown that districts in thirty
two counties of the state have awaited
themselves of the law providing for free
text books.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
Alden Benedict's new attraction
'Thelma".

y = s :
Marie Corelli's novel ..Thelma," which
has been dramatized by Chas. w. Chase
the we'll known writer, will be produced
at Van Werden's.o opera house on satur-
day evening Jan. 3 by Alden Benedict's
carefully selected company. ssThelma'
is amost interesting and realistic drama;
tie electrical snow storm which is intro.
duced in the fourth act is q wonderfully
realistic novelty, never before produced
upon any stage and has been praised by
all the leading managers Of America.
Pneumonia and La6rippe.
Coughs curei quickly bv Foley's
Honey and Tar. Refuse substitutes.
| e. VsnWerden.
]. 3. Bashaw's stock Of fancy china
lamps, etc, is very complete for Tho
holidays.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
T NEW EVIDENCE.
show that Hunter was

piqued because he had reason to believe
that Holland was going to use the 500
in making trip to Leon to see his fan
ace, Miss Bowman, ofs whom Hunter also
was enamored. This evidence was given
anishoe grand jury but was not used
- Ya.rial, serving its chief purpose as
.massrial for sensational newspaper
stories.
EAss CANNOT BE FIRST DEGREE.
~ Although Hunter will be retired un-
!ler.the original indictment for murder
tiM the first degree, he cannot, according
TO Iowa law, be convicted Of higher
degree of the crime than that of which
he was first convicted, namely, murder
lin the second degree.
\ PENlTEsTIARY OR JAIL?
"A point on which there is difference
I Of opinion is as to where Hunter will
1 stay pending the new trial. His attor-
1neys think that in natural course he
will be brought back to the Ringgold
county. Jail. The states attorneys, on
the other hand, incline to the belief that
| an order u court will be needed to
Spring him back, and that if the county
vsuthorities regard the penitentiary as
afaiand less expensive place Of deten-
ion than the jail they can have him
iept there. II is hardly expected that
e will be bailed out, though since July
of this year bail has been permissible
u Iowa tor persons convicted of second
bgree murder. In the DR.. Croford
)se the bail bond was fixed at $4,000.
|nder all the circumstances Hunter 8
pnd could hardly be less, and might be
uch more. He has no wealthy rela-
Hes or friends, so far as known, to
halify for such large sum.
BIG COURT COSTS.
trhe expense of the Hunter case is
lelrsto reach round sum before the
er is finished. The first trial COS,
81, 600. The second will hardly
huch less, and may cost more if q
II se q venue is tskaa.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01

the reversal is: "Wlll
srs ask a change of
as been the general ex-
they would, as public
without doubt largely
ter at the time of his
now claimed that his
sentiment is more favor
e, and will be willing to
in here. Upon their in
lis line, however, Henry
erving a discreet silence.
tie doubt that the selec-
ere would be a difficult
was one of the most
wa in recent years and
ggold county there was
esire to secure informa-
,veryone expects that a
will be asked.
FORE JUICE TowNER.
doubt that the new trial
udge Towner instead of
The defense had nu-
with Judge Parrish, and
nave secured a reversal
they will be disposed to
he same road together.
likely to have any OBJ
ge Tswner. This means
illft tried in Ringgold
tina 4 from the February
-Ea
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01

attendance has grown from 373,547 in
1901 to 374 ,1O3 in 1902 l attribute this
partly to the unusual efforts of the
county uperintendents to secure regu.
lar attendance. In many districts
prizes have been offered for regular at
tendance, and this has had good
effect,''
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
HUNTERS NEW TRIAL,
Some Interesting Comments in Re-
gard to the Next Trial
of the Case.
The Mt. Ayr News has the following
comments on the granting of new trial
to Matt Hunter, the murderer Of Homer
Holland:
CHANGE OF VENUE?
upon hoo

The first question asked by everyone
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
RS WERE CONFIDENT.
.eys were from the first
bnt of winning their

ent of winning their
preme court, relying
,ent of the law points
eSare naturally gratified
r..on of their judgment.
Miles says the firms en-
.nter will now fight the
tmost vigor. relying up-
Of self defense to clear
,ounty Attorney Fuller,
I, states that the prose-
prepared than before to
guilty of cold -bloo'!ed
at technical legal errors
supreme court will not
of evidence which was
to induce a majority Of
men to vote for a verdict
ne first degree.
T NEW EVIDENCE.
Mt at new evidence held
ve", and especially to
testimony from wit
used. 1t is possible that
will enlarge its line of
motive by introducing
wman and Lulu Craigo
show that Hunter was
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01

sher the auction at opera
pay afternoon and night.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1903-01-01
LESS SCHOOL CHILDREN.
Census Shows a Falling Off of 7 900
From a Year Ago.

A decline in the number of children
of school age in Iowa is the remarkable
showing made by the school census for
the year ending the third Monday in
September, 1902. The general summary
of school statistics as compiled from
this years school census has been made
public by uperintendent Barrett and it
shows there are nearly 1000 fewer chill
dren of school age in the state than
there were year ago. In 1901 the
number of children between and 81
years was 1856, ,159. This year it is 72s,.
$40.
The following comparative figures are
taken with comparisons from the gen
eral summary of school statistics as
compiled in Mr.. Barrett's office:
The Washington times., 1903-01-04

engaged in an effort to properly pay
tribute. although long deferred. TO the
character and deeds Of the third Presi-
dent
Much surprise has been expressed al
the absence Of an appropriate memorial
TO the author of the Declaration of
Independence at The National Capital
Not only is such tribute absent here.
but none exists elsewhere in the Re
public Some persons may question this
rather broad statement, but it is. never
theIess. a fact.
Jefferson has been honored by several
states as the organizer OF a great po-
Hticsl party. and TWO rather unpre-
tentioas statues ornament the Capitol
building here but never has a memorial
been proposed to. Berpetaate his memory
as the author Of the Declaration Of
Independence until now. 1T VIII honor
him as such author only. and it is not
surprising that influential men of all Pc
HucaI opinions are enthusiastically sup
porting the efforts Of this uewIy-organ-
Ized and patriotic movement, which took
on Hfe in this city april - last. at a
dinner party in celebration Of the one
hundred and ffty-nfnth birthday ami
versary OF Thomas Jefferson.
Tardy Justice to a Patriot.
GOV R M LaFoUette, Of Wisconsin.
writes TO the officers Of the Memorial
Association as follows.
such an enterprise surely invites the
approval Of every patriotic citizen. and
the absence of such memorial from
the Capital OF this great Republic should
be all the argument required to justify
any reputable organization designed to
insure this tardy jus1- % The memory
Of patriot and state-han. whose mas
ter mind gave form and expression Of
The Washington times., 1903-01-04

no doubt viii. find hearty response from
every citizen Of the National Capital,
for it brings to mind a fact known 20
many. but at the same time one that VIII
be news TO many more. He writes as
follows:
1T is, in my opinion, most aDpropri e.
ate that a fitting tribute to the memory
Of Thomas Jefferson should be erected in
the Capital City of he Republic. at
whose birth he performed so important
a function"
Permanent Seat o. Government
Thomas. Jefferson took great interest
in the question Of the permanent seat of
the government It was but IL short
time after the meeting of the First
Congress under the Constitution, in
I7s9. that petitions began to flow in,
praying for the settlement of The ques-
ton. After many exciting debates, and
the adoption Of numerous measures. the
very union Of the States being N dan
ger Of disruption, it was Jefferson, dur
ing the session Of Congress in 1880.
who. foreseeing the dark cloud threat
ening the harmony of the States, boldly
took part that viii be memorable in
the annals Of Congress and ever eudoar
him 10 our people. In reference to this
question of the permanent seat Of gov
ernment jefferson wrote:
Il proposed to Hamilton to dine with
me, and I would invite another friend
or two and bring them in conference to-
gether. and / thought it impossible that
reasonable men, consulting together
coolIy. could fail, by some mutual sacrI-
fees of opinion, to form compromise
which was to save the Union, The
discussion took place. It was finally
agreed that, whatever Importance had
been attached to the rejecting Of the
funding proposition, the preservation OF
The Washington times., 1903-01-04
By W. S. McKEAN,

NJ .ss'sss2. s.. o. H.. +: Il, s:s s.:.. :...: hi: i
of the Republic cannot be
written without attributing to him large
influence in its formation and growth.
without distinction of party patriotic
Americans Of all views on questions Of
the past should be glad to aid in the
erection at the National Capital Of a
suitable memorial to the author Of the
Declaration of independence"
The foregoing is from the pen OF one
Of the best known citizens Of an Eastern
State. recently written in accepting a
vice presidency Of the Thomas Jefferson
Memorial Association of the United
States. and this extract is fair sample
Of the scores Of letters of approval OF
the project to erect in this city the
proDosed memorial referred to
No movement Of like character has
ever met with greater favor at so carry
q stage in its history The number and
character Of the men who are associated
with the Thomas jefferson Memorial As
sociation surpasses even the movement
which eliminated in the erection Of the
grand and lofty tribute to George Wash
ington. The varied experiences and DIFF
fculties of the Washington National
Monument Society viii be valuable les
sons and guides to those who are now
The Washington times., 1903-01-04

But It was observed that this pill
would be peculiarly bitter to the South
ern States. and that some concomitaat
measure should be adopted to sweeten
it little TO them There had oeen he
fore propositions to fix the seat Of gov
ernment either at Philadelphia or at
Georgetown on the Potomac. and it
was thought that by giving it to Phila-
deIphia for ten years and to George
town permanently afterward this might
act as an anodyne, and calm in some
measure the ferment which iAight be
excited by the other measure alone. So
Two Of the Potomac members agreed to
change their votes. and Hamilton un-
dertook to carry out the other part
IN doing this the influence he had es-
tabIished over the Eastern members
effected his side of the engagement
and so the Assumption was passed
Thus the two measures which had dis
turbed the harmony of the young Re
public, and threatened the continuance
Of the Union Of the States. we're dis
posed Of satisfactorily by the sagacious
plan of jefferson. who had always been
in favor Of the establishment Of the
permanent Capital on the Potomac
Did Much for Washington.
jefferson did much while President in
the Improvement Of Washington, and
aided very materially in its progress
The Washington times., 1903-01-04

law to those principles upon which the
rights of mankind are established under
a free government"
a very important and commendabIe
determination was reached by the asso-
citation at its organization-that no ap-
peal should be made to Congress for
financial assistance. as has been fre-
quentIy the case in the erection of tri-
hutes to others. This action meets with
great favor. and viii, no doubt, aid ma
teriaIIy in progressing the movement
A Tribute From the People.
Gov. 4. T. Bliss, of Michigan, ex-
presses the sentiment of many upon this
point. He writes;
The project to erect a memorial to
Thomas Jefferson is one which I am sure
will find instant response in the hearts
of the American people The associa-
ton does well to depend upon the peo-
pie Of the country instead of making ap-
plicauon TO Congress for an aDpropria-
tion. for Jeferson's work was for the
people rather than for the Govern
ment"
United States Senator Thomas R. Bard
| of California, in his letter approving the
objects Of the memorial association,
expresses an opinion hat should, and
The Washington times., 1903-01-04

\ Movement Which Prom
ises to Atone for the Neg
Iect Of a Century Men OF
A1Po1itica1 Parties IndorSe
the Plan-No Monument
IN the United States to the
Great Virginian as Author
Of the Declaration Of Inde-
pendence - Congress VIII
Not Be Asked for Aid.
The Washington times., 1903-01-04

by procuring appropriations for the
erection Of public buildings. He en-
courageC all Improvements projected
during his Administration. and caused
he opening w Of Pennsylvania Avenue
and the planting OF trees along. the side
walks.
The memorial association is now com
pIete in its Organization, every State and
Territory and tbs District of Columbia
being represented by a vice president.
some also being represented on the
board Of governors. this being the ae-
tive controlling body Of the organfza-
ton Every officer Of the association
has formally accepted by letter. all en-
Enthusiastically approving. its object and
predicting success.
Character OF the Memorial.
Although the character of the pro-
posed memorial has not yet been dis
cuEsed by the board of governors. it is
probable that the subject viii soon be
taken up and decided upon The con
seHsus Of opinion seems to be. how
ever. that the tribute should be a build
ms OF some proportion; but any me-
mortal to Jefferson must be wrought on
lines as absolutely pure as possible. so
FAR as architecture at least is concerned,
for he vas. in addition to all else. per
The Washington times., 1903-01-04
y Stories Uolo Of People lQou Rnow -

w s Gently n.y. .: :. .s s.. :: s.ss :. he u S:s: S:e
Stevenson. Low and Steven
son were great friends in their youth
their friendship, indeed, continued up to
the time of the writer's death.
Louis" said the artist, was no less
diplomatic than brave. He could be
fiery. and he could also be gracious and
pacific One night, remember, we sat
in a garden in Montmartre. The rel
wine had been flowing pretty freely, and
one Of our party had gotten heated and
aggressive
Finally some one said a thing that
this fighting chap disliked. He, as soon
as the words were spoken. grabbed up
bottle and hurled it at the other S
head. It was a strong, true shot. and
would have hit the bulls eye had not
Stevenson sprung to his feet and. with
that singular grace and deEteTity OF his,
caught the missile In mid-atr.
Tut, tut. George ne said to the
throwcr, tut. tut. If he bottle is
passed so quickly, none of US will be
able to stand out the evening.
The Washington times., 1903-01-04
MONTICELLO.

the Union and of concord among the
States was more important, and that
therefore it would be better that TIE
vote Of election should be rescinded,
to effect which some members should
change their votes.
The Washington times., 1903-01-04

TINE Countess de Castellane, who Is
now visiting ner native land, in
/ herited from Jay Gould. her
father. an aversion to drunken
ness. The countess often argues on the
drink evil championing teetotalism al
ways. It is one Of the desires OF her lii9
that her sons grow up to be total ab-
stainers.
A dissipated young man once said,
with a smile, to the young countess:
Would you call a man a drunkard who
only got drunk now and them
She replied.
Would you call man a thief who
only picked pockets now and then?"
The Washington times., 1903-01-04

NK RS. LANGTRY was discussing in
M New York the other day the
L ' L recent marriage of the octoge-
marian Marquis of Donegal to q
young Canadian girl She said It re
minded her of an Incident in the life OF
her father.
Her father was q clergyman, and there