davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
PRESIDENTS PROCLAMATION.
Declares Treaty With Cuba to Be e.
fective In Ten DAYS.

Washington, Dec. 18.-The formal
proclamation of the president an
nouncing the final confirmation Of the
reciprocity with Cuba. was issued yes
terday afternoon. 1t sets forth In de
tail the negotiations, the final signing
by the plenipotentiaries, its reference
to the senate and the confirmation by
the latter body, and adds:
And whereas. satisfactory evidence
has been received that the republic of
Cuba has made provision TO give full
effect to the articles of the said con
vention
Now. be 1t known that |, Theodore
Roosevelt, president of the United
States of America, in conformity with
the said act of congress, do hereby
delare and proclaim the said conven-
ton, as amended by the senate of the
United States, to be in effect on the
tenth day from the date of this. my
proclamation.
Wherefore I have caused the said
convention, as amended by the senate
of the United States, to be made pub
lie to the end that the same and every
clause thereof. as amended, may be
observed and fulfilled with good faith
by the United States and the citizens
thereof.
I'm testimony whereof, | have here
unto set my hand and caused the seal
of the United States of America to'be
Affixed"
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
LAND sWINDLER SENTENCED.
Former Iowa Man, William McAlpin,
Gets Two Years In Prison.

Whittemore, Dec. 18.--Word Just
received from Colombus, Ohio, an
nounces the sentence Of Wilbur Nc
Alpin of this city, well known real
estate man and stock fancier, to two
years in the penitentiary for using the
United States mails for the purpose of
fraud. In addition to the sentence
McAlpin Is fined 500 and costs.
Twelve others. implicated in a cele-
brated Tennessee land swindle, re-
ceived similar sentences and fines.
McAlpin was indicted by the fed.
eral grand jury at Fort Dodge. north
ern district of Iowa, about six months
ago. His implication in the case was
discovered by DR.. Stewart of Iowa
City, postoffice inspector, who visited
this place to interview McAlpin, and
was informed by the latter that he
was in the employ of John A. Cobb of
cambridge, o. 1t was through the
report of Inspector Stewart the gov
eminent began its investigation, and
unearthed one OF the most gigantic
land swindles ever attempted in the
country.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
WOULD CHANGE PENAL LAW.
State Board Of Control, Suggests
Many important Innovations.

stare 6osru OF Controi, Suggests
Many important innovations.
Des Moines, Dec. 17.--Revision of
the criminal laws of Iowa is force
fully suggested for the consideration
of the coming general assembly by
the state board of control, through
paper read by Judge G. s. Robinson,
one of the three members of the
board, at the quarterly conference Of
superintendent today. The following
summary embodies the recommends
tons in the briefest possible form:
1-State inspection of city and coun-
try prisons.
2-Juvenile court with large discre-
tionary power.
3-State reformatory for males un.
der 80 and women under 25.
4--Power to suspend sentence when
for less than two years.
5-Indeterminate sentences for all
but life prisoners.
6--Creation of a parole and prison
board.
7-Supervision of the paroled Grim
inal and furnishing him employment
Judge Robinson entitled his paper
Punishment and Reformation" 1t
was most carefully prepared, and was
warmly approved by his confreres on
the board, Hon. John Cownie and
Judge l.. G. Kline. He goes into de-
tail to show that the present Iowa
statutes are lame and defective, and
in many respects behind the times.
He earnestly urges that the legisla-
ture adopt an indeterminate sentence
law and create a special board for pa
roles and pardons. These are the
most important and radical changes
suggested, although the recommends
ton for juvenile courts and for state
reformatories, IL adopted, would con-
stitute an important innovation
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24

coLFAx BANK ALL RIGHT.
Face Value Of Assets Exceeds Liabili-
ties $4,000.

Des Moines. Dec. 1S.-If the bills
receivable which, on their face, should
yield $76.G71.4l, are all paid, the bank
OF Colfax will be able to meet all OBJ
legations and nave $4,000 left.
w. 0. McElroy of Newton, who was
appointed receiver Immediately follow
ing the suicide of George ID. Wood,
the cashier, has issued statement
setting forth the condition of the bank
as shown by the books. He recon-
mends the sale OF the banks real
property, which should yield a rev
enue of $4,000.
At the time of Mr.. Woods suicide,
the bank had over $4,000 cash on hand,
and the depositors had accounts sub
ject to check amounting to $I59,s3S.
One item of the assets is $37,357 in
overdrafts, which amount represents
their face value, and is also assumed
to be collectable. The receiver states
that collections and interest will swell
the assets, but that there will be a
shrinkage through incollectable bills
receivable and oyerdrafts.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
MAKING LAST PREPARATIONS.
island Empire viii Not Be Caught
Asleep In Event of War.

Paris, Dec. 21.--A private letter re-
ceived here from a leading American
diplomatic official In Japan says that
while there are continued hopes of
peace the government Is making final
preparations for the eyentuality of
war. Preparations in the various
branches of the army and navy are
proceeding with the utmost, energy.
The whole military establishment is
being placed in readiness for an ag-
gressive campaign from the outset.
Russia has made another move to-
ward avoiding a rupture with Japan,
and there Is reason to believe 1t will
be followed In few days by the sub
mission of a second proposition, tend
ing to ameliOrate the present strained
situation. The action already taken
consists In giving assurances that the
first proposition, which the car ap-
proved, was not in any sense an ult-
matum or sine qua non, but was a
preliminary step tending towards a
pacific adjustment. This declaration
is considered by the officials here as
removing one OF the most dangerous
aspects Of the situation, as 1t had been
asserted that Russia's proposition was
practically an ultimatum, which on be-
ing rejected by Japan made rup-
ture certain.
Toxic, Dec. 21.--Japan's answer to
Russia has not yet been sent, owing
to the indisposition of the Russian
minister, Baron de Rosen, and 1t will
probably be delayed for day or two
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
IOWA MAINTAINS RECORD
Secretary Wilson's View Of Crops is
Optimistic In Extreme.

Chicago, Dec. 2l.-Secretary Wilson
Of the agricultural department saws
that Iowa will produce this year 221,-
100000 bushels of corn, the second
largest production in the United
States; that the state stands first In
the production OF oats and second in
hay; 100000 tons on 100000 acres.
The total area under the principal
crops during the past year was nearly
100000 acres, and the total value
Of live stock on farms about $276 ,000,-
900. Notwithstanding the somewhat
poor season of last year, the farmers
are everywhere in prosperous condi-
ton.
The Chicago G. Northwestern rail.
way obtained statements from Gov
ernor Cummins and others prominent
In Iowa confrmatory of the state
ments of Secretary Wilson.
"The percentage Of the entire area
of the state that can be pro1tably
used for agricultural purposes" said
Governor Cummins, "far exceeds that
of any other state in the union-near-
ly 100000 acres, with total value
OF soil products for the year estimated
at s230,000,000, and live stock $780,
100000. IT necessarily follows that
the people of the state are prosper
Gus, happy and contented"
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
HOUSE CLEANING
At WASHINGTON
Said a Number of Employees
ofinterior Department
Face Arrest.

Washington, Dec. 19.--It Is said
that the arrest Of John A. Benson,
wealthy San Francisco real estate OPP
orator. who was placed in custody
here yesterday on charge OF bribery,
is only the forerunner of a series of
arrests of persons at present employed
in the interior department in Wash
ington and elsewhere. Some Of the
employees who are not arrested may
be dismissed from the service.
The statement has been made that
Secretary Hitchcock and the special
attorneys have considered II absolute
~ necessary to the successful working
out of the case that no action be taken
with reference to any other of the
alleged offenders until the principals
in the case have been apprehended.
Mr.. Benson is charged by the inter.
ior department with being the head
Of the alleged land frauds extending
over dozen western states and ter
ritories. to Yhih Secretary Hitchcock
referred vigorously and at length in
his annual report. He was arrested
by Secret Service Officer Burns, just
as he was preparing to leave the city
for New York.
The specific charge on which the ar
rest was made was bribery, 1t being
alleged in the affidavit of Mr.. Burns
and in the warrant that Benson had
paid $500 to Woodford d. Harlan, for
merly chief of the special service di.
vision of the general land office, and
now a clerk in that Office, on March
is OF this year. for the purpose of ex-
tracing from him information regard
ing the investigation of his operations
at that tine being made by the land
Office. Mr.. Benson asked to have a
preliminary hearing of his case post.
poned. and the date for such hearing
was fixed for December 80. He gave
bail for his appearance on that date.
The government attorneys, Mr.. Ar
thur B. Pugh, who has been the spe-
ial attorney for the interior depart
ment on the land frauds, and Mr.. OIL
yer Pagin, assistant attorney OF the
department of justice, who has also
been employed on the case, stated In
asking for large bail bond for Ben
son that he had been guilty of bribery
during his present visit to Washing
ton, Notwithstanding that he was fully
aware that his connection with the
alleged frauds was fully known by the
department. The statement was
made later that Secretary Hitchcock
was so incensed at the 6agrancy of
this alleged offense that he told the
officers Is that Benson came to Wash
once, although 1t had not been plan
ned to apprehend him at present.
Another assertion of the government
offers is that Benson anne to Wash
ington in answer to deeoy letters and
with the intention Of bribing people in
the land Office. who were in reality act
ing for the secret service.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
DIETRICH INDICTED AGAIN.
Omaha Grand Jury Keeps Up Its Rec
ord BY Sensational Findnus,

Omaha, Neb., Dec. 1S.--The United
States grand jury yesterday made its
report to the court, returning nineteen
true bills. These include indictments
against United States Senator Charles
H. Dietrich for alleged illegal leasing
of building at Hastings. Neb.. to the
government to be used as a postofiice;
Former Adjutant General Leonard w.
Colby, for the alleged embezzlement
of government funds; Daniel Gaines
of Bassetr, Neb., for alleged perjury
in swearing falsely to homestead en-.
tries; Former State Senator Elliott
Lowe, for alleged conspiracy to bribe
United States senator; Postmaster
John s. Mitchell Of Alma. Neb.. charg.
ing him with Illegal sale Of postage
stamps; VIM M. Irwin, on a charge
of acting as agent for Mitchell, and
against r. M. Allen, president OF the
Standard Cattle company, for the al
legged fencing of government lands.
The other indictments were similar
to that against Allen, but do not in
volve extensive tracts of land.
The jury reported it had further
matters under consideration.
The indictments against Senator
Dietrich and State Senator Lowe are
in addition to those returned against
them week ago.
The Indictment against Senator
Dietrich charges that he leased to the
government ON April "a, 1901, build.
ing at Hastings, Neb.. to be used for
Spostofice, at an annual rental of
$1,000. There is one count, which
covers the amount received for rental
on the building from the date OF III
lease by the government up to the
present time. equal to a sum slightly
in excess of $4,000.
The indictment against former State
Senator Lowe charges him with alleg-
ed conspiracy to bride United States
senator. Two counts, each of $500,
are named in the bill. IL Is charged
that these amounts were paid to Lowe
by Postmaster John C.,Mitchell In con-
sideratlon of loves Endorsement of
Mitcheli's candidacy to Senator Diet
rich for the appointment as postmaster
at Alma
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
WAR CLOUDS HOVER CLOSER.
Japan and Russia Draw Nearer the
Brink Of the Death Grapple.

Bizerta, Tunis, Dec. 19.--The Rus
sian naval forces now anchored here,
consisting Of battleship, the armored
cruiser Dimitrl Donski, of 5,SS2 tons
displacement; the turret ship Oslabya
OF 1855 tons displacement; the cruis-
er Aurora, of $500 tons displacement,
and five torpedo boats. commanded by
Admiral Wirenirs, will be reinforced
in few days by six torpedo boats and
proceed, hence to the far east. The
battleship Emperor Nicholas, having
on board Admiral Mollas, commanding
the Russian naval forces in the Medi-
terranean, will arrive at Piraeus,
Greece, December 20.
st. Petersburg, Dec. IA traveller
who has just returned from Manchuria
says Russian troops are still moving
night and day toward Port Arthur
The opinion here is that the Russo.
Japanese negotiations will proceed. II
is pointed out that there is no reason
WHY Japan, II not satisfied with Rus
sia's reply, should break off negotia.
tons. since the reply Is in no sense an
ultimatum, leaving the way open for
counter proposals. 1t Is suggested as
an expedient in case no agreement can
be reached that an arrangement
might be made to maintain the present
status for number of years.
Seoul. Dec. 19.-The attitude of the
Russians here indicates possible de-
termination to prevent Japan from
gaining foothold in Korea. The radi-
Gals insist that Russia must reach the
sea to insure protection In the future
and argue that Japan in possession Of
Korea would be constant menace.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
WHAT CAUSED HER DEATH,
The Mysterious Demise of Mrs. Charles

The Mysterious Demise Of Mrs. Charles
Woodward of Decatur County.
Des Moines, Dec. 1S.--Awaiting a
chemical analysis OF its contents, the
stomach of Mrs. Charles Woodward,
Of Decatur county. whose death oc-
CURED last Tuesday. is now in the
laboratory Of Professor Charles N.
Kinney, of Drake university.
The stomach was brought here last
night by Dr. H. R. Layton, coroner of
Decatur county, and DIR. A. Brown,
also OF the same county, and placed in
DIR. Kinney's possession.
The whole case appears to be full
of mystery. The autopsy, according
to Coroner Layton's story, revealed
evidences of strychnine poisoning, the
certainty of which will be determined
by the chemical analysis which Pro
fessor Kinney will make at Drake
today.
In connection with the action of the
doctors is strange story of a son dis
inherited by wealthy father in favor
of the sons wife, life insurance
policy and various other incidents,
sufficiently startling to make the set
ting and plot for a Sherlock Holmes
story.
Coroner Layton said: "The woman
was the wife of Charles Woodward,
the son of a farmer supposed to be
worth 100000, and one OF the leading
residents of Decatur county. The
Woodwards live about two miles from
the town of Decatur. Last Tuesday
Charles Woodward and his wife start
ed to drive to the home of Mrs. Wood
wards mother. about eight miles dis
tant On the way Mrs. Woodward was
taken sick and died a short time after
wards at the home of her mother.
Commissions preceded her death,
and it was suspected that she had died
of poison. The coroner, Dr. A. Brown,
and DR.. B. l.. Eiker of Decatur, per-
formed the autopsy, and were of the
opinion that strychnlne was the cause
of the woman's death.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
JAPAN PREPARES FOR WAR.
Noted Statesmen Have Conference
over Situation In East.

London, Dec. 1s.--An intimation
has been received here In official
quarters from Japan that the Russian
draft of the proposed agreement is
not acceptable in its present form,
and that further negotiations on i'm.
portant questions of principle would
be necessary before final settlement
can be reached.
Both the Japanese and British Of
ficials in London. however, maintain
the views they expressed December
IA, that distant step towards peace
has been made. and they remain opti-
mistic in regard to an ultimate speci-
fic settlement.
The situation Is considered grave.
Even the most sober section OF the
Japanese press declares IL is high
time for action. In addition to the
Marquis Ito, Field Marshal Yumagata.
senior field marshal OF the Japanese
army, and former Premier Count
Matsukata. one of the greatest finan.
ciers of modern Japan and twice pre-
mier OF Japan; Count Inouye, former
Japanese ambassador to Korea and
at one time a finance minister of
Japan, and the Marquis Oyama, the
field marshal, who distinguished him.
selfin the war between Japan and
China, were among those who took
part in the conference yesterday. be.
tween the elder statesmen of Japan
and Premier Katsura, the foreign min.
lister and the marine minister, lasting
three hours.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
MUCH INTEREST SHOWN.
IAN lowa-cape Breton Company Gre.
ates Great Interest In State.

ates Great Interest In State.
Des Moines, Dec. 16.--During the
past few weeks much interest has
been shown throughout the state in
an active campaign inaugurated by
the Cape Breton Coal & Iron Co., OF
Des Moines, for the sale of its capital
stock.
1t is understood that the company
own about forty square miles of valu
able coal and iron lands on the Island
of Cape Breton whose vast stores OF
coal and iron and other wealth pro
ducing minerals have recently, ere
ated so much interest in the Industrial
world of America and Europe. The
richness of the companys holdings, II
is said, offer large opportunities fol
profit
Report declares that the sale OF
stock Is progressing rapidly and thai
the company is being placed upon
very favorable financial basis for the
rapid and thorough development of its
properties. The company is composed
Of conservative business men and is
interesting the best class of investors
Of the state Confident predictions OF
wonderful future are being made
Stock is being sold at a remarkably
low price considering the high class
Df the investment and the value Of the
sompany's holdings, and is certain OF
q quick advance. A very fine booklet
Cape Breton Coal and Iron" which
describes the enterprise, has been is,
sued and Is mailed free upon request
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
A GRAVE CRISIS
IS APPROACHING
Japan Has Not Sent UItimatum
to Russia, But Situation
Is Serious.
CHANCES LOOK GOOD FOR WAR
There Is No Longer Any Room to
Doubt That Russia's Reply to Jap-
ans Proposals Are Not Satisfac-
tory.

Picking, Dec. 21.--While no news
has been received at the Japanese
legation that Japan has sent an ulti-
matum to Russia, it is recognized at
the legation that grave crisis Is
approaching Major General Yamani,
the Japanese military attache, and
the Japanese colonel who has been
instructing General Yuan Shat Kai's
troops have both started for Japan.
The native press recently reiter-
ated circumstantial story to the eff
feet that in the event of Manchuria
being retained by Russia 1t was the
intention of Great Britain to establish
a protectorate over the Yang Use
valley as compensation and to appoint
viceroy therein, SO that her pres
tige in the far east would be equal
to Russias. Some of the native pa
pers give Wal WI Pu, or Chinese
foreign board, as authority for the
story. This fiction Is largely credited
and gravely discussed and is Great
ing hostility against Great Britain.
1t is suspected that the story has
been fostered by unfrlendly agencies
appointed for the purpose and the
British legation is Investigating its
origin.
The report cabled from Tien Tsin
to London Saturday to the effect that
Japan had sent an ultimatum to Rus
STA Is discredited here and no infor-
nation of a corroborative nature is in
the possession Of the foreign lega-
tons.
While the knowledge of the lega-
lions on the situation leads to the be-
lief that the sending of an ultimatum
is improbable, the prospects OF war
are evidently increasing. The Brit
ish legation some days ago received
telegram indicating that war was
possible, and the Japanese legation is
officially informed that Russia's re-
cent reply to the Japanese proposals
was unsatisfactory
London, Dec. 21.--Reuter's Tele-
gram company has learned that con-
siderable anxiety exists In the best
informed circles of London regarding
the possible outcome of the situation
in the far east Fears are, it is said,
expressed that the Russian govern
ment may have overstepped the
bounds which would make continue
ton of peaceful negotiations with
Japan possible. 1t may be regarded
as quite certain, it asserts, that Ja-
pan will not accept the principles of
the latest Russian note, which are
altogether at variance with Japan's
main contentious, and that Japan's
reply must necessarily be cast in this
sense.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-12-24
GOING our OF BUSINESS.
Action Of Legislature Killed Building
and Loan Business.

and Loan Business.
Des Moines, Dec. 1S.-Building and
loan companies in Iowa will soon be-
come ancient history. The state audi
(, tor, b. f. Carroll, is authority for the
statement that they are all winding up
their affairs as rapidly as possible and
going out of business,
All this is brought about by the pas.
sage of law at The last session Of
the legislature that limits their req
enue to s per cent on the investment,
The 20 per cent returns that prevailed
for many years, and the failures that
were frequent, are at an end. Banks
are Offering as good opportunity to the
borrowers who really have decent Sc
curity to offer as was ever offered by
the building and loan companies.
Those who desire to build are usually
Accommodated If they can show that
they have the means to make periodi-
cal payments and will reasonably be
expected to do SO. The interest rate
is much less and the investor is much
better protected.
This situation was recalled as the
result of an application of the Boone
Building and Loan association for
council to wind up it's affairs In a man.
ner slightly at variance with that pro-
vided by law. The new statute pro-
vides form for litigation, and, wher-
ever 1t is desired to depart from this,
the plan must be outlined to the execu-
tive council and approved. The Boone
company's plan was discussed at the
meeting of the council yesterday af-
ternoon, but no action was taken.
There are still large number OF
building and loan concerns In Iowa,
but they are all preparing to liquidate
as soon as possible, says the state
auditor. and have all ceased to solicit
business. The winding up Of their"
affairs is proceeding as rapidly as
consistent with proper safeguarding
o1 the interest Of those whose funds
are invested