davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
MILLER AND JOHNS
FOUND NOT GUILTY
Acquitted Of the Charge of Conspi-
racy Brought by Post Office Dept.
VERDICT WAS A SURPRISE
Pand monium Broke Loose when
the Verdict Was Rccefved-De-
PENDANTS Broke Down and
Wept Like Children.

Cincinnati, o., Nov. 2L-D. v.
liilier >of Terre Haute, Ind, and
Joseph NJ Johns, of Rockville, Ind.
were Friday night acquitted of the
charge of conspiracy to extort bribe
from John j. Ryan, made by the post
Office department. The verdict of mot
guilty" was received by the crowd with
demonstrations that could not be sup
pressed by the court officers. AS soon
as court was adjourned and Judge AL
bert c. Thompson had retired, pande-
monium broke loose among the jellify-
ing friends of the defendants from In
diana and others and continued for
some time Miller and Johns and At
torney Hiram D. kulison and Charles
w. Baker and others were overwhelmed
with congratulations. The defendants
finally broke away from the crowd OF
friends to shake hands with the jurors
and wept like children as they did so.
Mrs. Johns was the only lady present,
and she was overcome with joy. Among
the cries of the jollifiers was that OF
Where is John ]. Ryan,"
Jury Out Six Hours.
Ryan had been the central figure dur
ing the two long trials, but he was not
present. 1t was Saturday midnight
when the former jury reported at the
first trial last month that it was unable
to agree. The present trial has con-
tinued since last Monday morning, and
verdict was reached at much earl
ier l.our in the evening The jury re-
tired shortly before 8 p. m. and rem
dered it's verdict after celebrating six
hours. 1t is understood that major
ity this time was for acquittal from
the start, and that it then took some
time to go over all the documents that
lad been submitted in evidence before
a unanimous verdict was reached.
1t is generally understood that there
WIS doubt as to Miller sconnection with
the transactions between Johns and
Ryan
Federal officers Disappointed.
The charge of Judge Thompson dur
ing the afternoon occupied an hour I'D
its delivery and was very strong. II
was evident to all after the charge to
the jury that the verdict was sur
prise, as the general prediction was
that the jury would again be unable to
agree c. & verdict. The penalty for the
offense of such a conspiracy is two
years or fine of 5000, or both. The
federal officials acknowledge their dis
appointment in the final outcome, but
express some satisfaction in definite
result. The government officials state
that this case was not like any of the
other postal cases that are pending, as
this case dealth with the action OF
Miller when he was assistant attorney
general of the post Office department.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
The Industrial Situation.

The industrial situation in Mis-
sissippi appears to be all that it
should be. Reports are being re-
ceived from various towns in the
State to the effect that enterprises
are being put on foot by home peo-
pie. The number Of charters pre-
sented to the governor Tor approval
shows no falling off. Banks, lumber
companies, mercantile companies,
and every other form of enterprise
are seeking charters from the State.
Some Of these companies are extern
sive, one charter having been grant
ed last week to a lumber company
located at Gulfport with a capital
in excess of 100000.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
PETER MORTENSEN SHOT.
The Murderer of James II. Hay Shot
to Death in the Yard OF the
Utah State Prison.

Salt Lake, Utah, Nov. 2l.-Peter
Mortensen, the convicted murderer or
James r. Hay, was shot to death IN
the yard of the state prison at 1921
Friday morning.
Maintaining his innocence to the
last, he walked to the chair placed
against the heavy stone wall OF the
prison yard without weakening, and
bid the guards and deputy sheriffs
good-by with no tremor in his voice.
Mortensen was killed instantly, four
bullets from the rifles of the executing
squad, concealed behind a thick cur
tain in the door of the blacksmith
shop, ~ yards distant, piercing the
white target pinned over his heart.
Mortensen refused to see ministers,
either of his own belief, the Mormon,
or of any other denomination, and also
refused stimulants, saying he needed
neither.
Peter Mortensen killed James r. Hay
on the night of December 16, 1901. The
day following a report was circulated
that Hay, who was secretary of the
Pacific Lumber Co., had absconded,
taking with him $500 collected from
Mortensen on bill due the company.
Mortensen was indebted to the COM
pany for material used in his contract
ing business, and had been urged to
make a payment. December 16 he
called at the Office of the company, said
he had the money in gold concealed
in his cellar and asked Hay to come
around that night and get it. The men
were neighbors. Hay left his house
shortly after dinner that evening, stat
ing he was going to Hortensen's to
collect some money That was the last
seen of him alive. December is Hays
body was found buried in shallow
grave in the middle of a pasture not
far from Mortensen's home. A bullet
hole through the head showed the
manner of death. Mortensen was i'm
mediately arrested. Soon afterward
Mrs. Mortensen left Salt Lake with
her children, without calling on her
husband to say good-by
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Public School DESTROYED.

Last week fire destroyed the pub
lie scshool building at Tiffintown,
in the Fourth district of Warren
county, together with its furniture
and library, valued at $1,000; in
surance $500. The roof was all
ablaze before either teachers or pu-
pills, who were indoors, were aware
of the danger.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
B0MBARDING SAN DOMINGO.
Insurgents Make Vigorous Attack
on the Town Which Is Being
Resisted by the Forts.

San Domingo, Nov. 21-The French
cruiser Jurien de la Gaviere arrived
here Friday and landed guards for the
protection of the consulate. Severe
lighting was begun with the insurgents,
who are bombaring the town, and their
attack is being vigorously resisted by
the forts No great injury has SO far
been done.
The United States cruiser Baltimore
will be compelled to leave to-day, and
another American warship is anxious
ly expected Fighting continues in the
south, but the results, SO far as known,
are favorable to the government.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
THE WRECK ON THE BIG FOUR
The Casualty List Was ExagGerat-
ed, But 1t StiII Foots Up rs
Dead and II Jninrcd.

Peoria, H., Nov. 21.--A press re-
porter who has just come in from the
scene of the Big Four wreck east Of
fremont, reports the wreckage as en-
tirely cleared away. and trains again
running over the Big -Four tracks. The
list of casualties has been considera-
bly, exaggerated. A total of IS bodies
were recovered, many of them in hor-
ribly mangled condition Of these 1s
all but three have been identified. The
list of injured numbers IA, who were
placed in Blonmingtoa 4anS Peoria hos
pitfalls. Two of the injured have since
died, bringing the total number oi
deaths to 20. Coroner Holmes, of Della
van, has impaneled jury and is pre-
pairing to hold the inquest.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
HAD A MARROW ESCAPE.
The Law and Medical Department of
Northwestern University Bare
Iy Escaped Destruction.

Chicago, Nov 21.-The law and
medical department of Northwestern
university narrowly escaped destruc-
lion Friday. The flames started from
a defective electric wire on the fourth
floor of the building, which was for
merly the fremont house, and after
burning out lecture room, crept up an
elevator shaft to the seventh floor.
where clinic room was destroyed
The loss is $4,000.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Growing Meridian.

President c. C. Harvey and Sup
erintendent D.. D. Curran of the
New Orleans and Northeastern, and
General Manager c. s. Clarke of
the Mobile and Ohio, General Mama
ger n. A. Garrett and Superinten-
dent A. Griggs of the Alabama
Great Southern, and Superinten-
dent F.. Ford of the Alabama and
Vicksburg were in Meridian last
week in consultation about changing
the railroad yards to make room for
the new union passenger depot and
additional sidetraeks to accommo-
date the growing traffic, and TO con-
slider measures to relieve the pres
ent congestion of the Meridian
wards.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Thrown From Buggy.

Dan james, a prominent and pop
ular planter and cotton buyer of
Vicksburg, was badly hurt by a fall
from his buggy while out driving
last week. He was carried uncon-
scious on a stretcher to his rooms
and is thought to have received in.
ternal injuries.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
LEBAUDY AIRSHlP WRECKED.
Near Paris, and Was Com
pIeteIy Destroyed.

Paris, Nov. 21.-The Lebaudy air.
ship, on descending, Friday, near the
ballooning grounds at Meudon, struck a
tree and blew up. The whole airship
was completely destroyed, but the oc-
cupants, pilot and an engineer, were
uninjured. M. Lebaudy was not on
hoard
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
win AppIy 10 the sultan.

Paris, Nov. 2f.-Official advices from
Constantinopie confirm previous re-
ports to the effect that the Russian and
Austrian ambassadors there have joint
ly informed the porte that unless an
acceptance of their recent reform pro-
posals was given Friday they would
apply directly to the sultan for his
response.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Bethany Hiah School.

The governor has approved the
charter of the Bethany High School,
domiciled at Why Not, Franklin
county, with L. II. Dearman, S.
Robinson and R. Martin as ineorpor-
ators. The school will be conducted
under the rules outlined by the State
superintendent Of education for ru-
raj high schools.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Mississippi Land Rili.

4 bill which Senator McLaurin
of Mississippi, pushed through the
senate at the last session and which
was favorably reported by the house
committee on public lands, though
it failed for lack of time to pass that
body, was reintroduced by him last
week. 1t is designed to quiet GER
tain land titles IN Mississippi. A
great deal of these titles apply 10
swamp and overhowed lands, the
validity Of which kas been ques-
toned and which he seeks to quiet.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Fish Hatchery on Gulf.

Representative Bowers, of the
Sixth Mississippi district, introduced
a bill in congress last week to appro-
pirate SIS, 900 to establish a fish cul-
ture and fish hatchery station at
some point on the gulf of Mexico, ir
the State of Mississippi.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Fire at Port Gibson.

Fire at Port Gibson last week de-
stroved the store, residence and sta
bles Of Levy & Welsh, and partially
damaged the establishments of Laz
Levy & Son, William 2. Gordon and
T. r. Warbarton. The loss will ag-
gregate $4,000, partially covered
by insurance. The telephone and
electric light wires were burned for
blocks around. BY the heroic work
Of the local volunteer fire depart
ment the opera house and several ad-
joining buildings were saved.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
For the Protection of Miners.

Denver, Col, Nov 21.-Gov. Peabody
Friday ordered a detachment of the
national guard to proceed to Telluride
for the purpose of affording protec-
ton to men who may be willing to
work in the mines and mills. Mai.
Zeph T. Hill will be in command.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Hattiesburg Protests.

The citizens of Hattiesburg arc
making vigorous protest against
the petition sent by citizens of Jack
son asking the Gulf & Ship Island
road to change its schedule so as
TO make the running of the trains
more favorable for Jackson. The
Hattiesburg murchants claim that a
change in favor of Jackson will be
unfavorable to the business inter-
ests of that city, and have sent a
counter petition 10 the officials of
the road.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
New Wagon Company.

The governor has approved the
charter of incorporation of the Hat
tiesburg Eight Wheel Wagon Com
pany, domiciled at Hattieshurg. in
Perry county. The concern is char
tered with an authorized capital of
$4,000. 1t proposes to engage III
the manufacture of wagons and 9TH
er wheeled vehicles. Hattiesburg is
located in The center of the great
pine timber section of the State and
has several iiourishing woodwork
ing factories.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Attacked by a Negro.

As the two young daughters Of
Scott Cockerham were on their way
last week to the postofice at East
Fork, ten miles from Liberty, they
were passed in the public road by a
negro man. One of the girls was
seized by the negro, and the other
escaped and gave the alarm. After
strangling his victim the negro made
his escape. The girls are 13 and Is
years old.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
A Sweet Potato Freak.

An agricultural product that is
causing much comment is sweet
potato grown by Mr.. Charles
Broach, living near Conway. If
stretched full length it would meas
ure 33 inches, hut doubled np and
twisted as it is, it can lay claim to
only Z inches in length. The APP
pearanoe of the tuber is that of a
coiled snake. One end represents a
reptiles head, protruding from the
coil, there even being small root in
dentations which serve for eyes and
it tapers off at the other end similar
10 a snakes tail. The potato is slen-
der and nearly of proportionate size
the entire length, there being only
one or two protuberances along the
body proper, none of which measure
over 1 inches in circumference. The
coil is not a continuous one, but is
broken one or more time, FIR a
length of about 8 inches, and then
twisting over the body coils again.
How it attained such peculiar
growth is occasioning much wander.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
SHERIFF WAITING ON ODELL.
Can't See Gov, OdelI About ZiexeIs
ReGuisition Until He Returns
From New York City.

Albany, N. Y, Nov. 2L-Sheriff
Smith, of Jefferson City, Mo-, who came
here to get William Ziegler, wanted in
Missouri to answer to a bribery indict-
ment, had to wait until late to-day
to see Gov. Odell The governor is
expected to return from New York
then.
Ziegler has engaged counsel and will
oppose the issuance of a requisition.
Sheriff Smith has wired to Attorney
General Grow, suggesting that he come
nm to look after the states interest.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Rural Routes for Newton.

Three new rural free delivery
routes will be established out of
Newton the first of next month with
the following carriers: John A.
Warren, Malcomb Bounds and
James c. Jones substitute carriers
appointed were Buck Wall. L. r.
Bounds and VIII Halliday.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
To Assist the Public Schools.

Among the bills introduced in
congress last week by Senator Nc
Laurin was one to assist the COM
mon schools of the State by donat-
ing to the State of Mississippi the
proceeds derived out of the sale of
public lands of the United States,
situated in the State of Mississippi.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
For a Delta Experiment Station.

The Yazoo Sentinel, in a strong
editorial, comes out for an expert
ment station 10 be established in the
Yazoo- Mississippi delta. The Sem
tinel points out the fact and justly
complains of the neglect with which
the Legislature in past has treated
the great delta in the location of its
schools and experiment stations.
There are now two agricultural ex-
pertinent stations in the State, one
at Starkyille and the other down in
Southeast Mississippi in the great
pine wood section. Both of these
are doubtless needed where they are
located, but, as the Sentinel says,
the delta with the crudest of farm
ing methods in the hands of the most
ignorant negroes yearly produces
more corn and cotton in proportion
to acreage than any other country
on the globe. ''I'he lands of the del
ta," SAYS the Sentinel, "arc not inn
poverished TO the extent that fertili-
zation is demanded, but there are
other things which comes within the
scope of an experiment station emf
nently more important. The variety
of soils should be analyzed and the
adaptability of each tested by prac-
tical experiment, so that the planter
may know what he can produce
thereon most proftably. Sometimes
the land is lacking in some one in
gredient, though otherwise fertile,
and this fact ought to be known to
the owner, SO that he can supply the
deficiency. Drainage is an impor-
tant question, which very few plan
ters understand, and experiments
along this line cannot be otherwise
than profitable. Insects are numer-
Gus and often do serious damage,
and many of these are peculiar to
the delta section, hence a remedy
can only be found by study of the
local conditions. There are many
obnoxious weeds and grasses that
have defed the antagonism Of the
plantation darky for years, and
means could doubtless be found to
destroy them" The Sentinel urges
the matter upon the attention Of the
next legislature.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Penitentiary "Escape Book. y

The authorities of the Mississippi
State penitentiary have just issued
an escape book" which gives the
names and description of all the men
who have escaped from the peniten-
tiary since May /, 1901, to October
/. 1908. There are 100 of these
escapes and for the most part they
ora r,nOrops
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Militia Ordered to Cripple Creek.

Colorado Springs, Col, Nov. 21.-
Company D, Second regiment, Colo
rado national guard, which was re-
lieyed from duty and returned home
only two days ago, was ordered back
to the Cripple Creek district Friday
by Gov. Peabody.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Entire Family Missing.

| Paducah, KY, Nov. 21.-W. E. Can
non, wife and baby are missing from
their home in Graves county, and no
trace of them has been found. 1t is
believed the family have fallen victims
of foul play
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Wants Paved Streets.

The citizens of Greenwood at a
representative meeting the other day
adopted a resolution requesting the
city council to order an election to
authorize the issuance of $4,000
bonds with which to pave one mile
of streets in the business part of the
CITY
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Hon. S. N. Roane,s Death.

Much regret is expressed through
out the State over the death of Hon.
8. NJ. Roane, of West Point, one of
the most prominent members of the
North Mississippi bar, and law part
ner of ex-Congressman A. F. Fox.
Mr.. Roane had been in i'll health for
several months, and it was his Sc
rious illness that caused the retire
ment of Mr.. Fox from the race for
governor last summer. The doceas-
cd was a native of Webster county,
and was a prominent Mason.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
ReIiexed to BE Lost.

Seattle, Wash, Nov. 21.-The steam
er Discovery, which left Nome, Octo-
ber IA, with thirty-one passegers, has
not been sighted since October 28 and
shipping men believed she will never
reach port. The vessel was in command
of Capt McGrath.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
To curtaiI Production.

New York, Nov. 21.-At a meeting
Just held here of manufacturers of bar
iron east of Pittsburg it has been de-
cided to reduce the output by so per
cent, and to run the mills on part
time for an indefinite period, owing to
over production.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Mules Kick MAY Prove Fatal.

James Gable, prominent farmer
living near Windham, was probably
fatally injured last week. the in
iuries resulting from the kick of a
vicious mule. Little hope is enter
tanned for Mr.. Gables recovery.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
wen-Kno,rn Jurist Dead.

st. Louis, Nov. 2l.-Judge John A,
Hockaday, of the Ninth judicial cir
cult, who had been a prominent Mis-
souri, jurist for the past 20 years, died
at the Mullanphy hospital, Frieay,
attn o'clock Friday morning. His NAL
aday was diabetes.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Yukon sun Office wrecked.

Seattle, Wash, Nov. 2f.-A special
from Dawson says that the Office of the
Yukon Sun was wrecked by an explo-
sion of gasoline in the basement Thurs
day night Fire consumed the building
and destroyed the plant. Loss $4,000.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
pe.th Of a Foreign missionary.

Washington, Nov. 21.-Consul-Gen-.
erai McWade, at Canton. China, in a
dispatch to the state department, an
nounces the death at Takhing of Ella
Terrence Robb, a missionary of Den
isou. Kas.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26

Allentown, Pa. Nov 21.-District
attorney Lichtenwalner Friday caused
the issuance Of warrants charging Mrs
Catherin Bechtel. Myrtha, Charles and
John Bechtel and Alois Eckstein with
being accessories before the fact of the
murder of Mabel Bechtel.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Mississippi Pythianisnn.

Hon. H. NJ. Quinn, grand keeper
Of records and seals of the Mississip-
pi Grand Lodge, Knights of Pyth-
las, reports that over 500 new MEM
bers have been added to the order
during the past six months, and he
expects TO show new enrolment
of over 1000 before the next meet
ing of the grand lodge is held. The
knights of Pythias is in fiourishing
financial shape and ranks among the
foremost fraternsl orders of the
State
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
killed by Breaking of Cable.

Pana, H., Nov 21.-Ferdinand Eber-
lin was killed near the Pana coal mine
He was employed by the Big -Four rail-
road to keep the track clear near the
mine A cable attached to one of the
Loists broke, striking him in the stom-
ech.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26

Holland, Mich. Nov. 21.-John c.
Post. . we'll known banker and capital
ist Of this city, committed suicide FRI
day by shooting himself through the
head.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
Ex-Gov. Drake Dead.

Centreville, Ia, Nov. 21.-F, M
Drake, ex-governor of Iowa, and foun
der of Drake university. who has been
| i'll at his home here for some time, died
at ter o'clock Friday morning,
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
wire Cloth Plant Burned.

York, Pa, Nov. 21.-The plant of the
New Freedom Wire Cloth Co., short
distance from here, was destroyed by
fire early to-day. Loss, $4,000; partly
insured
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
ANOTHER THEATER BURNED.
The Park Theater Building and
other Property burned.

Butler, Pa, Nov 2o-The Park the
alter building, the Central hotel, the
Butler business college and several
adjoining buildings were destroyed by
fire early Friday morning. Loss, 5000
600.
The falling walls buried a number OF
firemen under mass of bricks and
burning timber, and Chief Jacob Burck-
holder, Frank ziegler, Charles Doug
lass and Albert Walters were serious
ly injured
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26

Washington, Nov. 2I-Two bills
were introduced in the house Friday,
allowing free transmission of pension
vouchers through the mails. One was
introduced by Representative Marshall
and the other by Representative Dick.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1903-11-26
kronIes, wife Dead.

Klersdorp, TraIsyaal. Nov. 2l.-sirs.
xronje, wife OF the famous Boer gen
eral. is dead