davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
FOR1Y.FIRST DAY,

The lower house passed the commit
tee substitute for the bill creating a
system of coal oil inspection in the
State and providing punishment for
the sale of adulterated oil or petro
leum products of any kind.
The measure authorizes the COVER
nor TO appoint an inspector in every
county for term of four years. under
bond of $1,000. and to receive a COM
pensation of 35 cents for every 100
gallons inspected, to be paid by the
party for whom the service is rem
dered. The methods of inspection are
carefully defined. the bill being
framed after similar measures of 9TH
er States. Other measures passed by
the house during the afternoon ses.
sion were as follows:
Relating TO impaneling juries in
counties having separate court dis.
tricts; changing Supreme Court terms
from October and March TO November
and April. so that the body shall con-
vene and adjourn one month later;
authorizing the. consolidation of mu-
inequalities and gra9ting telephone
equal rights with telegraph companies
TO erect poles along railroad rights of
way
The senate passed the constitution
al amendments providing for an cleo
tive judiciary system, the measure go
ing through on its first reading by q
vote of 90 to 6. This resolution also
provides for the increase of the SUI
preme bench to five members, and the
lengthening of the term TO ten years.
The house has already passed an cleo
tive judiciary amendment, which is
somewhat different in its provisions
TO the senate measure, and a confer
ence will probably be necessary.
Bills were passed as follows: Au-
thorizing boards of supervisors to
construct telephone lines; authorizing
Warren county to make refund to Ben
Grider; authorizing municipalities to
levy 10-mill tax without consent of ma
jority of taxpayers.
A number of glaring errors were
pointed out in the report of the in
,vestigating committee on the Univers-
ity of Mississippi, and the document
was recommitted for correction,
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
FORTYTHIRD DAY.

The only measure of importance
passed in the legislature this morn
ing was the geological survey meas
ure, reported in substitute form from
the senate committee, and providing
that the work be devided between the
faculty members OF the University OF
Mississippi and the Mississippi A. and
NJ. College, to be carried on in con-
junction with the government geologi-
cal work. The original bill was of
fered by Senator Boyd, of Tippah, and
the substitute embodies many of its
features.
The house reconsidered the coal oil
inspection bill and recommitted the
measure to the judiciary committee.
Some of the members are of the opin-
ion that it gives the governor entirely
too much patronage to appoint coal
oil inspector in every county.
The senate passed the senate
amendments to the primary election
law adopted in the house, and the
measure now goes back for concur
renee in an amendment eliminating the
clause providing that a person shall
not be allowed to vote in primary
point a brief but very interesting de-
bate ensued and the conclusion reach
ed by the senate in substance means
that it is every mans duty to vote and
the great American privilege of the
aforesaid man to get as drunk as he
pleases on election day, and none can
say him nay.
The constitutional question was
raised and several members declared
that it was the province of any man
or set of men to determine when q
person Is too drunk to vote intelligent
ly. The house will doubtless concur
in the senate amendment.
The non-fraternity men made their
last fight of this session in the lower
house to abolish the Greek
letter fraternities at the University oil
Mississippi and the battle was lost.
The fight was brought up on the
university appropriation BILL carrying
an allowance of S159.04635 for the
next two years. Mr.. Ellis offered an
| amendment to the bill providing that
no part of the sum should be paid
until the board of trustees abolished
the Greek fraternities. The constitu-
tional point was raised that legisla-
ton of this nature could not be placed
as a rider on appropriation bills, but
Speaker Thomas ruled the point out of
order, the Supreme Court having spe-
officially decided the question in the
contest over the appropriation for the
Industrial Institute and College
A spirited debate followed, and both
sides made some sledge hammer argu'
ments. during which the condition OF
affairs at the university was fully air.
ed The amendment was finally tabled
and the bill passed. The entire after
noon was consumed in the debate.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

AS the legislature enters upon the
ninth week of it's existence, activity
begins to mark its deliberations. From
now on to adjournment it will be
steady grind with both branches. 1t Is
not believed that the legislature viii
be able to get through before the 2Oth
at the earliest. There is good deal
of important legislation which has to
be perfected yet. A good many bills
which are very important have passed
but one house. and they will have TO
be taken up by the other house and
passed. The members are anxious to
be off, but they recognize that they
cannot Jump up and lelye lot Of i'm
portant legislation unfinished.
The senate now has the general
privilege tax bill, passed by she house,
and the general appropriation bill,
both of which are very important
measures. it is expected that both OF
these bills will be passed during the
week.
The members of both houses are at
sea in regard to a bond issue, and it
has not been determined yet whether
theIe VIII nave W ne pohu isSuc VI
not. There are great many mem
bers of the opinion that Ii the legis-
lature will make provision to sell the
property of the State in the city OF
jackson, which is not needed, it will
put enough money into the treasury
to avoid a bond issue. No action has
been taken as yet looking to the sale
of any of this property, though some
bills have been introduced looking to
the sale of the old capitol property,
but the bill is still tied up with the
committee.
Some of the farmer members, of the
legislature are getting restless. Spring
is coming on and they know that their
presence is needed at home to super
intend farming operations.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
LORD HARRINGTON
GUILTY OF MURDER
After Three Hours Deliberation Jury
Returns Verdict.
THE PRISONER is INDIFFERENT
The Indictment Charges First De-
gree Murder-Attorneys VIII Ask
For New Trial and Take
an Appeal.

ST. Louis. March THE Jury in the
case of +. Seymour Darlington, for the
murder of ]. p. McCann. brought in a
verdict of guilty III the first degree at
11:15 O'Clock Saturday night. They
had been out little less than three
hours. The penalty of the verdict Is
death. harrington received the verdict
in silence, although he became pale
and trembled visibly.
The crowd which had attended the
trial during the day remained in the
hope Of hearing the verdict. Several
times the report that the jury had
come to an understanding brought the
spectators scurrying back into the
courtroom. Finally the announcement
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Mississippi State News
SCHOOL FUND DISTRIBUTION.

Auditor Henry is now making the
January distribution of the COM
mon school fu1nl. The total amount
to be distributed is 1888, ,333.34, be-
ing two-thirds of the total for the
year of 81, $50, 900. Of this amount
the counties receive $731 ,661.S9, and
the separate school districts s101.-
671.45. This is the first distrlbu--
ton made since the poll taxes were
eliminated from the State distribu-
ton (the polls now being retained
in the counties as county common
school fund"). Below will be found
the distribution in detail.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
DRAINED BY FOSTER FATHER
A Little Orphan Girl Drained With
an AK by Joseph Wagner, Jr.,
in Logan County, Ark.

Little Rock, Ark, March 6.-The
farm of Joseph Wagner, near Paris,
Logan county, was the scene of hor-
rible tragedy Joseph Wagner, Jr., be-
came SUDDENLY insane and Drained with
an ak little orphan girl who had been
adopted by the family.
He also slaughtered five milch cows
with the same instrument of destruc-
ton, afterward cutting the throats of
the animals. The insane man first
killed the cows, which were in the
barn, and the little girl, who had fol-
lowed him to the barn, screamed, when
he turned and struck her twice in the
forehead, killing her instantly. Wag-
ner is in custody.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Committee at Loaserheads.

The conference committee Of the
house and the senate are crosswise
on. the uniform textbook bill, and
there is small show of getting a uni
form bill at this session of the leg
islature. 1t is probable now that
those who want cheaper books will
take up the amendment offered to
the present law, which is before the
education committee in the house,
providing that all books sold in Mis-
sissippi to the county boards shall
be sold at price as cheap as any
other State in the Union.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
EORTIETH DAY.

Convened in joint session this morn
ing the two houses of the legislature
paid solemn and beautiful tribute to
one of its departed members, State
Senator w. B. Walker of Monroe coun-
ty. IE, deathlike stiffness the men,
bers of the two bodies sat for nearly
three hours while beautiful tributes
were paid to the life and character OF
the dead statesman.
At the conclusion of the legislative
addresses Bishop Galloway was in
vited to pay his tribute of loving re-
membrance to the dead senator, who
for many years had been his personal
friend Bishop Galloway performed
the marriage ceremony twelve years
ago when Senator Walker and Miss
Mary Dudley Sykes were united in
happy marriage, and his address was
one of the ablest efforts this distin-
guished divine has ever made on such
an occasion. He ascended to the high
est flights of the eloquence of which
he is master. and his blending of beau
tiful sentiment with exquisite pathos
brought tears to many furrowed
cheeks
The house committee on corporations
reported adversely on the joint resolu-
tion introduced by Mr.. Foster of War
rem instructing the attorney general to
Immediately institute legal proceed
ings to set aside the merger between
the Mobile & Ohio and Southern Rail
ways
This report brings to an end one of
the hardest fought committee battles
of the legislature. Strong pressure
was brought to bear to secure favor
able report on the resolution, and
equally strong arguments were made
by the representatives of the two rail
roads, Col. z. l.. Russell of the Mo
bile & Ohio ana Gen. Thomas c. Catch
ings of the Southern, showing that the
merger is net violation of the clause
of the Mississippi constitution forbid
ding the consolidation of parallel or
competing lines of railway.
BY an almost unanimous vote the
senate refused to concur in the house
amendments to the uniform school
book bill. and a conference has been
requested on the subject. the commit
tee TO be composed of five members
from each body.
The senate particularly objects to
the house amendment which changes
Aut HtlSOuiiCA VI lllC SCAOOA bOVh NOAA-
mission by relieving the governor
and attorney general from serving
thereon. The original measure also
specifies the grade of the eight teach
ers to be appointed, and merely re-
Quires that they shall be teachers of
known ability
This is the result the school book
lobby hoped TO accomplish. and conse-
quently they are very jubilant over
the senates refusal to concur. If
discord should develop among the ten
members of the conference committee
IL is certain that there will be no
school book legislation, as the session
is drawing rapidly to a close. Two
years ago the school book bill was de
feated by the non-concurrernce of the
senate. and it seems that the lobby has
a penchant for accomplishing its most
effective work in the upper body.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10

new trial would be asked for. In the
event that this is refused, an appeal
will be taken. Judge McElhinney de-
ferred sentence until the motions for a
new trial and appeal are passed upon.
harrington was led back to his cell.
After the verdict Mrs. McCann, who
remains in Clayton, declared that she
had no statement to make.
Large Crowds Attended.
The closing day of the trial was
marked by the usual packed crowd In
the courtroom. The women, who have
been constantly in evidence, had the
best seats in front. Before the argu-
ment began Judge McElhinney warned
the spectators not to make any show
of approval or disapproval.
When Attorney R. E. l.. Gardner
was ready to begin his argument for
the state, the crowd of witnesses, who
have been excluded all along, pressed
into the courtroom, and after being on
hand for ten days, had their first OPP
portunity to hear the trial.
Mrs McCann was shown in by her
attorney and given a seat at the sher-
ifs desk, opposite the jury. When
Attorney Gardner reached the point
where he was describing with great
force the murder of McCann at the
cried aloud She was quieted, but later,
when Mr.. Gardner referred to her Visit
to Bonfils to see the body, she again
gave way to her emotions. This time
Attorney Grover went up to Judge Nc
chimney and whispered a remon-
STRANGE against having such scene in
court as liable to have an effect on the
Jury. The court summoned Attorney
Davis and instructed him to remove
Mrs. McCann.
Attorney Scores Defendant.
The arraignment which Attorney
Gardner gave Darlington did not seem
to have the slightest effect on the pris-
oner, even when the prosecutor turned
around, and, facing the prisoner, shook
his fist almost in his face, declaring:
"There is the man who foully murdered
his best friend, Jim McCann. Look al
him. He has the reptilian sagacity oi
the devil and the heart of a monster
II were to picture the devil incarnate
to you would not describe him with a
cloven hoof and a forked tail, but as
a being clothed in broadcloth and i'm
maculate linen, with the cold, steely
blue eyes of this man Darlington, tbs
guilty.
Darlington simply looked at his ac-
cuser and smiled in derisive way. Ht
sat facing the jury most of the time
and from time to time his smile re
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
A Negro Murder.

Oliver Ellzey is in jail at Mag
nolia on the charge of killing a ne
gro companion at Silver Creek
shurch, in that county, on Sunday
morning. The affair was the result
IF quarrel of long standing. He
viii be given trial during the pres
ent week before the Pike county Cir
euit Court, which is now in session.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
situation is Unchanged.

Fremont, Neb., March THE flood
situation is practically unchanged, and
the water is still at the high water
mark reached Saturday. The ice in the
Platte river has moved slowly during
the day, but the gorge which caused
the water to spread over the lowlands
remains intact. The Union Pacific
railroad is still unable to move trains
east of the city. officials of the road
are preparing to dynamite the gorge
and to run steam launch up the river,
with which to repair the damaged
bridge at Valley.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
TO BE BURIED WEDNESDAY.
dersee to BE Held ON
That Date.

Berlin, March THE funeral of the
late field marshal, Count Won Walder-
see, will be held at noon on Wednes-
day.
Emperor William and Empress Au-
gusta Victoria, all the members of the
house of Hohenzollern and the sover-
eigns Of the German states, and also
many eminent persons ebroad. have
telegraphed condolences TO Countess
yon Waldersee.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Train Kills Two Men.

Last week at Mendenhall, the
Gulf & Ship Island fast train,
which passes there shortly after IL
O'Clock, killed two men, whose names
are unknown. They were employees
of saw mill, and it seems from
what could be learned from the pas
sengers had been drunk all day and
started down the track to walk to
their homes. The engineer blew his
whistle and applied his air brakes,
but to no avail.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
New Oil FieId Near collins.

It is thought that J. E. Odum, a
prominent citizen living about seven
miles south of Collins, has made a
discovery of rich mineral oil on his
place. Scores of people, supposed
to be familiar with the nature of
oil wells, have pronounced the pro-
duct of this well fine mineral oil.
An effort will be made to organize
a company to investigate the field
and ascertain whether this crude oil
can lie found in paying quantities.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
THE BRIDGE COLLAPSED.
Eight Lives Reported Lost By the
Collapse of n Bridge Under
Two Locomotives.

Cleveland, O., March Eight lives
are reported to have been lost, Satur-
day, as a result of two engines on the
Cleveland & Pittsburg railroad going
through bridge over Yellow creek,
near lrondale. The bridge had been
weakened by high water and collaps-
ing when the engines ran onto It
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
SAMUEL A. CROFT SENTENCED
Motion in Arrest of Judgment over
ruled by Judge Pritchard and
Sentence Pronounced.

Washington, March 6.-Justice
Pritchard overruled the motion of Sam
uel A. Croft, one of the recently-con-
victed defendants in the post Office
trials, and sentenced him to two years
in the Moundsville penitentiary and
20 pay a fine of $4,000, sentence to be-
gin on arrival at the penitentiary.
Croft Immediately furnished bond for
800. 900. pending an appeal
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Sent to the Grand Jury.

Criminal proceedings seem to be in
prospect over the Mississippi Insane
Hospital land purchase. the report on
which, submitted by the committee on
humane and benevolent institutions in
the lower house last week Gre
atej such sensation, the committee
specifically charging that the trans
action was made for the benefit of Ed
gar S. Wilson. Somebody seems in a
fair way to have to explain to the
grand jury, and the attorney general
has been authorized to Institute pro-
ceeiings to recover the money the
State paid out on the deal.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Opposed to Salary Increases.

The legislature is manifesting a very
decided reluctance against increasing
the salaries of State officials or en-
ployes during the present session A
bill as passed in the house last week
increasing the salary of the governors
private secretary to $500 per year. as
it is said he is the most hard worked
attache of the State government The
original provision of the bill was for
an increase to $500. which was cut
down by an amendment to $500.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Prosperity Still Ahides.

New corporations are being organ
lied in all parts of the State showing
that industrial prosperity continues
to abide in Mississippi. New oil
mills, fertilizer factories, saw mills
and wood working plants are being
established in different parts of the
State.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Remarkable Realty Values.

A striking illustration of the mar
velous growth of Gulfport, Missis-
sippi's new deep water harbor, was
shown last week when T. P. Gary, a
real estate agent at that place, sold
four city lots for $4,000 to Judge
R. c. Beckett, a prominent West
Point attorney. Four years ago Mr..
Garv purchased these lots for $500.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
COMMENT AND CRITICISM.
Some Opinions on Legislation Past
Present and Prospective.
Kid Glove Farming.

A desperate but unsuccessful at
tempt was made in the senate last
night to defeat the appropriation bill
for the agricultural experiment sta
ton at McNeill. Several members,
especially those belonging to the older
set, expressed their contempt for tx-
perimental farming. Senator Thrash
er stated that when he wanted infor-
nation on agricultural subjects ne
would go to some practical farmer,
and not to a kid glove experimenter.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Industrial Exhibits.

Twenty-seven varieties of Mlssis-
sippi timber have been placed in the
form of an exhibit by Copiah county
citizens to be given to Commissioner
Henry for the Mississippi display at
the Worlds Fair. Over a dozen va
rieties of corn have been placed in a
special exhibit to be made by a
planter of Clay county. Hon.
Charles Scott, of Bolivar county,
will send an entire carload of agri-
cultural ard forestry exhibits
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Rarher Bill Favored.

1t looks very much like the legis,a-
ture is going to prohibit the importa-
tion of Bohemian fishermen by the
canning factories along the gulf coast
during the oyster season and to re
strict fishing for oysters in Mississippi
waters to bona fide resident citizens of
the State The special committee ap-
pointed to investigate the oyster In
dustry has made report recommend
ing this course, and the chances seem
quite favorable for the passage Of the
Barber bill making this provision.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Appropriation Bills Finished.

The two bodies finished practically
all of the appropriation bills last
week. Nearly all the State education
al institutions have been looked after.
The university appropriation went
from the house to the senate and the
|. l. and c. appropriation passed by
the senate is in the hands Of the
house committee ON universities aid
colleges. The Mississippi A. and NJ
COLLEGE appropriation bill has been
sent from the house to the senate.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Land Sales and Fees.

State Land Commissioner E. Fl.
Nall reports that he sold during last
month $6,452.S7 worth of land.
Secretary Powers vouchers for fees
collected in the Office during the
month Of February and paid into
the treasury show total of 1925.
Of this amount 1856 was for notary
public commissions. The number
of new corporations recorded dur
ing the month was forty-three.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
SAMPLE IeIephone Bill.

After one of the hardest fights that
has taken place before committee
during the present session. the house
committee on corporations finally sub
mittted a favorable report on the bill
introduced by the Hon S. N. Sample,
of Holmes, compelling long distance
telephone corporations to connect with
local exchanges. The bill has already
been passed by the house and now
awaits the action of the senate.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
AttaIa County Killinu.

York Taylor, arrested in Attala
county on the charge of being an ac-
cessory to the killing of Conner
Weatherly, has been released under
a $500 bond by Justice Brooks, Joe
Taylor, the principal in the killing,
being committed to Jail without
hail
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Penitentiary Report.

The secretary of the Mississippi
BOARD of control has completed his
report for the month of February,
which ends on the 25th, and this
report shows there are now in the
State penitentiary 1,070 convicts
that during the month there were 2
pardons, / escape, "A discharges and
s deaths, six of which were from
pneumonia.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10

Winona, Mimi, March 6.-Mrs. w.
N. Berthe, of Winona, has been ap-
pointed general superintendent of the
bee and honey exhibit at the st. Louis
Worlds fair She had previously been
appointed superintendent of the Min
nesota display.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1904-03-10
Lineolnite. Up il Arms.

The people of Lincoln county. judg-
ing By the comments in the Brock
haven papers. do not seem to be in
favor of the bill introduced by mem
Der from Amite county to change the
name of Lincoln county to Jef Davis
county.