davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22
Not a Holiday Gift.

The fire that occurred, December 10
the largest in the history of our town,
was not in the nature of a holiday gift
to this community, decidedly the reverse
of that.
The burning of the most expensive
and valuable business block in the
county containing four of our largest
and best filed stores, and the greater
part of their stocks, the one large public
hall, the Masonic rooms and equipments,
the office of the selectmen with its
contents, the destruction of several
wooden buildings and their contents
beside damage to other property, to the
total estimated value of $130,000 with
the consequent interruption of business
of the sufferers at this the busy season
of holiday trade, is blow to our bust
ness interests that our people feel keen
ly and that it will take our town some
time to recover from, fully.
The destruction of Coburn block, 30
long the pride of our town, gives rag
ged appearance to two business streets,
Water and Russell, not at all gratifying
to those who have regard for the good
looks of our business center.
The fire occurred at season of the
year the most unfayorable for most of
the merchants who suffered thereby.
They had just got their stocks of goods
for the holidays in place and open
ed their holiday trade, consequently
their stocks were heavier than usual,
their losses greater, and the inter-
ruption of the business at this season is
an important item to be taken into ac-
count in computing actual loss.
Skowhegan people will greatly miss
Coburn Hall. Our town had been favor
ed in this respect beyond most towns if
not beyond any other town of its size in
Maine, in having large and we'll equip
ped hall tor public purposes of all kinds
The advantage this has been to the
town and our people for public purposes
we realize now and will realize more
fully as it's need is experienced in the
near future, for town meetings, corpora
ton meetings, school exhibitions, lee
lures, concerts, political gathering, etc
for which purposes the hall had been 80
convenient and freely used for a period
of 81 years.
You cannot destroy live town by
fire and Skowhegan is a live town
Doubtless the site of Coburn block and
adjacent stores on the west will in good
time be covered with comedy, substan-
tial, modern buildings, well suited to
business and general purposes. We
hope a public hall will be embraced
therein that will fill the place of Co.
burn hall.
In time the appearance of Water and
Russell streets will be improved because
of this fire, but 80 great loss and in
corruption of business is high price to
pay for this advantage which is in part
matter of sentiment. 1t is fortunate
we got out of the event as we'll as we
did. Under some other circumstances
it might have been disaster.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22
The State Printing.

There is no valid reason why the
State printing should change hands.
The necessity that it be done at the
State capitol is apparent to everyone
familiar with State affairs and the print
ing business. The Kennebec Journal
has plant that has kept pace with in
creasing business aud capable of caring
for the needs of the departments, even
under the great pressure of strenuous
legislative session, which is test of it's
for years familiar with the high grade
of work required by State officials,
and legislatures and this work has been
satisfactory. The plant itself is one
of the best equipped and most con
veniently housed in the state, if not the
best. 10 the same, commodious build
ing, under the same roof and reached
by the same elevator, is big bindery in
which State work is done, an electro
type foundry and machine shop;
everything essential to the rapid and
effective handling of the states work.
The prices paid for State work are
fixed by statute law. They ara conceded
to be as low as any man or company
can DO good work and make a reasona-
Bile profit. The bills are audited now
under direction of the executive council
by one of the most experienced job
printers in Maine, stephen Berry of
Portland, a man of the highest Integrity.
He has performed this work to the sat
isfaction of the State for more than a
quarter of a century. The State is get
ting it's book composition at AZ cents a
thousand ems, which is conceded by
practical printers to be a low rate for
high grade work. The question of
price does not rest with the State print
er but with the legislature; the amount
of printing rests with State officials and
the paying of the bills when audited by
their appointee, Mr.. Berry, rests with
the Governor and Council. Thus the
duties of the State Printer are largely
in efficient supervision of the work and
it's prompt execution. Therefore we do
not see how this official can increase or
decrease the volume of the work, or the
expense TO the state of it's being done.
Mr.. Clarence b. Bureigh of the Ken
nebec Journal, who has held the Office of
5 ate Printer since the office was created,
desires reelection by the incoming leg
slatnre. lie has behind him the jour.
nal printing plant, considered to be
amply provided with excellent facilities
for doing the State work. The accept
able manner in which the work has
guarantee for future efficiency.
Mr. +. b. Nichols of the Bath Times,
desires the position of state Printer and
proposes to do the work for 10 per cent
reduction of present prices and chiefly
at Bath MI Nichols is a man of energy
and ability but he has not the mechanic
al facilities for handling the extensive
work, nor experience in this line of
printing business, and we believe mem
bers of the legislature will look careful
ly into the matter before they make a
change at this time
THIS same matter has come to tho sur.
face many times in the past, in one form
another, and legislatures have invariably
decided that the proper place to have
State printing done is at the state capt.
tal and the members of the legislature
of 1905 are likely to view the matter
in the same light.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22
The Lang Banquet.

Arrangements are now nearly COM
pleted for the banquet to be rendered
Sheriff Alfred H. Lang on the evening OF
Friday, Dec. 30, and all Indications point
TO al suspicious occasion, despite the
loss of the hall originally intended as a
gathering place. Unfortunately there
is no hall Ia town large enough to &C
commodate all who desire tickets, and it
will be case of "flrst come, first serv-
ed Grange hall seems to be the most
available room for the banquet, aud will
probably serve the purpose. 1t will
seat from 175 to 200 with uncomfortable
crowding.
Applications for tickets by those who
have not already subscribed should be
made to Rev. H. F. Huse, Sewall w.
Smith or Fred +. lawrence Tickets
viii be given out first 10 the original
subscribers, and those that remain will
be given out in the order of application.
Ii is unfortunate that any should be
shut out, but there seems TO be no alter
native and those who apply at the
eleventh hour may be disappointed.
The list of speakers is not definitely
fixed, but among those who are invited
II respond to toasts are Hon. Henry C..
Peabody, Justice Supreme Judicial
Court; Hon. Clyde Il. Smith, sheriff
elect; Hon. C. o. Small, ex-county at
torney; Hon. John w. Manson of Pitts
field; Thomas j. Young, E.q., county
attorney-elect, of Scion; Rev. H. F..
Huse Rev. George Merriam; Rev. f. c.
Ryder of North Anson; Augustine SIM
mona, E.q., of North Arson, Alfred S.
Burke OF Bingham; Gen. Isaac Dyer
j. o. Smith and Lewis Anderson.
Tickets are 81 90 each, and may be
procured, as long as they last, of either
of the above named committee.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

Bulletin los of the Maine Agricultural
Station, sounds the alarm of danger from
the Brown Tail Moth, nests of which
within two weeks past the station ety.
mologist has found along the line of the
railroads In orchards and forests from
Kittery to Portland. Prof. Wood, di-
rector of the station, says: Since it can
be readily found in orchards the danger
to them Is not 30 great as to the forests
and to the health of the citizens. The
poisonous effects of the hairs are worse
than "iyy" poisoning. II the pests be-
come established their presence will
tend to diminish the number of
summer visitors to the State, destroy
our hard wood forests, and threaten our
fruit industries. This matter intimately
concerns every man. woman and child
in the State. Get copy of the bulletin
tl08), learn to recognize the nests which
are very readily seen in the winter time
and If you find nest, OF what you think
to be nest, write at once to the Expert
ment station" This liz good advice to
heed.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22
Accidental Shooting in Cornville

AT an early hour yesterday morning
Sheriff Lang received word by telephone
from Deputy Sheriff Geo. +. Aver of
Athens that an accidental shooting had
occurred in Cornvile, near Barker's
Pond which is situated in the extreme
northeastern corner OF the town.
1t seems that on Tuesday morning
Eugene Sanford of CornVlle and two
young men who were visiting in that
vicinity, Geo. II. Bradley of Parkman
and Mr.. Matthews Of Lincolnville, went
into the woods in the vicinity OF San
ford's home to hunt rabbits. A number
of the animals had been sighted aad
Bradley took aim at one which was cir
cling around In the direction of where
Sanford stood AT the time. Sanford saw
Bradley raise his rife and cautioned him
to be careful but Bradley fired almost at
the same moment, the ball striking San
ford below the knee, breaking both
bones.
Immediately on being notified Mr..
Lang proceeded to Athens and, in com
pany with Mr.. Aver, visited the scene Of
of the accident. There was no thought
on the part Of the injured man that his
friend had any intention OF harming him,
but the circumstances seemed to indicate
carelessness to such a degree that the
two officers felt 1t their duty to arrest
Bradley and Mr.. Lang returned here
with him, last evening
He was arragned before Judge Bach
eller at ten o'clock this morning.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

As the result OF an inyestigatiou Of
their activity during the recent poltsc&
campaign, Warren F lumber. a rural
mai carrier a. Lockpott, y. Y, and &
". Aldrich, a rural carrier of Concord
y, H. both otiela Of the National As
snciaton OF kurai Free Delivery Carriers
today, were removed from tie govern
meut service by Postmaster Generd
Wayne. The charges were that the Is
missed men sent oat circular iejJeu
during the last campaign TO candidates
for congress uiglu2 legislation in the
interest Of tue carriers and demanding
that The men 10 whom the letters were
addressed pledge themselves To vote Tor
such legislation.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22
The War.

Gen. Stoessel has opened negotiations
with the Japanese forces surrounding
Port Arthur providing for the protection
of the hospitals of the city He has
furnished Gen. Nogi with a map show
the positions of The different hospitals.
The warships of the Russian Baltic
feet comprising the best of the remain
ing element of the Russian navy, are in to-
day on all sides of the African content
working their way singly or in groups
to a secret rendezvous somewhere in the
Indian Ocean They are accompanied
by host of volunteer cruisers, trans
ports, repair and store ships and col
liery, and had Africa been the OBJ
jective of their hostile movement they
could hardly have surrounded that con-
tinent more completely. From the
Baltic to the East Indies the voyage of
these vessels is comparatively free from
the danger of hostile operations ON the
part of the enemy, but from the straits of
Malacca or the Strait of Sunda north
naval experts say that an attack may be
expected at any time.
The Japanese fred an immense mine
under portions of the north fort of East
Keekwan mountain at 2 o'clock Sunday
afternoon. The infantry immediately
sfterward charged and occupied the fort
with heavy force.
Japan has despatched great fleet of
40 warships to meet and destroy the
powerful Russian Baltic feet This in
formation is official. 1t is contained in
a cable to the United States government
from the American minister in Toxic.
Ii reads Japanese fleet of 40 vessels
passed Pescadores Islands sunday going
sonth.
The destruction of the last of the Port
Arthur squadron by the plungiug fire
from 203- Meter hill and the successful
attact by torpedo on the battleship Sevas-
topol in the outer barber, released the
tried fighting ships and men of Adj
Togo. 1t is pointed out by the naval
experts that only few torpedo boats
and some swift armed merchant ships
have been in all likelihood left at Port
Arthur to look after blockade runners
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

The Russian warships are blowing on
toward the waters of the far East in two
divisions, one, which went via the Suez
canal, now nearing the Indian Ocean.
and tho other, whose course was around
the Cape of Good Hope, coming up the
east coast of Africa. 1t is thought that
the two squadrons will combine at the
Chagos islands, in the middle of the In
dian ocean. From there to Vladivostok
is a matter of 5000 miles. At best the
feet cannot come into contact with
Japan for three weeks or more, and dur
ing this time Togo will use every endeav-
or to perfect his fighting force. He has
only four battleships, eight armored
cruisers and some other cruisers to
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

The juvenile patrons II ke5th's Bost9a
Theatre vii hnd something special pro-
vlded far them during tie week com.
menclug, MONDAY, Dec 3 when he
doors OF tie theatre are u be thrown
open two hours earlier than usual, NIX
a II a. n instead of one r. y add
some hristmas tree viii be found on
each floor, lavish.y decorated with tow,
etc AID each of The title ones will be
given a souvenir, the girls a dressed doll
and the boys mechanical toy Among
the features of the stage performs area
will be the smallest per terming horse ia
the world and the funniest monkey,
which are included IN Woodford's troupe
of educated animals Among the noted
entertainers scheduled TO appear are
Bedini and Arthur, and their company,
in the new pant5mmic comedy, "High
Jinks' for which special preparations
have been made in the way OF trick
scenery, etc. together with many other
ente1tsiners-A lot Of new and interest.
ing motion pictures vii. be shown in the
biogrsph
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

All subscribers who pay their sub
scriptions to the REPORTER one year in
advance will be presented with Hicks
renowned Almanac free. This offer may
be Withdrawn at anytime as our supply
of these almanacs ia limited.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

oppose to the Russians seven battleships
and numerous cruisers. Unless this
Russian feet has abandoned it's tactics
of firing upon it's own ships and does
better work than other naval forces of
that power have done in the far east
thus far in the present war, the result
may be readily anticipated.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

The Salvation Army is doing grand
work, this year, in providing Christmas
dinners for thousands of poor children in
cities. 1t is habit the Army has and u
good one, indicating the true Christmas
opirit
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

The State Grange, p, of H., in session
at Lewiston this week, beginning Mon
day, is largely attended and full of inter-
est. This is usually the case with this
up-to-date order.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

President Roosevelt urges early action
by congress upon his proposition to in
crease the power of the interstate com
missioners 20 that the board will have
authority to fix freight rates, subject to
the review of courts, only Prominent
railroad me nrealizs that legislation in
this direction is likely to he enacted and
they would like something to do about
the shaping of it. This is natural.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

This is one of the very shortest days
of the year. It will be gratifying to
have the days lengthen, even If the cold
does strengthen for time. 1t is cold
enough now
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

A treaty Of arbitration between Itaiy
and the United states has been signed
at the State Department by Baron Mayor
des Planches, the Italian ambass 4dot,
and Secretary Hay. The treaty is indea-
teal with other arbitration treaties sier-
ed By this county.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

Three lives were lost in the fire which
consumed the home of John johnson on
Boylston street, saltwater park, Bangor,
Wednesday Morning The victims were
Mrs johnson, aged 81 years, and two of
her sops, Kenneth, aged years and
Theron, aged 8 yaars A third child,
Herbert, 0 years of age, escaped by
jumping from a second story window.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

"Skowhegan lost almost everything
but its name in the recent contlagration.
A fire would run away from name like
that "
Thus the Boston Herald comments up
on our recent fire and at the same time
shows it's dense ignorance of the situa
ton. The loss is of course large one
for town of Skowhegan's size, but there
is something left yet even in stores, of
flee buildings, halls and stocks of goods
II the Herald doubts this, it better send
man down to verify it The Herald is
apparently alarmed at the name but peO-
pie of our town are not, and they will
take hold and repair damages in good
time and in good shape
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

Cambridge Grange has purchased
what is termed the South or Union
church building and is having it thor
oughly remodeed into Grange hall,
When finished it will make them good
meeting place
Rev. DR.. j. K. Wilson of Portland sue
ceeds DR.. Burrage as editor of lions
Advocate and a corporation is to be
formed to publish the paper with the
Maine Baptist Convention, the largest
owner
Van Buren, in Aroostook County has
not made much boom talk, but it has
erected 200 new residences within two
years.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

The Bancroft Foote House, three
story, wooden building containing Is
rooms, given 10 the Good VIII Home
Association by Edwin Bancroft Foote of
New York city, was dedicated, to-day.
The building was presented by Rev.
George w. Hlnckley of the Good viii
Farm, and accepted for the trustees by
Judge Nathaniel Hobbs of Berwick.
Prayer was offered by President Charles
L. White of Colby College and an ad.
dress given by Rev. Raymond Caulkins
of Portland About $50 visitors were
present.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22
The Somerset Reporter
A Weekly Republican Newspaper.

T. n. surrH E.E. MoNEELIR.
I. o. SMITH & CO., PUBLISHERS,
las WATER STREET, SKOWHEGAH ME.
ADvERTIsMENTs;-bus and legal adVer
x1semsnts Inserted at reasonable rates, adjusted
20 the space used, and the position given.
Prices quoted on application.
Cards of Thanks and Resolutions OF heepecI
Inserted at cents per line.
SGaSEHsPTEoE RATES.
When paid In advance.
One veal, .. II. 80 Six months, Toe.
Three MONTHS. ...-..3Sc.
si7b will be charged II not paid until end OF year
NJ r.r1rt
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22
A GrARANrEEn crRE roR p1IEN.

A I'll AkANTEED CT Ri FOR PLY
Itching, Blind, bleeding or protrudinc P1a4
Druggists refund money II PAZ , OINTMENT
fails 10 cure any case, no matter OF hav long
standing, 10 To IA days. First application owes
ease and rests SOC. II your druggist hasn't Il
send soc IN stamps and il vii he forwarded paSE
6m46 pad by Paris Medlclne O. =. LaalA No
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

Five cents for good big bundle Of
old papers, REPORTER office.
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22
Church StIItH


falrn3ar fYr - -, Ns.t. E.. a. f...s..
Prayer meeting tts#' = : s. t..s, "fs..s
bes, gh" Jpts o.
saturday nigft at -. ~ z-uaat szG.eH
VII hold IT'S tar-...a. ..e,..se, Is t.e
ltlreh. There all M al tea,a-
tins falio@e1 - The -. ..s D. = .,aze.tz
from tie Christmas tfee. 8fs= ~ ..s ,res
may be braaRh, h. ~ z..'. 81 ~. tue
after taY clock fafeats -. Hers s,-
cordially invited 10 ae prsssrtaa. sar' ..s..e
Ia 'Aese Christmas festivities
service sunday morning. AID begin ;ssHtt-
j. al Io.4-. Inc orAer i s. rst.r ne Ilr.
willing 1iiI 1c the f9ll99a
Organ Voluntary with detrimental Accom-
psuim'n.s
DoIoloRE
InvocatIaH.
Anthem Angels from th. Realms
Chofa. tholr. ME Plid easra L '.,ali,1'
Responsive Reading Pea M z-as
singing. Hymn 90. HAIR u.s. Ca
sound the saviour Come Doddytdge f7,5
LonRttRatlot.
Duet In Bethlehem kIfR Dor .'... Hucg
Ms Dunningtous n r. Naytu.
Payer.
male Quaftet,e
Offering
Solo, 20 Holy Nikbt.e....s.. #....Aaam
Misc Florence " ymar.
Sermon. Good will toward me-
Anthem, There dwelt IN oil ja8ea &C.. 65rig4
Chorus Choir
Benedic i8E.
Organ Postlude with Instruae ntal Accom-
panim -nts.
sunday school in the ye-a4 O'Clock,
the Juniors. Age, the Intermediate ,oa.-tyi
6l5 yguns peoples mes.taz. t5fll, The
Light Of the World; l.eater, Mss Alice
steward; 100, Gospel praise service, al
dress by the pastor, Gifts acceptable T.
Cod Al are aecofdet hearty welcome =
the services II the chWlr
The Somerset reporter., 1904-12-22

Morning worship at 1913, with Christmas
sermon and mus,s h> the choir. ASSISTED ay
MI Donald Morrison with the violin sam
DAY school Al IA, Iunior meeting a, 5.
Christmas concert IN the evening, With she
following program
Perth Amboy evening news., 1904-04-02
PRAISE FOR THE LEGISLATURE.

We have felt sorry for those news
papers which, clinging to the Re-
publican party through thick and
thin, have found it necessary to de-
fend the recent session of the legisla.
ture.l We have watched for the. first
to speak. Now we have it, short, but
to the point. 1t is found in the
Bayonne times: .
son the whole the close of the
State Legislature for 1904 has been
satisfactory"
Our sBayonno contemporary has
done we'll. 1t couldn't have said
much less and we fail to see how it
was possible for it to say much more.
Every member Of the legislature
should securo a copy of the Bayonne
Times containing this editorial and
have it framed.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1904-04-02
LOCAL ITEMS.

The Misses Tedesco Greenley and
Ella Ramsay are home from their
studies at frye, N. Y, Seminary for
the Easter vacation.
Miss Susie Oleson, of Elizabeth, is
visiting her cousin, Miss Hattie Hart
mann, Of Smith street.
Carl Schneider isl in town from his
studies at Columbia College.
Harry Runyon, Of Hackettstown,
Seminary, is home for his Easter
vacation.
William Kelly, of Brooklyn, is in
town for a few days.
Mrs. William Graham and her sister,
Miss Lewis, will spend Easter al
Cranbury with their parents.
Miss Hattie Brown has accepted q
position in Atlantic City and left
here today for that place.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1904-04-02
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1904.

who want to see the free slaughter
of pigeons by so-called sports
from neighboring States, cease, to
write to. MI. Jackson, get up petitions,
OF anything to show HIM that the
people Of Middlesex are not in favor
of the free murder of an innocent
bird in the namo Of sport. The shoot
ing of pigeons from traps became too
brutal for New York and Pennsyl-
vania and laws were passed abolish
ing it. Then the clubs came to New
~-s
Jersey. Show Mr.. Jackson that we
do not want them.
Perth Amboy evening news., 1904-04-02
MS CONSTITUENTS.

In an interview regarding the anti
pigeon killing bill. published in the
Newark Evening News last night,
Senator jackson, Of Middlesex, is
quoted as saying:
"As far as my W constituents are
concerned, the only expressions of
opinion l have heard have been hostile
to the bill"
OF course when Mr.. jackson prefers
to have "Davy" Baird and the So
called sports from Pennsylvania
and New York for his constituents,
he will hear nothing but opposition
to the measure. That these are the
ones lie considers his constituents is
evident from the manner in which he
kept his ''promise" made to these
adopted constituents. When a man
shows by his actions that such men
are his constituents the people need
expect little from him.
In this same interview MIR. jackson
says: II have ~reoeived:from Middle
sex County only a single request to
vote for the bill, but have received
many letters urging me to vote
against it." The fact that every
newspaper in the county, regardless
of party or faction, which has ex-
pressed any opinion at all, is in favor
of tho bill, does not count as public
opinion with Mr.. Jackson. He wants
personal letters. 1t is therefore up to
the people, societies and churches.