davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

The matter was brought to the at
tention of Judge Hobson, who, with
the consent of the attorneys, allowed
Mr.. Koppen to go home that night,
accompanied by deputy sheriff L. j.
Qualley. He was thus permitted to
remain with his mother over night
returning the next morning. She
passed away on Sunday afternoon, as
will be seen by the obituary notice
elsewhere, and his father in-l law,
James McMullen, died ON Friday.
Thursday morning Atty. Frank
Sayre opened the arguments to the
jury for the state, talking until the
next day, shortly after opening for the
afternoon session. Then Atty. E. r.
Acers for the defense talked until
about four O'Clock, giving way to
Atty. A. d. Gray of the defense, who
occupied the time until Friday after
noon. Then Atty. John B. Kaye
closed the argument for the state,
speaking throughout the various ses-
sions until 8 80 p. m. Saturday.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

later and taking prominent part in
the trial in the court with Mr.. Sayre.
For the defense Mr.. Acers was the
first to be retained and has spent
several months working on the case,
making trip to New York and secur-
ing the depositions offered in evidence.
Mr.. Gray came into the case little
later and was actively associated with
Mr.. Acers in the defense, while Mr..
Harmon was employed at the begin
ming of the trial, and his work was
mostly advisory. They are all receiv-
ing deserved congratulation upon the
excellent manner in which the case
was conducted by both sides, and it is
the general opinion that the verdict
is just and fair one, in accordance
with the evidence.
To Judge Hobson for his absolutely
fair and impartial decisions on all
points in question, to the jury for
their close attention to every detail
of the trial, and evident intention
to decide absolutely in accordance with
the evidence, and to every person in
the service of the county and state
during the progress of the case, is
due at least passing mention, for
they have all conducted themselves in
an honorable, upright and commend
able manner.
The taking of the testimony in the
case ended about the time our last is
sue was being delivered to its city
readers on Wednesday afternoon
Shortly before that word had been
received that the mother of one of
the jurors, Fred Koppen, was serious
ly i'll at her home in Canoe town
ship, with doubt as to her recovery.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22
dar, and then, with clear, full voice

dar, and then, with clear, full voice
read
We, the jury, find the defendant
7. 1. Clifford not guilty, and we find
that at the time he committed the
act charged in the Indictment he was
insane. +. G. Ward, foreman.
AS the words mot guilty" were
spoken, confusion reigned throughout
the room. Attorney Gray hid his face
in his hands and could not control
the emotion which came over him.
Attys. Strand, Harmon and Acers sat
in their usual places, the latter care
fully watching Prof. Clifford TO note
the effect the decision should have up
ON him. Prof. Clifford sat rocking in
his chair as he has done throughout
the entire trial, and there was not a
sign of recognition or emotion in his
face when the verdict which saved
him from the gallows or the peniten-
tiary was read he was apparently
absolutely unconscious of the tragic
drama that was being enacted, in
which he was the principal charac-
ter. Then there was scene of con-
gratulations among the attorneys, the
defendant upon being asked to do so
by one of his attorneys, shook hands
with the attorneys, Judge Hobson
thanked the jury for their attention
and careful consideration of the case,
and the longest, most scientifically
conducted and most interesting trial
in the history of Winnesheik county
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

came to an end.
Before Judge Hobson read the ver-
dict he copied it upon the calendar as
above noted, and added the following:
Judgment entered upon verdict. Ad-
judged by the Court that Defenant
T. I. Clifford is not guilty of the crime
charged in the indictment, for the
reason that at the time he committed
the act charged in the indictment he
was insane. The defendant being in
custody and it appearing TO the1Court
that his discharge is found to be dan
gerous to the public peace and safety,
it is ordered, considered and adjudged
by the Court that the defendant be
forthwith committed to the Iowa Hos
pital for the insane at independence,
Iowa, and that writ issue for that
purpose -
In accordance with the decree, Prof.
T. 1. Clifford was taken to Indepen-
dence by Bailiffs l.. j. Anderson and
Dan Donaldson on Monday, and placed
in the hospital.
1t is impossible as yet to give
statement of the expense of the case
to the county, but it will be heavy,
the county will pay its attorneys
and all the witnesses, both for the
state and the defense.
The trial lasted seventeen days, dur
ing which time sixty-four witnesses
were examined, II for the state in the
prosecution, 80 by the defense, IL by
the state in rebuttal. and by the de-
fense in surrebuttal.
In all 100 jurors were empanneled
in the case, the first double panel of
go having been exhausted before a
jury was secured
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22
The Judges instructions d.
GENTLEMEN OF TUE JURY

GENTLEMEN OF Tue JURY
Par. l. The Indictment consists of
three counts and charges substantially
in the first count thereof that the de-
fendant did, or or about the 9th day of
November 1904 in the county of Winnie
shiek, state of Iowa, then and there in
and upon the body of one Henry A. Bige-
low, then and there being wilfully, fell
oniously, deliberately, premeditatedly
and of his malice aforethought, commit
an assault with deadly weapon. the
same being n potato hook, and the same
being deadly weapon, and the same
being then and there in the hands of the
said L. |. Clifford and then and there the
said T. |. Clifford did, with the specific
intent to kill and murder the said Henry
A. Bigelow wilfully, feloniously, delib-
erately, premediUatedly and of his malice
aforethought, strike and beat the said
Henry A. Bigelow upon his the said
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22
OUR TENTH ANNIVERSARY.

Today is the tenth anniversary of
the establishment of Public Opinion
Ten years ago today ton Washington g
birthday the first copy of the new
paper was issued, entering upon new
field, without subscriber, with the
determination to make a success of
the adventure, if persistent, jealous
effort and the publication of live,
newsy paper, controlled by no faction
and dictated to by no one, would do
it. Only those who have had the ex-
perience know the effort and expense
necessary to successfully build up an
enterprise of this nature from the be-
ginning, and like all others, it has
taken a great amount of money, in
dustry and perseverance. Since its
inception the Public Opinion has
steadily gained in the confidence of
the people, in the number Of its readers
and in the aggregate of advertising
and job printing business, until today
it is firmly established as permanent
feature in the newspaper circles of
the county and state, at the lead in
the number of it's readers, etc.
AS we look back upon the ten years
of progress and developement we find
many mistakes, many things that we
would now do otherwise, but all
things considered we feel we'll salts
fed with the advancement made, and
very grateful to the hosts of readers
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

and friends who have made it's success
possible by their help and coopera-
tion. During each year new features
have been added, there has been an
increased amount of local news mat
ter, and the paper has been made bet
ter in every way, keeping pace with
the almost wonderful advancement
made by modern newspapers.
No one can foretell what the future
has in store for us, but our hopes and
our aspirations are as high as they
were at the beginning. We expect to
continue to produce a paper that will
be a welcome visitor into the homes
of Winnesheik county throughout the
years to come, to keep step with the
rapid march of progress, and at all
times to stand for what we believe is
for the best for Decorah and Winnie
sheik county. If the hearty co-opera-
tion of the past is extended to us in
corresponding measure in the future
we shall be amply repaid for our
efforts.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

Gen. Lew Wallace, one of the most
noted of the soldiers of the civil war,
and the author of Ben-Hur, died at
his home at Crawfordville, Ind. Feb.
10Th, after an illness of several months.
Gen. Wallace commanded the center
of the Union army at Fort Donelson,
where he was wounded. He was made
a major general, and had charge of a
division at Shiloh. He afterward
served in the east. At the close of
the war he served as president of the
court that tried the notorious Capt.
Wirz of Andersonville fame. Gen.
Wallace had reached the advanced age
of rs.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

President Roosevelt has vowed that
the methods of Standard Oil dealings
in Kan sas and in general shall be
thoroughly investigated and has in
structed Commissioner Garfield to pro-
ceed without delay. He believes that
sufficient evidence to warrant criminal
proceedings may be developed in the
boycott of Kansas producers.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

At ten O'Clock Saturday night, af-
ter just seventeen days of trial, Prof.
T. l. Clifford was declared not guilty
of the charge of murder in the first
degree, but insane at the time he
killed H. A. Bigelow, Nov. 5, 1909,
and Judge Hobson Immediately
ordered his commitment to the asy-
lum at Independence.
The case has been one of the most
closely contested ever held in the
county, Attys. Strand, Sayre & Berg,
and Kaye for the state and Acers, Gray
and Harmon for the defense fighting
every inch of the way, contesting
closely every possible point. In the
preliminary preparation of the case
the most of the work was done for
the state by Attorneys Strand and
Sayre, Mr.. Kaye coming into the case
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

Following the usual custom, all the
members of President Roosevelt 8
cabinet have rendered their resigna-
tions, to take effect at the close Of
his present term. 1t is announced
from the White House that all will
be reappointed with the exception Of
Postmaster General Wynne, who will
be succeeded by Cortelyou, and that
Wynne will be appointed consul gen
eral at London.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

The amendment to the constitutio N
providing for biennial elect ions in
this state, voted on and adopted at the
last election, and which has been ques-
toned as to its validity, has been
passed upon by Judge w. d. Evans,
of Story county, who sustains the
amendment in all essential particu-
lars, and declares the amendment
valid. An appeal will be taken to
the supreme court Immediately, and
it is hoped that final decision will
be rendered in March.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22
Subscription Price $l.50 a Year
Omce.-817 West Water Street.
Bsth Telephones Number IS.
Current Comment.

The national guardsmen of Iowa are
exempt from the poll tax, according to
an opinion by Attorney General Null
Ian.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

Nearly four feet of snow is the re-
cord to date this winter and there is
vet more to follow.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22
Prof. T. |. Clifford Cleared of the Charge
Of Murder in the First Degree.
JURY REMAINS OUT ONLY SIX HOURS
After Seventeen Days of Strenuous Contest Longest
and in Many Respects Most important Murder
Case in the History of the County Ends,
and Prof. Clifford. Found INSANE Goes
to Hospital at Independence.

We, the Jury, find the defendant T.
I. Clifford, not guilty, and we find that
at the time he committed the act
charged in the indictment he was in
sane" =. c. Ward, Forman.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22

Continued on page 5
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-22
&M;c Cfi'sic~
PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY
H. ]. CREEN,
Editor and Proprietor.

OfIicial Paper of Winnesheik County
and the City Of Decorah.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05
They MUST reform
WEST and south UP IN arms
over INSURANCE METHODS.
States Likely TO Compel Reoraani.
zatt0n OF Stats OF Most Of the
Big Companies, Under Penalty
OF Being Characterization
Cause Sensation In cnallsh Circles

New York, Dot. 2.-With few excep.
lions the authorities of the states in
the West, Middle West and South are
up in arms over the revelations Of the
life insurance Investigations, and 1t is
not unlikely that before the New York
legislative committee has completed
its inquiry they will compel reorgan-
ization Of the stats of most Of the big
copmanies. A refusal to comply will,
it is understood, cause all states that
insist on such action to compel the
companies which refuse to pull stakes.
McCalls' resignation and his restitu-
ton Of money diverted from proper
channels was demanded in a resolution
Of the convention of insurance commits
sioners, which adjourned Friday in
New Hampshire. This resolution was
read by Commissioner of Insurance W.
D. Vandevers, of Missouri, who was
appointed by Governor Folk. The res.
olution was referred to a committee
which reported back substitute COW
ering the situation generally. The
substitute resolution in effect said
that it WAS the sense Of the convention
that I'VE condemn the conduct Of life
insurance companies as revealed by
the inquiry now being held in New
York"
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05
HOMESTEADERS ENTERED
100000 acres OF Land

Washington, Oct. ACCOMMODATIONS
Richards, of the general land office,
has forwarded to the secretary Of the
interior the annual reports for the fs.
cal year ending June 80 last.
1t shows that during the year 49,.
979, 500 acres of public lands and IT,
$40 acres Of Indian lands were dispos.
ed Of, the total exceeding that for the
previous year by $50. 800 acres. OF
the public lands disposed Of IL, 1876, 571
acres were entered under the home
stead act, 696,677 under the timber
and stone act. 711,124 under the des-
ert land law. and 585, 507 acres Of
swamp lands patented.
The total receipts Of the year, in
Guiding those for the sale Of Indian
lands, were $7,O17,8l1.
There were pending in the office
July last So, $50 cases awaiting adju-
dication, decrease Of SO, O42 from the
number existing July l. 1904. Under
the law the net proceeds Of the sales Of
public lands are converted into leases
for the benefit Of tho irrigation fund.
and the total amount for the year to
be disposed Of il approximately ST.
457 1913, ito be distributed among the
states and territories Of the West.
OF this amount the state Of Wash
ington is entitled to 622, 203, and Ore
gon to $675,325.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05
LIBEL LAW DcIlSION.
Case OF Some importance TO wash.
tnQtOn Newspapers.

Case Of Some importance to wash.
in9f0n Newspapers.
Olympia, Oct. 2.-The law regard.
ing newspaper libel in this state has
been laid down in a decision rendered
by the supreme court sustaining the
judgment at Spokane for defendant in
the case of George OFT and wife against
the Press Publishing Company.
The OTIS sued for 900 damages
for alleged libel. They are engaged
in the employment business in Spo-
kane, and the alleged libel was part
of q series Of articles appearing in the
Press exposing employment agency
matters, purporting to show among
other things that such agencies acted
as procurers in securing girls for i'm.
moral purposes. The jury which heard
the evidence gave verdict in favor Of
the newspaper.
Commenting on the alleged errors Of
the lower court, the supreme court says
the Spokane court should not have
ruled cut certain evidence because
upon a proper showing damages for
mental pain and suffering may be re-
covered" but this error is not suf1i-
cient for reversal, the supreme court
says, for "by reason of the truth of the
publication appellants were not emit
tied to recover any damages whatso-
ever"
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05
EAGLE HUNTING IN THE ALPS.
ferilous and Exciting Sport for Noun
tain Climbers.

Perilous and Exciting Sport for Noun
tain Climbers.
Eagle hunting in the Alps Is a peril
Gus and exciting sport which Is be-
ginning to attract the attention of Eng
fish as well as Swiss sportsmen, tele-
graphs the London Express Geneva
correspondent.
During the past few days scores Of
plucky climbers have been trying to
scale the almost inaccessible rocks on
which the nests of the eagles are built,
in the hope Of capturing eaglets. In
the Bernese Oberland, and In the Girls
ons, their efforts have led to some saw
age encounters with the parent eagles,
and to some wonderful escapes
In the Engadins an English sports.
man has captured fine young eagle in
the Val Chamuera. The nest was on
the face Of an almost unclimable rock,
protected from above by an overhang
ing cliff. After some perilous climb
Ing, the spot was at length reached
from below, and after a severe tusse
the young bird was captured, and lie
describes the sport as one Of the most
exciting that he knows.
At Entlebuch mountaineer scaled
rocky peak and had succeeded in Sc
curing two eaglets, when the parent
birds attacked him with such violence
that he fell from the rock and was
badly injured. One of the old birds
was, however, shot by a spectator. 1t
measured over seven feet across the
wings.
Near Oberbergli two peasants Sc
cured a fine eaglet, while the parent
birds were absent from the eyre, by
descending on a swinging rope 1000
feet over the face Of an 0verhanging
preciplce. In the nest were part of n
lamb. small pig, several large fowls
and an enormous store of bones OF
birds and animals
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05
Pygmy Marriages.

Some hitherto unpublished facts
about the habits Of the African pyg-
mics are contained In pamphlet just
published by Col. Harrison. who
brought from Central Africa the party
of little people now in London. The
pygmies generally marry at the age
of or o, and the men buy. their wives
with three or four spears and ten to
fifteen arrows. according to the mar
ket value Of the lady. They pay by
installments, and not until the last
arrow is handed over Is the lover al
lowed to take his bride man NAV
have as many wives as he can afford to
buy
The birth Of boy is welcomed. but
when a girl baby arrives the unfortu-
nate creature is soundly dashed by the
father with bunch OF plantain
leaves
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05
AN OLD CANNON BALL.
Excavation Reveals Supposed Relic
OF "Battle OF Seattle"

Excavation Reveals Supposed Relic
OF Battle OF Seattle"
Seattle, Oct. 2.-While gang of
laborers were digging under Main
street, between Third and Fourth ave.
nues south an old rusty cannon ball
was unearthed by one Of the workmen.
Prof. Meany, head of the history de-
partment of the state university, who
examined the shot is Of tho opinion
that the ball was fired by tho United
States sloop-of.war Decatur during the
battle Of Seattle in 1866, when the en-
tire population would have been mas.
sacred had it not been for the warship.
About 500 feet west OF the place
where the shot was found, between
Second and Third south, on Main,
stood the old Seattle stockade. On
the day of the battle, after all the peo-
pie had gathered inside the walls Of
the stockade, the Indians gathered in
the edge of the woods back of the
building and were probably preparing
for an attack when the ball was
thrown over the heads of the landing
marines and among the Indians.
The relic has been given over in
charge Of Prof. Meany to be placed in
the university museum. 1t is solid
shott weighing about 80 pounds.
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05
Sincere Flattery.

Melissa Is a TALL flne-looking colored
girl, and Mrs. Compton, with whom
Melissa lives as cook, is a small, fair
haired woman. The mistress enter
tains great respect for her maids Gull
nary powers. and Melissa adores Mrs
Compton.
Il reckon is done learned an awful
lot since l come hyar to lib. Missy
Compton" said Melissa, trlumphantly
one day. rs done learned how to
walk an pear 1es like de quality folks
when l goes out. An now you's Glib.
ben me dat handsome yaller pa'sol. !
'spects muffin but dat de first time !
walk out under 1t de minlster'll step
up to me an he'll say. ''Scuse me, but
am I speakin' to Mis- Central Conn.
TONI"
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05

under the cursed mans feet. He was
enveloped by thick flames and smoke,
and disappeared beneath the surface Of
the earth. This was considered a
most deserved punishment.
While the faithful were In the church
the cursed man was loafng around,
and having seen big crucifix upon an
altar erected on the street, as was done
In those days, he placed burning
cigarette in the lips Of the image.
Scarcely had he made eight or ten
steps, when he was engulfed by the in.
ferno.
That day all the trees he planted,
except the cursed one. dried up, and
all the birds he had fed died.
An attempt was made to cut down
the tree that had not dried up, but
the man who made the attempt drop
ped dead upon stepping upon the
shadow Of Its foliage. The mans body
had to be left there to be eaten up
by crows, because nobody had the
courage to approach and remove It,
Since that day numerous persons
have met tragic death under that
tree. A pedestrian who went under 1t
for shade on hot summer day was
bitten by snake and died in two hours
Three men, on different occasions.
sought shelter from rain under its
branches, and We're struck by light
ming. A woman who was hanging some
clothes to dry from the trunk of the
tree was attacked and killed by a billy
goat that came from nobody knows
WHERE and that was never seen again.
Two years ago little boy was riding a
burro, innOcently led his animal to the
tree. The burro threw him off and
kicked him to death. The last victim
Of this fatal tree was a man named
MeliQuades Arevalo, who, during
heavy rainstorm, ran under the tree
for shelter: like his predecessors on
such occasion. he was struck by light
uing.-Mexican Herald
Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1905-10-05
CAUSES SUSPICION or ALL.
English financlers Fear Graft In All
American Corporations.

English financlers Fear Graft In All
American Corporations.
Chicago, Oct. 2.-English fnanciera
have viewed with amazement the dis
closures affecting the business methods
Of American insurance corporations,
according to Ernest A. Hamill, presi-
dent of the Corn Exchange National
Bank. Mr.. Hamill has just returned
to his desk after three months Euro
pean tour. He said:
"While 1 was in Europe three weeks
ago men Of finance everywhere were
questioning the entire American finan-
cial situation. They seemed to suspect
that if the directors of the big insur.
ance companies could permit irregu-
larities such az were shown to exist in
the Equitable company, other fnan-
cial institutions on this side of the
water must be similarly conducted"
Mr.. Hamill says the English fnan-
cial situation is expected to improve
during the winter. The effects of the
Boer war are still felt heavily and the
recovery Of good conditions is slow.