davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-03-02
EVIDENCE i'm the Larive.
ire-LefIer Trial all in
Last Night.
Attorneys will Open the
Pleadings This Morn
ing.

The trial of Geo. Letter accused of the
murder of Frank Laryiere at WaIhaIla
on October 28th of last year
was begun on Friday last. There we're
thirty persons examined for jurors of
whom the state excused nine and the
defendent eight and one was disqualified.
The panel'was completed on Saturday
afternoon and the jury placed in charg e
of the baliffs and were kept together
sleeping and boarding at the county's
expense at the court room. The jury is
pronounced by all as very intelligent
and fair one and are as follows: Edward
Gull, James Slater, M. McMurchle,
Henry Webb, Jas. Halfpenny, Jos.
Berard, Geo. Corbett, w. E. Gardiner,
Willard Hodgson, A. B. Purdy, David
Bearisto, Robert Menzies.
Court convened again on Monday on
the arrival of the train from the south.
The first witness was Surveyor Mott who
testified as to details and correctness of
plats of the neighborhood and the build
ng where the homicide occurred, which
testimony was also verified by Marshal
McFadden OF Walhalla.
Next came doctors Mowatt and Scott
OF the same place; both of whom attend
ed Lariviere before his death and per-
formed the postmorem afterwards.
Their testimony was to the effect that
there was but one wound and that was
on the back Of the head little to the
left and below the rear center of the
head. The wound was about an inch
and half and triangular in shape.
Blood was matted in the hair. Post
mortem showed that the skull was
fractured in several directions about the
wound for short distances. A small
clot of blood was found at the site of
the wound and large one nearly oppo-
site near the front of the head. The
doctors explained that this was COM
mon result of a heavy blow on the head.
The cause of death was declared to be
thesresult of the fracture and confusion of
the brain and that the wound was caused
by some blunt instrument. Larivere was
not conscious after receivingthe bio W.
Richard Rickmeyer testified that he
was about % years Of age and was en-
ployed as cook at the Smith restaurant in
Walhalla where the trouble began.
About SIX o'clock or later saw Lariviere
come in to Smiths and stand quietly
near the front door. Did not seem i'll
toxicated.
Robert Laidlaw who was there befor,
said ''You are the man I am look
ing for" and started towards Larivi-
ere. They clinched and several other
parties pushed the two men out Of doors
where they continued fighting for some
time. Lariviere started out to the mid
die Of the street then returned. Passed
witness who was standing in the door
way and quite number Of other per-
sons there, when five ieet or so from
witness Letter struck Lariviere In the
back Of the head with some instrument
that witness did not see distinctly but
which looked like bolt Of iron about
m inch IN diameter and twelve or fifteen
inches long, and Lariyiere then fell on
his hands and knees and then rolled ofF
The sidewalk. Later Witness saw two
men supporting Lariviess and bathing
NJ head with watsr @ Other liqpi
II On cfoeD III ,ex lilnai iioG aeyss
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-03-02
Court Notes.


The jury attended church on Sunday,
under care of the baliffs, and have also
attended some OF the evening meetings,
held at the Methodist Episcopal church.
The widow of the victim of the homi-
eide, Mrs. Lariviere. with little boy,
sits sadly in the court room. She ar-
pears to be less than thirty years old,
aid shows some native blood in her
complexion.
A most grewsome exhibit was the
sSull of the deceased. introduced by the
prosecution. 1t might have been a
plaster cast, by the way the doctor
handled it, but some of the others
brushed their hands with evident disgust
after taking hold of it.
The prisoner, George Letter, is not in
appearance man who would be taken
as guilty of murder or any other crime.
He looks more like clerk or business
man, and is dressed neatly. He does
not show any signs of being even nerv-
Gus over his present position. His wife,
who is very fair-faced young woman,
with cheeks full of color, sits by his side,
with their baby, about year old, with
her. Letter is an American, born in
Wisconsin, and lived in Minnesota be-
tore coming to this state two years ago
to reside. He has, however, been COM
ing to this county for several years, at
times.
One of the curious things shown in
this trial is that men see the same things
in SO many different lights. In the pres
ent murder case there are halt dozen,
or SO, of witnesses tor the state who de-
clare that Lariviere stepped on the side
walk several feet to one side of the
storm shed of the restaurant, and then
as he walked several steps along the
sidewalk past Letter the latter struck
him an overland blow with some thing
in his hand, hitting the back of Lari-
vierre's head, and that Lariviere fell
forward on his hands and then rolled off
the walk to the stree. ..On the other hand
Just as manv witnesses on the other side
declare that Lariviere stepped on the
sidewalk directly in front of Letter, that
instantly Letter struck an underhand
blow, and that he had nothing in his
hand and that Lariviere fell backward,
aliuhtino in the etroaf IN h;c hooda and
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-03-02

formerly in the employ of Attorney
Sinkler, was called to impreach the test-
mony of Wright, who had made state
ment of his story to Sinkler soon after
the tragedy. Most of her evidence was
ruled out. though lot of it was gotten
to the jury in roundabout way.
Thursday morning, Alb Ellis OF
WaIhalla testified. {!e was close to
Letter at time of trouble. Saw Lari-
Were step on sidewalk in front OF Le-
fler with hands up and cursing, saying,
could lick whole crowd of s. of b-s."
Letter struck him in face and he fell back
hard on head and shoulders.
Messrs McGuln and Roge:s testified
to Letters good reputation.
Court adjourned to attend Mr.. Bran
chaud's funeral.
Thursday afternoon, Geo. Letter was
called to testify in his own defense. His
testimony brought out nothing new, but
coincided with that of the witeesses for
the defense, as air. aay given here.
He said he did not think he had struck
Larivie:e very hard and that he thought
that Lariviere, by his appearance, was
about to strike him. Mr.. Brynjolfson's
cross examination did not last over an
hour, and Letter was on the stand about
three hours altogether. He made good
appearance on the stand and good wit.
ness tol himself.
A few witnesses we're also examined
in rebuttal as to the hardness of the
ground where Lariviere fell, but nothing
special was made out, except that the
ground was not very soft.
The pleas of the attorneys will be
given to-day and the case will go to the
jury for their decision and as the evil
dence is very conflicting it is very hard
to guess what that decision will be. :,
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
COMMITTEE OF LEE.
August 27 Set as Date fer the County
 Primary.

Primary.
 Opelika, March 5.-~tSpecial. )--The Lee County Democratic Executive Com- mittee met at the court house last S1t- urday. ip pursuance to a call by the chairman, Hon. T. D. Sanford. Ten beats answered to roll call. John K. Watkins was elected secretary, vice Roscoe W. German. deceased Hon. John B. Lyons was elected a member of the Central Committee to fill the place of W. M. Willis, who has remov- ed from the county. The committee decided upon April 26 as the date of holding the Congressional primary. and August 27 was agreed upon as the time for holding the county primary. to select candidates for the Legislature. County Commissioners. Sheriff and State officers.
 Rev. Mir. Power, In the absence of Dr. w, P. Dickinson, filled the pulLH of the First Methodist Church Sun day and preached two good sermons.
 Joe Nunn, a negro man had his right foot mashed off Friday evening by a train on the Western Railroad, near the electric plant. It is said that In an effort to catch a freight car his foot slipped under the wheels and was so badly mHngled and mashed that am- putation was necessary.
 Rev. D. M Banks, the efficient Coun- ty Superintendent of Education, has been confined to his room several days from sickness.
 Mrs. J. F. Purser and Master Joe Purser smith. Of Atlanta, came down Saturday to spend a few days with her son-in Jaw. Joe H. Smith. Mrs. Pur- ser has great many friends in the city who are always happy to see her.
 The Teachers Institute which was held in the city Friday and SatutaS y of last week, was well attended not only by the teachers of Lee county. but from all sections Of East Alabama. Every one regretted very much the inability of Superintendent Banks to attend the exercises. The addresses Of the occasion were well prepared and forcibly delivered and close attention was given them by all.
 Rev. D. M. Banks has accepted an invitation to deliver an address before the Lee County Sunday School Asso- citation, which convenes in Phenix City in the near future.
 Lieutenant Holly, of the United States Army, was in the city last FrI- day visiting hs frend. Ben c. Condon. Lieutenant Holly has been in active service in the Philippines for the last six years. He bears an enviable mili- tary record and his friends predict for him even higher honors.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
BIr Shit Filed,

The Atlanta and Birmingham Air Line Railway Company was mado de- fendant to a suit for $e50.000 In the Circuit Cort today The petition was filed hy William H. MeAfee. as assignee of the McAfee Company. It is for work and labor done in the construction of the defendants railroad between Bir- min gham and Atlanta, and also for profits involved in a contract for the construction of a railroad under the contract set out in the complaint,
 The suit is one of the largest ever filed in the Circuit Court the bill or complaint and various contracts ana papers which are attached thereto com prising several hundred pages of close ly written typewritten paper. Tho at torneys representing the complainant are Dwight and Lowry. John w Tom e linson, and Percy and Benners.
 There are twenty-five counts in the petition. It is claimed that John Blair McAfee entered into a contract with the East and West Railroad Company on Nov ember 1, 1902, to construct four teen miles Of railroad from Birming- ham to Coal City. the contract to be completed by July 8, 1903. Under the terms of the contract. according to tn Q petition. the aggregate price to be paid for the work was $525.000, with inter- est thereon
 It is said that under the terms nf the contract the East and West Railroad, which is said to have consolidated with the Chattahoochee Terminal Railway Company under the name ot the Att Ianta and Birmingham Air Line Rail- way Company. was to pay SO much every month for work done and mate rials furnished
 i The petition alleges that becauss of the failure to pay for work actually accomplished the contractors were fore ed to stop work. It is said that mucf money had been spent in equipment machinery and supplies. and that by reascn of the failure of the railroad to make its payments it was forced to assign in favor of its creditors,
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
Patrick nIcGInnln BurteH.

The funeral of Patrick MrGinnls. the Mobile and Ohio Railroad conductor who was killed in the Meridian. Miss tornado Friday evening while in El- mire's restaurant in that city, took place today at Pratt City, a suburb of Birmingham. his old home. McGinnis was formerly a conductor on the Rir- mingham Southern Railroad and had a large number of acquaintances in this section. His father lives at Pratt City, The funeral was attended by a large number of sorrowing friends. The officials of the Alabama Great South ern Railroad announce that the losses at Meridian by that road are not as great as was at first feared they would he
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06

ago. He had caged up the owl in a hat box, fastened over with wire. and just set the whole contrivance in the rear of the bar and wondered what the devil to do with him.
 We had a big brindle cat in the bar-rhon that about two-thirds of the fellows in Washington will recollect, and he took particular notice of the owl He must have thought 1t was some kind of turkey, and I must say the owl returned the compliment, for he glared constantly at the eat. guess he thought Billy was a rabbit. tried once or twice to make friends with the stranger. but he was in a fighting mood and hissed at me savage ly. He was quiet enough, excepting when some one went near him. and I left him. when I closed tho bar at night, wondering how could tame him and make him an attraction to the place.
 Well, T pledge you my word. boys, when I opened up next day that baS- room was wreck. The owl and tme cat had had a scrap, and glasses and bottles were broken and altogether the place looked as if the old nick had had a At in It. As soon as the cat saw me he jumped Into my arms and the owl was sitting on the end of the bar glar- ing and hissing like a locomotive That owl had to be captured somehow. and called on the darky that did odd jobs about the place. He said he could catch anything that wore feathers. ! think he had been in the habit Of rob- ping hen roosts across the river. Any how, he advanced on the solemn old bird and grabbed him by the legs and the back of the neck at the same time. The owl made all sorts of fuss. but. we got him Tn a strong box and sent him to a friend of mine over in South Washington. My friend soon got tired of trying to tame him and sent him to the Zoo. guess he's out there yet, as 1 believe heard that owls live to be a thousand years old"
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
ALUMNI oosap1rrTEEs.
Teeting This Afternoon To Arrange
 Rnp RauuuNf.

Meeting This Afternoon To Arrange
 For Banquet.
 Major R. E. Steiner, President of the Lomax Society of the Alabama Alumni, yesterday announced the appointments of the standing committees of the or ganisation as follows. Executive Committee-R, E. Steiner, lex offieio, William J, Conniff, ex ofhcio, lDr. Thomas NJ. Owen, Judge John C. lAnderson, Thomas W. Martin. Banquet Committee-B. S. Greil chairman, l.. F. Woodruff. W. F. Thet- University Committee-M. P. Le Grand, chairman, B. P. crum, pr. Gib- son Reynolds
 meeting of the joint committee on Executive and Banquet will be held this afternoon at s o'clock at the of flee of Major Steiner, when arrange noents will be made for an elaborate banquet. The alumni of all Alabama will be made.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
wnl peaieate New nurldlng.

At meeting of the Board of Edu- cation Of Birmingham today it was de- cided to hold dedfcatory exercises at the new High School building tn this city on April Il. The new building is one of the handsomest school build ings in the South and cost over $10o,- 0Oo. During the dedication the Ala bama State Teachers Association will be holding its annual convention in Birmingham and it is intended to have some prominent teachers here to de- liver addresses to which the visiting teachers will be invited. It was also decided to add kitchens at some of tne schools in order to furnish hot lunches to children, this work to be under the management of the School Improve ment Association
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
DEATH OF A. c. FLEwnLLES.
Was We'll Known and Popular as [
 Travelling Salesman.


 Eufaula. March 5.-- Special )-Ar- thur c. Fiewellen, wen known and popular young man, died at his home here this morning after a lingering illness of more than year from con- sumption. He was for many years a travelling salesman, but relinquished his position some months ago and re- turned to his home here, where he desired to spend the remaining portion of bis life among those who were near and dear to him. He was brother of the late Mrs, W. P. Copeland, of this city, and was widely known in many sections of the State. The funeral oc- cured from St. James Episcopal Church this afternoon and his remains were laid to rest in Fair View Gene tery here.
 Mrs. William Davis, u most estima- ble Christian woman, is suffering from a stroke of paralysis. The news of her affliction came as a shock to her le~ zion of warm friends as she had been in good health and spirits apparently. Her condition is regarded as quite se- rlous.
 E. D. Corker. Great Sachem of the Red Men of Alabama, has accepted an invitation to visit the tribes in Mont gemery on a date to es named about the middle of this month. Mir. Corker will deliver a public address to the Red Men and the pale face friends on tl~ occasion
 The brick and other material IS on the grounds for the erection of brick bank building and a store house in Clayton and work will begin at an early day. It is thought that the new bank will be ready for business early this summer.
 The early date set for the primary for county officers seems to give en- tire satisfaction to all the candidates and they are smelling the woods every day.
 Farm work Is progressing rapidly and corn lands are about all ready. In many localities the work of planting will begin next week
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
nar AsnoclntIon Council.

The central council Of the Alabama rar Association met today in the office of John London, Chairman of the Coun- cil in this city. and an order was made directing proceeding against promi- inent attorney of, the State, looking to his suspension or disbarment. Papers are now being made out for te pur- pose. Hon. Alexander Trov Of Mont gonery. Secretary, who under me law is reouired to attest the papers. is pres ent at the meeting.
 The members of the Council are Iohn London, Ed DeGraffenreid of Greensboro: c. C. whitson of Tallade- ga; E. K Campbell and Lee c. Brad ley of Birmingham. All the members were present, except Mir. Whitson.
 The Central Council is clothed with
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
cIRCuIT coUnT AT 0zARK.
F,oreefwI Charge Delivered to the Grand
 T,.-r,v h-v Euda,N EyanA.

EOHee4WA NAHE&G OGtASSNNu " AsAS NA----
 Jury by Judge Evans.
 ozark. March 5.-(Special. )--Clreuit Court convened here today with Judge A. A. Evans on the bench, and Hon. C. A. l.. Sanford, States prosecuting attorney. large number of people are present and crowded the court room during the courts charge to the grand jury. It was an able deliverance and made a profound impression.
 It is said by court officials that both dockets are light at this term of the court. and that only two cases Of i'm portance will come before the criminal section. These are murders, one the case against Will B lxter for killing Will Rufford two months ago. both oel- ored, and the killing of a negro near Daleville by unknown parties last spring.
 Farm work is further advanced than 1t was at this time last year. Most of the land Is broken and planting has begun. Owing to the scarcity of labor there will not be so much land seeded to- cotton as last year, but it will be better fertilizeI
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06

The discovery of a fabulously rich gold mine near Barstow. Cal. was madg recently by c. ". Roach, a special of- ficer of the Santa Fe Railroad. While out hunting Roach came to an old tuu- nel abandoned by a prospector long since dead While idly pecking at It's walls. Roach grasped handful of gilt tering dust. Further investigation ehowed nuggets as large as walnuts. Roach fractured a number of speed records in hastening to San Bernar- dino to file his claim.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06

sity Club was formed with the follow ing members: Nj B. Abercrombie. Dr. John Massey. F. R. Alexander. D. F. Laslie. F. B. Powell, w. W. Camp bell. ". T. Laslie, J. c. Baldwin. Mar shall Hurt, W. P. Cobb, c. Thompson and R. H. Powell. officers of the club were elected as follows: R. 1T. Powell. President; W. P. Cobb, Vice President; F. B. Powell, Secretary, and c. Thompson, Treasurer. It was decid- ed to meet at later date. and arrange for a social meeting at which the mem bers will indulge In "reminiscences and talk over their college days
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
contrihution for snferern.

Edward Flynn, of the Alabama dis trict organization of the United Mine Workers of America, today received in- formation from the national organiza- tion that five hundred dollars had been appropriated for the sufferers in the Piper mine explosion last week |. Ten men lost their lives in that ex- plosfon with a like number injured. Several families were left In destitute circumstances. The district organiza- tiop also contributed five hundred dol- lars towards the relief fund.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
FuneraI Dfrectorn to RTect,

The State Convention of the Alabama Funeral Directors and Embalmers' As- sociation will be held in Birmingham April and l0 It Is expected that at least fifty delegates will be here for the meeting. E. T. Shaw. of Birming- ham. Is president of the association, with T. s. Roche. of Mobile, secretary. At the same time as the convention the state Board of Embalmers will hold a session and examIne applicants for embalmers' license.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
AGAINST SALOONS
REV. DIR. CRUMPT0N SPEAKS TO
 BIRMINGHAM PASTORS.
says That Jefferson County Has Too Many Candidates for High once, Advocates the Election
 of MeadOr.

Birmingham. March 5.--(Special) )-- An important meeting of the Birmii.S- ham Pastors Union was held today a.d pr w. B, Crumpton. of Montgomery, delivered an interesting address in- viting the pastors of this city and dis Lfict to lend assistance to the Anti-Sa- loon League. He stated that the whis- Key element in Alabama had perfected strong organization and had seenr- ed almost an unlimited amount or money with which to fight the Anti Saloon League. The pastors after some discussion decided to give every as- sistance in their power and a special collection will be taken in all the churches for the fund to be raised for the Anti-Saloon League. It Is expect ed that more than one thousand dol- lars will be raised when the special collection Is taken up.
 As stated by Dr. Crumpton, whose headquarters are in Montgomery, sev- eral speakers will be placed In the Held, large amount of literature will be distributed and other work done for which there will be need for a large sum of money. In the course of his address, Dr. Crumpton today stated that the pastors would have to make effort to land a suitable candidate for Lieutenant Governor. He advocated the election of D. J. Meador, of. Mar engo County, saying that the Lieuten- ant Governor had great opportunity to assist the cause in that he makes ap- pointments on committees in the Sem ate When asked by a local pastor if he meant to oppose Col. Henry B. Gray, the Birmingham banker who is a candi- date for Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Crumpton replied that Jefferson Coun- ty had too many candidates for the high offices" The leaders in the Anti Saloon League will prosecute a strong campaign in all counties throughout the State. making effort to land can didates for the Legislature who will pledge support to local option or pro- hibition bills.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
New ConI Company,

The stith Coal Company has. filed articles of incorporation In the Probate Court; capital stock. $25.oOo. The in- eorporators are Paul J. Stith, A. B. Aid ridge Jr., w.. Dimmick and c. w. Buckley. Coal lands will be developed on large scale. MT. Stith is an ex- perienced coal operator.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06

large authority from the State Asso- citation to take action in such matters. An effort was made to learn the name of the attorney involved and tho charges against him, but the members of the Council refused to give out any thing.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06
BANKRUPT SALE.
Real Estate.

House and lot, 4l4 Dexter Avenue. will be sold at auction Today noon, Court Square fountain, to highest bId- der, title guaranteed.
 GEO. STUART,
 Trustee.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06

Univernity Club Favored.
 Tuskegee, March 5.--tSpeciaLl--At q meeting of the local alumni Of the University of Alabama, 1906. a Univer-
The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-03-06

All farmers who have used them, say they are the best mnde--the wonder fuI Daybr:ak Fertilizers.
 MARKS & GAYLE.