davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
SUICIDE AT CHARLTON
Banker Frank R. CrOCker Killed Him
self thursday Morning, and the
First National Bank Closes.

Like a thunder clap from the clear
sky came the news to the people Of
Charlton last Thursday morning that
Frank r. Crocker, cashier of the First
National Bank Of that city had taken
his life, leaving note that he could no
longer bear the burden, and financial
affairs in that town are in demoralized
condition and will remain so until the
bank examiner, who is now in charge
OF the bank is able to make report.
Mr.. Crocker came to Charlton some
thirty years ago and entered the bank
as messenger boy being promoted un-
TIL he became vice president and CASH
ler, and for many years has been the
idol OF Charlton, being liberal and en-
terprising citizen and always the fore
most man in every enterprise. The
bank of which he was cashier carries
deposits of over one million dollars It
seems that Mr.. Crocker knew that the
national bank examiner was coming to
Charlton Thursday to examine the
bank, and knowing that he was not in
position to stand the examination he
left personal notes to friends, addressed
a letter to the bank examiner and then
went to his room and took enough NOR
phine to end his life.
The bank examiner Immediately after
receiving MIR. Crocker's letter took
charge of the bank and it did not open
for business and will remain closed
until its condition is determined, which
it is reported will take several weeks,
as Mr.. Crocker was the whole thing at
the bank and without his assistance it
will be slow work getting ready to
al nnrf h1 @kL
ployees of the bank were mere clerks.
found that MIR. Crocker who was for
merly head banker of the Modern Wood
men had S350,000 borrowed from the
present head banker, and the bank
books do not show cent of this money,
it being borrowed in Mr.. Crocker's
personal name with ten or twelve bust
ness men of Charlton on the bond, and
it will probably wipe several of them
out of business.
Mr.. Crocker was also in complete
charge of the estate of the late s. Fl.
Mallory, of Charlton, estimated at
$75O,000 and it is feared that the estate
is badly involved as the result of
Crocker's speculations. He has been
heavy plunger in the stock market and
the recent decline in all kinds of Sc
curity has evidently wiped out not only
his own fortune but much of the money
which was entrusted to his charge.
Mrs. Mallory and daughter Mrs. Jesse
Thayer recently left fof~a years tour in
Egypt and were due to arrive in Naples,
italy, on Tuesday of this week.
Mr.. Crocker was interested in num-
ber of business ventures at Charlton,
and was considered their leading citi-
zen. Although nothing definite can be
learned as to the condition of the bank
it is rumored there is big shortage.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
Leon Wins From Charlton.

Leon high school defeated Charlton
at football last Saturday by the score
of 10 to 0 in the hardest fought game
seen on the home gridiron for some
time. The game was a surprise to
many as the Charlton players we're
much heavier than Leon, and by their
recent victories over Ottumwa and
Knoxville had attained quite reputa-
tion.
Leon won the toss and received the
kick at the north goal. On line plunges
and short end runs Leon advanced the
ball to Chariton's 40 yard line only to
lose it on a tumble.
Charlton failing to make the required
gain, was forced to punt, regaining the
ball on their own % yard line. Chari-
iton punting again, Grimes carried the
ball back for gain of five yards.
Leon, by great offensive work, carried
the ball to Chariton's 40 yard line where
Grimes was enabled to break away and
by a magnificent run scored the first
touchdown. Grimes failed to kick goal
and time was called with the ball we'll
in Chariton's territory.
In the second half Charlton again
kicked to Leon, Housh carrying the ball
for ten yard gain. Leon by consistent
gains gradually carried the ball towards
Chariton's goal, Charlton being contin-
ually on the defensive. When on Chari-
toms 25 yard line Stookey, by run
around left end, carried the ball over
Chariton's goal line for the second
touchdown. Stookey punted out and
Gassett failing to make the fair catch
Leon was not permitted to make the
trial at goal.
Leon kicked to Charlton who ran the
ball back 20 yards. Here they were
held for downs and were forced to punt.
The ball was in Icons possession at
about the center of the field when time
was called.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
Injured at the Poultry plant.

]. B. O'Daniel, foreman Of the feeding
station at the Clarinda Poultry plant
in this city, had a narrow escape from
death last Saturday afternoon. He
was assisting in unloading car of feed
and was standing on the gang plank
when it slipped from the car door and
he was thrown under a heavy truck
loaded with Thousand pounds of feed
and badly crushed about the chest and
stomach. He was taken to his home in
east Leon at once and medical aid sum
moned, and is getting along very nicely.
Had the truck fallen squarely upon him
it would undoubtedly have killed him
instantly, but fortunately no bones
were broken.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
Get Acquainted.

The Register and Leader will be sent
to any new subscriber from now to Feb
ruary 1, 1908, every day except Sunday,
upon receipt of $1.00. Daily with Sun
day, $1.50.
The strongest feature of The Register
and Leader is it's complete Iowa news
service. 1t is published every morning
in the year aid reaches readers in
every part of Iowa and on most rural
routes on the day of publication. We
urge you to accept this liberal offer to.
day. Address,
THE REGISTER AND LEADER
Des Moines. Iowa.
Or the publisher of this paper will for
ward your subscription.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
The Banking Situation.

The announcement last week that
the banks Of Decatur county had sus-
pended payments in currency except in
the sum of $500 on each account per
day, with a limit of $15 in a week,
created but very little excitement in
this county, as the people realized that
the banks of Decatur county were all in
exceptional good condition and that
the currency stringency was caused
simply because the city banks refused
to ship any currency to country banks.
All of the business men agreed to
accept. checks or other bankable
paper and business has been going
along in the usual channels. check
is as good if not wholly satisfactory
substitute for a bank note, and the
currency it provides, if generally
resorted to, will have the valuable
quality of elasticity which treasury
notes and national bank circulation do
not possess under present conditions.
The issue of checks can swell or con-
tract exactly as the need OF business
demands.
People in this country should recog-
nize, also, that the balances the country
banks have in the larger cities, which
eShO hoo dNalItOAO lux uEdWluS
are altogether available for paying
debts. If you owe debt some where
else you can draw check and receive
in exchange for it draft on any city,
just the same as heretofore. In dealing
with merchants it is just as easy to
pay with check as the currency and
the merchant will be glad to sell you
goods in exchange for your check.
The condition of money matters in
the east is rapidly improving and it is
thought it will be but short time un-
til normal conditions are restored, and
there will again be plenty of currency.
In this county the banks have decided
to increase the amount they will pay
out on each account to $40 per day, or
$50 in week, commencing next Mon.
day, and this will shortly be followed
by another increase. 1t is notable
fact that the Leon banks now have more
currency on hand than they had week
ago, there being no disposition mani
tested by depositors to withdraw their
money.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
The Wizard Of Wall Street.

'The Wizard of Wall Street" proved
the most enchanting entertainment Of
the season. A big crowd and everyone
moro than satisfied. Mr.. Hyde has had
many splendid shows for the new Grand
Opera House, but it has been left to
Huse N. Morgan and his company to
captivate the Pierre theatre patrons.
The, girls are all pretty and gifted
singers and dancers. James Cowley as
singer and dancer is simply immense.
This show of Mr.. Pattersons is a
clean musical comedy of the highest
character.-Pierre S. D. Free Press of
June 21st, OF. Van Werden's Opera
house, Monday. Nov. 18th.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
The Best Paper for Family Reading

The contents of The Youths Com
panion are chosen with view to the
interest of all tastes and ages. The
father, as well as the son, enjoys the
tales OF adventure; the mother renews
her girlhood in the stories for girls,
while the paper always abounds in
stories, long and short, which may be
read aloud in the most varied family
group to the keen pleasure of all.
Full illustrated announcement of The
COMPANION for 1908 will be sent to any
address free with sample copies of the
paper.
New subscribers who send $1.75 at
once for 1908 will receive free all the
remaining issues of 1907, besides the
gift of The Companions Four-Leaf
Hanging Calendar for 1908, in full color.
THE YOUTHS COMPANION,
144 Berkley Street, Boston, Mass.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
They Can Come Again.

If the Musical Wizard of Wall Street
ever cares to wander Wood River way
again they may plan to entertain a
large house. Their show at the Opera
House last Monday evening was we'll
attended. In fact, the people of this
vicinity parted with $135.50 and felt
when they went home that they had
value received. The singing of the
company was good, their dancing
better and the play was entertaining.
If Manager Eaton can book more shows
of this grade his patrons will be salts
ied.-Wood River, Neb. Sunbeam, April
10, 1907. Van Werden's Opera house,
Monday Nov. 11th.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
No Bids for Bonds.

The board of supervisors met in spec
ial session last Saturday for the pur-
pose Of opening the bids for the unsold
court house bonds, but not single bid
was on file with treasurer Monroe. The
recent furry in the money markets and
the fact that the Decatur county bonds
only draw interest at the rate Of per
cent, makes it pretty hard to dispose of
the bonds at this time. Several bond
brokers wrote that in case the county
saw fit to increase the rate of interest
they would be pleased to submit bids
for them.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
A. c. Church Notes.

The meetings at the Advent Christian
church are still in progress, with in
creasing interest, and will continue in
definitely. We desire to extend to the
public cordial invitation. We expect
to have some special songs this week.
ED. j. ]. RUPERT, pastor.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
Uuder Two Flags.

Manager Van Werden will give the
patrons of his theatre dramatic treat
on Saturday night Nov. 16, when he will
offer them the military drama "Under
Two Flags" with Miss Clara Belcher in
the role of cigarettes" This is the
only dramatization that follows closely
Ouida's book of the same name, the
other versions being entirely unlike
her story, or character. Miss Belcher
is surrounded by cast of first class
actors and actresses, as we'll as a
military concert band and company Of
French Zouave soldiers. The produc-
tion is a refined military drama and
will be the society event of the season.
Do not fail to reserve your seats on
time and don't forget the date, Nov. l6.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07

Rev. Jas. A. Armstrong went to
Pleasant Valley church, three miles
northeast Of Grand River, Tuesday and
that evening commenced series OF re-
yival meetings at the church which
will continue for some time. A cordial
invitation to all to attend.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
Baptist Church.

Covenant meeting Saturday at 2:3O p.
m. Morning service at IL a. m. Lords
day, and 7:30 p. M. Bible day service
in the evening.
At Palestine church Bible day will be
observed at II a. m. Mrs. Armstrong
will conduct these meetings. An offer
ing will be taken for the missionary BIZ
BILE work of tho American Baptist Pub
lication Society.
JAS. A. ARMSTRONG, Pastor.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
School Report.

Report of the New Buda school in
district No. 3, New Buda twp. for the
fall term ending Nov.1, 1907. Number
of days taught, 40; enrolment, 20; aver
age daily attendance, 16; those neither
absent or tardy during the term were
Maud, Belle and James Latta, Hud Mar
tin and Harold Hagen. k.Ssl
L. L. LONG, teacher.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07

Rev. Jas. A. Armstrong, pastor Of the
Leon Baptist church, has also been
elected as pastor Of the Palestine
church, west of Leon, for the coming
year.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07

Mrs. j. L. Young and Mrs. James W.
Hurst entertained large number Of
ladies at reception last Friday after
noon at the home of Mrs. Hurst.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07
ollowing is the lineup:

Touchdowns, Grimes, Stookey; um-
pire, Leland; referee, Lorey; linesmen,
Curtis and Crawford; time of game, 25
minutes.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07

Charter Oak wagon are the best
painted wagon in the world.
BOWSHER g. BOWSHER.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1907-11-07

JAS. A. ARMSTRONG, Pastor.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-05-22
PEONAGE IS CHARGED
WELL-KNOWN MAN IS TAKEN TO
 PENSACOLA.
Consented to Return to Flor .da--Alleged to Have heid
 Negroes.

Pensacola, Fla, May 21.-(SpecIaI. )- Thomas Graham. a turpentine operator residing just across the Alabama line near Flomaton, was brought here this morning by United States Marshal McGourin. having been taken into GUS tody on the charge of peonage
 Graham was found in Alabama by the marshal who had no authority to make him a prisoner, but after the marshal had explained the situation to him. -raham decided 1t would be best to come into Florida and submit to arrest.
 The charges against Graham and his brother are of a most serious nature 1t is alleged that Monday a negro named McCants. and his wife, who had been in the camps of the Grahams, left and, coming into Florida, began working at the Mays turpentine camp. If is charged that the Grahams follow ed the couple and that. upon reach ing the Mays camp, forced the negro info a buggy and started back to Ala hama with them. Then ensued an ex- change of shots between the bosses of The two camp and. when the men or inc Mays camp followed the Grahams and their prisoners. more shots were exchanged.
 States District Attorney and warrant for the two Grahams was issued. but one of them had gone to Georgia on a business visit.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-05-22
MIR. BURTON TALKS
RETURNS FROM TRIP ON MISSES
 SIPPI RIVER.
Waterways Commission Made an Ex- haustive Study of Conditions But Would Make no Announcement
 of Their Plans.

New Orleans, La, May 21.-The Unit ed State inland waterways commission today completed its trip by boat from St. Louis to New Orleans. An immense amount of data, some of 1t bearing on the lakes to gulf deep waterway pro- ject was gathered en route.
 Chairman Theodore E. Burton an nounced that no expressions of opinion are not ready, but that a convention will probably be held next January at Washington to aid the commission to obtain further information for use in forming recommendations. From talks with the members 1t was learned that some of them were much impressed by the absence of shipping on the Missis- sippi river. They noted the infrequency with which they met other craft, also the fact that many river towns have all most no dock facilities, and that these towns have given up to railroad use the ground which probably would be used for river shipping purposes.
 MT. Burton gave out the following statement:
 This commission was created not merely to study the subject of naviga- ton, but also to report upon the waters of the country as related to national development and the conservation of natural resources The subjects to be considered include water supply. clari- fication of streams, water power. and all the varied uses of waters in connection with irrigation, power. reclamation, flood prevention, forests and the public lands.
 Tt Is not the intention of the com mission to report upon any specific im- provement in the rivers of the country but only upon questions of general pol icy.
 The members of the commissions have held meetings daily while on board the boat, A considerable range of topics has been considered, but the members do not feel ready to announce any conclusions. Indeed it is desired that all subjects be very maturely con- sidered before any report is made.
 Tt has been suggested that a con- vention be called to be held at Wash ington next January, at which shall be considered the conservation and utili- zation of waters and other natural re- sources. with a view to obtaining tn- formation to aid the members of the commission in making recommends tions."
 MT. Burton would not make a state
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-05-22
Four of Dead Were Coal Passers
 on Vessel.
Were Penned Down in Fofecast1e by Flames While Passengers Help less to Aid Heard Their Pitt
 full Appeals.

Grand Haven. Mich. May 2f.-Ffve people had a perilously close escape from death when the passenger and freight steamer Naomi of the Crosby Transportation Company burned early today in the middle of Lake Michigan while on her regular night trip from this port to Milwaukee.
 Four of the victims were coal pas sers. penned down in the forecastls by the flames where many of the rescued passengers from the decks of the freighter Kerr and the steamer Kansas saw them at the porthoies vain- ly lmplorfng for help. J. M. Rhoades. of Detroit, passenger. was the fifth victim. The steamer was burned to the waters edge and has been towed into this harbor where she lies at her dock a smouldering hulk.
 The ire broke out between decks in the forward end of the steamer It spread with tremendous rapidity and 1t was apparent almost from the first that 1t was vain for the crew to fight the flames. They immediately turned their attention to arousing the passen~ gers and getting them on deck In response to signals for help three steamers-the steel freighter Kerr, the Kansas, n sister ship of the Naomi. and the Saxinia--came to the rescue.
 The captain of the Kerr ran his biz steel ship up under the Naomi's stern so close that the imperiled people leaped to her deck. Then, the screams of the imprisoned coal passers were heard from the bow portholes. vaiuly they begged for help. The port holes were too small for them to pass through and they were compelled to fall back Into the smoke and fire, where they burned to death. The Kansas took on board the half-clad and terribly shock ed and frightened passengers and brought them to this port. All cf them were loud In their praises of the Naomfs crew and their bravery and coolness.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-05-22
MURDERS AND LYNCHINGS
 IN GEORGIA COMMUNITY

ment. about the scarcity of river traf- fic, but said that In the increase or decrease of traffic and the condition of navigation and levees were among the subjects investigated. The commits sion did large amount of work. it's sessions occurred twice daily. and much information was obtained from engineers and experienced rivermen who went aboard the boat at variouy points and rode with the commissict ( for a few hours.
 Chairman Burton and Herbert KfsSx Smith, chief of the bureau of corpora tions, were the only members of the commission to come ashore at New or leans. They took trains for the North tonight, while the other members transferred from the steamer Missis- sippi to the Magnolia and departed on a two days trip to the mouth of the Mississippi river. There they will i'm spect the jetties and new Southwest pass now nearing completion.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-05-22
SIX MEN MEET DEATH
HEAVY FREIGHT CARS COT BEYOND
 CONTROL.
Crashed With Terrific Force Into coke Cars Occupied by Miners of Dayton Coal and
 Iron Company.

Chattanooga, Tenn. May 21.--A spe- cial to The Times from Dayton. Tenn, says: While returning to their homes in Dayton from the mines of the Day ton Coal and Iron Company six white miners met death this afternoon and several others were injured.
 About two hundred men were in coke cars on the short line of the com pany. Two heavily loaded freight cars that yardman had been switching by pinching with a heavy bar got beyond his control and plunged down thirty five-foot grade into the rear end of the train carrying the miners. The train was running rapidly.
 Miners In the rear coke cars saw the runaway cars coming and endeavored to signal the engineers but he did not understand whether he skaaa wanted to stop or go ahead. At last noticing the frantic signs of the men behind him he came to stop just as the heavy cars struck his train. The miners killed were:
 John Feels. Da1y Green. James Low cry, Elijah Huff, Tom Jarman, Bert Best. Seven others were injured One Tom Nelson. will die.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-05-22
VANCLEAVE
 WANTS FUNDS WlN Fight Industrial $ Oppression. FALLS ON MANUFACTURERS Country Has Grown Tired of Mod ern Labor Unions. Would Raise s1,500,o to Assist Tn Keeping Open shop and Put stops
 to Strikes and Boy
,ALLS ON MANUFACTURERS

New York, May 21--. fund of $1,5oo.- coo to be expended .n fighting indus trial oppression in the next three years was called for by President James w. Van Cleave. of the National Associa- ton of Manufacturers at their annual convention in this city today. Presi- dent Van C1eave appointed committee of thirty five manufacturers to find a way to raise the money.
 MT. Van Cleave announced his plan at the conclusion of hi. annual address. in the course of which h. declared the principles of the association to main- tain the open shop; to oppose the boy colt, limitation of apprentices and Him. itation of output and to oppose dictation by labor unions. He also declared that the manufacturers must combat the newer issues caused by the .ermina- tion of labor union leaders to terrorize the president. congress. judges and ju- ries.
 President Van cieava added:
 we want to federate the manufac- turers of this country to effectively fight industrial oppression. The Pres ident ought to have fully $50o.000 a year for the next three years We should certainly provide ways and means to properly finance the asso- citation, to federate the employers of the country and to educate our manu- lecturers to a proper sense of their own duty. patriotism and self inter- ests."
 President Van Cleave then appointed a committee to confer with him to- night as to ways of raising the money. Among the members of the committee are: H. S. Chamberlain, Tennessee; c. c. Hench and David N. Parry. h. diana; F. c. Nunemacher. Kentucky; William B. Roper, Virginia: Ellison A. Smythe, South Carolina and D. A.. Tompkins, North Carolina.
 Charles M. Pepper. a special agent of the Department of Commerce and Labor, delivered an address in defense of the American Consul He urged the manufacturers to keep in touch with the country's representatives abroad, as we'll as with the Congressman ar home.
 Dr. Neiii spoke on rcertain Aspects of the Child Labor Problem" He asked the assistance of the associa- tion in the investigation he was mak- ing into this subject.
 "The impression appears to prevail in certain quarters that this investi- gation has been arranged to bolster up certain preconceived ideas" said Dr. Neill. That impression Is erron- eous Our sole aim is to learn the facts and no effort will be made to present narrowing details for sensa- tional purposes. I shall seek simply to get the truth and so far as our bureau is concerned. we do not care who may be hurt. I wish to say also that I have not the slightest doubt that the members of this association are just as anxious to prevent abuses in the matter of child labor as any body, and I appeal to YOU for hearty co-operation in this direction.