davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26

VliSsingen would then lock himself in
his private office, where he had desk
specially designed to aid him in for
gerry. In the top of this desk was a
small hole covered with a piece of
glass, beneath which was an incandes
cent light Placing the genuine mort
gage on the glass he would cover it
with a similar blank form and turn
on the light below the desk. The sig
natures and notations on the genuine
instrument were outlined on the blank
by the light. The signatures were then
traced by the real-estate man, and for
geries were turned out which We're
practically as good as the original.
Sometimes the forger made one, and
in several instances two, copies of the
original mortgage and sold them. The
genuine he sold in Chicago, the spuri-
Gus ones in New England, in Western
and Southern States, and in Germany
and Holland, his native country. To
make the forgeries perfect, Van Vlissin-
gen counterfeited the signature of the
county recorder For nearly two de-
cades he managed to liquidate the
fraudulent paper when it fell due and
in that way avoided exposure, but re-
Gently he became unable to meet the de-
mands of this endless chain, and. de-
spairing of further immunity, confessed
his guilt.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
NEW YORK

Expansion continues in trade and indus
trial lines, shipments over the railways
are increasing, idleness is being dimin-
ished, prices in numerous lines are high
er, collections are better, and sentiment
is brighter than it has been for twelve
months past.
In many sections retailers stocks are
badly broken, owing to conservative pur-
chases heretofore made, and as a result
requests for immediate shipments are
quite the rule.
Demand for holiday goods is increas-
ing. Practically every section, save the
South, and where the supply of water has
been insufficient for industrial operations,
as, for instance, parts of New England,
has shared in the general improvement.
Business failures in the United States
for the week ending Nov. II number 267,
against 205 last week, 80 in he like
week of 1907, DID, in 1906, 1913 in 1905,
and 100 in 1904. Business failures in
Canada for the week number %, which
compares with SO last week and 45 in this
week last year.-Bradstreet CONNER
cial Report.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
PRISON DOOR CLOSES
ONAs750,00O FORGER
Prominent Chicago Real Estate
Dealer Gives Up and Confesses
to Huge Swindles.
SENTENCE IS / TO IA YEARS.
skillful Juggling of Bogus Notes and
Deeds Dupes IS Persons and Ex-
tends Over 1S-Year Period.

Confessing his authorship of an end
less chain of forgeries ;nvolving more
than $4,000, Peter Van ylissingen.
for many years a prominent Chicago
real estate man and once reputed
wealthy, was indicted, tried and SEN
fenced to the penitentiary Monday af-
ternoon for term of from one to four
teen years. The amazing revelations of
how man who ranked high among his
associates could carry out a gigantic
swindle in which he victimized more
than a score of persons-a number of
them close friends-out of S7OO.OOO
came like thunderbolt He first con-
fessed to his crime Saturday to two
friends. At noon Monday the case was
presented to the States Attorney. and
thereafter steps toward sending Van
Vlissingen to felons cell were taken
with remarkable rapidity.
The confession of the real estate man
revealed a scheme of systematic and
cunning forgery of notes and real esta te
trust deeds and mortgages extending
over period of eighteen years For
years Van Vlissingen practiced a system
of forgery that did not arouse suspi-
cion. Even his own nephew, John A.
Vanderpoel, his chief clerk, was wholly
ignorant of the swindles being perpe-
trated almost under his eyes.
Van Vlissingen's scheme was to loan
money and take a mortgage or trust
deed as security. The notes and securi-
ties would be made out in due form.
signed, approved by Vanderpoel, and re-
corded with the county recorder. Van
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
Small Dealers on the Wane.

Recent reports of the commercial agen-
ces show that 8 per cent of the failures
since the panic conditions began to be felt
had a capital of $1,000 or less and that II
per cent were capitalized at from $1,000
to $4,000. The failures for nine months
are greater than in any corresponding
period since 1898. The failures for the
first nire months of this year number TO-
691. with liabilities aggregating S244,-
S35,000 This is an increase of % per
cent in the number and of 10 per cent
in the total liabilities as compared with
the first nine months of 1907. Duns
Review attributes the slowness of the re-
covery in part to the nearness of cleo
ton day, as many people are deferring
orders until they know which party is
to have the responsibility of the govern
ment for the next four years.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
CATHOLIC CONGRESS IN CHICAGO
Most Distinguished in the History Of
the Church in America.

The Catholic Missionary Congress,
which was convened in Chicago, was
the most distinguished gathering of
Catholics ever held in the new world.
There were present at the congress 4
archbishops, 20 bishops, Z mitred alb
bots. project apostolic, l. monsignors,
superiors Of the various teaching and
preaching orders. 600 priests and thou
sands of distinguished laymen. They
were present from all parts of the
United States. from Canada and Porto
Rico
me congress was the development of
on idea of Most Rev. James Edward
Quigley archbishop of Chicago Less
than three years ago he was instfu-
mental i'll forming the Catholic Church
EXTENSION Society-a movement that
has for its object the furtherance of
missions among the poor and sparse,v
settled districts of the United States
ard ut the head of which is Rev Fran
els c. Kelley. d. D.. of I.apeer. Mich
The work accomplished by this society
during its brief existence has been
fruitful in results. no fewer than 400
new churches having been established
and this movement led to the congress
which met in Chicago.
At the congress Pope Plus y had his
personal representative. Most Rev.
Diomede Falconio, who gave his sane
ton and approval to its deliberations
md conclusions.
The closing session was marked by
spirited defense of the Catholic church
TO the recent charge of Lutheran
conference in the East of Baptist
Union in Philadelphia that Catholics
are opposed to the spirit of democratic
institutions, the defense being uttered
in impassioned style by W. Bourke
Cochran of New York. There was a
tornado of applause throughout the ar
mory time and again while Mr.. Cochran
was talking
The last session was also made nota-
bic by the adoption of resolutions
which make it certain that the mis-
slonary work of the Catholic church in
the United States and Canada is to be
carried forward henceforth by great
national organization. The missionary
congress is to become a fixture in the
church and will be held hereafter either
annually or biennially. this point to be
decided later. 1t is not unlikely that
the next congress may be held in Can
ada
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
RRIEF NEWS ITEMS.

Exploitation of the railroads by the
State in Belgium has resulted this year
in a 100000 loss to the State.
Lord Northcliffe, the British newspaper
owner, has given the Plymouth church
of Brooklyn a stained glass memorial
window.
The Minnesota State Irvine plant prom
ises to pay 100000 into the State
treasury during November, and as a re-
suit it is expected that the State will
get along with borrowing $4,000 instead
of twice that amount usually borrowed at
this time of the year.
The ST. Paul road reports that during
the 1903 season 4,425 cars of wheat have
been shipped from the 43 towns on the
James River division, and it is estimated
that 6,403 will be shipped before the close
of the season. The estimate for the %
towns on the Hastings and Dakota d.
vision is 7,466 cars.
Ed Corrigan has donated his famous old
race horse and sire. Riley, now 81 years
old by Longfellow, dam Geneva, to the
Kentucky breeding bureau, and he will
be sent to London, Laurel county, far
back in the mountains.
Coach Warner of the Carlisle Indians
has gone to work on the development of
a new kicking staff, as Thorpe, who failed
somewhat at Philadelphia, cannot be de-
pended on as long as his leg is out of
shape.
Records tell that seventeen deaths were
due directly to professional baseball in
the season recently closed and twenty-six
were seriously hurt.
Rates on the carriage of milk and
cream between stations in the State of
Minnesota are not entirely satisfactory
to the Minnesota Milk Shippers Asso-
citation. notwithstanding the action taken
in 1907 by the railroad and warehouse
commission setting a maximum reason
able rate for the express companies. The
Chicago Great Western has been cited
to show why it charges more for carry
ing milk on baggage cars than the express
companies charge.
1t was reported in Washington that
Ir. Taft viii retain Ir. Cortelyou as
Secretary of the Treasury and that NJ.
Loeb will not be member of the ne1t
cabinet.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
CHICAGO-


The weekly review of Chicago trade
published by r. G. Dun & Co. saws:
Largely increased PAYMENTS through
the banks, rising security markets and
Improving demand for money are impor-
ian. developments this week, and there
IS also more distinct evidence of recovery
IN trade. The leading industries now ex-
hiolt increasing activity, together with
heavier movements of finished products
and commodities.
Graln operations remain moderate by
comparison with year ago, but forward
ing of flour is remarkably extended, and
liberal arrivals of live stock enter into
prompt absorption and permit increased
packing.
"A much better tone characterizes iron,
wood and leather working lines Prices
of crude materials for factory conversion
show more firmnesS, although new de-
mands are yet somewhat restricted and
most buying is confined to immediate
needs.
Lumber dealings make closer return
10 normal proportions, and there is ex-
ceptlonally good request for planning mill
outputs, plumbing and building materials.
Weather conditions generally were fla
Vofaole to wider demand for seasonable
goods, and both city and country sales
are making the expected progress. Christ
mas wares have been bought freely, and
the Wholesale lines obtain mail orders for
notable spring deliveries of dry goods,
woolens, furniture, footwear and food
products.
Money is quoted from to 5 per cent.
Deposits exceed all previous aggregates
and the banks extend their efforts to Sc
cure desirable commercial paper.
Bank clearings, $3.50, 1913, 800, exceed
those of the corresponding week in 1907
by 32.3 per cent, and compare with $24S,-
24o,3S6 in 1906. Failures reported in the
Chicago district number %, against "a
last week, 26 in 1907 and 81 in 1906.
Those with liabilities over $1,000 num-
Der 10, against Z last week, in 1907
and II in 1906"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
TRADE AND INDUSTRY.

The steamer Kroonland and Finland,
of the Red Star line, are in the future
to fly the flag of Belgium.
Commercial failures in the United
States during October were ], 187 in num-
Der and S15,89S, 66S in amount of default
ed indebtedness, according to statistics
compiled by r. G. Dun & Co. This IS
n slight increase in number as compored
with the 1,139 defaults in the correspo I'd
ing month last year, but there is a stri.i-
ing reduction in liabilities, which amount
to 27,414,900 in October, 1907.
The English debenture holders of the
Pillsbury-W ashburn Flour Mills Company
of Minneapolis, which went into the hands
of a receiver on Aug. IS, have appointed
q committee to represent their interests
and investigate the affairs Of the company.
Further action against the Battle Creek
breakfast Food Company, manufacturers
of Epp-O-See. which was placed in the
hands of receiver at Quincy, ILL.,, was
taken when a petition asking that it be
adiudged a bankrupt was filed in the fed
eraI court in Chicago. John E. Linihan.
secretary of the company, was appointed
receiver The debts amount to about
S3J0,OOO.
Some startling testimony was intro
duced by Commissioner Ladd of North
Dakota, at Fargo, in defense to action
brought by millers of the State to prevent
issuance Of his bulletin against bleached
-four 1t was testified that alcohol made
from bleached -four would kill rabbits as
result Of poison left in -four by nitrates in
bleaching process. 1t was shown that
alcohol made from unbleached -four would
not kill rabbits, though twice as much
was administered as that made from
bleached -four Amount of alcohol used
in tests for each rabbit was from amount
of -four required for quarter loaf OF bread.
Testimony created something of sensa-
ton.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
GOOD TINE TO BUILD.
Prices of Material Are Low and Con-
tractors Are Anxious for Work.

fr1ceS OF material Are Low and Con-
tractors Are Anxious for Work.
Country Life in America has been
looking up the building situation and
as result declares that there has not
been such another chance in years for
people to build cheaply and we'll The
prices of material have fallen so, con-
tractors are anxious to obtain work,
and labor is so ready TO jump at the
chance of assured wages, that a saw
ing of from 10 to 20 per cent in cost,
depending on the section of the coun-
try, can be made in all domestic archi-
lecture. Lumber is lower now than it
will probably ever be again. Brick is
almost a drug ON the market. Good
workmen are not yet busy and are not
hard to find. In some localities. accord
ing to the magazine, the conditions are
so improved for the person about to
erect a home that he can do 80 to
40 per cent better than in 1907. How
ever, these extremes are unusual and
occur in only few sections
The American Lumberman declares
that prices are from 20 to % per cent
lower ON lumber in the west and south
than they will be in a few months.
Brick is % per cent under last years
schedules. Grades which brought ST
and IS in New York in October, 1907,
are selling at $3.50 and So thousand
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
MOOSE KILLED IN CANADA.
Game Animals Trapped and Used for
Food or Allowed to Rot.

Game Animals Trapped and Used for
Food Allowed to Rot.
Reports received at Winnipeg, Man..
from the Stanley and Silver Mountain
districts in Ontario and northern Mime
sofa show that moose and deer are being
slaughtered by game hogs and pothunters
at rate never before known in that
country. 1t is the common food instead
of beef in all hotels and camps and among
foreigners all through that vast territory.
Real hunters who have been out there
have stated that community of Finland
ers in the vicinity of Stanley is living
on the proceeds of the sale of mooseheads
and the bush is full of snares set by these
foreigners. They have a way of attach
ing strong cable across the runway of
moose and when the head of a moose gets
into the trap a strong spring slow :
chOkes it to death. One morning a visitor
saw collection of eight moose carcasses
that had been left to rot and he also
saw one that was caught in snare, stran-
gled and not yet released.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26

ready to give their services. His maj
esty has been suffering for ten years
from chronic nephritis, which recently
became complicated with diabetes and
sciatica. 1t was admitted that his brain
was affected.
In 1889 the emperor undertook full
control of the royal duties, but on Sept.
%, 1898, an eimperial edict was issued
transferring the whole of the manage
ment of the government to the dowager
empress, who has since been the su-
preme power in Pekin.
Prince Chun, named for regent is a
brother of the emperor. His name is
Tsai-Feng, and he succeeded to the title
Of his father, Prince Chun, in 1891. He
is a lieutenant general of the Plain
White Banner Corps and visited Ger
many in 1901 as a special commissioner
of the throne.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
KILLED IN MINE ACCIDENT.
Six Men Are Dead in All as the Re-
suit of Drop Far Down Shaft.

Six Men Are Dead in All as the Re-
suit of Drop Far Down Shaft.
Six men we're instantly killed, another
was dangerously injured, and three others
had narrow escapes from death in an ac-
cident at Ellsworth mine No. 1, Wash
ihgton county, Pa. The mine is owned
by the Ellsworth Coal Company of Pitts
burg. The dead: NJ J. Walsh, aged %,
civil engineer; Eugene G. Smyth, aged
%, civil engineer; J. B. Newcomer, aged
%, civil engineer; three foreigners, known
by numbers only. HARRISON Randolph,
drilling machine operator, was struck on
the head by timber. The engineers had
completed a survey of the mine. a heavy
wooden beam was loaded into the cage and
its ends projected beyond the sides, the
mer riding on the timber. When within
20 feet of the top of the shaft the pro-
jecting beam struck plank of the shafts
cribbing and the men were dumped out
Of the cage. All but one fell a distance
Of 22o feet. Randolph caught chain at
the side of the cage and chung to it until
rescued at the surface. Three foreigners
were thrown to the floor of the cage and
reached the surface, stunned, but little
the worse for their experience.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
KILLED GRANDFATHER TO ROB.
Plot Admitted by Walter ZeIier. Tn
de- Arrest at yfneIand, y. j.

de. Arrest at yfneIand, y. j.
The arrest of Walter Zeller. 80 years
old, and Cline Wheeler. his 20-year-old
companion. charged with the murder OF
William Read. the grandfather of Zeller,
last Friday night. has caused a sensation
around Vineland. \. j. Zeller has con-
fessed the murder plot, but seeks TO lay
the actual commission of the crime upon
Wheeler Herbert Grigg. another -
yesr-old boy. who is implicated in the
confession. disappeared from his fathers
farm and has not since been seen. Zeller
and Wheeler have admitted that the mo-
tive was robbery. Read was 40 years old
and wealthy. He lived with his son-in-
law, William f. Cooper. Zeller is a son
of Mrs. Cooper by her first husband. The
aged man was found dead in his room last
Saturday morning, he having been shot
and beaten. Much of the money the old
man was in the habit of displaying was
missing and the police Immediately decid-
ed that robbery was the motive. Zeller
at first stoutly denied the accusation, but
finally broke down and told Of the crime.
Last Friday. according TO the detectives,
Zeller learned that his parents were going
to the theater and he and his two COM
panions laid plans to rob the grandfather.
Zeller says he remained away from the
house while his grandfather was being
killed. Il haven't anything to do with
the murder he sobbed. 'Cline and Her
bert killed grandpop. l stayed four blocks
from the house while they did it,
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
FARMERS HUNT WILD MAN.
Hunter Says HaIf-Naked Stranger
Fled When He Met Him.

Returning from hunting expedition,
Charles Weigand of Rensselaer, Park,
Cincinnati, brought with him the story
that he had come face to face with a wild
man during the day. According to Wei
gand he was following his hounds and
entered a dense thicket, where he met
gaunt, wild-eyed man, who, upon seeing
Weigand, gave vent to a blood-curdling
whoop mad scampered away through the
bushes. The man was only half clad, says
Weigand, and most of the clothing he
wore was of light weight and torn to
shreds. He was barefooted, and his hair
and beard were long and matted. Wei
gand attempted to follow, but the man
soon distanced him. 1t is thought that
the man, unclothed and without shelter,
can not withstand the cold weather, and
searching party, composed of farmers,
will scOur the woods. For several weeks
vague tales of a wild man having been
seen in the woods were in circulation in
the locality. Weigand was able to give a
description which may lead to his identi
ication as Charles Skinner, "a farm hand
who disappeared mysteriously several
months ago
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
1G45 lL@[s2E&G75
"R. [&1QCr

Chicago-Cattle, common to prime,
$500 to $175; hogs prime heavy, $500
to $500; sheep, fair to choice, $500
to $3.50; wheat, No. 2, $1.03 to $1.05
corn, No. 2, 62c to 63c; oats, standard,
4Sc to 49c; rye, No. 2, Toe to 7Gc; hay,
timothy, $500 to $14.00; prairie, $500
to $3.50; butter, choice creamery, 25c
to 29c; eggs fresh &c to 29c; potatoes,
per bushel, &c to tic.
Indianapolis-Ca Cattle. shipping, $500
to 500; hogs, good to choice heavy,
$3.50 to $6.1O; sheep, common to prime,
$3.50 to $500; wheat, No. 2, S1.O1 to
$103; corn, No. 2 white, Gle to 62c; oats,
No. white, Acc to SOC.
st. Louis-Cattle, $3.50 to $50; hogs,
$500 to 5000 sheep, $500 to $4.35;
Gle to 63c; oats, No. 2, SOC to 51c; rye,
No. 2, 73c to 74c.
Cincinnati-Cattle, $500 to $3.50;
hogs. $500 to $3.50; sheep. $500 to
$3.50; wheat, No. 2, $1.07 to $1.0S; corn,
No 2 mixed, 63c to 64c; oats, No. 2
mixed, SOC to ole; rye, No. 2, 7Sc to soc.
Detroit-Cattle, $500 to $3.50; hogs,
$500 to $3.50; sheep, $3.50 to $3.50;
wheat, No. 2, S1.04 to $1.O6; corn, No. 3
yellow, 64c to Coo; oats, No. 3 white,
51c to SIC; rye, No. 2, 75c to 76c.
Milwaukee-W Wheat, No. 2 northern,
S1O3 to $1.O6 corn, No. 3, Coo to Gle;
oats, standard, sic to 52c; rye, No. 1,
Toe to &c., barley, No. /, G4c to 65c;
pork, mess, $14.62.
RuffaIo-Cattle choice shining steers
$500 to $6.75; hogs, fair to choice, 800
to $3.50; sheep, common to good mixed,
$500 to $40; lambs, fair to choice,
$500 to $685..
New York-Cattle, $500 70 $500;
hogs. $3.50 to $3.50; sheep, $500 to
$500; wheat, No. 2 red, Sill to SLIP;
corn, No. 2, 74c to Toe; oats, natural
white, 53c to SIC; butter creamery, &c
to gle; eggs, western, BIC to 34c.
Toledo-Wheat, No. 2 mixed, S1.O3 to
S1.OJ; corn, No. 2 mixed, SIC to &c;
oats, No mixed, Acc to SOC; rye, No.
. 77c RI 79c. clover seed, SOP
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26
TOM JOHNSON IS POOR.
Big Fortune of the Cleveland Mayor
Has Been Swept Away.

Big Fortune of the Cleveland Mayor
Has Been Swept Away.
Mayor Tom l.. Johnson of Cleveland,
for years credited with the possession
of millions, announced Thursday that
his entire fortune had been swept away
and that he was once more facing tn,
world as poor as when he and his
brother Albert came to Cleveland as
young men to seek their fortunes. He
will give up his beautiful home on
Euclid avenue and move into small
house. His automobiles will be given
up and he will ride in street cars. But
the Mayor declares he will never
give up his fight against special priv
ilege and for the interests of the peo-
pie.
Financial troubles have followed
Mayor Johnson rapidly of late. The
Municipal Traction Company. of which
he was treasurer, passed into the hands
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-11-26

A road made from sand and sawdust i.
the latest style of roadmaking designed
by George w. Cooney. Minnesota State
highway engineer. Last spring he made
section of road with clover and rye on
a sand foundation. This has been very
successful. The road made from sand and
sawdust is at Cambridge, in Isanti coun-
ty. Four inches of sawdust were raked
on the sand road after being graded. This
was worked into the sand by passing
teams, and as fast as ruts are formed
the sawdust was raked into the ruts, to
be further mixed with sand.