davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
FIREBUGS ARE AT
 WORK IN FORT SMITH
Four Mysterious and Disastrous Fires in Two Days-v Valuable Stock Cremated in Stable
 Blaze.

Fort Smith, Dec. g. With four mysterious and disastrous fires in this city in two days, 1t is now evident that frebugs are operating here. The citizens are greatly disturbed over the situa- tion, and a rigid investig ation has begun.
 The work of the alleged fire bugs yesterday has resulted in the destruction of property esti- mated at SIS, ,000. Shortly before 9 o'clock last mig ht fire was dis covered in the large brick barn owned jointly by the Reynolds Davis Wholesale Grocery Compa- ny, William Echols Wholesale Grocery Company and the Fort Smith Wholesale Grocery Com pany. Before the flames were discovered they had gained much headway, and upon the arrival of the fire department, every en- trance to the large structure was found securely fastened. Before axes could break down the heavy doors, about Is horses and mules were cremated, while only a few animals were rescued by the fire men. The horses were fine nor thern stock and valued at about S350 per team. Among the ho' ses burned was fine blooded anima l owned by the late William K. Abbott and valued at more tha a Sl ,000.
 Shortly before the stable fire, the barns and wagon sheds of the Berry-W Wright Dry Goods Comp pa- ny were discovered on fire, but prompt action saved the struc- ture. Early in the afternoon a two-story store room and stable iu the rear of buildings on Gar rison avenue, in the heart oi the business district, was destroyed. The rear portions of several bus mess houses were damaged.
 Sunday afternoon a large hay barn of the Western Grain Com pany was completely destroyed. The loss is estimated at between S2,000 and S3,000. This is the second fire this company has ex- perienced in a week, the first loss being $5,000.
 Orders have been issued to all policemen 10 be on the alert for suspicious characters, it being the impression that a gang of robbers is attempting to carry on extensive operations during the excitement caused by the fires.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
TEN KILLED IN ALABAMA.
Trench in Blast Furnace Plant Caves

Birmingham, Ala. Dec. S0.--Ter men were killed and several injur ed by cavein at the blast furnace plant in Ensley Monday night. Two bodies have been recovered and eight more are known to be buried in a trench at the plant.
 The cave5n occurred without warn ing and the bodies are being rscov' cred with difficulty because of the large amount of gas which Is pouring into the excavation from the furnaces. The men were working in large trench about eight feet below the sur face. They were excavating for the gas fue which Is to connect the blast furnaces with the new battery Of boilers which is to run the plant The end of the oil gas flue, which extends the full length of the furnace plant had been temporarily bricked up while the laborers were at work on the ex- tension
 Mechanical carriers were used 10 take away the dirt excavated and when a carrier broke beam fell on the cement wall which formed one side of the trench. The entire wall toppled over and with it tons of loose earth which had been held up by the retaining wall. The wall broke down the brick work at the end Of the build ing four foot gas main and ens quick ly poured in on the entombed meh'
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
ELECTION DECLARED VOID
Bond Proposition Carries. but Is Killed
 by Technicality.

Texarkaua, Dec. 27.-Thc election recently held on the Tex as side of town at which $780, 900 bond issue for improving the streets of the city and the roads in the vicinity was carried by an overwhelming majority of the voters, has now been declared void on technicality by the at torney general of Texas.
 Friends of the measure, how ever, are not discouraged. but will at once take the necessary steps for holding another election which the bond proposition will be again submitted.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
WANT TO HOLD
 STATES CONNECTS
Arkansas Brick and Manufacturing Company Threaten S100. 900 Suit if Attempt Is Made to Close
 Its Lease January |.
Special to ma Stat

Special to The Stat.
 Little Rock, Dec. 3G.-The At torneys for the Arkansas Brick and Manufacturing Company, which has held a ten-year lease upon state convicts, which lease expires tomorrow night, today notified the penitentiary board that 1t would resist any effort on the part of the state to ter animate the contract January |.
 The claim is made that the state should have furnished 300 convicts every day during the life of the lease, which leaves the brick co,npany entitled to 500 convicts for two years.
 Attorney General Kirby rules that the state was only required to furnish loo men daily, though 1t had right to increase the nu mber to 300.
 The manufacturers threaten to sue bondsmen and members of the board for $l00, GOO, if attempt is made to recall the convicts.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
SHE Is IN SOCIETY
PRESIDENTS YOUNGEST DAUGH TER MAKES HER FORMAL
 SOW TO SOCIETY.
WAS BRILLIANT WHITE HOUSE FUNCTION
About 100 Members of Wsshington's Younger Set Danced in the Famous East Room-Preceding the Ball Miss Roosevelt Was the Guest of Honor at a Dinner.

Washington, Dec 30-Presideni Roosevelt's youngest daughter, Ethel Monday night made her formal bow to society preceding the dancing in the East room of the White House which began at 10 o'clock. Mrs. Roosevelt and Miss Roosevelt re ceiyed the guests in. the Blue room Miss Roosevelt's gown was of soft white satin trimmed with crystals while that of her mother was q dark blue satin.
 Seldom has the East room held a more attractive picture. The invited guests numbered about 400, only un. married members of the younger set participating in the dancing. Among those present were: Mrs William s. Cowles and Mrs Douglas Robinson, the presidents two sisters: MT and Mrs. Nicholas Longworth, Mrs. J. Elm. len Roosevelt. Mrs. Simpkins MT. and Mrs. Robert Bacon. Mrs. Charles A. Mum, Mrs. Richard Wayne Parker and Mrs Herbert Wadsworth.
 At midnight the music ceased and the guests partook of supper which was served at small tables arranged along the lower corridor and adjoining rooms
 Preceding the ball, Miss Roosevelt was the guest of honor at dinner given by Assistant Secretary and Mrs. Bacon Covers were laid for GO. the whole party going later to the White House. Mrs F A. Mum also enter tained large house party which later went 10 the White House.
 Mrs. and Miss Roosevelt are enter taining house party for the dance. The party including Miss Josephine Osborn Miss Ellen H. Rogers, Miss Cornelia Landon. Miss Madeline Bor- land. Miss Janette Alexander, Miss Virginia Murray, Suydam curren. liar " Holt, Jr Barclay Sarr, Randall Clifford. H. Fairfield Osborn. Ir.. Stephen l.. Lander, Edmund Rogers. Munroe Robinson, Robert Potter. Charles Emory and Norman Armour. arrived at the White House shortly after luncheon.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
To Forget Old Home.

For number of years, just at Christmas time, The Star has re- ceivsd money order from Blair. Ok, from Dr. J. NJ. Jennings to reuew his subscription to the Weekly Star. This year it is missing, and in it's place came a short note saying: Well, boys, you may stop my paper. Since my people think too little of me to write me I will try and lose interest in my old home"
 The doctor was one of the old time Polk county citizens. A number of years ago he left his home, separating from his aged wife and locating at Blair, Ok. About two years ago the old lady made visit 10 her daug hter at Blair and took sick and died there.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
I. H. BUNCH GIVEN
 FINE OF Sl5,OO0
Prominent Little Rock Grain Man Receives Sentence of Judge Trieber in Open Session of Federal
 Court.

Little Rock. Dec. 29.-Judg c Trieber yesterday afternoon, in the Federal court, imposed a SIS, GOO fine ou T. H. Bunch, who pleaded guilty several weeks ago to having accepted rebates from the Missouri Pacihc-St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern sys- tenn.
 John M. Moore asked for elem ency for his client. He suggested that the minimum fine. which would have been S3, 900, was sufficient if any fine was imposed at all. He said that Mir. Bunch, in accepting the rebates, had done only that which was GUS tom at the time and because his business interests would probably have suffered had he not done so.
 Judge Trieber said he had studied the matter carefully for himself. Judge frieber said he also had information that the re- bates received by Mir. Bunch had aggregated about S27,000, and remarked that the tine represented little bit more than half of the amount alleged.
 MT. Bunch was allowed 90 days in which to pay the fine.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
Defense Scores in Rains Case.

Flushing. N. Y, Dec. 30.-The de fense scored two material points in the evidence developed in the trial Monday of Thornton J. Haines, which the defendants counsel assert dis proves the charge that the author was principal with his brother, Capt Peter c. Hains. Jr., in the killing of William E. Annis of the Bayside Yacht club in Little Neck Bay. An exhaust ing cross examination of the two wit nesses for the defense left the main points of their testimony unshaken and Thornton Hains returned to Long Island jail Monday declaring that the evidence proved his innocence.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
HAVE NEW EVIDENCE,
Three More Night Riders Would iess'
 fy for State.

Union City. Tenn, Dec 2i.--Adol, tional evidence. the confessions o' ,hrae alleged members of the night
 riders band of Reelfoot Lake was offered the state Friday, 1t IS s'a'eu
 in connection with the trials or eigh, alleged leaders of the riders accused of having had part in the lynchins of Cant Quentin Ranken, at Nalnu' Too Whether the evidence VIII De accepted under the proviso of the men men who offered to testify that the three ,o used as state witnesses, IS doutolul
 ,ho prosecution considering tha' .ao,ob evidence has already been given on their part. A conference v. o' tbe state attorneys will De heia sa'ui' , dav when decision will be feacneu
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
Spectacular Auto Accident.

Los Angeles, Cal. Dec. 29.-One of the most spectacular accidents ever occurring in an American automobile race happened at Ascot Park when the tire of racer broke on curve while Gus Seyfried of San Francisco was driving at more than mile min. ute, the ear turning three complete somersaults in the air. a blazing ball of flame, and landing a broken wreck was practically consumed by the flames. Seyfried was thrown out with terrific force, landing clear of his machine and sustaining only minor cuts and bruises.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
Injured purIna Initiation.

Council Bluffs. la, Dec. 29.--As a result of injuries received in high school fraternity initiation Saturday, Thomas Harvey. l6 years old. will probably die. Young Harvey was in jured through the use of what is termed shotgun paddle" in which a blank shotgun cartridge was fired The explosion is intended 10 be harm less to the victim. but in Harvey $ case the instrument was so applied that the charge of powder and wad- ding was fired into his hip. The at tending physician. Dr. Thomas B. Lacey, gives littls hope for his re- coyery.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
n... Einht-eaby KIlIed.

philadelphia, Dec. 27-Alired TUT. ner aged 10 weeks, was klliea ID A nocnliar manner during fght O' tween his parents here Friday, WI, ,,ao, Turner the father, according lo .sl i" renort made to the police a'' ,acked his wife because she dla ho' sa,s .~S' hreakfast ready when he cam la san,n stairs Mrs Turner had tns uo S~s in her arms and in the fight sns su'i" ,V,aa <, q to the floor. She vas sup ssonently knocked down or ieii v,,s gpo, ssa infant. crushing it to death. Bo'n parents were arrested.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31

and in some cases the rescuers them selves lost their lives in trying to hell others. Toward morning several o the worst fires had been extinguished the footing was under part control and comparative order had been es tablished.
 Everything possible is being done to succor the wounded, but the reliei measures are still utterly inadequate owing to the immensity of the dis aster.
 The finest palaces, churches and theaters of Messina are heaps oi ruins. Countless dead bodies are scat tered through the wreckage and their decomposition doubtless will bring pestilence to add to the horrors of the situation. The devastation over the entire district was more or less com plete. No part of the province of Regio de Calabria escaped
 The disturbance was most severe along the shores of the Straits of Mes sina, where the cities of Messina and Reggie are situated. In more than one town the shocks caused gas meters to explode and disastrous fires resulted. The flames helped greatly to swell the death list.
 The configuration of the Straits of Messina has been materially altered. The tidal wave that completed the Haxtrnafiun nf n,-th ofr<, was 32 feet high.
 Wireless telegraphy has been of the greatest assistance in getting in re. ports from the devastated regions and in helping the authorities to realize the extent of the disaster and to send help to the places where 1t was most urgently needed.
 A flying squadron of the Italian navy, composed of the three best bat, tleships, had left for cruise on the Atlantic before the first news of the disaster came to hand. Through the medium of wireless telegraphy it was possible to reach these vessels and order them to proceed at full speed for Messina.
 A British squadron that was at Syra. cuse has left for Messina, taking doctors and supplies of medicines for the succor of the wounded There are also several Russian ships at Syra- cuse.
 It is reported from Catania that the bishop of Messina is buried under the ruins of his residence Signor Fulci member of the chamber of deputies from Messina, together with the mem bers of his family, also is reported dead The Fulci family was one of the most prominent in Catania.
 The dome of the cathedral at Ca tania collapsed and other churches, as we'll as the city hall, threaten to fall at any moment,
 '--- The tidal wave sank a number of small vessels in the harbor of Catania
 At Riposto the tidal wave was 25 feet high It swept in with appalling power and lasted for 42 seconds.
 TEN KILLED IN ALABAMA,
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
MANY TOURISTS ARE INJURED.
The Hotel Trinacris, a Travellers Re. F.R sort jn Palermo, Buried.

Palermo, Dec. S0.-Refugees from Messina say that there were 100 for eigners in the Hotel Trinacria and that they all lost their lives. Tho hotel has been completely obIiterated. It was one of the best in the city and patronized almost exclusively by tour ists. It was situated In the Via Gari. baldi.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
The spreekIes Funeral.

San Francisco, Dec. 3O.-The funeral of the late Claus Spreckles took place Monday afternoon from the residence of the family where hundreds of friends had called to pay tributes Of respect. A brief service was conduct ed by Rev Julius Fuendeling of St Marks Lutheran church and few sim. ple hymns were sung by quartette The remains were then carried to a funeral car and taken to the Spreck les mausolem in Cypress Lawn ceme tery, accompanied only by relatives and a few friends.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
The Ohio senatorship.

Columbus, O.. Dec. 30s-Wlth the arrival of Senator Foraker Monday evening the three leading candidates for the senatorship are here. Senator Dick. it is said, will come Tuesday The arrival of former Lieut.. Gov Harding started rumors that the Taft people would go to him rather than see the prize won by Burton. but oth- CTS say either Taft or Burton win win
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
Notice to the Public.

The we'll known dentists. Black Bros. and Dickson, have corsoli- dated their two office, into one large offi:e, which IS without doubt the largest and best equip ped dental office in the state. Drs. Black x Dickson are now better able to serve the public and give the best service known to dental science and save you money on every piece of work that is done by us. We cordially invite the public 10 come iu and view our office and judge for yourself. We are still in the same old location of the old re- lia ole Black Bros, Farmers and Merchants Bank building.
 Respectfully,
 Drs. Black X Dickson,
 The Leading: Dentists. d&wlt
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
MantonIx kIIIed tils companIon.

Ft. Smith, Ark, Dec. 50.--After fatally cutting the throat of Peter Fulsom with whom he was riding horseback, William Martin rode into stigler. Ok, Monday and gave himself m 10 the authorities. He said in ex nlahation that he just wanted to kill somebody" Martin and Fulsom were riding the same horse when the for mer drew knife and cut the throlI of the man In front of him. Both men were Choctaw Indians and had been drinking.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
ENGINEERS TO VISIT CANAL.
The President Invites Experts to 40
 company MT. Taft.

Washington. Dec. 30.-The president has invited the following engineers to accompany President-elect Taft on his trip to Panama: Arthur P Davis chief engineer of the reclamation ser vice, Washington, D. C.. John R. Free, man. Providence, R. l.; Allen Hazen New York City; Isham Randolph Chi cago; James D. Schuyler. Los Angeles, and Fred P. Stearns, Boston.
 Alfred Noble of New York City was the first engineer invited by the presi- dent, but he was unable to leave his present work.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
Don't Be tfnnsIess

about yourself when you're crippled with rheumatism or stiff joints - Of course you've tried lots of thiags and they failed. Try Ballard's Snow Eminent if will drive away all aches, pains and stiffness and leave you as well as you ever you were, Sold by Jackson Drug Co,
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
Eor ths Annual MeetIna.

Topeka. Dec 30.-Many teachers ar rived in Topeka for the forty-sixth an, nual meeting Of the State Teachers association. which began Tuesday Superintendent Fairchild says there win be 2.0O0 present for the three lays session,
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31

Foley's OrinO LaNitive cures chronic constipation and stimulates the liver. OrinO regulates the bowels 50 they will act naturally and you do not have to take purgatives continuously, Sold by all druggists.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
St. John-Payne.

Surrounded by few close friends and relatives and Tn the new home on Grandview Heights, Mrs. Etta McNecly Payne and Mir. V. ". St. John Tuesday night took the VOWS of matrimony as so impressively administered by Dr. F. F.. DeLongy. Alter the heartiest words Of congratulation had been spoken. accompanied by the handclasps that express so much among true friends, a collection of most beautiful gifts to the bride wcre viewed, follow ing which the little party attend ed the performance at the opera house.
 There were present from out of the city: Ed Payne of Tex arkana, and w. J. Kelly of Sny- der, Ok, son and uncle respect lively Of the bride, and Ernest w. St. John of Kansas City, son of the groom.
The Mena weekly star., 1908-12-31
Stop That Cough.

If you have cough, cold, sore throat or chest. don't delay q moment cure it. Simmons Cough Syrup x a sure remedy, it makes you we'll,
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-07-04
THE LOSS A SEVERE ONE.

Three of the most prominent MEN,
bers of the Ancient Order of Hibern-
ians of Minnesota have died since the
present year began. viz. John Flood
of 1uluth. state treasurer of the order
from 1902 to 1906, who passed away
on February Is. 1908. in that city;
James ]. Kennedy, whose death took
place in St Paul, Friday, June 26, and
Thomas Connolly Of this city. the
efficient state secretary, who followed
Mr.. Kennedy one day later. announce
ment of which has already appeared
in the columns of the Irish Standard
In no other state in the union, per-
haps. has the Ancient Order of Hi
bernians suffered so severe a. loss in
so short a period of time. The oldest,
widely and favorably known as the
Father of the Order" in this section,
James j. Kennedy, was elected state
delegate of the A. o. H. at the state
convention held in Saltwater in 1884,
ana WAS one or the ffSt to introduce
the order in Minnesota through the
organizations of division No. / of st.
Paul. which took place in $780, At the
state convention which followed in
Winona in 1886 Mr.. Kennedy was sue
ceeded by Lawuence Fahey, but
whether as private in the ranks or
as an official, he was always active in
every movement tending to advance
the interests of the organization. And
what is here said of Mr.. Kennedy can
well be said of John Flood and of
Thomas Connolly. While the first had
all but finished what seemed his task
at rs, the latter named. both but 49,
were Yet vigorous in the work before
them when the final summons came
Good citizens, faithful to both God and
country, their memories will long be
cherished by those who knew them
only to respect them. i.
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-07-04
A. o. H. NATIONAL CONVENTION.

The representatives of the Ancient
Order of Hibernians are soon to meet
at indianapolis in national convention
for the purpose of transacting i'm
portant business relative to the gen.
eral good of the order. Before ad-
journment that convention will Sc
lect it's officers for the coming two
years and. to certain extent. out
line policy Of action to be followed
by the order during that period of
time.
OF course the election of ofYicers and
directors to some extent. determines
the policy of any order especially
when those oficials have already
served the organization in the capacity
in which they seek election and their
policy in Office is known. In re-
gard to the policy of our pres
ent national officials II It Is to
be Judged by the ordinary stand
ards of efficiency, there can be moth
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-07-04
A Word to the Wise.
zealand

The editor of the New Zealand
Tablet, who is priest, writes:
Unless the clergy had the science
of angels and the voice of the last
trumpet. they could not overtake the
harm that is done in homes by the
exclusive perusal of secular news
sheets and by the false conceptions
regarding Catholic faith and practice
that from time to time are printed
not necessarily with any intent to
mislead-in their columns. The Cath
Ole paper is the priest in the house
hold. And we trust that the day is
near at hand when it will be as init
mately and as formally part of the
Church's many sided activities as her
churches, schools and institutes of
charity. Meantime, the true Catholic
paper is doing a duty towards the
Catholic public as real as any of these,
though of a different kind. The Cath
Ole public. too, have duty towards
the Catholic paper The nature of that
duty is sufficiently obvious This is a
case in which, to the WISE word is
sufficient"
The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1908-07-04
aw has the right to decree.

law has the right to decree.
The divorce law. wherever it exists,
is a violation of divine law. and So
cie,y or the state, which violates, the
divine law will sooner or later be pun
ished with inexorable certainty
1t is not necessary to go home into
the awful and narrowing details of the
every day divorce court to know the
evil, The social evil is not to be COM
pared with it, for in that, the violation
Of divine law is only by individuals.
while the state regulates and restricts
it. But in the divorce evil the state be-
comes the principle party to the viola
ton of divine law.
How can a state which expects to
punish individuals for every violation
of its laws, expect to escape punish
ment of divine law? 1t cannot escape.
Punishment will come sooner or later
and when least expected.
Sometime ago. if not now. the state
OF South Carolina had no divorce law
and the sooner every other state in the
union abolishes divorce the better We
still claim to be Christian states and
a Christian nation but we must abol-
ish the divorce evil, or with it will
come other evils until we become
Pagan in time.