davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
BACON KIDNAPPING CASE

The sequel to the sensational kid
naping case that occurred here last
Thursday night, when Adelbert
Bacon, we'll known young rancher
of Moore, carried off his infant son
from a rooming house on Janeaux
street, opposite the Presbyterian
church, where his wife was staying
with her sister, Mrs. Esther Patter-
son, came up before Judge Cheadle
this morning, Mrs. Bacon having in
stituted habeas corpus proceedings
to secure POSSESSION of the child.
Mrs. Bacon was represented by
Ayers &. Marshall, while J. C. Hun
toon appeared for Mr.. Bacon, and
the entire morning was consumed in
taking testimony.
In support of her contention that
she should have the custody of the
little one, Mrs. Cynhia Bacon, the
wife, went on the stand She is only
18 years of age She testified that
during her married life of over two
years, the defendant, her husband,
had treated her cruelty, cursing her
almost daily, sometimes striking her
and accusing her of improper con-
duct with Isaac Bates, young man
about Bacon's age, and who was in
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

to Fergus, where he had worked for
various stock outfits. At the time
OF this theft he lost his own horse
some eight miles from George
Wright's ranch and borrowed one of
Wright's horses to make a search for
his own missing animal. While out,
he ran across the horse he was
charged with stealing, and taking it
for an estray, made away with it.
He rode up to the Milk river coun-
trv. and became homesick and dis
couraged and decided to sell the
animal, finding a purchaser in Mr..
yermaine. The price agreed on was
$40, most of which had been paid
over, but this money was all recover
ed and returned to Mr.. Jermaine,
while Mr.. Perry got his horse back
SO that no one was injured The
only excuse he could give for his
conduct was that homesickness led
him to commit it.
Morris is young man of good ap-
pearance, and anything but a hard
ened criminal. He was deeply moved
while telling the court his story, and
there is no doubt of its truth. Morris
former employers in this vicinity all
though very we'll of the man, and
until he committed this offense, he
was considered an honest, hard
man.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
STEPHENS BUYS
COBURN CATTLE
DEAL INVOLVING SEVERAL
THOUSAND DOLLARS RE-
GENTLY MADE.

Frank Stephens, the young cattle
king of Fergus county, recently
closed deal with the Coburn cattle
company, who operate chiefly in Cas-
cade county, for the purchase of sew
eral thousand head of stock cattle.
The exact number nor the price have
not been made public by Mr.. Stephens
although it is known the amount in
volved goes we'll into five figures.
Less than one year ago, Mr.
Stephens sold over seven thousand
head of cattle to I. D. O'Donnell of
Billings, the sale being made for the
purpose of winding up the estate of
the late Oscar Stephens. All be-
quests under the will have been paid
and Frank Stephens, who inherited
the bulk of the estate, is now re.
stocking his immense ranches with a
good grade of cattle.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
TWO MEN SENT To THE PEN

Matthew Leonard, the young coal
miner who recently forged the name
of the treasurer of the coal miners
union to check of $85, securing the
money on it, appeared in the district
court this morning and entered plea
of guilty to forgery. He waived time
and asked to be sentenced at once.
In view of all the circumstances, the
prisoners youth and the recovery of
the money. Judge Cheadle let him off
with the light sentence of one year
in the penitentiary.
w. H. Morris, who was recently
captured at Malta on a charge of
stealing horse belonging to "Man-
itoba Pete" Perry, of this county, al
so appeared for sentence and was
given Ia months in the penitentiary.
Morris, who admits that is not his
true name, was arraigned yesterday
afternoon and entered a plea OF
guilty. At that time he stated the
circumstances of the case to the
court, telling his story frankly and
without reservation. apparently. He
said that he was % years of age and
had resided in Montana eight years.
Four years ago he was married, but
as result of domestic troubles,
there was separation and he came
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

duced to come out from Nebraska
and work for Bacon, the two having
been intimate friends in the east.
The witness testified that she had
separated from her husband on for
mer occasions, but they had made
up, and the climax came about De-
cember l., when she quit for good
because of his abuse. She was with
her sister, Mrs. Patterson, at
Georgia Days rooming house last
week when Mr.. Bacon came to the
house, and although she objected to
his seeing the child then because the
little one was asleep, and also because
he was not feeling we'll, Bacon in
sisted, and walked the baby up. Then
he commenced walking the floor with
the child, and taking advantage of
an instant when the witness left the
room, he darted from the place with
the infant in his arms, jumped into
a conveyance which was waiting on
the corner and drove away at a
furious rate. Mrs. Bacon related
soecihc acts of mistreatment at the
hands of her husband, and said he
was man of very quick temper.
Mrs. Sarah Brown, mother of Mrs.
Bacon, testified to having heard Mr.
Bacon swear at his wife and call her
vile names. She said their married
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

eldest daughter of Vaclav Hruska,
one OF the most popular Bohemian
ranchers in the county, and wife.
Following the marriage ceremony
at the church this morning the we'd
ding. party and guests repaired to
the home of the brides parents, one
and one-half miles west of the city
where the usual Bohemian festivities
celebrat; of such joyous occasions
are now in progress.
Those present at the Hruska ranch
ore: James Dusek and family, Al
bert Dusek and family, Frank Strouf
and family, Frank Svager and family,
Iohn Jenicek and family, Felix J.
Rehor and family, James Salamon
and family, John Jeiinek and family.
Jacob Chan and family, James Vanek
and family, Joseph Vanek and family,
Joseph Fulda and family, Joseph
Skocpol and family, Frank Svejkov-
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

Hovis left with the statement that he
would bring suit to recover the whole
amount claimed by him.
Want Stream Strengthened.
y. +. Stack and 81 other residents
and taxpayers asked the city to
strailghten the course Of Big Spring
creek from point near the south
westerly boundary Of the city and
running thence to the bridge cross
ing the creek on Brassey street. It
was represented that the creek en-
croached upon Third avenue nearly
all of this distance asd was constant
ly cutting away the westerly bank,
on the thoroughfarc, so that it is
now only 33 feet wide and in the
event of a freshet the street would
be quite impossible 1t was stated
that the street is now dangerous at
some points, and this would become
more marked unless rcmedied. Alder
men Hazen, Tubb and Slater were
appointed as special committee to
investigate the matter.
Public Scales.
The county commissioners were
granted permission to erect public
scales at Broadway, between Fourth
and Fifth avenues.
The Fire Limits.
f. M. Mcttlcr, representing several
property owners, requested that the
fire limits be extended one-half
block. The matter was discussed at
some length and City Attorney De-
Kalb was instructed to prepare an
amendment to the present ordinance
providing for such extension.
New Improvement District.
City Attorney DeKalb submitted
resolution declaring the intention
OF the city to create a sewer inn
pruvemcnt district bounded by Ninth
avenue on the west, Evelyn street on
the north, Fifth avenue on the east
and Montana street on the south
The date for hearing protests was
fixed for February 3.
City Clerk Kimball was instructed
to notify Contractor Littlejohn to re-
move from Crowlcy's field the rocks
taken out in digging the sewer
trench through it, and to open up the
bitches.
Engineers Convention.
The council decided to send CITY
Engineer Wasmansdorff to the en-
gineers convention at Bozeman.
January Oil.
1t was nearly midnight when an
was taken.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
Old Freight Rate Restored This Morning. Adds
Ten Gents per Hundred to Price Paid.
Wheat rs Gents and Oats One Dollar.

The expected jump in the price of
wheat and oats came this morning,
when the old freight rate from this
section to Duluth and Minneapolis
was restored. This rate is 10 cents
per hundred pounds lower, than the
one that has prevailed for some time
past, and the amount Of the decrease
is simply added to the price paid
locally for grain, so that for once,
the farmers are the real benefciaries
of the change.
Coming in Lively.
A large amount of wheat has been
held back by the growers in order
that they might secure this benefit,
and it commenced pouring into the
elevator at the depot this morning at
lively rate. The quotation today
both at the depot and the Moore ele-
vators is 76 cents per bushel for No.
| hard wheat and ST for oats. One
result Of the advance in price will Be
that lot of money will now get into
circulation, for during the period that
the rate rescinded yesterday was in
effect, farmers sold only. so much
grain as was necessary to meet some
DRESSINGS needs.
Likely to Go Higher.
1t is understood that the Gallatin
valley buyers will be in the game
here this week, and as the tendency
of the market just now is. strong,
this may have a stimulating effect on
prices.
The Eastern Markets.
The latest report from the Chi
cago market is as follows:
Wheat ruled strong all day. The
opening was firm because of light re-
ports in the northwest and marked
decrease in the worlds shipments as
compared with last year. A sligh,
decline, due to realizing sales, follow
ed the opening, but later a rush of
bullish news caused recurrence of
the strong feeling. Large clearances,
higher prices for cash wheat and in
creased demand for export were the
chief fatcors. May opened 14@3-8c
higher at ST .O7 1-8@$l.07 IA, sold be-
tween $1O6 3-4 and $l08 3-4 and
closed strong at $1.06 l-4&$l 06 3-8.
The corn market opened firm be.
cause of wet weather throughout the
belt, but heavy selling of holders
soon brought about decline. The
slump, however, renewed speculative
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
Long Session Held Last Night-.RepoPt Of City
OffiCerS-.-1O Extend Fire LimitS--NeW I'm.
prOvement District. -.-ROutne Business.

At the regular monthly meeting Of
the city council last evening, Mayor
Jesse Pinkley presided, and all Of the
aldermen, Slater, Wilbur, Hazcn,
Tubb, Leach and Sloan, were present
City Treasurer's Report.
The report Of Treasurer Murray H.
Deaton for December showed bal
ances III the various funds on Decem-
Der 81 as follows:
General fund, $5,os6.3O; road fund,
$26l4; waterworks fund, $2,135.32:
sinking fund, $8ll628; gravity fund,
$3,3o4.22; special sewer fund, $685.
70; sprinkling fund, $267 90; dog tax
fund, 1928. Total, $2l l,2l7.57.
Overdrafts were reported as fol-
lows: Fire fund, $l,47842; library
fund, $l5.68; water and sewerage
bond fund, $1,7S6ol; special I'M
provement fund, $2,4S9.6O Total, S.
7o9.82, leaving net balance on hand
Of $l5,44775.
Water Collections.
The report Of Mark d. Kimball. as
collector Of water rates, for Decem-
Der, showed collections aggregatine
$7A.o6 The collector states that the
receipts for the department for Jam
uary should show still larger gain
as a result Of the recent re-checking,
and 1t is expected that the city will,
increase its revenue as result to the
extent of between $3.50 and $500 per
month
Police Court Business.
Police Magistrate +. f. MacGowan
reported that fines were collected
during December aggregating $l33.5O.
A Sidewalk Dispute.
The committee appointed to cx-
anime the sidewalk laid by John
Hovis on Corcoran street and the
Boulevard reported recommending
that Mr.. Hovis' bill for the work on
the Boulevard be allowed and that
the bill for the work on Corcoran
street be disallowed. Mr.. Hovis ex-
planned that when he did the work on
Corcoran street he found it impos-
sible to get grade to lay the walk
on, as there was none there.
Members of the committee stated
that their objection to the Corcoran
street walk was on the ground that
it was neither straight nor level. 1t
was not demanded that the walk be
on the city grade, but that it be
straight and somewhere near on
level.
The report was adopted and Mr..
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
PRAY PRAYS FOR SOLDIERS.
Montana Congressman Tells Taft
About Assinniboine.

Washington, Jan. So want a
regiment stationed at Fort Assinni-
boine at the earliest possible date
replied Representative Pray, when
Secretary Taft asked him what was
desired at that place.
Pray saw Taft yesterday and made
a strong plea for the fort. Tuesday,
next, he will have another conference
with Taft, at which the question will
probably be settled.
As Senators Dixon and Carter have
their hands full saving posts at their
own towns, Pray is looking after AS
sinniboine. He pumped Taft full of
facts and figures, and when Taft said
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
TWO HEARTS MADE ONE.
Interesting Ceremonies Attending
First Bohemian Wedding.

The first strictly Bohemian we'd
ding that ever took place in Fergus
county, so far as we are informed,
occurred this morning at 10 o'clock
at the Catholic church, when Miss
Julia Hruska and Mr.. James Lodman
were united in the holy bonds of
matrimony, the Rev. Father Mueller
officiating.
Mr.. Charles Brabec was the best
man and Miss Mary Dusek acted as
bridesmaid. A large number of rel
atives and friends of the young peo.
pie witnessed the ceremony.
The groom, James Lodman, is
popular and Industrious young Rock
Greek rancher. The bride is the
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

demand and the strength Of wheat
brought about a firmer feeling, and
the market advanced to a level Slight
ly above the close yesterday. May
opened 1-4@38c to 3-8@1-2c higher
at 81 3-SM6l l-2c, sold between 60
SAC and closed firm at 81 $500
81 1-2c.
Oats were slow all day and trading
was light. May oats opened 1-8c
higher at 81 7-8c, sold between 54 l-2
@55c and closed at 55c
At Minneapolis.
The latest quotations from Mime
apolis are:
Wheat-May, $1.14 "a; July, $1.14
3-4; No. | hard, $1.16 1-2; No. l
northern, $l.14 IL; No. 2 northern,
$l.l2 IL; No. 8 northern, $l.08 1-2@
81 10 H.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
Sets Date of Wedding.

New York, Jan. 4.-According to
a statement published today, the mar
riage of Miss Gladys Vanderbilt,
daughter Of Mrs. Cornelius Wander
bilt, to Count Laszio Szechenyi will
take place January 20 at the home of
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt at Fifty
eighth street and Fifth avenue. The
reason for the postponement of the
wedding, which had been set for the
middle Of the month, was because the
relatives Of Count Szechenyi desired
to spend the Christmas holiday in
their own country. They are now on
their way here.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

iife had not been at all happy, SC
far as she could judge.
isaac w. Bates, whose name had
been frequently mentioned by Mrs
Bacon, testified that he had lived
with the Bacons most of the time
since they were married, having come
out at the solicitation of Mr.. Bacon
He estified that he had frequently
heard Mr.. Bacon use abusive Ian.
guage toward his wife, but had never
intertered, not considering it any af-
ialr OF his. Witness denied that
Bacon had ever accused him of mis-
conduct with Mrs. Bacon, and in
reply to direct question, stated that
there had never been any ground for
such a suspicion.
Gurus Watson, brother of Mrs.
Bacon, testified to having heard Mr..
Bacon use coarse language toward
his wife, but had never seen him
strike her.
The defense then commenced, Mr..
Bacon being the only witness called
by Mr.. Huntoon. He testified that
ne was willing and able to care for
the child, and said Mrs. Bacon was
wholly unable to care for the little
one. having no means. He admitted
having had frequent spats with his
wife, and this was chiefly due to the
fact that they were both quick
tempered. He fatty denied ever
having struck her. He related an
incident when his wife changed a
waist in the presence Of Mr.. Bates
Mr.. Bacon heppened to enter the
room while she was thus engaged and
said he called her down" for it. Mr.
Bacon left no doubt as to the sus.
picions he entertained with regard to
Mr.. Bates, whom he had regarded in
the light of brother. He said that
he returned to Moore unexpectedly
late one night, and found Mr. Bates
occupying Mrs. Bacon's bed, al
though Mrs. Bacon had not retired.
At that particular time, Mr.. Bates
was not living at the house at all,
but was working over on the river.
He mentioned the incidents that had
led him to suspect that all was not
right in his household and which
eliminated in his directing Mr.. Bates
to remove his trunk and leave the
place, and this appears also to have
been largely responsible for the sep
aration Of the husband and wife.
At the conclusion of the testimony,
Judge Cheadle said it was deplorable
two young married people should
become estranged through such
slight causes 81 suppose the next
step will be divorce" said his
honor, although there is no serious
reason why you should not get along
together"
Mrs. Bacon, he said was really
too young to have sound judgment on
80 @eighty matter. Both were at
fault, he believed, and Mrs. Bacon
was in no position to care for the
child. Yet the little one needed a
mothers care and Mr.. Bacon could
not give it that
Now I want you both to come up
here at O'clock" said the court, in
conclusion. "Come here alone, Just
you two. Don't bring any person
with you. I want to talk to you both
and see if this difficulty cannot be
smoothed over"
At the hour named Mr.. and Mrs.
Bacon entered the Judges chambers
and it was hoped by both their at
torneys and their mutual friends that
the conference might result in
reconciliation.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

he had no regiment to send, as the
army was 10000 short, Pray insisted
a regiment would be here soon from
the Philippines and that it should go
to Assinniboine.
Taft promised the matter his per-
sonal careful consideration between
now and Tuesday.
Representative and Mrs. Pray
were guests of President and Mrs.
Roosevelt at a musicale tonight.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
UNION MEN PINCHED.
Butte Parties Fined and Jailed for
CONTEMPT.

Helena, Jan. 3.-The contemp.
hearing came to an abrupt close this
afternoon in the federal court, Judge
William H. Hunt found Joe Shan
non,. William Cuts and A. E. Ed
wards guilty of contempt R. S.
Scott was discharged, with warning.
9hannon was sentenced to serve 90
DAYS in the county Jail here; Cuts,
to serve 90 days and to pay fine
OF $500; Edwards, to serve 90 DAYS
and to pay fine of 500.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
Resumes Journey.

Johnstown, Pa, Jan. 4.-John
Walsh. the pedestrian who is walking
from San Francisco to New York on
a wager of $4,000, left the Johns
town hospital today, where he has
been i'll of pneumonia since Dec. %.
Walsh left San Francisco Oct. q in
an attempt to make the trip in 90
days. He began his journey today
in somewhat weakened and ner-
vous condition, but expects to reach
New York in 10 days.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
Banker Gives Up Estate.

Portland, Jan. 4.-President Ross,
Of the defunct Title & Guaranty bank,
offers to turn over his own estate for
the payment of depositors, now that
w. nj. Ladd has agreed to guarantee
the banks indebtedness.
President Ross will surrender his
personal estate to Ladd. This will
benefit the depositors to the extent
of 100000.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

sky and family, James Sporak and
family, James Smack and family,
and a host of young fellows who
have some idea of following the
example set by Mr.. Lodman.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07

Give the Democrat Supply Depart
ment a trial order.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1908-01-07
Purchase of Silver.

Washington, Dec. 3.-The treasury
department today purchased 100000
ounces of silver, for delivery in equal
amounts at San Francisco, New
Orleans and Denver, at 55.567 cents
per fine ounce.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1908-11-28
Opie Read.

Last night 1 had that opportunity
to hear Opie Read, and l am still
smiling to myself-nOt alone at what
he said. but his manner in saying it.
He is such a big fellow, physically
and mentally, so full of vitality and lie
that his very presence is like breath
of fresh, pure air. Six feet four he
stands. broad of shoulder and mighty
of girth, with q great leonine head
crowned with silky dark hair, which
he wears trifie long. He has a bold,
handsome face, with a strong dqul-
line nose, a pair of luminous eyes
fringed with black, and a broad, white
brow: a tender. feminine sort of mouth
and the short, round chin with winch
men of ina ginatiOn are usually marx
ed. His voice suits his appearance,
being full and mellow, with a full
touch of pathos, without which no
voice sreally beautiful. Mr.. Read is
a parsonage of fame upon two CONT
nents-as they read his books, laugh
at his humor and applaud his plays in
Merry England as much as we do here
in our own beloved America. He has
been a newspaper writer, novelist,
a playwriter and lecturer for many
years. and is known and loved all over
our country, with which he is a faml-
lar as many of us are with Sixteenth
street Go and see him. If you are
good material you may some day dis
cover yourself in metropolitan play
provided he sees you; but you can
o. ~
hearing him.-Folly Pry, in The Den
Yer Post.
Opie Read will be at the Central
Christian church, Tuesday, December
1St.
The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1908-11-28

as it did during the campaign, created
sensatio Serious doubt was cast
on its authenticity from the first, and
several New York newspapers refused
to buy it before it was accepted by the
Times. Brandenburg has strenuously
objected to going on trial on Monday,
declaring that he is out of money
and that he has not the means to make
an adequate defense. He has entered
a plea of not guilty. and will attempt
to prove that the Cleveland article
was what it purported to be. If he
fails in this endeavor, he will at least
be entitled to the belt as the champion
news fakir of recent times.
Prosperity Dinner.
General Prosperity is due to arrive
in the metropolis on Monday night.
and his coming will be celebrated by
a prosperity dinner" at the Hotel AS
tor. to be pulled off under the auspices
of the Economic cub. Over an e,abOr-
ate menu. the diners VIII discuss the
general outlook for business, while the
orchestra viii play, What Are The
W III EiOSDcIitN waves Say ms
our old friend E II. Hartman, rail-
road magnate and president Of the
Ananias club. is scheduled to ia k
about THE Outlook for the Rail-
roads" DR.. Nicholas Murray Butler, of
Columbia university, will give some
inside information on The Conditions
Necessary to Prosperity" and Cyrus
Mccormick, of the alleged harvester
trust" viii speak on THE Nation s
Agricultural Interests August Thorn
as. the playwright, is on the program
for a conversation on High Tariff
Prosperity And there are others
Meanwhile, the bread line" is doing
a rushing business.
Morse Case Hearing.
Charles w Morse who is playing
the part Of the goat in the drama OF
"F'renzied Finance will have an
other hearing next week, argument
on the writ of error having been set
for Thursday, December 3. Counsel
n the richest man in the Tombs pris-