davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
SOMERSET GRANGE At LAKEWOOD TWO
THOUSAND STRONG
Direct Primaries, Good Roads and the School
Question Thoroughly Discussed.

The annual meeting of the Somer-
set Pomona Grange Was held at Lake
wood Wednesday with a crowd OF
about 2000 people About twenty
Oranges were represented through
out the county, and it was not only
a gala day for the many Changers
but for their families and friends as
well. The day could truly be called
ideal With the beautiful grove al
Lakewood and the resting places
scattered here and there everybody
appeared to have a good time. Pic
mic dinners were enjoyed by the
many family groups. One of the
features of the meeting was the
music rendered from time to time by
Lakewood band. The speakers for
the day we're: c. NJ. Gallup of the
independents Reporter c. S. Stetson
Master of Maine State Grange; Rich
ard Pattee, Master of New Hampshire
State Grange; and B. Walker Nc
Keen, Lecturer of Maine State
Grange The speaking began about
11.30 when Mr. Gallup was introduced
by Master of the Pomona, Willis c.
Hobart of East Madison. Mr. Gallup
spoke on the subject of Direct Pri-
maries.' He said in part:
"11S9 was the year of the French
Revolution. The men who were then
writing our Federal Constitution had
some reason for fearing the rule OF
the mob, and providing checks and
balances in that document. OF the
three great departments, legislative
executive, and judicial, the people
were permitted to elect the half o.
one. In general way the state gov.
ernments were patterned after the
Federal, and experience has shown
them better adapted to serving the
money power, than meeting the
needs of the people.
Through the initiative and refer
endum we have brought the legisla-
tive branch under the control of the
people. The next step ahead is tC
substitute direct nominations for the
delegate convention system. This We
propose to do by submitting TO the
next Legislature a direct primary bill
accompanied by an initiative petition
of 1900 signatures. If that body
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
CHAS. BOWDEN'S BUILD.
ING DESTROYED
% Tons of Hay Burned and Three
Cows.

Lightning struck the barn OF
Charles Bowden in South Scion
Thursday evening about half-past
seven o'clock, and the entire set OF
buildings were destroyed. Twenty
five tons of hay, three cows, and a
part of the furniture were also
burned. The estimated loss is $500
with $500 insurance.
During one of the heaviest showers
that has passed over here this sum-
mer, the bolt fell, going into NOV
of straw. The fire quickly spread
making it impossible to save anything
in the barn. This was fine set OF
buildings, the barn being almost new.
Mr.. Bowden has been burned out
three times in the last few years, the
fire originating each time from light
ming. The first time he lost good
set of buildings in Mayfield. The
second FIRE was at Athens.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18

The old brick church on Baptist
Hill is undergoing the most thor
ough overhauling since its erection
nearly quarters of a century
ago. The lively enthusiasm of its
talented and energetic pastor, Rev.
Robert Morris, aroused certain friends
of the old church to undertake to
make the auditorium beautiful and
suitable setting for the magnificent
and inspiring addresses of Mr.. Nor
ris Inspired by their example, the
society, not to be outdone, decided to
make the renovation complete. AS a
result, the interior Is being decorat-
ed by Peter Holdensen of Boston, un-
doubtedly the ablest of the younger
mural decorators in this country, the
old pews are being restored to their
pristine glory, the grand old mahog-
any pulpit and communion table
brought back and reincarnated, new
new cushions and new carpets, and
probably new windows are on their
way.
The building is the oldest in town,
and is a model of classic purity and
beauty. Its severe Grecian lines and
quaint steeple have been the cause
of requent comment by passing arch
itects. A few days ago a large tour
ing car en- route to Quebec stopped
nv the Common and turned up around
in front of the church Its owner,
one of the prominent architects OF
New York, got out and spent several
minutes admiring its architecture.
When told by passer-by that the
church was built by country car
penters, his amazement was manifest.
Mr.. Holdensen says that the interior
of the auditorium is one of the finest
that he has ever been into, and that
it would be impossible to get modern
plaster to stick to the modelling of
this ceiling Incidentally, 1t is inter-
esting to note, that when the fresco-
ing put on some twenty years ago
was removed by Mr.. Holdensen's men,
it was found that the old design in
oil was still in good condition. Mr..
Holdensen assures The Independent
Reporter that the original mural dec
grafton was by no less an artist than
Schumacher, the great German dec
orator, who came over during the
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18

fails to pass the bill, it must then
be submitted to popular vote
This bill provides for party en-
rollment, informal nomination by pc
tition. a uniform primary day, choice
by plurality vote, limited expenditures
as to purpose and amount, and
sworn statement OF the same In de
tail. This bill will do for Maine
what similar laws have done else
where; break forever the power OF
money over the executive branch OF
our government.
Best of all this exercise of our
right 10 direct legislation will show
to the State that the Grange need no
longer go TO Augusta as humble
beggar, but as the great promoter Of
the general welfare. demanding JUS
tice for all
Mr.. Pattee, in an interesting and
forcible way, presented several i'm
portant facts in regard to the agri-
cultural side of Maine. He said that
at one time three things, famine, pes
thence and war were curses OF our
country but by the transportation of
intelligence they had been practical
ly wiped out; and he said that it
would be by the spread of intelli-
genee that the farmer would rise to
a higher plane. The old idea was that
the brilliant son of the family should
be a professional man: the ordinary
sou sh; nd be i merchant or man.
lfacturer; hut If there should hap
zen to be a son in the family not
very bright it was thought that he
ought to be a farmer But nova
days it is the most brilliant that is
needed to carry on the farm. The
farmers need more capital Mr.. Pattee
said and the money that the farmers
deposit in the banks should in some
way be invested for agricultural in
dustries rather than for other pur-
poses. Young men must be attracted
to farm life, but farm life must be
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
LOGS ALL DRIVEN IN.
p. 00O, 900 Feet Is the Total Sorted at
HOlIlngswOrth L. Whitney BOOms.

twenty-five million feet of logs was
the total drive that was sorted at the
Hollingsworth & Whitney booms in
the Kennebec river opposite Water
vile this season. The rear of the
drive for down river points was OPP
posite Vassalboro Tuesday. The sea
son has been fairly good for the riy-
ermen, though early in the spring
more or less difficulty was expert
enced. This was more than made up
for by abundance of water that has
filled the river and its tributaries
since the middle of the spring and
throughout the summer.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
RENOVATION OF THE OLD CHURCH
ON THE HILL
Building Oldest in Town to Undergo Most Thor
ough Overhauling Since Its Erection

ing the Charles A. Marston residence.
There was a fence all along the West
side of Main street, and it is said by
old timers that this fence was lined
with teams of a Sunday from the
Meeting House to the cemetery, which
would indicate that the early fathers
were more inclined toward church
going than the present generation.
The Common in those days extended
down nearly to the Coburn residence.
Squire Coburn was one of the
staunchest members of the parish,
and he always insisted that all the
men in his employ on his farms at
tend divine worship. AS he often had
twenty-five or thirty men, they with
his thirteen children made a formid-
able array in the church.
The restoration of the old mahog-
any pulpit to take the place of the
walnut and ash pulpit which dis
placed it some years ago, will add
greatly to the change. 1t is a superb
piece of cabinet work of figured ma
i,ogany root. When the new one
was put in, Mrs. Hiram Steward and
her son, Frank Steward, carefully
stored the old pulpit in she'd
chamber where it laid until unearthed
by the ernoyation committee the 9TH
err day. On the way to the church
its resemblance to a fire place caused
an urchin to cry out, Gee, what's
that, a fire place, mister?' To which
some one replied: ut used to be a
hell fireplace, bub!"
ivory white, and the old mahogany
arms and back rails restored. The
carpet will be a two-toned terra
Gotta, and the cushions deep ma
hogany red. The general colo
scheme of the auditorium will be
gray greens. Gothic ornaments in
keeping with the high Gothic win
dows will form border around the
doors, windows and wainscoating. Mr.
Holdensen Is painting four emblems
of the apostles for the triangular
panels in the ceiling. The treatment
of the great circular dome will be in
I keeping with the fine old, bas-relief
classic circle in the center. The pull
pit platform is to be nearly doubled
in size, and the choir loft consider
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18

a profitable life. He said the farms
in Maine surpass any others in New
England. She has splendid herds
on her hills" and splendid crops all
over the State. He laid stress on the
fact that Maine farmers have wonder
full possibilities, but the farmer must
develop them.
Speaking on the question of the
present method of distributing the
money raised by the State levy for
schools, State Lecturer B. Walker
McKeen of Fryeburg said
Maine early recognized the obli-
cation OF the State to its youth. and
almost from the beginning her legis-
lators have sought TO equalize the
burdens OF the school tax among the
several towns. | have been inyesti-
eating the matter with considerable
care, and | find that while there is
yet room for improvement. the towns
as a whole are quite liberal with
their local appropriations. Some even
are burdenng themselves heavily
and raising considerably more than
required by law
Up to the last session OF the leg
islature the distribution of State
funds for school purposes had in
variably been according to the schol-
ars enumerated. In the bill passed
that year an additional levy of IL
mills for school purposes was made
on the property of the State. with the
proviso that | mill should be dis
tributed according to the property
valuations, and y mill according 10
the enumeration. The effect of this
law is to tax property in unincor-
1orated towns for a special purpose
This precedent OF taxing special
class of property for a special pur-
pose is exceedingly dangerous. and
We know not TO what it may lead
Mr.. Mckeen then went into the de-
tailed figures. and showed that out
OF the 81. 000 odd dollars revenue
netted by the wild land tax" Som
erset County received a per capita
distribution of Is cents while Cumber-
land county received 81 He urged his
hearers to study the question and
make their conclusions known to
their representatives at Augusta
AS the last speaker of the after
noon MI. Hobart introduced State
Master c. S. Stetson of Greene, who
said that the meeting was easily the
largest in the series of eight held
this year. After several other deli
cate compliments to his audience and
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18

the people of Somerset county, he
continued in part as follows:
In planning the part which the
State Grange always takes in the an
nual series OF field meetings. it has
always been my endeavor to bring
before you something that should APP
peal 10 thinking people For that
reason | asked Mr. McKeen a long
time ago TO make a thorough in
vestigation of this school question
that he might lay before you the
facts. | hope you will continue TO
study this question until you are
familiar with all the facts, and then
stand by your legislative committee
until this iniquitous principle is
wiped from our statute books.
Every master that is in the audi
ence should have received before this
a proposed direct primary law, with
the initiative petition attached. AS
the speaker of the morning has in
formed you, this reform has received
the formal Endorsement of both poll
teal parties. and is not in any re-
spect political question. NeWspa-
pers controlled by these interests
that are opposed to political reform
dt All stages, nave charged tnat ! am
using the Grange to further the poll
tical fortunes of certain individuals.
never have and never will do
anything OF that kind. But | do pro-
pose to the extent of my authority,
to make the Grange stand for some
thing.
The time has come when We
ought to do something to give pres
tige to our order. To gain the full
respect of everyone on the outside.
No greater task lies before us than
that of purifying political conditions
so that the will OF the majority may
prevail. Under the initiative we
have all the power necessary to ac-
complish this, and We are going to
Continued on Fourth Page.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18

first half of the last century to dec
crate some of the finest structures in
America, including the beautiful
Kings Chapel at Bowdoin college.
1t has been a great pleasure to
many of the older members of the
parish to see the old familiar scenes
on the walls that they remember so
well, particularly the great circle
from which the old crystal chande-
lier hung, from the center of which
radated wonderfully intricate spokes
that had to be counted over and over
again during the three hour sermons
of the olden time. What would a
modern congregation think of listen
ing three mortal hours to sermon in
the forenoon, eating their lunch and
then going back for another dose.
And those old time sermons were sure
enough doses, pretty bitter ones, too,
generally. The good old parsons
were not optimistic in their prophe-
sies OF future abode for even the
most devout of their hearers. 1t Is
told of one of the old members of the
society before the war, that he all at
once stopped attending morning ser
vice, and no amount of urging by his
wife would bring him back. Finally
he was waited upon by a committee Of
the elders and asked to explain his
extraordinary conduct. His reply was
that "he got hell at home six days In
the week, and he'd be hanged II he
could stand 1t again from the minis
ter on the Sabbath"
The original building was de-
stroyed by fire about 1889, and the
present brick structure was begun
Immediately afterwards. The old
oongregationalist church then stood
directly opposite on the other side of
tne Common on the lot now contain,
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
SkOwhegan Grange.
FRIDAY. AUGUST -.

At the regular meeting OF Skowhe-
gan Grange last evening it was
voted TO change the date of the an
nnal field meeting, to be held at
Eaton Mountain farm, from Septem-
Der IA to September 10, the previous
Saturday. 1t is planned to go to the
farm in the afternoon. Lunch bas-
kets are to be taken for the evening
meal, and should include cup and
spoon for each member of the party.
Coffee will be served at the farm.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
THE FIRST TO ANSWER
GRANGE QUESTIONS
Senator H0wes Champions Good
Roads, Direct Primaries and Bet
ter Schools.

Hon. Allison 2. HoWes OF Palmyra,
member in the upper house of the last
Legislature and a candidate for re-
election, is first in the field with a
public announcement of his answers
to the questions recently propounded
this opportunity to stand forth as a
champion of still further advance
ment along the paths of progress
marked out by his party in the past.
The questions and answers are as fol-
lows:
Would you favor the State having
charge of the building, maintenance
and repairs of all roads and the eX-
penditures of all money raised for
that purpose, either by municipalities
or the State?"
Yes"
would you favor the State issuing
bonds for the purpose of building per-
manent roads ?"
Such bonds are prohibited by the
State Constitution"
Would you be in favor of the State
building macadam roads in rural sec
tons, where there is much heavy traf-
fic?"
Yes"
will you vote for the enactment OF
direct primary law in Manner
Yes"
will you vote to amend section 3
of chapter 1T of the public laws OF
1909, so to provide, that the common
school fund, collected under the pro-
visions of said chapter, shall be dis
tributed to the several municipalities
on the basis of scholars therein?'
Il voted for distribution according
to the number of scholars when that
law was before the senate, and | am
still of the same opinion as at that
time"
This frank and statesmanlike atti-
tude towards these important meas
ulbS, IL dOCo llo iCS
islative record, can hardly fail to
meet with the approval Of his think
ing constituents. 1t still further en-
phasizes the fact that a new era in
Maine politics has already begun
Mr. Howes was the only member OF
the last senate whose occupation is
and has been exclusively farming, He
served as chairman of the committee
on agriculture, and in that capacity
did yeoman service for the rural in
terests. Among the measures carried
through under his leadership were:
The bill increasing the tax for State
highways from 13 to ga of a mill
the bill to secure honest packing and
labelling of Maine grown fruit; to
award full value for condemned live
stock; to provide for the inspection OF
nursery stock; the appropriation for
the seed improvement work that Is
meeting with such widespread APP
proval; and the purchase of the Mon
mouth Experimental Farm.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
Excursion TO kineO.

There will be an excursion Il
Kineo next Sunday, August 81, ant
the Lakewood band has been en-
gagged to accompany the excursion
Passengers from Skowhegan SHOULD
leave on the electric car at $50 a
M, connecting with the train leav.
ing Madison at 1905 a. m. Returning
leave Kineo Station at 1.25 or p
M, connecting with late special cal
at Madison for Skowhegan. The
round trip fare from Madison tc
Kineo on the Somerset railway Is
only $3.50.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18

ably increased to make room for the
large parish choir.
1t is expected that the work will
be completed so that services may
be resumed the first Sunday in Sep
TENDER. When finished the auditorium.
will undoubtedly be. one of the hand.
soonest in the State, and fitting
memorial to the sturdy and deyout
founders.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
Sudden Death at Bingham.

John Owens of Bingham, died un-
expectedly Sunday noon. He had
been i'll for a few days with pneu-
monia and was apparently getting
along nicely until Sunday his heart
gave out. He leaves two sons, Tom,
who lived with him, and John, clerk
in the Mark Savage Co.'S store. Ser
vices were held Tuesday.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
REPUBLICAN RALLYS.

Governor Bert NJ. Fernald,
Hon. George G. Weeks, Speaker OF
the House of Representatives,
Judge Augustine Simmons,
Will address the following meetings:
Mercer, the afternoon OF August 26
Pittsfield, the evening OF August &c
Skowhegan, the afternoon of Au-
gust q.
Madison, the evening of August q
Everyone cordially invited to come
and hear what they have to say.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
CARD OF THANKS.

We wish to extend our sincere
thanks to our neighbors and friends
who SO kindly assisted us during the
illness and death of our darling baby
and for the beautiful floral offerings
Mr.. and Mrs. H. G. Sterling.
Madison, Me.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18

Prompt treatment of a slight attack
of Diarrhoea will often prevent
serious sickness. The best known
Remedy Is DR.. SETH ARNOLDS
BALSAM. Your apothecary, Sampson
& Avore, warrants it to give sadsfac-
ton.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
Moore Family Reunion.

The Moore family will hold their
annual reunion at Lakewood Wednes-
day, August "a, which will be an all
day gathering with picnic dinner
All descendants are cordially invited
3y-31
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
THE WEEKS HEADLINES
THURSDAY, AUGUST II.

Another Boston fire gets beyond
control: conf1ragration starts IN heart
of automobile district; explosion en-
danger nves.-Three brothers dead
and a fourth injured in train wreck
at East Greenwich; train plunges in
to little group-Conviets making
money in prison in Boston.
FRIDAY. AUGUST -.
Aldrich flays Bristow group denies
charges made against him concerning
tariff; sends long letter to William B.
NcKinley-The knight Templars
Conclave to be held in Denver 1918.
Mrs. Judith f. II. Foster dies after
an operation in Washington; she
was noted as a temperance lecturer
and writer
SATURDAY, AUGUST Il.
Coming changes in Presidents poll
teal circle; indicated by events oi
the week at Beverly Bal
linger's resignation forecasted fol
September; said that Speaker cannon
may also retire.-Floods submerge
30 900 houses in lower Tokio.-Chlnk
smuggling seems to have paid we'll
in Boston on the steamers.
SUNDAY, AUGUST IA.
Pope's Blessing on Temperance:
Catholic Convention closes with rally
around the colors in Boston.-Ellot
has a grand celebration of her Tooth
birthday.-Found dead in Mousam
river in Sanford; young mill worker
commits suicide by drowning after
taking chloroform.
MONDAY, AUGUST -,
Mitchell arrives to take Crippen
and Miss lie Neve to England; Grip
pen SAYS the quicker the better for
his part; both attend church. the girl
given shielded nook.-Murder in
Somersworth, n. H.; woman found
crowded into a barrel; police hunt
Nicholas Capsalkas with whom she
lived who was very jealous of her.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16.
officers on track of Greek Murder
er; has been seen in Maine.-Banker
Ingersoll is i'll as result of shortage
of bank In Biddeford; shortage may
reach 100000.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST II.
Coil is tightening around Capsal-
kas, the alleged New Hamsphire muir
derer.-Rooseyelt meets defeat by
New Yorks "Old Guard" Republican
State committee refuses to name him
after contest for temporary chair
man of State convention at Saratoga;
Vice President James S. Sherman is
chosen instead.-Richmond campmeet-
ing in session; inspiring meetings.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18
To the Voters of Somerset County.

AS candidate for County Attorney, If
elected, I shall forcibly continue the
policy of strict enforcement through
out the county to the best of my abil-
ity.
Il HALEY
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-18

It's seldom that good luck delays
too long for welcome.