davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
CONFESSION TELLS LITTLE
Suit Case OF Dynamite Placed in
Times Building.

Los Angeles, Dec. 5.-Penned in
his own hand with fountain pen,
on one side of the sheet of paper,
showing evidence of man unskill-
ed in letters, James B. McNamara's
confession was made public today.
1t said:
81, james B. Mcnamara, having
plead guilty TO murder, desire to
make this statement. This is the
truth. On the night of Sept. 30, at
5:45 .. m, | placed in Ink Alley, a
portion of the Times building, a
suit case containing i6 sticks of dy-
Mantle, set to explode at one o'clock
the next morning. II was the in
tention to injure the building and
scare the owners. | did not intend
TO take the life of anyone. I sin
cerely regret that those unfortunate
men lost their lives. II the giving
of my life would bring them back,
would gladly give 1t. In pleading
guilty TO first degree murder ! have
placed my life in the hands of the
state.
James b. Mcnamara"
This probably will be the only
written statement OF the case ever
TO be made by the writer or his
brother.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
MAJOR TRUE STRICKEN
Well Known u. s. Revenue Collector
Falls Unconscid eat Ft. Smith
Condition Is Serious.

TT. Smith, Dec. 5.-While writing
at the patrons desk in the First
National Bank Tuesday afternoon,
Major John w. True, deputy U. s.
revenue collector, was stricken and
fell to the floor, striking his head
against the door casing. Drs. Taylor
and Hynes were summoned and the
injured man was removed in the
ambulance to st. Edwards Infirm-
airy.
He did not recover consciousness
for some time afterward. Late to-
day DR.. Taylor stated that he was
unable to determine how serious
the case may be, but was hopeful
that the disturbing development Of
the patients long unconsciousness
may have been the result Of the
blow upon the back OF the head
which also caused a scalp wound.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
BURNS DECLARES
CONPERS KNEW
Detective Charges That Great Labor
Leader Was Aware That He Was
Shielding Criminals for
Sake OF Unions.

indianapolis, Dec. 4.-"When Mr..
Gompers says he was surprised and
that the McNamaras had deceived
him in declaring their innocence, he
tells what is not true. Mr. Com
pers knew the McNamaras were
guilty, and has known it all along.
He knew it at the time he and the
heads of the international unions
conferred in Indianapolis on the
question of raising funds for the
defense Of the prisoners. Some of
the other union men knew of their
guilt, too" ~
The foregoing reply to Samuel
Gompers, president of the american
Federation of Labor, who expressed
surprise at the pleas of guilty made
by the Mcnamara brothers in Los
Angeles and ignorance of anything
but their innocence, was made with
feeling here Sunday by William J.
Burns, the detective who caused
the arrest of the dynamiters.
Knew There Was No Frame-Up.
Clarence Darrow told the labor
men at that meeting in Indianapolis
that he did not believe | had done
any planting Of dynamite. Darrow
knew that I did not 'frame-up' this
case, and told them so. Mr.. Com
pers knew all the time the prisoners
were guilty
Mr.. Burns was here in conference
for two hours with Charles w. Mil
ler, United States district attorney,
and later the two met John Kirby,
Jr., of Dayton, O., president of the
National Association of Manufac-
.turers, at the home of David M.
Perry, a former president of that
organization.
Other than admit that both con-
ferences pertained to the investi-
CATION being conducted by the fed
eral grand jury here, Mr.. Burns
would not talk regarding the meet
ings. When asked if he wished the
Mcnamara trial had proceeded, the
detective said:
'There would have been many
interesting developments had the
trial at Los Angeles continued to
the end"
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
John d. Rockefeller Resigns.

New York, Dec. 4.--John d.
Rockefeller has resigned from the
presidency and directorate Of the
Standard Oil Company of New Jer-
sey.
What this means, or if it has any
special significance, is not known
There are those who say that since
the Standard Oil is no longer a
holding company, that Mr.. Rookie
feller feels it is not worth his time
TO continue at its head.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
YEGG ATTEMPT ON
WINTHROP BANK

Ashdown, Dec. 4.--According to
news received here, an unsuccessful
attempt was made Saturday night
to blow the safe of the Bank OF
Winthrop, 20 miles north of here
on the Kansas City Southern Rail-
way. Only the fact that the dyna-
miters picked the wrong safe is re-
sponsible for their failure TO secure
rich booty for their pains.
There were two safes in the bank
one of which contained a large
amount Of money. The robbers
picked out the safe which contain
ed no valuables of any particular
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
BARROW ASKS MERCY.
Says lie Knew All Along Defend
ants Were Guilty of Dynamiting.

Los Angels, Dec. 5.-Clarence
Darrow yesterday made a pathetic
plea to the country for mercy. He
said:
"All expect is TO have my best
friends understand why | took the
case. But the chances are that the
world will not understand.
when | took the case last March
/ could look ahead to the plea of
guilty and see just what was before
us. All want d TO do was TO save
the lives Of the McNamaras. Say
what you please about them, hey
thought they were taking the only
course left to win the fight in Los
Angeles. They figured themselves
as soldiers in the war between cap
ital and the common people.
Whether they were right or wrong,
they believed they were on the
fighting line.
Jim Mcnamara told me the truth
about 1t all, and because he wasn't
a murder er at heart decided to
do the best that | could for him.
"All my life | have tried to be
on the side of those who lose in the
unequal fight between the rich and
the poor. Here is a man who,
whether he is right or wrong, tried
in his own grim way to be a sol
der on the same side-the side OF
the poor. couldn't see him &c
down without giving what help ]
could. But l know there are many
Americans who will not understand
what | have done, who will be able
to analyze the spirit in which die
lit. | know that | took the only pos
sible chance there was Of saving
McNamara's life.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
CONCRESSOPENED
WITH SENSATION
Representative LittletOn Makes Sem
sati0nal Speech While Impeach-
ment Proceedings Are Being
Filed Against Him.

Washington, Dec. 4.-Both houses
of the sixty-second congress of the
United States convened at noon to-
day, with practically every member
of each house in his seat.
Representative Littletons' speech
on the steel trust" in which he
denounced his defamers and made
the startling assertion that Wall
street operator had boasted of being
able to control the steel investigat-
ing committee, was the sensational
feature of the opening in the
house.
He charged that Henry B. Martin,
secretary of the Antitrust league,
had circulated false accusations
against him. and he accused Martin
of consorting with David Lamar, d
bear" operator in Wall street, to
aid in the depression of steel
stocks. He charged that William
Jennings Bryan had gone off half
cooked in the "Commoner' in his
comment upon the steel investiga-
ton.
Mr.. Littleton did not demand that
the house investigate his charges
announcing that he would content
himself with the statement of his
position and denial Of the allega-
tions against him.
Most of Mr.. Littleton's speech
was devoted to defense of his po-
sition on the committee and TO a
complete denial of the accusation
that he was allied with the trusts
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
THE FeMOUs DYNAMITING CASE
CONES To STARTLING END
BY CONFESSION.
OVERWHELMING
every LoOphole Was Gathered in
by State" Says Darrow-James
Mcnamara Pleads Guilty 10
Murder, John to Dynamiting

Los Angeles, Dec. IA startling
denouement came at o'clock to-
day in the trial of James b. Nc
Namara for murder in connection
with the dynamiting of the Los An
geles Times, trial crowded with
sensations in the past few days,
when the defendant, through his
counsel, pleaded guilty to the
charge of murder.
Coming on the heels of the recent
sensations, the announcement of
the counsel for the defense that
their client admitted his guilt,
stunned the court and spectators
and threw the city into state of
intense excitement.
Following fast on the heels OF
James admission Of guilt, the
brother, John j. Mcnamara, with
drew his plea OF not guilty and
pleaded guilty of destroying the
Llewellan Iron Works.
Each pleaded guilty on the
charge of which he was extradited
from Indianapolis.
"The McNamaras have pleaded
guilty because they are guilt"
was the crisp comment Of District
Attorney Fredericks.
What Darrow Has to Say.
"The Los Angeles Times building
was blown up by James B. McNa-
mara with nitroglycerin TO be sure
but the bomb touched off the gas
and gas really did it," said Darrow
did you have to wrestle hare
with the Mcnamara brothers to ge'
that admission?" he was asked.
Somewhat, but the facts have
been overwhelming. Every looI
hole was gathered in by the state
AS far as | am concerned, | fel
that sooner or later IL had to come
Things were happening in which
big people are interested. Th'
movement was impelling. The,
wanted the matter cleared up ant
feared further bloodshed unless w
obliterated the incident from Lo
Angeles at once.
"Of course, I feel have helpet
the McNamaras in getting them t.
plead guilty, in so far as they prob
ably will not be sentenced to death
Life Imprisonment will be met
ed out to James b., and John j. will
get light sentence"
| District Attorney Fredericks in
timated that he would recommen'
life Imprisonment for James B
and that John J. would probabl,
have TO serve a short term. TIL
matter was practically arrange'
early today by agreement betweel
counsel.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07

court. He has not been home since.
/ have not spoken to him under
God"
The preliminary hearing of Bert
Franklin, charged with bribery, was
continued one week today by Judge
Young.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
Obituary.

In memory Of little Grover Har-
risoH, son ef Tom and Winnie Har-
rison. He departed this life NO
vember %, 1914, at the age Of two
years, 10 months and % days. lie
bore his suffering with patience
Weep not, dear father and mother
but live TO meet him in that beau
tiful land OF Paradise.
How happy are the saints above,
Who once went sorrowing here,
But now he tastes unmingled love
And joy without tear.
A Friend.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
4 RISKED LIFE FOR LABOR"
James 3. Mcnamara Replies to
Criticism OF His Action-Had
Right TO Expect Support.

Los Angeles. Dec. IA reporter
succeeded tonight in securing an
interview with James B. Mcnamara.
Mcnamara is quoted as answering
in defiant terms the comments by
labor men upon his confession OF
guilt. He is reported TO have said:
LET them all call rse yellow. Let
them say | was an imposter. I
fought in s cause that Gompers and
every man who contributed q cent
to my defense was interested. 1
made my fight for life and when |
saw the chance to save my life
took it. ] suppose any man IN my
Continued on fourth psgs.9
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
FIRST JUROR WAS BRIBED.
Wife of Robert r. Balm Makes Con-
feSSiOn OF Detectives Visit.

Los Angeles, Dec. Further de-
tails were learned today of the al
legged plot to influence the McNa-
mara jury. The signed statement
declared to be in the hands of Dis
trict Attorney Fredericks, made by
Mrs. Robert L. Balm, wife of the
first sworn juror in the case, charg-
es that $500 was paid her by an
agent of the Mcnamara defense to
influence her husband to secure a
disagreement, if not acquittal, by
the jury of James B. Mcnamara.
"Yes, it is true" Balm himself is
quoted as saying, "and the money
given to my wife has been given to
the district attorney"
Mrs. Bain's statement said:
"On Friday, October 6, in the af-
ternoon, a man came to my house
in an automobile. didn't know
who he was. He wanted to know
where Mr.. Balm was, and when he
would get back.
"He said, I am Bert Franklin.
Don't you remember me? | said
would have remembered him, and
he said Don't you remember, | met
you quite a while ago.
"lIe got to talking about our
house. | told him we had bought
it for $500, and were paying $i5
per month, and that when Mr.. Balm
was 70 he would get more pension
money.
"Well,' he said, I think, Mrs,
Balm, | can help put you and Bob
in a position to pay for your little
home and live easy for the rest Of
your life
az know that Bob has always
been honest. / have worked by the
side of him and know him well,
said Franklin.
"He kind of hesitated, and didn't
seem to know how to get at it, and
then he finally said, You know what
| mean?'
81 said, No, unless you want him
to do election work
His Proposition.
"He spoke Of Bob's being sum-
moned on the Mcnamara jury.
said | didn't want him to serve. He
said, Well, | want him to serve on
that jury. | will make it worth
while. In the first place. if he will
serve on that jury I'll give him
$500. | can put you and Mr.. Bain
on Easy street and help myself, too
The rest are doing it, and we might
as well do it,
"Then afterwards he said, Have
Bob qualify and vote an acquittal
and there will be plenty OF testi-
mony to prove they're innocent, ane
he need have no conscientious scru-
Piles or anything Of that kind, anc
money will be deposited and ht
will receive $500 at the end Of the
trial
4 was weak enough 10 consent
io putting the proposition 10 Bob
Bob received 500, and when he
came home he said. I wish 10 Gos
had never gone into a.
"0a Monday MF. Bain was iE
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07

clared it only partly true. why,
don't Jim Mcnamara tell how he
knocked off the gas cocks and flood
ed with gas the place where the suit
case, filled with dynamite, was
putt" he asked. "If he told that.
then could he convince anyone that
he didn't intend the entire destrue-
tion of the Times building and its
occupants?"
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07

A team Of young mules belonging
to J. t. Hooper last Friday took
fright and ran away, throwing the
wagon to which they were hitched
against tree. The wagon was oc-
cupied by Mr.. and Mrs. Hooper and
Mrs. Dilbeck. The ladies, with
young babies in their arms, were
thrown violently to the ground. sus-
tanning painful bruises. The escape
from harm OF the children was q
miracle.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07

/ DdNlS before the committee that he
dld not know whether his contin-
gent fee in connection with the
suits for the recovery of the tim
Der would be affected by the pass
age OF the sunk lands bill.
Senator Davis Explains.
Senator Davis replied to this
charge in his speech by explaining
the circumstances connected with
the sale of the lands in question by
the st. Francis Levee Board to Fu-
gene Williams, Judge Rolfe and
other citizens of eastern Arkansas,
and asserted that it was a straight
transaction throughout. He de-
elared that he never represented
Williams or Rolfe or the other
claimants in any transaction, and
that he did not defend the sunk
land" bill, excepting that he be-
lleved the men who bought the land
should either have the title to their
land or get their money back. As
to his statements before the com
mittee, he again asserted that he
never spoke of a fee and that the
statement credited to him was the
result of a stenographer's mistake.
Says Davis Is Dictator.
Mr.. Brundidge assailed Senator
Davis for attempting to dictate to
the voters in state affairs after be-
ing elected to the Senate.
The Car of Russia was never
more distatorial than has been SEN
ator Davis in his efforts to control
the political destinies of Arkansas"
he said. He says he is not taking
any hand in the present race for
governor, but just watch out"
Mr.. Brundidge read letter which
he said was received by C. C. Ken
ney, who, he declared, is one of the
worst Republicans in White county.
The letter was one sent out by Sen
ator Davis two years ago asking for
support for C. G.. Kavanaugh in his
race for governor against Donaghey.
He declared that he never under
stood why such a letter should have
been written by Senator Davis to
one of the staunchest Republicans
in the state.
Senator Davis declared in his re-
joinder that he never wrote a let
ter to a Republican about politics
in his life, knowingly. Judge Kav-
has always been my good
friend" he said, "and his brother,
Coburn, ran for governor. He ran
over my protest, but | owed them
a debt of gratitude, and wanted to
pay it. Before | left for Washing
ton, l said: Mr.. Kavanaugh, here
is form of a letter | want you to
send to about 1900 of my friends,
and here is the list | want you to
send them to-
Il gave him my stamp with my
name on it. He had some very in
competent and careless clerks, and
they mailed the letters out indis-
criminately. That is the only way
| can account for that man getting
one of them"
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
ROAD NOTICE.

NOTICE is hereby given that the
undersigned citizens OF Polk County,
Arkansas. will present petition to
it's January term, 1912, praying for the
laying out and establishing of a pub
lie road in Road District No 3, over
any ReSinnfne "a 81 the e ~ cross
ing In the town of Acorn, thence run
ming Il mile southeast, thence u
mile south, thence X mile west
thence y mile south, thence k mile
southwest, thence west 4 mile, thence
south = mile, thence west Il miles,
thence southeast / mile to intersect at
the northeast end of aJnssen avenue,
in the corporate limits of the city
of Mena. a total distance of AZ miles.
J. c. Garland,
]. A. Anderson,
Ira Clifford,
at al
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
DYNAMITERS SENTENCED
Jim Mcnamara Given Life Sentence
and John j. Gets Is Years-ShOrt
Confession Is Written.

Los Angeles, Dec. Judge Bord-
well today sentenced James B. Nc
Namara to life Imprisonment in San
Quentin prison. John J. Mcnamara
was sentenced to is years in the
same institution. Court was in ses-
sion only % minutes.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
WARNING ORDER.

State Of Arkansas, County Of POLK,
SIS.
Maud Young, Plaintiff, VS.. VIM. ].
Young, Defendant-In the Polk
Chancery Court.
The defendant, VIM. J. Young, is
warned to appear in this court
within thirty days, and answer the
complaint of the plaintiff, Maud
Young. H. J. GREEN, Clerk.
December 6, 1911.
Sfar-dn7 Ill
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
To Square II With Ladies.

In the account last week of the
Clawitter silver wedding. Mr.. Volt
man and Mr.. Hiddie were spoken Of
as giving thanks in behalf OF the
host and hostess. Instead, il should
have been Mrs. Woltman and Mrs.
Hiddie.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
senate Is Quiet.

Washington. Dee. 4.-Senators-
elect Hoke Smith OF Georgia and
Gardner Of Maine were sworn into
Office today when the senate con-
vcned. Aside from this routine
there was little Of feature interest
in the senates proceedings. Crowds
al lhe capitol looked to the house
fof excitement attending the OPEN
Ilns of congress.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07

Washington, Dec. A petition
for the impeachment and expulsion
from the house Of representatives
of Martin w. Littleton of New York,
was presented to Speaker Clark by
Secretary Henry B. Martin Of the
Antitrust League.
The demand was in the form of a
memorial, and was accompanied by
resolution. They we're presented
1t the speakers Office by Mr.. Mar
tin and a committee while Mr.. Lit
slelen was on the floor Of the house
making an impassioned speech de-
nouncing Martin and his Anti
trust League"
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07

NOTICE is hereby given that the
undersigned citizens OF Polk County,
Arkansas. viii present a petition to
its January term. 1912, praying for the
laying out and establishing Of a pub
lie road in Road District No. Is. over
and along the following route. to-wit.
Commencing at the northeast cor
ner OF the northwest quarter. OF Sec
ti0n 20. then running west on section
line to the northwest corner Of the
norfhwes quarter of the northeast
quarter OF section fs. thence south on
he line 10 where the public road now
crosses said line. Now we wish that
part Of the road condemned which
crosses the northeast quarter Of sec
fion -. township ; south of range 81
west IN Polk county, Arkansas
T. a HarWfll.
A r. Martin.
". 4 Rickarcspn.
- a.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
-02207--
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION.
nanarfmanf Of the T0farior
U. S. Land Office at
Camden. Arkansas. Dec. L. 1911

u. S. Land Office at
Camden, Arkansas, Dec. 1, 1911.
NOTICE is hereby given that
ROBERT j. PIERCE
OF Mena, Arkansas, who, on April g.
1905, made Homestead Entry (Serial
No. 02207) No. 2S6S9, for NWA SEA
Section 27. Township 2 S., Range 81
w, 5th Principal Meridian, has filed
notice of intention of make final five-
year proof. to establish claim to the
land above described, before the Cir
cult Clerk of Polk County, at Mena,
Arkansas, on the 18th day of January
1912,
Claimant names as witnesses:
William p. Mcintosh, John B
Graves, Joseph II. Phillips, w. G.
Gentry, all of Mena, Ark.
II. G. FRIEpHEIM Register.
Star-First pub. Dec.
Last pub Jan T.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
WE'VE GOT IT NOW!

You know that Candy is always
acceptable Christmas--or any other
time, for that matter. We have
just unpaeked large shipment OF
the famous Jacobs Candies--the
"made last night" kind. IL is in
a variety of sizes and kinds of
packages suitable for holiday gifts.
Better come around and look and
get box now or have us lay one
aside for you; we'll do it, and you
can call for it when convenient.
They're going fast, and-a word 10
the wise, you know, is sufficient.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07

Mrs. Linda Slower and three chill
dren have arrived from Purcell, Ok,
for a visit with parents and rel
atives at Opal. Mrs. Stover's
father, w. E. Burkhart, and a sis
ter, met her in Mena.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
1Oc Outing Flannel 71ac.

5000 yards heavy i0c Outing Flan-
mel, as long as it lasts, will so al
TIC pard.
238-2wsi w. w. TOWNSEND.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
BURNS sEERs CONFESSION.

Cleveland. o. Dec. 5.-when
shown James b. McNamara's con-
fession today, Detective Burns de-
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
Pleas of Guilty VIII Not Stop State.

y fCaS Va Uuhty VIII lNUt otuV Ct6tC.
Los Angeles, Dec. 2.-when
shown Detective Burns statement
that others would be prosecuted for
completely in the destruction OF the
Times, District Attorney Freder-
icks said the state fully intended TO
continue the work of apprehending
other guilty parties.
He denied that the pleas OF gull
Ity entered by the McNamaras hs
in any way precluded him from 60
ing ahead with the other cases.
Penalty With Judge.
II could not be learned tonight
That any change in the local situ-
alton had been effected by reso-
lutions adopted elsewhere urging
the extreme penalty for James B.
Mcnamara. This matter, under
the law, is in the hands of Judge
Walter Bordwell, who presided
over the trial.
Sentence will be passed Tuesday
morning at 10 o'clock.
The Mena weekly star., 1911-12-07
MORE DYNAMITE
ARRESTS COMING
Detective Burns Announces That
McNamara's Accomplices Will
BE Jailed-Prosecutions
10 BE Continued.

Chicago, Dec. 2.-Detective Will
liam Burnes, who gathered the evil
dence against the Mcnamara
brothers in connection with the Los
Angeles dynamiting, tonight an
nounced that the arrest OF Milton
A. Smith and David M. Kaplan, al
legged accomplices OF ]. B. McNa-
mara, would be made not long after
his forthcoming visit to Los An
geles.
He added that sensational dis
closures undoubtedly would follow
this visit, which he will make in
about week-after he has made a
trip to New York on another case.
Just what further prosecutions
or additional arrests would be made,
he declined to intimate, but he
would not deny that the trail went
beyond indianapolis"
Where Kaplan and Smith are is
not known. Burns said the McNa-
maras knew where the two men
were living, and added, "You won't
have to wait long now before they
are taken in" He said that mas
much as Chicago newspapers COW
cred the territory between the
Rockies and Appalachian ranges,
the Chicago papers will probably
be the first TO print the news. This
is his first intimation that the men
at large were not, as reported, un-
der surveillance by his operatives
on the Pacific coast.
Mr.. Burns said he would leave
Tomorrow or Monday for New York,
return here in three or four days
and go Immediately to Los Angeles.