davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1911-03-01
TOhhAGE TAX
PASSED IN HOUSE
Heated Arguments Precede Vote in
Which Measure Is Attacked and
Defended-wins by IS To 81.
(From . star corre.po.ae.s.,

LANSING. Mich, March Though
many members OF both houses wished
to adjourn Tuesday night because OF
the primaries and state conventions.
the legislature will sit today. ,Yester-
day was taken up with long proceed
ings in both houses. In the senate
the Bradley affair took up most OF a
long session. In the house. the Grave
McNaughton tonnage tax bill. impos-
ing tax Of 10 cents long ton on
the refined product OF iron ore and
one-fourth cent a pound on copper.
was passed by vote OF So TO 81. after
arguments lasting even longer. Speak
or Bakers charge last week that the
tonnage tax had been traded for the
junket. either proved unfounded or
drove the traders to cover, for the ar
firmatiye vote was just what was pre-
dicted by Rep. McNaughton.
Rep. Bierd. the speakers closest
friend. tried to have the vote put over
till next week, as the speaker was
absent. but McNaughton refused. Rep.
Anthony Lucas attacked the bill. say
ing that IL was merely a fulnllment
of political pledges made TO lower
peninsula constituents: that IL was
an unjust discrimination against the
mining companies, and would cripple
those industries. He said that the
plan had failed when tried, in 1891,
and that the mining companies werc
assessed 95 to 80 per cent OF their
valuation. He dared the advocates OF
the bill TO show that the farms Of the
state were as we'll assessed.
Rep. Symonds objected as a farm
er. Rep. Field said that the farmers
Of the upper peninsula raised 100000
tons OF hay, which was sold mostly
to miners. and that the tonnage tax
would cripple the mining industry and
ruin the hay market. Rep. Edwards
said that the tax would block many
that were to be made
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29

Mondays mail brought to the edi-
tors desk a proof sheet of dozen or
more news stories relating to the
liquor traffic. All were celeverly
written and colored to discredit pro-
hibition. and put license in favor
able light. A Notice to Editors,
says; pilates In this proof will be
sent you free of charge upon the or
der of INTERESTED PARTIES" The
italics are ours. and we employ them
merely to emphasize the clever ways
in which the liquor interests are
working for the overthrow of our
prohibitory law The man who Is
proof against influence by editorial
opinion. readily succumbs now and
then to the substle pressure of adroit-
" colored news. Such moves should
put the temperance workers more
keenly on their guard, and result In
renewed diligence In the preliminary
work of the campaign. The battle
September II will be a turning point
in the history of Maine.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29

combination last summer. He can do
all sorts of things In his Official capa-
city, except raise money. For his
supply of this essential factor OF mod
ern life. he must depend upon the
generosity of the Commons. Naturally
what the Commons decides regarding
any matter Is what inevitably hap
pens. Under sucl an arrangement
having a king doesn't do a bit OF
harm, but on the contrary has sew
eral advantages over electing 9 pres
dent every four years.
It's also fine to be free citizen OF
a great republic, and enjoy the politi-
cal freedom for which the founders
fought and bled. but there is another
kind OF freedom that is not so COM
mon. Like King Georoe V, the av-
erage man has theoretically a large
amount of political freedom, but what
does 1t amount to so long as he Is
also in economic bondage. Man was
never designed for life of ease,
neither was his : ,rmal destiny a
condition of bondage. Economic free
dom is now the dream OF long suf-
fering humanity, and every year
brings a clearer conception of what
that means, together with the ways
of working towards il.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
A Good Workman Entitled to
Good Tools

One of our leading citizens and tax
payers suggests that 1t would be a
business proposition for the town of
Skowhegan to furnish the road COM
missioner with an automobile. He
says that our 230 miles of highway Is
more than can be economically looked
after by a man obliged to depend on
a mere horse, and that good man
should not be handicapped with poor
tools To all of the above we would
feryently add amen.
Every day now for several weeks
past, we have seen upon the streets
of Skowhegan an automobile carry
ing men and materials for the New
England Telephone Co. If this were
not strictly business proposition,
rest assured 1t never would have APP
peared. Without hardly stopping to
think, one can see that the machine
makes a great reduction in the time
lost getting to and from actual work
and vastly increases the efficiency of
the skilled men engaged in the work
of construction.
AS a road builder Commissioned
Ford has shown Skowhegan people
what he can do with macadam on
North street. and with sand clay con
struction ON the Malbon's Mills road
No better stretches of similar pave
ment can be found in the entire state,
but while the Commissioner is engag-
ed In looking after his construction
work, it is a physical impossibility for
him to keep track of the maintenance
on the outlying country roads. An
automobile however would more than
double his efficiency, make It possible
for his watchful eye to see every
place that needed the stitch in time,
and carry rapidly from place to place
the men and tools needed for small
repairs. The automobile passed out
of the luxury class in many cases
long ago. and the above combination
looks just like one of them.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
SAM JONES' LECTURE

Sam Jones was lecturing one time
In a snug little western town about
the size OF Skowhegan. This is the
roasting that he gave them according
to a report in the local paper:
This nice little town, with a farm
ing region around it, makes one of
the garden spots of the world; but
with all your blessings you can't get
along without nine saloons to de-
bauch your village and ruin your
boys, because you need the money
Here Mr.. Jones inquired of the
surprised audience, How much Is the
licenes here? Some one answered
$500 to the town Twenty-seven hun
dred dollars altogether resumed
Jones. What Is your population? ?
Answer, $1,000 The speaker then did
little lightning calculation and re-
sumed
THE liquor dealers walked up to
you and said, If you will let us damn
this town. we will give you forty
cents apiece Say, what would 200
pound hog bring?"
Answer, '$12.' So resumed Jones,
hogs s12 apiece and folks forty cents
head. Say, brother, don't you wish
you ware a hog? You and your
whole family wouldn't bring enough
to buy sucking pig This Is little
lower than l have ever found them
For the pitiful sum of forty cents
apiece you turn over your boys to be
debauched, the hearts of mothers to
be crushed, and the town ruined-all
for forty cents. That Is cheap, but l
expect that is all you are worth, eh?"
II want to drop this out There Is
not man of you that signed the petit
ton to bring saloons to this town or
county, but deserves that every boy
in his home shall fill drunkard's
grave, and to have his daughters live
in the embrace of drunken husbands.
What did you sign 1t for II you did
not want your boys to drink or your
girls to marry drunkards? Stand up
and talk back. You surely did not
sign hoping that your boy would not
drink, but your neighbours would.
Why don't you say, To tell you the
God Almighty's truth, did it for the
forty cents If you fellows don't feel
something like hog, then you don t
feel natural at ALL"
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
LILLIAN CLAYTON SMITH
DIED FRIDAY
She Was a Woman of Remarkable
Literary Abllity.-She Had Written
Many Poems and Stories.

Lillian Clayton Smith. the daughter
of Sewell w. and Ellen H. Smith, died
at her late home on Main street, June
90. at the age OF AZ years. MISS
Smith possessed scholarly tastes en-
riched by much and varied study and
reading. end a large measure OF Ut
erary talent. For many years she
had written fof the local papers, and
for some of the leading metropolitan
weeklies. Her papers in the literary
clubs were highly valued, especially
her contributions to the local history
of the town. and 1t is matter OF
much regret that she was not spared
to complete them.
She was a member of the Daugh-
tors of the American Revolution, and
had written some valuable articles IN
that connection. Several songs winch
she composed were set TO music and
published by Harry A. Dlnsmore ana
have been received with FAVOR oy the
public. For some ten years MISS
Smith was an invalid, but by skillfuf
medical treatment three years ago she
was wonderfully restored to health
and has lived life of remarkable ac-
tiyity and usefulness until her last
illness.
For a part of the time she was on
the editorial staff of the Independent
Reporter where she was much beloved
and appreciated by the employees and
the public. For many years she was
loyal Christian, and an active member
Of the Island Avenue Congregational
church
Her new found health brought to
her a new love for the young people,
and she devoted herself to them with
An enthusiasm which had great re-
suits. Her Sunday school class ofelS
girls were attached to her by an al
most magnetic tie, and the attendance
and interest were very unusual. A
large number became members of
the church, and nearly all united with
the Christian Endeavor society In
which Miss Smith was greatly inter-
ested. In her last painful sickness
she was surrounded by the loving
sympathy of these devoted pupils
which helped greatly to bear the
pain and trial They were present in
a body at the funeral, and the class
spirit assures that their teachers in
fiuence will still live on.
Although she suffered greatly, the
end came peacefully at last with
loving message to all her friends. The
bereaved father and mother and sis
ter. Margaret, will have the deepest
sympathy of the community in the
loss they have sustained and the
assurance that the bless
ing of such life will abide with them
forever.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
Making Believe" Over In
London

Great pow-wow in London last
week over browning George V king.
With an attendant crowd gathered
from the four corners of the earth, all
the pomp and ceremony Of the middle
ages was staged in due and ancient
form. No doubt 1t was an awe in
spring spectacle when seen at short
range, but from this distance the
whole thing looks something like a
huge joke. Reminds us of childhood
days when we used to make believe"
all sorts of things, and have most
beautiful time giving free rein to an
active imagination.
To be crowned the high and mighty
ruler of the British Empire might
have really meant something in the
dim and distant past. but times
have changed. The power of the
English King today Is about on a par
with that of Joe CANNON, after he had
been put through the denaturing pro-
cess by the Insurgent- Democratic
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29

We feel quite safe in predicting that
a large number of our citizens will
welcome the decision of the School
Committee to have agriculture taught
in the High school next year. This
is an eminently proper recognition for
what must--eyer be our greatest and
most fundamental industry. Carried
out with the right spirit, II should
have deep and lasting effect upon
the commercial and industrial life of
our town. Agriculture, taught with
especial reference to economic con-
ditions in rural Skowhegan, would set
a certain number of minds to think
ing about the things we see, and all
progress originates in thought. Too
much time and energy has hitherto
gone into thinking about some things
that we never have seen, and further
more are never likely to see.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1911.
The Plea of the Press Agent

Elsewhere in this issue we pub
lish a communication from news
paperman whom we understand to De
acting as press agent for the machine
politicians opposed to the direct prl-
mary bill initiated by the people lg-
noring the fact that similar laws are
already In successful and popular use
throughout the progressive states OF
the Union, he cites the results or the
first primary in one county of New
Hampshire, and argues therefrom
that the voters of Maine should stand
pat in the clutches of the political
middlemen.
The real question at issue is wheth-
err the direct primary will give us pct
ter government or not. The geo
graphical argument may appeal to
the would-be office holder from the
small town, but will have little weight
with those who understand the work
ings of our political system. The In
experienced representative has very
little influence during q session OF the
Legislature. The system Of passing
this office in turn to each town or
legislative class, keeps the rural COM
munities generally represented by In
experienced men. 1t is this very Gus
tom that keeps legislation practical
Iy under the control of small group
of politicians, who take little or no
interest In promoting the welfare q
the smaller towns. To this alone can
be traced great deal of the growth
which the cities and large towns have
made at the expense OF the country
districts.
Probably The average voter will de-
mand q real reason for supporting 9
candidate at the primary, but why
should a candidate unable to furnish
one be entitled to support? The bill
initiated by the people provides that
candidates shall file their preliminary
papers with the Secretary of State
the first Monday In May. Ample time
is thus provided for the candidate to
let his constituents know where he
stands on the pending questions of
the day Voters at both the primary
and the election can then cast their
ballots knowing just what they are
voting for. Is 1t surprising that the
political middlemen should oppose
the change that will put the most Of
them out of business?
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29

It is not only in prohibition Maine
that liquor laws are violated. 1t was
discovered a few days ago that 400
places were operating without excise
licenses in Manhattan borough of New
York city and had been since April l..
Dance halls, wine rooms, restaurants,
small hotels. furnished room houses
and clubs are included in the list of
vfolaters of the law. We hear much
about the failure of prohibition from
some of our Maine contemporaries,
but the failure of regulation of the
liquor traffic is something they do not
often mention Why not be honest?
Why be so hypocritical about the IL
qour question? Let us have the whole
truth. -Kennebec Journal.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29

In taking from us our Superinten-
dent of Schools, Portland has chosen
with rare discrimination, and con-
gratulations and best wishes from
the people of Skowhegan and Madi-
son will accompany Mr.. Perkins as
he enters upon the task in his new
and enlarged field. His work here
has been of high quality that could
not fail to attract attention, and
naturally he has received we'll
merited reward. 1t will be- difficult
II not impossible to fill the vacancy
here, but we shall have to make the
best OF 1t, Our loss is Portland's gain,
and we trust the people of that city
VIII appreciate the prize they have
drawn.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.

Eyes-A. B. Borden.
Farms.A-E A. Strout.
Notices---Daniel Lewis.
Barraihs--W. p. Ordway.
Ciairvoyant-Prof. Stems.
Dress Gp-smith & Bussey.
Watches-W. +. Robbins Co
emept-Robert Boyd.
Variety--Jewett's Cash Market;
Great SaIe-Dyer Dry Goods Co.
Serve Notice-Sampson Avore.
Midsummer Suits-Ira A. Norton.
Mems Furnishings-F. C. Dow Co.
Sale COMMUNICATIONS. F. Ward Co.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Furniture Co.
The Big "4"-Skowhegan Savings
Bank.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
A Great Victory for
Conservation

Once again the schemes OF land
grabbing politicians have come to
naught. The patents for the famous
Cunningham claims in Alaska have
been refused, and the action Of the
Interior Department c practically
final. The personal sacrifices of
CLAWS and Pinchot have not been in
vain, but have made possible this
great victory for conservation. Here's
hoping that grateful people will
take good care that CLAWS at least is
suitably rewarded.
In the light of the final OUTCOME, 1t
is hard to understand why President
Taft should have used the language
he did in the letter accepting Balm
gers resignation. If everything that
CLAWS or Pinchot said or did Is not
now justified, what pray would be re-
quired to balance the accounts? II
certainly seems to put the admins.
tration in rather peculiar predica'
ment.
The way Is now opened for ration
al legislation to facilitate the develop
ment of the great mineral resources
of Alaska. There is every reason t,
expect that new laws will be passec
to conform to the enlightened under
standing of the people, with refer
ence to the conservation of the pub.
lie domain. All this will be a wide
departure from the traditions of the
past, and marks a new era in the his
tory Of our Republic. Who would
have supposed when Clifford Pinchot
graduated from Yale twenty-six years
ago, that his teachings would find
such wide acceptance in so short a
time. Surely it is enough to gladden.
the heart of every progressive.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
HORSE FOR sALE-wants to $

HORSE FOR sALE-wants to sell
at once. VIII sell very cheap The
horse is very clever. 11s M, l9s.
ST., Skowhegan, Me. fWzo'
the auto business in our garage. GOOD
salary in short time. Write for fun
particulars. Hamlin- Foster Co. 454-
ass Fore ST., Portland. Me. 5w-2S
PIGS FOR SALE at Mrs. C. F.. Bar,
ker farm in Athens lW--o
FOR sALE-Four acres Of land with
grass and oats, 1000 fl. OF bass" 00d 200
age, 2ss Madison avenue, skowl. eean.
4wGj'
POST CARDs--seven photograph
cards of the beautiful upper kennebee
valley scenery. sent postpaid to any
address for csc coin. or stamps If n2t
satisfied. return and get your money.
William Hilton. Mosquito Me.
SITUATION wANTED-By young
woman stenographer. A graduate tr"m
business college. Address ID. c. A.
this ONCE. tf26
price 500; also one very stylish driy-
er years old, and nearly new
Concord riding wagon. cheap for cash
or will exchange for COWS. L. 2. Gates ties,
FOR sALE-Two work horses and
carriages. l hack, traverse runner
pung. VIII sell all together or sep
arate. Alfred Dulac. 4w-25'
FARM FOR sALE-small farm, !
mile out of Skowhegan, SO acres OF
and, timber. enough for the farm; good
buildings; large barn and blacksmith
shop. A good chance for some one
and must be sold at once on account
of poor health. Inquire of G. w. Ben,
son on the premises. ia
AUTO FOR sALE--Fourteen horse,
power Maxwell Runabout in good
condition. e. g. Woodbury., IS High
St., Skowhegan. Maine. 4w24'
GIRL WANTED for general house
work Apply to- Mrs. E. F.. Merrill
son. tf-23
If You WANT FIRST CLASS SHOE
REPAIRING go to the Champion Shoe
Repairing Shop. opposite J. D. symS.ns
FOR sALE-I would sell or let my
grass at reasonable terms: W NJ n;
Jewell. Canaan. Maine. Box So. II %
FOR sALE-One new Buckeye Now
Ing machine; new top carriage. 10
bushels Indian wheat; all at bargain
for cash. Call at Mrs. Geo. II. Pishon s.
1871 East Leavitt st. 4w-23'
FOR sALE-Cheap for cash, cot
tage house, with a half acre of ara
Al me iOcdllOn. inquire ioi f-t
Neulars. at II Jewett ST., skowheFaa ::
Me. E. B. Davis. 4W--e
FOR SALE--My dwelling house u
rooms. with ell and stable conrnf'ed
at No. ESQ North street, all In sood
T WT sx gSad wat FER and s sma am
George E. Taylor. Skowhegan Ne,
COTTAGE AT LAKEWOOD FOR
sALE-Good location. handy TO 10
theatre, good condition, s rooms. m
quire of Morrill, Moore. AZ LeaviiJ -"
Skowhegan. AVE-
FOR sALE--One second hand, two
ant rooms to let. Potatoes plagteu
by the acre. Inquire at Coburn %3'
ket, ]. M. Dysart. IT,"
hay for milk cows. Inquire OF
Smiley. If-H
FOR SALE-10-room house soou
stable 81 CONNECTED two wells or, R's ar.
enue ! Ia mites from post office Al.
so sleigh. wagon. harnesses ana far"
ing implements. A. J. Bernard
sAvER-does your washing n.
write us, loc for cake. and paftlcu.
lars. Agents wanted. Mitchell han
ufacturing Co.. Portland. Me. IT,"
VACUUM cLEANINo-I am stu n ~
al positionAto DO vsc Gu, , siesnin cave
orders with r. e. Dunbar, 1894 Rs5pn
Cleveland. 16 Mechanic street. uS'
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
BIRTHS.

Athens-June 81, to Mr.. and Mrs.
Arthur Smith. a daughter, IL lbs.
New Portland-June 4, to Mr.. and
Mrs. logan E. West. a daughter.
Hartland--June II, to Mr.. and Mrs.
Arthur Chase. a daughter.
Cambridge-June II, to Mr.. and Mrs.
A J. Gilman. a son.
Norridgewock--To Mr. and Mrs. Ev-
erett Goodrich, q son.
Skowhegan-June IS, to Mr. and
Mrs: r. F. Washburn. a daughter
Bingham--June 81. to Mr. and Mrs
Harry Savage, q daughter.
Madison-June 81 to the wife of
Rozina Richards, a son.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
NOTICE.

The subscriber hereby gives notice
that he has been duly appointed ad-
ministrator with the will annexed Of
the estate of Noah NJ. Prescott, late of
Ripley, in the County OF Somerset, de-
ceased, and given bonds as the law
directs. All persons having demands
against the estate of said deceased
are desired to present the same for
settlement, and all indebted thereto
are requested to make payment I'm
mediately.
SOLOMON P. FELKER
June 10, 1911 sw-2e
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
Robert Morris. Pastor.
Residence. "a Main Street.
Telephone. 1882.

Morning. service at 1915 with SER
mon by the pastor. Sunday school at
IL. Philathea Bible class Tor young
ladies at IL
Evening service at o'clock. This
will be temperance service and
there will be service of song led
by Mrs. Philo Steward.
Prayer meeting at 1870 Thursday
evening.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-06-29
MARRIAGES.

Hartland-June 24.Harold Helmouth
Harvey and Clara A.sStedman, both of
Hartland.
Oakland--June IS, by Rev. Charles
Hayden Raymond Derbyshire, D. NJ.
p. and Miss Helen Plummer. both of
New Portland.
Norridgewock--Jupe s6. Franklin
Skillings and Effle A. Bell, both of
Portland. bysRev. Wylie H Smith.
Madison-June "a. by Rev. C. A.
Brooks, Ernest A. Brown and Miss
Maggie May,,Wixson.