davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
Developments in
Case==Eldridge'S
Movements Traced.

Gardiner, Me-, Dec. 9.-(SpeciaD =
This city is wide awake. today, over
the crime, which was committed in the
western section of the town, Sunday,
when Mr. and Mrs. Ebert B. Eldridge
we're found dead in their home, after
a fire which was discovered by neigh
bors was extinguished
The tracing OF young Eldridge's
movements in this city have greatly
strengthened the alibi, which will
probably be his defence.
Developments Tuesday, seem to
substantiate Fernald Eldridge's claim
that he came to Gardiner, Sunday
morning, on the car that left Spears
corner at s o'clock. This is the first
car that left the corner on that day,
the early car running only half way
to Spears corner. AS nearly as can
be ascertained, but one passenger was
on the car, when it reached the cor
ner.
Augustine Littlefield, an elderly gen.
tleman, who lives next door to the
waiting room at Spears corner, states,
that, Sunday morning, he saw man
at the waiting room. 1t was about
IT'S, when he first observed him and
as the man kept walking about, Mr..
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
Set the Capital City People
By the Ears.
The Talk Of Roosevelt and VIII
son for Candidates.
Progressive Noses Out Of Joint Be.
cause OF Last Thunder.

Washington, D. c., Dec. 8 Especially
Opening days of the regular Con-
gressional session have been full Of
politics. Mr.. Wilson's resommenda-
ton of a presidential primary for the
nomination of party candidates I'M
doubtedly has inaugurated the cam
paign of 1916. In some respects it was
the most notable paragraph in his an
nual message. Senators and repre-
sentatives began to take notice imme-
diately. Gossip about presidential
was feasible; others saw numerous
obstacles. In certain quarters it was
proclaimed as certain that Roosevelt
would be the joint nominee of Repub-
licans and Progressives in 1916 and
Wilson of the Democrats. There
would be a splendid battle. Indeed the
presidential primary would make the
nomination of Roosevelt as inevitable
by the Republicans as the nomination
OF Wilson would be by the Democrats.
1t was a change from the monoton-
Gus topics of legislation. The reac-
ton from it will come. Men will rise
UP TO point out objections and obsta
cles to such an arrangement. In the
meantime, however, the agitation
about presidential primary will go
on. Bills for such primary are be-
ing introduced in Senate and House
and will get before committees for
consideration. Many very fine points
Continued on Page Eleven.)
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10

meeting Journed until noon, tomor-
row. 1t vas announced that Governor
Tene, would be on hand at tomor-
rows meeting.
John A. Heydler was reelected Sec
rotary for two years. A new board OF
directors was chosen, as follows:
Barney Dreyfuss. Pittsburg; Charles
ii. Ebbets, Brooklyn; Harry Hemp
stead. New York; Charles w. Murphy
and Harry Ackerland, Chicago.
Except for the selection of the new
president all the important problems
which confront the National League
went over until tomorrow. These in
clude the demands of the baseball
players fraternity, a new plan for
drafting players which would favor
second division clubs, the attitude of
the outlaw Federal League and the ap-
pointment of schedule and rules COM
mittees.
There was no dissenting voice in the
election of Gov. Tener, who will con-
tinue his present office until the ex-
piration of his term, in January, 1915.
William F. Baker, president of the
Philadelphia Club, nominated the Gov
ernor, abiding to Mr.. Tener's days as
a professional baseball player and his
Continued on Page Five.)
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
Gov. Tener Elected to and AC=
Cepts Natl League Presidency.

New York. Dec. 9.-John F.. Tener,
governor of Pennsylvania, was elect
ed president of the National League of
Professional Baseball Clubs, today, to
succeed Thomas ]. Lynch.
In a parting statement delivered to
members of the National League, Pres
ident Lynch suggested that they ac-
quire themselves some of the dignity
which they expected Governor Tener to
bring to the league.
I'm choosing your next president,
You have gone on record as wanting a
man who will lend dignity and prestige
to the league" reads Mr.. Lynch's
statement. I'm your selection of Gov.
Tener, YOU have the right man; but
hope that you will inject some of that
dignity expected of him into your
selves, and be a help instead of him
derance to him.
In leaving this office / want you to
know that there is no ill-feelng on
my part. I wish the National League
and it's new president all the success
in the world
Before electing a president, the mag
mates voted unanimously to change the
bylaws. extending the presidents term
from one to four years.
With the election of Gov. Tener, the
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
OFFICIALS RETlcENT.

officials, Tuesday. surrounded their
efforts towards solving the West Gar
diner mystery, when Mr.. and Mrs.
Ebert B. Eldridge were found dead
in their burning home on the Halo
well road and for which their son, Fer
nald Eldridge, is in the Kennebec
county jail suspected of numbering
them, with a cloak of secrecy, which
makes it impossible to obtain only the
barest facts concerning the case.
Access to the prisoners cell is de-
MED all except his relations and coun-
sci. Relatives from Massachusetts,
arrived, Tuesday. and conversed with
young EIdridge in the turkeys room
at the county Jail.
Attorney General Scott Wilson of
Portland is now assisting county at
torney William H. Fisher in investi-
eating the case. He passed most of
the day in West Gardiner and refused
to say anything as to the nature of
any evidence which he has found.
He was asked point blank by
Journal reporter, Tuesday night, if he
believed it a murder or suicide. 4
would rather not say" he replied. Il
have only investigated the West Gar
diner part of the case and will not say
till l have looked into the
Gardiner end"
The attorney general believed the
deaths of the two persons happened
before o'clock and believes evidence
will be presented to that effect.
Little could be learned. other than
CONTINUED on Page Ten.l
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
ThaW'S Mental Condition Must
Be Settled in Federal Courts
Rules Judge Aldrich, Concord

Concord, N. H. Dec. 9.-Judge Edgar
Aldrich ruled, today, that the mental
condition of Harry K. Thaw must be
determined in the Federal courts. The
courts announcement was made at
the hearing on Thaw's petition to be
admitted to bail
Both the attorneys for Thaw and
counsel for New York state, which Is
seeking the extradition of Thaw on a
charge of conspiracy to escape from
the insane asylum at Matteawan, N.
Y, had agreed that conspiracy was a
hailable offense when the question of
whether Thaw if admitted to bail
would be a menace to the community
arose The question was raised by
William T. Jerome, special deputy
attorney general for New York. The
court stated that the point would have
to be determined before bail was per-
mitted.
I'VE expect to take Thaw back to
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10

New York said Mr.. Jerome, ito try
him for the crime with which we have
charged him and to punish him for it,
and then we expect to put him where
he belongs and to keep him there for
the protection of the public.
I'VE have very radical objections to
turning Thaw on the community, to
which he would be a peril"
Mr.. Jerome further said that any rea-
sonable amount of bail would not suffice
to ensure Thaw's appearance in court
1t was matter of court record, he said
that Thaw had given one of his lawyers
$4,000 with which an attempt was made
to bride the head of the institution where
he had been confined Judge Aldrich
said that before the question of bail was
decided it would be necessary to deter
mine Thaws mental condition to the sat
isfaction of the United States district
court. He reserved decision on whether
Continued on Page Fourteen.)
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10

Mexico City, Dec. 9.-The Mexican
Congress, today, nullified the Presiden-
tial elections. New elections are called
for next July.
Congress, according to this action,
expects Gen. Huerta to remain in the
Presidency for at least seve nmonths
more and if the time necessary for the
selection and installation of his sue
cessor is taken into consideration, 1t
will be we'll towards the end Of Sep
TENDER of next year before he yields
his power to another.
In voting, tonight, that the recent
Presidential election was null, the
deputies decided to fix the first Sun
day of July, 1914, as the date for the
new election. They also confirm the
position of Gen. Huerta as Provisional
President, until then.
The action of the deputies was &C
companied by no debate. The COM
mittee report was approved without a
dissenting vote as rapidly as the ar
ticIes could be read. 1t was not until
the last clause was read, referring to
Gen. Huerta as Provisional President,
that the Chamber gave evidence other
than that of a well-trained organiza-
ton. When the reading clerk stopped
some one began applauding and then
instantly the deputies were shouting
vivas for Huerta.
The presiding officer was finally able
to remind them that enthusiasm was
all very we'll, but that it was neees-
sary to ratify the enthusiasm by votes
The measures taken. tonight, also pro-
vide for the election of new Con-
gress, since the one elected to take
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
And Demand Prohibition by
Constitutional Amendment.
Two Gaiherings,M andWomen,
viii Present Petitions.
joint Resolution Will, Today, Be In
trodaeed in Both Branches.

Washington, Dec. 9-Prohibition
forces from all over the country are
gathered in Washington, tonight, pre-
pared for a mighty demonstration, to-
morrow, before the National Capitol.
More than 1000 men and women, repre-
senting the Anti-Saloon League of
American and the Women's Christian
Temperance Union will march in sep
arate bodies to the Capitol bearing pc
titions demanding national prohibition
by constitutional amendment. One
thousand men, representing the Anti
Saloon forces, viii be received at the
Capitol first, after which they will
withdraw and the women will make
their plea.
Brigadier Gen. A. S. Daggett will act
as grand marshal of the mems pro-
cession, while the women will be head
ed by Mrs Lillian M. n. Stevens of
Maine, president general Of the w. C.
T. U.
Rep. Hobson of Alabama, author of
the proposed constitutional amend
ment, will receive the petitions on be-
half of the House of Representatives,
while Senator Morris Sheppard of
Texas will act for the Senate. Ad-
dresses will be made in behalf of the
Committee of One Thousand by Ernest
H. Charrington of Westerville, Ohio,
editor of the official organ of the An
ti-Saloon League, and by Former Gov
ernor NJ. r. Patterson of Tennessee.
Afterwards the resolutions for a con-
stitutienal amendment from the wom-
ems standpoint will be presented by
Mrs. Ella A. Boole of Brooklyn, n. Y,
president of the New York state w. c.
T. U, and Mrs. Mary Harris Armor OF
Georgia.
A subcommittee tonight, completed
the draft of a joint resolution propos
ing an amendment to the constitution
Representative Hobson and Senator
Sheppard will. it is understood, INTRODUCES
the resolution in the two houses of Con
gress. tomorrow.
The present bill recites that Exact sci
entific research has demonstrated tina
alcohol is a narcotic poison, destructive
and degenerating to the human organism
and that its distribution as a beverage
or contained in food lays a staggering
economic burden upon the shoulders o
the people, lowers to an appalling degree
the average standard of the characte
of our citizenship, thereby undermining
the public morals and the foundation o
free institutions, produces widespread
crime pauperism and insanity. inflict
disease and untimely death upon hun
dreds of thousands of citizen and blight
Continued on Page Five.)
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
FEDERAL AID
For Highways Not Favored
By Road Builders
Too Good a Chance 10 Open
still More "POrk Barrels"
Even If 1t Is Given, States Should
Control All the Building.

philadelphia. Dec. 9-Federal aid LOT
highways throughout the United states
unless planned upon some comprehen-
siye system, was not favored by those
who. today, addressed the 10th annual
convention of the American Road
Builders Association in session in this
CITY. Several of the speakers declared
the numerous bills now before Congress
providing for federal aid Tor sooo
roads are designed more TO open
Pork barrels than to give the states
good permanent highways.
S. Percy Hooker, state superlntend-
ent of highways of New Hampshire
said he did not favor federal aid I'M
der proposed schemes. If federal ala
were to come, he said, there should De
a federal department of ROADS ana
each state should have similar de-
pa1tment which should prepare its own
maps, make assessed valuations ana
inform the federal government the
amount of state funds available for
road building. Federal aid, he thought,
should be based on this information.
The state should name the style OF
highway it desires and the federal
government should investigate and fix
upon different types of roads for differ
ent sections of the country.
Mr. Hooker emphasized a suggestion
that the state should have sole charge
of building roads with federal aid.
Former Chairman of the Massachu-
setts Highway Commission, Harold
Parker declared that any federal leg
islation at this time would be wrong,
because there is no present prospect
of an agreement on the form of the
federal aid shall take. Suggested that
the President of the United States
should appoint a commission which
should study the question of aid from
the central government. both in this
country and in Europe, and make re-
port in three or four years. Congress,
CONTINUED on Page Fourteen.)
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10

Littlefeld had a good chance to no.
tice his appearance. This man board
ed the car at o'clock. Mr.. Little
fields description of the man fits Ed
ridge Further along ]. D. Swift got
on and still further Miss Ruth Traf-
ton. Swift thinks that the two men
in the smoking compartment were the
only ones on the car, but took no par
ticular notice as to their appearance.
S. D. Soule boarded the car just aft
er the New Mills had been passed. Mr..
Soule was under the impression that
a man answering Eldridge's descrip-
ton was on board, when he got on.
AS he has since seen the same man he
says that it was not Eldridge and the
other was occupant of the smoker.
Harry F1ewellyn, conductor in the
employ of the L., A. & W., who alight-
ed at Spruce street, Gardiner, says
Eldridge, if it was he, rode to Depot
square. where. Miss Trafton says, he
gothic man off the car. Miss Traf-
ton thinks she could without doubt
identify the man.
If this man proves to be Eldridge.
he has practically a complete alibi.
Leaving Spears corner at s, arriving
in Gardiner at $50. Going immediate
ly to Randolph, to Mrs. Wileys, and
trying to raise money on his suitcase.
Failing in this he returned to Gardi-
ner, and tried to raise money on his
belongings at the book store of F. l.
RUSSELL; going to Frank Huntington's
store and succeeding in his attempt
to secure funds. Leaving Huntington's
he went to Burke's drug store, where
Continued on Page Two)
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
Mexican Congress Nullifies
EleCtiOns=NeW Ones, Next July
Refugees CrossMexican Line.

the place of that dissolved by Huerta
is to serve out an unexpired term
which should terminate, Sept. 10.
The reason given for multiplying the
elections was the insufficiency of the
number of votes cast. 1t was stated
that the entire number of voting places
in the republic is 14,225 and that re-
turns were received from 707.
Although there were no dissenting
votes in the Chamber on the commit
tee report, it was noted that the Cath
olic deputies absented themselves from
the session.
The action of the new Congress was
no surprise to most people, since it was
but reiteration of Huertas state
Continued on Page Two)
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
BELFAST.
Shoe Factory Team Beats All Stars
At BowIing-LocaIs and Personals.

Belfast. Me-, Dec. 9.-(SpeciaD. The
Shoe Factory bowling team defeat
ed the All Stars, last night, in an in
teresting match by So pins, 2e65 to
2214.
Mrs. Bernes o. Norton entertained
the Thimble Club, yesterday after
noon, with a few additional guests, in
honor of her house guest, Mrs. Grace
Adams Kennedy of Thomaston. Fol
lowing an afternoon devoted to needle
work. tea was served, Mrs. Kennedy
pouring.
The North Church Guild met. last
night, at the home of Mrs. w. L. West,
Franklin street. In the absence of he
president, Miss Grace l.. Hall, vice
president, presided The report of the
recent Bazaar showed the net proceeds
to be $50. The next meeting will be
held in two weeks, at the home of Mrs
c. E. Reed, Congress street.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
PLAUSIBLE THEORIES:

That Wilbert B. Eldridge and
his wife met their death at the
hands of someone-the son sus-
pected-who attempted to cover up
the tracks of the crime by sprink-
ling the bodies with kerosene oil
and setting them on fire.
That Mrs. Eldridge met her
death while kindling a fire with
Kerosene by reason of the oil ex-
ploding and setting her on fire.
That her husband was suffocated
to death by the flames while try
ing to eXtinguish the blaze which
enveloped his wife.
That Mrs. Eldridge committed
suicide by setting fire to the couch
and throwing herself upon it, That
her husband died because of the
fire enveloping his wife, which he
attempted to eXtinguish. This theo-
~ is strengthened by the fact that
Mrs. Eldridge's brother says she
never used kerosene to kindle
fire.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
ALL ARTISANS AND LABOR
ERS BARRED FROM BRITISH
COLUMBIA TIL MARCH 81,

Victoria, B. c.. Dec. 9.-An order in
council promulgated, Monday, by the
British Columbia government, prohio'
it's until March 81, the entry to the
province of all artisans and laborers
The order is not restricted to any par
ticular race of people.
The reason for the action is the con-
gested conditions of labor on the Pa
cifc coast. The matter was brought to
o head, however, by the Hindu Ques-
ton.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
CLoUDY-PROBABLY SNOW.

Washington, Dec. Forecast North
ern New England: Cloudy, Wednes
day; probably snow fiurries at night;
Thursday, fair, moderate to brisk
southwest winds. Southern New Eng
land: Fair, Wednesday and Thursday;
moderate southwest winds. Eastern
New York: Fair in south; cloudy.
probably followed by snow fiurries in
ncrth portion, Wednesday; Thursday,
winds.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
SUMMARY or the DAYS
DEVELOPMENTS:


Strengthening of alibi of young
Eldridge by finding of two car
conductors VINO say they saw him
on the s O'Clock car, Sunday morn
ing, from Spears Corner to Gar
diner and tracing of movements in
Gardiner.
Orville Walker, one of the con-
ductors, brought to Augusta to
identify Eldridge as the man, but
the officials refuse to state whether
or not he did so.
The entrance of Attorney General
Scott Wilson, and the passing of
the entire day at West Gardiner.
The probable establishment of the
time of the crime before o'clock
Sunday morning.
The extreme secrecy which sur
rounds Investigations into the
matter.
The prisoners apparently hon
est story.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
Conditions and General Forecast

Washington, Dec. 9.-Fair weather
was general during the last "a hours
over practically the entire country and
with the exception of the California
coast the temperatures We're generally
rear or below normal With the eX-
ception of unsettled weather and
probably local SHOWS in the region of
the Great Lakes. northern New York
and Northern New England, the
weather will be fair during the next
AZ hours throughout the country.
No important temperature changes
is indicated.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
Curtis Ahead Seven Votes with
Two Wards Yet to Be ReCOunted

Portland, Me-, Dec 9-The re-exam-
ination of the ballots cast in the re-
cent municipal election had proceeded
through the first seven wards, when
the count was suspended, this after
to be counted. The recount as agreed
to by both sides leaves Curtis. the
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10

Democratic candidate, a plurality of
the count in the other two wards is
unchanged. There are enough disput-
ed ballots to affect the result, so that
the case may be taken to the courts.
even if those agreed to would make
no change
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
Boston Forecast.

Boston, Dec. 9.-Forecast for Boston
end vicinity: Wednesday. fair and
warmer; Thursday, fair; moderate
westerly winds.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-10
Trying to Drive Competitors
Out Of Business.
Moving Picture Show illustrates
The Operation Of Machines.
First Instance on Record of Such
Evidence In a Court.

Boston, Dec. 9.-Sidney w. Winslow
president of the United Shoe Machinery
Co, denied from the witness stand. to-
day, in the dissolution proceedings, al
legged attempts on his part at intimida,
ton and coercion and threats to drive
competitors out of business as well as
to foment labor troubles. These allega-
lions were made by shoe machinery
manufacturers and others who testi-
fed, last spring, as witnesses for the
government.
Mr.. Winslow declared he had Meth
err driven competitors out of business
or threatened to do so. When question
ed about the testimony of Frank w.
Merrick of the Union Lockstitch Co. or
East Boston, who said that Mr.. Wins
low predicted for them nothing but
the blue sky" if they did not sell out
to him, that "it was all like roulette
Wheel and that the United would win
in the end, Mr.. Winslow denied that he
had made any such statements. He
protested to the court with a smile that
he had never seen a roulette wheel.
Charles f. Choate, counsel for the
company, took up the testimony OF
each of the government witnesses who
had testified against Mr.. Wicslow and
in each instance Mr.. Winslow denied
any recollection of the statements
made, declaring they were either mis-
statements of facts or a misunder-
standing of what he had said.
He said that he had no recollection
of having told Charles II. Jones, a
Boston shoe manufacturer, that if the
company abandoned the tying clauses
in the leases, restricting the use OF
machinery the company would have
to get a new president. The company.
he said, was already doing business
on leases which did not have the re-
strictive clauses in them.
Regarding the testimony of three
witnesses that Mr.. Wilson, general
manager for the United Co., had at
tempted to foment a strike in the fac
terry of Thomas G.. Plant before Mr..
Plant sold out to the United, Mr..
Winslow testified that Mr.. Wilson told
him on one occasion that three men
had come into his office who wanted
him to assist them in causing strike
er in organizing a union in the Plant
shoe factory. The witness said he told
tho general manager not to have any,
thing to do with them.
He stated that the total royalty the
company received per pair in various
types of shoes was as follows:
Goodyear welt shoes for men 5.694 cents,
for women 1924 cents; on turn shoes for
women 1872 cents, for children one-half
cent; on Mckay shoes for women Las
cents, for children 1881 cents.
Boston, Dec. "a moving picture show
illustrating the operation of machines
,,,anufn ctnrad h1r limited Shoe Ma