davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
More Refusing Of Bids for
Failure TO Contribute
To Certain Politicians, Testi-
mony in n. Y. Graft Charges.
Anthony c. Douglass, Once Mayor
OF Niagara Falls, on Stand.

New York, Dec. 17-District Attor-
ney Whitman's investigation into poll
tfcal graft took a new turn today,
when the grand jury heard testimony
concerning the letting of contracts on
the Croton aqueduct, a New York City
project. Anthony C. Douglass, tun-
mel contractor, and once mayor of Mia
CARA Falls, who put in bid for the
construction of the so-called Hudson
River Siphon and failed to get the con-
tract, was before the jury for two
hours.
Douglass testified that his bid, more
than 100000 lower than taht of the
firm which got the contract, was re-
jected because he refused to contri-
butte to certain politicians.
The contract was let at 81, $4,000 and
the bid of another firm $4,000 less
than this amount, was also rejected,
according to records placed before the
jury.
If Mr.. Whitman can procure the at
tendance of certain other witnesses the
jury will continue the case tomorrow.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
SOUTHERN STATES DELEGATES
IN REP. CONVENTION REDUCED.
Quota Falls Off from 33 to 10 Per Cent
Brisk Fight Before Action Is Taken by
Nat. Committee=SubjeCtt0 States
Observation-Disclosures.

Washington, Dec. 1.-THE Republi
can National committee tonight con
Guided it's labor reform in party pro-
cedure and launched it's campaign for
a reunion of warning elements by
adopting a resolution providing for a
radical change in the basis of repre-
sentation in national nominating con-
ventions which would reduce the ga
of Southern states from SO to 16 per
cent. of the conventions total.
The action of the committee, criti-
cized in vigorous terms by several of
its members, but made unanimous be
fore adjournment, must be endorsed by
states entitled to cast a majority of
votes in the Electoral College before
it becomes party law, In order that
such action shall be taken as prompt
" as possible, the committee appoint
ed a subcommittee of three, consist
ing of Charles B. Warren of Michigan,
Senator Borah of Idaho, and Gov. Hat
field of West Virginia to prepare an
address to the state arguing ratifica-
tion of the proposal This address will
be drawn up shortly after the Christ
mas holidays and leading members of
the committee expressed the hope to-
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
WINDS OF ALASKA
FOR CHRISTIANS.
To Be Utilized and Harness
ed to Furnish Light and
Electrical Plant for the
Episcopal Mission at Point
Hope.

Philadelphia, Dec. 1.-THE winds of
northern Alaska are to be harnessed to
light up the long polar night in the
cause of religion. To this end announce
ment was made today that the Right
Rev. P. L. Rowe, bishop of the diocese
of Alaska, has authorized Drew S. Tenn
Pile, head of the electrical engineering
department of the University of Pennsyl-
vania, to design an electric light plant
operated by a wind mill for use of the
Episcopal mission at Point Hope, Alas
ka. Point Hope is more than 100 miles
north of the Arctic Circle, where the
polar night con,inues several months
each year.
Bishow Rowe on a recent visit to Phil
adelphia said that the wind velocity at
Point Hope is rarely below 20 miles an
hour and that it averages approximately
% miles. The temperature during the
winter months ranges from So to 55 de-
grees below zero.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
CAPT. HENRY FAIRBANKS,
PROMINENT BANGOR MAN,
DIES ON WEDNESDAY.

Bangor, Me, Dec. 17.-Captain Hen
ry n. Fairbanks, one of Bangor's s
prominent business men, died at his
home here tonight aged Is years. He
was born in Wayne, Me-, and had been
a resident of Bangor since 1872. He
served in the Civil War in the Sd
Maine Regiment, afterward did home
duty in the 44th Massachusetts at the
time of the draft riots in Boston and
again enlisted in November, 1863 in the
Goth Maine, serving in the Red river
expedition and with Sheridan in the
Shenandoah valley.
He was mustered out in August,
1865 and after the war acted in vari-
Gus capacities for insurance and ex-
press companies in New York and in
st. John, n. B., then coming to Ban
gor He was a Knights Templar, a
32d degree Mason, member of the G..
A. r., Sons of the American Revolu-
ton, Society of Mayfiower Descend
ants, LOYAL Legion, Fairbanks Family
of America, Society of Colonial Wars
and various local organizations. One
daughter. Mrs. Alfred *. Bennett of
Pasadena, Cal, survive.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
Opposition to WisConsin's New
Eugenic Marriage Law Develops.

Milwaukee, Wis, Dec. 17.-Physcal ex-
properly done, and not the small fee OF
IS for a physicians certificate, is set
forth as the principal reason for oppo-
sition to Wisconsin's new eugenic mar
riage law in a statement made today by
a leading Milwaukee physician.
THE examination according to the de-
mand of the law for physical eXamina-
tion and the application of recognized
clinical and laboratory tests says the
statement, would involve at least four
Wasserman tests extending over a Pc
riod of more than four months, each of
which would absolutely cost, If proper
ly done, from $40 to SIS, after which a
Noguchi test would be necessary; and
even If both these tests We're found neg
ative 1t would still be necessary to pune
ture the spinal cord, draw out some of
the spinal fluid and make a Wasserman
test of that.
"This test being negative, if the ply
sieian went to the limit of scientific
search he would be obliged to make
hole in the skull of the applicant, re.
move a portion of his brain, smear 1t
,1pon a glass slide, stain it and examine
mtscrosoopically for the trepanomal pail
ida. which is the cause of the malady
feared.
Beside this all spinal refexes would
have to be tested, all bones of the body
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
REBELS TO CAMPAIGN IN SOUTH.
Do Not Mind Federal Declaration of
Proposed Attack on Chihuahua.

Juarez, Mexico, Dec. 17-Despite
General Mercado's statement at Dim
aga that the federals would attempt
to recapture Chihuahua, General Bena-
vides, rebel commander at Juarez, said
today that the rebels were preparing
for an active campaign southwark.
1t was General Villas intention after
reaching Chihuahua to carry the cam
paign southwark and that intention
has not been abandoned" Gen. Bena-
vide said. Already 2000 rebels are
near Ojinaga. If the Federals attempt
to march from the border they will be
attacked"
That he does not intend to restore
the property of foreigners who parti-
cipated in the revolution and that he
considered the expelled Spaniards as
having Aso participated was the justi-
cation given by Gen. Villa for confis-
eating property in Chihuahua. He said
that in expelling the Spaniards in
body he was acting according to the
position taken by Gen. Carranza, with
whom he was in full accord. Those
who had taken part in the internal
affairs of the country he said, whether
foreigners or not, would have to suf-
fer the same consequences as Mexi-
can citizens, but he would protect all
neutral foreigners
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
THE SPUCS.
for Plan Of
Useful Giving.
Made by Daughter Of President
Wilson, Who Heads Society.
To Make People Happy Is Purpose
OF Organization Under New Idea.

Washington, Dec. 17--Miss Margaret
Woodrow Wilson, the Presidents eld-
est daughter, who is chairman of the
Washington Committee of the Society
for the Prevention of Useless Giving,
in a public statement today suggest
ed a plan of useful Christmas giving
for local "Spuss' which if adopted in
the capital, she said she felt might
ALTER the whole Christmas spirit all
over this mighty and prosperous land
She made it plain that the "Spug"
movement was directed not solely at
useless Christmas giving, but towards
the encouragement of useful giving.
Miss Wilson's suggestion was that
local "Spugs" and others Interested in
ueful giving, either as individuals or
in combination, should Find ONE one
person and give him or her a happy
Christmas" She furnished the address
es of local charitable societies where
lists of carefully investigated cases
that showed real need would be sup
piled.
"If this suggestion could be taken
up by Spug members" said Miss Will
son, cit would mean the lifting of bur
dens from many an anxious careworn,
suffering family, not only for one day
you not to give from sense of obli-
cation but to give for the joy of giving
and to give where giving is needed.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18

night that it would be met by early ac-
ton. Approval by the states will insure
Il call from the national committee for
the national convention of 1915 along
the lines laid down today. The re-or-
ganization plan adopted came as a
compromise which reflected the views
of many committeeman that Southern
representations should be reduced, but
not brought TO the vanishing point. 1t
reads as follows:
Confident that the action of this
committee, representing as it does
practically the unanimous sentiment
of the Republican electors of the states,
will be ratified by the Republican cleo
tors Of the states.
BE it resolved, that this commit
tee shall issue a call for the national
convention to be held in the year 1916,
to nominate candidates for President
and Vice President in accol dance with
the following basis of representation:
Each state shall be entitled in such
convention to four deleg tes- large;
one delegate-at-large for each repre-
sentative in Congress at large from
any state; one delegate from each
Continued on Page Five.)
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
Coroner's Jury Reports Verdict
Exonerating FernaldEldridge Who
Has Been Held in Connection
WithW. Gardiner Mystery.
Inquest Proves ConcusveIy Victims Were Subjects Of
Accident Probably Kerosene Exploded.

The inquest was resumed Wednes-
day afternoon at the Washington
schoolhouse in Gardiner. The little
building was filled with neighbors.
friends and townspeople and the pro-
ceedings were carried through quickly.
DR.. Harris, the medical examiner, OF
Augusta, the first witness, gave an
inkling of the trend the case had TAX
en-. He stated fatty that in his opin-
ion the death of the two people was
caused by suffocation.
The alibi of young Eldridge was
testified to and it was easily seen that
he could have had nothing whatever
to do with the case and that his ap-
pearance in Gardiner all Sunday
morning seemed to point. to the fact
that he committed no crime.
incidentally with Eldridge's exonera-
ton he will inherit about $4,000 In
cash and property.
The theory of the deaths of Mr.. and
Mrs. Eldridge as advanced by Mr..
Quinn, an investigator, are that Mrs.
Eldridge had attempted to kindle
fire that morning with kerosene oil.
The oil had exploded and she rushed
to the sitting room, where her hus-
band attempted to put the blaze out.
Both were suffocated to death by the
smoke.
Continued on Page Five.)
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
PROBE CANAL
CRAFT CHARGES,
John Burke, Manager of R.
R. Commissary Depart
ment, Is Subject--Ask Rul-
ing as to Whether or Not
He Is a Govt Employee.

Washington, Dec. 17.-Secretary Gar
rison today asked Attorney General
McReynolds to rule on the question
whether John Burke, manager of the
Panama Railway commissary depart
ment, is a government employee or the
employee of a private corporation.
Upon the attorney generals opinion
will depend the action of the govern
ment at the conclusion of an inquiry
into charges that Burke has profited
by receiving gifts or commissions from
persons selling supplies to the canal
commissary department. officials said
tonight that nothing in this investiga-
ton thus far had indicated any loss to
the government.
If Burke is a government employee
the government might bring criminal
action against him; otherwise the only
recourse of the government would be
civil process to recover for the Pana-
ma Railway any money Burke received
unlawfully. The department of JUS
tice already has ruled that Panama
Continued on Page Two.l
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18

Fernald Eldridge today stands exon
Grated of all suspicion that he caused
the death of his father and mother,
Mr.. and Mrs. Wilbert B. Eldridge, who
met their death Sunday, Dec. Z, at
their home in West Gardiner. The
jury further found that Mr.. and Mrs.
Eldridge died by being suffocated by
smoke. Following is the verdict of the
coroner's jury:
That Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert B. Ell
bridge met their death at their home
in West Gardiner Sunday. lee. 7, by
suffocation from smoke and fire. The
cause of the fire is unknown.
GEORGE R. NJ. WENTWORTH,
F. S. HISCOCK,
r. HARVEY SPEAR,
ALLEN E. WAKEFIELD,
WARREN H. DAVIS,
CHARLES NJ. LINT.
Murder was eliminated from the
case altogether and it was proven
beyond a doubt by the examination
of the internal organs of the victims
and by circumstances surrounding the
case, that Mrs. Eldridge burned to
death and Mr.. Eldridge met his death
while attempting to extinguish the
fire on his wife.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
The ITINERANTS'
INSTITUTE CLOSES.
Same Intense Interest Shown
AS in Previous Sessions
Inspiring Addresses and
Exchange Of Ideas Prove
Of Great Value.

Winthrop, Me, Dec. 18.-(SpeciaD.- -
The final day of the Maine Conference
Itinerants' Institute being held at the
Methodist church proved no less in
teresting than the services which had
gone before. Book reviews and exam
nations followed the devotional SER
vice at the morning session, led by
Rev. T. p Baker, and the Quiet Hour
talks by Rev. w. R. Leslie both morn
ing and afternoon proved to be of
much spiritual help.
Oscar E. Huse, who was expected
to make the afternoon address, did not
arrive in time and the hour was oc-
cupied by Rev. D. D. Holt, district su-
perintendent of Portland, who spoke
upon Elijah and Elisha" Mr.. Holt
is one of the ablest preachers in the
Maine Conference and his sermon was
given close attention.
The closing service was held on
(CQntinued on Page Four)
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
Hazard Shoe CO. Of Cardi-
ner, Me-, Always LetAIone.
Has TAG Machines Of United
Shoe Machinery Company.
Testimony Of Mr.. Hazard at Disso.
luton Proceedings In Boston.

Boston, Dec. 17.-of the TAG machines
in the shoe factory of Robert Parker
Hazard at Gardiner, Me-, but 927 were
obtained from the United Shoe Machin-
cry Co., Hazard testified during the
dissolution proceedings against the
company in the United States district
court today.
He declared that the company had
never interferred with his use Of ma
chimes of other makes, although this
was in direct violation of the terms of
the lease.
I'VE took a chance and never got in
wrong he said.
Only 296 of the United Company's
machines in his factory We're on lease,
he testified. He also told the court that
the machines leased by the company
had cut the cost of shoe production 3
per cent.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
TO EXAMINE
HARRY THAW.
Rescript by Judge Aldrich
Says Commission Will Be
Appointed to Determine
Whether Thaw's Liberty
Is Menaceto Public Safety.

Concord, n. H., Dec IA commits
sion to examine Harry K. Thaw to de-
termine whether his liberty under bail
would be dangerous to public safety
was announced in rescript issued by
Judge Aldrich in the federal court to-
day. The commission is TO consist of
Frank S.. Streeter, Concord, DR.. Nor
ton Prince, Boston; DR.. George A.
Blumer, superintendent of Butler hos
pital for the insane Providence, r. T.,
and DR.. Charles P. Bancroft. superin-
tendent of New Hampshire State hos
pital for the insane, Concord.
In the rescript on Thaws applica-
ton for admission to bail under the
habeas corpus proceedings invoked in
the federal court, Judge Aldrich said:
THE commission is not appointed
CONTINUED on Page Ffve)
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
The Senate Agrees to Have
Climax on Dec. 19.
Big Task Of Organizing a Fed
eraI Reserve Board.
Republicans Fight Strong Against
90.Day Maturity Clause.

Washington, Dec. 17.-An agreement
to vote on the final passage of the ad-
ministration currency bill "On the leg
islative day of Friday, Dec. 49," was
reached in the Senate late today. The
agreement provides that debate tomor-
row and Friday shall be limited to Is
minutes for each senator upon each
amendment or upon the bill itself.
While the legislative day may run
over into Saturday, Senate leaders ex-
pect the bill will be passed before
midnight Friday. If important amend
ments are pending at that time, how
ever, recess may be taken until Sat
urday morning, as the Republicans
would not consent to the agreement
until the Democrats promised they
would not keep the Senate in session
all night Friday.
Democratic Leader Underwood Of
the House was in conference with the
Senate leaders today in preparation
for the final stages of Congressional
action on the currency measure. 1t
is thought that but two days will be
taken for the completion of the bill in
the joint conference committee. House
leaders have kept in close touch with
all changes made by the Senate and
they expect President Wilson's sigma
ture to be attached to the measure be-
fore Christmas.
The big task of organizing a fed
eral reserve board, and creating the
vast system of regional banks will
then begin.
The Senate passed today in consid-
Grafton of further amendments pro-
posed by Senator Hitchcock, defeating
by Al to 81 his amendment to extend
the guarantee of bank deposits to COW
er state banks that Joined the new
system as well as national banks.
Continued on Page Four.)
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18

Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mex, Dec. IL
Unless present plans are changed and
/ see no reason why there should be,
the federal army will leave Ojinaga
within a few days to march to Chihua-
hua. with a view of attacking and re-
capturing that city from the rebels"
General Salvador Mercado, COM
mander- in chief of the federal army
of the north. made this assertion in
his camp here today. This statement
was given without the usual reserva-
ton attached to military plans. 9th
ers profess to believe however, that
the rebel forces in Chihuahua, the
most important city in the far north,
are too strongly entrenched to invite
an attack by the federals.
1--WE came here to replenish our pro-
vision train and to communicate with
the war department at Mexico City"
Gen. Mercado continued.
Our orders are to attack the reb-
els. There Seems to be little pros
pect of a battle here. for the rebels
have not yet appeared in large num-
bers in this city. l never believed
Villas troops would be sent against
Ojinaga, for we were ready to meet
them with 5000 men and five batteries
of artillery"
General Mercado would not COM
nent on the reason for his evacuation
of Chihuahua, except to say that his
flight to the border at this point op-
posite Presidio was to enable him to
communicate with Mexico City. In
Chihuahua he had no way of obtain
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
Thin Ice Fatality
In Massachusetts.

Ware, Mass, Dec. 1.-THE first
drowning due to thin ice reported in
Massachusetts, this winter occurred to-
day when Joseph Boland and Albert
Bratonier, aged 10 and years respee-
lively, were drowned in the Ware riv-
er on their way to school.
Despite the warning of their parents
the boys took a short cut over the
deem part of the river. The thin skin
of ice, which held for one child to
cross broke when three got together.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18

examined as well as the joints. The liver.
eyes and throat must undergo a severe
and careful examination and If all this
were done it would require at least SIX
months to do it. and it would be impos-
sble then even for the most skilful ply
sician to state positively that the appli-
cant was entirely free from the disease.
''In the case of other diseases the ex-
animation would involve a series of mi
croscopical tests and examinations and
such an examination would require un-
usual skill and period of at least three
months.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
Chihuahua Safe
For Foreigners.

Washington, Dec. 17.-Reassurance
as to the safety of Americans in Chi
huahua, conveyed today by Consul Let
cher, Immediately upon the reopen
ing of telegraphic communication be-
tween that city and Ell Paso came as
relief to the administration here.
Washington officials had felt that
stories eminating from refugees and
federal partisans to the effect that
Americans and other foreigners in
Chihuahua were being subjecte to
Continued on Page Five.)
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
FEDERALS Will ATTEMPT TO
RECAPTURE REBEL STRONGHOLD
VILLA DENIES ILL Treatment.

ing orders or money for the troops.
He now has nine other generals here.
Should Mercado attack or surround
Chihuahua, where Gen. Francisco Villa
and the Mexican body of the rebels
is fortified, he would check any rebel
activity toward Torreon, directly south
Federal officers had information
that federal troops were moving to-
ward Chihuahua from Torreon and
that the return of Gen. Mercado was
ordered in conformity with instruc-
tions from Mexico City for an advance
on Chihuahua from two directions.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
Bryan Looks Out for
Poor Ambassadors.

Washington, Dec. 17.-Secretary Bry-
an asked the House foreign affairs
committee today to include in the
pending diplomatic and consular ap-
preparation bill $780, 900 each for en-
bassy buildings in Mexico and Toxic,
and $4,000 for Berne.
Mr.. Bryan emphasized that the gov
ernment should provide embassies so
that poor men would not hesitate to
accept the diplomatic posts.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18

Invitations from the Lewiston
Chamber of Commerce and Portland
Board of Trade for the seat of the
41st convention were read.
The New Hampshire State Grange
now assembled in it's 40th and largest
annual session, sent a telegram OF
greeting to the Maine Patrons and an
answering message was sent in re-
turn.
One of the big surprises in the elec-
tion of officers this afternoon was the
choice of C. o. Purington of Bowdoin
lecturer to succeed B. Walker Nc
Keen of Fryeburg, who was a candi-
date to succeed himself.
e. c. Patten of Topsham was re-
elected overseer by vote of 395 to
116 for A. A. Stewart of Houlton and
80 for A. C. Smith of Hampden.
State Master Stetson took occasion
to repudiate reports that he was a
stand patter" in the National Grange.
He said he had been and is allied with
the Progressives in that body
Other officers were elected as fol-
lows at the afternoon session;
Steward. Daniel E. Foster. Augusta;
assistant steward, A. l.. Roberts, West
Kennebunk; chaplain. Prof A. E.
Morse, South Paris; Treas. E. E. Ad-
diton, Greene; Sec, E. H. Libbey, Au-
burn; Flora, Mrs. c. S. Stetson,
Greene; Pomona, Mrs. E. C. Patten,
Topsham; Ceres, Mrs. D. e. Foster,
Continued on Page Four)
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
MCCOmbs Gives
His Reasons.

New York, Dec. 17.-WIlliam F. Nc
Combs. chairman Of the Democratic
National Committee, gave his reasons
today for declining appointment as
ambassador to France. THE post en-
tails the expenditure of about $780,
600 a year." he said. 1T pays s1f.500.
l could not afford to accept 1t, ! am
going back to the practice OF law, and
I hope to make some money"
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
Conditions and General Forecast.

Washington, Dee. IA further fall
in pressure has taken place over the
eastern half of the country and the
weather is now cloudy over much of
the country east of the Mississippi
river. Temperatures have not changed
decidedly in any part of the country
and remain nearer or above the sea-
sonal average generally.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
FAIR AND COLDER.

Washington, Dec. 17.-Forecast for
northern New England: Fair Thurs
day, colder at night; Friday fair;
moderate west winds; for southern
New England and eastern New York:
Fair Thursday, colder at night; Fri
day fair and colder; moderate to brisk
west winds.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18
Boston Forecast.

Boston, Dec. 17.-Forecast for Bos-
ton and vicinity: Thursday fair; Fri
day unsettled, generally fair; little
change in temperature, moderate west
erlY winds.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-18

For Holiday Gift to a gentleman Sc
lect Souvenir box of the celebrated
1904
Largest selling brand of 10c. Cigars In
the world.