davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
JOSEPH SMITH is DEAD
Head Of Mormon Church Passes Away
Eldest Son Succeeds Hmm
Cheerful Humor.

independence, Mo.-A revelation re-
ceived by Joseph c. Smith, president
of the reorganized church of the Lat.
ter Day Saints, eight years ago, jes-
ignating as his successor his eldest
son, lifted from the church the burden
of choosing new leader upon the
death here of the patriarch who for 81
years had presided over the organiza-
ton. The son, Frederick M. Smith,
who, since his father announced the
divine revelation in 1906, has fulfilled
many of the duties of leadership, au-
tomatically becomes head of the
church.
The new president is 81 years old.
His designation to succeed his father
was ratified by the general conference
shortly after the father announced the
revelation.
Although he was blind and during
the last days suffered frequent rushes
of pain, President Smith In his final
hours showed a cheerful humor. Just
before he became unconscious he
smiled and said:
Il wish that those of my friends
who may intend placing flowers on my
coffin would refrain. Let them give
the money to charity"
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
DRESDEN IS SURROUNDED
British Ships Win Fierce Sea Battle
Cruiser Nuremberg Sent to the
Bottom of Sea.

Berlin.--An official communication
issued by the admiralty reproduces
the statement of the British admiralty
regarding the sinking Of the German
cruisers off the Falkland Island, and
adds:
'Our losses seem to have been great.
Concerning the strength OF the enc
my, whose losses are reported to have
been small, the English dispatches say
nothing"
Buenos Aires, Argentina Trapped
in the Straits of Magellan, there seems
to be no hope for the escape Of the
German cruiser Dresden, the sole sur
vivor Of Admiral Count Won Specs de-
structiye German squadron. After
sinking the Nuremberg, following the
battle off the Falkland Islands, the
Scharnhorst, the Gneisenau and the
Leipzig were sunk, the British pur-
sued the Dresden, already badly bat
tered in the long battle.
The Dresden lay her course for the
harbor of Santa Cruz, on the east
coast of Argentina and just north OF
the entrance to the Straits of Magel
Ian. When the Nuremberg, MORE Sc.
verely wounded, had disappeared In
the battle that is believed to have last
ed over a distance of 500 miles. the
Dresden made for the straits.
She cannot last long there, 1t is be-
lieved, because a watchful Japanese
squadron is understood to be guard
ing the Pacific end of the straits.
Therefore news is expected momen-
tarily that the Dresden has gone
down.
The British naval division command.
ed by Vice-Admiral Sir Frederick
Sturdee, who left his office as chief
of the war staff to destroy the Ger.
man naval power in the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans, is understood here to
have been composed of nine warships,
among them being several Of the most
powerful vessels of the British navy.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
EDISONS MAIN PLANT BURNS
Loss About $4,000 With 100000
MISUNDERSTANDING Were Con-
sidered Fireproof.

West Orange, N J.-F'ire destroyed
virtually the entire main plant of the
Edison Company here, causing damage
estimated at nearly 100000 with in
surance that 1t is expected will reduce
the loss to approximately $5,000,0O0.
An entire square block of modern re-
enforced concrete buildings, which
were supposed to be fireproof, was
burned out by the flames. The only
building saved in the block was the
laboratory building, containing valua-
Bile scientific machinery under the i'm
mediate superintendency of the in
ventor, Thomas A. Edison. Especial
efforts made to save this structure
were successful.
1t is estimated that 5000 men and
women will be temporarily thrown out
of work because of the fire. In all
about 1000 persons were employed at
the plant, but at the storage battery
building across the street from the
main plant was saved, with other
buildings nearby, 1t will be possible to
keep something more than half the
force employed.
Four flremen were injured fighting
the blaze and were taken to hos
pital.
Although / am more than 81 years
Of age, I'll start all over again." said
Mr.. Edison. 81 am pretty well burned
out. but there will be mobilization
here and the debris will be cleaned
away as soon as it is cooled sufficient
ly, and will go right to work to re-
construct the plant"
The inventor expressed himself thus
as he stood watching the flames lick
up building after building of his mann
moth electrical plant, started, 1t is
thought probable, by an explosion in
the inspection building, one of the
smaller frame structures. This build
ing was quickly mass of flames, and
the fire spread rapidly to other struct-
ures. Chemicals in some of the build
ings made the fire fighting extremely
difficult. Explosions occurred fire.
quently. All employees at work In va
rious buildings escaped.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
8 GERMAN CRUISERS SUNK
kaisers Pacific Squadron Put Out Of
Commission by British--Fight In
South Atlantic.

London.--A British squadron under
Vice Admiral Sir Frederick Sturdee
chief Of the war staff, engaged Ger
man squadron under Admiral Count
Won Spec off the Falkland Islands in
the South Atlantic and won victory
which is being acclaimed throughout
England.
The armored cruisers Scharnhorst
and Gneisenau and the protected cruis,
er Leipzig, three of the German war.
ships that had menaced British ship
ping and part of the squadron that
sank the British cruisers Good Hope
and Monmouth in the Pacific on No.
vember /, were destroyed, while the
cruisers Dresden and Nurnberg, the
two other vessels comprising the Ger
man squadron, made off, and, accord.
ing to latest accounts, are being pur'
sued. Two GOLFERS were captured.
The announcement of this victory.
which was the most important naval
engagement Of the war except that of
Heigoland last August, was made In a
statement by the admiralty Of less
than 100 words.
The following official announcement
was issued by the official information
bureau:
"At 1880 am, on the 9Th Of Decem.
Der, the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau, Nurn-
berg, Leipzig and Dresden were sight.
ed near Falkland Islands by a British
squadron under Vice Admiral Sir Fred.
erick Sturdee.
"An action followed, in the course OF
which the Scharnhorst, flying the flag
of Admiral Count Won Spec, the Gnei
senau and the Leipzig were sunk. Tha
Dresden and Nurnberg made off dur
ing the action and are being pursued
1.-TWO colliers also we're captured
"The vice admiral reports that the
British casualties are very few in mum
| her.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
CLAIMS SELF.DEFENSE.
cuIIey Shoots Man Who wronsed S

culIey Shoots Man Who Wronged Sic
ter-on Trial Now.
Memphis.-With the story Of his sis.
ters humiliation still ringing in his
ears, FELTON, Culley went to his brother
in-law, A. c. Riddle, to demand that he
stop telling 1t about that he had lived
with Virginia Culley merely to satisfy
her family, who wanted the neighbors
to believe they were married. Riddle
knocked Culley down. Culley shot and
killed him.
That, In brief, is the defense of F.
F. Culley, who is on trial in the Sec
ond division of the criminal court for
murder. Riddle was shot at the corner
of Jefferson avenue and Main street.
and died at the City Hospital.
Culley on the stand testified that he
had been patient. When it came to his
ears, he swore that his sister had been
drugged with chewing gum as the ve-
hicle, on the way to the theater, and
had been wronged, he insisted upon a
marriage, which took place, although
Riddle, 1t was afterwards charged, had
another living wife. Riddle lived at
the Culley home for several days and
then left, saying he was done with his
bride and her whole family.
. On the night before Riddle was shot
Culley heard from his sisters lips of
her vain attempts to get Riddle to rec
ognize her as his wife.
He was told that Riddle had put her
out Of his office, had used force, more
force than necessary, had cursed her
and called her vile names; that he
took her to the river bluff and told
her he did not intend to live with her,
and If she felt that she would rather
die than live without him, she could
jump off the bluff and kill herself.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
CARRANZA ISSUES
Def TO UNCLE SAM
USE OF FORCE TO PREVENT BoR-
DER FIRING UNFRIENDLY ACT,
HE CONSIDERS.
U. S. RIGHTS NOT VIOLATED
Short Term President of Mexico De-
MES Responsibility for Bullets
That Have Killed Persons on
American Side of Border.

Vera Cruz.-"If the United States
employs force to stop the firing by
Mexfcans across the international
boundary at Naco, 1t will be consid-
cred an unfriendly act, notwithstand-
ing the friendly motives cloaking the
act"
In this manner Gen. Carranza made
answer to the formal notice served by
the United States on both Provisional
President Gutierrez and Gen. Carranza
that unless such firing ceased force
would be employed to protect Ameri-
can territory.
Carranza's reply to the American
note, which is expected to reach Wash
ington soon, will repudiate RESPONSE
bility for any shots that have crossed
the line and clearly Set forth that he
and his government will regard inter-
vention at Naco as a hostile act.
At no time since the receipt of Sec
rotary Bryan's note calling attention to
the repeated wounding and killing of
residents Of the American town has
Gen. Carranza appeared perturbed,
but he has had long conferences with
those close to him, and In framing his
reply, 1t Is said, he has been careful
not to let himself remain in any un-
certain light.
Gen. Hill, constitutionalist COM
mander Of the forces at Mace, is on the
defensive" continued Gen. Carranza,
"and since his back was to the line,
1t is difficult to see how he could be
responsible for the firing. The fact is
that Maytorena's men have been at
lacking, and therefore 1t appears rea-
sonably clear that they, and only they,
could have been to blame.
"As a matter of fact, do not know
that the rights Of American citizens
have been violated. 1t seems to me
that 1t would be we'll for the state de-
partment to investigate this question
In order to fix the responsibility.
Il remember similar instances at Ell
Paso, when the Maderista forces were
attacking there. In that case those
shot were for the most part the i'm
prudent and curious individuals, who
flocked to witness the fighting as IL
1t had been spectacular show, staged
for their benefit.
"As to the use of force, of which
Mr.. Bryan talks, that is something the
gravity Of which | fear he does not
fully appreciate. He says 1t would not
mean an invasion of our territory or
violation of our national sovereignty
1t would. And moreover it would GER
tainly be an act directly against the
constitutionalists, who now hold the
town, and in favor of the Villistas,
who would be left free to continue
their operations. 1t would be simply
tying Gen. Hills hands and leaving
Maytorena free.
Il sincerely hope that the good
friendship of the American people to-
ward the Mexican people will prevent
the consummation Of Secretary's Bry-
ans threat"
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
ACCUSED BANKERS
STORY IS UNSHAKEN
WILL 3. BROWN RECouNTS Ac
TON ON NIGHT OF ROBBERY
OF GALLATiN BANK.
WHISKY IS FOUND IN VAULT
Defendant Doubtful as to Whether the
Sootlegging Variety of Beverage
Sold In Gallatn Would Aid in
Burning Financial Records.

Nashville.-Will B. Brown, ex-mayof
and banker, finished his main testi.
mony in his own behalf and was given
to cross-examination of Brown by the
United States district attorney and as.
sistant counsel. Browns story Of his
movements on the night that the First
National bank of Gallatin was robbed
was mistaken by the prosecution.
Brown was asked about the whisky
found in the vault Government coun.
sci shaped the questions in an effort
to show that the whisky had been used
to pour over the books and other rec
ords Of the bank to make them burn
more quickly. Brown said 1t was boot
leg whisky and he was not sure 1t
would burn.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
JUDGES CONSIDERTHAWC CASE
Oral Arguments for and Against Ex-
tradition Heard by Supreme Court.
Justices Ask Questions.

Washington.-The request Of the
state of New York for extradition Of
Harry X. Thaw from New Hampshire
to answer an indictment charging con-
spiracy to obstruct justice by escaping
from Matteawan asylum was taken
under consideration by the supreme
court after oral arguments. The case
came up on appeal from Justice AL.
drich's decision in the federal district
court of New Hampshire releasing
Thaw on habeas corpus proceedings
from extradition.
Members Of the court asked Thaw's
attorneys many questions about vari.
Gus points in their contentious. They
did not interrupt William Travers Jer-
ONE, however, during his argument
that Thaw was a fugitive from justice,
not challenge the argument OF Frank
Kennedy, deputy encouragement Of
New York, that the law under which
Thaw was committed to Matteawan
after the killing Of Stanford White was
constitutional.
Chief Justice White asked his first
question when Philander c. Knox, for
mer secretary Of state, appearing for
Thaw, argued that only those who had
committed crimes could be extradited
and that New York courts had held in
five decisions that Thaw had commit
ted no crime because he was insane.
The chief justice suggested that man
might be declared insane one day and
sane the next. Mr.. Knox replied that
the presumption was that Thaw re-
manned insane.
William A. Stone, former governor
of Pennsylvania, was Intercepted
closely by most Of the judges during
his argument that the Indictment OF
Thaw for conspiracy was not valid.
The questions led Mr.. Stone to the po-
sition that the indictment stated Thaw
was insane, showing on its face that
he could not commit crime.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
LONGEVITY IS ON INCREASE
Fifteen Years Greater In United States
Than So Years Ago, Says Or.
Victor C. Vaughn.

st. Louisville average length Of
life in the United States is 15 years
greater now than it was 35 years ago,
according to a statement made by DR..
victor v. Vaughn of the University OF
Michigan, president of the American
Medical Association, in an address be-
fore the City Club here.
Crime he characterized as disease
due to hereditary and environment ana
the way to eradicate crime was to
treat it as a disease and to disinfect
It's breeding places.
DR.. Vaughn said the death rate from
tuberculosis had decreased "a per cent
since 1880.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18

London. There is disparity between
French and German accounts of the
battles in Flanders and France. 1t is
apparent from both. however, that the
allies have assumed at least partial
offensive. The French announce that
this movement is meeting with sue
cess, while the Germans declare the
attacks Of the allies have been re-
pulsed with heavy losses.
The general impression here Is that
the allies, with artillery and occasion
al infantry attacks. are preparing the
way for general offensive, but in
doing so are meeting with the usual
stubborn resistance from the Germans,
who are firmly established in en-.
trenched positions. The advance, II
1t Is possible, must therefore be slow.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18

Berlin. The German army head.
quarters made this announcement:
"In Flanders the French made at.
tacks in the region of Langemarck,
which. however, were repulsed. They
lost 200 men in killed and we took
$40 prisoners.
'.Our artillery bombarded the Ypres
railroad station to interfere with the
movements Of the enemy's troops.
"We have made some progress near
Arras.
"French troops again attacked us
near Souain-Perthes, but without sue.
cess
"In the Argonne forest the French
for two weeks past have limited them
salves to very weak attacks, and they
everywhere have been repulsed. On
the other hand, German troops have
again taken possession of an impor.
tant French position Of support by
means of the explosion of mine. The
enemy has suffered heavy losses In
killed and many Of their troops have
been so severely shaken as to be un
able to fight any longer. Moreover
we took 200 prisoners near Apremont
South of st. Mihiel repeated stubborn
French attacks were repulsed, as were
also other attacks In the vicinity Of
Markirch."
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
ALLIES VICTORIOUS AT YPREs
Very Violent German Attack Reported
epuIsed-Trenches Are Recap
tured--Advance in Argonne.

tured--Advance in Argonne.
Paris.--The French official com
munication says:
I'm the region of Ypres very vio-
lent German attack has been repulsed.
"In that same region those Of our
trenches which were reported In the
official communication before as hav-
ing been taken by the Germans, have
been recaptured by us.
upon the rest of the front there is
nothing important to report"
The text of the communication fol-
lows:
1.-THE enemy showed a certain activ-
ity in the region of Ypres. He direct
ed several attacks against our lines,
three of which were completely re-
pulsed. At one single point ON the
front the Germans succeeded in reach.
ing one of our first line trenches. On
our side we continued to make prog.
ress in the direction of the enemy's
lines.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
MEsMERlzED
A Poisonous Drug Still Freely Used.

Many people are brought up to be.
lieve that coffee is necessity of life.
and the strong hold that the drug,
caffeine, in coffee has on the sys-
tenn makes 1t hard to loosen its grip
even when one realizes its injurious
effects.
A lady writes: II had used coffee
for years: 1t seemed one Of the ne
cessities Of life. A few months ago
my health, which had been slowly fail.
ing, became more impaired. and !
knew that unless relief came from
some source would soon be physi-
cal wreck.
II was weak and nervous, had sick
headaches, no ambition, and felt tired
of life. My husband was also losing
his health. He was troubled 30 much
with indigestion that at times he could
eat only few mouthfuls.
Finally we saw Postum advertised
and bought a package. followed dr.
rections for making carefully, and
added cream, which turned 1t to the
loveliest rich-looking and tasting
drink ever saw served at any table.
and we have used Postum ever since.
81 gained FIVE pounds In weight in
as many weeks, and now feel wen
and strong in every respect. MY
headaches have gone, and / am new
woman. My husbands indigestion
has left him. and he can now eat
anything"
Name given by Postum Co.. Battle
Creek. Mich. Read .The Road to
MELVILLE" in pkgs.
Postum comes in two forms:
Regular Postum--must be well
boiled. 15c and Csc packages.
instant Postum--is a soluble pow
der. A teaspoonfui dissolyes quickly
in a cup of hot water and, with cream
and sugar, makes delicious bever.
age instantly. soc and SOC tins.
The cost per cup Of both kinds 10
about the same.
There's a Reason for Postum.
-sold By Grocerl
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
Missionaries Appointed.

Nashville.-The executive commit
tee of the foreign mission board OF
the Southern Presbyterian church an
nounced the appointment of the fol-
lowing as missionaries: DR.. Robert
Price of Bolton, Miss, missionary to
China; DR.. Robert King, Little Rock,
Ark, to Africa; DR.. 8. H. Miller, Ingls-
side, Ca, to China.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
WEST TENNESSEE
BANKERS CONVENE
RESOLUTIONS PASSED AT JACK
SON MEETING ARE coNsTRuc-
TIVE IN NATURE.
CONFIDENT or PROSPERITY
Favor Reduction In Cotton Acreage for
1915, Diversification of Crops and
Cooperation Between Bank
ers and Farmers.


NASHVILLE.
Resolutions urging more kindly
feeling toward the railroads, reduc.
tion of cotton acreage for 1915, diversi-
ficGtion of crops, cooperation of bank
ers and farmers and expressing conf.
dence in the ability of southern people
to overcame any adverse condition that
may exist were adopted by the West
Tennessee division of the Tennessee
Bankers Association at a meeting held
in Jackson. H. S. Nichols, farm dem
onstration agent; j. L. Emerson, state
bank examiner; A. r. Dodson of Hum
boldt, Fred Collins of Milan and John
Lee Golfer of Nashville made ad-
dresses. A banquet for the visitors
was given by the local bankers.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
Peace MESSAGE to JAMS.

Richmond, Va.-The final session of
the convention of the Federal Council
OF Churches of America came to a
close with the adoption of fervent
peace message drawn by committee
OF nine members to be transmitted to
Japan ''for the purposes of welding the
friendship between the Japanese and
the people of the United States"
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
Like Bread on Water.

He-I gave poor man dollar yes
terday and told him to come around
and let me know how he was getting
on.
She-That was good Of you; like
casting your bread upon the waters.
He-Yes, something like that. Any
way, he came back this morning
soaked" Boston Transcript.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18

Douglas, Ariz.-R. e. Dunn of Pitts
burgh; Thomas r. Francis, a mining
contractor of Douglas, and Miguel Mo
Mornic, Mexican. are reported to
have been robbed and killed by Mex
lean outlaws. while returning here
from mine which Francis had been
operating.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
MOTHER GETS CHILD.

Dresden Mary Coleman was
awarded the custody of her 10-year-
old child, after several years Of strug-
gle and after the child had been kept
away from It's mother by the father
following separation and the kidnap-
ing Of the child by Coleman on the
streets of Fulton, Ky.
Judge J. e. Jones awarded the child
to the mother after futile efforts were
made by the other parent to prove that
Mrs. Coleman was an unfit person tc
have the child in her custody.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
WOMAN SHOOTS HUSBAND.
Jealousy Causes Fatal Wounding Of
East Tennessean.

jealousy CduSee atdi Wounoin9 OF
East Tennessean.
Bristol. Frenzied with jealousy,
Mrs. Dora Morton Bond. 20 years old,
shot and fatally wounded her husband,
Merritt Walker Bond, aged 2S. The
shooting occurred on principal street
under the glare of white way lamps.
Mrs. Bond went In search of her hus.
band, Of whom she says she was jeal-
GUS. She carried .3S revolver In the
side pocket of silk raincoat. She met
her husband, and when she saw a
lady's parasol In his hand she opened
fire from the pocket Of the garment,
one ball passing entirely through
Bonds abdomen and breaking bottle
of liquor in his hip pocket.
Mrs. Bond was Immediately arrest
ed, and at police headquarters said she
had lived a life Of shame to support
Bond, who had been unfaithful to her.
Bond is native of Springfield, KY.
Both are strangers here. Mrs. Bond
was well dressed and is a member of
a highly respected Tennessee family.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18

Newport News, Va.-The British
steamer Anglo-Bolivian sailed for Bor-
deaux, France, with cargo Of 1,100
horses. The animals are for use of
the allied armies In the war zone. The
British steamer Anglo-Colombian has
arrived here for similar cargo.
McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1914-12-18
Home Folks Honor herrlck

Cleveland, o.-Six thousand persons
crowded Central Armory at the public
reception in honor of the homecoming
of Myron T. Herrick, former ambassa-
dor to France, who reached Cleveland
from New York.