davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10

The third session of the 63rd Con
gress convened Monday noon at Wash
ington and members of both houses
began to flock to the United States
Capital Sunday Thus comes the
ending of their campaign and holiday
recess of six weeks, following the
long and arduous legislative session,
which closed late in October. Demo-
cratic leaders, in informal conferences
before the opening of the session
which is destined to be chiefly deyot-
ed to appropriation measures, have
been unanimous in expressing the
hope that the Legislative program of
necessities could be concluded by
March 4 next, when the present con-
gress will automatically end. Many
Republican leaders however, have stat
ed that there were many important
measures which they would urge for
passage and some indicated that sup
ply might be delayed to such an eN-
tent that an extra session next spring
and summer would be nece ssary. The
Democrats are certainly to exert every
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
MEDICAL MIN IN SESSION
Semi-annHal Meeting of Somerset
County Medical Association

The semi-annual meeting of the
Somerset County Medical Association
was held at Hotel Coburn Thursday
of last week Dr. S F. Greene Of
Solon was elected president, DR.. II. c.
Brown of Bingham, vice president
and DR.. II. w Smith (re-elected) sec
retary and treasurer. Drs +. NJ.
Wing of North Anson and J. f. Wads-
worth of Skowhegan were elected to
serve with DR. c A. Moulton Of Hart
land on the board of censors New
members voted in were Dr. J. O. Piper
of Solon, Dr. r. c. Brown and Dr.. + G.
Williams of Bingham, Or. J. A Thi-
bodeau of Madison and DR. Blanc Of
Norridgew 1t was voted to hold
the next annual meeting at Madison
and Drs. J. A. Thibodeau and ". S.
Milliken were appointed to arrange
the program. DR.. J. +. Wadsworth
of Skowhegan was elected a delegate
for two years to the Maine Medical
Association and this same physician
furnished the paper for the Thursday
session on Myxodema. At the close
of the morning session banquet was
served by landlord Haines. Dr. ". S.
Stinchfeld, with the physicians already
mentioned, being present
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10

A splendid winter day and a goodly
attendance were factors in the ses-
sion of the Pomona which was held
with Anson Grange on Tuesday, Dec.
8. 1t rounded out the thirteen ses-
sions of the year in full and was re-
plete with exercises varied instruc-
tive and interesting. The OVerseer,
Lecturer, Steward, Assistant Steward,
Pomona. Flora and Lady Assistant
Steward were the officers present.
After the routine of business was
transacted and the Grange choir had
rendered a selection the first topic for
discussion rs the United States pre-
pared to hold her own with other ma
tions in case of war;" was presented
and opened by S. f. Emerson, who
does not favor a large standing army
nor an unusual increase in the navy.
Fortunately the United States is not
surrounded by great war-like nations
and there is no demand, even at the
present time for an increase in war
and naval forces, according to Mr..
Emerson and should war be unfortu-
nately forced upon us the great re-
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
TALKED ON WAR SITUATION
Mrs. Morrill, Hamlln of Portland Lee
lures Before WOman'S Club and
Guests

Yesterday the Woman's Club and
their guests listened to a finely de-
liyered address by Mrs. Morrill, Ham
lin of Portland Mrs. Hamlin, who
is one of Names able woman speak
ers, is the daughter of the late Gov
ernor Lot M. Morrill, of Augusta. She
had for her subject a most timely one
THE Cause of the Great War and
very fuently and thoughtfully did she
lead her listeners along through the
progression of the terrible conflict. AT
the close of her talk questions upon
the subject were asked and responses
given. The afternoon was in charge
of Mrs. Annie F. Fish and previous to
the address Lyle s. Moore sang Shall
We Ever Meet Again" and There Let
Me Rest accompanied by Miss Edith
w. Lewis. The piano solo which
was to have been played by Mrs. Ethel
Whittier Ames was omitted, owing to
the lateness of the hour.
The hostesses Miss Lizzie T. Hussey
and Miss Hannah r. Page, the re-
speetive president and secretary for
two years past in the club, were as
sisted at the door by Miss Blanche B.
Pollard.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
CHANGERS LISTEN TO ADDRESS UPON
SUCCESSFUL RAISING OF SWEET CORN
AT Monthly Meeting of Somerset Pomona in
No. Anson. Important Features

sources of our country are such that
preparations could at once be sue
cessfully meet any emergency that
might take place. Money paid to
build and maintain battleships and
support standing armies would bet
ter be expended on public roads of
the country and thereby be a direct
benefit to all our people. At this
point a recess was taken and gen.
erous dinner furnished by the sisters
of Anson Grange.
At the opening of the afternoon
session H. B. Ellis, lecturer of the
Pomona, gave welcome address and
o. M. Hilton, assistant steward of the
Pomona, responded to the welcome.
A class of six was instructed in the
fifth degree and then l.. L. McIntire of
Oxford County, a practical grower of
sweet corn, gave an address on the
successful raising of that most i'm
portant crop. Some of the most es-
sential factors presented were perfect
seen, clean and constant cultivation
and sufficient fertilizers to carry the
Continued on page four)
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
GERMAN CRUISERS ARE DESTROYED BY
THE BRITISH OFF FALKLAND ISLAND
Indian Troops Have Compelled the Surrender of
A Turkish Army. Events in the Conflict

of during the fight and, according 10
latest accounts are being p4fsued. Two
colliers were captured This UcDry
and the success of the indian troops
on The Gulf Of Persia, where they COM
pelled The surrender Of Turkish
army have for the moment overshad-
owed 80 far as England is concerned,
tho larger cyaats which have taken
place Oh the Continent OF Europe
With This good news for the allies
comes What is considered here as a
favorable French communication Of
the operations IL Flanders and France.
There is also somewhat clearer view
of what is taking place along the Rus
so-German front
The startling news Of the week re-
gardng the European Var situation
has included tie capture Of LODI, The
chief manufacturing center Of Poland,
lying = miles West-southWest Of War
saw BY Tho German Army. This fol-
lowed q ts ot desperate battle where
thousands f.u il terrible hand-to-
hand conflicts ana fom lie shells Of
hundreds Of guns L.ss than fort
night ago. the army to which this VIC
tory fell was surrounded BY Russians.
Last evening news from the Russian
war office stated that serious defeat
had been inflicted on the Germans IL
one Of the three war areas IL the
east. 1t was announced tha' in the
region Of Cracow, Galicia. ne Ger
mans were put to rout, the right wing
being turned and that they were still
being pursued. L has been suggest
ed in London that the Russians would
content themselves with remaining on
the defensive IL Poland following
their successes there and sending re-
Inducements into Galicia. TO attempt
an invasion of Germany from the
south across the Silesian border.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
A CHILD STRIKES
LAME
Buildings and Contents
are Burned
No Insurance. Horse and Cow Re-
ported Saved

MADISON, DEC. Sire about $50
Saturday night totally destroyed the
farm house of Philip Perry in West
Anson, near Barton Hill. Mr.. and
Mrs. Perry, who are young people
with two small children, purchased
this property last summer of George
W. Playse and feel the loss most
keenly as not one article was saved
from the house and there was no in
surance either on the building or its
contents.
Mrs. Perry was carrying one OF the
children in her arms and picked up a
lighted lamp when in some way the
little one struck it and it fell, i'm
famable material near by at once be-
coming ignited.
Mr.. Perry and a companion, Merle
Hamilton who were coming from a
DAYS work cutting wood saw the
flames and endeavored to get some
things out of the house but without
avail. 1t is understood, however
that the horse and COW were in an
outbuilding some little distance from
the house and these were saved.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
COME TO THE POULTRY
SHOW
Fifth Annual Exhibition Somerset
Poultry and Pet Stock Association to
be Held in Sk0Whegan

Few Of us realize that poultry and
poultry products constitute most
important item in Somerset County's
Industrial affairs. Fewer still under
stand that the office of the largest
poultry producing company in the
world is located in SkoWhegan. Be
sides this one big industry there are
thousands of farmers and small poul-
trymen, the aggregate business of
which probably exceeds any other
county possibly in New England. For
this reason Skowhegan is the natural
headquarters for Poultry Exhibition
and these have been in the past Won
derfully good shows of fancy poultry
stock. The show will be located this
year as last, in Company f Armory
Hall, Hcselton Block.
Entries will be welcome from any
point in Maine and birds from Som
erset County owners are especially
desired Crowds of people always
attend these shows and the advantage
from an advertising standpoint to any
exhibitor is very valuable The birds
will be Judged by Silas Bartlett of
Lewiston, president of the Maine Poul-
try and Pet Stock association and the
show will be open day and evening.
AS it is the desire of the management
to make the exhibition of the greatest
possible use. the price of admission
is but Is cents
Superfne stock, never before shown
in the Kennebec Valley. has already
been entered by NJ. S Arey of Bar
Harbor, Irving C. SWEET of Bangor
and numerous other breeders of that
city
The public will be interested tC
know that one-fifth of the receipts Of
each afternoon will be turned over tc
the Home Christmas committee TO be
used by them in providing gifts for
the needy of Skowhegan.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10

The Home Christmas Committee met
Saturday at the home of Mrs. F. w.
Briggs. 1t was voted to have the
Municipal Christmas Tree in Railroad
Square, the festivities to begin on the
evening of December 23 and continue
on the evenings of the oath, 25th 26th
and 27th lasting from until 8 o'clock.
A committee to represent each church
was appointed as follows: First
Baptist, Mrs. Philo Steward; Metho-
dist, Mrs E. N. Merrill; Bethany Bap-
tist, Mrs. Emma M. Smith; Catholic,
Mrs Sarah Fortier; Congregational,
Mrs. Annie F. Fish. The general
committee for the gifts to the shut
ms, needy and children is to consist
of Mrs. F. w Briggs chairman, Mrs
W. p. OrdWay, Mrs. Mabel w. Phil
brick, Mrs. e. E. McNeelie, Mrs. Paul
Roullard and Mrs Edith Philbrick
All persons in Skowhegan knowing
of needy families or shut-ins are
asked 10 report 10 lulS COHlulllee
and to mention the number in each
family, the number of children or
shut-ins, ages of children and what
is most needed, also the addresses.
The committee have engaged the
vacant store formerly occupied by H.
C. Judkins in the Mcclellan block and
will be there on Monday and Tues
day afternoons preceding Christmas
to receive contributions of clothing
food, toys or money. Miss S. J. An
derson has reported that the boxes
will soon be placed on the street for
money contributions and the COM
mittee is desirous that the public give
generously for the charity. The
members of the various womens clubs
are also asked to give ten cents each
or more to aid in the project.
The tree itself which will bear no
gifts is to be decorated by electric
lights, the Central Maine Power Com
pany furnishing the lighting free, and
other decorations which friends may
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
WORK AMONG CHILDREN
Was Considered at Tuesdays Meeting
OF the Woman'S Christian Temper
ance Union

The Clementine Weston " c. T. I.
met as usual Tuesday afternoon in
Library parlors. The general eXer-
cises were conducted and the meeting
was devoted largely to the work
among children, Mrs Nora J. Dunbar
and Mrs May NJ. Dane, the supern-
tendents of the Juvenile department
most admirably arranging the pro-
gram, with the assistance of Mrs.
Dora T. Nye who directed the music
numbers The hostesses were Mrs.
Nottie W. Packard and Mrs. Eta A.
Lacasce.
After devotions thoughtfully con-
Quoted by Mrs Gertrude McGlautlin.
Mrs. Ethel NJ. Hight gave an excellent
report of the list National Conyen-
ton of the ". C. T. L. held at At
lanta. Ga Miss Mabel ". Phibriel,
followed with a very helpful talk ON
Work with Children, while the third
literary feature of the afternoon Was
finely compiled paper upon the
Loyal Temperance Legion" written
by Mrs. Dunbar and read by Mrs.
Dane
The musical numbers were much
enjoyed and included a song and re
sponse by Adolph Boiler accompani-
ed by Mrs Carrie Steward and two
songs by Miss Theresa Bisson accom-
panied by Mrs Nye. Piano numbers
were played by Misses Chantel Bis
son and Christine Poolcr.
During the afternoon Mrs Florence
Danforth gave a report of the results
of the charitable work done by the
local Belgian Relief Committee and
the members present donated literally
for the Municipal Christmas Tree as
other local organizations are to dc
at future meetings.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
PARENT.TEACHER ASSO-
CATION TO MEET
At High School Building Next Satur-
day Evening. Junior Class Mem
bers Arrange Program

AT the next meeting of the Parent
Teacher Association to be held at the
High School Building Saturday even
ing December IL at o'clock, the Jun
ior class of S. H. s. will present the
following program prepared by COM
mittee consisting of Florence Burrill,
Ezalie Smith and Emery Dyer Song,
Annie Scott; debate "ResOlved that
moving pictures are a benefit to a
Affirmative Francis
Friend, Ray Parmenter; negative,
Lewis Brown, Allan Wentworth;
piano duet, Mamie Hayden, Helen
White; reading, Marion Adams; song,
Ruth Greenwood. The school or
chestra whose first public work was
much enjoyed at the last meeting,
will also give two selections ON this
program.
The questions passed in on Noyem-
Der 7, relating to matters of school
and home will be discussed by George
W. Cover, Esq, Prin r. w. Leighton,
Supt. L. w. Gerrish. Mrs. Ethel M.
Hight and others. At this meeting
some members of the various com
mittees will tell of the work they nave
already accomplished.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
TWO BREAKS IN
MADISON
Thieves Take Candy and
Cigars
From Fred Syltester'S Store and Ap-
parently Search for Booze at EX-
press Oftice

Burglars. some time sunday night
entered the confectionery and tobac-
co store of Fred Sylvester on Lower
Main street. below the Railroad cross
ing by pushing in the two front doors.
which were locked but not bolted at
the bottom. and secured quite a num-
Der of boxes of chocolates. and some
boxes of cigars. 1t is not known
whether much tobacco was taken or
not or whether other small articles
were also taken
The break must have been made
fairly early in the night as about
three dozen bottles of soda we're
frozen. and this leads to the conclu-
sion that the door was left open al
though it was found pulled to in tho
morning.
It is thought that this may have
been the work of boys owing TO the
kind of merchandise taken and also
to the fact that only the things most
easily obtaiuable were carried off.
ooAes oi 'Hoeot4'es o'ihs sHatehed
from the show window and from the
shelves BACK oi The showcases but
no'ha1 In The Showcases themselves
was loaeaed'
The second break occurred some
li''e tuesday msAt al the once OF
INC american Express N9. ana thoSe
taxing PART IN TINS faid were evidently
men looking Ior poo''' atihouGh the
front part "I ihe money drawer was
"f'Heata OH. Hs S"ie was not
'oUeN'd. a iiAs et N'aSS on 'he sue
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
VETERAN Of CIVIL
WAR ASSAULTED
Near Swing Bridge in
Early Evening
Henry p. Canon SustainS Bruises on
Face. Robbery Supposed to be
Motive

Henry p. Canon, aged II. was
struck Saturday evening about $50 by
an unknown man, who disappeared
Immediately after the rash act, which
it is supposed was committed with a
view to robbery.
On Friday, Mr.. Canon, who is j
veteran of the Civil War went to the
Bank to have his pension check cash
ed and after receiving the bills plac-
ed them in his pocket book together
with a considerable sum of other
money. Whether he was observed or
not he does not know, but he has been
led to believe that the person who
assaulted him the next evening might
have seen him while at the banking
establishment. The assault was made
in the dark shadows of the swing
bridge on the east side, the stranger
appearing just as the aged man was
about to cross A blow was quickly
aimed at Mr. Canon's head he thinks
with a sharp instrument, which h
partially warded off, receiving flesh
wound just over the right eye. The
injured man fell but recovered him
self. noted the quick disappearance
of his assailant, who did not stop to
commit theft, and also that two men
were coming in the opposite direction
across the bridge toward him. When
they came near to him, they appeared
rather strangely, Mr.. Canon recalls,
attempting to conceal their features
as much as possible. Whether the
men coming in the distance frightened
the assailant away or whether they
were in some way connected with the
plot is not known.
Mr. Canon describes the strange
man as being middle aged, about six
feet tall, and wearing a mustache
and goatee His clothes as nearly as
he can remember were dark and his
oyercoat short one. Sheriff
Thompson has been acquainted with
the deed, but no knowledge has as
yet been obtained of the guilty party.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
HELP TO SPREAD THE CHRISTMAS CHEER
THROUGHOUT SKOWHEGAN
Municipal Xmas Tree in Railroad Square Gifts
For the Needy Joyous Music

wish to give to make the tree beau
tiful may be left with either Mrs.
Briggs or Mrs. Mollie NJ. Stewart.
While the entertainment has not
been entirely arranged for this i'm
portant feature it is left in the hands
of Mrs J. P Merrill, Mrs. f. f. Dan
forth and Mrs. Lois w. Patten, and
it is expected that the following order
will be carried out: Wednesday,
School children will sing directed by
Elmer E. Towne; Thursday, English
Carols by the English residents; Fri
day, vocal music by the singers of
Skowhegan directed by Mr.. Towne.
Saturday, Parochial children; Sunday,
open services by the Catholic, Metho
dist, First Baptist, Bethany and Con-
gregational churches.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
ELECTED OFFICERS
4. II. Jones, Thrice IIlustriOus Master
of Mount MOriah Council

Officers last evening were elected
in Mount Moriah Council, No. 10 r.
and S. M. as follows: Arthur r.
Jones, T. l. M; John H. Lancaster,
D. M; Adam Simpson, p. c. w;
Charles A. Ross, treasurer; B. A
Sawyer, recorder; George X. Robin
son, C. of G.; Maurice P. Merrill, c. of
c.; George A. Moore, steward; E. c.
Dunton, Sentinel. Following the
election the officers were installed by
Past Thrice Illustrious Master E. c.
Butler, who was presented with a
handsomely engraved Past Thrice IL
lustrious Masters Jewel by George c.
Thompson. Mr. Butler has held
continuous office in various Masonic
bodies for probably twelve years or
more. AT 6.45 a turkey banquet was
served under the direction of the Eas-
tern Star and during the evening
there was work upon several candi-
dates.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10

To have Lake Wesserunsett one Oh
the big trout lakes OF the state is be-
ing anticipated by persons interested
and plans are already being made to-
ward that end. During the past
week George B. Fairgrieve has placed
about one thousand yearling trout
from four to 6 inches long in the wa
ters, while in October he placed in the
lake about 1000 fish. In the spring a
large number of young trout were
also put in the water under the dir
ection of H. L. SWEET From trout
put in the pond some years ago some
quite large ones have been caught Mr..
Fairgrieve having pulled out one
which weighed over two pounds. The
popular demand is for trout at Lake
Wesserunsett and no effort Is being
made to supply it with salmon. -.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10

LOSDON. Dec. 9-1010 =. NJ 4
British squadron under command Of
Vice Admiral Sir Frederick St1rdee.
chief OF the var STAFF. engaged Ger
man squadron under Admiral Coufs
Won Spec, off the Falkland Islands IL
the South Atlantic. and Won d victory
which is being acclaimed throughout
England.
The armored cruisers scharnhorst
and Gneisena and the protected
cruiser Leipzig, three of the German
warships which had been menacing
British shipping and part Of the
squadron which sank the British
cruisers Good Hope and Monmouth on
the Pacific in November. were destroy
ed. The cruisers Dresden and NurB-
berg. the two other vessels which
composed the German squadron, made
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
LOCAL ITEMS

The members Of the S. H. E. Club
enjoyed a Christmas tree at Mrs.
Martha p. Davis home Tuesday even
ing. Miss Marjorie Loring and Miss
B. M Emory were the hostesses.
Mr.. and Mrs. J. A. Swain were in
town Monday on their way to their
new home in Canaan. They have
been living in Concord for the past
year and a half with Mrs. SWANS S
son, r. A. Nye.
Owing to the musical in Congrega-
tional Church, Monday evening, Wood
bine Lodge d. of H. did not hold their
annual meeting as planned but will
meet next Monday evening at the
home of Mrs. George Carron.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
ANOTHER MOOSE HUNT
Like Unto That of Palmyra Fame

"moose hunt" like unto that OF OLD
was a startling event Of last weeH
in st. Albans. Several hunters were
on the trail which led from lndlan
Pond to the eastern part of the town.
Irwin Robertson and Arthur Moore
being the lucky ones to capture the
prize. The animal weighed six hun
dred pounds and attracted much at
tention. 1t is reported that bruin
also figured as a trophy of the hunt
in that vicinity.
The incident recalls the moose hunt
in 1841 which has become famous In
the history of Palmyra and in whlch
many of the citizens of that town par
ticipated. After the event was over
with the spoils were divided each par
ticipant receiving a slice of the carcass
of the moose. The poem which was
written about the hunt has been treas
ured in many household for years
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
FALLING TREE STRIKES
FOUR YEAR OLD BOY
Master Ralph Jones of South Solon
Suffering as the Result of Serious
Accident

SOUTH SOLON. Dec 9-Master
Ralph Jones while in the woods with
his father W. S. Jones. yesterday
sustained a broken leg by being hit
by tree. which Mr. Jones was telling.
The break was between the knee and
the hip, the trunk of the tree striking
the lad. Dr. Greene WIS summoned
to reduce the fracture.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10
Marcus Comedy Go. Engaged for One
Week in WaterViIle; Stays Three

{. b. Kelliher, Manager of the Wa
teryile Opera House engaged the Mar
Gus Comedy Co. for one week and it
was so successful that the engage
ment was extended for two weeks
longer and the house was crowded at
every performance. 1t was pronounc-
ed by everybody as the best company
ever appearing in Waterville.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1914-12-10

James Palmer an aged gentleman.
had the misfortune to fall and break
his collar bone the other day
Postmaster Clarence Mantor is pre-
pairing for the Christmas rush and ex-
presses a wish that the Xmas gifts
be mailed early in order that the post
Office may not be too badly congested
in the height of the holiday season.