davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
VERY BAD UPSET
Carl Riddick, Being Used by the Argus
in Its Agitation As "HorribIe Ex-
AMPLE" Wrecks the Campaign
Argus Threshes Over Old Straw
But Garners No Grain-Its Reckless
Misstatements Bring It to Grief
More "ExpIanations" in Order.

In it's agitation over the land office
publications, the Argus on Feb. 6,
after having been driven from point
to point, finally made some concrete
declarations, on which it said it pro-
posed to stand. In proposition l. it de-
clared:
81. Commissioner Tallman of the
general land office has declared IL
legal hundreds of the final proof no
tices published in the Fergus County
Democrat"
This was Immediately wired to
Washington, submitted to Commission
er Tallman, whose comment was:
mo such statement was ever issued
by me or by any other person in this
office and is utterly and unuualifiedly
untrue"
Propositions II. and III. of the Argus
were:
III. These illegal publications put
a flaw in the title which can only be
removed by complying with the law
or making the law comply with the
illegal publications.
Iii. No conservative bank or mon
ey lender will lend dollar on land
held under defective title; taking
from the average homesteader a rec.
ognized way Of raising money"
The two propositions are really one
the first declares that the publications
in the Democrat put flaw in the title
and the second no conservative bank
or money lender will lend dollar or
land held under such a title. There
is no possible chance for any Other
construction, nor was any other intend
ed. In response to this the Democra,
on last Tuesday published letters from
every firm engaged in loaning money
on farm mortgages in this city and al
declared that they were, as in tho
past, making loans upon the registers
final certificate without regard as to
where publication was made, provided
only that it was in paper designated
by the register
In addition to that the Democra
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
Of PYTH|AS
HAVE FINE SESSION
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS PAY A
VISIT TO lEWiSTOWN
LODGE.

Last Friday night Judith Lodge, No.
30, Knights of Pythias, was honOred
by an official visit from Grand Chan
cellor S. F. Way of Livingston and
Grand Keeper of Records and Seals
Lee Dennis of Great Falls, who on
the previous evening visited the Ken
dali lodge. The local members turned
out in force and many visiting knights
were in attendance. The regular ses-
sion proved profitable to all and it was
followed by social session, at which
refreshments were served and ad-
dresses were made by the grand lodge
officers and others. Among the visi-
tors who registered were w. J. Saun-
ers, Hunting, w. Va; S. Torkelson,
Two Dot; II. N. Swartwood, Wenat-
chic, WASH; J. C. Miner, Wabash,
Ind; J. B. Wiedenbroner, Moore: r.
l.. Renshaw, Waterloo, Ia; w. F.
Miesse, Pueblo, Colo; H. w. Green,
Pueblo, Colo; Charles Best, Washing
ton, ID. c.; S. F. Way, Livingston; E.
w. Nye, Pullman. Wash; Lee Dennis,
Great Falls.
Founding Of Order.
Next Thursday night the fiftieth an
niversary of the founding of the order
will be observed by the local Knights
of Pythias with appropriate exercises
at their hall. Visiting delegations will
be here from various parts of the
county for this occasion.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17

to employ one at an agreed compensa-
tion, not exceeding five dollars per
day, payable as other county charges.
You will present no indictment
hatred, malice or ill-will, nor
leave any indictment unpresented
through fear, favor or affection, or of
any reward, or the promise or hope
thereof, but you will act fairly and
fearlessly, as in your best Judgment
the evidence warrants and demands.
Gentlemen of the grand jury, our
law provides that grand jury shall
be drawn and summoned when the
district judge shall, in his discretion,
consider it necessary. A grand jury
has not been called in this county for
thirteen years. | do not believe such
a long period should elapse without
one. The grand jury is a searching
arm of the law and should be used
more frequently, hence the calling OF
your body together. You are not
called for any one purpose or any par
ticular purpose, or to investigate any
particular crime or alleged crime, but
generally to inquire into the violation
Of any Of the laws Of the state Of Mon
tana, but feel it my duty to call your
attention to the alleged violation Of
some of our statutes.
It is generally believed throughout
the county that conviction for the
crime of gambling cannot be had un-
less some person is running, operating
and conducting the game as banker
and rake-off or percentage is being
taken, or unless the game is conduct
ed, operated or run in saloon, which,
however, is not fact. You will find
the law upon that subject, which is
full and explicit, in Part l, Title IX.,
Chapter TX, of the Revised Codes of
the State Of Montana. This misap-
prehensiOn of the law has made it
very difficult for the prosecuting and
peace officers Of the county to secure
evidence in such cases, because the
men actually engaged in the running
of gambling games have so thorough
ly convinced the players in the games
that they are not liable under the law,
and hence they will not give the prop
er officers the necessary information
because they feel that they have moth
ing to fear upon their own part, and
the prosecuting and peace officers can
Continued on page six.)
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
T0ENDGAMB[|NG
Complaints As to Violations Of Anti
Gambling Law Will BE Carefully In
vestigated-SaIe Of fraudulent Re-
linquishments Referred to-AIl Cit
liens Knowing Of Violations of Law
Asked to Report Them-Littlejohn
Is Foreman.

At $50 yesterday morning the four
teen citizens called as grand jurors
were present in the district court.
Seven names were drawn from the
list, the following taking their seats in
the jury box: N. J. Littlejohn, William
Maddox, William McElroy, E. M Sis
son, A. j. Houck, NJ. A. Harnett, @. L..
Cash.
Judge Ayers asked if there was any
objection to any of those called acting
as grand jurors and there being no re-
sponse, proceeded to read his charge,
concluding with the appointment of
Nelson ]. Littlejohn as foreman. The
jury retired at once to the examina-
tion room of the county superinten-
dent, which will be used during the
session, and prepared for work.
The Charge.
Gentlemen of the Grand Jury:
You are summoned here to inquire
into violations of the laws of the state
of Montana. Witnesses and evidence
will be produced before you showing
and tending to show such violations,
and that offenses have been COM
mitted. You may order any other evil
dence or witnesses to be produced be-
fore you, and upon your order the
county attorney or the clerk of this
court will issue subpoenas for any wit
nesses you DESIRE
You must inquire into all public Of
fenses committed and triable by in
dictment within Fergus county, and
return to this court any indictment
found by YOU. Your foreman may ad.
minister an oath to any witness ap-
pearing before you.
1t is the duty of the grand jury
whenever summoned to make COM
plete examination of the books, rec
ords and accounts of all of the off.
GERS of the county, and especially
those pertaining to revenues, and re.
port thereon, and if, in their judgment
the services of an expert are neces
sary, the grand jury has the power
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT MEET.
ING OF THE CITY coUN-
GIL LAST NIGHT.
TO Be HELD MARCH q
c. E. Mckoin Is Appointed Registry
Agent-Judges and Clerks Are Ap-
pointed for This, the Nominating
Election and City Election-Fire
Chief and Treasurer File Reports.

President Sutter is again acting
mayor and last night presided over
the meeting of the city council, with
Aldermen Berkin, Weideman, d'Autre-
mont and Miller in attendance.
The most important matter to come
up was in connection with the pro-
posed bond issue to meet the cost of
extending the iron pipe line to the
source of supply up Spring creek. City
Attorney |. B. Kirkland submitted a
complete and exhaustive report show
ing all the facts relative to the city's
financial condition as bearing upon
this matter. The limit of the issue
was put at $97 1000 and after full dis
cussion the council decided to fix the
amount at 100000, and Mr. Kirkland
introduced two resolutions, one for an
issue of 100000 under the 3 per cent
limit and one for 100000 under the
10 per cent limit, total of 100000.
The election will be held March %, at
the time of the municipal primary
nominating election. Clarence e. Nc.
Koin was appointed registry agent
and will open his books in due time
to register voters for the bond cleo
ton. The judges and clerks VINO will
serve for the nominating election on
March 23 and also at the city election
April will act as judges for the bond
election. They are
First Ward-Judges, Oswald Leh-
man, George w. Anderson, Marshall
Huffine; clerks, Charles Myersick, A.
J. McIver and e. G. Worden.
Second Ward-Judges, Albert Os-
weller, Byron Thayer, Vincent Gies;
clerks, Daniel Hanley, John Reed, Joe
Benjamin.
Third Ward-Judges, Allen Wilson,
Charles Wentworth, G. A. Parrott;
clerks, H. p Imislund, Edgar J. Baker
and A. M. Sloan.
Traffic Ordinance.
The council decided to have large
placards printed, calling attention to
the provisions of the traffic ordinance.
These will be tackled UP conspicuous
ly on the streets.
Fire Chief J. C. Bebb's report for
January was filed. 1t showed that
there were three alarms in the city
last month, the loss being $25. There
was one fire just outside the city caus-
ing a loss of $500. The departments
expenses for the month were $524.35.
Street Sweeper.
The matter of buying street
sweeper was discussed at some length
but no action was taken.
More Lights.
1t was decided to put in seventeen
Continued on page twelve.)
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
KEEN INTEREST
Court Room Packed at Every Session
and Many Are Turned Away-Mrs.
Tanquary Tells Her Story From the
Witness Stand-Tanquary's Version
Of the Tragedy Enacted on Novem.
ber 8-BriIliant Arguments Are
Made Yesterday.

The jury in the case of Edward Tan
quarry, charged with the murder of
John o. Crawford on Nov. last, re-
tired shortly after o'clock last night
and up to 3 o'clock this afternoon was
still out, with no indications that an
agreement was in sight.
The trial OF the case was begun
Wednesday evening, the state being
represented by County Attorney G. ].
Marshall and his assistant, Stewart
McConochie, while J. G. Huntoon and
A. N. Nadeau appeared for the defen-
dant. Both sides made hard fight
and the taking of testimony was finally
concluded shortly after 3 o'clock yes
terday afternoon, after which Judge
Ayers read his charge to the jury.
Mr.. McConochie made the opening
argument for the state, discussing
some of the strongest features of the
case from the states point of view
and acquitted himself most creditably
j. c. Huntoon followed for the de-
fense, occupying the remainder Of the
afternoon. His argument was strong
throughout, bringing out clearly the
theory of the defense. His discussion
OF the testimony was thorough and
his effort to bring it all into harmony
with the defense was admirable. In
the evening Mr.. Marshall made the
closing argument for the state and in
the case. It was the geenral opinion
of those who heard him that this ef-
fort was his finest one during his in
cumbency of the office. His analysis
Of the testimony was keen, and his
characterization Of the woman In the
case, while bitter and merciless, was
undoubtedly effective. His closing was
brilliant and eloquent.
From the opening day of this trial
the court room was packed with spec
tators and Judge Ayers ordered the
doors locked before each session tC
prevent overcrowding Yesterday the
attendance was especially large, the
keenest interest being shown in the
appearance of Mrs. Tanquary on the
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17

stand. Last night the corridors of
the courthouse were filed and per.
haps hundred people waited in the
court yard.
The Jury.
The jurors are Jacob Sanford, ranch
er; S. McChesney, automobile deal
er; IL. +. Hersey, merchnt; John Hens
ley, business man; Charles Hruska,
rancher: A. C. Edwards, hotel man;
Peter Stuart, farmer; B. f. Moulton,
rancher; Murch Dryden. rancher;
Frank Bristol. rancher; +. f. Lenhart,
rancher, and George Kirtz. raneher.
Trial Begins.
After the jury in the Mclaughlin
case had retired Wednesday evening
last, the Tanquary case was taken up
and the work of securing a jury be-
gun. This did not prove a very diff
ficult task and shortly before midnight
was completed. An adjournment was
then taken until Friday morning.
Thursday being holiday. Mr. Mar
shall Immediately made the opening
statement for the state. 1t was very
brief, but pointed. The state would
show, he said, that John Crawford
went to the Elkhorn restaurant for
luncheon on the afternoon OF Nov. 8,
being waited upon by Mrs. Tanquary.
Tanquary remained in the restaurant
very short time, having just gone
off shift, and stepped upstairs to his
room, whore he got his revolver, and
returning to the restaurant, went up
to the deceased. He had applied a
vile epithet to Crawford. speaking to
Mrs. 1anquary, who tried to quiet him.
Very few words were exchanged be-
tween the men when Tanquary fired
a shot, and when Crawford ran out OF
the restaurant, followed him around
to the alley, firing as he ran, and into
the rear of Mr. Van Wormer's store,
where he fired the fatal shot and then
went up and snapped the empty re-
volver at the body. Upon this show
ing he would ask for a verdict of
guilty.
County Surveyor Edwin Miller iden-
titled map of the Elkhorn restau-
rant and the rear of the Van Wormer
store, showing accurately the prem
iseS.
Morris FIeischman.
Morris Fleischman, barkeeper at the
Continued on page twelve.)
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17

published the exhaustive letter from
Senator T. ]. Walsh to Register II. J.
Kelly reviewing the whole matter and
declaring that the placing of these
final proof publications was left to the
discretion of the register
Bewildered, evidently, by the over
whelming proof that all of it's prop
ositlons were false, the Argus, in its
last issue of last Friday, declared it
had never made any declaration of the
sort referred by this paper regarding
loans. Here is the gem:
1T is simply astounding how the
Democrat can set up man of straw,
throw it down and then sing loud
hcsamar of victory The Argus has
never made any reference whatever
to mortgage loan companies in CON
nection with its land office graft ex-
posures. There was reference to
prominent loan company refusing
to make loans in eastern Montana
published in another paper and re-
printed in the Argus, but the refer
ences by the Argus were constantly
to banks"
Let the reader now refer back to
the Argus propositions II. and III. and
see just what an accomplished contor-
florist the organ is.
Another Pet Lie.
The Argus, for some reason or 9TH
er, has several times referred spe-
cHically to Carl w. Riddicks final
proof publications as a startling ex-
ample of all it's claims. We DO not
know its reasons for mentioning Mr.
Riddick in particular. That gentle.
man is former newspaper man, who
was prominent in Iowa before coming
here, having been, if our memory
serves us, secretary Of the Republican
committee Of that state. Bearing in
mind, now, the Argus specific refer
ence to Mr.. Riddick and also it's latest
declaration that no bank would loan
money on title where the publca-
tion of final proof appeared in the
Democrat, we call the standpat organ 5
attention to the fact that just before
1t made it's silly claim in its last issue
there was filed for record with the
county clerk and recorder mortgage
executed by Mr.. Piddick to the First
State bank of Hilger for $4,000 on
homestead entry O1205O, for the Sk
SWA, NEA SWA, Sec. 20, NEA
NWA, Sec. 80, TIP. 19 ~, r. 19 e.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
ERNEST HURT SURRENDERS HIM.
SELF AFTER ELEVEN YEARS
OF FREEDOM.
WAS SENTENCED A YEAR
Pushed Out Bars at Old County Jail
and Got Away, Going to Idaho
Was Charged With the Theft Of
Horse-Explains the Matter-Offi-
GERS All Favor Leniency.

There was very unusual story back
of the appearance OF Ernest Hurt at
the sheriff's office yesterday afternoon,
the man coming to surrender himself
for grand larceny. Hurt was sentenced
by Judge E. x. Cheadle on Oct. 20,
1903, to one year in the pen for grand
larceny. A few days later Hurt es-
capped from the county jail and has
since been at large. After eleven
years of freedom, he voluntarily gave
himself up and travelled a long dis
tance from another state in order to
do so.
Hurt was charged with the theft OF
a horse belonging to John Mcdonnell,
the warrant having been issued from
Judge W.. r. McFarland's court on
Oct. II, 1903. He pleaded guilty as
stated and was sentenced to one year
in the pen. The county jail was
rather rickety affair at the time and
Hurt was able to push out couple of
bars from the rotted wood that held
them, climbed over the fence and
skipped. He went to Idaho, began
farming and in course OF time mar
ried. His wife died and Hurt has a
daughter six years old.
Conscience Troubled Him.
He was never able to forget his trou-
BILE in Fergus county and the specter
of the law was constantly before him.
1t seemed to him, too, that a hoodOO
was upon him. Misfortunes of vari-
Gus kinds have visited him, culmi-
mating in the death of his wife. He
decided to clear up the whole matter
by returning.
Undersheriff l.. p. Slater was the
sheriff at the time of the escape and
O. W. Belden was the county attorney.
1t was Mr.. Slater who first met the
returned fugitive when he entered the
sheriffs office yesterday afternoon.
Telling his story today, Hurt says
that he had no intention of stealing
the horse. He wanted to get out OF
the country and took this animal to
accomplish that purpose, intending to
send the horse back when he had rid
den to his destination to take the rail-
way. Before he could do that, how
ever, he was arrested.
In view of his voluntary act, his ex-
cellent record since he has been away
and all the circumstances, Judge Ayers
and the other officials are disposed to
look with leniency upon the matter
and 1t is practically certain that the
man will not be called upon to serve
out the term.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
VERDICT is SOON REACHED ON
SECOND TRIAL OF SOME.
WHAT NOTED CASE.
ONLY ONE BALLOT TAKEN
Brilliant Arguments Heard by Large
Crowd-Woman Fined for Misde.
meanor-Damage Suit Follows An
Automobile Accident Last Novem.
ber-Other Actions.

After about an hours consideration,
the jury in the case Of Lowrie S. Nc
Laughlin, charged with the murder of
Patrick Duffy, on Wednesday night re-
turned a verdict of not guilty. The
case was submitted about p. m. and
it was nearly o'clock when the jury
returned from dinner. 1t is under
stood that but one ballot was taken.
This was the second trial of the case,
the first resulting in disagreement.
The tragedy occurred on July 20
last at McLaughlin's place, few
miles from Garneill The men, both
pioneers and both widely known,
owned adjoining ranches and for many
years past had not been on good terms,
the evidence showing that Duffy had
on other occasions assaulted the de-
fendant On the day of the tragedy
Duffy saw some of McLaughlin's s
horses in his field and went to the
defendants house to call his attention
to it. Mclaughlin was in the yard
milking when Duffy and his hired man
drove in. After a few words, Duffy
spoke of the horses being in his field
and Mclaughlin Immediately stated
that he would get them out, referring
to the fact that he had always kept
the fences up and Duffy ought to do
some of this. Duffy then struck Nc
Laughlin in the face and kicked him
and the latter ran into his house, ten
PAGES away, instantly reappearing at
the door with loaded shotgun in his
hands. Duffy had got back in his
buggy and was standing up when Nc
Laughlin said that was the second
time Duffy had assaulted him on his
own place, the deceased replying
"yes." Then Mclaughlin fired the
fatal shot. Mclaughlin swore that as
he spoke to Duffy on coming to the
door, the latter threw his hand to his
hip pocket and, believing the man in.
tended to draw a weapon and shoot,
he fired himself. McLaughln's son,
who was an eye witness to the affair,
corroborated his father on this point,
upon which the case really hinged.
The jury accepted McLaughlin's ver-
sion that he believed himself to be in
imminent peril of great bodily harm.
The testimony was exactly as given at
the first trial. The case for the state
was conducted with much skill by
County Attorney C. j. Marshall, whose
argument, like the one at the first
trial, was a notable effort. He was
ably assisted by Stewart McConochie,
Continued on page seven.)
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
INTERESTING LAND
CONTEST IS ON HERE
BRIT STEEN HERE FROM ROUND
UP FOR HIS THIRD
BATTLE.

Brit Steen of Roundup is in town at
tending the contest of his timber and
stone entry adjoining the city of
Roundup. Mr.. Steen made this entry
in 1907, and made final proof on it, but
before patent issued the townsite of
Roundup had been laid out, and the
land, which up to that time had been
considered practically worthless, be-
came more valuable by reason of its
proximity to the townsite, and was
contested. This contest was fought
through to the secretary of the in
terror. The decision of the local Of
flee was adverse to Steen, but upon
appeal to the commissioner. the local
Offices decision was reversed, and up
on appeal to the secretary Of the in
terror, the commissioners decision
was affirmed and the land awarded
to Mr.. Steen. Another contest was
filed almost Immediately, but Steen
won that a1so. The present contest is
the third contest filed against the
land. The hearing was had on this
case before United States Commission
er jameson at Roundup on February
End, and final hearing was held before
the local office today.
BY the time Mr.. Steen gets through
with these contests, the original gov
ernment price of $3.50 per acre will
be but a small part of the total cost
of this land to him and will be great
ly in excess of what the land would
be worth except for its proximity to
the coal camp. The case is on before
the register today, Mr.. Steen being
represented by Attorney R. Won Tobel.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
MAYOR SYMMES GOES
EAST ON SAD ERRAND
RECEIVES NEWS OF MOTHERS
DEATH DAY FOLLOWING
HIS RETURN.

Last Wednesday Mayor w. D.
Symmes parted with his mother in
Chicago, where both had been visiting.
He returned to Lewistown, arriving
here Saturday evening, and she to her
home at Niagara, Canada. On Sunday
afternoon the mayor received a dis
patch announcing the death of his
mother at the latter place. He left
yesterday to be present at the funeral
Mrs. Symmes was 68 years of age
and woman of many sterling and
lovable qualities. She spent most of
last summer in Lewistown and won
the friendship of all with whom she
came in contact. Her sudden death
was a sad blow to Mayor Symmes.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Annual Meeting to Be Held at Judith
Club on February 27.

The annual meeting Of the Lewis
town Chamber of Commerce will be
held at the Judith club on Friday eve
ming, Feb. q, when the reports of the
officers will be made and new officers
elected. Following the business meet
ing a Dutch lunch will be served and
the members will indulge in smoker.
The evening promises to be a most
interesting one and it is urged that
every member attend.
Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1914-02-17
Runaway This Morning.

A delivery team belonging to the
Rogers-Templeton company ran away
on Main street this morning and, after
going block, dashed across the walk
at the corner of Fourth avenue, smash
ing one of the plate-glass show win
dows of the Phillips Drug company.