davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
TO Die up TAXES
Senate Bill to Find Loss 500
Millions i'm Kansas.
COnfiscatOry Forfeiture PrOvi-
siOns in Joseph Plan.

To get at the 500 millions of dollars
of Kansas property which is not listed
for taxation purposes, according to
claims made by the state tax commits
sion, Senator Joseph has presented to
the legislature a bill fixing almost
confiscatory forfeiture provisions and
penalties for the failure either OF
property owners or assessors to prop
erly list taxable lands or goods. His
bill also provides that the state tax
commission shall send experts to assist
in the work of assessment OF property
where the local deputy assessor is un-
able to intelligently arrive at values to
be put on the tax rolls.
This bill is supplementary to another
by the same author in reference to
mortgages. Where the first mentioned
bill provides a forfeiture of one-third
of any property that shall be impro-
perly omitted from the tax rolls, the sec
ond bill provides for the gradual with
drawal of mortgages from taxation. 1t
is expected that as the states income
from taxes on mortgages decreases, the
income from the workings of the other
bill will vastly overbalance the loss.
Under the mortgage exemption bill 1t is
provided that registry fees shall be as
sessed, in lieu of other taxes on mort
cages and that this registry fee shall
diminish in amount for the next five
cal . dLtcA WillC1l tlIilc II SIle-1l utOAAAaS
ically be abolished.
Mortgage taxation is poor public
policy and should be Abandoned de-
clared Senator Joseph today. But
6S millions of mortgages are listed in
Kansas when as a matter of fact ap-
proximately 100000 are outstanding.
But If we could draw out the con-
cealed property and tax it we could
well afford to give over any attempt to
collect tax on mortgages which
must. in the nature of things, be even
tually aid by the borrower of the
money"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
B0RMAN SAYS N0IFIND A WEAK SP07
Kansas Farmer Editor Will No
Run for Mayor of Topeka.
Lack of Time and Energy Is
His Stated Reason.

T. A. Norman, editor of the Kansas
Farmer and former head of the Con-
tinental Creamery and president of the
state fair association issued state
ment today in which he declined to be-
come candidate for mayor of Topeka
in the April election.
II regret that the lack of time and
energy makes it necessary that I de-
cline the urgent request of friends that
be a candidate for the Office of mayor
Of Topeka he said. II am, neverthe-
less. appreciative of the far-reaching
sentiment in favor of such candidacy
and cannot have other than a deep
sense of regret because of the apparent
disappointment of those who have been
urging me to get in the race"
This leaves only three candidates In
the race-Fred Voiland, Jay House and
Charles Mitchell.
Rumors today state that P. J. eleven
ger may enter the primaries for mayor.
Possibility Of further interesting de-
velopments in city politics became evil
dent today when w. ]. Arnold. county
engineer. stated that he was favorably
considering the matter of jumping into
the race for commissioner of streets
and public works of this city at the
coming primaries and election.
Mr.. Arnold "A now serving hiB fourth
term az county engineer. Prior to hold-
ing h1f present position ne was in the
employ of the city as office engineer
and assistant engineer.
w. g. Tandy is the present commits
sioner of streets and public works.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
QUICK ABOUT IT.
BH IN House Requires Promp
5 Delivery Of Wire Messages.
Drastic Corporation Measure
ON Telephones and Telegraph.

Representative Williams Of Sedgwick
county, today introduced in the house
a bill providing fine OF $500 for fall
ure to deliver promptly any telephone
or telegraph message offered for trans
initial. The bill is one of the most
drastic corporation bills introduced at
this session of the legislature, in that
it throws the burden of proof entirely
on the defendant company.
Not only does the bill provide a heavy
penalty for delays in delivering mes
sages. but it compels all telephone and
telegraph companies to provide sufii-
cient facilities at all offices for the
prompt handling Of business. This pro-
vision means the necessity Of expen-
diture of large sums by tn, telephone
and telegraph companies doing business
In order that they may comply with
provisions of the act. Williams also
provides that it shall be the burden of
the telephone or telegraph company to
show to the satisfaction Of the court
that the best possible service was rem
dered. This provision places the re-
sponsibility entirely on the shoulders
Of the defendant corporation. In each
case where findings are rendered
against the telephone or telegraph COM
pany. under terms of the bill. judg-
ment for $500 shall be rendered. OF
this amount $500 shall be paid to the
complainant and 500 shall be paid into
the county school fund.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
kEENE IS NAMED
Fort Scott Republican Head.
House Ways and Means.
Two Big Committees Filled by
Speaker Stone Today.

Speaker Stone today named two i'm
portant house committees-ways and
means and insurance. A. NJ. Keene
Of FortxScOtt was appointed as chair
man OF the big financial committee,
while Frank Travis Of Allen county
was placed in charge Of the insurance
committee.
Sixteen Republican, and Progress
sives and seven Democrats were
named on the ways and means COM
mittee. The insurance committee is
composed Of eight Republicans and
Progressives and six Democrats. The
committees are composed of the fol-
lowing members:
Ways and means committee-Keene
Of Bourbon. Layton Of Osborne. Pome-
roy of jackson, Satterthwafte, of But
Ter. Laing of Russell, Todd OF Saline,
johnson of Brown, Wells of Miami, Al
drich Of Montgomery. Resler of Neo-
sho. Bray Of Hamilton. Taylor Of Wa
baunsee, Lamb Of Dickinson, Smith of
Seward, Tyson of Linn, Ossweiler of
Sedgwick, Ross of Rice, Mahurfn of
Corey, Tannahill OF Woodson. More
head Of Nemaha. Meyer OF Jefferson.
Coolidge Of Smith. Neihart of Usage.
Insurance cOmmittee-Travfs of Al
len. Lamb of Montgomery. Harris ol
Ellsworth. Mayhem Of Atchison. Cool
idge of Smith. Lfndley of Barber
Hart of Jewell, Petit of Marion
Doerr OF Pawnee, Van C1eave OF
Wyandotte. Coffin Of Morris, Doyle OF
Clark, Milton OF Stafford, Schmidt ot
NArBhall
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
DIES IN The SKY
Son of German General Killed
in an AerOplane.
French Bullet Pierced His
Heart 1900 Feet in the Air.

Paris. Jan. 15.-Captain Won Falk-
enhayn. son Of the German chief of
the general staff, was shot dead 1000
feet In the air near Amfens on Sunday.
He was accommodating with pilot
when a French monoplane gave chase.
The thrilling pursuit lasted on hour
when the swift French machine drew
near and an officer fired four musket
shots at the German crew.
The first ball pierced Falkenhayn's
heart and death was instantaneous.
Another shot seriously wounded the
pilot. When the machine settled in
the French es the latter, offering
his hand to French pilot said:
''Shake. I'm proud I had such a
worthy adversary
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
CHEAPER TO run
Bnl in House to- Whittle Cost
Of Ofieias Aspirants. ss,
Limit Election Expense to 10
Per Gent Years Salary.

Expense of running for office in Kan
sas will be reduced to the minimum un-
der provisions Of bill offered in the
house today by Jocelyn Of Sedgwick
county. Jocelyn would compel candi-
dates to limit their combined primary
and general election expenses to 10 per
cent of the first years salary of the
Office which they seek.
With the clamor for less expensive
primary and a reduction in wild ex-
penditure of funds in election cam
paigns, Jocelyn has proposed method
of relief. The bill provides a penalty
for it's violation and limits expenses
in both campaigns to 10 per cent of one
years salary. For an Office which pays
$1,000 salary, a candidate might spend
not to exceed 5000 in securing both the
nomination and election.
Jocelyn claims that his bill will re-
lieve the demand for a reduction In
campaign expenses and remove the i'm
preston that the primary system is a
''rich mans game"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15

SAVE s8g0Q poo ANNUALLY

Representatives MaAurin Of Corey
county today introdueed i'm the house
a bill providing for state life Insurance
The bill would put insurance companies
doing business in the state entirely out
of business If the dreams and hopes
Of the Coney cou6fy member are
realized. He asks foe an appropriation
of $4,000 to put in operation the pro-
visions of the act.
Two years ago Mahurfn came to To-
peka with bill in many ways similar
to the one introduced In today's ses-
sion. He has made some material
changes in the measure. however. and
believes that his bill has been material
ly strengthened. The operation of the
new law would be placed in the hands
of the state executive council.
The Coffey county man claims for his
bill saving to Kansas life insurance
policyholders Of from six to eight mill
lion dollars year. The bill provides
that the state shall Establish a NOR
tuary basis on which rates shall be
established and that4p policies shall be
written for actual col based on prob
able annual losses. TAe money collect
ed in premiums would be available for
loans on Kansas real estate, such
loans to be approved by the executive
council
Cut Out Overhead Expense.
1.-THE act would eliminate all over
head expense sid Mahurin today in
discussing provisions az his proposed
law. 1T would save policy holders of
the state from six to eight million
dollars a year. The money could be
loaned on Kansas real estate, such
loans being approved by the state ex-
ecutive council. The executive coun-
Gil would be the board Of managers In
absolute charge Of the operation OF
the law and the handling OF the funds.
There is at this time nearly eco
million dollars OF kansas money in
the bands y eastern QM line insur-
e he. i peesas, - fsssf i;F ssvsry true
sense Of the wssd Ind eheuld be in
vested In Ksfsas lands. BVsthe en-
actment Of the state life Insurance.
provisions the money would not only
be kept IN the state, but the cost OF
insurance would be reduced to the
minimum"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
HIGHER and HIGHER.
May Wheat Reaches 9f.43k i'm Chi
casO Market

Chicago. Jan. 15.-It was not q
minute today until wheat broke the
war-price high record. First sales Of
the May delivery shot up to $1.43x .
bushel. nearly q full cent above last
nights close and overtopping by Nc
the previous figures which were at
tanned on yesterdays excited advance.
Liverpool quotations up to had
much to do with the fresh upturn
here.
Before the market was an hour old
May wheat, selling at &1.44& a n,
had gained more than 2 cents q busn-
z FL Ia value, as compared with what
Ssvs @ befors Advtces VIC from rural CEN en-
ters. notably in Kansas and Nebraska,
indicated that farmers were selling
but little.
Assertions that all tho wheat oflodt
at Buffalo had been Withdfn8m ff6m
sale was regarded - especially 1dontkl-
cant.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
German Success in Driving
French Across the Aisne.
Important Victory May Open
the Way to Paris.
{By ]. w T. Mason.)

New York. Jan. 15.-The German sue
cess in driving the French across the
Aisne, east Of scissors, is the most
important victory either side has won
in the western area since winter began.
It's present Significance is negligible
but, if the Germans can maintain their
position on the south of the river. they
will have a permanent crossing for
future operations toward Paris.
Whether the spring campaign will 30
develop as to permit q new drive on
Paris cannot be known now to anyone.
But certainly this possibility exists.
and in it is the warrant for Germany's
suddenly developed scissors offensive.
The kaiser, recovered from his recent
illness, seems to have selected the
Aisne front for his convelescent visit
to the firing line, which in itself sug-
gests that more than casual importance
is attached by the Germans to the
seizure Of crossings over the Aisne.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
BY HARVEY PARSONS.

Senator Joe Howe has offered the
Hodges amendment for consideration.
The Hodges amendment is a propo-
sition to run the state something like
a successful business man would run
his business. The Hodges idea Is
revolutionary and almost Socialistic.
1t would put the double-X sign on the
only form OF dissipation permissible
in Kansas-the opening of the bien-
NAL legislature. A few gentlemen
trained such w0rkw0uld meet in a
back room and conduct the business
Of the state. and the army OF askers
would not be among those present.
There would be no caucus. no jam in
the hotel lobbies. no army and navy
Of sergeants at arms, and DANCED lit
tie oratory. But the Hodges amend
ment will not get past first base at this
session 1t win take several years to
(Continued on Pare Nine-l
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
so LONG, SPRING.
Weather Bureau Says Rain or Snow
Is on the Way.

weather Bureau Says Rain or Snow
Is ON the Way.
This is positively the last Of the
beautiful weather.-S. d. Sunny
Flora. government weather observer.
The weather was the April variety
today, but q 1isagreeable and colder
brand of atmospheric conditions is on
the way, according to the government
forecaster.
The forecast: Unsettled tonight and
Saturday; probably snow in the west
portion of the state and rain or snow
in the east, and COLDER
Shippers' forecast: Protect Is hour
shipments north agains+ temperature
of between 20 and Is degrees: west,
16 to 20: south and east. 30.'
A temperature of between 20 and Is
degrees Is expected at Topeka by Sat-
urday morning.
On this date in 1883 the minimum
temperature was 20 degrees below
zero. The coldest January weather on
record was On January IS. '82-3 be-
low. The lowest temperature on record
at Topeka il Is below. This occurred
February II. 1889.
{ The temperature today averaged -
degrees above normal. The wind waa
II miles from the south this after
r>o,r~lxr ~n, xasr~~.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
TRADITION IS SAFE.
The Vatican Denies That the Pope
Left the Building.

Rome, Jan. 15-Some of the newspa-
pers announce that Pope Benedict, in
visiting the wounded at Santa Marta
hospital left the vatican thus interrupt
ing the traditional imprisonment of the
pope always adhered to by Pope Plus
TX, Leo and Plus X, after the fall of
the temporal power. meaning thus to
protest against the occupation of Rome
In reply the vatican says the pontin
did not leave the vatican but passing
through the apostolic palace inside St.
Peters he reached the hospital with
out touching Italian soil His prede-
cessor did the same thing when he Wis.,
tied the wounded brought to Santa
Marta hospital after the earthquake in
Messina.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
FIGHT ON MAIL Car.
Three Men Have a 'sFree-fOr-A1l" on
Rock Island Train.

Liberal. Kan, Jan. IA fight and
shooting affray in which the superin-
tendent and two helpers of a mail car
on the Rock Island Golden State linn
tied took part near Chamberlain, Tex,
early today resulted in broken leg
for w. d. Settle. helper, gunshot
wounds for the superintendent VII
liam L. Lowrey and arrest for the
helper, H. G. French.
The fight started it was said, after
an argument about g. revolver which
French held. Settles leg was broken
soon after the struggle started and
the other two men were left to fight
alone. Lowrey, although wounded
was able to overpower the helper and
signal for the train to stop. At Tex
homa, Okla, a physician was taken
on to attend the injured men.
Sheriff Dobeon of this place took
charge of French. All three live in
Kansas City.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
SETTLE FAIR TROUBLE
Topeka Would Have Small ApprOpria-
Aion-HutchinsOn Wants $1O7, 900.

The legislature will be asked to ap-
propriate $4,000 for the Topeka state
fair during the coming biennium, ac-
cording to plans of Topeka repre-
sentatives in both branches of the
state legislature. The proposed bill
may mean compromise of the
Hutchinson-Topeka state fair differ
ences and a small appropriation for
both institutions.
1t is probable, however, that any ef-
fort on the part Of the Hutchinson
supporters to secure an appropriation
for buildings or for prizes for racing
purposes will meet with opposition In
his biennial report, w. E. Davis, state
auditor. recommended a small appro-
priation for the Hutchinson fair, but
urged that 1t be used only as a re-
volving fund to meet any temporary
deficit. 1t is possible that upon this
same basis, an appropriation may be
made for both fairs. The plans of
friends of the Topeka bill are for an
appropriation to cover premiums for
live stock and agricultural exhibits
only in event the receipts of the fair
are insufficient to meet this expense,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
LEGISLATURE ADJOuRNS
No Sessions in House or Senate Until
Monday.

There will be no session of the leg
islature Saturday. The house today
agreed that when it adjourned for the
day. it would adjourn until 10 O'Clock
Monday morning. The senate ad-
iourned at II o'clock until O'Clock
Monday afternoon.
As is customary in the early ses-
sions of the legislature, Saturday ses-
sions of the two houses will be dis
pensed with until the committees have
caught up with their work. While
there will be no open sessions Satur-
day, committees of both houses will
be active.
The weekss grist of bills will find
their way to the committee rooms to-
night and Saturday and some time
next week the legislature will get
down to the serious business of enact
ing laws
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
Driven Over the River BY Gen,
Won Kluck's Army.
The Germans Have Been Gain
ing fer Several Days.


London, Jan. 1.-THE violent Ger
man attack to the north of Scissors
under the direction OF General Won
Kluck which coupled with q flood stage
OF the rivers. has forced the French
back across the Aisne, Is not the most
striking news of the last ~ hours. from
the seat Of war. The Germans have
been gaining in this locality for sew
eral days but they had not recovered
all Of the ground lost by them
This engagement north of Soissons il
the first notable fighting in the vicinity
since last September when the British
army. which subsequently was trans
ferred to Belgium, was successful in
crossing the Aisne.
Snow in the Vosges mountains and
floods in Flanders still prevent any ex-
tensive operations on the eastern or
1t appears as though the 6oissons dis
trict ha0 been selected for the point
where. with reinfOrcements and first
line troops, the Germans are planning
to display once more the hammering
tactics SO familiar during the autumn.
On the other hand some war experts
argue that the operations at Scissors
may have been undertaken to compel
the allies to lessen the pressure in Al
SAGE.
The British. too, won a marked sue
cess several days ago near La Bassee
strongly entrenched positions. gaining
one mile in distance and inflicting Sc
we're losses on their antagonists.
There has been no change Of import
ance in the eastern arena Of the war.
Italy has been momentarily distracted
ing earthquake of January Ii. The as
sertion is still being made in London
that the allies confidently expect Italy
to Join them In due course.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
ONLY AFEW SAVED
Nearly All the 1900 Inhab-
itants of SOra Perished.
Many of the Earthquake VIC
tins Died of Exposure.

Rome Jan. 15.-There is reason to be-
lieve that only few hundred persons
out of the 1900 who inhabited Sora
have been saved. 1t is of course impos-
sible as yet to ascertain the exact num-
ber of the dead and wounded. Relief
expeditions have been hurried to Sora
and every hour is bringing most har-
rowing particulars of the destruction
of the town.
The shocks were so severe at Sora
that some buildings were apparently
removed from their foundations and
overturned some distance from their
original positions. The river Liri is in
flood.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
are FORCED BACK
Germans Being Hard Pressed
by the Russians.
Won Hindenberg Compelled to
Take the Offensive.

Petrograd, Jan. 15.-The Russian
drive against the German line along
the northern East Prussian frontier is
declared to be increasing In propor-
tion- The entire Russian left wing Is
now said to be engaged and to be
forcing the Germans back on their
main defense position.
In order to check it. General Won
Hindenberg is resuming the offensive
along the center at the junction of the
Bxura and Rawka rivers
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-01-15
List of Injured Earthquake
Victims May Reach 100000.
EVERY TOWN AND VILLAGE
In the Valley of the Lira Has
Been Damaged.
Water Is Cut Of at Every Point
in 'Quake Zone.
(By Alice Rohe.)

Rome, Jan. 15.-Every hour
swells the casualty list of the
earthquake disaster. Official
and unofficial reports reaching
Premier Selandra. in charge OF
the relief work. show that towns
heretofore believed to be inn
mune have suffered. The latest
estimate of the government
shows that at least 10000 fell
victims to the quake. The list OF
injured may reach 100000.
The minister of public works, who
Is at the scene Of the disaster, wired
Premier Selandra today that every
city. town and village in the Lira val
lev has been damaged, with many OF
the inhabitants dead and wounded.
Because many of the victims are still
cntOlnbed in the ruins OF their homes.
additional troops were sent to the
quake zone today. Hundreds OF
wounded victims are streaming into
Rome and all of the public buildings
have been ordered opened and turned
into temporary hospitals to relieve the
pressure on the regular hospitals, al
ready crowded to the limit.
The government is still greatly con-
cerned about conditions at Magliano
de Marsi where refugees reported that
1900 persons had been killed; Capelle.
--here 800 we're reported entombed and
Albafucence, which has been totally
razed. but up to the present no reports
have been received from the command
ing officer of the troops sent to the re-
lief.
Shocks Continue.
Minor shocks, which still continue.
have added to the terror OF the resi-
dents of the poorer quarter OF Rome,
who -.ssraea 80 return st1+s si.ei1. sso.A.ee-
but remain quartered in the open
squares Of the city. E,
The water supply of practically ev-
cry city an town in the earthquake
zone has been cut off. Fortunately at
only a few points did fire occur in the
ruins. If the ruins had caught fire,
the death list would have been very
greatly increased, as at many points
victims were entombed for more than
twenty-four hours before the soldiers
managed to take them out.
The valley below stricken Avezzano
is facing a new danger. The overflow
of Lake Fucino has been damned by
the earthquake and it is feared that
unless this speedily can be remedied
TContinued on PAGE TWo1