davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
COMMUTE LIMIT
House Voted to Limit Debates
to Each Member Today.
More Than 500 Original Bills
on Calendar Now. .....e

The house today voted to get busy.
Debate on all bills. not. on sspeciat orr
ders bills on which committees have
not directly recommended passage or
bills on which majority consent is
given for prolonged consideration,
will be limited to thirty minutes at
tentiOn by house members.
Jocelyn OF Sedgwick county today
pointed out the need of more haste
in house deliberations. In a resolu-
tion he called attention to the fact
that the house now has more than 500
original bills on the calendar or in
the committees and that the disorgan-
tied manner which has characterized
consideration of proposed legislation
will block passage of many measures.
His resolution called for a limitation
of fifteen minutes on all bills not on
special orders or on which a majority
of the members voted for extended
consideration.
Bird of Shawnee county wanted to
limit debate to ten minutes. Hen
bricks of Rawlins wanted the lid off
and free and unlimited coinage of
oratory. The house finally compro-
missed on thirty minutes debate of any
bill not on special order or which did
not carry direct committee recon-
mendat ton.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
Senator Logan Sees Strong Bridge
Lobby In Topeka.
County Commissioners Aiding tn
Plan, He Charges.
BRIDGE COMBIN1
He May Cau County Oniciais In fol
an Investigation.
Present Method Most Costly to Tax
payers, He Declares.

That the legislative committee OF
the County Commissioners associa-
ton is working hand in hand with
the bridge companies, and that the
bridge companies are paying the ex-
penses OF the commissioners commit
tee during the session for the sake Of
the lobbying that is being done. is the
charge of Senator +. c.. Logan Of
Mitchell county. who says he will in
troduce a resolution asking for an in
Ivestigation Of the commissioners
lobby.
The Mitchell county member Of the
upper house threatens to do worse
than that. and demand that the at
torney general. by authority of the
senate resolution providing the inves-
tigation of an alleged bridge combine.
call the members of the lobby in and
examine them as to their con-
nectiOns with the bridge companies OF
the state, or those doing business in
I Kansas.
When the highway and bridge bills
come up for passage in the senate
Senator Logan is primed for them
with a variety of information and sta
tistics. tending, he declares, to prove
Iconclusively the existence at least of a
I"gentlemen's agreement between the
companies. He declares that the pres
L Ient manner of handling bridge con-
tracts Is costing the taxpayers OF the
state hundreds of thousands of dol
lars every year in excessively high
bids on which contracts are let, made
possible by an understanding between
the companies he charges exist where
by certain company, no matter how
high its figures. is the lowest bidder in
gwen counties
THE most reprehensible lobby ap-
pears to be that alleged to be repre-
senting the county commissioners %
Senator Logan says, "but which in
reality is being manipulated and con-
trOlled by the bridge companies.
shall demand that it be investigated" !"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
EVERETT AkERS DEAD
Well Known TOpekan Dies After One
Year of Failing Health.

Everett Akers. for many years in
charge of the business office of the
State Journal, died early Sunday
morning at the home Of his mother.
Mrs. w. C. Campbell, at Los Angeles,
California. Mr.. Akers had been ill
for more than a year and had spent
nearly that length of time in the west
in search of health. The notifica-
ton of his death was a shock to rela-
tives and friends here who had hope
of his improvement. 0. J. Wood,
father of Mrs. Akers, left last night
for Seligman, AriZ.. where he expects
to join his daughter on the return
journey. 1t is probable that the fun
eral will be held here Friday
The death of Everett Akers is felt
as personal loss by more than the
usual number of intimate friends and
business associates. He had barely
stricken. but he had long before es-
tablished reputation for efficiency,
integrity and quiet geniality which
commanded the respect and affection
OF all those with whom he came in
contact. His struggle with ill health
commenced before he gave up his
duties. A journey to Arizona failed
to bring the desired relief and he
went thence to California several
months ago.
hastened the progress of the tubercu-
lar affection which caused his death.
Mr.. Akers was 81 years of age. He
is survived by his wife. who was Miss
Mabel Wood, and their two children,
Jane and Robert, who have been liv-
ing with their grandparents, Mr.. and
Mrs. o. ]. Wood of 1917 Tyler street.
A sister, Mrs. Carroll Hill, who was
Miss Roberta Akers, lives at Los An
geles. while a brother, Warren Akers,
resides in Washington, d. c. All for
merly lived here and have many
friends in Topeka. Mr.. Akers was q
student at Washburn college but left
before graduation for the employ OF
the State Journal with which he was
connected for II years
He was an active Mason and was
past master of Sloan lodge 225 o1
Topeka.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
TWO KILLED IN FIRE.
Man Entered Burning Building t.
Rescue Child But Never Returned.

Skidmore. Kan. Feb. 8.-William
Boyd, pit boss at a slope mine near
here. and his five year old daughter
were burned to death in a fire which
destroyed their home at o'clock this
morning.
Boyd arose to build a fire under the
engine boiler at the mine and before
he went outside started a fire in a
stove in the house. When he returned
from the mine he found the house on
fire.
Mrs. Boyd and two other children
were aroused and rushed from the
burning structure. Then it was dis
covered that another child was still in
the house. Boyd rushed into the
flames and failed to return His body
and that of the child he sought to res
cue were found in the ashes 1t is be-
lieved the house flue was defective.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
PANIC IN MEXICO
Zapata's Army Is Closing In on
the City.
The Banks and the PRINCIPAL
Stores Are Closed.

Washington, Feb. 8-Zapatista
forces are gradually closing in on
Mexico City again, tOday's official dis
patches report and the apprehension
is daily growing more acute. Prac-
tically all the foreign diplomatic rep
resentatives have asked their home
governments for instructions as to
what they should do in certain con-
tingencies. and are hoping to be per-
mitted to use their discretion as to
abandoning their legations.
Demonstrations continue by the
populace. which has been affected by
the notification by Carranza authori-
tics of pepper currency issued hy. pre-
vious administrations and the scarcity
of food is causing grave anxiety. An
official summary of other conditions
issued by the state department today
follows:
THE department is informed that
the banks and principal stores in the
City of Mexico remain closed on ac-
count of the order nullifying the
Villa currency. Gen. CarranZa is re-
ported to have telegraphed that relief
will be furnished the poor, but there
are no indications that this relief will
apply to the middle class and to COM
merce generally. There is con-
tinued scarcity of bread in the city.
1t is said that the constitutionalists
have confiscated number of horses.
According to the departments ad-
vices the Carranza administration is
shipping its own supplies out of the
city and articles of prime necessity
are daily getting scarcer. The de-
partment is advised that Felicitas
Villareal is still in prison in Mexico
City,
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08

posed today in bill in the house by
Lamb of Dickinson county. The bill
carries an appropriation of $4,000
Lambs bill provides that a state
police marshal. a resident of Kansas,
shall be appointed by the governor for
a term of two years. He would re-
ceive a salary of $4,000 a year and
would have at his disposal the ap-
pointment of five deputies, each of
whom would receive $1,000 a year.
Travelling expenses and hotel bills
would be included in the. expenses OF
the state marshal and his assistants.
The chief duty of the department
would be to seek arrest and conviction
of burglars.
Rewards for arrests and conviction
of burglars might be offered by the
department under terms of the Lamb
bill. Offices of the department would
be provided in the state house by the
executive council. The state police
marshal and his deputies would have
state wide Jurisdiction to investigate
all cases of robbery and burglary and
to make arrests. 1t is provided in the
bill that the state marshal and his
deputies shall devote their entire time
to work of the department. The mar
shall would be subject at all times to
removal by the governor for cause.
The appropriation of $4,000 pro-
posed under terms of the Lamb bill
would meet expenses of the depart
ment and all rewards
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08

MINOR VICTORIES CLAIMED
In East Prussia and Northern
Poland by MuscOvites.
Torpedo Boat DestrOyers Bonn
bard ChOppa on Black Sea.

Petrograd, F. b. S.-Hard flgntihs
continues in the Carpathians Win sue
cesses OF considerable Importance ior
the Russian troops, according 10 an
official communication issued here TO-
day.
A pursuit of the Austrlans' a1'er
their resistance had been broken at
three fortified positions near Mezo-
laborcz, is said to have resulted IN the
capture of more than 2,5OO prison.
ers. The capture of additional troops
after a retreat north of Uzsok Pass
also is recorded, while it is stated
Austrian attacks were repulsed at 9TH
er mountain passes.
Minor Russian victories are claimed
in East Prussia and Northern Poland.
The text of the communication ioi-
lows: x,...,.
ION the right bank of the Vistula
some skirmishes favorable to us have
taken place. On a broad front near
the village Of Nodroz Cossacks attacked
a squadron Of the enemy supported
by infantry. capturing twenty Hus-
SarS. ~.
"Our cavalry at 3 o'clock in the
morning dislodged by bayonet at
TWO.1
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
ATTACK RUMANIA
Austrfans Attempt to Cross the
Frontier Near Turnsevrin.
Furious Fight Follows and
They Are Turned Back.

Paris, Feb. S.-Austrian troops
have violated the Rumanian frontier
near Turnsevrin, the Journal is in
formed in a dispatch from its Nish
The Austrians are re-
ported to have fired on frontier
guards who attempted to oppose their
passage and furious fight followed.
Strong reinforcements came to the
help of the Rumanians, and after a
three hours struggle the Austrians
are reported to have been driven back
across the line with a large number Of
wounded.
If the Austrians had captured Turn
sevrin, the correspondent says they
would have had complete command of
Kladovo, the only place in Serbia on
the Danube permitting cOmmunica-
ton, with Rumania- The incident
which occurred several days ago. has
not been followed by either side. the
Journal report states
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
FEE FOR MOVIES
State License for Motion Pic
lures Provided in Bill.
Heavy Fines for Displaying Inn
moral Films in Measure.

State licenses for moving picture
theaters and fines for displaying inn
moral pictures is provided in a bill in
troduced in the house today by Rep
resentative Pierce. The measure pro-
vides a state license of $500 a year for
each moving picture theater and a
fine of not more than 5000 for dis
playing immoral pictures.
The bill provides that the movie
license shall be paid to the county
treasurer and that $3.50 Of the amount
shall go into the general revenue fund
of the county, while $50 of the
amount shall be used for county road
purposes. Failure to procure q license
shall subject the owner to q fine Of
not more than $500 and summary
closing of the theater. All licenses,
under terms OF the bill, would expire
June 80 each year. Licenses would
not be transferable.
For displaying immoral pictures.
owners of a picture theater might be
fined in any sum not exceeding 5000
and upon order Of the court the
license might be cancelled.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
CIRCUMSTANTIAL FACTOR
IN BLACK HAND TESTIMONY
Sensational John Collins-Theoaore
Hammatt Case Is On.
of Jury Took Entire
Morning Session.
TALE OF CHUNK OF MUD
Cake ON Motorcycle Wheel Has Bear
ing on the Case.
Attorneys Hinted at Testimony I'm
Question in Panel

Should the state be successful in it's
attempt to connect John Collins with
the alleged attempt to obtain $4,000
from Theodore Hammatt, Topeka
miller, with the use of a blackhand
letter September %, 1914, circum-
stantial evidence will undoubtedly be
an important factor in the testimony
given by witnesses for the state
Proceedings in the Hammatt alleged
blackmail case began in the second di-
vision OF the Shawnee county district
court before Judge Whitcomb at 10
O'Clock this morning. All the morning
session and part of the afternoons
were devoted to arguments of counsels
and the examination of the jury.
The examination of members Of the
jury was rigid by both the attorneys
for the state and the plaintiff
Are you opposed to convicting a
man on circumstantial evidence should
such evidence satisfy you beyond a
reasonable doubt that the man is
guilty." was the gist of a question
asked every juror by w. E. Atchison,
rContinued on Page 'rwo.l
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
Many Platform Pledges Coming
Before Lawmakers.
But Wednesday Has Been Made
Amendment Day.
Night Sessions to Relieve Bur.
dens of House Calendar.

With the opening today Of the fifth
week Of the session. the Kansas leg
islature faces the busiest week since
the organization of the house and
senate in January. Many platform
pledges will be considered during the,
week and administration leaders ar6
clearing the decks for early action ON
appropriation bills. In the midst OF
troubles comes rumor of . special
session. The house convened this
morning at IL O'Clock. Tho weeks
session In the senate will begin at 4
o'clock this afternoon.
The efforts of leaders Of both par
ties will be directed toward the work
In tho committee rooms. Several hum
dred bills are now tied up in the va
rious committees and the members
who have already begun to think of
spring plowing and an early adjourn
ment do not want to leave town until
their bills have had fair con.idera-
ton 1t Is for this reason that tho
house will begin its daily sessions at
IL O'Clock each morning this week.
This plan will allow time for two or
three hours' work each morning by
rCsnnfin1a0.6 ~, Do1o T@O
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
PRExY GETS BUSY
Western League Heaa Takes
Hand in Topeka situation. !
He May Transfer Franchise to
Colorado Springs.

Chicago, Feb. S.-Western League
magnates have renewed their task of
arranging a 1915 schedule. They
hoped to have one satisfactory to all
clubs by tonight but the possibility Of
a change in the circuit may delay the
adoption Of any schedule.
President O'NeiH announced he
would go to Colorado Springs tonight
to look over the ground, as there is q
chance a team will be installed in that
city should the efforts to keep a fran
chise in Topeka fail.
1t is possible that H. HI. Meyer, the
Webster. S. d., capitalist, who is
seeking a franchise, will meet O'Neill
in Colorado Springs. 1t was decided
that the league should be prepared for
any outcome in the Topeka affairs,
hence O'Neill's trip. S. j. Baer, a
director in the Topeka club. Joined the
meeting today.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
FAIR SKY IN KANSAS.
And Weather Man Promises More OF
Spring Variety.

This has been the kind of day
that reminds one that spring is really
not far off. The day dawned clear
and a light southerly wind caused a
steady rise in temperature. The
weather prophet has ordered a con-
tinuance of tair skies and a slight rise
in temperature Tuesday.
Some the coldest weather of winter
comes in February. but the cold
spells" are generally of short dura-
ton as compared to those of January.
The normal minimum temperature is
now 1S degrees as compared with IS
the middle of January. From now
on there will be a steady rise in the
normal. March and dog tooth violets
will soon be here! But in the mean
time there may be some cold weather.
The highest temperature on this
date in the twenty-eight years that
the local records have been kept was
bS in 1898; the lowest was 10 below
zero in 1895.
Shippers forecast: Protect thirty
six hour shipments north against
temperature of twenty degrees; east
south and west. 25 degrees
The hourly readingS:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
UNDER AMERICAN FLAG


arrival at Liverpool. under the Amer
lean flag, Of the Cunard line steamer
Lusitania is given much space in the
English papers today. The ihforma-
ton was received too late to permit
Of much editorial comment, as yet.
but enough has been printed to show
the incident is regarded as one Of
great Importance. 1t is not generally
expected that the British govern
ment will take further action unless
Washington. requests an explanation.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08

Neeley, Democrat, expects to file con-
test proceedings in the United States
senate this week against Charles Cur
tis. Republican. who won the sena-
torial election over Neeley in Novem-
Der. There is a wide difference of
opinion among Kansas Democrats con-
corning Neeley's plans and his chances
Of success.
In his petition, it is claimed, Neeley
will allege that illegal methods were
used by friends of Senator Curtis and
that marked sample ballots were fur
nished voters in a manner contrary to
the provisions of the Massachusetts
law. Senator Curtis has refused to dis
cuss in detail the possibility of a con-
test.
Let him contest has been the To-
pekan's declaration, II am ready for
him.
That was all. The well known DO
litical warrior is keeping his own coun-
sci as to his plans. That he is ready
to meet a contest, there is little doubt
among Curtis followers.
Neeley will never contest" de-
clared a widely known kansas Demo-
crat today. If he does. he will do SO
without the support of a majority of
the Democrats of the state"
1t is believed that Nee1ey's threat to
contest mas been the more loudly pro-
claimed since the seeming defeat OF
any chance to create a new federal
judgeship In Kansas. The action of
the Democrats in the house of repre-
sentatives last week was a severe Jolt
to Neeley's well known ambition to be-
come federal judge: The house un-
animously adopted the Doerr resOlu-
ton declaring that the state needed
a new federal judicial district about as
badly as Topeka and Lawrence needed
river Qualifications. The resolution
was a direct slap at Neeley.
Now there is seemingly but one
course open to the Seventh district
congressman. In a contest he has
everything to win and nothing to lose
The proceedings would be brought be-
fore a Democratic body and the report
which has found its way to Topeka
is to the effect that Neeley plans to
oppose the seating of Charles Curtis
in the United States senate In March.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08

of Germany's dreaded fleet Of aerial
battleships, that spoke. This was his
answer to the protest raised by Ger
many's enemies against the use of
Zeppelins and the dropping of bombs
on unfortified places. killing women
and children. And his answer was a
justification of what had taken place;
what will continue to take place while
this world war goes on.
mo one regrets more than 1 do
and here the voice of the aged soldier
TContinued on Pare Two.7
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
SAVAGE IS COMING
Kansas City Man Ready to Take
Over Baseball Club.
Meeting to Close Deal will Be
Held Tonight.

i. Chicago. heb. s--1opeka,s FUTURE,
4he%WeSt4rn League probably 1e1s1.
be decided at a meeting here tomor-
row In which the several interests will
be represented. President O'NeiIl to-
day wired the Topeka bank which
held q mortgage on the club and
prospective purchaser Of the franchise
who halls from Kansas City to meet
the league magnates and Simeon
Baer. a Topeka director, here tomor-
row. The call for the meeting follow
ed consultation between Baer and
O'Neill. which resulted also in the
postponement of the latter's trip to
Colorado Springs. The name of the
Kansas City man who wants to buy
the franchise was withheld.
chddas. LITTLE progress was as reHDrted ' on the
row night before any Of the proposed
charts are adopted.
The Local situation.
Over the long distance telephone
this afternoon; G. 2: Benson. who
bank in Chicago at the meeting Sun
day. stated that he was in Kansas
City and that he and John savage.
secretary Of the Kansas City Blues.
noon at o'clock and that Mr.. Savage
was coming for the purpose of &C.
cepting the proposition made, to him
by the old directors Of the club some
time ago.
Arch NJ. Catlin. president of the
old baseball corporation, said that the
option given him and his associates
had expired and that he did not know
whether or not the original deal with
Savage could be closed as the mat
ter is now in the hands of the hank.
Meeting Tonight.
However, a meeting Of the old di-
rectors Of the club. the bank officials
and Mr.. Savage will be held at the
bank tonight at o'clock for the pur-
pose OF getting together on some prop
osition.
The plan is that II some kind Of =
deal can be closed with Mr.. Savage.
he will leave at once for Chicago and
will assist in making out the schedule
after giving the assurance that he will
keep the team In Topeka.
It IL understood that Mr.. Savage
has made all necessary arrangements
with Charles Tebeau, president OF the
Kansas City club. and that Mr.. Tebeau
will give him all the assistance pOssi-
BILE II he takes over the local organic
zation.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
Cans 10 PROTECT GRAIN.

Cairo, Feb. 0.-The Turkish au-
thoritfes have issued orders for the
Communicating of several hum
dred cats in Syria. They are need
ed to protect the vast stores Of
grain and provisions, in the mill
tary depots from the incurston Of
mice and rats.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
SOLDIERS SAVE MONEY.

Berne. Switzerland. Feb. S.-Ba-
varian troops serving on the west
ern front sent home $5.5OO,OOO of
their pay for deposit in savings
banks during the five months Of
the war, according to postal statis-
tics published in Munich.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
Back ON Fuu Time.

Elizabeth. n. J.. Feb. 8.-The as
sembling department., one Of the larg-
est at the Singer sewing machine
works. has announced a return of all
men on a full time schedule. beginning
today. At the office of the manage
ment it was said that the entire plant
will be back on the old d.schedule with
in another month. Early last fall
about SO per cent Of the 5000 en-
ployees was laid on.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
BRITISH LOSE 100000
English Casualties Show Tremendous
War Penalties.

London, Feb. S.-Premier Asoufth.
speaking in the house of commons to-
day, said that British casualties in
all ranks in the western arena Of the
war from the beginning of hostilitfes
to February 4. amounted to approxi-
mately 100000 men. This includes
killed, wounded and missing.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-02-08
The Day In Congress.

over the administration ship bill was
resumed in the senate. House rebate
was resumed on the sundry civil ap-
preparation bill. The judiciary COM
mittee considered charges against
Federal Judge Dayton OF West vtr-