davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-08-31
Il WOULD HAVE GONE MAD
If | HAD NOT TOLD" SAYS
DEFAULTING CITY CLERK
Bessemer Official Voluntarily Confesses to Taking $4,000
Gould Not Longer Endure Pangs of Conscience and
Fear of Law-Money Lost in Speculation in
Effort to Repay Small Amounts

Oh, I intended to put it back, and ac-
tually did once or twice. But it was of
little use. Conditions were such that
more money was needed and 1 took more.
and kept on taking some, always in the
hope of winning a stake that would clear
me of all debts. You know, it's COM
monplace story. 1t has been told hun
dreds of times, and the end is always
disgrace and prison or suicide. 1 pre-
ferred to tell Hugo Black everything and
take what was coming, whatever it might
prove to be-"
But just what was it that made you
confess this morning?"
A MADDENING STRAIN
1T simply couldn't stand it any longer,
was the somewhat shaky reply. Il was
going mad. Everywhere the clutching
hands of the law faced me. l knew it
was only a question of time before /
would get caught The mayor might or
der the books audited any time and that
would mean my ruin You perhaps will
believe me when l say 1 haven't slept
good nights sleep since the first day
took the money. Yesterday 1 told my
WIFE (here his voice broke), land I told
her I would give up today
well, do you feel better now?"
Eyes, very much was the smiling re-
ply. IT feel relieved here" (and he struck
MS CneSL WITH MS MANU-. mo OIle Will
ever understand just what a tremendous
strain I've been through the past year.
1t was a continuous nightmare and my
conscience exacted fearful toll for what
little money I STOLE
Your friends will now get you out
on bail?"
yes, that Is possible" was the low
reply, but friendship is rather hazard
Gus risk to bet on. You have plenty Of
~ tot hut INV how
when you're in where I am this after
noon, friends are-well, they are just
friends-that's ALL"
"And you will not say just how you
lost the money!"
LINES OF TROUBLE
IT prefer not to say anything about
that" was the brisk reply. II know that
haven't a cent of it now. It's gone
all gone-and 1 have nothing to show
for it,"
Those deep lines under your eyes show
something" interjected the reporter.
"Sleepless nights continued Houston,
land you can state that I lost the money
in speculation. Say that I lost a little
at first, and then plunged to get 1t all
back again. It's simple story, isn't 1t?
Houston then turned on his cot and
faced the dirty wall. His arm covered
his head. and as the reporter was leav-
ing the room a choked sob was heard.
The telling of the simple story to the
reporter had evidently affected the former
treasurer of the city of Bessemer.
Houston also admitted to the reporter
that the city of Bessemer would have no
trouble in finding the exact amount of
his defalcations, as he had never falsi-
fed the books. He was in full charge,
he admitted, and took what money he
wanted whenever he felt that he need
ed it.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-08-31

tive led a dogs life for the past year,
and it was either go crazy or give up,
and 1 chose to tell Hugo Black my trou-
bles."
Reclining on a cot in the county jail,
his head propped up in his hands, James
B. Houston, city clerk and treasurer Of
the city of Bessemer, admitted his en-
bezzlement, the reasons that prompted
him to theft, and the avenging conscience
that finally brought about dramatic
confession in the office of Hugo l..
Black, the county solicitor, yesterday
morning.
Houston is now prisoner at the county
jail, awaiting action of the grand jury.
His bond was set by Judge II. b. Aber-
nethy at $4,000.
Houston admitted to the solicitor that
he had embezzled something like $4,000
from the treasury of the city of BESSIE
mer, and that he was throwing himself
on the mercy of the court.
SWEAR OUT WARRANT
Immediately after this wholly unex-
pecred confession Solicitor Black directed
M. S, Allen, his assistant, to swear out
a warrant and Houston was Immediately
transferred to the county Jail. Before
leaving the solicitors office Houston
stated that he felt degraded and would
offer no legal opposition to his conviction.
Yesterday afternoon Sheriff Thomas
j. Batson and a newspaper man visited
the prisoner in his room at the county
Jail Houston is a pleasing looking man
of about 40 years of age. though he APP
pears younger. He wore no coat, but
his collar and tie were nattily ar
ranged and he was very calm in all
his answers to the questions asked
him.
Houston confessed everything to the
newspaper man, except what he had
done with the money. On this pertinent
fact he was quite reticent and finally
admitted that he did not care to get
others in trouble; that he had lost the
money in speculation, and that he was
willing to take his medicine, no matter
how strong the dose.
when did you begin borrowing this
money!" he was asked.
MAKE ADMISSIONS
II began stealing about year ago."
was the clear and firm reply of Hous-
ton, while cynical smile played about
his lips, "There was no borrowing about
it, my boy, it was just plain, ordinary,
everyday stealing"
What was the idea-what made you
start?"
Just what is it that makes anybody go
wrong?'' was the reply in a low tone
IT really can't tell you. 1t seems that a
year ago I got hard up, real hard up, and
against 1t. I could not get money from
NV friends and-and- Well, as a last
resort I took some of the city's money.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-08-31
TODAY'S EVENTS
At the Theatres

: Lyric-Vaudeville Matinee o'clock.
Night performances and 9 o'clock.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Performances
2:45, 4, Z, Q p. m.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Country Club Meets

Tuesday afternoon sixteen ladies,
members of the Country Club Uarkin)
very delightfully."- surprised Mrs. Sarah
Green, at her home in Clio. The after
noon was thoroughly enjoyed with pro-
gressive euchre. Mrs. May Johnson
won the first honors at the games. Mrs.
Ada Lembaugh being awarded the con-
ISOLATION prize. BY invitation of Mr..
Larkin, the ladies were joined by the
men folk in the evening, making the
number present at that time thirty.
Again progressive euchre was the lead
ing diversion, prizes being awarded as
follows: Ladies, first, Mrs. May John
son; consolation, Mrs. Grace Green;
men, first, Herman Johnson; consola-
ton, Roy Green. AS memento of the
occasion Mrs. Green was presented
with beautiful set of silver orange
spoons, the gift of the club ladies'.
Following the games in the evening
Mrs. Green served most appetizing
lunch. 1t was very enjoyable occa-
sion and one long to be remembered by
all present.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Masonic Banquet

The visit of Germania Lodge, F. & A.
NJ, of Saginaw, to Vienna Lodge, last
Tuesday evening, was most enjoyable
affair. The visiting brothers conferred
the M. M. degree, using the German
tongue, and while few of the local
brethren understood the words it was
easy to be seen that the ceremonies
were conducted in the most perfect and
impressive manner, so that the occa-
sion was thoroughly enjoyable. The
visiting brethren were about seventy
in number and came by special car.
Upon arrival they were escorted to the
temple where the ladies of the O. E. S.
had prepared a splendid supper. Fol-
lowing the degree work short speeches
were made by the worshipful masters
of Vienna and Germania Lodges, in
which compliments were gracefully ex-
changed. In the afternoon, prior to
the arrival Of the visitors, Vienna
Lodge conferred the third degree.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
w. G. T. u. Notes

Our last regular meeting was held
with Mrs. A. A. Haven. Officers were
elected for the ensuing year: President,
Mrs. l. Gillett; recording secretary,
Mrs. Geo. Walker; corresponding Sec
retary. Mrs. A. Stephenson; treasurer,
Mrs. Haven. Mrs. l. Corwin and Mrs.
A. A. Williams were appointed as dele
gates to the convention at Howell.
Our next meeting, Mar. %, will be
held with Mrs. H. Adams.
Our very first convention suggested
we put a pre-emption claim upon the
press to spread the temperance cause.
We must agitate, educate, organize, in
the minds who read, for the thought
world is the laboratory of reform. The
great dailies are not only supplied with
news but the local and county papers
are on the list. Two thousand eight
hundred and sixteen women in all the
states write and furnish "copy" for
1000 regular columns each week. Their
work averages 10000 columns year.
So let us keep on. each little helps and
our mission is accomplished if the pub
lie reads our one line. Remember the
story of the mushrooms, the softest,
weakest growth known and how thous-
ands of them coming up under great
granite stone IN the pavement, lifted it
out of its place in single night. But
thousands united against the granite
stone of intemperance will accomplish
its removal.
Mrs. A. A. Williams,
Press Supt.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Former Resident Prospering

Through newspaper received dur
ing the past week, friends in Clio be-
came apprised of the fact that E. H.
Boyd, nephew of F. A. Grinnell, and
formerly well known business man
here, has just purchased ranch at a
figure of 500. 100000, in Box Butte
county, Nebraska The newspaper
article referred to is as follows:
~. E. Rice and Attorney E. H. Boyd
returned Thursday morning from Cres-
ton, Ia, where they completed ar
rangements for the purchase of the
Frank Ankeny ranch, located forty
miles south of Alliance and said to be
one of the best ranch properties in the
state. The consideration is reported as
in excess of 100000.
lover 5000 acres are included in the
ranch and it cuts in excess of 5000 tons
of hay each year. Every acre of
ground and all the buildings which are
among the best in the country, were
included in the sale.
"The purchasers are undecided as to
the disposition of the ranch but they
have indicated that they will offer for
sale all of the outlaying tracts. Some
substantial offers have been made on
these, but the owners may conclude to
hold it in its entirety. There would be
an advantage derived from selling the
disconnected land as the remainder of
the big ranch would be in compact
body and could be operated to better
advantage.
THE Crescent ranch, commonly
known as the Ankeny ranch, was owned
and operated by the late Frank An.
keny until his death several months
ago. 1t is well located and offers spe-
cial advantages for cattle raising
There is never time when the ranch
will not cut ample hay to winter thous.
ands of cattle.
"The deal is doubtless the largest
transfer of real estate ever recorded ir
| Box Butte county, although it is not
located in the county,"
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
NOMINATIONS ON THE
TOWNSHIP TICKETS
REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS
READY FOR RACE
Vienna, Thetford, Mt. Morris and Gene
see Township Tickets in
Detail

Vienna-Republican
Supervisor, o. E. Hempsted.
Clerk, Glenn Williams.
Treasurer, Sylvester j. Pound.
Justices, Geo. Palmer, David Eaton,
John VanVleet, H. d. Griswold.
Highway Conn.,, Warren Richardson.
Member Bd. Review, G. E. Montague.
Township Conn.,, Geo. Lacure, c. H.
Reed, John F. Wirth.
Member County Conn.,, M. c. Doyle.
Democratic
Supervisor. Andrew j. Littlefield.
Clerk, G. Warren Hoff.
Treasurer, VIM. G.. Goodrich.
Highway Conn.,, j. C. Stout.
Justices, Geo. johnson, Alex. Rich
ardson, Harry d. Gage, o. M. Field.
Member Bd. Review, Thos. diff.
Township Conn.,, J. C. Stout, w. R.
Hopkins, A. J. Littlefield.
Member County Conn.,, j. J. Jones.
Thetford-Republican
Supervisor, Fred Lowell.
Clerk, Will Price.
Treasurer, Claud Holden.
Justice, VIM. Teachout.
Highway Conn.,, Herb. Haas.
Overseer, Ed. Scafe.
No Democratic ticket has been placed
in nomination.
Mt. Morris-Republican
Supervisor, William Woolfitt.
Clerk, Claude Rumsey.
Treasurer, Walter Armstrong.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
'VWNVWVVVVVV VVVVVVVVT,

Highway Conn.,, Peter A. Eagan.
Overseer, Earl Rumsey.
Bd. of Review, Bernard Kelley.
Justice. John Stevens.
Mt. Morris-Democratic
Supervisor, Driss Knickerbocker.
Clerk, Nicholas Murphy, Jr.
Treasurer, Bernard Russell.
Highway Conn.,, Harry Lawrence.
Overseer. James Hawkshaw.
Bd. of Review, Chas. Travis.
Justice, Thomas Hough.
Genesee-Republican
Supervisor, Merton w. Fairbank.
Clerk, Floyd F. Upton.
Treasurer, j. Herman Taylor.
Highway Com, Daniel Kurtz.
Overseer, Edward l.. Holtslander.
Justice, Sidney G. Merick.
Bd. of Review, Frank H. Hill.
Genesee-Democrat
Supervisor, John E. Lyon.
Clerk, John M. Brown.
Treasurer. Elmer j. Russell.
Highway Conn.,, Edward l.. Nixon.
Overseer, VIM. j. Curran.
Justice, Harvey A. Hurd.
Bd. Of Review, James H. Clark.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Coming Auction Sales

Following is list of auction sales
which will be held in this section of the
county in the near future. They will
be advertised in the Messenger and by
Messenger auction blls-the most ef-
fective and economical way possible.
E. l. Powers will conduct the sales:
March 20, Dan McCloud. Thetford.
March %. Mrs. Mary Stewart, Thet-
ford.
March "a, administrator sale, Balzer
Magel Est, three miles north of Gene
seeville.
March 20, Irwin Hurd, Vienna.
April a, Richard Pike, Arbela.
April 5, Henry Lowell, Thetford.
April 6, John Richards, Vienna.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
REPUBLICAN BANQUET
WILL Be A HUMMER
DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS ARE
NOW ASSURED
Advance Ticket Sale Indicates That At
tendance Will Be the Largest in the
Clubs History

Advance ticket sales for the Republi-
can banquet to be held at the Auditor
ium tomorrow evening indicate that it
will be the largest in point of attend
ance in the history of the club, and with
speakers such as Hon. P. II. Kelly, At
torney General Grant Fellows and Hon.
G. j. Diekema on the program, the pub
lie can be assured that it will be an in
tellectual treat of the highest order.
Congressman Kelly is member of the
naval committee of the national house
of representatives, and may be depend
ed upon to say something authoritative
concerning national preparedness, while
state and general issues will be treated
of by Attorney General Grant Fellows
and Mr.. Diekema, than whom there are
no more able and eloquent speakers in
the entire country.
Following is the program, which may
be enlarged by the addition of other
speakers of note who presence is not
now absolutely certain. Seats will be
provided free, after the serving is over,
for adults who would like to hear the
speaking, but do not find it expedient
to purchase tickets:
PROGRAM
Invocation Rev. E. G.. G.. Benson
Introduction of POSTMASTER
M. c. Doyle
Toastmaster +. E. Huyck
"Our Club" C. H. Reed
Piano Duet
Misses Eva Scott and Retha Sheely
Address, Michigan"
Hon. Grant Fellows, Atty. General
Address, Something to Talk About
Hon. G. j. Diekema
Song High School Chorus
Miss Leota Uptegraff, Director
Address, National Issues
Hon. Patrick H. Kelley
Song, America"
| MENU
Oranges
Cream Potatoes
Roast Beef Roast Pork
Rolls Butter
Salad
Apple Pie Cheese
Coffee Cigars
The ladies of the M. p. Church will
| cater.
Reception Committee-E. L. Powers,
B. S. Jennings, F. j. Wilbur o. E.
Hempsted, DR.. P. E. White, o. d.
French, David Eaton, Fred Lowell,
Joseph Rapley, Geo. Troop, Clark Hill,
Harry Gillett, Henry Lowell, Albert
Chase. Jas. Doyle, Geo. Hathley, w.
A. Haven.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
M. E. Church Notes

The steropticon lecture given by H..
S. Marshall, Sunday evening, was very
much enjoyed.
Interest in the contest being con-
Quoted by the Ladies Aid Society, is
very keen. Each side is having special
meetings to aid it.
Glass meeting 9:30 a. M; sermon, 10
a. M; Sunday School, 11:30 a. m; Ep-
worth League at 6 p. M, subject IA
World Program for the League, :" lead
er, Mildred Jewel.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17

Next Tuesday evening Vienna Lodge
F. & A. NJ, will hold a social, to which
all Masons, their families and friends
are cordially invited. There will be
vocal and instrumental selections, read
ings, speeches and other entertainment
sufficient to provide what it is hoped
will be most enjoyable evening. The
social will be held in the lodge rooms.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Flint Man Fatally Burned

Tony Hallock, 20, employed in the
p-forge department of Flint auto
factory, was fatally burned early Mon
day morning when matches in his
pocket caught fire. setting fire to his
oil-soaked clothes. Hallock ran through
the factory with his clothing ablaze un-
til he fell exhausted. He died three
hours later in the hospital.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Dog Tax to Be Collected by the
Supervisors

The supervisors of the townships
have an added duty this year, and we
do not predict that it is going to be an
altogether pleasant one either. BY an
act of the last Legislature, it will be
necessary for the supervisor to collect
the dog tax in the spring when the as
sessment is taken; and if the tax is not
paid the dog must be killed. Now,
then, doggone it, we've told you; keep
yer dawg in the smoke house until
Orkie Hampstead completes his pass
over.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Combination Sale

Col. K. L. Powers will hold a combi-
nation auction sale in Clio on Saturday,
April 1st. Anyone having horses, cows,
implements, household goods or other
articles they wish to sell should notify
Mr.. Powers at once, so that the prop
erty can be advertised next week.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17

Morning service, 1000 "a m. Sunday
School at the usual hour; Christian En-
deavor at 600 p. m. Union meeting at
7:30 D. m.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Grange Meeting

Vienna Grange. No. SO2, will hold its
next regular meeting next week Friday
afternoon for which occasion very in
teresting program has been prepared.
At the last meeting the origin and de-
velopment of cereals was the topic and
in harmony Herewith cereal dinner
will be served next Friday noon.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
Curtains
for Spring

NEVER before have
N we shown a more
beautiful and COM
lete line of curtains and
curtain stufs than we are
showing this spring. An
other thing Of very much
advantage to our custom
ers is the fact that we pur-
chased this showing sew
eral months ago, when
prices were far below their
present level, and have
priced them accordingly.
Read these prices and then
come in and inspect the
beautiful goods.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
/, CITIZENS TICKET
LARGELY SUCCESSFUL
VILLAGE ELECTION DEVOID EX-
> CITING FEATURES
Citizens Ticket Seems to Have Had Best
of Contest. Vote Considerably
\ Lighter Than Last Year

u There was an undercurrent of excite
ment about the village election last
Monday that, while it did not draw out
large vote, kept every one guessing
until the ballots were counted. The is
sue, if there was one, was waterworks
and the people showed by their ballots
they did not think the time opportupe
for the establishment of such system
Yin Clio. Former President Bodine was
zone of the warmest supporters OF the
water works proposition and was very
frank in stating his views, therefore
those who were opposed concentrated
sheir opposition on him and secured his
defeat by very substantial majority.
With the head of the ticket went a
large share of the remainder of it. the
only ones pulling through being the
candidates for clerk and assessor, who
4 had no opposition, and the village treas
lkurer. The result of the balloting was
as follows:
President: H. F. Bodine, Ind. Is
Chas. G. Matzen, Cit. 1850
Clerk: w. G. Goodrich, Ind. ......l22
Treasurer: Chas. H. Reed, Ind. ..ll2-26
Geo. Palmer, Cit...... sc
Trus. Marshall M. Smith, Ind. SO
Albert N. Stuber, Cit......1O2- 8
Edw. w. Hymen, Ind. 76
John F. Wirth, Cit........l24-4S
VIM. H. Stout, Ind ........ SO
r. Sherman S. Clum, Cit..... SO
Assessor. Glenn Williams. .......1OS
AS may be seen, w. H. Stout a. d
Sherman S. Clum received an equal
number of votes and the resulting tie
was decided by lot, as provided by law,
at the time the election was officially
70 canvassed last evening, Mr.. Stout
being the winner. Members of the
village council holding over from last
year are F. M. Houghton, l.. b. Fuller.
and Chas. E. Taylor.
We think it but just to say that Mr..
Bodine, during his two terms as presi-
dent of the village, served faithfully
and assisted in doing many things that
were of the greatest advantage and for
which he is entitled to much credit. 1t
is possible, also, that he may have
made some mistakes, but the old say
ing, "the man who never made any
mistakes never did very much busi-
ness" will hold good here, as every
n where. 1t is unnecessary for us to
eulogize Mr.. Matzen, the president
elect. Everyone knows that he is one
of our very best citizens, thoroughly
capable and conscientious, and that so
far as lies in his power every interest
of the village will be carefully looked
after. Here's hoping the new city ad-
ministration in general has harmon
ious and successful career.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17

Give Houghton your order for fertil-
izer and save $500 per ton. Just the
price of new spring bonnet.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17


hint of perfection some place whereas -
may fancy-the veil $ thin which hides the divinity T.
behind it. ."-Confucan Classics. =,
The king from his council chamber
Came weary and sore of heart;
He called for Tiff, the painter
And spake with him thus apart;
81 am sickened of faces ignoble,
Hypocrites, towards, and knaves! =
shall shrink to their shrunken measure,
Chief slave in realm of slaves =
Paint me true mans picture, =
Gracious and wise and good; e
Endowed with strength of heroes, g
And the beauty of womanhood. =
1t shall hang in my inmost chamber, =
That thither when | retire, =
1t may fill my soul with grandeur =
And warm it with sacred fire.. &
SO the artist painted the picture, =
And hung it in the palace hall; e
Never thing so goody =
Had garnished the stately wall. =
The King, with head uncovered, e
Gazed on it with rapt delight, =
Till it suddenly strange meaning, =
And baffed his questioning sight =
For the form was his supplest courtiers, 3.
Perfect in every limb! =
But the bearing was that of the henchman -
Who filled his fagons for him; =
The brow priests who pondered =
His parchments early and late; =
The eye a wandering minstrels g
Who sang at the palace gate. =
The lips, half sad and half mirthfu, =.
With fitting, tremulous grace, =,
Were the very lips of woman :.
He had kissed in the market place. =
But the smile which her curves transfgured =
AS rose with it's simmer Of dew, =
Was the smile of the wife who loved him, :.
Queen Ethelyn, good and true =,
Then Learn, o King, said the artist, =
This truth that the picture tells g
How, that in every form of the human, -
Some hint of the highest dwells; =
How. scanning each living temple g
For the place where the veil is thin, 8
We may gather, by beautiful glimpses, 8
The form of the God within. " =
Helen B Bosiock e.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17

If you like the old time dances don t
fail to take in the Firemen's Ball, this
evening. Wilson's orchestra.
The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-03-17
ANl1@@lMllll@1M@NN1@l.@l@.@@
The Kings Picture

''There is in every human being. however gnobe,
some hint of perfection; some place whereas we
may fancythe veil is thin which hides the divinity
behind it. .''-Confucian Classics.