davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11

History has repeated itself in con-
ditiops at the Skowhegan High School
and again members of the student
body are at odds with the opinions of
the school board Not since the
memorable year of 1914 has such con-
aict existed. This time the trouble
arises in the resignation of two very
popular and efficient members of the
high school faculty, Miss Marian o.
Steward and Miss Rowena Flynt.
1t is clear that the former serenity
of conditions at the school have been
turned topsy turvey by this bolt from
a clear sky. At the opening of the
present school year the outlook was
very bright but the resignation of two
popular members of the faculty have
given conditions a far different as
pect
1t was Saturday that the school
board was notified and Immediately
upon hearing the news the student
body called their various classes to-
gether This was done Monday, at
various times during the day. For
some reason, yet unexplained, the
Freshman class was not allowed to
hold meeting but the three upper
classes met in protest at the action
taken by the school board in refusing
to grant the two teachers an increase
This was not the exact words of the
sentiments expressed but amounts to
the same thing since an increase
would automatically lead to rein
statement of the two teachers.
Each of the three upper classes
drew up petition asking the school
board to reconsider the matter and
these were signed by members of the
school and then taken around for
signatures of the citizens. These
papers were rapidly filled and Tues
day night we're sent to members of
the board That is the attitude of
the student body.
What members of the faculty think
hhs not been determined. The Re-
porter was unsuccessful in the at
tempt to get opinions from the teach
ers but did learn from two of them
that they very much regretted the in
cident Other than that they would
say nothing, But the fact remains
that in the designations of these two
teachers, who have so endeared them
selves in the hearts of the students,
is a calamity and may prove disas
trous to present excellent conditions
at the school.
MANY STORIES BEING TOLD
Several versions of the affair have
been set forth by the citizens and
students. But a story which may be
given credence is to the effect that
the teachers rendered their resfgna-
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11

Honest Judge I'm not a crook,
I've been in this business for sixteen
years in New Bedford, Mass. and have
never done anything dishonest
This little speech was made to
Judge H. H. Brazzell in the Skowhe-
gan Municipal court, Monday morning
by one James Williams Queens and
the Judge replied to his pleading by
making him return money alleged
to have been obtained under false
pretenses and placing him under 800
fonds for alleged Illegal practice OF
optometry
Queens was arrested Monday by
Deputy Sheriff Frank l.. Harding OF
Madison on complaint of Mrs. Ella b.
Olton, who claimed that the said
Queens had sold her n nother Mrs.
Caroline Olton, some glasses and that
the sale had been made by methods
which were fraudulant. At the hear
Ing it developed that the salesman of
spectacles had made quite haul in
this vicinity, visiting the home of the
farmers who were blessed with too
much credulity and selling his glasses
for $26 per pair.
Mr. william Rowell of the East
Madison road was kind enough to buy
four pair and then to stand sponsor
for Mr. Queens at the home of Mrs.
0ton. 1t was alleged by Judge F.
F Lawrence that Queens was not a
licensed optometrist and that he sold
his wares without examining the eyes
of his customers; that he charged ex-
cessively for them and misrepresented
them in every way.
Among the witnesses at the hear
ing was Mrs. Olton and her mother,
Mr. William Rowell, clerk of courts,
William T. Seekins and John R. Phil
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11
RESIGNATION Of TWO MEMBERS Of HIGH
SCHOOL FOLLOWED BY PETITION
Students Declare that Service of Miss Marion
Steward and Miss Rowena Flynt be Retained

ton wits. asking for an increase in
salary This information came from
L. W. Gerrish, Superintendent of
Schools, and can be relied upon They
did not feel incensed because of an
other teacher being given an increase,
as reported in the daily papers. The
school officials were allowed time for
consideration and eventually decided
not to grant the full amount.
The influence of this action on the
part of the school board and the
teachers has already had its effect non
the citizens of the town. Talk and
speculation is rife regarding the right
and wrong of the matter. One citi-
zen averred that it wasn't up to the
student body to regulate the salaries
for the teachers and that the petition
was therefore a step in the wrong
direction. Another agreed that ow-
ing to the popularity of the teachers
and the influence for good that they
have on the school, that they should
be retained and that the school COM
mittee should be shown it's duty thru
the student body.
The decision of the school commit
tee is being awaited with interest
since many feel that the future sue
cess of the school depends on no rup.
ture of harmony between the faculty,
student body, officials and public
opinion.
PETITION is PRESENTED
On Tuesday evening a delegation of
High school pupils met with the
school officials and presented to them
petition signed by about 100 per-
sons, including both parents and pu-
pills. In this petition the wish was
expressed that both Miss Flynt and
Miss Steward be retained as members
of the High school faculty. Earl
Grundy acted as spokesman for the
petitioners and courteously presented
his side of the case. The officials
explained the situation as they look
ed at it but no change in their plans
resulted.
Certain it is that one of the teach
ers received a desired raise in salary
while Miss Flynt and Miss Steward
were refused. In explanation of this
it has been reported that during the
last term the teacher in question
taught only a part of the daily ses-
sions. Her salary, at the rate she
was paid last term, had she taught
full time would have come within 500
of what she is being paid this term.
She applied for the additional 500
and the school board thought 1t wise
to grant her request.
SO 1t seems that the petition arrang-
ed by the student body had little eff
feet on the outcome of the case.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11
WITH GLASSES SELLING At s25 PER PAIR
JAMES ". QUEENS MAKES MONEY
But is Obliged to Give up His Easy Cash as Re-
suit of Hearing Before Judge Brazzell

brick. local jewelg. Both Mrs
Olton and her mother testified regard
ing the Misrepresentation made by
Queens and both were substantiated
by William Rowell. They alleged
that the agent told them of his edu-
cation in optometry, of his extensive
travels and his ability to speak nearly
all foreign languages. He affection
ately called the elder Mrs. Olton
Mother" and completely won her
confidence She bought two pair of
the glasses which were supposed to
be "pebbled" lenses and we'll worth
the price of $26 per pair. William
Rowell testified to buying four pair,
believing implicitly the glib talk Of
the agent.
The defense received quite blow
when William T Seekins was called
to the stand He testified that the
name of Charles Williams Queens"
did not appear on his records of Ii
CtuotS 1879 ucu w OpiolliCli iSbS III bhS
State of Maine; clearly showing that
whatever other deceit he may have
used he was illegally disposing of his
wares. In defense OF this evidence
the defendant declared that the laws
of Massachusetts permitted him to
perform his work and he supposed
they were the same in Maine.
John r. Philbrick, testifying to the
value of the s26 spectacles, declared
that they might be worth $3.50 per
pair but no more. This too was dam
aging evidence. But Queens was
there with the argument, stating that
no matter what they were worth a
man had a legal right to get all he
could for them. He intimated that
the local dealers might make all the
profit they desired without interven.
tion from authorities.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11
Liberty Loan Committee

The nominating committee, appoint
ed at the meeting, Wednesday even
ing of last week, report the follow
ing organization for the Liberay Loan
Committee in the Skowhegan district.
GENERAL COMMITTEE
L. H. Goldsmith, Chairman; F. w.
Briggs, Secretary; r. E. Atwood, G.
E. Avore, E. c. Butler, S V. Bisson,
F. w. Bucknam, Jos. A. Chabot. W. H.
Cummings, DR.. o. j. GAIA, E, F. Dan
forth, c. w. Day, L. A. Dascombe. j.
W Fogler, G. W Cover, E. E. Green
wood, E. T. Goodrich, l.. w Gerrish,
J. c. Griffin, Thos. E. Greenway,
Chas. Green, c. NJ. Holt, ]. H. Jenkins,
L. E. Jacobs, w. j. Lashon, John
Lewis, F. F. Lawrence. John A.
Mooers, c. p. Merrill, E. F. Merrill,
VIM. Mitchell, Clarence Mantor, f. r.
Madden. j. r. Mcclellan, Rev. c. H.
Mckinney, Rev, George Merriam, l. A.
Norton, w. P. Ordway, B. w. Page,
r. T. Patten, S. W. Philbrick George
H. Plummer, F. P. PeDnell, E. A.
Parker, A. A Porter, Rev ]. L. A
Renaud, c. H. Smith, E. L. Savage,
Harry E. Smith, w r Seekins, j. d.
Symons, H. L. SWEET, j. T. Thibodeau,
Rev o. H. Tracy, Rev. H. C. Turner,
NJ c. Viles, C. E. Young.
Executive Committee. H. Gold
smith, Chairman; F. w. Briggs, Sec
retary; r. E Atwood, E. C. Butler,
Jos. A. Chabot, w. H. Cummings, G.
W. Cover, E. E. Greenwood, C. p.
Merrill, w. P. Ordway, B. W. Page,
s. w. Philbrick
The Skowhegan district outside the
town of Skowhegan, includes all CEN
trail Somerset County with the excep-
tion of Fairfield and Madison Pitts
eastern part of the county are not re-
garded as being in this district
The campaign for the second Liber-
ty Loan opened with the first of the
month and is to continue until Octo-
Der 9th.
Advertising matter, splendidly got
ten up as to artistic coloring, is be-
ing distributed. Those who have
show windows in which it can be dis
played should regard it as a patriotic
privilege to make use of this material
1t is an ornament and credit to any
business establishment. Every mer-
chant should secure an ample supply
and should re-arrange ii in his win
dow as often as is necessary to give
it continual interest.
A moving picture reel, which is of
great interest in connection with the
Liberay Loan Campaign, has been Sc
cured and will be run at the Skowhe-
gan Opera House, Friday or Saturday
of next week. This reel is one of the
most expensive film productions and
perhaps could not have been secured
for Skowhegan except through the CO.
operation of the New England Liberty
Loan Committee. 1t is of vital and
spectacular interest, quite apart from
its patriotic lesson, and no one will
wish to miss it,
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11
MANY DIVORCES GRANT.
ED BY JUSTICE BIRD
Practically Every Case Heard Was
Decided In Favor OF LlbeIant

Prior to the adjournment of the
September term of Supreme Judicial
Court, which was in session for II
days, Justice Bird made public the
list of divorces granted. Many hear
ings for marital separation were
heard earlier in the term but not m
til the last days was the result of
the hearings given out
Following are the divorces grant
ed; Leona NJ. Morrow, libt., of
lockwood VS. James Morrow, Rock
wood, cruel and abusive treatment
and extreme cruelty; custody of their
children, Dorothy F. and Kathleen,
given to the mother; libelee TO pay
SIS every two weeks for the first six
months of the year and $40 every two
weeks for the last six months. At
torney, George E. Thompson.
Gladys NJ Gallagher of Madison,
libt., VS. Hugh II. Gallagher, formerly
of Augusta, present residence un-
known, cruel and abusive treatment.
Attorney, Judge c. o. Small, Madison.
jeanette G. Johnson, Norridgewock,
vs. Byron A. Johnson of Norridgewock,
utter desertion Attorney, l.. R. Fol-
som.
Elmer V. Hight of Harmony, libel
ant, VS. Jennie l. Hight. Harmony
adultery. Attorney Merrill & Mer-
ril.
Lillian b Palmer, libt, of Hart
land VS. Willard A. Palmer of Hart
land, cruel and abusive treatment. At
torneys, Merrill e Merrill.
Lillian A Young, libt., OF Skowhe-
gan VS. Lewis f. Young, utter deser-
ton. Attorney, Mrs. Ethel Walton
Abbott
Eleazer Russakoff, libt.. of Skow-
hogan VS. Celia (Cohen) Russakoff, be
lieved to be in New York, utter de
sertion Attorney W. II. Hawes.
Grace Eva Smith, libt.. of Skowhe-
gan VS. Harry p Smith of Skowhegan,
cruel and abusive treatment and eX-
treme cruelty; two children, Gladys
VI. and Elsie p. given TO the mother.
Attorney. Judge f. f. Lawrence.
Charles S. Potter, libt.. of Palmyra
VS. Lizzie Tozier Potter. utter deser-
ton. Attorneys, Manson & Coolidge
Angie b. Smith, libt.. of Fairfield,
VS. Benz L. Smith of Fairfield. adul-
terry, custody of child given To mother
Attorney, Frank f. Brown.
Everett Adelbert Pond, libt of De
troit VS. Mabel Rose Pond of Fox
croft, utter desertion. Attorneys,
Crosby & Crosby.
Harry E. Henderson, libt, OF St
Albans, VS. Lillian +. Henderson of St
Albans, utter desertion Attorney
J. H. Haley.
Edith NJ. Scoyille, libt., VS. Harry
Scoville of parts unknown, utter de
sertion. Custody of minor children.
Marjorie NJ and Madeleine f. given to
mother Attorney, H. H. Thurlough.
Addie b. Spaulding. libt. of Athens,
VS. Joseph L. Spaulding of Madison,
utter desertion, Attorney. Judge j.
F Holman.
Gertrude V Laskey, libt.. of Anson
VS. Ernest n Laskey of Skowhegan,
utter desertion Attorney, Judge C.
o. Small
Olivia Haskell. libt., of Jackman
Plantation VS. Raymond Haskell of
Brighton, cruel and abusive treat
ment. Attorney, W l.. Anderson.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11

m, music; 210-2.30 p m, response.
VIM. G. Bailey. Jr, Harmony; go
300 p m, Boys and Girls Clubs, r.
p. Mtchell 800 p. m, potato race !;
400 p. m, tour of town; 6.30 p. m,
banquet; music; $50 p. m, theatre.
October 13-S.45 a. m, music; 900
a. m, reading of prize essays; 1000
a. m, awarding of prizes by banks;
1900 noon dinner.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11
Longley

Silas T. Longley, an employee at
the local pulp mill, and Miss Mabel
Gurney OF Shawmut. were quietly
married last Saturday evening in the
Office of Judge F. F. Lawrence, that
gentleman officiating. The bride is
the daughter of Charles Gurney of
Shawmut and the groom is the son OF
the late, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Longley
of Norridgewock
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11

II \. Dinsmore departed this
Thursday morning on a business
trip to Boston. Mrs. Dinsmore &C
companied him They will be alb
sent about two weeks and will visit
friends in Boston and vicinity.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11

the State Prison al Thomaston. for
burning the Nye place. not less than
ten years. not more than y, the latter
term being recommended for an as
sault on an officer. not less than NO
and one-haI years and not more than
five. Which taken together make a
possible maximum term Of - years at
hard labor Following the delivery
Of sentence Galway was led away 10
be taken to Thomaston Immediately.
Alphonso Galway. when arraigned,
retracted his plea Of not guilty TO the
charge Of assisting his brother in his
escape, and plead guilty He was
sentenced 10 serve one year in the
Kennebec County Jail
OTHER ARRANGEMENTS
In the criminal case, State " John
Vollo Of Madison. charged with search
and seizure, Vollo pleaded guilty He
was allowed to go on his own recog-
nizance. furnishing bonds in the sum
of $50o for his appearance from term
to term and his case was continued
for sentence
J f Cafot, claiming 10 be a native
of Alsace, and George B Watson. who
called New York his home. both OF
whom were charged with breaking
entering and larceny at Bingham,
were sentenced 10 not less than TWO
years nor more than six at hard labor
in Thomaston Justice Bird recon-
mended three years.
In the case Of State vs. Joseph Ju-
liam, proprietor of the Line House, a
fine OF 800 and cost of s35 were i'm
posed together with a sentence of two
months in the county Jail The
charge was search and seizure
Charles Albert Ward OF Lynn. Mass
pleaded guilty to the charge Of set
ting fire to a storehouse in lockwood.
Thru his attorney he plead insanity
and was committed to the State hos
pital at Augusta for observation.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1917-10-11

Big bundle of old papers, 10c.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14
Fishes Sense Of Smell.

In connection with the entrance Of
salmon into rivers and other bodies Of
water, Doctors Shelford and Powers
say 1t is evident that they find their
way by virtue Of the presence or alb
sence Of acids and alkalls. Fish are
said to be, able to determine the direc-
hon they must 80 to fresh water even
when hundreds Of miles out at sea. and
find their way to bays, harbors and In
lets when their mating season demands
1t, by the chemical conditions Of the
water. 1t is not necessary to appeal to
instinct to explain the return Of GER
tain salmon to certain rivers or the
running Of herring in certain localities.
These new chemical discoveries are
said to make 1t all clear that smell and
touch are the senses most concerned;
and these are highly developed In GER
tain species.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14

| 4 W. k \
when the train was brought to stand
still nearly two blocks from the cross
ing where the collision occurred.
OrNeil was driving north OF Kelloss
avenue and the crossing gates failing
to be down the truck was driven onto
the tracks as the mail train approached
His car was travelling at q moderate
rate OF speed. O'Neil observed that ne
would be unable to clear the track FOR
the oncoming train and leaped from the
rear of the car doing SO just In time
to miss being caught In the wreckage.
With terrific crash the pilot OF the
engine caught the motor truck broad
side, tossed IT slight from the ground.
then dragged the demolished vehicle
nearly to the passenger station before a
stop could be made. There the parts OF
the rtuck were taken from the engines
pilot.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14

In the family. and mother died when |
was ten years old"
!. After dinner she consented to sit for
Z time. though not until she had dom
ned her Sunday best. earrings and all
Captain Elisha and Sylvester sat with
them, and the big fireplace in the sit-
ting room blazed and roared as it had
not since its owner left for his long
sojourn in the city.
suspicion which her uncle's words con.
corning his future plans for Steve had
aroused. She had thought Of little
else since she heard them. The cap
tain did not mention the subject again.
Possibly on reflection he decided that
he had already said too much. And
she asked no more question: She de-
termined not to question him-yet.
She must think first and then ask
some one else-Sylvester.
/ Her opportunity came the following
morning. the day before Thanksgiving.
After breakfast Captain Elisha went
downtown to call on some acquaint-
ances. 4, & 81
After tho captain had gone Sylvester
sat down before the flre in the sitting
room TO read I Boston newspaper. As
he sat there Caroline entered and clos
ed tho door. behind her. Miss Abigail
was in the kitchen busy with prepara-
lions for the morrow's plum pudding.
The girl took the chair next that 0c.
cupied by the lawyer. He put down
his paper and turned to her.
"Mr. Sylvester" she said. II wish
you would tell me something about the
value Of seat on the stock exchange.
What is the price Of oneT
The lawyer looked at her in surprise.
'4The value OF seat on the stock ex-
changer he repeated.
Eyes. What does it cost to buy
oneY'
He hesitated, wondering why she
should be interested In that subject.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14
eco KING 10 ARREsTEp.
Warrant Issued Charging Jay Norton
With Using Mails 70 Defraud.

warrant Issued Charging Jay Morton
With Using Mails 20 Defraud.
Sioux City. July 14-Uncle Sam wants
to prosecute Jay Morton, the egg
king"
A federal warrant charging Morton
with using the mails to defraud has
been issued. Postoffice inspectors, it is
said, were on the kings" trail at the
time he was arrested by the police. He
is said to have used the mails in his
operations here.
Morton now is in the county jail.
waiting trial on a charge Of conspir-
acy This is state charge. Whether
the state or the federal government
will prosecute him is a question which
will be settled before the federal war
rant is served.
To the throne of the, egg kingdom,
Jay Morton assembled in March, when
he, with several others, came to Sioux
City and opened >up q commission
house. Morton sent his buyers" into
surroundingA country to buy up the egg
supply. Hundreds of thousands Of eggs
were "bought'&at top prices. They
came into Sioux City by the carloads.
One farmer grew weary of waiting
for the check from the Western Cold
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14
CAR TURTLES; FIVE HURT.
Residents in Auto Accident
Narrowly Escape Death.

Muscatine, Aug. 14.--Several we'll
known local persons narrowly escaped
serious injury and possible death yes
terday afternoon in sensational auto
mobile accident which took place near
Sweetland Center. when an automobile
owned and driven by J. A. Irwin, ST.,
turned turtle, hurting the four other oc-
cupants into the road. Those who we're
injured were:
Mr.. and Mrs. ]. A. Irwin, ST.. Mrs.
Irwin sustained three broken ribs and
numerous cuts and bruises about tha
body, while her husband escaped with
a few minor injuries.
Miss Ruth McConnaha, Of Lake
township was badly cut by glass from
the broken windshield.
Mr.. and Mrs. J. A. Irwin, Jr., escaped
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14
With minor bruises.

with minor bruises.
The auto party was headed towards
Sweetland Center when the car struck
q log In the road and capslzed, turning
completely over and spilling the i've
occupants into the road. !.
Mrs. Irwin was the most seriously In
jured Of the quintet, sustaining three
fractured ribs, together with other in
juries about the body. Her husband
escaped with minor injuries. The three
other occupants were badly cut with
class from the broken windshield.
The big seven -passenger automobile
was badly damaged and the front fen
ders were practically torn from the
machine.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14
-, . -. - =
Proved His Identity.

Previously to joining the army he
had been a lawyer. Getting back to
camn rather late one night, he was
challenge BY the sentry. Obtaining
no response, the latter lifted his rifle
and roared: 'If you move You are q
dead man." "Allow me to remark, my
good man." said the lawyer-soidier,
''that your statement is absurd. II ]
move 1t is excellent proof that I am
alive. To my mind 1t Is Incompetence
sible that Pass, Mr.. Blackstone, !"
said the sentry.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14

Dlonkot Nance ASsoe vnvoN0Q "a
The cold winter OF 1910 gave ~ IT,
blanket. So, at least, nays tradlese!l
which ascrihes its invention 70 IAe
Blanket, a Flemish merchant. 49, eoos
tied In Bristol, and fell from aanue1o
to want, says the London Chron6a4
Blanket and his wife, su6eflng -
the intense cold by reason Of eeeney
bedding and lack Of f'A he SeareAe0
for something to put "a the ~ -
increase the warmth, and hit - A.
piece OF rough. unfinished cloth tnas
had been thrown to waste. Its sac.
cess a. warmth giver suggested ~
manufacture Of special bed Covers
from the same material. and thee o..
ticles, to which he gave his own namss
won the worthy Blanket wealth -
Immortality.
Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-08-14
TIMES REPUBuCAN, MARsHALLTowN iowa AUGUST 14 1917

Storage Company the title Morton
gave his firm. The police heard Morton
was in, Omaha, disposing Of couple
carloads when arrested. Hundreds OF
farmers and country merchants were
ensnared in the swindle. Bob Walsh
arrested with Morton faces q charge
of conspiracy also.