davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15
STORY OF KILLING
OF TALKEETNA STEFAN

A coroner's inquest was held at the
court house in Talkeetna today on the
remains of Talkeetna Stepan and his
wife Nagolia. 1t appears Stepan was
murdered and his wife committed
suicide. The following is part of
sworn AFFIDAVIT made by Inga Stepan.
She claims that small band, five in
number left Talkeetna last March for
Stepan Lake, where they resided until
the first week in June. They made
batch of hootch out of floor and sugar
and they all got drunk. Stepan was
going out of the tent and staggered
and knocked down the tent pole.
which struck Knik Nickolai (the &C.
cused) on the head. Nickolai then Sc
cured a club and hit Stepan over the
head. Nagolia, his wife, tried to shield
her husband and in so doing receiv-
ed several blows over the head and
RICH arm. Nickolai then struck Step
an several more blows, and Stepan
died about two hours later. The next
morning the wife shot herself with
% rifle in the right side of abdomen.
On the same day Knik Nickolai.
Bob Stepan and Inga dug a grave
about four feet deep, wrapped the
bodies in blankets and buried them.
The three Indians then left for Tai
keetna. Before getting into town. Bob
Stepan and Inga Stepan stopped at
camp of Mr.. Larson's for one day,
then came into town and reported the
crime to the marshal, M. H. Healey.
This was June %, 1917.
Knik Nickolai got a small start in
this way. furnished himself with pro-
visions and ammunition at Talkeetna,
but 1t is stated that he was captured
at Kroto and Susitna station few
days ago and will have to stand trial.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15
ARCTIC EXPLORER HOPES
TO REACH U. 8. SEPT. Is

BOSTON, Aug. 15.-Donald B. Nc
MILAN, the Arctic explorer, who has
been in the Polar country for the past
four years, expects to return home by
September next, according to letter
dated at Etah on November last and
received today.
IF our relief ship does not fail us
a third time" the explorer writes, 81
should reach home about September
Is, 1917. Although l have had or will
have had four years in the Arctic, yet
l am not tired of it and have planned
for further work.
LAS you know. we failed to find
Crockerland. I am sorry for Peary
who was, without doubt sincere in
his belief that it lay some 100 miles
due northwest of Cape Thomas Hub
bard; we went ISL miles to make
sure, and then were rewarded with
nothing but a clear horizon.
Last year I reached my objective,
King Christian land, the Finy land OF
some sixty years ago. which has new
er been visited as far as l know. Re-
turning, l headed for North Corn
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

wall, which also has never been ex-
plored. En- route six new islands we're
discovered and many miles of coast
line mapped. Incidentally, we picked
up about fifty musk oxen and twenty
polar bears. Am now planning ano-
Their long trip in the spring, which,
when completed, will net about 5000
miles of dog team work.
1--WE have enough food for the year
such as it is. Our supplies consist
largely of beans, salt beef, dehydro
vegetables, whole wheat biscuits and
pemmican. Walrus and seal meat are
in cache and are on the bills. The
ducks and dovekies will be back in
May and then we shall be in the lard
of the plenty again."
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15
cletian program:

"And when he had brought on
state of exceeding high prices by his
different sets of injustice, he tried to
fix by law the price Of articles Of.
fered for sale. Thereupon. for the
veriest trifies much blood was shed
and out of fear nothing was offered
for sale, and the scarcity grew much
worse, until, after the death of many
persons, the law was repealed from
mere necessity"
Thus 1t is evident that there is nc
panacea for our economic ills. Ger.
many tried the Diocletian system and
it did not work satisfactorily-ever
in that over disciplined empire. Brit
ain in somewhat skeptical of the
maximum-price economic law, and
Lloyd George has greater faith in the
minimum-price system, believing that
it tends to increase production.
In this country we have the object
lesson from the time of Diocletian-
or before-down to 1917 from which
to study the problem, and yet we are
uncertain as to what scheme is the
most practicable.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

WITHIN short time the govern
ment is likely to appeal to the people
of the United States to conserve the
supply of gasoline in the THIS country
by curtailing pleasure riding in motor
cars and eliminating other sources OF
waste. 1t is shown that the country is
producing crude oil at the rate of
about 800, 100000 barrels a year, but
is using 1t at the rate of 335,000,000
barrels a year. There are now 4,000,-
900 automobiles in the country, while
other uses of gasoline and oil are ex-
panding on an enormous scale. The
defense council petroleum committee
says that the public must economic
in the use of gasoline If the govern
ment is to have the petroleum it will
need to prosecute the war successful
ly.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

Use Rexall Hair Tonic and you will
use no other. Valdez Drug Store. If
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST IS, 1917
PRICE FIXING NOT NEW

Some persons may have gained the
notions that the act of some of the
governments in Europe in arbitrar-
ly fixing maximum prices of commo-
dities in order to keep down the cost
of living-a system which is being
considered from various angles by
our own governments something
evolved during the precent war. That.
however, is not the case.
Jonothan Bourne has been delving
into Abbott's 1.-The Common People
of Ancient Rome" and discovers that
some sixteen centuries ago Emperor
Diocletian issued an edict discussing
the high cost of living in the Roman
empire, and endeavored to solve the
problem by fixing maximum prices
which might be charged for a long
list of commodities and services, in
GLIDING both necessities and Injuries
More than 700 different items were
included in this decree.
That Diocletian was actuated Ly
high motives is indicated by the fol
lowing expression in the introduction
to his edict: -.
who is OF so hardened heart and
so untouched by feeling for human
ity that he can be unaware that In
the sale of wares which are exchang-
ed in the market, or dealt with in
the daily business of the cities. an
exhorbitant tendency in prices has
spread to such an extent that the un-
bridled desire of plundering is held
in check neither by abundance nor by
reasons of plenty?
In his conclusion he said:
1T is our pleasure, therefore. that
these prices which the subtoined
written summary specifies, be held in
observance throughout all our do
main, that all may know that license
to 60 above the same has been cut
off. 1t is our pleasure that If any man
shall boldly come into conflict with
this formal statute, he shall put his
life in peril. In the same peril also
shall he be placed who, drawn along
by avarice in his desire to buy. shall
have conspired against these statutes
Nor shall he be esteemed innocent OF
the same crime who, having articles
necessary for daily life and use, shall
have decided hereafter that they can
be held back, since the punishment
ought to be heavier for him who
causes need than him who violates
the law"
In other words Emperor Diocle.
tian boldly struck at food spectators
hoarders and other varieties of the
flood pirate" gentry. However, it ap
pears that there are two sides to the
experiment, for Iactantius. writing
in the fourth century, says of the Do
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

Furnished rooms at Mrs Osland's
Prices reasonable.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

Ralph McCrary was in town today
from off the trail, He reports the
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

WILL TAKE OVER
COUNTRY'S GRAIN SUPPLY
WASHINGTON, D. c., Aug. Is
Commissioner Hoover announced to-
day the formation of corporation to
take over the country's grain supply.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15
Employers Hold Fort

PHOENIX, Aug. 15.-Telepbone
messages received from Globe and
Miami indicate that the nine white
men in charge of the asbestos mine
who are beseiged by Indians, are
holding out although their supply of
ammunition and provisions is peril
iusly low.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

The administrative board, which is to
carry out the provisions of the presi-
dents proclamation placing an embar-
60 on the shipment Of goods abroad. has
as one of its members Vance McCor-
mick, chairman of the Democratic ma
tional committee, which conducted Mr..
Wilson's campaign for the presidency.
He represents the state department on
the board.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

cavern at Mile IL repaired SO cars
can get by now, and that the road
will be in better condition after it is
repaired than before the wash-out.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15
british CAPTURE HILL
DOMINATING LENS AND LOOs

LONDON, Aug. 15-Hill 70, which
dominates the salients of Lens and
Loos were captured this morning by
the Canadian troops. The British al
so pushed into the northwestern en-
vironments of Lens.
Valdez daily prospector. (Valdez, Alaska) 1905-1918, 1917-08-15

To the Ladies Of valdez
For next 80 days. 75c per curl for
entire head Of hair by latest Nestle
permanent method at the Vanitie
Shop. II
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
B. & Nj. Receivership
Is Made Permanent
FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT GIVES
ITS DECISION MONDAY IN BOSTON
Judge Morton Finds Not Slightest Foundation
for Charges of Fraud

group, who :esorted to charges of
fraud or of breach of duty in an eff
fort to obscure the exact nature of
their real complaint"
THE case presents to my mind
said Judge Morton. nothing but an
acute difference of opinion upon a mat
ter of business policy and action be-
tween the directors and the owners of
an overwhelming majority of the
stockholders and comparatively
small one hand, and contentious group
of minority stockholders on the other
Minority Representation
The minority was represented by the
Boston & Maine Minority Stockholders
Protective Association. Conrad Crook
er appeared as counsel for the asso-
citation and for Green and Asa P.
French for Streeter. The road has been
in temporary receivership with James
H. Eustis. it's president, acting as
receiver. since Aug. 20. Receivership
was brought about through petition OF
the Intercontinental Rubber Co. OF New
Jersey, creditor to which the Goad's
directors asserted. t was admitted by
counsel for the railroad that the di-
rectors and their attorneys had assist
ed in drawing up the bill Of complaint,
which asserted that the roads finances
Continued on Page 5, Column y
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27

Boston Feb. 26.-The receivership OF
the Boston & Maine Railroad was
made permanent by the federal district
court today. Judge Morton in an
nouncing his decision which followed
hearings that lasted several weeks that
that there was not the slightest found
alton for the charges of fraud made
against the present board of directors
by minority stockholders.
Contrast for Rails
James H. Husts. temporary receiver
of the Boston & Maine Railroad was
authorized by Judge James NJ. Morton,
Jr., in the United States district court
to contract for S2,500,000 worth of rails
for 1918.
In a formal decree allowing the state
of Massachusetts to intervene in the
receivership proceedings, Judge Nor
ton stated that it might be heard on
all petitions relating to compromise
on the s4,O00,000 claim of the Hamp-
den Railroad the cancellation or
abandonment Of any contracts between
the state ana the road and any attempt
to change the roads freight tariff or
its passenger rates.
"Contentions" Minority
The protesting minority interests
were characterized by the court as "a
comparatively small but contentious
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27

ed to the state department the sinking
of the vessel and the loss of one life,
but late tonight had not been able to
furnish details from survivors as to
whether it was an American who met
death. He expected to obtain full in
formation from the 267 survivors due
at Queenstown at 11.So o'clock tonight
Officials pointed out that while final
reports may show that no American
lives were lost, the fact will remain
that the 81 Americans were illegally
assaulted on a peaceful mission and
escaped death only by good fortune.
The United States is concerned in
the sinking Of the Laconia also be-
cause large amount Of official diplo-
CONTINUED on Page 2Column 81
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
Fears Mistrust

1T is devoutly to be hoped that it will
not be necessary to put armed forces
anywhere into action. The American peo-
pie do not desire it, and our desire is not
different from theirs. ! am sure that they
will understand the spirit in which I am
now acting, the purpose | hold nearest
my heart and would wish to exhibit in
everything | did. ! am anxious that the
people of the nations at war also should
understand and not mstrust us. ! hope
that I need give no further proofs ami
assurances than ! have already given
throughout nearly three years of anxious
patience that | am the friend of peace
and mean to preserve it for America 50
posing or contemplating war or any
steps that need lead to It.
II merely request that YOU will aC-
cord me by your own vote and definite
bestowal the means and the authority
to safeguard in practice the right OF
great people who are at peace and
who are DESTROYS of exercising none
but the rights Of peace. to follow the
pursuit of peace in quietness and good
will-rights recognized time out Of
mind by all the civilized nations of the
world. No course of my choosing or
Of theirs will lead to war. War Gu.
come only by the wilful acts and ac-
greSSionS of others
Cannot Be Definite
You will II derstand why / can
make no definite proposals or fore
casts of action now and must ask for
Your supporting authority in the most
general terms. The form in which ac-
ton may become necessary cannot yet
he foreseen. | believe that the people
will be willing to trust me to act with
Continued on Page 9, Column 81
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
DIsCLAIMS THOUGHT OF WAR AND
ASSERTS SUCH ACTION CAN COME
ONLY AS WILFUL ACT BY OTHERS

Washington, Feb 26Pesiden Wilson today took the nev
step and asked Congress for authority to the forces OF
United States protect American ships and lives against
submarine menaceo put the nation in state of
armed neurality The immediate the introduce
Hon House of bill approved in advance by the President
werng him to furnish guns and gunners to American
tntmen and empoy such other instrumentalities
kbos as may become necessary; and providing for $780,
bond ISSUE be used in his discretion for nsur
to encourage American brave the submarine
r bill may be brought in the House tomorrow with
tecal rules for its immediate consideration.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
PRESIDENT ASKS CONGRESS FOR POWER TO USE
ARMY AND NAVY AND FOR NECESSARY MONEY
Authority "Ane Neutrality the
o Maha Rpbi md Some Dn Auhoiyo
Blank Ch@k'M Bins Up yAqrovdb the president :
Plan to Kill Reeds
Bone DrV Amendment

Washington Feb 26Prohibition leaders Congress
up tonight report al the conferees the
posofce appropriation bill preparing let the
all in order kill the Reed bone dry amendment prohibiting
the shipment of liquor into dry states Rep Randall Of Cali
fona declared he had definite information that such
had planned He other prohibition champions said
conferees reported disagreement and resolution contn
ung present posoce appropriations brought they
would it that the Reed amendment White
House with the continuing resolution.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
Flood Bill
Introduced
Giving Power
10 President
OR BOND ISSUE
OF 100000, 900
uthorizes President to Arm
Ships and Use "Such Other
Instrumentalities as Neces-
sary"

Washington, Feb. 26.-After confer
nses with Democratic and Republic
h. leaders. chairman Flood of the
use foreign affairs committee intro
ced late today a bill authorizing the
resident TO arm merchant ships and
j. such other Observation-Disclosures as
(ecessary" to protect them on the high
eas and providing for special bond
sue Of slOo.oOo0oO
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
Committee Receives 1t

Tie bill was referred to the commit
j. which will meet tomorrow to con-
Ter it. At the same time the Senate
|reicn relations committee will con-
|ier the Presidents tentative draft OF
milar measure, submitted by Chair
pan Stone.
When the President was at the Cap
|oi, II was learned late today. he gave
|hairman Flood of the House foreign
|fairs committee draft Of his idea OF
Plat the resolution to be adopted by
Congress- should be. The resolution
Fas broad and embodied exactly what
'Ae President proposed to Congress.
A copy of the draft also was given to
Ennn tn,. nli,.nr
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
REPORT HAS BUT
ONE CASUALTY
Six of Americans Cabin
Passengers, 20 of the
Crew-No Explosives
in Cargo
ESTABLISHED 1925.

New York, Feb. 26-Twentv.
six Americans, six of whom
were cabin passengers and 20
paid members of the crew. were
on board the British Cunard
liner Laconia from New York,
Feb. Is, for Liverpool, with Is
passengers and a crew of ZIG,
when the vessel was sunk I'M
warned by a German submarine
on Sunday night. One casualty.
as yet unidentified, was officially
reported by the Liverpool office
OF the line to officials here.
The names of the American
passengers and their addresses.
as given by the line here and
confirmed in part by relatives
in the United States, are as fol-
lows:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
The Complete Text
OF Wilson'S Message

possibilities and dangers, No thought
full man can fail to see that the ncces-
sity for definite action may come at
any time, if we arc in tact and not in
words, merely. TO defend our element
AIRY rights as neutral nation 1t
would be most imprudent to be UMPIRE
pared.
Wants Power Behind Him
Il cannot in such circumstances be
unmindful of the fact that the expi-
ration OF the term of the present Con-
Sress is Immediately at hand, by con-
stltutlonal limitation, and that it
would in all likelihood require an I'M
usual length Of time to assemble ana
organize the Congress, which is to sue
coed it,
Il feel that l ought in view of that
fact to obtain from YOU full and immedi-
ate assurance of the authority which /
may need at any moment to exercise. No
doubt | already possess that authority
without special warrant of law bv the
plain implication of my constitutional du-
ties and powers, but | prefer in the pres
ent circumstances not to act upon gen
eral implication. l wish to feel that the
authority and the power of the Congres IS
are behind me in whatever it may be
come necessary for me to do. we ar,
jointly the servants to the people and
must act together and in their spirit, so
far as we can devine and interpret it.
mo one doubts what it is our duty to
do. We must defend our commerce ami
the lives of our people in the midst If the
present trying circumstances with discre-
ton but with clear and steadfast pur-
pose. Only the method and the extent
remain to be chosen. on the occasion, if
occasion should indeed arise
''Since it has unhaprily proved impos-
sible to safeguard our neutral rights by
diplomatic means against the unwarrant-
ed infringements they are suffering at
the hands of Germany. there may be no
recourse but to armed neutrality, which
we shall know how to maintain and for
which there is abundant American prec-
edent
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
Laconia CaseM ayPro rove
to Be the "Overt Act
OFFICIALS MAKE
ATTEMPT TO HIDE THEIR CONCERN
Even If No American Lives Were Lost, the At
tack Is Regarded as an Illegal Assault Upon
u. S. Citizens on Peaceful Mission

Washington, Feb. 2G.-The sinking
of the big Cunard Liner Laconia ap-
parently without warning and with q
Americans on board, doomed up to-
night as the most serious disregard of
American rights since the ruthless
Government officials here made no
attempt to conceal their concern.
Co,c,yFc ponort
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
Text Of Flood Bill

The text of the Flood bill follows:
House o. Representatives of the Unit
p States Of America in Congress as
embled. that the President Of the
nited states of America be, and Is
Ierehy authorized and empowered to
'upply merchant ships. the property of
l'zens of the United States and bear
'g American registry with defensive
rms should il in his Judgment be-
me necessary for him to do so, and
FSo with the necessary ammunition
E"l means OF making use of them in
I'Nnse AGAINST unlawful attack; and
'at ne be md Is hereby authorized
!" empowered to employ such other
sS'rumentalities and methods as may
/ HIS Judgment and discretion seem
Il ,VeSsarN and adequate to protect such
."ps and the citizens Of the United
I -'eS IN their lawful and peaceful
suits on tn" high seas.
lection The sum of one hundred
n.'on dollars is hereby appropriated
l., VI any moneys in the treasury not
"Il'i idltu " De eADeHu0u
'ne President Of the United States
the purposes herein stated. the
,'' sum to he available until the first
"S OF January. 1918, and the President
authorized to transfer so much
I'ereof rs he may deem necessary to
~ horeau Of War Risk Insurance Gre
|u by act OF Congress, approved
lp'tmh"r ,. 1914. for the purpose of
'utihS vessels. their freight. passen-
moneys and cargoes against loss or
r az. by the present risks of war.
scuon three-For the purpose of
ing the expenditures herein au-
LED. the secretary of the treasury,
|'uer the direction of the President
nereny authorized to borrow on the
leuiI OF the United States and to is
+ therefor bonds of the United
| ao g. not exceeding in the aggregate
l,s,oov.ooo. said bonds to be in such
lSont'nued on Page 5, Column q