davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
CITY ELECTION
TO Be QUIET
Very Little Interest Seems to
BE Shown in the Campaign
This Year in Alma.

There seems to be less inter-
est in the pending election this
spring than has been shown at any
time in the past five or six years, in
spite of the fact that some very inn
portant propositions will be coming
up during the next twelve months,
which will be of vital Importance to
Alma and its future.
Unless there is decided warming
up during the last few days of the
campaign, there promises to be a
very tame time for the local politi-
clans of the city, much more tame
than the campaigns of the past two
years. The seeming lack of interest
is probably due TO the fact that the
heads of the ticket of either party are
putting forth no efforts TO secure the
fruits Of victory, rather leaving the
question entirely to the voter and his
own good judgement.
Neither of the candidates, Mr.. King
nor Mr.. Murphy, has put forth any
effort to secure the election. 1t is
very apparent that neither is very
crazy to be elected and have the task
of carrying the city through the great
amount of work which must be done
this coming year Either man is
ready to give his best to the city,
however, if he is elected.
The lack of fight on the Offices
of clerk and city treasurer, probably
also has a great deal TO do with the
tame election which Alma is to have
this year, d. W. Adams for treasurer
and Carl Gallagher for clerk each
having clear field.
1t is very evident that the voters
of the city have made up their minds
on the matter Of the commission form
OF government, and the increasing OF
the rates of the Gratiot County Gas
company on a sliding scale, as there
is practically no talk in regard to
either. Sentiment is believed to have
crystaized in favor of both, although
this cannot be told until after the cleo
tion.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
STATUTORY RAPE
Serious Charge is Lodged Against
Resident of ST. Louis.

j. A. Fordney Of st. Louis was ar
rested Sunday by Deputy sheriff Lew
Martin on charge of statutory rape,
the case being the outgrowth of sus-
picions which have been growing for
some time in the minds of the officers.
Illegal relations with his stepdaugh-
ter, aged fifteen years, is the charge
which has been made against the St.
Louis man.
The case has been under investiga-
tion for some little time, various
officers have worked upon it, during
the time that Prosecutor Ora l..
Smith has had his eyes on Fordney.
Finally the officers became certain
that the illegal relations were fact,
and Sunday Deputy Martin arrested
Fordney and also took the young girl
in custody as witness. They were
taken to Ithaca and given a good
grilling by the officers, after which,
it is said, both made confessions in
regard to the illegal relations which
the officers had believed to exist.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
WANTED
Department of Govern
ment Wants German Photos.

The Intelligence Department of the
u. S. is now seeking for cuts, draw
ings, photographs or descriptions of
bridges, buildings, towns and locali-
ties in the territories in France, Bel
gium or Luxembourg, which are now
in German possession.
1t should be understood by the pub
lie that such things may be of vital
Importance TO the government, par
ticularly to the army which is now
in France and the men who will soon
be going across to that country.
Many things of value may be dis
covered in such photos, cuts or draw
ings.
1t should also be remembered that
such things must be donated TO the
great cause, as the intellegence de-
partment cannot return them. Those
having such things to donate to the
war cause, kindly leave them with
the Alma Record or with f. NJ. Wood,
chief of the local division of the
American Protective Association.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
RED CROSS DRIVE ON
Citizens Pledging Generously - $500
Month Likely to be Reached.

The solicitors for the local branch
of the Red Cross report most graft
flying results from their drive on
Sunday last.
Alma people are again proving
their liberality-that IS what was eA-
pected. They are not going To repud-
late the boys at the front. The $500
month asked by the Alma women
will be reached if all the people are
given an opportunity to pledge.
The solicitors will continue their
drive next Sunday and keep i up un-
til all are seen. William McFadden
of the First State Bank has charge
in the first ward; Paul Crandell in
the second; Carl Washburn in the
third, and Henry Soule in the fourth.
The people may rest assured that,
with these men at the head of the
several committees, the work will be
thoroughly done.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
Voters of Alma Will Express
Themselves on Method of
Running Civic Affairs.
INDICATIONS ARE FAVORABLE
Believe Measure Will Get Needed
yotes-Progressive Cities Have
Commission.

City Attorney J. d. Splnney has
furnished list of cities IN Michigan
which have adopted completely, OF %
some extent the commission form oi
city government. ~
The list shows that Z wide awake
hustling cities Of ths tate hay' tax
en- some action in RI hrd 70 % pting
the commission fornF of 'city govern
ment. which would indicite that the
people of the state are realizing that
il offers the best solution for the
problems which the comruhties are
called upon to face, andltl 1t VIII
give the cities "A more %slness-ilke
administration.
The cities which have tken action
under the Home Rule Act as the COM
mission form is known follow
Incorporation-Eas Jordan, FIRE.
mont, Harbor Beach, lowell, NUM-
sing. Revision-Albio Alpena, Bat
tie Creek, East Jordab Eaton Rapids,
Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Hollond,
Jackson, Lansing, Iadington, Manis-
tee. Marquette, Monroe, Owosso.
Petoskey, Pontiac, Port Huron, Sagl-
nav, Traverse City, Three Rivers,
Wyandotte. Amerdment-Ann Arbor,
Bay City, Cadillac, Cheboygan, De-
troit, East Jorlan, Escanaba, Flint,
Grand Haven, Grand Rapids. Holland,
Ionia, Ironwood } slamazoo, Lansing,
Marshall, Marouhte, Muskegon, Pom
tiac, Port Hurca, Saginaw, South
uavt1,, 81 1cseot vrsi'anti.
Alma will vote upon the proposition
OF the cofaniissloh form Of Govern
ment Monday at the annual spring
election, and at the sam time win
vote on the election oil nine charter
revision committee members, whose
duty it will be to revise the charter of
the city, if the proposition for the
commission form carries. The char
ter commissioners are put up for vote
at this time to speed the mattera long,
if the proposition carries and also TO
avoid a special election later.
City Attorney also has the follow
ing letter relative to the list Of cities
which appears above. 1t follows:
Alma. Mich, March 26th, 1918
To my fellow citizens:-
The foregoing list was furnished
me by George l.. Tusk, Deputy Secre-
tary of State, Sept. 11th, 1917.
The Home Rule Act is the commits
sion form of government law and as
amended will be found in the Com
piled Laws of Michigan for 1915, Vol
ume one beginning with Section 1904
which is the law as it is today except
several amendments under Public Acts
of Micigan, Session 2, 1917.
Very truly yours,
John ID. Spinney. City Attorney.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
GOOD LECTURES
War Lectures at Alma College Are
Proving Most Interesting.

Tuesday Dr.. Cornelius lectured be-
fore the General Science course at the
college on Conservation of Natural
Power" He spoke of how the present
CT isis has called most forcibly TO the
minds of the nation the fact that our
resources are by no means iimitless,
and that il is high time we cease our
tention to ways and means Of con-
serving our natural assets.
In the case of water, it is estimated
that from the flow Of the streams III
the u. S. there are available 66 mil
lion horse power, but only about six
million horse power have as yet been
deN eloped. If systems of reservoirs
were constructed to catch and store
the flood waters, there would be avail
able upward of 200 million horse
power, or enough to meet the
needs Of the nation if the popu-
lation were $50 million people. We
have been slow in making use of this
tremendous water-power, and still
cling to our inefficient small unit pow
er plants where coal is used to produce
the electrical energy, whereas few
large water-power plants scattered
over the country at strategic water
power sites could produce and distrib-
ute electrical energy far more efiic-
intly and economically, besides saving
vast amounts of coal annually.
In regions were coal must be used
as a source of power, it could be done
far more economically if large units
power plants were established right
in the coal field and the electrical
energy distributed even as far as two
or three hundred miles, instead of
hauling trainloads of coal all over the
country to small individual plants. In
| this manner coal could be saved for
the railroads use enorous amounts of
coal merely in carrying the II million
car loads of coal which are sent
broadcast each year.
1t is estimated that the railroads
annually use 100 million tons of coal
for their own uses. This could be
saved if they would adopt electrical
energy, securing their power from
water-power plants or from plants
located in the coal fields Several
of the railroads over the country are
electrifying their roads, especially
their mountain divisions. The cleo
trio locomotives are proving success
ful wherever they are used for they
will carry from three to four times
as many ton-miles month as the
steam locomotives, and are efficient
in all temperatures.
In conclusion, DR.. Cornelius en-
phasized the immediate need OF
scientific utilization of our national
resources in order to meet the pres.
ent demands as we'll as those of the
future generations.
Next week the course will hear
Prof. Stearns on Tuesday when he
will discuss sanitation and Camr
Locations" and on Friday Prof. West
will talk on water, The Most Use
full Chemical and Food"
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
MRS. /. |. REID
DIED IN SOUTH
Daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
Francis King Died in San
Antonio Sunday.
DEATH FOLLOWED OPERATION
Was i'm South With Husband Who is
an Officer in Aviation Section
OF L. :. Army.

Word was received here Sunday of
the death of Mrs Frances Reid at the
San Antonio, Texas, hospital, death
being due to appendicitis, for which
she had been operated upon.
Mrs. Reid was the daughter of Mr..
and Mrs. Francis King Of this city,
and was twenty-five years of age.
Word of. her serious illness reached
here the latter part of last week and
Mr.. and Mrs. King at once left for
San Antonio, Texas, arriving there
shortly before the death of their
daughter.
Mrs. Reid was married here last
year to Howell Lewis Reid of Grand
Rapids, now lieutenant in the avia-
ton section of the u. S. army, in
training at Kelly field, San Antonio.
Mrs. Reid had been there with him,
at the time she was taken i'll.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
FOR COUNTY CLERK

] wish to announce that will be a
candidate on the Republican ticket for
the nomination for county clerk, at
the Primary election to be held in
August. am aware that some voters
think that two terms are all that any
one should have in an office but there
are also others who think that man
is worth more when he has some ex-
perience than he is while he is learn
ing, and ] will be very grateful if
there are enough of these to give me
the nomination. At any rate | wish
at this time to thank those who have
supported me in the past, as we'll as
those who have given me kind words
and offered to support me again.
36-t-c. b. l.. Case.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
YOUTHFUL GANG
IS ROUNDED UP
Nine Young Lads Arrested Mon
day by Officers Following
Depredations.
FOUR OF NINE RESIDE HERE
Grocery, Elevator and Freight Cars
Had Been Entered by the Young
Fellows.

Five young lads from st. Louis and
four from this city were picked up
by Chief of Police Vibber and Deputy
Sheriff Lew Martin Tuesday morning,
charged with having taken $500 in
cash from the Alma Elevator com
pany, with breaking into two Pere
Marquette freight cars, and also into
Rules Grocery
The depredations of the lads came
10 the attention of the railroads when
the freight cars were broken into, and
complaints were made TO the officers
in regard to them, and since that time
the officials have been quietly work
ing on the case.
Their efforts were rewarded the
fore part of this week when the
names of all the young fellows al
legged TO have been in the deals were
discovered, after which it was an easy
matter for the officers to round them
up.
The young lads seemed rather par
tial to money, tobacco and eatables.
AT the Alma Elevator $500 in cash
was taken about two weeks ago by
the youngsters, this being done about
four o'clock in the afternoon. About
$3.50 worth OF tobacco was taken
from the two freight cars which were
broken into, and the balance of the
estimated S5S45 worth of goods and
money which it is alleged was secured
by the youngsters, was taken from
When the youthful gang was
rounded up by Vibber and Martin
Tuesday the lads were taken to Itha-
ca by the deputy sheriff where they
we're taken before Judge of Probate
j. Lee Potts, to arrange for their
hearing at which time the officials of
the railroad will be present, as well as
the lads and their parents.
II is understood, although not def
nitely known that the railroad in
tends to push the matter with the
youngsters.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28

Gunner Depew will relate to his aud
fence while in this city Sunday night
Serving two years in the most terrific
fighting both on land and sea, in
Flanders and the Campaign at the
Dardanelles, gassed, bombed, bayo-
netted, and torpedoed are few of the
thrilling experiences which this sailor
lad went thru.
As a result of his unique career he
carries two gunshot wounds in his
thigh and has partially lost the sight
of his right eye.
Gunner Depew lectures at Hill Aud
itorium in Ann Arbor Saturday and
at the last moment arrangements were
finally made to bring the Gunner to
Alma Sunday evening. 1t is going to
be real patriotic treat for the peo-
pie of Alma.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
GAS PROPOSITION
UP FOR A VOTE
Ithaca. st. Louis and
Breckenridge Asked to Aid
Gas Company.

Breckenridge, Ithaca, st. Louis and
Alma will all vote on the question
of raise in gas rates Monday, the
proposition being to allow the Grat-
lot County Gas company to raise its
rates from $l.25 per thousand to
Sl.40, the increase being asked for by
the company owing to the mounting
costs of production, which has been
causing this Gratiot concern to oper-
at a loss during the last few months.
Before being submitted to the
voters, the proposition of cost was
gone into by committees from the
councils Of each of the places, and
this was followed by favorable action
on the part of III councils in each
of the places to submit the matter to
a vote. The various councils, after
the exhaustive investigation into the
matter have practically recommen-
ded that the residents of the four
towns vote for the raise that the
company be kept from going into the
hands of the receiver.
The raise being asked for is a
slight one, and is smaller than the
raise which has been granted in many
Michigan cities, which are larger than
those being served by the Gratiot
company.
Following is list of Michigan cit
les which have allowed the companies
operating in them to raise rates
within the mast SIXTY davs.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
STARTS TRIP
College Glee Club Started Annual
Tour Today.

The college glee club leaves for its
spring tour Friday, March %, Civ.
ing its first concert in Fairgrove,
Friday evening. A different district
is always chosen for each years trip
so the club will give its concert thru
the Thumb this spring. The 1914
club made the same district and were
very Instrumental in bringing more
students to Alma College. 1t is hoped
that this years trip may be as pro-
ductive.
The club is in especially good shape
for its tour having spent much time
in the last few weeks in perfecting its
entertainment. Altho' there are no
outstanding stars in its caste, the
club is one of the best ever represent
ing the college. The harmony is bet
ter than ever before and the team
work of the club is unusual.
The program is especially attract
i've because of the number of patriotic
ScitNliOhS iilCiuutu III III. JuSL dJ
this time in our National crisis, these
will especially appeal to the Ameri-
can audiences.
Professor Horton and Mr.. Clinton
Seeley are the two soloists who will
appear on the program. Mr.. Sharrar,
the reader, is certain to please his
audiences with his humorous selec-
tions. The quartette will also appear
on the program with some of our
best known patriotic hits as their
numbers.
TIE club has planned a ten days
trip taking in most of the principal
towns in the Thumb. Two prelimi.
nary concerts will be given in Breck-
enridge and st. Louis, March 26 and
%, respectively.
The itinerary of the club will be as
follows:
March 29-Fairgrove.
March 30-31-Millington.
April 1-Vassar.
April 2-Sandusky.
April 3-Croswell.
April 4-Pt. Huron.
April 5--Lapeer.
April CT.
Any mail to any members of the
club should be addressed, care of the
Alma College Glee Club.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
EARLY CLOSING
Merchants to Close Business Places
Early During the Summer.

1t has been decided by nearly all of
the merchants of the city to close
their respective places of business at
6 o'clock during the summer months
This is certain to give the business
men and their clerks the full advan-
tages which may be derived from the
more daylight plan of the government,
and thus allow them more time TO
work in their war gardens, or to do
other things which might be needed
around home or elsewhere.
The closing hours will be observed
except on Saturday and Republic pay
nights, and affect nearly every bus
mess house in the city, excepting meat
markets, jewelry stores and drug
stores.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28

Pending raises-Port Huron, Niles,
Hancock, Houghton, Big Rapids and
Detroit.
The sentiment in Ithaca Brecken-
ridge and Alma, especially GEMS to
favor the proposition to grant slid
ing scale which has been asked by the
company.
Manager Wagner interviewed on
Wednesday in regard to the matter
said that he believed that if the peo-
pie in the four towns seriously con-
sder the matter that the proposition
will carry, especially since the results
of failure to carry will force the
company into the hands of receiver.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
GUNNER DEPEW
COMING SUNDAY
American Boy Who Has Fought
Against Germans on Both
Land and Sea.
WAS GERMAN PRISONER
Fought at Gallipoli. in Flanders. and
Was Later Taken Prisoner by
German Sea Raider.

Gunner Depew, the fighting, laugh
ing American Sailor Boy, who went
over the seas in 1914 to assist France
in repelling the Huns will come to the
First Presbyterian Church, Sunday
night, March 81, at p. M, to tell
the patriotic organizations and the
people Of Alma exactly what kind Of
an enemy our own boys must face.
The stories Of German brutality thus
far received from the European bat
tlefied are only minor details to what
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
INTERESTING LETTER
Marine Writes to Record in Regard
TO the Third Liberty Loan.

The Alma Record has received a
short letter from Private Joseph V.
Wilson, stationd at Paris Island. S. c.,
which is certain to prove most inter-
esting to readers of the Record as il
deals with the Third Liberty Loan
Mr.. Wilson is a former Alma boy.
whose parents reside here at the pres
ent time.
The letter follows:
Secretary Daniels of the United
States navy has asked every Marine
to notify his parents and friends about
the third Liberty Loan. thought as
! came from the City of Alma it
would be a good thing to advertise in
your paper if it isn't too much of a
bother to you.
Every Marine here is dying to go
to France and if those who can't go
would or ought to give a few dollars
TO help their country. Every Marine
is taking out one besides giving his
service to his country.
81 have only been in the service
about two months and like it fine as
far as ! went. 1t has been am entirely
different life TO me and also it is an
interesting life. am the son of ]. A.
Wilson living at 555 Downey st. If
can help you in any way with your
paper will be glad to do so.
Yours very truly,
Private Joseph V. Wilson.
Y. S. NJ. c. 81 Company,
Paris Island, So. Carolina"
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28

Liberty Theater Will Open Doors to
the Public Last of Week.

The Liberty theater. as the old
Genesta theater is now known, will
open its doors to the public Saturday,
under a new management, after hav-
ing been closed for a half month
while numerous repairs and altera-
tions have been made.
Manager Ashley of the Liberty
theater, has gone to big expense in
remodeling the movie house, and ex-
poets to give this city first class
show house at this location.
The entire front Of the theater has
been remodeled during the last two
weeks, new fire proof operators
room completed, the theater redeco-
rated, rewired for better lighting ef-
fects besides numerous other minor
changs.
A large electric sign, bearing the
name. Liberty Theater, has been
placed over the show house.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
MARRIAGE LICENSES

c. Dale Rich, 21, Ithaca
Gladys Hustled, 10, Ithaca
Morrison II. Crum, 81. Wheeler
Nettie Tirrl, 60, Breckenridge
Horace Bert Granger, 80, Pin
River
Sadie Belle Wasson, 81, Newark.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
DATE Is SET
Alma College Assembly for Sunday
School Workers Comes in July.

The annual Alma College Assembly
for Sunday School workers has been
set for the week of July IL to 25, and
plans are now being laid to make this
years assembly the best yet held.
This is the Alma college school for
Sunday school workers which is held
each summer. II has been running
now for three years and each year has
seen a good growth in the attendance
at the school, and il is expected that
the attendance this year will be larger
than at any time in the past.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
CARD OF THANKS

We wish to express, in our small
way, our sincere thanks and apprecia-
tion for the beautiful flowers and
words Of sympathy given by our
friends, during our days Of sorrow.
w. ID. Walker,
Cleo f. Walker,
Beulah l.. Walker,
t36-p) and relatives.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28
ANNOUNCEMENT

| wish to announce that on earnest
solicitation of friends, that | am a
candidate for nomination for sheriff
on the Republican ticket at the pri-
maries August 27, 1918. Your sup
port will be appreciated.
Adv. A. T. Willcrt.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28

Marguerite Clark in "The Seven
Swans"-Idlehour, Thursday; second
matinee at $3.50 for children.-adv.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1918-03-28

City Attorney J. d. Spinney has
furnished a list of cities IN Michigan
which have adopted completely, or %
some extent the commission form Of
The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1918-11-09
Substitutes

Significance is attached TO the cir
Sular issued 10 the millcrs 10y the Food
administration late last week discuss.
ing the food situation II says: ''Some
have expressed themselves rs believing
that IL we should have an immediate
peace the need for conservation would
lee relieved, but the need of our feed
ing an even larger number of people
under peace conditions might bring
about need for even greater conscrya
tion than at present. Our Allies have
agreed that all their wheat bread shall
contain at least 20 per cent Of other
grains than wheat 50 that we may eat
at common table we have agreed to
do likewise. -
hs IL is very evident that substitutes
will continue for long time, we sug
gcst as tho best mixture Of wheat bread
---65 per cont -four; II per cent Cream
ct Maize; 20 per cent Dcgerminatcd
White Corn Flour. OF course we have
~ stock Barley Flour, White Bolted
Meal, yellow Bottled Meal and Granu
lated Corn Meal. all Of which can be
secured through your grocer.