davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
GAS COMPANY WILL
NOT CONF|DE IN
MEMPHIS PUBLIC
Officials Refuse to Give Any
Figures on Financial Con-
dition Before Asking for In
creased Rates on Gas.

The public is supposed TO be master
Of the state public utilities commission,
yet the Memphis Gas and Electric COM
pany declines to give the public fig
ures upon which it will base its re-
quest for increased gas rates (and pos
sibly electric) until after the commits
sion shall have received the applica-
ton for raise
The Memphis public has an interest
In the proposal to increase gas rates
In Memphis primary to the interest Of
the state public utilities commission,
Yet the Memphis public~shall have no
primary knowledge of the situation, al
legged or real, in the gas company which
eompeis a request for these rates
An effort made Saturday morning to
secure figures showing the financial
condition Of the gas department of the
company, was balked by the refusal
OF Jersey +. Rainier, secretary of the
company, to give out any figures what
ever until such time as the petition to
the public utilities commission has been
written and filed In Nashville, The de-
sire was to learn the monthly operat-
ing cost OF the gas plant and acceSsor-
les; the monthly earnings of tha plant
the amount of capital invested in the
plant, the capital stock and the out
standing bonds. II was thought the
public would be interested in knowing
and knowing without delay, what these
figures are, as they would be OF vital
consideration in the petition for in
creased rates. They might suggest
| whether or not there is 'watered" stock
upon which the increased exaotion from
the consumers Of gas would have tc
pay interest.
Mr.. Rainier thought II would be un-
| fair to the commission TO give these
| figures to the public prior to their de-
| livery to the commission. He said they
would become public property at, thai
| time and the pubic would have tirnt
| enough to muse upon them between
| the time Of the filing of the petition
and the decision of the commission.
The company has not yet determined
what increase will be asked for, Mr.
Rainier said, nor has it yet aseertained
whether an increase in electric rates
will also be asked for.
w. M. Flock, nresident of the COM
pany, arrived in the city Saturday
morning from New York. Through Mr.
Rainier he refused to be interviewed
relative to the proposed request for
| increased gas rates.
The rates for gas are 81 per 1000
cubic feet used per month per meter
80 cents per 1000 cubic feet for excess
| over 1000 cubic feet The customer
guarantees a minimum Of 500 cubic feoi
| per month per meter, equivalent to &C
cents
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
Parents See Name
In Army List As
Son Returns Home

Although wounded Sept 2S. 1918,
when he led his company OF regulars
in q charge. the name of Lieut.. Thomas
J, ONeil. 5bth infantry, Seventh diN-
sion of U.S.A. regulars. was not con-
tanned in the casualty list until Friday.
His parents. Mr.. and Mrs. C. j. O'Neti,
260 Keel avenue, had just read the pa :
pers OF the wounding of their son. when
Tommy" came bouncing In at the
O'Nell home.
IL was a queer coincidence, but only
added to the royal welcome of Lieut..
o'Neil He is home on a 16-day leave
Of absence. Then be will return to Fort
Oglethorpe to be mustered out,
Lieut. o'Neil enlisted In the regular
army September, 1917. and through cf-
ficeney and gallant conduct rapidly
rose from the ranks to the grade, OF
first lieutenant He fought through
several OF the great battles and in nu
merous skirnishes receiving, a trivial
wound last September.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28

intents and purposes the conflict that
began in August, 1914, ended when In
the historic Hall of Mirrors the ac-
credited peace commissioners of the all
lied and associated powers and of Ger
many affixed their signatures to the
treaty. Likewise win be brought to
an end the armistice granted Germany
Nov. II and also the period OF uncer-
tainty and doubt as to the final out
come of the peace negotiations
With the signing of the treaty work
OF the peace conference proper, in so
far as concerns negotiations with Ger
many. is brought, to conclusion after
more than five months of conferences.
Portions of the treaty with Austria vet
remain to be completed and negotia-
tions with Turkey and Bulgaria still
must be conducted, but as to Germany,
chief Of the enemy Rowers only ne
years Of the provisions Of the treaty
remains.
The ceremony today at Versailles
which, though simple, was sne Of the
1snEt Impressive III whfstory, also brings
son nj Paris as head Of the American
peace mission and in signing the treaty
as such he becomes the first president
Of the United States to sign treaty
as negotiator,
With the departure from Paris to-
night Of President Wilson preparatory
to sailing tomorrow from Brest on the
George Washington, the center of in
terest as regards the treaty shifts to
the senate, ratification by which is nec-
essary for actual termination OF the
war between this country and Germany
Due to opposition to the league of ma
tions covenant--a part of the treaty
and to certain provisions OF the treaty
itself, the contest in the senate is ex-
pected to be long and bitter.
Interest also after today will be more
decidedly centered on the tour of the
country by the president soon after he
has laid the treaty before the senate
While the itinerary and other details
have not been made known, 1t is un-
derstood the president will go west az
far as the Pacific coast, making ad.
dresses in support of the treaty ano
league of nations covenant.
As the signing OF the treaty must be
followed by formal ratification before
commercial relations with Germany may
be resumed, spirit of rivalry among
the entente allies to file notice OF rati
ficaton with the French secretariat In
Paris may be expected to develop. The
| first nation to resume relations WITH
Germany. therefore, probably. VIII DC
among those whose forms of govern
ment admit of speedy action. such as
Great Britain, which may ratliy tns
treaty through a mere order Oh tht
privy council.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
HOLDS
UTILITIES ACT IS
CONSTITUTIONAL
State Commission Has Legal
Right to Break Solemn Con-
tract Between Memphis and
Street Railway Co. on Fares

NASHVILLE, Tenn June rs. ,Splo
The supreme court. In q decision
handed down today held to besconsti-
tutional the act Of the recent session Of
the general assembly which conferred
upon the railroad commission the pow
erstof public utilities commission with
exclusive powers for regulating all pub
lie service corporations In the state, re-
gardleas OF contracts aud franchises
made between such corporations ,as
street railways. light companies and
telephone companies on the one hand
and the cities In which they operate.
IL was under the operation of this
act that Memphis car fares were raised
to cents.
The decision OF the supreme cour,
was anticipateds~ as IL is based upon
decisions made In similar cases In other
states In which the legislatures have
created public utility commissions.
1t may be difficult for a layman to
understand the grounds upon which Il
is held that a contract, regularly en-
tered into between municipal corpora
tion and a public utility corporation
granting certain franchise rights on the
one hand. and fixing the rate to be
charged for service given, on the other
can be abrogated, especially In view OF
the clear language OF the TENNESSEE
constitution on the abrogation OF con
tracts.
Tennessee courts have held that the
right of public officeholder to the
fees and emolumAnts Of his office can,
Ing his term Of office and to the las
mind that would seem to be In a way
an analogous case,
The law creating the public utilities
commission having been upheld. tn,
question OF street railway fares IN Mem
phis now remains to be decided. Th,
state railroad and public utilities com
mission probably win now appoint thu
appraiser to act for 1t in fixing tn,
valuation Of the physical properties o
the Memphis Street railway The stree
railway company also win name an ap,
praiser to represent II, the appoint
ment OF course being made by the re
ceivers, r. II, Tutwiler and Frank $
Elgin with the approval of Judge j
II, Mccall. of the United States dis
| trict court,
The city administration will appoin
Ross W Harris, one OF the most promi
nent traction experts In the United
States These appointments are du
by July !. The state commission II
| ordering the appraisal, fixed fou
| months from that date as the time II
which the appraisal must be completed
| and the reports be handed to the stat,
commission. The order Of the commits
sion states that either joint report
or separate report, may be made. 4
complete physical survey and valuation
| Is to be made and the inquiry win ais,
| include. necessarily, the values of tn,
property when II was bought by tn,
| of the stocks and bonds, as base'
upon the value Of the physical proper
| ties, honce determining Just how mucf
water exists In the securities.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
JAKE" GIVEN AS
CAUSE FOR DIVORCE

Alleging that he was drunk on ia
maica ginger and that he assaulted her
cursed and abused her. and broke IN
some Of the household furniture on
June 8, Mrs, Emma Bowling filed suit
for divorce from Paul Bowling, a plas.
terer. late Friday afternoon in chancery
court, Her attorney Is Ralph Davis.
Mrs, Dowling's declaration states
that her husband on June 8, following
his outbreak was tried in city court
and sent to the workhouse. They lived
on South Lumpkin street and have two
children. She says when her husband
let's lake" alone he earns about 81 q
day at his trade.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
Diplomats Watch.

Boys, better hurry up, the girls are
getting into the kite contest ana prom
iss 70 have some surprises in the way
OF beautiful and novel constructed kites
sor the contest to be conducted by The
News Scimitar at Hodges field. SOM
ervilie street and Jefferson avenue, on
the morning OF July 4. The girls have
oonfided some of their plans to the
kite editor and he is pledged to secrecy,
but he can say that II will be well
worth while to come and see what
they promise.
on course the boys, scores of them,
are planning star kites, old-fashioned,
coffin shaped kites and darting, dia-
rncnd- shaped ones. to try for1the prize
for the highest flying kite, but 1t Is
H. fact that at o contest In a Northern
krlty last year a girl won one of the
Ebiggest prizes for high flying and an
fother as we'll for having the most beau
ftfftil kite. The kite was made In the
shape OF the American eagle, and was
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
Girls Have Surprises
For Big Kite Contest

greatly admired when 1t scared high
over all the other flyers.
"Rilp Thompson la still working to
get that airplane and thinks he will
get 1t, He promises not to hurt any
of the kites, and anybody who knows
"Bill" Thompson knows that he Is such
a good flyer that he could dodge an
autumn leaf while in the air and not
lose his balance. He is the man who
used to fly over the ball park last
summer and come down close enough
to wave hands at the crowd. He is
the best man in Memphis to Judge a
kite-flying contest. or course there
will be other judges, but Doc Hottum,
master OF ceremonies, promises to have
BIZ on hand 'sho nuf."
Whether you have telephoned Or
written ito the kite editor already or
not, better fill in the blank below SO
he will count on you to come, says The
News Scimitar kite editor. There will
be no entrance fee, and there will be
500 in prizes awarded.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
PRESIDENT QUITS
PARIS FOR BREST
SATURDAY EVENING

WASHINGTON, June 28-President Wilson and his party
will leave Paris $50 o'clock tonight for Brest sail for
home, Secretary Tumuy notified today The cablegam
from the president said "All we'll"
President Wilson has consented to unofficial reception
for him his arrival in New York committee of citizens
through Secretary Tumuy had asked that they be allowed
prepare unofficial greeting
This is the first ntmation of where the president would
land.
Immediately after receiving the news of the signing of the
treaty. Acting Secretary Polk this message the president
over the special direct wire from the department Yer
sales:
Permit to offer my heartfelt congratulations the
completion of your great work The American people will be
proud of what you did their for the
nf The
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
SENTENCES AFFIRMED.

Procedendos affirming sentences
against Martin Jarvis, grand larceny.
three to 10 Years; A, b. Wallace. $50
fine and four months In the workhouse,
and Walter Borders. petit larceny, III
months and 80 days, were received from
the clerk of the supreme court Satur-
day morning by ], j, Williams, clerk
Of the criminal court,
The sheriff win have to catch Jarvis
before he can send him to the stats
penitentiary Jarvis escaped froIR the
county jail about two months agN
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
L0CUSTS ATTACK CROPS
ON ARKANSAS FARM

PINE BLUFF, Ark, June 28 tSpll
Clint Green reports having founs
seven-year locusts attacking cotton and
vegetables on his farm Is miles of this
city The plants where stand is light
have been attacked the most and nu-
merous eggs have been laid, The plants
die rapidly after being perforated.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
EXCHANGE MAY MOVE
TO FRONT AND UNION

The Cotton exchange practically has
decided to move TO the northeast cor
ner OF Front street and Union avenue
The committee charged with she de
cson is considering a proposition from
Percy Galbreath. agent of the property
now being used for a storehouse, The
exchange will have to reach decision
before July !. ms the present tenants
must be notified before that date.
The property will have to be i'm
proved before the exchange moves in,
The exchange will have to move by
SAINT /
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
,PADUCAH THRONGED BY
FOREIGN BOOZE BUYERS

PADUCAH, Ky, June es. tSpl AN
hegira Of liquor buyers from surround
ing territory rushed to this city at an
early hour this morning and by IL
O'Clock the streets in front of the liquor
dreds of automobiles, not only from
surrounding counties, but from other
states, lined up to receive their loads
Of jugs and cases. and liquor dealers
said the amount sold would be the
greatest single days liquor sale ever
known here. Many automobiles from
Tennessee points were conspicuous in
the throng and their drivers we're buy
ing heavily at some jug houses Long
lines of prospective purchasers have
been formed since the opening hour.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
HUSBAND BARRED OUT,

II. II, Abele Is under Injunction
which prevents him from entering the
premises occupied by bis wife, Cora
Abee. at 3o7 Looney avenue, following
an order Of court issued late Friday by
Judge Ben r. Capeli of Second circuit
court. Mrs Abele also filed suit for
divorce from her husband at the time
she made application for Injunction.
She alleges that he Is addicted to the
Use of LIQUOR
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28

Tennessee--Fair, Sunday fair and
warmer.
ississippi-Generally fair.
Arkansas--Generally fair.
Alamaba,--Generally fair.
Kentucky--FRir. warmer Sunday.
Louisiana and West Texas--Partly
cloudy.
East Texas--Partly cloudy.
Oklahoma---Generall fair
North and South Carolina and Geor-
gia--Generally fair,
Enthusiastically fair except thun
dershowers in north.
Kansas--Generally fair.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
PERUVIANS TRYING TO
RETAIN I'MILLAN

LIMA, Peru, June 2s--The American
Society Of Peru has initiated move
ment to have Benton Mcmillan. of Ten
nessee, the American minister, retained
here as ambassador Minister Mcmillan
recently was nominated by President
Wilson To he minister 10 Guatemala
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28

Secretary Daniels today sent this mes
sage to all naval ships and stations:
'The signing of the treaty of peace
at Versailles ushers in the best day
angels sang In Bethlehem Glory to God
in the Highest. On Earth Peace, Good
VIII Toward Mem
we are living the fulfiliment of that
prophecy As republic we are grate-
full to have borne a part in making
straight and plain the path Of perma-
nent peace with justice to the world.
Upon the receipt of news of signing
the treaty OF peace, the most import
ant document in the history OF the
fire a salute Of 81 guns with national
''JoSEPHUs DANIELS"
Taking the floor In the midst OF an
Nnprcprfadon bill debate, Senator
HNehcock, Of Nebraska, senior DEMO-
GrAk OF the foreign relations committee,
\ rS&M N INV senate the presidents adj
eefA#F fnanneina the signaag OF the
I EFeaty. Senator's listened attentiveIy
but no one made any comment .As
soon as the reading was completed, dis
cussion Of the appropriation measure
WAS resumed.
House in Cheers.
The house received the presidents ad
dress with more of show of celebra-
tion than did the senate. Presented by
Democratic Floor Leader Clark, the ad-
dress was read from the speakers desk
while the house stood and punctuated
IL with applause and cheers. Loud
yells from the Democratic side greeted
I the announcement of the signature
woodrow WILSON,"
Signing Of the peace treaty was be-
gun at 1890 o'clock Washington time.
The official report to the state depart
fnent said President Wilson signed at
&S:I4 o'clock Paris time.
DR.. Hermann Mueller and DR. Johan-
mes Bell signed for Germany at S:12 and
All the American delegation had fin
ished signing at 3:15 Immediately after
President Wilson, the official report
said.
a.. The official report transmitted from
Versailles to the state department.
reads
president Wilson and the American
delegation completed the signing of the
peace treaty at 3:14 o'clock, Paris time
It also was signed by Dr. Hermann
Mueller, at 3;12 p. m, and DR.. Johannes
Bell, for the Germans, at s:13 p. m. The
American delegation signed in this
\ order, Secretary Lansing, Henry White,
Col House and Gen. Bliss -
The other delegations, headed by the
British signed after the American
plenipotentiaries in the order set forth
IN the treaty.
Official Washington took the signing
OF the peace treaty calmly and quietly
4 in marked contrast to the riotous
demonstrations which greeted the an
nouncement of the signing of the ar
mistice. The marine band serenading
congress on the capitol plaza was the
only sign Of celebration.
Diplomats Watch.
the state department learned of the
news an 1t ticked off the special wire
to Versailles, Throughout the city
there were no demonstrations whatever
by the man in the streets.
Signing of the peace treaty formally
brings to close the worlds greatest
war. Although technical termination of
the war will come to each nation only
when the treaty ID approved by the
ratifying power of that nation, to all
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
TEXAS NINTH STATE TO
RATlFY SUFFRAGE BILL

AUSTIN, Texas, June 2S.-Texas to-
day became the ninth state to ratify
the proposed federal woman suffrage
Amendment. when the senate adopted
the ratifyiug resolution previously
passed by the house.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
BAILEY VS.. BAILEY.

Mildren s. Bailey filed suit for d.
vorce from ]. @. Bailey In circuit court
Saturday morning. The papers were
A. l.. Cox also seeks legal separation
from Emma Cox.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
MEET AT NESHoBA.

A meeting OF the Neshoba Parent
Teacher association has been called for
Monday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock in
the NesMoba school building
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
Splendid Response
Made By The People
To BrinkIey Fund

The fund for the widow and children
OF the late Sergt. John, G. BrInkley
Saturday reached totat\ Of $2,4o2.75.
The News Scimltar started the sub
scription two weeks. ago and the re-
sponse from those Who appreciated the
service Of the gallant officer was in.
stantaneous.
Those who wish to make contrIbu.
tions may mail checks to the John @.
Brlnkiey Fund, In care Of The News
Scimitar.
Subscriptions thus far received are as
follows:
Previously acknowledged ..... 90, ,347.7 rs
Nora s. Jacobs ........,,.... 500
J. M. Goff Observation-Disclosures. $500
6attier's Pharmacy ....s...A. $500
. ---------4----
90
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
Paris Students
III. Parade Streets

PARIS, June ~ The students OF
Paris began 10 form processions
early today. and shortly after y
o'clock were parRding through the
streets In celebration OF the signing
6f the treaty,
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
Weather Forecast

Fair, with slightly.
warmer weather Sun
day.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
Caught Off Island.

Mr.. Davis wens on to say that he
was anxious to show that officers OF
the law had accepted money from al
legged law violators and that he was
actuated by a motive for the public
good anly, in effort to show that his
clients were innocent and acting for
third party who had paid $3.50 TO an Of
ficer 70 let the whisky come in, eHe has
received and will receive, no fee from
the two boys, the attorney said, know
ing at the time OF. the trial that he
would be called upon by the court to
defend them.
The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-06-28
Kyser Wants Facts.

We are getting at the heart OF
things now and you will be eonferrnK
a great favor on the court, Mr.. Davis"
the Judge continued, III you make good
your promise to make the revelation
you speak OF"
W. d. Kyser district attorney, re-
sented Il remark made by Mr. Davis
that the district attorneys office was
aware that $3.50 had been passed In this
transaction and Mr.. Davis modified hla
statement to the effect that he had
rumors that the district attorney or at
taches OF his office were aware that n
bribe had been paid In the case at issue
The district attorney added that he
had rumors Of bribery In this and
numerous other whisky cases and en-
phaticaily stated that he was as anxious
as was Mr.. Davis to get at the bottom
of the graft charges Repeated effort
on his part has failed to run down the
rumors with the actual evidence have
been thwarted, the district attorney
reiterated, and he said he would well
come an inquiry which will uncover
chicapery on the part OF any officer at
tached to his office,
Thus from a clear sky fell the thun-
derbolt that bids fair to bring out some
startling revelations. In pleading sx-
tenuaton of the acts OF the two boys,
Mcnamara and Hilman, Mr.. Davis
stated to the court that the fear Of
''sauawing," as he termed H. sealed the
mouths OF many witnesses in whisky
Cases
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1919-09-11
Tn-City Art League
to Show Four Exhibits
During Autumn Season

Rock Island will be given an op-
portunity to view the collections
of French war posters held by
Major Harry Evans of Davenport,
the Turner water colors and etch-
ings in the collection of the w. c.
Putnam estate. and the interna-
tionally known collection of Jap
anese prints belonging to Arthur
Ficke of Davenport. during the ati-
tumn season. Such is the an
nouncement made today by Mrs.
Arthur d. Ficke of Davenport, of
the program of exhibits to be held
in the tri-cities under the auspices
of the TTi-City Art league, and
which promises to create a furore
among local art lovers.
The first exhibition in Rock Is
land will begin Oct l at the pub
lie library and will embrace the
Turner water colors and etchings.
In addition arrangements are now
completed whereby the touring ex-
hibit of famous Chicago oil paint
ers will be shown here. Each ex-
hibition will remain three weeks
until the four exhibits have been
presented to the Rock Island pub
lie.