davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Volstead Denies
Responsibility for
Making u. S. Dry

Chicago Tribune Omaha Bee Leased Wire.
Washington, March 20-An irate
citizen from somewhere or other
rushed into the Office of Representa-
tive Volstead of Minnesota, author
OF the prohibition enforcement act,
a few days ago, angrily displaying a
bottle of brown liquid for which he
had paid dearly only to discover it
was tea instead of liquor.
81 paid $22 a quart for that stuff"
he said. and it's all your fault; you
wrote the dry law"
Representative Volstead replied:
Don't blame me. I'm not a dry
and never was. Somebody had to
write the law, and as chairman of
the committee it fell to me. 1t might
have been worse. Now / am cussed
from one end of the country to the
other"
Later Mr. Volstead explained that
he did not mean he was opposed to
prohibition, but that he was not
prohibitionist in the strict party
sense of the term,
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Two Women and Man
Given 242 Years for
Blackhand Endeavors

Chicago Tribune Omaha Bee Leased Wire.
Chicago, March 20.-The merry
blackhand enterprise of collecting
money by means of threatening let
ters, bombs and sawed-off shotguns,
peculiar to the Italian colony, re-
ceived a hard setback when a jury
sentenced two, women and one man
to serve a total of 242 years. Those
convicted are:
Mrs. Lucy Natoniello, mother Of
II children, said to have been the
lure" or "tip-off" of the gang.
Mrs. Philippa Martello, Cob
lector" for the gang.
Vito Petruzzi, general handy man.
These three were convicted on 48
counts and the maximum sentence
calls for 242 years Imprisonment and
a fine Of $4,000 each. The jury dis
agreed on Frank Russo, suspected
of being the leader of the gang, and
Nick Salerno, also handy man..
Eugene Martello was dismissed.
:. The gang had It's rendezvous in
the rear of an Italian saloon. Here
the letters were written after mem
bers of the gang had ascertained
which of their victims had money.
These letters warned the recipients
that unless they came across the
blackhand would wash its hands in
the blood" of the victim. The col.
lector would then call upon the VIC
tim, saying she represented St. Fran
els Italian church, but the recipi-
ents of the letters were given to an
derstand the connection between
the collector and the threats BY the
blackhand.
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
State Legion Plans
Whirlwind Drive for
10000 New Members

Nebraska American Legion off,
cials have announced plans for
statewide membership drive, start
ing April l, to enroll $4,000 mem
bers for 1920.
The campaign, according to am
nouncement from state headquar-
quarters will end July 4 with "a
real >old-fashioned unsafe and in
sane celebration throughout the
state"
Posters, movies and personal So
licitation through distribution Of
Enroll Buddy" blanks will be
used as membership boosters. Prizes
will be awarded the four legion men
enrolling the most new members
duling the drive.
A ritual for American Legion
posts is being prepared by ma
tional committee. officials auncance.
Through recently adopted fegisla-
tion army rifles will be available to
all legion posts for ceremonial pur-
poses.
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
BULLADECLARES
EXCHANGE RULES
PROTECT PATRONS
Omaha Live Stock man 1estifies
Before House Agricultural
Committee.

Washington, March 20. - (Spe-
cial.)-James Bulla, prominent mem
Der of the Traders Exchange OF
Omaha, and for l3 years president OF
the organization, testified before the
house agricultural committee Sat-
urday. In answering questions that
have been raised by members of the
committee, Mr.. Bulla Stated that
rules of the Traders Exchange pro-
tect their patrons just as fully as
they do members of the exchange.
He further stated that the $2,100
membership fee charged for men,
bership in the organization was we'll
worth the moiiey, and could be sold
for like, or greater amount, son
the market and that the member
ship had a credit value of real
worth to its holder.
Mr.. Bulla said that the rules of
the exchange provide that any trad
Or who is induced or bribed to give
special advantages, is assessed a fine
of ST 900, and that the rule is strictly
enforced. He asserted that the trad
ers were real benefit to the pro-
ducer in stimulating the market and
that they were NECESSARY to the live
stock business until something
more satisfactory might be devel-
oped to assist in the great task of
distributing live stock.
Profits on Feed Large.
Mr.. Mclaughlin of Nebraska
called Mr.. Bulla's attention as a
trader to the report of the Union
Stock Yards company of Omaha to
the Nebraska Railway commission,
showing that fer the four years from
1914 to 1917, inclusive, the net
profits of the stock yards company
on the sales of grain and hay to
patrons in the yards averaged s84
per cent. and this net profit in 1916
was o7.5 per cent. He asked Mr..
Bulla if he believed the charges
were excessive and unfair to him,
as a, trader, as we'll as to producers,
who had cattle in the yards.
Mr.. Bulla replied that such profits
did seem to be excessive, but that he
believed it would be better for the
parties directly concerned in the
transaction to adjust their differ
ences than to ask to have the irreg-
ularities controlled by legislation
Continuing his testimony, Mr..
Bula said that the market statistics
compiled blythe bureau of markets
was absolutely of no value to trad
ers or commission men.
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21

First, | stand for an enforce
ment of prohibition. laws, including
the appropriation of all needed
money to enforce them.
Second, Ikaccept without reser-
vation the constitutional decision OF
the people which abolishes the
American saloon forever and with
it strong intoxicating liquors.
Third, I believe, however, law
full way will be found and ought to
be found to. permit the manufac-
ture and harmless use of light wines
and beers. The supreme court has
opened the way for this by holding
that congress in its enforcement
laws may decide what constitutes
Intoxicating liquor and on this mat
ter congress will naturally respond
to the will and judgment Of the
American people--when properly ex-
pressed.
Fourth the American people can
not be denied the right to change
their laws within constitutional linn
its and the Volstead act, like any
other law, may be changed within
those limits" =
Beer and Wine Association.
One of Senator Hitchcock's sup
porters, Kenneth McRae, of Grand
Island, Neb., who is now located in
Washington and commander of
Washington post No. l, of the
American Legion, is one of the Of
fcers in a new organization formed
here TO get out propaganda for the
sale of light wines and beer.
The organization is styled "The
Veterans Beer and Light Wine As
sociation of the United States" ae-
cording to its articles of incorpo-
ration, filed with the district, au-
thorities. It's announced purposes
are ito cement the ties of comrade-
ship among veterans of all wars, up
hold the constitution and advocate
the legalizing of beer and light wine
by the amendment of the Vo1stead
act or other organization. 1t was
stated that the bylaws of the Or
ganization bar from membership
any person connected with the
liquor trade. Mr.. MSRae appears as
secretary of the organization
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Big Roundup Of Sim Fein
I Members Made in Dublin

Dublin, March 20.-There was a
roundup of prominent Sinp Feiners
throughout Kerry early Saturday
morning. A number of them were
put aboard destroyer by military
authorities their destination pre-
sumably being an English prison.
The conditions under which
Justice Moore and Justice Gordon
are holding court at Roscommon
is considered indicative of the pre-
cautions being made to protect some
of the public men. Six armed police
men guard their lodgings at night;
others follow their carriage when
they drive to the court and while
they are presiding at sessions the
court room is guarded by plain
clothes men.
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
WOOD PRAISED
PERSH|N c IN
LETTER IN 1898
Interesting Side|ight On Situa-
tion Between Candidates
Found In Old Message to
Adjutant General.

Washington, March 2l.-An in
teresting side-light on the presiden-
tial situation in Nebraska, where
Gen. Leonard Wood has entered
Gen. John ]. Pershing's home state
in an effort to secure its delegation
to the Chicago convention, is shed
by a letter to the adjutant general
Of the United States army written
in 1898 by Brigadier General Wood
with reference to Pershing.
In the letter, Wood points out
that Pershing, then a lieutenant, had
performed his duties in Cuba with
marked gallantry and efficiency, and
adds: From what I know of his
ability, any position to which he
may be advanced will be filled with
ability"
Leonard Woods Letter.
The complete letter follows:
Santiago de Cuba, July 80, 1893.
ITO the Adjutant General, United
States Army, Washington, D. c.:
"Sir:
II have the honor to invite your
favorable attention to the request
of Lieut.. John ]. Pershing, 10th
United States cavalry, for appoint
ment in the staff corps during the
war. Lieutenant Pershing has been
on duty with his regiment during
the Santiago campaign, and has per-
formed his duties with marked gal
lantry and efficiency. Any consid-
Grafton that you may be able to
show him will be we'll deserved, and
from what l know of his ability, any
Continued On Page Four, Column Five.)
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Occupants Of Death
Auto Curse Victim
For Getting In Way

Chicago Tribune Omaha Bee Leased Wire.
Chicago, March 20.-Safe blowers,
riding at top speed in vampire
car" struck and killed Mrs. Lottie
Strane, who was cfossing the
street. Her body was thrown high
IN the air. The deatf>ear sped on,
its occupants cursing the woman
for getting in the way.
The conductor of a street car
who witnessed the murder, jumped
to the street and fired several shots
at the RAPIDLY disappearing auto.
mobile. The police were notified
and rifle brigades were sent out to
tour tiies district. One of these
parties came upon the death car,
standing In front of garage. IT
contained three men.
AS soon as the police came in
sirht. the driver of the. car started
his machine, while his companions
opened fire on the officers. Twenty
shots were fired by the police, but
the big car and its occupants
escaped. -,
Her skull was fractured and prac-
ticaliy all her bones we're broken
when the car struck her.
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
American Oil Man Hacked
To Death by Mexican Band

Washington. March 2O.-Details
of the killing Of Daniel S. Foley, an
American, at Los Naranjos, Mex,
were received Saturday in a report
from Consul Dawson at Tampico,
where the body, showing IS ma
chete wounds, was brought for
burial.
, Foley was employed as driller by
an American oil company operating
in the Mexican fields. He had
trouble with a Mexican employe,
who attacked him with a knife, the
report said, and Foley shot and
killed his assailant. The Mexican's
friends then attacked Foley, who
was surrounded and hacked to
death.
His family lives in Houston, Tex,
where the first word of the incl
dent was received>
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
ANOTHER TIEUP
OF COAL MINES
ISLIKELY SOON
Laid to Governments Prosecu-
ton of Operators and Miners
For Alleged Law Violation. Z

Indianapolis, March 20.-Possi-
bility of another tieup of the nation s
bituminous coal industry, beginning
April l, was declared to exist as a
result of the governments prose-
cution of operators and miners for
alleged violation of the Lever fuel
control act. in statement issued
tonight by E. D. Logsdon of Indian
apolis. Mr.. Logsdon is one of the FIVE
coal operators arrested today by
federal officials and one of 125 men,
operators and miners indicted by a
federal grand jury here for alleged
conspiracy to enhance the price of
coal.
Mr.. Logsdon's statement declared
that according to information re-
ceived by the operators, the gov
ernment is proceeding on the hy-
pothesis that joint wage conferences
are and have been illegal and that
this theory forms the basis for
part, at least, of the charges against
the coal men. If this is true, he
said, it is probable that conferences
to establish new wage scale, eff
fective April /, will be postponed
until after that date and possibly in
definitely, and that miners will re-
fuse to work after April /, when
the present contract expires. unless
new scale is agreed upon.
Continuing the statement, asserts
that the governments action is in
consistent with a statement given
out by President. Wilson Yesterday
when he urged operators and miners
to get together under the majority
report of the commission which in
vestigated the coal situation. The.
president in this statement, in effect
gave sanction to the idea of collect
i've bargaining in the coal industry,
Mr. Logsdon said.
Federal officials tonight asserted
that they had authorized no state
ment as to the theory on which the
government is proceeding fin its
prosecution of the miners and op-
orators and declared they would not
divulge the charges against those,
indicted until all of them have been
arrested
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Seven -Year-Qld Lad
Struck by Auto Truck
May Die Of Injuries

John McWiIliams, 2 years old,
21l5 Miami street, may die as a
result of being struck by an auto
mobile truck in front of his home
at 2:30 yesterday afternoon. The
truck was driven by Louis Shiporian,
22l8 Grant street, who was arrested
for reckless driving.
The injured boy suffered a con-
cussion of the skull. According to
witnesses, the accident was una
voidable. Young McWilliams is said
to have run into the path of the
truck while playing in the street.
The driver of the truck told police
another automobile standing in the
street obstructed his view of the
boys playing on the pavement.
The injured lad was taken to a
hospital.
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Chicago Tribune Omaha Bee Leased Wire.

Chicago Tribune Omaha Bee Leased Wire.
Washington. March 20. - The
Anti-Saloon is now after the scalp
of Senator Hitchcock of Nebraska,
for his recent declaration in favor
Of Eight wines and beer"
"This attitude" said Wayne R.
Wheeler, general counsel for the
league, will, Of course, array
against Senator Hitchcock the pro-
hibition sentiment of the nation.
ut ought to defeat him not only
as a. candidate at the democratic
convention but for leadership in the
senate. He had given many people
to understand that he had changed
his position on this question, and
would stand for an enforcement of
the national prohibition code. To
champion beer and wine amend
ment is nothing short of an attack
upon law enforcement
y In Opposition to Laws.
Practically all of the prohibition
laws in the states have as strong
or stronger standard as that in
the Volstead act. The candidates
who advocate beer and wine amend
ments will be in opposition to the
laws of most of the states and the
experience in the states that the
standard in the Volstead act is es-
sential if we are not to have law
enforcement. Beer and wine amend
ments have been repeatedly defeat
ed in congress, in state legislatures
and by the overwhelming majority
Of the people in Michigan, Colorado,
Washington and many other states.
This beer and wine movement is
the entering wedge to destroy pro-
hibition. No one will be fooled by
it. after reading the history of it in
the states"
Hitchcock Makes Answer.
Senator Hitchcock, responding to
Mr.. Wheeler's attack said:
II have noticed the criticism
made by Mr.. Wheeler, general coun-
sci of the Anti Saloon league, upon
my position on the liquor question.
The best comment can make upon
this criticism is to reiterate my po-
sition which he evidently does not
fully understand.
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Michigan Senator Sentenced
To Two Years in Leaven-
worth on Conspiracy Charge
And Must Pay $1,000 Fine.
So CODEFENDANTS ARE
DISCHARGED BY JUDGE
Man Who Defeated Ford Says
He Will Continue to Repre-
sent in the U. S. Senate the
People Who Elected Me-"

Grand Rapids, March 20.--Tru-
man H. Newberry, junior United
States senator from Michigan, to-
day was convicted by jury of
having conspired criminally in 1918
to violate the election laws. He was
sentenced by Judge Clarence w.
Sessions to two years. imprison-
ment and fined $4,000, released on
bond pending an appeal, and at once
issued statement declaring his in
tention to retain his seat in the sem
ate unless that body decides other
wise, or the supreme court upholds
his conviction.
Sharing the fate of the senator
were his brother, John S. New
berry, and IS campaign managers,
including Frederick Cody, New
York, and Paul H. King, Detroit.
Both these men received the limit
sentence with their chief.
Charles A. Floyd, Detroit, was
also sentenced to two years in the
penitentiary, but he was fined only
half as much as Newberry. The
brother was fined $4,000 ard was
one of four who were not sentenced
to Leavenworth. The lightest SEN
tence went to George S. Ladd of
Sturbride, Mass, and he was fined
$1,000.
Other sentences were: ,
William J. Nickel, two years.
Allan A. Templeton, one year and
six months. f.
:, Roger M. Andrews, one year and
six months.
Milton Oakman, one year and six
months.
Richard H. Fletcher, one year and
three months,
James F. McGregor, one year
and three months.
Fred Henry, one year and three
months.
Hannibal Hopkins, one year and
one day.
E, V. chilson, zone year and one
day.
Harry O. Turner, fined $4,000.
B. Frank Emery, fined $4,000.
Judge Sessions overruled motion
for a new trial pending an appeal.
All other defendants we're acquit-
ted on the first charge land none
found guilty on the sixth count.
Jury Soon Agrees.
The trial passed into history with
great velocity. The jury was ready
with its verdict at 11:l2 a. m. Less
than half an hour later they had
been discharged by the court, after,
freeing 68 of the IS defendants.
There was a brief respite for
fCont;nued I'm pape Fcpr Column Ons
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Cook Killing Rats
In Hotel Shoots His
Buddy, Asleep in Bed

Preparations of Jesse Hue, Chinese
cook, for a Sunday stew were rudely
interrupted when a bullet from a
high-powered rife he was using to
kill rats in the kitchen of the, Mid
land hotel, 3l7 North Sixteenth
street, passed through partition and
lodged in the back Of O. E. Wilson,
cook at the hotel, who was asleep
in his room back of the kitchen.
Police surgeons who attended
Wilson say his wounds are not seri-
Gus. Police assert the shooting was
accidental, but are holding Hue for
investigations
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Not Known What He'll Do
With 1t, Though Generally
Believed That Issue Will Be
Left to Decision at Polls.
DEMOCRATIC OUTLOOK
FOR FUTURE Is DARK
Expect Little Prospect of Har-
mony Over Treaty Fight at
San Francisco Convention
Republicans United.

Chicago Tribune Omaha Bee Leased Wire.
Washington, March 20. - Presi-
dent Wilson now has possession of
the Versailles treaty of peace and
league of nations covenant which
the senate Of the United States yes
terday refused OF ratify for the see
end time.
What the president proposes to
do with the treaty now no one
knows. Administration senator's do
not believe that he will send it back
to the senate for some time, 1t
least, leaving the issue to the coun-
try at the polls, but if it should BY
any chance get back to the senate,
the treaty opponents are prepared
for il!
Senator Lodge declared today
that if the president resubmits the
treaty at any time, the foreign re-
lations committee will reopen its in
vestigatlon into the formulation Of
the pact and will insist upon pro-
duction of the minutes of the peace
conference which are now known.
to be in existence. They were de-
inanded before, but President Viii
son said that they could not be pro-
duced.
Three Courses Open.
Three courses, it is declared, are
open to the president now that the ]
senate has rejected the treaty and
is preparing to adopt a peace reso-
luton, consideration of which will
be undertaken next week with every
prospect of success. A resolution
similar to the Knox peace resolu-
ton also was introduced in the
house today by Representative Pink
ham of Massachusetts,.
The president can send the treaty
back to the senate; he can stand by
and do nothing or he can nego-
tiate a separate peace with Ger
many. No action can be taken by
congress even by concurrent reso
,ution without approval Of the presi-
dent.
If it should be decided to nego-
tate a sepafste treaty of peace with
Germany, the opinion is expressed
here that it would be essential to es-
tablish also modius vivendi with
the allies defining the position OF
rhe United States with respect to
the peace of Versailles, existing be-
tween them and the German gov
ernment, and co-ordinating conflict-
Continued On Page Ten. Column six) /
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Clerk Loses Life Warning
Guests in Burning Hotel

Mason City, Ia, March 20
Maurice Aplin, head clerk of the
Cecil hotel here, lost his life IN a
fire in the hotel when running from
room to room to arouse guests. Ap-
lin fell in smoke-hlled corridor on
the third hoor and was dead when
carried ont. He was suffocated.
There were more than 100 persons
in the hotel and all escaped, many
with little clothing on. Aplin under
took the task of calling the guests
when it was found the fire had dam
aged the telephone system. The.
hotel was in four-story building.
The damage was estimated at about
S75,O0O. No one was injured or
killed except Aplin.
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
MURDER OFLORD )
|. MAYOR OF CORK
STILL MYSTERY
Threatening Letter Received
Two Days Before Death
Regarded as Joke.

Cork Ireland, March 20.-The
sensational murder of Lord Mayor
Mac Curtain has not yet been solved
but it has become known that two
days ago he received a threatening
letter which he regarded as joke.
The letter directed the lord mayor
to prepare for DEATH as he had
been doomed.
Two hours before the lord mayor
was murdered Constable Murtag Of
the Royal Irish Constabulary was
shot, dead in the street. His body
was riddled with bullets.
Body Lying in State.
The lord mayors body, draped
in the Sinn Fein volunteer uniform,
lies in his residence, which is guard
ed by volunteers. The body will
lie in state in the city hall until
Monday when public funeral will
be held.
. 1t is held that the crime could not
have been committed by Sim Fem
ers against one of their own rHim-
Der and many residents of Cork
are expressing fear of reprisals
which may affect all Ireland.
The murder of MacCurtain fol-
lowed an attempt Thursday night
against the life of Professor Stock
ley, who was an alderman. in the
Cork corporation in the Sim Fein
interests.
Talk of Reprisals.
London, March II. - Not since
the attempted assassination of Wis
count French, lord lieutenant OF
Ireland, has any Irish outrage
caused such sensation throughout
the United Kingdom as the mur-
der Of Lord Mayor MacCurtain OF
Cork.
Reports from Cork indicate that
the people decline to attribute the
affair to the Sinn Fein and already
there, is talk Of reprisals which, as
some put it, may affect the whole
country. The MacCurtain tragedy
comes on the heels of sinister ru-
mors of Sim Fein plot for another
revolution in Ireland at Easter
time. If such plot exists, it is
pointed out, the murder of one Of
the Sim Fein leaders would not
tend to throw water on the fires of
conspiracy. At the moment. the
whole affair remains a sensational
and dark mystery. a
Omaha daily bee., 1920-03-21
Tourists to London Advised
To Reserve Hotel Rooms

Washington, March TO- = Amer
leans planning to visit England are
advised to make arrangements for
hotel accommodations in London
and also ascertain hotel rates in ad-
vance in a consular report received
by the State department. English
newspapers have spread rumors
%that- 100000 rich Americans are
anxious to invade London" the
message said