davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
$4,000 IS
ESTIMATED
Loss BY
FIRE
Fire Said Due to Defective
Wiring. Loss Is Not Cow
cred by Insurance Town
Was Threatened for A
Time.

Fire which burned to the ground
the Varney Brothers Holtville store
broke out this morning at about 1880
and caused loss of $125, ,00O Start
ing in small room in the rear of the
building, in which miscellaneous
goods were kept, the flames had
gnawed their way into the structure
Of the building before an employee
discovered them and gave the alarm.
When the fire trucks arrived at the
scene the building was already in
full possession of the flames, al
though but short time had elapsed
between the alarm and the arrival of
the fire fighters. Famed by a stiff
breeze the flams gained headway in
tn dry building rapidly, and soon
breaking through the shell Of it's
walls, embers were blown to adjoin-
ing and distant buildings, many of
which caught fire.
Fighting the flames in a manner
which would have done credit to any
organization the Holtville department
sometimes gaining headway and some
times losing ground. When the
danger was greatest, and the entire
business district seemed doomed to
destruction, call for aid was put in,
and the fire department of Ell Centre,
Imperial and Calexico hurried to the
scene.
The Holtville men fought like fiends
and just before the arrival of the
other departments were successful in
their battle against the odds of flames
and wind. The loss in Varney Bros.
was complete, but the Holtville fight
ers had achieved what appeared to be
almost impossible, they had succeeded
in preventing the spreading of the
flames. But one other building, q
grocery owned by Jones, was dam.
aged, and that to the extent of about
$500, it is said.
The loss of Varney Brothers is es-
timated at about $125,0O0, which is
not entirely covered by insurance.
Merchandise valued at $4,000 and in
sured for only $4,000 was destroyed,
while the building was a total loss,
and is not entirely covered zy insur-
ance, according to reports.
j. R. Spidey, general manager for
the Holtville branch of Varney Bros.
said that in his opinion the fire
started from a crossed wide or from
defective wiring. Fire Chief Copely
of Holtvile agrees with Spidey in his
opinion as the the fires origin.
A phone message from the Holtville
Tribune requests The Press to ex-'
tend through our columns the appre-
citation of people of Holtville for the
cooperation of the FL Centre and
other fire departments.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
SOV|ETS FACE
SUPREME TEST
IN FOOD TRIAL
(By Associated Press)

VIBORG, Finland, Aug. IL
Flushed with success and confident of
Poland's defeat, Soviet Russia faces
the approaching winter with tn4 grinl
problem of food supply as we'll as the
supreme test of it's power From the
far East to the Finnish frontier, the
spectre of tarvation stalks. An As
sociated Press correspondent who has
just arrived here, has especially cb-
served these conditions in the cross
ing of Russia and Siberia from Vlad-
ivostok to Moscow and Petrograd.
His arrival in Finland followed de-
portation from Moscow. Everywhere
from one end of Russia to the ether
the cry for food was heard. The ap-
peal for necessities is universal ex-
cept from extra rationed class of
higher military and civil authorities
To Nikolai Lenine, according to the
accepted reports in Moscow, is attrib-
uted the statement that the Russia
people cannot pass through another
winter like the past. Attendant upon
the sore plight of the people econom-
ically, is the ever increasing spirit of
unrest and revolt Military organi-
cations, disciplined to the core, find
growing difficulty in carrying out
orders by mailed fist tactics, in which
they hitherto had been supreme.
At the end of the second year that
Bolsheviki have assumed direction of
the proletariate, Russia remains in
the firm grip of this regime. Soviet
leaders are capitalizing their victories
to the utmost. They are instilling in
to the minds of the people that the
Red Cross have defeated the armies
of the world seeking to enslave Rus
sia and set up another form of Gar
ist government.
AS result of the >deluge of paper
money throughout Russia, system
of barter which is carried on illegal
ly, is the only means of exchange.
The cost of 1000 mile trip across
Russia is 1900 rubles. This is less
than one American dollar, but also it
is less than the amount needed at
scores of Siberian stations to
buy one pound of meat or salt from
peasants.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
CITIES PLAN
RECEIVER
SHIP Of
PLANT
El Centre and Brawley to
Buy $4,000 and Imperial
S140O of Certificates. El
Centre May Run Plant.

AS result of a further meeting
held today of persons of Brawley, I'M
perial and Ell Centre interested in the
gas problem now facing the cities it
was decided that an attempt shall be
made to raise the sum, $1,000, which
is held sufficient to provide for the
July deficiency and to run the gas
plant through the months of August
and September. The money will be
raised by the sale of certificates of
receivership, which are in reality first
lien mortgages on the property.
Of that sum Ell Centre and Brawley
will each raise $4,000, while Imperial
will raise $14O0. In case the cities
of Brawley or Imperial should not
raise the money, then the gas plant
can by permission of the railroad
commission, be run to supply Ell Cen
tro alone.
In regard to the oil shortage the
Holton power company today prom
ised the people comforting that the
Holton Power company would supply
them Immediately with oil of a suffi-
cient quantity to run during the re-
mainder of August and the whole Of
September.
A committee of three has been ap-
pointed to see to the sale of these
certificates of receivership. The COM
mittee consists of Major Dunn of
Brawley, Harry Dyke of Imperial and
Clifford Coggons of Ell Centre.
1t is held that the gas works can
be repaired and put in fair shape
to serve the city of Ell Centric for a
sum not to exceed $1,000, and that
the gas works could be run to give
service to Ell Centre for the remainder
of August and the whole of Septem-
Der with a rate less than the present
$3.50 charged per 1000 feet, and
that the deficiency in any circum-
stance would not exceed $500
A meeting of Ell Centro banks is
planned, at which meeting it is
thought the banks may arrange to
take over the El Centre share of the
certificates of receivership. 1t is
said that the sum of money repre-
sented by the machinery of the plant
far exceeds the money to be raised,
When the time covered by the notes
is expired the question of what the
peope desire to do in regard TO the
gas situation will be put up to them.
The Associated Chambers holds q
meeting this evening in regard to the
situation.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
FLAMES RAZE VARNEY STORE
Police Force
Gone to Dogs .
Says Sitnonof

eyes sir" said 81 Smonoff as he
emphatically put one foot on top an
other, then elevated both of them to
the table, "this here police force is
sure going to the dogs, "Why, by
( George, it's getting to be common
talk"
Simon has been here ''fohteen
year." so of course the next step was
to hang his head and wag it retros-
pectively. Didn't used to be like this
in the old days. No stree Bob it
didn't. Once in a while the police
force used to run to some things, but
by George they amt no body can say
the old force went to the dogs Now
there was old Luke turntable, that
remember used to have the main
street beat down at the other end of
town. Luke used to be might fond a
wearing agreen silk necktie with a
purple shirt and lavendar socks, but
he never got to totten a dog around,
where as nowadays / know one police
men who has had four of the critters
and every other member the force
has had at least one"
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
WRANGLE is
RECOGNIZED As
RUSSIAN HEAD
fBy Associated Pressl

PARIS, Aug. 1.-THE French gov
ernment has decided to recognize Cen
eral Baron Peter Wrangle as head of
the provisional government of South
Russia. The ministry of foreign af-
fairs said the recognition implied
rendering Wrangle all possible mill
tary assistance.
France will send high commission
to Sebastopol Immediately, the for
eign office stated. The reasons given
for recognizing Wrangle is his prom
Use to assume all obligations of the
former Russian government, give
Russia a democratic government.
France notified Lloyd George yes
terday of her action, it is said. The
French government is notifying her
commercial attache in London to have
no dealing with the Soviet emissaries.
The foreign office regards the Soviet
terms to Poland as only preliminary
and is convinced that ultimately the
Soviets will exact much harsher
terms.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
WOULD-BE
CANTU FIGHTERS
Hello FOR THEFT
Stealing of Groceries Leads to
Discovery of auto Theft.
-Four FiHhters for CantH
N0U in Jail.

Four prospective warriors for Gov
ernor Cantu, who had successfully
made away with seven passenger
Chevrolet stolen in San Diego, and
who broke into and robbed house at
Seeley, taking a 1920 octagon barrel
Winchester rifle and a half pint of
whiskey were captured through their
attempt to make away with about
$5 worth of groceries.
Last evening the four came to the
camp of w. B. Tench and Hosea
Wood, who are doing tractor work on
the Chambers place, and asked for a
drink of water. After obtaining their
drink they "lookcd around a bit, y
then supposedly left. In the evening
Tench and Wood were awakened by
the providers, who had returned and
looted the grocery supply. Tench,
arming himself with a shot gun, stole
out and rounded the four msn up. He
held them until this moRing, when
they were taken to the city jail.
Their personal effects were searched
and among other things a rifle and
half a pint of whiskey were found.
Shortly after this discovery came q
phone call from Seeley, telling of the
theft of rifle and half a pint of
whiskey Under the grueling or act
ing Chief of Police Slaughter the men
finally admitted the theft of the
rifle and 'whiskey, and also the theft
of the Chevrolet they were driving
from E. Bourbon, a dealer In second
hand cars in San Diego.
e. The four men were w. P. Howe, r.
A. Harris, f. w W.Raughter and Merle
Demoss, all of Los Angeles. They al
so admitted that they had read Ill the
Los Angeles Examiner of the prices
offered for former American soldiers
by Cantu, and that they had decided
to come down and fight for him. De-
moss carried dishonorable discharge
from the marine corps, while Raugh-
ter carried a crois de guerre, but no
citations to prove his right to owner
ship. They are now awaiting trial in
the city Jail.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
Nebuchadnezzer
Now Mbbles at
Insane Asylum,


X modern version of Nebuchadnez-
zer has been discovered in our midst.
In addition to following the system
evolved by Neb for the purpose of
rejuvenation this gentleman also at
tempted a more modern system, all
by himself, but failed to have the
proper glands for replacement at
hand. For this attempt he was deemed
by the district attorney to be watch
worthy While the officers were
watching him at the poor farm the
young man hit upon Neb's plan, par
AIDED out into the back yard, and pro-
ceeded to crawl about on all fours
nibbling grass. He has been sent to
state hospital for the insane, where it
is reported that lawns grow green and
such labor saving devices may be
used to best advantage.
A matrimonial mad man also went
before the court to be tried for in
sanity. He insists that his employer,
who by the way is not an ardent be-
lever in having his children marry,
had schemed with his wife and
daughter and had finally 1aic oeep
plan which would force the employee
into marrying the lass.
This gentleman is the same man
who recently went to see the district
attorny about some one who planned
killing him, and who so impressed
the secretary as being a newswriter
because of his queerness.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
FIND BURNED
BODY Of
BAbE: IN
CANAL
Premature Babe Probably
Mexican, Negro, japanese
or Filipino. Appears Babe
Had Lived. Infantieide
Suspected.

The charred and burned body of 8
babe, prematurely born was found
this morning in canal near Imperial
by Mrs. Fred Smith of Imperial, who
called the county attorney DR.. Brooks
who Immediately left for the scene.
The child was evidently either
negro, japanese or Mexican, and had
according to DR.. Brooks, breathed
Other circumstances discovered by the
doctor argue that the child was alive
when born. Among them is the fact
that the body of babe shows evidence
of being given attention of some kind
after birth.
The authorities are uncertain as to
whether the case, is one of infanticide
OR whether the mother, after the
child's death, had burned it through
ignorance of the proper course to as
sumo, The condition of the body is
such as to indicate acute suffering,
while the fact that the babes finger
nails are we'll defined and that other
physical conditions are we'll marked
would seem to indicate that the babe
had lived.
1t is doubted by the authorities that
anyone would be so Ignorant as not
to know the proper course to be
adopted, and the general opinion
appears to be that the babe was illegi-
innate, and that after birth the
mother had sought this means of
hiding her guilt. Whether the babe
died, or was murdered is Of course un-
known.
Steps are being taken to make a
complete canvas of all homes in or
near Imperial which might possibly
have housed the mother. In case, as
the body indicates, medical attention
was given it is expected within few
hours the mystery will be solved.
Although this procedure is prac-
tically unknown here it is a common
practice in the Hawaiian and South
Sea Islands, which may argue for the
guilt of either negro or Japanese
rather than a Mexican.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
OIL INTEREST
INCREASING IN
BRAWLEY WELLS
NeU Firm BUYS Derrick and
RusheS to Field. SaItOn Basin
Firm Boring for Water That
Work May Go.

BRAWLEY. Aug. 10.-Oil interest
has taken a decided squirt in the last
"a hours. Following the visit of
Major w. T. Dunn to the Braw!ey
well Sunday and his optemistic views
report, persistent and apparently
with some degree of foundation that
the Diamond Bar Oil Co. has more
than a simple showing of oil and that
three additional rigs have been ord
cred rushed to the fields for immel-
late drilling in more locations.
A. c. Routhe, the manager of the
company has been in Los Angeles for
several days but the report has it
that wire was sent for him to re-
turn Immediately and he is now on
his way back to the WELL
Still further interest was here cre-
ated when several men appeared at
the Imperial Lumber & Commercial
Co.. bought a bill of derrick timbers
and lumber for camping, paid the bill
and said it was for the Imperial
Pacific Oil & Refining Co. The ma
terial was loaded on trucks and is
now out on Section 26, near ths
Brawley Well and the Diamond Bar
sections. They gave out no informa-
tion but are presumably San Diego
oil wild CATERS"
The Salton Basin people are drill
ing for water while the Imperial Oil
& Producing Co. is said to be erect
ing a second camp, presumably to
drill second we'll
The greatest trouble encountered
in the new field is the securing of
water with which to drill and with
which to supply the camps. Once the
artesian water is found there is little
trouble about getting under way.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
C0STIOF WEIR
VERY LITTLE

Only $4,000 has been spent by
River Superintendent F. N. Cronholm
on the weir in the Colorado river this
year. The usual upkeep expenses from
time to time must be addec to. this
price but this years record down. The
peak OF the water delivery load is
believed to have passed according to
Mr.. Eronholm. Orders have decreased
from 5000 second feet daily to $500
second feet. A three pressure
exists AGAINST the lockwood gate.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
(By Associated Press)

MEXICALI, Mex, Aug. 11.-Cantu
government omitted customary COM
munique, the secretary of war has
said nothing of any great Importance
the last "a hours. Persons in posi-
ton to know are inclined to disagree.
Senior Robert Pesquira said to be COM
missioner of the provisional govern
ment is reported on his way here to
confer with Cantu as final effort to
avoid hostilities.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11.-Polanc
SOVIETS AWAIT POLES
(By Associated Press)

COPENHAGEN, Aug. II. - The
representative of the Russian Soviet
government waited at the front for
the Polish armistice delegation on
August 8, but neither the delegation
or message arrived, the Soviet REP
resentative has announced.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
COACHELLA JUSTICE WILL
RECOVER FROM RATTLERS BITE

COACHELLA, Aug. 10. - After
suffering intense agonies and nearing
deaths door at times, Charles Jones
Justice of the peace of Coachella
who was bitten by rattle, snake IN
Dark Canyon several days ago, was
removed yesterday to his home, very
much improved The attending ply
sician now believes he will recover.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
BE NOTIFIED OF CHOICE
(By AssocIated Press)

GERMANTOWN, Pa, Aug. IL
With representatives from all parts
of the country expected to be in at.
tendance, DR.. Aaron C. Watkins, pro.
hibition candidate for president, anc
d. Leigh Colvin, his running mate
will be formally notified of their nom.
ination tonight.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
(By Associated Press)

CHICAGO, Aug. 1.-THE death
of ]. A. Todd, the dining car stewart
was caused from the wounds inflicted
by the negro who held up the Chi
cago Daily Express, has spurred the
efforts of the police in search for the
bandit who has been identified as a
discharged dining car waiter of an
other railroad.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
(By Associated Press)

MEXICALI, Mex, Aug. 1.-THE
state of Vera Cruz has followed Gov.
Esteban Cantu's lead in its attitude
on national questions, Cantu's official
statement announced The statement
said Cantu is ready with men, muni-
tions, transport service, etc, to repel
invasion by federal forces
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
By Associated Pressl

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11.-Regard-
ing the position of the American gov
ernment in Polish situation, before
the world the United States stands fa-
voring the preservation of political
independence, territorial integrity of
Poland, opposing any dismemberment
of Russia Secretary Colby outlined
the policy in a, note to the Italian am
bassador.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
YACQUI INDIANS BEGIN
INVASION OF MEXICALI
(Bv Associated Pres

(Bv Associated Press)
MEXICO CITY, Aug. 11.-Three
thousand Yacqui Indians, making up
the military expedition against Gov
ernor Cantu of Lower California, left
Mazatlan yesterday, according to the
war department. The expedition will
leave the ships at Puerto Isabel.
Another expedition of S i'm a +
strength is bieng formed.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
HOLD TROOPS
IN DENVER

DENVER, Col, Aug. 11.-Col. C.
Ballau, commanding the military
forces in Denver announced today
that the troops will be held here
until the street cars being operated
by the Denver men and the strl&e
breakers sent from the city.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
(By Associated Press)

PARIS, Aug. 11.-Russian forces
are now OCCUPYING stretch of "a
miles directly along the railway line
between Warsaw and Danzig. A large
force is pushing across he Danzig
Corridor to cut the remaining rail
road connection, according to the
French foreign office.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
DEMPSEY SIGNS TO
MEET BRENNAN

(By Associated Pressl -
NEW YORK, Aug. 11.-Jack
Dempsey has signed an agreement
to meet Phil Brennan of Chicago,
before January /.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
TURKS SIGN TREATY
=
(RV ASSociafad preSS1

Nby ItSSUCIdltU ITtSSJ
SEVRES, France, Aug. 1.-THE
peace treaty with Turkey was signed
today.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
NOTICE

Imperial Irrigation District General
Fund Registered Warrants are pay
able down to and including registered
number 1857.
R. H. MADDUX,
Treasurer Imperial Irrigation District
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
HUNGER STRIKE
ENDS IN DEATH

POTTSVILLE, Pa, Aug. H.
After having been on hunger strike
for AZ days, Charles Wilson, col
ored, died today in the county jail.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
POLES PLAN TO
COUNTERATTACK
RUSSIAN FRONT
(By Associated Press>

WARSAW, Aug. 11.-Concentra-
tion and regrouping of Polish forces
for an extensive counterstroke on the
entire Warsaw front is reported by
the newspapers. 1t is. said the plans
are to begin the move within a few
days. Military men believe this pro-
pitious time to strike back in an eff
fort to drive off the Soviet forces
which are endeavoring to encircle the
Polish capital.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11.-Poland
will ask immediate aid from the
United States in its fight against the
Russian Soviets, the Polish minister
announced.
Imperial Valley press., 1920-08-11
Weather

Southern Califor-
nia-Tonight and
Thursday fair, ex-
cept foggy on the
coast tonight and
in the morning.
Westerly winds
Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1920-10-14

A. E. Luckensmeyer died on Thurs
day afternoon after being i'll for about
two years with a nervous ailment.
His home was formerly at Ableman
and for number of years he was
telegraph operator at Baraboo, then
a brakeman, again an operator,
and still later a fireman and engin-
eer. During the last years he was with
the company he was at Sanborn, run
ming an engine of the Minnesota di-
vision. He was aged SO years.
Mrs. Luckensmeyer, son and two
daughters resided at Kendall. His
brother and sisters are the following:
William Luckensmeyer, Tulsa, Okla
homa; Mrs. H. G. Crop, Baraboo;
Mrs. Amiel Masske, and Miss Minnie
Luckensmeyer, Ableman.
Funeral Sunday at the Lutheran
church at Ableman.
Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1920-10-14
Mrs. Andrew Kindschi

Mrs. Andrew Kindschi died at her
home in Prairie du Sac Monday, Oct
tober 4, 1920 after a lingering illness
or about three months from cancer.
aged So years II months and % days.
Mrs Kindschi was a daughter of
the late Andrew Jesse and was born
in the town of Honey Creek October
%, 1866, On October 4, 1886, she
was united in marriage with An
drew Kindschi They settled on a
farm in Stones Pocket, and few
years later purchased farm in that
vicinity, which they operated sue
cessfully until they retired last
spring and moved to Prairie du Sac.
The funeral services were held
Wednesday forenoon at 1920. Burial
was made in the Stones Pocket GEM
etery. Rev. c. M. Zenk of the First
Reformed church at Sank City officiat-
ed and a mixed quartet sang.
Baraboo weekly news. [volume] (Baraboo, Wis.) 1912-197?, 1920-10-14
MR.. AND MRS. A. E. CAPENER
SURPRISED, ANNIVERSARY

Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Capener of Gale
donia celebrated their fortieth we'd
ding anniversary Sunday October 10.
Just forty years ago on October 10.
1880 they started on their welded
journey through life. Although they
have had many ups and downs along
the rugged road they managed to
succeed, and find themselves a little
better prepared for the winter each
fall than they were the year before.
Mr.. Capener was born February Sth
1856 and has always made his home
on this same farm.
About thirty relatives and friends
came to help them celebrate. The day
was fine and everyone seemed to
enjoy himself all doing ample justice
to a bountiful picnic dinner and spend
ing the afternoon visiting and recol-
lecting olden times. They also en-
joyed vocal music, as we'll as instru-
mental ON photograph, violin and
piano. The guests left as a token of
kind regards for Mr.. and Mrs. A. E..
Capener an elegant electric parlor
reading lamp which was very much
appreciated. Those present were:
William Capener, Mr.. and Mrs. Free
man Capener and child, John Ander-
son, Mr.. and Mrs Paul Capener and
son Ormand and daughter Lavilla, Mr.
and Mrs. Clifford Capener and daugh
ters Lois and Eleanor Mr. and Mrs.
Herman Mielke and daughters Irene
and Bernice, Mrs. Iva Van Zile and
daughter Viola and son Glenister, Mr..
and Mrs, C. H. Baer, Mr.. and Mrs.
Fred Millner Mrs. Florence Downie,
VIM. NJ. Stoneseifer, George Waddell
and sons Raymond and Kenneth and
Edward Waddell.
There were three present who were
at the wedding forty years ago. They
all left for their several homes as the
sun was about to go out of sight over
the western hills, wishing Mr. and
Mrs. Capener many happy returns of
the day.