davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
SUSPECT PLEADS NOT GUILTY
Several Others Have Been Arrested BY Officers
for Alleged Connection With Making and
Selling of Intoxicating Liquor

Oscar Collins aged 2S arrested Friday evening by Of
fcers charge of violating the prohibition laws and the fol-
lowing morning o. L. Smith prosecuting attorney formally
charged him with first degree murder being alleged that he
the stranger of Mrs Ellen Grove the Alma who
few rods of her home.
is believed that knowledge Mrs had of illicit
whiskey in this vicinity what brought about the murder
learned from neghbor that she had recently made the
mark, 81 could tell something if | wanted to-
1t also reported that Collins told certain party that IF
anyone butts my business they will get what coming
them"
Insofar possible the officials keeping back every
shred of evidence that they possibly realizing that would
be highly dangerous to their nave made public
Immediately Collins arrested he brought police
later by Sheriff Alfred Wert Ithaca where
lodged in the county Jail The trip made by automobile
Since Sunday evening February officers had been salts
fled that Collins knew something regard the murder the
first idea of this having been picked hour earlier
by Oscar Vibber chief of police whose highly efficient work
this is especially commendabe Reports indicate that
great owing his efforts that the murder mys
terry cleared up quickly.
Collins of the first brought Sunday night
for grng by the officers and Prosecutor Smith Scratches
his explained the full satisfaction
the officials they completely satisfied with the
which the Belgium answered the questions which put
him after another rapid succession.
Several other rounded up for a grilng during
Sunday and officers spent greater part of the night the
police offices in this work.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
STOLEN MAIL
POUCH FOUND
Bottom Had Been Ripped Open
and Contents Of Sack Were
Missing.

A mail sack, which it was believed
was stolen from the mail truck al
the depot on the night of December
25, was found Monday by Charles
Philips. city employe, while doing
some work in the rear Of the Pol
lasky block. The sack was found in
an old manure spreader that was To-
Gated in the rear Of that building.
The attention Of the police officials
Of the city was Immediately called to
the sack, and it was taken to police
headquarters ana examined. The
lock on the mail pouch had not been
tampered with, but a big cut had
been made in the bottom Of the sack.
showing conclusivcly that someone
had taken it expecting that it held
some valuable matter Only "A news
paper was found in it by the officers.
all Of the mail that had been in it
having been extracted. The mail has
not been located. and it is thought
very probable that il was burned.
The attention OF the post office
authorities has been called to the af-
fair, and an Inspector arrived here
Tuesday noon, and is now busily en-
gagged in endeavoring to unravel the
mystery which surrounded its disap-
Dearance a month and half ago.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
Alfred F. Crawford
Arrested on Monday
For EmbcZzlcmcnt
Cashier of Breckenridge Bank Claimed
Short by Bank Examiners After
Examination of Books.
RETURNS FROM MARK ET

The buyer for Robinson's store has
returned from the shrine of Dame
Fashion. He found the markets
crowded with optimistic buyers who
say that business will take on added
interest as the season advances. The
advance showing of spring merchan-
disc was unusually gorgeous. Gar
ments of all kinds were in high col
ors and many were very elaborately
designed. One of the special dresses
bought for this store is a creation in
black Canton crepe This garment
will be shown in Paris at the famous
style show for the first time, Feb.
22nd. Mr.. Bistline says he is going
to try and beat them to it" and
show it in Alma first.
There is very noticeable differ
ence in the values from a year ago.
Merchandise of all kinds in ladies'
ready-to-wear has shown a decided
improvement in materials and work
manship while the prices are notice
ably lower which is just as welcome
TO the merchant as to the customer.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
RECOVERY Of
MONEY SOUGHT
Many Stockholders in Court
Action to Recover Cost Of
Their Stock.

Approximately 50 stockholders of
the defunct X-Cel-All Paint company,
a former Alma business concern, are
in circuit court this week, seeking
the recovery Of the price which they
paid for the stock, which they held.
The amount of stock thus pooled is
reported 70 amount TO $1,000 These
stockholders are suing Thomas A.
scarborough, Mason A. scarborough,
D. A. Kitch, and Otto Sanderhoff, for
the recovery of the money.
After the company had gone into
the hands Of the receiver some
months ago, and rumors began to
spread as to the condition of the
company, large amount of the
stock was pooled, and the suit started
to recover the amount that had been
paid for 1t.
1t is set forth in the declaration
that the sale of the stock was made
under false and fraudulent represen-
tation by the said T. A. scarborough,
NJ. A. Marlborough, ID. A. Kitch and
Otto Sanderhoff, as owners and
brokers, not licensed.
1t is claimed that the stock which
was sold to the stockholders repre-
sented was never approved by the
Michigan Securities Commission, etc
1t is understood that suits are
pending against others who sold
stock in the venture, and that these
will be tried in the near future.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
SEVERAL SEEKING
CITY POSITIONS
Two Candidates for Mayor and
Five for the City Com
mission.

That there will be plenty of can
didates for the voters of the city to
express their opinion about at the
primary election on Monday, March
z, and at the city election on April
4. is certain, as petitions have been
filed for two candidates for mayor
five for commissioners and three for
justice of the peace. Ward super
visors seeking reelection are not OPP
posed
Mayor Charles r Murphy, who is
now nearing The completion Of his
first term as the executive head of
the city, under the city charter. filed
his petition showing his candidacy
late Saturday afternoon, the final
day for filing. Karl r. Adams. cash
ier Of the Alma State Savings bank,
filed his petition somewhat earlier in
the week. II is predicted that these
two men will stage a warm race at
the election.
Albert j. Archer, and Phillip W.
Creaser, elected for the short terms.
as commissioners two years ago.
have expressed themselves as candi-
dates for reelection in the petitions
filed last week. The new candidates
for the city commission are Arthur
j. Davies, superintendent of the Re
public Motor Truck Company Inc, Of
this city; Frank O. Parker, assistant
cashier Of the First State Bank; and
Francis +. West, the latter a pro
fessor Of chemistry at Alma college
The three who viii seek the JUS
ticc of peace position are ID. Lloyd
Johnson, J. L. Biggerstaff and Geo.
II. Carl. Johnson is the present
justice and will seek reelection.
Biggerstaff, who has resided here for
some years, was admitted 10 prac-
tice in Pennsylvania Since coming
TO Alma he has beer at the Republic
plant in various capacities. George
III. Carl is a more or less well known
Alma man, and four years apo op-
posed Johnson for the place TO which
the latter WAS elected by a narrow
margin.
As twice the number TO be elected
VIII survive the primary, it will have
no effect on the mayoralty race, and
the names of both Adams and Mur.
ply will be on the April ballot.
As two commissioners are to be
elected for four years, one will be
dropped at the primary, and four
will have their names on the April
election ballot
The names of two Of the candi-
.iates for justice Of the peace will go
through the primary and appear on
,he official election ballot in April /
TIE supervisors are: Jesse f. Full I
Pr of the first ward, Nicholas +.
Sasd Of the second ward, Albert p. /
Cook in the third ward, and Jacob u. F
lelman in the fourth ward.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
RECRUITING DIsCoNTrNuED

Telegram instructions dated Feb
Z. 1921. caused Sgt. Charles +
Marsh, commanding he local re-.
cruiting station to cease bis activities
i'm recruiting.
The following telegram received
February q. 1921:
Washington, d. c., 1870 p m
Discontinue vniistments immeii-
ately. Reject applicants whose enlist
mcnt not completed today. Men now
in service may re-enlist expiration
present term. Harris.
Men who has been discharged
siucc Feb. Sth, 1921, may re-enlist.
A. to men reenlisting who were dis
charged before that SGT. Marsh has
no instruction except TO take their
name and give them a general exam
inatioh. Sg.. Marsh states there Is
a possibility Of their opening recruit
ing again soon but as yet he has no
official Information as to recruiting
starting again.
If any ex-service men have not re-
'eived their Victory medal. Victory
button, or any other information in
'egards to travel, pay, compensation,
'lothing. etc., Sgt. Marsh is willing
o help them In any way he can.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
SLEEPING SICKNESS
Doctors Report Two Case OF Diseas
at Rivcrdale.

II was admitted tuesday that Gra-
tiot county has at least two eases of
sleeping sickness local phyaicip
having been called 10 Riaan.
where with a Riverdale pbas maat
diagnosis of two diseas well dev.
which are reported ~ sickness.
opel cases Of SD be- in the sam.
Both ere .srday over the tele.
fan ,she Riverdale phys clan re-
ped TO give the names II these IN
ith The disease without
their conseut II is snm the
condition n .spe OF thc ranent. IS
very grave
II is also reported that doctors an,
watching case ,yerg closely at Fin.
haii, y hich it is ,expe, ted will quic..
" deyesp into a well sefiued attact
OF sleeping sickness.
This disease, which has been rare
IN MichigaH until this psst year be-
glns with shooting psips which in 4
crease in intensity and Fapddiy be- 4
come generalixed, These pains may
start ir either the iower or upper * |
tlFemities. Muscle jerks and i,viichl |
ags follow e
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17

Action of Directors and Assign
ment of Property Fully
Protect Institution.

Alfred +. Crawford, for over a
score of years the cashier of the
First State Savings Bank of Breck-
enridge, nine miles east of here, was
arrested shortly before noon on Mon
day by officers from the sheriff's
office, the warrant charging the em-
bezzlement of sum said TO have
been about $4,000 from the bank ear
ly in December.
Crawford was Immediately taken
to Ithaca by the officers where he
was arraigned before John Myers,
Justice of the peace, during the early
part of the afternoon. Crawford
waived the reading of the warrant,
and stood mute when arraigned be-
fore Justice Myers The date for
his hearings was set for March /,
and bail was fixed at $4,000. This
was Immediately furnished.
1t was reported from reliable
sources in Ithaca Monday that Chief
Deputy Bank Examiner Conway, and
Leo p. Kaahar, examiner, the latter
the one who secured the warrant for
the arrest Of Crawford on the en-
bezzlement charge, state that the al
legged shortages at the Breckenridge
bank will be about $1,000.
The warrant, secured by Kalahar,
charged the embezzlement of one
single item early in December, 1920,
this amounting to approximately
$4,000.
News Of the arrest of Crawford
Monday was received with the great
est of surprise III every part of the
county, as he had for years been one
of the influential figures Of Gratiot.
For many years he was one of the
most prominent figures in Republic
an party circles IN the county. He
was one of the defendants in the
famous Newberry case, and was
among the first TO be discharged in
that case.
Officials of the bank, the state
bank examiners and o. l.. Smith,
prosA uting attorney, have all laid
special stress on the fact that the
bank is entirely sound. Chief Dep
uty Examiner Conway said:
During the course of the exami-
nation of the First State Bank Of
Breckenridge, made recently by ex-
aniners of the state banking depart
ment, certain irregularities and
shortages were discovered. The
shortage determined has been amply
provided for by the transfer TO the
bank of sufficient assets worth sew
eral times the amount Of the short
age.
ALFRED +. Crawford has resigned
Ms cashier and director, and Henry
Meade is temporarily in charge of
the bank. The assurance made by
the directors Of the bank that all ir-
regularities discovered by the state
bank examiners will be adjusted in a
manner satisfactory to the banking
department, should give renewed
confidence in the integrity and sta
bility Of the bank"
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
FIREMEN'S BALL
Annual Event TO BE Held Here ON
Next Tuesday.

The annual Firemons ball. held
each year on Washington's birthday
will be- held Tuesday evening, and
promises to be one Of the most sue
cessful evnts of the kind that has
been held here in recent years.
The affair will be- held at the
Michigan Masonic home. on the large
floor at that place, the scene of this
event for the past several years.
The fire department, together with
the Elks, used considerable pressure
to get Henry Olmste1d to return to
Alma to direct the well known Re-
public orchestra. which will furnish
the music Tuesday evening.
Tickets are on sale for the ball.
and reports indicate that they are
going rapidly. They may be secured
from any Of the firemen.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17

Money spent with MS buys not onl,
good coal but satisfaction and reli-
ability as well. Brown Ward Co.
phone 27.-6Otf.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17

Monday Vibber secured photo
graphs of Collins, which plainly
showed the scratches on his face, and
these will probably now be used in
the coming trial. Later Monday Col
Inns was again brought in and ques-
toned, as were several other men.
By Monday evening the officers were
well satisfied with the results that
had been so far obtained, as several
important factors had been definitely
eliminated, and the finger OF suspi-
cion was pointing strongly at Collins.
Officers at that time did not have
sufficient evidence TO warrant them
in holding Collins, and every possi-
bic rumor was run down in the hope
OF securing corroborative evidence.
but 1t was not until later, when a
cousin of Oscars, a Victor Collins.
came into prominence becauses of al
legged boot-legging that the officials
began 70 get a real foothold on the
evidence that would be needed to
mold anyone on the charge of kill
ing Mrs. Grove
BY this time snatches Of evidence
were pointing strongly TO Oscar Col
lins. who began also to be connected
up in the evidence that was being OBJ
tained, with gang Of bootleggers.
Late Friday a man whose name
has not been brought into the inves-
tigation, and is being withheld by the
for good and sufficient
reasons, was brought to the city hall
and subjected to long questioning
by O. l.. Smith, prosecuting attorney.
Sheriff Willert and Oscar Vibber.
;hief Of police. 1t is reported that
much very valuable information was
secured coupling Collins with the
rhine, and with the bootlegging that
lad been going on.
Word was quietly passed out by
he officials 70 the aides of Willert
md Vibber for night of real activ-
ty, and early in the evening officers
Irrested Oscar Collins on a charge
4 manufacturing and selling intox-
Continued on page five)
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
LOSE TWO GAMES
ON ROAD TRIP
College TOssers Drop Rough
One to Olivet; Drubbed by
Kalamazoo.

Those who have seen the Alma
College basket ball team in action
this year on the local floor would be
willing to swear that no team could
defeat the Maroon and Cream 46 TO
8, but this happened at Kalamazoo
College Saturday night, following
the Olivet game of Friday evening,
which was turned into a football con-
test that left the Alma midgets so
worn down that they were practical
ly helpless before Kalamazoo. Alma
was defeated at Olivet 8 to 3.
Mechanically the Alma five is
still in the race for the NJ. /. A. A.
title. whatever that may mean. To
all practical purposes however, the
race has been decided and the Mich
igan State Normals of Ypsilanti can
now be called the 1921 champions.
The balance of the season will see a
fight for positions in the race, with
the probability that Alma will not
finish better than third; Kalamazoo
undoubtedly having the strength 70
take second place in the race.
The game at Olivet resembled a.
football contest more than, any other
thing, in which, reports indicate.
everything was allowable except run
ming with the ball.
Hacking was one OF the features,
and there was hardly time that AL
ma got shot at the basket but thai
this took place. Not a field basket
could be obtained, the five points
coming on fouls.
Olivet won, hut the victory Wa ~
costly one Cor her, IN the w.
Alma fans m o.t from,
The team was 50 night that h
its struggle on Flto the Kalsmazoo
fell an easy Saturday night, AMI
eoliegian5Es led by Captain Mckay
-he ko count Of 4C to g on the
rapf ,wou-down Alma bunch Of
-agers. Good treatment was shown
the team at Kalamazoo
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
TAKES WORK
Wright to Be Director of Religious
Training in Gratiot.

At q meeting Of the county com
mittee Of the Gratiot County S. S.
Association held after the teachers
conference last Sunday, :. c:s:., vas
extended 70 Professor c. A. Wright
Of North Manchester College, Ind.
TO become the director Of religious
education for the coming year.
Mr.. Wright is man thoroughly
qualified for the position, having an
A. B. degree from MancheFter Co
lege and also a degree from Chicago
University. His wc- n thp hitter
institution was along me line Of IT.
| ligious education with special refer
ence 10 Sunday school work
W'right's time Is all spoker-. - 30
oSio 5D~'i,s ans aqDsG 19S ~ eaachea. He there
c''io 1ho 'sancel al these engage
ioiase 70 enter this field.
After reaching Ithaca last Satur-
day afternoon Mr. Wright received
long distance message from Indi-
ana offering him the position of
director of religions education FOR
tbe north half OF Ohio. bat having
given the committee bis promise to
consider the position m Gratiot, he
fused the larger field. He will begin
work abo4 March lst.
la order that the county associa-
ton may be more business like and
efficient The committee has filed ar
ficlos # Incorporation. the following
beihR rhe board Of directors: r l..
ConN s., Rev Wn Roberts and DR..
VI. G. skinner Of Ithaca: Chas. Bloss
st. lo.}~; y T. Fov. Breckenridge.
Geo. Richards Pompeii Fred Barr.
North STAR : X. Case, Emerson.
Daniel SPICE, North Shade: WIN.
Mcfaddcn. Alma VIM. Stoneman. 4
Washington township Paul Bywat-
Pr, Riverdale.
The Officers Of the association are
I. L. ConviS president; Rev. VIM.
Roberts, vice president; VI. G.. Skin
ier, Sec'y-Treas. These officers
'onstitute central committee for
ne transaction Of business when the
'oard If directors is not in session.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17

The W K. G.. adis, met with Mrs.
Della lrish February ID. Forty
seven were present and the potluck
dinner was fine. u neted the So
eiety $3.50 The qsilt top was fin
s3ed and sold for two dollars The
t.rgiam consisted Of seyrai readings
a nging by the ciub, violin and
Et numbers by the Irish brothers
ana p recitation by Mrs. Titus. As
- rrfs,'ent Of the corps Nrs. Titus
was ptesrpted with a birthday book
p good tinss was enjoyed by al. The
Hexi meeting will be held ON March
g az the hoDs 0f Mrs. Ellen Psrdee.
~ r superior ST. 1t will be an ali
o9y meeting with \ potluck dinn.r
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-02-17
LEGAL HOLIDAY

Wasb'agfon's birthday, February
Y, 1921. ifsesday) bciDg a legal
holiday the posi- office viii he closed
all day. There will b. no .ty or
rural deliveries. 80 q
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-03-15
Negro Cody Tells
of Attack on Organist
Found Slain in N. J.

New Brunswick, N. j., Mar. H.
An extraordinary session Of the Mid
dlesex grand jury will be called FRI
day to consider the case of George
Washington knight, % year old negro
charged with the murder Of Mrs,
Edith Wilson, church organist, whose
body was found near her home in
Perth Amboy, late Saturday night.
This announcement was made here
tonight by county Prosecutor Joseph
E. Stricken, who said that knight
had made a full confession Of the
! crime.
Knight frankly and freely admit
ted attacking Mrs. Wilson" Mr..
Stricken said. HE is one of the cool
est men charged with murder that
have ever talked with. He repeated
the story In the presence Of the hus-
band Of the dead woman without
fear. apparently. He seemed little
concerned IN his own fate"
Knight admitted, the prosecutor
said. taking Mrs. Wilson's wrist
watch and two gold rings. The watch
was sold Sunday. the negro claimed.
and the proceeds spent in gambling.
iHC fiu65s AiuSHl Sdlo, were gwen q
negro woman in Clinwood. They were
recovered by detectives today.
Knight was brought here In an au-
tomobile under heavy guard after he
had been arraigned in Perth Amboy
on formal charge of murder. Three
other negroes, said to have been COM
panions of Knight on Saturday, were
arrested today and lodged in the
Perth Amboy jai1.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-03-15
BANGOR & AROOSTOOk
TO CUT ALL WAGES
BOOSTED LAST MAY

Bangor, Me-, Mar 1.-The Bangor
& Aroostook railroad today announc-
ed it's intention to reduce wages of
all classes of employees whose rates
of pay were increased in accordance
with the decision of the Railroad La
Dor Board, effective last May. The
reduction will take effect April 16,
and the amounts will depend on the
result of conferences which the road
announces it will hold at an early
date with representatives of the en-
p1oyes.
The rates of pay established for the
above named employees, partly as the
result of the high cost of living, ETC..
during and after the war. says the
circular issued to the employees, new
er seemed to be just and reasonable
rates for this territory. 1t is appar-
ent also that there has been a ma
terial reduction in the cost of living
and of wages paid by other industries,
etc. On account of these rates of pay
being unjust and unreasonable, the
time has arrived when some reduc-
ton in wages must be made.
Since the government took over the
road in 1918 the payroll has been in
creased $2,1OO,0O0.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-03-15
Wage Cut Coming to
Rail Ferry Workers
in New York HarbOr

New York. Mar 14-Marine workers
employed on ferries, tugs, barges and
other floating equipment Of railroads
in New York harbor will be asked
within the next few days to. accept
wage reductions ranging from Is to
% per cent, it was learned here to-
night
The propos ed schedule of wage cuts,
it was learned, was approved today at
meeting of the General Managers
Association, an organization of gen.
eral managers of II railroads with
terminals in this. city Each of the
railroads will Immediately notify
employees of the proposed reduction.
and call conferences In an effort to
bring about an adjustment.
While no date was decided upon to
make the reduction effective, railroad
officials said that it would probably
take effect April Is or May 1. APP
proximatelys60 900 Of the $4,000 marine
workers inthe harbor will be affected.
Under the new, schedule the in
creases given the marine workers by
the war labor board. effective last
May, will be entirely wiped out. The
captains will be asked to take 5 per
cent. the engineers Is, firemen and
oilers from 16 to % per cent. Deck
hands and other workers Will - be
given similar reductions.
Railroad officials said that the
eight hour day win continue in effect