davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
SOLON

The Woman's Club will be enter
tanned by Mrs. May Andrews, March 8:
Roll call, favorite quotations; subject
Inaugural Ceremonies
Messrs. Miller and Head who have
purchased the Cooley stock of goods
took possession March I.
At Caratunk Theatre Saturday.
March 5, william Fox presents ELLEN
Percy in The Land Of Jazz. A health
picture will also be presented Satur-
day evening.
The d. A r. Chapter will be enter
tanned at the home of Mrs. Nellie I. M.
Paul, Friday, March 4 Roll call, cur
rent events; topic, Maine in History
and Romance. Mrs. Nellie Paul and
Mrs. Mfllie Paul hostesses.
The Independent-Repo is for
sale at e. c. Andrews.
There will be a special meeting of
North Somerset Grange, Monday even
ing, March 7, for the purpose of con-
ferring the third and fourth degrees.
1t Is hoped that good number will
be present.
Mrs. Eula Foss will entertain the
Ladies' Home Circle, Thursday after
uOOH, MAI Ch IL.
Mrs. Pearl Swain was home for a
weeks recess from her school work
in Portland.
At Caratunk Theatre, Thursday
evening, March 3rd, Huckleberry
Finn will be given for the benefit of
the first and second primary schools.
George Cooley is out of town this
week looking for a new business loca-
ton.
Wednesday evening, March 3, Real
Art pictures presents ''The Yellow
Room" at Caratunk Theatre.
HIGH SCHOOL NOTES
Scion high school closes March for
one week.
The grade schools of Scion close for
two eeks.
Friday night, March 5, the Senior
play will be given at the town hall.
Next Saturday morning there will be
meeting of boys and girl club lead
ers at the high school. 1t is expected
that most of the clubs in the county
will be represented.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
and stunts. and plenty of ice cream

and stunts, and plenty of ice cream
and cake.
The Boy Scouts and invited guests
were entertained at their last weeks
meeting with set of stereopticon
slides illustrating typical experience
of Boy Scout Camp Life in Maine.
Word has been received here of the
death and burial recently at Woodbury.
Conn, of a. p. Herse. a stakeholder
of the y. a. NJ. Co., and at one time
local manager of its affairs for year
or more.
Mr.. and Mrs. N. C. Emery were in
Skowhegan Thursday to attend the
funeral of w. H Emery.
Scion High School basketball teams
played the Academy teams at AGA
DENY Hall Friday evening. The re-
fierce applied the new rules making
the games much more interesting than
when their is rough play. Firse
team score. Arson 30, Scion 6; End
team. Scion 16. Arson 10. Girls
team, Arson 8, Scion 7.
Wateryille High Girls basket ball
team will play then return game with
the Academy girls at Academy Hall
tomorrow friday evening.
The home of Mr.. and Mrs. G. A. Por-
ter was the scene of very enjoyable
gathering last Thursday evening. Mr.
Porter had invited the boys of her
Sunday School Class, Mrs. Roxana
Mitchell and her class of girls, and
Rev. and Mrs E. L. Baker. Nearly
all responded. A variety OF games
made the time pass very merrily. De-
licious sherbets and cakes were serv-
ed, and music on the victoria closed
the evenings entertainment.
The regular meeting of Capt. Seth
T. Hutchins Circle, Ladies of the G.
A. r. will be held at Grange Hall,
Saturday. March at 2.30 p m.
The Independent-Repor IL for
sale at F. II. Holley's.
Mrs. Elvira Slipp passed away at
her home in Embden early Wednes-
day evening. February 90, after many
months of feeble health. Mrs. Slipp
was a native of St John, N B. Her
husband, Elisha Slipp, died some years
ago. She came to Embden with her
son, Isaac Slipp and family when they
purchased the farm now occupied as
the family home. During her eight
years residence she has become
known to her new neighbors as very
estimable woman always interested
in the best things. In church con-
nection she was Baptist. Despite
physical weakness she remained dear
of mind to the end. She was SO years
OF age in December Prayer was Of
fered at the home Friday morning by
Rev. e. L. Baker, pastor of Dinsmore
Memorial Church. The body was TAX
en- to Woodstock N B. for interment
and services were held there Sunday
Her grandson, Byron Slipp, and her
daughter. Mrs. Stillman A. Walker &C
companied the remains to Woodstock.
James Thompson, son of Erastus
Thompson OF Embden died at a Show
hogan Hospital the evening of Febru-
airy %, death being pronounced due
to cerebia spiral meningitis. He had
been i'll but a few days. He was a
bright, active boy and his sudden Ill
ness and death at the age of ten is
shock to the entire neighborhood
His father and several brothers and
sisters survive him. Relatives and
neighbors attended the funeral seryi-
ces which was held at the Longfellow
Schoolhouse. Mrs. J. p. Murray, fun
eral director. Rev. T.. l.. Baker of the
Congregational Church at North An
son officiated.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
ATHENS

Somerset Academy closes this week
for two weeks vacation. Sophomore
readings will occur Thursday evening
at Grange Hall instead of March IL
as previously reported.
The Independent Reporter is for
sale at L. C. Williams.
At an athletic meeting Tuesday
the following officers were chosen
President, Everett Tufts; treasurer,
Byron Weston; athletic editor, Cliff
ton Taylor; manager base ball team,
Scribner Gaylord; captain base ball
and track team, Clifton Taylor.
Edison Jones is at Somerset Hos
pital. Skowhegan.
DR.. Dascombe was called in consul
tation with DR.. Ellingwood last Fri
day, relative to the illness of Mrs
Jane H. Greene. Her daughter Mrs
Mary Thompson of Taftville, Conn
also arrived home last week. We
are glad to report Aunt James" con-
dtion as improved. Last Sunday
she reached the 85th milestone In
lifes journey. Beautiful flowers and
an abundance of post card greetings
were sent by friends both near and
afar. A twin brother, Frank T
Hight, living at New Richmond, Wis
is the only other member of their fam
lily surviving.
| TURNER-HOLMAN
A wedding of considerable interest
to many Somerset county friends and
those living in Boston and vicinity al
we'll as New York and White Plains
was solemnized last Monday after
noon at the home of Judge and Mrs
J. F. Holman when their youngest
daughter Miss Marion Glare of White
Plains was united in marriage with
Mr.. Henry Turner of Waltham, Mass
in the presence of the immediate fam
lily and relatives. Soon after the
/ clock struck 10 the bride came down
the stairs where she was met by the
| groom and the two quietly stepped
| into ~ RaGM AnA took thelg plao0 -.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
JACKMAN

The Ladies Aid held food sale at
the Library on Saturday, February
26th. The sale was we'll patronized
and all the complaint was that was
heard that there wasn't enough food
to buy.
The Ladies' Auxiliary held its reg
ular meeting with Mrs. Geo. Nash, the
meeting was lead by the president,
Mrs. r. e. Newton, IA members being
present.
Mrs. 8. q. Holden n having run
~ fNnnoi1 foYnr. ~ It the 6oma
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
PUGH CORNER

The many friends of Mr.. and Mrs.
George Newell of Auburn will be
sorry to learn of the death of their In
FAINT son Frank on Sunday February
Goth.
Mrs. Carrie Rowell returned home
last Saturday from South Boston
where she was called last week to at
tend the funeral of her sister Mrs.
Flora Paul.
Amos L. Adams is in very poor
health.
Earl Greene came home last week
from Bald Mountain where he has
been working with his team.
Little Lucille Newell of Auburn is
stopping for while with Mr.. and Mrs.
]. L.. Spauldfng.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
NORTH ANSON

Monday evening. February 81, Hon.
Frank H. Holey was the speaker at
a meeting of the American Legion at
Waterville. Mr.. Holley spoke on
State Revenue and State expenditure.
Congregational Church services,
March as follows. Morning wor-
ship at Las; Church school at 11.45
Y. p. S. C. e. at Sis p. m. "They
Kingdom Come in my church; leader
Laura NJ Chapman. Lecture mid
week service. Tuesday evening, March
8 at 7.30 at the home of Mr.. and Mrs.
G. A. Porter
Wednesday, ]. P. Murray, w. G. Hill
ton and G. A. Porter went to Augusta
to confer with the State Assessors
and Mr. Sturtevant with reference to
the people assessment of the proper
ty in this town of the Franklin Pow
err Co. This committee will report
on the matter at the town meeting
next Monday.
The last entertainment of the Colt
Alberts Lyceum Course will be held at
Carrabassett Hall, Wednesday even
ing, March 9 at 5 o'clock. The Wells
entertainers will give representations
of southern life.
Town meeting dinner will be served
at Grange Hall Monday noon by the
Woman's Association
F. 8. Parsons and G. F. Williams
were at Skowhegan Friday evening to
attend meeting Of the Schoolmasters'
Club.
After attending the millinery open
ingS In Boston and New York. will be
at my home after April Int with Z
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03

Friends and relatives of the late
Mrs. Hartley Pomroy contributed SIX
ptnkb, three roses, narCissu1 hya-
cinths. jonQuils, . wreath and ribbon
Tor the funeral which was held Sun
- eftarnoea n Bethany CAApe..
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
MADISON CENTER

Mrs. Perry Corson returned home
from Kenpebec Valley Hospital last
Friday improved in health.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03

The Ladies Aid of the M. E. church
will serve a baked bean dinner Town
meeting day, March and chicken
pie supper watch for posters.
The Ladies Aid met with Bradbury
Goodrich last Tuesday, %. There
was II In all partook of feast OF
good things at the close. Meeting ad-
journed to meet with Eta Holt, March
the 8.
Marked down sale of sats and tams
all the way from so cents to 1898 at
Eta Hollis.
Fred w. Preble, former Postmas-
ter has announced his candidacy for
the Office of Town Clerk OF Bingham.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
SOUTH BINGHAM AND VICINITY.

Alice and Mary Corson recently
returned from q weeks visit with their
grandmother. Mrs. Mary Corson who
lives below Scion village.
Mrs. Albert Gehrke lis visiting her
parents and other relatives in New
York. Mrs. Albert Gehrke, Jr., is
housekeeper during her absence.
MIR. and Mrs. Ross Stafford spent
Friday with her uncle C. B. Gilman.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
Voters of the Town Of Bingham

Come to the Town Meeting, March
7th. 1t is your civic duty, We need
your vote for bigger, better, buster
Bingham. Votes count and II we
have Town officers representative OF
the wishes of the majority, it Is neces-
sary that your vote be there to be
counted
Below Is a partial list of candidates
as Endorsed by The Women's League
of Bingham. Candidates for other
Offices will be Endorsed prior to Mon
day. First Selectman. s. A. Smith;
second selectman. H. A. Coleman;
treasurer, e. w. Moore; town clerk
F. w. Preble; tax collector, F. L..
GIBSON; school committee, Marian s..
Coleman; road commissioner, Jake At
wood. 1t is up to you Mr.. Voter. BE
THERE WITH YOUR VOTE.
Yours for success.
The Women's League of Bingham,
Mrs. Marian Coleman, Pres.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
SMITHFIELD

Madeline Bickford is Ill with small
pox at the home of her grandparents
Mr.. and Mrs. Sherburn Bickford in
Smithfield village. The family are
uuarantined and every precaution is
being taken to prevent the spread Of
the disease. Several in town are be-
ing yaccinated.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
NOTICE

I wish to announce that I shall be
candidate for the office OF Town
Clerk of Bingham, at the annual town
meeting to be held March 7. 1921. l
shall appreciate whatever support may
be given my candidacy, and If elect
ed shall endeavor to perform all the
duties Of the Office In a satisfactory
manner.
LEON w. GOODRICH.
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
L. W. SYM0NS, Optometrist

Registered by Maine State Board Examination
Mcclellan Bldg. (Upstairs) Skowhegan
N. E. Tel. 1882 Farmers 9-2-1e
The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1921-03-03
KNOW---DON'T GUESS

Do you KNOW there In no
thing wrong with your eyes
that they do not require
glassesf
Are you CERTAIN that you
nre seeing as well ms you
should sect
Can you be SURE that you
nre not a sufferer from eye
strainf
HOW do You knOwf
Let us examine your eyes,
md make sure they are ms
good ms you think they are.
Isn't IL worth the time and
trouble!
KNOw-DONT GUESS
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
public is cordially invited to these
revival services.


Ion Thursday of last week
secret ssrvice agents arrested c.
j. Kelly, a garage man at San
ford, aid several other men
there charging them with re-
ceiving stolen automobiles. And
Oil Tuesday of this week the Of
ficers arrested a Major A. W..
Eoffman in New York; this man
is said to be the king Bee" and
the leading spirit in the wholesale
theft of cars in northern cities.
1t is claimed the cars would be
stolen up North and sent through
the country to Sanford to Kelly,
who then disposed of them. AL
together, eight men have been
arrested in connection with this
case during the past week, and
the officers have warrants for
about IL more.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
Two Tigers Killed.

A party of three white men
endeavored to bring 48 gallons of
whiskey in a closed car into
Greensboro Wednesday after
noon. Two policemen tried to
stop the Car and when within
three blocks of the Greensboro
city hall, and when one of the
officers stepped on the running
board the men within the car
shivered his heart with rifle
ball. He fell to the ground dead.
The men fled, but the car was
overtaken about 10 wiles north
of Greensboro and one of the
men captured, named Lewis Ed
wards, of Danville, and another
killed, Rom Robertson. The
third man had escaped at last re
ports, but will. likely be captured
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
Revival at Steele's.

Rev. w. M. Higgins will begin
a two weeks revival at his Bap-
fist church at Steele's Mills Sun
day morning, and another service
Sunday night. Rev. L. B. Pad.
gett will arrive on the noon train
Monday and will take charge
Monday night. Beginning Tues.
day morning, two services will
be held daily, at 10 and 8 at
night. Mr.. Padgett was for 10
months in the army Y. M. c. A.
and prior to that was for over
three years pastor of a large
church at Newbern; and previous
to that was State Secretary for
the Layman's Movement. The
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

EFF Mccullough died suddenly
at the State Prison at Raleigh
Tuesday morning. He was from
Bladen county, was go years old,
and was superintendent of the
State Prison, having been ap-
pointed by Gov. Morrison in Jan
uary to succeed J. r. Collie.
In the vote for Mayor of Raj
eigh Tuesday T. B. Eldridge re
ceived 1851 votes to 2574 fol
Eugene E. Culbreth. For Comm
issioner of Public, Safety A. H
monaghan received 1858 tt
2453 for Sherwood Upchurch.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

PLANS are being made at the
University for one of the largest
crowds of returning alumni at
the 1921 commencement that
ever swarmed across the campus.
Commencement this year will
be June 12-15, and alumni day
proper will be Tuesday, June IA.
Ten University classes, ranging
from 1861 to 1920, will hold
special reunions and in addition
many alumni from other classes
are expected. The class of 1861
will hold its sixtieth reunion, the
class of 1871 its fiftieth reunion,
81 will be back for its fortieth
time, 81 for its thirtieth gather
ling, '96 for its twenty-ffth, O1
for its twentieth, '06 for its fit
teenth, (of which class the writer
was a member), IL for its tenth
'l6 FOR its fifth, and 1920, last
years class, will return for its
first reunion. The central alum
nj committee in charge Of all
plans is composed of DR.. H. M
Wagstaff, Frank P. Graham and
E. r. Rankin.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

Remember that next Sunday, the
Sth, is Mothers Day." OF course
you will want to remember her then
Get a white flower if mother is dead
and red one if living. Phone me
your orders. l represent the lead.
ing florists of the State, and car
get you almost any kind of flowers
and in any quantity. Don't forget
MOTHER. Mrs. A. B. Corpening
Phone 1877.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

We 60 to the theatre and to concerts and
to see pictures together and even to the
Russian Ballet and Grand Opera. We 60
to church and when the boyish young
preacher reads Zen down to boar hairs
| will carry thee" we know it is so. We
are learning to play golf and have hopes
Of coming to Pinehurst next winter; if We
do we will look you up" tent
A. B. CT
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

No, we can hardly credit the,
rumor that our young men are
waiting for a decline in the price
of marriage licenses. Possibly
they are merely hoping they will
be wiped out entirely.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05


When a stranger comes to this
town he looks around. 1t is the
natural thing to do. His opinions
are formed from what he sees
and hears, and from nothing else
AS he finds conditions to exist, so
he repeats them when he goes
elsewhere and repeats them to
other people. That is what
makes our reputation abroad, and
it is worth remembering.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
Presbyterians at Midway.

Rev. William Black and his
singer, Mr.. Burr, arrived here
Wednesday at noon, and began a
revival for Rev. w. R. Copl edge
at the Midway Methodist church.
This will continue through Sun
day night. Rev. Leon Hall kindly
offered the Presbyterian pastor
the use of his church.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

Effective next Monday, May
9th, the barber shop run by Leak
and Jackson (colored) for white
trade exclusively, will change
their prices, as follows: shaves
and neck shaves that heretofore
have cost Zoe and sc, a total of
25c, will be reduced to Zoe. Hair
cuts will be reduced from 40c to
Csc.
Respectfully,
Leak & Jackson.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

Mr.. Henry A. Page is now
Mayor Of Aberdeen, he being
elected Tuesday by a vote of "a
to Sc over L. L. Johnson, a real
estate dealer. Mr.. Page was not
a candidate for the place, not
even voting himself; but his
friends put up his name and ran
him themselves.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
Free Labor.

There are 100 ex-soldiers in the
A. & E. College of North Carolina
who will be placed on farms for
ten weeks this summer. They
have all had farm experience and
will work for their board.
Parties wanting this service
will write or see the County
Demonstration Agent, Rocking.
ham, at once.
w. H. Barton.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
Stock Your Streams with Fish.

Those who desire to stock streams,
lakes or ponds with fish should Sc.
cure blanks Immediately upon
which to apply for the stock through
their congressman, as the principal
distribution of fish stock is made
during May of each year. Write to
your congressman at Washington,
VIM. C. Hammer, for information
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

80 high school baseball teams
are contesting for the State
championship. The final elimin
alton will be held at the Univer.
sity May 21st.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

The new town officers of Troy
elected Tuesday, are: Mayor |. S.
Fike. Commissioners: John A. HUI
lin, Frank Hurley, Bud Howell,
George T. Lassister and A. O..
Wooley.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

1t. Joseph Virgin, of Oklahoma,
and 1t. Hardison Hartman, of Penn
sylvania, were instantly killed last
Friday when the airplane they were
driving above Pope Field at Camp
Bragg fell.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
AS THE EDITOR SEES 1T.

MoMENToUs events and abnor-
NAL conditions spring from little
incidents. Often they attract
little attention at the time, but
continue to grow and expand
until eventually they assume ap
palling proportions.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

gets worse, you are
downright sick.
Don't wait until your
'trun down" condition de-
velops. into real illness.
Start today toning your
system with an Al blood
remedy to drive out the
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

impurities, vegetable medicine
like S.S.S., which has served thou b
sands thus in the last half cen
fury. >Ha
Get S.S.S. from your druggist
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
''Run Down. People Easy Prey
To Serious Disease

When you get s'run down" it
merely means your system is dis
ordered, working poorly. IF the
disorder stays small, you may re-
main just run down." But IL it
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

right now. Then write
us about your condition,
addressing Chief Medi-
cal Advisor, 848 Swift
Laboratory, Atlanta,
Georgia. Wen send
you m edical counsel
free,
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05
KeyLost.

Lost, last Saturday Yale key
fol an auto. Finder please notify
Po,,t-Dispatch office
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

thousand ever heard of it prior
to a few months ago.
The allies forgot" their word
to President Wilson and handed
the island over to the tender
mercies' of the Japanese.
Now zap is the storm center
around which the statesmen OF
the world are sitting in appre-
hension Of. another slaughter of
humanity as a result of a posi-
Bile clash between our country
and Japan.
We might 60 along and write
for a week and run our catalogue
of events up into the thousands,
all tending to emphasize HUMANE
TVS inability to recognize signifi
cant facts in their incipiency.
1t has been so with the human
race since the beginning, and il
will probably Continue So unit
we cease to exist.
We overlook today the things
that are fraught with the great
est danger for tomorrow.
A lions cubs harmless as Ions
as il is little But if allowed tt
grow and roam at will the tim
will come when it will assume tn
proportions of a deadly menace.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

Ellerbe team defeated Mt. Gilead
at Ellerbe April Doth by score OF 81.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

The first event of the kind to
be recorded was when Adam
and Eve were in the Garden Of
Eden, the only representatives of
the human race.
Adam plucked the forbidden
apple from the tree, and from
that time mankind has been
prone to take that which does
not belong to him.
Rockingham post-dispatch. [volume] (Rockingham, N.C.) 1917-1965, 1921-05-05

Many centuries ago man was
on trial charged with a serious
crime. Knowing his guilt, a
crooked lawyer conceived the
idea of bribing Witnesses to
swear that he was in another
place when the crime was COM
mitted.
Slice then, fictitious alibls
have opened Jail doors and freed
guilty criminals until today it is
becoming almost impossible to
convict one who has the backing
of gangland.