davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
BENNETT NOT WITH
RELATIVES in WEST
Detective Fails To Get Trace Of
Winter Convinced Of
Foul Play.

With the belief that Winter c. Ben
nett, missing produce merchant, Of
Wilmington, who was last seen in
Coatesville, Pa, might have gone to
various parts in the West, Detective
George B. Campbell, of PhoeniXville.
has communicated with an aunt and
a cousin of the missing man, seeking
information as to whether he had
gone to visit them.
In a communication with Ralph
Bennett, from a town in Wyoming,
information comes to the detective
that no trace of the missing man
can be found in that State. Word
from the aunt, who lives in Ne
braska, has not arrived in response
to the letter.
"I am now more convinced than
ever that Bennett met with foul play
in Coatesville," said Detective Camp
bell. 1--WE have run out every clue
that it was thought might shed some
light on the mans disappearance,
but to no avail. However, our efforts
will be continued with hope of
finding some clue, some time, that
may lead to the recovery of the
body.
when you take the facts of the
case into consideration and ponder
them over, there is not one thing on
the surface that would warrant the
man in running away. When you
go below the surface, as / have done,
then you find the same thing-there
was no reason why he would go
away. l have every reason to be-
ieve that Mrs. Bennett says about
her husband is true, every word OF
it. and it was she whom l question
ed very closely concerning the con-
duct of her husband. She is a most
faithful wife, and the faith that she
had in her husband is like the rock
of Gibraltar. Personally, L don't
care if the county authorities have
given up the search for him, 1 never
will. I hate to see crime, especial
ly where murder has been mentioned
in connection with it, going down
into the records of this county as
one of its unsolved mysteries"
Detective Campbell was employed
by Mrs. Bennett, following the dis
appearance of her husband from the
streets of Coatesville on October 6.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
Hill TO HOLD JOB AS
STATE DRY DIRECTOR
Announcement Made After Con-
ference Between Cavanaugb,
Du POnt And Houston.

Colonel Thomas J. Cavanaugh,
prohibition administrator for the
Eastern District of Pennsylvania, to
which Delaware was attached on the
first of the month, last Friday con-
ferred with Senator Coleman du
Pont and Representative Robert G.
Houston, who had taken up with
General Andrews the matter of the
recent shake-up of the prohibition
enforcement unit in Delaware, in
which Delaware agents were dis
placed by agents from other states.
Senator du Pont stated following
the conference with Col. Cavanaugh
that it was most satisfactory and
that George A. Hill, prohibition dl-
rector for Delaware would not be
removed, but would remain N the
service as long as he performed his
duties.
It was said that Col. Cavanaugh
told Senator du Pont and Represen-
tative Houston that the reason he
did not consult them before making
the changes was that he had been
ill in a hospital and had not had an
opportunity to take the matter up
with them. Senator du Pont and
Representative Houston seemed to
be satisfied with the attitude OF Col.
Cavanaugh at the conference.
Major Thomas Bailey, of Philadel-
phia, was placed in charge OF the
Delaware office over Director Hill by
Colonel Cavanaugh.
"Mr. Hill is deputy prohibition ad-
ministrator for Delaware and is Ma
ior Bailey's superior" said Colonel
Cavanaugh Friday afternoon.
major Bailey is now group heau
in charge of enforcement work IN
this State and naturally is Mr.. Hill S
subordinate. The major is in OF
flee as the successor to Ira II. Mel
vim. resigned group head"
When informed that Major Bailey
has stated that Mr.. Hill will remain
in Office as his assistant Colonel
Cavanaugh replied: "He is all
wrong" adding that he never au-
thorized the major to make such a
statement. ;.
"Mr. Hill will be retained as d.
rector for Delaware or deputy ad-
ministrator whichever name you
choose to call the job, as long as
his work is satisfactory" Colonel
Cavanaugh added.
Major Bailey, who was living al
the Hotel dupont in Wilmington
left Delaware when informed OF the
statement of Director Cavanaugh
and has not returned as yet.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
MILFORD SCHOOLS WIN
KENT ATTENDANCE BANNER
Local Pupils Take HOnOrs For Both
October And November Attendance

The pupils of the Milford Special
District of White Schools have been
making fine records for attendance
at classes during the present school
term. In October the local schools
were awarded the Attendance Ban
ner for the highest percentage of at
tendance among the Special Districts
of Kent county. Again in November
the pupils had good attendance rec
ords and the banner was again
awarded to Milford.
The Manual Training Department
of the Milford High School has been
greatly assisted in it's work through
the courtesy of George H. Draper,
Jr., who has given them the use OF
a modern up-to-date electric lathe
The ACQUISITION of this piece of ma
chinery fills a long felt want in the
manual training department of the
school.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
MILFORD RESIDENTS
WILL PAY LESS FOR
ELECTRIC CURRENT
Light & Water Commission Re-
duced Demand Charge 1920 At
Tuesday Nights Meeting.
CHEAP COOKING RATE
Charge Of Four Cents A KiIOwatt
Will Be Charged For EIec-
tricity For Cooking.

At their regular monthly meeting
on Tuesday evening the members of
the Light and Water Commission of
Milford formulated new rates which
will mean saving of approximately
100000 yearly to the citizens and
business interests of Milford. An
nouncement of the new rates came
as a pleasing Christmas gift to the
consumers of electricity in Milford.
Since the installation of 24-hOur
service in Milford several years ago
the Light and Water Commission
has found it necessary to make de-
mand charge for. all current. This
was caused by heavy Indebtedness
of several years standing which was
hanging over the plant. Safe busi-
ness procedure and efficient man
agement of the plant has allowed the
Commission to reduce much if this
Indebtedness, so that the new rates
may be necessary. Beginning Janu-
ary 1st, 1927 those consumers OF
electric current who are now pay
ing demand charge of $1.25 each
month will pay only rs cents; those
who now pay $3.50 each month de-
mand charge will pay only S1.5O.
This saving is very pleasing to the
consumers of electric current.
AS an inducement to Milford
householders to install electric
ranges for cooking and other electri-
cal appliances, the Commission on
Tuesday night made a rate of four
cents kilowatt for all current used
for cooking purposes. This rate it
is hoped will prove attractive to
those persons who desire to use cleo
trio ranges. The Commission ex-
poets a heavy increase in the day
load at the plant as result of this
reduction in current. Plans were
also made at Tuesday nights meet
ing for electric appliance show to
be held in January at the Commun-
ity Building. At that time the Light
and Water Commission will exhibit
several makes of electric ranges and
other electricity consuming appll-
ances, and the citizens of Milford
will have an opportunity to learn
how their household labor may be
curtailed and the burdens of the
housewives lifted through the use OF
electric current.
Another thing that the Commits
sion has done this year which it was
not called upon to do has been the
increasing of the size of all lamps
burned on the streets. This increase
in lighting facilities was made vol
UNFAIRLY and without increased cost
to Town Council, which pays for all
street lighting.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL
Committees Are Working To Prepare
Program For Service

One hundred years ago the first
week of next January the Sunday
school of the Avenue Methodist Epls-
copal Church, of this town, was OF
ganized. Throughout this entire
period it has gradually grown, being
manned by wide-awake and capable
officers and teachers and faithful
pastors, until today it is recognized
throughout the State as one OF the
strongest, best organized and most
efficient schools of the Wilmington
Annual Conference. M. HasWell
Pierce, is the superintendent.
About the first of October an An
niversary Committee consisting OF
NJ Haswell Pierce, Jos. E. Holland,
Thomas Davis, Mrs. Sallie R. Davis,
G. Roland Messick and the pastor
was appointed, and after careful
consideration and much thought a
most excellent program has been
formulated. The committee mas
taken into consideration the church
as well as the Sunday school and mas
worked out a program which VIII De
of interest to our entire membership
and constituency.
A detailed program will be printed
in the Chronicle later, but former
pastors have been asked to be here
one night; Sunday school class
night; welcome and treat night;
Young peoples night; a great movie
selected by the committee and to be
shown free of charge to the whole
community in the Plaza Theatre;
and on the concluding Sunday one
of the Bishops will be here.
Committees on Decoration, Music
and Publicity have been appointed
and are already working. The church
officers and membership are expect
ing to have a great weeks celeDra'
tion. Arrange your engagements sc
as to attend every night.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
FUNDS ASSURED FOR
FOREIGN STUDY PLAN

Through recommendation by
DR.. Joseph H. Odell, director
of the Service Citizens, Pierre
S. du POnt has assured the
overhead expenses of the For
eign Study Plan, founded by
the University of Delaware,
and of which the university
has charge in the interests of
nearly a score of other institu-
tions of the United States.
There are now At students
taking a years course in Paris,
each paying $1,000 and it is the
added expenses that are guar
anteed by Mr.. du Pont. AS to
the total amount it only can be
estimated at this time, and DR..
Odell declined even an esti-
mate.
The recommendation by Dr..
Odell to Mr.. du Pont was made
as the result of the report
upon the operation of the plan
made by President Walter HUI
linen, president of the Univer-
sity of Delaware, who in a e
cent trip abroad with DR.. Odell
investigated its operation.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
NECRESS MURDERED
BY NEGRO WITH WHOM
She REFUSED TO RIDE
Mary Butler, Mother O, Harry
Butler Who Was F4nged, Is
Victim.
MURDERER IS CAPTURED
Emerson ]. Wright Is Said To
Have Confessed To Killing
Woman.

Mary Butler, As, colOred, mother
of Harry Butler, cOlOred, hanged at
Georgetown on February 26, was
shot to death Sunday night in a
house near SeafOrd.
Emerson ]. Wright, As years old,
accused of the murder, was arrested
early Monday afternoon in Mary
land, 40 miles from SeafOrd, near
the home of his brother. Emerson
was asleep when found by State De-
tectiVe DOnoway. He was brought
back to Seaford and it said to have
confessed that he shot the woman.
Wright escaped in an automobile
across the Maryland line five miles
from Seaford. Corporal James, of
the State police, State Detective Otto
Donoway and Deputy Sheriff Bud
Coy and other officials followed and
the arrest resulted.
Mrs. Butler was shot twice, once
over the heart and the second time
through the head. She died few
minutes after the shooting. Wright
is alleged to have whipped out a
revolver and shot her when she 1e-
fused to go automobile riding with
him at IL o'clock Sunday night.
A party consisting of Mrs. Butler,
Wright, two nephews and niece OF
Mrs. Butler, were visiting at the
home of Mrs. Zorro Johnson, near
Seaford, when the shooting took
place. Mrs. Butler was talking to
Mrs. Johnson and it is said Wright
called her several times and request
ed her to get into his automobile.
She paid no attention to him and he
became enraged, police say. Wright
is alleged to have been drunk at
the time.
The Buffers lived on the farm OF
Frank Adams, near Cannon Station,
between Bridgeville and Seaford.
Mrs. Butler is survived by her hus-
band, John, the three children, Edith
John and Viola. Her son, Harry
was hanged at Georgetown last Feb
ruary after he had been convicted OF
criminaIly assaulting 12-year-old
Eleanor Steinmetz, white girl. But
ler's execution and trial attracted
Statewide attention and necessitated
calling out the National Guard dur
ing the trial at Georgetown.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
KENT COUNTY HAS
VARIETY OF CROPS
YEARS REPORT SHOWS
Value Of Dairy Products In The
County Amounts To $69O,2OO
Annually.
FARM TOURS BENEFIT
Visits To Grape Vineyards, POul-
try Farms And Experimental
Work We're Interesting.

The 1926 annual report, which
contains a complete account of the
many activities involved in the di-
recting of the county extension work
in Kent county during the year end
ing December l, has recently been
issued by County Agent Russell E.
Wilson, who has held this position
for the past five years, after having
spent four years in county extension
work in Indiana.
Kent county comprises about one
third of the State, and has a total
land area of 594 square miles, or
$50, ,16O acres. The principal crops
produced on the heavier soils are
corn, wheat, hay and tomatoes.
Throughout the central part of the
county are numerous commercial
apple and peach orchards and grape
vineyards, while the southern sec
ton is devoted 70 sweet potatoes, to-
matoes, cantaloupes, strawberries
and other truck crops. The live stock
consists chiefly of dairy cattle and
poultry, since this section OF the
country is not well adapted to the
production of beef cattle and hogs.
The average rainfall is 1859 inches
and the average snowfall is 24.1
inches. The normal growing season
is approximately 1877 days in length,
as the average date of the last kill
ing frost in the spring is April 2O'
and that of the first in the fall is Oc-
tober "a.
In developing that part of the ag-
ricultural program which deals with
soil fertility special attention mas
been given to the proper use of high
grade commercial fertilizers and
lime in connection with the problems
of soil drainage and the addition OF
humus and organic matter through
the sowing of legumes and cover
crops.
During the past five years, horti-
cultural crops, with special refer
ence to orchard fruits and grapes,
have occupied an important place IN
the program of work for Kent coun-
ty. as has been shown in the num-
her of different projects conducted
by the County Agent in co-operatlon
with the members of the experiment
station and other representatives OF
the Extension Department of the Un-
iyersity of Delaware and the U. 5
Department of Agriculture. with
the orchard fruits the spray service
and the codling moth studies by
means of observation cages have
proven very successful within the
mast year in assisting the growers &c
control the chief disease and lnsec'
pests. ... 10,
Grape culture in this county has
continued on page 6-A)
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
ROAD ACROSS
CONTINENT IS
DU POINT PLAN
Delaware Senator Introduces Bill
In Congress For COast-tO-COast
Highway.
LEASES TO PAY FOR IT
Revenues From Adjoining Prop
critics Would Finance The
Project.

A bill introduced in the United
States Senate last Friday by Senator
Coleman du POnt, of Delaware, if
enacted, would put under way the
most gigantic road construction pro-
ject ever undertaken. The bill of the
Delaware Senator and champion of
good roads provides for survey of a
super highway from the Atlantic to
the Pacific Coast that would accom-
mOdate two-way fast traffic for pas
senger autos and tWc-way traffic for
trucks and other heavy traffic.
A road of this character, $500
miles or more across the Continent,
presents the most important nation
al constructive legislation since the
Panama Canal, it is asserted.
The financing of project of such
magnitude is the greatest problem to
sOr c. Senator du PCnC meets this
with a novel and yet practical busi-
ness solution whereby the cost OF
construction and operation is pro-
vided for. and would ultimately cost
the taxpayer nothing and be ma
terial source Of income TO the United
States.
The bill provides that no part OF
this super-highway shall be located
within any municipality having a
population of $500 or more.
1t also provides that the right OF
way be not less than 500 feet in
width to meet present and future
needs for military and post roads
The Federal Corporation to be ere
ated to construct and operate the
super-highway is authorized to lease
the unused portion of 500-foot right
of way until needed for road pur-
poses. The rentals from these leases
would pay the upkeep and opera
ton of the highway and eventually
provide balance to be deposited
into the Treasury of the United
States to repay the cost of construc-
ton. and ultimately be source oi
income to the United States and the
States through which it would pass
The bill has provisions for pro
viding tourists camps; for the es'
tablishment and operation of land
ing fields; radio and olher electrical
communication facilities and othel
Structures to aid air navigation tC
be approved by the Secretary O
Commerce, subject to the require
ments of the Air Commerce Act O
1926.
To facilitate the cooperation o
the States, authority is granted u
CONTINUED on page 6-A)
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
MILFORD TEAMS WIN AT
BASKETBALL FROM FRANKFORT
Girls Roll Up Overwhelming Score;
Boys Play Off Extra Period

Milford Community Girls, defeated
the girls of Frankford, in q basket
ball contest in the Community Build
ing here by the score of ga t& 5. The
Frankford girls put up a hard fight
but were unable to pile up counts
against the Milford lasses who scor-
ed at will.
A very exciting and close game
was also played between the Com
munity Boys of Milford and Frank
ford boys basketball team At the
end of the fourth quarter the score
was 20 all, and an extra five minutes
had to be played. In the extra sesS-
sion Lynch of Milford scored a fiel d
goal and Brown of Milford a foldl,
making the score, Milford, 81; and
Frankford, 29.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
PER CAPITA SAVINGS
In DELAWARE $224.l.
Massachusetts Lead States With S52.
North Carolina Low

Per capita savings deposits in De
aware on June 80, 1926, amounted
S224.18, according to the annual
port of Comptroller of the Curren
Mcintosh, made to Congress.
New England, President Coolidg
home section is the thriftiest sectiJ
of the country. Per capita savi9S
deposits there were $4S4.S2 on.
80. Massachusetts led with
CAPITA of $52462, while Ver9
Coolidge's home state, ran
second with $511.39.
Total savings in the UniteS
we're S2I, 42,303,0 NAL
capita savings, on an
population of 126,191,0Q
$164.16.
The per capita savings -
from states included: Pennsylva
S227.42; Maryland, $245.96;
ginia, $66.36; West Virginia, $685..
North Carolina, $3O.9S.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
MUCH INTEREST IN LOCAL
BASKETBALL DEMONSTRATION
Persons From All Parts OF State
Witnessed Game Played At Milford

Over three hundred people from
all parts of the State turned out to
witness the demonstration basket
ball game staged in Milford between
the local teams last week.
The games were in the nature of
a rules Interpretation meeting and
were arranged by P. S. Prince OF
Dover and Frank M. Barsby, presi-
dent of the Delaware Interscholastlc
Athletic Association. Frequent
stOps were made and many import
ant changes and technicalities in the
basketball rules explained and dem
Onstrated.
The officials were Harry Heite
and John Moore of Dover. Both are
Central Board officials and know the
game thoroughly. They kindly con-
sented to work an exhibition game
for the D. 1. A. A. as it is the desire
of that organization to improve the
work of officials in Delaware. The
Onnortunity will be offered for those
that desire it to take the examlna-
tions of the Central Board thus ne-
coming a recognized official through
out the United States.
Many high school players and
coaches were in attendance and lei
egations were sent from Newark
Delaware City, Smyrna, Dover, Sea
ford. Laurel, Lewes, and many other
nlaces The meeting was evidently
enioved and appreciated by those
present judging from expressions
from all sides. Between the halves
many people went out on the floor
and asked questions or sought ad-
vice. Another meeting of the same
type is to be held in Wilmington II
the near future and basketball II
Delaware should benefit this fall by
these turnouts.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
MILFORD ODD FELLOWS
WILL INITIATE CLASSES
First Degree Will Be Conferred On
Candidates Next Monday Evening

The degree team of Crystal Fount
Lodge, No. 10, Improved Order OF
Odd Fellows of Milford, under the
efficient leadership of George A.
Swain, is developing into one nf the
best degree teams in the State. The
members of the team are rehearsing
their work each week after the reg
ular meeting, and are getting the
intricate degree work down to per-
fection. On Monday evening, De-
cember goth, the team will confer
the first degree in full form upon
class of candidates chosen from
Friend Lodge, No. 35, of Harrington,
Crystal Fount Lodge, No. 10, OF Mil
ford and lodges from the surround
ing towns. The meeting will be
largely attended by Odd Fellows who
enjoy the work of the degree team.
Albert E. Num-, a member of Lake
side Lodge, No. 1O5, of Detroit, Mich
igan. frequently visits Crystal Fount
Lodge. Mr.. Num-, though resident
of Delaware for several years, still
retains his membership in the wes-
tern lodge.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17
High School

Tonight the high school boys play
Beacon College from Wilmington
and a large crowd is expected to
turn out.
Milford chronicle., 1926-12-17

THERE ARE $4,000 RU-
RAJ WEEKLY NEWS
PAPERS IN THE UNI
TED ST ES, 7 u e
CHRONICLE ST Nd s
THIRD IN THE LIST IN
CIRCULATION.
Evening star., 1926-03-23
GIBSON TO HEAD BODY.
VIII Lead United States Delegation to
Conference in Geneva.

It was announced definitely at the
White House today that Hugh Gibson,
American Minister to switzerland,
will head the commission from this
country which will participate in the
preliminary arms conference to be
held in Geneva in May. under the
auspices Of the League of Nations. At
the same time it was stated that the
detailed preparations for this Nations 8
participation in that gathering vir.
tually are complete.
It was announced also that Mr.. Glib
son will have as his immediate as
sistant on this commission Maj. Gems.
H. A. Smith, assistant chief of staff
for war plans, and D. E. Nolan, for
mer deputy chief Of staff Of the Army,
and Rear Admirals H. A. Jones, and
A. T. Long. 1t was explained that
these Army and Navy advisers for
the commission will take along with
them q number of subordinates to as
sist them in their work.
Evening star., 1926-03-23
COLONEL WILLIAMS
ORDERED TO TRIAL
Wilbur Decides on Court
Martial on Wet Charges
Butler Preferred.

Col. Alexander S. Williams, United
States Marine Corps, former COM
mandant of the Marine base at San
Diego. Calf. today was ordered tried
before general Court-martial on
charges of drunkenness. Secretary
Wilbur of the Navy Department today
signed the specification and ordered
the court. on recommendation of Rear
Admiral E.. II. Campbell. judge advo-
cate general of the Navy. The per-
sonnel of the court has not yet been
selected.
This action grew out of the incident
at the Coronado Hotel, at San Diego.
Calf, when Brig. Gen. Smedley But
Ter, who relieved Col. Williams as com
mandant of the Marine base, placed
the officer under arrest and charged
him with drunkenness Up to the time
of his arrest, Col. Williams command
ed the 4th Regiment of Marines at
San Diego. Gen. Butler forwarded his
charges to Washington, and after
passing through the usual official
channels. resulted in the order issued
today for the general court.