davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Children Perish
By Gas Poisoning
At Bridgeport, Conn.

Bridgeport, Conn, Dec. 22.-(P)-
Five children of Mr.. and Mrs. Albert
C. Ayre, of ZIG Deforest avenue, were
found dead by gas asphyxiation at
IL o'clock today. There was but
spark of life left in the mother, while
the father of the family also was
suffering from the gas.
The children were William, aged s;
Winslow. Z; Richard, s.; Jessie, 8,
and Irene, six months. The discov-
cry of the tragedy was made by the
landlord of the house, Charles A.
Igeltinger. Two jets were found
open on a gas stove.
Mr. Ayre, who is 20, is employed
in a meat packing house here. He
retired last night with his wife,
Winifred, %, and their children.
They were not seen about the house
this morning and when Charles
Ingeltinger, owner of the house, who
lives next door, went to investigate,
he detected the odor of gas. Calling
assistance, he broke open the door
and found the seven PROSTATE bodies
in two bedrooms. All the children
were dead.
Mrs. Ayre was breathing family
and was rushed to Bridgeport Hos
pital in a dying condition. Ayre
was in critical condition.
Medical Examiner DR.. II. L. Peters
and the police started an investiga-
ton.
Efforts were being made to learn
Just how the accident occurred. 1t
is the theory of the police that the
mother arose and went downstairs
during the night to get something
for one of the children. In passing
the gas range it is believed her
sleeve brushed against one of the
cocks, opening 1t.
This is the Ayre family's second
experience with gas. Last winter
several members were overcome by
coal gas fumes while asleep.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23

in Denver newspaper, and she came
to Colorado Springs to see me accom-
panied by her married sister. / ex.
planned that l needed a companion
who wanted and needed good home
and who would be willing to take care
Of me in my illness"
Probation Officer Barnes Of Phoenix
who wrote to Denver authorities about
the case at the request Of Freeman,
said he believed the aged broker was
sincere in his desire to adopt the girl
and give her home.
Judge Lindsey said he investigated
the case and after talking to the girl
found that she preferred "a life as a
domestic in Denver rather than the
pampered adopted daughter Of an aged
wealthy man. felt that to advise her
otherwise was not the wise course"
Wishing to. aid her parents, who she
asserted lived at Springfield, Neb., the
girl told of coming to Denver last
summer to obtain employment. She
said there were six children in the
family and she thought she would as
sist in supporting the younger ones.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Companions of Forest
Have Election Session

With very large attendance pres
ent at the meeting Of the Companions
Of the Forest, Circle No. 1852, last
evening the officers WIRE elected for
the coming year as follows:
Chief Companion, Mrs. Bridget
Springer; Sub Chief Companion,
Mrs. Gertrude Dinsmore. Recording
Secretary, Thelma Olson; Financial
Secretary, Hazel Hall; Treasurer.
Mrs. Lucy Fowler; Ri~ht Guide,
Maude Bradley;Left Guide, Marga-
ret Clarey; Inner Guard, Evelyn
Written; Outer Guard, Sadie Clarey;
Trustees for one year, Emma Nc
Dougall; two years Eva Vigue; three
years. Mary Sylvia
The annual Christmas tree was
very much enjoyed by all present
and refreshments were served by the
committee in charge. 1t was voted at
this meeting to hold a joint installa-
ton with Court Pine Tree No. 20,
Foresters of America, January IL,
further announcement to be made
later.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Probe Probable in
Handling of Alien
Property of the War

washington, Dec. 22-P)-Admin-
istratlon OF alien property seized dur
ing the war was subjected to bitter
attack In the senate today. that nro-
pably will result in an inyestigatio,
after the holidays.
After the administration over a no
riod of eight years had been charac-
terized by Senator Borah, Republi-
Can, OF Idaho, as tainted with theft,
graft and extravaganza" Senator
King, Democrat, of Utah, gave notice
he would move after the HOLIDAYS
recess to get an appropriation of
Soo,0o0 to permit the special senate
corHmittee to proceed with its inves-
tigation of the custodian's office.
In the midst of the discussion,
President Coolidge sent to the senate
a report of an investigation by comp
troller General McCarl into the af-
fairs of the custodian's office. This
report furnished the basis of the at
tack, Senator Borah declaring sit
showed the worst system of looting
this country has ever known"
While not making any recommen-
dations, the report outlined numer-
Gus transactions in the custodians'
Office, which, it said, were irregular,
but added that all of the money had
been accounted for.
"Of course it Is accounted for"
declared Senator Borah, "but his re-
port fails to show that property was
sold for ten cents on the dollars and
that ten cents was accounted for in
stead of the dollar
he Il
posing settlement of war claims of
aliens and Americans was brought
over from the house and was imrne-
diately bounced upon with amend
ments.
Senator Borah offered one to make
the payments under the Dawes plan
responsible for the American claims
and to return all property owned by
citizens of the old dual monarchy OF
Austria Hungary.
Senator Copeland. Democrat, New
York, proposed another for the pay
ment of German debts to Americans
prior to October 6. 1917, at sixteen
cents to the German mark with five
per cent interest dating from Janu-
airy, 1920.
Finally the bill was sent to the
finance committee for ironing out the
differences.
Senator Borah opened the debate
in the senate by explaining that the
special committee of which he IS
chairman had been unable to conduct
the investigation because funds had
not been provided. He said he did
not care to go ahead with it unless
the senate was prepared to &C
through to the limit and get results
II have no doubt" he asserted
that millions of dollars were pur-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
High Officers Rap
Undue Economy
In National Defense

New York, Dec. 20 - up - High
ranking army and navy officers and
prominent civilians have taken up
arms against what they consider
undue economy in national de-
Tense" which Is rendering the United
States defenseless and playing into
the hands of its enemies.
Utilizing speeches and magazine
articles, they are campaigning for
proper maintenance of our nation
al forces" a committee representing
Ia patriotic, military and civic or
CARNATIONS, with a membership COM
puted at 100000 will urge this upon
congress. 1t was appointed last
night at joint meeting of the Army
and Navy club here.
S. Stanwood Mencken, chairman
of the board of the National Security
League, under whose auspices a Joint
meeting of representatives of the IA
organizations was held, declared the
meeting was called "to meet ma
tional emergency" arising from what
he declared was the failure of con-
gress to maintain our status in the
5-5-3 naval ratio. He said the need
for preparedness was as great today
as in 1914 and warned that 'ff the
warlike element in Japan gets it's
hands on the reins of government,
Japan would be able to wipe out our
Pacific fleet
"The United States sold its birth
right in the 1922 armament confer
ence," in the opinion of Rear Admir-
al Bradley A. Fiske. retired, who
warned against possible concerted
action of Great Britain and Japan in
the East.
Major General Robert Lee Billiard,
retired, president of the National Sc
curity League, characterized the at
titude of congress as to armament
expenditure as absurd" and ex-
pressed the hope that congress could
see the situation "the country is
facing in the present program of ap-
plying alleged economy to an urgent
need
Another phase of the national de-
Tense problem is presented in the
January issue of the Century maya
zine. An article by Brig. Gen. J.
Henry Reilly. veteran of the Rain
bow Division, pictures the army of
today as a demoralized group of un-
derfed and unhappy men, living in
tumble down shacks and using an
cient and under nourished horses.
General Reilly declares in this ar
ticle that conditions are so bad that
1000 soldiers are deserving each
month.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23

Richard Drake; Our Program Re-
atrice Tibbetts; Christmas STOCKINGS
pup. and First grade; What / Can
say. Marietta Hewett; Ding Dong
beii' Harry Cushman, Jr.: Santa op
the Train. Eta Young; On Christ .
mas Eve. End and 3rd grade girls:
Doopy's Query. Henry Tibbetts: A
mousie. Eugene and Robert Clifford .
10 poor Santa Claus. Maynetta Mace:
SIihrough the Telephone, Eleanor
SMEAR: A Royal Guest, 7th grade:
Gnristmas at Skeeter Corner, BETSY
". Wrinkle and pupils; Goodbye SONG
aAeeter Corner school. The tree ar.
rangements. decorations, etc, are in
charge of Mr.. and Mrs. Harry Clsn.
man. assisted by Mr.. and Mrs. Row
neavitt and Mr.. and Mrs. Warren
dunt. The committee in charge of
the popcorn and candy bags is Mrs
Alphonso Mason and Mrs. Car,
mace. The whole community Is in.
vlted to join with these Committees
IN making happy, merry evening
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Christmas Play by.
Younger Girls of "Y"
Most Entertaining

presenting Inree-dcC play,
Three Christmas Wishes" in a
fashion far beyond that customarily
seen from children of 10, IL and IL
years of age, the grammar school
girls group of the Augusta Y. M.
G. A. on Wednesday evening won
the hearty applause of an audience
that filed every available inch of
assembly hall.
This play was very "Christmasy'
and introduced two Santa Clauses,
jolly one such as old Kris Kringle
really is, and a stern, horrid one
who came to teach a naughty little
girl a much needed lesson.
Two beautiful dances, solo
dance by Miss Alma Temple, Queen
of the Fairies, and group dance
by 10 fairies, were features of the
presentation. In beautiful costume,
the graceful Juvenile solo dancer
captivated her audience and showed
remarkable ability for one so young.
The group number presented the
young girls in costumes of pure
white in a special dance, which was
conceived by Mrs. Marion Temple
and arranged particularly for the
girls. The members of this group
were: Anna Smith, Hattie Norton,
Althea Norton, Jane Stubbs, Mar
garet Perkins, Gertrude Ross, Es-
telle Litchfield, Hope Bassett, Eta
Durant and Devina Slosberg.
The girls taking the leading parts
were as follows: Mr.. Wilbur, Vir-
ginia Tribou; Mrs. Wilbur, Nancy
Libby; Maradel, Elizabeth Duval;
Constance, Catherine Blanchard;
Santa Clauses, Blossom Webster and
Elizabeth Parker: Christmas Fairy,
Anna Louise Smith: Queen of the
Fairies, Alma Temple; Millie, the
maid Margaret Fuller.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23

A considerable saving in nowar ora
a consequent lessening of local inter
terence to radio receiving sets of tl,is
locality Is expected through the re-
Insulating of the high tension line OF
the Androscoggin and Kennebec rail-
ROAD company which is being done
over a distance of about 35 miles
from Waterville to Days corner. This
work is being carried out as expedi-
tiously as possible by Alton Haskell
the line foreman and his nine assist
ants, but because of the fact that
there Is only a period Of about four
hours between one and FIVE in the
morning when the power can be shut
down the men are Obliged to work
under difficult conditions.
The line has never been completely
re-lnsulated since it was run about
20 years ago, but insulators have
been replaced as they have given out.
1t Is thought that there Is a consfd-
cradle loss in power through broken
and defective knobs which have not
given sufficient trouble to make II
possible to determine just where
new ones are required, and this will
of course be overcome by the new
insulation.
The high tension line which car
ries $4,000 volts follows down the car
line to Gardeners crossing, then
crosses to Browns Island in the Ken
nebec river and into Sidney, thence
down the old Hallowell road and on
to Days corner. The linemen there
fore cannot work along the track of
the company at all times and are
obliged to take their supplies in to
points along the wire in other ways
than by the line car. This was done
by automobile until the snow be-
came too deep and now they depend
upon the lowly horse. One six mile
strech near Merrills Corner in Gard
iner runs through marshy land and
woods so that even a sled could not
be used and the supplies are packed
in on the mems back. Here in addi-
ton to the insulators about $50 new
cross arms are being used.
When the work is complete there
will have been about 5000 insulators,
or about two carloads, used on the
job. Thus far about 20 miles of the
work has been done and the men
have been working about three
weeks.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
GIRLS TESTIFY TO
ATTACKS MADE UPON
Them BY CULT HEAD

Benton Harbor. Mich, Dec. 22-(P,
Under threat thathis $4,000 bond
would be forfeited unless he appear
ed, Benjamin Purnell was carried in
to justice court today to hear three
former girl members Of his colony
accuse him Of having violated them.
Afterward Benjamin was carried
back to his sanctuary at the colony
to await decision as to whether he
shall be bound over to circuit court
on two warrants charging criminal
assault under the cloak of blood
publication" rites.
Purnell made two appearances In
court. The first was in Justice Wei
don's court this morning when he
was given preliminary examination
on the warrant sworn to by Mrs.
Bessie Woodwork. This afternoon
he was brought into Justice Florence
Forhahn's court on the warrant on
which two sisters, Gladys Bamford
Ruel and Ruth Bamford Reed, are
the compliments.
At the hearing Mrs. Woodwork,
taking the stand less than a foot
from where Benjamin lay on his cot,
accused the cult leader of attacking
her when she was Is years old. This
was on February 5, 1921, she said.
Purnell. she said, tapped on his win
dow as she was passing his quarters,
reckoning her to come to his rooms.
There, she testified, Purnell attacked
her.
Testimony in the second hearing
same course. Ruth Bamford Reed
charged that Purnell violated her
shortly before May IS, 1920. At that
time, she said, she> was in the eighth
grade in "The Ark" the House of
David schoolhouse. A number of
students were to take the county
eighth grade examinations and she
went to Benjamin for a dress to
wear to the examinations. When she
arrived at the House of Benjamin,
Purnells living quarters, she said the
colony leader was in the kitchen. The
alleged attack, she testified, followed.
Il asked him what he had done"
she testified. "He said You've read
about me in the Star. haven't your :"
The Star is the House of David
publication.
Counsel for Purnell sought to show
in cross examination that the COM
plainants were over the statutory age
of consent at the time they allege the
attacks occurred and in the case of
Mrs. Woodwork endeavored to im-
peach her reputation.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Rail Unions Taking
"Strike" Vote Over
Long Run Question

Boston, Dec. 22.-(P)-Difference
which have arisen between the Bos-
ton & Maine Railroad management
and the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Firemen and Enginemen over an ex-
tension of runs from Boston to Troy,
N. Y, are the subject of a strike"
vote now being taken by the union.
This became known today when
representatives Of both the railroad
and the labor organization admitted
that negotiations between the work
ers and their employers had failed to
bring an agreement. AS a result the
union officials called for referendum
to determine whether the negotia-
tons shall continue or the men shall
quit work.
Men affected include both firemen
and engineers who have been operat-
ing trains from Boston to East Deer
field. The company proposed to eX-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Firemen Answer Box
Alarm and Have to
Hunt for the Blaze

The fire department was called by
an alarm from Box % to the home
of Louis Quincy, Al Franklin street,
at sos p. M, yesterday afternoon
for a chimney fire. Two ponies We're
used to extinguish the blaze. There
was no damage.
The department wishes TO say that
the person who rings in an alarm can
held very much by staying at the pox
until they arrive. The firemen were
slowed up considerably yesterday by
the fact that there was no one at tne
hoy when they arrived and tney
thought at first that it was a 1aise
alarm. A little cooperation IN th.s
matter will greatly increase the ei-
ficiency of the department.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23

tend the runs to Troy, N. Y, and
made the order effective this week.
The union committee protested the
extension, claiming the distance, APP
proximately 1870 miles, was excessive.
The company contends that there are
longer runs In effect on its system
and that no new maximum is pro-
posed.
According to union officials there
are close to 500 men in the Fitch
burg Berkshire seniority district who
might be affected, directly or indi-
rectly, while the railroad officials say
that only about 40 mem are actually
on the runs covered by the changes.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
I.ARONE
Mrs. Frederick Goodwin

Word has been received from
Frederick Goodwin of Boston that
Mrs. Goodwin passed away Decem-
Der LIST. after short illness. although
she had been In poor health for a
number Of years. Friends win re-
member Mr.. Goodwin as Fred, only
son Of Hiram and Abbie Goodwin
who. some years ago, resided for
many years on what Is now the
Marcia farm on the stage road. Mr.,
Goodwin has been connected for
years with the York & Whitney COM
mission fruit merchants of Boston
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Girl Chooses to Work
Rather Than Enjoy
Riches Aged Broker

Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 22.-(P)-Jackie
Henley, 19-year-old Denver girl, would
rather continue as a servant than play
Cinderella role as the adopted
daughter of J. +. Freeman. wealthy
retired stock broker of Phoenix.
When Freeman was told that news
paper stories Of his proposal to adopt
the girl had caused probation officers
to criticize Judge Ben Lindsey of the
Denver juvenile court for making the
case public, be said he had abandoned
his plan because of protests from her
mother.
Miss Henley's mother expressed
constant objections to my adoption of
her daughter and l have abandoned the
idea," he said. Upon receipt of a
letter from the girls mother in which
she voiced objections, l dismissed the
matter from my mind
Il answered the girls advertisement
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
FAIRFIELD
Mrs. Julia Rraon

Word has been received in town of
the death of Mrs. Julia Bragg, which
occurred at Augusta, Dec. FL. The
funeral services will be held from the
undertaking rooms in Augusta this
afternoon. Mrs. Bragg was for
mer resident of this town. She was
the mother of the late Fred Bragg
and half sister of Chester Furber
of this town.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23

,-astern lodge, n. e. 0. p.
h n N &c regular meeting at For
|Nla !, ~ his evening at the usual
psh i, members are reminded
sra &c ;s TO be a Christmas tree
ger asked to bring along a
n @v,ense of same not to be
lss ms eHr c. I'd times have been
ssrs mast and it is anticipat-
~ Vic wear will be on excep-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
EAST WINTHROP

A Christmas tree and program
will he held at the East Winthrop
Baptist church Friday evening 1,, az
10 under the auspices Of the Will
inc HeIpers and Sunday school. Inc
,rogram which follows will be given
Nv tha Fast winthrop school unaef
he direction of their teacher, Mrs.
En,erson Irish: Christmas clappins
song school; devotional exercises.
9 pav q r. Griffin; Star of BetnIe-
hem. solo and chorus; My Erfanu'
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23

with their aunt, Mrs. Ted Meader OF
WatervilIe, while Mrs. Buzzell - IN
Rumford.
The village school closed Decem>
Der II until after the holidays. The
last afternoon was taken up by the
scholars who gave an exceptionally
good entertainment In which all
participated. Sweets were served to
all and a well filled Christmas tree
concluded the day, Miss Waugh re-
turning to her home in Starks.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23

Joined or illegally taken under those
charged with the responsibility of
protecting private property. The
wrong doing has continued from the
outset and does not belong to any
one political party.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
-. Annie e. Jenkins

Mrs. Annie E. jenkins
has been received In this city
y asath of Annie L. Jenkins,
- Iohn jenkins. Funeral SER
n, he held from the home of
W. professor Chester Jenkins,
"a street, Lewiston, Friday at
al $50.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
LOCALS

ia, higgins, cony '2S. a stu
x Bess. Keene Normal school.
~ ~ Is passing the Christmas
a \ q, custa with relatives.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
,,onrietta d. Sheldon

'..to B. sheldon. formerly OF
sll''ai ed Tuesday in this city
zen Of 81 years. The body
q 81 .sren today to Camden,
neral services and inter-
iii be held.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
k A. GV OF A. & K. HIGH TENSION
LINZ III SAVE JUICE AND BETTER RADIO

rev Working Nights On IS
Mile Stretch-New Insula-
tors On 10000 Volt Line TO
Stop Leakage And Conse-
quent Local Interference of
Radio = Men Work Under
Hard Conditions-Pack Sum-
plies Six Miles on Backs in
One Place
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23

with q large packing agency In Ar
cadia, Fla. to which place Mr.. Good
win went every winter to attend to
the shipping of fruit to the Boston
house.
Mrs. Winnifred Buzzel1 was called
to Rumford, December IS, because of
the serious illness of her mother.
Mrs. John Fuffer.
Lloyd and Rowena Buzzeli, chill
dren of Mrs. Winnifred Buzzell are
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Reinstate Colonel
Green as Dry Chief
In San Francisco Area

Washington, Dec. 22-(P)-Ned M.
Green, acquitted in San Francisco
yesterday of charges of embezzline
confiscated liquor, was ordered REIN
stated today as prohibition admin
istrator in that city.
Lincoln c.. Andrews, CHIEF OF the
prohibition enforcement service. who
suspended Green when charges were
first brought against him, acted i'm
mediately upon learning of Green's
victory in the court s
"Heartiest congratulations" An
drews said in a telegram to the ad-
ministrator. "Orders issued for your
immediate reinstatement"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-12-23
Colonel Is Pleased

San Francisco, Dec. 22-lH)-Noti-
fed that he had been reinstated as
federal prohibition administrator
here, Col. Ned M. Green said:
That's fine ! have not yet re-
ceived the official telegram from
General Andrews, but when I do re-
ceive it, will arrange an appoint
ment with him. My future In the
prohibition forces will be determin-
ed by that appointment. will go to
Washington at the earliest possible
moment to meet General Andrews"
Asked II he would discharge the
prohibition agents and others in the
prohibition office who testified
against him, Colonel Green replied:
"Oh, l don't know"