100 Year Old Weblog: April 2009

THINK HE FEIGNED INSANITY. ~ St. Joseph Asylum Doctors Discuss Case of John M. Crane.

April 30, 1909

THINK HE FEIGNED INSANITY.

St. Joseph Asylum Doctors Discuss

Case of John M. Crane.

ST. JOSEPH, MO., April 29. -- The escape of no patient among the criminal insane at the State Hospital for the Insane, No. 2, has caused so great a sensation as the leavetaking of John M. Crane of Kansas City last night.

Although the asylum officials admit Crane's escape, and that he is much wanted, they are making only perfunctory efforts to apprehend the wife slayer's whereabouts. Physicians at State H ospital No. 2 do not hesitate to say that in their opinion Crane has been feigning insanity.

His malady is diagnosed as katonia or stereotypeism, a disposition constantly to the same words and acts, but the physicians say this form of insanity does not manifest itself in persons of his age. He is nearly 50 years old.

Physicians in charge of his case say he talks of his wife as though she were still alive. They say they believe he learned the art of shamming of one Neeley Harris, a "trusty" who was in the hospital ward in the jail at Kansas City where Crane was confined for several months.

IN TWO GREAT EARTHQUAKES. ~ Italian Girl, Who Was at Frisco, Also in Sicily Shake.

April 30, 1909

IN TWO GREAT EARTHQUAKES.

Italian Girl, Who Was at Frisco,

Also in Sicily Shake.

At the Union depot last night 300 Slav immigrants from Europe were classified according to their destination by Interpreter George Jenkins. The groups were then bundled aboard trains headed in every direction but east.

A few minutes after the main deluge of foreigners entered the station, twenty-two Italians arrived, nineteen of them bound for California.

Emma Garboli, a Piedmontese girl 20 years old, was on the way to rejoin her husband, Giovanni Garboli, a track workman of San Francisco. She told Mr. Wallenstrom that she was in San Francisco at the time of the earthquake and that last year she returned to Italy in time to feel the shocks of the great earthquake there.

NO. 2 STATION MOVES. ~ West Bottoms Police Now Located at 1301 West Eighth Street.

April 30, 1909

NO. 2 STATION MOVES.

West Bottoms Police Now Located

at 1301 West Eighth Street.

The old St. Louis avenue police station, as it was generally known, exists no longer. Yesterday the members of the force in No. 2 district moved out of the old station on St. Louis avenue into the new station house at 1301 West Eighth street.

WOMAN LAWYER DEFENDS BOY. ~ Light Sentence for Youth Charged With Mail Theft.

April 29, 1909

WOMAN LAWYER DEFENDS BOY.

Light Sentence for Youth Charged

With Mail Theft.

Attorney Miss Carey May Carroll of Independence defended young Alvin Edwards in the federal court yesterday against the charge of taking $10 from a letter in a rural mail box. Miss Carroll pleaded that the youth of the defendant should extenuate the crime, saying that he was only 16 years old when it was committed, but that his character had improved since. Judge Philips fined him $40 and costs.

WIFE SLAYER ESCAPES FROM ST. JOSEPH ASYLUM. ~ J. M. Crane, Convicted of Murder, but Committed as a Lunatic, Coming to Kansas City.

April 29, 1909

WIFE SLAYER ESCAPES

FROM ST. JOSEPH ASYLUM.

J. M. Crane, Convicted of Murder,

but Committed as a Lunatic,

Coming to Kansas City.

ST. JOSEPH, MO., April 28. -- J. M. Crane, who was committed to the state hospital for the insane at this point about a year ago after having been given a life sentence in the penitentiary from Kansas City, for the murder of his wife, escaped late today. He had been given many privileges at the asylum of late, and it is believed made his escape after carefully planning to elude detection.

Superintendent Kuhn of the asylum is out of the city, and his assistant declines to give any information about Crane or his manner of escape. It was admitted, however, that Crane was gone.

It is said that Crane has a grievance against several persons in Kansas City, who testified against him, and assisted in prosecuting him for the murder of his wife. There is some apprehension that he will endeavor to do these persons bodily harm.

MURDERED HIS ESTRANGED WIFE.

John M. Crane shot and killed his wife, Henrietta Crane, on the evening of July 8, 1905, at her home, 1101 Bales avenue. Mrs. Crane, from whom her husband had been separated for some time, was sitting on the front porch when Crane came up the walk.

When she saw him coming, Mrs. Crane ran into the house. Crane followed. After a struggle in the hall Mrs. Crane ran across the street. As she ran, Crane fired several times, three of the shots taking effect. The woman fell dead in a neighbor's dooryard.

Crane was tried for the crime, and in spite of his plea for insanity was convicted and sentenced to be hanged. Five days before the sentence of death was to be carried out, Governor Folk granted a reprieve of thirty days in order that a commission might examine into the sanity of the man. The reprieve was given upon the request of deputy prosecutors. A number of physicians had examined Crane, and all said he was insane. Several said he was hopelessly demented and could live but a short time.

On May 5, 1907, after having been in the jail hospital for seven months, Crane was pronounced insane by a commission and was taken to the state asylum at St. Joseph.

BABY IS FATALLY BURNED. ~ Little One Played With Fire While Mother Was Out.

April 29, 1909

BABY IS FATALLY BURNED.

Little One Played With Fire While

Mother Was Out.

Otto F. Muehle, the 22-months-old son of Oscar M. Muehle, was fatally burned yesterday afternoon at the family home, 1511 Carrington avenue.

The mother was alone in the house with the child and left him sitting by the stove for a moment while she went out into the yard. The little one began playing with the fire, using a stick and soon had his clothes ablaze. His screams attracted the mother and she smothered the flames but not before the child had been so badly burned that he died five hours later.

Funeral services will be held from the home this afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be in Mount Washington cemetery.

DANCE IN FULL UNIFORM. ~ Governor's Staff at Mansion Hop in Honor of Colonel Andrae.

April 29, 1909

DANCE IN FULL UNIFORM.

Governor's Staff at Mansion Hop in

Honor of Colonel Andrae.

JEFFERSON CITY, April 28. -- Governor Herbert S. Hadley tonight gave a dance in honor of Colonel Henry Andrae, warden of the state penitentiary and a member of the governor's staff,, who is to be married tomorrow to Miss Gussie Neff.

For the event the governor invited all the members of his official staff, and about twenty of them reported in full regimentals. None made a braver showing than Colonel E. S. Jewett of Kansas City, who was in full uniform, and smothered in gold lace.

"COPPER" TALKED TOO MUCH. ~ Whereupon Independence Woman Strikes Him, and Is Fined $50.

April 28, 1909

"COPPER" TALKED TOO MUCH.

Whereupon Independence Woman

Strikes Him, and Is Fined $50.

"You are talking too much," said Officer Lee to Mrs. Mabel Gaulter at police headquarters in Independence yesterday.

"So are you," was the woman's reply, as she struck the officer over the head.

The argument ceased.

Mrs. Gaulter was fined $50 in police court by Judge Peacock, who gave a stay of execution if the woman's relatives should see that she was properly cared for.

BOY SLEPT IN HAYSTACK. ~ Parents, Thinking Him Gone, Wired Police Here.

April 28, 1909

BOY SLEPT IN HAYSTACK.

Parents, Thinking Him Gone, Wired

Police Here.

Because of the thoughtlessness of a small boy at Butler, Mo., his parents and the greater part of town were thrown into a state of excitement Monday and the police and officials at the Union depot in Kansas City were kept in anxiety for twenty-four hours as a result. Early Monday evening the following telegram was received by Station Master Bell:

"Hold boy 14 years old, fair, rather large for his age, wearing tan sweater. He will arrive there probably 5:30 from Butler. Will leave here at 6. D. K. Walker."

When the boy failed to arrive on the train designated in the dispatch, extra effort was made to watch incoming trains, both freight and passenger from that locality. The effort proved useless. The boy did not appear.

Yesterday morning the problem was solved when the station master received the second message, as follows: "Stop looking for boy from Butler. Found him in hay stack asleep."

DUE TO PTOMAINE POISONING. ~ Mrs. Gross's Death Caused by Buttermilk She Drank Last February.

April 28, 1909

DUE TO PTOMAINE POISONING.

Mrs. Gross's Death Caused by Butter-

milk She Drank Last February.

Mrs. Alice M. Gross, 34 years old, a member of the Kansas City Art Club and formerly a teacher in the art department of the Manual Training high school, is dead at the home of her brother, Dr. Franklin E. Murphy, at 1100 Prospect avenue. She was the wife of Herman W. Gross of St. Louis. Death was the result of ptomaine poisoning contracted from drinking buttermilk while visiting in St. Louis last February.

Mrs. Gross had several times visited Europe and received her artistic training there. While studying in Paris some of her paintings attracted attention and were exhibited in the salons of the Louvre and the Champs Demars. She won a scholarship in the Chace School of Art of New York for the best collection of original studies.

CHILD FELL INTO CISTERN. ~ Four-Year-Old Daughter of Frank P. Logan Is Rescued by Carpenter's Prompt Action.

April 28, 1909

CHILD FELL INTO CISTERN.

Four-Year-Old Daughter of Frank P.

Logan Is Rescued by Carpen-

ter's Prompt Action.

The timely action of Charles F. Durst, a carpenter working across the street at Thirty-sixth street and Kenwood avenue about 11 o'clock yesterday morning, saved the life of Emily Logan, t he 4-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Logan, 3524 Kenwood. Little Emily had fallen into a sixteen-foot cistern, at the bottom of which was about 3 feet of water.

The little girl was playing about the yard with Frank P. Logan, Jr., her 6-year-old brother, and Suzanna McKinney, 5 years old, who lives close by. Emily went too close to the mouth of the cistern to peep in, and, losing her balance, fell in. Her brother and little Suzanna ran screaming from the yard. Durst, who was working just across the street, inquired the cause and the excited little ones were barely able to tell him that the little girl was at the bottom of the cistern. Grabbing his ladder he ran to the cistern and was soon at the bottom. The baby was struggling to keep her head above water when Durst reached her.

The daughters of Dr. E. Lee Harrison, across the street from where the accident occurred, was a witness to it. She notified her father and he at once hurried to the Logan home.

"Emily is doing nicely," said Mr. Logan last night, "and we hope for no bad results from the accident. The fact that there was a small amount of water in the cistern no doubt saved her life as, had it been empty, she might have been dashed to death."

Mr. Logan is a member of the grain firm, Holdridge & Logan, 343 Board of Trade building. He was called away from the exchange at the time of the accident.

WED, HE SAID, WHILE IN HYPNOTIC TRANCE. ~ FOR THAT REASON CATTLEMAN SUED FOR DIVORCE.

April 27, 1909

WED, HE SAID, WHILE

IN HYPNOTIC TRANCE.

FOR THAT REASON CATTLEMAN

SUED FOR DIVORCE.

Charles E. Brooks Says Woman

Rubbed His Head Until He Was

Unconscious and Then

Got a License.

Hypnotism was responsible for his marriage, declared Charles E. Brooks, a cattleman, who yesterday secured a divorce from Estella Brooks by default in the circuit court. Judge Porterfield heard the case.

Brooks, who is about 55, while his former wife is 30, said in his testimony:

"I met Mrs. Estelle Neville February 6, 1908. She answered my advertisement for a housekeeper. She called me up and asked me to take her to lunch down town. During lunch she borrowed $30 from me. She said she could buy a $60 coat for $30 at a sale that day. The same evening she paid me back the money.

"At that time she was running a millinery store on Twelfth street. I went there on Saturday night, two days after I had met her. I was suffering from the effects of a street car accident. She asked me if I did not want her to rub peroxide on my forehead. I said no, but she got on her knees and began to rub my forehead. She continued to rub my head and asked me to marry her. She kept on rubbing my head until I did not know what was going on.

GOT LICENSE AT MIDNIGHT.

"Then she called up the recorder -- it was midnight -- and had a license issued. We went to a minister's and were married. On Sunday -- the next day -- I awoke in a hotel on West Twelfth street. I was in bed and she was sitting beside the bed. We went to her millinery store and stayed about an hour. After that I went to my daughter's home. I have never been back to Mrs. Brooks's home since.

In answer to questions by Judge Porterfield, Brooks said:

"She told me she was a hypnotist. She had several books on the subject."

This was Brooks's second attempt to get a divorce. Earlier in the year he brought proceedings to annul the marriage. He was brought into the court of Judge Goodrich, February 1, on a stretcher and taken to a hospital immediately afterwards. Judge Goodrich refused to hear the case, telling Brooks that he should sue for a divorce, as the things complained of had happened before the marriage. Mrs. Brooks filed an answer denying the charges.

The records of the recorder show that the Rev. Frank S. Arnold of 5143 Olive street performed the ceremony.

TAFT NOW IS AN EXCELSIOR. ~ William Jewell Society, Nearly 70 Years Old, Frames Acceptance.

April 27, 1909

TAFT NOW IS AN EXCELSIOR.

William Jewell Society, Nearly 70

Years Old, Frames Acceptance.

LIBERTY, MO., April 26. -- President William Howard Taft today accepted honorary membership in the Excelsior Literary Society of William Jewell College. His letter of acceptance is framed and hung in the society hall, together with one of Robert E. Lee, who was made an honorary member in 1868. The society was founded in 1940, and has turned out many noted men.

CONFESSED ROBBER TURNED DOWN BY "PAL." ~ CONVICT SAYS HE DOESN'T KNOW WILLIAM TURNER.

April 27, 1909

CONFESSED ROBBER

TURNED DOWN BY "PAL."

CONVICT SAYS HE DOESN'T

KNOW WILLIAM TURNER.

Man Who Told of Robbery at

Camden Point Is Confronted

With One Serving Sen-

tence for Crime.

The horror of spending several years in the Missouri penitentiary for robbery is not going to befall William Turner, the confessed safe blower of the Camden Point bank, who says that himself and three "pals" looted the place the night of December 27, 1907. Harry O'Neal, one of the robbers who was captured the day after the robbery and who was convicted, was brought from Jefferson City yesterday and after looking at Turner declared that he had never seen him before.

Turner's story was doubted when he "confessed" to the prosecuting attorney. The confession did not conform to the facts as the county attorney or Platte, who was called in, knew. The statement of O'Neal did not correspond. That Turner was not sincere in his confession was assured when he arrived in Platte City. Although he told the officers all about the robbery and wrote a description of the ways and manners of safe blowers, he refused to plead guilty.

O'NEAL DIDN'T KNOW HIM.

As Turner was the only witness who seemed to know anything about the matter and as he had refused to plead guilty, O'Neal was the only one who could tell whether Turner took part in the robbery. Governor H. S. Hadley and the warden of the penitentiary gave consent to O'Neal's removal to Kansas City to get a glimpse of his "pal."

Soon after his removal to Platte City, Turner was brought back to Kansas City and placed in the county jail. The authorities of Platte county were afraid the jail there was not safe. He was taken from the county jail to police headquarters Saturday and O'Neal was placed in the holdover.

Yesterday afternoon the "pals" met in Captain Whitsett's office. There was not a sign of recognition on O'Neal's part when he came into the room. He had not been told why he had been brought to Kansas City. Turner, who had been taken to the captain's office from the holdover when O'Neal was brought in, did not recognize his "pal" apparently.

"Do you know that man," Turner was asked.

"I don't remember his face," he replied.

TO OKLAHOMA FOR LARCENY.

The same questions were asked O'Neal, but he did not recall Turner as an acquaintance. When he was informed that the slightly built, well-dressed young man was his supposed partner in the bank raid, O'Neal took a second look.

"That feller a 'yeg?' Not much," he said.

As he is wanted in Sapulpa, Ok., on a charge of larceny, Turner will be held until the authorities from that state can be communicated with. The charge of bank robbery will not be dismissed against him until the Oklahoma authorities arrive.

POLL TAX ON DAUGHTERS. ~ New Zealander Obliged to Pay Upon Arrival in San Francisco.

April 27, 1909

POLL TAX ON DAUGHTERS.

New Zealander Obliged to Pay Upon

Arrival in San Francisco.

That taxation without representation is still enforced in the United States and ought to be suppressed, is the opinion of George Plummer, a wool manufacturer and merchant of Auckland, New Zealand, who, with his three daughters, is making a tour of the globe. Mr. Plummer declares he was obliged to pay a poll tax of $4 for each of his daughters and himself when they arrived in San Francisco from Australia several days ago.

"They said they would return it if we left the country within thirty days," said Mr. Plummer at the Hotel Kupper yesterday. "We have stopped in all of the larger cities in the West from San Francisco, but in my opinion Kansas City far excels any of them in point of industry, progressiveness and metropolitanism. A more beautiful park and boulevard system would be hard to imagine."

FOR EACH MONKEY, $2000. ~ Belle Hathaway Claims Railroad Company Caused Their Death.

April 27, 1909

FOR EACH MONKEY, $2000.

Belle Hathaway Claims Railroad

Company Caused Their Death.

The death of three monkeys in transit over the Maple Leaf from Des Moines to Kansas City may cost that road $2,000 a monkey, if the suit of Belle Hathaway, owner of the simians, is successful. A transcript of the case was filed in the federal circuit court yesterday.

It sets forth that on January 9 the monkey cages "were arranged and placed in the defendant's car in a position to insure safe and hygienic carriage; that in the course of the journey the servants of the defendant in charge of the car negligently, carelessly and unskillfully caused one cage containing three bonnet or Asiatic monkeys of great value to be placed by and against certain steam pipes that were exceedingly hot; that intense heat emanated from said pipes to such an extent that the air became stifling and caused the animals to suffocate and die."

PAID $150 FOR FIRST COUNTY COURT HOUSE. ~ DANIEL P. LEWIS BUILT IT OF HEWN LOGS IN 1828.

April 26, 1909

PAID $150 FOR FIRST

COUNTY COURT HOUSE.

DANIEL P. LEWIS BUILT IT OF

HEWN LOGS IN 1828.

Old Building, Now Weatherboarded,

Still Stands at Independence --

Negroes Then Had Their

Own Court.

While Kansas City is considering the erection of a skyscraper court house to take the place of the old building in the North End, it might be of interest to members of the county court to know what was the cost of the first court house to be erected in Jackson county. One can scarcely realize in the present day of a temple of justice being erected at the enormous expenditure of $150, but that was the price which the taxpayers were compelled to pay in 1828.

The old town of Independence, Mo., had grown into quite a village, surrounded by a fairly well settled and wealthy farming community. Justice was dispensed in that early time probably as expeditiously as at present. The need of a building or court house wherein trials and other court procedure could be transacted was decided to be a necessity.

NEGRO HEWED THE LOGS.

The county court entered into a contract with one Daniel P. Lewis. In the fall it was agreed that he was to receive $150 for building a courthouse. In the all of that year Sam Shephard, a negro, hewed logs for the new building. They were dragged by a yoke of oxen to the ground selected as the site for the court house. The lot was No. 57 in the old town, now on the north side of Maple avenue near the square in Independence. The building was only one story and contained one large room, which was used as a courtroom and meeting place for all public discussions and lectures. Later several small rooms for use as offices were added.

The building is still standing in Independence, and the hewn logs of which it was constructed have been weather boarded and the large courtroom divided into small rooms. It is now used as a private dwelling and Christian Ott of Independence is the proprietor. It is understood the proprietor has offered to donate the building to the County Fair Association if it will move it from the lot.

In connection with the negro, Sam Shephard, who cut the logs for the court house, there is a bit of local history. In Independence and the country in the immediate neighborhood the negroes maintained a form of self-government. Each year they gathered together in convention and selected their officers. A judge and a sheriff were the principal offices upon which their government was founded.

PUNISHED BY THEIR OWN RACE.

Recalcitrant negroes and those accused of thefts or other crimes not taken notice of by the white people came under the supervision of the blacks' control. An accused would be summoned to court by the sheriff and the judge selected the jury of negroes from those present. The sessions of the negro court were held in a livery barn or blacksmith shop. If the negro on trial was found guilty after the deliberations of the jury, the sheriff carried out the penalty. As he was vested with powerful muscles as well as the authority of a sheriff, the penalty, which was usually a number of lashes on the bare back, was memorable.

The first judge was Wilas Staples and Sam Shephard was the first sheriff. The latter died in Lawrence, Kas., several months ago.

HE'S PREPARED FOR A FLOOD. ~ Croatian Builds House to Float or Stand.

April 26, 1909

HE'S PREPARED FOR A FLOOD.

Croatian Builds House to Float

or Stand.

If there is a flood in the West Bottoms this year one householder there at least will be prepared to resist it.

He is one of the Croatians squatting on the "made" land near the Missouri river bank and his handiwork can be plainly seen from the street cars crossing the intercity viaduct. It consists of a crude but large houseboat resting upon piles six feet high driven firmly into the ground. The bottom of the boat is not fastened to the posts, so if a flood comes it will float clear but will be retained in the vicinity by means of an anchor and a stout rope.

JUDGE M. A. PURSLEY DEAD. ~ End Came at Hot Springs, Where He Went for Health.

April 26, 1909

JUDGE M. A. PURSLEY DEAD.

End Came at Hot Springs, Where

He Went for Health.

Judge Marshall A. Pursley of Kansas City died in Hot Springs, Ark., Saturday night where he went in search of health ten days ago. The remains will be brought here for burial. Judge Pursley was born in Farmland, Ind., and was 45 years of age. He is a son-in-law of E. Stine and survived by a widow and two daughters, Helen and Emma, also two brothers and a sister. Judge Pursley came to Kansas City twenty-three years ago, and was prominent in politics. He was elected justice of the peace and for the past eight years was auditor of the Kansas City postoffice. He was a member of the board of directors of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen; judge advocate general of the Missouri Brigade Uniform Rank of Knights of Pythias, a member of No. 3, Uniform Rank Sicilian Lodge No. 39, Knights of Pythias; Albert Pyke Lodge, A. F. and A. M. Modern Woodmen, and Royal Neighbors. Arrangements for the funeral will be announced later.

PRESIDENT STILWELL RETURNS FROM MEXICO. ~ With English Stockholders, He Paid a Visit to President Diaz -- Good

April 25, 1909

PRESIDENT STILWELL

RETURNS FROM MEXICO.

With English Stockholders, He Paid

a Visit to President Diaz -- Good

Progress Being Made.

A. E. Stilwell, promoter and president of the Kansas City, Mexico & Orient Railway, returned to Kansas City yesterday after a trip over the right of way of the Orient and a visit to President Diaz with his party of English capitalists. The party arrived at the Union depot at 6 o'clock last night over the M. K. & T. in a special train. "There is nothing much to say," said Mr. Stilwell last night. "We went over the Orient and found things progressing as always. The result of our interview with President Diaz had no unusual features. We made a purely social call upon him and received his congratulations upon the progress we have made." H. J. Chinnery, one of the English financiers and a heavy investor in Mr. Stilwell's railway, was enthusiastic. "We are more than ever delighted with the prospect," said he. "The reception accorded us at the hands of the president of the Mexican republic has given us encouragement far greater than we ever contemplated. It seems as if there is nothing in Mexico that Mr. Stilwell cannot have if he will ask for it. Our faith and confidence in that gentleman's ability as a railroad promoter and builder is only exceeded by that of Diaz. "He gave us ever assurance of encouragement and help from the republic. Already he has done much to aid the road by using his influence in our behalf. The idea of a direct line of railroad from New York to Mexico and the gulf is not only a future possibility, but a reality, and the future is not a great way off. "The work on the road between Sweetwater and San Angelo is already well under way and will be completed by September. This extension will connect Kansas City direct with one of the richest countries in America. It is hard to believe that any better or more fertile soil exists anywhere than in the territory of San Angelo. Most of the early vegetables, strawberries and fruits come from this section, and the completion of the track between San Angelo and Sweetwater means considerable difference in freight rates and time by a cut of more than 100 miles, it being necessary now to come up by way of Fort Worth, Tex." After dinner at the Hotel Baltimore last night Mr. Stilwell, Mr. Chinnery and Mr. Hurdle left for Wichita, Kas., to look over terminal possibilities. The party will then go to Boston for a conference with Eastern investors, when the Englishmen will return to Europe.

FOREST PARK'S OPENING. ~ Everything Has Been Brightened Up Since Last Fall.

April 25, 1909

FOREST PARK'S OPENING.

Everything Has Been Brightened Up

Since Last Fall.

Forest park, which opens next Saturday, has undergone many changes for the better since it was closed last fall, according to Manager James Anderson. "Humble Peter," the "Human Roulette Wheel" and other novelties have been introduced, and the free vaudeville acts are promised to be bigger and considerably more classy than those of the past. The skating rink has been remodeled and converted into a ballroom.

Probably the best of the added features, from a fun-seekers' viewpoint, is the "Jolly Follies" pavilion, ninety feet wide and 290 feet long, containing over 100 new amusement devices and said to be the largest pavilion of its kind in the country.

The moving picture show will be there, but it will have its educational advantages. "A Trip Across the Isthmus of Panama" is the title of one of the pictures to be thrown on the screen, to be accompanied by the swaying motion of water and the roar of a passenger train.

THIS BEATS THE WATER CURE. ~ One Hundred and Fifty Gallons in 30 Days for Two Women.

April 25, 1909

THIS BEATS THE WATER CURE.

One Hundred and Fifty Gallons in

30 Days for Two Women.

Is it possible for two persons to drink 150 gallons of water in thirty days? That's what Gus Pearson, the city comptroller, is wondering this month after the Ozarks Water Company turned in a bill for $16 for the month of March. It wouldn't have been so bad if it represented the combined thirst of the city hall, but it was for the nurses' department in the emergency hospital alone. As there are only two nurses, the problem requires a scientist to solve it correctly.

Each five-gallon bottle of the water costs 50 cents and there were thirty-two bottles used during the month. Naturally the representative of the water company made no complaint when he was called almost ever day to furnish a fresh supply. The nurses insist there was a defect in the apparatus and that most of the water leaked.

WOULD HONOR VAN HORN. ~ An Old Citizen Reminds the Park Board of a Timely Duty.

April 25, 1909

WOULD HONOR VAN HORN.

An Old Citizen Reminds the Park

Board of a Timely Duty.

To The Honorable Park Board of Kansas City, Mo.

Gentlemen:-- On September 4, 1908, I had the honor to address you a communication relative to naming one of the city parks or boulevards for our venerable esteemed fellow citizen, the Hon. R. T. Van Horn. Said communication, which was published in the Kansas City Post of the above date, was followed by an editorial in the Kansas City Journal of September 6, strongly advocating the matter contained therein. I subsequently received a reply from the park board that the matter would be taken under consideration when the limits were extended, which was done April 6. So I take this opportunity to renew the request to the new park board, installed April 19.

There is nothing I can add to what has already been presented through the columns of the press. I only desire to reiterate my former statement that Colonel Van Horn should be recognized while he is in the flesh and can appreciate the gratitude of his fellow citizens, for whose interest he has so long and faithfully labored. His memory should be cherished and perpetuated through all time, for he has been the city's chief promoter in ever stage of its development from a struggling village down to the present. How fitting, then, to perpetuate his memory by some enduring token of love and affection, and nothing would be more appropriate or give more general approval than for one of our prominent parks or boulevards to bear his honored name.

R. S. QUINN.
Kansas City, April 24.

HOW WILL IT BE? ~ When the Blues Come Back to Kansas City

April 24, 1909

HOW WILL IT BE?

WESTPORT HIGH SCHOOL IS FORMALLY OPENED. ~ 3,000 PEOPLE LAST NIGHT INSPECT NEW BUILDINGS.

April 24, 1909

WESTPORT HIGH SCHOOL

IS FORMALLY OPENED.

3,000 PEOPLE LAST NIGHT IN-

SPECT NEW BUILDINGS.

Entire Equipment Represents Out-

lay of Nearly $500,000 -- Elabo-

rate Programme of Speeches

and Music Is Presented.

The formal house warming of the Westport high school at Thirty-ninth and Locust streets took place last night, nearly 3,000 people participating. The building was thrown open for inspection at 8 o'clock. There was no conspicuous array of decorations and festooning of school pennants and class colors, only the building was brilliantly lighted by electricity in each of its four stories. There was enough to see and appreciate in the common equipments of the school.

The patrons of the school began to arrive in automobiles and street cars at 7:30 o'clock. Before the opening time came the better part of the better part of the crowd had arrived and was strolling about the grounds admiring the strictly modern buildings which, on their completion, September 15, had cost close to $500,000.

Two features of the school equipment brought forth more comment, perhaps, than all the others combined. They were the gymnasium, said to be the finest of its kind in the West, and the domestic science department, where pretty girls in neat white aprons stood ready to tell their mothers modern ideas concerning pastry making and undiscernable patchwork.

The domestic science department has over 100 pupils. Not all of them are girls, and it is said the class record in fancy work has several times been broken by the deft fingers of boys also adept on the baseball diamond.

The art department and the chemical and zoological laboratories are also expensively fitted with the latest models and appliances. In the zoological room are thirty compound microscopes. The water color work and free hand drawing of some of the students of the art department created favorable comment among the amateur and professional painters who are patrons of the school and who were among the visitors last night.

At 9 o'clock the crowd was ushered into the auditorium, where an excellent programme was the piece de resistance of the house warming. This part of the school equipment was in perfect accord with the others, expense apparently having been overlooked in making it among the best of its kind anywhere.

The auditorium seats 1,400 people. In times of emergency, like last night, chairs can be placed int eh aisles so that 200 more can easily be accommodated and all hear.

After the "Coronation March" had been played by the high school orchestra, Frank A. Faxon, vice president of the school board, made a few remarks of welcome. Addresses were given by Judge H. H. Hawthorne and Dr. Herman E. Pearse, both of whom were instrumental in procuring the big and modern high school building for Westport.

One of the features of the programme was a bass solo by Reid Hillyard, a pupil of the school. Mr. Hillyard received his musical training at the school.

DIAMOND BROOCH ON HANDS. ~ And Bulldog Cane and Raincoat Has This Theater Man.

April 24, 1909

DIAMOND BROOCH ON HANDS.

And Bulldog Cane and Raincoat Has

This Theater Man.

During lo these many years one of the proud boasts of A. Judah, manager of the Grand opera house, has been that any article left in the Grand has been soon returned to its owner. It happens that Mr. Judah has a couple of articles on his hands that he has not been able to dispose of and he is visibly disturbed. Some lady who attended last Thursday night's performance of "The Girl at the Helm" carelessly dropped a diamond brooch on the floor opposite the center section, down in front; and some gentleman who is equally careless left a valuable raincoat on the left center section, close to the stage. In addition to these, Manager Judah has six pair of gloves, left by persons who appeared to wax too enthusiastic over "The Girl at the Helm," not to say a word about two pair of overshoes, a bulldog cane and a seal muff. Mr. Judah has all of these and he will gladly return them to the rightful owner upon presentation of sufficient proof.

SENATE BILL FOR JIM CROW STREET CARS. ~ WAS ORIGINALLY FRAMED TO APPLY TO STEAM ROADS.

April 24, 1909

SENATE BILL FOR JIM

CROW STREET CARS.

WAS ORIGINALLY FRAMED TO

APPLY TO STEAM ROADS.

May Pass Senate, but Is Sure of

Defeat in the House -- Senator

Wilson Framed the

Amendment.

JEFFERSON CITY, April 23. -- A street car Jim Crow bill has been introduced in the senate. This is the Oliver bill, which in its original form was to have applied to steam railroads only. The bill turned up this morning amended so as to apply to street cars.

The street car amendment was put on it by Senator F. M. Wilson of Platte, a personal and political friend of the mayor of Kansas City, Thomas T. Crittenden, Jr., the mayor having loaded the senator from Platte up with reasons why the street cars of Kansas City should be arranged to segregate the races.

The amendment was not put on without much maneuvering, and while the bill may pass the senate in this form it is absolutely certain to be defeated in the house.

When asked for his reason for making the bill apply to street cars Senator Wilson said:

"If it is desirable the races should be separated on the steam cars, they ought to be separated in the street cars. Kansas City, so I understand, has something like 30,000 negroes living there. Without advancing any reason for providing separate places for them I merely refer to the state's reason for providing separate schools, the Kansas City park board excluding them from the public bath house and the church custom of letting them flock by themselves.

"The negroes prefer to be to themselves, as shown by their church habits. Accordingly, they must want to be by themselves in the street cars."

TO VISIT RED LIGHT HAUNTS. ~ Rev. James Small to Gather Pointers for a Sermon.

April 23, 1909

TO VISIT RED LIGHT HAUNTS.

Rev. James Small to Gather Pointers

for a Sermon.

For some while the Rev. James Small, of the Independence Boulevard Christian church, has been preparing a sermon upon the fallen women and what causes her fall and the remedy. His sermon, which will be given next Sunday in his church, is based upon facts gleaned from personal observations in Kansas City, particularly, and the world in general.

As a topic for this sermon, which Rev. Small promises will be of a startling nature, the minister has chosen "Prodigal Girls and Prodigal Boys."

"I have been asked to preach upon that phase of life," said he last night, "and now I am ready to do so. A little further investigation of actual life in the Redlight and Tenderloin districts will conclude my preparations. During the coming week I expect to make a tour of those places and to view the prodigal girl and the prodigal boy as they are living today."

CROSSED THE PLAINS TOGETHER IN 1858. ~ FORMER COMRADES MEET FOR FIRST TIME SINCE.

April 23, 1909

CROSSED THE PLAINS

TOGETHER IN 1858.

FORMER COMRADES MEET FOR

FIRST TIME SINCE.

George W. Friend and Ferd Smith

Fought on Opposite Sides in War

and Both Were in Battle

of Lexington.

Curiosity on the part of a young man who desired to witness the meeting of two old soldiers of the same war, but who fought under different flags, last night brought together two men who crossed the plains in company in 1858, but who had not heard of each other since. George W. Friend of Anderson, Mo., and Ferd Smith of 3339 Morrill avenue were the principals in the meeting.

It was in 1858 that the men joined the same train of freighters from Kansas City to Fort Union, N. M., and drove teams of oxen and fought Indians on the plains for ninety days. On the return of the freighters to Kansas City they were disbanded and them men went back to their farms. They lost track of each other until last night.

MEET AT HOSPITAL.

An operation being necessary to save the life of his son, George W. Friend came to Kansas City several days ago and took his son to Wesley hospital. About the same time a nephew of Ferd Smith became ill and went to the hospital. The nephew met Mr. Friend and last night when his uncle called to see him the nephew introduced the old men.

"Smith, Smith. You are not the Smith from Lafayette county, are you?" Mr. Friend asked.

"Yes, I joined the Confederate army at Lexington," Smith replied.

"A man named Smith crossed the plains with me in '58," Friend remarked.

"That's me," Ex-Freighter Smith answered.

"What, are you 'Pudd' Smith?" Friend asked, and when he was told that the old soldier was the same man who crossed the plains with him, he led the way to two chairs on the veranda where there was a great talk-fest.

During the conversation the friends discovered that they were both engaged in the battle at Lexington,, one fighting for the Confederacy and the other on the side of the Union.

TRIED TO KILL EACH OTHER.

"I did my best to kill you, Friend," Smith informed his friend.

"Same here, Pete," was the rejoinder made by Friend.

The old soldiers have arranged to see each other every day while Friend is in town. The first t rip across the plains made by Friend was for Anderson & Hays of Westport, in 1857, and he freighted to Fort Union. Thereafter he crossed the plains twelve times, most of his trips being to Fort Union, although he made one to Santa Fe and another to Denver.

Mr. Friend is 71 years old and his friend of the plains is 72 years old.

April 23, 1909

BIG HEADLINE HERE.

Second Headline Here.

April 23, 1909

BIG HEADLINE HERE.

Second Headline Here.

Text of Article

Text of Article

OWE MORE CHARITY THAN WE CAN REPAY. ~ DR. EMIL HIRSCH DISCUSSES DUTY OF SOCIETY.

April 23, 1909

OWE MORE CHARITY

THAN WE CAN REPAY.

DR. EMIL HIRSCH DISCUSSES

DUTY OF SOCIETY.

In Dedicatory Lecture at Jewish

Educational Institute, Chicagoan

Talks of Discrimination

Against the Jews.

NEW JEWISH INSTITUTE.

Spurred on by a desire to better the condition of the Jewish emigrant to this country and this city, the Jewish educational institute was organized six years ago and occupied a small building at 812 East Fifteenth street. After the fourth year of its existence the officers in charge decided to make it more of a power among the Jewish communities of Kansas City. To this end the late home of the institution, 1702 Locust street, was secured and the work was taken up with renewed vigor. During the past two years the utility of the institute has been demonstrated by its growth in popularity and the number of Jews who have attended the night school. The consequence of this growth was that the institute outgrew its home.

The handsome new building, at Admiral boulevard and Harrison street, is constructed of vitrified brick and is three stories in height. In the basement of the building is located a gymnasium and bath rooms for both men and women. The second floor will be given over to educational work of all kinds. Chief among the educational branches is the class in English for those who have recently come to America, and classes in civil government will be given special attention. Besides these classes, manual training, such as cooking and sewing, is to be established for the women.

The new building will contain a library composed of good fiction and reference books. The top floor is given over to a large auditorium in which weekly lectures are to be held for the patrons of the institute. This room will also be used for social events as well. The day nursery department will be one of the most praiseworthy features of the institute, and there the children of the women who are forced to work for a livelihood will be cared for during working hours.

HIRSCH GAVE DEDICATION.

DR. EMIL G. HIRSCH.

Before an audience that filled the auditorium last night, Dr. Emil G. Hirsch of Chicago, in his dedicatory lecture, spoke on the duties of society.

"We are what we are through others," said he. "What little charity we give by no means measures what we owe. The property which you own has increased in value through no effort of yours. Its situation and mainly the incoming population has made it increase. You have not so much as touched a spade to it. This is Socialism, but what of it?

"Under Jewish law, land belonged to God, and no man had a right to the same property more than fifty years. Man, today, holds his possession in a title to which society is a determining element. Since you receive great returns from society you must give something to society.

"OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER."

" 'Am I my brother's keeper?' questioned the first murderer. That is indeed a murderer's question. Society is never better than the worst in society. We are our brother's keeper. Insane and evil are individual and perpetual elements, but society is responsible with the individual for the blood spilled and the sighs which are winged to heaven.

"As we keep our brother, in that manner shall we improve or degrade society."

From the question of general society Rabbi Hirsch turned to the matter of the discrimination against the Jews as a class.

"It is the greatest insult when one approaches a Jew and tells him that since he looks so little like a Jew he will be welcomed into a certain sect. I tell the man who utters such insults that I am better than he.. In the University clubs throughout the country, Jews are barred for no other reason. When I pass the University club in Chicago, I feel that I should pass on to Lincoln park and stand before the monkey cage.

VENEER OF CULTURE SICKENING.

"There no monkey holds his tail a little higher because it happens to be a little longer than any of the others, and I can derive more benefit by watching the monkeys. This veneer of culture is sickening, and it shows the lack of true refinement under the surface.

"Let the leanest of us Jews be mightier than the mightiest of them; let the weakest of us be stronger than the strongest of them. We are our brother's keeper and by them shall we be judged."

At the beginning of the dedicatory services and after the building had been accepted from A. Rothenberg of the building committee by Alfred Benjamin, president of the United Jewish Charities, Mr. Benjamin was presented with a loving cup form the Jewish population of Kansas City. For the past five years Mr. Benjamin has been the president of the organization and it was to express their appreciation of his services that the people presented him with a token of their esteem.

The opening prayer was delivered by Rabbi L. Koplowitz of the orthodox church and the benediction was pronounced by Rabbi H . H. Mayer of the reformed church.

CITY HALL NIGHT TONIGHT. ~ Officials Will Attend Circus Performance at Convention Hall.

April 22, 1909

CITY HALL NIGHT TONIGHT.

Officials Will Attend Circus Per-

formance at Convention Hall.

Tonight will be "city hall night" at the circus. All the officials will attend the performance at Convention hall and will boost for the Kansas City zoo.

Everybody would like to see the Swope Park zoo stocked with animals and birds this summer, and to raise the money for that object the Zoological Society of Kansas City induced the Campbell Bros. to bring their circus and animals to Convention hall for one week, ending with a performance next Saturday night.

All the proceeds, after paying expenses, will be applied to the purchase of animals by the park board and the Zoo Society. Campbell Bros. do not handle a dollar of the money. The city and county exacted no license always required for a circus, which amounts to $800.

The performance is most excellent, and if patronized as it should be, the money to buy lions, tigers, leopards, monkeys and birds will be raised and honestly expended for that purpose.

Every person who goes to the Campbell Bros.' show this week assists in securing the new public menagerie which will be installed at Swope park. Performances are given every afternoon and evening. Remember the good cause and make it a point to take in the circus.

FINDS OLD LAND PATENT. ~ Among Effects of Late Mrs. Ferguson Was Washington's Signature.

April 22, 1909

FINDS OLD LAND PATENT.

Among Effects of Late Mrs. Fergu-

son Was Washington's Signature.

Porter B. Godard, administrator of the estate of Mrs. Nona R. Ferguson, widow of Rodney Ferguson, once treasurer of the Bell Telephone Company, has discovered some curiosities among her effects.

Among them are photographs of scenes in Kansas City during the years of 1868, '69, and '70, forty-eight of them. They are river and levee scenes and are very rare. Also there was found a land patent bearing the date of 1796 and signed by George Washington.

Mrs. Ferguson's home was at 708 Garfield avenue. There is a contest in the courts over the disposition of the estate on account of two wills made by Mrs. Ferguson.

CRIPPLED FIREMEN WILL BE APPOINTED WATCHMEN. ~ Answer Fire Alarms in Absence of Engine Company and Notify Nearest Station.

April 22, 1909

CRIPPLED FIREMEN WILL

BE APPOINTED WATCHMEN.

Answer Fire Alarms in Absence of

Engine Company and Notify

Nearest Station.

With the consent of the fire and water board a new rule will go into effect in the several stations of the fire department today which will provide places for firemen who have become crippled in the service, and at the same time afford a public protection that has been urgently needed. John C. Egner, chief, will submit to the board the names of men who will act as watchmen at the several houses from 6 o'clock in the evening until 6 o'clock in the morning, to answer telephone calls for aid in the event of a fire breaking out while the apparatus might be out to another fire.

The precaution has been deemed necessary on account of the disastrous results from fires which have occurred during the absence of the apparatus. Under the new plan, if a fire breaks out in the district where more than one company is assigned, the watchman will be on hand to answer telephone calls and inform the next nearest station of the emergency, and it can be answered. Under the present arrangement, stations are deserted at times in response to other alarms, and instances are on record when they have been summoned during the interim, and, of course, there was no one on watch to answer the call.

The idea of having someone at the fire stations at all hours of the day originated with Mayor Thomas T. Crittenden, Jr., and Alderman C. J. Cronin, and they prevailed upon the fire and water board to adopt it.

BOY PRISONERS TELL OF SEVEN HOLD-UPS. ~ IMPLICATE OTHERS IN STATEMENT TO INSPECTOR BOYLE.

April 21, 1909

BOY PRISONERS TELL

OF SEVEN HOLD-UPS.

IMPLICATE OTHERS IN STATE-

MENT TO INSPECTOR BOYLE.

Arrests May Lead to Breaking Up

Band of Highwaymen Which

Has Been Operating Al-

most Nightly.

FRANK M'DANIELS.

In the arrest of Joseph Tent, 20 years old, and Frank McDaniels, 18 years old, the police think that they have solved the identity of the mysterious highwaymen who have bee holding up persons almost nightly in Kansas City. The two, who are mere boys, admit that they have taken part in at least seven holdups in the last six weeks and Inspector Boyle thinks that they can be connected with several others.

For several hours yesterday afternoon, the boys were "sweated" in the inspector's office and at last were willing to make statements to the prosecuting attorney. Two or three others are implicated by the boys' confession and within the next few hours other arrests likely will follow. It is believed the boys are members of a gang of highwaymen, who prowl nightly in Kansas City.

The capture of the youthful bandits came about in a singular manner. In the reports of pawned jewelry that came into the hands of the detectives Monday afternoon was the description of a watch which had been taken from F. R. Hedges of 1004 Forest avenue on the night of April 15. It had been pawned Saturday, the pawn broker said, and a boy had left the watch at his office. Detective John Farrell stationed himself near the store and about 1 o'clock two young men entered the pawn shop and offered to redeem the watch.

PAWNBROKER GIVES TIP.

"Just wait a moment," said the pawnbroker, and he hurried outside. Farrell entered the shop and arrested both men. The younger proved to be Tent, who had secured a prospective purchase for the watch.

"I don't want to go unless you take the fellow that helped me," said Tent. "I don't want to go alone.

The chance to land another highwayman was satisfactory to the officer, and the two went to a photograph gallery at 310 East Twelfth street, where Tent admitted that Frank McDaniels, his partner, was working. The two climbed the narrow stairway and passed into the dark room of the gallery. Farrell was holding the young man to keep from losing his way. Suddenly he felt something pressing against his side, which instinctively he knew was a revolver. He jerked the revolver from the boy's hands. Tent denied that he had intended to fire.

"I was trying to get rid of it," he said to the officer, "and it was so dark that I couldn't see where I was placing it."

McDaniels was caught in the gallery and both were taken to headquarters. Both admitted that they had taken part in several robberies, but only two in each other's company. Experienced highwaymen had been their companions, the boys said, and the police are inclined to believe their story.

JOSEPH TENT.

In the inspector's office, the boys did not appear to realize the gravity of their deeds. Both admitted that older crooks had started them in the business. Both denied that they had started in the holdup business together, and claimed that they had known each other but a few days.

TREATS BLACK HAND LETTER AS A JOKE. ~ J. B. MARKEY HAS NO THOUGHT OF GIVING UP $10,000.

April 21, 1909

TREATS BLACK HAND

LETTER AS A JOKE.

J. B. MARKEY HAS NO THOUGHT

OF GIVING UP $10,000.

Note Demanding Money Was Sent

to a Wealthy Farmer From Den-

ver -- Believed to Be the

Work of a Crank.

J. B. Markey, whose children live at 1303 West Thirty-ninth street, but who spends most of the time on his big farm in Harrison county, treats as a joke the "Black Hand" letter sent him from Denver, demanding $10,000 under pain of death.

It was last Friday when Mr. Markey received the letter, postmarked at Denver. At that time he was on his farm near Gilman City, Mo., and the missive had been forwarded to him from Kansas City. Laughingly he handed the letter to his friends and then forgot about it.

Being advised, however, to send the letter to Denver authorities, Mr. Markey did so, and since yesterday morning nothing more had been heard of it. Then it developed that the lives of his children were being weighed against the $10,000.

The letter was poorly written and demanded that the $10,000 be apportioned in designated bills, to be delivered at a certain address on Wellton avenue, in Denver, within thirty days of the date of the letter. No mention was made of the three children. Certain reports, however, have frightened the children, who are ignorant of the exact demands made upon their father.

Yesterday morning W. F. Farren, 3136 Central avenue, a nephew of Mr. Markey, read the letter in a morning paper, and hastened to the Markey home to break the news to the family. Some friends had preceded him and had talked with Miss Markey over the telephone. Though he assured the children that no harm whatever attended them, their fears were not fully dispelled. Last night Miss Markey refused to discuss the matter.

Speaking of the letter, Mr. Farren said:

"It is doubtless the work of some crank who knows that Mr. Markey has some money, and thinks that he can be bluffed into giving it up. Mr. Markey has not the slightest fear of harm resulting form the affair, and treats it only as a joke.

"Mr. Markey has no intention of complying with the demand. He pays less attention to the affair than do his friends."

BEHEADED BY LOCOMOTIVE. ~ Switch Engine Derailed by Clothing of Night Watchman Killed on Belt Line Track.

April 21, 1909

BEHEADED BY LOCOMOTIVE.

Switch Engine Derailed by Clothing

of Night Watchman Killed

on Belt Line Track.

L. Hougardy, night watchman for the Cypress Incubator Company, was decapitated and his body mangled by switch engine No. 2118 about 100 feet east of Penn street on the Belt Line tracks at 9:45 o'clock last night. Money in the man's pockets, together with his clothing which wadded up in front of the wheels, derailed the engine.

Engineer William White and Fireman Stoiver, by their combined efforts, could not dislodge the body, so No. 3 police station and the coroner were notified.

"I was keeping a sharp lookout on all sides because of the rain," said Engineer White. "I did not see the man, and can not yet understand how he came in front of the engine unnoticed, unless he had been murdered and laid across the rails or had been hit by another engine. The first notice I had of the accident was the jolt of the front wheels leaving the rails."

Engineer White has the reputation of being a careful engine driver of many years' experience. He lives at 2107 Belleview. Fireman Stoiver lives at 2719 Holly street.

Hougardy's identity was learned through his failure to pull the Western Union hourly call box. He lived near Broadway and Southwest boulevard.

An autopsy will be held today.

PHYSICAL CULTURE AT JAIL. ~ Regular Exercise Good for Health and Morals of Prisoners.

April 21, 1909

PHYSICAL CULTURE AT JAIL.

Regular Exercise Good for Health

and Morals of Prisoners.

Physical culture is coming for the prisoners in the county jail. Believing that the prisoners would be better both as to health and morals if given regular exercise, James P. Gilwee, chief deputy in the county marshal's office, started in the gymnastics yesterday. He asked F. B. Barnes, physical director of the Y. M. C. A., to exercise the prisoners.

Mr. Barnes confined his efforts to those on the first floor of the jail, teaching them some of the motions of rudimentary gymnastics. The prisoners took to the innovation with a will. Later Mr. Barnes is to return and give instruction to those confined in the upper tier of cells. All the exercise the prisoners generally get is a walk about the corridor.

15-YEAR SENTENCE IMPOSED. ~ Edward Cassidy Convicted of the Murder of Aged Shoemaker.

April 21, 1909

15-YEAR SENTENCE IMPOSED.

Edward Cassidy Convicted of the

Murder of Aged Shoemaker.

Edward Cassidy was tried in the criminal court yesterday on a charge of first degree murder for the killing of Nathan Bassin, an aged shoemaker, at Twenty-fourth and Mercier streets, October 24. The jury found Cassidy guilty and fixed his punishment at fifteen years in the penitentiary.

BANK OF COMMERCE UNDER NEW CONTROL. ~ J. WILSON PERRY OF ST. LOUIS IS ITS PRESIDENT.

April 21, 1909

BANK OF COMMERCE
UNDER NEW CONTROL.

J. WILSON PERRY OF ST. LOUIS

IS ITS PRESIDENT.

Dr. W. S. Woods, David T. Beals and

W. T. Kemper Retire From

Active Interest in the

Institution.

As the culmination of a deal by which St. Louis bankers gained control of the National Bank of Commerce, J. Wilson Perry, formerly vice president of the National Bank of Commerce in St. Louis, was elected yesterday to the presidency of the Kansas City institution to succeed David T. Beals, who retires from active business. Dr. W. S. Woods relinquished control of the bank to Mr. Perry yesterday morning, following which Mr. Perry's election immediately took place. Dr. Woods also retires from active business life.

With Mr. Perry, William L. Buechle of St. Louis, former national bank examiner for Missouri, was elected as vice president to succeed William T. Kemper, who has resigned, and George D. Ford, director, elected vice president, the position having been created for him. Mr. Kemper was elected president of the Commerce Trust Company yesterday afternoon to succeed Dr. Woods, and will devote his entire time to that institution. Dr. Woods will continue as chairman of the executive board of the trust company.

Mr. Perry commences his work with the Kansas City institution under the most favorable conditions. Forty years of persistent and competent effort on the part of his predecessors, recent reorganization and increased capital; a deposit account of more than $25,000,000, with a 42 per cent reserve, and an unusually strong and representative board of directors makes his success almost assured.

BECAUSE OF WIFE'S HEALTH.

Speaking of the change, Dr. Woods said yesterday:

"I took this step for several reasons, but principally on account of my wife's health. It is necessary for her to spend most of her time in the South and California. We will probably go to California to live. The trips I was obliged to take in order to be with her and attend to the bank's affairs at the same time taxed me more than I cared, so I simply made up my mind to retire from active business and devote my time to my family and personal affairs.

"After forty years of business, all of which time has been spent in banking, I believe I have earned a respite. My health is good, but I need rest and I feel it proper that I should now step aside and let a younger man fill my place.

"My years of association with the officers and directors of the National Bank of Commerce have been of the most pleasant character. I feel I have gained their confidence and esteem as they have mine, and it is with some regret that I sever these pleasant relations. I shall watch with great interest the growth of the Commerce with the new man at the helm. I have known Mr. Perry for years as a successful business man. He deserves the support of the people of Kansas City and I commend him to them."

SNAKES IN SWOPE PARK. ~ Superintendent Dunn Says That Even Rattlers are Numerous.

April 20, 1909

SNAKES IN SWOPE PARK.

Superintendent Dunn Says That

Even Rattlers are Numerous.

"While off from the beaten paths of Swope park look out for snakes," is the import of a warning issued to the public by W. H. Dunn, general superintendent of the parks.

"This is snake year," adds Mr. Dunn. "It always follows a mild winter, and the brush and hills of the park are alive with snakes of different species, including rattlers. Men are now beating the bush for the intruders, and are killing them off as rapidly as possible."

NEW HONOR FOR OSCAR SACHS. ~ Appointed Imperial German Consular Representative for K. C.

April 20, 1909

NEW HONOR FOR OSCAR SACHS.

Appointed Imperial German Con-

sular Representative for K. C.

The unprecedented growth of Kansas City has presumably been noticed by the German government and more direct commercial relations between Kansas City and Germany are desirable. Oscar Sachs was offered the post as representative of the Imperial German consular service and the office was readily accepted by him. Mr. Sachs came to Kansas city from Berlin in 1881 but never lost interest in his old fatherland. He has been for many years an officer of the Elks club, secretary and director of the German hospital since its foundation twenty-three years ago, a member of the City Club, secretary of the German-American Fraternal Alliance and member of other charitable institutions. Although he never held public office, he always took great interest in municipal and civic affairs.

STREET CAR A DAY NURSERY. ~ Unusual Duties Devolve Upon Members of Twelfth Street Crew.

April 20, 1909

STREET CAR A DAY NURSERY.

Unusual Duties Devolve Upon Mem-

bers of Twelfth Street Crew.

T. J. Randall, 522 Elmwood avenue, a conductor on the Twelfth street line of the Metropolitan street railway, and his motorman, were yesterday forced into temporary custodianship of a 2-year-old baby girl.

"When I helped a number of women to alight from my car at Twelfth street and Grand avenue about noon yesterday I didn't know that one of them was making a nursemaid of me," said Randall last night, "or I would surely have set up a longer and larger howl than the baby did a few minutes later.

"About the time I jingled the bell to get away from McGee street, and began to feel good about the light load I had aboard, with lunch looking strong at me after the next trip, I heard that wail. It was long and plaintive. At first I paid no attention to it, and as it persisted I looked into the car and saw the youngster was alone.

"I went to the little one and asked what was the matter. 'Mamma,' was all the answer I could get. 'Where is your mama?" I asked her, and the saddest, sorriest, most doleful and altogether hopeless 'gone,' from the baby, told the story. It was up to me and I made the best of it. I rocked her and talked to her and carried her up and down the car in an effort to quell the riot that was evidently going on within the breast of my diminutive and unwilling passenger.

"At the end of the line I made Allen, my motorman, take the kid, and he had his troubles for about five minutes while I got some candy. The trap back was really pleasant. The candy was good and the kiddy was better. Not another sound aside from the occasional smacking of tiny lips was heard all the way in. At Grand avenue, where the mother got off, there was a delegation waiting for me; mamma remembered her baby, and say, she was tickled to get that kid back in her arms again. But she wasn't any more tickled to get her than I was to get rid of her. Babies are all right at home, but a conductor's job was never calculated to include nursing."

Crossing Patrolman Heckenburg got the story a few minutes after the car left Grand avenue. The mother was almost frantic for nearly an hour, and stayed close to the bluecoat, anxiously inspecting every car that passed the corner until the right one came along.

MOTOR CYCLIST INJURED. ~ Oral Fogle Driving at High Speed When Wheel Struck Horse.

April 20, 1909

MOTOR CYCLIST INJURED.

Oral Fogle Driving at High Speed

When Wheel Struck Horse.

A motorcycle ridden by Oral Fogle of 1922 Harrison street, Kansas City, Mo., ran into a horse at Eleventh street and Minnesota avenue, Kansas City, Kas., last evening at 6 o'clock. fogle was seriously injured and was removed to Bethany hospital. The horse, which was being led to water, was so badly crippled that it was necessary to kill it.

Eye witnesses to the accident say that the motorcycle was being driven at a high rate of speed. Patrolman Jake Broadhurst was placed in charge of the cyclist at Bethany hospital pending his recovery, when a warrant will be issued for his arrest. Fogle says he is an employe of the Berger Package Company of Kansas City.

TRIED TO SHOOT A RAT. ~ But In His Eagerness Waiter Shot Off Finger.

April 20, 1909

TRIED TO SHOOT A RAT.

But In His Eagerness Waiter Shot

Off Finger.

Quick work with a 38-caliber revolver while shooting rats in the store room of the Brooks restaurant at 108 East Twelfth street yesterday afternoon cost Edward Billeison, a waiter, the index finger of his left hand. Billeison had been watching a particularly elusive rodent several minutes trying to get a shot but always the rodent got his head down a hole in the nick of time. finally the waiter, tired of waiting in a manner not prescribed in the restaurant rules, took a sporting chance. He forgot to remove his finger from in front of the gun and while the rat escaped again Billeison had to consult a surgeon. He was attended by Dr. W. S. Wheeler.

PETER YOHANOWIC IS KING OF 5,000 GYPSYS. ~ SCATTERED OVER EVERY STATE OF THE UNION.

April 19, 1909

PETER YOHANOWIC IS

KING OF 5,000 GYPSYS.

SCATTERED OVER EVERY STATE

OF THE UNION.

The "Throne" Is Located on the

Reidy Road Two Miles West of

Kansas City -- Subjects

Now Gathering.

PETER YOHANOWIC, KING OF 5,000 GYPSIES.

Peter Yohanowic of the Egyptian gypsy camp on the Reidy road, two miles west of the limits of Kansas City, Kas., proclaims himself a king. Peter II, as he is locally known, is a hereditary monarch, ruling over all the gypsy tribes of Semitic extraction in the United States. The official diadem, worn only in judgment of the refractories and delinquents of his tribe, is real enough, but consists merely of a silver and copper band hung with shells.

"My rule is unquestioned where ruling is necessary," said King Peter a few days ago. "My father before me was king, and his father before him. This is the Yohanowic dynasty. However, there is not much to do or say in the ruling line where everybody is accommodating and law-abiding. I am afraid that "king" will some time become a title with no force in it."

While saying this King Peter was directing the laying out of a camp for several new arrivals. His remarks to the reporter were interspersed with curt commands not delivered in a kingly way, but more after the manner of a modern civil engineer arranging a grading outfit.

"Two wagons and two tents over here. The same over there. Keep the horses and mules outside the tent line and the dogs beyond the mules, towards the city," were a few of his orders. He was watching camp sanitation and the safety of the chattels from petty thievery at the same time.

THE KING IS TALL.

Although some of his subjects were considerably undersized, the king is nearly six feet tall and built in proportion. He wears a coal black mustache, trained parallel with his upper lip, and wears the sombrero and bandanna of his race. His is good looking and has the most pleasing smile imaginable, showing a double line of strong white teeth. He is about 29 or 30 years old.

"How large a following have you?" the king was asked.

"I do not really know," was the reply. "Perhaps 5,000 would be the figure that would best cover it. You see, they are scattered over every state in the Union. Some of them I never hear from. Others are with me all the time. Whenever I meet them they are subject to me and pay me tribute according to what they can afford. Sometimes months pass and the condition of the tribe I am with is such that it is impossible for me to get any money outside of what I can make personally. My expenses are a little higher now, as I am maintaining a home in Leavenworth for the benefit of my wife and little son, now a year old."

"Is the little boy the crown prince?"

"Certainly he is. He's a member of the dynasty and in direct line of succession, isn't he? The tribe expressed its allegiance and anointed him prince a few days after his birth."

"How old is the Egyptian branch of the gypsy family, and in what manner does it differ from the European gypsies?" was next asked.

ORIGIN OF THE GYPSY.

"Nobody knows just what the origin of the Gypsy was. It is a matter clouded with superstition and faint history. I have often been asked if I did not believe that the Gypsies are the lost tribe of Israel. It has been pointed out to me that we are crafty salesmen and good husbandmen like the Jews. Also that our facial characteristics are somewhat similar to the Jewish cast of countenance. I think it is all rot. There was only one Jew who had the Gypsy instinct and that one was mythical -- the wandering Jew."

TYPICAL CAMP SCENE IN KING YOHANOWIC'S DOMAIN.

From all accounts the reign of Peter Yohanowic has been no more placid than that of his contemporary, Peter of Servia. Three years ago a usurper came to the camp on the Reidy road and threatened a permanent overthrow of the regime. He came from Chicago and wore a blazing red suit with many medals of various sorts. Also he had a commission which he said made him king over all the Egyptian Gypsies in the world.

There was some trouble in the camp following his arrival, trouble which began to brew immediately after the newcomer had demanded $2,000 tribute to set up his kingdom. Peter was bitter from the loss of his "throne" and one day he and the usurper are said to have met on the sandy bed of Reidy road. There was then an unkingly joust at arms, literally speaking, and when the dust finally settled over the combatants the usurper was overthrown and Peter was once more king.

ARREST OF A PRETENDER.

Formal charges of obtaining money under false pretenses were preferred against the pretender by Peter and a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Kansas City, Kas., North city court. He was arrested and in default of a large fine, imprisoned.

About a year ago a son and heir apparent was born to Peter in Leavenworth. He will bear the title of Peter III, upon growing to manhood upon the death or resignation of his father. The Reidy road camp now consists of forty wagons. Sometimes it is even larger. This is in the midsummer season when outfits from the Southwestern states, like New Mexico and Arizona come in. During the heart of winter there are seldom more than ten or twelve wagons at the capital of King Peter Yohanowic and the little village is as dead as is Washington between congressional sessions.