Mattoon Commercial-Star from Mattoon, Illinois • Page 1

MATTOON COMMERCIAL-STAR A PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATIC DAILY YEAR SWITCHING CHEM CAPTURES GHOST WELL KNOWN BUSINESS MAN CAUGHT FRIDAY NIGHT IN PECULIAR PLIGHT. ACTIONS ARE YET UNEXPLAINED Peoria Division Employes Round Up a Visitor Who For Several Nights Recently Has Caused Consternation By His Ghostlike Garb and Mysterious Movements. The mystery surrounding a "ghost" that has for several nigh been making life miserable for the employes in the Peoria division yards, was dispelled Friday evening by capture of the aforesaid "ghost," at hands then of the night switching crew in the yards. The apparition proved to be far removed from spiritual things and was found to be a well known business man of the city, whose name for perconal reasons is withheld. For several nights the white clad figure has been moving silently through the yards in and out between cuts of cars and apparently searching for some object a Art Robb, the night yard clerk encountered the "ghost" one evening and his fellow workmen say was scared about as badly as a man could be scared and still survive.

Switchmen Buchanan, Jordan and Beavers night switching crew men, laid plans Friday evening to capture the unwelcome visitor, if it again made an appearance in the yards. While the men worked at their usual tasks they watched and waited. Shortly after 9 o'clock the white robed thing hove into view, and after watching its antics for awhile the switchmen closed in upon the intruder. The "ghost" carried a long staff and when "it" saw capture wal3 probable an effort was made to drive off the captors by flourishing the pole in A threatening manner. Switchman Jordan closed in on "it" with his lantern uplifted, ready to srike and this action from the "ghost" a yell and an appeal for mercy.

The man was quickly grabbed and his gravelike habiliments, consisting of 'a white sheet and a pillow case were torn from his form, disclosing the identity the "ghost" as a well known busines) man. There is still a mystery surround. the episode as given by when ing the affair and the -explanation of caught, was far from satisfactory to the captors, but as no harm had been done the man was allowed to go with an admonition to, in the future, transfer his ghost walking operations to other localities. STEALS TROUSERS FROM BENEFACTOR William Cozet Jailed for Restaur- Purloining Wearing Apparel From ant Man. William Cozet, charged with an inability to recognize the laws pertaining to title to personal property, the specific allegation being the purloining of pair of pants was held to the grand jury Friday by Judge Branan.

Cozet came to the city a few days ago "dead broke" and was taken in by William Edwards, a restaurant man on Western avenue. Edwards was later "taken in" by Cozet who robbed his benefactor of a pair of trousers. ANNIVERSARY IS OBSERVED Toledo, 111., April March 30, was the birhtday anniversary of Mrs. Ella Rodgers and her lady friends took advantage of the opportunity by giving her a royal surprise in the evening at her home. The guests took with them a generous supply of refreshments and did their own entertaining and serving making the hostess for the time their guest of honor.

The time was spent in so. cial conversation. and, after a merrily spent period guests took their departure, all wishink Mrs. Rodgers many happy returns of the day. Among those present were Mrs.

R. Willis. Mrs. Greathouse, Mrs. 'Grant' Fulfer, Mrs.

Cutts, Mrs. George Esk-000 ridge, Mrs. Brewer, Mrs. J. Poe and daughter, Miss Dorothy and Miss Mabel Fulfer.

TO THE PUBLIC. Beginning Saturday, April 8, the job department of the Commercial-Star will be located at 118 South Seventeenth street where all business connected with this department will be transacted. The job printing work will be under the supervision of Mr. James T. Cunningham and with the increased facilities for handling this trade we can assure our pat- care will be handled on time and rons that all work entrusted to our in a thorough workmanlike ner.

Satisfaction to you is guaranteed on every job. We are now 80 equipped that no job 18 too large nor none too small to han die on short notice. MATTOON, ILLINOIS, SATURDAY MORNING, APRIL 8, 1911. A LITTLE BIRD WHISPERED TO ME THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS I ADMIT IT 000 00 a 0 000 00 0 00 0 0 000 WELL I'LL 1g BE HELLO! THAT IT'S BETTER TO BE THAT MOST OF OUR AN HONEST BURGLAR THAN PROMINENT STREETS LOOK SOME BANKERS LIKE PIECES OF SWISS CHEESE GIMME. ME RIGHTS HI- HO HUM NEVER MIND NOW pL MEXICAN PEOPLE WHAT'S THE USE OF BANK EXAMINERS THAT MEXICO ISN'T MUCH DIFFERENT WE'LL GET THAT NEW SUBWAY FROM THE U.S.

YES AND I'LL AFTER WE DON'T 'NEED IT MAKE A GooD ONE Too ANYMORE HEY! WANT TWO DOWN IN NO SIR FRONT DR. MARY WALKER WANTS THAT OUR RACETRACKS To BE U.S. SEMATOR WILL BE DENSELY TICKET SPECULATORS ARE FROM NEW YORK POPULATED AS PER' TABOOED BUTABOVE THIS SEASON HAL GERMANE! on the verge of being involved in the investigation. It is much easier to pick out a few underlings and make them the scapegoats. The prosecution up to a few days ago in the Lorimer investigation seemed to be aiming to convict Representative Lee O'Neil Browne and let the subject drop there.

It seemed averse to getting after the big interests who put up whatever money might have been used to, secure the election." Opposition to Thorough Quest. Gov. Deneen is eager that the investigation by the senate committee be pushed and that the charges which brought discredit to Illinois, be cleared up for time. In this he its meeting silent determined opposition, aBut and there is an impression that even all the five members of the committee are not enthusiastic over the task and that some are actually appalled at the unexpected disclosures which followed their summoning of Herman F. Kohlsaat, editor of the Chicago Record-Herald.

They realize that there is no stopping of the inquiry. INTOXICATED MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED Andrew Green Too Many Drinks in Mattoon and Meets With Severe Accident. Andrew Green a pilgrim from Shiretown, came to Mattoon Thursday ev(ning and also likewise returned home. Green roturned with more than ho brought, having accumulated a jag of immense proportions while in the mctropolis and at an early hour Friday morning he was found near the interurban tracks, suffering with a broken arm. Green was unable to give any account of hit; injuries and it is not known whether he fell from an inter.

urban car or alighted from a car was later struck by another car. Th man's clothing and shoes were badly torn. confirming a theory that ho had been struck by a car 111. the motorman on the night run was not aware of any accident. CHILD DIES FROM DIPHTHERIA ATTAC Trilla, April year old son of Mr.

and Mrs. Frank Briggerman, living one and a half miles south of this village, died Thursday night from diphtheria, having peen ill about cne week. 'The burial was made today in the Drummond cemetery, the being private. A 3 year old ughter of the family is also down with the disease and an effort is to be made to save her life by injecting antitoxin. Her condition is vet critical The dread disease has made its appearance in the family of Tom Shull.

old son being down with it. Antitoxin three miles. south of town, aS year I also will be injected in this instance. PRICE TWO CENTS Alabama Christian endeavorers. Selma, April 7-This city is today teeming with enthusiastic young people from over Alabama, why bhave come to participate in the annual state convention of Christian deavor societies, Beginning with big welcome meeting in the Presbyterian Church sessions will continue over Saturday and Sunday.

F. F. Ballard, of Birmingham, is the presiding officer aud among the speakers are some of the most eloquent divines and ablest Sunday school workers in the South. The local branches of the society have provided elaborate entertainment fo: the visitors. Services at Shiloh.

Regular services will be conducted at Shiloh Presbyterian church Sunda; by the pastor, Rev. S. A. Hughart with preaching in the morning at 11 o'clock and in the evening at 7:30. Sells "Interest.

Frank Corey of the partners in the Peerless works, has sold his interest to Earl Teepell, who thus becomes sole owner of the business. TILDEN IN DENIAL OF $100,000 FUND PACKER DISCLAIMS AT SPRING. FIELD ALL KNOWLEDGE OF RAISING MONEY. BANKS' BOOKS USED AS EVIDENCE Are Expected to Show Whether 000 Payments Were Made By Big Interests as Told By Clarence S. Funk-Investigation Can Now Be Stopped.

Springfield, April Tilden, mouthpiece for the meat packing interests of the nation, is in. the chorus of denials that a 000 corruption fund in the Illinois leg. islature elected William Lorimer to the United States senate. This is the testimony which the Helm senate investigating committee has been given to expect next Thursday as a result of a visit Mr. Tilden made to Springfield yesterday.

Mr. Tilden't presence in the capital was kept. a secret until a few minutes before he caught a train back to Chicago late in the afternoon. He arrived with Thomas Dawson, former state senator, the attorney who defended Senators Pemberton and Broderick in their bribery trials." Mr. Tilden did not register at a hotel and is said to have been kept under cover in Mr.

Dawson's room. Mr. coming was the result of an oversight on the part of the committee. Tuesday he was rubpoenaed to appear yesterday. Senator Douglas W.

Helm then neglected to telegraph him that the meeting has been postponed until next Thursday at 10 a. m. Says He Knows Nothing of Fund. "I know absolutely nothing about any $100,000 which may be reported to have been sent. to Springfield to elect Senator Lorimer," is the substance of a statement Mr.

Tilden made in one of the few persons who talked with him. "I certainly was not the treasurer of any such fund. The tetimony of Mr. Funk of the International Harvester company that I was supposed to be and that the contributions of $10,000 each were to paid to me is a surprise to me. If my name was used in any such connection it was entirely without my author.

ity. The crucial part of Clarence S. Funk's testimony Wednesday was that when Edward Hines approached him at the Union League club two years ago and solicited a $10.000, contribution he was told to money to Mr. Tilden. Mr.

Tilden is president of a bank, which, on this theory, was the clearing house through which the contributors reimbursed Mr. Hines for "underwriting" the $100.000 said to have been rushed to Springfield. Bank Books as Factor, Before the investigation is closed the senators will try to find out whether books of this bank. show the receipt of these $10,000 items about the time the International Harvester company, through Mr. Funk, was asked to join.

Books of other banks also wi'l be scrutinized to ascertain whether certain representatives of other "big expression said to have been used by Mr. Hines--drEw $10.000 in currency or sent. through checie; of this amount about the same time. TE so the other individuals will he aeked to explain what. use was made of the $10.000, if it was not put in Springfield fund to "keep the right man at Washington." "If such a thing was done it would not be surprising if some of men who will be brought.

before the committee confess it." declared an official, who has had experience as a prosecu. tor. "To deny it would be perjury, one of the mast dangerous crimes on the calendar to commit. It is never 0111- lawed by a statute of limitations and a witness who commits perjury has peril over his head. Look at 'Boss' Cox of Cincinnati, who is in court now over something which happened ten years ago.

If it is found that a certain bank account shows a 000 withdrawal on 2 certain day it will thing in the world for him to account for its use in any way except. by telling the truth. If he invarted it he must show the investment ard if he put it away he will have to nrcduce it. Takes Nerve for Task. "It tekes nerve on the part of anv prosecutor or state's attorney or even go the after part as of a.

large committee concerns, of as senators seem Roosevelt Keeping Busy. Spokane, April 7-After an all-day ride across one of the most fertile sections of the state of Washington, Col. Theodore Roosevelt arriven in Spokane, tonight, and will make this headquarters during the next three days. His visit will be broken by a trip to Moscow to address the students of the University of Idaho, after which 'he is scheduled to return to Spokane to speak before convention of school teachers of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Arbor Day in Old Dominion.

Richmond, April 7-Arbor Day was generally observed throughout Virg la today, in accordance with the proclamation Governor Mann, by the planting of rees, shrubs and mental plants and by special exercises in the public schools. Is Ill. Mr. and Mrs. F.

W. Schreckengost were called to Indianapolis Friday by la message staling that the former's sister was lying at the point of death at home in that city. Mr. Schreckengost is a foreman at the Big Four shops. SUITS FILED IN CIRCUIT COURT LAST DAY FOR SERVICE BRINGS SEVERAL ACTIONS OF LOCAL INTEREST.

MOTHER ASKS DAMAGES FOR DEATH Mrs. Maggie Huffman Sues Clover Leaf Railroad For Death of He: Son- -Recent Sensational Elopement is Basis of Divorce Suit Brought By Injured Husband. Charleston, April Clover Leaf railroad was this morning made defendant in a suit for damages, when Mrs. Maggie Huffman Parker, colored of Mattoon, administratrix of the estate of William H. Huffman, filed the declarations of a damage case, wherein she asks the sum of $10,000.

The suit was docketed for the April term of court. William H. Huffman, who was employed as porter on a Clover Leaf passenger train, was injured in a headon collision at Wilshire, Ohio, January 31, 1911, and his death followed on February 16. He is survived by a widow, Lydia Huffman. The estate i is rperesented by J.

W. Craig of Mattoon. A Divorce Suit. The troubles of a Mattoon couple will be aired in the April term of the court Mrs. Ollie B.

Clark, defendant in a divorce suit filed this morning, appear in court to oppose the legal separation. Elijah J. Clark, the complainant, states he was married to Olive B. Clark, January 25, 1900, and lived with her until August 23, 1910, when she abandoned him leaving the city of Mattoon in company with one Everett P. Thomas.

He asks the care and custody of a son, aged 8 years. Asks Damages From. City. This morning Mins Julia Kenoyer, lowner ofa property on Jackson street, filed a damage suit against the city of Charleston. She asks damages in the sum of $500, which she alleges arises from the city authorities authorizing the construction of a brick pavement in front of her home.

She alleges the improvement caussd the grade in front of her home to be raised three or four feet above the level of the plaintiffs premises and leaving a ditch between the grade and the entrance to her yard. Miss Kenoyer is represented by Charles Wallace. Last Day for Suits. Today marks the last. day for the filing of suits to be heard in the of the court.

The April term opens April 17, circuit, with Judge Scholfield of Marshall, on the bench. UNWRITTEN LAW FREES MURDERER Dramatic Finish to Texas Trial as Attorney For Defense Sings "Home, Sweea Home." Fort. Worth. April. Texas jury yielded a woman' plea to the "unwritten law:" in a verdict returned today acquitting Mrs.

Elizabeth Brooks of a charge, of murdering Mrs. Mary Binford. Brooks testified that she shot. and killed Mrs. Binford weeks ago when, desperate over six the loss of her husband's affections alienated by the other woman.

Women crowded the court. r'00m eager to learn the fate of the wife of T. M. Brooks, a wealthy attorney and herself a society leader and active church worker. Mris.

Brooks has testi. fied she could not remember the killing of Mrs. Binford who was accused by the defendants's counsel with hav ing been love pirate. The Brooks trial, continuing since last Monday, was the first ever held in Texas in which a woman used the unwritten law as a defense plea. The trial was given a dramatic finish late yesterday when Mri.

Brooks' counsci, Walter Scott. concluding his argument, sang in a low husky voice the words of "Home. Sweet Home." Jurors and spectators wept. T. M.

Brooks, husband of the de. fendant, was not present at the trial. 4 SUSPECTS TAKEN BY OFFICER BRIM' THREE MEN' CHARGED WITH AS. SAULT AND ROBBERY ARRESTED HERE. LANDED IN JAIL AT CHARLESTON' Hoboes Beating Way On Big Four Freight Resident Train Beat and Rob an Aged of Dudley While Train is Standing in That Village--Conduce tor Wires to Mattoon to Officer.

Three men giving their names as' Frank Rogers and Jack Fairchild of Akron, and Frank Clayton of Erie, were arrested here Friday night by Special Officer Brim of the Big Four, suspected of assauking and robbing an aged resident of Dudley, near Paris, Friday afternoon. The prisoners were taken to Charleston at 11:30 a o'clock and placed in the county jail. The assault and robbery was committed by three men, beating their 71, in charge of stanductor Ryan. While way on west bound freight train Nos the train was Dudley the trio alighted from an empty car and attacked an aged man who chanced to be passing. The victim was beaten into unconsciousness by the three men.

Conductor Ryan, as soon als he ea of the assault, wired to Officer Brim to meet his train if Mattoon, 'as it. was believed the assailants would still be on the train. Officer Brim and a brakeman went to the east yards to meet the train and upon making a search found the three men in a car. The trio was taken into custody by Officer Brim and brought to town, after a hard fight. Officer Brim telephoned for reinforcements and Officer Rush and Special Officer James went to the yards, but failed to meet Offcer Brim and his prisoners.

The suspects will be given today at Charleston and residents hearing of Dudley who wtnessed the assault are expected to attend the hearing for the purpose of identifying the men. LONG LITIGATEON IS FINALLY ENDED SPECIAL SERVICES PLANNED BY PASTOR Holy Week. Observance at First Congregational Church Begins Sunday Morning. Holy week services will begin Sunday at the First Congregational church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. H.

S. Pyle. The morning service at 10:45 o'clock will include a sermon, "The Needs of God," and in the evening the subject will be "The Triumph of Christ in the World." Both sermons will be appropriate to Palm Sunday. In the morning a double quartette will sing "Help Me Trust Thee," by Emerson and to the Cross" will, be rendered by Mrs. Tillotson, Miss Sumerlin and chorus.

In the evening the program will include "Abide With Me," by Miss May Miller and chorus and a solo by Miss Vera Harris. There will also be services each ovening next week, except Monday ana Saturday with sermons by the pastor and the music in charge of Mrs. Tillotson. The sermon subjects: Tuesday evening Anointing of Jesus." Wednesday Greeks Seeking Jesus." Thursday Good Man of the House." Friday of Light About the PLATT HELD FOR APRIL GRAND JURY Second Hand Store Proprietor Charged With Knowingly Receiving Stolen Goods. David Platt, proprietor of a second hand store on Western avenue, at a preliminary hearing Friday morning before Judge Branan in the police court, was held to the grand jury of the April circuit court, on a charge of receiving stolen property.

The bond in the sum of $500, was furnished by H. Sternberg. The defendant who was represented the hearing by Attorney- Andrew Chezem. did make any defense 2-d only the evidence of John Wise 2nd. Agra Marshall was heard by the ecurt.

The boys told of burglarizin: another second hand store with the assistance of Lee Pyle and of the sale of the stolen goods to Platt. There was no evidence showing that Platt knew the property had been stolen. Will Return Home. Mrs. B.

B. Harris, who has been 2 guest of Mattocn relatives during her convalescerce from a surgical operaCon. will return to her home in Sr. Louis Sunday. Mrs.

Harris has been in poor health for some time and submitted to an oneration at Memorial hospital shortly after coming to Mattoon several months ago 75 GIRLS TRAPPED IN FIRE, FLEE OVER ROOFS. Boston, April girls, trapped early today in a fire in the building of the White-Smith Publishing company in Stanhope street fled over roofs and, so far as is known all were saved. All the fire fighting apparatus in the city was called out, as the building is close to the Black Bay section and several millionaires' home; were in danger. There are also many automobile concerns in the vicinity with gasoline and other inflammable and explosive the articles flames stored, from but the firemen kept spreading. The loss was $75,000.

Religious Gathering at Bridgeport. Bridgeport April 7-The annual State convention of the Young People's Christian Union of the Universalist church, began here today with a good attendance of delegates from the cities and towns throughout Connecticut. The proceedings will last over tomorrow. WINS INSURANCE CASE A. H.

Clark Wins in Suit Brought to Enforce Payment of Loss On Fire Policy. A verdict for the plaintiff, in sum of $313.61 was returned by the jury in the city court in the case of A. lance Clark company. against The the verdict National was Insur- opened and read at: 9.0 o'clock Friday morning. This was last jury case for the term and the panel was ordered discharged.

Motions for new trials and other business remains to be taken up and then final adjournment will hi made. Three New Ray Kaufman and John C. Bunton. of DuQuoin and. Chaurcey P.

Brown of Greenup enlisted in the regular army at the local recruiting station riday. Kaufman and Bunton will into the infantry Brown into the go coast artillery. They will leave for Jefferson Barracks today. Will Enter Rtreat. Miss Mvrtle McAndrew will go to Springfield Sundey and enter the retreat for Holy.

Week at the Sacred Heart convent. I FREIGHT WRECK NEAR NOKOMIS The Big Four wrecking crew was ed, to Nokomis early Friday evencalled ing a slight wreck, due to a car in a. freight train breaking down. None of the crew of the train was injured and traffic was only slightly delayed by the mishap. Famous Lawsuit From Windsor ity Settled After Thirteen Years in Court.

Windsor, April preme court put an end to the litigation in the case of Amos Walker, administrator of the estate of Joseph Walker, deceased, against Michael Montgomery, the T. F. estate, and others, when it handed down a decision Thursday denying the application of rehearing and modifying the former opinion and mandate. case had been in litigation for nearly thirteen years and first heard by R. R.

Parrish, who was appointed spe-. cial master in the case. On an appeal, the. Shelby circuit court, reviewed the evidence, county. and later took another whack at it when a new trial, was granted.

The i cause was heard twice in the appellate court and three times in the supreme court. The action was over property in Windsor and vicinity, the value of which was estimated at about $14,000. During the times the case was heard in the various courts, portions of the issue were settled or disposed of. The amount now involved is about $3,000. In the many decisions in the case, both sides received some satisfaction and both were victorious at one time or another.

Originally there were six. teen defendants to the suit, and nino transfers of property were involved. Uniform Legislation Sought. Chicago, April 7-Many prominent members of the National tion Insurance Commissioners were on hand today the opening in this city of a two days' special meeting of the association. Uniform legislation: and department ruling are the jects up for discussion.

Ankle is Injured. Jesse Sanders, who drives a delivery wagon for Dan O'Connor, the grocer. fell from his wagon Friday, taining a. severely sprained ankle. Shop Foreman Ill.

J. H. Russell, foreman of the Big our, 905 paintshop, Broadway is by a confined severe, to his attack home of tonsilitis. FIRE DESTROYS MEDICINE PLANT Freeport, Apr. which fol.

lowed a chemical explosion in the plant of the Rawleigh Medicine company here today, gutted a large part of the structure and caused a $250,000 loss. Several firemen were overcome by smoke and injured by falling glass, none seriously. The blaze for a time threatened Two hundred and fifty' adjoining buildings. employes are out of employment as a result of the fire. James Connelly of lis a guest of relatives in near chaacit Galesburg.