ioneer
One Dollar Per Month. IDITAROD, ALASKA, SATURDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 28, 1012. Two Bits Per Copy
CAMPBELL’S TRIAL
FOR FOUL MURDERS
All of the evidence in the case of the United States vs.
Joe Campbell, charged with the murder of John Nelson,
was in by Wednesday afternoon, and the arguments of
counsel began. The jury retired shortly before midnight.
The jury seem to have been in agreement from the start
regarding the guilt of the accused, but three of them ob
jected to a verdict which involved capital punishment and
a deadlock ensued. More than once the jury appeared
before Judge Fuller and announced an inability to arrive at
a unanimous verdict. But on each occasion the judge ad
vised them to give the matter further consideration, re
marking that there was plenty of time. At last, at 11 p.m.
last night, after 47 hours discussion, the jury brought in a
verdict of Guilty of Murder in the First Degree, Without
Capital Punishment. Judge Fuller thanked the jury.
Campbell will appear for sentence next Monday.
The first that was heard of the murder of the Nelson
brothers came in the form of a rumor from the lower Kus
kokwim, brought into Flat City by an unknown musher
about the middle of August, 1911. It was then reported and
published in the Iditarod Pioneer that a murder of murders
had occurred at the mouth of the Tuluksak, but no details
were available.
The next to be heard was contained in a letter addressed
to Deputy Marshal Sheppard by a mail carrier named Sam
uelson, who related that he had been camped at the mouth of
the Tuluksak in October, when he was informed by the In
dians that a boat was tied to the willows on the banks of the
river about four miles lower down. Proceeding to the place
indicated the writer found a boat tied at a point which was
about seven feet higher than the then stage of water. In
the boat, which was full of stagnant water, he found every
thing connected with an outfit except a bed, while at the
' water's edge was found a sack of blankets partly filled with
rocks. It looked as though bodies had been in the sack, but
had raised and floated away. A robe was found nearby.
The mail carrier also visited the island where the murders
are supposed to have been committed, and discovered the
empty shallow grave. He had not thought of the possibility
of the second grave, apparently. Charley Jacobson, another
mail carrier, was with Samuelson at the time. It was also
reported at that time that the Indians had seen a man in a
blue shovel-nose boat acting in a very suspicious manner,
and had mentioned the fact to the missionary at Bethel.
On learning of this story, and that the name of John
Nelson had been found on one of the suitcases, the Iditarod
Pioneer telegraphed the news to Nome and Fairbanks. By
return came a query from the Industrial Worker as to
whether the John Nelson reported murdered had ever
lived in the Norton bay district. Inquiry proving such to be
the case, Nels Nelson, who was at that time at Norton bay,
was apprised of the circumstances, and started over the ice
for Iditarod. He visited the Kuskokwim, and as a result
kept the wires hot until he got action in the matter. Deputy
Marshal Kelda.y was sent into the district, and left Iditarod
for the Kuskokwim about March 24. He had been preceded
by Nels Nelson, who offered a reward of $20J for the recov
ery of the bodies. The bodies were found, identified by
Nels Nelson as those of his brothers, and replaced in the
grave until arrangements could be made for the holding of
an inquest. After much telegraphing between here and
Fairbanks, Deputy Marshal Kelda.y was instructed to ar
range for the inquest on the Kuskokwim, and Dr. M. F.
Spier was appointed coroner. The bodies were then sent
Outside for burial.
Nels Nelson next swore out a warrant for the arrest of
Joseph Campbell.
The taking of testimony in the case of the United States vs. Joe
Campbell, charged with having murdered John and Gust Nelson on the
lower Kuskokwim last year, commenced Monday morning before Judge
F. E. Fuller and the following jury; J. D. Barnes, J. J. Kelly, Wm. B.
Thomas, Jim Ryan, H. E. Crouse, Frank Keenan, Wm. Fowler, C.
Stanford, Arthur Field, John A. Sturtevant, W. Sowerby and Jake
Metz.
Henry Roden prosecuted for the government, and the accused was
represented by E. Coke Hill and E. M. Stanton.
Deputy Marshal J. R. Kelday, Nels
Nelson, Captain Hall, and others testi
fied to the finding of a boat in the wil
lows some miles below the Tuluksak
river. It contained two suitcases, one
of which had a tag on it bearing the
name ”John Nelson,” and also a
small drill, 6tove, tent, shotgun and
.12 gauge ammunition, and clothing.
The witnesses also described the find
ing of the bodies in a shallow grave on
an island about two miles upstream
from the mouth of the Tuluksak. The
bodies were in a very decomposed state
and were scantily clad when found.
One of the bodies had on an undershirt
and drawers, and the other an under
shirt, overshirt and drawers. The
heads were wrapped in canvas, and
clothes, presumably those of the de
ceased, were piled on top of the bodies.
There was also a pillow in the hole. A
shovel and pick were near by. The
bodies were raised sufficiently for Nels
Nelson to identify them, and then re
placed with brush, etc., on top of them
and ?t$kes around the grave to keep
aw»y wild animals until the coroner’s j
inquest could be held. This was about
February 14 of this year.
Dr. M. F. Spier produced drawings to
illustrate the wounds found on the
bodies of the murdered men. On the
larger man was a hole from a bullet
which had entered a little below the
right nipple, passing through the heart
and lungs. The jaws were firmly set,
and the hands clenched in a manner
which indicated that death had been
instantaneous. The smaller man had
two wounds—one through the intes
tines from the left side and passing
down the right leg and out a little
below the knee, and the other passing
through the left leg a little above the
knee. This man probably lived for
several minutes after being hit. It
was possible that the wound on the
bigger man, and the first-mentioned
wound on the other were made by the
same bullet.
M. J. McGovern testified that Camp
bell had preceded him to the Hoholitna
in March, 1911. Later on, toward the
end of April, he saw Campbek -.gain a'
Georgetown, when be w i- fix ~ t-. ■
(Continued on Fago ;j)
MEXICAN PLAYING
FORINT MENTION
Douglas, Ariz., September 26.—
Mexican rebels continue to terror
ize the border settlers, and much
uneasiness is felt among American
citizens It is the general opinion
here that the United States should
intervene, and show the Mexicans
once for all that they cannot mis
treat Americans or their property
with impunity.
FALL EXODDS IS
IN FDLL SWING
Nome, September 27.--The usual
fall exodus is now in full swing,
and every steamer leaving Nome
carries a full passenger list. When
the Senator sailed for Seattle she
had 224 passengers from Fairbanks,
Iditarod, Ruby and other up-river
points, and a large number from
1 Nome.
All the mines are stili working.
—
GABLE BREAKS,
SHIP AGROUND
It is an old story that misfortunes
: come in pairs, and the latest exempli
| fication is the cable service.
For two weeks the cable has been
! out of commission, a break having oc
curred in the neighborhood of Sitka.
Immediately the interruption was
' noticed, the cableship Burnside hurried
| to repair the break. Latest reports
j are that she has run aground some
where, and so delayed the mending of
the cable.
Messages are being sent over the
Canadian lines, but the congestion is
so great that much delay is being ex
perienced in the receipt and despatch
of messages.
hosppmlItems
A few days ago Mrs. J. E. Riley, of
Discovery, was struck by a cable, while
watching the work, her right ankle
j being broken. She was attended by
| Dr. Wortmann.
John Novak was badly burned early
in the week, while working on the
: Keystone drill for the Yukon Gold Go.
i Mr. Reed, of Discovery, is suffering
I from blood-poisoning in the hand.
Doc Tanner, who had an operation
performed at tiie hospital, has gone
Outside.
Mr. Mackay, who was struck by a
cable some time ago, has recovered
and gone Outside.
Mr. ar.d Mrs. Jerry Ford have pur
chased the Patten residence, Flat City.
Mrs. McMullen has bean very sick
for the past week or more, and con
fined to her bed.
Mrs. Lottie Thornton has taken over
tlie dry goods business formerly con
ducted by Miss Kotsch.
Jack Wallace has removed to Discov
ery, where he has opened up a new
Rathskeller.
Mrs. Charles Kemp has taken over
Mrs. Patchell’s laundry and bathhouse
at Flat City.
HE TELLS STRANGE
STORY OF A HOLDUP
Charles Logan has a hold-up story to
tell. He says that he was coming in
from Flat Tuesday night with a man and
a woman, and had got about two miles
this side of the Summit roadhouse
when some men jumped out, knocked
the woman and the other man down,
robbed them and got away with the
booty. Charles says that he took to
his heels directly he saw the highway
men, and made for town with all speed.
Arrived here, he turned in the alarm.
His story and his method of telling it
so impressed the marshal that he was
put in the calaboose, where he slept it
otf. _
C. E. Taylor says that while at the
head of Flat creek last Sunday he saw
blueberries as large as cherries, and
they were so thick that one could not
si: down Mt.ywhere without crushing a
| pound or two.
WOULD DISSOLVE
ANOTHER TRUST
Washington,[September 26. —Pro
ceedings have, been instituted by
the government lor the dissolution
of the Harvester trust, which is de
dared to be a combination in re
straint of trade, operating contrary
to the provisions of the Sherman
anti-trust law.
HAWAIIAN’S WANT
FULL STATEHOOD
Honolulu, September 24.—The
Republican convention here has de
cided that the time is ripe for Con
gress to grant full statehood to Ha
waii, and will petition the national
legislature accordingly.
Secretary of State Philander C.
Knox and Secretary of the Interior
Walter L. Fisher have left for Seat
tle on the cruiser Maryland.
INSANE TOTAL
GROWS AT NOME
Nome, September 27.—The num
ber of insane sent out from the
Seward peninsula this year shows a
marked increase over former years.
Since June last a total of eight
persons have been adjudged insane
land sent to Mt. Tabor, while four
others whose sanity was questioned
were turned loose by the juries.
Seattle, September 26 —Stamped
ers returning from Bolivia say that!
they were unable to light on any
paystreak in that country. The
ground is all tied up in concessions
and it is next to impossible for
American miners to get into any
thing worth while.
WITH THE FIGHTERS
New York, September 26 —Harry i
Thomas easily out-points Abe At
tell in 10 rounds here last Saturday
Bos Angeles, September 26.—Ad
Wolgast has wired to promoters
here that he is willing to meet any
body in his class next Thanksgiv
ing day. Terms to be arranged
later.
ANOTHER ARREST
IN BOSTON CITY
Boston, Mass., September 26 —
William Say wood has been arrested
here on an indictment charging him
with being implicated in the Law
rence dynamiting case. He has
beeu released on bail.
MINNESOTANS ARE
AGAIN NOMINATED
St. Paul, September 26.—Gov.
Adolph O. Eberhart and Senator
Knute Nelson have been renomi
nated at the Republican state pri
maries.
JUDGE MURANE GOES TO NOME
Fairbanks, September 27.—Judge C.
D. Murane left here today for Nome,
and the court stands adjourned.
FIRST STAGE LEAVES NEXT WEEK
Fairbanks, September 27.—The
6rst stage w:ll leave here tot
Valdez next Thursday
A. E. Maltb.y and Miss Maltby left
fur Lin. Outside on the, Nunc.' Belle ,
j Underwear $1 suit. Weiss., Fiat City j
CROWDS ATTEND
SUICIDE'S FUNERAL
Chicago, September 2C.—The
funeral of Mrs. Jack Johuson, who
committed suicide last w'eek, was
followed to the grave by a very
large crowd. Practically the entire
colored population of the city and
many leaders of the sporting fra
ternity were in attendance.
The champion is very much af
fected by the interest shown
N( POLITICS
MOVING SLOWLY
Nome, September 27.—So far
there has been little interest taken
in territorial politics, but as the
election draws nearer things will
liven up a bit. It is said that the
dredge operators will nominate sev
eral candidates, but it is likely that
the only party to have a full ticket
in the field are tire Socialists, who
are well organized.
—
Fairbanks, September 26.—The I
members of the Alaska Railroad |
commission, appointed under the:
provisions of the home-rule bill, j
have wired the Times that they
will leave Valdez for Fairbanks I
Saturday morning. Falcon Joslin
and other leading citizens will
probably meet the party in autos.
_
John Ronan left last Wednesday for ^
Ruby.
George Bennett left for Fairbanks
Wednesday morning. Ha will go
to the Big Chena hot springs to be
boiled out.
Mrs. Robert Graham was among tire
departures Wednesday morning.
Miss Estelle Fitts, who camo to Idit
arod as stenographer to the clerk of the
district court, left on the steamer Pup
for Fairbanks.
W. H. Holmes and Frank Smith are
late arrivals from Ruby.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Manley left on
the steamer Pup Wednesday.
Ben Bromberg has transferred bis
energies to the firm of Crowley & Por
ter, who are much elated thereby.
Curly Robinson came in from Flat
last Thursday to transact some urgent
business, told a half-dozen good stories,
gently tested the string and spring of
the “long bow,” renewed many old
time friendships, and mushed back
home yesterday.
Mrs. Jotin r. JJaircl left for the Out
side Thursday.
Mrs. Nellie Gilmore has gone Out
side. She will return over the ice.
Miss Emily Tjernstrora left for Ruby
during the week. It is whispered she
goes to be married to a prosperous
young dentist of the new catnp, whose
name begins with H, and who receatly
finished and furnished one of the finest
homes in that place.
Louis Schimraelfinger arrived here
from Moore creek Thursday afternoon,
and left that night for New York.
Mr. and Mrs. B. T. James came to
Iditarod during the week. Mr. James
has recently returned from Moore
creek.
Peter Hotts left for the Outside on
the Nancy Bell.
Frank Stanley has bought a quarter
interest in the lay on the Idaho associa
tion from Fred Hicks, who has gone
Outside.
Jim Hagan has gone to Ruby.
RUBY PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES
_
Basil Clemons, the well-known com
mercial photographer, arrived from
Ruby during the week, and will re
main here about a month. Mr. Clemons
was the pioneer photographer of Idit-1
arod, and his work was highly appre
ciated by ail who gave him commis
sions. Those wanting photographic
work done should look him up. After
the freezeup Mr. Clemons will return
to Ruby, visiting Cripple City and
other Inroku camps enroute.
New shirts, military collar, Weiss, Flat j
1
Fairbanks, September 27.—After a trial which lasted for sev
eral days, John Cooper, colored, was found guilty of murdering his
mining partner, William Wimbish, on Pedro creek, last year.
Judge Murane has sentenced him to life imprisonment- The
application of the attorneys for a new trial was denied.
Cooper was convicted on purely circumstantial evidence.
TROUBLE AHEAD FOR NOME
LITIGANTS AND WITNESSES
Nome, September 27.—The prolonged absence of Judge Murane is
causing uneasiness in legal circles here. There is a great deal of work
ahead, and several witnesses are on their way from the Outside.
A new session will have to be called, and it will be very awkward
if Judge Murane does not reach here before October, and it may be
found impossible to complete the cases before the close of navigation,
The additional expense to witnesses and others can be imagined, if
they have to go out over the trail via Fairbanks and Valdez.
The Bon Voyage dump sluiced up only $30,000—as against $100,
000 which so-called experts said it contained while the property was in
litigation. Six non suits have been filed by various parties in connec
tion with the property,
The golddust taken from the dump is new in the bank, which will
not pay it out pending the settlement of the new cases.
The whole situation is most disgusting. The remaining owners
are few, the balance having been frozen out by the lawyers, who, it now:
appears, will get everything.
WIRELESS STATIONS UNABLE
TO COPE WITH ill BUSINESS
Nome, September 27.—The break in the cable near Sitka lias
placed a great burden on the various wireless stations, which have been
taxed above their capacity.
Residents of the Seward peninsula have been sending commercial
and other messages via St. Paul island wireless station and San Frail,
cisco, but it is now learned that the San Francisco wireless station is so
congested with dispatches that it is uuable to handle much of the busi
ness.
The local wireless stations have made great efforts to get their mes
sages through, but the system has proved unequal to the task. Much
tnportant business is thus being held up.
MME DEAL IS STILL PENDING
Nome, September 27. — The big deal which b.is for its object the
consolidation of the Wild Goose and Pioneer Mining Companies, and
the virtual control of all the dredges in the Seward peninsula, is still
pending, and it is stated will soon be consummated. The final adjust,
tuetit is delayed pending the settlement of some cases now befoie the
courts.
A big English syndicate is said to be behind the scheme, but the
real principals are not known. Some say it is the Alaska syndicate.
Tl’.e agents who have been conducting the negotiations left on the
Victoria, but announced their intention of returning.
WICKEMAM WANTS THE BEST MEN
Fairbanks, September 27.—Interviewed in behalf of the Id;t
arod Pioneer, Delegate Wickersham states that he is taking no
part in the selection of candidates for the territorial legislature.
He wants to see good men elected, but is content to leave the se
lection to the people of the various camps. He is not opposing the
election of any candidate
The delegate will address a public meeting tomorrow (Satur
day) night, when he will discuss his work at Washington.
ONE GEOLOGIST IS QUARTZ BOOSTER
Fairbanks, September 27.—Philip S. Smith, of the United
States geological survey, who has been making an examination of
the quartz properties here, addressed the members of the Commer
cial Club last night.
Mr. Smith was most enthusiastic regarding the outlook, and
returns to Washington immediately to make his official report.
Tonight AT *;°r"all Tonight
HENRY RODEN
Candidate for the Territorial Senate, will address the Electors.
Tomorrow Night, A. B. Hall, Flat,
He will address the Voters of the Creeks on Campaign Issues.
Everybody Invited