Idita ^od Pioneer
1 One Dollar Per Month. IDITAROD, ALASKA. SATURDAY EVKXIXC, MAY 16, 1914. _ Two Pits Pkh <'qov
REBELS AID BANDITS
SIIRRBBNDIN6 HUERTA
Washington. May 12.—Admiral Howard reports that a battle has
taken place between Zapattistas and federals near Acapulco, also that
the federal garrison has evacuated San Bebas.
Huerta has ordered the soldiers to return to Mexico City.
Admiral Badger reports that heavy firing was heard all day at
1 ampico.
The hospital ship Solace will return to Mexico when she arrives
from \ era Cruz with patients.
British Cruiser Ordered to Tampico
London, May 12.—The British cruiser Bristol has been ordered
to proceed from Portsmouth to Tampico under full steam.
To Make Saltillo Capital
El Paso, Tex., May 12.—Advices received here state that General
Carranza is to make Saltillo his capital.
Vera Cruz. May 12.— Three Mexican representatives to the medi
ation conference at Niagara Falls, Ontario, left here today, having re
ceived their appointments from Dictator Fluerta.
Vera Cruz. May 12.— Passengers from 1 ampico claim that the
Mexican federal forces evacuated that city, allowing the constitution
ists to enter.
American Embassy m cans under uuard
Paris, May 12.—“Death to Americans” was found written on
the steps of the American embassy here today. Officers hare been
placed on guard.
American Consul Ordered Released
Washington, May 12. —Advices have been received here to the
effect that American Consul Sullivan, at Saltillo, who was reported a
few days ago as being held a prisoner bv Mexican officials, had not
vet been released. It is said, however, that his release has been or
dered by the Mexican government.
Rumor That Tampico Is in the Hands of Rebels
Juarez, May 12.--— Reports received here state that the consti
tutionalists have captured Tampico.
Addition to Fleet in Mexican V/aters
New York, May 14.—The new dreadnaught Texas sailed today
for \ era Cruz.
Huerta’s Gunboats Seek Protection
Washington, May 14.—Night advices received from Tampico
*tate that the city has fallen into the hands of the constitutionalists.
The federal gunboats have left the river and are anchored near the
foreign warships.
Huerta Preparing to Escape
Nelson O’Shaughnessy. late American charge d affaires in Mexico,
held a conference with President Wilson yesterday. He declares that
Huerta never held any hopes of success, and that he is waiting for
something to happen that will enable him to escape to a foreign
country.
Report of Torture cf Insane American Soldier
Advices received by the war department report that a private
soldier named Parks, during a period of insanity, wandered into the
line-, of General Maas, and was tortured and then executed.
Rebels Gaining Control
\ era Cruz, May 14.—The allied rebels now control half of
Mexico.
Large Force of Rebels March Toward Mexico City
Torreon, May 14.—Twenty-eight thousand rebels start toward
Mexia© City today. They will first attack Saltillo.
All Serene at Tampico
Tampico, May 14.—The rebels are in complete control here ana
the city is orderly. The United States cruisers Des Moines and Dolphin
have ascended the Apnuco river to render protection to foreigners.
Mediation Will Not Cause Suspension of Hostilities
Washington, May 14.—Government officials express the belief
that the action of the mediation board will not cause a suspension of
hostilities in Mexico, but that the rebels hold the key to the situation.
Secretary Bryan Makes Demand
Washington, May 15.—Secretary of State Bryan has demanded
of Huerta a reply to inquiries regarding Private Parks, who disap
peared into the lines of General Maas.
Huerta in Desperate Straits
Vera Cruz, May 15.—Mexican arrivals claim Huerta is ready to
provoke violence in order to force American troops to be sent to the
capital to protect him.
The forces of Zapata surround Mexico City.
Consul Silliman has not yet arrived from Saltillo, where Villa be
gan an attack today.
Preparing to Defend Themselves
London, May 1 5.—Advices received here state that the British,
Germans and Austrians in Mexico City are preparing for concentra
tion to defend themselves. There are prospects of a siege against all
foreigners.
THE PRESIDENT WILL
PROCEED TO EXERT HIMSELF
Washington, May 13.—The governor of
Alaska today called upon President Wilson
and urged the passage of several measures
affecting that territory, principally the coal
land leasing bill.
The governor will start West next Sat
lay.
FOR ALASKA EXHIBIT AT
SAN FRANCISCO EXPOSITION
Washington, May 15. In the senate this
afternoon Senator Jones of Washington
made a strong speech in support of the
resolution now before congress to appro
priate §200,000 for the purpose of making
an Alaskan exhibit at the Panama-Pacific
exposition at San Francisco next year.
MOUNT ETNA IN ERUPTION
TAKES TERRIBLE TOLL
Catania, Sicily, May 11. One hundred
and fifty persons are dead as a result of
the eruption of Mount Etna.
Eruption Continues
Rome. May 1- Mount Etna was in erup
tion again today, and frequent shocks were
felt throughout the surrounding country.
DISBURSING OFFICER FOR
RAILROAD COMMISSION
Washington. May 13. B. H. Bardollar
was today appointed disbursing officer of
the Alaska railroad engineering commission.
More Appointees
Washington. May 15. Benjamin Tillman.
.Ir,, son of Senator Tillman of South Caro
lina. and Ralph Moyer were today ap
pointed clerks of the Alaska railroad engi
j neering commission.
—
EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS IN UTAH
; Ogden. Utah. May In. Severe earth -
i <juake shocks were felt over a wade section
yesterday.
MOYER TRIAL POSTPONED
Lansing, Mich.. May 12. The trial of
Charles II. Moyer, president of the Western
Federation of Miners, charged with con
| spir :cy in connection with the riots during
I tlni strike in the copper district some months
, ago. has been postponed -until June or July.
FAMOUS AMERICAN SINGER
DIES ON FOREIGN SHORES
Batavia. Java, May li. Madame Lillian
Nordics, the famous American prima
donna, died here today.
| Lillian Nordics (Lillian Norton) was
born at Farmington. Me., in 1859. She re
ceived her musical education at the North
eastern Conservatory of Music and at Milan,
Italy. She had been married three times,
her last husband, George Washington
Young, surviving her. She began her op
eratic career at Brescia, Italy, in “La Travi
ata." Madame Nordica appeared in Lon
don in 1SS7, and later in Paris, St. Peters
burg anti other Kuropean capitals. Her
repertoire embraced forty operas and all
the standard oratorios. She was best
known in Wagnerian parts. She had ap
peared in grand opera in the United States
frequently in late years. 1
CHUGACH FOREST RESERVE
RESTORED TO PUBLIC USE
Washington, May 12. The senate com
mittee on territories today reported favor
ably the bill restoring the Chugach na
tional forest reserve, in Alaska, to the pub
lic domain.
GOVERNOR OF OREGON
MAY COME TO ALASKA
Portland, Ore., May 15. It is rumored
here that Governor West may be appointed
chairman of the Alaska road-commission.
GREAT HONORS PAID
TO DEAD SAILOR HEROES
New York, May 12.—One million per
sons watched the great memorial parade
in this city today in honor of the seven
teen United States sailors who lost their
lives at Vera Cruz at the time of the
Ajnerican occupation, and whose bodies
reached here on board the United States
cruiser Montana yesterday.
President Wilson made a short address,
in which he said the men went to Mexico
to serve mankind.
HUSTLING COAST CITY
GETS BIG CONVENTION
Atlanta, Ga., May 13. The Masonic Or
der of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
in annual session here, today chose Seattle
as the meeting place for next year’s con
clave.
Frederick Smith of Rochester, N. Y., was
elected imperial potentate.
ON THEIR HONEYMOON
Cornish, N. IF, May 12. -Secretary of
the Treasury William G. McAdoo and his
bride, formerly Miss Eleanor Wilson, daugh
ter of the President, are spending fheir
honeymoon at the summer home of Presi
dent Wilson, known as the “summer White
House.”
Copying and enlarging, also all kinds of
portrait and view work. See Clemons A
Koon, Flat City.
_
Sunday, May 10. 1914, will be a date
l uig memorable in the history of lditarod.
On that day. from early morning until late
in the afternoon, the entire population ex
perienced the sensation of “watchful wait
ing” for the detonation which should an
nounce that four tons of dynamite, four
tons of carbine, a quantity of caps and
several eases of gasoline had exploded, car
rying destruction to everything in its prox
imity. At about 4 a'it) in the afternoon,
after a spec* acular tiro lasting for some
hours, an explosion of moderate propor
tions, scattering tlames and timbers, sig
nalized the passage of the crisis, and a sigh
of relief went up from the scores of people
who had retreated to the adjoining hills
to await the outcome.
During the progress of the fire and prior
to the explosion the city was practically
deserted, only a few of the more venture
some being nearer than half a mile from
the scene of the fire.
cause ot Alarm
The object of apprehension on the part
of the residents of the city was a warehouse
belonging to the Northern Commercial Com
pany. situated on the river bank opposite
the foot of Richmond street, which con
mined large quantities of dynamite, caps,
carbide and gasoline, l.ate Saturday night,
when the llood waters of the river began to
encroach on the buildings along the water
front. Cyril Wood, local manager of the
N. C. Co., fearing that the action of the
water on the carbide would result in the
explosion < f the dynamite and other explo
sives in the warehouse, detailed men to
cross the river and remove the chemical.
They were too late, however, as the water
had already reached the carbide, and the
gas generated made it impossible for the
men to enter the building. As the water
continued to rise. Hooding the warehouse
to a depth of several feet, disquieting
sounds emanated from the building, which
were distinctly heard on the city side of
the river. The alarm went forth that the
chemical action of the water on the car
bide would cause the explosion of the dyna
mite. All night alarmed residents watched
the building, from which could be seen
clouds of vapor arising, telling of the ele
ments of death and destruction which were
in process of formation. Powerless to avert
the seemingly certain tragedy, the specta
tors seemed to be irresistibly drawn to the
river front, unmindful of the danger.
Differing Opinions
Numerous assuring opinions were given
out that there was no danger of an explo
sion, as the dynamite was frozen, the effect
of which was counteracted by equally posi
tive assertions that an explosion was in
evitable. There were equally contradic
tory statements as to the possible effect of
the explosion of such a large quantity of
dynamite, some maintaining that, it would
wreck the entire city, while others con
tended that its effect would only be felt
on buildings contiguous to the river.
Premonitory Explosion
As though serving the purpose of a warn
ing shortly before noon, when the water
began to recede, a slight explosion, prob
ably caused by excess of gas pressure, lifted
the roof of the warehouse, and soon there
after flames were seen to break out. As
this was one of the things the knowing
ones had said could not happen, general
alarm was felt, and the people were warned
to seek places of safety.
Fiight to the Hills
A general exodus began to the adjoin
ing hills. While there was no panic, every
body seemed to realize that it was the part
of wisdom to retreat to a safe distance.
Suine -ought safety far out on the train
way, while others viewed the burning ware
house from points of vantage on th_* hdl
oast of t \\i\. A few of the more venture
some elected to view the expected expl*»
-i on from the down-town streets, and
among these was Bill Ansley. intent on
securing a picture of th^ event. Some
reckless individuals were seen on the river
in a boat immediately in front of the
doomed warehouse, and these paid nr. at
tention to repeated warnings. - •
In the meantime the lire progressed, and
£oon the brilliant color of the flames an
nounced that the dynamite was burning,
and hope began t<> revive that the explo
sion would be averted.
The Final ExDlosion
After a seemingly interminable period,
ti\ explosion took place which rent the re
maining timbers of the warehouse and
threw debris to a height of fully a hundred
feet, and sent up a spiral of smoke to a
tremendous altitude, scattering fire on the
adjoining cabins, and jarring windows quite
a distance away. The comparatively mild
detonation, however, indicated that the
upheaval was not caused by the dynamite.
It was supposed to have been caused by a
box of caps, all the dynamite above water
having been thawed and burned, and tin*
gasoline being consumed early in the course
of the lire. A short distance away a cabin
c mtaining a large quantity of kerosene was
situated, but this was not affected by the
lire or explosion.
By this time the people who had sought
safety in the hills began to flock back to
the city, and the river bank was soon lined
with throngs watching a party of men
fighting to save cabins which had been set
on fire by flying timbers when the explo
sion occurred. One of these, belonging fo
Tom Willett, was entirely consumed, but
much of its contents were saved. Another
cabin, belonging to the same owner, was
saved through the energetic efforts of the
fire lighters.
Mystery of Dynamite
The following day, after the waters had
receded, it was found that many cases cf
the dynamite remained intact in the ruins
of the warehouse. The explanation is made
that, being under water, it escaped the
effect of the flames, and being frozen, the
detonations of the various explosions failed
to affect it.
Marvelous Escape
It is considered nothing short of mar
velous that such large quantities of explo
sives and combustibles should have been
consumed without serious disaster. The
fact that such materials were stored in
close proximity to the heart of the city
was not generally known, and has resulted
in agitation looking to its prevention in
future.
“Ham” Took All Necessary Precautions
Someone had told Hamilton, the tinner,
that in the event of an explosion the safest
thing to do was to lie flat on the ground.
He was making his way to a place of safety
and had just reached the tramway when
the powder was discharged. He immedi
ately followed instructions and fell flat.
! Although he didn’t pick out a very com
| fortable place for the experiment, he
*
' vouches for the efficacy of the plan, as he
escaped unhurt.
Guy Was Puzzled
Guy Geraghty arrived in town from
! Flat a few minutes prior to the explosion.
1 He had just reached a point opposite the
•X. C. Co. store when he heard someone
yelling. “Get out of there!” An excited
I individual was wildly gesticulating in the
distance and trying to make him under
stand the danger. Guy knew nothing about
the expected explosion, and thought he had
encountered an insane person. He asked.
“What's the matter with you. anyhow?''
and received in reply the mystifying state
ment. “You'll see what’s the matter if you
(ion't get out!" More mystified than ever.
Mr. Geraghty looked around on the de
*erted streets, but at length found someone
who enlightened him on the situation. He
secured a good view of the explosion, as he
was caught by a camera peeking around i
the Budweiser corner when the finale came, j
Anxiety on the Creeks
While the tire was in progress telephone ,
communication with the creeks was sus-1
pended. The operator was instructed to j
?cek a place of safety with others on like
mission, and after notifying people at Hat
anti Discovery, the office was closed, as no
good purpose could be served by taking
risks. The result was that the creek resi
dents were kept in suspense, and when the
office was again opened after the explosion
the operator was bombarded with questions
as to what had transpired.
Looked Like a Picnic
The weather was beautiful on Sunday,
with bright sunshine and a balmy breeze. I
Many found opportunity to take a pleasant
Xvalk who had not enjoyed one for months.
Had it not been for the general apprchen-;
sion of calamity, a stranger might have
been led to believe that a picnic celebration |
was in progress. Dominick Soraci was be-1
rating himself for not being thoughtful!
enough to provide a “hot weiner” outfit |
to supply the hungry crowd.
Chris Felt Like Rip van Winkle
Chris Anthonieson was enjoying an after-1
noon siesta when the crowd was warned to j
seek safety, and was awakened about 1:30,
probably by the explosion. He sought the
barber shop and found it locked, then tried
a cigar store, with the same resfllt. Looking
up and down the street, and not seeing a
living thing in sight, he commenced to
think he was in a dream, but happened to
glance up toward the cemetery and saw a
crowd gathered there. Later he Was en
lightened, but had missed all the thrills of
excitement.
He Was to Blame
A certain business man had been watch-,
ing the progress of the fire from a dis-1
tance with his wife. Becoming restless at i
the suspense, he announced his intention j
of going down town in order to be near!
his place of business in case of emergency.
His better half tried to discourage him.
but he persisted, and she decided to go
along, in spite of the husband’s protesta
tions. They left together, and when near
the business district the explosion took
place. Clinging to her husband in a frenzy
of terror, the lady exclaimed, “Now, see
what you’ve done!” fully believing that the
end had come. And there were those mean
enough to say “That’s just like a woman.”
Have your pet negatives enlarged by
Clemens & Keen.
I
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Nuiato, May 1 5.—The Tanana river is jammed between Tolovana
and Hot Springs and between Hot Springs and Gibbon.
AH the upper Tanana river ice is broken, also Fairbanks slough.
The Yukon river is open at Eagle and Circle. The ice is still
holding at Rampart.
It was raining at Nuiato yesterday, and the Yukon river was rring
at the rate of a foot every twenty-four hours. The anchor ice is not
rising yet. It is expected that the ice will move at Nuiato about
May 20.
It is reported that a soldier lost his life in the lanana river
Wednesday. He was upset from a canoe and carried under the ice.
The wire is grounded east of Gibbon and it is impossible to get
any further report.
Break-Up on Yukon Expected Shortly
Nuiato, May 16.—The Tanana river is reported to be nearly clear
of ice. The jam at Hot Springs broke at 3 o’clock yesterday after
noon, and great heaps of Tanana ice are now piling against the ice of
the Yukon at its mouth.
The ice of the Yukon river is still holding solidly, but it G ex
pected to break at Fort Gibbon within the next forty-eight hours.
Bulletins from Yukon stations state that the water is rising :ap
idly all along the line. No reports have been received at this station
from upper Yukon river points. The weather here is cloudy, and
threatening rain.
TO IMPORT NO
Denver, May 13.—Charges of arson, murder, manslaughter and
larceny have been filed against Major Hamrock of the Colorado Na
tional Guard, and he will be tried before the general court-martial.
Prohibits Importation of Strike-Breakers
President Wilson has issued an order prohibiting the importation
of strike-breakers for the Colorado mines.
Washington, May 12.—Secretary of War Garrison today issued
an ultimatum that no mines in the Colorado strike zone shall open for
the present.
LABOR LEADERS
GO SGOT FREE
Washington, May 12. The United States
supreme court today overruled the judg
ment of conviction against Samuel Gom
pers, Frank Morrison and John Mitchell,
officers of the American Fe leration of
Labor, who were sentenced to imprisonment
for various terms for contempt of court
by Justice Wright of the supreme court
of the District of Columbia. The prose
cuting officials profess to be “shocked ’ at
the decision.
[The sentence of the three labor leaders i
grew out of a controversy with the Buck |
Stove fc Range Company of St. Louis, in
whose factory there was a strike in prog
ress. The American Federationist. the offi
cial organ of the American Federation of
Labor, edited by Gompers, published the'
Buck company in its “We Don’t Patronize”;
list. The company obtained an injunction;
prohibiting the publication of this list, and
the publisher then changed the heading
over the list of “unfair” firms so as to read,
“You Don’t Have to Patronize.” This was
declared to be a violation of the injunction,
and the federation officials were sentenced
to prison Gompers for one year and Mor
rison and Mitchell to three months each.
While the case was up on appeal the Buck
Stove & Range Company settled its troubles
with organized labor and attempted to
have the case withdrawn, but this was
not allowed. The case was prosecuted With
great bitterness by the American Mer
chants and Manufacturers’ Association, of
which Charles Post, who committed suicide
at Santa Barbara, Cal., on Monday last,
was a leading member and took a promi
nent part in the prosecution.]
CHOCOLATES AND TAFFY
I have taken over the candy business of
Mrs. T. L. Thurston, and am prepared to
supply all kinds of Chocolates and Fiesh
Taffy. Telephone your orders and they
will receive prompt attention.
MRS. PERCY G. CHARLES.
A Tango Limerick
There was a young lady intent
On the tango, who gracefully bent
For the Argentine dip,
When she felt something rip,
And she said: “If you look, you’re no'
gent!” —Detroit Free Press.
Noticed It?
Now the fussy pessimist
Rudely bangs his calloused fist;
Says the world he’d like to lick
'Cause the postage stamps don’t stick.
—Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Job Printing at Pioneer office.
DEATH OF CHARLES POST.
MILLIONAIRE UNION BAITER
Santa Barbara. Cal , May 12. Charles
Post, the millionaire cereal manufacturer of
Battle Creek. Mich., committed suicide here
yesterday by blowing the top of his head
off. Ill health was given as the cause
(Charles William Post was born in
Springfield. 111., October 2f>. 1>54. lie was
successively engaged in the hardware busi
ness, as a commercial traveler and man
ager of a plow factory in Springfield until
1884. when he broke down from overwork.
He became an invalid and traveled for his
health until 1891. studying medicine m
America and Europe. lie went into the
prepared food business at Battle Creek,
Mich., and originated certain breakfast
foods, from which he made an immense
fortune. He was perhaps best, known for
his unreasoning hatred of labor unions, and
spent large sums of money with the great
newspapers of the country, occupying ad
vertising space with denunciations of the
unions and their officials. He took a promi
nent part in the prosecution of President
Gompers and other officials of the Ameri
can Federation of Labor for contempt of
court, and it is significant that the news
of his suicide is received simultaneously
with the announcement that the labor lead
ers will escape punishment. 1
EX-PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT
IS IN POOR HEALTH
New York. May 15.- Owing to the noor
health of Colonel Roosevelt, there wili be
no public reception here upon his arrival
from South America.
ALLEGED DOG POISONER
ARRESTED AT FLAT CITY
Arnold PeHeus was arrested at Flat last
night by Pcputv Marshal Charles on a war
rant charging him with maliciously expos
ing pobon. He was before Commissioner
Albrecht this morning and pleaded not
guilty, and his trial was set for Tuesday,
May 19.
The complaining witness is Owen M.
Grant, who charges the defendant with
maliciously poisoning two valuable dogs be
longing to him. It is claimed that he left
poisoned reindeer meat on the trail between
the mouth of Otter creek and Flat City.
Other persons claim to have lost dogs
from the same cause.
It is said the defendant was engaged in
killing foxes by the means of poison. This
dangerous practice has been the cause of
much complaint, and the case will be
watched with interest.
Assessment Work Blanks at Pioneer.
Location Notices at Pmn»».