text: . ' i »« ij.' . *» yf’n lUJi .. v> i '<1 ' • » • * * .f ■ ■ jNS {k * , . v > - 'C ti iiWBwWwaaPire»PiWMwife!Aj f rili 'SI IHsfy*' Vv • ' ■ ‘ BK ill«®| v'i$?. :£tw. <nBE^TnnH^j ■■ . ’ • _ _ ^ ' _'_ - - - -.. .- ~- ■ ■ ■ ..—.1" - - .. —> — - - — . .... • ■ ■■■- -■■ .— .. .— .- ■ ■■ - ■■ ■ - - ■ - ■ ■ ■■■——-—— - VOL. XXIV BliANDON, RANKIN COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, THURSDAY, JANUARY, 13 1910. NO. 21. DUPONT POWDER • PLANUM UP Thirteen person* are report ed TO HAVE BEEN KILLED IN EXPLOSION. TWO ARRESTS ARE MADE « Explosion of Finishing Mills For1 High Grade Smokeless Powder at Car ney’s Point Shakes Surround ing Country. Philadelphia.—Thirteen persons are reported to have been killed in an ex plosion at the Boscher plant of the Du Pont Powder Company, at Carney’s Point, early on the morning of Jan. 10. The steamer Long Beach, which was 'tust leaving its dock, was blown partly out of the water. All its win dows were broken and part of the cab in was smashed. None of the passen gers, however, are believed to have been hurt. The force of the explosion was so great that it was heard in this city, 25 miles distant. It is reported that seven were se verely burned; that the blast was caus ed by outside influences, and that two men had been arrested. As all wire communication to Carney’s Point was cjut off by the explosion, none of these reports could be confirmed. The explosion occurred in the Boscher plant mill, where the finest grades of smokeless powder are prepared for shipment. It happened shortly after the force of workers had changed at midnight. It was 12:25 o'clock when the huge blending tower containing thousands of pounds of powder blew up, and the force shook this city, Camden, and the country for miles around. GARRISONS' DEFENSE PLAN Secretary of War Asks Military Committee for Army of One Million In Six Years. Washington. — Secretary Garrison has placed before the House military affairs committee his formal argument in behalf of the administration’s army plan, which is designed to give the Country a definite military policy. It proposes the creation of a mobile federal force of more than a million men in six years, accumulation of a huge reserve of ammunition and equipment and elaborate extension of coast defense, the whole project involving an increased expense of $600,000,000 and an annual war department budget thereafter of more than $290,000,000, as compared with an average of $100,000,000 for the last few years. “The integrity of the nation and its very existence,” the secretary said, reading from a lengthy statement he had prepared, “may depend upon what is done in this matter at this time. This great opportunity will be lost unless a wise, sensible, and practical policy is the result of the consideration and action of this Congress.” Turning to the national guard, Mr. Garrison said: “At present this force consists of approximately 129,000 men and officers and it would therefore be necessary, if it is to be expanded to 400,000, to add 2,000 men and officers. I, therefore, oppose a large addition to the federal aid extended to the national guard, so that the system may be operated to its maximum capacity and be available for the federal purposes specified in its first effective condition.” The secretary then outlined the continental army plan, which proposes to raise 400,000 men in annual increments of 133,000 each from districts approximating the 400 congressional districts, each to supply 333 men annually. The men would enlist for three years with the colors and three years on furlough, and would be armed, equipped and officered. Their training would be done by the officers and men of the regular army organization and they would be paid during the time of their service on the same basis as the regular army. A thorough understanding to the question of the size of the regular army necessary to train the continentals and carry on the various military activities of the War Department in normal times, Mr. Garrison said it had been demonstrated to him that a mobile force of 60,000 and 20,000 coast artillery troops would serve all needs. Such a force, an increase of nearly 40,000 over the present army, he said, would be comparatively inexpensive, would require no additional quarters and could be recruited. For these reasons he recommended the addition of ten regiments of infantry, 4 regiments of field artillery, 32 companies of coast artillery, 16 companies of engineers and 4 aeroplanes, and a corps of coast artillery. CONSCRIPTION WINS OUT Wild Scerte of Enthusiasm When Measure Passes House of Commons On First Reading. London.—Amid scenes of wild enthusiasm, the House of Commons has passed the first reading of the government bill for compulsory military service by the decisive vote of 403 to 105. Throughout developments outside of Parliament, the debate in the House has forged steadily ahead. It was reserved for A. J. Balfour, first lord of the admiralty, to close the debate in behalf of the government, and he did it in a persuasive appeal of half an hour, which roused the lagging spirits of the advocates of the bill and turned the tide of adversity which had been running steadily against the measure through the debate and the outside events of the day. “Let this vote tonight show that we are a united people,” was his closing appeal. “Do not let us give a false impression to the world that in the moment of the country’s greatest emergency we are divided one against another. Abandon your abstract theories and remember we are dealing with stern realities which call for great sacrifices.” Then came the vote, which was taken amid eager interest as the members filed before the tellers and peers crowded to their galleries to witness the final result. The announcement of the figures was received with a tremendous outburst of cheering, which rang through the chamber and was echoed to the waiting crowds outside. Scores of members in khaki waved their handkerchiefs and the air was rent with white papers flung in triumph at the government’s success. Amid the demonstration, Premier Asquith, his face, usually pale, now glowing with satisfaction, walked down the floor of the House to present the bill formally to the chamber. His appearance was the signal for a rapturous ovation, members of all sides standing and cheering, while the galleries could with difficulty be restrained from joining in the enthusiasm. An analysis of the vote showed that the government had held the great bulk of the Liberal and Conservative vote. The Irish Nationalists had voted against the bill, but the Irish Unionists supported the measure and the O’Brienites took no part in the division. 4 DEAD IN STRIKE RIOT Torch Applied by Raffners in Youngstown, Ohio, Does $800,000 Damage. Many Are Wounded. Youngstown, Ohio.—After a night of looting and arson at the hands of a drunken mob, the situation in East Youngstown was gradually being gotten under control on the morning of Jan. 8. Four persons were killed during the rioting and 19 wounded, some of whom were women. The fire which had destroyed between 40 and 50 buildings, doing damage estimated at over $800,000, was still raging. For practically six hours, crowds of men, many maddened with drink, ran through the streets, smashing the windows of buildings with cubs and then tearing out entire fronts. The rioters then would loot the place and apply the torch. With the rioting at its height, Oscar Diser, city solicitor of East Youngstown, organized a body of citizens and, armed with revolvers, marched to the point where the rioters had just looted a building. The citizens fired a volley over the heads of the rioters, who returned the fire. Diser ordered his men to fire again, pointing their weapons point-blank at the mob. About half a dozen men fell. Armed with nightsticks, the solicitor and his men waded into the rioters, using their clubs freely and scattering them into groups. One of the buildings attacked by the mob was that in which the post office was located. According to reports, rioters forced their way into the building, compelled a man who was on duty at the time to open the safe and then looted the place. The building was later burned. Company K, of the Eighth Regiment, Ohio National Guard, arrived here early today and marched once to East Youngstown. The report that troops had begun to arrive seemed to awed the rioters and resulted in many leaving the city, according to the police. Two companies of United States regulars from Columbus are reported to have been ordered to East Youngstown because of the looting and burning of the post office. The trouble was the culmination of a strike of laborers which began at the plant of the Republic Iron & Steel Company a week ago, and spread to the plants of the tube company, the Youngstown Iron & Steel Company and the Brier Hill Steel Company, all “independent” concerns. The men demanded 25 cents an hour, while the companies offer an increase from 19 cents to 22 cents per hour. GIVE OF ALL TROOPS ARE WITHDRAWN FROM THE LAST PART OF THE PENINSULA. ONLY ONE MAN WOUNDED Since Retirement From Anzac and Sulva Bay No Strategic Advantage in Occupying the Tip of Land. London.—The remaining positions on Gallipoli peninsula held by the allies have been abandoned with the wounding of only one man among the British and French, according to a British official statement. The news has been expected for several days, for the retirement of the troops from Anzac and Sulva Bay several weeks ago left no strategic advantage to the retention of the tip of the peninsula. Nevertheless, the news will be received with a pang of regret by the people of the British. Lies, as well as the colonies. Renewed activity of various kinds noted by the Turkish official communi cations in the past few days has pre sumably been in the nature of prepa rations for the final act of the Darda nelles tragedy. Turkish official state ment covering that period records in* creasing effectiveness of the re-en forced Turkish batteries, which have been drawing in and concentrating on the allies’ remaining positions. Gen. Sir Charles Monro, according to the official statement, reports that only one British soldier was wounded in the evacuation of the peninsula, that there were no casualties among the French and that all the guns were blown up. “Our casualties amounted to one member of the British rank and file wounded. “There were no .casualties among the French. “Gen. Monro states that the accoiS? plishment of this difficult task was due to Gens. Birdwood and Davies and in valuable assistance rendered under the highest difficulties by Admiral Rose buck and the Royal Navy.” HEAR PERSIA WAS ARMED Washington Officials Are Puzzled Over New Development in Sinking of British Steamer. Washington.—The administration is puzzled as to its course in the Persia case because of the fact that the liner was armed. This has been learned on reliable authority. The State Depart ment has let it be known that the Navy Department has been asked for expert opinion on just what uses the Persia’s armament could be put to. In addition to this it wts learned that the State Department has ordered Consul General Arnold at Alexandria to obtain sworn statements from the British offi cers of the Persia as to the vessel’s ar mament. President Wilson held a long conference with Secretary of State Lansing on the Persia. Afterward, it was officially stated at the State Department that “the mind of the department is open on all questions involved.” Officials reiterated that this government will mark time until a reply is received from Ambassador Penfield at Vienna to the query as to the nationality of the submarine that sank the Persia. It is now thought that this reply will not be received for several days. In that event, it is said the president probably will take up the case with his cabinet at the regular meeting on Friday. Experts of the Navy Department said if the Persia carried a 4.7-inch gun as reported that she could have sunk a submarine anywhere within approximately 10 miles. They declared that even a one-inch gun would be sufficient for sinking a submarine a mile and a half away. These experts also declared that the fact that the gun was mounted after necessarily would not keep it from being used offensively. They said that the liner could be turned quickly enough to permit of the gun’s use in any direction. It was stated on authority that the reply of this government to Austria’s last note on the Ancona case will be held in abeyance until the case of the Persia is completely cleared up. 40,000 Serbs in Greece. London.—Telegrams from Athens say that the number of Servian refugees in Greek territory is now 40,000, of whom 6,000 are at Saloniki. INDEMNITY IS OFFERED New Proposals Received from Germany Lusitania Case May End Controversy—Tension Lessens. Washington.—Two communications from Germany have reached the United States, one containing a proposal to pay an indemnity for the Americans lost in the Lusitania disaster, which may bring negotiations on that subject to a conclusion, and the other conveying assurances that German submarine commanders operating in the Mediterranean would not torpedo non-combatant ships of any character without warning them and according safety to their passengers and crews. The communications were delivered to Secretary Lansing by Count von Bernstorff, the German ambassador. The secretary immediately sent them to President Wilson. Official Washington now considers that America and Germany at last are near a final agreement regarding the conduct of submarine warfare. Officials made no attempt to conceal their gratification at the attitude Germany apparently has assumed. It is considered as virtually in harmony with the American viewpoint. Tension regarding the entire submarine question seemed to have lessened considerably. Austria in its reply to the last Ancona note having assured the United States of its intentions to operate submarines with due regard for international law and the principles of humanity; Turkey and Bulgaria, it is understood, next will take steps to give such guarantees. It is stated authoritatively that Germany and Austria-Hungary will use their influence to accomplish this end. The Lusitania controversy, except for the wording of the agreement to be entered into, is considered in Teutonic circles here virtually as being ended. ENGLAND FACES CRISIS Passage of Conscription Bill May Cause Breakup of Government and a General Election. London.—The question on every tongue at the political rendezvous now is whether the recent momentous events in the passage of the conscription bill had brought a general election within sight. An appeal to the country and a breakup of both the coalition government and the labor party are contingencies of the near future and while the government has secured what in ordinary circumstances would be regarded as a satisfactory majority — 292 — for its bill, the defection of a large section of the labor party, with the loss of four members of the government in a critical condition and many doubts are expressed that it will succeed in weathering the storm. No cabinet council has yet been announced and a majority of the members of the House of Commons are adverse to a general election, but as appeal to the country may come about in either of two ways. First, the House of Lords could without the consent of the government bring the life of Parliament to an end by simply declining to proceed with the Parliament and registration bill which prolongs the life of Parliament eight months. On the other hand, it may seem to be found that Reginald McKenna, chancellor of the exchequer, and Walter Runciman, president of the board of trade, are quitting the cabinet, though nothing yet is known of their position, in which case it would not be improbable that the government would seek an exit from its difficulties by resigning and appealing to the country. BRITISH LOSE BATTLESHIP. No Lives Reported Lost When King Edward VII Strikes a Mine. London.—Another pang to the British public will be caused by the announcement that the battleship King Edward VII has been blown up by a mine. The brief official statement on the incident does not reveal the scene of action and merely says that the disaster occurred in a heavy sea, despite which the entire crew was saved before the ship went down. The King Edward VII represented an investment of near $8,000,000, and was one of the finest of the last class of pre-readnoughts, corresponding in general to the American ships of the New Jersey and Nebraska type, and was only slightly older than the Natal, which was sunk by an internal explosion about a week ago. The sinking of the King Edward VII was announced by the admiralty in the following statement: WH. M. S. King Edward VII has struck a mine. Owing to the heavy sea she had to be abandoned and sank shortly afterwards. The ship’s company was taken off without loss of life. Only two men were injured. HOUSE SMIP GOES TO CONNER REPRESENTATIVE FROM COVINGTON WINS OVER JOHNSON ON THE FOURTH BALLOT. BREWER DELIVERS MESSAGE Outgoing Governor Tells Solons He Leaves State’s Financial State Clear—Asks for State Juvenile Reformatory. —Jackson. Coming in as a dark horse, M. S. Conner, representative from Seminary, Covington county and the youngest candidate in the field, was elected speaker of the lower house at the organization session held Jan. 4. Conner showed Surprise strength on the first ballot when he received a plurality of the votes cast; on the fourth and last ballot he won out over Representative O. G. Johnson, Jr., of Coahoma county, by receiving 97 votes to his opponent’s 33. The selection of the house speaker was by far the most interesting feature of the opening session, and Connor's election was the surprise of the session. A first-termer in the legislature, he was practically unknown. Then, too, he was pitted against two of the best known solons in the state. The new speaker is known to have had the support of the governor-elect in his race, and his success is said to have been due to this influence. He is yet in his thirtieth year. After the installation of the speaker, George B. Powers of Jackson was elected clerk of the house over five other candidates. Mr. Powers received on the last ballot 71 votes against 64 for W. J. Evans of Calhoun county, the runner-up. Little work except that of organization was undertaken by the senate and operations in that house were overshadowed by the speakership race in the lower house. The body was called to order by Lieut. Gov. Bilbo, with 42 senators present. By acclamation Dr. Carroll Kendrick of Alcorn county was chosen president pro tempore. For secretary, John Falkner, Jr., of Oxford outran G. O. Robinson of Rankin county, 30 to 12. I. L. Tigert, of Tipah county, won out in five ballots over seven candidates for sergeant-at-arms. Wm. H. Reese of Hinds county and W. H. Benton of Claiborne county, each of whom is a one-armed Confederate veteran, were selected as the two senate doorkeepers. Gov. Brewer Delivers Message. Before an attentive audience, the governor, in his inaugural address, delivered a message from the governor, which was a tribute to the state's prosperity and the importance of the state's economy. A delegation of senators, representatives, and visitors, Gov. Earl Brewer has delivered his message to the Mississippi state legislature. The message in chief was rather brief, but it covered concisely all matters of interest pertaining to the administration. The governor, in calling attention to the financial condition of the state, cites that during his administration, the current expenses of the state have been met without floating additional indebtedness. Careful watch on the disbursements have held them within the receipts, he says. According to the governor's message, one of the most needed institutions in the state at the present is an increase to the state charity hospital. He recommends that the present legislature take this matter up and pass measures suitable to relieve the present crowded conditions. State Librarian Elected. Mrs. William F. Marshall of New Albany, out of a total of nine starters, has been elected state librarian, to succeed Miss Mattie Plunkett, who has held the position for 16 years. The election was held by a joint assembly of the two houses. Following her election, Mrs. Marshall was escorted to the speaker’s stand, where she made a short address. Prison Cotton Sold. The state prison trustees have paid into the treasury the sum of $67,000 as further payment on the last lot of cotton sold, which was bought by Boyce & Co. Other payments will be made as the cotton is shipped at Parchman and weights verified and checked. The trustees also report the sale of another lot of cattle which were at Parchman, receiving $380 for some 30 head of old cattle and the rate of three cents per pound on the hoof for a smaller lot of steers. Fire at Indianapolis destroyed the meat market of Freeman & Grant. The loss on building and stock is estimated at $5,000. Purvis.—An eagle measuring seven feet from tip to tip of its wings has been shot by Ebb Davis, a farmer living 13 miles west of here. Starkville.—Capt. W. J. Houssou, who was born in Lincoln county, Tennessee, June 1, 1829, is dead at his home here. He was a veteran of both the Mexican and Civil wars. Cleveland.—A special meeting of the new board of supervisors of Bolivar county has been called to be held on January 14 to consider the purchase of a farm from four to seven hundred acres of land to be used by the county as a convict farm. Biloxi.—Robbers entered the home of S. Tedesco, a wholesale fruit merchant of this city, and stole money amounting to $45.60, leaving a gold watch and diamond stud lying near where the money was found. Mystery surrounds the theft, as the robbers seemed to be after money alone. Greenwood.—W. N. Pillow has purchased Rose Bower, the splendid plantation fronting the Yazoo river, and belonging to Firman Smith and his sister, Miss Kate Smith, the consideration being $50,000. There are 800 acres in cultivation and 490 in timber. This place is at Roebuck. Port Gibson.—Will Middleton, negro, after two mistrials, has been found guilty of shooting with intent to kill near Grand Gulf last March. Middleton became intoxicated, started out to kill his mistress, and when overtaken by officers, he opened fire on them, wounding Charles Wheeless and John Stampey, both white men. Biloxi.—Grand Exalted Ruler J. M. Nicholson of the national organization of Elks, with headquarters in Boston, Mass., will visit Biloxi and Gulfport on January 26. An elaborate program will be arranged for the visit of this prominent Elk when he comes to the gulf coast on a visit to the chief lodges of the state. Invitations will be extended to other members of other lodges of the state to visit the coast for the occasion. Columbus.—Harrison Johnston, the oldest Elk in the United States and oldest and wealthiest citizen of Columbus, has celebrated the 101st anniversary of his birth. He is a member of Columbus Lodge No. 555, B. P. O. E., and carries a membership card of solid gold. Mr. Johnston was born in Frederick county, Va., Jan. 7, 1815, but has been living in Columbus more than half a century, “and for many years was engaged in the manufacturing business. Agricultural College—With the organization of the Mississippi Aberdeen Angus Breeders’ Association, which will take place on Jan. 20, at Winona, Miss., when the Angus men from all over the state will meet, another step forward in the development of the state’s beef cattle industry will be made. Among the prominent Aberdeen Angus breeders who will meet at Winona to discuss the problems are George Ballentine of Sardis, Miss.; R. J. Burnette, Vicksburg; J. M. Aldrich, Michigan City; I. W. Carpenter, Agricultural College; W. H. Hurdle, Holly Springs; Josh Cavette, Macon; Cary Cocks, Columbus. T. N. Askew, Edwards; L. D. Pepper, Lerington, and E. R. Lloyd, Agricultural College. Greenville.—Frank Rawls, the young white man who has been awaiting disposition of his case under charge of irregularities in the Greenville post office, has entered a plea of guilty. Meridian.—Incomplete returns received at the W. W. Venable headquarters from different counties in the Fifth Congressional District show that in the election for congressman Venable has defeated W. H. Joyner. Venable defeated all of his opponents combined in Lauderdale, the largest county of the district, by over 2,300 majority. He has carried Clarke and Winston and has made a good showing in other counties. His headquarters stated that he was elected by between 1,000 and 1,500 over W. H. Joyner, the next highest man. Joyner would make no definite claim. Judge Dobbs’ headquarters conceded Venable’s election by 500. Lauderdale County has given Venable a total of 2,800 votes and the City of Meridian gave him practically a solid vote. The issue between Venable and Joyner was clear-cut, the latter opposing the preparedness policy of President Wilson, while Venable advocated the program. 