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15 WILMINGTON N. C. SATURDAY- JANUARY 16, 1904. VOL. XVII. NO. 10. Fx YE CENTS SHOT HIS WIFE WAR TALK DOCTRINE NOT AMERICAN DIED AT PLAY I THE TOILS I? r Crazed by Sickness A Noted Chemist Kills Wife and Self IN PHILADELPHIA Fireside the Scene of the Awful Double -Tragedy The Madman's First Shot IM Not Accomplish Its Deadly Object So lie Pursued the Screaming Wife and Successfully Wreaked Death Happened in the Presence of Two Feminine Visitors, Who Bravely Attempted to Disarm The Frenzied Man. -Philadelphia. Pa.. January 15. Rendered insane by illness, Edward K. Landis, a widely known expert chemist, today shot and killed, his wife. Emma, and then ended his own life with the same weapon. The tragedy was enacted in the Landis residence. 4025 Spruce street,' West Philadelphia. Mr. Landis had been a sufferer from asthma for many years. Two months ago he was compelled to give up his laboratory work and had been confined to his bed for the pal two weeks. Today Mrs. Landis with her sister, Mrs. H. W. Potts, and Mrs. Patten, .a dress maker, were in the room adjoining the apartment occupied by Mr. Landis. The sick man called to his wife, complaining that the ringing of the door bell an noyed him. She entered his room and had barely stepped through the doorway when Mr. Landis raised himself in bed and. reaching under the pillow, drew forth a revolver. He fired upon his wife, the bullet taking effect in her breast. She screamed and lied .to the adjoining room, and Jier husband followed. Mrs. Potts and Mrs. Patten attempted to disarm the frenzied man, but he brushed them aside. Grasping Mrs. Landis by the haid he pulled her focibly back ward and shot her through the tem ple. The woman died instantly. Mr. Landis hastened back to his own room where he shot himself, in the head, ending his own life. Mr. Landis was 53 years of age and his wife was about 4 5 years old. He was a prominent member of the en gineers' club- of this city. He gradu ated, from the University of Pennsyl vania thirty years ago, after which he traveled extensively and studied in many of the European universi ties. Fifteen years ago he opened a laboratory here, Which was visited by chemist from all parts of this coun try, and Europe, who sought the ad vice of Mr. Landis. TAWXKY'S ANTI-TAG BILL. Tobacco Men Fought the Measure Before the House's Proper Com jnittee. "Washington, January 15. The sub committee of the House's ways and means committee- concluded hearings today on. thW Tawney. anti-tag bill, re lating to pJckages of tobacco. R. G. Hamilton, representing Bland Tobac co Company kf Petersburg. Va., oppos ed the measure as against the interests of his firm. Representatives Sherly, of Kentuoky, and Dovener, of West Virginia, argued in 1 opposition to the constitutionality of the proposed meas ure. Mr. Sherley said that while congress had a. perfect right to legislate that no tag of any sort should be placed within a package of tobacco, it had no right to allow only a certain kind of tag or coupon to bt placed therein. The argument was controverted by G. Wasson; of Pittsburg, represent ing the Xational Cigar Company, who favored the measure. No action on the. bill ha oeen taKen -jk. by the committee. BIDS FOB BATTLESHIPS' OPENED Philadelphia Concern Will Probablj Build the Idaho and Mississippi. V.rashington. January 15. Bids for the 13.000 ton battleships Idaho and Mississippi were opened at the navy department today. The bidders were as follows: Cramps and Sons, Philadelphia, one vessel to be completed in 39 months, $3 200.000 or two vessels, one within 23 months and the other 40 months, at $2.S99.500 each. The Newport News Shipbuilding Company one vessel in 37 months at 33.143.000. The Maryland Steel Company of P.altimore. one vessel within 42 months $3,472,000. . . The Fore River Shipbuilding Com pany Quincy. Mass., one vessel, 42 months.. $3,468,000. ' Te New York Shipbuilding Com rvuiy, Camden. N. J., one vessei. 43 months. $3,500,000. It has been practically decided to award the contracts for both the. Mis sissippi and -Idaho to the Cramps. The Far East Situation Looks Hopeful Though, That is All JAPAN'S REPLY Russia is Still Considering the Plucky Little Nation's Answer Misun derstanding; Between Russia and Uncle Sam Averted in Washington Yesterday Foreign Office at St. Petersburg Reports An Advance of Negotiations Russian Troops As sembling and Japanese Engineers on the Alert in Disguise. Washington, January 15. What might have developed into an unfor tunate misunderstanding between the governments of the United States and Russia regarding the interests of the United States in Manchuria was ad justed at a conference at the state department today between Mr. Hay, the secretary of state, and Count Cassini, the Russian ambassador. As a result the Russian government will be advised by the ambassador that he has the best assurances that the in terest of this country in Manchuria is absolutely and exclusivelj' commer cial, and that the consuls sent to Mukden and Antung will confine their activities to the faithful care of Amer ican trade interests in that province. Count Cassini called at the state department today to inquire into cer tain statements which several Euro pean diplomats here had brought to his attention and interpreted to in dicate a change of policy on the part of this government in the direction of political intervention in Man churia. The conference between the secretary and the ambassador was characterized by frank cordiality on both sides. The ambassador was as sured that this government does not contemplate the substitution of a po litical for a commercial policy in the far east. Russia's Black Fleet. Berlin, January 15. That Russia has applied to Turkey for permission to send her Black sea fleet through the Dardanelles is confirmed author itatively here, and it is also asserted that Russia will renew her applica tion and press for Turkey's consent. Germany's attitude at the time of the four unarmed Russian torpedo destroj'ers passed through the straits September, 1902, was that she had no concern in the matter. I xxks Like Peace. The British government is believed here to have identified itself mort fully week by week with the Japan ese position, until now Great Britain ?s almost as deeply committed to .Japan. The position in which Great Britain now stands, according to the view taken of the situation here, has impressed and is impressing the Rus sian statesmen. The readiness with which the United States associated herself with Japan in pressing for the signature of the commercial treaties with China is another fact contributory to the feeling in St. Petersburg that this is not the mo ment to fight. The decision for war or peace now rests with the Czar's advisors, and symptoms are visible here that the decision will be peace, by largely admitting Japan's de mands. The skill Japan has shown throughout the negotiations excites admiration at the German foreign office. Japan Will Defeat Herself. London, January 16. The Daily Mail's Seoul correspondent cables an interview with M. Pavloff the Russian minister to Korea, saying: "Russia will refuse to agree to the opening of Wiju and will protect Korean sovereignty at all costs. Rus sia would regard the landing of Japanese troops in Korea as an un friendly act and would defend the independence of Korea against Japan invaders." In the same interviey Minister Pavloff declared: "The Russian fleet will not fight. Fabian tactics will be employed and Japan will defeat herself within a short period of being on a war foot ing." T Reply Being Considered. St. Petersburg, January -15. The Jatranese minister. M. Kurino, today delivered the Japanese reply to the foreign office here. The reply is now under consideration here. The Russian foreign office says the present stage of the negotiations is ar. advance on previous stages, in certain respects. The two governments had approached an understanding on soa'.p points but not on others. Hopefulness reigned today in many quarters where pessimism had hitherto prevailed. Conservative opinion holds that while the nrospect of peace is rvptfr than ever, the end cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly th- umi; ner in which a settlement can be se- I cured. I Suez. January 15. The Japanese cruiser Kasag has proceeded n ir.s I voyage. The Niasin also has reached j here and is taking on coal. Russian Troops Assembling. ' Pekin. January 15. It is reported from consular sources at New-Chwang Senator Teller Hotly Took Issue With President About Panama Canal TILLMAN HEARD FROM AGAIN that Russian troops are concentrating at the towns of Li ao-Yang and Hal Cheng and other places, where, they will be in a position to re-occuyy the territory between the Liao river and the Great Wall and seize the Ne'T-Chwang-Shan-Hai-Kwan section of the Chinese railroad. To Open Yonyampho and Jikoho. London. January 16. The Daily Mail's Tokio correspondent says that the Korean cabinet has decided to open Yongampho and Jikoho and that this decision will be promulgated at th expiration of the mourning for the empress dowager. Will Blow Up the Line. Paris, January 16. The correspon dent of the Rappel at Odessa, says that the Asiatic department has ac certained that 200 Japanese engineers disguised as Chinese coolies are scat tered along the trans-Sibernian rail way with the object of blowing up tbc Line when war is declared- Great Britain Denies Report. London. January 16. The report published' in the United States by a news agency to the effect that the British government had notified Japan that any attempt of the Russian Black sea fleet to pass the Dandeane.l les would be checked by decisive ac tion, is untrue. Foreign Secretary Lansdowne today expressed disbelef that Russia had any intention of try ing to send a fleet through the Dar danelles, adding that it would be an obvious " breach of treaty in which Great Britain could not possibly ac quiesce. TRIAL OF MRS. BECHTEL. Number of Witnesses Examined Yes terday, But Nothing Startling or Important Developed. Allentown, Pa., January 15. The trial of Mrs. Catherine Bechtel, charg ed with being'an accessory after the fact to the murder of her daughter., Mabel, was continued today and" a number of witnesses were examined. No importance evidence. . however, was elicited to throw light upon the mystery of the girl's death.. Mr. Schadt, the attorney for Mrs. Bechtel, is strenuously endeavoring not alone to acquit his client, but to remove from the memory of her son, Thomas, the suicide, the stigma .of being the urderer of his sister. This was indicated several times today on his cross examination of witnesses fo the commonwealth. At the present rate of progress the case will drag over this into next week. Experts on blood stains will likely be called tomorrow. Both sides are well fortified with expert talent. Mrs. Margaret Miller testified to see ing blood spots on the sidewalk m front of the Bechtel home beside car riage wheel tracks and hoof marks. She said Tom Bechtel rarely spoke .to any member of the family, but triat Mabel and her mother frequently quarreled over Weisenberg, the mother objecting to her association with him. Several neighbors testified that they heard nothing unusual in the Bechtel home on the night of the murder. Coroner Scheirer testified that Rigor Mortis was setting in when he took charge of Mabel Bechtel's body. He 1 said the wounds had been evidently inflicted by a concave instrument. The wounds rooked as though they had been washed. Dr. W. W. Esbach, corroberated Coroner Scheirer's evidence. Death, he said, was due to a fractured skull. Police Chief Eastman told of finding the blood stained garments and ar ticles in the Bechtel home. Tom Bech tel came to police headquarters, he said. Wednesday afternoon and volun teered to help find the man who kiiled his sister. Undertaker V. F. Wonderly identi fied the clothing taken from Mabel's body. Tom called at the morgue, he said, to see the body and was visibly affected. During this testimony Mrs. Bechtel wept freely, her body quiver ing as she gave expression to her sor row. Eugene HartzeJl. a next door neigh tor gave some important information. While in the outhouse on his premises at 3 a. m. Monday he saw a light iir Bechtel's kitchen the rear door being open. Witness, heard the voices of a man and a women. He also hear ! water flowing into the cess pool from the Bechtel home. Two hours later Bechtel's door was closed and no water was flowing. W. R. Whitehorne. professor of chemistry at Muhlenburg college, re ported his analysis of Mabel's stomach and its contents. There was no poison discovered. Vessel Long Over Due. New Haven. Conn,, January 15 Thir ty days out from Fernandina, Fla., with a cargo of lumber for New York. some fears are felt for the safety of the three masted schooner James D Dewellof this port. The Dewell should have reached New York sn 14 days from Pernandina. Former Lieu tenant Governor James X. Dewell, the managing owner, said today that it ?s possible the vessel has been obliged to run out to sea on account of adverse weather. Speaker of Yesterday's Senatorial Ses sion Went for Roosevelt on His Panama Doctrine in No Uncertain i Manner Not Only a- Dangerous But an Un-American Doctrine He Declared Tillman Had to Make His Usual Interruption and Once Again Poured Out Hot Shot Sen ator Spooner Also Had Something to Say. Washington, January 15.- Today's session of the senate began with the passage of a number of bills on the calendar and closed in like manner. The intervening time was given over to a speech by Mr. Teller on the Panama canal question, which was devoted to the contention that the course of the president in connection with the recent revolt of Panama had been contrary to precedent and in contravention of international law. In the course of his remarks Mr. Teller referred to Mr. Tillman and the latter interrupted to say that he had been misunderstood, and desired to explain. He said he had meant to say that it would have been pre ferablib for the United States to tell Colombia to get off the isthmus en- tirely than for us to "pursue there . the methods of the sneakthief and maintain the attitude of a bully." In response to a suggestion made by Mr. Teller, Mr. Spooner interrupt ed to say that by the treaty of 1846 Colombia was bound to maintain the perpetual rights of the United States to passage across the isthmus and he argued that that right remains even though Colombia does not stand be hind it. Mr. Teller asked for an opinion Jr,Qm'the Wisconsin Senator concern ing "the new " theory of international eminent domain," and the latter re plied that "he had not yet been able to give his assent to that doctrine." That doctrine, as he understood it, meant that when a weak nation had what a strong nation needed the lat ter might take it by means of arms, if necessary. Yet it must be re membered that right of way of one land owner over land owned by an other person is a right recognized by the world. "If," he said, "there is a doctrine of the private way of necessity are we to say that there is not an international way . of necessity where the interest of the world is concerned?" There were other interruptions to which Mr. Spooner referred and this brought the remark by . Mr. Tillman that "it takes a great many doctrines to bring about the birth of this baby." "I'll try to take care of my- own babies," responded Mr. Spooner, "and when I can't do that I will ask some member of my own family to do so." The colloquy caused a general out burst of laughter. After it had sub sided, Mr. Spooner continued his statement, saying that he was willing to confess that he had not reached a conclusion in his own mind. "I am not willing to concede the right of international eminent domain, but I can't find it in my heart to deny It." Mr. Teller took issue with the pres ident's declaration that the course pursued in Panama had been in theJPe, "That," he said, "was a dangerous doctrine, and was just such a doctrine as Russia might appeal to if she should attempt to crush Japan. The doctrine was not American; it was contrary to all the best traditions of this country. It was the doctrine that might makes right." He dis cussed the government of Panama, declaring it to be unrepublican in form and was interrupted y Mr. Spooner, who said that it had been a "mooted question as tjo whether there is a republican form of gov ernment in Colorado." "If," responded Mr. Teller, "there i3 not a republican form of govern ment in Colorado, 'there is a repub lican administration there." The senate adjourned until Mon- MUST CONNECT AT SELMA. The Corporation Cimmission Decides Against , Coast Line and Order Will be Issued Today. (Special to The Messenger.) Raleigh, N. C. January 15. The cor poration commission today issued an order requiring the Atlantic Coast Line to make connection with the Southern at Selma. The order directs that tha Coast Line shall mafte connec'ion be tween Rocky MOunt and Selma after 12:50 and before 2:25 p. m. Thjs can be done either by continuing to Selma the train which now runs from Plymouth to "Rocky Mount and which lies at the latter place all day. or by continuing to Selma the train which now tuns from Spring Hope t Rocky Mvnt Th formal order will not "be issued until tomorrow. College Student Acci dentally Killed His Chum and Room Mate AT CHOCAWINITY While Returning From Hunting Two Young Men of Trinity School En gaged in Deadly Play With Guns. Top of One's Head Blown Off. School and Community Prostrated With Grief Both .Students Were From Windsor, N. C. There the Body of the Unfortunate Young Man Will be Sent Today. (Special to The Messenger.) Washington, N. C, January 15. (News has Just reached this city of the killing of Archie Bridgers, a student at the Trinity school, Chocawinity, about three miles from this city, this after noon. The shooting was done by Ruffin Sessoms, another student of the school. Both of the young men are from Windsor, N. C They were out hunt ing together and while returning en gaged in play and commenced to snap their guns at each other. It was the same old story a gun not thought to be loaded. When within a few hundred yards of the school, Sessions pointed his gun at Bridgers and it fired. The load struck Bridgers in the temple, completely tearing ofr the top of his head. He died in a few minutes. Both of the young men were bosom friends. They were room mates at school and lived in the same town. The shooting was purely an accident. The young man who did the shooting is prostrated with grief, as is the en tire school. Sessoms is a poor young man and is working his way through scnool. The family of the boy killed was notified tonight at Windsor. The body will be taken to Windsor tomor row morning accompanied by Rev. N. C Hughes, principal of the school, and two of bis school mates. Thip is the first accident to happen atTj:1 jivti. the entire community is in grief over the sad occurrence. BRYAN LOOKS FOR VICTORY. Ardent Free Silver Advocate" Passed Through St. Louis Yesterday Did and Did Not Discuss Politics. St. Louis, January 15 "Everything points to victory," said William J. Bryan, who spent an -hour in St, Louis today en route home to Lin coln, Neb., in answer to a question asked by the Post-Dispatch as to the democratic national outlook. "What do you think about Judge Parker, of New York?" he was ask ed. "I am not thinking about Parker at all." "How would Senator Gorman, of Maryland, suit you?" "I am not discussing Mr. Gorman or any other candidate at this time." "Is it true that you have expressed a preference for Mr. Hearst?" "Now," said Mr. Bryan, "I wish you would write down what I have said ubout Mr. Hearst." "He then dictated the following: "I appreciate the work Mr. Hearst has done for the democratic party and count him among rhy per sonal friends, but I am not advocat ing his nomination or that of any other person. I am avoiding any xpression of . preference for any- T think I have already made it perfectly plain that I am not." "Would you become one if condi tions should indicate the necessity of your making the race?" "I can imagine no circumstances under which it would be either wise or necessary for me to become a can diate." Mr. Bryan would not commit him self as to the eligibility of Mayor McClellan, of New York,, for the democratic nomination.. "Did your journey modify in any way your views on the money ques tion?" Mr. Bryan was asked. "It did not," he replied emphatical ly. "I am still a believer m the prin ciple of free silver. But I will say this, that I got one new idea, which I will discuss at some future time." Indianapolis. January 15. A special from Evansville says: j Before leaving here Wall am J. Bryan confided to several local democratic leaders that he will become editor of a new daily paper at St. Louis tMs year. It is raid William IL Hearst will be asscc ated with Mr. Bryan in the new venture. Chicago. January 15. Mr. Bryan tele graphed as follows from Hannib'll, Miss.: "Have not heard of Hearst's St. Louis paper, I shall publish daily edition of the Commoner in St. Louis during the convention. (Signed) fW. X BRYAN"." Hobson With His Hi Mother. Boulder, Colo., January 15. Captain (Richmond P. Hobson has arrived here from Birmingham, Ala., and is now at the bedside of his mother, a The con dition of Mrs. Hobson is still very serious, but she is reported to be resting easily. Desperado Who Escaped From North Carolina Prison Captured A SAFE-CRACKER Not Until Five Gleaming Rerolrers Were Pointed at I Urn Did irmkuK Hoolihan Surrender Oaptmre Noted Crook Mado by Chicago Police- Ho Escaped From the Penitentiary in Raleigh Ore Five Years Ago Wliilo Serrisg n Sen tence Imposed by n Tkinla Court. Chicago, January IS. Wltfc the revolvers of five policemen pointed at his head, William Hollihan. alias -"Bid," said to be one f the most expert safe robbers in America, has been compelled to submit t arrest in a Chicago saloon. The prisoner, who is said to have been a fugitive for the last seven years. Is wanted for having broken out of a Jail in Virginia, where he was sent on a charge of safe-blowing. -"The strong box in the postofflce of Roanoke, Va., was robbed by Hollihan and two oth ers, who secured nearly $3,001 in postage stamps and about $250 in currency. Roanoke, Va., January 15. W. G. Baldwin, head of the Baldwin Detec tive Agency and president of the Railway Special Agents' Association of America and Canada, when shown the Chicago story about William Hollihan's arrest said Hollihan is one of the notorious crooks of the coun try. He and two of his pals cracked a Norfolk and Western railway safe at Rustburg, Va., seven years ago, securing two cents in money and a watch. They then went to Salem. Va., this county, where they cracked the i; postoff ice safe, securing $ 2 0 0t The three men were captured In this city, tried here and given sentences of five years each In the North Caro lina penitentiary at Raleigh, ,f rom which prison Hollihan made his es cape, after serving 15 months of his term. Hoolihan Is wanted at Waulka shaw, Wisconsin, among ethe places, for safe cracking. Postmaster Samuel H. Hge, of this city, stated that there never has been any such robbery In the Roanoke, Va., postofflce as is mentioned In the Chicago story.- TROLLEY CAR DEMOLISHED. Was Struck by Railroad Train and Tldrty-Four Passengers Injmrcd. Detroit, Mich.. January 16. Am east bound Michigan line car carrying a heavy load of passengers, hurrying home at the close of the day, was struck by a grand trunk passenger ' train this evening at Gratiot avenu and Dequindre street. More than 3-t people were injured, the heary doubla truck car being carried 20t. feel down the track from the point of collision and being almost demolished- JEvery ambulance In the city was hrried to the scene. Seven of the injured wen? conveyed to hospitals and 27 wer taken to their homes. No one was killed though some of the injured are In a very serious condition and may die. AN ENJOYABLE EVENING. The "Whites" Had a Pleasant Enter tainment at the Y. M. O. A. Last Night. The "Whites" under the leadership of Captain McGeachy gave an enter tainment last night at the Y. If. C. A. hall. Col. Walker Taylor made eft ex cellent address, his main theme being; "Higher Ideals of Manhosd." "The Fifth Street quartette could not be present owing to the sickness of a member of the quartette. A vocal solo rendered by Mr. Weetbroolc was highly enjoyed. After the exercises were concluded the guests assembled in the reception room where refreshments were served. The evening was highly enjoyed by all who attended and Captain Mc Geachy no doubt will gain several new recruits by his hospitality. Changes With Norfolk and Western. Roanoke. Va., January 15. It is ofll clallv announced here tonight that at a meeting of the board of directors ot the Norfolk and Western Railway Com- . pany held in Philadelphia Wednesday; N D. Maher, at present general super intendent of that road, was appointed general manager and J. W. Ooxe, at present general auditor, was made- comptroller to succeed the late IM. C Jameson. W. H. Wilson H made audi- ' tor of disbursements. The changes gtv Into effect February 1st. t . 1 -4 i
The Wilmington Messenger (Wilmington, N.C.)
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Jan. 16, 1904, edition 1
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