0
K,b Historical
platomoutb Journal.
SEMI-WEEKLY EDITION-EIGHT PACKS
PLATTSMOUTH, NE 1511 ASK A, TUUliSDAY DECtiMUlttt 8,
VOLUME XXIX
NO 92
cue
MURDER
I
1
IIICES I08AI III OKI COURT
As This is the Second Trial Much Interest is Manfest in the Re
sult of the Trial Matthew Gering and VV. C Ramsey Assist
ing in Prosecution.
Catholic Sokols Choose Officer.
At their regular meeting yesterday
afternoon at their club rooms In this
city, the Catholic Sokol society elect
ed officers to fill the positions for tne
ensuing year. The following named
gentlemen were selected: Fred Kuni-
furst, president; Anton J. Koubeck,
vice president; Joe Sedlock, corres
ponding secretary; Joe Rocek, secre
tary; Anton II. Koubeck, treasurer;
James Wovaeek, Fred Vostres and
Charles Gradoville, trustees.
From Monday'! Dally.
The trial of John Clarence for the
murder of John Thacker on or about
the 22nd day of January, 1909swa3
begun for the second time In the dis
trict court today, Judge Travis and
the attorneys for the state and de
fendant and clerk of the court, Jas.
M. Robertson, began at 2 o'clock to
select a Jury, the state being repre
sented by County Attorney Taylor
and W. C. Ramsey, and the defendant
by John C. Watson, of Nebraska City.
At the former trial, defendant was
represented by Clark and Robertson,
who conducted a very able defense,
and had a verdict and judgment
against the defendant reversed In the
supreme court. Dut for some reason
the defendant has seen fit to employ
an attorney from outside the county,
and for ability In criminal defense he
probably could not have secured a
better lawyer than Mr. Watson.
The crime for which John Clarence
Is now on trial was committed on a
farm, a few miles northeast of Union,
where the principals In the trouble
were assisting a neighbor in shelling
corn. The evidence on the former
trial was very conflicting as to who
was the aggressor, and as to whether
the shooting occurred before or after
the parties had clinched and were
struggling on the ground. After the
shooting, Thacker was taken to his
home, informing those with him that
he was satisfied. On arriving at his
home a physician was sent for, but
i ously until he reached Plattsmouth,
and dismounting in front of the Per
kins house, gave himself Into the
hands of Constable John Cory, deliv
ering to him the revolver with which
he had fired the fatal shots, and at
the same time said he had shot John
Thacker. The officer received the
weapon and placed Clarence in jail,
where he was held awaiting the re
sults of the wound he had inflicted
on Mr. Thacker. Immediately after
the death of Mr. Thacker, County At
torney Ramsey filed an Information
against Clarence, charging him with
premeditated and wilful murder, and
on this charge he was tried and con
victed of murder In the second de
gree. The former trial was a hard
fought legal battle, the county attor
ney being assisted by Mr. M. Gering.
Much Interest centers In the case,
as all of the parties Interested are old
time residents of the county, the mur
dered man being quite prominent In
the county, having been his party's
choice for county commissioner only
a short time before the unfortunate
affray in which he lost his life.
The defendant has for counsel as
soclated with Mr. Watson, William
Delles Dernier and A. B. Sullivan
while for the state Mr. M. Gering ap
pears with the county attorney and
Mr. Ramsey.
Defendant filed a motion on the
meejffig of the court this afternoon
tasquire the county attorney to pro-
Meed against the defendant only on
1 PASSU PLAY
AT OBERAil
this time. It Is to be hoped the citi
zens may have the pleasure of hear
ing him at a later date.
SOI
AT THE PlEStmiM
TO BE Gill HT
The Enterprising Jewelry Store
of John W. Crabill Will Make
Someone Fine Present
John W. Crabill, the enterprising
and rustling Sixth street jeweler, will
make soma one of his many patrons
a handsome Chlrstmas present this
year, In the shape of a very valuable
hall clock. The timekeeper Is a good
one, the works made by the best
manufacturers, and the framework is
highly polished and stands about six
feet high. This handsome clock would
be a valuable addition to most any
homo and Is greatly admired by all
who have seen it. It will be given
away in the following manner: From
now on until the Inst day of the pres
ent month Mr. Crabill will Issue num
bers and chances upon all purchases
and money paid on account at his
store. For every dollar paid on ac
count and every dollar purchased In
goods he will give one number, ten
dollars ten numbers, and so on to the
full amount of your purchases. Call
at the store and see the clock, It Is a
beauty and you will be mighty happy
if you hold the lucky number on the
closing day.
nothing could be done to save thejMe charge of manslaughter. The
wounded man's life, and after linger- lValr jing argued to the court
ing for two or three days he djed. 1 yf A press. The
Immediately after the shooting Clar- selectionurrn wrry nad not been
ence mounted a horse and rode furl-
commenced
ST. VS GUILD
MARKET
orating and Mrs. James Donnelley of
the coffee and serving. Each chair
man of the various committees was
most efficiently assisted by the
tadies who composed their committee.
Occasion Proves Most Profitable
to the Guild Ladies.
1 he Christmas market and bazaar,
given by the mem'ier of St. Mary's
t'ulld of St. Luko'E church Saturday
in the store room formerly occupied
by J. E. Mason, wa? a Jattering suc-
cejs and made a handsome return to
the ladies for thtir work and outlay,
'there were many features of much
excellence. To start with the vacant
More room had neon very handsome
ly decorated w'.fi colored p:i;er
rtt turners, flowers and the like, very
artistically arranged chairs, rugs
and such giving the room a ery coxy
nppcarance. To enter the loom was
almost an approach to fairyland,
owing to the artistic effects of their
decorations. One corner of the room
had been arranged for the fancy
work, or needle work of any kind.
This was a very tastely gotten up
affair and attracted much attention.
At this booth could be found all
kinds of fancy needle work, embroi
dered pillow covers, towels, aprons,
and many other articles, all the pro
duct of the members of the Guild.
Opposite this booth was another very
prettily arranged booth, at which
anything In the line of eatables might
be purchased. There were pies,
akes, breads, doughnuts and many
ether good things to eat, but too officer
umerous to mention. There is
aught to say about the market, other
than that It netted a splendid sum
for the ladles, as the various articles
ad been prepared by the ladles of
this fine organization and were up to
(he usual high standard. The small
room at the rear of the building had
keen made attractive and home like
and here most delicious coffee and
luncheon was served throughout the
entire day. Mrs. James Donnelly had
thargo of the making of the coffee
and It was prepared only as Mrs.
Donnelley knows best how and those
who so liberally patronized the ladies
and partook of the dainty luncheon
offered found It delightfully appetiz
ing and pleasant. Mrs. C. 0. Frlcke
Bad charge of the market committee,
Miss Verna .Leonard of the fancy
werk, Mrs. J. B, McDanlel of the dec-
J. LAWRENCE STIiLL' S
SENTENCE COMMENCES
From Monday's Dally.
J. Lawrence Stull ,who was trieu
on a complaint charging an assault
with Intent to do great bodily harm
at the present term of court, and
convicted of assault and battery on
the person of his sister, Mrs. O. P.
Monroe, was this morning before the
court to receive his sentence. The
sentence of the court was that the
defendant be confined In the common
jail of the county for the period of
ninety days, the term to commence
on the date of the verdict of the
Jury. The case was tried forty days
ago, so that there remains yet fifty
days for the defendant to linger In
Jail.
Lawrence apparently was not pre
pared for the Jail sentence, and asked
the court, through Judge Sullivan,
his attorney, whether he would be
permitted to bo paroled. The court
would not consider the matter at this
time, but said he might at a later
date. The prisoner then asked the
sheriff to let him have until five
o'clock this afternoon to straighten
out affairs at the farm and get some
one to look after his cattle and other
stock, which was acceded to by the
Motion for New Trial Overruled.
From Monday'! Dally.
The motion for a new trial In the
case of the State against Isadore
Sitzman and Louis Kelser, convicted
of first degree murder at the present
term of court was submitted to the
court and after considerable argu
ment pro and con the court over
ruled the same.
The prisoners, who had been
brought from Omaha on the midnight
train last night were in court, and
asked to stand up, when the court
announced the sentence to them of
life Imprisonment In the Btate peni
tentiary at Lincoln, and on the date
of the anniversary of the crime dur
lng the first five years of their terms
each should serve In solitary confine
ment.
The verdict of the Jury and sen
tence of the court meets with the
unanimous approval of all law abld
Ing persons.
Box Nodal.
Miss Marie II. Jerowshek, who Is
teaching the Cottonwood school of
district No. 27, and her pupils are
arranging for a box social to be given
at the school house on Saturday even
ing, at 8 o'clock, December 17th. The
proceeds from the sale of the boxes
will be used for the benefit of the
school. Everybody cordially Invited.
Lout,
Between the Mercervllle school
house and Main street, a child's
white muff. Finder will confer a
favor by notifying Mrs. William
Cowles.
12-5-ltdlw.
John Spanglcr, of Louisville, was
transacting business at the court
l)ou this morning.
Range Demonstration.
Elsewhere In this issue of the Jour
nal will be found the advertisement
of Kroehler Bros., In which they an
nounce the days of their coming
range and heater demonstration
Look for the ad. and If you are In
need of a new stove or range, It
might be to your Interest to attend
this demonstration, as they are offer
ing a very appropriate and valuable
present to all who purchase during
this demonstration which will be held
all next week. You will be treated
to hot biscuit fresh from the oven of
one of the fine ranges. Read the ad
vertisement and call at the store
whether-your are ready to buy or not.
Will Hunt Cottontails.
From Tuesday's Dally
Mr. RIcnard Clark, of Omaha, ar
rived this morning and with his rifle
and violin made his way to Lonnlo
Tood's farm home, west of the city,
where Mr. Clark expected to bring
the cottontails forth from the brush
with the melodious strains of his fid
dle and then dispatch them with his
trusty rifle. The rabbit season opens
with the first fall of snow, and from
this time on anybody can have rab
bit pie.
Han Her Dye Injured.
Mrs. John Ilatt, Jr., while caring
for her little child at her home this
morning, met with a very painful, If
not serious accident. The little one
In play thrust its finger into one of
Mrs. Hatt's eyes so as to quite seri
ously bruise the eyeball. Mrs. Ilatt
accompanied by her husband went to
Omaha this afternoon to consult Dr.
GIfford and to have the injured eye
treated.
The Subject of Hon. Matthew
Gerings Lecture Before the
High School Teachers
' A most profitable and pleasant
time was enjoyed last Friday after
noon at the meeting of the city
teachers. The meeting was opened
by two selections on the violin by
Miss Agnes Knofllcek, accompanied
by Miss Estele Balrd. Miss Agnes
is an artist on the violin and her
music was greatly enjoyed.
Hon. Matthew Gering gave the ad
dress of the afternoon on "The Pas
sion Play at Oberammagan." Mr.
Gering not only witnessed the play
on several occasions, but was a guest
In the home of Anton Fang, who
plays the part of the Christ In the
play. Mr. Gering also had the good
fortune to form the acquaintance of
all the actors in the great drama and
was able to give not only his Impres
sions of the play, but to give the
teachers an Idea of the feelings and
emotions of the players themselves.
Being able to converse with them In
their own language he had an excel
lent opportunity to get a much better
insight Into the spirit of the drama
than even some of the correspondents
sent by their papers to get the story.
Mr. Gerl;ig told of the origin of the
play, of the manner in which the
actors are chosen, how It is the am
bition of every man of the village to
play the part of the Savior, and of
every woman to play the part of
Mary, of the seventeen wonderful
tableaux that precede each of the
seventeen acts, of the orchestra, com
posed almost entirely of children,
but condensed with the nicety of a
Damrosch orchestra, of the people,
mostly English and Americans, who
come In such great numbers that it
Is next to Impossible to accommodate
tjem. Of the Jealousy of neighbor
ing towns and communities who
speak Bllghtlngly of the play and the
players, and who rarely witness It,
of the sincerity and fervor with
which the participants enter Into It,
and of the common errors regarding
the play as entertained by those who
read the newspaper accounts of it.
Perhaps the most Interesting of
all was Mr. Gerlng's description of
the actors themselves. He had auto
graph photos of the principals and
told many Incidents relative to his
visits with them that casts much side
light on the play.
Ills recital of the notoriety of the
young man who played the part of
John, "The Beau Brummel" of the
actors, as he expressed It, was very
amusing. This young man, It seems,
Is a handsome fellow and an almost
perfect type of physical manhood. He
not only hnd lady admirers by the
score line up In front of his home,
but received dozens of letters from
"love sick" maidens after their do
parture. As these were Invariably In
English, which he was unable to
read, Mr. Gering was often pressed
Into service as Interpreter.
Referlng to the common criticism
that the play has been commercial
Ized, Mr. Gering stated that It is true
Cook's Agency has exploited it for
their gain so far as possible, the
Oberammerganars have not dono so
He states that Anton Fang has
been offered $5,000 a week for one
hundred weeks to come to America
and put on the play, but that no offer
of money could tempt him to do so
Also that while the villagers are
all in very moderate financial clrcum
stances they refused, by unanimous
agreement, an offer of 2,000,000
francs for the privilege of a set of
films for a moving picture concern.
Mr. Gering paid a very high
tribute to Anton Fang, Baying he ap
proached as nearly to the character
he represents in the play as It Is pos
sible for human to attain. While
Mr. Fang acts his part naturally and
with intense fervor, the man playing
the part of Judas, Is admitted to be
the best actor in the play from the
standpoint of the actor. The method
of producing many of the effects such
as fastening the body on the cross,
producing the blood stains and
others, were deBcrlbod.
The audience listened with Intenso
Interest for more than an hour to
the address and would gladly have
had It prolonged.
Mr. Gamble asked Mr. Gering to
give him permission to make the
meeting an open one, but he prefered
te talk to the teachers alone at
The morning service was of more
than usual Interest, the special music
consisting of a beautiful anthem, in
which the solo part was sung by Miss
Helen Chapman, after the offeratory
prayer. Mrs. Gamble sang a solo.
Rev. Cade preached a most excellent
discourse to a largo congregation.
The evening service was In charge
of the C. K. society, Miss Allison
Johnston as loader had prepared a
very instructive program on the
topic of "Missionary Heroes." The
program was unique In that only men
were Invited to take a place on the
program. The topic was Introduced
by Superintendent Gamble, who gave
an interesting talk on heroes in
general, calling attention to Carlylo's
book on the subject and reviewing
briefly the different types of heros
therein portrayed.
Oscar Larson then gave a review of
the missionary work of William Cary
In India, giving a sort of byographi
cal sketch of Mr. Cary, who Mr. Lar
son stated ha"d done a wonderful
work in India, having translated the
bible Into from fifteen to twenty
dialects and afterward was the mov
ing spirit In distributing thousands
of bibles among the heathen In India
Ernest Ilalstrom then gave an In
teresting outline of the life and work
of David Livingston In Africa. Mr
HalBtrom was followed by Mr. G. L.
Farley, who gave a comparison of
the work of Cary who went from
England, and Missionary Judson,
who went to India from the United
States about the same time. Mr
Farley was followed by Rev. Gade
who spoke briefly on the missionary
work of Paul, who was the pioneer
of missionary work,
The service was full of interest
from the beginning, and Miss John
son Is to be coning ifiL on her
manner of conducting Ihe service.
nia in umu
HESM, NOVEMBER !
IE CLARENCE
MURDER CASE
Miss Drusilla Alma Thomas and
Mr. Monte Carl Franks were united
In marriage Wednesday, Novoiibe
30th, the ceremony taking placs at
tho cozy home of the bride's brother
G. B. Thomts, at 1104 North 22n
street, Omaha, Nebraska. The cere
money was performed by the Rev
Savldge, in the presence of a fe
relatives and Intimate friends, th
pretty ling service being used. M
and Mrs. Franks are tho 2,147th
couple Rev. Savldge has performe
the marriage ceremony for. Tho
bride appeared very charming and
handsome in a tan silk princess dress,
while the groom wore a business suit
of dark blue serge.
Miss Thomas was born and reared
In this city, she being the daughter
of the late J. O. Thomas. She has a
largo circle of friends, who will ro
gret to learn of her departure from
their midst, but whose best wishes
will ever attend her In her new home.
The groom Is the only son of Mr.
and Mrs. A. M. Franks, of Opal, 8.
I)., and Is a young man of sterling
worth, having been employed In the
local Burlington shops as a' machin
ist. He has resided in this vicinity
but a few years but in that time has
made many friends, who will Join us
in wishing him and his bride happi
ness and prosperity.
Following the ceremony the happy
couple departed over the Burlington
for points in Missouri, where they
will visit relatives of the groom for
a few days, after which they will re
turn to this city and spend a few
dayB visiting friends. They will then
depart for their future homo at Stur-
gls, South Dakota, where the groom
has a cozy homo In readiness for his
bride.
he Judge Refuses Motion of
Defendent to Change the
Charge to Manslaughter
From Tuesday's Pally
At the conclusion of the argument
on defendant's motion to require tho
county attorney to base the prgsoeu
tlon on degree of murder not greater
than manslaughter, Judge Travis
overruled the motion, and the selec
tion of a Jury was then begun. Tho
proceeding of selecting the Jury was
not concluded until about 11:15 this
morning. The following named gen
tlemen will constitute tho Judges of
the facts in this important case,
namely': William Miller, William
Spangler, W. S. Phllpot, I). T. Dud
ley, II. F. Gooa, John Fowler, Fred
Clugy, J. E. Griffin, (1. R. Sayles, H.
Delinnlng, Oscar Miller and John
Sans. Three of the above gentlemen,
Mr. Fowler, Mr .Dehnnlng and Mr.
Miller, Berved on tho trial of Sitzman
and Kcscr.
Counsel signified thtir wish to
make tho opening statements after
dinner, whereupon the court, after
xcusing the balance of tho panel
until 9 o'clock next Tuesday morn-
ng, charged the sitting Jurors that
they should remain together In the
ustody of tho sheriff or deputy sher
iff during the trial of this case, that
they should refrain from talking to
each other, or allowing anyone to
discuss tho case In their presence
while out of the court room, and not
to come to any conclusion whatever
until the Jury had heard all of the
evidence, and argumeuts of counsel
and the Instruction of the court.
The Jsry was then taken from tho
roonyby the sheriff. Judge Travis
then arranged the civil docket for
next week, after which the court took
a cress fWll 2 p. m., when the at
torneys for the state and for the de
fense outlined their case to the Jury
and told the Jury what the evidence
would tend to prove.
At the convening of court this af
ternoon, the witnesses for the state,
except Mrs. John Thacker and Wil
liam Thacker, wife and son of the-
murdered man, were excluded from
tho court room dining the taking of
testimony. Tho opening statement
on the part of the people was made
by Attorney W. C. Ramsey, who pros
ecuted the ense at the former trial.
The clothing worn by Mr. Thacker at
the time ho received the fatal shots,
consist lng of overalls, shirt and Jack
et, were brought into the court room
by the county attorney. Mr. Ramsey
detailed the evidence and what was
expected to ho established as It oc
curred at the Harrow farm on that
fatal day. The posit Ions of the men
prior to tho encounter, and during
the struggle, the location of the shelt
er and the nib and the teams and tho
contour of the ground over which tho
terrible battle was waged, wore all
detailed to tho Jury. The opening
statement for the defendant was
tuado by Attorney J. C. Watson and
thoroughly covered the points which
tho defendant expected to mako his
defense upon. At tho hour of going
to press tho state 13 proceeding with
tho direct examination of lis first
witness.
Itur Association Meet.
The Omaha Commercial club has
Issued Invitations to the lawyers over
tho state to attend tho Nebraska
Bar Association which holds its an
nual session in that city December
27th and 28th. The session, is the
eleventh annual convention of the
association, and the Commercial club
makes it a point to have every visitor
feel at home and each one is accord
ed a cordial welcome.
StibsM tin Snow bill Is.
Things probably do not look very
rosy for P. A. Barrows, ono time
editor of the Plattsmouth News and
during the campaign manager of the
Burkett propaganda. Evidently Bar
rows was promised something par
ticularly Juicy along the line of
plums for his disinterested work In
furthering the Interests of the lalo
Mr. Burkett, and the fact that tho
senator's arithmetical progression In
regard to majorities suffered a seri
ous setback at tho recent election
may make It necessary for Barrows
to subsist largely on snowbnlls this
winter. Nehawka News.
PlattNinoiitli IitiNes Tucket Hall Game.
Prof. Gamble and the High school
bnsket ball team wcer unablo to
pluck victory from the Auburn ath
letes in tho game played In that city
last Saturday evening. Although the
game was fast and furious and the
Plattsmouth boys did nobly, yot in
the final tally the Auburn team had
Plattsmouth beaten.
Mr. Grant Clarence, of Goldale,
Colorado, is in the city to attend the
trial of his brother, John Clarence.