Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, December 11, 1904, EDITORIAL SECTION, Page 17, Image 17

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    THE OMAHA DAILY DEE; SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1904.
17
JiYORK OF DEAD LETTER OFFICE
Buraau at WwhingUa Orett National
Glaaring House for Dtrtliet K&iL
ALSO TROUBLE DEPOT OF POSTAL SERVICE
Many Rssakabla Transactions a ad
Valamlaaaa Document at Divers
Kind Pas Thrah Thla
Workiksv of Inrle Sara'
Tha dead letter office at Washington U
the areat national clearing house where
derelict mall mater of all kinds Is re
ceived and, wherever possible, returned to
the writer. Not only from everjr postofflce
In the United States, but from every
country In tha International ostal union,
letters and other mall matter are sent to
the dead letter office for disposition. Many
little kinks In the Industrial and social
life of tha nation are straightened out In
this office and money, valuables and even
Important documents returned to those whu
had given them up for lost. It Is the
"trouble office" of the nation's postal
service and owes its existence chiefly to
the mistakes and carelessness of those who
send letters and other articles through the
mails.
The report of the superintendent of the
AmaA !. I V. a A-. ... .
uo. '. . . t Ulllt-Q IJ . III. Ill n I BBBIBUIIIk yjB-
uirr .run if i iiir inr trnc rmirii dune
when given a little perusal. There Is Said
to be but a grain of poetry In figures at
the best, but the report In question dispels
such an Idea upon examination and when
its full significance Is realized.
Thla report shows the total receipts of
the several classes of undelivered matter,
from all sources, were 10.923,239 pieces for
the year, which Is about TH per cent In
crease over the. previous year and In pro
portion with the growth of the postal
service.
Severn Millions I nelaltned.
Of tha above total 7,747,1(10 were ordinary
unclaimed letters addressed to plaocs within
the country. Letters returned from for
eign countries numbered 331.&57. Letters
uml parcels held for postage reached a
tola, of lSi,67. Misdirected letters and
paresis to the number of 632,668 were han
dled. Of t!io grsnd total 117.492 pieces
were without any address whatever. The
number of domestic hotel letters received
at the dead letter office were 218,(81, and
letters bearing fictitious addresses to the
number of 1M.51T. Parcels un mailable, ad
dressed to foreign countries, were 21,610; or
dinary Unclaimed parcels, 120,676; un
claimed, containing photographs, 20,56V.
The rest of the distribution of the total
receipts are minor classifications.
. One of the most Important features in
connection with the disposition of the mall
received at the dead letter office Is the
totul of 6,1113,111 unsigned letters, circu
lars and other Dleces of mall, which were
uesiroyea. ii nnvinfcuecn luunu inioosBioie
o'either deliver this portion of the mall
to those for whom It was intended or tu
return to, writers or senders. Of the mall
destroyed, 84,954 were parcels, containing
such articles aa fruits, seeds, medicines,
etc., and there Were 33,318 letters contain
ing postage stumps. Nearly all of the
opened mall that was not destroyed was
dcllevered or In process of delivery when
the report was made out. The total num
ber of pieces of the opened mail filed upon
failure to deliver, subject to reclamation,
was 191.500.
Total Naraber Delivered.
The total number of pltees of mall de
livered or properly disposed of without
opening was 1,444.831. a large per cent,
1,139,065 pieces, being returned to coun
tries ef origin.
There were SS,622 letters containing money
and which were restored, or are being re
stored, to owners, the total of the money
being U2.6B7.W. The amount of revenue
from dead letters that could not bo re
stored to owners amounted to $16,29X81,
which was delivered to the third assist
ant poetmsster general for deposit In the
treasury. Letters containing notes, drafts.
checks, money orders, etc., restored to own.
i rs and in process of restoration numbered
T.M. the money valua being .643,569.u.
In 251.191 of the letters restored to own-
erg postage stamps to the amount of $10,
083.16 were found.
' During th year 6,899 magazines, 510
pamphlets, 2,783 Illustrated papers and 13.
71T plctura cards, which could not be re
stored to owners, were distributed among
tha inmates of the various hospitals,
asylums and other charitable Institution
of tha DlBtrlct of Columbia, by order of
the postmaster general.
JThe total of undelivered matter returned
to foreign countries during tho . yea
amounted to 1.128,125 pleoes, 871,894 of this
number being ordinary letters. Tho high
est number of pieces returned to one coun
try was 181,962, which were sent to Austria-Hungary.
Tho least number, which
was four letters, went to Tobago. A
total of M2.47 pleoes were received from
foreign countries, 459,821 being ordinary
letters. Canada sencthe largest consign
ment. S02.80 Dleces. while Liberia was
least with two letters.
Search for Missing Mall.
Written applications for missing mail
were Jacketed, Indexed and recorded to
tha number of 22.922, an. Increase of 1,000
over the previous and an average of about
110 for every working day In tha year,
The report also gives statistic of the
dead letter offices of Hawaii and Porto
Rioa,
Tf there Is on lesson mora than an
other that tho report teaches it la that
It Is human to ere, divine to forgive,"
"and that Vnolo Sam's great family Is con
tinually making mistake In tha matter of
rifting mall. Yet the "great father" at
Washington maintains 4 large office, known
as the dead letter office, where the postal
mistake of tha nation are rectified so far
as human Ingenuity can do It, If a letter
la sent to a wrong address and on being
opened at the dead letter office nothing la
found to Indicate who the writer might
be, then of course such a letter Is "a dead
one" and Is destroyed after valuable en
closure. If any, are separated.
On of the forceful suggestions contained
In the report Is referonoe to the benefits
that would Inure to the public tf the "card
and request" system would be more gen
erally adopted.
Pisyarlsg for Malay Day.
Councilman pave O'Brien seems to be
preparing for the future. Me has spplled to
the county commissioners for permlaslon
to lease an acre of the county poor furm
I . PurPos of putting up a cottags.
.Vunn A anuthsr to make such an ai
jillcatlon. One such cottage has been built
before thl time. The commissioners re
ceiver in supinations of John P. Wart-
man, wh
rhO Wishes to be lurxrinlnrinnl nf
the court house ; of Albert V. Uavna, who
w.l,Jle!,,un" ot$c or county agant. and
' nvvr. n eppues to be soldiers'
relief eommUsloner.
ad Christmas Gifts Esrly.
General Agent George C. Ketterllng of
the American h.xpreas company in Omaha
has issued a statement to the patrons of
that company urging those Intending to
end Christmas presents to do so as soon
after Lecsmber 15 as possible in orcWr that
deliveries may be made Christmas morn-tag-
Mr. Kettering points out that this Is
hot possible If the company la swamped.
4a usual, at the last minute by people de
terring their transmissions.
Traabl at Belsler.
BfRINariELD. 111., Deo. la.-MaJor
r.lliixt. commanding state troops at
.tlKler. reported today to Adjutant Gen
eral sk-ott that there has been ne firing or
cur otter trouble wltUa too last twauty
ttttir hour.
WOUAI II CLUB AXD CHARITY
The Civil Service Reform committee of
the Massachusetts Federation has sent out
the following list of pertinent question to
clubs and state federations through Its
chairman. Miss Perkins:
1. Have you read the circular letters from
Mrs. Decker and Miss Bacon urging work
during the next two years for Civil Service
Reform or the Merit System? They are
published In the Massachusetts Federation
Bulletin, and In the Club Woman. New
l0! Vu. Thy have also been pub
lished In The Bee.)
2. Have you arranged for a study class?
3. Have you arranged for one meeting
devoted to this subject?
4. Has literature been distributed In your
club?
6. Do you realize that an Intelligent Inter
est in this subject Is spreading among the
clubs in all the state federations?
6. lo ou realize that the interest hns
deepened as men and women have become
vltaliy interested in education, philan
thropy, and in work connected with public
Institutions of charities and correction
7. Do you realise that the object of our
work is to obtain able, trained and disin
terested men and women to carry out the
Improved and wiser methods in connection
with nubile work as thousht out oy tne
students and practical men and women whu
are nevoting tneir lives to tne consiae. auon
of these matters?
8. Do you understand clearly the distinc
tion between the merit system snd the
spoils system as shown In the public lite
ci our nation, our siate ana our townr
9. Do you realise that the safety, health
and honor of our entire clvlilsstlon is In
trusted u persons who sre chosen oy one
of thtse two methods, and which one do
you prefer?
The following account of the evolution
of the Texas Federation, as told In a Dal
las paper, may well be said of women's
clubs in general as well as that enterpris
ing organization of Texas:
It almost takes one's breath to contem
plate the evolution of the Texas Federation,
eleven years ago tho word "culture " com-
firehended Its broadest meaning, snd a
ool whs Its symbol. One would Ininnlne
that society had no aliment, spiritual or
moral, mat couiu not be relieved oy u good
strong dose of culture, administered In a
book capsule, liooley's vision of Carnegie
handing out a library to a starving man on
his back doorstep would have served as
a pen-portrait of tho club Idea. Do you
remember the "yard of roses." "yard of
pansles," et al those popular gift litho
graphs that once cemented the friendship
of women for their favorite Journal? Well,
the papers read at those oldtlme club oc
casions were like that sentimentally
rounded periods, Interspersed with flowery
quotations and set in formal rows, a yard,
yes, two or more tiresome yards. In length.
Now tho federation counts Its philan
thropies by tho scores libraries and schol
arships, klndegnrtens and civic better
ment, music and art for the enjoyment of
those unable to supply their own; domestlo
science, patriotic endeavor, work for home
and schools, and for that unfortunate ele
ment that has known the Influences of
neither good homes nor schools. The fed
eration has awakened to the fact that the
progress of the world does not depend on
the acquirement of a little more culture on
the pa"t of a limited number of fairly well
educated women, but on the amount of
leavening those women are enabled to Im
part to the masses. It Is no longer
alarmed at the sound of such words as
"Immorality" and "reform. " for It is con
ailoim that to do tha work it must meet
the facts as they exist. There nre cultured
people filling Jails and pententlarles today,
and still others at large rreying on the
vitals of society, because they lack the
elf mental principles of morality. There are
children growing up In vice and wretched
ness to swell the ranks of perverts that
will menace the future. The self-culture
club has served its purpose in awakening
women to thees facts, and to the trua
remedy; the present club spirit, as evi
denced In the altruism of federation lines
of work, dealing with the very root of
evil, proves that the club movement Is not
a fad, but a splendid force for righteous
ness whose future Is Intertwined with the
destiny of nations.
The department of ethics and philosophy
will present the program at Monday after
noon's meeting of the Woman's club.
There will be music by Miss Alice Fawcett,
Miss Josephine McHugh, the department
leader, to preside. "The Greek Drama"
will be the subject of the afternoon, Miss
Florence McHugh to present its structure
and Mr. Charles Elgutter the ethics.
The current topics department of the
Woman's club- has Issued a nsat little
outline of Its winter's programs. The
leaders for the various meeting days are
announced, with the daten, and the name
and addresses of the hostesses for tha
series of kenslngton afternoons arranged
for the winter. k
For over four months the Vl-ltlng
Nurses' association of Philadelphia has
maintained a nurse in one of the down
town school of that city and as a result
all but fifty-one of the 684 cases of Illness
or disorder that would otherwise have been
excluded from the school were cared for
by the nurse and the pupils kept In their
classes. As a result of this experiment
the Publlo Education association has peti
tioned the common council for an appro
priation for the maintenance of two school
nurse and the request will probably be
granted. Another Instance of what Is
being accomplished along this line- Is af
forded at Battle Creek, Mich., where the
Women' league has recently opened
fre dispensary for the sick poor of the
city. A prominent woman physician ha
been placed In charge and the too member
of the club will bear the expense of Its
maintenance.
The Woman' Christian association which
maintains the Old People's Home, will hold
Its annual meeting Tuesday at the First
Baptist chu.-ch. Dinner will be served for
the members and their guests, at 12 o'clock,
the afternoon session will onvene at t
o'clock, opening with scripture reading and
a, Invocation by Rev. Robert Tost. The
program further Includes the report of the
various officers, and address by John Dale;
4 solo by Mrs. Charles K. Urquhart; 4
summary of the year's work at the Old
People' home, by Mr. P. L. Perlne,
chairman; a solo by Mr. A. C. Stewart; an
address by Rev. J. Randolph Smith and the
election of association officers and members
of the board of director for the coming
year.
The woman of the Second Presbyterian
church will serve dinner from 11:30 to I
o'clock Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs
day of thl week at the Toung Man'
Christian association.
WHAT KIND 0F CERTIFICATE
Isanaae f Slagle Blaaket la
Scavenger gale to Be
Passed Oa.
A new question ha been raised In the
scavenger sale. It will be decided by
Judge Troup Monday. The question 1
whether or not County Treasurer Fink
may Issue 4 certificate of sale to cover
more than on piece of property. The leg
Is latur In making the law could not see
the small questions which would arise and
so left thla part of th procedure rather
indefinite. The question was brought into
court by P. C. Patterson, who demanded
single certificates should Issue for blocks
of twenty lots which he had bought at
the sale. Mr. Fink had made It a practice
to Issue certificates only for each single
piece of property. He held If more than
one lot was Included In 4 single certificate
it would discourage later premium bids.
A th certificate are charged for
at th rat of H cents each the
reason of wishing them Issued for
blocks of land Is evident. In the cast
of on buyer It would make a difference
of (0 cents or 137. A th fee of 50 eenti
must be paid on each lot, Mr. Fink held
It wa better for th delinquent to pay
or th purchaser than that nortloa of
th publlo which had paid Its tax.
Bee Want Ad are fns Best Business
Booster.
ILLINOIS .CENTRAL BRIDGE
0mltion ef Tail Viaduct Culmination of
Lang- and litter warfare.
FIGHT TOR COMMERCIAL EMANCIPATION
Takes PI see of Old W eldest Bridge
Throws Across the Mlssoasl
Hirer Wheat Roads
Were at War.
The Illinois CervtraJ bridge will be thrown
open about the first of tho year.
It completion recalls a remarkable fight
for commercial emancipation which wa
waged by the citizen of this county.
The bridge was begun In 1892 and com
pleted In 1893 as tha result of a public agi
tation remarkable especially for Its bitter
new and Intensity. Up to that time the
Union Paclfio practically controlled th
traffic over tho Missouri liver. The Bur
lington crossed the river at Plattamouth
and the Northwestern crossed at Blair.
In 1890 the Milwaukee and the Rock
Island entered Into a contract with the
Union Paclfio whereby they wer to have
the use of tho viaduct for I4S.0C0 each year.
Subsequently tho Gould Interest secured
control of tha Union Pacific and refused to
recogjlze the contracts which the rival
line had mad with the road. Justice
Brewer of the United State circuit court
held theaconfcract to be good.
About thl time the Omaha Bridge and
Terminal Railway company appeared on
the scene with a proposition to bridge the
river. President Cable of the Rock Island
visited Omaha and assured the Terminal
company that If the bridge waa built bis
road would use It. The company also had
assurances from other lines entering the
city that they tPbuld turn their business
over to th terminal company which ex
pected to build the bridge, lay tracks to
Council Bluffs and haul the freight Into
Omaha for 4 nominal sum.
In this fight the paper were backed by
the city and the Nebraska Central Railroad
company also offered to build 4 bridge and
construct 4 railroad for 100 miles into Iowa
to meet some other road which had mani
fested Its Intention of building to Omaha.
The city and county voted to pay 4 bonu
to the company of 2750,000.
The line which were seeking to cross
the Union Paclfio bridge won the case be
fore Judge Brewer, and the Nebraska Cen
tral bridge failed to materialise, the
companies had no use for It.
The Terminal company did not abandon
its original plans, although the oompany
did not share In the bond scheme. It went
on with the bridge, which wa completed
In 1SW.
Illinois Central to Rescue.
The viaduct wss a draw bridge, one-half
being built of wood and the big draw span
of steel. It was a losing project and fully
81,000.000 was sunk In the venture. The
Illinois Central came to the rescue and
bought up the stock and bonds of the old
company. While the stockholder have
changed, the corporation 1 the same, and
the Terminal company Is still In the field
for what freight hauls It can get from the
other companies. The Illinois Central ha
also thrown all of Its freight and passenger
business to the Terminal company. Tha
wooden bridge had seen the best of It life
and had to be rebuilt. This Is the work
that Is now being done. Th bridge,
which formerly followed the rlvec, ha
been changed so that It makes a square cut
across the river. The wooden span have
been replaced with steel and other Im
provement hare been made. The viaduct
now has two steel draw span of 530 feet
length each, one approach of sixty feet
and another of 480 feet, making the length
of the viaduct about 1,580 feet.
In the operation of Its line between
Omaha and Council Bluffs the Terminal
company maintains ons of the shortest
steam roads In the country. It has an at
tractive freight depot at the foot of Chi
cago street and secures freight hauls from
all of the lines entering Council Bluffs.
ARTICLES OF LAND COMPANY
Incorporation Paper of Promoting
Enterprise Are Ready to Be
Placed oa File.
Articles of Incorporation are ready to,
be filed by tho Interurban Land company.
The paper giving th corporation the
right to do business In this state wer
signed Saturday. The authorized capital
stock of the company Is to be 2500,000 di
vided Into share of 2100 each. No shares
are to be Issued until th subscriptions
are paid In full. The Incorporation is for
a period of fifty year and th Board of
Director I to consist of not less than
five nor more than seven stockholders.
The temporary director are P. E. Her,
Henry Robinson, K. C. Hurd, W. Farnam
Smith, Guy C. Barton, Abraham I. Reed,
Frederick H. Davis and Gut-don W. Wat
tles. One of the object of the corpora
tion Is the carrying out of the scheme
to make Sarpy Mills a manufacturing cen
ter. The general nature of the corpora
tion I stated to Include "the buying and
selling of real estate, laying out, platting
and Improving town site thereon, building
of water works, electric light plant and
a system of sewerage, with th object In
view of furnishing motive power, water
and light to manufactories that may b
located upon the site and to people re
siding thereon and elsewhere If found
practicable and desirable."
While the land Improvement company Is
In no way connected with the Interurban
railroad, the same men are In both. Th
proposed factory town at Sarpy Mills will
be on the line of the new road.
BIG EXPOSITION FOR OMAHA
Industrial aad Agricultural Fair Com.
blaed 1 Plaa Saggested by
G. W. Hervey.
Secretary G. W. Hervey of the' Douglaa
County Agricultural association ha evolved
a new plan of agricultural and industrial
exposition In this city and county and rec
ommended It to the association, and the
prospect are It will b adopted.
Th plan la for a merchant!', manufac
turers' and trades' exposition In conjunc
tion with th annual agricultural fair and
to have thl combined exposition held In
th Auditorium In Omjha, where it would
attract th largest number of people and
gain for Itself and Us constituents sub
stantial prestige. Mr. Hervey idea is
that such an exposition could profitably
b prolonged (or a period of thirty day
each year. .
"I derived my Idea from th successful
exposition of thl kind which has been held
annually In Pittsburg for th last ihlr y
year," said Mr. Hervey, "and I fe 1 that
Omaha and Douglaa county combined tojld
achlsv Just a great auccea as ha Pitt
burg, which boasts that Its last fair wa
th best In Its history."
Mr. Hervey presented hi plan at th
last meting of the association, which wa
held at Elkborn, and It was sf In dl
eursed with favor at th meeting of the ex
ecutive committee yesterday in Omaha,
when thes officers wer elected for the
year: President, John H. Taylor. Water
loo; vice president. Frank P. Brown, Fin
ance; treasurer, Willi Headerapn, Eeuth
Omaha; secretary, a W. Hervey, Omaha,
ECHOES OF THE ANTE ROOM
Woman's Relief Corps,
Oeorge Crook corps No. 88 met for
the first time in It new hull at Twenty
fourth and Ames avenue on the evening
of December 2, and the corps and post
are particularly delighted with their new
quarter. The meeting was the occasion
for the annual election of officer, the
following being chosen for the ensuing
year: President, Mrs. Wiatt; senior vice
president, Mrs. Swarts; Junior vice pre!
dent, Mrs. Gordon; treasurer, Mrs. Ans
lyn; chaplain, Mrs. Rhoades; conductor,
Mrs. Hall; guard, Mrs. Watson; delegates
to the department encampment, Mrs. Ans
lyn and Mrs. Greene; alternates to the de
partment encampment, Mrs. Rowley and
Mrs. Hall. Now that the corps is in so
pleasant a hall It has taken on new life
and a most prosperous year Is anticipated.
The old officers have done nobly and were
especially commended for the work that
they have done during the last year, dls-
couraging as It has been In corps work.
The corps gives afternoon teas once each
month. The last one waa given at the
horn of Mrs. Gordon, Thursday afternoon,
and wa largely attended.
Daughters of Rebekah.
The Past Noble Grand'a club of Ruth
Rebekah lodge No. 1 gave a bazar and
entertainment at Independent Order of
Odd Fellows' hall Saturday evening. Th
proceeds were devoted to the benefit of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows' home,
Royal Neighbors of America.
Pansy camp, No. 10, Is arranging to give
chicken pie dinner to Its members and
friends Thursday evening, December 22,
at the Workmen's temple. Dodge and Four
teenth streets.
Knights of Maccabees
Th regular review of Omaha Tent, No.
75, was held Thursday evening with
large attendanoe. The respective commit
tees In charge of the approaching dance
and the annual Christmas entertainment
are getting matters In excellent shape for
a b! tlm at both events.
The Modera Maccabees.
Boynton tent, No. 1291, will hold Its regu
lar meetings hereafter In Royal Arcanum
halt. A big meeting Is booked for next
Wednesday night. Over forty candidates
are to be initiated, and the entertainment
committee gives assurances that the affair
Is to be a very enjoyable one.
Tribe of Ben Hir,
Omaha court, No. 110, held a very largely
attended and successful meeting last Tues
day evening. Two candidates were In-
itlated and two applications received. The
annual election of officers will toko place
Tuesday evening, December 13.
Rathbone Sisters
Lillian temple No. 1 will give a card
and dancing party at Myrtle hall Monday
evening.
Independeat Order of Foresters,
The following have been elected officers
of Ak-Sar-Ben court No. 8358 for the on
suing year: A. L. Knable, chief ranger;
Joseph Vols, vice chief ranger; A, J. Jack
son, orator; A. L. Schnurr, financial secre
tary; 8. Rasmussen, recording secretary;
L. C. Vogt, treasurer; M. Bachrach, court
deputy; Drs. W. O. Henry, C. L. F. Swan
son, R. Rlx and A. E. Mack, court phy
sicians.
Royal Achates,
At the largely attended annual meeting
of Royal Oak lodge No. 200, held Wednes
day evening, these officers were elected for
the ensuing year: President, Mrs. Mary
Heath; vice president, H. A. Johnson; se&
retary, J. W. Doran; chaplain, Mrs. Nellie
Alcox; treasurer, Miss Helen Chamberlain;
marshal, Mrs. Cella Johnson; guard, George
Sutton; sentinel. Miss C. Ranklln; trustees,
J. Malane, M. J. Lawless and George Sut
ton; musician, Clarence Graham.
Omaha lodge No. 1 held a largely at'
tended meeting Tuesday evening, at which
thirty-two members were Initiated. Fol
lowing the business session refreshments
were served and an elaborate musical and
literary program rendered. The regular
election of officers of this lodge will be
held Tuesday evening, December 13.
Woodmen of the World.
At the regular annual meeting of Alpha
camp No. 1 last Tuesday evening the fol
lowing were elected officer for the nsulng
term: Consul commander, J. II. Bllsberry;
adviser lieutenant, S. C. Jennings; clerk,
Charles Unltt; banker, M. Kelser; escort,
W. H. McGowan; watchman, W. H. Wike;
entry, W. B. Church; member - board of
manager, J. W. Gross; physicians, all
physicians who are members in good
standing of the camp; members of the cen
tral committee, Charles Unltt, three years;
G. A. Murray, two years, and J. L. Kaley,
one year. .The camp has decided to hold
its annual Christmas tree festival on the
Tuesday evening following Christmas. Last
month was the banner month for the year
In the number of new member, there being
twenty-two acquisition to the camp. The
drill team of Alpha camp Is arranging for
a grand ball to be given tho evening of
the third Tuesday In January,
Ancient Order United Workmen.
Lodge No. 18 held a largely attended
meeting Tuesday evening, there being
nearly 200 member In attendance. Tba
occasion waa th semi-annual election of
officers, which resulted a follows: Henry
Ketterer, master workman; C. R. Riley,
foreman; Dr. J, C. Moore, overseer; J.
A. Daly, guide; C. A. Collins, recorder; C.
A. Westerfleld, receiver; George W. Lower,
financier; Donald Moore, Inside watch; L.
D. Hulett, outside watch; I. P. Hicks,
trustee. All physician who were members
of the lodge were elected medical ex
aminers. Modera Weodmea of America.
The annual election of officer of camp
No. 120 took place last Wednesday evening
with this result: John Kllilan, consul; J,
W. Goodhardt, adviser; William Nollman,
banker; C. H. T. Riepen, clerk; Charle e!
Allen, racort: L. Johnson, watchman- i. v.
Ochaenbeln, sentry; H. D. Stone, board of
managers; Drs. L. A. Merriam and N. F.
Steiner physicians.
Camp No. 1833 elected the following offi
cer on Wednesday evening: J. L. Hon.
chin, consul; G. L. Sliver, sr., advlBer;
H. Bombeck, banker; P. Olsen, clerk; C,
H. Burnara, escort; J. C. Mitchell, watch
man; Ii D. Otto, sentry; C. B. Newton,
board of managers; Drs. E. L. Alexander
and P. H. Ellis, physicians.
A joint meeting of all the camps of the
city will be held with Maple camp. No.
45, at Eagles' hall on the evening of
December -21. An elaborate program is
being arranged and the meeting promises
to be a notable one In Modern Woodmen of
America annals.
Dakota Maa Cam t Omaha.
BIOLX FALLS. 8. D., Deo. M.-(8pectal.)
Robert Baudata, who for the past four
year baa been the South Dakota repre
sentative of the Armour Packing company,
with headquarter la Sioux Falls, ha da
parted for Omaha, where he will In future
have charge of th city plant of th com
pany. He will be Succeeded In this terri
tory by N. C. Sutherland, who wa trans
ferred to Sioux rail from th Dsnvar nld.
NEW WAY TO FORGE STEEL f
Method of Repairiig Broken Enging Wheel
Without Taking it Apart.
UNION TACIFIC TESTS IT AT SHOPS
First Time Aay Mark IanoTatloa Ha
Beea Tried la I nlted States aad
Oflleal Are F.nthaslastle
. Over Results.
At the Union Pacific shops In this city
tne finishing touches are bring put to one
of the most remarkable tea: that h is
been made with steel. This 1 th repa.r-
Ing of a broken engine frame withrut tsk
Irig it apart. The fracture waa el'std with
thermit, th new composition whl h is ex
citing the amusement of tailroad rfflcials
and metal workers at the shji. On every
side evidences of the gigantic force ar
manifest. Great bars of steel and Iron
have been forged In a few seconds Into
solid pieces that ring with the music; of a
bell when struck a bl iw with a heavy
sledge hammer. In commenting upon ths
merits of the composition General Manage.-
A. L. Mohler did not hesitate to express
his satisfaction with the expe iments made.
' It Is remarkable," he said. "It will be
a labor saver and very rematkable on that
account. Wo have It on the frame of No.
160, one of the large type of loccmotls,
and the result has been eminently satisfac
tory. The possibilities of ths composition
as detailed in The Bee the other day were
practically correct. By thl proces we
will be enabled to mend fractured parts of
engines which under the old process ha!
to be taken apart and sent to the black
smith shop. This often required a we:,
whereas with this Invention tho wo?-k Is
done In a few seconds after the moulds are
In readiness."
W. R. McKeen, superintendent of motive
and machinery, showed some of the tests
that hav been made. He led the way Into
the roar of the shop, between dismantled
engine and under moving Nile cranes of
enormous lifting power to where loeomot've
No. 160 stood. A section of th rear frame
had been fractured.
Dimensions of Steel Arm.
Tha steel arm appeared to be ten Inchei
high and six Inches wide, but It had been
forged Into 4 solid section of steel with
the composition and gave a clear ring
when struck with a hammer. Several ma
chinists, with drills and cold chisels, driven
by compressed air, were putting eome fin
ishing touches to the broken part.
"Ordinarily." said Superintendent Mc
Keen, 'it would have taken a week to take
the locomotive apart and get the frame to
the blacksmith shop. By means of this
Invention the saving In time and labor will
be enormous. The break hai been repaired
and the tensile strength Is about 76 per
cent of solid steel. The composition is
aluminum and ferrio oxide. This Is placed
In a crucible with a powder, the chemical
composition of which Is a secret. The
powder Is Ignited with 4 poker or fuse and
this In turn ignites the composition. Che n-
Ically speaking, a dl'lntegratlon takei
place, the oxygen of the Iron uniting with
the aluminum and leaving the molten Iron.
The chemical affinity of the aluminum and
oxygen Is to powerful that an enormous
heat Is generated. It Is a process of heat
ing metal with metal and, so far as I am
aware, It is the first successful attempt
along this line that has been made. Th3
secret Is, of course, In some substance that
will supply sufficient h at to disln'egrat
the metals In thla composition. This Is
done by the igniting powder end when once
started the composition continues to sup
ply its own heat. The residue is a slag of
aluminum ferrio oxide. We have to let this
slag run oft from the top whl th mass
Is In a molten state."
First American Test.
Superintendent McKeen showed a num
ber of large steel and Iron bars which have
been forged together in one solid piece by
means of the Invention. These tests are the
first of any consequence that have been
mado with the new process In this coun
try. In Germany, where the composition
and igniting powder were invented by Dr.
Hans Goldschmltt, 20,000 Joint have been
forged together since Its Invention, about
twelve months ago. Drawings and photo
graphs were shown of repairs to the stern-
post of the Hamburg-American liner "Se
ville." Seven hundred weight of thermit
were used In this experiment and while the
test wa one of the most severe to which
the invention could be put it proved abso
lutely satisfactory. The test to the frame
of tha locomotive made at the Union Pa
cific machine shops on Friday Is, perhaps,
the severest test to which the composition
can be put on a broken piece of steel, owing
to the fact that the fractured section Is
subjected to a double strain, the tensile re
sistance of the metal Itself and the strain
put upon It when In use.
It is not alone In united broken parts
that the composition can be used, but it is
already being employed to make rails Into
one continuous track by uniting them at
the Joint. It I expected that the composi
tion will be put to the same use In this coun
try a the connections can bo made very
rapidly after the mould or casing is fur
nished. FIRST AID TO jNJURED BY DOGS
British Army Carrie Oat Successful
Experiments, la Aid of
Wounded.
LONDON, Deo. 10. (Special Cablegram
to The Bee). Wimbledon Common ' was
turned Into an Improvised battlefield this
week, and the Royal Army Medical Corps
volunteers did duty as "wounded" for the
trial of Major Richardson' Red Cross
dogs.
Sweep and Rover, two cross-bred collie
gave a practical demonstration of their
usefulness in time of war. Strapped to
the side of each dog was a waterproof
case, marked with th red cross and con
taining lint and bandage for the wounded.
Round their necks wer hung tiny kegs
of brandy.
Half a dozen men hid themselves
among the furze and bushes on the Com
mon and at 2:30 the dogs wer let loose.
Away the dog scampered on their errand
of mercy. Presently Rover come back
without his bandages, which the patient
had been able to unstrap from th dog'
back.
But th patient whom Sweep found wa I
too badly hurt to unstray th bandage
when the dog knelt down at hi side, and
a returned to camp for a rescue party.
The lieutenant-colonial commanding and
th officer of the medical corps expressed
themselves completely satisfied with the
success of th experiments.
"Cross-bred Collies," said Major Richard
son to a Globe Press representative.
are best for the purpose. The great ad
vantage of ambulance dogs In war Is that
all needless delay in attending to the
wounded is obviated.
Russia is using trained dogs at the front,
and at present I am buying up dogs for
the German, army. In Germany the ken
nel are an Important department and th
dog ar sent out untrained for the Ger
man excel in training ambulance dogs.
Six High Msa.
The six knights of Ak-8ar-Bn receiving
the hlgheat number of votes out of about
thlrty-nvs selected at the Orphebm meet
ing last week from whom candidates for
the board of Governors sre to be drawn,
are A. C. Smith. F. M. Ruai-ll. Km II Hran.
dais. Victor Caldwell. Al PeU aad il K.
OMAHA SUBURBS
Florence.
R. H. Olmstead returned Thursday night
from a western trip.
Mrs. Ixm Cole spent the last week In
umana, nursing ner sister.
B. T. Haller of Blalr spent Wednesday
looking alter his property here.
Jasper Smith expects to be located In
his new brick block this week.
Mrs. J. It. Paul and Mrs. B. F. Nlchol
were Omaha visitors Thursday afternoon
John A. Johansen, who has been sick
for two Weeks, Is able to be up and
around.
Mrs. Will McGulnness of Omaha visited
her mother, Mrs. O fslcll, a couple oi day
this week.
Mrs. W. R. Wall, dattshter Ruth and
niece. I.orana Lewis, visited friends in
Omaha Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Franklin spent several days of th
last week vialtlns friends at Fremont, re
turning home Thursday afternoon
The rural mail carriers out of Florenc
gave a dance In Smith s new Duliding luc
dav night, which was well atended.
1 mo TtrAn.mnn htta moved hi btllld
lng over to the south side of his lot and
built a twsement containing oain rooioa
Moses Greer, on of the oldest settlers
of this vicinity, aiea at nis nome on loin-
dav nlaht. 11a was nearly years o
ae.
J. H Farrls ha had a number of Im
firovemcnts made on dls chlck n tens an
housea and one of the lots tilled in up to
arade.
Oeore Stores, a formsr resident of
Omaha, but now with th Baldwin Ifco
motlve works, was visiting friends lure
Thursday niuht.
The Ladles' Guild of St. Mark's church
met at tha vlcaraa-a Thursday sfternoon.
making arrangements lor their annual sale
oi inncy articles.
Father Brophy of Omaha celebrated
mnn at Bt. Phillip's Nerl church Thurs
day morning, it being the Jubilee of the
immaculate conception,
tlenrv Wllaon and William Taylor left
a few days ago for Bone-steel, B. D., to
purchase land. They expect to locate there
permanently In tne spring.
Mis Fanny Morse df Omaha spent Thurs
Har nlo-hl hem visltina trlentts. and as
slsting the mombers of St. Mark's church
in getting ready xor meir sate.
Ixiu Warller was a business visitor a
Calhoun Thursday. He has purchased
sawmill and will locate it three miles east
of Calhoun on the Missouri river.
Mrs. Hense and son will, who have been
hr the lust three weeks, auests of Mrs.
Grossman, returned to their home at Hay
Springs, Neb., Thursday afternoon.
Charles Mattox of South Omaha wa a
business visitor here weunesaay, loosing
after a large monument whlcn ne nau
shlDDed here lor r orosl uwn cemeiery.
Hewer District No. 1 is completed and
riraina the himlneas nart of town on Main
street, Bluff Street, including me scnooi
building, and on Willi t street to Its east
terminus.
Will Crookshank, who has been In Can
ada for the past six months, returned
hnma Saturday and will visit with bis
narents a few weeks and then expects to
no to caniornia ior mo wniiei.
Samuel C. Lewln. son of John Lewln. Is
hero visiting frirnds and relative. He hai
been In the army for the last tour years,
and soent more than a year in the Phil
ippine islands. He flnished his term of
enlistment last wuek at Fort SnMlIng and
received his discharge, which shows him
to be a sergeant. He expect to visit ms
parents at Kimball, Neb., and at the ex
piration OI inreei monina re-emiai.
Reason.
A daughter wa horn December 3 to Mr.
na Mrs. uucnrisi oi west main street.
Theodore Itodabauah has returned to his
home after an absence of seveial muntbi.
Mrs. E. Hoffman received a vlflt during
the last week Horn Mrs. Delmonl ox Cln
clnnati.
Btenhen Lishtwtne of Wro'blne. It.. Is
vititing at the home of his cousin, Janisj
A. tiowara.
Mr. W. Clark and family left last Thurs
day for California, where they will go to
........ .1 V.
Dfnu , . i u null, i ,
Mrs. E. J. Crews of Tekamah. Neb. soent
Inst Wednesday visiting with o d t me
friends In Benson.
A daughter was born last Monday to
Mr. and Mrs. William Powers, living a few
mnes wesi or tfensm.
Mr. Hugh Douaherty. who lives west of
Benson, will aell out his property next week
ana leave ior Kasiviue, loio.
Mlrs Bessie Bird of Michigan arrived In
Benson last Saturday and is a gutst at the
nome or lit. and Mrs. Levch er.
A home- talent Play will be aiven at the
town hall next Frldiy evinng ui der the
auspices oi tne degree or Honor H age.
Services will be hold today at the Meth
odist Episcopal church at 10:45 a. m. and
p. m. Dy tne pastor, ttv. Mr. Leldy.
The upper grades of the Benson schoo
sang at the teachers' Institute at the
Omaha High school Saturday afternoon.
Laurits Jorgenson was elected recording
secretary of the National Association of
Letter Carrier, branch No. 6 of Omaha.
Mrs. Corliss Tot man and infant daughter
have arrived home from Lisbon, la. Mr.
Myers, her mother, is now a guest at their
home.
It. Merten of Guthrie, Okl., arrived in
Benson Wednesday of last week and is a
uest at the home of Rev. Mr. and Mrs.
eldy.
Mrs. Duke and son, Ben, of Emerson,
Neb., one time residents of Benson, were
here last week visiting at the home of Max
Herman.
Mrs. A. L. Thomas and son. Henry, left
last Monday for New York, where they
spent a few days, returning home the last
part oi tne week.
Mr. and Mrs. Compton, who were mar
ried In David City, have come to Benson
and will make their home here, a mil
south of this place.
A number of the little friends of June
Grove tendered her a surprise last Wtdnes
day after school. A good time was had and
refreshments were served to tne guest a
James Walsh of this place, who has been
superintendent of the agricultural depart
ment of the Bt. Louis exposition, received
a gold medal last week at the close of tb
fair.
The Ladle' Aid society met at the home
of Mrs. Harmun Hawkins last Wednesday
afternoon. Hand sewing wa done, and
ater the business session a lu-cent luncheon
was served.
The Misses Degan entertained a number
of friends at their home last Thursday
evening. The evening was spent in music
and games. At a late hour a dainty lunch
was served.
The Infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mc-"
Cabe died last Tuesday after a brief sick
ness. A short funeral service wa held at
the home last Thursday morulng at 10
o'clock, Interment being in th Holy Sep
ulcher cemetery.
Mlaa Francis O'Connor and Mis DeGraff,
who are instructor in the illustrated muslo
class, entertained last Saturday afternoon
at an "at home" at the home of Mia
O'Connor. After a delightful afternoon a
light luncheon wa aervsa.
Miss Christine Jennings entertained at
her homo last Wednesday evening in honor
of her brother, Charles. The evening was
spent pleasantly and a musical program was
rendered. An oyster supper was served in
th dining room at one large table, which
waa tastefully decoiated in red and green.
Ths occasion was In honor of Charls Jen
mug's birthday anniversary.
The members of the Ladles' Aid society
gave a banquet to their honorary members
last riaay evening at me nome or Mrs.
Reginald Twadell. A few new members
were initiated alter wmcn a aumptuous
supper was served in the dining room at
one long table, which waa decorated with
a center piece of red and green ribbons
to which were attached the place cards for
the guests, wno numbered sbout forty.
The room were prettily decorated. The
women assisting the hostess In serving
were Mrs. J. E. Frederick, Mrs. J. Jondro,
Mrs. S. B. Zwelful and Mr. Win Johnson.
Wast Ambler.
Ralph Snorri has bean under the doctor's
care this week with a severe cold and fever.
Mrs. Lemlng, who recently stepped on a
rusty nali, has been suffering severely th
last week.
Mr. E. C. Dawson of Folsom, la., wss
the guest of her father a short time on
Wednesday.
Miss Iva Blak waa the guest of her old
friend. Mrs, Guy Matson, from Wednesday
until Thursday.
Rev. and Mrs. Henderson wers guests of
their daughters. Mrs. Huffman and Mrs.
Pratt, on Monday.
Mrs. Charles Syss has been 111 the last
week with an attack of pneumonia, but Is
now convalescent.
Mr. and Mra. J. E. Aughs wers enter
tained at dinner Saturday evening by their
friends. Mr. and Mrs. 11. Wyrk-k of South
Omaha.
Mrs. Hoffman wa able to leave the hos-
Kltal on Monday and will return lA her
oine at Norfolk soon. She .Is with her
sister, Mrs. N. Pratt.
A larse number of new names hav been
added to the class In vocul music of Went
Omaha. The time rif meeting has been
cliaiiged from Saturday to Thursday vault"-
DINNER OF CRIDIRIN (LIB
Wgshington Oorrespondenti Gif Burlesqu
Ewrganiiation of Democratic Party.
DEAD UTTER OFFICE IS ALSO OPENED
Relatlaa to Dial Issralahed Gneats
Are Read Aaaaal F.lectloa
f Officer.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 10. Th first din
ner of the Gridiron club for the season
waa given at the Arlington hotel tonight
and the beautifully decorated dining room
rang with merriment for more than four
hours greatly to the delight of the Jno
persons present. The recent election af
forded the famous club of Washington
correspondents an opportunity to make
mirth at the expfnse of both the success
ful and the defeated parties, prominent
representatives of both being present to
enjoy the quips snd burlesqut which
were presented with gridiron humor and
pleasantry. Cabinet officers, senators, rep
resentative and other officials were there
to be put on th gridiron and also to ap
preciate the clever sketches which had
been concocted for their especial benefit.
Democratic Party Reorganised.
An attempt to reorganize the demneratlo
party, in which Cleveland. Bryan. Watson,
Debs, Dsvis. Taggnrt and others were
personated by members of th club, and
Into which a fortune teller full of wit and
alive to th general situation Injected
himself made the hit of the evening. The
Initiation of two new members. Philander
Johnson of the Washington Star and Rich
ard H. Lindsay of the Kansas City Star,
afforded great amusement. The "twin
stars," "stars of the overling," and "beau
tiful stars," Intertwined with th personal
characteristics of each, resulted in pleasing
situations.
The dead letter office, to which 4 member
of the club had recently been appointed
chief, was opened and some curious and
unhtrd-of letters relating to rromlnent
guests wer unearthed.'
The musical feature was one of the best
and topical songs, choruses and solos dedi
cated especially to those who sat at table
wer enjoyed during th dinner.
Many bright speeches were made by sev
eral guests, who wer cleverly Introduced
by the president, Mr. Louis A. Coolidge.
. DlatlBB-alshed Gneats Present.
Among the guests present were Bpeaker
Cannon, Vice President-elect Fairbanks,
Secretary Morton, Secretary Metcalf, Sena
tors Aldrtch, Allison. Beverldge, Cockrell,
Dietrich, Dolllver, Elklns, Foraker, Gor
man, Newlands, Piatt of Connecticut, Scott,
Representatives Cowherd and Hemenway,
Alexander Butts of the Kansas City Star,
Oeorge B. Cortelyou, chairman of th re
publican national committee; former Sen
ator Henry G. Davis of , West Virginia,
Elmer Dover, secretary of the republican
national committee; J. Plerpont Morgan of
New York, B. P. Ripley, president, of th
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fs railroad;
Henry Schott of "the Kansas City Btar, Wil
liam G. Sterrett of the Galveston Daily
News.
The following officers of the Gridiron club
4 re elected today: President, John M.
Carson, Philadelphia Ledger and New York
Times; vice president, Francis E. Leu pp.
New York Evening Post; secretary, John 8.
Schrlver, Cincinnati Times-Star; treasurer,
George H. Walker; executive committee,
Louis Gartha of tha Baltimore American,
P. V. DeGraw of the St. Louis Westlisch
Post, Edgar C. Snyder of The Omaha Bee.
HOLD "LAST CUSTER SURVIVOR"
Police Arrest Maa Who Claim to
to Have Beea an Little
Blsr Horn.
NEW YORK, Dec. 10. William McOoa,
who claims to b tha cole whit survivor
of Custer' command in the famous battle
of the Little Big Horn, is under arrest
here charged with homicide.
Late Thursday night he got Into 44
argument with Frank Mitchell, a salesman,
over the proper method for cooking a
kidney stew. A quarrel followed and the
men attacked each other with kitchen
knives, the fracas having occurred in Mit
chell's flat.
McGee, who lived on the western frontier
forty years, declared Mitchell atacked him
first and by practicing an old trick ha
felled his opponent, not, however, until h
receive a severe scalp wound.
Mitchell did not appear badly off at th
time, but he died two hour later. McGe
was arrested meantime In a newspaper
office where he had gone to set th editor
right regarding the story of the fight.
In telling of his Service In the army, Mo-
Gee declared he waa detached by Custer,
Just before the massacre, to carry a mes
sage to Major Reno, who waa to hav
made a Joint attack with Custer' troop
on the Indians.
McGee bears the scar of many wound
which he claims to have received before
he reached Reno's forces. Recently h
came here from Texa and ho been can
vassing for a magazine.
ELIOT ON LAB0R UNIONS
Address of Harvard's President Befot
New York Schoolmaster 1
, Criticised.
" aaaaaasaaaass
NEW YORK, Dec.' 10. Th attitude of
President Charles W. Eliot of Harvard finl
verslty toward labor unions, a expressed
In an address before the Schoolmasters'
association of Naw York today did not
meet with th favor of many of hi hear
ers.
In a long general discussion which fol
lowed tho address hi position was as
sailed by a number of speakers. Dr. Eliot'
replies to his -critics evoked enthusiastic
applause. President Eliot' subject wa
Education In a Republlo." H declared
that the education suitable In 4 republlo
must necessarily bt different - from what
would be suitable In a country where all
the young men are given a military train
Ing. He thought also that the industrial
motive should not be entirely dominant In
the school. Three essentials for success,
he said, wer to teach the child to think;
to teach the habit of concentrated atten
tion and liberty.
It was at the conclusion of bis formal ad
dress and In reply to a question that th
reference to labor union wa made. Presi
dent Eliot said that In his opinion th
chief defect of th trades union system, a
t exist todsy. Is th doctrine of th limi
tation of output. Nothing In present day
conditions was more demoralising, he said.
than thl feature of the labor union.
Attempt at Bnlrlda a BlnlT.
PIERRE. 8. V.. Dec. 10. ( Special. ) Th
Jury In th case against H. M. Strong,
who wa charged with attempt to commit
suicide, brought In a verdict of not guilty
on the evidence of Strong; that while h
had told several people thst he Intended
to commit suicide; that ha purchased th
poison and showsd It to several, and that
he then poured a part of It out of th
bottle, aftar which he announced that he
took It. all for a bluff to scare th girl
who would not return hi affection. After
hs Jury returned the verdict Judge Daffy
called Strong up and gave him a severe
lecture and warned hlro that It would not
be well fur him to again ooan befor th
court uuder th gain T'Tvmstsnrsa
-