FOURTH YEAR.
CHITINA, ALASKA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1914.
NUMBER 19
LATE TELEGRAPHIC NEWS
WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 20.—Senator
Smoot, of Utah, and Senator Smith, of Arizona,
both of whom are members of the Senate committee
on public lands, sought without success to have the
bill before the Senate proiding for leasing the coal
lands in Alaska taken from the Senate committee
on mines and mining, and referred to the public
lands committee. The opposition to making the
change was led by Senator Chamberlain, chairman
of the public lands committee and Senator Walsh,
chairman of the committee on mines and mining.
After debating the matter for more than an hour it
was dropped but will be brought up again.
The personnel of the committees and the states
which they represent are as follows:
Mines and Mining Committee—Walsh, (Chair
man), Montana: Ashurst, Arizona; Tillman, South
Cai-olina; Johnson, Alabama; Pittman, Nevada;
Shafroth, Colorado; Poindexter, Washington; Fall,
New Mexico; Jackson, Maryland, and Sterling,
South Dakota.
Public Lands Committee—Chamberlain. (Chair
man), Oregon; Myers, Montana; Smith, Arizona;
Thomas, Colorado; Robinson, Arkansas; Thompson,
Kansas; Pittman, Nevada; Ransdell, Louisiana;
Hughes, New Jersey; Smoot, LTtah; Clark,
Wyoming; Works, California; Fall, New Mexico;
Norris, Nebraska and Sterling of South Dakota.
WASHINGTON, I). C., Feb. 21.—Vice Presi
dent Marshall lias named Senators Pittman, of
Nevada. Chamberlain of Oregon, and Jones of
Washington as conferees of the joint committee
from the Senate and Hones to consider the Alaska
railroad bill and adjust the differences in the
measures passed by the upper and lower houses.
Representatives Houston of Tennessee, Guernsey of
Maine and Davenport of Oklahoma, have been
named by the House as conferees. The joint com
mittee began the work this morning. The House
amendments to the measure do not meet with the
approval of the Senate managers but it is not
believed the difference will result in tying up the
measure the re»i»*eataijjre«> of TtofTi houses
manifest i\ desire to adjust xhe differences as soon
as po;.- '5le. The members from the Senate are
contending that the bond issue provision should be
reinserted as a safe guard in financing the railroads,
and are also opposed to the House amendment
providing that all branch lines must be standard
guage. Speaking of the measure this afternoon
Representative Houston said: “I believe I am
expressing the sentiments of the joint committee in
saying that the measure will be disposed of before
the end of next week and be ready for the presi
dent’s signature, and that surveying will begin early
I next spring. We are all anxious to get the measure
out of the way as there are many important matters
which must receive immediate attention.”
WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 24.—The new
Chamberlain bill providing for the appointment of
a commission of three by the president to handle
the affairs of the federal government in Alaska, will
be debated tomorrow. The measure provides for
the appointment of a board to be known as the
Alaska Development Board, who will reside and
maintain a branch office in the territory. Provision
is made for a salary of $8,500 for the chairman per
annum, the others‘to receive $8,000 each. The
board would have care, use, and disposition of all
reserved and unreserved public lands, including
forests and waters and resources therein, over fish
and fisheries, seals, reindeer, mines, minerals and
mining, Indians, Eskimos, and other Alaska natives,
or things now subject to national ownership in the
territory. Senator Pittman, of Nevada, has
declared that he will oppose the measure as he
favors leaving the handling of Alaskan affairs to
the people of the territory. He believes Alaska is
entitled to full territorial government.
lireat Northern Held Up
SEATTLE, Feb. 23.—This city was thrown into
a state of wildest excitement last night when the
news spread that the Interrurban outbound Train
had been held up at the Meadows. There were 60
passengers on the train and the robbers secured over
$400 in cash and several valuable diamonds.
3 he bandits were masked and are believed to
be the same gang which held up the Great Northern
train near Bellingham when three passengers were
killed and several others wounded. After the robbery
the bandits entered an auto and disappeared. King
County officials, as well as the Stone & Webster
■Company have offered rewards for the apprehension
of the bandits. Rewards for their capture now total
$50,000, and scores of detectives are working on the
case in hopes of earning the rewards.
First reports to reach the city concerning the
Interrurban holdup were conflicting, several passen
gers having been reported as killed for refusing to
deliver up their valuables. As was the case in the
Great Northern robbery, one man kept the passen
gers covered with a revolver while the others went
through the pockets of the travelers for money. No
attempt was made to take jewelry which might lead
to identification, the holdups contenting themselves
with cash and diamonds.
Police and deputies are combing the, district,
believing that the robbers are part of a band who
have come to the coast for the purpose of making a
hurried cleanup. New arrivals in all parts of the
county who are unknown are being closely watched
by scores of amateur detectives who are anxious to
secure the rewards. The officers have been unable
to pick up any clue leading to a discovery of the
robbers. Suspects, who were believed to be concerned
in the Great Northern robbery and murders, have
cleared themselves of any possible connection with
the affair.
Villa Executes Englishman
EL PASO, Feb. 20.—Information was received
from Juarez today that William S. Benton, a
British subject, had been executed for alleged com
plicitv in a plot to kill General Villa. It is reported
that the Englishman was condemned and shot
without the formality of a trial. The matter has
been reported to the British government and may
result in further complications.
LONDON, Feb. 20.—A sensation was caused in
the British parliament today when a message was
read stating that a British subject had been con
demned and executed by General Villa without trial.
The message gave the jingoes an opportunity which
was eagerly seized to criticise the government^
foreign policy in Mexico. Fuller particulars of The
execution were demanded and the affair will be
thoroughly probed.
WASHINGTON, D. Feb. 20.—No official
information has been received from Juarez of the
execution of the Englishman, Benton, by General
Villa, but messages from private citizens have
flooded the secretary of state’s office protesting
because he was executed without trial. It is stated
that General Villa condemned Benton on the
unsupported word of a Mexican officer who claimed
to have gained information of the attempt to kill
Villa. Many of the messages are from prominent
foreigners who describe Villa as a man absolutely
without regard for human life.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 20.—The state
department received a request this afternoon from
the British government for particulars concerning
the execution of William S. Benton, at Juarez by
General Villa.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 21.—The Mexican
situation has been brought to a point of intense
international interest through the killing of William
S. Benton, the Englishman, by the order of General
Villa. The situation is so grave that a cabinet
meeting was hastily called last night when the
Mexican question was discussed. Secretary Bryan
this morning held a conference with Spring and Rice
who have been representing the United States itt
Northern Mexico in an official capacity.
EL PASO, Feb. 21.—A mass meeting held here
last night, and attended by thousands, passed resolu
tions condemning the government’s handling of the
Mexican situation and protesting against the execu
tion of Benton. The speakers represented refugees
of all nations who had been driven out of Mexico
and included Americans, Englishmen, Germans and
Spaniards. The plan of President Wilson in lifting
the embargo on munitions of war as a means of
speedily terminating the war, was severely con
demned. General Villa was characterized as a
bandit and murderer. The resolutions passed by the
meeting have been telegraphed to Washington as
well as cabled to the European nations represented
at the meeting. The situation is very grave and
can never be relieved as long as General Villa is
permitted to remain at the head of the Constitution
alist forces in Northern Mexico.
MEXICO CITY, Feb. 21.—When informed of
the crisis resulting from the killing of Benton, by
the order of General Villa, President Huerta said it
was just what might have been expected. General
V illa had been a bandit who held human life and
property rights cheap before the rebellion and his
being given ommand of the rebel troops in Northern
Mexico by General Carranza had enabled him to
continue devastating the country. He believes
President Wilson will realize his error in lending
support to the rebels by permitting them to import
arms and ammunition from the United States. He
said, “It is a singular thing that an established
government cannot secure credit among foreign
nations when a rebellion breaks out but that foreign
manufacturers are willing to send millions of dollars
worth of arms and ammunition into the country
without any hope of payment unless the rebellion is
successful. To make the attempt to overthrow of
the government a success the munitions of war must
be followed by a prolonged struggle by men and
money as well as the sympathy of the governments
from which the munitions of war were sent. The
killing of Beuton may cause the civilized world to
realize the state of warfare aganist which this gov
ernment has been contending.”
EL PASO, Feb. 21.—The killing of Benton, the
Englishman, has served to strike terror into the
hearts of foreigners who had decided to remain in
Mexico despite the warnings of President Wilson.
Scores of Amercans, Englishmen and Germans who
had remained in the cities and mining sections in
hopes of protecting their property have abandoned
all and are getting out of the country believing that
intervention is sure to result from the Oumbre
tunnel tragedy and the murder of Benton. The
refugees state that the country is overrun by bands
of robbers who claim to be acting for General Villa
in raising funds to keep his army in the field.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 21.—The state
department lias received information statin# that
! William Benton, the Englishman who was executed
by order of General Villa had attempted to shoot
the general. According to the statement issued by
the agent of the Mexican Constitutional government
here, Benton drew a revolver with the intention of
shooting Villa. The men were standing close
together and General Villa knocked the English
man down, later courtmartialed him and ordered
him to be shot.
LONDON, Feb. 21.—The report that William
S. Benton, an Englishman, had been executed by
General Villa has caused a sensation throughout the
British Isles. The press of the country is demanding
that the execution be investigated.
WASHINGTON, D. C., Feb. 23.—Secretary
Bryan has ordered a farreacliing investigation into
the causes which led to the execution of Benton, the
Englishman, by orders of General Villa. Reports
concerning the killing are conflicting. The agent
of the Constitutional government has HlecI a report
that the Englishman attempted to shoot Villa but
was disarmed and courtmartialed by officers of
General Villa’s army and ordered shot. Messages
have also been received from responsible Americans
in Juarez declaring that Benton was killed bv
General Villa himself.
LONDON, Feb. 23.—'The British ambassador
at Washington has transmitted information from
Secretary Bryan that William S. Benton, the British
subject who was executed by General Villa at
Juarez, was found guilty of attempted murder of the
general and executed in accordance with the rules
of warfare. The British representative in Mexico
City has been ordered to investigate the killing, and
take all possible steps to safeguard the lives of
British and other foreigners in Mexico.
WASHINGTON, I). C., Feb. 23.—President
Wilson and Secretary Bryan held a Sunday confer
ence when the Mexican situation was considered. No
information has been given out beyond the
announcement that the killing of Benton would be
investigated.
VERA CRUZ, Feb. 23—The commander of the
German cruiser Dresden yesterday shipped to the
German legation at Mexico City two machine guns
and 40,000 rounds ;of ammunition. A squad of blue
jackets from the German cruiser accompanied the
shipment in civilian dress. So quietly was the
transaction carried out that the machine guns and
marines were in the capital before the represen
tatives of other nations knew what was transpiring
VEKA CRUZ, Feb. 23.—The detail of American
bluejackets which has been doing- duty in guarding
the American consulate here has been withdrawn
and have been replaced by a guard of picked
marines. The situation is very critical as the
German commander while acting within his rights
has done so without consulting the representatives
of other nations.
I1ERMOSILLO, Feb. 23.—The anniversary of
the overthrow and killing of President Madero was
commemorated in all parts of the republic by the
Constitutionalists. At many places speakers
declai*ed that President Huerta, who had caused the
murder of Madero would pay the penalty by
suffering a like fate.
PITTSBURG, Feb. 25. — Short
dashes, relays, distance runs and
broad and high jumping were fea
tures of an indoor athletic carnival
held here today by the Pittsburg
Young Men’s Christian Association.
The meet was staged at Duquesn*
Garden and more than 100 athletes
of the association participated.
WASHINGTON. D. C„ Feb. 25.—
Decision of charges against Judge
Jpeer of Georgia will be decided
shortly by the House judiciary sub
committee. The time for filing a
reply brief expired today and the
committee expected to get down to
work immediately now that it has
all the evidence in hand. Indica
tions point to clean slating the judge
on the count charging use of drugs,
but the disposal of the other counts
now stands in a more or less specu
lative position.
LONDON, Feb. 25.—Lord Grey
announced today that England
would not modify her decision to
participate in the Panama Pacific
Exposition to be held at San Fran
cisco next year. The announcement
was made in answer to a protest by
the authors of Britain against non
participation at the fair.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25.—
Presidents of five branches of the
National Council of Women Voters
were guests here today of the local
branch of the organization. The
visitors included Emma Smitii
Devoe, national president; Mrs. Vir
ginia Mason, president of the Wash
ington branch; Miss Margaret S.
Roberts, president of the Idaho
branch; Mrs. W. Munda, president
of the Arizona branch, and Mrs.
John D. Raker, president of the
California branch.
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 25.—The
very latest thing in strikes is on
here today. Recently Yim Tong, a
Suey Sing Tong gunman, was fired
from the organization. Nineteen
other expert trigger pullers immedi
ately handed in their resignations.
“Take Yim back,’ ’ they insisted,
“and reinstate him or you have no
gunmen.” Yim was not reinstated
and the gunmen struck.
MOORESTOWN, N. J„ Feb. 25,—
Every Sunday School, Young Men's
Christian Association and troop of
Boy Scouts in America was repre
sented here by delegate or letter to
day when the annual Burlington
County Boys’ Conference was
opened. Two delegates were invited
from every Boy Scout troop, Sun
day School and Y. M. C. A. in
America. w
DENVER, Feb. 25.—Secretary
Lane’s recent advocacy of the with
drawal from public entry all radium
bearing mines in this country, is ex
pected to be one of the principal
topics of discussion during the
Colorado Mining convention which
began here today. Thos. R. Hono
ham, state mining commissioner,
called the convention to form a per
manent and statewide organization
to promote the metalliferous mining
interests of Colorado. Represen
tatives are present from Utah,
Wyoming and New' Mexico
Mine taxation, home leasing, pools
and government aid in solving low
grade ore pronlems also will be dis
cussed. One hundred and fifty dele
gates are in attendance.
rArCliS, feD. 4a.-TD6 lo.UUU
negroes inhabiting Paris filed today
incorporation papers for a separate
trade union though they belong to
nearly all the trades. They propose
to act, together however, and try for
higher wages in every branch. They
have asked for a charter and will
ultimately affiliate with the General
Confederation of Labor.
HOTEL AT McCarthy
HAS CHANGED HANDS
Clinton J. Griffith, of Kennecott.
has taken over the McCarthy Hotel
and will hereafter conduct it under
the name of the Hotel Golden. Mr.
Griffith plans remodeling the build
ing and conducting a strictly up-to
date hotel. He has also been
granted a liquor license and has
ordered bar fixtures and equipment.
NORTH DAKOTANS
CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY
WASHINGTON. I). C., Feb. 25.—
United States Treasurer Burke and
other North Dakota notables tonight
will attend the annual banquet of
Washington’s North Dakota society.
COLLEGE FRATERNITY
IS IN CONVENTION
WASHINGTON. D. C„ Feb. 25.—
“Delta Tau Delta’’ from all parts ot'
the Southeastern division of their
fraternity flocked here today to at
tend their three days’ convention.
MINER WAS SEVERELY
BITTEN BY BULLDOG
Howard Kinney, a miner in the
Hot Springs country was recently
severely bitten by a bulldog and
compelled to go to Fairbanks for
treatment. Kinney and his partner
each had a dog between their knees
and angered the animals. When
they decided to let the dogs go for
each other, one of them, a bulldog,
fastened his teeth in Jones’ knee. A
bar had to be used in prying the
dog’s teeth apart and it died of
lockjaw the next day. Kinney’s
partner, Dick Jones, has not much
use for a chair at present as the
other dog, a malamute, snapped at
him as it was making its escape
from the fight.
Camille McGowan expects to re
turn from Seattle on one of the next
boats with a drill which he will take
with him on a prospecting trip to
Nelchina.