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MISSOURI State News
Jefferson City.—The Supreme Court denied the writ of mandamus of Ernest F. Oakley to prevent Albert Schweitzer, prosecuting attorney-elect, from taking office. The only dissenting vote was cast by Judge Graves. This decision is final in the controversy which developed Jan. 1, when Schweitzer was barricaded from office by Oakley. Oakley held that Schweitzer had been elected for the short term, there being two terms, one from the date of election to Jan. 1, and the other for four years, dating Jan. 1. He contended that the term for office was not specified upon the ballot. Suggestions to the opposition to the issuance of any writ were filed in the State Supreme Court by Conway Elder and Forrest Donnell and Henry Kortjohn, Jr., attorneys for Schweitzer. It is alleged in the answer that no confusion or uncertainty arose on the account of the wording of the ballot, to cause anyone to believe that they were voting for anyone but prosecuting attorney for four years; that no question was raised at the time of the primary in August, or at time of election, on Nov. 7. It is claimed that Oakley admitted the term in issue was for four years, beginning Jan. 1, 1923, when he filed suit to contest the election of Schweitzer, and that by continuing to hold office of prosecuting attorney from Nov. 7, 1922, to date of filing application, Oakley also admits that he was holding office by virtue of appointment.
Lancaster.—One bandit was mortally wounded and his companion captured, following an attempt to rob the general store of Colgrove Brothers at Greentop, in Schuyler County. Night Watchman Otis Nyswander observed the bandits enter the store, and when they emerged with a sack of sugar, fired upon the pair, wounding one of them. The wounded man was placed in an automobile by his companion and the car sped north. The sack of sugar was abandoned near Queen City, Schuyler County, but the bandits continued their flight. Officials at Lancaster have been advised by wire from Oskaloosa, Ia., that the wounded man has died and the other bandit has surrendered.
Poplar Bluff.—Despite heavy floods last spring, farmers in Southeast Missouri report they have made on the average three times as much money in 1922 as in any previous year. The prosperity, it was said, was due to cotton, more than 175,000 bales being raised, bringing in excess of $21,000,000. On some days several banks in Southeast Missouri stayed open all night to handle the cotton business and one bank doubled its deposits in two months. About 150,000 bales were ginned in Missouri, and 25,000 sent to gins in Arkansas. The average yield in cash an acre was estimated at $100.
Poplar Bluff.—Mrs. Nancy Stoker Kirk, 93 years old, one of the oldest residents of the county, died at her home on 10-mile creek, 18 miles west of Poplar Bluff. She made a visit here a short time ago, seeing her first railroad train and a few months ago she saw and road in her first automobile. Her husband, John Kirk, and her two sons, Peter Nance, of this city, and Monroe Kirk, and a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive. She came from Kentucky 85 years ago and lived on the same farm 85 years.
Boonville.—Charter for establishing a bankers' joint stock land bank here was granted by the Federal Farm Loan Board in Washington, D. C., according to a telegram received by H. A. Creagan from Congressman Sid C. Roach of this district. Creagan, who is president of the Farmers' Trust Co. here, is also president of the new loan bank, which is a separate and distinct institution from the Farmers' Trust co. The new bank has a capital and surplus of $275,000.
Jefferson City.—The house pledged itself in a joint and concurrent resolution to appropriate money to keep the state blind commission going at least four months, and to appropriate funds for the United Workers for the Blind in St. Louis and similar associations in Kansas City, St. Charles and Jefferson City. The blind pension fund is exhausted.
Jefferson City.—Miss Louise Renner, 42 years old, assistant matron of the women's department of the state penitentiary, who suffered a broken neck Christmas Day, when she was struck on the head by an elevator as she leaned out into the shaft, died at a hospital.
Columbia.—Miss Lois Hobart of Columbia, a student in the University High School here, was seriously injured when plastering fell from a classroom ceiling, striking her on the head. She had not regained consciousness an hour after the accident.
Poplar Bluff.—Announcement has been made here that drilling of Big Island well No. 2 will be started on March 15, according to the present plan of the Big Island Oil Company. The well will be put down by contracting drillers, who have equipment of the latest type.
Sedalia.—Two hundred farmers of Dresden Township organized the Dresden Community Club, and elected the following officers: W. H. Wheaton, president; Edward Church, vice-president; George Fichter, secretary-treasurer.
Jefferson City.—The House elected Oak Hunter, of Randolph County, speaker; William Hicks, of Kansas City, chief clerk, and other permanent officers, then met in joint assembly with the Senate, canvassed the result of the election on United States Senator, and heard Governor Hyde's biennial message. After the joint assembly dissolved, Speaker Hunter appointed the members of the committees on rules, accounts and elections. William Job, of Nodaway, a farmer, was appointed chairman of the accounts committee; Harry C. Yates, of Buchanan, was made chairman of the elections committee, which will have charge of changes in the election laws and contests; and Phil M. Donnelly, of Laclede, was made chairman of the rules committee.
Bucklin.—Joseph Molt, 50 years old, of Moberly, Mo., while hunting along the Yellow Creek, near Marceline, Mo., pitched his tent near a large tree, built a campfire and then went to sleep in the tent. The tree, aught fire, was burned away at the base and fell across the tent, pinning Molt down so that he could move only his arms. The flames crept along the tree toward him and he fought desperately with his hands in an effort to keep the fire from reaching him. Then it rained. Later three other hunters happened along and discovered Holt's plight. He was exhausted. His hands were burned and he was suffering from internal injuries.
Jefferson City.—For the first time in the history of the senate the opening prayer was interrupted because some of the visitors in the gallery had failed to stand up during the invocation. Chaplain Hall had just begun the prayer when Lieut. Gov. Lloyd spoke up: "Just a moment, Doctor. There are some spectators in the gallery who are not standing up. Visitors in the gallery will please stand while the chaplain is offering prayer," he continued, facing the gallery. A group of spectators who had remained in their seats hastily scrambled to their feet, and the prayer went on.
Maryville.—Charging in the petition that he was of unsound mind and that influence had been used upon him when he drew up his will bequeathing more than $25,000 to charitable organizations and friends throughout the country, Sarah E. Rathbun and Mary E. Murr, sisters, and John Glover, a nephew, have filed suit here to have the will of James Glover broken.
Jefferson City.—Increase of rates on Portland cement from Sugar Creek to St. Joseph, announced as effective January 15, were suspended by the Public Service Commission until May 14, pending a hearing. The proposed increase was from 7 cents to 9 cents per 100 pounds on carload specials.
Lamar.—Deputy Sheriff Matt Wakeman, who was also Marshal at Lamar, died of apoplexy and paralysis. Wakeman was returning from an examination of a nude body of an unidentified man found hidden in a straw stack near Golden City when rendered helpless by paralysis.
Poplar Bluff.—The first serious effect on business here as a result of the failure of the Farmers' Savings Bank was the temporary closing of the Supreme Cigar Company plant. The Supreme company is one of the largest cigar manufacturers in Southern Missouri.
Nevada.—R. R. Litterel, of Springfield, has submitted the lowest bid for the construction of a graded road between Eldorado Springs and Nevada, the figures also calling for a concrete arch bridge over Fly Creek. His figures are $12,920.03.
Jefferson City.—Attorney General Barrett announced the taking of testimony in his ouster proceedings against the Mill Men's Association of St. Louis would be resumed in Jefferson City January 23 before Commissioner Shackleford.
Carrollton.—John L. Sullivan, 50, and Evaline Sullivan, 40, a sister, were killed by a Santa Fe train here. They were in a motor car and attempted to cross where the train was cut in two, not knowing that trainmen were closing the gap.
Wright City.—Lucien Pringle, a farmer about 40 years old, living four miles southeast of this place, while out shooting hawks, accidentally discharged his gun, shooting himself just below the heart, killing himself instantly.
Jefferson City.—Charles A. Lee of Butler, elected superintendent of schools at the last general election, took the oath of office and entered upon his duties at the capital. He succeeds Sam A. Baker.
Nevada.—Moss & Moss of this city have presented a bid of $33,639.80 for the construction of a two-mile gravel road and a concrete bridge in Cedar County from Eldorado Springs to the St. Clair County line.
Kirksville.—Junior David, 10, stepson of E. A. Reiter, an employe of the electric light plant here, was drowned in a pond near here, when his sled broke through thin ice.
Jefferson City.—J. D. Freund, cashier of the Citizens' Bank of Cole Camp, was appointed a state bank examiner by Director of Finance Millspaugh.
Jefferson City.—A complaint against the St. Louis and San Francisco (Frisco) Railway Company was filed with the State Public Service Commission by the City of Springfield. An order requiring the Frisco to construct an adequate passenger station at Springfield was asked.
Springfield.—The Southwestern Engineering Company has been formed here to do a general engineering and contracting business, with a capital stock of $20,000. The incorporators are: H. P. Roberts, L. D. Rosenbauer, L. W. Ledgerwood and A. E. Owen.
