The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume], January 20, 1913, Image 1

About The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913

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VINITA DAILY CHIEFTAIN.
VOL XIV. NO. 225
VINITA, OKLAHOMA, MONDAY, JANUARY 20. 1913.
FIVE CENTS PER COP"Y
11.
F
Attorney General West Makes Serious
Charges Following Dismissal of
Forgery Case.
Oklahoma City, Jan. 20. A few
hours after a charge of forgery against
State Printer Giles V. Farris, In con
nection with the publication of the
famous Oklahoma lied Book, had been
dismissed in the justice of the peace
courts here on the grounds that the
prosecution had failed to make a ease,
Governor Cruce transmitted to the
house of representatives letters and
documenis by Attorney General West
as the grounds for impeachment pro
ceedings "gainst the state printer upon
the same complaint which the courts
had dismissed, aad for impeachment
proceedings against State Auditor Leo
Meyer, also.
The attorney general, in the ltter
the governor transmitted, not only
holds that testimony in the justice
of the peace hearings proved the lia
bility of the state printer to impeach
ment, but connects State Auditor Leo
Meyer with him as an accomplice, and
alleges in plain language that the Red
Book "practice" is the least of the
matters that will be presented to the
legislature in regard to the state audi
tor. "The entire transaction of the Red
Book, in connection with the testimony
of Meyer (in the Farris hearing on the
forgery charge," says the attorney gen
eral's letter, "raised the question of
whether Meyer was no an accomplice
of Farris in this transaction."
More Serious Charges Also.
And I suggest," the letter continues,
"that the legislature consider whether
impeachment proceedings should not
be brought against the auditor on that
account, but we have other items much
greater than that that show the capa
bility and criminality of Leo Meyer
which in the near future will be placed
with you."
The attorney general's letter was ad
dressed to the governor, and enclose
a transcript of some of the testimony
in the Farris hearing before Justice
of the Peace J. J. Beall. Governor
Crucce sent the letter and transcript to
the hous:? of representatives with a
brief and non-committal message in
which there was no recommendation
vhat"Ter.
Speaker Maxey referred the guberna
torial letter and enclosures to the com
mittee on impeachment and removal
of stat-3 officers, of which John P.
Crawford of Ada is chairman. Mr.
Crawford immediately gave formal no
tice to State Printer Farris and State
Auditor Meyer of the accusations by
the attorney general, and set 11 o'clock
Monday in the hall of representatives
as the date for preliminary hearing.
In reference to the testimony given
in Justice Beall's court on the forgery
charge which was dismissed. Attorney
General West says: "The state proved
by Colonel Striker, editor of the Tulsa
Democrat, to whom the warrant upon
which his name is alleged to have been
forged was issued, that he had not
luthorized the Indorsement on the war
rant and that lie and the company
were entirely without the knowledge
of how the warrant got there.
Presented by Farris.
'The state proved that the warrant
was delivered to Giles W. rams in
person and by him was presented to
the City Stote bank for sale, bearing
at that time the forged indorsement,
'The Democrat Publishing company, by
W. M. S.'
The attorney general continues that
the City State bank bought the war
rant, paying for it a $490 cashier's
check; that later on the same day, Jan
uary 9, 1912, this cashier's check was
presented by Mr. Farris to the Wilkin
Hale State bank "in puymont of the
sum of $250 on a $350 note then owing
by said Giles W. Farris to said bank,"
MEYER AND
IS
UNDER
CHARGES
Women's New English
Walking Shoes
Lace, Wide Heel, While. Hlack and Tan
They are the very latest
M1LF0RD - BERGER SHOE COMPANY
1 1 1 Smith Wilson Si .
and Mr. Farris in addition to the credit
of $250 on the note received from the
Wilkin-Hale bank $140 in cash and a
cashier's check for $100.
The attorney general practically im
plies that the testimony of State Audi
tor Leo Meyer in the justice court,
which had a great deal to do with the
dismissal of the charges against Mr.
Farris, was that of an accomplice, and
is not worthy of credence. In regard
to Mr. Meyer's testimony that the al
leged forged signature much resembled
the handwriting of Seth K. Cordon,
the deceased compiler of a portion of
the Red Book, the attorney general
says:
"Even if the handwriting is Vordon's
Farris is accessory to forgery.
Meyer's Connection.
"In view of the participation by Leo
Meyer in the Red Book practice,' of
which this action is a part, his opinion,
of course, becomes negligible."
State Auditor Leo Meyer has been
in the service of the state since slate
hood; being the assistant secretary of
state during the "first administration"
under Secretary of State Bill Cross,
and during a major portion of that
period was the practical head of the
department of state, due to the almost
continuous illness of his veteran su
period. He was a candidate for Secre
tary of state in the democratic pri
maries of 1910, was defeated on a close
vote by Benjamin F. Harrison, present
secretary of state, and, as Bill Cross,
successful candidate for the nomina
tion for state auditor, died the day he
was nominated, was chosen by the
democratic state central committee to
the vacancy on the ticket for state
auditor.
State Printer Giles W. Farris was
elected state printer in 1910, after hav
ing beaten a number of opponents in
the democratic state primaries.
Proceedings Expected.
The impeachment proceedings
against the two high state officials
created no surprise, and have been ex
pected in the house of representatives
ever since the first day of the session.
For months the tension between var
ious state departments has been
strait ed, owing to the particulars sur
rounding the Red Book contract and
the state examiner and inspector's in
vestigation, and in as great degree,
to the efforts of Attorney General
Charles West to learn who got the rest
of the money fro mthe Bill McBrine
warrants, of which the attorney gen
eral says McBrine himself got only
about half, leaving approximately, ac
cording to the attorney general, some
thing like $14,000 to be accounted for.
As a result of the attorney general's
efforts to connect the state auditor
with the McBrine warrants, there has
developed a natural and bitter feud be
tween Mr. West and State editor
Meyer, and Mr. Meyer himself began
the open fighting several days ago
when he furnished members of the
legislature with copies of expense ac
counts of the attorney general's office
since statehood, which led to resolu
tions being introduced into the house
accusing the latter of "unspeakable
prodigality."
Knowing what was coming, Speaker
.Maxey of the house of representatives,
which always acts as prosecutor in im
peachment proceedings, placed some
of the ablest men of the house on the
committees on impeachment and re
moval and investigation of judiciary
and executive departments. The chair
man of the democratic house caucus,
John P. Crawford, being made chair
man on impeachment and removal.
The other members of the impeach
ment committee are Smith of Pottawa
tomie. Hill of Pittsburg, Bolen of Okla
homa, Pinkham of Kay, Wyand of
Muskogee, Chase of Nowata, McGuire
of Logan and Vosburgh of Woodward.
Mr. Vosburgh being the leader of the
republican minority.
Duty of Committee.
Ii will be the duty of the committee
on impeachment and remoTal to pass
upon the accusations submitted to it.
and If they are found substantial and
serious, to prepare articles of impeach
ment to present to the house, the house
then passes tion the articles, and if
tcoiitinU'id on last page)
E
IN IMPEACHMENT
Proceedings Will Be Governed By
Action of Those in Charge
Whose Move is It?
Oklahoma City, Jan. 19. Chairman
John P. Crawford of the committee on
impeachment and removal of the house
of representatives announced Sunday
that the committee would take up the
matters filed with the house Saturday
with reference to State Printer Giles
W. Farris and State Auditor Leo Meyer
at eleven o'clock Monday morning.
There is some difference of opinion
as to whether the governor's message
and the enclosures of Attorney Gen
eral West's accusations constitutes the
beginning of impeachment proceedings.
The only reference to impeachment in
the message and enclosures is in the
letter from Mr. West, and it was ad
dressed to the governor and was not
necessarily a public communication.
Some legislators take the position
that tho numerous resolutions intro
duced in the house and directed at the
expenditures of the attorney general
himself could be considered the pre
liminaries to impeachment proceedings
just as well as the attorney general's
letter to the governor.
The attorney general's letter, they
say, is really nothing more than
charges such as any individual could
make and has t:o more force in bring
ing on impeachment proceedings than
would uy Other letter filed with the
house.
The general concensus of opinion is,
that until the committee on impeach
ment and removal decides that there
are grounds for impeachment proceed
ings, such proceedings have not in
reality begun.
As to the attitude of the committee
o niinpeachment and removal. Chair
man Crawford made a statement Sun
day as follows:
"The impeachment for high state ot
her is a matter of unusual seriousness.
Only the appearance of some grave
offense or misconduct warrants the
institution of such proceedings. We
have recently seen our national con
gress try and condemn a federal judge
and the sentence that was there pro
nounced will be remembered a long
time for its solemnity and terrible
finality.
"The house prepares the articles of
impeachment; the senate conducts the
trial. It is the duty of our committee
to decide whether any charges filed
against a state officer have the gravity
and substance sufficient to warrant
him being tried before the eminent
senators for his official position and
future. On the one hand is the char
acter, honor and position of the state
officers accused; on the other, are the
interests of the people of the state of
Oklahoma who must be protected from
high malfeasance of those to whom
they have enthrnsted their supreme
offices.
"With this responsibility upon us,
the committee will not be inclined to
go carelessly about its duty. Wo will
demand from accused and accuser no
farcial charges or replies, but the truth
and proofs of the truth. We will de
mand proof of the charges, and if good
simv.lance of proof there be, the com
mittee will so report to the house with
its articles of impeachment; and if
there are no proofs, and no appearance
of proofs, we will so report to the
house, with the recommendation that
it deal not lightly with the false ac
cuser." Oklahoma Boy Wins Prize.
Grand roping contest at Mexico City,
Jan. 1 and 2, prize $200, won by Erick
Williams, Claremore, Okla.; also grand
record of the world, time W'z seconds,
over 20-foot score; donations from
grand stand $800 in money. Foreman
of R. O. Cattle company makes Wil
liams present of the famous horse.
Mexico Boy, which he is shipping bark
to Oklahoma Horses loaded the 9th
for Oklahoma.
The meetings at the Church of God
ji.l, tue r.tnpire iiiock aie progressing
nicely under the direction of the min
ister in charge. The meetings will
continue at least t;ntil the first of next
month.
Chief oi Police C. H. GoodpT- ter, lias
received word that Herman hevenot,
th( tiygro who Is charged with rob
bing Ben Rose's resident 'aat sum
mer, was in jail in Pensat l Florida,
and will not return here without a
requisition. Chief Goodpaster may go
to Florida after him.
CUIUS
MOV
E
Al OKLAHOMA CITY
A Pair of Cool Ones.
Over in the southeast corner of the
legislative hall Bits two of the as
sembly's most quiet and undemonstra
tive members, yet they are both power
ful men. They are learned ii.en, both
of them. They are, also, both men of
great good judgment. They ate both
students. The men are Hugh Bolen,
of Oklahoma county and Charles rink
ham, of Kay county. Neither man has,
so far, been on his feet to tall;, yet
both are powerful speakers whet, oc
casion arises. Both watch the pro
ceedings closely, and when the ses
sion ends no other two, its OUT gutSB,
will have as many correct votes to
their credit.
A Healthy Sign.
Your reporter is glad to note thl
rapid clearing away of the smok ; and
dust that filled tho atmosphere du-tng
and for a few days after the speaker
ship fight In the legislature. Wheu
Mr. Maxey took his place as speaker
he got down to work at once, spend
ing no time whatever in: useless over
tures. He apparently took it for
granted that the other candidates and
their friends were meu of business
tact, and the other candidates and
their friends apparently appreciated
this, as one and all followed the cue of
the speaker, and got down to work
without any further ado about it. An4
the smoke is rapidly clearing away.
Ths speakership fight is forgotten, and
on all sides are heard words of com
mendation for the speaker. Speaker
Maxey has the confidence of the hous.
He is liked as a presiding officer by
the members. This legislature will
do a great deal of good work, If all
signs do not fail.
Harreli Acted the7 Man.
Few understand Just how much
power the chairman of the dominant
political party In a state has when it
comes to picking out a complement of
officers to look after the business af
fairs of the state. The state chair
man can just about name the men who
load, if he ;;es fit to do so. And emer
gencies may at times arise when the
state chairman would be justified in
issuing a few ultimatums, ("diets and
commands. Luckily that emergency
has, so far, not arisen in Oklahoma.
Then, the dominant party in a state
is fortunate indeed when It Is presided
over by a man who can at all times
keep his head, not get excited and
jump in.
Tho recent speakership contest in
the legislature is a case in point. Chair
man Harreli could, had he seen fit,
been the most powerful factor in the
scrap. He could, likely, have picked
a speaker for the house, but he didn't.
He would have taken a hand, had the
conditions demanded it. But, he looked
the field ovr, saw that all were good
men, and kept strictly out of the con
test. The democrats in Oklahoma have a
man at their head Just now.
Children Got the Money.
Checks have been sent to the county
superintendents of the counties of the
3tate for the second common school
apportionment for the year 1912. $1.00
for each pupil of school age in the
state was sent out, a total of $1.95 per
LEGISLATIV
New 1913 Styles in
WALK-OVER SHOES
For Men
Most
Styles
The World's
$20.00
Waterproofed
Overcoats
$14.95
capita for the year. This apitortion
ment, for 1912, is the highost the state
authorities have ever made, exceeding
that of 1911 by 15 cents.
The increase In the size of the ap
portionment is largely to be credited
to the stringent enumeration plans put
in effect by State Superintendent Wil
son. The several districts of the state
reported in 1911, 556,854 pupils, for
1912 but 541,590 were reported 15,264
less pupils drawing state money in
1912 than In 1911, yet the population
of the state is constantly Increasing
rapidly. Strict enrollment rules is the
cause. Superintendent Wilson is to
be commended for the good work done
by his department of our state ,"Ov
eniment. $595,749 was distributed among the
common school districts this time.
Legislative Notes.
The lower house passed a resolution
favoring forfeiture o. jobs and loss of
pay for any slate employee that Is
caught lobbying.
W. .1. Bryan Is to be asked to ad
dress the legislature some time during
the bcsbIoii. A resolution to this ef
fect passed unanimously. .1. Boy Wil
liams offered the ri'solutlon.
Representative Roberts, of Texas
county, had to travel 4I!8 miles to get
to the capital. Oklahoma is some
state.
Representative Teuer, of Pottawa
tomie county, has bills In the legisla
ture having for their very commend
able object the reduction of court
costs. Its to bo hoped the bills will
receive the careful attention they de
serve. Caaft costs can certainly stand
quite a bit of pruning. Tho Toner bills
provide for Jury fees to be foxed to
tho losing side In cases tried. Provides
that, joint defendants may be tried
Jointly or severally, In tho discretion
of the court. Prohibit the summon
ing of more than live witnesses to
testify to any one fact.
Tho Farmers' caucus has a perma
nent organization perfected. Hugh A.
Randall, of Oklahoma county, is presi
dent and .1. K. ix'inen, of Grant county,
secretary. The Farmers have '.'A mem
bers. The I 'lilted States senator will be
elected before this Is read by the pub
lic. The election will be but a matter
of fform, re-electing Robert L. Owen
to succeed himself.
Speaker Maxey served in the second
and third legislatures, elected from
Pot county, moved to Muskogee county
and was elected to th present legis
lature from that county, something of
a feat in itself.
Blnssingame. of Sullisaw, is always
in his sent in the senate, one of th
hard workers. Rut Senator Plossln
game lenrned to work while in the
newspaper business.
W. B. Anthony, of the Marlow Re
view, is secretary to Lieutenant-Gov
ernor McAlester. A good selection, i
Anthony is one of the best posted men.
in the state on public, affairs.
One bill for re-districting the stale
has, so far, been introduced. Its by
Barrett, of Shawnee, and provides for
eight congressional districts. Senator
Barrett thinks all of the districts will
be safely democratic.
So far no one has suggested an In
vestigation for the Democratic Press
Bureau.
A Demand For Salt.
As the days go by it become more
and more evident that the members of
the legislature will have to be on th'-ii
guard or they will, without Knowing
it, be Influenced to the detriment of
(Continued on I.,, t Page)
$4.00
Favorites
VINITA'S BIG DEPARTMENT STORE
NEW LOAN
COMPANY
In the market for 1, 2,
3 and 5 year farm loans
Prompt Service
Best Rates
GERMANIA INVESTMENT GO.
itoom 4 Cherokee Bldg.
GIRL IS KILLED FOR CORN THIEF.
Missouri Farmer Mayes an Awful Mis
take From Barnyard Noise.
Nevada, Mo.. Jan. 19 Rossa Duff
was killed and her father, Jacob Duff,
wounded near here early Saturday by
Charles Beetle, a farmer, in what Is
believed to hare been an attempt by
tho girl to run, away. Beetle was
awakened by noises In his barnyard
early this morning. He saw two per
sons in his corn crib, cnllcn to tbiui
and received no answer. Believing
tfeem to be thieves trying to steal corn,
ho fired twice. He saw them no more
and went back to bed.
Hunters found the girl's body later
today and the coroner was called. Tho
girl was dressed partly In men's clothe
Her father had gone home.
Duff, In a statement to the coroner's
Jury- said he believed his daughter'
mind deranged. She arose early this
morning he said, uud dressing in men's
clothing, left the house. He pursued
her and finally found her hiding in the
corn ( lib on the Beetle furm ndJolnlDg
his. He was endeavoring to get her
to return home, U, yuld, when, Beetle
ordered them away and they rat). The
shooting followed. Roth Beetle and
Duff are prosperous. Duff's wound is
not dangerous. Meotle's parents live
in Kansas City.
"The Prince of Tonight."
There was only it moderately si, I
house at the Grand last night U wit
ness the splendid presentation of "The
Prince of Tonight," but those who
where there, pronounce it one of fhe
best shows ever playing the house. H
appeared for two performances, after
noon and night.
Tom AruoM In the role of th..
Prince" was all that he has been
heralded fiwtn the cities he has ap
peared in and won the Vlnlta audi
ences early In the program. He hue
a splendid voleo and In his musical
numbers was forced to encore his
chorous several times and respond t'
curtain calls after each act. The other
receiving special praise nnd apprecia
tion from the audience were: Clias.
Corn n, In the. part of the "gardener;"
Daniel Stuart, the fat comedian;
Tommy Channon and Misses Bettlo
Caldwell and Kvu Carey In, the parts
of "Bonnie Stuart" and "Virginia
Stuart."
The hill was a musical fantasy In
' luce a ts, us 'Icetrteal and scBk
effects gave the story ennotod a beau
tiful tinge that WU highly appreciated
by the eager listeners, who gave vent
to that appreciation In long rounds of
applause.
Alt In all, the bill was one that the
patrons of the theatre can consider
themselves fortunate In being able to
see In a city of this size.
$15.00
All Wool
Suits
$10M