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THE BLACK HAND The people of this city, even by unanimous vote, could not block the granting of a street railway franchise. The people are supreme on all other issues. They have control over the granting of gas franchises, water franchises, power franchises and everything else but they are powerless- if their city council chooses to sell out to the street car concern. Lopks very plain that the Stone-Webster outfit has had something to say about the framing of the laws, doesn't it? And then it has. The black hand of the Stone-Webster gang manipu lating the crooked legislatures of the past is responsible for the present situation. It fixed things so that it is legal for a city commission to defy the will of the whole people to violate the plain mandates of a city charter when a street railway franchise issue is involved. This fact is apparent from a scrutiny of the law books. • In four separate cases taken from Seattle beginning in 1909 and ending this year, the su- T ■ HAT inimortnl grouch, Everett True— JL know him? If you don't you should, and if you would you must look on the editorial |»a»e every dny. You'll find him in n regular place doing Ii- n-un lar duty. He's an awfully funny fellow, this fat man. <.<-l acquainted. III: It l: 111 l\ GO hollering about graft in New York again. SOMEUODY MIST be doing it w out of jealousy. THE MINERS ARE at work In the mine where the desperate bandit is supposed to be but the sheriffs stay away. THERE IS a method to that, though. BUPI»OSE A SHERIFF is a dem ocrat and goes poking around the mine, and gets shot. ** THEN THEY WOI'MI have to elect another sheriff. AND MAYBE HE would be a re publican. THESE THINGS MUST always be carefully considered. MISS SYI/VIA PANKHURST was pinched yesterday. Nlli: AND EMMELJNE must take turns going to jail. WILLIAM Q. OSIU'RN says school children are getting very careless in their singing. THE OTHER DAY a class was asked to sing "Busy Is the Blacksmith." ANI> ONE LITTLE girl sang: "Lizzie Is a Blacksmith." A LONDON SOriETY gave a hobo «*■ Yankee poet a swell dinner th-o other night. PERHAPS THEY HAD never read any of his poetry. IP IT ISN'T Huerta, it is that Mexican congress that Is always trying to create a rumpus. REN DOW AND A. R. Titlow had a warm debate last night. TITLOW SHOUTED AND pointed his finger at Ren. AND REN GOT so excited he al most lost his glasses. AND THEN HOMRR BONF start ed to snore, and they had to wake him up. OCR OLD COMRADE, W. L. Al fred, is now the big smoke among the cigar men. IF ALFRED DOESN'T send a nloe _.. box of cigars up to the office for that, we'll quit smoking. THE PRESIDENT HAS been saved. PR. MARY WAIJiER, the orig inal "Trouserette" girl, has rushed to his rescue. JULIAN ELTINGE is an awful swell-looking girl. W. W. KKVKS. the gallant candi date for mayor, says she is very pretty. A WHOLE LOT of guys went up and fell in love with her last night and stuck around the stage door. WHEN SHE CAME ont she gare the whole bunch an awful cubs" ing and departed with great an ger in his taxlcab. COtTRT itXEKK HAMKDKLL says he used to Ko to Held. BUT NOW HE says he can't af ford it Anna more. CHARLIE M'KEE WILL be tickled to death to see this. For Tacoma and vicinity: Rain tonight and Thursday; warmer tonight TheTacoma Times 30c A I THE ONLY INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER IN TACOMA I HOME MONTH VOL. X. NO. 3(M TACOMA, WASHINGTON, WKDNKSDAY. DKCKMUKH 10. HUH EDITION. LITTLE GIRL CONNECTICUT WILL MAKE MOTHERLESS Clara Belle Wakefield, 4-year-old daughter of Mrs. Bessie Wake field, whom the state of Connecticut has condemned to die on the gal lows March 4. BESSIE WAKEFIELD BY NIKOLA GREELEY SMITH i. (Copyright, lOltf, by the News paper Enterprise Association.) "What are the women weeping for?" suld (Sovernor-on-I'arade. "To touch your heart, to touch your heart," the Secretary said. "What makes them look so white, so white?" said the Ruler-Men- Have-Made. "They're dreading what they've got to watch," the Secretary said. For you're hanging HeKsie Wakefield, while her little children pray That God will send their mother back—You're dooming her today. The Hindi Cnp hovers o'er her head and the Hangman's on his way. FOR YOU'RE HANGING BESSIE WAKEFIELD IN THE MORNING." 11. "What makes the women write and write?" said Governor-On-Parade. "They call to you for pity," the Secretary said. "They call to you for justice, you the Huler-Men-Have-Made, And that taken no count of women till the penalty is paid, For you're hanging Bessie Wakefioltl—though the woman did not kill— Though a man's hand wrought die murder, you have said 'twas by her will. Though the LAW MAKES MAN THE DEBTOR YET A WOMAN FAYS THE HIIX. And you're hanging Bessie Wakefield in the morning." m. "Site broke the law, she broke the law," the Governor made reply. "SHE BROKE THE I.AW SHE DID NOT MAKE!" 9HE WEEPING WOMEN CRY. "We ask the equal right to live man's rigid laws deny, Though everywhere his law accords the EQUAL RIGHT TO DIE! For everywhere men legislate for mother and for wife, And women cannot touch the law which takes a woman's life. So the Noose is for a woman, though a man's hand holds the Knife, And you're hanging Bessie Wakefield in the morning.." IV. "What's that no black against the sun?" said Governor-On-Parade. "It's a woman fighting liard for life," the Secretary said. "What's that that whimpers overhead?" said Govertior-On-Parade. "IT'S THE MURDERED SOULS OF WOMEN," tlie Secretary said. "They will meet you at that Judgment where each Final Debt Is paid, Where the sins of men and women in God's balances are weighed. And you'U need the prayers of women when the last Dead March la played— FOR YOU'RE HANGING BESSIE WAKEFIELD IN THE MORNING!" COME ON IN AND HELP US OUT! Yesterday the Times' Santa Claus figured up his mailed re ports from poor families and children of Tacoma who are afraid the joyous old Kris Kringle will forget them this year. Santa received, IN TWO DAYS, over FIFTY LETTERS, with the names of at least 175 POOR CHILDREN IN TACOMA who look forward to a visit from the Times' Santa. And of these 175 children, there were less than twenty who asked for toys. The others NEED CLOTHING. THEY ASK SANTA TO BRING THEM SHOES, STOCKINGS, UNDER CLOTHING, OVERCOATS,, and everything imaginable that a small boy or girl needs td keep his little body warm these cold days. Santa has received the name of one family, RIGHT HERE IN TACOMA, that is PRACTICALLY STARVING. There are LIND IN FEAR OF HIS LIFE TAMPA Fla., Dec. 10. —Real- izing that he is the "Maine" of the present Mexican situation John Lind is a self-sentenced prisoner at the American consu late in Vera Cruz, according to mail advices received today. He is determined that if there Is any START CAMPAIGN TO SAVE WOMAN NEW HAVEN Conn., Dec. 10. —Horror at the case of Mrs. Bes sie Wakefleld, under sentence to be hanged next March tor her husband's murder promised today to crystallize into a statewide campaign for the abolition of ctfp ital punishment. Communicatlcne poured in today asking for the PRISONERS WILL EARN MONEY ON CITY WORK Vagrant prisoners in Tacoma's city Jail will be allowed to earn i.iii board and lodging through the new plan of the city commis sioners for a municipal '."soup house." Police Justice Magill began arrangements today to permit some of the prisoners serving SAVINGS LOST; SPINSTER DIES ORANGE, N. J., Dec. 10. —Miss Matilda Reglin. an elderly seam- Btress, committed suicide by as phyxiation In her rooms yester day because the Roseville Trust, company bank, containing her savings, was closed by the state examlnen. LAZY HUSBAND BILL FAILS NEW YORK, Dec. 10.—A bill providing for payment of pen sions to the wives of lazy bust bands and felonists, similar to that in effect in western states, failed to pass the board of alder men last night. TAKE 6 MEMBERS Ad club had a royal time last night and took in siz new mem bers. i PENNANT COUPON NO. 104 This «•■■»■ clips** from Tk« Tlatea, whan ureaented •« TIM Tinea •Me*, the "Want A«» earner, aad Craup«r«*, with - IB «■■««, »111 ratlli« you <•>* beautiful ■>> 6»-«m»t'.j prmmmat. Hen-after I rtuuli fey.mull will cm* B« aaldltlnMl to eowt foalair. trinr •*' s- nail to The Tmai Times, Malh nad C**nM'**|iS9^^^3|^@ OF STONE-WEBSTER promo court has held that all charter provisions that seek to limit the authority of the coun cil in granting street railway franchises are void. The people may not demand a referendum on a street railway franchise. They may not question any condition the council may make. For under a special law lobbyed through a rotten legislature many years ago, the sole author ity is placed in the city council. All limitations in the Tae.oma charter on the granting of street railway franchises there fore are simply an expression of the public will. The council can disregard the charter if it wants to, despite the people. This fact makes it absolutely essential that the city make a start in municipal ownership. If for not other reason than that it will give the city a club to force the present company to time it is necessary for the city to get a foothold. Otherwise the council may vote away the rights of the people to Stone-Webster at will and the people will be helpless. oxplosion it will not come from the outslJe If he can help it. So careful is Llnd that he dx>s not leave the consulate and every care is exercised. He has even given up cigars for cigars might e<Mi!y be drugged. For the first time In hi* Ufo he has taken to imoklag a pipe. woman's pardon or at least a commutation of her sentence. Meetings are being held nightly ta demand favorable action by the pardon board. In face of bo sjrong public sentiment it i i tha general belief that the pardi.n .board will be unlikely to refuse mercy^. vagrancy sentences to get out and work. They, will be allowed to earn 12 1-2 cents per hour, and do municipal work. The first batch of prisoners to be given I hi* opportunity will be put to work on the bluff at Firemen's park, 9th and A streets. They will : gra.ie the ugly bluff, smooth it, and prepare it for sod. SEYMOUR COMING Mayor Seymour Is on his way to | Chicago today and - expects to come on home from his eastern trip now. hHe will probably not arrive for another .week as he will stop: several . places ■to - look •. -, Up matters of • interest to this city. FAIR CO-EDS RIDE?:"■*: I JUNIVBRBITY4 OF WASHING TON, Dec. ; 10. — "Prepare to mount,", commandsysthe dapper riding: master. ;^v:<'*v;'.***"'!- ?■'■-■;>;•'/ ■■;A ■> whistle ' blows and •*>, a ■ dozen University . of Washington \ co-eds swing gracefully upon their blood ed mounts, ready for their, regular riling lesson, beneath the glaring arc - lights of * the j Sullivan | Riding a&deniy. It is - serious , business ©V i the , young ■ ladies, and . part : of thteir course . In | physical | training by the state university. I] D. C, Dec. 10. i —^Congressional ; investigation i of thß strikes in Michigan and Colo* rado mining districts wag demand ed today ,by Representatives g Mc- JOonald and Keating of the respec ts* states. eight children, their father in a hospital, and their mother unable to work. If any benevolent Tacoman wishes proof of the veracity of this statement, he may come to the Times office and read the let ters. He may take down the addresses, and visit these homes himself. The Times' Santa wants to impress the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the poor in Tacoma that he needs assistance if he would answer all of these requests. Contributions are coming in, but not as fast as the requests for help. Bring or send your old clothing to the Times' Santa. Toys will be received thankfully, but clothing and food come first. WE WANT TO MAKE THIS THE HAPPIEST CHRIST MAS AMONG TACOMA'S POOR THAT WAS EVER EN JOYED. ©MORE JBbt . i?eaeves We-- X wßrt^^jM DAYSTOSNOP No Hope Of Restoring Eyesight All hope to restore the eve-sight of H. C. Mummery, the aged man found living in squalor with Ills daughter in a barren room at 1841 I) street throe weeks ago, has been abandoned. Mummery will leave the county hospital to morrow and be taken to the coun ty poor farm, near Sumner, where he will Mtend the rent of his days. The daughter. Mrs. L. Hen drichs, age 33- was operated on yesterday afternoon at the coun ty hospital and it Is believed that there is a possibility of her sight being restored. Keen interest lias been aroused over the pitiful, case and Dr. McCreery, county physi cian, is making every effort to restore the woman's sight. TO CUT RATES ON LIGHTING An ordinance was introd iced In the city council today to cut the rates for lighting in the city next year. The cut will be 10 per cent on .lighting but will not apply to the combination cooking and lighting rates. Neither will it ap ply to the minimum charges and no one will get the reduction who does not pay up before the 15th of the month. The cut will not start until the March bills come in. STILL VERY WEAK PARIS, Dec. 10.—Mrs. Kmme- Une Pankhurst is secluded today in her daughter Christabel's apartments. She Is very, weak from the Exeter hunger and thirst strike. Friends declare that she could not survive anoth er strike. ALF ELECTED W. h. Alfred was re-elected aa president of the local tobacco dealers 'association. ywawfwi HAT I Sell on llralcy is scoring with ■" his f| verses is mi , iiwsiirnl fart. Ilralojr can ;••.;■ turn loose more poetry that fits right ■ than any ni'»s|ia|N r inn In tin- roan- ' try today. His work shows the mark* of a HkiUed iniK'lianlr. If you don't b*-'f;ij, llev«" it, read his p...m on editorial pan to today. ' - "vvf... 4, v PLANNED DEES FOR FOUR YEARS i'lllll ,S»*VHli<> V«MI>II«\ »I||-K>'<l Italian murderer, Imil planned for four years to kill his Hoii-iu-l«w, AugiiHtlno Trovani, and liin.lly a« liii-\i-it hi- plot in a eold-blond <■<! manner, wns the essence of the opening statement to the Jury to day of Deputy Prosecutor William \-ki.u. The actual trial of Ve rone for first degree murder be tz.nu at I I :.!(( o'clock, :ift<T the jury had heen llnally drawn. A»k ren said that, following the death of Verone'w daughter—Mrs. Tro vani—a hatred existed on W rone's part that only found relief LOSS OF RABBIT'S FOOT CAUSES NEGRO'S SUICIDE The loss of a rabbit's foot was the cause of the suicide of Joe Turner, a middle-aged negro, who ended his life by asphyxiation in a shack behind the Maple Leaf saloon, on C street, a week ago. Other negroes, friends of the dead DIES LIKE A SOLDIER AUBURN, N. V., Dec. 10.—Nel son Harp, slayer of Frank Ford, a policeman, was electrocuted in the state prison today. 'I have RIVER FLOODS VILLAGE ROSEBURG, Tex., Dec. 10.— The levees at Richmond broke early today, flooding houses of the town with four feet of water. FAVOR GOV. OWNERSHIP •WASHINGTON. D. C, Dae. 10. —Government ownership of a telephone and telegraph system la under serious consideration by the administration. Following a NOBEL PRIZE FOR ROOT CHRISTIANA. Dec. 10.—Sena tor Root of New York Is desig nated for the Nobel peace prize for 1912. He is honored on aC- Bi£ Success The : Armonloso club . sang , the cantata "Queen Esther" at I the s first £ Presbyterian church g last night ! before ; a large .audience.'' ;; BEGINS TESTIMONY. — m NEW YORK, Dec. 10. —Testi- mony ). today in the , trial \of Hans j Schmidt, who S' murdered Anna Aumuller, cut up | her body 1 and sank : fragments of «t is , tlio ■ Hud son river. when Ti.'vmiil died with • rifle imllii in his heart. Attorney Frank Kelly- defend ing Verone,, reserved hi* opening Ktuicniciii. The jury, aa finally accepted today, and which will be locked up day and night until after the end of the trial, la com posed of seven women and five men, as follows: Harley M. Croa- Bon, Henry F. Becker, Margaret Must.', E. H. Waldron, JJllian Marvin, Minnie Foltz, J. A. Jor genson, Nellie Webb, Harry Dodge, Mary O. Thompson, Laicln da Gowena and John Danielson. man, said today that Turner had lost his "charm," and that his superstitious fear of bad luck was greater than bis fear of death. Turner was burled yesterday by the Gaffney company in the county Potters field. served In the American army and navy," said Harp In the death chamber, "and can die like a sol dier. I am ready to meet my punishment." The jail was Inundated and pris oners, who were freed, assisted in the work of rescuing marooned persons. visit to the White House today. Secretary Burleson said: 'There i is a concerted demand everywhere for public ownership of the tele i graph and telephone systems." count of his work as a pacificator in Cuba anJ the Philippines, and in settlement of the immigration dispute between the United States, and Japan. 11088 UP AGAIN. S INDIANAPOLIS. Dee. 10. —Th* mysterious gray automobile J from which ,; strike J breakingßteamster* J& were • previously fired on made ; Iti^* appearance | again early 1!: today, when it ran alongside a street car <: operated 3byj& a Boa-anUm motormau. Many shots w«i ex* changed, but no one was hart. i"'^L BAWK;dJfiAI«HaB. r;' * fi Clearings . I 43 4,73 4.*♦ . Balances f U,S9i.4i, Transactions ..... I,O«J,SS!