anaheim-gazette 1912-04-18

VOLUME XXXXII SLAYS BOTH MAN AND WIFE Shot Through the Heart, Man Grapples with Murderer on Roadside Francis A. Montee and his wife, Catherine Montee, were killed by George Biggs, aged 62 years, at the dividing line between their properties in the Golden State tract, three miles east of Anaheim, shortly after 11 o'clock on Friday morning last. Montee was aged 46, and his wife was 39. Their bodies lay in the roadway for more than an hour, until A.R. Pettit a neighbor, drove up to Biggs' place some time after noon, having an engagement to plow the latter's three-acre ranch. Pettit gave the alarm, riding to neighbors and telephoning for physicians and police. The killing was brought on by a dispute concerning a roadway leading into the ranches of the men. Montee is said to have been a wealthy man, owning property in the Golden State tract and also in Los Angeles. His ranch adjoining that of Biggs is 21 acres in extent. The roadway is 40 feet wide. Montee had plowed up the twenty feet on his side, or nearly all of it, and had planted potatoes upon it. He used one of the victims, but not the other. He walked over and found Montee dead. Life was not yet extinct in the body of Mrs. Montee. She lay upon her face, moaning. Pettit turned her over upon her back. Then he went to call the neighbors and to telephone officers and physicians. Marshal Kellenberger and Deputy Germann were soon upon the scene, driving out in Elliott's auto. They met Biggs coming into town. Not knowing him, they passed him. Arriving at the scene of the killing, they were informed Biggs was walking down the road to town. They returned, overtook him and placed him under arrest in a gum grove into which he had walked. "I guess I'm the man you want," he said to Germann as he was hand-cuffed and led back to the auto. He was brought to town and locked in jail. A large crowd gathered about the jail. At 6:30 o'clock in the evening he was taken to the county jail. Many neighbors assembled at the tee yelled at me es in the road hell. "I'll be soon," he said, would have trot pute might as I went to the axe and some drove up he sh ve gone too far posed to stand stood up in th me with the w ed and he spra w with me. I sn veral times bu exploded. He l I and had me t him relax I wrest struck him with not then know his wife running posed she was so I struck her shovel." He de ses, saying, "the gained by it." J.W.Monteee, Joseph O'Donnell es east of Anah tively of the de were called. Th little consequent that the Monteee ranch about two most of the time still maintained geles. Dr.H.A.John Montee is said to have been a wealthy man, owning property in the Golden State tract and also in Los Angeles. His ranch adjoining that of Biggs is 21 acres in extent. The roadway is 40 feet wide. Montee had plowed up the twenty feet on his side, or nearly all of it, and had planted potatoes upon it. He used the strip on Biggs' ranch to drive in and out. Biggs dug a dozen or more ditches across his strip, claiming they were necessary to drain his land. It was while disputing over these ditches as Montee was driving out of his ranch with a load of potatoes that the altercation occurred which resulted in the killing. According to Biggs' story, Montee while seated upon his wagon struck at him with a stick used for urging on his horses. Biggs stepped back, and drawing his revolver, began "snapping," as he put it before the coroner's jury. His weapon shows that only one cartridge was discharged, the other four having merely snapped. Montee was pierced through the heart at the first shot. Montee then leaped from his wagon, seizing Biggs and throwing him to the ground. Biggs was getting the worst of it, until he felt Montee's hold relax. He freed himself and seized a shovel with which he had been digging the trenches, dealt Montee several blows upon the head. Montee rolled over dead. As Biggs rose to his feet he saw Mrs. Montee running up. Fearing that she carried a weapon, he dealt her a blow upon the head. He failed to knock her down. He struck her again, and as she lay upon the ground ran the point of the shovel into the brain at the base of the skull. She died as she was being brought to a hospital. As Montee drove past Biggs to load his potatoes he asked Biggs what he was doing. Biggs replied he was standing upon his rights,and would stand or fall in protecting his property. "I'll be back here directly, and will see you about it," said Montee. Biggs was afraid of Montee, and related on the witness stand how Montee had attacked a neighbor some time ago, knocking him down and beating him. "He was kicking the stuffing out of him," said Biggs, "when neighbors interfered and pulled him off. Deputy Marshal Phil Germann said he arrived on the scene about one o'clock. Half a mile from the scene they were informed Biggs was walking down the road to town. They returned, overtook him and placed him under arrest in a gum grove into which he had walked. "I guess I'm the man you want," he said to Germann as he was hand-cuffed and led back to the auto. He was brought to town and locked in jail. A large crowd gathered about the jail. At 6:30 o'clock in the evening he was taken to the county jail. Many neighbors assembled at the roadside where the grewsome tragedy had occurred. Mrs. Montee was picked up and brought into town to a hospital. She died on the way in. Montee's body was brought into town later. TESTIMONY AT THE INQUEST Defendant Takes Stand and Tells Straightforward Story Robert Lehman, a ten-year-old boy, gave important evidence. He was with Montee on the wagon. Before loading the potatoes, he said, Montee called to Biggs, who was digging holes in the road, to stop it. "You go to hell," answered Biggs. "If I do," retorted Montee, "two of us will go." After loading the potatoes they drove down the lane and were confronted by Biggs with a drawn revolver. Mr. Montee stood up in the wagon with a long pole in his hand. Biggs fired and Montee hit him with the pole, then jumped or fell from the wagon. They began struggling and the boy ran away. A. T. Pettit, who lives three-quarters of a mile from the place testified that he had been engaged by Biggs to do some plowing that day. He arrived at the place at twelve o'clock and prepared to plow. Presently Biggs came out of his house and met him. "Pretty bad business around here," said Biggs. "What is the matter?" "Montee and I had trouble and I have killed him. It was either kill or be killed. I think I have killed his wife also." He pointed out the bodies and Pettit started for assistance, Biggs telling him he was going to Anaheim to give himself up. Pettit and a neighbor phoned to Anaheim for a doctor, and the police. Biggs had previously told him that Montee had plowed up his half of the road and he was going to have his share of it and stand pat. Deputy Marshal Phil Germann said he arrived on the scene about one o'clock. Half a mile from the scene they were informed Biggs was walking down the road to town. They returned, overtook him and placed him under arrest in a gum grove into which he had walked. Many neighbors assembled at the roadside where the grewsome tragedy had occurred. Mrs. Montee was picked up and brought into town to a hospital. She died on the way in. Montee's body was brought into town later. "We made an entry of Montee, then used the doctor "n inches long on a penetrated the b inches. It was coy instrument, suv nose and upper jutured, and four t A bullet wound passed through the gunshot wound would have proven." The verdict of Montee was that Montee come to their deficient by Biggs tent. Biggs was guilty jail. USED SHOVE Biggs Went to Himself At the close of Sheriff Squires too ing auto and drove county jail, where preliminary hearing be held for murder seems indisputable. When Montee said he was doing, at th eon Friday morning him only his show between the two, blood between them on leaving, "I shall rectly, and shall see." Biggs walked over procured his pistol Montee again appeared resumed. he was standing upon his rights and would stand or fall in protecting his property. "I'll be back here directly, and will see you about it," said Montee. Biggs was afraid of Montee, and related on the witness stand how Montee had attacked a neighbor some time ago, knocking him down and beating him. "He was kicking the stuffing out of him," said Biggs, "when neighbors interfered and pulled him off. Robert Lehman, a boy of 10, was riding with Montee at the time of the shooting. He heard the altercation between the men. He saw Biggs draw his revolver and fire. Montee sprang from his wagon, and he and Biggs began wrestling, as the lad put it. Mrs. Montee ran up, but the boy saw no weapon in her hands. Fearing he might be shot, and being afraid of the men fighting in the roadway, he ran off. "There's been bad business here," said Biggs to Pettit, as the latter drove up to plow up his three-acre ranch. Montee had plowed up his strip and Biggs told Pettit he would do the same. "What has happened?" inquired Pettit. "I've had trouble with Montee over the roadway. It was either a case of kill or get killed." Biggs had walked over to his shack a short distance away and was changing his clothes. "You don't mean to say you have killed him?" "Yes I have, and I'm afraid I've killed Mrs. Montee too. There their bodies lay over there." Biggs pointed to where the fight had occurred. Pettit saw the body I have killed his wife also." He pointed out the bodies and Pettit started for assistance, Biggs telling him he was going to Anaheim to give himself up. Pettit and a neighbor phoned to Anaheim for a doctor, and the police. Biggs had previously told him that Monteee had plowed up his half of the road and he was going to have his share of it and stand pat. Deputy Marshal Phil Germann said he arrived on the scene about one o'clock. Half a mile from the scene he met Carl Simmons who told him Biggs was on his way to Anaheim. Jumping from the auto Germann circled a small gum grove and ran into Biggs. "I guess I'm the man you want," said Biggs.. "I was on the way to give myself up." Germann told about climbing into the house through a rear window and securing the revolver from the bottom of a trunk. Biggs had lost his key and pocketbook and claimed Monteee had stolen them while he had him down. Deputy Sheriff Robert Squires testified to the condition of the ground when he and Deputy District Attorney Koepsel arrived later in the day. His evidence corroborated the evidence of others. George Biggs, the prisoner, was cautioned by Coroner Winbigler, on taking the stand that he need say nothing to incriminate himself. "I expect to give you the straight of it and take the consequences," said he. "Competent witnesses have certified to the truth of the affair and I admit the truth of their statements. The only mis-statement is in the boy's evidence.. Monteee struck me before I fired. I was going to plow yesterday and first began draining some water off of the ground. Mon- ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1912 FE aple tee yelled at me to quit digging holes in the road. I told him to go to hell. "I'll be up that way pretty soon," he said. Knowing that we would have trouble and that the dispute might as well be settled then, I went to the house, got my gun, the axe and some stakes. When Montee drove up he shouted, "Old man you've gone too far." I told him I purposed to stand on my rights. He stood up in the wagon and struck me with the whip. With that I fired and he sprang out and grappled with me. I snapped the revolver several times but only one cartridge exploded. He is much stronger than I and had me down. Finally feeling him relax I wrenched away and then struck him with the shovel. I did not then know he was shot. Seeing his wife running toward us I supposed she was bringing him a gun so I struck her with the flat of the shovel." He declined to call witnesses, saying, "there was nothing to be gained by it." J. W. Montee, of Los Angeles, and Joseph O'Donnell, residing two miles east of Anaheim, brothers respectively of the dead man and woman, were called. Their testimony was of little consequence, merely proving that the Montees had owned the ranch about two years, residing for most of the time on it although they still maintained a home in Los Angeles. Dr. H. A. Johnston who was sumJohnston says it is possible for a man shot through the heart as was Montee, to have descended from his wagon and engaged Biggs in a fight. The shot was not in a fatal part of the heart, passing through the lower tip. Montee fought for some seconds viciously, knocking Biggs down and pummeling him, according to Biggs' story. Then he relaxed his hold and rolled over dead. Dr. Johnston says the wound in Montee's forehead was probably made by an axe, which was found on the ground, and introduced in evidence at the Inquest. Biggs testified he struck Montee with his shovel. At the autopsy the doctor fitted the axe into the wound, which penetrated to the brain, and was sufficient to cause death. He is also of opinion that the wound in the back of Mrs. Montee's head was also made by the axe. Deputy Sheriff Squires who was soon at the scene of the killing found pools of blood in depressions in the road made by the heads of both victims. Biggs' shirt was introduced at the Inquest, showing blood stains upon the back. This came from Montee's wound as he held Biggs down in the roadway. THE FUNERAL. Funeral services over the bodies of the victims were held at Backs & Terra's undertaking patrons on Tuesday. CHAMBERLAIN LANDS THE SEWER CONTRACT BUILDER OF ANAHEIM'S SYSTEM WILL CONSTRUCT THE OUTFALL Trusstees Decide that Chamberlain, Williamson & Chamberlain's Bid is the Most Satisfactory and Award that Firm the Contract for Construction, of Section One—C. O. Rust Tenders His Resignation as Member of the Board — Reports Notwithstanding the fact that his bid was slightly in excess of the lowest, C. E. Chamberlain, acting for Chamberlain, Williamson & Chamberlain, was awarded the contract for constructing section one of the outfall sewer by the Board of Trustees Thursday night. Five bids had been submitted to the board on March 28, ranging from less than three thousand to almost four thousand dollars. The bid of H. Garvoboch was not totalled, consequently it was turned over to City Engineer Steward for translation into figures that a trustee could comprehend, and action was deferred. Mr. Steward's report showed that Garvobach's bid totalled $2995, which was $48 below Chamberlain's. Mr. Garvobach was pres- J. W. Montee, of Los Angeles, and Joseph O'Donnell, residing two miles east of Anaheim, brothers respectively of the dead man and woman, were called. Their testimony was of little consequence, merely proving that the Montees had owned the ranch about two years, residing for most of the time on it although they still maintained a home in Los Angeles. Dr. H. A. Johnston who was summoned by phone to the scene said he found the bodies lying where they fell, with a crowd of fifty people gathered about. A glance showed him that the man was dead but Mrs. Montee was still breathing. She had three cuts on the back of her head, two of them being scalp wounds, but the lower one, about three inches long, penetrated, entering the brain. She was rushed to the sanitarium, but died fifteen minutes after the doctor's arrival on the scene. "We made an autopsy on the body of Montee, this morning," continued the doctor "and found a cut five inches long on the forehead which penetrated the brain at least two inches. It was caused by some heavy instrument, such as an axe. The nose and upper jaw were both fractured, and four teeth were missing. A bullet wound between the ribs passed through the heart. Either the gunshot wound or the fracture would have proven fatal." The verdict of the coroner's jury was that Montee and his wife had come to their death by injuries inflicted by Biggs with murderous intent. Biggs was taken to the county jail. USED SHOVEL AND AXE Biggs Went to His Shack and Armed Himself for Fight At the close of the inquest Deputy Sheriff Squires took Biggs to a waiting auto and drove with him to the county jail, where he will await his preliminary hearing. That Biggs will be held for murder without bail now seems indisputable. When Montee asked Biggs what he was doing, at their first interview on Friday morning, Biggs had with him only his shovel. Words passed between the two, there being bad blood between them. Montee said on leaving, "I shall be back here directly, and shall see you about this." Biggs walked over to his shack and procured his pistol and an axe. When Montee again appeared the dispute was resumed. Biggs says Montee Deputy Sheriff Squires who was soon at the scene of the killing found pools of blood in depressions in the road made by the heads of both victims. Biggs' shirt was introduced at the inquest, showing blood stains upon the back. This came from Montee's wound as he held Biggs down in the roadway. THE FUNERAL. Funeral services ever the bodies of the victims were held at Backs & Terry's undertaking patrons on Tuesday morning. The bodies were taken to Los Angeles for interment. AUTOISTS ENTERTAINED One Hundred Members of Club Are Given Reception Twenty-five automobiles carrying 100 members of the Automobile Club of Southern California arrived in this city at 10 o'clock on Monday morning and were accorded a warm welcome. A luncheon of coffee, sandwiches and oranges were served at the Grill, which was heartily appreciated by the visitors. Crowther's Cadet band enlisted the occasion by rendering a number of musical selections during the hour in which the automobile party remained. A reception committee consisting of Peter J. Weisel, John Hartung, H. M. Adams, George W. Hamler, J.W. Wallop, J. W. Dickenson, F. A. Backs George Terry, J. W. Walls, E. Abbey, Wm. McLauchlin, H. A. Diekel and others met the visitors and escorted them to the Grill, where they were made to feel at home. The visitors were loud in their praises of the entertainment afforded, and all ranged themselves alongside of this city when it comes to boosting for paved highways. None of the members of the state highway commission were in the party. It was said that a similar number of autos made the trip to San Diego by way of Riverside. The automobilists were on their regular annual run between Los Angeles and San Diego, which place was reached in the afternoon. The return trip to Los Angeles was made yesterday. POPULAR YOUNG PEOPLE WED Al Ericson and Miss Marie Brune Married at Burlington Al Ericson, a popular employe at Louie Kroeger's establishment, surprised his many friends on Monday Mrs. Rothaermel was before the board with a petition asking permission to move the alley running through her property north of Sycamore street. She owns the entire block with the exception of a small lot and is desirous of cutting it up into building lots. The board made no objections to the change but Mrs. Rothaermel objected to the costly legal proceedings necessary to make it legal and held it up until the actual cost can be ascertained. Permission to build was granted to the following: To M. E. Beaver, contractor, frame residence on Kroeger street; cost $1800. To Dr. J. Janss, frame dwelling on Janss street; cost $1000. When Montee asked Biggs what he was doing, at their first interview on Friday morning, Biggs had with him only his shovel. Words passed between the two, there being bad blood between them. Montee said on leaving, "I shall be back here directly and shall see you about this." Biggs walked over to his shack and procured his pistol and an axe. When Montee again appeared the dispute was resumed. Biggs says Montee struck at him with a stick. Biggs shot him through the heart. Montee sprang from the wagon and grappled with Biggs until death released his clutch. That he had Biggs down is indicated by the fact that the latter's shirt and overhalls were drenched with blood which flowed from his wound. Biggs released himself from his hold, and used shovel and axe upon his victim. The cut in Montee's forehead which penetrated to the brain was probably made by an axe. Mrs. Montee here came running up, and Biggs knocked her down with a shovel. The wound at the base of her skull, which also penetrated to the brain, was made by an axe. DR. JOHNSTON'S THEORY Montee Could Have Been Shot Through Heart and Fought Thereafter Dr. H. A. Johnston who was the first physician at the scene of the killing following telephone calls, gives it as his opinion that Montee was shot at the first discharge of Biggs' revolver. This is according to the testimony of the boy Lehman, as well as that of Biggs himself. Dr. POPULAR YOUNG PEOPLE WED Al Ericson and Miss Marie Brune Married at Burlington Al Ericson, a popular employee at Loule Kroeger's establishment, surprised his many friends on Monday by announcing upon his return from Burlington, Iowa, that he had wedded Miss Marie Brune in that city on Tuesday, February 9. The ceremony was performed at the Catholic parsonage, the officiating clergyman being Rev. Father Galligan. The groom is one of the city's most popular young business men, and the bride, who formerly resided here, is an estimable young lady of many rare qualities, and a favorite among her many friends. The groom left two weeks ago for Burlington, where the bride had preceded him last year. He was gone ten days, and arrived with his bride the first of the week. The newly married couple have gone to housekeeping at 307 Clementina street. Their many friends extend congratulations, and wish for them much happiness and prosperity during their married life. J. H. Jackson of Yucaipe, San Bernardino county, was a guest of his son Dee this week. It was his first visit here in fifteen years. Dee showed the governor sights in and about the city, and the old gentleman was impressed that Anaheim was a growing city and the countryside one of the finest places he had ever seen. Permission to build was granted to the following: To M. E. Beaver, contractor, frame residence on Kroeger street; cost $1800. To Dr. J. Janss, frame dwelling on Janss street; cost $1000. To R. Figueroa, frame dwelling on Cypress street; cost $600. To Standard Oil Co., addition to barn on Vine street; cost $300. To T. B. Baxter, addition to frame residence on Broad street; cost $200. To A. Mercanthaler, frame residence on Citron street; cost $1500. To William Stark, alteration of brick building on S. Lemon street; cost $500. Deeds were received from John Resh and wife to strip widehing South street, and from Mary Stock and husband for sewer right of way. Judge Howard's report shows 32 cases in police court during month and $127 in fines collected. Following are reports of officials: Marshal's Report Collected for license ... $658.00 Collected for water ... 901.10 Collected for light ... 1573.43 Total ... $3152.55 Delinquents Collected For water ... $74.05 For light ... 59.65 For license ... 2.50 Penalties ... 8.25 Total ... $144.45 Delinquents Reported For water ... $82.20 ZETTE APRIL 18, 1912 NUMBER 27 BLAIN LANDS REWER CONTRACT OF ANAHEIM'S SYSILL CONSTRUCT THE OUTFALL decide that Chamberlain, & Chamberlain's Bid is satisfactory and Award the Contract for ConSection, One—C. O. ers His Resignation, as the Board — Reports duling the fact that his ply in excess of the Chamberlain, acting for Williamson & Chamberdered the contract for section one of the outthe Board of Trustees t. Five bids had been the board on March 28, less than three thousfour thousand dollars. Garvoboch was not tontently it was turned ovengineer Steward for figures that a trusprehend, and action Mr. Steward's report Garvobach's bid totalwas $48 below Chamgarvobach was pres- For light ... 72.65 For license ... 7.25 Total ... $161.10 Treasurer's Report Balance on hand ... $17,833.14 Collected during month ... 3,403.80 $21,236.94 Paid by warrants ... 4,823.12 Balance ... $16,413.82 Library Fund Balance last report ... $496.29 Paid by warrants ... 181.00 Balance on hand ... $315.29 Sewer Fund On hand last report ... $27,169.66 Expended during month ... 5,289.00 Balance ... $21,880.57 Summary General Fund ... $16,413.82 Library Fund ... 315.29 1910 Bond Fund ... 1,269.60 Sewer Fund ... 21,880.57 Electric Light Fund ... 2,691.28 Improvement No. 2 ... 120.75 Improvement No. 3 ... 337.50 Improvement No. 4 ... 2,250.00 Improvement No. 5 ... 675.00 Improvement No. 6 ... 637.60 Improvement No. 7 ... 2,500.00 Total in Treasury ... $49,091.47 COMPENSATION DENIED THE CITY TRUSTEES FAILED TO RECEIVE MAJORITY OF TOTAL VOTE POLLED New Board Organizes Monday Night, But Adjourns Without Transaction of Business—Old Board Adjourns Without Day After Canvassing the Vote and Issuing Certificates—Compensation to Members Defeated by Twenty-Three Votes — Retiring Members Make Speeches The old Board of City Trustees which has so faithfully and ably conducted the municipal business of Anaheim during the past four years, passed into history Monday night and the newly-elected members received certificates of election and assumed the duties of government. The only business transacted by the new board was the election of a president to occupy the seat so long filled by Charles O. Rust, whose resignation was presented last Thursday night. City Clerk Merritt called the board to order and announced that the election of a president of the board was the first thing to be considered. On motion of Stark, seconded by Cook, Max Nebelung, was Five bids had been the board on March 28, less than three thousand dollars. Garvoboch was not toently it was turned over engineer Steward for figures that a trustprehend, and action Mr. Steward's report Garvobach's bid total was $48 below ChamGarvobach was presevening and made a board. After question some time the trusty agreed that Cham was the most satisfactprobably be the cheap At any rate they conwould be unwise to turn the sewer construction for a matter of probably six months at his duty to give up matter of electing his postponed until a meeting. Counties Gas committed a statement of its, this time accomplishes of L. E. Miller, or for the Orange and President Beal, company. It shows we were $20,565, and $11.30 amount of tax over the two per cent companied the state. The board was before the election asking permission to alley running liberty north of Sycae owns the entire exception of a small bus of cutting it up. The board made the change but Mrs. cited to the costly le- necessary to make it up until the actual obtained. Build was granted contractor, frame noeger street; cost mass, frame dwelling cost $1000. Library Fund ... 315.29 1910 Bond Fund ... 1,269.60 Sewer Fund ... 21,880.57 Electric Light Fund ... 2,691.28 Improvement No. 2 ... 120.75 Improvement No. 3 ... 337.50 Improvement No. 4 ... 2,250.00 Improvement No. 5 ... 675.00 Improvement No. 6 ... 637.60 Improvement No. 7 ... 2,500.00 Total in Treasury ... $49,091.47 W. C. T. U. CONVENTION County Organization Holds Session at Anaheim. The twenty-third annual convention of the Orange County Woman's Christian Temperance Association held a two days session at the M.E. Church, Anaheim, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mrs. Viola Norman, County President, pre-sided. Following is the program of the session: Tuesday Afternoon 1:45. Consecration Service—Mrs. Shatto, Tustin. 2:00. Three Principal Aims of our Department—Superintendents. Three minutes each. Duet—Misses Alice and Inez Phinney. 2:30. Legislative Work of Interest to Women—Mrs. J. N. Anderson. Discussion. Collection. Whistling Solo—Miss Alta Kenyon. 3:15 Address—Mrs. Catherine P. Wheat. Adjournment. Tuesday Evening 7:45 A Gold Medal Contest will be held at Freemont School. Wednesday Morning 10:00 Devotions—Mrs. A. H. Nickell. Minutes. Three Principal Aims of Your Department—Superintendents. (Continued). Report of Credential Committee.. Election of Officers. Miscellaneous business. Committees appointed—Finance, Appropriation, Auditing, Resolutions, Program. Noontide Prayer. Lunch. Wednesday Afternoon 1:00. Official Board meeting. 1:30. Report of executive committee and official board. 1:45. Memorial service—Ella Murray, County Evangelistic Superintendent. Solo—Mrs. Stearns. 2:10. Address by R. J. Hamilton, County Secretary of Y. M. C. A. Offering. Reading—Miss Daisy Lewis. The only business transacted by the new board was the election of a president to occupy the seat so long filled by Charles O. Rust, whose resignation was presented last Thursday night. City Clerk Merritt called the board to order and announced that the election of a president of the board was the first thing to be considered. On motion of Stark, seconded by Cook, Max Nebelung was duly nominated and elected. On assuming the chair Mr. Nebelung made a few appropriate remarks, thanks the members for the honor conferred upon him. Both Trustees Stock and Gates, retiring members, made short addresses, thanking the old members for counties shown them during their incumbency, and expressing the hope that the harmony which prevailed with the past would abide with the present board. The canvass of the vote cast at last Monday's election resulted as follows: Total in Precinct 1 ... 654 Total in Precinct 2 ... 451 Total vote ... 1105 For Trustee—Long Term William Stark ... 480 John H. Cook ... 442 Frank S. Gates ... 358 August Nagel ... 292 N. F. Steadman ... 276 Frank Fox ... 207 Trustees—Short Term George W. Hamler ... 447 John Eymann ... 351 Carl Pressel ... 216 For Clerk E. B. Merritt ... 784 J. I. McAulay ... 188 For Treasurer John Hartung ... 470 Chas. A. Boege ... 412 Joseph Gibson ... 132 The proposition to vote a compensation of $10 per month to the members was defeated, City Attorney Ames pointing out that it required a majority of all the votes polled at the election to carry. While it had a majority of more than two to one the proposition lacked 23 votes of sufficient to carry. tecting the lives of others. It also gives the battles where the whole army was annihilated. The Custer massacre, the Fetterman massacre, the Stretton massacre and the Thorndike massacre and many others where but few made their escape. To be taken Noontide Prayer. Lunch. Wednesday Afternoon 1:00. Official Board meeting. 1:30. Report of executive committee and official board. 1:45. Memorial service—Ella Murray, County Evangelistic Superintendent. Solo—Mrs. Stearns. 2:10. Address by R. J. Hamilton, County Secretary of Y. M. C. A. Offering. Reading—Miss Daisy Lewis. Report of Resolution Committee. Reading of prize winning essay. 3:15. Solo—Mrs. Winbigler. Symposium, High Cost of Living as Related to the Raising of a Family—Mrs. Anna Hill, Mrs. Nellie Tedford. Awarding Banner for largest gain in membership—Mrs. Paine. Closing Song—"God Be With You Till We Meet Again." INDIAN WAR VETERANS Organizing in Support of House Bill Give Them Pensions The United Indian War Veterans are organized for the purpose of getting house bill No. 19800 passed. It was introduced by Mr. Rucker of Colorado, and has been amended and will be favorably reported by the house committee on pensions, and when passed will give a pension to all soldiers (or their widows) that served from 1865 to 1898 in any of the Indian wars, a pension from $12 to $20 per month. The records of the war department show the names of every soldier when he was enlisted and when he was discharged, or if he was slain in battle, or waylaid or murdered by the savages. It also shows the hundreds of battles that were fought and the names of thousands who gave their lives in protecting the lives of others. It also gives the battles where the whole army was annihilated. The Custer massacre, the Fetterman massacre, the Stretton massacre and the Thorndike massacre and many others where but few made their escape. To be taken prisoner by the savages, they were doomed to die by the most fiendish torture. The records also show that fighting the savages in the desert was the hardest service ever rendered by any army, and why should these soldiers not have a pension the same as other soldiers? A letter from the association says: "We are in need of the names and addresses of all who will be entitled to a pension under this act, so that we can enter their names and addresses upon our books in order that we may be able to get them the proof of their comrades that served with them. Send your name and address to Henry Hegwer, corresponding secretary, 202 Delaware Ave., N. E., Washington, D.C., and get a copy of the bill." LOS ALAMITOS The rainfall for April has been well distributed, coming in light showers, soaking into the ground as it fell. The record here is: April 3, .04; 4th, .07; 8th, .37; 9th .08; 10th, .42; 11th, .32. Total 1.26 inches. Which totals for the season 7.88 inches, much less than normal. However, prospects are now good for a two-thirds crop. Seeding should be finished within a week except on heavy ground previously irrigated.