How Across-the-Board State Budget Cuts Hit Popular Programs, May 19, 1925

State Must Care for Feebleminded. . . General Opinion That Inmates of Caswell Training School Be Not Turned Back in Their Community. . . State Capital News

By M.L. Shipman

Raleigh, May 18—The economy program of Governor McLean, upon which he has been quietly working for the past few weeks, came to the fore during the past week at the capital when three developments took place of outstanding importance and perhaps designed to be of great significance in the weeks to come. The Caswell Training School head, Dr. C.B. McNairy, declared that because of the decreased appropriation brought about by changed and changing conditions it would be necessary to return a large number of the weak-minded inmates of the institution to their home communities. The Executive Committee of the State University Trustees submitted to the Attorney General request for a ruling as to the exact powers of the Salary and Wage Commission in fixing salaries of the professors there. Miss Margaret Edwards, supervisor of home economics education for the State, announced that the decreased appropriation allowed for her work would result in a similar cut in the Federal appropriation, and that only 60 rural high schools would be aided instead of the 140. The classes of girls receiving this highly important training would be cut in number from 7,000 to 4,000 on account of the reduction.

This was the outstanding development of the week, because it brought out the “growing pains” of the departments and institutions which may suffer under the new order of things approved by the General Assembly. The general reaction was that the weakminded charges of the Caswell Training school must not be returned to their home communities, but, at the same time, the institutions and departments must learn that the corners will have to be cut and all must be curtailed if the budget is to be kept within revenue. There has been some talk of the Governor allowing the Caswell Training School situation to be considered as an emergency which would give an added appropriation from funds provided for such purposes.

With regard to the Home Economics situation, nothing definite has developed, but there is a growing tendency to believe that economy, while commendable as a rule, should not be carried to such an extent as to imperil education or care of the State’s charges.

The development in the Board of Trustees Executive Committee of the University reveals a feeling that it may be said has been crystalizing for some time. The men who are serving the State as trustees of the institutions do not feel, it is said, that their rights should be thus circumscribed. The trustees are said to have expressed varying feelings at the meeting which took the action. The ruling of the Attorney General on the question raised will be awaited with interest. The meeting adopted resolutions expressing pleasure at the declinations of President Chase and Dr. Archibald Henderson of the presidencies tendered them recently by the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and the University of Oklahoma, respectively. Governor McLean praised Judge N.A. Sinclair and Solicitor Don Gilliam for their prosecution of the Needleman case which resulted in the first conviction en masse of a mob in the history of the State. The Executive took occasion to re-state his position that law enforcement must be insisted upon and that the courts exist for settlement and trial. The nine men convicted have been lodged in the State’s prison for terms ranging from two to 30 years, and the fines collected from twice that number which swells the school fund for Martin county to the extent of many thousands of dollars.

The recent amendment to the State Constitution in regard to taxation of homes, homesteads, notes, and mortgages, for exemptions under certain conditions must exist, according to an opinion formulated by assistant attorney J.H. Harwood, and approved by Attorney General Brummit. They are: All evidences of indebtedness to apply on a home to be in good faith; loan not exceeding $8,000 running from one to 30 years; holder of note or mortgage shall live in county where security is listed and taxes paid on it, the home bought, built or repaired must have been occupied by the owner as such for at least three months preceding the time of listing for taxes; the home may be exempted from taxation for 50 per cent of the amount of notes or mortgage and the latter exempt for 50 per cent of the value, provided both home and securities are taxed in the same county; note and mortgage upon which exemption is claimed by the “home” owner must be specifically listed by name and taxes paid to the local authorities on 50 per cent of its value.

From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, May 19, 1925. Expenses due to the World War, the demand for paved roads with expanding use of automobiles, and the passage of compulsory education for the state's children leading to the building of more schools and hiring of teachers all had expanded the state budget. As a result, voters elected a fiscally conservative governor who instituted across-the board budget cuts. This article is one of many discussing how the state was going to live with these budget cuts.

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State Dentist Arrives for Free Children's Clinics, May 19, 1925

Dentist Here for Free Clinic

Dr. Moore, dentist from the State Department of Health, whom Dr. C.C. Massey, county health officer, has secured for work in Johnston county for the next three months, arrived in this city yesterday and will begin his duties at once.

His first work will be in the schools at Meadow and Glendale, which will not close until June 6th. In the meantime, dates will be arranged during the month of June at Corinth-Holders, Corbett-Hatcher, Archer Lodge and Brogden. Other clinics will be announced as arrangements are made.

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 will be eligible to have their dental work done free by Mr. Moore. His work will include examination of the teeth, cleaning the teeth, simple extractions and fillings when needed. He will also give instruction in care of the teeth.

From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, May 19, 1925

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Fire in Hay House at Rear of Austin-Stephenson Co. Building, May 19,1925

Fire Saturday Night

Saturday night about 12 o’clock the fire company was called out when it was found that a hay house at the rear of the Austin-Stephenson Company building was burning. The fire was soon extinguished and there was no loss except the damage done the building. There was no insurance. It is not known how the fire originated.

From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, May 19, 1925

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County Ag. Agent McKay McNeil Has New Office, May 19, 1925

Colored County Agent Moves Office

McKay McNeil, colored county agent, who has been living near here, has moved and will not have an office upstairs over the Vara L. Smith and Company store. He can e found there every Wednesday from 9 to 12 o’clock and every Saturday from 9 until 4. He will be glad to discuss farm problems with the negro farmers.

From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, May 19, 1925. These were McNeil’s office hours. The remainder of his six-day workweek, he would be on farms, consulting on problems, teaching modern agricultural techniques, and demonstrating procedures.

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Clarence Utley Guilty of Non-Support of Family--Pay Up or Go to Jail, May 19,1925

Mistake Corrected

Our attention has been called to an error in the report of the Recorders Court proceedings for the last week in the case of State vs Clarence Utley, charged with non-support of family. The defendant was found guilty. The defendant was sentenced to be confined in jail four months but judgement was suspended upon payment of cost during good behavior. The suspended judgment was omitted when the report was given to The Herald reporter.

From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, May 19, 1925. Divorce was difficult and relatively rare, but husbands and wives did split up. Usually women went back to their parents. Men left their homes but were not allowed to financially abandon their children.

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Bus Regulations in Place in N.C., May 19, 1925

Bus Regulations in Force

Raleigh, May 18—R.O. Self, in charge of the bus regulation imposed by the last legislature upon the corporation Commission, reports that 117 temporary permits have been issued, and one of a permanent character.

Driver’s permits issued number 538. Total revenue collected from this source and turned over to the Department of Revenue is $23,938. Al tax of six per cent of gross earnings is required under the bus regulation. The application of each operator is accompanied by a check for $200,and for each drive, $1. All drivers are required to pass satisfactory examinations under the act regulating buses.

From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, May 19, 1925

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Boy Scout Court of Honor to Test Scouts, May 19, 1925

Court of Honor to Meet

Scout Executive W.W. Rivers requests us to announce that there will be a Court of Honor meeting at the Methodist church here Friday afternoon at 5 o’clock. A number of scouts will try for merit badges. The Court of Honor is composed of J.A. Narron, Thos. H. Franks, T.R. Hood, Dr. Thel Hooks, Dr. W.J.B. Orr and Rev. A.J. Parker.

From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, May 19, 1925

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Benson and Raleigh to Reduce Distance from 44 to 28 Miles, May 19, 1925

To Reduce Distance from Benson to Raleigh

Raleigh, May 18—a proposition to reduce the distance between Raleigh and the town of Benson, Johnston county, from 44 miles to 28 miles, is the hope of the business interests of these two municipalities. Six thousand will complete the highway proposed, with other funds available, and there seems little doubt that the objective will be reached. The Bensonians are ready with the $3,000 allotted to them and Raleighites must either “put up or shut up.” It is believed that they will “come across.”

From the front page of The Smithfield Herald, Tuesday morning, May 19, 1925

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Ministerial Student Knifes Ivey Whisnant, 18, May 17, 1925

His Studies Didn’t Help

Hickory, May 16—Ivey Whisnant, 18-year-old Rutherford college student, is in critical condition as a result of knife wounds inflicted on him yesterday by H.E. Sipes, a ministerial student at the college, according to information received here yesterday. One cut started behind the left ear and came to the middle of his forehead. Another wound on the abdomen is considered alarming by physicians. Sipes, who is married and has a family, is nearing the completion (some words omitted from article) planning to accept a pastorate call at the end of the school year. He is about 30 years old.

From page 4 of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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At 89 the Once Powerful Speaker of the House Has Become Humble, May 17, 1925

The Humility of “Uncle Joe”

His eighty-ninth milestone finds “Uncle Joe” Cannon viewing life from the sidelines. His mind apparently has lost none of its sprightliness but now he is an observer where one he was a doer.

And a rather humble observer he is too. When he was in the thick of events, humility was not one of his attributes. Then he did not hesitate to force his opinions upon a recalcitrant Congress to defend his views with vigor.

Now he confesses with unwonted humility: “The world is moving so fact with new inventions for our comfort and convenience that I find it hard to keep pace.” He refuses outright to discuss politics, contenting himself with an expression of confidence in the “good hard common sense of President Coolidge.

Such a role hardly befits Mr. Cannon even in retirement. It does not suggest the vivacious and dynamic “Uncle Joe” of popular tradition. It shows how heavy are the hands which age has laid upon him and how complete in his reconciliation to retirement.

--Asheville Times

From page 4 of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925. Joseph Gurney Cannon, born in Guilford County, N.C., in 1836, was a powerful Illinois politician and leader of the Republican Party. He served 23 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and was Speaker of the House from 1903 to 1911. He died Nov. 12, 1926.

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Should President Assign Army, Navy to Capture Rum Runners? May 17, 1925

Too Much Rope?

Wayne B. Wheeler and his Anti-Saloon League want the United States to turn out the army and navy against the rum runners, which is an admission of one of two things—either the United States is in a bad way for law enforcement forces or there are a great many people in the United States drinking a sight of raw and refined liquor.

Of course, President Coolidge has refused to turn the country over to the Anti-Saloon League just out of hand and Mr. Wheeler will have to turn to Congress with his appeal.

We don’t know just how far Congress will go. It’s hard to tell what the federal legislative body will do. But Mr. Wheeler ought to keep within reason even in enforcing his pet law. They say given enough rope any man can hang himself. What Mr. Wheeler might well do is keep an eye upon the reaction his excess of enthusiasm may create.

From the editorial page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925, John R. Barry, editor.

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Why Are Today's Children Running Wild? May 17, 1925

Not A Question of Wealth

Although the war has become so remote as to no longer afford a convenient peg upon which to hang responsibility for the frailties of human nature, the post-war hysteria is still present. Which means it must be something deeper than a reaction from the war years.

The country is concerned, and Durham is very much disturbed, over the days of many of our boys and girls. There is a natural tendency to find the old days good and the modern day going to the dogs. We recognize that. But even when we discount our natural tendency to see the present in a sharper light than the past, we still find, here in Durham as well as elsewhere, a situation among the boys and girls which is mightily in need of correction, whether it is any worse than it was 20 or 50 years ago or not.

We have been believing that the United States is rapidly becoming a moderately educated country. Here in North Carolina, blind groping of ignorance has been pretty widely replaced with intelligent understanding. If we are becoming more educated, more capable as parents as well as citizens, it would appear to follow that our children are rising to a higher general plane, taking on a better moral tone and an increased appreciation of their own responsibilities.

Yet we are face to face with the fact that our children, in many instances, are actually running wild. Without thought of right or wrong, consequence or future, they are taking the bit in mouth and picking their own paths, too often those lined with primroses.

The problem has been attacked from all angles. Some blame it upon the poor and unenlightened, believing that the dental of things which money can buy has led boys and girls to seek pleasure where they can. Others believe wealth is the curse. William Jennings Bryan reviews the Loeb-Leopold case and blandly assumes that license and murder are the natural sequences of wealth and intelligence. But Mr. Bryan becomes increasingly ridiculous when he wanders from the discussion of real estate. Wealth brings the ability to lead the gay life, but wealth is also a protection and a wall against temptation.

It is plain by the records, that the rich as well as the poor the poor as well as the rich little boys and girls are getting out of control.

We are forced back to the conclusion that the family tells the story. Not only must the family circle be wholesome, but the parents must be alert. Lack of training may prove as fatal as bad example. Only careful training, careful example and discretion as to the associates of our children, will protect them.

When the family has a sense of responsibility, moral tone and stainless background, it is not likely that wealth will make weaklings or poverty desperate and indifferent children. When the family goes in for display and mere diversion, neither wealth nor the lack of it are apt to save the youngsters.

From the editorial page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925, John R. Barry, editor.

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'Man About Town Column' from Durham Sun, May 17, 1925

The Man About Town Column

Glenn Frank

And now that it has been announced that Glen Frank, editor of the Century magazine, is to deliver the commencement address at Chapel Hill on June 10, all the people who are quite sure that they know all about religion and that everything has been settled regarding it, and that modernists are a bunch of nitwits—all these should get ready to go and hear the MAN who, to us, is the outstanding thinker of the age so far as religious thought is concerned.

[First name was spelled “Glenn” in headline and “Glen” in the text.]

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A Joyous Game

It was in the gloaming and two joyous little girls were having a wonderful time on the sidewalk. They had one end of a rope tied to a tree next to the curb and one of them would twirl it while the other jumped the rope. They did this while no one was coming along. But when a peripatetic would come along, taunt would go the rope across the way and no passing was allowed until the person told his name to those joyous ones at their happy game.

-=-

Spring Swallows

The other evening between sundown and dark a great flock of swallows was seen fling back and forth over the city in the same way as a swarm of gnats is often seen to do on a summer evening. They swarmed around over the tree tops and stayed rather closely together as though they were playing some sort of a game. Maybe they were—perhaps the flight or dance of spring.

-=-

May Be a Good Risk

An old white man went into a local life insurance office a few days ago and requested a policy. “Why, uncle,” said the president of the company, “you are too old for us to take the risk. How old are you?”

“Ninety-seven next August,” said the old man, and added testily: “If you folk will take the trouble to look up your statistics, you’ll find that mighty few men died after they’re ninety-seven.”

-=-

Higher Education

The son had just returned from college, and had started acting as if the world owed him a living. One evening a friend of the family called, and during the course of the conversation, asked: “What did college teach your son?” “The only thing that I see that the college taught him, was about fifty new ways of making a fool of himself,” the father replied.

From the editorial page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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North State Pottery Company Succeeding, May 17, 1925

Sanford Pottery Succeeding

Sanford, May 16—One of the numerous new industries in the Sanford district which has gained a nation-wide reputation virtually overnight is the North State Pottery company, a few miles from town, says the Sanford Banner. Although the plant has been in operation but a few weeks its success has been assured from the opening day, and already orders have been received from Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Waterbury, Conn., and other remote cities.

The pottery is in the natural color of the clays from which it is made. Within a quarter of a mile of the plant on property owned by Mr. Cooper are deposits of white, red, brown, gray, blue, red and black. Combinations of these natural colors make possible an almost unlimited range of shades.

From the editorial page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925. To learn about the history of North State Pottery, which is still in operation, and to see some images of the pottery, go to: rantnc.com/2024/05/01/turning-100/.

The following link take you to the newspaper page containing the article above: newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84020732/1925-05-17/ed-1/seq-4/#words=MAY+17%2C+1925

William Teague Killed When Souvenir German Hand Grenade Explodes, May 17, 1925

German Hand Grenade Kills

Charlotte, May 16—William C. Teague, salesman for the Dowling Motor company of this city, was instantly killed at the company’s offices on North Tryon street shortly before noon Friday, by the explosion of a German hand grenade. The cause of the explosion remained a mystery late today, police investigation having disclosed no clues as to the cause of the blast which mutilated Teague’s body. There were no eye-witnesses. Teague, who was about 40 years of age and married, was working alone in a small office at the Dowling company’s place of business when the explosion occurred. The grenade, a souvenir brought back from France by some returning soldier had been in the building, it was said, for several years and was considered harmless.

From page 4 of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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Early Fat-Removal Operation Performed in Kinston, May 17, 1925

Anti-Fat Operation Made

Kinston, May 16—A patient in Parrot Memorial hospital here is convalescing after an unusual operation. Twenty-seven pounds of fat were removed from the abdomen of a woman whose 325 pounds avoirdupois were burdensome to her. Dr. Albert De.K. Parrot of the hospital staff, performed the operation. The patient is “doing nicely,” it was stated at the institution yesterday. An incision was made and a layer of flesh eight inches wide laid pack to remove the fat. A “pad” weighing 27 pound was taken off, and the patient was “sewn up again weighing less than 300 pounds.” She came here from a down-country point.

From page 4 of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925.

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Work Hours Cut for 5,500 Textile Employes, May 17, 1925

Textile Mills Slow

Greensboro, May 16—The Cone group of mills here, large cotton consuming plants, will go from six to four days a week running time starting Monday, notices posted on the mill walls informed, the employes said today. A total of 5,500 employes are affected. The White Oak denim mills, Proximity manufacturing company, and Proximity print works, have a total spindleage of about 110,000 and 1,600 looms. In addition to the employes who will be on short time, about 10,000 other persons are dependent upon the mills, families of the employes. The poor condition of the market for goods was the reason given for the cut in running time. It is not stated when full time will be resumed.

From page 4 of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925.

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65-Foot Whale Washed Up at Nags Head, May 17, 1925

Whale and Warm Weather Arrive at Nags Head, N.C. . . . Populace Hopes Fertilizer Factory Will Relieve Settlement

Nags Head, N.C., May 16—Nags Head, former rendezvous for free booters and smugglers and in winter swept by furious storms, has another problem today which, with the advent of hot summer weather, promised to become acute.

A 65-foot whale, which seafaring men believe mistook a large coastwise steamer for a male rival, is lying on the beach, washed up by the gale of the past week. Its mouth is big enough to hold a small automobile. Two enterprising beach combers were engaged today in cutting out whalebone, and summer residents are hopeful that the effort to dispose of the carcass to a Norfolk fertilizer manufacturer will be successful.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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Fines Assessed in Recorder's Court May 16, 1925

30 Days Given Two Defendants. . . Andrew Franklin and Beamon Pickard, Not Being Able to Pay Fines, Get Sentences

Four speeders, two drinkers, an illegal possessor, a dog owner and several others drank of the bitter cup of justice in the Recorder’s court Saturday morning. H.L. Cheek, L.B. Holloway, Harold Hillard and J.E. Green each paid out their fines of $5 and costs for the fun thereof.

A.H. Lee was fined $5 and costs for being drunk.

Andrew Franklin, tried and fined $5 and costs on Friday morning when he plead guilty to being drunk, was back Saturday because he had no money. And now he is going to spend 30 days at the workhouse and work it out.

S.P. Mason Jr. Plead guilty to giving a worthless check and the judgment was suspended upon payment of the costs.

Beamon Pickard plead not guilty to the illegal possession of hair tonic, rum, denatured alcohol, or whatever it was the officers testified he had been drinking and they saw him set aside. The Judge’s verdict was “guilty” and the defendant was fined $5 and costs, which he said he did not have. So he was given a sentence of 30 days in the workhouse instead.

Ed Lee Briggs plead guilty to failing to pay his dog tax and judgment was suspended upon payment of the costs.

Luke Monroe and John Tooten, colored, were given until June 13 to get their water and sewage connections made, as ordered, while in similar cases against R.B. Helman and Ed Bradsher judgment was suspended upon payment of the cost, they having completed their jobs.

From page 3 of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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C.J. Cole Guilty of Negligence Resulting in Car Accident, May 17, 1925

C.J. Cole Fined $54.75 by Judge. . . Defendant Is Found Guilty of Negligence Which Resulted in Automobile Wreck

Another one of those automobile wreck cases, wherein the prosecuting and defendant witnesses fail to agree on most of the major and minor details connected with the wreck, was tried before Judge Graham in Recorder’s court Saturday morning. C.J. Cole of Blacknall street, West Durham, was charged with injury to property, N.J. Brandon being the prosecuting witness. Cole was found guilty, and judgment was suspended upon payment of the costs and sum of $54.75 to the use of Thomas Doyle, whose truck Brandon was driving at the time the collision occurred between it and a Ford touring car being driven by the defendant. Counsel for the defense, J.W. Barbee, gave notice of an appeal and bond was fixed at $100.

As to some of the details on which the prosecuting witness and the defendant failed to agree upon, Brandon testified that he was traveling south on Broad street at about 10 miles an hour when Cole came out of C street, driving west, and struck this car while going at a rapid rate. Cole testified that it was the other way around, that is, the truck driven by Brandon hit his car. Cole, however, testified that he failed to stop or blow his horn or slow up very much on entering the street intersection. Under cross examination by W.B. Guthrie, counsel for the prosecution, the defendant stated that he guessed he was going about 30 miles per hour. Other witnesses testified that although Cole was going at an excessive rate, it was very doubtful if he was going that fast.

From page 3 of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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R.G. Brice, 55, Killed When His Car Overturns, May 17, 1925

Charlotte, N.C., May 16—R.G. Brice, 55, leading business man of this city, was instantly killed shortly after 9 o’clock tonight when his automobile overturned twice on a sharp curve near Rock Hill, S.C. J.W. Zimmerman and Joe Garibaldi, prominent business men of the city, sustained minor injuries.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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Laundry Being Sued for Pollution, May 17, 1925

Water Polluted, Cows Dry Up, Babies Hungry, Laundry Sued

Spartanburg, S.C., May 16—Citizens of Valley Falls, this county, threaten suit against the proprietor of a laundry, the dirty waters of which they claim polluted the pasture branch and caused many cows grazing therein to fall in their milk.

Under the South Carolina code it is unlawful to turn refuse water into a stream with fish, and under this statute the families whose babies are suffering for want of milk threatens to sue Proprietor Brannon of the laundry.

Samples of the water are being analyzed in laboratories preparatory to court action.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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Mangum High School Graduating 14, May 17, 1925

School Year Ended Friday in Mangum High School. . . Progressive County School Sends Out 14 in Graduating Class

The Mangum township high school held its commencement graduating exercises Friday evening and sent out its first graduating class since the curriculum of the school was raised to conform with state requirements of a first class high school.

The number of graduates in the class were 14 and next year the senior class will number twice as many. This high school is showing rapid and healthy growth and is an object of pride to the community in which it is located.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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Judge Thomas Calvert to Preside at Durham County Criminal Court, May 17, 1925

May Term Criminal Court Will Convene on Monday. . . Judge Thomas H. Calvert of Raleigh Will Preside at Regular Term

The regular May term of Durham county criminal court will convene tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock with Judge Thomas H. Calvert of Raleigh presiding. The session will continue throughout the week at the end of which it is believed that the criminal court docket in this county will be well cleared. At present time the docket is composed mostly of bond cases, the jail having been practically cleared by Judge Henry Grady at the last session of court which ended May 9.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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Garage Fire Saturday Morning, May 16, 1925

Garage Fire

A fire alarm call from Box 25 was answered Saturday morning at 9:40 o’clock by firemen from Station No. 1, and the fire was found to be in a small a garage on Duke street. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the damage was slight.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

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Should Tennessee's Law Forbidding Teaching of Evolution be Upheld? May 17,1925

Will Lock Horns with Bill Bryan

Clarence Darrow, famous Chicago criminal lawyer, who has volunteered along with Dudley Field Malone of New York, to aid the Scopes defense without expenses or fee.

Dudley Malone and Darrow to Help with Case. . . Famous Lawyers of New York and Chicago Will Aid Scopes Attack Upon Tennessee Evolution Law. . . H.G. Wells Has Heard Nothing About Battle. . . Not Inclined to Regard Court Fight as Place for Novelist; Bryan to Aid State

By International News Service

Dayton, Tenn., May 16—Interest was greatly enhanced tonight in the coming legal battle between the evolutionist and anti-evolutionists when it was learned that Clarene Darrow, the celebrated barrister of Chicago, and Dudley Field Malone of New York, also a widely known lawyer, had been added to the defense counsel of Prof. J.T. Scopes, young Kentucky University graduate, charged with violation of the state anti-evolution law.

Interest also grew apace with the acceptance by State Attorney General Frank M. Thompson of the proffered assistance of William Jennings Bryan in siding in the prosecution of Mr. Scopes.

General Thompson, commenting on the offer of the great commoner, said:

“I will gladly accept the co-operation of Mr. Bryan in defending the act prohibiting the teachings of the theory of evolution in the public schools of Tennessee. I can, however, have nothing to do with the case until it reaches the supreme court, since the matter as it now stands will be handled by the district attorney in the lower court.”

Judge John R. Neal of Knoxville, who recently was defeated in his race for governor by Governor Austin Peay, head of the defense corps, stated that the alliance of Messrs. Darrow and Malone was “a welcome and greatly appreciated addition.”

George W. Rappleyea, chemical engineer of this city, who, although an evolutionist, instigated the fight against Scopes because he thought the law unconstitutional, today told International News Service in an exclusive interview that an effort was being made through the American Civil Liberties Union of New York, to secure the assistance of H.G. Wells, British novelist. Although Mr. Wells apparently is disinterested said Mr. Rappleayea, it is hoped that for the advancement of science Mr. Wells will accept.”

According to Mr. Rappleayea, there are a number of leading scientists and educators all over the country who, although devoutly religious, are evolutionists.” Dr. Wilbur Tillett, dean of theology of Vanderbilt University at Nashville, has written me endorsing the steps taken to test the constitutionality of the law and tendering his services,” said Mr. Rappleayea. “John Wesley, father of Methodism, in his book “General View of Gradual Progression of Being,” deals directly on the evolution of man, as outlined by Darwin. Were these two great men alive today they would undoubtedly support our fight.”

Concluding, Mr. Rappleyea stated that the stated that the evolutionists welcome the assistance of all broad minded, legal and scientific men of the world to help solve the problem.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 17, 1925

To see the photo of Clarence Darrow that goes with this article, go to newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84020732/1925-05-17/ed-1/seq-1/#words=MAY+17%2C+1925

Rewards for Capture of Five Men Who Escaped Chain Gang, May 14, 1925

Escaped Convicts Still at Large; Reward Is Offered for Capture

The five men who sawed their way to freedom last week from the County chain-gang are still at large, although a diligent search has been kept up by the sheriff’s department.

The men were serving sentences ranging from 10 to 18 months each, and had served from one to three months of their sentences.

They are: Chester Moffett, Charlie Parton, Marvin Kilby, Loyd Ledford, and Cecil Hensley. A reward of $50 is offered for the arrest of Hensley, and $25 each for the other four.

From the front page of the Brevard News, Thursday, May 14, 1925

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Sheriff Sitton, Deputy Fisher Capture Two More Stills, May 14,1925

Sitton and Fisher Make Two More Hauls Last Week

Sheriff Sitton and Deputy Fisher captured two more stills last week, one near East Fork being probably the largest steamer outfit ever taken in this County. The boiler of this complete and up-to-date plant measured five feet in diameter and six feet deep. Seven stands of beer, each measuring 4 by 4 by 6 feet were also destroyed.

From the front page of the Brevard News, Thursday, May 14, 1925

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Pearce, Tillinghast Families Decide to Build Summer Homes in Brevard, May 14, 1925

Florida People Visit Brevard; To Locate Here

A motor party consisting of Dr. and Mrs. Pearce and son, John, and W.L. Tillinghast of St. Petersburg, Fla., reached Brevard last Tuesday, and stopped at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Saltz. These gentlemen are prosperous business men of Florida, and came through the mountains of Western North Carolina by way of Murphy, looking for a beautiful location for summer homes, and finally decided upon Brevard as the most desirable location.

A motor party consisting of Dr. and Mrs. Pearce and son, John, and W.L. Tillinghast of St. Petersburg, Fla., reached Brevard last Tuesday, and stopped at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Saltz. These gentlemen are prosperous business men of Florida, and came through the mountains of Western North Carolina by way of Murphy, looking for a beautiful location for summer homes, and finally decided upon Brevard as the most desirable location.

After reaching Brevard, Mr. Saltz accompanied them on a trip to Lake Toxaway, Connesstee, Caesar’s Head, and various falls, camps and places of interest. These gentlemen were delighted with the charm and beauty of this local section of the ”Land of the Sky,” expressing the opinion that this was the most beautiful mountain scenery they had yet seen. On their way to Brevard, the party stopped at Murphy and had decided to invest several thousand dollars in a summer home near that city. On arriving at Brevard, however, and being convinced of the superior beauties and advantages of this immediate section, they decided to buy property here and locate their summer homes in the neighborhood of Brevard rather than at Murphy.

Both are greatly enthused over their wonderful discovery, and are of the opinion that many of their friends will also decide to invest in summer homes in this locality, after learning of their own splendid good fortune.

From the front page of the Brevard News, Thursday, May 14, 1925

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Farm News by L.A. Ammon, May 14, 1925

Farm News

By L.A. Ammon

Chicken Day

Friday, May the 15th, the Federation truck will make the County buying all kinds of poultry. The prices for this week are: hens, 20 cents per pound; broilers, 38 cents lb; roosters, 8 cents lb; eggs in cases 23 cents dozen. The truck will reach Rosman about 10 o’clock and pass through Brevard at noon, then on down the line. The time of reaching a place depends on the amount of chickens to handle.

Wool Market

Mr. G.P. Williams, our State sheep specialist, writes me that wool is bad low now, and he is quite sure that it will go up considerably by August. The Elkin Co. offers 45 cents per pound for May.

Protein Poison in Chickens

About time for trouble with broiler size chickens if you are feeding them more than 10 percent meat scraps, and perhaps some milk with it. The dead ones usually show a dark comb, and some people call the trouble black comb. The best of the bunch and especially those that hang around the mash hopper, are the ones that die.

In one flock last year, I advised giving a dose of saltz. We learned a lesson, as every sick chicken was dead in an hour after taking the saltz. It is in a large sense appendicitis, due to slow movement of the fine smooth feed passing through the bowels, setting up an irritation.

The best thing we found last year was to give not over a five percent meat scrap mash and give more grain. The trouble soon let up. Five drops of carbolic acid to the quart of drinking water should be good.

Fairs

The Home and Farm Agent will start work on fairs soon, and the present plan is for several sectional and community fairs and perhaps a County Fair. Much depends on the support given by all concerned. If meetings are announced you can show your interest by being at the meetings and taking part in the planning of the fair machinery.

From the front page of the Brevard News, Thursday, May 14, 1925

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J.Z. Stroup, 65, Has Died, May 14, 1925

J.Z. Stroup Dies at Rosman

J.Z. Stroup, formerly a deputy sheriff in Henderson County and for several years chief of police of Rosman, died at his home in Rosman on Wednesday of last week, following a stroke of paralysis which he suffered on the preceding Tuesday night. He was in his 65th year. Funeral services were conducted Friday at Moores Grove.

Mr. Stroup had suffered a previous stroke some two years ago, and had not been able to work since. On Tuesday he suffered a second stroke and did not speak afterwards.

The deceased was twice married. His first wife was Miss Corrie Russell. His second wife, who was Miss Minnie Edney, still survives, with several sons and daughters.

From the front page of the Brevard News, Thursday, May 14, 1925

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Miss Marguerite Yawn's Father Has Died, May 14, 1925

J.R. Yawn

The many friends of Miss Marguerite Yawn of Greenville, S.C., will regret to learn of the death of her father, J.R. Yawn, which occurred in a Greenville hospital April 25.

Miss Yawn will be remembered as a Brevard Institute student, graduating in the class of ’24. She was a young lady of charming personality, and made a host of friends in Brevard, all of whom will deeply sympathize with her in this time of bereavement.

From the front page of the Brevard News, Thursday, May 14, 1925

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Sentences Handed Down in Joe Needleman Mutilation, May 13, 1925

Griffin Sentenced to 30 Years. . . Judge Declares Mutilation of Joseph Needleman Is Most Brutal Crime Ever Brought to His Attention . . Wilford Sparrow Enters Plea of Guilty Today. . . Needleman Is Absolved of Charge of Assaulting Girl; State’s Witnesses Let Off Lightly

Williamston, N.C., May 13—Terming it the most brutal crime ever brought to his attention, Judge Sinclair in superior court this afternoon imposed heavy sentences on the man found guilty of participating in the mob which kidnapped and then mutilated Joseph Needleman, young tobacco salesman last March.

Dennis Griffin, convicted as the alleged “ring leader” in the mob, was sentenced to 30 years at hard labor in the state prison; F.W Sparrow Sr. was sentenced to not more than 10 years nor less than six, and the same punishment was meted out to his son, and Julian Bullock.

Sentences of not more than three years nor less than two were imposed on Elder Stone, Primitive Baptist minister, and Claro Heath. Johnnie Gurkin was sentenced to not more than three years nor less than 18 months.

Elder Stone and Gurkin were both given lighter sentences than otherwise would have been the case, because of the assistance they rendered the prosecution by appearing as witnesses for the state. Judge Sinclair declared that if it were not for this, he would have given Elder Stone a sentence as the other principals.

Submission of a plea of guilty by Wilford Sparrow, the fifth defendant in the Joe Needleman mutilation case on trial here during the past week, and the announcement by Solicitor Don Gilliam that the state found itself without sufficient evidence to ask the jury to convince Joseph Needleman of the charges of assault therefore advocating a verdict of not guilty were also features of today’s session of superior court.

Hundreds of people gathered at the court house early in the day to hear Judge Sinclair pronounce sentence against the four defendants who had been found guilty by the jury ate yesterday, following deliberation of three hours.

Griffin Bullock and the senior Sparrow were found guilty of mutilation with malice aforethought, while Heath was found guilty of mutilation without malice.

Attorneys for the defense this forenoon presented feeling appeals for clemency to Judge Sinclair, pleading that none of the men have ever been involved in any trouble before and that a number of witnesses had testified to their good character.

Attorney Dunning announced today that two additional men, Hubert Griffin and Wilson Griffin, would enter a plea of nolo contendre. This plea was accepted by the state.

Roy Gray, another defendant, was ordered confined in state prison not more than two years nor less than one, while eight others were ordered to pay $500 to the county of Martin to help defray the costs of court, besides paying their own individual costs.

They are: John G. Corey; Lester Edmondson, Tom Harrell, J.H. Coltraine, L.A. Croom, Clarence Gurkin, Hubert Griffin and Wilson Griffin.

Alfred Griffin was given not more than two years nor less than one, and Albert Gurkin was given the same sentence and fined $500. The defendants for the most part received their. . . . The Elder Sparrow and Griffin remained sphinx-like.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, May 13,1925

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Eight Badly Injured in Head-On Crash, May 13, 1925

Eight Are Badly Injured in Crash on Raleigh Road. . . Three Prominent Raleigh Men, Including R.B. Stephens, Who Is Building Houses in Durham in Watts Hospital. . . Willia J. McNeal May Succumb to Injuries. . . Five Negroes Hurt When Cars Meet on Highway Near Nelson; Four in Lincoln Hospital

Three white men, two colored men, and three colored women were injured about 3 o’clock this afternoon on the Durham-Raleigh highway when the automobiles in which they were riding collided. All of the injured were brought to the hospitals here. The injured list includes:--

William J. McNeal, white, of Raleigh

R.B. Stephens, white, 107 North Person street, Raleigh, contractor.Claibourn Mangum, white, Raleigh.

Fess Jones, colored chauffeur, 1209 McCall street, Durham.

Edgar C. Trice, colored student, 811 Macklin Street, Durham.

Nancy Pickett, colored, Durham.

Two other colored women were also injured in the collision, but their names could not be learned.

According to officials at Watts hospital, Mr. McNeal is the most seriously injured of the men carried there. He is said to be suffering from cuts, bruises and shock. It was regarded as possible that he may die. His real condition, however, had not been ascertained at 4:30 o’clock this afternoon, the physicians being still at work with the injured at that time.

Mr. Stephens, who is well known in Durham as well as Raleigh, was only slightly injured according to the early reports. It was stated that Mr. Mangum was suffering severely from shock, and might have suffered injuries of a more serious nature.

Little could be learned from Lincoln hospital, relative to the condition of the five negroes injured in the crash. An official of tat institution stated late this afternoon that the injured were still being treated, and up to that time, the exact extent of their injures had not been ascertained. Both Jones and Trice were said to be suffering from broken or crushed legs, while the injuries of the others consisted mainly of cuts and bruises. One of the negro women was released from the hospital immediately after her injuries were dressed.

The accident in which the three white men and the five negroes were injured, occurred near Strickland’s garage, near Nelson, eight miles from this city. It was reported here that t6he three white men, driving a Paige automobile, were driving toward Durham, while the negroes, riding in a Buick machine, were traveling toward Raleigh. The cars met in head-on collision, and both were practically demolished, according to the reports available.

Immediately after the accident occurred the injured were picked up, most of them suffering severe pain and rushed to Watts and Lincoln hospital here. Mr. Stephens.one of the white men, who figured in the accident, is well known in the city, having acted as contractor for the erection of several houses here.

From the front page of The Durham Sun, May 13,1925

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Mob that Mutilated Man Put Whole State to Shame, May 10, 1925

Martin County Incident Put the Whole State to Shame, Declared Congressman Lindsay Warren in Opening for State. . . Tells Jurors Eyes of Nation Are Upon Them. . . Griffin, Alleged Chief Offender, Bitterly Excoriated by the State Attorney. . . Court Quits for Week. . . It is Believed It Will be Late Monday Before a Verdict Can be Reached

Williamston, May 9—Arguments in the trial of Henry Dennis Griffin, Julian Bullock, F.W. Sparrow Sr., and Claro Heath, charged with performing a serious operation on Joseph Needleman, tobacco salesman, on the morning of March 29, were begun in Martin county superior court this afternoon.

Lindsay Warren, congressman from the first North Carolina district, who is assisting in the prosecution of the four men, was the first to address the jury. He was followed by Fred I. Sutton of Kinston, attorney for the defendants Sparrow and Heath. Each spoke for more than an hour.

Following Mr. Sutton’s argument, the court was adjourned until 9:30 o’clock Monday morning, at which time the argument will be resumed. Seven speeches are yet to be made and the case will not get to the jury before late Monday afternoon.

Warren Addresses Jury

Before court adjourned this afternoon, counsel for F.W. Sparrow Jr. indicated as one of the principals in the case, were notified that their client would be placed on trial next week. Sparrow as unable to go on trial Wednesday because of illness, but he has fully recovered, his physicians state, and has been returned to the Martin county jail, pending trial. Rebuttal testimony, offered by the state, consumed the entire morning session of the court. Additional character witnesses were also offered by the defense.

In his address to the jury, Mr. Warren described the crime against Needleman as “the most atrocious ever committed in North Carolina, or in any other state.” He said that the eyes of the nation are on North Carolina, waiting to see what the state will do with the alleged perpetrators of the crime.

Mr. Warren referred to the fact that North Carolina went for four years without a show of mob violence and declared that the Martin county incident put the whole state to shame. He said it was up to Martin county jury to convict the defendants. He denounced in no uncertain terms Henry Dennis Griffin, who, he asserted, was the chief offender, saying tha this offense ‘would put to shame the crimes committed in the days of thumb screws and torture.”

Sutton Stresses Alibis

Mr. Stutton spoke at length concerning the alibies offered by his clients and declared that the real perpetrators of the crimes were the ones who went into court and attempted to fasten the crime on others, in order that they might escape punishment.

“It makes no difference,” he said “whether these men are from Robersonville, Kinston or Griffin township. They are all North Carolinians and are entitled to consideration. He declared that Mr. Warren’s speech had been like the old fashioned hoop skirt, covering a lot of territory but touching nothing.

The trial has attracted large crowds during the week. Following the crime which was committed on March 29, Governor A.W. McLean called a special term of court for the trial of the alleged members of the mob. Seventeen of the 32 defendants indicted by the grand jury have pleaded guilty.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Japanese Minister Returning to Trinity College, Now Duke College, May 13, 1925

Nippon Alumnus of Duke Returns. . . Rev. Zenusky Hinohara of Japan, Graduate of 1904 Class of Trinity, Coming Back

One of the most interesting alumni who will be present at the coming commencement exercises at Duke university will be Rev. Zensuky Hinohama of Japan, who graduated from Trinity college in 1904. Hinohara, who is now pastor of the Central Methodist church of Kobe, Japan, was one of the first Japanese to graduate from Trinity. Since the year he finished, a goodly number of citizens from the flowery kingdom have come over and have been graduated from what is now Duke university.

This visiting alumnus from across the pacific will find many changes at his old alma mater since the days when he frequented her halls, and no one will, probably, be more proud of the vigorous growth since those days than Hinohara. He is a keen student of affairs in this country, it is said. He speaks English fluently and has been kept in touch with affairs here since leaving 21 years ago. Mrs. Hinohara is coming with her husband and they will spend a year or more in American before returning, it is said. They left Japan on May 5 and will shortly reach this country.

From page 2 of The Durham Sun, May 13,1925. Is the reverend’s first name spelled “Zenusky” or “Zensuky”? Is his last name spelled “Hinohara” or “Hinohama”?

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Mose Levy Adds Meat Market to New Grocery Store, May 13, 1925

Mose Levy Adds Meat Market to Store on Fayetteville St.

Mose Levy, proprietor of a grocery store at the corner of Fayetteville and Pettigrew streets, has added a new and up-to-date market to his store, and is now in a position to serve his customers with fresh meats of all kinds, he announced this morning. The new market cost $3,000 and has already been installed, Mr. Levy stated.

From page 2 of The Durham Sun, May 13,1925

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Minerva Norwood, 94, Dies of Pellagra, May 13, 1925

Colored Deaths

Minerva Norwood, colored, 94, and one of the oldest residents of Durham county, died at her home, 112 Beaman avenue, last Sunday, and was laid to rest in a cemetery in Chatham county yesterday, it was learned this morning. The cause of the aged woman’s death was given as pellagra attendant upon old age.

From page 2 of The Durham Sun, May 13,1925

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Studebaker Hits Telephone Pole and Curb, May 13, 1925

Studebaker Car Strikes Telephone Pole and Curb. . . Accident Occurred Near Corner Morehead Avenue and Blacknall Street

A Studebaker touring car, bearing state license No. 74,042, was badly damaged about 1 o’clock this afternoon when it struck a telephone pole and curb near the corner of Morehead avenue and Blacknall street. The name of the driver of the machine could not be learned this afternoon. However, local police officers are investigating the accident.

According to reports of the accident, the Studebaker turned into Blacknall street from Morehead avenue, ran bout 75 feet, struck the telephone pol end curb, and then criss-crossed approximately 100 yards up Blacknall street before being stopped.

No one was injured in the accident. From page 2 of The Durham Sun, May 13,1925

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Alibies Challenged in Martin County Mob Trial, May 10, 1925

McLean Orders Martin Case Continue. . . Error in Fixing Term of Court Rectified; State Tearing Defense Alibies to Pieces with Positive Identification. . . Sheriff and County Clerk Find Thrones Tottering. . . Allen Griffin Insists That He Could Not Be Mistaken about Men He Saw in Mob

By International News Service

Raleigh, N.C., May 9—Governor McLean today instructed Judge N.A. Sinclair, presiding judge of superior court, Martin county, to continue the trial of the men charged with mutilating Joe Needleman, young tobacco salesman, until the case is disposed of.

Through an error the court previously had been instructed to proceed for one week only. Prosecuting attorneys from Williamston, who were here to help straighten out the matter, indicated Solicitor Gilliam is anxious to bring F.W. Sparrow Jr., one of the defendants, to trial during the present session. Sparrow is now sick.

-=-

Williamston, N.C., May 9—The state opened proceedings in the cases against five alleged members of a mob charged with mutilating Joe Needleman, a young salesman, today by attacking the alibies testified to yesterday by witnesses for the defense, most of the among the accused Dennis Griffin, the elder and younger Sparrows and Heath had submitted evidence tending to prove they were not with the mob.

Allen Griffin, the State’s first rebuttal witness who has admitted that he was in the crowd, today identified Dennis Griffin, Julian Bullock, Clair Heath and the two Sparrows as members of the mob. He stated he had been in close proximity to all of them and could not be mistaken. The witness admitted however that he did not see the mutilation and did not know who had performed the operation on Needleman. Other witnesses followed with further identification of the alleged mutilators.

The trial of the mob, or the work of the mob, may mean that Martin county is to have a brand new sheriff and a brand new clerk of the court and even in the excitement of the trial for the past day or so the local politicians are said to e busy “lining up” suitable candidates for the two expected vacancies.

From the front page of the Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Missing Dress Found on Defendant, May 10, 1925

Long Lost Dress Finally Found. . . Mary Morgan, Colored, Wears into Court Dress She Is Charged with Stealing. . . Julia Hackney Talks Loud

It was Hallowe’en and to celebrate the occasion properly, Julia Hackney, colored, held a party. The party, according to Mary Morgan, also colored, was lively, very lovely, with the “spirits that were there and Mary ought to know; she was there and got so drunk she couldn’t see, she said.

Came the dawn—and disappointment to Julia’s heart. The spirits reputed to be abroad on Hallowe’en night, or somebody, or something, under the spell of those evil spirits, had entered Julia’s closet and departed with an almost brand new dress she had only recently paid out $50 good dollars for. As to whether the witches or some of the invited guests had taken the dress, Julia didn’t know. And should Julia accuse any of her guests with the theft of her dress?

The days grew into weeks, and the weeks stretched on into months of another year. Then one day what should Julia see but Mary wearing a dress she was positive was her dress, her new and long lost dress? A visit to the police station; a warrant sworn out; Saturday morning last, and Mary was there answering not guilty to recorder’s court to the larceny of that long lost dress.

And to show what Mary though of the charge against her, she didn’t do nothing else but wear that dress, which she was charged with stealing, right into court and be tried in it. The bad spirits, good to her, stuck with her until the judge said not guilty. Then they came very near deserting her. Judge Graham told Mary that although the evidence tended to show she did not steal the dress, Julia ought to get that dress back and intimated it would be best for her to return it to Julia.

From the volume of words Julia began to utter as she, Mary and their witnesses went out the court room door, it sounded as though Julia wouldn’t wait for Mary to return the dress; it sounded like she was in a mood to take the dress by force. And to calm the storm, Judge Graham had the whole party called back to sit in the prisoners’ dock for a while. Then he let them go one by one with several minutes in between. Julia was the last to go.

From page 2 of the Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Exceptionally Light Fines and No Road Sentences in Judge Grady's Criminal Court, May 10, 1925

Defendants in Special Court Get Off Light. . . Light Fines and No Road Sentences Feature Special Session of Criminal Court. . . Skleris and Garner Are Found Not Guilty. . . Herman Jernigan Is Ordered to Pay Court Costs on Charge of Assault on Youth

Exceptionally light fines, and no actual road sentences, featured the special term of Durham county criminal court held here during the past week by Judge Henry A. Grady of Clinton. Judge Grady adjourned court at the conclusion of Friday’s session, and left to go to the bed side of his brother, who was reported seriously ill.

The fines of one cent each, and another fine of five cents, plus the court costs, were dished out by Judge Grady during his sojourn here. Lonnie Berry, who figured in an automobile accident several months ago, in which a young woman was injured, was fined one cent and cost in each of the two cases against him charging assault and battery with a deadly weapon, to-wit: an automobile, and speeding and reckless driving.

The fine of five cents and costs was give to W.J. Miles, charged with assault on Charlie Smith. In the case against Mr. Miles, charged with carrying a concealed weapon, judgment was suspended upon payment of the costs. In the majority of the cases tried, judgment was suspended upon payment of the court costs. However, in some cases, Judge Grady imposed road sentences with a clause that the defendants would not to have to serve time on the roads providing they showed good behavior for a period of five years.

The feature of Friday afternoon’s session of court was the trial of Jim Skleris, a local Greek, charged with assaulting his wife with a deadly weapon. The jury, after being out for more than an hour, returned a verdict of not guilty, and Skleris was allowed to go free.

William Garner, white, charged with assault on a 13-year-old female in a local theatre, was also found not guilty by the jury after a short deliberation.

Another case Friday which created considerable interest was that of Herman Jernigan, principal of the east Durham high school, charged with assault and battery on Theodore Lewis, son of J.E. Lewis.

R.P. Reade, attorney for the defendant, submitted to the charge after which Judge Grady asked R.M. Gantt, attorney for the plaintiff, if he wished to argue the case for a sentence. Mr. Gantt informed the court that his client did not wish to argue for a sentence, and Judge Grady ordered that judgment be suspended upon payment of the court costs.

The other cases tried and disposed of at Friday afternoon’s session were as follows:

Henry Trice, negro, charged with reckless driving, acquitted.

The following cases were nol prossed: Sam Merritt, charged with non-support; Rosa Lee Branch, charged with operating a bawdy house; F. Cannady, using a room for immoral purposes; T.J. Crutchfield, charged with manslaughter; J.W. Allen, charged with violating a city ordinance; Vernon Chavie, charged with assault with a deadly weapon; F. Townsend and E. Walker, charged with immoral conduct; and Jule Albright, charged with assault and battery.

From page 2 of the Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Hammer Hurler Given Fine, Escapee Given 30 Extra Days in Work House, May 10, 1925

Hammer Hurler Is Given Fine. . . Harry Yeargan Gets 30 Days Sentence for Escaping from Previous 60-Day Sentence

Olive Elliott, colored, in recorder’s court Saturday morning, testified that Charlie Rich, colored, threw a hammer at her, just for meanness, so far as she knew. Charlie testified that he did not throw the hammer at her but at another fellow who had a pistol on him. He was fined $5 and costs.

Harry Yeargan was given 30 days in the work house and he has got to serve about 60 more, before the 30 begin. ‘Twas this way: Last August Harry was sent out to the workhouse to serve a 60-day term. In about five or six hours after he arrived at the work house, he managed to slip successfully away, testified Mr. Hall, work house superintendent. And now the 60 must be lived through in addition to the 30 added for escaping.

Horace Bland, D. Emery, V.R. Smith, Claude Jackson, and H. Emergy, a quintet charged with gambling, will be tried May 12.

Robert Brown, colored, charged with stealing a pair of shoes, will be tried May 11, according to continuance of the case.

Tom Wilkins plead guilty to illegal possession of whiskey and was fined $5 and costs.

Worth Roycroft was fined $5 and costs on a speeding charge.

From page 2 of the Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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W.W. Burgess Eleted President of State Travelers Protection Association, May 10, 1925

Goldsboro Lands 1926 Convention of T.P.A.

Fayetteville, May 9—The state convention of the Travelers Protection Association closed here today with the election of W.W. Burgess of High Point as president for the ensuing year. The convention selected Goldsboro as the 2936 convention city.

C.W. Yonce of Raleigh, A.C. Forsyth of Goldsboro, J.E. Gillard of Wilmington, A.J. Mims of Rocky Mount and H.C. Isenhour of Gastonia were names vice -presidents, W.O. Donahue of Winton-Salem was appointed chairman of the committee on the endowment fund.

O.W. Patterson of Greensboro, retiring president, was named to the board of directors and received a gold watch in recognition of his services as president. The convention adjourned shortly after noon.

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Wilmington Saw Navy Dirigible Flying Overhead, May 10, 1925

Dirigible Off Tar Heel Coast. . . Los Angeles, En Route to New Jersey, Passed Over Wilmington

Norfolk, Va., May 9—At 9 o’clock the dirigible ‘Los Angeles’ was about 95 miles south of Wilmington, N.C., with all going well according to a radio message from the commander of the ship picked up here shortly after 9 o’clock.

The navy dirigible, sailing homeward from Porto Rico by way of Miami and the Atlantic Coast, is due in Lakehurst, N.J. late this afternoon or this evening. The airship left Porto Rico yesterday afternoon to complete the first round of a airship between the American continent and Porto Rico.

It starting the flight homeward, Captain Steele planned to follow the Atlantic seaboard instead of sailing in a more direct airline to Lakehurst than he did on his southward journey.

Advices from San Juan say that Captain Steele regards the flight to the island a complete success as demonstrating the practicability of commercial dirigibles in this service under almost any kind of weather conditions. . . . .

From the front page of the Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925. Puerto Rico was spelled Porto Rico in the 1920s.

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Newman Lucky to Survive Accident at Box and Lumber Company, May 9, 1925

Saw Filer Has Narrow Escape at Plant Here. . . Clothing of F.V. Newman, Employee of Virginia Lumber Co., Caught in Set Screw. . . Burned on a Steam Pipe. . . Fortunately, His Injuries Consisted only of Bruises and Severe Burns

F.V. Newman, a saw filer at the Virginia Box and Lumber Company, had a miraculous escape from death yesterday afternoon when his clothing caught on the set screw of a rapidly revolving shaft. He was swung around and around, his head or p arts of his body grazing a hot steam pipe at every revolution.

Fortunately, no bones were broken, and it was stated last night by his attending physicians that he would recover. His injuries consist largely of terrible burns on the face and chest, caused when his body touched the steam pipe, and bruises and minor cuts.

When the power was cut off at the plant by a workman who saw the plight of the unfortunate man, Mr. Newman had hardly a shred of clothing on his back with the exception of his socks. Employees rushed to his aid, expecting to find him mortally injured, if not already dead. They were astonished and relieved to find him conscious, none the worse for his experience except for the bad burns and bruises. He is now resting very comfortably at his home on 1103 South Slocumb street, and it is expected that he will be able to report back for duty within the next day or two.

How It Happened

Mr. Newman was lacing a belt when the accident happened. This belt worked on a shafting directly facing him. Another shafting, driving the machine to its rear, was right at his elbow, but he was so intent upon lacing the belt he was oblivious of his danger. A sudden twist or motion carried his body right up against the rear shafting, and before he realized his peril, Mr. Newman’s clothing caught on the set screw. He was thrown over and over with each revolution of the shaft.

The steam pipe was off the floor a few feet. A carrier of steam, it was blistering hot and as Mr. Newman was dragged over it, it left a livid blister on his face, chest or arms, whichever happened to touch.

It is not known how long Mr. Newman was subjected to the tortuous experience. No one saw the accident at the time. The man who happened to see his body bring whirled around on the shaft and stopped the motion, was unable to know just how long he had been caught on the screw, but it is certain that it was only a few moments. Another minute, it is believed, and he would never have lived to tell the tale.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, Saturday morning, May 9, 1925

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Business and Professional Women's Barbecue, May 10, 1925

Business and Professional Women’s Barbecue

The Business and Professional Women’s Club held a most interesting meeting Friday night at which delicious barbecue was served.

Interest was centered around the annual reports which were given. The educational committee has loaned money to and assisted in other ways, three young women who have taken business courses they could not otherwise have had. One of these has paid back practically all of her loan and the other two will soon be in a position to begin their payments. Applications are now being filled for fall loans.

The other committees all gave most encouraging reports.

After all other business was disposed of, officers for the coming year were elected. Miss Penelope Clayton was the choice for president. Miss Annie Stevens, vice president; Mrs. Hattaway, recording secretary; Mrs. Bessie H. Harriss, corresponding secretary; and Miss Blanche Parrott, treasurer.

The club has decided to occupy very attractive rooms in the new Wayne Bank building.

Any business or professional women who are making Goldsboro their home are invited to make application for membership in the club to Miss Alice Ward, the membership chairman, who can be found at the Health department.

From page 3 of the Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Personal Mention Column from the Goldsboro News, May 10, 1925

Personal Mention

Miss Ruth Janet Sikes of Hartsville, S.C., a student at Meredith college, is spending the week end with her cousin, Mrs. John Beasley. Miss Sikes will sing at the morning service at the First Baptist church. Mrs. Vaden Guthrie, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. Grif Porter, will leave for her home in Petersburg, Va., tomorrow.

Mrs. Robert Hanes of Winston-Salem is spending the week end with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Borden. The many friends of Mrs. E.W. Vick will be glad to know that she is at home and quite convalescent after a period of recuperation at Beaufort and St. Luke’s Hospital in Richmond, Va.

Miss Virginia Suther of Greenville is spending the week end with her sister, Mrs. Burt Griffin.

Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Lee and little daughter, Mildred, are visiting at the old home of Mr. Lee in Fredericksburg, Va.

Mr. and Mrs. James Southerland of Greenville, S.C., are in the city, the guest of Mr. Southerland’s mother, Mrs. J.F. Southerland on James Street.

Miss Annie Battle Miller, a student at Peace College, is spending the week end at the home of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. R.B. Miller.

Mr. E.C. Denmark, proprietor of the Goldsboro Beauty Shoppe, has procured the efficient services of Mrs. Richie of Richmond, Va., to succeed Mrs. Barnes, who has gone away to complete her course in beauty specialty work. Those wishing to make appointments may call Phone 1107.

Mrs. Clarence Britt and little daughter, who have been the guests of Mrs. Britt’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Joseph, for the past few weeks left yesterday to join Mr. Britt in Greenville, S.C., where he is employed in a new line of work.

From page 3 of the Goldsboro News, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Robert Cox, 71, Dies Suddenly, May 10, 1925

Robert C. Cox Dies Suddenly. . . Long Resident of Durham, Magistrate and United States Commissioner, Dies at Home. . . Swore in Council Wednesday

Squire Robert C. Cox, Durham county justice of the peace, and United States Commissioner, died suddenly last evening at 9:30 o’clock at his home, 208 Morris street. He was 71 years of age, and was apparently in good health at the time of his death. The deceased ate supper as usual, and was walking about his room when he became sick. He lay down, thinking the sick spell would soon wear off, and within a few minutes expired. He administered the oath of office to Durham’s new city council and mayor Wednesday night and was at his office Saturday morning.

The deceased, who had resided in Durham county practically all his life, is survived by one daughter, Mrs. A.L. Kilgo of Greenville, N.C.; one son, M.B. Cox of Sumpter, S.C.; three grandchildren; three sisters, Misses Kate and Lena Cox, both of Durham, and Mrs. J.O. Purdell of Franklinton, N.C.; one brother, J.A. Cox of Durham, and a number of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Cox was an active member of the Trinity Methodist church. Funeral arrangements had not been completed at an early hour this morning.

From the front page of the Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Clifton Noell, 15, Died When Struck by Car, May 10, 1925

Clifton Noell Died on Friday. . . 15-Year-Old Victim of Automobile Accident Will be Buried This Afternoon

Clifton Noell, the 15-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Noell of Holloway street, died at Watts hospital Friday afternoon at 5 o’clock, following an automobile accident which occurred two hours earlier when he was struck by the rear fender, it is said, of a car being driven by Miss Elizabeth Stallings.

Besides his father and mother the deceased leaves two sisters, Mrs. T.P. Noell of Timberlake and Miss Lizzie Noell of Dunn; also two brothers, A.C. and P.E. Nowell of Durham.

The funeral services will be conducted this afternoon at 3 o’clock from the home at 514 East Holloway street and will be conducted by Rev. W.W. Peele, pastor of Trinity Methodist church. Interment will be made in Maplewood cemetery.

Pallbearers will be J.A. Stallings, R.P. Reade, Dr. A.C. Reade, B.E. Bowen, Clyde Bowen, T.P. Noell, A.S. Noell, A.B. Noell and W.A. Tillett.

The floral-bearers will be former schoolmates and friends of the deceased, as follows: Bobby Carmichael, Joe Umstead, John Pollard, James Smith, Lawrence Kirkland, John Salmon, David Scanlon, Bacon Fuller, Herbert Carlton, Aydlett Minor, Clement Barrett, Bob Cheatham, Alston Watkins and M.B. Moore Jr.

From page 2 of the Durham Sun, Sunday morning, May 10, 1925

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Julian Bullock and Henry Griffin Said They Didn't Maim Needleman, May 9, 1925

Two Witnesses Deny Aiding in Maiming Youth. . . Julian Bullock and Henry Griffin Claim Alibis in Giving their Testimony. . . In Barber Shop at Time. . . Griffin Identified by Needleman as Mutilator, Confused During Examination

Williamston, May 8—The defense had its inning in Martin county superior court here this morning in the trial of four defendants charged with the mutilation of Joseph Needleman on March 28.

Julian Bullock, first of the defendants to take the stand, said that he was a barber and that on the night in question business was good.

Witnesses denied any knowledge of the crime upon Needleman, and declared that he remained at his barber shop until after 1 o’clock, in company with Henry D. Griffin, who is also charged with being one of the principals, and who was named by Needleman as the man who performed the operation.

Bullock further testified that he and Griffin went to a neighbor’s house where there was a sick baby and remained their until 3:15 o’clock, after which they went to their homes. Bullock was vigorously cross-examined by Solicitor Gilliam and denied all connection with the mob or with its actions. They declared that the only reason he had why others should have testified against him was that they “were hired to.”

Also Claims Alibi

Henry D. Griffin was the next witness and also denied his alleged participation in the affair. He testified he was a barber, and that his last customer left him at 12:30 o’clock on the night in question, and he then went with Bullock to the home of a neighbor with a sick child. He added that he had been invited to join the mob by John Gerkin, and that he had refused.

Griffin admitted, however, that he had borrowed some bold clippers from neighbors on Mary 28, but denied that he wanted them for the purpose of getting in the jail. He afterward admitted under cross-examination that he had a conversation about bell clippers following receipt of information that “something” was going to be done with Needleman.”

Griffin testified to having told Bullock about the mob which was being armed, but that Bullock made no comment on the subject.

During Griffin’s cross-examination the witness became very much confused, and contradicted his previous statement several times. At midday the state was still hammering away at Griffin, whose answers became more and more tangled as the cross-examination advanced.

From page 2 of The Goldsboro News, Saturday morning, May 9, 1925

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Negro Shot by Duplin Officer in Critical Condition at Spicer's Sanatorium, May 9, 1925

Negro Shot by Duplin Officer. . . He Was Rushed to Hospital Here, and His Condition Is Said to be Critical

Shot by a Duplin county officer, a negro man was brought here late yesterday in a very critical condition and is in Spicer’s Sanatorium, where he will be operated on this morning in an effort to save his life.

The name of the negro could not be learned last night. His spinal cord is said to have been severed by the bullet, which entered in his shoulder and coursed across his back.

Details of the shooting were lacking. The Duplin officer is said to have had a warrant for the man on a minor charge, and that when he attempted to place him under arrest, he resisted, displaying a gun. The officer, it is said, promptly whipped out his gun and fired, the shot taking effect in his shoulder.

From page 2 of The Goldsboro News, Saturday morning, May 9, 1925

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Fire at Kennon Hotel, May 9, 1925

Small Fire in Kennon Hotel. . . Blaze Assumed Threatening Proportions for Time, But Loss Was Slight

The Kennon Hotel was threatened with a serious fire last night when flames were discovered in room No. 211 on the second floor.

Prompt work on the part of the local fire department however, confined the damage to a badly burned bed and door. The room was ?? occupied and how the fire originated remains a deep mystery.

The fire was discovered by one of the waitresses, who roomed up on the third floor, just over 211. She noticed smoke pouring up through the cervices of her room, it was stated, and conveyed her fears to Mr. Coplon, the night clerk. He rushed up to No. 211 and on opening the door found the room was on fire.

When the draft created by the opening door reached the flames, they spread rapidly, and for a time it appeared as if the building might be endangered. The firemen reached there just in time. Had they been delayed five minutes longer, many on the scene believed, they would have had much difficulty in checking the flames.

Mr. Coplon was at loss to explain how the fire started. The room had not been occupied since the previous night and all of the windows were down, eliminating, it is though any possibility of the blaze starting from a spark from the flue of either the adjacent laundry or pressing club establishment.

Will Bryant, a member of the fire department, received a bad gash above his forehead when a chemical tank which he was endeavoring to hoist up to the second floor slipped and struck him a glancing blow. Bryant was at the top of the ladder, passing the apparatus to men on the second floor from the trucks. Thinking the man who was receiving the apparatus had a secure grip on the chemical tank, he turned it loose. Such was not the case and the tank fell, hitting him on the head.

Four stitches had to be taken by the attending physician to sew up the wound.

From page 2 of The Goldsboro News, May 9, 1925

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When Money Is Short the Feeble Minds Must Suffer, May 9, 1924

Money Short: Feeble Minds Must Suffer. . . Caswell Training School to Discharge Some Inmates

Raleigh, May 8—Despite its capacity for 500 inmates, the Caswell Training School at Kinston will have to discharge 30 or 40 of the 370 feeble-minded children now cared for in the institution, according to Dr. C. Banks McNairy, superintendent, who is in Raleigh attending the annual convention of the American Society for the Study of the Feeble-minded. Lack of money with which to buy food was given by Dr. McNairy as the reason a number of the inmates would have to be turned out.

In the last four years the Caswell Training School has received nearly a million dollars in bonds for permanent improvement. This money it has more than doubled its capacity and recently started increasing the number of its inmates, anticipating an increased current expenses appropriation from the 1925 General Assembly. But the General Assembly gave the school annual operating expenses of only $145,000, whereas it received $146,000 (?) each year of the past ??. When the 7 per cent cut is made in all appropriations in order to balance the budget, the school will have only approximately $135,000 left.

What is to be done with the children that must be discharged is a vexing problem for Dr. McNairy. “They have all been formally committed and are now legally wards of the State,” he said, “and where they are to be turned back is a problem the courts will have to decide, but we will have to get rid of at least 30 or 40 and possibly as any as 70 in order to live within our appropriations.”

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, May 9, 1925. Gov. McLean was elected on a promise to balance the budget and he decided the fairest thing would be to cut equally throughout the budget.

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Rumors Spread About Electric Line to Goldsboro, May 9, 1925

More Talk of Electric Line to Goldsboro. . . Acquisition of Norfolk-Southern Gives Credence to Proposed Road to East. . . Maybe a Hitch Here. . . State Ownership of Road from Goldsboro to Beaufort Presents Problem

Durham, May 8—Although it is still a matter for conjecture, evidence becomes more abundant that the Duke interests intend hooking up the Piedmont and Northern, the Norfolk Southern, and the Durham and Southern and Georgia and Florida into a real system extending from Madison, Fla., to Norfolk, and containing approximately 1,500 miles of trackage, says an article in the Durham Herald.

Whether or not this system will be electrified in the event that it is created by the Dukes is problematic. Only one unit—the Piedmont and Northern operating in the Charlotte territory through a large portion of Piedmont North and South Carolina—is already electrically operated. Rumor has it that the system will become a part of the great Duke electrical development now gradually overspreading the South.

Credence is given to the rumors by cause of recent acquisition by Ernest Williams of control of the Norfolk Southern. Mr. Williams is allied with the Dukes. So is John Skelton Williams, receiver for the Georgia and Florida, who has intimated that the road will construct additional mileage between its Northern terminus and Greenwood, S.C., where it could easily hook up with the P.N. into Spartanburg, leaving only the gap between Spartanburg and Gastonia to give it direct service to Norfolk through Raleigh, Wilson, Greenville, Washington, and Elizabeth City.

Piedmont and Northern and Durham and Southern, the latter of which would give the connection with Durham is already directly in Duke hands. J.B. Duke is president of the P. & N. and B.N. Duke is president of the Durham and Southern.

It has been said that the plans of the Dukes include the construction of a direct line from Charlotte to Durham. This would be a part of the Piedmont and Northern. Eventually the road, according to this rumor, will be extended to Beaufort. Acquisition of the Norfolk Southern was considered a part of this plan. That portion of the Norfolk Southern between Goldsboro and Morehead City, however, is not owned by the railway company. The company has a long time lease from the state of North Carolina.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, May 9, 1925

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Needleman Takes Stand, Identifies HIs Assailants, May 8,1925

Griffin Squirms Under Fire on Witness Stand. . . Cross-Examination Annihilates Alleged Ring Leader of Mob Charged with Mutilation of Joe Needleman. . . Needleman Picked Out Griffin as Assailant. . . Salesman Took Stand Late Yesterday; Also Picked Out Sparrow and Other Defendants

Williamston, N.C., May 8—Utter and complete annihilation of F. Dennis Griffin, alleged ring leader, by State’s Attorney A.D. McLean, today featured the efforts of the defense in the Martin county mutilation cases against a mob who attacked Joe Needleman, a salesman, who was held in jail charged with assault upon a sales girl.

McLean directed a pounding crossfire of questions which time after time the witness replied: “I am not in a position to say exactly.”

State Senator Harry Stubbs protested to the court declaring the prosecutor was bull dozing the defendant.

“A wide latitude is being permitted in this examination,” the court replied, and McLean resumed his questions.

Griffin denied on direct examination, participation in the mutilation as Julian Bullock, another of the accused, a barber, had done earlier in the day.

Griffin admitted getting a pair of clippers similar to those used in cutting the locks on the jail. One more defendant, Clare Heath of Kinston, will present his defense.

His attorney says he, too, will offer an alibi.

Tom Lilly, one of those indicted as an accessory in connection with the mutilation of Joseph Needleman, and who shot himself through the forehead with a 22-calibre rifle, was reported by his attending physician to be in a dying condition today.

In the meantime, F.W. Sparrow Jr., who showed symptoms of diphtheria last night, was reported improved today. Judge Sinclair was informed that the prisoner did not have diphtheria but a severe case of tonsilitis. His case, however, was continued.

-=-

Williamston, May 8—Joseph Needleman’s own story of the operation to which he was subjected at the hands of the alleged mob on the morning of March 29, was a feature late yesterday.

The prosecution rested its case at 4:55 o’clock Thursday afternoon.

Needleman, calm and deliberate, described in detail the actions of the mob and the operation performed. When he first took the stand, his voice was very weak and could scarcely be heard by members of the jury. However, it grew stronger and he became more animated. Once he arose from his seat, and pointing his figure at Henry Dennis Griffin, exclaimed:

“There he is! That guy sitting. He is the one of the two cutting the bolts in the jail that night.” Needleman stated that his captors said that they had been informed that his father was a well-to-do man, and that on the way to the church near where the operation performed, told him: “We are going to take you where your father’s money won’t do you any good.”

“My father is a tailor of very modest means,” the witness continued, but the impression had gotten out that he was wealthy. He lives in Salem, N.J.

“I knew it was useless to resist that crowd,” Needleman continued, “and I overed no resistance at any time I just made up my mind to face the music and not to bet those low-down things for mercy.”

Needleman pointed out H.D. Griffin as one of those who performed the operation. He also said that F.W. Sparrow Jr. was another that he had recognized. The witness also pointed to F.W. Sparrow who was seated in the court room as being a member of the mob.

The witness described the operation, the intense pain he suffered when he was forced to talk to town after having been refused a ride by members of the mob.

From the front page of the Durham Sun, Friday afternoon, May 8, 1925

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Mob Pursues Jim Ballard, May 8, 1925

Mob Pursues Negro

Elizabeth City, May 8—Reports from Gatesville last night were that Jim Ballard, negro, charged with the murder of Vernon Easton, deputy sheriff of Pasquotank county, yesterday afternoon was rushed through Gatesville with a crowd of angry citizens hotly pursuing. Thirteen other negroes alleged to have been implicated in the shooting have been arrested and 12 of them are in the Gates county jail, and Hebe Ballard, brother of Jim, is in Winton jail.

From page 4 of the Durham Sun, Friday afternoon, May 8, 1925

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Smithfield Woman Popular on Radio Station WMBB, May 9, 1925

WMBB

Smithfield, May 8—Radio fans and others in this city will learn with interest that Miss Mary McCullers who holds a position with the University of Chicago, is broadcasting songs every Monday and Wednesday nights. Her sons are broadcasted over WMBB (250) every Sunday and Wednesday nights between 8:30 o’clock Smithfield time and over WBBM (236) on Tuesday nights between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Miss McCullers is announced under a studio nickname: “Peggy McCullers.” Friends of Miss McCullers well know her love for music and her proficiency in this art. She graduated in piano from Meredith College and has studied voice in Chicago, it will be something of a novelty for Smithfield to “tune in” on home talent that has earned such widespread distinction.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, May 9, 1925

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Gun Duel Leaves Harry McCaw Dead and Joseph Lucas Held by Authorities, May 9, 1925

Gun Duel!

Columbia, S.C., May 8—Harry McCaw, clerk of the state supreme court, is dead and Joseph J. Lucas is held by the county authorities as the result of a pistol duel this morning in the capitol building. There were no eye-witnesses to the shooting, but Lucas declared he was forced to shoot in self-defense. A pistol with three exploded cartridges was found near the body of Mr. McCaw, who died instantly with a wound in the heart. There had been trouble between the men recently. An inquest will be held this afternoon.

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, May 9, 1925

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Rev. Thames Denounces Dirty Dance at Elks Club Automobile Show, May 9, 1925

Elks Circus and Auto Show Dance Called ‘Dirty, Dastardly Shame’. . . Minister Very Outspoken in Denunciation. . . Rev. Mr. Thames Campaigns the Chaperones to the Lowest Roost in Heaven. . . Christ Was Not There. . . Had He Appeared, Said Mr. Thames, Crowd Would Have Melted Like Snowflakes

By Rev. Barney Thames

Where was Christ last night? I can tell you where he wasn’t. He wasn’t a chaperone to the dance held by the local Elks at the Automobile Show last night, neither was He present for such an hour. If Jesus Christ the Son of the living God, crucified, buried, resurrected, ascended and coming again for the salvation and glorification of both soul and body—had walked out on that dance floor, every mother’s son of the crowd would have melted like a lukewarm snow in a fiery furnace.

It is nothing short of dingy, dirty, cowardly, dastardly shame and reproach on any community for a group of God-dishonoring, Christ-forsaking men to pull such a stunt, knowing that to do so was against the mind and will and perfect conscience of every God-fearing and Christ-loving man and woman in our city. Respects to Chaperones

“Oh,” you say, “we were well chaperoned.” Yes, you were chaperoned, but by whom? If any of those chaperones get to heaven, they shall most certainly roost on the lowest limbs of the tree of life. Yes, you were chaperoned—but Jesus didn’t chaperone you. He wasn’t there. He will not be there. Jesus Christ has never attended a dance. You never heard of Him being there. You never saw Him there. You never knew a lost soul to be converted at a dance. But many a saved innocent soul has been damned by your hellish daggers. YOU NEVER SAW AN ATTENDER UPON THE DANCES WHO WAS A SOUL WINNER TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

“It’s none of your business,” I hear you say, “Keep your mouth shut.”

But just a minute—I’m taking my orders not from Rome, but from the throne of God eternal in the heavens. God called me—no man had anything to do with that. He empowered me, sent me forth, placed my feet on the walls of Zion, put his Message in my heart and said, “Speak it, young man, ‘ere I require at your hands to blood of those to whom I have called you to minister.” And I cannot but speak His revelations to me concerning such wickedness of men. “If God be for me, who can be against me?” If any man shall raise his hand against me, God will smite him, call the undertaker, pallbearers and mourners, slip his body beneath the cold sod, and send me on my way with the message of the King. There are not enough devils in hell and on earth to stop the love message of the flaming evangel.

God Speaks

We saw Elijah at work for the King last night at the Second Baptist church, as Dr. Peele followed the prophet’s unique career. Elijah was the kind of man God loved. The type of men headed in our churches in our city. Elijah stood for SOMETHING—for the Lord God Almighty, first, last and always. You recall the wickedness of that old bloody, cowardly king, Ahab. How he established Baal worship throughout the kingdom, “And did more to revoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the Kings of Israel that went before him. How Elijah challenged Ahab, saying “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not rain nor dew these years, but according to my word.” How that God directed Elijah to flee to the brook Cherith, where He fed and watered, cared for and prepared him for Mt. Carmel. How God further directed him to the widow at Zerephath, where she baked for him a little cake first.

Brave Elijah . . . .

From the front page of The Goldsboro News, May 9, 1925

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Bank Doors Close Because Cashier Has Disappeared, May 8, 1925

Cashier Missing

Clinton, May 8—The doors of the Bank of Turkey have been closed for two days and the whereabouts of its cashier, L.D. Grady, is unknown. Thursday the state bank examiners, assisted by the president, H.F. Pierce of Warsaw, have been at work auditing the books. At a late hour yesterday afternoon they reported the books in good shape as far as they had examined.

The absence of Cashier Grady is a mystery. Nobody knows why he left. He is very popular and his integrity is not suspected. His friends are included to charge his disappearance to business worries.

From page 4 of the Durham Sun, Friday afternoon, May 8, 1925

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In Durham Court, May 7 and 8, 1925

Jim Skleis Was Tried Today in Special Court. . . Greek Charged with Assault and Battery with Deadly Weapon on Young Greek Wife. . . No Verdict Reached by Jury in First Hour. . . William Starling Being Tried at Noon on Charge of Carrying Concealed Weapon

The case of Jim Skleis, local Greek, charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon, went to the jury at 11:15 o’clock this morning, after practically the entire morning had been taken up in the presentation of evidence. No report had been made by the jury at 12:15 o’clock this afternoon, despite the fact that they had been considering the evidence for an hour. William B. Guthrie represented the plaintiff at the trial, and Col. S.C. Chambers, the defendant. According to the evidence submitted at the trial, Skleis attempted to strike his wife, who was ill, with a table light, and also with a piece of a statue. The defendant denied the charges, and entered a plea of not guilty.

Other Cases

--Judgment was suspended upon the payment of all costs in the case of Victor High, young white man, who was charged with using a room for immoral purposes.

--The case of Wiliam Starling, negro, charged with carrying a concealed weapon and assault on June Scott, was being argued to the jury room at noon today.

--At yesterday afternoon’s session of court, John Rush was found guilty on charges of gambling and carrying a concealed weapon, and not guilty on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon. Judgement was suspended upon the payment of costs in both cases in which he was convicted.

--E.S. Delamar, charged with injury to property, was found not guilty, Judge Grady making the decision before the case reached the jury.

--Chas. Mitchell was taxed with the costs of the case when tried on a charge of assault and battery. Mitchell entered a plea of guilty to the charge.

From page 3 of the Durham Sun, Friday afternoon, May 8, 1925

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Police Investigating Death of Miss Sarah Mincey, May 8, 1925

To Investigate Death of Woman. . . Asheville Officials Start Investigation of Death of Miss Sarah Mincey of Durham

Asheville, May 8—An official investigation of the reported mysterious death of Miss Sarah Mincy, 24, at French Broad hospital Tuesday morning was commenced. Abscess and typhoid were at first assigned as the causes of the death of the young woman. It is reported several persons may be criminally implicated as a result of the fatality.

The body of the young woman was taken to the home of her mother in Durham today and was accompanied by Miss Daisy Murdock, a friend. Miss Mincey recently underwent an operation and about two weeks ago became ill. Until her illness she was employed as stenographer by a local insurance firm.

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The body of Miss Mincey arrived in Durham Wednesday evening, being carried to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Mincey, on the Proctor road, where it remained until Thursday morning at which time funeral services for the deceased were conducted. Dr. David H. Scanlon, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, officiated at the services. Interment was made in Maplewood cemetery.

Miss Mincey has many friends in addition to several relatives in this city who regretted to learn of her death, and who will wait with interest the outcome of the investigation into the death of Miss Mincey, which has been started by officials of Asheville.

From page 2 of the Durham Sun, Friday afternoon, May 8, 1925

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Three Children Burn to Death on Herring Farm, May 8, 1925

Three Children Burn to Death

Lumberton, May 8—Fire of undetermined origin took a fearful toll Thursday morning when a tenant house on Wesley Herring’s farm, about five miles east of Fairmont, was destroyed and three negro children burned to death. Details of the fire could not be learned yesterday but from Fairmont it was reported that the parents of the children had left them in the house alone and were in a tobacco field at work when the flames were discovered.

From page 4 of the Durham Sun, Friday afternoon, May 8, 1925

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Thief Robs Asheville Pharmacy, May 8, 1925

Another Holdup in Asheville

Asheville, May 8—Another sensational robbery occurred Thursday night about 9:30 o’clock at the Merrimon Avenue Pharmacy when an unmasked man held the employes up at the point of a pistol and rifled the cash drawers of about $75 in cash. The thief was described as a man about 22 years of age and about 5 feet, 6 inches in height. No arrests have been made. Additional police will be added to cope with the situation. Several hold-ups have occurred during the last few nights.

From page 4 of the Durham Sun, Friday afternoon, May 8, 1925

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Woman Facing Charges of Starving Babies, May 8, 1925

Find Baby Farm Where Children Slowly Starve. . . New York Woman Being Held Under $35,000 Bond after Charges that Children Were Starved to Death. . . 10-Day-Old Unidentified Boy Dies This Morning. . . Nurse Informs Authorities; Dozen Deaths Said to Have Occurred in One Month

New York, May 8—Another death of a baby was added today to the list of infants who, it is alleged, have died at the “baby farm” conducted by Mrs. Helen Augusta Geisen-Volk in East Eighty-Sixth street.

The baby, an unidentified 10-day-old boy, had been hurriedly removed from the infantorium after charges had been made that babies were being starved there. The baby died this morning in Metropolitan hospital.

The baby’s death occurred while Assistant District Attorney Charles White was investigating a report that a dozen deaths from starvation occurred in Mrs. Gelsen-Volk’s infantorium in one month.

The woman is being held at $35,000 bail. She was to be questioned today in court, the district attorney said.

The examination of Mrs. Gelsen-Volk was put off until tomorrow.

She refused to make any statement.

The complaint of a nurse, who at one time was employed at the infantorium, led to the investigation by the district attorney of the activities of the baby farm, it was learned today.

When a six-month-old child, Luba Meroff, was in grave condition from malnutrition, it was said, the nurse informed the mother, Mrs. Irene Meroff of 3517 Penns Grove Street, Philadelphia. Mrs. Meroff, the wife of a Russian actor, withdrew the infant from the institution. She then prevailed on the nurse to call the condition of her child and of other babies in the home to the attention of the authorities.

From the front page of the Durham Sun, Friday afternoon, May 8, 1925

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