Reform School Girls Describe Aspinwall Method of Beating
Chronicle cites two Chehalis institution girls giving signed statements about assaults by Aspinwall. Second and third beating reported within a week left bleeding wounds.
01 Feb 1911
Page 1
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Newspaper
Centralia Weekly Chronicle
Location
Centralia, Washington, United States of America
Date
Feb 01, 1911
Page
1
Chronicle cites two Chehalis institution girls giving signed statements about assaults by Aspinwall. Second and third beating reported within a week left bleeding wounds.
Read statements allege severe beatings at the State Reform School. Girls describe floggings with a heavy oak paddle, raised skirts, and repeated blows leaving lasting bruises. Officers named include Superintendent Aspinall and Assistant Superintendent Briffett. prosecutor Buxton orders investigations and possible charges.
A paroled youth’s signed testimony in January corroborates brutal abuse at the Reform School. Witnesses describe beatings by De anl Oliver Sanerson and others, including a boy disfigured by a severe beating. Statements depict officers, injuries, and fear impacting the lads' futures.
J R Buxton, prosecuting attorney, spent two days in Olympia with Gov. Hay and the attorney general over charges against the integralog school at Chehalla. He expects the governor to take up the investigation after legislative duties end, delaying criminal proceedings until then. Buxton cites abundant evidence and says actions may begin once the governor orders scrutiny.
The county attorney contemplates possible action against officers of the State Training School for alleged offenses. He may proceed immediately or defer, following orders from superior officials, while reports from Olympia suggest Superintendent Aspinwall influences state officials and the investigation committee preparations proceed.
County commissioners on January 27 approved annual allowances for salaries and labor across offices. Totals include Treasurer 2255, Sheriff 100 monthly, Prosecuting Attorney 125 monthly, Assessor 2400 plus 3 a day for field, Auditor 5250, Clerk 3900, Superintendent 60 monthly, Engineer 125, and Janitor 75 monthly. Auditor authorized to draw warrants for bills, clerical and deputy hire across offices.
January 27 report notes merchants in Chehalis oppose a plan to hire 200 to 300 Greek workers for public improvements. Contractors may employ aliens for spring and summer, attracting American laborers’ concerns about local circulation. Unions counter concern as protests loom.
Attorney Gua L. Thacker of Chehalis will depart for a trip to Mexico tomorrow, traveling via San Antonio, Texas, and will be away several weeks. The journey represents a long‑planned treat interrupted by work pressures.
Mrs Bertha Spaulding from Bayer Pennsylvania visits Chehalis with her brother, Chehalis pioneer undertaker, and travels to Olympia with Hugh Sticklin, state capital undertaker manager, noting winter road conditions hamper car outings.
A fire yesterday afternoon damaged the home of Joseph J. Mieson in Chehalis caused by a defective flue. The family escaped with household effects, and though flames reached the roof, firemen contained the blaze. A crowd gathered as the fire grew visible for miles. Mieson heads the J. J. Mieson Transfer Company and runs a wood and opal business.
Secretary of Asiatic Exclusion League warns that the IAP treaty and the move to restrict coolie immigration could trigger wars between nations and exacerbate international tensions. The statement frames immigration curbs as a potential trigger for global conflict.
Reports today say a new US Japan immigration treaty removing Great Britain references may be ratified, allowing the United States to regulate foreign inflows. A provision giving America power to curb Japan’s codices would be dropped. An interview with A L Yoollm warned war risk if immigration talks fail and the pact harms China relations.
The Femaina of James K Bank of Chehalia were laid to rest yesterday in the presence of many old-time friends. The pioneer county resident dropped dead last Sunday night at relatives’ home.
Springfield officials relay that the corpse found in St. Helen's hospital is Frank Burke. Undertaker L J Bucklin notes matching facial scar from mouth to cheek on the left side. Family disposition remains under review as relatives in the eastern city are identified.
A branch lodge of the Modern Brotherhood of America opens in Chehalis with growing membership effort. President G. E. Herndon and Vice President George Chester lead the total lodge with officers including Mrs. Broadbent and Mrs. George Chester. The secret benefit order targets near hundred names on the roll by spring.
John Carroll sprained ankle from a logging camp accident. Michael J. Ryan seeks creditor notice as executor for the Mary Murphy estate of Little Palla. Twin City Light & Traction offers theatre patrons care in Centria and Cheballe. Dan Summers recovering from pneumonia but weak. New car completed by Twin City Light & Traction to service baggage and storage roles. J G Taveag and wife opening a moving picture show in Toledo. Mr and Mrs Lucan touring one night engagements near here.
Alec Sattites and Don Rnesell, well known Chehalla youths, faced a 350 fine each after a Saturday hunting trip ended badly. Justice Clinton of Adna presided over the case.
Jamea J. Gallagher, who shot Magor Gaynor and Street Commissioner Edward that summer, was taken to the New Jersey state prison today to serve 14 years at hard labor.
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