08 Jul 1915; The Duluth News Tribune Rev. Mr. Leech succeeds Rev. Samuel Marshall, who retired recently on account of ill health. He is one of 19 men in the state who organize and maintain rural Sunday schools in districts where no other religious exercises are held. The work is interdenominational and its success is indicated by the existence of 500 of these schools at the present time in the state of Minnesota. Rev. Mr. Leech will make his headquarters at Virginia. 08 Jul 1915; The Duluth News Tribune 24 Jul 1915; The Duluth News Tribune 30 Jul 1915; The Duluth News Tribune 28 Aug 1915; The Duluth News Tribune 27 Sep 1915; The Duluth News Tribune 04 Nov 1915; The Duluth News Tribune 11 Dec 1915; The Duluth News Tribune C.E. Hornbeck was a business visitor in Superior Thursday and Friday. Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Pink motored from Superior Wednesday to put their car away for the winter, returning to Superior on Thursday. Mrs. C.E. Hornbeck returned from Minneapolis Wednesday, where she accompanied her daughter, Helen, on her way to the normal school at St. Cloud. Mrs. F.J. Bauers entertained Saturday afternoon in honor of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. C. Babst of Barnesville, Minn. Victor Munson of Minneapolis was a business visitor here Thursday. The Union Sunday school will hold its Christmas services Saturday, Dec. 18, at which time they will have their Christmas tree. Rev. Mr. Adair and Rev. Mr. Leech will be the speakers. Mr. and Mrs. James Patterson and family are visiting friends and relatives in Superior. H.E. Harvey left for Superior, where he expects to work during the winter. Mrs. J.J. Milon was given a farewell party Friday afternoon. She was presented with a beautiful cut glass vase as a token of friendship. L. Gilmore arrived here from Troy, Mont. last week to relieve F. Graba, former roadmaster for the Great Northern. Mr. Graba took the position as foreman in the yard here. Mr. Gilmore has been employed in the yard as foreman at Troy, Mont. on the Kalispell division. Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Hornbeck were given a farewell dancing party at the hotel Saturday evening. They left for Superior Monday evening, where they will make their home for the winter. Mr. Hornbeck has taken a position as night chief train dispatcher at that point for the Great Northern railway until he returns here in spring. Mr. and Mrs. C. Babst left for their home at Barnesville, Minn. Tuesday and will visit at Melrose and Fergus Falls on their way. Mrs. F.J. Bauers and daughter, Margaret, accompanied them as far as Superior. 25 Dec 1915; The Duluth News Tribune 15 Jan 1916; The Duluth News Tribune Misses Keehan and Siddell of Gilbert, who are teachers in the schools here called upon friends in McKinley Saturday. Rev. Mr. Leech of Virginia held services at the McKinley primary building Sunday afternoon. Mrs. George L_anna was in Biwabik between trains Friday. Miss Margaret Van Buskirk visited friends here Saturday. Mrs. A.G. Sanders, who with her little son Myron made an extended visit to her relatives in Wisconsin, returned home Tuesday evening. Mrs. J.C. Farmer visited Gilbert and Virginia Saturday. 10 Jun 1916; The Duluth News Tribune Miss Mamie Kentta and Miss Gertrude Bjournes returned Saturday from St. Cloud, Minn., where they have been attending the state normal. Miss Hazel Tobin was a Duluth visitor Saturday. Miss Mamie Matson returned Monday from Menominee, Wisconsin. 29 Nov 1916; The Duluth News Tribune 30 Nov 1916; The Duluth News Tribune
02 Dec 1916; The Duluth News Tribune
"It is absurd!" curtly remarked Attorney Dahl today. "I rendered my legal opinion on the reducing ordinance as I saw the law, and, as it effected the city as a unit, not as a prohibition question. Because I believe that the reducing ordinance was invalid is no reason why I should be called upon to defend the saloon as a business. And besides Rev. Mr. Leech should know that the reducing ordinance, if enforced, would mean a longer life of the saloons because of the closer regulation issue." Other city officials labeled the challenge as "a ministerial joke."
Besides the enlisting of the pastors, committees have been appointed to aid the evangelist in obtaining trail hitters by extending the trail from the tabernacle to the homes, the mines, the mine locations and the mills.
Rev. Mr. Aldrich, according to his agents now in Virginia organizing for the campaign, "will not allow any one to escape an invitation to join the converted row."
C.E. Hendrick was appointed chairman; W.J. Bennallack, secretary, and James L. Murrkley, treasurer of the general committee. Nathan Quicktad, chairman of the music committee; Rev. J.P. Joneson, chairman personal work; Rev. Thomas K. Leech, chairman of extension work; Mrs. J.R. Flood, chairman woman's work; Oscar Tamte, chairman of building committee; Orie Infelt, publicity, and Arthur Eggen, heat, light and decorations. K.J.F. Karslon will be in charge of the entertainment; Mrs. C.W. Ramshaw, in charge of the home devotional services; W.E. Swain, usher, and Miss G.O. Wentzlaff, in charge of the nursery.
The home meetings, under the direction of Mrs. Ramshaw, will start next week. It is planned to hold noon lunches for the employed girls two or three times a week during the campaign under the direction of Miss Birdie Kunard, the Aldrich woman's worker. Bible classes for the high school girls are also planned.
1 Jan 1917; The Duluth News
Tribune VIRGINIA. Jan. 13. - Rev. A. Lee Aldrich had a few things to say about Virginia's city administration in his sermon last night and he also lambasted the so-called "booze" control of cities as he pounded the platform pulpit and swung a chair a few times as if to drive the fiendish one out and away, now and forevermore, from the city. "The city of Virginia needs a cleaning up along the booze line," said Aldrich. "Clean out your city and elect men who are Christians to your offices. There is no reason why Virginia can't go dry if the people of this city only get together and get on the job. "The brewery forces have organized and can control cities and the states. It's high time the church people got on the job and organized to beat this 'booze game.' The trouble today is the churches are too far behind the times. They are not awake to their responsibility. "They pay too much attention to everything else but the work of God and the church. Come on, get on the job, and knuckle down. I am ready to help you make Virginia dry." Aldrich spoke to a crowded house tonight on the subject, "The Secret Spring." Between 1,500 and 2,000 Sunday school children are expected to participate in the rally parade to be held tomorrow afternoon under the direction of Rev. Thomas K. Leech, chairman of the extension committee. Adults as well as children will march to show the gaining strength of the evangelistic campaign in Virginia. The parade will start from the tabernacle at 2:15 o'clock. Sunday school classes from Mountain Iron and Eveleth will also take part.
HIBBING, Feb. 24. - The lid was closed on all forms of dice, gambling, punch boards, raffles and kindred games of chance on the range this week. The lid was clamped on this end yesterday and it was a minister who did it. He didn't have a star either. The Rev. Thomas K. Leech of Virginia, dropped into the stores in Buhl, Chisholm and Hibbing this afternoon and let the owners and employes know that there "would be something doing" if the punch boards were not discarded and the dice boxes counted down and out. Hence the inviting little game of "25" saw its demise, a pile of punch boards with "gold" currency as watch fobs also went the death route. Rev. Mr. Leech did not consult the police or the prosecutors. He went ahead as a minister and citizen, presenting his anti-gambling ultimatum. There had been a decrease in the number of the punch boards on this end of the range since the grand jury went into session but just previous to Rev. Mr. Leech's visit they began to crop out again. "I see the law as something to be enforced," explained Rev. Mr. Leech. "If the police are not ready to do it in performing their sworn duty, I am." 8 Mar 1917; The Duluth News Tribune HIBBING, March 7. - Rev. Thomas K. Leech, Virginia's fighting parson against gambling and menaces to juveniles, today caused the arrest and conviction of Rafaelo Tailerico, candy store owner, on the charge of having punch boards in his possession. Rev. Mr. Leech walked into the store, got the punch boards and commanded Tailerico to accompany him across the street to the municipal court, where he signed the complaint. On his plea of guilty Tailerico was fined $10 and costs by Municipal Judge T.F. Brady. The fine was suspended when the defendant agreed to dispose of all his stock of punch boards. "I believe gambling has stopped in Hibbing and on the range," said Rev. Mr. Leech. "I know the courts are behind me and generally the police are willing to co-operate." 8 Mar 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, March 8. - In the crusade against petty gambling devices started on the range by Rev. Thomas K. Leech of Virginia, Lazo Bealah, cigar store proprietor, was arrested today by Detective William Fitzgerald. A punch board was confiscated. Bealah was fined $10 with the option of serving 30 days on the county work farm. Sentence was suspended, however, by Municipal Judge J.P. Carey. 11 Mar 1917; The Duluth News Tribune 13 Mar 1917; The Duluth News Tribune 3 Apr 1917; The Duluth News Tribune HIBBING, April 2. - Score another one for Rev. Thomas K. Leech, Virginia pastor, for today Charles Kovia, owner of the O.K. Restaurant here, was arraigned before Municipal Judge T.F. Brady on a charge of having a gambling device in his possession. In court Kovia declared that a "Minneapolis man left the machine in his cafe a year ago." The court ordered that the machine be destroyed. When [it is?] the defendant will be discharged. 9 Apr 1917; The Duluth News Tribune M'KINLEY, April 8. - Teachers of the McKinley Sunday school last night held their first meeting for "instruction." The meetings will be held every Saturday under the direction of Rev. Thomas K. Leech of Virginia, the parson who put the gambling lid on the range. Proportionately, the McKinley Sunday school has one of the best attendance for its size on the range. 17 Apr 1917; The Duluth News Tribune EVELETH, April 16. - Rev. Thomas K. Leech of Virginia gave the principal address yesterday afternoon at an anti-booze meeting held in the Methodist church. The following were appointed members of the Eveleth Anti-Booze association executive committee: C.H. Williams, Richard Eddy, J.C. Mitchell, J.C. Ever, Theodore Damberg, Charles Rutty and Thomas Benny. 5 Jun 1917; The Duluth News Tribune CHISHOLM, June 4. - Seven gambling slot machines were taken out of three soft drink places and poolrooms today by Rev. Thomas K. Leech of Virginia, militant parson of the range and turned over to the police. Rev. Mr. Leech stopped off at Chisholm on his way to Hibbing and walked into a soft drink parlor on Lake street and found three machines. With the aid of a patrolman, whom he called the three machines were moved to the sidewalk and later taken to the police station. NEWS TRAVELS QUICKLY Up to a late hour today, warrants had not been served on the alleged proprietors of the machines. ACTIVE ON RANGE. He started a crusade against punchboards in Hibbing, Virginia and other cities early last winter, and through his efforts many slot machines have been confiscated or stored in cellars. 6 Jun 1917; The Duluth News Tribune CHISHOLM, June 5. - Warrants for the arrest of the proprietors of gambling devices seized through the efforts of Rev. Thomas K. Leech of Virginia will probably be served tomorrow and the men will later appear in police court. The warrants were issued late today, according to Rev. Mr. Leech, and turned over to the Chisholm police to serve. 7 Jun 1917; The Duluth News Tribune HIBBING, June 6. - An eight-room Sunday school building to cost about $2,800, will be erected in Alice, suburb of Hibbing, according to Rev. Thomas K. Leech, missionary of the American Sunday School union. Construction work will be started soon. It is expected that the building will be ready for use within six weeks. It will be of frame construction, 32 by 48 feet, and a story and a half high, with a steeple and bell. The Aldrich tabernacle was purchased by the Alice congregation and much of its lumber will be used in the construction of the church. Several lots were purchased recently by the Alice congregation near the center of that suburb and the new building will be erected there. 23 Jun 1917; The Duluth News Tribune BUHL, June 22. - The mayor met in a secret session with the Buhl council of defense tonight, and considered several phases of the liquor question. Members of the Buhl council of defense proposed the commission's investigation which resulted in the wholesale liquor house being closed. After an investigation of the carnival showing in this city, Mayor Rauestadt ordered two booths in which games of chance were being run closed and ordered several objectionable features elsewhere out. Mayor Rauestadt returned tonight on the 7 o'clock train from St. Paul, where he was called to attend the meeting of the state council of defense. Immediately upon his arrival in Buhl, he went to the carnival grounds and here he met Rev. Thomas K. Leech, fighting parson of Virginia, whose activities against gambling games is well known. Rev. Mr. Leech was also investigating and pointed out two gambling devices. The mayor ordered the games stopped, and his order was complied with at once. Mayor Rauestadt declared himself well pleased with the results of the meeting in St. Paul. "We will enforce every law to the letter as we have in the past, but now we will be able to reach those whose violations have been causing us trouble," he said. "The commission will investigate and enforce the law there. Some things which have been just within the law will be stopped by the commission." 4 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, July 3. - A swarm of carnival concessionists who unostentatiously settled down on Central avenue and Chestnut street today, was the subject of four hours debate tonight by council. Finally a resolution ordering the carnival properties off the streets and sidewalks immediately was adopted. The city of tents was the scene of busy activity until daylight dawned. All of the shows situated on sidewalks and street were moved one block west to a site south of the Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific depot. As soon as members of the body had been seated in the council chambers, Alderman Elmer Matheson moved that the Carnival company be peremptorily ordered from the city. POLICE INSTRUCTED. The action brought W.A. Kelly, president of the carnival company, to the chambers and he asked for "leniency." He produced a contract to stay in Virginia five days. It was signed by Douglas Greeley, president of the Commercial club, and Mayor Mike Boylan. Council, to a man, opposed the operation of carnivals in the city. DAHL' OPINION. Returning to the city hall the councilmen agreed to permit the shows to run their five-day contract period providing no sidewalks or streets were obstructed by tents or other carnival concessions. Attracted by the carnival, hundreds of range residents flocked to Virginia and crowded the main thoroughfares until a late hour. Extra policemen were pressed into service to handle the enormous crowds of pedestrians and automobile traffic. LEECH ON THE JOB. Rev. Mr. Leech has been active for several months in ridding the range of slot machines, punchboards and other instruments of chance. He eliminated gambling devices from a recent Chisholm carnival. GATELY AND LEECH CONFER. ----------------------------------------------------------- ZGONE CASE DISMISSED BIWABIK, July 3. - The case against Steve Zgone, local saloon keeper, who was arrested three weeks ago on a charge of permitting gambling with cards in his establishment, was dismissed today in Virginia municipal court. Assistant County Attorney Edward L. Boyle made the motion to dismiss the case, when the complaining witness failed to appear in court. M.H. McMahon of Virginia, was Zgone's attorney. 7 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, July 6. - charging "incompetence" Rev. Thomas K. Leech today declared that he was after Police Chief Owen Gately's job. "I could fill it a lot better than he could, too," said Rev. Mr. Leech. Rev. Mr. Leech got a taste of what his coveted job might be like this morning when he sat in at a conference with W.F. Kelley, president of the Kelley Carnival company, and City Attorney S.S. Dahl. The conference was called at the instigation of the dominie and the attorney and the result was that all so-called gambling devices at the street carnival were closed. No invitation to the meeting was extended to Chief Gately and he did not attend. 12 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, July 11. - Injunction proceedings against the Matt Kostansek saloon, to prevent it from being operated will be started by Rev. Thomas K. Leech, he announced today. "I have consulted my attorney and action will be started to enjoin the proprietor from operating a saloon. Mayor Michael Boylan and City Attorney S.S. Dahl, as well as Aldermen E.F. Murray, Elmer Matheson and Charles Olson, the opponents of the Kostansek license, received countless compliments from citizens on their __nd in the matter. 13 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune
The resolution was to have been published tomorrow. Leech asserts that the council had no right to grant the license because, it is alleged, Kostensek operated a saloon July 4, contrary to law. Indignant over the statements in a local daily, charging that "ugly rumors" are rife over a recent saloon license case, Alderman George Harvey today declared that the matter will be sifted to the bottom. "We will find out if any money changed hands," stated Alderman Harvey. "If it did we want to know about it. I will exert every effort to determine whether there is any truth in the rumors. HARVEY UNAFRAID. Alderman B.F. Murray, Charles Olson and Elmer Matheson voted against the license after Mayor Michael Boylan had vetoed it, while those who overruled the veto by their votes are Aldermen Pat Coffey, H.H. Lien, J.A. Walsh, R.J. McGhee and George Harvey. 16 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, July 15. - Spineless politicians were blamed for the East St. Louis race riots, by Rev. Thomas K. Leech in a sermon tonight in the Methodist Episcopal church. The "booze gang" was held equally responsible, by the speaker. "The police chief and his entire force," said Rev. Mr. Leech, "were responsible for the enormous loss of life and property. The negroes were being persecuted, but the boneless politicians did not care. In fact, they aided the rioters and murderers in that they kept out of the way when the trouble occurred." "It was a noble act for the police and fire commission to remove from office the police chief. They were not spineless, and they did not dally around before suspending the incompetent chief. "We have fine examples of spineless politicians on the Range," he continued. "Yesterday I received a letter from a reliable person in which it was revealed that a Virginia brewing company is running a blind pig in Biwabik. I am watching the village officials there and I will continue to watch them until the courts have proven either that they are spineless or that the letter-writer is a liar. "The matter has been called to the attention of the authorities. Matt Kostansek, with the aid of jelly-fish officials, operated a saloon July 4 here in violation of the law, but so long as I live, Matt Kostansek will never run a saloon here." 18 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, July 17 - In spite of remonstrances by City Attorney S.S. Dahl to the contrary, council tonight appointed Attorney M.H. McMahon as a special and temporary assistant city attorney to investigate charges made in a local newspaper to the effect that bribe rumors were rife relative to the granting of a liquor license recently. According to the city attorney, it is illegal for council to make such an appointment. Under the charter, he contends, this is solely the duty of the city attorney. "It is a gross slur at my ability as city attorney," stated Dahl. "I am just as eager to probe the bribery question as anyone and will willingly appoint another attorney to clear up the situation." "Then why not let the city attorney appoint McMahon?" interrogated Alderman Walsh. Dahl Objects Again. "It is strictly within my jurisdiction to make the appointment and I will guarantee that in the event council refuses to give me my right, any attorney by the body will be enjoined from collecting one penny from the city for services." Dahl then quoted a section from the charter, which he construed as forbidding council from making the appointment. Alderman Elmer Matheson declared that he could see no reason why Dahl was not qualified to make an appointment or to carry on the probe himself. "I do not see why the taxpayers should be bled for the services of an outside man," said Matheson. Matheson Only Dissenter. Another resolution, adopted by council provides for an investigation into the publication June 31 of the bribery reference. It is to be conducted by McMahon. "If it is found that the paper had no reason to allude to bribery, no more city advertising will be given it and all municipal business will be canceled for 1917, but if the story is found to have weight councilmen who accepted money will be prosecuted criminally," the resolution reads. As a courtesy to the city attorney, Dahl asked that the minutes of the meeting show that he did not draft this ordinance. Alderman Harvey and R.J. McGhee said that the appointment of another attorney was no reflection on Dahl's work. They supported the McMahon appointment for the reason they declared, that Dahl had evidenced prejudice when the Kostansek license first came up. McMahon will contest the injunction proceedings brought by Rev. Thomas K. Leech against the city officials to restrain them from granting Matt Kostensek a liquor license.
CHISHOLM, July 18. - Rev. Thomas K. Leech, militant parson of the Mesaba range, visited Chisholm today. At the Monroe location, in the grocery and confectionery stores, he found two slot machines, which he brought to the village jail. He will swear out "John Doe" warrants for the owners tomorrow. 23 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune 25 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune 25 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune George Shea, right field for the benedicts, was the hitting star, getting three hits, all of which figured in the scoring. Rev. Thomas K. Leech, the militant parson, was one of the umpires. The married men came near tieing the score in the seventh, when four straight hits, the last by Shea, scored three runs. 27 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune Attorneys representing the Matt Kostansek interests will appear in district court Saturday morning and demand that an assistant and special city attorney represent the city. M.H. McMahon was appointed to act for the city in the matter at a council meeting Tuesday, but this action was branded as illegal by City Attorney Dahl because the appointment was not made by himself in accordance with provisions of the city charter. Until Mayor Michael Boylan signs the resolution, providing for McMahon's appointment, or it is passed over his veto, McMahon cannot legally officiate. The mayor has until Monday to act. It is understood that he will veto the resolution. Before it can become law the injunction case will be under way, or perhaps over. Mr. Dahl does not want to represent the city in the matter, the council does not want him to do it, and the Kostansek clique does not want it. Under the present circumstances he is bound by oath of office to act. If the court grants an injunction restraining him from acting it will be his duty to appoint an assistant. He has declared he will not appoint McMahon. The injunction case, brought to restrain the city from granting a license to Kostansek, will not be postponed, according to Rev. Thomas K. Leech, plaintiff in the suit. 31 Jul 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, July 30. - District Judge Edward Freeman today denied a petition for a temporary injunction, sought by Rev. Thomas K. Leech, to prevent the council from granting a liquor license. In an order issued by the court the council is authorized to grant the license to Matt Kostansek. There were four attorneys appearing in the injunction hearing which continued for five solid hours. City Attorney S.S. Dahl appeared "for the city" and made this fact explicit on the court records. Attorney M.H. McMahon announced his appearance for the six members of the council who voted for the license in a petition in which Dahl was attacked in a caustic manner. D.D. Morgan represented Rev. Mr. Leech and Attorney Edward L. Boyle was an intervenor in the Kostansek interests. Pastor Not Tax Payer. In an argument presented by Attorney Boyle it was emphasized that Rev. Mr. Leech would suffer no "material or irreparable damage." The evil, if any, it was held, was one to the public in general and that Rev. Mr. Leech was no more interested than any other citizen. A sharp call to order by Judge Freeman who stopped the heated arguments put an end to sarcastic exchanges between Boyle and Dahl during the hearing. Dahl rose to take exception to a statement by Attorney McMahon, informing the court that it was erroneous. Attorneys In Spat. "I am not on the witness stand, Mr. Boyle," Dahl replied. "No, but you are butting into this argument," shot back Boyle. Both Dahl and McMahon were prepared to continue the accusations when Judge Freeman silenced the courtroom with the gavel. An affidavit was filed by Boyle showing that Kostansek did not "knowingly violate the law by keeping his saloon open on July 4." A technical violation is admitted in that Kostansek did open the establishment before the license became legally effective. Motions to dismiss the case upon customary legal points at the opening and close were denied by Judge Freeman. 1 Aug 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, July 31. - Matt Kostansek may not get a license to sell liquor in Virginia. Today's developments in the notorious case pointed toward further court action in spite of Judge Edward Freeman's decision refusing to grant an injunction to Rev. Thomas K. Leech, restraining the city from issuing the permit. The license, under the law, cannot become effective until Mayor Michael Boylan signs it. The mayor said he would not sign it on the ground that it is illegal, in that Kostansek permitted the place to remain open July 4 without a license and that he failed to apply for the license 30 days prior to the time it was to have become operative. The license could have been signed and made effective yesterday by R.J. McGhee, president of the council, who was acting mayor while Boylan was out of the city. If a writ of mandamus is issued by the court the mayor will then be compelled to sign the license, but before the writ can be issued by the court the legality of the license will have to be tested and proved. According to recent opinions of City Attorney S.S. Dahl the license is not legal and if the court sustains the opinion of the city attorney Kostansek will not get it. It has been suggested by friends of Kostansek that in the event the court rules against the legality of the license every saloon in Virginia can be closed. Records on file in the office of the city clerk show that numerous saloons have been in operation before licenses were published or signed. Rev. Mr. Leech, who is fighting the Kostansek license, has not announced his next step, but declared that the permit would never be issued. 2 Aug 1917; The Duluth News Tribune VIRGINIA, Aug. 1. - The much mooted saloon license of Matt Kostansek was made operative today by the signature of Mayor Michael Boylan. "I fought against the license to the last," said the mayor, "but I lost the fight and could not do otherwise than sign it." Rev. Thomas K. Leech, who sought an injunction against the city council enjoining it from granting a liquor license to Kostansek, but who lost the case in district court Monday, announced that he will attack the license from a new angle Friday or Saturday. The Kostansek saloon was opened this morning, when it became known that Mayor Boylan had attached his signature to the license. If Rev. Mr. Leech brings pressure on the office of the city attorney a warrant will be sworn out for the arrest of Kostansek on a charge of violating the law by permitting the saloon to remain open on July 4 without a license. Kostansek admitted that the saloon was open but denied "committing an infraction on the law knowingly." According to attorneys if Kostansek is convicted of breaking the law on July 4, or any other time in connection with the saloon, the city council will be forced to cancel the license. Here another snag is reached. City Attorney S.S. Dahl contends that the license is illegal because Kostansek's saloon was open before it was granted and that he failed to serve notice on the council 30 days before the license was to have become operative. How could the council revoke a license that does not exist? would be the question then. 5 Aug 1917; The Duluth News Tribune He was accompanied by Rev. Thomas K. Leech and a patrolman and his mission was to get the Kostansek license for attorney General Lyndon A. Smith, who is investigating the Kostansek case. To guard against a "frame-up" Dahl declared that he asked the two men to accompany him. President Poirler promised Dahl relief from being "followed" by city detectives. ------------------------------------- VIRGINIA, Aug. 4. - Attorney General Lyndon A. Smith will prosecute an action against Matt Kostansek, seeking to restrain him from operating his saloon. Information to this effect was given out today by Rev. Thomas K. Leech, who was recently denied an injunction by District Judge Edward Freeman enjoining the city council from granting a license to Kostansek. The hearing on the injunction sought by the attorney general will be held in Virginia Tuesday. The complaint is based on the allegation that Kostansek did not publish his license application two weeks prior to the time the council acted on it. Time/Element Important. M.H. McMahon, attorney representing the six aldermen who voted for the Kostansek license, declared that every saloon license in Virginia is void if the assumption of the attorney general is found to be a true one. Bickford Answers McMahon. Attorney General Smith has not filed an opinion as to whether an investigation can be conducted by councilmen to clear up the so-called bribery charges. Neither has he declared himself on the question of appointment of an assistant city attorney. City Attorney S.S. Dahl has ruled that an assistant to himself can be appointed only by himself. The council appointed H.H. McMahon to represent them in the Kostansek tangle. 28 Aug 1917; The Duluth News Tribune Such action will stop the submitting of the applications before the council tomorrow night. The Virginia saloon keepers learned that if county option did not carry on Sept. 10 they would be out considerable money as there is a legal ruling both here and in Eveleth that no license money can be refunded when the license holder voluntarily applies for a new license before his old license has expired except under the pro rata provisions of the county option measure. By withdrawing their new applications they will not have to pay down the $1,000 license fee tomorrow night or file their bonds. They are "out" the cost of publishing their applications, however. The majority of the licenses now in force are for a period of from four to six months and if county option carries the saloons can operate only six months after the election date, Sept. 10. Those who withdraw their licenses, however, are on the anxious seat until the decision in the injunction case against Matt Kostansek, which is to be heard during the opening of district court tomorrow. The attorney general in an injunction proceeding, prompted by Rev. Thomas K. Leech, is seeking the restraining order to close the Kostansek saloon as a public nuisance, alleging that Kostansek did not make a proper application. It is conceded that the majority of other saloon keepers are in the same boat for 43 of them filed for new applications on the belief they had not conformed to the "30-day time limit" provision of the state law and ordinance. Following the association meeting called for "some time today" the majority of the license holders decided to withdraw their applications for the new license and "sit tight." 29 Aug 1917; The Duluth News Tribune New licenses granted to the entire list of saloon owners will not become effective until Sept. 8. These were granted tonight but until they become legal, upon publication the night of Sept. 7, liquor cannot lawfully be sold, according to an opinion by city Attorney S.S. Dahl. The city will not force the saloons out of business unless "some one complains," Dahl said. Rev. Thomas K. Leech, who was instrumental in obtaining an injunction against the Matt Kostansek place, in a short talk to the council said: "I am not through. Look out for me if the laws are not complied with." Among the new licenses granted was one to Kostansek. Harvey Sponsors Resolution The ruling by the court in the injunction case makes every license in the city void, according to Dahl. He declared that before new licenses could be granted the "illegal" ones must first be revoked. George Shea, attorney, representing the Virginia retail liquor dealers association, placed the blame for the irregular licenses on council. "The Saloon men paid their fee and asked for a license. It was then up to the council to give them what they asked for," he declared. President R.J. McGhee asserted he did not believe the liquor interests were trying to evade the county option laws by obtaining new licenses to carry them over the six months period of grace permitted after the law passes, if it does. Make Good Says McGhee When the resolutions granting the permits were voted on the application of Frank Klink jr., was refuse. Klink sought a license to continue the saloon of Duncan Robertson, who has been held for the action of the grand jury on a charge of selling liquor on Sunday. Mrs. H. Burchell, who appealed to council last week saying that John Anderson had treated her rudely when she asked him not to sell any more liquor to her husband, will be asked to repeat her story before a license grant is made to the saloonkeeper. Leech's Parting Shot. Included in the resolution, cancelling the "license which did not exist," was included a provision for returning the unearned increment of the license money on a pro rata basis. Attorney M.H. McMahon, appearing for certain saloonkeepers, asked council not to pass the resolution as he said it might seriously involve his clients. He advised that the money matters be left for action at a later date. City Attorney Dahl recommended the passage of the resolution and council accepted his suggestion. After the council meeting, a score of bartenders and saloon keepers congregated on Chestnut street and debated whether they would open their establishments tomorrow. None committed themselves. All present licenses are declared illegal because they were given without the prescribed time expiring between the dates of application and issuance. There are no exceptions according to City Clerk A.E. Bickford. ------------------------------------------ Kostansek Saloon Closed. Every saloon in Virginia is affected by the ruling as the case was decided on the violation of the 30-day prior notice clause in the city charter and, according to records on file in the office of the city clerk, all of Virginia's 42 drinking places were licensed by the council without complying with this provision. The injunction was sought by Attorney General Lyndon A. Smith, after the case had been called to his attention by Rev. Thomas K. Leech. That Rev. Mr. Leech will insist upon injunctions issuing against the remaining 41 saloons is anticipated. Assistant County Attorney Edward L. Boyle who took an interest in the case in behalf of Kostansek, was appointed by the attorney general as a representative. Attorney William K. Montague represented Kostansek. The saloon was closed immediately after the issuing of the injunction. The owner has a new license pending but, according to the charter, a year must elapse before a license can be granted by council to anyone convicted of violation of the law. Whether Kostansek technically violated the law in this case will be decided by the council when his application is considered. 30 Aug 1917; The Duluth News Tribune 30 Aug 1917; The Duluth News Tribune The licenses were revoked when all were declared to be identical with the Matt Kostansek grant, which was held null and void by Judge Edward Freeman in district court yesterday. The time limit provisions regarding notification were not complied with, according to City Clerk A.E. Bickford. The injunction against the Kostansek place was originally sought by Rev. Thomas K. Leech. In commenting on his victory today he declared he was satisfied and had accomplished what he set out to do. When asked whether he would seek to close all other saloons by the injunction method he stated that he "didn't believe he would." Confident of Victory. Rev. Mr. Leech is organizing a St. Louis County Law Enforcement league and when organization is perfected he expects to devote much time to rounding up violators of the law on the range. Ask Aldrich to Help. "Dry" leaders on the range are in communication with Rev. A. Lee Aldrich, and a supreme endeavor will be made to have him lecture at the meeting. Rev. Mr. Aldrich, during his campaign here six months ago, promised to come back for the county option fight. He is now in Minneapolis. Women are taking a keen interest in the election, according to Miss Minnie Pertulla, who has devoted 20 years to the fight again[st] liquor. They will bring much pressure to bear at the election Sept. 10, she declared. 3 Sep 1917; The Duluth News Tribune 5 Sep 1917; The Duluth News Tribune Just as Leech was making his "eulogy" very strong, somebody interrupted. Thereupon, said Leech: "I should like to know why any commotion should be raised at this meeting. There surely must be a cause for it. Can it be that there is a village ordinance, which forbids street meetings, if so, will some of the village officials give me the necessary information? If any one attempts to stop these street meetings, I shall go to the village hall; and if they are forbidden there then I will finish my program in the school house, and no man can stop me." There were no other interruptions. About 50 Virginia children sang antibooze songs. 14 Sep 1917; The Duluth News Tribune It started when Alderman H.H. Lien asked Rev. Mr. Leech if he knew 43 other saloons were open and operating under illegal liquor license when he sought an injunction against Kostansek through the office of the attorney general. "No, I did not know about the 30-day clause that affected all Virginia saloons," replied Leech. Leech to the Bat. "Is that so?" piped Alderman Dan Coffey. "Leech is out to get Kostansek," remarked Harvey. "We are blocked by the attorney general's office and by Leech. The letter of the attorney general was a farce. He said we would have to depend on the city attorney for reliable advice. We can expect no aid from the city attorney as he has opposed the Kostansek matter from the very start." Dahl protested Harvey's statements and submitted a written opinion holding that the council could not ratify the Kostansek license notwithstanding the veto by Mayor Michael Boylan. Dahl's Statement. Rev. Mr. Leech promised an injunction suit if the council gave Kostansek a license. Attorney George Shea, representing the Kostansek interests, stated that council could grant the permit. He declared the municipal body can grant licenses until the county canvassing board certifies the election which made St. Louis county dry. "Council has heeded too much outside advice," said the city attorney. "I say you cannot legally grant the license." Veto Is Sustained. Mayor Boylan's stated reason for vetoing the permit, that Kostansek has operated a saloon with a faulty license, was the subject of a little probe by McGhee. "Were not all licenses faulty?" he asked Attorney Dahl. Dahl replied that all of them were, whereupon McGhee declared the belief that it was spite work on the part of the mayor against Kostansek. Harvey interposed with the remark that all Virginia saloons ought to be put out of business if this particular saloon were closed. "Sure," chorused several legislators. Leech implied that he would take care of the matter for them. 11 Oct 1917; The Duluth News Tribune "This is nothing less than a successful effort by my enemies to 'get me'," declared Rev. Mr. Leech. "I have informed Mr. Ferris that I will not stop doing what I believe is right. I would rather leave St. Louis county than be compelled to stop fighting against evil. I was warned that I should devote my entire time to Sunday school work or that I would be without a job. I will be out of a job first. I have under consideration the acceptance of an offer to head the Law Enforcement league which promises to develop into an organization of power." Made Arrests Himself. Rev. Mr. Leech announced tonight that he would send in his resignation within the next 24 hours rather than submit to the demands made of him. He has been offered positions with several of the local mining companies. 16 Oct 1917; The Duluth News Tribune Today he invaded Chisholm and confiscated two gambling machines, which were taken to police headquarters. Mesaba's militant minister announced that he would swear out a warrant for the owner of the machines. On Rev. Mr. Leech's last "public" appearance here several months ago, he confiscated six such machines. 19 Oct 1917; The Duluth News Tribune Rev. Mr. Leech seized the two punch boards, made the arrest and took Massucci before the court, where the defendant entered a plea of guilty. Organization meetings of the Law Enforcement league, which will be headed by "Mesaba's fighting parson," will be held in Chisholm tomorrow night, in Hibbing Sunday afternoon and here Tuesday night, according to Rev. Mr. Leech. 29 Oct 1917; The Duluth News Tribune Branches of the league have been established in Eveleth, Chisholm and Hibbing and other branches as to be organized at Buhl, Gilbert, Aurora, Biwabik and Virginia before Nov. 1. Since Rev. Leech has been ousted from his job as range missionary of the Sunday School association, his entire work is now centered as field manager of the league. Rev. Leech said in outlining his plans that there will be no politics in the league other than the enforcement of laws with special attention to gambling and illegal sale of liquors. "When county option becomes effective next March there will be need of such a league to make prohibition a success. It is certain there will be trouble with bootleggers for some time after March 10. It is a certainty that the league eventually will be self supporting." The permanent organization meeting of the Eveleth branch will be held Tuesday night. 15 Nov 1917; The Duluth News Tribune He holds that there is no difference in a raffle being held in a church and one held in a commercial store. "The law should be enforced the same in one place as in the other," declared Rev. Mr. Leech. There has been no arrests, but threats have been made that any big raffle would result in arrests. Several Virginia attorneys have warned the field manager of the Law Enforcement league that they would defend any person arrested for staging a raffle for purely patriotic funds. It is understood that the city attorney and assistant county attorney have refused to issue warrants for the raffles being held incident to the Marquette school bazaar. Rev. Mr. Leech was also refused authority as a deputy sheriff by the civil authorities. 23 Nov 1917; The Duluth News Tribune Rev. Thomas K. Leech - Mesaba's fighting parson - who is now field manager of the Law Enforcement league, declares that if there is continued agitation among church members against the campaign to stop raffles as well as all other forms of gambling, there will be arrests and a test case. "I hold no church should lower itself to hold a raffle or a lottery which is a plain violation of the state statutes," said Rev. Leech. "It does not matter legally whether the raffle or lottery is in a church of a saloon, the principle of law violation and gambling is there. "They say I cannot get a warrant. I know that I can and will if circumstances demanding court action presents itself. Nothing was done to halt or curb recent raffles but reports and rumors have gone too far to be unchecked. If the local authorities refuse me complaints under conditions which conviction is reasonably certain, then I will take the matter higher," said Rev. Leech. "The county nor city attorney cannot refuse to prosecute whether it's a church member or a professional gambler, as I read the law," concluded the league field manager. 25 Nov 1917; The Duluth News Tribune "We are going to strip this range of every gambling devise, blind-pig and house of ill-fame," he declared. "It will take time, but we are going to sweep the whole Mesaba of vice." ------------------------- HIBBING, Nov. 24. - Three slot machines and two punch boards were confiscated today by Rev. Thomas K. Leech, the range "fighting parson" who is now manager of the newly organized anti-gambling crusade. The machines and punch boards were taken out of the parlors of a Kelly Lake confectionery dealer. A warrant has been secured and the proprietor will be arraigned before municipal Judge T.F. Brady next week. 1 Dec 1917; The Duluth News Tribune Rev. T.K. Leech, field manager of the law enforcement league, today alleges the institution outside of Gilbert, declared to be the "last dive on the Mesaba" has been boarded up and doors locked. Even the mysterious log has been placed across the road leading from the main highway. "I have evidence on this place which will be handed to the proper authorities if this dive opens up again," declared Mesaba's fighting and cleansing parson. "We give those owning that place and operating, final notice to board up the doors and hike." 8 Dec 1917; The Duluth News Tribune 9 Dec 1917; The Duluth News Tribune 12 Dec 1917; The Duluth News Tribune The Northern Union mission__ field includes all of Minnesota. There are 1,000 rural Sunday schools. The Union society is a national organization, with headquarters in Philadelphia. W.A. McGonagle of Duluth, is one of the vice presidents. 20 Dec 1917; The Duluth News Tribune During the raid at Carson Lake, a deputy sheriff in the employ of the mining company is said to have refused to aid Leech to secure a slot machine and a punch board in another confectionary store there. Leech declared tonight that he had secured search warrants and that a reappearance of the machines would prove disastrous for confectionary store proprietors. The mine policeman refused to assist Leech without a warrant. The owners of the machines and boards confiscated will appear in Hibbing municipal court tomorrow before Judge Thomas F. Brady. Rev. Leech declared tonight that warrants had been secured for the owners and would be served tomorrow if the owners failed to appear. 18 Jan 1918; The Duluth News Tribune Officers elected for the Sunday school are as follows: T.K. Leech, superintendent; Mrs. W.J. Bennalack, assistant superintendent; W.J. Bennalack, secretary; Herman Rabideau, assistant secretary; Vivian Sleeman, treasurer; Miss Wright, organist; Mesdames A.H. McKee, Bennalack and Reinke, superintendents of different departments. 29 Jan 1918; The Duluth News Tribune 1 Feb 1918; The Duluth News Tribune He declared today that one of those whom he suspected of having voted wrongfully is a Duluth traveling man. The draft board is exercising the usual interest in the primary election list and it is said will scan general election lists, after Feb. 5. The interest of the draft board is related to attempts to discover whether any men may have voted who have claimed exemption on grounds of being non-citizens. 17 Feb 1918; The Duluth News Tribune The name of a successor to Rev. Leech has not been announced by Dr. M.E. Curtis and J.L. Mupkley, members of the Virginia Enforce-[ment] league. 22 Feb 1918; The Duluth News Tribune He expects to enter the employ of the New York Central, as a machinist and later may again enter the ministry and the campaign against vice. 12 Feb 1920; The Duluth News Tribune Leech was pastor of the Union church at Alice. He came here from Virginia. A veteran of the Spanish-American war, Leach did not know the meaning of fear. He destroyed more gambling devices and prosecuted more gamblers than any reformer in Northern Minnesota. Leech's fight was directed the greater part of the time against punchboards. During the war he worked in an eastern shipyard. If you would like more information, please contact Randy Lane
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VIRGINIA,
July 13 (Friday). - City officials, shortly after midnight, were served with
papers issued by Judge Edward Freeman, at the behest of Rev. Thomas K. Leech,
demanding that they show cause Saturday, July 28, at 9 a.m., why they should not
be enjoined permanently from publishing council's resolution granting a license
to Mike Kostensek to operate a saloon at 113 Chestnut street. The saloon cannot
be opened until after the resolution is published.