From the Archives of Western Newspapers

By Samantha Johnson
For Southern Alberta Newspapers

October 2, 1896 – Moose Jaw Times

Dr. Baraduc in France claims to have succeeded in photographing thought and is able to produce photographic images at a great distance. The experiment was successfully completed using two of Baraduc’s friends. The photographs are not perfect and Baraduc states not everybody has the ability to control his volition for psychic photography. In order to succeed, one requires a strong imagination and energetic will.

When evaporated, a ton of Atlantic water yields 81 lbs of salt; a ton of Pacific water 79 lbs; the water of the Dead Sea yields almost twice as much, 187 lbs to the ton.

Great surprise was caused in town on Tuesday when railway telegraphers went out on strike from Halifax to Vancouver. The suddenness of the strike is not more surprising than the completeness of the organization. Even up to the time of the strike, railway officials were under the impression that not more than a few operators who would walk off. Weight freight is at a standstill and passenger service is irregular.

October 1, 1909 – Coleman Miner and Carbondale Advocate

In a police court in Old London a detective gave evidence against a band of confidence men. He told the magistrate the leader had approached a man in Waterloo Station who had the appearance of a Canadian. He failed to enlighten the court as to what the appearance of a Canadian was.

The Fernie Ledger has recently reported two glaring falsehoods concerning the business manager of the Miner, one about an unpaid $4.50 debt and the other that he was approached to join a different union. The Fernie Ledger well knows that he has not deserted the Canadian union and is alive and well in Coleman. He did go to a neighbouring town to purchase two cows, which should be more important news for the Ledger to print than most of its vaporings.

Around town a large number of runners are faithfully training for the great marathon to be held on Thanksgiving Day.

October 2, 1911 – The Edmonton Capital

With the exception of one torpedo boat, reports claim the entire Turkish navy has either been sunk or captured by an Italian fleet. The Turkish fleet slipped out of the harbour of Provesa under the cover of darkness and Italian destroyers immediately gave chase. The one that escaped was protecting the flagship of the Turkish squadron and did very effective work sinking two warships.

In Austin, Pennsylvania a mill dam crumbled and collapsed, releasing a raging flood that swept away hundreds of people, nearly wiped out the town of Austin and partially wrecked the town of Costello.

In news from the old country a 101-year-old man was accused of being intoxicated by the Stratford court, but the magistrate let him go. The abolition of the petticoat by the hobble skirt is being blamed for the falling off of the Nottingham lace industry. There was a noticeable absence of flies during July, but they have now descended on London and the makers of flypaper are unable to keep up with orders. As an additional warning to motorists, red bands will be painted on the lampposts in the area of the 10-mile speed limit at Farnham, Surrey. A stray cat set off burglar alarms on Percy Street, Tottenham Court Road, London and a large crowd gathered while police searched the area.