A Broken Canthook, a Crushed Spine: Newport Logger Rushed to Spokane

Samuel McGeelies is in a critical condition at St. Luke's Hospital as the result of an accident which occurred while assisting in logging on the Adam Voss place, about seven miles north of Newport, late Saturday afternoon. Mr. McGee, who is a logging contractor, had a force of men at work logging on a contract for the Fidelity Lumber Co. He was assisting in loading logs onto a truck when one of the logs on the second tier started to roll off. He attempted to stop it with his canthook, but the canthook broke and the log rolled off, striking him in the back as he was in a stooping posture trying to get out of the way. His spine was injured and several ribs fractured, his lower limbs being paralyzed and rendered impervious to feeling. The accident occurred near the I. & W. N. tracks and a passing freight was flagged, bringing him to town as speedily as possible. Local physicians were summoned and gave all the relief possible and he was taken to Spokane on the 5:15 train. Latest reports from the hospital are not very encouraging and his condition is considered very critical. Mr. McGee is a popular, industrious man and his misfortune is greatly regretted by all.