NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, February 11, 1878, Blair County, PA

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Morning Tribune, Monday, February 11, 1878, page 3

CITY AND COUNTRY
HOLLIDAYSBURG DEPARTMENT.

Little Facts and Fancies - Big Things Grave and Gay.

  Owing to the inclement weather the attendance at the meeting held by Prof. 
Holland for forming a class in phonography was so small that nothing was 
done. Another meeting will probably be held some evening next week.
  Blair Bouslough supports the nicest four horse team in this section of the 
country, and keeps them out until a very early hour in the morning, if we 
are not mistaken in the jingle of the bells.
  Hon. L. W. Hall was in attendance at the sessions of our court last week, 
representing the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in the case elsewhere 
reported. Mr. Hall has many warm friends hereaways.
  Deputy Prothonatary Bowers was "awfully" busy last week.
  A man named Young caught a salmon trout a few days ago which weighed over 
two pounds. The fish was caught at the "red bridge," a short distance below 
town, and the man who caught it tried to keep the matter dark, under the 
apprehension that he had violated the fish laws. It came to the ears of Fish 
Commissioner Hewit, who is highly delighted, and who would not feel a whit 
angry were a dozen or more of the same sort to be captured by out anglers.
  James Alexander was another victim to Thursday's slippery sidewalks, 
spraining his ankle severely.
  The Brush Mountain school has resumed operations.

UNIFORMITY OF TEXT BOOKS.

  The committee appointed by the late convention of directors to consider 
ways and means toward bringing about county uniformity of text books, held 
its first session in the arbitration room of the court-house, on Saturday 
morning last, Mr. Wray, chairman, presiding. On motion it was ordered that 
three members of the committee constitute a quorum. W. H. Schwartz was 
elected secretary of the committee.
  House bill No. 33 was considered at some length by the committee, and the 
conclusion arrived at by the majority of the committee that it would be, 
perhaps, unwise to offer any amendment to the same. A word of explanation is 
here necessary. At the recent session of the Teacher's Institute, the 
following resolution, offered by a committee of directors and teachers, was 
unanimously adopted:
  "That or Senators and Representatives be requested to frame and urge the 
passage of a law providing that text books shall be furnished to all the 
pupils by the respective districts, free of charge."
  At the convention of directors held on the 12th of January the above 
resolution was unanimously reaffirmed, and the president and secretaries 
instructed to take steps toward securing the adoption of a bill carrying out 
the above idea.
  At this juncture the writer received from Senator Lemon a copy of House 
bill No. 33, the first section of which reads as follows:
  "That school directors or controllers may, at their discretion, purchase 
text books for use in the public schools of their respective districts out 
of the school funds of the district, and when so procured the necessary 
books shall be supplied, free of cost, to each pupil." Etc.
  Acting upon what he believed to be the orders of two conventions, the 
writer was about to send to Harrisburg an amendment to the will striking out 
the words "may at their discretion" and inserting in lieu thereof the word 
"shall," thus making the law mandatory in its nature, not permissive. The 
public will remember that this amendment was not the child of the writer - 
it belonged to the convention, and he believed himself simply obeying 
orders. However, the committee which met on Saturday took the matter out of 
his hands and directed that our representatives be requested to support 
House bill No. 33 as reported from the committee.
  Having disposed of the text-book question, the following resolutions were 
adopted on motion of Mr. Landis:
  1. That it is the sense of the committee that it will receive 
recommendations of text books from the teachers of the county, or from other 
sources, as suitable for adoption into a uniform series for the county; but 
specimens of the books recommended should accompany the recommendation when 
the committee are not already in possession of them.
  2.  That recommendations and books can be forwarded, all charges paid, to 
the secretary of the committee, W. H. Schwartz, Hollidaysburg, Pa.
  On motion of Mr. Crawford a cordial invitation is extended to teachers to 
be present at the next meeting.
  On motion of Mr. Wray the secretary was requested to correspond with the 
secretaries of the various school boards for the purpose of getting the 
number and kind of books used in each district.
  On motion of Mr. Landis the committee adjourned to meet in Hollidaysburg 
on Saturday, March 9, at 10 o'clock A.M.

COURT PROCEEDINGS.

  Saturday's session until 2:30 o'clock was devoted to the cases of the 
Union Hardware Company and Thomas J. Fries vs. The Pennsylvania Railroad 
Company. It has already been stated that these cases were brought to recover 
damages for the loss of household goods lost by Fries and stock lost by the 
Union Hardware Company, of this city, in the great fire which devastated 
Osceola on the 20th of May, 1875. these goods were shipped in the cars of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for Houtzdale, and were standing on the 
siding at Osceola when the fire occurred. Our readers will remember that the 
destruction of the town was caused by forest fires, fanned into sudden fury 
by a strong wind. T. J. Fries claims over $900 for loss of household goods, 
while the Union Hardware Company claims over $4,750. The point to be settled 
was whether or not the company, as represented by its servants, has been 
guilty of gross negligence. Hon. S. S. Blair represented the plaintiffs, 
while Hon. L. W. Hall took care of the interests of defendants in his usual 
able manner. The jury retired at 2:30 o'clock and returned a verdict of 
$1,835 for the Union Hardware Company and for Thomas Fries $300 - one-third 
of the amount of claims.
  George A. Dobyne, Esq., appointed auditor to distribute the balance in the 
hands of R. S. Hoover, assignee of C. R. Stover.
  C. R. Banks, Esq., appointed auditor to distribute the balance in the 
hands of John M. McGraw, assignee of Baird, Carver & Co.
  F. Jackel, Esq., appointed auditor to distribute the balance in the hands 
of John Clark, assignee of G. D. & J. H. Isett.
  Thomas W. Jackson, Esq., appointed auditor to distribute the balance in 
the hands of H. G. Fouse, assignee of B. F. Hoover.
  Argument court was fixed for Monday. March 15.

A Disgusting Sight.

There was quite a scene enacted at the depot on Saturday afternoon while the 
emigrant train was standing there prior to its departure west. A lad was 
observed suddenly dancing off the platform of a passenger car, propelled by 
an official of the road. The boy was about fourteen years old, but had been, 
in company with a couple of others older than himself, indulging too freely 
in the flowing bowl. Per consequence, he became very sick in the cars, and 
for awhile retched quite freely inside, to the great disgust of the 
passengers and the anger of the railroad men. He was promptly bounced and 
taken outside the fence, where he sat down upon the wet sidewalk, the very 
personification of helpless misery. The younger of his companions then came 
to the rescue of his "pard" in a very blustering manner, and said he could 
"git away with any policeman or railroad man in the town" when the threat 
was made that if they didn't behave themselves they would be locked up. The 
boys were from somewhere in the vicinity of Kittanning Point.

NEIGHBORHOOD NOTINGS.
  
  Altoona has scarlet and typhoid fevers as epidemics. There is a large 
number of cases, a large proportion of them fatal. - Bedford Inquirer. 
Strike out all preceding the paper named, and the rest is true.
  Hon. James Burns, a prominent citizen of Bedford county, died at his 
residence near Schellsburg on the 3d inst., in his 81st year.
  Joe Noble, of Waterside, is setting his traps to catch a Democratic 
Assembly nomination in Bedford county.
  Daniel Bailey, of Morrison's Cove, is dangerously ill.
  Yell "fire" at the average Shirleysburg man and he'll jump out of his 
clothing.
  There are 74 inmates in the Cambria county almshouse.
  By a fall of slate from the roof, a young man named Kessler, 16 years of 
age, was instantly killed in Slope coal mine of the Cambria Iron Company, 
Thursday evening.
  Mr. Geo. Noll, died at his home in Pleasant Gap, Centre county, on the 
31st ult., in the 75th year of his age. His death recalls the story of Rev. 
Mr. Natt's purchase of boards from him, and his replies to the rector's 
inquiries, with their emphatic expletives.
  The Lock Haven poor house was enlivened the other day by a fight between 
two of the inmates - one 60 and the other 70 years of age. The junior 
battered his senior over the head with a smoothing-iron, inflicting ugly 
scalp wounds. 

ALTOONA TO CEDAR RAPIDS.
What One of Blair County's Fair Daughters Has to Say of the Journey.

Correspondence of the Tribune.]
             Cedar Rapids, Feb. 5, 1878.

  To go west, or not to go west, seems to be the question with many in the 
East. Now, it having been decided in the affirmative by your correspondent 
thus, January 31st was set apart as the day of starting; left Altoona at 
9:10 A.M., and reached Pittsburgh at 1:45 P.M. Nothing unusual occurred on 
the journey thither, and owing to the falling snow which was several inches 
deep in Altoona when I left, no view was afforded us of the grand old 
Alleghenies, not even a farewell look at the Horse Shoe bend. Consequently 
there was not a few disappointed travelers.

SNOW-BOUND AND DELAYED.

  In Pittsburgh we reticketed and rechecked for Cedar Rapids, and after a 
hasty lunch were soon on our way, leaving the Smoky City behind us. It soon 
became evident that the snow increased in depth as we journeyed westward, 
and as it still continued to fall and rumors of the train being delayed 
reached our ears, we became rather anxious to learn the true state of the 
case. We thought of the accounts of travelers on the plains blocked in by 
the snow for days, and wondered if our lunch baskets would be sufficient to 
keep the wolf from the (car) door. Our pleasant reflections were cut short, 
however, by the train coming suddenly to a stand still.

  THE PROSPECT NOT CHEERING.

  We learned that we were near Columbiana, Ohio, and would have to remain 
there until four trains from the west, due in Pittsburgh in the morning, has 
passed. It was then 4 P.M., and the snow falling thick and fast; no cheering 
news, I assure you. After a delay of several hours we again moved westward, 
and finally reached Canton at about 10 P.M., where we learned from a 
gentleman who entered the car that the snow was about two feet deep. Again 
we were delayed near Wooster by an engine off the track, having turned over 
in a snow bank.

DECREASE OF THE BEAUTIFUL.

  At last we reached Fort Wayne at 10 A.M. Friday, where we breakfasted, 
very thankful indeed to learn that the snow - the beautiful snow - was 
decreasing in depth since we had passed Crestline.

THE STAY IN CHICAGO.

  Arrived at Chicago at 3 P.M. Friday, between seven and eight hours late, 
with snow still flying. This deprived us of a view of the lake and also of 
the city, for which we were sorry as it was our first visit to the Garden 
City. Yet even with this meager view, we felt like echoing the young man's 
remark: "Why, Chicago is quite a thriving village." Until 9:15, the time of 
our departure, we spent quite pleasantly at the house of a friend, who lived 
within sight of Mr. Moody's church.

ARRIVAL AT CEDAR RAPIDS.

  Reached here at 6:45 Saturday morning, ten hours late, found no snow, and 
there has been none so far this winter. The weather since my arrival has 
been quite spring like. Last evening we listened to Professor Swing, on "The 
Position of the Novel Among Books." He advised all the read the novel 
somewhat, but none too much.
  Perhaps I shall write of this city, her churches, schools, industries, 
etc, at some future time.
              PRUDENCE PEBBLE

Morning Tribune, Monday, February 11, 1878, page 4

CITY AND COUNTRY.
The Political Patella.

  It is said the Democrats of this county will put in nomination for 
Assembly this year Hon. D. A. Gilland, of this city, and John A. Zuck, Esq., 
of Martinsburg. A strong team. 
  There was a good attendance of members at the meeting of the Republican 
City Executive Committee on Saturday evening at Alexander's arbitration 
room. There was no very important business transacted. In place of Mr. H. C. 
Dern, declined. B. P. Patton was substituted for judge of election in the 
First ward. There will be another meeting on Saturday evening next, at which 
the poll committees are requested to be present.
  No business that would interest the political world was done at the 
meeting of the Democratic City Executive Committee on Saturday evening. John 
Hindman was elected a member of the committee from the Second ward instead 
of Joshua Dempsey, who resigned. The committee will meet again on Thursday 
evening.

A Musical School for Altoona.

  In a short time there will be established in this city by Professor George 
Muller and his brother a school for the musical education of those who may 
desire it. The professor's brother, who has been at the Conservatory of 
Music at Leipsic, Germany, for nearly three years, will soon graduate at 
that institution, and will then return to Altoona, when the enterprise will 
be commenced. The school will be conducted upon the same plan as the German 
conservatories.

Reportorial Pick-ups by the Way Side.

  The city election is only eight days away.
  Next Thursday will be St. Valentine's day.
  There are thirty post-offices in Blair county.
  City council will meet in the Mayor's office this evening.
  Captain Clark has resumed his duties at the depot gate. Mr. J. Cloyd 
Kreider will hereafter manage the Amateur Minstrels.
  Henry Slep, proprietor of the Mirror, is not yet able to be at his office.
  Since the "Metropolis" disaster "Tom Collins" has achieved a different 
fame.
  The city election proclamations have been stuck up about the city by the 
constables.
  The Good Will's fair commences at the Council chamber this evening with a 
dance.
  The Amateur Minstrels give another entertainment next Saturday evening, 
and also one on the evening of the 22d inst.
  The Board of Pardons has under advisement the application of Michael 
Murray, of this county, convicted of burglary.
  The many friends of Harry Noel in this city will be glad to know that he 
has recovered from the small-pox, with which he was down in Huntingdon, and 
resumed work.
  A handbill posted in the post-office gives notice of a reward of $500, 
offered by the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives at 
Harrisburg, for the capture of O. P. Bullard.
  A special train left this place at twenty minutes past one o'clock 
yesterday afternoon to attend the funeral of a young girl at Hollidaysburg. 
The deceased was at one time employed at the Logan House.
  All the employes on the Pittsburgh Division of the P.R.R. have been 
furnished with blank applications for situations. The object is doubtless to 
restore records destroyed in the Pittsburgh conflagration, as remarks are 
called for in blank space.
  An instance of a terrible fall from grace is that in which some boarders 
in a house in this city, on arising the other morning, found, hanging to a 
fellow-boarder's door-knob, an empty beer bottle suspended by a "Murphy" 
badge, the blue ribbon. The suspected boarder says it was a "put-up job."
  The Mountain City Band's fair will not, we understand, close for two weeks 
yet. The Tribune got its information at the hall, and whatever the huge 
responsibility may be in making the statement that the fair would close on 
Saturday evening we must be expected to shoulder no more than half of it.
  A tramp was on Eleventh avenue yesterday afternoon who had walked over 
from Tyrone and was on his way to Pittsburgh where he said he has a mother 
residing. He stopped at Thirteenth street when he heard the sounds of 
singing issuing from the hall of the Railroad Men's Christian Association, 
but concluded that he would not go up stairs as he looked "too hard."

A Fourth Ward School House Robbed.
  
  The Fourth ward school house, a two-story wooden building at Seventh 
avenue and Fifteenth street, was entered on Thursday last and robbed of 
various small articles. The robbery occurred during the noon hour. The 
windows of the school-rooms had been left open by the teachers, and Mr. 
Crane, the janitor, did not think it worth while, as the windows were open, 
to lock the doors, and went away from the building for about twenty-five 
minutes. It was during his temporary absence, and while four of the teachers 
were in the school-house yard, that the thieves entered. Whether they got in 
through the door or at the windows is not known. The articles taken 
comprised a silver penholder worth about $1.50, a lot of ink bottles, 
thirty-six slate pencils from the two rooms, and some slate pencils from the 
desk of one of the teachers, which was broken open. A lot of boxes in which 
children keep their necessary trinkets for school use were broken up and 
scattered about. It appears to have been a case of malicious mischief. Mr. 
Crane thinks he knows the parties, who were boys not pupils; but, as he is 
not exactly certain of the lads, he does not believe the circumstances would 
warrant a prosecution.

Logan Township Republican Nominations.

  The Republicans of Logan township on Saturday made the following 
nominations for the support of that party to morrow week:
  Judge of Elections - S. S. Stains.
  Inspector - Samuel Hartzell.
  Assessor - John P. McKnight.
  School Directors - Elihu Crawford, William Louden, Alex. Riling.
  Supervisors - John M. Burket, Charles Copelin.
  Justices of the Peace - Isaac Haines, S. S. Beamer.
  Constable - W. H. Wynkoop.
  Auditor - James Hileman.
  Township Clerk - G. T. Bell.

An Acrobat's Hurt.

  Young Lincoln Smith, of the Amateur Minstrels, who does a trapeze set with 
William Turner, returned home with the company from its late trip with a 
very sore hand. Constant use of his hands in his business caused one of them 
to become inflamed, the skin wearing off at the same time. This developed 
into a felon, and he has since had to have the member lanced. He is at 
present unable to use the injured hand.

Held for Postage.

  The following letters are held for postage at the Altoona post-office 
February 9:
  Miss Jennie Dougherty, Altoona, Pa; Maggie Guinnivan, Altoona, Pa., and 
one letter without address.

A la Bogardus.

  The Altoona sporting club turned out in mass on Saturday afternoon to 
witness a shooting match between five of their best members for the 
championship of the club. The whole affair was to be kept "sub rosa." The 
Tribune reporter, however, always on the wing, happened that way and has the 
pleasure of giving the result. The place of resort was Pleasant Valley. The 
proper distance being arranged and the traps set, the glass birds were one 
by one set at liberty and the contestants scored the following:
  First inning - Jacob Fries, 20 shots blank; J. G. Davis, 1 score and 19 
blank; Dr. S. M. Sellers, 20 blanks; Fred Hesser, 1 score and 19 blank.
  Second inning - Jacob Fries, 3 scores and 17 blanks; J. G. Davis, 20 
blanks; Dr. S. M. Sellers, 20 blanks; Fred Hesser, 20 blanks.
  The game was decided in favor of Jacob Fries, who took the belt, retiring 
among the enthusiastic plaudits of the intelligent and select company. 
Another trial of skill will shortly be made. Much rejoicing was indulged in 
that only five out of a store box full of glass birds were smashed.
               MORAL.
  The bird that lives to fly away.
  Will live to kill another day.
  While that which in the match was slain.
  Will never live to fly again.

Painful Accident.

  Joshua Ehrhart, while working in the foundry on Friday afternoon, met with 
a painful accident. He was in the act of placing the cope of a flask in 
position, when he caught his foot upon one end, and falling one of his 
fingers was caught between the top and bottom and badly mashed.