NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, February 14, 1878, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Jessica Orr Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ Items from the Morning Tribune, Altoona, Thursday, February 14, 1878 CITY AND COUNTRY. Arrival of the Mercedita. Mr. N. D. Maher, of this city, received a letter from his brother, who sailed in the steamship Mercedita, announcing his safe arrival at Buenos Ayres. A New Building on Fourteenth Street. Mr. Robert A. Bonine, a photographer of Hollidaysburg, has concluded to remove to the city, and has made arrangements for the erection of a new gallery on Fourteenth street, above Eleventh avenue. The building will be of wood, 25 feet front by 45 feet deep, and will be 22 feet high. The work is being done by Messrs. Thomas Davis and R. C. Smith, and it is to be completed, if possible, by the 1st of April. McDermott Reported Dead. A German went into Andy Gamble's store on the East Side yesterday morning and gave out the startling report that Charles B. McDermott, the Republican candidate for Council, who was badly cut up in a row on Tuesday, was dead. Subsequent inquiry revealed the fact that the story was canard. Some parties said that McDermott was not that kind of a man - he didn't die on so slight a provocation. An Imposter. An elderly, fine-looking gentleman about fifty-five years of age, with gray hair and full gray whiskers, representing himself as the agent of Stoddard's music, also as agent for music of Prof. Mehaffy, of this place, has been swindling several of our citizens out of amounts running from seventy-five cents to five dollars. He travels some times under the name of J. A. Harfield, and again as A. Johnson. Was last heard of at Braddock's Fields, Allegheny county, where he was also plying his vocation. The general agent of Mr. Stoddard, Mr. Allen, denounces him as an imposter. An Immense Flitting. Mr. Herman L. Delo, of the Motive Power and Machinery Department, designs a removal next week to the premises adjoining his present residence. The distance being great, and Herman being somewhat obese and in danger of being fatigued in traveling over so much territory, he secured the services of David Bell and his four horse team, Merchant- tailor Snyder, Depot-master Wilson, and Michael Clabaugh, Esq., to say nothing of a host of other musical gentlemen. It promises to be the flitting of the season. The musical part of it will surpass Gilmore's band. A Weary Colored Youth. While a Tribune reporter was in the Mayor's office yesterday afternoon a worn and weary-looking colored youth with the good old name of William Johnson, came in and inquired if he could get a place to sleep. William said he had just got out of a sick bed. He had walked most of the way from Philadelphia, where his father lives and is employed by the Clyde line of steamships. The youth was on his way to Pittsburgh, where he thought he would be able to obtain employment. The Mayor suggested that it was rather early to go to bed, and told the lad to come back in the evening and he would be given a place to sleep. The Case of the Empire Hall Rowdies. Edward Malone, L. C. Stattler, Paul Miller and John Ulrich, who were arrested for disorderly conduct at the ball at Empire Hall on Monday evening, were before the Mayor yesterday morning. It was made optional with Malone and Stattler to pay a fine of $3.75 each or go to the lock- up for three days, and Miller and Ulrich have the choice of paying a share of the costs of prosecution or be sent to quod for two days. The fine was made light, as the parties were new beginners. They all refused to pay the financial part of the penalty, and preferred to "feed upon the vapors of a dungeon" for the allotted time. Neighborhood Pickings. Mapleton is clear of the small-pox. Sick again - Quack. - McVeytown Journal. That you, Cooney, eh? Harry Cryder, of Warrior's Mark, died on Thursday last, aged 75 years. Five cases of small-pox were the figures of Huntingdon's scourge on Tuesday. The annual meeting of the Juniata Valley camp meeting commences August 13, 1878, continuing ten days. Thomas McGowan, a school teacher, was killed on the East Broad Top railroad, near Orbisonia, Monday. A son of James Heeser, of McVeytown, came near being drowned on Monday by breaking through the ice on the canal. The Reese trial cost Huntingdon county $11,000 and the Mt. Union bridge $4,000. The county would now be out of debt but for these two items. The Clearfield Fire Brick Company have discovered and developed within the past six months three large bodies of fire clay, apparently inexhaustible. The mail agent on Fast Line west on Friday evening mistook the gum hose at the Mapleton water station for the mail pouch. He got the hose off the plug. HOLLIDAYSBURG DEPARTMENT. Little Facts and Fancies - Big Things Grave and Gay. "How about my costs?" That fox scalp hasn't come in yet. Janitor Westover is an A1 housekeeper. The court house is as clean as a new pin. Don't borrow your neighbor's paper, good friend. It isn't good for the moral health. Lewis Kline has been appointed baggage master at this place, vice Taylor Atley, resigned. The songs in the Norwegian language were particularly fine, so think our Hollidaysburg critics. District Attorney Jackson shows such familiarity with the Scriptures as to lead the average reporter to believe him a close Biblical student. If the consumption of "that meat" occupied as much time, comparatively speaking, as the trial of the suit originating therefrom, we sympathize with the boarders. Some unconscionable scoundrel stole the broom, brush, dust pan and all the other house-cleaning implements from the very temple of justice itself the other day. Some of the boys complain that they can't let out the exuberance of their feelings to the slightest degree without being accused of looking upon the wine when it is red. Smoking car experience! During the year 1877, the time of Judge Pershing, of Schuylkill county, now presiding over our court, was so fully occupied with the trial of criminal cases that he did not try a single civil cause. Those naughty engineers ought to give notice when they mean that their engines shall give vent to that fearful noise known as "blowing off steam." It's particularly aggravating to feminine nerves. When a handsome young lady informs Harry Lingafelt that she "had a dream" about him the night before, the smile which irradiates his countenance sort of lights up the postoffice for several seconds, if not more. It is said that there are ten Tyrone men in attendance at court whose combined weight is just one ton. A chap looking over our shoulder says that's nothing. He knows one Tyrone man who at times weighs considerably more than two tons. The Register office was removed yesterday to its new quarters over H. M. Baldridge's office. The change is much for the better, and while we sympathize with the boys in the annoyance and vexation of moving day, yet we also congratulate them upon their installation into such comfortable quarters. Sometime between Saturday night and Monday morning the Gaysport depot was entered by some unknown party and a satchel belonging to J. Irvin Brotherline, and containing wearing apparel taken therefrom. The satchel with a small portion of the clothing was found on the railroad track, some distance from town, but there is no clue to the thief as yet. In the report of the case of the Union Hardware Company and T. J. Fries vs. the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, it was omitted to mention that M. Alexander and D. J. Neff, Esq., were interested as counsel, the former for the plaintiffs and the latter for the defendant, and both delivered addresses during the progress of the trial worthy of their reputations. What Tierney Says. We see by the Hollidaysburg local, in the Altoona Tribune, that Frank Tierney has paid a hat bet he lost to Sheriff Stiffler. When will he pay us the hat we won off him over a year ago. Echo answers, when? - Register. The reporter interviewed Frank in the Prothonotary's office yesterday afternoon, and this is his reply: "Well, I have not paid that bet out of consideration for Over's feelings. If he were once to come into possession of a real splinter new hat, he would present such a unique and novel appearance that he would become a gazing stock for the entire community. No, no, a new hat with the novel sensations accompanying the same and the annoyance produced by the steady stare and varied comments of the public, would so shock the Register man's nervous system as to hurry him into an untimely grave. No, I can't risk the experiment. And Tierney turned sadly away to delve among the dockets. From the Mines. We have the following item from a good friend who promises to "do it some more," the which promise it is hoped he will keep as frequently as may be convenient: The mines are running under full heading at the present time, giving steady employment to about one hundred and fifty men, and shipping from one hundred and forty to one hundred and eighty tons of ore per day. The mines are in charge of S. B. Isenberg, Esq., a most thoroughly competent gentleman, who has demonstrated himself to be emphatically the right man in the right place. A grandly successful protracted meeting is now in progress, as it has been for the past seven weeks, under the pastoral oversight of Rev. W. Gwynne, of Martinsburg, ably assisted by Mr. Geo. Gorsuch. There have been over fifty conversions, many old ladies and gentlemen among the number. The services on Monday night were conducted by Rev. R. H. Wharton, of Williamsburg. The best of order has prevailed at the meetings until Monday evening, when a few young ladies showed their ill-breeding by some bad conduct. It looks very bad for young ladies to prick each other with pins while in God's house. J. E. Hagey is just as clever since the election as he was before. He is a most courteous and obliging gentleman, and in that one of the best salesman in the county. Malicious Mischief. At the recent sale of property by the Sheriff the property of John F. Reese, who resides in Blair township, near this place, was sold to Mrs. Rachel Duffy. On Tuesday Mr. Reese was brought before Justice Jones, of Gaysport, charged on oath of John Duffy, Rachel Duffy's agent, with malicious mischief, in that he was destroying the fences and out- buildings of the property. Mr. Reese gave bail for his appearance on Saturday next for a further hearing. We hope that he may be able to show that the charge was mistakenly made. Court Proceedings. There is, in fact, nothing to report. The M'Clain-Weston case has taken up the entire time of the court, and promises to occupy the greater portion of to-day. Up to the adjournment of court yesterday evening not one-half of the witnesses for the defense had been examined, if the statements in reference to the number be true. The case is a very important one, and in such we presume it is best to make haste slowly. CITY AND COUNTY Held for Postage. The following letters are held for postage at the Altoona post-office February 13: Wm. Morris, Derry Station, Pa.; Frank Peters, Altoona, Pa. Paid His Fine. Young Stattler, who was put in the lock up yesterday for refusing to pay his fine, was released last night upon the appearance of a friend at the prison, who paid his fine. Illness of Col. John Woods. Col. John Wood has been confined to his bed for some eight months past, suffering from dropsy. His sufferings have been severe and coupled with the loneliness of his sick room his condition is not an enviable one. Therefore, he would be glad to have his many friends call and see him, and thus in a measure relieve the solitude of his chamber, and his mind from brooding over his affliction. Many persons were only too glad to acknowledge Col. Wood as a warm, generous friend in the day of his prosperity should not now forsake him in the day of his adversity. Political Potpourri. Hon. D. A. Giliand wishes it to be understood that he is not now nor ever will be connected with any political "ring" or "clique." His record in politics is an open one, and is to be judged by the people alone. If he becomes a candidate for legislative honors, as has been suggested, it will be through the spontaneous action of the Democratic convention. No movement has been commenced in his favor, and if he is a candidate at all it will be upon his own merits. That the nomination of the Mayor would reflect credit upon the judgment of the Democratic party, however, there can be no doubt. Mr. Harry Husfield is getting around and putting in his work where it will do the most good. The Second Aldermanic district will be a gory field after election. Dr. Rowan Clark, of Bellwood, is the coming man, they say, for one of Blair county's representatives in the next Democratic State convention. It will be a creditable selection, worthy of the party. Our Republican friends feel themselves highly honored in the candidacy of Charley McDermott in the Eighth ward. He knows how to put away beer and kick up a row, and these are eminent qualifications in a man for Council. The Democratic City Executive Committee meets this evening at the Mayor's office. Reportorial Pick-ups by the Way Side. Some workmen were engaged yesterday repairing tracks in the company's yard. It is said John Thompson will be "On Hand" at the Opera House before long. A German band of fourteen pieces will give an entertainment in the Opera House on the 18th and 19th. Bishop Tuigg, whose duty it is, has sent no official notice to the Catholic Church here of the death of the Pope. A young gent named Bloomer, from the Monumental City, was refused a pass to Pittsburgh at the Mayor's office yesterday. The Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia Press Association will hold its annual meeting at Pittsburgh on Friday. Officers will be elected. Robert Wilson, an old man, sick, applied to the Mayor yesterday morning for a pass to Philadelphia. Mr. Wilson said he was from the Indian Territory. He was accommodated. It was reported last night that Charley McDermott got out of his house and became temporarily crazy. Dr. Closson was sent for and sewed up the wounds in his head, which had broken open. C. B. McDermott, for whom a warrant was issued by the Mayor on Tuesday night, on information of Martin Black, could not be taken from his residence, as his condition would not permit. Courtney, who was also included in the charge, had not been found yesterday. REV. MR. CHICHESTER The Congregational Meeting Joins in His Request for a Severance of His Relations With the Second Presbyterian Church. As announced last Sunday, the congregation met to take action on the resignation of its pastor. After devotional exercises Mr. C. J. Mann was called to the chair, and W. F. Postlethwaite was appointed secretary. The chairman read the following letter from the pastor: To the Officers and Members of the Second Presbyterian Church, Altoona, Pa. Dear Brethren: According to previous announcement I hereby ask you to unite with me in my request to Presbyterian for a dissolution of the pastoral relations now existing between the Second Presbyterian Church and myself, in order that I may accept a call from the Presbyterian Church of Titusville, Pa. In making this request I am following what I regard the plainest indications of Providence, feeling that the dissolution will be for the good of all concerned, and for the Master's glory; and you may rest assured that in thus severing the ecclesiastical ties that have hitherto bound us together for the past seven years nothing shall ever sever the tender ties of effection that bind me to your hearts, for I shall love you as long as I live, and remember with heartfelt gratitude the kind assistance you have given me in all my labors amongst you. The Lord bless you all. Yours with warmest affections. W. J. Chichester. Altoona, February 13. The chairman then called for the vote of the congregation and the resignation was accepted. On motion the chair appointed Jos. Dysart, C. Campbell, Theo H. Wigton, W. S. Humes and W. F. Postlethwaite a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the feelings of the congregation, and their report (which was adopted) is as follows: WHEREAS, Our beloved pastor, Rev. W. J. Chichester, has received a call to another field of pastoral labor and has accepted the same, conditioned on the dissolution of the pastoral relation now existing between himself and this congregation; Resolved, That while this dispensation is mysterious to us, and we are apprehensive that in accepting said call and thus agreeing to leave his present charge - where he has such an almost unlimited hold upon the affections of every member of this congregation, as well as being held in such high esteem by nearly this entire community, and where he has been so blessed by the Master in obtaining such eminent success during his entire ministry amongst us in winning souls to Christ - he may have misinterpreted the leadings of Divine Providence, yet in compliance with his wishes we join with him in requesting Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation now existing between him and this congregation. Resolved, That, in view of his manifold labors of love among us in the past, when he leaves us we will follow him with our prayers, and wish him and his abundant success and happiness in his new field of labor. After appointing Mr. R. A. Clarke commissioner to the adjourned meeting of Presbytery, the meeting was closed with benediction by the pastor. THE SHIPWRECKED MARINER. Arrival in Altoona of John Kink, a Survivor of the Metropolis Wreck. John Klink, of this place, who was on the ill-fated Metropolis bound for Brazil on that terrible night off the Carolina coast, arrived home yesterday. A Tribune reporter called at the residence of Mr. Klink, on Fourteenth avenue above, thirteenth street, last night. He was not at home, and Mrs. Klink, his mother, sent her little son to find him. The lad was not successful, and the reporter was unable to get a statement from Mr. Klink personally. From Mrs. Klink and from other sources the following information was derived: At the time of the wreck he was in the hold of the vessel carrying a light to enable other parties to pump out the water the vessel had shipped. When the old hulk stranded he rushed above and seized a rope, by the aid of which he slid over the side and caught hold of the anchor chain. He had obtained a life preserver and a couple of pieces of board, and he waited here until a big breaker came along before which he threw himself, and was rapidly propelled toward shore. He made a distance of some twenty feet in the first attempt, and then kept himself afloat until another billow rolled in, which carried him still further. In this way he managed to get close to land, but three times in succession he was carried out again by the treacherous current. He was finally picked up exhausted. Mr. Klink has lost some twenty five pounds in weight since he left home, weighing at that time about 250 pounds. He caught a severe cold during his watering experience, and he has not yet recovered from the effects of it. Mr. Klink says he is willing to give the Brazil business another trial, and would probably be on his way now had not his mother gone to Philadelphia and induced him to come home. While the reporter was at the residence of Mr. Klink he encountered several people who had crossed the ocean, and the subject of long voyages was introduced. One person in the party said that ten years ago it took as much as seventy-two days to come over; others had been on the sea fifty-four days, and others still fifty-two days. It would be quite discouraging in these times of fast sailors, which make the voyage in a little more than a week, to be compelled to be seventy-two days in crossing the Atlantic. The Colored People at Moore's Chapel. "Resolved, That intemperance has caused more suffering and distress than war," was the subject that was to have been discussed by the Moore's Chapel Literary Society at the chapel last night. There were only a few persons present, and the discussion was postponed until next Wednesday evening. This evening at the chapel there will be a "silver walk," in which a silver drinking cup will be the principal prize. The walkers will carry a flag, and the entertainment offered by our colored friends will be of the same character as that given by them during the holidays at Empire Hall. At the "walk" to-night there will be "chanced off" a very pretty miniature representation of a cottage inclosed in a yard. The grounds are surrounded by a wire fence. The house is made of seeds of different kinds. In the rear of the house can be seen an old colored woman hanging out her wash, while in one of the verandahs a young lady is taking her ease. The work is by a daughter of Mrs. Otto, who lives near the chapel. Personal. Mr. James W. Lyles rises to explain through the Tribune that it was he, and not James W. Lyons, who took part in the debate at Moore's chapel on last Thursday evening. W. Lee Woodcock missed the 2.40 train to Hollidaysburg yesterday. He bounced through the depot gate with his books under his arm and anxiously inquired if that was the train to Hollidaysburg - which was then some distance up the road. Being affirmatively answered, he made a desperate effort to catch it; but as it would have required considerable of a "spurt" in his pedestrianism to overtake it, he gave up in disgust. Roll of Honor of Scholarship And deportment for the month ending February 11 of the pupils of the Eighth ward advanced Third Primary school: Sallie Oeffinger, Annie Ginter, Alice Clabaugh, Nettie Vetter. Bertha Beatty, Sadie Decker, Jennie Moran, Adolphus Lehrsch, Marren Claycome, Melvin Ross, Paul Oeffiner, Harry Markey, James Moore, Willie Strong, Willie Orner, Willie Selwitz. The following is a list of the names of the pupils in the First ward who were in attendance every day during the month ending February 11, 1878: INTERMEDIATE. Maysie Bowman, Mary Houser, Ada Wolf, Annie Kerr, Bertie Yeatles, Carrie Lyttle, Mary Clingerman, Edward McCartney, Grant Steele, Milton Stouffer, Jennie McCracken. FOURTH PRIMARY. Annie Lusch, Annie Anderson, Fannie Arelsbacher, Carrie Wolf, Lloyd Bowman, James Hackett, George Houser, Charlie Lusch, Eddie Trout, Howard Watts, Walter Clingerman. THIRD PRIMARY. Joseph Stokes, George Roush, Daniel Mayer, George Hooper, John Burns, Norah Howard, Katie Brubaker, Mintie Geesey, Nettie Marks, Lydia Bloomhart, Bessie Steele, Rachael Stouffer, Carrie Doughman, Dollie Hare. SECOND PRIMARY. George Louder, Ard. G. Steele, Eddie Marks, Clarence Dougherty, Harry Goodman, Jacob Kinsel, Bessie Taylor, Nellie Rose, Theo. Greer, May Marsh, John Waggoner. FIRST PRIMARY. John Doughman, Otto Plack, Harry Geesey, Katy Reeves, Ella Shuster, Alice Lusch, Solomon Thomas.