NEWS: Items from the Morning Tribune, February 16, 1878, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Jessica Orr Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _______________________________________________ Items from the Morning Tribune, Saturday, February 16, 1878 A "MOLLIE MAGUIRE" ARRESTED. John Brennan Arrested at Tyrone for a Murder Committed Ten Years Ago - Dr. Piper for Burgess. Tyrone, Pa., February 15. - Police Officer Thomas Clarke, of Houtzdale, has arrested John Brennan, a "Mollie Maguire," for the murder of a coal operator in 1868, in one of the eastern counties. Policeman David Christian, from Ashland, met them at Tyrone this afternoon and took charge of the "Mollie," and left on the Philadelphia Express. Dr. Piper was unanimously nominated by the Democrats for Burgess to- day. The doctor served three years in the Legislature from Westmoreland county before coming to Tyrone three years ago. The nomination is considered a strong one. Morning Tribune, Saturday, February 16, 1878 - page 1 CITY AND COUNTRY. A Young Lady Falls and Breaks Her Arm. Miss H. Frank, a young lady who resides on Seventh avenue, near Twelfth street, fell on the slippery sidewalk near her residence yesterday morning and broke one of her arms close by the wrist. Pennsylvania College. We have received the catalogue of the officers and students of the Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, Pa., for the year 1877-78, which shows the institution to be in a highly prosperous condition. The students in the collegiate department number 73, and in the preparatory 47, in all 120. This city is represented in the freshman class, collegiate department, by Emory L. Loudon, Samuel S. B. Ramey and Samuel J. Taylor, and by William D. Loudon in the primarian class, preparatory department. Lindley Neff Fleck, of Sinking Valley, is a student in the Sophomore class. Some Additional Statements from Mr. John Klink. In the account of the shipwrecking of John M. Klink, of this city, who was on board the Metropolis when she went down, some little inaccuracies occurred. Mr. Klink was not "picked up exhausted" for the simple reason that he was not exhausted and there was nobody about when he got to the shore to do any picking up. He was about the sixth man who got away. Instead of weighing 250 pounds he weighed but 198, and does not think he has lost anything in weight. The Globe intimated that he was a married man. This he wishes to particularly deny. (Mr. Klink is a fine-looking young man, by the way, girls!) When the ship struck he was holding a light for others who were throwing out coal - not baling water. Mr. Klink thinks Tim O'Brien's heroism is a little overrated, as he did not save as many lives as he is credited with doing. The people on Currituck beach were very kind to the unfortunates. Sixty of them slept on two floors in one house. The firemen of Norfolk were voted thanks by the wrecked voyagers for the attention bestowed upon them. A Politician Among the Jolly Germans. Into a sociable party given by the Concordia Society went the other evening a certain gentleman interested in the success of a certain candidate for a certain city office. He thought among the jolly Germans would be the place to put a little money where it would do the most good. Filled with laudable pride in his favorite candidate, he ordered that the jolly Germans give unto him from out their store which they had to sell a keg of the beverage of Gambrinus, and tendered the couple of times aforesaid jolly Germans in payment therefore a two-dollar bill. [In justice to the candidate, we will say that it was his friend's own money.] the humorous native of "Vaterland" - or rather the jolly German - who made the sale was equal to the occasion, and with a smile that was childlike and bland said: "Vill you haf some ghange from out of dis bill, or vill ve keep him for the benefit of the society?" The electioneering gentleman was badly stuck. Of course he must appear lineral, and he smilingly answered, "Certainly - keep it." But now, when asked the price of beer per keg he turns away in disgust. HOLLIDAYSBURG DEPARTMENT. Little Facts and Fancies - Big Things Grave and Gay. Alex. McKnight was numerously remembered. Prof. B. F. Pinkerton, of the High School, was suddenly called to his home in Tremont, Schuylkill county, yesterday morning. Deputy Prothonotary Bowers, who has been under the weather for the past week or so, was much improved yesterday. Visitors from the rural districts report the roads almost as badly cut up and demolished as political parties are said to be in your city. Pretty nearly the entire able-bodied population of Tyrone seems to have been at court in one capacity or another during the present week. The colored band did travel down the Frankstown road on Wednesday night, but they emphatically deny that they were bound for that school- house. Hon R. Milton Speer has been in town during the week as senior counsel for the plaintiff in the cause which has occupied the greater portion of the court's time this week. To hear him and Hon. S. S. Blair, in their able addresses yesterday afternoon, a large number of our citizens visited the court room. Apropos of the recent mention in the M. T. of the prospective candidacy of Messrs. Zuck and Gilland as legislative candidates on the Democratic side of the political house hold, it may not be out of place to mention that the friend of William M. Eicholtz, of Williamsburg, will earnestly press his claims for a place on the ticket. Mr. Eicholtz is a workingman, is honest, is intelligent, is capable, and would make a strong candidate. Effects of Monotony. Dire war is threatened between the gentlemanly officials whose duty it is to keep order in the court room. The weary hours have passed slowly by on leaden wings as the M'Clain-Weston case has dragged its monotonous length along. These gentlemen have therefore lost their good nature. The milk of human kindness has soured on them, and they have become crusty and suspicious and snappish with each other. Yesterday they came almost to an open rupture about the location of a thermometer. Nor is the end yet. However, it is to be hoped now that the jury have retired and other business is being called, that good nature may return and present offenses be harmonized. Highway Robbery. A few evenings ago a young lady named Ritchey, employed in the family of John McClure, at the jail, purchased several articles at the store of John H. Law. There were a great many persons in the store, and more than one of them noticed that she had some money in her pocket-book which she carelessly placed in a pocket of the coat worn by her. Just as she was in the act of entering the jail yard she felt a hand at her pocket and turned in time to see the thief make off with his plunder. The pocket book contained only about three dollars, but even this is a large sum for a poor girl to lose. There is no clue to the thief, who is presumed to have followed Miss R. from the store. Court Proceedings. The M'Clain-Weston case dragged its slow length along during the entire court session of yesterday. Some variety was given to the proceedings by the fact that the evidence closed at an early stage of the session and the remainder of the day was occupied in addresses to the jury by Messrs. Stevens and Speer for the plaintiff and Hewitt and Blair for the defendants. It is not deemed expedient to comment upon their addresses, all of which were exceedingly able productions. As we close our report Mr. Speer has about concluded his remarks and with the charge of the court the case will go to the jury at long last. Analysis Of The Mines. Under the above heading our correspondent at the mines furnishes the following: The place for hematite ores - Springfield mines. The place to "stick in the mud" - bank No. 2. If you want ninety-nine days, go to bank No. 1. If you want a good job, go to bank No. 3. The busiest man in town - Clerk E. W. Hartman. The man who sends all the valentines - Dan. Stewart. The gent to cut off the calico - J. E. Hagey. The man with a fearful mustache - J. Lykens, jr. The greatest walker in Huston - Ed. Wofford. The "maddest" man in town - J. J. Decker. The happiest man - William Johnston. It's a boy. One of the best men is Dr. Brown. Our cleverest man is David Aurandt, Esq.; but don't shake hands with him. Capt. Shollar, Ed Wofford and George Gorsuch are mechanics who cannot be surpassed in Blair county. The heaviest beard is owned by Isaac Snyder. Daniel Stewart shaves three times a week. All the small pox we have is on the children's arms. Dr. Brown did it. Al. Hagey is pleased with his new organ. Morning Tribune, Saturday, February 16, 1878 - page 3 Amende Honorable In our issue of yesterday morning through information furnished one of our reporters, we were led to report an affair alleged to have occurred in the Sixth ward, which, whether true of false, was not a proper subject for publication and we very much regret it. We have reason to believe that the affair was misrepresented and without foundation. There being no names mentioned, this should be considered a sufficient apology to any persons thinking themselves aggrieved. Held for Postage. The following letters are held at the Altoona post-office for want of postage: John C. Smith, Altoona; John H. Miller, Altoona; Oliver P. Kipple, Altoona; Miss Ann Hudson, Altoona; Samuel Colclesser, Eldorado; Miss Mary Stalker, Duncansville. A Lad Breaks a Leg. William Endress, seventeen years old, the son of Herman Endress, a butcher at Seventh avenue and Eleventh street, while running across the street on Thursday evening fell over an icy gutter and broke his left thigh. He was a lame boy, his lameness being caused from a disease which made his left leg shorter than the other. It was the shorter leg that was hurt. Medical aid was summoned and the boys injury attended to. The Tale of Dan Carney's Dog. Dan Carney is a well-known conductor on the road, and he has a very affectionate dog that comes to meet him at the depot on his arrival here. The dog made a slight mistake in his calculations yesterday, as Dan did not come on the mail train when his dogship expected him. This caused him to set up a terrible howl at the station. During the day Conductor Elliot, who lives in Pittsburgh, bought a lot of meat which he intended to take home with him, and put it for safe keeping in the conductor's room at the depot master's office. Dan's dog was there waiting for his master. Good meat and a dog never could get along together, and the canine getting a smell of the meat the usual consequence followed, and when Elliot came to look for his flesh of course it was gone. Bob Adams, of the Logan House, says that Dan's dog, being a Catholic dog, had no business to eat the meat yesterday (Friday), and should be taught better. Tragedy in Bedford County. We learn from the Bedford Gazette that James Rawlins and the Sheirer family, in Juniata township, have been on bad terms. On Tuesday morning Adam Sheirer, aged about eighteen years, passed the Rawlins mansion and was about crossing the foot log, which is reached by a path through Rawlins' lot, when he was met by the latter, who told him that if he came back that way he would kill him. The young man protested, and said that he had never in any way molested him. To this Rawlins assented, but told him his brothers had. When young Sheirer came back on his way home he saw Rawlins at the other end of the foot log armed with a scythe. He again threatened to kill Sheirer if he attempted to cross. He did cross, and just as he stepped off the log Rawlins struck him with the scythe, cutting him across the right shoulder, over the back and in the left side. The wound is said to be a terrible one. Young Sheirer is very corpulent for his age, weighing over two hundred pounds. After the cutting he worked his way to the nearest neighbor where his wounds were attended to. Political Chips. The Globe is respectfully informed that Greer neither wrote nor dictated anything about Mayor Gilland's political affiliations or his aspirations; nor is he grooming him or anybody else for office. If the scoundrel who furnishes that paper with such lies will give less attention to politics and more to the payment of his personal debts he will also have less time to howl about that habeas corpus and Mayor Gilland. Councilman O'Toole is determined that it shall not be his fault if he don't win the Aldermanic robes if the Fifth and Sixth wards. He would make a good officer. Mr. Matheus Oeffinger, of the "Wurtemburger Hof," on Fourth avenue, above Fifth street, thinks Mr. Harry Husfield stands a good chance. He will get a large percentage of the German vote. Mr. Howard, according to Mr. Oeffinger, will also command a large vote from the German element. Reportorial Pick-ups by the Wayside. Malone, of Empire Hall fame, is out of prison. There were two drunken young men in the lock-up last evening. Business was as dull as usual at the Aldermen's offices yesterday. As election day draws near people who "set things up" are getting very uneasy. Railroad men's prayer meeting in their reading room Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The small-pox cases in Huntingdon number only four on the 13th. Hope it will soon be 0. The Tribune received no valentines, and feels much aggrieved at the neglect of the "fair sects." Simon Neuwahl was on Thursday by the United States District Court discharged from bankruptcy. The "Virginia reel" and the "Lancers" will be particular attractions at the Good Will fair to-night. Charley McDermott is getting better slowly. But he will be a defeated candidate on next Wednesday evening. A shipment of eighteen horses to Baltimore will be made this morning by Mr. R. F. Myers, of this city. St. Valentine's day passes off without any serious disturbance in this city, other than considerable hair pulling. It was rather soft sleighing yesterday, but several intrepid countrymen were noticed upon the streets in sleighs and sleds. A number of members of the State Legislature visited the entertainment of the First Presbyterian Church people last evening. The ball of the City Council Band at Empire Hall will be continued this evening. Another silver cup will be awarded the best waltzer. Hon. B. F. Rose will please accept our thanks for a handsomely bound copy of the report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Kemble furnace at Riddleburg, Bedford county, is now producing from 34 to 38 tons of first class iron per day, doing better than ever before. There will be dancing to-night as usual at the fair of the Good Will Fire Company at the City Council chamber. Captain Myers; orchestra will furnish the music for the occasion, and Jim McConnell will call the figures. The fair last night was well patronized. That big flitting will surely come off next week, and Mr. Harman L. Delo cordially invites all his friends to assist and witness that four- horse team cutting evolutions on short curves. He has sent for four thousand feet of Maryland eels. The Catholic Standard this week has a fine portrait of Pope Pius IX and a vast amount of matter bearing on his life and services to the church. For sale at Fettinger's Oak Hall Literary Emporium, Tenth avenue. This number is worth having. A grand "cake walk" will come off at the colored Bethel Church on the evenings of the 19th, 20th and 21st. a pleasant time and an interesting entertainment is guaranteed. An admission fee of five cents will be charged. The most graceful walkers take the cake, of course. An Interesting Occasion at Moore's Chapel. At Moore's Chapel last evening there was lots of fun, though there were not many people in attendance. There was a fair sprinkling of white people among those gathered to witness the "silver walk," which was again postponed. Vocal and instrumental music was served ad. lib. for a while and it was finally decided that walking should commence for a glass jar of nice jelly. The colored walkists were very slow about coming forward, and at last, in order to help their colored friends along, a couple of the white spectators were induced to start the ball rolling. When the two white people had signed "de book" and paid the cash consideration for a ten minutes' pedestrian tour around the hall, the movements became livelier, and soon ten persons were on the floor. The lead of the walk was taken by a certain scribe - "nameless here forever more" - and the rear was brought up by the other while "leader," who may be called McParlan, from the peculiar resemblance he has to the great "Mollie Maguire" detective. The walk was soon over, and McParlan, who was lucky enough to have the American flag in his hand when the ding-dong of the bell announced the close of the walk, claimed the prize. The gallant detective, without even putting his finger into the jar to taste the sweets it contained, generously and at once presented it to his fair partner in pedestrianism. There was an effort then made to get up a walk for a silver napkin ring, but we believe this failed. The fun will be continued this evening, and those who desire to throw a little substantial assistance in the way of Moore's Chapel, and at the same time enjoy an hour of innocent amusement, should be on hand. The Advance Agent of an Obfuscated Irishman. There arrived last evening on the way passenger train at the depot here a solitary garment called a coat. The piece of clothing was "all alone by itself," and was not even on its owner's back. The proprietor of this garment was a "fine old Irish gintleman" from away down the country somewhere, who after he started from home imbibed at the way stations such quantities of "poteen" that in the course of time he became intoxicated. It was understood that he was bound for the west. While on the way passenger train at Mifflin he concluded to get off and get a drink, and when the train came to Huntingdon he got off again and was left. By this time he felt tremendously good, and mounted the Fast Line and came on to a station called Tyrone. Here, having become a nuisance, he got off again, "by request," as a railroad man put it. He appears to be making his trip by easy stages, and will probably pass through Altoona before another moon. A Horse Has Its Hoof Torn Off. A gray mare about 12 years old, belonging to William Stokes, while being driven by Howard Kuhn over the railroad crossing at Ninth street, caught her right front foot between a plank and the railroad track, and in the endeavor to withdraw it tore almost the entire hoof from her foot. The accident occurred about eleven o'clock in the morning. The hoof was thrown back under the wagon by the sudden jerk made by the beast. She walked from Ninth avenue to the stable in the rear of Calvert's store on Chestnut avenue, and when inside the stable laid down. Dr. Hughes was sent for and bandaged the foot. It was most pitiful to witness the poor animal's agony as she lay on her side in the stable. She nursed her injured foot and drew it up and down, trembling and groaning with the greatest pain. The physician said it would take at least a year before a new hoof could be grown, and even then she would be lame. The animal will likely be shot in order to relieve her of her misery. Personal. Hon. M. Edgar King called at the Tribune office last evening on his return from Harrisburg. Mr. James Radigan, a reporter of the Pittsburgh Evening Chronicle, was in the city last night. Mr. Egel, the receiver of conductors' money at Pittsburgh for the company, was in town yesterday. Mr. David Sprankle and his bride were on the Fast Line last evening on their way to Pittsburgh. Lieutenant Governor Latta and his handsome lady took supper at the Logan House last evening. They were on their way to Greensburg. "Jakey" Roberts, flagman on the Atlantic express, it is said keeps his signal lamps and lanterns in the cleanest and brightest condition of any that go out of the Altoona depot. Officer Whittle Makes an Explanation. Eds. Tribune - As the Evening Mirror has made some accusations in late issues under the shadow of the suspicion of which I have no desire to stand, with your permission I take the use of your columns to explain the matter. I am charged by the above-named sheet with making an assertion to the effect the "In Philadelphia a police officer does not amount to anything unless he votes three or four times at each election." That I made this assertion can be disproved. The person who did make it is a well-known gentleman, and it was not made as an insinuation that the same thing could be done here. As to another charge - that the name of a Republican police officer appeared twice on the poll list of voters at the Republican primaries in the First ward - it is equally false. It is to be presumed that I, being the only Republican on the police force, am the person indicated. That this charge is true can be as easily refuted as the first one. The inspector in the First ward is evidence that this is untrue, and also the clerk, in whose bands the list is to-day. My name and the name of William Nagle, who voted on age, are on the list. A mistake was made in the writing of the name, which instead of being "William," was put down "Charles." There was no attempt made by myself - as can be sufficiently proved - to personate or to act in any illegal way whatever. With this explanation I propose, as far as I am concerned, to end all controversy with the quill-driver of the Mirror. Charles W. Whittle. Morning Tribune, Saturday, February 16, 1878 - page 4