News: Local Affairs - August 17, 1871; Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Jane Hamilton http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/philadelphia/images/JaneHamilton.jpg Copyright. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************* Local Affairs Aug. 1871 Phila., Thursday Morning, August 17, 1871 Newspaper: ten cents per week AGAIN COMMITTED.-Albert Goodyear, the young man who is charged with shooting Elijah Anderson, colored, at Eighth and Sansom Street, Sunday night week, has been committed for another week, the wounded woman not being yet considered by her attending physician out of danger. MEETING OF JOURNEYMEN TAILORS.- A mass meeting of journeymen tailors was held last evening at the public house on Callowhill street, above fifth. The meeting was called to order about nine o'clock, the chairman stating that the same had been called for the purpose of affording an opportunity to the delegates of the Convention of Tailors at present in session in this city, to express their views in relation to the present and prospective wants of journeymen tailors, and to suggest such remedies for existing evils as might be thought advisable. The chairman then introduced Mr. William Mostatt, delegate from New York and President of the convention. In commencing his remarks, he asked whether there was a possibility of overcoming existing prejudices and merging the trades societies, composed of different nationalities, into one grand organization, whose object, thus united, and presenting a solid front, should be the advancement of plans calculated to benefit the trade at large? He believed that this plan would be productive of great good to journeymen who are now suffering from inadequate wages and long hours of labor. He card not whether a man was born in Germany, Ireland or America; this was not the question. The question should be, Is he a journeyman tailor, having a knowledge of the business? If so, he is entitled to work at fair prices, and should be taken by the band as a brother, and aided in getting employment. After continuing his remarks at considerable length, the speaker concluded by expressing regret that he would be compelled so soon to leave the city of Philadelphia. He would like to remain here for a reasonable time, for the purpose of aiding in the furtherance of the plans proposed. The remarks of Mr. Mostatt were received with applause. Mr. Frank Beinger followed in a brief address, and in the course of his remarks alluded to the bill of prices adopted by merchant tailors for the guidance of their employes. The speaker hoped that journeymen would be their own judges respecting the justice of the prices referred to, and not submit to an inadequate compensation for their labor. Mr. O'Donnell was then introduced and after some favorable allusions to the address of Mr. Mostatt, said he believed the German tailors of Philadelphia were willing to co-operate in the furtherance of any measure calculated to advance the general good of the trade. He then dwelt at considerable length on the subject of secrets among the trade societies, and said they were really nothing. He would never be found associated with any organization of a secret character whose principles were at variance with justice towards all, employer and employe. All that the secrets of trades rooms meant was not to have matters relating to their particular callings known before the proper time arrived. He urged upon persons present, not already identified with some trade organization, to at once enroll their names among such, and thus show that they had no fear of secrecy. Men of business have their secrets, the broker and the merchant, why then look upon this feature of tailors' organization with dread or suspicion. Several other addresses were made, after which the meeting adjourned. NATIONAL CONVENTION OF JOURNEYMEN TAILORS.- The delegates to this Convention assembled yesterday morning, at the public house on Callowhill street, above Fifth. President, Jacob Morstall in the chair; Secretary, W. C. Tucker; Treasurer, John T. Walsh. In taking the chair, the President of the Convention defined the design of the National Convention, and said the object was to adopt such measures as will finally lead to the ame??oration of condition of journeyman tailors. It is not the intention of the Convention to make unjustified war upon capital. On the contrary capital is invited to seek an investment in this branch of industry. They were ready to admit that capital has its rights, and, as journeymen tailors, they claim that labor has its rights also, for it helps to create capital. To prove the sincerity of this declaration, it is well known that whenever a difficulty occurs the International Union appoints Committees of Arbitration and uses all peaceable means to effect a settlement. The trade in Philadelphia, it was held, is paid 30 per cent less than in New York. There are thirty-eight Unions represented in this organization, many having representatives in this Convention. This branch of industry is alive to the great issues of the hour, and the labor question is a measure which claims prominence in their deliberations. One of the main objects of the Conventions is to adopt measures by which the hours of labor can be lessened, 16 and 18 hours daily being the average of time consumed in this way. The subject of local Unions was then considered in Committee of the Whole, and the following resolutions were passed: Resolved, That the secretaries of local Unions be required to send to the Corresponding Secretary of the International Union the amount of mileage required for the delegates to the place where the Convention is held. It was also resolved that the Executive Board be empowered to levy a tax per capita to cover the expenses of such delectations. After statements made by delegates from New York, a resolution was passed that the Convention congratulate the members of the New York Unions for their success through organizations. Considerable discussion then took place, after which a resolution was passed, recommending that in all towns (NOTE: The remainder of this article is cut-off) ============================================================================== Phila., Thursday Morning, August 17, 1871 Newspaper: 10 cent per week. THE THEATRES OF PHILADELPHIA-PREPARATIONS FOR THE FALL SEASON.-A tone of the regular theaters-the WALNUT-the "season" has already opened, and despite the hot weather the performances are fairly attended. But little has been done during the summer in the way of repairs or alterations to any of the houses. At the Walnut the interior has been thoroughly renovated and repainted; the vestibule has been repapered and new carpets and matting put down, and two drinking fountains have been put in the lobbies. At each side of the orchestra enclosure boxes have been divided off from the parquet, and eight walnut chairs placed in each. Some new scenery had been painted, and additional lights placed on the stage and in the borders. Stratton's patent arrangement for regulating the gas lights has been added. By this contrivance it is impossible for the lights on the stage or in the house to be accidentally extinguished in the process of a play. The Chestnut Street Theatre has been thoroughly cleansed and repainted, and the auditorium repapered with a rich panelled crimson paper. There have been five feet cut off the front of the stage, thus giving additional seating room inside the old orchestra railing. This space is to be filled with chairs. An entirely new stage has been laid, plentifully supplied with traps and all proper appliances. Additional lights have been placed upon the stage and new footlights introduced. The drop-curtain has been retouched and brightened up by Russell Smith, and handsome new chandeliers hung around the galleries. The season will open in this house early in September. At the Arch there have been no alterations worth noting. The house has undergone a thorough cleaning and brightening up with paint and paper. Several new scenes have been added to the stock, and improvements in the lighting arrangements. New carpets and matting have been put down and the house generally brightened up. The season will open about the middle of next month. ================================================================================ Philadelphia, Thursday Morning, August 17, 1871 Newspaper: Ten cents per week Teas in Bond.- J. H. Catherwood & Co. have just stored in Almond street Bonded Warehouse four hundred half chests of tea. ALLEGED MURDER.-Yesterday afternoon George Miller and Dominick Torphey engaged in a quarrel, which resulted in the death of the latter. Mr. Torphey, who was once Commissioner of Markets of the city, kept a feed store at No. 1011 Master street, and also a liquor store at Front and York streets. Mr. Miller was one of his customers at the feed store. There was a dispute in regard to the amount of Miller's bill, and yesterday afternoon he visited the liquor store, and there renewed the discussion in regard to the subject. He was accompanied by a friend, and both became boisterous. The dispute was apparently settled and drinks were called for, when, instead of taking his liquor, Miller threw a portion of it into Mr. Torphey's face. The two men then engaged in a scuffle, when Robert McCann, the barkeeper, separated the parties and ejected Miller. When Miller reached the sidewalk he drew a revolver and discharged four shots into the bar-room. Two shots took effect in the body of Mr. Torphey, under the left arm producing almost instant death. Immediately afterwards Miller was arrested, and locked up to await the result of the Coroner's inquest, which will be held this morning. CORNER-STONE LAID.-A new and beautiful Methodist Episcopal church is being erected at Clifton, on the line of the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad. It will be built of serpentine stone of the finest quality. The church will have an audience room capable of holding 500 people. The church will cost about $15,000. Rev. M. H. Sisty is the pastor. The corner-stone was laid on Tuesday afternoon, in the presence of an immense concourse of persons. During the afternoon $600 was raised towards the enterprise. Addresses were made by Rev. Mr. Glider, of New York, John Shippen and Rev. T. A. Fernley. In the absence of Bishop Scott, Rev. T.. A. Fernley performed the service of laying the corner-stone, according to the ritual of the Church. There were place in the stone a copy of the Holy Bible, Hymn Book, description of the building , and a Public Ledger Almanac. NOVEL MODE OF SWINDLING.-William Hurley, colored, has been committed by Alderman Massey on the charge of having swindled several colored girls out of small amounts of money by pretending to be a near and very dear relative. To one victim he passed himself off as a brother, and was so marked in his declarations of brotherly affection that the poor girl was fully convinced of the truth of the story until she had emptied her pocketbook and he had taken the money and gone off. To another victim he personated the character of a patronizing and considerate uncle, having plenty of means, but not accessible at that precise moment. He was arrested at the instance of his so-called sister and niece, and sent by Alderman Massey to prison to await his trial on the charge of obtaining money by false pretences. ANOTHER BOARDING HOUSE ROBBERY.-The boarding house of Mrs. White, 1510 Callowhill street, was robbed on Tuesday night of a gold watch and chain, a lot of jewelry and a small sum of money. The inmates discovered a piazza door open, and in an adjoining yard were found two pocket-books, rifled of their contents. A pair of pantaloons had been dropped in the yard and a pair in the entry of the house. It was from these garments the pocket-books had been stolen. Suspicion falling upon one of the boarders, he was arrested and held by Ald. Hagey for a further hearing. ================================================================================ Philadelphia, Thursday Morning, August 17, 1871 Newspaper: Ten cents per week WILLIAM CARELS, who for many years was the proprietor of the "Bolivar House," on Chestnut street, above Sixth, died on Sunday last, quite suddenly, at his residence in Camden. The "Bolivar House" was an institution well known to the older Philadelphians, and adjoined on the west the old Chestnut Street Theatre, both of them having several years ago been swept away by the march of modern improvements. This restaurant was famous in its day as a game house, and for many campaigns it was the Whig headquarters of the old city, a party in whose fortunes Mr. Carels took the liveliest interest. Since his retirement from business, on the demolition of the house, Mr. Carels has been a devout member of the Methodist Church. At the time of his death he was in his 79th year, and he leaves quite a large family. THE GIRARD AVENUE MARKETS.-Alexander Adaire has been awarded the contract for the erection of the market houses on Girard avenue, as authorized by an ordinance of Councils. The new markets are to extend from Elm to Otis, in four sections, one 267 feet 11 inches long, with sixty stalls; a second 344 feet long, with eighty stalls; the third 316 feet long, with seventy-tow stalls, and the fourth 282 feet long, with sixty-eight stalls. The several bids for the work were as follows: Alexander Adaire, $19, 373; Thomas J. Close, $19,449; B. H. Shedicker, $19, 539; S. T. Shugart, $21,335; R. P. Johnson, $23,645; James Fort, $26,000; Hood & Kennedy, $33,696. NOVEL FREIGHT.-FRESH BEEF FROM TEXAS.-Yesterday, the steamer Fire Fly reached Philadelphia from Rockport, Texas, with a cargo of fresh beef, consigned to Henry Dennison & Co. The cargo consist of 220 beeves, cut into quarters, making about 170,00 lbs. The cattle were slaughtered in Texas on August 1st, and the hold of the vessel being arranged as a refrigerator the ship was loaded, and made the voyage from Rockport to Philadelphia in nine days. This is said to be the first consignment of fresh beef from Texas to this port. The vessel now lies at Almond street wharf. THEFT OF CLOTHING.-Five new coats were stolen on Tuesday from the shop of Mr. Thornton, Second, above Greenwich street. The thief was a stranger who called in the absence of the proprietor and told his wife that Mr. Thornton had requested him to ask that the shop boy be sent up town to carry some cloth home which he had bought. The boy was sent accordingly and the man remained. In a short time Mrs. Thornton was called out of the room, and the stranger and the coats disappeared. THE CHURCH OF ST. CHARLES BORROMEO.-Work had been resumed upon the front of the Church of St. Charles Borromeo, Twentieth and Christian street. The design was furnished by Mr. Durang, the architect, has been published in the Ledger. The building when finished will be one of the most imposing church edifices in that section of the city. Rev. James O'Reilly, the pastor, is energetic in his efforts to secure the funds to complete the structure. The basement will be ready for service in November. =============================================================================== Philadelphia, Thursday Morning, August 17,1871 Newspaper: Ten cents per week RETURNING.-All our principal thoroughfares are once more thronged with business men. The approaching fall trade has drawn back to their counting houses and ware rooms the merchants, who sought a few weeks' recreation by the seaside or in the mountain retreats. It is true that the weather is oppressive, but the demands of trade are inexorable, sand work, not play, is now the order of the day, even with the thermometer above the nineties. THE NEW PUBLIC BUILDINGS.-WORK COMMENCED.-Yesterday morning the work of excavating for the New Public Buildings was commenced, the diggers starting in the center of the northeast Square. During the day a large crowd collected around the laborers, watching the progress of the work and discussing pro and con., the vexed question of New Public Buildings, the site and all the features connected with the present action of the Commissioners. WOMAN FOUND DROWNED.-Yesterday morning, about 8 o'clock, the body of an unknown woman was found in the Delaware river, near the mouth of Cohocksink creek. The deceased was bout thirty years of age, had dark hair and had on a black bombazine dress, flounced, with green trimmings, striped balmoral skirt, patent leather boots, white straw turban, and wore glit glass beads around the neck. The body was taken to the Morgue. HOUSE ENTERED.-A dwelling at the south-east corner of Broad and Master streets was broken into early yesterday morning. the occupants were not at home, and the thieves had a good opportunity to ransack the place, which they did. Before they could carry off any of the plunder they had selected for removal, a private watchman discovered them, and they fled, making their escape empty handed. RECKLESS DRIVING.-John Scott, while in charge of a push cart, was badly injured, on Tuesday, on Vine street, near Third. The driver of a wagon following Scott ran into him, knocking him down, and running over his leg. DEATH FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE HEAT.-John Hay, 35 years old, died from the effects of the heat yesterday. He was a driver for Mr. Henry, Mineral water manufacturer. ============================================================================== Local News Philadelphia, Thursday August 17, 1871 Newspaper: Ten cents per week NEW JERSEY MATTERS.-A serious charge. About twelve o'clock on Tuesday night, Sheriff Morgan received at the County Jail, Christopher Lamb, John W. Goldstone, Thomas McFarland and David Stein, who was committed by Justice Frederick Shindle on a charge of causing the death of a many by throwing him overboard from a sailing yacht which they had taken to Gloucester City. The prisoners did not know the deceased by any other name than Patrick, by which he was called. From the various rumors afloat it appears that the prisoners had gone down to Gloucester city for the purpose of taking a sail, and at that place fell in with the deceased, who got into their boat and started up the river. They had proceeded but a short distance when he either fell or was pushed into the water. He swam ashore, and the other parties returned and again took him aboard. Proceeding a little distance from the wharf, he again got overboard, and, the men rushing to the side of the boat, it was capsized, and all plunged into the water. They all clung to the vessel, and were rescued by boats from Gloucester city. Patrick, as they called, did not, however, come up. On reaching the shore, the men were arrested and committed, as above stated, for a hearing to-day. PAID FIRE DEPARTMENT.-At a recent meeting of the commissioners of the paid Fire Department a resolution was passed declaring that after the 8th of September next, the places of such extra men whose business requires them to be in Philadelphia during the day, shall be vacant, and be filled with men doing business in Camden. This resolution cuts off six of the most active members.- Howard Lee, Thomas Alibon, Chas. Evans, B. H. Connelly, C. Daubman and Stephen L. Thomas. The salaries of these men in the department is only $50. per annum, consequently they are necessitated to follow some other occupation. SLIGHT FIRE.-Between twelve and one o'clock yesterday, a slight fire took place at the residence of C. W. Sartori, No. 514 Federal street, caused by a defective flue. The flames were extinguished without doing much harm, by one of the Fire Extinguishers belonging to the Paid Fire Department, without causing a general alarm. COMMITTED.-Mayor Gaul yesterday committed to the County Jail a man who would give no other name than "Jack of Hearts," for an outrageous assault and battery upon a woman. He tore her clothes from her, leaving her almost denuded, in which condition she was conveyed to the station house and cared for. She was also committed for a witness against him. HIGHWAY ROBBERY.-A colored man, named William Dickson, was robbed on the highway, near East Camden, on Sunday night, by a party of three or four other colored men, who escaped. SERIOUSLY HURT.-Daniel Carter, an employe at the canning works of Mr. Anderson, on Second street, between Market and Plum, was badly injured yesterday afternoon, by being struck on the head with a crank attached to the machinery. BOY LOST.-A small boy, giving his name as James Whitman, and his age as twelve, is at the Camden station house, lost. He says he belongs in Brooklyn, New York, and came on here with an aunt, from whom he got separated; that he has an aunt by that name in Camden. He will be kept there a few days until he is reclaimed. RESIGNED.-William Chambers, of the Camden police force, has resigned his position, and retires from that position. His successor has not yet been appointed. ATTEMPTED ROBBERY.-A few nights ago burglars attempted to break into the residence of P. l. Voorhees, on Market street, above Second, but did not succeed. ============================================================================== Philadelphia, Thursday Morning, August 17, 1871 Newspaper: Ten cents per copy (Special Despatch to the Public Ledger.) FROM WASHINGTON. Washington, Aug. 16. BUSINESS BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT. Two thousand one hundred and ninety-six cases were passed by the law branch of the Internal Revenue Bureau during the month of July just passed. This statement makes a favorable showing in connection with the business coming before the several departments of the Government, and is a refutation of the allegations that business was at a stand still during the summer months. COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS. Mr.Felix Brunot has not yet been heard from in relation to his acceptance of the appointment tendered by the President. CIGAR FRAUDS. It is reported at the Internal Revenue Bureau that certain cigar makers in New York and Philadelphia have largely defrauded the Government by making false returns of tobacco and boxes bought and cigars sold. The matter is to be investigated. PRIORITY CONTENDED FOR. Gen. Duncan, Assistant Commissioner of Patents, heard to-day the case of Bussey vs. Hermance, of Troy, New York, each claiming priority in sundry improvements in cooking stoves. As to certain of these devices priority was awarded to Bussey and the others to Hermance. WASHINGTON, AUGUST 16. THE BANKS OF THE NEW LOAN. The Comptroller of the Currency has decided that National banks designated as depositories for the new loan, are not obliged to hold a reserve upon funds paid into the bank upon subscriptions to that loan, and deposited to the credit of the United States Government, basing his decision upon the ground that the law gives to the Secretary the power to prescribe the regulations under which National banks may be made Government depositories, and what amount and kind of securities shall be required of the banks for the safe keeping and prompt payment of Government depositories, and what amount and kind of securities shall be required of the banks for the safe keeping and prompt payment of Government deposits. As far as depositories are designated for the new loan, the Secretary of the Treasury makes a special arrangement with the banks which is satisfactory to the Government, and hence there is no necessity for the banks to hold a reserve in addition to the other securities required. This ruling is approved by Secretary Boutwell, but does not apply to any other Government deposits than those having specified. Government funds deposited under general regulations, and are still to be protected by the proper reserve of lawful money. PERSONAL. Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Hartley will not return to Washington until the end of the present month, and Secretary Boutwell will not leave this city until about the same time. Mr. Saville, Chief Clerk of the Treasury, has returned and resumed his official duties. TREASURY DECISIONS. The Secretary of the Treasury has decided, in the case of the brig Charlotte Buck, that, in accordance with the 14th section of the set of December 31, 1792, on the sale or transfer of a registered vessel the instrument in writing in the nature of a bill must recite at length the former certificate of register, otherwise the vessel would be incapable of being registered anew. The language of the law being too plain to allow of any doubt as to its meaning, the bill of sale in this case failing to recite the former register could not be made complete by affixing a copy of the register to that document. The Treasury Department has decided that where a steamer is propelled by both high and low-pressure engines, she is prohibited under the law from having the words "low-pressure" painted upon her paddle-boxes. The penalty for violation of the above is forfeiture of the steamer. The department had also decided that where the commander of a vessel in possession is a part owner he cannot be deposed as captain and replaced by another commander by the action of the other owners, without the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, even though the portion owned by such captain is but a small fraction of such vessel.