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Newspaper
Brainerd Dispatch
Location
Brainerd, Minnesota, United States of America
Date
Aug 10, 1888
Page
3
A large willow in an upstate New York town was blown a foot from vertical during a late storm, with only slight settlement remaining and no immediate return to full upright position reported.
A minor land split in Leon county North Carolina has sparked twenty dollars in legal costs to date after a suit over an eighteen inch variation in an old boundary line. The tiny fee dispute underscores how small disputes can trigger costly litigation.
The venerable Hannibal Hamlin has a pump in his back yard that, over forty years old, remains in excellent working condition despite its age. The device is described as well preserved and nearly as good as when first installed, reflecting Hamlin’s pride in a durable household fixture.
A colored preacher near Macon Georgia says he can recite the entire Bible from memory. He notes he was once unable to read but claims knowledge came to him in a vision guiding his work and study.
A New York post office watchman collects keys from lock boxes left in the rocks by careless men and boys. A sharper is usually nearby, seeking to steal such keys for illicit use.
A colossal 151 foot long lumber beam 20 by 20 inches was contributed to the Mechanics Exhibition in San Francisco. It is believed to be the longest piece of timber ever turned out by a saw mill.
Robert J. Burdette has been wandering the Rocky Mountains after waiting for the range to come to him. He decided to follow in Mahomet's footsteps, choosing to seek the mountains rather than waiting for them.
Count Maurice Esterhazy is placed under guardianship to curb alleged mental extravagance. He owns over 220000 acres of land in Hungary free of encumbrances and can travel more than fifty miles in a straight line without leaving his estate.
The Chambersburg Academy in Pennsylvania will admit no pupil who uses tobacco. Both boarding and day students are affected as the ban aims to protect minds and health from the harmful effects of tobacco.
In Vera Cruz a man killed himself by jumping from a church steeple. He first tossed his hat to signal others to clear the area, then balanced on his hands with feet on the clock and plunged downward. Although most bones were broken, he moved briefly after the fall.
In Chicago one evening recently myriads of sand flies penetrated hotels theaters and business houses. Doors closed lights out as flies lined street car tracks stopping tram brakes. Men labored all night to sweep and shovel them from sidewalks bushels collected. A visitation never known before.
A memory of Marshal Ney cites 1805 when Napoleon’s invasion force at Boulogne practiced daily embarkation and disembarkation. It states that 15,000 men with stores, ammunition, artillery and horses could be embarked in ten and a half minutes and landed in thirteen minutes.
A leading English judge, hard of hearing, mistook applause for interruptions during a case. He threatened to clear the court if the demonstrations continued. The uproar, however, was only a thunderstorm outside the courtroom.
The proposed Hudson River bridge in New York City is described as the most stupendous undertaking of its kind in the country with an estimated cost of 42 million dollars. The bridge itself would cost 16 million, the approaches 12 million, and land for approaches 14 million. The bridge would use a single span over the river, which is wider at its narrowest point than the East River at its widest.
The 76 year old William R Slocum of Beach Pond R L is described by neighbors as queer. He lives in a long low house with a platform where he preaches to imaginary audiences. Authorities confronted him at the gate with a sword fashioned from a scythe and was said to demand right foot entering gates as sacred soil.
Mr Muldrow assistant secretary of the interior says no official information about Indians refusing to sign the Sioux treaty has been received nor expected until a conclusion or failure is evident Senator Sabin is surprised the Indians refused to sign Congressman Lind hopes a plan will lead Indians to see the treaty benefits and backs a signing outcome.
A train of empty flat cars struck a fallen tree on a logging road about 15 miles east of Otsego lake Michigan. Twenty five workmen were injured sixteen seriously and three likely to die. Most injured were Poles. A bolt of lightning killed William Smail near Utica Minnesota as he field shocked barley. The Granite Mountain grant tar works at Phillipsburg Montana burned when tar ignited, trapping workers but all escaped to safety. A Hart of St Peter drowned on the Minnesota river near Le Sueur after leaping to free his team from rising water.
Multiple crime items fill the page, including the Laporte shooting of Willie Ellsworth by Oliver White, a dynamite plot suspect bailed in Chicago, a Mich. suicide by shell, and a Knox county Ohio robbery. Reports cover self-inflicted deaths, hangings, and violent assaults across several states with brief outcomes and ongoing investigations.
Winnipeg banks declare American currency cannot circulate in Manitoba and set steep discounts. All paper money carries a 3 percent deduction. Silver dollars fetch 95 cents, half-dollars 40 cents, nickels and quarters 20 cents. No discount applies to 10 and 5 cent pieces. Winnipeg experiences currency flood from the United States.
Bartley Campbell noted playwright and manager died at the Middle Town NY insane asylum after weeks of illness. Born in 1843 in Allegheny City Pennsylvania he started in newspapers at Pittsburg at age fourteen. Samuel J Randall traveled by special car to Wayne station bearing up well during the journey despite discomfort in Washington and New York transfers.
Chicago boodler McGarrigle stayed in Winnipeg last week with his wife then went to Banff. Samuel Josephs, traveling agent for M H Moses, was found dead in Marquette and a coroner’s jury ruled death by his own actions in a disturbed state. Findlay Ohio gas explosion claim dismissed by geologists. Des Moines druggist Whitney was photographed secretly by an amateur in a legal dispute. White at Bird Plain Minnesota was not as badly injured as reported after a shooting. Parker’s jail status near Beaver Falls referenced amid family dispute. St Paul building permit granted for Pioneer Press ore story building at Fourth Street and Robert Street.
The building is to cost 650000 with inspector's permit fee 327.50, likely the most expensive structure in St Paul after the courthouse. Nearby, grasshopper infestations persist at Perham Minn with millions of hatchings after plowing. Indians from White Earth and Leech Lake pick blueberries near Brainerd, leading to a confrontation over whisky with a teamster and a subsequent intra-tribal fight.
Sitting Bull returns to Standing Rock agency amid fierce opposition to the proposed treaty. John Grass Mad Bear and others speak against signing while Sitting Bull and Rain-in-the-Face stay away from the council. Chiefs vow not to sign as Maj. McLaughlin Gov. Church and Judge Wight press for acceptance to no avail. The Indians fear losing land and prefer patience to avoid shaming their agent.
The fall Minnesota election includes state offices, presidential electors, Congress members in five districts, and several district judges. Named races cover governor lieutenant governor secretary of state treasurer attorney general chief justice and an associate justice, plus five congressional seats and numerous district court seats across all districts with terms expiring.
War Department telegram from San Carlos Ariz reports Capt Lee Tenth Cavalry sent with scouts to arrest intrenched Indians. they fled but trails led to a small Cassadias band party and one Indian reportedly killed. Fifteen miles from here, 250 agency cattle were attacked by Indians. cattle fate unknown. Command expects possible serious trouble as bands Cas sadais and Chilchuana may head north if the reservation is left.
A Paris room finds a headless man who warns in a note that his identity is hidden. A second strange tale follows in a distant département where a head appears tied to a balloon. Investigators connect the two cases to reveal how the head was disposed yet how the balloon escaped from a closed room remains unexplained.
In Berkley county eight people cutting a lightwood log watched it roll toward a creek. The log split open in the water revealing hundreds of water moccasins slithering away. Several workers fled in terror and three have since vanished. Dr Byrd led the crew as the log moved and the snakes departed over about thirty minutes.
The document reports convention actions in Minnesota with endorsements of national and local Democratic figures. It records favoring pensions for Union soldiers, praise for the Gettysburg reunion, and calls for honest government. Thomas Wilson is nominated for Congress in the First District, and Judge John L. MacDonald is nominated in the Third District amid strong support.
Charles Morgan known as Blinkey Mor an was hanged for the murder of Detective Hulligan near Ravenna. He faced the scaffold calm but his neck was not broken and he was strangled. He declared innocence in a final letter and recounted the 1887 Cleveland fur theft case and the Hulligan attack.
A six story Bowery tenement housed 150 people all Polish Jewish families. Flames trapped occupants on lower floors as stairways filled, many leaped or escaped burning. Twelve bodies recovered. six severely burned victims may die. Charles W. Norman and theater staff tried to aid victims with a ladder from People's Theatre.
A devastating fire results in thirteen deaths with additional expected fatalities from those in hospitals. Firefighters lower badly burned victims in nets as the grim toll grows.
The New York Press notes an invoice of 75 000 campaign buttons passed through the port’s custom house imported from England for the Democratic party. The badges bear the name G Cleveland, prompting critique that the free trade party orders their badges abroad, not in America, for a campaign that could elect an American president.
The text lists duties by region and product showing strong Southern influence in the Mills bill. Louisiana sugar bears 68 percent duty while Southern rice shows 10044 percent. Northern goods like lumber and beans carry no duty, exposing a raw map of protections and rivalries shaping policy.
A Richmond Critic inspired piece asserts fiery Southern resolve to redeem the land and liberty against Northern accusations, warning that reconciliation with a Union viewed as fraud is impossible while rebellion and treason remain in venomous tongues. It declares that future generations will not greet denouncing foes with amity.
Senator Butler argues for loyalty to the state and federal union, stating that Confederate soldiers remained citizens of an independent commonwealth before and after service. He contends they acted under a state government, not a revolutionary faction, and repledged allegiance to the United States after Confederate collapse. He rejects being labeled traitors as ignorant or false, asserting shared rebel heritage among patriotic figures.
An analysis likens President Cleveland’s push for free trade to a naval cadet’s “smile drill” as the Democratic Party strains to appear content. The piece argues the stance harms both manufacturers and workers, with defections growing and a looming electoral mood of gloom.
Gen Phil Sheridan dies at Nonquitt Mass after a prolonged illness. Obituary recounts his humble Ohio origins, rise from clerk to Fighting Phil, and pivotal Civil War commands from Stone River to the surrender of Lee. The report covers his death, last hours, and life story.
The Standing Rock council rejected government terms and left the conference in chaos. John Grass led the Indian refusal, Spurs Pratt blamed for missteps while McLaughlin restored order, with Rosebud and other agencies reporting universal opposition to the opening plan.
An eleven-year-old son of Hans Hanson of H. Baber handled a loaded weapon while with a pet. The child and companions did not realize the pistol was loaded, risking serious harm. Authorities investigate the hazardous mishap and remind guardians about firearm safety.
An execution at Charlottetown for a sweetheart murder sparked protests by Millman’s friends who claim innocence. They presented the case to Ottawa, suggesting the real killer swore to save himself, and foresee the capture of the murderer within days. Questions arise if two men could be hanged for one crime.
Gen Fisks acceptance letter argues reform of state and nation through political parties. He links liquor law to good government and denounces revenue tied to the liquor traffic. Brooks as VP nominee hails tariff reform, opposes monopolies, and praises women aiding prohibition.
Minnesota items describe Perham cheese factory using over 2000 pounds milk daily and a surge of Duluth tramps, drownings in Detroit lake, elopement chase at Faribault, a Canada to Minnesota rail accident, Winona fakir show scam, Winona directory growth, pelican rapids crop damage, Faribault family elopement, Madge Parker injury, Stewartville bus crash, Colburn fraud arrest, Foster scalding abuse by wife, and hospital care in St. Cloud.
Thomas L. Johnson of Eau Claire Wisconsin has slept for a week and remains in a weak state of health. A man arrested at Detroit Minnesota as a tramp carried 650 in cash 8000 in bonds and 25000 in bank certificates. Arrested suspects in the Hugoton murder case reach Liberal Kansas and are bound for Topeka under conspiracy charges. Troops stationed in Stevens county for about a week or ten days with two companies remaining longer if needed to quell disturbances in the neutral strip.
A West India cucujo fire beetle was caught in a Brooklyn yard by a boy’s daughter. The one and a half inch insect glows green from two eye like spots on the thorax and light shines from beneath the wing covers. The light fades when undisturbed and reappears with irritation. It may have arrived in Brooklyn on a fruit laden schooner.
A fast westbound Burlington freight near Benkleman Nebraska ejects four tramps. One man’s nose broken another loses an ear. A tramp named Jacob Luther dies after being kicked from the train near Parks Station ten miles west. Parents live near Yuma Colorado. Cruel brakemen face strong local sentiment.
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