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Newspaper
Brainerd Dispatch
Location
Brainerd, Minnesota, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1886
Page
2
The Brainerd Dispatch notes a likely 2000 to 3000 delegate turnout for the National Labor Convention in Cincinnati on February 22. Details of work to be performed were not yet announced. Meanwhile the Pacific coast draws many winter visitors with excursion rates similar to last year and flexible routing and stopovers.
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules a Law and Order League member cannot sit as juror in a case accusing illegal liquor sale when the complaint is filed by a League agent. The decision centers on potential bias and conflict of interest in the jury selection.
In Vienna the director of the imperial theatres forbids offering bouquets to actors or singers arguing the practice has gone too far. The bouquet trade is said to burden the actors’ management, a rule presumed to hold there as well.
The first week of December brings about three thousand newcomers landing at Castle Garden. Steamship lines intensify competition with a rate war, offering travel to Copenhagen Baltic ports for 20 dollars and to Ireland Britain or return for 25 dollars.
The United States copper coinage totals $5,000,000. For three years no cents were coined due to over-supply, but mints have resumed as demand rises. Retail dealers mark prices in fractions, creating demand for cents to make change, illustrating the aggregate importance of small transactions.
The present congress faces many demanding topics including interstate commerce, coast defenses, navy creation, the silver question, expediting supreme court business, counting electoral votes, Dakota and Washington Territory admissions, fisheries troubles, and extradition. Action on these items remains doubtful.
The gross earnings for the twenty six lines in the third week of November show a small decrease versus the same week last year, mainly in the Northwest due to severe weather. For the second week sixty six roads reported about eight percent, a satisfactory result given last November’s liberal earnings.
Dr Crosby and fellow philanthropists organize a company to open inviting coffee houses in New York with the aim of displacing liquor saloons. Initial capital is $150,000, planned to rise to $250,000 as expansion proceeds. The plan promises clean surroundings, affordable meals, and comfortable rooms for all, following success abroad.
The present session must complete all business in three months amid holiday breaks. Committees are formed and work laid out. Bills from the previous session sit on the calendar awaiting action. Old members predict a dull session focused mainly on regular appropriation bills.
General Sheridan's report notes current forces under 25,000 with 2,102 officers, yielding about one officer per eleven men. It traces peak strength to 1865 over a million, and historic lows in 1790 under a thousand, 1810 near ten thousand, 1848 around fifty thousand, with rapid 1861 growth to 186,000 and a final surge to the era's immense total.
Kate Martin, an eighteen year old from Ashley near Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania, regained speech after drinking a tea made from plaster fragments of Knock Chapel Ireland. Her parents, unable to travel, sent the plaster which was dissolved in hot water, followed by prayers, and speech returned the next morning.
In the Reichstag debate Count von Moltke warned that neighboring powers are armed and action on the military bill must not wait for septennial expiry. He argued France or Austria alliances shape peace or war, and emphasized unity and readiness over finance.
Government files a suit against Cunard over the Umbria captain's refusal to accept three bags of letters for America at Liverpool. London hosts a Liberal Unionist conference where Gladstone faced sharp questions. Nebraska City convict Lee Shellenberger for murder of 11 year old Maggie Shellenberger, with mother indicted. Congressman Price remembered for long service amid obituaries, pensions, and political shifts across multiple states and unions.
Minnesota items report Bishop and Mrs Whipple en route to Florida via New Orleans, wheat receipts in Little Falls rising to 115000 bushels, Wells fire engine frozen, a St Paul Duluth brake man badly injured, a public court scuffle, and early notices of statewide educational and political events. Other items include college governance updates, patent grants to Minnesotans, a Goebel shooting incident, county seat moves, rail and road developments, and drainage convention resolutions for the Red River valley.
The State of Minnesota State Railroad and Warehouse Commission releases its first biennial report to the legislature, urging amendments to regulate railroad rates, tariffs, stock increases, and liability. It proposes annual commissioner terms, stronger enforcement, and new taxes on gross earnings with detailed rules for reporting, publicity, and public notice.
A California paper details Fleet F Strother former St Paul resident and Auditor Strother who ordered Brother McKenzie to buy 1000 shares. After profits from a stock sale he netted 22000 dollars without spending a dollar. The Houston County Argus queries why Minnesota flour priced in London at 1 90 and at Houston 2 10 per hundred.
A rustic verse recalls a couple named Loweezy and Josiar walking by a river. He jokes over harvest weather then asks if they must part, while the speaker admits a hidden, growing love. The scene ends with the speaker confessing enduring affection for Josiar.
Evelyn Hazelton inherits Oakwood after discovering her father John Hazelton's last will hidden by a fallen tree. The story follows her struggle against a bitter stepbrother, her resolve to stay true to her father's wishes, and her eventual legal restoration with lawyer Mr Markley. Evelyn agrees to marry Mr Markley after justice is served.
The arrival of Lord Dursley recalls the tale of Frederick Augustus fifth Earl of Berkeley who secretly wed Miss Mary Cole in a marriage once hidden from view. He concealed the union for years even from friends including the Prince Regent at Berkeley Castle. Four children were born before a second ceremony was held five years after the first with legal counsel accepting it would not invalidate the initial union.
A Toledo Blade item recounts a scene at the National Museum where two young women examine a terracotta vase showing children and a cherub. One woman, unseen by others, delivers a firm spanking to the clay figure, prompting humorous speculation about her future offspring and upbringing.
An intelligent dog named Flash belonging to Dr. C. A. Packard of Bath followed his owner's carriage through a crowded street. After a paw injury worsened, Flash submitted to a painful operation. Later he guided a wounded companion to the doctor, returning with a black cart and prompting the vet to tend the other dog's injury.
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