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Newspaper
Brainerd Dispatch
Location
Brainerd, Minnesota, United States of America
Date
Mar 18, 1887
Page
2
Brainerd Dispatch reports mixed political and economic items. It notes criticism of Gen Greely, discussion of direct war tax refunds, gold coin shortages and premiums, the fisheries retaliation law, and a sweep of proposed congress actions including pensions, tariffs, and various bills affecting federal governance.
The report details a landmark ruling on how the Supreme Court construes boundary limits for railroad grants, affecting all similar grants. It notes that lines through extremities define the grant perimeter and that the decision has wide implications for interstate railroad authority and future allocations.
Boston March 14 A terrible railroad accident on the Dedham branch between Forest Hill and Roslindale at Bussey Park bridge left thirty three dead and many injured. The 7 o clock Dedham train of seven cars and a baggage car broke through the bridge as the engine and three cars cleared the danger. The other four cars plummeted to the road beneath and the last car, a smoker, overturned onto the rest crushing them. Survivors and witnesses describe extensive injuries and the rescue work as rain hindered efforts. Names of the dead and injured include Edward F Norris and Edgar M Snow of West Roxbury, Waldo Laillier West Roxbury, Lisa Mandeville Dedham Roslindale and many others.
In a May 1886 case at Nellsville Derby, Henry Wright died after alleged poisoning. Neighbors David Allen and Wright’s wife faced indictment as evidence showed strychnine was added to Wright’s water and meals. Margaret Wright, widow, testified despite fears of state witness immunity, detailing suspicious letters and a complex motive in a tense courtroom scene.
In Minnesota a lengthy discussion centers on Dr. Werner Siemens theory that electricity could create or enhance food, potentially warming and nourishing people during shortages. The article outlines speculative chemistry, energy release in reactions, and public figures tied to the era’s scientific debate, with local references to Minnesota districts and officials.
Paris report describes the first execution of a woman by guillotine in fifteen years. A daughter murdered her elderly mother after planning the act, then set fire to her, held her down, and offered thanks with a candle. Mob violence surrounded the case as crowds watched the execution carried out by M. Deibler’s device, with public sentiment divided between horror and insistence on justice.
Anecdote on animal trainers and Jumbo the elephant reveals strong attachments between trainers and their beasts. Matthew Scott, longtime Jumbo guardian, is revealed to have vanished after leaving for England with a Barnum exhibit. Hutchinson investigates sightings in Bridgeport, uncovering Scott’s daily visits to Jumbo’s stored remains, suggesting a mysterious departure and continued bond with the dead animal.
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