17 Dec 1896
Page 1
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Newspaper
Cincinnati Commercial Tribune
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1896
Page
1
A report claims Cuban leader is in Matanzas Province ending a period of public festivities. The statement notes no further details on location or activities. Authorities have not issued additional confirmation.
Passengers arriving in Key West report Antonio Maceo is alive in Matanzas Province and celebrations for his death in Havana have been halted. The report notes patriot siege actions near Mayajibas and ongoing enlistees despite junta refusals.
Havana dispatch denies Madrid reports that Gen. Marin will replace Captain General Weyler. Weyler remains in office with royal support. insurgent actions shift westward as Carrillo and Gomez led forces, with bombardments, raids, and evacuations across towns like Placeta, Quemada de Guines, Yaguajay, and La Esperanza. Naval officials protest Anzio Maceo allegations. Maj. Garcia Faujal resists surrender at Palma.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee met to discuss Cuban resolutions. No action was taken as members adjourned to Friday. A subcommittee will consult Secretary Olney for more information and views on a possible congressional declaration. Lamont resolution expected to be reported favorably Friday.
Special Dispatch from Key West reports Raleigh and Newark searched the Caribbean for the filibuster but found no trace. The ships cruised eastward near shore and did not sight a landing expedition or substantial Cuban forces, despite rumors of General Gomez guarding the southwest shore to aid inland operations.
Reports from Cuba claim Bermuda and Three Friends can defend themselves as sponges arriving today note naval presence. Observers report at least three war vessels and five or six large launches sighted in the straits between here and Havana.
Details from Havana report on the death of Antonio Maceo during a surprise encounter near Guatao. The Cuban general and his staff were engaged by insurgents, Gomez and Aguirre plans, and a fierce pursuit followed the exchange, with Maceo dying after a rifle volley and Gomez and staff members attaining battle safety.
A Cincinnati company of unemployed workers plans to travel to join the Cuban liberty fight. Organizers Henry Kirby Huntington J Smith and John Bowles have begun recruiting with 25 to 30 men, aiming to reach Indianapolis Louisville Nashville and Tampa en route to the island.
Lieutenant H J Alvarez, Cuban Junta agent in Boston, reports a New York office telegram saying no more men are needed at present. About seventy five are ready to start and many more want to join, but the Junta has reached capacity for now. The challenge is to transport already enlisted men to Cuba, not find new volunteers.
Huntington West Virginia December 16 fifty strapping mountaineers from the lumber regions of the Big Sandy and Guyandotte rivers arrived here with their arms and ammunition ready for business.
Polish citizens in Chicago allocated 500 dollars from the Polish National Alliance treasury to support the Cuban cause and adopted resolutions of sympathy. A mass meeting was held tonight at the Church at Dearborn and State streets to express support.
Special Dispatch reports Hancock County’s first legal execution in Sneedville as Marion Hatfield is hanged for the murder of Jonas Trail. About 5,000 spectators witnessed the event on December 16, with Hatfield showing frailty as the trap was sprung at 1 p.m. Sheriff Buttrey oversaw the execution. no disturbance occurred.
A nineteenth year old murderer linked to the Hatfield clan, relative of the Kentucky feuding family. The piece notes the Hatfields long feud with the McCoys that haunted border counties.
A nineteenth century account describes Jonas Trail and Hatfield in a feud rooted in moonshine, illicit stills, and a revenge scheme led by Hainey Jordan. Trail’s wealth and Hatfield’s role as an accomplice unfold as witnesses recount a deadly crime in remote Hancock County.
Ten statements reveal a scheme hatched after a baptism and an atheistic stance. Hainey Jordan influenced a man to kill Trail for money, planning a brutal attack on March 26. Hatfield struck Trail from behind with a club while a woman stabbed him in the throat.
Hatfield bludgeoned a man to death with a stone and searched the dead man's pockets. Hatfield admitted guilt at his home and faced multiple conflicting stories involving his wife, his mother, or a man named Collins. Collins was arrested but cleared. Jordan's part in the crime was alleged. Hatfield was tried, convicted largely on the state’s evidence, and the judgment was upheld by the Supreme Court in Knoxville, sentencing him to hang on December 6.
Mariéd Hatfield testifies she helped kill Jonas Trail on March 25, 1896 with Haney Jordan and her husband Charley Collins. He says Trail, caught at a country tavern, was slain for his money after Jordan and others lured him, and that Hatfield blames Jordan, his wife, and Collins while exonerating others.
Huntington dispatch reports E Hatfield of Mingo County, kin to Cap Hatfield, arrested for passing worthless checks. Police found him with several suits of cocking hats shoes gold watches and rings.
Washington hearings on tariff policy attract broad business interest as the Ways and Means Committee prepares to hear arguments for raising rates. Democrats plan to present rebuttals to support continuing the Wilson bill, with written statements to be filed for the record. A proposed silver duty is dismissed as fiction, as the focus remains on a lead ore duty to aid lead interests and silver miners.
Governor elect Mount, visiting Indianapolis, plans no immediate executive residence and signals no major reforms. He says vacancies in boards under the governor will be filled by Governor Matthews after term expirations, with spring vacancies due after Miss Reame’s term ends and police commissioners’ terms expiring early in the year.
The United Mine Workers of America will hold its National Convention in Columbus on January 12 after the State Convention. President P. P. Penna and Secretary W C Pearce issued the call. Presidential candidates are M D Ratchford Alexander Johnson and Patrick McBride. The unsettled coal mining situation makes the gathering unusually significant.
Columbus Ind December 16 W A Mason who ran for joint Senatorship of Brown Monroe and Morgan counties in November carried the whole Democratic vote The Republicans had no candidate McCord the sitting Senator was granted a two year holdover from 1894 Mason now declares his intention to contest McCord s right to hold the seat by the Supreme Court decision McCord seeks to retain the seat despite Mason s challenge.
Kenton Ohio December 16 A Rev. receives a call at the office of Columbus Ohio concerning his pastorate at St. John's German Parish pending confirmation by church authorities.
Special Dispatch reports official election statistics show every county in Ohio increased both Republican and Democratic votes. The largest GOP gains occurred in Adams, Ashtabula, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Lawrence, Lorain, Mahoning, Montgomery, Pickaway and Trumbull, with total Republican gains of 97,859 and a statewide vote rise across parties.
Charles B. Smith Jr a 25 year old hat merchant partner with his father attempted suicide by leaping 100 feet into the Ohio River from the Big Four and C&O Bridge at 4 pm. A ferry pilot saw him fall and two men in a skiff rescued him as he struggled in the cold water. It was reported at his home that ill health had left him irresponsible.
Lawrenceburg Kentucky December 16 The grand jury seeks indictments against mobsters who destroyed tollgates in the county three months earlier Judge Carroll orders honorable means to uphold the law He notes a tollgate on Clifton pike north of town remained intact last night, suggesting his court talk has slowed further vandalism
The Arcadia from Port au Prince reports dire yellow fever conditions in Port au Prince and the harbor vessels. Natives suffer intensely as the disease, worst in twelve years, overwhelms crews and civilians alike with widespread death and misery.
May Collins rests in Earlington as family mourns without songs or prayers. Remains arrived from Boston to a quiet chapel service where Moses Kaufman spoke. The mother, sister, and brother endured a somber scene before burial with no grave rites. The brother suspects foul play and theft of diamonds, sending Attorney W Hoag to Boston for inquiry.
Washington December 16 A well known young man Frank R Phister son of the late Elijah C Phister who served Kentucky s Tenth district in Congress died by his own hand at his boarding house early today He was a clerk in the Indian Bureau His remains may be taken to Maysville Kentucky for interment.
A telegram from Washington announced the death of Frank R. Phister in the capital. He was the son of the late Hon. E. C. Phister and brother of ex-Peele Judge Thomas R. Phister of Maysville.
Frank Phister, cousin of Montgomery Phister dramatic editor of the Commercial Tribune, is described as bright and active. Telegrams from Washington and Maysville report his death as a rash act, with no further information available to Mr. Phister who is at a loss to explain the tragedy.
Washington December 16 The Secretary of the Navy released court of inquiry findings on the battleship Texas which sank while dry docked in New York. He declares the Texas sound with no more accidents than class peers and notes it has faced malicious attacks by naval officers. A general order warns officers against discussing such subject publicly.
Columbus authorities, December 16, state Attorney General Monnett affirmed that boys and girls aged fourteen to sixteen who are not regularly employed must attend school. The ruling comes at the urging of State School Commissioner arson, emphasizing the compulsory education stance despite readers' English abilities.
Springfield reports at midnight Dr. Vance the physician for Mr. John Bushnell states that barring accident or backset he now considers the patient practically out of danger.
A stalled Dinghey bill triggers widespread talk in the Senate as discussions harden over western state policy. Lawmakers debate implications, with opponents urging quick action and supporters seeking broader review.
Allen delivers a sharp critique of the president in a fiery political rally, accusing the administration of missteps and promising to push bold reforms if elected. The speech drew cheering support from aides and supporters in the crowd.
Senate session features leaders Sherman Frye Teller Gorman West Aldrich Platt Chandler Hale Allen in a lively tariff clash. Platt announces no push to pass the Dingley bill, Sherman concedes, and debate centers on tinplate wool and fiscal policy amid partisan tempers.
Major McKinley leaves Canton at 9 27 pm to join his wife at the McWilliams home in Chicago seeking rest and quiet. He travels with H O Heistand and Dawes to accompany the President elect and amused newspapermen. Abner McKinley joins in Chicago for the visit as rest determines how long the stay lasts.
Count Lorenzo Mabes and Graf Henri Kling, both from Europe, were arrested in Chicago on a swindle charge involving a restaurant owner and two young women who say they were defrauded of $2,000. They traveled with Camille Boussart and Alice Smith who lent $2,000 each, with promises of repayment from Mabes' father. Mabes claimed to be a French army aide de camp.
In Georgetown on December 16 the President and party hunted ducks on South Island, securing 61 of 100 birds. A deer drive produced no shots due to high water, with plans to continue mainland hunting in coming days. The Wisteria carried the party to Annandale Club preserves after grounding on a shoal.
A St. Louis couple C. J. Witte and Miss Annie Lammers eloped to Kentucky to wed after Missouri banned close relatives from marrying. County Judge Lee united them in Mayfield despite questions about her age under Kentucky law as a license was initially refused in Paducah.
In Portsmouth Ohio on December 16 a rivalry grows among Justices of the Peace for marriage business. Squire Hall and Mayor Row previously led the field, but Squire S O Cole now offers to provide each marrying couple a cabinet photograph and a certificate, promising a dozen portraits if he officiates.
In Parkersburg West Virginia William Sisk who swallowed lye in childhood has throat cavities that never filled. A piece of meat wedged in a cavity and cannot be removed by surgeons. He cannot swallow liquids and doctors plan an incision to relieve the obstruction and prevent starvation or death from thirst.
Rev. J H Harwell pastor of the M E Church at Cambridge City arrived in Richmond and raised between 200 and 200 on checks drawn on Western Wayne Bank Cambridge City. Bank reports no money on deposit. He was arrested that evening and to be brought to trial.
The annual Charity Ball was held tonight in the Cleveland Grays Armory with a large attendance of fashionable and wealthy city residents. Hon and Mrs M A Hanna led the grand march.
Michael O Rourke a N and W Railway carpenter fell from the Lawson Run trestle where he was working and was fatally injured He had recently come to Portsmouth from Cincinnati and moved to this city for work
Athens Colorado report says Congressman Grosvenor is at home with slight threat trouble but able to resume duties. Local officials note no serious harm and all usual business proceeds.
Cincinnati officials return from Nashville after securing terms to enlarge an annex and carve out 50 000 square feet for Cincinnati manufacturing exhibits as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition plans. The party also tours grounds, meets with Expo leaders, and discusses a Cincinnati building for visitor rest and meetups.
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