17 Dec 1886
Page 1
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Newspaper
Philadelphia Times
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Dec 17, 1886
Page
1
Washington buzzes over Saturday's tariff vote as Morrison's bill faces a tight House battle. Democrats threaten to push a tobacco tax repeal and spirits tax cut if Morrison wins passage, seeking assurances before entering committee. Senate action includes vessel damage suits and land allotments to Indians, with related speeches and disputes noted.
A secret Democratic meeting plans a plan of operations on the Morrison motion to go into committee of the whole. They propose repeal of all taxes on tobacco and spirits, repeal of licenses, and a cut in duty on spirits, with strategized inquiries to Morrison on germane issues, while Republicans seek to rally support and influence key votes before Saturday's crucial decision.
The Senate opened a full day with bills including a plan to popularize U S Senate elections, raises for education and labor chiefs, and a war river commission funding query. The House passed a desertion relief for Lt. Myron Dunlap and heard tobacco packing protests, while a Staten Island hospital issue and ship leasing case moved forward. Beck and Pugh clashed over judiciary claims amid remarks about open sessions.
Washington December 14 The House passed a Senate bill to pay pensions from the naval pension fund to every person who served as an enlisted navy or Marine Corps member and those who served in similar roles. A Senate bill allows admirals Rowan and Worden to retire after forty years’ service at top pay. The Indian land allotment bill passes, allotting reservations to Indians in sever alty with specified sections per family member and age. Citizenship rights are conferred on qualified Indians, with exceptions for certain tribes and regions. The urgent deficiency bill for public printing is approved and the sundry civil bill advances after amendments.
The Comptroller reports as ex officio Commissioner that on December 4 the bank held a balance of 7719 dollars and urges the government to assume liabilities to depositors. He criticizes former managers and notes the 1879 investigation found tangled reckonings and suspected dishonesty among some active managers.
The Venezuelan president issued a decree dated November 26, 1886 closing the port of Maturin and opening Cano Colorado to foreign commerce. Maturin sits 60 miles inland on the Guarapiche river. Cano Colorado lies near the river mouth with a port offering secure anchorage for large ships.
The President forwarded several nominations to the Senate. Thomas S. Tice of New York is named Assistant Appraiser of Merchandise in New York. Frank H. Genover of Florida would be Collector of Customs at St. Augustine. Erskine M. Ross of California to be District Judge for the Southern District of California. J. Marion Brooks of California to be Attorney for the Southern District of California. Rev. William David Walker of Fargo Dakota to be a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners, replacing William T. Johnson who resigned.
Washington dispatch reports Senator Sewell stating the Democrats hold the prima facie case in New Jersey but Republicans will not concede. He notes Republicans have carefully surveyed the situation and will stay active, adding the Senate election process begins on the second Tuesday in January and he remains in the field until another candidate is elected.
The House military affairs committee completed the army appropriation bill and will report it to the House tomorrow. The total appropriation stands at 23,657,238 dollars, with service estimates totaling 25,524,587 dollars and the current year appropriation at 23,794,001 dollars.
Friends of the late General W S Hancock have raised funds to buy a home for his widow. The committee in charge awaits Mrs Hancock's approval and will proceed to purchase a house in Washington to provide her with a residence.
Citizens committees including Messia McManes Disston and Smith hold a meeting while Republican leaders delay selecting a mayoral candidate. Tomorrow delegates will decide if they act as a unified team or diverge. Leaders insist on maintaining influence as delegate-makers, while Citizens and Union League seek independence from the machine. A general discussion by the Union League is noted with no candidate agreement yet.
A citizens committee sub committee met at the Merchants Club with Leaders McManes Disston and Mayor Smith present while Lane and Leeds did not appear. Lane is ill and Leeds offered no reason. No conference occurred and talks focused on potential candidates with Wanamaker still favored by the committee and Gates mentioned as a leading figure for consideration. The Union League committee would not invite the leaders without an official invitation.
John Hewitt, a wealthy Rogers Park resident, was robbed of $70 by two men who assaulted him. John Harris confessed to the Lakeview station that Harry Hewitt, the elder Hewitt’s son, aided the crime. Harris and Hewitt Sr. say the son planned murder alongside robbery. Harris was wounded and Hewitt Sr. freed himself and alerted authorities.
A Darby temperance society announces a plan to acquire or lease local taverns, read rooms, and a kindergarten to block liquor sales. Two taverns are eyed for control. a $100 bonds and $10 stock scheme funds the effort, with 1400 signers backing the petition and a $100 reward for innkeepers convicted since March 12, 1886. The Philadelphia Hotel and Buttonwood House negotiations are reported as pending, while ongoing lease disputes threaten a shift of Darby’s oldest tavern into a coffee house next spring.
In New York on December 16, Abraham Vermeer and Isaac McDonihi filed a Supreme Court complaint against the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company and the Central Trust Company seeking an injunction to stop applying railway revenues to harm the B bondholders of the 15 million dollars in series B bonds. They allege discrimination against B bonds, with A bonds receiving full interest and B holders forced into reduced cash payments or scrip, and claim earnings are diverted to Newport News extension debt. The action seeks to restrain improper practices and preserve due interest.
The Americus Club presidency race tightens as John Welsh and President McGowan seek pledges. C C Dougherty, a restaurant owner at Twelfth and Sansom, may lean Welsh. Magistrate Lennon, a McGowan backer, cannot determine Dougherty’s stance. McGowan, Kendrick, and Zell discuss Dougherty’s loyalties but remain unsure. Zell claims twenty pledges for McGowan. Dominoes club members favor Welsh and threaten to bar sniffles from the parlors at the next meeting.
John J. Fox of St. Paul fell from the Chicago limited at Allegheny as he feared a robbery. Dragged fifteen feet, he fled to Irwin avenue. He sought aid at James Lockhart’s home, who died at 1 am. Fox was treated at Allegheny Hospital and then continued to New York.
The Little Church Around the Corner was filled today with friends of the late Signor Operti for his funeral. The Rev. Dr. Houghton officiated. Pallbearers included P. B. Gilmore, C. A. Cappa, William Bayne, F. X. Diller, Jesse Williams, L. Conterno, W. C. Brown, Henry Widmar, Charles Ering, John Braham, F. W. Zantig, L. L. Liefels and Theodore Obrist. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.
Freight conductors on the Albany and Chicago Railway return to work after a strike. Baltimore glass-blowers end their walkout and resume on old terms. Alfred Sully elected president of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, succeeding A S Buford. Government bonds Solomon Islands in accord with England. The United States ship Tennessee departs with a flagged note of desertion or obstruction.
A well dressed man using the name Rudolph Drinkhaus checked into Green's hotel, handed an envelope said to hold a $500 check, and charged meals to a phantom transfer. Police found only blank plastic with hotel letterheads and arrested the suspect at Central Station. The case, linked to similar schemes, proceeds to a magistrate hearing.
Washington trving Bishop performed a mind reading demonstration at the Clover Club December dinner at Hotel Bellevue. Blindfolded, he located a hidden knife and retrieved items hidden by others, then returned them to owners. Notables present included Smedley, Armstrong, Hastings, Babcock and Knox. A Mizpah opera number was previewed for Chestnut Street Theatre benefit.
General Beaver and the Commissioners seek 250000 for the Soldiers and Sailors' Home in Erie. The commission asks the Legislature for the appropriation to complete the building and furnish it, lets a contractor for the superintendent's house at 9000, and reports inmates discharged and admitted amid debates on sending immoral inmates to the home. J H Osmer visits with Governor elect Beaver amid Secretary of State speculation.
A 5 year old named Quinn was found hanging in his room at 533 North Front Street. Neighbors had missed him for days and forced entry after finding the door blocked, discovering the corpse. The body was taken to the Morgue and a coroner's inquest is awaited to determine cause. He had relatives in the city’s south who left three years ago but supported his lodging.
General William G. Harding owner of Belle Meade stock farm and famed turfman died in Nashville at over seventy years old. A pioneer in racing, he rode at Peyton stakes, the era’s largest purse, and later focused on breeding stock for sale. Belle Meade spans about 4000 acres with rich meadows and numerous streams.
In Edwards Mississippi December 16 a steady exodus of black residents continues as emigration agents lure families away with promises of a better life in the bottom land. Planters report depopulation and merchants worry about next year’s crop. A mass meeting of white and colored citizens adopted resolutions ordering the cessation of agent activity.
Margaret McMahon of 503 South Front Street faced Magistrate Lennon for neglecting her five children. The Society to Protect Children from Cruelty took custody of the youngsters. Initially fined ten dollars, the penalty was suspended. McMahon was granted relief as the court noted extenuating circumstances surrounding the prisoner’s family.
In the Campbell divorce trial Dr Bird testified of a long acquaintance with Lady Miles and Lady Colin Campbell, denying improper relations. He produced a letter from Lady Colin at age ten and recounted tending her after a singing at Newcross. The judge noted some evidence against General Butler, while the defense questioned Annie Duffy’s credibility as sole corroboration. The court adjourned for the day.
In Berlin the military bill commission debated battalion strength for three versus seven years, with Von Huene and Stauffenberg proposing reductions and shifts to service terms. General Von Schellendorf opposed two years, leading to a 16 to 12 vote and a suspended session. Final approval set 450,000 men for three years amid a coalition split.
London reports John Dillon member for East Mayo William OBrien editor of United Ireland Matthew Harris MP for East Galway and David Sheehy MP for South Galway were seized at Loughrea County Galway on charges of conspiracy to defraud. Police also seized eighty pounds Dillon had just received in trust from tenants. The four were remanded for a week.
The Bombay Gazette reports France is active against British interests on the Somali coast near the Gulf of Aden. Frenchmen reportedly raised their flag at Dongarita within British protection. The British Bulhar agent leads twenty five men to remove the flag, while two French boats from Aden and the gunboat Penguin pursue the vessels.
General Pelissier hosted a banquet for United States Minister McLane and the French delegates to the dedication ceremony for the statue of liberty enlightening the world. He expressed deep emotion over the cordial reception by the American people. McLane praised enduring friendship between France and the United States.
Dispatches from Mandalay report Colonel Heyland with British troops pursued seven hundred Dacoits, killed two hundred, and captured many others. Ammunition stores were seized at several locations. In St. Petersburg three thousand Hubbard's mill workers struck, attacked buildings, smashed windows, and pelted firm members with bricks. fifty rioters were arrested.
Sr. PetersurG dispatch notes Moscow papers publish tenders for vast war materiel including tents cloaks boots gun powder and bullets to be delivered by April at the latest detailing quantities such as 500000 soldiers cloaks and 2009 pairs of boots.
Belfast reports twenty one men were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from three months to seven years for taking part in last summer's Belfast riots.
In Madrid on December 16 a palace guard stopped a decently dressed man attempting to enter the Queen's residence. The detainee appears to be of unsound mind as officials described him as insane.
London December 16 The Earl of Iddesleigh British Foreign Minister arrived in London today after being summoned to confer with the Cabinet on foreign affairs. The meeting will address pending diplomatic questions and the conduct of international relations.
In a dreary two room dwelling behind 1807 North Second Street, Patrick Devlin's 17 year old daughter and his 11 year old son died within hours of each other. Medical examiners opened post mortems while the family, poor and crowded, faced eviction pressures and the house’s filth. The coroner planned today’s inquest as the mother recalled rent arrears and neglect.
A Ashburnham financier Charles Winchester faces a 500000 dollar failure and assignment, rattling banks in New England. His investments in Southern pine lands and lumber tie to Monroe Brothers of Cleveland and Golden Brothers of Marlboro. Banks report unsecured notes and partial security, while committees move to Cleveland to recover funds. Winchester seeks compromise with creditors.
In Lexington on December 16 the joint sale of thoroughbreds concluded with 21 head in supplementary catalogs realizing $6,525 at an average of 310.71. Fifty horses at the American Horse and Cattle Exchange sold for 40,145, averaging 802.90. One hundred nineteen horses remain to be sold tomorrow morning. Top prices reached 3,500 for Grimaldi bay colt foaled 1883, purchased by D. B. Pulsifer. Hyder All at 3,500 bought by James Murphy. Phil Lee bay colt 1883 sold to G. B. Morris for 2,000. Bidding concentrated in the South and West. few Northern turfmen present, none of national prominence.
Johnny McAuliffe arrives home from Boston and says Arthur Chambers is bluffing about a fight. He recounts a heated exchange with Chambers in which insults were exchanged and a potential Toronto bout discussed with a $100 forfeit, plus a $500 to $2,500 side bet. McAuliffe, 39, weighs ten pounds more than Chambers and offers to meet at any weight.
The Divinity School chapel on Fiftieth street and Woodland avenue hosted yesterday's matriculation services. Prospective students enter in September on probation until enrolled as matriculates. Among speakers were Bishop Stevens Assistant Bishop Whitaker Rev Dr Garrison and other Episcopal divines. Attendees listed include Lord Gilberson Winfield Baer Newton Black J L Prevost John Warnock and others. Whitaker offered practical guidance after Bishop Stevens addressed the gathering and was later hosted at a library reception.
Newark reports Major Nathaniel F. Hurd, veteran of the 1812 war and staff to Major General John Montgomery, died in Montclair. He helped introduce the hot blast oven to American iron manufacturers and recently marked his 95th birthday visiting Ohio iron fields.
Reading December 16 Miss Hannah Mull sues Daniel Brown for 10000 damages alleging he started the story that she was the mother of the child found in Saucony creek with its throat cut. Brown is in prison unable to furnish bail.
The sixteenth annual reunion of the Princeton Alumni Association for the District of Columbia and the Southern States was held at Chamberlin's Hotel tonight. DistinguIshed alumni attended including Senator A H Colquitt, W W Meth, and Congressmen John Reyverhart, Robert 8 Green, John A Swope and Harvey Lindsley.
Océan Steamship arrivals show vessels at New York Herschel from Rio Janeiro Flamborough from At Kitts and Demerara. Lizard Point Nederland arrives from New York while Off Scilly Fulda sails from New York.
The article reports that more aldermen will be tried in January with Jacob Sharp possibly facing the bar of justice. It notes a stay sought by Alderman McQuade’s lawyers and suggests Sharp could be sentenced in prison soon. District Attorney Martine claims knowledge of the direct briber. Juror Rosenberg considers suing over perjury claims.
New York dispatch details McQuade the convicted alderman facing sentence with expectations of a ten year term and possible four years for good behavior. The piece notes his calm demeanor in Tombs, visits by family and politicians, and whispers of mercy or plea deals amid prosecutor Martine’s stance. It outlines potential upcoming trials for other aldermen and the Broad Way corruption cases as Rosenberg vows to pursue perjury charges against ex-employers.
The second annual reunion of resident and ex-resident physicians of Pennsylvania Hospital was held in the hospital library. Sixty five physicians attended, including former staff member Dr Agnew. Dr John H Packard presided and Dr Hi H Smith, oldest ex-resident, attended. A banquet followed with toasts to Visiting Members, Hospitals of Philadelphia, The Staff, Our City Members and Our Army ex-Residents.
John Roach the ship builder is not dying or in imminent danger of death. His son and physician said the reports about his illness reflected disturbance at his home and caused him extreme annoyance.
In PrrrsBuRG on December 16 a Clearfield special reports that forty workers at the tannery of Fayerweather and Leadow were discharged for joining the Knights of Labor. Several hundred more workers employed by the firm threaten to quit unless the discharged men are reinstated.
Local forecast notes fair weather for today with southwest winds and warmer temps. The Philadelphia United States Signal Office report lists mean barometer 20.082 inches, max temperature 22, min 13, and a wind gust to 32 mph from the northwest. A storm last night ended around 0.20 A.M. with sun rising at 7.17 A.M. High water at 6.21 and 6.46 AM.
Rev Sam Jones lectures tomorrow at Association Hall on The Troubles of Life and What to Do. Mayor Smith appointed Milton J. Cale private watchman for Hav erford avenue. The Philadelphia Assembly hosted a reception at 1127 Girard with about two hundred attendees. Fourth entertainment of the eighteenth annual Caledonian Club series at 214-216 Pine. James McClees, 85, found unconscious in snow brought to Pennsylvania Hospital. Handel's Samson to be performed tonight at Academy of Music by Cecilian under Michae H. Cross. Anti eviction meeting planned at Horticultural Hall with Attorney General Cassidy presiding and speakers including A K McClure and Rudolph Blankenburg. Samuel W Kennedy died at 514 Fairmount after injury on a Bryn Mawr trip. pioneer windmill maker. Mrs Clarke Merchant hosted a reception at Sedos South Broad with over two hundred prominent guests. The party favored two daughters.
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