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Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Aug 16, 1889
Page
4
The Dispatch reports average net circulation of its Sunday edition. Figures cover a three month period ending July 31. Results reflect total paid and voluntary subscriptions across all distribution zones.
President Harrison in Bath reiterates the aim to restore the American merchant marine and carrying trade. The editorial notes shipbuilding city pride, urges Congress to act promptly, and argues a restored shipping industry benefits national prosperity and international standing.
Government report details the May 30 31 storm spanning Illinois to Pennsylvania with two to eight inches of rain and a 12 000 square mile eastward oval area. The deluge weighed about 6 732 246 000 tons and will factor into court actions over dam breach responsibility.
The Dispatch notes severe declines in trust stocks amid a bleak outlook. It cites a contemporary critique of the Sugar Trust, arguing that protectionism creates home markets and fierce intra and inter federation competition, a trap for weaker rivals and a burden on the public.
The elixir of life claimed by Dr Browan Sequard risks turning into the elixir of death as doctors widely adopt his discovery. His high reputation has prompted many physicians worldwide to accept his French experiments without thorough testing. Reports mention that about six elderly patients received the compound into their veins.
Experiments show temporary signs of rejuvenation from animal tissue injections but offer no assurance of permanence. Some researchers question any real tonic effect, attributing changes to imagination or placebo. Bacteria found in the elixir raises safety concerns as abscesses occur in patients. The Dispatch doubts any reliable utility and notes potential harm, suggesting a monopoly for Brown Sequard if the public accepts the treatment.
The Clan-na-Gael in Chicago held picnics speeches and patriotic resolutions split into pro Cronin and anti Cronin factions. Friends of Cronin denounced the murder while pledging loyalty to Ireland's liberty and to Parnell and Gladstone. Cardinal Lavigerie plans a crusade against Moslem tyranny with Vatican support but faces power pressures to curb activity.
The piece notes the French court that tried General Boulanger Count Dillon and Henri Rochefort in absentia did not issue death sentences, all remaining beyond jurisdiction. It mentions Mrs Maybrick and a possible reprieve, plus Pennsylvania politics and army desertion figures. It also comments on Pittsburgh postoffice salary readjustments and the DrsPatch.
From McKeesport comes Teemer a modest oarsman who may beat any rival if he avoids self defeat. Pittsburg baseball is unreliable and the city’s press vows to expose every guilty conspirator in a major New York divorce case and a Broadway scandal while two weak NL clubs dominate New York and Boston. The New Zealand House debates expanding membership after a 76 hour session ending with adjournment.
Lord Tennyson walks daily as Miller amasses wealth from Oak land buys. Randall hosts Drexel and G. W. er at Wallingford. A Tennyson volume appears among London reprints. French architect Sola del, famed in Corea, fled after being stoned. Dr Theodore of Bavaria lauded after cataract surgeries. Greek Crown Prince marriage contract signed in Potsdam with large dowry. General Spinner ill at Pablo Beach aged about 82. cancer from faulty glasses ends long career.
The article tracks Louise Thorndyke and Mrs Dion Boucicault in New York a week apart with sightings at a closed carriage and Palmer's Theater. It also notes a burlesque at Wallack's and describes Mrs Boucicault’s pale blue dress and striking eyes. The piece shifts to the aftermath of May floods in Pennsylvania, detailing damage to bridges on the Juniata and Susquehanna Valleys and the rebuilding efforts along the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Colonel Samuel Fowler once led the Fifteenth New Jersey Volunteers and rode his charger Restress on campaigns and caring for wounded. The famed warhorse now aged ninety remains healthy and free to roam, after a long career serving his master and battlefield comrades.
A Philadelphia Inquirer feature notes three dogs with high intelligence. Dash, a pointer owned by a city man, opens doors and spells words via wooden blocks with a newspaper girl. Prentice, an intelligent water spaniel, follows master’s orders and even acts as a chambermaid helper. Punch, Panin, and a sing dog charm readers with a dislike of street music and a talent for performing dog fashion in sync with home life.
An Navy Department notice invites proposals to furnish about 661 tons of steel armor plates for the battleship Texas. The document ends a long dispute in the Bureau of Construction Texas plans claim the ship would float as designed, though buoyancy and speed concerns persist. Bids open October 1.
Residents at Twelfth and Oxford streets watched a white sparrow they call a king among its sober mates. The bird attracts crowds as it feeds, builds a nest, and disciplines others who refuse to pay tribute, suggesting a life of idle luxury under its authority.
A legend from Hertfordshire reports five large trees rising from Lady Grimestone’s grave near Tewin. The tale ties her alleged atheism to future green growth, claims the grave railing shattered, and cites an inscription for her body dated November 22, 1713. Skeptics question the truth but note the unusual claim.
Susa Young Gates argues polygamy lets a man hear about his faults from two or three plainly spoken wives holding the mirror up to nature. The Boston Herald notes this as an original but controversial excuse.
F M Stilwell misplaced his checkbook and signed checks by mistake. One check was cashed at Marion Bank before the theft was detected, with £900 missing and the thief escaping.
Ex President Cleveland keeps a habit of a week’s vacation every fortnight. The piece jokes he would eat himself to death if he found a clover patch.
Washington reports the sudden death of General Theodore S. West of the Langham Hotel in New York after a July quarrel with Sterling Huffin in Asbury Park New Jersey. Huffin, a Treasury clerk from Carolina, struck West with an umbrella during a dispute. The incident follows West’s long military service and his connection to General Crocker. Also noted is the death of Professor Elias Loomis in New Haven Connecticut.
Special telegram from the Dispatch notes thatMrs Kt J Wright is appointed postmaster at Calvin Henington county James BD Harman at Gilpin Indiana county E E Clavis at Jolleytown Greene county. Also mentions flying machines and railroad ties as evolving topics across newspapers.
A student encounters the forest bound by philosophy and love. Guardian spirits block entry until pride yields, then love conquers caution. In dim nooks ruled by love, he seeks no books but whispers of a fairy tale in the magical wood.
A new hardy cockroach variety Blatta Orientalis arrived with mail in Philadelphia and spread through the post office. Exterminator James Bellem implemented a treatment that quickly reduced the infestation, leaving only a few bags remaining to be cleared in a matter of days.
The Bijou Theater opened under favorable signs with the Haverly-Cleveland Minstrel Company drawing a full crowd. Hughey Dougherty and Billy Emerson drew repeated recalls, with military maneuvers by the Egyptian phalanx and juggling by the Imperial Japanese Troupe adding novelty to an entertaining program.
In Birmingham an incident from eighteen years ago details a fight between George Green and Henry Smith in Colbert County Alabama. Green shot Smith. after a slow recovery Smith moved away with his family and later his wife and son joined him. Green is set to be released from prison once legal formalities are completed.
In Newtos New Jersey farmer Peter M. Larew caught his cow being milked unseen. He moved the animal to a nearer pasture to trap the thief, then returned it and shot a snake's head when it reappeared. The cow reacted violently and died days later. The item also includes a moralizing aside on habitual behavior and depravity.
The New York Telegram reports a physician warns the public not to look directly at the naked arc of electric light. He cautions that eye exposure may trigger biopharospasm central scotomata and chromatopia, a grave warning during peaceful times.
A collection of brief reports describes a six foot black snake killed by B F Guster of Ligonier, a four foot rattler slain by Misses Montre and Minnie Madison of Hillside, and other local snake encounters. A large Ga rattlesnake with 16 rattles and a length record is mentioned, plus tales of a Nebraska girl stamping a rattlesnake to death, and a Pennsylvania man killed by a snake bite myth. An Altoona Times note recounts a postal clerk's encounter with a snake in a post box, eventually captured with ropes and grapnels.
A reflective piece on American Indian history, illustrating perceived wrongs by settlers and government agents. It cites Red Jacket and a log moving anecdote to critique treaties and the idea of Indian country, arguing whites often exploited natives while Indians retained some honor when fairly urged.
An essay argues the frail legal tenure of Indian lands threatens sovereignty as white settlers push into Oklahoma. It cites Oklahoma boomers, land agents, and Congress actions as decisive in opening lands kept from market. The piece rails against perceived dangers to Indian territories and calls for Christian duty and law.
The passage argues Indians are treated as wards of the government, unable to enter contracts or sue in courts without government mediation. It denounces long-standing treaties and measures that oppressed Indigenous peoples, highlighting colonial-era injustices and ongoing exclusion.
The piece reflects on U S treaty making with Native American tribes from the Revolutionary era to the present. It notes Delawares and other tribes fighting loyally, then disappearing through removals and agency alignment, and critiques breaches and unequal treatment by settlers and officials. It cites broken treaties with Cherokees Chickasaws Jjoctaws and others.
The piece laments forced relocation of tribes like the Chippewas and Sioux as government talks advance, noting massive declines in Indigenous populations over 20 years and contrasting them with rising enslaved populations from Africa. It frames U S policy as eroding native nations while buyers seek land through commissions.
The piece argues strong aid to Indians to till lands and build houses, urging youth involvement and potential citizenship prospects. It cites overseas trade disparities, calling for the U.S. to boost exports to Central and South America and imitate Britain’s level of commerce, while endorsing sour mash as a resilient beverage.
In New York on August 15 a crowd of over 88 African Americans gathered at the Long Island Halfway station to ride to Amityville for the Bridge Street AME Sunday School picnic. Nonpayment of 906 stalled the train. efforts to raise funds failed, police cleared the platform after four hours, with threats and violence reported though no injuries. Management blamed for the disruption.
Russell B. Harrison sought Supreme Court permission to examine Colonel Schuyler Crosby in a libel suit for 100000. The request aimed to uncover Crosby’s personal life and social relations including marriage status and potential divorce history. The Court refused the order for examination.
The funeral of Dr. Alexander B. Mott, son of the late Dr. Valentine Mott, drew many physicians to Trinity Chapel. Attendees included prominent Masons, Bellevue Hospital faculty, the County Medical Society, and the G. A. R. post in the city.
A curious fact surfaces about Miss Adalaide Moore showing she is Mrs. Moore. Her husband and manager is a wealthy Catskill, New York property owner.
Miss E. W. Low, a young artist, slept in her second floor studio at No 48 University Place when a prankish office boy sparked a blaze beneath. Roused by cries of Fire she fainted as smoke filled the room and firefighters arrived. Loss is about $100, while Miss Low remains in bed recovering from a nervous attack. The office boy is safe.
Marcus Br Mayer and Abbey’s lieutenant arrived aboard the City of New York for an interview with Mary Alderson on August 1. She expressed confidence in returning to America in November to fulfill her engagement with Manager Abbey.
The Louisville Courier Journal notes Mrs. Elizabeth Faith who died recently planned ahead, buying a coffin over three years earlier. The walnut coffin, lined with zinc and trimmed with white silk, rested in cedar and then a thick oak box, kept by the maker until her death last Saturday.
Rebecca Bidoor aged 114 died yesterday at her son-in-law Richard Sutton’s home in this town. Born January 3, 1745 in Wiretown Warren County New Jersey she reared 13 children and remained active carving sewing and household tasks. Her husband died about 40 years ago and she smoked a pipe regularly recalling scenes from the War of 1813 in which her son William died.
A blind snake near Parkersburg was killed after a bystander poked it and it showed no response. Telegraph and electric railway wires accidentally shorted causing bells to ring and multiple phone coils to burn in Erie. A Bean in Bathichem bears a 2434 inch pod from an asparagus type plant. A bear chased berry-pickers near Hunterville, Pa. A Denville resident laments small watermelons despite heavy rain.
A collage of short items notes mixed curiosities and curiosities in commerce. Highlights include Boston University School of Medicine with 478 physicians, Congo tobacco production, Paris admissions at $1, and a plan for a new Cherokee female seminary in Tahlequah Oklahoma Territory opening August 3.
A collage of quirky quotes, snippets, and cartoon captions from various sources. The collection features pithy lines about gardens, cats, doctors, and everyday misadventures, with glimpses of period humor and social undertones threaded through multiple publishers.
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