This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 44 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Aug 28, 1891
Page
4
A Pittsburg front page reports a North Carolina railroad wreck killing twenty, injuring many in murky dawn light. The piece blames neglected track inspection or inferior materials, notes twelve rail disasters in two months, and urges accountability for neglect to prevent further tragedies.
The author laments the responsibility of songwriters and mocks sensational hits like Comrades and Dawn Went McGinty. He questions whether future tunes will be comic or sentimental and notes how quickly songs spread via street buses and organ grinders. He urges writers to focus on laws, not lyrics.
A committee appointed by the American Bar Association at Saratoga recommends changing the unanimity requirement in civil trials to a verdict by three fourths of the jury. The report argues juries are poorly selected and biased by influence and that a well chosen jury with less than unanimity could better deliver justice, while acknowledging debate on broader reforms.
The American Bar Association will be opposed by many who dislike changes in the forms of the administration of justice, but it is worth considering under the circumstances.
The piece lauds Senator Sherman and Major McKinley for clarifying the silver issue. It argues free silver would harm laborers, farmers, and industries, warning that adopting a silver standard could destabilize contracts, devalue currency, and demonetize gold while treasury notes remain uncertain.
An Advertiser piece describes a New York corporation selling a full Bell telephone system for private use in South America Mexico and the West Indies for 80 dollars plus possible discounts. The kit includes two Bell telephones two Blake transmitters two magneto call bells back boards battery boxes battery cells cords and wire plus insulators and fittings. The ad notes the total price could drop to 4625 for a one mile private line and markets ownership over rental. The item reflects profits in the telephone business and contrasts American leasing terms with direct purchase. The column also cites a Morning Advertiser suggestion about Broadway drama and mentions Senator Stanford’s presidential boom efforts in the far West.
The article contrasts Secretary of War Proctor with George F. HoTmunds as successor for Vermont’s U S Senate seat. It notes the influence of moneyed factions in politics on both parties and mentions the World's Fair directory declining Eiffel’s tower proposal in favor of an American plan while urging full Exposition exposure. It also discusses Governor Hill’s public image and the need for a clear understanding of his character to aid his bid.
An American woman wed a Bavarian count who owns a small brewery. The marriage appears tied to the bar attraction that drew the titled European brewer into the union.
One in fifty in New Zealand is a judge or justice of the peace. Of the remaining forty-nine, thirty-nine are lawyers and the other ten are bailiffs and constables. The text suggests government statistics show no significant exports.
San Francisco reports Sarah Bernhardt plans a world circumnavigation aboard a 3000-ton steamship to stage one night shows in major cities. The venture, backed by Henry E. Abbey and likely four Mariposa-type ships, aims to offset costs of scenery and travel by a lavish voyage from Haro to Portugal, Spain, Italy, Vienna, Paris, Cairo, India, Australia, China, and the Americas.
The Philadelphia Times reflects on a Pittsburg Straight-Out Republican convention that nominated three Republicans for Allegheny county judgeships, despite Governor Pattison’s bipartisan slate. The piece argues the move shows factional folly, endorses nonpartisan judiciary, and condemns the convention for opposing the bipartisan nominees and seeking party dominance.
The session of the International Congress of Geologists focused on pleistocene glacial formations. It explored those formations from the period after the tertiary, just before modern humans appeared.
Names frequently seek. Nine cradles presented to the Duchess of Fife. Gladstone regains health. Hallam Tennyson starts his 40th year. Von Verdy du Vernos, inventor of the wargame, famed as Europe’s most scientific soldier. Bismarck warns against corn duty cuts. Turers collection of pearls valued at 400000 francs. Haitian General Hippolyte, aged about 60, of opal-brick complexion. Ella Craig to join Lyceum Company next season. Temple to end parliamentary life, not seeking another seat. Potrincer leases large Norwegian sporting estate comparable to Yorkshire. Prof. Arthur Sherburne Hardy, novelist and mathematician, in London. Ex-Rev. Hugh Pentecost abandons belief in God, immortality, Bible, church, and state. Queen Victoria guards oldest watches, including two gold pieces by Bregnet and a Madge repeater.
Scranton readers see a dispute over the presidency of the State League of Republican clubs. Robinson urges both leaders retire to spare factional strife as Dalzell remains set to fight on. Dispatches suggest the clash may test party unity and harmony.
The Philadelphia Telegraph argues Congressman Dalzell attacks rival Robinson over retirement remarks for the State Republican League presidency contest. It condemns the squabble as harming the party and urges end to the controversy, warning that Robinson's act could worsen Republican prospects at the Scranton convention.
Harmony grows in Pennsylvania Republican ranks after the recent State Convention. The main dispute centers on the State League presidency between Daleell and Robinson. Robinson proposes a compromise to withdraw both candidates to favor party unity, but Daleell is likely to refuse and fight on.
Indiana Pa August 27 the largest western Pennsylvania old soldiers reunion drew about 20000 veterans citizens and visitors by noon. Judge Harry White welcomed attendees and a long parade followed by an elaborate dinner and a camp fire gathering with stories jokes and reminiscences. Notables from Pittsburgh including ex Governor Beiver attended and joined the lively event.
The article recounts how the telescope reportedly emerged from a playful accident in a Dutch workshop around 1690. Zachariah Jansen’s children observed inverted images through two lenses, prompting their father to craft curved glasses into simple tubes. Other accounts name Liraheim and James Metius, with Descartes noting the shared Dutch origin.
A reader describes a monster granite boulder near Leetonia in Columbiana County. Measuring about 15 feet by 12 feet with a six-foot end, it weighs roughly 66 tons and sits on Benjamin Pepple’s farm. Additional nearby boulders, including a pear-shaped group, are noted as part of a transported granite ledge.
Letter to the editor questions the September 3 deadline for voter assessment under a new law and whether unregistered voters may still vote in November. The writer cites the state constitution asserting voting without registration and asks how new rules affect those who become eligible after September 3 but before Election Day.
M J Saurrrn of Prersnura asks if there is a time limit on collecting county taxes and whether taxes from 10 or 15 years ago can still be collected without prior notices. The reply states there is no state requirement for notice, and the statute of limitations does not extend against the State.
The fourth day blends instruction with amusement as Prof. Ecker plays the pipe organ and Dr. Fall urges earnest Christian dedication in teaching. Hon. J. Q. Stewart urges fair teacher salaries and better facilities, while Dr. Hall compares a good school to a full egg. Beaver Falls hosts the July State Teachers meeting. Allegheny directors plan a September courthouse meeting.
A crowded slate of travelers and visitors gathered at the Anderson and Monongahela hotels. Notables including David Fisher of Oil City, and J T Leary of Fort Wayne, were among arrivals. several locals departed for trips to New York, California and Atlantic City while others returned from vacations.
Congressman Robinson urges John Dalzell to withdraw from the contest for President of the Republican League of Clubs in the interest of harmony. He argues the party need outweigh personal ambition and that Dalzell should consider the proposal without selfish motives.
Hon John D B Robinson of Delaware county candidate for President of the Pennsylvania Republican League writes to rival Hon John Dalzell of Pittsburg offering to withdraw in favor of a new man if Dalzell will withdraw as well. The move aims to harmony and Dalzell likely to accept.
The Philadelphia Bulletin reports Mr Join Dalzell has declined the Robinson proposition and withdrawn from the contest for the Presidency of the Republican State League. It notes widespread Republican fatigue with the office squabbles and efforts to magnify its importance.
Jon B Robinson proposes that both he and John Dalzell withdraw from the presidency contest of the League of Republican Clubs. The letter, praised as magnanimous, notes Robinson’s advantage should the contest end promptly. It asks whether Mayor Stewart should serve another term and suggests this as a proper resolution.
Hon John B Robinson proposes both he and Hon John Dalzell withdraw to avoid party strife and prevent harm to the Republican cause in the state. Robinson claims greater pledged support and urges harmony while Dalzell and allies consider conceding to his plan to retire from the field.
Norristown Herald notes Mr. Robinson proposes withdrawing as Chairman candidate. The piece argues he should not be discouraged by a rival's refusal to acquiesce and could withdraw to prevent a likely contest and defeat, urging prompt action.
A bridge under construction on Cumberland street for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad collapsed today. One man, John E. Minnix of Pennsylvania, was killed and Walter of Virginia was fatally injured. Several workers were injured as the structure fell amid the work.
The record notes the death of former Kansas Senator Samuel Clarke Pomeroy at age 76 after a career tainted by a bribery probe in the 1870s. It also reports Lyman C. Draper’s death at 76, longtime Wisconsin State Historical Society secretary, highlighting his work in Western history and extensive library holdings.
Florence Leonide Agar, once famed French stage figure, died in Algeria on August 17. She studied declamation with tragedian Hicourt and debuted at Théâtre de la Tour d Aoer–Auxerre in Phodre. She supported insurrectionists during the siege of Paris and returned to the Comédie Française briefly before appearing in Paris in 1878 and 1872 highlights at Amiiga and Amiiga Comique.
Pietro Rosa an Italian archaeologist and Senator born in Rome in 1814 has died. A relative of Salvator Rosa his career included work for Prince Borghese and Napoleon III, restoration of the Pretorian camp at Albany in 1910 and excavations in the Civisara palace area in 1861. His major achievement was the topographic map of ancient alum and restoration of tombs along the Appian Way with extensive survey work in the Roman Campagna.
News from Scottdale reports the death of Mrs. Joseph R. Stauffer in LevANeville Somerset county after a week there. She suffered sudden heart failure. She was married to the president of the Scottdale Bank and helped operate the Dexter Coke Works. Her remains will be brought home today.
The column reports a string of obituaries for figures including hen ine ey W Verpen of Hoostck Falla N Y known as the lightning artist who died in Boston, T Ramey longtime chief clerk of Carne Phipps Co who died in Mani tou Springs, Cardinal Buwagial a papal delegate in San Domingo Haiti and Venezuela who died in San Domingo, Lafayette Hanery a Lancaster County bar member said to be 40 and a candidate for District Judge, Rovert Dy Ray former Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court who died near Carrollton, Des Moines ex-mayor Sneer who died in Washington and was an early Black performer with the Fiske Jubilee Singers, Albert Barnett reputed as the oldest Free Mason in New York State who died in Clayville, a noted angler and enthusiast injured in a Pear Rescue rail accident and the Parisian pianist who died aged six in Paris. The piece also notes the death of Christian W at Harrisburg Union Station and references Pramas Beck Scott.
The Dispatch notes that forming such a club is legal but it cannot be recognized as a state military organization. It may exist as a private group, yet not occupy any official position among state military bodies.
Reader from Suanvsipe Aug 27 reports an aquarium fish with three tails and mentions L M Harrow. The note requests editor attention to a fish with a double tail in the paper.
The hundred "fresh air" children depart for New York after weeks in the city. Many show sorrow as they board the train, having formed strong friendships with local families. Some wish to stay on with their new mothers, with adoptions discussed during a fund managers conference in Newark.
Multiple newspapers from Ente Times to Wuertine News publish lengthy defenses of James W. Miller known as Shoebox Miller, arguing the 1581 Clarion county robbery conviction was unjust. They detail his Cleveland alibi, penitentiary escape in a shoebox, and affidavits claiming innocence, while noting lasting stigma and mixed reception.
Rev F Krecker of the Evangelical Church lectured on Fulton Street sharing Japan anecdotes and observations about its people to a sized audience. Catholic Orphan Society children enjoyed a Glenwood picnic supervised by asylum sisters. Rehearsals for the Iries Carnival at Old City Hall proceed with an open Patriotic Sons of America meeting to feature Prof Hamilton and Prof Coffer. Fete at Pompeii Club Allegheny and Venus Club Allegheny on fall dates. Lily Downey and Marie Conner of New York are visiting friends in the East End.
Fifteen Chinese contestants compete in a rice eating match at Marchey's laundry on Minna Street. Ti Jing You wins after others stagger and collapse, with the central prize claimed as the staple event ends.
Special dispatches from Minneapolis say last night's frost damaged green uncut grain at Chareh's Ferry N D with ice forming on wheat heads Farmers used smudge fires but some failed to start early St Vincents and Pembina reported freezing temperatures with significant crop impact Winni Man reported a formidable frost spreading province wide causing extensive damage to grain and wheat crops.
A collage of curious notes from around the world cites stamp rarities in Vermont, musical migrants in St. Petersburg, new coal finds in Brazil, and a Boston stamp collector eyeing a Mauritius issue. It covers Nile water storage plans, elevated rail agents in Brooklyn, and a July export total of British and Irish goods. Also notes on nickel and gold finds, a Providence Utah marble mine, currency uses in South America, and a Torrington hummingbird fatality.
A collage of humorous vignettes and dialogue lines shows townsfolk trading quips on work ambition courting and travel. Moments include a mother praising her son as a rising architect and a young man mentioning a four cottages order while other exchanges touch on fashion travel and social schemes.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.