12 Dec 1889
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 31 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Dec 12, 1889
Page
1
Johnstown residents mourn ten dead while a coroner jury condemns the Opera House disaster and urges official action. Reported from Johnstown December 11, the scene shows subdued streets, with newcomers predominating among the victims and a quiet, reflective public response to the tragedy.
The report describes anxiety causing damage to electric lamps on the proscenium as lights kept going and a fire alarm was exclaimed. Flinn on stage acted to prevent further incident while audience members assisted as authorities responded.
Terrified spectators crowded the stairs as a deadly rush trapped many near windows. Fire crews struggled to reach victims while the crowd pressed back to aid the injured and remove the dead after a long 26 minute scene.
Eyewitness account details a deadly stampede at the Parke Opera House Moers as patrons fled through a single narrow stairway during Sternon’s Uncle Tom's Cabin. Ten died and many injured as crowd crush and blocked exits caused a chaotic 25 minute crush.
A staff correspondent reports chaotic scenes after the collapse in Johnstown. Miss Barns died from internal injuries after being crushed near a store window. George Horner, a young newsboy, was killed beneath crowds. Survivors and missing persons are noted, with about 30 hurt but mostly not seriously injured.
Coroner Evans convened a jury in Kernville to hear testimony on the Parke's Opera House fire crush. Witnesses described a deadly stampede as doors jammed and exits proved insufficient. The jury found the building unsafe and recommended authorities intervene.
Citizens recall repeated attempts to condemn the building after a fatality and unsafe conditions. Police Chief Hart forbade his children from entering and others avoid the theater, with locals citing collapsing floors and long standing danger.
Colonel W. W. Dudley treasurer of the National Republican Committee fled to avoid a new seven-count arrest warrant based on alleged blocks of five. Officers could not locate him despite a citywide search as the district attorney and U S marshal clash over authority. Dudley remained hidden and planned to attend a Winchester soldiers’ reunion.
A World telegram from Brazil reports fighting between Imperialists and Republicans after Dom Pedro's dethronement. On November 8 troops fired on the crowd killing twenty. Maranhao's capital Bt Luiz do Maranham remains tense with royalist sentiment and ongoing intrigue amid unresolved authority.
The Silcott Investigating Committee adopted a preliminary report and will send it to the House. It states the deficit at about 71,800 and that Silcott used funds for discount purposes. Forgeries by office members are noted, while the teller and book keeper are cleared of direct connection. A New York special mentions a rumor Silcott sailed on a vessel named Antoinette.
Paris December 1 The medical report on the flu epidemic shows 670 cases among employees at the Magasin du Louvre. The illnesses are described as simple benign influenza lasting about a week and arising in workers who stand long hours.
General Frank Reeder of Easton declares he is out to back Senator George W. Delamater of Tioga county as the Republican gubernatorial candidate. Reeder cites Delamater’s strength among diverse party elements and argues he can unite factions for a winning state campaign.
A telegram from San Francisco dated December 11 reports unprecedented rainfall in California. A cloudburst near Perry's Mill on Boulder Creek washed away five houses, uprooted redwoods, and left Easter drowned while his wife survived severely injured. Bridges washed out and rail lines disrupted by landslides as Boulder Creek surged over 26 feet. Thousands of acres flooded across the region.
A board studying Detroit river bridging proposes the Lindenthal design as most feasible and conservative. It recommends locating a new Ohio River bridge at or above Louisville with a 600 foot channel span, noting Bee Lindenthal plans as less objectionable.
The English syndicate after investing in Minneapolis mills and elevator property has moved to Duluth. A $4,000,000 Duluth purchase was completed this morning. Levi Meyer, attorney for English interests, reported the deal closed and satisfactory terms. The acquisition includes some of the largest mills and elevators in Duluth.
An elopement surfaces as Thomas Dinham seeks marriage to Alita Sickles, a granddaughter of General Sickles. Alita, 18, reportedly left a Catholic convent in Monte dioban and worked as a bartender in New Rochelle. The contested match involves a $2,000,000 fortune.
E B Keming way, a Whitney Point druggist and private banker, executed a assignment for creditors on Monday. Creditors learned he had not been seen since Saturday and investigations revealed a possible larger loss beyond 75000 dollars.
Philadelphia dispatch reports W. H. Edam, agent for Allegheny Silk Works, arrested on a warrant from Magistrate Riley. He is charged with fraudulently appropriating moneys due to the company. details of the amount and disposition remain unclear in the release.
In Boston delegates of the American Federation of Labor convene as President Gompers reports marked progress and the eight hour issue dominates debate. French Minister Count Le Vicomte attends, complimenting the union and praising its achievements amid a scene of cordial exchange with Gompers and builders representatives.
A northern report states Johnson county residents dismantled the Kettle Jack gang of robbers and cutthroats by lynching eleven members. The posse pursued the group after a village abduction and a fatal mountain fight, with two of the attackers killed and the others scattered in the surrounding range.
Senator Cockrell of Missouri received Secretary Blaine’s letter about three Americans who left for Korea to serve the King and were dismissed. Blaine directs the American Consul General at Seoul to demand the King honor contracts and introduce American notions, while Corean nobility oppose the Americans and threaten them.
The Surrogate signs an order granting executors Henry Hilton and Charles J. Clinch power to settle property matters of the late Mrs. A. T. Stewart. The move is seen as the forerunner of a final settlement in the long running legal contest. Since April both sides have waited for a compromise as rumors of terms circulated.
Ex-Empress of Brasil receives telegram from Rio Janeiro reporting the theft of all her jewels. Police investigations underway amid fears the loss will hit the Imperial treasury hard. The collection included Brazil’s finest diamonds and was seen as a key immediate resource for Pedro’s income.
A jailed inmate in Deperville Wisconsin, jailed for concealed weapons four months ago, is suspected to be Cooney the Chicagoan tied to Cronin tragedy. The prisoner gave the name John Jones and hid in his cell when a spy stranger entered, raising suspicion due to his resemblance to Cooney.
Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs cables Portuguese counterpart H De Barros Gomes urging recognition of the Brazilian Republic. In London, attempts to avert a general strike failed leaving London in darkness as many depend on coal and power.
A terse note reports that Enda moot issues linger as Labine challenges boot and asset transfers. The wording suggests unresolved disputes over ownership and control of assets amid ongoing discussions or legal avenues.
December 11 reports a rumor that one Ripper has fled to France. The sighting and authorities in Jeperrean befous are noted but unverified.
A coroner's inquiry reveals a bogus death announcement for Annie McIntosh age 22 used to defraud a benevolent order. Dr Murray testified detailing the false certificate and a planned scam, while Mrs Behm denied knowing the person and admitted prior lies.
Report states the government may settle the application of Prince Louis Bonaparte son of Jerome to avoid neglecting obligations to a prince while not offending governing powers. It remains unclear if the government influenced the final decision and details about his assignment are uncertain.
Boston dispatch notes that the author of Mary Had a Little Lamb was Mrs. Sarah J. Hale who died in Philadelphia years ago at age 66. It mentions Mrs Tyler’s connection and Hale’s nephew disputes any heroine in the poem.
December 11 report that the Senate ordered the sergeant at arms to compel attendance of Democratic member elect HeLema. Several men were found but claimed they had not taken oath of office and were private citizens, refusng to go. The sergeant did not press the issue.
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