15 Dec 1889
Page 1
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Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Dec 15, 1889
Page
1
A cable from London reports a sweeping influenza epidemic across Europe, touching royalty, officials, and civilians. The piece notes widespread illness, disrupted theaters, and mixed public reactions while detailing a gas stokers strike and police restraint as constables confront workers.
From London to Diera Tocu dated December 14, Mr. Balfour faces rumors of matrimonial designs on Sir Charles Tennent's daughter. He neither confirms nor denies the reports as Primrose League members react with muted silence at a grand league meeting.
A fragmented item notes Macdonald of the Times is dead and newspapers accept letting his stake in the Pigott enterprise fade. It references Pigou's reaction and a controversial move tied to the Times. The text hints at shifting loyalties and forgotten interests amid the Pigott business.
London reports Queen Victoria wins first prize at Smithfield Exhibition and sells a prize shorthorn for 150 guineas. The Queen pleads no fault, while newspapers including The Standard and Pall Mall Gazette attack or defend her delays in congratulating Stanley and Kaiser relations.
An elderly man found dead in a Midland Line railway carriage on November 7, near Liverpool, left a scrap reading Dabbles is going with me to Syracuse. A Coroner’s inquest and letters from Mrs. Julia Warson of New York traced the dead man to Frederick Warson, a Mexican War veteran, whose mental state had deteriorated. Photographs and information from Mrs Warson linked the man to the nickname Dabbles and the case. The City ofJet New York report notes Warson’s name not on the passenger list as of December 7.
From Lorpox December 14 Major Serpa Pinto is accused of invading territory Britain sees as its sphere of influence in Central Africa. Reports claim natives were shot, treaties coerced, and missionaries invited under protection. Lord Salisbury drafts an ultimatum while warning Britain may show force.
The World’s Fair of 1892 will debut six new ocean steamships to support existing liners. Hamburg America launches Normandia in March with May service, 15900 indicated horsepower, length 545 feet. Venetia, Louraine, a French twin screw ship, and Cunard additions join White Star Teutonic’s sister ship, racing City of Paris.
Parnell, out of public speaking since the Nottingham appearance last Tuesday, has accepted an invitation to attend a banquet next Thursday and also to speak at Liver ee. The illness is described as improving, with health considered sound by associates.
L. D. Montgomery of Springfield, Texas, arrives in London amid controversy after sending a large consignment of fattened cattle for Christmas. Reports describe his public anger overpox illness and disputed delivery outcomes as scarlet headlines highlight the dramatic cross ocean cargo dispute.
The fragment notes Mos has slim chances for redness, with unclear context and limited readable facts. No named events or entities beyond Mos appear, leaving the item as a brief, ambiguous note in a historical page.
Report from Lospon dated December 14 states gas stokers, outmaneuvered by directors, failed to gain support. Police co operation and large constables blocked strikers, while new workers were housed and fed on company premises. Some strikes elsewhere, including Manchester, also falter as employers win concessions.
December 14 Comunsia The Legislature repealed the civil rights law by a unanimous vote. Governor Richardson recommended repeal and equal but separate railroad accommodations. The law previously required shared facilities for all races and imposed penalties on hotel keepers who refused service to African Americans. Debate referenced potential unrest and the act’s removal as a blot on the statute book.
Heavy rains raised rivers to alarming height in Johnstown on December 14. The Conemaugh bridge at Woodvale and the Lincoln street bridge were washed away cutting service between the Johnstown station. No other major damage reported though water surrounded local facilities. replacement for the temporary bridge is planned.
The Mail and Express reports a $5000 gift to Rev. David J. Beale of Johnstown Pa for his personal use. The contribution comes from the unused Johnstown fund of the Alai and Empress. further balances reportedly remain in Philadelphia Harrisburg and are to be used per donors' intent.
Special Telegram to The Dispatch reports Franklin B. Gowen former president of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was found dead in a Washington hotel with a pistol shot to the head. Police broke into his room after he had not been seen since dinner, and the body lay under a table with the weapon nearby. Friends in Philadelphia, Pittsburg, and Washington are shocked and note possible insanity in the Gowen family. Gowen, a Philadelphia native and longtime railroad figure, had been in Washington for Interstate Commerce Commission oil case work. His burial plans were set for Philadelphia as inquiries proceed. Various officials and relatives offered condolences and speculation about motive.
Philadelphia telegrams report Franklin B Gowen the head of Reading Company committed suicide at Wormley’s Hotel Washington. Colleagues including Francis Gowen and George DeB Keim voiced shock and noted Gowen’s public success and devoted family life. No clear motive is given for the sudden act.
Local relatives recount Gowen kinship as they describe Franklin B. Gowen's death by his own hand. Miller brothers Morris and Charles Miller, living in Ward and Gates streets and Page Street Allegheny, are named as Gowen’s relatives and colleagues react with astonishment. Mr Schmidt of Fifth Avenue reflects on the shock and long family history, noting Gowen's prominent circle of friends among lawyers and other locals.
December 14. Reports claim Sergeant at Arms Arma Leedom paid 4100 in overdrafts for Congress members before Silcott's flight. Alleged overdrawals include Chairman Adams 695 and Speaker Reed 1034. others like Carlisle HoU k Spinola Heard reportedly drew a month's pay. Reed deposits a warrant to cover the deficit as the Investigating Committee sits behind closed doors with Leedom's counsel barred.
Amory December 15 Two members of the Rube Burrows gang Rafe Smith and James McClune were captured here by detective T V Jackson of the Southern Express Company after weeks of pursuit. Indications say they acted as sentries and did not offer strong resistance. McClung was killed or fatally injured during the capture and others accompanying them were taken to custody.
Washington dispatch reports a quiet week with no rush of Pennsylvania offices. the draft of J. E. Har of Beaver appears to pause as nomination for Marshal nears. Mention is made of a death and funeral in the President's circle and other family notices at hand.
December dispatch from Senor Barbosa reports alarming conditions in Brazil. The Brazilian finance minister cites strain on the economy and government finances amid unrest and external pressures.
Reports of juror fixedness swirl as 12 men deliberate through long hours. Court is kept secure with guards and lights burning while observers await a decision on the Cronin prisoners, with Culver seen as the block to conviction or life.
In a December session a judge sentenced two sixteen year old girls for burglary to two years in the penitentiary. Names listed include Hattie Shadere and others, reflecting a common newspaper report of juvenile crime.
Kilrain found not guilty of prize fighting but convicted of assault and battery. Twelve jurors heard the case as judges described the social clash, Kilrain paid a $200 fine and received two months in county jail before appeal.
Ex Governor Hoadly in New York reacts to a Telegram from Governor-elect Campbell about Mrs Campbell’s illness. He defends his past nomination while dismissing Allen O Myers accusations and questions motives behind his criticism of John K McLean.
The first clash over Henry Shaw’s millions arose in St Louis as Mayor Noonan, acting as a city trustee, denounces trustee actions and refuses to attend meetings. Shaw left the Shaw Garden and much of his estate to support it, leading to a disputed control struggle among trustees.
Six farmers returning from Dallas after selling cotton were attacked by highwaymen on a road near White Bloodhounds. Report says two robbers were captured and hanged by the enraged farmers. Local authorities have not confirmed details.
A description of The Dispatch Directory issue structure. It highlights eight pages of varied news and two later parts with literary pieces and general interest items. The note mentions sections like Where Beauty Reigns and Pedagogue and Pupil, plus business cards and financial intelligence.
The American Federation of Labor adjourned after adopting a noncommittal stance on locating the 1892 World’s Fair in New York. It approved a 2 cent weekly strike assessment to fund eight hours work, effective January 1, amid debates with Knights of Labor and calls for labor unity. Detroit was picked as next year’s meeting site.
Special telegram from Philadelphia reports banker Joseph G Ditman remains missing with no trace discovered. Detective Sharke says all leads have been checked and the search is at a standstill as relatives and friends await news. A reward and false sightings are mentioned amid confusion and rumors.
The Pennsylvania Railroad Passenger Express from News for Washington collided near a station four miles north of here. The wreck left two men dead, J. G. Field and another unnamed victim, as reported this evening.
Fragmentary 19th century item reports a farm incident near Woostre with a barn fire on December day. Names and precise details are unclear but indicate agricultural loss and local response.
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