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Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Dec 19, 1889
Page
2
Speech by a candidate defends his unpledged stance and says his supporters back his bid for postmaster, noting public interest in the appointment as President Harrison and Wanamaker consider McKean. He seeks Senate confirmation and pledges no personal attacks.
A biographical sketch traces the life of James Butt McKean born January 25 1St in New Abbey Scotland near notable figures like Colonel James F Andrews and Andrew Carnegie. It traces his family emigrating to Newburg on the Hudson then Mansfield and eventual farm life before rising in business and fraternal circles in Pennsylvania including Lodge Masonry and the Seomish Rites.
Henry P. Ford, defeated candidate, extends cordial congratulations to Mr. McKean on his appointment. The two have been personal friends and Ford vows full support, noting strong election dynamics and a split field among Pix candidates for the McKee post.
W A Magee condemns party influence while praising McKean for city postmaster selection. Editorial urges fair process under home rule, noting Republican support for Harrison and broad county backing. Critics warn against political meddling harming local mail administration and integrity.
Citizens and lawmakers debate the McKean appointment with mixed opinions. Supporters praise his integrity and capability while opponents claim bias and political manipulation. The discussion highlights a division among local figures and the public on civil service reform and eligibility debates.
In Pittsburgh the postmaster's role extends beyond local duties as the depository for 1300 fourth class offices and 400 money order offices with daily settlements. The incoming postmaster, described as similar to an assistant U S treasurer, discusses audits and the significance of the appointment amid a shift in posts and policies.
A Washington telegram quotes Congressman Dalzell criticizing the McKean Wanamaker appointment amid a clash with Quay allies. He declares the President’s action violates precedent and defends his stance as principled against partisan pressure, warning of consequences.
County Chairman W D Porter voices regret over appointment complications but defends the selection. He notes Congressmen hold nominating power for district posts while insisting he has no fault with the choice and pledges party loyalty.
A young lady in the city breaks her engagement after her intended refuses to accompany her to Gallinger's at 1200 Poon Ave to buy a music box. The piece mentions various musical boxes and musical items as part of the dispute.
New York capitalists and a Pittsburgh iron and steel figurebacker plan a grand hotel on the current post office site. The seven or ten story structure will cost over a million dollars, with $380,000 offered for the property yet plans are advancing. The entrance faces the avenue and Smithfield street with a large rotunda and cafe. Interior work includes a wine room on Fifth avenue side and two freight elevators.
The Allegheny Fire Department demonstrated its new Silsby engine before the Fire Department Committee Councilmen and citizens. The engine built 25 percent in 6 minutes 5 seconds and threw a 219 foot stream, with pressures of 120 pounds and 400 feet of hose.
The final items of Long & Co. personal property were sold yesterday morning at the mill. Maloney & Co. bought a large brass lot valued around $23,000. A January offer of $206,000 was mentioned, and if accepted work would begin at once. Rivalry to secure mill possession is anticipated.
Citizens in the thirteenth ward urge compensation for injuries from Herron Hill reservoir. Councilman Duncan pressed Water Bureau head Browne about damages to John and James Harrison and their family due to water leakage near Ri Street, about a mile from the dam. The issue centers on liability and payment for losses.
Charles Call and Edward Miller face a hearing before Alderman Rupp in the Eleventh ward Allegheny on a charge of assault and battery. Ezra Carson testified for his young son John Seren Wy 15 28 Gate, who was assaulted and terribly beaten by the defendants with no stated cause for the alleged assault.
Two three year old boys Walter Wardle and Arthur Mallory vanished from their homes on Wylie avenue and Arthur street yesterday. No word by late hour and frantic parents search continues.
Stockholders of a local electric light company plan a Saturday meeting to propose increasing capital to 7.1 million dollars to expand facilities. The firm claims rapid demand growth since its 1881 start, with 2 043 000 candle power in two cities and plans for a Westinghouse plant near Chartiers Valley.
Secretary William Dillon of the A F G W Union arrives back in Pittsburgh after attending the A F of L convention in Boston. He says the Executive Council has Federation instructions on the eight hour movement and will follow policy, with some trades pursuing independent action and fundraising. He notes Pittsburgh will not be the initiation site for the eight hour push.
Rumors on Water street say one fourth pool operator ordered higher pay of 23 cents for his men. Some miners press on with 8 cent rates, while others resist concessions. A river coal deal with an Eastern syndicate seems off, but W. P. Shinnie in the city discusses terms with leading men, suggesting a possible rearranged arrangement.
Sherriff and Ashworth of this city secure the contract to furnish machinery for a new steel works at Greensburg. The deal is valued around $25,000, with work already underway on the building and related preparations.
The Perrin Old Company buys 50 acres of leases on multiple farms including Barten Wintera Klinger and Martin along Thorn Creek. Wells on Thayer Craebye Crosby and Calhoun farms begin drilling with early production noted. Duffy & Cos Noa and the Gaceeehee farm report about 60 barrels from Gordon sand in Taylorstown field.
Hospital Saturday and Sunday drive seeks public support from two cities. Boxes placed in public spaces with mayoral backing and church collections aim to fund expanded hospital capacity in Pittsburg and Allegheny, including new annexes at West Penn Hospital and increased bed space.
Extensive listings show a crowded catalog of leather goods writing desks and cases, children's collars and hats, seal garments and dolls, music boxes and umbrellas. Stores advertise price cuts and holiday offerings across multiple shops in the city, with notable names and addresses referenced.
Mr. George B. Hill urged creation of a top quality lunch room on a nearby avenue by the Stock Exchange in New York. He said a businessperson should offer meals at modest prices with good bread and breading, promising broad appeal and potential to relieve debts if funded by a capable operator.
Holmes' Boat 1889 advertises a holiday display at Wm Hastace & Son Pittsburg store offering 17 champagne brands and various imported wines and cordials. It notes ship orders by phone and lists locations 120 Water Street and 158 First Avenue. Also mentions discounted children’s collars from Booos & Bun with stock transferred from wholesale at sacrifice prices.
Mellor and Hoene advertise Chase Palace Chicago Cottage and Kimball reed organs with easy monthly payments from five to ten dollars. They promote a wide range for church home lodge and lecture use and urge visits to 77 Fifth Avenue Pittsburg to view the lot and request catalogs. Rieber Bro's touts top quality instruments with cheaper imports and claims their Obra and Gale Conover organ equals a $2,500 pipe organ for $800 with annual tuning included.
Reads like a late 19th century ad offering ladies garments and accessories. Promotes dresses, silk silks at 91 and 126 a yard, French robes, and pattern dresses discounted from 20 to 0. Also touts holiday umbrellas, satin damask table cloths, plush garments, seal wraps, coats, handkerchiefs, and silk bands with extensive low prices. Includes misprints and garbled terms but highlights wide range of women’s wear and related goods.
A circular from Rev. Father J. F. Regis Canevin, treasurer of Ss Pauls Orphan Asylum on Tannebull Street, requests a diocesan collection to aid sheltered orphans. The note urges Christmastide church collections, with a goal of 25 cents per doorway. Also advertised are music collections, hair removal ads, and various local business notices including a bank summary and shop offerings.
A 14 year old named Robert Cobaugh died on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad near Glenwood. The incident left his parents and community in shock as investigators reviewed the tragic accident and its circumstances.
Cars for the Federal Street and Pleasant Valley Passenger Railway have shipped from Pullman shops. Wires along the line are adjusted and once the new power house is done the road will run. Officer Moon broke up a late party on Alleghany wharf arresting them as vagrants. A major landslide blocked traffic on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, scattering debris and delaying operations.
A dense ad noting purchases for gifts including a Black Silk Dress pattern and linen sets. Describes Damask cloths, fringed napkins, lace scarves, and dress fabrics with various price ranges from modest to premium, urging quick purchases for holiday trade and convenient patterns and ready outfits.
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