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Newspaper
Pittsburgh Dispatch
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Date
Feb 06, 1892
Page
1
Last letter to the dispatch reveals the condemned man’s plea for a pardon for his wife Mrs Firesimmons. He insisted his wife was innocent and tried to keep his word to the end. He died by hemorrhage after an attempt to kill himself, and authorities traced the case through Philadelphia as Chief Brown aided the pardon effort amid detective work.
The Pittsburg Dispatch reports Fitzsimmons penned a letter claiming his wife’s innocence and accusing a prejudiced detective, judge, and jury of wronging her. He died in his prison cell, autopsy noting extreme blood loss and nearly drained organs. An inquest was convened with detectives, prison officials, and witnesses present.
A detailed account describes Fitzsimmons cutting his throat with a knife while imprisoned. He inflicted multiple incisions, lost much blood, and died of hemorrhage though organs remained healthy. The case raises questions about prison guard negligence and weapon access. Investigations and grand jury action are anticipated.
New Orleans reports the burial of Frederick Fitzsimmons in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery after a coroner ordered the interment. No embalming or public funeral occurred, only a plain coffin and private vault as Pittsburg visitors and local police handled the scene. Relatives in Pittsburg will obtain the body or records upon request. belongings remain with the coroner.
Coroner McDowell and District Attorney Burleigh disclosed new details on the Fitzsimmons murder at Bull's Run. Detectives Gilkinson and Murphy were surprised by the killer, while Fitzsimmons moved openly through Philadelphia days earlier. The investigation tracked his daily movements, including a 6:30 PM money order to his wife at Oliver post office Duquesne, as plans for broad arrests were discussed.
The suspect left Philadelphia on the same train as the money order, arriving in Pittsburg at 7:45 and transferring to the Pittsburg, Virginia and Charleston line to reach home before 9. Gilkinson and Murphy obtained warrants, trailed Mrs. Fitzsimmons to her house, and confronted the burglar, who was not expecting resistance. District Attorney Burleigh noted the standout testimony involved the killer’s Homestead remark after arrest. Nolmes Anderson, the stool pigeon, failed to appear in town, living in Mansfield since his first New Orleans trip with detectives, where he feared Fitzsimmons and carried a revolver armed with five charges financed to appear harmless.
Public Safety Chief Brown supports a pardon for Mrs Fitzsimmons who aided her husband under pressure. Detective Murphy’s testimony could sway the Pardon Board and he urges mercy given motives of love. Mrs Fitzsimmons expresses relief at her husband’s death and recalls his threats of self harm. GUSH is discussed as a feature in a forthcoming Dispatch piece.
New York February 5 Special. Judge Wheeler of the U S Circuit Court ruled on whether imported corsets are wearing apparel or a mechanical contrivance for tax duties. He states a corset is a waist with whalebones or steels and, while clearly part of clothing aiding warmth, he remains uncertain and the finding may be affirmed.
Cabinet discussed Bering Sea issues as the arbitration treaty with England went to London for Lord Salisbury's scrutiny. Sir Julian Pauncefote waited to sign until approval arrived. If Salisbury agrees, the treaty could reach the Senate within two weeks. US and Britain researchers begin sessions at the State Department next week and hope to finish in a few weeks.
Boston report states Charles Brayley of Brighton was abandoned by his wife who fled with Brayley’s brother Alfred. The second wife followed, taking Brayley’s 5 year old son. Charles claims his brother is a very bad man and an ungrateful reward for kindness.
Forty seven contract laborers were denied landing at Ellis Island today. They arrived aboard the Bourgonne Rotterdam and Veendam. Among them were thirty five Italians headed for San Francisco brickyards, three Frenchmen for a California sheep ranch, with Hungarians bound for coal mines in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The steamship El Paso brought 40 cases of Winchester rifles and 13 boxes of cartridges to A W Crandall chairman of the Democratic Campaign Committee in New Orleans. Crandall confirms the shipment is open and intended to guard a free ballot and fair count amid threats by the state administration.
SAK Antonio Texas February special reports the disinterment of Otto Hauser also known as Stanislaus Sky the Russian Nihilist who killed General De Silverstaff in France November 18 1890 The body was identified by attorney Joseph R. Wilson of Galveston using marks of identity and notes The estate in Holland is cited as the motive and the body will be moved to France in a few weeks The head wound shows a .44 caliber bullet.
A Washington dispatch says Secretary Blaine will publicly reject use of his name for the Minneapolis convention. He told a Republican contact he plans to publish a letter asking friends to desist from pressing his candidacy and to stop dragging him into a false position. The Far and Express predicts his statement and Harrison’s renomination by acclamation.
A prominent unnamed Democrat alleges party managers repeatedly sent for money from Frank Fitzpatrick the city lottery manager and that thousands of dollars came to his knowledge during years on the Democratic State Committee executive. James Fitzpatrick Frank’s brother says leaders knew of contributions and that requests came when Democrats needed funds. Matthews’s current disclosure prompts accusations of political posturing.
R T Sparks, returning from six months in Managua, says little progress on the Nicaragua Canal. He cites rotting lumber and dredges at Greytown, lack of funds, and widespread disbelief in the project. The report notes minimal dredging, ruined land schemes, and doubts that a railroad would salvage the canal plan.
Harvard College Observatory photos reveal a new star near Chi Aurigue, discovered in Scotland, appearing between 1965 and 1891 in archival images. Photographs show the star brightening to a peak then fading but remaining visible, with Cambridge shots indicating a unique spectrum unlike ordinary variable stars.
Pennsylvania Republican State Chairman Watres issued an address to electors outlining the Morrisburg convention on April 12 to nominate a Supreme Court judge two at large candidates and two presidential electors plus eight delegates at large to the Republican National Convention. The notice explains representation will be based on the previous presidential vote with districts receiving one delegate per 2,000 Republican votes and a fractional gain for larger returns. Senator Quay made a brief Philadelphia stop amid illness and private business, meeting with aides before departing for Washington with no public comments on politics.
LexincTon, Kentucky February 5 J Stewart Smith a young druggist who fled the city a week ago returned from Detroit in custody of a detective. He wed wealthy Detroitian Miss Draper last October and has lived in style here. He was arrested on a charge sworn by Ed Herr horseman who says Smith secured $3100 from him under false pretenses. Smith jailed by county judge.
Boston mayor Matthews sacks Deer Island officials for neglect of duty. He removes Dr Otia K Newell long with Deputy Superintendent Upton and three other staffers, replaces with publican Edwin L Pil as public director, drawing praise from party leaders amid a police detail crisis.
The Navy Department aims to halt four colliers sent from New York during Chilean war preparations for the Pacific. They carry 18,000 tons of coal. One was intercepted at Montevideo and ordered to discharge there and return home. A second is due soon, and officials seek the other two to cut transport costs.
John A. Morris head of the Louisiana Lottery Company was arraigned in a United States Court on indictments returned by a grand jury in El Paso Austin Sioux Falls and Parkersburg for violation of the anti lottery postal law. He appeared after arriving from illness.
The Venezuela, from La Guaira, bound for New York with 45 crew and 11 passengers, went ashore at Brigantine shoals during heavy snow. The cargo was coffee and hides. Captain J Zabamewis could not sight land. Passengers may be landed ashore if refloating fails. Owned by Bolton Bliss & Dallett of New York.
George William Northedge learned he had inherited an estate in England worth 850000. He then returned to shingle a woodshed on La Salle street. Queen's Counsel Gilchrist informed him he is sole heir to the vast estate left by his great grandfather, a London goldsmith, with holdings in London and Wells in Somersetshire.
In Commecs Ohio residents lash out as Chicago lots sold as near the city are found to be 25 miles away on swampy ground. Over a hundred have been cheated. Mrs Helen Rose says her family bought three lots paying 75 monthly. Prices ranged from 100 to 200 dollars. Real estate near Chicago faces a likely collapse.
Charleston, S. C., Feb 5. Special. There is little doubt of Governor Tillman's re election after he defeated the regular Democrat in 1890. Opponents sent a circular to Democrats calling a conference in Columbia, but it failed to attract attendees. Anti Tillman forces plan a spring convention, yet lack a unified candidate to oppose him. If Tillman wins, anti Cleveland delegates may go to Chicago. the Alliance controls Democratic machinery in the state and will back its candidates.
The Rice Milling Company has taken control of all 13 rice mills in New Orleans. Eleven mills are closed with four ready to reopen if needed. Dealers protest prices 10 to 25 percent below rough rice values while cleaned rice prices rise. They threaten to ship rice to Savannah if prices stay depressed.
Chicago faces a rising crime epidemic as the police struggle with rapid growth and limited resources. The force reports a gigantic task ahead to curb offenses and prevent further spread in the city.
Hopson N Y Feb 4 The Columbia County Democratic Convention elected delegates to the State Convention and instructed them to vote for Hill delegates to the National Convention. The Dispatch to-morrow notes COLDS and their care by Dr Ephraim Cutter.
A Seneca Falls NY tale reports Miss Louisa Sherlock, famed for tiny feet, wore shoes too small causing narrow toe nails and a bone disease. Despite medical efforts, doctors declared amputation necessary, resulting in both feet being removed this week.
New York Feb 5 The report of arrangements for consolidating the Fidison and Thomson-Houston Companies was officially confirmed today. Leading parties have agreed and the proposition will soon be formally presented to shareholders.
The Evening News reports a long article accusing the Democratic City and State Committees of receiving campaign funds from the Louisiana State Lottery. It claims officials of the lottery lament Mayor Matthews criticism and accuse ingratitude, highlighting tensions in local government and finances.
Feb 5 Washington reports Congressman Fithian of Illinois introduced a Democratic resolution directing the Ways and Means Committee to report a bill placing all agricultural implements on the free list. He argues U.S. makers sell cheaper abroad, harming farmers, and cites A B Farquhar’s admission that foreign prices beat domestic sales. The proposal draws mixed reactions from Springer and Watson with party support anticipated.
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