davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27
ENGINE PRACTICE.

In accordance with a bylaw Of the Fire
District which provides that the Chief En-.
gineer shall order out the Fire Companies
in the District at least twice between May
and September in each year, and exercise
them as in case Of actual fire. the Depart
ment was ordered out Wednesday p NJ at 8
o'clock. The engines Boxer and Ethan AL
len, proceeded to Bank ST.. where the Aliens
drcw water from the well near Stephen Whit
nry and supplied the Boxers, through $50
feet of hose. The Boxer Engine stood at the
crossing of s.. Paul street and played thro'
$50 feet of hose and an inch nozzle, down
Bank street; the object being to see how
far water could be effectively thrown in case
of a fire. After everything was at last ar
ranged and unders God, they commenced
playing and worked one minute, throwing
stream about 20 feet. Then the engine.
changed places, and the Boxers supplied the
Aliens. with about the same result.
This was not intended as trial of the
ability OF the machines respectively, but it
showed them very nearly equal We were
sorry to learn that VIM. Brnsmaid was struck
by brake as he was stopping to look in the
box of the Allen, and his head cut pretty
badly.
Then the engines came back and
the Hook and Ladder Company, with great
agility, ran a spliced ladder up to the gable
end of Jellison S store on Church street, and
the Boxers hose was carried up it, the engine
playing from the hydrant at Shedd's, through
$50 #. Of hose. We saw the water flying over
the building but cannot now say how far.
The Aliens drew water from the hydrant at
Lyman's corner and played over Bank
block, ladder having been raised for the
purpose by the Hook and Ladder Company.
There is no need for US to commend the
spirit and efficiency shown by these two En-
CINE Companies on Wednesday; we have had
occasion to speak of it before. But we wish
to say few words in praise of the Hook and
Ladder Company. The quickness and
certainty with which they performed their
duties yesterday, under the command of R.
$. Styles, their foreman, splicing and rearing
those long ladders and welding their heavy
hooks, were most admirable, and showed
wha, dependence may be placed on them in
case of an actual fire. Their white shirt
Sleeves yesterday showed that they meant
,rork-but we hope soon to see them in some
neat and appropriate uniform.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27
BURLINGTON.

lying dead by the oaths of Richard G. Cole,
Thos. Bigelow, Seldng Patee, Charles +.
Ward, James +. Brinsmaid, Henry Stanton,
Leonard Johonnott, John J. Dunklec. James
A. Shcdd. Sidney 8. Fcrrc, foirey +. Walls,
Arson NJ. Ruggles, Urban A. Woodbury.,
John n Davis. and Horace + Howard. who,
present, find that the said John T. McKeen
came to his death from II wound inflicted
upon his breast by Peter Mcdonnell. who,
at about half-past twelve o'clock in the
morning of Sunday. the ODD day of May a.
d. 1859, at said Burlington, with a spring
back knife. which he then and there held in
his right hand, did stab the said j I'm 7 Me-
Keen. thereby nnicting the wound whereof
he died, and that John Kelly and john BAN
were then and there present, aiding and
abetting the said Peter Mcdonnell, in caus-
ing the death Of the said John I. Mckeen.
And so the Jurors upon their oaths say that
the said Peter Mcdonnell, in the manner
and form aforesaid, the said John +. Mckccn
did kill and that the SAID John Kelly and
John Balm were accessory thereto, against
the peace and dignity of the State.
TORREY f. WALES, Foreman.
After l,.u verdict was rendered, an inform
alton having been laid against Mcdonnell,
Balm and Kelly, any further examination wa'
waived on their part, and they were com
mittcd by Justice Hollenbeck for trial at tn,
September term Of the County Court.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27
MASSACHUSETTS, CONSTITUTIONAL
VOTE.

"Bo.ToN, May 2l.-The official majority for tho
constitutional amendment, requiring two years
residence, is five thousand six hundred nd TWEEN
ty-four, out Of the total vote of thirty-fve thou
sand eight hundred and cighty-tw0."
The vote recorded above illustrates the no
torious difficulty of getting the great mass of
the people to take any strong interest in con-
stitutonal amendments. One might have
supposed from the uproar in some of the
Massachusetts, papers for Il few weeks before
the vote was taken, that the old Bay State
was seething like cadron from one side to
the other, from intense excitement about AN
amendment to an article of their state con-
stitution; yet it seems that only H'rty-fre
thousand cigM hndred and c,ghiy-hro votes
could be mustered on the subject though at
the last state election no less than one huH-
dred md nineteen thousand and eighty ttco
votes We're given moro than three times as
many.
The ridiculous hullabuloo which the dem
ocratc papers are making over the matter,
calls for a word in this connection. Accord
ing to them, the amendment is monstrous
outrage on the rights Of man-espcciaily of
men Of foreign birth and all chargcablc to
those terrible L" Black Republicans. How
many Republicans and how many Democrats
voted for it and how many against it, cannot
be told; but the fact is, that the Democrats
last year gave 3S,29S votes for Beach for
Goyernor-that is, tpenty.tor hundred and
s,rtccl more than all the votes cast both for
and against the constitutional amendment
they might, therefore, have defeated it, if
they had wished to, by their own votes alone.
saying nothing of Republicans to help them,
of which there were certainly many thousands
who voted against it.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

Tn SEASON do not believe " the
oldest inhabtant' even saw a more delight
ml outburst of nature than has been wit
messed in this vicinity within eight days
past Previously, continued dry weather.
mostly cool also-had kept vegetation back
surprisingly. For the season, every thing
then looked unpromising The dissolving
views of magic lantern never made greater
changc-hardly a quicker one-than that
which followed the gentle rains of last week
The green of the fields and forest trees is
beautiful and fresh beyond all comparison,
and the bloom of the fruit trees is II feast to
both sight and smell rarely enjoyed.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27
Yours,

ALL RlGnr AGsIN.-rhe autograph and
Rc,na,ker is anxious to have the Free Press
let its readers know that the needle which
Mr.. Cooks child got into its throat was got
out safely by its mother the next day, and
that the child is now well,-of which we are
glad, and we hope our readers generally
will be SO too,
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27
most sHo CKING HOMICIDE.

A shocking occurrence took place here
Saturday evening, which has created great
er excitement THAI we think has been known
in our community within the last fifty years.
About midnight Mr.. J. T. McKe cen, lately
engaged in the saddlcry and harness business
with Mr.. II. NJ. Wight Of this place, met
with an almost instantaneous death from tho
stab Of knife then in the hands of Potter
Mcdonnell, also Of this place, VINO for some
months past has bc"n a ,iournevman printer
in the FsEr Pass Office. In few words, tho
main facts were rs fo',ows Mcdonnell,
John Balm ir., and Kelly, lad of about Il
years, having been visiting several shops
about the village during the evening. were
passing about midnight Mr. Ferries
shoe store on Church street, Tin the rear OF
which was Mr.. Wight's shop). and sc9ins
light in the store. one of them. Balm. spoke
through the KEY hole rs they passed by.
This brought ont some or all of the persons
in the store, Mr.. Wight. Mr.. McKcen. Mr.
Logan and Mr.. Bliss brief interchange OF
excited words took place. and a momentary
scuffle between Mr.. McKeen and Mcdonnell,
both Of whom fell to the pavement Mckeen
exclaimed that he was knitted, or to that et-
feet, and in few moments breathcd his
last. The blade of a strong and large pocket
knife with catch spring was found to have
penetrated directly through the breast bone
into the heart. causing immediate death.
As soon as the persons in contact were sepa
rated, Mcdonnell. Balm and Kelly ran away.
Kelly went home. and Mcdonnell and Balm
wandered off some miles to escape arrest. but
returned early in the morning and gave
themselves up.
McKeen was. as we learn an cstl-
mable man, and his violent death has
given a terrible shock to the whole comm uni
ty. All Sunday the streets were thronged
with sympathizing and interested citizens.
Ills family, wife, and twin children but n
few weeks old, were at this time in llnsdale
N H., whittier his corpse was taken Monday
fo- intel ment 1t was accompanied to the
cars by tho several Fire Companies, of one o.
which he was an efficient member, by long
procession of our citizens, and by the Corne'
Band. brother-in-law, Mr.. Barrett o
Winooski accompanied the cornse to New
HAMPSHIRE.
Mcdonnell, Balm and Kelly state
that the encounter was entirely unprcmedi
dated, and Med. says that though he hac
taken out his knife after beng. as he alleges
struck by the deceased, he did 1t to deter hin
from farther assault. and that the dca dy
thrust was purely accidental.
OF course here, as would be in any other
community excited by such an event, rn'
mors of all sorts have been ahoat. which car
be rectiticd only by the calm investigations
of court of justice. For such result w
hope all " ii calmly wait
A Coroner's Jury was summoned before
o'clock, on Sunday morning, by John B
Hollenbeck, Esq, Justice of the Peace.
The Jury consisted of the following per
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

NARROW ESCAPE We received Tuesday
afternoon particulars of an escape from
death, well nigh miraculous.
About p. NJ, on Monday, Mr. r. c.
Holden, Of Winopski. and Mr.. Tenny, Stunt
OF Bridges on the Vt. Central r. r.. were
examining the under timbcrs Of the deck
bridge across the Wnooski. nearest the lime
kiln. 4 plank on which Mr.. Holden stood
broke under him and he fell through the
bridge As he fell, he threw his arms across
n timber about five feet below and hung srs.
pended some 10 feet above the rocks and
shallow water Mr.. Tenny was unable to
raise him from his perilous position. Two Of
IIoden's mon who were instantly ut the
spot were unable or afraid 60 render any as
sistancc Mr.. Holden then told Mr.. Tenny
to send .or help to the lime kilns, as ho
thought he could hold on. The distance
from the bridge to the kilns is nearly 100
rods hut Holden was able to sustain him
self in that frghtful position, hanging by
his arms and hands until help came.
J Then Mr.. Tcnnv and another man
placed themselves astrde Of the timber and
carefully Selling hold Of him. lifted him up,
not an instant too soon, for he was all but
exhausted, and was unable to stand or move
when at last in place of safety. He must
have sustained him self ms stated above for
| more than ten minutes.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

Tho Freeman states McKeen was stabbed
by Mcdonnell "a drunken Printer in the
Fra Press Office" which '' shows that there
was somr one in the Free Press Office who
drank considerable liquor"
Tho Frr'moa is too hasty to be right.
either in fact or inference. Mcdonnell was
not ga drunken printer, and there neither
is nor was any one in the Free Press Office
who drinks " considerable or any other
kind Of liquor.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

1t is rumorcd that one cause of the tardi.
ness Of the Austrian Armies in their move
ments against Sardinia is a distrust of the
Hungarians, who compose about one third
of the Austrian Armies, mainly the same
troops which fought against Austria for
Hungary under kossuth.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

times, perhaps SIN, we le'U Tutn 2 ii'N"'
ing to travel round outside and then 60
home About half an hour before ] asked
Balm to 20 home and he said he did not in
tend to go home yet after we went out we
turned under the awning Of Staniiord's
store and crossed the street. struck the side
walk on the other sido between Warner |
and Fcrres. Don't know who went ahead.
was the last After we cross d we |
turned and walked up the street by |
Pages store. did not soc Balm at
Ferries store. but as we passed up, he told !
me he looked IN at the key hole; we were
between Fuller's and Pages stores. While
we were there some one came out OF tefres
store and said 81 stump YOU to come back
Balm asked me to 90 back and W. " W..
Mex cen said if "he knew the son OF h-h
that stuck his nose in he keyhole, he would
lick him, or to that effect. John BAN
laughed at him. | said suppose it was me-
for instance" He called me little wheip
and said he would "kick my ID little lace
OFF, | told him to sail in and called Nun
son Of b---h. lie came down oil the steps
said ''you call me Il son OF h--h, strik-
ing me mt the same time. | had my hands
in my pockets and when he struck me he
caught hold round my neck. told him to
let 20 drew out my knife aud opened 1t:
lie sung me around and both OF US Tell,
fell under, not exactly under, but on one side;
LnJ l,,,;c, i, nv Wolff hand and nv cl-
h,,,,, .t,,,L ,Lo d,GrstTn He fell ON ton of
,h ," l.,,iG' h.Iioyn IL. e,id ..hc's mt
tnic' j., mo =. S,,no orc c,r,e and mil
NV , H.. nm, t,,l,
'1' nv ,io". "'p,i I'M, LII $500, ,o,ro,
me l"S urn Wv" to, ',., ~, Co,,n,,"st
ven u'n" ~ lst E,it,,I,r,
70 rihe 81, h' T' nor ,I' MJ';Y '','
ne OPPOSITE. f'cS nlck' any S''" ,',,. II,
more pam anu ! N',o 'o-1'''o, ;,n.,1
TinG ST. 10 -'orIh b'I" up 10 '''' i'"'',, .i'
hluSc Went Tp"U 10 w ''''ea 5,,la H.,
iVer on t'' ralroa" pIin7. KIM "t"I h W..
loa', On t''t 4'hcr s''I :" 49, ~, ,a H.
"a'Ked on ''e '>"'n i in't wen, ,r "l ,i,o
io'u "-a'h anu cam ol1n .. VII pon1
river ana went up we ',".n to ~ NV. brnth
aStn. PAN N''' H",''' "' rtn ,o' ca'3o Lnc,
er W'n'tt ~ ',' ,'' i,o ,,';tI ,i,o,n Ny
,oet,or t''i WHY o" nnJ ,.;,n nmr.olyc,
"4"'', ~, ""'l9vu "a w ~ "',N ,,d ,n,t
~ Nv am WV" , ,9%n w. i,,,i'rnitL
~ ", ''',' ,.,,s ,,ar,.
SUPP NY oi"'''''i vow. u, '''oio W. " lI''i'
o"t "i''I ">' ",.u ','"V ''| -"
W!'ch was 'tle nrS' ) "e'I' ., ~ u'' p ,'"'
'li'N nau h'1,'' ,'. ". i'"i',' ''''i il s,iI
away "Gau'c pan PAN W'n''u NV ~. >,it;o'i
ne Thought '"e h'l,lc nHu S'i' ,'lt :
.'"' wa. IN 'pI 'N','.N Iii', a
10 me w we E'' " i,o,,,i
,e'''Sp va, ,.t''', Wv va .1i.,.I
'nouSht haI k'llcu "'l'' Nv "I' .'NI ,'',
uioanoS from i'o,''t' ."o "1 %a r,;n H.
, ~"'L "'a.'u ~ ~ =" W"n+rioi 1''' we
o oo"",D W ~ W"iint..s I",,'', Rain
.",at I'. '',i'i a,ii'snnd ,,,.,,.I - son
m'",''' ~ W. ''''>' INV
VIE. .....;roa o,.o:, .. 49,, ,Fr,r
s Io i'nV' tl INV tbo ~4it;n
Of the parties ,,, -, .,
i'e WIS wa 'l,,'' I'I'" ,''''' ...',,,. ,ao
I'I'".''N ",'l '": ,.,,I. ," n,,i
C'o" I'' "t H;'''. az ..i ',,i. IT,
| "tiui' II. pun ''' a. '""''" "J ." ~
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

SAVE YorR DocToR's BLLs.-When DR.. Wis.
tars Balsam Of Wild Cherry will cure coughs, at
the lungs and arrest the fell destroyer Consump-
ton, it does more than most Physician, can do.
single trial will satisfy the incredulous
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

The excitement in this place on Sunday,
when the news Of McKeen's violent death
was spread, was intense. Crowds of people
visited the scene Of the affray, and looked
with sadness on the body of the man who
was in full health und strength but SO short
a time before 1t was found necessary to
remove the corpse and it was carried to the
Boxer Engine Room, McKeen was a men,
Der of that Company, and his loss is much
felt, On Monday morning, the whole Fire
Department of Burlington assembled to es-
cort the corpse to the Depot. After an af-
fcctins prayer by Rev. Mr.. Foster, the pro-
cession moved from tho Engine Room IA
large number of citizcnsa at the head, followed
by the Engineers, Hook and Ladder Co the
Cornet Band, Volunteer Engine Co., Ethan
Allen Engine Co., and the Boxers with the
hearsc, all the bells tolling and the Band
playing funeral march while the side
walks were thrunged with spectators
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27
VERMONT ITEMS.

In jacksonville May l4th Mrs. F. Parker
was thrown out Of a wagon, the horse having
taken fright, and seriously injured. She was
taken up insensible, but hopes are enter
tanned of her recovery.
The Waterman says that VIM. B. Litch
who was held as accessory with John Burton
Shaw for b fanny was bound over for trial in
$1,000. On reaching the door Of the
Jail he broke away from the officer, but
was soon caught again.
Information is wanted of Thomas Kirk of
St, Johnsbury. He was last heard of at
Montpelier about the 18th Of last October,
ANY information concerning him will be
thankfully received by Andrew Wark, st
Johnsbury, Vt
The fastest stallion time ever made in Yer
mont according to the Waterman, was made,
May II, on the Mortified track by Plato
owned by d. A. Burnett of Bridport. He
trottcd in 24O-the first halfin !. 10.
BEER SALOONS CLosEp,-Tuesday An
thony Faith was brought before Justice iol-
lenbeck and find $40 and costs for keeping a
saloon without license.
Simon Fitz and Pat Kavanaugh were also
fined $40 each and costs for like offences,
Wednesday, John Smollens, Frank Clark,
Martin Clark, James Kelly. Were each
fined so, and costs for selling beer without
license.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

Still water always is not only covered with scum
and filth, aud breeds ehills and fever and death
but it is infested with noxious nsects while run
ming water always clears itself And il you sit
down in the shallow pool Of reflection on these
great question. Of Providence and Gods admins
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

Somebody pull d Mcdonnell away stepped
up towards them, to see what they were do
ing-to see closcr--to sec if could stop the |
fight. ! heard Mcdonnell say to McKcen |
while they were down " let me GO" Med. |
started and Walked down street after they
were separated. | staid moment, saw Mex
raise himself up; stagrer against the door
and fall down again on his back then |
went after Mcdonnell and Kelley. They
walked till | overlook them asked McD.
f had used his knife he said he had
we were almost past the " Beehive when
! asked him. When he said he had used his
knife, | told him he would have to run for
it. and we all started on a run, up Pine street
to North street. Don't know that ever
spoke to Mckccn, never had any ill-teclings
towards him. 1 was with Mcdonnell when
had a 1ht with GilhoOly about month ago;
once or twice have seen him have a pistol.
The fuss commenced on Lyman corner they
fought in Ladulic's Lane, by the millmer's
shop; Gilhooly got him down and kicked
him in the head Med. drew his knife after
he got up, or while he was getting up, and
ran after him believe he broke his knife
then; dill not Sc, how. Never knew
him to draw his knife at amy other time
never saw him have a knife out much.
TTo Mr.. Chittendcn. We started to come
back from Mallctt's Bay, because we didn't
know if the man was hurt much or not, and
wanted to sec. it was about daylight. Nc
Uonncll's brother advised us to give ourselves
up: we were down on the railroad track near
tile North street bridge We met a crowd
in Maiden Lane, as we came in--thc first
ones we had met saw Fitz and Fuller on
Winooski Avenue. he first officer | met
was Mr.. huntington, he did not say any
thing to me took hold Of Med. and we
walked to the Jail together. No one took
hod OF me: no one spoke Of arrcsting me.
McD.'s brother told us that McKeen was
| dead, and that party were out after us
We were put into Jail about 10 o clock. Have
bad no communication together about this
affair no one has been into the Jail to sec us
but Mr.. Miller (daguerreotypisD and Mr.
| Pattcr have had no communication with
! counsel
M Huntington was called. Had CONVEX
sation with Mcdonnell about this homicide
! Yesterday morning, before he was put into
| Jail told him he had got into bad scrapc ;
| he replied that he would always fight in self
defence; said nothing about McKcen's falling
atop of him, and ON the kniie-nothing
about the manner of the knife's getting into
Mr.. Mex. asked him how many times he
struck Mr. Mex. he said only oncc-hc was
sure 1t was only once.
,&hinq P0,cc WAS called. Had CONVERSE
ton with Balm and Mcdonnell yesterday
morning MAY 22), asked BAN how it hap
| pcncd he did not make much reply. Asked
what brought it about he said it was about
nothing. lie said he saw a light and went
over, heard talking and put his eye to the
kcyhoc asked what in HIS trumps said
they had a jaw with the man that came out,
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27
Boxer Engine Co. No 3.

\ meeting Of this company was held on
Sunday afternoon. on account OF the death of
1. j. McKeen who was one of their number,
The meeting was called to order by the
Captain, After few preliminary and appro-
Pirate remarks, informing the meeting Of the
nature of this informal gathering, VIZ to
express their sympathy with the family Of
their late friend and brother, j. T. McKeen,
whose untinely death had thus called them
together, and to record the regrets experienced
by their own loss, as citizens, L, Z. Wales.
James Lewis and +. Lyman were appointed
a Committee to draw up resolutions.
The Committee reported the following re-
solutions which We're unanimously adopted,
and some appropriate remarks were made by
I. Il. Wales upon the character of the de
ceased,
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

The history of the world has shown a series of
great currents, which have not only not moved in
the way in which things seemed TO look at any
time, but in many ways they have borne and
dashed right up against the things which were
powerful and strong.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

Ii there is one thing that firmly believe to be
true it i. that Christ meant His disciples to under
stand that God did really interfere in human af-
fairs. Not that lie explained to them how it was
but that lie declared the general truth AID if
there is one thing that heartily want to be true,
it is just that.
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27
STATEOF VERMONT,

CnnENpFN COUNTY, s.. ( Inquest taxi
en- at Darlington, IN the County of Chitten-
dem on the 22l aud :3d day III May \. d.
1859, before John B. llollenbcck, one of the
justices of the Peace of sand County, upon
view OF the body Of John L. McKcen, there
Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-27

Suppose man is standing at his window look
ing out upon his garden, full Of flowers and fruit,
and rs he looks he ragged boy who looks as If
he had been born on a rock and fed upon stones for
all the growth and vitality there is in him. standing
looking through the palngs; and the poor child
who never in his life, perhaps, has seen so much
that is so beautiful and cntcing, reaches his hand
through to pluck the bloody currants, or stands
on tip-toe to reach the cherries that hang In too
tempting nearness for his honesty. And the man
s full Of selfshnes., and be suffers a. he see. the
boy reach out to take hi, propcrty,--it is real
pain to him. Now there are two ways for him to
get rid of that pain. One H. to call for his servant
and his dog and drive the boy away. But sup
pose, as he stood there, some good angel touching
him should change that hell Of sclfshncss within
him into bcnovolcncc. Then, to his surprise thc
the boys pushing his hand through the paling in
stead of being gricvous, is joy to him, and he
calls out to him: "Put your hand in again, my
| boy and he sends his servant TO open the gate
| and call him in to shake down the fruit from tn,
tree, and to I'll his hands and his pockct5;o give
him enough for himself and to carry away TO biz
starving companions.