Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-03-01
5ttempt to lssassinate tue Hon. Van
Wyek, Of New York,
WAsHINQToN. Feb. q.

- ~A~AN1AfN c<sa ANS' ----s
a most coWardly aud brutal assault was
made, about half-past eleven o'clock last night,
upon Hon. Mr. Van Wyek, meuber of Congress
from the West Point district, N. Y, by three
rufians, armed with bowie knives, Mr.. Van
Wyck had jest left the residence of Senator
King, on Capitol Hill; aud was passing down
by the north wing of the Gapito to his lodgings,
when stout built uiau came no behiud him,
aud struck him with bowie knife in The breast
over the heart. The tnife penetrated the out
side aud inside coats, passing through folded
copy Of the Gfobe, and then nearly through
thick memorandum book, both Of which were
in the breast pocket of bis frock coat, not quite
reaching The skin.
Mr.. Van Wyok struck the man blcw-under
the jaw which staggered him, when the second
rufian struck blow at Mr. Van Wyck with
bowie kaifa, which the latter caught with his
left hand, making terrible cash across the
palm. At The same time be Ivan Wyckl
knocked the fellow down With bis right. aud
instantly drew revolver and shot the first
rufiau, who dropped aud was caught BY his
frIeBds.
The third guaian knocked Mr. Van Wvck
down with bis 6ss. This blow, together with
the effect Of the one be first resolved, and es-
pecially from the profUsa bleeding Of bis hand
weakened bin very much. end observing that
the rufhaas we're making haaS 5 escape with
their wounded companion. wbe appeared to him
quite helpless, he sank himself almost exhaust.
ed upon tho side walk, and did not fire again.
But as soou as be gathered sufficient strength
be nado his way to bis hotel, which be did not
reach tlll after twelve this morning. He said
very little about the affair, except to one or
two confidential friends, DIR. Lee, OF the House
who dressed his wounds, and to the police, 10
the hcpe that the parties might he discovered;
out up to tonight no trace of their whereabouts
has been ascertained.
Mr.. Van Wyek is quite nervous this evening.
and is suffering considerable pain from the
wound 10 his hand, but IS n no serious dau-
ger.
Mr.. Van Wyck cannot account for this at
tack upon him, unless it has grown out Of bis
speech the last session, which created so
much excitement aud discussion, because OF its
severity against the system of slavery, wherein
he cited instances Of slave burning. For some
time after its delivery he received letters threat
euing bis life. Outside of this be has no
knowledge of having created the enmity of
any human being. He is man who never
visits gambling or drinking saloons, and while
be is resoluse man when assaled, in bis daily
walk be is very quiet and gentlemauly.
The affair having become known tonight,
creates Intense feeling, especially in Congress
sioual circles Herald
DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION
Democratic State Convention met at Harrisburg on
the 2lst and I'D inst, and PASSED the following
resolutions, which we condence:
The lst declares the States of the Union to be
sovereign and Independent.
"a. Ihat the Government has all necessary pow
ers for preserving itself aud enforcing its laws
3d. Buncomhe. Music-Star Spanged Banner
4th. That the Republican party is responsible
for the evils which have lately come upon the
country, including the dptherea ana whoopne.
cough. That the dissenSions in the Democratic
ranks is hereby healed. That ssOld Abe~ is wrong
in saying nothing is going strange.
9th. The Southern people have right to take
their niggers into all the territories of the United
States.
9th. That all fagftives must be delivered up.
7th. Endorses the Crittenden plan
9Th. That the Democracy will oppose discoup-
tenance aud prevent any attempt on the part of
Republicans in power to use coercion on the
Southern States.
9Th. Approves the conduct of the Border Slave
States.
l8th Condemns the course Of Governor Curtin
IN not putting two or three secession, disunion
Locotoeos on his list of Commissioners to the
Peace Conference
We believe she action OF this miserable body OF
traitors will meet the hearty approval of Yancey,
Rhett, Davis, Pickens and the whole cabooile Of
dlsunonists in the Ratilesnake Republic We
can't see why it should not. Alas poor, defuuet
Locofocoism.
BEDFORD LYCEUM-Will meet in the Conrt
House. on Saturday evening Declamer, s. l..
RUSSELL Essyist, j. II. Filler. Question for debate
Resolved, that in the event of no compromise be-
ing effected, Il is the duty of the general govern
ment to acknowledge the independence OF the
states which have eatablis he'd ssSnntharn Cnnfad