Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
REBELLION.
ShalIcross and the Governor Resist
the Execution of the Law.
Candidates for the Penitentiary.

The Board OF Directors Of the Peuitentiary
me, at MouudsviIIe, yesterday. tsays the
Wheeling Register, May 2nd.,l for the purpose
Of installing the new Superintendent, Capt.
w. l.. Bridges. All the members Of the Board
were present, consisting Of Messrs. Watson,
President, Smith Of Taylor, Smith, Of Wood,
Sebon aud lIcCarriher
Shortly after dinner, the Board, together
with Captain Bridges, who had his letter OF
commission, bond, and all other necessary legal
documents requisite to take charge Of the IN
stitution. aud your reporter, started for the
Peuitentiary The Directors upon their arri-
val were met by Mr. Shallcress, who refused
to admit them. The following conversation
eusued
Mr.. Watson.-We demand admittanCe here.
Mr.. Shallcross.-Yo can't be admitted Mr..
Watson am here TO defend the rights Of
everybody. have been instructed to hold
possession Of this property.
Mr.. Watson.-By what authority DO you
keep rs out?
Mr.. Shallcross.-I don't propose to show
any authority but what l have given. Mr.
Shallcross afterwards read an order from Gov.
Jacob instructing him to hold possession Of the
Penitentiary
Mr.. Smith.-Then we are to understand
that You 90 not recognize Us as the legitimate
Board
Mr.. Shallcross.-I am so Instructed
Mr.. Seh0u.-Allow me to inquire, Mr. Shall
cross, what apprehension Of danger do you
gsar from admitting rs
Mt Sdal.crOss.-I am under bond Of 10000
and am accountable to my boudsmeu for the
faithful performance of the duty deyolving
upon me- and this / conceive to be my duty.
At this iuncture quite an exciting scene took
place which at one time looked as if it would
terminate seriously The Directors instructed
Mr.. Israel, who is captain Of the guards, to
enter. This he attempted 10 Do, but was
stopped by Mr. ShallCross. y slight scuili5
eusued, in which Mr.. ShallcrOss raised his cane
in a threatuins attitude once or twice, but did
not strike Israel then procured a ladder and
put il against the stockade for the purpose Of
scaling it, Mr. Shallcross, then in an excited
manner commanded him TO putt down which
be refused TO DO He was about TO ascend the
ladder, when Shalcross stepped out few PAGES
and with a tragic air exclaimed: Captain
Israel, if YOU attempt to 20 over that wall 1t
will be at your own peril ~ The affair at this
point assumed rather threatling aspect, and
the Board of Directors thinking discretion the
better part Of yalOr requested Israel 70 desSt
anv further attempts TO enter lOrCbiy.
Mr.. ShallcroSS then said; Gentlemen II
You are determined to act behgereutly | will
be compelled 90 act in an extreme manner |
will not be treated in this way any longer. -
This was an iutiuation that il the Directors
did not leave the Penitentiary yard, they would
be forcbly elected. However they were not
much alarmed at this threat, but concluded
there was nothing to be gained by standing
there in the rain, they Jumped into their con-
yeyauce aud returned to the hotel.
General Wheat appeared and held q long
interview with the Board He slid lie came
at the instance of Governor Jacob-not rs his
counsel or adyiser-to explain why the Cover
uor had given Mr. Shallcross peremPtory orders
not 10 allow Mr. Bridges 10 be Installed as
I Superintendent. lie said, inasmuch as there
was dispute who had the legal authority TO
/ take possession Of the Pen,teutiary, It was the
/ desire of the Governor " have the entire mat
| ter referred TO the Supreme Court for aiulicG-
/ ton. Gen Wheat said he made this sugges-
| ton as a citizen for the benefit of all parties
concerned. is Gen. Wheat was the paid at
| torucy for Gov jacob and Mr.. ShallCross, the
/ Board considered lis advice Gs q " citizen,
rather chin
After some consultation the Board dster-
mined 10 telegraph to the Board Of Public
Works, at Charleston, for instructions under the
existing circumstances. and will await an au-
swcr before taking further action III the mat
| ter.