Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1873-05-10
MODOC WAR AT MOUNDSVILLE.

May, for the purpose of installing the
new Superintendent, Captain w. l..
Bridges. All the members of the newly
appointed Board, were present, consist
ing of Messrs. Watson, President; Smith
of Taylor, Smith of Wood, Sehon and
McCarriher.
Shortly after dinner the Board, to-
,e,ber with Captain Bridges, who had
1,s letter of commission, bond, and all
otber documents to take charge OF the
institution, started for the Penitentlary'
,rbe Directors upon their arrival were
NOT by Mr.. Shallcress, who refused to
limit then The following converse
ion then ensued as we learn from the
Wheeling Register:
Mr. Watson.-We demand admit
.ance here.
Mr.. Shallcross.-You can't be admit
led, 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 us out e?
Mr.. Shallcross-I don't propose to
show any authority but what l have
given. Mr.. Shallcross afterwards read
an order from Governor Jacob instruct
mo MIN to hold possession OF the Penl-
tentiary.
Mr.. Smith.-Then we are to under
stand that YOU do not recognize us as
me legitimate Board?
Mr.. Shallcross.-I am so instructed.
Mr.. Sehon.-Allow me to enquire,
Nr. Shallcross, what apprehension OF
danger do you fear from admitting us ?
Mr.. Shallcross.-I am under a bond
of $4,000 and / am accountable to my
bondsmen for the faithful performance
If the duty devolving upon me,and this
conceive to be my duty.
AT this juncture quite an exciting
scene took place, which at one time
looked as if it would terminate serious
". The Directors instructed Mr.. Israel,
who is captain of the guards, to enter.
This he attempted to do, but was stop
led by Mr.. Shallcross- n slight scuifie
ansued, in which Mr.. Shallcross raised
lis cane in threatening attitude once
or twice. but did not strike. Israel
hen procured a ladder and put it
against the stockaGe for the purpose OF
sealing it. Mr.. Shallcross, then i'll an
excited manner, commanded him to put
it-down. which he refused 10 DO. He
was about to ascend the ladder when
Shallcross stepped out few PAGES and
with tragic air exclaimed: Captain
Israel, if you attempt to go over that
wall it will be at your own peril The
affair at this point assumed q rather
threatening aspect, and the Board of
Directors thinking discretion the better
part of valor, requested Israel to desist
any further attempts to enter torclbly
Mr.. Shallcross then said Gentle
men if YOU are determined to act belig-
crently | will not be treated in this way
any longer" This was an intimation
that if the Directors did not leave the
Penitentiary yard, they would be forcl-
blv elected However, they were not
much alarmed at this threat, but con,
cluded there was nothing to be gained
bv standing there in the rain,they jump
cd into their conveyance and returned
TO the hotel.
General Wheat appeared and held a
LONG interview with the Board. lie
said he came at the instance of Gov.
Jacob-not as his counsel or adviser
TO explain why the Governor had given
Nir. ShallcroSS peremptory orders not to
allow Mr. Bridges to be installed as SUI
perintendent. He said, inasmuch as
there was a dispute who had the legal
authority to take possession OF the Pen
itentiary, it was the desire of the Gov
emor TO have the entire matter referred
to the Supreme Court for adjudication.
ecu. Wheat said he made this sugGes-
ton as a citizen for the benefit OF all
parties concerned.
After the consultation the Board de
terInined to telegraph to the Board OF
Public Works, at Charleston, tor III
structions under the existing clrcum-
stances, and will await an answer before
taking further action in the matter.
The Wheeling Register of Tuesday
also says:-
1--WE learn that with view of test
inc the Governors clam as to the pow
CT of appointment, two suits at law
have been begun. One is brought 10y
the Governor against the Board of Di-
rcctors of the Penitentiary to determine
bv what authority they act land the 9TH
eris brought by Captain Bridges against
Mr.. Shalcross to determine by what
authority he continues to discharge the
duties of Superintendent of the Peni-
tertiary. 1t has been agreed that no
technical nor captious reasons for delay
shall be urged on either side, and that
an effort will be made to secure the final
determination of the question by the
Supreme Court Appeals at its session in
this city next month.
Upon this subject the MoundsYillc
National says =
SO far as the Penitentiary is concern
cd, these proceedings make the Cover
nor master of the situation. The would
be Directors are at considerable dlsad-
vantage and have neither the sinews OF
war nor the power to raise any. They
have no authority to draw money from
the State Treasury nor Law hands mon