Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-05-06
Rebellion -Sballcross and the Governor
Resist the Execution of the Law.

The Borad of Directors of the Peniten>
tiary met at Moundsvillc, yesterday, 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, Sehon and McCarriher.
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 institution, and your reporter, started for
the Penitentiary. The Directors upon their
arrival were met by Mr.. Shallcross, who re-
fused to admit them. The following CONVEX.
sation then ensued
Mr.. Watson.-We demand admittance here.
Mr.. Shallcross.-Iou can't be admitted,
Mr.. Watson | am here to defend the rights
of everybody. I have been instructed to
hold possession of this property.
MIR. Wa.son.-By what authority do YOU
keep US out
Mr.. Shalcross.-I don't propose to show
any authority but what have given TMr.
Shallcross afterwards read an order from
Governor Jacob instructing hin, to hold pos
session of the Penitentiary
Mr.. Smith.-Then we are to understand
that you do not recognize US as the legitimate
Board?
Mr.. Shallcross.-I am so instructed.
Mr.. Sehon.-Allow me to enquire, Mr..
Shallcross, what apprehension of danger do
you fear from admitting us?
Mr.. Shallcross.-I am under bound of
Sl0,O0o and | am accountable to my bonds
men for the faithful performance of the duty
devo!ving upon me, and this conceive to be
my duty.
At this jnncture quite al exciting scene
took place. which at one time looked as if it
would terminate seriously. The Directors in
structed Mr.. Israel. who is cartain of the
guards, to enter. This lie attempted to do,
but was stopped by Mr.. Sha!Icross A slight
scuille ensued, in which Mr. Shallcross raised
his cane in threatening attitude once or
twice, but did not strike. Isrcal then pros
cured a ladder and put it against the stockade
for the purpose of scaling it. Mr. Shalcross
then In an excited manner, commanded him
to put it down which he refused to do. He
was about to ascend the ladder when Shall
cross stepped ont few PAGES and with
tragic air exclaimed: "Captain Israel, f Won
attempt to go that wall it will nc at YOUR
own peril ~ The affair at this noint assumed
rather threatening aspect and the Board of
Directors thinking discretion the better part
of valor, requested Israel to desist any fur
Their attempts to enter torchly.
Mr.. Sha!lcross then said .'Gentlcmen if
you are determined to oct bel-erenty ] will
not be treated in this way any longer" This
was an intimation that if the Directors did not
leave the Pcnitentiary yard, they would be
forcibly elected. However, thew we're not
much alarmed at this threat. hut concluded
there was nothing to be gained by standing
there in the rain, they jumped into their con-
veyauce and returned to the hotel.
General Wheat appeared and held long
interview with the Board He said he came
at the instance of Governor Jucob-uot as his
counsel or adviser-to explain why the Gov
erpor had given Mr.. Shallcross reremtory orr
ders not to allow Mr.. Bridges to be installed
as Superintendent. He said, inasmuch as
there was dispute who had the legal authrity
to take possession of the Penitentiary. it was
the desire of the Governor to have the entire
matter referred to the Supreme Court for sd-
Judication. Gen. Wheat said he made 4his
suggestion as citizen for the benefit of all
parties concerned. AS Gen. Wheat was the paid
attorney for Gov. Jacob and Mr. Shallcross.
the Board considered his advice as sscitizep."
rather chin"
Alter the consultation the Board determined
to telegraph to the Board of Public Works.
at Charleston, for instructions under the ex>
listing circumstances, and will await an answer
before taking further action in the matter
[ Wheeling Register, Nay 2.
ES The Hon. James Brooks, of New
York, founder of the Evening Express of that
city, and the representative of the eighth On.
- district in Congress, died in Washington
on Wednesday evening, after protrac,ed
illness.
ES~ a Frederick county correspondent of
the Richmond Wig suggests the name Of
Capt w. l.. Clark for the position of Attor-