Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1878-02-07
LOUIsTANps RETURNING BOARD,
Sheriff Houston Arrested for
Forcing an Entrance In
to the Custom House. .

tom House for several hours, learn
ing that Deputy Marshal had been
put in Charge Of che Collectors Of
| fee, which was locked and bolted,
proceeded to the maiH door OF the
Office and there informed tho Mar
shal and Deputy Collector Tomiin-
son that he had writ to execute
apainstJ. Madison Wells and 9TH
era whom he had good reason 70
believe were confined In the room,
and he desired admittance. This
was refused whereupon the Sheriff,
who was accompanied by two depu-
ties, said that he would force az
entrance. Mr.. Tomlinson then
summoned The Chief Deputy Mar.
shal, who proceeded to the door Of
the Collectors Office and there or.
dered the Sheriff and his assistants,
as well as the crowd that had gath
cred, to diSband. The Sheriff refus-
ed TO leave, saying that he was do
termined to execute the writ Of the
c0urt at any hazard or be arrested in
the attempt. Sheriff Houston then
slightly advancing, Deputy Marshal
Wurzburger laId hands upon him
aud claimed him and his deputies AS
prisoners. The Sheriff and party
submitted to arrest, and were taken
before Judge Billings, sitting in the
United States Circuit Court, but
the latter said he had nothing To do
with the matter, rs the parties had
not been arrested by virtue of any
process from his court. Mr.. Wurz.
burger then took his prisoners before
United States Commissioner Lane,
and Mr., TOmlinson, the Collectors
corresponding secretary, MADE Sn
affidavit against Sheriff Houston
aud sent for the commander OF tho
revenne cutter and detachment OF
mai ines, ordering them TO be sta
toned ut his door, through which
passage has to be effected to reach
the Collectors office. General Shell
don and Mr.. Dolorvin, appearing
before Commissioner Lane and deny
ing the jurisdiction of his court.
asked for Sheriff HOuston's release.
Mr.. Gurley, Assistant District At
torney, asked for a continuance un-
til tomorrow. Commissioner Lane
refused to grant the continuance,
and released Sheriff Houston on his
own recognizance. Later in the
day Attorney General II. Y. Ogden
sent the following dispatch to At
torneT General Devens:
Four persons J. Madison Wells,
Thomas G. Anderson, G.. Casensve
and L. NJ. Kexner, who are under
an information for felony under the
laws OF the State, havo forfeited
their recognizance, and have, am
informed, taken shelter in the Gus
tom House OF this city. Writs for
their arrest are in the hands of the
Sheriff and he went with the writs
TO arrest them. Understanding
they we're shut up in room in the
building he was about 10 force an
entrance for the purpose of arresting
them when he was himself arrested,
as am informed, upon an affidavit
that be threatened TO open the door
by force. am not aware OF any
cession Of exclusive jurisdiction on
this building, nor of any law that
would give immunity to offenders
against the State laws within its
doors. Please inform ms whether
the General Government has author
lied or will sustain this conduct.
At 10 o'clock last night Marshal
Wharton received d dispatch from
Mr.. Devcns, iIs:ructing him not to
interfere with wits Of the State
courts, Sheriff Houston WAS notified
AMI found Anderson, Kenner and
CaSenayo in the Collectors cffice,
whence they were taken to The par
Ish prison, where they will remain
until they furnish bonds OF rive
thousand dollars each.
Wells was not in the Custom
House, but was seen on morning
train Oh the Mobile road. It is be-
lieved be is still In the State, and
will surrender Tomorrow and fur
nish bonds at once.
Late tonight Anderson, Casenave
and Kenner remain in the Parish
Prison, but will give bail tomorrow.
Wells has not yet surrendered, hut
will probably do 50 to morrow, when
the trial will begin.
Below we publish an item that is
going the rounds Of the press. We
have little faith in the story, but
should IT, be q raa"itV IL is AN awful