davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
PRESENTS FOR MEMBERS.

A Happy Exchange Of Courtesies at the
Botanical Society observation-disclosures
Revealed by q Search Into an Enormous
Stocking-The Affair q Success.
The regular meeting of the Botanical
Society of Western Pennsylvania was held
last evening. After the regular business
the members examined and discussed the
exhibit of Mexican plants, prominent
among which was magnificent display of
ferns arranged bv Commissioner G. d.
Pringle. All through the meeting there was
an undercurrent of suppressed excitement
that kept the members not in the secret on
the tiptoe of expectancy. At last 1t was
announced by c. C. Mellor that owing to
the meeting being so close to the holidays
it was thought proper to remember few of
the staunch and steady members of the So
ciety with some slight tokens of regard.
Mr.. Mellor then opened the door into the
cloak room which no one had been allowed
to enter and on the inner side was displayed
an immense stocking that seemed filled
to its utmost capacity with the good things
that Santa Claus generally distributes at
this season of the year to the good little
children who have not been naughty for at
least week prior to his arrival. Mr.. Nell
lor began the distribution with few we'll
chosen remarks on the progress of the So
ciety and how much it was indebted to its
first President, through whose efforts it had
reached its present solid standing. 1t was
only Just and due that the society should
recognize his efforts.
Reaching into the sock he brought forth,
to the amazement and amusement of everv-
one, small figure of an old man in chair,
which he said represented the grandfather
of the organization. Seemingly in keeping
Il l. IL
up and down benignly on the assemblage,
as though acquiescing to all that had been
said. Next came toy in the shape of
miniature palm tree, to the top of which
small weight is attached, and Immediately
small figure mounts to the top,
removes the weight and slides down
again. This was presented to j. A. Shafer,
the curator of the society, in recognition Of
his untiring efforts in the search for new and
interesting subjects for the members to dis
cuss. Another capacious stocking brought
forth monkey with young one in its
arms, which was presented to the President,
DR.. Koenig, with due ceremony and the re-
mark that it represented him as nursing the
society and keeping up the interest
in it. The next present was
book on the metamorphosis of man for
Prof Gutenberg, which was so subdivided
that any manner of man could be produced
by the mere turning of leaf in twink
ling. A millionaire could be turned into a
beggar or dude into the quietest, mild
hammered individual imaginable.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
REVISING DEM0CRATIc RULIA
Tho Committee VIII Study the Methods In
Other Sections.

The Committee VIII Study the Methods In
Other Sections.
The subcommittee Of the Democratic
County Committee to revise tho rules Of
the organization met yesterday afternoon in
Mr.. Brennen's Office. Those present were
A. ]. Barr, Squire Hermann Handel, E. s.
Kennedy and Squire Boyle. Squire Han
del was chosen Chairman, and W.
j. Bremen acted as Secretary. The
necessity of revising the rules of
the party was pointed out in
short discussion, but no plan for their re-
construction was adopted. By resolution
the Secretary was instructed to write the
Chairman of Democratic organizations In
other cities throughout the country and to
secure their system of party rules and to in
vite suggestions looking to the best interest
of the party. The Secretary was also in
structed to invite suggestions for revising
the rules from all the Democratic organiza-
tions in Allegheny county, as well as from
individual Democrats throughout the
county. The meeting then adjourned sub
ject to the call of the Chairman
In revising the rules it is probable the
committee will determine to give to each
delegate in convention the right to cast the
number of votes polled at the preceding State
election in his district. This plan it is
argued would not reduce the working force
OF delegates in the districts, but would give
the Democratic districts of the county the
representation due them.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
AWAKENED BY WATER
William McCurdy Finds Himself
Floundering in the River.
DOESN'T KNOW HOW he GOT THERE
His Honey and Christmas Presents for the
Children Lost.
DRIED OUT IN THE CENTRAL STATION

William j. McCurdy, of Fayette City,
had strange experience in Pittsbure yes
terday. Its principal features were the
loss of his money, cold bath in the river, a
struggle to escape drowning, and a search
for Central station in dripping clothes. The
most surprising part of the affair is that the
one most directly concerned has no knowl-
edge of how it all happened.
McCurdy is 80 years old and gasftter
by trade. He came to the city yesterday to
transact some business and purchase Christ
mas presents for the little ones at home.
He got through with everything nicely, and
But it was not train time yet, and during
the interval McCurdy took occasion to
CRAFTY taste for crab-apple cider. Train
time soon began to look u far less serious
affair as the minutes passed. But finally
he started to the Union depot, loaded down
with gifts for the children ard thrice
happy under the influence of the lively
apple-juice
McCurdy bought his ticket, and remem-
bers nothing more for two hours. 1t is evil
dent there were some lively incidents dur
ing that forgotten time, for when McCurdy
finally came to, it was by the shock of un-
comfortably cold water. He came to his
senses to find himself foundering in the
Monongahela river near the Sixth street
bridge Old Monongahela water was victo-
rious and McCurdv was himself again. This
happy state of affairs came about Just in
time for him to be able to
struggle out of the water Minus
his hat, wet, shivering and dazed, he
wandered to Centrnl station about 6 o'clock.
After telling what few details he knew of
his experience he was put down in the base
ment beside the heater, where he remained
all night drying out. How he got into the
river he does not know There is nothing
to show whether he was thrown there or
walked in himself. But whatever the cause,
McCurdy was full of sorrow at the result.
81 had lots of presents for the children
and some money" said he regretfully, "but
where are they now?"
The case will probably be investigated to-
day to see if anybody is responsible for Nc
Curdy's plight. There being no charge
against him he will be released from Cen
tral station whenever he desires
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23

know they existed there, and demanded
that wrong doing be proved against him be-
fore he was punished.
Plenty of Bread and Water.
Then all the other matters came out, and
it was found that over dozen men had
been implicated with Sterling, and he was
put on liberal allowance of bread and
water. He declared he had done nothing
wrong and nothing he would not do again.
This called for a meeting of the Board OF
Managers, and it was decided to keep Jones
in the whitehouse until he agreed to keep
the rules of the prison. Sixty days is the
time he has been there now and of course
he is not as strong as he once was, but as a
physician calls on him regularly, his health
is declared not to be in danger.
When Superintendent Hill was seen yes
terday he told the story as given above and
admitted that Sterling had been on a diet
of bread and water for the past 60 days, but
it was not alone on account of mis- literary
aspirations, but for other violations Of the
prison rules He showed FIVE or six wards
of the manuscript, but it was only the
philosophy and a treatise on 'tMaggots in
the Meat"
James Sterling was born in Masontown,
Fayette county, where he still has num-
ber of relatives living. He has been turn
ing sharp corners all his life. In sporting
circles he was long known as "short-card"
gambler, and among the flst-class gamblers
he was not recognized. He had very large
hands and palming was his great strong
hold.
A Sight of Hand Artist, Too.
He could simply lay his hand on a pack
of cards and conceal half the pack in his
palm if necessary and then deal the re-
mainder of the cards. He was we'll known
to the police and his mania for being the
proprietor of speak easy gave them much
trouble. His last place was on Water
street, where, in a vacant house, he con-
cealed his business. The only entrance was
through half closed vacant room and one
unacquainted with the place ran chances of
being lost.
In there he had bar fitted up as nicely
as any in The city, and there was not
fancy dish made that could not be had over
his bar. 1t was there he fell, but his sor-
rows never commenced until he attempted
to be literateur, ard his genius was left to
die out under diet of bread and water.
Yesterday, however, he said he was begin
ming to fatten since oil has become one of
the component parts of the water.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
LETTERS ON THE WAY

Which Are Expected to Put an End to the
warmcastle A Affair-Win Not Be Allowed
TO Resign A. Deputy Mitchell to Take
Charge.
Collector Warmcastle returned from
Washington yesterday morning. While at
the capital the Collector was informed that
he would be removed, and he returned to
PIttsburg relieved of the strain. 1t was ex-
pected that the removal would certainly oc-
cur yesterday. Last night General Sewall
received telegram stating that letters were
on the way to Warmcastle and him.
self that would end the matter.
The delay in removing Mr.. Warmcastle
is construed by the Collectors friends as
being complimentary to him, but they have
abandoned all hope of his being retained as
Collector. The employees of the Collectors S
Office say they have been unable to do their
duty for week and when they were in
formed yesterday that the Collector would
not be allowed to resign, but that he would
be removed, they were anxious that 1t
be settled soon.
In case of the removal of collector,
rule of the department requires that the re-
moved officers chief deputy shall be ap-
pointed to fill as least temporarily the
vacancy. Captain H. ]. Mitchell, Mr..
Warmcastle's chief deputy, will succeed his
dethroned chief and his friends will make
an effort to have the appointment made per-
manent. Captain Mitchell was born and
raised in Butler county. He entered the
Internal Revenue service in 1882, under
Colonel Jackson, who before the reorganiza-
tion of the service by President Cleveland
was Collector of the Allegheny district. Mr..
Mitchell was chief clerk under Colonel
jackson. He was made chief deputy under
Collector Bigler, the Democrat, and he was
appointed to the same place under Collector
Warmcastle. He is said to be familiar with
oil the details of the service and he has al
ways enjoyed the confidence of his
auneriors
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
The Great Rush at KIeber & Bros

Persons can have no idea of the popular
ity of the Kleber Bros, and the immense
business they are doing in the sale of pianos
and organs, unless they drop in at
their warerooms, ,5O6 Wood street. And
Titles the wonder, for the Messrs. Kleber
have the monopoly of the grandest pianos
made in America. Just look and listen to
the glorious Steinway and Conover pianos
and the popular Gabler and Opera pianos
and you will admit that nothing else will
compare with them. Besides, the Messrs
Kleber sell at honest, reasonable prices.
They take the smallest profits of any dealer
and they give the longest warranty and sell
on the easiest monthly payments. Klebers'
store is the most popular place to buy at,
and people have implicit faith In their hon
est dealings and their superior judgment
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
HOW TO SECURE PURE WATER.
Councilman Hugh Ferguson Tells Of Plan
He Believes Practicable.

81 have a suggestion to insure clean
water supply for the city at very little ex-
pense," said Councilman Hugh Ferguson
last night. ''The plan is in practical
operation and has been for years at the
Lucy blast furnaces in Lawrenceville. A
we'll about 10 feet deep and IS feet in
diameter was dug in the river bed just op-
posite the pump house. In this were
placed three heavy cast iron rings with
broad fanges upon which brick
wall was built, from one ring TO the other.
The weight of this structure caused it to
sink deeper rnd deeper into the river bed
until it finally rested on the rock, i sup
pose. Then the connections were made and
a hermeti caliy sealed top was put on the
well. All the water pumped from this we'll
is filtered through Is feet of sand and gravel
and enters from the bottom. The water is
as clear as crystal and has more lime in it
than the river water, making it slightly
hard" No matter how muddy the river
NAV he the water in that well is clear.
"Why. even after the Johnstown food
that water was clear, clean and healthy, and
hundreds of people in Lawrenceville used
it for drinking and cooking purposes.
Would it supply the city? Well, from that
well you could pump 100000 gallons a
day. The city could build larger well if
ii was necessary"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
BURLINGTON THE MAN.
Even Leading Allegheny County Poll
ticians Admit He Will Be
NAMED FOR JUDGE REEDS PLACE.
Letters Now on the Way to Wind Up the
Warmcastle Affair.
REVISING TIE DEMOCRATIC RULES

A meeting of the Bar Association of Al
legheny county will be held this afternoon,
at which ex-Judge Fetterman will be unan-
imously Endorsed for the place on the
United States District Court bench to be
vacated by Judge Reed. Several other AL
legheny county attorneys have been men
toned for the place. but no other name
than Fetterman's will be considered at the
Bar Association meeting this afternoon.
There are about 800 members of the Bar
Association. 1t is argued that nine-tenths
of the business of the United States District
Court is from Allegheny county and that
court is held in other parts of the district
but about ten days of each year. For these
reasons the President will be asked to
name Judge Fetterman for the place
The Pittsburg politicians who are ac-
cepted as authority on such matters believe
that the appointment of successor to Judge
Reed will not be given to Allegheny county.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Agents Inspect St. Loui. terminals.

The new st. Louis terminals of the Chi
cago, Burlington and Quincy road are fin
ished. and the freight agents of the road in
spected them last Sunday. Commercial
Agent Mathews returned yesterday. He
was accompanied by Mr.. Davis, the repre-
sentative of the road in Buffalo. Mr.
Mathews said the Pennsylvania was also
building freight terminals in St. Louis.
Hitherto the traffic has been handled in
East St. Louis, and was then transferred
across the river. The new arrangements of
the 80" will enable the road to dispose of
their freight in the city. Mr.. Mathews
thinks the depot and sheds are the finest in
the United States. Seventy-fve of their
agents inspected the terminals.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Take Particular Notice

That we will sell mems fine overcoats dur
ing the two (2) days before Christmas at
one-half their real value. Genuine imported
materials made up in the best style into
mems overcoats at s12 and S14, worth double
those prices.
P. C. C. c., Pittsburg Combination Clothing
Company, corner Grant and Diamond
streets, opposite the Court House. Open
evenings. -.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
To Move tho Pension omcs.

Pension Agent Bengough willm into his
new quarters in the Government building
to-day. He has six rooms on the east side
on the second floor, and yesterday an army
of men were placing the furniture, desks,
ETC., in readiness for occupancy. The second
floor of the building is much handsomer
than the postoffice floor, and all the Offices
on it are finished in cherry polish and
brown carpets. Agent Bengough will be
the first official to occupy rooms on this
floor and will be ready for business there on
Saturday. The Internal Revenue Offices
will be ready by the first of the new year.
and week or two later the Collector of the
Port will move in. The court rooms on the
third floor will not be ready for some
months
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
CHASING THE w0LF-CHAs ERs.

The Humane Society Instructs Its Attorneys
to Proceed at Once.
The Humane Society held meeting at
their rooms on Sixth avenue yesterday af-
ternoon. The following resolution was
passed:
Resolved-That the attorneys OF this
society be instructed to enter suit. at
once. against the principals in the recent
wolf hunt on the farm Of Paul Hacke at
Greensburg.
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved-That the agents of this society
be instructed to investigate the cases of
children being hired to drive cattle through
the streets of the city, and to take necessary
steps looking to the discontinuance of the
same.
Mrs. DR.. Mabon and her daughters Emma
and Jeanette were elected members of the
society.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
HOLIDAY RATES TODAY.
Railroad Men Expect a Good Traffic, but 1t
Depends on the Weather.

Depends on the Weather.
The holiday excursion rates in the Trunk
Line territory go into effect to-day, but
tickets will not be sold for Western points
until tomorrow. Usually the Central
Traffic Association sets the example for
liberality, but this year their policy is
niggardl V, while the Trunk Line people have
surprised themselves
For the East excursion tickets can be
bought on any day between now and Janu-
arv /, good until January 4. Going West
tickets will be on sale tomorrow and Fri
dav and on the 31st and New Years Day. As
a rule the Trunk Line Association has
favored restrictions and limitations in the
sale of holiday excursion tickets.
The Baltimore and Ohio passenger Office
was crowded yesterday with people buying
excursion tickets to various points. Divi-
sion Passenger Agent Smith thinks the
business will be good. General Passenger
Agent a. F. Clark, of the Lake Erie road,
says everything depends on the weather.
He will be surprised if the holiday traffic is
up to last year. Money is not as plentiful.
A good business barometer at this time is
the European exchanges. Last season the
amounts going abroad averaged from e5 to
$40. This year the number of drafts are as
large, but the sums range from e. to e3.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Ambitious to Be . Councilman.

James McMoran, Chief Engineer at the
Keystone Bridge Works. yesterday an
nounced himself a Republican candidate for
Common Council from the Seventeenth
ward. He is a property holder, has good
backing in the contest. aud is popular
among the people. This makes the fifth
candidate for the Common branch in that
ward, which elects three. The others are
Max Leslie, Samuel Ri eams George Met
calf and Hugh Ferguson. The two last
named are now members from that ward.
The present third member, Miller Elliott,
has moved to the Southside since he became
Superintendent of the Birmingham Traction
line, and the new candidates are fighting for
his place
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Pedd,er Myster:ously Missing.

Harry werbelinskv, a Polish Hebrew,
aged about is. left Pittsburg on December
z, with a pack Of drygoods and notions for
country peddiing. Nothing has been seen
of him since. His parents received pos
tai card, purporting to be written by him,
but they say it was not his handwriting
He had quite valuable pack with him.
They fear he has been done away with and
robbed. He started toward Mcdonald
His parents live at 81 Chatham street.
Superintendent Wier was notified last
night
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Final Meeting of the COMMITTEES.

John Burke went to Philadelphia last
evening to act as stenographer for the final
meeting of the committee appointed to in
vestigate the Offices of Auditor General and
State Treasurer. Since the close of the ex-
ira session the committee has done nothing,
and the business will be closed up at once.
The appropri alton has run out, and there is
a slight deficiency already. The members
have no inclination to work for glory.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23

The War Between Burgess and Council.
Alfred McCabe, ex-Burgess of Coraopolis,
believes that the Council has put its foot
into it and that Burgess Kendall will finally
come out on top. Mr.. McCabe states that
since the last meeting CT Council the name
of the Burgess has been signed to legisla-
tion and that he not only did not sign it,
but did not authorize anyone else to sign
for him, some of it being what he had
strenuously opposed 1t appears there will
never be peace down there until the courts
mark the boundaries of legislative power,
and some furious fun is promised.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Ye Tong After His Prosecutors.

Ye Tong, who was alleged to have been
convicted of conspiracy through the machi-
nations of the great Chinese secret society
of Tian-ti, because he was Christian, has
almost completed his term at the workhouse.
The officials there say he is the best prisoner
they ever had there. Mr. Gray, one of his
friends, visited him Yesterday and said he
had almost secured enough evidence to con-
vict the whole gang. He declares Ye
Ching. the prosecutor, and several of his
confederates have left the city for fear of
arrest Ye Tong will be released next
week
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Return of Phipp. and Walker.

Messrs. Henry Phipps and John Walker
will return to this city to-day, after an alb
sence of six weeks, during which they have
visited large number of cities where there
are conservatories with a view of securing
ideas TO be incorporated into Mr.. Phipps'
gift conservatory to this city. 1t is ex-
pected that Mr.. Phipps and Chief Bigelow
will proceed at once with arrangements for
the erection of the conservatory.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Landslide on the Panhandle.

A landslide on the Panhandle near the
Ohio connecting bridge blockaded the road
for hours yesterday afternoon. A freight
engine broke down toward evening, and de-
layed the eastern express about two hours.
The rain interfered with the other rail
roads also. The express from Chicago on
the Ft Wayne was behind last evening
about a half hour. 1t was due to slow
freight trains
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
A Special Meeting of Council Called.

Chairman Parke has called special
meeting of Allegheny Common Council for
tonight The object is to act on the reso-
luton to refer Chief Murphy's case to the
City Solicitor. 1t was passed by Select
Council last week. and otherwise would
have to be held over for a month
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Not a Case of Inhumanity.

The Allegheny Valley Railroad officials
positively deny that an injured man was
ridden to and fro in an open freight car
Monday before being taken to doctor, as
stated in an evening paper. The mans
name was not John Anderson. as stated, but
Michael Bellmich, and he was taken care of.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23
Holiday Pianos.

Holiday Pianos. Holiday Pianos
An elegant stock, frst-class makes, rea
sonable prices, easy payments. Store open
till 9 o'clock.
LECHNER & ScHoENBERGER,
SO Fifth avenue.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-12-23

SUSPICIOUS Cohuuct OF IN AtIeghenV Mnn /.
J. C. Raymond, of Allegheny, went to
Oakland last night, got drunk, or pretended
to do SO, and entered residence at the cor
ner of Fifth avenue and Atwood streets.
He refused to leave when ordered and
frightened the family until they called an
officer and had him locked up. The police
believe Raymond was intent on robbing and
will investigate him to-day.