Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-24
HE REFUSED TO SHAKE
P. Foley Objects to Touching Flesh
With Editor Laird.
THEIR WAR OF POINTED WORDS.
A Settlement of the Argus Libel Suit
Spoiled by Bad Tempera
THE CASE WILL BE TRIED TOMORROW

The bulk of Pittsburg's politicians were
at Greensburg yesterday, but the case Of p.
Foley against the Argus, Of that place. for
criminal libel, was not tried in the W estmore-
Iand county courts, as had been previously
arranged Everything had been prepared
for the trial. but at the last moment 1t was
mutually agreed between the parties con-
cerned that the case should be postponed
until Friday. Mayor Gourley, John D..
Scully, E. S. Kennedy and many other
figures conspicuous in local politics and
business went to Greensburg to appear as
witnesses in the case All were disap-
pointed at the postponement.
An exciting incident in connection with
the case occurred in one of the Greensburg
hotels while the Pittsburg PEOPLE were ar
ranging to return to this city. The visitors
had scattered themselves among the sew
eral hotels
The Lawyers Were Consulting.
The attorneys on both sides of the case
were consulting with a view to a settle
ment, and Just by accident the Pittsburg-
ers gathered at the Monahan Hotel. Major
Laird, the defendant, happened by. He
was calle in to be introduced. He said he
had never seen Mr.. Foley, the prosecutor.
and he expressed desire to meet him. The
two were brought face to face.
''This is Mr.. Foley, Major Laird" the
mutual friend said.
Major Laird bowed politely and extended
his hand. Mr.. Foley did not bow. He
stretched himself to his full heighth and
looked scorniully and Indignantly at the
soldier editor and then said: How are you
Major. am sorry can't shake hands with
you." There was tinge of bitterness in Mr.
Foley's voice. His eyes seemed to snap
with earnestness, and he was about to con-
tinue the apology when Major Laird with
drew his proiered hand and shouted with
evident anger: 81 beg your pardon, sir.
understood was being presented to gen.
tleman. should have known better"
Some Very Pointed Retorts.
'If am guilty of the charges you have
made against me, then am not fit to shake
hands with gentleman" Mr. Foley an
swered.
"Your conduct now is sufficient evidence
of your guilt" the editor retorted.
While this rather pointed tilt was in
progress the Pittsburgers stood speechless,
each looking at the other wondering how
they could relieve the embarrassment. One
shook his head at Mr.. Foley, while another
endeavored to stop the editor. Finally
Mayor GourIey, with some diplomacy, dis
covered that it was train time, and the
party scattered toward the railroad station.
The attorneys in the case had about COM
pleted settlement OF their case when they
discovered their clients in the bitter war Of
words, which promptly ended the negotia-
tions, and when the case is called on Fri
day both sides will meet with their daggers
we'll whetted.
Major James NJ. Laird, editor Of the
Greensburg Argus, yesterday wrote THE
DISPATCH denying the report that he had
in any way endeavored to compromise the
alleged libel suit of P. Foley, Of Pittsburg.
Mr.. Laird says sit is fight to the finish. %