davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
Cowen B. & 0. President.

BALTIMORE, Md, Jan. 2E-John X.
Cowen, general counsel Of the Baltimore
K Ohio Railroad, was chosen to-day by
the Board of Directors to succeed Charles
+. Mayer as president OF the company.
Mr.. Cowen at once assumed the duties OF
the Office. He will devote his entire time
10 these duties, divesting himself alike of
the positions of general counsel OF the
company and as member of the House
Of Representatives of the United States.
The announcement of Mr.. Cowen's
election caused some surprise in financial
and railroad circles, as it had been gen
orally believed that a practical railroad
man would be chosen for the piace, but
the general opinion is that he viii soon
take rank with the best of the trunk line
presidents. His long experience rs legal
adviser will stand him in good stead and
his knowledge OF the needs ofthe com-
pany, both financial and physical is con-
ceded.
Secretary Anderson gave out the fol-
lowing statement to-day: Arrange
ments have been made with strong syn
dicate in New York TO provide for all the
present financial requirements of the
company, and the chairman of the FL
nance Committee, Major Alexander Shaw
was authorized by the Board, with the APP
proval of the Finance Committee, to con-
tinue the negotiations with the syndicate
and complete the permanent collateral
trust which the syndicate have agreed to
take. and which is intended to take care
OF all the floating debt Of the company.
and also To meet its demands for such
new capital rs IS now required"
John X. Cowen Is not yet fifty years
old. lie is Of Irish parentage, the son of
an Ohio blacksmith, and he has worked
himself up from very humble begin
nings. As young man he worked or
the streets as a day laborer. He Sc
cured good rudimentary education and
then went to Princeton, where he made
a brilliant record. graduating in 1856.
He studied law at Ann Ar6or under
Judge Coolie. and his success as a lawyer
was almost immediate. twas at Prince
ton that he met Robert Garrett, and TO
this companionship as well as to the
reputation he had achieved was due the
call he received in 1872 to take charge of
the legal department of the Baltimore *
Ohio Road. lie organized this depart
ment until now it Is known as one of the
best possessed 10y any railroad in this
country.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
a Blind Wneelman.

J. c. Perry, blind man, has just COM
pleted a trip to San Jose and retnrn on
bicycle. The sightless man was in COM
pany of a friend, Gilbert :. Walker, of
Oakland. who led the way, and the little
guide the blind man had was the little
tinkling bell attached to Walkers wheel.
With this for guide Perry kept ont of
the rough places along the road, which are
many, and received no more falls than an
ordinary wheeiman vino has good eyes.
The trip was made on Friday, Saturday
and Sunday, and people along the road
booked with astonishment at a blind man
scorching along the road with just a.
much confidence is any other of the num-
erous wheeimen.
Perry is a graduate of the institution
for the deaf. dumb and blind, and has
been blind for IA years. He is an exper;
wheelnian and a remarkably bright young
man. lie requires guide only on those
roads with which he is unacquainted, and
is accustomed to go about on his wheel on
known paths just rs does the man with
good eyes. He has few accidents.-S.n
FrdacsscD Chronicle
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
a Hermit For Politics.

BLAIRSTowS, y. j., Jan. 4-There
was unusual rejoicing in the home of
David Hainmeil. in Hardwicls township,
Warren county, over what the natives
speak OF as the return 10 life of old Ham
NEIL himself, For the last thirty years
he has lived the life ofa hermit, having
vowed that he would live in that manner
antil New Jersey should nave another
Republican Governor.
In the fall of 1850, when Marcus l..
Ward wss candidate for Governor,
Hammell laid himself out'' in behalf OF
the Republican ticket. He worked day
and night for the success of Ward. His
wife, Mary Ann Hammeil, was a native
Of SuSsoX county, hotbei of DemocTa-
cy, and she, in spirit, was follower of
the Democracy. They quarrele1 aud he
le!t home, saying that be would never
return uatil Republican Governor was
elected. He went OF into the woods and
bull; hut, where he lived alone until
GJvCraor GTiggs was inaGguiated. Then
be went back to his home, kissed his
wife aud children and his children's chill
dren, and resumed his abode with his
family.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
An ODD Reason for Confession.

HofIIDANsBuRG, Jan. 25.-Frank Will
son. accused of the murder by stranguia-
ton of Henry Bonnecka, wealthy ana
sped miser of Altoona, took the witness
stand in his own defense this afternoon
The skull of his alleged victim was dis
nlaved i'm court before the prisoners
eyes. He viewed the ghastly object with
stolid indifference, and even laid his
hands upon the back of the head that
had been crushed in like an eggshell.
Wilson testified that he had served four
terms of imprisonment On the after
noon of Saturday, April 6, lSl5, he was
discharged from Jail. ON Sunday, April
:, the lifeless body OF Bonnecka was
found lying on the floor of his own home.
Wilson denied that he had entered into
a conspiracy with other crooks to muir
der Bonnecka for his money. In reply
10 the damaging evidence Of the Common
wealth that detective disguised as
CITY cracksman had been imprisoned in
iail and had obtained an admission of his
guilt. he testified that the identity Of
the man was known to all the inmates,
and the prisoners had made the officer
butt for their jokes.
DECoYED INTO THE STATE.
Wilson admitted that in company with
detectives who were impersonating
crooks he had visited New York city and
had stopped at the Putnam House. They
saw all the sights Of the city and Detee-
tive McSweeney paid all the bills. The
defendant claimed that he knew the true
character of his comrades and the pur-
pose of their hospitality. He told them
several times that he had strangled Bon
necka. so that they would continue de-
raying the costs of hotel bills, theatre
tickets. wine. cigars and other evidences
of the high life he was enjoying.
He admitted he was taken by the
| detectives down into the Chamber OF
| Horrors in the Eden Musee and there
shown a waxwork representation of a
| burglar numbering 4 millionaire for his
money. but denied that he then broke
down and confessed the crime. The wit
ness said he was cigarette fiend and
| his nerves were weak. The sight Of the
waxworks unnerved him, but he had
said nothing.
The detectives and Wilson made plot
! in New York to rob a bank AT Independ-
| ence. Iowa. but the witness, while tray
| cling West for this robbery, was decoyed
by the detectives into Pennsylvania and
arrested at Scranton. He was confined
for three days in the Office of Detectives
Barring and McSweeney, whilethe Getec-
tives were on the trail of William Doran
and James Farrell, his two ccnfederates.
/ The defense Is establishing a strong alibi.
The trial will take UP part of next week.
Owing to the great public excitement
Judge Bell ordered that the jury be kept
in seclusion on Sunday, away from
churches and other outside influences.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
The Altoona Tragedy.

ALTOONA. Pa, Jan. 25-Blair county
more widespread interest than the poi
soning Of the McGregor family last
Tuesday, by which one man was killed
and three other persons are still suffering
from the effects of the deadly coffee.
Minnie Swanger, the bright-faced little
girl " no is IN Jail charged with the dark
tragedy, was to day identified by a drug
clerk as the purchaser of box of poison.
The Coroner's jury which was empan-
eled to investigate the death Of William
McGregor. who died on Wednesday, met
this evening. The jury examined W. A.
Greisen, the drug clerk, who sold the
box of poison 10 Minnie.
At the first meeting of the jury several
davs ago the clerk testified that he had
registered the girls name as Miss Swan
ger, and that he would be abe TO identi-
fy her. To-day young Greisen was taken
to the Jail and Minnie was placed
among the other female inmates of the
prison. The clerk was then requested to
identify her, which he did without any
hesitation. At tine meeting of the jury
To- night he testified to the circumstances.
Owing TO the fact that Mrs. McGregor
and Mrs. johnson are still confined To
their beds from the effects of the poison
and that the report of the chemical anal
ysis which is being made by an expert in
Philadelphia Of the contents Of McGreg-
or's stomach is not ready, the Coroner
was compelled to adjourn the inques;
until some tine next week.
EFFECr- OF THE TRAGEDY.
Little Carrie sill, the youngest one
who drank the deadly coffee, has almost
recovered. Mrs. johnson and Mrs. Nc
Gregor, though greatly improved and be-
lieved TO be ont of danger, are still very
weak and confined TO their beds.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
A Bank for all America.

WASHINGTON, u. G., Jan. 26.-An i'm
portant financial measure pending in
Congress is the bill providing for the
incorporation of the international Amer
lean Bank, with capital Of S5.0OO,0Oo.
The purpose of the promoters of the
bank is 10 establish branches in all the
South American Republics, with the OBJ
iect of fostering trade between this coun-
try and Latin America and the conduct
Of a general banking business.
PROMOTERS OF THE SCHEME.
The main office will be either in Wash
ington or New York, at the discretion
of the commissioners ior its incorpora-
ton, who are named in the bill. These
designated commissioners are Cornelius
y. Bliss and Charles Il. Flint, of New
York T. Jefferson Coolidge, of Massa-
chusetts Andrew Carnegie, of Pennsyl-
vania: John F. Hanson, Of Georgia /;
Enoch Pratt. of Maryland; T; III. q. Davis,
of West Virginia Philip d. Armour, of
Illinois Morris NJ. Estee, of California !;
James :. Clarkson, of Iowa, and Charles
II. Turner, of Missouri.
According to the terms of the bill the
| capital may be increased by two
thirds vote of the Board Of Directors to
s25, ,0eO, 900. Its corporate existence shall
extend for twenty years. The bank viii
have power "to act as the financial agent
OF any nation, government, State, mu-
nicipality, corporation or person, includ-
ing the sale, exchange or other DISPOSE
ton of any bonds or other evidence of in
| debtedness issued by any such govern
ment. State, municipality, corporation OF
person, and to act rs trustee in any mort
| gage given 10 secure such bonds"
The institution shall not have the pow
er to issue notes or obligations in any
form to be used and circulated as money
| with the United States. Ii shall also be
subject 10 the supervision of the Comp
troller of the Currency, and shall make
five reports during each year to the bank
ing authorities.
\ unique feature of the division o
shares is that the stock shall be held
| within the several States Of the Union
pro rata to the population; that is, should
the shares held by one individual in 3
State equal the total allotment for the
entire State and no other subscriptions
be received, his holdings shall not eX
ceed the pro rata allotment for the en-
tire State.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
Mrs. Moody Dead,

l.. NoRTHsfELp Mass, Jan. 27.-Mrs.
Betsey Moody, mother of the great evan
geiist, Dwight l.. Moody, died here yes
terday morning. If she had lived to Feb
ruary jth. she would have been 81 years
old. About a week ago she contracted a
slight cold, and was ailing a little until
Saturday morning, when she was COM
PEELED to remain in bed. She failed rap
idly from then until her death. ,iuch Of
the time for the last thirty hours she was
unconscious, but with periods of semi
consciousness. At her bedside we've her
four SONS and one Of her two daughters.
Almost providentially, as it would seem,
Dwight Lyman Moody came from Pkila-
deiphia, where has been holding meet
ings, Friday evening. He did not know
that his mother Was sick. lie went To-
her bedsi ie as soon as he arrived, and mt
one of the periods OF consciousness re-
ceived the last warm greeting of his
mo:her. The funeral will take place at
the Congregational church, in this vii
lage, Wednesday afternoon.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
A Wife's Scene in Court.

CHICAGO, H., Jan. 25.-There was a
sensational scene in the Criminal Court
to-day, when John Dram was called up
to say why sentence of death should not
be imposed upon him for the murder Of
Joseph Conlan.
As Dram arose his wife sprang to her
feet and cried: "I killed that man. My
husband is not guilty. He shall not suf-
fer for my crime"
The Court room was instantly in an
uproar. When quiet was restored the
prisoner asked time to consider, which
was granted him, and he then pleaded
guilty and was sentenced TO iIuprison-
ment for life.
Mrs. Dram again insisted to the Judge
that she committed the murder, but
that her husbands lawyers would not
allow her TO testify TO that fact, and she
did the best she could under the cir
cumstances.
The Judge told her that her testimony
was Of no avail, as her previous contra
dictory statements disproved it.
The woman tainted repeatedly, and
the Judge evidently hesitated 10 pass a
death sentence upon the man.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
DisgGise6 in Male Dress.

MRADyII.LE. Pa, Jan. 27.-The diScov-
cry was made tonight that Henry Van
dergriff. jail prisoner held here to an
swer charge Of arson. is a woman. The
prisoner confessed that she is Mrs. Har-
riet Nandergrif, aged 40. OF Harrisburg,
where she says she has l5-year-old SON.
Her husband is dead. Mrs. NandergrifT
came TO this section about a year ago,
dressed Is a man, and has been doing
mars work. She worked about two
mOGiss on the farm of David A. Peters.
near here. bSt quarreled with him and
left on account of Peter's jealousy of the
"hired mans" attentions 10 his wife. On
the night Of January Is Peters barn was
burned, and the next morning Wander
griff wac found in neighboEing barn,
sick. He was taken before a justice.
held 10 court for arson and sent 70 Jail.
aud has been sick in bed since, under
medical treatment. Tonight Mrs. Van
dergriff is in the female department, and
says she is glad her deception has been
discovered.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
Bo5's Heart Still Hardened.

NEW YORK. Jan. 2l-intidel "Bob''
iHgersoll has returned from his Western
lecture toar, and he Is entirely un-
changed by tic thousands Of prayers Of
iered mp for him i'y ths Christian En-
deavorers. lie does nos expect To
be changed, he says. until his bra!a grows
weak. At the same time be feels mildly
grateful f0r the feeling that inspired the
prayers.
You remember" he remarked to-day,
show the girl felt about having her hand
squeezed 10y the young man-:t pleased
him and didn't hurt her. While in Kan
sas I visited the Peoples Church and was
pleased with it. 1t has no creed, and it
makes no difference whether or no: a
person believes in the inspiration of the
Bible. The object i 10 make people hap
py i'm this world.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
Watched Beside the Grave.

GREEEsBURG, Pa, Jan. 27.-Firmly be-
lieving that Mrs. Armbrust, wife of Hen
ry Armbrust, stone mason here. was
not dead after life was pronounced ex-
tinct by a physiciaR, and two days
faithful watch by the bier at the home,
relatives and friends of the dead woman
sat 10y the open grave in the cemetery,
two miles from town, for two days and
two nights, and watched for sign of
life, which they believed was there. On
the morning of the third day, last SatUr-
day, an examination of the body reveal
ed to the satisfaction Of the SORROW
ing group of faithful watchers that there
was no life, and reluctantly the cap Of
the coffin was screwed down and the
grave was filled. Undertaken Coshey.
when he called at the house on Monday
to prepare the body for burial, was not
permitted to use the embalming fluid.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

SzSArOR q hay. who has just return
el t. Washington from Florida, was
asked his opiaioa Of the plan submit
ting to the Republican voters Of Penn
srlvania at the primaries the names of
the d.R-rent eIndidates Cor United
safes Senator. a. suggested in the re-
cent letter addressed to him by Con-
gresham J. L. Robinson. He said:
] have not vet received the letter ad-
dressed T. ne. aud haze only seen tie
published copy in the newspapers. But
! Sneg aO good reason wig Soch plan
ssight ret he adopted. have at 81; times
favored ;ks popular vote system. aud IEy
oNn exne.lence With !; has been satisfae-
tory. However. a. chairman Of the state
committee, hsse no more power in the
matter than any other Republican. Nor
coaid the state COMMITTEES GiTeo; That q
Eo;e be taken NJ the primaries. IL might
suggest or recommend snch course. bat
ceuld nor require it. About the only way
see - meet the ease i tO have the county
committees direct that such an expression
Of opinion be taken.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

TaE commission appointed by the
President TO inquire As to the status of
the Venezuelan boundary has invited
the governments of Great Britain and
Venezuela TO submit TO il all evidence
in their possession confirmatory Of the
claims of each party TO the dispute that
has threatened the peace Of the world
The request is not preferred hy the com
mission with intent 10 act rs a Judge,
90 4 ia courtesy to two nations concern
ing whose claims the commission mlst
report to the power from which it de-
riveS its existence.
The refusal of either party TO comply
with the courteous and equitable re-
gIest % the commission can not fail TO
psej1iice its cause ia the eyes of the
whole world.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
This Boy Kept His Head.

OMAHA, Neb., Jan. PA dangerous
panic among 800 school children was
prevented by the heroic conduct of Allie
Downs, a drummer boy in the Dodge
Street School, yesterday. He was a
member of military band of the school.
and he was on guard duty at the foot of
the stairs 10 watch the exit of the pupils
when a fire alarm WAS sounded. Downs
alone kept his head, aud, dashing into the
principals room he grabbed his drum
and sounded the fire drill signal. The
first rattle acted like magic, and soon
the crowd of excited children were keep
ing step TO the music. In few moments
the school building WAS empty and not n
child had been hurt.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

OK TUESDAY last, the 2lst inst, L. :.
Senator Allison, of Iowa, was reelected
on the first ballot 10y the legislature 81
that state. Frank ]. Cannon and Ar
thur Brown were elected senators from
Ttah. and Congressman George l.. Wei
iington, Of Maryland, received the Re
Publican nomination from that state.
and was elected on the succeeding DAY
The senators FROM Utah add two 10 the
Eapablican strength, aud Wellington
adds another, taking the place Of Glib
spn, Democrat. Tuesday was good
day for Republican senators.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
Lively as a cri Eet.

Although in the first instance as slug
gish as q tortoise, the kidneys become as
lively as a cricket when a bealthful inn
pulse is given 10 them with Hostctter's
Stomach Bit;ers, a promoter of activity
in these organs which counteracts ten
dency to their le;hargy and disease. In
action of the kidneys, it should be re-
membered, is the first stage OF those dan
gerous renal maladies against which the
resources OF medical science are too often
exhausted il vain. Peril is fGres;alled
BY the Biiiers. which averts Bright's dis
case, diabetes, dropsy, gravel and the
troubles arising from a weak bladder
Equally eiiicacious is il in checking and
eradieating malariai. billions and nerv-
Gus ailments, dyspepsia, constipation and
rheumatism. Appetite and sleep are i'm
proved and coavalesceuee fastened by
is beneiicent action. Either when
liese III Is slightly or seriously impaired,
the y:due Ol ttis restorative and preyen-
ave mediciRs is spaadlly made manifest.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

WILLIAM F. Harrity, chairman of
the Democratic National Committee,
has issued call for the meeting Of the
Democratic National Convention, in
Chicago, on Tuesday, July :, 1896, at Il
O'Clock, noon. In a spirit of large
hearted generosity, Mr.. Harrity invites
"all Democratic conservative citizens of
the United States, irrespective of past
political associations and differences -
TO unite in sending delegates 10 the con-
--a,t;,n
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

HoN. JoHN X. CowEN, VI. c. from
Baltimore, was on Friday last elected
president of the Baltimore & Ohio r.
r., in place of President Mayer, resign
ed. Mr.. Cowen is a very able lawyer,
and for many years has been the prin-
cipal counsel of the road. \ vigorous
and progressive policy will doubtless
be inaugura;ed by the new president,
and the road put in first-class condition.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

With the Inauguration Of Governor
Griggs, Oh Tuesday last, the Republi-
cans, for the first time in thirty years,
obtained control of the executive and
legislative branches Of the state govern
ment OF New Jersey. The political
revolution in the state was effected by
a majority 50 sweeping that ii is evil
dent that New Jersey has come 10 stay
in the Republican column, if the lead
ers rule wisely and honestly.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
Odd Midnight Episode.

PHGNIxvILLE, Pa, Jan. 25.-Last
night Charles Davis returned to Phoenix
vile on the midnight train. after am
absence ofseven years. Accompanied by
Lewis Ullman he drove ou; to his fathers
farm. The two men We're just in time
to surprise two burglars in the dining
room. They adplundered Davis house,
stealing about $40 in cash. The thieves
were shot at by the elder Davis, but the
raseals escaped. They had been in his
bedroom while he slept, without waSen-
ing him.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

REPORTS from five hundred CORES
pondents, gathered by Baltimore jour
nal, show that southern farmers are
now freer from debt than at any time
since the war. If the Populists mean
to wage presidential campaign this
year they had better waste no time in
trying 60 drum up recruits in that sec
tion Of the country. The disgruntled
silver states are the only fields left TO
ofi'.r them good blowing.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

ONE or the most unmi,igated fakes
of the day is the nonsensical story set
ailoat that England Is negotiating for
the purchase of Cuba. There Is no
more likelihood of England securing
possession of Cuba than of this country
anDaxinr the moon.
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29

AwATER company at Duluth, Mimi,
has been sued for 5000, the estimated
value Of the life of a young man who
died from typhoid fever, because of the
''impure water" furnished 10y said wa
ter company. IL such a suit should
hold, what 4 shaking up there would
be throughout the land. The courts
would have small chance to attend to
any othcr husiness
The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1896-01-29
Utah Senator's.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27-In the Senate
to-day Frank J. Cannon and Arthur
Brown presented themselves as Senators
from Utah and were At once sworn into
Office. The two Senators then drew lots
20 determine their relative terms of SER
vice. .wo papers of equal size were
placed in box ard each man drew one
and handed il TO the Vice President. The
latter opened the papers and found that
Mr.. Canron had drawn the long term.
ending March Sd, 1899, and Brown the
short term, ending March 81, 1877. There
are Eog eighty-nine Senators in Office,
there being vacancy in the State of
Delaware.