The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-05-23
MYSTERY IN
A WARNING
An Anonymous Letter Causes Prorerty
Owners Some Anxiety.
AN ALLEGED INCENDlARY PLOT !
The Chief of Police and Some Councilmen
Make an Investigation But Discover
Nothing More Satisfying Than
That a Fire Did Not
Take Place.

No little excitement was occasioned Satur-
day evening by report that the owners of 81
candy store on Main street. north of Lloyd
street, had attempted to set fire to the place
and the excitement was increased when the
Chet Of Police and some COuucilmcn paid
visit to the store. The object of the visit
on the part Of the officials to the store was
subsequently explained.
On Saturday, John NJ ShaeTer. tbe
saddler who has his shop and residence next
to the candy store, received the following
communication by mail
80, New York City, May 20. 1895.
Dear Mr.. Shaefer:
You halter look out for thoese
people no move in candy store next door be-
cuss they dOs'nt make no business. He ia
gone to but fer in the store. Them he send
lore a man from flphulde is classed for that
hussens to but fired in stores.
Yours truly"
The name signed to the communication was
badly written and could not be deciphered.
Mr.. Schaetfer consulted with other property
owners in the vicinity and it was concluded
to notify the authorities and have an inves-
ugation made. This led to visit by the
Chief of Police and Councilmen.
Color was added to the letter when the
officials were told by three men found in
charge of the store that the proprietor had
gone to New York city and would not return
until Monday or Tuesday. It was also
learned that one of the men at the store was
a stranger who arrived on Friday last. None
OF the men could speak sufficient English 10
make themselves understood and it was with
that they could be made to under
stand the object of the visit by the authori-
ties. When this was finally accomplished
the men declared that they knew nothing of
any fire plot.
Rumors of all kinds got afoat in counec-
tion with the affair, but the facts in the case
are as given above. The anonymous com.
started the scare and the investi-
cation failed to develop whether or not an
incendiary plot was on foot.
Mr. Shaeher said the proprietorship of the
candy store has changed hands at least halfa
dozen times during the past year. All the
owners have been Greeks and little has been
learned Of them personally at any time.
several times Mr. Shaetfer has complained
Di the reckless management of the place.
especially in the handling Of fire and the
receipt Of the anonymous communication
with the attendant circumstances irnpeIIed
him to have the investigation made. He has
)eon criticised because he did not keen ouite
Ind await the development of the plot. if |
here was one, but he says he did not wish to
wait until his place might possibly be de- |
troyed by fire. The building in which the
andy store is located is owned by Mrs
3rehony, of Mahanoy Plane.
Ot course there is no one who maintains
hat there was an incendiary plot. The letter
nay have been written by some one HAVING
grievance against the present owners of .
ne store and wishing to injure them in the |
yes OF the neighbors. But whatever the |
eal status OF the case may be the residents of |
hat vicinity did not rest easy Saturday
light.