davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
Assaulted and Robbed,

Pittston, Pa, Nov. S0.-SeveG mask
ed men broke into the hotel of John
Nealis, at Avoca, yesterday. and after
beating the proprietor and his wife
insensible as they lay in bed, tied them
fast and proceeded to rob the place.
They secured $246, couple OF gold
watches and some jewelry belonging to
Mrs. Nealis. and then departed. They
were trailed by three men nearly to
this city, when they turned on the pur
suers and assaulted the men severely,
one of them receiving fractured
skull.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
Shot and Killed His Wife.

Camden, n. j., Nov. 30.--rSamuel
Vanstavern. aged AZ years, last night
shot and instantly killed his wife. The
shooting took place on the sidewalk
near Fourth and Chestnut streets, and
was witnessed by number of per-
sons. Vanstavern fred four shots,
each of which took effect. The couple
had been married 1S years, but had
frequently separated and had not been
living together recently. They have
one son. aged II years. Vanstavern
surrendered to the police Immediately
after the shooting. He was employed
in an oilcloth factory.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
Died In Church.

Lancaster, Pa, Dec. 2.-Yesterday
morning while attending services in
the First NJ. E. Church, Walter A.
Haldy, cashier of the Lancaster County
National Bank, suddenly became iii
and died a few minutes later in the
yestry room, to which he had been
hastily removed. Death was due to
rheumatism of the heart. Deceased
was 81 years old, and is survived by
his wife and two children.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
OPENING OF CONGRESS
Fifty-seventh Cons fess Convened
at Noon Today.
HENDERSON IS AGAIN SPEAKER

Sessions In House and Senate Were
Of Routine Nature and Brief-Presi.
dents Message Will Be Read To.
morrow.
Washington, Dec. 2.-The Fifty-sev-
enth congress opened today. and will
in all likelihood be one Of the busiest
and most important sessions ever held.
Ten years ago billion-dollar congress
furnished the text for the economists.
The record for the coming congress
will be more nearly two billion dollars,
SO vast IS been the growth of the
country and it's needs. If for no other
reason than for the liberal expendi-
lures to be made for public works,
the present congress will be remarka-
Bile. But it will have other claims as
a history-maker IL, as now seems prob
able. provision is made for starting
the construction of the inter-oceanic
caIIe...
One Of the first measures of national
interest which will be introduced in
this session will be resolution look
ing to public action concerning the
death Of President Mckinley. This
will be presented tomorrow by either
Senator Foraker or Senator Hanna,
probably the former, and after it's in
PRODUCTION the senate will adjourn i'm
mediately as a mark Of respect to the
memory of the dead President. The
annual message of President Roose-
velt will not be received until tomor-
row, and on this account the session
OF today was exceedingly brief. We'd
nesday and Thursday will be devoted
to the introduction of new bills, and
as usual there will be flood of them.
Among the first bills of Importance
to be presented will be the ship sub
sidy bill, which will be introduced by
Senator Frye, and the Nicaragua
Canal bill, which Senator Morgan will
present.
The program for the opening day
in the house today, although II fol-
lowed rigidly routine precedents, was
interesting and to a certain extent
picturesque. Admission to the CALLER
les was by card, of which two had been
issued to each member, and they were
crowded to their full capacity. The
desks of the popular members were
laden with flowers The clerk of the
house called the members to order at
noon, and after prayer by the chaplain
the roll was called by states.
General Henderson was elected
speaker and escorted to the chair by
a committee. After he addressed the
house, Mr.. Bingham, of Pennsylvania,
"the Father Of the House." titular
honor bestowed upon the oldest men,
Der in point of continuous service. ad-
ministered the oath to him.
Senator Penrose and Representative
Wanger. of Pennsylvania will intro.
duce bills for the acquisition of Val
ley Forge and it's incorporation into
a national park as a memorial of one
of the most historic places in revolu-
tionary days. The measures will be
duced in the senate and house re.
spectively last year, and will provide
for an appropriation of 100000 for
park purposes. The project has the
earnest Endorsement of 27 patriotic
associations. including both organiza.
tions of the Sons and Daughters of
the Revolution. the Colonial Danes
and the Junior Order of American
Mechanics.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
LAPORE MNA, THURSDAY DECEMBER 1901
AFFAIRS IN Philippines
The Financial Situation 10 Causing
Considerable Alarm.

Considerable Alarm.
Manila, Dec. 2.-The financial sit
uation In the Philippine Islands is
causing considerable alarm. In an
interview published in Manila Henry
c. Ide. chief of the department of
finance and justice, referred to the
probable enforcement of an alteration
in the immediate future, OF the present
government parity of two Mexican
dollars for one gold dollar. The Uni.
ted States post. Office here now refuses
to issue money orders in exchange for
Mexican silver, except to government
employees. The banks of Manila have
been making from to per cent. on
exchange. The commercial COM
munity had relied upon the United
States Philippine commission to con-
tinue the situation Of two Mexican
dollars for one gold dollar, which the
commission itself created. The COM
mission is unable to act in the matter
without the authority of congress.
Charles A. Conant, special commits
sioner of the war department to inves-
tigate the state Of coinage and bank
ing in the Philippines and report to
the secretary Of war recommendations
for remedial legislation, who is now
in Washington, was the bearer Of the
commissions views on this matter.
Th stores of Manila are compelled
to accept two Mexican dollars for one
gold dollar, while Chinese spectators
are paying as high as 6 per cent. pre-
MUM in American paper money for
American gold. Local bankers say
that If the salaries of all insular en-
ployes were paid in the local or Mex
lean currency, independently OF the
fluctuations of this currency, and II
the government had not attempted to
enforce rate of exchange, the pres.
ent financial situation would never
have arisen.
The military departments of north
ern and southern Luzon have ceased
TO exist. Major General James F.
Wade. formerly in command of the
southern department left Manila to-
day to assume command OF the A2lcri'
can forces on Cebu Island. and Major
General Lloyd Wheaton, formerly
commander of the northern depart
ment, will take command OF the de-
partment of the North Philippines.
Several small engagements have oc-
Cured in Batangas province il the last
few days. The forces of the insurgent
leader Caballos have become badly
demoralized. His followers are broken
up into several small bands. Caballos
holds two American prisoners.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
Table Linen

Ga and sc inch unbleached and 20 inch
wide special bleached linen in good pat
terms at Soc. 72 inches wide unbleached
and full bleached table linen very heavy
quality in large variety OF neat designs,
some excellent qualities for 75c, 100 l.25.
Napkins in { and sizes to match all the
patterns in linens.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
Said President Should Be Shot.

Philadelphia, Dec. "A. II. Mueller.
arrested on Saturday evening at Broad
and Chestnut streets, charged with
having declared that President Roose-
welt should be shot the same as was
Mckinley. was held in $500 bail for
court yesterday for disturbing the
peace. At the hearing before Magis-
trate Kochersperger at the City Hall
Mueller had nothing to say beyond
declaring that he was not responsible
on Saturday for using the words i'm.
puted to him.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
The Shopbell Dry Good Co.,
313 Pine Street,
WILLIAMSPORT, PA.
C0nnforterS

At this time you may want al extra
comforter we have some very nice one IN
floral effects sateen or silkoline some one
side plain other both sides figured at 100
to $50.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
New Flannel Waists

Made of fine French flannel ,yokes form.
ed with cluster tucks, sleeves and back
tucked ,others with fancy stitching giving
a braided effect, we have them in cardin.
al, old rose, reseda, navy blue, cadet, ETC.
LOO to $3.50.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
Blankets

OF all descriptions white. grey, scarlet;
either cotton, part wool or strictly all
wool. We can sell you blankets from
SOC a pair up to $3.50 for the finest Cali
tornia wool blankets. We keep a tull
assortment otthe CELEBRATED NUN
CI BLANK ETS in colored and white,
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
Black Silk

Black pean de Sole is one OF the best
silks for making fall gowns having the
soft luster of satin and the advantage
of both sides finished alike so either side
can be used. We have good qualities at
75c, $i.0O, $l.25 and $3.50.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
UnderWare

For men, women and children in white
or natural color, either cotton, fleece lined
part wool or fine Australian wool, we
have any thing you need. Also Ladies'
Misses black equestrian tights, natural
or white union suits.
Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1901-12-05
Robes

White Goat Fur Robes for baby car
riages, nice article for a Christmas gift
for the little one; prices from 2.25 to $50.
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-08
CASE DRAWING TO A CLOSE.
Defense Rests Their Last Witness Left the Stand
day Afternoon-Ther Experts all Say That Barry
Was Victim Of Epieptic Insanity.
AC0UITTAL OR DISAGREEMENT NOW EXPECTED
Defendant on the Stand Says His Mind Blank as to Killing
Andrew Melem=-Court and Jury Feel and Examine
Depressons in Barry's Head.

over technical legal point as to the
admission as evidence of copy of the
reeords of an Ontario asylum, in which
Dick Barry, q brother of the defendant,
had been confined.
When court opened after the noon
recess Thomas Barry, brother of the
defendant. was the first witness called,
the examination being conducted by
Attorney Erwin. He testified that in
the years '89 and 80 William Barry and
witness lived together. William was
unreasonable and hard to get along with
and blamed witness without cause for
many things. Had habit of jumping
up suddenly and catching hold Of witness
10y the coat. During the last year his
brother had great difficulty in going to
sleep. They slept together. He had q
habit of jumping up all of a sudden TAX
ing the bed clothes with him. Explained
that at this time defendant was having
considerable trouble about his land.
The period of worry was about six
months, during which he would not
speak when addressed until two or five
minutes afterwards. At times it was
almost impossible to live with him. He
would jump at anyone who said anything
to him. He formed the habit of jump
ing up and kicking his chair six or eight
feet away and would grab hold.of him.
; would then become pacified and quiet
J after he talked with hlm. He had no
memory Of what happened, business
matters or otherwise. Related an in-
stance in which colt had been given
William in settlement and he had forgot
, all about it.
The most important witness of the
afternoon proved to be Mrs. Richard
/ Barry, wife of the brother of the defend
ant. Her testimony tended to show
that Richard Barry during his younger
days had been insane and that he had
been subjected to delusions of serious
kinds. The wife described the actions
Of her husband as having been "queer"
all during his life. Diffusion being that
the Maocabses we're constantly pursuing
him and threatening his life. At times
he got the notion into his head tho Sootts
were raising an army for the express
purpose Of spiriting him away. Ap-
psEently there were all kinds of people
after him. Tho examination of tho wit.
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-08
ness had about been completed when the
case was virtually side.tracked for some

ness had about been completed when the
case was virtually side.tracked for some
length Of time by the inquiring into
whether Richard Barry's trouble was
insanity or did he not have what is more
generally known as epileptic fits. In
this detail the statement of witness and
copy of the asylum records varied
somewhat and when the attorneys got
through with their wrangle over the
matter the evidence Of Mrs. Barry went
to the jury in rather battered up and
disfgured form.
On Mrs.!Sweeny, an aunt of William
Barry, being called to the stand more
insanity testimony was introduced into
the case of the defense and the small
portion of the afternoon that remained
only suficed for asking witness few
questions before the hour of adjourn
|ment.
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-08
FRIDAY.

Mrs. Sweeny, younger sister OF
Barry's mother, was recalled to the stand
Friday morning to continue her testi-
mony of the previous afternoon, and
events occurring back in the 70's and sos
showing the streak of insanity that is
being traced back on that side of the
defendants family. Her sister, Mrs.
Ridge, witness testified was only saved
through her interference, from brutally
assaulting her child, eight years old.
1t occurred in February 81. at which
time Mrs. Ridge was at the Sweeny home
Fhis took place but short time before
an illness that for some time left Mrs.
Ridge in weak mental condition. On
another occasion when at the Sweeny
home, where the witness mother was
sick, Mrs. Ridge showed distinctly an
unbalanced condition of mind. Brought
about, primarily witness thought, by the
fact of her having left q sick daughter
at home. Her condition rapidly grew
worse, the hallucination being that she
was being accused of having committed
some terrible deed Mrs. Sweeny being
no longer able to control and care for her
sister she WAS taken to the asylum.
Her resistance was such that it took
three persons to remove her. The stay
of Mrs. Ridge at the asylum lasted only
about a month.
The witness then testified of person.
ally having had mental trouble when q
young girl, over twenty years ago. An
objection to witness testitylng to her own
sanity was overruled, the defense show
ing that what they wanted to introduce
was the dillusions produced in her case
by poor health, followed by period
during which witness mind was a mental
blank, then recovering her mental facul-
ties to find herself an inmate OF IN insane
asylum. The question asked being
merely to lay the foundation to what
they would prove by witnesses put on
the stand later. A hallueination that
impressed itself particularly during that
period was that she thought she could
see Christ on the cross and the Virgin
Mary. The apparitions would present
themselves on the wall of the room in
which she was confined, Again in 1882
it was necessary for her to be confined
in the asylum for month. Had dim
recollection of being taken there in o
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-08

The Barry case still has centered
around it the attention OF morbid
crowd that hooks into the court room
each morning as soon as the doors are
onened. Scarcely less sad than the story
Of the taking Of Mellem's life is that now
being told on the stand of how relent-
lessly the disease of insanity has laid
its sffecting hand on both branches OF
the Barry family, dating back at least
two generations. Where the disease has
not made itself apparent in the parent it
has been found later among the younger
members of the family. In the inn
mediate family of the defendant, bis
brother, Richard, and the deceased sister,
Mary Ann, have both been treated IN
asylums for insanity. His paternal aunt,
Mrs.. O'Rourke, died after having for
upward twenty years been watched over
and cared for by relatives as they would
a child. Her life having been blighted
with insanity since the time OF reaching
the age of womanhooa. Two OF MIS-
Rarrv's sisters, Mrs. Ridge and Mrs.
sweeny, aunts Of the defendant nave
hoan inmates of the London, Ont.'
.ev,nm of the insane, though now dis
charged The last named, Mrs. Swseny'
ho;ng here with Barry's mother to add
her testimony to the case now on srlal'
Another witness here from Ontario 10
+o,, ~ the skeleton which has beclouded
the history ofthe mentality of the barfy's 8
:. william Donovan, brother "f Mrs.
Barrv. The evidence given by him ana
tho dafendants mother, together with
aonositions of other relatives taken IN
Ontario last month, by Barry's attorneys
Judpe rempleton and Tracy H. Bangs
daal more particularly with the question
William Barry's sanity or insanity ana
.ho, that there is more than slight
noasibility that the net committed on the
a-d of January, when Barry took the
l;,e Of Mellem, was not the act OF a man
vho vas mentally responsible for what
occurred.
Tho afternoon session of last Thurs
d.y, up to which time the account OF 'ne
..;s, IN last weeks issue of tho DEMOCRAT
,v.s carried. was more than anything
ala. more especially noted for its hard
fought legal battle which took all OF two
honrs in which to expend the force o.
.,.torv which both sides indulCsd IL
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-08

CdU 81 CoI WHICH, ueE LuInu was d complete
blank until just before che was allowed
to return home. The year 1886 was the
last time she had any return of the
symptoms.
Cross examined said she was 48 years
old. Was only months old at the time
her sister, Mrs. Ridge was married.
William Donovan, next called to the
stand ie q brother OF the preceding wit
ness, also OF Mrs. Barry, mother of the
defendant and one of the number of
relatives that have come out here from
Ontario to take the stand on defendants
behalf. Regarding the unsound mind OF
his sister, Mrs. Ridge, he stated that it
first became apparent in 1880. On ar
irving at her home hearing of the illness
found her in bed with her hands tied,
the trouble resulted in her being sent to
the asylum. During the day OF two he
stayed at her place she was ravin4 con-
tinually. He also testified to her evident
insane acts at his home where she visited
awhile shortly after her release, and to
her apparently insane condition again
several years later. Her actions never
were those Of a person who had complete
ly recovered. At the time of the last
illness Of his mother in '98 his sister, Mrs.
Ridge, was over for visit several days.
Worried all the while about sick
daughter che had left at home. In taking
her home he had the utmost difficulty
to prevent her from Jumping out of the
buggy into the river.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
On being recalled to the stand again
in the afternoon to continue his testi-
mony Donovan stated he was out here a
couple of years ago and worked for
Barry during the fall. He related
different occasions on which defendant
had become excited and abusive about
mere trlalng matters. Witness IN driv-
ing team up to the machine at thresh-
ing time didn't suit Barry, who few into
a passion. Defendants sister, Mary Ann
had told him not to mind her brother ss
he couldn't help it. He quieted down
easily. Donovan also related a threat
ened assault by Barry on boy working
on the farm and how at another time at
breakfast he had thrown the sugar bowl
on the floor because there we're Jumps in
it.
The CROSS examination by state was
made to show that Barry's acts as stated
were the results Of anger and quick
temper, An effort was also made to
show that Mrs. Ridges insanity was of a
permanent and incurable nature.
At this time the defense took up the
dispositions of three persons living in
Ontario the first being that of Mrs. Ellen
Holt,not related to the Barry's, but being
we'll acquainted with the family, espeo-
tally with the defendant. The second is
sworn to by Chas. Ridge, husband of
Mrs. Barry's insane sister, and the last
one Of much greater length than the
other two, is that Of John Barry, the
next in age to defendant, who lives on
the old Ontario homestead and looks
after his mother. All three dispositions
were taken during the second week in
July, when both Judge Templeton and
Judge Cochrane were there to examine
and cross-examine.
Ellen Hollis deposition was taken July
Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1901-08-08
9th and completed on the 11th at
Creditor, in Huron county, Ont. She
knew of the defendant paternal grand

knew Of the defendant paternal grand
mother having set fire to her own shant;
burning with it the urniture while she
sat out in the field and refused to al ON
anyone TO care for her. Fully believed
that the old lady was insanse. Depon-
ent also knew OF the insanity of Mrs
o. 'Rourke, sister OF defendants mother
who had to be tied in rockin chair
to prevent her from throwing heyeel to
the ground and tearing her clothing
Testified to having known William Barry
defendant for upward thirty years. He
had worked for her some twenty-four
years ago and always made her visit
when over in Ontario. As boy she
remembered him as being of an excitable
nature. On his visit home three years
ago defendant told her it would be his
last visit, he had come over expecting to
get wife, but was disappointed. De.
posed that che never knew OF the defen-
dant being insane. Knew defendants
brother Richard Barry, for thirty years
, That be had been At the London, Ont,
insane aeylum for six months when %
years old and believed that after bis
release he was apparently all right.
The deposition Of Charles Ridge, taken
at Port hampton on July 12, deposed he
was the husband Of Mary Donovan,
sister Of defendants mother. Mrs. Ellen
Barry. In substance his dsposition re-
lated 10 the confinement of his wife at
the London. Ont, insane asylum in
December 1881 and again afterwards in
1882, shortly before the birth OF her last
child in April. Before being removed to
the asylum she had been violent and hard
to manage for soae time, trying to get
away from the house, imagining that it
was in flames. On the last occasion OF
her escaping from him he found her
seated on the brake beam of freight
car in tho railroad yards. She was then
taken TO the asylum. Three years age
the attack Yeappeared for a short time
She tried to throw herself into the river
At these times in his opinion she was
insa OF the eight children born to
them three have died, one Of brain fever,
the second hree week old babe, died
owing to the unnatural condition of the
mother at the time OF its birth. Theresa
d led later of quick consumption.
Before the OF John Barry's
deposition the objection OF states counsel
to several interrogations we're settled by
the court and the portions in which the
court ruled with the prosecution were
stricken out. The jury in the mean time
having retired from the court room.
John Barry deposition was taken at
Creditor, Ont, on jaiy II, 1901, and
began by detailing injuries sustained ,
William, the defendant, while scutflipg
on the ice in December 1870. The injury
was inflicted by neighbor's boy, named
O'Ronrke. who kicked William repeated
ly on the crown of the head with his
frozen boot. Describes it as being q
CROSS ways cut from which much blood
flowed at the time. All winter until
along in June he remained at home
held his head down in stupid manner
and was unable sleep unless his head
was lower than his body. The wound
healed, leaving large vein exposed,