Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-08-15
A s1RAPpINe coLoREo LAD
Creates Excitement on Steamer Sagadahoc
Before Being Subdued.

The Boston Globe Wednesday. had
the following account of an exciting in
cident on the steamer Sagadahoc. Mon
day night. created by colored indi-
vidual who is alleged to have recently
been working in this city:
There was. considerable excitement
on board the steamship Sagadahoc FOR
q few minutes. Monday night. on the
trip from the Maine coast to this city.
A big, strapping colored youth struck
right and left with large dining room
chair. hitting every officer of the crew.
Having quit the employment of
contractor in Augusta, Albert Wheeler
boarded the steamship. intending to
come to Boston. He had been drinking
but he AYERS he was not drunk He re-
calls few of the happenings in which
he figured and felt as if he should be
more pitied than censured.
He is given ample time to think. haV-
ing been sent to Jail in demault of $500
bonds to a wait the action of the fed
eral grand jury. which convenes next
month. Ii was United States Commits
sioner Fiske who bound him over.
Between and s O'Clock Wheeler went
to the dining room on the boat. The
capacity Of the room was severely
taxed at the time. so the young man
was told 10 wait minute.
Wheeler insisted that he should be
served. and all appeals TO his reason
and common sense We're unavailinS.
The first mate. james G. Parker. was
sent for. He talked to Wheeler but the
latter said he would either eat or fight.
Later he was served at the supper
table paying for the meal. His weight
and strength seemed remarkably i'm
proved after he had devoured the VI
ands and he thought he would put
them to test.
Selling Il chair he held il alOft and
proceeded to wipe out the place. judg-
ing by appearance. Passengers ran he'll
ter SHELTER. some seeking refuge under
the long table Even two reporters
found an overabundance of excitement
and Went in quest Of an asylum TO quiet
their nerves.
Walters and attaches in the culinary
department moved forward with the
alacritv only seen in a quick lunch
room. Wheeler was in pursuit. Reach
ing the compartment assigned to the
boys" who carry the trays. Wheeler
entered it. He was told to leave. then
he was requested. then coaXed. but to
no purpose. He threatened to kill any
one who came near him. Still the chair
was uplifted. Another moment he flour
iShed a revolver, renewing the afore-
said threat.
First mate. second mate. steward.
watchmen, walters and a score or more
passengers felt uneasy.
The revolver was not used. In fact
it disappeared as quickly as it came
into view. 1t has not since been found.
But that chair! Wheeler struck all the
officers. Parker. the first mate. receiv-
ing a CHANGING blow. The Waterman.
Cannon. short stout middle eed
man, sustained an injury to his right
arm in an effort to ward off a vigorous
blow.
But even the mighty fall. Wheeler
was finally overpOwered. He says he
was on the defensive all the time
Yesterday forenoon. complaint was
made to the federal authorities and
Deputy United States Marshal Picker
ing and I1ailiff Ruhl. armed with a
warrant. went on board the STEAMSHIP
and arrested Wheeler.