Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-07
FIFTY YEARS AGO
IN The STAR

During the trial OF John Brown at
Charles Town. Va, In 1850. there were
many rumors Of projects
Government for his rescue by north
~ ern sympathizers and the
government took particu-
lar precautions to safeguard against such
a happening and against further trouble
at the scene of his unsuccessful expedi-
tons. In The Star Of October 81. 1859. is
the following paragraph in a dispatch:
"A detachment Of regular troops, con-
sisting OF twenty-five men under Capt
Barbour and other officers, arrived at the
Harpers Ferry armory today, and Will
probably remain there for it's protection
until spring. Supt. Barker is organising
two companies Of armorers, employed at
the works, who will be drilled by the on
GERS Of the regular troops, and who will
be qualified TO take the place Of the regu-
lars when they leave. The Secretary OF
War, Gov. Floyd, who has been at
Harpers Ferry for a day or two. left yes
terday. Charles Town and the surround
ing region remain under strict military
surveillance. Col. Davis Of Richmond IL
exercising military superintendent here
under orders from Gov. Wise. All stray
glers and strangers are required to give
n good accoutn of themselves. A daGuerre-
otypist with his van and a soap and med
icine pedder were very properly ordered
out Of town yesterday. Brown still cher
shes the idea that the Lord will release
him. He says his life has many times
been more greatly in danger"
The police had their troubles half a
century ago on Halloween, even as they
have in late years. In The
Halloween Star Of November I. 1850.
pr.c+,... is a news paragraph in
dicating that the Juvenile
notion of All Saints eve ceremonies was
somewhat destructive.
Halloween was duly celebrated last
night by all the young scamps Of the me-
tropolis, who, with rather q cabbage
headed Idea Of fun, staid out In the cold
to steal vegetables and fling them around
and others resident in the suburban 10
calities were on the watch with loaded
guns for their thievish visitors, who have
on former occasions 'cabbaged upon
their premises. The frequent reports OF
firearms during the night. intended. no
doubt, to alarm the scamps who were
prowling around. indicated that these
special watchmen we're wide awake.
Quite q number of young men were seen
with cabbages under their shawls and CT
along the streets in high glee to play
rich jokes on some Of their acquaintance.
One little darby was arrested by a cit1-
zen and taken to the guardhouse for hav-
ing in his possession cabbage with
string tied to the stalk, with which, as
the witness affirmed. he liked to have
knocked q mans brains out The chief
of police lectured the boy. who promised
to behave himself in the future, and was
dismissed"
John Brown was found guilty of trea-
son on the S1st OF October. 1882 On the
I'd Of November he was
Browns brought into court for
Sr..,h sentence. The Stars re-
port Of the proceedings at
Charles Town, printed in the issue of No
vember 8. 1859. includes Browns address
to the court. concluding as follows:
Now II it is deemed necessary that
I should forfeit my life for the further
ance Of the ends Of justice and mingle
my blood further with the blood Of my
children. and with the blood of the mil
lions in this slave country whose rights
are disregarded by wicked. cruel and I'M
just enactments, I submit. SO let it be
entirely satisfied with the treatment have
received on my trial. Considering all the
circumstances. 1t has been more generous
than / expected; but feel no conscious
ness of guilt.
II have never had any design against
the life OF any person. nor any disposition
to commit treason, or excite the slaves to
rebel. or make any general instruction.
/ never encouraged any man to do SO,
but always discouraged any idea Of that
kind. Let me say. also. In regard to the
statement made by some Of those con-
nected with me that have induced them
do not say this to injure them. but as
regretting their weakness. There is not
one Of them but Joined me of his own ac-
cord and the greater part at their own
expense 4 number Of them l never saw
and never had a word of conversation
with till the day they came to me, and
that was for the purpose I have stateA
Now l have DONE"
Brown was then sentenced to be hanged
on Friday. December 2
For many years Washington enjoyed
the reputation of being an easy winter
city for knights Of the
VagrAnt road, who. without Wish
au..+. BILE means Of support.
made their way about the
country seeking the easiest means Of
maintaining life. Fifty years ago the
tramp problem was a diflicult one here
In The Star of November 4, 1852 is the
following:
1T 10 pretty well known to most WASH
ingtonians that Migrants from abroad are