The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-04-14


responsible for such q heinous
crime against humanity.
How News Was Received.
The following was the descriptive
recount OF the scenes and Incidents IN
Wheeling appearing in the local col
umns OF The lntelligencer together
with an account of the meeting held
at the Court House. Saturday eve
ming
Saturday. the 18th OF April pre-
sented such a scene OF sorrow and
detection. amounting almost TO de-
spair. as was never before Witnessed
In this city. Almost every countenance
bore the evidence OF deep and earnest
grief. and gave token OF the great be-
reavement which had befallen the ma
ton So sudden and unsupported Was
the terrible calamity that the country
seemed paralyzed by the shock and
shuddered before some apprehend,d,
but unknown danger. The first inti-
nation received here OF the fiendish
assassination, was a bulletin posted
ut the telegraph office about 8 O'Clock
In the morning, merely announcing
that President Lincoln and Secretary
Seward had been assassinated during
the night. The news spread rapidly
and the streets soon thronged With
anxious and excited men eager to
learn the facts. None was willing TO
credit the report. They could not be-
lieee that crime SO hellish In its con-
ception and so fieniish In its execu-
ton could be perpetrated In a civilized
community. Only ,he official state
ment from Secretary Stanton OF the
terrible truth served to remove the
ttubts which sustained a hope that
all might yet be well.
Deepest Gloom.
The confirmation OF the first dis
patches caused a deep gloom through
out the city, Knots of serious men
grouped upon the street corners and
gathered around the telegraph offices.
TO glare at the bulletins with wild
stare and silent tongue. The very
elements seemed to partake OF the sad
surroundings. Dark clouds shrouded
the sun with their somber hues. add
ing to the general gloom that every
where prevailed.
From friends and foes OF the Ad-
ministration came words OF love ana
admiration for the distinguished
statesman who had been stricken
down. and expressions OF deep indIg-
nstion against the assasslns and their
aiders and abettors. Occasioneai
words OF muttered vengeance against
rebels told OF the bitter feelings and
slumbering wrath which had been
stirred By this treacherous stab at
the nations heart, and which needed
but spark to light the magazine OF
destruction. But general grief served
10 keep down excitement and prevent
outbreaks OF violence that could only
add to the nations woes.
Throughout the day the bells OF the
city continued to toll forth the notes
OF sorrow and lamentation. r'lags at
half mast and buildings draped IN
deepest black met the eye at every
slrn, until the whole city was enveI.
oped I'm the sable hues OF mourning.
All Business Suspended.
The Mayor, ANDREW J. Sweeney
upon the receipt OF the news imme-
diately Issued a proclamation stating
.be facts and requesting a general
suspension OF business and that the
churches in the city would adapt their
Sabbath services to the occasion. The
stores. offices and various places OF
business were all closed. and the city
assumed the quietness OF the Sabbath
enhanced by the solemn surrounding
Of the occasion. People QUERY
passed along the streets with grief
depicted In every countenance. Every
token and expression served but %
portray the deep hold which Abraham
Lincoln had taken upon the hearts oi
the American people. and the ve--rs
ton that Is entertained for his mem
DRY.
During the afternoon II was DC.
clded TO hold a meeting at the COurt
Mouse. 10 express the sentiments OF
the citizens toward the illustrious
dead. Handbills announcing a meet
ing ~ halfpast seven o'clock were
printed and circulated In the mean
time the Capitol. Custom House. COurt
House and the various military head
quarters were clothed in habiliment.
~ deep woe. Nothing was Ien
undOne that could tend 10 express 3
profound sense Of the great Calamity
that has befallen rs. When the hour
Of the meeting had arrived the COurt
House was filled 20 overlooking b,
the most serious crowd that mao evei
assembled within its walls The meet
ing was organized BY calling Henri
Crangle. ESQ. 10 the chair and an
pointing John =. Wilson secretary. Al
The request o. the chairman. Rev. Dr
BrOwnson CWashingtOn. Pa opened
the meeting with prayer.
ON motion the chairman appoinfec
Messrs. a. ". Campbell. Dr John Z,
Hupp and Samuel Laughlin. n com
pittee % three 10 prepare suftabI.
resolutions for the consideration al
the meeting. While the COMMITTEES
was out tributes Of respect were PAID
20 the life and character OF the illus
trous deceased by Rev. DIT Brownson
Warrington. Pa. and Revs. John Mot
fat (Socond Presbyterian. J. r.. Nc
Clure. United Presbyterian. and
Alerander Martin. Fourth street "
-. ~ This city The committee OF