12.00 a Year, in Advance, Bellefonte, Pa., Aug. 27, 1897. P. GRAY MEEK, - Ebp1Tor. A Chromo Business Scheme. With the object of helping along the prosperity which was promised as the re- sult of higher tariff taxes the wholesale merchants in the cities are using extraordi- nary means to induce country dealers to buy goods. One of theirschemes is to give the latter free railroad rides, which is be- ing practiced to such an extent that large numbers of western dealers are taking ad- vantage of these gratuitous excursions and are having a real gay time. This endeavor to boew business by picnic methods shows the unsubstantial character of the ‘‘pros- perity’’ that has struck the country. New York has led off in this chromo plan of stimulating trade. Its mer- chants find their shelves loaded with goods which they have not been able to dispose of for want of buyers. Something has to be done to relieve this glut before the new tariff shall add to the over-supply, and so the smart GOTHAM-ites have hit upon the- free-train plan of securing customers. It worked so well last year in carrying Re- publican voters to Canton to hear Major McKINLEY discourse on the beauties and benefits of a monopoly tariff that the city merchants resort to it with the expectation that it will bring a host of buyers to their counters from the rural districts and make their goods go off like hot cakes. Philadelphia is imitating the exampl> of New York in this free-ride enterprise, with the privilege of a deadhead trip to Atlan- tic City included in the excursion. This attraction has had the effect of drawing some hundreds of dealers from the western States, who, after a dip in the surf at At- lantic City, have stopped off at Philadel- phia on their return and bought some goods, bus the whole scheme has so much the character of a pleasure excursion that it lacks the characteristic of legitimate trade. The fact is that the people who compose the purchasing class are short of money. This shortage has become more embarrass- ing each year since the demonetization of silver, and it is not going to be relieved by a tariff that will increase the cost of neces- saries without enlarging the means of liv- ing. Under such circumstances the scheme of enlivening trade and booming prosperity by free railroad rides for country mer- chants to the cities for the purchase of goods is an expedient that will be fruitless in its results. In fact it has the appear- ance of an idiotic undertaking. ———— Why Now So Silent ? The atrozious treatment of SIGNORA CISNEROS by the Spanish authorities is the latest conspicuous case of brutality of which the conduct of Spain’s hirelings in Cuba has furnished so many revolting ex- amples. This young girl has been exposed to the horrors of a Spanish convict prison, and subjected to brutal outrages, for the political offence of heing a relative of the President of the Cuban republic. This ter- rible ordeal would have been extended to incarceration for twenty years in a prison in which the worst criminals are confined if the villainous design had not been ex- posed by the vigilance of consul general LEE ; who, independent of any action by his government, interfered to rescue this young and innocent girl from such a fate. We refer to this case as showing that the atrocities are continued in Cuba the same as during the CLEVELAND administration, The conduct of the Spanish authorities is characteriezd by the same ferocity. There is no abatement of the brutal methods by which the war for the suppression of the rebellion is conducted. Spanish savagery is as rampant on this island as it was be- fore the 4th of last March, and our govern- ment is taking no more active measures to check these horrors and to extend a help- ing hand to the Cuban patriots than were taken by the President who preceded Mr. McKINLEY. This being the case, how are we to account for the silence of those parti- sans who howled so fiercely against Presi- dent MCKINLEY’S predecessor for his al- leged cold-blooded indifference to the cause of patriotism and freedom ? We do not assume to say that the pres- ent administration is pursuing the wrong course in regard to Cuba, but as it is just the same as that pursued by CLEVELAND, why are those who were so noisy in de- nouncing CLEVELAND now so profoundly silent ? : ——— -—Fire insurance is being run hard in western States where two of the strongest companies doing business have been cut- ting rates. The Western Union company, having ordered a reduction of from 30 to 50 per cent. on preferred risks the North- western National has ordered its agents to meet the cut. The situation is very excit- ing and insurance journals state that many boards of underwriters in western cities will go to pieces as a result. —— ——The Republican state convention was held in Harisburg, yesterday, and QUAY’s ticket went through without dif- | ficulty. Maj. LEVI G. McCAULEY was nominated for auditor general and Jangks S. BEAcoM for state-treasurer. On Wed- nesday night quite a demonstration was made for SHINDLE, of York, for state treas- urer, but the pins had been too firmly set to be bowled down by eleventh hour plans. ES —————— Plans for the new State capital building have not heen adopted and the commission has adjourned until next Mon- day. JAMES CORNELLY ON TRIAL FOR ARSON. The Greatest Interest Manifested.—Crowds of Ladies at the Trial.—The Evidence Almost Entirely Cir- cumstantial. Cornelly Tells a Straightforward Story on the Stand and Makes a Good Impression. Detective and Defendant Swearing Contrary. But the Latter Produced Corroborative Evidence to Substantiate His Assertions. Not since the January term of 1890, when Alfred Andrews was found guilty of baving fiendishly murdered Clara Price, on the lonely mountain road near Karthause, on Wednesday morning, November 25th, 1889, has there been so much interest over the trial of a criminal case in this county as has been aroused by that of James Cornelly for arson. Cornelly is the step-son of James Cald- well, of this place, and is as well known to Bellefonters as any other resident of the town. He is about 38 years old and his life has been an exceedingly checkered one. For a number of years past he has led an isolated, lonely life. During these years a number of unfortunate circumstances have occurred, not directly incriminating him, yet furnishing just enough food for gos- sip’s terrible tongue to roll off its accusa- tions of almost every crime committed about the town. Cornelly was soon gos- siped into a suspicious character and the incendiary fires of last winter and spring were considerately (?) laid at his door, be- cause he seemed to have fewer friends to defend and more heartless ones to prose- cute than any one else about the town. On the evening of June 3rd he was ar- | rested and placed in jail upon the informa- tion of Col. W. F. Reynolds, charging him with an attempt to fire the armory of Co. B, corner of Lamb and Spring streets. De- tectives from the Perkins agency, in Pitts- burg, had been here working on the case since early in April and they have tried desperately hard to weave a chain of cir- cumstantial evidence about him with which to fasten the burning of the electric light station, on the morning of April 7th, and the attempted burning of the armory, on the morning of May 21st. on him. The grand jury reported a true bill against him on the charge of having fired the court house, also, but counsel for the prosecution refused to try it with the other two so it will be heard after the two others, that are combined, have been finished. The indictments are for misdemeanor. Inasmuch as none of the buildings fired were used as living quarters he could not be charged with felonious arson. There are three counts on the electric light build- ing ; 1st, attempting to fire ; 2nd, firing ; 3rd, burning. On the other two indict- ments there is one count each. Associated with district attorney Singeris Wilbur F. Reeder for the prosecution and former judge A. O. Furst and H. S. Taylor have charge of the defense. The jurors are : B. D. Brisbin, huckster, Centre Hall; J. A. Confer, farmer, Boggs Twp. ; Daniel Dreibelbis, farmer, Ferguson Twp. ; Alfred Jones, merchant, Philipsburg; Thomas Moore, jeweler, Bellefonte 3A. C Musser, marble cutter, Millheim; William Robb, merchant, Curtin Twp. $1 GFP Smull, agent, Miles Twp. ; P. D. Womels- dorf, civil engineer, Philipsburg ; Wil- liam C. Wantz, farmer, Haines Twp. ; James Weiser, farmer, Worth Twp.; A. P. Zerby, farmer, Penn Twp. i: EE : : Station Chan’ler : LE o House. : g 3 BB Msteiinis = sessrsnessernse £2 A : BY Lenni { Humes | 32 House. Miidevkdssaiere Armory. SPRING STREET. SPRING STREET | School Grounds. i Cornelly’s : Lodgings. | tersessssrrracanes 8 | - = - w = = = 3 (as House. Chart showing relative positions of buildings along Lamb and Spring streets, so closely con- nected with the testimony in this case. As seen Jom a position on Lamb street in front of gas ouse, TESTIMONY OF WITNESSES AS EXAMINED. Frank C. Williams was the first witness called. The main points of his testimony were as follows : Livé in Bellefonte. Superintendent of the Electric Light com- pany more than two years, and was in charge of the plant the night of the fire, April 7th. (Witness then gave a descrip- tion of the building.) Left the plant at 6 o'clock the evening before, when every- thing was all right, and the office locked. The engineer and fireman were in charge, but they had no key to either office or stock room. Faxon was engineer and Dez- endorf fireman. I got to the fire possibly three minutes after the alarm sounded, and saw the stock room all ablaze, and could not get in. Lots of people were there at that time. The plant was entirely destroy- ed with tlie exception of the boilers. The stock room contained general supplies and fixtures and a barrel of tissue paper ; it was lighted by electricity. Our clean waste was kept in the engine room and the used waste in a tight tin can in the pump room. (Witness here gave a description of the location of the building and its sur- roundings.) On cross-examination by Judge Furst the above story in detail was adhered to. 8S. D. Ray sworn. Am surveyor and made a map of the electric light plant and the armory and surroundings. The map was produced and fully explained to the jury by Mr. Ray. Joseph Lose sworn. Live on Spring street, and am an electrician in the employ of the electric light company. It is my duty to keep the lights in order and do repair work. Have access to all parts of the plant. The office and stock rooms are usually closed at 6 o'clock. Both rooms had wood floors and were lighted by elec- tricity. Was at home in bed the night of fire. Heard the alarm and went right down to the station. Saw fire in the stock room, and also noticed a small hole broken in the lower part of the window. The firemen were not yet there. Tried to get into the room but could not for the smoke. Did not notice Mr. Williams for perhaps half an hour, as I was working to save the boiler room. Was also at the armory fire. It was at the first basement door next to Spring street. Fire was started by oily waste. Glass in door was broken in and waste dropped inside. I got there very soon and saw only William Waddle, who went with me, and James Cornelly, the latter standing right out in the street. Witness closely adhered to the above story on cross-examination. Thomas Faxon sworn. Am an engineer at the electric light plant. At the time of the fire went on duty at three p. m. and came off at 3 a. m. Had access to all of building but office and stock room, but spent most of the time in the engine room. Was in the pump room the night of fire when I first smelled smoke. Thought there was a hot journal and ran to my en- gine but found everything all right. ~The indicator was all right showing that noth- ing was wrong on the lines. Ran back in- to the pump room and saw smoke coming from the stock room through the partition. Went front and saw the bright illamina- tion, though did not go out, but at once ran back and blew the whistle, then shut down my engines. By that time smoke was so dense had to leave the building. After that was in boiler room most of time. (Nothing new developed on cross-examina- tion.) Mrs. Alfred Chandler sworn. Live on Lamb street almost opposite electric light station ; lived there at time of fire. Was first attracted to it by the lights going out. Looked across to station and saw smoke coming out of lower part of window. The whistle blew and I dressed and ran out on side porch. When first saw fire it was down near the floor. (Cross-examination substantially the same, ) Emanuel Shope sworn. Live with Mrs. Chandler. Had been up and was not asleep when the alarm sounded. Went right out on porch, saw fire in lower part of window in stock room. Saw James Cornelly there, running down to corner of building, then turn and go back up street. He had on sack coat and cap, and was on boardwalk. On cross-examination wit- ness adheres to above story, but admits having been closeted with detective Vernes in a room at the Brandt house about two weeks ago. Miss Mary Butts sworn. On the night of fire was at party a Mrs. Harper’s on Linn street. It was about midnight when the alarm sounded and immediately Miss Harper and myself ran out on the second story balcony. We first saw smoke com- ing out of lower part of window in the stock room ; mot a very large volume. We remained on the porch and it was but a few minutes until flames broke ont. After the alarm saw one man right in front of station ; appeared to be in middle of street. He seemed to be standiug still, but in a moment ran up the street. Think he came from around the building. The man wore a sack coat and cap. We be- lieved it to be James Cornelly. Two oth: ers saw him. Furst asked the question point-blank : “Will you swear that the person you saw was James Cornelly?”” “We thought it was and believed it tobe him. The dis- tance was not too great to recognize one.’’ Further direct testimony not shaken. Miss Jennie Harper and Miss Lottie Spiglemyer corroborated the above testi- mony of Miss Butts in detail, they having been with her on the balcony. Daniel Cowher sworn. A fireman at gas works. The night of the fire Cornelly was there from before 11 o’clock until within possibly nine minutes of the fire, when he went out. When alarm sounded I ran out and down the street to electric light plant, stood there but a few seconds, then turned and started back but had gone but a little distance when I met Cornelly and we both then went back to the fire. I was in my shirt sleeves and had on a- cap and blue overalls. On cross-examination ' witness testified that it was when running back up street the second time that he heard ladies on Linn street crying the alarm. It was only about nine minutes from the time Cornelly left gas works until the alarm sounded, and in a few minutes after the building was all ablaze. William Clark sworn. Also employed at gas works. Was there night of the fire. Saw Cornelly that night, he came there nearly eleven o’clock, and left there quite a while before the fire. I was also at work the night of armory fire. Heard the alarm and ran out on Spring street but saw no fire, when some one on the street said. “It’s right behind you in the armory. *’ Did not see person nor know who it was. Ran to armory and saw fire inside the first door. The glass in door was broken, and oily waste was burning. Several persons were there by that time. I ran back to gas works and got a bucket of water and with that put out the fire. Cross-exami- nation developed the additional fact that witness saw and recognized Cornelly as one of the few who had gathered there quickly. William Barnes Sworn. Was at home on Spring street night of fire. When alarm sounded hastily dressed and ran for the hose house. Brother Homer came out at same time but went right down to the electric light plant. Building was all ablaze when I got there ; do not remember of seeing Cornelly. The bulk of fire was in stock room. Did not notice as to brok- en window. Was on duty there all night. On cross-examination above story adhered to in detail. Court adjourned until Thursday morn- ing. Miss Lottie Spiglemyer recalled and tes- tified that the man she saw on Lamb street was running east and had ou hoots. This fact she noticed particularly. Homer Barnes sworn. The night of fire ran direct down to plant. Met Cornelly about one hundred feet east of works. He was running toward gas works. Did not seeany others, did not speak to Cornel- ly and did not notice how he was dressed. Col. W. F. Reynolds testified to the at- tempt to burn the Armory and gave de- scription of building. Chas. F. Cook testified to the value of | the Electric Light plant destroyed, placing same at fifty thousand dollars. William Dezendorf testified to Armory fire, which he helped to put out. Also, that on that night he saw Gillespie (Stew- | art) three times. First in the boiler room at 12 o’clock ; again near about 1, and at! time of fire, when he came to the works to give alarm. On cross-examination Judge | gee Gillespie that day. On the 21st was at William Waddle testified that on night of Armory fire he was first person there and after he saw where fire was, turned around and saw Cornelly standing behind him. Detective A. W. Gillespie (the man known as Stewart) called and sworn. On request of Judge Furst detective Vernes took a seat at the side of the room. Gil- lespie’s evidence was substantially the same given at the habeas corpus. That he had been shadowing Cornelly’s house and on the night of the armory fire saw him come out of the alley way between the McKnight house and gas works, go down in the shadow of an electric light pole, sit down on the pavement a few moments, then disappear in the seclusion of the but- tresses of the armory. Shortly after there was a crash of breaking glass, then a glare of light, and then Cornelly came from the armory up the street and disappeared in the alley. On going down to the armory found the fire and ran to the electric light plant and gave the alarm. Also testified that on several occasions he had conversed with Cornelly and that he (Cornelly) had said that the ‘‘electric light plant would hardly be built up until it was burned down again.”” That ‘‘the more fires there were the better it was for us poor fellows $7? and that if I ‘stayed in town long enough I would see a big fire.”” On cross-exami- nation Judge Furst made a strenuous ef- fort to break the direct testimony of wit- ness. He was very explicit in cross-ques- tioning regarding how often he had either tried or succeeded in getting Cornelly in- toxicated, and received the admission that in doing so it was for the purpose of ‘pumping’ him. Witness was subjected to a most minute and tedious cross-exami- nation of a couple of hours’ duration, but at the completion of which his direct testi- mony was unshaken. Henry Yeager, proprietor of the Brandt house, was called and testified to Gillespie having brought Rodgers there for a confer- ence with Vernes. THE DEFENSE OPENS. With this the prosecution rested and H. 8S. Taylor, Esq., opened the case for the de. fense. The first witness called was Ray Strunk, a boy who lives below MecCalmont & Co’s lime kiln. He testified to the fact that on the night of the fire, as he was coming up to same, and just after crossing the foot- bridge over Spring creek, by the P. R. R. round house, he met a man, tall in stature, running down the tracks of the Central R. R. of Pa. The man appeared excited, but the boy could give no description of his ap- pearance or how dressed. Testimony not shaken on cross-examination. (Adjourned. ) James Cornelly sworn. The defend- ant’s story in detail follows. Am 38 years old, single. five in Bellefonte, on Lamb street, in McKnight’s house. Mother lives on Ridge street. Am a steam fitter, and lately with the steam heat and gas com- pany. Pat Toner and two boys lived in same house. Iam not guilty as indicted. I did not burn the electric light plant nor set fire to the armory. I did not aid any- one to do it, nor do I know who did do it. I know Gillespie simply from brief ac- quaintance and then as Frank Stewart. I knew he was a detective, and judged he was after me. First met Gillespie on April 18th. Did not meet him on Mon- day, the 19th. I was out cutting sod that day down at Morris’ quarry. In the after- noon I was sick and in my room all the time. Did not see Gillespie at all that day. I cut sod on Tuesday until 2p. m. ad laid sod the balance of time. Did not work at the house. Gillespie came there and offered me a drink, but I refused. He went down street and I followed. Did not see him on the 22nd. I was working at Mr. Meek’s, laying sod. On the 23rd of April I was at the house of Mr. Schofield : also the next day. On Sunday I was home all day. On Monday I loafed around the WATCHMAN office most of the time. On Tuesday I was at work at Mr. Meek’s, wait- ing on the plasterer. On Wednesday, the 28th, I worked at John Bower’s. Did not see Gillespie at all that day. (This is the day on which Gillespie alleges Cornnelly told him about burning buildings, ete.) I never had any conversation with Gilles- pie about any fires. I was afraid of the man and always avoided him. Was at Bower’s all day until late in the evening. James McCullough was with me. On the 20th I finished at Bowers then went for sod, and was there until late. On the 30th I cut sod all day. From the time Gilles- pie came to Bellefonte until arrested. I only saw him twice, to speak to him on the 18th and 21st of April. First day he askel me for a match and the second he offered me a drink, which I refused. I never had any other con- versation with the man. I was arrested on June 3rd. Gillespie occupied a cell directly opposite. On several occasions he endeavored to enter into conversation with me. but I declined. On the day prior to the electric light house fire I was at home all the time only when I went for papers morning, noon and night. I was not feeling well, went to bed at 7 o'clock, and slept until Central R. R. train came in at 10:15. Then got up and went out into the gas works. At near 12 o’clock I ate a lunch with William Clark. It was then just 12 o'clock, as I looked at the clock. I then went back to my house and went to bed on my cot. I was reading a book when the fire alarm was sounded. Ran to window and looked west. At once put on my boots and cap. Ran down stairs and started down street. Saw Cowher then down by electric light house. Ran past him and on down to railroad where I asked Dailey if the hose were there. Went back to light works and stood there with Cowher until Faxon came out, when the roof of plant had fallen in. Met Cowher coming back as I went down { first. I rapped on Mrs. Nolan’s door. to I alarm them, then went back to the gas | works. Cowher and Toner were the first { persons I saw on going out on street. Did meet Homer Barnes, but after I had knock- Heard the ladies | on Harper’s porch scream. The are light | went out as I first came out of my house. I had on gum hoots and cap. i | | ed at Mrs. Nolan’s door. On the day. preceding armory fire I was {up at Taylor’s on Howard street, in the | morning. Later went to the WATCHMAN | office. then down to the Doll building on | Bishop street. In the afternoon I slept all the time until 4 o'clock. Was around | town at various places until eleven o'clock, i when I went home. Got there t was very | sick and fell into the vestibule, where T | lay until the fire alarm sounded. I ran | out and saw Pat. Toner standing on the street. Ran over to the armory and saw | there William Clark, who threw water on the fire, did not see Gillespie at the fire. After the fire was out I went back to the house and up to my room. Did not lose my cap, but wore it next day. Had it for sometime after, or until I was arrested. | I am entirely innocent of all charges made against me in these indictments. Cross examination. On May 26th, I was [up in Vernes’ room. He asked me to come up and make a statement. He took it down in writing and I signed it. Wit- ness asked where he was on May 10th, but could not tell. Other dates were asked and in nearly every instance could correct answers were given. I get drunk some- times, but was not drunk during the two weeks Gillespie was here. I was indicted and sent to jail for receiving stolen goods. I have served sentence for resisting police officers. I broke out of Clinton county jail in 1890. All the con- versations by detectives alleged to have been made with me are absolutely false, with the exception of the two times detail ed above. Witness admitted having on cap, boots, and possibly his coat. Regard- ing the electric light fire, the fire was pouring out of window when I first went out on the street, and it was not over two minutes until the roof of the building fell in. Never told anyone I was going up street as Cowher came down. Did not make any written statement to that effect. State- ment shown witness, who maintains that it corroborates with present testimony. The cross-examination regarding armory fire brought out no new facts. Re-direct examination. I was in jail for stealing whiskey. Had no enmity against any one of the electric light company— either owners or employees. Statement again shown witness, who identifies it as one written by detective Vernes. Made the statement at solicitation of Vernes. Had more than one conversation with hin. George Cunningham sworn. Am first assistant of Logan Hose Co. Was in the house when alarm sounded. With others I started out with the cart. The lights went out as we went out of hose house. Passed two persons at corner of Lamb and Spring streets. As we passed electric light works Mr. Faxon was coming out of door and the building was all aflame. Cross- examination. Know nothing as to what took place in that locality previous to our arrival. Wm. Daley called. Am night watch- man at Central R. R. station. Remember Cornelly coming to me and asking for hose. Cross-examination. Was in station when alarm sounded. The lights were out when I got to the crossing. Pat Toner called. Live in McKnight’s house. Was in bed when alarm sounded. Iran to the window and as I opened it Cornnelly threw up his window and said ‘it’s your office.” Did not see Cornelly as I went down street, saw only Cowher. Don’t remember seeing Cornelly until af- ter he fire and 1 had gone back to the house. Cross-examination. Cowher was just at the east end of electric light build- ing as I went down. Did not see any oth- ers. Anthony Toner sworn. On the night of fire did not hear Pat and Cornelly talking I went down and met Cornelly east of electric light plant. He asked me to help take out Mrs. Nolan and I helped. On cross-examination nothing new. Chas. R. Kurtz sworn. Mr. Faxon told me it was from five to ten minute duration from the time he first smelled smoke until he blew the whistle. William Rodgers sworn. The engineer at the electric light station the time of fire. Was also there on the 20th of May. Gil- lepsie came into the station about 12.15. He was back again about 1.15, and again about 2 o'clock. He then remained until 2.25. He came again at 2.40 and told me there was a fire out there. Do not know where he went from there. Gillepsie ap- peared very much excited. ' After Gillep- sie was released from jail, the next day, he came to see me, and escorted me around to the Brandt house, where he met Mr. Vernes in room No. 4. The purpose seemed to be a comparison of evidence, and they said my story would not correspond with some others and it ought to be fixed up. During my employment with the electric light company the oily waste was set on fire twice, by friction from the belt. Cross examination, the waste was not in the stock room, but on the engine bed. John Bauer called. witness corroborat- ed Cornelly’s testimony as to his being at work there on April 28th, and also the forenoon of the 29th. On cross-examina- tion, however, witness admitted Cornelly might have been down town some of the time. James McCullough testified that he wus with Cornelly at Bauer's on April 29th. Samuel Solt. Work for Mr. Meek. James Cornelly worked there at various times, but I don’t remember any dates. John Trafford testified that on the night of Armory fire he walked out the street with Cornelly and separated at Hastings’ corner. John Caldwell testified that, as near as he gan tell, it was April 19th and 20th, he assisted Cornelly in sodding at M. B. Gar- man’s. On cross-examination witness was not positive as to dates, nor whether Cor- nelly saw Gillespie during that time. Geo. R. Meek testified that Cornelly came there often, and at his invitation, he frequently ate his meals at their house, but could not be positive as to his having eaten there on April 24th. Was positive, how- ever, that he worked there April 24th. Miss Winifred Meek testified that Cor- nelly frequently ate his meals there, espec- ially for three weeks in the latter part of April and beginning of May, though no positive dates could be named. Walter Hampton testified to having hauled sod for Cornelly to Garman’s, four loads in all, but does not know the date. Calvin Dout sworn. Live in Rochester. Am chief of police. Know Gillepsie. His reputation for truth and veracity is very poor. On cross examination witness be- came more or less confused. Joseph Welsh, also of Rochester, sworn. The reputation for truth and veracity is not very good. Witness also became more or less rattled on cross examination. R. M. Cable was another man called. Mr. Cable presented the most respectable appearance of any so far heard from that town. He also declared Gillespies’ reputa- tion not good, but spoiled his story by say- ing that he had heard the matter discussed by such men as Dout, Welsh and himself. THE DEFENSE RESTS. In rebuttal the commonwealth recalled Thomas Faxon, who testified that Cornelly said as soon as the whistle blew he knew it was the electric light station. This was also corroborated by John Knicely. C. W. Cook sworn. Live in Pittsburg. Am intimately acquainted with Gillespie (as witness was not a resident of Rochester, testimony excluded.) Robert Carr, of Rochester, testified that he has known Gillespie from boyhood and that his reputation for truth and veracity is good. Samuel Blach. also of Rochester, testified that Gillespie’s reputation for truth and veracity is good, and he has known him all his life. Capt. W. D. Rens, of Rochester, testified that he had never heard Gillespie’s truth and veracity questioned. Amos Mullen sworn. On the night of armory fire witness saw Cornelly at a distance of 100 feet, and in his judgement, defendant was sober. Commonwealth rests and the court de- clares the evidence on both sides closed. Court then adjourned and will reconvene at 8.30 this morning when argument will be begun. A more capable jury could not have charge of the case. ee AN OLD HORSE STUCK IN A RAILROAD BRIDGE.—On Tuesday morning a seedy looking, woe-begone individual passed through this place. He was leading an old mouse colored horse that was so bony that even a Bald Eagle crow would have turn- ed up its nose at the sight of such picking. Both man and horse might have done ser- vice as models for the artists who are just now illustrating stories of the famine in India. Indeed they were ‘“‘a heart render- ing sight,’’ as a young lad y expressed it. They wended their weary way through the streets and on towards Milesburg. At the latter place they attracted considerable attention, but neither horse nor man paid attention to the idle jests of those who saw them. ‘When near Wallace’s abandoned brick works, west of Milesburg, the old horse could go no further and the man deserted it. Then the animal laid down to rest, after awhile it staggered to its feet and started back over the road. When it reached the crossing of the branch from Milesburg to this place, instead of continu- ing on the road it turned to the right and started across the trestle over the Bald Ea- gle creek. Secarcely had it gotten: the length of itself when it fell between the ties and was fastened. Too weak to strug- gle it might have laid there, unnoticed, un- til the night passenger train would have run onto it and possibly been derailed on the trestle. Such an outcome would have cost many lives, for the train would have been thrown onto the rocks in the stream below. Fortunately some one saw the old horse just in time and, procuring a lamp, the train was flagged. Every means was taken to extricate it, but the animal was too far gone to help itself at all so a terribly cruel, though prebably only method to remove it was employed. The heavy engine rope was taken off and looped around the horse’s neck, the other end was fastened to the engine and then the train was backed. The horse’s head was pulled straight back over its body, breaking its neck, and then the carcass was dragged off and tumbled down over the embankment into the creek. The whole occurrence delayed the train only 20 minutes, but in that time the passengers aboard had witnessed an ex- tremely gruesome sight and more than one of them thought of the narrow escape from death they had had. ode ——Boy’s suits for school or dress wear. New goods just opened at Faubles'. It will pay you to see them. THE LARGE COLLEGE BARN BURNED AGAIN.—Probably the largest and most conveniently constructed barn in Centre county was destroyed, early last Friday evening, when the large ‘‘farm” barn on the west end of the Pennsylvania State College campus, only a short distance from the University Inn, was burned. The fire was discovered shortly after 7 o'clock and seemed to be on the outside of the hay that almost protruded from the mow at the barn doors. It is said that the men who were there shortly after the alarm was given could have put the fire out had they had some water, but before hose connections could be made the flames had swept through the great structure, making it utterly impossible to save it. The College band, composed largely of men employed about the farm, was on its way to a festival and when the alarm was given they broke ranks and ran to the scene. Being well acquainted with the building they were able to get all of the stock out, but most of the implements were lost. When the large barn doors were pushed open, creating a draft, the flames fairly leaped up over the dry hay to the roof, then the opening of the other end of the barn to rescue the stock drew the fire down in that direction and swept it from one end to the other. There were about 125 tons of hay, enough wheat to thresh 1,500 bushels and enough oats to thresh 1,400 bushels in the barn. The adjoining corn sheds were saved by the constani playing of two streams of water on them. Though there was quite a large insur- ance on the building, Supt. Patterson is of the opinion that it will not be sufficient to cover the loss to the College. While the fire might have been caused by spontaneous combustion it is thought that it was either accidental or of incend iary origin. The barn had been in use only about six years. The original structure having burned on the evening of Nov. 4th, 1891, about 5 o'clock. It was what was known as the old “College barn” that had stood on the campus, within a stone’s throw of the west end of the Main building. It had been moved and rebuilt during the sum- mer or 1890 at a cost of $17,000. A boy named Sortman was in the barn at the time and he gave the alarm, though noth- ing was ever found out about the origin of the fire. It was at that fire that Mrs. W. J. Candy, wife of the dairyman at the Col- lege, heroically rushed into the burning stables and unfastened the entire herd of valuable cows that were helpless in the flames and would certainly have been hurned had it not been for her bravery. The trustees of the College afterward voted her a reward of $20.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers