"-J , THE 'PITTSBURG' DISPATCH,, FPvIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1892. J COOKS ASWITNESSES Nearly All the Men Employed in This Capacity on the Biyer Steamers "WILL BE MADE TESTIFY In the Homestead Poison Cases as Tliej Worked in the Mill. MANY OF THEM TO BE ARRESTED. One Han Makes a Confession to District Attorney Enrleich. BUHER COUNTY MEN OFFER ETIDEtfCE Nearly ereiy river cook shipping frnm Pittsburg knows more or less about the poisoning of the Homestead non-unionists. They will be given a chance to impart their information when the cases come up in court. This new leatnre worked itself to pub licity yesterday, when one of the cooks, who is supposed to be conversant with the pois oning scheme, quietly stole ont of town. It became known in river circles yesterday that tlie Carnegie Company was eoinj: to ute all the cooks as witnesses. A fact that lies never been published i that most of the men who prepared the food in the Homestead mills had done similar work on the rivers. The Little Bill and Tide were engaged from the beginning of the trouble in hauling men and supplies to Homestead. It is said that the proprietors of these boats were asked to furnish cooks for the mill As the summer season of the year is always very dull on the river, the river cooks were glad to get work at the Eteel plant. If early every available cook was employed. A River Cook Confesses. Yesterday one of these men was called before Ditrict Attorney Burleigh. The lawyer asked him to tell what he knew about the poion story. The cook said he knew nothing of it, but Mr. Burleigh .knew he did. The District Attorney re marked that his memory might be fresh ened by a sojourn in jail. The cook broke down under this threat and made a confes sion. It is said that he furnished Mr. Burleigh with some Tery damaging proof against the accused men. After this interview it was decided to commence a wholesale arrest of the cooks. The men, as a general thing,are only wanted cs witnesses, but it is teared they will run away. The arrests will probably begin to day. Detective Farrell yesterday had "warrants and subpoenas for quite a number ol men, and he was looking some cf them up. One of the men wanted badly is now down the river on a trip. His boat is ex pected to arrive this morning, and as soon as it does he will be arrested. Tour More Victims Testify. Tour victims of the Homestead poisoning were yesterday found at Chicora, in Butler county. They are I H. Craig, George Amy, H. B. Thompson and George North. Bach of these men had good paying posi tions in the mill, but they were among the first to be stricken with the mysterious malaay which they ssy lias sent more men to their graves than the general public dreams of. They held on at the works, thinking their ailments would yield to the ordinary treatment, but were finally bi ought home broken down and almost helpless. Amy's troubles have developed liver ccmplaint, and, although he was a large, 1 ealtby man, he is now a living skel eton and is unable to do anything. In speaking of the condition of things at the mill iuring the strike the men all tell the tame story substantially as follows: "We had worked in the mill only a few days when we were attacked with severe cramps and dysentery. Because many other workmen were affected in the same way we attributed it to some general cause, mid finally agreed that it must be the water and tl-e change of our manner of life. The thir. that finally alarmed and discouraged lis w as the tact the treatment given us at the hospital department in the works did uv no good, and it was only a question of time until we were physically unable to do our work, and were forced to come home. The Story Xever To:L "Tl.c newspapers have told little or noth icg about the terrible condition of affairs trat existed at one time within the so called stockade, where the stenches and i' ulness incidental to the character of the pie ailing malady among so many men was at times almost unbearable, even to those who were not so badly affected, particu lar'; v when the days were hot. It was a erudition of things where sickness begot ek Kness, despite all that the company ccuil do, and the company poured out Dinner like water in providing lor the men in us employ at that time. Veteran Ithers who saw the horrors of Southern t tocuade prison pens told us it recalled tr u experiences in prisons. Looking back at it now seems like a horrible dream, and it a .air trial ot the men accused ot poison )i rr us shows that the charges are true, v eiher popular sentiment serves to shield tl era or not, they deserve punishment for wimlesale murder, and if" they ere un fairly acuuitted some men among the many whom they have ruined for life will surely wreak on them the vengance they merit. ' It is said Patrick Gallagher lsJ'eeling Terv ore because he had to go to jail. He thicks the Carnceie Company should have bailed him, and says that vas promised. I'istrict Attorney Burleigh says Gallagher Mni noi be used as a witness unless be wants to make a statement. No promises hare been made him. Drucgist Shaffer, of Homestead, called on Mr. Burleigh yesterday in answer to, tl.e latter's request for s conference. He was closeted with Mr. Burleigh for over an hour, but neither gentleman would say what they had consulted.about AIL INTERESTED IN HOMESTEAD. Vice Preside nt Carney Tells of Dls Recep tion at the Convention. William A. Carney, Vice President of the Amalgamated Association, and Second Vice President of the American Federation of Labor, returned from Philadelphia yes terday. He had been making a tour of some ol the Eastern mills, and was pleased with ruat he saw. He is well posted on the questions relating to the work of the 1 ederation, and spoke ireely of its plans si.d luture prospects. He said President Oompers intended calling a meeting ot the Executive Council in a short time to dis pute of some of the business now before it. Xeans are being adopted to increase the d tense fund to be used in case of long strikes. The money will be loaned to the traces striking with interest. lie stated the Homestead poison stories caused great excitement and wherever he went persons constantly besieged him with , jest ions wanting to know all about Home e ead and the exciting incidents connected th it. Homestead, Tennessee and Cceur (i Alene were the most talked about sub jects duung the convention. Cannot Get Ball. McLuckie and Ross are still in jail. An effort was made yesterday to secure bail for tbem, but no one could be found who "wanted to go on the Homesteaders' bonds. THREE BAD YOUNGSTERS. A 10-Tear-OId Bov Arrested for Drunken nessTwo Tonng Tobacco Thelves All Accomplished Criminals and They Pass the Night in Prison Cells. John Devine, aged 10 years, was arrested last night lor drunkenness. The boy was discorered'about 6 o'clock on Forty-eighth street and Penn avenue in a state of intoxfc cation. He was arrested while throwing stones at houses and insulting passers-by. All the way to the Seventeenth ward station he -screamed and yelled but refused to say anything about himself. His temper seemed entirely uncontrollable. "Where the lad obtained the liqnor is a mystery. He was well dressed aud seemed to be in good circumstances. Detective Melighe last night captured Edward Carroll, aged 9 years, of 26 Eobin son street, Allegheny, and James Strong, aged 13 years, of 13 Kilbuck 'street, two young tobacco thieves. For some time past owners of tobacco stores have com plained that they were short boxes of" to bacco and could riot account for its disap pearance. Detective McTighe was put on the case. It was remarked that two small boys were trying on several different occa sions to sell fine cigars very cheap. They were shadowed, and last night they were seen to go into Derr's Hotel, aud while -one attracted the attention of the clerk, as was their wont, the other hooked a box of cifrars and they left the place, the theft being unnoticed except by the detective. He followed and had them locked in the Central station as supicious persons. HE DOEBH'T BELIEVE IT. County Commissioner Mercer Knows Noth ing of the Bribery of Weary. County Commissioner Mercer gives Tery little credence to the story sent out from Chicago Wednesday to the effect that A. H. Andrews & Co. had been defrauded out of 5100,000 by their representative, E.D. Weary. The firm deals in office supplies and claims that Weary accepted bribes frorn other firms. One of the cases it cites was in the awarding of the contract for the office fixtures of the Allegheny County Court House, T cannot remember the name Weary in connection with the awarding of the con tract," said Mr. Mercer. "Norcross Bros. securedthe job at a bid of 103,000. The Mitchell Furniture Company bid $115,000, and A. H. Andrews & Co. offered to fnr nish the stuff for 5107,000. The inference I would take from the Chicago telegram is that Weary sold out to Norcross Bros, and fixed the bid for his firm $4,000 higher than Norcross Bros. I do not believe such a thing was done. I know the high char acter of the Norcross firm, as these gentle men had the contract for the erection of the Court House, and I cannot think they would stoop to such a practice." AN OLD CHARACTER G05E. He and Alderman alcKenna "Were Toinn- teer Firemen Together. Frank Montague early yesterday morn ing tell from the Panhandle trestle to the Baltimore and Ohio tracks and "was killed. He was 55 years of age. Montague of late has been living at the Bethel Home. He was supposed to have been drinking Wednesday night. Mon tague was a well-known character In Pitts burg. He was an old soldier, and for many years was a member of the Neptune Fire Department. He was connected with this organization until the coming of a paid fire department. He and Alderman McKenna served together in the Neptune at the same time Chief Elliot, of the Department of Charities, was a fire man. Montague had met with adverse circumstances in late years. His family is now scattered in every direction. The Coroner is searching for some of his rela tives to take charge of the body. The in quest has not been held yet. , A PROSPEROUS CLUB. The ConkHnjr Glab Nominates Its Officers for the Ensuing Tear. The Conkling Republican Club held a meeting last night and considerable busi ness was transacted, dominations were made for the annual election of officers, which takes place January 3, as follows: President, James E. Flinn and D. L. S. McDonald; First Vice President, Samuel Dolan and John L. Morgan; Second Vice President, William P. Miller and Conrad Schroeding; Corresponding Secretary, Geo. F. Liethead; Eecordtng Secretary, D. L. S. McDonald and James E. Flinn; Financial Secretary, William Forsvthe and D. L. S. McDonald; Treasurer, John Hennessey; Directors, Conrad Schroeding, William Kelly, William P. Miller, John Morgan, D. L. S. McDonald, James Sher ran, Christ. Rose and C E. Succop. The organization now numbers about 300 members, with a large number of applica tions pending. ' "WILL SETTLE IT TO-MORROW. Ihen a Receiver Will Be Appointed for the Solons. Judge White has not appointed a re ceiver for the Solons yet The pape-s are all made out except the filling in of the names. The case will be finally disposed of to-morrow. The attorneys for the order cannot agree upon a man, and if they have not settled on some one by to-morrow, Judge White will make the appointment himself. If he does it will probably be the Fidelity Title and Trust Company. " The mail of the order is. accumulating in the postoffice and the Solons are losing greatly by the stoppage of business. Bcv. W. K. Covert, of Solon fame, who has been at St. Francis' Hospital for sev eral days suffering with mental trouble, has recovered. He will likely go to his home in Scottdale to-day. Forgot to Return tho Chang-. Charles Stafford was held in $500 bail by Alderman Gripp yesterday on a charge of larceny preferred by Bertha Harris. Both are colored, and lire on Tannehill street. She alleges he promised to get her work, and took her to Allegheny, where lie said he procured her a place. When they got on the car to go over he had no money, and she gave Jam a $2 bill to pay the fare. They got off, and he told her to wait a minute. She waited an hour, but he did not return. At the conclusion of the hearing he was taken to Allegheny to answer a cfiarge of larceny before Alderman Brinker. He Made So Defense. Timothy Donovan, of 1214 Penn avenue, was given a hearing before Alderman Reilly yesterday on a charge of desertion and non support, preferred by his wife, Kate Dono van. She says he deserted her a few days after her baby was born. He made no de fense, and was committed to jail to await a trial by court. To Nominate the Old Board. The Republicans of the Twenty-sixth ward will meet to-night to suggest candi dates for ward offices. An attempt will be made to renominate the old members, John Budolph and Leonard Hahn. Robert Blaze, whom the Court recently deposed in favor of Mr. Egelsdorf, is also a candidate and has a strong following. BUI Kit and seller, moet through the me dlrnn of THE DISPATCH ads. They cost little and are effectual. BIr. Metcalf Withdraws. The firm of Metcalf, Paul &"Co. formally dissolved partnership yesterday, Mr. Met calf retiring. Jacob and A S. Paul and Harry W. Armstrong will continue the business. BANQUET OF THE" BAR. Learned Judges and Eminent Attor neys Around tho Board. ELOQUENT AND WITTY SPEECHES Hide in Eesponse to the Quaint and Appro priate Toasts. FLOWERS, FEASTING, 1HMC AKD illKTH That brilliant event known as the annual dinner of the Allegheny County Bar Asso ciation took place last night at the Hotel Dnquesne. where fully 200 of among the best known lawyers at the bar gathered to gether with seven Judges to dine and talk. It was a m'erry gathering. All reserve was thrown off and Blackstone gave way to blue points, commentaries to consomme, and not even a taste of Purdon's Digest was necessary to a gathering that lacked noth ing. The rooms were beautifully decorated with enormous bouquets and massed flowers aud greans, with a handsom bouquet at each plate intended to grace the buttonhole of the guests who gathered early, and could only drag themselves away from the cheer ful scene in time to escape the condemning note of the midnight belt W. L. Chalfant was the ideal toastmaster and immediately cast all reserve to the winds by opening the occasion with a speech molded in a humorous way that at once set the pace for the rest of the evening. Quoted Ben Johnion's Famous Toast. He gravely quoted Ben Johnson's oft repested toast, "To the old long life and treasure, to the young all health and pleas ure," and followed out the trend of his lit tle quotation in a way that caused laughter and cheers almost before the fish was reached. J. S. Young acted as Vice President in the place of M. A. Woodward, who was ab sent unavoidably. Immediately surround ing the speakers sat Judges Thomas Ewing, Joseph Buffington, Christopher Magee. Jacob Slagle, W. D. Porter, J. W. F. White and W. H. McClung, but they also had forgotten all about the dry legal routine of the past day and thoroughly enjoyed the evening with their less eminent breth ren of the bar. After the applause following the first speech had died away, and another course had been cleverly sandwiched m, D. D. Bruce, one of the oldest members of the bar, rose to respond to the toast, "The Law yers of Forty Years ago." This toast which tell to the lot of Mr. Bruce, is espec ially appropriate, as he has announced his intention of withdrawing from active prac tice on January 1 next. The textto prompt the speaker's thoughts was Goldsmith's compliment to all that's old, and though somewhat historical, his reminiscences were decidedly interesting and his points apt when drawing some lively comparisons. There were many members present who knew something ot the law of 40 years ago, and perhaps they might know something ot the law of the present day. At any rate, the talk was decidedly interesting to both the young and old present, and the speaker was given hearty applause as her finished his last speech at an annual banquet as an active member of the bar. Judge Bulllng'ton on the XLaw. Amidst a respectful silence, Hon. Joseph Buffington, the comparatively young but brilliant Kittanning lawyer, now Judge of the United States District Court, arose to respond to the toast '"The Law." Al ways a dry subject, it was warmed consider ably by the. speaker who mixed wit with wisdom and humor in a fine legal dis course that won applanse from many hearers. On the programme, the questions following each toast were Veil chosen and that ' attached to Judge Buffington's theme was equally ap propriate in which Tennyson tells of the lew who master the lawless science, the myriad ot precedent, the wilderness of single instance, to finally reach lame. Major E. A. Montooth was then called upon to tell ' what he knew of "Modesty," that virtue ol which Herrick speaks, "Of all our parts the eyes express the sweetest kind of bashfulness." The speaker contended that baihlnlness, as a legal commodity, was not rare, but it was all well enough in its place; true merit was always modest, though modesty did not al ways conceal merit. Mr. Montooth thus ran along in his usual happy vein, at times waxing eloquent over the worth ot his text, and again rather considering it a drawback occasionally. Pat Them All In High Spirits. One of the wittiest speeches of an even ing filled with wit and bright sayings worth remembering was made-by John L. Mc Cutcheon, whose duty it was to answer to the rather vague tbast, "Its Uses and Abuses." But a few words were necessary to set the company in high good humor, and after that the speaker had them all at his will. Guests laughed until the tears flowed freely, then gasped and laughed again at the quirks and unexpected turns taken by an unexpectedly tunny talk on several un expectedly funny subjects that well illus trated Addison's idea tacked to Mr. Mc Cutcheon's name on the programme of that touchy, tasty, pleasant fellow, with whom there was no living with or without. As soon as there was quiet enough in the room George ElpUinslone was called upon to respond to the subject, "The Advocate." The speaker opened in defense of the law yer, who has been abused lor many years because ot the tricks and treachery of a lew. He quoted Lord Broughains re mark, that-"A lawyer is a man who rescues your estate and keeps it himself," and an other man who had dared to attack the profession, the speaker called a "mis creant," which sentiment was duly cheered. Took Exceptions to Dickens. He said even Dickens had attacked the bar by presenting in his books such men as Solomon Pell, who would "have his car cass," also Dodsnn and Fogg with their fees, and a list of others. A choice selec tion of writers' attacks upon the bar were then quoted, when the speaker assnmed a more serious air in hisand others' defense. Such opinions, he said, were only enter tained by people who never had any deal ings with members of the profession, "who speak for the dumb, who plead for the needy, and to whose learning, honor and eloquence are intrusted the property, liberty, and even the lives of his clients." In speaking of the successful advocate, the speaker said the eloquent lawyer had all in his favor, though he argued for good,sound, pointed, vigorous Anglo Saxon, rather than the pleading cadence ot a sing song Toice, when it comes to convincing a jury. During the early part of the dinner, and at intervals between the speeches, the. guests were delighted with music furnished by Toerge's Orchestra. The musicians were concealed behind banks of flowers and ferns, and if anything were needed to make the affair one of the most brilliant and suc cessful in the historr of the bar, the music did it. purvey Committee Meets. A meeting of the Survey Committee was held yesterday afternoon. Ordinances re locating Greenfield avenue, from Winter burn street to Frank street; locating Par nell street, from Home Kule street, and grading, paving and curbing Wayne street, lroni Thirtieth street to Harmer street, were returned to Councils with affirmative recommendations. . , The Examination Over. The examinations for admission to the High School are over. The papers are now being examined, and the successful candi dates will be made known in several days. The -percentages will not be published this year. ALMOST ROASTED ALIVE. Minnie Thompson's Dress Catches Afire She Prevents Her Companions From Helping Her She Is Terribly Burned and Cannot Recover. About 6 o'clock last night Minnie Thomp son, aged 21 years, of .No. 20 Third-avenue, was standing with her back to the fire in the parlor. Her dress caught fire. The girl became terrified, and uttering a scream started to. run about the room. Some of .the other inmates of the house attempted to catch the terrified girl, but she managed to elude their grasp and the flames soon enveloped her entire'per son. Her companions finally managed to get-hold of her and threw her on the floor, but she broke away from tbem and when the landlady rushed into the room the girl was being' litetally roasted olive and her screams were pitiful. The girl was forced into a corner and the flames .smothered with a rug, but not until the girl's clothicg was burned from her body, the hair burned from her head and her flesh from her feet to her head baked and peeling off in pieces. The girl was suffering excruciating pain and begged them to allow the fire to burn and end her misery. A physician was at once sent lor, who cared for the unfortunate girl, after which she was removed to the West Penn Hospital. The girl's burns are of such a nature that it is almost impossible far her to live. TEE PUPILS' CONCERTS. A Pleasing Entertainment in Old City Hail May Be Repeated Often. The second pupils' concert, under the di rection of "Homer Moore, was given at Old City Hall last evening before a very large audience. In the first part of the concert Mr. Moore gave a long talk on tone, color and execution. Part second opened with "Canon Hope and Memory," which was given by the Misses Keil, Eeahard and Welty. Mr. S. J. McWatters and Miss Agncw "acquitted themselves so creditably and showed such an intimate acquaintance with the ethics of vocal art that they received several encores. The other numbers given were bv the Misses Gill and Day and Messrs. Rosser and Bullock. Prof. 'Joseph H. Gittiugs was the accompanist, and the singers were heartily encored. These concerts may be given Sunday afternoons for the benefit ot workingmen, if the leaders' plans succeed. STRUCK WITH A BEEE BOTTLE. A Drunken Bow in, Allegheny May Result in a Murder. fji Joseph Priscalac, an Austrian, of 6C6 East Ohio street, is in the Allegheny lockup charged with hitting Mike Sepatia, an Hungarian, on the head with a beer bottle. Sepatia's condition is considered very critical. ' His head has swollen to an enor mous size and something like erysipelas has set in. He has been unconscious for several days and raves continually about someone beating him over the head with a club. It is also feared that his brain is in jured by the blow and that a part of the skull is crushed. Priscalac will be held until the result of his victim's injuries can be learned. ' DROVE HIS WIFE AW AT. Charles Kitt, Crazed by Cpilepsy, Has to Be Locked In a Station House. Charles -Kift was arrested at Forbes and Brady streets about 10 o'clock last night. He was suffering from an attack of insanity, brought on by cpilepsy, from which he has suffered for years. Last Tuesday he was seized again and since then has been com pletely out of his head. Last night, after tearing things up in the house and forcing his wife to flee fronithe house to save her life, he tben'ran dbnn Forbes street in his bare feet and withdu't-hat, coat or vest. He was captured at Brady street, as abote stated, and taken to the police station. It required several men to hold him at the station. ' AID FOB THE P00E. Societies and the City Department Busy Doing Good to Others. The Society for the Improvements the Poor yesterday received from the students at the Forbes school two wagon loads of groceries for distribution among the poor. Besides floir, potatoes and vegetables there were 500 cans of tomatoes, corn and fruit Yesterday was an exceptionally busy day at the Department 'of Charities. Th'irtv persons were given permits to visit friends at the City Farm. A great many pairs of shoes, a great deal of coal and a lot of winter clothing were also given away. Thermometer at 1G Above Zero. , A procession of thin but cold ice floating down the Allegheny river yesterday morn ing brought with it a chill that caused the mercury to drop to 16 in sheer disgust The chances are that it will drop a little. to morrow also, unless the general warmth of a Joyful holiday 'season should keep back a genuine zero wave until after Christmas. A Terror to the Neighborhood. Patrick Harkins was given a hearing be fore Alderman Donovan yesterday on a charge of keeping a ferocious dog. The plaintiff is Patrick Kearn, a neighbor of Harkins, both men residing on Sixteenth street Kearn says the dog is a terror to the neighborhood.' A Close Call. The trolley wire of the Sharpsburg street car line broke yesterday as a car was com ing up the hill at this end of the bridge. The car started backward at a rapid rate, and was not stopped until within two feet of the Valley Railroad. Just as the car stopped a Valley train rushed past A SPECIAL CHKITSIAS ATTRACTION will be tho twenty-foar-pagB issue of THE DISPATCH, Sunday. SH0ET STOBIES OF CITY LIFE. Mahy petty casesof thieving are reported from Allegheny. Ax entertainment will be given at the Springfield school this evening by the pu pils. The Traveler's Club, of Allegheny, will meet this afternoon in the Bible rooms on Aich street The axle on car 213, of the Fenn avenue line, broke yesterday. Ihe road was tied up for about an hour. Chbist II. E. CutntcH, Center and Liberty avenues, Shadysidc, will" give its Sunday school Christmas treat this evening. O'IIaiia School held a donation reception yesterday. All the pupils contributed some thing toward making Christmas brighter for the very poor. Pat Kodoeks was arrested last night on a warrant sworn out before Alderman Succop by his wife, Mary Kodsers, charging him with disorderly conduce JIakoaket White, a lady 60 years of age, slipped and fellwliilo walking along Park avenne.about 1 q'clock yesterday afternoon, bhe received a broken arm. TnoiiAB Gordoit, who was injured In the Youguiogheny coal mines at Scott Haven.on Tuesdny last, died yesterday at the West Penn Hospital. An Inquest will be held to day. , While William Pearson, a farmer living near Etna Green, was driving across the Ft. Wiyne Kail road tracks Wednesday night, ills hotses were struck by a train and killed, wuilo be made a narrow escipe. The Republicans or the Twelfth ward held a suggestion meeting in the Springflid scboolhouse last evening and nominated the following officers: Constable, Henry Kramer: school directors for the O'Hara bchool, J. B. Padden and Phillip Schultz; for tho Springfield school, Charles Shears and Louts Baker; Assessor, James McMan-nit, THE MAYOR'S OPINION. The Law Bequires Chief Brown to Close Disorderly Houses. i COUNCILS CAN COMPEL HIH TO. Bis Honor and the Chief JTave a long In terview on the iulject. RUM0KS THAT THE PLACES WILL CLOSE Mayor Gonrley yesterday read City At torney Moreland's opinion as to the powers of the Mayor and the duties of Chief Brown relative to the suppression ol disorderly houses. Immediately alterward he had a long interview with Chief Brown. What transpired during the conference neither of the cejitlemen would tell', but the fact that' they spent so much time together, and on parting familiarly addressed each other by their first names, was taken as evidence they had reached an understanding. It was even reported that Chief Brown had prom ised the Mayor to close all disorderly houses before the 1st of January, but the Chief himself said he had done nothing of the kind. "What the Mayor intends to do in the matter no one knows. He does not know himself. Yesterday morning he thought of submitting to Councils all the letters, opin ions and other communications received or written by him, within the past month on the disorderly house question. . The Mayor Still Undecided. After the interview with Chief Brown he was undecided "about it This led to the belief that the Chief had made some kind of promise which bad changed the Mayor's plans. When asked what he thought of Major Moreland's opinion, the Mayor said: "It is a very exhaustive document, longer than necessary, I think, but on the essential question of the Chief of the Department of Public Safety's duty under the charter is explicit enough. It differs with the opinion of Assistant City Attorney Pettcr man on the same point, though I am told Mr. Petterman and all the city's attorneys were in consultatation on Mr. Moreland s opinion and unanimously approved it. As I read the document it says the charter act empowers the Chief to enforce the ordi nances relating to this subject and then goes 6n to tell what is meant by the word "empowers" used in this sense. Its mean ing is mandatory aacording to Mr.More land, but in Mr. Fetterman's opinion it was discretionary. Mr. Moreland says Chief Brown has no altenative but to ob serve the laws governing his department, and that the word "empower" means must A Question of Interpretation. "It has been decided long ago that where in a piece of legislation the word 'may occurs it means must I am prepared to agree with the City Attorney on that point I am satisfied it is Chief Brown's duty, and there is nothing to prevent his enforcing the law relative to disorderly bouses, admitting the defects in the charter act which the Major calls attention to. 'To-day iam not fully 'prepared to say what I shall do. It is probable that I will submit the whole question to Councils with a communication.stating my position. If I write such a letter I will make myself understood." ' 'What could Councils do in the matter?" was asked. "Councils could do a great deaL What they will do I cannot say. They could pass a resolution which would effectually dispose of the matter, as the City Attorney savs they are the only authority over Chief Brown." "Will you rest content with the City At torney's opinion as to vour rights and duties?" f"That I cannot say. Jt will depend largely on circumstances." PASSED E0GU3 CHECKS. II. S. Voorhces Arrested a Second Time for a Serious Offens-. E. S. Voorhees was arrested yesterday by Detective Robinson. Several informa tions will be lodged against him for giving out bogus bank checks. It is alleged that the prisoner gave to T. M. Porter, an em ploye ot the Bureau of Health, a check for ?9 50 on the Freehold Bank, which was sent through the Clearing House and re turned marked "No funds." The prisoner since his arrert has confessed to giving out at least four other checks of a similar character. Any person hoMing a check of this kind is a.ttea to report to police head quarters. This is the second time that Voorhees has been arrested for giving bogus checks. BAN INTO AN ELECTBIC CAB. A Runaway Horse "Wrecks a "Wagon and Has to lie Killed. W. J. Spahr, an East End grocer, lost a valuable horse 'yesterday by the animal running away and colliding with a Dn quesne traction car. The horse scared at something on O'Hara street while the driver was off the wagon delivering some grocer ies. A short distance below where it started, it ran in upon the pavement, the hind endr ot the wagon striking a large plate glass window in Mathias' butcher shop. Leaving O'Hara street the brute turned up Ellsworth avenue and ran into one of the electric cars, receiving injuries which made it necessary to shoot it The wagon was completely wrecked"by the col lision. PEOPLE COMING AND GOING. Major William Denny Wilkins (formerly Adjutant of the Duqusno Greys and Assist ant Adjutant General during the Centen nial) broke his ankle last Wednesday. Ho is now In tho West Fenn Hospital, wheie. on account of the serious nature of his in Jury, he will be compelled to remain for at least a month. Captain Homer McClintock, of the Oil City Derrick, who has been throuih the Sis tersville and Southeastern Ohio oil fields. In the Interest of his paper for the last three weeks, passed through Pittsburg last night on his way home to Oil City. H. C. Caldwell and wife, of Kittanning, and James G. Sloan, of Monongahela City, registered at the Anderson yesterday.' W. L. Robinson, of TJniontown, and H. C Huston, a Connellsvilte druggist, stopped at the Monongahela Houso yesterday. Robert J. Zahniser, of .Greensburg, and W. H. Fortzer, of Salisbury, are stopping at the Seventh Avenue Hotel. Fittsbnrgers in New York. New York, Dec. 21 Special Tho following-Plttsburgers are registered at New "York hotels: C. K. Clements, Earle's; C. J. Cook, Savoy: M. Cornell, Coleman: B. Floersheim, Mrs. W, P. Tyler, W. C. Temple, Imperial: M. Gieene, II. W. Hartman, Hol land; O. H. I. Grnndou, Sturtevant: C. W. Garrison, Albemarle: G. F. Gteenwood, Bartholdl; .Mrs. S. S. Uankin, Sc. Denis: C. F. Smith, Broadway Cential; H. It. Sully, St Denis. , EXEBEBS' CHRISTMAS PIANOS, Sfelnway, Conover, Opera. The three best and most popular pianos in Ameiica. All others must taken back sear. in their presence. H. Kleber $ lira SOS Wood street, ate selling nearly half a dozen of them every, day for Christmas presents. Warranted periect or money refunded. Terms low and easy payments. Call at H. Kleber & Bra's, SOS Wood street Store open every night Second-Hand Uprights for 8J35 and Up. aicllor Ss Hocne, 77 Fifth Avenue. Several excellent ' Uprights" for sale, only slightly usod; will bo sold lor from $13 and upward. See them. Meixok & HozttK, Founded 1831, Warerooms, 77 Fifth avenue. B. F. J0MSS ON BLAINE. A Tribute From an Associate HU Career and His, Ambitions The Dying States man a Maker of Warm Friends and Bitter Enemies. N While a summons unto eternity waits by the bedside of a great mind at Washington, the many friends of James G. Blaine in this city are at once apprehensive and sorrow ful. Born but a few miles up the Mononga hela river, the intimates ot his youth be came the admirers of his manhood, as his brilliant career entered into history and shaped the course of a nation proud of her son. Among Mr. Blaine's friends here, none have watched his career with keener inter est, or been closer to him in private and public life, than B. F. Jones, ex-National Chairman of the Republican Committee. Mr. Jones was seen yesterday, and in speak ing of the statesman said: "I have known of Mr. Blaine since h'n college days and became quite well ac quainted with him in the early war times, and when he was a member of Congress. Since that time I have been quite intimate with him. I regard Mr. Blaine as a most brilliant and remarkable man. As a stateman I think he will n rank with Clay and Webster, different from both, but similar to each in some respect His popularity with the people of this country is simply phenom enal, and was caused in my judgment not only by his extraordinary ability, but also by his intense Americanism, He has been regarded by some as extremely ambitious. I do not think he was half so'ambitions as many others who were not nearly so worthy as he." "Was he not ery ambitions for the Presidency?" "Mr. Blaine has told me frequently that in the contest for the Presidental nomina tion of 1876 he was extremely anxious to be President of the United Stales, but that after that time he never cared for or sought the position, and was entirely contented with th honors that had fallen to his lot After the notable defeat of the Eepubli can patty in 1882 a great many ardent .Republicans (myself among thenumber)' realized that the party would be at a disad vantage in the campaign of 1884. It was believed that Mr. Blaine, with his great popularity and thorough American ism, . would be the most available and best candidate. Therefore he was importuned bv multitudes of our best people to permit his name to go before the convention as a candidate. In fact he only consented when he was made to believe that his nomination would bene fit his country and his nartr. After an unusually exciting campaign, he was barely defeated. "I know," continued Mr. Jones, "that Mr. Blaine would not have accepted the nomination of 1888 if it had been tendered to him. T nm rnnfirtonf tlinf Ka fwnnlfl TiftF. have accepted the nomination of 1892, even it a majority of delegates at the Minneapo lis convention had cast their votes in his favor. In both cases he distinctly declined to have his name go before the convention." "Mr. Blame's political career has been one unbroken flow of brilliant successes. In the Legislature of Maine, as a member ot Congress, as Speaker of the House, as a Senator, and finally as Secretary of State, he has met every issue, disproven adverse criticism, combated what ho thought wrong add-iought for what he thought right, until to-day he is recognized as without a peer for profundity, breadth and brilliancy. In Congress, during the war, his speeches at a crisis were at once eloquent, powerful and convincing. "Yet he had many enemies, and these enemies were of the most virulent It was characteristic of the man that his friends were the warmest and dearest, and his enemies the most bitter and unrelenting. It was in Congress that Mr. Blaine's first difference arpse with Conkling. Both were eloquent, yet Blaine was the more profound in debate. He was cheery, warm-hearted and easily approached, while Conkling was just the reverse. Ire member one notable occasion when Blaine made a speech in Congress that will live forever. It was in reply to an attack "upon his character, and every word uttered was of extraordinary force, and grandly elo quent, coming from a great soul stung into answering unjust reproaches." FRIDAY EVENING From G to 8:30 O'clock Wo will sell boys' line cape overcoats and suits nt the special price ot 1 82 each. Boys' cape overcoats sizes i to 14, neatand stylish patterns, long-cut capes, worth $5 to $6, at $1 82 Boys' suits In a variety of handsome pat terns and deMf-ns, sizes 4 to 14, also of the $5 quality, lor$l 83. halo this evening from S to 8:30. Only one or each garment to a customer. P. C C C, Clothiers, corner Grant and Dia mond streets. A big line of boys' overcoats and ulsters at $4 each, sizes for boys 13 to 19 years old. KRANICH & BACH, EMERSON, STARK, Eechner & Schoenberger, 60 Fifth Avenue. Splendid holiday stock of these mag nificent pianos in all styles of llntsli. walnut, oat, rosewood or ebonized. See them before purchasing elsewhero. Store open every night until Christ mas. Easy payments if desired. LECH3KB & SCHOEXBERQER, C9 FHtn avenue. Five Dollari, "Will Bny How Much Fnml- ture? Not much in qnantlty, but in quality and varioty a limit can hardly bo reached this tlnio of year. 1. C. fccuoESECK & Sox, 711 Liberty avenue, opp. Wood. Mandolins for the million. The world-renowned "Bowman," the famous "Bruno" and the lovely "Imperial" mandolins. Customers are pleased, com petitors dismayed at our low prices. Alex Boss' 'Music House, 143 Federal street, Allegheny, Fa. Fine Fruits. We have now in store a large stook of all the finest evaporated and dried fruits, both domestic and foreign. We can do you cood on these goods. Send for price list Goods delivered everywhere. Miller Bros., Fine Groceries and Tablo Delicacios, 1S2 Federal street, Allegheny. Order No,w for Christmas. Cabinet photos $1 SO per doz. Panel pict ure free with every doz. bettor grade. Guar antee given with every order. Crayons from $2 50 up. Largo assnrtthent of frames. Lowest prices. Lies' Portrait Studio, 10 and 12 Sixth StlCbt Just the Thins. The stand lamps at Henry Torheydcn's, 630 Smithfield street, now opened, and at prices which can't be beat, from $7 60 to $23 CO. Come early and secure one. Open every evening. China Cnpid Flates. For two days we will sell fine china plates, with Cupid decorations in six colors, tor 12c each. Chas. KEizHxsTrijf, U0 to 156 Federal street, Allegheny. A btvltsh thiee-button cutaway suit, formerly made np to order for $38. can now be bought lor $13 CO; also your choice of any suit or overcoat in. the bouse lorS13 50, at the Misfit Clothlns Parlors, SIS Smithlleld street) opposite City Hall. The last three days before Xuias we will dlipoae of all oriental and Turkish rugs less than cost . LACTExsLAorr., Pihm A Totrao, DSand'CO Sixth street, second floor. En trance Liberty street Open aV Night W. S. Bell & Co., 31 Wood street have a splendid assortment, of kodaks, premier camel k?, photograph, etchings, etc., suit able for holiday giuc Store open evenings. A FointedFln Opinion. We have the handsomest stock of pins for Christmas gifts in tho two cities. Stick plus. Diamonds, hcarfuius, Pearls, Hat pins, Emeralds, Hairpins, Kubles, l)i ess pin. , Opals, etc. If you want cheaper ones we have til cm in gold or sliver. All pin tastes can be suited. Store open every evenintf. s Hardt ft Hates, Jewelers, 629 Smithfield street SMASHED BOTH CAB AND 2NGINE. A Bad Collision In "VYhlch Firemen and Fassenjers Have Narrow Escapes: A thrilling accident occurred at Arch and Ohio streets, Allegheny, about !) o'clock last night Au alarm of fire had been sent in from box 112, caused by a small chimney fire in a house occupied by a colored family at First and James streets, and No. 3, the Friendship engine, was responding to the alarm when car No. 101 of the Pitts burg, Allegheny and Manchester line came, down Ohio street at full speed. It was too late for either the car or Jhe engine to stop in time to avoid a collision, and the car struck the engine fairly in the center, snapping the coupling pin of the engine and knocking a large hole in the boiler, besides damaging the engine in several other ways. The horses were "thrown off their feet, and Fireman "Jaak" Ragan, who, was on the rear of the engine, was thrown a distance of 20 feet across the street, but he was unin jured save a few bad bruises. The engineer, Charles Harbus, had his lft arm badly hurt. The car was crowded with passengers, and there was a panic aboard, but no one was injured. The car was thrown from the track and the front end badly smashed. Coaxing Tbem Back. An open letter was circulated in the First ward school district, Allegheny, signed by members of the board. They ask that par ents ot children visit the school and see for themselves that the railroad crossing near there is.no more dangerous than at other points. It is said the chjldren are avoiding this school onring to a bad crossing. Two Alleged Shoplifters. A woman giving her name as Lonisa Res ler, with a man named Martin Kueisler, were arrested yesterday morning in Bogi & Buhl's store, Allegheny, charged with 'shoplifting. Some $10 worth ot goods were found on their persons, which they claimed to have bought. Disohdebed stomach enred by . Bromo-Seltzer 10c a bottle. Open every night this week till 9 o'clock. " SIMEN'S QPECIAL LIPPER ALE. The greatest money-saving bargains ever offered to the buying people. An assortment of an afmost endless variety, at prices that are one-third less than you can buy elsewhere. ' Gentlemen's genuine Piush Slippers, at $1.50, -cost you $2 elsewhere. Men's fancy Chenille and Em broidered Velvets, all styles, at $1; sold at other stores for $1.25. Gentlemen's finest Patent Leather Dancing Pumps, $2,' cannot be bought elsewhere for less than $2.50. Youths' Velvets at 50c. Youths' Imitation Alligator at Boys' Velvets at 50c, 75c and $1.00. Boys' Imitation Alligator at 85a Don't fail to see the 85c Men's fancy Chenille 'Velvet Slippers, worth $1.10, or Men's Goat Slippers at $1.00. Men's Black Velvet Opera Slippers at $i-5d are real beau ties, and the 75c Velvet Slip pers are great values. Don't fail to see the greatest line of Men's Fancy Slippers in the two cities at prices lower than the lowest at G. D. SIMEN'S, 78 OHIO ST ALLEGHENY, PA. delD-uwr HUCUS & HUGE STOCK-TIME 10 HOLIDAY SILL 1. Special values of fered this week suita ble for Holiday Gifts in Eider Dawn Com forts, Blankets, Lace Curtains, Portieres, Fancy Cushions, Brass and Iron Bed steads, Antique Oak Screens, Umbrella Stands, ' Stools t and Music Portfolios. A magnificent as sortment of Drapery Silks, plain and fig ured in all the desira ble colorings, 32 in. wide, 50c a yard, COB. FIFTH K USD HUKET ST. de2l-wTTS NEW ADVEKTISEMENT3. The Leading Prrrssmio, Pa Dry Goods House. Friday, Deo. 23, 139X e k co:$- I PENN AVE. STORES. OPEN EVERY EVENING THIS WEEK. CHRISTMAS SO NEAR. Silk AND "Wool Dress Patterns. These are the center and Spring of the Holiday Life in the Silk and Dress Goods Departments. Wise, practical Christinas buyers are taking advantage dT the extraordinary prices. Many of the modest-priced Wool Dress Patterns, and finer ones, neatly boxed, but any you select, at what ever price, will be put up in boxes, if you ask it. The materials are: m In Cords and Fancy Stripes; Fancy Imported Cheviots; Fancy Herringbone Stripes; Plain Cheviots and Tricots; Imported Camel's Hair Stripes; English Stripes and Checks; Fine Cheviots and Cashmeres. PRICES: $L50 to $5.00 PER PATTERN. Have you the right idea about these Dress Patterns? They are not the bad styles or ends of lines to be pushed off in the Christmas rush they are the choicest and best goods in our stocks. The low prices are ac counted for by the fact that we have made unusual reductions. Black Silk Dress Patterns, $10 TO $25. Apply the same words about the excellence of the goods and the low ness of the prices. You will not find equal values in Black Dress Silks anvwhere else. Cotton Dress Patterns. For small cost gifts these will find a welcome that would be envied by a Sealskin Jacket or rich Black Silk Robe. Put one of these, or dozen on your Christmas shopping list: 10-yd. Dress Pattern, best Calico, 60c. 10-yd. Pattern Indigo Blue Calico, 70a 10-yd. Pattern Gray and Black Calico, 70c. 10-yd. Pattern heavy Printed "Wrapper Cottons, 90a 10-yd. Dress Pattern Century Cloth, 81. Vf-ji. Pattern Indigo Blue Chintz, Si: 10-yd. Pattern best English Percale.51.25. 10-yd. Pattern best Domestic Gincham. SL2JU 10-yd. Pattern best Scotch Gineham, ? Winter Gloves. Fleece-lined Kid Gloves and Mittens, with and without fur tops,'for ladies, gentlemen or children. Unlined Kid GIoves,in all best makes, latest styles and shades; for ladies, in all lengths of mousquetaire and in buttons from 4 to 20; for men in the verylatest styles and shades from Dent,Fowne,Perrin and Fisk, Clark & Flagg. Men's Fur Gloves, in Eeaver, Nutria and Sealskin, from $6 to $25. Men's Good Scotch Wool and Jersey Gloves, 40c to $1. Silk Mittens, fleece-lined and unlined, for ladies, gentlemen and children. Store Open Every Even'gTill 9 O'Clock JOS. HORNE & CO., 609-621 Penn Avenue. de!3 Laree sc and Xeadlng Jewelry and Art Stores. KR & Open Evenings Till Christmas. G O L D A conglomerate hint of what to buy, to be read by both ladies and gentlemen. Suit able gifts for all may be se lected from this little list: PEXDANTS, BROOCHES. LOCKETS, KECKXACES, BRACELETS, FINGER RINGS, EARRINGS. ' STICK PINS , HAT PINS, BUTTON HOOKS. CUFF BUTTONS, CUFF LINKS, STUDS. WATCH CHARMS, ' -WATCH CHAINS, J E W E L R Y E. P. ROBERTS & SONS, Fifth Ayc .and Market St " del9-MWT OS i HP. i : r A r