A' : '
xr:;:;!:TTZr7il piirrTPt riir umth um l . .. . "i . i . :
'at
1 r f, .
u
. f
'3
I
F
s
iMersei ikhw. Mm4 mt HUH JutjIl S Frnin HFRRFF VFRniHT sx L'Ssi'Srsatrs: rr il
- 11 1 beld in tD
Rk.l. return
-..idii'P' in
..Vestoru States.
r. township.
! SHEETS' FATE WITH JURY.
His Accomplice, Harry Weller, as a
Witness for the Commonwealth
Tells the Story of the
Gles sner Murder.
.;, ,;v of the Bor-
'f""l " invitation
...,ui i-s Christmas
t the I Dion
'""'jstl o'clock Friday
I"r ' ..f Kriedens.
Il'li'
, i.r her nil-""""
',wi'da"ehu'r
- p.-t, r,u"" - 1
" C-'Crrt"'"" TbrPP'8
'tit'w" il s "oneoflao
b-1 of Washington,
.t 'u u''n8lcial
t.mi Mi Katberine
i;:k township,
,1 Thursday even-
fiz "'.'. '. the residence of
4. a.
' "1 ,-iv,a Peace. G. L.
t.j;:T "
J.
reported from Al
ihe finding of a
,V- that cop-
, 3ti been
" -V B''i:llr'' fn"n PuUin
f.-'f M-:r poiis of the
Pntei at theeoun-
M "',!,-T U(1 y""
:i:i:,y of the residsnis
'' .j, in iwiiJiik1 at court,
or s'tars, that it
V auiu!ir .f H-rlin busi
: '.j d ,n until aftortbe
"j'r have been
v t, f I.ntin, ().,
,Y'-i si!vr, of Somerset
-ri' .iii!v injured
I , . .uStwl Work 8
x!; -j t.i sti bin it to an
f tr rf!ii"Vl of bis riebt
it'--"1 is l,rotner of
I :'yjfT, of thi ulace.
I . gii-j ir. oi;e of the pros-
1 ".-. -,t:v bat'PV farmers
"V -imviip. i-aiieJ at this office
"..jj, pur-e of exchanging
.. 3,-r;- ff tiif "f'ni ni, inoi-T-
b! a!.,ritioii a year
H:jT bJ be left when
;.f. b.f iimi!rly sitimt-
l'"bip, dropped
?Tiparpje.
. j:-;-!;b-:vr. who was in at
it f jrr-:erJay. was arrested
:n ii.i ou a charge of bigh-rn-frrre
J against him about
itti: ftV!itriihfier lives in
oi.tr : '!! h p. where the crime
..bhvf leeu couimitted.
.i..r ::h the facts declare
rubiih bis inuo-
.i;T:piruu opportunity to do ao.
itTifa-ls throughout tbecoun-f-v:
Wtltuer, a well-known
:: M f . will be sorry to
a it ' cn;K..y ill at bis resi
i it::: .trcrt He was seized
ji'.itk -utie KriJay alternoon aud
j,; i lcrrj that he could not
ari:gbt. He rallied before raid
ti s.a tifii ha shown slight
i.'L(-r ie'iienL Mr. Weiiuer
t-i's Tears of age.
aai. i!e of Har?y Yoder, of
t. died very MidJeniy last
si: iit. Se retired about 9
u-i wri'ul hitinor and appar-
i'S5t rt j ivTiiect of her usual
i. st li o'clock be aroused her
Lijj to go fr a doctor as
i ct nek. She expired before
aiitta.-ted ber. lt?ath resulted
i of 1 grippe. Mrs. Yoder
1 - ! gtr. Her husband and
- ,'i.:.i.f u urive. The funeral
!: e .cluctei by Rev. J. J.
::u P. M -Cjrdy, f ruierly con
i :a Snuerft Iron Works,
f.r Prto Rii-j about fifteen
-i-V-rrred Kt tbe Hotel Van--
jj evening and will remain
-:neral day. Mr. McCurdy
x-.-.rxii yeJ as civilian clerk
I -!VrujMrr'a departmeut of the
ixr. hpai.iuarters at San
- " E:;u Flank can reel otT
:.raiaU..n iu regard totheop
to make aioney in I'ncle
m, nd sing songs
t- .ry of Forto Rico and ita
--i:-g.Tf ;be F'ioneer Fire Com-
;4-'iEVr i:;h. the fotlowinir
I ir lBeeruiug year:
-.Kc;..i.l.tlriM.k. Vice Presi--Entit
: R-c. Swreury, K 1. M.
F.aiacia; crury, Ciarem-e
-rt-r, X. K. Knepper; Trus
- Er.fr, J. W. Krease. C. F.
-i ":i.in. R. K. Itavis: First
r..rrxt,, W. H. siKlJard;
F "''a-aa, Wm. Tnup : Fipe-f-iN..ri
E. M. SShater, John
4 :-rj H.i;br.x.k; Linemen;
's-. FrtHi WViuier. Jr ieo.
c:r-j a .i!.r.,k: Axmen, Geo'
i4.!rt hay; Fiug!uen, Clar-
,s , - ..j-.,
;irr' I'Jtoa, Ki. Uarnett
c:-!"'r aJ Register and
ts.ni- of BAjiorJ. b-th of
rt"--te-. at the recent No
rr:ri br Friday
t-J r:a.,t:i until Saturday
a tbey returceJ home,
f'r tLe rinH.,f ir.unot.
,i . . - -
. Pr.t iuJex reo.rds now
rei t.y K-ti.ler ,D1 ionrj,,,.
'-,::r.
u urT Barron fsir iotn-
V.r. Cover, hr tha w.-
e t.t.1 man in M.a
r"'" "l jex'ne- being
t" rf' "f lI"7 ,l;L"'tit ol the Coin-
ul frK4uently called
"-r m f-ui,viip Kjinilar
OKiL,tis, who ba
ur new uirthod Wheo
:-e I'rotbonotary'a and
P.--..-ir's office of this
V-'-.-i, Lich i!li.riba-
weeks after Janua
bie tr narties d?-
u in me re&rjs in
J to do so in r
a" hour. ,nd in many
w a. tin, A .r. n..r.
r-ik
-i-t.t,;..
A PLEA OF IKSAHITT OFFESED
DEFEHDAJffT.
FOS
Court Enlei Out hittW Coafeiion to De
teetiTt Igan, bnt Admiu Snbtseat
Statement Hade by Defeadaat.- Weller
Brevet a Good Witoett. CoatradicU
Important Faet Frored by femmsa
weaiib, bat fleolareg That Skeeu Wu
tbe Murderer of denser.
,!'" "unty have gr d
.'""-,,f"rr next Mouday.tr
Vt r''i, ''""'r rewjurcea reach -wfc
16 J'1' J otate of develop
pru " bile every indioa-
m a auliat future.
" Bale U!,.l,
- -1 : i I. . iik roM-
ur coal has been
oa the market and
t SeekiC' inveot-
ta4"""1 v,ry to"bip. 01
t . Purcuased Lhousauds
W. r P anning f.ir an iuiinj-
, :'i r-ai wonderfully
a '-'!', !lJ dl,lUlM I
V T"1: 1L "'Uiing three or four
V: j" ti"u''ii"'i barvest r raped a
T " gtxJ prioa.
-Jeiy oere throuirh-
' '"tie, ifany,
d. Ilr!l',i" fcbould be tbe
Htsl U "e Ftr. and ooe
r'e:''l,J u'rry than tLa
,"!t,la'T0ocC:'y- TbeHtAALD
-ortbw,c
The sensational feature in the cast .if
tbe Commonwealth vs. MilUm Shetla.
cbargad with the murder of Augustus
GWner, occuired just before court ad
journed Monday afternoon, when Harry
L ....
n biw, uo ou naiuraay night was per
mitted by the Court to enter a plea of
fuilty of murder of tbe second degree.
was pi acta upon the stand to testily
against bis accomplice.
Weller was perfectly calm and self-con
trolled and related the ghastly details or
the tragedy in a manner that convinced
nearly all who beard him that be was
telling tbe trutli.
The Commonwealth carefully paved
the way for the introduction of Weller'a
evidence, but the defense made strenuous
efforts to keep it from being given to tbe
jury, alleging that no evidence had been
submitted by the Commonwealth tendiug
to show that eller's statements would
be corroborated. Judge Longenecker in
timated that be would overrule the objec
tions by the defense, but suggested to
tbe Commonwealth lhnt they withdraw
Weller until afur tbe admissibility of
Sheets' alleged confessions had beeu
pawned upon.
Here the defense was permitted to call
R. S, Scull and Sheriff lartzeli, who te
liiirtd that Detective K gan bad promised
Sheets to liefrieiid h'm aud to exert bis
best efforts to save bis (Sheets') life on
condition that he (Sheets) would tell
truthfully all be knew concerning the
murderof tilessner. The court promptly
ruled out the confession made by Sheets
to Kagan in the presence of tbe witnesses
called, but overruled objections by de
fense against the admissiou of subsequent
allesrt'd statements or confessions made
by Sheets to other parties.
J. A. Lambert was then called and pr
mitted to read a statement w hich was
printed at tbe lime and which be testified
was voluntarily made by Sheets in the
preseuceof witness. Sheriff Hartzeil and
Deputy-Sheriff Baker. In tbe statement
read. Sheets declared that Weller bad
first suggested bitting Glessner and tak
ing bis money; that together they bad
gone to Ream's livery stable, where he
(Sheets) secured a whisky bottle, and
iater to Swartzendruber's, where Sheets
secured a stick of wood ; that Weller was
not more than 20 feel away when be
(Sheets) struck their victim, the blow
knocking Glessner only to his knees,
when Weller held one of Glessner's arms
while he (Sheet) secured bis pocket
book, containing 4, of which be gave
Weller Ji
"The above evidence was corroborated
by Sheriff Hartzeil, when William Ana
wait, a lad of six ten summers, was called
to tbe stand and testified that be had
overheard a conversation between Sheets
and Weller on toe Sunday following the
murder, when tbe formr said to tbe
laiter, "Our m in is ded."
Harry Welier, the accomplice, was
then called to the stand, be having been
previously sworn, with his riht haud
uplifud, to tell tbe truth. j
The variations in the testimony given
by Weller in court trom bis confession
made to Reade Marshall and others were
of liule, if a'iy, importance; in fact,
Weller'a ooufessiou aud bis evidence
agree in every essential feature, and tbe
attorneys for the defense, after succeed
ing in getting a contradiction of tbe evi
dence given by young Anaw alt from him,
left him go.
Weller's testimony was substantially
as follows :
"I was born in Berlin and have lived
there all my lif. Have known Mi ton
Sheets all my life. On tbe night of the
Gleaner murder I was in Diveley's
restaurant, where I ate some cheese and
crackers. Sheets came in and took my
stool. Giessner was there eating raw
oysters. After Glessner bad started for
borne, Milton Sheets asked me to go
aloug up tbe alley between tbe Groff and
Ream buildings. After we reached
Ream's livery stable Sheets said to me :
Go along and I'll take old Gist's money.'
He then reached into a shed of tbe s'able
and took out a round, heavy, whisky
bottle, and, carrying it with him, we
went across tbe tennis ground, out that
street to the cemetery, and down the
street to Long's, and from there out the
road after. Glessner. On the road I
larted to bang back and did not want to
gi, but Sheets would grab bold of me
and say, 'Come on. you baby ; I'm doing
it, not you.' At Herman Bru baker's
barn we came in sight of Glessner and
followed hitn from there to Jacob Swartr
endruber's, where I told Sheets that be
shouldn't hit Glessner wiih the bottle or
he would kill him. He then gave me
the b it!e, and going to a woodpile at
Swartzendruber's shop, picked up a club,
saying, 'This is preltr light to soak him
with. I then threw the bottle away and
we went on to the wo ds. I still hong
back, but Milt would say, 'It ain't you
that's doing iU After we had gooe into
tbe woods a short distance I slopped and
would not go any further. Sbeeis then
went on and Glessner turned once and
looked back. Milt dropping down sows
not to be seen. Fro-u thai time on I did
not see them. Ic a short time Sheet
came running back with a purse in bis
hand. He gave me a silver dollar and
two halves. Sheets bad a two dollar note
and a live-dollar note and sixty cent in
i-haiige. He said be bad the tive-dollar
bill and tbe change before. Sheet put
h:s arm around my waist and aal. "Old
Sport. I'm breaking you in young.' We
ran up tha road towards towu to the field
iieyond Simon Miller's. There we
crossed tbe fence, and by a roundabout
morse returned to town. We parted at
A. C. Floio's corner and went to our
homes.
Sunday afternoon Jacob Beach, who
w as coming froir Charley Miller's, told
me that Glessner was d-ad, and as I
passed Johnson's furniture store I
tbem gelling a roftin out- I then went
on op to tbe Mansion House, where I
told Sheet" Ibat Glexsner was dead.
Sheets asked me to go along back to his
borne until be got bis supper. We start
rd tk toward Sheets' borne, when I
aid, 'Milt. I don't see how yon can go
about holding up your head after what
you doi.e last niebt.' Sheets said. 'The
ojj of a b ought to have been
dead long sgo,' "
Wfiler identified the club and bottle,
being quite positive about tha cluh. He
also told of having a-coinpanied Reade
Marshall to the scene of tbe tragedy od
having pointed out to him where be bad
thrown the bottle and the point w here be
waited for tbe return of Sheets.
All tbe rime Weller was on tbe stand
the defendant sat smiling at bis counsel's
table, and when tbe witness declared
ttiat tbe defendant bad said "tbe old a
t,f , i ought to have been dead long
ago." be laughed audibly. Tne deleud
ant's londuet throughout tbe day was en
tirely inconsistent w ilh the cwuduct "f
sane man standing in tbe shadow of ibe
gallows, and if fei.ned for the effort U
migbt produce oo tbe Jury, wa well
dime. His father, looiber and two
Lrolbt-rs were a teiilive spectators.
Reade Marshall corroborated Weller's
statement reynrdiiig tloir visit to tbe
weneof the tragedy, when tbe District
Attorney announced, "the Coincuoo
wealib rests."
Attorney Kooaer, tor the defers, asked
the cmrt to adjourn to me Tuesday
morning, m order that counsel might
ueve au opportunity to interview wit
nesaee for the defense. Court then ad
journed to meet at &30 Tuesday morning,
The jury empaneled to try the Sheets
case did not appear in court until 9:15
o clock Monday morning, 45 minutes
after the time set for convening, and it is
presumed that they were unaware that
the case against Weller had been disposed
or. vi hen the jury appeared the clerk
called tbe roll, when tbe following jurors
responded to their names :
L. R. Manges,
G. E. Mostoller,
Jacob Hite,
Alex. Trent,
Cbancey Pritu,
Samuel Frilr,
Albert Flick,
O. M. Crosby,
Henry Dingea,
Geo. Bitiner,
L. J. Miller,
Jacob Lenhart.
Tbe jury was then sworn, after which
District Attorney Meyers opened tbe case
lor the Commonwealth in substantially
tbe same language employed In opening
lor tbe Commonwealth against Weller.
lhe witnesses, beginning wiih the
widow of ihe murdered man, were called
la precisely tbe same order as in tbe
W'eller case, and their testimony was
substantially the same as at tbe trial of
Weller, until tbe point was reached
w here tbe Commonwealth plad Weller
on tbe witness stand.
THE DfcKENSE
hen court met yesterday morning
Mr. Kooser opened for the defense. In
his address to the jury he clearly out
lined the theory that would be set up
and on w hich tbe defense would ask for
a verdict acquitting the defendant of the
crime charged. He pointed out that tbe
Commonwealth had failed to produce
the bat of tbe murdered man. an import
ant factor either for or against the de
fendant, as it must necessarily have borne
evidence corroborating Die claim of the
Commonwealth that Glessner bad been
struck several blows on the head. Furth
er along he declared that tbe evidence of
the accomplice Weller and the survey of
the ground about ibe scene of tbe mur
der would require tbe defendant to have
traveled nearly If not quite a quarter of
mile, struck bis victim to tbe ground,
rilled his pockets, and rolled bis heavy
body up an incline to tbe eideof tbe road.
iu tbe space of live miuutes. He referred
to a flat contradiction of tbe witness
Anawalt by the accomplice Weller, who
declared that he had told Sheets at tbe
hitching-post in front of tbe Mansion
House that Glessner was dead, whereas
Anawalt testified that b6 overheard
Sheets tell Weller "our man is dead" in
front of Pbilsou's store. The absence of
the money shown to have been in the
possession of tbe murdered man was also
referred to. la concluding, Mr. Kooser
said tbe defense would show that the de
fendant was iusane and irresponsible for
bis actions.
Defense first offered tbe information
charging parties other than Weller and
Sheets with the murder, which waa over
ruled, when John Glessner, a son of tbe
murdered man, was called 'o testify that
information charging Rufus Diveley and
Iex. Gerbart had been made before a
Just'oeof tbe Peace.
John Sheets, father of defend int, testifi
ed that be "never considered Milt men
tally sound" and cited an instance when
Milt took a dish of baked beans from the
dinner table and fed them to soine young
chickens.
Harry Sheets, a brother, testified that
Milt acted so strangely, when employed
by witness at Greens burg, that he had to
send him home.
Reade Marshall said that be never knew
a sane man to act in the way he had
seen defendant perform. He cited an in
stance where defendant bad called him
into a restaurant, kept t-y defendant in
Renin, w hen he loaded a Flobert rifle and
shot il off in bis mouth, catching the
bullet with bis teeth and tongue. Another
time when witness and defendant were
hunting, defendant asked witness if he
(Sheets) should shoot a cow. Witness
aaid thai defendant would break out in
boisterous fit of laughter when there waa
no occasion to laugh. On cross-examination
witness said in reply to tbe ques
tion : 'Do you think tbe defendant bad
sufficient mind to know that it was wrong
to rob and murder a man?" that be be
lieved he had.
Other w itn esses examined related queer
actions of defendant, but few of them
were willing to say that Sheets did not
know whst be was was doing when he
robbed and struck Glessner.
Among other acts of the defendant by
which it was sought to show that be is in
sane was a habit he manifested of run
ning away at a rapid spee . from bis com
panions without reason, flavoring a slew
of oysters for a customer with kerosene,
and shooting at a plate of oysters he had
served for a customer in bis restaurant.
Tbe defense announced at 3:30 o'clock
yesterday afternoon that tbeir evidence
bad all been submitted, w hen tbe Com
mon wealth called a dozen or more wit
nesses iu rebuttal, all of whom testified
that they considered tbe defendant sane,
w bile one or two admitted that he was
what is known as a "wild boy."
At six o'clock tbe evidence had all
been submitted and the case was fo. real
ly declared closed.
Tbe arguments to tbe jury will be made
tbis morning A verdict is not looked
for before to-uigbt or Thursday morning.
R0CKW033 HAS COMSITS SUICIDE.
W. H.
Weldeaer Takes Rough
With Fatal Eesslls.
a Bate
W. H. Weldemer, of Rock wood, rushed
into Central Station, Pittsburg, at i
o'clock Saturday afternoon, and an
nounced that he bad swallowed half a
box of rough on rats. Tnere was ao
doubt of bis story, for be was a very sick
man.
After he had been treated and had re
covered somewhat from tbe effects of the
poison, he told his story to a Post re
porter. He live at R x-kwood, where he
has a wife and two children, and is a
traveling salesman for F. L Ringgold, a
cigar manufacturer of that place. ,
In the past three or four days Welde
mer had spent between $40 and fV) of tbe
firm's money. Friday be realiied
that be had committed a crime and dis
graced himself. He had been drinking
and could not tell how he bad used tbe
money, but it was gone and he did not
have the nerve to return home and face
his employer.
Brooding over his fault, he purchased
a box of rough ou rats and while on tbe
street had removed the lid and eaten half
tbe contents. When he became deathly
sick he song hi relief and went to tbe
station house for 'refuge. He did not
want to die, and asked for something to
counteract the effects of the poison He
was sent to the Homeopathic 'lospilal,
where be expired Sunday. Weldemer
Wa a wet - tressed, gentlemanly looking
man, 3s years cf age.
Something for the Xew Tear.
Tbe world-renowned success of Hoatet
ter's Stomach Bitters aud tbeir continued
popularity for near half a century as a
stomachic is scarcely more wonderful
than the welcome that greet Hostetter's
Almanac. This medical treatise is pub
lished by the Hostel ter Company, Pitta
burg, Pa... under tbeir own immediate
supervision, employing sixty hands in
that department The issue of stun for
10 will be over eleven mil lions, printed
in nine languages. Refer to a copy of it
for valuable and interesting reading con
cerning health, and numerous testimoni
als as to tbe efficacy of Hostetter's Stom
ach Bitters. The Almanac for ISO can be
obtained, free of cost, 'rom druggists and
general country dealers in all parts of the
country.
There i a Clan of People
Who are injured by tbe ose of coffee.
Recently there has been placed in all tbe
grooerv si ores a new preparation called
uRAlN-O, made of pure trains, that
lakes tbe place of eotfee. The most deli
cate sUMuacb receives it without distress,
and but few can tell it from r fTe. It
doe ool coat over 1 a much. Children
roar drink it with great benefit 15 eta.
and' 25 v. per package. Try it. Ask for
URAIS-O.
Accepted in the Ca?c of Ilarry
Weller, One of the Boys Charg
ed With the Murder of
Augustus Glessner.
WILL BE GIVE3 A LOSS PEHITESIIAST
8E5TEHCE.
Weller Asked Permieiioa cf the Conrt to
Withdraw His Plea of "Sot Guilty"
aad Snbetitat is Lies Thereof Plea
of "Guilty of Harder of tbe Second De
gree." Court aid Publie Seemed Im
p retted that tbe Defendant was Draws
into the Crime Unwillingly.
Had an artist been present In the county
court Saturday evening he would hare
witnessed ft scene worthy of hi bent ef
forts, ft faithful reproduction of which
would win him a place in the Roy
Academy.
The dingy court-room, with all of It
defects set out in bold relief by tbe glare
of powerful electric lights, was crowded
to the limit by men and women eager to
learn tbe fate of a beardless youth, who
sat with downcast eyes and twitching
muscles at a table within the enclosure
reserved for members of the bar. Ilia
attorneys wore anxious countenances.
At the opposite table tbe lawyers for tbe
Commonwealth were holding a whispered
consultation over ponderous law - books.
With them sat tbe wife of the murdered
man, attired in tbe robes of widowhood.
and one of ber sons, apparently uninter
ested in tbe consultation, asking that jus
tice only might be done.
Tbe Jury were quietly communing one
with another and fixing themselves in
comfortable positions for an expected long
night session.
Half-way back in the room, on a seat
next to the aisle, sat a little crouched fig
ure clad in severe black, with a hood of
tbe same sombre hue encircling a pinch
ed face, tbe cheeks of which were furrow
ed with wrinkles, bearing mute evidence
of nightly vigils and hetvinessof heart.
Her deep-set black eyes were riveted on
the boy whose life waa being weighed in
tbe balance of justice, while the rapid
heaviugof ber bueom indicated that her
nerves were being taugbtened for a linal
struggle.
The Judgea entered with characteristic
dignity, without glancing to tbe right or
left, and took tbeir seats upon the bench
Tbe court crier reconvenes the court.
his solemn "Oyex, oyez," echoing in the
empty corridor, while the spectators un
consciously bend forward.
All is silent.
Tbe District Attorney calls tbe name of
William Anawalt, aud a lad with face
like that of a cherub comes forward and
takes the stand, where be repeats a con
versa t ion overheard between tbe boys
charged with murder, which has the ef
fect of fastening the crime upou tbe pris
oner.
Another witness tells the jury thst the
defeudant, Harry Weller, was eighteen
years of age four days following the mur
der.
"Tbe Commonwealth rest,'' announces
tbe District Attorney.
Counsel for defendant ask permission
of tbe Court to withdraw with iheirclient
and his father and mot ber for a few min
utes' consultation.
Returning to tbe court room all of tbe
parties resume tbeir former seats, when
Attorney Holbert rises slowly to bis feet
aud in a subdued voice addresses tbe
Bench as follows: "If it please tbe Court,
Harry Weller, tbe prisoner at tbe bar.
through bis attorneys, A. C. Holbert and
W. Walker, assigned by the Court for
the defense, asks permission of tbe Court
to withdraw his plea of "Not guilty" to
to tbe bill of indictment charging him
with murder of the first degree aud sub
stitute in li.u thereof a plea of "Guilty of
murder of the second degree."
His Honor, Judge Longenecker, wheels
around in his chair, aod after consulting
wiih his Associates for few moments
says : If there is no objection on the part
of tbe Commonwealth, tbe Court will en
tertain the motion made by counsel for
the defendant, with tbe distinct under
standing that in case it is accepted, tbe
defendant will be given a sentence to tbe
Western Penitentiary, and not sent to tbe
Huntingdon Reformatory. Mr. Holbert,
will you please put your motion in writing?"
Wbilethe attorney is hurriedly writing,
hum of conversation can be beard all
over the room, everybody except the lit
tle woman in black seemiug to under
stand that the trial is about to come to an
abrupt close, and that the ends of Justice
will be met.
Attorney Holbert bands tbe written
motion to tbe Court, when Judge Long
enecker reads it aloud, and adds: "The
motion of the defendant is accepted," and
starts to write a judicial endorsement on
tbe paper.
When the word "Accepted" falls from
tbe Judge's lips, a smile like tbe sunburst
that scatters its effulgence all about it, il-
u in i nates tbe careworn and anxious face
of the little woman in black, whose eyes,
still glued on the form of her boy, fill
with tears that trickle sewn ber hollowed
cheeks.
Adjourn tbe court until S o'clock Mon
day morning," commands tbe Judge, and
before tbe sound of his voice dies away
the happy mother is rushing towards the
bar enclosure where she clasps her son
to her bosom and offers thanks to God
that ber offspring has been saved from
ignominious death. Almost at the same
moment Weller's father, ft stolid little
round-bodied man, with eyes red from
weeping, steps into the bar and embraces
bis son.
"Don't, mother; don't cry." says the
youth between sobs that convulsed his
frame; "please don't cry any more; lam
saved."
Tbe crowd that gathered around tbe
ittie family group silently withdrew.
leaving the Wellers alone to enjoy a few
brief minutes of happiness before the de
fondant was conducted back to jail.
Syaoptif ef the Trial.
Tbe cases of the Commonwealth vs.
Harry Weller and Milton Sheets, indicted
separately for tbe murder of Augustas
lessner, of Allegheny township, near
Berlin, on tbe night of October 21st, were
called before the Court Friday afternoon.
when the District Attorney announced
his readiness to proceed with tbe case
against Weller.
Counsel for the defendants excepted to
the District Attorney's having drawn sep
arate bills of indictment, contending that
tbey should have been indicted Jointly, '
when tbe Commonwealth could have ex
ercised ita privilege to elect which of the
defendant should first be placed on trial.
Tbe Court cited the case against "Bill"
Pritta, in which Pritt and W. C. Miller
were charged aepara.ely with tbe murder
of Jonathan Uochstetler, and sustained
the bills of iudictmentl
Weller waa then arraigned. He stood
the trying ordeal without changing ex
pression, and when asked to plead, re
plied in a full strong voice, "not guilty."
Twenty-four jarors were called and ex
amined before a panel of twelve good
men and true was accepted. Several of
the jurymen examined acknowledged
thai they had formed an opinion and one
admitted that he did not feel that he
could agree to a verdict that would hang i
boy. Following aru the names of the
urynien:
W. F. Banner,
John Phillippi.
C. H. Real,
W. K. Bittner,
Wm. Jacobs, .
E. M. Berkey,
Frank Kimmell,
B. J. Bittner,
David Putman.
Jacob Wilbelm,
S. P. GeiaeL
Arthur Daniels.
Id order that jurors, not accepted to ait
In the trials of Weller and Sheets, coo Id
be discharged in time to reach their
homes Saturday, tbe Court decided Fri
day eveiing to empanel a jnry to try
Sheets. Sheet waa brought into court
and arraigned, aud without axhibiting
any signs of nervousness, entered a plea
of "not guilty.' Befora tbe Sheet' Jury
was filled tbe panel bed been exhausted
and fifteen laltueu were called by the
Sheriff.
Wen court reconvened at Ifc.TO o'clock
Saturday morning tbe N eller jury wrs
sworn, aud immediately thereafter Dis
trict Attorney Meyers opened tbe raef t
the Commonwealth in a fiftm n minutes'
address, in which h; clearly outlined the
evidence the Commonwealth offered,
aud concluded by asking for a verdict of
murder in the first degree.
Mrs. Agnes Glessner, widow of the mur
dered man was the first witness. Her
eyes were filled with tears when she took
lb stand, .she said that ber husband
was sged 50 years and Si days at the time
of his death; that he was fully six feet
tall and enjoyed excellent health. The
msi tune sue saw uira aiive was on
Mouday preceding tbe murder aod when
she next saw bitn be was dead at tbe
home of his nephew John Glessner, near
Berlin. Witness described his wounds.
when she gsve way to W. I. Hillegass, a
neighbor, who testified to Glessner's
sound physical condition, and to the find
ing of tbe Corooor's inquest, of which he
was a member.
Several witnesses were next examined
and traced Glessner from Garrett, where
he was paid 117.80 by W. L. Brant, to
Diveley's restaurant in Berlin, where he
arrived about II o'clock Saturday night.
October 21st. M. M. Diveley, keeper of
tbe restaurant, testified that U lessner bad
eaten a plate of raw oysters in bis place.
and that when be came to pay witness ISO
cents he took a roll of bills from his
pocketbook, witness noticing that a ten
dollar bill was on the outside of the roll.
Glessner afterwards took a five-dollar
bill from his pocketbook and waa given a
two-dollar bill, two silver dollars and
some fractional silver pieces in change.
He lea tbe restaurant about 11:30, return
ing a tew uii.rites later, when he bought
ten cents' wortn of cheese and ten cents'
worth of tobies.
Harry Zimmerman, Reade Marshall
nd John Grof, told of having seen Ol
ner at the time stated. Weller was about
the restaurant at tbe time.
Charles Giessner, who lives a mile and
half from Berlin, testified that he was
returning home between 6 and 7 o clock
on the morning of October 22d, and that
when he reached point near home bis
horse shied at something by tbe side of
tbe road. He noticed a man laying in tbe
gutter and a bat in tbe middle of tbe
road. When he reached home he told his
father, when tbey returned to tbe scene
and found the man w as his father's uncle
Augustus. He was unconscious and
tbey procured assistance aud carried blui
to their home. Glessner died about 2:30
o'clock the same afternoon without hav
ing spoken a word.
John (i lessner, father of tbe last wit
ness, corroborated his son's statements.
Dr. W. P. Sbaw, of Berlin, described
Glessner's. condition when he first saw
hitn about 9 a. in. on the day of his death.
Found Glessner in a condition of extreme
depression, without pulse and unable to
move a muscle of his face. Tbe Doctor
administered hypodermic Injections of
strychnine and aromatic spirit of am
monia, when his condition apparently
improved, his respiration becoming
stronger. Tbe Doctor next described the
wounds found, one above and another be
low tbe right eye, which he said were on
ly skin abrasions. Another abrasion of
the skin about the bair-line on tbe brow
iudicated that the patient had been struck
a blow. Tbe Doctor said that he advised
a post mortem examination because there
were symptoms indicating compression
of the brain. Continuing, witness de
scribed in detail the post mortem exami
nation and declared that Glessner's
death resulted from a blood clot on the
brain, caused by a blow from a dull in
strument.
D. J. Brubaker, Esq., and Frank B.
Collins gave evidence relating to the in
quest and to Glessner a physical condi
tion, and Capt. Wm. M. Schrock pro
duced a map of the scene of tbe murder
and tbe route traveled by tbe alleged
murderers to and from Berlin.
Ross Swope, a schoolboy friend of de
fendant's said that be bad held a conver
sation with Weller oo the nigbt before he
gave himself up to officers of the law.
when Weller asked witness if bethought
the parties arrested for tbe Glessner mur
der were the right ones, and upon wit
ness' admitting that he tboogbt they
were, Weller said "one of the guilty par
ties is in town and tbe other one is not far
away." Weller asked witness whether if
be (witness) was in bis place be would
turn State's evidence or wail until belwas
captured by the officers. Weller said
further that be guessed the fellow who
was along was about as close to Glessner
as aoybody, but that be (Weller) had on
ly gone as far as Bru baker's barn.
Tbe Commonwealth's star witness.
Reade Marshall, was next called, t'p to
tbis time the attorneys for defendant bad
refrained from cross-examining witness
es, and an unsuccessful effort was made
to "rattle'' young Marshall, who proved
an admirable fencer throughout. He was
cool and collected and did not respond to
questions until be was fully satisfied of
tbeir significance and then he spoke
promptly and in a convincing manner.
Marshall repeated the statement made to
him by Weller on the afternoon preced
ing bis surrender, (fully published in the
Herald on Nov. 15th last) and added
that Weller had asked bis advice a to
whether or not be (Weller) should turn
State's evidence. Marshall advised him
to do so and directed him to make a
confession to tbe District Attorney.
Weller's admission of guilt to Marshall
was in substauce as follows : "Sheet pro
posed that we follow Glessner and rob
birn. I consented, and when Sheets pro
cured a large beer bottle at Ream's livery
stable I said that if he bit Glessner with
It be would kill him. and that unless ho
threw it away I would uot go along.
Sheets said 'come on; you baby, it's me
that's doing it, not you.' Sheet finally
threw tbe bottle away and secured a club
at Sw art zend ruber's from the wood pile,
i'.ying this is not very heavy to soak
him Willi.' I again said I would not go
along w ken Sheets called me ft baby and
said that he waa doing it. When we got
to tbe Woods I stopped and Sheets follow
ed on. In a short time he came running
back and gave me a silver dollar and two
halves. We then made our way back to
Berlin." Marshall indignantly refuted
an insinuation that be had been influ-
nced by the hope of securiog ft reward
Ut win Wellers confidence. Witness
Identified the bottle and club which were
submitted in evidence.
R. C Heffiay. J. A. Lambert, Sheriff
Ilartzell and others testified that Weller
had repeated practically tbe same state
ment testified to by Marshall in their
presence, and Court Stenographer Vogel
read a similar statement Weller bad
made to him on November 24th, which
he had taken down in shorthand.
Attorneys for tbe defense objected
strenuously to tbe admission of Mar
shall's evidence and requested tbe court
to disregard it on the ground that he had
held out an inducement to tbeir client
when he advised histurniug State's evi
dence. The court withheld iu decision
until a future stage, or until the ease wa j
more fully developed. Defendant's coun
sel offered similar objections to all state
ments made by tbeir client admitting bis
guilt.
The two last witnesses called by the
Commonwealth were tbe boy Anawalt,
mentioned above, and Reade Marshall,
who gave Weller'a age. It was 7:45
o'clock Saturday evening when the Dis
trict Attorney announced that the Com
monwealth rested.
Attorney Holbert asked permission of
tbe court to withdraw to tbe library room
for a few minutes' consultation with tbe
defenlact and bis parenta, and upon re
turning to the on Jrtroora surprised all
but few persons in the audience by ask
ing permission to withdraw the plea of
not guilty entered by his client Friday
afternoon and substitute in iu place one
of guilty of murder of tbe second degree.
The court permitted second degree
verdict to be accepted and rajorded, after
staring that Waller would be) sentenced
to a term In the penitentiary.
Baking Powder
Made from pure
cream of tartar.
Safeguards the food
against alum
Alum I
mmacrri to 1
powders art fh grtalot
Of the present day.
Tbe Commonwealth had a double ob
ject to gain in ao-eptiua- a verdict of
guilty of murder of tbe second degree,
tbe first of which was a fear that tbe
Court migbt direct tbe jury to disregard
all of tbe statements or confessions made
by tbe defendant, and the knowledge
that tbe Court would be compelled to in
struct the jury that tbeir verdict must be
either guilty of murder of the first degree
or an acquittal. There was not a particle
of evidence tending to show tbat Weller
was present or had participated in the
murder of Glessner, and as he was an
accessory only to tbe perpetration of a
felony by which murder waa committed
it waa not unreasonable to believe tbat
the jury might acquit. On tbe other
band, by accepting a plea of guilty of
murder of the second degree the defend
ant was not only certain to receive a sen
tence to a long term in the penitentiary,
but he could be placed on the witness
stand to testify against Sheets.
Much sympathy was expressed for
young Weller, and tbe action of the court
seems to have met with general approval
from the public.
More Praiea for Hue Ida XueeelmaB.
A celebrated writer has said: "There
re two kinds of artists in the world ;
those that work because tbe spirit is in
them, and tbey cannot be silent if they
would, and those tbat speak from a con
scientious desire to make apparent to
others tbe beauty that has awakened
tbeir own admiration."
Miss Ida M. Musselman, whose srtistic
work has been kuown locally for several
years, belongs to the latter class. Miss
Musselman, a modest country
girl, with the true artistic feeling or in
spiration, at an early age set about to
gain recognition in tbe Metropolis, which
is easily tbe art centre of America. Tbat
she baa succeeded i due eutitely to be
own persistent and well-directed efforts,
as well as tbe merit of her work, a com
plimentary notice of which, appearing in
the New York Times' Review of tbe Aim,
was published last week. Now comes
the New York Tribune, of the Mb InsL,
with two balf-toue illustrations of Miss
Musselman's work, accompanied by a
portrait of tbe gifted young artist. Tbe
Tribune says:
A good deal of interest is being dis
played in tbe fungus carvings of Miss
Ida Musselman, of Somerset. Penn'a,
by women who have visited tbe various
art and women's exchanges in this city.
Miss Musselman took up the Work about
three years ago. Previous to tbat she
had been an artist, working principally i
in black and white. Of tbe subjects
which she ha treated in this fungus
carving, and which are best known, are
Paul Revere," "Forgotten," "A Group
of Lions in the Jungle" and "Pay Toll."
The pieces are in large and small size,
and bring from $!5 to t-"0.
Miss Musselman said to a Tribune re
porter yesterday : "The fungus used for
wood carving is found on partially de-
cayed oak and maple trees. It must be !
carefully removed In order to preserve
the delicate and creamy surface, which
is easily injured while in a fresh and
moist stale. It is also necessary to have
tbe fungus properly cured and made as
bard and durable as woasl before it is
worked upon.
The selection of a subject requires
careful study, as only ceruln pictures
lend themselves to effective work. A
dark object on a light background would
simply be a bole with no relief ao in
taglio instead of a cameo. In the fungus
carving tbe subject must stand out boldly
iu rf lief, and yet have sha les of coloring,
which are produced by a careful manip
ulation of tbe light surface and brown
interior.
"In order to dig out shadows instead
of holes, delicate handling of the tools is
required. In arranging my work I get
uggesiions from several pictures, Uking
what I think will come out well, and
then I form a complete picture, changing
tbe light aud shade to suit tbe material
and working tbe background in a man
ner to best bring out tbe subject. As a
false move is fatal, I must have a definite
knowledge of the effect I wish to obtain
before I begin to work. The peculiar
shape of the fungus must also be studied
and the object grouped accordingly.
Knots may sometimes be utilized In
carving trees. One acquire only by ex
perience tbe knack which gives character
to the work.".
The following tribute to Miss Mussel
man is found in Tbe Literary Digest, of
December 2d :
A very interesting new development
in wood carving has recently attracted
notice in New York. It consists in relief
wora upon a species of fungi which
grows upon oak and maple trees. Great
care has to be exercised in removing and
drying tbe fungi so a to preserve tbe
delicate white surface; and tbe light and
shades of the bas-relief are attained by a
careful manipulation of tbe surface and
of tbe dark interior. The process re
quires great persistence and skill, but
when successful presenu a species of art
effect which is wholly new aud unique.
Some very exquesite specimens of carved
fungi, ranging in siza from four inches to
two foet in diameter, comprising some
surprisicgly perfect forest scenes, wsr
groups, aod other genre effocta worked1
out in black aod white, are on exhibition
at tha various art exchanges in New
York and Bretano'a. Tbe Inventor aud
developer of the process is Miss I. M.
Masselmsn, of Somerset, Pa., an artist
who received much of her technical
training In tbe art schools of Pituburg
and Philadelphia.
lECOXD 6XAK0 0PE5IB3 OP
HOLIDAY GOODS AT
riSHESS BOOK STORE.
The rush of the Teachers' Institute be
ing past, our Second Grand Opening of
Holiday Goods will lake place Wednes
day morning, Dec 13th. A new and
fresh stock of Holiday Goods just receiv
ed this week. An immense stock of
Fancy Goods, a nice stock of Toys and a
great variety of Books. After ail a pret
ty and valuable book makes tbe best
present. Books are easy to select cheap
io pi ice, pretty In appearance and suita
ble to both sexea and appreciated by
people of all ages and conditions. Come
aud see the bocfb.
Chas. II. Fisher.
Yews Iuas.
The prlLters employed on all of the
Pituburg dailies, except tbe Dispatch,
went out on strike Friday night, and as
a result the Times, Post and Com me r-cial-Gazle
"looked like thirty cenu"
Saturday.
Mr. A. B. Barnes, of Rock wood, lefX s
balf-doxen new corn brooms at this otSr
yesterday, possibly fir the purpose ol
reminding oar "devil" that the time is
approaching when new resolutions will
be in order. W are inclind to believe,
however, that Mr. Barnes was prompted
to leave th brooms here because tbe
imp had ordered tbenx, si no be declare
that "no brooms on the market are in it
with Barn' broom."
feALUh
Xmas
Gifts.
For Children.
DOLLS Jointed and Tivoted.
Bisque, China, Was.Unbreakable.
DOLL FURNITURE Beds,
Bureaus, Washstands, Ward
robes. Doll Slippers, Caps and
Nursing Bottles. A complete
line of Children's Dishes. Great
variety of toys suitable for both
sexes.
For Young Ladies
and Gentlemen.
Ebony and Sterling Combs and
Brushes; Combs, LTair Brushes.
Tooth Brushes, Clothes Brushes,
Military Brushes, Dand Mirrors,
Sterling and Pearl Paper Knives,
Sterling Novelties in Manicure
Sets and Dresser Articles, Purse
and Card Case Sets, Mu fliers,
Silk and Linen Handkerchiefs,
Initial Handkerchiefs ranging in
price from 5 cents to the best of
silk.
For Sister or Mother.
A finft Dress Pattern, Jacket.Oolf
Plush or Cloth Cape, Fur Collar
ette, Boa, Collar or Muff, pair
Towels, Table Cover, handsome
Damask Table Linen and Nap
kins to match, Kid Gloves. Silk
and Kid Mitts, Skirts, wool and
eilk, Tailor-made Suits, Woolen
and Cotton Blankets from 50
cents up, single and double wool
shawls.
Millinery Stock.
Millinery Goods to be closed out
at low prices. Complete line of
Children's Jackets, Infauts' long
and short Coats and Capes.
J. H. Sifford & Co.
Mrs A E Uhl
Parfcer &, PMUins.
HOLIDAY GOODS.
A few suggestions for suitable and
seasonable Holidav Gifts.
Holiday Umbrellas.
Nothing more sensible as a gift.
We have hundred? to select from
for women, men and children, and
include many exclusive Novelties
not obtainable elsewhere.
Handkerchiefs.
1 Hundreds of new Handker
chiefs to choose from for men,
women and children in Linen, Hem
stitched, Lace Trimmed, Lace and
Embroidery and in Swiss Embroid
ered. Price from oc to 50c.
Gloves
of every description to choose
from in men's women's and children's
also a full line of Kid Mits, Silk
Mits and Wool Mits.
Sterling Silver Novelties
In Shoe Horns, Tooth-Crushes.
Combs, Curlers, Knives, Thimbles,
Paper-cutters, Hair brushes. A great
variety of 25c Novelties in Sterling
Silver.
Pocketbooks and Purses.
A large assortment ol nice,
new goods in Sterling-trimmed at
2. cento.
Jewelry Novelties
Of every description. Buck
les, Lace Pins, Cuff Buttons. Stick
Pins, Collar Buttons, Studs, etc.
Baskets.
New and exclusive line of In
dian Baskets, Pin Cushion Caskets,
Wall Pocket Baskets, Note Paper
Baskets, Hair Pin Baskets, Hand?
Baskets, Glove Baskets, Scrap
Baskets, Baskets of every descrip
tion for fancy work, which are very
handsome, made by the Indian
Basket Co. of Indian Sweet Grass.
Ribbons, Etc.
Xew Ribbons, Laces, Embroid
eries, Napkins, Towels, Blankets,
Skirts, Comforts, Outing Flannels
and Table Linens.
We have succeeded in purihas
ing '20 dozen more all-wool Skirts in ,
Stripes and Plaids to sell at 50c.
Having already sold 25 dozen.
Dress Goods.
An endless variety to choose
from for Holiday presents.
Just received 40 pieces of
Gingham to sell at 5c regardless of
the' advance.
Gents Furnishing Goods
, Department full of nice, new
Neclc Wear, Shirts, Collars, Cuffs,
Underwear, etc
New line of Trunks, Satchels,
TeIescore9 and Dres Cases.
3?- &o T3-
At the Old Stand of George R. Parker.
a
C3
M
C3
C3
FROM
DEC. 26, 1899,
-:- TO
JAN. 31, 1900.
CALL YOUR
NEIGHBORS' ATTENTION TO THIS
..BIG..
RED LETTER
1
z
o
s
3-s
r
ee
3
r
o
CD
One of Those 01dTime Sales.
As has been the well-known custom of this store for many years past,
we will on Tuesday, Dec. 20, liogin our annual series of selling known
to all as the RED LETTER SALE. Our object during this sale will be
to put sucli prices on all our goods as will make it to the interest of
every one to lay in a supply for some time to come. This sale goes in
a lvai.ee of our annual inventory to clean up oar stock of all surplus
goods. Every une ;hould come to this sale. Unsurpassed values will
be offered these January days. All goods to be marked in red figures.
You Will Find Everything at Greatly Reduced Figures,
Ladies' Jacket,
Plush Capes,
Skins.
Dress Goods of all kinds.
Silks iu patterns and all
plain shades,
Shirtinc, 1
Outings,
t "alios.
Ginghams,
Table Linen, all colors.
Napkins,
Towels,
M n si i us, I
RemnanU of Matting,
Clothing for Boys A Men,
Remnants of Carpets,
Brusfells and Ingrain,
Flannels, all colors.
Men's Shirt,
Men's Hose,
Collars and Cuffs for La
dies and Gents,
Nigbt Wrappers,
Blanket-.
Anil many other articles
too numerous to mention.
Millinery Goods,
Lace Curtains,
Portier.
Hosiery.
I nderwear of all kinds
for Ladies and Gen
tlemen, Boys A Girls,
Stamped G.xhIs,
II imikerchicfs.
Coats for Rabies,
Riblsms.
Drr ss Trimmings,
Carpets.
Malting, Hi Cloths,
Special Purchaseof Calico
10,000 YARDS OF CALICO,
0,000 YARDS OF GINGHAM,
Ordered Specially for this Sale.
Yards Canton Flannel
. Unbleached, at 4 cts.
Yards Canton Flannel
Uu bleached, at - 5 cts.
Yards Cheviot Shirt
ing, at - 5 and 6 cts.
Infin Yards Outing, at
JjUU 4 cts aad upwards.
(" n Ladies' Under Skirts at
0 I'QZi 20 cents.
nrn Pairs of Misses'
LUl) Wool Ho.-e,
HOSIERY.
Pairs of Misses' Black
at oc per pr.
former price 12 cts.
Pairs of Misses' Black
Hose, 9c per pair, former
price 20 cts.
Hundreds of yards of Dress Goods
will be sacrificed.
Men's and Boy's LTnderwear, prices
12 1 2, 20, 31, 40 and 4.io.
SIFFORD and CO.
WtHtH'tMvTf.t4tvtMvMttSM
Low Prices
Best Goods.
DON'T BUY
:
e
9
Until you have seen our One Hundred elegant and fancy
trimmed single a;id double Sleighs, and Sixty of the best quality
Farm aud Lumber Bob-SIeds. These you will find by inquiring at
and are kept in the Carriage Repository in rear of Hardware
is
tore. Our Robes, Blankets and Bells yoa will find in the
5 Hardware store,
3
2
eCall and
2 See Them
I! J B Holderbaum I
nem.) J
FURNITURE.
GO-lToour mammoth store
TO -lBuy up-to-date furniture of all kinds
COFFROTH,Sl.-'00s are suown as the best values,
SP OR-"-Tbe style, construction and finish
GO OD Enough for the rich, cheap enough for the poor
eVIONEYSaved for the purchaser
S A V I N G lTo all clas ses of people
P R I C E S Are correct
SUITSlThat -we are pleased to show our customers
SIDEBOARDS, CHAIR SUnsu rpassed in price
ODD FURXITUREz:Kind that stays together a lifetime
CUT CARPETSNo charge for waste
C. H. Coffroth.
i
materia! and workman-
into the construction of tb
1 JUEtZtiV SUJ-lllljr....
VI r-rH LA Rut the best
1 TuwvSs"?
HC KCINDEREL-LWf:
Made with a view of suiting the eia'-fj
wants of the house-keeper al a raoder
ate cost. X
GOOD BAKERS-PERFECT ROASTERS t
SOLD WITH THH UXDERSTAHD'.hG
JAMES. B. KCLDER8AUM.
i
.