FREELAND TRIBUNE. VOL. VII. NO. 99. STARTLING TESTIMONY. IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES MADE AT AN INJUNCTION HEARING. Kx-Clilef Clerk JameH M. Norris Says He and a Com mite loner Deceived l'art of the Money Paid to Architect Myers for the New Court House Plans. Since the county commissioners sign ed tho sccrot contract with Architect Myers, of Dotroit, giving the latter authority to prepare plans for the pro posed new court house, there lias been 11 feeling of expectancy throughout the county that a sensation would come some day. The high-handed manner in which the affairs of the county were being conducted led even those who favored a new court house to suspect there was something dishonest in tin transactions, and the unbusiness-like principles of the commissioners raised a protest that was supported by ever) prominent newspaper and taxpayer in Luzerne, The commissioners showed their in competency by paying the architect $l0|p()() before he drew the plans, and would have paid him SIO,OOO more upon the delivery of the work had not tin county auditors interfered and served notice upon the treasurer to not honor orders drawn by tho commissioners in favor of tiie Western architect or his son. Tho commissioners have not yet ob tained a site for the court house, never theless injunction proceedings had to be commenced two weeks ago to restrain them from awarding the contract for building. This step was taken to pre vent tho county from becoming involv ed in further trouble through tho three men who represent it in tho commis sioner's office. It was at one of tho hearings 011 the injunction case that tho looked-for sen sation came to light. The hearing was held in Attorney Palmer's office at the county seat. It had been agreed to by all the parties interested to take the testimony privately and afterwards pre sent it to Judges ltice and Lynch to de cide whether the injunction should be made permanent. James M. Norris was on tho stand. Until the sth inst. ho was clerk to the commissioners and was credited with being "tho power behind tho throne." He was known to have unlimited influ ence with tho commissioners, and he ran matters to suit himself in the office. Personally ho is a good-natured jovial politician, and for ten years past has been one of the foremost Republican leaders in Luzerno county. Of late he has been drinking heavily and appeared to bo slightly under the influence of li quor at the hearing. Tho fact that ho had resigned his po sition was known to no one but the com missioners until ho said so on tho wit ness stand. It created some surprise, hut interest in that point was soon over shadowed by the answers 110 gave the attorneys when asked certain questions. Attorney Palmor, who was conducting the examination, asked: "Do you know anything about the payment of the sec ond $5,000 by the commissioners to the architect?" "Yes, 1 saw it paid." "How was it paid?" asked Palmor. "Why, young Myers got an order for $5,000 and went to the bank and got it cashed." "Where wore you?" "1 was with him at the time," said Norris. "What did he do with tho money?" "He gave me somo of it." "llow much?" "I refuse to tell that." "What did he do with tho rest of it?" j queried Palmer. "He gave somo to a woman to take out West to his father," said Norris. "The girl had been staying in town for for some time." "What did ho do with the remainder?" asked Palmor. "Ho gave it to one of the commis sioners." ¥ "Which commissioner?"^ "I decline to tell." "How much was it." "I'll not toll." At this point the hearing was ended for tho day, as tho announcement by the ex-chief clerk that there had been a deal in which ho and a commissioner participated was too much of a surprise to continue tho case. . In talking about tho affair afterwards one of tho tho commissioners said: "I do not know what Norris was thinking about when he spoke that way. His story is absolutely false. Neither ho nor the commissioners received any of the SIO,OOO paid Myers. They do not oxpoct to get any of tho money. They do not want any. Norris is nearly In sane and does not know what ho is talking about." The confession made by Norris was believed by many people, and tho com missioners found themsolves under sus picion on all sidos. On Monday one of the trio, Mr. Dullard, was placed on tho stand at his own request. He said At torney Bedford had advised them to not sign the Contract with Architect Myers, but thoy thought it fair and agreed to give Myers $20,000 fpr the plans and 5 per cent of the cost of the building, or about $50,000 for tho plans of tho court house. Ho stated tho second payment of $lO,- 000 was due about two months ago, but had not been paid because tho county treasurer will not cash tho order. Ho was then closely questioned re garding what ho was worth and tho amount of property ho owns. He said that out of his salary of $1,500 a year he had bought a house for $3,000 since he entered office four and one-half years ago. Ho vigorously denied that he over received any money except his salary while commissioner. The witness also testified that he did not know that ex-Clerk Norris had re ceived part of tho second $5,000 pay ment. Commissioner Smith followed, and ills evidence in relation to tho affairs of tho office did not differ materially from that given by Mr. Dullard. In answer to a question he stated that neither he nor Dullard got any of the money paid to Myers or Myers' son, neither did ho know of any one else getting a part of it. Norris' testimony was the first he had heard of such a thing. Mr. Smith stated he had called at tho ex-elork's home and asked him why lie made such damaging statements at the previous hearing, and the reply was that he merely wanted to have some fun with the attorneys. Commissioner Norton was placed 011 tho stand on Tuesday. His testimony was like that given by his two collea gues. He nover received money from tho architect or his son, and did not know of any architect who had. He told of Norris' drinking spells and how ho had been acting of late. Mr. Norton flatly contradicted tho sensational parts of the ex-clerk's testimony. In spite of tho denials made by tho threo men there are doubts in the minds of many citizens as to which side ought to be believed. It is known that Norris possesses all tho secret of the commis missioners' office, but the condition of the man at present is such that his oatli cannot be relied upon too strongly. The manner in which tho commissioners con ducted the county's business lately is a telling point against them and gives some color to the charge. Norris' accusation is tho wandering dream of a shattered mind, or the first development of a scandal that may en gulf the Luzerne commissioners and send some people to prison. Architect Myers and his son forwarded affidavits yesterday from Michigan, in ' which they swear no money was ever paid by them to Norris or the commis sioners, in any manner or for any purpose. RELIGIOUS SERVICES. Announcements of religious services and church nows will be published free of chargo under this head every Thurs day. Pastors are invited to send us all items that aro of general interest to the public. HOLINESS CHRISTIAN. The Sandy Valley mission will hold a grove meeting below the Mlllhoppor Packing House, commencing Sunday, June 10, at 9 a. in., in the afternoon at 2.30 and In the evening at 7.30. It will continue two or threo weeks, and night ly meetings will bo held every ovening at 7.30 o'clock. We do most earnestly invite all to attend these meetings, es pecially Christian workors. We intend to preach tho four-fold gospel of Christ. Come and help us. The harvest is truly great, but tho laborers are few. We expect to have many ministers from a distance, and a sormon of impor tance will be delivered each evening. Rev. H. P. Jonos, pastor. MKTHODIBT EPISCOPAL. M. E. services will be held in Lind say's hall evory Sunday as follows: Preaching, 10 a. m. and 7 p. m. Class meeting, 9 a. m.;C. W. Barton, leader. Sunday school, 2 p. m.; C. W. Barton, superintendent. Epworth League, G p. m.; Edward Jones, president. Prayer meeting every Wednesday ovening at 7.30 p. m. The public is cordially invited to all of these services. Rev. Edmund White, pastor. ST. PAUL'S P. M. CIIURCII. Services for Sunday, June 10: Praise and prayer service, to com mence at 9 a. m. Preaching at 10.30 a. m. and 7 p. m. Morning subject, "Baal or God, Which?" Evening subject, "The Request of a King." Sunday school, George Keller, super intendent, at 2 p. m. Rev. 8. Cooper, pastor. PLEASURE CALENDAR. June 14.—Fifth annual picnic of Divi sion 20, A. O. H., at Eckley grove. Juno 19.—Organ recital at Freeland Presbyterian church. Admission, 50c. Juno 20.—Third annual entertainment of St. Ann's parochial school at St. Ann's church basement. Tickets, 25c, June 22.—Joint excursion of Tlgors Ath letic Club and Ilazle Club to Glen Onoko. Faro, from Freeland, 80 and 50c; from Hazleton, 75 and 50c. Trains leave at 9.45 a. m., returning at 7.35 and 10 p. in. DoPlerro's orchestra. June 29.—Picnic of Foarnots Athletic Association at Drlfton ball park. July 3. —Second annual picnic of tho Stars base ball club at Freeland Public park. July 4.—Twenty-socond annual hall of St. Patrick's cornet band at Freeland opera house. Aduilssiou, 50 cunts. FREELAND, PA, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1895. SCHOOL BOARD AFFAIRS. Freeland Directors Held an Adjourned Meeting Last Evening. An adjournod meeting of the school board was held last evening. All the directors were present, and tin 4 , session was attended by a large number of citi zens also. The teachers' competitive examination question was taken up again. Director Rute spoke strongly against that manner of making appoint ment. Ills sentiments aro said to be ap proved by nine-tenths of the people of town. It is also alleged that the teach ers are opposod to the board's action in the matter, and so far as is known none of those residing in the borough intend to enter. It was decided, however, to request County Superintendent Harrison, Super intendent Coughlin, of Wilkesbarro, and Superintendent Mulhali, of Ilazle, to conduct the examination 011 July 22. Teachers desiring to apply for schools must give notice to the secretary 011 or before July 0, and then enter the class on the 22d. The examination will cover all branches taught in the schools, and it is understood that appointments will be made in the order of the percentages obtained at the examination, the only reservation being that the principalship shall be given to a male teacher. Treasurer Welsh's bond, in the sum of $15,000, was accepted and ordered to bo registered in the prothonotary's of fice. Ills commission was fixed at 2 per cent of all money paid out by him. The salary of Secretary Ferry was placed at $75 for the term, the same as last term. Some of the directors thought this was not fair to the present secretary, as the work for the coming year will be much greater than hereto fore. The motion to make it $75 was carried. President McCarthy treated the audi ence to a discourse on legal points, in which he* gave notice that action would be taken against the directors and ex directors who accepted $lO each for at tending the county institute last year, and that he would not .sign the orders for the teachers' salaries this month, as the old board had no authority to en gage them after June 1. The teachers say they are not worry ing themselves about the salary for June teaching, and some of the directors who took the $lO for their time and expenses in attonding the institute predict that the president will have no easy work in having the money refunded. The directors of the Mining and Mechanical Institute sent word they would confer with the school directors on Monday ovening regarding the rent ing of the Institute's rooms for school purposes. An insurance of SI,OOO was ordered to bo placed on the Birvanton building, and a committee was appointed to see if ground could b.o obtained in the Public park to erect a new building. Three People Arrented for Murder. Detective James O'Brien, of Wiikes barre, and Thomas Quigley, of Minors Mills, on Monday night arrested threo colored people, Frank Shafer, James Miller and Hester Brace, a woman, charged with the murder of four Hun garians and the wounding of eight others at a laboring camp on the mountain near Wilkesbarro last October. Several Hungarians were asloep in a house which was blown up by dynamite. Shafer made a full confession. lie also implicated besides those arrested Nelson Miller and his wife, Sarah. He said they stole the battery, wires and dynamite a month previous to the affair; that tho Miller boys placed the dynamite under tho house and ho (Shafer) managed the , battery. Tho capture of these people is considered a very clover piece of detective work, as tho crime was shrouded in mystery since committed. Muslclana' Iliff Festival. The Oratorio Society festival, one of tho greatest over held in tho United States, began yesterday at Wilkesbarro and will continue today. In order to give the citizens an opportunity to at tend the festival the mines In that vicini ty were closed down. Nearly 3,000 peo ple attended the afternoon session. Professor Apmador, of New York, is the conductor, and tho adjudicators aro P. E. Krehbiel, Henry Solden lluss and W. J. Henderson, all of New York. The first session opened at 10 o'clock, with the Honorable C. A. Miner as president. In the first competition by tho two big choirs from Scranton and Wilkesbarro for tho S3OO prize Scranton won. Tho same choirs will compete to day for tho prize of SI,OOO. Will He Ended Today. The suit of M. A. Cunningham against tho borough for damages caused by the condemnation of her property by a jury of view in 1893, for tho opening and ex tension of Pino streot, was called in court yesterday before Judge Lynch. The plaintiff Is represented by W. C. Price, of Wilkesbarro, and C. O. Stroh, of town. Tho interest of the borough is looked after by J. M. Carr, of Frooland, and John McGahron, of Wilkesbarro. It will bo finished today. Tho testi mony of the plaintiff's side is all in. Tho defense will begin this morning. Aro you thinking of getting a suit to order? Try Refowich, Freeland. Light and Water Improvements. Tho Freeland Electric Light Company has received its new water-heating ap paratus, by which the water will be fed to the boilers at a temperature of 200 degrees, and the same will be placed in position at once. The new machine will be a valuable aid in maintaining a uniform pressure of steam at all times, and by forcing the exhaust steam from the engine through the water-heater, as will probably be done, the greater part of the noise that exists around the plant at night will be abated. The new apparatus arrived here on Tuesday, and cost the company something over SIOO. General Manager Myers and his assist ants have the plant is lirst-class shape, and the public is well satisfied with the service now being furnished. The Freeland Water Company is also making an improvement that will bene fit its patrons. The large steel tank which was ordered about six weeks ago from the Jeanesvllle Iron Works will be erected on a base in the reservoir at Birvanton in a short while. This tank lias a capacity of several thousand gal lons, and the water therein will furnish the buildings on the hill witli a constant supply the same as in other parts of town. The tank will also hold a large body of water which will be of great service in case of fire during a dry spell. Its Friends Will lie There. Now that the Pottsville and Wilkes barre politicians have joined hands to oppose the Quay county movement its friends in this district will do their utmost to offset the efforts of its op ponents. Tho claim that the people of the Schuylkill side of the proposed new county were opposed to the division is exploded by the petitions which have already boon signed by seven-eighths of the entire population of tiiat district. The commissioners of the two old counties are arranging for a grand junketing trip to Harrisburg noxt Tues day to protest to the governor against the bill but their arguments will be met and refuted, just as thoy were before the senate and house committees. The opinion that tho bill will be signed grows stronger every day. That it will be carried by a large majority at tho polls is conceded, and some people aro already guesing whom the governor will appoint as the officers of tho now county for the first yeal*. Working for Judge Kice. At a meeting of the Luzerne Bar Association 011 Monday encouraging reports were given by the attorneys who are working through tho neighboring counties for Judge Rice's appointment on the appollate court bench. The association decided to run a spocial train to narrisbnrg next Monday carrying a number of influential people from the county who will present the petitions to Governor Hastings. The movement is a non-partisan one, but the Republican attorneys appear extremely anxious to have Judge Rice promoted, as the gover nor will then have tho appointment of one to fill the vacancy on the Luzerne bench. Hud a Pleasant Visit. Mrs. William Solden and Mrs. D. Macfarlano, of Irvlngton, N. J., who are visiting relatives here, will return homo on Saturday well pleased with their vacation in this section. They re quest the TRIBUNE to state they are ex ceedingly grateful to tho peoplo of tho vicinity for the many acts of kindness tendered thorn during their stay horo. On Tuesday they visited tho strippings at No. 5 Upper Lehigh, and wore shown about by Foreman Chalender. Later they viewed No. 2 breaker while in operation through tho courtesy of Super intendent Joseph Evan. Both gentle men have the thanks of the ladies. Hoard of Trade to Organize. A petition was in circulation last evening for a meeting to organize a board of trade hero. The paper has met with a ready response, and a meet ing of the promoters and all who wish to join will be hold at the opera house 011 Tuesday evening, when tho preliminary matters will be arranged and steps taken to effect a permanent organization. All the business peoplo of town, as well as all others who take an active interest in Freeland's welfare, are invited to attend. Foster Schools' Superintendent. Joseph Gabrio, of Hazleton, was elected superintendent of tho Foster township school by the directors on Monday ovening. Ills salary was fixed at SI,OOO per yoar. Chas. Orion Stroh, Esq., was choson as solicitor of tho board for tho coming yoar. Tho Froo land directors had a committee at the mooting, and requested that tho furni ture, etc., taken from tho Birvanton building bo returned. The matter was referred to the solicitor. Convention In Session. Tho convention of tho National Slavonian Lutheran Union, the object and aims of which was published last Thursday, has been in session all week 111 Zomany's hall. Tho principle matters under discussion rolato to tho Slavonian Lutheran Chureli in this country. To day's session Is oxpoctod to ond tho con vention. Satisfaction in every respect guaran teed at Refowich's, Freeland, BRIEF ITEMS OF NEWS. PARAGRAPHS GATHERED FROM ALL PARTS OF THE REGION. Synopsis or Local ami Miscellaneous Oc currence. That Can lie Head Ouickly. What the Folk, of Thin and Other Tow 11H are IToing. W. W, Pritchard has been appointed postmaster at Pritchard, this county. Knee pants, 19c, at Refowich's. Street Commissioner Furoy's wife yes terday presented him with a young son and a daughter. Spring neckwear, 23c at Refowich's. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the national emblem. Suits to order, sl2 and up, at Refo wich's, Freeland. The Lehigh Valley tracks between Stockton and Hazleton are reported to be sinking again. Refowich sells the best 81.50 and 82 children's suits to be had anywhere. Tho borough school district's financial statement will bo found on the fourth page of today's issue. The -'Wear Well" working shoe fur men cannot bo found in any other store in town. Hon. William R. Jeffrey has gone to Niagara Falls to rest after his hard fight for the now county bill. Refowich, the loading tailor and clothier, is where you should buy you clothing. Street Commissioner Furey is pushing the work upon the sewer extension, and will finish the job as soon as possible. The best is the cheapest in the ond. Go to the Wear Well Shoo House. Their shoes ail wear well. The trial of John Oschman, who is accused of setting lire to M. Schwabe's barn at South Ileberton last month, is set down for Monday noxt. Custom-made goods at ready-made prices. Ready-made goods equal to cus tom work at Refowich's, Freeland. The butchers Association met on Monday evening and decided to close at 8 o'clock cvory evening expect Satur days. On Sunday the markets will be closed at 10 a. m. Try the Wear Well Shoe House. Their goods cost no more and give better satis faction than any other store in Freeland. Patrick Grier, of Carbondale, who at tempted suicide hero on May 24, took another dose of laudanum at Mahanoy City oil Sunday night. He failed again to accomplish his object. Ladies, tho best-fitting and most stylish shoo in the market is the Vision, sold at 82. Can be had only at the Wear Well, Ebcrts' old stand. The members of the legislature have presented B. F. Davis, of Freeland, wiili a life-size picture of himself, In recogni tion of his services as doorkeoper of tlio house of representatives during tho session. Tomorrow evening the Eckloy people will enjoy themselves at the fifth annual picnic of the A. O. H., of that town. The picnic will be hold in the grove near the company store. Music will be furnished by DePierro's orchestra. William Doggctt is lying seriously ill at his parents' home on Washington street. Last Thursday ho hurt himself internally while assisting to lift a derail ed car in No. 7 colliery, Upper Lehigh, and his injuries aro becoming more serious every day. The Hazleton Sentinel is authority for the statement that prominent citizens of Hazle township intend soon to ask tho court for an investigation of the town ship's affairs, and that special attention will he paid to the work of the school board for a few years past. Tho Quay club, of Hazleton, will he the Tigers opponents 011 Sunday after noon at 3 o'clock. McGill and Kimmel will be tho visitors' battery, and will have a strong team behind thorn. For the home club Pfrom and Schmear will occupy the points 011 the diamond. A habeas corpus hearing was given by Judge Rico 011 Saturday morning in tho case of Lewis Trooo, the fourteen-year old Italian boy who shot and killed Thomas Sweeney at Pittston last week. Judge Rice held him for trial on the charge ot Involuntary manslaughter. The Lehigh region has been covered with posters, handbills and other adver tising devices for the joint excursion of tho Hazle and Tigers Clubs to Glen Onoko on the 22d inst. Tickets aro being sold by members of both clubs, and enough have been disposed of already to Insure a large attendance from evory town in tho middle coal field. "VrOTrCE.—There will be a mooting of the - N Co-6perativi' Committee of the Knights of Labor nt tlie Freeland council 011 Sunday, June Hi. at 1.30 p. 111. All the mem bers are requested to lie present, also the nlll eers of the various locals. W. P. Boyle, chairman. T OST Olt BTOLEN.-011 or about May in, 1-j two (logs, hulf-hminU anil half-beagic. each about 14 inches high, with black and white spots; also on June 7 OIK 1 dog, same height, with black unit white spots, black spot over eye ami black anil white car: dogs answer to the names of Bock, Dinger anil Punge. A reward or $5 will lie paid tor Intoriuation thai will lead to their recovery. Apply to August Urchin, Upper Leliigh. Road - the - Tribune. "Whew, It's Hot!" A Thai's what you probably say. Bat, stop HP and consider. Isn't ~ That Heavy Stiff O Hat you're wearing partly ; The Cause of It? Don't you think one C J of our Light Straw Hats m wou i d r i W make you ]ccl More Comfortable? All sorts of straw hats here from twenty-jive cents up, and a hat cord with every one. OLSHO'S Clothing & Hat Store 57 Centre Street, Freeland. J. C. BERNER'S. $2.25. ALL KINDS OF FURNITURE and CARPETS, Call and See and Get Prices. J. C. BERNER'S. Dr. H. W. MONROE, Dentist. Located ■permanently in Birkbeck brick, second floor, rooms 1, 2 and 3, over Smith's shoe store, Freeland, Pa. Gas and ether administered for the pain less extraction of teeth. Teeth filled and ar tificial teeth inserted. Reasonable prices and ALL WORK GUARANTEED. ri. Goepperl, proprietor of the Washington House, The best of whisKios, wines, gin cigars, etc. Call in when in that part of the town. Fresli Beer and Porter on Tap. GEORGE FISHER, dealer in FRESII BEEF, PORK, VEAL, MUTTON, BOLOGNA, SMOKEI) MEATS, ETC., ETC. Call at No. Walnut street, Freeland, or wait lor the delivery wagons. VERY LOWEST PRICES. FRANCIS BRENNAN'S RESTAURANT 151 Centre street. EXCELLENT LIQUORS, BEER, PORTER, ALE, CIGARS, Etc. All kinds of TEMPERANCE DRINKS. $1.50 PER YEAR ORION STROH, Attorney and Counselor at Law and Notary Public. oniee: Rooms3and 4, Birkbeck Drick, Freeland. JOHN M. CARB, Attorney-at-Law. All leal borJnsra promptly attonAia. Poßtofflo* BaDdln#, ', i £ ftpolPß. jyj HALPIN, , ' Xfcmrafbctnrer' Of , Carriages, Buggies, Wagons, &c. Walnut and Pine Streets, lYecliafl. jyjRS. S. E. HAYES, Fire Insurance Agent. Washington Street. None but Reliable Companies Represented. WASHBURN &, TURNBACH, Du'.ldcrt of Light and Heavy Wagons. REPA!R!KS OF FVIRY OISSRIPTIOH. FRONT STREET, NEAR PINE. FREELAND. RKKOAVICTJ, Leading Merchant Tailor and Clothier in Freeland. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. T. CAMPBELL, dealer in Dry Goods, Groceries, Boots and Shoes. Also PURE WINES tnd LIQUORS FOR FAMILY AND MEDICINAL PURPOSES. Cor. Centre and Main Streets, Freeland. VIENNA: BAKERY. J. B. LAUBACH, Prop. Cehtre Street, Freeland. CHOICE BREAD OF ALL KINDS, CAKES, AND PASTRY, DAILY. FANCY AND NOVELTY CAKES BAKED TO ORDER. Confectionery g Ice Cream supplied to bulls, parties or picnics, with all necessary adjuncts, at shortest notice and fairest prices. Delivery and supply wagons to all parts of j town and surroundings every day. GREAT BARGAINS IN Dry Goods, Groceries and Provisions. Notions, Carpet, Boots and Shoes, Flour and Feed, Tobacco, Cigars, Tin and Qucensware, Wood and Willowware, Table and Floor Oil Cloth, Etc. A celebrated brand of XX flour always in stock. Roll Butter and Eggs a Specialty. My motto is small profits and quick sales. I always have l'resh goods and am turning my stock every month. Every article is guaranteed. AMANDUS OSWALD, N. W. Car. Centre and Front St*., Freeland. DePIERRO - BROS. CAFE.- Corner of Centre and Front Streets, Freeland, Pa. Finest Whiskies in Stock. Gibson, Dougherty, Kaufer Club, Rosenbluth's Velvet, of which We havo EXCLUSIVE SALE Iff TOWN. Muram's Extra Dry Champagne, Henncssy llrandy, Rlaekberry, Gins, Wines, Clarets, Cordials, Etc. Imported and Domestic Cigars. OYSTERS IN EVERY STYLE, Ilam and Schweitzer Cheese Sandwiches, Sardines, Etc. MEALS AT ■ ALL - HOURS. Ballcntino and Hnzlcton beer on tup. Baths, Hot or Cold, 25 Cents.
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