THE OMAHA DAILY BEE ,
EIGHTEENTH YEAlt. OMAHA. WEDNESDAY MORNING , DECEMBER 2G , 1888. NUMBER 195
INFLAMINGGOTTQN
A Duplication of the Kato Adams
Stonmbont Horror.
ON THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS DAY.
The John H. Hnnna Is Totally Do-
Btroycd by Flro.
DEATH JOINS THE MERRYMAKERS
The AwfUl Sequence of a Night of
Pleasure.
BY THE RIVER AND THE FLAMES.
The Fnloil VcHsel'B PnnsciiRcrs Either
Uiirned Alive of Drowned by Jump
ing Overboard A. Similar
CiitnHtropho oil the
1'nclflu Co.iHt.
A Terrible CliriHlmnq Kvo.
NKW Om.nASs , Dec. 25. The steamboat
lobn H. Hamm , from Ouchlta river , with
( large number of passengers und a cargo ol
HCOO bales of cotton on board , burned lasl
night at Plnqucmlnc , La. It is staled thai
of 100 persons on board at tlio time of the dis
aster , only fourteen nro known to bo saved ,
The John H. Hunna was built in Madison ,
Ind. , in 1ST3 , and hailed from Louisville , Ky.
She was of 111" tons burden. She was valued
ntlS,000 , and Insured for $12,000 in local and
foreign companies ,
Captain J. W. Hanks , president of the com
pany , says the latest advices he has are to
the effect that the steamboat left Monroe ,
La. , on Sunday at U o'clock. Upon being
questioned us to the number of passengers on
the Hnnnn , Captain Hunks said ho thought it
was small , as there was little travel in that
section at present.
A specinl from Plaqucmmo says the burn
ing of the steamer John II. Hunna last night ,
near that place was ono of the most terrible
river disasters that over happened In south
ern waters. The loss is very heavy. About
thirty persons perished in the llamcs , nnd a
largo number Jumped overboard and were
drowned. Among the lost are Captain James
S. Holmes and First Clerk Samuel U.Powell.
Their bodies have been recovered. Captain
Holmes' body was terribly burned ,
Ono of tlio deckhands who escaped says
there were about one hundred persons on
board and that only about a dozen could bo
found alive. The engineer and pilot were
saved. All who escaped were burned more
or less severely.
It was Just before Christmas day was
being ushered in that the line steamer was
coming down the river. Several of trie pas
sengers were seated in the cabin having a
merry time and with no thought of the im
pending catastrophe. Many of the crow and
passengers were asleep when the fire broito
out and spread with indiscribablo rapidity.
The details of tbo sufferings nnd death of
tome of the passengers are burrowing In the
extreme.
The boat had reached a point which was
but n short distance above town when a
negro roustabout near the boiler room ran
out to the deck and shouted that tlio boat
was on fire. John Cullcn , a stoker , was near
the place at the time , and seeing the flames
bursting forth from the big tiers of cotton near
the boiler ran hastily to the engine room and
gave the alaim. Engineer Mcrriman took in
the situation nt n glance , nnd nt once sounded
the alarm by blowing the steam whistle and
ringing the bell. In nn instant the flames
shot through the cabin and over the sides of
the cotton , cnvelopingthe entire boat in fire.
Clerk Powell was up stairs at the time , and
\vhcn ho saw the flames , herocally ran
through the sm'oko which filled the cabin
nnd tried to arouse the sleeping people. Ho
kicked at the doors , und in a short time
almost everybody was awake. Then con
fusion worse confoundcdappenrcdaud , frantic
people ran to the different exits to make their
escape. Hut the boat was piled high with
cotton and the passageways were filled with
smoke. Many dropped before they were
able to got to the forward part of the boat
nnd wore dead when the steamer went
down.
As soon ns the fire was discovered En
gineer Mcrriman set the steam pumps to
working and tried to battle with the flames ,
but the fire swept through the boat like a
blast on a prairie , and the engine room was
BOOH in flames , Then , to add to the conster
nation , n steam pipe burst nnd filled the
place with scalding steam. Engineer Morri-
inun was forced to abandon his post , and ho
nnd the stokers and others ran to the side of
the boat and rushed through pell mell to save
their lives.
As Boon ns the smoke nnd flames began to
start up the sides of tlio boat Captain Jollcs ,
the pilot , swung her around and headed the
boat for shore. A full head of steam was on ,
and the boat soon ran Into the bank. Before
she did so , however , she was doomed. All
her timber was furiously burning. When
the steamer struck the bank she bounded
nwuy again nnd swung around , drifting down
the stream as she burned. Then Captain
Jollcn Jumped out over the cotton bales and
Kpringiug Into the river swum ashore ,
The sight \yas a weird one , viewed from
the bank , and the town was aroused. Flout
ing cotton , charred timber and other debris
lllled the river , nnd many people wcro
strugcling desperately in the water for their
lives. Some of them wore able to
swim ashore , but most of them
were so badly burned or thoroughly ex
hausted that they struggled but n few mo
ments and sank to rise no more.
As the burning boat struck the bank of. the
river the crow and the passengers , who had
been ublo to reach the forward end of the
boat sprang ashore , sotno of them with
scorched faces mid bruised limbs , aud many
vt them with scarcely any covering. Among
those who managed to got oft wore Captain
Holmes-and Bob Smith , the unfortunate
pilot of the Illfutcd White , who was n pus.
sengcr. Both men wore burned nigh unto
death , and the story of the manner In which
they sufTorod is most heartrending.
When the captain Jumped ashore he was
liorrlnly burnoil , and In his fr.intio desira to
bo relieved from the pain ho was suffering ,
lie buried his fuco and hands in soft mud
nnd begged most pitcously for some ono to
bnlp him. Smith was Just behind and waa
laid out by the side of the dying captain.
Nothing could bo done for the suffering men ,
and the two died together on tbo river
bank.
Plaqueuilno was not slumbering when the
flro broke out , and when the discovery was
made that tlio Hamm was burning , r.lmost
Iho ontlro town Hooked to the river bank end
watched the vessel burn. The struggll'ib '
unforlimntes who reached the shore wcro
taken care of , und doctors and others
came to their asilstancc nnd tried to allevl
nto their sufferings. The City nnd Centra
hotels and private houses threw open their
doors to the ill-fated people nnd fed am
clothed them until this morning. The snr
vivors telegraphed accounts of the disaster
to their homes.
No ono saw Clerk Powell , who dlsplnyci
much heroism in waking up the passengers
after ho lind rapped nt the dbors , nnd It Is
quite positive that ho was burned to deatl
and went down with the steamer. No nt
tempt was made to bavo any of the steamer's
books nnd papers , and everything , togothci
with the clothes of the cro\v
and passengers , was lost. The boa
burned rapidly after she rcachci
the bank and In n very short time after the
alarm was given she bad burned to the
water's edge. The bull sank and nothing
was left of the Hanna but the floating tim
bcrs aud the burning cotton.
The crow of the boat were J. S. Holmes
captain ; George ltwcll nnd James Gordon
clerks ; Lew Hawllngs nnd Henry Jolles
pilots ; J. H. Handley nnd J , C. Mornman
engineers ; Daniel Carroll , Steward ; Saniue
Bryant , first mate ; Mike Cussat , secom
mate ; John Gibbon , sailormun ; Ben Duclos
and Willie Hlggins , barkeepers ; two eham
bermnlds , Mrs. Demery nnd Mrs. Hunt
Jimmy Hundley nnd Charley Thompson , fire
men ; John Hucker and Tom Cullcn , stokers
Among those that wcro lost are :
CAPTAIN J. S. HOLMES , master of the
boat.
SAMUEL POWELL , chief clerk.
BOB SMITH , pilot from Smithlnnd , La.
MIKE O'NEIL , night watchman.
JOE CUANE , cabin watchman.
MONROE DECIC , first cook.
JACK DUFF , second Cook.
JOE HAUVEY , cabin boy.
JIM WATSON , second baker ,
JOHN CUAFTON , carpenter.
Among those who were badly burned arc
DAN CAIIUOI.L , steward.
JIM O'Nmi.i , , deckhand.
Jon.v Gimio.NH , sailorman.
Louis Wci.cn , roustabout , nud a number
of others.
The following is nn additional list of those
saved : Mary Hums&y , Priscillu Wright unc
Millie Gentry , colored passengers ; Will
Marshall , cabin boy , John Jackson anc
Thomas Garrow , both seriously burned.
There were on the Hanna thirty-three
roustabouts , and eleven belonging to the
Josie W , which had been laid up at Munroo.
Of these thirty-three are known to bo saved ,
leaving eleven unaccounted for. The follow-
lowing are additional names of the lost :
JOHN BAULOW , colored ,
JIM BLANK , colored ,
DICK BLANK , colored , mess room tender ,
STEPHEN JOHN and MONKOE DIGGS ,
cooks.
The child of Priscilla Wright ( colored ) .
The survivors were nil warm in their
praise of the humane people of Plaquemlne ,
who spared no pains and no money to fur
nish them with qlothes nnd shelter after
their terrible experience. W. H. Brulc ,
mayor of the city , was especially kind to tlio
survivors.
None of the men could say what was the
origin of the fire. The general impression ,
however , is that some careless smoker threw
a cigarette among the cotton bales and
thereby caused the disaster.
The death of John Crafton , carpenter.
was a sad one. Ho was in the upper portion
of the boat , struggling to get near the front
end. The flames were twisting and sweep
ing all about him. Ho tried to reach the
bow , but dropped and burned to death before
the eyes of the people , who were not able to
render bitn any help.
The second barkeeper of the boat said Mr.
Powell was standing near him when they
both Jumped into the water. Powell , who
could not swim , climbed on a floating cotton
bale , but two deck hands jumped on the bale ,
uirning It over and throwing Powell
into the water and ho disappeared.
The boat was about fifteen yards from the
shore when a great many people plunged
into the river , and several who readied the
bank in safety became bogged in the soft
mud , and so intense was the heat of the
burning boat that they were burned to death
before they could climb up the steep bank of
the levee. The fire was so rapid that before
the pilot hud finished sounding the three
alarm whistles the entire boat from stem to
stern was n roaring mass of flames , and the
scene that ensued was terrible in the ex
treme. Men yelled nnd ran about the decks of
the burning steamer like maniacs , and others ,
screaming at the top of their voices , throw
themselves into the dark waters and wcro
lost to sight in the twinkling of an eye , The
second barkeeper said several persons near
him struggled in the water nnd begged
pitifully for help , but ho could not render
them any assistance , because the water
chilled him to the marrow , and his clothing
clogged his every movement.
A cabin boy , who was nn assistant of the
steward , said the crow who wore in
the Texas were aroused from their slumbers
by the flames , which roared over them ,
und they were compelled to dive headlong
from the roof of the boat Into the river , and
many of them were burned to death while in
the water.
This evening the impression prevails that
the number of lives lost may not exceed
thirty , although , owing to the fact that the
steamer's papers were nil burned , it is dlfll
cult to get the cx'act number of people on
board the Ill-fated boat.
On the arrival of the train in this city ,
ambulances were at 'the depot and all the
survivors of the disaster who were suffering
from severe burns wcro at once convoyed to
the Charity hospital.
Steward Carroll says that the last of the
lady passengers on the boat coining down
got off at Baton Kongo. Ho says among the
l > asscnirers that were aboard at tlio time of
the nccMent were Captain P. G. Montgom
ery , Mr. Harpln , of the board of under
writers , and a drover and his son , They
wore all saved.
A Times-Democrat special from Plaque-
mine give the following account of the death
of Captain Holmes :
The bravo captain met the most awful
death. Ho remained nt his post of duty till
every chance to save the lives of the passcn-
? ers was gone. Then ho attempted to swim to
Lbe shore , but It Happened to bo boggy and ho
was seen to make frantic endeavors to extri
cate himself without avail. The burningboat
was fast ncarlng him , and while bo was bn
his knees In the mud , ho put his hands up to
protect his back from the Intense ) heat. It
wus an awful moment fur those on shore ,
who were making every endeavor to relieve
ilmrjwlth skiffs and with ropw from
: ho br.nk. Ono man went out to
ilm nnd placed a box between him and the
lames to protect him from the increasing
ieat. Hosui'J : "Nevermind me. I'll bo
lead In a few minutes , anyway. " Ho was
Inally freed from nis terrible situation by
.ying a rope around his body and dragging
urn on shore , but too lute. Ho died ubout
an hour after being rescued.
AH Oornn Hto.imi'r Burned.
ScATTi.15 , W. T. , Dee. 25-Fivo and per-
nips seven lives are believed to have been
est by the burning of the propeller Levl
Erlckson , off Alkl Point , last nlpht. The
vessel plies between Seattle and Sydney , nnd
wns cnroutO'to ' the latter point nt the time
The fire originated In the pilot house and I
is not definitely known what caused it
although it is said to have been n lamp ex
plo ion. There wcro thirty-six people on bonn
nt the time , and the vessel was
three miles from shore. The
fire spread with incredible rapidity
Captain John H. Nibbo endeavored to launch
the life raft , but found tbo passenger * nl
ready struggling to get It overboard. In the
struggle to get tlio raft properly launched
the captain was carried overboard with it
while the passengers , seizing the life preservers
servers , firewood , or anything that wouh
float. Jumped overboard.
The steamer Skaglt Chief , en route to Ta
coma , saw the fire nnd crowded on full stc.in
to come to the steamer's assistance
Her crow succeeded in rescuing
seven people from the water
The steamer Mountaineer , which was four
miles away , also saw the fire nnd came up
When within half a mile of the burning ship
they found people struggling In the water ,
and lowerine boats , succeeded In rcscuinj
nineteen persons. Ono unknown man dlci
after boine taken out of the water.
The list of the lost , so far as known , U :
Miss AX.NIE TOM.NCU.
J. II. NOHbOL'S.
JACK SIMIO.NS , of Sydney.
T. SMITH , of Colby.
And two women and n man , whose names
are not ascertained.
Neither of the rescuing vessels went to
the burning steamer , ns she was completely
enveloped in flames.
No IjivcH Lou.
PoKTSMoUTit , N. H. , Dec. 25. The steamer
Silver Star , of Bar Horbor , was sunk this
morning about 1:30 : o'clock about three miles
eastjof Whalesback light. S&o struck n sunken
wreck , staving a hole amidships and filling
with water. Captain Parker and the crew o !
eight men took the boats , saving only the
clothes they had on.
*
Sail ISitnt. Capsized.
SAN FKANCISCO , Dec. 25. Late this after
noon while a party of seven wcro out sailing
on the bay about six miles out the boat was
capsized nnd six of the occupants drowned.
The following are tfteir names : Andrew
Sictrel , Kato Sicgel , George Strimp and wife ,
Matt Cox aud Mary Morales.
A. DESTRUCTIVE FIR 13.
The Town of Marblclicnd , Mass. ,
Nearly Destroyed.
MAiini.r.nnAD , Mass. , Dec. 25. 12:30 a. m.
Mnrblchead is on fire. The entire busi
ness portion is In ruins and n dozen firms nre
burnt out , also the Boston & Maine depot
and several other buildings. It is the largest
fire that ever visited this city nnd tlio people
are panic-stricken. The telegraph oflico has
been destroyed nnd this dispatch is sent with
great difficulty over a hastily improvised
wire and communication is liable to bo inter
rupted at any moment.
At midnight it is estimated that seven
acres have been burned , and the entire loss
will be nt least $500,000. Among the build-
incs that have been burned are the Powers
block , William Goldthwtiite's three-store
building , Monroe's large shoe factory , a
three-story block occupied by dry goods
stores and the Boston branch grocery story
on the first floor , Masonic hall on
the second , and a skating rink on
the third , the four-story Allcrton
block , the American Express building ,
Simon's variety store , the dwellings of Dan
iel Brodon , George Church and Thomas
Fulls , Metcalf's ' box. factory , and other build-
Ings. Two families lived in Power's block ,
whore the lire originated , but fortunately
escaped. Nearly the same locality was
burned over about twelve years ago. Tlio
first fire started in nearly the sumo place.
Many of to-night's victims wore
also sufferers by the former fire.
The shoo business , which has been quiet
for several month's past , was just starting
up and many operatives will now bo thrown
out of work the entire winter. The fire is
still burning. It is impossible to get definite
losses , owing to the great excitement pre
vailing among all classes.
>
A $ : tnoOOO Flro at Cincinnati.
CINCINNATI , Dec. 25. A fire which orig
inated early this morning In the works of
the Jacobs Cordngo company , at Budd and
Harriet streets , burned to ashes the factories
and dwellings , covering three acres of
ground. The lire spread rapidly in the build
ing in which it started , and soon extended to
the yards of the Cincinnati , Hamilton &
Dayton road , which wcro filled with cars ,
These soon caught fire , and though but little
wind was blowing , the intense Heat from
the wooden buildings and cars sent the
flames bounding over a large area. The fire
department worked with desperation , but
despite their efforts the works of the Budd
Street Furniture company , Central Furni
ture association nnd Queen Twine company ,
were soon in llamcs. From these buildings
the lire spread rapidly to the adjacent dwell
ings , nnd several were destroyed before the
firemen could subdue this conflagration. The
total losses aggregate about. $350,010 with an
insurance about half. Three firemen wcro
quite seriously injured.
Train llobbcr * nt Work.
TuucKiiK , CnluDec. . 25 , The express car
on the cust bound train was robbed last night
two miles cast of Clipper Gup. The express
messenger , Johnson , nnd his helper , Miles ,
were busy in the car when suddenly the
glass transoms over the doors were broken
simultaneously , and two revolvers thrust
through , covering the messengers. Johnson
was compelled to open the door and let the
men in. Ono robber then covered the mes
sengers with his revolvers , while the other
took from the safe nil the coin packages ,
which ho placed in a bag. The men then
Jumped from the train , which wns running
slow. When Now England mills was
reached the messenger gave a inscription of
the robbers , who were both young men , and
horsemen started in pursuit. Two tramps
liavo been arrested on suspicion. Tlio
amount of the loss is not known , but is re
ported to bo several thousand dollars , al
though express representatives say 11,000
will cover It.
- 4 ,
EndorHCH lioiilaiiger.
PAW ? , Dec. 25 , General Uoulangor's cause
tias received nn immense accession in the
candidature of General Montalbun for a scat
n the chamber of deputies. His nppeuranco
ns n candidate in the department of Soinmo
conjoined with General Boulunger , opens
Favorably for thoBoulunglsts a mostmomcn-
, ! oup election campaign , The ministers fool
the danger acutely und to-day thyy held n
council at Elvseo to consider how to fuco the
situation. General Montulban's election ad
dress is a frame espousal of the Boulangcr
> rogrammc. Ho denounces the chumbor of
deputies und demands the summoning of a
constituent assembly as alone competent to
express the national will.
Troubles at. Itovlor ,
ST. Louis , Dec. 25. Trouble broke out
afresh to-day at Bevler , Mo. , the scene of
, bo recent mine troubles. Tlio ncgroes wcro
ho aggressors , and not only did they grow
) ostcrousL ! but attempted Intimidation by
bo frea use of fire arms. The militia acted
iroraptly , nnd to-night flvo of the ring-
carters arc in the guard house.
Freight Train Wrecked.
DKXVEII , Dee , 25. A freight train on tbo
Midland road jumped the trad : while round-
HB a curve near L ! mo Creek to-day , wreck-
ng cars and killing Fireman Martin and
Jrakcman Hubert Ilurliu.
UNDER THE' ' NAME OF LAW ,
Sad Storey of ri. Boy hi an lown
Penitentiary.
STOLE TO KEEP FROM STARVING
How Chester Turncy AVas Given n
Mock Trial for a. TrlflliiK Tholt
nnd Sentenced to Seven
teen Years.
A Mothcr'q Pica for Pardon.
Dr.sMoiSES , la. , Dec. 2. . [ Special to THE
Hun. | In Oswego , N. Y. , about twenty years
ago was born a boy whoso II fo for the past
flvo years has been ono unbroken series ol
misfortunes , such ns even in this world of
sorrow are seldom experienced. This boy ,
Chester Turnoy , bccamo fatherless at the
ago of three years. His mother , being poor ,
was compelled to bo separated from her boy
in order to make a living for herself and him.
She engaged in teaching , nnd , following the
custom of the time anil place , boarded around
among the patrons of the school. The boy
Chester was adopted by Kov. James and
Mrs. needier. Kov. James Bcpchor was the
youngest brother of the late Henry Ward
Bcechcr , and at tuat time pastor of n church
In Oswego. For several years the little fel
low remained In their home , where ho was
carefully trained nnd cared for. After n
while it became necessary for Airs. Turnoy
to go west to the homo of her parents ,
and wishing to take Chester with
her the Uccchcrs gave him up. In
'their new home Mrs. Turncy nnd her boy
found many hardships , but managed to live ,
the mother teaching , sowing , caring for the
sick , nnd doing whatever she could find to
do. One day while engaged In her house
hold work she accidentally stepped through
a trap-door and broke her leg. This was in
deed a terrible blow to the poor woman , She
had by industry and the strictest economy
managed to accumulate about $300 , but this
sum was soon gone , used to pay .for board ,
lodging , and doctors' bills. Chester at this
time was employed on a farm near the httlo
town of Preston , in Jackson county , Iowa.
Ho had contracted for a year , and notwith
standing the illness of his mother and her
straightened pecuniary circumstances , his
employer refused to pay him until the time
had expired. Tnc poor boy worked hard und
faithfully , eagerly looking forward to the
time when lip could collect his wages and
contribute his little store to the sunport of
his mother , who in iho meantime had been
compelled to accept aid from the town of Sa-
bula , in which she was living.
This humiliating circumstance was keenly
felt by the proud nnd sensitive boy , and the
mental worry it occasioned , combined with
the hard physical labor , rapidly destroyed
his health. When his term of servic ended
ho was still unable to collect his wages , his
employer pleading inability to pay. The dis-
npnointed boy went to visit his mother , and
found her unable to. leave iicr bed and the
forced recipient of public charity , while he.
who through long , weary months had toiled
early and late , was unable to aid her. The
sick mother bravely endeavored to hide her
own anguish and comfort her child , but it
may Do well bcllovo4 [ that It was a dlfllcult
task. Knowing that the employer was soon
to receive a lur o sum "of money , Chester returned
turned to Pretspn , jthjnldng that if.ho were
present when the money was received )
bo would 'surely get his pay. While
waiting for Jt hd worked around the
town wherever hq ? could and anything
to do , but the severe physical and mental
strain proved too much for him , and a long ,
lingering fever was the consequence. For
days he raved in dellruim , and weeks passed
away before ho could leave his room. At
this time came thoflhockjng intelligence that
his mother had boon sent to Michigan a pau
per , and died on the way. This was the
climax of his woe. No light penetrated the
gloom surrounding him. His star of liopo
seemed set in endless night. During his ill
ness n great deal of expense had necessarily
been incurred , undjio now endeavored to get-
work in order to pay the proprietor of the
hotel where ho had been during his sickness ,
Ono day about this time a young man approached
preached him , and requested him to buy n re
volver and watch chain of him , claiming to
bo far from home and without money. Ches
ter explained to him that ho did not wish
the articles , but If it would help him ho would
take them , as the young man offered them
very cheap. In a short time Turnoy was ar
rested for stealing. It seems that some pur-
ties in Preston whom ho had offended in
some way had induced the young man to get
those stolen articles into Turnoy's posses
sion. Ho was taken before a Justice and
fined $10 and costs , which made tlio sum
total-WO. Not having the money ho was
sent to jail for ten dnys. After three days'
imprisonment , however , the jailor released
him , telling him that Ins imprisonment was
unlawful. Sick mid weary , and burdened by
this new sense of disgrace , the poor boy
wandered about , dreading to meet anyone
who know him. Near Preston lived n ,
farmer who had been a friend to his mother.
Ho resolved to see him und explain his case ,
thinking the man would believe him. Hut
approaching the house in the early morning
ho found the furmerjvas not at homo and his
wife outdoing chores. At Hrst ho thought ho
would tell her , butconcludcd ho couldu't.and
after talking with her a while passed on.
Though the lady kindly invited him into the
house , ho Was determined not to enter it
without a full explanation of his late terrible
experience , Grief for his mother and his
own sickness and trouble had completely
crushed the boy , und at length in n state of
despair and , it may reasonably bo believed ,
temporary insanity , Chester lied from the
liauuts of men and sought refuge in tlio
woods. For days ho lived on nuts , resolving
never to go near a human habitation again ,
but finally the gnawings of hunger overcame
Ills resolution , and forced him to scok food.
Ho loft his retreat , wont near the house of n
former employer and watched for an oppor
tunity to get Into the house unobserved. At
length it came. Ho went in , and finding the
table sot for a meal , bo took something to
cat. and the very revolver , for buying which
le had been sent to jail. Passing out of
.he house ho concealed himself In
some shrubbery lii the garden until
dark , and then went to the barn , where ho
stayed all night. Oh leaving in the morning
10 took with him'an old Buffalo robe to wrap
limsolf up. About this time ho also entered
n hardware store through an open window ,
and took some baps of shot In order to kill
; nmo to support hims'clf in the woods. Not
being strong enough to carry it all , ho loft it
at the rear door of the store , and returned
for it on the following night. During the
icxt day parties bad been notillcd to bo on
watch and shoot at sight. So when ho ap-
cured , ho received a shot in His leg , but
imnnged to escape'to the woods , only to bo
mntured the nnxt day. When found , ho was
mndculTcd and drugged through the streets
of Preston with a rope around his neck , and
n drunken , infuriated mob howling around
ilia und threatening to lynch him. A gen-
leman made his way through the
irutul crowd , und , with re'volver in
mnd , rescued the boy from mob violence ,
lut tor this timely aid ho would probably
mvo boon hanged. Ho was Immediately
alien to Jail , and while awaiting trial , re
ceived a letter from his mother , whoso sup-
msed death und the .Bad circumstances ut-
enulng it , hud driven him to desperation.
Previous to this ho had been in u listless ,
apathetic condition , evincing no emotion at
lis fata. Ilut bis mother's letter aroused
ilm and ho now desired to bo free. In duo
imo his Eo-callod trial came off. His perse
cutors selected the jury. Ho was not ul-
owed in the court room. The mob , terrified
it the idea of justice being visited on them
n case of his acquittal , resorted to the most
dastardly means to secure ills conviction.
Us attorney , In a weak , half-hearted way ,
ntcrcd a plea of not guilty , and the whole
noccedliib's word conducted in the plainest
violation of the law and the constitution'
f the state. The result of this
miserable farce was n sentence of seventeen
and one-half years In the penitentiary at ban !
labor , nnd in less thnn three hours after the
court convened , Chester Turnoy was on the
road to Anamosa to uo incarcerated In a dun
geon for seventeen and one-half years for
trtklnR something to eat , when grief , sick
ness , inability to obtain work , or collect pay
for work already done , and urgent Imprison
ment bad driven him to starvation nnd In
sanity.
This poor. Innocent boy hns now been wearIng -
Ing the garb of a convict for nearly three
years , in nn Iowa penitentiary. Had his
mother really died , it Is very probnblo that
his sad story would never have been told.
During the three years of his imprisonment ,
this heart-broken woman has been traveling
over the state , telling her sorrows nnd en
deavoring to enlist sympathy for her boy. Her
story seemed so strange that many pronounced
It n llctlon nnd heeded it no further. Some ,
however , impressed by her Intelligence , ro-
flnod manner , ami the air of truthfulness
with which she related this awful tale of
woe , Investigated the case , nnd found her
statements absolutely correct In every par
ticular. There is now no doubt existing in
the minds of any who desires to know the
truth of the case. The railroads of Iowa
have , at the solicitation of Mrs. Turney's
friends , recently given her passes over the
principal lines , and she now goes over the
state nt will , over pleading for her son , Mrs.
Turncy bus In her possession letters from
Chester , all breathing a spirit of filial devo
tion and displaying a remarkably calm , phi
losophical mind. All who have visited the
penitentiary are Impressed with his manly
appearance and bravo endeavor to bear up
under bis terrible fate , but the trials of his
young llfo nro rapidly exhausting his vital
energy , and it is probable that only n speedy
release will prevent his early death.
k HurRlnrs at Missouri Vnllcy.
Mtssotmi V.UIIY : , la. , Dec. 2 , " . [ Special
to Tin : Uin.l : Burglars broke into the post-
oflico hero last night and stele $50 in cash
mid all the postage stamps in stock. Tom
Carlisle , n cousin of Speaker Carlisle , is the
postmaster , and , with a partner , runs a gen
eral store , as well ns the postofllco. The
partner was sleeping in the store at the time
of the robbery , but was not aroused. There
is no clue ns to whom the robbers were and no
arrests have been made.
While Mr. nnd Mrs. Goodrich were at
church burglars entered their house and
took nil the valuables they could lay their
hands on and stele several articles of wear
ing apparel. It is supposed that Iho same
parties robbed both. places nnd have made
their escape. They nro supposed to bo now
in Omaha.
FOIl TIIK POOK.
Distribution of 1'rescnts From the
Po.st-Iisp'.itcti ' Christinas Tree.
ST. Louis , Dec. 25. There was n rare
scene nt the Exposition building to-day , the
occasion being the distribution of presents to
children of the poor from the Post-Dispatch
Christinas tree , for which a fund of nearly
510,000 had been subscribed by the general
public. The subscriptions were started with
a 10 cent contribution , with no idea of the
magnitude the affair was to assume , und the
result far exceeded the most sanguftlo
expectations of the projectors. Fully
15,000 children received presents and
for hours the streets in the vicinity of the ex
position building wcro blocked with hu
manity. The Cavalry depot band , by per
mission of the secretary of war- ; furnished
the music. There will bo n fund of several
thousand dollars remaining from to-day's '
entertainment and it will be utilised for pur
chasing clothing , shoes , eta , for poor chil
dren. John L. Jennings , editor of the Post-
Dispatch , originator of the project , was pre
sented with an elegant gold watch by the
citizens' committee.
Anarchists Observe Clirintmns.
Cnic..oo , Dec. 23. A Christinas tree , sur
mounted by a red Hag several yards long ,
was the center around which danced to
night , in Arbeiter hall , scores of anarchists' '
and socialists with their scarlet dccoratca
wives and children. Gifts from the tree
were distributbd to the youngsters in regula
tion Christina ; , fashion. Then came a speech
from Paul Qjlttkan , who , the supreme court
of Wisconsin'iias just decided , still owes the
state penitentiary several month's service
for his part in the Milwaukee riot. Unlike
on former occasions , Grottkan's remarks this
evening were studiously free from anything
incendiary. Christmas , ho explained , was
not n time for a discussion of "economics , "
The bitterest remark of Grottakn was that
'
"if Christ Himself came here to-day , and
preached the doctrine of communism which
His followers practiced , ho would , Judging
from recent events , bo hanged. "
*
The Prcsidcnt-IClcct.
, Dec. 25. Quiet has reigned
in the Harrison homestead to-day , the gen
eral remaining at homo nil day. The first
half of the day was devoted to work in his
library. This week , or at least a portion of
it , will bo devoted to outlining the inaugural
address. There were but few callers to-day ,
and they were all friends from this city.
Presents wcro exchanged , between members
of the family nnd some ortbo more intnnato
friends , of this city , sent in some presents.
Tlio parlors grow moro and more line a curi
osity shop with each day.
Addrcsn to Wool Growers.
COI.UMIIUS , O. , Dec. 25. Columbus De
lane , president of the National Wool
Growers' association , has issued un address
to the wool growers of the United States ,
calling a meeting of the ofliccrs of the na
tional and state associations nt Washington
January 10. The address sets forth that the
wool schedule pending * before the senate
fails to afford adequate protection , and It is
to consider tlio question of relief that the
meeting is culled.
Iiefuuted.
CINCINNATI , Dec. 25. A. shooting match
took plnco hero to-day between Captain A.
II. Hogardus and Al , Handle of this city. It
was at 100 live birds , Hurlingham rules , ex
cept in the case of Handle , whoso gun was a
nine nnd a half pound ten gauge gun , The
score was : Uaridlp 100 , Hogurdus 05. Ho
gardus used a seven and a half pound gun ,
twelve bore.
IjntcBt AilviccH From Wiihulnk.
ST. Louis , Dec , 25. Latest advices from
WalmlaU , Miss. , the scene of the race troub
les , are to the effect that thrco moro negroes
have been captured , but their names are
withheld. From the prisoners Just taken It
Is learned that George Maury , Cash Maury
und George Colcnmn were wounded in the
light of December 10.
Christ tnas in New York City.
Niw ; YoitK. Dec , 25. Such a Christmas
day with bright sunshine and warm air as
Now York has had to-day is not remembered
by the oldest inhabitant. On Fifth avenue
and Upper Hroadway there was a gay scene
of promenaders. Two big feasts were given
to newsboys by the charitably disposed.
They ute nn abundance of turkey. Tlio pris
oners in the city institution did likewise.
Cm/.y From Drink.
CiiAiti.EsTow.v , W. Va. , Dr.c , 23 , This
afternoon Fount Horner , aged twenty , be
came crazy with drink , and obtaining a club
run through the streets , knocking down and
severely injuring several people. The last
mun ho struck , Edward Ames , drew u knife
and killed his assailant.
t-'uvetl by tlio Ktvcr.
New Cu.Miir.ui.ANn , W. Va.- , Dee , 25. A
fire , originating from a natural gas jot , do-
destroyed W. A , Scott's drug nnd jewelry
store last tilght , together with Prusser'a '
Jewelry store , a barber shop , four dwellings
uud scvorul other buildings. The river cut
the ( Ire oft from the rest of the town , and
was Us only salvation , Tottl loss $15,000 ,
CllOWMjl ) WITH
Hie Kmporor Itccclvcs An Kuthnslns-
tlo Welcome nt llredontown.
HKIU.IN , Dec. 25. [ Special Telegram to
Tin : Hur. . ] The burden of Christmas com
ment of the press nnd pulpit reverts to the
nnxcUcs prevalent nt the snmejporiod for the
la t thrco years , nnd to the existing prospects
for peace. The weather has not been Christ
mas like. Instead of n crisp frost , there hns
been n prolonged period of dump , cold and
rainy weather. The streets of the capital
nbound in mud. Last evening , after the im
perial dinner at the palace , gifts were dis
tributed. The household officials of the cm-
press nnd Dowager Kmpress Augusta made
unusually large purchases for distribution
among the poor.
When the emperor visited the Yulcun
shipbuilding works nt Urcdontown , Satur
day , ho was greeted by 3,000 workmen who
lined the approach to the works. A crown
of laurels was offered to his majesty , who
iu ncccpting it said ! "I thank you. These
nr& the first laurels that have been offered
me. I am happy to thluk they are laurels
of peace. "
The staff appointments for the Emin relief
expedition will bo necessarily delayed until
tlio government's plans assume moro defi
nite shape.
In connection with the report that the gov
ernment Intends to appoint an imperial com-
tssaryto the colonial force , Lieutenant Wiss-
man is already named as the probable ap
pointee. Count Pfell , agent of the Kast
Africa company , who is personally known to
Hismurck , is mentioned as the probable gov
ernor of liio territory.
The chancellor's illness , which hns given
rise to alarming rumors in the progressist
press and French newspapers , docs not
hinder his work. He has wired his congratu
lations to Lord Salisbury regarding the
English victory in Suakim.
Prince Uismarck ignores tlio nppcal of Sir
H. D. Moricr , Hritlsh ambassador at St.
Petersburg , to authorize tlio official contra
diction of the charges recently made by the
Cologne Gazette , of his having unti-Gornmn
leanings , nnd of having , while nt Darmstadt
in 1STO , sent the first news of the advance of
Germans across the Mozcllo to London.
'
whence the news reached Hazine. , _ .
The English embassy do not expect tlmt
Prince Uismarck will direct the semi-official
press to adopt u more moderate tone. On
the contrary , they think that unless the ob
jects of the attack are attained , ho may
order that a moro aggressive attitude bo
assumed.
Ucrr Hlcicherordo , the banker , privately
entered Fricderichsruho yesterday. It is
surmised that his business is for the purpose
of consulting with Prince Hismarck in re
gard to coming imperial loans. Immediately
after the visit a Frankfort syndicate , which
was arranging a loan of 7,000,000 marks for
the Hulgarian government , received official
notice that the issue of such a loan would bo
impossible within German territory.
Moro changes are made in high military
commands. General Winterfeldt , governor
of Mnycnce , has been retired , General Hclb-
nctz replacing him. Since the emperor be
gan the work of reforming the service sixty-
five generals have been placo.1 on the retired
list.
list.The
The rifle factories at Spandon Dantzican-
derfurt are turning out 50,000 repeaters of
the new pattern every month.
The French government , during the recent
stay of the Husslan grand dukes in Paris ,
offered to place the Label rifle at the disposal
of the cz.ir on the condition that the whole
supply bo made in Frauce. The czar lias as
yet came to no conclusion regarding the pro
posal. Although neither the Austrian Mann-
licher rifle nor the German repeater is smoke
less , like the Lcbel rifle , both are believed to
be reliable.
ncforin in Our JiankliiK
DAVID CITV , Neb. , Dec. 21. [ To the Ed
itor of THE HER. ] The recent failures of
the banks at Valpariso and Fairmont recalls
to mind afresh the dire necessity for strin
gent laws regulating thp business of bankers
and brokers in Nebraska , and the much
needed appointment of a few competent bank
examiners under the supervision of the state
auditor. Such robberies as the J. Robert
Williams' affair , in Hutlor county a few years
ago , whereby chattlo mortgages and notes in
duplicate , and oven triplicate , were obtained
from innocent farmers to the tune
of some ! 0,000 , and sold to cap
italists in Lincoln , Omaha and Chicago ,
resulting in great hardships and suffering to
the victimized , and the recent collapse of the
State Bank of Hrainard , whereby many de
positors were robbed of thuir hard earnings.
besides the making of fictitious notes nnd
mortgages , und _ swindling people east by
false representations of values , as well as
the Fairmont bank of the Chases , whereby
another lot of confiding people were deprived
of their savingH , could not bo practiced in
our state if the state required personal nomi
nations to bo made by good accountants , the
same us is now in force under the national
bank act.
Every man or bank authorized to receive
deposits from the public should first bo com
pelled to obtain a permit or charter , and be
required to make a certain deposit with the
state treasurer , of sccuritcs to cover all lia
bilities to depositors , besides being required
to constantly keep on hand from 15 to 25
pur cent of its deposits in actual cash , so that
the state examiner may call at any time , un
announced , und count it , examine all its re
sources nnd liabilities , with power to order a
a strict compliance with thy laws. No bank or
broker ought to bonllowed to loan to any ono
person or firm mjre than 10 per cent of its or
his capital , all notes taken to ho well secured ,
and if a no to is six months oust due , without
payments being made , it should bo stricken
from the resources and cease to be consid
ered of any value.
Tliis imitation , no doubt , will create con
siderable opposition from all concornsthataro
in reality bankrupt now , and that on call for
a report and examination , would bo compelled
to close up business ; but no man in the busi
ness , who is honest , and intends to do nn
honest business In this line , can object to it.
The present syBtom by which reports arc
made to the utato auditor , is of no avail ,
whatever , and is perfectly useless for making
u true showing , as every businessman knows
who is conversant with the actual facts.
At present , a convict leaving the peni
tentiary in Texas or California this week
can come to Nebraska mid the next week
open a bunk ( not with Iho drill and crow-bar )
and receive deposits , loan money , buy und
t > ell notes , bonds , und comniordul papers , nnd
after a white tuko un excursion to Canada ,
The next week or month after that prison
bird has had u chance to plume and lly away ,
.another comes along ami goes through thu
same performance. Thin is not a mere figure
of imagination , If reports are true. Neither
bhould a mun bo allowed to net as a broker.
including thu luuning on chatted and real
estate mortgages , unless ha can clearly es
tablish his right to pursue that line of busi
ness , It may close the doors of n good many
usury sharks in Omaha , Lincoln , and even In
the rural districts , but in the end the people
will have more money und enjoy moro confi
dence at home mid abroad , Our btate will
become moro prosperous by offering better
security nt IIOMO to depositors and obtain
more confidence and credit abroad by strict
state examinations of bunks , urokcrs , and all
money louuers ami dealers in securities
lill.N
Drowned U'hllo
L4KB VJU.AOE , N. H. Dec. i5. ! < 3. H ,
Hcnonand U , L. Henon , father and ion , and
Animon Vcasy , wcro drowned In Hound
Buy , invar here , this uftcmuon , while aUutlnt ; .
SADNDERS MAY BE SENATOR ,
Mr. Harrison Thought to Fnvor Him
as Mamlorson's Successor.
AN EYE ON SHERMAN'S SHOES ,
Itiittcrworlli Ambitious to Succeed
tlio Ohio HtntoMitnn IT Mo IM Culled
to tlio Ciihlnet Imlrd's Con
dition Dangerous ,
WASHINGTONUuiintu TIIK Ouuu HUB , )
519 FouitTMXTii SniniiT , V
WASIIIXCITON , 1) . C. , Dec. 85. )
The New York Herald hns tills paragraph !
"You nro to elect n United States aonntor
from Nebraska this winter , nren't you I" In
quired our representative of a in-oiulnont
citizen of Unit state.
"Yes ; mid some Interesting fuels nro de
veloping in Unit connection , llofuro the
presidential nomination this year It was generally -
orally conceded that Senator Mnndorson
would bo elected to succeed himself , but by
the election of General Harrison , now anil
unexpected conditions nro Introduced. Thora
was no element In the Nebraska delegation
to the Chicago convention nt all Interested
in thu nomination of Ocuor.il Harrison , anil
there was nothing done by that delegation ,
that should cause the president-elect to fqol
under any obligation to Nebraska. "
" \Vull \ , arc you going to mend that ,
now that tlio conduct of the delegation Is a
matter of record , "
"Certainly , but lit becomes a question
whether seine other prominent inmi may not
bo elected In place of Senator Miindorson.
Mr. Alvln Snuudcrs , who was formerly
United States senator from Nebraska , has
been In town , mid his presence lias caused
some comment , because of his possible re
entry into public life , liusscll Harrison , son
of the presulcnt-cloet , married the daughter
of ex-Son.itor Summers , and this necessarily
brings tlio two families nearer together. It
would not bo surprising if Nebraska should
change front for the purpose of getting n
United States senator who can have the favorable -
vorablo coiisidcrution of the administration.
SHERMAN'S SIIOKS.
An intimate friend of Congressman nut-
tcrworth , of Ohio , said , this afternoon , In
reference to the spcalcorshlpcontest : "Major i
liuttcrworth is not really a candidate for i
speaker. I know , of my own knowledge , that
tlio Cincinnati member expects that John
Sherman \yill bo nmdo secretary of atato ;
and ho bo'.iovcs that ho can mieceeU him In
the senate. Tlio candidacy for the spouhor-
ship Is merely a "blind. " Major Buttor-
worth is nt present laying n nipo for the cau
cus nomination for the senate , and there nro
many reasons why ho should succeed. Geographically
graphically ho is well located. Ho is dock\- \
edly popular , und would make mi acceptable
senator. " <
There arc n number of members of the
house who are of tlio opinion that Major
Huttonvorth has never been a real candidate
for the speakorshlp , und every man who is In
thn race thinks liuttcrworth wouh } make a
far better senator than speaker.
I.AIUD'S CONDITION.
Nothing further has been heard from the
bcdsido of Congressman Laird , but his
Iriends hero believe that he is quite ns 111 as
the worst reports make him out to be. The
trouble with Mr. Laird Is that ho has not the
requisite physical stamina to got well. Ho
is of that peculiar temperament which cannot
stand pain or discomfort. To all outward.np-
pearnnccs ho is tlio picture of health , but
just before the session closed ho was worn
out by the worries pf the campaign conducted
at long range. The worry brought on in
somnia und insomnia . was followed
by a severe nervous prostration. It
is from the latter difllctilty that his present
trouble arises. When ho loft Washington
For Nebraska ho wore a troubled air , whloh
no seemed utterly unajilo to shako off.
Throughout the campaign ho allowed every i
trille to rullle him , and it is said there were1
weeks , during the last days of the canvass' , '
when ho did not sleep ten consecutive min
utes. It is thought now that the strain
which ho has forced himself to bear , without
the slightest necessity therefor , has worn
out his wonderful strength , and his brain
has given way , from sheer inability on the
part of the patient to believe that ho can re
cover his health. There is n chance that the
ilclirium accompanying the fever may servo
to aid him , through the oblivion winch it
will produce.
llANIiEIIOl'.S TO IterUIIMCAXH.
The military committee of tlio house scums
to bo a bad place for republicans. Colonel
Stccle , of Indiana , was absent for som'O
weeks some time ago on account of illness ,
and General Cutclieon , of Michigan , was
compelled to leave in the middle of the lost
session on account of msomniii , and it is salil
that his physicians have ordered him away
again for the remainder of the present con
gress , because of a recurrence of the same
malady.
Ex-Congressman Hopburn , of Iowa , spcrit
his Christmas in this city. Ho Is hero on
private business and will remain several
days.
C , O. Carpenter , of Omaha , Is registered nt
the St. James.
Senators Manderson and Paddock enjoyed
turkey at the table do hole In thu Portland ,
with their families. Neither of the Nebraska
representatives in the upper house intends to
leave Washington during the holidays
Congressmen McSlmno ami Dorsoy. are In
Nebraska. They uro expected back l > y next
Sunday night. Pj'.unv S. HEATH.
Tlio Kllrnin-Siilllviin Fl ht.
Niw YOKK , Dec. 25. Tlio terms upon
which ICilrain will insist in tlio meeting witli
Sullivan , are that the stakes bo $20,000 a
side , open fur $ & , GOO ; that tlio battlu is to bo
fought within 200 miles of any city that may
bo mutually agreed upon , the Kilruln roprc-
hentutivcs preferring Now Orleans or Slouic
City , the battle to bo for tlio 1'ollco duetto
diamond bolt , which rRprcsonts the clmmp-
ioiiHliip or the world , and to tuko place In
three or four months after Blgnlng articles.
Under no conditions will Kilrnin'H represen
tatives agree to sign nrtlcluu unless the bolt
Is contended for. Kllrain'H representatives
will insist on the roferco being appointed nt
the posting of the Html deposit In order that
there bo no wrangle at the ring and no fiasco.
Murdered ) IlH Mother.
MirsKoam : , I , T. , Dec. 12. " . . A terrible
tragedy occurred Sunday night llvo mlles
west of hero , on the farm occupied by a
widow named Johnson and her four children.
The ten-year-old son went to a neigh bors on
n visit Sunday night , and v/non bo returned
homo in the evening found his mother and
twelve-year-old sl tor dead , their heuda be
ing beaten into pulp with a hugo club which
lay on the Hood. The three year-old baby was
alive , The oldest son , nged sixteen. was not
to bo found , and as ho Is known to ho rather
a hard character and has had frequent
quarrels with his mother , It Is supposed he ,
In a Jit of rath , committed the murders.
HUMJ Ball Indoor * .
Piin.Anni.rniA , Doc. 23. The Hrst attempt
to play uaso ball indoors was nmdo this after
noon In thu main building of thu Pennsyl
vania btato fair grounds. The teams wcro
made up of professionals wliitcrlnir In tills
city , and wcro divided Into loams called the
"Up Town" and "Down Town , " The diamond
mend was ratliur small , but the ball ueod *
rendered run-getting rather a difficult task.
About y.OOO people witnessed the game ,
which , taken altogether , could not bn con
sidered u glittering success. The score i Ui >
Towns , 1 ; Down Towns , t ) .
Wcalliur Inlicnlor..i. ( (
Nebraska and lowi ! Fair , prtredtj W
' - * - - ' - ' -
light snow in Iowa ; colder , norluefly
winds.
Dakota * Fair , continued Imv tetopcrr.ture ,
followed Wednesday by illt'hvy ! vfurucr.
rumble wl'iild. '