Source:Local-matters-1850-06-04
"Local matters." Daily Morning Post (Pittsburgh), June 4, 1850, [p. 2]. Newspapers.com 86642601.
The Workingmen's Congress
Will meet in Union Hall on Thursday evening next.
The propriety of nominating a separate ticket for the approaching election will be discussed.
The Restaurants and Mayor Barker.—There was considerable excitement in the streets yesterday, caused by the arrest of Mr. Beale, of "Beale's Restaurant," and Mr. Van Renssalaer, of "Wilkins Hall Restaurant," both of whom were charged with selling liquor on Sunday.
Mr. Van Renssalaer was discharged, there not being any evidence against him.
Mr. Beale was fined $20, which he refused to pay. A commitment was made out and put in the hands of Pinkerton, who commited [sic] Mr. B. to prison. In the mean time, Mr. Black sued out a writ of Habeas Corpus, and brought Mr. B. before Judge Hepburn.
Mr. B. stated that the Mayor had been notified of his intention to take out the writ, and then proceeded to state the case. He said the evidence before the Mayor amounted only to this: that on Sunday Beale was seen selling a glass of liquor to a person from whom he received pay. Under a law of 1705, Mr. B. was liable to a fine of ten shillings, which could only be recovered in an action for debt. There is a city ordinance which makes disorderly conduct in the streets punishable by fine of $25; but gives the magistrate no power to commit a man to prison till eternity in default of payment. Mr. B. noticed, briefly, all the laws on the subject. Mr. Beale had created no disturbance of the public peace. He was in his own house at the time the alleged offence was committed.
Mr. Black spoke with considerable warmth in regard to the conduct of the Mayor, who has declared that he intended to set law at defiance, and who boasted that he knew more law than all the lawyers and judges. It is time, said he, to enquire whether unoffending citizens are to be dragged before him and sent to prison, against whom there is no criminal charge, and in violation of all law. Mr. B. remarked that he had consulted the Attorney General, who fully concurred with him.
Judge Hepburn remarked that there was no difficulty in the case. "The whole proceeding (said he) is wrong—there is nothing right about it—the defendant is discharged."
—The Mayor's story is in substance as follows: Mr. R. called upon me and made a statement in these words, "My son was drunk last Sunday, so drunk that myself and wife noticed him; he went out, and I followed him; I followed him into Beale's Restaurant; saw Mr. B. mixing a drink for him; told Mr. B. not to give it to him; he did give it to him, and was paid ten cents for it." The Mayor considered this disorderly conduct, and imposed the fine of $20, which Mr. B. refused to pay. The result is recorded above.
The Shooting Affair.—A full investigation of the circumstances connected with the unfortunate affray which occurred on Sunday, was had at the Mayor's office yesterday. The result was that Peter Meuller, (the man who was shot,) Frederick Meuleer, Frederick Tentner, Frederick Ruch and James Reed, were each held to bail in the sum of $500 on the information of Mary Heastings, who charged them with assault and battery; and the same persons were also held to bail in a like sum on the information of John Jones, (the watchman) who charges some of them with assault and battery with intent to kill. John Jones was held to bail in the sum of $500 on the information of Peter Ruch, who charges him with assault and battery with intent to kill.
Both Meuller and Jones are convalescent.
Officer Fitzmorris made all the arrests.
Mesmerism.—Mr. Spencer will to-night give another lecture accompanied by experiments. He has succeeded unusually well during this visit to our city. His subjects are all new, none of them have ever had any previous acquaintance with him. It is idle to talk of collusion; so that those who have heretofore disbelieved in the science had better go to work and account for the phenomena.
Collins Township.—We are gratified to learn that yesterday the Court of Quarter Sessions confirmed the Report of the Commissioners appointed te [sic] divide Peebles township and named the new township "Collins," in compliment to an honored widow lady residing within its boundaries.
Lady in Pants.—On Sunday night officer Gross brought from Seventh street, a young girl whom he found in boy's clothes. She refused to give her name and so the Mayor sent her nameless to jail. Of course she is very pretty, as all girls found in romantic situations are reported to be.
Prosecuting Attorney.—The following are the names of the gentlemen who offer their services to the county: Wm. McCandless, F. C. Flanegin, C. Hasbrook, James J. Kuhn. These are all Whigs. There are others just as anxious for the place, but they are too modest to put their names in the papers.
☞ In our report of Wilkins Hall we forgot to notice that the Screens and Window Shades were from the establishment of Watson & Kernan, St. Clair street. These gentlemen are doing a fine business, and deserve to be liberally patronized.
☞ Mr. Alden is about commencing proceedings against the President and Directors of the St. Clair street Bridge Company, for the purpose of testing the question as to whether or not the bridge should now be free. The question will be argued before many days.
Released.—The father of George Monaghan arrived from Washington yesterday morning. He is a fine looking old gentleman. Before noon he had George released. Mr. George Morgan, Wood street, was given as security for his appearance at Court.
☞ The Local Editor of the Dispatch describes a canal boat, which he visited, which is to be propelled by steam. It is intended for the Illinois and Michigan canal.
☞ The District Court will be engaged for this week on the argument list. Jury trials will commence next Monday. The argument list is on hand in the Common Pleas, Quarter Sessions &c.
☞ We were unfortunate yesterday. Our report of the proceedings of the glorious Whigs, did not happen to please any faction. Well, we'll try and do better next time.
☞ A chest was found in a delicate situation, on Monday, by the Allegheny Police, which contained a lot of goods supposed to have been stolen.
☞ Mayor Fleming held a man to bail on Saturday for stealing a "grind stone." We understand he took it in mistake for a cheese.
☞ There are about one hundred prisoners in the county jail just now. A large portion of them are charged with crimes of various kinds.
☞ We understand that the Boot Makers will shortly hold a meeting for the purpose of forming a joint stock company.
☞ The rivers are getting very low. Without rain, the Cincinnati packets will soon be compelled to lay up.
☞ A man named Fowler was committed by Ald. Steel a few days ago for passing a counterfeit $10 gold piece.
☞ The Jour. Shoemakers' store, No. 19 St. Clair street, is in a very flourishing condition. It has been open about two weeks.
☞ A vaudeville company is now giving lectures at the Museum.
☞ There is an unusual rush to Greenwood just now, while the weather is warm.
