Gilded Age Newspaper Articles

DISTRICT COURT

The Criminal Calendar Will be Very Materisliy Reduced. The criminal docket for February term of the. Lancaster county distrtot_court containing the following cases: State vs. Chas. Weatherby. Burglary and larceny. State vs. John Van Ormer. Appeal, misdemeanor. State ve. A. P. Baum. Appeal, misdemeanor. State vs. Peter Jensen. Grand larceny. State vs. Albert Chail. Horse stealing. State vs. C. F. Hammond. daughter. State vs. W. H. Rickard. Adultery. State vs. Henry Mohr. Shooting with intent to kill. State V. John Wall. Misdemeanor, appeal. State vs. Frank Williams. Gambling. State vs. Nelle Newsum. shooting with intent to kill. State vs. Thos. McGuigan. Stabbing with intent to kill. State vs. Jas. B. McGuire. Disposing of mortgaged property. State vs. Richard Fitzsimmons. Peace warrant. State vs. Monday McFarland. Information for murder. State vs. Mary Sheedy. Information for murder. If the Sheedy murder cases are continued for this term, as is considered probable, the criminal docket will only occupy the first week, as bail has been forfeited in four of the cases set for trial, those of Weatherby. Van Ormer, Jensen and Williams. Rickard's Case will probably not come up, and Hammond's daughter, the prosecuting witness In the rape case, has not been heard from since she mysteriously disappeared in this city. Albert Chall, who was charged with horse stealing, wants out. Crall was arrested on July 16th last after a long chase. He was journeying to the east with his uncle and aunt in a prairie schooner, and one morning about 4 o'clock run off with the horse while camping near Waverly. The old, man followed on a mule in a startling attire, and Albert was captured by the sheriff near Crete. His attorney, R J. Greene, has filed a motion to discharge defendant, as he has been confined in jail awaiting trial for over County Attorney Shell says he shall not oppose the motion, as the prosecuting witness has long since left the country. The attorney for Agnes Williams, who wants a divorce from her husband, William Williams, has filed a motion to strike William's petition from the files because he hasn't paid the alimony the court-ordered. The defendant is a reporter on a Wheeling, W. Va, newspaper, and the case is spicy one. Oliver Maggard asks the district court for an order compelling W. H. Sullivan to return to the jurisdiction of the court certain property he has removed therefrom.

sistant chief clerks of the house obtained an old Iowa schedule from a fried who kindly volunteered to furnish it to him. Hallock gave the antiquated schedule to Newberry, who fathered the big bill. Whether Hallock's friend was merely a practical joker or a representative of the railroads, is unknown, but it is very certain that the bill would have been reported back to the house for passage, had not Moan of Dakota nipped the scheme in the bud. The railroad committee met last night and decided upon a railroad bill after shelving Newberry's corpse. This bill adopts the Iowa schedule of 1890, cutting down the present Nebraska freight rates about 60 percent. The bill is very conservative, however, and provides that companies which operate branch lines in the state may commence action in the district court to show, if possible, that their lines are not earning a reasonable interest on the money invested. If this showing be made to the satisfaction of the court, the court may decree to order the board of transportation to raise the rate on such branch line, provided, however, that the rate so raised shall not exceed the rate as now in vogue in Nebraska. This provision will affect only the Union Pacific, Burlington & Missouri and other roads operating branch lines, but it will not affect the main lines of the Union Pacific, Burlington & Missouri or any other road. The committee believes that this law will prevent eastern and western roads from putting up rates, and at the same time will have the effect of encouraging the operation of branch lines in the state. The bill further provides that new roads built in Nebraska shall be exempt from the provisions of the act for a period of five years from the date of their construction. The committee has agreed upon these provisions, a new bill will be a reduction of 75 percent in rates from that offered by Newberry and which came so near passing.

Special Parent report.

Patents granted by the United States patent office for the week ending Jan. 27, 1891, as reported by the Howard Bros. & Co. Solicitors of patents, corner Seventh and E streets, N. W., Washington, D. C. Copies of any United States patent can be obtained for 25 cents each at the above office.

To Citizens of the United States - Patents and designs, 352; trade-marks and labels, 17.

To citizens of foreign countries - Patents and designs, 29; trade-marks and labels, 2.

TO RESIDENTS OF NEBRASKA.

Lenord L. Frost, Barada, car-coupling.

Issac M. Grubb, Glenville, comb frame for bee-hives.

SATURDAY

Licensed to marry: Chas. H. Smith, 27, and Lillie Williams, Lincoln; John P. Christopher, 22, and Gettie Phillips, 20, Panama; Joseph C. Lowes, 23, of Barnston, Neb, and Iva Lamb, 23, Marysville, Kas.

Judge Stewart was engaged today in hearing more of the fight over the stock of goods owned by D. Neimann, late of Hickman, which is being waged by several Omaha creditors against Mary Cluster, the woman in possession.

The story told by Waters, the charlatan, in Judge Brown's court yesterday afternoon, was very salacious. Detective Pound arrested the man four years ago, when he was living near the gas works, for a similar offense, but the matter was compromised.

Deputy Sheriff Hoagland's name will be handed down to posterity along with that of the boy who averted a flood in Holland by holding his thumb to a leak in a dyke. Thursday the crowd surging through the corridors of the court house broke off a chandelier. Mr. Hoagland noticed the leak, and realizing the serious consequences which might ensue rushed out, and holding his thumb over the leak checked the flow of gas until the meter was shut off.

Bail is Refused.

Ast stated yesterday Judge Houston discharged Walstrom from custody, and held Mrs. Sheedy and McFarland to the district court. The attorneys for defendants asked that the court fix and amount for which bail would be accepted, but the court postponed a decision until this morning. At 10 o'clock he gave his decision refusing to admit either of the defendants to bail, and issued a mittimus for their commitment to the county jail.

The scenes at the court room yesterday afternoon were rather exciting, especially when Father Walsh was on the stand. The passages-at-arms between the reverend gentleman and Attorney Strode was rather exciting, and considerable ill feeling was shown to exist between the two. Mr. Strode asserted that Father Walsh's reluctance to visit Mrs. Sheedy as requested by her was because he was afraid to meet an innocent woman face to face alone, after what he had testified to before the coroner's jury. This declamation drew forth applause from some of the femine members of the audience.

It is said that Father Walsh claims that he is the victim of a conspiracy, by reason of which he was deposed from the priesthood. When he accompanied Bishop Bonacum to the jail to see Mrs. Sheedy last Monday evening, there were present besides those three Mr. Strode and Jailor Langdon. Mrs. Sheedy is said to have told the bishop that on one of his visits to her Father Walsh made improper proposals to her and also spoke disparagingly of the bishop. Father Walsh protested that what she told was untrue, but the bishop turned to him and gave a scathing rebuke, ordering him to pack up his effects and leave his house that night. The indignation of the accused father was great, and he is said to have then and there denounced it as a foul conspiracy between Mrs. Sheedy and her lawyer.

Colonel Philpott's address yesterday afternoon on his motion to discharge McFarland was in bulgar parlance a daisy. The colonel seemed to be impressed with the idea that his client was innocent. That the confession obtained from him was simply a fragment of the colored fellow's imagination, called into because he thought a mob was going to hang him, and he might as well tell the police some story or another. TheColonel said in closing: "I stand here and have the right to demand that you discharge Monday McFarland. It is wrong that you should, even for a moment, recognize the testimony as competent. It is wrong that McFarland should be restrained longer of his rights. I therefore ask that you discharge Monday McFarland." And the colonel looked as though he really expected the court to side with him.

Attorney Stearns made the plea for Mrs. Sheedy's discharge. He thought the court erred in admitting the testimony. He also thought that the confession itself was frail and with so little mreit that his honor would well hesitate and pause before he committed a person like Mrs. Sheedy to a dungeon cell and put the stigma of felon upon her, which would plast her life forever. He characterized it as assassinating character upon superficial evidence. He thought it the bounden duty of the court to turn these people loose. You do not prejudice the state; you do not waive any rights of the state by so doing, but by doing otherwise you confer a great and lasting injustice on this defendant.

It is understood that the indictment against Mrs. Sheedy will be quashed if the analysis of the stomach shows no signs of poison. The prosecution claim that they have not yet showed all the testimony they have, but gave only enough as they thought would secure the binding over of defendants.

The Senate-Afternoon Session.

The senate went into committee of the whole and recommended the following bills for passage:

By Beck - Requiring railroads to maintain crossings on all highways.

By dysart - To enable owners of land to associate, issue bonds and borrow money thereon.

By brown - Authorizing supervisors in countless under township organization to divide any township into two or more election districts.

A letter was received from the secretary of state stating that there were but fifteen copies of the statutes of 1889 in print, and that it would take two weeks to fill the balance of the senate's order.

Senator Switzler raised the point that if the book was out of print it might cost a large sum to get the other eighteen copies. He therefore moved that the secretary enquire as to the probable cost before having the order filled, and report to the senate.

The House - Yesterday Afternoon.

The house convened again at 4 o'clock. When bills were called up on second reading, Stevens, independent, of Furnas, moved to indefinitely postpone house roll 249 which provided that the ballots cast at the last election for and against the proposed prohibitory amendment be recounted. Mr. White of Cass here presented a petition from citizens of Weeping Water asking for the passage of this bill. The roll was called for.

The motion to indefinitely postpone was carried by a vot of 31 to 12.

Those who vote against the postponement were: Arnold, independent, of Saline; Heath, republican, of Sheridan; Henry, independent, of Holt; Modle, independent, of Red Willow; Mullen, independent of Holt; Rehan, independent of Dixon; Scott, independent, of Dixon; Soderman, independent of phelps; Taylor, independent, of Butler; Waldron, independent, of Adams; Williams, independent, of Franklin; Williams, independent, of Gage.

Concurrent resolution No. 6, fixing the date of the contest, was read and adopted by 84 yeas and 18 nays.

A petition was presented from citizens of unorganized territory in the Keya Paha region for the organization of a new county, to be known as Boyd county. It referred to the committee on counties and county boundaries.

At 5:30 o'clock McKesson of Lancaster moved to go into committee of the whole to consider the appropriation of $75,000 for the expenses of the legislature. Someone moved to adjourn, but this was voted down and the house became the committee of the whole. Herman of Saline was called to the chair and house roll 80, appropriating $75,000 for the expenses of the legislature, was considered. At 5:40 the committee of the whole reported to the house with the recommendation that the bill do pass. It required but ten minutes for the house to pass a bill appropriating money for themselves, but twenty days were consumed in passing a measure appropriating relief to the sufferers of western Nebraska. And then after discharging the patriotic duty of providing for itself, the honorable, the house of representatives of the state of Nebraska, melted away toward well-laden supper tables.

The Senate - Morning Session.

Committee on judiciary recommended that S. F. 59 to amend the criminal code be indefinitely postponed. The report laid over one day same order in reference to S. F. 41, relating to eligibility of district judges.

S. F. 43, to amend the criminal code was recommended to pass general file.

S. F. 43, was reported from committee on insane to pass general file. It is to amend the insane law of the state.

S. F. 53, to protect parties furnishing seed wheat was recommended for indefinite postponement. Report went over for one day.

Similar report and order on S. F. 66, creating lien in favor of landlords.

S. F. 64, in reference to revenue was recommended to passage, general file.

The resolution of yesterday providing for the discharge of pages was laid on the table.

Kountz moved to have a committee appointed on fish and game. The motion went over one day.

Dysert moved that all the clerks and employes enrolled above the number of sixty six be discharged. It went over under the rule.

An effort was made to change the rule that favorable reports of committees on bills be changed so that the bills go on the general file without laying over one day. The motion did not prevail.

Switzer offered a resolution declaring that it was the sense of the senate that an erroneous impression had gone abroad that the present legislature intended to make very stringent laws against financial interests; that this legislature intended to pass very stringent laws, and to correct this impression he wanted it stated under the hand of the secretary of the senate and furnished the Associated press that the senate deemed it unwise to pass a law intending the time of mortgages in foreclosure

LOCAL NEWS.

THURSDAY

Judge Stewart handed down his decision today in the case brought by A. P. S. Stuart against Mayor Graham and the city for tearing down an old building of his. The court found that plaintiff had failed to sustain his cause of action, and assessed costs against him.

When McKesson of Lancaster, arose in his seat this morning on a question of privilege, the climax was capped. The gentleman insisted that the architects of the capital had no respect for his feminine voice when they figured on the "acoustics" of representative hall. The speaker raised up hurriedly and leaning over the chancel, fondled his ear with his hand and raising his gavel exclaimed, "Eh!! the gentleman from Lancaster will be seated, you are out of order, I want to say to the house that you gentlemen preserve decorum towards the speaker and confine your remarks to decency and not to epithets.

Still a Work.

The News' report yesterday closed in the middle of Dr. Beachley's testimony. He testified further that if death is caused by concussion of the brain the effect is noticed very soon after the blow. Concussion of the brain is noticed by a disturbance of the particles or substance forming the brain. From the condition of his heart I do not think it possible that the blow caused his death by shock.

Officer Kinney was called. Have been a member of the force three years. Heard shooting on the night of Sheedy's murder. Was at the Burr block and ran to and down the alley. Saw no one and came back to Sheedy's house. Found cane on the porch of the Sheedy mansion. This was just after the shooting on Sunday night. Took into the house to see if it belonged to Mr. Sheedy, and, turned it over to Officer Otto.

John Klausner sworn. Have lived in Lincoln nine years. Work for Brown and go to business college. Mrs. Sheedy told me a friend from Buffalo would be here shortly, and would like to have me room with him. Met Walstrom at Windsor hotel some time in October. He said he would like to get a room together and left it to me to pick out. I did so, and secured room 9, Heater block. I carried notes from Mrs. Sheedy to Walstrom, and from Walstrom to Mrs. Sheedy. Notes were not addressed. Carried about nine or ten. Also carried a basket of victuals two or three times. Got it at kitchen; Mrs. Sheedy told me to call and get it. It was put up by Mrs. Sheedy, sometimes she was helped by the hired girl. I also took a small satin pouch which Walstrom used to put his ring in. Carried a bundle from Walstrom to Mrs. Sheedy on Saturday after Sheedy was killed. Carried no bundles from Mrs. Sheedy to Walstrom. Have known Mrs. Sheedy five years; lived there about four years. Mrs. Sheedy told me she didn't think she would live with Mr. S. long, as he had threatened to strike her, and she was going to get a divorce. I roomed with him all the time; he was not out of town since I met him at the Windsor in October. Never knew of Mrs. Sheedy and Walstrom being together. Walstrom had been here once before, and went from here to Omaha. He worked at the B. & M. Yards as a machinist. Don't know who was boss, but worked about a month and a half after I knew him. He did nothing after that but stayed in his room most of the time. He said he came here for his health. I paid $4 and he paid $8 per month for the room. He paid it all and I paid him as I could. Malone and a Chicago detective threatened to put me in jail if I didn't tell all I knew, but I could not tell any more than I have now. Mr. Carpenter once came to business college after me to tell me that Mrs. Sheedy wanted me to carry a note. She told me to tell Wallstrom that if he did not go to the funeral she would never think anything of him again. Mrs. Sheedy paid me during the time about $3 or $4. Heard Carpenter say that Sheedy was hurt. Wallstrom said he was sorry, and went on playing high five. I went to funeral with Wallstrom.

Dennis Sheedy, a nephew of deceased, testified that he was at church when his uncle was struck. Got home about 9 o'clock. No one there but Mr. and Mrs. Sheedy. Stayed washing blood off his clothes. She said he was not hurt very bad; would be all right in the morning. Dr. Hart gave him two or three doses in water, which were immediately vomited. The medicine was then given him in coffee made by Mrs. Sheedy. He went into a doze about 12 o'clock. I was awake all night; saw labored breathing about 4 or 5 o'clock. Dr. Hart and Mrs. Sheedy and myself were present. Dr. Hart went for Dr. Everett about this time. Only a small boy present besides. Saw Mrs. Sheedy take $10 or $15 in silver out of his pocket; no roll of bills.

T. C. Munger, a member of the coroner's jury, was next sworn, but the defense objected to his telling anything that McFarland had said before the jury, and the attorneys were given until this morning to cite authorities.

Chas. Carpenter, who lives near Sheedy, testified to having heard the shooting, and ran out in time to see Sheedy firing. He corroborated Klausner's testimony as to notifying Wallstrom of Sheedy's being assaulted, and to carrying a message to the boy. He said Mrs. Sheedy had made no secret of asking him to notify Wallstrom.

Mrs. Carpenter was also called. Her principal testimony was to the effect that Mrs. Sheedy and Walstrom had met twice at her house.

Miss Norma Hood testified to having been told by Mrs. Sheedy that she and her husband had had trouble and she was going to leave him because he had threatened to kill her. Had seen Mrs. Sheedy and Walstrom at the performance of the "U and I" Co., at opera house. They had been at her house once. Mrs. Sheedy had once referred to Walstrom as my sweetheart. Attorney Strode created some amusement and raised objections from the prosecution by asking if Mrs. Sheedy treated Walstrom with any more affection than any other married woman treated young men in town. An adjournment was then taken until 10 o'clock this morning.

There was a greatly reduced attendance at the preliminary hearing this morning. Mrs. Sheedy and one of her sisters, both attired in black, were imperturbable, Walstrom looked as though he had not slept well last night, his hair being unkempt and his eyes red, while McFarland wore his usual grin, as though this was nothing but a picnic for him. There were numerous tilts between the opposing counsel, Captain Billingsley; who appeared for McFarland and Walstrom, and F. M. Hall of the prosecution having particularly acrimonious debates. McFarland enjoyed these more than anyone else in the room.

Dennis Sheedy, jr., was recalled this morning. He said that during the evening he saw Mrs. Sheedy sitting at the bedside, and thought the feeling evinced was very friendly. Never saw anything other than a friendly feeling between them, nor anything that would lead me to thing that Mrs. Sheedy wished for her husband's death.

Marshal Melick called. Know McFarland. Heard a conference at my office between the mayor and others and McFarland at Melick's office in city building. This was during the afternoon, eighteen hours after his arrest. He was arrested by Melick and Malone without a warrant at his place of business, on P. Street. Informed him that he was arrested for the murder of John Sheedy. This was about 8 p. m. Saturday. (A) Officer Malone appeared to be a nightmare to Attorney Philpott, he was removed from the room at this point. The mayor asked McFarland to make a statement, intimating that I would be better for him to make a clean breast of it and turn state's evidence. Mayor and Malone were present during the entire conversation; did not tell him he could have counsel if he wanted it. Did not speak to him again until the next day in regard to this murder. He was left in charge of officer Kinney for the night; do not remember of any instructions that no one should see him. Next day he was brought to my office. Dennis Sheedy, Malone, Holyoke, and other present; think a short hand reporter was concealed behind the curtain for the purpose of taking down conversation in regard to the murder of Sheedy. McFarland was informed of the purpose for which he was brought here -regarding the murder. Mayor Graham told Monday that they wanted to know all he knew about the Sheedy matter. All present acted as questioners; was informed that Monday had made a sort of confession during the night in his cell to Officers Malone and Kinney. Told Philpott that he could see Monday in about an hour, but refused to let him see hindering the interview in marshal's office.

H. P. Love. Lived in Lincoln since July; B. & M. brakeman; saw McFarland on the Monday morning after the Sheedy murder. Saw him near Mack hotel, and was pretty full. He said after running against one or two men, "Get out of my way, or I will use you as I did Sheedy," or as "they did Sheedy," at the same time flourishing a cane or stick. Have known Malone for six years, but am not related in any way.

Dr. Holyoke. Stomach of John Sheedy has been turned over to me, and has been in my possession ever since the autopsy. Have made arrangements with Prof. V. C. Vaugh of Ann Arbor, Mich., to take charge of work. I leave tomorrow with the stomach to deliver it to him for analysis. Prof. Vaughn is chemist of national reputation.

Detective Malone was called, but officer Kinney was removed during this time. Am a police officer; have lately been acting as the detective of the force; have no regular beat, but cover most of the city. Took Monday to marshal's office after being arrested, and told him there was no monkeying about it, as he was the man who hit Sheedy. He admitted to buying the cane, and identified the one found, as the one he had bought of Goldwater. I got key and unlocked cell, and let Carder into the cell, when Carder told him to keep his mouth shut. Kept in same cell all the time, only spoke to him once during the night. Saw him next time on Sunday morning, when Monday said he wanted to see me, and I told him that "no mob could get at him while we had him." Monday said, "it is the end of the road with me, and I might as well tell as not."

Officer Kinney - Malone was at the cell when I got there. Carder was there also. We talked about half or three quarters of an hour. I told Monday that I didn't think he was in it alone, and that he was a fool to take it all himself, and that he better give it up, and tell who were implicated with him.

More ladies than at other time during the trial, and they were separated from the general throng by being put inside the railing.

Kinney went to Monday's cell on request of Monday. Was refused by Carder, but admitted by Malone. This was my first conversation with McFarland. I wanted him to tell everything he knew in regard to the Sheedy murder.

Mayor Graham - Was at an interview held at the marshal's office with Monday McFarland. Went there to hear the confession of Monday. Was called there by Melick at about 10 o'clock. He was brought in immediately after I got there by Melick and Malone. All that he said was taken down by a shorthand reporter. I spoke to him first. I said: "I understand you wish to make a clean breast of this matter and I advise you to go ahead and tell us all you know of the matter, commence at the beginning;" he then went ahead and told the whole story with very little prompting. I did not offer any inducement to him to make a confession, he needed no inducement on this occasion, and he was anxious to make it.

Malicious Prosecution.

Last March George W. Hale of Garfield county was arrested on complaint of the officers of the Ord national bank on the charge of removing mortgaged property into another state. Hale claimed that he had received permission from the bank officials to move his property into another state, but this was denied by the bankers. Hale backed up his claim with evidence and was acquitted. He then commenced suit against the bank for $15,000 damages for malicious prosecution. The case is being heard in the U. S. court today, and there is a cloud of witnesses in attendance. The lawyers have been squabbling half the time and Judge Dundy had to figuratively sit down on them pretty hard a time or two.

Grocer Askwith of Council Bluffs sued Allen Bros and others of Omaha in the U. S. Court for $5,000 damages because, he claimed that they had sold his entire stock at sheriff's sale, despite the $500 exemption allowed. The case was ventilated in court yesterday and given to the jury. A verdict was brought in this morning for $553 damages, this including the $500 exemption and the costs of the suit.

call of the dockets, Hon. Charles L. Hall addressed the court and attorneys upon the much needed legislation by this county in judiciary matters and called upon the clerk for a statement on the number of cases upon each trial docket, for the last twenty years of this court, which statement shows the following great increase in the business of our county:

October term, 1871, 116; April term, 1872, 141; October term, 1872, 179; April term, 1878, 197; November, 1873, 239; April term, 1875, 349; February term; 1876, 410; May term, 1876, 344; October term, 1876, 310; February term, 1977, 305; February term, 1878, 308; May term, 1878, 299; October term, 1978, 234; March term, 1979, 222; May term, 1879, 210; October term, 1879, 221; February term, 1880, 225; May term, 1880, 230; October term, 1880, 231; February term, 1881, 229; May term, 1881, 257; October term, 1881, 297; February term, 1882, 318; May term, 1882, 293; October term, 1882, 311; February term, 1883, 287' May term, 1883, 247; October term, 1883, 279; February term, 1884, 283; May term, 1884, 257; October term, 1884, 175; February term, 1885, 315; May term, 1885, 250; October term, 1885, 298; February term, 1886, 303; May term, 1886, 288; October term, 1886, 309; February term 1887, 323; May term, 1887, 267; October term, 1887, 429; February term, 1888, 437; May term, 1888, 429; October term, 1888, 573; February term 1889, 5527; May term, 1889, 516; November term, 1889, 676; February term 1890, 684; May term 1890, 617; September term 1890, 759; November term 1890, 784; February term 1891, 864.

And offered the following resolution which was unanimously adopted:

"That it is the opinion of the Lancaster bar on account of the great volume of legal business of Lancaster county that this county should be placed in a judicial district by itself, with not less than three judges for said district, and that the court appoint a committee of ten members of this bar with H. H. Wilson president of the bar association as its chairman to act with the committee already appointed by the Lancaster bar association to secure at the present session of the legislature, the redistricting of the state in conformity with this resolution.

Thereupon the court appointed the following committee: H. H. Wilson, chairman, C. O. Whedon, E. P. Holmes, E. E. Brown, J. B. Strode, O. P. Davis, H. F. Rose, John L. Doty, W. H. Woodward, A. J. Sawyer, T. C. Munger.

The following were appointed a committee to examine applicants for admission to the bar. W. H. Smith, A. W. Lane, Jas. E. Philpott, Robery Ryan and E. F. Pettis.

The following names have been drawn for jury duty during the two weeks beginning today: Webb Eaton, 3d ward; Walter Deitz, Buda; James Jyle, Mill and Rock Creek; H. B. Vaile, 1st ward; James G. Beck, 1st ward; C. L. Harrison, 2d ward; L. Baker, 6th ward; C. E. Alexander, 1st ward; J. M. Myers, Rock Creek; J. D. Bruner, 1st ward; D. F. Tubbs, Nemaha; P. M. Mckinney, 21 ward; J. Johns, Nemaha; John Doolittle, 4th ward; F. I. Pardoe, 2d ward; J. C. Store, 4th ward; H. L. Andrews, 4th ward; F. W. [Pync-on?] 7th ward; T. B. Davis, 3d ward: Mike Padden, 2d ward; H. S. Bowers, 5th ward; J. E. Adams, 1st ward; Wm. Robertson, 2d ward; E. K. Young, Lancaster; O. K. Adams, Middle Creek.

The cases against Henry Mohr and Tom McGulgan, for assault with intent to kill their respective wives, the one with a revolver and the other with a knife, are set for tomorrow.

In the case of A. H. Weir & Co. vs. W. B. Barnes, plaintiff was given ten days to give security costs, or case would be dismissed.

Village of West Lincoln vs. J. M. Guile., Plaintiff is required to file petition by Monday next or suit would be dismissed.

The court overruled the motion to discharge Albert Chall, charged with horse stealing.

Hubble vs. Hubble. Motion to strike demurrer from files overruled.

Williams vs. Williams. Motion to strike answer from files sustained.

Carrie A. Scheel vs. John G. Scheel. Action dismissed by plaintiff without prejudice to a new action. This is a case where plaintiff did get a divorce, but John afterwards had it reopened on the ground of fraud.

Board of Pardons.

Mr. Oakley has introduced a bill in the house to establish a board of pardons. The bill provides that the board shall consist of three persons who shall serve without salary, their actual expenses being borne by the state, and who shall investigate the merits of all petitions for pardons that are presented, and report the findings. It is the intention of the bill, say Mr. Oakley, to relieve the governor from serious annoyance occasioned by the numerous and persistent appeals fro pardons that are being made and which occupy so much of his time and attention as to materially interfere with the business of the executive office. No report on this bill has yet been made by the committee to which it was referred.

Sheedy's Wealth. John Fitzgerald, administrator, has filed his inventory of the property of the late John Sheedy. The realty consists of the Hotel Mack, valued at $24,000; residence, twelfth and P streets, $24,000; lot at Nineteenth and Q streets, $2,000; half interest in the lot on Eleventh street, just north of Richards' block, $4,590; eighty acres of land in Clay county, value unknown. The personal property is fixed at $3,000, which includes household furniture, notes, checks, etc., but not cash in hand or in bank. The estimates are probably about two thirds of the actual value.

Change of Proprietors.

A change has taken place in the management of the Depot hotel. Mr. John J. Dunbar of Stratton, Neb., purchased the furniture and took possession yesterday morning. He proposes to furnish first class meals for 25 cents, and board and rooms for $4.50 a week. Mr. Dunbar is one of the old time hotel keepers of Nebraska, having begun the business in this state years ago, and having followed it at Beatrice and other places, and a general all round and marked improvement will be observable in the Depot hotel. Mr. Dunbar has hosts of friends among the old timers of Nebraska, who will naturally be attracted to the Depot hotel when in Lincoln.

"The People" Suspends.

The Daily People, the morning paper issued from the office of the Farmers Alliance, suspended publication yesterday morning after a fitful existence of about two weeks. A lack of support in advertising and subscription is the cause assigned. Burrows says: "Having no ready capital with which to conduct this paper, we are forced to suspend, as we will not burden ourselves to maintain it. We hope to some day revive the People, but the time is not now."

TUESDAY

Mr. Robinson of Panama precinct, father-in-law of County Commissioner Thomas J. Dickson, died Sunday from the effects of a fall from the roof of his house. Mr. Dickson is attending the funeral. Mr. Robinson was quite an aged gentleman.

The new state relief commission organized last evening by electing G. W. Martin of Kearney, president; C. W. Mosher, Lincoln, treasurer; L. P. Ludden. Secretary and manager of distribution. Louie Meyer. R. R. Greer and W. N. Nason were appointed purchasing committee; L. P. Ludden, A. J. Sawyer and C. W. Mosher auditing committee, and John Fitzgerald, A. J. Sawyer, Louie Meyer, S. M. Elder and J. W. Hartley, executive committee.

District Court Doings.

The bottom fell out of the criminal docket yesterday afternoon with considerable of a thud. The case against Charles Weatherby, the young dude who was under indictment for robbing his ex-mistress, Nellie Roberts, but who failed to show up at last term of district court, was stricken from the docket with leave to reinstate whenever good cause was shown. The case against A. P. Baum was similarly disposed of. Baum is an old soldier who was arrested for peddling books without a license, and who appealed from the fine imposed upon by Judge Houston.

Albert Chall, who stole his uncle's horse and away he ran, was also discharged. The prosecuting witness long months ago departed from our midst, and Albert has been in jail since last July.

The case against Charles F. Hammond, charging him with criminally assaulting his fourteen year old daughter, was also let go. Soon after Hammond's arrest the girl mysteriously disappeared, and nothing has been heard of her since. Another noted case in which the defendant was discharged was that against W. H. Rickard, the DeWitt justice of the peace whom the coroner's jury decided was guilty of adultery with Mollie Morford, the young woman who committed suicide last summer because she was about to become a mother before becoming a wife.

The case against Frank Williams, the tinhorn gambler who was charged with hambling under the statutes, which make it a felony, was also allowed to go free, his bail having been forfeited at the last term of court. Richard Fitzsimmons, father of the young man now serving a term in the penitentiary for killing a young fellow at Waverly, who was bound under a peace warrant, had the case stricken from the docket.

John Wall, who was accused by M. M. Catlin of whacking him over the head with a fence rail, and who declined to pay the fine imposed upon him by the police judge, plead guilty to assault and battery, and paid the fine of $1 and costs assessed.

Willie Robb, the jailbreaker, was arraigned on the charge of stealing Henry Burcham's watch from his pocket, plead not guilty, and trial set for tomorrow.

Tom McGulgan, who was accused of laying open his colored wife's head with a knife, plead guilty to assault and battery instead of standing trial for assault with intent to kill, and was given thirty days in county jail. The wife refused to testify against her husband, claiming that it was all an accident, and the county attorney did not care to risk a trial on the slimsy evidence.

Nellie Newsum, charged with shooting John Taylor, was arraigned this morning and plead not guilty.

The morning was occupied by the trial before Judge Field and a jury of Henry Mohr, charged with shooting his wife while in a drunken rage because she refused to give him the family purse. Mohr was tried once before, and the jury found him guilty of shooting with intent

E. M. Lurcher was arrested this afternoon by Marshal Mellick and Detective Malone on the charge of grand larceny stealing $50 from Clarkson's grocery, Twelfth and N, yesterday.

Joseph and Joha Sharp, the young men wanted at Bennet for disposing of mortgaged property, were arrested last night at a boarding house near Tenth and M streets, and taken to Bennet at 1:30 this morning by Constable Vedder. They are charged with selling 700 bushels of corn on which there was a mortgage. Each had a ticket to Seattle, Wash, in his pocket.

From District Court. Judge Field heard argument this morning on the motion for a new trial in the case of W. H. Robb, convicted of larceny from the person, the defense being represented by W. L. Oundif and the state by County Attorney Snell, The court overruled the motion, and Robb was brought forward for sentence. He had nothing to my when arraigned, and the judge remarked that the verdict of the jury was in accordance with the evidence. He also said that Robb's previous character was not very good, a statement which Robb demurred, saying that he had never been arrested before for a felony. The court sentenced him to two years and six months at hard labor. This jury is the case of Males Barr, moted yesterday, returned a verdict in favor of defendant.

Andrew Ohlson was given a divorce from his wife Sophie, on the grounds of desertion. Andrew testified that Sophie stayed by his side but one little year, and then left him forever.

In the Owen, divorce case leave was ven the plaintiff to file counter-affidavits in the matter of paying alimony. J.B. Archiband was appointed referee to take testimony and report findings in the divorce case of Edwin F. Wright vs. Alla Wright.

The case instituted by Francis Hubble to have the decree awarding her husband George a divorce, on the ground that said decree was obtained by fraud and her right name was not given as defendant, came up on a demurrer filed by George that her petition did not state sufficient cause of action. The court took the matter under advisement.

In the case of J. Burrows against the State Journal company, wherein the plaintiff sues for $20,000 as damages on accounts of a libel committed by the defendant upon him, the defendant this morning filed as answer, wherein it admits that plaintiff was editor of the paper known as the Farmers' Alliance, but denies that said paper was widely circulated through this and adjoining state.

Defendant denies that maliciously published of or concerning the plaintiff any false scandalous end defamatory libel on or about October 20th, 1890, but admits that it published the communication described in the petition, but alleges that it was received from correspondent in whom this defendant had the fullest confidence for his integrity and truthfulness, to be a statement gives to said correspondent by an alliance man at Broken Bow, as appears by this defendant without any desire or intention of injuring or is anyway wronging said plaintiff and further answering defendant denies each allegation in the petition not in this answer specifically admitted and asks that the plaintiff's petition be dismissed.

Howe Pays His Compliments. Yesterday was Nemahs county's day in the Nebraska house of representatives. The committee of the whole had under consideration the sati-pass bill, and Storms and Howe both supported the characteristic of himself. Storms made a speech in favor of the bill and took occasion to impugn the motives of the "gentlemen on the other side of the house." The insinuation was resented by Church Howe in a forcible and dramatic speech. He agreed, he said, with his colleague that he pass system had been a fruitful source of political corruption and rejoiced with him that this was an age of reform. He had caught the spirit himself and was particularly mourner's bench. "Why sirs, it is not much longer than a year that he and I and the gang rode together to political conventions on the same pass. Only a few days ago an investigating committee went down to Nemaha county from the other side of the house, and they all rode on pass, and in can give the number of passes. Within a year worthy colleague has come to me begging transportation favors, and now I am so glad that we have all agreed to reform, not that side as well. These remarks were greeted with shouts of laughter both on the floor and in the gallery, and the polished gentleman from Nemahs was the lion of the occasion.

May Admit her to Ball Before Judge Field this morning argument was heard in the motion flied yesterday by Stearns & Strode, attorneys for Mrs. Sheedy, asking that she be discharged or admitted to ball. Mr. Storde and Mr. Stearns spoke in support of the motion asking that court order the county attorney to file information at once, or that their client be admitted to ball. The constitution provides that bail shall be accepted in all cases except treason or murder, where the proof is evident or the presumption great. The gentlemen contented that evidence, in this case, showed that the proof was not evident nor the presumption great. They submitted a number of authorities, one from the sixty-third Ala bath, a case almost analogous to this one, and another from one of the southwestern reporter, where a man indicted for killing his child was admitted to ball, the mother, the chief witness against him testifying to threats he had made to end the chid's life. Some eighteen other authorities were submitted on the same point. The defense also files a brief setting forth these points, but County attorney Snell asked time to prepare one in opposition to there theories.

In taking the case under advertisement Judge Field intimated that under the evidence and presentment, he should be inclined to admit the defendant to bail. County Attorney Snell gave us his reason not filling the information that he was awaiting the result of the analysis now being made by Prof. Vaughn of Ann Arbor. All state constitutions except Texas have the same provision Nebraska's regarding ball. The Texas constitution states that ball can be refused la murder cases only when the proof is evident.

The House - Yesterday Afternoon The house immediately went into committed of the whole on the following bill, introduced by Moan: Section 1. It is hereby declared unlawful for any railroad company to give pass to, or carry free, any person. Sec. 2. Any of the officers or agents of any railroad company who shall violate any of the provisions of this act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not less than $500 nor more than $1000, or to be imprisoned in county jail for a period of not more than three months sec.4. any person holding a public office of profit or trust, who shall violate any of the provisions of this act shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction thereof shall be fined in any sum not less than $100 nor more than$500, and shall moreover, forfeit his office. Sec. 5. In prosecution for violation of this act, no person shall be excused from testifying against the accused, on the ground that this testimony will criminate himself, and his evidence given in any such prosecution shall not be used against him in any civil or criminal suit against him. Been thought the bill eas introduced for more buncombe and could be evaded in many ways, and moved to strike out the enacting clause. Moan said there was no doubt that passes are issued to obtain favors from public that they could not otherwise secure. Newberry said that while two-cent fare bill was pending passes were distributed among independents.