SNATCHED FROM DEATH

Robert Ross.

Bat Shea.

Cortland Evening Standard, Monday, January 6, 1896.

SNATCHED FROM DEATH.

Bat Shea Saved From the Electric Chair.

CONVICT M'GOUGH'S CONFESSION.

Self-Accused Murderer Now Serving Nineteen Years for Shooting a

Brother of Robert Ross, the Man He Now Admits Killing.

   ALBANY, Jan. 6.—The climax of one of the most dramatic and sensational criminal incidents of the state's history took place when, just 48 hours prior to the execution of the death sentence upon Bartholomew Shea, another man confessed to the murder.

   Shea steps from beneath the shadow of death thrown by the electric chair.

   The invitations for the electric killing of Shea had been issued, the state electrician was already upon the ground at Dannemora prison, the governor had decided as stated by these dispatches on Saturday, not to interfere in the carrying out of the sentence and Shea had resigned himself to his fate when another prisoner in the institution, a comrade of Shea's and a participator

in the election outrages when the tragedy occurred, confessed to the crime.

   The man who voluntarily confesses to the crime and who practically steps from a prison chair to the menacing shade of electrical death is John McGough of Troy, now serving a sentence of 19 years and 6 months for shooting and attempting to kill William Ross, a brother of Robert Ross, who was supposed to be Shea's victim.

   In some way known only to convicts, McGough had contrived to keep informed as to the success or the failure of the applications for commutation made in behalf of Shea. "When Shea was resentenced to die Dec. 23 it is believed that McGough was ready to confess, but when he learned that a respite had been granted he withheld his confession. After the holidays he learned that the efforts to obtain a commutation for Shea had not ceased and so he made no sign.

   On Saturday, when Warden Thayer was made aware that the governor would not interfere and arrangements were being made for the execution, McGough sent for the warden of the prison, Walter N. Thayer, and when the warden had come, told him that he wished to make a statement concerning the murder of Robert Ross.

   The warden had McGough taken to the office and, handing him pen and paper, told him to put down what he had to say in writing. McGough wrote a communication of about two pages and, signing it with his full name, handed it to the warden.

   To the surprise of the warden and his deputies, the paper contained a decided statement that he, McGough, and not Shea, had shot and killed Robert Ross.

   The statement contained no details of the shooting other than the bald confession.

   Warden Thayer went at once to the telephone when McGough had been returned to his cell and called up the executive chamber. He asked the governor to please receive a messenger whom he said would arrive and then at once dispatched the prison stenographer, Edward M. Coughlin, to Albany. Mr. Coughlin arrived in this city and caught Governor Morton at the mansion just as he was leaving for church. The governor upon learning the nature of the communication sent at once for Pardon Clerk Joyce and Shea's counsel, Galen R. Hitt.

   After a brief conference the governor decided to grant a respite of four weeks during which time counsel could take the proper means to bring the matter before the courts for a new trial.

   The respite will be issued today and will be in force until Feb. 4.

   Mr. Hitt will go before the supreme court today and ask for a new trial for Shea and the production in court of McGough.

   The confession of McGough brings to mind the tragic series of events that lead up to the present dramatic results. The conviction of Shea and the great public sentiment, against his release were due not entirely to the fact that he shot Ross, but to the aroused public sentiment against the disgraceful violation of the purity of the ballot that had made the city of Troy a byword.

   The crimes occurred upon March 6, 1894. Shea and McGough headed a crowd of repeaters [repeat voters], who had worked almost every polling place in Troy. They had been told not to try their games in the ward in which the Ross brothers, William and Robert, were the head of the Republican party, but announced that they would.

   In anticipation of their visit, the Rosses, John Boland and several other citizens had armed themselves with clubs and some with pistols loaded with blank cartridges. It was shortly after noon that the melee occurred, and while 20 or more shots were fired, the two Ross boys fell. It was while Robert lay prostrate that somebody ran up and shot him in the head. This crime was finally laid to Shea's door and he was sentenced to death, while McGough was sent to prison for 10 years for his assault upon William Ross.

   Shea's case was taken to the court of appeals, which confirmed the conviction. The governor respited him until after the holidays, but Saturday refused to commute his sentence.

   Some idea of the sentiment in Troy over the matter can be obtained when it is known that the citizens are erecting a monument in honor of Ross, who lost his life. At the same time Shea had many friends, as was attested by the large memorials in his favor signed by almost 6,000 women and men and sent to the governor.

   One of the singular phases of the confession is the fact that some time ago during the great agitation over this matter a Troy newspaper charged that, the Democratic leaders in Troy had, in their endeavor to get Shea cleared of the murder, tried [to] obtain a confession from McGough, who was then not suspected of the crime.

   It was intimated that this confession might be forthcoming any day, but as McGough went to prison without making such a confession, the story was exploded. Later on this same newspaper [claimed] that the officials of the prison at Dannemora were working to get McGough to confess.

   Warden Thayer, Deputy McKenna and most of the assistants, it is alleged, were appointed through the influence of Senator Murphy at the time of the murder, the leader of the Democratic party. Nothing was forthcoming at the time, however, but the singular fact remains that the man picked out by this newspaper was the one to confess is the man who today stands self-accused.

   Still another fact in this connection was the visit of Messrs. Norton and Hitt to the governor on Saturday morning. They were told that the governor declined to interfere and then they asked that as a special favor to them he refrain from making public his decision until Monday next. After much urging he consented. The governor hopes that today Warden Thayer will give him some more details of the remarkable confession.

   Prominent lawyers here claim that McGough cannot be tried for the crime he admits and therefore nobody will suffer for Robert Ross' death. It is said that McGough was originally charged with the killing of Ross, but was acquitted of that charge and therefore his life cannot be placed in jeopardy again.

   In any event it would be a couple of years before a trial could be completed in the courts and the public sentiment by that time would be pretty well dead.

   It is probable that the state authorities will not let the matter drop without a searching investigation.

PAGE TWO—EDITORIALS.

A Sign of the Times and a Good One.

   The kind of books that boys and girls most call for is an index of the character of the men and women of the future. Judging by that test, the age of adventure and romance is over in this country, and the age of money making and success has set in powerfully even among school children. Publishers declare there is an enormous demand for books about girls who by their own exertions have carved out successful careers for themselves. The demand for volumes of this sort among girls is even more notable than the desire among boys for works of the same kind. The sentimental Angelina, waiting by a [window] for the knight who is to come and lead her to affluence and happiness, is despised by the young girl of the period. She is ambitious to earn her own living and lead herself to affluence.

   Boys are mainly after the same class of literature too. The Indian and dime detective romance have gone out. The little men and women of today have found out already that life is serious business, and that they must bear their share. It is well so. The best possible thing either a man or a woman can do is to stand upon his or her own feet and begin to do so early.

   A late writer speaks sneeringly of the "greedy maxims of Ben Franklin." These maxims were based upon a sound and admirable philosophy, the philosophy that a man must take care of himself, with due regard to honesty and to a human helpfulness toward those in need. This Franklin always counseled. There is not a mean or a selfish maxim in anything he ever wrote. Boys and girls can learn nothing better than to provide for themselves financially. Fortunately there is enough for all. So good luck to the boys and girls who want to read about how young people have achieved success by their own exertions.

  

    ◘ There is one way in which England can settle the present difficulty without any letting down of her dignity. She can follow out the line suggested by Senator Sherman and resume negotiations with Venezuela, ostensibly ignoring altogether the United States in the matter. She might propose quietly to Venezuela to present her grievances to a joint British and Venezuelan commission without the interference of any outside nation, and that commission could go carefully over the whole question. If England should experience as much readiness to discuss the question with this weak little republic as she would with a nation that she was sure could thrash her, that readiness would be all that was necessary to end the trouble peacefully. Venezuela is not likely to make factious difficulties.

   ◘ The thought that continually comes uppermost in regard to the present international complication is the wonder why the English are unwilling to arbitrate the Venezuelan boundary question if they know for certain they are right. Those who are sure they are right are always willing to trust their case openly on its merits before all the world.

   ◘ What fools those anarchists and other cranks are who see in the present war scare only a plot of capital against labor! The very thing that capital is moving the earth to keep away from just now is war.

  

A VERY COLD WAVE.

U. S. Weather Bureau's Tested Thermometer Says 23 Degrees Below Zero.

   Last night was a nipper and no mistake, and to-day coal men, icemen and plumbers are rejoicing. It was cold during the day yesterday, but when evening came the sky cleared, the fine snow ceased falling and the mercury began to descend with a rush. This morning all kinds of stories are afloat as to various elevations or depressions of mercury.

   The thermograph of the United States weather bureau which is placed in the shelter on the Normal [school] grounds [in Cortland] can only register as far down as 20 degrees below zero, and that was not far enough. The minimum thermometer which has been thoroughly tested and is accurate registered 23 degrees below. Other reports came from all over town. On Union-st. 24 degrees is reported. On Townley-st. 26 degrees. McGrawville reports 28 degrees. Mr. Nicholas Starr reports 32 degrees at his farm and Tully sends down a report of 36 degrees. As the day progresses the weather is moderating and the report for to-morrow is warmer.

Gone to North Dakota.

   Mr. Guy L. Wallace left this morning for Fargo, N. D., which place he expects to make his future home. He goes there to become a clerk in the office of Benton & Amidon, one of the best law firms of that state. Mr. Wallace was born in this village and for the past three years has been a clerk in the office of Judge Eggleston of this county. He has many friends here and during the time of his clerkship in the judge's and surrogate's office by his gentlemanly and obliging manners has merited the respect of all persons connected with or having business at the office. He is a young man of exceptionally good habits and has marked ability peculiarly fitting him to become a prominent member of the profession which he has chosen and of being a useful man in the community where he may reside. The opportunity offered him to follow his chosen profession seems to be a good one and, while Cortland will lose one of her respected young men, Fargo will add to her citizens one whom we believe will merit the confidence and respect of all persons. The good wishes of the people here for Mr. Wallace's future success in life will go with him to his new home.

THREE DAYS IN JAIL.

An Escapee From the County House Last Fall Appears in Police Court.

   The cooler had one occupant over Sunday. When brought up on the charge of public intoxication this morning Justice Bull at once recognized him as an old offender.

   "What is your name?" asked the justice.

   "Charles Winchell," said the prisoner.

   The prisoner was in a very penitent mood just then and hoped to excite the judge's sympathy by frequently wiping his eyes with a handkerchief. But the judge informed him that he knew him of old and reminded him of his appearing at the undertaking establishments in town Saturday claiming to be an undertaker looking for work. The judge also reminded him of his escape from the county almshouse one night last fall with another inmate, Ida Fitch. While at the county house he gave his name as Charles Monroe. After a severe reprimand Winchell or Monroe was sentenced to three days in the county jail. He claimed that he was now living near DeRuyter.

MORE ROOM NEEDED.

School Attendance Increased Nearly Twenty-five Per Cent.

   The new law compelling the attendance at school of all children has increased the attendance at the public schools from fifteen to twenty per cent.

The board of education have found it necessary to enlarge the available capacity of the Central school building. A new room in the top story will be fitted up with thirty new desks for a recitation room. It is also expected that one additional teacher will be employed during the coming year to keep pace with the increasing attendance.

Blessed with Ancestors.

   A young lady was last Saturday born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Jay

Clark of East River and she is blessed with more living ancestors than is usual. Perhaps the case has no other parallel in this vicinity. She has a great grandfather and four great grandmothers, two grandfathers and two grandmothers, besides plenty of other relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Barry Wood of Painted Post, N. Y., Mrs. John Clark of Owego, N. Y., Mrs. A. O. Woodward of East River and Mrs. Eli Palmer of McGrawville are the great grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Palmer of Hornellsville and Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Clark of East River are the grandparents. It is safe to say that the child will be well cared for and if she is not spoiled by fond and indulgent grandparents and great grandparents it will indeed be a wonder.

Obituary.

   Mr. Daniel Lee, who has been a patient sufferer with consumption for the past eighteen months, died at his home, 24 Reynolds-ave., this morning aged 37 years and 8 months. During his long illness everything possible has been done for his comfort. Mr. Lee has been a lifelong resident of Cortland and leaves a wife, mother, four sisters, Mrs. J. R. Schermerhorn, Mrs. Thos. Lanigan, Misses Jennie and Maggie Lee and one brother, Mr. Robert Lee of Marathon to mourn the loss of a kind husband, son and brother. Mr. Lee also leaves a large circle of friends who extend their sympathy to the bereaved family. The funeral will be held from his late home, 24 Reynolds-ave., Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock and from St. Mary's church at 10 o'clock.

Doubled Its Size.

   The Ithaca Daily Journal which has long been a four-page paper published for $6 per year and fifty cents per month began its forty-eighth volume on January 2 by doubling its size to eight pages. It has also made an addition to its pressroom in the form of a new Campbell press which prints from its roll. The old engine and the old boiler have both been exchanged for larger ones and a new dress of type adds much to the appearance of the paper. The Journal now stands in the front rank of daily papers published in the smaller cities and The STANDARD wishes its contemporary the best of success.

McGRAWVILLE.

CRISP LOCAL HAPPENINGS AT THE CORSET CITY.

T. Pump's McGrawville Drippings.

   MCGRAWVILLE, Jan. 4.—On Friday evening, Jan. 3, D. D. G. M., G. B. Ingraham installed the following officers of McGrawville lodge, No. 320, I. O. O. F.:

   N. G.—A. E. Seymour.

   V. G.—M. C. Bean.

   Secy—P. W. Chaffee.

   P. Sec'y—W. J. Benjamin.

   Treas.—G. H. Maricle.

   W.—F. R. Morey.

   C.—F. C. Topping.

   R. S. N. G.—C. B. Warren.

   L. S. N. O.—M. L. Totman.

   R. S. V. G.— C. Davenport.

   L. S. V. G. —Lee Maybury.

   O. G.—W. P. Parker.

   I. G.—M. H. Withey.

   R. S. S.—C. Pudney.

   L. S. S.—D. Hammond.

   Chap.—L. Parsons.

   Miss Lidsa Rumsey returned Saturday morning to the Rochester Business college.

   Mr. N. H. Gillette has returned from a business trip to Syracuse, Rochester and Utica in the interest of the McGraw Corset Co.

   The corset factory will resume business on Monday morning with the full number of hands. During the two weeks' vacation about 375 electric lights have been placed in the buildings and other improvements made.

   Mr. Geo. H. Pitcher has returned from a visit to Syracuse.

   Bert Dibble, who has been spending his vacation with his parents has returned to Binghamton, where he is employed.

   A. B. Griffin, who has been visiting relatives in Fleming, N. Y., has returned.

   Arlie Ensign has returned from a visit to relatives in Binghamton.

   Mr. A. VanDusen is calling on friends in town. T. PUMP.

ELM STUMP.

   ELM STUMP, Jan. 6—Miss Mattie McMahon of Cortland has been visiting at Mr. Emmette Lang's a few days the past week.

   The cottage prayer-meeting held at Mr. Riley Chatterton's last Friday night was quite well attended. The next meeting will be held at Mr. Emory Bowdish's on Friday evening of this week.

   Mrs. Daniel Brown had a shock [stroke] one day last week. Dr. White of Cortland attends her.

   Mrs. George Dearman, who was reported so seriously ill in our last letter, passed away last Thursday morning, Jan. 2, 1896, aged 71 years, 3 months and 20 days. The funeral was held at her late residence Sunday, Jan. 5, and the interment made at Virgil. Rev. Mr. Schoonover of Virgil officiated and Mr. Jay Fortnor undertaker.

   Mr. Allison Dearman of New York City arrived at the home of his father, Mr. George Dearman, last Friday night, called there by the death of his mother.

   Mr. and Mrs. George Sherman and Edna Price and Mr. and Mrs. Irving Price and family attended the wedding anniversary at Mr. Manley Price's on New Year's day.

   Mr. Ralph Newell of Lafayette, Onondaga county, was a guest of his aunt, Mrs. Irving Price last Thursday and Friday.

  Mr. and Mrs. Harley Wood attended the funeral of an uncle at Tally last Monday.

   The school in the Wood district closed last Friday with Mrs. Bert Van Buren as teacher.

BREVITIES.

   —The Normal [school] reopened this morning after its Holiday vacation.

   —New advertisements to-day are—C. F. Brown, page 5; Case, Ruggles & Bristol, page 8.

   —The regular meeting of the Cortland Athletic association will be held this evening at 8 o'clock. All members are requested to be present.

   —The Manhattan club give a private dancing party in Empire hall Friday evening. Daniels' orchestra has been engaged to furnish music.

   —Grover Relief Corps., No. 96, will meet in their rooms Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 7 at half past 2 o'clock sharp. Please note change of time from 3 to 2:30 o'clock.

   —Beginning Jan. 7 and continuing till farther notice Buck & Lane will close their hardware store at 6:30 o'clock each evening of the week except Monday and Saturday.

   —The directors of the Tioughnioga club held an adjourned meeting, Saturday evening, and transacted some routine business. Mr. W. W. Hout was elected to membership. The house committee for next month consists of F. H. Cobb, S. K. Jones and W. G. McKinney.

   —The new school building at Killawog was burned Friday afternoon, also two barns which adjoined it. The cause of the fire is not known, but the janitor has just kindled a fire preparatory to cleaning the building before the reopening of school on Monday.

   —One of the neatest little New Year souvenirs which has come under our notice has been sent out by the McGraw Co.'s paper box factory at McGrawville. It is a combined pin cushion paper weight, calendar and jewel case, and is sent out with the compliments of the company.

   —The Cortland Harness and Carriage Goods Co. has sent out to its patrons a very handsome calendar bearing the advertisement of the donors. Each calendar bears a half tone reproduction of a celebrated painting and there are a number of different subjects chosen on the different calendars.

   —The recent fire in Norwich has shown the inefficiency of the fire apparatus and the result was an enthusiastic meeting of citizens Friday night at which a resolution was adopted asking the trustees to submit to ballot in the village a proposition to expend $8,000 in the purchase of a new steamer, new hose and new hook and ladder truck.

   —The Traction company are providing a separate pavilion for ladies who patronize the skating rink at the park. The south observation end will hereafter be given over to their special use and the north end is being lengthened twenty feet for the accommodation of gentlemen. Warner Rood will check overcoats, etc., and will also have skates for hire.

   —Superintendent W. S. Barker of the Homer & Cortland Gas Co. reports a break in the gas main somewhere and there is little likelihood that there will be any [coal] gas for use to-night. A search is being made for the leak, but as the ground is frozen so deep it will be difficult to find it, and it will take some time to repair it when found. Work will be pushed hard and every effort will be made to get the main repaired as soon as possible.