Provincial Court, who refused to produce the minutes of that court. They
voted him to be a public enemy and ordered him into the custody of the
Sheriff.
When brought before the House Robinson refused to answer questions and
threw himself at full length upon the floor. He was disqualified from
holding any office in the province or territories, but this sentence
does not seem to have been enforced, for he afterward held the clerkship
in the Council and other offices.
Neither More nor Robinson were Quakers. They were charged with enmity to
that sect, or, in the language of Penn, “were esteemed the most unquiet
and cross to Friends.”
There were other disturbances at this time in the province. John Curtis
was charged with “uttering troublesome and dangerous words against the
King.”
Charges were made against several officers of the Government for
extortion, and gross immoralities were practiced among the lower class
of people inhabiting the caves on the banks of the Delaware. These and
other things were reported with great exaggeration in England by the
enemies of Penn and the Quakers. They prevented emigration and greatly
affected the reputation of the Society of Friends and the Proprietary.
In 1686 Penn changed the form of executive government to a board of five
commissioners, any three of whom were empowered to act. The board
consisted of Thomas Lloyd, Nicholas More, James Claypoole, Robert Turner
and John Eckley.
In 1688 the actions of the Assembly were marked by the usual want of
unanimity and the objectionable act of laying on its members a solemn
injunction of secrecy. This measure was not without an exhibition of
undignified violence. Lloyd requested to be relieved from his office,
and his request was reluctantly granted, and on his recommendation the
Proprietary changed the plural executive into a single deputy, and named
Captain John Blackwell, formerly an officer of Cromwell, under whom he
had earned a distinguished reputation in England and Ireland. He was in
New England when he received his commission, dated July 25, 1688.
Governor Blackwell met the Assembly in March, 1689, but through some
misunderstanding between him and some of the Council the public affairs
were not managed with harmony, and but little was done during his
administration, which terminated in December when he returned to
England, and the government of the province, according to charter, again
devolved upon the Council, with Thomas Lloyd as president.
The revolution in England during 1688, which drove James from the
throne, also lost for the Proprietary all his influence at the English
court. He was now an object of suspicion. His religious and political
principles were misrepresented. He was denounced as a Catholic, a Jesuit
of St. Omers, and a self-devoted slave of despotism, and was even
charged with conspiracy to restore James. He was freed of all these
charges and arranged to again visit his Province of Pennsylvania, and
was about to set sail when he was detained by another persecution.
He was charged with being engaged in a conspiracy of the Papists to
raise a rebellion, and restore James to the throne. He narrowly escaped
arrest on his return from the funeral of George Fox, the celebrated
founder of the Society of Friends. Rather than suffer the ordeal of
another trial he retired to privacy and his contemplated colony failed
and the expense of the outfit was lost.
----------
Governor Pattison’s Administration to Burning
of Capitol, February 2, 1897
In the campaign of 1890 the political conditions in Pennsylvania were
somewhat similar to those of the preceding gubernatorial campaign.
Four candidates were again in the field. The Republicans named as their
standard bearer George W. Delamater, who defeated Daniel H. Hastings in
the convention by eleven votes; former Governor Robert E. Pattison was
now eligible to again become a candidate and was promptly nominated by
the Democrats, and the Prohibition and Labor parties named John D. Gill
and T. P. Rynder as their candidates.
The campaign again revealed great dissatisfaction in the majority party
and Pattison was elected for a second time. He was inaugurated on
January 20, 1891.
During the month of May, 1891, there occurred great excitement by
failure of the Keystone and Spring Garden National Banks of
Philadelphia. John Bardsley, familiarly known as “Honest John,” was City
Treasurer, and a depositor not only of moneys belonging to that city,
but also of taxes collected for the Commonwealth.
A few days after the failure of these banks it was found that Bardsley’s
losses would make him a defaulter to the city and the State to a large
amount. He at once resigned his office, and was as promptly prosecuted
for embezzling public funds. On trial, he pleaded guilty and was
sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment and to pay a fine of $237,000.
Ballot reform became one of the leading questions before the Legislature
and on June 19, 1891, a reform act was passed, which was known as the
“Australian” ballot system, which provided for secrecy in voting.
There were several serious labor disputes during Governor Pattison’s
Administration, in the suppression of which it was necessary to use the
strong arm of State authority. April 2, 1891, a riot occurred in
Westmoreland County in which seven persons were killed and twenty-one
wounded. Two regiments of the National Guard were sent to assist the
sheriff in restoring peace.
The great labor riots at Homestead occurred early in July, 1892, and on
the sixth the sheriff of Allegheny County asked the Governor for militia
assistance.
The cause of the trouble here was a reduction of wages in the Carnegie
Steel Company, and the officials of the corporation employed armed men
to patrol the property and protect the men who accepted the cut in wages
and remained at their jobs. A large force of Pinkerton detectives was
also employed to assist in this protection. The striking miners attacked
those detectives and in the riots a dozen lives were lost.
The militia was not sent on first call for aid, but on July 10, after
other riots, Governor Pattison ordered two brigades of the National
Guard to Homestead. They arrived there on the morning of July 12. The
presence of the troopers overawed the malcontents and peace was
immediately restored.
Another riot occurred January 27, 1893, at Mansfield, Allegheny County,
which resulted in loss of life and property. In June, 1894, it was
necessary to send two regiments of militia into Jefferson County to
preserve life and property on account of rioting among foreign miners.
There were fifty-three strikes in 1893, and twenty-seven in 1894, all
failing in their purpose save three.
The interest in forestry had increased to such an extent that in 1893 a
commission on forestry was created by Act of Legislature. William F.
Shunk was appointed engineer and Dr. J. F. Rothrock, botanist of the
commission.
In 1893, the Legislature appropriated half a million dollars for the
erection of a fireproof building on the east side of the Capitol
grounds, to be occupied by the State Library and various executive
offices.
In the campaign of 1894, five candidates contested the election for
Governor. General Daniel H. Hastings, of Bellefonte, was nominated by
the Republicans, William M. Singerly, of Philadelphia, was the
Democratic standard bearer, while Charles I. Hawley, Jerome T. Allman
and Thomas H. Grundy, represented the Prohibition, People’s and
Socialist-Labor parties respectively. The Republicans presented a united
front and easily elected General Hastings, who assumed office on January
15, 1895.
The first important change in the Government was the creation of the
Superior Court, which was done by an act passed June 24, 1895.
Governor Hastings, June 28, appointed Ex-Governor James A. Beaver,
Edward N. Willard, John J. Wickham, Charles E. Rice, Howard J. Reeder,
George B. Orlady and Henry J. McCarthy as the original members of the
Court, with Charles E. Rice as President Judge. At the ensuing election
the six first named and Peter P. Smith were elected for the full term of
ten years.
The first vacancy was occasioned by the resignation of Justice Willard,
September 1, 1897, and William W. Porter was commissioned September 14;
next was the death of Justice John J. Wickham, June 18, 1898, and he was
succeeded by William D. Porter, July 6; then Justice Reeder died
December 28, 1898, to be succeeded by Dimner Beeber, January 2, 1899,
who served only until his successor was elected.
James I. Mitchell was commissioned December 6, 1899, and resigned
November 28, 1902, his place being filled by Thomas A. Morrison,
December 30, 1902; Justice William W. Porter resigned January 27, 1903,
his place being filled by John J. Henderson. John B. Head was elected
1905, and resigned April 12, 1922. John W. Kephart was elected 1913, and
resigned January 6, 1919, to become a member of the Supreme Court, his
place being filled by the commission of William H. Keller.
Former Governor James A. Beaver died January 31, 1914, and Frank M.
Trexler was commissioned February 6. J. Henry Williams succeeded Justice
Morrison December 9, 1915; he died October 24, 1919, and was succeeded
by William B. Linn, November 5. President Charles E. Rice retired at the
end of his term, December, 1915. Justice Head resigned April 12, 1922,
and Robert S. Gawthrop was commissioned.
The present court is composed of President Judge George B. Orlady, the
only survivor of the original court; William D. Porter, who has served
since July 6, 1898; John J. Henderson, who was commissioned March 11,
1903; Frank M. Trexler, William H. Keller, William B. Linn and Robert S.
Gawthrop.
The Department of Agriculture was created by act of March 13, 1895, and
Thomas J. Edge was commissioned the first Secretary. His successors have
been John Hamilton, N. B. Critchfield, Charles E. Patton, Frederic
Rasmussen and Frank P. Willits, the incumbent.
July 3, 1895, the Legislature authorized the erection of a monument to
each Pennsylvania regiment engaged in battles of Chickamauga and
Chattanooga. These were all placed in the proper positions by 1898, and
reflect much credit to the State and those who had this patriotic work
in charge.
The old Capitol Building was destroyed by fire February 2, 1897. The
Governor took immediate steps for the erection of a new Capitol Building
and the Legislature promptly authorized a commission to supervise the
erection of the same.
----------
Benedict Arnold Arrested for Conduct in
Philadelphia February 3, 1779
When our troops took possession of Philadelphia the day following the
evacuation of the British, June 18, 1778, General Benedict Arnold, then
flushed with the recent capture of Burgoyne, was sent by General
Washington to assume command of the city, and his headquarters were
established at Henry Gurney’s.
The autocratic demeanor of Arnold would make it appear as if
Philadelphia, appalled at the circumstances, deemed it provident to make
no resistance. Arnold, however, to their agreeable surprise, was polite
and clever, as were his able aides, Major Franks and Captain Clarkson.
It was here that Arnold entered upon a style of living but ill according
with republican simplicity. He issued a proclamation, among other
things, to prevent the removal, transfer, or sale of goods or
merchandise in possession of the inhabitants belonging to the King of
Great Britain.
Arnold prevented even army officers from purchasing while he made
purchases on his own account, and then through agents sold them at
exorbitant prices.
The first incident in Arnold’s administration which attracted attention
to his conduct was his questionable handling of the award of prize money
obtained in the capture of the British sloop “Active.”
Having succeeded in ingratiating himself into the good will of the
Shippen family, Arnold won the affections of Margaret (“Peggy”) Shippen,
the young and accomplished daughter of Edward Shippen, afterward Chief
Justice of the State, who became his second wife.
Owing to a recent wound received under circumstances which would alone
have established a claim to grateful remembrances, had not his
subsequent extraordinary defection obliterated his name from the roll of
his country’s heroes, Arnold during his marriage ceremony was supported
by a soldier and when seated his disabled limb was propped upon a camp
stool. These wounds may perhaps have made him more interesting to the
lovely but unfortunate bride.
At all events, her “hero,” except for his character for extravagance,
was at that moment regarded with a share of public favor, if not with
any feeling of popular affection. He had rendered “some service to the
State,” and was distinguished for gallantry among the bravest of the
land.
It is as unjust as vain to urge, as some have done, in palliation of his
stupendous crime, the fashionable and expensive propensities of his
beautiful and accomplished wife. That she was addicted to displays of
wealth inconsistent with the spirit of her time and the condition of
public affairs may not with propriety be questioned; but no external
influence can move a truly great and honorable mind and heart from a
fixed purpose of patriotic or social duty.
When a mob was formed which gave out an intention to assault the house
of Hon. James Wilson, which became known as “Fort Wilson,” and assault
his person, it was a day of great excitement in Philadelphia. Wilson’s
friends gathered around him and prepared to defend him as best they
could.
In the meantime, the mob and militia assembled on the commons, while a
meeting of the principal citizens took place at the Coffee House. The
mob began its march from Arch above Fifth Street. General Arnold came to
repress the mob, but he was so unpopular they stoned him.
Arnold’s conduct had given great offense to many of the active
supporters of the American cause, which involved him in a quarrel with
the authorities of Pennsylvania, and February 3, 1779, the Supreme
Executive Council ordered the Attorney General of the State to prosecute
General Arnold for illegal and oppressive conduct while in command of
the military in Philadelphia. Active among those who urged an
investigation of the charges was General Joseph Reed, President of the
Council.
A copy of the charges was presented to General Arnold, but he did not
care to meet them, and under pretense of attending to his duty, “fled
from the inquiry.”
From the camp on the Raritan, whence he had gone, he addressed a letter
“To the Publick,” expressing his willingness that Congress should direct
a court-martial to inquire into his conduct. The accusations of the
Supreme Executive Council were laid before that body, but the trial was
delayed and not until January, 1780, was the court-martial held.
Arnold was “convicted of using the public wagons for his own benefit,”
but he was acquitted of any corrupt intent and sentenced to be
reprimanded by General Washington.
The verdict exasperated Arnold, who was still further humiliated by the
action of Congress on claims preferred by him growing out of the
Canadian expedition. His estimate was materially reduced by the Treasury
officers, and when Arnold appealed to Congress a committee reported that
a larger sum had been allowed him than was really due. Having failed to
secure a loan from the French Ambassador, he determined to betray his
country for British gold.
The extravagance of Arnold produced the want of money and probably the
predilections of the wife for what was splendid in the British army
influenced them both to forfeit home and country for a splendid but
elusive hope.
It must be remarked of “Peggy” Shippen that she had been the belle of
Philadelphia and the standing toast of the British officers while their
army was in Philadelphia. She had been brought up in British affections.
Her father, Chief Justice Edward Shippen, was biased on that side. Major
Andre was intimate in the family, which led to a friendly correspondence
between Miss Shippen and him.
After Arnold married her he, of course, became acquainted with that
fact, and encouraged its continuance. It was continued, until at last
Arnold and Andre opened it more directly between themselves, under the
names of Gustavus for the former and John Anderson for the latter.
The failure of Arnold’s scheme to surrender West Point, his flight, the
execution of Andre, and the unhappy life of “Peggy” Shippen Arnold are
familiar facts of history.
In September, 1780, the populace of the city of Philadelphia were drawn
together in great excitement to witness the degradation and burning of
Arnold, the traitor, in effigy. His figure, in regimental uniform, was
placed on a cart and drawn through the city, to be burned on High Street
Hill.
The effigy had two faces and a mask in his left hand. Near him was the
devil, in black robes, holding out to him a purse of money. Near them
were transparencies of pictures and letters describing his treachery and
treason.
The procession began from the rear of St. George’s Methodist Church, in
Fourth Street, and was in the following order: Gentlemen on horseback, a
line of Continental officers, sundry gentlemen in a line, a guard of the
City Infantry. Just before the cart, drums and fifes playing all the way
the “Rogues’ March.” Guards on each side of the cart.
The procession was attended with a numerous concourse of people who
after expressing their abhorrence of the treason and traitor, committed
him to the flames, and left both the effigy and the original to sink
into ashes and oblivion.
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John Penn, Last Proprietary Governor, Succeeds
Richard Penn, Who Died
February 4, 1771
Richard Penn, one of the Proprietors, died February 4, 1771, and under
the terms of the family settlement, and his own will, Lieutenant
Governor John Penn succeeded to Richard Penn’s one-fourth interest in
Pennsylvania, and to the legal title of Governor.
On May 4, Governor John Penn embarked for England, when Mr. James
Hamilton administered the executive powers of the government as
president of council.
Richard Penn, second son of the deceased Proprietary, and previously a
member of the Governor’s Council, was appointed by his uncle and brother
to be Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania and the Lower Counties.
He arrived a second time in Pennsylvania on October 6, 1771.
The following May he married Miss Mary Masters, of Philadelphia. She was
a lady possessed of sufficient property to make her distinguished
husband somewhat independent.
Richard Penn was blessed with a pleasing personality and most charming
manners, which, with his genuine desire to keep on intimate and friendly
terms with the people, contributed much toward making him the most
popular member of the founder’s family.
He had a dispute with his brother, John, concerning his father’s will.
He claimed that the manors were not appurtenant to the Proprietorship,
but were included in the private real estate directed to be sold for the
benefit of the residuary legatees.
Thomas Penn took the side of John, and the two found fault with
Richard’s conduct in the government, but the latter defended himself,
and spoke of his father’s promise to try to have the family agreement of
1732 dissolved as unfair to his younger children in its stipulation that
the Proprietaryship should go to the eldest son, charged only with
payments to the widows and younger children of certain sums which had
since become entirely disproportionate to the estates.
Governor Richard Penn was superseded in office by his brother, John, who
arrived back in the Province in August, 1773.
For a long time Richard did not go near him, and maintained that he had
been greatly injured. John offered, as long as he should be governor, to
allow him £500 a year, but Richard declared he would not be his
brother’s pensioner.
There is a story told that the brothers attended a banquet, sitting
opposite to each other, on the right and left hand of the head of the
feast, but they did not speak to each other during the whole
entertainment.
Richard was, in May, 1774, induced to execute a release of his claim,
and a reconciliation took place, when John appointed him naval officer,
and Richard, accepting the position, called to thank him.
During the administration of John Penn the counties of Northumberland,
March 21, 1772, and Westmoreland, February 26, 1773, were erected.
The Connecticut claimants were unusually active at this time and
extended their settlements, not only in the Wyoming Valley, but built
forts and houses as far east as Shoholy and Lackawaxen, on the Delaware,
where the Proprietary had manors, and on the west they seated themselves
on the West Branch of the Susquehanna.
He made strenuous efforts to eject the Pennsylvania claimants, but the
Provincial authorities succeeded in holding the Yankees in check.
The colony of Connecticut endeavored to have Governor John Penn define a
boundary, who would not accede to their demands, but advised the
claimants that they should take their dispute before the King and
Council, where the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania would appear, and use
their best offices toward a final decision.
But this was not the only trouble Governor Penn had to contend with
usurpers, for at this very moment the boundary dispute with Virginia
claimed his best effort.
This contest was over the western limit of the province, where many
settlers, west of the Allegheny Mountains, believed they were the
subjects of the government of Virginia. Even George Croghan maintained
that the limits of Pennsylvania ended at the Laurel Hill Range. He
understood that a degree of longitude meant forty-eight miles only.
But other and darker clouds were appearing above the horizon than those
of boundary strips.
The importation of tea had been forbidden by the determined colonists,
and but a small quantity had been brought into the country.
Large accumulations had to be disposed of and the owners were determined
to unload it on the American market.
On the approach of tea ships pilots refused to conduct them into the
harbor. A large cargo landed in Charleston, S. C., was stored in damp
cellars, and rotted.
Ships designed for Boston entered that port, but before the tea could be
landed, a number of colonists boarded the vessels and emptied the cargo
into the sea.
The King and Parliament closed the port of Boston, and the colonists
believed that their civil rights were destroyed.
The terms “Whigs” and “Tories” were introduced at this time—the former
to describe those in sympathy with the cause of Boston, and arrayed on
the side of the colonies against Parliament; the latter to designate
those whose sympathies were with Great Britain against the colonies.
Throughout the Province of Pennsylvania the warmest interest and most
cordial sympathy were manifested for the people of Boston.
Governor Penn declined to convene the Assembly. The Committee of
Correspondence for Philadelphia sought the sentiments of the
inhabitants, and in a meeting held in the State House, resolutions were
adopted which resulted in the great meeting of Provincial deputies in
Philadelphia, July 15, 1774, which called upon the colonies to organize
a Continental Congress.
Such was the determined stand taken by the people of Pennsylvania, says
Sherman Day, who, with loyalty upon their lips, but the spirit of
resistance in their hearts, pushed forward the Revolution.
----------
Ole Bull, Founder of Colony in Potter
County, Born February 5, 1810
Several years ago more than one thousand persons from every section of
Pennsylvania, and not a few from Southern New York State, journeyed to a
most out-of-the-way place up in the wilds of Potter County to do homage
to the memory of a great man, and to view the scene of one of the
saddest failures in the history of the settlement of our great
Commonwealth.
This pilgrimage was to the land of Ole Bull, the great Norwegian
violinist, who during his lifetime played before the royal families of
Europe and distinguished personages all over the world.