1897: A saloon dispute, and other local updates
Friday, Jan. 8, 1897 Ukiah RepublicanPress
A PECULIAR CASE:
The Hoss-Moore Imbroglio at the Blue Wing Saloon. Tuesday last Marion Hoss swore to a warrant before Police Judge Critchfield charging Bull Moore with an assault. Hoss alleged that Tuesday evening Moore had endeavored to batter him in the Blue Wing saloon. The case came up in Critchfield’s court Wednesday morning before a jury, but the prosecuting witness failed to put in an appearance. Four witnesses for the prosecution testified to the fact that they had been present at the time the assault was said to have been committed, but that they had not been in a position to observe the commission of any overt act. The prosecuting attorney then requested a dismissal of the case, and asked that the expenses incurred by the city be levied on the defaulting prosecuting witness. Judge Critchfield did so. He held that if no offense had been committed Hoss should be muleted for the misstatement, and if an infraction of the law had occurred the prosecuting witness should have been present to assist in the enforcement of the statute.
A NARROW ESCAPE. George Raymond, an engineer employed in the Monarch flour mill at Willits, had a narrow escape from death last week. In closing down the mill temporarily the engine was stopped on the center. When the time came to start it, Raymond placed a crowbar between the flanges of the flywheel to pry it off. As soon as the wheel was forced from the center it resumed its full speed, and the crowbar, under the impulse, struck Raymond on the head making an ugly gash. The injured man lay insensible for some minutes, but finally recovered.
McGARVEY WINS HIS FIRST CASE. Henry Schatz of Redwood valley had John Thompson arrested last week on a charge of having made threats to kill. The case came up before Justice Sullivan during the week, but Mr. Schatz produced no evidence to substantiate his statement. In consequence of this lack of corroboration the case was thrown out of court on application of the attorney for the defense.
As will be seen on reference to his professional card in another column, R. McGarvey has resumed the practice of law after a period of 17 years on the superior bench of the county. Mr. McGarvey is a leader in his profession, and these years he has held the chief judicial position in Mendocino have but added to his knowledge of the theory and practice of law. He is an able counselor and a thoroughly reliable attorney.
MUNICIPAL TAXES. City Clerk Deering and the town marshal have been rustling lately, and as a result of their efforts but $288.51 of municipal taxes remains to be collected. The municipal revenue for the current year amounted to $5454, and to come so closely toward collecting the entire amount is gratifying. Mr. Deering informed a Press reporter yesterday that of the $288.51 delinquent he expected to collect all but about $50.
SUPERVISORS MEET. The board of supervisors met in regular quarterly session Monday and organized by the election of C.P. Smith as chairman, on motion of Supervisor Flanagan.
Immediately upon the election of the chairman the board adjourned until the afternoon, at which time the auditor was instructed to draw his warrant in favor of the officers of the late election in the sum of $4 each.
Tuesday morning the road reports of Cuffey’s Cove, Gualala, Ocean, Navarro, and Arena districts, presented by Commissioner A.M. Duncan, were approved.
The Hall Safe and Lock company was authorized to put a new safe in the treasury vault, according to an agreement filed with the board.
Road reports were presented by road commissioners Sam Duncan and Jacob Wattenberger, and approved. …
D.E. Mankins, steward of the county farm, submitted his quarterly report to the board of supervisors yesterday. It showed that twenty patients had been admitted to the hospital during the past three months, and that twelve had been discharged. Four patients had died during the three months just past, but there were 53 remaining on the first of the current month. The average number in the hospital during the quarter was 52.89, and the cost was 37 cents apiece per day during that time. The supplies for the quarter cost $1044.70, with $340.70 as incidentals. The salaries paid out for the past three months amounted to $555. This makes an average of $185 a month at the county farm for salaries and brings the total cost for the quarter up to $1940.40, or $7761.60 per annum for supporting indigents during the year.