April 3, 1917 - Murder May Have been Committed

Here is the article that came out in the newspaper the day after the crime, from the post yesterday, was committed. They certainly worked fast to get this done. I have done a little searching and found part of a follow up article about the case. The article was from 1925 which shows that there were not very many murders in Shelton in those days.

MURDER MAY HAVE BEEN COMMITTED

Charred body of William B. Normanvin Found in ruins of

Small Shack

Eugene Gagoin, a discharged employee, held under $5,000 Bonds on charge of arson—Body was terribly burn­ed — was Ill-feeling among the Men.

The horribly burned body of William Broad Normanvin, a sawyer, was found in the smoldering ruins of a shack, near a woodcutting camp, on the farm of Walter Wheeler in lower White Hills, early Sunday evening. The body was in terrible condition when found, the arms and legs having been burned completely off, while the trunk and head were badly charred and burned, the condition of the body being such that it was impossible to tell whether the fire or previous wounds caused the
victim's death. Because of the cir­cumstances surrounding the affair, Eugene Gagoin, who until Thursday was an engineer at the camp and had been discharged, was taken into cus­tody by the police late last night. He is charged with having burned an­other shanty near the camp and is held under $5,000 bail as the police are inclined to the belief that they have evidence which will connect Gagoin with the crime.
Ill feeling apparent.
Both Normanvin and Gagoin work­ed for Allen Doolittle of Guilford, a woodcutting contractor, who is doing work for James E. Fair on the Wheeler farm. There are several others employed there and it is said that there has been more or less trouble and ill-feeling among the men. Both Normanvin and Gagoin were in the employ of Doolittle for six or seven years and are said to have not been very friendly. The ill will among the men resulted in hav­ing several small shacks erected for them, thus separating them when they were not working. On Thursday last, according to Mr. Doolittle's story, he discharged Gagoin and the latter took his belongings and left the camp. Mr. Doolittle said that he had more or less trouble with the man, who, he said, had threatened harm to Normanvin, and was no longer able to put up with his impu­dence. He seemed to fear discharg­ing the man, as he said, he thought he might do some harm to him. When Gagoin left the camp on Thursday, Doolittle did not see him again. The latter went to New Ha­ven on Saturday and did not return to the camp until early last night, after the body had been found.
From the stories current and from what was told the police it appears as though Gagoin returned to the camp either late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. It was in the early hours of the morning, it is said, when one of the shanties was burned down and it happened to be the one that Gagoin had occupied when he worked for Doolittle. It is for the burning of this building that the po­lice hold Gagoin. The latter is said to have remained in the camp dur­ing the day and was not interfered with by the other workmen, some of whom remained in their respective shacks or had left the camp on Saturday.
At the cabin
A man named Royal Cutts, who lives near the camp, and whose house is situated directly opposite to the shack in which Normanvin lived, claims to have seen Gagoin as late as 4:30 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. He told this morning that Gagoin visited his place at that hour and purchased some eggs, which he said he was going to take to Normanvin shack to fry. It is said that Cutts asked him where Normanvin was and that Gagoin re­plied he was in the shack and was drunk. To Cutts it appeared as though Gagoin was under the influence of liquor also.
It was a short time later when Cutts and other people in the neighborhood noticed the shack on fire and it was about 6 o'clock when the body was lo­cated among the ruins. Although burned beyond recognition the other workmen found no difficulty in identi­fying the body as being that of Normanvin. When it was located word was sent to the local police and Chief of Police W. P. Robbins, Lieut. E. I. Barnes and officer Ernest Nettleton secured an auto and were driven to the place which is about three miles from the center of the city. The police had been notified previously of the burning of the other shack and the information of the finding of the body made them believe from the beginning that Normanvin had met with foul play. Medical Examiner Lewis of Milford, was called and examined the body ordering its removal.
Arrested in derby.
After the blaze, Gagoin seems to have disappeared entirely although the police believe that it was he whom they passed while going to White Hills. They had not a description of the man at the time but upon arriving there and getting a description of him they concluded that they had passed him on the road. The man was later seen heading for Ansonia and Seymour and upon returning from White Hills, Lieut. Barnes and A. H. Beattie, started in pursuit of him they had reached the East Derby transfer point and Lieut. Barnes was talking with a policeman there asking if he had seen anyone answering the description pass there, when Mr. Beattie happened to look through the window of the trolley station and saw Gagoin sitting there asleep. He was brought back to Shelton and examined by the police and detained on the arson charge, bail being fixed at $5,000.
The police say that Gagoin when questioned denied all knowledge of the crime and said that he had returned to the camp to spend the day.
This morning Coroner Phalen and medical examiner Fitzgerald, both of Bridgeport, came to this city to invest­igate the death. Coroner Phalen did not remain, but returned to Bridgeport, while medical examiner Fitzgerald conducted an autopsy on the body in the undertaking parlors of C. E. Lewis and Son, and afterwards stated that he had nothing definite to give out but that the coroner was in­vestigating the case. Prosecuting At­torney J. G. Shapiro spent a good por­tion of the morning in examining the witnesses and those who knew some­thing about the case.
William Broad Normanvin was forty years old and a native of Montreal, Canada. He was single and worked for Mr. Doolittle about six years.

December 5, 1925 The Bridgeport Telegram

The last murder in Shelton was committed in the spring of 1917, when Eugene Gagoin killed a fellow worker, William Broad Normanvin, in a White Hills lumber camp. The two men had some difficulties and early one night the shed occupied by Normanvin was burned. In the ruins his body was found and investigation showed that the bed where he lay was saturated with oil. The presumption was that he was killed in his sleep and that his slayer had set fire to the shed to hide the crime. Gagoin was arrested a few hours later as he was about to take a trolley car at the East Derby junction. His case was heard in the local court on June 4 and in the following session of the Superior court he was sentenced to prison for 13 years. Is Serving Term. At present, he has served about half his term and with time off for good behavior will probably be released in about three years. It is a coincidence that Gagoin occupies a cell at Wethersfield very close to the one where Gerald Chapman has been confined awaiting the disposition of his case.

The next letter is April 5

January 23, 1917 - I know that you have been waiting for my letter

Here is letter which shows how busy Joe's life was becoming. Lots of work is good for a young man planning to marry.

Tuesday

My darling,

I know that you have been waiting for my letter, but several matters arose that made me delay. In the first place, I am actually negotiating about a house, and expected to have some positive information today, but deem it best to write now, tho I haven't heard yet.

This noon Mayor Keen came to Bridgeport to see me and stated that he was informed by one of the prominent Seymour men that they would like to retain me to advise them regarding a borough form of government, that a special town meeting was called for Wednesday night in Seymour, and that they would like to have me present. That puts a spike into my New York trip. I know that you will say how about Thursday etc. Not only that night, but our Board of Alderman are to have a special meeting Friday night, and the Mayor suggested that I attend also. However, I have made two engagements for Saturday morning at 7:40 arriving in New York about 9:15, probably complete my work by noon, and then be free. How's that?

The case that I was to try this morning was settled, my opponent paying up just before I got started. I have another for tomorrow and still another for Thursday all ready for trial.

If it wasn't that Aunt Nat returns here Thursday I'd talk of having you come down; but then, you said yourself that the more you see of me, the lonesomer you are when I leave. At lease you won't be lonesome Thursday morning, if that is any consolation for my inability to get to New York. And say, I think it's lucky we couldn't get tickets for Friday.

You know dear, my week so far has been very pleasant having had a really quiet and good time Sunday in Mount Vernon. And I think how nice it worked out that we had an auto trip back to the city and your home.

Last night Charles installed the officers of the Ladies Hebrew Aid Society of the Temple, and among whom Stella is vice-president. Isn't that quite interesting. I wonder how my darling would feel if she were thus honored, huh? By the office I mean, not the installation, of course.
It is rather difficult for me to write this way. But the typewriters are busy, and this is the best at present. I hope you can read the hieroglyphics.

By the bye, how is Lill-yan? When I say it my mouth should be near my left ear.
The Sheriff and several Sheltonites inquired what that "pretty girl of yourn" is coming to town.

One lady actually asked me for your full name as she wanted to propose you for membership in some lodge, I don't know which; but I wouldn't tell her, for I think I'll go rather carefully on booking up your evenings elsewhere than home, what do you say?

With lots of love I am
Your,
Joe

The next letter is January 25

December 29 - I sometimes hesitate to write how glad I am, like Pollyanna, for fear that it will sound like mush.

Here we have a two letter day to end 1916. This has been a year full of excitement for Helen and Joe. I am sure next year will be filled with insight to their relationship and all kinds of things happening in the world. Remember that the last letter Joe wrote Helen he forgot to sign his name.

Letter Number 1

Friday

My dear,

Did I tell you the story of Henry Ward Beecher's sermon on the unsigned letter? No, well, here it is.
It was the usual custom of this unique man, on Sundays to open his mail while in the pulpit, and get inspiration or ideas for his sermon from what he would read.

Well, one Sunday he received a large blank sheet of paper, with one word on it "Fool".
When he started his sermon he prefaced his remarks by saying that he frequently received long and interesting letters from friends, who in their haste to write much and tell him lots often forgot to sign their names. (Is that my case?)

Then he continued and said that this morning he received a peculiar letter. It bore no message. All it contained was the name of the writer.

Louis and his friend are in New York now and probably have phoned to you, *nicht wahr? If they will stay Monday night, it would be very nice for we could have quite a little crowd of our own. I will leave tomorrow on the 4:10 arriving at Grand Central 5:36 if on time.
Should you hear from Louis, tell him to call me tomorrow night at your house about 7 so that we can make some arrangements for New Years.

I returned from Court this morning, and had quite a strenuous day. Among the matters, were two divorces that I secured for unfortunate woman, according to their stories.
I really had thought of going to New York tonight but I have an engagement in the office and so cannot but will follow my usual custom as above stated.

I am so delighted that you did so well at the concert. Of course I knew you would, and it tickles me that you "made good".

We had a great time last night, and I've lots to tell you. I don't dare begin now because it would take too long.

Your two letters arrived together and do you know, they have better effect than a spring tonic.
I sometimes hesitate to write how glad I am, like Pollyanna, for fear that it will sound like mush.

But you know that a week is a very long time.
Mother only this morning said that you must be a very patient girl not to expect me oftener. I told her you did expect me, but what could I do about it. She said "Well, you find time for lodges, business and other things, why not for Helen?"

I think you've got the "drag" around here. Stella sprung something like that too.
And the kids ask when Aunt Helen is coming again. More toys I suppose!

With love,
I am Your
Joe (There it is)

*nicht wahr is German meaning Isn't it so?

Letter Number 2

 

Friday night about  night

My dear:

If I don't sign this letter, would it make you more angry than if I didn't write at all; assuming I have just a couple of minutes,while waiting for some men to call for me? Golly, how black the ribbon singularly got all of a sudden.

I wrote you a long letter a short while ago, but I have just read for the second time the clipping you sent the other day,and I think it so good I am returning it to you.

Old Elbert  Hubbard once said "the things that men do are usually right, their reasons for doing them,usually wrong." After reading that article, you perhaps can understand the mys­terious ways of mankind, and how impossible it would be to ask mere man to explain what he meant, when he acted in such and such a manner.

I am in the midst of drawing a set of Ordinances for Shelton, and it is some task. I have an idea that it may be necessary for me to take it along with me,and maybe Sunday night when wear alone, we can kind of work on it together. Like that brief, remember? But then,it may be finished to-night to save that trouble.

Charles had an idea that we could leave New York Sunday night, and join them in Stamford at one o'clock, and then motor to Bridgeport, you to stop at his house and we could all go up to Shelton Monday morning while the new officials ware sworn in, and the first meeting of the Board of Aldermen be held, at which these Ordinances are to be adopted. But I don't think much of it,for in the first place no party will break up that night at one, and assuming, as is likely, that they will return home at about three or four A.M. how in the world could we ever get to Shelton the next morning and look awake, and then get back to New York in the afternoon for an evening celebration, as we plan?

As Weber says "You couldn't do it." Nor will we try. It is imperative that I be in Shelton at nine in the morning, and have considerable to do that morning. My plans are therefore to leave New York on the midnight Sunday, get to Shelton in due season; and when the festivities of induction are over start back for New York and sweetheart. But it certainly shows that the folks are, thinking of you all the time; and that is what pleases me more than anything else perhaps.

'Lissen' girlie Mr. Schnee just called me on the phone and said that he expects to go down to New York tomorrow in his car leaving here at noon getting there at about three. So here is my hope. l will take the 4:10 arriving at Grand Central at 5:36. However, should I go by car, you will receive a phone call from me around eleven or twelve telling you where I'll meet you. Unless you get that call, however, I shall take the train.

It is getting late,and I have lots to do; so good night kidlets till the morrow.

Your Joe
Joe (for the last letter)

And so ends the letters Joe wrote Helen in 1916 and we move on to 1917 as they prepare for their June wedding.

The next letter is January 2, 1917

December 27, 1916 - I'll take the oath of office for the following positions, Corporation Counsel, City Attorney, and Justice of the Peace.

As you can see from the title of this post Joe was very busy in establishing himself in the Connecticut legal community. Glad he kept his sense of humor thru it all. Notice the signature or lack of one at the end of the letter. This is not the last we will hear of that.

Wednesday noon.

My thweetheart:

This is as Barnet would say it. And speaking of Barnet reminds me that I have added another accomplishment to those Stella told you about. Whether it will be of any interest is another matter. It is this, Stella asked that I take Barnet out and get him a haircut at my barber's. So I did it yester­day. The kid was so fussy and moved around so, that I had to hold him in the chair and hold his little bean steady, with the result that he got a real Buster Brown hair cut.

And yesterday afternoon Stella was out shopping, and took Barnet and Myra along. Can you imagine little Myra coming down the long hall dressed up exactly like the doll Aunt Helen gave her except that she wore blue, and with a shape a la Joe Weber. I almost said a la Uncle Joe, but didn't dare. She was lugging her baby (babby she says it) under her little chubby arm. The rest of the toys were in the car. Lucile is still at home with her cold and was not in the party that went to "gamma's" for the toys. They bothered all morning so Stella packed up the two and started out to get them. Stella will probably (this ought to be a new paragraph) write you; when I mentioned it to her, she said that between her being sick herself, and Lucile's illness, and her Charitable Society she was far behind in her social correspondence. Barnet volunteered to write, and I would not be surprised that he would paint a letter to you in his own peculiar sanscript.

I received a post card from a man in Shelton this morning
offering to sell his house to me. Doesn't it sound good?

But that is not all. In the first place he expects to move out next summer or fall; and in the second place he offers it to ma because he heard I was looking for a house, and wants to sell it to give me a chance to make an investment, offering to lease it from me. But the best part of the joke, for that is all that I consider it, is that knowing the house, and its location, and also its make-up, I think that with some very material repairs and considerable painting, it might do very nicely for a garage, but there are a few too many rooms. No dearie, when I get some place to live in, it may not be the equal of the mansion you really deserve, but it will be as nearly as we can find it, a pretty little home where we can be happy and have some of the comforts that we ought to expect to make up happy and contented. And, would you believe it, I am optimist enough to think that something like that is imminent, and very soon? Yizzir.

What did you think of those cartoons I sent to you? I had an idea of doing the same to-day but the artist wasn't there with the punch enough to make me laugh, so I'll wait.

I saw Mr. Kneen this morning, and was informed that the officials appointed by him will be duly sworn in next Monday at ten A.M. After that there, will be a very short meeting of the Board of Aldermen and then I'll be ready to start for New York.

Thinking of being sworn in reminds me that I'll take the
oath of office for the following positions, Corporation Counsel, City   Attorney, and Justice of the Peace.

Last night Doctor Rosen was unanimously elected president of our Bnai Brith Lodge, to succeed me, for the ensuing year. Charles was elected as one of the three delegates to the District Grand Lodge meeting to be held at Buffalo next February,

Louis will be in New York at a physician's convention or a surgeon's convention, I don't know which, this week end, and I think I'll have him stop at the Club to give the boy a taste of regular New York Club life. He and his cousin Louis Shapiro, the young doctor that called on us, will perhaps be together, and unless they have made other plans, do you think it would be a good idea to have them up for Monday? Of course, I haven't talked to Louis about it, not having seen him for a few days.

Yesterday I sent a booklet to Abe, and think that he will probably like it. It's like one that I carry.  Do you want one, too?

Judge Wilder, did you meet him while here? just called and is waiting for me to go out to dinner, so will close at this point. With kindest regards and love and all the sweet things that usually go with it,
I am
Your

The next letters will be on December 29

December 19, 1916 - Believe me, I’d like to take a trip around the world with you

Here is a letter where Joe and Helen are working out plans for New Years Eve. Very chatty today.

December 19, 1916.­­­
Dearest girlie:
I received your long letter this morning, and know that you have been patiently awaiting mine in vain today; but this will undoubtedly reach you before nightfall today, and perhaps in a slight way make up for its absence this morning.

Yesterday was the hardest that I ever saw. My but there were several brain-racking problems to solve that kept me busy in Shelton alone till almost the whole day went by. And upon my arrival at Bridgeport at 4:30 I found several witnesses waiting for me to try a case that finished the afternoon, and immediately I met Mr. Kneen and several others at 6 at the Stratfield and went to a Past Masters Dinner and annual meeting that kept me till near twelve. When could I write? Do you know that I got a shave, by actual time, from 6:14 to 6:23 yesterday. You ought to see the fine collection of scratches on my physiog now as a result; but it's my fault, I suppose.

My plans for the week end this week are to get to New York Saturday afternoon about 5:36, as usual sometimes, and stay over till Monday night, and mayhap Tuesday morning. How's that? Too long, think you?

Of course Monday afternoon we'll see the Opera or hear it, which is correct?, and I have no other plans at present, except to leave it to your judgment. You see my reason is a good one. Yesterday morning when I went to Shelton, the cars were stalled for about half an hour in the morning (near 7:30) which means that I eat in the cold, and then for another hour or two, because the power  was weak, dragged along in an icy car, so that I have one of the sweetest and cutest colds you ever saw. You are not to blame for this in the least, sitting a couple of hours in a very draughty car that has its windows all frozen up, and where it seems that the atmosphere is worse inside than out by far, is a good way to get a cold. There are no cuss words on the typewriter so cannot express my feelings the way the occasion would seem to justify it.

Tomorrow, I have a meeting of the special committee to arrange for our Bar Banquet for February, at five o’clock, and don't know just when we'll get through. It's a sure thing that I cannot get away till around six, and that would get me into New York somewhere by eight, if the trains are running on time. Do you think I should make it? I'll think it over and see how matters develop; and if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll run down to the big city to see my little girl.

As for New Year, that is another problem. As I have already told you, I am expected at Shelton on the first at ten o’clock. There is a train out of New York Monday morning at about 7:40 that gets to Bridgeport about 9:18 and to Derby about 9:40 to get me over the River in time; but I'd have to stay at the Club in order to make a train that early. And I really feel that I'd probably return to New York for the rest of the day, what do you know of it? Or do you think that I should rather leave Sunday night as usual, and so not rush, and come back Monday afternoon for the day? The idea to eat the New Year meal or whatever you call it in your house is not a bad idea at all. One thing sure, we would have real good food, a real homelike party, and all the fun we could make, perhaps without the usual bunch of drunks that you'll run into at any kind of a celebration on such occasions; but I'll try anything like the party you suggest once, and will the arrangements in your hands. Whatever will please you will make me happy, so go to it. If you would rather go out, I'm satisfied, but talk it over with the folks, and decide and I'll probably see you in a day or two and we can then go over the matter; but if it requires immediate action for tickets etc. why you are well qualified to attend to it. Believe me, I’d like to take a trip around the world with you beginning at once, but it cannot be done now, so why should a little thing like a New Year's celebration bother me?

The clippings are fine especially the underscored parts, and I'll read them over again this evening, though I saw them already.

Do you notice that the keys sometimes look blurred? It is because I am thinking of so much to say that my fingers cannot write fast enough and sometimes (too frequently) three or four keys will jump up at once and get stuck together, which makes me grit my teeth, and utter your rather now usual expression of dissatisfaction.

Mr. Kneen suggested that he is going to Boston tomorrow on City matters, and inquired whether I had the day open. He would probably leave on the midnight train, but is not certain himself
as yet, so that I do not see how I can get away this time of the year unless it is urgent.

I shall try this afternoon, if I have a few moments, to see what's what about a house in Shelton again. I think and talk considerably about it, and try to land something, but so far have nothing very tangible. Isn't it peculiar? I'll get mad pretty soon, and then-well, maybe I'll get one without getting mad.

Rather a long letter for Tuesday; but you deserve it.

I'm awfully hungry and will go out to lunch now, and inci­dentally, mail this letter to you.

With heaps of love and kisses, till I see you again, I am
Your
Joe

The next letter is December 21

June 29, 1916 - I can enjoy the outside and balmy season.

Here is the last letter from June 1916. Joe is now keeping Helen up to date quite frequently.

June 29, 1916
My dear Helen,
     I have just received the parcel containing the two pieces of music; but have no bill.
     Yesterday morning found my eye terribly red almost to the point of the color of a strawberry. This time it pained, and the Doctor said it was the result of too much reading. I guess so. So I had to lay off a bit.
     However, today I addressed the Manufacturers Association and the Credit Men's Association at a dinner held in one of the local Clubs. Yesterday I did the same thing in New Haven; and preparing didn't help my eyes any. In being introduced - as well as in the letters to the members - the presiding officer remarked that the speaker today is one who though quite young, "has already had a long and honorable career in his profession." Coming from a man at the head of our largest institution here gave me a little bit of pleasure, you bet. So I launched into an Elbert Hubbard style of epigrammatic speaking and had a bully time. Enough of that. Still I knew you would be interested to hear what I did for the past few days.
     Saturday night I must attend a special charter meeting in Shelton that is very urgent. That deprives me of going to New York, so I'll leave Sunday morning at 8:24 arriving somewhere about 10 I presume; ready for Mt. Vernon, if you are going to your friends, as you planned.
     My eye is troubling though it's much better today, and will probably clear by Saturday. For that reason I have not read nor written much.
     Of late, I have read considerably at night. I took advantage of stormy nights to stay in a read, and have been up quite late. That now tells , but I'm glad it's pleasant, so that I can enjoy the outside and balmy season.
     Will write tomorrow, possibly,
     Sincerely
     Joe

In reference to the letter from June 27 in which Joe wrote of a piece of his writing appearing in The Fra I have located and purchased a copy and will be posting it as soon as I receive it.

The next letter will be July 6.

February 1, 1914 - Personal Tax Bill

Having just paid the second installment of our property taxes yesterday this is comical to me. I spend lots time figuring out where I will pull the money from and how I will make it happen again. I manage to do this twice a year and am amazed every time. Coming across this receipt in Joe's papers was quite comical.

I do not know what he was paying taxes on but I did look up the street address which is Fairmont Place in Shelton, CT and that street still exists and it is a short walk to Howe Avenue where he went to pay the taxes.

The next post will be a short newspaper article on February 13.

January 30, 1914 - Havrilla Dies in State Insane Hospital

Here is an article from January 27, 1914 that was in "The Farmer". This was a newspaper in Connecticut but I can not find where it was printed. This article is about the an event that occurred due to the textile strikes in Shelton in 1914. Quite a bizarre article.

HAVRILLA DIES IN STATE INSANE HOSPITAL; PINTO
IS HELD WITHOUT BONDS
   
His Death Is Second To Be Laid
Directly To Disturbances In The Big
Textile Strike In Shelton -- Stone
Grazes Babe's Head

(Special to The Farmer.)
Shelton, Jan. 27—Alex Havrilla, the farmhand brutally beaten on the night of Monday, Jan. 12, by Frank Pinto, a local bartender, died at the State Hospital for Insane at Middletown, just before noon, today.

Pinto, who was in the Fairfield County jail at Bridgeport in default of bail of $5,000, is now held without bail pending the outcome of the inquest to be held either today or tomorrow at Middletown. As soon as word reached Shelton, Chief Robbins of the Shelton police communicated with Joseph Shapiro, prosecuting attorney in the Shelton court, Shapiro notified the County jail officials to accept no bond for Pinto. Efforts to raise the necessary bail for his release have been under way for several days.

Havrilla's death is the second which may be attributed directly to the strike in the Blumenthal mills, which is now in it's llth week. The first was that of a tiny baby, one of twins of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Homick. The parents were dragged from their home by police officers and mill guards, and were beaten and arrested. The children were left home with none to care for them, and with the cold air sweeping through the door and windows, broken by the police the baby died two days afterward.

Havrilla came to Shelton while on the way from a farm in Orange to visit a former employer in Hartford. He was walking through Howe Avenue, near Louis Pinto's saloon when a stone was flung through the open door. Frank Pinto rushed out with a pool cue. Kemp, one of the mill guards who was in the saloon is alleged to have pointed out Havrilla as the stone thrower, several bystanders at once declared he was wrong for four youths who had taken part in the stone throwing had fled before the two got out of the saloon.

Pinto shattered the pool cue on Havrilla's skull, and inflicted cuts and bruises galore. Then the O'Brien guards dragged the bruised and bleeding victim into Pinto's saloon, called in a deputy sheriff and caused his arrest. The exposure of the outrage through the columns of The Farmer led to Pinto's apprehension. Pinto is planning to contend that the insanity of Havrilla, which the prosecution regards as due to the beating, prevailed before he got his beating. The Shelton police allowed Kemp to get out of their jurisdiction and now cannot locate him.

The committee of citizens raised at the borough meeting last week to seek an end of the strike presented a written report of their doings to a committee representing the strikers this afternoon. The borough committee comprises Judge Dillon, Sam Beardsley, Postmaster Holmes, John Preston and Warden Barlow. They spent some time with Fritz Stolzenberg, superintendent of the Blumenthal mills, this forenoon. They have been given to understand that Stolzenberg's will, in the strike situation, will prevail, Sidney Blumenthal, head of the concern, having left the matter in his hands. This afternoon the borough committee meet the strikers' committee in the city hall, and the latter committee will convey their report to the meeting of the L W. W. local tonight or tomorrow morning. The strikers' committee comprises Albert Stancek, J. Rosco, J. Jacobson, John Rose, Peter Zamba, Victoria Felencek, and P. Mario.

Policeman John Donovan's eight month old baby had a close call from death Sunday night when a stone weighing several pounds crashed through his window, and struck the crib at the child's head. The metal of the crib was dented, but the child was unscathed. Donovan rushed to the window and fired his pistol into the dark.

Another complaint a of brutality against the mill guards came this noon. Abraham Optozner, a baker, crossed the canal near the Blumenthal plant, to see some of his trade, when a mill guard, he avers, set on him and beat him claiming he had no right there. He left his bakery wagon in the street and rushed to the office of Chief Robbins demanding redress. He said he had been knocked down and kicked. Followed by several dozens, he and the chief went to the plant, where the baker made a futile search for the guard. When he returned to where he had left his horse and wagon, the rig had vanished, and up to today he hadn't succeeded in finding it.



Next post will be February 1.