Page:The autobiography of a Pennsylvanian.djvu/331

 said, was set to music by the Orpheus Club and has been several times sung by that club in the Academy of Music. Henry Starr Richardson wrought it into a play of a comic character which held the boards at the Fellowship Club.

On the 13th of October, Montgomery and I addressed the Federation of Women's Clubs at Carlisle and I read to them A. J. H. Duganne's inspiring and meritorious lyric upon Pennsylvania which has been neglected and forgotten, but which shall yet, Deo volente, be familiar to all of the people of the state. At least, it shall be drummed into their ears and minds so long as my voice, pen and energy are unweakened.

A negro had recently been burned to death near Wilmington, Delaware. A requisition was made upon me at this time by Governor Hunn of that state for the return of a negro named George White, charged with murder. The papers, as often happened, were in very loose shape. No indictment had been found and there were no affidavits as to the truth of the charge. The requisition stood, therefore, upon no foundation. The officers went home without the man and I wrote to Governor Hunn:

“In view of the fact that the alleged crime committed by the defendant is punishable by death, I think the circumstances which indicate the commission of the crime and the connection of the defendant with it ought to be set forth with particularity and care and should be accompanied by affidavits as to their correctness. Especially is this true when as in this case no indictment has been found.”

Since there seemed to be in the suggestion a reflection upon the methods of the State of Delaware, there was a commotion there, more or less reflected in Pennsylvania. However, the affidavits were sent and the fugitive was surrendered. Such papers coming from the South, almost invariably lacked the essential requirements, showing a want of attention or of information. Some time afterward Rh