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half a dozen people were injured at 3:30 p.m.
yesterday when an old Springfield rifle in the
hands of John Stapp, 53, 1736 College avenue,
exploded at Mt. Hope cemetery where a firing
squad of Spanish American war veterans were
discharging a volley over the grave of Charles
Scheillen*, who died over nine years ago. The gun exploded and bits
of the stock were blown into the crowd. The bolt
and magazine were also missing after the smoke
had cleared away and it was said they whizzed
past the crowd without striking anyone thus
averting a more serious accident.
Stapp is the most
seriously hurt. Splinters of the stock struck him
in the face and hands and resulted in burns and
abrasions of the skin. Color Bearer John Sweeney, standing in the rear was
also struck by the splinters. Meyer Hurwitz, a jeweler, a member of
the squad of four, was knocked to the ground when
struck by part of the firing debris. L. Chapman
had slight burns and contusions to show for his
experience, and forth member, Dr. T.J. Menestrina, was slightly injured
also.
 It was said this morning
that the members of the squad, unable to procure
blank cartridges, were using loaded shells. The
shell is presumed to have been defective in some
manner or an over-charge of powder placed in the
shell.
The squad was in
charge of John F. O'Flaherty. They were to have fired
three volleys, but when on the second, the
accident resulted, no effort was made to complete
the salute of honor.
NOTE: *The grave
mentioned appears to have been reported in error.
Should have read grave of John Albert Schielein
who was born 03 August 1850 and died 09 June
1912. His son George Albert Schielein was born 23 January 1883
& died 14 December 1904, and was a member of
the Miles Camp.
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