The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1867-04-11
A Child Eaten By Snakes.

from The OsWeSo, tS l. ,!JaiiadiuDl, Harch To-
In the early part of the month Of Au-
gu st last, u glri named Eliza Drummond,
about II years of age, whose parents live
county, left her home one morning for the
purpose Of #, picking berries and never re-
turned. The most dilignirt search was
made for her by the parents and neigh
bors, and no trace could be found She
had not been drowned, for all places
where there was any water were careful
ly examined, even to wells and c.siefni
in the neiehbolhood After weeks of
fruitiess searcl: and enquiry, the afflicted
parents gave up their child for lost. 1t
was reported that band a vagrants had
been seen near the locality about the time
OF the disappearance, and the opinion
prevailing that the child had been stolen
by gylsies.
The event, which created a profound
sensation at the time, had almost passed
from the minds of all save the stricken
parents, when 1t was painfully recalled by
recent occurrence. Ga Tuesday last five
or SIX lads went out hunting in the vicinity
and during the day came upon a spot
where a large number Of Black snakes
We're discovered and killed The appear
ance of the reptiles in such numbers, and
at this season of the year. was considered
remarkable, and it was suggested by one
OF the party that breeding den must be
somewhere near. A search was imme-
diately commenced which resulted in a
manner far different from their expecta-
tions
In the side of a little hill, near the edge
OF swamp, was found a sort OF opening,
which in the summer was concealed by
tall grass and bushes. In this opening
was found a human skeleton, from which
every particle of flesh had been taken,
the bones were as white as ivory and all
perfect. Near by was tin pail, in rusted
condition. and tin cup. The boys were
terribly frightened, and gave the alarm
Theremalns were takenfrom the mouth
of the den, and an examination showed
that the place had been and probably
now was, a breeding placefo black snakes
The boldest hcsitated to enter. The en-
terance, which was large enough for the
admission of a mans body, grew smaller
and tended downward Lighted balls of
hay soaked in kerosene We're thrown into
the cavity, and less than fifteen minutes
eightytwo snakes ranging in length from
one and half to four feet, were killed
The pail and cup were recognized by
Mr. and Mrs. Drunmond as those taken
away by their child when she went away
for the last time. The physician pro-
nounced the remains those of female
child, and there can be no doubt but that
the poor little girl, while picking berries
in the vicinity of the spot became tired,
seated herself in the shade of the open
ing to this horrible den, was attacked by
the reptiles in numbers and killed. The
discovery has shocked the whole commu-
nifty. and almost Frustrated the stricken
parents, whose hearts are made to bleed
anew at the thought of the horrible fate
which deprived them Of their child.
RESIGNATION AND REAppoINTMENT OF
CHIEF JUSTICE DIxoN-We learn that
yesterday Chief Justice Dixon gave his
resignation to the Governor, and was I'M
mediately re-appointed to fill the vacancy
thus created. This action is to bring him
within. the act of this winter raising the
salary of Judges of the Supreme Court to
S3,5 It is held that the term of an
officer Of the State expires with his res
ignation, or else he would be prohibited
from drawing the increased salary by the
constitution. which provides s'nor shall
the compensation of any public officer be
increased or diminished during his term
of Office "
He will hold under his appointment
till the spring election of 1868, when
there viii be another election -Kadison
Journal.
Altogether too particular. Here in
Manitowoc, public officer can have his
salary raised from 800 to 81 900, and
boast of II ,,uhliclu With mono 70 roolosf