Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-09-04
Strange Exhibition.

A German gentleman, advanced In years,
named Franz Vester, at present 4 resident OF
Newark, recently obtained a patent tor safety
coHiu, designed SO as to provide a way OF es-
cane to those who might be buried during sus-
pended animation; as is supposed may on oc-
casions happen, particularly during the preva-
lence of epidiulics. This invention consists of
coffin constructed similar to those new in
use, except that it is little higher, 10 allow
of the free movement of the body the top lid
is movable from head to breast, and in case of
interment is left open, with 4 spring attached
Tor closing the same; under the head is re-
captacle for refreshments and restoratives The
most important part OF the invention is box
about two feet square, resembling very much q
chimney with cover and ornamental grave
work on the top: This box is Of sufficient length
to extend from the head Of the coffin to about t
one loot above ground. The cover is fastened
down by catch on the inside, and cannot be
unfastened from the outside. Just below the
cover is a bell similar to those used on street
railways cars, with cord appended, which,
: upon being pulled sounds an alarm, and at the
same time spring throws the cover from the
chimney box" Then, II the person on the
take hold of a rope suspended from near The
top of the chimney box, and, with the assist
ance of elects nailed to the sides, ascend to
the outer world !; or otherwise the individual
can rest at ease, MUNICH his lunch, drink the
wine, and ring the bell for the sexton to come
and assist him out ~ 81.
Yesterday afternoon Mr.. Vester gave an ex-
hibition of the working of this invention by be-
ing buried, and, after more than an hours in
terment, resurrecting himself ;:-.
The exhibition took place at Barre Brewery
Garden, on Springfield avenue, Newark, and
although fifty cents admission was charged,
some six hundred people were assembled to
witness the novel exhibition. .~.H 81 J.
About 3 ?. NJ. the grave digeers excavated
hole six feet deep; black coffin with silver
trimmings was placed upon two supports over
it.2eA circle was made with,za rope, around
which assembled an excited crowd of men, wo-
men, and children, while every tree-top and
elevated position was occupied by spectators
When everything was prepared, Mr.. Franz
Vester came forward and took his position in
the coffin, the lid OF which was placed over him,
at which time he was greeted with many an
anxious and jocular 'good-by. -. -:".4.
The coffin was lowered to the bottom of the
grave Meanwhile the band played dirge,
and the crowd made comments and drank lager,
which was handed around by the several wait
ers The schimney box3 was then set down
over which some wreaths of flowers had been
strewn. The grave-diggers set to work with a
will, and in fifteen minutes Mr.. Vester was
ehectuaIly buried, with at least four feet of
earth between him and daylight. After the
lapse of an hour and quarter, q gentleman
stated that Mr.. .Vester was to remain down be-
low for two hours, but that some of the spec
tators were anxious to return home, and con-
sequent!y, if agreeable, Mr.. Vester would ap-
pear at once, or remain the specified time. All
present being satisfied, a signal was given, and
minute after MIR. Vester, unaided, stepped
out of his living grave, with no more percepti-
BILE exhaustion than would have been caused
by walking two or three blocks under the hot
sun. His exit was received with great enthu-
sasm and applause, and hundreds rushed to
embrace and congratulate Mr.. Vester upon the
success of this most novel invention. =
1t is stated that Mr.. Vester will give SINH
lar exhibition in New Y York in few days.-N.
I. Times. la1as c G-gGa
A MAN ATTACKED BY MARTINS The resi-
idents of block in Milwaukee being annoyed
by the martins which had built their nests
under the caves of the building, Mr.. Desforges
went upon the roof armed with a broom to dis
possesse the feathercd nuisance At his first
movement the birds gave token of determine
IL
seconds was considerably amused at the actions
of the little birds, and watched them with some
interest. 10 try the effect he swung his broom
about among them, when instead Of being In
undated they more boldly gathered about and
uttered their notes until the sound was deafen
ing-and pecked away as if they would tea,
Mr. D. to pieces: He began to think the affair
was getting a little warmer than he had counted
upoD, and he started for the sky-llght. T. !
His first movement exasperated the martins
and they renewed their efforts. They gatherec
in dense numbers before MI. D. and fought
every inch Of the ground Their thrusts were
not serious, for by an effort Mr. D. kept then
out of his face, and let them pick away at his
clothing, which they could not pierce. Twice
MIR. ID. was thrown down on the flat roof, ano
each time the martins, fairly crazy, made then
efforts with renewed energy and determination
and finally Mr. d. was compelled to lay dowr
90 his body, aud by the aid OF his hands tc
crawl along to the skylight This new tactic
nonpIussed the martins, but did not drive them
of the field. - Mr.. d. finally succeeded in get
ting beneath the roof, while the martins gath
cred about the lskylieht and uttered their shril
notes of defiance =
\ LATE BURIA1.-On the ed Of July were
committed to the earth in Harpurthey Gene
terry, the remains OF Miss Beeswick, removed
from the Peter Museum. There is a tradition
that this lady, who is supposed to have died
about one hundred years ago, had acquired SO
strong fear of being buried alive, that she
lett certain property to her medical attendants
SO long, 80 the story runs, as she could be kept
above ground. The doctor seemed to have
enbalned the body with tar, and ther
ss"athed it with strong bandage, leaving the
lace exposed and to have kept "her'' out o.
the grave as long as he could. For many year;
past past the mummy has been lodged in the room
vi vra,e the Manchester Natural History Society
interest It seems that The Commissioners
who " are charged with. the re. arran cement O
.oe Society $ collections have deemed this spe
Clm2l undesirable and hana ~ L.