The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-12-23

night.
DEATH OF A WELL-KNowN HosT.-The telegraph
last night announced the death OF ii. S. Benson pro-
nlietor OF the National Hotel at Washington. Mr..
Benson well and favorably known in this city,
and his large circle of friends will deeply mourn his
demise, both on account of their regard for him as
man and as host The deceased came to this
city from Smyrna, Del, and started business as a
hotel-keeper on Arch street above Seventh AS
fortune favored HIM he made additions and altera-
tiOns, and finally succeeded in Thoroughly esta-
bishng what is now known as the Ashland House.
Extending his sphere OF usefulness, he leased the
Surf House at Atlantic City, which he managed so
successfully that in the course of few seasons he
had accrued enough wealth froul both establish
ments TO enable him to purchase the National Hotel
at Washington. He found it in anything but good
state; the unfortunate poisoning affair had cast IA
dampener on It's prospects, and custom fast
passing away Nothing daunted, the deceased laid
hold with willing hands, and 10y active and untirng
INDUSTRY raised II TO the position it now occupies.
The deceased about fifty years of age and leaves
fortune estimated at about s20o.0o0.
THE Bogus WASHINGTON AUToGRAPHIsT-Chief
OF Police Mulholland this morning received q letter
signed THOMAS Herbert Of Castle Island, county
Kerry, ireland, in which the writer lays claim 20
draft OF go, which he had forwarded to Samuel
Hawley N. D., ElktOn. Md, and which had been
seized by the Post Office authorities on the arrest OF
the bogus Washington autographist some time since.
1t VIII be remembered that this individual had been
for long time, engaged in writing to European gen-
tlelnen. representing that he the daughter OF
St0ncwall Jackson ana being in want had taken
occasion to offer Tor sale some autograph letters
alleged TO have been inscribed by General George
Washington. Mr. Herbert states that he responded
series 1nditcd by the bogus autoyraphst The Chirf
Will promptly return the draft M its owner.
THE REAL CAUSE OF A COAL on 7CC1DENT. This
mornings papers contain account of Il fire yes
teTday in the dWeillng-house of Mr.. Sweeny, Mar
riot street, below Fifth Said to have been caused
by the leaking OF coal oil from barrel. The real
on the first floor of the buildiHg Under the counter
was keg containing four gallons OF coal OIL Three
small children had been left alone in the store, who
lor amusement kndled a fire under the counter aud
then turned on the spigOt OF the oil keg The re-
suit, as might naturally he expected. was fire.
Perhaps, II the truth were known, more OF the coal
oil accidents might be traced to the careessness OF
children, or Of those having them in charge, who
eaVe such ln19mlnhhe materials within their reach.
TIE LINCOLN GRAMMAR ScHooI-To-nght the
ChIlstmas exercises OF the pupils OF the above
named school viii take place in the building Twen-
tletn ana coates streets. line programme has
been prepared, consisting OF music, reading OF the
Scriptures, reGtationa, humorous dialogues. ad-
dresses. etc the proceedings will ne opened % ~
At GtocS t"iS I aiteTnoon emo the paslIs f of RI f rg
branch will give an exhibition OF their scholastic
abilities. very amusing dialogue subject. "The
School Committee" viii form part OF the entertain
ment. Addresses are expected from Mayor Roy
John Price Wetherill, ESQ.,, Hon. William s. Peirce
Esq, and John Clark. Esq
COMMENCEMENT OF THE AMERICAN CoNsERv iToRy
OF MUsc.-The Academy presented brilliant scene
on Wednesday evening on the occasion of the com
mencemoht OF the Conservatory of Music. The
stage YVES occupied by the graduates and the orches-
ira, numbering SO performers composed entirely Of
professors and pupils OF the Conservatory. The
/
aud the execution OF the pupils, both in the vocal
and instrumental departments, evinced the good
effects OF their training by careful teachers An in-
terestng feature OF the occasion the dlstribu-
ton OF medals to the graduates. There were 1870
bronze, 50 silver. and gold medals awarded
D1si1 iSG PLEASURE FROM s0RRow.-T6e 6515s,'.
| pher who inserted the following advertisement
Shows o considerable amount OF nerve:-
| LksoNAL.-Will the Chevalier Artist 'W6o Te01
through the gentleman the of Seventh
Spring Garden streets Tuesday evening for
the Opera Tickets Ito be used Thursday evening"
ne ran SO much rlsk small amount as Doclet
- - cnnIs ned ~ * LIZ, No. 40 NJ Fighth 81
nope tnat 50 polite request VIII D- 1,UI--.
with, as the gentleman appealed to had ga taEin,"
| way With him, and should not prove his dtness for
treason, strataSeIn, and spOs by not having music
in his soul.
| II.nIol5iAs kIERCiSES.-The ChflSrIIIs- 49,.
OF the Jefferson Girls Grammar School, Fifth street
above Poplar COOK place in the school building fbis
| morning. The proceedings were opened M 9i<
o'clock by prayer, after which singing addresses ana
recitations followed. There was large Attendance
| whole affair passed on very successfully 49,
| FALSE PRETENSE.-Nathau CaInpiou had a hearIns
| this morning before Aldermen DOughsrty on :
| charge OF false pretensc. Lewis Albertson carr et
dealer accuses him OF having purchased goods from
his store 20 the amount or one hundred dollar
falsely alleging tb ~ be was the owner of proDpl ty
| and giving worthless note in payment He was
held in SG0 ha to appear At fhe next tera of court