Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1871-05-17
The Dead Line at Niagara.

In the exact center Of the Niagara sus-
pension bridge Is = mark tamIlIarly known
10 the habIues OF that neighborhOod Us
the dead line, across which, to certain
uniortunates, II Is almost sure danger TO
pass. This line Is supposed TO divide the
jurisdiction OF the United States from that
Of the Dominion of Canada. Although.
in reality, the bridge itself Is neutral
ground, yet customs laws give the line
imaginary dangerous qualities.
On the bridge, at almost any time, men
may be seen ioiterng-to all appearances
being common tourists, or perhaps dwell
esr IN the vicinity Of the structure These
individuals, If they are closely watched. il
will be seen, do not cross the entire length
Of the bridge, but stop at or about the
dead line, and converse with others lit
tie distance of, on the other side The
men are debtors Of either one or the other
country, VINO, through immediate necessi-
ties or the dread OF Sheriff. officers, have
been obliged TO step across into the friend
y other side, and await settlement with
their creditors, or for " something to turn
up. On Sundays, when civil law for
debt Is void, these gentry make a point Of
visiting their late country, aud many are
the tricks played to keep them there till
the arrival OF Monday If quarrel can
be picked with one Of them at all it Is
done by some bully hired for the purpose
and then both are arrested and locked up
for d hearing. IT he drives cut some dis
tance into the country, his horse Is famed,
his wagon Iuch-pin removed, OF his har-
ness cut. Otteutimes an unlucky wight is
thus entrapped, but generally, II liquor Is
avoided, the debtor manages 10 escape the
pitfalls placed for him to walk into
As consequence he gets careless, and
Is more easily caught. He will cross the
dead line and walk boldly up to the other
end Of the bridge, confident that he can
retrace his steps in time to avoid capture.
One thus careless, i fine, active young
Scotchman, and u perfect athlete, was ac-
customed to boast OF his trength and agil-
ity as always able to rescue him if caught
but one day be was found nearly wanting. I
He was 4 fugitive from Canada, where he F
owed large sums, but having money to live
upon, preferred, IN careless daredevil !
way, to live close to his late home, instead
OF moving further back into the States.
He was accustomed to walk to the Can /
ada end Of the bridge, where be would .
chat with the officers there on duty \ (
Canadian Sheriff determined to capture
him. Disgusting himself and an assistant
in womens dresses, they came 10 the
bridge at the American cud and ap-
preached their captive, being between him
and freedom. At last they were c.ose
upon him, and the Sheriff, placing his
hand OH the debtors shoulder, proclaimed
him his prisoner. The athlete, however.
was too much for the law. Springing to
his feet, be struck out right and left, and
flooring his would.be-captors, made for the
dead line at full speed, and crossed it in
safety. Unfortunately for the Sheriff the i
law held him responsible tor the debts of
his late prisoner, as he had allowed him to
escape after proclaimiing him his prison
er. The debts had, therefore, to be paid
by the Sheriff, and he laid plans for ven
geance.
The Scotchman was very careful for .
few weeks, but caution wearing off, new .
plan was laid for his capture. Along the .
bridge were stationed, at that time, large /
filed with water for use in case /
of fire, and the Canadian Sheriff managed /
to obtain leave to empty several of these
and place men therein. The debtor one |
day sauntered by these watts and ap- I
preached the Canadian end. In few /
minutes, turning his head, he saw his cap
tors in line across the bridge, coming
down upon him, and yielding to the inevi-
table, he surrendered and finally paid his /
debts.
The devices used by the British soldiers
to desert are many. Lately, man ap
peared wheeling in barrow barrel of
-four. On reaching the United States
side, the head of the barrel was knocked
in, and deserterfrom the British ranks
was released from his close quarters s.-N
Y. Posi-.