The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-08-09
a Dead LING. and las sIeaning.

A Dead Line. and its Meaning.
in the exact centre Of the Niagara Suspension
Bridge is a mark Familiarity known by the ha-
bitues of that neighborhood as the ssDead Line
across which to certain unfortunates, it 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 loiteFing-t all Appearances being COM
mon tourists, or, perhaps, dwelers in the vicinity
of the structure. These individuals if they are
closely watched it will be seen, do not cross the
entire length of the bridge. but stop at or about
the dead line, and converse with others a little
distance of, Oh either side. The men are debtors
Of either one or the other country, who, through
immediate necessities or the dread Of Sheriffs
officers, have been obliged to step across into the
friendly other side and wait a settlement with
their creditors, or for something to turn up"
On Sundays, when civil law for debt is void, the
gentry make it point to visit their late country,
and many are the tricks played to detain them
there till the arrival of Monday. If row can
be picked up 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 hearing. If
he drives out some distance into the country, his
horse is famed, his wagon linch-pin is removed or
- H.,
thus entrapped but generally, if liquor is avoided
the debtor manages to escape the pitfalls placed
for him to walk into.
As a 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. fine, active
young Scotchman, and perfect athlete, was ac-
customed to boast of his strength and agility as
always able to rescue him if caught but one day
he was found nearly wanting. He was fugitive
from Canada, where he owed large sums, but hav-
ing money to live upon, preferred, in careless,
daredevil way, to live close to his late home,
instead Of moving further back into the States.
liz WIS dCGuStOuleA " VAIN W IilG Nullaud Gnu
of the bridge, where he would chat with the off
GERS on duty A Canadian Sheriff determined to
capture him. Disgusting himself and an assistant
in womens dresses, they came to the American
end, and approached their captive, being between
him and freedom.
At last they came close upon him, and the
Sheriff, placing his hand on the debtors shoulder,
proclaimed him his prisoner. The athlete, how
ever was too much for the law. Springing to
his feet, he 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 law held him responsible for
the debts of his late prisoner, as he had allowed |
him to escape after proclaimng him his prisoner.
The debts had, therefore, to be paid by the
Sheriff, and he laid plans for vengeance.
The Scotchman was very careful for few
weeks, but caution wearing off, new plan was
aid for his capture. Along the bridge were sta
Toned at that time large hogsheads filed with
water, for use in case OF fire, and the Canadian
Sheriff managed to obtain leave to empty several
If these and place men therein. The debtor one
lay sauntered by these watts and approached the
Canadian end In few minutes turning his head,
lie saw his captors in line across the bridge,
coming down upon him, and yielding to the inev-
table, he surrendered and finally paid his debts.
The devices used by the British soldiers to de-
iert are many. Lately, man appeared wheeling
! barrel of flour. On reaching the United States
ide, the head of the barrel was knocked in and
deserter from the British ranks was released
rom his close quarters, Niagara Corr. ~ Z.
Post.