The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1871-04-06
A DEAD LINE AND IT'S MEANINGs
Niagara cor. N. Y. Post

!
In the exact center of the Niagara sus-
pension bridge is mark Familiarity
known by the habitues of that neighbor-
nood as the dead line" across which, to
certain uncertainties, 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 Can
ada. Although, IN reality, the bridge it.
sell is neutral ground, yet customs laws
tiles. r- :. - 4""i
On the bridge at almost any time, men
may be seen loitering-to all appearances
being common tourists, or, perhaps, dwell.
lers in the vicinity of the structures
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 little distance off, on the other
side The men are debtors of either one
or the other country, who through imme-
date necessities or the dread of Sherif's
officers, have been obliged to step across
into the friendly other side, and await
a settlement with their creditors. or for
something to tnrn up" On SUNDAYS,
when civil law for debt is void. these
gentry makes polnt Of visiting their
late country, and many are the tricks
played to keep them there till the arri-
val OF Monday. fla quarrel can be pick
ed with one of them at all it is done bV
some bully hired for the purpose, and
then both are arrested and locked up for
hearing. Ii he drives out some dis
lance into the country, his horse is lam.
ed, his wagon linch-pin removed, or his
harness cut. Oftentimes an unluckv
wight Is thus entrapped, but generally.
II liquor IS avoided, the debtor manages
to escape the pitfalls placed for him to
walk into. 2a3
AS a consequence he gets careless. and
is more easily caught. He will cross the
dead lire and walk boldly up to the
other end of the brige, confident that he
can retrace his steps in time 70 avofa
capture. One thus careless, a fine, active
young Scotchman, and a perfect athlete,
was accustomed to boast Of his strength
and agility as always able to rescue him
II caught; but one day he was found
nearly wanting. He was a fugitive from
Canada, where he owed large sums,
but having money to live upon preferred
IN a careless daredevil way, to live close
to his late home, instead of moving
further back into the States.
He was accustomed to walk TO tho
Canada end of the bridge, where he
would chat with the officers there on
duty. A Canadian Sheriff determined to
capture him. Disgusting himself and an
assistant In women's dresses they came
tc the bridge at the American end, and
approached their captive, being between
hum and freedom.
At last they were close upon him. and
the Sheriff, placing his hand on the
debtors shoulder, proclaimed his prison.
er. The athlete, however, 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 al
lowed him to escape after proclaiminp
him his prisoner The debts had there
fore, to be paid by the Sheriff, and he
laid plans Tor vengence
The Scotchman was very careful for a
rev weeks, but caution wearing off. a
new plan was laid for his capture
Along the bridge were stationed at that
time, large hogsheads filled with water
for use in case Of fire, and the Canadian
Sheriff managed to obtain leave 20 emp.
ty several OF these and place men there
In. The debtor one day, sauntered bv
these yats anu approached the Canadian
end. In few minutes, turning his
mead, he Saw his captors in line across the
bridge, coming down upon kim, aud
yielding to tho inevitable, be surrender
Cd and finally paid his debts.
The devices used by the British sol.
dlers to desert are many. Lately, man
appeared wheeling ina barrow a barrel
OF flour. On reaching the United States
side, the head of the barrel was Knocked
IN, and deserter from the British ranks
was released from his close quarters.