The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-03-01
A Debtors Place Of Refuge.

NIAGARA SUSPENSION BRIDGE, Feb. 2l.-
In the exact centre of the Niagara Suspen-
sion bridge is mark Familiarity known by
the hubitues OF that ncighborhood as the
dead line," across which, to certain un.
tortunates, it is almost sure danger to pass.
This line is supposed to divide the jurlsdic-
ton OF the United States from that Of the
Dominion of Canada. Although in reality
the bridge itself is neutral ground, yet GUS
TOMS law gives the line imaginary danger
Gus qualities.
On the bridge at almost any time men
may be seen lettering, to all appearances
being common tourists, or peIh haps dwell
ers III 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 linc," and converse with others q
little distance off on the other side. The
men are debtors of either one or the other
country, who, through immediate neces-
sites or the dread of sheriff'S officers,
have been obliged to step across into
the friendly 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 point of visiting their late country,
and many are the tricks played to k, el
them there till the arrival of The Monday
Ii quarrel can be picked with one OF
them 1T all, it is done by some bully hired
fol- the purpose, and then both are arrested
and locked up for hearing. If he drives
out some distance into the country, his
horse is lamed, his wagon linch-pln re.
moved, or his harness cut. Ottentilnes an
unlucky wight IS thus entrapped, but gene
rally, il liquor is avoided, the debtor man.
ages to escape the pitfalls placed for him to
walk into.
As IA 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
bis 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 il caught but
one day he was found nearly wanting. he
was fugitive from Canada, where he owed
large sums, but having money to live upon,
preferred Ill careless, daredevil way to
1--we close TO his late home, instead OF
moving further back into the states.
He was accustomed to walk to the
Canada end of the bridge, where he would
chat with the officers there Oh duty. A
Canadian sheriff determined to capture
him. Disgusting himself and an assistant
il women's dresses, they came on the
bridge at the American end and approach
ed their captive, being between him and
freedom. -...-
As last they were close upon him, and
the sheriff, placing his hand upon the debt
or's shoulder, proclaimed him his prisoner.
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 Tor
the sheriff, the law held him responsible
for the debts of his late prisoner, as he had
allowed him to escape after pr0claiming
him his prisoner. The debts had, there
fore to be paid by the sheriff, and he laid
plans for vengeance. -
The Scotchman was very careful Tor O lew
weeks but caution wearing of, q new
plan was laid for his capture. Along the
bridge were stationed ut that time large
hoesheads filed with water, for use in case
of lire, and the Canadian sheriff managed
to obtain leave to empty several Of these,
and place men therein. The debtor one day
sauntered by these vats, and approached
the Canadian end. In 8 few minutes, turn
ing bis head, he saw his. captors in line
across the bridge, coming down upon him,
and, yielding TO the inevitable, he surren-
dered, and finally paid up his debts.
The devices used by the British soldiers
to desert are many. Lately q man appeared
wheeling in o barrow 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. '5ss l5.5