The Portland daily press., 1880-02-09
MAINE.
Fire in Stow.

FRYEBURG, Feb 8.-M. c. Hill & Co. store
at Stow corner was burned last night.with the
entire contents. Estimated loss $4,000; insured
in the Philadelphia Fire Association for $500.
Suicide in South Thomaston.
RocKLAND, Feb. S.-George M. Pierce, a
wealthy farmer of South Thomaston, commit
ted suicide last night by hanging himself to a
ladder in his barn. He was dead when dis
covered. No cause is assigned An inquest
was deemed unnecessary
The Election Returns, State Seal, Etc.
GARDINER, Feb THE Phillips Phono-
graph in today's issue states that the election
returns, state seal, &C., were taken from the
State House by Prince A. Sawyer. late fusion
Secretary of State, were brought to that place.
his home, and left in persons care subject to
his order, and they were shipped from there
by express ON the morning of the day they
were delivered at the State House.
The Ice Business on the Kennebec.
For some time past the city has beer flooded
with ice men from all parts of the Middle and
Southern states, buying ice for their different
localities. 1t is estimated that over million
tons of ice will be stored in Maine this year,
$4,000 of which will be in the immediate vi
cinity of Gardiner. A large amount will be
stacked outside the houses for early shipment.
Very few new companies have been formed.
The Gardiner Water Power
Great interest is felt in this vicinity in the
petition which was presented to the Legisla-
ture this week, incorporating the Gardiner
Water Power Company The principal signers
are owners of paper and other mills on the
Cobbossee stream, who propose to maintain
reservoir dams and purchase the property on
the stream. 1t is thought this will open new
enterprises and utilize the water power. Many
years ago capitalists were here negotiating for
the purchase of this property for manufacture
ing purposes, but before completed the water
power on the Merrimac was discovered which,
being nearer Boston, this was abandoned by
them for that, and Lawrence, Mass, was built
up instead of Gardiner. Since that time only
part of the power has been utilized, and that
by few interests of public benefit. 1t is hoped
that by the incorporation of the new company
a change will be effected.
A Strike.
A few men working in the Haynes & De-
Witt ice houses instigated strike among sixty
workmen, who attacked others, taking away
their picks and for time were masters of the
situation. The police were called and one
ring leader was arrested.
Outrages by Tramps.
A band of nine tramps outside the city lin
its this week broke windows in school houses,
entered dwellings, insulted women and
frightened the people generally. The police
succeeded in capturing three of the gang.
A Swindler Arrested at South Paris.
LAWRENCE, Feb. 7.--Wm. D. Stevens for
merly employed in the provision store of Seth
f. Dawson in this city, and who was arrested
for selling mortgaged property in the fall Of
1878, and was sentenced to nine months in the
house of correction, but appealed, furnished
bonds, and afterwards fled to Canada, was ar
rested at South Paris, Me-, yesterday, and
brought to this city this morning and lodged
in Jail. While absent, Stevens figured promi-
nently in the role of a reformed temperance
lecturer, and brought suit for $4,000 damages
against Coaticook paper in consequence of
alleged slanderous articles concerning his
previous career.
Postmaster Appointed.
WASHINGTON, Feb. S.-Eugene O. Stevens is
appointed postmaster at Blue Hill, Hancock
county.