davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
Morning Session.

The session of the House was opened
with an appropriate prayer by Delegate
Holt of Lincoln county.
All evidences of the engagement of yes
terday had disappeared; the debris had
been cleaned up, and the forces dropped
into line slowly after the call of the House.
Resolutions.
Mr.. Quarter offered resolution that
when the House adjourn to-day it be TO
Monday. He explained the object of his
resolution to be TO allow the committee on
reapportionment day to complete their
report so that this bill could be put upon
the calendar.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr.. Cox offered resolution directing the
Committee on Education to inquire into
the expediency of adopting such legislation
as will insure uniformity in the questions
in use for the examination of teachers.
New Bills.
BY Mr.. Fulkerson: A bill fixing the
maximum retail price on school books in
use in the schools in this State.
By Mr.. Depue: A bill to transfer the
normal schools to the several counties
where located, and provide for schools for
the instruction Of teachers.
House Bill 2.f.
The House resumed consideration OF bill
No pa and the amendments offered thereto.
Some discussion arose upon an amend
ment to strike out the license fee upon
dentists, doctors and lawyers. Mr.. Sea-
bright advocated his amendment in Wig
orous speech.
Mr.. Leonard came to his support in an
earnest rgument IN tayor 0t Eakias a.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
INo IY.YA, sATURDAY NoHNING, JANUARY 1882.

year, but petition containing nearly 90
names of our best citizens was presented
to the Council asking that Capt Mehan,
who has 30 faithfully discharged hts dutiea
Be retained Is Capt. Of Police daring the
ensuing yesr, and he was unAntmoasy
elected.
Our worthy Postmaster, q F. Scott
has embarked in q newspaper enterprise,
having bought an interest in the Sats Jour
nal, Of this city. We wish the new propri.
etors unbounded success. The new pro-
prietors make their bow this morning and
announce that the Journal is to remain
thoroughly Republican, and hope to be
able to announce ere long that West Vir-
ginia is no longer reliably Bourbon"
How long?
The little child of Mrs. Moran, on
Janette street, which was 50 badly burned
last Sunday night, is still living, but its
sufferings are terrible. Mrs. Moran has
been sadly afflicted recently, having lost
her husband, and another child, which was
burned to death
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
PARKERSBURG.
water w0rks-PoIiee P0ree-Joarnais-
tie-Sad Accident.
Qr,ecinf IA liz RedfsfeH

PARKERsBuRs,J J January G.-0ur city coun-
Gil at its last meeting resolved the Parkers-
burg Water Works out of existence. The
resolution as adopted declares the ordi-
nance passed by the late city council null
and void, and that this council will treat it
as wholly illegal and invalid" Due notice
of their action was ordered served upon the
Parkersburg Water Works Company. The
action of council in this matter has caused
a good deal Of comment both favorable and
unfavorable. The matter will probably end
in the courts. as the water works company
had already commenced operations with
view to the early completion Of the con-
tract with the city, and have expended con-
siderable money by way of procuring the
necessary land for a reservoir, engine room
etc
The Council elected the old Police force,
which action gives general satisfaction. A
certain element used all the meass possible
10 defeat Capt Jim Mehan. who has stood
O. Ii.s 9ssd VI tts tVfv during ts pes
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
The Last Desperate Move.

SpecTulI 20 WtSlt7W -dSSOcttIltU 4 TOW.
WASHINGTON, January 27.-Itis said to-
night after consultation with able lawyers.
that Guiteau's counsel are thinking OF
raising the issue against the juris-
diction of the District OF Column
bia, courts. and of applying for
a writ of habeas corpus to bring the assassin
before the District Supreme Court. The
defense will claim that the court in Wash
ington had no right to try the prisoner,
because his victim died in New Jersey.
Several leading lawyers of the bar here are
of the opinion this would be formidable
move on the part of the defense.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
BLACK DIAMONDS.
Product of the American Coal Fields
for 1850.

Tor lSSO-
WASHINGTON. January 27-The Census
Office has just published report on the
production of bituminous coal, from which
II appears that the total amount mined
in the United States during the census
year 1850. was Al, ,420. $50 tons, OF which
total % Si2 40 tons were produced in the
Appalachian coal fields. Allegheny county,
Pa, furnished over one-tenth and the States
of PENNSYLVANIA, Illinois and Ohio nearly
three-fourths of the entire product.
The average price per ton at the mine III
1880, was 81 22, while in 1870 it was Sl.92.
At q cost Of IS cents, an average OF 43 53-lOO
tons was raised per man, and .66S per cent.
of the years working time or twenty days
per man was lost in strikes.
Sufficient information is gathereIh hJStsi " Just,
fields form but very small ts~otion of the
available coal land. Attention is called to
the fact that although the value OF the
product has fallen, wages have not cores
pondingly decreased, and the totals prove
q gain OF nearly third OF million dollars
annually in favor of labor. ..o,,,,
The anthracite product was 2S,6i6'9.
tons, nearly all furnished by the state oi
PENNSYLVANIA, making the total product OF
the country for the census year, 7l,O67,51
tons. England produced lag, SIS, l22 tons
in the same year.
MuzzIing the Assassin.
WASHINGTON. January 27.-ScOvillc and
Warden Croker had a discussion at the
iail Yesterday, to the propriety OF allowing
Guiteau's address to go out. Scovllle at
first opposed, but finally yielded in this
instance. lie said SO long as the papers
will print Guiteau's screcds, he fancles he
has the ear OF the press; that he is superior
10 his counsel and can manage the case en-:
tirely in his own way; while, as matter oil
TACT. he is indebted to his own utterances
for Yesterdays verdict.
Warden Crocker suggested: IL you Will
not supply him with any more stationary
| will see that he does no more writing. II
was settled between the counsel and the
warden that for the next week no one shall
be permitted to see the prisoner, and that
no Communication shall 80 TO the public.
The Lost Crew.
WASHINGTON, d. c., January 2I.-Secre
tary Hunt has received the following cable
gram by post from lakutsk, Siberia, Jan.
eth, via. lrkutsk:
HINT Secretary Of Nary, Washington, d. c.:
Telegram received. Every effort is max
ing to find missing men. MellenCe, with
two men and the Russian authorities, 60
north. Danenhower and nine men to the
Atlantic SeabOard. Report sent by mail.
[Signedl MELVILLE.
A Mistake.
WASHINGTON, January 27.-The statement
that the United States Treasurer has re-
versed his decision in regard TO the surren-
der of bonds deposited as security for bank
circulation, which bonds have been called
in for redemption, is erroneous.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28

A friend in need is friend indeed. This
none can deny, especially when assistance
Is rendered-wben one is snely afflicted
with disease, more particularly those COM
plants and weaknesses % common 20 our
female population. Every woman shonld
know that Electric Bitters are woman's
true friend, and will positively restore her
10 health, even when all other remedies
fail. A single trial always proves our asser:
tion. They are pleasant 20 the taste, and
only csst soc bottle. Sold by Logan Aco.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
Few YOSk.

NEw YoRx, January T.-Condiuon Of
trade firm, and reasonably active Tor the
season. SOme increase 10 noted In the d.
mand for staples and for export. The dry
good trade report fair demand Tor Sons
descriptions Of domestic .goods, but ths
spring trade II opening with lees acuvity
than anticipated Jobbing trsds dull. Lard
and pork have been irregular md hucta:-
ting, and prices have barely been sustained
The volume OF business In cotton has beeu
large, with downward tspdsney. bat clsst
ed firm. Wool IL quiet and prices srapE.
A fair business has been done In pstsoleun
and prices sustained. Sales Of American
pig iron have bssu somswhst
smaller, but the tons OF ths
market Il strong and prices hrm. In
foreign iron the market fs quito ASm. In
manufscturen' iron bushes 10 bssa eoso
at firm prices. A little mofs Life has -
peared In the boot and shoe trsds. and o..
ders are being received. IAsthsf guiss m N,
prices strong. In Lumbar prices ere eou
Advancing. In nav sugars ku.iness u vsfy
limited and refined L. generally dulI. CD.
Zee is dull, and tss slightly fSmsr
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
A BAD Schoaf

WEsT JEFFERSON, o., January 27.-Mrs.
High, teacher of the public school three
miles from this place called in John hut
Ter, one Of the directors, yesterday after
noon, to assist her in quelling disturbance
among the pupils, inStigated by u boy
named George Schott. Butler so enraged
Schott that the latter struck Butler on the
mead with piece of coal and crushed his
sAuII. II IS not possible for Butler TO re-
cover. Schott who is 10 years old. has
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
GENERAL MATTERS.
River and HarbOr Apr >printions -
Prospect for West Virgin. Ia Streams
Harper's Ferry Property and what
should be Done with II.
Special Dispatch u he Register


Special Dispatch % the Register.
WASHINGTON, January 27.-The letter
from the Secretary OF the Treasury trans
mitting estimates OF appropriations re-
auired for the service of the fiscal year end
ing June 80, 1888, is 4 very comprehensive
document. Ii contains three hundred and
sixteen folio pages of closely printed mat
ter. consisting mainly of figures. 1t includes
estimates for all the branches of the public
service. Under the head OF public works
the estimates for river and har-
Dor improvements are given. The
told estimates for the next fiscal year for
River and Harbor Improvements are S29,-
lOl, 800. From this sum the Secretary OF
War recommends a reduction of S2l 6Ol 300
leaving the gross amount TO be appropria-
ted under his recommendation at 81 100000
1t will be observed that il this recOmmen-
datiOn be carried out, a course which has
heretofore been practically pursued, it will
give to each of the items embraced in the
estimates about
One-Fourth OF the Sum
required by the reports of the Engineers.
In other words, the reduction recommend
ed by the Secretary takes away three
say can profitably be Expended on the vari-
Gus rivers and harbors of the country
within the next fiscal year. The work re-
ferred to by the engineers includes S6T
river and harbor improvements extending
from Portland, Maine 10 the Rio. Grande.
In this connection il will be a matter of
interest to West yirginians to know the
manner in which their State streams
are likely 70 be affected by the reductions
recommended by the Secretary of War.
The amount recommended by the engineer
in charged of the Great kanawha river is
$3.50 600. The reduction recommended by
the Secretary would reduce this to So, 500.
The other Recommendations OF the En-
gineers for
West Virginia Riyer.
Are as follows: Little Kanawha S3l, 900;
Monongaela $4,000; Guyandotte 5000;
New River $4,000; Big Sandy $1,000. The
proposed reduction by the Secretary of
War would reduce each of these items to
One-fourth of the sum named.
am informed by Congressman Kenna, a
former member Of the Committee on Com
merce of the House, that for some
years back the practice of the Com
mittee has been to govern itself in
in the matter OF proposed reductions by its
own judgment Of the character and import
ance of the various works, making larger
reductions in some cases and more moder-
ate reductions in others, according to the
commercial importance Of each work under
consideration.
Mr.. kenna thinks that the Commerce
Committee AS now constituted, upon pro-
per presentation of ne facts and merits,
will deal reasonably aud fairly with West
Virginia rivers He served four wears on
the committee with some Of its present
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
noUNDsvniE.


Botoo - y bSs
Estter commands Is cenn per poap1,
and IL scarce nj that price.
The rolling mill has stopped on occoast
of break In the mschinsry.
DR.. @. w. Dodd, 10 packing his druss snd
medicines, preparatory 70 moving 70 ohse'
sopher, Connolly 4 Co. will open hard,
ware store In the Upper ward On the ist o.
March.
Dr. ]. A. Jackson hss removed 10 neCce-
nelisyille, Pa, whore be viii loesh pss'
M FR ss~~pt, coatr.ctins ssesss..
inforrns ms that the nsw bridges over -
ryeei. Grsve creek and Wheeling cfesk
viii be completed by the Let Of June. iee1
Hon. l. B. Pufdy and vile esaeeseess
deir crystal weddins. st their rssedseesi
on LAST Monday evening, "Besuy 81.
chivsiry were gsthsrsd thar Iss @
vas most enjoysbis one. Qaits NUM-
Der Of hsndsms presoc vs
nsds the happy eoepS -
wh{ch r,usc, VT snl neshmeot sssasesa
a co1plese he evesisGs estsftsinneee
All unltsd IN de bsst H vfs,bes " -
iasuD sseuc1 q a,stdly yoS
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
FIRE RECORD.

PHILADELPHIA, January 27.-The loss by
the fire last evening at the Keystone Hub,
Spoke and Wheel works was Sl50,0OO; in
surance $4,000.
GRAND RAPIDS, January "a fire last
night damaged Hughes, Whittemore &
Hunts stave factory, and Bacon & Priestly's
faucet and landslide factory TO the extent OF
s. 600. Insured.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
Failures for the week.

NV NoEE, January Pr G.. Dun &
Co. OF the Mercantile Agency, report the
failures throughout the country during the
week aS l55, which is a considerable reduc-
Hon compared with the recent weeks. The
distribution is as follows: Eastern, g.:
Western, IS; Southern, 50; Middle. 2i:
Pacific Coast and Territories, 10; New York
city, @ The failures in the South are still
excessive. In New York city no stoppage
Ct Importance occurred.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
Unburied for Four Days.

CINCINNATI, o., January "A Ga=ette's
Steubenville special says: This morning
an unknown man, who died of smallpox at
Elliottville, was buried, after remaining
four days in an clubhouse. He has been
identified as Benton Coulter, aged 20 years,
q native of Illinois and formerly travelled
with Sells Bro. s circus.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
An AlIeSed Confession.

HARRIsBURG, January 27.-Frank Rum
berger, the youngest of the Proutman MUIR
derers under sentence of death. made what
he calls true confession this afternoon.
He charges the shooting Of Proutman to his
brother, Henry Rumberger.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
A Tame Rear.

LAFAYETTE, Ind, January 27.-This COM
munity is excited by learning that dane
ing bear, which has been in charge of two
Italians, escaped from its keepers just out
side of the city, and was killed by family
it attacked The Italians are missing, and
from the discovery of bits of their clothing
in the vicinity, it is feared both were
killed
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
PftGb0nwh.

PrrTsBrRGH, January 2s.-The only par
ticuiarly new thing In the situation In
general markets the past week was the sx.
element and advance In petroleum, caused
by Q reported decline In the production OF
the Bradford and Richburg fields. In con-
sequence Of this, United csrtiacatss
jumped from s3k TO s6jsc, and . predictioa
Of 81 was freely made. The upward turn
was checked at the latter phcss,
however, and the market has
since been fuctusting between sS0gc,
closing this afternoon at s8x. During The
week excitement was intsnse, and ssiss fos
the week aggregated s,sts,0Oo barrels, ship
ments 252, 7JO barrels:
The iron market has ruled huIst and un.
changed. The demand has fallen OF slight.
ly, but Is still very heavy for the season.
fhs glass trade II inactive. hanufscturss
are Stocking up and look for heavy de-
mand a, higher hgnres whsn The sprins
trade opens. The coal market 10 dull, owing
toahe Tower markets being ovsrst0cksd snd
the continued warm weather. Shipments
10 Cincinnati and Louisville, 6os.o0D BUSH
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
Dividing Dakota.

lSpecidl % WesteTn Associated Press.
WASHINGTON, January 27.-The sub
committee of the House Committee on
Territories, to whom was referred the bill
to divide Dakota into two territories, have
agreed, by vote of four to one, to a bill,
and at meeting of the full committee to
morrow, will report the measure with a
favorable recommendation. The member
who cast the negative vote is Dugree, of
New York. who regards the bill as Re-
publican party measure, but he admits the
full committee will undoubtedly take
favorable action, and thinks the bill will
pass the House.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
Answer This

Did you ever know any person to be i'll
without inaction OF the Stomach, Liver or
Kidneys, or did you ever know one who
was well when either was obstructed or in
active: and did you ever know or hear OF
any case of the kind that Hop Bitters would
not cure? Ask your neigbbor the same
oueStion.-7imES.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
A GALA DAY.

Jolly Time on the MOnOngahela-
SteRmboatinS from MOrgantOwn to
FRirmOnt.
FUENaNT, January 27.-The steamboat
Harry, arrived here, this afternoon, at half
past four O'Clock having made the trip
from MorGantown, about thirty miles, in
less than seven hours. Many citizens Of
including q band of music,
were aboard. 4 much larger boat the NJ.
{. Knox, started at the same time, but
could not get over the Little Falls, and
turned back. Hundreds of our citizens
were At the river and greeted the little craft
AZ the head Of navigation. c.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
4 CaHl.

To all who are suffering from the error
and indiscretions of youth, nervous veak.
ness, early decay, loss Of manhood, DC, !
will send recipe that will cure you, rnss
OF cHAEsE. This great remedy vss discov'
cred by missionary in South Amenca
Send . self-sddressed envelope 70 the hev.
Jossph 7, laassn, ,stasiea y, ,hsE xeck kVys
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
Murder and Suieltle

?. BURLINGTON, la, January 2T.-K. A. Hef.
I'm, OF WaPello, Louisa county, this State,
IIa'a!Iy shot his wife yesterday and ended
T,S ,b own existence by. putting a bullet
IS known beyond the fact that the couple
had hyed unhappily together.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
Accidentally Killed.

BRADFORD, Pa, January 27.-Wilson Rus
sell, prominent lumberman of North
western Pennsylvania, was instantly killed,
this afternoon, by a log falling upon him
while loading cars at Big Shanty, twelve
miles south Of Bradford.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28

.,rike on the Panama canal Is
/ The demands of the laborers
1 seceded TO.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28

! s,adIoek in the New York Leg
stiIl continues, and that body
4 ,iourned until Monday.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
LDaiaVulN

LOUISVILLE. Jan. 27.-The iron market
continues strong with GOOD demand. Hot
blast iron is still tending upwards, and
quotations here advanced from SOC TO 81 90
per ton and Is getting scarce. Car wheel
iron is in good demand. Cotton has been
quiet and dull. Provisions strong and .
sharp advance has been established. Grain
market strong. Drugs quiet and steady.
There is q good demand for fruit
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28

rssder of the successful revolt in
!. 10 be recognized by the Sultan
4 Rev. Nothing is so successful in
,,,rIl rs success
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28

HAD barber's itch for years terribly. Doc
rs tailed. PERUNA cured me. C.. BErx,
Allegheny, Pa.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
C1evelaad,

CLEvELASD, January q. The iron market
continues firm. The action Of the Western
Bar Association in rcadopting former card
rates has given increased confidence 70 The
iron men. There Is Q good demand for
next seasons delivery OF Iron ore. and
most Of the productions are reported sold.
Prices OF ores remain about the same -
last year. No charters are being made, but
vessels for the season arc offering at ito.
Pig iron is quiet, and the fupply u only
large enough TO I'll small orders. Prios!
are firm and unchanged. Manufactures
iron Is firm and prices steady. Inquiries
for rail road supplies arc light and there
Is an easier feeling. Steel rails are nomin-
ally quoted st t63 at the mill. Petroleum
firm and prices without change.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
THE NEWS.

r,ox prevailsat ninety-One diff
I. rlsces in Illinois.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
TRADE REVIEW.
csadltioa q Trals 4 t. Esallse
ssh cjlieo.Uf II ce1ntiy.
Iron n,rsst shssg asd Ads,seisg- -Ps-
visions Strong Wheat Stssty-fIssf
Slightly High&-csn asd 0sh
Steady-Dv Goods Fin.
xosI SATISFACTORY SHOWING.


PHILApELrrIA, January T.-Ths Asstk
Amo'oaa tomorrow win say: Trade in
most departments was moro active dufine
the past week. and the price Of several
leading articles have advanced.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28

5i.ratch from Geneva says the
I IN Paris has extended to the
rity and several heavy failures
/ srpouuctd.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28

BosroS, January 27.-Ths usual January
lull prevails in al branches. Wool quiet
with unchanged prices. Cotton quiet and
steady. The leather market shows slisht
improvement. Shipment OF boots and
shoes, 46,l65 cases against II ,s23 last week.
Hides trihe firner, - the advance In
frcights adds one.third Of cent 10 the cost
OF transportation. Iron market nominally
unchanged. Coffee dull. Lard firmly
held. Dry goods quiet, the cheaper grades
OF shirtings and sheetings are easier though
bleachcd goods are fairly steady. Hog Pre-.
ducts firm and ir r..-.:.SS vi'npur' y @.S
Ing upward. Groceries generally quiet and
easier.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
ChscaeN

CHICAGO, January T.-The financial sic
AZ Ape; per g cent The slssrlsr 60 q tis i ~
0Oo, ,0O0 General trade has been moderately
active. Sales were mostly made through
mail orders. The grain markets have bsen
active, owing, chiefly, TO . rumor OF excit
ing events TO come, including corners, etc.
Wheat has tended TO better prices, but the
close was not 50 high as Was reached during
the week. Corn was erratic, closing pretty
firm. Provisions showed good steady I'd.
vance, but the closing was not at outside
prices.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
Cincinnati.

CIScrSsArf, January T.-Busincss fairly
active in all departments. The money
market has been easier, and funds In good
supply, with unchanged rates. Grooeries
are fairly active, and In some lines there ia
q brisk trade, and in all prices are well
aintained. Boots and shoes dull, and not
so active as last week. The dry goods trsSe
is satisfactory, and prices are well sustained
except that prints have not recovered the
decline OF couple OF weeks ago. In grain
there has been an advance In wheat,
which has since been lost under heavy re-
ceipts. Corn has been fairly active. Oats,
strong. Barley, dull but holders are hrm.
whiskey, steady. Provisions, strong and
higher.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-01-28
WASHINGTON.
Matters and Things at the Fed
eral Capital.
River Harbor Appropriations-The Prospect
for West Virginia Streams-Harpers
Ferry, and What Should be
Done With Il. "
REINFORCEMENT.

GENERAL NEWS NOTES AND GOSSIP