davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
MIDDLETOWk.

special Correspondence OF Gazette and journal.
MIDDLETowN, Dec 26.-The snowfall
Sunday night and the rain OF Monday
put our streets IN q mean slushy eondi-
ton, much to the annoyance OF holiday
shoppers, and 10 very great extent cut
short the sales ususlly made on Christ
mas eve. Amidst the wild delight OF the
children ard the preparations for max
ing Christmas memorable in our homes,
the religious character of the festival has
apparently been forgotten. 1t has been
the custom here as far back as can be re-
membered to hold services on Christmas
Day among people OF almost all religious
denominations. But there was nothing to
mark the day just passed beyond the mass
and vigil IN early morn by our Catholic
friends, whom falling rain and sleety
pavements did not keep at home. All
day not 3 bell was heard calling the
faithful TO their respective places OF
worship. Several church goers residing
in the country brsyed the storm and
came Ia only to find the doors closed
and pastors absent, perhaps enjoy
ing the scent of cooking turkey.
The failure to hold services in three
churches was cause for much drunken
meas. Drunken men were numerous.
Both white men and negroes went
Keeling down the streets. Fathers were
seen drunk with sons clipging to them
begging their parents to go home; negroes
with oaths on their lips and in some
cases blood on their heads stood like
ducks in the rain. The blood, however,
was caused by falling and not by fighting.
Poultry OF all kinds ID scarce here,
many not being able to find any for their
Christmas dinner.
AT Warwick, Md, last Sunday morn.
ing, the dead body of negro nsmed Bot
Johnson was found. Bob drank too
much OF John Whitlock's patent pear
cider on Saturday night and then lsy
down beside fence and fro2s to death.
Helen Potter Will give the third and
last entertainment of the lyceum course
here to- morrow evening. EVERY EVENING Il
correspondent having had tue pleasure Of
attending several of Miss Potter's enter
tainments is sure that no one will be
dissatisfied, regardless of his great ex'
pectatiops.
An angry game cock caused much
amusement by his antics in Wilson
cigar store on Monday afternoon. He
had fought another of his breed so close
rs to compel it to take refuge in the stair
way Of mantua making establishment
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
GEOkG ETOWN.
Special Correspondence of Gazette and journal.

Special Correspondence OF Gazette and journal.
GEoRGETowS, Dec. 25.-This is Christ
mas Day ard the many things that take
place in town like this are hard to re-
member. First, however, | will state that
the boys of the town were disappointed
in having their fire on the square as
usual, on account of the Indictment
weather. Snow lay on the ground about
3 inches deep and it was raining and
thawing so that IL was almost impossible
to build fire. They however rolled
several wagons snd other vehicles
Among the many things carried
there was monumental momento, which
had been left in the court house yard by
Brown & Seville, of Seaford, as an adver-
tisement. The boys took i. to the centre
OF the square, placed 1t in a conspicuous
position and wrote in bold lettere upon
its heading, sin memory of john R.
Day" John R. Day is bailitf of the
town, but he had the good sense to keep
himself within doors after nightfall,
Christmas eve. Eggrog, apple toddy and
other drinks were abundant all over
town.
But the browning feature OF Christmas
| in sussex county l5 the annual tFeSt
given to the paupers and inmates of tine
| Sussex county slmshouss by DR.. G. Ii.
Richards. For IS consecutive years this
| benevolent gentleman has spared no
| pains or expense to make the many I'M
fortunate beings therein happy. So long
indeed has he been doing this thing that
he has learned now just how to do it.
He knows just wh7t to give in
every particular case to make
these unfortunate beings happy
| in spite OF their deplorable circumstances.
There were 80 bags containing two
| pounds OF candy each, together with
oranges, apples, cakes, peanuts, walnuts
and CONNECTIONS, together with pipes
tot scco and Christmas cards all pertdmed
and scented, and mouth organs aud othei
instruments to cheer and make then
happy. In short, as said before, tn,
doctor knows just what to do in every
particular case. and in the name o
heaven ask can there be- . more benef
cent act than this3 The doctor may no
now be able to appreciate how these poo
INDECENT beings regard his munitioence ii
this particular but in the day OF fina
reckoning he will receive his reward.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
TRUSTEES or THE POOR.


From Every Evening oil yesterday.i
The board of poor truBtees held the
regular monthly meeting at the aims
house this morning. President Bird pre-
sided and all the members of the board
were present except one.
Superintendent duthrie's monthly re-
port showed that there 254 inmates in
both departments of the institution, an
increase OF 10 over December, 1882. There
are IS persons, SIS white and ID colored,
in the insane department and 1S6
paupers, 1853 white and 80 oolored, in the
almshouse. In che month there WAS one
death.
Upon motion il was decided to present
the portrait of the late trustee, Watson
Evans, belonging to the board, to the
family OF the deceased.
The contract for putting lightning rods
on the new county buildings was given to
J. p. Burleigh at q cost of $273.50.
A committee consisting of Messrs.
Dean, Farra and Williams was appointed
to consider the application Of the late
| John Ferris executor, DR.. Caleb Harlan,
for part of the county farm to be set
apart tor the erection of q house of refuge
on reformatory for youths. The com.
mittee will report at the next meeting.
An informal discussion upon the imme
| diate need OF building to be used as 8
smallpox hospital, WAS had. There was
| no decided action taken in the matter
At noon the meeting adjourned.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
PRISONERS .dLARMED.


From Every Evening OF yesterday.
Two more of the inmates OF the county
jail at New Castle have been attacked
with small -pox. The malady made its
appearance last night. and it is supposed
was communicated from the prisoner
Laws, who was attacked and removed
from the prison about week ago.
The appearance of the dreaded disease
has greatly alarmed the other inmates of
the jail, who are in terror lest it be COM
municated to them. Every effort was
made to prevent contagion from Laws,
and until the temperance of the disease,
it was thought that there was no further
danger.
The names Of the unfortunate pris-
oners are not known here, but it is stated
that one is doing 3 two years's sentence
and the other awaiting trial. A serious
question arises as to what shall be done
with the prisoners aud whether or not
the sheriff can remove them from the
jail, even though with the protection OF
the other prisoners in view.
1t is stated, however, that the sheriff
| has decided upon his own responsibility
| to remove the patients and send them to
| this city. There is much opposition to
this, inssmuoh as there ia no hospital
| bere and no place to keep and care fol-
| them. Every effort will be made to pre-
vent further spread OF the disease. The
alarm felt by the prisoners, it ia said it
shared by the citizens of New Castle.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27

Oxford Pa, Correspondence Philadelphia Press.
An old.time farmer Of that region,
Amos Bart, conceived the idea he would
remove to Wilmington, Del, and engage
in mercantile pursuits. He was the last
10 leave the farm with wagon load of
household effects one evening in April,
and night had we'll advanced when the
long stretch of dark and dreary woods
was reached. AMOS thought of robbers
as he entered the forest and remembered
he was unarmed. Suddenly highway
man on horseback issued from among the
trees and ordered him to halt. Bart did
SO, and at the same time his foot struck a
refund object in the wagon. lDstinctively
he picked it up and found it to be an old
style caudlestick. Amos instantly began
moving the slide in the stick. The rob-
Der surprising it to be pistol the farmer
had quickly left. On arriving at Dysart's
Bart heard the sounds of music and
through the windows saw the forms of
lads and lasses tripping the light fam
tastic toe. He entered the crowded bar
room and while shaking his thirst with a
tankard of ale related his candlestick ad-
venture with the highwayman. This
raised many a hearty laugh, and he was
regarded the hero of the evening.
After time Amos prepared to withdraw
from the merry throng and proceed oil mis-
way. His progress towards the door was
arrested by the landlords announcement
that he wished to speak to him. Takin &
Bart into private room the host said ;
"Amos you did wrong in relating your
adventure with the robber to the crowd
in yonder room. | notice among the
| drinkers several uspioious.looking
characters, and doubtless the one who
attacked you ia mingling with the booty
fellows. As | wish no harm to befall
you, take this old pistol and use it il
necessary" Bidding the thoughtful
| landlord good night, Bart climed into his
In one hand he held the lines and with
| the other the old tlintlock, while his eyes
were on the alert for pads.
"Stop, say" exclaimed, voice in
the rear Of the wagon. eye can't skeer
me agin with yer darn old csndlestick.
What lucky thing it was for me yt
stopped at old Dysart's to wet that long
throat of yours. Now just hand over all
the silver there is about ye, as | mus,
| press on"
Bsrt's store OF bravery had been
strengthened by the ale and ipstead Of
doing as he was commanded he informed
the highwaymsn he had been provided
with pistol.
81 now say if you do not let me 60 OF
unmolested l will sheot," said Bart.
"Shoot and" was the reply.
| As the robber exclaimed this Amoi
fred snd quickly urged his horges on
Next morning the highwsyman's body
was found and received decent buris
at Dysart's expense. Thus the country
was rid OF one its greatest terrors.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
1ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.
Rash EndeavOr of n Drunken Hus-
baud to Take HIS Life.


Edward Valentine of No. 407 Madison
street, while laboripg in fit OF melancholy
produced by drink and financial trouble,
attempted suicide Tuesday morning by
taking a dose Of laudanum. About 8
O'Clock his wife found him in the kitchen
with an ordinary 10 cent vial of the drug
to his lips. She tried to dash the bottle
from his hand, but he flung her aside
and swallowed the deadly draugbt. He
then rushed upstairs, exolaiming that he
was going to get his pistol and blow out
his brains.
The wife Immediately ran into the
street and alarmed her neighbors. DIR.
Fshey also was summoned and emetics
were administered, but the rash man
writhed in agony for long time, and
grave apprehensions were felt tor his re-
oovery. He continued in critical condi-
tion all day, but in the evening he was
pronounced out of danger, although he
was suffering severely.
Valentine is about rs years of age and
has q wife and one child. He ia painter
by trade and used to work for McLear &
Kendall. Being thrown out OF employ
ment, he opened an oyster saloon AND
cigar store in the front room of his home
His patronage, however, did not amount
to much, and his wife, in order to assis
her husband, took as boarder man win
gave his name as Stephen Peoples, a.
agent for the sale of safety valves for Goa
oil lamps. This individual departed
Tuesday morning without paying hi
board bill and leaving starvation starinl
Valentine and his family in the face.
To friend Valentine stated Tussda,
that he WAS intoxicated and disguste'
with himself, but that he had forgotten
wife and child when he tried to take hi
life
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27

James Reifsnyder OF Churchtown,
Lancaster county, bought box of
miscellaneous articles, at a public sale.
His sons looking over them, found
several small copper caps, which they
thought were discharged pistol cartridges,
hut they were nitrc-glycerine caps used
for the discharge of dynamite. One of
the boys, aged about IL years took CAP
with him to school last week, where he
undertook to put it on the end of his
slate pencil. This pencil fitted rather
tightly into the cap and to force it in the
boy thrust the pencil against the desk,
resulting in irightful explosion. The
ends of both thumbs and both OF the
second fingers were blown off and shat
tered so much that they were amputsted
at the first joint. The tips of both index
fingers were also blown off. The explo-
sion caused intense excitement, as at first
it was not known what was the cause
of it,
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27

The Executor ofthe Late John Ferris
Offers $4,000 Toward the Estnb-
itshment of "a KefOrmatOry.

The Executor ofthe Late John Ferris
Offers $4,000 Toward the Estnb-
iishment of IA ReformatOry.
From every Evening of yesterday.
BY the will of the late John Ferris,
deceased, a legacy together with the resi-
due Of the estate is bsqueathed for the es-
Establishment OF charitable institution OF
reformstory character, Suggesting in the
document that the money be applied to
to establishing house of correction.
DR.. Caleb Harlan, executor OF Mr..
Ferris will, and DR.. l.. p. Bush appeared
before the trustees of the poor this morn
ing in relation to the mater and asked
that sufficient ground OF this county prop
erty at Hars's Corner be set aside for
the erection of the buildings.
DR.. Harlan in his statement to tue
board said that the residuary legacy re-
naming in his hands to be devoted to
retormatory home amounted to about
| $40, coo, which he would e2pend as sug
yes. Ted by the deeedent aud asked the
cooperation OF the board in the matter.
The matter brought forth considerable
discussion as to the proper method OF
proceeding in the case, but all the mem
bers favored extending to the scheme all
the aid in their power.
DR.. Harlan gave as HIS idea that suit
| able buildings could bs erected on the
| oountr farm to shelter the inmates where
they could bs provided Tor, taught some
useful occupation and the rudiments of
an eoucstion, such as would be of use
to them when released, and in that way
| assist in their reformation.
| As there is no such institution in this
| State, it ia proposed to take children from
| any OF the other counties and charge for
| their maintenance 1t was thought also
| that the State would make an approprla-
| tion for the purpose which would con-
| tribute to the support Of the institution.
| DIR. l.. p. Bush suggested that the
board take some action upon the appli-
cation, when he thought the citizens of
Wilmington would call meeting to
further the object and arrange to act in
connection with the levy court and
trustees of the poor, to advance the
scheme. He also stated that he felt sure
there wers number OF people in Will
mington who would con tribute to the
support OF the institution, as it was tho
general feeling that such a place was
greatly needed.
Mr.. Springer thought that any action
taken until the charter was obtained OF
until the object and purposes of the pro
posed institution were set forth in detail
would be premature. Several members
suggested that a committee he appointed
to consider the matter and this upoI
motion was agreed to. The committee is
Messrs. Dean, Farra snd Williams.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
Magraasa

COOPER -WALrER.-on the 18th Inst, by the
RI. Rsy Alfred Lee, Charles william Cooper OF
New YORK, and Mary Hhosds, daughter Of the
late Thomas w alter. No cards.
DAVIs--McCLURE.-In this city, on the 2olh
inst, by The kew. /. VI. Haldeman, Walter s.
Davis, and sus. e. Mcclure, both Of this city.
HEWE5 PARRY. in West Chester, on the 18th
inst, by the ReY. Joseph s. Evans William
Fewes u birmingham, delaware county, and
Cordella NJ. Patry OF this county.
Law FISHER. On wednesday, the 10Th inst i,
by the Eev, J. h.. Nalandighsm. d. ID John
Law and Elizabeth Fisher, both Of this city.
Pryor wORBILOw. - ON the 25th inst, at
the bfide's residence, .. 1l26 Walnut street,
by the Rev. W j., ; Murray, Charles I. Pryor
and Mary n. Wor1iOw.
McDoRkLJ,-G RIVER In oxford on the goth
INST, by The Re-. ~" r. Bingham, ID. D.,
Gilbert G Mcdowell Of aivsrt, Cecil county,
Nil and Ida NJ, Carver Of oxford, Pa.
REGISTER CARSON AT Philadelphia, by the
Rev Mr. Glib oIs. of Pine Street Presbyterian
Church, Captain Y. ID. register and Maggie
arson. both of Lewes, Del,
THAT CHER-EAk y .--Iu on toe Philadelphia,
10th inst b. the Rev Enoch Stubs Albert
Thatcher and Lille EaRin, both OF this city.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
SMYRK6.

Soe .lal Correspondence OF 1a1stte and journal
SMYRNA, Dec 20.--A fire which occur red
yesteid day evening in chimney at the
residence of Mrs. q, P. Macon created
quite an excitement. It originated fro N
sparks from the stove and II The roof had
not been damp from the late rain, con-
siderable property might have been
destroyed. The flames were patty ex-
tinguished by water.
Levy Court Commissioner G.. G. Roth
we'll says that the repairs to Taylor
bridge, Thoroughfare Neck, ara being
completed, and the bridge is ready for
travel.
Miss Caroline &potts, daughter Of Fred
eTivk kuotts, living near 8lackiston's
Gross Roads, who died last Sunday, near
ing her eighteenth birthday, was buried
to-day at the Episcopal cemetery.
Il. Ii. Huntington will be succeeded by
Lsvic III. Hirons on Monday, 3lst inst.
SMYRNA, Dec. 24-Bsckett & MacKay
sold on Saturday at their carriage factory
lot of second hand carriages at prices
ranging from 81 to 800. Owing to the
disagreeable weather many people failed
to attend,
On Saturday night considerable
amount Of whisky was punished here and
from its effects quarrel occurred between
party of whites and blacks during
which time blows were struck and one
negro had his head badly cut.
SMYRNA, Dec. 26.-Cbristmas Day was
generally observed here aud many tur-
keys disappeared, nearly all places of
business being closed, excepting two or
three stores which were obliged to remain
open.
The serenading boys, consisting of the
s. G. Band and several with horns, flies
and guns, were out in the morning be-
fore day, aud the music was much ad-
mired by all VINO heard it.
Services were held in the Episcopal
and Methodist churches with appropriate
sermons, yesterday. The Christmas tree
entertainment given last night at the
Methodist church was we'll attended, and
the beautiful tree which was 80 hand
somely trimmed with Christmas presents
was the striking feature OF the evening.
The church was beautifully decorated.
The Episcopal Christmas tree entertain.
ment was also SUCCESS.
The fourth lecture in tbe Record course
was given by Miss jamie G.. Savage, the
humorist, and very we'll attended, the
hall being comfortably filled and all
those present were much pleased with her
humorous ROTATIONS.
Walkers school Christmas entertain
ment was postponed until this evening, ON
account of bad weather.
The disagreeable weather which pre-
vailed on Christmas eve prevented many
people from coming to town, although
| many goods were purchased that day. An
immenss amount of whisky being con-
sumed several little skirmishes took place.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
STEAMERS LAID UP SOR WINTER


The steamer samuel M. FELTON, made
her last regular trip Saturday until after
navigation reopens in the spring. In Il
day or two she will be taken to the ship
yard of the Harlan Il Hollingsworth
Company, where she will bs thoroughly
overhauled and reprinted.
The steamer Wilmington made her last
trip of the season Friday, and was
taken to the shipyard of the Harlan q
Hollingsworth company Saturday for re-
painting and general overhauling.
George W. Bush & Sons and Charles
Warner & Company will run their freight
packets between this city and Philadel-
phia as long as the channel remains open.
The steamer Vesper OF the Electric line
arrived from New York Friday night and
will net make any more trips until the
reopening Of next season.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
NE1aHaoRINa oouNrIEs.

Notice was given on Saturday night
that the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and
Iron company's mill in Reading will be
closed on January LIST for an indefinite
period. Three hundred hands will be
thrown out Of employment.
Jacob swavsly, aged IA years, was sOoi-
dentslly shot and mortslly wounded by
his brother John, aged II, near Reading,
Penns., on Saturday. John slipped in
the snow, and his gun wss discharged
into Jacobs side. The wounded boy died
in a few hours.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
MINING TROUBLES.
Probably 10000 fen 10 Unite In a
STRIKE

Associated Press Dispatch by sserlal Wires.
PITqsBURG, Dec. 26.--A special dispatch
from Mo- honuoD, Pa, says There are
lively prospects Of extensive trouble in
the bitnminous coal distr,o's Of West
moreland, Blair, Huntington, Centre and
Clearfisld counties.
The producers are extremely retisent
as to their plans, but It is pretty geuer.
ally known that reduction in wages in
all departments of labor will be exacted
after December 81.
The miners, who are said to be well
organized, and estimated at from $4,000
to 20, 600 men have expressed their viii
lingness to co operate and asast in a
general strike laid down for the frat Of
January.
The rupture between the Rochester
and the Pittsburg railroad company and
their msleontent miners is not entirely
adjusted, notwithstanding the report TO
the contrary, and feeling of insecurity
prevails in the striking district.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27

Ascension Fress DispaIch BY speclai Wlrss
tsILA OE1PHIA. Dec. 26.-Rlouf, quiet
Rupgrtiue, SJa5.5J extra, s3,a0a4, Pennsylvania
family, si.75a5; Minnesota extra, S5a6.
Rye -four, 1915.
" heat quiet 80 Western red, sl,0sa
1857 No. ) do. sl.O2al.0214; NO. ! Pennsyl
wanna red, SLIP.
Corn, quiet: new sail yellow and new sail
mixed, 6Oc; No. Mixed 5}a54c.
Oats, firm, fair demand No. white, 5l15a
&C.; No. white, iJ14ailc.; NO 3 do, iOc.; NO
2 mixed, SIC.
Rye, scarce, DOC, ...
Clover, quiet, SAalOc.
Timothy, dhll ,Il.4Ual,5O. -...5 1-.-.
Flax, scarce .z
pTovisiore quiet, easier, mess pOrE old, sl5O0
new, slBal6.5O; beet hams, S2iaA.5O; bacon
smoked shoulders, 65za7l4c.; salt do. h1sa65Ac
smoked hams l2hal4c; piGssd do, llhal2U,
Lard, quiet; ciry refined, 91$G,; loose batch
ers, S1zsS5ac.; prime steam, s9l2a9.21
Butter, steady Pennsylvania and West
ern creamery extra, 37aSSc, Bradford county
and New York extra, 23a3Oc; Western
good to extra, lSa27c rolls, l2alsc.
Eggs, tirmer, more active; Pennsylvania
extra, 29a3lG.; Western. do, 3Oc.; ice house
l5ag4c.
Cheese, quiet, hrm; New York full cream
l2t3alSI4G,; Western, fair TO good llal2c
Pennsylvania part skins, 51saSc; do. iul
skins, 2A512c.
Petroleum, quiet refined, Sag1sc.
HhiRgs 81 ~
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1883-12-27
Hard on the Big Thief.

Gssnclatea resl Dispatch oy Special wires.
NEW York, Dec. 26.--Counsel for
Charles R. Beckwith, the detaulting
cashier of B. 7, Bsbbitt, the soap manu-
facturer, appealed in the the court OF
general sessions to-day to have nolle
prosequi entered in the other indictment
against his client. Beckwitb stole
about $250,000 from his employer,
and on two indictments was sens
to state prison for 10 years. His
term expired AID he was released. 1t is
now sought to have him tried on the
other indictments. The court reserved
decision on the motion. Babbitt has
brought civil suit for the stolen money
against Beokwith and this is now pend
ing.