davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The state journal., 1884-12-27
CHRISTMAS.
How it was Observed, Reli0iously
and Socially in Harrisburg.

The general sentiment is that the
present holiday has so far been very
quiet. Business men have done
about one-haif the business of former
years. While large crowds were
seen upon the streets and in the
stores on Christmas eve, the pur-
chases were not of the costly order.
When people years gone by thought
nothing of spending dollars, they
very carefully spent cents, and en-
deavored to get as much as possible
for the money. Even the trade of
the saloon keeper was not as brisk as
of old. The bali masque at Keystone
Roller Rink was not very largely
attended. Christmas dawned bright
and clear upon an excellent bed of
snow, but not many of the colored
denizens had out their fast trotters,
but took that natural pride in those
they groomed or drove for some one
else.
The Wesley Union, Bethel and
Elder street Presbyterian churches
all held exercises for the Sunday
school scholars. The Bethel church
during the day making the young
folks hearts glad with candies, cakes
and like things. Wesley Church held
very interesting exercises in the
evening, participated in by members
of the school, teachers, scholars and
officers, A handsomely decorated
Christmas tree with innumerable
toys, candies, books and birds the
little folks enjoyed the treat, as did
also the many parents and friends
present. At the Presbyterian church,
Elder street, the scholars of the Sun
day.school were also remembered by
the church. Quite an enjoyable time
was had. An oyster supper was also
given at the same church on Friday
night. The Mite society of this
church, which has heretofore met at |
private residences, will hereafter meet |
in the recently finished lecture room |
of the church. There was not mach |
drunkenness upon the streets, as
many who had been used 10 a bowl |
of egg-nog had to forego that luxury
from a press of times. In the Eighth |
ward they were unusually quiet, the |
places most frequeated by colored |
s,>a.> IL G G>ll~-a' - G---->l 4L-.>>A---1 !
on State street, were |
quiet and orderly. Five cent rum
sold briskly, but the cold, biting air
drove it downward instead of upward. |
Christmas of 'S4 will be remembered
by many as a dull Christmas. The
city is still full of strangers, who will
remain until after New Years. A
number Of persons spent the Christ
mas out of the city.
The state journal., 1884-12-27

Wesley church choir for a number of
years. His heart delights in music
aud his soul adheres thereto. He
has been engaged in various busi-
nesses and is manager of the Lochiel
hotel dining hall, where be has pre-
sided off and on for over thirty years.
He is one of the solid men of our
city and those who know him can
vouch for his hospitable nature and
sterling qualities. He is the present
assessor of the Eighth ward.
JOSEPH b. POPEL
There is not a colored man in the
city more highly respected than Mr..
Joseph B. Popel. This gentleman
was born in Maryland, but came to
this city with his parents when quite
a lad. He is now in the sixties, but
possesses so much youth and vigor
as to deceive the rlost skeptical. His
knowledge Of the history of this burg
for the last half century is perfect.
Being a close observer he can dis
cribe accurately the various changes
through which the then borough has
passed into city of 10000 inhabi-
tants. Many of its present streets
served as play ground and hunting
field in the days of his youth, when
he had for his playmates some of our
most prominent white citizens. He
is fond of out door sports and likes to
throw a line or take a tramp with
dog and gun, which he does for
day or two. He is at present one of
the city's efficient sanitary officers,
and the trusted treasurer of Wesley
church and the Lincoln cemetery fund,
and is also superintendent of Wesley
Sunday school. Next week we will
continue our pen sketches of Harris
burgs prominent and well known
colored men.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
NO.s7.
BLACK DIAMOND CITY.
News and Notes Gathered by
Our Correspondent.
WILKEs.BARRE. Pa. Dec. ~

WILKEs>BARRE, Pa, Dec. p.
On Tuesday evening last, Thomas
Robinson and Miss Martha J. Neal,
both OF this city, were united in the
holy bonds of wedlock, at the resi-
dence of the brides brother, Amos
w. Neal, II Wright street. The
nuptial knot was tied by Rev. Add.
II. Palmer, OF the A. NJ. church, Fell
street, after which reception was
held There was large assemblace
OF friends of the bride and groom
both white and colored. A large
number of presents were given and
a pleasant evening enjoyed. We
understand the newly made twain
intend to make this city their future
homo. As they set out on their in.
definite voyage, that their course may
be attended with long life, success
and happiness, are the best wishes of
their host of friends.
Miss Lucy v. Levy, of Harrisburg,
is visiting friends in this city.
The fair under the auspices of the
members Of the A. NJ. Z. Bethel
church, at Landmessers Hall. nyo-
misses to be a grand success. Will
state more about it in our next letter.
Andrew Fitzgerald, of whom we
mentioned in our last letter as being
i'll of consumption, departed this lite
on Sunday last, at 2 A. NJ. The
funeral sermon was preached by Rev.
ii. q. Miller, Of the Church of the
Covenant, on Wednesday at 2 p. NJ.
In his death the above church loses
faithful member, his family kind
and devoted head, and the commu,
nifty highly respected citizen.
An exhibition under the auspices
OF the members and friends of the
Church of the Covenant, is booked
for New Years night, at Woods
hall. Come.
Among the many visitors to our
city We note Miss Martha Enty, of
Canada, who is visiting her aunt,
Mrs. CathaTine Norman; Mrs. Caro-
line Buttle and Miss Harriet Nailor,
of Montrose, Susquehanna county;
Ignatius Thomas, of Waverly, Pa.
Messrs. John Townsen, Robert Lo-
gan and Walter Brown, Of Glen
SSt,li;aataa;i Iy."rJ, uM 1rsoA TTrsrtrng mere.
Mrs. William Crabb, leaves here
on Monday next for the Quaker City,
and from thence to Boston, Mass, to
spend brief time.
Richard Chambers and sister Mag
gle, left on Friday evening for New
York. They expect to visit the City
of Brotherly Love ere they return
home.
Remember the week of prayer
commences at the Church of the
Covenant on the 4th proximo.
Why not have temperance society
here? Truly there is need of one.
GOLD PIX.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
Why the Crowd Looked.

1nlld. NEWS.
A few days ago in the great barroom of
the Hoffman House saw strange group.
Near the $40, 900 picture of the ''Nymphs
and Satyr" that hangs on the wall of
that superb drinking shop sat General
Simon Cameron and his son-in-law,
Wayne MacVeagh, Stacking their thirst
with bottle of Pommey and quieting
their appetites with a toothsome lunch.
Before they had half finished they were
Joined by Ned Stokes, the proprietor of
the most famous hostelry in America.
This was indeed a curious gath
ering, and quite crowd looked upon
them to crafty their curiosity by view
OF the greatest politician this country has
ever produced, and the younger man, who
is the most accomplished political strad-
der of the age, and again the man who
shot Jim Fisk for woman's revenge.
Stokes was showing his distinguished
guests his beautiful house, and they were
viewing its charms as an incident of their
trip to New York.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
GENERAL NEWS IN BRIEF
ITEMS FROM ALL PARTS OF
THE COUNTRY.
Scissored from Our Many Ex-
changes and Condensed for
Ready Reading.

w. Fl. woodward, of New York
gave an elegant reception to MI
niece on Christmas day.
The Philadelphia City Council:
have colored page who receives the
princely salary Of $4,000 a year.
Ben Butler having mortgaged his
Washington residence for 100000
will now efflict the public with a
book.
Editor Grimkey, of the Boston
Hub, has been opening his mouth so
wide that be has got his foot in it.
He doesn't seem to have public op-
pinion with him in his recent attack
on Register Bruce.
Bishop Dickerson, of A. M. E.
Zion Church, died at Columbia, S. c.,
Dec the goth.
Rev. Psulus Mort, a colored min
lister, who has been in New York for
the past six years, left last week for
Liberia. He will visit the West
Indies on his way to Africa.
DIR. Arnett, Bishop Campbell, DR..
Tanner, Bishop Hood, DR.. Evans, of
the A. M. E. z. connection; Bishop
Lane, of the c. NJ. En- fact all the
representatives Of the colored churches
at the Centennial, seem to have been
well entertained and to have repre-
sented their respective churches salts
factorily.
DR.. Cook. young physician Of
great promise, of Washington, D. O.,
has recently won new laurels by a
very skillful surgical operation. His
patient suffered from an abscess
formed inside of the liver. This DR..
Cook cut out, relieved his patient and
saved his life. This was the first
case ofits kind in Washington, and
the white physicians award him the
honor he deserves. DIR. Cook grad
uated from the University Of Michi-
gan, three years ago, and was then
acknowledged to be the finest scholar
in the class of one hundred and
twenty five.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
,psclal to TIE sTATR JOURNAL.


PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 25.-No bet
ter opportunity has ever been offered
to the voters Of the Eighth ward to
elevate one of lis foremost citizens,
and representative of the younger
element in literary attainments, social
status and business qualifications
than now, and that, too, in the per-
son Of Richard Seely. This gentle
man is candidate for councilmanic
honors, and right solidly has he earn.
ed the right. In years and appear
ances he is comparatively young, but
old nough to be eligible. AS to ex-
perience, observation and general
fitness the ward does not possess a
more suitable person. When the
musketry, yes the cannonading of
political warfare has been the heaviest,
when more old bat less tried veterans
have fallen mortslly or seriously in
jured, this young man has withstood
the fearful onslaught and has always
been seen, heard and felt in the front,
bearing aloof the stained and tattered
banner of good old republican princl-
pies. Faithfully has he stood by his
gins (thus having anticipated the
memorable admonition of Hon.
James G. Blaine to his wife during
the litigacy of the presidential ques-
tion) grandly doing battle for his
party. Now let his party do victorious
battle for him. Mr., Seely is man
of no mean Literary requirements
This, coupled with the vivacity Of
his smother wit enables him to be
a ready and fluent talker. He is far
sighted, a deep thinker and good
logician. Such a man many think
would creditable represent the peo.
pie for and with whom he has Ia
bored and was reared. Voters of the
Eighth show your gratitude and ap.
probation of an honest laborer, who |
is certainly deserving of his hire.
In the ssme ward we have another
very able and highly deserving
young man, who is an aspirant for
maglstraial recognition. This per-
son is Mr.. J. r. Jones, of whom no |
less can be said than of Mr.. Seely. |
Mr.. Jones has been and is jealous
worker in the republican cause, and,
while he has never claimed to be a
"boss," as political leaders are now |
called, his advice is generally sought |
as to leading questions and candi. |
dates il his ward. He is thoroughly |
competent and sufficiently expert |
enced to properly execute the duties
pertaining to the Office he seeks.
Therefore, a higher tribute of appre,
citation could not be rendered than
the crowning of his effort with sue
cess, in which case we shall exclaim
constancy and merit have been re-
warded.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
READING sQUIBS.
News and Notes From Our own
Correspondent.
READING, December "a.

READING, December "a.
Of all the "beats' that business
men have to contend with, the news
paper beat is the meanest and most
contemplate of them all; let one
copy fail to reach him on time (or
not at ally, then hear him "ltick;" he
will make all kinds of dreadful
threats, even to stopping the paper;
this article and that article don't suit
him, and he is very hard "critter''
10 please, and when he reads this he
will turn up his nose and say, "this
paper is getting poorer every week"
A hint to the wise is sufficient De-
linquents please come to the front.
Miss Belle Terry is visiting friends
in Harrisburg.
Charles B. Gibson has gone to
Harrisburg to spend the holidays.
Charles visits the ''burg" quite often.
Why is it! Perhaps a certain young
lady up there could answer the ques-
tion.
A. L. Still and w. II. Still have
received invitations to attend recep-
tion TO the Sub Committee of Man
sgement of the G. Z. 0. of 0. F., at
Horticultural Hall, Philadelphia, on
Monday evening, January II, 1885.
William L. Terry, student at Le-
high University, is at horne spending
his holiday vacation.
Several Of our young folks went TO
Bethlehem on Christmas night to
attend a ball given by the Social
Club of that place on that night.
The A. M. E. fair that has just
closed, was grand success.
Howard Bower, of Bethlehem, the
phenomenal pitcher, late of Reading,
was in our city last week.
The ladies fair for the benefit OF
the Second Presbyterian Church,
opened on Christmas night. The
committee in charge are as follows
]. L. Terry. Miss Lena Thomas, Miss
Ida Terry, Mrs. Carrie Butler, Mrs
Harriet Nelson, Miss G. B. Terry
Levi Nelson and George Yancy. The
fair will continue one week.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
Marriageable Men Scarce.

A lecturer at the English Brighton,
having for a subject, Whom not to
Marry" advised the young women in
his audience not to ente. into matrimo.
NAL relations with men who were
smokers, or who INDUCED iu alcoholic
liquors. His views did not find much
favor, and manifestations of disappro-
val were loud and frequent. Marriage.
able men they say, are SO scarce in Eng
land that, if all who are not teetotallers
or anti-tobacconists are to be left without
wives, the number of girls condemned to
pass on in maiden meditation will increase
TO q frightful GENERALIZATION Transcript
The state journal., 1884-12-27
THE INAUGURATION.

The Reception Committee to Re-
ceive the Colored Militia.
WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 90.
Maj. G. A. Fleetwood, Maj. G. B.
Fisher, Capt. T. S. Kelly and Capt.
w. p, Grey are the colored members
of the military sub committee of ar
rangements for the Inauguration. All
colored companies intending to par
ticipate can correspond with either of
these officers and all necessary ar
rangements will be made. Exchanges
please COPY.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
PENNSYLVANIA DAY.
GOV. Pattison Fixes March 10 at the New
Orleans Exposition.

Recently Governor Pattison was re-
uuested by Director General Burke, OF
the New Orleans exposition, to fix date
for Pennsylvania Day. In response the
Governor bas sent the following letter;
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, HARRIS
BURG. Pa, Dec. 25, ISL. 4. Burke,
Esq., Director General NeW Orleans Er-
position-MY DEAR SIR: In reply to
your telegram requesting me to name a
date for "Pennsylvania Day at
the Exposition, beg leave to suggest
March 10, 1885. On that day in the year
1888 the frame of government prepared
by William Penn, after the grant from
Charles II. to him, Of the Province OF
Pennsylvania, provided for formation, OF
a Provincial Council, to be chosen by
the freemen of the Province. Under TINS
frame of government the first Provincial
Council met in Philadelphia for the tlrst
time on the date given above, and at that
Conncil William Penn, proprietary and
Governor, presided, and the charter OF
liberties, prepared by him, was read for
the first time.
have the honor to be,
Yours very truly,
(s,pnedO ROBERT E. PATTIsoS,
Governor,
The state journal., 1884-12-27
Elder Street Presbyterian Church
Dedicatory Exercises.

The special work of this congrega.
tion for the closing months of this
year, was the completion of the base.
ment of their church for Sabbath.
school and lecture room. In this we
are pleased to see that their efforts
have been blessed. The basement is
divided into storage, room, cook-room
and lecture-room. The floor is OF the
most durable yellow pine. The walls
are wainscoted four feet from the
floor; the remainder of the walls and
ceiling are hard finished. The room
is furnished with chairs. While this
room was being pushed to its com
pletion, arrangements were made for
its dedication, which took place en-
the 2lst inst.
Two o'clock in the afieqloon of the
above date was the tins appointed
for the setting apart this room for
divine work, at which hour, notwith-
standing the inclemepcy of the
weather, goodly number was pres
ent. Services opened with an organ
voluntary, followed by singing,
"Praise God from whom all blessings
flow," etc.
Rev Lawrence Miller made some
appropriate remarks.
Rev. Geo. S. Chambers, Of Pine
Street Presbyterian Church, preached
the dedicatory sermon.
Rev. VIM. r. Templeton, of Read
ing, led in the dedicatory prayer.
The exercises were interspersed
with good singing by choir and Sab.
bath-school.
Services expressive of our thank
fulness to God for his goodness in
placing us in possession of a church
complete, were held morning and
evening. Rev. Templeton filing its
pulpit on both occasions, preached
able and appropriate sermons, which
were listened to with marked atten-
ton.
This congregation has need to be
grateful for its complete and attrac-
tive church home, and increased "a
cilities for carrying on church work.
May the Lord bless and prosper
them.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
PITTSBURG.
P1TTsBURG, December 25.

PIrTsBURG, December %.
Old Prob. adjusted the lights and
shades and temperature of Christmas
that ne might be able to point out to
it ever afterwards as showing what
he can do when he has the disposition
towards making an ideal holiday.
The day was cold enough and just
snowy enough with a tendency to
bluster and storm in the evening,
giving, as he drew the curtain upon
the day, that wierdness and spirit
that dwells in the winds and snow
drifts after dark, and gives such zest
and relish to the season with its le-
gendary associations.
The Mother Goose concert and
exhibition at the Wylie Avenue A.
M. E. church, was an Outre affair. 1t
was very easy for any one to get into
the crowded church. but very difficult
to get out again. The Mother Goose
feature consisted in enveigling in a
pleasant and persuasive manner the
unwary into a sort and manner
of Christmas gift arrangement. The
concert was replete with dashes OF
excellent music, and the exhibition
was appro pirate to the occasion. The
brilliant, genteel gayety of the folks
had to be seen, it cannot be described
The churchly reverence was mot de-
tracted from by their pious enthusiasm
to raise their financial bounties. The
ladies deserve particular credit in
embracing the humor of the occasion
in making everybody at home, and
the entertainment aw fait, as a rarity
of Christmas jubilation in manner
and form akin to the festal season.
VIM. Billows, son of Mr. Archie
Billows, died suddenly on Sunday,
the I4th, and was buried on the
Thursday following. His Many
friends sympathize with his parents
in their bereavement.
Mrs. Weeten, daughter Of Mr.. and
| Mrs. Allen, died suddenly on Sun
day, the l4tb, and was buried on the
Thursday following.
We are pleased to learn Of the
wedding of Mrs. Bell and George
Holmes on New Years eve, also oi
the wedding Of Miss Ida Jones and
Samuel Roach On the same evening
Miss Minnie Anderson, who is now
| in the conservatory of music at
Oberlin, is at home visiting hei
parents. .. L. r
The state journal., 1884-12-27
Christmas at the Allnshouse.

The inmates at the almshouse had
very pleasant Christmas. In the morn
ing they were all assembled in the chapel,
and then each went forward as his or her
name was called and received present
distributed by Stewart Ream, Mrs Ream
or Capt. Wagner. The children were
made happy with candy, fruit and nuts,
and the men and women received hand
kerchiefs. gloves, socks. ETC., all presents
of useful character. A roast pig dinner
was the feature Of the day.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
Equality Bafore tho Law.

North Carolina Echo
Congressman O'Hara, of North
Carolina, an able and fearless colored
leader Of that State, treated the coun-
try last week to such a shaking up of
Democratic dry bones, and ventilation
of their caste and obsolete fears and
weaknesses as was worthy of But
Ter or a Blaine in their palmiest days.
The occasion of this violent and un-
expected airing of Bourbonistic dilapi-
dated theories, was the bill before the
House to regulate the Interstate
Commerce.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
New Feature at Howard Univer-
sity.
WAsHINToN, D. c., Dec. "a.

The Industrial Department Of How.
ard University closed for the
Christmas vacation on Monday last,
and will not reopen until Monday,
January 5, 1885, when it will be
operated on a rather broader scale.
1t is proposed to hold sessions on
Saturdays and give instruction to all
acceptable atudents who may apply,
even though they do not belong to
the literary department of Howard
University, in the several trades
taught: Printing, carpentry, cabinet
making, shoe making, tailoring, tin.
work, sewing, cooking, etc.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
What will the Result Be.

Washington Advocate.
The hour has come, and the man
has not yet appeared; the "opener"
has neither revealed himself nor been
revealed. There can be not much
further delay, for the American Negro
is approaching dilemma, and IN.
less. from his own ranks there rise
wise coungelors, safe leaders, his du.
ration in the wilderness is destined
to be prolonged, although the
Promised Land may seem within
sight.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
NOTICE.

We ask all persons Indebted
to the Journal to pay up their
indebtedness by the 1st Of
January. If you are desirous
Of seeing a paper devoted to
the interests Of the cOlOred
people Of this State succeed,
aid us by subscribing and
paying what you owe.
The state journal., 1884-12-27
a CLOCK in q Bustle

From the Pail Mall Gazette.
An amusing story reaches us from
Paris. On Friday last lady, having
paid her hotel bill, sent away her boxes
on a cab and sailed forth on foot. No
sooner had she departed than the land
lord discovered that the clock had disap-
peared from the mantlepiece of the
room which his late lodger has been
occupying, though he remembered TO
have seen it there subsequent to her
trunk being dispatched. Convinced that
she must be the thief he rushed out in
hot pursuit, and, overtaking her, he
charged her with the robbery and gave
her into custody, the lady meanwhile
protesting loudly against the indignity
offered her, and vowing vengance
against the traducer. She was, how
ever, taken before the Judge d'Instruc'
ton, to whom she resumed her torrent Of
indignant denial with the extraordinary
volubility peculiar to the daughters of
Gaul. Her indignation was at its height
when 10 10 o'clock rang forth in clear
tones from the region of Madame's dress
improver. The expression of Transformation
depicted upon the fair pilferer's counte-
nance, together with the appositeness of the
quaint phenomenon, were too much for
the gravity of the officials, who burst into
fit of uncomfortable laughter. Five
minutes later a female warder returned
with the telltale timepiece to its owner.
Will Mr.. Oscar Wilde still insist upon
''the utter uselessness of that hideOus
monstrosity-the hustle 7"
The state journal., 1884-12-27
State BOARD AgrIculture

The State Board of Agriculture will
hold is annual session in this city on We'd
nesday and Thursday the 2Sth and Goth
of January next. The convention will
be called to order at 2:30P. N. Wednes-
dAy,
The state journal., 1884-12-27
To Detect Arsenic in IYaII Paper.

Arsenic in wall paper may be detected
by placing small piece in a saucer aud
pouring on it half a teaspoonful Of am
monia. If any arsenic is present the am
monia will very soon become rich blue
color and if, on placing q piece of nitrate
oG silver about the size of Q pea in the
Solntion. yellow ring forms around 1t,
the presence of poison is positive,