davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
SANTA CLAUS cREMArEp,

Yesterday morning about Q o'clock one Of
the clerks al lines e. Ross dry goods house
was using a red hot poker TO thaw the ice
| from the frozen and obstructed drainage
tubes in the show window that contained old
Santa Claus, and the outfit that has attracted
SO much attention and elicted such favorable
comment from the public. The hot iron
came in contact with some of the flimsy and
highly combustible material with which tine
window was dressed, and in an instant the
children's friend was envelcped in flames,
and the entire contents of the window were
in blaze Santa Claus was soon hustled
out and dumped onto the frozen street, and
hand grenade fired at him. The bottle
did not explode, and the old styled water
bucket was resorted to, with same result,
when a grenade was exploded and the con-
fagration was no more. This did not hap
pen, however, until quite a serious loss was
sustained in the destruction Of goods that
went TO make up the display of the window,
some OF which were rich and costly, and
Col. lines estimates the cost at $500. This
is quite a serious and sad termination to the
career of the great Christmas attraction of
the city, in which all felt interested and for
who all are sorry
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
THE RELIEF CONCERT.

We understand that our local talent-ant
we have some of which We are justly proud
respond almost without exception to The
call for genuine charity concert in the
near future. Our citizens will welcome the
opportunity to give one evening TO such an
undertaking, and of all things work well
the result will be real Wichita success
While there is suffering and want in our
city as in all cities, we would be compsrably
free were it not for the fact that many people
reach this county with the last dollar spent,
and fail to find immediate employment, or
worn and weary meet the storm instead Of
sunshine and sometimes sickness instead of
health. 1t is not for those who have grown
poor and needy in our fair and happy
country, but tor those who were poor when
they started, poor when they arrive, and fall
an easy prey to the rigors of an early win
ter. We are satisfied that the Forthcoming
will be pleasing success and be-
speak for the effort the welcome assistance
Of everybody.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
DAN PARKS SHOT AT.

About $50 Yesterday morning police Off
Ger Dan Parks observed man approach
the front door of Charley Hunters store,
corner of Fourth and Douglas avenues, and
try the door, then go around to the rear.
The policeman went to the front door and
found it all right He then went to the cor
ner and saw two men dodge behind the
building. At that time two other policemen
came up and one of them followed up
Fourth avenue piece, while Dan went
around to the alley between Dil's place and
the Rodgers coal company's Office, After
going up the alley short distance one of
the men who was In the alley turned and
blazed away at Dan, but failed to hit him,
although he was not more than thirty yards
distant. The policeman fired also. but failed
to bag his game. The man then ran up to-
wards the Zephyr mills. followed by the
policeman, who blazed away a him again, the
fellow promptly returning the fire. Neither
shot took effect. One of Dams bullets
went clear through the mill. The man man.
aged to get away in the shelter Of the num-
erous buildings in that vicinity.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
RESOLUTIONS.

The following are the resolutions adopted
by the State Horticultural society at its late
meeting:
First-That the legislature be requested
to establish the office of commissioner of
forestry, whose duty it shall be to establish
somewhere in the treeless portion Of our
state an experiment station for the promo
ton of the art of forestry.
| Second-That the herd law, when adopt
ed, has appeared TO work quite satisfactory,
the efore. we recommend that it be left as il
is, without change.
Third-That as the school district officers
perform their duties entirely without pay, it
might be inlpracticable to impose the add-
tional duty upon them of ornamenting the
grounds belonging to their several districts,
we believe it will be best TO leave this matter
to the good sense and pride of each district
and these higher elements should often be
appealed to until success in this direction
shall have been achieved.
Fourth-We would most earnestly recon-
mend that the office of state entomologist be
established by the legislature, with a suita-
BILE salary; for this measure we have to plead
not only the ravages of insect plaques but
also the example of other states.
Fifth-We would also recommend that
the legislature be earnestly requested to
provide for geological survey of the state
at as early time as practicable.
Sixth-For the purpose of giving proper
force and effect to the foregoing suggestions
we would also recommend that the secreta-
ry of this society shall prepare suitable petit
tions properly headed, and place them in
the hands of the several county vice presi-
dents of the state, whose duty it shall be to
procure signatures to the same, and forward
to their respective representatives and sena-
tors in the legislature no later than the first
or second week of the coming session.
At its last session, just closed, the State
Horticultural society appointed Messrs. j.
ID. Clark, Shawnee county; f. Wellhouse
Leavenworth county; VIM. Gutter, Davis
county; .Abner Allen, Wabaunsee county
and A. n. Godfrey, Greenwood county, q
committee to compile from the transactions
of the last fifteen years, together with new
matter, brief manuel for apple orchards in
Kansas. The men who have this in charge
are capable, and will give a manuel of much
| benefit To new romars
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
AN INcIPiENr BLAZE,

About 10 o'clock last night there was a
lively time for about ten minutes in Louie
Dttman's place of business, next to Cover
dale's clothing store, on Douglas avenue.
At the rear of the billiard hall, on the
east side, is lunch counter. A gasoline
stove is kept there 10 heat up the lunch.
About the hour named the gasoline from
some unknown cause blazed up, commune
eating with the boards and paper on the
wall. The fire spread rapidly along the wall,
over the oilcloth on the counter and into a
little room just in the rear of the counter,
in which are several barrels of liquor and
boxes of bottled goods. The blaze at once
threatened 10 consume the build
ing, but owing to the presence
of mind and extraordinary exertions
of Henry Rodes and J. Baker who rushed
out and carried in wafer which they dashed
on the flames, the fire YVES speedily extin-
glished. A man rushed in with fire gre
made but did not accomplish anything.
An EAGLE reporter visited the premises
soon after the occurrence and from the APP
pearance of the progress the fire had made
it looked surprising that it could be so cas-
lily subdued.
Not only the walls were badly scorched
but also the oil cloth covering on the coun-
ter and the stools standing on the outside,
also the floor of the little room at the rear
and the boxes and barrels in the room, all
were more or less scorched. Messrs.
Rhodes and Baker deserve great credit for
their GOODNESS and prompt action, else, not
only that building but all the wooden struc-
lures to the west of it would probably have
been consumed and no telling where it
might have stopped. As it is the damage is
-, ..1
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
LEG BAIL.

Last Wednesday morning the marsha
brought man into the police court, charg
ing him with selling liquor without paying
the regulation fine. For some reason. abou
which we are not posted, the trial was pu
off until p. m, and the fellow allowed tc
60 on bis own recognizance. He did no,
show up at the appointed hour, and it was
soon learned that he had skipped. The mar.
shall found another individual running the
shebsng, and hauled him before the police
judge, who fined him $50. Not having the
filthy lucre, he was committed TO jail.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
100 MUCH MOUTH.

A rather amusing story wss related TO q
reporter yesterday, the substance of which
is rs follows:
On Christmas eve there was a crowd
in saloon in West Wichita, and
most Of the boys we're pretty full. Two
young men, who live on this side of the riy-
er, engaged in contest as to which could
open his mouth the widest. IN . des-
perate attempt to beat bis antagonist one Of
the boys opened his mouth so wide as to
dislocate his jaw and there he stood with his
mouth standing wide open like an alligator
catching flies. Everybody present tried to
put the jaw back into its place, but in vain.
At length messengers were dispatched to the
city for physician, and after some search
DR.. johnson was found, who fastened to the
scene of the trouble and soon succeeded in
reducing the dislocation. The young gen.
tleman will probably be a little careful
about opening his mouth hereafter.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
HYMENIAL FESTIVITIES.

A very pleasant affair occurred at clever
O'Clock a. NJ, Christmas, at the residence o
r. r. Hatfield, 8 miles east Of Valley Center
The occasion was the marriage of Mr.. Hat
fields eldest daughter, Grace, the sister o.
Hon. Rodoiph Hatfield, of this city, TO F. J.
Pottorff, of Empora. The Rev. Mr.. Parks
officiating, made the happy lovers one ia
accordance with divine and legal authority,
in the presence of pleasant company Of ad.
miring friends and relatives.
After the ceremony, the usual bountiful
meal was elegantly served and most literally
disposed Of.
Many beautiful and costly presents were
contributed, in testimony of the high es-
teen in which the happy couple were held
by the invited guests. After few hours o
merry greeting, Mr.. and Mrs. Pottorf took
the evening train for Emporia, their future
home, amidst the blessings and well-wishes
of their many friends.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
BEAUTIFULLY GAINED.

the Sunday school of the Christian
church met Christmas night for social en-
tertainment and to administer a treat to the
| children.
| Services opened with welcome song and
PRAYER, after which the pastor, Rev. H. P.
Tandy, made a short pointed speech which
was followed by very appropriate
recitation and song. 1t was then announced
by J. r. Snively, Superintendent of the
school, to prepare for the treat. Just then
the pastor arose and commanded the super
intendent 10 stand aside as he thought his
first speech failure and would try his band
again. In closing his little speech, he said
that the teachers and scholars had author
lied him to say that they had watched their
superintendent movemements, and that
they had authorized him; not particularly
to administer a reprimand, but they had
concluded he needed good caneing. He
then produced very handsome gold-headed
cane, beautifully engraved. The following
inscription was beautifully engraved there
on: To j. r. Snively, Supt, from the teachers
and scholars Of the Sunday school Of the
Christian church, Wichita, Kansas. In
presenting the cane the pastor made very
neat speech, and was followed by the super
intendent in short appropriate speech. Mr..
d. S. Pence presented each member of his
class with nice present, and in return was
presented by the class with most appropri-
ate gift. Then followed the general treat, in
which all participated. Considering that it
was an extempore affair, it was a decided
success. The pastor and his amiable wife
were not forgotten. They received little
purse Of money, some of the necessaries of
life and beautiful crazy quilt, with alternate
blocks Of silk and satin.
The Sunday school and church are in a
fourishing condition. The new church
building is being nicely pai:.ted and decorat-
ed inside, and soon. with their new seats and
carpet, the house will be in splendid shape
to make the audiences comfortable. The ut
most harmony and good feeling prevails,
and the future of the organization is in a
very promisino condition
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
WHAT 1T MEANS.

The associated press announced that I
railroad had been Incorporated by Jay
Gould and associates to run to Denver il
connection with Missouri Pacific anC
Denison and a junction with the Denver anc
New Orleans railroad, crossing the west lint
of this state twenty miles north of the south
west corner. The EAGLE asked, last week
what it meant. The Harper Graphic an
swers as follows, but it is not satisfactory to
US:
sThis means that the Fort Scott Il Wichi-
ia road is to be extended through Kansas
and is to strike the west line of the state
twenty miles north of the south line, or due
west of Harper. The question then comes,
from what point will the main line be built
There are but three points from which it
can be advantageously built, taking into
consideration the country over which the
road must run. Between Anthony and Ar
gonna. at Conway Springs, or Il. Wichita.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
A LIVELY RACKET AT WELLINGTON.
To tie Editor ef the Eagls:
Cv,rxcro,- Eas H.. -

To tie Editor ef the Eagis:
WELLINGTON, Kas., Dec. q.
The after Christmas dizziness was some
what lessened this morning by an occur
renee at one OF our leading hotels. Tbs
principals were the mayor, city marshal
deputy marshal, two policemen, a detective
and some prisoners. No one was hurt, how
ever. and whisky scores point for Yelling
ton.
The trouble originated through misun-
Outstanding between the mayor and city
marshal, the latter acting without orders, as
the following would seem:
About o'clock this morning the night
policemen arrested some young men and
their girls at dance for being drunk, and
brought them to the hotel because the cali
boose was unfit to keep prisoners in.
A few minutes later Deputy Marshal
Fisher came into the hotel, and af-
ter surveying the situation, demanded
from the officers their guns, which they both
relinquished without any ceremony.
In few minutes the marshal himself
came in, and the deputy then put him un-
der arrest also. He then placed them all in
charge of detective who happened to be in
the hotel; while he goes after the mayor and
brings him to the hotel also. A demand
was then made on the city marshal for his
arms, which was backed up by the mayor.
This the marshal declined to do, but Dep
uty Fisher held the drop on him, and he
gave up. The prisoners were then told to
go home, and tho marshal with his police
man ordered to appear at court this morn
ing for carrying concealed weapons.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
PUBLIC LIBRARY.

There are very few cities the size Of WITCH.
tia which is so deficient in the way of a pub.
lie library. A gentleman asked a reporter
yesterday If we had public library. The re.
porter had heard that there was public IL
bra-y in the city, and told the enquirer 50,
but when asked where it was. he could not
tell. He asked about a dozen prominent
citizens before he could get one who did
know. He was at length informed that it
was in some little corner adjoining Rodgers
picture gallery.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
BEFORE THE JUSTICES.

Yesterday was an unusually interesting
day in the justices courts.
1 Justice Thomas court was packed full OF
people, mostly from Waco and that neigh
borhood, during the afternoon, listning to
the case of Susan 4. Hunsberger against Cas-
par Schoeildern. This was case of bas-
tardy, or more properly speaking, rape,
according to the testimony of the PLAINTIFF
which was the only evidence heard yes
terday.
Frank Dale appeared for the plaintiff and
o. II. Bently for the defendant. The plain
tiff is girl about 20 and the defendant a
married man aboct As. The girls parents
were in court, a poor, plain-looking couple
of Germans, apparently about so years of
children were present, as was also about a
dozen neighbors of the parties, mostly
young men, all of whom are intimately ac-
quaintcd with the parties, and many of whom
it is said came as voluntary witnesses
for the defendant who is an honest
looking, and to all appearance innocent Ger
man. who is blacksmith living at Waco.
The girls evidence was conflicting and unre-
liable, aud ELECTED sundry loud smiles, mods
and winks from the young men, who appear
to know the character of the plaintiff. Her
own evidence would seem to indicate that
her moral character would not I'll a very large
room. What the defense will disclose is not
known, but from what could be gathered
from the young men of the village OF Waco
and neighborhood it looks as if the defense
would be all right.
The case of the Anglo-American Live
Stock and Dairy Co. VS.. Ernest Dreves was
under consideration befoce Justice Hobbs.
Stanley and Wall appeared for the plaintiff,
and Campbell and Koenant for defendant
This is an action brought by the plaintiff to
wrest the management of the concern from
the defendant. 1t will probably occupy all
of to-day to hear the case.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
THE WHEAr SURPLUS TooLISHNEs :,
God Grant Us Sunsbire a.d Ran Mex,
Season.

We frequently hear the remark made BY
people WHO have not given the subject much
thought, that if our farmers did not raise Il
bushel of wheat next year it would be better
for the business interests of the entire coun-
try. People who talk in that way seem to
think the present stagnation in business is
caused solely by the low price of wheat. 1t
is only few weeks since that We heard a
business man on one of our streets remark
that there is wheat enough in this country to
do another season if three was not bushel
raised next year. In times Of depression in
the produce trade, and speculative
interests are brought to bear to depress
prices, we are all liable to over estimate the
supply, and what should be regardeda bless
ing of providence, a bountitul harvest, is
considered calamity to be greatly deplored.
Of the enormous wheat crop of this country
for 1884, which was estimated at $4,000, 900,
there has been exported up to the present
time seventy millions of bushels. and it is
estimated tnat before another crop Is raised
that foreign countries will require of our
wheat eighty million bushels. At the pres
ent rate of consumption this would
leave on hand July LIST, 1885, only 35,OOO.OOO
bushels of wheat, an amount hardly suffi-
cient to make good the shortage of last falls
planting of winter wheat. When we con-
slider that more than three hundred and
thirty million bushels of wheat are required
for home consumption and seed, we can see
the utter restitution that would prevail in
this county should the next wheat harvest be
a failure. We would barely have wheat
enough to last us five weeks from the first
of next July. Our PRAYER is that providence
may not withhold his sunshine and rain, but
bless us with a bountiful harvest
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
ANTIoUArEp M6NEY.

Mr.. james Dobson showed reporter 8
$50 continental scrip yesterday which bear
date of l779. The number is 55,038. In
the centre is stamp, inside of which is ar
imprint of Independence hall, and in the
marginal circle the word "Perrenis." On
the top in small capitals are the words
United States" The scrip is about two and
one-half inches square, is made Of very
common article of brown paper. The fol-
lowing appears on its face in common plea
type: 1.-THE bearer is entitled to receive
$50 or an equivalent sum in gold or silver,
according to resolution of congress of the
18th Of January. 1779."
[Signed.l THOMAS w. WATKINS.
On the back are printed two olive branch
es and the woIds fifty dollars. Printed by
K. l.. L. and S. z. LII. z. r. P 1779. Mr..
Dobson said his grandfather gave it to him
40 years ago.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
WICHITA SCHOOL NOTES.

The city schools are closed for the holiday
vacation. The patrons of the schools did
not turn out to the public examination to q
very great extent. The extreme cold weather
may have kept some away. but those who
were present speak favorably of the manner
in which the pupils acquitted themselves.
The questions prepared by the superintend-
ent and submitted to the scholars by the
teachers of the several departments were
answered in manner that does credit to
both scholars and teachers.
This being the close of the term, report
of the attendance, department and scholar
ship in the different branches of each pupil
was sent to the parent or guardian. The
object of this is fully explained on the cards.
We believe the plan . good one, as the
parents may know just how their children
are progressing.
The specimen of work done by the pupils
in the primary department in numbers, writ
ing and spelling, have been sent to the sup
erintendent's Office. The character of this
work clearly shows that the teachers of this
department have done excellent work.
The high school has now an enrolment
of forty-two.
The rooms for the last two weeks have
been uncomfortably cold, but teachers and
pupils were brave, and when the room be
came so cold that they could not remain
they took their books home and prepared
their lessons there and brought up the work
assigned them. 1t is hoped that the school
board will make some arrangements by
which the school room can be made COM
Portable, even If the weather is cold.
Supt. Campbell reports an enrolment Of
of 1900 last term. There will be many
more applications for admission after hol-
idays.
The result of the examination shows that
teachers and pupils have not been idle the
past term.
Marked improvement in penmanship has
been made under tho management of Prof.
Pence.
The reading on Thursday in all the de-
partments, we are informed, was fair, but
we do hope that teachers will do all in their
power to improve the character of the read
nc in our schools.
The boys and girls have entered upon
their vacation with hearty good will. Let
them have good time. Several of the
teachers are out of the city.
Miss Mills is in eastern Kansas. She
will visit Kansas City on her way home.
Miss Ross is at Clearwater.
Miss Fay is at Baynsvile.
Miss George is at kingman.
Miss Haynes is at Emporia.
Misses Hays and Dougherty are at Derby.
Misses Matte Wood and Kate Rush are
off 10 the exposition at New Orleans.
Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-01-02
ANOTHER CITY MAP.

Mr.. F. A. Bayley, city engineer, has JUS
finished the draft of map of the city
which will be sent to an engraving house il
81. Louis to-day for publication. This new
map is very complete in all details and in,
cludes all the additions to the city up to the
present time. The map will be 5016f
inches. The boundaries will be defined by
heavy colored lines. Each ward will be
distinguished by solid, distinct colors and
each separate addition will be bounded BY
heavy lines, 90 that the topography will
present It glance, all the political and
geographical divisions.