davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
THE PASSION PLAY
And the Pious Actors Who Take Part
in the Celebrated Tragedy.
PORTRAITS OF LEADING PLAYERS.
Carpenters, Builders, Wood-Carvsrs and
Tailors Figure in the Cast.
A DEEPER RELIGIOUS FEELING NOTED

There are several advantages which await
the visitor to the Passion Play of 1890
which were not enjoyed ten years earlier,
says writer in the London illustrated
Ne,os. The first OF these is, OF course, the
extension of the railway to within com
paratively short drive from the village; the
second, of scarcely less Importance, is that
the new road, which winds its way from
Oberau railway station to the Ettal Mouas-
terry, is very much more beautiful and pict-
uresque than the old one in use until quite
recently. 1t may also be added that the
more gradual ascent precludes the necessity
for continually alighting, as formerly. To
the manifold beauties of this drive over the
Ettal justice has never been done, and it has
certainly been too much the custom to un-
derrate the attractiveness of Ober-Ammer-
gau itself, in consequence. no doubt. of the
bad weather which frequently prevails.
Imagine, however, in a pleasant valley,
surrounded with irclad mountains. long
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14

One beautiful morning early last year, my
friend Twinnie and I stepped into Victoria
on Promenade des Anglais at Nice and told
the driver to take us to Villefranche. The
sun was shining brightly in cloudless sky,
whose deep blue was reflected in the sea on
our right. Every here and there it was
broken by white-crested waves, for the mis-
trail was blowing, as we found to our cost
whenever we got out of shelter; and al
though the sunshine was deliciously warm
and pleasant, the water in shaded places on
the roadside was all frozen. But the air was
most exhilarating, and by the time we got to
Villeiranche, we had decided to 60 on to
Monaco.
shall not weary you with descriptions OF
the land where the citron trees bloom, SO ia
miliar to all in some way or other. Sutf1ce
1t to say that delightful run through gar
dens and orange groves, past fields of almond
trees in full bloom and hillsides covered
with olives, brought US to Monaco in good
time for lunch. After hearty meal at La
Condamine we climbed the hillside to the
old town, and inspected the palace, the
arsenal and the standing army. The visible
portion of the land forces consisted OF two
privates in quaint uniforms, but we were
credibly informed that there were other two
in barracks, besides six Generals absent in
personal attendance on His Serene High
ness Prince Charles. Then we had ramble
through the queer streets, stopping
from time to time at the points
giving the finest views Of the Riviera.
The Mediterranean, dotted with sails,
stretched away to the south; to our right
was the lovely road we had just come, Beau
lieu. Nice, and Autibes sparkling in the
distance; behind US rose the majestic masses
of the Maritime Alps with their snow
capped SUBMITS, and 10 the eastward Men
tone, Ventimiglia, and Bordighera glowed
with the setting sun. Well might Mignon
exclaim, "'Tis there that would wish to
live-to live, to love, to die"
Returning to La Condamine, we assembled
the slope toward Monte Carlo, our sur
roundings becoming more and more beauti-
full at every step. We passed the pigeon
shooting range. a sorry sight from which we
were glad to turn away and admire the
beautiful palms, acacias, and eucalyptus
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14

Struggling village OF SWISS chaletS, strongly
built and substantial looking. The houses
indicate prosperity far beyond the reach
of the majority OF Swiss peasants, the fact
being that at the dissolution of the Ettal
monastery-it is now a brewery-the land
was distributed among the neighboring viii
layers. This has been supplemented, in
Ober-Ammergan, by industry in wood
carving and ornamental needle-work, with
the result that an atmosphere OF peace and
contentment everywhere prevails. The
broad fronts of many of the houses are
decorated with pictures illustrative of
scenes in Bible history, or of
more secular conceptions. These pic
lures were the work of one johann
Twink, who possessed considerable artistic
skill, which, until his death few years ago,
was devoted to his native village. Every
one of the 300 cottages has been painted and
decorated within and without in honor of
the influx of visitors of the present season;
or, rather, it had better be said that the Pas
sion Play has been an excuse for general and
universal "spring cleaning" 1t ought not
to be thought that very great deal of ex-
tortion is prevalent in the village. This is
not the case. Prices are usually much
lower in Germany than in England; but the
worst that can be said is that, owing to the
Passion Play, the prices in Ober-Ammergau
have reached the English level.
I have spoken with most of the leading
actors in the world-renowned tragedy. Ali
of them inspire one with the persuasion that
they are men of simple life and genuine
piety of mind. OF the Is leading male char
acters eight, including the Christus, are
employed as carvers Of ornamental wood,
one as builder, one as house painter, one
as tailor and one as baker. Perhaps the
most prosperous of all is johann Diemer, a
hotel proprietor, who, Sir Wilfrid Lawson
will be glad to learn, takes the part of
Rerod
Eight of the characters play the same
part as they played in 1880, the most i'm
portant change being the substitution of
Johapn Twink for Lechner in the part of
Judas. The new Judas seems only TOO
conscious Of his deficiencies at the dress re-
hearsal, which were remarked upon b. some
English newspapers. But he pleaded to
me the difficulty of following so admirable
an impersonator as Lechner, and the i'm
mense difficulty of the part, to say nothing
of its thanklessness.- From which will
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
OBJECT TO ANYTHING R0MANIsH.
Reformed EpiscopRlians Alter the Common
Prayer of the Church of England,

Reformed EpiscopRIians Alter the Common
Prayer of the Church of England,
MONTREAL, June 13-The Synod of the
Reformed Episcopal Church OF Canada has
been in session all day, presided over BY
Bishop Fallows, of Chicago. Revision of
the book of Common Prayer of the Church
of England was the first business. Mr..
Perry objected to the word "absolution" in
any form because, he said, it smacked of
Romanism, aud it was eliminated. A sup-
gestion to change remission" to "forgive-
ness" was not accepted. The creed was then
taken up. The committee had left out the
words HE descended into hell" The Rev.
Mr.. Barnes moved that an asterisk be
placed where the omission occurred and that
a foot note be added, stating that any con-
gregation that liked might employ the
phrase, There was some discussion and il
was closed by Mr.. Botterell asking, "Why
should we bother about the phrase. any-
way? The great thing for us is that He as
cended to heaven" The committee was sus-
tained.
There was some desire expressed to change
the word Catholic" and the litany was
then taken up, and at the passage concern
ing deadly" sins the word deadly" was
omitted at DR.. Perry's suggestion, as he
wanted everything suggestive of Romanism
wiped out Perhaps you would add a
prayer" suggested DR.. Bell, 'to this effect.
'From Pope and Popery, good Lord deliver
us 2" The prayer for ''the nobility and
members of the council" was changed to
ministers and members of the Privy Coun-
Gil"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
A. II. E. ZION CONFERENCE,
Opening of Its Sessions Yesterday in the
John Wesley Church,

Opening of Its Sessions Yesterday In the
John Wesley Church.
The meeting of the Allegheny District
Conference of the A. M. E. Zion Church
began yesterday. About IS ministers and
lay delegates from Eastern Ohio and West
ern Pennsylvania are present. Bishop
Jones, of Washington, D. c., is present, so
is Rev. DR.. j. E. Price, President of Sails
bury College, North Carolina.
Yesterday morning Presiding Elder Hol-
liday presided at the session. Committees
were appointed on the following subjects:
Devotion, finance, Sunday schools, mis-
sions, rules, appeals, ways and means, edu.
cation.
The following officers were elected: Sec
retary, Rev. 1. H. McMulligan; Assistant.
Rev. W. b. Snowden; Reporter, Rev. G.
w. Lewis. DR.. Price yesterday delivered
an interesting address on church harmony,
and in the evening he spoke on education
in the South. He is the commissioner-in-
chief on the colored exhibit of the Southern
Exposition, to be held in 1891. Tomorrow
evening Bishop Jones will preach the semi
centennial sermon. The conference will be
in session several DAYS.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
HELD FOR MURDER.

A Coroner's Jury Charges Mrs. Myers With
the Killing Of Charles Ransom-Im.
porrant Evidence submitted-The Ante
Mortem Statement OF the Dead Man
Mrs. Laura Myers was charged by q
Coroner's jury yesterday with being re-
sponsible for the death of Charles Ransom,
whom she shot at Douglass station on Tues
day night Both parties are colored. The
woman is now in jail awaiting trial for
murder.
At the inquest yesterday afternoon Drs.
Mccain and Graham, of the West Penn
Hospital staff, testified that death was
caused by bullet wound in the abdomen.
Mrs. Elizabeth Cook testified that she
lived at Douglass station. On June 10
Mrs. Myers paic her a visit, and said she
would remain until o'clock, when she
would leave for Pittsburg. Charles Ransom
was at the house, and all were having q
good time. About o'clock Mrs. Myers got
ready to leave, but said she wished to speak
to Ransom. The latter and Mrs. Myers
went into the back yard, and in a few min
utes the witness beard the report of a re-
volver. Soon after Mrs. Myers came run
ming through the house, followed by Ran
som. The former ran out and through the
house of Mr.. Weggel.
George Hayden testified to finding re-
volver under stone in Cooks yard.
Samuel Cook testified that after he heard
the shot Ransom ran into the house and
said: "Catch her; don't let her shoot me
any more. She shot me"
John White was also a visitor at Cooks
house. He said that when Ransom ran
into the house he said: "My God, John,
don't let her shoot me any more" The wit
ness said he never knew Ransom to carry a
revolver. james Douglass testified to the
arrest of Mrs. Myers. W. L. Douglass,
Justice of the Peace, testified to taking
statement from Ransom before
the latter's death. The statement
was taken June 10, at 7:30 o'clock.
In it Ransom claimed to be "a years old;
that Laura Myers fred the shot, and that he
had offered her no harm. Later in the even
ing Ransom supplemented this statement
by Identifying Laura Myers, the arrested
woman, as the person who shot him.
The defendant would not go on the stand,
except to say that her right name was Flor
ence Myers.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
LIKE A CANNON SHOT.

The Explosion of an Electric Ball In an In.
dinnapoIis House.
INDIANAPOLIS, June 13.-Electricity in
dulged in peculiar freak last night at the
home of John j. Henderson, Superintendent
Of the Adams Express Company. He was
seated near Attorney General Kitchener,
with Mrs. Michener and four of
Mr.. Henderson's children close at
hand. The telephone was in the
rear of both gentlemen. While seated
in this position Mrs. Michener saw a ball of
fire as large as goose egg shoot out from
the telephone, and it grazed Mr.. Michener's
ear and exploded in front of him with a
noise like cannon shot, which aroused
people for several blocks distant Sparks Of
fire flew in every direction, but beyond de-
stroying the telephone connections, no other
damage resulted.
None of the party were injured, but it
was some time before they individually
realized they were all right. At the same
time lightning struck the residence OF F. C.
Fargo. Superintendent OF the American Ex-
press Company, in the same neIghborhood,
and tore off the roof While the storm was
at its height last evening lightning struck
tree on farm seven miles south of the city,
under which man named Davis had shell
tered himself, and he was instantly killed.
Every bone in his body was found broken.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
ANOTHER PARIS ART SALE.
The American Dollar for Once Defeated by
the French Franc.

The American Dollar for Once Defeated by
the French Franc.
PARIS, June 13.-One and half million
francs were realized by the sale of So paint
ings in the Crsbbe collection at Sedel-
meyers gallery to-day. The auction room
of the spacious establishment in the Rue de
la Rochefoucauld was packed to its fullest
capacity. NJ. Chevallier, with his ivory
hammer, presided over the destinies of
the various lots. The Partisan amateurs
were present almost to a man, and the En-
glish-speaking contingent was fairly strong,
comprising Mr.. Hutchinson, President of
the Art Museum, Chicago; Mr.. Barney, New
York, and the president director of the Syd-
ney Museum, with Mr.. Monrefore. Morris
K. Jessup, trustee of the Metropolitan Mu-
scum of Art, was prevented from attending
the sale and sent his agent, as also did Og-
den Goelet, who is at much at home at an
art sale as on the box seat of four-in-hand.
1t is needless to say that the professional
element mustered at its strongest, not only
for most OF the dealers in Paris, but repre-
sentatives of all the big firms in London,
Berlin and New York. Among the Ameri-
cans were Messrs. S. P. Avery, Jr., R.
Kuoedler, 6. Z. Armer, Hodges, of Reich
art & Co., and Mr.. Christ Delmonico's agent
The battle between the American dollar
and the French franc was a feature of the
sale. Many Paris dealers had received or
ders from the United States. Sedelmeyer
had no less than ten and the auctioneer had
been cabled on the morning of the sale to
similar effect, yet the American dollar got
severely the worst of the struggle. Scarce
one gem of the collection will, for the pres
ent, at least, cross the Atlantic.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14

be seen that interesting German para
dox, to which De Quincy has given cur
rency in England, that Judas in his be-
travail Of Christ was instigated only by
noble impulse to hasten the Millennium.
Perhaps one of the most interesting of the
actors with whom I have conversed is
Sebastian Lang, the personator of Nathaniel
"a fine, sturdy, and indeed Iovable man,
with face which painter would select as
a type of manliness. He occupies the house
OF his deceased uncle, the famous Pastor
present play owes so much. He showed me
the room in which Daisenberger died.
When asked whether the thrush of tourists
would not vulgarize the play out of exist
ence. or reduce it to the level Of an ordinary
dramatic company, he expressed him.
self as perfectly convinced to the
contrary. Forty years have passed
since the attention of the German
public was called to the Passion PLAY bv
Edward Devrient, the greatest OF German
actors, although it was ten years later that
O'Shea and other newspaper correspondents
gave it a vogue in England. During these
90 years there has been no tendency to de-
terioration, and, on the contrary, through
Pastor Daisenberger,s agency the play has
gained much in religious feeling and de-
yotional tendency. 1t was true, he ad-
mitted, that there had been great expendi-
ture upon theater and dresses, but only
because they were needed, and it was as yet
uncertain whether there would be an actual
loss to the little village.
Altogether apart from the merits of the
it is pleasing spectacle to see
this peasant community devoting its even
ings to a high form OF dramatic art. In
last the characters were selected
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
PAGES9 To Il.
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ter" he added, "the man isn't much better"
He was left in possession, but shall not
soon forget the look she gave him. 1 could
not have believed it possible that such beau
tiful eyes could flash forth SO much hatred,
scorn and bafied rage.
At the table in the innermost room, where
only high game is supposed to be played,
tried to fathom the mysteries of Trente ct
Quarante, but all could make out was that
one well-known NJ. P. seemed to win what
ever cards turned up, while another tossed
down his plaques with the most unvarying
illluck.
Close by 1 saw one of those curious Sc
quences which upset all systems. Black
came out seven or eight times in succession,
and solitary napoleon, left apparently by
some departed player, went on doubling
itself till about e100 lay in a little heap un-
claimed.
ga qui la masse?" called out the croupier,
and everybody looked at everybody. The
grand nation again rose to the occasion. Two
Frenchmen were sitting together at a corner,
playing in kind of partnership. One had
pile of money in front Of him, and did all
the stalking, but both had books and pencils
with which they were constantly making
calculations and comparing results. At the
croupIer's call the one turned sharply to the
other, said few words and pointed with
his pencil to certain figures in his book.
"Parbleu" was the answer; 'of what
could be thinking? And to say that
might have lost it all next turn. Pardonl
mon ami, pardon! The fact is that have
too much played to-day; 1 grow muddled." I"
And gathering up the mass Of money, and
their stock OF trade of books and pencils,
the two retired with a polite bow to the
company.
But what was Twinnie doing all this
time? Gambling? Not he. 1 own to my
shame that 1 tried to egg him on. L told
him of the pleasurable hutter was kept in
for 20 minutes some years ago with four
5-franc pieces, even although it did end in
losing them.
"Why." 1 said, "you might as well go to
the opera and sleep through the perform
snce as merely look on here. 1t is like
playing gooseberry to pair OF lovers and
fancying you are feeling the divine emotionl
Not that would encourage gambling-far
be it from me-but you simply set aside
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14

been during the past few days. High above
us towers the Kopelberg, surmounted by q
glittering cross. On every side nature is at
her loveliest and best. As write herds
man is driving home the goats from the
mountain, the goatbells tinkling the while.
The villagers come to their doors, hold out
their hands, generally with piece of bread
therein, and each goat leaves its fellows and
turns to its owner, so that by the time the
end of the village is reached the herdsman's
duties are at an end.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14

ment where better crop prospects have i'm
mediate influence. Chicago grain receipts
are heavy, and hides more largely, but wool
receiptsfall 60 per cent below last years; dry
goods trade shows considerable excess over
last years, with good collections. but
there is little present activity in
clothing, though bright prospects for
fall trade. st. Louis notes strong trade in
nearly all lines, Pittsburg continued ac-
lively in iron and flint glass, and the
Northwestern and Southern cities report
better trade with brighter crop outlook.
The business failures occurring throughout
the country during the last seven days num-
Der 212, as compared with 205 last week.
For the corresponding week of last year the
figures were 250.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
CONVICT LABOR FIGURES.
The System In Vogue In New Jersey Found
TO be Unpro1fable.

TO be Improbable.
TRENTON, June 13.-The report Of the
legislative committee to investigate the
management Of the State prison has just
been made public. After exonerating the
matron for refusing an Assemblyman per-
mission to converse with Mrs. Robert Ray
Hamilton, and upholding the course of the
officials in stamping goods made in the
prison, the report continues:
your committee was impressed with the
fact that the prison is not selfsupporting,
but that in the cost of maintenance there is
annual deficit OF from 81, 900 to 500, 900, to
which must be added about SO, 900 for
salaries. The deficit your committee believes
is largely to be attributed to the expenses
necessarily resulting in a large measure
from the increased number of prisoners and
keepers and also to the maintenance of the
present system Of employment of prison
labor.
''The system in foree-piece work-makes
necessary an increased number of keepers,
and the amount received from the labor of
convicts is not so large as under the old sys-
TEN. With reference to the general man
agement, conduct and discipline of the in
stitution your committee is of the opinion
that the same is to be commended"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
PETROLEUM IN PERU.
Englishmen Said TO be nt the Bottom of
Oil Developments There.

Ifreport speaks truly, petroleum promises
to furnish new and important industry to
Peru. For many years it has been known
to exist in large quantities in the district be-
tween Payta and Tumbes, says the London
Oil Trade Reuiew, but no attempt has yet
been made to work it. 1t is reported, how
ever, that an English firm in the China
trade has now taken the matter in hand, and
land in the heart of the petroleum field, with
a view to boring for the precious fluid. We
understand that the necessary machinery is
now on its way to Lima, and the result of
its operations will be watched with interest.
1t is calculated that petroleum can be pro-
duced in Peru at cost that will admit of
competition with the United States and
Russia, not only to South American mar
kets, but in those Of China and Australia.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
The Delaware Boundary Line.

DOVER, June 13.-Thomas F. Bayard, e1-
Speaker John II. Hofecher and Senator B.
L. Lewis, the commissioners appointed by
the last Legislature to act with commits
sion from Pennsylvania, in re-establishing
the boundary line between the two States,
met in the Governors room at the Capitol
to-day for organization. The session was
spent in searching old Delaware records to
establish the States claim under the old 12-
mile circle.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
A BRIGHT OUTLOOK
For the Success of the International Sabbath
School Convention.

The Executive Committee of the Inter
national Sabbath School Convention met
yesterday afternoon. Mr.. Horne, from the
Finance Committee, reported subscrip-
tions amounting to s., ,592, and a guarantee
fund of S305, and that at least s., 900 more
would be needed to defray expenses. Mr..
Hay, from the Entertainment Committee.
reported that the ladies for service in the
cafe were thoroughly organized. Anumber
OF requests were presented for reserved seats
in addition to those already set aside. The
requests were referred to the subcommittee.
The Chairmen of the several committees
were directed to report at special meeting
on Thursday next a revised estimate of the
money needed for the work.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-14
AN INFANT GIANTEss.
The Remarkably Rapid Growth of Texan
Child.

Child.
DoUGLAsvILLE, Tex, June 13.-Pine
Level "a hamlet lying six or seven miles east
Of this place, and just across the line divid-
ing this State from Louisiana, boasts of a
phenomenon in the shape of girl not yet
quite 10 years old who has already attained
the height of feet 10 inches. She is the
daughter of James Rutherford, engineer at
the lumber mill of Carter, Robinson & Co.,
and who is himself giant in size, while his
wife is 81 feet in height.
The girl, who was, her parents say, an un-
usually email. sickly baby, began to grow
when she was about 6 wears old, and in tour
years has gained two feet and half, an al
most unprecedented growth. She is stout
and developed in proportion and has the
strength of man, but her mind is feeble,
or else has been SO outstripped by her body
as to give it no chance to develop. The
young giantess presents most remarkable
spectacle with her childish face and dress,
seated playing in the sand or amusing her
self with doll.