Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-08-27
smYRNA.


GMNhNhs aug. Si.-OepTRe Ennis,
tenant Of a. Ennis of Middletown.
whose outbuildings were burned on
Monday by an incendiary fire, was in
town yesterday and identified the tramp
who did the act. The fellow was in
one Of the hardware stores purchasing
a revolver, and before warrant could
be issued he had escaped in the direc-
ton of Clayton. Policeman Grant
went to Clayton IN search Of him, but
his efforts were futile. lie was white
man of average height, wore light soft
hat with black band and had two
scars on his face. The reason he fired
the buildings was because he and fell
low tramp had become involved in a
fight and his antagonist had struck him
with piece Of iron, and II is thought
he set fire TO the buildings where they
slept, SO as TO burn his assailant to death
for revenge.
SMYRNA, Aug. -. Washburn and
Arlington's circus performed here yes
terday before Il small audience. II
proved to be no exception TO the
general class Of ordinary circuses in the
respect that the usual number of swim
oilers attended its wake. One Of Smyrna's
aged and respected citizens was tleeced
TO the extent of $45 by one of these
professionals. The confidence man ap-
preached the victim and the following
conversation ensued: Il presume you
are familiar with most all the land in
this vicinity. Now can you inform me
where can purchase small house, as
my father is about your age Isl years.
and would like to purchase II homer
The victim, thinking he had nm OPP
portunity to sell some property on COM
mission, became very much interested
and upon the suggestion of the swindler
entered the tent, where pack of cards
was produced, and after little persua-
sion the old gentleman was induced to
try his luck OF course all went well
at first, for the bunco man allowed his
victim full sway until $i5 was pro-
duced and then the wheel of fortune
turned in an opposite direction. After
wards he drew 800 from the bank,
thinking he would try his luck again,
but was persuaded by his friends TO re-
place the money in the bank and thus
avoided further loss.
Several fights occurred here last
night. Frank Thompson was struck by
an unseen person, having quite scar oi
cut in his skull from which the blood
flowed profusely. 1t was done while q
crowd from Woodland Beach were en-.
gagged in melee.
SMYRNA, Aug. rs. Saturday night
Tom Thompson, colored, of Chester.
town, Md, while engaged in game Of
cards in that town with colored man
of Baltimore, became involved in an
alteration over some money which he
claimed was won by cheating. The
matter was dropped, Tom swearing he
would get even with his enemy. He con
cealed himself in an alley, waited for hi:
| victim. About 10 o'clock he saw him
pass by, rushed from his place Of con
cealment and drove n knife through his
heart, from which he Immediately ex-
| PRED.
Sunday morning Thompson came ur
from Chestertown on the colored excur.
sion, got off at Smyrna and engaged
board at Thomas Lumb's. Yesterday q
colored man arrived at Chestertown and
identified him as the assassin. He left
Lumb's this afternoon without any
ceremony. To-day the Smyrna police
man searched high and low for him, bu
without success. He was tall and of a
hue two shades darker than tar, smooth
face and wore a stiff black hat. Il NJ
the general belief he is concealed i.
Smyrna.
Quite melee took place at the Ebe
Meier camp-meeting, near Townsend
on Sunday. The minister, in the mids
of his sermon, was Obliged to give way
to the ruilians. One man was cut NJ
quite badly. Rum is supposed to be TIL
cause.
Last Saturday night was one of tn,
most orderly that Smyrna has expert
enced for some time. Many were agree
ably surprised, anticipating trouble from
the colored peoples threats Of tile pre-
vious week.
Tschudy & Cats cannot supply tn,
local demand for peach baskets rs rap
idly MS desirable. Teams arrive here II
the middle Of the night SO as 10 receivt
the first load in the morning. Theprie,
has advanced from five to six cents pc
basket and the makers receive one cen
and quarter in place of one cent. IN,
majority make about 300 per day.
SMYRNA, Aug. 26,-'lhe sheriff 0
Kent county, Nd, arrived here thi
morning, in hot pursuit of Tom Thomp
son, colored, who stabbed and kille,
another negro, named William Adams
in Chestertown, last saturday night
Thompson fled to Smyrna after the kill
ing and stayed here until Monday morn
ing, when he disappeared.
The sheriff authorizes the announce
ment that he will give n reward of So
for the capture Of the murderer. Thomp
son is described as tall, dark negro
full-faced and about 20 years of age
He walks with a springy step and has
scar on his left hand. He wore pal
of light trousers, dark coat and vest an,
black Derby hat.
When last seen at 10 o'clock yestel
day morning, Thompson was walkin
along the State road in the direction 1
Middletown, and it is supposed he wa
making his way towards Wilmington.
The sheriff will be in Wilmington hi
evening to consult with the police az
thorities, and will institute vigorou
search for the murderer on the way III
DELAWARE CTR.
Special Correspondence Gazette and Jonpri