The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-04-01

the News ito the lodge, club, circle, So
cial, charitable. political, literary or .other
organization in whose behalf most cou-
pons are turned in within the limits Of
this contest" closed last night, with the
result that the prize goes to the Rhode
Island Bethany Home, as is shown by the
table Of returns printed below
1t is necessary to state that this table
is made up from the book in which cou-
pons have been credited as they were re-
ceived at the News Office, and not from a
recount of the coupons themselves
There is not, however likely to be errors
discovered that will affect the result in
vance OF all the competitors that
its position is unassaiable. The cou-
pons have been very carefully credited
as thew came in, and the accuracy of the
record cannot be assailed. 1t is proper to
state that a considerable quantity of cou-
pons were sent in with no letter and no
mark whatever to indicate what organi-
zation they were intended for. These
were, of course, not reckoned.
The contest has been conducted with
the best of good nature throughout, aud
the difficult task of keeping the record
and dealing with the diverse interests
represented was accomplished without
friction. and. so far as we have learned.
without cause for complaint from any of
the army of coupon contributors
The Final Avalanche.
A large proportion Of the coupons have
been deposited during the past two days
The story Of the avalanche OF yesterday
morning was told last night.
After the books were closed yesterday
morning a steady stream of men and
women poured into the business Office,
and before the counters arrived in the
afternoon thousands of coupons had
been received. 1t took three hours of
steady work to record thefe votes.
During the earlier part of the evening
there were not many spectators. Many
persons came in with votes, but passed
right out again.
About 0 o'clock large number con-
gregated in the Office, and soon after
there not an available place left for
standing room.
At this time the counters bad credited
the coupons which had accumulated dur
ing the afternoon aud had to turn right
away to the big bundles which were
brought in during the evening.
The Reserves Reserve.
Representatives Of the Naval Reserve
Torpedo company first appeared with
big stock of coupons. which had evidently
been held back for long time.
Then number of big boxes came in
for the Bethany Home
About this time an air of mystery
seemed to prevade the office. Some of
the lookers-on glanced anxiously at the
clock and then looked towards the door.
by and bv a man appeared with his arms
full OF bundles for Elmwoad council.
At almost 1890 it was found that the
clock was few minutes fast. and the
hands were thurned back, amid good.
natured chatting from the crowd. to the
standard time.
A few minutes after 1890 o'clock the
result was announced. and a minute
later the people dispersed. The telephone
bell tangled for an hour longer, however,
calling for the news of the result.
How They Worked.
As sample of how the coupon collect
ors worked this letter is given, the only
one we feel justified In giving space to
today. 1t represents the spirit of all
who helped to win the prizs for the Beth