Evening star., 1895-04-16

Proba bllitfes of the Seasons Goa
Trade on the Canal.


Up and around Williamsport particularly
there is an unusual lull in the canal coal
trade. according to the best reports. The
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, it is
claimed. have filled the section about there
with competitive agents. who are lower
ing the price to such figure as to affect
seriously the sale of the Cumberland pro-
duct.
The rival coal is coming from the more
southern fields of West Virginia, and Is
Brought in over the West Virginia road
the Baltimore and Ohio companys rival in
the soft coal section. For miles these two
roads run parallel. The West Virginia is
controlled by German. Elkins. Davis and
the Blaine representatives. The road con-
trolls vast coal fields. The price of the
product has been so cut that the territory
which has heretofore drawn its supply
from the canal has gone over to the in
ducing dealers in alarming numbers.
1t is believed here that the West Vir-
ginia road is endeavoring to control and
then destroy the coal trade on the canal
This will further it's long desire to get
possession of the highway for railroad pur-
poses. Several years ago the West Vir-
ginia owners tried in every possible way
to get possession an adapt the canal to
railroad uses. but at every definite turn
the Baltimore and Ohio checkmated them
The West Virginia got SO far as to OBJ
tain charter from the legislature of
Maryland giving them the right to use the
canal for railroad purposes. provided q
certain sum be annually paid, to be applied
toward the satisfaction Of the claims of
the state and bondholders Here, however
the Baltimore and Ohio stepped in and
using Miss CARROTS interest in the canal
bonds and their own succeeded in securing
an injunction or restraining order prevent
ing the charter from becoming effective.
1t was decided by the court to allow the
h0Y, hnv tn hold thA nal fNv@
cient time to enable them to see If they
could not make it pay. and also cancel GER
tain Indebtedness then existing.
On the failure Of those now having con-
troll to accomplish this, the West Virginia
company's charter becomes effective.
The trade on the canal has received a
very sudden setback. The opening of the
year brought predictions of great prosperi-
ty. but the last two weeks. dealers say,
have brought about big change.
Masonic Entertainment.
The combined Masonic bodies of George
town are arranging through their repre-
sentatives an entertainment, designed to
bring all members together for a particu-
larly enjoyable evening. Last night the ap-
pointees of the various bodies met at Ma
sonic Hall and selected committees on tai
ent, invitations, dancing and refreshments.
affair. limited number of the friends of
the members will be admitted. The pro-
gram will be one Of excellence, some of the
best artists in the city having volunteered
their talent.
Seriously III.
Mr.. John NJ. Athey is lying very Ill. Two
weeks ago he was violently attacked on the
street with the mcst serious form of YER
tigo and fell. He was taken home where
he has lain ever since. Owing to Mr.
AtheyS advanced age and previous poor
health, his complete recovery is very i'm
probable.
Successful Entertainment.
The "kamptown Soshul Klub" of the
successful appearance last night at the
Linthicum Hall. The features were all of
minstrelsy. Those who furnished the fun
were Joe Taussig, Vim. p. Mckee, Ray
Kirkland, Ed. Duckett, Geo. Thompson and
all the others whose recent work at the
High School Hall brought forth such COM
mendation. There were solos, vocal and
instrumental, choruses, duets, concerted
instrumental numbers and the usual
sketch. The latter was entitled THE Ser
enade," and spluttered with fun from start
to finish. There was a big crowd in at
tendance.
Mrs. Octavia W. Turpin. daughter of Mr.
Geo. Thos. Woodward, died last night at
about $50 o'clock at the residence of her
father, 14O9 10Th street.
There are only three tombstones now in
good condition in the Presbyterian grave
yard. All the others have been destroyed
or stolen,