The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-12-16
The News of Belfast.

The Maine Central r. Il. Co. has adopted
new system Of signals, and the posts were
set on the Belfast branch Saturday. At
every switch, or where it is necessary to
raise the scraper in removing snow from
the track,a signal is set to guide the operator
who manages the scraper. The sigma is a
white post w.,h two black discs, one at each
side, at the top.
Canton Pallas, P. M, I. o. o. F., of this
city Is arranging for grand fair to be held
in Belfast Opera House Jan. 18th and l4th.
There will be sale of fancy articles on the
afternoon of each day. The entertainment
the first evening will consist of humorous
reading by Prof Menander bennett of LIE W.
iston, inteT5persed with musical selections
by local talent, and the second evening
there will be a grand bali Further particu-
lars later.
The Belfast Band finds itself in need Ct
new instruments, and as those now in
use have been worn ont largely for the
public benefit it is hoped, and expected
that all who can do so will contribute to-
ward buying new ones. Contributions for
this purpose will be gladly received by Mr.
r. p Chase. We all feel d pride in our
band, which has attained position second
to none in the State, and to maintain its
well earned prestige it IS necessary that the
worn out instruments shoud be replaced by
new ones.
SPECIAL NOTICE. The secretary of the
Belfast branch of the Maine Festival chorus
has received the following letter from gen
eral business manager Chase
L am instructed by Mr. Chapman to issue
this letter to be read before each chorus
Every person who is to take up the Festival
work of 1898 must have their name on the
membership list by Jan. 1st. If for any rea-
son any OF the members cannot attend the
rehearsals before that time, let them get
their name on the list, and commence re-
hearsing in January. We mean by this the
list must be closed Jan. ], '9S.
1t is absolutely necessary that all mem
bers OF the chorus of 1897, and all other
singers who wish to join the chorus, should
meet for organization at the Band rooms,
High street, Tuesday evening, Dec. 2lst at
7.30. p. m. If there is not full attendance
then the matter will be dropped. Follow
ing are some of the requirements of men,
bership: Payment of an annual fee of not
less than 81; purchase of copy of the festi-
val music, 81 %; punctual attendance at
at least two-thirds of the regular rehearsals,
and conscientious study of the music. Per
order of committee
A NEW TRAMP SCHEME. The tramps are
working new scheme in Burnham and
some of the fraternity got away with several
meals and nights lodging before their
victims realized how they were being sold.
Late in the day the man would apply to a
construction boss on the Burnham & Wis
casset railroad, and would be engaged to be-
gin work the next morning. He would then
go to house and engage board, saying he
was workman on the railroad. He would
be given his supper, nights lodging and
breakfast, and then would ask that his din
ner be put up for him, as he would be some
distance away at noon. This last statement
was literally true, as with a well-filled din
ner pail or basket he would make rapid time
out of that vicinity, leaving the railroad boss
to look in vain for his help. A good many
worked this way, while others induced the
boss to become responsible for their board,
he thinking it safe enough as he would have
their wages in his own hands. But the
wages were never forthcoming as the men
left as soon as they got possession of the
dinner basket. The trouble at last became
so serious that the Selectmen took the mat
ter in hand and arrested five men, who were
tried before Trial Justice Fri d. Bickford
and sentenced to 30 days i'll Jail. They were
brought to Belfast Tuesday by constable
Geo. W. Bickford and deputy sheriff Hiram
McAlister.