davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
Fund the Floating Indebtedness of Kent
County.
For the Smyrna Times

For the Smyrna Times
For more than a quarter of century
the floating Indebtedness of Kent
county has been from forty to fiftv
thousand dollars, which was created
from time to time by various expe-
dlents III order to meet sundrv and
various expenses Of the county. which
1t might seem to a business man
should have been paid by taxes col
lected for that purpose. This larre
Indebtedness, it is understood. is re-
newed from time to time bv the
County Treasurer, who, when he re-
qulres money for immediate needs
borrows 1t until the tax collectors of
the different hundreds make colIec-
tons sufficient to meet the require
ments of the County Treasurer.
That the county should have been
SO long and so largely indebted may
be a surprise to many tax PAYERS. and
that this large Indebtedness shouId he
renewed from time to time. as if ma
lures, paying interest at the rate Of
SIX per cent. per annum, has suggested
to the mind Of the writer the desir-
ability of funding the whole amount
OF the county Indebtedness into bonds
bearing three and one half per cent
interest, payable semi-annuaIlv the
bonds to be made payable in ten wears
During that time sinking fund might
be created for the purpose of paving
these bonds yearly, in amounts as the
revenue of the county would admit.
These bonds could be readily sold at
par to Insurance companies, Trust
Companies and savings banks in Phila-
delphia for investing their surplus
money, and the advantage to the tax
payers of the county would be a saving
OF two and One-half per cent. per
annum until the Indebtedness is paid.
An additional advantage in funding
the Indebtedness at the low rate of
interest would be not only saving of
interest but it would be in such form
as payment at such time as the condi-
ton OF the county treasury would per-
NIT thus relieving the county of this
burden of Indebtedness, and might be
the cause of reduction of taxes in the
county, which are at this time more
than many persons feel themselves
able to pay.
This is a matter the adjourned ses
sion Of the Legislature might act on
with credit to itself and advantage to
the citizens of Kent county Will
they do it? r. H. C.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
Shooting Matches.

Several shooting matches have been
held in this vicinity the past week,
which have been of interest to sports
men. In a shooting contest for a
turkey last Wednesday afternoon, par
tlclpated in by Messrs. Harry Slaugh-
ter, Thomas Wrench, Zeke Slaughter
and Gustavus Homes, Mr.. Harry
Slaughter came out the victor. In
Kenton there was live bird match on
the following jay. In this contest
there were Messrs. Joseph Smith.
Harry Slaughter, Noble Jerman.
Thomas Wrench, Presley Gldsborough
and Denney HOffecker. There were
four ties in this contest, which was
finally shot off in favor of Harry
Slaughter.
In blue rock match between Ed
ward Jerman and Fred Lang there
were ten shots each. The second con
test, five shots each: sweepstakes
participated in by DIR. w. I. RYAN.
James Smith, Noble T. Jerman, Press
ley GoldsbOrough, J. E. Dents and
Harry Slaughter, there were five ties.
which were shot off in favor of Harry
Slaughter. There will be a contest at
Blanco tomorrow afternoon, and also
one at KentOn, the latter to be between
Messrs. Slaughter and Wrench and
two others, not yet known, with 25
birds each, at $50 side.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
CHESWOLD.
J. II. Anderson Building a New Store
Harmony Council FIOurishing-
Local Mention.

Special Correspondence to the Times.
CHEswOLD, JAN. 11.-Groundi is broken
and foundation laid off fronting GEO X
46) feet on the vacant lot Joining the
residence of Mr.. j. H. Anderson near
the business centre of our town for a
storehOuse. 1t is likely to be bust
ness enterprise of importance and an
advantage to Cheswold, but at this
writing current rumor has it that all
the plains are not fully matured.
Harmony Council No. % Jr. O. U.
A. NJ, of Cheswold, has a large and
active membership and still adding in
numbers. They had two limitations
last night and three more applications
for admission.
A nice industry for this town is the
crate and basket factory of H. C. Ford,
which gives steady employment for
men and women.
While delivering corn on the
"Heitshu Farm" pair of young
mules belonging to Harry Ross be-
came frightened at a threshing en-
glne and ran away. One of the mules
come i'll contact with fence post with
such force as to cause instant death.
Personal: Rev. J. w. Fogle will ex-
change pulpits next Sunday with Rev.
w. H. Kenney of Burrsville. Our
EpwOrth League has appointed Messrs.
William Boyd, James Scarborough
and George Anderson, (the latter rep
resenting the Junior League) ushers
for the public services of Cheswold
Church. Mrs. John Rawley spent the
day with Mrs. S. b. Cooper, Wednes-
day of last ek.-Mrs. w. F. Collins
and daughter, Miss Annie, Mrs. w. S.
Hardcastle and daughter Miss Ethel
and Miss Esther Bernard and Miss
Lula BOggs, are attending the mar
riage of Miss Gertrude Van Dyke, of
CeciltOn, Nd. formerly of Cheswold.
to-day Mr.. John H. Scout, of Will
mingtOn, and Miss Annie Scout of
Greenwood, Del, have been spending
a few days with their sister Mrs. J. H.
Dannenhauer. Mrs. Alice REYNOLDS
is spending a few days with relations
In Greenwood. REX.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
LEIPSIC.
Successful Revival Meetings and Broke
His Collar Bona.

Special COrreSpOndence to the Times
Revival meetings at NJ. E. church
have been very successful so far. There
have been nine conversions and a great
building up of the church.
Mr.. Samuel Bennett had a severe fall
Sunday evening from the steps of the
M. E. church, resulting in the fracture
of his shoulder blade.
Rev. Harry Taylor, of Little Creek,
preached Wednesday and Thursday
evenings at the NJ. E. church.
Rev. 7. P. Revelle has been verv
sick at the home of his mother in
Maryland. Rev. George Revelle filed
the NJ. P. pulpit on Sunday.
PersOnal:-Mr. N. T. Jerman, of
Kenton, is spending the week in town.
Jas. Smith and some friends have
gone on ducking excursion Annie
Il. Story is spending a few weeks in
Rlchboro.-Mr. David Hutchinson. of
Townsend, has been visiting Mrs.
Flemming, Miss Jennie Harper spent
Sunday with Mrs. J. Ed Jerman. Mr..
and Miss Richards have been visiting
Harry Richards. Miss Sue Raymond,
OF Goldey's Commercial College, Will
mington, is home on a visit. She is
suffering with grippe. Miss Suther-
land has returned from a visit to Fred
erica.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
AN INFORMAL DANCE.
A Most Enjoyable Affair Given by the
Young Men,

One of the most pleasant and enjOya-
BILE affairs ever given by the young men
of this town was the dance at the Opera
House last Thursday evening. There
was no brilliant display and the crowd
was comfortably small. Music was
furnished by Oglesby's orchestra of
three pieces. The number of visitors
present made a splendid acquisition to
the social affair and this feature to-
gether with the nice floor and sweet,
dreamy music, was made an occasion
of special social interest. During in
termissiOn refreshment were served
consisting of coffee and sandwiches,
under the catership of Geo. NJ. Steven
son, of this town. Those who served
as patronesses were: Mrs. Frank E.
Postles, Mrs. Hervey P. Hall, Mrs. J.
R. McCausland, Mrs. J. Ed Hoffecker,
Mrs. J. Harvey Speakman, Mrs. L. o.
Waller and Mrs. A. E. Jardine.
Among those epresent were: Miss Fan
ME Bernard, Greensboro, Md. Miss
Bessie Wanamaker, Mrs. J. Edwin
Jones, Philadelphia; Miss Helen Y.
Slaughter, Dover; Mrs. Frank Rey-
nolds and Miss Alice Mills, Clayton;
Miss Mary Collision, Dover; Miss Ida
Wylie, PottstOwn, Pa; Miss Susie
Parker, DR.. J. E. Sites, Reese Parker,
MiddletOwn; Mr.. George Townsend,
Odessa; Miss Mary Anthony, Miss
Edith Collins, Miss Beth Denney,
Miss Margaret Fell, Miss Florence Haz-
ell, Miss Hettie Richards, Miss Fannie
Jones, Miss Gertrude Smith, and
Messrs. W. NJ. Busted, HirOns Den
ney, John Anthony, Charles LeFevre,
Clarence Raymond, r. d. Hoffecker,
Jr., Howard Jones, H. P. Hall, G..
Davis Brown, Price Jacobs, William
Diehl, Robert H. Denney, Stewart
Wilds, Benton N. Weldon, Roland w.
Bell, j. H. Speakman, A. f. Jardine
and DIR. J. Allen johnson.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
An Absurd Report.
STATE ROAD DEL

STATE ROAD DEL.
Mr.. EDITOR: There is family of
colored people living at this place
upon whom somebody has been trying
to play off joke that is both silly and
cruel. The man is known as Steve
Smith, and is a quiet, harmless. in
dustrious and steady working man.
Some respectable papers of Whining
ton and Philadelphia have been drawn
into it, as they were undoubtedly i'm
posed upon by some cranky reporter.
A sentence or two will serve to shame
the absurdity and crankiness of their
report. "Steve Smith died at his home
last evening at the advanced age of 118
years. The statement then goes on
to credit him with eleven wives, 4G
children, 1O8 grandchildren, and names
three of said children, giving their
ages respectively as SO up to SO years.
As the man is still living and but little
past seventy the utter absurdity of all
this is apparent. We do not know of
his having been married but once. and
the wife is still living. The particu-
lars of his funeral were also given and
the day when it took place. know
nothing of any grandchildren. AS he
has lived here a number of years, there
Is no possible excuse for publishing in
respectable papers, such Munchausen
yarn as this. The story is credited to
New Castle and dated Jan. 3D.. The
papers thus fooled have so far, declined
to make correction, even when inform
ed of the imposition. The family re-
side in full view of of my door.
q. r., Postmaster at State Road.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12

The Catholic Lyceum of Camden,
y. j., IS having a course of lectures
for the benefit of the members. The
lecture last week was by Hon. John
Nanamaker, and in speaking to young
Iueu Ae said
The chances in life at the present
and future offer more success than at
any time IN the past. 1.-The country
needs men to-day, not to fight, but to
stand by and love the flag. Don't con-
slider yourself; don't sit down and
nope, but whittle. If you can't whit
tie you are g. gOner. Some men 90
around their homes as though the
house was full of persimmons. We
don't want those kind of men, but men
full OF good cbeer-bright men. Thev
are the kind that make the country.
1oung men, places are ready for YOU
as soon as you are able, but You must
hit yourself. Don't wait until some
one comes along and helps you, but
pitch IN and help yourself. Now is the
tlme for young men to weigh them
selves. God didn't make any one of
us because he wanted one more man in
the world, but for purpose, and He
mas particular place for each of MS.
:. God help the young man that is roll
licking and entirely unconcerned about
ms welfare. Laziness breeds bad hab-
ITS, and bad habits breed bad charac.
Ter. You don't know what you can do
until you get at it, Don't delay if voa
nave anything to do. Do it immed-
lately. We have too much tomorrow
spirit IN us How much a mon oa,,
pack into his life, if he is industrious.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12

1t is estimated that it would take
only six millions of dollars to make the
Delaware river navigable for deep
draught vessels from the mouth of the
bay to Philadelphia, by blowing mp
and dredging out the shoal places and
securing a channel with a uniform
depth of thirty feet, Philadelphia and
Wilmington cannot regain the lost
shipping business or secure new bust
ness unless the channel is widened and
the shoals removed 1t is claimed that
the Delaware River has bad reputa-
tiOn among shipmasters and no con-
siderable vessel is ever certain of MAX
ing its way to Philadelphia without
running aground. That difficulty re-
moved, Philadelphia would regain
much of its lost trade and also secure
trade that now goes elsewhere.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12

itation. The event of the evening was
the address by Rev. H. W. Ewing. of
Mt. Salem Church. Mr.. Ewing brought
up the liquor traffic in the beginning
OF his address and pounded it without
mercy until the close. He claimed
that all liquor dealers were lawless
men, that the saloons must and would
be put down. He said that the great
Chicago strike was fostered by and
was the OutgrOwth of the Chicago sa.
looms. Rev. j. d. G. Hanna said that
there would be an affOrt made to or
ganize Anti-Saloon Leagues in every
church in Delaware. That they were
going to work together and see if they
could not accomplish something.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12

Legislature can transact any business
that may come before it.
The Wilmington politicians are pro-
ceeding on the latter suppositiOn, and
are preparing to introduce the new
city charter just as soon as possible
after the opening of the session. Some
OF the influential Democrats, however,
think that the charter should be al
lowed to remain until the new Legis-
ture when the city will have seven
members in its body while now it has
one, Senator Pyle. The new charter
provides for a nOn-partisan city gov
ernment as far as possible, and has
been about finished.
The election laws of the State will
also have to be revised completely and
the Democrats hope to have this task
finished as soon as practicable.
There is a swarm of other proposed
laws to be considered. A new corpor-
alton act is to be framed, and the mem
bers are talking of a law modelled after
that of New Jersey, and a similar
measure will probably be prepared.
The Adams act taxing investments,
will also receive an Overhauling, as
there have been many objections to it,
and the law is practically a dead letter.
The salaries of the county officers and
the judiciary are also to be fixed.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12

The news from the east is not so
warlike because China is not able to
cope with the great powers of Europe,
but there is no doubt but that the lat
ter are bent on getting foothold in
China, if not a portion of that ancient
empire. The London Times says that
England's policy aims at maintaining
the Chinese empire as a vast field of
trade, and the United States is said to
support her in that policy. China, be-
cause she is unable to help it, consents
to the Germans occupying KiaO- Chau
Bay with several square miles of land,
and there is little doubt that both Rus
sia and France have or intend to seize
parts. England has made n BIG move
as protector in lOaning China $50, ,OOO-
OOO- And, i'll standing by China, has
the moral support of the United States
and Japan. In speaking of the effort
of Russia to get possession of COrea,
the Philadelphia Record says:
The British Financial Adviser of Corea
having a secure hold on the Corean
Treasury (the money being on deposit
subject to his order in a Shanghi bank
and the British Government having
decided, it is said, to guaranty the
loan of $50, 100000, which China de-
sires in order to purchase a new navy,
it would seem that the hands which
hold the pOcketbOOk are destined to
play quite as important part in the
events of the Far East as are the
''mailed fists" of the Kaiser and the
Gar. According to advices received
at the Office of Naval Intelligence at
Washington the naval programme of
China cOntemplates the construction
of six large battleships, twelve armored
cruisers, besides a complement of 32-
knot 'destrOyers" and torpedo boats;
and, according to WI Ting Fang,
Chinese Minister to the United States,
the execution of the programme will
begin as soon as China can raise the
funds. Before the Siberian Railway
shall have been completed or Kaiser
Wilhelm obtain his new feet of battle
ships the much augmented japanese
navy and new Chinese armada, of
ticered by Europeans, may be in a pO-
sltlOn to dispute the contemplated sub
lection of the yellow race.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12

THEODORE DURRANT, the murderer
of Blanch Lamont and Minnie Will
liams in San Francisco, but saved from
the law for several years by skillfull
lawyers, was hung in the Jail at San
Quentin on Friday. He protested
his innOcense on the scafold, but so
did GOrdy, at Georgetown of this State,
of whose guilt in killing his wife there
is not the least doubt. The Durrant
case has been one long struggle be-
tween justice ON the one hand and
wealth, family influence and legal per-
slstency on the on the other. Such a
contest fixed the attention of the
whole country, and had legal ingenuity
prevailed at last the result would have
been a reprOach to California and q
blow to social welfare everywhere; for
Durrant was not only hardened mur-
derer, but one of the most depraved
criminals which the country has ever
produced. His execution, which
should never have been a matter of un-
certainty, will, therefore, have a na-
tlonal effect in conserving respect for
the majesty of the law and in discour-
aging the lynching spirit, which would
surely have been strengthened had
this arch criminal been permitted to
cheat the gallows.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
BANK DIRECTORS MEET.

THE STOCKHOLDERS OF OUR TWO BAAKs
HOLD THEIR ANNUAL MEETINGS.
The Stockholders Meetings of our
two Banks were held yesterday to
make reports and to elect officers and
directors for the ensueing year.
FRUIT GROWERS NATIONAL BANK.
The Fruit Growers held busy
meeting. There was no change in the
directors and officers. They were re-
elected as follows: President, John H.
Hoffecker; Cashier, Nathaniel F.
Wilds; Teller; s. Gilbert Wilds; Book
keeper, E. Marriott Fowler; Directors.
DIR. J. E. Clark, Millington, 'Messrs.
John H. Hoffecker, A. L. Hudson, Sr..
Samuel Roberts, James P. Hoffecker,
W. A. G. Hardcastle and William E.
Hall.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
G. A. R. Post Officers.

At the regular meeting of Gen. ".
S. Hancock Post. %, G. A. R..
on Thursday evening last, the fol-
lowing comrades were installed,
which had been previously elected
by the Post: William Keiser, Com
mander; John Garner, Sr., V. Com
mander; W. 7. Tucker. Jr. V.
Commander; John Hayden. Chaplain
William Broadway, Sergeant; L. T.
Davis, Quartermaster; 7. Davis, O.
d.; W. B. Marshall, O. g.; Geo. w.
Tilghman, Adjutant; Joseph Walraven,
Inside Sentinel; c. B. Archer, Quar-
termaster Sergeant; John Reihms,
Sergeant Major.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12

An effort is being made in Congress
to repeal the civil service law which
has had the endorsement of Presidents
Cleveland, Harrison and Mckinley,
Gen Grosvenor, of Ohio, making
savage attack ON it, representative
johnson, of Indiana, defending it with
equal ability. One of the strongest
defenders of civil service is Charles J.
BOnaparte, of Baltimore. In an adj
dress he said: 1.-The disease from which
all our cities and even some of our
States are suffering is not peculiar to
any one locality. Although it may be
called by different names, the germ is
the same, whether you call it Croker,
or Quay, or German, or any other
name. 1t is the same thing under diff
ferent forms. There is one essential
element to this bossism, and that is it
is spoils mOngering. The spoils system
IN politics is the ground out of which
bosses and ring rule grow. Destroy
the spOils system and you get rid of
the bosses and rings and all the Incl
dents of boss rule
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
THE NATIONAL BANK.

The National Bank of Smyrna, held
their annual meeting at the same time.
The vacancy caused by the death of A.
B. Roe, of Greensboro, Md, was not
filed it being decided to have six di-
rectors instead of seven. The diree-
tors and officers were reelected as fol-
lows: President, ID. j. Cummins:
Cashier, w. H. Janney; Teller.
Eugene Davis; Bookkeeper, W. M.
Busted; Directors, DIR. A. E. Sudler.
Sudlersville, Md, Mr.. J. B. Connor.
of FELTON,, Messrs. ID. J. Cummins.
Robert Hill, VIM. George Hill, and
John Cosgriff. The charter of the Bank
was extended twenty years Ion ger.
After the business had been transacted
the directors and officers repaired to
the Delaware House where the annual
banquet was given, and nice menu
set.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
PUBLIC SALES.

Tuesday, Jan. 1S. - Stock, Farming
Implements, &c, of w. L. Sapp. Mt
Cheswold, at 10 o'clock, a. m. B.
V. Weldon, Auc.
Thursday, Jan. 2O.-Stock, Farming
implements, &c, of Sarah A. Frazier
on the road leading from the State
Road to Raymond's church. at 10
o'clock a. m. B. V. Weldon, Auc.
Saturday, Jan. 22.-Sale of Bank Stock
at the Smyrna House, Smyrna, Del.
at 2 o'cl lock p. m, by the execntors
OF the late A. b. Roe. b. V. Wei
Thursday, Feb. 1O.-Stock. Farming
implements, &c, of L. II. Davis
pear clayton, at 10 o'clock, a. m.
B. V. Weldon, Auc.
tuesday, Feb. 10. Stock, Farming
Implements, &C., of Geo. s. Moffatff
on the ''ROthwell farm" at 10 O'clock
A. NJ. B. V. Weldon, Auc.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
Election Notice.

The Annual Meeting of the poI;...
Holders Of the Kent County l1mtl,, 1"ilrl,
insurance Company, will he LniJ "5oal
the office Of the COMPANY. I in TIIa T at
on Wednesday, the Ninete1nMtl ~ lover,
January, ia 1888, between the hour, of of
IA! ~ A. NJ. and / o'clock p. NJ. at WIKI Jl
Ilme R; an election will be held for ''rgn tLron
IN, directors H. to serve for three year. I'gg a1g
one Director to serve for one vrar ana
WM. DENNEY. S4cr.,a,,.
Smyrna times., 1898-01-12
Personal.

Rev. Z. II. Nelson, of Still Pond,
Nd, spent Thursday night in Smyrna.
The evening was spent at the Metho-
dist church, where he preached for pas
tor Stengle.
Rev. Chas. L. Stengle, of Leipsic,
and Geo. E. NJ. Stengle, of Port De-
pOsit, were called to Onley, Eastern
Shore OF Virginia, ON Saturday even
ing, to attend the funeral of their
grandfather, Geo. w. Mason, returned
Tuesday morning They were both
well remembered in the will left bv
their grandfather.
b. Benson Cahoon, Esq, of Freder-
ickstown, Mo, reached Dover yester-
day on a few days visit to Delaware.
He is one of commission appointed
by the Governor of Missouri, to place
some statuary in Washington, the
members of the commission meeting
in that city next Monday for that pur-
pose.
Miss Annie Lambdin is visiting in
Philadelphia
Miss Annie Matthews, of Camden,
Del, is being entertained by Mrs.
John H. Hoffecker.
Mrs. Laura Grieves, of Baltimore.
Md, has returned from visit to Mrs.
J. Allen Moore.
Messrs. j. E. Carter, E. Harry Beck,
and Howard Jones are on a cunning
trip to Sussex County.
Mr.. Howard Bremen, of Philadel-
Phia, was entertained by Mr.. and Mrs.
W. Q. HOffecker from Saturday until
Monday.
Mr.. and Mrs. A. E. Fowler are NOV
ing their household goods to Philadel-
phia, where he has a position and
where they will make their home.
W. B. Megear and family are visit
ing in Camden n. J.
Miss Susie Parker, of Middleton.
and Miss Ida Weller, of Pottsville.
Pa, were guests of Mrs. L. O. Waller
last week.
William Collins, who has been with
his grandfather, Jacob Leinberger in
the butchering business, has gone to
Philadelphia to take position in the
meat business.
Roland w. Bell has joined Congress
man L. Irving Handy, who has gone
on lecturing tour to several cities in
the South.
Miss Lizzie Disch, who so narrowly
escaped being killed by the cars in
Clayton month ago, resumed her du-
ties as teacher in White Hall Neck on
Monday.
Mrs. Mary X. Eldridge attended the
monthly meeting of st. Michael's Day
Nursery in Millington, on Tuesday
Thomas J. F. Smith, aged IS years.
died at Wilmington Thursday. He
was the largest man on the Peninsula,
weighing over 400 pounds. He was
known in both Kent county, Md, and
Delaware. His tremendous size at-
tracted attention wherever he went.
He was a frequent visitor to Smyrna
before his paralysis several years ago.
Rev. F. F. Carpenter, of Hillsboro.
Md, and Rev. Alloysius, Green, of
Greensboro, Md, were invited by the
Fourth Quarterly Conference to re-
turn next year.
The dwelling vacated by F. L. Wright,
on Main street opposite the SMYRNA
House, which had been previously pur-
chased by H. B. Grieves, has been
repaired and he has movedhis family
there.
Mrs. Kate E. Smithers will give her
review of the Toronto and Buffalo w.
c. 7. U. Conventions at Newport this
evening.
Mrs. Rachel Sipple, of Philadelphia,
is visiting Mrs. I. H. Haynes.
Miss Annie Griffith, of Chester, has
been visiting Mrs. Chas. Lloyd.
Mrs. Martha Mabrey, of near town,
is visiting Mrs. H. S. Mabrey, in Mid
dletown.
Mrs. James H. Morris and daughter,
Mary have returned from visit to
Philadelphia.