davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
What's the Matter with the Bassr


Something is wrong with the bass
in the Potomac river-that is if there
ale any there. Fishermen have caught
fewer fish this season than for many
years, and despite patient and con-
tinuous efforts many sportsmen have
toiled all day and taken nothing.
Various theories have been advanced
as to why the fish are apparently so
scarce. Many persons believe that
the carp, which are so numerous IN
the river, are responsible for the trou-
bic because they devour the spawn
of the bass. Others think that the
bass gorged themselves on locusts this
year and haven't gotten hungry again.
As to the latter theory, it can hardly
be tenable now, for the locusts have
been gone nearly two months, and the
appetite of a bass couldn't be SUBJ
dued that long. Still others think
that the foods the past spring have
carried the bass below the Great Falls.
Whatever may be the cause, it is pref
ty certain that there are fewer bass IN
the Potomac this season than for ma
ny years.
The writer has recently conversed
with fishermen from both forks of the
Shenandoah, and they report the same
scarcity Of fish. News from the up
PER Potomac and the South Branch is
of similar character. On the other
hand, Mr.. Hunter, of Washington,
who was here fishing this week, re-
ports that sport is fairly good just
above Great Falls, and he has also
made some good catches as far up the
river as Knoxville. Newspaper
yarns gave details Of catches made at
Williamsport, but the truth is that
very few fish have been caught in
that neighborhood.
One encouraging thing for fishermen
is the fact that more young bass may
be seen in the river now than for a
number of yearspast They seem to
be unusually plentiful, and there is
hope that for the next two or three
years, at least, fishing may be better.
Last spring was favorable for spawn
ing, but for several years past the
seasons were rather unfavorable.
1t is proposed to ask Fish Commits
sioner Bowers to restock this portion
Of the Potomac with black bass, and
as he has Always been generous in re-
spending to such appeals of his old
neighbors and friends, We hope that
by his help the glorious sport Of bass
fishing may be greatly improved.
There's one consolation about fish
ing on the Potomac in the Shepherds
town neighborhood-the river Is so
absolutely beautiful and the scenery
so enhancing that day spent on the
water is a positive delight, fish or no
fish, and no one who gives himself
few days outing on the lovely old Co.
hongorooton need regret it. It's a
pleasure that is without alloy.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
A Bear Story.

A Bear Story.
The following bear story has been
floating around this section the past
week:
A large black bear escaped from a
railroad car at Engle's few days ago,
and is now camping on Bolivar Heights,
north OF Harper's Ferry, much to the
discomfort of the summer girl who
has her habitation there, also as well
as farmers around. 1t was seen Thurs
day evening by William Rockenbaugh
and his hands, who were on their way
to his cornfeld, lying along the fence
on the road running on the top of the
ridge and looking to them at a dis
lance of 25 yards to be big black
hog, but its wabbling steps and throw
ing of its head from side to side as 1t
moved away disclosed its identity to
their entire satisfaction and convinced
them that it was the bear that had es-
capped from the train few days pre-
vious. Upon further examination
they found he had been in their corn
field and left deep sunken footprint
and had husked and eaten corn with
the care of a human being. Bruln
will receive the respect of the people
now right along,
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
Minutes of Council Meeting.

The large number present at the
last meeting of the town council shows
what widespread interest there is in
the action OF that body, and on re-
cent trip down the Valley Of Virginia
we were asked everywhere to explain
the turbulent times we were having
in Shepherdstown. There has been
some complaint of inaccuracy, and l
will endeavor to give your readers a
clear and fair account of the salient
features of the last meeting on the
18th inst.
The council was called to order by
the mayor in the chair, and in the alb
sence of the recorder, DR.. c. T. Butler
was appointed recorder pro TEN. When
the minutes were read the mayor
called attention to their lack of COM
pleteness, as there was no reference at
all to a protest that he had made.
The council promptly decided that
his protest should not go in the rec
ord, and they adopted the minutes as
read. The routine and incidental
matters before the council need no
mention here. The great interest CEN
tered in the porch question which was
to come up, as a number Of citizens
had been summoned to show why
their porches should not be moved.
When the question came up J. S. Bra
gonier, Esq, appeared for the Misses
Magruder. Objection was made to
hearing him, and when he insisted on
his right to be heard a motion was
passed compelling him to take his
seat. In support of this motion a
member of the council said he had
resolution prepared which settled this
case and the others and there was no
need of talk. This announcement
caused many present 10 feel good, for
it seemed that at last the matter was
to be settled and the angry controver-
sizes of the past weeks were to be over.
Other parties were called upon TO
show cause why their porches should
not be removed, but not much was
said, as everybody wanted to hear the
previously prepared resolution. 1t
was one of the great surprises of the
evening to hear the resolution read,
which was simply a declaration that
all these parties were guilty of viola
ton of law, and they were given thlr-
ty days to tear down their porches, or
the law was to be enforced against
them without further notice or action.
In other words, while citizens were
summoned to show cause why their
property should not be destroyed, they
were given to understand that talk
was not wanted and evidence was I'M
necessary, as sentence had already
been agreed upon and the defendants
had all been adjudged guilty before
word was heard.
The treasurer reported shortness
Of funds, and 1t was agreed to give
two per cent discount to all those who
would promptly pay their taxes.
A motion was passed requesting all
property owners to clean their prem
ises of weeds and trash and the same
course was agreed upon for the streets
and alleys. Special notice was or
dered served upon the owner of Lee
land to clean the alley running west
from the rear of the Lutheran parson-
age and the owners Of the vacant lot
on the corner of King and New streets
to clean off that lot.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
Another OIL Fire.

The small frame building belong
ing to Robert G. Miller, at the foot Of
Mill street, and which was used by
him as a storage shed for oil, was de-
stroyed by fire last Saturday morning,
with its contents, consisting of seven
barrels of oil belonging the Red G Oil
Company of Baltimore. The fire was
discovered shortly after s o'clock. 1t
made big blaze and vast smoke.
The FIRE department was called out,
but the building was too far gone for
effective work to be done. 1t is not
known how the fire originated, but
the probability is that boys smoking
about the shed accidentally caused it.
There was no insurance.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
Troubles in Africa.

The ladies' of the colored Methodist
church held festival in the school
house last Saturday night, but the
ioyousness Of the occasion was inter
rupted by a scandalous row. Just as
icecream and soup and other good
things were being disposed Of in the
most profitable style, George Staley
and Frank Clark, two young colored
gents, staggered in and endeavored
to run things. Their behavior was so
rude that Aunt Amy Williams, the
president, had to call them down.
They treated her with contumely,
however, and she appealed to Br'er
James Snyder, special policeman.
Now Jim had stout club and a strong
right arm, and he proceeded to use
both. He put the belljgerentS out of
the room, but they returned to look
for more trouble. They got it. Uncle
Jim laid about him with his club,
and when the fray was over Staley
had to be taken to a doctors to have
his head sewed up, while Clark was
nursing sundry bruises. The two
disturbers were hailed before Mayor
Harrison on Monday, and after inter-
esting testimony as to how they had
carried on, the mayor imposed a
fine of$5.15on each. Staley paid up,
but Clark had to go to Jail until he
could raise the wind.
The west end was the scene Of
another disturbance Tuesday night.
A colored woman by the name of
Campbell caused the arrest Of Noah
Pierce on the charge of attempted
murder, assault and battery, disturb
ing the peace and lot Of other
crimes. Noah was taken before
Magistrate Rentch, who released him
on bail. A few minutes later the
woman caused him to be arrested
again, charging a continuance of his
violence, but could not establish her
case. He was tried before Squire
Rentch yesterday morning, when the
evidence showed that the woman
had accused him of stealing and used
very abominable language. There
upon Noah slapped her mouth and
administered such castigation as he
thought proper under the circum-
stances. Mr.. Rentch let him off with
a fine of FIVE dollars and costs.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
Mr.. Poffinberger's Charge.

In the council meeting Monday
night Councilman L. ". Pofinberger
stated that there had been good deal
of Misrepresentation on the porch
question, and that even the editor OF
the REGISTER had misrepresented
matters. The REGISTER has endeav-
ored to treat this whole porch ques-
ton in the fairest sort Of way, and We
think our readers will bear US out
that all our comments and reports
have been conservative and honest.
Indeed, we claim that utterances we
have been responsible for in this pa
per have been as truthful in all re-
spects as Mr.. Pofinbergers state
ments. If we have misrepresented
anything it has been unintentlonal,
and we offer Mr.. Pofinberger free
and unlimited use of our columns to
correct any misstatements. We shall
be glad to have him print any proper
corrections. Unless he takes up this
offer and proves the truth of his state
ment in council, be must himself stand
convicted of misrepresentation. Mr..
Pofinberger acknowledged in council
that he had been the complainant
against Mr.. Beethoven. The REGIS
TER thinks he has erred in stirring up
so much strife in our town and start
ing what it thinks is an unnecessary
crusade against improvements, but
this difference of opinion is not mis-
representation. We are ready to apol-
ogize if anything has been misrepre-
sented by this paper and will make
amends if he can prove his charge.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
Morgan'S Grove Fair.

Secretary E. T. Licklider is very
busy these days working up the Nor
CANS Grove fair, and he says he looks
for one of the best exhibitions we have
ever had. One of the things showing
the interest in the fair is the rush for
privileges of various sorts. A great
many persons have applied for space
on the grounds and in the buildings
and large sum has already been TAX
en- in. There will be plenty of amuse-
ments, including Leigh's famous wild
west show, which is said to be an ex-
citing performance. We hope our peo-
pie will see to it that the exhibits are
numerous and of high grade.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
Among the Churches.

The sixth annual conference of the
Shepherdstown circuit, NJ. E. Church
South, will be held in Bethesda church
at Molers Cross Roads on Thursday,
August 21st. Two sessions will be held,
at 4.3O a. m. and 2 p. m. A very in
teresting programme has been prepared
which includes discussion of practical
subjects by ministers and laymen of
the church, music, readings, etc. The
meeting will be a profitable and help
full one, and the public are invited to
attend.
There will be grand rally of the
Epworth League of the Uvilla Meth
odist church on Sunday evening at
7 o'clock. All the members are urged
to attend and the public are invited.
There will be services in the Pres
byterian church Sunday, if Providence
permits, in Shepherdstown at 1880
a. m. and at Kearneysville at S P. M.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
U. s. c. V. Picnic.

The annual basket picnic under the
auspices of Henry Kyd Douglas Camp,
U. S. c. ", of Shepherdstown, will be
held at Morgan's Grove fair grounds,
near this place, next Tuesday, August
10Th. All the old Confederates, the
Sons of Confederates, the Daughters
of the Confederacy and all others in
terested are cordially invited to attend
this picnic, and everyone will be well
coined. The picnic last year was a
most enjoyable one, and it is hoped
that next Tuesday will be equally
pleasant. Everybody come-and
bring your baskets.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
Married al Pen-Mar.

A romantic wedding took place on
Tuesday afternoon in front of Rev. C..
H. Rockeys cottage at Pen-Mar. The
couple were Mr.. Dallas R. Chopper
and Miss Agnes Boswell, both of
Waynesboro, Pa. Rev. Hockey per-
formed the ceremony in the presence
of about fifty persons, many of whom
are boarders at the hotels on the
mountain. The minister and the bride
and groom stood under canopy Of
palms, while the ground on which they
stood was strewn with palms and ferns.
Miss Mary Troxell, of Williamsport,
played the wedding march. Charles
Hill, of Baltimore, was best man, and
Miss Katie Arthur, of Shepherdstown,
was bridesmaid. After the ceremony
the crowd congratulated the couple,
who left on the Western Maryland
fast mail for Baltimore on a wedding
trip. Mrs. Chopper formerly lived in
Shepherdstown. Her friends here ex-
tend congratulations.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
OBSERVATIONS.

For the benefit of absent persons
who do not understand the situation
it is proper to say that the claim is
made that the merits Of the law are
not under consideration. 1t is the
duty of the council to enforce law.
There is a law against burning any
leaves or trash of any kind in the
streets or alleys of the town. That
law is never enforced, but is kept for
enforcement where careless persons
endanger rights or property of others
by its violations and all persons agree
that some porch law ought to be had
in case of need to restrain persons
who might block the streets or to
some degree obstruct passage. If the
council intend that no more leaves
shall be burnt on the streets, it is not
supposed that they will arrest and
fine all who have violated the law the
past ten years.
The opposition does not come SIM
ply from the reviving of an old and
neglected law, but by the discourte-
Gus and even illegal method by which
it is sought to enforce it, and by the
great discrimination shown in its en-
forcement. 1t is quite doubtful if
several porches ordered removed are
against the law as the council has
agreed to interpret it, while in short
distance of nearly every porch under
consideration there are others which
clearly violate the law, even with the
restricted 81 date.
1t is unnecessary and to some ex-
tent unwise to call attention TO some
clearly illegal proceedings, but as an
instance of the harshness with which
it is sought to enforce the law, the
porch of the Lutheran parsonage is
under the ban, and no time is granted
to get the scattered trustees together /;
and the porch which has stood for
years and been in no ones way and
has had no complaint against it from
any quarter must come down within
thirty days without giving any time
for consultation or granting hearing
or even making inquiry concerning 1t.
A hearing was appointed and sem
tence written in advance of the hear
ing,
A petition signed by large ma
iority of the taxpayers Of the town
was presented to the council and it
was utterly ignored, and could only
get reading by ardent advocacy of
an attorney, and then was as prompt
ly ignored again and nothing is likely
to be heard from it until the ides Of
March.
Some of the council claim to have
an attorney, and it is to be presumed
that this proceeding has one advocate
somewhere outside the council, but we
have not found a single citizen any
where who approves this action, which
is said to be matter Of conscience by
men who have never been accused of
being burdened with conscience. As
tenant of one of the properties which
is sought to be defaced, have felt
this plain statement Of facts was due,
and as there were many at the meet
ing of the council there will be no diff
fculty in establishing the facts pre-
sented.
l. No attention was paid to the pc
tition of the citizens of the town.
2. No attention was paid to any
thing said by any body as to why their
nnrches shnnld not be removed.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
Deaths.

Deaths.
Miss Lucie Freaner Polack, wife Of
Mr.. A. V. Polack, the well-known
Hagerstown jeweler, died last Satur-
day, aged % years.
William Cox, farmer of the vicin-
ity of Sharpeburg, died last Sunday
after long illness, aged 70 years.
Solomon B. Rohrer, well-known
resident of the vicinity Of Hagerstown,
died last week, aged IS years.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14

Miss Abbie Dorne Harley, of Mar
tinsburg, and Mr.. George Gregg Dix,
on, of Piedmont, W. Va, were married
last Thursday at the home of the bride.
Mr.. Charles II. White and Miss An
META Thomas, both of Martinsburg,
were also married in that place on
Thursday.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14

Rev. J. c. Wheat, retired Episco-
pal minister, died at Linwood, Va,
on Tuesday, aged 90 years. He was
the founder of the Episcopal Female
Institute.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14

Edward Roberts, the owner Of the
famous Luray Caverns in Virginia,
died at his summer home near Phila-
delphia Tuesday, aged 10 years.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
NOTICE.

The members of the Confederate Vet
eraus' Association will meet at d. NJ
Loyns's shop on Saturday afternoon
August 10th, at o'clock sharp. Bust
ness Of Importance.
NJ. J. BLLNYER,
Commandant.
IrFH MOIER Adit.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14

s. Sewer, a well-to-do farmer Of
Utica, Mich, last Saturday night
killed his wife with an Ak as she lay
in bed and then hanged himself in
in his barn. Dependency over the
fear that he was becoming insane and
grief over the death of his only daugh-
ter led him to commit the crimes.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
NOTICE..

Chamberlain's Collie. Cholera and
Diarrhoea Remedy has a world wide
reputation for its cures. 1t never fails
and is pleasant and safe TO take. For
sale by Remnants Pharmacy.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14
LEE Fl. MoLER, Adjt.

Senator James Mcmillan, of Michi-
gan, died last Sunday from heart
trouble.
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-08-14

hand by the thousand. The soldiers
have company drill at Z a. m, battal-
ion drill at 8, regimental drill at 3 P.
m, and dress parade at 6 o'clock.
They are kept pretty busy, but Jude
Bast has found time to make a repu-
tation for himself both as forager
and an orator.
Sheriff J. D. Billmyer, of this place,
got a contribution tor taxes a month
or so ago that has puzzled him great
deal. He received a letter postmarked
at Philadelphia which contained new
twenty-dollar bill folded in two sheets
of linen paper, on one of which was
written, For Jefferson county taxes.
There was no signature nor any other
indication as to who had sent the
money, and the sheriff has no idea
who should be credited with it. A
careful examination of the tax books
reveals no taxpayer who is indebted
in this amount. 1t is probably con-
science contribution.
J. Walter Barnes has accepted po-
sition as manager of the Consolidated
Telephone Company, an independent
system that operates telephone lines
in Marion, Harrison, Taylor, Barbour
and Randolph counties, this State.
His headquarters will be at Fairmont,
Mr.. Barnes has been resident of this
vicinity about year, and we shall be
very sorry to lose him from our com
munity. He had such a tempting Of
fer, however, that he did not feel like
declining 1T. He has already entered
upon the discharge of his duties. He
expects to remove his family to FAIR
mont about the first of October.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-07-10
The Art Treasures of Europe.

"Nhat did l like best in France:"
she repeated. "Why. Paris, of course.
But I'll teIs you where we had the
most fun, and SO cheap too. We went
to Reims. Phil wanted to see the Joan
of Arc statue which is considered very
fine. 1t stands in front of an appalling
ly ancient inn, where her parents stay
ed. I blieve.
"While Hhil was studying Joan and
ncr rapt expression Charlie and Sally
and went to visit the wine cellars of
Pomeroy-tl call them caves my
dear-and What Go you think? They
gave US each 4 bottle of champagne for
nothing, It is the custonf. Phil lost
all interest in Joan and her statue
when We told him Of it afterward. =
New York Commercial Advertiser.
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-07-10
Dict and Gnaractcr.

IN exclusively pork diet tends il
fallibly to pessinisla, Beef, If pprse
vcrcd in for montns, makes man
strong, energetic and audacious. 4
mutton diet continued for any length
of time tends 10 meIancholia, While
wal eaters gradually lose energy and
gaycty. Tie free use of eggs and milk
tends to make women healthy and Vi
vacious Butter used in excess rem
ders its E.sers phle@matic and lazy.
Apples are excellent for brain work
ers, and everybody who has much in
teliectual work to do should eat them
freely. Potatoes, on the contrary, ren-
der one duh. invidious and lazy when
eaten constantly and in excess. To
preserve the memory, even to ar a3-
yanced age, nothing is better than
mustard.-London Chronicle
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-07-10

She had seen this pitiful little
reckoning. He loved her So And she?
How she must despise him. a mo-
ment's weakness, then he gritted his
teeth and read t,s: note that accom-
panied the card.
Dear Fred-You foolish boy, l hate
theaters and suppers. and have all the
flowers | want If you a,e lot too busy"
come up this evening. I-oh. Fred, how
could you be so stupid?
when Mrs Frederic Osmero's father
took his son-n-law into business with
hin. lie said with a chuczle.
You'll make your mark all right. my
boy, if you put as much force into yout
business as You put into that @atnn"
VENE Il fsSEED%-
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-07-10
COOL MINNESOTA.

10,00o lakes; scores of the coolest
and best Summer localities in tie
country; heqUept periods of low Sur,
mer rates.
Apply to nearest Ticket Agent, or
write US Of Your proposed trip,Wheth.
er to Colofado Pacific Coast, Yellow.
stone Park. Minnesota. and let u
advise you least cost and assist you
Send for our handsome Colorado or
California 1902 publications free.
F. VI. Rugs, T. P. A, 604 Pine St,
ST Louis Mo-; l.. w. Wakely, Geni
Pass'rr agent, ST. Louis Mo; c. NJ
Levey, General Manager, st. Louis
Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1902-07-10
SOUTHRN RAILWAY.

Annual Meeting Southern Education.
al assocition Chattanooga, Tenn, July
IA, 1902,-For the above occasion, the
Southern railway will sell tickets to
Chattanooga and return from all points
on its line at rate of one fare fer the
round trip, plus 81, June q to July 1,
inclusive. Final limit for return, July
G. except by depositing ticket with
agent, corner Sth and Cherry streets,
Chattanooga, on or before July 8,
and payment of fee of so cents, eXten.
sion may he extended until Septem
ber 10, 1902. For further information
call on your a"t agent.