The Savannah morning news., 1904-09-01
REFORM ENDS IN DISASTER.
NeighbOrs of Newly Married Couple
Suffer for Gossip.


From the Chicago Chronicle.
1t wasn't necessary for Justice I'M
derwood to find Mrs. Augusta Hitter
as years of age, not guilty to convince
the persons who live near Fifty-second
| street and Willard avenue that reform
associations were not all that was
| claimed for them.
Pains that racked their bodies from
head to foot and bruises that were
sore to the touch had already convinced
| these persons that the life of a re-
former was not all pleasure.
George Nortcauer, $500 Willard ave-
nue., was the cause, indirectly, of
course, of all the bruised eyes, the dis
Colored faces and the bound-up heads
which were displayed in court yester-
day afternoon. Mr.. Nortcauer Is a
street lighter
But If he believes in Illuminating the
way and casting light for all to see
in his official capacity, he is dark in
his private life, and when he wed he
told no one. The neighbors were a
bit startled when they saw a woman
leaving Mr.. Nortcauers home last
Monday morning When the same wom-
an began cleaning the house on Tues
day their amazement was increased.
One OF the neighbors called with the
avowed intention of learning just what
Mr.. Nortcauer had done.
II didn't know that Mr.. Nortcauer
was married" said the neighbor.
II suppose there are quite a number
OF things that you don't KNOW" an
swered Mrs. Nortcauer.
That conversation was repeated about
the neighborhood. There were many
who shook their heads. II was finally
decided that a delegation should visit
Mr.. Nortcauer's home and learn all
about it. The delegation was met at
the door by the woman.
us Mr. Nortcauer at homer" queried
the spokesman.
Perhaps he Is. Perhaps he isn't.
know and you don't"
The committee returned.
They aren't married or the woman
would not have been so sharp" said
one.
She expressed it very we'll and the
good people Of that locality said some
thing must be done. For two days
they talked of nothing else. OF course
curiosity was on the increase all the
while. The women were determined to
find out just where they stood. And
then new furniture arrived and they
were anxious to learn Just what the
inside of the house looked like. But
they realized that they could not IL
the man and woman were not husband
and wife.
on Friday IL was decided that there
could be no further delay. II the
lamp lighter and the woman were not
married then they must go. Another
committee was appointed.
rs Mr.. Nortcauer at homer" again
asked the spokesman.
He is not, but IL you will call to-
Inc he ..ttfN 1. 49, -.
woman, and the committee departed.
But some OF them saw more proof in
the change of attitude.
'She thinks TO wheedle us, but we'll
not be wheedled," said one, and she
again expressed the sentiments of the
others.
Saturday was a long day. but even
blacksmith. had been selected as the
investigating committee. He dressed
himself very carefully. for II he met
bride and bridegroom II would hard
ly be proper TO greet them In a red
flannel undershirt.
Mr.. Nortcauer, believer" he he
said when his ring had been answer
ed.
THE same" said the lighter Of street
lamps.
II came to-" and the smith came
70 halt. He hadn't forgotten. And
he knew that Mr.. Nortcauer hadn't
forgotten. and that was the trouble.
Yes, ! know what you came for and
/ have II here In my pocket" And
Mr.. Nortcauer took a marriage cer-
tiflcate from his coat. Read Il care
fully and make no Mistakes" and the
blacksmith aid.
I'm very happy 10 learn that some
OF us were az fault" said the smith.
"Of course, of course but II seems
that you should make some sort Of re-.
pnration" and there was 4 dark smile
Do one corner Of tho lamp lighters
eye,