Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-01
EVANSVILLE NEWS.
Lightning Strikes Two Dwellings
Presentation to Ex-Mayor Wells.
Correspondence Of The Star.


EVANSVILLE, June 1, 1905.
A severe storm. accompanied by vivid
lightning and high winds, passed over this
town yesterday afternoon about o'clock.
The home of ex-Councilman w. w. Ma
loney onSWells avenue was struck, and the
volunteer fire department was called to
the scene. The lightning struck the gable
end of the house and entered the bed room
up stairs, burning the bed clothing and
carpets and tearing away the plastering.
The bolt passed thence into the sitting
room down stairs. greatly shocking the
family, who were at dinner. especially Mrs
Maioney, who was knocked from her chair
The fire department was prompt In arrfy-
ing upon the scene, and soon extinguished
the blaze. The damage is believed to be
about $50. Mr.. Maloney's telephone appara-
tus was put out of commission.
The residence of Town Treasurer w. H.
Richardson, located opposite the property
OF Mr.. Maloney, was also struck, the light
ming entering at the dining room window
while the members of the family were at
dinner. shattering the telephone box and
greatly alarming the occupants. The dam
age was slight. The belfry of st. Jeromes
Catholic Church was struck during the
Storm large piece of wood being torn
away and the face of the belfry disf1gured.
Ex-Mayor Chas. A. Wells was presented
with a handsome bunch bowl by his ad-
mirers Wednesday evening of this week
taking place In Odd Fellows Hall. About
fifty citizens of the town, including the
mayor, members Of the town council and
others were seated at feast provided un-
der the direction of a committee composed
OF Messrs Frank and w. w. Rushe, w.
G. Soules, John Fainter jr., and James Cor
RE. Mayor Owens made the presentation
speech. in which he eulogized the ex-mayor,
declaring that as a practiclng physician
of over forty years in this community he
had endeared himself to the people of the
entire neighborhcod, and as the towns chief
executive for over four years had rem
dered valuable service.
In accepting the testimonial DIR. Wells
stated that the affair a complete sur
Lrise to him, he having accepted an invita-
tor to be present In the belief that he
was to enjoy social evening with the boys
of the fire department, had been his
pleasure to do on former occasions. He
Invited those present and all to whom in
vftations had been sent TO meet him at
his home on the evening of June IL, when
he would strive to demonstrate how very
attractive punch bowl can be made
DR.. Wells. on behalf of the fire depart
ment, presented surgeons badge to DR..
Guy w. Lati0fer as evidence of his
having been elected to that position by
the department and DR.. Latimer expressed
his thanks. Remarks were made by ex-
Councilman Chas II. Welsh, whose refer
ence to DR.. Wells as the next governor of
Maryland aroused great enthusiasm. Re-
marks were made by Messrs. A. c. Quisen-
berry. r. E. White. John Mccormick, Town
Treasurer Richardson. William Giusta,
Frederic A. Holden, Councilman w. P. Ma
gruder. Percy c. Rose, Arthur Carr and
Chas. E. Vrooman. The latter said he had
always been republican, but that If Dr.
Wells receivtd the nomination for governor
on the democratic ticket he would be
tempted to relinauish his faith just this one
time. This sentiment was received with
yells of delight. and 1t was several minutes
before Mr.. Vrooman was allowed to pro-
coed.
The speaker paid his respects to Mayor
Jos. r. Owens. declaring that his unanf-
nous choice by the people was an indica-
ton that he was the right man In the
right place. DR.. Owens. the speaker de-
elared. was positive man, and believed
In doing things. The punch bowl Is Sill
yer with gold lining. 1t is about eighteen
inches in diameter and about a foot high.
IL bears the inscription: Presented to
Hon. Chas. A. Wells ex-Mayor of Hyatts-
vile, by his friends 1905"