davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
Bats In a Bedroom.

An army of bats invaded the bed
room of a rectory in DOrsetshire. and
from every part Of the room they
could be heard plunging against mir
rcrs and glasses. knocking against the
ceiling. while too often to be pleasant
one would hit against the head Of the
bed. The rector struck match and
lit a candle. This served to attract
the creatures nearer to that particu-
lar part Of the room in which the bed
was placed Then the reverend gen
tleman placed the candle near an open
window. only to find that other bats
began to come in. so that 1t was i'm
possible. to count how many there
were in the a. Another plan was
tried. AN the curtains were drawn
aside and the east window opened
wide. The light was put out, and the
visitors gradually dispersed.-London
Standard.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
DEATH OF JOHN BocKMAN
Well Known Citizen Formerly ofDover
Dies at Gentian, Georgia,

John Bochman, 72 years old, ma
tive of Dover and wellknown there
for many years a contractor and
builder, is dead at Gentian, Georgia.
Mr.. Bockman, who was a partner
of William Fisher of Dover, was the
constructor of the county court house
at Dover, Holy Cross Catholic Church
the Wilmington Conference Academy
and many other of Dover's most
substantial buildings. He was held
in high esteem at his late home in
the South as we'll as in Dover. A
wife and fourteen children, who have
scattered all over the United States,
survive Mr.. Bockman. They include
Harry Bockman of Phoenix City,
Theodore and John Bockman of Col
umbus, Georgia; George, Edward,
Jacob, and Joseph Bockman of Gen
tian; Mrs. Josephine Clifton, wife of
Leon w. Clifton of Dover; Miss
Medic Bockman of Philadelphia; Miss
Emma Bockman of Morris, III. Mrs.
Mary Waters of Ocean Springs, Miss
Mrs. Agnes Guber of Columbus
Misses Lulu and Margaret Buckman
of Gentian; Ms. Josephine Snyder of
Philadelphia.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL
People Who Come and Go
y and their Social Doing

Miss Lillian Huggins was given a
birthday surprise party by her
mother, Mrs. Wilhelmina Huggins
Friday evening at which fourteen of
her young friends were present. The
evening was spent in games, music
and other pastimes which were en-
Joyed immensely by all. The guests
were invited out to the table which
was tastily decorated, of which the
most notable was the birthday cake
with lighted candle for each year of
her age. Soon after refreshments the
jolly company departed.
Joseph B. HUM met with quite
painful accident in his barber shop
Friday. Mr.. HUM was decending the
stairs from the second floor when he
stepped upon an empty cuspidor at
the foot of the stairs, which slipped
under his weight and threw him
heavily to the floor, splinteriug his
ankle bone. Mr.. HUM is getting
along as we'll as can be expected and
hopes to be about again in a short
time.
Miss Pauline Thomas, who has
been spending some time with the
family of DR.. Roberts has returned
to her home in Williamsport.
Miss Edith Kirkbride, Miss Edna
Gegenheimer, Mr.. Arthur Hansen
and Mr.. Carl Hansen, of Philadelphia,
have been guests of Miss Julia
Hum.
Mr.. and Mrs. Chas. Register left
Friday for an extended visit to her
brother, Samuel H. Baynard. of Will
mington.
Mrs. Lillian Cloak is spending the
Christmas Holidays with her brother,
Mr.. j. Harvey Speakman.
Mrs. Aubrey Vandever, of Whining
ton, was the guest over Sunday with
Miss Bertha Hoffecker.
Mrs. T. H. Haynes is spending the
Christmas Holidays with her sons
in Wilmington.
Mrs. w. E. Waters left yesterday
for Chicago to spend the winter with
her niece, Mrs. Carroll H. Sudler.
Mrs. Mary Hynson, of Lewes, has
been visiting her son, w. w. Hyn-
son.
Mr.. and Mrs. Daniel Turner and
children, of Hartly, are visiting Mr..
and Mrs. John E. Phillips.
Mrs. Price Jacobs, of Bridgeville,
is the guest of her father, Mr.. James
Robinson near town.
Charles Roberts is spending
Christmas holidays at Wilhamsport,
Pa.
Hoyle Lees, of Easton, is the guest
Of Smyrna friends.
Miss Helen Bower is home from
Wilson College for the Holidays.
Mrs. Margaret Palmer, of Philadel
phia, is visiting Smyrna friends.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Elllendale is known for its speedy
holly wreathmakers and has aanum-
ber who claim to be the fastest in
this work. Miss Burnie Swain makes
TWENTY-FIVE wreaths an hour; Mrs.
Postles was timed by her husband
Constable Postles, and made two
every five minutes; Mrs. William
Thicker is making one every two min
utes. while Blanche Deputy makes
more than 100 every evening after
supper and can deftly arrange the
wreath as fast as her father can
make the hoops for her.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
RECOLLECTION OF SMYRNA.
CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE

There are still to this day a plenty of
good old Democrats around who when
the qualities Of Democrats are being
discussed will tell you they are of
the Jeffersonian kind. WILLIAM A.
HUKILL.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
WILLIAM r. COCHRAN DEAD.
He Was WeIl-known Retired Farmer
and Lived at MiddIetown.


and Lived at Middletown.
William R. Cochran, a wellknown
citizen of Middletown, died at his
home there yesterday moring from
acute indigestion. Although he had
complained of feeling bad for some
time, Mr.. Cochran was able to be out
Monday. He was stricken about six
O'Clock and died within an hour.
The deceased was about "a years old
and retired farmer. He was a dir
ector of the Farmers Mutual Insur-
ance Company at Middletown. He
was a son of fomer Governor John P.
Cochran and is survived, by a widow
and five children.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
NEW OFFICERS OF HEPTAsOPHs

Smyrna Conclave, No. as, |. o. H.
Elects New Officers for Next Term
Smyrna Conclave No. as, l. o. H.
has elected the following officers {:
Past archon, J. R. Hum; archon,
William FAIRIES; provost, A. H.
Smith; prelate, ]. A. Hoffecker !;
secretary, G. M. Stevenson; financier
w. B. Start; treasurer, E. M.
Fowler; Inspector, w. A. FAIRIES +;
warden, J. w. Lightcap; sentinel,
J. E. DeFord; trustees, A. H. Smith,
J. A. Hoffecker, J. B. HUM, E. T..
Porter, w. F. Dunn.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Everything new in fruit and nuts.
Cummings, Odd Fellows Hall.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

short Items OF General Interest Gathered
During the Week.
Buy your coal for winter of S. 7
Reynolds.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

II you want good fresh nuts buy of
W. I. Jefferson, next door to post
office. =
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Season backward, blankets and
comforts reduced. W G. Roe.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Choice late potatoes so cents per
basket at Cummings, Odd Fellows
Hall.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

The big stores of Smyrna were
never better prepared to supply the
wants of Christmas shoppers than
they are now. There is an abun-
dance of toys of every description
from the cheapest to the highest in
price; there are mechanical toys
which delight the heart of the child
en-. In the jewelry stores Will De
found hundreds of pretty gifts, rang
ing from fifty cent thimble to dia-
mond. In the department stores VIII
be found in great array vast con-
glomeration of fancy articles to suit
everybody. At the drug stores
have provided literally in books,
cards, requisites for the toilet and
hundreds of pretty things are on dis
play. The toy stores are ablaze with
things to delight the children. In
the clothing and furnishing stores
there are fine displays Of muftiers, klc
gloves, silk handkerchiefs, and al
kinds of neckwear. Consequently,
there is no need for the Christmas
shopper to go further than Smyrna
to selectla suitable gift for any an'
a
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
FOR RENT,

CHESTER HOUSE Property. Possess
sion March LIST, 1909.
Apply to
Mrs. NJ. F.. SMITH.
smyrna. bel
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
Kent County School Commissioners

meeting of the Kent County School
Commissioners will be held at Dover on
Friday, Jan. sth.
H. p HAZELL, Secy.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Victory w. C, T. U. will meet
at the home of Mrs. John A. Latta
December 26 at 1.3O p. m.-Rec. Sec.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS.

The annual general lneeting of sharehold-
ers of The Smyrna, Kent County and Della
ware Bay Traction Company, will be held
at the Company's Office, Commerce Street,
Smyrna, Delaware, on Tuesday, the 5th day
of January, 1909, at IL O'Clock in the fore
noon, tor the purpose of eiecting Board of
Directors for the ensuing Year, and such
other business as may come before the meet
ing.
A. TILGHMAN,
Secretary.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

On Christmas Night Santa Claus
brings you a rare treat at the Opera
House. The "Sign of the Cross"
has enchanted thousands in the cities
it is a grand play, and it is the favor
ite of Miss McClaran who will present
it. You know her skill. 1t will be
worth taking trouble to see.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

WANTED Lady or Gentleman of
fair education to travel for line of
household articles and specialties.
Salary SO. so per day above expenses.
Address. The Alexander Supply Com
pany, 356 Dearborn Street, Chicago,
Ill.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
SMYRNA AND VICINITY.

SMYRNA AND VICINITY.
short Items OF General Interest Gathered
During the Week.
Buy your coal for winter of S. J.
Reynolds.
Everything new in fruit and nuts.
Cummings, Odd Fellows Hall.
Season backward, blankets and
comforts reduced. W G. Roe.
II you want good fresh nuts buv of
W. I. Jefferson, next door to post
office. =
Choice late potatoes so cents per
basket at Cummings, Odd Fellows
Hall.
Victory" w. C, T. U. will meet
at the home of Mrs. John A. Latta
December 26 at 1.3O p. m.-Rec. Sec.
With each $1.OO purchase you are
entitled Ito one coal bucket for 10
cents while they last.-W. G Roe.
Smyrna Grange No. 21 will give
their Christmas concert next Satur-
day night at their rooms. Special
music has been prevared and a jolly
time is anticipated.
Ladies' shoes sent for, polished and
returned by Drummer john all fol
five cents at w T. Jefferson's.
Beautiful colored postal cards Of
Smyrn9, all new views at Weldcn's
Pharmacy.
Watch the label! If your subsrcip.
tion is due kindly remit. When attend.
ed to promptly, it is easier to pay
and better appreciated. Watch the
label and do it now.
A meeting of the w. C. T. U. vii
be held at the home of Mrs. JOSEPH
Smithers, Monday evening, December
% at 7.30 O'Clock. 1t is requested
that the comfort bags be returned al
this meeting. Sec.
Ladies and Gentlemens cleaning
and pressing establishment W. T
Jefferson, next door to post office.
Consider the season of the year,
OF winter blasts drawing near;
All leaves turning brown and sere,
Lay in your coal and have good cheer.
Smyrna Trans. & Mfg. Co.
WANTED Lady or Gentleman O.
fair education to travel for line O.
household articles and specialties
Salary SO. so per day above expenses
Tbo Aloxo~1o,. C,,p,11,r o..
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

With each $1.OO purchase you are
entitled Ito one coal bucket for 10
cents while they last. W. G Roe. =
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

The public is cordially invited to
attend supper to be given under the
auspices Of the "Victory" w. c. T.
U. Wednesday evening, January 9Th
at the home of Mr.. James F. David
near Flennings Landing. Commence
serving supper at O'Clock. A fine
country supper Of all the delicacies of
the season for only 25c. The COM
pany will be entertained with music.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

The pastor and family of Smyrna
Circuit want to thank through your
paper the Ladies' Aid of Friendship
NJ. E. Church for the large Christ
mas turkey that was sent to the par
sonage this a. m. May they live
long to do good on this line as we'll
as many other lines. With greet
ings of the season for all, | am yours,
w. E. Matthews. Smyrna, Del,
December %, 1908.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

A meeting of the w. C. T. U. will
be held at the home of Mrs. Joseph
Smithers, Monday evening, December
28 at 7.3O O'Clock. 1t is requested
that the comfort bags be returned at
this meeting. Sec.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Ladies and Gentlemens cleaning
and pressing establishment. t.-W. T.
Jefferson, next door to post office. =
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Consider the season of the year,
OF winter blasts drawing near;
All leaves turning brown and sere,
Lay in your coal and have good cheer
Smyrna Trans. & Mfg. Co.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Watch the label If your subsrcip-
tion is due kindly remit When attend
ed to promptly, it is easier to pay
and better appreciated. Watch the
label and do it now.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Smyrna Grange No. 81 will give
their Christmas concert next Satur-
day night at their rooms. Special
music has been prevared and a jolly
time is anticipated.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

FAME has long since ceased to hand bouquets to the M
low who does things the same well other people
1t necessary to climb above the level of the win au
res.
This is the we have built up reputation for selling
such excellent Clothes
We climbed the old order of things and offered our
trade superior and better Clothes.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23
Table Linen.

Don't forget the Christmas Dinner You will
want the table to look right. We have the best
linen here in Table Cloths and Napkins.
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

beautiful colored postal cards of
Smyrn9, all new views at Weldon S
Pharmacy. =
Smyrna times., 1908-12-23

Ladies' shoes sent for, polished and
returned by Drummer John" all for
five cents at w T. Jefferson's. =
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-16
TO LESSEN NINE DISASTERS.

The numerous mine accidents of re-
cent years led the last congress to
make an appropriation to be expended
In testing explosives of all kinds used
In the mining industry. Plans have
been made by Mr.. Garfield, the secre-
tary of the interior, to open in Pitts
burg. Pa, an experimental station
within the next few weeks. The first
six months of 1908 show no lessening
of the terrible mine disasters that were
noted In 1907 and the secretary Of the
interior is on this account particularly
anxious to begin his experimenting at
the first moment the money appro-
prfated for the purpose becomes avail
able. Tests are to be made OF the
various explosives used in blasting
with view of determining accurately
their safety in the presence of the
deadly fire damp and coal dust. Ex-
plosives OF various kinds will be hurl-
ed into a huge boiler plate cylinder
one hundred feet long and six feet in
diameter after an explosive mixture of
fire damp and coal dust has been
pumped in 50 that the effect can be
carefully noted There will also be
constructed at the Pittsburg station a
miniature mine with draughts, head
ing rooms. and ladders. This will be
filled with smoke or gas and expert
ments will be made with apparatus
capable OF sustaining life in these
vapors. Miners will also be instructed
how to handle this apparatus and how
to save their comrades found uncon-
scfous in a mine after an explosion.
1t is expected that the results OF these
experiments will go a great way to
lessening the disa sters incident to ex-
plosions In mines and also towards
preventing the occurrence of explo-
sions.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-16
sTEAMING TO THE ORIENT.

II Is a splendid and tried fleet of
United States battleships that weigh
ed anchor at San Francisco few
days ago for the most notable voyage
Of war vessels in the history of the
world. And surely he is a poor Ameri-
can indeed who does not feel at least
little thrill of patriotic pride as he
thinks of this gallant collection of
fighting craft steaming across the
broad Pacific to the American and
other ports beyond, bearing with it's
message of peace and good will a GER
and growing might of the United
States as a new world power.
If this second start, as it were, Of
the Atlantic squadron which this
country is now sending round the
world has not attracted the same de-
gree of interested attention that was
bestowed upon the first start from
Hampton Roads, 1t is in part, no
doubt, because the element of uncer-
tainty has now been to a considerable
extent eliminated. When the longer
voyage began there were abundant
predictions of material disaster and
of diplomatic trouble; and the peo-
pie of the country waited and watched
eagerly If not breathlessly to see what
would happen. But all has gone we'll
The fleet has been excellently manag-
ed, each vessel being in fine condition;
and in no foreign port has 1t been re-
garded with any other feeling than
that OF friendly interest.
The probability that this will con-
tinue to be the record brings the voy-
age at its present stage down nearer
to the level of commonplace and the
uneventful in popular thought; and
nobody awaits with any special ex-
element or even curiosity the recep-
ton that our sailors will have in the
ports of the Orient and Australia.
Elaborate preparations are making
for their entertainment everywhere.
1t seems hardly necessary to fear
International misunderstanding or I'M
pleasantness any more than loss of
any of the vessels through bad sea-
manship, and no one thinks Of such
an event occurring.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-16
EASY DIVORCES.

The facility and ease with which d.
vorces can be obtained in the United
States has often been the subject of
unfavorable comment in England where
the system of divorce while you wait"
is not practiced. In a recent issue of
the Yale Law Journal, Mr.. A. J. Bar
raft. an English lawyer, tells of one
instance which graphically illustrates
the evils of the American way of doing
such things. He says in part:
"I had my attention called in New
York only a short time ago to the case
of a lady who thought 1t was a very
simple and easy matter to get q d.
vorce. She told her friends that she
notified the telephone company in New
York to take her name out of the tele-
phone book, but took great care to
warn her friends that she was at home
and could be communicated with by
telephone. She went out to the west
ern states and engaged rooms, return
ed to New York. and in due course OF
time. after a sufficient number of days
of residence required by the statute
had expired, she again went from New
York to that state and came back with
a divorce decree in hand"
1t must be borne in mind that this
woman was a bona fide resident of
new ork, Out mao no GROUNDS on
which she could obtain a divorce in
that state. And it may be remarked
here that New York is one of the few
states in the Union which refuses
divorce unless infidelity against one of
the parties to a marriage is actually
proven. 1t must also be noticed that
she did not really remove her place of
residence from New York nor did she,
Tor even brief period become resi-
dent OF the western state. which was
probably South Dakota She merely
became a constructive resident OF the
western state without even a pretense
Of becoming a Citizen Of 1t. In short,
she obtained a divorce by pretending
to reside In anothsr state without act
ualIy changing hsr place Of residence
Under the laws OF -41sW York she oan-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-16

ed Reginald"
But what--what did you run away
for ?" Katherine pursued inquiringly.
"Oh. that's a little habit OF mine,
istic reply, as musfng he walked to-
ward the house.
Queer old duffer. isn't her" COM
mented Jack. by way of giving Kath-
crime time for bit of mental read
justment
him Bill the Matchmaker she re-
marked. Her manner was wholly i'm
personal.
at don't wonder" Jack assented.
There was an awkward little d.
lence.
Jack"
what is it, Katherine?"
What were you going to tell him
was the cause Of our-our Quarrelf"
II started to say the cause was
purely-osculatory."
"Jack!"
inc, were you really awfully angry
with me?"
Katherine nodded. FOR two reas-
ons." she said with emphasis. "One.
because I thought you had been the
first one who kissed me and that you
had lied about it,
And the second?"
Because If you weren't the first
IL was sorry you had not been.
Jack"
For several seconds there was I'M
ruffled quiet in the ''hymeneal gar
den." Then Jack broke the serenity
with question.
when shall we tell the others?" he
asked softly.
"Oh. not for days and days." de-
clared Katherine jealousy. ITS such
fun to have a secret"
But inside the house. without walt
ing for authority. a two-year-old baby
was babbling to the admiring group
gathered about him.
MAN say-kiss Katha. kiss Katha
man." and all smiled comprehen-
sively.-(Copyrighted 1908 by Assoc
ciated Literary Press.)
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-16

not now contract valid marriage in
that state, not even II she treats her
self to constructive residence in an
other. but the fact remains that she Is
now free to marry in almost any other
state Of the Union.
The evil effects OF such a perform
ance as this must be apparent to all
thinking persons. 1t removes all the
sacredness from marriage and makes it
little else than a convenience, to be set
aside at pleasure. While 1t Is possible
that in some of the states the laws re-
lating to divorce are unreasonably
strict and narrow. it should be plain
that 1t ought not to be possible for the
marriage obligations to be abrogated
by any such sham proceedings as those
narrated above. There ought to be
something like uniformity in the d.
vorce laws of the states and some re-
gard for decency in the matter.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-16
QUAKER MEDTTATTONs.

IFrom the Philadelphia Record.J
The bore seems tireiess in being
tiresome.
Love that feeds on vanity is soon
starved.
Some people are too polite to tell
the truth.
You can help a lot sometimes by
not giving advice.
Trouble never lodges the man who
is looking for it.
From the masculine point Of view
obstinacy Is the feminine of flrmness.
Few Of US like to have people put
of till tomorrow the favors they can
do US today.
Wigg-'Do you think 1t is lucky to
have a rabbits foot?" Wagg-"I
might IL 1 were a RABBIT"
Blobbs-"Dolittle complains that
he can't get the sort OF job he wants"
Slobbs-"What sort of a job does he
want?" "BlobbsL"Oh! any kind he
can't get, suppose"
Hs-"No: I never give up my seat
to a woman In a crowded car" She
WHY not?" He-NWell, you
know / have a weak heart, and she
might thank me. The shock would
be fatal, 1 am sure"
Little willie-"I had a fight with
Tommy Jones. but he hit me first"
Willie's Mamma-"But the Bible says
If our enemy smite US on one cheek
he should turn the other" Willie
Yes. I know: but he swattsd me on
the nose"