fyf if Tin COLUMBIAN, Three-timea-aineek WOJi ZD and FARM NEWS, or W 0 M A N KIND, one year for $1.75 in ad vance, lie rnlar price, $2.50. TRY THEM. 10 Pages. VOL 31 PRINTING THE J3ALL0TS. The Oontraot Given to the Columbian Be cause the Sentinel Refused to Comply With the Conditions, Under Which it Sid. The Bloomsburg Daily, in two is sues of its paper last week, attempted to make it appear that the county commissioners had refused to award the printing of the ballots for the coming township election, to the JSentinel, whose bid was (S3 00, and had given the contract to the Colum bias, whose bid was $120. so. The kimple facts are that the contract was awarded to Mr. Krickbaum at his bid, and he refused to comply with the , written conditions under which he bid, and the commissioners were therefore compelled to award the job to the Columbian, the only other bidder. We print below, the full minutes of the commissioners relating to the mat ter, and no further comment is neces sary. Bloomsburg, Pa., Feb'y. 6th, 1896. Commissioners Swank and Utt at office to day. The bids for printing the ballots for February election were opened at 12 m. Mr. Elwell bid as follows : For official ballots $7 per m. ' For specimen ballots $5 per m. Mr. Krickbaum bid as follows : I will put up the 18,575 ballots via. 13,600 official and 4975 sped men ballots for eighty three ($83) dollars. Upon Mr. Krickbaum's refusal to comply with the conditions under which he bid, it was agreed to post pone the letting until to morrow, Feb'y. 7th, until Mr. Ikeler could be here. Attest. C. M. TlRWILLIGER, ' - Clerk. Bloomsburg, Pa., Feb'y. 7 th, 1896. Commissioners Swank, Ikeler and Utt at, office to day. The matter of the printing the ballots was brought up, and upon motion of Mr. Utt, seconded by Mr. Ikeler it was ordered that the printing of the ballots for February election be awarded to William Krickbaum, he being the lowest bidder under the conditions submitted to him in writing at the time he was notified to put in his bid, provided he signs the contract to pre pare the forms of the ballots under the conditions submitted to him be fore bidding. Motion carried unani mously. The following notice was served on William Krickbaum at 11:20 A. M. William Krickbaum Esq., Sirs You are hereby notified that upon opening the bids received yesterday for printing the tickets to be used at the coming February election, your bid was found to be the lowest, and that the contract has been awarded to you, subject to your signing the con ditions under which your bid was sub mitted, and which were made known to you before you handed in your said bid. You are therefore notified and requested to call at the office of the County Commissioners and sign con tracts to comply with the said condi tions at once, or the bids will be de clared oft, and you will be held res ponsible for any loss or damage result ing from your noncompliance with the conditions under which your bid was submitted. William Krickbaum appeared be fore the commissioners at 11:50 A. M. and presented the following letter : Commissioners of Col, Co. Gents : In answer to your notice of this date requesting me to call at your office and sign contract to comply with the conditions of my bid for tickets, and on failure so to do, the bids will be declared off, I shall be held responsible for any loss or dam age accruing therefrom, I have this to say. I stand ready to comply with the terms of my bid, provided the contract is awarded and the copy furnished as needed for printing the same. Respectfully Yours, W. Krickbaum. 1 Said letter being a refusal to com ply with the conditions of the bids therefore, on motion of Mr. Utt, seconded by Mr. Ikeler, the following action was taken : William Krick baum having failed and refused to sign the contract for the printing of the tickets for February election 1896 in accordance with the conditions sub mitted to him before making his bid, the commissioners are compelled to procure the tickets elsewhere, and therefore award t'ie contract to Geo. K. Elwell at the price of $;.oo per m for the official, and $5.00 per m for the specimen ballots, he be'mtr the only other bidder for the work. The conditions submitted to bidders were as follows : Bloomsburg, Pa , Feb'y. 6th, 1896 Whoever is awarded the rAntrarf for printing the ballots for February election shall prepare the forms for the ballots for each election district from the certificate of nomination and nomination papers of each of avid districts. The commissioners will however give any information and susffestinn that may, be needed In the prepara lion 01 me nanot tor any district, and that the ballots must be printed in Bloom so the commissioners can ex amine the proofs of each district. Mr. Elwe'l signed agreement tn nrmr the ballots as above stated 13,603 oinciai and 4975 specimen ballots. Attest. C. M. Terwilliger, Clerk. LEiTH Of AN OLD LADY, The friends and relatives of Mrs Maria Keiffer were startled Friday morning, by receiving the intelligence that she had died at the residence of her grandson Ralph Grey on Wednes day night about eleven o'clock. Whilst she had not been in the best of health, yet there was nothing to indicate that she was to be so soon called away. On the evening in question she was remarkably lively, and in answer to interrogations in regard to her health said she felt better than for a long time. She retired to her room, and 10:30 o'clock Mrs. Gray was awaken ed by her coming into her room. She complained of not feeling well and Mr. Grey went for his mother who lived in the adjoining house, but be fore she could arrive, Mrs. Keiffer had passed away. Mie was the second oldest child of Jacob and Catharine Eyerly and was born at Catawhsa, October 33, 18 18 where she assisted her father in the management of a store. She was married January 14, 1839, to Daniel Keiffer, and the greater part of her married life was spent at Orangeville, where he con ducted a tailoring business. At his death which occurred in 1865 she moved to Bloomsburg and lived with her two sons until the marriage of her daughter Rebecca when she went to live with her. She left to survive her children as follows : Catharine E. wife of Isaac Yost of this town William W. of Bradford Pa. ; Jacob E. of this place ; Rebecca M. wife of John Gray residing in Bloomsburg; Atta, wife of Lawrence Snyder ot Danville; C. A. Keiffer, of Elys burg and Emma, wife of William Rohrbach, of Paxinos. In addition to these there are twenty three grand children, and eleven great grand children, together with one brother, two sisters, and a large number of nephews and nieces who mourn her sudden death. She was of a cheerful disposition, and was always endeavor, ing to make some one happy. For many years she had been a consistent member of the Lutheran church, and by her daily life exemplified the religion which she professed. The funeral services were con ducted from the home of her daughter Mrs. John Grey, on Sixth Street, and the interment was in the cemetery at Orangeville beside her husband. WEDDING BELLS. 'Squire Jacoby's office presented an appearance Monday afternoon which is seldom, if ever seen in a Justice of the Peace's office. A cab was noticed stopping in front of the entrance from which alighted a handsomely attired party of ladles and gentlemen. At once speculation ran high as ta the cause of this unusual spectacle. It was soon apparent that their destina tion was the 'Squire's office. He had been spoken to in regard to perform ing a marriage ceremony for a party, but he was not prepared for the sight which met his gaze, when the bridal party (for such it proved to be) entered his office. It nearly took his breath away ; but immediately recov ering his composure and dignity he performed the ceremony. The con tracting parties were John J. Brown and Miss Emma J. Faux of Wilkes Barre, and they were attended by Mrs. Lizzie Kemp and daughter nd Charles Faux, brother of the bride. The Scientific American of last week contained a description and design of a cyclone bicyle built by Fred Dodson, a Fishingcreek town ship boy. The importance of attending the spring elections is paramount to any other duty you may have to perform. Self government is an American's heritage and he should not .cast it J away. BL00MS15UKG, l'A., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY CHILDHOOD CONVERSION. The Theme of the Sormen of Rev. B. C. Conner at the Methodist Church Sunday Feb'y 2, 1893. The Methodist Episcopal Church was crowded Sunday morning Febru ary 2, when Rev. U. C. Conner arose to announce his text which he said would be found at the 16th verse of 18th chapter of Luke. Jesus called them unto him, and said, suffer little children to come unlo me, forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of God." He commenced his Sermon by saying that a good farmer was' once asked how it was that his sheep were in such excellent condition, and he replied by saving that he took care of the lambs. The church of to day is giving more attention to the child run than at any previous time in its history. Many being led by the Spirit are seeking the conversion of the children, but among the rank and file of the people there is an alarming amount of skepticism in regard to childhood conversion. A large number of peo ple don't believe in it. They want the church to influence the children to be good, but are not willing that they should be urged to seek conver sion. They are seeking to gather grapes from thorns, and figs from thistles. The child has a sinful na ture and his bent is to do evil. This must be removed by the blood of Christ. Ij it possible for them to have a change of heart ? Can chil dren L.-tween the ages of six and fif teen years enjoy and experience a conversion ? We say most emphati cally, yes. The scriptures say " those that seek me eary shall find me." "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will net depart from it." Dedicate your child to God, and train it up as his child. Early in life every child comes to a point when he must choose for him selfv This is the time that you should tit down and explain to him his res ponsibility, and if he is properly in structed he will not depart from it. The Bible says, " Both young men and maidens, old men and children let them praise the name of the Lord. The psalmist did not mean lip service only, but it should be from the heart. Moses said " and that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as you live in the land whither you go over Jordan to possess it, " and we know that Jesus says "suffer the little children to come unto me." What is needed to have a genuine cunversion ? That God is willing to forgive us if we are sorry for our sins. The breaking of God's law is wrong. If we are sorry he will forgive us. They understand sooner than we think what sin is. A child never distrusts until it is deceiv ed. They be'ieve anything that is told them. Mothers make a great mistake in telling their children false hoods. Many learn from their own mothers to lie. They are told if they do, or don't do a certain thing they will be punished. Yet it is done, or left undone, and no attention is paid to ihe matter. Faith is natural with a child that has never been deceived. The evangelist Rev. B. Fay Mills says that in New York state a child eight years of age may be executed for the crime of murder. If the law allows him to be executed at that age, it is a significant fact in this matter. John Fletcher was one of the most profound students that ever lived. His wife was a christian intelligent woman. She was a great reader, and deep thinker and what she says is worth hearing. She says that when she was between seven and eight years of age she thought about this matter. After prayer she experienced a change of heart. I took hold by faith and was saved, Some of the best people we know gave their hearts to God in their childhood. In our con ference forty-three of the preachers were converted at the age of fifteen years and some at the age of nine years and younger. Admitting that conversion at this age is possible, is it wise to seek it ? Should we wait until the child gets to be filteen years of age or more r Is it wise to do so ? Had we not better wait and let the child grow up in sin ? To this there is only one answer. It is our duty to have them seek Christ in childhood first because we are much more successful in our efforts. It is easier to lead them to Christ Easier for them to open their hearts As they grow,, older their power of re sistance grows stronger.. Second, be cause they are less liable to fall 11 converted in childhood. Dr. Williams of the Baptist church says, that between- the ages of five and fifteen are the most important in one's life. The great tnaio-ity of con versions are under twenty years of age. In one thousand conversions only twelve were over fifty years of age. Those who joined the church in their childhood caused the least trou ble Third, because, they ma'te better l-hristians. Mow gladly would some blot out the past. Their sin may have been forgiven, but they are not blotted from their memory. fourth, because they have more time to work for the lord. Why should their youth be given to the service of the devil? Why should wild oats be sown ? Some of the best work ever done for the Master has been done by children. Their pleadings have often reached the most hardened hearts. If a man fifty or Rixty years of age is converted, it is considered almost a miracle but it is not half as glorious as the conversion of a child. In the one case, there is only a few years at most that he can give to the Lord, but take a boy ten years of age there is sixty five years of service for the Ai aster. We plead for childhood conversion for this reason. Our children after they reach the years of accountability are not safe without Jesus. just wnen that is, is a question, but without conversion we have no hope of their salvation. I plead with par ents to see to it that their children are converted. It is not enough that they belong to the church. Church membership wi'l not save anyone. Take this matter to your hearts and do your duty. Now is your opportun ity as it is much easier done when they are young. There is no telling where they are going, nine-tenths of all the criminals have gone through the Sunday Schools. We should see to it that our Sunday School scholars are converted. Shall some one go through our Sunday School to a pri son celL It has happened. Mr. Moody says " that while he was attending a meeting a lady desit ed that he sbould come to her home. Upon arriving there she broke out in tears, and said she had a son in Chicago. That in his childhood he became interested in religion, but she persuaded him to wait until he grew older, and now she was afraid he was lost. He paid no attention to her entreaties, and destroyed the letters she wrote. We know parents who have discouraged their children from coming to Christ. Many children are lost on account of the neglect ot their parents. Parents neglect their opportunities, and many children are wrecked be cause of parents, carelessness. We should be careful how we live, your children are walking in your footsteps and watching your actions. How is your example. Are you living as you would wish your children to live. Often parents are in the way of their children. He closed his dis course with an appeal to parents to make their home life an example which could be safely followed by their children. The sixth annual convention of the Young Men's Christian Associations in the Danville district will be held at Milton, February 14th, 15th and 16th. Tnere are six counties in the district, viz., Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Nor thumberland, Snyder and Union with the following associations: Bucknell University, Bucknell Academy, Dan ville, Lewistown, Milton, Susquehanna University, Sunbury, Shamokin, Mt. Carmel and Central Penn'a College. The convention text is "That ye might be filled with the fullness of God'' Eph. 3: 19." Mr. F. Freeman Boas, secretary of the association at this place, is on the program for several addresses, and Prof. A. K. Aldinger of the Normal School will give a talk on physical work, Saturday morning. The music will be in charge of Prof. J. W. Reece of Danville. "A Night's Frolic" tells the story of a gay young widow who, to save a lady friend from marrying a certain French chasseur, disguises herself as the said French soldier, and so dis gusts the young girls father (by whose order she is to contract the hateful alliance) with soldiers in general, and French soldiers in particular, that he finally agrees to let her marry the man of her choice. In the scene where Lady Kate disguised as a soidier meets the real French Captain and is put in the same room with him to sleep, the fun growing out of her efforts to keep the Frenchman from going to bed forms one of the funniest and most laughable comedy episodes ever seen upon ine American stage. In this scene Miss Ellis and company sing the latest operatic gems, songs of . 1 n lf.1 il. the day, ccc, and miroiiuce oiner high -class specialties. Opera House, Monday evening, February 17, 1896. 13, 1S9G. By Fair Dealing We Thrive. FEBRUARY at this store. Do you know what that means? If you don't you ought to. Perhaps you'll regret when ' 'tis too late. At this time ot the year business policy compels us to sell off our winter suits and overcoats regardless of profit in fact we're not looking for profit. Suits and overcoats that were $10 are now being sold for $7.50. Suits and overcoats that were $15 are now being sold for $9 and $10. We do not expect to carry any goods over until next season. We've some storm overcoats, big and long, the best kind only the $18 ones are now $12; the $15 ones now $1 1 ; the $10 ones now $7.50. Some children's overcoats that were $8 are now $5; $6 ones now $3-5; $4 ones now $2.75. Are you interested? FRESH OPENED New line of sweaters, men's and boys', with large sailor collars maroon, blue and bbek, gScts. Extra fine turtle neck sweaters, pure wool absolutely fast color, $1.98,. SB.ERIIF SALES. The following sales were held by the Sheriff at his office last Saturday. Tract of land in Miftlin township, sold as the property of Levi Kishbach, to M. F, Williams, consideration $500. Tract of land in Centralia, sold as the property of William Friday, to Locust Mountain Saving Fund, con sideration $48 35. The undivided, right, title and inter est of Clifton Knorr, in tract No. 1, in Centre township, to Daniel H. Wingred, consideration $600. The undivided right, title, and Interest of the same, in tract No. 2, in same township, to same, considera tion $30. The undivided right, title and inter est of the same, in tract No. 3, being two story brick dwelling house in Bloomsburg, to same, consideration H The undivided right, title and inter est of the same, in tract No. 4, being a double frame house on 7th street in Bloomsourg, to same, consideration, The Cresco Annual Assembly in the Opera House at Shamokin Thurs day evening February 6th was the unest affair ever held in Uentral Pennsylvania. Not only were the decorations elegant and artistic, but all the arrangements connected with the assembly from the music to the menu were in keeping with the affair. The li st of guests included not cnly the leading society people of this sec tion of the State, but representative men as well. Senator Herring and wife, Miss Mary Miller, Mr. Samuel Bidleman and Mr. Bruce Jones repre sented Bloomsburg. The children of Hon. Grant Her rintr are the happy possessors of a donkey and cart. It was presented to them by a friend ot benator Herring residinir in Texas. Notwithstandinn its long journey, it arrived in good condition.' and bv means of it thev will be able to pass many pleasant hours. Our subscribers will please bear with us this week if our paper is not up to the standard with local news. We are printing the official ballots, and it requires the united efforts of the entire force of the office to have them completed by the necessary time. NO. 7 Advance styles in new spring hats now open. All new colors. ONEl iBLnnMSBjREpA AN INTERESTING RilLIO. The following letter was received by Postmaster Mercer on Monday: Post Master, Bloomsburg, Columbia Co., Pa. Dear Sir: I have a Testament presented by the New York Bible Society to the soldiers of the Union army in 1862, one of which was fouud by my father after the battle of Get tysburg. On the title page is the name H. M. Johnson, Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pa. I would be delighted to send the book to anyone of his family if you could find them. Hoping that you can help me, I am Respectfully yours, Robert L. Chapman, Brooklyn, Feb. xo, '96. New York. Mr. Mercer made an investigation, and ascertained that Mr. Johnson was a member of Co. E, 132 Regiment Penna. Vol., which was recruited in this town. That his home was in Jer seytown and he has been dead several years. He has a brother still hvipg at that place. JUDGE ALLISON DEAD. The Philadelphia Jurist Expires Alter a Lingering Illness.. Judge Joseph Allison died Sunday at 1.27 p. m., after a lingering illness. He was the oldest judge on the com mon pleas bench in point of con tinuous service and was president judge of the court. He was seventy seven years of age, and his long ca reer had been one of active, honorable public service. Joseph Allison was born in Harris burg in 1819 and began the study of law under John B. Adams, of his na tive city, lie was admitted to the bar of Dauphin county November 23, 1843. In December of the same year he removed to Philadelphia, where he has resided ever since, and speedily acquired fame in his profession. Last Thursday night Sol Bucher, better known as " Doctor," was an inmate ol the lockup on the charge of drunkenness and disorderly conduct. The arrest was made by Chief Knorr, and the hearing was held by Vice President of the Council Stephen Knorr, who imposed a fine $2.50. I' iV i X