J , I : I VOL. 31 EAELT MORNING HRE- The residents of Bloomsburg were aroused from their slumbers about two o'clock on Monday morning by an alarm of fire, and in a short time people from all parts of the town were hurrying to the scene of the fire, which occurred oft East Third Street, the barn, and carpenter shop, be longing to Eli Jones, being totally destroyed, and a frame dwelling house, belonging to the John Jones estate very badly damaged. I low the fire originated is a mystery, as there had been no fire kept in the building, and there was nothing stored in the place that a fire could start from. The fire must have been burning for some time before it was noticed as it had gained so much headway by the time the fire companies reach ed the scene, that the barn was en tirely enveloped in flames and could not be saved. It looked for a time as though the surrounding houses would burn, but a stream of water was ap plied, and as there was no air stirring, it was soon gotten under control. The house which was so badly burned was being occupied by Geo. Runyon and family, a florist in the employ of J. L. Dillon. He had no insurance on his household goods, which were all more or less damaged. The barn and carpentershop con tained about twenty bushels of corn, a buggy, truckwagon, a couple sets of harness, ropes, pulleys and tackle for moving buildings, and a complete set of carpenter tools, all of which burn ed up. There was some insurance on the buildings. Bloomsburg has been very fortun ate as far as fires are concerned, as this was the only fire of any size that has occurred for some time. The firemen complained about the condition the p'ugs were in, as they ' say it was fully five minutes after they had attached before they were able to get any water. Business Men Victimized. Post Offic Inspector Makt an Important Arrest. Charles Rubinsky, of the firm of Rubinsky & Freedman, of Shenan doah, Pa., was arrested last week -by Deputy United States Marshal Myers and Hugh J. Gorman, Post Office In spector attached to the Philadelphia division, charged with making illegal use of the United States mails. WORKED FOR SEVERAL YEARS. He, with Harry, Charles and Abe Yairowsky, have been charged for five or six years, the officers say, with de frauding merchants in Philadelphia, Chicago, 111., New York, and Boston, Mass., out of many thousand dollars' . worth of goods. Their method was to order goods through the mails, which upon arrival were stored in some out-of-the-way place and were disposed of at leisure, the shipper never being able to discover their whereabouts. PLENTY OF ALIASES. They operated under the following firm names : "Conrad Herring, Cata wissa, Pa.;" "Bernard Wilson, Lykens, Pa.;" "Harry Miller, Berwick, Pa.;" "John H. Schmidt, Bloomsburg, Pa.;" "Charles Sherman, Nanticoke, Pa.," and "Bernard Wagner, Danville, Pa." The first charge against the firm was made in May last, and ever since the post office officials have been working on the case. Rubinsky was broiiL'ht before United States Com missioner Woltjen, who placed him under bail for a hearing on Dec. 10. The above appeared in the Phila, Record on Thursday of last week. ELLLLD BY A OAT'S BITE- Victim Died Raving, Screaming and Froth' ing at the Mouth. Edmund Paul, aged 37, died at Mahanoy City from hydrophobia t ri dav mornimr in horrible acony. He Buffered from violent muscular con traction and frothed at the mouth, When a drink of water was offered him he raved and gave utterance to unnatural sounds, and the six men in attendance were hardly able to con trol him. Once he tried to jump from his bed-room window and subsequently tnea to smother his wife with a pillow. Two years ago he was bitten by a pet cat but was never bothered by it until a short time ago, when he was taken ill The deceased was a dele Kate to the last four conventions of the State Fireman's Association. He was assistant engineer of the Citizens' iteam lire Company, of Mahanoy City, and a past grand of the Inde pendent Order of Odd Fellows. TO Abram T. Eckert. who was to have been haneed in the conntv tail at Wilkes Barre Tuesday morning be tween ten and twelve o'clock for the murder of Frederick Bittenbcnder, took a dose of momhine Tues1v morning and died shortly before noon. Luzerne county has never known a sensation like that of Tuesday on the date of a hanging. Eckert seemed well buoyed up with hope and able to go through the ordeal without flinch ing. lhe following is the history of the crime : Eckert was janitor of the hi eh school at Nanticoke and had an imaginary grievance against Frederick T. Bittenbcnder, who had but recent ly been elected a school director. For some time Eckert had been neglect ing his work at the school house and Bittenbender spoke to him about it, and told Eckert he was in danger of losing his place unless he was more attentive to his duties as janitor. As Bittenuender and his father were driv ing up Main street, July 7, Eckert, who was standiner In front of the First National Bank, called to Bitten bender that he wished to speak to him. The latter stopped his horse and Eckert approached the carriage, saying : " Fred, it seems to me you have a grudge against me." JBiitenDender denied this, saying that all he wanted of the janitor was for him to look after his duties at the school in a proper manner. Hardly was the last word out of his mouth when Eckert sprang backward from the carriage, drew a revolver and tak ing deliberate aim fired. The bullet entered Bittenbender's right eye, causing almost instant death. Eckert fired two more shots, one taking effect in the head and the other in the left breast. He was arrested and brought to Wilkesbarre and placed in jail. He was tried at the January term of court and convicted of murder in the first degree. He was granted three respites in order that his case might be presented to the pardon board, but his attorneys never secured suffi cient evidence to warrant them in going before the board on an applica tion for a commutation of sentence. Coroner McKee was notified ot his death and a post mortem examination was held. The stomach, liver, lungs and kidneys were removed by the prison physician and will be submitt ed to a chemical analysis. As soon as this can be accomplished the cor oner's jury will reconvene, after which an investigation will be made in order to ascertain if possible where the poison came irom. Eckert's son called at the prison Tuesday afternoon for the remains of his father and took them to his late home in Nanticoke, from where his funeral took place Wednesday. Be fore young Eckert left the prison the warden said to him : " Somebody has supplied your father with poison. Do you know anything about it ?" " I do not," he replied. " I never for a moment thought my father want ed to die in that way.". Where the poison came from will in all probability remain a mystery forever. While driving on East Fifth street Friday morning, a team belonging to a Mr. Stine, who resides near Beach Haven became frightened at the train on the D. L. & W. R. R. and ran out the street, the driver, who was unable to hold them, was thrown out of the wagon, but fortunately escaped with only a slight scratch on his face. The wagon at the time was loaded with a few bushels of apples, which were all scattered over the ground. The horses were stopped before they had hurt themselves any. Messrs. A. Z. Schoch, Dr. Wm. Reber, Jno. R. Townsend, R. R. Little, Esq., and C. C. Peacock, mem bers of the Board of Health, appoint ed by the President of Council, met Friday morning at the office of A. Z. Schoch for the purpose of forming an organization. Matters relating to the health situation in town were dis cussed. The following officers were elected: A. Z. Schoch, president! Dr. Wm. Reber, secretary. The latter member is to serve as Health Officer until a regular officer is appointed. H. Howard Bidleman, the Book man of Scranton, formerly of this town, had a formal opening at his store on December 1st, when he exhibited in his large new quarters on Washington Avenue one of the finest collections of posters extant, including many rare and valuable ones. PREFERRED MORPHINE HANGING. BLOOMSBURG, PA., THURSDAY, DECEMBER CHRISTMAS PRESENTS 2f Whichis being closed out by tbe Trustee at ABSOLUTE COST, contains many rich and useful goods much appreciated as holiday presents, which were bought for this winter's trade. This list will help you select, but be on hand early to get the plums as they are all to be closed out at once without reserve and at AB SOLUTE COST. SUITS FOR MEN. $-5.00, $G.7f, $7.50, $10.00, $12.00, $13.00 ABSOLUTE COST. OVERCOATS. $4.00, $5.00, $7.50, $9.00, $10.00, $12 00 ABSOLUTE COST. SUITS AND OVERCOATS FOR 1JOYS. $3.50, $4.75, $0.50, $7.50, $9.00 and $10.00. ABSOLUTE COST. CHILDREN'S SUITS. 90c, $1.25, $1.75, $2.00, $2.50, $3.50. ABSOLUTE COST. CHILDREN'S REEFERS. Plain or with brass or pearl buttons, $1.75, $2.25, $2.75, $3.25, $4.00. ABSOLUTE COST. EXTRA TROUSERS. 49c, $1.00, $1.25, $1.50, $1.75, $2.50, $3.00, $3.50. Were 75c. to $5.00. All at ABSOLUTE COST. SINGLE VESTS. 50c, 75c, $1.00, $1.25. ABSOLUTE COST. UNDERWEAR. Fleece lined, natural wool, camel's hair, Derby ribbed, white fine merino, all weights, all colors, 50 and 65c. grades, 39c Extra fine medicated wools, fleece lined or wool Derby ribbed, 59 and 79c. "Luzerne" Hygenia, highly recommend ed by physicians everywhere, $1.50 and $2.00 grades. WORKING GLOVES. Buckskin, hogskin, horschide, asbestal, (fire and water proof) mule8kin all the very best leathers lined or unlined, 19c, 39c, 50c, or 79c. All at absolute cost. THE LEAP YEAS HOP. One of the finest social events held in Bloomsburg for some time, was given by the young ladies, at Evans Hall last Friday night in the shape of a Leap year hop. The hall had been I very nicely decorated by the young I 1 1 . 1 n 1 a ' T ladies, Wlin nags, Dunung, Japanese lanterns, and other decorations. There was about forty couples present, and all report having a delightful time. The music, which was furnished by the Normal School Orchestra was fine. The ladies had the affair all in their own hands, and they adopted the following rules, which they informed their gentlemen friends would be rigidly enforced : "LEAP YEAR ROOLS. i. Any teller what kums wid out a gal will be fined 13 cents. a. Any feller kotched walking a kross de hall wid out and opposite sex Dit O 6 cents. 3. Any feller kotched applarding the orchester will be fined 25 cents. 4. All spoon ers will be taxeJ 3 cents a hed. See ? 5. Any feller katched dancing more than two times in succession wid any woman 12 cents. Any feller what takes any gal home must by the sarsapharrilly water." Dancing was kept up until 12 o'clock, when refreshments, consisting of ice cream, cake, and other nice things were served. Among the number present from other places were the Misses Stella Gross, Clara Hoffman, Edith Hunt, Messrs Joe Heim an ina l terpen wne. i Mary Gruver, of 1 of Danville 1 Miss Nanticoke : Misses Gussie Good and Mary Furman of Hazleton; Miss Josie O'Brien, Benton ; Miss Marga ret Elder and Joe Sands, Mordans ville; C. F. Randolph and A. Z. Zaner. of Philadelphia, and W. Will- hide, of Hagerstown. The Pennsylvania Railroad Com pany announces that for 1897 it will issue clerical orders to regularly or dained clergymen in charge of church es located on or near its line east of Pittsburg and Erie. To secure these orders clergymen should make ap plication to the nearest ticket agent as soon as possible, as it is desired that all applications reach the Gen eral Office by December 15th. THE 79c or $1.00 and $1.25 for absolute: cost for I0EIFH GOLDS The town was left in darkness on Friday night, owing to an accident to one of the engines at the electric light plant. Supt. West and a force of hands were kept very busy for sev eral days getting the machinery in running order. The Telephone Company have completed their line to Benton, and communication can now be had with that place, or any of the towns be tween here and there. They are also running a wire to Rohrsburg, which will be ready for use in a short time. The press throughout the country speak very highly of "McFadden's Reception," which is booked to appear at the Opera House to night. It is a successful farce comedy, and is being greeted with big houses everywhere. Good singing and musical specialties. Three hours of fun. Popular prices. The reunion of the 131st Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, is to be held December 15th at Selinsgrove. Everything is being made ready at that place by the old soldiers and citizens, and the veterans who attend can expect a warm reception. A. V. Bower's stereopticon lecture on "The Buried City," at the Metho dist Tabernacle on Saturday night was well attended. He is a very eloquent talker, and the large views were fine. He remained in town and on Sunday night delivered a beautifully illustrated address on "The Life of Christ," at ovcrflowingi The scenes which were takeft from the birth of Chrigt tQ Hig Crucifixion, could have been no better. A special meeting of the Town council was held on Tuesday evening to complete the organisation of the Board of Health. A motion was unanimously adopt ed requesting all persons knowing of any nuisance, drain, sewerage, or any thing likely to breed disease, to report the same at once to the Board of Health. The members of the Board were sworn in, and Isaiah Hagenbuch was appointed Health Officer. The President's message to Con gress was presented on Monday. It is a lengthy documen t. 10, 189G. HOLIDAY PRESENTS. Interesting and useful all at cost. MACKINTOSH COATS. Blue, black and light covert, with cape, fine sweep, reg. $4.00 grade, $2.50. Elegant box coats, blue, black and light covert cloths, very long, double breasted, velvet collar, regular $7.50 grade, $4.50. Extra good grades cape mackintoshes, $4.00. UMBRELLAS. Plain or silver mounted, enameled steel rod, tassel cover, $1.10, or $1.25, $1.50, $1.75, $2.00, $3.00 or $3.75. SILK HANDKERCHIEFS. Plain or fancy border, Pongee, 19c. Finer grades, and 75c Initial silk, fine quality, 39c. SILK MUFFLERS, 39c, 75c, $1.25, $1.50, $2.25. WALKING STICKS. Plain or silver mounted, 7oc to $ J, DRESS GLOVES. Fine kid, 09c, or 79c, $1.00 and $1.25. Mocha, reindeer, astrakan, lined or unlined same prices. SMOKING JACKETS, $4.50 and $8.50, from $7.50 and $12.00. Night robes, plain or embroidered front, 45c, 59c, and 79c. Sweaters, plain, with large sailor collar, or turtle, maroon with lemon stripe, black with orange stripe, blue with white stripe, or all the plain colors, men or boys, 79c, $1.20, $1.50. Golf hose, 39c, 59c, all sizes and colors- Neckwear bows, ties, im perials, four-in-hands, 19c, 39c. Children's tarns or skating toques, 19c or 39c Fine suspenders, plain or fancy, 19c, 39c and 59c- Trunks, valises, traveling bags, 75c to $20-00- White and fancy shirts, 39c, 69c, 79c. anything in store. MITE. 50c. Holiday Neckwear for 25c. BIGGEST SELLING OUR At Lower Prices Than You Pay for Cheap Goods. You will recognize the saving when you see Our Splendid Overcoat for $3.93. Well tfado Suits for $3.75. Dressy Overcoats for $5.00. Elegant Cheviot Suits for $5.00. Sold in some stores tor double the money. Bought at les3 than the cost to make is the reason. Long Warm Storm Coats, Solid Comfort From Chin to Our elegant Rochester Overcoats are selling as usual in great numbers. No wonder. They are non-comparable for beauty, of workmanship, elegance of fit and fineness of finish. Dollars off of our low prices in these fine goods makes truth stronger than fiction. B. Mowenberg Bloom's Best Ohthiare, NO. 50 Buy Christmas PRESENTS EarlyAbsolute COST. and 39c 50c, 75c, $1.00 and $1.25, from TRUSTEE. White Silk Handkerchiefs 19c, 25c. and 49c. BARGAINS GOOD CLOTHES Heel, $5.00. (Slothing More Hatters and Furnishers. in i . If I 3 If ( ! i 2 . '( v ,-. P'Y