fryMng., -fwipC?ssJ LANCASTER DAILY lOTELLIGrENCEB, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7. L88 tO TTPffT JWTSf iW tf f Lancaster Jntelligcncer. THURSDAY EVENING DEO. 7. 1882, Results or a Great Science. The astronomers had a field day yes terday, and are delighed with the gener ally propitious sky that was given them. They had made great preparations for their observations, which they regarded as of the very highest importance ; as was exhibited when one of them used the telegraph and the associated press to beg the public prayers of the people, as sembled in their churches, for a clear sky. It is evident that astronomers at least consider themselves to be on good terms with the doctors of revealed religion, since they asked for aid and favor from the preachers; possibly it is only the geological scientists who find themselves on doubtful terms with the teachers of divinity. Astronomy is a very pleasant and enticing study, and we rejoice with its professors that they were enabled yesterday to make observations satisfactory to them. A man who knows anything about astronomy is naturally an object of awe, if not of adoration, to the generally uninformed public. We all have studied the science at school, and we are all equally and woefully ignorant of it out of school. It seems remarkable that a science so universally studied, so generally interesting, and so easily com prehended, should be neglected by pen pie of intelligence. It is seldom that you meet anyone who pretends to have more than a general comprehension of the movements of the heavenly bodies, and probably the astronomical knowl edge of the most of folks is limited to the fact that the earth, an orange shaped body, revolves upon its axis around the sun. This is an improvement on the ancient ignorance which put our orb upon a big turtle's back and revolved the sun about it. The astronomical calculations which brought Venus to the verge of the sun at the moment she really appeared there, before the eyes of all the people who had been summoned to the spectacle, were certainly very wonderful in their re sults, however simple they may have been to these professors. The native Americans, whom the Spaniards in their invasion awed with the prediction of a solar eclipse, had not much more reason for wonder at the fulfillment of the prophecy than had we when Venus ad vanced upon the sun's disk at the time advertised for her appearance there. For though we know how the knowledge came to the learned astronomers that the inflexible paths of the heavenly bodies place them punctually in their appointed places, it is yet startling to be thus shown the apparently supernatural knowledge that science gives its votaries. All the exertion of the professors yesterday was for the purpose of obtaining data for the more accurate measurement of the sun's distance from the earth. This know! edge, while of great importance in as tronomical investigation, is not of any practical account to humanity. It does not make us healthier or wealthier, and hardly even happier, outsido the class of astronomical specialists. Probably it is because of the practical unimportance of the science that it engages so little of men's attention, despite its beauty and interest. The hope of productive dis covery animates the inquiry into other sciences ; but astronomy furnishes uothiug to its students but pleasure and fame. The governor of Louisiana has given Kellogg the certificate of his election to Congress after taking proper time to consider the objection made as to his in eligibility because of non residence. Kel logg, though a notorious scoundrel, is entitled to represent his Louisiana con stituency if they want him. Congress might be a decenter"body if it exercised the power of rejecting infamous men as its members ; but it is better that it should continue its practice of letting in all the black sheep that the people want to send among them ; because it would be difficult to draw the line between the sufficiently decent and the too bad en tirely ; and moreover there would be quite too convenient an opportunity given to political partisanship to sustain itself by a too partic ular criticism of its political opponents The only way is to leave the people alone in the decision as to the fitness of their representatives and to admit all, black, white and grey, who appear with proper credentials and a majority endorsement Kellogg is a man who has richly earned hanging, and who would adorn a peni tentiary cell better than a congressional seat, but the Louisiana negroes have raid otherwise,and they, alas,have vo!e3, The Republican majority in Congress has an opportunity at this session to set tie the tariff and tax questions if it will. That a wise statesmanship would lead the party to do this is manifest ; but it is exceedingly doubtful whether the Re publican party is sufficiently unanimous in sentiment to enable its representatives to agree upon a policy to support. Ob viously the party should, as it is about going out of power, make a strenu ous effort to leave a good odor behind it ; and it has a splendid chance, by dealing wisely with the revenue,! o com mend itself to the favor of the people. If the leaders can agree upon what would be acceptable to public sentiment they should have no difficulty in enacting it. They may make a mistake in their judgment, but they cannot lose much if they do, while if they hit, they may make a ten strike. However, there is lit tie use in giving good advice to a party so badly demoralized as the Republican ; it is not in a condition to act, however plain it may appear that action is neces sary for it. Nothing is likely to be done at this session in revising the rev enue. Another, shocking disaster is re ported from the Mississippi river, where by the explosion of a boiler on a steam boat near New Orleans fifteen persons were sent into eternity on very short no tice. It does certainly seem that there is criminal negligence somewhere that might profitably be made the subject of an investigation that would investigate and possibly put an end to the alarming frequency of such "accidents." TnE enterprise and good taste of our merchants manifested in the decoration of their shop windows warn people of the near approach of the Christmastide. The array ot beautiful and novel goods which begin to adorn their establish ments is enough to tempt the heart and open the pocketbooks of anyone who glances around him as he passes along our thoroughfares, and the elaborate preparations which have been made in every branch of business to meet the re auirements of the sift-giving season speak the anticipations of a busy trade that from all appearances are likely to be fully realised. And now Venus has bad her transit givo the poor old lady a rest for awhile. Til c 2Vm' exposure of the graviyard ghouls iu Philadelphia is another feather iu the cap of that enterprising journal. Tun cabinet-makers are becoming dere lict. For several days they haven't pro vided Governor Pattison with any advis ers. This must provoke Pattisou. The Baltimore Day since it passed into tLc bauds that at present control it has taken several departures, the latest of which is the reduction of its price to one cent. The Day is a good newspaper and thero ought to bo no doubt of its liberal patronage. Twenty five majority is a pietty com fortable margin for the Democrats to as sume control of tbo lower House of ti.o Assembly. Let them net become pufl'ed up with power, but remember Unit the people have a jealous eye upon them and that they have been sent to Harrisburg iu the interest of reform and honest govci n ment. Tin: Garfield fair was not as successful as anticipated. All sorts of things still block up the capitol and some of the con-, grcssmcu, particularly tho older members, who have been unused to the spectacle of gaudi'y-colored carpels aud tapestries iu tho capitol building, are inclined to bo cross about it. Senator Anthony drew up a bill yesterday to prohibit such things in future. Bosi.ku has beguu a contest for the senatorial seat to which Captain Wagner was chosen last month in the Adams Cumberland district. Bosler says ho was cheated out of tho place. Before Bosler gets through he will find out he has beeu fooling with a boomerang. Foresight is always better than hindsight, but if Bos ler prefers tho latter, why it's nieiely a matter of taste. Men complain of tho big hats worn at tho theatre by tho other sex. But tho girls can double discount them with a re cital of the inconveniences they arc put to by the masculine nuisances who always come late, go out after every act, aud in variably make their preparations for de parture beforo the last scene is over. On the whole, we think tho men are rather worse that the women. Let us have reform ou both sides. Those astronomers who were only par tially satisfied with tho result of their ob servations Wednesday, on account of the capiiciousness of the planet causing her to hide herself occasionally behind a cloud rift, ought to thank their lucky star (who was Venus in this caso ) that she didn't select to-day for her flirtation with Old Sol. Big-eyed scientists wouldn't have been able to see the festive goddess at all if she had postponed her transit twenty four hours. Cheaper postage seems to be indicated by the drift of affairs at Washington Yesterday tho House passed a resolution directing the committee on appropriations to insert a clause lookiug to the reduction of letter post-ago to two cents, and the House postal committco, which meets Friday, will report favorably a bill re ducing tho postage on first class matter from three to two cents per half ounce. The sentiment of tho House, as shown by the adoption of the resolution of instruc tions to the appropriations committee, seems to be in favor of such a measure. tJxE and inseparable is what Secretary Folger declares husbaud and wife to be, in the decision of a question arising under the Chiuese act. The collector of customs at Portland, Oregon, had telegraphed that a Chinaman, resident at that port, had a wife and child at Victoria, British Colum bia, whom ho wanted to bring to his homo in Portland. The collector wished to bo instructed in the premises. Tho secretary notified the collector ro grant the desired permission on the ground that tho wife partook of the status of her husbaud, and was entitled to the same privileges on tho theory that wedlock is the tie that binds them beyond tho power of legislation to tear them asunder. PERSONAL.. Mme. Nilsson is in Chicago. Mrs. W. J. Florence is indisposed. Hon. Tom OcmrrnEE, who will visit Washington next week, is called the.warm hearted Ananias of the howling South. Governou-elect Butler, of Massa chusetts, dined with President Arthur, at the Soldiers' Home, on Tuesday evening. Congressman W. D. Kelly is a pro tectionist of his own feet. The soles of his shoes, when seen by the Herald corres pondent, resemble a pair of shingles. Tennyson, according to Mr. Labouchere, has had little experience behind the scenes of theatres. He was Bhown a dressing room and he said : " Here, then, the ladies put on their ileshlings." When "Premise" was being rehearsed he was anxious that tho rustics should be more bovine. General Fitz John Porter will, as usual, be the subject of a good deal of discussion in Congress. His case will bo the first one taken up by tho military com mittee of the House. Porter is in Wash ington, urging his claim for restoration with his usual perseverance. He natuarally feels much encouraged by General Grant's change of front. A Craxy Husband's Crime. John Trinlcr, of Chicago, cut his wife's throat and his own, in Louisville, on Thursday. He is dead and bis wife is dying at last accounts. He had been en gaged in litigation and it is supposed his mind was affected. FIFTEEN LIVES LOST. TllE UAVOU DUNE BX EaCAPIXUSTKAM Kxploalon of :i Uoller in a Meainbi-at Near New Orleans 1'assengcrd mid Crew Scalded to Deatb. At 0 o'clock Wedneeday morning the steam propeller Morning Star exploded her boilers near lieiiair plantation, not far from New Orleans. Fifteen lives were lost and four persons so badly scalded that their lives are despaired of. The boat was about one hundred yards from the shore at the time, and 13 persons jumped overboard. Of these 10 were drowned, while three, the engineer, Mark Penny witt, a boilermaker named John Ryan, and a white mau whose name is not known, (tho two latter passengers), were saved. The engineer was very badly scalded, as was also Ryan, but tho other was unhurt. Of those who were scalded and taken off the boat by the steamboat Sunibeani, two died en route to New Orleans. A negress named Nancy Gardner, from Fairview plantation, and a boy one year old. named Joseph Simoderin, whoso parents reside en tbo lower coast, and who was going to the city with his uncle I raltes on a v;sit to his grandparents. Tho Sunbeam reached New Orleans about 11 o'clock, and tho accident soou became generally known along the levee. Capt. O'Ncil and Corp. Lynch were on the plank soon after tho stage-plank was launched ashore, and upon learning that a number of tho wounded were abroad telegraphed foe a charity wagon to convoy them to the hospital. The sufferings of the victims who wero still alivo wore frightful to behold. Holt was writhing in agony on a mattress on the after part of the lower deck of the Sunbeam, and umi- him was the still liviug ui:d .suilciii ; colored woman Sarah Young and the poor boy William Fraites. The engineer, Mark Pennywitt, was in thu after cabin of tho Sunbeam, as were also James Ryan aud the other white man who had been scalded, but who escaped ashore with Ryan. Tho woman, arah Young, was first carried ashoro, then the boy Fraites, then Holt, and lastly Pennywitt. The three first named wero transported to the Charity hospital, while tho engineer was conveyed to tho Touro infirmary. Half an hour after reaching the Charity hospi tal Sarah Young died in Ward No. 38, aud at G o'clock the boy Fraites also died. They had been shockingly scalded, as was also Holt, whose injuries were pronounced fatal. Largo flakes of skin and flesh fell from the legs, arms and bodies of tho un fortunates, and their terrible agony could not be alleviated by drugs, as it was im possible to administer opiates. Ryau was also transferred to the Charity hospital, but was not seriously injured, and at last accounts was doing well. Mr. Frank Scovell, clerk of the Sun beam, was interviewed iu regard to the disaster, and stated that at the timo the Sunbeam was about 100 yards ahead of the Morning Star, both coming up stream. Suddenly he heard a faint rushing noise, similar to that made, by a locomotive when tho driving-wheel slips on the track. Ho looked aft and saw a cloud of steam escaping forward and aft of the 3Iorning Star, and saw people jumping overboard. The Sunbeam was rounded to aud tho life boat lowered. Thero were thirteen per sons, as far as he could see, struggling in tho water, aud nine of them sank belore the boat reached them. Four swam towaid the shore. aud three of them reached it alive but one, the fireman of the Morning Star, sank and was drowned. The Sunbeam went to tho assistance of thoso who re mained on tho ill-fated boat, and they were transferred to this vessel and brought to tho city. En routo tho officers of the Sun beam rendered tho unfortunates every as sistance and supplied their wants as well as was possible under tho ciicumstanccs. The Morning Star was not damaged much by the explosion, tho havoc mado in the lives of the passengers being duo to tho escaping steam. How many wero scalded of those who wero chronicled is not known as none of the bodies have been recovered. As soou as tho accident occuned the pilot of the Morning Star headed the boat ashore, but she struck a sand bank aud grounded a fow yards from the bank. Both heads of tho boiler wero blown oat simultaneously and tho steam escaped into the cabins fore and aft. Tho boat was not damaged by tho explosion, and those in tho upper deck escaped injury altogether. Tho boat was built at Mason City, W. Va , iu 1880, and was a small sized, hut fast traveler. II. W. Penny witt was her captain, and he aud his brother Mark, tho engineer, wero tho owners. Captain Pennywitt was unhurt. The doctors are not yet ablo to pronounce upon the character of Engineer Penuy witt's injuries. Tilt l'KESIUr.NT OF TUE SKSaTK. Caaierou Salt! to Favor Mylln No Ouartor for Independents. The Washington correspondent of tho Philadelphia Times telegraphs as follows to that journal : The mission of Senator Georgo Handy Smith and cx-Rcgister Bunu to Washing ton has been misunderstood by many. Tho genial Rutin came to take a quiet look over the Held as a probablo candidate for sergeant-at- arms to tho new Senate He is too discreet to butt against stono walls, and ho will not be a candidate if there shall not be a good show of success ; but if tho lay shall look promising, he will be a candidate. He will bo cordially sup ported by Cameron, and it is probablo fiat Mitchell will favor him. If the two Pennsylvania senators shall unite in favor of Bunn he will have more than an even chance to win the placa and all admit that he would make au excellent officer. Senator Smith has not been here look ing after a district commissioncrship, as has beeu intimated. He camo to have a close conference with Cameron, with whom ho is in perfect accord, about tho organi zation oi' tho Senate. Cameron is impla cably hostile to any recognition of the Independent senators in Pennsylvania. and he will not sanction tho proposition to make Lee president pro tem. of. the Sen ate. He will rally the Stalwarts on cither Reyburn, of your city, or Myliu, of Lan caster, and sive the Iudepeudants their choice to support the caucus candidate or break from the party. If they break, and threaten a successful combination with tho Democrats, Cameron will attempt to coun termarch ou them by throwing tho Stal wart votes to Wallace if thereby ho cau defeat tho Democratic Independent fusion. Senator Smith has been going over this matter with Cameron, and ho will return to obey Cameron's orders. Of the two Stalwarts named for president of the Sen ate, Cameron prefers Mylin, but ho will take Reyburn if necessary. A STAMPEDE OF BTUUKNT.S. Madison University and Colgate Academy Depopulated on Account ol Diphtheria. Madison university and Colgate acad emy, located at Hamilton, are largely pat ronized by the citizens of Syracuse. A regular stampede of student to their homes has just been made. Malignant diphtheria prevails in all branches of tho institution and the wildest excitement exists. Owing to the large influx of students to Syracuse, the board of health are to take measures to prevent any spread of the scourge. About a week ago two students rooming in the cast college building were stricken with the disease and died. Their classmates nursed them and as a result the disease became epi demic. It has resulted very disastrously to the two branches of the institution, Out of about five hundred students be tween two hundred and three hundred re main. Many of them sought hoarding places in the village of Hamilton, and thus tho disease was spread. Now it prevails in many families. About one hundred students left Wednesday night and more are leaving on every train. Recitations are suspended. The freshmen and sophomoro classes have ail gone home. The east col lege building, where the boys died, is abandoned. The college faculty aro di vided in regard to closing the school. The dean, Professor Andrews, is in favor of closing, but President Dodge is op posed to it. One of tho students who who died, Benjamin S. Salisbnry, is said to bo from Gcrmantown, Pa. The Uni versity will no doubt be closed. Some of tho rooms iu east college ball remain dis infected. Much indignation prevails at the faint efforts to eradicate tho disease. THIS ViKGINIA FRAUDS. A Seusutlon in tbe united States Circuit Court at Richmond. The investigation into tho alleged elec tion frauds iu Virginia is progressing slowly in the United States circuit court in Richmond. There was something of a sensation when Congressman Dezendorf, the recently defeated anti-Mahone candi date, testified in response to ths sum mons served on him. Congressman at Largo elect Johu S. Wise, who is the district attorney, Is prosecuting these cases against his late political op ponent. Congressman Dezendorf was taken in hand by Mr. Wise, who asked him if ho knew anything of tho alleged frauds, and Dezendorf replied : ' Not of my personal knowledge I wroto you a letter from Washington last night, giving you the information you desire.'' District Attorney Wiso said ho had not received it and asked the names of tho witnesses whom Mr. Dezendorf thought knew of frauds. Congressman Dezendorf then gave the names of General V7m. Mahone, Collector James D. Brady, Auditor S. Brown Allen and all the county treasur ers and collectors appointed by Auditor S. Brown Allen. The giving of this list of prominent Ma honeites, beginning with the general him self, cause excitement, which was increas ed when Dezendorf said he had a copy of his letter which ho would read. Mr. Wise stopped him by saying : " We will not go iuto that." Tho Mahoncites do not relish this turn of affairs. Their auditor, S. Brown Allen, has disappeaied and with him all trace of a bond which tho Mahono ites have relied upon to show tbe frauds they allege to have been practiced by tho Mahoue strikers. It is not supposed Mr Wise will call on General Mahone to let out his campaign secrets, which would involve tho showing of the disbursement of the Huhbell assessment fund. THE TOBACCO TAX. Prompt Action Demanded front Congress At a meeting of wholesale tobacco manufacturers in St. Louis, yesterday, about forty representatives of the trade being present, a resolution was adopted requesting Congress to repeal tbe tax on tobacco as quickly as possible, and to allow a rebate on all unbroken packages in the hands of dealers at tho time of suoh repeal. The resolution will be circulated throughout tho state Missouri for signa tures and then sent to tho Missouri delega tion iu Congress. A telegram from Cincinnati says no meetings have beeu held thero of tobacco dealers and manufacturers, to express views as to the abolition of the tobacco tax, " but thero is a unanimous agreement that what is wanted is prompt action by Congress, whether to abolish, reduce, or to let the present tax remain. Jobbers and retailers aro afraid to make orders, lest the tax be removed and loss follow. The manufactories are running, but with reduced production." A LONDON TUEATRE UUItNEl). F!:tmeM frollowlnc; Close Upon an Operatic l'ertorinance. A tire broke out iu the Royal Albambra theatre in London at 12:45 o'clock this morning, after the conclusion of the per formance of the burlesque opera " The Merry War." Within half an hour the dome of the theatre fell in, and the build ing aud a neighboring house were soon completely gutted. Nothing was saved from tho theatre. During tbo progress of the fire Leicester square, in which the theatre was situated, was crowded with people. Tho fire was first noticed in the saloon where refreshments were served. Soon afterward tho whole front of the theatre was ablazo. The flames spread with fearful rapidity, and the entiro structure was soou destroyed. The dis trict around for some distance was illum inated and the spectacle was one of appal ing grandeur. The cause of the lire is unknown. Three hundred persons aro thrown out of employment by the burning of tho theatre. Some Notable Feople Dead. Louis Blanc, the famous French radical, died in Cannes on Wednesday? Anthony Trollope, the novelist and one of the most voluminous of modern writers of fiction, died in London on Wednesday. Rear Admiral Fabius Stanley, retired, died in Washington on Tuesday evening, aged G7 years. Mrs. Eleanor R. Boyer, wife of Judge elect Boy er, and John Jones, a leading citizen of Norristown, Pa., both died on Tuesday night. Mary Ann Weidner died in Reading at the age of G7 years, alter having been for oC years a paralytic, speechless and unable to move a limb. Record of Fires. Tho furniture factory of William Long in Pell street, New York, was burned out Wednesday morning. Loss, $28,000. Several buildings in Charelon, Iowa, wero burned on Tuesday. Loss, $22,000. The underground fires in the cinder formations of the New Jersey steel and iron work?, at Trenton, broke out afresh on Tuesday and are still burning. Work men were engaged in digging trenches and introducing water to extinguish the flames. The granite block at Third and Sibley streets, in St. Paul, owned by Charles Lockhart and occupied mainly by Nicholls fc Dean, wholesale hardware dealers, was burned Wodncsday. The store of Merrill , Sahlgaard & Thoring, wholesale druggists, adjoining, was damaged. Tho total loss is estimated at 890,000. Deatb .In tbe nine. Josoph Boden, about 40 years of age, was killed, and another man. named Bower, was severely injured Thursday morning by a fall of top ore in a mine near Boycrtown, Pa. The Mighty Dollar. " A small audience witnessed tbe produc tion of this comedy last night at Fulton opera house. Mr. Florence in his charac ter of Judge Slote was nevertheless in his bappiestrvein, and bis impersonation hid all of the quaint humor and good natured satire that have made it famous, and ranked him with the best of American comedians ; he was continuously applaud ed and at one time compelled to bow his acknowledgments before the curtain. Tho admirers of Mrs. Florence were disap ,pointed by tbe absence of that lady, whose Mrs. Oen'l Qilfiory has teen considered a fitting companion piece to her husband's congressional caricature ; but it can fairly be said Miss Ethel Greybrooke made a very satisfactory substitute. The dear soulthrew her French around in charac teristic regard lessness and was just as snobbishly amiable or amiably snobbish as of yore. Tbe remainder of the company were of no account, but since the Hon. Bardtoett Slote and Mrs. Qtril Oilflory are a whole show in themselves perhaps it didn't matter so much about tbo others. THE CITY GOVERNMENT. WHAT TUE 1' ATI1J51W DID LAST NIGHT. Dr. Filzpatrick ltecelres tho jlewartl ior Cttulu tbe Arrest of the Firebusg. Councilman Goodman. Resign. There was a stated meeting of both branches of city council last evening. Select Council. The following named members were present : Messrs. Baker, Baldwin, Bitner, Brown, Evans, Wise, Wolf, Zechcr, and Borgcr president. The minutes of last meeting were read and approved. The report of the city treasurer and re ceiver of taxes for the month of Novem ber was read. It shows a balance in the treasury of $29,457.09. Mr. Evans, from tho finance committee, presented their monthly report, from which it appeared that bills had been ap proved to tbe amount of $7,400.49. Mr. Evans also presented a bill from Dr. Fitzpatrick for $500, for tho arrest and conviction of Brimmer, the incendiary who fired the poorbouse barn. Mr. Woif moved that tho major ho di rected to draw his warrant in favor of Dr. Fitzpatrick for tho amount claimed. Mr. Baker said ho believed Dr. Fitz patrick was entitled to tho reward offered by the city for tho conviction of incentlia ries, but he understood thero were other claimants. He asked whether tho city would be secured against these claimants in caso thcrcwaid was faifl to Dr. Fitz patrick. Mr. Wolf said tho chief of polico had presented u bill for tho same amount, but everybody who knew auythiag about the matter knew that Dr. Fitzpatrick had fairly earned tho reward. Mr. E,aus said the chief i police had no claim to tho rewaid. Tho supreme court had decided that office: s- could not recover in such cases. Dr. iVzatrick had detected and arrested 1 1 dimmer, and it was through his plans and exertions that tho whole gang of incendiaries had been brought to justice, and thousands of dollars' worth of property theieby haved The question was then taken ou Mr. Wolf's motion to pay Dr. Fitzpatrick'3 biil and it was unanimously agreed to. The monthly report of tho btreet com mittee was read. It contained a .state ment that Mr. A. Hiestaud, proprietor of the Stevens hou&e, had asked pormi-siou to lay at his own expenso and under tho supervision of tho street committee Bel giau pavement in front of the Stevens house. Tho committee reeoaimeuded that authority bo given Mr. Iliestand to do the work. They also reported tho following work done : "A crossing on tho west side of Walnut at Charlotte streets ; a crossing on West King between Water and Mul berry ; a crossing at East King and Ship pen, and tho raising of tho crossings on Prince street at tho corner of Prince aud Chestnut. Tbe report was received aud approved . The report of tho water committee was read. It showed that bills to tho amount of $1,534.45 had been approved by tho committee during the past month. Mr. Browu presented a bill from Peter Hubcr, No. 139 North Water street, claiming damages done to his property during tho building of the Water street sower. Mr. Bitner asked whether the contract or who built the sewer was not liable for all such damages. Mr. Evans answered yes, aud on his motion tho petition was le 1 erred to the street committee to report. Mr. Evans presented a petition for the increase of tho salary of street commis sioner from $CC0 to $800. It was referred to tho street committee to rcpoit. Mr. Baker presented a petition from tho Southern Telephone exchange company for the lease of tho room in the third story of tho city hall, now used as a band room. Mr. Baker said ho understood thero was a verbal contract with tho band by which they engaged to pay $25 per year for tho room, to keen it clean, aud not to play when councils or tho school board wero in session. The band neither pay. ront nor keeps tho room clean. Tho matter was referred to tho property committee with power to act. Petitions to have lamps eicctcd at the corner of Duke and New, Cherry and New, and on North Limo, half a squaro north of New, wero referred to tbe lamp committee. Mr. Baldwin called attention to tho new annex to St. John's ireo Episcopal church, which, ho said, encroached upon tbo public highway in violation of the city ordinance. Ho moved that the mayor bo directed to havo the obstruction removed. A long communication from tho build ing committee of the church was read, wherein tbey claim to have legal author ity for doing all they havo done. They deny that tho annex is an encroachment on the highway, or that it in aiy way obstructs cither public or private rights. Their church was the pioneer improvement iu that part of the city, and was built ou lines given by tho city regulator as long ago as ISoo. Tho buttresses of the annex do not stand out as far as thoso of tho church by at least a foot. The building committee make a long argument, and quote high legal authorities to sustain their rights, and tliey protest against being held up as violators of the law. Mr. Baker moved to amend Mr. Bald win's motion by having the matter refer red to tho city solicitor for his opinion. The amendment was agreed to. A petition from Airs. Sprengcr was read in which sho prays to have lefunded her $50 which sho paid the city for connecting her property with tho Locust street sewer. Having subscribed $200 towards building the sewer sho claims the right of making connection with it without further charge. Mr. Evans explained that this sewer was built expressly for tbe accommoda tion or Mrs. Sprenger and one or two others ; that tho city expended $G0O on it without securing auy advantage and that the owners of tho properties benefited ought to pay the same price for connect ing with it as are charged against other persons making sewer connections. On motion the matter was referred to the street committee. A bill from II. N. Howell, chief of tho fire department, for repairs to his wagon, was on motion of Mr. Evans laid ou the table. Adjourned. Common Council. The following named members were present : Messrs. Albright, Buchanan, Cochran, Cormcny. Cox, Dinkelberg, Everts,Huber, Hurst, Lichty, McKillips, McLaughlin, Middleton, Moore.' Power, Remley, Riddle, Scheetz, Sebum, Skeen, Smeych, Davis president. The minutes of the November meeting were read and approved. President Davis called the attention of councils to the fact that under tho rules governing the proceedings it was. almost impossible to get matters of moment orig inating in common council over to the select council before that body adjourned, and at his suggestion a motion was made and carried, suspending the regular order and allowing council to tako up such items as might bo deemed most expedient Mr. Cox presented the report of the fire committee, comprising an abstract of its proceedings siucu last report. Resignation ot Councilman Goodman. Mr. Schum presented the resignation of Councilman J. G. Goodman, of the Fourth ward, who said his business required his absence from the city so often that he was unable to properly discharge tho duties of tbe office of councilman. On motion of Mr. Schum the resigna tion was accepted. Mr. Cox stated that 3lr. Eiby, member from the Third ward,bad moved out of the ward and wanted to know whether that did not create a vacaney. The chair thought it did, but Mr. Hurst was not so sure about that, and said that heretofore there had beeu cases of members moving out of the vraid, but who had nevertheless beeu permitted to servo out their term. Mr. Cox moved that the seat bo declared va cant, bat on tho suggestion of several members, actiou was deferred in oider to givo Mr. Eiby tho opportunity to resign if ho desired. The clork was directed to notify Mr. E.tby of tho action of council. Filling a Vacancy. Ou motion of Mr. Cornieuy council pro ceeded to the election of a member to fill the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Goodman's resignation. Mr. Schum nominated Ben jamin Bartholomew, and there being no further nominations ha was unanimously eicctcd. Mr. Ilurat stated that tho value of building lots in the eastern end of the city had beeu largely augmented by reason of tho iccieascd water facilities afforded by the erectimi of the stand-pipe. Mr. Smeych said this was all right, but all has not yet been accomplished that tho needs of cit izens iu others pai ts of the city demand. What is required is larger mains. Thero was some informal talk on several subjects, among which was the suggestion from Mr. Riddle that the president might celebrate the incoming of tne new year by providing a set-out for hungiy council men. The chair promptly ruled the mat ter ou1" of order and council adjourned. THK DOCTUIU Alcct:iig ot tho ."lledlc.ll &orie!j-. The Lancaster city and county medical society held their regular stated meeting on Wednesday afternoon in Grand Ara-y haH, President Musser in the chair. The !'.'!1 iwing tncmbcis wese present : Dis. J. L. Atlee. J. L. At Ice, jr., Al bright, Blackwood, CompU'ii. Davis, S. T.,'Ehlor, Hcrr, A. J.. Heir, !. !. , Mus scr, F. M., Reed and Welehaiss, iisiin this city ; Drs. Rcckius, Bruuer and Craig, from Columbia ; Drs. Hertz, Roebuck and Slienk, from Lititz ; Drs. Brysou, Martic ville ; Black, Strasburg ; Herr, B. F., Millersville ; Hershey, Paiadiso ; Kohlcr, New Holland ; Livingston, Monntville ; Mayer, Willow Street; Mnsser, J. II., Lampeter ; Musser, II. E., Witmer ; Mil ler, Bird-iu-Hand ; Newphtr, Mr. Joy; Ringwalt andSheuk. Rohrerstown ; Tra bert, Roauibtown ; Thompson, Wrights ville ; Wcntz, New Providence ; Wiseman, Baiubridge : Zell, F.iiimonut ; Lightner, Ephrata; Keudig, Salunga, and Hurst, Earlville. Dr. B. F. Herr reported a caso of stric ture of the cesonhegus, producing death by starvation. A number ot other inter esting cases weic reported. Tho health reports show diphtheria as pi evading to some exteut iu our city. Dr. Wclchans offered the following pre amble and resolutions, which wero unan imously adopted : Wiieueas, There is reason to fear that at tho present session of Congress au ef fort will bo made to destroy tho identity of the great Medical museum and library, at Washington, by merging them into the General Congressional library, and plac iug them under the control of" the latter ; and Wiiekkar, Under their piesent manage ment thi3 museum aud library have grown to be tho most valuable- collection of their kind in tho world, and aro consequently of incalcuablc value to tho cause of medi cal science, thus rendeiing their preserva tion and progress objects of deep interest to the medical profession of this country, therefore, lltsolctd, That tho L mcaster city and county medical society earnastly, but re spectfully, tcqucst tho honorable S2nators and representatives of Congress to make no change iu the present management of tho army medical museum and library, but would earnestly urge upon Congress the importance of providing a commodious fireproof building iu Washington, for better prcserv ition aud protection of these invaluable collection.'?, and Jlcsolced, That a copy of thesa resolu tions, together with a protest signed by tho members of this society bo forwarded to our senators and rerescntatives at Washington. When the death of Dr. Adam Shcller, of Mt. Joy, a member of this socity, was announced, Dr. John L. Atleo made a brief address eulogistic of tho deceased, and moved the appoint meat of a committee of three to dratt resolutions, expressive of tun sentiments of the society. Drs. Atlee, Brunei- aud Newpher were appointed as the committee. The following preamble and resolution wero presented by the com mittee and unanimously adopted : Wheheas, Wo havo heard with regret of the death of Dr. Adam Shcller, a mem ber of this society, aud Wiieueas, It is incumbent upon us to testify ourselves of the loss we have sus tained ; thciefoic, be it Jiesokcd, That in the death of Dr. Shel ler, this society has lost a member who in all his intercourse with us manifested a zeal, dignity and depoitment to command our respect and in his reports to this soci ety exhibited a knowlcdgo and devotion to the advancement of his profession VTKliajJ VA J1UIUILIUU . Ul m ' Jiesolccu, 1 hat th:s preamble aud reso-1 Iuliou be sent to tho family of Dr. Shelter with our respectful condolence 1 ho subject appointed for discussion ati this meeting was " Whooping cough and its complication:'." Tho discussion was opened by a paper on tho subject by Dr. Newpher, and afterwards participate:! in by a number of the members present. Society adjourned Co meet, tho first Wednesday in January next. ISI'lSCTIXO A 1SKIDUK. County Cotmiilsgioners and Inspectors la Consultation. To day tho county commissioners, ac companied by the inspectors appointed by tho court Wm. R. Gcrhart, J. B. Swarlz welder and John J. Jeffries, city ; George L. Buckwaltcr, East Lampeter ; John M. Shenk, Providence, and John H. Brack bill, Strasburg township visited the new bridge near Refton, aud gave it final in spection. The bridge, which is of some what peculiar construction, was built by B. F. Herr and S. M. Miller. It is a low biidgo aud inclines slightly upstream. The builders claim that should there be very high water the flood will pass over it, instead of lifting it from the piers. On tho oilier hand there is some complaint that the bridge is too short, and that during a flood the water will overflow the bank of tho stream on the Providence side, and prevent an approach to the bridge, long before the water is sufficiently uign to cnuanr-cr tnc structure. The Coyle Case. In court at York on Wednesday Judga Wickes read the opinion of the court in the application for a change of venuo in the Coyle case, in which he stated that owing to the state of public opinion in that county, and tie prejudice existing against the prisoner, the difficulties of ob taining a jury, of a. it had beeu decided to grant a change of venue to Adams county. The prisoner, John Coylo, will there fore be immediately removed to the Adams county jail, and the new trial granted him by the supreme court will take place at Gettysburg. The time for the trial is not yet decided upon. KolilDg Mill to be Sold. The Lochiel rolling mill property, near Harrisurg, has been on the market for sale for several years, but no purchaser can be found for it. It is now proposed to divide the property iuto seven parts and sell each part separately. COLUMBIA NEWS. lift: Ky.tlUl.AK COKKKSfONUK.M-r: F.vrnta Along tho Miaqnebnnna lterin. .it Interest In and Around tne Itorougi. licked tip by the Jutelll leencer'a Reporter Mr. Frank E'dwood, of Georgetown, D. C, is the guest of friends on Fourth street. Mrs. II. F. Biuner aud daughter, Aunie, have sono to Philadelphia on a visit to friends. Miss Mame Seltzer, who has been visit ing ftiends here, returned to her home iu Rochester, New York, this mornioir. Niles, Evans, Bryant and Hoey'a "Meteors," a specialty company, will jjivo one of their performances here to night. While working ou top of a 24 foot lad der, this morning, Frederick Franks fell and dislocated one or his arms. A large dog was shot ou tbo Lancaster turnpike this morning, because it Fhowed signs of madness. The late Charles Swartz was not a mem ber of tho Knights of tho Mystic Chain, but was connected with the Knights ot" Pythias. The high wind stirred up the dust most effectually this morning. No person en turcd upou the streets unless business compelled them to leave tho shelter of their homo or place of business. On the 22th of December Su&quehauua lodge No. 80, 1. O. O. F., will celebrate the 40th year of its organization by ex ercises appropriate to the occasion. Preparations for a good timo are now be ing made. To-night the musicale will ho held at tho residence of Dr. J. K. Linea weaver, on Walnut, street. It- is desirable that al! tho membots who on aitond will do S3 :S very important business will corns up be fore tho society. Go early. loor Morsel. Another small in?.rl:et. was held th's morning. Thero were ( huycrs and still few sellers. Columbia l-cs not seem to bo very fortunate lately in this respect, to having largo markets. Produce may ! o scarce, or the farmers may be holdug it back until tho holidays. Such certainly must be tho caso with butter and eggs, for although the prices are high, the aro ex ceedingly scarce. Wait until the new river bridge is built, then tho York county farmers can put their articles mi tho C. I umbia market. Just wait. How lon ? Looking Through Suiok.tl s:nh. If a stranger wh knew nothing about tho transit of Venus had come to Colum bia yesterday he would havo woadeicd why so many peoplo wero lookiug at ll.e suu through smoked glass Every person seemed infected with the desire to see tho transit, and those who took the trouble to blacken with smoke a piece of glass saw it. The newspapers will soon be full of scientific accounts of the transit. The Grand Army nt tbe Republic. At the meeting of Gen. Welsh Post No. 118, G. A. R., last uicht, several racrnita were mustered in. Other business also claimed the attention of tho post. Visi tors were present in large nunibers from York, WrighUville, Lancaster and Mari ctta. Among them was General Vander slicc, of Norristown department, com manderand several of his staff officers. Tho visitors wero greatly pleased with their reception. in Independent Fellow. A strango man stepped up to a married lidy a few nights sinco on Locust street aud offered her his company, Of course it was refuscd,but tho fellow stII insisting upon accompanying her the lady enters 1 a store for protection. Tho intruder quickly disappeared. It seems amazing that a man could have tbo hardihood to pres3 his com pany upon a lady with whom he was un acquainted and that upon a street whero people are continually passing. A cow hid ing would bo a mild punishment for such a person. A Painful Accident. Yesterday afternoon while Mrs. Rachael Martin, residing on new Second street, was engaged in taking one of tbe cleavers from a sausage chopping machino it fell, striking her on the arm, abovo thewit, and inflicting a painful wound. Tbe lady fainted, and had become very weak from loss of blood before a physician arrived. She is as well as could be expected under tho circumstances this morning. Off the Track. Another P. R. R. engine, No. 186, was thrown off the track between Bridge and Walnut streets, this morning, by a spread ing of tho rail. It was replaiced on tho rails in a short time, and no delay to trains was caused. A freight car was thrown off tbe P. R. R. siding near Swartz's icehouse, yester day afternoon at It o'clock bv a misplaced switch. While engine No. 526 was employed in replacing it on the rat's, it ran off the track. A littlo additional trouble soon righted the matter. A Fine Performance. TheMadison Square theatre company in " Hazel Kirke," drew a'eood-sized audi ence last night. Miss -41elle Archer, as Hazel Kirke, is a success, beyond a doutit. Miss Archer delineated tho character faithfully and with such effect as to draw tears to the eyes of many of the andieiicw. Mr. Herbert Archer, as Lord Tritverx ; Mr. Joseph Frankan as Piltaem Green ; aud Miss Nellie Irving, as Dollie Button. were excellent, while the character of Dunstan Kirke, Hazel's father, was finely rendered by Mr. Charles Wheatleigh. Tho Ironville orchestra furnished the music for the entertainment and it was excellent. It seems strange that it is not more often engaged, instead of managers incurring tbe greater expense of getting an orchestra from Lancaster or York. SERIOUS ACCIDENT. A Lady's Leg Uroknn, and a Flagman Uadly Crippled, A serious accident occurred at the Prince street crossing of the Pennsylvania railroad yesterday afternoon about half past 5 o'clock. Tho Harrisburg accom modation train west had just passed a: d the day express cast was rapidly aj proaching the crossing when Miss Rebecca Rosenmiller attempted to cross the track. Samuel Armstrong, the flagman at the crossing, called to her to go back, but she either did not hear him. or thought sho had time to pass over.' On stepping upoi the track she tripped and fell. Mr. Arm strong, who is over GO years of age, sprang to her assistance, but before he was ablo to entirely clear the track tbe engine struck them both and threw Miss Rosen miller into the street, in front of the Relay House, and Mr. Armstrong some distaneo to the west. Both were badly injured, Miss Rosenmiller having the bone of her left thigh broken a short distance above the knee, besides sustaining several pain ful contusions ; and Mr. Armstrong being badly bruised in tbo risjht hip and abdomen, cut about tho head and face, and right arm badly sprained. Miss Rosenmiller was carried to her homr, No. C30 North Duke street, whore she re ceived the attendance of Drs. S. T. and M. L. Davis. Mr. Armstrong was carried to tLe Kej stone hotel, where he has been boarding. He isattended by Dr. John L. Atlee. Both patients suffer acutely, but neither is considered to be in any great danger. Their escape from death is marvellous. Mr. Armstrong received en comiums from everybody for bis hen ism in rescuing the lady, who would inevitably have been crufhed to death bad he not risked his own life to save her. We hear of other instances in which Mr. Arm strong has showu himself to he the right man in the right place at the rigbt time. Only a short time ago, he saved a heedless driver aud his team from beinn crushed, by seizing the horses by the heads and turning them from tho track just as the train whizzed past them. 1 I I
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers