THIRTEEN ARE DEAD By Far the Most Traqic Day in the Five Years' Experience of Coroner McDowell. A GIRL'S DESPERATE SUICIDE. Temporarily Insane on Religious Subjects, She Ends Jler Life by Hanging, Leaving a Peculiar Letter. STRANGE XEGIiECr OP A BURNED MAX. EtTtrallfct Death on the Kailways. and Thtre Were Many Minor Crimes and Casualties. Coroner McDowell had a very buv Christ mas. "In all niy the j ears' experience as j Coroner," he said Ian night, "I hue never t experienced such a day as this one. Thir teen cases were reported and partially in restizated to-day. .Tust come with me and I will show you a sad sight," and leading the way to the little back room in the Morgue he said. "There are tix victims five of whom were killed on the railroads the other by a mine explosion. Of the other five, four hae been sent to their homes, and the fifth is at Smith's establish ment in Alleghenv. The first on the list is a suicide, and a young girl at that. Karly this morning wc weie notified that Bertha 3'rogner, a servant of H. P. Boyd, 148 Bncna Vista street, was found hanging dead in the cellar. It was very evident trom the evidence thathersuicidc wasprcmeditated." Details of the baicidr. The children were up bright and-early. anxious to inestigate what was in their stocking-. They came to their father's room nd complained of a strong smell of gas. I'pon investigation it was discovered that a bracket had been broken on close to the wall in the kitchen and the full volume l of pas was pouring into the room. Bertha tould not be found in her room and a "further search revealed her body hang ing dead in the cellar. It was cut down immediately, but life was extinct, She had also slashed herself across the wrists with a knife, evidently with the in tention of bleeding to death. The follow ing letter was found in her pocket. It was written in German, and she intended to f-end it to her uncle, Gustavc Gabos. 130 Jackson street, but for some unknown reason failed to do so. It reads: .Hear Tarnit. fcUter and Friend and all Mr Dear Btlotd Ones, and Vnclc and Aunt Cabo: You must cTcuse me that I make such a dreaiv Christmas as 1 liave. brought j ou. I was detci mined to Miicide. I hai c not yet paid the me enper, .o please pny lnm. Iet Mary tell linn what I have. owith it what you wllj. forgive nie my den r, if I have wronged jou, Do not accuse anonc cm my account, because it is my own lanlt. I h.ie thrown awa the meicy or God in despaii, and without it I cannot live That is the verdict of the Bible, and M) 1 sec destruction ahead. JIather than tail a burden to the uoildl place myself be fore the eternal Jude. My entire Hfs 1ms "been a desert. The dear, good patents let them not grieve It happens once that a person mnst die, therefore fatcwell. X kiss jou all a thousand times. Excu-e me, I cannot do otherwise. Faiewell. Hektua. Io&ati9on Kelljrions Subjects. Mr. Uoyd adanced the theory that the j;irl was evidently insane on religious sub jects. For the patt week or two she had been praying almost continually and saying that the was a poor sinner. She was 22 years old and single. Her body was removed to her uncle's icsidence at 130 Jackson street, Alleghenv. .lames Corrican was the next case re ported to the Coroner. Corrigan was 31 years old and single and lived in the rear of 3231 Venn avenue. He had evidently been out celebrating, lor he was heard going up the Mairs by members of the family in an erratic manner, and in the morning his body was found at the foot of the stairs dead. No one had heard him falling, and when found his head was doubled under the body with hi neck broken. Joseph Miller, aged 30, and Peter Sclmnit, aged 32, two Mav miners, in com pany with two others, left their boarding house at "Willow Grove to come to the citv. The entirp party were run down by a train on the Panhandle Miller and Schmidt were instautly killed, and the other two in jured. The injured men were seut to the Mercy Hospital, and the bodies of theother two taken to the Morgue. John Dougherty, ;ed 4."!. of Camp Cope land, pnd Peter MoAnually, aged 40, of Duquesne. were killed ba train on the Pennsylvania road near Snisvale about midnight The two men were at the resi dence oi a cattle dealer named McKeever about 11:50 o'clock making a part pavment onja cow that each had bought. "They started lor home together. The body of Doughert was found about midnight and that of McAnnallv about 3 o'clock. They were both removedtothe Morgue where thev were identified by Mrs. Dougherty yesterday. A Most AflecUng scene. The scene was very affecting. Dougherty was literally cut in pieces and had been Fcwn up in oil cloth. Mrs. Dougherty im mcdiatelv upon seeing him fell across the .body in hystercs and had to be removed to the adjoining room. An effort was madebv the Coroner to notify Mrs. McAnnalv at Dyouesne. but there was no telegraph office open and other communication was cut off by reason of it bing a holiday. Dougherty leaves a widow ami three children and Mc Annallv a widow and eight children. John McGraw, accd 70 years, a watchman at the Twenty-third street station of the Pittsburg, Virginia and Charleston Pail road, was struck by a train and instantly killed about midnight. The body was re moved to his late residence, Xo. 2214 Carey alle. He leaves a widow and grown up family. Patrick Kelly, aged GO, who resided on rifteenth street, Homcstejd, left home yes terday morning about !t o'clock to get shaied. In attempting to cross in front of a train on the Pittsburg, Virginia and Charleston road he was struck bv the train and injured so severely that he died about noon at the West Penn Hospital, where he had been remoed. The body was taken to liis late residence yesterday afternoon. He leaie a wife and grown up family The next case whs George Moflaur, who died at the Mercy Hospital yesterday after noon from the effects of burns received in an explosion of gas in the mines of the Itainhow Coal and Coke Company on Wed nesday. A Flagrant Case of Neglect. "This," said the Coroner, "is the most " flagrant case of neglect I ever encountered. Here is the record from the Hospital, re ceded from the Central police station. Upon inquiry o the police officials I was told that the man had walked into the Ontral station com pletely wrapped up in a blanket. He was accompanied by a countryman of his own, and the only thing the man could say in Knglish was 'Hospital. Superintendent "Wier at once telephoned to the Mercy Hospital for the ambulance, and the man was removed to that institution. That a man in the condition Moflaur a, should be sent here without a medical attendant, or even notifying any of the different institu tions that he was on the road, and to be ready to receive him, is and outrage and I propose to make a thorough investigation of the case. I have sent lor the manager of the works and .will certainly make every endeavor in my power to find out why they should dump such a case on us without any warning whatever. There is no doubt in my mind that that man died from the exposure. The very idea of a man walking through the streets in his condition when every care and attention sbouldhave been given him is appalling. The face of the dead man presented a horrible appear ance, the flesh being-burned to-a crisp and that he was even able to walk is a miracle. I will find the true inwardness of this case and see if such an outrage can be perpetrated," and the Coroner's eyes snapped in a manner that showed he meant what he said. Possibly Another Selr-Destrnction. While Sergeant .Sitzler, of the Twenty eighth ward station house, was on his way to work last night he was given a vest by the toll receivers at the 'south end of the Tenth street bridge which had been found on the bridge early in the morning. On searching the pockets a small note hook was found. The leaves were all blank with the exception of one, on which was written: "I have committed suicide." This statement was signed by what appeared to be "John Smith," although the last portion of the name was almost entirely illegible. The vest was found by a little son of Elizabeth Morgan, who lives at 1411 Bing ham street, while he was crossing the bridge. He turned it over to the tollkeepei?, and they in turn gave it to the police as stated. Sergeant McQuaide started an investigation lat night by in structing all the night police to make in quiry about the matter and learn if possible who had committed suicide, if anyone. Mr. McQuaide said he did not believe the man had signed his proper name in the book, although late last night a woman reported to Officer Gribben, that a man named Smith, Ining in the vicinity of South Third street, had not been ,3 1 home since Thursday night Two Killed by Freight Trains. "William Curdy, who lives at Garfield, acrass the rhcr from Bolivar, ell off a freight train near !N inevah yesterday morn ing and received injuries from which he soon afterward died. His right arm was cut ofl and his legs were badly crushed. Chirles Montgomery dropped from an east-bound freight train near Blairsville yesterday. Both legs were cut off, and he expired almost instantly. He was 17 years old and li ed in Alto'ona, where his body was sent for buriak The Coroner yesterday received the re port of the autopsy held by Drs. Creaven and Bnrleigh on the body of John Xaffey, of the Southside, whose death was thought to lun e been due to an assault made on him in a Soho speak-easy. The autopsy showed that death was " caused by cerebral hemorrhage of the brain, which rould occur from natural causes. The Coroner, however, is of the opinion that Jjafley was struck by some instrument. When found he was bleeding at the nose, mouth and ears, and the marks on the left ear were such that led him to believe came from a blow. Besides the bridge of the nose had a cnt which might have resulted from a fall which also blackened the left eye. A thorough investigation of the case will be made to-day. CHRISTMAS CAROUSALS Canse Three Serious Catting Affrays and a 1'alr or Usly Assaults Two Are Likely to Become Murders Station nouses All "Well rilled. Saloons made money yesterday andpolice stations were crowded with drunks. Heel ing men and an occasional woman were not unfrcquent sights about town, and street fights were numerous. It was far from a quiet Christmas. In the downtown dis trict the situation was worse, of course. The horses of Xo. 1 patrol wagon were kept on a continual run, and were un hitched only when too tired, sweating animsls were then taken out and fresh ones put in. Xo. 1 wagon covers all the territory between the Point and Grant street, and many a mile of block stone lies between its patrol boxes and Central station. The latter place had a business-like air about it all day, and at midnight there were 0 guests within, and still coming in quick succession by ones, twos and threes. A. similar state of affairs was found at other station houses all over the two cities. The record.ot fights and as saults for the day was exceptionally heavy. Broken heads were everywhere and Police Surgeon Moyer had his hands full. Stabbed in the Stomaclu A probable murder was committed yes terday in Allegheny. "William Collins, an engineer of a towboat, has been arrested and is in the Central police station of 'Alle gheny to await the result. About 0 o'clock in the morning William Chadwick went to the towboat of John Diffle, at the foot of Greenw ood street, to attend the loading of some coal. Collins, the engineer, began to assist him work, but in a short time became involved in a quar rel. This terminated in a battle, during which Collins drew a knife and cut Chad wickon the arm twice, on the right leg twice and in the stomach twice. Collins then left the beat and went to Pittsburg. Chadwick was tiken to his home, 15 Market street, where he was attended by several physicians. His condition was pronounced serious. The wounded man is married and 30 years old. Last evening Collins was arrested on Market street, Pit'sburg, by Detectives Steele and Johnson. He is about 40 years old, and makes his home on the boat. A fight occurred last evening at a. Hun garian boarding house, 143 Main street, Al legheny. 'As a result three Hungarians are at the Allegheny General Hospital. One of them has a crushed skull and will likely die. The boarding house is conducted by Oscar Moltze, and among his boarders were seven Hungarians. ' guring the day the latter drank considerably and were generally quarrelsome and had ireducnt fights. But peace was restored after each occurrence until about 8.30 o'clock. At that time the men arranged to go to Pittsburg. They started out the back dcor and upon getting into the yard a con troversy broke out and terminated in a gen eral fight. This continued for quite a while and became so fierce that knives were drawn and stones used with marked effect Hacked Dp With Knives. A report of the progress of the fight was civento Officers Moreland and Dieble and three of the parties were, arrested. They were Albert Durskinaged 28 years, M. G. Bergerdik, aged 22 ears, and John Kofsto, aged 23 years. They were "taken dire'et to the Allegheny General HospitaL "Durskin and Bergerdik were severely cut about the face and hands and Kofsto was cut similarly. He also had his skull criished in at the back. This injury was the result of a cobble stone that was thrown at him. The men who were injured declined to giye the full particulars of the case, but claimed that G. Martini, a lellow boarder, was the only one who drew a knife. Jack Boyle was arrested yesterday after noon by Officer Summerville and locked up in the Eleventh ward station on a charge-of aggravated assault and battery. It is al leged by the officer that Boyle with several companions got into a fight wittfS lot of Italians iu Poplar alley yesterday after noon. They were all under the influence of liquor, and in the tcuflie Boyle picked up a brick and struck Antoina Brolinio on the head, cutting a terrible gash: He was removed to the Eleventh ward station, where Police Surgeon Moyer dressed his head. Emanuel "Williams,-colorc6T, aged 20 years, was probably fatally cut last evening. Ha was one of a number of colored men who had gathered at 6:30 o'clock at Fairfax and Tioga "streets, iu Homewood. They had been drinking considerably during the day and were generally quarrelsome. Officer Coleman approached and ordered them to disperse. They refused.and the officer arrested Lewis Williams. While taking him to the patrol box Williams fought desperately, but was safely landedain the wagon. Determined to Do Damage. While the officer was attending to this the men about the corner continued their quarrel, and Albert Tillman drew a large knife and cut Emanuel Williams across the stomach, inflicting a serious wound. Officer THE ' Mahon arrested Tillmau. The latter on the road to the Nineteenth ward station threw the knife from the wagon. The wounded man was taken" to the Mercy Hospital, where his condition is pronounced as very serious. He boarded at Martha Cooper's, Xo. 7302 Fairfax street, and is a laborer. He.resided until a short time ago at Martinsburg, W. Va. There was a small sized riot in the neigh borhood of Webster avenue and High street, "between 10 and 11 o'clock last night. Two men whose purpose, itis thought, was. robbery, entered the laundry of Ye Song on High s'treet. The taller ot the. two at once assaulted the Chinaman, dealing him a ter rible blow in the face. Ye Song yelled loudly for help, and this had the effect of frightening the mgn off and attracting a crowd. One in attempting to escape jumped on a pass ing car, but was captured by Officer"!? older. The other man got away. As the wagon was about to leave with the prisoner .a brick was hurled at the officers, coming within an inch of striking Wagohnian DeihL The excitement for a time ran very high. The prisoner gave his name as John Smith. Ye Song was terribly battered up about the face, and while his'brnises were painful. Surgeon Moyer did not consider them serious. At 11 o'clock last night there were 30 prisoners in the Twenty;eighth ward station" house. They were all common drunk "and disorderly cases, with the exce'ptiom of a woman iii a demented condition, whe could not tell her name. GAVE THEM LIBERTY. Polico Magistrates Deal Kindly With Christmas Morning; Prisoners Drunks and Disorderlies Let Go and the More Serlons Offenders Touched Up Lightly. Many prisoners before the Police Magis trates yesterday morning got their Christ mas gifts in the shape of light sentences or release. This was particularly the case at Central station, where all but one of 22 prisoners were allowed to go free by Magistrate Gripp. The exception was Pe ter O'Neill, arrested for attempting to rob Joseph Given in an alley ofl Seventh ave nue. He was held over for further hearing. Magistrate McKenna heard 39 cases at the Twelfth ward station. Leon Wimpsky was fined $j and costs for being disorderly on Sixteenth street Michael Hough got drunk, went to his house on Nineteenth street, beat his wife and tore things up gen erally. He paid S20 and costs. John Spencer got into a fight on Jones avenue and on the interference of an officer, he turned his attention to him and endeavored to thrash him. He was sentenced 10 days to the workhouse. Sam Dean, arrested for fighting on Penn avenue, left a $30 forfeit, and failed to materialize at the hearing. Albert McCoy, who insisted on shooting a revolver on Penn avenue, paid ?25 and costs. Lizzie Taylor paid $10 and costs for being drunk and swearing on Penn avenue. Thomas Burns "went in a house on Second avenue Christmas eve and toTe up things generally. He paid $25 and costs. Thomas Jones acted disorderly at Ninth street; he left a 530 forfeit and did not show. up at the hearing. Magistrate Leslie had a very light hear ing at the Seventeenth ward station. John Cole went to a ball at Turners' Hall Christ mas eve, got in a fight with some meri ahd wa& arrested. He will rusticate at Clare- mont for 30 days. Jane Leith broke a store window at No. 4618 Penn avenue and attempted to abstract some goods. She was arrested and sentenced 30 days to the work house. Magistrate Succop had about 15 cases be fore him. He was rather lenient with the prisoners, discharging all he could with reason and making a record on his docket that it was done on account of Christmas. Eight persons were disposed of in this way. There was only one case of special import ance. Late Thursday night a fight occurred at South Third and Carson streets, in which Charles Carney was seriously injured. John McGee, John Smith, John Horan and Carney got into a dispute. Carney was knocked down and kicked in the lower part of the abdomen. All fonr were arrested and taken to the Twenty-eighth Ward station house, but it was fonnd Carney was injured too seriously to remain there, and he was remoed to the Southside Hospital. It was feared for a time he was fatally hurt, but the physicians in charge succeeded yesterday in improving his condition so that he will recover. John Horan was fined 810 and costs at the hearing and the other twp who are supposed to have done the kicking, were held over to await the result of Car ney's injury. Magistrate Hyndman, of the Second Police district, surprised all the prisoners arrested in his district Christmas eve by discharging them all. MINOE CHBISTMAS ACCIDENTS. Mrs. Dopahne Badly Hnrt by Being; Thrown From a Runaway Bis Mrs. Donahue, of No. 15 Luster street, was driving along Forbes street in a buggy yesterday afternoon, when the horse took frieght and dashed across the Duquesne electric bridge at Old avenue. At Boss street the buggy was upset and the-occupant thrown out When picked up it was discovered 'that Mrs. Donahue suffered some bad bruises about the face. After re ceiving medical treatment the injured woman was removed to her home. The buggy was demolished. A man was brought into the 'baggage room of the Union station about noon yes terday, apparently in a dying condition. Dr. Hamilton gave him something tpre lieve his stomach, which he did freely. When the Homeopathic ambulance drove up the fellow" suddenly jumped to his feet, and astonished the baggage smashers, by running, down Liberty street He was was drunk, and thought the ambulance was the patrol wagon, and lfe had sense enough to make a break lor liberty. TWO TKINTENDED SHOOTINGS. William Lees Wonnd His Bister and Ed ward Fallow Himself. William Lees, aged 18 years, accidently shot his sister aged 16, yesterday afternoon, at his home on Beach street, Allegheny, He was playing with a Flobert rifle and unfortunately it was discharged, the ball inflicting a scalp wound on his sister's head. He was arrested but last evening Superin tendent Mutli, convinced of the shooting being an accident, released him. Edward FalloHj of No. 34 Nixon street, Allegheny, shot himself accidentally in"the right thigh while examining-a revolver at his home yesterday afternoon. The wound is not a serious one. Dr. McMuIlen at tended him. Officer Donovan, of Allegheny, had his ankle broken yesterday morning. He was in pursuit of some men who had been fight ing and while crossing a field at Wood's Bun, fell into a cellar excavation. midnight cotting affray. An Italian Slashes Away at a Barber With Bis Penknife. ' Abont midnight William Fierst, a barber, was cut on High street by an Italian, Charles Santonio. The two got into a dispute, and the Italian drew n penknife and slashed at Fierst's abdomen, but struck too low and caught him on. the leg, cutting an ugly gash air-inch deep and four or five mcheslong.. Both men were taken to the Central sta tion,rhere Dr. Moyer attended the injured man. V. HUMOR from the inimitable "Bob Bar dette in fHE DISPATCH to-morrow. THE DISPA 3. JJHAXir.fl Dr. B. "SLHasna. Eye, ear. nose "and throat diseases exclusively. Office, 730 Penn street, Pittsburg, fa. ssuw NSprlns, 189. ,v : New goods coming in nowor spring sea son; dress trimmings. Beiniso & Wilds. PITTSBURG DISPATCH, YOICES OF THE WELSH Blend Once More in the Glories of the Christmas Eisteddfod. THOUSANDS ATTEND THE FEAST. JL Perfect Eendition of Tanning's Great Songofthe Yikings. HOMESTEAD WON THOUGH ITS MASCOT The sixth and the most successful Eisteddfod ever known in Pittsburg -was held yesterday in Old City Hall. In the afternoon there was a good crowd, and in the evening fully 2,000 people listened to the great musical contest at this time honored festival. Over $500 were given away in prizes, and though the entire country was admitted nearly all the prizes were carried offby Pittsburg and McKees port peopled Out of this meeting is destined to grow an organization which will shed more honor on Western Pennsylvania. A great choir is to be formed, which will take part in the International Eisteddfod to be held in Chi cago during the World's Fair in 1893. To this end last night President Albert J. Ed wards, of 3t. David's Society, appointed the following committee to perfect the organization: D. W. Llewellyn, Chair man. Will J. Jones, Secretary; T. W. Mor gan, Prof. John Pritchard',.David Francis, Joseph D. Jones. David Boberts, Owen Jones, Ivor Zacharias, William J. Davies, Fred W. Edwards, Morgan Davies, Bpw land Jones, Samuel Ingram and Robert H. Davies. Xot Time for All Aspirants. The number of the contestants was so large that in the morning the adjudicators had to cut out many of the weaker aspirants in order to complete the programme with out the necessity of an all night session. The judges were D. Gordon Thomas, of Philadelphia, musiq; G. H. Humphreys, of TJtica, N. Y., poetry and translations, and Bev. D. B. Kichnrds, Sharpsburg, recitation and speeches. John Prichard was the ac companist At the afternoon session J. L. Lewis w.is chairman. Miles Humphreys was to have been conductor, but owing to the ill-health of his wife his'place was filled by A. J. Edwards, who also" occupied that position in the evening. After an address of welcome y President Edwards, Chair man Lewis made the following speech: To me has been assigned the pleasant duty of expressing on behalf of St. David's Be nevolent Society a 'welcome to this, the annual Eigteddlod of the Welsh people of this locality. Thetefore we who live here giye you greeting and warmly welcome you, either as performers or spectators, in this friendly rivalry, this contest in declamation, poetry and son, which as aninstitntion had ltsorfcln in unrecorded days. Itsobservance has been among the pleasant things in Welsh practice and Is useful In preserving the history, tiaditions and fables of a people who-aie renowned for their love of home, for their instinctive religious character, for their patriotism and warm friendship. A Feature or Welsh Character. The love of the Fatherland, which Is so dominant in the German heait, is nonothe less a feature of tho Welshman's character, and surely every generous person-of what ever nationality, if lie has any poetry or music In his heat t, must sympathize In the sentiment which prompts a people to keep alivo the lovely traditions, the beautiful stories ana the poetic customs of their country. Within the past 90 days I h.id the immense good fortune to have enjoyed, along with my wife, a coaching trip through Wales. Our drive took us thiough 11 of the 12 counties wttich constitute the principality of Wale, and I now poes a memory stored with precious recollections of scenic be.iuty. loveliness and thrift. Still do 1 see before me Blivl, Landudno, tho vale of Clydd,athe vale of Conway, Bettys-v-coed, the pass of l.lanberfa arid that most lovely of all valleys, renowned In sonsr and story, viz: the Vale of Llangollen. I also retain vivid memories of the lovable old town of Abervswith, tho delightful towns of Newtown, Brecon, Builth and many others, oven down to Cardiff, and these aie fileasaut things to be borne with me while I ive. Whilo traveling through that wonderously beautiful country, where the melodious numbers of a thousand Ivric poets have flowed with the ripplin? grace and musical reverberations of the Clyde, the Dee, the Wyo and tho Usk, I was so thrilled with the beauty of tho scenery and the pleasant, social manners of the people that, next to America, nowhere on eaith would I rather claim a land as my birth-land than old historic, poetic, musical and patriotic Wales. 'Friends, on behalf of St. David's Benevo lent Society, we extend to ou who have come from a distance the hospitable wel come of brethren. We bid you join with ua in this friendly rivalry and sentiments of good fellowship which have always marked the annual meetings of the Welsh at their Eistedfodds. Come, then, and join In the musical and intellectual table which is this day spread, and when we have separated lot this senti ment thrill our hearts, that next to the glorious land where wo now are. and which we believe to be Infinitely superior In its laws, opportunities and possibilities, our hearts turn fondly and loving v to the songs and stoi ies, loves ana friendships of lovely, greeu Wales. First on the Programme. The opening song, a bass solo by Morris Stephene, was an able effort. - Next came the competition on the baritone solo, "Song ofHybrias, the Cretan," and the 85 prize was carried off, as well as the praise of the audience, by Henry Bees.of Soho. Several bright poems on "Obedience" were pre sented for a prize of 55, which was won by David M. L"wis, of Alliance, O. Na thaniel Williams,' pf Pittsburg, recited "Cleddyf yr Arglwydd a Gideon," and carried off a prize of ?8 from four compet itors. The competition in the baritone and soprano duet, "I Feel Thy Angel Spirit," was a rare musical treat. Fred, and Rose Thomas, of the Southside, carried off the prize of 10. The next competition was in an oration on "Ymreolaeth l Gymru." which bv inter pretation means "Home Rule for Wales." The prize was S3 and was carried offby Owen Thomas, of Sodom, O., who reflected honor on the people of Youngstown by his competition yesterday. Besides the one he won he stood second "in four others. Mrs. Samuel Ingram, of the Southside, won the prize in the alto solo "Oh Promise Me." Mrs. John Evans, of Allegheny, was the winner in the competition on "Darllen Byrfyfyr." The Contest of the Afternoon. . Then came the great contest of the after noon for a purse of $100 for the best rend ition ot Fanning's "Song of -the Vikings." The competitors were the McKeesport Choral Union, D. Harry Davis, director; Superior Choral Union, Woods' Bun, John' Richards, director; Mansfield Valley Choral Union, T. L. Bees, director; and Soho Choral Union, William Morgan, director. They battled bravely to win approval from the muse of song and the adjudicators, and every bit of life and passion in this famous composition was brought out. The Mc Ksesport choir sang first and there was but one voice It was as if thejvast wealth of melody came alone from the director's baton, so perfect was the" unison, and on each swell of this grand song the audience half rose to greet it, and when it passed, felt sorry at the going. The others took their turn, but the nearest oue was the Soho choir, which stood second. During the afternoon Prof. Thomas gave several solos and each was enthusiastically recalled. He is a baas soloist of world-wide fame. In the evening the hall was crowded from end to end. There. were over 2,000 people Present The opening address was made by Ir. Edwards who was followed by T. C. Jenkins, President of the evening session. He said: It affords me much pleasure to meet you again, and on this the great day of our Christian year recognized by etery son and daughter of Wales as being the anniver sary of the birth of the Son of uod. Xo raco or nationality moie fully accept the teach ings of Christ in their simplicity as they are handed down to us through the four apos SATURDAY, DECEMBER tles and evangelists, Matthow, Hark, Luke and John. A Very Devotional People. There-are no-people so largely devotional as are the Welsh and their descendants, or where tho percentage of active members or communicants of the different Protestant denominations Is as large. This is owing largely, as many claim, to our heritage the love of music and this is what has brought you together here to-night. From the cheerful countenances I see in the audience before me'l am given to know that tho cares and trials of life are not resting heavily upon you. You aro here for an evenings' enjoyment to hear the choirs sing. So am I. In the absence of D. L. Davies, Morris Stevens gave the opening song. Robert S. Davis gave the song '1 Love Thee So," written bv. Dr. W. T. English and Gilden R. Broodberry. Other competitors were not in it and Davis carried off the prize. Mrs. Ingram was the successful competitor on the recitation, "APsalm of Life." Then Prof. Gordon Thomas sang an original com position, "I Leave for Philadelphia in the Morning" and took the house by storm. As a penalty he had to Bing a number of se lections "from operas before the audience would let him rest In the competition for the beat rendition of "Pilgrim's" bv.a male chorus, for a purse of $50, the Pilgrim Chorus, of Pittsburg, was the first to sing, but the baritone fal tered in his solo and their pilgrimage for the 550 is not ended. Next came the Soho Chorus, which also stumbled in its solos and lost Then came the braves of Homestead, under the leadership ot Benjamin Francis. He was too short to see over the piano, but with the assistance of a chair he rose to the occasion. Numbered among his men was a black Welshman of African extraction and he proved a mascot The chorus was fault less and the little director carried ofl the $50. Even Pnzzled the Adjudicator. In the competition on the solo "In Old Madrid' the audience received a musical treat The adjudicator was at a loss to de cide where the prize belonged, and divided the money between Mrs. Mudgling, of Al legheny, and Miss Rose Thomas, of the Southside. T. C. Jenkins gave a purse of $3 to Mrs. Mary A. Davis, of Soho, the other contestant. In the competition for a prize of 515 for a poem on, "Wisdom," the judge decided none of the compositions worthy of a prize. The great contest of the evening followed. It was on Handel's "Worthy is the Lamb." The contestants were the Homestead United Chorus, and the Choral Union of the South side, Superior, Mansfield Valley. Fifth avenue, McKeesport and Soho. The ad judicator said' he had never heard such a contest and for a time the prize hung be tween the Fifth avenue and the Soho choruses, but finally fell to the latter The purse was $250, and a gold medal was given to Director William Morgan. Then the anthem was once more given by the united choruses, under the leadership of Prof. Thomas. Then from' a thousand voices burst the jiatiennl anthem, "Hen AVlad Fy Nhadau," and the Eisteddfod of 1891 was ended. t AN OAKLAND FIES. The Fnrnltnre Store of Hammer & Co. Horned arly Christmas Morning. A fire broke out in the furniture sf ore of Hammer & Co., at No. 3806 Fifth avenue, Oakland, abont 3:30 yesterday morning. The flames spread rapidly, and set fire to the Inery stable of J. K. Smith, adjoining. The furniture store was badly damaged. The loss ou the stock will amount to $3,000, partly insured. The furnituie bwlding'is a one-story frame, about 25x60 feet, owned by Mrs. Robert Wiggens. The loss on the building is about $1,000. The livery stable is a frame structure 40x 200, and when the fire broke out it contained 20 head of horses. The horses were saved with all the carriages, buggies and harness. Mr. Smith's loss will amount to about $200. The large, three-story brick building on the corner of Oakland avenue, next to the furniture store, was also badly scorched. The rear roof was partly damaged. Mrs. Wiggens owns the building which is oc cupied by Donovan's restaurant The build ing is damaged to the extent of $500. No insurance. Adam Lickart, a. shoemaker, occupied a part of the livery stable. His tools and a small stock of shoes and leather were burned. His loss will be about $100. Woods Wants His Horse and Wagon. John Woods yesterday gave John Bulger $8 25 to purchase and sell some poultry in Pittsburg. He also loaned him a horse and buggy. Bulger came to Pittsburg and bought the poultry. He then met Barney Meenan, a personal acquaintance, and with hira drove out to Thirty-third and Small man streets, where several sales were made. Bulger states that some rowdies surrounded his wagon and he fought them. Meenan disappeared with the wagon. Now Bulger is charged with larceny. An Alleged Salt for Separation. A Springfield, O.', telegram to the Phila delphia Hccord, says: D. W. Semple, a son and heir of the late William Semple. of Allegheny, Pa., the millionaire railroad owner and buijder, agreed before a Phila delphia minister, November 28, 1876, to love and cherish Mrs. Adella Semple, but all Akron is now buzzing abont his alleged infidelity. His wife has sued for separa tion. A pretty young tyewriler, Miss Maud Gaskell, has been the destroying angel in the domestic tragedy. To Recommend a District Judge. There will be a meeting of the members of the county bar, irrespective of the bar association, in the rooms of the association in the Court House at 2 o'clock this after noon, for the-purpose of deciding on what action will be taken in the matter ot recom mending a candidate lor District Jndge to the President BowRer's Prfrclon Delayed. HAERISBUEG, Dec. 25. Special In an interview to-night, Governor Pattison said he would not issue a pardon to Absalom Bowser until he heard officially from the xsoara or 1'araons. CTtI.lSIE, (he Senator from Kentucky, has consented to an interview for THE DIS PATCH to-morrow. He discusses the tariff and silver Issues, the Speakership and other topics of national interest. Talse Econbnly Is practiced by many people, who buy in ferior articles of food because cheaper than standard goods. Surely infants are entitled to the best food obtainable. It is a fact that the Gail Borden "Eagle" Brand Condensed Milk is the best infant food. Your grocer keeps it. Holiday Goods Marked Down. The balance of our fancy goods marked down one-half and less. Must be sold at once. Rosenbatjm & Co. Bednction Until January 1. We will make our best cabinets for $1 00 per dozen until January 1 of anbody at No. 77 Fifth avenue, Aufrecht Gallery. After a sleepless night use Angostura Bitters to tone your system. All druggists. TTS&U ON THE JKJRTHSIDE. For the convenience ot advertisers, THE DISPATCH has established A BRANCH OFFICE AT . 107 FEDERAL ST., ALLEGHENY, Where advertisements will he received up. to O P. M., for insertion the next morning. The new office will be kept open every day except Sunday. , 26. 1B9L. - fp T ' PITTSBURG FEASTED. Christmas Is Generally Gelebrated Throughout the Community. SCENES ON DOWNTOWN STBEETS. Elaborate Lunches Served by the Prominent Hostelries. MUSIC A FEATURE IN THE CHURCHES Christmas comes but once a year. The little children who awoke yesterday morn ing and clapped their tiny hands for joy over full stockings of candy and presents will wish that it came oftener. The man who howls for the ice pitcher at 6 o'clock this morning will be glad the day is over, and thankful that it won't occur again for 12 months. Innocence and folly tell the story. Joy and jags prevailed but the formerruled. All holidays are thoroughly appreciated in Pittsburg, and a short period of rest is always welcomed by the nervous, energetic people who live at a high tension. Christ mas, however, has peculiar charms, for with it comes the giving and receiving of fiifts. This beautiful custom was maintained yes terday, and put everybody in a good humor from the start. Remembering Those Usually rorgotton. The-poor were not forgotten, and saddened hearts were relieved and comforted through the noble work of charity. The weather was not perfect, but nobody growled about that If the air was soggy and it was a little damp underfoot, this did not deter pedestrians from tramping the streets. After the Christmas dinner was eaten, the dyspeptics started out lor a walk to help the overworked stomachs dispose of the plum pndding, and the boys and girls were glad of a chance to cultivate each other's acquaintance. The narrow side walks were, crowded all day long. A number of people from the rural districts came in to attend the theaters and hear the singing a$ the Welsh Eistedfodd. The play houses did a good business. Standing room only was written on the signs displayed, but the theaters would have done better if the day had been colder. The air was warm, and it was really pleas ant to gad the town,"and look at the pretty shop windows. The Difference In the Morning. Some of the boys gazed on old John Bar leycorn too long, and ate saner kraut and other indigestible things until nature re belled, but the dear fellows couldn't resist. With souls iull of regret they will swear off for another vear to-day, or vow not to take a drink within the county lines for 12 moons. There was football at Exposition Park for the athletically inclined, and those who witnessed the tame saw a good contest. For some reason the railroads were more de structive than usual, and n.earlya dozen lives were lost under the grinding wheels. Whether too much Christmas was respons ible or not for the result, it is no comfort to those who mourn the dead. But, taking it all toeether, Pittsburg has no reason to re gret the celebration. CHRISTMAS AT HOTELS. A Feast of Fat Things Served at the Local Honses for the Epicures The Lunches at the Leading Resorts Disappear in Short Order. The dinners at all the hotels yesterday were elaborate. The Monongahela House and Anderson led with the fullest bill of fare. The menu cards lacked no delicacy of the season. When, a house serves quail, venison, pheasant, duck and the old reliable turkey with any number of side dishes, the epicure must be hard to please who can't find some thing to satisfy' nis appetite, uame is plentiful and cheap this year, no thanks, however, to theame laws, and the quality is first-class. A great crop of grain seems to bring with it a full supply of birds ahd four-footed animals of the forest There were plenty of delicious meats on the tables yesterday, and the plum puddings were rich and jtalatable. The dining room of the Monongahela House was neatly decorated with flowers and green plants, and the dinner was ex cellent. Ever since this famous hotel was started the Christmas dinner has been a feature. Captain S. S. Brown, the proprie tor, established a new rule this year. All the employes of the house were given a present in money in proportion to position and salary. John W. Mackey, the California millionaire, has for years given his men a gift of a half month's salary at Christmas, and now Captain Sam Brown sets an example of his generosity. The menu card at the Anderson was very pretty and artistic. The words "Merry Christmas," were worked in old gold and crystal on an inside leaf. Each card was ornamented with a bow of some bright colored ribbon. On the outside cover was a partial view of a banquet table with the wine bottles and glasses full of good cheer. The lunch of young pig and turkey at the Duquesne was devoured between 10 o'clock and noon. At 1 o'clock the platter was cleaned up, and the porkers had disappeared. The luch was served early, and while it was in progress the barroom was. crowded with people. Wine flowed freely," and all agreed' that it was a jolly way to 'eat a Christmas dinner. ' There was a display of triumphs of the culinary art yesterday at M. Albert Men jou's Cafe Royal such as Pittsburg has never seen before. Five French cooks had been at work for a 'month past preparing the monumental dishes for yesterday's ex hibition. In the main room of the cafe these edifices of sugar, and spice and all that's nice, were set up at 9 o'clock, and the public took such interest in them and the delicacies which five white-aproned cooks sliced up and 16 waiters distributed, that by 2 o'clock there re- maineu oniy me rujus oi no less man o'j dishes, ranging from elaborate center pieces to comparatively simple truffled pheasants, boned turkey, chicken and quail. All the noted epicures of Pittsburg were on hand to Temember Albert's good health, and drink it, too, and not less than 1,000 people ad mired the cookery, after sampling it Among those who attended as art critics, as it were, were many hotel people, some of them Mr. Menjou's old associates. A rep resentation of the Bartholdi statue, in sugar, which remained on exhibition all day, was a fair sample of the whole dis play. M. Menjou got lots of compliments. IJT THE C0TJHTEY DISTRICTS. The Rural Lads Spend the Day Trying to Catch Rabbits. The rural districts employed Christina much in the usual way, but there being no snow the boys did not get as many rabbits as usual. Only those who could get the animals on the run had any success as the hunters were obliged to start them from their farms by the aid of dogs. The boys in the vicinity of Remington repaired to the Kansas schoolhouse and by dint of ringing the bell at frequent intervals for some hours, succeeded in gathering a large party and they spent the day playing oasebaLl and kicking football. The Presbyterians of Coraopblis cave their usual juvenile entertainment on. Christmas i.ve ana the little people en joyed it to the utmost, many of them dressed as'browntes playing the role of Santa Claus in the distribution of sweetmeats. Alderman McKenna Remembered. The P. J. Dohohne Club, of the First ward, held its annual reception yesterday. When the festivities were at teir height Alderman Donohuo suddenly called the assemblage to order, and in a neat speech presented Alderman McKenna with a hand some diamond scarf pin as slight token of regard from many friends. The Alderman, although taken by surprise, responded in a happy manner. AT THE CITY CHTJ3CHKS. Mnslcal Programmes and Sunday School Entertainments Were Enjoyable. Christmas was duly celebrated at many of the leading Pittsburg churches. A large crowd was out at the 5 o'clock mass at St Paul's Cathedral, and those -at later hours were well attended. At St Peter's Church an .elaborate musical programme was ren dered. At St. John's K. C Church and St. Andrew's Episcopal special attention was also given to the musical features. At many of the other churches scattered over the two cities there were Sunday school and other entertainments, at which the younger element enjoyed themselves largely. Particularly was this the case at the Methodist Protestant Church at Fifth and Marion, where the features of last even ing's entertainment were especially pleas ant THE NEWSBOYS AT DIHNEB. Lively Scenes at the Third Annual Ban quet at the Home. The third annual dinner of the News boys' .Home on Old avenue was given yes terday from 11 to 1 o'clock, and a royal, merry Christmas time was had. Seventy boys, the majority of whom were "newsies," and 15 girls, were seated at the tables and indulged themselves in the choice repast Turkey, chicken, cranberries, candies, nut and other good things were spread and enjoyed. Everyone there was cared for and befriended. None seemed to regret the absence of a parents' home, because they were indtilced in the delicacies of tho holi day board and shared in the good will and spirit of the day with an enthusiasm, loyal and grateful. The dinner was given by W. B. Thomp son, Charles Lockhart, James J. Buchanan, C A. Kitzmiller, J. B. D. Meeds, James W. Drape, S. S. Marvin & Co. and J. P. Hanna. A gift was received lrom Mrs. S. Stewart, of Kidze avenue, Allegheny, con sisting of a cap for each of the boys. A REMEDY MOST BE FOUND. Patrons or Traction Lines Will Not Submit to the Continual Overcrowding A Re ply to the Remarks Hade by Chief Brown Fntnre Possibilities. The people of the Southside rejoiced yes terday at the intelligence conveyed to them through The Dispatch that more cars were to be placed on their line. The views of the magnates of the roads in the other sections of the city were by no means as satisfactory to those directly interested. One well-known East End citizen said: "Chief Brown, who, by the way, is a di rector of the Duquesne road, makes some remarks which would be ludicrous were, it not for the fact that the arguments advanced are used to cover the evident intention not to provide any better accommodations for the traveling public Mr. Brown says that there is no possible remedy for the crowded cars because there are too many people. The city surely should not complain ot too large a population. We all hope and ex pect that there will be more people here in the future, and such will surely be the case. Then what is to be done? Are the cars to become more and more crowded and still no remedy? v "But there will be a remedy," the gen tleman continued. "If the street railways now in existence cannot possibly handle the people there will be more street railways. It might be necessary to adopt the elevated system. Or, possibly, the managers of the Pennsylvania Company may have their at tention called to the unique views of Chief Brown and take steps to secure a depot in the.business center where they could handle those people unable to get on tne cars to and trom the East End. The 'no seat, no fare' plan may not be as perfect in practice as in theory, but it would not hurt for Coun cils to try an ordinance of that kind. If it did not prevent crowding it would stir the companies up to doing something that would." Other patrons of the traction lines ex- .sa&. wivutiivo ... c 0.U...... a..a..i, amu . ail unite in aemanaing mat someming oe done at once in the interest of public safety and comfort BIBER & EAST0N. OUR ANNUAL CLEARANCE SALE Previous to stock taking. All must go WITHOUT KESEBVE. OUR TRIMMING ROOM You will find here ladies' and genta handkerchiefs, gloves, hosiery, underwear trimmings, eta, all at reduced figures. Some are odd lots, some are slightly soiled. The price will make them go quick. , OUR DRESS GOODS AND SILK STOCK ' Kepresent the choicest production of Eu rope and America. Many entire lines at fully one-half former values. BEAUTIFUL FRENCH ROBES And combinations at 50c on the dollar. Deep cuts made in our CLOAK AND SUIT-DEPARTMENT. All made up goods. All fur goods. All fancy goods i Invite the inspection of prudent buyer, - BIBER & EAST0N, 05 AKD 507 MAEKET ST. de25-TTSSU TJ. and S. Special Sale of Pure Silk Hosiery. We offer for the holiday season a. rare as sortment of Pure Si'k Hose, in black and colors, at greatlv reduced price: $2 quality for $1 60; $2 B0 quality for 11 75, or three pairs in box for (5. The colors are red, gray, bronze, pink, sky blue, nile green and pure white. ULRICH & SPENCER, Specialties in Hosiery and Underwear for Men, Women and Children. 642 Penn Avenue Open Saturday Evening1- de9rrs THE HT) 1 TlfTIT T?mm "arm A,r rurnaces ,and CIJiDEUEtLA RAXGES AND STOVEd. UAS KAXGES AXD BIIOILERS, oeS-ra S08 Wood (treat Plttsbuxg.Fa J KXTT ADVJtKlISMH F.M1S , The Leading Pittsburg, Fa. Dry Goods House. Saturday, Dee. 58, 18M. JOS. EOiE k C0.'S PEM AVENUE STORE! TO-DAY, TO-DAY, TO-DAY, TO-DAY, We offer for sale our entire stock of Christmas Fancy Goods, including all the handsome and elegant, useful and ornamental novel ties that have pleased thousands and sold by scores of dozens during the .season, such as, Glove Cases, Handkerchief Cases, Handkerchief Sachets, Silk and Kid Novelties, Stationery Boxes, Comb Cases, Scrap Baskets, Pin Cushions, Paper Racks, Toilet Sets, Catchalls, Photo Holders, AT 1 2 And Less than half Former prices TO-DAY, TO-DAY, TO-DAY, TO-DAY. JOS. H0RNE & C0M) . 607-621 PENS AVE. P. S. Also odd pieces in silver. dtS CARPETS : -AT- REDUCED PRICES. f Our Entire Line MOQUETTFS At 75c, $1, $1 15, Sf 25. All Latest Styles. With Borders to Match. All our Wilton, Azminster and Body Brussels Carpets reduced to correspondingly low prices. LARGE LINE DAGHESTAN RUGS -AND- FUR RUGS. At Special Prices. EDWARD GR0ETZINGER, 627 AND 639 PENN AVENUE. de2o-TTssa ENGRAVED - g Wedding Invitations, Catling Cards, Etc- W. V. DERMITT & CO., 407 Grant stirejfc. " - noSO-TTMU V