&7'
2
THE. PITTSBURG DISPATCH, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1892.
Belcium and France the people are turning
Jrom'the railroads to the canals.
SU?am as the Motive Power.
Tor rears the Colonel advocated the in
troduction of steam as the motive power on
canals. Cur old waterways were constructed
rears ago, and were adequate to ine needs
of the country at the time. Because the
growth of business outstripped tbera and
the people got the railros.d craze is no reason
why large canals carrying steam vessels
would not be a great step in advance to-day
instead of backward, as the railroad people
claim. Tin' railroads are very selfish of
their interet ts, and yet every man knows
they are ot equal to the traffic of the
pniintrv. Witness tbe excessive rates
charaej and tl'e Jons delays and trouble we
have to contend with in shipping goods.
The only quest 'on about the Erie canal is
its feasibility. Uncle Sam should build
these internal aterways lor the benefit of
the people. Ihe time is coming when
the Government; will take hold of these
great projects in earnest. It won't be Jong
liefore'the national debt will be wined out,
and then Uncle 'Sam trill be in a position
to develop the interior. I admire the way
in which the Southern people by pulling
together have secured millions Irom the
Government to sink in mud holes. "While
the Korth has been frittering away its time
and opportunities the South has been get
ting appropriations, and I regret to state
that most of the Money for mud hole im
provements was so much thrown away.
The United States has grown to such an ex
tent that nothing small will do for our peo
ple in the future. Our eyes have been
jpned, and I am in favor of any great pro
ject like the Erie Ginal, because it will help
the country."
Cincinnati Enthtulastlc Tor the Canal.
Captain "Wise, another prominent river
man, said the Cincinnati people were en
thusiastic for the canal. lie had canvassed
Ihe river Congressmen, and they will vote,
for the canal bill this winter. "You need,
not waste vour time," he continued, "inter
viewing the nvennen. They are all in.
line and as anxious for the construction of
the canal as the coal operators and packet
navigators in Pittsburg."
"W. H. Field, Vice President of the
American Cotton Seed Oil Company, won
dered if the Lord was not against the enter-
prise. Still, ne was not opposed to tne
project if it was feasible. He had heard of
the canal in a general way, but had no idea
of the details. "I am a railroad man," he
taid, "for several reasons. In the old days
we shipped our oil on the rivers. It was han
dled carelessly and throwninto the mud at the
wharves, where it laid often for a long time.
It was disagreeable to move it, so we com
menced shipping on the rtiilways. How
we have tracks running to our warehouses
and we load directly on the cars without
extra handling. But I can see where if
the Erie Cauai was built it would help our
business. Our supplT of caustic soda and
coal comes from the East, and could be
shipped at a low rate by water. The same
is true of iron. "What I want to see is a.
better water supply for Cincinnati. If this
canal will benefit the city, I am in favor of
it."
Lack of Enterprise Deprecated.
Captain Alexander Montgomery, another
wealthy owner of a line of boats that ply
between Pittsburg and St. Louis, com
plained bitterly ot the lack of enterprise
among river people. He said the public at,
large had no idea of the importance of the
Ohio river. "I am a great believer in navi
gation," he said, "and it is a pity that the
streams of the interior are neglected. Ihe
Ohio should not only be made navigable all
the year around, but it should be connected
with the lakes. The commerce of the Ohio
is no small matter, and ought to be in
creased and protected. It wouldn't take a
vast deal ot money to confine the water audi
make the river deep enough to float vessels
at all times. The traffic is more than suffi
cient to warrant the expenditure in im
provements. "Then the construction of the Erie Canal
would add to the alue of the Ohio lOOlold.
Tbe grain and iron ore would come this way
through Pittsburg, and there wouldn't be
this constant blockade on the railroads dur
ing the v. inter season. I need not say that
the river and canal oiler the safest means of
transportation in the world. "When a man
ships by rit er he can go to bed at night
lerlmg reasonably sure that sooner
or later his lreirfit will reach its
destination all right. The wrecks on the
river are few and far between, and are
insinly caused by railroad impediments,
principally bridge piers.
I'.uilway Smatlmps Too Frequent
''But how numerous are tbe rsmashups
on the railways! Every day large quanti
ties ot valuable goods are destoyed and the
drain on the country is considerable. It is
airpnsing what an ordinary river boat can
move in one cargo. For example, one ot
my boats, the Frisbee, will leave Pittsburg
tor Cincinnati to-day with about 0,000 ions
ot freight on board. In the cargo are
1,500.000 brick, nails and steel rails trom
the Edgar Thomson mill. The rails were
loaded trom the river bank at Braddnck,
and was done easier than putting them on
car. It would take a very long train to
carry the Frisbce's shipment. I leel con
fident the Erie Canal will be built"
"W. B. Carpenter ii one of the delegates
to the National Board ot Trade, and ill
vote for the indorsement of the Erie Canal.
He attended the last watern ay convention
at Evansville and is a leading member of
the Cincinnati Freight Bureau. Mr. Car
perter is a stationer, so that he can't be
accused ot having an ax to grind in urging
the construction ol the canal save that of
interest in the growth of his city. He said
that any improvement or " extension
ol navigation that would benefit Pittsburg
would help Cincinnati. The interests ot
the uo cities are common and identical,
l'e said local shippers complain of freight
discriminations, and he had seen enough to
know that tbe complaints were just. He
abided that he uas glad of the opportnnity
to nork with Pitlsburgers for the success
ot the enterprise. He hoped the day was
coming when the Ohio, the Mississippi, the
great lakes and the ocean would be con
nected by a series of waterways.
O. Or. Kingsbury is also a member of the
delegation to the Board of Trade. He is
the manager ol the American Express Com
pany. In Cincinnati pretty nearly every
busiuess man in the city is a member of the
Chamber of Commerce. The men at the
head of the transportation companies take
u active interest. In the case ot the
American Express Company, the corpora
tion pays the annual dues lor its agent, and
is glad to be represented in the trade organi
zation. In Pittsburg the express agents
state that they are not given a chance to
work with other business people in the
Chamber oi Commerce.
Money Couldn't Ke Better Spent.
Mr. Kingsbury in discussing the canal
said. "1 don't know an thing about the de
ta.ls ot the project, but I believe it will be
a good thing lor the country and money
well spent. I am not worried about the
feasibility of the scheme. That isa question
lor the engineers. I am in favor of any
improvement that will help business."
;i will be remembered that some time
agj the Wells, Fargo Express Company
was lorced out of Pittsburs. It leased the
sxpress privileges trom the Pittsburg and
v esiern road, but when it was purchased
bv the Baltimore and Ohio,
tne United States Company got pos
spss on. For a time the Wells,
I ai,.'o Company intended to maintain
t Pittsburg office by using the riterto
W heeling and tbe Wheeling and Lake Erie
roau from that point, but finally owing to
tut roundabout route the plan was abau
dri.ed. This bit ot ancient history is cited
i' show how competition is stifled in Pitts
t t With a canal to the lakes and a
cat cable river lo Cincinnati both cities
koj.i1 be better off bo far as transportation
lui.li ies are concerned.
i. Brookfield, also a National Board
of Irade delegate, sprained his ankle some
t.ise ago, and has bten unable to walk since
with ut crutches. Mr. Brookfield believes
waterways should be built and the rivers
improved to hold down the railroads, "I
haven't looked into the Erie canal scheme,"
he said, "but I have heard considerable
about its object and it is good. Of course
everything depends on its feasibility. I
believe all our large rivers should be
utilized, and the work should be done
by competent Gov eminent engineers. The
troubl e in this countrv is that too much
monev is wasted
s wasted on useless improvement',
thin ir is evident, the railroads can't
But one
handle the business, and navigation cheap
ens freight rates. For these reasons I am in
favor of any feasible waterway that will
benefit the cities of the interior."
Time Jor the North to Come In.
Mr. Stone, a prominent broker, as he
studied intently a map of the Erie canal,
said: "I am tired of seeing the South get
all the money from the Government for
waterway improvements while the North is
practically cut off with nothing. Our peo
ple miss it by not uniting and pulling to-
, gether. It is not jealousy but apathy that
is responsible. I bare heard in a general
way of the Erie canal project and that is all
1 know about it, but if it is a worthy enter
prise the people should band together and
insist that Uncle Sara build it. We are en
tirely too modeBt We need canals or some
thing eliie to keep the railroads in line.
They are too arrogant and independent"
Captain Holloway, Commodore David
Gibson, Captain Johnston and other Cin
cinnati, people spoke favorably of the
project. Captain Holloway wanted to
know whether Lake Erie is higher than
the Ohio river. He seemed to think if the
lake was lower that the canal could not be
constructed. A number of people have the
same idea, and it is a mistake. Well, the
lake at Conneaut Harbor is lower than the
river at Pittsburg, bnt the difference can
easily be overcome by locks. The water
supply on the summit was guaranteed by
such engineers as the late Mr. Goodwin and
is by CoL T. P. Roberts. The pool heisht at
Pittsburg is 6913 feet, and the eleva
tion of the summit level 10.1G
feet. The difference or 316.7 feet,
is the distance to the summit on the river
side. The elevation of Lake Erie at Con
neaut harbor u 572.9 leet above the ocean,
or the lake is 443.1 feet below tbe summit.
That is, the lake is about 127 feet lower
than the river at the points named. The
total lockage to overcome is 759 feet, and
Colonel Roberts is authoritv for the state
ment that no other canal scheme projected
between the Ohio and the lakes can mako
such a showing. In all of them the lockage
is more and the distance to the lakes
longer. In addition the water supply on
the summit is not as extensive as along the
route mapped out through Western Penn
sylvania. The "Water Supply Insufficient.
Marietta is the only point along the Ohio
where the river and the lake are on the
same level, but the summit to overcome is
higher than in the Pittsburg project, and
the water supply is not sufficient Accord
ing to the Government reports on proposed
canals across the State of Ohio, the Pitts
burg route is the shortest, being 103 miles
long, and almost a straight line from the
mouth of the Beaver rivers, and is by
far the most feasible and cheapest to build.
Fut thermore, such a canal would have the
benefit of the great lake traffic that origi
nateii daily in the metropolis of Western
Pennsylvania at the beRd of the Ohio.
It is strange how, if you want to hear the
news about yonr own locality, you can get it
away from home. I heard in'Cincinnati of
a serious division that occurred at one stage
in tbe Pennsylvania Commission about the
lake terminus of the canaL Secretary
Eben Brewer, being an Erie man, naturally
wanted the canal to run to his town, and
the people in the city were anxious that
Erie should not be ignored. But
Colonel Roberts and Mr. Goodwin
found it was easier to steer straight for
Conneaut across the Western Reserve. The
subject was hotly discussed on both sides,
and finally the Erie people were convinced
that owing to the formation of the ground
Conneaut was the most acceptable harbor.
Colonel Roberts argued that the canal
would be accessible to Erie anyhow, as the
distiuce by lake from the city "to Conneaut
is 22 miles. The truth is that the route to
Erie by way of Conneaut is not much, if
any, longer than if the canal were built
direct to the city lrom Pittsburg.
James Israel
FIRE It? A GSEEHH0USE.
Flames Do Much Damage to the Con
servatory In the Allegheny Park.
The office ot the greenhouse of the Alle
ghany Parks caught fire shortly before S
o'clock yesterday afternoon, and was dam
aged to the extent of nearly 51,200. The
fire originated in the telephone closet, and
was caused by the crossing of two electric
light wires. The flames had gained consid
erable headway before they were discov
ed. -
"Water damaged the furnishings, which
are costly, to a great extent The damage
to woodwork, windows and furnishings
will amount to at least 5500, and two val
uable paintings, one painted by Miss Olive
Turney, a landscape, and one by John
Hammer, a life-size portrait of a boot
black, both of which were ruined bv the
fire, will amount to about S700. The plants
in the greenhouse were not damaged any.
There was no insurance.
WILL START A HEW PLAHT.
A nttsbnrg Glass Company Secures Control
of a House at Beaver Tails.
It is reported that a representative of
the United States Glass Company has com
pleted negotiations whereby this company
will secure control of the idle glass house at
Beaver Falls. The arrangements are that
the United States Glass Company rig up
the plant, make tbe necessarv repairs and
start up the house at once. Three hundred
men will be employed and druggists' goods
will be made a specialty. This company's
houses in this city has been devoted almost
exclusively to the .manufacture of table
ware, and it is thought the plant at Beaver
Falls is intended to.supply the deficiency
the concern has heretofore experienced in
this particular class of flint glass manufac
ture. TBAIHS BADLY DELAYED.
Impossible to Slake Schedule Time on Ac
count or the Weather.
Once more the through trains " on the
Pennsylvania road were knocked topsy
turvy last evening. The Columbian express
is due in Pittsburg at 9 o'clock, but at this
hour the express had not vet
reached Altoona, and the dispatchers
did not know what was the matter. The
train was marked annulled on' the. bulletin
boards. The limited 'ana last line also .were
several hours lat'e. The grumbling of pas
sengers resembled the rumbling of an earth
quake, but the public must expect belated
trains when the travel is heavy and the
weather cold.
All the Eastern trains were crowded last
evening. Three sections of the fast line
were run to accommodate the people.
A FEMALE PICKPOCKET.
Sho Secures a Parse With 830 In It at the
Market House.
Mary Eaby, of Lawrenceville, was ar
rested last evening on a charge of having
taken a pocketbook. The complaint was
made by Mary Turney, of Wightman's
Row, Carson street, Soutbside. She alleges
while at the market house she caught Mrs.
Eaby in the act of taking her pocketbook.
She called an officer who arrested the
woman and took her to Central station.
The pocketbook which contained $30 was
found on her. She afterwards furnished
bail for her appearance at the hearing.
Steel Company's Election.
The stockholders of the Columbia Iron
and Steel Company was held at Uniontown
yesterday. The officers elected were: Robert
Hogsett, President; James A. Searight,
Vice President; W. If. Kratzer, Secretary;
M. H. Bowman, Treasurer; John K. Ewing,
a Yeager, H. a Rush, E. M. Butz and
Nathaniel Ewingr directors.
Da. B. M. Hiatal. Eye, ear,' nose and
throat diseases exclusively. Office 720Penn
street, Pittsburg, Pa.
Da. Jons Coo rut, Jr. Bar, nose, throat&nd
chest diseases. Office Westlngbonse build
lnp, Pittsburg, Pa. Hour? 11 . ji.toiP.it
CII1 CHRISTMAS
The Joyful Holiday Season
This Time Will Extend
Over Three Days.
ONE YEAR OF PEOSPEEITY
And Pittsburg Dutifully Celebrates
With Heavy Purchases.
MANY POCKET LADEN SHOPPERF.
rostoffices, Ixpress offices and Karriage
Licenses Booming-.
MIDNIGHT SERVICES AT TRINITY
Sweetness long drawn out might be the
youth's description of Christmas this year,
as it is rather elongated. It really began
with dusk last night and will not end until
daylight Tuesday morning. There is some
thing so epidemic in either joy or sorrow
that they spread like wildfire through
human sympathy. Jov and happiness reign
fust now, when all the world is giving and
all the world receiving, and, judging from
tbe throngs of well dressed, package-laden
hurrying people, Pittsburg -has nothing to
want that prosperity cannot give.
The real season of pleasure with the chil
dren began last night, when many churches
and Sunday schools threw open their doors
to welcome both their scholars and passing
little strangers to a gorgeous Christmas
tree with candies, books and presents for
all. With the elders it began . in the way
of quiet little entertainments, receptions
and friendly gatherings. whre old friends
meet and have a word to say of tbe olden
days, when they, too, were young enongh
to appreciate a Christmas tree, a -popgun or
a new pair of boots with copper toes.
Git ins, Not Receiving.
They are not in. the receiving business
now, are these elders, unless it be a nice
little packet of cigars, or slippers, or some
thing more valuable, while the elderly lady
will be quite content with her bonnet, un
less, of course, the giver should insist on a
diamond or sealskin.
They are giving now, are these elders,
and giving freely, if the word of the store
keepers, jewelers and all business men can
be taken as fact, and this will be proven by
the little ones this morning, when all these
mysterious packages will be opened and
The Lout Chance.
spread forth to their surprise and delight.
The blizzard has no terrors for Pitts
burgers judging from the crowds in the
streets and stores on Christmas Eve. Every
body was on one errand bent, and that was
shopping. Every store was wide open and
crowded to suffocation. The jewelry, candy
stores and the express offices did an especi
ally heavy business.
For the Inner Man.
The markets did a big business in articles
for the inner man, such as turkeys and game
of all kinds, the noble American bird pre
dominating. Many a filled basket destined
to grace, the festive Christmas board to-day
passed through the matketslast evening.
There was also a brisk demand for holly,
mistletoe, Christmas trees and other decor
ations. The fruit men were not forgotten,
and they secured their share ot the spoils.
The toy man must have entirely sold out,
as every boy met on the street was armed
with a rocking horse, wagon or drum. The
express drivers could not have slept a mo
ment last night if thev delivered even half
the goods in their offices and on the side
walks. There were many pleasing sights to be
seen on the streets. Young couples were
seen, often accompanied by an evergreen
brush, with their fac-s shining with the joy
within them, enough to make the crustiest
old bachelor envious. The husband was
there, carrying a market basket out ot
which peeped a big turkey flanked with
celery and such things. There were bappy
families, a father and several of his young
est, all laden down with tor wagons, drums,
etc., making a "bee line for home.
The Street Cars Were Crowded.
The street cars were crowded and did a
rushing business, and it was quite a feat for
some ot tbe people to get on, laden as they
were, and when inside to save their pre
cious packages from destruction.
At the different depots there was stand
m 1
A Novel Sight.
1
- 'is
I A$kUP
I 1
ing room only. Many were going long
distances to eat their Christmas dinner with
friends and relatives whom, perhaps, they
had not seen for years. Many of the rail
roads diefnot give any reduction in fares,
but the crowd seemed as big as in former
years. Small boys were wrestling with
Christmas trees "and velocipedes as big as
themselves, but they struggled bravely, and
finally successfully. The employes of the
stores will singa'pean of joy, and so will
many other people, when the festive season
is over, judemg trom their fatigued looks
last night.
' MANY POSTED PACKETS.
The City Postofflces Simply Loaded Down
With Mall Slatter-The Largest Busi
ness Ever Done Here Some Very Novel
Requests to Mall Bulky Matter.
"We have done the' biggest business this
Christmas in the history of the Pittsburg
postoffice," Mr. McKean said yesterday af
ternoon. "The special delivery has also
been the biggest for years. The night and
day force have been during double turn all
the week and every sub has been called into
requisition. Notwithstanding the ava
lanche of business, not a single mail has
been missed, not even on fourth-class mat
ter." The business yesterday reached the
climax, when it overflowed to the corridors,
both in Pittsburg aud Allegheny. Some
half dozen tables w ere placed in the cor
ridors ot the Pittsburg office, and fitted out
with all the necessary paraphernalia and
weighing machines. There was an attend
ant Kept very busy at each table, aud sev
eral attendants kept singing out, "Pack
ages weighed right here at these tables. "
There ere enough police around to keep
a look out for the light fingered gentry.
There were packages' ot all sizes and shapes,
and the one chief concern of the senders
wa that they should arrive by Christmas
Day.
'ihe clerks had to answer everybody in
dividually. One little boy came in with a
rocking horse and was deeply chagrined
when the postoffice couldn't take it. He
was advised tp try the express offices. An
other wanted to mail a turkey. As one of
the clerks remarked, "the next thing thev
will ask me to mail will be a Christmas
tree." At 3 P. M., it was almost
impossible to wade through the corridors.
In the interior of the postoffice there was a
mountain of packages' being sorted by the
employes. The new stamping machine
came in very opportunely. It can stamp
35,000 letters in an hour even if run by an
inexperienced hand. The deftest stamper
in the office can only stamp 9,000 au hour,
aud an average man only 0,000. There was
also a very big business doue in registered
packages, and judging by tbe pile in mat
department there are lots of people in
Pittsburg with lots ot spare cash for friends
in this country and abroad.
There was a special delivery last night
between 7 and 10 in all the resident parts of
the city, and to-day the special delivery
window will be open between 7a.11 and 5
PM.
A MIDNIGHT 8ERVICS.
Large Attendance at the Tiinity Protestant
Episcopal Church.
A midnight service ot holy communiop
was held in the Trinity Protestant Episco
pal Church last night. A large congrega
tion was present. This was the first mid
night service held in this city for many
years, and is one of the many innovations
introduced by Dr. Arundel since he became
rector of Trinity parish. Dr. Arundel
delivered an address on the Holy Season.
The services were short, only the usual
music being given, enabling people to get
home at a reasonable hour. The church
was superbly decorated with evergreens
and exotics. t
Although midnight service is an innova
tion in Pittsburg in many Catholic coun
tries it had been the custom for genera
tions. The principal Catholie churches
in Paris, especially St. Eustache, St. Sul
pice and Notre Dame, hold magnificent
services on Christmas Eve. Some of the.
best singers in Paris, even from the Grand
Opera, sing at these services. An admis
sion fee is charged and the congregation In
cludes many religions.
In addition to the midnight service there
will be held services at 7:30 and 10 this
morning and 7:30 P. M. The choir has
specially prepared a number of Christmas
anthems lor these services.
CHRISTMAS DINNER TO-DAY.
Hotels Promise a Feast That Will Lack
Nothing of the Season.
Most of tbe hotels will observe Christmas
to-day. At least tbe Anderson, Mononga
hela House, St. Charles and Seventh Ave
nue will have a special dinner, with plum
pudding and all the game of the season on
the bill of fare, to say nothing of the delica
cies ard dainty bits that only first-class
chefs know how to make.
Some very pretty menu cards have been
Drinted as mementos ot the occasion. The
hotels are keeping them dark until the
dinner honr arrives. The man who can't
get a square meal in Pittsburg to-day must
have a very capricious appetite, and not
even the cooks in heaven could satisfy him.
The Central people think that Monday is
the proper day to observe, and will furnish
an extra dinner to-morrow.
Mr. Witherow, of the Duquesne, smiles
when asked what kind of a noon layout he
will have in the barroom. On Thanksgiv
ing tbe lunch served was unique and equal
to an excellent dinner. As for John
Schlosser, he has been buying all the colors
to be had in the city to make his bar attract
ive, aud promises a displar of good things
that will make people glad they are living.
The public is expectant.
TUEEETS "HIOH-PEICED.
People Had to Make Up Yesterday for the
Low Bates at Thanksgiving;
Turkeys were at a premium last evening.
Several days ago the commission men paid
17 cents a pound for them at wholesale and
they had uo difficulty in getting 20 cents.
Chickens jumped up to 16 and 17 cents.
The plethora of poultry around Thanks
giving bad disappeared. At that time
dealers were glad to get 10 cents per pound
for turkeys.
Tons ot turkey were shipped to Pittsburg
at Thanksgiving, add the cold storage men
gobbled them up at a low rate and sold
them yesterday. The Christmas diner who
was unfortunate enough -to get one of them
will hud the fowl touch eating to-day.
They were badlv frozen and the skin had
turned black. All the juices had dried out,
but the claim was made that the meat was
not tainted. If your turkey is not satis
factory vou will know irom this item that
it was killed a month ago.
Farmers never like to keep poultry after
the cold weather sets in, and they kill off
the fowls at the first opportunity to make a
sale. The granger who held his turkeys
this year will get a better profit for them on
New Year's Day. Even rabbits were high
priced yesterday, and brought 60 cents per
pair. As a rule they sell lor 25 and 35 cents.
FBESEHTS AT CITY HALL.
Plenty of Kind Remembrances and Good
Cheer In the Municipal Building.
City Hall officials observed their usual
custom of giving their subordinates Christ
mas presents, and nearly every man in the
building received something. Chief Bige
low presented each of his office force with
handsome presents and the clerks in his de
partment each received a silk umbrella.
City Treasurer Denniiton gave his clerks
each a big turKey. Delinquent Tax Col
lector Ford remembered all his elerks, but
to his chief clerk, Joseph Lewis, he gave a
handsome gold watch.
The police officials and front office men
all received more turkeys, umbrellas and
presents of various kinds than they knew
what to do with. '
The employes of Assistant Superintendent
of Highways Paisley presented blm with nn
excellent crayon portrait of himself, framed
aud hung up in his house to surprise him.
The clerks in the City Assessor's office
all received silk umbrellas from a Smith
field street firm.
FIGHTING JACK FROST.
Storekeepers Uusy Scraping Frost From
Their Windows.
Among the amusing scenes along the
streets last evening were the vigorous
attempts of shopkeepers to rub the frost off
their show windows. The weather was so
extremely cold that all the vapor in the
stores was soon transformed into fantastic
shapes on the glass, and it was impossible
to get even a squint at the array of
aons ana boots and otner prenj
things displayed inside. Colored men
were busy with hot water and cloths keep
ing away the ice which lormcJ as rapidly as
it was removed.
In some cases it was noticed that the
Eroprietprs in their anxiety to get rid of
oliday goods took a hand at the job them
selves, but they did not have any more suc
cess than their employes. People stood
outside and laughed at the men scraping
irpst from the glass. They seemed to be
m'ore interested in watching the fleeting
shadows inside than buying Christmas
presents.
At the Union Depot last evening an ex
tra force of policemen and ushers was put
on to handle the crowd. The most desira
ble place in the station was over a.fire
grate, and half.frozen men and women hov
ered around it trying to keep warm.
GOOD THINGS ALL SOLD.
The Market Was Swept or All Its Stores
TestCrday.
The market was flooded with people all
day yesterday and until late last night.
Extra help was needed to take care of the
iucreased patronage.
After 11 o'clock last night the stalls
looked empty, and their keepers wore a sat
isfied look. Even at that late hour the big
houses were well-filled, but there was little
choice. Long rows of game that had beeu
displayed early in the evening were gone.
The fish markets were bought out and even
tbe ordinary meats were pretty well sold.
The little stands which fringe the build
ing did a big business yesterday. Nearly
everybody stopped at some one of them
and laid in a supply ot nuts, candies or
fruits. The Christmas tree merchants dis
posed of most of their stock, and the holly
vender was kept busy handing out bundles
of this holiday trimming.
THIS IS COLD WEATHER.
Nothing Warmer Is Promised by the Signal
Service Man To-Day.
Those who believe in the modern doctrine
that the earth is approaching the sun grad
ually and that the winters are growing
warmer and the summer hotter had their
faith in the theory rudely shaken
yesterday. The weather was cold
enough to suit anybody. The keen
and nipping air made well-clad
people shiver. The icy zephyrs congealed
the blood in the ears and chaied the hands
until more than one cried out with pain.
The lowest temperature was 10 degrees
above zero and the average 13, which is 21
degrees below the normal. The weather
promises to be just as cold to-day. This
will be pleasant news to the lovers'of skat
ing and the boys who like coasting, but the
lamilies shy o'n natural gas, and they are
numerous, will be sorry toTiear it.
AN UNKNOWN D0N0E.
A Woman Who Every Tear Gives Presents
to the Poor.
Together with a large package of chil
dren's books and toys, Chief Elliot of the
Department of Charities yesterday received
the following letter:
It. c. Elliot :
Dear Sin Find herewith a few little
thtiiK.., uliich please deliver to some of your
little folk, wnlcn I trust will please and
make them happy. Bespectfully,
A. Friksd.
Every Christmas for the past five years,
this mysterious donor has sent something
for the children. Chief Elliot knows who
tbe person is, but at his or her request re
fuses to give the name.
The children at the City Poor Farm were
not forgotten. Last night Santa Claus visi
ted tbe Farm and left a gift and some candy
for each poor little soul. To-day the in
mates will gather around a table loaded
with a toothsome Xmas dinner. There
will be 1,000 pounds of turkey to start with
and all the pleasant trimmings will go with
it.
A HAPPY CHEI6IMA5.
Chief Elliot Will Make It So for at Least
One Family.
Chief Elliot, of the Department of Chari
ties, will make one little home happy to
day. During the week Mrs; Mary Can
ning, of the East End, called 'at the depart
ment for aid. She and her children were
starving and freezing. The case was in
vestigated and found to be a needy one.
Mr. Elliot sept them the necessities
needed. He was interested in the ca&e, and,
as he so often does, went into his own
pocket and boucht the children Christmas
gilts. To-day he will see that the family
has a better dinner than it has had lor years.
AMUSED THE CSOWS.
One Person's Novel Idea of Transporting a
Big Christmas Tree.
Quite a novel Christmas sight was wit
nessed on Fifth avenue yesterday afternoon
at 3 o'clock on a Filth avenue cable car
bound for tbe suburbs. Snmebody bad
evidently found a new method oi trans
porting his Christmas tree home.
A. gigantic Christmas tree was lashed up
right to the dashboard of the rear platform
and towered majestically over tbe roof of
the car. It seemed to amuse the holiday
crowd immensely.
TOO CLOSE TO SUNDAY.
Yesterday Was Not as Good a Day foi
Marriage Licenses as Usual.
The number of marriage licenses issued
yesterday is unusually small as compared
with those formerly issued on the day be
fore Christmas.
Last year there were 61 licenses issued on
December 24. Yesterday the number only
reached 40. This is accounted for by reason
ot Christmas falling on Sunday.
A Christmas Girt for Firemen.
The members ot the Columbia Engine
Company, Allegheny, received a hand
some Christmas present last evening. It
was in tbe shape of twenty beautifully
bound volumes comprising the works of
Charles Dickens, Alexander Dumas and
Victor Hugo. The donors were Miss
Eugene and John B, Carroff, of Sandusky
street, Allegheny.
Christmas at a Hospital.
Christmas was appropriately celebrated
by the patients and occupants of the Ho
meopathic Hospital last night. Every pa
tient and employe received a present from
a Chrtmas tree. He v. A. W. Arundel
made a short address and music enlivened
the celebration.
A Detective in Trouble.
G. D. Hammond was placed in tbe Alle
gheny lockup last night on a charge of dis
orderly conduct. Hammond' claims to be
an officer of the Merchants' Detective
Agency, of Pittsburg. He went to a house
on Montgomery avenue with a warrant for
a woman. She refused to go with him, and
it ii alleged he drew a revolver, and raised
a disturbance. Officer Holly arrested him.
IS ON HIS DEATHBED.
Father 'Henrici, Leader of the Econo
mites, Believed to lie
RAPIDLY APPROACHING BIS END.
Suffering From Taralysls and Partially
Unconscious.
THE CONSFQUENCES OP HI8 DEATII
The condition of the venerable Jacob
Henrici, head of the Harmony Society of
Economy, is giving the members of that
organization much anxiety. He has been
very feeble for some time, but during the
past week he has been sinking rapidly and
grave fears are entertained tor his life.
The severe weather of this week is
thought to be responsible to a
great extent for the rapid change for the
worse. The doctors sa that on account of
his advanced age death may come any time
or he may linger for quite a while. He has
shown great vitality in the past, and ihe
doctors base their hopes of his living lor
some time on this fast alone.
Father Henrici is thought to have suf
fered a partial paralytic stroke of the throat
and vocal chords, as he has much difficulty
in speaking and breathing. This is aggra
vated by his apoplectic disposition. He is
suffering from great debility and lies in a
paitial comatose condition much of the
time.
Has Lost Interest in Life.
He manifests no interest in what is going
on around him, and it is with some diffi
culty that be recognizes his closest friends.
He is in bis 89th year and in his enfeebled
condition the doctors have little hopes of
his living lor any length of time.
What is occupying the attention of the
Economites at present is who will be his
successor. This society has had many ex
citing periods in its history, and it was
only through tbe saeacious ioresizht of its
leader, that it has been kept together. He
has so endeared himself to his people as to
be looked vupon as a father, who is to be
honored and respected at all times, and
whose counsel is ever to be heeded. He
has been wonderfully successful in securing
the acquiescences of his followers in his
decisions and obtaining their rupport in all
his moves, so that during his long term of
office there have been no serious dissensions
or splits in the ranks ot the Economites.
On accouut of tbe peculiar religious be
liefs of this society, which keeps them
from marrying, its members have gradually
decreased, until they are a mere handful as
compared to what they were formerly. At
their most prosperous period, which was
about 60 years ago, there were fully 800
persons who acknowledged allegiance to the
beliefs held by this society. Trouble came
in 1832 aud about one-third of their mem
bers left the original society aud formed
a new organization of their own. This
splitwas the result of their beliefs on
marriage, and as to the amount of work to
be done by the different members.
Father Henrici's Life Work.
Father Henrici has devoted almost his
entire life to the work of the Economites.
though he was not au original member of
the society founded by Mr. Kapp. He was
born in Bavaria, and after receiving an ed
ucation, accidentally came across an account
ot this society. Believing in their views
he came td this country with the full inten
tion of casting his lot with it. Mr. Kapp
welcomed him as sent by Providence to be
one of their leaders. He began his career
as their school teacher, but remained at this
occupation tor only a short time, when he
was appointed their general business man
ager and assistant to the leader.
In 1817 he was elected as one of the two
trustees ot the society, and from that time
on was acknowledged as the leader. His
name has become Inseparably connected
with the Harmony Society, as he has been its
very life for years. What will be the eflect
ot his death remains a matter of conjecture,
many believing that his place cannot be
filled, as it is believed there is no one in
their ranks that possesses the ability to
take up the leadership and conduct the af
fairs of his people where he will leave
them. It is acknowledged by all that he
can no longer prosecute his labors with
vigor. His real power is more in name than
in reality.
Aspiring to the Leadership.
There is already evidences of a desire on
the part of some to take up the reins of
power in view ot bis early demise. What
this will amount to cannot at this time be
judged. There are certain signs that prom
ise some serious results for the society
unless they are checked. Some of the meet
ings held within tbe past two weeks have
been very stormy, and a good deal of feel
ing is being stirred up. Father Henrici's
counsel in the past has kept out dissension
and the society in good condition. Many
are led'to believe the outlook for its success
would be greatly endangered by his death,
though others "strongly maintain that tbe
society will go on as usual, and with little
change in its aflairs.
What leads many of its most devoted
members to have fears for the society's fu
ture is its small membership, its numbers
are becoming less each year and there are
only a few who make iormal application
for membership. The society owns and
controls about 2,500 acres ot ground in a
high state of cultivation. Besides this,
numerous other industries are operated by
it, as there are factories and facilities for
supplying all their needs. They can exist
almost independently of outside influences,
as it has been their aim to be a communistic
community, and they have succeeded in the
past.
Afraid of the Influence of Outsiders.
In order to operate all their various in
dustries it has been necessary to employ a
larger force of workmen each year. This
force has increased in proportion as the
members bave decreased, and has always
been a snbject for apprehension among the
members. These employes are paid wages,
while the members receive nothing for their
labor, as they have all things in common
and share equally the profitsof the different
departments of their varied industries.
Tbe large amount of money necessary to
run the society's interests and which goes
iuto outside channels is proving a serious
question with tbe society.
Dr. Teed and his followers have been con
stantly opposed by the society, and while
they have mado application lor admission,
have been refused. Of late this question
has been causing the society considerable
trouble, and it is by no means settled, as it
is only recently that much feeling has been
stirred up over the question of admitting
Dr. Teedto membership.
The Harmony Society will lose a great
benefactor and one ot their mainstays
when the venerable Jacob Henrici goes
from its ranks, as now seems probable in a
short time. It will mark a decisive point
in its history, and is being watched with in
terest by many.
PEEPABIUG FOB FEBBTA2Y 22D.
Committees Are Appointed to Arrange for
a Big Parade.
The Allegheny djvislon of the Washing
ton's Birthday Parade Committee met in
Common Council Chamber last night to ap
point committees and 'make arrangements
for the parade, pelegates representing 20
councils of the Jr. O. TJ. A. M., two of the
Sr. Order, five lodges of the L. O. L., two
of the K. G. E. and one council of the D. of
L. were present.
The following Executive Committee was
appointed: William Herbert, It. H. Lore,
Samuel Lindsey, Eobeit McNeil, H. a Mc
Kee and Eobert Gordon. The committee
will hold another meeting at the same place
on Saturday eveninc, January 7, when all
arrangements for the parade will be com
pleted.
MAYOR G0URLEY VERY ILL
He
Contracted a Cold Which Has
De-
veloped Into Pneumonia.
MaTor Gourley is a very sick man.- Yes
terday acute pneumonia developed and his
condition became so serious that Dr. J. E.
Nelsn, his attending physician, called in
Dr. W. H. McKelvy for consultation on
the case. At midnight a telephone mes
sage from Mrs. Gourley stated the Mayor's
condition was somewhat Improved as com
pared with the afternoon, but he was still
very sick
While on bis way home from the funeral
of his niece at Burlington, Iowa, last Mon
day, the Mayor contracted a severe cold on
the train. When be reached tiome he paid
little attention to it and continued at his
office until Thursday evening. On Thurs
day afternoon he had a severe cough and
bis face was flushed with fever. Before
starting for home he told some friends who
were calling on him that he intended going
home and staying there for a few days until
he had recovered, remarking he felt he
was going to have a sick spelL On reach
ing home that evening he sent for Dr. Ke
lan, who prescribed a remedy for his cold,
but it had taken such a hold that ordinary
remedies would not stay it. His condition
grew steadily worse until yesterday after
noon. Dr. McKelvy said last evening he
thought there was no necessity lor serious
alarm, but the Mayor was very ill and it
would require careful treatment to bring
him round.
The Mayor has beec particularly healthy
all his life and it has heretofore beeu his
boast that barring the time he was hurt on
the Valley Railroad three years ago he had
never been laid up over a day or two at a
time iu hisliie.
EB0THEK8 FIGHI.
An Officer I Badly Cat While Trying to
Make an Arrest.
Last night John and Joe Spueofski started
a brawl at Twenty-eighth street, blows
were struck, and suddenly Joe drew a knife
out of his pocket and slashed John across
tbe face. Officer Wilkofsky saw the act
and ran to the place. Joe turned his wrath
on the officer and made a furious lunge at
him with the knife. WilkofsEy warded ofi
the blow with bis arm, butwas cut on
the hand, and his sleeve was slit. He then
drew his mace and struck Spueofski a blow
over tbe head that felled bim to the ground
like an ox and shivered the mace. At this
attack John took the part of his fallen
brother and made a furious attack on the
officer. Roundsman Unterbaum weut to
Wilkofsky's assistance, and soon both men
were overpowered and removed to the
Twelfth ward police station Dr. Moyer
was summoned, and dressed the cut onrSpu
cofski's head and also attended to the wound
on the officer's hand.
MEXICANS ABB PEACEFUL.
Mr. Blvlns Says American Outlaws Caose
Trouble on ths Border.
B. F. Bivins, of the Pittsburg Michoacan
Mining and Milling Company of Mexico,
registered at the Monougahela House yes
terday. He had been in the East promoting
the interests of another company. He is
associated with W. E. Griffiths, of this city,
who Is president of the company, and C R.
Dallas and K. W; Carroll. Mr. Bivins
says the reports of lawlessness in the country
are exazgerated, and all the deviltry exists
along the border and originates on the
American side. He said he was glad that
President Diaz intended to collect damages
from the United States for outrages com
mitted by Yankee outlaws. He added that
the President was a just man and 'will in
sist on his rights. Mr. Bivins says the peo
ple are peaceful, and it is a great country
for young men.
Yule Club Banquet
The Yule Log Club, composed of a num
ber of East End young men, had a least at
the Duquesne last evening. Covers were
laid for 15, and umsia was famished by a
local orchestra.
MARSHELL,
THE CASH GROCER,
WILL SAVE YOU MONEY.
When we were buying our candy
for the holiday trade we were deter
mined that if any youngster in West
ern Pennsylvania did not have his
fill of candy, it would not be because
the price was high.
When we got out our Candy price
list we took the regular retail prices
of other stores and cut them in two
that made OUR prices. At such
prices we expected to sell candy, and
we think we have. Our sales foot up
the enormous quant:ty of
100 TONS OF CANDY
..or..
Two Hundred Thousand wwo) Pounds,
..or..
10 CARLOADS.
To Make It Still Plainer
IT IS EQUAL TO ALMOST THREE
FOURTHS OF A POUND OF CANDY
FOR EVERT MAN, WOMAN ,
AND CHILD IN PITTS
BURG AND ALLE
GHENY. This will seem almost incredible
to persons who do not understand
our methods of doing business.
Those who know nothing of our
enormous mail trade covering a ra
dius of 200 miles.
And our resident agents in sur
rounding towns McKeesport, Brad
docks, Connellsville, Scottdale, Al
toona, etc.
But we make it our invariable rule
to confine ourselves to cold facts in
our advertisements and we make no
exception in this case.
We are right here with an $100.00
chip on our shoulder, and if anyone
doubts our statement or thinks they
sold more candy than we did, we
would be pleased to have them try to
knock it off.
Our success in selling groceries has
been just as phenomenal as our suc
cess in selling candy for the same
reason. The people find "we save
them money."
If you have never seen our large
weekly price list send and get one.
We will save you 20 per cent all
around on your groceries.
MARSHELL,
24and25 DiamondSquare,Pittsburg.
Cor.Ohio and Sandusky Sis., Allegh'y.
" fic!5
NEW APVEItTI5E3rEMTS.
ORIENTAL...
FUR RUGS
Make the Finest
New Year's Presents.
Our stock of these goods is
the largest ever shown west
of New York City. We will
begin to take stock on the
first of the new year and will
give you bargains through
out the store prior to that
time.
COME THIS WEEK
ORIENTAL RUG.
627 AND 629 PENN AVE.
de25-TTM3
BQCOSJUCtt
LAST WEEK OF Nil
STOCK-THUG UNO HOLIDAY SALL
EXTRAORDINARY REDUCTIONS IN
SILK DEP1BTUEIT.
Black Silks.
We offer a choice in
the following weaves:
Faille Francaise, Peau
de Soie, Rhadames,
Armures and Surahs
of our usual $1.25 and
$ 1. 50 qualities at $ 1. 00
a yard.
A very attractive
collection of novelties
in Black Grounds with
Colored Floral De
signs at 25 per cent
less than r e gu 1 a r
values.
Black' Taffeta Silk
with colored stripes for
skirtTinings, etc., $ik. 2 5
grade, at 85c a yard.
Startling bargains
on our 50c silk counter
to close odd lines.
COfl. FIFTH AVE. UD MARKET ST.
de25
BIBER & EAST0N.
FOR THE BENEFIT
4
OF
LATE BUYERS
A
WEEK OF BARGAINS.
Hundreds of Handker
chiefs in Silk and Linen
from low to finest
grades. Many of these
Goois
Slightly
Soiled
Anl
Broken
Dozens.
-are broken assortments,
some slightly soiled. All
are marked at prices to
tempt yon to buy them
this week.
Towels,
Napkins,
Table
Site,
Fine
Dam-sks,
Art
SLIGHTLY
SOILED
IN WINDOW
AND ON LINES.
SOME
FINE BARGAINS
THIS WEEK
IN OUR
LINEN DEPARTMENT
Squares. J
Odds
And
End3
In
Blankets
And
Comforts.
Attend this week's sale
of Country Blankets, Cot
ton and Eider Down Com
forts. Some excellent
bargains areto be had in
lines slightly soiled.
BIBER & EAST0N,
WO XSD 507 MABKEX 31
UeM
WEDDING INVITATIONS,
CALLING CAEDS,
TINE STATIOXERT.
W. V..DERMITT & CO.,
Engraven, Printers, Stationery
Law Blank Tnblljbers,
70 Grant street anOS9 Slztn arenn.