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No PAPER NEXT WEEK. —
The MONTOUR AMERICAN force
will enjoy the holiday vaca
tion.
Only nine hours of day light.
Court will convene Monday next.
The shortest day of the year next Sat
urday.
There is plenty of good Councilmanic
material in the various wards if the
people will only find it.
The various colleges throughout the
country will close for the Christmas va
cation this week.
Maier's restaurant has been entirely
overhauled and presents a very bright
appearance. It has been repapered,
newly painted and many minor improve
ments made.
If you want to spend a merry Christ
mas see that yon make some one else
happy.
The windows of M. H. Schram's to
bacco store are very artistically decorat
ed for the holidays.
Never judge a Christmas gift by the
cost mark.
Mahoning lodge. No. 516. F. & A. M.
installed its newly elected officers last
night. A fine banquet marked the
event.
A stand at Mill and East Mahoning
streets dispt rising Coney Island candy,
did a land office business yesterday and
last evening.
The new bell which the congregation
of the Washingtonville M. E. church re
cently purchased will he ready for use
by New Year's day.
The matrimonial market seems to be
at a low ebb in this vicinity. Perhaps
all the eligible young men and women
are waiting until the "roses bloom
again."
Courthouse officials are preparing for
the new year's changes.
The water in the river has fallen very
nearly as rapidly as it rose. It went
down eight feet in twenty-four hours.
Council will meet in regular session
on Friday evening. This will be the
last regular meeting of the year.
Now is the time to stuff your Christ
mas turkey— with corn.
The queen of the kitchen is now put
ting in her spare time baking cakes for
Christmas.
Christmas tree finery is displayed in
dazzling array. Most important in this
connection is the avoiding of anything
inflammable, especially if you intend to
light the tree.
The music for the dance at the Arm
ory Christmas afternoon will be furnish
ed by Richard Metherell, E. 11. Miles
and Cornetist William Reitmeyer.
Angus Wright, engineer, at the water
works,is convalescent after several days
illness.
The cellar wall of Leniger Bros.' new
store, Mill and East Mahoning streets,
on the South side of tli<- building bulged
yesterday and will have to be rebuilt
From now until Santa Clans arrives,
rain, snow or shine, womankind will
shop early and often.
If you want to know where you can
get the best bargains, look over onr ad
vertising columns.
Police business has been very dull
for several weeks past.
The members of Friendship Fire
Company are delighted with the success
that has attended their fair, which was
opened on Saturday evening last.
"Merry Christmas" will strike the
local post-office with a vengeance during
the next few days.
Special music is l>einK prepared for
the services at St Paul's M. E. church
on Sunday.
Are yon on the list? Yesterday was
the la*t day for the voters to register if
they wish to vote at the February elec
tion.
The railroads have a big job on hand
repairing their damaged tracks, but
they are equal to the emergency.
The annual Christmas Reception of
the Thomas Beaver Boys' Bible class,
under the auspices of the Women's Au
xiliary. will be held in Y. M. C. A. hall
tonight at 7:30 o'clock. A full attend
ance of the members is requested.
iUvmtour lifiA, American.
V. ' * V, y
"THIS CO! NTRV WILL NEVER BE ENTIRELY FREE UNTIL IT SUPPLIES ALL OF ITS OWN DEMANDS WITH ITS OWN PRODUCTIONS."
VOL. 40-NO ."I.
HEALTH
BOARD VI lllSi .
I A Request Made That all Persons Get
Vaccinated.
The B->ard of Health at the call of the
President, Dr. P. C. Newbaker. held a
meeting in t he council chamber Thursday
night. The matters to be considered of
course, were small-pox, vaccination and
methods to be taken to prevent the im
portation of the dread disease, subjects
which have been agitated in these
columns for a couple of days past. The
members present at the meeting were:
Aaron Rockafeller, James Hhultz, O. B.
Sweitzer and Drs. J. R. Kimerer and
P C. Newbaker, the latter occupying
the chair. Dr. C. Shultz, Secretary,
and B. B. Brown, Health Officer, were
also present.
Dr. Kimerer reported that Dr. New
baker and himself had paid a visit to
Thomas Delauey whose proposed remov
al to this city from the infected town of
Plvmouth has caused much alarm
among our citizens;that Mr Delaney had
explained that his family were all vac
cinated, that his residence in Plymouth
was not in an infected part of the town,
but that in deference to the wishes of our
citizens, although his household goods
are already loaded on the cars, he will
not remove to this city unless granted
permission to do so by our Board of
Health. Dr. Kimerer explained that
while some restrictions have been plac
ed upon Plymouth, the quarantine is
not a full and effective one and would
not prevent Mr. Delaney from remov
ing from the place.
On motion of Dr. Kimerer seconded
by James Shultz it was ordered that
Mr. Delaney be permitted to remove to
this city, provided that every member
of the family be vaccinated and that he
consent to have his goods before they
are removed from the car thoroughly
fumigated at liis'own expense by the
Health Officer of our borough.
Dr. Kimerer raised the question
whether there are not many cases
among the public school pupils in which
vaccination did not prove successful
which were not reported back to the
doctor. The physician vaccinates the
boy or girl, he said,gives a certificate to
that effect, and that in many instances
is the last of it. Should the vaccination
not prove successful the pupil may re
port to the physician or he may not. Dr
Kimerer said he would not be surprised
if there were many pupils in school not
protected by vaccination.
The Board of Health, adopted the
following resolutions:
WHEREAS, Our borough has thus far
fortunately escaped a visitation of that
dread disease, small-pox, which has pre
vailed epidemically in various sections
of Pennsylvania during the past year,
we, the Board of Health of the Borough
of Danville, deem it proper for the pur
pose of favoring a continuance of these
favorable conditions to recommend our
citizens generally to use all possible
precautions to prevent the coming into
our midst of any person known to have
been previously exposed to the contagion
of the disease.
RESOLVED, That we recommend that
all persons, both adults ami children
who are not protected bv vaccination
or revaccination done daring the past
seven years be immediately vaccinated,
vaccination being the only known prop
hylactic against small-pox, a fact well
demonstrated by a hundred years' ex
perience of the ablest scientists and
medical investigators.
RESOLVED, That this loathesouie dis
ease being one of the most contagious
known, everv person having the health
and business interest of our town at
heart is requested to constitute himself ,
one of a committee of the whole to
further the object aimed at by the fore- ;
going request of the Board of Health,,
viz prevention of the importation of in
fected goods or persons into our borough
from other centres of infection.
Bishop Foss will Officiate.
The Sunday School of St. Paul's M.
E. church is making extensive prepara
tions for its Christmas exercises to be
held on Christinas night. The enter
tainment is being arranged by Hon.
James Foster, Mrs. ('. H. Reynolds.Miss
Sue Miller and Miss Anna Johnson, lie
sides a number of recitations, solos,
duets, etc. a light cantata will be
rendered. This will be a feature as a
number of the parts will be sung by the
I juniors, Gifts will be distributed to the
children.
The Christmas service in the church
will l>e held next Sunday morning at
o'clock. lSisliop Cyrus D. Foss,
D. D LL. D., resident bishop of Phila
delphia, will officiate On this occasion
the congregation of St. Peters M. E.
I church, Riverside, will attend the ser
j vices. The choir of that church will al
| so assist in the service. An anthem will
j be sung entitled "Christmas Tide'' and
1 Mrs. R. J. Allen will sing a solo. In
the evening the services will be iu
charge of the pastor. Rev. II C. Har
man. The music will be furnished by a
quartette of selected voices.
A Venison Dinner.
Landlord William Bogert of the Hill -
meyer Hotel, Strawberry Ridge, will
give a venison dinner to a number of
his friends today. Invitations were re
ceived in this city several weeks ago
anil many of our townspeople will at
tend.
Parade Postponded.
Owing to the inclement weather the
Firemen's parade, which was to have
been held on Saturday evening. has been
postponed until Saturday evening, Dec.
1 21st.
DANVILLE, PA.. THURSDAY, DEOKMRER li). 1!)01.
I A SECRET
Where tbo Late Mark Carey Kept his
Gold.
The heirs of the late Mark Carey, of
Anthony township, are richer by s:!4>
than they thought they were. The
deceased, it will be remembered, died as
the result of being kicked by a horse
some weeks ago. A public sale of his
personal property was held Friday at
the Carey homestead near Exchange.
Among the household effects which
had been carried out into the yard be
fore the sale was an old-fashioned chest
which caught the eye of Carl McWill
iams, of White Hall, who fancied that
he could make use of it about his farm
and decided to bid uiwn it. In looking
| over the chest Mr. Williams detected a
| peculiaritv in its build which he thougth
i betokened }• secret compartment. He
: examined every part carefully and was
rewarded by finding a secret drawer
which had been put to good use. In it
snugly concealed lay a bag of chamois
skin which contained $345 in gold.
Mr. Carey, to whom the money no
doubt belonged, it will be remembered,
died very suddenly as the result of his
injury and had no opportunity to ap
prise anyone of the existence of the
secret drawer. The excitement produc
ed by the unexpected find can easily be
imagined. Mr. MeWilliams handed the
money over to the administrator of the
estate.
Popular Music Pleases.
Music lovers found a rare treat in the
entertainment given in Y. M. C. A. hall
Tuesday night. The room as usual was
packed to its utmost capacity.
The cornet solo by S. Ross Millhouse
was a magnificent number in every way.
It lias been several years since Mr. Mill
house has been heard in Danville. He
shows remarkable improvement in tone
and technique. His playing is that of
an artist and the solo completed the
best light concert program heard in
Danville in a long time. He was honor
ed with an encore.
The concert given by the Penn Social
orchestra on the whole proved to be
one of the best numbers given on the
free course this season. This organiza
tion has made exceptional progress and
it was a pleasure to hear its music.
In rendering a popular music program
the orchestra catered to the multitude
and never got beyond its own capability.
The different numbers were played with
a vim and brilliancy and the phrasing
was most beautifully done. The marches
were very spirited especially the last
one, "Hurrah Boys." A new arrang
ment of"The Holy City" was a most
excellent number. A selection from
Floradora was very pleasing. E. H.
Miles played a trombone solo in his us
ual artistic manner. It is always a
great pleasure to hear him. Miss Am
monium sang a number of coon songs
witli-orcliestra accompaniment,in a man
ner that brought forth great applause.
It was a new style for concert work and
it caught on immensely.
Puneral Largely Attended.
The funeral of the late Mrs. Miriam
Mettler took place Friday. Two
hymns were sung at the Bowers home
stead in this city by the choir of the
First Baptist church after which the re
mains were conveyed to Klinesgrove,
where after services conducted by Rev.
L. B. Twichell of this city, interment
was made in the Methodist cemetery.
At Klinesgrove, in the vicinity of which
the deceased spent the greater part of
long life, the remains were met by a
large number of relatives and friends
which filled the church to its unniost
capacity.
The pall bearers were: Eli Hoover,
Charles (J. Haughawaut, Peter Berger,
of Riverside; Oscar Kase, G. L. Mc-
Lain and John Hunt, of this city.
Basket Ball Friday Night.
Manager (xearliart has arranged for a
game of basket ball to be played Friday
evening between the Bloomsburg
Wheelmen and the home team. As
previously stated the Danville team is
faithfully practicing every aftern<»on
and the boys are now in a good condi
tion. The line up will probably be as
follows:
DAN VI ID.E. BLOOMSBURG.
Klase, attack Moore.
Bedea attack E. Lewis.
Barry centre M. Lewis.
Sechler defense Quick.
< Jaskins defense Holmes.
*The Danville team will play the strong
Shenandoah team at that place Christ
mas morning.
Death of Mrs. Dorothy Ziefle.
Mrs. Dorothy Ziefle, widow of the
late John Ziefle, died Friday evening at 7
o'clock at the advanced age of years.
The deceased emigrated to this country
from Germany in IM.V2 and was the old
est member of St. John's Lutheran
church. She departed this life two |
months to the day after her son, George
Ziefle, over whose death she appeared
inconsolable. The funeral was held
Monday at '2 p. m.from St. John's Ger
man Lutheran church.
Deer Head Mounted.
An attraction was added to the win
dow of M H. Sell rain 's store Tuesday
in the form of a handsomely mounted
deer's head, a souvenir of Heber L. De-
Witt's recent hunt. The deer was shot
by Mr. DeWitt in Huntingdon county a
month or so ago. The mounting was
done by Rev. N. E. Cleaver, of this city,
whose skill as an amateur taxidennist,
was alluded to in these columns some
1 time ago.
PERSONAL
PARAGRAPHS.
Brief Mention of the Doings of Your
Friends and Acquaintances.
Mrs. Charles Henninger, of Sunbury,
who has been visiting at the home of
Benjamin F. Landau, South Danville,
returned home yesterday.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hummer and
daughter, Miss Lulu, of Riverside, at
tended the Northumberland County In
stitute at Sunbury yesterday.
Mrs. George A. Rossnian spent yester
day with relatives in Sunbury.
Saul Schoenfeld left last evening for
Johnstown.
Mrs. Patrick Gardner, of Shamokin,
was a visitor at the Holy Family con
vent yesterday.
Samuel Blocli will return home this
evening from a business trip to New
York and Philadelphia.
John D. Evans left yesterday for Har
risburg.
Mr. and Mrs. William Beagle, of Rush
township, visited Sunbury friends yes
terday.
Edward Shultz, of Riverside, was in
Sunbury yesterday.
Henry Leisenring made a business
trip to Pottsville yesterday.
Mrs. Ellen Rote returned to Philadel
phia yesterday after a visit at the home
of her father. Christian Laubach. Mill
street.
Mrs. Charles Eves visited Sunbury
friends yesterday.
Mrs. Henry Bierman. of Bloonisburg,
visited her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron
Sober. East Front street, yesterday.
Miss Lizzie Johns returned to Scran
ton last evening after a visit at the home
of F. W. Howe, East Market street.
Miss Ella Divel, of Philadelphia, is
visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Divel, Church street.
Misses Belle Jacobs and Ida Rupp
visited friends in Bloonisburg yester
day.
Fred Henrie made a business trip to
Shamokin yesterday.
Luther Bassett, of Riverside, was in
Sunbury yesterday.
Miss Laura Shoemaker left yesterday
for a visit with friends in Bloonisburg.
Walter Boyer returned to Philadel
phia yesterday after a visit with his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Boyer,
Honeymoon street.
Miss Eva Shultz, of Roaring Creek,
visited friends in this city yesterday.
Gomer Thomas made a business trip
to Sunbury yesterday.
Mrs. Harry Stratiff, of Sunbtirv. visit
ed friends in this city yesterday.
Mrs. Annie Cromwell and Margaret
Turner, of Muncy, who have been visit
ing at the home of B. K. Shoemaker
returned home yesterday.
Miss Dora White, East Market street,
has returned from a visit to Philadel
phia.
The Rev. Adolph Meyer was in
Bloomsburg yesterday.
Miss Alice Jones, of Berwick, visited
friends in this city yesterday.
James Martin is transacting business
in Mt. Carmel.
Miss Rishel, of Catawissa, was a
guest at the home of Mrs. Jesse Ammer
man, Mill street, yesterday.
M. B. Sheperd will return to Carbon
dale today after a visit with Thomas Ir
land, Ferry street.
Miss Hettie Brown will leave today
for a visit with friends in Milton.
Spencer Vastine, of Dickinson college,
Carlise, will spend the Christmas vaca
tion at the home of his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Hugh \ astine. South Danville. He
arrived home yesterday.
Emerson Spaide, of Sunbury, spent
last night in this city.
Dr. J. B. Gearhart was in Bloomsburg
last evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Berger, of South
Danville, attended Institute at Sunbury
yesterday.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Aten left yester
day for a visit with relatives in Balti
more.
Mrs. Samuel Peifer, of Dußois, who
has been visiting her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. S. J. Welliver, Mill street, spent
yesterday in Bloomsburg.
Mrs. W. E. Kester visited friends in
Sunbury yesterday.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Yeager, of
Riverside, visited friends in Sunbury
yesterday.
Miss Harriett Woods left yesterday
for Elmira, N. Y.
Mrs. G. M. Shoemaker, who has been j
visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. i
George W. Peifer, Mill street, left yes- j
terday for her home in Pittsburg.
Charles W. Kase, of Shamokin, visit
ed his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Kase,
Mill street, yesterday.
Ernest Rogers, of Sunbury, is visiting
at the home of his father, D. J. Rogers,
Front street.
Howard Clark, a student at State
(Jollege,arrived home yesterday to spend
the holidays with his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. VV. R. l'lark. South Danville.
Home Mission Service.
I The Home Mission service at the Mali
oning Presbyterian church was largely
attended Sunday night. Addresses were
made by I>r. J. E. Bobbins of the State
Hospital ami C. V. Ainmerman, Esq.
The well known anthem "Oh Pray for
the Peace of Jerusalem" was sung bv
the choir. "I Heard the Voice of Jesus
Say" was rendered by Mrs. R. J. Allen
with most beautiful effect.
TAMPERED WITH
THE FURNACE
Boiler Caused to Explode at Montour
House Saturday.
What was evidently a dastardly at
tempt to blow up the boiler in the cellar
of the Montour House took place Satur
day afternoon. That the miscreant par
tially failed in his object is owing to the
fact that the heating apparatus or boiler
installed is of the most approved and
modem type which renders an explosion
with any very destructive effects utterly
out of the question. It is a cast iron
safety boiler, consisting of eleven differ
ent sections.
On last Saturday afternoon Jack Ren
ner, who has charge of the fires about
the Montour House, desired to visit
Blooinsburg. As will be recalled the
atmosphere was very oppressive and but
little artificial heat was needed. Renner
accordingly before leaving for the 2:11
D. L. & W. train banked the fires under
the boiler and turned off the draft. For
tunately for Renner before leaving the
cellar he called Mr. Riehl's attention to
the fire and showed how he had arrang
ed the draft.
An hour or so later Miss Cressman
and the domestics in the hotel were
startled by a loud report followed by an
odor somewhat resembling soot. Mr.
Patton's attention being called to the
matter he naturally thought of the boil
er. An investigation showed that the
boiler and furnace had been seriously
tampered with and that an explosion
had occurred. Two of the eleven sec
tions of the boiler, one at each end,were
found broken. The draft which as ob
served by Mr. Riehl was turned off,now
was found to be on and furnace and
boiler were heated to an intense degree.
The drip cock of the boiler was open;the
water had all drained out and lay in a
pool around the furnace.
Conditions were such as to render
damage of some sort inevitable. The
principle, however, on which the boiler
is constructed? made explosion impossible
in more than two sections, thus min
imizing the l' and danger. It was a
useful object lesson to illustrate the
value of the safety sectional boiler. Had
the boiler been one of less improved
type the results might have been dis
astrous. ,
Joseph Lechner, plumber, was called
who found that the l>oiler could be ren
dered immediately serviceable by cut
ting off the two damaged sections, which
he easily accomplished by plugging up
the tubes that formed the connection.
Who tampered with the furnace it is
not known. The attaches of the hotel
may have their suspicion, but they are
not inclined to talk much on that score
at present.
The Committee Encouraged.
Tin' rush and hurry incidental to the
Holidays leave but little time for the
agitation of early closing of the stores
as proposed by the Clerks' Union, al
though we are informed that immedia
tely after Christmas the matter will be
again taken up with the hope of bring
ing about an understanding on this point
between the clerks and merchants.
The committee consisting of John
Henning, Grant Sowers, Misses Ella
Lyon, Sadie Waters, Sara Byerly and
Kate Dempsy pursuant to the action
taken at the meeting of November 21st
drew up an agreement and presented it
to the merchants for signature.
The committer was much encouraged
by the attitude of the business men to
ward early closing, which was general
ly favorable. A number of signatures,
including some of our most conserva
tive and prosperous merchants were
easily obtained. Others thought well
of early closing, but hesitated to obli
gate themselves to close at six o'clock
unless those signing agreed upon a for
feit. This, it seems, did not meet the
approval of all and a temporary hitch
ensued. The clerks, however, are very
hopeful of winning in the end.
Miss Susan A. Kessler.
.Miss Susan A. Kessler, an old lady of
HO years, an inmate of the Montour
county Almshouse for four years past,
was last week removed to*tlie Philadel
phia Home for Incurables. She was ac
companied to Philadelphia by Mrs. W.
D. Laumasterand Mrs. M. Jones, of this
city.
Miss Kessler was for many years a
skillful nurse and served in some of the
best families of Danville and Milton.
About twelve years ago she was strick
en with paralysis. She was a kind and
lovable woman of refined tastes and her
friemls will learn with pleasure of her
removal to the Philadelphia Home
where her latter days will be spent
among the most delightful and peaceful
surroundings.
Miss Kessler desires to return thanks
to all those who in any way have con
tributed to her comfort and happiness.
Cellar Furnaces Lighted Up
The falling river, has had the effect of
lowering the water in Mahoning creek.
By yesterday afternoon the water had
passed out of most of the cellars on Mill
street. The merchants were able to fire
up their cellar furnaces and abandon
the use iif gas stoves and other tempo
rary, but unsatisfactory expedients
which had been installed for the pur
pose of furnishing heat.
The cellars were left in a very dirty
and disgusting condition by the reced
ing waters, the mud being of a stiff and
stubborn nature which adheres tenaci
ously to every object with which it came
in contact. Directly or indirectly there
is not a merchant but who sustained
• some loss.
SHOT THROUGH
THE EEC
A Bad Accident Which Befell Donald Shoe
maker.
Donald Shoemaker, the 10-year-old
son of Mrs. Emma Shoemaker, of VVash
ingtonville, was accidentally shot in the
leg by a Flobert rille yesterday and at
last accounts was in a rather serious
condition as the result. The accident
occurred during the morning at the
residence of Joseph Seidel, grandfather
of the boy, where the little fellow and
his mother have their home.
Donald was seated at the breakfast
table, while his cousin. Fuller Runyan.
a lad of about the same age, who was
seated near, was endeavoring to extract
a cartridge from a Flobert. While tug
ging at the gun cap something occurred
which caused the rifle togo off. At the
same moment little Donald gave a cry
of pain and it was discovered that he
had been shot in the left leg, the bullet
entering the fleshy part of the limb just
above the knee and passing out the other
side.
Dr. Patton was called, who discover
ed that the bullet in its course had just
grazed the bone. The boy had lost a
great deal of blood, in addition to which
he was suffering much from the shock.
Dr. Patton dressed the wound and stat
ed last evening that although quite ill
unless complications arise there is little
doubt but that the boy will recover
without any ill effects.
Cellar's Flooded on Mill Street.
The river Monday attained a height
of twenty feet, six inches, a height un
surpassed by any flood of this kind with
in the memory of the oldest living resid
ent. At the annual break-up the river
has more than once attained a higher
mark due to the effect of ice jams. But
at present the current is unobstructed
along its entire course.
The broad river Monday as it swept
along bank-full with scarcely a speck on
its surface presented a majestic sight,
the exact counterpart of which may not
occur again for a life time.
What damage was caused by high
water in Danville was due wholly to
back water along Mahoning creek and
its tributary, Blizzard's run. Appreh
ending high water the merchants and
others along Mill street worked hard,
Sunday night, removing goods from
their cellars. With the exception of S.
J. Welliver, who had not succeeded in
removing all his goods when the water
began pouring into his cellar, the mer
chants sustained directly but little loss,
although they were put to any amount
of inconvenience and discomfort. With
scarcely an exception the stores are
warmed from the cellars. The water at
the different business houses ranged
from the depth of fifteen inches to near
ly four feet, and there was scarcely a
cellar furnace whose fires were not ex
tinguished. Consequently Monday
the store rooms were cold and cheerless.
Coal oil stoves, lamps, and gas stoves
were brought into requisition, but they
proved sorry substitutes for a cellar
furnace, producing offensive odors,
plenty of smoke and but little heat.
The merchants are entitled to sym
pathy, as they are now in the midst of
their holiday trade and are naturally
much handicapped. It may be a day or
so before the regular heating apparatus
can be used in the stores.
The several departments of the Read
ing Iron Works that have been in oper
ation were unable to start up Monday
morning on account of the high water.
Below the borongh the river road and
all the low lamfa are submerged, the
locality presenting the appearance of a
large lake. Several families have sus
tained loss through the flooding of their
cellars. Michael Etter, who lives on
the river road, is one of the heaviest
losers. The water rose into the first
story of his house and among the con
tents of his cellar, which are a total
loss, was the pork obtained from two
large hogs recently killed.
The river also overflowed its. bank at
several points above town. The canal,
however, which was bank full all day
Monday, performed an excellent ser
vice by collecting all the superfluous
water at the upper end of the borough
and conducting it harmlessly out of
town.
Christmas Attraction.
The popular comedian Mr. Gus Cohan
supported by a specially selected com
pany will be the attraction at the Opera
House four nights next week opening
on Christmas night with the comedy,
"Hoosier Girl." The company's plays
are established successes. This organi- j
zation is considered one of the strongest
playing at popular prices. They have j
met with success everywhere and com- ;
plimented upon the way they present j
each production.
At the Firemen's Fair.
The Penn Social orchestra drew many j
people to the firemen's fair last evening.
Many sales were made and the fire lad
dies swelled their treasury considerably.
The orchestra played daring the entire
evening and gave its usual «w.tisfac
tion.
| Orders were issued Saturday to the
employes of the Pennsylvania Railroad
■ that all who have not been vaccinated
I within the past five years mn.*t undergo
the operation at once.
Mrs. J. 11. Bower desires- to return
thanks to neighbors and friends who so
: generously rendered assistance during
j her recent bereavement occasioned'by the
i death of her grandmother. Mrs Miriam
Mettler.
EST A BUS] IKI > IV 1855.
filib pl,in
HARD POSHED
Why the Hydrant Water was Cloudy Mon
day.
A flood when *iie river is as muddy as
at present is apt to give any filter plant
all that it can do to purify the water. It
was noticed about town Monday that
the water drawn from the hydrants was
quite cloudy in appearance. Many wat
er takers, accustomed to the crystalline
purity of our water, found considerable
fault and resorted to springs and wells
about town. Heretofore in times of
high water, no matter how dirty the
river, our hydrant water was always
clear and pure.
To ascertain why the water was of
questionable purity Monday a visit was
paid to the filter plant Monday night. A
full explanation was found. The
Structural Tubing Works, of Howe &
Polk, whose own water supply is usual
ly adequate for all purposes, owing to
the flood of Monday was found too
muddy for the boilers and the plant was
obliged to draw upon the borough water
supply. As Howe & Polk require more
water than is consumed by the whole
borough for domestic purposes the in
creased burden imposed upon the filter
plant will be readily appreciated.
The plant is obliged to double its
product, which simply means that the
water be given only half as much time
on the filter beds as formerly and that,
too, at a time when owing to the mud
dy condition of the water the length of
time should be increased rather than
diminished. The attaches of the filter
plant are painstaking, conscientious
workmen who feel their responsibility
very keenly, and it is only just that the
public should understand how they are
handicapped at present. A day or so
hence will bring forth a better state of
affairs.
It is hard to conceive of water more
objectionable or abounding in more mud
and coal dirt than the river at present.
It was necessary Monday to wash the
filter beds at the interval of every two
or three hours. In the large settling
tank the mud accumulated by the wag
on load.
Good News for Heirs.
The heirs of Burkliart Moser, several
of whom reside in this county, are very
niueh encouraged by a sensational turn
taken by the case pending in the Schuyl
kill county court. W. G. Stanton of
Buffalo, senior counsel for the plaintiffs,
states that three witnesses have been
discovered who were personally ac
quainted witli Burkhart Moser, the al- J
leged owner of the vast estate in litiga
tion, and that these witnesses will be
able to identify the signatures to docu
ments recently found which establishes
the claims of the plaintiff. The new
witnesses, all of whom are over 90 years
of age, are Mr. and Mrs. John Belice, of
Easton and Mrs. William Dean, of
Pottstown. For fear that they might
not survive until the next term of court
it was ordered that their depositions be
taken.
If the Moser heirs win they will find
themselves the owners of over a thous
and homes in Tamaqua, and six large
collieries now operated by the Lehigh
Coal and Navigation company. There
are some ten millions of dollars involv
ed.
Frank Lynn's Close Call.
Frank Lynn, of this city, came with- <
in an ace of drowning while hunting j
inuskrats on the river just above the
Hospital for the Insane, Monday. The i
boat overturned and he sank into the <
deep and rapid current. While sting- i
gling in the water he made several j
frantic efforts to grasp the boat but in <
each instance only succeeded in pushing ]
it further ont of reach. He finally ;
managed to throw off his overcoat, after
which by taking advantage of the cur
rent he was able to reach the shore,
where nearly exhausted he was assisted
out of the water by Lewis Ray, Jr.
Sunday School Entertainment.
The Salvation Army is preparing a
Christmas entertainment for its Sunday
school to be given on Monday evening
December .'soth. This Sunday school is
j made up principally of poor children
who are. carefully looked after spiritual
ly by the Army and their little hearts
will be made glad by the distribution of
prizes and gilts. A pleasing program
of songs, choruses, recitations and in
strumental music will be rendered.
At Pine Street Lutheran Church.
The Christmas exercises of the Pine
! street Lutheran church Sunday School
I will be held on Tuesday evening, Decem
i ber. 24tli. The children will render an
j attractive program of choruses, solos
j and recitations. The usual remeni
! brances will be given. The entertain-
I ment will be in charge of Mrs. W. E.
i Kase and Mrs. Seth Lormer.
Purchased a Home.
, Harry Ellenbogen has purchased from
the Jacob Goldsmith estate the dwelling
now occupied by his mother, Mrs. M oses
' Ellenbogen, on Lower 31 ulberry street,
j The house was built by the late.l acob
Goldsmith and after his death was used
as the family residence until their re
moval to Philadelphia.
Danville's Lodge of Elks.
| Arrangements are being made for the
institution of a Lodge of Elks in Dan
' ville on Monday, December 30tli. The
names of thirty five Danville <'it ; zens
are on the charter list and no doubt one
of the largest and most successful orders
in the state will soon he effected in this
l city.
JOB PRINTING
The ofliceof the AMERICAN being
furnished with a large as>sortmen
of job letter and fancy type and joK
material generally, the Publisher
announces to the public that he is
prepared at all times to execute in
the neatest manner
JOB PRINTING
Of all Kinds and Descrption
our prices before pla< e
your orders.
RELIEF CORPS
The Annual Election held Tuesday After
noon.
Women's Relief Corps, No. 31, held
its annual election Tuesday afternoon.
Mrs. Samuel Lunger was chosen Presid
ent to succeed the late Mrs. Mary C.
Moyer who served the corps so efficient
ly in that capacity during the year past.
Mrs. Jane Livziey and Mrs. Benjamin
F. Landau were elected senior and
junior Vice-President, respectively.
Mrs. Sara Shutt was elected Chaplain
and Mrs. Louisa Angle, Treasurer. For
the office of Secretary and several mi
nor positions which are filled by the
President no appointments have as yet
been made for the coming year. Those
serving at present are: Secretary, Mrs.
Rebecca Sechler; Conductor. Mrs. Ed
ward Cuthbert; Guard, Mrs. Anna
Cook.
The Women's Relief Corps, which is
made up of either wives or widows of
the G. A. R., like the members of that
organization, is rapidly dwindling in
numbers, there remaining at present
only fourteen members. It is an organ
ization concerning which many people
are only imperfectly informed, either as
to its object or methods of work. It is
made up of hard working self sacrific
ing women. As the sisters, sweethearts
or wives of soldiers during the trying
days of the Civil War they ministered
to the comforts of those fighting in the
front in the hundred and one ways that
loving and sympathetic hearts could
devise.
When the war was over they still
found plenty of work for the hand of
charity among the soldiers, many of
whom broken in health or wounded
were unable to hold their own in the
great struggle of life. When the Wo
men's Relief Corps was organized they
became members.
The object of this organization is to
assist destitute soldiers, and soldier's
widows. Provisions, coal or clothing, as
the needs may be, are provided and em
ployment found for the children in case
they are old enough to work.
There was at one time a large mem
bership in the relief corps here. Al
though reduced in numbers now, they
have by no means lost their enthusiasm
or capacity for work. The good they
accomplish is far reaching and the mo
ney they expend is raised by the corps
itself. They meet every Tuesday after
noon in G. A. R. hall and with them
meeting means work. Sewing or quilt
ing mostly occupies the time and
all of their handiwork finds a ready
sale. Tuesday afternoon a very
beautiful quilt was completed which
finds a place in one of the most aris
tocratic families of our town. A lunch
or dinner served at 3 o'clock is a feature
of every session. So that it will be seen
there is a social side to these meetings
which prevents monotony and adds to
the pleasure.
New Year's Reception.
It is gratifying to note that the tem
porary financial embarrassment of the
local Y. M. C. A. militated in no respect
against the success of the work nor the
several lines of eutertainment which of
late years have become such a pleasing
feature of the institution here. The
star course will compare favorably with
any of the several preceding it. while of
the free entertainments it is not saying
too much to affirm that every number
of the course thus far has been worth a
good round admission fee.
The New Year's reception, which has
already been arranged, will also be
quite up to the standard. In the fore
noon between the hours of 9 and 12 a
general reception will be held. The
event will be enlivened by a delightful
program, consisting of piano duets,solos
and recitations, all by local talent.
From 1 to 3p. m. should the weather
prove favorable the yonng men aud
boys will find entertainment in a -Hare
and Hound Chase. "
From 3 to 5 p. m. a free luncheon will
be served to members and visitors by
the Woman's Auxiliary of the \. M.
C. A.
In the evening the Catawissa baud
will be an attraction. Between the
hours of * and 10 it will give a grand
free concert.
Verdict That Carries Weight.
That Danville's water system euibrac-
I ing filtration is the best to be found in
' this entire section has never been doubt
ed; that it takes precedence, however.in
several countries of the world is a fact
which will cause some surprise. Purely
on its merits, without even the know
ledge of those in whose hands the affairs
of the water department rested our
plant was awarded the palm and it re
mained for a citizen of the great West
to come East and inform us of the
honor.
The facts are briefly these. The city
af St. Louis, Mo., desired to adopt a
system of filtration and in order to ob
tain reliable information as to the rela
tive merits of the different systems in use
the city sent its Water Commissioner,
W. H. Holman, a hydraulic engineer of
wide reputation, to Europe after he had
completed a tour of the United States.
Returning the Commissioner presented
his report which in effect stated that
the best—the most complete water plant
that he bad investigated in all his trav
els was at Danville. Pa.
The report, which was printed in the
newspapers of St. Louis, at the time,
caught the eye of Mr. Alexander Rus*
> sell, a resident of that city who was
. formerly of Danville. Mr. Russell is
visiting in this city at present. Thus our
4 citizens learn of the distinction earned
' by their enterprise that they might oth
erwise not heard of.