The old lady was not used to traveling on the Broadway cars. She had evidently spent her youth and middle age in the rural regions, but doubtless she called old Ireland home. The conductor, who differed little from the rest of his kind, came through the car calling for fares. The old woman held out her hand, in which a nickel was tightly clutched, then drew it suddenly back as if she had made some mistake. "I want my 'resate' first," she said in a rich Doolian dialect. The conductor paid no heed; but, holding out his hand, demanded, "Fare, please." "But I want my 'resate,' " she repeated." "No receipts, lady," said the stolid conductor. "I'll have to have your fare." "My son told me not to give up any money without getting a 'resate,' " insisted the old woman stoutly. The kind lady with the sweet face and Paris clothes proffered the assurance that it was "all right," that nobody got receipts. "See, I pay my fare without one," she said, giving the conductor a dime and the woman a reassuring smile. But the woman was stubborn. "I want my 'resate,' " she reiterated. The conductor mechanically held out a nickel to the kind lady of the Paris gown, but she shook her head, nodded toward the old woman and smiled. The conductor without a word passed on through the car, which lurched and swayed through Union square. She of the 'resate' shook her head grimly, settled herself back in her seat and held on to the nickel, determined not to relinquish it without the necessary acknowledgment. - New York Mail and Express.
While Lizzie ADAMS, aged 16 years, daughter of Serene ADAMS, of Alburtis, Lehigh county, was on her way to work on Monday morning she was stopped at a lonely part of the road by a man with a blackened face, who attempted to rob her of her beautiful plait of hair, which hung two feet down the girl's back. Miss ADAMS attempted to make an outcry, when the man pointed a revolver at her and ordered her to keep quiet. He then took a pair of scissors, and had the girl's hair almost severed when another man came to her rescue. The fellow fled, and Miss ADAMS went to a neighboring tailoring establishment and had the unfinished job completed. The girl's beautiful head of hair was the talk of all her friends.
The officers of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society have rented the ticket office at Chew and Seventeenth streets, Allentown, to the School Directors of South Whitehall township for the remainder of the school term for $35. Owing to the crowded condition of the Griesemersville school the directors were compelled to provide additional school facilities, and to tide over the present term they rented the ticket office at the fair grounds.
A large delegation of representatives of patriotic societies visit Washington and are heard by the house Committee on Military Affairs this week on the bill to purchase the site of Washington's camp in Valley Forge and create a national park there. Representatives of the Daughters of the Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution, Society of Colonial Dames, the city of Philadelphia and the Valley Forge National Park Association spoke. Peter BOYD, of Philadelphia, opened for the Daughters of the Revolution, describing the ground and the prospects of its purchase. The State of Pennsylvania had already acquired 217 acres which it was willing to turn over to the United States. The representatives of the patriotic organizations also called at the War Department and explained to Secretary Root the importance of the purchase by the Government of land at Valley Forge. The necessity for immediate action is caused by the advance of suburban real estate enterprises. The delegation called on President MCKINLEY in the afternoon to urge his influence in favor of the bill. It extended a formal invitation to the President to attend the big celebration to be held at Valley Forge on June 18 next. Mr. MCKINLEY has already decided to go.
The Commissioners (John HAMPTON, D.K. GRABER, M.C. CLEMENS) of this county have just finished one of the most successful years in the history of the county. They have erected a number of important buildings and bridges and now have in perfect repair all the county's property. Notwithstanding all this they have now in the county treasury, which is due entirely to their business-like management, $41,568.79. The aggregated amount of county property taxable as per assessment of 1900 is $81,222,100.00. They accomplished during the year 1900 without raising the county tax, more than any other board of commissioners in the county. All the bills including the erection of the new almshouse, have been paid by the commissioners, and they have in connection with this set aside the sum of $7,000 as a sinking fund. This grand record in itself would be sufficient to command the praise of every citizen in the county, but to more fully demonstrate their sterling worth as county officers, we need but say that they have also set aside for the erection of a new court house the sum of $65,000. The surprising feature connected with this wonderful year's record is owing to the fact that all this was accomplished on the two mill tax rate, which there is only one other county in the state with as low a tax rate.
1801 - By the beginning of the nineteenth century the use of tobacco had become universal throughout the nations of the earth. All persecution of its devotees had ceased, yet it is to be recalled that among the scientific there were some who decried it. Thus England's leading physician, Dr. ARBUTHNOT, had called tobacco "an enemy to Venus," and had predicted the gradual depopulation of the country if its use continued to spread. 1802 - Mrs. PROUT, wife of a farmer at Windsor, Connecticut, makes stogies, locally called "Windsor particulars," and sometimes "long nines." Mrs. PROUT's stogies were unquestionably the first tobacco product in the nature of a cigar made in the United States. 1804 - The total number of cigars imported by the United States was 685,000. Made in New York - 1836 - Emanuel HOFFMAN begins cigar manufacturing in New York City. 1849 to1859 - It was at this period that influx of cigarmakers from Germany and Bohemia was greatest. Between 1849 and 1859 many cigar factories were in operation in towns in Pennsylvania. The business of importing leaf tobacco largely from Cuba dates from this decade. In 1857, the late Michael STACHELBERG opened the first factory turning out exclusively clear Havana cigars, that was ever opened in New York City. 1863 - The story of the cigar industry of the United States from 1863 to the close of the centry is a story of natural development under somewhat harsh conditions. The gradual rise in the import duties on wrapper leaf from 35 cents to $2 a pound, the harrassing rules and regulations by a succession of Commissioners of Internal Revenue, very few of whom have had any understanding in the cigar industry of the cigar leaf business, or any sympathy with either, and since 1890 the bothersome and often times unfair treatment of importers of Havana tobacco, all these things have been annoying, but it is a pleasure to record that they have neither crippled the enterprise of merchants or manufacturers, nor have they in any manner retarded the onward march of events. 1900 - December 17 - The Supreme Court of the United States, in a decision upholding the validity of an anti-cigarette statute passed by Tennessee in 1897, delivers itself of this pronouncement, "Tobacco is the solace of mankind."
The directors of the Reading Company decided Monday to purchase from J.P. MORGAN & Company, the holdings of Central Railroad of New Jersey stock recently purchased by that firm, but beyond that fact the directors declined to enlighten the public, and refused all information regarding the prospective charge in the relations between the Reading and the Lehigh Valley Railroad, through the acquirement of the PACKER estate stock interests. The board was in session for two hours at the Terminal building, Philadelphia, with all the directors present except George F. BAER and Charles STEEL. The result of their deliberations was given out in a brief statement from President HARRIS, to the effect that the proposition from J.P. MORGAN & Company for the sale of the majority of the capital stock of the Jersey Central had been submitted to the board; that he had recommended the acceptance of the proposition, as the two properties could be managed in connection with one another to the best advantage, and virtually supplement one another, and that after full consideration of officers of the Company were authorized to arrange for the purchase. No information was given out, nor could any be obtained from any of the directors after the meeting, as to the price paid for the stock or the manner in which payment for it is to be made. Various reports were current as to the price paid for the majority holdings, these ranging from 155 to 172, but none of these could be confirmed. The Jersey Central directors, who met in New York Monday and declared the usual, quarterly dividend of 1 1/4 per cent, were equally reticent concerning the deal. One of the members of the board said that the purchase of the stock was a matter in which as a board they had no interest, and that any offer to the shareholder of the Jersey Central which might be made would not be made through the board. The Jersey Central matter having practically been settled, considerable interest attaches to the Lehigh Valley, which is also now in absolute control of Mr. MORGAN and his associates. It was expected that the matter would come up at Monday's meeting of the Reading directors, but it was said that it was not even mentioned. The prevailing opinion is that it will in the end be turned over to the Reading, and will be operated through a controlling ownership, in just the same manner as the Jersey Central.
The Court will be called upon to appoint a tax collector for Pottstown, as the present incumbent, Charles G. HAWKINS, a well known Democratic politician, will remove to Reading. The office is a much desired one, as it carries considerable political power, besides a snug salary. Prominent among the aspirants for appointment is Democratic County Chairman Ralph SHANER, but it is probable the Republicans will put forth a candidate, as the office is considered a valuable adjunct to party equipment, especially in these days of factionalism.
An inventory of the estate of Wine Maker ROCHEL who was murdered on the night of December 17 in his home at Mountainville, near Allentown, was filed in court on Monday. The estate is valued at $6300. Nearly all of it goes to a nephew and a niece of the bachelor wine maker.
Mrs. Solomon SLOUGH, of Nurmenburg, Schuylkill County, near Hazleton, will locate in East Greenville and open a Millinery store. Mrs. SLOUGH has rented the brick building, which was formerly used as the post office, from John L. DIMMIG. She expects to carry on the business in that building and will take possession on March 1. Mrs. SLOUGH has been in the millinery business for a number of years and no doubt she will make a success in the borough.
Henry STAHSEL, of this borough, on Thursday purchased the property located on Main Street, this borough, known as the Henry WILL place, from Henry CLEMMER of Clayton, for $2050. The tract consists of a brick house, and two beautiful building lots fronting on Main street. The house is at present tenanted by Enos HUNSBERGER. Mr. STAHSEL intends to improve the house and also build a new double dwelling house on one of the lots in spring. The property adjoins that of Mr. STAHSEL.
William BITTING, of this borough, was appointed foreman of the cigarmakers at the factory of REINACH, THORSCH & Company. Mr. BITTING entered upon his new duties on Thursday. The firm was compelled to make this move as Mr. NICKUM, foreman of the factory was unable to attend to all the firms rapidly growing business. Since the first of the year they increased their working force from forty-two to sixty-two.
Oliver SCHANTZ, of East Greenville, the senior member of the firm of SCHANTZ Brothers, who will conduct the large new silk mill, when completed, purchased a home on main street this borough, yesterday. The property is now tenanted by E.E. WEISS, the butcher, and was owned by H.S. MUMBAUER. Mr. SCHANTZ will take possession of his newly purchased home on April 1st. The price paid for the property was $1,700.
Town and Country, of Pennsburg, sends us a very pretty calendar of an original design. By the way, this 22-month old infant is setting a pace in country weekly journalism that older papers find trouble in keeping up to, and in make-up and press work it beats any newspaper that has ever come under our notice.
Henry BENDER Jr., who had been working at the John HANCOCK ice house met with an accident this week. He was perched on a box car to eat his lunch, when a shifter came along and jarred the cars, causing him to fall off the car. He had a narrow escape with his life, he only received a few bruises.
Warren KEHS, a young man of Bally, was arrested by Constable A.J. DRESSLER, of this borough, on Tuesday, on a charge made by Milton CHRISTMAN, of Niantic. The charges are the using of profane language and disorderly conduct in the Huber's Church, Niantic, during the Christmas festival. The young man was given a hearing before Squire Henry J. SMITH, of this borough. The case was discharged upon the defendant paying a fine and the costs of prosecution.
The regular meeting of Lafayette Chamber, No. 49, of Spinnerstown, on Monday evening, was one of the largest in the history of that branch of the order. The newly elected officers for the ensuing year were installed by Dist. Dept. G.S.K.M. William H. STETTLER. The following officers were installed: Sir K.M.D.K. KOOKER; S. Ch. Erwin HANGEN; J. Ch. Henry KLINE; M.R. Henry KEISER; Treasurer, F.B. NEIDIG.
Charles MCNULTY, of Red Hill, on Saturday, purchased a fine farm from Mrs. Catharine BORTZ of that town. The farm contains about 14 acres and is located right below Red Hill, it is better known as the late ex-Sheriff BEYSHER's place. The price Mr. MCNULTY paid is $2500. The farm is now tenanted by Oliver MILLER. Mr. MCNULTY will take possession April 1st.
Charles A. KNEULE, president of the Pennsburg Fire Company, has called a special meeting of all the members of the company for the purpose of transacting some important business. The meeting will be held at 8 o'clock. He requests all members to be present.
Isaac KRIEBEL, a seventy year old farmer, residing near Mainland, has been sick with the measles for the last week. Mr. KRIEBEL had a severe attack which was probably due to his advanced age. This is a rare case, as aged people are seldom afflicted with this disease.
The KNICKERBOCKER Ice Company, of Philadelphia, this week shipped 144 cars of ice from their dam at Green Lane, and the John HANCOCK Ice Company, shipped 130 cars from their upper dam at Green Lane.
Jacob N. KURTZ and Irwin BAUER, supervisors of Upper Hanover township, assisted by Assessor William BUTTERWECK, levied the tax for that township last week. The rate made by them is 28 mills on the dollar.
The Academy of Music at Allentown, the oldest theatre in that city, was almost totally destroyed by fire Wednesday night. The origin of the fire is not known. It started on or under the stairs leading to the gallery in the front part of the house. The flames were seen in the south-west corner on the second story and must have gained considerable headway before it was discovered. The rear part of the building, which covers the stage, was not burned. The firemen plied streams from the northern part, the southern and several streams were played from the stage. At 1 o'clock Thursday morning the streams were still kept on it and the indications were that the firemen had an all-night job. There were five engines located within as many squares. Thomas HECKMAN, the Academy janitor, resided in the residence portion of the building, and the family saved some of their goods, but most of it is destroyed. The HILLMAN Opera Company, which was showing this week, had closed its performance at about 10.30 o'clock but some of the show people were still in the rooms. All the scenery and most of the belongings of the company were saved, as the fire was located in the front part of the building for the greater part of an hour. The flames made their way to the roof of the building and ten minutes after the alarm was sounded a strong burst of flame came from the centre window on the Sixth street front and that told the gains it had already made. The brave firemen worked heroically but notwithstanding this they soon saw that the flames were beyond their control. The theatre is insured for $22,000 but it is expected that the loss will exceed the insurance. When the fire broke out there were many in the crowd eager to lend every assistance possible to save the contents of the office and the building. The fire at that time was confined to the upper part of the building, but those who worked downstairs did it at the risk of their safety, as the roof of the theatre threatened to fall in at any time. All of the movable property was taken out even to the pictures on the wall and willing hands were eager to assist in removing the safe. Manager Worman gave his assurance that it was fireproof, however, and it was not taken out. The fire was extinguished before it reached the office, but the room was wrecked by the water and smoke.
The family of Charles LICHTENWALNER, a prominent, prosperous and well-to-do farmer, living near Macungie, had a narrow escape on Tuesday. Mr. LICHTENWALNER has a large farm upon which are located lime-stone quarries which he operates. His dynamite being frozen, Mr. LICHTENWALNER took twenty-five sticks of it, making about thirteen pounds, and placed it in the oven of his kitchen stove to thaw it out. He then left for the quarry. When he arrived at the quarry the workmen asked him what he had done, and he told them. Hardly had he finished before the women folks at the house yelled "fire." After Mr. LICHTENWALNER and the workmen got there the dynamite had all been burned. The stove door had opened which prevented an explosion. Mr. LICHTENWALNER had put it in a wooden box, which, experts claim, saved it from exploding. The woodwork in the kitchen is all burned and the wall is all black. Had it exploded it would have killed all of his family and probably wrecked the house and barn.
The Farmers' National Bank, of this borough, elected the following officers to serve for the ensuing year at their meeting on Tuesday: E.M. BENNER, Sumneytown, E.J. WIEDER, Limeport; M.G. BERNDT, Spinnerstown; Daniel W. SCHULTZ, Hereford; M.B. BAUMAN, Niantic; F.N. BENFIELD, Huffs Church; J.P. HILLEGASS, D.S. KERN and John F. WEYAND, all of Pennsburg. The Board organized by electing E.M. BENNER, President, and E.J. WIEDER, Secretary. The Perkiomen National Bank, of East Greenville, held its election last Tuesday and the following officers were elected: J.N. JACOBS, Lansdale; J.W. KLEIN, Spring Mount; M.A. KRATZ, Green Lane, Dr. J.G. MENSCH, Pennsburg; I.W. STETTLER, Frederick; J.G. WEINBERGER, Steinsburg; E.H. SCHULTZ, Clayton; William A. WELKER, Red Hill; F.L. FLUCK, East Greenville; L.S. SHIMER, Shimersville; N.B. KEELY, East Greenville, and H.H. SCHULTZ, Clayton. The Board organized and re-elected F.L. Fluck as President.
John M. HENSON, of Hatfield, committed suicide at Philadelphia on last Saturday. After ascertaining that every possible hope of securing employment had fled, he dispatched a letter to a friend in Philadelphia declaring that he was coming to Philadelphia for the express purpose of killing himself. HENSON, who lives in Hatfield, this county, boarded a train for Philadelphia several days ago after writing the letter, and following his arrival there put his threat into successful execution. HENSON was taken to the Presbyterian Hospital, where he died a short time after his admission.
This busy little manufacturing borough will shortly have its nights of darkness turned into light. There is now being used at the corner of Fourth and Main streets one of the White Light Gas Lamp Company's latest improved lights. This lamp was put up by plumber V. H. STECKEL, of this borough, as a sample. Mr. STECKEL is the agent for the company and is empowered to guarantee the lamp to be satisfactory in every respect. It is 720 candle power and almost as brilliant as an arc light. The cost of running this lamp is not higher than the ordinary street lamps used in this borough at the present day. They are guaranteed to be perfectly safe and are beyond a doubt far superior to the smoky dirty lamps which are sprinkled throughout our borough. One of the new lights will take the place of four of the unsatisfactory lamps now being used. The borough now has in use sixty-four lamps, with an average nightly cost of $2.75. Much better service could be given with these new lamps at a nightly cost of 75 cents. The following business people have decided to purchase lamps and hang them in front of their business places: Perkiomen Seminary, 2 lights; American House, 1; Town and Country and Pennsburg Carriage Bazaar, 1; GILBERT & HEVERNER, 1; Thomas MARSTELLER and William DIEHL, 1; H. STAHSEL and Tobias FREED, 1; V.H. STECKEL, 1; Jon. P. HILLEGASS, 1; S.B. KEPLER, Aaron FOX and Lutheran Congregation, 1. This move on the part of the citizens is a praiseworthy one, as it will light up our principal streets and assist the council in organizing a complete and successful lighting system in our borough, something which we have never before enjoyed.
Mr. and Mrs. John TRUMB, of Chapel, two of Berks County's oldest residents are still enjoying exceptionally good health. Mr. TRUMB was born on the 28th day of November in the year 1818, near Treichlersville, Berks County, and has always lived within a radius of ten miles from the place where he was born. Until a lad of twenty years Mr. TRUMB assisted on his father's farm. He then began the trade of a mason, which he carried on successfully until a few years ago. At times Mr. TRUMB had under his charge from twenty-five to thirty workmen. He is strong and in the best of health at the present day and can often be seen handling the trowel and hammer on small jobs in that vicinity. He enjoys good eyesight and has the use of all his faculties. Mr. TRUMB is one of Berks county's oldest Democrats and prides himself that he has never missed an election of importance during his long and interesting life. Mrs. Sallie TRUMB was born on the first day of November, 1828, near Huff's church. She is a daughter of the late George CONRAD, a one time influential resident of Berks county. Mr. and Mrs. TRUMB were united in the holy bonds of matrimony in November in the year 1848, and have enjoyed fifty-two years of happy married life. Their long, interesting and useful married life was blessed by two children who died several years ago. Mrs. TRUMB also enjoys exceptionally good health for her advanced years. She has the use of all her faculties and spends considerable of her time reading. This aged couple take great pleasure in relating to their many friends incidents of years gone by.
JAMES M. CHRISTMAN, the well known miller and farmer, died at his home at Sigmund, Lehigh county, on Tuesday morning, aged 65 years and 10 days. He was sick of a complication of diseases but was bedfast only a short time. Deceased was born in Hereford township, Berks county. He followed farming and milling for many years and was a highly respected man, of a genial disposition and kind nature. His wife died last winter. The following children survive: George and William of Cleveland, Ohio, Calvin at home, Harry of near East Texas, and Mrs. Charles P. RUTH of Reading. Also these brothers and sisters: J. Lewis of Macungie, Charles Edwin of Old Zionsville, Mrs. Henry HANGEN of Reading, Mrs. Jonas HIESTAND of Shimersville, and Mrs. Tilghman SCHMOYER of near East Texas. The funeral will take place on this forenoon, at 9.30 o'clock. Interment will be made at the Reformed church, Old Zionsville. Reverends Dr. KELLER and DICKERT will officiate.
JACOB DENGLER, an old resident of Hill church died suddenly on Sunday night from the effects of an apoplectic stroke. He died at the home of his son Francis. The funeral will be held today. Interment will be made in the old church cemetery. Rev. M.H. MISHLER will officiate.
WILSON S. MUSSELMAN, of Allentown, formerly of Quakertown, died last Sunday evening at his home. Deceased brought his age to 31 years. His death was due to typhoid fever. Mr. MUSSELMAN was a jeweler, and at one time conducted a jewelry store at Schwenksville and Quakertown. At the time of his death he was a jewelry messenger. He has been sickly for the past two months. He is survived by his wife and one son, and his parents. He was a son of J.B. MUSSELMAN of Steinsburg.
The Mennonite Brethren in Christ congregation at Gratersford has had considerable trouble with mischief makers, while their meetings were in progress. In order to preserve order and arrest the offenders, they secured the services of Constable Henry HUNSICKER this week. The meetings were however not disturbed while the constable was in attendance. Some of the young men will evidently land in the Norristown jail, if these acts are not discontinued.
Nathaniel SCHOLL of Green Lane, left for Reading, to spend his vacation. While there he was taken sick with the measles, and consequently his vacation has been extended.
Tuesday was a record breaking day for housing ice at Green Lane. Nineteen thousand cakes of fine crystal ice were housed during that day.
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