Reading Times from Reading, Pennsylvania • Page 1

.4 FRIDAY lIOIUOlTa, DECEMBER 23, 1898. TEN CENTS A WEEK VOLUME 83. NO. 99. LEROY WE1IGER PRIZE ORATOR.

Honirable Mention Was Awarded to E. Orft and W. Brassier br tbe JDiges. JN LSSH 1ST SELECTED. Mis Miriam Breyfogel Wins the Medal and Misses Carrie Clnss and Jamie Huf ford Are Given Honorable Mention.

Such Disorderly Conduct Indulged in by the High School Boys That Professor Scheibner Announces His Determination to Prohibit Future Contests A Cane Bush and a Banquet. Last evening the third and probably last oratorical contest among the members of the Boys' High School took place in the Academy of Music. The announcement that this would be the last one was made by Prof. M. K.

Scheibner, and was caused by the disgraceful actions of members of the Boys' High school who occupied the entire front of the auditorium. From the opening selection by the orchestra to the closing remarks of W. Kerper Stevens the boys insisted on giving class yells and raising Cain generally; When Mr. Stevens attempted to render the decision of the committee, of which he was the chairman, as to the merits of the essays of the Girls' High Schools, they refused to allow him to speak and yelled, cheered, groaned and hooted. After repeated endeavors to be heard Mr.

Stevens finally made his announcement. When he said that "from the excellence of the work of the girls, if, in a contest, the boys would have to look to their laurels," the boys groaned and hooted. It was one of the most humiliating and disgraceful scenes ever witnessed in the Academy of Music, and when Prof. Scheibner attempted to remonstrate with them a small sized row almost ensued. The boys knew they were masters of the situation and took advantage of it to make themselves especially offensive.

This is the first "time in the history of the Reading High schools in which there has been such an ungentlemanly exhibition, and Prof. Scheibner said, after the contest, that every member of the school who was present last evening would be held to a strict account for his share in the disgraceful proceedings. The stage was beautifully decorated in the class colors, black and red, and was occupied by the following members of the Alumni Executive Committee: Charles T. Davies, '91, president; Fred. Rowe, '82, treasurer; Miss Inez Goldman, '95, corresponding secretary; Miss May Ermentrout, '85, recording secretary; Miss Grace W.

Hoover, '94; Charles H. Williamson, '96; Harry M. Fegley, '80; Miss Lizzie McGowan, '77; Prof. M. E.

Scheibner, principal of the Boys' High School, and Miss Mayers, principal of the Girls' High School. After the opening overture by the orchestra, led by Harry Fahrbach, class '88, President Charles T. Davies made a few remarks in which he stated the object of the assembly. He then introduced the orators by numbers, withholding the names. The judges, who were unknown to any one except the executive committee and the principals of both of the high schools, were: Judge Gustav A.

Endlich, Jefferson Snyder, and Rev. J. S. Bromley. THE FIRST SPEAKER.

All of the contestants took for their subjects "The Future of America." E. R. Meredith was the first speaker. During his oration he said: "The future of any nation is in the hands of her people, and this is especially true of our own dear America, and with her latent powers what powers for good or evil can be exerted. It is, therefore, of prime importance that the young blood be instructed in purity and good government and practical politics.

Every State in our Union has within its confines men in political power who have corrupted the laws and used not only power, prestige and influence, but public moneys to their own use. In the free public schools of our land, therefore, must begin the crusade against the bosses and ringsters and then, when this is accomplished, then indeed will America be truly 'a government of the people, by the people and for the SPEAKER NO. 2. The second speaker, C. W.

Gehrke, began by briefly outlining the past of America, her struggle for liberty, which it won honorably and forever; then the Civil War, and finally when the country which had first seen and whose representative had discovered this land dared to endeavor to oppress her possessions and was ordered to desist anil refused, her power was rapidly crushed and her possessions wrested from her, and the inhabitants freed from further cruelties and bloodshed. To these nations America has thrown her protecting mantle and announced in the language of the dear old Liberty bell, "Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants thereof." THIRD ADDRESS. C. Ribble said that "there is a culminating point in all men's livea when they reach the pinnacle of their greatness. Such was the case with Columbus, Washington and Lincoln.

For a nation to have a future it must have characteristics and requisites to command and deserve it. What is it that makes America great? It is that everburning love of country, that grand old Hag 'Old and the determination to defend her honor, come what may, and always and ever determined to emulate their patriotic forefathers who were willing to pledge 'their lives, their fortunes and their sacred This oration was followed by a selection by the choru3 of the Girls' High School entitled "Lady Bird." It was splendidly rendered. Miss Lizzie I. McGowan presided at the piano. For encore they sang "The Clouds." ADDRESS OF MR.

ORFF. E. Orff, the next orator, said: "America has a gand future before her and will In time produce grander painters, greater poets, more famous historians, more renowned sculptors, more celebrated musicians than the Old World ever dreamed of, and then indeed will America be as she should be the greatest nation in the world. MR. KLINE'S ORATION.

Chester Kline, during his oration, said in part: "No other nation in th'i world can boast that her foundation was laid In Christianity. What other nation can duplicate her glorious victories either in war or peace, and where is the country that can boast that it never took up a cause but one which was just? America has a duty before she has a future, and that duly is to assist suffering humanity whenever and wherever occasion arises, anu then, trusting to God, the future murioa will he a erand one and her end like the beautiful jewel in a setting of solid gold." ADDRESS OF MR. LESSIG. ohnrips Lessie was the next orator. He predicted that America's future was prosperity, it cannot be otherwise.

Her people, her genius, her abilities, her educaiton, ner neroism, ner ijub tai rieveloDment, her ardor, her re sources, her capabilities, her Inventive qualitie are requisites which will bring her to the grandest position among the nations of the world. Then followed a selection entitled rH to Music." a German student Bong by the Boys High school chorus, thR leadership of Miss Mc Gowan. The boys showed excellent phrasing and sang with precision and spirit. Their efforts were greeted en thusiastically. As an encore was given Gluck's "The Mill." MR WENGER'S EFFORT.

Leroy J. Wengefs oration was a splendid effort. He said America's progress has been one of successive revolutions which Inevitably brought victory. The intelligence of a nation is always decided by the uses to which they put it. He first outlined Grecian history and showed how the Greeks lived and gave to the world sciences, arts and sculpture, architecture, education and laws.

He then showed how America had advanced rapidly from the infant nation to one of the powers in the world, and which now moves in majesty in the sphere she should occupy and whose heroes have placed the laurel leaves of victory on the brow of fair Columbia and on land and sea have proven that the American soldier is the superior in courage, intelligence, obedience and heroism to those of any other nation. MR. BRESSLER SPEAKS. The next orator was J. W.

Bressler. He showed that those nations that have held the name of God as their guide have been successful, while those that either refused or neglected to recognize the Supreme being were, overthrown and sank into oblivion. THOUGHTS OF MR. SEYLER. Edwin E.

Seyler said that when the Pilgrim fathers landed on the shores of New England the wheel of our nation was started moving. During the revolution that wheel was given another start and since that time there have arisen occasions when the wheel has been kept constantly making his tory. ORATION OF MR. SCHOLL. G.

D. Scholl said: The destiny of a nation depends upon the character of the people, the application of the laws and the reverence of the Supreme Being. The ancestors of our people were men and women who were devout and earnest, deeply religious and willing to undergo any hardships which might be necessary rather than submit to the tyranny of those who they knew had no other claim to govern than their self assumed Divine Right of Kings. HE LAST SPEAKER. The last orator was Edgar E.

Schwartz, who said: "America is now among the greatest nations of the earth. She has passed the dark nights of her existence and has now entered into the bright dawn of day, and with her power of development may she go forward with hope with the sword always sheathed, but ready to defend the oppressed, always with the divine expression on her lips, 'Peace on earth, good will toward The Girls High School chorus then sang "Sounds of Evening." PRIZE FOR MISS BREYFOGEL. Then followed the award of the judges of literature to Class Girls' Continued on Fourth Page. MRS. MOORE TELLS HER TALE.

She Goes On the Stand and Charges Mahon With Being Responsible for Her Downfall Denies Charges Made Against Her. New York, Dec. 22. A friend of Mrs. Moore was forced to testify this afternoon.

Mrs. Moore told her that 'her husband would kill her if she turned state's evidence and that they did not get as much as they expected from Mahon. Fayne Strahan Moore was on the witness stand tonight. She told the story of her downfall and named Mahon as the man responsible. She was born in 1877.

She returned from Europe in 1896, after completing her musical studies. Mahon called on her frequently and said he was married, but not living with his wire, rie canea al most every night and frequently tooK her out. Recorder Goff refused to allow her to answer whether Moore was responsible for her downfall. She last saw Mahon before her marriage in January, 1897. On Nov.

4 she met Mahon at his re quest and told him Moore abused her while drunk. He said he would protect her and suggested that they resume their former relations. She left Moore and returned the next day for ner clothes, when the detectives arrested them. She denied smoking cigarettes when the detective entered the room. She did not see Mahon give Moore monev or make a promissory note.

Cross examination was postponed until tomorrow. THE BOTKIN DEFENSE. An Attempt to Set Up an Alibi for the Accused Woman. San Francisco, Dec. 22.

Dr. Tyrell was the first witness of the defense in the Botkin case. His testimony was of a startling nature, and it absolutely contradicted the tetimony of Misses Henri and Dltmann.who swore that on the afternoon of July 31, at 3 o'clock, they sold Mrs. Botkin a box of choco lates. Dr.

Tyrell swore that he was attend ing Mrs. Botkin professionally at that time on that date. Mrs. Botkin took the Btand in her own behalf and contradicted Dunning. Little Droeress was made.

Dr. Tyrel, the principal witness, contradicted him self very much. AGREEMENT RATIFIED. The Harmonie Maennerchor met last evening and the report of the commit tee that met a similar committee or the Germanla band for the purpose of consolidation was presented and unan imously adopted. The society and band will merge Jan.

1. INSURANCE REVOLUTION. rtniumViiia Tian 9.9 Thp inRiivnnnp Kitelnana in Onln hnQ VtPPTl rPVnllltton ized by a decision of the Supreme Court wnicn aeciarea locai uonrua ui uuun writers unlawful. ALL WAS WELL. Norfolk.

Dec. 2. The coaler that ac companied the Oregon and Iowa to Bahia reports all pleasant and a grand reception there. MANILA SOLDIERS COME FIRST. Wnnhimrtnn.

Dec. 22. The volunteers ordered home from Manila will be the first discharged. DUPUY MUST TESTIFY, pot la tw 52 Dimiiv has been or dered to testify before the Court of Cassation. PARLOR CLOCKS, $1.65 G.

B. Over 200 ornamental bronzed iron parlor clocks, made to sell at $4.50, and well worth that price, go on sale for the balance of the week at $1.65. A handsome and useful Christmas gift; there will never be such an opportun ity again. Oately Britton, 940 Penn St. Don't buy on Christmas.

Get your liquors at Close Deem's, 909 Penn. MASONIC GOODS. Shrine Charms, Badges, Buttons best stock of secret society goods in Reading. THE WEATHER. Washington, D.

Dec. 22, 9 P. M. Forecast for Friday for Eastern Pennsylvania: Clearing; light to fresh easterly winds, becoming southerly. See our elegant Holiday displays.

Store open evenings. Schlechter's th popular Jewelers. How about a box of Huyler's? For wines, whiskey, brandy, champagne, at Close Deem's, 909 Penn St. DEATH REVEALS SECRET. ONE Or NEWARK'S FAMOUS OLD MAIOS HAD A HUSBAND.

He Was Major Van Honten, a One Lagged Veteran Soldier Who Lived in the House, but Her Sister Did Mot Know It. Newark, Dec. 22. Judia Caldwell was not an old maid, after all. Eighty yeahs old, rich and of high social position, for half a century, the people of Newark regarded her as such.

When it came to dividing the $80,000 she had left behind, it came out that she had been married for years, though not a soul knew of it except herself and her husband. The old woman's will is being contested, and McGill is hearing the evidence. For many years the Caldwell mansion in Broad stret, has been a landmark. Around it lies property belonging to the family. The last of the line were Mary and Julia.

With them lived Major Van Houten, a one legged veteran of the civil war. "I like to have my friends about said Mary, "but as for marriage never!" "You're always right, dear sister," said Julia, and Major Van Houten agreed. Yet the Major and Julia had been husband and wife for ten years. They lived in the same house, with Mary and she did not guess their secret. A week before she died Julia told her sister.

Mary was horror stricken. By the terms of her father's will the property had been left to Mary. She died a week after Julia. Major Van Houten didn't get a cent. Mary's will said: "I bequeath all my real and personal estate to my sister, Henrietta M.

Dobbs, and appoint her my sole executrix." The will was dated ''at Newark, the 25th day of Newark, 1897." A dozen nephews and nieces contested the will on the ground that the 25th day of Newark did not mean anything. They were overruled and took the case to Chancellor McGill on appeal. No one in Newark is particularly interested in the contest, but the people can't get over the shock of finding put that one of the Caldwell old maids was a married woman and that even her sister didn't know of it. PROGRESS OF THE GRIP. Twenty Thousand Philadelphians Down With It at the Present ime.

Twenty thousand Philadelphians are afflicted with the grip. As larvae increase and multiply beneath a tropical sun, so the influenza, propagated by the damp and penetrating weather, is claiming many hundreds of new victims every day. Here individuals are down; there whole families; the courts are affected, schools are depleted of their pupils, teachers have been forcd to their beds and many department stores are crippled for lack of clerical help. And the doctors say that the end is not yet; that the disease must run its course before it will decrease. In the suburbs this situation is quite as serious as in the city.

At Chestnut Hill, where the land is high and unusually healthy, there are a thousand cases; in Germantown the grip has obtained a strong foothold and is increasing rapidly; at Bryn Mawr the college began its Christmas holiday a day earlier than is usual because the students were suffering from the prevalent disease. There is one mitigating feature to the epidemic. The disease is not in a malignant form. It is simply agitating. It makes people fee), for a time, that life is hardly worth the living, but in a few days it is all over, all but the weakness which it leaves behind and which behooves its victims to take precautions to prevent other diseases from developing.

The grip has become so much a fad that many persons suffering from simple colds and cough and slight attacks of rheumatism believe that' they have been attacked by it and march straightway to bed. NEAR DEATH'S DOOR. Twenty Persons Narrowly Escape Becoming the Victims of Tramps. Pottsville, Dec. 22.

A gang of tramps with the hope of getting plunder wrecked one of the big eight wheel trolley cars on the Schuylkill Haven branch of the ScliuylkiU Electric Railway late last night. The place chosen for the derailing was at the bridge crossing a stream near Cape Horn. A big tree was cut down and laid carefully across the rails. Each end was heavily weighted with stones to keep the obstruction in position. The car with IS passengers aboard struck the tree with terrific force, the obstruction not being seen owing to a heavy curve.

The forward trucks plunged down a steep embankment, but the rear wheels clung to the rails and kept the car in an upright position. The passengers escaped with a few bruises. The crew stuck to their posts and were uninjured. The car struck the bridge and knocked a portion of it away. Had the car been entirely derailed it would have fallen in the creek, and the loss of life would have been appaling, as there is a twenty or thirty foot drop at that point.

A NEW SOCIETY. Its Membership Will be Limited to the P. 0. S. of A.

A new association, to be known as the Arabian Degree Class, has been organized in this city, and already permanent officers have been elected. The new organization will derive its membership from the various camps of Sons of America, of this city, exclusively, and the primary object of the society is the promotion of good fellowship, although a beneficial clause may be inserted in its by laws. The society has ordered paraphernalia for use in the initiation of members, and will begin active operations shortly after the new year. SAGA ST A AND STOCKS FEVERISH. Madrid, Dec.

22. The Premier, Senor Sagasta, is worse today. He is very feverish. His condition caused Spanish international securities to fall from 56.25 to 55.30. INTENSELY INTERESTING OFFERINGS AND LIVELIEST KIND OF SELLING is marking the close of Schrader Kline's Great Holiday Sale.

Today and Saturday will be memorable ones for bargain hunters. Everything in the Btore will be closed out at unprecedented low prices. The nnoArtmont fa tnn lflrere to eo into de tails.but there is surely something that tn you neea ana win warn; ho tou i imno the opportunity of buying it now. You nan govs a nlna Slim hV doinB SO. The best bargains of the sale can be picked up the next two nays.

Schrader Kline, 648 and 650 Penn. REGINA BARGAINS. They are soon all, then you could kick yourself that you waited so long. Procrastination is the thief of time. This admonition comes from Lichty's, 641 Penn street, and you know we never say anything that Is not so.

Huyler's world renowned Candles at Wetda's Drug Store. James S. Brusstar Shlrtmak ers, 713 Penn street. Headquarters for all kinds of Shirts. FC3L AKDFCCm GAMES PLAYED IN THE VARIOUS LOCAL TOURNAMENTS.

Bchuble Defeated by Clarke by a Score ef 10O to 14 ia the Contest for the Local Amateur Championship. Other Games. The pool game in the contest for local honors was played at Strain Miller's last evening between Edward Clarke and Adam Schnable and was won by Clarke, much to the delight of his friends, by the following score: Clarke 7, 7, 6, 6, 0, 8, 14, 14, 15, 7, 11, 6, 4100. Schnable 8 8, 9r 9, 15, 7, 1, 1, 0, 8, 4, 10, 074.. Scratches Clarke, Schnable, 6.

STANDING OP THE FLAlER!" W. L. Per Ct. Morris Fink 1 900 Harry Schalck 8 1 889 Adam Schnable 7 4 638 Edward Deem 4 4 500 Edward Clarke .4 .4 500 David Walters 3 6 333 Harry Freese 1 7 125 Theodore H. Dwight 0 000 Tonight Dwight and Fink, at Fuel ler Goodhart's.

ELECTRIC WHEELMEN. Following is the score of last evening's game of pool in the tournament of the Electric Wheelmen: G. Graff 6. 9, 4, 8, 4, 556. Moffat 11, 9, 7, 9, 10, 6, 975; Scratches G.

Graff, Moffat, 3. AMERICAN WHEELMEN. The following scores were made last evening in the pool and pinochle tournaments of the American Wheelmen: Weand 9, 6, 7, 4, 9, 8, 6, 3, 6, 770. Hoaster 4, 6, 6, 6, 7, 11, 4, 6, 8, 11, 775. Biehl 6, 5, 7.

7, 5, 8, 8, 6, 1075. Kupp 9, 9, 6, 7, 9, 8, 8, 6, 4, 5 TO. Scratches Biehl, Kupp, 8. Pinochle First. A.

Snyder, 1168; W. Reeser, 1200; second, A. Snyder, 938; W. Reeser, 1200; third, draw; fourth, Weand, 957; Williams, 1200; fifth and sixth, forfeited to Williams. SpUTH END WHEELMEN.

The South End Wheelmen pinochle and casino players made the following scores last evening: Pinochle First game, Blckel, 1200; Strock, 1170; second, Bickel, Strock, 1200; third, Blckel, 1200; Strock, 1160; fourth, Gabriel, 1200; T. Clark, 600; fifth, Gabriel, 1200; Clark, 1030; sixth, Gabriel, 1200; seventh, Heath, 1200; Westley, 1190; eighth, Heath, 590; Westley, 1200; ninth.Heath, 1200; Westley, 700; tenth, Gabriel, 1200; Westley, 1190;" eleventh, Gabriel, 1150; Westley, 1200; twelfth, Gabriel, 690; Westley, 1200. Casino T. Clark, 23, 31, 34; H. Levan, 31, 17, 31; Ziemer, 31, 28, Cupler, 29, 31, 81.

DECEMBER BRIDES. Further Additions Made to the Long List of Who Have Met at the Marriage Altar. The wedding of David Singer, son of Morris and Lena Singer, Cavenaugh, Russia, and Annie, daughter of Levi and Beckie Sherr, 11 Cedar street, took place in Shomro Habrith last evening. The ceremony was performed at 8 o'clock by Rabbi B. L.

Levin thai, chief rabbi of Pennsylvania, assisted by Rabbi Beilin, Mahanoy City, and Rabbi Blatt, this city. The bride was attired in a white silk, dress trimmed with cream colored lace and carried a large bouquet of bridal roses. The couple were attended by Miss Annie Luria and Levi Nach. After the ceremony the couplewere taken in a coupe to the Franklin House, where a reception was given. Among the prominent out of town guests were: A.

Singer, David Keplan, Harrisburg. Shifter's orchestra furnished the music. About fifteen telegrams were received by the newly married couple. A large number of pretty presents were received. OTHER WEDDINGS.

Gilbrt A. Crotto, son of A. J. and Lena R. Crotto, Burlington, and Annie daughter of Henry C.

and Lucy A. Bear, 243 Pear street, were privately married by Rev. Joseph S. Bromley at his parsonage at 8 o'clock Wednesday evening. The grooom is employed as a proofreader by the Biographical Publishing of Buffalo, N.

Y. The couple will reside at the home of the bride's parents for the present. The wedding of Lewis B. Heiter, 224 North Eleventh street, and Miss Katie Koch, daughter of J. Peter Koch, the well known hardware dealer on South Ninth street, is announced to take place on Jan.

6 at the residence of the groom's parents. Dr. George W. Sargent, son of Chaun cey Sargent, of Bellwood, and Laura, daughter of John F. Boyer, 121 South Sixth street, were married at the home of the bride by Rev.

Dr. Horlne. The parlor was decorated with potted plants and ropes of laurel extending from the chandelier to the corners of the room. Miss Florence Sargent, sis ter of the groom, rendered Lohengrin's wedding march on the piano as the bridal party entered. The couple will leave on a short wedding tour and will be at home to their many friends after Jan.

18 at 813 North Front street. The groom is a chemist at the Carpenter Steel Co. MARRIAGE LICENSES. Cloyd W. Bordner, clerk', son of I.

J. H. and Amelia Bordner, Mt. Aetna, and Minnie daughter of John and Sarah Schmaltz, Stouchsburg. James son of Jacob R.

and Emma Brown, Oley, and Agnes daughter of John W. and Catharine Moser, Hill Church. Howard M. Llvlngood, teacher, son of Adam and Amelia Livingood, and Minnie, daughter of William and Susan Potts, both of Birdsboro. George W.

Sargent, chemist, son of Chauncey F. and Annie Sargent, 532 Franklin, and Laura, daughter of John F. and Hulda Boyer, 121 South Sixth street Gilbert A. Crotto, proofreader. Burlington, and Annie daughter of Henry C.

and Lucy Baer, 243 Pear Harvey J. Kunkel, creameryman, son of Jacob and Sarah Kunkel, and Ida daughter of James and Catharine Snyder, both of Albany. David A. Singer, rag business, son of Morris and Lena and Annie, daughter of Levi and Rebecca Shearer, both of 411 Cedar street. DEATH OF FOOTBALLIST.

Cambridge, Dec. 22. Percy Jaffray, centre of the Harvard football eleven, died this afternoon of blood poisoning. 9.30 THIS MORNING.GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Diagram opens for Himmeleln's well known company, "The Ideals," tw 9 tn 7.

Matinees dally. Re served seats secured for all performances. Monday (Xmas) matinee "The Life Guard;" Monday evening, "Eagle's Nest." Evening prices and Xmas matinee, 10, 20 and 30 cents. Matinees balance of week, 10 and 20 cents. Purses, Purses, Wallets, etc.

Cheapest at Schlechter's. BRONZED IRON CLOCKS, $1.66 G. B. Bronzed iron parlor clocks for three days, only $1.65, made to sell at $4.50. Gately Britton, 940 Penn St.

Look at our adv. bottom of 4th page. Sellers, Medlar Bachman. Huyler's Fine Candies, 947 Penn. LAST CASS OF THE TERU.

VERY SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST TWO YOUNG MEN. Three Months in Prison and a Fine of 100 for Maintaining a Disorderly Honse. The Plea of Mrs. Grant Is Sustained. Charles Phillips and M.

Raymond Guenther were placed on trial before Judge Ermentrout yesterday on the charges of felonious and statutory rape, the alleged victim being Jennie Silknitter, who testified to having been 15 years of age Sept. 21, 1898. The. crime is alleged to have occurred on i the night of July 23, at the Klapper thai Pavilion, where Miss Silknitter was employed as a domestic, and Phillips and Guenther as bar clerks, Phillips's brother Frank then being the manager and lessee of the place. In opening the case to the jury I.

C. Becker, counsel for the prosecution, outlined charges and offered to prove that on the night in question only the parties to the transaction were in the house and that Miss Silknitter retired as usual. She was awakened by a knock on the door and refused to open, when the defendants went around on the portico and entered the room by means of a window. Miss Silknitter then went on the stand and her testimony was in accord with the charges outlined by Mr. Becker in his opening.

Some additional testimony which was given was of such a character as to make it im proper to discuss or publish. 'Constable Derr testified' to making the arrest and also that both Phillips and Guenther acknowledged the charge made by Miss Silknitter, except that it was done with her full knowledge and consent. The prosecution then rested. In opening for the defense J. H.

Jacobs began an elaborate discussion of the case, when Mr. Becker objected, but the court allowed Mr. Jacobs to proceed. A number of witnesses were called, among whom were Miss LilUe Herbeln, now of Philadelphia, but prior to. the occurrence a boarder at Sllknitter's, on Lemon street, Mrs.

Wenrich, Mrs. Theresa Neff, Mrs. Lizzie Houck, Mrs. Albert Lord, Miss Lizzie Blvens, Mrs. Strunk and Mrs.

Chalkley Phillips, mother of Charles Phillips. They were asked as to the character of the Silknitter home and all, with the exception of Lizzie Bivens, said they knew nothing except that men and women were there at all hours day and night. Miss Bivens swore it was a house "of 111 fame and that Jennie's character was bad, but she could not name any one who could corroborate her testimony. Mrs. Phillips testified that Jennie Silknitter had asked her to request her son Frank to give her the place at Klapperthal and said she was 17 years of age.

Charles Phillips was then called in his own defense. He said that he and his two companions, Guenther and a cousin, Victor Taylor, of Elkton, had gone upstairs to retire, when he found the door of his room locked. He knocked and asked who was in, when Jennie answered and said she was. He demanded his working clothes, which she refused to give him, and he then went around and got in the window, passed through the room and opened the door, when Jennie stepped out into the corridor and Joined Guenther and Taylor. They all sat on the floor and talked for some time, when Phillips suggested that he, Guenther and Taylor, go to bed, which they then did.

He swore positively that neither he nor Guenther had in any way had anything to do with Jennie and that he never before or since was guilty of the crime alleged or in any other relations with her. He testified that Jennie told him she was 17 years of age. M. Raymond Guenther was then placed on the stand, but at the request of W. K.

Stevens, of counsel for the defense, the case was continued until this morning. THREE MONTHS IN PRISON. When the disorderly house cases were called, J. K. Grant told Judge Ermentrout that Lizzie Button wood street, was so ill that she could not raise her head from her pilllow, and it was an impossibility to remove Effie Brownwell, 1021 Walnut street, from her bed.

The attorney told the court that he had been authorized to enter pleas of guilty for them, and that as soon as their physicians would think it safe, they would be brought into court for sentence. Sallie Shearer, Eighth and Walnut streets, and Carrie Kalbach, Sixth and and Franklin strets, who had plead guilty on Tuesday, were then called for sentence. "In imposing sentence," said Judge Ermentrout, "the court will take into that nlpDQ nt uiltv have been entered This has been a wise act on their part. No outswe mnuence umnl tiaim nro va llnri Ppnnlp of this kind must understand that cases of this kind cannot be settled, in tne Shearer case she is fined $100 and sentenced to three months' imprisonment, but it is understood the costs in the other charge, must be paid, or she will be tried on that. In the Kalbach case, she is sentenced to three months and a fine of $100." These two women were at once taken to THREE ACQUITTALS.

A formal verdict of not guilty was taken in the assault and battery case against William Goodman.Millersburg, on oath of County Detective Bauk necht. This suit is the end of the "Humbug Schuster" case. Schuster, it was alleged, was kicked to death at Millersburg a year ago, for which Mr. Goodman was tried for manslaughter, but acquitted. Elizabeth Graul, charged with assault and battery on her sister, Mrs.

Mary Herb, a year ago, put in a plea that she was found not guilty at last court, and that she could not be tried twice for, the same offense. By direction of tke court the plea was sustained. A formal verdict of not guilty was taken in the case where Antonio Fl dela was charged with stabbing a fellow countryman near Port Clinton last summer. AN ASSIGNMENT. L.

W. Rifzman and wife and A. W. Rltzman and wife, Upper Bern, made an assignment for the benefit of creditors to Joseph S. Hlx.

Messrs, Rita man are proprietors of and conduct the general store at Shartlesville and the assignement includes the store and their individual property. A. W. Rltzman owns no real estate.but his father, L. W.

Rltzman, is the owner of three tracts of land in Upper Tulpehocken, the first containing 118 acres; the second, 14; and the third, five acres of "HABEAS CORPUS HEARING, On motion of Wm, Bechtel. a habeas corpus hearing was granted in the case of Mrs. A. Hyland, her son, Albert, and her daughter. Alma, charged with cheating and defrauding eight women who allege they gave her money to teach them embroidery lessons, and that she failed to keep the contract.

The hearing will take place before Judge Ermentrout Saturday morning at 10 o'clock. OTHER CASES, On motion of Charles M. Plank, John Miller, who was sentenced last March in a surety of the peace case, was released from prison. Thomas Leldy, sole referee in the case of Daniel Hart vs. Wiliiam Bowers, filed an award, finding in favor of the defendant on account of no cause of action.

Mrs. Reinert denies the allegations of her husband, made in surety of the peace court, that she threatened throw a flat iron at him. On motion of Ermentrout Ruhl, a divorce was granted in the case of An netta J. Thornberg vs. William C.

Thornberg. With the exception of the jurors in the Silknitter case, all were discharged, as this will be the last case disposed of at this session. ORPHANS' COURT. Letters of administration on the estate of Isaac Hinkle, Earl, were granted to Jacob S. Matthias.

Judge Bland adjudicated the account of Elmer E. Billingsfelt, executor of Peter Engelder, who died Aug. 9, 1897. The estate amounts to $54.42, which goes to the widow, on account of her exemption. PROTECTING MERCHANTS, Mayor Lewis, of Allentown, Writes to the Times.

Col. Thomas C. Zimmerman, EditoV Reading Times, Reading, Pa. Dear Sir: The inclosed clipping appeared in a recent issue of the Reading Review, and since the writer of the article has drawn upon his Imagination in a way that requires some little explanation, I would deem it a favor to have you set the readers of the Reading Review, right in the matter of appoint ing special officers for the protection of merchants and holiday shoppers in this city during the holiday season. The men selected for this purpose are men trained in the service who do not wear blue coats, as the writer of the article would have his readers believe, but on the contrary are dressed in citizens' clothes and have nothing about them that would indicate that they are special officers acting as detectives.

Their duty is to enter the stores on our main thoroughfares, and without creating any suspicion as to their being officers, watch the actions of persons acting suspiciously and to arrest in case a theft is committed. A number of our merchants have had a number of valuable things taken during the Christmas season, some people have had their pockets picked, and articles have disappeared that were on exhibition in front of the stores. To prevent a repetition of such petty thefts is the object of appointing special officers, and although the writer of the article may think that the merchants of Reading need no such protection, yet your humble servant is of the other opinion. The shoppers are not aware of the nresence of these special officers, they mingling with the crowd as if bent on the same purpose as the shoppers themselves, the only parties knowing their real business are the proprietor of the store and his clerks. Very respectfully yours, FRED.

E. LEWIS. Following is a portion of the "clipping" from the Review enclosed to the Times: "It might be argued that Mayor Lewis' plan might be followed by Mayor Weidel in Reading. But we dare say that the shoppers of Reading would not relish the idea of a big blue coated policeman following them about, scrutinizing their actions at the glove counter, keeping a sharp eye while they inspect the toys maintaining strict vigilance at the dress goods and continuing on the lookout at about every department else in the big stores on Penn street. Neither, we imagine, would the shopkeepers themselves want their clientele thus insulted, notwithstanding the.

fact that Mayor Lewis' plan is 'highly appreciated by business "Allentown shoppers may require the presence of a posse of policemen' and detectives and constables and all that, but here in Reading we shop in a different way. Mayor Lewis' special policeman plan will not be adopted here, because it is not needed." REAL ESTATE SOLD. Jefferson, No. 3, Disposes of Considerable Property. to Shareholders.

Jefferson building and savings associations, Nos. 3 and 4, met last evening. The following report of Treasuer Chas. Rentshler, at the meeting of No. 3 was presented: Balance last month, receipts, dues, $904; interest, $27; rent, account mortgages, 616 North Twelfth street; 648 North Tenth street, 921 Oley stret, 614 North Twelfth street, 626 North Twelfth street, 308 North Fourth street, total receipts, total receipts and balance, payments, cancelling 83 shares, $13, 161.98; balance in the treasury, $4,706.

96. The sales of real estate were the result of a resolution adopted some time ago, allowing stockholders 20 per cent, on and above amounts paid in, in exchange for property. This report was adopted at the meeting of No. 4: Balance last month, $1, 006.28; receipts, dues, $30; Interest, rent, on account mortgages, $39; for house 343 North Thirteenth hstreet, for house 652 North Tenth street, for nouse no linden street, $500; Insurance rebate, total receipts, receipts and balance, payments, cancelling 46 shares, $4,325.85. THE WINTERSTEEN CASE.

Cuba Will be the Home of the Alleged Conspirator and Columbia County Will Pay the Costs. The Wlntersteen dynamite conspiracy case has been indefinitely postponed at Bloomsburg, and it was announced at that place that Lloyd S. Wintersteen, the defendant, had arranged to go to Cuba, where he will engage in business. Final disposition as to the costs will be made in February, when it is expected that Columbia county will pay them. The case, it is said, will cost the county over $10,000.

About a hundred Reading people who were subpoenaed as witnesses are. interested in the matter of the payment of the costs. TENTH FOR YEAGER. The three Tenth ward delegates to the Democratic city convention, besides supporting Charles Yeity, the ward's candidate for city assessor, have agreed to vote for Edward Yeager for Mayor. This is done with Mr.

Yeity's consent. ACADEMY OFFICE HOURS. The Academy box office will open today from 9 a. m. to 4 p.

m. and on Saturday at the same hours. Persons Interested will kindly govern themselves accordingly. Look at our adv, bottom of 4th page. Sellers, Medlar Bachman.

FLAG HAULED DOWN. Havana, Dec. 22. General Lee order ed the American flag down and reprimanded Russell Harrison for raising it too soon. ORPHEUS RECITALS Daily at Lichty's, 641 Penn St.

Everybody invited. CHOATE GOES TO ENGLAND. Washington, Dec. 22. It is settled that Lawyer Choate, New York, will be the next Ambassador to England, Look at our adv.

bottom of 4th page, Sellers, Medlar Bachman. RINGS. RINGS. RINGS. Cheapest at Schlechter's.

THE ROYAL PIANO, The finest on the market for the money. Only sold at Lichty's, 641 Penn St. Huyler's Candles ot Welda's Drug Store, 947 Penn St. YODHG W01IEN CODRT DEATH. All Are Said to Have Been Pretty But They Were Tired of Life.

Mary McN'alr Drowns Herself in the Canal at Mlddletown Without Any Apparent Cause, Matilda P. Vosseler, a Brooklyn School Teacher, Takes Poison in Fair mount Park Because She Had Heart Trouble, and Mrs. Lizzie Schroeder Inhaled Gas Bather Than Appear in the Divorce Courts. Harrrisburg, Pa. Dec.

22. The body of Miss Mary McNair, who disappeared from her home in Middletown on Monday was found In the canal lock at Middletown this morning. Miss McNair made no threats of taking her life, and why she committed the deed people at Middletown ate at a loss to know. Miss McNair was prominent in church work, highly esteemed by all who knew her, and this sad ending of her life is received with profound regret by a circle of friends. Coroner Krause was notified and held an inquest this afternoon.

The verdict of the jury was that Miss Mary McNair met death at her owa hands by jumping into the canal. SHE TOOK POISON. A Pretty Brooklyn School Teacher Commits Suicide in Philadelphia. Philadelphia, Dec. 22.

The coroner's jury will probably decide tomorrow that Matilda P. Vosseler, of 574 Bedford street, Brooklyn, who was found dead on a grassy, slope in Falrmount Park near Horticultural Hall, committed suicide. The body was discovered by a park guard. He says she appeared as though asleep, but when he attempted to arouse her the two small bottles labeled "poison" lying by her side mutely gave evidence of the fact that she was sleeping the sleep that knows no awakening. WAS A SCHOOL TEACHER.

A crowd hastily gathered and the body was removed to Horticultural Hall arid kept there until a patrol wagon could, convey it to the morgue, where an examination of flic woman's effects was made. In her pockets were found two Brooklyn school certificates, bearing the name of Matilda Vosseler, and stating that on account of illness she had been excused from teaching. THese certificates bore dates of October and November of this year. The young lady was a teacher in the public schools of Brooklyn, and the only reason given for her rash act Is melancholia, produced by illness. She was 29 years of age and for several years past has suffered from heart trouble.

Worrying over what she thought her fatal illness often caused her. to be morose, but she neved gave any of her relatives the slightest inkling of the fact that she intended ending her life. DEATH BEFORE DIVORCE. Notice of Proceedings Caused Mrs. Schroder to.

Kill Herself. Philadelphia, Dec. 22. Mrs. Lizzie Schroder, aged 28 years, committed buU cide at her home, 2438 North Thirty second street, by inhaling illuminating gas through a rubber hose attached to a gasjet in the cellar.

It is supposed that the act was committed last Friday, but her body was not found until last night, when Policeman Wallens, at the request of neighbors, broke into the house. The woman had been separated from her husband for five years and the immediate cause of her suicide Is said to be grief over the summons of a libel in divorce a few weeks ago. She was last seen alive on Friday last and the next day the neighbors were annoyed by a smell of gas. This was commented upon, but no great attention was paid to it at the time. However, the smell increased during Sunday and Monday, when the odor became sickening and nearly drove the neighbors out of their homes.

Yesterday the odor was so horrible that the neighbors summoned Officer Wallens. FOUND BY A POLICEMAN. He forced an entrance through the rear door and found the body of the woman lying on the floor of the laundry In the cellar, clad only in a loose wrapper and slippers and in a horrible state of decomposition. A rubber tube leading from a gasjet close to her mouth told the story of her death. Deputy Coroner Dugan, who resides close by, was summoned and he ordered the body taken to the morgue and an investigation was begun.

The coroner's physicians learned that notice of proceedings in divorce had only recently been served upon her. The husband of the woman appeared, however, and will take charge of the body for burial. CONTEST IN THIRTEENTH. Six Nominations for Delegates to City Convention. With William Abbott Witman presiding and E.

Herbert Suenders in charge of the minutes, a meeting of the Thirteenth ward Democrats was held last evening. John Peiffer withdrew as a candiate for inspector of the third precinct, while David Kel: ley withdrew as a candidate for delegate to the city executive committee. Albert Weber was nominated to take the place of Mr. Peiffer. Jefferson M.

Keller was introduced and made an interesting address. The following nominations for delegates to the city convention were made: Abraham Eisen brandt, Daniel Hoffman, Henry Seders, Joseph Bower, Edward Bauk necht and Samuel Gehret. The nominations were left open for another week. PAVING ASKED FOR. South Ninth Street Property Owners Appeal to the Board of Public Works.

Every member of the Board of Public Works was in attendance at the regular meeting held yesterday afternoon. Bills in the sewer, survey and highway departments were approved. A committee, consisting of Philip' Bis singer, Samuel D. Dibert, I. S.

Fry and George F. Mcrtz, representing the manufacturing industries on South Ninth street, appeared before the board and requested that body to use its Influence with reference to having Ninth street, between Chestnut and Little Laurel, paved with improved material. They claimed that the street is in such shape as to require Improved paving of some sortas an aid to business interests. Holly and Mistletoe. J.

J. Houck. COME BEFORE THE LAST HORN BLOWS, Those wishing Wegman Pianos before Xmas, please come soon. They are almost all gone. You know, of course, where to go, Lichty's, certainly, 641 Penn.

street, where all the good musical goods are sold. SCHLECHTER'S. Gold Mounted Fountain Pens for Ladies or Gents. We have the best $1.00 Fountain Pen in the U. S.

Huyler's Fine Candles, 917 Penn. HOLIDAY GOODS. A FEW SUGGESTIONS FOR THE Ghpistmas Shopper The latest and best fiction. Standard works in fine illustrated editions. Beautiful new toy books for the children.

The Oxford Teachers' Bible and tbe Oxford edition of the Episcopal Prayer and Hymnal. Fine art calendars for '99. The fameus Eastman kodaks. Waterman's ideal fountain pen. Fancy boxes of stationery.

Writing desk outfits. WALTER G. ROLAND, 625 PENN ST. HOLIDAY LIQUORS. Wines and Liquors.

Vie Have a Fine Line of BOURBON, RYE SCOTCH WHISKIES BRANDIES, RUM, GIN, ETC. PORTS, SHERRIES, CLARETS, RHINE WINES. Sco, jC, JCestner dc Co. 142 Tforth Sixth Street. SEED STORE.

DWIGHT SEED STORE Removed to No. 7 South Ninth, below Penn St. French Moss, Evergreen Wreaths and choice English Ivy flue for decorating low prices. Hawker's plant food insures winter flowers. Hook on window gardening with each package.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. MAS PRESENTS. Pasket Knives, Table Cutlery. Cnnrers, Skates, Sleds, Express Wagons, Wheelbarrawa, Velocipedes, Tricycles. Ilicycles, Golf Goods, Basket Biilta, Bane Balls, Steam Toys, Punching Bags, Boxing Gloves, tndian Clubs, luib Bella, Fencing Foils, WHITELY EXERCISERS, At Veuv Law PitrcES, HOFF BRO Hardware, 403 PENN STREET.

GENTS FURNISHINGS. KID GLOVES IN ALL THE CORRECT FASHIONIN0S. 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.0 0, 2.60 McGOWAN'S, liMding Furnisher, 533 Penn Street. FOR RENT. FOR RENT.

TttREE STORY BUILDING, oagnpied by the Beading Wood Pulley Gom any, 21T Faplar street; one half bloek from P. B. freight station. Siding running near balldlng. Apply lit YOCUM'S FLOUR MILLS, 844 240 North Eighth St.

POTATOES. CHOICE POTATOES. 10 Bu. Lots, Bflc; 8 Bu. (c; 1 Bu.

65c, nil, Phoua or Send. Tour Orders to Jftsst'ifer's, 8th and Cherry. HOLIDAV FLOUR. flOLIDAY FLOURS. Call, sand, or phone your orders to 9.

Jfissinter dc Son's, Eighth mid Cherry. Oheapanri Beliable. LOG CABIN. SALEr Will assign SMt first mortgage, per cent TV years. Brisk aity dwalliat worth 81,0.

Apply, GKIESEMER'S Log Cabin, 30 South Reading N. B. FR BENT. Suburban 12 rooms; ajie 145 Mulberry street aud 248 South Third aEreet. PIANOS.

PIANO BUYERS ATTENTION In rder close out a particular ntyle of Piaat, I can offer to the public 10 Handsome New Pianos fully warranted at a rbdgction of (75 eaaa. TerruaSIO cash upon delivery of piano and 810 per month at H. W. A NUEN. 47 South Sixth St.

iTruggist. LADIES TBY I LIKB IT for chapped face and banda. It prevents rough red skin in eold weather whitens and softens the skin. Priee cents. At KOBT.

W. MADEIRA'S, 323 North Mlxth ttt. DB. BTCBGNER'B Whooping Cough Bemedy weakens the spells of any eougu imtnedi. ately.

IK Penn, German Apothfcary. SKVBHTH WARD EOTKIi AND BE8TAPBANT, SIXTH AND BUTTONWOOD, JOBN r. KUTjLKT. Fro. STEWED TERRAPIN IN SEASON, B.fKS AND LA UEK'B CELEBRATED ALBS 0Y8TEK8 IN EVERT STYLE.

FAMILIES SUPPLIED WITH OYSTER AND CLAMS AJ TBE SHORTEST NOTIOE Accommodations for transient and permanen hoarders at reasoT able rates Telephone 8403. BLIND BIRD PREVENTS WRECK. Flew Against and Broke the Headlight, Causing Reduced Speed Past an Obstruction. Austin, Dec. 22.

The north boud passenger train on the I. O. N. railroad escaped a serious wreck forty miles below here through the intervention of a bird. Some miscreant had tied a rail securely across the track.

A few miles before reaching the spot a bird, blinded by the hearlight, flew against the glass, breaking it and extinguishing the light. This necessitated running slowly to the next station. The train, proceding at reduced speed, struck the obstruction, tearing up the track and damaging the front of the engine, but no one was Injured. We do not expect to have any Huyler's Candles left Saturday. Order or buy now.

947 Penn. Mistletoe a specialty, J. J. Houck, 'I.