Daily Wabash Express, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 8 January 1884 — Page 1

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Weekly Established In 1828.

THE CONVENT HORROR

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The Work of Exhumation and its Siekening Results at Belleiillo, Illinois.

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Finding the Charred Remains of the Pupils and Sisters in a Mass of Human Flesh

The Self Sacrifice of the Sister perlor in Trying te Save the litre* of Her Wards.

The Catholic convent of the Immaculate Conception, at Belleville, Illinois, one of the most famous educational in atitutions in the west, caught fire at 11 o'clock Saturday night, and in two hours was reduced to ruinB, and in which were burned the bodies of twenty-seven, possibly, of sisters and their pupils, who lived in the convent. The flames broke out at a point immediately over the furnace, which was in the basement, and was first seen by passers-by. No watch was kept in the convent, and the sleepers were awakened by the frantic efforts of citisens who had gathered to break in the front door and rescue the inmates.

The appearance of a number of these at the windows of the Becond and third stories, screaming and making strenuous efforts to escape to the open air, despitqthe efforts of the sisters, who were seen to be doing all in their power to allay the panic, caused the intensest excitement among those who had gathered to the rescue, and for some little time there was as serious a panic among those outside the building as there was inside. All efforts to gain entrance to the building were in vain the windows were too high to be reached without ladders, and the doors too solid and ponderous to give way beneath the ordinary attack. By the time a monstrous bar of iron was secured from an adjacent foundry, and the front door broken in, the flames and smoke had made such headway that all hope of escape of the inmates by the ordinary means of egress was lost. A few daring citizens braved the flame and smoke, and dashed up the stairs, only to discover that almost all the doors of the sleeping-rooms were locked, and that it was beyond their power to practically respond to the heartrending screams for help from those within.

The hallway, in the center of the building, proved a facile channel for the smoke to the upper stories, and those who had gained an entry into the placs were fore ed to seek safety in flight.

Seeing thatjif the inmates of the convent were to be saved it had to be done by the windows, a hunt was instituted for ladders, of which the fire department, which was very slow in reaching the fire, did not possess any long enough to reach even the second story. In the meantime the occupants of the second and third stories were crowding to the windows and wildly screaming for those below to do something in their behalf. Windows were flung up, and slight young girls stood out in the cold wintry wind in their night garments, their feet treading the icy cornices, while they clung with their hands to the window sashes. One of them named Mary Campbell, a novice of the order of Notre Dame, lost her balance and fell to the ground, where she was dashed to death, not living to reach the shelter to which she was carried.

Another girl, named Daisy Eberle, dared the jump of about fifty feet and was caught by two Btout men, who managed to break her fall and save her life.

The Sisters, at this time, were making almost superhuman exertions to prevent the other girls from 'making the perilous venture. The lady superior, Mister Mary Jerome, was the center of a group of seven at one of the windows of the third story, but while she was exhorting them, the smoke aud flames swept into the room. For a few moments all was darkness, and when the light came again the eight had disappeared forever.

Shortly after this occurrence two ?nen' appeared upon the scene with a eplicea ladder, which reached to the third story, and with its aid a number of the persons were rescued. Sister Moderate, while hysterically helping some of the girls to escape down the ladder, slipped and fell to the ground, being instantly killed. The work of salvation was not completed, however, before the fire gained complete mastery, and white robed figure after figure disappeared from the win dows and fell back into the caldron of flames. A hairbreadth escape was accomplished by two young ladies, Orra Montgomery and Emily Fournie, who eeaped fom the second story to the rear of the convent and landed upon the veranda. They were seen to leap by twocitizenB, who, after a lengthy search, found a ladder which reached to the veranda, from which the girls, badly injured by their fall and half frozen, were rescued just in time, as in a few moments the wall fell and crushed to the ground the veranda on which they were found.

The firemen

Boon

found that it was

impossible for them to save any part of the building but the walls, and within an hour after the fire broke out the worst had been reached.

The total known deaths is twentvseven, twenty-two of which are pupils and five sisters. Among the latter is the sister superior. On the fourth floor the pupil boarders with three sisters slept, and on the third floor the remaining sisters slept, and on the second, or floor above the basement, what are termed orphans or half orphans slept. On this second floor the inmates escaped and were saved.

The convent building proper was put up in 1859. The two wings were added in 187. It was a substantial brick building, five stories high, a frontage ot about 150 feet, and depth of sev-enty-five. It caught fire last summer and there was a panic among the pupils, though, fortunately, no one was killed, and the fire was extinguished without causing much damage. Ail that now remains of the famous con­

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Th® Fire Fiend In Indiana—The JFlamee Consume Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars ."Worth of Property, K!

THIS CONVENT HORROR.

Detail* ot the Terrible Disaster at Belleville, Illinois, Saturday Nlglit.

vent of the Immaculate Conception is charred, broken walls, and in the debris there yet remain the bodies of several unfortunate victims.

The buildings and furnishings were valued at from $65,000 to $75,000 insured for $25,000.

ST. LOUIS, MO., January The following extract from a description of the search yesterday will convey an idea of the scene and the horrible nature of the work: The bodies were all near each other, and the mother superior's body seemed to be the center, tor the ghostly circle of black remains A bone was picked up here and apon being drawn came loose from some particles of roasted flesh. Here burned skull was found and there an arm, while the trunks were burned into solid crisp were dug up immediately under them. It was an awful exhumation, and more than once the work faltered because of the sickening sensations which overcome the workmen. It seemed that the horrid heap would never be exhausted, and every few minutes there was a report that a new body had been taken out. Shreds of burned clothing clinging to the sickening mass. It was impossible almost to find the identity of the bodies, the fiery fingere of death having effaced every line and every shape of circumstances and form. The bodies in instances clung together and the heap, as it was uncovered to the eye was absolutely indescribable.

As Mary Jerome, the'sister superior, is well known in many parts of the country, the following brief sketch will be interesting: She had given all her life to the service of the church, and was known in girlhood as Barbara Hull, born forty-four years ago in Pittsburg. Her parents were wealthy, and her education progressed under the most favorable ciroumstances. Passed through the academic course of Sisters of Mercy at Baltimore, she entered the convent of the congregation of Notre Dame, at Milwaukee, when 16 years of age, as a novice. When the novitiate was completed she was sent by the superioress to New Orleans. She remained there a few years, and was next assigned to Belleville, in 1859, as superioresB of the new convent and the academy of Notre Dame society. The early history of the convent is full of difficulties overcome by the business tact and intelligent direction of the young superioress. From time to time the house was enlarged, costing in all about $80,000, and was the principal convent of the society. Nearly all the debt had been removed by the wise management of Mother Jerome. In addition to the large convent at Belleville, Mother Jerome founded several other houses of the society in southern Illinois, and exercised through the delegation of the mother-general of Milwaukee a protectionary jurisdiction Over the several convents south oi Milwaukee. Throughout her jurisdiction, where she was so well known and so well beloved, the sorrow will be limitless. She was a most unselfish and amiable woman, beloved by everyone who knew her. When the fire was raging she might have saved herself, being in the dormitory, from which all escaped save her. When the others descended the ladder to safety her thought and action was to save the lives of the children entrusted to her care. She perished in her heroic effort.

INDIANA BLAZES,

Frankfort 'and Montlcello Heavy Sufferers. Special to the Indianapolis News.

FHANKFOBT, Ind., January 7.—Fire broke out at about nine o'clock in the old Coulter block, on the southwest corner of the public square, and before its progress could be stayed the entire building, a three story brick, was "gutted." The block contained Storms Bros.' hardware store, Harrison's dry goods store, and Coulter's drug Btore, the stocks of which will be a total loss. Up-Btairs, a number of offices were destroyed, including that of Higginbotham & Sheridan, and Ross & Young. The total loss will be about $40,000 insurance can not now be stated. Intense excitement prevailed during the progress of the fire. Engines were sent from Indianapolis.

INDIANAVOLIS, January 7.—The Journal's Monticello, Ind., special says: A fire, this morning, aestroyed an entire block of buildings. The sufferers are Roberts & Vinson, hardware Henry Fort, dry goods Edgar Gardner, tinware ana stoves Mrs. Dunfee, milliner W. JKeifer, tailor Roberts & Wit!. Total loss, $24,000 insurance, $3,500.

THE FIRE RECORD.

Proctor & Gamble Losers by •380,000— A Long List. CINCINNATI, O January 2.—The flre

in Proctor & Gamble's- establishment was not under control till after dark, beginning early in the morning. The buildings burned are the candle factory, a three-story brick, the lard oil factory, a three-story stone, the soap and candleware house, a three-story stone, and the soap factory, a large four-story brick. These are practically a total loss, with the machinery and a large amount of stock. The firemen worked with great bravery. William Dukes, one of the employes, fell from a second-story window to the sidewalk, and broke a leg and was injured internally. It is difficult, to tell where or how the fire began. The total loss is from $200,000 to $250,000 fully insured in a very large number of companies, the risks averaging less than $2,500 each. The firm is fortunate in not having to turn away the employes. They have recently bought the Ohio Candle works, two squares distant, and will start it to-morrow. They have also two large soap factories uninjured.

NEW ORLEANS, La., January 7.—The Picayune's Natchez syecial says: The stores of Walmsley & Co., John Trichets and H. A. Walmsley burned Loss, $75,000 insurance, $15,000.

PHELPTON, Ont., January 7—Powell's block was destroyed by fire this morn ing. Total loss estimated at $40,000 insurance $12,000.

BAY CITY, Mich., January 7.—Fire broke out early this morning in Sharer block, a three story brick, tal loss, $22,000.

the To-

MONTREAL, Januarv 7.—Loss by fire •n stock in S. Davis & Sons cigar fac tory, $70,000.

Five stores at LaGran^e, Ind., burned early Saturday morning, causing a loss of $30,000.

The court house and jail at Jerseyville, 111., burned last night, and four of the jail prisoners were suffocated to death.

The main building of the county jail at Columbus, O., burned yesterday

morning. Forty-five prisoners were transferred to the city jail. None escaped.

Leaking gas, ignited by the watch man's lamp, caused an explosion in the Park theater at Cleveland Saturday morning, and fire breaking out, the structure was soon in ruins. The Wick block and the First Presbyterian church were also considerabiy damaged. The loss approximates $200,000. The house will be immediately rebuilt.

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TRADE AND LABOR.

Several failures Reported—HUls resuming. MEMPHIS, Tenn., January 7.—The

Bluff City Distillery company assigned. Liabilities $15,000 assets nominally $12,000.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., January 7.—The Gazette's Oszark special says J. H. Dacus, general merchant of Ozark, assigned. Debts, $22,000 assets, $20,000.

EASTON, Pa., January 7.—The Cat asuqua Manufacturing company, of Catasuqua, started up all works on full time this morning. The works were idle four weeks.

Stewart & Co's wire mills, at South Easton, idle for several weeksJ are in full operation, to-day.

CINCINNATI, 0., January 7.—White & Meyers, dealers in notions and gentlemen's furnishing goods, 156 Fourth Btreet, assigned. Assets, about $15,0G0 liabilities estimated from $25,000 to $30,000.

The Age of Steel, Saturday, printed a statement on the authority of one largely interested in the iron trade, that there is a scheme on foot to pool the entire pig iron industry of the country.

It is stated that the Knights of Labor have decided to aid the Pittsburg glass workers, who have been out on a strike for nearly five months. Agents in Europe have formed an International Glass Workers' association, comprising 75,000 members, which have been absorbed by the Knights of Labor, and will be known as district 30?.

WASHINGTON.

The Reassembling of Congress Yesterday and What -Was Done.

Violation of tlie CM1 ferric® Law— Postmaster General Gresham'# Prompt Action.

CONGRESS. ...

Proceedings in the Senate and House Yesterday. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 7.—

A number of petitions were presented asking for an appropriation to pay for the tobacco rebate. A bill was introduced by Gibson to establish a navy yard at Algiers. By Ingalls for a bridge acrosB the Mississippi at Libley, Mo., also to grant right of way through Indian territory to the Southern Kansas railway. A resolution by Miller was adopted calling for information regarding difficulties in enforcing the Chinese treaty.

The senate, as a committee of the whole,resumed the consideration of the new rules. With few amendments and little debate it adopted all. On reporting the rules to the full senate, rule No. 1 was taken up. It is the rule relating to the office of president'protempore and as proposed gave that officer the power to designate a substitute to perform the duties of the chair for three days. The amendment of Garland was agreed to, making the hour of adjournment each occasion the limit of time of such performance except by unanimous consent of the senate. The rule as amended was adopted.

After executive session, adjourned. THE HOUSE. Townshend offered a resolution calling upon the president for information relating to the exclusion of American hog products from Germany and France.

Bills were offered by Rosecrans to plaoe Gen. Getty on the retired list as major general also to equalize bounties. By Townshend, providing for an amendment of the constitution for the election of senators by the people. By Thomas, granting pensions to all soldies and sailors who served thirty days in the late war orparticipated in any engagement. By Calkins to prohibit imports from foreign countries that discriminate against the United States. By Browne, to like effect. By Wood, to limit the jurisdiction of the United States courts and to protect the innocent purchasers of patent rights.

In all there were 670 bills introduced, many duplicating measures already proposed

CIVIL SERVICE AND LARS.

CIRCU-

A. Case Arises In the Postoflee Department that Attracts General Gresham's Attention. Washington Special to the Commercial

Gazette.

A curious case has just arisen under the civil service law. Certain Indiana state politicians having concluded to begin operations in connection with next year's campaign, had arranged a plan by which they supposed they could collect money from those in the departments from that state without making themselves amenable to the civil service law. They prepared a circular, settingforth the need of funds for preliminary expenses, and proposing monthly payments for six months. This was signed by a person not in the government employ, smuggled into the departments, and laid on the desks of every one from Indiana, male or female.

By accident one of these was called to the notice of Postmaster General Gresham. He at once made inquiries, and found that the package for his department had been handed to the captain of the watch, with the request to lay them on the desks of those to whom they were addressed. Every Indianian except General Gresham himself received one. Even his chief clerk was not neglected. The captain of the watch protested lie did not know anything of the character of the circulars. A full investigation will be

circulars. made by General and it is

Gresham,

quite likely those who were parties to the distribution will be dismissed, and that Mr. W. S. Odell, who signs the circulars, will be arrested, if it can be shown that he was a party to sending the circular into the department.

The section of the law which applies to the case prohibits, by fine and im-

THE TERRE HAFTE EXPRESS

prisonment. soliciting or receiving funds for the political purposes, in any room or building occupied by those in the service of the government. General Gresham gays he shall take measures to execute the law with vigor, and the case is therefore likely to attract considerable attention, ana the more from the fact that this is an attempt to raise political funds by party friends in his own states \V ASHINOTON, D. C., January 7.— In the house, after reading the journal, Mr. Reed, of Me., offered the following, adopted: Whereas, it has been alleged circulars were distributed in some of the departments asking for contributions for political purposes in violation of the civil service law.

Resolved, That the heads of departments in which the distribution, if any has taken plaee, be requested to inform the house of the facts connected with the distribution.. r&

'S- National Notes. WASHINGTON, D. C., January 7. Among the confirmations by the senate to-day was that of Wm. A. Woods, for United States district judge of Indiana.

The house committeejn military affairs authorized Gen. Slocum to report a bill for the relief of Fitz John Porter.

D. T. Weeks, of Pittsburg, secretary of the Western Iron manufacturers association, in an interview to-night, expressed the opinion that the iron men do not want»to change the tariff on iron this year except as far as its interests articles where incongruity exists.

Several bills and resolutions were introduced in the senate to-day by senators from the southern states, calling for appropriations for improvement of rivers and harbors. Gibson, of Louisiana, submitted a joint resolution for the immediate appropriation of one million dollars, to be expended in the preservation, repair, and construction of certain works of improvement on the Mississippi, under the direction of the secretary of war.

The Ohio Legislature.

COLUMLUS, O., January 7.—The Ohio legislature convened to-day and organized koth branches, and listened to threading of the governor's message.

John Huntington, the financial manager of the Standard Oil company, is hovering around the.rooms of doubtful legislators in Columbus.

Johnny McLean is reported to have exhibited a list of members of the legislature who have been bribed to vote for Payne.

Ward is developing strength in Columbus. Pendleton holds nis own. Payne is losing ground.

The pictures of Henry B. Payne represent him as a typical Ohio skinflint. He has a thin, s/nooth face and very Roman nose. His spectacles do not sit evenly on his nose, oneglass being skewed down half an inch lower than the other. We don't know why, but we always doubted the integrity of a man who didn't wear his spectacles straight over his nose.

The Missing Delmonico.

NIW YOEK, January 7.—Nothing has been learned by the friend* or the police of the restaurateur, Charles Delmonico, who disappeared Saturday. A vigorous search is being made. Friends do not think he has met with harm. I.

NEWARK, N. J., January 7M-A book of Western Union telegraph stamps issued to Charles Delmonico, was found this morning in the street. The chief of police is investigating,

Marie Prescott's Libel Suit. NEW YORK, N. Y., January 7.—A

Short time ago Marie Prescott, the actress, got a verdict of $12,500 against the American News company for circulating a newspaper containing an alleged libel. In general term the Superior court reverses the judgement ana directs anew trial.

James Nutt's Trlai.

PITTSBURG, Pa., January 7.—The trial of James Nutt is set for the 14th inst., and will probably continue all next week. The prisoner will be broueht from Uniontown and lodged in the Pittsburg jail next week.

TERSE TELEGRAMS.

Mary V. Young, the seventeenth wife of the deceased Mormon prophet, died at Salt Lake City, Saturday. Sixteen widows still live to mourn Brlgham's loss.

Under the new management, the ofllees of the Northern Pacific will be removed from New York to St. Paul, and steps taken to prevent wanton speculation In the stock.

At New York, Saturday, a decision was rendered that the mock marriage of Annie E. Higbee and J. Walter Vaughn at a church sociable at Flatbusb recently was null and void.

The military and naval board are making such slow progress in arranging for a Greely relief expedition that practiced Arctio voyagers do not expect to see anything accomplished.

The "National" game has found a congenial home under ihe shadow of the National Capitol. The Washington Base Ball club have leased the grounds on the north side of the Capitol.

The polygamous Bishop Sharp informed his priests, at Salt Lake City, Saturday, that from what he had heard at Washington recently, If the Almightydld not pilot the Mormon ship she would surely sink.

Attorney Fales, of New York, called upon Joseph E. Booth, and threatened to whip him if be did not withdraw a suit for damages against General Dodge, for the alienation of his wife's affections. Booth chose to take the whipping, and he got it.

Mrs. Haycock, who a few weeks ago was savagely assaulted by a man named Freestune in a Jollet hotel, has recovered from her injuries, and Saturday procured a license to marry the man wno attempted her life. She has recently visited him quite often in prison.

In the case of the New Orleans National bank against the postofflce authorities, who refused to deliver mail, claiming that it properly belonged to tne lottery company, Judge Pardee decided Saturday that the bank was entitled to free and full use of the mails and refuse to dissolve the injunction obtained by the bank.

Henry Ward Beecher, before beginning hiR sermon, Sunday morning, denied the report that Plymouth church is running down. He says that financially the church is as sound as the Metropolitan bank. At the last renting the income fell off from $2,000 to 93,000, and Mr. Beecher thought the trustees did wisely in retrenching in the matter of music rather in missionary work.

The New Orleans Times-Democrat's expedition makes Its report of Its adventures In the Florida Everglades. Myriads of alligators, fish, leeches, and poisonous bugs were encountered, and the region is utterly set down as irreclaimable, and, even If It could be drained, Is worthless for cultivation. They found saw grass ten or twelve feet high and very dense, the edges of the blades being sharp on one side and serrated on the other. No Indians were seen by the expedition.

A few months ago Henry Villard was a man of boundless vitality and iron physique. To-day he is reported to be the victim of nervous prostration. It is no wonder that this report is viewed with incredulity. ..

TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA, TUESDAY. JANUARY 8. 1884.

FOREIGN.

fteslauation of the Egyptian Ministry— Why Conrbet Hesitates, lite. CAIBO, January 7.—The Egyptian

ministry tendered their resignation to the Khedive this evening. Cherif Pasha, the prime minister, accompanied the resignations with a letter to the Khedive explaining the reasons for the action.

PAXIS, January 7.—It is stated that Admiral Courbet met with such stubborn resistance from the enemy in the attack on Sontay that he bsa decided to await reinforcements before further movements.

PARIS, January 7.—It is understood the* French government regrets the aotion of the English cabinet in deciding to refrain from any movement in Soudan outside of Sgypt proper. While regretting the course of England, France will offer no objection.

LONDON, January 7.—Charles Santley, the well known baritone, and Elizabeth Innes, a wealthy American, were married yesterday.

VIENNA, January 7.—A box containing one hundred. thousand dollars is reported missing from the Pesth postoffice.

The Weather.

CHICAGO,111., January7.—The weather has moderated very materially. in the past twelve hours, and at 11 o'clock this forenoon the mercury was four degrees above zero^ with signs of snow.

MEMPHIS,Tenn.,January 7.—A snow has prevailed sinee morning. Snow lies eight inches deep, With no indications of the storm ceasing.

PORT ARTHUR, Man., January 7.— Tha tug Silver Spray is laid up for the winter at Silver Islet. The crew of six started to Port Arthur, thirty miles dsstant, and were caught in a blinding snow storm. Five reached the desti nation greatly exhausted by the cold The sixth, named Porter, perished A relief party found the body.

At Little Rock, Ark., four inches of snow, the first of the season, fell this morning.

At Cincinnati the weather is decidedly warmer thermometer 12° above zero at noon. Cloudy.

Some of the Very Coldest Days, in the World's History. Cleveland Herald.

It is a bit of a coincidence that the comet upon which Napoleon's soldiers gazed seventy years ago, when they were making that dreadful march from Moscow, which resulted in the death from cold and exposure of 40,000 men, should- be accompanied on its reappearance with a bitter cold spell of weather. When it swept out of sight the world witnessed an unusually severe winter. The incident, as well as the present cold snap, recalls other severe winters. In October, 763, and February, 764, the denizens of the cities of mosques and minarets were astonished by a cold spell of weather, and the two seas at Constantinople were frozen over for twenty days. In 1063 the Thames was frozen over for fourteen weeks. In 1407 the cold was so intense in England that all the small birds perished, and in 1433 the large fowls of the air were driven by the terrible cold into the towns and cities of Germany.

In 1468 the winter was so severe in Flanders that the wine distributed was cut with hatchets.

The year 1658 was noted for cold weather in England. Thousands of forest and shade trees were split by frost, birds and stock perished, a line of stages ran on the Thames for several weeks, and shops were built on the ice in the middle of the Thames.

In 1691 the wolves were driven by the cold into Vienna,, where they attacked men and cattle on the streets.

In 1810 quicksilver froze in the thermometer bulbs at Moscow, One of the most remarkable changes of temperature was witnessed at Hornsey and Hammersmith, near London, in 1867. The thermometer was 3° below zero on the 4th of January, and seventy-two hours later it had leaped to 55° above zero.

With respectto America some of the remarkable cold spells were as follows: In 1730, and again in 1821, New York harbor was frozen over so that teams were driven across the ice to Staten Island. The neighboring state of Indiana saw weather cold enough to congeal the mercury in 1855. The winter of 1881 was made- memorable by cold weather. On the 13tli and 26th days of January many deaths occurred from the intense cold, and the residents of Mobile saw the thermometer sink to zero.

A record of cold sieges would be imperfect without a mention of the terribly sudden storm that swept over the country in 1863, which has gone into history as the cold New Year's. A drayman was frozen to death in Cincinnati while driving along the street a man climbing a fence in Minnesota froze to death and toppled over into the snow, while the loss of human and animal lives in all parts of the country was immense.

a O a

Saturday evening the directors the Indianapolis base b'all club -held a meeting and relieved Manager O'Leary from further service with the club. The dismissal is said to be on account of a breach of discipline. The News says there is a general regret over Dan's contemplated departure to other fields. Earlier in the season lie refused several advantageous offers to change, and his friends fear that contracts may have been closed which will shut him out of the rankB of managers during the com ing year, but there is no fear but what he will find a place in the field It is intimated that Mr. Hackett, of the Holyoke, Mass., club, or Harry Dean will be appointed to the vacancy. Mr. O'Leary made the Indianapolis club what it is against great odds, and it'will require an exceedingly clever man to begin where he leaves off and go forward to success.

Church Notes.

Revival at Asbury chapel. S The Rev. Robert Moffett, of Cleveland, will preach at the Christian church next Thursday evening.

The Rev. W. T. Franklin, of Point Pleasant, W. Va., filled the pu'pit of the Third Baptist church, Sunday.

The Rev. J. K. Wheeler preached his sixth sermon of the Prodigal Son series, Sunday night, to a large audience.

There was no election of trustees at the Congregational church last night, not enough of the members bong present. The meeting was postponed till to-morrow evening.

A Y0UK6 MAN'S FALL.

Philip Dahltn Arrested on Charge of Blaokmail.--,

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Last Friday morning Mr. J. E. Somes, the east Main street druggist, received a letter signed "J.- J. Courtney," of which the following is a copy

f:

Mr. Some*: "hs£ Slit—I want to inform you in regard to your conduct in regard to your family not very long ago in your store one evening, you asked a certain young lady In the back room and kissed ber over the counter. 1 ean prove that by two reliable persons, and since then I found out a great deal more, and how do you think your wife will like it, and I can raise a big row nnless you settle, and It will take one hundred dollars to do it up. or I will go and tell your wife all, and there will be another scandal. If yon—can ~stand ltT can. Any married man ought to be exosed that does as you. What do you hink your family wonld say, and I want it by Saturday night, ar you will hear an exposure Sunday. If you want to settle it I will send you a guarantee not to trouble any more, sworn to before the notary public. You know what I write Is so, and if you wish to settlt it, put in an envelop in large bills, and put It iln the postofflce ana address J. J. Courtney. You will hear from me as sure as you-Uve. If not heard from Saturday I will proceed. J. J. COUBTKEY,

City.

At first'Mr. Somes was completely taken back, and knew not what to make of the threat. He consulted with a friend, and the following decoy letter was written to "Courtney:" "TBRJBE HAUTE, January 4, 1884. J. J. Courtney, City:

SIB—In reply to yours will say that yo ni£

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ou

the contents of whieh will be sufficiently explanatory, I hope. Please sign the agreement which you will find enclosed and return to me at once. I trust to hear from you no more. J. E. S."

Saturday evening "Courtney" called at the postofflce and received the letter. The clerk knew him, and said,

Your name is not Courtney, it is Dahlen." "Yes, and I live at No, 1902 Main street." Mr. Somes, who had posted the postoffice authorities, learned of this and went out to 1902 Main and found that Dahlen lived there.

When Dahlen received the above letter it was too late for him to get the registered package. Sunday morning cer Bivins, dressed in citizen^ hi My, ii wilitw Kii ifrl tktr-mpiitj order department while the office was open, but no one called. Yesterday morning the officer took up his station again. A boti ten o'clock a young man named Philip Dahlen called at the register office and presented the following order: "TERRE HAUTE, January 4.18»S.

Mr. Jonet, P. M. "Please let the bearer, P. Dahlen, have my registered letter and oblige,

J. J. COUJITHBY."

The officer stepped out and placed Dahlen under arrest. He was evidently not expecting anything of the kind to happen, as he "wilted. The officer took his prisoner to Mr. Somes' store. That gentleman told the officrr to lock him up and place the charge of blackmail against him. He was taken before Justice Lockman, where he waived examination, and was sent to jail in default of $1,600 bail.

The news of Dahlen's arrest was a surprise to many, although it was known that he had been doing much of late to disgrace his family. Dahlen married a short time ago, taking for wife.itis said, a former "chair warmer" at the Atlantic garden. He is of good family, being a brother of Mr. Richard Dahlen, deputy city treasurer, an exemplary young man, who takes Philip's downfall veiyhard.

Dahlen denies that he is the man who wrote the letter. He says that J. J. Courtney is an employe of the Vandalia, and that the order he presented for the registered package'is genuine. He has been living with his wife, on east Main street, and is said to be "hard up." He will have his trial at 10 o'clock this morning, before Justice Lockman.

Kt 5.WILLIAM J. WISE.

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Death of Vincenues Wealthiest Citizen.

William J. Wise, the weathiest citizen of Vincennes, died, at 9:30 o'clock, Friday night of pneumonia, after a few days' illness, in the seventy-Bixth year of his age. He was born in Brownsville, Pa., and went to Vincennes at an early age. He engaged in business with his brother, Samuel Wise, which firm became the most prdminent and wealthy of any in that section of the country. At that time Vincennes was without railroads, but was the leading center of a large secuf country, and Wise WHO" embarkedin the mercantile business reaped rich harvests. Mr. men was a bachelor and died, estimated to be worth upwards of a half a million dollars. Three hundred and fifty-seven thousand dollars of which he held in government bonds. On many of the bonds the time specified for their redemption had long passed and the interest had ceased, but Mr. WiBe realizing that the investment was a safe one, prefrred to hold the bonds without interest rather than offer them for redemption and be compelled to seek new investments for his immense wealth. During his late years he had been a member of the family of William R. Miles where he was kindly cared for by his nieces, Mrs.

Miles and Mrs. F. M. Fay. The Vincennes Sun says he made a will disposing of his vast wealth, but the legatees are not known. He was burried yesterday afternoon, the funeral being the largest ever known in -Vincennes.

JOHN CHEEK.

To Law With Man.

lie Weut a

Fruit Tree

John Cheek, of Lost Creek township, went to. law with a fruit tree man, or rather the fruit tree man-, whose name is Snider, went to law with John John bargained with the tree man for $10 worth of trees, and, according to his idea, they didn't fill the contiact, and he refused to pay. Snider sued, and the war begun. Cheek held on like a bull pup to a root, and Snider staid with him. The affair began before a justice, and ended in the superior court," with Snider on top. Snider got judgment for $10, and that, with $63.80 costs, will make the bill foot up to $73.80. This is one instance in which Gheek failed to make an im\ pres8ion on a fruit tree agent.

A New Year and Birthday Party. Communicated. New Year's day being the seventyfirst birthday of 8am uel Hook, of Lin* ton township, he concluded to invite his oldest neighbors into help celebrate the occasion. Early in the day wagons and sleds commenced to arrive, and long before noon thirtyone persons had assembled to wish

him much cheer. Among the number there were'ten -whose combined ages were 715 years. Their average ages being seventy^one years'and six month. And not one of the number walked iwith a cane. And of the whole number. present none of them lived more than two miles from the' place of meeting. The day was spent in friendly conversation. Many old pleasures were lived over in relating the events of the past

A sumptous dinner was seryed, in which all seemed to do full justice and as the sun-went down they seemed loath to say farewell. But the good wishes for the future were exchanged, and all returned home, with the pleasure of the day passed in away long to be red. Mr. Hook received

be remembe some valuable presents. a ted them in their true sense an great delight in showing them to his many friendB. May we not have more of such gatherings among the old folks. A VISITOR.

He appreciana took

GETTING FEWER.

The Telephone War Still Raging —The Exohange Getting, the Worst of It.

The war against the telephone monopoly is still raging, and the instruments are drqpping one by one. At least 120 have been removed, and about 75 or 100 are plugged. At the highest estimate out of the 357 telephones in use on the first day of the year, not more than 150 now are in use, and some plaoe the estimate lower than that. The management has claimed all the time that an increased number of telephones would compel them to increase the rates. The subscribers who are now using the 'phone can reflect On the fact that this is now one of the' smallest exchanges in the state, and the rates should correspond. The 'should demand a decrease in rates, and if it is not forthcoming, Strike like the rest. The 'phones have been removed from the pnncipalhuai* neBS houses. Those in m*" •^i S*lJrace8. A few remain in business houses. But as for the bulk of the business houses, they are without telephone connection.

The meeting at the court house tonight should be well altended. Steps will be taken, so it is understood, to organize the new company. Some have been fearful that another telephone could not be secured. This is groundless, as-a telephone now in use in many of the Eastern cities can be put in in this city. a*"""

PXSRSONAL.

J. D. Shoaff, of Paris, is in the city. E. R. Jump, of Mattoon, is in the city.

E. E. Ellis, ^f ,Indianapolis, is %^the Terre Haute. Mr. James G. Burtj~who has been quite ill, is better.

Air. William J.. Morgan is the happy father of anew boy. D.«K. Butler and J. Piatt, of Indianapolis. are at the National.

A. B. Carter of Grand Round, Oregon, is visiting friends here. Rev. A. and L. M. Reeves, of Worthington, are at the Terie Haute.

W. M. Copeland and C. C. Genung, of Evansville, are at the National. L. A. Bigger, real estate agent, of Hutchinson, Kansas, is in the city.

Charles Walmsley, of Montezuma, is visiting his cousin, Harry Walmsley. S. D. McCarthy, of Blanchard's real estate exchange, goes East this morning. 8. Ott, of Topeka, Kansas, land agent of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad, is in the city.

Frank Hurty, of St. Paul, who has been visiting here for several weeks, left for his home yesterday.

Carl Betz, formerly of this city, but now of St. Paul, who has been here on a visit, returned home yesterday.

Mr. Charles Shepherd, of Mil waukee, who has been visiting his sister, Mrs. H. P. Cortner, has returned home.

OUR ADVANTAGES,

Mr. T.'G

Fish, of the Fish Bros. Hanuto Visit Terre

facturing Couipany Haute. .V

'IKS

The advantages of Terre Haute as a manufacturing center are attracting at-tentie&-all ^over. the cpunto.^May_or Armstrong has received the following letter:

RACINE, Wis., January 4, 1884.

Ho*. Mayor Armstrong, Ttrre Haitfe, Ind.: DBAK Sm:—Your city has been mentioned to me as a favorable.point for the manufacture of the Fish Brothers' wagon, I shall visit'your city In a few days, and would lilte to meet some of your businessmen and lay the matter before them. Can command a trade of about ten to twelve thousand wagons annually, at a good margin, and think of locatingsoinewnere in yourstate. Yours truly,

T. G. FISH.

Here is ou opportunity, no doubt, for Terre Haute to secure a large enterprise. The fame of the Fish Bros, wagon is known all over the country. They employ several hundred men, and their establishment would be a "boom" for our city.- It is presumed that Mr. Fish will be here to-morrow or next day. There should be no backwardness about learning what he wants, and if his wants are fair, and he likes our city, inducements should be offered him. The Fish Bros.' establishment has greatlv aided in building up the town of Racine, and it is now a flourishing city. If they could be induced to locate here, it would certainly be something to be proud of. 4' ,*

OUR MAYOR.

Col. W. H. Armstrong, of 'i'erre Haute, will officiate, and being personally acquainted with him we cannot spealc too highly of liim as a polished gentleman and honored citizen, and a brave soldier. He is at present mayor of Terre Haute, and we cannot urge upon our citizens too strongly to go ana hear him.

The exercises will beheld in Pythian h»ll, and great preparations have been made. .:

Fire in the Conn try.

The store of Mr. J. P. Tnteireller. or LlbertyvlUe, Fayette township, was destroyed by lire Saturday night, with its contents. Loss. J2.000. Insured. The flre was cadsiKl by a defectlv* Une.

Daflj Established I85ii

AMUSEMENTS.

Friend and Foe.

Mr. Scanlan is regarded as one of the best comedians of the age. His songs are an especial feature. Incidental to the play to-night, he will sing "Moonlight at Killarney," "Over the Mountain,1" "Mrs. Regan's Party," "Bye, Bye Baby, Bye, Bye," and his great success "Peek-a-Boo." To-mor-row night M. W. Han ley will appear in Harrigan's great New ork success.

McSorley's Iutlation

which is one of the funniest plavs ever written. It will be presented with all the original scenic effects and songs and music, including the "Salvation

Mr. Mayo and the excellent play in which he is appearing-in the title role are favorites with Terre Haute audiences, and-this talented-actor will receive a warm welcome. -,

The Fruit Crank.

The fruit crank is abroad in the land with the story that the fruit is all killed. Undoubtedly peaches are killed, but as for apples and other fruit they are all right, and will be unless a hard freeze comes late in March, or a heavy sleet burdens the trees for a week or two. But. as for peaches, we can console ourselves on one thing—that we have had precious few of them for the last few years, and if they fail this year it will be nothing new.

The State Association of City Officers. The state association of city officers will be held at Indianapolis to-morrow. Mayor Armstrong will attend. This association held its first meeting last year. Its object 1 is to reoommend legislation for the government of cliies.

The Weather.

The weather has greatly moderated, and the mercury went upwards, and at one o'clock this morning stood 17" above, and snow falling slowly.

Sadly Afflicted.

Mrs. Cal. Thomas is seriously ill, and fears are entertained that she cannot recover. She has nearly lost her sight.

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ARABI PASHA!

How the Noted Egyptlau and His Comrades Fair lu Ceylon^u London Times.

With regard to the material welfare of the exiles, I am glad to nave an excellent account to give. Although some of them Buffered at: firBt from the extreme dampness of the climate, all are now acclimatized and even Toulba Pasha, who Bix months ago was pronounced by the doctors to be incurable with asthma, is enjoying perfect health. They are all, too, I think, contented! in mind and grateful for the treatment they receive from the colonial authorities, Which has been throughout most dourteous to them, and except for certain inequalities in the amount of their allowances, with whibh I will not here trouble you, they would have nothing to complain of beyond the unavoidable bitterness which mingles with the bread of all exiles. The way of life of the exiles iB simple. Each family occupies a separate dwelling, and most of them have chosen to reside in a rather remote suburb of Colombo, which has ceased to be fashionable, and where house rent is proportionately low. They send their children to school, attend the local mosques, pay visits to each other or to their neighbors, and attempt, with more or less success, themselves to learn a little English. Their society they find in the numerous Mohametan community of Colombo, which, unlike such communities in many parts of India, are entirely mercantile, and possess not a few. men of substance, whose commercial establishments the mor» practical of the exiles hop» that some day their sons will enter and thus be enabled to earn an independent livelihood. The Mohometan. community regard their Egyptian guests with feelings of the highest respect as martyrs to their religion, and especiallw Arabia as its late most famous champion and BO Btrong is thid feeling regarding him among the lower classes in Colombo, that, on Fridays, whatever mosque Arabi may choose to attend is sure to be thronged with a special crowd of worshipers. Beside this, however^there are certain English houses where the exiles are well received and, on the whole, think I may say they are as popular an their ignorance of English will allow with tne official community and the English residents. ,J frW' •_

A

4,,,.

Be Uoti to Lafayette To-lay, and Will Install the Officers of the ». A. B. Post of that City To-Nlght.

Mayor Armstrong has received an invitation, and accepted it, to attend thfi public installation of officers of G. A. R. Post No. 3, of Lafayette, and to fill the position as installing officer. He will leave for Lafayette this morning. The Journal of that city, thus speaks uf him:

Dramatic Cocktail.

Olive Logan* writes in Philadelphia Times: All up and down the line of the underground railway, on every pasteable place in London, is seen the unique word "Lotta." The initiated know that the bill relates to the dashing little dramatic sprite who has been for so many years back a potent at» traction in Ameaican theaters, bHt tj many Londoners the name is an empty sound, an enigma, valueless without its key. In a first-class carriage of the underground railway I heard a ladv ask another what Lotta was, and the other replied that she thoustht it was one of "those new temperance drinks. I smiled at the explanation which recalled John Brougham's definition of the blithesome young, actress, "a dramatic cocktail."

Engineer Melville and His terArmy and Navy Journal.

Chief Engineer Melville's daughter, Maud, weary of the restraints of the it Chester boarding school, left it took refuge with her mother at

West and 513 thus court father Maud she authority tively seminary will ter ville seminar an ladjr

1M*

.TKl

There will be no dearth'of amusements at the opera house this week. To-night the favorite comedian W. J. Scanlan will appear in Bartley Campbell's play of A

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Armv" and "The Charleston Blues."

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On Thursday night Frank Mayo will appear in his original version of Davy Crockett.

•-4 *r-

i*S3ss-

'A &

•s.

North Sixth street, Philadelphia, disregarding the mandate of the relegating her to the care of her until she was of age. Miss is with her mother and declares will not return to Mr. Melvilleli ity. Mrs. Melville while posK declaring that Maud left the mary by her own volition, says she contest the custody of her daughbv every legal means. Mr. Melhas notified the president of the iry not to readmit the young id to refuse to give up her effects.

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