People's Pilot, Volume 6, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 February 1897 — “An Evening in China." [ARTICLE]

“An Evening in China."

Christian Endeavor society will give a social called “An Evening in China” at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foltz. Friday evening Feb. 26. ’97. A very interesting program will be rendered. PROGRAM. Opening Song—Male Voices. Recitation—Lea the Wright. Paper—Manners, Customs and Religion of the Chinese; Mrs. Moore. Vocal Puet —Grace Gee and Mrs. Coover. Recitation—Oliver Tharp. A Trip to China—Clide Reeves. Instrumental Music—Mildred Harris. Recitation —Maud Healey. Recitation—Lucile Marshall. * Music—Bertha Parcels.

The decline in land values and the continued fall in prices of farm products are having very inconvenient, and to some of our worthy citizens, very ruinous effects. Many of our moderate farmers and ordinary business men are finding themselves greatly embarrassed financially—not a few already, much against their will, have been forced to make assignment or execute heavy mortgages. The great land boom of two years ago that struck this county is now yielding some very bitter fruits. Deferred payments, with interest, on these lately purchased lands are now falling due, and the purchasers are finding themselves unable to fulfill theis promises. Many are being forced to forfeit the amounts paid; in one ease we are informed four thousand dollars have been forfeited and the farm is reverting to the former owner. These misfortunes have a double effect, for, while it is a clear loss to the late buyer, it is incovenient and often ruinous to the fox me:' owner, for he in turn has become a pur chaser of other property, relying upon payments for it from the payments due him, thus in the default of one, many involved.

Miss Mattie D. Baker, one of Jasper counties daughters, sister of Asa S. Baker of Milroy township, is now traveling in Europe, being at the present time in Jerusalem enroute to Bethlehem and other points in the Holy Land. Her home is in Tacoma. Washington, and she is quite a musical celebrity on the Pacific coast. She will spend several months with German professors receiy, ing instruction, vocal and instrumental before returning. Miss Baker is but twenty-two years old. On her return she will visit her brother here, theii parents joining her so: a brief sojourn. -1