Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 January 1880 — SMALL TALK. [ARTICLE]

SMALL TALK.

—Two show* in town to-night. 1 * —Miss Llbbie Walton spent two weeks visiting friends at Crownpoint—Miss Celia Wilkinson, one of the teachers of our Graded Schools, spent the holiday vacasiun among acquaintances at Laporte. —A protracted meeting is in progress at the M. E. church this week, and the indications are that much good will be accomplished. —The Great Western Comedy Company is billed for the Opera House this (Thursday) evening. It promises to be reasonably entertaining. —Emmet Kannal has erected a handsome street lamp in front of his new drug store, which makes the sixth one on Washington street between the river and the poetoffice. —O.the mud, the terrible mud, greeting your vision wherever you plod; splashing ou trowsers and sticking to feet, mud on the sidewalk as well as the street; splashing, dashing, smearing about, waded and straddled by all who go out 7 —Dr. Dewey Is lecturing on phrenology each evening this week at Starr’s Hall. He exhibits a fine cabinet of portraits, skeletons, a manikin, Ac., and his talk never fails to Instruct as well as amuse his hearers. Admission only ten Cents. —•‘And Satan came also.” A revival meeting Is sure to find competitors In the way of shows, dances and social parties. The devil never allows himself to be outgeneraled, and he will harvest bis crop of human fools or know the reason why.

—Sixteen hundred dollars’ worth of furniture arrived here, from Chicago, last Saturday, to furnish the Thompson mansion. That for the parlors has not yet been purchased. We presume the total cost of house-furnishing goods will exceed five thousand dollars- * 1 —We omitted mentioning last week the death of John E. Kenton, one of Jasper county’s pioneer settlers, who departed this life the last Saturday In December. He was a cousin to Simon Kenton ofßevolutionary fame, and hie habits of life were not unlike those of the old patriot His age was about 80. —A son and daughter of Mr. N. V. Snodgrass called at the Republican office, New Year’s day, bearing with them a basket filled with big, red apples, a present from their father. We accept them as-a manifestation of the good will Mr. Snodgras and family bear (Sward their county paper and its publishers. ; —One of the most enjoyable social gatherings of the season* was a watch meeting held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Warner,NewYear’s eve. They didn't exactly “watch and pray,” but they matched and played euchre and other amusing games. So says a reporter who was there and enjoyed the—the supper hugely.’

—Dr. James Richey, who resides near this place, has occupied many positions of honor and trust In our State and Nation.' -A circular before us records his name as Indiana's member of the National Republican Committee, appointed at the time John C. Freemont was nominated for President, at Philadelphia, in 1856, and he helped to nominate Lincoln, at Chicago, in 18G0. —Mr. J. W. Imes. the druggist, recived two New Year’s presents in the way of a handsome hat rack and a silver door-plate for his new residence, from Mr. Herman Nathan, of the firm of Nathan Bros. 4 Straus, Ft. Wayne. The hat rack is made of black walnut, and ornamented with a mirror,marble slab, Ac. Mr. Imes is very proud of his presents and extends his best thanks to the liberal donor. —At a regular meeting of the town council, Monday evening, three ordinances were passed for the construction of plank sidewalks—on the north side of Washington street, from the Peacock House to Dr. Link’s residence; on the north side of Washington street form Jones’s tailor shop to Warner’s hardware store; on the east side of Front street from Washington street to Mr. Imes’s new brick residence, and thence west in the direction of the Christian church. The construction of sidewalks is a matter in which citizens generally are very much interested, especially along frequented thoroughfares, and it is important that the town council should go about the work in a legalized way, so that parties who may not feel dis. posed to build their share of the walk can be compelled to do so or have the marshal Construct the same and assess the cost of the same against the property to which it belongs. The law in regard to issuing ordinances by town council, for any purpose, prescribes that “every by-law, ordiance or regulation, unless in case of emergency, shall be published in a newspaper in such town, if one be printed therein, or posted in five public places, at least ten days before the same shall take effect” Neither of the thrde ordinances just passed contains an emergency clause, and therefore of but little val. ue as legal instruments. The board, for the purpose of saving a few dollars to the town, act upon the presumption that each party interested will build his share of the walk without controversy, but if it should not be so then the council would be compelled to proceed according to law. Such ordinances are only required to be published in one issue of a paper, which makes the expense no greater than the writing and putting up of the same in “five public places.” Besides this the publication of such ordinances in a newspaper gives to every citizen a knowledge of the existence of a town corporation, its power and the improvements being made. It also elicits the attention of the general public and especially those who need public improvements in other parts of the town. But the question need not be argued for it is apparent to everyone that ordinances sho’d be issued in a legalized manner and their contents given to the public.

—An account of tb« Maine difficulty can be found on the first page. —Mr. J. W. Medicos, Wednesday, presented Mr. Horace E. James with a pair of Leghorn chickens. —We have not learned of any care of particular interest to be heard this week before the Jasper Clreuit Court. —Mr. and Mrs. U. W. Clifton’s Infant daughter died of diphtheria, yesterday morning, after a very brief illness. —The second quarterly M. E. meeting will be held at Union school house, In Jordan township, on Saturday, January 24tb. —Elder G. M. Myers, of lowa, will preach in the Christian ehurcli next Saturday evening and Sunday. The publie is cordially invited. . —The Blue Ribbon Society will meet al the court house Friday evening at 7 o’clock sharp, so that an adjournment can be made in time to attend Dr. Dewey’s Lecture. —Mrs. Colonel Healey is a sister to Ratfs Howland, the proprietor of the Rensselaer Marble Works. We learn she expects soon to make this her place of residence. —The name of the postoffice in this county, heretofore known as Saltillo, has been changed by the p. o. department to “Culp,” for the reason that there Is an other office in Indiana of a similar name. —Trustee Comer built two new school bouses in Union township, last season—one in Harrington’s and one in Gant’s neighborhood. A. M. Murden is teaching at the former and Miss Jennie Gant at the latter place. —Our note-book failed to remind us last week of the elegant reception given by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Legg, at their residence on East Washington street This congenial pair take to housekeeping like ducks to water and they also know how to entertain their friends in a royal mauner.

—The man who habitually borrows bis neighbor’s copy of the Republican is wanting in enterprise,and prosperity will not come to his door until he changes his manner of doing business. He not only defrauds bis neighbor but works an injustice to the publishers. —Perry Allen, in Newton township, cultivated seventy acres of corn last season without any help, and the yield was two thousand bushels. Mr. Allen is a Hollander and a Republican. There is room for many more men like him in Jaspercounty. It is not yet “quite fully populated.” —Mr. “Zephenlah Bershonikofler,” (don’t crack yourjaw on that name) expresses a few opinions this week for the consideration of the young ladies of Rensselaer and Jasper county, and we trust that all readers will give his article a careful perusal. Next week lie will have something to say to young men. —The last number of tlie Remington Reporter is very much improved in typographical appearance compared with former issues. It also contains a fair share of editorial matter aud local news. Simon P. Thompson is recommended as the most worthy and available candidate for congress, and believes he will make a successful race.

—A preliminary meeting for the organization of a Republican Club was held at Starr’s Hall, last Saturday evening. A committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements for permanent organization, which will be completed by a meeting to be held at the same place next Saturday evening a week. Every Republican in this town and township is requested to be "present at that time. —Bro. McEwen quotes liberally from our editorials to prove that a few negroes who recently emigrated from North Carolina to Indiana came of their own free will and not thro’ any promise or bribe made by designing politicians. We nre so far well pleased with our neighbor’s course, and hope another year’s residence among stalwart Republicans will cause him to slough 00*1)18 Bourbon proclivities and become capable of thinking and acting for himself and no longer bare his back to tbeSoutbern lash. Some Democratic editors will occasionally lie about a small matter, but McEwen, never—that is, hardly ever. —Notwithstanding weekly temperance meetings have been held in this place since the Murphy tidal wave first rolled over Indiana, the attendance is still good and a reasonable degree of enthusiasm manifested. Every week or two one or more persons are persuaded from the error of their way and induced to sign the constitution and put on the blue ribbon. Last Friday evening the court house was just about full of earnest people and each one seemed to feel that it was good to be there. Besides persuading men not to indulge in the use of intoxicating liquors it is building up a wall of public sentiment that will be as enduring as time. Let the good work go on. —The time ofa large number of subscriptions to the Republican expired on the first day of January, and only those who are known to be “regulars” and will pay at the first opportunity, have been continued. The number of new subscribers about equal those discontinued, which is highly gratifying considering the condition of the roads. There are not a few good citizens of thia county, however, who have not been educated to pay in advance for their county paper, and because they are consided financially “solid” and ate acquainted with the editor, they would feel offended if their subscriptions were discontinued. We want to say to all such that a farmer who we’d dole out a thousand bushels of wheat to a thousand individuals and allow one-half of them to choose their own time for payment, would succeed no better at farming than the publisher at publishing who trusts to luck for subscription money.. We hope the number of persons who have the conscience to read their county paper on tick is growing beautifully less.

—The Muonic Order paased a rreolution at tbeir last regular session, thanking the Cornet Band for their attendance at the burial of Col. Healey—A calling card, upon which the following had been inscribed by some apouny young damsel to her inconstant swain, was picked up at the last temperance meeting: “Charly why wasn’t you to Julia’s last nite we had good eal of fun but we would had more If you had bln there.” C-h-a-w-e-l-s should have “bin there” If his presence is so essential to the young lady’s happiness. —At a regular meeting of the Remington Agricultural Association the following persons were elected to serve as officers for 18S0: C. Hensier, O. P. Tabor, A. J. Bellows (of Jasper co.), Thomas Wileox, J. McMurtry, Wm. Howard (of Benton co.), A. Hicks (of Newton co.) and C. Hartly (of White co,), Directors; Thomas Wilcox, president; A. J. Bellows and E. E. Rockwood, vice-presidents; O. P. Tabor, treasurer; B. B. Jeffries, secretary; O. M. Vickery and J. J. Porter, superintendents. The association being now well organized and appropriately officered the indications are that it will this year excel all former efforts. —The “Thalian Dramatic Club,” of Lafayette, played “ Extremes” at the Opera House, in this place last Thursday evening, and were well patronized, but we feel warranted in saying that the performance did nomteet the expectation of the people. Some of the parts were not well committed and two or more of the actors are not fitted by nature for the characters assigned them. Mr. F. G. Wils tach, to whom was given the leading character of “Frank Hawthorne,” was almost a flat failure, possibly he can play the role of a Quaker, or an orthodox minister, but as the joint heir of the Hawthorne estate and defender of his position and good name he lacked tragical force and positiveness of manner. The play throughout carried the Impress of “amateur,” and but for the elegance of their wardrobe, the newness of the bouse and stage scenery a great majority of the auditors would have found but little that was really entertaining. The managers are principally to blame for the inefficiency of the performers, and until they learn bow to cast a play, how to advertise and what courtesies are due the press, their “home talent” will never become a success.

—Col. 8. N. Yeoman, general manager of the Indianapolis, Delphi A Chicago railway, was in town last week, and It was our good fortune to make his acquaintance and spend a social half with him at the elegant residence of Mr. A. McCoy, who is President of the company. The Colonel so far has managed the business of the road successfully and in the most satisfactory manner. His aim from the beginning has been to make the corporation “live within its means,” and gradually establish every essential improvement. How well he has succeeded is attested by the sound financial condition of the company and the steady progress being made toward the completion and equipment of the road. Every dollar earued over and its natural expenses will be ex. pended for this purpose, and all that is needed to make this one of the most desirable public thoroughfares in Indiana is the good will,'and hearty cooperation of its patrons. It is doing more for Rensselaer,aud Jasper county to-day in the way of furnishing cheap and speedy tranportation, a market for farm products and inhancing the value of real estate, than we can do for it, and as the road increases in efficiency we will increase in wealth and enterprise.