Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1881 — A “Surprise” Partv Worthy the Name. [ARTICLE]

A “Surprise” Partv Worthy the Name.

John Hannah, of Adelaide, near London, Ont., being about to leave for Petroles, a number of friends gave a surprise party at his home a night or two ago, by way of farewell. About sixty young ladies and gentlemen of the neighborhood gathered and a pleasant time was spent until about midnight. The belle of the evening was unfortunate enough, however, to have two admirers, whom she treated with equal politeness. After refreshments one of the young gentlemen was called on to sing a song. He responded, and while singing noticed his rival chatting merrily with the young lady in question. The singer stopped his song and, pale with passion, made one leap toward the pair and shattered a chair over the young man’s head. The latter fell senseless to the floor and a scene of the wildest excitement followed. Friends of both sides fought more like wild beasts than men, and in endeavoring to eject them from his house Mr. Hannah nad his leg broken. Broken furniture was strewn over all parts of the house.

The active army of France for the year 1881 will be 498,497 men. Out of this number 62,760 are in Algeria. Deducting an average of 39,000 men representing sick, absent on leave, etc., there remains a minimum of 469,870 men under arms. There are no horses in Greenland and Iceland.