THE PROPOSED HIGH SCHOOL AT CORTLAND

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 15, 1889.

THE PROPOSED HIGH SCHOOL.

To the Editor of the Democrat:

   SIR: When the law creating Union Free School District No. 1 of Cortland went into effect, and the Board of Education named therein began its management of the schools, it was decided to erect, in different parts of the village, such school buildings as would furnish those localities with suitable primary schools, and, whenever the needs of the village should require, to recommend the construction of a Central High School for which the primary schools would be the feeders.

  With the above plan in view the schools on Owego, Schermerhorn [Grace] and Pomeroy sts. were built and equipped. At present one room in each of the above schools is used for first grade pupils only. Last spring the primary room at the Pomeroy-st. school was so crowded and so many more were clamoring for admission that the Board of Education found themselves compelled to provide more room. Accordingly they refitted and equipped the school-house at Port Watson st., which had for several years been unused, employed an additional teacher and opened a school therein. That school was filled at once, and still there is not room in the Pomeroy-st. school for all who desire to attend and who ought to be in school. The same is true of the primary rooms in each of the other schools, they are filled to overflowing, with more asking to come in.

   The Board, therefore, clearly see, that in the near future two rooms must be devoted in each school to pupils of the first and second grades, and in that case only two rooms will remain to accommodate the six remaining grades —there being now eight grades in each school. To crowd more than four grades into two rooms would be simply impossible. What shall be done then with the seventh and eighth grades, now numbering more than 100? Can they be taken at the Normal? That school is full already. Shall they be deprived of school privileges? Cortland cannot afford to let such a stigma be put upon her fair name.

   The Board therefore believe that the time is ripe for the Central High School, and have requested the trustees to submit that question to the people. This is a decision which has not been hastily reached. It has been discussed at almost every meeting for the past two years, being forced upon the Board by the inexorable logic of a growing population. They believe it to be their sworn duty to provide ample school facilities for all the children under their jurisdiction. They have, therefore, requested the Trustees to submit the question of a Central High School to the people for their decision, feeling that it could not be deferred another year.

   Should the resolution authorizing the Trustees to issue bonds of the village for the erection of a Central High School be ratified, the Board of Education will select a suitable site, centrally located, and build a brick or a brick and stone edifice which will be substantial and well adapted to the purpose for which it is designed, and will represent as much actual value for the money expended as possible. 
FRANK PLACE,

Superintendent of Schools,

Cortland, N. Y., March 11, 1889.

For School Commissioners.

   The following nominations for School Commissioners were made by the ladies at their caucus on Friday last: Mrs. Jas. S. Squires, Mrs. Fidelia Coffin, Mrs. Kate Scott Sanders.

From Honduras.

   Dr. S. J Sornberger who went to Honduras in January to inspect the mines of the San Rafael Mining and Milling Company, returned home Thursday morning looking hale and hearty, and feeling in the very best of spirits. He reports a very pleasant trip and although he was seasick both going and coming he considers himself well paid for the time and money spent.

   Dr. Sornberger reports the company's affairs in excellent condition and the work on the mines progressing favorably. He examined the company's property thoroughly and reports that it is even better than represented by superintendent Foster. We shall be able to present further facts in next week's issue of the DEMOCRAT.

Something of a Sprinter.

   A few days since, Mr. Lennox Johnson [age 44] and Mr. Thos. Welch, had a friendly dispute on the subject of pedestrianism, which finally culminated in the assertion by Mr. Johnson that he could run from the Messenger House [corner Port Watson and South Main--CC editor] to the Port Watson bridge in five minutes. A wager of twenty dollars a side was soon made which was afterwards increased to twenty five, a stakeholder was chosen and the money put up, and Friday afternoon last was fixed as the time for the trial to come off. At the hour appointed the parties put in an appearance with their referees and time keepers, and Johnson stripped to his shirt, teed the mark ready for the word which was promptly given and away he started in the snow path, the referees following in cutters. 
   Johnson carried his watch in his hand and timed himself. Just before arriving at the E. C. & N. crossing he discovered that the five minutes was nearly up and that he was a sure loser, consequently he gave up after making about two-thirds of the distance. The money was promptly turned over to the winner. Johnson has arrived at the conclusion that it is a good long stretch from the Messenger House to the Port Watson bridge.

 

LITTLE YORK'S ICE INDUSTRY

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 8, 1889.

LITTLE YORK.

   READERS of THE DEMOCRAT:—We are with you once again. We quit writing early in the campaign lest we be considered "offensive partisans" and lose our lucrative position. We duly and truly performed our duty at the polls, but with the party made the trip up Salt river [lost election—CC editor]. Yesterday we were released from all moral obligations to nonpartianship, and propose to add our mite to the popularity of the DEMOCRAT and success of Democracy in years gone by.

   During the cold, stormy month of February, Little York has been a busy place, and a new industry arisen which the present management of the D. L. &W. R. R. has wisely fostered.

   First came Frank Pullen, of the Cortland Beef Co., who filled the large ice house of that firm from the pure crystal ice of our beautiful lake. He loaded it on gondola cars, taking about thirty car loads. He employed over twenty men and six or seven teams, all of this vicinity, and no man ever done so large job and left with so good a name for honest, square dealing. May he always have success.

   Next came A. B. Raymond agent for D. Kautz, who runs the milk depot at this place and Homer, who filled the ice houses belonging to each, they being 40x40x30, the latter being shipped in gondola cars. He also shipped 17 car loads for the railroad ice house at Oswego to be used for drinking purposes on the train.

   Last, but not least, Messrs. David Crofoot, Martin Van Hoesen and James Herrick built an ice house on the switch near the gravel bed, 70x30x16, and have filled it with ice from the head of the lake. This is designed for shipment next summer to different markets. No purer ice can be obtained from any lake than this, and if this venture proves successful, another year will see this industry greatly extended.

                                   ___________________________

   William T. Perkins has entered Wells Commercial College at Syracuse.

   Miss Matie Wheeler is very sick, and no hopes of recovery entertained. Her mother is also feeble, and her married daughters are in attendance upon them.

   E. J. Marble is also very low, and not expected to recover. He is under the treatment of Dr. Burdick.

   Jared Northway, one of the oldest residents of Cold Brook, is very feeble and not expected to remain long with us. Dr. Robinson attends him.

   The lessee of the hotel, Mrs. Eastman, who moved here from Tully, is giving good satisfaction to her customers. During the ice harvest they had a big run of boarders. Numerous sleighing parties from Cortland have tested her hospitality.

   Potato buyers are not doing much at this station. They only offer 22 cents while on the E. C. & N. we learn they are paying 25 cents. Where is Ed. Kinney?

   Great quantities of fish have been taken from the lake the past week. The lawmakers should see to it before another winter that they have five months' rest.

   Many are rejoicing in getting 8 per cent out of the Hicock & Co. estate, making 23 per cent in all. It has been so long in settling that some began to fear an assessment to pay the fees of the receivers.

   We have voted over forty years, and have never failed to be on hand at town meeting till this year. We chose business before fooling for once, with the same result in this town.

   ULI SLICK. [correspondent’s pen name]

BLODGETT'S MILLS.

   With March 1st an unusual number of families have changed their places of residence. Whether this change is the outgrowth of the people’s desire to imitate the example of our nation's leader is a problem we have failed to solve. Among the many who are on the move we noticed Mr. Chauncey Gilbert, who has retired from farm life and occupies a part of Mrs. L. Burt's house. Mr. A. C. Spencer, tiring of village life, has returned to his country residence in the town of Virgil. Mr. Eugene Dickinson has moved to Cortland, and Mr. Charles Parker has moved to the place lately vacated by A. C. Spencer. Mr. Whiting has rented the long vacant house of Jerome Crandall, and Martin Darling occupies the house of S. B. Pierce. J. O. Stanton has moved to the place lately purchased of J. Kendall. Henry Hall has gone to Virgil Corners. Mr. Stevens of McGrawville has gone to live on the farm of Mrs. Maria Spencer.

   A rather novel sight is being presented to sleepy B. Millites by the proprietors of the milk depot in the erection of their building and in securing ice. Evidently they believe that "time waits for no man."

   School commenced Monday after a two week's vacation made necessary by sickness among the scholars, the result of vaccination.

   Mr. John Catlin is dangerously sick.

   Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stanton visited at Dan Burt's last Saturday.

   At the Juvenile Missionary meeting last Sunday at the M. E. Church a very interesting paper was read by the pastor Rev. A. C. Smith on the missionary work in Germany and Switzerland.

   Mrs. Julia Hollenbeck has been quite sick but is convalescent.

   Mr. Isaiah Simpson is very feeble with an abscess in his side. His physician hopes for his recovery.

   Mrs. John Hubbard is in Little York caring for her sister who is very sick with consumption.

MARATHON.

   The stars and stripes were waving in the air from the Harrison & Morton flag on Monday in honor of the inauguration of President Harrison. Several business houses were decorated in honor of the event.

   W. H. Maine, of Apalachin, Pa., is in the employ of G. L. Swift & Son as tinner.

   Root Pierce has gone to Washington to witness the inauguration ceremonies.

   Mrs. Elsie Parkinson, of Syracuse, N. Y., is visiting friends in town.

   A large sign has been placed on the side of the Peck block to call attention that C. O. Parsons & Co. have established headquarters there.

   A new cigar factory is to open in the Davis block this week. A gent named Peck, from McGrawville, will run it.

   Frank Corwin has moved on the farm owned by Asa Hunt, south east of Marathon village.

   S. B. Pierce has been painting the tenement dwelling of John Dunphy on Mill street, and is putting out a good job.

   The "Peoples’ Theatre" combination took their departure Monday, after playing a successful engagement at Hulbert House.

   We learn that several new dwellings will be erected here this coming season, as rooms are almost impossible to be had.

*  *

  *   [pen name symbol]

HERE AND THERE.

   W. S. Freer will give a social party at hall in Higginsville on Friday evening, March 15, 1889, Daniels furnishes the music. Bill $1.25.

   A party of ten couples from this village met a party of eleven couples from Cortland and Homer at Higginsville, on Friday evening last, and enjoyed a very pleasant dance, with music by Clark's orchestra. These dances bid fair to be an annual occurrence.—Marathon Independent.

   The old store building at Freetown was burned to the ground last week, Wednesday morning. Only a few of the goods were saved. The stock was owned by Mr. [Denowich] who had been in possession but a few days. The building was owned by [Lyman] Underwood. We understand that insurance will cover the loan.

   All ladies interested in woman's representation on the School Board are requested to meet in the W. C T. U. rooms over Collin's China Store, at 3 o'clock on Friday afternoon, for the purpose of nominating ladies for vacancies on the Board to be filled at the approaching election, March 19th.

   Mr. Albert Allen, superintendent of the E. C. & N. Railway, has leased one of the [Warick?] dwellings on Tompkins street, owned by the estate of the late Andrew Van [Berton?], and will occupy the same after April 1st next. This will practically make the headquarters of the road in Cortland. [Duly?] the general passenger and freight agents have offices in Elmira.

   Hugh O'Neill returned to this place from Springville last Monday evening, and went directly to the jail and gave himself up to the sheriff, where he now is awaiting the pleasure of the officers and anxious to commence serving his term that he may once again become a free man. The District Attorney is out of town and O'Neill will undoubtedly remain here until that official’s return.

   Mr. W. J. Elsom, of this village, exhibited to us the other day a novelty in the shape of a combined watch and calendar. The calendar gives the day of the week and month, and is perpetual. Wind the watch regularly and it works perfectly, year in and year out. He has placed the same sort of an attachment on a small clock in his residence, which also works like a charm.

   Mr. Samuel Parsons, of Syracuse, who published a very satisfactory directory of this place two years ago, is in town canvassing among the business men for a new work to be issued in the spring. The canvass for names will be commenced about April 8th next. Mr. Parsons intends to make the directory as complete and satisfactory as the one formerly issued by him. The directory will also contain a list of all the inhabitants of the several towns in the county.

NEIGHBORING COUNTIES.

   TOMPKINS—It is not generally known that there is a law in this state which permits the wife of an habitual drinker of intoxicating liquors to apply to a magistrate and make complaint against all the liquor dealers of the town for selling to her husband. Thereupon it is obligatory upon the magistrate (and if he refuses he is guilty of a misdemeanor) to issue written notices to the several liquor dealers not to sell to her husband within the next six months under the penalty of $50 for each drink, to be recovered by the wife It was under this law that a jury in Raymond L. Smith's court recently awarded $100 against Julia A. Reed, proprietor of Reed's Inn, for selling two drinks of liquor in violation of a notice which had been served upon her.— Ithaca Journal

COL. LAMONT'S RETIREMENT

Daniel S. Lamont

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 8, 1889.

Col. Lamont's Retirement.

(Ex-Postmaster General Frank Hattan in Washington Post.)

   The item appropriating $6,000 to Col. Lamont, in addition to his regular salary as private secretary of President Cleveland, has been stricken from the Deficiency bill at the secretary's respectful but positive request. It was inserted with the best of intentions and as an expression of sentiment was a merited recognition of the services performed by Col. Lamont during the past four years in a most difficult and trying position. The motive of the proposed legislation he doubtless appreciates thoroughly and gratefully, but having entered on his duties with a full understanding and acceptance of the compensation attached, his honorable instincts compel him to a prompt declination of gratuities to which he feels that he is not entitled, and least of all by virtue of a retroactive law.

   If it were possible for Secretary Lamont to gain any higher place in the estimation of those with whom he has been brought in official contact, nothing could more largely enhance the respect that will accompany his retirement to private life than his conduct in this particular matter. It is a graceful and fitting climax to a career that has been characterized from the outset by courtesy of manner, discretion of judgment and uniform disposition to facilitate and promote the interests of all persons having legitimate business at the White House.

   It may be added also, without any derogation to any of his predecessors, that Secretary Lamont has given to his office a dignity, importance and popularity it has seldom enjoyed before. The best wishes that we can extend to Mr. Halford, wishes that we base upon a confident expectation—are that he may earn similar laurels and achieve the same distinguished measure of success.

THE CABINET.

Predictions of the Last Three Days Verified by the Result.

   WASHINGTON, March 5.—President Harrison to-day sent to the Senate the following nominations:

Secretary of State—JAMES G. BLAINE of Maine.

Secretary of the Treasury—WILLIAM WINDOM of Minnesota.

Secretary of War—REDFIELD PROCTOR of Vermont.

Secretary of Navy—BENJAMIN F. TRACY of New York.

Secretary of Interior—JOHN W. NOBLE of Missouri.

Postmaster-General—JOHN WANAMAKER of Pennsylvania.

Attorney-General—W. H. H. MILLER of Indiana.

Secretary of Agriculture—JEREMIAH M. RUSK of Wisconsin.

   The nominations were confirmed in a 10-minute open session of the Senate. Col. James R. Young, executive clerk of the Senate, proceeded to the While House about 2 o'clock this afternoon and delivered to President Harrison an official notice of the confirmation of his Cabinet by the Senate.

VIRGIL.

   Mr. Andrew Hutchings, 72 years old, another of Virgil's oldest residents, was buried on Sunday last. He has been sick for a number of years, but bore his trials without murmuring.

   Elder Purington has been to Pompey Center to officiate at the marriage of his niece.

   Mr. T. W. Ellis, of Sullivan Co. has been visiting at Aaron Overton's the past week.

   Mrs. Falk is sick with the pneumonia.

   Mrs. Nettie Webster, the wife of the late Henry A. Webster, has been visiting friends in town the past week.

   George Seamans is home on a short visit.

   The Good Templars have disbanded.

   Charles Hutchings is moving back on to his farm.

   David Sweet has moved to McLean.

   Ambrose Johnson has moved on to the Wm. Terpenning farm.

   Mr. Cotrell lost one of his horses last week.

   W. H. Hall has moved in with Mr. F. D. Freer.

   Price Rounds has hired Allen Smith's farm.

   The dance at Freer's hotel, for the benefit of the band, passed off very nicely, although the attendance was small. All seemed to enjoy themselves.
    We have a thriving farmer in our town who believes in prosperity and thorough team work, or else he would not have five horse kind [sic] to work his small place.

   Nelson Watrous is breaking a pair of colts for Harmon Sherar. They do not sleep while in the harness with Nelson. When he says "go" they get there.

   Mrs. Perkins has returned from her visit, where she has been caring for her grandchild.

   Mrs. Sally Crane is at Marathon visiting with her daughter.

   The roads are in a terrible condition, at present, making traveling almost impossible.

   John Mott has commenced his work for Richard Tyler, this being his second season with him.

   Wilbur Shults works at home this season.

   The sick are all improving as far as heard from, at present.

   Rumor says we have a man of some renown, who wants one of his family supported by the town.

   CUMMIN. [pen name]

EAST HILL.

   We have had our 13th surprise party at the residence of Juriel White and Wm. Carr. The roads were bad but the weather was fair so that every body invited wanted to go as it seems to be the last of the series. McGrawville and Cortland villages were well represented as would appear from the cutter tracks in the lots when the road was lost. The accommodations of the house and barn being so ample nobody was crowded. About 100 guests were served at the table. Music both vocal and instrumental was a very prominent feature of the evening, there being a piccolo, 3 violins, a cornet and a piano. Mr. and Mrs. Mat Wilson rendered some delightful music with their guitar and violin. In this work we hope no harm has been done. There $117.02 changed hands in the shape of some serviceable and beautiful presents. Mr. and Mrs. Carr and Mr. and Mrs. White were presented by Mr. Hinds, with a fine black robe, $2.85 in cash and the congratulations of their many friends by each couple making them a little speech. Great good has really been done as our roads have been kept open, so have our hearts. With many thanks for the patience you have shown your humble servant I bid you good bye.

Friday eve, March 1.

   X. Y. Z. [pen name symbol of correspondent—CC editor.]

PAGE TWO/EDITORIALS.

   Ithaca elected John Harden mayor last Tuesday by a majority of 6. This is the first mayor elected in the new city and democrats feel very jubilant over the result. The democrats also elect both of their city supervisors.

   For the next four years democratic newspapers can change places with republican papers and find fault with the administration. Possibly some of our republican friends will feel like scolding before the end of the four years.

   A good many republicans are not particularly pleased with the appointment of James G. Blaine to the first place in the cabinet. That Blaine intends to run the administration goes without saying. Whether he will succeed or not remains to be seen. If he don't succeed he will be likely to make things uncomfortably warm for some one.

   It is a very noticeable fact that in his cabinet appointments, President Harrison has ignored the Southern and extreme Western Stales entirely. The California papers are very indignant over their treatment and the Southern republicans do not feel particularly pleased over the situation. While Harrison may have succeeded in pacifying the Miller and Platt elements in this State it is believed that he hasn't strengthened himself in other parts of the country. Outside of Blaine there are no strong men in the cabinet, and it is quite possible that he will prove too strong for it.

 

MORE LETTERS ABOUT GOLD MINING IN HONDURAS

The Cortland Democrat, Friday, March 1, 1889.

FROM HONDURAS.

   The following letters were received by the San Rafael Mining and Milling Company, from Messrs. Foster, Schutt and Sornberger, now at the Company's mines in Honduras, C. A.:

   NACAOME, C. A., Jan. 29, 1889.

San Rafael Mining and Milling Co.:

   GENTS.—The tunnel on the San Rafael is progressing finely. The last three yards has cut into the wall rock, which is beautiful in composition and position. The foot rock is porphyry. Better assurance could not be asked. This is the result of my examination day before yesterday. Mr. Gifford reports to-day as follows—"In the cross-cut tunnel I have met with a face dipping in the same directions as the vein in the shaft above. The face has a red color, which indicates that we are nearing the vein, and when intersected I have every reason to believe that we shall have such a vein as will repay you for your patience."

   The slow work of pushing the tunnel through the hard country rock has required some considerable patience, but it was the thing to do and it will be done. The location of the house is very pretty and cool. It sits on a great flat rock with a beautiful natural lawn.

   The moneys in my hands January 1st, 1889 is $1,050.

   Respectfully submitted,

   J. E. FOSTER.

   NACAOME, Jan 30, 1889.

Friend C. E. Ingalls:

   From the tone of your letter 1 think you are happy, just as we are here. I learn that you have some kickers up there, but give us a little time and we will give you something to kick against that will do your toes good. In my judgment, we have all that we could ask for and more than we can utilize. In this country, things move slow but we will get there in good shape. I want you to send me a Coltone pocket map of Honduras and an almanac and a map of the U. S., we have nothing of the kind here.

   Yours truly, working for a fortune,

   E. P. Schutt.

   CORINTO, Nicaragua, Feb 5, 1889.

Friend Ingalls:

   I am now within 66 miles of Amapala. Expect to be there by daylight in the morning; will mail this there. We have been all day at this port. Have put off 200 tons of freight here. We have on board a lot of heavy machinery for Amapala, a large portable boiler made in England etc., also quite a quantity of mercury in flasks. Have had a nice trip. Clear and warm ever since we passed Hatteras. Have seen sharks and porpoises without number and two whales, one within 50 ft. of the ship. I fell in with a man on board who speaks Spanish and a little English, who is acquainted all through Central America. He knows Imboden, Foster, Col. Baker etc., and has given me quite a history of mining in Honduras.

   Monday morning, Feb. 6, '89.

   Arrived at Amapala at 5:30 A. M. all right. Met Mr. Keoncke and the President of the La Victoria. This man says Foster is in Tegucigalpa. I get a steam launch to La Brea to-day, I think, at 3 P. M.

   SORNBERGER.

   NACAOME, Honduras. C. A. Jan. 31, 1889.

San Rafael Mining and Milling Co.:

   GENTLEMEN:—It seems to me perfectly ridiculous as well as shameful that while I am working hard and legitimately here on a grand and solid enterprise, that a few would be stock dealers of peanut stock proportions should be trifling with our interests—that people should be as silly as to pay any attention to these men, well known to be destitute of both character and principle, who are trying to destroy our enterprise; men who are perfectly ignorant of anything pertaining to it or anything connected with it; men whose principal occupation is to discredit anything which they have not been paid to recommend, and trying to make out that they are wise fellows, talking all the fear and never accomplishing anything. Still more to be condemned, are the men who let their stock get into the hands of these persons. I want no more to do with such associates.

   Thanks—heartily, to the good men who stand by this enterprise. 1 would like to take them by the hand now. I congratulate myself that I have some associates who are true men. The money that has been pocketed by speculation and hedging would pay for all our wants. If you sap the mother what will nourish the babe, give him a little till he can stand.

   A great boom is coming. Honduras is not commanding the attention of Cortland alone, but of the entire raining [sic] world. Conservative old England after much examination has opened her purse wide. Could I deceive the Englishman and his expert who made the deal on Amparo? How ridiculous all this is; it reminds me of the ideas that disturb one in Tegucigalpa.

   Well, boys, if I keep on I shall get mad and it does not become me to get angry with such trash. So good by, in all the sincerity of men and friends,

   J. E. FOSTER.

   The following cable dispatch was received by Mr. Beebe, a member of the company, last Saturday evening.

   NACAOME, C. A., Feb. 23, 1889.

H. C. Beebe, Cortland, N. Y.:

   Arrived all right, am well. Everything looks encouraging. Do not be anxious to sell stock. There is no discount on what the mines have been represented to be. Every day’s development proves them better. I expect to sail for home about February 25th or 26th.

   S. J. SORNBERGER.

FROM EVERYWHERE.

   The death rate of the veterans of the war is now 6,600 per year.

   Wilmington (Del.) morocco factories need the hides of 20,000 goats daily.

   The President yesterday signed the commission of Norman J. Coleman to be Secretary of Agriculture.

   The Courier printing company of Buffalo has three [circus] show printing contracts which aggregate: $75,000 Barnum, $75,000 Sells Bros., Forepaugh $85,000.

   While two men were at work in the woods at Montague, Lewis county, a few days ago, a falling tree disturbed a pile of brush, from which appeared five bears—two old ones and three cubs.

   The New York Star says: “William Corbett of California, the owner of the stallion Guy Wilkes, last week refused $75,000 for him. Fifty thousand was also offered for Sable Wilkes.”

   The costliest stable in the world has been built in Syracuse for Mr. D. Edgar Crouse, the millionaire horseman. When it is completely ready for occupancy, it will represent an outlay of at least $500,000.
   Baron Li Yen Pong, a merchant prince of China, worth $40,000,000, and who has large commercial interests in this country, arrived at New York last Sunday. His arrival caused a flutter in the Chinese quarter.

   The gas at the Sandy Creek well continues to flow steadily. Contractor Hubbard will, in a few days, explode 30 pounds of dynamite at the bottom of the well, to open up all crevices that may add to the flow of gas.

   The Martin House at Ithaca was burned Tuesday morning. The female cook leaped from a second story window and broke her leg. John Meaney, a boarder occupying a room on the third floor, attempted to get out by means of a rope fire escape, but the rope was not fastened in his room, and he fell a distance of 40 feet, sustaining serious injuries. The origin of the fire is unknown. Loss about $5,000; insurance $4,000.

ELEVEN WERE KILLED.

Shocking Disaster in a Pennsylvania Mining Town.

   PLYMOUTH, Pa., Feb. 25.—A terrible disaster occurred here to-day by which ten girls and one man were killed. Back of the Gaylord shaft stood the factory of John Powell in which were manufactured squibs, used by the miners in loosening coal in the mines. The factory employed 184 girls ranging from 13 to 20 years and several male workmen. While the majority of the girls were home eating dinner the people were startled by a deafening explosion. They rushed terror stricken to the doors and windows and saw clouds of smoke ascending from the factory. Soon a large crowd had gathered around it, and women began wringing their hands and men turned away when the charred body of a young girl was seen in one of the rooms and the fact became known that at least 20 persons were in the building at the time of the explosion eating their lunch. The scene was fraught with terror as the girls, some bleeding, others gasping for fresh air, rushed to the windows and screamed frantically for help.

   A dozen miners from the adjoining colliery arrived and rushed towards the building, but as soon as they stepped near the door another terrific explosion took place and the entire building collapsed, burying in the ruins those who had stood crying for assistance.

   The braver men, when the smoke and flying debris had settled, rushed among the ruins and one by one the bodies were found and taken out charred beyond recognition, bleeding and mangled. As the mothers recognized some familiar token or piece of dress by which they could tell their loved ones the scene was heartrending. The bodies, as fast as taken out, were removed to an undertaker's. Their features were so badly mutilated that they were scarcely recognizable.

   The killed so far as known are:

   Kate Jones, aged, 18.

   Maggie Lynch, aged 21.

   Hettie Jones, aged 16.

   Gladdis Reese, aged 15.

   Mary Walters, aged 17.

   Maggie Richards, aged 17.

   Mary A. Lake, aged 17.

   Ruth Powell, aged 19.

   Esther Powell, aged 22.

   Jessie Connell, aged 16.

   George G. Reese, engineer, aged 40.

   John Powell, the proprietor, was badly injured. Business here is at a standstill and the community is plunged in gloom. Several kegs of powder caused the explosion, but how they were exploded is a mystery.

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