Founded in 1800.]
VOL. .XCVIr-NO 46
.4 n Entertaining and Instmctive H °me Journal, Especially Devoted to Local .News and Interests.
NORWALK, CONN, FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 13.1896—12 PAGES.
5 .
[$1 00 a. Year
PRICE TWO CENTS
EXPECTED Til-NIGHT.
An Unusual DlSplay of Novem-
ber Meteors Are Due This
Evening.
Get Out Your Telescopes and Watch.
The periodical display of meteors due
to-night, says the New York Herald,
will be looked for this year with un-
usual interest. Though the maximum
star shower of this period will not be
due till 1899, it is highly probable that
the earth in its orbital movement will
encounter this evening, face to face, a
larger number of meteors emanating
from the constellation of Leo than have
been since 1866.
The vast current of meteoric dust in
which celestial fireworks occur travels
in a very elongated elliptical orbit
around the sun, making the circuit
once in thirty-three years. It extends
as far as the orbit of Uranus (20 times
as distant from the sun as the earth).
But it crosses that part of the terrestrial
orbit which our planet passes .on No-
vember 14, and hence its myriads of
minute meteors enter our upper atmos-
phere to be vaporized by the intense
heat of friction into which their motion
is suddenly transformed. The meteoric
ring is much wider than the earth and
is circulating in a direction opposite to
that of our globe, which passes through
the Hug, to use M. Flammarion’s illus-
tration, “as a bullet passes through a
cloud of gnats coming quickly along.”
The particular portion of the ring
most fertile and profuse in meteors
cuts our path-way through space only
once in 33 years, and the last phenom-
enal star shower occurred in 1866. In
that year, on the night of November
13, astronomers at Greenwich Observa-
tory counted 8,485 meteors in eight
hours. In the still more splendid
shower of Noyember 12-13, 1833, Pro-
fessor Olmsted’s observations at Boston
indicated that the number of shooting
stars for the whole hemisphere was note
less than 34,640, and at the moment of
the maximum display be compared
them to half the number of flakes fall-
ing in an ordinary snow storm.
While we cannot expect any superb
exhibition this year, the meteoric
shower of to-night will probably well
repay the sky watcher. In November
of last year astronomers were on the
lookout for more than the average
number of shooting stars. but they
were not gratified. On the morning of
November 14, not more than five
Leonide‘s per hour were counted by
the English observers, but, as Mr.
Denning reports to Nature, if the dis-
play was very ordinary as regards the
number of stars visible, “1t exceeded
expectations in respect to duratibn.”
For as late as the 17th and 18th of the
month a number of Leonides were
counted. The great meteor-stream has
probably been decreasing slowly in the
long lapse of years, as much of its
cosmic dust has been consumed by the’
earth’s atmosphere. .
When the maximum star shower to
which it gives rise was first observed
and recorded SCTBIH 11:11 lv by Hum-
boldt and Bonpland, in 179.), the phe-
nomenon was upon a scale“ apparently
never since equalled—not even in 1833.
There is, however, no reason to suppose
that the meteoric ring has been so re-
duced that in, future the displays will
cease to be rich and remarkable spec-
tacles.
Though it will be three years before
a maximum display, like that of 1866,
can occur. Mr. Donning, the English
astronomer, points out that, “in 1863,
three years before the magnificent re-
turn of 1866, not a great number of
meteors were seen; but there is evi-
deuce that the Leonides formed a ' tol-
erably important shower.” The show-
er may be more conspicuous this. year
than it was in 1863, and as it may exceed
expectation astronomers should be pre-
pared to adequately observe and record
it whenever the skies are unclouded.
From the present weather indications
there is good reason to look for cloud-
less skies in this part of the country,
and also most of the region lying east
of the Mississippi. All the meteors
visible will not be Leonides, but the
latter are distinguishable by their
greenish or bluish color, their vivid
and lengthy trains as well as by their
emanation from the vicinity of the star
Zeta, in the constellation “from which,
hey derive their name. .
Graham-Davenport.
The marriage of Miss Mary Daven-
port, daughter of Mr. John I. Daven-
port to Mr. James G. Graham of New-
burg, N. Y., took place last evening in
the Presbyterian church at Stamford.
A reception followed at the home of the
bride’s father.
|and sixteen men took part in the “bee.”
THETAB_L_E_8_ TURNED.
Young Gentlemen Entertain
The Girls Literary Club.
Pleasant Evening at the Central Club.
The members of the Girls Literary
club were entertained by their young
gentlemen friends at the Central Club,
on West avenue, last night.
The guests began to assemble at
eight o’clock and at half past eight the
playing was commenced in the card
rooms.
Miss Ethel Wilcox succeeded in win-
ning ihe ladies’ priza 11. ban bon case,
and Charles C. Swartz the gentleman’s,
a shaving cup.
The players then adjourned to the
Assembly Rooms where refreshments
were served. Calvin T. Purdy at the
piano furnished music for dancing,
which was kept up until midnight.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Van Buren
acted as chaperones and to them is due
a great part of the credit for the pleas-
ures of the evening.
Those present were the Misses Ethel
Wilcox, Alice Cole, Edith Cousins,
Julia Lockwood, Helen Quintard, Vio-
let Ells, Grace Stommell. Clara Betts,‘
Jeannette Gregory, Grace Adams,
Ethel Slater, Alyse Gregory, Maud
Wheeler, Helen Swartz, Ethel Keep and
Miss Barclay, of New York city,
The Messrs: George L. Woodward,
Frederick Ells, Spencer Adams. Frank
Sherman, Harry Cousins, Samuel Part.
ridge, Frank Van Buren, A. Dwight
Keep, Robert Van Buren, Willidm
Beers, Clarence Cram, Rutherford
Keeler, Louis Leonard, Charles C.
Swartz, and Homer M. Byington.
The dance w? a decided success and
a large share 0 jcredit is due to the com-
mittee who planned the entertainment
and made the arrangements.
The young ladies of the Literary Club
mare now talking of returning the com-
pliment during the Thanksgiving holi-
days.
THANKSGIVING uni."
Gov. Collin Names Thursday, Nov. 26, and
Says “Hitherto Hath the Lord
Helped Us.”
Governor Coffin thisafternoon issued
his Thanksgiving proclamation as fol-
lows:
Acting in harmony with the procla-
mation of the President, I hereby des-
ignate and appoint Thursday, Novem-
ber the 26th, as a day of thanksgiving.
Seldom, if ever. in the history of this
commonwealth, have its people had
more abundant reason for gratitude to
the Ruler of Nations than they have
at this time. He has brought us out of
depression, hardship. darkness and
doubt, and set before us the. welcome
light of renewed and rapidly brighten-
ing prospects, of prosperity and con-
tinued peace, for the future. As our
own hope is unfettered let us not only
thank God for our blessings, but use
our thoughtful endeavors to lighten the
burdens of the less fortunate, that they
may also rejoice and give thanks.
“Hitherto bath the Lord helped us.”
Given under my hand and the seal of
the state at the Capitol in Hartford,
this 12th day of November, in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hun- .
dred and ninety- -six. and of the Inde-
pendence of the United States the 125th.
0. VINCENT COFFIN
By His Excellency’ a command,
WILLIAM C. Mownx
Secretary of State.
A Great Harvest Year.
Unless estimates are grossly at fault,
or some untoward event occurs, the
harvests of 1896’? will be among the
greatest this country has ever seen.
Corn, wheat and fruit are yielding
abundantly, and as these are the crops
upon which the farmers depend largely
for his returns, it is net strange that he
is contented and happy, and will,
therefore, be able to come to town to
see Lillian Kennedy in “I‘he Deacon’s
Daughter.”
Special Town Meeting.
At the special town meeting warned
to meet next Wednesday, among other
matters of interest to the taxpayers of
the town, is the proposition to author-
ize the Selectmen to purchase a steam
stone crusher and roller for the use of
the town in highway improvements.
Such a purchase would be wise and
economical.
v
y A Weston Bee.
A “bee” was held at Weston one day
this week for the purpose of reducing
the grade of a hill. Six yoke of oxen
THEY ARE ALARMED.
Liquor Dealers Fear Lest the
Next Assembly Adopt
Hostile Measures. .
A Bill to Prohibit Lunch Counters.
The liquor dealers of this, State are
much concerned, it is said, over reports
that the next- General Assembly will
adopt measures hostile to the liquor
interests. A prominent New Haven at-
torney told a reporter of the‘Begister a
few days ago that he knew for certain
there was to be introduced' in the Legis-
lature next Winter a bill to prohibit
lunch- counters in saloons and also bars.
The bill will provide that liquors shall
be sold only in eating- -places, with food.
The bill 19 to be similar to the one in
efi'ect' 1n Boston.
Another bill to be introduced in the
Legislature is to increase the license
fee to $2,000, and a bond for a liquor
dealer to 82,000. There is no doubt
that both of these bills will be contest-
ed at every point, especially by the
wholesale liquor dealers and brewers.
Some of the saloon proprietors might
want the high license 'bill to pass,
but they are a small proportion of the
dealers.
Before election there was talk of in-
troducing a measure to do away with
voting on the license question in towns
of over 10,000 inhabitants. It was ar-
gued that towns containing that num-
ber of people generally vote license,
and it is unnecessary that they should
vote on the license question year after
year. This bill was to be a Demcrstic
measure, and as the General Assem-
bly is overwhelming1 ,1 Republican it
may have been abandoned.
One of the officers of the Liquor
Dealers’ Association said in reference
to the foregoing that he did not believe
any such radical legislation would be
enacted.
“Such a policy would soon work out
its own destruction.” said the liquor-
dealer. “Just ask yourself how many
men now in the business could afford to
continue if the license fee was raised to
$2,000; and what would be the result ?
The various cities in the State that de-
pend a great deal upon the revenue de-
rived from liquor licenses would soon
‘have the folly of such legislation
demonstrated by increased taxation.
It 111 my opinion that the total income
from license fees in this city would not,
in case the fee was raised to $2,000, or
ceed one-third of the amount now an-
nually collected by the County Com-
missioners. I believe that if any such
legislation is attempted, a determined
fight will be made by the organized
liquor interests of the State.”
Short Calendar Lists.
Among the cases assigned for a hear.-
ing in the Superior Court at Bridge-
port, to-day are:
Louise Prince vs. Theodore Prince.
on motion for an order in relation to
custody of children.
Burbank vs. 'I'olles, forclosure. An-
derson. er. al. vs. Town of New Ca-
naan, for appointment of committee.
Mamie E. Raymond vs. Oliver E.
Raymond, for divorce.
In the Common Pleas court: F. M.
Tweddle vs. J. J. Elanlon, et. al., judg-
ment for want of answer.
B. Burchard et. ux. vs.
Bach, demurrer to answer.
A. Devine vs. C. M. Selleck, plain-
tiff's motion for judgment.
Would Not Tell a Lie.
One of the pupils at the night school,
who is learning the printing business,
was asked by Principal Wigham how
he would commence a sentence, expect-
ing no doubt that the answer would be
“with a capital letter.” The pupil
could not or would not tellalie, and
promptly and truthfully answered, “I
always commence them with an em
quad.” And the principal who knows
a thing or two about the printing busi:
ness, smiled.
Amandus
The Hoffmires Again in Trouble.
Today’s New York Herald says that
the end of the syndicate to rob is near
at hand and that John D. and John E.
Hofi‘mire and Edward Records, of Bos-
ton, have been placed under arrest.
Leonard J. Frost, one of the agents,
has made a confession which it is un-
derstood implicates the Hofl’mires in
the organized plot to issue fraudulent
notes and papers.
. Pleaded Guilty.
In the Town Court, yesterday after-
noon, James Cooke pleaded guilty to
stealing a horse " blanket from the
Holmes, Keeler & Selleck 00’ s. barn
on Smith street. and was sentenced to
thirty days' in jgil with costs.
.3;
. 1;.
ELECTION EXPENSES.
Candidates for Office File Re-
ports of Their Disburse-
, ments.
Congressman E. J. Hill Heads the List.
The several candidates in town in the
recent election have filed with Town
Clerk Smith reports of their election
expenses.
Hon. E. J. Hill, the successful candi-
date for Congressman in this district,
heads the list, having expended a total
of 31.42093, as exclusively announced
in Tuesday’s GAZETTE. The remainder
of the list is as follows:
.. FOR SENATOR.
Edwin O. Keeler; own political agent;
expenses, $293.15.
William J. Stevens, own political
agent; expenses; Democru tic State Com-
mittee, $25; Pasters and D.’ stribution,
341. 50; railroad fare and carriages, $1. -
50; postage and printing, $4;tota1, $75.
FOR REPRESENTATIVES.
Russell Frost, own political agent;
expenses: treasurer Town committee,
$25; printing tickets, $56; pasters and
distribution, 317.23; total, 344 28.
J. 'Belden Hurlbutt; expenses, for
cigars while writing up party books,
$1; GAZETTE for printing, $2; total, 33.
JamesM. Lane, nothing.
D. A. Fillow, nothing.
- JUDGE 0F PROBATE.
Asa B. Woodward, own political
agent; Town Committee Wilton, 310;
Town Committee Norwalk, 330; H. M.
Gardner, printing, $4 50; postage, 32c;
total, $54.82. '
James T. Hubbell. Town Committee,
$1; Democratic State Committee, 32;
total, 33.
:USTICES on THE PEACE.
Ofaloug list of candidates for the
office of Justice of the Peace all but
three reported their expenses as noth-
ing. Those reported expenses were:
{Errando 1?. Dexter; -~to Republican
Town Committee, 325, George H. Vos-
burgh, Jr. pasters, $1; postage and
stitiouary, $1, total, 32.
Leo Davis, Democratic Town Com-
mittee, 31; special rally meeting, $5;
printing, $1.
Post Ctfice Swindlers.
The Bridgeport post office authori-
ties have sent to the dead letter oflice
at Washington, over 1,400 pieces of mail
matter addressed to Rockwell & Ham-
mond, whose bogus business was broken
up last week.
Their scheme was to advertise for
people to learn the art. of making neck-
wear, sending instructions to their vic-
tims relative to the manufacture of the
articles, and requesting the forwarding
of S2 to defray the expenses of samples
and shipping. After sending the neces
sary;t_wo dollars the prospective manu-
facturer failed to hear from the firm
again.
Time Register Clock.
A patent time register clock has been
placed in the Norwalk and South Nor-
walk postofiices. Each carrier is pro-
vided with a key which he inserts in an
aperature provided for the purpose that
registers his timeof arriving and leaving
the office. On his return from his route
he again inserts the key and again the
time is registered,.on a slip. Its use
at both the offices will be commenced
on Monday next.
on
Miss Lyon Will Recife.
In speaking yesterday of the unusual-
ly attractive entertainment to be given
by the ladies of Grace church at the
Opera House next week, the name of
Miss Gertrude Lyon of North avenue
was inadvertently omitted. Miss Lyon
is an elocutionist of rare attainments
and a graduate of one of the bed:
schools of eleoution in Brooklyn,
Probate Judges Meet.
The Connecticut Probate Assembly
met at the Capitol, Wednesday, Judge
Silas B. Sherwood of Westport presid-
ing. There were twenty members
present, The session was devoted to
discussion of property rights as they
come before probate judges in the set-
tlement of estates. The discussions
were formal and no action toward uni:
formity of procedure in any class of
caseswas taken.
A‘
Gov-Elect Cooke’s Expenses.
Gov-Elect Lorrin A‘. Cooke has. filed
a statement of the money expended by
him at the recent election. The amount
is $1,043, divided up as follows: To the
Republican State Central committee,
$1,000; to Winsted town committee,
829; for posters, $10; for postage, 34.
I
HERE AND THERE.
An Epitome of Happenings of
of Interest to the Public.
Garnered With Scissors and Pencil.
——Boy wanted at the GAZETTE office.
Apply immediately.
Harry \IcSherry is sick at his home
on Harbor avenue.
The school census of Stamford indi-
cates a population of 19,855.
Mr. and Mrs. John Camp of Hartford
are visiting relatives in town.
Mrs. Mary H. Dunning of Grand
street is visiting relatives in old Ridge-
field.
Major 0. W. Hendrie will be grand
marshal] in the big Sound Money pa-
rade at Stamford to-night.
Mrs. Sherwood Cummings and chil-
dren leave town to-day for a visit with
friends in B:ooklyn.
Whooping cough has Danbury chil-
dren by the throat. No child cares to
'whoop against his or her will but that
is the condition that prevails in that
city.’
The Green’s Farms Farmers’ Club
has commenced a series of Winter meet-
ings.
The funeral of the late Mrs. Michael
Fitzgerald Will be attended from St.
Mary’s churca; tomorrow morning at 9
o’clock.
Rev. Dr. I. Simmons, of Hartford, a
former Methodist pastor in Norwalk,
will lecture in Danbury to-night, tak'
inf for his suhj ct “The Golden Oppor-
tunity.”
The petition for the appointment of a
trustee of the estate of Bette and Far-
rington, will be considered at the Pro-
bate court this afternoon.
Motorman Joseph Smith of the Street.
Railway line and Miss Annie Mokeley
are to be married at St. Mary’s church,
next Wednesday morning.
The case of the State vs. Lieutenant
Comstock and Quartermaster Sergeant
Guarnerri is set down for trial to-mor-
row morning.
Quite a crowd of Norwalk people will
attend the Sound Money parade in
Stamford, to-night. It promises to be
a rouser and the town will be painted a
rich carmine.
The Ministering Circle of King’s
Daughters of the First Congregational
church will meet at the Chapel Study
Saturday November 14th at 3 o’clock.
The Women’s Relief Corps held a
long session yesterday. It was inspec-
tion day and the inspection officer from
New Haven was present. After the in-
spection a fine collation was served.
There was a dance in Wright’s black-
smith shop last evening which was well
attended and furnished enjoyment for
a large number of people who delight
in tripping the light fantastic toe.
The Kings Daughters of the First
Congregational church, will meet in
the Chapel Saturday, November 14th,
at4 o’clock. There will be reports
from the State Convention recently
held at Hartford and Mrs. Noble will
give her interesting paper upon “Some
Characteristics of the Kings Daughters”
which was enthusiastically received and
was pro-eminently the best part of the
programme. All are invited to be
present. '
Requisition for Enright.
Governor Coflin has made a requisi-
tion on Governor Morton of New York.
for the extradition of Thomas Enright
of Stamford, who is wanted in this
State for robbery and statutory burg-
lary committed in N ewtown, August 29.
Euright is now in jail at White Plains.
Harris L. Crofut of Danbury, is named
by Governor Collin to bring Enright
back to Connecticut.
Chief Prowitt’s Guest.
William H. J ohnson, general inspect-
or of the National Board of Fire Under-
writers, with oflices in New York city,
is a guest of Chief Engineer Prowitt to-
day. Mr. Johnson is an ex-chief of
the Philadelphia Fire department.
Sally Simmons Brings $3,525.
At the closing out sale in New York,
yesterday, of the late Major S. T. Dick-
inson’s track and road horses, the no-
ted pole mare “Sally Simmons” was
purchased by E. T. Bedford of Greens
Farms. The price paid was 33,525.
DON’T MISS THEM.
The Latest Ads. Received Be-
foi‘e Going to Press.
Bythe People and For the People;
1'0 RENT. _ 1)
mo BENT—Lower part ot‘_ cottage No. 8
, South Union Place. Inquire on the prem-
ises of Mas. J. G. REED. n12 1f
I OR SA]: E.
0R SALE—A second—hand Columbia bi
oific cycle. Price. 315. Can be seen at thi
e.
OR SALE—Benedict. Norwalk. newsdeal-
enis selling an excellent Fountain ItJten
3'12
and Holder for 2511.08.11 and see it.
NOTICE
Special Town Meeting.
The inhabitants, legal voters, of the
Town of Norwalk are. hereby notified
and warned that a special town meeting
will be held in the Town House in said
town on Wednesday, the 18th day of
November. 1896, at 3 o’clock in the af-
ternoon for the following purposes, to
W1 :
To consider the advisability of build-
ing a bridge, about thirty- one (31) feet
long, on the Turnpike near the Darien
line, of such kind as the meeting may
determine; and, if it be voted to build
such bridge, to make the necessary ap-
propriation therefor.
To take action in the matter of re-
pairing and improving the Bell Island
bridge. or changing the same. by filling
in in part, and to make any necessary
appropriation for such work.
To take action upon a petition pray-
ing that Clinton Avenue, so called, be
accepted as a public highway.
. To take action upon a petition pray-
ing that the vote fixmg the compensa-
tion of the Assessors passed at the
town meeting held January 20th, 1896,
be rescinded.'and that the compensa~
tion for each Assessor be fixed at $250
‘per annum. if deemed advisable.
And, if deemed advisable, to author-
ize the Selectmen to purchasing a stone
crushing plant and steam roller for the
town; and make any necessary appro-
priation therefor.
Dated at Norwalk the 12th day of
November. 1896.
ISAAC SELLECK, Selectmen of
EPHRAIM THOMES, the Town
FRANK H. MERRILL, of Norwalk.
Notice !
To the water consumers in
the City of Norwalk and
East Norwalk:
On Sunday, November 15,
next, the water will be shut
off east of the Norwalk River
and south of .Cross Street.
Water consumers on Prospect
Hill and Westport avenue,
must secure a supply of water
the day before. Water will
be turned off early in the
morning of Sunday, and re-
stored as soon as repairs can
be made at Cross Street and
Wilton avenue.
By authority. ,
A. H. CAMP,
Sec’y Water Commissioners.
Dated Norwalk, Nov. 13th,
1896.
H oyt’s. Theatre,
S OUTH NOR WALK,
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY,
NOV. l7 and 18.
Special limited engagement of the Sterling
Soubrette.
Miss Lillian Kennedy,
Supported by a company of first-class artists.
Great Musical Comedy,Annie Pixley 3
THE BEACON S
DAUGHTER.
Thrilling Climaxes, Songs and Dances.
PRICES, 25c, 350, 500. “
Seats on'sale at Plaisted’s and Pinneo‘s stores.
FPiano Lessons.
GEORGE W. BRADLEY. (11:11 liter
of the late Wasn‘t . . Nash )izives:Pi :gcent .
an satisfactory instructions on the Piano
her home No. 193 Main street.
Norwalk Chronicler