'them this evening. 'refused to respond. if tlUR “Balgf GANED. Alrcanum Lodge, I. O. O. F. of Bridgeport, exemplied the Friendship degree Friday night. Several Grand officers were- present including Past Grand Representative Bradley S. Keith of this city. ‘ The Evening Post of Saturday says: “There was a little event towards the close of the meeting not 'i-lwn nu the program and it came as a pleasant sur prise to all but a very few who were in the secret. It was done at the expense of ‘Past Grand Representative Keith and it is safe to say that that brother will not forget‘it as'> long as he lives. “No Odd Fellow in the state is more popular with the members of the order in this city than the pungent, sharp- witted'secretary of Our Brother’s lodge in Norwalk. No occasion is felt to be complete without him and never does he fall to interest his hearers when called upon for remarks. “Brother Keith is like steel. The liveliest sparks of his wit fly ofi'best when he comes in contact 'with the flint of of some one else’s. And woe be to the unlucky individual who pre- sumes to commence the attack. He may expect a flaying and he usually gets it to the intense delight of the listeners. “Brother K+.ith’s most intimate friends in the order know this and they usually sacrifice themselves to draw him out. Last evening was no except- ion and Past Grand Representative Camp was selected to do the trick. “He commenced by saying that he had an ancient emblem of the order which he had been authorized to pre- sent to the member of the order who could come up to a certain standard. He read from a document defining the standard and it may be said that it was not all gold. He wound up by saying that he had found the man whom he thought ought to have the relic. With the assistance of Grand Treasurer Marigold he then presented Brother - Keith the emblem and the roll of paper which informed him that he was en- titled to it. “There was a shoutzof laughter and applause and Brother Keith.arose all primed for a reply. But it was right here that his Bridgeport friends got the best of him. He was just about to open on Brother Camp in the most approved fashion when Toastmaster/Hunt stopped him. “He looked a little surprised at this sort of treatment, but he waited pa- tiently for-his opportunity. Past Grand Representative Huntthen madeJa neat little speech in which he apologized for what Brother Camp had said. He spoke of the high esteem in which Brother Keith Was held by the Odd Fellows of Bridgeport and how glad they were that he was present With He then drew from thind his chair a fine gold headed cane which he handed to Brother Keith, at the same time saying that it wasbutasmall token of the high re- gard in which he was held by those few friends who had known him solong and were aware of his worth as an Odd Fellow. “Past Grand Representative Keith Was completely taken by surprise and for an instant even his ready tongue ‘ The gall tipped words with which he was loaded to re- ply to Brother :Camp were of no use here and he had to lay them aside for a few minutes to reply with deep feel- ing to the happy address and presenta- tion. He recovered his equanimity in afew moments and then paid his re- spects to Brother Camp in his best manner. “The cane is a handsome affair of hard wood, highly polished with a rich- ly engraved gold head. Upon the top is the inscription of the date of presen- tation with the names of “Joe who wished to be remembered. They are: William H. Marigold, William H. Comley, James E. Camp, George E. Curtis, Horace H. Jackson and Fred Hunt.” The papers mentioned in the fifth paragraph were, it is understood, of a decidedly startling character, and made “Brad” blush with pleasure as [he looked about and realized that they had “caved,” and admitted him to be a Prince at the “bobbin of yarns.” The emblem is composed of three beautifully welded links of ox-chain, from which hangs pendant a medal of brass upon which is engraved a suitable inscription the whole making a present that ought and probably will be treasured as long as he lives; and may it be many years before he allows it to tarnish. 0—»— »» Bidgefield’s Benefactor. That town is fortunate which has within its borders such apublic spirited resident. as former Governor Phineas C. Lounsbury. Ridgefield has reason to be proud and thankful that his home is there. Not only does he reflect honor on 11.18 town, but the town’ in- terests, and his big fortune enables him to do many things for his people. The writer has known personally of many kind acts of Governor Louns- bury ;» of many charities performed quietly and unostentatiously. His latest generous deed is to present the town a complete set of fire apparatus, 9 chemi- cal engine and hook and ladder truck. No doubt Ridgefield feels grateful for this evidence of his appreciation but we hope itsgratitude will be made mani- test by the proper careand use of the apparatus—Anemia Sentinel. 8 USELESSTPRODDING. Previous to the adjournment of the Superior Court Tuesday, Judge Pren- tice for thenfourth time asked the counsel whether they could or could not give some idea of how long the case would last. His remark was mainly addressed to Attorney Fessen- den, who was conducting the cross examination of Timothy Porter, in celebrated Porter~Ritch case. This examination has occupied two full days so far. Mr. Fessenden said; “I have elimi- nated several things so far and have done my best to conclude this examina- tion. I had stated that it would be finished to-day; but did not calculate correctly. I think, considering the slowness of the witness in answering questions, that we have made fair pro- gress,” ’ Judge ’ Prentice said: “Have you any idea how long it will require to finish the examination? ” “ll my friend (pointing to Attorney DeForest) would cease his useless prod- ding I might be able to proceed much faster.” “Will you finish to-morrow? ” ,inter- posed Attorney Judson. ‘ers, if you will let me alone,” was the reply. ' The two lawyers glared at each other aminute and seemed disposed to in- dulge in more comment, but Judge Prentice took a hand. ‘ “If you can do any more eliminating Mr. Fessenden, it would help me im- mensely,” said the judge. “If these gentlemen would let me have the documents that I want there would be no difficulty in ending the ex- amination immediately,” said Mr. Fes- senden. This started another argument, a four cornered one, between Attorneys Fessenden, Stoddard, DeForest and Judson, in relation to the documents that were wanted. Judge DeEorest explained that the documents in question were of vital im— portance to him, inasmuch as the op- posing counsel had produced copies of them. These copies were not true to originals. They differed in. punctua- tion, capitalization and spelling, as well as divers trivial ways. ‘ On this account Mr. DeForest thought that he was justi- fied in refusing the request. There were other documents which Attorney Fessenden wanted “These,” said Mr; DeForest, “are not in our pos. session. The last we knew of them you (referring-to Mr. Fessenden and Mr. Stoddard had them. We do not know where they have gone.” When Mr. DeForest had finished, Mr. Fessenden, with an eXpressive shrug of his shoulders, said: “I haven’t time to discuss anything as ab- surd as that.” Turning to Judge Pren- tice he continued: “I will look over the matter to-night and will eliminate everthing that I can.” Judge Prentice nodded assent and then court was ad- journed. ---———-¢§ OBITUARY. MRS. GEORGE M. HOLMES. a _ There is always an inexpressible sor- row, when death entersa united, happy family circle, and removes its crowning joy and glory, in the snatching away of the head of the home, the true and lov- ing Mother. Such is the overwhelming sorrow that to-day shrouds in deepest gloom, the crst bright and happy home of Mr. George M. Holmes, because of the departure of the wife of his youth and malnrer years, who “passed from death unto life,” at 9 Tuesday even- ' D ing in the sixty-fourth year of her age. Mrs. Holmes was nee Hulda A. Smith a daughter of Eliphalet and Rhoda Smith of Wilton. In youth she was re- markable for her bright and winning ways and attractive personality. As a' school girl she was beloved by all her mates, and the life and light of her circle. It was as neighbors and school- mates, that the seeds of mutual regard grew to that holy flame of love and confidence, that subsequently united the lives of the departed and of him who now mourns the snndering of the wedded ties more sacred than all else this side of heaven. 4 " Mrs. Holmes has for many months been a fated invalid, yet she bore her sufferings with christian faith and forti- tude and calmly awaited the coming of the inevitable hour of her departure. She was the mother of two children, a son and daughter. Oliver, her idolized preceded her by several years, to the ‘ better country; her daughter, Mrs. Jas. Cousins, Jr., was spared to tenderly minister to the suffering mother’s needs and now to solace her stricken father in the anguish of his unutterable be- ‘reavement. No wife or mother ever more beauti- fully and devotedly illustrated all the noblest attributes of a true christian womanhood. Her sweet life has ended, as serenely as it had been lived, and surrounded by her dearest ones, who had soothed her ’sufferings with that true affection the good wife and mother only can inspire. Her home was her only earthly shrine, her husband, her child and grandchild, her household gods, and upon them'all, the ever shed the affluence of her tenderest love and the richest lustre of her noble woman- h00d. Surely all these survivrng stricken ones, will have extended them in ’unstinted measure, the sincerest sympathy of an entire community. To her memory peace. * “God spoke to her and she fell asleep.” Her funeral will take place on Satur- day afternoon. ‘ boy, beloved by all who knew him,- — Norwalk woman as well as to herself. ,N;VER MARRIED .HER. There wascconfined in the lockup at Stratford Monday morning, awaiting trial before Justice Peck, a colored man well known in that old town who is charged by his wife with being the possessor 'of two wives. Her story is a rather startling one andthe statement he makes in regard tohis Norwalk life is even more. peculiar. The man is Michael Nichols and if the story of his wife had proved true he was almost certain to enjoy a period of enforced rest behind the bars of Wethersfield. - It is now about four years since Nich- ols took up his residence in Stratford, having gone to that place from Nor- walk and married the woman who now accuses him of bigamy. Her name is Lucy, and up to a short time ago she and the negro with the Celtic name dwelt together in peace and happiness. He has been away from her at frequent intervals, and remained for some little time, and she .now declares that during these periods he has been with his other wife, who resides in Norwalk. Last week he went away, and when he returned he brought with him two children who he said werethose of his friend in Norwalk. He denies that he is married to her, but says that he has lived with her for a number of years. He is between 45 and 50 years of age, and says that when he went to Norwalk last week he found that his friend there had married, and was told by her that he must take their children and pro- vide a home for them. There was no other place, so he took them to Strat- ford and told his wife that she must look after them. Such a proposition did not strike her favorably, and she‘caused his arrest, alleging that he was guilty of bigamy. She claims that he was married to the But she does not want him prosecuted on this charge. Instead, she simply desires that he shall be instructed to keep away from her, and if necessary leave town. She does not want to be bothered with him any longer, though he isavetefan and the recipient of a pension from Uncle Sam. The case was heard before Justice Peek in the afternoon and the prisoner was given achance to make a proper explanation. The children were his, he acknowledged. There were more of them somewhere, but there were only two with him. It was this way, he explained: “Dey wur horned ob a Norwalk lady, but I neber married her. We libed together an’ she had three children by me. She don’ gone and got married to a cullud gentm’n down thare, an’ he won’t support de poo.’ dear children, so they cum up to their own father.” Judge Peck discharged the prisoner. ~00. Has Resumed. The Congressional Record has re- sumed publication. It is ably edited and the stories are fully as interesting as before its suspension. No money is spared in the way of getting the lead- ing men of the country to contribute to its columns. Some of the writers are seemingly as snappish as a bear with cubs. «W. ..._..q . u——»r_.g—~——- A Good-Natured Postmaster. PostmasteryMonroe of New Canaan writes to the GAZETTE‘ as follows:' “1 wish to thank the person who stole the whip and package of fruit from my buggy standing in front of the resi- dence of Lewis C. Green, Sunday even- ing, for not taking wraps, blankets and‘ l robe.” W E E K L [Y - N T0. n. we LK "a A z n r, r "s. THE l-‘AlllllEllS’ CONVENTION Governor Coffin Makes an Address at the Meeting in Danbury. The Farmers’ convention, under the anspices of me state board of agricul- ture convened in the Danbury City hall, Tuesday. The convention will continue morning, afternoon and even- ing until Thursday evening. Gov. Coffi l was present and spoke at 10 o’clock, immediately after Mayor Bundle welcomed the convention to the ~iiy. ‘ At 3 o’clock in the afternoon,a paper, “Stable Manure or Commercial For- tilizers,” was read by Edwin Hoyt, New Canaan. Gov. Coffin was greeted with hearty applause when he made his appearance. In his address, after dealing with dif- ferent branches of agriculture, he re- ferred to the fiscal condition of the state. From the source from which income was received it is worthy of note that the ordinarily receipts during the last year were larger than for any other year With one exception for the last ten years? The amount for last year was $2,117,819 and for 1890, $2,264,202, but in the flatter year the town and tax, dis- contingied the following year, amounted to 353543557, leaving the amount received last yeitr $1,906,645. It is true that the receipts for 1395, $2,290,952, were a little linger than those of last year, but of this‘famount, $261,981 was received from the United States in re-payment of the direct tax paid by the state dur- ing the war. A TOWN ASSESSOR DEAD. Sudden Demise of Charles Smith at His Taylor Avenue Residence. Charles Smith died at his home on Taylor avenue, South Norwalk, Satur- day night, in the 72d year of his age.’ The deceased was a native of Ridge- field, but for several years had been a resident of South Norwalk and was universally respected. The cause of his death which was sudden and unex- pected, was heart, disease. Mr. Smith was a member of the Board of Town Assessors, and received a handsome majority at the recent electidn. He was engaged in his ofli- cial duties as assessor, on Friday last but complained of feeling poorly and returned to his home. He rapidly failed and died Saturday as above stated. During the war the deceased enlisted in the 17th C. V. and was promoted to a lieutenantship in Co. G, from Ridge- field, which position he filled'withflho‘né or to his country, town and himself. He was a member of Buckingham Post, G. A. R. of this city and held the ofiice of Quartermaster in the society of Union Veterans. In his demise the town loses a good citizen and his family a loving husband and indulgent father. Peace to his ashes. The funeral will be attended to-morrow afternoon. 0.. . cliffs-Tum Hl—Lli. William Gorham was plowing quite a large field last week, where he had fin- ished. picking corn. There remains some yet unpicked. N. Bradley Gorham is making valua- ble grading improvements about his grounds. Finch Brothers are hauling their wood. ——Advertise in the GAZETTE. llllw ll Tllll For Farmers and Villagers. for Fathers and Mothers, in Sons and Daughters, for all the Family. With the close of the Presidential campaign THE TRI BUNE recognizes the fact that the American people are now anxiousto give their attention to home and business interests To meet this condition, politics will have far less space and prominence, until another State or National occasion de- mands a renewal of the fight for the principles for whic THE TRIBUNE has labored from its inception to the pres ent day, and won its greatest victories. Every possible effort will be put forth, and money free y spent, to make THE WEEKLY TRIBUNE pre-eminently a lllilolllll. ~ rilllLv llrwsrllPEll. interesting. instructive, entertertaining and indispensable to each member 013 the family. We furnish The Weekly Gazette and New York LWeekIy Tribune (both papers), ONE YEAR FOR ONLY $l.0 CASH IN ! ADVANCE. - ADDRESS» ALL AORDERS TO THE GAZETTE Write your name and address on a postal card, send it to Geo. W. Best, Room Tribune Building, New York City, and a sample copy of THE NEW YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE will be mailed to you G. A. FRANKIE. . THE HAIR CUTTER No. 1 Gazette Building, Norwalk \ l »‘ rm'r AND con) Barrie Tlle Norwalk Flle Insurance! Cl Has now Completed ts 320. SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS YEAR, And has not. outstanding a. dollar of unpai losses or claims for losses. No sound com puny insures for less _ A . G. McIlwaine. Pres..G. B. St. J othfice-Pre F, E. Shaw, Sec. Geo. B, Cowles, Resident Sec wn_._T__oN. -\ j i Orders forAdvertlsing, Papers and Printing Will Receive Prompt ‘ Attention by Addressing Box i 04:, Wilton. [From Wednesday’s EVENING GARETTFJ Dian—In N. Y. December 9th Car- rie Com stock, only daughter of Edwin Comstock, aged 36 years. The funeral was attended from her father’s resi- dence in Belden Hill on Saturday after- noon, Rev. Mr. Hart officiating. One of her favorite selections “Asleep in tissue” was rendered by Mrs. Josiah Gilbert and Miss Osborn. The death at Miss Comstock has cast a gloom over the entire community, where she- was dearly loved and highly respected. Her womanly character, her/quiet dignity, her pleasant wordjor all, her keen judgment and ability, these were but a few of the traits that made her the true and trusted friend of all who were fl r- tunate enough to know her well. Miss Comstock had been a member 'of the Congregational church'since a child, her religion was deep and heartfelt; a vital part of her being; a veritable staff and comfort in her last hour of trial. About two weeks ago, under the advice of her physician, she went to the New York/Homeopathic Hospital, there to wait the issue of life or death. With a heroism that could be the result only of a certain faith, she looked calmly and confidently into the beyond. Tender last farewells were written to soften the shock to the loved ones should the issue he that of death, her only grief and re- gret being for these loved ones she must be separated from for a while. The suspence was not for long—death came and found her ready and waiting for the summons, “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord ” The members of the Country Club met with Miss Mary F. Gregory on Saturday evening. The popularity of the club increases with each meeting and bids fair to be one of Wilton’s permanent institutions. Whist supple- mented with music and dancing were the order of the evening. The prizes were carried off by Mrs. J. Betts, Mus Edith White and Messrs. ' Hurd and Folsom. The wedding of Miss Grace Paddock to Jeff Hans will be celebrated this evening at the residence of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Pad- dock. A number of invitations have been issued. The bride is one of Wil- ton’s pretty and popular girls, the bridegroom one of Wilton’s steady and industrious young men. With such a capital we prophecy as we sincerely wish for the young cOnple, long lire, health and happiness. Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Ogden were the pleased victims of a surprire party on Friday evening. A large number of friends from Georgetown and Wilton, armed with a violin and good thing s: taking possession of the house 'lhe spacious rooms were the scene of danc- ing until a late hour. . Under the training of their teacher Miss Mary: Comstock ithe scholars of the North Wilton schools are rehearsing for their Christmas celebration. The old saying that when Christmas falls on Friday the winter will be mild and pleasant seems likely to be fulfilled this year. John Fabre of New York, was the guest of R. H. Fitch on Saturday nl d Sunday. He spent Saturday in hunting the elusive gray squirrel. Martin Harbes, of Belden Hill, has purchased a very handsome specimen of horse flesh from New York parties. Many of our wise farmers have been ploughing the ground preparatory for the Spring crops. Miss Bertha Brady the popular tlacher of the Cannons school has been obliged to take a short vacation on ac- count of sickness. Charles Lockwood, of Norwalk, was the guest of R. W. Keeler, Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. William Foote and day and were guests of Mrs. Jane Foote. ' Rev. Mr. Hart. George Keeler and Edward Burr, were among the number who attended the Christian Endeavor meeting at Winnipauk on Friday even- ing. Parties from the adjoining towns have been exploring the west woods for greens. The making of Xmas greens is now quite an industry in town. A Xmas eve festival will be the order of‘things at the Congregational church. A collection for the tree was taken up on Sunday, a very handjome amount being obtained. will sobn be depleted. Chester Olmé stead and William Gantley have taken the contract for furnishing three hun- dred trees for spiles. ‘ A large attendance was out at the Christian Endeavor meeting on Satur- day evening. Stephen Thayer read a well written paper on temperance. B. D. Benedict led the meeting. Raymond Comstock of South Nor- walk was in town last week. Nathan Middlebrook has returned to Stratford after a visit with his daughter Mrs. Reuben Olmstead. . Miss Gertrude'Dodd has been a re- cent guest of Miss Alice Olmstead on Bridge street. . outside. family, drove from Bridgeport on Sun» At the present rate Wilton’s woods ‘ Miss Maud Whipple of South Wilton spent Sunday in East Norwalk. " . Post master George Taylor- antici- plites moving his'barn to a more con- venient place on his premises. . The Wilton members of the D. A. R. will attend a meeting of their chapter at the Central club rooms at N orwalk to- marrow. G. W. Ogden, acting school visitor is inspecting the “knowledge boxes” throughout the town. Mrs. Tehodore Comstock visited her cousin Miss Maud Williams of Weston last week. Miss Williams, who has been very ill 13 now convalescent. Charles Mann of South Wilton ,with William L. Keeler was sampling game on Saturday in the North Wilton pre- serves. ' . The pupils of the Center school en- joyed a candy pull on Friday after- noon. . . Miss Helen Middlebrook entertained a number of guests at her home last evening, to meet with her sister Mrs. ' Wilkinson of Binghamton. Mrs. Augustus Merwin made a shop: ping expedition to New York, last week‘ making arrangements with Santa Claus to visit Wilton. The sociable at the residence of Dr. Graft of Bald Hill on Friday evening was one of the merri‘est of the season. A number of Norwalk guests were in attendance. Mrs. Farnham of East Norwalk was the guest of her daughter, Mrs. James Middlebrook, on Monday. It is reported that Willie Moriarity was injured while hunting yesterday. He was running after partridges, when he fell, and his gun exploded, the shot entering his shoulder. HUBLBUTT STREET. Mrs. Angleman is some better and her mother is with her again. George B. Abbott drove to Bedford, N. Y., for Mrs. Hoyt and while return- ing his axle broke some , miles above New Canaan and he had to walk there, where he had it repaired and resumed his journey without further trouble. Mrs. George B. Gilbert has been at . her home for a few days. D. N. Va‘hHoosear is still sick and canfined to the house. The farmers are taking the benefit of getting their horses shod for $1 instead of $1 25, as heretofore. The reduction and competition in this trade com- menced in a more northern atmosphere, moving southward. “Mire” (as he familiarly called) dropped into this notch and Angleman found, to keep his equilibram, he had to get there too. The Christmas entertainment arrang- ed by Miss Ryder, teacher for the children of the Ninth School District, will be held in the school house on the evening of December 18th. It will be a free entertainment and all are invited. It will consist of singing, recitations, dialogues, etc. At last the cider mill has run through all the apples in this section. The con- stant stream of vehicles of all shapes and kinds has been astonishing. It commenced in summer. As soon as the little knarly,‘ worm-eaten, immature fruit showed signs of being an apple they were carted to the mill and until now the last badly decayed fruit has been grated and pressed. "The gold . and silver bugs were turned into barrel bugs, all hunting these, necessary to hold the cider, until every old barrel aid keg had been secured. And your writer saw a kerosene barrel filled. The Pomace house at the mill is lun- ' ning over and much has to be dumped Much of the cider has been sold for ten cents per gallon; but the ~ late selected russet commands} a good price The several other mills are said to have beeh as busy, and all in a no license town, but it may all have been sold where they vote license, if any can believe it. 1? cures/‘i'om flea/Z 2‘0 foot. 0 P u r1 tan Trade Mark. .u‘“. stylinm ' Registered. To make the cure of any disease com- plete and permanent, the purifying, cor-V ' reeling and building-up process must begin and end in the Stomach. '~ 0 of all sickness is caused by / a wrong Stomach. Puritans ’ 0 makes the Heart right, the Lungs right, the Liver" right, the Blood right, the Kidneys right, the Nerves right, the Health .right, because it makes the Stomach right.- «£2er The Puritana treatment consists of one bottle of Puritans, one bottle of Puritans Pills, and one bottle - of Pnritana Tablets, all in onepackage. Price $1. _ y ‘ Alldrnggists. ”xw—m «nu—A,” - ,3. '- * .. . - - -..~; r‘n‘: ..