_~\ v" YOU ARE INTERESTED Important Business Transac- ted at a Special Meeting of the City Council. The City charter‘to he Amended. A special meeting of the City Coun- cil was held at the Council rooms, last evening, the Mayor and full board, with the exception of Councilman Smith, being present. ‘ ., In the lobby were ex Mayor E. O. Keeler 'and ex-Councilman Elbert S. Adams,representing as was later shown, the Norwalk and South Norwalk Elec- tric Light company, of which company Mr. Keeler is the president. The meeting was called for the pur- pose of considering the matter of mak- ing a contract for the lighting the city streets, and to consider the matter of proposed amendments to the city charter. ' The matter of lights was first con- sidered. Mr. Keeler said that he believed that the council was conversant with the sit- uation in regard to a renewal of a con- tract with his company. He, stated that the company was ready to make a contract that he thought was favorable to all concerned. And that the council was fully aware that the longer the period of the contract, naturally the more favorable it would be. Of course the terms would be porportion- ately lower for a five than for a three years contract. He said that Mr. Adams and himself had been appointed acommittee to act with the council in the premises. Incidentally he stated that the General Electric company which controlled the local plant was disposed to be liberal towards the city in the matter of a contract. Councilman ._Tristram ' asked Mr. Keeler if he and Mr. Adams had been empowered to close a contract with the city, and was answered in the affirma- tive. He then said that he had been told that the company had found over eighty wires grounded and the lamps in bad condition, which in a measure accounted for the poor service in the past. Mr. Keeler said that the company was free to admit that the past service was altogether unsatisfactory but that the evil would be fully remedied and a good service be given in the future. Mayor Wheeler inquired if the pla- cing of new machinery at the plant, which he understood was being done, would have the effect of givmg a better service. Mr. Adams said that the poor lights furnished did not result from a want of power, but that the fault was attributa- ble principally to grounded wires and the wretched condition of the lamps which he remarked had not been prop- erly cleaned in five years, and that the brushes in the dynamos at the station had been found to be almost complete- ly worn out, but added thatthe trouble was being attended to as rapidly as possible. He called attention to the change already noticeable in the lamps which are now giving fully a 1,400 candle power light. Mayor Wheeler asked if provision ' had been made for tne furnishing of power in case of accident, and if in the event of a breakdown to the ma- chinery furnishing power foreign to that of the city, if the latter was liable to suffer a loss of light in order that others might be benefitted. . Mr. Adams stated that the dynamos had been worked beyond their capacity, but that full provision was now being made for a good service by the intro- duction of new machinery, etc, which would anticipate accidents and provide for the same in case of necessity. He said that the company in giving the figures for a five years’ contract had done so with the expectancy of a de- cline in the price of certain articles to be used, within that time, Mr. Keeler said that if the company secured the contract they intended making the plant second to none in the country in furnishing a first-class light and wanted patronage that would war- rant them in making an outlay of sev- eral thousand dollars to the end of giv- ingthe best of satisfaction. . Councilman Kent asked that in case the company secured a threelvears con- tract they would stipulate in the same that the proposed .new machinery would be purchased. . _ Mr. Adams replied that it had all been ordered and that a portion of it was already at the plant, but that the company had delayed in having the balance shipped on account of the test in competition for the contract by the Welsbach company. After some further discussion it was voted that the matter of making a con- tract for the lighting'of the city streets be referred to the committee on lights with power. In the matter of the amendments to the city charter, Councilman Kent pre- sented a resolution instructing the city clerk to give public notice of such pro- posed amendments by causing the pub- lication of the same. It was so voted. May or Wheeler stated that in com- pany with the city attorney he had con- ’ferred with the general managers of the N orwalk Street Railway Company and the Tramway Company in the matter- ofa joint trackage on Mill Hill and Wall'street, and felt'assured that the two companies would arrive at an ami- cable settlement in the matter within a few days. , ' The meeting then adjourned Fessenden, ‘ . short time. USELEstEitynnmc. That is What Attorney “Sam” Fessenden Sty-led Attorney DeFordst’s Objections. Judge Prentice Takes a Hand. Previous to the adjournment of the Superior Court yesterday, Judge Pren- tice for the fourth 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 the celebrated Porter-Bitch 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. Ihad 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? ” “If 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. “Yes, if you will let me alone,” was the reply. . The two lawyers glared at each other a minute 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 Stoddard, DeForest and Judson, in relation to the documents that were wanted. Judge DeForest explained that the documents in question were of vital im- portance to him, inasmuch as the. op- posing counscl 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 tonight and will eliminate everthing that I can.” Judge Prentice nodded assent and then court was ad- journed. THE FARMERS’ CONVENTION Governor Collin Makes an Address at the Meeting in Danbury. The Farmers’ convention, under the auspices of the state board of agricul- ture convened in the Danbury City hall, yesterday. The convention will continue morning, afternoon and even- ing until Thursday evening. Gov. Coffin was present and spoke at 10 o’clock, immediately after Mayor Bundle welcomed the convention to the city. - At 3 o’clock in the afternoon,a paper, “Stable Manures or Commercial Fer- 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 receivedit 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 latter year the town and tax, dis- continued ihe following year, amounted to $354,557, leaving the amount received last year $1,906,645. It is true that the receipts for 1895, $2,290,952, were a little larger than those of last year, but of this amount, $261,981 was received from the United States in re-payment of the direct tax paid by the state dur- ing the war. ' Escaped from an Officer. James Crawford was placed under ar- rest at the Armory last night by Officer Bartram, but managed to make his es- cape. -He is charged with having been implicated in taking and misusing a horse belonging to'Joseph Smith which had been left hitched on Water street. His recapture is but a question of a STREET ,LIcHTiNc; A Contract Will be Made with the Electric _Light Company. The Council in Favor of Electricity. While no contract has been definitely agreed upon between the city and the Electric Light Company, it can be stated that the Council are agreed that electricity and not gas, is the best street illuminant; that three or four propositions are made the city by the Electric Company, having reference mainly to length of contracts, number of lights and the hours such lights are to be burned. It is settled that at least another hour will be added to the morning duration of the street lights, and that the lights are to be of increased power and bril- liancy, and the price thereof to be quite considerably less than heretofore. The great improvement in our street electric lighting service, since Mr. Guthrie assumed the superintendency, has been made apparent to all, and still further improvements are promised by the company, and will no doubt be faithfully carried out, as a failure to do so would result in a forfeiture of its contract with the city. .0 OBITUARY. MRS. GEORGE M. HOLMES. 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 deepeit gloom, the crst bright and happy home of Mr. George M. Holmes, because of the departure of the wife of his, youth and maturer years, who “passed from death unto life,” at 9 o’clbck last even- ingin the sixty-fourth year-of her age. Mrs. Holmes was nee Hulda A. Smith a daughter of Eliphaiet and Rhoda Smith of Wilton. In youth she was re- markable for her l“l2llli 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 1 ves of the departed and of him who LOW mourns the sundering of the wedded ties more sacred than all else this side of heaven. Mrs. Holmes has for many months been a fated invalid, yet she bore her sufi‘erings 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 boy, beloved by all who knew him, preceded her by several years, to the better country; her daughter, Mrs. Jas. Cousins, Jr., was spared to tenderly minister to the sufi'ering 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 andmother only can inspire. Her home was her only earthly shrine, her husband, her child and grandchild, her household gods, and upon them all, she ever shed the affluence of her tenderest love and the richest lustre of her noble woman- hood. Surely all these surviving 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. ‘ no.4 Arrived on Time. The “little blizzard” arrived on schedule time last night, and it was a rouser. It was preceded by a. strong northeast wind. The snow began to fall at 11 o’clock, and continued in the business until noon to-day, at which time the ground Was covered with the flaky, sticky stuff to a depth of about 8 inches. ' . The wind built up many drifts which made travel for a time anything but pleasant. As earlyas 5 oclock, Superintendent Kyle had the Street Railway sweeper running over the lines of the company and the way it threw énow caused the winds to retire as if disgusted with try- ing to battle against it. Comparatively few people were on the street this morning and most of those were hip boots. 2- i It was" the‘firSt'ge nine snowstorm of the season, and it; Wasan unpleasant success. 1’1 . And the storm instillin town. His Birthday Anniversary. ' Yesterday was the anniversary of the birth of Funeral Director George H. Raymond. The fact escaped the mem- ory of himself and many friends until to-day, and the proposed banquet~ has ~been postponed for another'year. And ' may they all be alive toenjoy'it.‘ _ a a .q— THE EVENING GAZETTE HEREAND- THERE. An Epitome of Happenings of ' interest to the Public. Garnered With'Scissors and Pencil. —Carbonette at Lewis‘. D. 51f Jeweler Spencer was in town yester- day. _ . Miss Ethel Thompson is visiting friends in Bridgeport. Miss Lucretia Beardsley is ill at her home on Belden avenue. The J unior Y. M. C. A. basket ball team has been reorganized. The Knights of Columbus will hold a sociable on New Years’ eve. There will be green tying exercises at the Methodist church, to-night. William Louden of Providence, R. I., is visting friends and relatives in Norwalk. 'lhe Republicans had almost a clean sweep in the city election at Meriden, yes'o rtlay. . The lelegraplrreports that President Cleveland brought down twenty-eight ducks yesterday. —-Union beer only is sold at J. H. Gormley’s saloon, on Main street. The annual meeting of the Fairfield County Agricultural society was held yesterday. The old board of officers was re-elected. John McGowan, compositor, and Peter Berkedal. the devil, both em- ployed at this office, are laid up on ac- count of illness. Street Commissioner Kellogg was busily engaged this morning with a snow shovel cleaning the crosswalks of a burden of snow. - Attorneys Hurlbutt & Gregory have put in a telephone at their office in the GAZETTE building. And now you can pester them to your heart’s content. How edifying it is to the sensible man to see a crowd of boys smoking cigarettes while waitingfifor Sunday- school service to open. Yet it is a reg- ular Sunday sight in Ansonia. There were three real estate sales in Norwalk last week. The mortgages amounted to $3,800. For the corres- ponding week last year there were four- sales and the mortgages amounted to $10,000. ’ Twenty-five tramps were given lodg- ing at the Hotel Howard last night. It was as one of them remarked on being released “a pretty tough morning to take a sneak out of town.” And indeed it was. +>_ AMUSEMENTS. The Black Crook. The management of Hoyt’s Theatre will give its patrons a treat in a grand revival of that famous spectacular drama, the “Black Crook.” This is a reproduction of the great success achieved by this play in New York City, where it ran to crowded houses for an entire year. The strong features of the “Black Creek” are the grand balletts and European novelties introduced. Clever little Louise Montrose, who made the hit of her career in the New York production as Carline, will be seen with this company, which appears next Saturday evening. . The Cctoroons. The scenery carried by the Octoroons company was devised, we are told, by one of New York’s best scenic artists, and those who have witnessed a race course scene say the opening farce is an excellent conception and most hum- orously portrayed. Taken as a whole, the most caustic critic, it is said, can find but little to condemn and much to praise in the Octoroons. Hoyt’s Thea- tre, to-night and to-morrow night. Corse Payton’s Company. At Hoyt’s Theatre, next week, Corse Peyton’s Comedy company will appear in a reportoire of comedies and dramas. ' Each play is staged and ‘mounted with handsome scenery and properties, and there is also given a number of singing and dancing specialties by Mr. Payton and the members of his company. Be- Ctween acts Sidney A. Toler, a baritone will render selections, illustrated with views by an Edison electric stereop- ticon. Prices 10, 20 and 30 cents. Special attention of the ladies is called to the Corse Payton advertisement in this paper. Fire in Ridgefield. , The citizens of Ridgefield were aroused at oneyo’clock this morning by an alarm of fire. It proved to be the small buiflding on the Main street for- merly occupied by Dr. Perry aszhis of- fice, butrmore recently as an artist’s studigr’; by Mr. Smilie. The structure, whic in ye oldentime, was built for a echo-1101159. was entirely consumed, I MISS HOTcHKiss’ DEATH. The Deceased was a Sister of Mrs. Alden Solmans of south Norwalk. Says the Ansonia Sentinel: “A large circle of friends and ac- quaintances is pained to learn of the death of Miss Charlotte M. Hotchkiss. She passed away, Sunday morning, just as the church bells began their chime;- at the residence of her mother on Derby avenue. For a long time she had been ill with a complication of diseases, but the immediate cause of her death was of pulmonary origin. Her demise was’lnot a surprise, as for weeks it has been kn‘oWn that there was no chance for her recovery, although she was possessed of strong vitality and a desire to live. '1 he knowledge of her death, however, is received with un- feigned grief. “Lottie” Hotchkiss is a name which few ears in this vicinity have not heard without associations of refinement and endearment. She was a woman of great simplicity of character, and a prime fa- vorite in the society with which she as- sociated, affectionate and confiding in" her nature, modest and unassuming in her manner, exceedingly devout and conscientious in her religious duties. She was a member of St. James Episco- pal church and carried into all her life the beautifying influence of our true Christian faith. She was thorougly un- selfish, cheerfully forgetful of herself in her constant thoughtfulness for the” comfort and happiness of others. Even in her last illness, ‘which covered a period of eight weeks, during which time she was a contant sufferer, she was most considerate of those who min- istered to her, and bore her sufferings with great Christian patience and fer- titude. - . She was a daughter of the late Cap- tain William J. and Mary Jane Hotch- kiss. Her father was in the marine service during the rebellion and died many years ago. Since his death she and her mother have lived together. Some years ago Miss Hotchkiss conduc- tedaselect school, having numerous patrons. She had a sweet voice, which was frequently heard in the church choir and at social gatherings. Her circle of friends was very extended. The memory of her sweet life, her lovely character and many virtues vrnl bea treasured heirloom to relatives and friends.” The funeralvtook place from her late home in Ansonia, yesterday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Woodcock officiating. Whist Party. A merry party of whist players met at the home of Mrs. James C. Newkirk on Morgan avenue last evening. There were five tables of players. The prizes were awarded to Mr. Ross Burr-liard and Miss Martha Treadwell. Light re- freshments were served. At Westport. - Judge Asa B. Woodward was at Westport all day Monday, sitting as Judge of Probate there, in some im- portant estate matters, owing to the recent decease of Westport’s popular Probate Judge. -—Advertise in the GAZETTE and catch the holiday trade. \ " ' I ‘. . , I For Children s Sk l n scalp, and hair, nothing in the whole world is so cleansing, purifying, and beautifying as CUTICURA SOAP put-set and sweetest for toilet, bath, and nursery. For distressing facial eruptions, irritations of the scalp, dry, thin. and falling hair,.red,.rough hands, chafings, inflammations, and simple baby rashes and blemishes, it is wonderful. , Sold throughout the world. Sale greater than the com. bined sales of all other skin soups. Por‘rsu Dnuo ash CHEM. CORP" Sole Props., Boston, . H. A. na- “ now to Purify and Bellamy Baby‘s Skin." free. ISTRICI‘ of Norwalk. ss. Probate Court, December 2d. A. D. 1896. . Estate of EDWARD GOBMLEY, late of Norwalk in said District,‘deceased. , _ The Court of. Probate for the District of Norwalk, hath limited and allowed Six months from the date hereoffor the Creditors of said Estate to exhibit their claims fonsettlement. Those who neglect to, present their accounts, groperly attested, Within said time will be charred a recovery. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment to g EDW N 0. KEELER. ‘ Admmistrator. ISTRICT of Norwalk. ss. Probate COurt, December 9th. A. D.. 1896. _ Estate .01 .Monsox Hort late of Norwalk in said District. deceased. The Court of Probate for the District of Norwalk hath limited and allowed six months from the date here-if for the Creditors of said Estate to exhibit their claims for settlement. Those who neglect to present their accoun' s' p' operly attested, Within said time. Will be de- barred a recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment to ELIZABETH H..HOYT_ .- Administratrrx. T0 the Board of County Commissioners for. Fairfield County. . . I_h_ereby apply for a license to sell spirituous and intoxmating liquors, ale lager beer,tthine wine and cider, at 10 Riversi e avenue. Town of Norwalk. . ‘ _ My place of business is not located _w1thin 200 feet 111 a. direct line of a. church edificeor public schoo'-house. or.the premises ertain- infitheretomr any post_-bi‘fice or public ibrary. ated at Norwalk this 9th day of Dec, 1396. GEORGE CARR, Appllcant. We, the undersi ned. electors and tax-pay- ers, as defined by aw. of_ the Town ofNorwalk, hereby ndorse the application of the abOVe. named eorge Carr to such license. . John Fell. John I) nlop, John Buckley, Michael Gleason. Gould Hovt. . , Dated at Norwalk this 9th day 01? Dec , 1895 I‘hereby certify that the above-named. en. dorsers are electors and tax-pavers, as defined bf“; "he flames were prevented _ frog; bylaw.of the Town of Norwalk. spr .di 3 mother property; ‘ Dated at Norwalk this 9th. day of Dec.. 1896: HERREBT B. SMITH. Town Clerk. DON’T. Miss THEM. Th: Latest Ads. Received Be- fore Going to Press. I ‘ By the People and For the PEdplé; FOR BA]: F". FOR SALE-Benedict. Nor-walk newsdeal- or is selling an excelle t«.F ' ‘ and Htilder for 25c. Call andnsee girlfntmihzlt? n 1'0 RENT. , 0 REMT.-Five rooms on first floor' ’0 location, $10 per month for small fagiigi. Apply to S. B. WILSON B ‘ Norwalk. ’ mlder, 92 waddSI‘iI-‘tetgt‘ . NOTICE .——__—_.___ ’Notice is hereby given, that the mayor and Council of the City of Nor- walk, (said City being a municipal cor- poration existing under and by virtue of-the laws of the State of Connecticut, and located within the County of Fair- field, in said State) will petition the General Assembly of said State of Con- necticut, at its regular session com- mencing on the Wednesday following the first Monday of January, 1897, for the alteration of the charter of said The .City of Norwalk, by the amendment of the same as follows: To amend Section 21, by inserting after the word "he" and before the words “Said Council” in the third line on page 16, the following words: ' _ “And in case of the death, resigna- tion, absence or inability to act, of both the mayor and president of the Coun- cil, the Council shall elect from among its members a temporary chairman who shall possess all powers and perform all duties of the mayor until said mayor or president shall return, or until an-' other is chosen or qualified in the place of said mayor, or in place of said presi- dent of the council.” To amend Section 24, so that the same when amended, shall read as fol- lows: ' “Sec. 24. The mayor of said city shall not receive any salary or compensation for his services in excess of two hun- dred «nd Titty dollars per annum; nor shall u-‘ly member of the Council re- ceive any salary or compensation for his services in excess of one hundred and twenty-five dollars per annum.” To nmend Section 27, by striking out in the eighth line, on page 23, the words “a health officer.” To amend Section 26, so that the same when amended shall read as follows: Sec. 26. The mayor and Council shall constitute a board of health of said city, and shall have and may exercise all pow- ' er and authority which they shall judge necessary and proper for the preven- tion and spread of disease of any kind, and for the promotion and preservation of the health of the inhabitants of said city and may make and cause to be ex- ecuted all such orders for that purpose, as they may deem proper; they shall appoint a health board consisting of five reputable citizens of said city, three of whom shall be physicians. Said health board shall appoint from among its members, a health ofiicer, whose duty ,it shall be to carry out all orders of said health beard. and all ordinances of said city pertaining to health, when so directed by said health board. Said Council, or the mayor, or the health board, orthehealth oflicer when direc- ted by said health board, shall cause all filthy and putrid substances, or matter of any kind which they‘shall deem in- jurious to the health and cleanliness of the city, to be removed at the expense of the owner or owners of the land or buildings upon which said substance or matter may be, or upon Or from which it may arise or come; and for that pur- pose may enter upon or into all lands or buildings in said city; and the mayor shall issue a warrant to the sheriff of said city to collect the expenses arising therefrom, of such owner or owners.” To amend section 28 by striking out the remainder of said section after the words “city meeting” in the sixth line thereof, and adding in place thereof after said words "city meeting”'the fol- lowing: “and shall lay a special tax upon the ratable estate within said city contain- ed in the assessment list last completed, to an amount sufficient to meet and pro- vide for any appropriation made prior to said meeting either by the Council or at- any Special City Meeting, at any time after the preceding Annual Meet- ing; and the rates of taxes so fixed and determined, as aforesaid shall be final and conclusive for that year, and the lien thereby "created shall date from the first day of October next preceding. Said taxes shall become due and paya- ble at such time as such meeting shall direct.” - To-amend Section 35, by striking out in the fourth and fifth lines thereof the words, “when on duty.” To amend Section 39, by striking out in the fourth line on page 30, the words “whose duty it,” and inserting in place thereof as follows: ? ‘ ‘ - “or shall appoint a committee of three disinterested freeholders of; said 'city, the duty of which committee when ap- pointed.” . . “Dated at the City of Norlwalk, De~ cember 15th, 1896. By order of the Mayor and Council of said City. p , ' EDWARD M. LOCKWOCD, CityClerk. ,Contral llalional Bank. , NORWALK, court, Dec,11, 1896. . ‘2 NOTICE The annual meeting of the StockhOIde ers, of this bank for the election of Directors will be held at the banking rooms on Tuesday, January 12th, 1897. Polls open from 11 a. m. to 1,2 m. : . . 3 WM. A. CURTIS, Cashier, . “-
Norwalk Chronicler