ESTABLISHED 1800
VOLUME LXXXIX.
NOVwaW
TERMS 0 F SUBSCRIPTION .
363‘ Two Dollars per year, in advam‘ef‘ifiu
RATES FOR ADVERYISIIG All) NIB PRINTING
Furnished on application at the Oilice.
Ordinary and transient advs., 1 inch. 1 week, $1.00
Each subsequent insertion, up to 4 times, 50
Half incn. half of above rates. _
One column, ordinary adv., one time. - _
One column, reading matter, one time, . 2.1.00
Locans in reading matter columns. per line. .20
Births. Marriages and Deaths inserted free.
Advertising of Funeral \lotiees, - - l._00
Liberal terms to yearly and half-yearly advertis-
ers, and ten per cent. discount on all advs. pre-
paid for three months or over.
THE GAZETTE JOB PRINTING DEPARTMENT is
equipped with the best facilities for turning out
First. Class Work of every description. All orders
for Printing. Engraving and Book Binding. execu-
ted promptly, and will be as well ano reasonably
done as anywhere.
I5 (If)
VLOCAL’m—ITEMS.
Fifty first Congress convenes Monday.
Where’s our wandering turkey to-night?
George N. Ells of Waterbury, was in
town last week.
North Dakota elected one United States
Senator Monday. __
John Hoey has sent a fine fox—terrier to
Mrs. President Harrison.
Err-Minister to Germany George H.
Pendleton died at Brussells, Monday.
Clark [-1. Osborne has had his pension
increased from $24 to $30 per month.
Oscar Byington of South Norwalk re-
ceived his original pension last Week.
Mrs. Leslie L. Sherwood and daughter
Maud are visiting friends in Brooklyn.
The front of every market in town is
festooned with attractive strings of tur-
keys.
Poughkeepsie shipped twentyf tons of
turkey do Gotham for its Thanksgiving
dinner.
Mr. J. F. Gi'if‘fcn, a tutor in the Bridge-
port business collcge. was in town on
Saturday. ____
The Glover gas and water fitting shop
on River street is being reconstructed for
a dwelling house.
No word has yet come from thegeloping
couple of Taylors. They are presumably
having a good time.
“Billy” Banker is again at his post in
Ed. Goldschmidt’s glassware establish-
ment on Water street.
The engagement of ‘Dr. W. H. Baldwin
and Miss Fannie Stanley, daughter of S.
K. Stanley, is announced.
W. W. Converse, president of the
Winchester Repeating Arms 00., of New
Haven, died Tuesday night.
Cards are out for the marriage on Dec.
, 10th, of Miss Harriet Eloise Nash and Dr.
Frank W. ()lds. of New York.
{- ton on Thursday for bigamy has had five
I
i A H. Humes who was arrested in Bos-
i
wives, four of whom are now living.
i Major J. C. Crowe, of South Norwalk,
i who has been seriously ill with typhoid
i. fever for some time past is improving.
i. Lum Smith, the Philadelphia character,
i“ has been sentenced to six months’ impris-
onment for libeling Anthony Comstock.
[3 Rev. C. E. Torrey will preach at the
' union services of the churches, to-morrow
at eleven o’clock, at the M. E. church.
Brown’s hat shop in South Norwalk has
and will be managed by a South Not-walk
l man.
l About twenty of the young friends of
Howard Mackcy gave him a surprise party
'[ at his home on West avenue, Friday eve-
ning.
The billiard tournament at the Norwalk
' Club has developed the fact that some
players are not so good as some other
players.
The official recognition by the United
States of the new republic of Brazil is a
gracious act on the part of the greatest of
republics.
-—Tlianksgiving day Will be a good time
to have your picture taken at Readman’s
' in the GAZETTE building. Least money
and best work.
Frank Foster, at Gloucester, M ass., at-
i tempted to shut off an electric light with
i an iron gaff Monday night, and was killed
' instantaneously.
A sacred concert will be given in the A,
M. E. church, Sunday evening, Dec. lst,
by the choir, assisted by the members of
f; the Y. M. C. A.
‘ The Pittsfield Sunday Call celebrated its
first anniversary last Sunday. It is a
coming and healthy youngster, mighty
precocious for its age,
l.
,.
l
l
l
E '.
i been purchased from parties in Danbury,
F. W. Jaqui, the tin and stove dealer,
l ias sold out his business. The purchaser,
who, we are informed, is a Brooklyn man,
ias not yet taken possession.
It is a pity that John Roach were not
iving 10-day to see the flagship Chicago of
iis construction leading the most unique
act of war vessels in the world.
ble monthly publication just launched
tNorwieli by Prof. A. R. Biicliard. It
s a welcomczand valued exchange.
The best thanksgiving benediction for
you, dear reader, will be the sending of a
good fat turkey to some poor family to-
morrow.
Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Hissell go to Stani—
1 ford tomorrow to eat Thanksgivrng dinner
with their daughter, Mrs. Iii-Grand Lock-
wood, jr.
In Bridgeport, early Monday morning,
a man attacked Otto Schulz with a sand-
LK
An Enterprising Republican Journal, especially devoted to Local News and Interests.
NORWALK, CONN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 185.9.
bag, knocked him senseless and robbed ,
him of $21. __
The enterprising business man is already
planning for his holiday advertising. V\ e
rise to remark that the GAZETTE is still a
desirable medium.
Mrs. Mary Couthlier, of Biddeford, is in
excellent health at the age of 1(‘4 Hie
was born in Coaticook, Province of Que-
bec, December 25, 1785.
A meeting of the Connecticut Veterinary
Medical association will be held in the
Mahackemo hotel, on Tuesday next. A
large attendance is expected.
George D. “atrons, son of the late
President Wutrons, of the New York,
New Haven & Hartford road, has been
made an instructor in the Yale law school.
Mrs. Charles W. Vi hitlock presented
her husband this Sunday afternoon at half
past two. with a bouncing boy of tWelve
pounds. He says the Son shines. Both
are doing Well.
Minot Kellogg, having returned from
his trip to Jerusalem and the Holy Land,
as was fitting and proper, made a visit to
his brother, Captain Enos Kellogg, of
Norwalk, Monday
Lew Wallace’s new novel is approach-
ing completion, it is said, and a greater
portion of it is in the typewriter’s hands.
The question naturally arisrgs: “Will it be
another “Ben Hur '2”
Seven half finished buildings in Harlem
Collapsed Thursday last. The only ex-
planation given is a statement by the
builder that the rainy weather prevented
the nioi‘ter from hardening.
Louis Vcrlin’s big prize hog, which
is t.) be guessed out of existence at 50
cents a guess to morrow, was on exhibi~
tion in town yesterday. He’s abigger hog
than ever cheated a printer.
The first soeiablc of"'tlié"Rowayton
social club will be held in Fairvicw
House, Five Mile River on Thanksgiving
night, and no pains are being spared that
will contribute to its cnjoyablcness.
Mrs. Julia E. Baird and Mrs. George
Jennings, of South Norwalk, are visiting
in Washington, and are guests with Mrs.
Dr. Barbour. Mr. S. L. Barbour, of
Hartford, is also a guest at the same
place.
We are pained to Team that Rev. Dr.
and Mrs. Robert Anderson, of Waterbury,
have been called to mourn the loss of
another child, their beautiful and accom-
plished daughter so recently led to the
altar a happy bride.
German services will be held in the
Chapel of the South Norwalk Congrega-
tional church next Sunday at 2.45 p. m.,
the Rev. F. B. Cunz officiating. Afull
attendance of Germans, and all others
who desire, is invited.
The firemen of New Milford hold their
fair for one week beginning this evening.
A number of Norwalk fire fighters will
attend before it closes. They will be sure
of a glorious time, as New Milford cannot
be outdone on hospitality.
The entertainment given by the Y. M.
C. A. last Wednesday evening, was great-
ly enjoyed by the large audience present.
The last entertainment of the course is to
be given next Wednesday evening, and
will be the best of the series.
It is the hope of all New England and a
good part of the rest of the country that
at the close of the Congressional caucus,
Saturday, the Portland Congressman may
be able to "Read his title clear to” the
Speakership of the next House.
Mrs. Win. K. James has contracted for
the erection of five tenement cottages on
her property on Cross street. The frame
for the first house is already up and the
others are to immediately follow. They
are to have all the modern conveniences.
Mrs. Elizabeth Clementine Kinney,
mother of the poet, Edmund Clarence
Steadman, died Wednesday at Summit,
N. J., aged 79 years. She was the sister
of William E. Dodge, of New York. Her
first husband was Co]. E. B. Steadman, of
Hartford. *
The ladies of the First Congregational
church Will give at their chapel, the latter
part of next week, a “Rainbow supper,”
(with the viands as tempting and far more
substantial than the rainbow.) The pro-
ceeds are to be devoted to paying the
church debt.
Prof. Loisette’s Memory System isjcrea-
, ting greater interest than ever in all parts
Business is the name of a handsome and
of the country, and persons wishing to
improve their memory should send for
his prospectus, free, as advertised in
another column. 4t.
Rev. Fa'her Slocum is not a man to
hide his light under a bushel, yet he is
still concealing one of the prettiest new
dwellings on West avenue, by not moving
the old parsonage out from its front.
Ex-T’ostmaster-Gen'eral Tyner, recom-
mendsaradical change in the law con-
cerning “obscene” news papers and pub-
lications, so as to bring all filthy and in-
decent publications found in the mails
within the scope of the law.
Prof. (‘liarles C. Briggs, of the Union
‘ Theological Seminary says in the Christian
l
Union that the Westminster Confession
does not seem to him to “rise to the sub-
lime height of the love of God and the
matchlcss treasures of His grace.”
Will Taylor, brother of Fred. A. Taylor,
of this place, was marlied to a Danbury
young lady last week, and is already
deep in the mysteries of housekeeping at
Danbiiry. He has many friends here who
will wish him happiness and prosperity
without stint.
hale defeated Harvard at football Sat-
urday, at Springfield, after one of the
cleanest, closest and most exciting games
ever played between these two universi-
ties. ix poiuts were scored by the New
Haven collegians to nothing for the play-
ers from Cambridge.
Rev. Col. Edward Anderson will occupy
his old pulpit, (where he ministered so
many years so ably and acceptably,) at the
First Congregational church, next Sun-
day. This announcement will be received
with joy unalloycd by his many friends
in and about Norwalk.
Mr. Horace S. Hatch, while assisting in
unloading a car of yellow pine lumber at
South Norwalk, yesterday, had the mis—
fortune to get his right leg caught under
a tilting timber and breaking it short off.
He is as comfortable as could be expected
under his two-fold afflictions.
The marriage of Miss Minnie Lock-
wood, of Norwalk, and Mr. Eversley
(Thilds, of' Brooklyn, to be solemnized in
the Congregational church, on Wednes-
day evening of next week, promises to be
a meinroable society event. It is said
about 1,500 invitations have been issued.
Mrs. Jilli‘i M. Southmayd,wife of Davis
Hutch, Esq., died at her home on West
avenue on Thursday last, and was buried
at Riverside cemetery on Saturday. Mrs.
Hatch was a woman of superior qualities
as wife, mother, friend and neighbor, and
her departure will be felt as an irreparable
loss to all who knew her.
John J. Clerkin, ex-clerk'iof the New
Haven board of Selectmen, who made the
recent disclosures concerning the expen-
diture of the town’s money to prevent the
consolidation of the town and city govern-
ments in the recent Legislature, says he
has other charges to make, which he says
will be mighty interesting.
in the undergrowth the turkey
Now-a-days is seen to lurk. he
Seeks this chance his life to save, he
Elsewise will be in the gravy. .
-—Berkshn'c A 6203.
Roost be high or squat be low, he
Stands no shadow of a show—see?
Spite of brush, tree top or coop, he
Will to-rnorrow in the soup be.
——As the shoe, grocers and dry goods men
are giving Coupons to their customers in
the interest of Crayon makers in other
towns, Photographer Readman is negoti-
ating with leading firms in New York. so
that people getting Photographs of him
can get their dry goods, shoes and gro-
ceries at wholesale prices.
The West avenue Whist Club held its
first meeting Friday evening at the resi—
dence of Cashier Curtis, where an un-
usually delighttul evening was passed by
the shufilers of the paste-b0? rds. The
first prize was won by Mrs. C. B.Coolidge
and Fred. Stearns, and the second prize
by MisszzBrockwayZand Mr. Vogel. The
next meeting is to be held at the house of
Dr. Hitchcock, on Tuesday evening next.
Senator Pendleton, whose critical ill-
ness is announcer], was the father of the
an] sci-Vice law.—-New Haven News.
This is an error. Gen. Joseph R, Haw-
ley, senator from Connecticut, is really the
father of the civil service law. As the
senate was democratic and Mr. Pendleton
favOrablc to the bill, Gen. Hawley put it
into his hands, as the surest way of secur-
ing its passage.
The Norwalk fire department has re-
ceived an invitation to attend the second
working exhibition of the Hayes czicrial
truck from the Stamford fire department.
The Norwalk boys, who had the pleasure
of attending the first trial test, are loud in
their praise of the Stamford firemen’s
bountiful hospitality, and those who go
over on Thanksgiving day to the second
test may be sure of a hearty receptionv
A paragraph is going the rounds of the
papers setting forth that a South Norwalk
express clerk recently drew a prize of
$1,250 in the Louisana lottery. In this
connection the Ansonia Sentinel says:—
“He keeps right on with his work, and
the only manifestation of his luck he has
.made is to buy a new pair of plaid over-
alls. This satisfied him and also helped
to brighten the dreary monotony Of South
Norwalk’s scenery.” .
The GAZETTE has received from Secretary
Jones a copy of the pamphlet cotaining
the proceedings of the late convention of
the State Firemen’s Association. It was
printed by Mr. Jones at his Westporler
office and is a creditable job.
The transfer steamer Express, built for
the New England Terminal company, and
intended as a mate for the Cape Charles,
is completed, and will at once commence.
to ply between Wilson’s Point and New
York. She is 288 feet long,,64 feet wide,
and can carry nineteen cars.
Company F minstrcl entertainment to
be given in the Opera House on Thursday
chning of next week, (Dec. 5th,) is sure
' to attract a full house, :isthe tickets are
selling rapidly. The chart of the house
will open on Monday morning at Hale’s,
Plaisted’s and liandle’s where seats may
be secured. The Wheeler and Wilson or-
chestra will furnish music and Jesse Hop-
scn will direct the orchestra.
_ There is some talk in favor of connect-
ing the Wilson and Merrill property, on
the south side of the bridge, by building
an arch and erecting a building thereon.—
Record.
To arch over tide water at this point,
would require an act of congress giving
permission. The difference between the
north side and South side of the bridge is
that the former is OVer Norwaik river and
the latter over Norwalk harbor.
The oldest horse in Maine died in Ban-
gor, November 22d. '1 his was the mare
Kate, owned by J. L. Craig, and she
lacked but a few months of being 42 years
old, She was never sick, and on the day
before her death was doing her work as
usual, appearing as smart as a four year-
old. When they went to hitch her up on
the following morning, however, she was
found dead in her stall.
Cb). Wm. H Stevenson, (the author of
Beatitiful Snow,) is a musical composer,
and three of his compositions will
be rendered by the. Wheeler & Wilson
hand at the ball and conceit of the Broth-
erhood of Locomotive Engineers, in New
Haven. The first will be the grand march
to be known as the Fourth liegiiiient
march; the “Tip Top galop,” dedicated to
Col. N. G. Osborne, of New Haven, and ii
waltz dedicated to ex-Gov. Waller. The
Colonel is also the composer of a “Grand
Bonner” dedicated to those railroaders
who can’t keep good time—Record.
\Tlie people of Chicago are gorng right
ahead in their effort to have the world’s
fair held in their city. They have estab-
lished a world’s fair headquarters and are
sending out Circulars extolling their city
as the best place in the country for such
an exposition. In one point all can agree
with their proposition and that is that the
largest and best stock and agricultural
fair could beheld in that city. There is
no doubt aboui that. Chicago is the center
of the grandest agricultural region in the
world.
The Milton correspondent of the Water—
bury American says:
0. L. Bassett, of Norwalk, who has
been here for two weeks, succeeded in
bagging about 40 partridges and wood-
cocks. Birds are very plentiful in this
section.
Besides bagging all these birds, Bassett
also bagged a varied and select assortment
of wild and exciting yarns of forest ad-
venture, hair-breadth scrapes, chestnuts
and fairy tales selected expressly for hol-
iday narration. He is going up again
next month and will take a reporter along
to embalm his adventures in history.
F. Gordon Mead, son of Fred Mead, is
adding laurels to his wreath of fame as an
actor, of which his native town, as well
as his family, may well be proud. He is
traveling with a strong company through
the South, in Elliot Barnes’ play “Only a
Farmer’s Daughter,” and takes the part of
Sammy Green, the country boy. The
company appeared last week in Richmond
and Roanoke, Virginia, and young Meade
was the only one, besides the two leading
characters, who received especial mention
for excellence, in the local papers.
The latest New York fad is the issuing
of business cards by City firms, on the
reverse side of which is a printed request
for the recipient to put thereon his name
and address, and keep it about the person
to be used as the card quietly suggests,
“in case of serious accident.” In view of
the “sand-bag” game now so much in
vogue in that city, this is certainly a time-
ly suggestion, as it will save much delay
and trouble to be informed at once, where
the body should be sent.
The time has come in this country when
the current news of the day and 'a record
of passing events, however full and accur-
ate, do not meet the popular needs, or
supply thoughtful people with the knowl-
edge and mental stimulant they desire.
We have come to the era of wide and
deep thinking, and of profound examina-
tion into specific subjects which Vitaliy
concern the body politic. The air is filled
with movements which begin to agitate
church and state alike, as winds do the
forest; and-it is to the great magazines
that the people must look for that full and
satisfactory discussion of principles and
institutions, parties and policies, demand-
ed by the exigencies of our conditions.
The Arena is a magazine recently estab-
lished in Boston for the purpose of giving
‘ to the country the best thought of the day
on tiipsc subjects which are now com-
manding the earnest attention of thought-
ful people.
Any one expecting to go to Washington
this winter, (and who does not want to
go?) should read the advertisement of
Nirs Dr. Barbour in today's GAZETTE.
Her residence, No. 1,008 I street, North
West, is centrally and very pleasantly
located, near all the department buildings,
and easy of access by horse ears to the
Capitol and all parts of the city. No more
comfortable home and at so moderate
rates can be found in the Capital city.
The executive committee of the Shite
Firemen’s Association, met in New Haven
W duesday. Those present were Chiefs
Hyatt, of Meriden; Stanb, of New Mil-
ford ; W iley, of Middletown; Prowitt, of
Norwalk ; Daniels, of Willimantic; Eaton,
of Hartford; Jones, of Westport; and
Hendricks, of New Haven. Benefits of
$550 each were voted to the widows of
George S. Towne, of Norwich, and Lud-
wig Uppstrom, of Middletown. Mrs.
Uppstrom and her two children live in
Sweden. The children, who are 4 and 7
years old respectively, will receive $1.50
each week until they are 15 years of age.
The following from the Ashtabula (Ohio)
Sentinel reads like a fairy tale:
Editors who receive complimentary
tickets to Country fairs and other places
are often looked upon as dead heads, but
the managers of the Henry County fair,
who had some experience in such matters,
had the following printed upon the com-
plimentary tickets they issued: “ I his
ticket, probably, has been paid for ten
times over by the paper to which it is
issued. It willbe honored in the hands of
any man, woman or child, white, black,
red or yel ow, who favors the association
by presenting it. It is good for entrance
and grand stand, and thebearcr, if driving,
will be entitled to pass a team free. The
association recognizes the fact that its
splendid success is owing, largely, if not
wholly, totlie notices so freely giVeii by
the press. and while we cannot render an
equivalent we return our grateful
thanks.”
HORSEfNoTas.—“Biick” Lockwood has
just purchased a superb saddle horse from
one cf the New York riding schools—~—
li-‘lr. George Weed has purchased a very
valuable two-year-old throroughbred colt
at the great Kell igg sale, and has sent
him up to the Finch brothers to be win—
tcrcd.———l\lunson Hoyt has bought a
beautiful 2 40 stepper.-~-—Thos. S. Mori-
son has purchased of Frederick Lockwood
of New Canaan, one of the best bred colts
in this c0unty.-——Jiinies E Woodhull has
picked up a 2.30 hustler of grand style
and action.———Dann’s colt won first prize
against seven horses in the 2.45 class, and
“Buck” Lock wood’s horse took first money
in the 2.40 class at the fair grounds Tues-
day week.
The fair of St. Mary’s Society, now be-
ing held in the Opera House, is bound to
be as grand a success financially as it is
enjoyable and successful socnilly. The
interior of the Opera House is handsomely
decorated with gay colored festoonery,
and the d.5play of articles of all descrip-
tions, for sale and to be awarded as prizes,
is most attractive. Rev. Father Slocum,
to whose indefatigable efforts the suc-
cess of the fair will be largely due, is the
largest contributor to the collection, and
among his contributions are the following
articles: Lounge, rocking chair, cherry
table, carpet, statucttc “the broken doll,”
boy’s velocipede, boy’s wagon, and an
almost endless variety of articles in fancy,
work, silverware, vases, etc. A splendid
easy chair is contributed by George H.
Raymond; elegant parlor set, Michael
Ratchford ; large French mirror from the
Jesuits of Keyscr’s Island ; large cooking
range. E. K. Lockwood d3 Co.; trunk, P.
H.’ Dwyer ; large picture, elegantly
framed, Hanlau Brothers; box of cigars,
John Cahill; lady’s bonnet, Mrs. Fawcett;
shoes, A. II. Hoyt & Son ; shoes, Glover
8: Olsen; silk dress, Boston store—and a
multiplicity of other things “too numerous
to mention” contributed by friends of the
enterprise. Fred. Mead has the refresh-
ment and candy stand, and the ladies of
the society have charge of a refreshment
booth, and also a booth where articles of
fancy work and bric-a-brac are for sale.
The fair opens each evening with an en-
joyable literary and musical entertainment
and concludes witha dance. Throughout
each session those energetic and irresist-
ible young ladies, with book and pencil,
make it pleasant for the visitor with cor-
dial invitations to take a chance on this or
that article, and from the success they
meet with it is safe to predict that all the
“ prizes ” will bring their full value.
Father Diiggan flits about among the
patrons, here, there and everywhere,
looking after the comfort of the visitors
and leading them from the temptation of
the book holders. Father Slocum has
his station near the stage, and has an eye
on all that is going on. Thomas Cooney,
the veteran, who has been manager of St.
Mary’s fairs for the past dozen years, ofli-
ciates in the same capacity this year in
his usual efficient style, and to his assidu-
ous endeavors will be due much credit for
the success of the enterprise. On Monday
evening the cash receipts were sufficient
to pay all the expense of the fair, and the
receipts from that evening until the close’
of the fair, next ,Monday nigh will be
clear profit, and will be a handsome sum
for the society’s treasury.
GAZETTE. ~
TWO DOLLARS A YEAR
NUMBER 4m?
Charles B. Wheeler, 70. a wealthy citi-
zen of Roxbury, was found dead Friday
with a contusion behind his head. He
was in the habit of carrying money about
in his pockets and foul play is suspected.
He was a brother of the late 'l‘rumiin
Wheeler, exsccretary of state. His uncle
was the late Henry Wheeler, vii-state
senator.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs.
George H. Allen on Saturday last, at their
residence, number 4 Chestnut street. The
notice of the above gratifying fact which
was sent to this office was accompanied
with the further gratifying assurance that
“Both are doing Well,” meaning. presum-
ably, George and the doctor.
The Hartford Phoenix Life Insurance
company is to be reorganized under an
act of the last legislature. A meeting for
that purpose is called at 10 o’clock, a. m.,
on December 3d, and already, proxies are
being solicited by a Hartford gentleman
from Norwalk parties insured in this com-
pany. As Gen. Charles Olmstcad is going
up to represent his own policy, and those
of several others hereabouts, it would
seem to be the part of wisdom to delegate
him to look a.r all Norwalk interests.
In the Church of the Holy Trinity in
Middletown, Wednesday, occurred the in-
angural festival of the Choir Guild of the
Diocese of Connecticut. Five church
choirs participated, those of St. Andrew‘s,
Stamford, 29 voices: Holy Trinity, Mid-
dletown, 45 voles; Trinity, New Haven,
34 voiCes; Trinity, Bridgeport, 34 voices,
and Christ Church, of Hartford, 34 voices.
The exercises opened with a choral cele-
bration of the Holy Communion for the
guild by the choir of Trinity church,
Bridgeport. A rehersal of all the choirs
was held in the afternoon from 2.30 to
3.30. Following this a business meeting
was held, a permanent organization was
effected and officers were elected.
Four of our expert whist players have
for several months past been playing a
series of games for 500 points. The con—
test was recently cndcd and the winners
were Gen. (,‘harles ()lmstead and Judge
A- J. Crofut, against Ed. 0. chler and
Dr. Many. The prize for which the tour-
nament was fought was a ’possunf supper
for the quartctte, with all the trimmings
and indispensables, to be paid for by the
losing couple. Accordingly a Col. Win.
Throckrnorton, of Georgia, a friend of
Judge Crofut, who devotes considerable
attention to the raising of ’possnms, was
notified some time ago to select a tender
young ’possum and fatten it especially for
this occasion. Last Saturday evening was
the time set for the feast and a telegram
to Col. Throckmortcn brought the ’pos—
sum by express, a fine, fat specimen all
dressed and carefully packed and it was .
turned over to Landlord McPherson of
the Nor-walk Hotel who prepared it for the
feast. And right handsomelygwas it pre-
pared aiid garnished with. its tempting
decorations. It looked like a feast fit for
the gods. Dr. Many, in view of the fact
that he is accustomed to scenes of torture,
was deputized to do the carving, and took
his place at the head of the table. Before
the festivities began, however, a letter
was read from Col. Throckmorton, which
was virtually a pedigree of the’possum
and a written guaranty that it was a real,
hope—to-die ’possum, the Col. evidently
having a small estimate of the ability of
the feasters to tell a ’possum from a wood-
chuck. The letter went on to state that.
the beast had been born, bred, fattcneii
and butchered eschially for this happy
occasion. At the conclusion of the read-
ing Dr. Many rose, grasped his savage
carving-knife determinedly in his right
hand and his big fork in his left and
squared off for the conflict. He plunged
the fork vigorously and firmly into the
juicy roast, inserted the knife between its
ribs, and With a deft thst of the wrist iii-
inflictcd a cruel wound. The steam
arose in a cloud and with it the fumes
of the internal arrangements. Doc.
sniffed, turned up his little nose at
an angle of 45 degrees, sniffed again,
turned pale, looked at the other guests
with an expression of terrified amazement,
sniffed some more and sank back into his
chair in a fainting condition. The others
by this time began to sniff, looked at one
another in horror, and involuntarily back-
ed away from the table. Gen. Olmstead
finally musrered up courage to approach
the ’possum to demand an explanation.
It required but the slightest investigation
to discover the cause of the sudden gloom
that was cast over the company. The
’possum was over-ripe. The longjourney
from the Smith and the humid, unhealthy
weather had had a mortifying effect on
the corpse,which the cooking had brought
to a climax, and Dr. Many‘s surgical
operation had simply given it a vent
through which the pent-up efiiuvia effect-
ivvly and unmistakably asserted itself. It
stunk. That is the only adequate term to
be applied to it. The board of health was
summoned and the-carcass was speedily
removed. The festive party, however
was not to be thwarted by a little stinking
episode like that, and luckily thc‘table
was freightcd with an abundance of other
good things,§so the feast was a success
after all. ‘
Norwalk Chronicler