North Carolina Newspapers

-, 7U V'L. THE DAILY CITIZEN TTA DAILY CITIZEN BOARDING, WANTS, Por Rent, and Loit Notice, three line or Ins, 28 Cent for Delivered to Visitors in my part of the City. One Month B"c. Two Weeka. or a5c. each insertion. VOLUME V. ASHEVILLE, N. C, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1889. NUMBER 220. HE FOR WILLIE'S SAKE. By the author of "Little Alice's Chrintmns Gift." PART FIRST. SnlMy, over the city smoke, The light of the winter morning broke. Tinting the roofs, where the snow lay white, With gleams of gold and crimson light; Then down to the windows the sunshine crept, And into the rooms where the children slept. It danced on the tossed and tumbled beds, Brightly gilding the rumpled heads, And kissed their eyelids, as if to say, "Wake, little children I wake! 'tis day. Wake I for a glorious time is near, Wake! for Christmas is almost here; Think of the stockings, the tree, the toys, Think and awake, ye girls and boys!" Hack, from the dreamland of the night, Came the children to greet the light; John and Katie, and little May, Fresh and bright as the rising day, Full of a da wning joy within: "To-day our holidays begin." Eager they rose, to count their store Of hoarded pennies o'er and o'er. To wish for those misspent or lost, Discussing presents and their cost With smiling guess and whispered plan, While tongues like little mill-wheels ran ; Said Jack, "1 think we'd better buy Our gifts to-diiy." "And so do I, Cried little Kate, maturely wise, " By Christmas eve the prices rise." 'And it's so hard to choose," said May. "We better had begin to-day." But, as they chattered, a shadow came Over their mirth, at a household name Softly spoken, "Dear little Will," With a pause for memory to fill. Ah, ves! there stands in the morning light, In mother's room, all fair and white, Smooth, unrumpted, another bed ; But the child that rested there is dead ; Over his body the snow-drifts lie, And his little soul has sought the sky. "Dear little brother," what a hush Veil o'er the talk ! and a sudden rush Of tender tears made the bright eyes dim VWe cun't buy anything for him," Said little Mav; and Katie cried, "If Willie only hadn't died." Said Jack, "I know 1 loved him best, 'Cause we were boys, and all the rest ; You girls have got a brother still, But f had only little Will. I'm kind o' lonely now," cried Jack, "And if 'tis bad, I want him back." "And so do I." "And I do, too." "On Christmas day what will we do ?" "It's awful sad," Jack brushed away A few bright tears, "last Christmas day Will was as jolly as could be : How he enjoyed the Christmas tree! And that long horn ! ho w he did blow ! That was my present, girls, you know." " WhaKlid I give him ? I forget Oh yes, a horse, he's got it yet I mean he kept it till he died. And mamma put his toys aside; She said, ' He will not want it, uc-', He's better off," 1 wonder how." Then pondered Jack, " I wonder, too, Vp there in heaven, what they do. They can't just sing the live-long day And not have any time for play. Don't you suppose they have their toys, And romp and race like other boys?" " I guess," said Katie, " Will has wings, Rut still he'd like some Christmas things; When he's too tired to fly about, Then be can take his playthings out, And play till he feels fresh once more, Sitting upon the golden floor." " I'd like to know," said little May, "In heaven, do they keep Christmas day ? book in the Bible, Kate, and see." Over the pages bent the three. Katie and John could read and spell, Bnt where to look they could not tell, And as they turned the pages o'er, Their question puzzled them the more. "Oh! I can't find the place, just wait." ' It's no use trying, 1 tell you, Kate." "Let's usk sister, she's sure to know," And off the three little children go To the elder sister, fair and tall, Who, turning, smiled upon them all. Sister was wise. alnmst fifteen A nursery oracle and queen. Who settled all the points of doubt, And smoothed their little quarrels out. "Sister, what dues the Bible say ? In heaven, do they keep Christmas day ? For we don't wan't our Will to lie Without his presents and Christmas tree. We wanted to go shopping, till We just remembered little Will Will he have presents in the sky, In place of those we used to buy ?" Sister listened in half surprise, A tender look in her hazel eyes : For dear to the children, dearer still To Helen's heart was little Will, And she longed for Willie many a day, When they forgot in their happy play. Softly the sister's answer fell "Darling, the Bible doesn't tell. It guides us in the heavenly way, But what hea veu's like it doesn't say ; Only 'tis happy as can be, And when we go there we shall see," "But don't it tell what people do? I think it ought to tell, don't you ? For don't God know we all must care, When our own little brother's there ?" "Yes," sister said, "but, dear, you know God, in His wisdom, made it so. If He described that happy land, May be we wouldn't understand, For we have never seen a sight One half as wonderful or .bright." Yes, God knew better far than they, The children felt, and back to play They went, all free from clouds of doubt; Their sighs were but for the gifts left out In Christmas shopping,' to which they hied Gifts for the little boy that died. But, ere the children, bright once more With secret plans, and a jingling store Of cents and silver each, could go ( n their happv mission through the snow, Sister called them, "I have a plan." Swift to hear it the children ran. "Since we were talking of little Will, Longing to give him our presents still, 1 have been thinking We'll not be sad- Dear little Willie ! let ns be glad ; For God will give him better things Than any old Kris Kringle brings. Bnt, from onr purses, let us take Something to spend, for Willie's sake. You know there are many girls and boys Who don't get any pretty toys. Candies or cakes poor little things, Or any presents Christmas brings. To make us glad ; and I propose We all buy gifts for some of those. 1 like the thought ot it, don't you ? And 1 know Willie 'd like it too. J If he could speak, I think be'd say, Give them my presents C hristmas day " " Yes, sister, yes, that's what we'll do. We're sorry for those children too ; We'll buy some toys," the children said, "To give them in Willie's stead." PART SECONIl. Now, it is Christmas Eve, at last ; Look at the snowflnkes falling fast, Gently robing the busy town For Christmas day in a Christmasgown. Around the comers the wild wind blows, And cold and colder the evening grows As night comes on ; but far and near Is a kindly thought to warm and cheer. "What care we for the cold or storm ? It's Christmas Eve, and our hearts are warm." So back and forward, and to and fro, The throngs of busy people go Hurrying by, and all intent. On happy Christmas errands bent ; Some for turkeys, or cakes or fruit, Some for presents a bran new suit, Or a Sunday dress, or books or toys, Dolls for the girls, and sleds for boys Secrets and bargains without end, Whether they've little or much to spend. Yes, it is Christmas Eve, 'tis plain Three childreen look through the frosty pane Of a dingy attic at the snow And the merry bustling scene below. Full of interest the children gaze, But sad, recalling those better days When they kept Christmas as others do, When they had turkey and pudding too ; Hung up their stockings and got their toys Like other little girls and boys. But all is changed "Now father's dead, She can't afford it, mother said ; We can't keep Christmas now," they cry, Watching the shoppers with a sigh. But, after a little, the eyes grow bright, For Christmas Eve is a charming sight AnH Unlthv trnilv turns nVinnf ' Come on. children, let's go out! 1 m most sure mot tier i let us go, Irirl it'o incf aiilntirl if 1 n f 1m snnui " Said Sue, " Let's look in the shops, and piay We're choosing presents lor Christmas Play we are rich oh! let's pretend We've got a million cents to spend !" Then forth they scamper, one and all ; Sue catches up her old plaid shawl, Pins it about her head, and so Run laughing forth into the snow. The brothers take their old worn caps, And, not possessing other wraps, Draw down the sides across their ears. And each in walking trim appears. Ah! blest are childhood's hours to such! Beneath imagination's touch The world grows bright, they cease to grieve, And keep with smiles their Christmas Eve ! "We've got a million cents," they cry ; "Come, let us see what we will buy." "I think I'll huy a doll," says Sue, "With curling hair, and eyes of blue, With earrings on, and shoes, and, yes, I think she'll have a spangled dress, Like that doll there." The children stop At the bright windows of a shop, That, to the eager, dazzled eyes. Shine bright and fair as paradise. "Look, Bobby, look!" "See there, oh, see!" "Look, Sue! that's just the thing for me." "Look at old Santa Claus! see, Ned! See that big horse, that splendid sled." Of wondrous toys there seems no end, 'Tis lucky they've so much to spend. They gaze, and choose, unmindful they 01 other steps that come that way, Of other three, that, in their walk, Pause, listening to their guileless talk Three sweet, mysterious little elves, Laughing and whispering 'mong them selves. With a tall sprite that's smiling down Upon all six, with eyes of brown. One speaking low says, "Sister, please, Do let us give our gins to these. They're awtul poor it's all in play They're choosing things for Christinas Day. They can't buy, reallv, what they choose. Look at their clothes, and old torn shoes. May I begin ?" Then from behind A hand steals forth Bob's hand to find, A voice says, "Here, this is lor you, This box of soldiers." And little Sue Feels something thrust into her hand, With words she cannot understand : "This little doll 1 hope you'll take; I bought it for dear Willie's sake." While Ned can only stand and stare, As a small elf, with floating hair, Lav in his hand his heart's desire Pistol and puper caps to fire And the tail fairy with brown eyes Bestows on eacli a fresh surprise. Candies and cakes, and horns to blow As they rnsh homeward through the snow. Home to toe attic mean and bare, Home to the mother, worn with care, Who stirs the fire to make it burn, And waits her little ones' return. She has been shopping, too, but small, I her little purse to keep them all. Rent and fuel and bread and meat Leave nothing there for a Christinas treat; And sad she sits in that little room, But the children's mirth dispels its gloom, As they come screaming with delight, "Mother, there are fairies out to-night. Look what they gave us." Mother, see ! One fairy gave this doll to me." "Look at my soldier these are mine," How little Bobby's eyes do shine, "I like my pistol best," cries Ned, "Look out, I'll shoot yoursoldiers dead." And here are candies, nuts and cake, Just hear the noise our horns can make, Christmas is jolly now," they shout, "Now that the fairies are about." And mother, putting by her grief, Smiles at the innocent belief, Rejoicing in their pure delight, At "what the fairies brought to-night.' But well she knows that from above, At Christmas, the good spirit, Love, Flies round our world on magic wings, Prompting ns nil to nobler things, Till human hearts with kindness thrill With "Peace on earth, to men good will," Till we supply our brothers' needs, And human hands do fairy deeds. And up in heaven ! Ah who shall say How little Will kept Christmas day ? We are too blind to judge aright That higher life, beyond our sight. Its blest employ we cannot tell ; We onlv know that "all is well." ' Aye well with those who pass beyond ' s r . . f ir I uur innsimns greetings, cioac auu ioua And while we mourn the vacant place. Yearn for the dear, familiar face, The clinging hands, the music sweet Of prattling voice and pattering feet. Though God forbid we should forget Their joy illumines our regret. They are not dead, but gone before. Death, unto such, is bnt a door Opened to let the children in To life unmarred bv pain or sin. And when, at Christmas, to the skies Our earthly hallelujahs rise, We seem to catch their voices soft 'Mid the hosannahs up aloft. And hands beloved, there, out of sight, Draw up heaven's blinds to give ns light. Thus, tender thought of those who've died Makes purer least ol Chnstinas-tide, With deeds of love around us shed, In memory of our blessed dead. THE F. B. V. AND A. & B. R. R'S. A Letter from Vice-President W. M. Cocke. Editor Citizen: As vice-president of the French Broad Valley Railroad Com pany, and the Asheville and Bristol Rail road Company, I desire to submit some facts to the citizens of Asheville. The above companies are regularly chartered under the laws of North Caro lina. The French Broad Valley Company design the construction of a railway line from the city of Asheville to the South Carolina or Georgia State line ; the Ashe ville and Bristol Company design the construction of a line of road from this city to Bristol, Tcnn. The officers of the two companies are: President, C. G. Dyatt, railroad contrac tor and negotiator of railroad securities, (commonly called broker), New York City; vice president, W. M. Cocke, jr., Asheville, N. C; secretary and treasurer, E. B. Williams, of New York and Phila delphia; assistant secretary and treas urer, (through whom the money at home will lie paid,) J. E. Rankin, cashier West ern Carolina Hank, Asheville, N. C. ; di rectors, C. G. Dyatt, E. B. Williams, W. C. Bucklin, D. B. French, of New York ; W. M. Cocke, jr., J. E. Rankin and H. M. Ramseur, of Asheville, N. C. The object of these roads, which will ultimately constitute one line from Bris tol to the South Carolina orGeorgia line, via Asheville, N. C, is to afford theshort- est line for the inexhaustible coal and iron fields of Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee; the magnificent timber and mineral fields of Yancey to the South, and other resorts of trade. A glance at the map will indicate the superior advan tages of such a line. At Bristol connec tions will be made with the Louisville and Nashville system, giving the short est route from Asheville to the North west; the Norfolk and Western system. giving the shortest route from Asheville to the Northeast. To the South it will afford the shortest route to South Caro lina and central Georgia marts of trade. As an evidence of our good faith we have already placed on deposit several thousand dollars in the Western Carolina Bank; our associates in New York and elsewhere are men of known financial and business character and standing, and pledge themselves to act in the fullest good faith in this undertaking. The feasibility of these lines has been demonstrated by competent engineers. In comes much nearer our means of ac complishment than any other line we know of. It is this fact we would im press on our fellow citizens of Asheville and of the counties of Transylvania, Hen derson, Buncombe, Madison and Yancey. With reasonable assurance of assistance from the business community of Ashe ville, so vitally interested in securing others and as many more railroads as is possible, we will begin work nt nn early day and prosecute it till both lines are completed. Not a cent will be asked for or expected until the rond or roads are completed, equipped, and regularly mov ing. Will our peoplegive us this assistance? We do not ask anything beyond what the ability and the interest of the people will enable them to pay ! An enterprise which promises so much to our com munity and section surely should, in our judgment, meet with prompt and liberal response, the more readily as not one cent will be asked for until the work is done and service being rendered. If you get nothing you pay nothing; if the roads are completed as proposed, you can nfford to aid in securing them. We submit this matter to the business judgment and intelligence of our people. Transylvania and Henderson counties have moved promptly; Yancey will do likewise. What will Asheville do ? Let our people move too, and move promptly, so that before we shall scarcely have en tered upon the new year the work ol construction will have been begun. Now is Asheville's golden opportunity. Shall it be allowed to pass from us, possibly for many years ? Truly your fellow citizen, W. M. Cocke, Jr., Vice President F. B. V. and A. & B. Rail roads. The Influenza Quite Merlons. Vienna, December 24. A frequent se quel to cases of the influenza Here is an attack of inflammation of the lungs. A number of persons in the hospital who had been suffering from influenza were stricken with inflammation of the lungs and several of them have died. The influenza has made its appearance in the Jesuit School at Kalksburk, the pupils of which are children of conserva tive aristocrats. Sixty-eight of the scholnrs have been attacked by the dis- gpurxeon's Health. London, December 24. A dispatch from Mentone says that the throat ailment of Mr. Snureeon, the well-known London divine, has assumed a grave aspect The doctors in attendance diagnose the case as one of gout. Spurgeon also suffers severely with a pain in bis knees. A Book Pirns Assigns. New York, December 24. The long expected assignment of J. Q. Preble & Co., blank book manufacturers, of lOand 12 Thomas street, was made to-day to S. Basford, one ot the firm s lawyers. Terms are about as anticipated. Bond Offerings. Washington, December 24. The bond offerings to-day agereeated $21,300; all accepted at 104 for four and a half oer cents, and 127 for fours. Ten thousand had been held as security tor deposits now relinquished. THE DEAD JOURNALIST. THE MERCHANTS ASSOCIA TION'lt RESOLUTIONS. Manly Words From Mr. Grady's Late Host In Boston They De clare That Massachusetts Will Mourn With Georgia. Boston, Mass., December 24. The following letter sent yesterday ex presses the sentiment of the Boston Merchants Association concerning Hon. Henry W. Grady's death. "Boston, December 23, 1889. "Constitution Publishing Company At lanta, Ga: "At a meeting of the directors of the Merchants Association held at their rooms to take action upon the death ol Henry W. Grady, at Atlanta, Ga., occur ring so soon after bis visit to Boston, it was voted that we are grieved beyond expression at the sudden death of our distinguished guest and. friend; that we are not able to recall any social relution with eminent strangers wbo have come to our annual banquet which has been more enjoyable or more profitable than one which has been so suddenly and so sadly ended. Mr. Grady's bright, sincere and hearty manner, his sympathy, interest and appreciation of every thing that was done for him and his friends, his manifest sincerity in his views, joined with earnest desire to know just what we felt and believed, and to find if possi ble common ground of devotion and loyalty to our country and rights, had so endeared him to those who come in contact with him and all who heard his eloquent words, that his death in the midst of a career of so great promise and influence, we must regard as a public cal amity in which Atlanta and Boston, Georgia and Massachusetts, equally suf fer. That in this event we recognize an all wise Providence who can save to our country all that is most valuable in the lives of its influential men. That, re membering the last words of our friend as he left us, we shall abide in the beliel that his deep felt prediction of great good in the attainment of the ends that all good men are aiming for our re-urited country will be sooner realized from the visit to Boston and Plymouth ot this distinguished citizen and bis friends. In conclusion we tender to the Inmilv of Mr. Grady, and to bis friends so recently here our symoathy lor which we have no adequate words. "(Signed) Jonathan A. Lane. President. "Beverly K. Moore, Secretary." A committee consisting of president Lane I. D. Lecson, chairman ot the ex ecutive committee, and Stephen B. Si- monds, was appointed to attend the funeral provided it could reach Atlanta in time. The following dispatch, however, shows that this is impossible. Jonathan Lane, rrcsident, Boston : The funeral will occur at 2 o'clock Wednes day. He spoke frequently of the exceed ing kindness ot your association and city. (signed) S. M. Inman. In Honor or Urady. New York, December 24. The flag of Mail and Express will be placed at halt mast to-morrow in honor of Henry W. Grady. BURIED ALIM.. Sixteen Men Caught In Jilm- In California. San Andreas, Cal., Deccmliri i.-A disastrous cave-in occurred Sunday even ing in the Lane mine, owned by Howard & Hobart, located on the west edge of the Angeles, by which sixteen men were buried. They were supposed to be dead. Nineteen men were sent into the drift on a 400 foot level to repair the timbering which had become loosened, they bad not worked over an hour when the sup ports of the upper timbers suddenly sev ered to the right and the roofing earth and rocks tell burying sixteen men under neath the debris. Thos. Lorvnn and two Itulians were working near the mouth of the drift and managed to escape, although Corwin was badlv injured. Corwin said the partitions were leaning badly when he went into the drift, but no one suspected there was danger of a cave-in. Hen it came thev were nil un prepared. He and the Italians escaped as soon us tncy neara the tininers cracK ; the others also started to run but were too far in the drift to be able to reach a place of safety. Immediately alter the accident the men were let down the shaft and entering the mouth of the drift com menced digging the debris. They found the attempt almost useless, as the tim liers seemed to have been woven together as though the sides of the drift had fallen toward each other and had been covered hy the roofing. By last evening the res cuing party had succeeded in getting eight feet into the pile of earth and tim ber, and none ot tnc victims Had oecn reached. There is no prospect of getting the men out alive. There is no hope of rescuring the six teen miners who were buried by the cave in in the I'tica mine at Angeles on Sunday. Working parties have found two dead bodies but will not be able to reach them until to-morrow, and it is feared they will not beable to reach some of the other tims for several weeks. It is believed that all of the sixteen men were crushed to death bv the falling rock. V. M. C. A. Services. The first annual public services of the Young Men's Christian Association will be held at the Central Methrdist church next Sunday at 4 o'clock. Reports will be given by Mr. H. T. Collins the president of the association and H. P. Andersen, the general secre tary. Addresses will also be given by Mr. L. A. Coulter, state secretary of the Y. M. C. A., of North and South Can lina, and Rev. R. G. Pearson. The public is cordially invited. On Monday night December 30 at 8 o'clock there will be given a reception to young men. There will be a programme of instrumental and vocal music, and recitations and a brief gymnastic enter tainment. All the young men of the city are invited to lie present. The Youne Men's Meeting on Thurs- dav. December 26 at 8 o'clock will be a christian service and will be led by Rev. Dr. Agnew. All men are invited. Administrator's Sale. An important sale takes place at Alex ander, N. C, on Friday, December 27, of the personal proiierty of the late A. M. Alexander. A number of fine young mules are offered for sale, besides agri cultural machinery, household furniture, etc. For fuller information address T. S. Morrison, administrator, Asheville, N. C. A RESPONSE TO DR. NELSON. "A Little Child Shall Lead Them." Sayeth the prophet Isaiah, whom christians call the evangelical prophet, and skeptics say of his writings, that they were no prophesies, but written after the event, so Christ-like are they in their character. It is not my purpose to argue their date. As a christian I believe them to be authentic; that they are inspired, I do not doubt, but pray that they may in spire me with love of Him, whose coming they foretold, whose birthday we cele brate this day. "A little child shall lead them," said the prophet referring to the wild beasts, who should be brought to love one an other, contrary to their natural tastes and instincts, and these words came over my heart with wonderful force at a sight which delighted my eyeson Sunday morning. The taste may be a strange one, but to me nothing adds such zest to the en joyment of the Lord's day, as a morning call at the jail; not to preach, not to pray; I must leave these duties to better men ; but to carry a few Citizens, and Pucks and Judges and Harpers and such like, to enable my unfortunate brethren to make this a day of rest, by giving occupation to the brain, which when slothful is most fatigued; hoping to draw off their thoughts fiom their sad surroundings, and on this, which should be the day of happiness, to help them in some slight degree to that hap piness, which I believe my "Elder Brother" wished all mankind to enjoy. Did I receive any reward for this little aet? Ves indeed, a thousand fold more than it deserved. A little two year old daughter of the kind jailor, joined me at the door; she could scramble up the stairs; she was not yet too wise to love the poor prisoners; she was so foolish as to stretch her little arm through the grating; she could touch their pale faces, she could stand back with womanly dig nity, and with an infant's grace, throw a kiss to those whom her lips coul reach. What a sight! this pure lovingly gazing upon Wilson! who anx iously asks me, "have you heard what day the governor has appointed?" Ap pointed for what do you suppose breth ren ? We hesitate to ask, we know too well, too well. Our eyes droop before the gaze of the condemned man, my brother; they rest upon what, the sweet child by my side, her eyes full of love for the wicked murderer, herpratling tongue possibly reminding him of one of his own little ones: brr tnile inquiry ' how do ?" Oli! how 1, wicked man that I am, longed to hear for answer, "worse, tnu-h worse in health," and that the .ir.awer mav be true and a merciful death soon x iii. portion, and thus North Carolina lie spared the disgrace of his legal taking off. "Say no more ngainst capital punish ment," said a wise friend. "Your heart is right, your head is wrong," but we do not believe that the heart can go so far away from the brain. The same God created both. The heart savs "let this little child lead you to love this mur derer," the brain says, "what will most diminish crime, the severity, or the cer tainty of punishment?" Heart and brain unite in the reply, the certainty. A murderer will often be found guilty if the sentence is life imprisonment, and will be acquitted if the sentence is death. So it should lie, because in the one case an er ror may be corrected, in the latter, never. Dear christian friends, may we not fol low the lead of this little child, and find love for this manat thisscasonot "peace, good will." "Oh! be is too wicked, he is a murderer." Y'es perhaps he is too wicked to die. "He is a murderer." Am not I? "Who so hateth his brother is a murderer." Must I die? Many and great are the inconsistencies of life ; none greater than these two : First, Skeptics say "there was no Isa iah, there was no Christ." Yet almost to a man thev plead ngainst the inhu inanity of capital punishment, and urge that it is contrary to the spirit of Christ's teaching. Christians sav Isaiah was a prophet, and Christ was a real man, and at the same time was God. Yet nine tenths of the christians of Asheville cry aloud : "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a lile for a life." Second, While I hope I am a christian, and to the full power of my weak brain, believe every word of the apostle's creed, including "everlasting life," not "death," nnd I believe every word of the Nicene creed, looking for the "life," not the "death of the world to come." In short I do not believe in ''eternal damnation," yet I would spend this happy, merry Christmas on my knees before Governor Fowle to induce him to allow this pris oner all the time that God sees fit to al low him, to prepare his wicked soul, which I have permitted to become black with crime, through the influence of whiskey, and make it ready to meet that merciful Father, "who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity." While hun dreds of excellent christian men will call out to the Governor: "Heed not, be firm, fix an early day, let this man know that at such an hour his life will be choked out of him. Then if, under these circumstances, so conducive to calm reflection, with the help of a trust which we have never ena bled him to read, (a hidden mercy sav). he does not accomplish atsakwhich each of us acknowledges to be a life work, with all of our advantages and mercies. Then let him go." Go where? "Toeter nal damnation!" Dear Dr. Rankin, whom I have only known to love and esteem; good, kind Dr. Nelson, whose loving heart beams on me always from eyes of sympathy, will you not, on this day, on which we christ ians esjieciully profess that "a little child is leading us," begin a petition to our Governor for poor Wilson's commuta tion? I would not usk his pardon; 1 would not recommend it; but let him be imprisoned for life, and let us three christians pray to God that the balance of his life may be better than we have made the beginning. Kind gentlemen, if you will do so, how gladly wil! I sign your petition, and, hav ing done so, will feel that "A little child has led me." T. VV. Patton. Since writii-g the above I have seen the current number of "The Arena," in which Mr. Hugh 0. Pentecost has a powerful article against capital punishment. It contains much that I do not endorse, and very much that I do most heartily. I agree with the editor Mr. Pentecost who is nothing if he is not radical, enters a vigorous protest against what hi term the crime of capital punishment. It is one of the many inspiring signs ol the times that earnest thinking men and women are coining more nnd more to realize how revolting is this legacy of a barbarous past" and with Mr. P. in say ing that it is matter of rejoicing that "henceforth in one state judicial killing must be done in secret. This is a tacit confession that it must be done in secret or not much longer at all. When the State begins to be ashamed of what it docs the practice is doomed, you my be sure." Amen. T. W. Patton. COSMOPOLITAN REUNION. Enjoyable Aftalr In the Rooms of the Club Monday Night. On Monday evening the members of the Cosmopolitan Club assembled in re sponse to the cordial invitation ol the officers of the club to inaugurate the Christinas festivities by having a re-un- ion of all the members. A meeting ol the club was first held in the reading room. 1 here the officers, consisting ot Col. J. G.' Martin, president; Judge Moore, vice-president, and the board of governors, Dr. a. Wcstrny Battle, Mr. W. B. Williamson, Mr. W. Talbot Pen- niman, Major W. E. Breeseand Capt.J. H. Barnard, submitted a report of the financial condition of the club. This re port was very encouraging and w s hailed by the members with jjreat dclipht and enthusiasm. It sho .ved that the club ! ics meeting all its running ex . ii-cs had accumulated a considerable sum in the treasury. This is a very creditable showing for so young a club. After the readi.ig of the report the mem bers adjourned to the dining room where tliey found a supper awaiting them, which had been provided by the steward Mr. Nies, who did ample justice to t'x occasion, which the members dulv' ac knowledged by doing great justice V it. The opening address was made by tii: president, Col. J. G. Martin, in which he reviewed the past of the club and held out flattering hopes of an equally bril liant future. Dr. Battle made a very humorous speech on the Brown-Sequard elixir, and said in conclusion : "As old age creeps upon us and the inevitable conclusion of life is at hand, then it is that we wish for that elixir to rejuven ate us and fill us with renewed life and vigor, but the Cosmopolitan Club needs no elixir of life. Old age makes it younger, and the assaults of time instead of weakening it arc converting the sturdy stripling into a stalwart vigor ous man, who needs no Brown-Sequard to retain his growth and strength, but will ever continue the same in defiance of old father Time nnd his famous Scythe." Sieeches were also made by Judge Moore, Major Breese and others, which abounded in happy allusions and witticisms. Between the speeches glees and college songs were sung by the Apollo Glee Club in a way which won them much applause. While solos by different members, and a duct by Messrs. S. C. Courtl'and and J. Wakefield Courtland, all contributed to make the evening a very delightful and enjoyable one to the members. PERSONAL MENTION. Rev. E. C. Bomar, of Spartanburg, S. C, is stopping at the Swannanoa. Pr. W. C. Millcnder, of Pigeon River, has registered at the Grand Central. Cnpt. E. Everett, an influential citizen of Bryson City, is at the Grand Central Mr. P. K. Phelps, who represents a large factory in Columbus, Ohio, has registered at the Swannanoa. Mr. Paul Johnson leaves this morning for his home in Henderson county, where he will spend the holidays. Among the guests at the Grand Central is Mr. F. M. McDonald, a northern capi talist, who is interested in the lumber in dustry at Bryson Wty. Mr. 0. G. Miller, of Lincoln, Nebraska, came from the West to visit his relatives 111 this city, among whom is Mr. S. H. Reed, our well known lawyer. He is at the Swannanoa. Mr. J. Frank Kicth.of Boonsville, Ark., left the Swannanoa yesterday, where he was stopping, in order to pay a visit to some relatives of his in Madison county. Among them is Mr. J. W. Ramsey, who owns a great deal of real estate in Mar shall and throughout the county. Capt. A. B. Fortune is at home for Christmas. He is engaged in the work on the line 1.0 connect the Carolina Cen tral, from Monroe, N. C, to Atlanta, Ga. The road is completed as far south as Chester, S. C, and the work of construc tion is going on rapidly south of that point. CHRISTMAS MENUS. SPLENDID DINNERS TO BE HAD TO-DAY. The Most Fastidious Epicure Can Surely Find Something Appetiz ing In the Following Bills of Fare to be Seryed In this City. Col. Steele has gotten up a very fine dinner to tickle the palates of the epi cures at Battery Park. The menu was printed by The Citizen Publishing Com pany, and is not o.,ly a very creditable, but a very superior piece of work. It is bound in ivorine, and on the cover is a beautifully executed winter scene, with the lines below, "May your Christmas be joyous and happy." We print the menu below to give our readers an ap petite for their turkey: Chesapeake Bay Oysters. Consomme Xavier. Potage, a la Brunswick, Baked Trout, Madeira Wine Sauce. Potatoes, Duchesse. Celery. Olives. Lettuce. Sweet Pickels. Boiled Ham, Champagne Sauce. Roast Turkey, Chestuut Dressing. Roust Beet. koast Young Pig, Apple Sauce. Cranberry Sauce. Guava Jelly. Currant Jelly. Broiled Oysters on Toast. Chicken Croquettes, a la Maitre d'Hotel. Lamb Chops, French Peas. Boston Cream Puffs. Bear. Venison. Wild Ducks. Asparagus. English Peas. Lima Beans. Candied Yams. Mashed Potatoes. Kice. Stewed Tomatoes. Mayonnaise of Shrimp. Chicken Salad. Italieuue Pudding, with Preserved Strawberries. Sliced Apple Pie. Miuce Pie. Black Mountain Cake. English Walnut Cake. Almond Macaroons. Golden Peaches, Frozen in Cream. 'rangi1 iliy Raisins. Gn lies. Bananas. Figs. - lixed Nuts. Ben;'1 " -vr Crackers. I'ineaf'e Ciif - Ei . Iict-.t jucfort CVese. Coffee The r mbei'. will als have Mr. Nil for a i cacics which &r i ville. telow v d. ill Tea. ae&ijinopoF -indu'i anli tiicr sti v i'.id, f duinv i and de,: i . obt hr If ''ll.e ntiu menu : Will" Raw Ovstrrs r Sb I eicry, i nv I'll tine o -nn J v viur Toast. ,0' toso Sherry. Vol ai. Ven " iMtimore Style. ,-4UlS. Hnul Km Fik BH-..-, Wed'Anchois. ' itato Croquettes. I tieci. . . . ix C iu. .oignons. 'rn Fritter . . litse. ' h.'teau Margeaux. Quail, i tspiiingut ' la::: mour. Sucklii'g rir. tiufledWith Chestnuts. Api'l Saom!. Turkey. C nnbeny "auce. Sweet Potatoes. Lettuce Sal. I. Champagne. Sweet?. Plum Puddii 3. Charlotte Russe. Mince Pie. Pumpkin Pie. . Nuts and Ra. tin- Roquefort Cheese. J ruus. Coffee. POOR COUNTERFEITING. Trying to Pass - One Dollar BUI for a Ten. Plum Levi is a shrewd old colored man and he doesn't intend to let any counter feiter get ahead of him. One of them did try it and was very badly left. His name was B. S. Downes and he was from Lincoln county. He went into Levi's store and purchased some cakes. A counterfeit silver dollar was offered in payment, but Plum recognized it at once as counterfeit and refused to take it. When he told the man that it was bad, he seemed much surprised and, taking the money, said he was going to find the man wbo had passed it on him. Plum followed him a short distance to see where he was going, but lost sight of him on the square. However, it seems that Jeff Davis, a colored man who brings in vegetables and fowls from the country and sells them here, was next approached by the swindler. Downes asked him to change a ten dollar bill, which was merely a one with the figure ten cut out of a Confederate ten dollar bill and pas ted over it. Jeff saw through his game and reported the case to officers Sams and Tenland, who were on Patton ave nue. They came back and found him still on the square, searching for a victim. He was arrested and taken to Powell & Snider's grocery store and searched. On his person was found a pistol, a counter feit nickel, a twenty and a ten dollar bill in Confederate money, two ones which had been changed into tens by the past ing process, and several Confederate bills with the figures cut out of them and a bottle of muscilage. He was taken before Bsauire Summcy, and in default of $1,- 000 bail was remanded to prison, where he will remain until his trial takes place at the next term of the Federal court. Kindergarten Christmas Tree. A Christmas tree is in preparation for the children of the Free Kindergarten. Any decorations from home Christmas trees will be much appreciated, and may be sent to Mrs. S. W. Battle, ot the Bat tery Park, before Friday afternoon. Rest for the Carmen. Superintendent Arthur has issued an order stopping all the street cars on to-morrow, (Thursday) from 2.30 until 3.30 p. m., in order to give the con ductors and motor men a short rest. Montana Legislature Adloorns. Helena, Mont., December 24. Both houses of the legislature have adjourned until December 27th without any new developments arising in the situation. A