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VOLUME XXVIII. McHENRY, ILLINOIS. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1903. NUMBER 32 (.ROUND HOG APPEARED HIS 8HADOW AND RETREAT- >£• ED TO WINTER QUARTERS. Weeks of Winter Yet to Come--Clouds Vil? Broke Monday antl Spring In Postponed --Weather Prophets. Prof. Groundhog was weather proph­ et Monday. The weather man did all his power to beep his successor from fleeing his shadow, knowing that six . »Veeks more of winter will be especially • &ard in view of the present coal short­ age, but it was no use, for the clouds broke and hopes of an early spring went - glimmering. Prof. Groandhog has all his family' at work in the weather prognosticat­ ing business, and the marmot family is a large one, it including all the wood- chucks and badgers and Alpine mar­ mots and prairie dogs in Europe. Every one of them is deathly afraid of his own shadow, for he knows that If he should see his own shadow on Candlemas day h«j will be forced to re­ treat to his hole and Btay there six Weeks. No one knows who appointed the inarmots to their position in the weath­ er bureau. The fact that the seeing of his shadow by a badger on February 2 meant a.continuation of severe weather became known in Germany in the sec- . ond century of Christianity. Germans etill have their old saying that "The shepherd would rather see the wolf en­ ter his stable on Candlemas day than the sun." When fbe Europeans came to Amer­ ica they found mnrmots--several kinds --but they could not decide which should be the weather prophet on Can­ dlemas day. In the east the settlers by common consent gave the honor to the Common woodchuck or ground hog. Others chose the badger or prairie dog, and, until they were classified, the set­ tlers called them all groundhogs. Once upon a time the Nebraska legis­ lature came near passing a bill making Groundhog day a legal holiday, says the Waukegan Gazette, but the mem­ ber who introduced the bill found out gust in time that the bill *as draws by a practical joker. TOWN CAUCUSES. Mast Be Held Mot Later than Saturday, / M«roh 81. INTERESTING PARAGRAPHS. On or before March 21 caucuses must be held in the various towns of McHen­ ry county to place innomination officers for the township offices. All nomina­ tions must be made and petitions filed fifteen days prior to the day of election, which falls on April 7 this year, thus making Saturday, March 21, the last day of grace. The caucus in McHenry is usually held on the Saturday nearest the fifteen day limit. There are five offices to be filled, super­ visor, town clerk, highway commission­ er, collector and assessor. For super­ visor ' and collector there are avowed ' candidates, while it is not likely that the other offices will have to go beg­ ging. Those who intend to seek an office can fltid no surer or more effective way of letting the people know what they want than by inserting their announce­ ment in the local paper, which circu­ lates extensively throughout the com­ munity. In this way the people will know who the candidates are and the office for which each is an aspirant, and at the same time have an opportunity of judging of the merits of the candi­ dates. The. early bird catches the worm. _ "G" 8tai«.ls for Gimlet. A young fellow, who had sawed and planed for a short time with a local car­ penter, got the idea into his cranium that be ought to have pinned to his vest some badge to distinguish him from those who had not served time at the trade. He dropped into Nic. Hneuiann's the other day, and after looking at some fraternity pins asked: "How much is this one with the square and compass on?" pointing to a very pretty Masonic emblem. "About five dollars," said Mr. Hueiuann. "You haven't got one with a nice hand saw on, have you? I'm just going out as a Carpenter and jiner an' I d like to have something to wear so people would know what I'm doin'. I'll take it. though I'd like to have one with a hand saw, but I guess this one's plain enough. The compass is to mark out our work and the square is to measure it out and every gol darned fool knows that "G" stands for gimlet. \ A Buffalo Dance. ' v There was a warm buffalo dance at the central telephone office . this morn­ ing at four o'clock which was probably more ludicrous thafi-modest. since the only participant in the affair (and his nauie is Bnffalo) was prancing about the office and out on the side walk in his much abbreviated night shirt. It is well known that "Buff" is a warm member, but this morning he actually scorched--his bed clothing caught fire and there was a wild scramble for a snowbank. "We would advise "Buff" to hereafter sleep on a cake of ice. It is an actual fact that he was awakened this morning and foond the quilts and sheets on fire, but by quick movements he prevented a conflagration. The "Benedict Club" will enjoy a masquerade social at Stoffel's hall Fri- | day evening, February 18, iuvitaUyujs baring been iesne& Items Concerning Locai^ Aflkln Picked (T#- by the War. New Ada This Week. M. L. Worts. W. C. Evanson. S. S. Chapell. Gilbert Bros. M. J. Walsh. F. A. Bohlander. El*lu Batter Market. Butter ruled firm at 25 cents on the board of trade. The offerings were but 1,500 pouuds. The market was mad* as above by 'the price committee. The week's sales amounted to 505,400 pounds. Valentines! Valentinest Make your feet glad--Osmun Bros. Machine oil ^nd gasoline. Osmun Bros. Don't buy. vqlentines until you have seen Petesch's. Yes, you can get the best value in dry goods, clothing and woolens at Osmun Bros. Jos. Heimer will give a dan^e in the McHenry house hall on Monday evein- iug, Feb. 28. A daughter was borti to Mr. and Mrs. Ray O. Lainphere last Saturday, but the little one only lived a few hours. The Ladies' Aid Society will meet with Mrs. S. W. Lauck at the M. E. parsonage Friday afternoon at two o'clock. Read the ads this week on every page. Several are quoting prices that should induce purchasers to think twice before going to other towns. Chris Schmidt has taken the contract for plumbing N. J. Juhten's new house on Waukegan St. and during the recent mild weather has been piping the house. The large maple trees about Mrs. M. A. Searles' residence and millinery store on Elm street haye been trimmed, mak­ ing a great improvement in the appear­ ance of the corner. 1 The room; ovejr the vestibule at the M.E. church, which has been waste space except for storage room, is being lathed and plastered and will be nsed by the young men of the church as a class room. On Monday John Claxton shipped to the Chicago market seventy-five fine hogs and nineteen head of cattle, all of his own raising. It was a good bunch of stock and brought Mr. Claxton his just reward in coin. Does the village of McHenry possess such a thing as a snow plow? If so, why is it that snow drifts are allowed to remain on s'de walks in front of va­ cant lots? In many places the walks are simply impassable. One of the old-style snow storms struck McHenry Tuesday and would have made good sleighing had the roads been in good condition. The sudden cold weather, however, after the week's thaw left them as rough as a mountain path. The McHenry County Fair executive committee and officers of the ladies' de­ partment met at Woodstock Tuesday to formulate plans. It is now quite certain that a women's bnilding will be erected at the fair grounds before the fair opens next season. Agent Buss assures us that there is little doubt about a new depot being built bepe this spring. The foreman of the building department was in McHen­ ry last week and stated that all prepara­ tions are being made to commence the work. So be it. You could pAtronize department stores and mail order houses all your life and never find better bargains in honest goods than S. S. Chapell is offering this week. Large quantities of winter goods are actually being offered at 75 cents on the $1.00 Read his ad on the last page then go and see the goods. Mathias Weber., the carpenter, has purchased of Ed. Knox the old building and corner lot opposite the south-east corner of the park. Hie has not decided yet what he will do with the property. If there is any good lteft in it he will convert it into a dwelling or if it is be yond repair he may tear it down and erect a new cottage in its place. Posters have been issued announcing the danoe to be given at Stoffel's hall Saturday evening. Feb 14. Through a misunderstanding Brnbaker's orchestra was advertised in Itbe poster instead of Schaefer's harp orchestra of this vil lage, which will furnish the music. The latter orchestra is gaining in pop­ ularity and will no doubt give entire satisfaction. The government crop report says of Illinois:, Temperature above seasonal average and precipitation well distrib uted; snowfall in the north and central districts afforded good covering for wheat., the general condition of which is excellent: in the southern district the crop has been slightly injured by alter­ nate freezing and thawing. When returning from Nunda Tues­ day afternoon with a load of empty cases and kegs for the McHenry Brewery Henry Meyers was thrown from the wagon and badly bruised, but no bones were broken as was at first supposed. The team became unmanageable and ran away, scattering the load of empties along the road. At this writing the wagon has not been located and the ex­ tent of damages in that direction is not known. Henry caught the horses and was assisted in reaching McHenry by ; Peter Doherty. On# the a wi ma If was Injured somewhat, OF A PERSONAL NATURE. PEOPLE THAT YOU KNOW AND PEOPLE THAT WE KNOW. A Weekly BQjdget of Personal Matters Picked Up Here and There hy' The Plaindealer Scribe. Pl.AfNDEAl.Kn ITKM BOXSS. For the con venience of contributors to the personal columns, item boxes have been placed In the West McHenry post office and near The Plaindealer door. If you know of any item of news drop a note in one of the LOOKING BACKWARD. box»is with your mime signed mid accept our i in noon of each week thanks Items must be Tn before Wednesday Rev. S. W. Lanck was a Chicago vis­ itor Tuesday. Mrs. Spaulding has been seriously ill the past week. E. C. Joslyn was a passenger for Elgin Sunday evening. Erank Ward and wife spent Sunday with Elgin friends. Rev. M. W. Barth transacted business in Chicago yesterday. Dick Laughlin, of Richmond, visited relatives here Monday. Mr. Fry, of Nunda, called on McHen­ ry friends on Saturday last. Mike Thelen came out from Chicago last night for a few days' visit H C. Mead transacted business at Nunda and Woodstock Monday. Mrs. D. G. Nellie visited with friends in Chicago Saturday and Sunday. R. R. Howard, of Elgin, spent Sunday with McHenry relatives and friends. Mrs. Sayler Smith and Mrs. N. H Pike were Chicago passengers Tuesday. L. E. Traver was given his first de­ gree in Masonry last Monday evening. Jake Justen and sister, Margaret, vis­ ited friends at Ingleside last Thursday. Geo. Bradly, of Algonquin, was a Sunday guest at the home of J. P. Smith. Mrs. C. A. Knight, of Chicago, is vis­ iting her parents. Dr. and Mrs. H. T. Brown. Miss Alice Waite visited Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Kimball, of Nunda, a few days last week. Jos. Heimer and Peter J. Freund transacted business in the windy city Saturday. Miss Mary Engeln has, gone to Ke­ nosha, Wis., where she has secured em­ ployment. Ferdinand Frett was out from Chica­ go Sunday and was accompanied back by his brother, Chas. John H. Miller and daughters, Clara and Lizzie, and his sister, Lizzie, were Elgin callers last Saturday. Misses Lizzie and Belle Howe, of Woodstock, were guests at the * home of Mr. aud Mrs. E. W. Howe a few days this week. Miss Lizzie Weber, who has been working for Geo. Richards in the hotel a« Kirkland, is here this week visiting home folks. Messrs. Hoefler, Tryon, Wooster and Curry, of Woodstock, were in McHenry Sunday evening. It begins to look pretty serious--for some fellows. Mrs. Paul Brown, of Glencoe, a guest at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Owen, Monday, it being Mrs. Owen's birthday anniver­ sary. Mrs. W.A. Cristy left last Friday for California where she will join her moth er, Mrs. Walker, of Lake Geneva. They will probably spend the balance of the winter there. F. W. Hatch, of Spring Grove, one of McHenry county's most successful farm­ ers, was in McHenry Monday. Mr. Hatch is a firm believer in the possibil ities and benefits of the agricultural colleges and gives the work not a little of his time. L. E. Traver, local manager for the Chicago Telephone Co., and H. C. Duf fy, collector for the same company, were in Woodstock last Thursday even­ ing. It beats all, the number of tripe those two gentlemen make in the inter est of their company, and at night, too. The Buffalo Bottling Works. M. L. Worts, proprietor of the Bnffalo House at Lily Lake, is now manufact­ uring a fine quality of pop and is also bottling the Buffalo mineral water in the form of high grade beverages. Mr. Worts has submitted samples of the water to expert chemists for examina­ tion and they find that it is the most effective of the natural medicinal waters, being invaluable to people suffering with gout. Bright's disease, appendicitis and all renal complications. Mr. Worts has already worked np quite a business and he has the best wishes of The Plain dealer for continued success. Target Shoot at Ben Hilling's. Ben Stilling announces a target shoot to take place at bis popular resort on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7 and 8, be­ ginning at ten o'clock each day. Sportsmen from a distance will find all hotel accommodations at the lake at reasonable rates. Ben always gives his guests a good time and he will spare no pains to make the coming event a pleas­ ant one. Events will be arranged for second class sportsmen Sunday. Entry fees are as follows: Ten birds, $1.u0; 13 birds, $1.25; 15 birds, $1.50; 20 birds, $2.00. Six shooters or under, three moneys; over six shooters, four moneys. Solid for Wright. The Boone county Republican central committee held a meeting Friday after­ noon of last week and paid attorney Robt. W. Wright the oompliment of permitting him to select delegates of his own choosing to the tion. Items Published In »The Plaindealer a Quarter of a Century Ago. Week of February 5, 1878. Number of pupils enrolled in public school during month of January, 141. Farmers are being swindled through­ out the country by a wire fence shark. Dr. C. W. Cox, dentist, who was lo­ cated in the Parker house moved to Richmond. Ora C. Colby returned from Missouri to make McHenry his permanent home, having rented the Hinton Wheeler house. H. N. Holmes testifies in the Plain- dealer that he was cured of rheumatism after Dr. Samuel Sherman had given him treatment with his electric battery. C. T. Eldredge is doing a lively busi­ ness in the poultry line, dressing and shipping an average of 1000 pounds per day. He keeps a number of men em­ ployed. The McHenry Cornet band is again practicing one evening a week, and show an improvement seldom found in a band of its age and practice. With practioe it will be the beat in the North­ west The Greenback club of McHenry met at the Riverside hall and dabted the following resolution: "Resolyed, That our government should at once prooeed to honor the greenback currency of our country by establishing it as a legal tender for all debts and demands, in­ cluding bonds both public and private, and return to the people the money taken from them and converted into an interest bearing debt" The Literary society debated the fol­ lowing question: "Resolved, That a man is justified in obeying the law of his country, which he feels is morally wrong." Affirmative: M. Kelter, J. Fitz Simmons, F. K. Granger, Nega­ tive: H. G. Mead, O. N. Owen, George Gage.- "*8UB8TANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. THEY SELECT DELECATE8 M'HENRY COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE. CONSOLIDATE 8CHOOL8. Movement on Foot to Have La* P--ed by Legislature. Gilbert Bros. Will Soon Have a Model Grocery More. Gilbert Bros, will soon have one of the most complete grocery stores in Mc­ Henry county, repairs now being made with that end in view, E. W. Howe hav­ ing taken the contract. The solid brick partition which separates the two stores is being removed thus giving a wide and commodious room with plenty of floor space and shelf room in which to dis­ play their stock of goods. They will add to their present large line of fancy and staple goods and intend to make a specialty of fruits. Jay assures ns that there will be uothing equal to bis estab­ lishment in the exclusive grocery busi­ ness outside the large cities. A COCKING MAIN. Hvent at Fox Lake Which Old Mot Mater­ ialise--She riff There. Last Saturday Sheriff Powell and State's Attorney Telcott of Lake County were given a tip which resulted in the disappointment of several sportsmen. The tip was in the form of the following communication by mail: "There will be a cock fight at Mnehrcke's Hotel, Sunday, February 1, 1908, at Fox Lake, 111., between Chicago, Elgin, Dundee. McHenry and Antioch, commencing at 12 o'clock, noon, lasting- until Monday morning." Officers were on hand and the fowls did not appear. Back from Mexlfco. F. C. Colby, of Chicago, was the guest of John I. Story last Friday, haying just returned from Mexico, where he has been spending the past few weeks in company with Chas. Chase, of Lake Ge­ neva. Both these gentlemen are enthus­ iastic in their descriptions of the beauti­ ful scenery and unlimited agricultural resources of the country. They are both interested in the large plantation which is being developed there by Illinois men and are more than pleased with the prospects. Mr. Colby brought back with him a few samples of crude robber and coffee, raised on the plantation, which the writer inspected. 'We know nothing about the rubber in the rough, but it appeared to be a superior quality. No one ever saw better looking coffee or a more perfect berry. John L Story is also interested in this company and may soon take a trip to Mexico. Auction Season at Band. The time approaches when many farmers will change locations. During the month of February there are many sales. One of the most important things to consider in the advertising. The Plaindealer turns out attractive auction bills either on paper or tough card board that can be read withe ut the aid of glasses, at moderate prioee We also publish the entire bill in The Plaindeal­ er free of charge. If you contemplate selling your stock call at this office and let us help you get up an attractive and well worded bill. , Sit l>own and Thiak It Over. Advertising space in the Plaindealer is the most valuable aid at your dispos­ al in reaching the people of McHenry and vicinity. The Plaindealer goes into their homes and is read weekly by just the people whom it will pay yon to reach. Besides, they rely on it to tell them of the best opportuaitiee and places to make their purchases. Mothers can safely give Foley's Hon­ ey and Tar to their children for coughs and col'.te, for it contains no opiates or other poisons. Sold by N. H. Delegates tethe Judicial Convention to be Held at Rockford are Instructed to Vote for*Hon. C. H. Donnelly. At a meeting of the McHenry County Republican Central Committee held at the court house in Woodstock, Illinois on Saturday, January 31, 1908 at 11 o'clock a. m. pursuant to call of Chair­ men Hoy, the following proceedings were had: Each town in the connty was repre­ sented by its committeeman or a duly constituted proxy, with the exception of the town of Seneca. Chairman Hoy presided and stated that the object of the meeting was for the purpose of arranging for the select­ ion of delegates (either by calling a oonnty convention or their selection by the county committee) to the Judicial Convention to be held at Rockford, Illi­ nois on February 14,1908, Members of the committee then dis­ cussed the proposition as to whether the delegates shonld be selected by the committee or by a convention consisting of delegates selected at the primaries. Committeeman Shurtleff of Marengo opposed the calling of a convention and presented a petition signed by numerous citizens of Marengo, requesting that no convention be held, and moyed that the county committee proceed to select seventeen delegates, to which McHenry county was entitled in the Judicial Con­ vention, which motion was seconded. The question was then discussed at some length by several committeemen and after the discussion was ended, the motion was put to the chair. Sixteen votes were cast in the affirmative and the chairman declared the motion un­ animously carried. Moved and seconded that'a committee of three be appointed by the chair to select and present to the committee the names of seventeen delegates to the Judicial Convention, and that the dele­ gation when selected be instructed to vote for and use all honorable means to secure the re-nomination of the Hon. C. H. Donnelly ae one of the three circuit judges for this 17th Judicial Circuit, and that said delegation vote upon all ques­ tions coming before the Judicial Con vention as a majority of the delegates may determine; the vote to be cast by the chairman of the delegation, and that the delegation be authorized to fill all vacancies or to cast the full vote of the delegation. Upon roll aall the motion was carried by a vote of fifteen to one; Committee­ man Long voting in the negative. Motion made, seconded and carried that the committee take a recess until one p. m. to receiye the report of the oommittee on delegates. At one p. m. the committee was again called to order and the committee ap pointed to select delegates reported that they had selected the following named persons as delegates to the Judicial Con­ vention, to-wit: E. D. Shurtleff, J. M. Marks. G. W. Field, D. T. Smiley, C. S. Northrup, B. F. Manley, F. K. Granger, L. D. Lo­ well, Jr., E. H. Waite, G. W. Eldredge, O. M. Hale, L. M. LilKbridge, C. S. Robb, E S. Smith, Paul Gates, C. J. Hendricks, C. W. Wandrack. Moved and seconded that the report of the committee on delegates be adopted, and the gentlemen named therein be the delegation for McHenry county to the Republican Judicial Con­ vention for the 17th Judicial Circuit, to be held at Rockford, February 14: 1908= Committeeman Long then asked the privilege of explaining his vote on the resolution previously adopted by the committee instructing the delegation for Judge Donnelly, and stated that the reason he voted as he dii upon the re­ solution was that he felt it would be a reflection upon the integrity of the men who had been selected as delegates; that they were friends of Judge Donnelly, and would without instruction do all they could to secure his nomination, and carry out the wishes of the man in whose interest they were chosen, with­ out being instructed. There being no farther business before the committee, it was moved and sec onded that the committee adjourn, which motion prevailed. L. T. HOY, Chairman. M F. WALSH, Sec'y. Water Pipe Bursts. ( The water pipe leading from the main in Main street to the Ostrander building burst last Friday night and before the water oould be shut off at the stand pipe the street was flooded. People who are using city water were compelled to go to the neighbors' pumps Saturday morn­ ing. The break was mended by nine o'clock, however, and the water turned on again. The earth under the pipe had settled and naturally the weight on top was more than the lead pipe oould hold up. Mn. Mike Cronln Breaks Arm. While carrying an armful of wood into the house yesterday afternoon Mrs. Mike Cronin fell and broke her left arm. She went to Dr. Wells' ofloe when the fracture was reduced. EXCHANGE GLEANINGS. The Illinois Association of Agricul­ tural editors is engaged in an effort to have a law passed by the legislature permitting country school districts to consolidate and to transport pupils to and from the schools at public expense. The plan is in successful operation in several states, and, when tried, has very greatly improved the rural schools, has enlarged the opportunities of rural school children and has not greatly in­ creased the expense of maintaining those schools. The law proposed is not to be mandatory but permissive, and simply means "home rule" for the country dis­ tricts. The schools are becoming smatt. Many schools in Illinois enroll fewer than five children, and very many enroll fewer than ten. A small school is usually a wtoak one because it lacks interest, im­ portance and inspiration that attaches to a larger school. A small school is an expensive school because of the high cost per pupil. To reduce expenses cheap and indifferent teachers are often employed. The agitators of the new movement think that consolidation is the remedy and name the following ad­ vantages: 1. Tne better health of the children. No more wet feet and damp clothing. 2. Punctuality and regularity of at­ tendance. Reports from other states indicate an improvement of from fif­ teen to thirty-five per cent Irregular attendance is now probably the great­ est obstacle to successful work in rural schools. 8. Fewer schools to build. They will be better cared for, better heated and ventilated, better provided with li­ braries and apparatus, and more beau­ tiful in appearance. 4. The consolidated school brings high school privileges to alL 5. It gives opportunity for closer and more effective supervision. 6. The larger number of Children and regular attendance will make das? ification practicable. There will be a noticeable increase in interest and en­ thusiasm. 7. There will be fewer teachers need ed. Directors will think it worth while to demand thorough professional preparation and pay an adequate sal­ ary. 8. Membership in the school board will become an office of greater dignity and honor. The best men in the con­ solidated districts will be chosen and will give the school a larger share of their time and attention. 9. The consolidated school is general­ ly less expensive. The saving of teach­ er's wages is usually more than enough to pay all expenses of trapsportation. 10. School consolidation will co-oper­ ate with rural mail delivery to empha­ size the need of better roads, and end the isolation of farm life. On this subject State Superintendent of schools for Illinois, Alfred Baylies, says of conditions in this state: "There are 1,278 unsanitary or other­ wise unfit school houses, more than 4,000 district schools without libraries, more than 400 schools with fewer than ten pupils, many schools with fewer than five pupils, and nearly 300 districts in which it is impossible to maintain a free school six months each year, as re­ quired by law, within the present limit of taxation. Climatic conditions dur­ ing many weeks in the year, and the distance of many of the homes from the school, greatly diminish the regularity of attendance and expose the health of the young children, so that while 47 per cent of all the teachers are employed in the country schools, but 26 per cent of tbe school attendance is in these schools, aad the average number of days a coun­ try child attends school is but 89, as against 148 in the cities and towns." Here is food for thought and eyery person shonld take an interest in the new movement if convinced that con­ solidation is a good thing. 8AND8 WILL PAY IN FULL. HAPPENING8 IN M'HENRY ADJACENT COUNTIE8. AND He Send* Word that His Creditors Will Get Their Money. Foley's Honey and Tar is best for croup and whooping cough, contains no opiates, and cures quickly. Careful mothers keep it in the house. Sold by N. H. Petesch. Peteech's White Pine Cough Syrup. i:><; ' A.,- Creditors of the Elgin Creamery Co., have received word from Obadiah Sands that they will be paid in full if they will give him time. The receivers will pay 40 per cent, Now Mr. Sands proposes to pay the other 60 per cent in six installments, to be paid on the paydays at the factories, beginning after the receivers have paid the 40 per ce>»t He proposes, to farmers having made contracts elsewhere that at the expira­ tion of those contracts if they will come back to him he will follow out the same plan with them. School Notes. There are forty-two pupils enrolled in the fourth room. Robt. Aylward is absent from school on account of sickness. Hellen Raymond has been absent from school on account of sicknees. There were fourteen abeent from the Primary room Tuesday on aooount of the snow storm. The basket ball and baskets are here and it will not be very long until the pupils of the high school have organ­ ized a team and enjoying the game. The Plaindealer is adding new names to its list every day. Is your aane< op^ the roll of honor? Ddnt borrow. A MleeetbUieou* Assortment mf IfcaNtf Items In Condensed Form For CaaveaK lence of Basy People. - Cornell Bros, of Elgin will soon erect a milk condensing and bottling faetnif at Lake Geneva. Gazette: If some of the people who are spending the greater part of their time howling ^that •Richmond has re­ ceived her death blow, were oaly in the same fix, Richmond will have loat noth­ ing. A gasoline pressure lamp exploded,; In Richardson's drug store at Marengo" last Monday evening, shattering the. plate glass window and causing consid­ erable damage by fire. The report of the explosion was heard blocks away. Richmond Gazette: If one can judge from appearances, Superintendent of schools, G. W. Conn, Jr.. is doing some good work along the line of education, and we are willing to put him up against any county superintendent in the stale when it comes to ability and "get there." Gazette: J. A. Nash, has decided to leave Richmond on account of his in­ ability to secure a suitable place -in which to continue his business bofore the middle of the summer, and has pur­ chased an undertaking and furniture business at Hinkley, 111., to takepassss sion March 15 or before. Sentinel: The Oliver Typewriter OoT are gradually increasing the output of their factory in this city. Supt. Whit- worth was in Chicago a 'few days ago and purchased about $10,000 worth of new machinery to be placed in the WOTAS here, and they expect soon to be manufacturing seventy-five type-writ* ers per day. The beet sugar factory of the Wiscon­ sin Sugar Co. has closed the season with an output of 7,000,000 pounds of sugar as against 5,762,000 for last year. &. G. Wagner, president of the oompany, expects to increase the acreage of beets planted this year to such an extent that the factory will have material to work on until the middle of February. Con­ tracts have been closed with for 5,000 acres of the sugar roots. Harvard Independent: The authori­ ties at Genoa Jc. arrested a gang of drunken ice men from Twin Lakes Wednesday and lodged them in jail. That night the men tore the jail to pieces and made their escape. Several were apprehended the following d*J and taken to the county jail at Elkhorn. They will probably find that breaking out of the steel cages at the county jail is a somewhat different proposition that which they went against at Jc. Richmond Gasette: VThe story cornea from Raymond, a village in Racine county, Wisconsin, that sixteen-year old Tony Barth, who was working about a circular saw, met instant death in a pe­ culiar manner. A flying piece of the saw, which broke while running at high speed, struck the boy in the stomach, passed through the body and buried it­ self in a post. Another piece cut hia arm off at the elbow. Several other ~ men were working at the saw, but all escaped injury. , Harvard Herald: People have nooon ception of the enormous amount of coal used in the railway service, for if they had they might understand why soft coal is so high in price. During tha months of September, October, Novem­ ber and December, 1902, there were ia,- 665 tons of soft coal used in supplying railway engines here, and there were over 1,100 engines coaled here in Decem­ ber, while for September, October and November there were an average of about 1,000 engines coaled each month. From these figures it can be estimated that fully 25,000 tons of soft coal are annually needed to supply railway en-. gines at Harvard. . DISCREDIT ELGIN BOARD. K. Purcell of Butter aad Kg Tells What he Thinks. Elgin Courier: There is a persistent effort in Chicago to discredit the reigiw board of trade. T. E. Purcell of" the Buiter and Egg board goes on record an maliciously saying: . "Any housewife in Chicago who pays more than 28 cents a pound for thn fiawit butter made can rest assured that her grocer iB either robbing her or does not know his business. Many unscrupulous retail dealers are taking advantage of a fraudulent market to defraud their own customers. Tbe public shonld know that a retail price of anywhera from 88 to 85 cents, as is being charged all over the city, is rank robbery. 1% should know also that the Elgin batter market is a fraud and a myth except for purposes of nubbery. No butter is soM on the Elgiflt board. All the Elgin board does is to fix as high a price as it dares for butter it boys on South Water street, stamps with an "Elgin" mark and sella again." Purcell compared the price of fancy butter in Chicago, 24 cents, aad in New York, 85 cents, witL the Blftn price 26 cents. He said also that tt cents a dosen would buy the finest egga wholesale on Water street. 4 Members of C. O. F. Ctmrt will give a card: party and basket soaial at the city hall Wedneedav evening Vtb.ll. All ootdiallj invited, v