Ambler Gazette

              The Ambler Gazette.
VOL.  XVII.-NO.  4.
AMBLER,  PA.,  JANUARY  5,   1899.
$1.25  A  YEAR
NORRISTOWN   LETTER.
The Pardon of Uhelleaberger—Sentence
Too Severw-^OW Friend**" Old Friend—
Doubtful Things Uncertain— The Canens
Defended—Justin  S. Morrill.
Xorristown, Dec- SI.
I was very muoh please.! with your
timely and sensible etlitori il of the _lith
inst. relating and properly, yet a judiciously, comment ing on the sentence and
pardon of J. Monroe Shellenberger,
formerly of the Doylestown bar, and
I agree with you thu the sentence was
too severe and that lite pardon waa
timely. Mercy is the highest attribute
of justice. Judge Yerkes, of Bucks, is
considered by all of the best lawyers af
the state as an excellent judicial officer,
and when he pronounced the sentence
Of imprisonment for 22 years he must
have had ia view tbe signification of
the ring of the promulgation at the
time as a warning to others, and the
prospective shortening of ate duration
of tlie term after als cr eight years of
faithful service and obedience of the
unfortunate prisoner. I -guess the judge
expected the pardon to route aa it did.
The death of Howard J. Reeder, of
Easton, removes a very agreeable judge
from the superior court and a pleasant
gentleman from   society   in this   state.
I haw known him many years, and
sincerely regret bis demise at the early
age ot .-_». Hi. father was one of the
Democrats of the Buchanan school, but
after hie appointment to the office of
governor of the territory of Kansas he
quarreled with the administration and
afterwards became a Republican. The
sons, Howard, who has iust died, and
Frank, have been in line witb the Republicans since the opetiiiing of the war
of 1861. These sons liial it -heir elements
of strength and seemed _o be favorites
With the -powers mat be, without any
reason except tbat they oould captivate,
and all cither thing! being equal, good
manners tarn the scale.
Another old friend of _ai_ic, much older in j*__rs than Judge Reeder and
much n__ie conspicuous in honors, was
old (tovetaror John P. Con_ran, of Mid-
dletowu, Delaware, wbo has just passed
away. I knew tbe family well. Hia
granddaughter, Miss Marion Cochran,
daughter of Win. R., went to boarding
school witlli itny daughter, mow Mrs. J.
Sherborne ■finger, at Brooke Hall, In
Media, IV-ransylvHiiia. He was a gentleman of the past generation, __d reared
a notable family, aa well _s -built for
himself am enviable reputation for
statesmanship and most eoiijatun-ial companionship, a pulchritude of .personality
wbioh clans; to him through hia long
and honorable career. I can -see him
now-, sitting -on his porch, atmong the
farms that flam ished under hieibaroninl
jurisdiction, and I reflect with -peculiar
pleasure over the recollection of .he baskets of peaches which his son jund his
son's daughter -contributed to the happiness of my daughter and our t_imily,
after the school days of these ehiiildren
were ended and tbat generation had to
separate for other stations in life Tbe
('ochrans were a delightful class, like
that to which Bayard belonged, and
they are friends eo free from afl erta-
tton and so full of hospitality, refined,
cultured and generous, the pride, glory
and respect of the best people in the
atate of Delaware.
It is a maxim among old lawyers that
no case is ever gained until you get
tli rough and get the, money; ana Force,
who sued Dr. Scholl for damages and got
a big verdict, has just had this saying
verified bv the court this week ordering
a new trial after setting the verdict
aside. Now it has to be tried over
again. The judges are of opinion tbat
the verdict was excessive. Doubtful
things are very uncertain! I presume
that the opinion filed by Judge Weand
puts it upon tbe ground that one of the
jurors during the trial consulted his
family physician and examined a medical work on the subject of negligence or
ignorance on the part of Dr.Scholl, without the consent of the parties or knowledge of the court. This certainly was
a valid reason for granting a new trial,
for the jurors cannot go outside to get
evidence, but. must be governed bv the
evidence offered under oath or affirmation at the trial in open "ourt. Mr.
Force will have to go all over his e_se
again just because this juror did net
adhere to the plain rules of law. I will
recur to this case in tbe future when I
complete my ''Curiosities of Some Law
Suits in this Slate," which   I have   in
II reparation.
A lawyer remarked when Ambrose
Dettra died, ana it was reported that he
had a large insurance, some hundred
thousand dollars or more, on bis life:
"Yet he will never get a cent of it."
An unsophisticated student said, "Why,
bow is that?" Tbe answer was very
plain. No man gets the money ou his
own lite insurance; it goes to those
wbo have not died,not to the deceased.
But it js. nevertheless true that a young
man can insure his life on the 10 or 15
year plan and realize while he lives.
Our new legislature will assmble on
Tuesday, and then will commence the
scramble for office and place. All of a
sudden certain newspapers are advocating no caucus; and the most inexplica
ble part is that tbese wbo are crying no
caucus were the first to bold a caucus.
In every legislative body tbere must
be preliminary meetings and arrangements, so as to make good selections for
officers and for chairmen et the many
committees. In tills way the interests
of the manufacturers, farmers and all
business men are best subserved. It
would be folly to go into tbe legislature
pell mall; there must be discussion of
tbe merits of the man suggested for or
demanding office—especially for the
office of speaker, or for resident or
chief clerk, or for United States senator.
The death of Justin 8. Morrill, of
Vermont, makes a vacancy in tiie United States senate that will be hard to fill
with a senator wbo will have the
weight that Morrill had for the last SO
years or more. In all hia long career in
senate and house, commencing in 1866,
Morrill was one in whom the Republicans had implicit and unflinchingcq-*^
dence. Morrill was truly tne moral man
of the senate jj*) .£-.austere as Sumner,
nor as sociable ajs Simon  Cameron, hoti
a man of sterling worth and steady as a
fixed star. The Green Mountain state
will search in vain for his equal as a
national representative, and perhaps no
state in tbe I'niou will present his superior, taking the whole make-up of th"
man Morrill wbo has inst passed away.
Our legislature will elect a senator
about the 17th of January, 1890, and if
they don't wrangle too much Will send
a Republican,as they ougbt. The sentiment ot the state ia pre-eminently Republican and demands a Republican
senator, and the administration requires
it for moral, political and interna
tional support.
The terrible incendiary fires among
the farmers will require vigilance corn-
mi ttes to be organized in every township to avert the imminent destruction
of life ana p*onerty-*patrols will have
to be established in every school district.
The large barns oil the Henderson
and Moore farms is Upper Merion
township have just been burned, wit!
the cruel destruction of manv -cows and
other ani—utls. This subject requires
serious attention and decisive action.
Tbe insurance companies ought to aid
in the movement. Fire cono-panies are
powerless to extinguish Hires in tbe
farming districts. Our pioneers in the
set lenient of this country curried their
rifles wdith them in the field and even
into their meeting houses fen protection
from (depredations and inrmirsions from
foreign and domestic foes.; and the
fanue-rs must learn from itdi-is example
bow to defend their homes in tbis desperate .age of vandalism.
Friday, Dee. SO, 1808, wiill be ever
memorable in the annals *tf Norristown
for being a hot day, and for the sliding
ami falling of horses upon the streets,
which were covered with 'dampness and
slime, induced by the unseasonable
wttu-ber. Our Main straat is in a con-
ditann too dangerous to drive horses
upon, -owing to the stone .pavement and
the-declivity from the middle and the
sides <«_T the old highway. Ti.e electric
cars -can proceed along with safety.
Let ithe people of Amble note this ob-
ser***ur_on, if thev have _nv objections
to the .electric cars.     OLD FRIEND.
A SHORT SESSION.
i per night to help pay tne cost of   lighting and that tbe high constable keep  a
•  iu] record of the number of nights the band
Fund   oeea the room.
foe following bills were ordered paid"]
fieo. Herrman, stone...............................
Daniel Dowlin. street commissioner	
James R. Stevens	
Wm. L. Deary, cinders and cartln_	
Thomas K. Gillin, surveying i
Davis A: Thomas, grading	
John McClean, ttone ...I
J. M. Haywood, adv. and printing	
Ambler Spring Water Co	
"     Electric Light. Heat A Motor Co..
David Knipe, lumber	
First National hank. Ambler, box rent..
Michael J. Kelly, sharpening	
-ukiikiIhIc
(neamge Ravior, Jr., and wife, of
Philadelphia, spent the holidays here
as the {guests of George Ravior and
family.
Tbe IR. D. social club of -this place
has disbanded.
Misses Louise and Elisabeth Arnholt,
of Philadelphia, and Miss Sydney Arnholt, Ot Slew York, were visitors to our
town «_n Tuesday last, callim*-* on* Mr.
ShoettJe amid family.
Edward Drew, of Oak Lane,,-will conduct tbe prayer meeting at the Oreland
Baptist* jefouiu'ch.on Thursday night.
The public road that the eonint granted some iii—te ago is now being; .opened
by the supervisor, and will be ready
for travel within a few days.
Miss ___ta_u.ii Keller, after spending the
past week ait, Hamburg, l'a., reteirned
home on M«___ay last.
Rev. John Martin, pastor of the M.
_.• church, this place, will occupy the
pulpit at the Oreland Baptist church on
Sunday morning.
Twentieth Wedding Auulver__r_.
Mr. and Mr. John H. Matz, of Floor-
town, celebrated the 20th  anniversary
of their marriage on Christmas  Monday, Dec. 20.    Tlie near relatives and |
friends assembled to the number of 42
or more, and a  very   happy  dav and
evening was enjoyed by all.   A feature
of the occasion waa a guessing  contest,
the object being to  guess  how  many
seeds a  certain   pumokin   contained.
Mr. James Mat/., having guessed   nearest to the correct number, reoeived the i
first prise, and Master Walter Mats re-1
ceived the   booby   prize for   the  guess
farthest from tbe correct number.
Among those present were Mr. George,
Matz, of Flourtown; Miss Sarah   Mat',
of Flourtown; Mr. and Mra. David Matz,
Misses Gertrude  and    Lilly   Matz, of
Skippack ville; Mr.and Mrs. John Comly
and  Misses Annie, Emma   and   Susie
Comly,   of   Norristown;   Mrs.   David i
Mat/., .Sr., Mr. James Mats, Misses Car- j
rie and Vera Matz, Mr. ami  Mra. Wm.
Nnblit,   Miss   Elizabeth   Noblit,   Mrs.
Augustus Matz, Master Walter Matz,Mr.
Oeorge  Matz,   Mr. David   Matz, Cold
Point; Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Gilbert and
Miss Esther (iilbert, of Lafayette Hill;
Miss Mary   Kirk,   of   Lafayette  Hill;
Miss     Mary   Harmer,    Philadelphia;
Mrs. Kate   McCrork,    David   McCrork, I
Adam   McCrork, Mis.  Kate   McCrork, '
Frank -farmer.'.and  wife, Charles Harmer, Sr., and vitto, Charles Harmer, Jr.,
John   Harmer,   Harry   Harmer,   Miss j
Stout, Mr. Leland Yost aud  others, of
Flourtown and vicinity.
Bla Flre In Lansdale.
About 2 o'clock Thursdav morning lire
broke out in tbe chenille works on
Green street, Lansdale. Tbe alarm was
sounded at the pumping station at the
depot and the department responded
promptly. The flames, which appeared
to originate in tbe basement of the
building, spread rapidly and quickly
enveloped tbe entire structure. The
building, 'which was of brick, was
one of the largest in town. It was erected several years ago bv a syndicate of
local capitalists for a cigar factory.
The project was not a success, however.
and the owners sold tbe building to the
Wyoming Manufacturing company, of
Philadelphia, the members of tbe firm
being Samuel McKaige and. J. McComb.
The company engaged in the manufacture of cnemlle goods,table coven, etc.,
and employed a large number of people.
The flre was one of Che largest ever
seen in Lansdale. The building cost
over $5000. It was remodeled by the
company at a cost of several thousand
dollars. When the fire broke out the
building was well filled with raw materials entering into the manufacture of
the goods sold. All waa a total loss.
It is believed the total loss will exceed
$10,000.
The building was insured for $4000,
the poller being held by the Lansdale
Building and Loan association as collateral. The origin of the fire ia a mystery. An explosion was *_P_ijti witurt: the
time the fire broke out,_H_ f. fe_&>iipr!
tnat that might have been tbe cause' of
Ambler   Borough    Cmiut-ll   Trannac
Business  111   Short   Order— Sinking
Allow** the Redemption of Keren Bond*—
Street Work Interfered With.
The Ambler borough council was called to order at 7.40 Monday evening by
President Walker in the new chamber
in the rear ot the fire department quarters, and all the members were present
except Mr. Kiegc. Tbe minutes of
Dec. 5, tbe Inst meeting, were read and
approved.
Mr. Craft,of the light committee,stated he had ordered lights placed in the
new council chamber temporarily. He
had also ordered the stay wire removed
from Mrs. Hart's tree, which the light
companv had agreed to.
Mr. raust of the fire committee, reported everything about the flre apparatus in good condition. Mr. Craft stated
he had received several calls from agents
selling fire hose.
Mr. -hirnly.of tbe taw and order com*
niittee, reported the Mils as ordered at
last meeting had been posted and the
advertising done. IS persons had been
confined in tbe bo-rough lock-up since
last meeting. The Thanksgiving law
break-era had been given a hearing,
gave bail for good conduct for a year,
and the justice hai dismissed the case.
Mr. Craft, of the "building committee,
reported nothing new.
Me. Walker, of tbe borough improvement committee, nrjiorted that the shoe
company had sent him a letter statins*
tbat tlieir president, bad gone on a western trip and on hia -return the feasibility ot removing the plant to Ambler
would be laid before him.
Mm. ltose, of tbe highway committee,
reported that the piece  of  road   above j
tbe end of Main street and to tbe aew {
part of the extension   had   been stoned
and a good Job made. The flrtt layer | "*ded- wft*?ln th-e borough,
was -coarse stone and tben an inch and
a half from Herrman'a quarry was
spread, forming a -surface which was
weaning down satisfactorily without
a fine icovering. A coat ing of cinders
was placed on the sidewalk on the
southeast side of Greenwood avenue,
which made a good sidewalk. lie
had aflweitised for bids for macada—lie-
in. tbe south end of Main street to the
•Pettit'Ornamental Iron Fence company's
property. Wm. Butt, 'being the lowest
bidder., was given tlie work, but the
snow had as vet Interfered. Mr. Keasbey did mot desire the borough to place
a fence along hia propertv on North
Main fltreet, as he Intended laving the
ground unit in building lots. He was
favorable to a board walk and was wining tn wilease Oak street and a street
parallel with the railroad at anv time.
Some of tibe property owners had fie t
complied with the boro__h ordinance
regarding -leaning of snow from sidewalks, .tithe last meeting the residents of Tennis avenue had requested a I
pavement around the lower end of that
street on the soil fin side. Mr. Rose
stated that Dr. Mattison ha." ordered a
board walk laid along his property.
The treasurer reported as follows:
1898.
Balance-an hand  $1774 RS
Char lee __e      ,.„-       2 00
* 31 7r,
30 00
■iii 0(1
4 2S
IS IB
22 83
(S3 38
8 S5
87 SO
. m n
13 39
io no
2 00
»'.V2
With the postoffice thermometer
showing three degrees above zero and
a sleigh before the door on Monday
morning we had evidence that the new
vear had brought enough winter to satisfy tbe most exacting.
/There'were six Sundav school festivals here during the holiday season.
and those who enjoy such occasions had
a good tiffie of it*—especially those wbo
got the presents.
Wellimrton Rosenberry, assemblyman-elect, was seen early Monday morn-
ing, dressed in hie best clothes, and
carrying a grip satchel, going to the
station. It was suspected that he waa
not after cattle title time, but was aiming for Harrisburg to see what this
Quay rumpus has In it for the Democratic party. He ie si young man with
a chance to make a record, and his
townsmen hone lt will be a good one.
New members were taken into both
the. Baptist and Methodist churches on
Snnday.
The total number attending the public schools ia 472, with an average attendance of 44*2. As a considerable portion.of the town of Lansdale is not hilt will be
seen that these figures would bave to
be increased to mnch over 500 to in
chide all the children of the town. Upper Gwynedd maintains a public school
right lu town, on _ It. Vernon street,
to accommodate its children.
THE SABBATH SCHOOLS
Loral
Care-
Christman   Exercmen   Held   la   the
Churche*— Appropriate    Programs
fully   Rendered   In   Honor   of   the
Born Klnc—Large Audiences.
TRINITY MISSIOH, AMBLKR.
Trinity mission held their Christmas
festival lust Friday evening in tbeir
ro»m in the opera house block. The
room was beautifully decorated with
greens and a huge Christmas tree adorned the front of the stage. The tree was
elegantly trimmed and was much admired. The exercises opened almut 7.110,
when a large audience was present,* and
were conducted by Bev. Wm. H. Burr,
pastor, who made a short and eloquent
address, devoting hie talk principally
to the little ones. The choir sang eev
__l beautiful anthems, as did also the
scholars. The chief entertiinment of
the evening was a graphophone, which,
with ita comical sayings, music and
songs,elicited much merriment. At the
close of the progran
presented with
candy.
METHODIST
in. a dis-
don, and
and Mrs.
The fire
ling, uii-
cause   ia
Weldon.
On Sundav at abont 1.45 p.
astrous   fire occarred    in   Wel(
tbe beautiful  home of  Mr.
Wm. R. Diller lies In ruins,
started'-in the rear of the bell
der the   kitchen   stairs.    The
unknown.   Help arrived  promptly   on
the -scene and neighbors rendered valuable aid.     As all hope of saving  the
honsc was abandoned on account of scarcity of water resulting from frozen pipes,
men   turned   their  attention  to  move
out furniture, and siieie "(led   in saving
bedroom  furniture, clothing, some carpets, a piano, curtains and hangings, a
portion of Mr. Diller's valuable library
and other articles of furniture
ii lie house was abandoned  tin
Fire company arrived with their  hook
and ladder, and were kept  busy for a
each  scholar  was
i card   and   a   box   of
EPISCOPAL, JARRETTOWN*.
The Jarrettown Methodist Episcopal
Sunday school rendered its usual Christmas exercises Thursday evening of last
week. The epidemic of sickness interfered very seriously with the rehearsal
of the program, a number of substitu
tions among those having a part being
made at a late hour. As a whole the
entertainment passed off in a creditable
maimer. Several quite young scholars
from the primary class recited selections.
Miss Annie Nieweg and Mra. Charles
Willard sang a duet, and Miss Nieweg a
solo in a very pleasing manner. Mrs.
Beyer recited a Christmas story for tha
children in.her usual attractive style.
When it fame to presentation of gifts
there were quite a number nf mutual
surprises. The organist, Miss Annie
Nieweg, received a handsome dressing
case as a token nf regard for her faith -
ful services. The pastor and hia wife
and the superintendent of the school
each received a handsome present from
tbeir many friends. After dismission
the scholars adjourned to the Sunday
school room, where each received a box
of candy.
CARMEL PRESBYTERIAN.
The annual   Christmas entertainment
beautifully decorated with the verdure
of the woods and a gorgeously trimmed
tree, wbich adorned one corner of the
room. The exercises were conducted by
Jacob Frick, superintendent of the
Sunday school, and consisted of recitations, dialogues, trios and singing,
which were well rendered by every one
who participated. The most interesting
feature of the exercises was a recitation
delivered by Charles Ravior, which
elicited laughter and applause from the
audience, and also the recitations of
Kugene Chute. Wesley Clem, Mabel
Timmons, Helen Chute and Misses
Blanche and Jennie Ely elicited much
applause. A trio bv Miss Hallman,Miss
Hav mr and Mr. Clark created much
amusement for the audience. "Hand
in Hand with the Angels," was beautifully performed by Miss Mattie Hallman. "Santa Clans." by the infant
class, was also well received Next, on
the program was the distribution of
gifts to the children, wbich was the
principal feature of the evening to the
littie ones. Kach scholar was presented
with a box of candy and a book. Eugene Chute WM awarded a beautiful
present for his faithful attendance at
Sunday school, not missing a single
Sunday during the year. Mr. Jacob
Frick then made a few remarks, and
in tbe name of the congregation and
friends presented to Mr. Loomis, pastor of the church, two beautiful books.
The pastor expressed his appreciation
of the gift. Mr. Fricfe, superintendent,
and Mr. Timmons, assistant superintendent, were also presented with books.
A collection was taken up for the benefit of the Orphans' bome. West Philadelphia, and a good sum realized. The
closing remarks were made by Rev.
John Martin, of the M. K church.
The choir sang "Joy to tbe World, the
Lord is Come,"and the benedictioa
was pronounced by the pastor.
of the Carmel I'resbyterian .Sunday
school waa held Tuesday evening, Dec.
27, in tbe church auditorium. The interior of tbe building was tastefully decorated in greens. A large Christmas tree,
profusely decorated, graced a prominent
position in the front of the church. A
beautiful arch, "Merry Christmas," in
silver snow and tinsel, spanned the transept and pulpit arch. The crowds filed
in as soon aa the doors opened and by
8 o'clock the church auditorium was
Just as ! filled to overflowing, u large number
Abington of visitors occupying the Sunday school
room adjoining. The services began
promptly under the supervision of Sup
PENLLYN BIBLE SCHOOL.
at  Penllyn
was
Dec
1888.
Dec. ii.
1899.
Jan.'_.
11776 83
Orders granted  9 338 88
Balance....     1187 45
-3177*6 33
Balance tn sinking fund Dec. 18, 1898, S2.ioa.il.
Sinklnc fund has accumulated enough money to
nay oil 7 old bonds and one $600 bond, two in
February, three in April, oue ln May and oue ia
Maty.
Mr. Craft stated on behalf of the
band that they desired to place a closet
in the new council chamber similar to
the one in the flre department. Permission was granted them bv council to
do so at their own expense under the
direction of Mr. Craft.
Mr. Craft brought up the request of
tbe flre company for new hose. About
700 feet yet in good serviceable condition. Sir. Faust favored purchasing
the hose if the treasury could afford it,
but thought with the work already on i
hand that it was unlikely. Mr. Craft
said tbe hose seemed to absorb too much I
water, thereby rotting easily. The matter was then dropped.
Mr. Rose called the attention of coun
ci! io the fact that the Thanskgiving
law breakers had not heen dealt with
according to law aud that the justice
bad no power to oind tbem for a term of
one year to keep the peace. If-no-evidence was found to bind tbem to court
thev should have been discharged. On
discussing the matter council decided to
leave it with the law and order committee for action.
A motion was made and passed to
bave the finance committee draw the
bonds in accordance with the suggestion of the treasurer and that the clerk
notify the holders of the bonds as
drawn.
Joseph Haywood on behalf of tbe
owners of the postoffice notified council
that no charge would be made for the
earth conveyed to Spring Garden and
Race streets from the cellar excavation
of the building, and requested that, inasmuch as the government refused to allow any compensation for the outside
electric light at the building, council so
arrange their street system as to illuminate the front of the building. On
motion the communication was filed
and acknowledged and the request referred to the light committee with
power to act.
Wm.M. Houston notified council that
the flre alarm batteries had been removed to tbe fie house and that two
extra batteries must be supplied because
the present battery is taxed to supply
the extra boxes. He reported tbat the
gong must be taken to the city, as tiie
magnet core and connections were rusted by being exposed to moisture while
the alterations were being completed in
the boiler room of the K. & M. plant.
On motion the lamps in tiie borough
chamber were ordered arranged and
connected with the metre.
The preparation of tickets for the loan
election waa plaoed in the hands of the
solicitor, and tbey were also ordered
M-eetHw .hdl hands   at   the  election
short time keeping the sparks from ig-| erintendent   -. D.   Drown.     Chorister
niting the barn.   The  rescued  articles
were safelv housed in the  parish build
ing of St. Peter's P. E. church and Mr.
Diller's family accepted the hospitality
of neighbors for tile night.   The building was insured.
Mr. and Mrs. Frederic  J. Smith entertained at a New Year dinner friends
from    Philadelphia,    King-of-Prussia,
Newtown and  vicinity.     Covers  were
laid  for 14 guests.     Course followed
course, while wit and humor flowed in
turn, acting  aa digestors.     The great
I loss to  their neighbors, Mr. and  Mrs,
Wm. 1 . Diller, waa the only  cause of
sadness of the day for the party.     May
I our host and  hostess   be able to repeat
j many times their genial hospitality.
Mrs. George  Moaler,   formerly  Miss
Li-sie Marple, while engaged in  keeping her model little  home  in   Weldon
had time during the busy  holidavs  to
turn ber attention to her old friends and
i patrons, Mr.  and  Mrs.   Joseph   Kirk.
The latter entire familv were   ill   with
grip and   would have fared poorly  had
it not been   for  Mrs. Mosier's  prompt
and valuable assistance.
Michael I.   Lachot and family   have
all been victims of the grip.
W. L. Hoover led the well-disciplined
scholars in their excellent singing. A
prominent feature of the evening's entertainment was a Christmas cantata
rendered by several girls of tbe school.
The climax of the evening was the appearance of Santa Claus. who covered
himself with honors in the rendition of
his part.- Gifts in profusion were exchanged between teachers and scholars,
officers and school. Considered as a
whole the affair was a most enjoyable
one, each part of the program being
carried out with scrupulous and minute
care. In thia line special mention
should be made of the meritorious and
arduous work exerted by Miss Elizabeth
Watson in drilling and bringing up to
perfection the participants of the cantata, the crowning point of the entertain
ment.
AMBLER.
the Bible
IMArav o^ano Ales
. On ptptlOo _*"*-_■. deeded, to charge  pressure,    fite* has already -received
the Citi-ens' blind a rental of 80 ttfntk iTWhiber of o*d_..
l,aiieiiMt*'i-vil|e.
Happy New Year!
Mr. and Mrs. Drennen were given a
surprise party on Thursday evening in
honor of their wedding anniversary.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs G.
B. Cambel, Mr. and Mrs. Jason T.
Butler, Mrs. Ilersh, Charles Ilersh,
Mr. and Mrs. Milton Brooke, Lillie
Brooke, Laura S. Cambel, Anna May
Nice, Mary Jones. Laura Poole, Laura
Keller, Mra, Van Horn, Susie Van Horn,
Clayton Van Horn, Harper Nice, James
Fallows, Arthur Markley, Horace Nice,
Howard Fallows, Geatrell Nice, Percy
Nine, Wm. Moore.
Mr. and Mrs. Paynter, of Norristown,
spent New Year's with the Shaffers.
Miss Nellie Gearhart is spending the
holidays in Ambler.
Mrs. Naylor and daughter, of Flourtown, were visiting in the village last
week.
Miss Lillie Brooke, of Oreland, is
spending a few days with Laura S. Cam-
be).
Miss Hannah K. Besson is visiting in
Ambler.
Centre Square.
Quite a number of onr yo'uit*. people
enjoved themselves to their utmost on
bidding adieu to the passing year. The
weather waa, however, very unfavorable.
Mrs. Mary Reiff has been confined
to her bed with an attack of the grip.
George Haag has entered the North
Wales academy.
Hiss Nellie Wilson returned to West
Chester on Mondav last.
A number of sleighs were seen in our
village on Sunday.
Clarence Harrar held his public sale
an Thursday last, the attendance being
large.
A. G. Haldeman paid us a flying
visit on Monday.   .
S. B. Drake haa taken the agency .for
the Rochester sprayeikri Ife(__*i#esi,9i,*_'"
recommended and is self-charged l?y,*l
MOUNT PLEAHANT  BAPTIST,
Thursday evening, Dec '20,
school of the Mount Pleasant Baptist
church rendered the Christmas cantata,
"Santa's Decision." Tim church waa
beautifully trimmed with evergreen
and laurel. Two large trees adorned the
I platform on either side of the choirs.
The main auditorium was crowded and
tne cbapel was also well filled. The entertainment was opened with a piano
duet by Misses Gertrude Walker and M.
W. Johnson, which they rendered in
fine style. Tbe cantata, which the
..children bad been practising for weeks,
is considered the best ever rendered by
the Bible school. Two special features
of the evening were a girls' broom drill
and a boys" marching song: The first
was very pretty, the girls all being
dressed in school costume, and the way
in which they went through the drill
was a credit to them. Tne latter, by
the boys of classes 7 and 8, was gone
through witb great precision and showed that they fully understood the position they took in representing soldiers.
The choruses were very bright and
the whole school sang tbem heartily.
Tbe solos, too. were good. One of
tbe very laughable parts was that of
Sweet William, the fairy. Thia character was attired grotesquely; his wings
were of newspapers, and the bumps that
he had looked as though he were an old
knotted tree. He did hia part very
well. Jack Frost and Dick icicle had
about persuaded old Santa to stay away
from the ohildren, telling him that
they did not want to see him any more,
and Santa had decided to take this advice and not visit the children, bat
when he was putting bis reindeer and
sleigh away one of his fairies urged him
to go to tbe children, and he went. It
was a sorry sight to see the children on
Christinas morning when they found
that Kris did not come, but they were
soon made glad when he came bounding in their midst and explaining hia
delay. Candies were distributed to
the children, aud gifts were also presented to the infant department. A
goodly sum was realized from tbe silver
offering taken at the door. Much credit
ia due to those who had charge*of the
training of the children.
ORELAND BAPTIST.
_S|M^pli_3-eje«:i
saAifflB?1!1! ffljL**" *•
t riday night before a li
ay
ciative
audience.
ses at the Ore-
ere rendered last
large and appre-
The   church was
The Baptist chapel
gaily decorated Wednesday evening,
Dec. 28, for the annual Christinas festival of the Bible school at that place.
The room was festooned and garlanded
with laurel and evergreen, and in the
centre of the platform a large, beautifully trimmed tree gladdened the eyes
of the little folks. On each side, extending to the corners of the room,
were the words "Merry Chr'shM*.-**. '
and "Happy New Year" in gilt te_eis.
The chapel was filled with an audience
assembled to listen to the pretty musical
program, "The King Has Come, "which
was creditably rendered by the school.
Choruses, solos, duets and recitations
comprised the entertainment. Rev. K.
E. Valentine, pastor of the Mount
Pleasant Baptist church, Ambler, of
which the Bible school is a mission.
made a few remarks. Superintendent
William C. Walker, of the Ambler
Bible school, also addressed the audience briefly. The usual gifts of candy
and oranges were distributed to the
members, of the school, after which
congregation and school united in singing™'Joy to tbe World," and ■"ere dismissed with the benediction by Rev,
Mr. Valentine.
ORELAND METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
The Christmas entertainment at the
Oreland M. E. church on Thursday
night waa a decided success and without
exception the finest Christmas entertainment ever given at this place, and
too much praise cannot be given the
teachers and members of the chu-ch for
their manifest interest in msking the
exercises enjoyable. The church was
beautifully decorated with cellars and
greens, and a handsomely trimmed tree
on the platform was greatly admired by
the little ones. The exercises were iii
charge of Philip Blake, superintendent,
and consisted of recitations, dialogues
and singing. The recitation by Master
Augustus Gilbert was the star feature of
the exercises and held tlie audience
spellbound. Tbe same can be said of
the recitation by Master Roy Roads.
The Ambler quartette rendered several
fine selections, which were greatly appreciated by the audience. Then Santa
Claus came and presented to every
member of the school a box of candy,
orange, apple and a book. This was
followed by an address by the pastor of
the church, in which lie thanked the
school or making the exercises so enjoyable.
TRINITY LUTHERAN, TORT WASHINGTON.
The Sabbath school of Trinitv Luther
an Church, Fort Washington, held their
Christmas exercises Thursday evening
laat in the cburch, which was beautifully trimmed for the occasion. The audience completely filled the main room.
Donations were received for the orphan,
age at Germantown and were very
liberal. "Prince of Light" waa the subject of the program used by the school.
The exercises were as follows: "Christmas Welcome,'' song, school; duet,
"Sing and Rejoice," Miss H. E. Ames
and Mrs. T. F. Conover; chorus by
school; responsive reading,II. s. Jones,
superintendent, and school; hymn,
"Tbe Little Lord Jesus," primary department ; reading/' At Christmastide,''
Joseph Sharp; "The Herald Angels,"
school; responsive reading; exercise by
eight children, "Christmas;" "The
Angels' Song, "school; exercise,"Peace,
Good Will to Men," five children, Warren Klosterman, E. Russell Conover,
Earnest Wade, Louis Atkinson, Joaeph
Crockett; "In a Manger," school;
"Ring, O Bells," school; recitation,
"Legend of the Snow Flakes," Miss
Dollle McGowan; recitation, "Hiving," Misa Mamie Moll; "All Hail
this Happy Season," school; address
by Mr. N. Dickey; remarks by paator,
Bev. L. B. Hafer; recitation, "Our
Gifts," WiUie McGowan. There was a
very pretty tree aad after it waa illuminated "Merry Christmas Tree" was
sung bv Beatrice Barr, Rena Shaffer,
Ida Weber, Florence Johnson and Irene
Johnson. "How Beautiful" was sung
by the school, offertory, during which
the church choir sang an  anthem; ob-
i'ect lesson, Beatrice Barr, Etta Wade,
'lorence Johnson. Dr. M. Sheeleigh
made a few remarks. Gifts were distributed, each scholar receiving a half
pound of candy and a glass tumbler.
ThefdHbwirig-'received rewards of mer-
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