John Hoke for many years, a carpenter at Mount St. Mary's College, died by drowning during the early morning on Thursday, March 28.

He leaves a widow and a married daughter, Mrs. John Wertheim, with four grandchildren. The funeral took place on Sunday morning with a Requiem Mass at St. Anthony's Church.

The death of this faithful worker calls for something more than a passing notice. As the Pastor said the life of this man was an open book in which honesty was the brightest chapter. If we should strike the balance between his failings and merits, we should be constrained to conclude that the latter far predominated.

Those who knew him well, appreciated and will long remember his genial good nature and his willingness to extend helping hand in hours of sorrow and affliction. He possessed a mind of unusual excellence. The splendid edifices which, in recent years, have been reared at Mount St. Mary's and to which her authorities and alumni point to with great pride are to a great extent the monuments of his skill and handicraft. They plead for him and they will lead all who knew him to raise their hearts to God for him to ask Him who knows the imperfections of our common nature to have mercy on his soul and to send to his stricken wife and daughter such measure of consolation as shall enable them to bear with resignation this bereavement as submissive children bowing to the will of the Divine Father.

Automobile Purchases

Among those who recently purchased Ford automobiles from the Emmitsburg Garage were: Father Todd, of Mount St. Mary's College, Ernest Shriver, James Bishop, and Mrs. Mary Ehrehart. Mr. Schuff has just purchased a self-starter Studebaker, no horsepower, but very speedy going downhill.

New Engine at Knitting Mill

A new engine has been installed in the knitting mill, the old one being found insufficient to run the machines. Mr. Johnson is very much pleased with the progress of the work and the output is equal to any factory of its size in the county.

Improvements

Wreck on the Western Maryland Railroad

It happened on Saturday this time-the weekly wreck on the W. M. (Worst Managed) R.R.. Only two employees were killed, and two passengers and two other employees injured. The Wednesday night freight collapse and high dive specialty near the Monocacy Bridge added another innovation to the extensive repertoire of this versatile company; but there is actually nothing of the rumor that these weekly wrecks are being pulled off at the instance of a moving picture concern.

April 11

Six Runaways In A Week

A horse belonging to Clarence McCarran, a livery man of his place, driven by George Wagerman ran away last week. The trace became loose on Flower's Hill and the horse turned the vehicle upside down and ran through the town, partly on the pavement, at breakneck speed and was caught in front of Mr. Frezzel's warehouse. Several small children had a narrow escape, when the frightened horse came running down the sidewalk.

Ward Brown an employee at McCarron's livery tried to drive the broken vehicle to the stable without any shafts on the carriage. He succeeded until he came to a small grade when the buggy ran against the horse, which started to kick and in a few minutes was again running down the street, having thrown out and run over the driver and damaged several large trees along the way.

Another runaway occurred on Tuesday morning when two horses hitched to a hack standing in front of the railroad station ran away and were stopped in front of Mr. Michael Hoke's residence. About the same time a horse driven by Mr. Jacob Topper ran off in the alley but no damage was done.

The same afternoon a horse driven by Mr. Newcomer took fright at Mr. Thomas Hay's motorcycle and broke the shafts and front wheel of the buggy. Another runaway occurred on Wednesday afternoon when a horse hitched to a buggy driven by Harry Hopp, who was on his way to umpire the game at Mount St. Mary's ran away and threw him to the ground.

April 18

Some Fine Chickens Missing

Last Tuesday, some person, unknown, paid a call during the day at "Boxwood Villa," the resident of Mrs. Margaret Barry on the state road near town, and carried off with them a fine white thoroughbred Leghorn rooster and three hens. The eggs from which these chickens were hatched, were sent to Mrs. Berry by an old friend, and she prized them very highly, and feels their loss very much. The chickens were very much admired by people passing by. Mrs. Barry thinks some person admired the birds too much and took them along. Mrs. Berry wishes the admirer would please bring them back.

A Rara Avis, Home Raised

There are many poultry raisers and chicken fanciers around Emmitsburg and many rare birds, but it has remained for Oswald Green to raise what is probably the most unique specimen of the feathered tribe ever seen in these parts. Green is now exhibiting an Hauden Chick with four legs, four wings, one eye, and a few feathers. The agent for Barnum Circus has been in communication with 'Os' for several weeks endeavoring to secure this unique freak of nature but as of yet no definitive terms have been arranged.

Yet More Runaways

About one o'clock this afternoon as Mr. Valentine of Rocky Ridge, was driving up West Main St., leading an unharnessed horses which became frightened and got entangled with the front wheel of the wagon. The horse's fore leg was seriously cut but neither the occupant of the wagon or the other horse was hurt.

And exciting runaway occurred on Sunday evening when two horses belonging to Mr. William Eckenrode ran up Frederick Street at breakneck speed and, failing to make the turn into Gettysburg Street, crashed into the porch in front of the Rotering store. Mr. Eckenrode was not in the buggy when the horses started to run. The horses escaped with slight injuries.

Horse Auction

An unusually large crowd attended Patterson's horse sale last week. Every were so sold and settled for. The highest price horse bringing $202 and the lowest price bringing $110. The net in the sale was $4,625.

Badly Burned

On Saturday afternoon Mr. Edwin Chrismer was burned severely about the arm and face, the gasoline lamp which is used to put on rubber tires exploded while in his hands.

Old Emmitsburg Currency

How many people living in Emmitsburg are aware that the town as far back as 1837 issued its own money?

There has been presented to the Chronicle Museum a 12 1/2 cents paper note, called a 'Shin Plaster', 6 inches long and 2½ inches in width bearing an engraving of a steam train. This was only 8 years after the first stream railway began operation in the United States. Even as that far day the Corporation evidently dreamed of our present glory Ð The Emmitsburg Railroad.

By remarkable coincidence, the train on the 1837 bill has the identical equipment of the train today- one locomotive, two cars, and some very impressive smoke. It looks safe too Ð even safer then the Western Maryland.

April 25

Emmitsburg's Telephone Progress

1912 was a year of activity in the Emmitsburg exchange with 65 more subscribers enjoying the benefits of telephone service. 1913 has started out well with nine new orders on file.

Much effort was put into stringing new wires to furnish several places with service, which were without service previous to 1912. 42,970 feet of iron wire and 2,250 feet of insulated wire were strung, while 110,000 feet of old iron wire removed and replaced by new wire.

Arrangements were made and 15 year contracts entered into with three rural connecting companies, whereby inhabitants of the following places were given service by the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company: Liberty Mills, Zora, territory to the north east and west of Emmitsburg to a distance of 5 miles, and territory to the southeast of the same distance, and to Hampton Valley for a distance of 4 miles.

The toll rate between Emmitsburg and Gettysburg was reduced from $.35 to $.10 a minute. A new switchboard and new exchange were installed during 1912, and rural lines rebuilt and extended.

Modern Conveniences

Mr. Charles Landers has installed in his home, on East Main St., a Hay's Acetylene Gas machine, made by the Hay's Generator Company. The machine illuminates the house and barn. Mr. Landers has had all the modern improvements in his house including an indoor privy and tub, and this, together with the outside appearance, makes it one of the best and most comfortable dwellings in Emmitsburg.

Election Notice

A public meeting of the male citizens of Emmitsburg will be held in Fireman's Hall, Tuesday evening, for the purpose of nominating a burgers and commissioners. Women, especially suffragettes, are requested not to interfere, allowing the governing of the town to mind's best suited for it. Signed Christian Zacharias, Registrar of Voters.