"He hit me on the back and said: 'Kid, won't you take me along?'"
Having caused his arrest on a charge of trying to force his attentions on her, Cecelia Long, 16 years old, of Millmont, testified that Saviour Benedict, a foreigner, made the above request at Eighth and Bingaman streets on Sunday evening.
The complainant, who wears short dresses, said the defendant followed her from Eight and Court streets to Third and Bingaman streets, where she became afraid and appealed to Officer Terry to arrest him. She admitted that Benedict addressed her but once, but alleged that she stopped, he stopped, and that this occurred at practically every corner they passed.
The foreigner denied that he deliberately annoyed the girl. "My baby was sick," he stated, "and I left the house, near Eighth and Bingaman streets, to get medicine. The girl was in front of me as I walked down Bingaman street. Once she slipped on the ice, and I remarked in fun: 'Hello, kid, don't break your neck.' That's all I said to her. I deny I asked her to go along home."
Officer Terry testified that when he arrested the defendant the latter was within 20 feet of Miss Long. The girl stated she had been followed by Benedict from Eighth and Court streets, and she feared him.
The accused, who is 26 years old and declared he bore a good reputation, paid $4.25 in preference to 48 hours. Alderman Stout imposed sentence. The penalty was deducted from a $25 forfeit. When asked his nationality, Benedict replied: "I'm a guinny."
George Rotes, aged 46, was arraigned on an accusation of disorderly conduct. It was alleged by House Officer McGovern that, with countrymen, Rotes was celebrating the Greek Christmas on Sunday, and in the evening he got in a row with a man named Paplos, in Rotes' home on Seventh street. It was averred the prisoner threatened to shoot Paplos, when the latter cut him under the eye and on the fingers of the right hand with a knife. Paplos escaped. His victim was placed under arrest and sent to the Homeopathic Hospital. Later he put up $15 for his temporary release.
Rotes' story at Police Court did not coincide with the allegations. He said he took a few drinks because of the Greek holiday, but was not in the least intoxicated. He was entertaining callers, among them Paplos. The latter was invited to a cup of coffee. This, for some unknown reason, angered him and he used the knife, it is alleged.
As no witness was on hand to contradict the foreigner, he was discharged. The Berks Court Greek interpreter appeared in his behalf.
A Salvation Army officer made a plea for a young man who fell from the water wagon, and he was let go.
John McGrann, Pottstown, and James Marshall, Baltimore, were given five days for begging money on Franklin street. Officer McGovern appeared against them.
A 50-year-old man got $3.25 or 24 hours for beating his wife and 82 year old father, while under the influence. His wife plead for him, asserting he was a peaceful man as a rule.
Officer Lively charged Robert Miller, of Troy, N.Y. with stopping people for money on Washington street from Fourth to Eighth, and telling them to go to a warm place when ignored. The stranger did not deny the begging but took offense at the balance of the evidence. "I'm too gentlemanly and sensitive to insult people," he protested. The punishment was five days in default of the $5.25.
Griesemersville, Jan. 8 (Special). -- The annual meeting of the Oley Turnpike Company was held at the Griesemersville Hotel, Charles Ritter, proprietor, from noon until 2 p.m. today. There was an unusually large turnout of stockholders, who, besides casting their ballots for Directors and officers, drew their 5 per cent semi-annual dividend, payable today. The company is capitalized at $25,000 and had a prosperous year. It made extensive permanent improvements during the past 12 months to its 10 miles of road between Pleasantville and Black Bear.
These officers were elected: President, Peter K. Griesemer, Griesemersville; Secretary, Peter H. Knabb, Griesemersville; Treasurer, W.T. Snyder, Reading; Directors, Abner G. Herbine, Reading; Adam H. Snyder, Oley; A.H. Adams, Exeter; B.D. Fisher, Yellow House, and David R. Griesemer, Griesemersville. The Board of Tellers comprised Simon B. Clouser, Shanesville; Lewis P. DeTurk and J.S. Strunk, Oley.
The Teachers' Association of St. James' Lutheran Church held its annual meeting. G.A. Schlechter presided. The following officers were chosen for the coming year, the pastor, Rev. M.L. Zweizig, being President.
Vice President, Charles Gerhart; Superintendent, G.N. Hagenman; Treasurer, William C. Hinkley; Secretary, William A. Goodman; Assistant Secretary, Raymond Gerhart; Librarian, Paul Tyson; Assistant Librarians, Leon Wilson, Walter H. Schick; Supt. of Home Department, A.P. Body; Supt. of Cradle Roll, Mrs. M.L. Zweizig.
Primary Department -- Director, Mrs. M.L. Zweizig; assistants, Sarah Fink and Mrs. Murphy.
The Treasurer, William C. Hinkley, submitted a report showing an excellent condition of finances.
An interesting meeting of the Young Men's Hebrew Association was held in the club rooms in the old Y.M.C.A. building. Considerable business was transacted. S.S. Schweriner delivered an address on "The purpose of a real Y.M.H.A.," which was appreciated by all.
Arrangements were made to hold a Literary Night on Sunday evening, Jan. 14. The programme will consist of an address by Rev. Julius Frank, also recitations and instrumental music. Preliminary plans were made to hold a banquet in the near future in honor of the visit of Leon Zologcoff, editor of the Jewish Daily News and former Assistant District Attorney of Cook county, Ill. The second anniversary of the association will be celebrated at the same time.
Ice men are in a jubilant frame of mind all over Eastern Pennsylvania because of the prospects of an excellent crop of natural ice. Reports received in this city from points along the Perkiomen, say it is from eight to nine inches thick today, and preparations are underway to start cutting when it reaches 10.
At Dauberville and points along the Little Schuylkill it is about eight inches. Mud Run dam, Frackville is covered with eight-inch ice. Other points in the Schuylkill region report the crop in the same condition. Splendid ice is forming along the Brandywine.
Many of the farmers and creameries in this and adjoining counties are preparing to house eight and nine-inch ice of the finest quality. Some will start cutting on Tuesday.
At the First United Evangelical Church good sized audiences were present at all the services. The evening audience was especially large.
The early prayer and praise meeting at 9:30 was in charge of the pastor.
At 10:30 the annual memorial service was held. Rev. A.W. Brownmiller delivered an address on "The Christian's destiny." A quartette sang several appropriate selections.
During the year, Rev. Brownmiller officiated at the following funerals and assisted at a number of others.
[Transcriber's Note: The list runs into the crease on the right side, making some of the ages difficult to read.]
March 9 -- William L. Fegley, 12 years, 4 months and 24 days.
Feb. 21 -- Eva R. Kolb, 23.8.10.
March 23 -- Harry Boone, 32.6.11.
March 25 -- John E. Burkholder, 77.11.16.
March 25 -- Alfred S. Seidel, ? years, 2 months.
March 27 -- Theodore Acker, ? years, 13 days.
April 14 -- Lizzie Nachtreib, ? years.
May 9 -- Russell Freehafer, 17.?.12.
May 18 -- Reuben G. Fichthorn, 57.9.2.
May 23 -- Margaret W. Hackert, 39.4.2.
May 24 -- Henry Rehrer, 76.6.?.
May 26 -- Katie E. Sandt, 53.7.?.
June 13 -- Clara V. Winnings, ?.3.1.
June 16 -- Mrs. May Hallman, ?.3.1.
July 15 -- Sallie A. Conner, 29.1.?.
July 26 -- Carolina Hoffmaster, ? years.
Aug. 12 -- Lulu B. Trager, 37.11.24.
Aug. 2 -- Lovina Heck, 71 years, ? days.
Aug. 30 -- Jacob H. Reeser, 72.?.26.
Sept. 2 -- Franklin T. Reinert, ?.1.16.
Sept. 5 -- Eliza Young, 86 years, ? days.
Sept. 18 -- Jno. W. Hemmig, ?.4.14.
Sept. 25 -- Mrs. Franklin ? Cleaver, 67.5.19.
Oct. 9 -- Frederick Scheifley Chub?, 2 years, 10 months.
Oct. 31 -- Leroy Hoy, 7 months.
Nov. 1 -- Lottie Wilson, 3 years ? days.
Nov. 3 -- Florence May Detsch, ? months, 3 days.
Nov. 7 -- Stella Binghamin, ? years, 9 days.
Dec. 1 -- John Deininger, 28.6.?.
Dec. 13 -- Mrs. E.C. Baker, 52.4.?.
Dec. 14 -- William H. Miller, ?.1.15.
The Sunday School at 2 p.m. had an attendance of 789. Two hundred and sixteen were present in the primary department and 152 men in the Minister's Men's Bible Class.
Evangelist C.H. Yatman addressed the school. Ten arose for prayer. Superintendent W.H. Hendel introduced Mrs. Lilla Snyder Voss, returned missionary from China, to the school.
The K.L.C.E. meeting at 6:?? was in charge of the President, Miss Cora Rapp. The topic of the evening was very helpfully presented.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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