December 5

Shop Early Mail Early

Last year, through the generous cooperation of the press, the movies and other advertising mediums, Christmas mailers were induced to dispatch their Yule Tide presents earlier in the month then ever before in the history of the institution of gift, exchanging in the holiday season.

As a result, the spectacle of the last-minute rush of former years, with the attendant heartbreaking labor on the part of wearied and nerve worn store clerks and post office employees, was avoided.

This year, Postmaster General New and First Assistant Postmaster General John Bartlett have determined to make an even better record and to banish from all time the suffering undergone in past years by those engaging in the sale or transportation of gifts. They hope to make "shop early" and "mail early" a habit with the American people.

Mailing early does not mean December 1 or before, but if everyone could get their holiday tokens in the mail between December 10 and December 20, the post office could not ask for more.

Particular attention this year will be paid to greeting cards. Despite the success last year, it was noted that the last minute mail consisted largely of cards. Possibly many of them were returned greetings to friends, heard from on a previous mail, but overlooked on the original Christmas list. Like parcels and letters containing money, orders, cards cannot be marked "do not open until Christmas." Therefore, it is possible that the mailers hold them until the last to ensure delivery on Christmas Eve. This class of mailers this year, however, may find their cards undelivered until after Christmas Day.

Believing that the energies of postal employees should not be sapped to the last degree for any avoidable reason, and, intent upon securing for them the same Christmas privileges enjoyed by others, the Postmaster General has asked for the cooperation of the public. The last minute, or zero hour has been moved up, so that all postal employees may eat their Christmas dinners at home. Rural carriers will deliver no mail at all on Christmas Day, and clerks and carriers in the city offices will stop work promptly at noon.

Adams County Increases Tax Rate

The Adams County tax rate has been increased from 4 to 9 mills by the County Commissioners. The reasons given are: the building of new roads, a decrease in horse and mules on farms that has increased the basis, and that the former rate was too low. The bond tax rate was reduced from 1.5 mills to 1 mill.

During the year, further increased expenses may be made on account of road work and bridges. It has also been found necessary to charge off a large sum of book assets of the County, on the account of "Unpaid Taxes", as much of this has been found to be uncollectible.

New Auto License Tags

The Maryland auto license tags for 1925 are now being sent out to those who have made application for.

Tags this year will start with the number 100,000 as all numbers between 30,000 and that mark have been reserved for Baltimore City. In confining certain numbers to certain sections, the State’s Motor Vehicle Commissioner said that it is the hope of his department that theft of cars will be minimized. It is also the intention of the Motor Vehicle Commissioner to facilitate locating the owners of machines in case of accidents.

The Motor Vehicle Commissioner also said that it is the intention of his office to stage a campaign against motorist who cover the license plate with isinglass, a practice that renders it difficult for officers to distinguish the numbers and often results in mistakes and identification.

The new tags this year are especially distinctive, having white numbers against the green background. The price per horsepower this year is $.32. In calculating the amount payable to the commissioner’s office, the applicant should multiply the number of horsepower by price per horsepower and add $.10 for postage. The application sent out by the Motor Vehicle Commission office should be filled out properly and sent in immediately.

Plans For Three New Schools

Plans and specifications for three new school buildings in the county were submitted and discussed at a meeting of the County’s Board Of Education Wednesday. The new school buildings are being considered for Sabillasville, Lewistown and Creagerstown. According to present plans, a three-room structure will be erected at Sabillasville, and two room buildings at Lewistown and Creagerstown. It is the object of the Board to have work on the erection of the buildings started as soon as possible. It is expected that bids will be asked for in the near future. Rural schools are being consolidated as much as possible, pupils, thereby, obtaining more advantage than would otherwise get, it was pointed out.

Fire In Farm Home

Fire of an unknown origin, which broke out at 2 o’clock in the Charles Browers’ home, near Virginia Mills, destroyed a section of the house, to the extent of $300 damage.

The blaze was discovered by Mr. Bowers shortly before 2 o’clock when he was awakened by the smell of smoke in the bedroom. Rising, he discovered flames leaping from the floor of a room on the second floor. Hunters from the Hanover Hunting Camp also noticed the flames as they leap through the roof of the dwelling and went to the assistance of the Bowers. The Fairfield Fire Company was called, but the fire was practically extinguished when the department arrived.

Several little children of Mr. and Mrs. Bowers were taken from the burning dwelling and housed in a nearby farm. When the flames were extinguished, the Bowers return to the home, and are now residing there, while repairs are being made to the burnt section.

December 12

Donations to Frederick Hospital

Emmitsburg contributed most generously last week to the appeal for donations to the Frederick City Hospital. Folks in this section are never found wanting when asked to assist a worthy cause and as this well-known county institution has done wonderful work, the good people in this section were more than willing to help towards its continued success.

Every year the donation sent in by Emmitsburg has been more liberal and the generous offerings of last week surpass that of previous years and it is to be doubted if any town in the county was more liberal.

The cash contributed received by Mrs. Andrew Annan amounted to $330, which was more than was contributed last year. A carload of produce was sent by the members of the community while Mount St. Mary’s College sent in a truckload of selected vegetables from their farm.

The Hospital Board and Mrs. Annan, who is the local member of the Board, very much appreciated the kindness of the people of this section, and also the people of Thurmont and Taneytown, for their liberal and most generous offerings to this well-known institution.

Accidents

Last Monday, while Joseph Snyder was looking at his traps, he had the misfortune to slip and fall, striking the hammer of a rifle he was carrying, on a rock, causing it to go off. The bullet passed through his arm, between the shoulder and elbow. Fortunately, he was near Flen Hoffman‘s home, who saw him fall, and heard the shot.

Sander’s waded across creek to get over to the house, to get his wound bandaged, but he fainted and fell before reaching the house. If the Hoffman’s had not seen him, he would have died from loss of blood: but being somewhat used to bad accidents, they bandaged the arm very tightly to stop the flow of blood, and took him to his home. A doctor was hastily summoned to examine and dressed the wound. Fortunately, the bone was not injured.

William Myers, of New Midway met with a serious accident on Thursday, while hauling a load of corn. In jumping off the wagon, he fell, the wagon passing over his ankle, breaking it. He was immediately removed to the hospital where he remains for treatment.

Change Story Results In Perjury Charge

The repudiation of testimony given by Robert Mitchell, about 35, colored of near Emmitsburg at a session of the state court resulted in the State’s Attorney being instructed to have an indictment of perjury returned against the witness.

Mitchell was the state’s sole witness in a liquor charge brought against Charles Springer of near Emmitsburg. At the September grand jury, Mitchell declared that he had brought one pint of liquor from Springer, on the strength of this testimony, Springer was held for trial.

However when Mitchell was called to the stand he denied absolutely that he had made any purchase of this kind from Springer with the result that the Judge adversely reacted to the statement of the witness and instructed the State’s Attorney to have an indictment of perjury returned against him.

When Mitchell was called to the stand, he was asked the usual perfunctory questions, growing out of statements he presumably made while testifying before the grand jury. To the evident surprise of the State’s Attorney, Mitchell made a denial of his previous allegations, which resulted in Springer be in held for trial. When questioned concerning this, Mitchell squirmed in the seat in the witness box, and the judge became impatient, admonishing him to answer the questions put to him. Continued denial from the witnesses led the Judge instructing the State’s Attorney to bring the perjury charge against the witness. The court declared that under the circumstances Springer was acquitted.

Many Dogs Still Without ‘25 Tags

Between now and January 15, more than 4,200 dog owners in Adams County must get dog licenses, or forfeit their animals. This was the warning issued by the office of Harry Troxell, County Treasurer.

Mr. Troxell announced that up to noon today only 79 licenses for 1925 have been issued, as compared with almost 500 at the same time last year. In 1924, 4,200 dogs were licensed in Adams County, and the number to be tagged next year is not expected to fall below that mark, and possibly will be much higher.

The State Department Of Agricultural allows until January 15 for dog licenses to be renewed. After that no extension will be given and prosecution of owners whose dogs are bearing 1924 licenses or unlicensed, will be prosecuted, Mr. Troxell stated.

Application for the 1925 dog licenses may be made by mail, providing the treasurers fee and return postage is enclosed with the register’s license information.

December 19

Old Harney Mill Being Upgraded

David Sentz is having his mill put in shape for making flour. Several carpenters and an expert millwright have been at work for sometime, and when the job is completed, the mill will be in first class shape. The people of this community are greatly pleased at the prospect of having a first class mill in this place. The mill was an old landmark, and was known for many miles around for making a good grade a flower, and all who know Mr. Sentz know that he is a miller of the first class and can depend on having their wheat ground at home.

Milton Reaver has purchased the John Henson Farm on the outskirts of Harney. The purchase price is not definitively known, but we have good reasons for believing that it was reasonable. Mr. Reaver has been a tenant on the farm for 17 years, which speaks well for him as a good farmer. As a citizen of the community, he was highly respected, and as a neighbor, he could always be depended upon to do a favor, whenever called upon, if it was possible for him to do it. We were all glad to learn that he will be remaining in the community.

Appellant Fails To Appear, Judge Scores Tardiness

"Trifling with a court" was excoriated in no uncertain terms when Joseph Ganard of near Thurmont, defendant in a civil case, failed to appear in court. The case was the only one set for the day, and the jury was called to hear it. The trial was to hear a suit instituted against Ganard by Elmer Palmer of Frederick, as a result of a collision between a cow, owned and driven along a public highway near Thurmont at night by Ganard and an automobile driven by Palmer. Palmer filled suit against Ganard for $100.

The case was set for trial on Monday and word was sent to Ganard to appear for the trial. When the court convened and Ganard failed to peer, the judge asked the reason why. Leslie, Coblentz, attorney for Ganard, stated that Ganard had gone to Pennsylvania, and had not returned, and ask for a continuation. But the judge declared that he did not consider a continuation justified. The judge also pointed out that considerable expense was involved in having the jury come in, especially as the case was only one set for that day and ordered Ganard to pay Palmer and the court costs.

White Christmas Predicted

Those unfortunate mortals of Frederick, who are unable to bask in the sunshine of the sunny south, may as will make up their minds to endure more winter weather, and from all indications a winter that will be more severe than any in recent years.

While the weather for Christmas day is yet a little uncertain, except that another drop in temperatures is then due, all sorts of disagreeable elements are promised for Christmas Eve, the day before the greatest holiday of the year begins.

Christmas Eve is expected to be the coldest of the present winter with the mercury slipping to the 12E mark and snow falling across the County. The snow will possibly change to sleet or rain on Christmas but will be followed by colder weather again, Thursday.

The present month is the coldest December on record, perhaps since 1917. January 6, 1924 was the coldest day this year when the mercury registered a low mark of 6E above zero. The present winter will see this mark beaten, said the local observer, giving as one reason the fact that winter this year said in about a month earlier than a year ago.

December 26

Christmas In The Air

Radio listeners have been rather over-fed, since last Sunday, with Christmas carols, "Santa Claus" talks, solos and choruses producing old standbys, and Christmas programs. Generally, all demonstrating that Christmas is much the same everywhere, and there is no substitute for the simple story of the birth of the Christ child, what it has meant, and still means, for the world.

From dozens of broadcasting stations, far east to far west, and south, have come strains of "Silent Night", "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing", "Adeste Fedelis", and like hymns, together with nursery stories, and jingles, and for once, it is literally true that "Christmas is in the air".

All the churches have presented the same story, some more elaborately than others, but the one predominating over all messages have been "Peace On Earth Good, Will Towards Men", and "Glory To God In The Highest" – that brings happiness to the children and the real Christmas spirit to the older folks.

Fatal accident At Bridgeport

A fatal accident occurred at the dangerous curve on the State road at New Midway, on Wednesday night, about 7:30, at the exact spot that has seen multiple former wrecks – the telephone Paul at the curve near the blacksmith shop. A car, driven by William Eckert, of Littlestown, with three companions, was driving towards Taneytown, and at the curve crashed into a new pole that had just been erected in place of one broken off by an auto two weeks ago. The car may have skidded on the icy road, or may have been going too rapidly to make the turn safely. The car was badly wrecked, and turned over.

All four men in the car were knocked unconscious by the crash. John Shadell, who was in the back seat, recovered consciousness first. He was bleeding from the nose, but had no apparent injuries. Shadell aroused Frank King, who was sitting next to him, and who was bleeding from the ears, but was otherwise unhurt.

Charles Boose, who was in the front seat, was unable to move because of his broken leg. Shadell and King found Eckert pinned beneath the wreckage of his machine. He was still breathing, although unconscious. They carried him to a farmhouse across the road, and a doctor in Taneytown was notified. Upon the arrival of the physician, the removal of Eckert and Boose to the hospital was advised.

William Marker, who lives near the scene of the accident, offered his machine to take the intro to the hospital. Eckert was placed in the rear seat, with his head pillowed in Cell‘s arms. When 2 miles west of Taneytown on the Emmitsburg Road, Marker’s car slid off the road and the axel on his car snapped.

The Taneytown Garage Company was notified of the accident to Marker’s machine and sent a service car to tow in the disabled vehicle. When the car arrived at Taneytown, Dr. Benner was notified, and upon viewing Eckert, pronounced him dead.

Meanwhile, another machine was hurrying Boose to the Warner hospital. He suffered considerable pain from his broken leg, but is reported to resting easier.

Dr. Brawner Dead

Dr. John Brawer, prominent physician of Emmitsburg and surrounding mountain villages for more than a half a century, died at his home in Emmitsburg on Sunday morning.

Dr. Brawner was known throughout Western Maryland as the last remaining member of the old school country doctors. Until the last year or so, when his health began to fail, and his practice became limited, he could be seeing driving his horse and quant old-fashioned buggy along the pike, and around the back mountain roads for his daily calls to his scattered patients. He scorned autos.

Even when he was stricken with paralysis more than a year ago, people of the countryside refused to consult any other physician, and came to his bedside for medical advice, which he never refused them.

Dr. Brawner will be buried Tuesday morning in the Saint Joseph Catholic Church cemetery.

Thurmont Motor Company To Be Sold

Lloyd Fisher will sell at public auction on the premises of the Thurmont Motor Company on January 3, a lot of ground, new garage, and all of the personal property of the said Thurmont Motor Company. The garage is situated on a direct road from Washington, Baltimore and Frederick to Gettysburg, and is in the center of a rich and thriving community. The gross business done by this garage during the year ending June 30, 1924 was approximately $200,000.

This property will be first offered as a business, to wit: garage, office equipment, shop equipment, new Ford, tractor parts, new Ford, parts, and accessories, new and used cars.

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