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8 A MDRDER. NATHANIEL BURKE STABS IdlS WIFE TO DEATH. A Saturday Night Quarrel Winds Up In a Fight—He Breaks Her F n?er but Returns and Deals Her a Deadly Blow—He Calls Her to Him to Ask Her Forgiveness and Then Slays Her. There is a family of colored people living near Savannah that will always remember Christmas with sorrow, for it will bring the recollection of a murder that was commit ted yesterday—a murder as heinous ns the records of crime will show. It was the kill ing of a woman by her husband, and it was one of the most brutal and will ill critms that has been perpetrated here for many a day. The murderer is Nat Burko, a worthless fellow who married Lucinda Williams some two years ago. She was the daughter of Preacher Williams, the colored pastor at Thomasville, or Station No. 1 on the City and Suburban railway. Burke married the S'rl and settled down like a dutiful son-in w to be supported by his wife's family. He has lived with the preacher over since he has been married, hut he never contributed anything to hi- wife’s support, and more than that be was exceedingly cruel in his treatment of her. quarreling incessantly, snd often beating her. It cannot lie said that she bore his il: usage with meekness and submission, for the truth is that she did ail she could toward paying him back in bis own coin, and fights tie tween them were not of infrequent occurrence. THE FATAL QUARREL. On Christmas eve Butko and hi* wife got into another dispute. The sacred season bad no charm lor them, for they were both un der the influence of liquor. and neither was iu a very good humor. Burke went into tiie house and Begun to complain of the manner of bis father-in-law whose bread kept him slive. His wife retorted sharply, defending her father against her huslwnd's strictures. Within a very few minutes they were engaged in a rough and tumble fight during which one of Lucinda’s lingers was broken. She screamed and yelled so vociferously that Burke w as scared, andhelwft the house and rauaway. Ho did not return that night, nor was he on hand at breakfast time yesterday morning, but about 9:30 o'clock he went up to the house and standing outside lie called- to his wife to come to him. She went to the window and asked him what he wanted. lie told her he was sorry for what he had done anfl wanted to see her. She went out of the door and walked up to him. Ha was standing about twenty feet from the door. She walked Straight up to him and stood lieside him, and jusf as she was about to sjieak, Burke drew a Li*. knife and plunged it into her groin. THE F . ’A I. THRUST. The woman scream t with pain and fell to the ground Her fathir and mother heard her or • and rushed fr m the house, but by thj tu.ii they rested the door Burke was i hun red yards away and run ning for de-vi life. The woman’s mother tore her clothes from her and attempted to stop the flow of blood, hut it was only a minute before she died. Her body was car ried into the house and laid upou tho bed, and the neighbors gathered around, and in spite of Christmas day the colored popula tion of Tbomasville turned it into a day of mourning. The bexiy wag dressed for burial and at midday u messenger was sent to the city to report the minder. He arrived at the police barracks at 12:30 o’clock and when the crime was made known Chief of Police Anderson sent Mounted Officers Brantly and Bond out to search for the murderer. HUNTING FOR THE MURDERER. They went out to the scene of the crime and gathered what facts they could there. After they had learned enough to enable them to identify Burke they began to scour the country 'They hunted in every direc tion but could find no trace of him. They heard that he had gone to his uncle’s, seven miles out on the Ogeechee road, and they followed the trail there, hut did not catch him. About 7 o'clock they returned and reported that Burke bad made good his escape. None of the residents of Thoruasville have seen any thing of him. but they are all much in ceused against him, and if they can learn anything of his whereabouts the police will be informed. FREIGHT CARS IN THE RIVER. The Bridge Over the St. Mary’s River on the S., F. and W. Knocked Down. Night before last a freight train knocked down the bridge over St. Mary’s river on the Savannah, Florida and Western rail way, and that road, for the next four days, will have to do business by way of Live Oak, Fla, instead of by AVaycross, Ga. The schedule will be about four horn's longer by that route, but the time which that route will have to be used will be short. The accident occurred as follows: Just before reaching the bridge one of the cars became derailed. It is not clear which one it was. ’ln crossing the bridge the derailed car struck one of the posts and knocked it off the pier upon which it rested and the entire bridge and four cars went into the river. No lives were lost. The bridge was about 140 feet long and was of wrought iron. It cost about $7,000 and doubtless a good portion of it can be saved. The work of replacing the bridge has already begun. THROUGH THE CITY. Hems (lathered Here and There by the News Reporters. Calanthe Lodge, Knights of Pythias, will meet to-night and elect officers. Excepting thed. d.’s, yesterday was quite k respectable and quiet Christmas north of Liberty street. The City and Suburban, Tyboe and Coast Line railroads will run special schedules 10-day for tho benefit of pleasure seekers at the suburban resorts. The number of drunken white men and negroes to be seen on the streets yesterday, Should convince every one that the Sunday [quorlaw in this city is a dead letter. The new jail will be ready for prisoners the latter part of this week. Sheriff Ronan and his family will move into the jailer’s ipartmente on Wednesday, and everything twill be in readiness to receive the wards of (he county a few days thereafter. To-day will be generally recognized as a jioliday, and business through the city will U generally suspended. The city and gov tnunent, offices and exchanges wifi bo closed. None of the courts will be in session, and (he day will practically be another Christ nas. His Honor, the Mayor, will have a good lay's work before him to-morrow, and if he H* through it all before sundown he will lave earned a year’s salary. There were lurty-fiv prisoners in the barracks last light, all charged with being drunk and dis irderly, and thoKestivities of to-day will loubtless add largely to that number. A lad of about 12 years, riding a veloci pede on Broughton street about 8:30 o’clock resterday morning, barely escaped serious Injury bv the reckless driving of a negro man and woman in a buggy. Fortunately for the lad he got off in time to save himself Irom the wheels of the buggy, but his pet machine was knocked into a'dozen shapes. The first car for the new railroad company will arrive to-day on the Philadelphia steamer. It is painted red. Since it was ordered, however, the company lias decided to adopt yellow as the standard color for its cars and lights so as to distinguish them 1 rom those of the other street lines. The curve ; Bay, West Broad and Indian streets will Lx, done to-morrow, if the weaihe: continues fair. RUN OVER BY A STREET CAR. Little David Walthour Rides - His Velocipede Under the Wheels. David Walthour, a little 7-venr-old son of M rs. David L. Walthour, living at No. 153 South Broad street, was run over by a Whitaker stii'et horse car yesterday after noon and was seriously if not fatally in jured. i he little fellow was riding bis Christinas velocipede on the sidewalk between Bull ami Whitaker streets; There is a cons id | erable down-grade coming from Bull street | down South Broad, and he ran his veloci ] pede off ihe stone sidewalk and part, of tho I way across Whitaker street. Car No. 5 was I coming down town at 4 o’clock, and just bet-ore it reached the South Broad street crossing young Waltliour ran his velocipede in front of the horses. Tho driver saw the boy, but not in time to stop the car. The little fellow was knocked off his velocipede and was thrown under the horses. Both wheels of the car passed over him, breaking tsitli of his legs, one above and the other below the knee, and cutting off one of his eais. Tho driver stopped as soon as be could and tho conductor picked up the lx>y. His mother was standing on the sidewalk further up the street and saw the accident. She ran • and took the little feilow from the conductor’* anus and carried him home. Dr. Elliott was sent for, and with tjp’ as si stance of Dr. Read nnd one or two other physicians reduced the fractures. Although ids injuries are very severe both fractures being compound, there is a chance that the boy may recover, though lie will be a crip ple for fife. There were two passengers in the ear and several people on the street who saw the accident, and they said that it was unavoid able, and that tho driver could not possibly have stopped the ear in time to save the boy. Conductor ltamsey was in charge of the ear, and he did everything t hat he could for the wounded boy. The driver junmed off and ran as soon as he saw that the boy hud been hurt, and lie has not been seen Rinoe. - ■ - . a. . - UNRULY GUESTS. Two of the Marshall House Lodgers Moved to the Barracks. The Marsha#House had a lively time of it Christinas. Two good-sized rows occurred there to keep things from being dull and wake the drowsy lodger* of that hostelry from their early morning slumbers. The first was the work of a deaf and dumb man, Goorge D. Fitzgerald. He was playing hilWdsaud drinking pretty freely. He conceived the idea that as it was Christmas he must do something extraordi nary, so he concluded to clean blit the house. He started in in Marquis of Queensberry style, and had run nearly everybody out of the place when some stranger caught a billiard cue by the small end and hit Fitzgerald a rap over the head so hard that he did not know whether a mule had kicked him, or a freight train had struck him. He recovered from that blow and made another dash when the stranger came at him again with the butt end or the cue, and Fitzgerald’s head looked like a blood pudding when the unknown got through with him. A policeman dropped in about that time, and since then Fitzgerald lias been asleep in tho barracks. About two hours later W. S. Fontaine, an umbrella drummer, liegan to show the effects of Christmas drinks and grew so uproarious that Policeman Sullivan determined he would have to go to the bar racks. Fontaine did not want to go and lie offored forcible resistance, hitting the officer in tlie head and cutting the skin, but one good right-hander from Sullivan settled him, and he was put iu the same cell with Fitzgerald. HEAVY IRON SHIPMENTS. The Increase of the Product Increases the Demand for Ship Tonnage. An important and constantly increasing business cf this port is the shipment of pig iron from the furnaces of Alabama and Upper Georgia. Every year this class of freight has shown an increase, and the day is not far distant when special ships wiil have to be provided to carry it. Every steamer going to Baltimore, Philadelphia and NewYork, and sometimes those forjßos ton, take out as a part of their cargoes' this product of Southern mines. Owing, how ever, to the heavy cotton tonnage during the past two months there has been a small accumulation of pig iron at tho wharves, but as there is now a little falling off in cotton freights, the steamers will carry more iron. The City of Savannah will take out fifty tons on he%next trip. The iron now comes by way of Montgomery or Atlanta. When the direct rad line' is opened to Birmingham there will doubtless be a large increase in iron freights. AT THE THEATRE. Louisa Balfe In "Dagmar" the First Attraction. Louise Balfe will open tho holiday week at the theatre to-night with “Dagmar,” one of the strongest emotional plays of the day. The Times-Union says of her performance in Jacksonville that she achieved a success that is almost like a warm personal regard. As Dagmar, in the strong, sensational play of the same name, she rises to the height of real genius. If the audience were delighted with Miss Balfe, she had some reason to be pleased with her audi ence, for not a point escaped them. Every grace, or telling situation of force, or dis play of power, was instantly reoognized with heartfelt expressions of appreciation, and Miss Balfe was three times called be fore the curtain with ail emphasis which would not brook a refusal. Of her support it said that it is good, but it is a strong test for ability or attainment to be placed m the blazing light of a genius like Aliss Baife’s, a test which few can staud and not be dimmed by the contrast. Mias Balfe sprang into favor here last season when sue made her first appearance here, and she will not fail to receive a wel come now. She will be here two nights, and to-morrow night will play “The Planter’s wife.” The Mendelssohn Concerts. Some misapprehension prevails, from the notice of a few days ago, in regard to the Mendelssohn concerts, which take place on Baturday, Jan. 21. It. was stated that the price of subscribers’ tickets would be $1 25 for each concert, and that the tickets would not be separately. This is incorrect. The management doomed it but fair that sub scribers should lie allowed some special benefits, and therefore placed the price at $1.25 for the two concerts, that is, subscribers get two tickets, one for even ing concert and one for matinee, both re served, for $1.25. Considering tho reputa tion of the Mendelssohn Quintette Club, this is a rare opportunity for lovers of good music to enjoy one or both concerts for a moderate sum. There will he an entire change of pro- Kamme at each concert. Several “Theatre irties’’ are being arranged, and the con certs promise to eclipse in brilliancy the one so successfully given last season. There is a great deal of musical talent and musi cal appreciation in Savannah, and no better evidence is needed than the large nuinlier of music lovers and con cert goers. The management has a notice in another column. tocal Personal. Mr. Joseph Clay returned home yesterday after a month’s absence in New York. Rev. T. T. Christian, who was injured on Saturday by failiig from a train at Mar low, was resting comfortably last night. Judge Erskine is thinking of buying a couple of lots near tin* Park. H* proposes, if he succeeds iu securing t**e proper’ to j erect a couple ot bouses ami live in one of I them THE MORNING NEWS: MONDAY, DECEMBER 26. 1887. THE CITY’S CHRISTMAS. CELEBRATING THE GREAT FESTI VAL OF CHRISTENDOM. Savannahians Observe the Dav with Church-Going and Turkey Dinners - Very Few Promenaders on the Streets—The Poor Remembered by the Charitable - The Services in the Churches—lncidents of the Day. Chri *t lias, 1887, has come and gone. It was a quiet day in Savannah. It* principal observance was hi the churches, and falling on Sunday the festival was the theme of almost every sermon amlxong. The weather was bright and cold, but it didn't rain. The Signal Bureau predicted over a week ago just such a day as yesterday proved to be. It was the sort of a Christmas day that Sa vannahians do not get every year, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. There was no reasonable excuse for church goein to remain at home, and a peep at the congregations through the <>|ien church doors said plainly that few of them did. • QUIET IN TBI STREETS. People who did’ut go to church generally staid at home. There were few people on the streets, compared with tho crowd-, that are generally abroad when Christmas fans on a week day. Most of the festivities occurred in doors. There were a few people, of course, whose spirits, exalted because of the day, could not brook the restraint of four walls, and they walked up and down the sidewalks. In some parts of the town there was an amazing sight of walking to the block, but this was not very prevalent. THE TATTLE FOLKS’ CHRISTMAS. * The little ones, who had been waiting im patiently for Santa Claus to come, made tho most of the day as children always do. There were few sleepy heads among the lit tle folks yesterday, and they were all ready to get up as soon as daylight, came. Stock ings, little and big, were quickly unloaded of jumping-jacks, woolly horse*,stuffed pig*, Noah’s arks and all sorts of things that make a child happv, and the exclamations of delight that, were uttered bv thousands of little ones as one thing or another that pleased their fancy, came up from way down in the bottom of the long stocking, would fill a book. THE POOR NOT FORGOTTEN. While the little folks were busy with their gifts the older ones were not unmindful of each other and of the glad season when every body gives presents. The poor were not forgotten and many sad hearts were made happier by tho glad remembrance of those who are able to give and who do not forgot that to give is more blessed than to receive. In the asylums and hospitals charitable hands were busy and the teaching that the great anniversary is not one intended to impart a lesson to the rich or to the good to the exclusion of the poor or the wicked, was made practical by the providing of some of the benefits of the day to all, without reference to condition of body or soul. Altogether it was such a Christmas as is seldom seen. THE DAY IN THE CHURCHES. Christmas worshipers were plentiful all day. Long before daylight dissipated the darkness of the early Christmas morn, the hurrying part of devout churchgoers were threading their way over the rough pave ments to the Cathedral for 5 o'clock mass. From the first early service till the last prayer had been offered in the afternoon, the attendance upon church serviA was large. The festival falling on Sunday nearly all of the churches in tho city held Cjrist mas services of some description. The mass, the holy communion, and the old fashioned prayer meeting were participated in alike. It is in the Episcopal and Roman Catholic churches, though, that the greatest attention is paid to the day. The display of evergreen fesfcons, of wreaths and crosses, Christinas trees and churchly processions, lighted tapers and festival robes and im- Cressive ritual, is something to be remein ered for a life time. CHRIST CHURCH. The morning servlcos at Christ church were attended by a throng of worshipers. The festoons of evergreens around the chancel and gallarios were tastefully ar ranged and presented a beautiful appear anco. There was an elaborate musical ser vice. The processional hymn, “King all Glorious,” was finely rendered. The solo singing of Airs. Postell was particularly fine, revealing refined musical expression and clearness of enunciation. Next came the singing of the “Veuite. ” It also re ceived creditable rendition from the choir. Tiie chief feature of the musical programme and the most effective choral effort, how ever, was the singing of the “Gloria” by Bennett. This is always an interesting anthem at Christmas, and the beauties of this “angelic song” were well brought out by the finely trained choir. Aluch of the brilliancy and enjoyment of the singing of the “Te Deum” was due to the admirable playing of the organist, Prof. M. Steward. The “Jubilate” that followed was bright ad charming in its tonal beauty. The chief soloists were Mrs. Posted. Mr.’F. E. Ueborer and Mr. Julian H. Walker. The latter’s singing of “Nazareth.’' by Gounod, as as offertory was exceedingly well rendered. Air. Rebarer also sang with his usual care and finish. Rev. Thomas Boone read the first lesson taken from St. John's Gospel i., L “In the liegtnning was the word and tho word was God.” The second lesson was taken from St. Luke’s ii., 1. “It came to pass in those days.” The text of Mr. Boone’s sermon was from the book of Isaiah lvii., 15,10, 19. “Thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity whose name is holy.” The rector spoke of Christmas day with its Christmas joys as the happiest day of all the year to children, and to older people it should be a day of rejoicing, and of the fullest and truest, joy, for on that day, 1900 years ago, the God of love, the God* of all the earth, of Jew and Gentile, became manifest iu flesh, and thereby proclaimed a declaration of peace between God and man. God lives not to himself, he said, but de lights to reveal and manifest himself in a personal relation to his people, and in tho incarnation of Christ his people are brought into anew aud nearer relation with Christ,, who is now their kinsman as well as their Redeemer, bringing life forevermore, and hope forevermore. Tims was Gods love and man’s need made the crystal shrine upon which all our hopes de pend. Glory to God in the highest for his Christmas gift to the world. CHRIST CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL. The Sunday school service at Christ church took place at 4 o’clock yesterday af ternoon. It was different in one very im portant respect from the usual Christmas service of Sunday schools, for, instead of receiving presents, the children brought presents, which are to go to the poor to brighten the Cbi istmastide of those to whom the season*would otherwise l,e barren of joys aud pleasures. The school came in from the Sunday school room through the doors on both i<i** of the church, marched down the aisles and met at the alley, up which they walked to their seats. The processional was “Carol, brothers, carol,” which was sung heartily by the cliildreu. Tbeu followed the re s|x3iisive intonation of the lesso l for the day, after which “Hear us, holy Jesus,” was sung kneeling. Rev. Mr. Boon* talked to the children upon the subject of Christmas, telling them that the gift-giving which marked the tide was iu commemoration of God’s great gift of his Sou for the salvation of the world, and that while the exchanging of gifts among friends and relatives was a good aud pleasant custom, the poor should oot lie for gotten, and what was given to them would do the soul of the giver more good than could be derived from receiving. He then oali.*d the children up by classes tu deposit Mi* gifts‘hey bad brought, and the great •iin.ilesr •>; ir.e u made Mr. Boone exclaim l* a? It v * ; e gg**.: Claus he had V* li, • : wf*i**9 bfftfig col- ! lected the infant class tang the Christmas carol, and after it the school sang, “Oh, Qome all ye faithful,” and was then dis missed bj* the rector. ST. JOHN’S CHURCH. St. John’s was crowded as it always is on Christina* day. The church was not pro fusely, but it was very handsomely dressed in evergreens and flowers. There were no festoons, but panels of evergreens between tho windows, and the decorations of the organ loft and the chancel and altar made the handsome gothic interior veritable Christmas bower. Upon tno altar was a cross of roses, aud stretching across the chancel above the Blta:' was tho word “Hosanna” in Immortelles upon au ever green arch. The font was hidden under a hank of evergreens. At the morning ser vice the holy communion was celebrated, ami the l ector preached a Christmas ser mon. Tiie music was a special feature of the service arid was admirably rendered by a chorus choir under tbe-direeUou of Mrs. Burke. ST. JOHN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL. Tiie Christmas festival of Ht. John’s Sun day school took place at fi:lkl o’clock last night. The church decorations were the same as at the morning service. The (Sun day school assembled ill the school room ami marched into the church singing “Hear the gentle angels Hay, Christ i- horn.” After the Lord’s prayer and the collects for the day were said the carol “Beautiful star of l'aith and love” was sung. The rector read for the Scriptural lesson the story of Christ’s birth. After it the school sang, Wake ye children, greet the morn, see Jehovah’s love: rb’nto you a child was born, sent from high above. The Infant (Mass very sweetly caroled, < 'bildren can you truly tell. Do you Know the story well. Every Kiri and every boy Why the a' ! Ko!s sang (or joy. On the Christmas morning * After that came another carol by the school, and ther; the rector talked to the children about Christmas, and what the glad festival means. Thu closing carol was then sung, and after it the recessional, The ex' orcise was interesting throughout. THE LUTHERAN CHURCH. There was a largo congregation at the Lutheran church, where Rev. l)r. Bowman delivered an eloquent sermon upon the sub ject of Christmas dav and its ieson. The congregation listeugd with great attonta tivenes- to the disburse, and seemed much impresseu with the simple services that were held in commemoration of the birth of Christ. The music consisted of the Christmas chants and carols with one or two pieces especially arranged, and was sweetly rendered by the choir. THE BAPTIST CHURCH. A large congregation assembled at the Baptist church to attend the Christmas ser vices there. The form of service set apart for the duty was the order of service, with u sermon by Rev. J. E. L. Holmes upon the subject of Christ, his birth, life and death, and the benefits bestowed upon mankind by that wondrous life, with all its suffering and pain and sorrowing for those who would not follow him in the way to righ teousness and everlasting life. Mr. Holmes urged his hearers to look to themselves at this Christmas tide and to make the gift of all their gifts, the gift of their hearts, to God, that tboy might reap the reward that is iu store for the faithful in the world to come, and so make perfect the work of the Savior, who on the day of which that was the anniver sary came down from heaven to give him self up a willing sacrifice for the salvation of mankind. The choir, which is composed of Mis. Ida Wade, Miss Mustin, Messrs. George Frierson and H. W. Rcadick, and Mrs. Gustin, organist,, rendered the anthems of the day. INDEPENDENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The Rev. Dr. Pratt preached at the morn ing service of the Independent Presbyterian church. Although it was Christmas day no special music was prepared or rendered other than the “Adeste Fidelis,” or Christ mas hymn, which was sung by the chorus choir a-, an offertory, to the old and thrill ing strains of “Portugusse.” At the even ing service Dr. Pratt preached again and the choir sang the anthem, “Sing and Re joice,” by Barnby, and a better rendering could not have teen given. It begins with a bright original melody and lea Is into a majestic chorus of rare tonal beauty. The choir still maintains its reputation for fine choral singing. , TRINITY CHURCH. The Missionary Christinas service by the Sunday school was the chief observance of the day at Trinity Methodist church. Rev. T. T. Christian, by reason of his injuries received at Marlow, was unable to preach iu the morning, and the pulpit was supplied by Rev. J. L. Gilmore, chaplain of the Sea men’s Bethel. The Sunday school held its regular session at 3:30 o’clock, and immedi ately after it came the Missionary service. The opening song, “Joy to the world,” was followed with prayer by the Superintendent, and after it the hymn “All hall the power of Jesus name.” Then came a responsive reading, led by the Su perintendent. “Be joyful in God” was sung by a quartette consisting of Miss Mag gie Oliver, Miss Ella Ixiko and Messrs. Iv. E. and J. G. Swaustoiu A responsive reading followed and the service closed with the verse: Lord, in the st rengt h of grace, With a glad heart andfree, Myself, my residue of days, I consecrate to thee. Thero were no decorations in the church. THE CATHEDRAL. At the Cathedral the massts occupied the whole morning. Beginning at sunrise, one service followed another until midday, when the morning service closed with the close of high mass. The mass was begun at 10 o’clock, Father McCouville being the cele brant. Father Colbert deacon, and Father Myers sub-deacon. This beautiful ritual was observed in commemoration of the great birthday, and a large congregation was present to witness it. Six acolites assisted, and all the im pressive ceremony of the mass was performed. The choir rendered the music of the day most excellently. The selections were the usual Christmas anthems with the music appropriate to the mass. The church was not decorated, but the altar candles were lighted and the flowers filled the vases on the sacred table. Fat h- r Cor bett preached a most Impressive sermon on the day, and the le-son which it taught of the great blessing God had given to the world in giving up hi- only Son that those who would believe on him might be saved. BT. PATRICK'S CHURCH. At St. Patrick’s church, at 10 o'clock, high mass Was celebrated by Father Robert Kennedy, as-isted by Rev. Father Bazin. The choir, uu ler direction of Prof. E. A. Hcliultze, song in excellent style the “Kvrie, “Gloria,” “Credo,” “Sanetus,” anil “Agnes Del,” from Dachaller’a "Messe Bolemneile.' The offertory, “Ave Maria,” sang as ft trio by Miss O’Byrne and Messrs. Rebarer and O’Byrne, was particularly well rendered. At 4 o’clock the vesper and benediction services, were celebrated bv Father Ken nedy. The congregation in the afternoon ws. no! as large us at I lie morning service. The chief musical feature war the singing of Rosewig's “Ave Verum” and “Tantmn Ergo,” the former as a solo, by Mr, H. A. Dumas, and the latter os a chorus. Miss Ida O’Byrne was organist at both services. A GENERAL OBSERVANCE. At the First Presbyterian Church Rev. J. W. Kogan preached a Christmas sermon in the morning, and last night the Sunday school held a Christina* festival service. The services at Wesley Monumental Church were also commemorative of the great anniversary. In the afternoon the Biinday school held a Missionary. Christmas exercise similar to that at Trinity Church. Nearly all the churches iu the city had some special service iu ob servance 'if the day. The decorations, though, were not, elaborate, and very few of the churches except the Rinnan Catholic sud Episcopal Cburchs*. wtr Am-orated at ail. THE B. AM) W. PURCHASE FEATURES OF THE S.. F. Si W. AND CENTRAL ALLIANCE. Improvements on \he Brunswick and Western—Fiity Miles Rails Already Purchased—Business Free to Go Where It Wants to-Greater Ship ping Facilities at Savannah. Col. Haines, General Manager of tbe Savannah, Florida and Western railway, returned from New York yesterday, where he had been in connection with the recent purchase of the Brunswick and Western railroad. Col. Haines says that the bargain for the purchase of that road Iris been com pleted in every respect, and the road is now the property of the purchasers beyond all recall. The bondholders of the road hunted for a purchaser for several years, and suc ceeded in finding one when they decided to accept a reasonable price. They held the property at too high a figure, and pretended nil the time that they intended to improve it and make it, in all respects, a first-class road. They didn't improve it, and they couldn't make it. pay in the condition in which it. was, and so they accepted the price that was offered them. WHO THE PURCHASER IS. The road was not purchased by the Sa vannah. Florida and Western Hallway, but by a syndicate of which the Plant Invest ment Company Is the chief member. It will not be i unas a part of the Savanuah, Florida and YVbstem system, hut in connec tion with it It will bear abo.ut the same relation to that system as the Charleston road does. IT WILL BE IMPROVED AT ONCE. It i the purpose to put tho road in first class Condition at onoe. Colonel Haines purchased steel rail9for fifty miles of the road when lie was in New York, and the public is permitted to understand that tbe entire line will be in first class condition inside of a year. The whoie road will bo relaid with steel rails, and the roadbed, bridges and equipment wilt be such as will lie wholly satisfactory to the patrons of the line. HOW THE ROAD WILL BE RUN. There will be no effort to run the road in the interest of any town, or to take business to or away from a town. The ports will be placed upon an equality as to rates, and business will be permitted to go where it pleases. All that the management of tbe road will do will be to furnish first class transportation facilities. It will let busi ness take its own course. If it wants to go to Brunswick the same advantages for gel ting there will be offered it as if it desired to go to Savannah. WHY THE ROAD WAS BOUGHT. AVhile the purchasers of the road do not say why they bought it, there is no difficulty in finding good reasons for its purchase. It affords the Plant Investment Company the means of protecting its investments in this State ana Florida. If any of its inter ests are menaced, as they have been, it is now in position to retaliate, and that, too, so effectually as to bring those who attack it to terms. THE ALLIANCE WITH THE CENTRAL. The arrangement which the Savannah, Florida and Western has with the Central for its basis, enlarged transportation facili ties by steaui, coastwise from Savannah. What the Savannah, Florida and Western would like to have is a steamer from Savan nah to New York every day. Tbe Central has not agreed to furnish a daily steamer, but has promised that toe steamship facili ties shall be ample and satisfactory. If a steamer daily, therefore, is necessary, the Ocean Steamship Company’s fleet will be sutficently enlarged to meet that necessity. There are other points in the alliance 10-tween -tween the two roans, one of which is that the Savannah, Florida and Western shall spare no efforts to give to the Ocean Steam ship Company all the freights of the terri tory which it controls, and another probably is that the Central makes certain conces sions with regard to the business of terri tory which it has hitherto controlled. Of course neither party will give the exact nature of the alliance between them, and perhaps the public would not care to know it. What it cares about is the general features of the alliance. Those given above are probably not far from correct. NOTES ALONG THE RIVER. Happenings Among the Shipping and Along the Wharves. The steamship City of Savannah got ashore on the Garden banks yesterday after noon while on her way flown the river. She remained there about a quarter of an hour, when she worked off and then pro ceedfkl on to sea. There is a very lively competition going on between the rival tow boat companies. The little steamers venture twenty to thirty miles off shore to offer their services to in coming vessels. The competition is so ac tive that vessels sometimes get a free tow inward in consideration of being employed to take them to sea after they are loaded. The schooner Helen A. Chase, from Fer nandina for New York, which put into this port in distress some weeks since, went to sea yesterday, under tow of tlie tug Cyn thia No. 3. which will take her to New York. Towing large vessels TOO to 1,000 miles, and thereby saving time and expen.-e, is becoming ono of the features of the coast ing trade. The tug gets $1,300 for its ser vices. _____________ Where Are You Going, My Pretty Maid? Going down to L. & B. 8. M. H. to select a Piano for my Christmas present, Haven’t you heard of their great Christmas Piano and Organ Sale? Why, my papa says its too good a chance to bo missed, and so he is going to give me the Piano I've wanted so long, and Smilesweet and Ethel Brighteyes, ami lots of ruv friends arc going to get Pianos too. But I’m going early to make my choice before the best are sold. The last week to get one of those beauti ful gilt frame pictures with every $35 pur chase at Appel & Bchaul’s, One Price Cloth- iet>, lffij (ingress street. Elegant Pianos. The (inst and most beautifully finished Pianos can be obtained at L. & B. S. M. H. They are made by such manufacturers as Chick eriug, Mason & Hamlin, Bent and Mathushek. i/.w prices and easy terms at our Grand Christmas Hale. L. It B. S. M. H. The judges at the Piedmont Exposition decided that our Cooking Stoves and Ranges were superior to all others. We would call your attention to our Vol cano Furnace*, the most powerful heater, and cheaper than any other. Would refer to the following parties, who hare them in use: George Cornwell, Col. G. B. Owens, Dr. W, B. Lawton, George Freeman, J. R. Baussy, Dr. A. G. Bouton and others. Cornwell & Cuipmatl A Useful Gilt. One of those elegant Embroidered Sus penders at Appel & Scbaul’ts, One Price Clothiers, 103 Congress street. Those Toy Pianos Make the little ones happy. Don’t tell the Children you can’t afford to buy one. Only II 50 to |3 buys a handsome Square or Up right, made stroug and durable, never need tuning. L. & B. B. M. H. A 25c. Children’s Undershirt for 10c. at WeisbelnV G.’lC, Pine and Idghtwood, For sale bv R. B. Camels, corner Taylor and East Brood streets. Telephone No. 77. A -’sc. Hair Brush for 00. at. Vt eisbem’s. Weather Indications. ' Special indications for Georgia: FAIR I Fair weather, slightly cooler in the I eastern portion, slightly warmer in the western portion, light to fresh variable winds. Comparison of mean temperature at Savan nah. Deo. 25 1807, and the mean of same/Jay for fifteen years. Departure ! Total Mean Temferatt rk from the Departu -a Meau Since for 15 years Dec. 25. - iT -I- or .Jan. 1, ltieC 53.0 I qs> - fI.U I- 618.0 Comparative rainfall statement _ ~ Departure I . Total slean Daily Amount from iue departure A ,* < vli\L or |-v ‘lf •- 1 Mean i Sui=® 16 kearv Lev. 26, or _ ;Jan - .12 | <W • I- ,ia j 8 0!) Maximum temperature —, minimum tem perature —. The height of the river at Augusta at I:3S o’clock p. m. vest or-lay (Augusta time) was 15 1 feet— a rise of 0 4 during the past twenty-four hours. Observations taken at the seme moment of time at all stations. Savannah. Dee. 25. 9:36 p. M.. city time. __ ! Temperature. ! Direction. ! L '£ ! ! Velocity. J F J Rainfall. Nan* or Stations. Portla*d 161 N IClear Boston 26 N .. . . k'lowly. Block Island 32 N ..IT (lowly. New York city ... 30 N ...... Cloudy. Philadelphia 32 N .. .. Fair. Detroit 22! W ... Fair. Fort Buford !—lO<N\V ..I T* (Clear. St. Vincent —l6 S .. T* ;C lear. Washington city.. 28 NW Cloudy. Titusville.. ... 52 MV Fair. Norfolk 38. N E ;Cloudy. Charlotte 88 E j Cloudy. Hatteras j 42 N El-18 Cloudy. Wilmington j 42 ..:.... [Cloudy. Charleston ! 46 N E .. Cloudy. Augusta | 40— |..! Cloudy. Savannah ! 42 NW ,Olear. Jacksonville 46 |Fair. Cedar Keys 1.... j | Key West 58 N i Clear. Atlanta.... 80.NYV Clear. Pensacola 40 NW IClear. Mobile 31 N . 1... Clear. Montgomery .... 32 W .. j. ..' Clear. Vicksburg S4|S E ..I .Fair. New Orleans 38 S El 81 i Clear. Shreveport 30 S E|..| (Cloudy. Fort Smith 36 S E .| .14 Raining. Galveston 68| S j.. Cloudy. Corpus Christ! i..— Palestine 50 S 112 ....iCioudy. Brownesvitle. ! j | RioGrande |..i ... Knoxville 32 S Ej..i Cloudy. Memphis 30 S E Cloudy. Nashville 28 Fair. Indianapolis 20 W .. .. . Clear. Cincinnati 2*SW ..I Clear. Pittsburg 82! W Cloudy. Buffalo 20 N E Cloudv. Cleveland 26 SW ~ T* Cloudy. Marquette 21 S W 'Cloudy. Chicago 22 W .. T* Fair. Duluth. 1U SW| ' Fair. St. Paul 8 | ‘cloudy. Davenport 14 j Clear. Cairo 28 N E Cloudy. St. Louts 26 N E j Cloudy. Leavenworth... . j 24 NE j Cl< mdy. Omaha 2.’ . j Hazy. Yankton : 22 SW . .. Snowing. Bismarck S'NW' Clear. Dead wood .. j ! I Cheyenne 24 S W | Cloudy. North Platte ISjNVF! fOlear. Dodge City SO N El Cloudy. Santa Fe ! 20! N Clear. T* denotes trace of rainfall. G. N. Salisbury Signal Corps. Ladies, when you are out shopping stop at Appel & Bchaul’s, One Price Clothiers, and procure one of their Souvenirs. They cost you nothing. Will Keep Open Monday to Supply Fireworks. Messrs. Davis Bros, announce in our special columns that their stores will be kept open Monday to supply the wants of all with Fireworks. Their stock is rapidly diminishing and they advise au early call. Ho for Tybeo Island! During the Christmas holidays until Jan uary 3, two trains daily will leave the Sav annah, Florida and Western Railway de pot as follows: STANDARD TIME, i 9:80 A. M. For Tybee. < ( 8:00 P. M. ( 12:10 P. M. From Tybee. J I 5:10 P. M. Round trip tickets 50c., to be had at the cigar store of J. B. Fernandez, corner Bull and Broughton streets, or at depot. Oyster Roasts, Clam Bakes and ’Coon and ’Po--sum Hunts can be arranged for upon application to the hotel proprietor on the island. Chas. O. Haines, Superintendent and Engineer. Savannah, Oa., Dec. 29, 1887. RfIlD IT. | An Advertisement From the Crockery House of Jas. S. Silva Si Son. % We want everybody to come and see us this week. We have Christmas presents suitable to all. RARE POTTERY AND PORCELAINS, Bisque Figures and ornaments, Vases of rich and beautiful designs. ARTISTIC GLASSWARE. Kichlv cut and engraved Goblets, Tum blers, Wine Glasses, Decanters, Pitchers; also in all colors, elaborately decorated. DINNER SETS. We offer a very neat and serviceable set from sl3 to s3<); fine sots SBS to $l5O. Fish and Game Sets, Tea Sots, Chamber Sets, etc., very low. CARVING SETS. Rogers’ Knives and Forks, Spoons, Fish and Pie Kniveis, Game Carvers, etc. LAMPS. Student Lamps, Piano Extension LaTnps, Parlor Hanging and Standing Lamps. Use ful and ornamental, etc. Jas. S. Silva & Son. Chinn and Glass, 140 Broughton Street. Nothing prettier than those Umbrellas shown at Appel & Schaul’s, One Trice Clothiers, 108 Congress street. Music All the Year Round. Yes, not only fora year, but for a life time. That’s what a Christmas gilt of a fine Piano or a Parlor Organ will bring. And how easily an instrument can he obtained. No need to pay cash down for it. A mere trifle Laid weekly or monthly will secure a handsome new instru ment, from a reliable maker. Great induce ments offered in our Christ inns Piano and Organ Sale. L. & B. S. M. H. Oak, Pine and Light wood For sale by R. B. Cassels, corner Taylor and East Broad streets. Telephoue No. 77. Boys’ Corduroy Hats 05c., Gents’ 7.5 c., at Appel & Schaul's, One Price Clothiers. Stiff Hats in all styles and shapes, from $1 25 up to $5, at Appel & Schaul’s; One Price Clothiers, 108 Congress street. At the Harnett House, Havannah, Ga., you get all Hie comforts cf the high-priced no els, and save from $1 to #3 per day. Try it and be convinced.— Boston Home Jour nal. Thirty-tliree jier cent, reduction on all i Winter Goods at Weisl.ein s. Please the boys by getting them one of j those elegant Overcoats at Appel & Bchaul’s, I One Price Clothiers. A puie linen Damask Napkin for sc. at VY eisbein’s. 1 BAKING POWDER. Absolutely Pure. ™ This Powder never varies. A marvel of Purify, Strength and Wholesomeness. More ncouotni* cal than the ordinary kind, and cacnot. be sold in competition with the multitude of low test, short weight alum or phosphate powders. Sold only intcans. Royal Baxino Powder Cos., PXI Wall street. New York. LUDDES * BATES S. M. It. MONDAY, Dec. 26, We shall bo pleased to see any of our friends who mav wish to av all themselves of the opportunity of purchas ing Holiday goods. The day being a legal holiday, our employes will indulge in a day of much ueeded rest; but in tho forenoon we shall manage to have our store open, and will make one delivery. We offer many rare bargains, and still have an elegant assortment of goods. a in Mum a COTTON seed wanted. 600,000 ! ! BUSHELS OF Cotton Seed STULL WANTED BY Southern Cotton Oil Cos. AT Savannah, Gra. WRITE for Special Prices for Seed. Will EXCHANGE MEAL AND FERTILIZERS FOR SEED. FURNITURE AND CARPETS. HOLIDAY HOODS. Unique and Elegant Pieces for the Hall, Parlor, Library and Dining-i'oora in ANTIQUE OAK, CHERRY AND WALNUT. Luxurious Parlor Suits, Divans, Conversation Chairs, Lounges and Odd Pieces. Rattan Rockers in great variety. Rich effects in Rugg, Carpets, Portieres wet Draperies. Durable Styles in Girls - Tricycles, Boys' Tri cycles, Velocipedes, Wagons, Doll Carriages, etc. We have spared no expense to present the Choicest Goods at Popular and Attract ive Prices, and Invite our friends and the public generally to visit our ware-rooms and inspect our HANDSOME DISPLAY. A. J. Miller & Cos, ELECTRIC BELTS. Electric. Belt Free. TO INTRODUCE it and obtain Agents we will for the next sixty days give away, free of cliarge, In each county in the United States a limited number of our German Eleciro Galvanic Sup'Qsory Belts—price, $5. A positive and un failing cure for Nervous Debility, Varicocele. Emissions, Im potency, Etc. SSOO reward paid if every Belt we manufacture does not generate a genuine electric current. Address at once ELKOTPJC BELT AGENCY P. O. Box ITS, Brooklyn. N. Y. STOVES. Reed & Bartons Silver-Plated Spoons, Knives?, Forks, Etc. WADE & BUTCHER’S FINE RAZORS, —ALSO- - KAMPFE-g SAFETY PATENT ENGLISH AND AMERICAN CARVERS AND STEELS, SCISSORS, POCKET KNIVES, Etc. LOVELL & LATTIMORE, Dealers in Bathroom Oil Heaters, limns Furnishing Goods and Hardware, SAVANNAH. .... GEORGIA- Stats or WIATHER.