News Of The State

Lansing, Mich., Dec. 12.- The average condition of wheat Dec. 1 was 91 per cent. of condition in average years. This is 9 per cent. above condition Dec. 1, 1895. The average condition in th.i Southern counties is 89; central, 93, and northern, 96. One year ago the condition in these sections respecüvely was 78, 86 and 95. The total number of bushels of wheat reported marketeu by farmers since the November report was published is 1,296,500, and in tne four months, August, September, October and November, 4,695,674. This is 577,663 bushels more than reported marketed in the same months last year. The amount reported marketed in November this year is 101,204 bushels more than reported for November, l!w Fall pasture has been good and live stock is in fine condition The mean temperature of the state for November was 35.6 degrees, or 0.6 degrees above the normal. There was an excess of 2.5 degrees in the southern counties, of 1.5 degrees in the central, and 0.7 degrees in the northern. The average precipitation, including both rain and melted snow, in the state was 3.47 inehes; in the southern counties, 2.44 inehes; in the central, 2 SS inehes, and in the northern, 4.53 inehes. Compared with an average or normal there was an exoess of 0.56 inehes in the state, of 0.25 inehes in the central, of 1.82 inehes in the northern counties, and 2.84 inehes in the upper península, and a deñciency of 0.66 in the southern counties. Official Iron Ore Statistlcs. Ispheming, Mich., Dec. 15. - Official figures of iron ore shipmentsfrom Michigan mines for the current year show a total of 5,652,264 gross tons, a considerable decrease from last year's figures'. The principal curtailment of production was in the Gogbeic range, the Marquette and Menominee ranges holding their own. The Wisconsin and Minnesota mines have forwardedvery nearly 4,000,000 tons of ore by water this year. With all rai! shipments and local and furnace consumption included, the 1896 Lake Superior iron ore output will approximate 10,000,0flQ gross tons. Train Wreokers Sentenoed Detroit, Dec. 15.- John C. Bodewig and George W. Johnson, qonvicted of conspiracy to wreek a mail train on the Grand Trunk railroad near Battle Creek in 1S94 during the A. R. TL strike, were sentenced by Judge Swan in the United States district court yesterday. Bodewig was sentenced to two years in the Detroit house of correction and to pay a fine of $2,500. Johnson's sentenoe was twenty months' imprisonment in the house of correction and to pay a fine of $2,500. A nt i-Saloon Bfovement at Detroit. Detroit, Dec. 14. - Testerday witnessed the beginning of the anti-saloon league movement in Detroit. Addresses were made in behalf of the league in most of the principal churches and many entered the movement. It is intended to proseeute the work of educating public: sentiment, securing a vote upon the question of local option, enforcing the present liquor laws, and securing more stringent liquor legislation throughout the state. Flancbette I'Iayed Him a Triek. Decauir, Mich., lX-c. 14.- W. L. Van Al styne, of Maple Rapide, sacriüced a flourishing business some months igo, moved his fainily into the country and theu disappeared. A few days ugo he retín ned. It is now learned th:it th fjimily consulted a planchette board, which directed Van Alstyne to go to the state of Washington, and designated a certain place where he would find i pocket of gold nuggets. He found the spot all right, but no nuggets. Surprised Their I'riends. Coldwater, Mich., Dec. 12. - Two of Coldwater's society young people, Mr. Phil Wing, son of T. M. Wing, president of the Coldwater National bank, and Miss Charlotte Dickinson, only daughter of C. H. Dickinson, and I granddaughter of P. P. Wright, went to Hillsdale and were quietly merried. The marriage is a surprise to all their friends here, though it was expected to take place later. They will reside in Chicago. Arrest of a Coiinterfeiter. Decatur, Mieh., Dec. 15.- Willlam Knight, who ivas arrested at Three Oaks with twenty-six spurious halfdollars In his possession, pleaded guilty in the Berrlen county circuit court, but retuses to g:ve any information regarding his companions. Knight ia thought to be the leader of the gang which Is flooding southwestern Michigan with counterfeit coin. Furniture Is Havi g a Boom, Grand Eapids, Mioh., Deo. l!i.- ïhe furniture factories in this city are employing more nien now Ihan at any time in the last six months, and the greatest increase of working forre has been made since election. ïhe number of men now einployed is between 1,500 and 2,000 more than on Nov. 1. The wagea are the same as have been paid the laat three yeais. Charges Iufringeincnt of Patent. Detroit, Dec. 17.- The National Cash Register company of Dayton, O., has brought suit in the United States court here against the Víctor Cash Register company of this city. The National company claims that the Victorette cash register, which is made by the Víctor company, infringes lts patents. Atteinpted Murder and Snlclde. Detroit, Dec. 15.- Ernest Chase, son of Dr. Chase of Recipe book fame, cut his wife's and his own throat badly Monday morning in an insane attempt at murder and suicide. Physician think that both have a good chance o recovery. Chase had been dissipalin;, badly. Epidemie of Dlphtherla. Hersey, Mich., Dec. 17.- Diphtheria is epidemie and all the public schools anc Sunday schools have been closed by the health ofricer. Pastors have been notifled not to open their churches anc all public gatherings are prohibited. ï'.x-liank Manager Arrested. Big Rapids, Mich., Dec. 16.- Excite ment over the recent Big Rapids bank failure has been incrcased by the srrest of ex-General Manager Chester W. Comstock. He is charged by the depositors' committee wlth having embezzled $2,000 of the bank's funds. Deal in a Mine To Ce ClOsed. Ishpeming, Mich., Dec. 17.- Superintendent pavidson, of the Commonwealtti Iron company, and F. B. MI1ler, reprpsentins Cleveland capitalists, have flnished their nspectlon of the Bessie mine at Humlxrtdt. ïhey were very favorably lmpressed with the property. which meana that a sale, wfilch has been pending for the past month, wlll be closed. Before leavlng Humboldt Tuesday night Davldson and Miller put five men to work keepingthe water out of the worklngs and annuonced that mlnlng operations would be resumed after the flrst of the year. Kew machinery wlll be installed and the property wlll be opened up so as to give employment to 200 men. The Bessie has been idle three years. Iraní. Minder Trial. Dayton, O., Pee. 17.- A jury has at length been chosen in the Frantz raurder trial, composed of substantial and conservative business men, mechanics, and farmers. The jurors were taken to view the bridge across the Stillwater river from which the body of poor Bessie Little was hurled and on which were found bloodstains and the j unate girl's side combs. The testimony was commenced Wednesday afternoon. j Fitteon Women and ttirls Killed. Munich, Dec. 17.- The loss of life by the explosión which destroyed the Von Cromer match factory at Aschaffenburg was mueh greater than previously reported. Fifteen women and girls employed in the main building were killed and many persons working in an adjoinins building were fatally or seriously injured.