****************** The Daily News Batavia, Genesee County, New York State August 7-1897 Some Verses by Benham Lines Show the Young Man's Literary Style First Publication of His Poetical Effusions Howard Curtis BENHAM has written some verses for 'The News,' and they are printed in this column. They indicate the sort of pen the young man wields. Each is of local interest, the one in reference to a birthday party being inspired by recollections of a social event of nearly a year ago. This is the first publication of BENHAM's purely-literary efforts. Here are the verses: My Dream I dreamt that I stood at the Judgment, My voyage of life was o'er; I had passed over the river- Stood safe on that beautiful shore I climbed up the bank and stood gazing On the beauties so grand to behold, Till my eye did rest on the gateway And I walked up straightforward and bold- Knocked, was admitted. All were happy and gay in that city, Singing the songs of the blest; Their trials of life were over- They were at peace and rest. But I looked away in the distance, And, although my eyes were dim, Saw Peter reading a message, signed "Miller," Which said: "Please, Peter, don't let him in." In Memory of a Birthday Party. To the three surviving members I dedicate these lines. They were happy to remember for me in after years, Though my head is bowed in sorrow, though my eyes are filled with tears, The thoughts and recollections that can never pass away Of a party I attended on a lady's glad birthday. The birds were sweetly singing, all Nature seemed to bloom; The champagne corks, as they popped, seemed also to be in tune. Was I happy? yes, I was happy, but that, too, has passed away Like the sparkles on the wine we used to help celebrate the day. The birds are singing, the time is drawing near When you will again assemble, sing the songs I loved to hear. My hope- That there will be a vacant chair at the table- A seat for the one that's gone; No matter what the world may say, In your memory let him live on,- And then in the Day of Judgment, When the faults of all are told, You will see that the one who you knew in life, Did not sell his soul for gold. * * Killed by an Erie Train. Abel Wales of Attica, Aged 80, Met Death while Walking on the Track. Attica.-Abel WALES, an octogenarian, was run down by an Erie express and instantly killed yesterday. The old man was walking on the track and was opposite Brainard gravel pit when the accident occurred. No one can explain how it happened, but it is thought that Mr. WALES did not hear the approaching train, although the engine crew say they pulled the whistle as soon as they saw the old man on the track. Mr. WALES had partially lost his hearing from his advanced age. The remains were brought to the station on the express and taken in charge by friends. Mr. WALES leaves one sister, Mrs. Nelson REYNOLDS of this town. * * submitted by Linda Schmidt *********************************************