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ESTABLISHED FEBBUARY 8, IMS.
Vol. , 'o. 361. Entered at rittsburg Post
office, November H, 18k?. a second-class matter.
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PITTSBURG, SATURDAY, FEB, 21SS9.
THE VALUE OF A BACKBONE.
It is important, in view of the dispute
concerning Samoa, to note that although
Lord Salisbury has been lulled into quies
cence by the Bismarckian music, even the
most extreme Tory press is outspoken in
supporting the objections of this Govern
ment to the German course at Samoa.
Beside the significant language of the
Standard yesterday, it is noteworthy that
early in the dispute the London Globe de
clared that "the time is not opportune for
Germany to take up an over-bearing atti
tude on a question which, small as it looks,
might easily bring her into collision with
the United States." The prediction was
' made that Bismarck would forward con
ciliatory explanations, which would "hardly
be satisfactory to the President unless
accompanied by a cessation of annexationist
maneuvers."
The English view has been fully corrob
orated by the communication received irom
Prince Bismarck yesterday. The last steps
of the German officers at Samoa, which
amounted to practical annexation, are dis
avowed, and it is stated that their orders are
revoked. This may be regarded as sufficient
evidence that the German Chancellor does
not care to embroil himself with the United
States and give his enemies in Europe a
chance to take advantage of it. But it may
be questioned whether the revocation of
orders will be of much value if the fruits of
the former German interference in the
islands are retained. Let Prince Bismarck
restore affairs to the position in which they
wereiefore his interference and it will be
easy to arrange matters for the future if
Germany is willing to adhere to her pro
fessions of disinterestedness.
It is certainly evident that there is no
necessity of observing a pusillanimous diplo
macy. The moment we show ourselves pos
sessed of a backbone even if it is not in
our State Department Germany begins to
adopt a much more moderate tone.
K0T THE SPECIFIC.
The views of the gentleman who wishes
the State to locate its capital at the geogra
phical center, to go into a town lot specula
tion for the money to build the new buildings
and to make the railroads build lines up
through the central counties to reach the
new capital, have the merit of sincerity.
No one could propound such a scheme, if
he did not honestly believe in it, and so it
will be just to pass over the reasoning pro
cesses which develop this plan as mercifully
as possible. It can hardly fail to be noticed,
however, that there is a wide uncertainty as
to cause and effect in the opinion of the
projector that the diffusion of industries
throughout the rural sections is somehow
mixed up in the matter. There are very
distinct causes which are crowding our
cities to the injury of the country at large,
but when they are studied with any care, it
will be seen that the evil is not to be cured
by moving State capitols around.
THE INCUBUS OF B0YALTY.
The tragic ending of the Crown Prince
Rudolf, of Germany, which it is now made
clear was a case of suicide, adds another
dark chapter to the personal history of roy
alty in Europe. "Whether it was the result
of mental aberration, or, as some of the re
ports say, an accepted alternative to fight
ing a duel because of unprincely miscon
duct, the affair is sensational enough to con
tinue long the subject of speculation and of
gossip among that large portion of the Old
World people whose main use for princes is
to be to imitate the fashions which they set
and to discuss their frailties.
At a time when the chief republic of Eu
rope is threatened with the danger of disso
lution by the popularity of a military ad
venturer whose operations, it is feared, will
in the end establish dynastic rule, the oc
currences in the monarchies are such as will
not elevate the latter form of Government
in public esteem. The vagaries of the
royal family of Bussia, the domestic dis
cords in that of Germany, and finally this
disgraceful tragedy now occupying atten
tion in Austria diminish sadly the luster of
the imperial purple. The war taxes, and
the -prospects of slaughter and devastation
ahead which are kept constantly overhang,
ing the political horizon, make the back
ground of the dismal picture of the Gov
ernments which foist themselves on the hard
working millions of Europeans.
A "WEST POINT BACE CONFLICT.
The latest phase of the race conflict comes
from "West Point It broke out in the form
of a bruising match between two aristocratic
youths irom the South. The cause of tbe
pugilism was that a high-toned cadet from
Virginia, acting as Captain, had placed a
colored cadet at table with another high
toned cadet from Maryland. Tbe Mary
lander challenged the Virginian for this
"insult," and they punched each other's
heads, let us hope, until their honor was
fully satisfied. This, it is interesting to ob
serve, is regarded by a more than unusually
enlightened Southern journal, the Balti
timore Sun, as all due to the tact that a
thoughtless and reprehensible, Ohio Con
gressman appointed a colored cadet. If itis
not to be understood that the fault lies with
those who omitted to use the rod liberally
on these aristocratic pugilists when they
were children, HmigM as well be attributed
to the reckless forefathers who established
such an institution as "West Point, open to
appointments from all classes, as well as
all parts of tbe country.
SHAKESPEARE IN CHINESE.
China progresses sideways, and her civili
zation crops out in spots. The latest dem
onstration of Celestial intelligence is the
order of the Dowasrer Empress of China that
a translation of Shakespeare's plays into the
Chinese language shall be made lor the ben
efit 'Of the heir to the throne. It would have
been wiser if Her Eoyal and Celestial High
ness had caused her son to be taught the J
English language, but still the study of the
great Sage and Bard of Avon;-even through
the lattice work of Chinese characters, can
not but be of advantage to that exalted
youth.
The Chinese Prince is liable to learn an
unusual amount about human nature in the
wonderful plays, and if he studies them
with a loving eye his subjects will observe
gratefully the reflection of his enlighten
ment when the reins of government shall
fall into his ban 4s.
We notice that our esteemed cotemporary,
the New York -Sun, thinks that it would be
an edifying sight if the Prince were to order
the production of some Shakespearean
dramas upon tbePekin stage. It might be
edifying to us, but Shakespeare would be
subject to the violent attacks or contempt
uous sneers of the Chinese critics. The
standard ofdramatio excellence in China
is very different from ours. A play to be
good in China must be long, and the longer
it is the better it is. The best comedies and
tragedies on the celestial stage to-day take
from six to thirty days in performance.
"Hamlet" or "Maobeth" would be regarded
as little trifles fit only to usher in some
serious work. In comparison with the en
thralling Chinese melodrama "Tan See
"Wun Lun," which takes a calendar month
to unwind itself, a play like "Much Ado
About Nothing," or "Borneo and Juliet,"
requiring but one evening to perform, would
naturally seem absurdly small. In tact the
Chinese dramatic critics would probable de
vote but a line or two in the theatrical notes
to a Shakespearean play.
THE COKE DISPUTE.
The coke industry seems to have got back
to the striking stage once more. The news
from the Connellsville district is to the ef
fect that the men at several works went out
yesterday, while the determination is an
nounced on the part of all the workers to go
out, if a scale equal to that paid by the
Frick Company is not conceded. On the
other hand the operators declare that they
cannot pay the Prick scale and will not, if
they have to let their works stand idle all
summer.
"We have no intention of trying to adjud
icate between such antagonistic views; but
it can hardly escape comment that some of
the arguments by which the operators sup
port their position are of the remarkable
character that have heretofore appeared in
connection with that trade. The statement
that Mr. Frick can afford to run his coke
ovens without any margin of profit, because
he is interested in the steel industry, im
plies that he would make up the loss of
operating the coke business for no reward,
by the profits of the steel trade, or rather
the Bessemer pig business. But in that
case the Bessjmer pig business out
side of Mr. Prick's establishment,
can afford .to pay prices fo
coke which will yield a profit, and will do
so rather than let its furnaces blow out.
"When this is coupled with the assertion that
the coke men are turning overall the money
they get to their employes, at a rate of
wages Gyi per cent less than the Prick scale,
that implies that Mr. Prick must be suffer
ing a loss of 6 per cent of all the money he
pays for wages which puts that gentleman
in the new and hitherto unsuspected charac
ter of a wholesale philanthropist.
Indeed, that character seems to diffusa
itself rather widely among tbe coke interest,
if we are to take all that has been said con
cerning this industry, as ex cathedra. Last
year we were told that they were losing
something like 25 or 30 cents a ton on all
their shipments, which were kept up at a
large volume; and now we are informed that
they are doing business for nothing. The
public cau hardly be blamed for a little in
credulity as to the assertion that either Mr.
Prick or his competitors are selling coke for
the fun of the thing.
COMPABATIVE SUPEBSimONS.
It is instructive to learn that the work of
railway construction in China has been
stopped short; and it is still more instructive
to observe that the press of the United States
it turning up its nose at the Chinese super
stition. It seems that there was a fire in the
Imperial Palace at Peking; and instead of
laying the blame on defective flues, careless
ly thrown away matches; or "spontaneous
combustion, it was found out that this was a
warning against the devices of tbe foreign
devils. .The astrologers of the Imperial
Court, to the total of seventy-eight, held a
meeting and pronounced that the only sig
nificance of the conflagration was as an omen
against these inventions of the Evil One. So
the Son of Heaven issued his imperial de
cree and the work on the Tientsin Bailroad
was cut off in its youth.
This sounds very superstitious and seems
to be material for the Anglo-Saxon mind to
make merry over; but It is not. For, if we
will stop to think a moment just the same
thing has taken place in this country. Our
wise men, the "trained experts" of the rail
way business, who were announced a few
years ago to be so full of the important
setrets of that craft, that no one else was
qualified to say anything against railway
uiBcrimiu&UDas, auu wuw uavo siucc repre
sented themselves as either so foolish or so
knavish that they will wreck the property
of the stockholders if they are left to their
own devices, have just been holding a meet
ing. They discussed gravely what ailed
the railway empire, and came to exactly the
same conclusion as tbe Chinese experts.
They had been violating the law, and in
juring their stockholders, all to drive each
other into pools, of which each desired to
dictate the terms; but the only omen they
could perceive, was that it was all the fault
of bnilding too many railroads. The im
perial decree has gone forth, abrogating
constitutions and ignoring Supreme Court
injunctions, to exactly the same eflect as in
China, that no more roads shall be built.
The legitimate interests which wish to buiid
their roads may decay, and tbe manufac
tories which would be employed in furnish
ing tbem supplies may stand idle; but no
more roads must be built for fear of making
things too hot among the imperial palaces
whence the rescripts are issued.
Eeally, between China, clinging to her
old superstitions, and the united States
abandoning its constitutional principles in
obedience to the superstitions of tbe corpor
ation cult, it is hard to see how the United
States has much reason for turning up its
nose at China.
There is no doubt a good deal of money
in the Cabinet slate as announced. But
would it not be discreet for the organs of
"Whitney, Scott, Payne, Vilas and Don
Dickinson to be a little less vociferous in
raising shouts of honor over the fact.
The old discussion about the effect of
drinking on longevity has just been decided
in Paris, adversely to the drinkers. M.
Chevreul, the famous centenarian, attribu
ted his long life, partially at least, to his total
abstinence from intoxicants. Against this
Pather Christmas, a -Parisian mendicant,
used to argue with the man of. science that
he, the beggar, was nearly m- old as Jf.
Chevreul and as he would get drunk on
every conceivable opportunity, he thought
that intoxication made his life longer as
well as livelier. But Father Christmas de
stroyed his own argument by getting drunk,
falling down stairs and breaking his head.
This leaves no question as between these
two examples that total abstinence is most
conducive to long life.
The Legislature seems to be disposed to
scotch, if not kill, snakes by squelching all
the bills in which any serpentine qualities
appear. Hereafter the Allegheny members
will do wisely to read their bills before in
troducing them.
Tbk appointment of Mr. John D. Bailer,
as agent and collector for the Eighteenth
Regiment armory fund, as announced else
where, indicates progress and an early com
pletion of the work of raising the money
for that purpose. This creditable military
organization has formulated its plans
thoroughly for the location of jts permanent
headquarters and has made considerable
progress in securing pledges toward the
fund. Mr. Bailey as solicitor and collector
will give the busiuess men ofthecityan
early opportunity to furnish substantial aid
for this deserving project.
The intelligence that "the Hon." "William
T. Cavanaugb, of Kansas, has been arrested
for attempting to blackmail the Stale
printer out of f600, affords a striking com
mentary on the value of that political
prefix.
The statement that the son of Secretary
Endlcott has lost his heart is coupled with
the announcement that another Cabinet
wedding may soon be expected. If that is
the result, it ought to follow that the rest
of the term of the present administration
should beemployed in marrying off the
State Department. It lost its heart when
Germany commenced to show her teeth in
the Samoan business.
If the gentle groundhog sees his shadow
in "West Virginia to-day, it may be that
they can find out in that State, after six
weeks more have elapsed, who has carried
the election.
The article on railway rate wars and the
long-and-short-haul clause sets forth in ex
tenso what The Dispatch has been urging
for years, that the provisions of the Inter-State
Commerce law furnish the most legitimate
safeguard against reckless rate cutting. Let
that law be honestly enforced and obeyed,
and the prevailing howl about the loss to the
railways from that enactment will be
silenced.
Now it is said that Alger is in doubt
whether he will accept a Cabinet position.
This will make a great deal more doubt
whether he has been offered one.
The "West Virginia Legislature may be
unable to agree upon such little measures as
deciding who is elected Governor and
United States Senator; but a bill before it
requiring the railways to furnish free passes
to all the members, indicates the practical
agreement among them that they all want
their deadhead privileges.
Arkansas seems to improve on the
Mississippi plan. Killing off Republican
candidates is calculated to discourage incon
venient contests.
The report that tbe Geffcken incident has
practically ceased to be talked about iu
Berlin indicates that the Germans make
haste to forget the acts of aggression com
mitted by their ruling powers almost as
speedily as the Americans do those which
are indulged in by their rulers, the corpora
tions. Possibly if Secretary Bayard should see
his shadow to-day he would crawl into his
hole for six weeks more.
Secbetaky Bayabd's plea that the
Senate has belittled the foreign policy of
the administration might answer in some
cases; but it can hardly applr with regard
to the alleged diplomacy which Mr. Bayard
has used. There are some eggs of such
character that it is impossible to spoil them.
Are we at least brought face to face with
the delightful possibility of an ice crop?
PERSONAL PACTS A!D FANCIES.
Ellen Terry wears Mrs. SIddons' shoes
when she plays Lady Macbeth.
A Glasgow paper says: One of the persons
worst hit by tbe Panama collapse is an Ameri
can girl who some years ago married a French
Count. Being an enthusiastic admirer of M.
de Lesseps she invested all her money in canal
stock. Her handsome furs and wraps are now
for sale by a well-known coiffeur In the Champs
Elysee,
Von Bulow was walking one day In Berlin,
when be met a man with whom he had for
merly been on somewhat intimate terms, but
whose acquaintance he was desirous of drop
ping. The quondam friend at once accosted
him. "How do yon do, Von Bulow? delighted
to see yon! Now I'll bet that yon don't remem
ber my name!" "You've won that bet," replied
Von Bulow, and turning on his heel he walked
off in the opposite direction.
It seems that the recent prolonged visit of
the Emperor of Brazil to Europe has acted as
a good advertisement for the great Empire
over which he rules. The number of emigrants
who have disembarked at Rio since Dom
Pedro's return to his own country has been un
precedentedly large. The total number of
emigrants reaching Brazil daring the last 12
months was 136,000. Dom Pedro has done a
great deal to encourage this influx of Euro
peans and is much pleased at the result of his
efforts.
Jonathan Alexander, the old Waterloo
pensioner who died in Edinbnrga week or two
ago, was one of the guards of the fallen Em
peror in St. Helena, aud used to tell a curious
story of Napoleon's heart having been nearly
carried off by a rat after the post mortem ex
amination. Tbe surgeon who conducted the
Investigation, after placing the heart in an open
glass vessel, happened to fall asleep. During
the snooze the choice morsel was lighted upon
by a rat, which was in the act of carrying it off
when the doctor fortunately awoke, and recov
ered the stolen treasure.
It is now settled that the Shah of Persia will
pay his long-promised visit to Europe in tbe
spring. A suite of rooms has been secured for
him in Paris from the 24th of May, so that his
viBit to St. Petersburg will probably terminate
shortly before thit date. As at present ar
ranged tbe Shah has promised Sir Henry
Drumtnond Wolff to pay a visit to London, and
if this engagement is kept he will tie in En
gland about the middle of June. He then in
tends to go to the Riviera, and he may pay his
respects to the Sultan at Stamboul. In any
case he will return to Persia by way of Armenia
and the Caucasus. ,
Keelr and tbe Lair.
from the Philadelphia Press.
The Supreme Court is quite right in holding
that Inventor Kecly was blameless of con
tempt in tailing to explain his alleged motor.
The laws of Pennsylvania do not require men
to perform impossibilities or parade absurd
ities. Right, Bat Oughtn't to Say So Loudly.
From the New York orld.1
Secretary Bayard seems to incline to the be
lief that the United States Government is in
tbe right in tbe Samoan matter, but ought not
to say so very loudly.
Diplomats Not Warriors.
From tbe New York San.
Tbe tendency toward pugilism at West Point
should not be encouraged. Tbe Military Acad
emy Is maintained 'for 'turning tut wamors.
not diplomats.
THE WICAL TALKER.
Piss in Human Sbnpe A Peculiar Exclama
tion With or Wltbont a Nose.
Some people want a dollar's worth for a dol
lar, and not a few want a dollar and a hairs
worth.
The latter class shine at table d'hote dinners,
and the like. They tell a story of two drum
mers on thi Chicago Limited, which illustrates
the class well. You know they cive a capital
dinner on tbe Limited for a dollar and it is
bard to see how the Pullman people make any
profit out of; it.
The two drummers sat down to dinner, and
one of tbem' began to eat a bit of bread where
upon the other remonstrated, saying: "What
are you gating bread for? That costs next to
nothing. Why don't you do as I do," and the
porcine speaker grabbed a bottle of olives.
"The olives cost a dollar a bottle, and I get my
money's worth every time."
There are xeally a great many pigs about in
human shape.
They are not merely gormandizers or greedy
wretches. The piggish traits are veneered
with refinement. This was tbe case the other
day at a pleasant little gathering. A young
woman of charming address and sympathetic
nature was reading aloud to us Tennyson's
"Princess." We were enjoying the smooth
musical verse Immensely, but the whispering of
a certain middle-aged matron annoyed us
somewhat. At last the whispering grew so
loud that I could plainly hear that terrible
woman saying to her neighbor: "Three ponnds
of beet boiled, one pound of suet, one pound of
raisins, one -pound of currants, quarter of a
pound of citron, four large apples, pint boiled
cider, and spices to taste that's my grand
mother's recipe and I nover ate such mince
meat as she used to mike."
Well, we all burst out laughing at this, and
tho reading of'JThe Princess" was discontin
ued. Only a pig conld think of the compound
ing of pies when Tennyson's poetry was being
read aloud.
V
This subject of pigs in human shape reminds
me of a strange fashion a woman I once knew
had of expressing any intense emotion she felt.
Early in our acquaintance I remember how she
t urprised me when I reached the end of a de
scription ota sight on board a herring smack
In tbe British Channel; and she said with what
seemed to me a thorough air of conviction:
"Oh, you pig!"
I suppose I looked so surprised that she ap
prehended her exclamation had jarred my
nerves, and she explained that she always ejac
ulated. "Oh, you pig !" in moments when she
was moved to joy or other grateful feeling.
There was nothing personal in the exclamation
at all, she assnred me.
Afterward I found that this queer little
formula always came to her lips at the times
she had indicated.
V
The new Pittsburg postoffice is making such
remarkable progress that the Democrats who
are going out of offlce feel confident that it
will be ready for them when they return to
power, say 20 years hence.
But seriously, tbe bnilding is several feet
higher than it was a year ago, when Reformer
Freret told an aching publio to lie still and see
what he would do.
.
In the course of a noctural meandering a
highly respectable PIttsburger collided with
some hard object, a fist, lamp post, wall or
pavement, and so marred the outline and ap
pearance of his nasal organ that he did not go
to his office that morning, but sent for a doctor.
The doctor dressed the wounded organ and
was preparing to leave the house, when the
owner of the nose inquired: "Doctor, how on
earth am I to go out with this noser"
"I don't see bow you can go out without it,
my dear sir," was the doctor's unfeeling reply.
By tbe by will prohibition, it it comes, reduce
the number of mysterious accidents that so
many of our truly good citizens tell us about
when they saunter down Fifth avenue with a
strip of plaster on the chin or a halo of black
under a bloodshot eye? -
HOW THEY ENTERTAINED.
A Sbarpsbnrg Annnal Supper and Baznar
nod Other Social Events.
Few pleasanter annual suppers and bazaars
have been given in this section than tbe one
under the management of tbe ladies of the
Sharpsburg Presbyterian Church last evening.
The church was beautif ally decorated with corn
in ear, immense bunches of corn stalks and
tassels, a bank of cqrnmeal occupies a promi.
nent place In tbe'EalL, Yellow bunting and
decorations of tbe same hue ornamented tbe
various booths. The supper tables were covered
with yellow table cloths and yellow napkins
were supplied, while the guests partook of
different preparations of the maize, waited upon
by yellow-garbed damsels.
Tbe Hays Reception.
A largely attended and in every way enjoya
ble reception was given last evening by Mrs.
Richard Hays, of Ridge avenue, Allegheny, in
honor of her nelce. Miss Carrie Hays. .Prom 8
to 11 the numerous guests enjoyed themselves
in tbe beautifully decorated parlors, and the
reception proved to be a success in tbe richest
meaning of the term. Then, until tbe early
morning hours, a few specially invited young
people danced the gcrraan and witnessed the
bestowal of the finest favors of the season.
Corinthian Lodge Baoqnet.
Corinthian Idge, No. 573, F.4A. M., cele
brated tbe first anniversary of the adoption of
its constitution by a banquet at Bennett Opera
House. Mlllvale, last evening. Tbe affair was
under the supervision of the lady friends of
the Ipdge, and nothing was lacking to add en
joyment to the occasion. Ludwig & Rlchter
furnished the floral decorations.
Tbe Shields Reception.
Tbe third of their scries of charming as
semblies was given last evening by Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas Li. Shields, at thelrpleasant borne
in Edgeworth. Like the others, it was all that
could be desired, cither on the party of the
entertainers or the entertained.
An Eilccvrood German.
One of the most delightful germans of the
season was given by Mrs. Love in ber Edge
wood home last evening. The company of
guests, though not very large, could hardly
have been race congenial, nor could they have
been better entertained.
A Very Ancient Subject.
The members of the Junta Club will assemble
for their next meeting on next Tueday at the
residence of Mr. H. U. Brlgham, Fifth avenue.
East End, to discuss tbe subject of "Ancient
Rome." A full representation of the members
is expected.
A SncccKuful Second Night.
The second night of the entertainment at the
Fifth U. P. Church proved quite as enjoyable
at the first thouph tho programme was entirely
different Tbe music was all of a popular class,
and was well rendered.
An Enjoyable German.
Gernert & Guentner furnished the music for
the enjoyable gcrraan in tbe parlors of the
Slack Davis residence last evening. It was one
of those bright little spots in life which people
like to remember.
BACKING A BUCKWHEAT.
A Pancnke Porcine in Mcadville Anxious to
Meet tbe Champion.
Special Telegram to the Dispatch.
Meadville, February L-If H. H. BlsseL
of Youngstown, fails to accent the $500 chal
lenge of G. A. Staff, of San Francisco, to a
buckwheat pancake eating contest, it is alto
gether likely the challenge will be snapped up
in this city, Nypano Engineer William New
berry says he knows a man right here in Mead
ville who can mow anay more buckwheateakes
In the same length of time than some whole
families, and he doesn't Propose that the Pa
clfio slope is going to walk off with any glory
tbat properly belongs to this locality,
i Mr. Newberry recently attended a banquet
where the gentleman referred to was present,
and stands ready to back bis friend against
anything or anybody.
Oar Position In the Samoan Affair.
From the New York World.
Is our Government becoming a 'Circumlocu
tion Office, or How Not to Do It?" The Naval
Department wants to know wbat the State De
partment thinks about tbe Samoan affair, the
State' Department would like to leam the
views of the President in the matter, while the
President shows an Inclination to hear from
Congress on the subject Congress would
doubtlessbe glad to And ont how public opinion
stands in the premises, and publio opinion
might like to consult the Samoans before feel
ing sure of itself.
WANTS TO GET BACK.
Alexandria Would Like to be Again In
eluded In the District of Colombia Some
of the Sad Retails of Secession.
Special Telegram to Tbe Dispatch.
WASHJNOTOir, February L For pearly SO
yeaTs the city of Alexandria and Alexandria
county, in Virginia, were Included in the Dis
trict of Columbia, They and portions of Mary
land which are yet in tbe District were ceded
by tbe two States. Neither Washington nor
Alexandria were particularly business-like
cities in those days, but the latter was far
ahead of the former in material prospects.
The river was the great highway. Pleets of
ships were always at the wharves of Alexan
dria, and vast quantities of wheat and tobacco
were brought by wagon from as far as 100 miles
inland to tbe vessels which plied on tbe Poto
mac. In 1818 tbo citizens of Alexandria took final
action in a movement which had been under
discussion for some years, to secure tbe re
cession of the city and county to the State of
Virginia, believing that with their own gov
emment they conld better provide for tbe
city's w-nts and promote its prosperity Itis
claimed on the other band that it was purely
a movement' of politicians who wanted offices
which they could not get under the District
Government The constitutionality of the re
cession was disputed, and no less a figure than
Jefferson Davis ranged himself, with many
others of note, against the proposed change
R.M.T, Hunter, afterward, notorious in the
War of the Rebellion, and James M. Mason,
who owned a great estate In the county. la
bored so hard for the recession that they ac
complished their purpose, and the bill went
through Congress. The question was left to a
vote of the citizens. The cltwent almost
unanimously for the recession, while the rural
vote was quite as unanimously against, bnt the
farmer being the most populous, tbe matter
was decided for the recession.
Years passed, and! Alexandria retrograded
rather than progressed. Washington began to
grow apace. Railroads tapped the capital, and
tbat became tbe depot for freight Tbe war
came, and, while Washington was a great cen
ter of activity and supplies, Alexandria's com
merce was cut off. Business houses were
emptied, streets were neglected and grass
grown, and tbe populace were too poor to make
needed improvements. Of late years great
changes have taken place for the better In the
old city, but she still limps instead of leaping
along.
Many leading citizens are of tbe opinion now
that it Would greatly benefit the city and county
to be once more taken into tbe bosom of tbe
District and they are taking steps to Induce
action on tbe part of Congress to restore tbe
ancient lines, around which cling so many in
spiring, patriotic memories. Whether they can
ever accomplish their purpose is doubtful, but
it is an interesting question. E. W. L.
ODE MAIL TOUCH.
What Is Wrens; With That Snit t
To tbe Kdltor of Tbe Dlapatchi
The business men of Pittsburg are feeling
deeply Interested In the suit of the State of
Pennsylvania vs the Western Union Telegraph
Company. The subpeenas in tbe suit were re
turnable January 29. You published the fact
that tbe defendant company entered an appear
ance on January 23, but we fail to find any ac
count of what was done on tbe 29tb. Wasn't
there any action taken on tbat day? Before
the consolidation of the Western Union and
Baltimore and Ohio Telegraph Companies we
were sendinpr 20-word messages from Pittsburg
lorn
cents,
tbe
absence of competition, we pay for 20 words to
Boston 63 cents, and to New York and Phila
delphia 45 cents, an advance of 400 per cent to
Boston and over 300 per cent to New York,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, etc., etc, aud yet
President Green told tbo committee of tbe
United States Senate that there had been no
advance in rates since the "arrangement" with
the Baltimore and Ohio, but on tbe contrary
there was considerable decrease, and pointed
to the tact that there had been a reduction in
rates between certain points Osbkosh and
Kalamazoo, perhaps.
There is practically no competition in tbe
telegraph business in this country at present
and our people desire tbe protection tbe law
gives tbem from the grasping monopolies, this
telegraph one especially, and expect The Dis
fatch to keep tbe matter before the people.
Agitate. Yours, very respectfully, W.J. R.
A Prohibitionist Dlabee a Correction.
To the Editor of the Dispatch :
Will you kindly correct an error In your cor
respondent's article from Oil City, as to the
position of the W. C. T. U. of Venango county
and the Prohibition party. There is no an
tagonism. The W. C. T. TJ. of Venango county
and third party men have not bad one word of
dispute in the three years in which I have beeu
their President Your correspondent was mis
taken. Mis. Hulings is not and never was
President of Venango County W. C. T. U. The
Prohibitionists hope all hands. Prohibitionist
Republican and Democrat as well, will join to
pass tbe amendment Tbe Venanago County
W. C. T. TJ. will work as a unit for their cause,
and it any discussions as to leadership arise
will be willing to waive all claims, remember
ing that it was the true mother who before
Solomon was willing to give up her child to
save It while the false one would either rule or
ruin. Mks. D. H. Botjlton;
President Venango County W. O. T. TJ.
We Give It Up.
To the Editor of tbe Dispatch:
Referring to the effort of the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company to recover some of its for
mer travel, as explained in this morning's Dis
patch, can you tell what difference it makes
to a railroad company, having once gotten the
money for a "round trip" ticket, whether the
party returns next day or next year? X.
PlTTSBUKO, February 1.
Forming a Beneficial Society.
To the Editor of tbe Dispatch)
Will you be kind enough to tell us whether
we can carry on an association for our mutual
benefit v, ithout a charter? A Wobkman.
It would be to your interest to have a char
ter or to form a joint stock company.
FLORENCE IMPROVED.
Tearing Down. Famous Old Buildings to
Make Room for New Ones.
Between tbe gentleman who goes to Florence
for health and the lady who goes to It for emo
tions, says tbe London Globe, that city is in a
distracted state of uncertain reform. "Ouida's"
complaint in to-day's Timet reflects the feeling
of tbe latter folk; while in tbe next number of
the same paper may come complaints of de
fective ventilation, drains and tbat sort of
thing. Scent and sentiment have often gone
together; and you cannot purge your city of all
Its dirty little corners without doing some
damages to possibly sacred antiquity. Still
these necessities of reform are very different
from tbe wholesale "improvements" which
"Oulda" says are going to be carried out In tbe
very center of Florence, and against which she
protests with that glowing wealth of language
for which her pen is renowned.
The catalogue of doomed buildings is a long
one: One ancient toner; several residences of
various Arte; a house with towers; a house
without towers; two noble palaces; various
otber palaces (ordinary), a fourteenth century
palace, one column, groups, etc Most of the
buildings are not very famous bejond Flor
ence; bnt one the column of Santa Tniiita,
both in itself and in the circumstances of Its
erect on is of mucb historic interest And
what is to take the place of these picturesque
buildings? "A gigantic cucumber frame and a
bad imitation of Trafalger Square." For Flor
ence has a Giunta as Ronio has. and the Omnia
has a favorite engineer called Corsl. It is Corsi
who has designed this great work of destruc
tion. It seems there Is a prevailing nation in
Florence tbat If tbey can only get the electrio
light and more tramways tbe Queen of England
will pay the town another visit Hence these
"improvements." with the general spirit of
which every lover of Florence must feel dissat
isfied. They Don't Knovr Wlint They've Wlssed.
Mabtutsvtlle, Ind., February L-Among
the peculiar personal freaks of forbearance
from eating hereabout are the following: Mrs.
Ben Dessauer, of this city, has never tasted an
apple in any way. Milton Hadley, of Moores
ville, this county, aged 60 years, has never eaten
an egg, aud James Hickman, Sr an aged gen
tleman living near here, has never partaken of
an oyster.
' A nAPPT TUOUGUT.
We often bear some people say .
"They'll never cross the ocean,
Until a bridge Is built that way."
Oht wbat a foolish notion.
Yon silly people wbo're afraid.
And think you're quite unable
To mate the trip on board a ship,
"Why don't too. uke th cable.
C. 8. 0.
.LIFE1 IS THE METROPOLIS.
A City In Peck of Trouble.
tjotw tobt BtraiAU sficuls.
Nbw YoBK,TebrnaryI, Long Island City
is again in tronble with its City Government
No sooner had its fighting Mayor, Pat Gleason,
quit smashing the buildings of tbe Long Island
Railway, than tbe School Board got Into a
tangle which culminated yesterday in a knock
down fight between two members in the May
or's offlce. To-day tbe employes of tbe water
department gave notice tbat unless they re
ceived their December salaries before to-morrow
noon they would shut off the city's water
supply. This announcement has created a
panic among the citizens. They are trying to
subscribe enough money this evening, to keep
tbe officials of tbe water department in good
humor, while the other officials try to replenish
tbe city's empty treasury.
Afraid of His Own Shadow.
As the steamship Belgenland was coming up
to her dock, this afternoon, a steward found
tbe dead body of August Dagman dangling
from tbe ceiling of a dark room In the steer
age. Dagman was a first cabin passenger. His
behavior during the voyage was so-peculiar
tbat bis fellow-passengers suspected him of
being a fugitive from justice. He was on deck
this morning until the revenue officials boarded
the ship at qurantine. He then became ex
ceedingly nervous, watching with apparent ap
prehension every man who came aboard. A
few minutes later he went below and banged
himself. Papers in his pockets show only that
he lived in Hamburg.
Nearly Settled the Sexton.
John Buckalew is 'no longer sexton of the
Methodist Church, of New Brunswick. John
last night came very sear being no longer a
resident of this sphere. Revival meetings are
being held in tbe church daily. They seem to
have had no effect on John, for bo got drunk.
and after the meeting was over last night he
entered, tbe church, and opening 60 gas gets,
attempted to illuminate tbe place. He was too
deeply overcome with whisky to make it a suc
cess, and the flow of the gas soon knocked him
out He fell down in a pew, and the condition
of affairs was not discovered until time for
service this morning, when 400 peoplo were
assembled in front of the church waiting for
the doors to open. A trustee finally got in the
church and' tbe sexton was removed to the
chapel. He was nearly unconscious and the
church was filled with gas. He was dis
charged. A Snap for tho Florists.
Preparations for tbe big inaugural ball grow
apace. A Brooklyn florist has completed a big
floral chair costing 5100. It is made of scarlet
and purple immortelles and trailing snillax.
Upon the panels in the back of the chair are
purple immortelles fashioned in script
into the names "Harrison," "Morton." Many
other floral pieces, quite as elaborate, are be
ing constructed. Each department of the Ex
ecutive will be represented by an appropriate
device tbe Department of tbe Treasnry by a
huge floral safe, six feet each way; the De
partment of the Interior by a plow and several
sbeafs of wheat and the Navy by a floral Dol
phin (tbe dispatch boat). All the decorations
will cost about 115,000.
Keeping; Herself Remembered.
Mrs. Lillian Scofield. notorious for ber con
nection with the Hatch-Scofield tragedy, is
again under tbe surveillance of the police. She
refuses to leave ber fiat up town at her land
lord's request and threatens to shoot the jani
tor in case he tries to eject her. Night before
last she poured a bucketful of water down the
register pipe because ber room was overheated.
When the janitor objected, she told hjm she
"would put him where she put Nat Hatch if he
didn't shut up." She. keeps open house to
Brother-in-law Ferris, also a prominent figure
in tbe Hatch sensation, and to any number of
clubmen. Her doors are closed, however, to
Mr. Scofield. Her trouble with her landlord
and janitor was caused by their refusal to give
ber a night key. Her landlord proposes to have
ber arrested.
DEJIAHDING RESTITUTION.
The Peruvian Government Called on
to
Apologize for Aliened Indignities.
Washington, February 1. Arenewed effort
Is being made by tbe Secretary of State to
secure a settlement of the claim of Mr. Victor
H. McCord,n American citizen, against tbe
Peruvian Government for damages to person
and property sustained In that country in the
year 1SS5. Mr. McCord was arrested and sub
jected to greajt indignities, and procured lis
release from imprisonment only upon the pay
ment of 10,000 ransom. The case has been
pending in the State Department since the year
mentioned, and has been the subject of consid
erable correspondence. The claim is disputed
on the general ground that McCord gave aid
and encouragement to the rebellion, and was a
proper subject for imprisonment This is, how
ever, emphatically denied bv McCord.
Mr. Buck, the United States Minister at
Lima, has recently made a vigorous presenta
tion of the case to tbePeruvian authorities,
and intimates tbat there Is a prospect of a sat
isfactory adjustment Action in the case has
been very much impeded by reason of the
recent unsettled state of affairs in Peru.
THE INDIANS' LEAKNING.
Satisfactory Report on Their Education by
the Board of Commissioners.
Washington, February L The Board of
Indian Commissioners, in their annual report
complain of numerous grants of right of way to
railroads through Indian lands, and other leg
islation In which the benefits to be derived by
the whites have been tbe first consideration,
while legislation purely in the Interests ot the
Indians seems difficult of enactment
They ask that the appropriation for educa
tional work among tho Indians be increased to
$2,000,000 for the first year, $3,000,000 for the sec
ond and $1,000,000 for the third year. Educa
tion among tbe Indians is stated to be making
substantial progress.
TRANSATLANTIC NOTES.
Au. the slow-going British gunboats on
foreign service are to bo brought home and de
voted to coast defenses and their former duties
assigned to new vessels of greater speed and
more powerful armaments.
At a typewriting contest in London a mouth
azo there were 126 entries and nearly all ap
peared. The first prize was for 79 words a
minute, 20 or 30 words less than have been
achieved In this country.
The production of the coca plant in South
America Is so enormous tbat one-eighteenth
part of it would be sufficient to swamp the mar
kets of tbe outside world. Almost all of itis
consumed in South America.
The returns of 1B8S show that France im
ported manufactures to the value ol 415,000,000
francs, against 448,000,000 francs iu 18S7, and ex
ported 1.653,000.000 francs worth of exports,
against 1,677.000,000 the year before.
A London cabman was arrested for ex
cessive cruelty to his horse by whipping. Upon
consenting to giro evidence against the cab
owner from whom lie hired tho horse, he him
self was discharged and the owner was sent to
prison for a month.
How tho prices for musical performances
have risen during tbe last W years can lie seeu
from a comparison of Patti's X700 for perform
ing once in London this season and Mme. Pas
ta' 200 francs for a private musical entertain
ment in Paris in 1830,
Epicures with whom Chartreuse is a favor
ite llquory should consider the advice of a
monk glveu recently to a visitor: "You want
to drink good Chartreuse? I will give you the
recipe two-thirds yellow and one-third green
in tbe same glass. You will thank mo for the
hint"
The holy city of Tunis, Kairwan, can now be
entered by Christians, and its mosques can bo
visited. The great mosque bas 505 columns ot
marble of every conceivable color and of every
variety of architecture, and is, perhaps, tbe
next in beauty to tbe great mosque in Cor
dova. The new Paris hats are to have crowns so
low as to be hardly perceptible from the front
view. It is thought also that since the bustle
disappeared from the bodytbe chignon of gome
years ago will again fasten Itself to the head.
Already great rolls ot hair are to be seen at the
back.
Prince Bismarck bas been a most profit
able dealer in wood, which his estates furnish
In vast abundance, on account of the- special
rates granted to him by the railroads. Tbe
other German woodcutters have at last struck
against this favoritism, and the 'Prince will
'now have to compete on equal terms.
CIJBI0US C0NDENSATI0BS.W
A horse at Canajoharle, N". T., was
frightened to death the other day by the noise
of a locomotive.
A mother and son, aged 89 and 79 years
respectlvelv.are Inmates of a charitable iustt
stltution at Brighton Beach.
A large order for canoes, to be sent to
England, has just been received by a boat
building firm at Fassdumkeag, Me.
There is a negro man in Athens, Ga., by
the name of Cato Baldwin, who has made and
saved $1,600 by playing on an old fiddle at
dances. He has bought-a bouse and lot with
tbe money.
A negro boy near Camden, S. 0., lost a
dollar that'belonged to bit mother. He felt so
badly about it that be began crying bitterly,
and did not stop for 21 hours, and then he died
from exhaustion.
A fearful epidemic of diphtheria is re
ported from the town of Nago. In Hungary.
Children have been dying at tbe rate of 20 a
day. AH tbe schools were closed, and a panto
occurred among the inhabitants.
At Brussels an elephant attached to a
circus, becoming enraged at an attendant;
seized him by tbe leg and dasbed bim against a
walL Death was instantaneous. The unfortu
nate man had been teasing the animal.
The mild weather of December and tha
first half of this month had its effects on the
maples of New England. In Maine and Ver
mont and other sections trees yielded a good
flow of sap, and sugar was made in midwinter.
a very unusual occurrence.
An African trader has so trained a
young gorilla tbat it follows him around like a
dog. It recently accompanied him on a tramp
of 20 miles. The animal does numerous tricks,
and it is so docile tbat its master doesn't hesi
tate to allow it to sleep with him.
Wild geese are flying about Eastern
Connecticut A big flock passed over East
Kllllngly a few days ago, and, later, flocks were
seen at points on tbe coast What bearing tbe
flight ot wild geese in January may have on
the weather is unknown, as no such thing. It
is stated, was ever recorded before in Connecti
cut A new remedy for skin diseases, says
the Hospital, Is a continual bath, the patient
eating, drinking and sleeping there until cured.
One patient has been kept in such a bath for
3S5 days. He is tied up always at night to pre.
vent bim from slipping so as to be drowned.
The palms and soles become much shriveled,
but the rest of the skin is -unchanged. Tbe
water is kent at 98.
Frank Sargeant, skating on Lake Mas
coma, N. H., broke tbrough tbe ice. John
Greeley went to his aid wljb a plank, and Sar
geant grabbed it Will Aldrlch came'to the
aid of Greeley, and while they were pulling
Sargeant out the Ice broke again and all three
went down into tbe water. Then Mary B. Gree
ley ran to their help, and hided by her father,
who followed, got tbe young men out safely.
A mortar mixer at a new hotel in Port
land, Ore,, was observed to be beating his ket
tle of coffee yesterday in a way which was no
novelty to him, but seemed strange to a re
porter. He dug a hole in a pile of sand, placed
a lump of lime in it sprinkled some water on
the lime, placed his kettle on it and banked
sand up around it Wben 12 o'clock struck he
shouted: "Come to tea; your coffe's a bilin'."
v A London physician is of opinion tbat
a turpentine bath is good for rheumatism, gout,
insomnia, laryngitis and bronchitis, and recom
mends the following method of preparing it:
Make a saturated solution of six ounces of
yellow soap and add to it three or four ounces
of oil of turpentine. Shake well and then put
It into the bath, which should be filled with
warm water. After 15 minutes' immersion tha
patient should be put to bed.
Charlton Pletcher, of Hinesville, Ga,,
has a novel basin, which is tbe admiration of
all wbo visit him. The water shelf is a huge
block of solid pine, and in it Is scooped out a
basin near the water bucket with a hole in the
bottom, in which is a stopper of black-gnm
root This basin is smootb and clean, and tbe
water shelf, supported by larce pillars, stands
nnder tbe shadow of a large oak and is a very
invitine place. He says there Is no danger of
his basin being carried off or broken.
Six well-known Brunswick, Ga., younsf
ladies have organized themselves into an "Old
Maid Club." The young ladies, it is said, have
mutually pledged each other never to marry or
become engaged unless the consent of every
member of tbe club is first obtained, in which
case tbe consenting members are to act as
bridesmaids, and each of tbem present tbe
bride with a handsome present One of the
members is already nonplusseJ. Having bad
the question popped by her fellow, and being
unable to cet unanimous consent for tbe cere
mony, she is now waiting for tbe dissenting
members to meet their "fates," wben she feeli
that.they will relent
In the little city of Geneva, Ga., a cer
tain merchant employed as a clerk a good,
clever farmer's boy, who knew very little about
different articles of merchandise and wbo had
always greased his wagon with fresh tar. One
day the merchant sent tbe new clerk into a side
room where he kept groceries to attend to some
matters there, and notseelnghimagain forsome
time be went in to see about bim. He found
him eating something with apparent relish and
asked wbat be was doing. Tbe clerk replied:
"I have found a whole lot of little cheeses and
thev are mighty good with crackers." The
merchant proceeded to Investigate and was
Eerfectly thunderstruck to find tbat the boy
ad eaten nearly a half box of axle grease,
thinking it was cheese.
The economical reforms in the Queen's
household to which it hi said the Prince of
Wales has been decidedly opposed, have re
vealed a couple of queer facts. The custom
has been to present Epiphany offerings of
"gold, frankincense and myrrh" on behalf of
the sovereign at the altar ot the Chapel Royal
of St James' Palace. Tbe offering was sup
posed to consist of SO sovereigns, until Prince
Albert wbo bad a keen scent for abuses, once
went to the vestry before the services and
opened tbe box. where he found ten shilling!
only. It was explained that an old habit gave
the rest of tbe money to certain officials and
perquisites; Another queer custom appro
priated at the beginning of each year 52 bottles
ot royal Maderia, whereby the officiating
clergy at St James were supposed to regaie
themselves each Sunday after morning service.
Yet none of the clergy had ever seen a drop
of it
MEANT TO BE PDNNY.
She Was Hateful. Miss Lovelorn That
young DeGarry never knows wbat be is doing.
Miss Canstlc-Qnlte true. He's Jnst confessed
to me that he kissed you last nlght.A"o yor
Evening Sun.
Rather Cruel. Miss Lovelorn Mr. Da
Jinks asked me my age last night the rode fol-
low. I ln told him I was as oia as i looaea.
Miss Caustic You shouldn't have been so frank.
Hew Xork Evening Sun.
The Joke Writer's Sweetheart. Angns
tn What are yoa going to do with those lettari
of yours that girl returned?
Julius-I'iek out the ones tbat are not too much
soiled and send them to my next chsrmer. New
lor Evening Sun.
Pigeon English Unnecessary. Customer
(who has left his bundle of washing- and received
a check from tbe Chinaman in exchange-L!-tee
nsm-ee on-ee back-ee.
Wun Lung-It's not at all necessary. Bring the
receipt on your return. Kama City Timet.
An Naturel. Youne lady (in hair store)
Dark brown switches, please,
saleswoman Human hair, of course?
Youag lady-Certainly.
Saleswoman With or without?
Tonne ladv With or without what?
Saleswoman Dandruff. .EpoeA.
Cause for Anxiety. Mrs. Dolliver Oh,
nei..;, . u.rvx.v,,,,.- 2 ter pitcher out the
window, aud I saw it light on an elderly man.
Mr. Dolliver (turning pale) -Great Scott Jane,
you don't know wbat damage you may have
canted I
Mrs. Dolliver (In tears)-Yes, I do. It's pure
china, and can't be replaced for less than po. Oa,
what shall! aol-Barptr't ISazar.
Woman's Ignorance. Wife If yon want
to get an office why do you spend all your time la
saloons?
Husband-The oflee should seek the man, you
know, my dear.
Wife Huhl 1 never heard of offlce seeking men
in saloons. ." -'
Huiband (contemptnously)-Tb shows all you
know about polltles.-fAKatWAta ifceorcl.
Rnles Must be Obfed. "No dogs J.
lowedontbe car, if yo please, "said the con.
ductor, as the man wa followed up th steps by a
big canine. A -,
"Isthattberule?jl
"Yes, sir." S
"Very well. &7 dog ean't nde,tho I won't
HelsasgoodIm-"
"Don't dexot it sir; bnt that is the role." Dt
trottEreereis. Goods' Appropriate for the Season.
WeJfkow Is business on the road?" asked one
corouerclal traveler of another. "I Had It very
good."
'And I And Jt very bad."
"What Is your line?"
"slejch bells, skates and snow shovels."
That accounts for It I'm carryinsr linen duit
ers,lce cream freezers and soda fountains tall e
son.-iMrtfordPoK. -