PITTSBURG DISPATCH,' THURSDAY, -FEBRUARY- 7, :1889?
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PITTSBURG, THURSDAY, FER 7, 1SS9.
GYPSUM FOE FOOD.
The very interesting disclosures made by
a case on trial in our courts yesterday con
cerning an invoice of alleged cream of tar
tar sold to a Pittsburg grocer should attract
the attention of the public A food product
which is composed, to the extent of 70 per
cent, of gypsum, and nincteen-twentieths of
it other adulterations, is not calculated to
strike the average stomach very favorably.
We bclievo that gypsum is a very useful
article in its place; but that place is hardly
located in the popular digestive organs.
It is a matter tor public congratulation
that the Association of Grocers is fighting
such wholesale adulterations as this. The
public should not only recognize the public
bcrvices of this association but should sup
port them by work on their own part
"When consumers unite to secure the exami
nation of all products, with pledges to ex
pose and withhold patronage from all who
nalta off adulterated food, the penalty of
loss of business will bring the whole nefar
ious swiudlc to a sudden stop.
BeyoDd that the people also have it also
in their power to see that criminal penal
tics arc applied to Fuoh cases as this one.
The man who sells gypsum for food should
be given an opportunity to learn to do
honest and useful manual labor at the work
house or penitentiary.
NOTHING SHALL ABOUT THAT.
It would be unjust to the Legislature to
assume that the extraordinary bill giving
monopoly powers and rights to gas, heat
and lighting companies, which has been re
ferred to the Judiciary Committee, will ever
get back to the House. A copy of the exact
provisions is given in another column of
The Dispatch this morning. It will be
seen that the cool demand is virtually made
that the lucky corporations shall have no
competitors just so long as by watering their
slock or other devices they can keep their
dividends below 8 per cent per annum.
From the disposition already shown at
Harrisburg this year to make short work of
such demands, it may safely be assumed
that there is no danger of the bill going
upon the statute-books, or, if it went there,
the Courts would still have something to
say on the sort of public policy involved in
such a measure.
But it is not well that such requests
should be made at all. They convey an ex
aggerated idea of the eagerness of corpora
tions to own the earth, and to make rapid
and enormous fortunes at the public ex
pense, which must produce an unpleasant
feeling among the millions of taxpayers
who have supported trusts, '"combines" and
monopolies. The value of 6uch exclusive
privileges as are thus sought is enormous;
but it would be created solely and abso
lutely at the public expense.
sunobity fighters.
It seems to be settled that the Union
Pacific funding bill is thoroughly killed
for this session; and the tactics by which its
passage was prevented are severely criti
cised by some of the prrss. The resort was
the extraordinary one or filibustering; but
it must be remembered that the shape in
which the measure was brought up was also
the extraordinary one of proposing to pass
a bill involving some 870,000,000 under
suspension of the rules, without giving the
opponents of that measure a fair chance lor
'lull discussion and amendment. It is also
worth while to remember that members like
Payson, of Illinois, and Anderson, of
Kansas, who led the tactics which gave the
bill its check are of unimpeachable integ
rity in their public careers, and deserve the
confidence of the public by the opposition
which they have always shown to the abuses
of the Pacific railroads. The bill will un
doubtedly reappear in the next Congress;
but it will add to the interest of the occasion
to know that Payson and Anderson will be
on hand to make their usual fight against
the indefinite extension oi the debt.
NATURAL MONOPOLIES.
It is regarded as an evidence of the prog
ress of socialism of the mild stamp of Prof.
E. T. Ely, that Alanson W. Beard, of Bos
ton, has lately come out in the press declar
ing that he is "well-nigh convinced that it
would be desirable for city governments 'to
assume the ownership and direction of
every enterprise which must of necessity be
a .monopoly, such as the production of gas,
water, electric lights and street car ser
vice, ihe idea that anyone should ob
ject to private and corporate monopolies in
Boston is doubtless calculated to create a
sensation in that city. Had Mr. Beard op
posed any of the really great corporations
such as the "Western Union telegraph or the
railroad combination, it would surely
have rocked Boston to its foundations. But
as he objected only in general terms to the
minor ones there is a probability that Bos
ton will let him live there for a time
longer.
As to Mr. Beard's conclusion, few intelli
gent men can avoid the decision that if
there is any class of business which is a
natural monoDoly, it wouldJe better in the
bands of city governments than in private
hands provided you have a decent city
povernmeuL But the weakness of Mr.
Beard's, Prof. Ely's, Mr. George's and all
the other state socialists' logic is that there
is not a single one of the functions which
they bring up as illustrations, that is a
natural monopoly except the water supply,
which is already in the hands of nineteen
municipal governments out of twenty. The
only reason why the gas, street car and
electric lighting functions are monopolized
is that municipal governments have not had
the public interests sufficiently at heart to
avail themselves of the lever for free and
natural competition, furnished by the first
principle that should control the use of all
the streets. That principle is that whatever
privileges are granted in the streets nnst be
for public use; and that the essenceof pub
lic use lies in the ability of all
persons to I
use these privileges for' the purposes to
which they are adapted and on equal terms.
Take the gas supply for illustration. The
city of Philadelphia has just proved that it
is perfectly practicable to receive gas from'
an outside manufacturer delivered in the
holders by the thousand feet and thence dis
tributed to the consumers. There is no
more of a natural monopoly in manu
facturing gas to be delivered to the holders,
than there is in manufacturing pig iron to
be delivered on board the cars; and when we
reach a sufficient state of enlightenment to
provide that gas transporting lines must take
gas from the manufacturers and distribute the
equivalent thousands of feet to various con
sumers, the monopoly of gas supply will en
tirely disappear. The same principle will
work equally in the street railway business.
But the trouble is that, so far at least, city
governments have been more ready to serve
the purposes of the private interests that
enjoy the monopolies granted by legislation,
than to preserve the public interests. In
that case how much hope would there be of
bettering the present state of affairs by put
ting into the hands of politicians who now
serve the private monopolies, the direct
power over those important lines of busi
ness? If Mr. George, Prof. Ely and Mr.
Beard can reform the character of city
councils and politicians there may be
hope that the plan of putting these functions
in their hands would work well. But when
that reform is made these lines of business
can at once be thrown open to natural and
legitimate competition, and the State social
ist plan will be unnecessary.
Natural monopolies arc very uncomforta
ble things when we find them; but before
swallowing the later theories whole, it is
worth while to inquire how far the existing
monopolies are natural, and how far they
are the result of vicious or ignorant legisla
tion. LEGISLATION FOB STOCK WATEBEBS.
The arguments which were presented
against the conference report on the Nicar
agua Canal bill, in the House of Repre
sentatives yesterday, were certainly worthy
of more attention than was paid to them;
while the spread-eagle speeches of Mr.
Chipman and Mr. Scott were a fair sample
of the shallow sophistry by which legisla
tion in favor of corporate abuses is de
fended. It may be, as Mr. Chipman says, time for
the United States to carry the American
flag into Central America; but it is not
time, and never will be time, to carry it
there for the purpose of securing to a big
corporation the right to levy tolls on Amer
ican commerce in order to pay dividends on
triply or quadruply watered stocks. The
justification of the bill is in the benefit that
will be conferred on commerce; but the re
markable additions to the bill which are
evidently intended to open the way to un
limited stock-watering, will, as Mr. Bucka
lew pointed out, hamper and defeat that
very object.
So too, Mr. Scott's remarkable derision of
the opponents of these precious measures,
with the argument that the Bothschilds and
and Barings can take care of themselves was
a very cheap lalsmcation ot the issue.
There is no doubt that the great financial
magnates can take care of themselves; but
for the United States to raise the Jingo cry
for the purpose of enabling either European
Rothschilds and Barings, or American
Scotts, Goulds and Morgans, to delude in
vestors by selling them securities composed
of three parts water to one of real value, Is
legislation in the interest of gigantic and
successful swindling.
But the lobby was too strong for any con
siderations of mere honesty, and the bill
went through with a rush. "When its results
are fully understood it will take rank be
side the Pacific Railroad legislation, and
will probably be found to have been secured
bv similar methods.
THE PRESIDENTS GOOD EXAMPLE.
The announcement, apparently on good
authority, that President Cleveland will
commence practice as an attorney in New
York upon the termination of his admin
istration, develops the usual amount of
newspaper comment. The phase of it that
should be most pleasant to the American
public is its utter disregard of the effete and
imported notion that an ex-President of the
United States cannot retire from his office
into active and useful life.
The President of the United States is no
more than an American citizen elevated to
a position of great responsibility. "When
he lays aside the duties and responsibilities
of his high place, no restraints attach to
him any more than the duty of all citizens
to fill private position honorably and use
fully. It is the long-standing American
idea, and one which can be overset only by
importing a cheap imitation of foreign
aristocracy, that a useful American citizen
will pursue some legitimate business. That
idea is the true one; and the President who
takes up again the private work which he
laid down on entering public life will pre
sent the best ideal of American citizen
ship. "We are therefore unfeignedly glad that
the President will go to work at the practice
of the law. The question as to the exact
benefit which the country will derive from
his resumption of legal work may depend
on the class of practice he engages in.
Lawyers who exert their talents in devising
methods by which great combinations can
defy the laws, or in pleas by which great
criminals can escape punishment might be
not more useful but less harmless, if they
spent their lives in genteel leisure. But as
the great lawyers who do that sort of thing
are well known and the President's talents
as a lawyer are comparatively unknown it
is permitted to hope that he will do a
straightforward and useful law business.
At all events he sets the good example of
showing how ex-Presidents can go right to
work like other good Americans.
"With regard to the formation of two big
coal syndicates, the Baltimore American
says that they "will do a great deal to fur
nish the country with fuel." Will they do
any more than the mining companies of
which they are contposed did before the
syndicates were formed?
The proposal of "Windom's name for the
Treasury causes the esteemed New York
Sun to "doubt if Mr. "Windom will con
sent." The phraseology is faulty because
if Mr. "Windom will consent tha doubt can
not exist. But as the Sun evidently doubts
whether Mr. Windom will consent, the
opinion is still more faulty. Mr. Windom
was a good Secretary of the Treasury for a
brief career; but he never developed the
habit of throwing high positions over his
shoulder.
The Treasury surplus was swelled nearly
seven millions last month. The House does
not appear to be disposed to do much in the
way of reducing this overplus, by cutting
off revenue; but perhaps it hopes to make
up for that by swelling the appropriations.
Concerning the Clayton assassination
in Arkansas, the St Louis Republic ex-
claims: " Hang the murderer of John M.
Clayton first investigate his politics after
ward I' That is what all decent people say
to the radicals who are attempting to make
politics of murder." There is a possibility
of difference of opinion about the order of
proceedings suggested by our esteemed
Bourbon cotemporary. People generally
will agree that it is' necessary to catch a
murderer before you hang him. "When the
State of Arkansas takes that first step, it
may do a good deal toward ridding the case
of politics.
This is announced to be the week of the
ice carnival in New York, and it looks
much like the week of the ice carnival in
Pittsburg. The most lasting carnval is that
which stores up the cubiform gelidity tor the
cooling of heated humanity next summer.
The significance of the purchase by the
Government of 2,500 tons of coal to send to
Samoa cannot be fully understood until we
are informed whether it is anthracite or
bituminous coal. If it is anthracite it will
indicate a readiness to put the whole
Treasury surplus into the maintenance of
American interests in that Pacific islet.
Winter weather was wanted, no doubt;
but even the most ardent lover of frigidity
is likely to object that a little less abrupt
ness than the present fit showed would be
desirable, "With the winter commencing in
February, when shall we expect spring?
The probability that Congress will in
crease General Harrison's Cabinet by a De
partment of Agriculture is taken as indi
cating an increase of his troubles in select
ing Cabinet officers. But it will not have
that effect The Department of Agricult
ure will be a first-rate place to put a man
who is good for nothing else.
The assurance now comes from Harris
burg that Allegheny's charter puzzle is
worked out all right But there can be no
guarantee that the Supreme Court will not
spring another decision on the devoted third-
class cities.
Me. Thomas C. Platt consoles himself
for the slim chance that he will be called to
General Harrison's express company in the
management of the United States, by the
thought that if he is not, he will at all
events continue at the head of the United
States Express Company.
Hippolyte seems to be as stubborn in
refusing to be conquered in Hayti as Mataafa
or whatever the other colored gentleman's
name may be is, in Samoa.
The reported enterprise of establishing a
big union freight yard down in the vicinity
of Chartiers will doubtless prove a great
convenience for the railroads. If it could
also lead to the establishment of a big union
passencer depot, some of the convenience
might extend to the public.
PROMINENT PEOPLE PARAGRAPHED.
Miss Ellen Tehby has taken possession of
her new house in London, which was built ac
cording to her own plans.
Mks. Wanamaker, wife of tho coming
Cabinet officer, was Miss Brown, daughter of
her husband's partner in business. She is more
devoted to charitable occupations than to social
matters.
A FKENcn paper reports that from a plant
called KanalT, which grows in the summer on
the shores of the Caspian, M. G. Blakcnbourg,
a chemist, has obtained an admirable textile
matter, which is soft, elastic, tough and silky,
and which can be bleached chemically without
losing these properties. Tho resistance of this
new material is said to be far greater than that
of hemp, while its specific weight is much less.!
Texas Benders, a Colorado ranchman and
scout, says of Colorow, the Ute Chief, who re
cently died, that nobody mourned his taking
off. "He was the greatest villian that ever
traversed our lands," says Benders. "When ho
died his followers killed SO of the best horses
in their possession, and buried them with their
old leader. They thonght Colorow would have
a long trip in the spirit land, and so they pro
vided a big string.
TnE Rev. Dr. Haygood says: "There is an
impression up North that the only education
tho negro is getting Is from the funds contrib
uted by Northern philanthropists to certain
colleges and schools in the South. 1 once said
to a Northern bishop, after hearing him
make tin address on the subject, that the Sonth
expended in her system of common schools
for the education of the negro many times the
amount contributed by Northern people to a
few Southern schools. He replied that he had
never thought of tho matter in that light be
fore, and that tho suggestion was a revelation
to him."
In the race for sensational popularity. be
tween Mr. Spurgeon, Mr. Haweis and himself
each representing one of tho threo leading
denominations in London Dr. Joseph Parker
is dead. He has attained ms supremacy by
means of a series of Monday talks to working
men at the City Temple. To these ho Invites
workingmen to come in their working clothes,
and eat their dinners and smoke their pipes
while he talks to them. The topic of bis first
talk was '"Mistakes About Preachers." Cer
tainly there can be no mistake about Dr.
rarker, for one. As Mr. Spurgeon is wrest
ling with the gout at Mentone, Mr. Haweis
ronst be looked to for the next bid lor popular
favor, j
Judge Belt., of Mount Carmcl, III., furn
ishes the following maiden speech by Abraham
Lincoln, delivered at Pappsville, near Spring
field.llL, nearly SOyears ago. Mr.Lincoln was not
thenja lawyer, and had no intention of becom
ing a lawyer. He had then made up his mind
to learn tho blacksmith trade. His genius was
recognized, and he was suddenly nominated
for the Legislature. His first speech was as
follows: "Gentlemen and Fellow-Citizens I
presume you all know who I am. I am humble
Abraham Lincoln. I have been solicited by
friends to become a candidate for the Leg
islature. My politics are short and sweet. I
am in favor of a national bank; am in favor of
the internal improvement system and a high
piotective tariff. These are my sentiments and
political principles. If elected, I shall be
thankful; if not, it will be all the same."
LIVING WITH A BROKEN NECK.
Miss Edith Phelps Dislocates tho Vertebrae,
but Will Recover.
Special Telegram to The Dispatch.
Sidney, N. Y., February 6. Miss Edith
Phelps, daughter of Mi. James Phelps, of this
town, who, in common, but unprofessional
phrase, "broke her neck" a few days ago, bids
fair to recover. The facts of this most remark
able case are that when Miss Edith attempted
to raise a window sash, which was caught fast
by ice that had gathered at the sill, the obstruc
tion suddenly gave way. permitting her head to
fly back with a violent jerk that dislocated the
vertebrae of the neck. Her head, no longer
sustained by the neck, dropped down on the
right shoulder. The surgeon who was called to
attend her succeeded in reducing the disloca
tion, and then adjusted around the neck a stout
pasteboard collar, as it may be termed, as an
artificial support for tho head in its natural
position.
It is believed that in the courso of months she
will entirely recover without any deformity of
the neck remaining behind. So far she has
suffered no great pain. Surgeons say that in
juries of the nature indicated, followed by per
fect recovery without deformity, are exceed
ingly rare.
Highly Flattered.
From the Chicago Kews.i
If it should prove true that German spies
have been sent to this country to discover the
secrets or the army and navy Americans will
feel highly flattered. They didn't know there
were any military or naval secrets in the
United States that were worth discovering.
A Discovery to fllnkc the World Fanse.
From the Detroit Free Press.
When it is one minute after 8 o'clock it is
past 8. When it is 30 minutes after 8 it is only
half-past 8. Here is another discovery to make
the world pause and feel sad.
THE TOPICAL TALKER.
A Nice Distinction In Letting Why tho
FIcnsnnt Valley Car Blnsh-Poetic High
License
A gentleman who has never been known
to pay rent for a house when be could possibly
avoid it called upon a real estate agent, who is
well acquainted with him, yesterday and said:
"I want a nice little house somewhere in the
suburbs have you got anything that would
suit me?"
"No, I don't think I have just now," said the
agent.
"Well, if you hear ot ono will you let mo
know?"
"Yes, replied the agent, adding In a stage
whisper to his clerk, "that's about ail I will
let you, too."
It is not possible for many of us to traverse
the arctic regions, we cannot for instance see
with Georgo Kennan the Russian convicts
painfully plodding across the Siberian steppes,
but who is there among ns who cannot afford
to take a ride in a Pleasant Valley street car?
Now is the time, when tho mercury is em
bracing zero, to observe the red bobtail car in its
greatest glory. Tho piercing wind shrieks a
winter war cry through the attenuated sides of
tho sanguine vehiclos, the wild windows rattle
out reminiscences ot 20 years, and the merry
bell of the driver-conductor-cashier tinkles
gaily as the dainty mules dance over tho frozen
track. Who would notllvo in Allegheny be
yond tho parks just to enjoy tho privilege of
standing In a red bobtail car a few hours each
day?
V
But a man must not be a glutton in treating
himself to S-cent rides in tho triumphal cars
of Pleasant Valley. Two days ago I for one
found that gluttony in this direction leads di
rectly to tho grave. Tho man who lives in Al
legheny of course knows this. So do the un
dertakers. The wretch who said that tho hay
In these lurid cars is new mown, that is pneu
monia, was dallying with a great truth.
Speaking soberly, isn't it about timo that tho
Pleasant Valley street car line grappled with
the fact that it is trying to empty an ocean
with a child's tin bucket a bucket full of
holes at that? A stockholder in the road ad
mitted to me yesterday that the cars wcro out
of date and Inadequate, but he said that tho
stockholders wero worrying most just now
about the dividends.
The surest way to increase tho dividends is
to mako tho cars fit for the public. On Tues
day evening, coming from Allegheny to Pitts
burg, I counted 33 persons in tho car, which
has seats at most for 21. Returning to Alle
gheny lato at night, I counted1 48 persons in tho
car, and it is quite possible there were more,
for I was so cribbed, cabined and confined by
the crowd that I couldn't get a full view of the
front platform.
After this experiment I took the pains to in
terview as many peoplo as I could who use tho
P. V. line. They said one and all in much
strongor language than The Dispatch can
print that there are not half enough cars on
tho Pleasant Valley lino, that nearly all the
carsaro antiquated and in all ways unfit for
use, that the overcrowding of tho cars is en
couraged by tho company's system of paying
tho drivers an extra dollar per week whenever
the receipts of their cars go abovo a certain
figure, and that tho schedule of running the
cars is not obeyed even if such a thing exists.
"We can count you with us I hope, Mr.
Spring," said the Prohibition Advocate to tho
coming puet.
"No: I think not," said tho long-haired one.
"How's that?"
"I believe in license, you see poetic license!"
LOAN EXHIBITION.
Music and Recitation to Enliven tho Even
ings Given by Bellevuo Ladies.
This evening the pretty loan exhibition given
by tho ladies of the Bellevue M. P. Church
will open and continuo until and including
Saturday.
Several odd articles have been gathered by
the industrious ladies, notably the original seal
of the borough of Pittsburg. It is a brass disk,
the design showing a vessel under full sail, and
a deer below, with tho date 1791 It is in tho
possession of Joseph Birmingham, a one time
Treasurer of tho borough. An interesting en
tertainment will be given each evening.
To-night Mrs. Nettie McFadden-Huntcr and
and Mrs. F. W. Keifer will sing, and Miss
Blanche Jones will give several recitations.
To-morrow night there will be a reception of
all nations, and Saturday night will bo devoted
to the ancients in costume
Ills Forty-First Birthday.
Mr. Charles Ott. an ex-Street Commissioner
and a prominent citizen on the Southside. en
tertained a large number of friends at his resi
dence on Sarah street last night in honor of his
forty-first birthday.
Oldsbuo-Gollck.
Manager R. M. Gulick, of tho Bijou Theater,
was married yesterday to Miss Frances Old
shue, youngest daughter of Dr. Oldshue. Mr.
Gulick and his hrido aro now on a threo weeks'
tour of the East.
A PRESIDENT'S MASCOT.
Harrison to bo Presented With tho Left
Hind Hoof of n Double-Tailed Rabbit.
Special Telegram to The Dlsnatch.
Redbank, N. J.. February a William Big
ger caught a rabbit with two tails to-day on the
William B. Parker farm. This farm is just east
of Redbank and at one timo it was owned by
the grandfather of President-elect Benjamin
Harrison. Mr. Bigger asserts that the finding
of such a rabbit is a sure sign that during Mr.
Harrison's administration everything will be
doubled up. He says that mechanics and
laborers' wages will bo doubled up and that
the farmers will get twice as much for their
products.
Mr. Bigger will have the left hind foot of the
rabbit preserved and mounted, and will send it
to Mr. Harrison, both as a memento of his
grandfather's farm in New Jersey and as a
symbol of good luck. He says that as long as
President Harrison carries the left hind foot of
this double-tailed rabbit in bis upper left hand
pocket, ho' will have no bad luck, and all his
projects will turn out just twice as prosperous
as he expects them to.
A Chilly Reminder.
Yesterday was a cold day, but nothing like
the 6th of February, 58 years ago. The Register
of Pennsylvania, a weekly paper of Philadel
phia, contained the following communication,
dated Beaver, February 12, 1830: "On the 6th
inst., at 7 o'clock in tho evening, tho ther
mometer stood at 16 degrees below zero, and as
it was at 6 degrees the evening beforo I pre
sume it was tho coldest night ever known in
Pennsylvania."
Extremely English.
From the New York Sun.
The decrees of fashion are wide reaching.
Even the stereotyped thanks murmured in
your partner's car after a dreamy waltz, a trip
ping polka, or a staccato varsovienno can be a
la mode or not. Just now it is extremely En
glish for tho young swell to drawl as he relpases
tho fair dancer from his conventional embrace,
"So pleased, y' know."
DEATHS OP A DAY.
Dr. Emanuel Brnllicn.
Special Telegram to The Dispatch.
CnAMBEnsnnna, February 0. Dr. Emanuel
llra.llen, ono of the leading physicians or the
county, died here to-day, aged 43 years, lie was
born in Belsano, Cambria county, attained the
rank of Captain through bravery In the war, and
practiced for 12 years in Indiana, Since 1SS0 he
has resided here and acquired an Immense prac
tice. He was a prominent member of the late
Medical Association and of the American -Medical
Association. His remains will be Interred here.
He had been HI about four weeks from gastric
ncpatic catarrh.
Rlchnrd Peters.
Atlanta, February C Itlchard Peters, one of
Georgia's most prominent and wealthy citizens,
died this morning, aged 79. He was of a well
known Pennsylvania family, bnt lived most of his
lire in the Sonth. He was interested in railroad
matters, and two of his sons Klchard Peters, Jr.,
of Philadelphia, andltalph Peters, of Cincinnati,
are prominent railroad men.
Sirs. Diana Ekln.
Louisvillp, February 6. Mrs. Diana Ekln,
wife of Brigadier General James A, Ekln, United
States Army, died ia this city this morning at
6:15 o'clock. She was a native of Kllzabetli, Pa.,
the daughter of Samuel Walker, a well known
citizen.
Jobg GIsh.
Special Telegram to The Dispatch.
Carlisle, Fcbruary8.-Jqhn Gish, a prominent
citizen and cx-Postmaste? of Shlppensburg. died
of pneumonia this morning. lie was so years
old,
A NIGHT SESSION.
Congress Discusses the Opening of a Portion
of the Sionx Reservation.
Washington, February 6. At the evening
session of the House Mr. Peel, of Arkansas,
called up the House bill to divide a portion of
tbe reservation of the Sioux cation of Indians
in Dakota Into separate reservations and to
seenre the relinquishment of tho Indian title
to tho remainder.
Amendments were adopted making slight
changes in the boundary lines of the proposed
reservation, striking out tho allotments to the
Santee Sioux tribe in Nebraska; Increasing
from 60 cents to SI per acre the amount to be
paid the Flandreau Sioux Indians in lieu of al
lotments, requiring patents to Indian lands
disposed of to settlers to be placed In the cus
tody of a proper person upon tho reservation
subject to inspection.and fncreasing allotments
to Indians in severalty from one-quarter
section to 320 acres.
Mr. Payson, of Illinois, made a strong argu
ment in favor of excepting honorably dis
charged Union soldiers and sailors from the
payment of the sums reauired to be said bv
settlers upon the lands surrendered by the In
dians, and offered an amendment to carry out
that view.
Mr. Breckinridge,
of
Kentucky.
moved to
further amend the bill so as to relieve all set
tlers from the payment upon their entries.
Upon Mr. Payson's suggestion these two
amendments were hold to be pending with the
understanding that an aye and no vote shall
be taken upon them to-morrow.
Bills were passed as follows: A substitute for
the Senate bill in relation to dead and fallen
timber on Indian lands; granting to tho St.
Paul, Manitoba and Minnesota Railroad Com
pany right of way through the White Earth
reservation, Minnesota; the Senate bill to ratify
the agreement with tho Shoshone, Banneck
and Sheepeater Indians for the sale of a por
tion of their lands in Idaho; for disposition of
tho agricultural lands in tho Pipestone reser
vation, Minnesota; granting to tho Ft. Smith,
Paris and Pardnell Railroad Company right of
way across the Indian Territory and to the
Yankton and Missouri Valley Railroad Com
pany through the Yankton reservation. Dak.;
for the sale of lands patented to certain Flat
head Indians in Montana.
AN EXTRAORDINARY DISCOVER!.
An Admirable Snbstltuto for Coflco Found
Its Effect Upon tho Trade.
Tho Paris correspondent of tho Glasgow
Mail writes that he hears that a discovery of
an extraordinary naturo has been made in tho
island of Reunion which threatens to make
havoc in tho coffeo trade. It is said that a
plant called the wild orango grows in that
island. It produces a fruit which is green at
first and afterward bluish, verging into purple
as it ripens. Hitherto the product of the
plant has not attracted any particular notice
in a commercial sense, but it has recently been
tested and found to possess qualities which
will render, it an admirable substitute for cof
fee, the uso of which will place within tho
reach of those who hitherto hayo not been well
ablo to afford tho high prices which in many
places are asked for good coffee a beverage
which will bo in every way the equal of the
latter. The Government of tho colony is said
to have the matter in hand, and about 24,000
acres in the highest portion of the island are
now under cultivation for the growth of tho
'wild oranges." The G overnment anticipate a
yield of 3,000,000 kilogrammes per annum. It
is expected that thcro will bo a great dcclino
in the chicory trade once tho intended new
industry is commenced, as tho demand for it
in future, should tho enterprise in wild oranges
prove successful, will bo much reduced. It is
a pretty well-known fact that at present there
are about 2,000,000 kilogrammes of chicory
mixed annually with the coffee used in France.
Tho product of tho wild orango, to which tho
name of "mussaenda" has been given, cannot
oniy competo witn pure coiiee, out it is claimed
that, when mixed to a slight extent with tho
latter, it improves its flavor, both as regards
tho tasto and tho aroma.
MORE HELP FOR LEGITIME.
Major Porter Has Decided to go to Haytl
to Command His Troops.
Baltimore, February 6. A gentleman who
has been quietly living in this city for a day or
two told a reporter to-day that ho was Major
David E. Porter, son ot Admiral Porter, United
States navy. Ho also said: "I am tho man
who three weeks ago mado an agreement with
the Haytian Minister. Mr. G. C. Preston, dean
of tlie diplomatic corps at Washington, to
go to Hayti and assume command of
tho forces loyal to Legitime. The
terms or tho contract were that I
was to receive in gold $300 a month, and in tho
event of being killed the sum of 15,000 in gold
was to be paid to my wife. Minister Preston,
before I could make arrangements to start,
divulged tho agreement and the press caught
up the story and we fell oat. Moro than that,
tho indignation of my father was aronsed. and
he looked with disapproval on the step I had
taken."
After tho first rupture between tho Haytlan
Minister and myself another conference was
held and the former terms were reasserted.
Again there came a misunderstanding. A
third meeting was arranged and the first con
tract signed. Then there came another falling
out, and there the matter stands now. Cer
tain things have como to pass that look as
though the original agreement will be kept. I
intend to go to Hayti, and will leave this
country with the understanding that I take
charge of Legitlme's troops."
HE WANTS HIS FEES.
An Attorney for CInlinnnts Agnlnt tbo Gov
ernment Sues tho Treasury Department.
Boston, February 6. Jerome F. Manning,
the well-known Alabama claims attorney, has
brought suit against Secretary of the Treasury
Fairchild to recover 50,000 damages. Tho
papers were served on Mr. Fairchild when ho
was recently in Boston at tho Tariff Reform
Club dinner, and the writ is returnable at Cam
bridge, March 4.
Charles Cowley, counsel for tho plaintiff,
stated this niorting that the suit is grounded
on the fact that Mr. Fairchild, while Assistant
Secretary under Daniel Manning entered an
order that in cases where tho Court of Ala
bama Claims had given decisions in favor of
claimants tho drafts which are issued by tho
Treasury Department be delivered to the claim
ants, and not to the attorney for the latter.
Mr. Manning, tho plaintiff, contends that this
order should not apply to claims disposed of
previous to the establishing of the regulation,
and alleges that Mr. Fairchild wrongly caused
drafts for very largo amounts to be paid to
claimants instead of to the plaintiff, whereby
the latter lost his fees.
FRESH THEATRICAL NOTES.
Messes. Hoey and Evans aro presenting
their excellent dish of broad comedy in "A
Parlor Match" at the Opera House to fair
business. Their work is as fresh and full of
spontaneity as if they had only just begun tho
impersonation of the unique tramp and the
literary agent. Tho whole play is one long
laugh, and the dismal house echoes with un
wonted cheerincss.
TnEitE aro some odd features about "Fas
cination," which Cora Tanner appears in at tho
Opera House next week. Miss Tanner appears
as a rather hoydenish English girl in the first
act. She has a lover who is apparently under
the spell exerted by a certain London beauty
of tho adventuress type. The girl in order to
observe her lover assumes male attire and sup
posed to be a young man, moves in the fast set
in which her lover docs. The sale of seats
begins this morning.
Minnie Palmer is probably seen at some
thing near her best in "My Brother's Sister,"
and the big audience at the Bijou last night
seemed to. enjoy the wbolo peeformance im
mensely. Tho play has been knocked together
in places, and tho action and movement of tho
plot moves moro briskly in consequence. Tho
first act shows considerable improvement by
reason of this condensing and changing. In
the first act also Miss Palmer introduces a new
dance, in which she is moro clever and grace
ful because she overcomes the harassing im
pediment of a dress en train. It is as usual her
dances and songs which contain Miss Palmer's
most popular work, and they were all heartily
applauded. Mr. Roberts was again seen to
great advantage, and the company swing in be
hind the star very effectively. The same play
will be given to-night.
Habry Lacy and "The Still Alarm," by Jo
seph Arthur, will be the next attraction at the
Bijou Theater, and their first appearance in
this city since their European success. The
following is from tbo London correspondent of
tho New York Mirror: " 'The Still Alarm' has
been produced at tho Princess' Theater, and
has made an enormous hit., The particular
feature of tho success is the amazement that
has been stirred up by tho Are engine scene.
The pit and gallery are packed to their utmost
limit at every performance by peoplo who sim
ply go wild over the rapidity with which tho
horses are hitched up and the engine leaves
the house. When the London Alhambra
burned down, a few years ago, the writer was
in the immedlato.vicinity. From the time the
first alarm was sounded to the arrival of the
first engine, a space of more than 15 minutes
elapsed, and the English papers spoko of that
achievement as being wonderfully quick. The
engine had not more than 600 yaids to go from
its houso to the burning Alhambra."
0UB MAIL POUCH.
Ex Pedo Herculcm.
To th Editor of The Dispatcn:
Although knowing little Latin and less
Greek, I cannot forbear the above aphorism,
or apothegm, because of Its appositeness.
By the way, Macaulay has said, in one of his
critical essays, I do not remember which, that
a certain individual did not know the differ
ence between an aphorism and an apothegm,
orapopthegm. according to his old-style or
thography. Now these words aro so. nearly
alikoin their meaning, so nearly synonomous.
even when traced to their roots, that there is
not sufficient difference to justify a distinction;
but to the application.
If the foot of Hercules is a measure of tho
man, and if wo can judge of the whole by a
part, why is not a portion of a man's mental
character indicative of tho whole, or can we
not approximate a correct judgment of a char
acter even from its peculiarities and indiosyn
crasies? We all remember that in his speech in the
Senate a few days ago, Mr. Sherman persisted
in mispronouncing the word Samoa, calling it
Sammyo. and the derivative Samoan. he pro
nounced Samian. Even after his mispronunci
ation had been corrected by Senator Mander
son, and he had acknowledged the correctness
of the correction, ho soon relapsed into the
same fanlt.
If the perceptions of a great man are so un
certain and inexact that he will not or cannot
correctly pronounce such simple combinations
of the letters of his own language, can wo.bo
sure that he will always properly and correctly
perceive and apprehend the facts and pre
mises upon which must rest his arguments and
conclusions for or against matters of adminis
tration and government, or are not these per
ceptions likely to be Inaccurate and unreliable
also, viatiating tho whole fabric of his argu
ments? While we have oftep read and heard of the
inequalities of the endowments and attain
ments of great men, wo do not believe Mr.
Sherman is lacking in this regard or to this ex
tent, but merely suggest the matter analogic
ally, and to show the deficiencies of an emi
nent character. His observations of matters of
fact, and the conclusions drawn therefrom
have always been unexceptionable. But he
stroncly reminds us of an old friend, an ac
complished and educated gentleman, a Greek
and Latin scholar and a teacher of these lan
guages, a fine orator, and now a clergyman in
New York who never could pronounce the
word propriety, but called it properiety.
Allegheny, February 5. Aliqdis,
Washington's Salary.
To the Editor of The Dispatch:
What salary did Washington get as Presi
dent of the United States. James B.
Allegheny, February 6.
According to the act of August, 1789, the
President received 25,000 a year. The act of
March 3. 1873, increased this to 30,000, which is
the salary at the present time.
Wo Think Not.
To the Editor of The Dispatch:
To decide a bet will you kindly adnso us
through the columns of your paper if it is cor
rect to use the word "Messrs.' before a cor
porate company, such as "Messrs." Ottawa
Glass Company. F. M. B.
Fittsbubo, February 6.
FANCY PRICES FOR LAND
Paid In Washington City, Wfacro It Sells by
the Square Foot.
Special Telegram to The Dispatch.
Washington, February 6. Several of the
most interesting sales of real estate mado for
some time in the city were effected to-day. One
was between ex-Senator Joshua Hill, of
Georgia, and Prof. Alexander Graham Bell and
his cousin, Charles J. Bell, of the telephone
monopoly, A lot 125 feet front and about 100
feet deep, on Connecticut avenue, near Dupont
Circle, was sold for 4 a square foot, all land in
the city being sold by the square foot instead
of front feet, as is usual in other places. Tho
rear of these lots adjoined the rear of the lot
on which the residence of the Hon. James
H. Hopkins is situated, the latter fronting
on Eighteenth street. Hill, the former owner,
was in Congress prior to tho war, was made
Collector of tho Port of Savannah by Presi
dent Johnson after tho war and was in tho
Senate from 1S68 to 1873. Ho purchased the
entire square on which this lot is situated
when it cost but a few cents per square foot.
Prof. Bell and his cousin intend to erect
elegant residences here, the professor having
rented his late residence to Vice President
Morton, not caring to livo there since the death
of a favorite child.
Another purchase "was of a lot on Massa
chusetts avenue, also near Dupont Circle, by
Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett, the noted
novelist, for $27,000, tho lot being only 30 feet
front and 150 feet deep.
A CURIOUS COINCIDENCE.
Captain Ingersoll Was Drowned and Ills
Wile Died at the Same Moment.
New Y'ork, February 6. Tho schooner
James F. Kelsey arrived at this port to-day
from Wilmington, N. C, having on board the
second mate, John Christmas, and two seamen,
F. Anderson and J. Roach, the sole survivors
of the crew of the schooner Alllo B. Chester,
hailing from New York, which had become
disabled during a galo encountered on
a trip from 'Charleston to Barren Island
with phosphates, and struck on tho outer edge
of Diamond reef, 11 miles southeast of Cape
Hatteras, at 10 r. si. on January 0. The
Captain of the Chester, Thomas Ingersoll,
First Mato Wells and two seamen were
drowned. The story of the disaster as related
by the survivors is one of great interest.
The Allle R. Chester was a cutter-board
schooner of 427 tons. She was built in 1833, and
was owned by Jesse Carll. A coincidence In
connection with this story is the fact that it
was discovered that, at the very time when
Captain Ingersoll was spending his last
moments lashed to the rigging of bis vessel, his
wife was dying of consumption at Woodmunk
ville, N. J., and they passed over the boundary
of life almost at the same moment.
HATE THE NICKEL READY.
An Importnnt Decision for Street Car Pat
rons to Ponder Over.
From the Philadelphia Hccord.
"When a passenger gets on a street car," said
Judge Biddle, in his charge to the jury in an
assault and battery case, yesterday, "it is his
duty to pay his 5 cents fare, and if he can't pay
it, it Is his duty to get off; and if he don't get
off, the conductor has a right to uso as much
force as is necessary to put him off. Any man
who has a 100 bill. If the rule were otherwise,
might rido around in the street cars for the
balance of his life."
Under this charge the jurv promptly acquitted
J. M. Van Kleech, of the Ridge avenue line, of
assault and battery in ejecting John H. Miles,
colored, from a car. Tho latter tendered a 5
bill for his fare, but tho conductor could not
change it and ejected Miles. It was said that
tho latter appealed to a passenger to pay his
fare, as be was in a hurry, and the appeal was
acceded to, but Miles became so abusive that
the offer was refused and be was ejected.
INFORMATION WANTED
From tho Secretary of the Treasury In Re
gard to the Senl Fisheries.
Washington, February 6. Ia the Houso
to-day Mr. Dingley, of Maine, from the Com
mittee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, re
ported a resolution calling on the Secretary of
the Treasury for information as to what orders
were given to the commander of the United
States revenue cutter Richard Rush in regard
to the protection of seal fisheries in Behrings
Sea in the spring and summer of 18S8, whether
such Instructions differ from those given the
samo commander In the spring and summer of
lSoV.andit so, what reasons existed for any
material charge In such instructions. Tho
resolution was adopted.
Boston nml Tier Pics.
From the New York World,
Statistics have be'en gathered which show
that 25,000,000 pies aro made in Boston every
year. With all her Athenianism, Buddhism
and Browningism, there is a good deal of New
Englandism still clinging to the Hub, to say
nothing about indigestion.
LULLABY.
Hush, little one, and fold yonr hinds
The sun hath set. the moon Is high;
The sea is singing to the sands,
And wakeful posies are beguiled
By many a fairy lullaby
Hush, little chlld-my little chlidl
Dream, little ono, and In your dreams
Float upward from this lowly place
Float ont on mellow, misty streams
To lands where bldcth Mary mild,
And let her kiss thy little face,
You little chlld-my little child!
Sleep, little one, and take thy rest
With angels bending overtliee.
Sleep sweetly on that Father's breast
Whom our dear Christ hath reconciled
But stay not there come back to me,
O, little chlld-my little child.
'Eugene J'Kifcf, in the Chicago Xtwt.
ODD 8CEAPS FROM GOTHAM.
A Blonde and Brunette Episode.
INEW TOBJC BUREAU SPECIALS.
New York, February 6. The Jamaica School
Board, the principal of the Jamaica school and
the Fredell family are all by the ears because
two "little Fredells are brunettes while the
other two aro blondes. Jessie and Jennie
Fredell, both under 8 years, have tow heads
and white faces. They have attended the
Jamaica school many months. The two young
Fredell boys, however, were born dark and
were made darker by working In an oil factory.
They went to school for the first time yester
day. Henry Van Allen, the principal, mistook
them for picannles and ordered them over to
the colored school. When they told him they
were brothers of the small Fredell girls. Princi
pal Van Allen remarked that there must be "a
nigger in the fence." When Mr. Fredell heard
ot this remark he started out to thrash Mr.
Vari Allen with a club. Ho threatened to
break up the school, and do up the whole
Jamaica Board of Education, If he did not get
a public apology belore to-morrow. Mr. Fredell
Is still on the warpath.
Beware of Safe Experts
Ten days ago a young man who said he was
the agent of the Y'ork Safe and Lock Company
examined the York safe of C. G. Rochat, a
Jersey City jeweler. He went through all the
compartments of the safe carefully, suggested
an improvement or two in the mounting, and
left with the promise to come again soon. He
came again at 2 o'clock this morning while Mr.
Rochat's watchman slept. He cut a holo
through the wall of an adjoining store, cracked
the safo and carried away eight gold watches.
A Yonng Stranger's Awful Story.
Fritz Ruehl, 16 years old, is a self-confessed
murderer and a fugitive from justice. He is
red-headed and has a vicious countenance. He
was arrested laBt Saturday night for burglariz
ing his employer's restaurant. At the station
house he confessed that he had murdered a
boy 6 years old at Landsberg, Bradcnburg,
Germany, last November, and that his uncle
had provided him with 60 to escape to America.
Fritz said that the boy had. annoyed him by
shoving him about, and he then seized tho boy
and beat out his brains against a corner stone.
Fritz left his home at night time and went to
Berlin, whero he remained eight days. Ho
then proceeded to Hamburg and from there to
Antwerp, and he boarded the Holland steam
ship Pennland on December 1 and arrived hero
on December 16. He worked in a bakery here,
but was discharged for stealing. He was then
employed by the restauranteur whom ho was
trying to rob when arrested. Ruehl' repeated
tho story of his crime in court this morning,
and was remanded for further examination.
The police have reported his caso to the Ger
man Consul.
Scared to Death by a Tramp.
' Fannie Moore, tho U-year-old daughter of
Assistant Appraiser Daniel Moore, while re
turning from school with several girl friends a
week ago was attacked by a tramp. The other
girl3 ran. but Fannie was too frightened to
move. The tramp shouted that he was "Jack
the Ripper," and threw his arms around her.
She fainted. Tho tramp was frightened away
by a policeman who carried the unconscious
girl home. When sho regained consciousness
she was delirious. At night she was seized
with convulsions and the next morning brain
fever set in. On Monday she died. Her fu
neral took place to-day. Tho tramp who caused
her death has not been found. Detectives are
hunting him down.
Boycotting an Undertaker.
An undertaker named Fritz Trepkan, of
Orange, N. J., has been boycotted because he
ref used to join tho Undertakers' Union. The
liverymen who belong to the union, thought
they could ruin Mr. Trcpkan's business by re
fusing to let their horses be driven in his
funeral processions. They were checkmated,
however, by an Irish livery stable keeper who
has also been boycotted. The Irishman and tho
German have made a cast iron agreement to
stand by each other and fight tho union.
Drinks and a Doll Prove Costly.
This morning James V. Demarcst, of Brook
lyn, cut in his pocket 51,200 which ho had made
by selling milk for 6 cents a quart, and started
for the bank. On tho way he stopped twlco to
get a drink and once to buy his little girl a doll.
When he got to the bank tho two drinks
and the doll were all he had for his money,
for tho 1,200 was gone. The police are trying
to find the man who picked his pocket.
TIRED OF CIVIL SERYICE.
Senator Daniel Wants to Ketnrn to the Old
System of Filling Office.
Washington, February 6. During tho de
bate In the Senate on a proposition to increase
the clerical f orco of tho Civil Service Commis- .1
sion. Senator Daniel attacked the civil service
system itself as being un-American, un-Repub-llcan
and un-Democratlc. While ho regretted
tho defeat of the present administration, he
felt that there would be some consolation in it
if tho incoming administration should manifest
no affection for the modern machine system of
appointments.
He hoped that it would lead the Government
back to the old principle in which the people
were recognized as having a right to share in
the peoples' offices. II the ReDublican party
would go about it sincerely and help to nd the
country of that humbug, he would pledge them
at least one Democratic vote to assist them in
doing it. He longed to see the time when the
piam American citizen mignt leei tnat mere
was no bar to any office under tho Government
of which he was worthy: and he hoped that the
new administration and its advisors would find
some way of amending the system so as to
throw open the doors to all applicants, although
they might be subjected, when necessary, to
proper examination.
TRANSATLANTIC NOTES.
The French'Mlnister of Commerce and In
dustry has appointed a committee to organize
an International Congress of Popular Tra
dition. A Russian officer who has made a. tour of
observation through India concludes that
English rule there is "far from tottering to Its
fall. It has struck out so many deep roots that
to disturb it would be no easy task."
The greatest emigration society at present
is the Argentine Republic. It will spend
5,000,000 to bring immigrants from the North
of Europe alone. Ships from England, Hol
land and France are taking them over in
thousands.
Bismarck's famous dog, the Relchshund or
Realm dog, which died recently at the age of
13, was an unusually large slate-colored Danish
boar hound called Tyras. Bismarck got his
first Danish hound when he was 17, and has
had one ever since.
An attractive new book, "The Folklore of
Plants," has been published, in which we
learn that the human race sprang from ash
trees, by the Norso mythology. Homer tells
us that the Greeks came from oaks. The Zulus
claim descent from a bed of reeds, the Su
raatrans from a cane, the Chiapanecas from a
silk cotton tree, and the Tamanaquas from a
date.
Abbangements for hoisting people to the
top of Eiffel's tower, which will bo raised to
its thousand feet by March 31, are to consist of
two lifts to carry 50 to 100 persons each to the
first platform. Two others will ascend from
the ground floor to the second platform, 112
metres high, in a minute. They n ill stop at the
first platform to tako up or leave passengers.
Tho complete ascent will take four minutes,
and it will be possiblo to take 'to the top 750
visitors an hour.
Br.rri.su women are rising in opposition
against the manner In which the waltz is over
whelming and suppressing all other dances,
round and square. A spokesman in behalf of
the men says that they are too busy and un
taught to carry the figures of tho square
dances In their beads sufficiently to give them
requisite assurance, and hence with them it is
the waltz, the best of the round dances, or
nothing. It is suggested that some new quad
rilateral should bo invented of easier move
ments. Minnie Matilda Mdbbell, of Dorking,
aged 15, has received the testimonial of the
Royal Society for the Protection of Life from
Fire, and 5 for saving the lives of three young
children in September. The certificate says:
"JUnnie Mnrrell, after rescuing one child", re
turned to the second floor, and taking the two
others out of bed, tried to mako her way down
stairs, but was unable to do so. She succeeded
in reaching a window on the first floor, irom
which she dropped the children safely into tho
.arms of persons beneath, she herself escaping
in a like manner."
CURIOUS (MDENSATI0BS.
Bunlay, the newly-crowned King of
Anham, is only 10 years' of age.
The elevated railroad in New York
carried 680,000 passengers last Saturday.
A young man died in La Grande, Ore.,
recently from the effects of over-exertion la
dancing.
Guilford, Vt., announces a live grass
hopper that was hatched out In a field In tha
mild weather of January.
A case is engaging the attention of one
of the courts at Springfield, Mo., in which the
defendant stole 10 cents worth of corn.
An Indiana paper has a typographical
error akin to genius. It heads tha Town Coun
cil with "Burglar Meeting," instead of "Bogu
lar Meeting."
An orange grower at Lake Como, Fla.,
exhibits a novel orange that weighs 25 ounces,
and says there are several more of the same
size on his trees.
Five years ago a good specimen of a
mummy could be obtained In Alexandria for
S3. Theprice has now advanced to $15, with
1 extra for a real old veteran.
A prominent citizen of a small town
near St. Louis met with a very peculiar acci
dent not long ago. In putting on his spectacles
the arms ran into both eyes and nearly blinded
him.
A New Bedford man had his nose
broken because be said he had seen a whale SO
feet long. The man who broke it for him had
never even been to sea, but he had his idea
how long a whale ought to be.
For two years Captain Prink, of South
Windham, Me., was totally deaf. But the
other day, after a terrific sneezing spell, during
which, as he said, ho thought he'd sneeze his
head off, he was delighted to rind that be
could hear just as well as he ever had in his life.
A nursery man in Danbury, Conn., has
a most peculiar roof, in fact it is quite improb
able that there is another one like It in the
State. It is composed entirely from photo
graphic negatives. The greenhouse is entirely
roofed by these negatives, which bear the like
nesses of all manner of people, old men long
since forgotten, pretty girls, dozens of babies
and many others. It must be a queer sensation
to look through the roof at the sun.
i The total tobacco consumption oi Europe
is about 3 pounds by each inhabitant. In tho
Netherlands the proportion is a little over 7
pounds to each inhabitant; in Austria-Hungary,
3.8 pounds; in Denmark, 3.7 pounds; in
Switzerland, &3 pounds; in Belgium, 3.2 pounds;
in Germany, 3 pounds; in Norway, 2.3 pounds;
in France, 2.1 pounds; in Sweden, nearly 2
pounds: in Spain. 1.7 pounds: In Great Britain
and Ireland. 1.34 pounds; in Italy. L2j pounds,
and in Russia. Impounds. In the'United States
the proportion is said to be greater than that
of any European country except Holland Vi
pounds per inhabitant. The largest revenue
derived from tobacco are those of France,
Great Britain, Austria-Hungary, and then
Spain and Italy.
, A remarkable bird about the size of a
robin and much resembling a kingfisher with
out tho prominent tuft of feathers attracted
considerable attention on a street In Kenne
bec, Me., recently. Flying along to an English
sparrow with one dart of his hooked beak he
killed the little bird, and then placing one foot
upon his victim's breast proceeded to tear in
pieces and devour him. A stagedriver picked
up the feathered cannibal and his proy and
carried them into a nearby store where.perched
upon tho counter, he devoured tho sparrow
with apparent relish. The bird seemed to have
no fear of anyone, and showed no antipathy
against anything but tho sparrows, several of
which he killed during the afternoon. His
species was unknown to any who saw him, but
u is tnougnt no is one oi tno variety known as
butcher bird.
The great horse car strike of the paa
week has given rise to a very original game
called "scab" in New Y'ork. It can be played
by any number of boys. The largest, strongest
and most active boy of the neighborhood is
selected as the "scab." The other boys aro
strikers. The "scab" is given a start, and when
he has reached a certain distance the strikers
pelt him with mud and small stonej. When he
is hit by a stone or a lump of mud the strikers
turn into police and try to catch and beat tha
boy that threw the stone that hit the "scab."
If tho successful boy succeeds in reaching a
base before he is overtaken by the police be is
appointed "scab," and the game is repeated.
The danger of the game adds novelty to it. and
it is, therefore, a great favorito with the rising
generation of Gotham.
Among the heaviest locomotives ever
built are those recently put on its mountain
division by the Philadelphia and Reading Rail
road. Their actual weight In working order is
153,010 pounds, and 133,310 pounds is on the
drivers. They have a tractive forco of 271
pounds average pressure In the cylinder. Their
cylinders are ii inches in diameter by 23 inches
stroke; driving wheels, 50 inches diameter;
boiler, 6 feet in diameter and 13 feet 6 inches
long over tube sheets. The tube3 are 270 in
number, and 2 inches in diameter. The fire
box is over 11 f eot long inside by 42 inches
wide, and is placed above the frames, bnt not
abovo the wheels. The heating surface in tbo
firebox is 185 square feet, and the total heating
surface 2,315 square feet. The cngino is de
signed to burn anthracite.
So indestructible by wear or decay is
the African teakwood, that vessels built of 19
havo lasted fully 100 years, to be then broken
up onlv on account of the poor sailing qualities
on account of faulty models. The wood, in
fact. Is one of tho most remarkable employed
in human industries, on the score of its very
great weight, hardiness and durability, its
weight varying from some 42 to 52 pounds per
cubic foot. It works easily, but because of the
large quantity of silcx contained in it, the tools
employed in its manipulation are in a short
time worn away; it, however, possesses the ad
vantage of containing an oil which prevents
the spikes and other iron work with which it
may rome in contact from rusting. The differ
ence between this and the East Indian teak
wood, though both are used for shipbuilding,
is notable; the latter, which is really tho most
valuable timber produced in tbat country, is
light and easily worked, strong, durable, not
liable to the attacks of Insects, abounds in
silex, and resembles coarse mahogany. The
tree requires some 60 to 80 years' growth to
produce the size of timber preferred for ship
building, and much of it is used in England for
this purpose.
TAKEN FROM LIFE.
Time Flies Minute insects.
The Lady of Lyons The Lioness.
She Why, Ulrich, you never told mo
this was to be a masked ball.
Ulrich (in tragic whisper) Hush! That Is the
Vicomte de Grosnez, with his own lace.
THE BARBER'S CONFESSION.
Polite am I, yet seldom let
A chance to cat a friend escape;
And, though 1 am a man or peace,
I oft am looking for a scrape.
Getting the Best of Him. Mrs. S.
Walter, take this stuff away; I'd Just as lief cat
so much garbage!
Waiter (who has heard him before) Yessah.
But dar's no 'countln' for tastes, sah.
A Regular Freeze-Out. Traveler Say,
boy, what arc you sitting there tor? You'll freeze
to death.
Boy (between his chattering teeth) Why, de
ole man tole me fer to take der pup out an' drown
him: but de Ice on der creek Is two feet thick, so
thought I'd sit here an1 freeze him to death.
A Pointed Moral. "We should never
complain, whatever befalls us," said the minis
ter. "The moment we grow dlssatlslled we be
come unhappy."
' 'Do you really think so?" she sighed.
"Yes," returned the good man; "the first
woman who complained of her Lot was turned
into a pillar of salt."
The "Workings of Time. Mrs. B. That
couple across the street are going to celebrate the
anniversary of their wedding. 1 wonder how long
they have been married.
3lr. II. Tbia must be the first anniversary, be
cause I notice that she sits at the window every
evening and waits for him to come home.
Mrs. B.-lf they had been married as long as we
have, the poor thing would have to wait for hhn
all night. ' '
IS SIABRIAOE A FArLTTBE T ' '
Is marriage a failure? I fancy, if so,
It beats a success any bachelors know;
What 'tis to be wedded unknown Is to me '
I have a good notion to try It and see.
Jly sweetheart's so sanguine she ventures tat.
guess
Our falling together would be a success!
I've nothing to lose, and 1 blush as 1 own
That I am a failure when taken alone.
The Power of Music The sun had al
ready sunk In the West when the convict returned
to his native village. During the many years of
his confinement he had harbored but one Idea
that of revenge. As he neared the old schoolhonso
(which, by the way, he had made np his mind to
lire), a bell from a distant spire began Its slow and
solemn peal. A feeling which the convict had not
felt In many years filled hU breast. He stood
rooted to the spot, and tears, hot tears, moistened
his checks. When the bell had ceased 1U tolling
he hastily wiped his eyes with the back of his cal
loused hand, and exclaimed: "My heart Is soft
ened: I will not shed blood to-nlght-I will rob
Instead I"
-AU from life.
:
l . j & ' i, y" "