BgtgasaBi i:gsi itQtlwyWF fWwn je Bial4 ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 8, lSJS. Vol. 44, No. 4. Entered at I'lttsburg l'ost oBlce, J.ovembcrH. 1867, as cecona-ciass matter. Business Offlco-97 andG9 Fifth Avenue. News Eooms and Publishing House-75, 77 and 79 Diamond Street. This paper having more than Double tho circulation of any otber in the State outside of Philadelphia, In advantages ni an adver tising medium will be apparent TERMS OF THE DISPATCH. rosTAGE rnEi m ins cxtteo states. IUriY. DISPATCH, Cue Year J SCO Daily Dispatch, Per Quarter 200 Daily Dispatch. OncMonth " Daily Dispatch, Including Sunday, one year. WOO Daily Dispatch, lncludlnj bunday, per quarter IH Daily Dispatch, .Including Sunday, ona month 90 Ecxday Dispatch, one year 150 Weekly Dispatch, one year - lis The Daily Dispatch Is delivered by carriers at 15 cents per week, orlneludingthebunday edition, at !0 cents per week. PITTSBURG, MONDAY, FER 1L 18S9. A PATHETIC CASR The sad case told in our local columns this morning, of a family in Allegheny re duced to destitution while the young man whose struggle to support it had led him to yield to temptation was in jail at Feeeport, should appeal to the sympathies of the charitable. A great deal is heard nowadays to the effect that organizations for charity are in cicessofthe needs of deserving poverty. But it is true now, as it was nineteen hun dred years ago, that the poor are always with us. Just such cases as these, where the struggle against adversity has proved too severe, should be sought out and aided by charity. The effort to find and help those who really need aid, as was the case "jere, will always find plenty to do. It may not be wise to condone crime that is produced by straightened circumstances; but s -ciety can certainly afford to take a merciful view of infringements upon the rights of property that are produced by poverty until it has provided severe punish ments for similar offenses on a larger scale that are inspired by pure avarice. THE EIGHT POLICY. Xow that the bill to make meat dear has received its quietus in the Legislature, it is worth while to suggest to our friends, the Grangers, that they will be wiser to aim at securing their legitimate rights than to try to rectify disadvantages by depriving the customers of meat throughout the State of their constitutional right to buy the prod ucts of other States. The farmers of Pennsylvania have, we think, proper subjects of compjaint in the denial through railway tariffs of the legiti mate advantages of their situation. They have a natural right to get their cattle, their butter and their other products to the city markets more cheaply than the farmers of the "Western States and Territories. If the railway tariffs deny them that privilege, they can make a claim for redress by legis lation that will command the support of honest men. But it is not just for them, if they are oppressed, to try to rectify the matter by joining with their oppressor to get the illegal and unconstitutional privi lege of oppressing someone else. Let the agricultural interests of the State lay aside the selfish idea of getting advant ages by infringing on the rights of consum ers of food, and Instead unite their interests with consumers by insisting on as favorable rates in getting their products to market as are given to "Western shippers. A policy which is based on upholding the rights of the whole people will accomplish much more than the policy of class hoggishness. GEEELY AND THE GROUNDHOG. "Whether the elements will be convulsed by it or not, it is threatening, to observe from the expressions of certain esteemed Eastern cotemporaries, that a conflict of authority as to the duration of the winter weather, has developed between General Greely, of the "Weather Bureau, and the groundhog. It is learned from journals which are supposed to speak by authority either from the groundhog or General Greely, that the former saw his shadow on February 2, and that we have, therefore, to expect forty days more of blizzards; while on General Greely's behalf, it is asserted that there will be no more winter worth mentioning. This deadlock is a serious one, and the esteemed Philadelphia Forth American recognizes the magnitude of the isue by frankly telling General Greely that if his forecast prove, a failure, it will "recommend the groundhog for an appoint ment under the incoming administration." But what are the sections to do where the groundhog's prophecy works the other way. In "Western Pennsylvania that factitiously important rodent could not have seen his shadow, if he looked for it; and therefore his prediction for this district would be in en tire unison with the "Weather Bureau. That would give the people of this section some thing definite to go on, for if these authori ties predicted an early spring it would be safe to presume upon the presence of a full stock of blizzards nearly up to Hay day. But in the presence of this official announce ment of the diversity of the groundhog's vaticination in diflerent sections, are we to take it as foreshadowing an early spring in Pittsburg and a late one in Philadelphia? The entire superiority of the present season to any rules, prophecies or expectations concerning the weather makes it safe to rely only on one thing, that whether Greely and the groundhog agree or disagree the weather will beat them both. FBANCFS CELEBRATION. The centennial exhibition which France holds this year is of supreme political import ance to her. and it ought to be recognized as of great significance on this side of 'the At lantic Being the centenary of the Itevo lution of 1789, it represents the progress of representative government and popular in dependence as lnlly as our Centennial did our national and republican existence. But while the Governments of Europe could join in the celebration of a republio that was separated from them by the breadth of the Atlantic, they hold aloof from an un comfortable neighbor of that sort next door, and particularly from one whose history has such striking landmarks in it as the overthrow of thrones and the beheading of kii.gs. This throws France on her own resources, v. ith such assistance as the American re publics and tbe less Bourbon European Governments can give her. The celebration will be worth holding, but in new of the nineteen years of comparatively successful republicanism in France, the celebration will not be any greater than the thing cele brated. The idea of government for the benefit of the -people, which first found practical utterance in France a hundred years ago, has been hampered by reverses, betrayed by false representatives and marred V by extravagant and cruel outbreaks. But it has survived both Bourbon and Bona partist dynasties; and to-day, when France has just passed through a most exciting political contest without the murmur of riot or the rumor of a barricade, wc may hope that the republican idea is stronger than ever. The "United States should certainly sympathize with their sister republic, and the occasion of her celebration is one of the best occasions for testifying to the friend ship that should grow alike out of their common political ideas and their'historical ties. THE ORPHANS' SCHOOLS AGAIN. The disclosure of the remarkable epidemic among the pupils of the McAlisterville Soldiers Orphans.' School ib a matter that can hardly fail to attract public attention. The decidedly cloudy statements as to the cause of the trouble are not likely to dissi pate the suspicions which naturally arise out of the former disclosures as to the man agement of these institutions. These sus picions are strengthened by the very definite allegations that are made of the suppression of a report on the schools by General Lewis "Wagner and the success which some in fluence had in inducing the last Legis lature to shelve all attempts either .to in vestigate or reform the management of these institutions. The investigations made by Governor Pattison, established several points to the satisfaction of all right-minded and honest people. The first was that grave abuses existed, resulting in unjustifiable hardships and privations to the pupils; and the second was that these abuses were the almost inevit- table result of the system of letting out the careot the schools by contract to politicians of a money-making bent. Governor Pat tison's investigation forced some reforms, and principal among them was the ap pointment of General "Wagner as inspector of the institutions. That official having since then taken office in Philadelphia, the benefit of his services in guarding the wards of the State has been lost. It may not be fully demonstrated that the enidemic among the scholars at McAlister- ville is due to abuses such as were disclosed, in 1S8G; but it is a matter of disgrace to the ruling powers in the State that little dispo sition seems to have been shown to prevent such abuses. The assertions are made by good authority that an adverse report of General "Wagner was suppressed, and that a resolution in the Legislature of 1887 for further investigation of the schools was shelved in the Senate. Such steps are cer tainly not calculated to impress the people deriving profit from the schools with the idea that any dereliction on their part would be exposed and punished. If the State of Pennsylvania cannot pro tect its soldiers orphans' from such abuses, it will be set down as a lasting and damnatory disgrace to the influences which prevent such protection. MAXIMILIAN AND RUDOLF. A striking illustration of the failure of human calculations, is furnished by the fact that if the unfortunate Maximilian and Carlotta had not been led into their tragical Mexican adventure, they would have been placed, by the no less tragic death of Prince Rudolf, the next in succession to the Aus trian throne. Maximilian whose married lite was a happy contrast to the infidelity oi his nephew, and whose private character was estimable, could not remain content in Europe because he thought there was no chance of his ever becoming a reigning sovereign. So he was persuaded by Napo leon to renounce his succession to the Aus trian throne lor the glittering unreality of a Mexican empire. His fall, like the subse quent one of his betrayer, is one of the turn ing points of the history of the last half of this century. If he had been content in the safety and quiet of his palace of Mira mar he would have been to-day the heir to the Austrian Empire. That is the differ ence between human calculations and the unforeseen development of actual events. Good comes out of a great disaster in the shape of a fine business block to replace the stores wrecked by the "Wood and Diamond streets disaster. It will be safe to predict that the upper stories of this building will not be put up until the mortar in the lower stories has had time to bind. Me. C. B. Breckinridge, of Arkansas, says that the Fifty-first Congress will be the judge of his title to a seat in Congress. This may be construed as an intention on Mr. Breckinridge's part to refuse to accept the advantage given to him by the murder of his opponent. As the late Mr. Clayton can not contest the seat, by reason of his forcible removal from this world, of course the only way in which the next Congress can get to pass a judgment on his title would be for him to refuse to accept the seat, and let a new and honest election be held. The country will await with interest the fulfil ment of Mr. Breckinridge's indefinite but commendable pledge. Men who steal on the streets are gener ally sent to jail, but the men who steal a whole street, as was the case in a famous New Tork case, obtain immunity by furnish ing employment to eminent legal firms who take in ex-Presidents for partners. The French people seem inclined to pass a verdict finding Colonel Senart guilty of indiscreet, but very pertinent truth-telling in expressing his opinion concerning the German authorities who refused to give a French surgeon a passnort to visit Stras burg to see his dying mother. After Col onel Senart has been formally reprimanded, it might not be disagreeable to the French susceptibilities to see him promoted. The remark of the Louisville Courier Journal that "President Cleveland is going to live among the men who traded him off," does not reveal that all-pervading condition of Democratic harmony which some of that party would have us believe in. Senator Evarts' indorsement ofthe conclusiveness of President Cleveland's veto of the bill to quiet the title of the Des Moines river settlers,, is not likely to dispel any suspicions that the corporations who are driving these settlers out may have fur nished retainers both to Senator EvarU' law firm and the firm of Bangs, Stetson, Tracy & MacVeagh. The news that the peach crop is ruined by the late freeze ignores the lateness of the season in other respects, and arrives ahead of time. The opposition of Bourke Cockran and Bavid B. Hill to ballot reform in New York, because they fear it would strengthen the machine is a bad case of Saul among the prophets. If ballot reform would strengthen the machine the firm of Hill and Cockran, would give the legislators no rest until it was lobbied into law. A xzw winter hotel in Florida has burned down. The winter resort business has not been very good in Florida this sea son; but we had not heard of any valued policy insurance law in that State. The news that the "White Caps are sys tematically at work in Allegheny City, which comes to us by way of the New York Telegram, is interesting but uncorroborated. "We do not think the North Side is infected by anything worse than its ordinary quota ol cowardly and blackguardly anonymous letter writers. It may be pertinent to suggest that when Robert E. Pattison was Governor, some thing was done for the protection of the children in the soldiers orphans' schools. The proposition of the National Tailors' Exchange to limit the distribution of fash ion plates to members of the exchange looks like an attempt to check the popularization of art Shall not the ontside public have full opportunities to study those ideals of manly beauty as produced by sartorial genius? PEOPLE OP PROMINENCE. Chief Justice1 Fuiakr has been chosen President of the Bowdojn Alumni Association of Washington. James Russell Lowell, after being well feted and dined during his stayin Philadelphia, has gone to Baltimore. Senator Morrill is earnestly supporting a bill now pending in Congress designed to im prove the artistic standing of our national coins. Judge HorrER, of Now Jersey, refuses to allow jurors to be challenged simply because they have read newspaper articles about the case on trial, Rev. a V. Leach, tho stump Chaplain of the New York Senate, is a former member of the Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ho is a Southerner by birth and a Prohibitionist in politics. Mr. De Bensaude, who was married to the notorions Violet Cameron, is making a fine fortune in the London tea trade, while his rival in his wife's affections. Lord Lonsdale, is coquetting with Polar bears and icebergs. President Cleveland's mail Is now heavy with advertisements from hotels, flat houses, apartment-houses, boarding-houses, etc., sent out from New York. It is said that he has been offered suites in very desirable houses free of charge. " ' President Cleveland, has never crossed the threshold of more than two houses in Wash ington outside the residences of his Cabinet officers during his term of office. He has never seen Congress at work, and in four years ho has not once entered a department building. The most inveterate first-nighter" in Chi cago is B. P. Hutchinson, known as "Old Hutch." He is to be seen at the first presenta tion of every newplay that reaches the Windy City. He secures a seat down in the baldhead row and devotes himself to talking to the members of the orchestra when he is bored by the play. He Is a clever critic and knows a good drama from a bad one from the Chicago standpoint, of course. EIGHTS OP PRIVATE SCHOOLS. A Massachusetts Judge. Decides That They Aro Not to bo Interfered With. Haverhill, February la The French parochial school case had a very surprising out come yesterday. Judge Carter, of the District Court, dismissed the complaint made by the City School Committee against the institution and discharged the four parents who were used as test defendants. Tho laws of theCommonweaIth provide that private schools must be of a standard approved by the city or town school committees. This school St. Joseph's is run by Father Boucher, and the instruction is largely given in the French language. When the Superintendent of Schools visited the institution he found in use a series of English and French readers, a French grammar, a geography in English and a history of Canada in French. That was all there was. Thereupon the Superintendent in formed Father Boucher that his school was not of the standard of an American .public school, and the School Committee determined to prose cute parents who persisted In seeding ther children to that institution. The case came up Saturday for a hearing. The Archbishop had been consulted and it had been supposed that he would send up an emi nent Boston lawyer to conduct the defense, but be concluded at the last minute that the law bad been infringed and declined to co-operate. So the defendants were represented by local counsel. When a member of the School Com mittee was put upon the stand and asked to say whether the the teaching at St. Joseph's was comparable with that afforded by tbe city schools, tbe defense objected and Judge Carter sustained xne ooiecuon, saying mat it wouio. ue ery dangerous if a school committee should have the right to go to a private school, break it up and say its pupils must attend a public school. Tbe final decision was that the law did not prescribe that a child must be educated in tho public schools, but only that the child must be furnished with tbe general means of educa tion. The verdict was a great surprise to every one. EOCKAFELLER SUSPECTED Or Heine tbe Man Who Will Give S20, 000,000 to tbo Baptists. NEW YORK, February 10. John D. Rocka f eller, the billionaire President of tho Standard Oil Company, is believed by all the prominent clergymen in this city to be the person who has promised to give $20,000,000 for the endowment of a great university, to be located either in this city or in Chicago. Chicago and New York have been urging rival claims for the university which it was felt would soon be es tablished. Tbe Baptist ministers of this city have been no less eager than those of Chicago. One of those seen by the reporter spoke of Rev. Dr. Strong's interest in the university, and mentioned tbe fact that he went toEurope some time ago in company with Mr. Rocka fellcr, and that the project was much discussed by them. "He interested Mr. Rockateller in tbe idea to a very great extent," said he, "and that gentleman was known to have made the re mark that if any of tbe Chicago capitalists had the idea that they could get ahead of New York by offering large amounts for tho priv ilege of having the university located there, he would see that they were mistaken. Dr. Strong frequently spoke of Mr. ltockafeller in this light and said that he would do a crand thing." The minister who gave these facts said that he regarded it as not improbable that Western Baptist ministers would succeed in forming a combination of capitalists who could offer a sum even larger than that which it Is said Mr. Rockateller has promised. He mentioned a Mr. Spillsbury, prominent among Western Baptists, who was likely to be associated in any such movement. STEWART-1TCRACKEN. A Swell Wedding nt the Sixth U. P. Church To-Morrow Evening. Alexander Stewart, of Porter & Donaldson, will be married to-morrow evening to Miss Ada McCracken, daughter of Mr. R, McCracken, the grain merchant of Liberty street. The ceremonv will be performed at the Sixth TJ. P. Church, Franklin street, at 8 J5 o'clock. After the ceremony the young people will leave on tbe fast line for Philadelphia. After spending several days there they will go to New York, Washington and Baltimore. They will then settle down in this city. Another Grand Concert. A grand concert will be given be tbo Alpine Quartet, under the direction of Prof. W. S. Weeden on Friday evening, February 15, at tho Central R. P. Church on Sandusky street, Allegheny. The concert will be given under the auspices of the Central R. P. Choral Society. Any Way to Get There. From the Chieaeo Times. A company of Ohioans have crossed tbe river disguised as Indians, and are cutting through the woods for Indianapolis. An Ohio man is willing to shave bis head and wear a blanket to get an office. DEATHS OP A DAI. Thomas 31. Klchol. New YORK; February 10. Thomas M. Nlcbol. whoie connection with the "Honest Money League"' of Chicago and otber political organiza tions Is well-known, died this morning. "Df. Nathaniel R. Bosley. NXW Yonic, February 10. Dr. Nathaniel K. Bosley, who was a surgeon In the navy during the late war, died of heart disease at tbe Urand Hotel this morning. THE P1TTSBTJKG DlSPATOH, CAPITAL NEWS NOTES, The Fauions Shrine Where Presidents Wor shiped Stories Told br the Pilgrims From Indlnnapolls Harrison Net Food for Laud Sharks. rCORBESr-OXPEXCK OFM DISP.1TC1I. Washington. February ft The" distinctly fashionable placo of worship In Washington Is St. John's Protestant Episcopal cnurco, at the corner of Sixteenth and Lafayette square. It is one of the oldest churches in the city, hav ing been built in 1816 by Latrobe, who was the architect of the central' part of the Capitol. However, though still quaint and old-fashioned, the St John's of to-day is a very differ ent structure from the original church, and would hardly, I imagine, be recognized by its designer. It was erected in the 'form of a Greek cross, the ground plan of which, with Latrobe's autograph and a number of other in teresting relics can be seen In the vestry room at the present time. Originally there was a circular gallery running completely around the interior of tho building. A little antiquated organ was over tbe chauccl, and the pews were high-backed and square. The ables were cir cular, with a brick flooring, and old-fashioned wood stoves gave heat to the edifice, while sperm candle and' oil lamps furnished light to the worshipers. The prayer desk was double-decked, and the wine-glass pulpit stood upon tripodal slender columns. Its base ran along a groove on wheels and was fastened with a snap-catch. An interesting anecdote is related of this nrimlttve pulpit At one time when Bishop Ravenscroft was preaching a vigorous and earnest sermon from it to a dis tinguished and notable audience, he suddenly felt that the pulpit beneath bim was gliding away. Faster and faster toward the side wall of the church it was moving, gaining speed rapidly as it went The congregation was agitated and the bishop helpless, which help lessness was considerably increased when he stopped suddenly with a bang and thump at the end of bis novel journey. Tbe old pulpit has long since been removed, and year by year numerous other alterations to suit tbe increas ing demands of the growing congregation have been made. The gallery over the chancel has been takinc away and a new organ placed in the nave. Tbe old wood stoves have long since been banished and the modern furnance substi tuted; the antiquated pews have also disap peared, and tbe floor has been built of wood and has been raised. IT Notable Names on GInis. St John's, from its early days, has been at tended by men and women renowned in the political and social world of the capital. A lit tle stained glass window in the gallery tells this tale quite plainly. It is inscribed as fol lows: "Erected by the vestry to the memory of William Henry Harrison, ninth President of the United States; John Tyler, tenth Presi dent; Zacbary Taylor, twelfth President who worshiped in this church while In office." The inscription on another window is equally in teresting: "Erected by tbe vestry to the mem ory of James Madison, fourth President of the United States, who worshiped in this church while in office." Upon the first floor, in tbe right-hand wall, is a beautiful window, repre senting the angels of the resurrection, in the upper medallon, and in the lower the annun ciation to the shepherds. This window bears the Inscription, To tbe glory of God, and to the memory of Ellen Louis Hern don Arthur, entered Into life January 12, 18S0." Upon the window ledge beneath this memorial is a large brass plate with the following inscription: "In memory of Chester Allan Arthur.is placed here by the vestry. He was the twenty-first Presi. dent of the United States, and worshiped in this church, and he in 1S8I erected this window to the memory of his wife. He died November 18. 18S6." President Monroe, John QOincy Adams, Van Buren, Fillmore. Pierce and Bu chanan were also regular worshipers at St John's, and Lincoln. Johnson and Grant are known to have attended service there. The present rector of the church is Rev. W. A. Leonard. The first rector lies buried be neath the cbanceL He was the Rev. Dr. Haw ley. He wore the picturesque costume of the last century, black silk stockings,sIlver buckles and shorts. In the pulpit he wore the black silk gown and bands, and tbe black silk gloves with the forefinger of the right-hand glove split open so that he might readily turn the leaves of his manuscript Many are the funerals of distinguished per sonages which have taken place in the church, and many also are tbe happy pairs who have commenced life together at St John's altar. Among tbe latest of these marriages was that of Miss Endicott and Mr. Chamberlain, which is still fresh in the memory of all. Harriion Not Investing. The gossips have been trying for some time to fix upon the President-elect the intention to purchase a private residence in the suburbs of Washington, and they have credited him with designs on one ot the most valuable bits of sub-, urban property on the market Mr. Harrison' is not likely to go into any purchases of prop erty for some time, for tbe excellent reason that he can hardly afford it The President elect is not a rich man: he is hardly what would be called well-to-do. He has a good Income and he has put by a little money; but be has had so many calls upon bis purse that he is not in position to become very heavily interested in Washington real estate, at least until be has drawn a salary from the Government for a yearortwo. Very few of our Presidents have come into office rich men, although many of them have retired with competencies. Mr. Cleveland has saved a comfortable part of his $00,000 a year. The Harrisons make no preten sions of wealth. They are entirely unassuming and altogether modest A remark which is ch.ir.T"tenstic was attributed to Mrs. Harrison recently. A visitor was remarking on the man ner in which vandals had stripped the grounds surrounding the modest Harrison residence of its fence and every other adornment and pro tection which it boasted, except the well. "Yes," said Mrs. Harrison, "they have not left us much. It is tbe White House or the poor house with us now." There are many quaint stories related by pil gilms who have returned from Indianapolis of the raids made by the curious upon tbe peace ful household of the President-elect Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have become quite accustomed and almost reconciled to the Invasions of tbe vandals. They are comparatively happy when the privacy of the family circle is not intruded upon. Ono day, a short time ago, Mrs. Harri son, looking out of the window of her home, saw an ell-dressed Btranger standing on the sidewalk gazing at the house and the grounds With a peculiar look of longing on his face. It was evident that be was too modest to intrude, and that there was something be wanted for which he was afraid to ask. Mrs. Harrison opened the window and pleasantly asked the stranger if tbere was anything he wanted. It was evident he did not recognize her when he replied: "O, yes: I should like so much to take a urink out of that well." He was permitted to get the drink. Two Loving Brothers. General Dan Macauley, of New York, has been here for some time looking after the inter ests of the Nicaragua Canal Company. HIS jolly face and big upright figure have become familiar to all tbe frequenters of the Capitol in the last four weeks. A gentleman, who has an acquaintance of long standing with General Macauley, was relating a story abont him a day or two ago. ."The affection that exists between Dan Macauley and his brother John Is very re markable," said he. "They are devoted to each other. John runs Macaulev's theater in Lonig. ville, and Dan is as well known in the West as ho is in tbe home of his adoption New York. There was a strong illustration of the warmth of the love of these brothers a few years ago. Dan and Jack were in the same town I cannot at this moment recall tbe name of tbe place. Someone offended Dan and he was obliged, for business reasons, to leave town without obtain ing satisfaction. The grievance rankled in his bosom.bowever.and at the first place where the opportunity offered he telegraphed back to bis brother: 'Please lick for me. Dan.' "As soon as possible after receiving the mes sage Jack started out to find the offender. He found him, and without any argument he pro ceeded to 'lick' him in the most approved fashion. As no limit had been placed on the operation or its character or extent he gave him a compromise licking one that did not malm him, but was guaranteed to leave him in a very sore condition for a good period. When the operation was concluded the victim asked in a grieved tone: 'What did you attack me for?' " "I don't know,' said Jack. 'You'll have to ask Dan.' " "If that record of brotherly affection has ever been beaten I would like to know by whom," said the story-teller. . A War Reminiscence. General Macauley was colonel ofafamons Indiana regiment during the war the Eleventh Indiana Zouaves. Lew Wallace was colonel of the regiment and he was promoted to the rank of major-general. He was followed by George F. McGinnlss, who was raised to the same rank, and then Dan Macauley took command of the regiment until he followed In the steps of his predecessors and earned the shoulder-straps of a major-general. The Eleventh Indiana was noted for its capacity for endurance. Indiana people still tell of the time when Colonel Lew Wallace drilled the regiment on the fair ground track at Indianapolis In the middle of a hot summer day and made bis men go tbrough maneuvers at double-quick over seven miles of ground without a rest The feat was rendereddoubly wearisome by the weight of the accoutrements which every man carried 57 pounds. There Is also a favorite anecdote of Indiana people of the time when Lew Wal lace, during the riots of 1877, got together a company m Crawl ordsville at short notice and marched his men over to Indianapolis 45 miles in a single night. He did not shirk any of tbe toil himself. He was always with his men and bore as much of the trouble as they. O'BRHUf-BAUf. c MONDAY,' PEBEUABT TESTERDAFS DISPATCH, Brief Summary pi tbe Leading Feature's of tho Mammoth Double Number u The treatment of O'Brien has greatly in creased tbe number of those who sympathize with the Irish causo in Great' Britain. Indig nation meetings aro being held to protest against tbe brutal enforcement of coercion laws: The Reichstag has passed tbe bill increasing Em peror William's personal allowance 3,60tMXX) marks, despite vigorous opposition. De Les seps acknowledges that the new Panama Canal Company is a failure. The Austrian succession continues to be a vexed question in European politics. AgamSof baseball was played on Saturday in the very shadow of the Sphynx, and a full report of it sent by cable to The Dispatch. General Wagner, ex-Inspector ot the State Soldiers Orphans' Schools, makes somo start ling disclosures regarding the management of the school at McAUisterville. The condition of that institution and its inmates is terrible, ac cording to bis statements. A Hawaiian paper, reporting the Samoan battle, says the Germans commenced tho firing. Civil Service. Com missioner Edgerton has been peremptorily asked to resign by President Cleveland, and Hugh S. Thompson nominated in his place. It is thought that Edgerton talked too much. An interview with Governor Beaver on the pro hibition question furnished timely and inter esting reading. The working of the civil ser vice laws was discussed by Gail Hamilton, who scores the l'resident and his friends most un mercifully. . Indianapolis advices state that Blaine will surely be Secretary of State. Sena tor Chandler's resolution to investigate the Louisiana elections has aroused the Senate, and a breezy debate on sectional issues is likely to result A mysterious cave was discovered by New York plumbers In the rear of a tenement house, and all sorts of guesses are made as to the uses made of it n. Judge Fetterman ha3 a plan to prevent frauds at elections which he thinks superior to the Australian system of voting. A gang of counterfeiters were captured in Butler county and brought to this city. The Pennsylvania railroad has adopted a rule against moving any but perishable freight on Sunday. Coal opera tors complain that tolls are too high on tho Monongahela river, and are agitating a reduc tion in lockage rates. The investigation of the charges against Police Inspector McAleese was begun and adjourned until Wednesday. There are 1,337 applicants for liquor licenses In the county. The sporting review, the music world, and other regular departments were, as usual, com plete and newsy. ni. In the second part Joaquin Miller's intensely Interesting romance of California was con tinned. Frank Carpenter- described Peking and Its strange sights and customs; BUI Nye told how he and Riley hunted elephants in the tropical region between Minneapolis and Winnepig; Onlda discussed the tendencies of modern art; Blakely Hall devoted his bright letter to gossip concerning that peculiar pro duct of modern civilization, the society actress; Shirley Dare pointed out the evils of the pub lic schools and. their effects upon children; Dr. Hammond gave some useful health hints, and Prof. Shaler described various interesting geological phenomena. Clara Belle, Wake man and Bessie Bramble each contrlbnted en tertaining letters. John Dean Brown con tinued his instructive historical articles, and Captain King bis reminiscences of equestrian feats. Eliakim Eastman furnished a column of interesting matter on winter amusements, and "A Clergyman" and Rev. George Hodges discussed religious subjects In pleasing, yet earnest language. There were also other orig inal papers by various writers, and the usual attractive departments which have so long been a regular feature. THE DIPHTHERIA GERM, ' - Pasteur lias the Deadly Microbe bnt no Antidote as Yet Exists. New York, February 10. The Pans corre respondentof the World cables an interview with Prof. Pasteur on the newly discovered diphtheria microbe. The Professor said: "I think that I can give you good news. My able assistants, Drs. Roux and Yersiro, have discovered the germs of the dreadful disease of diphtheria, which perpetrates such terrible ravages during the winter in your large cities. I believe It exists in a more virulent form in the United States than it does in any other part of the world. My assistants have taken pieces of the diseased tissue or membrane from tbe throat of tbe victim and have inoculated several animals therewith. All of the latter have in due course died of a-disease displaying all tbe objective symptoms of diphtheria that terrible destroyer of child life. So far,, so good. But the opponents of tbe animalcule theory in epidemic diseases then argued that these ex periments only showed the terrible virulence of tbe original poison. To answer this my young scientific assistants, by means of a series of glass tubes, diluted the morbid tissue to an infinitesimal amonnt A germ was taken from the final result and a rabbit was inoculated therewith, which immediately died as quickly as the first victim in the cause of science, be fore tbe dilution of the virus. "This is how we stand." continued Prof. Pas teur. "We have found the deadly germ, but we have not as yet secured a prophylactic for its cure or prevention. My confreres are now at work solving tbe problem, and from their success so far in this original field of research I have but little doubt that tbe inoculating fluid will soon be forthcoming. We have tbe virus bottled and corked. We can give diph theria to any number of rabbits and dogs and kill them as effectually as though they had caught it first hand in the regular course of events. I have not however, succeeded yet In attenuating the virus, and so cannot InocuIaU. I wish you would lay great stress on this point as I am afraid that whole shiploads of your countrymen will be coming over to secure by a visit to the Pasteur Institute immunity from diphtheritic affections. Tell them, please, that we are not ready for business yet, bnt that per haps we will be so by summer." HE DID NOT PREACH IESTERDAT. Pastor Wentvrorth In Jail Charged With Cheating In Swapping Oxen. Farminqton, Me., February 10. The Rev. E. L. Wentworth, of Perkins Plantation, was announced to hold a quarterly meeting Satur day and Sunday at Weld and Carthage, but Judge Chandler yesterday, in the Farmington Municipal Court, seriously interfered with these appointments by committing him to the county jail on a charge of false pretenses. Wentworth described himself in court as half farmer as wen as preacher, "a kind of lone farmer," as he jocularly explained. He ad mitted that the red oxen with brown heads and white stars In their faces that he swapped off for a fast colt with Charles Newell, of Perkins Plantation, had a bill of sale on them running to Jacob Holmes, of Wilton, but be claimed that Newell knew this fact This Newell denied, and the court found against Wentworth. Before leaving the court room he lifted up his hands and exclaimed dramatically: "My benediction on my enemies! I forgive them. X feel proud that the Lord has suffered me to be persecuted." JEFF DAYI8 ON RACE RIOTS. He Declares Thnt the Trouble In Mississippi Ha Been Exaggerated. ATLANTA, Ga., February 10. In a personal letter to Park Commissioner Root of this city, Mr. Jefferson Davis writes concerning the race riots in Mississippi: "The tendency to change seems to grow upon the negroes with the indulgence of 'their right to leave at win. The accounts of riots in this State have been greatly exaggerated. Though it may seem singular, it is true that race con flicts generally occur where the negroes are few compared to the whites and the personal association much closer than on I the planta tions. On our island we have 500 or 600 blacks and say ten or a dozen whites. There has never been a disturbance among them. We for several years bad a negro magistrate. He has now gone away, but before Jus departure a well-behaved, sober young man defeated the negro in tbe last election contest which at least shows that the negroes, to a large extent are willing to trust a white man." Not at All Improbable, From the Boston Herald.! It is announced that Count William Bismarck has been appointed President of the province of Hanover. Somebody will be hollering nepotism over in Germany If this sort of thing keeps on. A Boom Easily Broken, From tbe Baltimore Herald.j Governor Hill Is blowing vigorously Into his soap-bubble boom. It is a long time till '92, and it will take a strong bnbble to endure four years of hard puffing. 11, 1889. A SUP SEME COURT HUDDLE. That Body's Illogical Position an the Classi fication of Cities Developing an Un friendly Feeling la the Smaller Munici palities. ' IFKOMA STAFrCOBRESPONDIXT.J JfARRisijUBa, February 10. A positively un friendly feeling has developed among members of tbe Legislature representing the smaller cities against the Supreme Court of the Com monwealth, and the feeling, if anything, is more pronounced among the lawyers than among tbe laymen. "Even-now," said an attorney of Urge prac tice and of an experience extending over many years, "we can't tell where we stand. The Su preme Court having taken an illogical posi tion, endeavors to set itself right by faking an other illogical position. It has arrogated to itself, in the first place, legislative powers. We are told that it says there shall be but three classes of cities. Its authority for such a decla ration is among the unknown and unknowable things. In making such a declaration it as sumes to itself the right to put a bridle on the work of the Legislature, tbe only duty of the Supreme Court in this matter was to declare whether, under the Constitution, the classifica tion of cities is permissible, and if it Is permis sible it is the right of the Legislature to limit tbe number of classes or say bow many there shall be, "Then again, with regard to the clause of the act of 1874 which makes it optional with cities whether or not they shall ac cept the provisions of that .law. we are told that the Supreme Court has reversed itself and declared the clause constitutional. If this is true, how does it compare, for instance, with the decision on the fence law? Yon may l re member that the Legislature passed an act per mitting counties to repeal the fence law, each for itself, by a popular vote at an election ap pointed by the County Commissioners and well advertised beforehand. You may also remem ber that on an appeal from Venango connty the Supreme Court declared that particular manner of repealing a law unconstitutional. The act under which it was done, declared the Court is Indirect local legislation, and tbe Legislature may not do Indirectly what it may not do directly. Now, then, if the option given to 'cities to ac cept a law is constitutional, why is not tho option given counties to repeal a law equally constitutional? Or put It tho reverse: If an optional law for counties is unconstitutional, why is not an optional law for cities unconstitu tional? . "If the Supreme Court had kept its hands off the act of 1887 all would have been well, so far as the cities are concerned, and if, under the constitution, three classes of cities ate lawful, it Is difficult to see why a greater number are not. When the Supreme Court attempts to say how many classes of cities there shall be it as sumes legislative functions and has no right to them. Tbe Supreme Court has reversed itself on many occasions and there is danger of it doing so In this case. It looks very much as though the last reversal was simply an effort to help the cities out of a hole. That is more legislation, and when the Court stops that and gets down to purely judicial work It may de clare that any law classifying cities Is a viola tion of the Constitution. Then where will wo be? We will have all this trouble over again. The only way I see now to let the Court and the cities out of a hole is the passage, as soon as possible, of a Constitutional amendment for tbe classification of cities. Then we will have no further trouble, but not untd then will we be safe." Smpsoh. AN ALLEGHENY POETESS Proposes to Help Wealthy Mr. Babcock Oat of His Dilemma. James L. Babcock, the wealthy young man of Ann Arbor, Mich., who must marry or lose half a million, has been receiving lots of mail since the publication of the pecular provisions of tbe will under which be inherits his prop erty. Among the many fair ones who are will ing to take bim for better or worse Is an Alle gheny girl, whose letters the young gentleman turned over to tbe editor of a local newspaper In bis town. Yesterday, the following, clipped from the Ann Arbor RegUter, was received at this office with the following indorsement by Mr. Bancock: "Too good to keep; please pub lish in yourvaluabla-DisPATCii:" Among the many lettenrtnTegard to matrimony received by James L. Babcock, on Whose marriage depends so many thousand dollars, tne following poetical effusions are among tbe best The first was received a couple of weeks ago, and Mr. Bab cock's secretary wrote to the fair author congratu lating her on her epistle, but suggested that while tbe sentiment expressed was worthy, thelanguage nsed was not the most refined. In response to this, be received the second letter, couched In more re fined language and written to please his style: WESTIBN AVI, ALLEGHENY CITT, PA., J January W, 1SS9. J Dear Mr. Bab., your prosuecta 'r. Are just now making quite a stir; Bo many letters you have got From those who wish to share your lot That I will boldly venture too, And see what poetry will do. My form is tall, and large, and straight; I always walk In my own gait; My eyes are dark, so Is my hair The latter though Is getting snare; But with your wealth I'd be quite rich, And oft could bay a bran new switch. To see my feet you would proclaim That I was a Chicago dame; My bands are large, and broad, and red. My face is, too, so some have said, But ob I my heart is full of love, Bo let me come and be your dove. My Pittsburg home I'd gladly leave, And never more for It would grieve; A wife there never would be such, And all that money firmly clutch. My heart In rapture turns to thee, O quickly, quickly, send for me. Viola a. WZSTEBX AVKNTX, ALLEGHENY CITT, 1 January SO, l&B. J Dear sir. your letter is at hand. And every line I closely scanned, And now I think you are unkind To say my rhyme was not refined. I simply told you what was true, And should expect the same from you. Is this what you would have me say In your sweet sentimental way: I am so queenly, grand, and fair, With dusky eyes and raven hair; Am always pleasant mild, and sweet With dimpled hands ana lime ieei. Mr movements all are fuU of grace, And such a kind, angelic face. My ev'ry step Is soit and low. Like dreamy songs of long ago. Put this letter with the other, See what difference you discover. This Is your style, and that is mine, At least It Is so far as rhyme. I hope you are not dull or cross, But If we wed 1 think I'll boss; And with my charming, pretty ways We would have none but sunny days. Don't let your secretary write, I feel lor bim a little spite. Telling me what style to ape "Parthenla" and "Prlscilla" shape. But If you answer this at all. Please write yourself; If but a scrawl; Your penmanship I'd like to scan. If oft doth Indicate tbe man. Viola O, ANOTHEE LADI BLEEPEE, . She Lies Days at a Time Apparently Dead, but la Conscious All the Time. Norwich, CoKir., February 10. Connecticut has developed a "sleeper" who threatens to compete with theJ Attica wonder. Her name is Miss Belle McArthnr, and she, too, is a beauty. She lives with her parents In the quiet little village of HawleyvlUe, and Is scarcely more than 20 years of age. At first her trances lasted only a few hours, but with each successive one they became more extended until she now lies for several days at a time apparently dead. She Is stricken sud denly, without the slightest warning, cannot move hand or foot loses all power of speech and Is unable to open her eyes. She does not lose her senses, out claims that they are In tensified. Her hearing is more acute and she suffers agony of mind, knowing what is going on and being said, but being unable to speak or signify her condition. Physicians pronounce ber case one of cataleptic fits, with some pecul iar accompany symptoms. An Indiscreet Emperor. From the Minneapolis Tribune. The young Emperor of China is soon to marry two girls. This Is very Injudicious. A pair Of queens and a king does not amount to much. He should many four, and then only two other hands could beat him: a quartet of aces or a straight flush. The Chinese are not thoroughly enlightened yet, it appears. OUR MAIL POUCH. Tbe British Parliament. To the Editor of The Dispatch: What It the number of members of the British Parliament and how aro they chosen? MoKee's rocks, February 9. a Tbe British Parliament Is composed of two Houses the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The former is composed of peers of the realm by hereditary right, or by creation ot the sovereign; of 23 Irish representative peers, elected for life; ana of IS Scottish peers, elected for each Parliament only. These con stitute the ','lords temporal." In this body aro also, by virtue of their office, tbe Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and 24 English bishops. These are the "lords spiritual." The lords temporal are those of the ranks of dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts and barons. Tho Lord Chancellor is Speaker ot the House of Lords ex officio. The House of Commons con sists of 670 elected members, from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Tbe presiding officer is the Speaker.chosen by the House from its own members." His salary is 0,000 a year, and a furnished residence, when Parliament Is in session, the Commons convenes at 4 p. m., except on Wednesday?, when it sits from noon until e p. jr. It does not; as a rule, bold sessions on Saturdays. Synclinal Axes and Oil Fields. To the Editor or The Dispatch : J. P. Lesley, State Geologist, in tbe second geological survey of the State of Pennsylvania, in outline map, showing the minor axes of the sixth bituminous coal basin, Indicates that ba sin by four parallel lines, which he calls the synclinal axes, namely the Brady's Bend, Mll lerstown, Martlnsburg and HanisTille syn clinal axes. These parallel lines run in a southwesterly direction through Butler county and extend into the counties of Allegheny, Beaver and Washington. Webster defines the word synclinal as "formed by means of strata dipping toward a common line or plane, as a synclinal trough or valley." Now, are our best oil fields found in these synclinal troughs or valleys? By looking at the map we find the following oil fields, located on or in close proximity to the Martinsbnrg syn clinal, as indicated by the State geologist: Parker, Martinsbnrg, Fairview, Modoc, Greece City, Renfrew or Thorn Creek and Evans City. On tbe otber synclinals we find good oil fields, as, in ease of the Scrubgrass or Bullion, or on the HarrisvWe synclinal. Is there anything in this theory or did these things just happen so? Wampum, February 9. m. Is Cider Intoxicating. To tbe Editor of The Dispatch: The amendment to the Constitution prohibit ing tbe sale of intoxicating liquors, which reads: "The manufacture, sale, or keeping for sale, of intoxicating liquor to be used as a beverage, Is hereby prohibited, and any viola tion of tbis prohibition shall be a misde meanor." etc. Is more tar reaching than many, aye, I may say most people thlnic This undoubtedly means that the fanner and cider manufacturer is also prohibited to press bis surplus of apples and grapes into cider and native wine. Now, is this the meaning of the intended prohibition act to be voted on hv thn people of this State June 18 next? Will ypu kindly give your opinion whether elder is In cluded fn the prohibition act? J. B. AthZQUEsr. February?. This will be a question for the courts to determine, should tbe amendment be adopted. Our Country nnd Canada. To the Editor of The Dispatch: Which has the greater area the United States or British America? John Bull. Pittsburg, February 9. Area of tbe United States, 3.680,212 square miles; area of the Dominion of Canada, 3,204, 381 square miles. In the Dominion of Canada are included all of the British possessions in America except Newfoundland, the area of which is 40,20D square miles. Two Cities' Population. To the Editor or Tbe Dispatch: Please let me know the population of Cleve land and Pittsburg in 1870, also the population of Pittsburg and Cleveland in 1888, or by the latest census of tb e two cities. F. C M. BLAIESVTI.I.E, February 9. Cleveland, 1870. 92,829; 1880. 160.116; Pitts burg, 1S70, 86,076: 1SS0. 156,369. The last official census was taken in 1880. Two Great Fires. To the Editor of Tbe DlsDatch: What was the estimated loss by the great Chicago fire? What was the loss some time later when the great fire took place In Boston? Pittsburg, February 9. K. Total loss by tbe Chicago fire ot 1871, 3190, OCO.000, of which $44,000,000 was recovered on insurance. Total loss by the Boston fire of 1872, fSO,000,000. Two Terms as Mayor. To thn Editor of The Dlsnatch: In what year Vras W. C. McCarthy elected Mayor of Pittsburg? M. J. Pittsburg, February 9. First in 1866 and again in 1S74. HAEKISON'S ALL EIGHT. The Revivalist Think $100 b Week Not Extra Big Pay for His Work. rSFXCUL TZLXOBAK TO TBS! DISPATCH.! New Yobs:, February 10. A paragraph pub lished in a Philadelphia paper, and extensively copied, states that Revivalist Harrison is find ing his work in the Beekman Hill Church, in this city, pretty "rough sledding-" that "the brethren do not revere him as much as for merly, because they have heard that 80 per per cent of his converts in the Jane Street Church have slid back into the paths of sin. and that Mr. Harrison's work, when his salary Is considered, is nothing more than a re ligious speculation." Mr. Harrison came down from the pulpit in the Beekman Hill Church this afternoon, and, leading the reporter into a side room, said tbere was not a word of truth in the whole statement "I have been eneaeed in this ork," said Mr. Harrison, "for 14 years, and in all that time the question of money has never prevented me from working for any church that seemed to need my help. My terms are 8100 a week and expenses, and there has never been any difficulty in any church I hare worked for in meeting this expense." Mr. Harrison threw open the door of tbe room, and displayed Beekman Hill Church crowded to the door. "Does that look like hard sledding?" he asked. "I have been work ing here five weeks, and tbere is always a crowd here. I shall have eight services to-day. Trouble about expense? Why. we could col lect $300 here In five minutes if it were needed." A CAI'S BITE PATAL. A Georgian Expires la Great Agony, and His Wife la Not Expected to Lire. Moxboe, GA., February la The news of the terrible death of Henry Womac, a young farmer, who lived six miles below Monroe, from a cat's bite, is now followed by the state ment that his wife is dying from tbe same cause. Saturday, a week ago, Mr. Womac was sitting by the fire with one hand hanging down, when suddonly one of the house jests sprung upon bis hand and fastened her teeth in one of bis fingers. He slung her loose, and seizing a shovel, killed her immediately. Tbe wound in his finger soon healed. Last Saturday morning, just one week later, the other cat suddenly showed signs of fight and with bristles raised ran nnder the bed in which Mrs. Womac was lying. When she got up and her feet struck tbe floor, the cat bit her on one heel. Her husband, hearingherscreams, rushed in, choked the cat off and killed it About noon bis finger began toswell and pain Mm, and at night he was attacked by spasms, which continued until he became so wild that his friends were compelled to fasten him np In a room by himself, where he diea a most terri ble death from what is pronounced hydropho bia. Mrs. Womac's foot is swollen to three or four times its natural size and she is not ex pected to live until morning. TEMPLES DEDICATED, Two New Churches Dedicated la Ohio With Imposing Ceremonies. Special Telegram to The Dlsnatch. FnrnLAY, February 10. The 813,000 United Brethren Church In this city was dedicated to day with impressive ceremonies. The vener able Bishop Weaver, ot Dayton, preached the dedicatory sermon. At tbo same hour the new Presbyterian Church at Bluffton was dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Scoville, President ot Wooster University. A VICTIM OF CIGARETTES. Tho Deadly Little Weapons Adding Another Ulan to Tbelr Long List. Special Telegram to Tbe Dispatch. Habbisbubo. February 10. E. A. Croll, the bright and energetic business manager of tbe Morning Call, of this city. Is dying at his home In Carlisle of cigarette smoking. His once re markable handsome face is frightfully con torted beyond recognition, bis right eye and Iris mouth being drawn around on the side of bis face. He is said to suffer untold agony. OUBIOUS C0KDB5SATIJKB.. During the year 1887 the Eussian to bacco factories turned out 2Ji,T&&o dzar ettes. A rich man in Jrjprtland, 0., zot drunk the other day and bought 86 coffins for himself, leaving only about ten more In stock In tno towiv Miss Amelia "Wadsworth, of Spring field, Bl having publicly lectured on marrlags as a fail are, a newspaper man went to work and proved that she had been engaged ana jilted three times. There is a young woman living in New ark, N. J., who bears the brief name of Hen rietta Louisa Caroline Amelia Adelaide There sa Whitehead Thorpe Wilkinson KlnseyPost Her other name is not given. While "William Jackson, a Chicago roofer, was sliding down a roof a distance of 45 feet, be bad time to tell a fellow workman that he owed three debts and bad the money in his trunk to pay them. Then he reached the eaves and went to his death on the frozen earth. At a hugging bee for the benefit of the church along the npper Hudson a few even ings since a man while blindfolded hugged his wife for several minntes without knowing who ha was hugging. When be did find out ho wanted his 15 cents back. An ingenious person who was getting up a popular entertainment in London, "in aid of a well-known charity," wrote to a business man as follows: "It has occurred to me that you might be inclined to support so good a cause say on these terms: If you will take seven 3a. tickets I will cause the ventriloquist to refer to yonr firm and business. If yon agree to this I will write the wheeze' myself, or will adopt any you may send." The eight families occupying' the four story tenement house. No. 241 East Seventy fifth street New York, were saved from being asphyxiated Thursday night by a sagacious old black cat, which Is the joint property of a family named May, living on the ground floor. The cat detected that the gas was escaping from a leak in the pipe, and crawled Into the bed of Mary May. a 17-year-old member of the May family, waking her by pulling at the bed clothes. Mary realized the danger at once and called ber mother, who aroused the rest of the house with difficulty! Two members of the May family were nearly suffocated before rescued and had to be taken to the hospital. Since electric lights were introduced in Georgia large gray bugs have become common. They are called electric bugs. Tbe other even ing John McLaughlin, of Savannah, was sitting by an open window and one of these bngs, abont two inches long, flew in, and, striking tbe wall, fell to the floor. McLaughlin picked it up to throw it out of the window and the bug sank its claws into his hand. He said tbe sen sation was as though several Ash-books were be ing pulled through the arm. Immediately his hand began to swell, ana small pimples ap peared on his hand, arm and face within 24 hours. For over a week tbe band and arm were very sore, and at one time the case looked dan gerous. Mr. Crumpton, who lajfe in the Arkan sas flats, seven miles south of Quanah. had an inkling that something was going wrong around his place, and determined to seek out the trespasser. Going a short distance from his bouse, be entered a cave, and in the dark ness he was confronted with a pair of fierce, glaring eyes and rumbling growls. Whipping out bis revolver, he shot at his mark, when a scream was nttered and suddenly an enormous panther sprang upon him. knocking him some feet backward, when a hand-to-band fight en sued. After a fierce struggle and being violently scratched in the face, Mr. C. Anally succeeded in firing the fatal shot which stretched his game out The animal was dragged from the cave and measured over nine feet Dick "Worsham, of Mexico, Mo., re cently bad on exhibition a hen's egg which was an object of great curiosity. Upon one side of the shell, which was of extraordinary size, could plainly be discerned a number of war ships at sea, peacefully gliding along upon tha water's calm surface. Three vessels are plainly visible. Turning the egg gradually over, a sea port comes fully into view, resembling the) harbor of Apia. Tbe similarity Is striking. Indeed, and the Samoan matter at once enters the mind upon beholding the egg, which is the product of a hen that some German neighbors of Worsham's brought over from the old country three years ago. The extraordinary figures upon the shell are thought to havepecu liar significance just at this time. The purchase of Alaska proves to be an exceedingly good investment for the United States. In the year 1867 It was purchased from Russia for the sum of $7,200,000. Three years later the Alaska Commercial Company was formed for the purpose of embarking in the sealskin trade. It was obliged by law to limit tbs number of seals it destroyed yearly, and to pay a tax on every bide. A report of a com mittee of Congress calculates that In tbe 20 years that have since elapsed a sum exceeding $8,000,000 has been paid into the treasury by tbe company. This means that through a single .company, and by means ot a single trade. In the space of two decades, Alaska has repaid the whole of tbe capital invested in her purchase, together with interest at the rate of about U per cent The tarpon is the king of game fish. His home is in the Gulf of Mexico andfn the West ern Atlantic. He occasionally appears as far North as the Jersey coast and Is met with, around the West Indies, but Is most frequently caught in the bavs and harbors of the Florida coast In his prime tbe tarpon is a six-foottr. He weighs from 100 to 150 pounds. He is re markable for his great beauty. When first landed his scales shine as though plated with silver. He has a long bony projection at the dorsal fin, which Is often seen scooting along the top of tbe water while the fish is out ot sight beneath. The tarpon Is known In Georgia as the "Jew-flsb," and in Texas as the "Sava nilla." In other places It Is called 'Silver-fish" and "silver-king." The French-speaking peo ple of the Gulf coast call it tbe "grand ecaiile," owing to the size of the scales. Great possibilities lie in the well-known sensitiveness to slight influences possessed by many plants, and it was but natural to suspect such vegetation of some weather-indicating capabilities. Astonishing, however, are the re sults lately recorded by Mr. J. F. Nowack. an Austrian chemist after three years of study of a sensitive plant from tbe tropics. The leaves of this plant are in pairs on opposite sides of the stem, and with varying atmospheric con ditions they describe many different angles and 'curves, from which rain, fair or clearing weather, increasing or decreasing cloudiness, coming thunderstorms, earthquakes, winds and even their force and direction. aS well as ris ing and falling temperature, hare been pre dicted with surprising accuracy for at least two days in advance. Prof. Weiss, of Prague, has traced this sensitiveness to a hitherto unknown substance in the cells on the upper side of the leaves. THE LAUGHING PHILOSOPHIES. - A Fashion Plate The card receiver. Merchant Traxtltr. It is not good for man to be alone; it is better. AtcMitm Qlobe. Charles Holmes, an old hermit of Con necticut, predicts that there won't be a railroad Une left in this country 2S years hence. Why not get him Into tbe Weather Bureau? Detroit Fru Prtis. An Ohio farmer mortgaged his farm to get his wife some diamond earrings, and she lost one of them in the suds the very, first wash-gay, and attempted to hanz herself In the bam. De troit free Prest. Travis I tell you, fellow, I struck a mighty soft thing to-day. Chrones'Vyhat was It? Travis Foseboy's bead. He Insulted mt, Burr liagton Fret Prtsi. She Ought to Have Known Belinda Have you read Mr. Penman's last poemon "Grow ing Old?" Irs really charming. Mabel-No; but I will do so. I'm sure you ought to be a good Judge. a ton Pott. An Ohio cow was found in a swamp the other day where shs had passed 86 days and nights of anxious waiting. She bad grown so thin that a man easily picked ber up, and It took three days to get her full of taj.-Detroit free Preit. Too Conscientious Pupil "May I be absent this afternoon? My annt'sbrotherlsdead." Teacher -"Welt as tar as I am concerned, job can have permission: but really, I wish It had been a nearer relation I" FUegenO Blatter. "Now, Johnny," said the teacher, "what scriptural quotation would you use it somebody should call Jimmy a fool? You remember 'He that calleth '" ''- Johnny Oh, I know! "The truth -should aot be spoken at all times. ' 'Botton Tramcrtpt. Wife (who has just been ibiougr ht pockets) You wretch, you have been playing the races again. Hubby No, my dear. I spent the evening-at the ladles' bazaar. All th poolrooms have closed up since the church fairs began. JV. X. Evening Sun. There was a lull in the conversation, but finally she inquired: "Did I understand yon to say that yon had'at made many calls lately?" Youdld. 1 have made only one." "You are fast becoming a social hermit ,6n whom did you call?" "Jack. I tried to bluff on apalr ot trays, ana8 can't get my dress shirts out of the laundry. that's ul."-Mineapollt XriJuns, - -