r? - t "ifi 5?HE HTTSBUKG EISPATOH, THURSDAY, JAtftfABY 16, 1890. a' ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 8. 1818, Vol. HDo. J43. Entered at Pittsburg Postolfice. Sovemberll, 1&S7. as second-class matter. Business Office 97 and 09 Fifth Avenue. News Booms and Publishing House75, 77 and 79 Diamond Street. Eastern Advertising Office, Boom. 45. Tribune Building, Hew York. TERMS OF THE DISPATCH. POSTAGE FREE IN THE UKITED 8TATXS. DAtLT DISPATCH, One Tear. I 8 0 HAILY Dispatch, PerQuarter SOO Daily Dispatch, Oneilonth - to Daily DISPATCH, lncludlngSSunday, lrear. 1000 J) AILT DISPATCH, IncludinftSunday.Sm'ths. 250 Daily Dispatch, Including Sunday. lmonth 90 SCKDAYDI6PATCH, One Year. S SO TVekkly Dispatch, One Year 125 THE DAILY DlSPATca ts dellxered by carriers at 15 cents cer -week, or including bunday edition, at 20 cents per week. PITTSBURG. THURSDAY. JAN. 16, 1890. THE DEATH BY EXPLOSION. The explosiob. of the boiler of a steam shovel on thePittsburg and Lake Erie road, at Fallston, yesterday.added itself to the list of fatalities from that cause which is al ready beyond the limits of computation. The details of the explosion, so far as re ceived, do not permit any decisive opinion as to the responsibility attaching to it. But the reflection which forces itself upon the mind, in connection with all such events, is that at this day of the world, the science of steam engineering should be able to conduct operations, so as to be wholly beyond the pos sibility of explosions. "While immediate neglect or culpability may not be apparent, somewhere or other, either in the making, managing or handling of that boiler, there must have been a fault. It is to the prevention of all such fatali ties as are preventable, that society should address itself. The prosecution of industry ought not to require the sacrifice of human life that is now made to it WALKEE BLAISE'S DEATH. The sudden death of Mr. "Walker Blaine, from a severe attack of the epidemic in fluenza, will call out the universal sympa thy of the public, without regard to party feelings, for Secretary Blaine in the loss of the son who was always nearest to him in official and political life. Mr. "Walker Blaine's public reputation was of course only a reflection of that of his father. The public knowledee of bim was that he was an estimable youife man, full of industry and ability, and devoted to the interests of lis father. Every one will join in regret ting the sndden termination of a career marked by promising and commendable qualities. To the Secretary of State the death of his favorite son and closest com panion for the past few years will be a heavy blow. EKFOBCEMEHT, HOT LAW, KEEDED. Governor Dowery, of Mississippi, is ex hibiting a very common tendency just now in calling upon the Legislature for more stringent laws against prize-fighting. Yet no one more than the Governor is in a position to perceive that so long as a State will not enforce the laws which it al ready has, it is useless to pass new ones. It is possible to go through the motions of en forcing a law without actually doing it. "When a Judge sentences a criminal and then di misses him to pra-tice bis illegal acts in other States.or when a contractor of State labor gives out that if the men have to serve out their sentences he will see that they have a good time, the example of hauling the prize fighters back to Mississippi does not exercise much of a deterring influence on that offense. If Governor Lowery wants to stop prize fighting in Mississippi he can do so by seeing that the present law is enforced. Let bim see that the sentences of the courts are carried out in earnest, and when those who have charge of State prisoners announce that they will practically nullify the pen alty of the law, let him see to it that such persons, however influential, shall have a severe lesson as well. If he does that, prize fighters will steer clear of Missis sippi hereafter. Bnt when one law is use less because it is not enforced, the passage of further dead-letter legislation is little better than idiocy. SELLING MOffOPOLIES. In accordance with what appears to be the accepted theory at "Washington, that it is necessary for the Government to grant a monopoly for the Alaska seal fisheries, the course of Secretary "Windom in putting that privilege up to the highest bidder is the only one that could honestly be taken. But it is not, as some people appear to consider, an advance in administration to go back to the fendal system of selling Government monopolies. The sale of just such privi leges was considered one of the legitimate methods of government under the Tudors and Bourbons, and their results were among the causes which led to both the English and French revolutions. Even if there were no other way of preserving the seals, it is a question whether the revenue from seal skins is sufficient recompense for a reversion to the idea-of getting revenues from monop olies. But as the seals could be preserved by establishing a close season covering the greater part of the year, with payments for licenses to take seals during the open season, the resort to the sale of a monopoly cannot be regarded as progress, but is rather a retrograde movement. POIHTS ABOUT POETS. If all men could come to the age of eighty years with such contentment, cheer fulness, peace and sanity as invests the Autocrat of the Breakfast Table, longevity would be a greater privilege it is. Dr. Oli--ver "Wendell Holmes is a grand example of a man with a young heart in an old body. The tissues may be triturated, the joints less flexible, and the circulation of the blood may be znorelanguid,but Br. Holmes' mind swings along at the old gait that carried him out oi the ruck of writers as long ago a 1858. Such mental virility in the even ing of life is not unprecedented, but it is un usual. As we find it in him, and in such an all-around leader as Mr. Gladstone, this survival of the mental powers is most re "markable. Dr. Holmes writing of this very subject in the Atlantic Monthly and most graceful is all his gossip '"Over the Teacups" gives some statistics which show that the popular impression that poets are not a long-lived race is hardly sustained by "facts. Prom these statistics, it appears that twenty English poets lived to the average age io fifty-six years, and a little over. The eight Americans on the list averaged seventy three and a half, nearly, and they are not all dead yet The average of the whole list, including Greek, Latin, Italian, German, American and English was sixty-two years. So Dr. Holmes exclaims "Our young poets rneed not be alarmed." They can remember 'ihatr Bryant lived to be eighty-three, that aWfellow reached seWnW.fi J W.I., SSXSalT V- ." V" - I. "73T il leck seventy-seven, while "Whittier is living at the age of nearly eighty-two. Tennyson is still writing at eighty, and Browning has but just left us after a life vigorous until its end came at seventy seven. Dr. Holmes a poet himself whose lyre is still in excellent tune, flourishes like a green bay tree at eighty. Verily the prosaic side of life seems more deadly than the poetic. And yet so often we bear the poet grumbling about his hard fate. A young lion of the magazines has been lifting up his voice in great distress lately, beg- , ging us to see what a beggarly showing the proceeds of his poetry made upon his ledger. As we do not know his name we cannot judge whether six dollars a week, the size of of his income, were his deserts. Host of our magazine poets would be overpaid with such a stipend. If they are not poets they should take to pork-packing, digging! ditches or some other congenial pursuit; but if they are poets they have the satisfaction of knowing thai long life is assured to them and in the end more than six dollars a week will be their reward. Longfellow it may be remembered left an estate worth over one third of a million. ELECTBICITYAND CABLES. A very interesting and timely interview on the relative adaptability of the electric and cable motors appears elsewhere from Mr. Bice, the engineer of the Citizen's and Cen tral Traction roads. The difference between the two methods is stated there tersely and clearly. Ontheonehandthecapabilitiesofthecahle roads, their regularity of performance and the certainty with which they do their work, is a clearly known and demonstrated quan tity. It requires a large investment to start one, but when started itreauires practically no more power to transport 1,500 people in an hour than to transport 500. On the other hand, the possibilities of the electric roads are large bnt indefinite. There is less expense in the investment, more elas ticity in the running of cars, hut more doubt as to the cost and success of operation. Mr. Bice correctly says that the storage battery, if made successful, will be the ideal motor; but its successful use on the high grades of Pittsburg streets is as yet a matter of ex treme doubt. The cable roads have been demonstrated to be an immense success in Pittsburg. The practical and full trial oi the, electric roads is about to be made. If electric roads can do as much for the city as the cable roads have done, they will command an immense success. MES. POTTEE'S DISAPPOIHTHENT. For the present the American stage must elevate itself if it can; Mrs. James Brown Potter declines to come to its assistance. She has left the English stage also to its own devices, and has sailed for Australia presumably with a view to raising the wind on the stage there, rather than the stage itself. It is observable that Mrs. Potter is in a disagreeable frame of mind. This is the natural result of her way of life. She stepped upon the boards here proclaiming her intention to elevate the stage. Artistically, morally and socially she annonnped the stage would have to move upward at her impulse. She miscalculated her strength. As an artist she proved a rather interesting failure, a sensational fizzle prolonged till it became agony. Her social prestige died at the stage door, and with re gard to the moral aspect of the case it is charitable to be silent. The stage has not benefited by Mrs. Potter's patronage. It is pitiful to remark that Mrs. Potter has cer tainly reaped nothing good of her career as an actress. The history of Mrs. James Brown Potter should be a warning to women whose dower of beauty and high social station tempt them to seek for greater praise and fame than their circle of society supplies. The stage is only too likely to be the tomb of the society beauty. It is unfair, also, that the public should be invited to witness the funeral. It is dismal; it elevates nothing and nobody, and it is no longer profitable. "We extend our sympathies to the Austral ians in their impending affliction. It is a rather remarkable, though not ex act, coincidence that the storm which over turned tbe Willey building last year, and tbe one which made such havoc in the West this week were just four days more than a year apart Is January becoming our cyclone season! Mb. C. P. Huntington expresses great satisfaction at the election of Calvin S. Bnce to the United States Senate. Mr. Huntington is supposed to be a Republican,but his broad views are not hedged In by partisan lines, as has been shown by his investment of $800,000 in an al leged Democratic organ, and less sums in cer tain professed Democratic statesmen, as set forth in the Huntington-Colton epistles. No doubt Mr. Huntington thinks that his plea for a free gift of the Central Pacific debt to him self and partners will strike an answering chord in the breast of Senator Bnce. Tbe readiness of the corporation magnates to dis card party lines where their own interests are concerned may suggest to the people the pro priety of doing the same thing on their own be half. It is painful to observe the tendency among the apostles of 'scientific culture to con troversial heat. Prof. Marsh and Prof. Cope are each occupying the columns of the New York Herald with throwing missiles of geolog ical lore at each otheT anentthe Geological Sur vey; while the Chicago Inter Ocean, in tackling the question of the Sublime in Shakespeare, with Prof. Swing on tbe other side as the ad vocate of Sophocles, proceeds to the length of accusing its antagonist of being affected by "literary diathesis." Let us recommend tbe exponents of abstruse science that they should not enter Into competition with United States Senators in hurling mysterious and polysyllabic insinuations at each other. Senator Ttjbpie joins the howl about the recognition of Brazil. As the people of the United States are entirely willing to wait and see whether Brazil has a free government or not, tbe effort of the Democrats to make polit ical capital over the affair will be a grand fizzle. A EEMAT.kaule illustration of the talk abont "Harrison's ingratitude" is furnished by a Washington letter which tells the story of a rich German of Evansnlle who actually gave $4,000 to tbe campaign funds of 12SS4, and wanted as a result to name tbe Consul at Cologne. Four thousand dollars as the price of the Con sulate at Cologne is very good, and, the Presi dent who would refuse to let it go out at that price must1 be "disgracefully" outside of the ethics of politics. Judge Stowe's decision intimates that the dissenting corporations must pay tbe three mill tax. The Judge's ruling on the disputed points' is not decidedly positive; but, like Mercutio's wound, it is enough; it will serve all present purposes. It is pleasant to learn of the progress on the Government building, as reported by Mr. Malone in another- column. Still, the drop of bitterness remains in the sweet things prophe sied by Mr. Malone. He tells us that the build ing cannot be occupied next October, and that he does not know when it will be. As tbe occu pancy of tbe building is the main thing; the public will continue to lire on the hope that the postoffice will get there in 1892, "Wiri, not the esteemed but somewhat nn- "i r-.Z.""" ZJTZCZi ""-vvoo"., t?mw i b .") season of steadily predicting warm and moist weather! That might induce the perverse ele ments to alleviate the situation by a little gen uine winter weather. Ex-Consul Sewei.Ii regards the lack of sensitiveness concerning our .honor abroad .to he one of this nation's greatest drawbacks. Possibly so, but in view of the efforts that are necessary to create a greater degree of sensi tiveness concerning our honor at home, as Il lustrated by Senatorial elections, we may have to let honor in foreign lands go until the, do mestic article is more fully developed. The peach crop destroyer goes to work as usual, notwithstanding variations in the weather. All times and seasons are the same to the prevaricator who deals with and In peaches. Apeopos of the postponement of the Columbus celebration, there is pertinence in the suggestion of one detail in which it would be slightly out of harmony. Columbus had a great many discouragements and difficulties to overcome; and if history is not misinformed some of his crew wanted the main event post poned; bnt the important fact of his career re mains, that he got there in 14921 If this mild weather keeps on, some meas ure will have to be introduced in Congress for the rescue of the distressed coal barons ana ice companies from the ruin that stares them in the face. The Silcott committee of the Honse.finds no difficulty in coming to the agreement that Silcott did what be ought not to have done; and, with some honorable exceptions, that they want the United States Treasury to pay the members the House the 573,000 he took. The taxpayers must, of course, bear the loss when the Congressmen's pockets are touched. If the Knights of Labor keep on expell ing each other there may be danger that they will become the proverbial successors of the Kilkenny cats. It is rather amusing to observe, after the avowal of all the Democratic authorities that t Mr. Btice resides in Ohio, that the apparently official biography of the Senator-elect, evi dently furni.hed by authority close to that gentleman himself, concludes with the state ment: "He has a beautiful borne in Now York." The "Heart of Gold" Company appears, from the disclosures, to have been troubled by altogether too much heart and altogether too little gold. PEOPLE OP PB0MINENCE. Robebt W. Peattie, managing editor of the Omaha World-Herald, is dangerously ill of la grippe. Frank Hatton is a typical American. He commenced life as a newsboy, and was Post master General under the administration of President Arthur. He has been everything on a newspaper, from newsboy to editor, and would ratber be the editor of a live newspaper than President of the United States. A. K.SPOFFOED, the librarian of Congress, has the face of a Slav, but the brains of an American. His knowledge of books Is phenom enal; what he does not know about books isnot worth knowing. But lie is no mere bookworm; he enjoys the social life of Washington, and is fond of attending the literary rennions there. Louise M. Alcott received 5 for her first story, which was written when she was 16. She lived to receive $3,000 for one Btory. She worked long and hard before she made much money. In 18C4, after 12 years of literary labor, she made only 8476. Mies Alcott was a devoted sister and daughter, but never knew the joy or sorrow of love. David D. Lloyd, author of "For Congress." "The Dominie's Daughter," "The Senator," and other successful plays, was once the private secretary of Chief Justice Chase. It is a rather singular fact, showing how small the world really is, tnat Jacob W. Bchnkers, Eugene L. Didier and David D. Lloyd, all former secreta ries of Chief Justice Chase, should reside, not long since, in the little town of Belleville, N. J. William Morris, the Socialist poet, is 56 years old, of medium height, with broad shoul ders, crowned by a fine bead. His eyes are large, dark and penetrating. He is a man of undoubted honesty of purpose, and with a strong personality. Beside being a poet he is also a scientist, an essayist, an antiquarian, a lecturer, a merchant, a manufacturer, a work man, the editor of the Commonweal, and, in fact, one of the busiest men in London. He reserves Saturday and Sunday for writing poetry. It is remarkable with what rapidity certain names become household words, and are known all over the world. As a case in point, there is Major Serpa Pinto, wbo has suddenly become prominent in connection with African affairs and the complications into which Portugal has become involved with England. He was born in Douro, Portugal, in April, 1816, and was edu cated at the Military College. Lisbon. He joined the Portuguese army in 1863, rose pretty rapidly, and became an aid de camp to the King in 1880. He was in the Zambesi war in 1869, commanding the African native troop. During 1877-79 he crossed Africa from Benguella to Durban. A RE ALL GREAT XEWSPAPEB. A Cotemporary Telia Wfay the Dispatch U Popular Everywhere. From the Morgantown (W. Va.) New Dominion. Among the really great papers of this coun try and well up in the front rank, is the Pitts bubg Daily Dispatch. Beside all the news, presented in the most readable way and sound editorial comment on all the leading topics of the day. The Dispatch contains some of tbe choicest pen productions, in Its purely literary departments. The Dispatch deserves the wonderlul growth and popularity which it en joys, because it is sparing in nothing that will make it a leader in tbe great field of journal ism. The Sunday Dispatch has attained a bona fide circulation of over 50,000 and is growing weekly. Although already well equipped the rapid growth of the daily and Snnday editions of The Dispatch has necessitated the addi tion of another marvelous donble perfecting press. The Dispatch, as it deserves to, enters upon tbe new year witb bright prospects of increased popularity and -circulation. POINTERS ON PATENTS. Wont the Inventory Wilhln 200 Miles Have Been Doing. The following patents were issued to West ern Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and West Virginia inventors, for the week ending Tues day, January 14, famished by O. D. Levis, patent attorney, 131 Fifth avenue, Pittsburg: Phlneas Arnold. Canal Dover, O., driver-car; Walter C Beckwlth, Fostorla.O., car seal; Horace G. Kender, Akron, o., printing machine: Jacob E. Blackburn. Frcderlcklown. O.. haklnc or roasting pan: William Bulluck. CentraUa, Ta., draft annunciator formines; Ammon M. Ewers. Edison, O.. weather strip; John L. Faulbaber, Fostoria. U., roofing: Nicholas S. Hill. Shllllng ton. Pa., pump; Joseph H. Huber, ttreensbnrg. Fa., shade for Incandescent electric lights; Eugene Ingold, Pittsburg, mining machine: Ernest Mayer. New Brighton, potter's block and baiter: William MeMalns, Mrmowrahela City, band-printing roller. William H. Pickett, War ren, Pa., carpet sweeper; IMlUara L. tScalfe, Alle gheny, lockgate and dam: Oliver li. BballenberK er, Kochester, Pa., meter for alternating electrle currents. A QUEEELI CONSTRUCTED BDLL. It U the Frond Pouesaor of Two Tails and Pour Hind Legs. IFTXCIAJ. TXLECBJLM TO TUX DISFATCO.1 New Yoke. January 15. Robert Taggart keeps a storage warehouse at 603 Hudson street, with a stable in tbe rear, and a bull is one of the queerest of many queer possessions that have from rime to time been left with him for Bafe keeping. The peculiarity of this bull is that, though ho is normal from bis head to his waist, he possesses two tails and four hind legs. It is nearly three months since the animal was left nn storatre. A farmer, who said his name was Haw or Yaw, brought the freak, and said he and tbe bnll were from Montana. They bad come to New York to make their fortunes together, but bad fallen among thieves and "gone broke." DKATHiJ OF A .DAT. Charles B. Danfonli. Boston, January 15. Charles B. Danforth, for yKifii?.t?5r&Qiei1 oj pneumonia luii bkhjuus, wv j THE TOPICAL TALKER. We Hove the File Still With us Precnu- tlon Acnlnst Them In Sow Houses Popnlnr Concerts a Success Elsewhere. Condor Exemplified by Mntbew Arnold. The Dearth of Good short Stories. Qne of the luxuries this winter has allowed us to enjoy is flies. Healthy bluebottles and lusty bouseflies make known their survival in familiar ways in every household. The few brief hours of cold weather interludes of frigidity have sent the buzzing nuisances into retreat, but every time the succeeding warm spell has brought them out again. A curious innovation in house building has been brought about this winter by the plague of flies, and by the activity of their fellow con spirators, the moths and millers. In two man sions now in process of erection in the East Ena the two finest houses of the year prob ablyscreens are to be put at once into the windows and doors. It is deemed unsafe to put off these defenses against flies etc., till the nominal time for warm weather arrives. V Qne of the opponents of the scheme to give popular summer concerts in the Pittsburg Exposition building says that it is impossible to hire great artists to sing at them that the ex pense would be too great. The plan of the pop ular concerts proposed properly contemplates the hiring of a first-class orchestra only. But it is thought by Mr. Johnston that vocalists of the first rank could be secured also. There are plenty of precedents supporting this view. At popular concerts in many cities during the summer months artists of the highest rank have sung for moderate compensation. It is after the close of the regular season, and the high salaries are marked down. A notable example of success in concerts of this sort is the series of Promenade Concerts given every year at the Covent Garden Theater in London. The admission pnee charged is I shilling, that is 25 cents, the figure proposed for Pittsburg. The concerts are tremendously popular. At them the very best orchestra in England is always engaged, and the soloists have included Mm eAlbani, Miss Emma Juch, Minnie Hauck, Sims Beeves, Edward Santley in short artists of world-wide reputation. jlTis heresy in Pittsburg, of course, to say that one does not care a brass farthing for iron works, or glass bouses, or gas wells, or any other material evidences of nature's bounty to man and man's skill, yet, when a young college man who dropped in to see me a week or two ago. made such a confession when I proposed to take Mm out to seethe lions it seemed rather refreshing. Candor is admirable al ways. Matbew Arnold could not be Insincere if he tried. He spoke the truth always; even when it knocked down politeness and shattered the proprieties. The great English philosopher was here abont a year before he died. He was. the guest of Mr. Carnegie, and it was only natural that his host should wish him to see the great works at ttraddock. I do not know whether Mr. Carnegie personally conducted Mr. Ar nold to the mills or not. All I know is, that when Mr. Arnold got there, one of the first men he met, and was introduced to, was an Englishman in charge of an important depart ment. With this gentleman Mr. Arnold began a' conversation which interested tbem both. Mr. Arnold was reminded that the works still remained to be seen. "The truth is," said Mr. Arnold, "that I don't care to see machinery and furnaces and the other things. 1 prefer to stay here with Mr. and talk." And stay he did for a full hour. Tt would be interesting to know why the short atones In Marper's, Scribner's and the Century magazines have been, as a rule, so out rageously bad for the last three months. Tbe cheapest kind of sensationalism or the dead liest of commonplace seems to be all these publications can get There is a frightful ex ample of tne condensed 'penny dreadful" in the January Century a story of a Southern tigress in human shape, who explodes with jealousy, rage and meanness one minute and sacrifices her life to save ber rival's the next. Last month Harper1 had several thousand words of similar rubbish. What is the matter? Are all the clever story writers trying their hands at grander work, or are the editors losing their discernment? In delightful contrast to these cheap and tawdry tales of horror or humdrum are the sketches of New England life which Sarah Orne Jewett is drawing in the Atlantic Monthly. She has a deliriously humorous, quaint and uncommon study of life in this month's Atlantic called '-The Quest of Mr. Teaby." You ought to read it. FAR ABOVE THE AYEEAGE. The Increase of Gross Postal Receipts at the Pittsbnrjr Offlce. Washington, January 15. A statement has been prepared at the Postoffice Department Bhowing the gross postal receipts during the quarter ended December 31, 18S9, as compared with the corresponding quarter of theprevious year, at SO of the larger postofflces. The gross Smstal receipts for the last quarter were $6,278, 18, as against 5,692,002 for the corresponding quarter of 1888. The per cent of increase at the principal offices is as follows: New York, 9.4; Chicago, 14.1; Philadelphia, 8.1; Boston, 10.2; St. Louis, 10.6; Cincinnati, 8.7; Brooklyn, 10.0: San Fran cisco, 4.2; Baltimore. 12.9; Pittsburg, 13.6; Cleveland, 16.2; Detroit, 9.0; Kansas City, 9.2; New Orleans, 32.7; Milwaukee 6.0; Minneapo lis, &4; St. Paul, 1.2; Louisville, 13.1; Indianap olis, a4; Toledo, 17.9. The average increase for the quarter was 10.3 per cent. Be Lives on Liver. From the Detroit Ijjree Press. Secretary Noble is the only member of the Cabinet who does his own marketing, and per haps the only one who eats liver. His daily in quiry of the butcher is: "Have you a calf's liver this morning?" If so, he buys one. If not, he depends on the cook making hash. Can a man who preiers liver as a steady diet ever be come a great man? POINTS IN STATE POLITICS. Billdohti: News: The people of Penn sylvania desire a good executive leader for the next four years and General Hastings is just tbe man to choose. Philadelphia. Kecord: It is said that Sen ator Quay has a favorite candidate for Con gress In the Fourth district in place of Judge Kelley. But Senator Quay resides in Beaver county. The people of the Fourth district are capable of selecting their own member of Con gress. Lancaster Intelligencer: Quay has found another chance to taunt Congressman Dalzell. Both have candidates for the census offices of tbe Allegheny district. The Senator, in med dling with tbe appointment of janitors, tax collectors, etc., will soon find tbe bottom of his cup covered with dregs more bitter than gall. Philadelphia Inquirer: General Hast ings has been Invited to a fox hunt in Delaware county on January SO. There is a great deal of political instruction to be gotten out of a fox hunt, and the occasion will confirm General jastinga in nis nauifc oi nut irjiug to run with I tbe fox and ride with the hounds at the same time. On, Crrr Blizzard: The truth of the mat ter probably is that Mr. Quay will not use his position to advance the interests of any par ticular candidate for tbe nomination, at the ex pense of another, but the man wbo secures the nomination, whoever he may be, will receive the vigorous assistance which the Senator is in the habit of giving Republican nominees. Philadelphia -2Tmej; It is now evident that Martin is in the fight for Lieutenant Gov ernor to stay, and he shares tbe faith ot several candidates for Governor and of several candi dates for Lieutenant Governor that Senator Quay has him quietly slated for the position. Well, Quay is a man of big political possibill ties.but he isn't equal to tbe task of nominating more than one man for each of the State offices to be filled. Johnstown Irioune.' At this stage of the game the contest seems to be between Dela materand Hastings, with Delamater in the lead. They are both young men, compara tively, and pleasant, agreeable, able gentlemen. Delamater, however, is in the lead, one reason being that Hastings' belongs to thosame county 1 and town as uenerai ueaver, the present in cumbent; Is his partner in private business, and is his Adjutant General officially. It Is hardly probal)(e that the rct of the btato will talco kindly to giving that locality two Governors iu succession: there U every probability tbat it will be considered the part of wisdom for Gen eral Hastings to reconsider 'his present inten tion to be a candidate for the nomination, and bidenis time for great honor which."-i? cure to, tcameinthonewfuture. tAIihJSfije, Nina, . &ti.y jaaaBssiexjsTAs8HiSsSAjBiiS8 AS ELIZABETH HaERIAGE. Bliss Alice Vankirk Weda George Thomas, a Young Engineer. An important wedding was solemnized yes terday in Elizabeth, when Miss Alice Vankirk became the bride of Mr. George Thomas Rich ards, of this city. Miss Vankirk is the daugh ter of Mr. and Mm. S. W. Vankirk. of Eliza beth, and a very popular and talented young lady. For the ceremony, which was performed by Bev. Dr. Norman, otMonongahela City, tbe bride was dressed in a handsome traveling cos tume, and presented a very stylish appear ance. The groom is a rising young railroad man, and was late chief engineer of the McKeesport and Bellevernon road. Precisely at 8 o'clock, to the merry strains of the wedding march, from Miss Kate Walker's skillful fingers, the couple entered the parlor and were united in the holy bonds of matri mony. The residence of the Vankirks was filled with guests to witness the marriage rites, after which an elaborate wedding spread was served by Kennedy, and later the young folks left for their future borne in the East End. ST. KTEIAN'S TEA PAETT. ThB Lawrenco Turner Hall tbe Sceno of a Successful Hopper. One of the largest and most successful tea parties ever giren by tbe Catholics of this city took place last night at the Lawrence Turner Hall. The congregation of St. Kyrian's Church, Eighteenth ward, organized tbe tea party un der the able management of Mrs. Geoghegan, Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Mclntyre. Their efforts were crowned witb success; fully 2,000 people paid SI each for their supper. It is estimated that at least (1,500 will be netted, which will be used to wipe out the debt of the church. The supper was elegantly served. Boast turkey, beef and ample dessert. The tables were beautifully adorned with flowers. The only drawback in the entertainment was the over-crowded condition of the rooms. Peo ple were so packed that it became irksome to move about. A PLEASAKT H0U8EWAEM1SG. Police Sergeant Metz Entertains His Friends In HU New Home. Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Metz, with a number of friends, celebrated their housewarming last evening at their new home. 135 Third avenue. A. very enjoyable ana sumptuous repast was served, and a complimentary speech was made by Judge Gnpp, m which he voiced the com pany in wishing tbe newly married couple much joy and bliss in their wedded life. A number of handsome presents were given the young sergeant and bis bride, and a good time generally enjoyed. Among those present were Judge Gripp, Assistant Superintendent O'Mara, Inspector McAleese, Captain Dan Silvis, Captain Mercer, Detectives Shore,Bob mson, McTigbe, Coulson and others, including the police press reporters. TBE PLANETS. Dr. Bernard Talks Abont Them nnd Their Inhabitants. A highly cultured and refined German.audi ence enjoyed an intellectual feast last evening, in the German Library Association Hall, on vt ooa street. They were addressed by Dr. Berrjard on 'Planets and their Inhabitants." In a very interesting pleasing manner the doctor pre sented tbe subject to his hearers, it being the third of a series of lectures with which he is favsring tbe members of the German Library Association. Married by Father Sheedy. , In St. Mary of Mercy Chnrch yesterday morn ing at 9 o'clock a very private wedding united Miss Jennie May McMillan, danghter of H. Mc Millan, and Mr. J. Mahon, of the firm of Mc Mabon Bros. fc Adams. The ceremony was performed with a nuptial mass by Bev. Father Sheedy, pastor of tbe church. Fecial Chatter. The Marvin Mutual Benefit and Protective Association, at its meeting on January 6, elected its officers for the coming vear as fol lows: President, Mr. James H. Fricke; Vice President, Miss Lena Hoburg; Secretary, Mr. K. Crawford; Treasurer, Mr. C. B. Bonnett; Trustees, Mrs. McCaig, Miss Jennie Fay, Miss Emma Hoburg, Mr. James L. Miller and Mr. H. D. Harold. The association, though but eight months old, has a membership of 175, and 20 applications on tbe book, upon which It justly congratulates itself. The Woodside Missionary Association will give a musical and literary entertainment to morrow evening at the First Reformed Presby terian church, Allegheny. Tbe talented people that will Insure a pleasant evening are Prof. George M. Sleeth, elocutionist; Miss Ida Lind sey and Mr. E. H. Dermitt, vocalists; Mr. C. E. Stewart, clarionet, and Mr. Sam Brown accom panist. To those who have beard Miss Johnson, the famous Chicago singer, the news will be ap preciated that she will favor Pittsburg with her presence and her songs on February 14, at Prof. Whiting's concert. From here she will go to New York and appear before the Phil harmonic Society, of that city. Mb. Hunter, the Pittsburg tenor, wbo studied in Italy and scored a great success in the opera "Faust" in London, is expected to set sail for America soon, and will be in the city inside of six weeks. He will undoubtedly contract for a season in America upon his ar rival. A oebman that will undoubtedly be one of the pleasantest events of the season will be given at the Fittsbure Club Theater on tbe 27th of January by Mrs. T. M. Carnegie. Me. Fbank Kino, with his mother, Mrs. Thomas King, as chaperon, gave a very en joyable theater party last evening. The supper was served at the Hotel Schlossor. Corpohai. James Tanner to-m orrow even ing at Old City Halh The late Commissioner of Pensions is very Interesting and brilliant as a lecturer. A charming 12 o'clock breakfast will be given to-day by Mrs. W. W- Patrick, of Ridge avenue, Allegheny, to a number of her friends. A dance will be given this evening by Mrs. Davidson, of Avalon, f orwhich several hundred Invitations have been issued. A number of Pittsburgers will visit Con nellsville this evening to be present at the Torrence-Overholt nuptials. Max O'Rell at Old City Hall to-night. The witty Frenchman will speak upon "Jonathan and His Cousin." MBS. -Bikbee, of Fremont street, Alle gheny, has issued invitations for a dance next Tuesday evening. The Carrol Club will hold their second an nual reception at Orpheus Hall this evening. The Poverty German will dance at the Bailey residence on Cliff street on the 22dL Mbs. T. L. Shields, of Edgeworth, will re ceive this evening. AN ALDERMAN'S TRIBULATIONS. Reduced to Poverty by Polities, He Aiki Aid From the Poor Board. srscur. txxxobaii to tttk dispatch.! New York; J anuarm 15. Edward I. Rapp, who was an Alderman last year, entered the dispensary for the outdoor poor at Bellevue Hospital to-day. Rapp was elected Alderman on tbe Republican ticket in the Tenth district in 1878. He was at one time a prominent mem ber of the Jacob M. Patterson Tenth As sembly District Association. He owned a small saloon at 166 -Essex street where his family lived. Ho owed some money for ex penses incurred iu the campaign when he was elected, but altogether it is not believed that he was ever 2,000 in debt One ot his creditors is ex-Alderman Christian Goetz, to whom he owed 250. Ex-Alderman Goetz said this even ing that Rapp was a type of a steady, thrifty German until his head was turned by politics. He was proud of the distinction of being called Alderman, and was too free with bis money. In tbe year tbat Rapp served as Alderman, the district almostpestered the life out of bim. Hardly a day passed that be did not have to buy at least $2 worth of ball tickets or picnic tickets. He bad to stand the affairs, make a good appearance and. treat the boys. All this cost money, and be borrowed everywhere. His Majesty's Diversion. From the Chicago News. The Ring of Soain is so greatly improved in health that he will probably be able soon to play marbles again with the Prime Minister. Where fJer Demonstrations Stop. From the Boston Herald.3 Portugal comes down promptly, if nit grace fully. Sbe can make up f.icoj r.t Great lirltain, but that's about alt. A tock Hxchnae Qaolullen. Prom the Jfew York World. " As reeardg'stock a notations. Readimr maketh i S'f eW f ull men and manyemptv pocketbooks, THE STROLLER'S STORIES. Odd Opinions and Quaint Observations Oath' ered From Curb and Corridor. TT seems that Mr. Charles W. Mackey, of Franklin, was misunderstood by tbe Stroller in his references to Senator Delamater in a chat held at tbe Hotel Anderson Tuesday even ing, ifr. Mackey says that his friendship for Senator Delamater has been life long, and that be did not mean to imply in any possible way tbat Mr. Delamater' candidacy would be in the slightest degree repugnant to him. He says, on the contrary, that if the Crawford county Senator should become the nominee of the party, he would have Mr. Mackey's heart iest support Meanwhile Mr. Mackey sustains most friendly relations with all the candidates. Being engrossed In business, he is not taking any part in the preliminary canvass now m progress. , heavily built man, with a Btrong face, fine brown eyes and a full dark brown beard, who Is stopping at the hotel Anderson, is ex-Senator T. C. Snyder, of Canton. He is in the city on business, being an iron manufac turer in that progressive Ohio city. Speaking of tho election of Colonel Brlce to tbe Senate, he said: "The Democrats in our part of the State do not say much about it Borne of tbem are dissatisfied, bnt Ohio Democrats are capa ble of eating any amount of crow. Brice's election was procured in a very different way from Payne's. In the Payne campaign mem bers of the Legislature were bought outright Brice's canvass was conducted on a much shrewder plan. Ho secured influential men all over the State, and they influenced the little fellows wbo were members of the Legislature. If a man showed signs of revolt many influences were brought to bear on him, and he was pulled into line either by persuasion, promises or threats. Brice got the support of the Demo cratic newspapers by subscribing for all of them, and by liberal distribution of paid read ing matter. He could have had more votes in the caucus, on the first ballot than be did have if they had been needed. Mr. Monnot one of the members from my county, voted for Thomas, but that was only for effect He was really forBrice, and afterward moved to make Ins nomination unanimous." "pHE Republican party in Ohio," said the ex Senator, '"suffered no serious injury by the defeat of Governor Foraker. We are In good shape and will beat them the next time. Foraker's defeat was personal, because of the antipathy to a third term, and his attitude In regard to Sunday closing in Cincinnati. I am a great admirer of Foraker, but I advised against bis candidacy." J suppose," ho continued, "that the Demo cratic Legislature will re-dlstrict tbe State so as to make a majority of the Congres sional districts Democratic. It is the time for the decennial apportionment and if they gerrymander the State it will put the Repub lican party in an embarrassing position. We will either have to wait until 1900 or do what we have been condemning the Democrats for doing, re-district tbe State in an intervening year.' ' Qolonel R. M. Milleb, an attorney of Chi cago, passed through tbe city yesterday on bis journey to Washington., where he will join tbe Chicago envoys already at work in that city who are trying to procure the location of the World's Fair in Chicago. Colonel Miller is sanguine of success for his town. If Chicago gets it be says, there will be no necessity for a postponement beyond 1892. The enterprise of the Western city can be depended upon to have all things ready on time. YESTEEIAT afternoon an immense block of granite, beautifully carved, was lifted to its position as the keystone of tbe large arch over the front of the new Postoffice and Cus tom House. The operation required about an hour, and demanded the services of two dozen men. The stone weighs over seven tons, and its cost was about $1,850. Hundreds of people crowded the sidewalk on Smlthfield street and watched the work during the rain. There is al ways danger in the lifting of such a mass of granite, but the men engaged in the work ap pear to feel not the slightest fear. They stand on narrow cornices at dizzy heights and work with the same ease that they would feel were they on solid ground. AT the weekly prayer meeting held last even ing In Rev. E. R. Donehoo's Presbyterian church, in the West End, a stranger took part In the services. He wore a slouch hat, was bearded like a Colorado miner, and his rubber coat and high rubber boots were splashed thickly with mud. His appearance indicated that before entering tbe churcn he had found his way into a West End "speak-easy." He trod loudly up the aisle and slammed himself down in a front seat He leered drowsily at the minister du!ng several hymns and prayers. Finally he arose and said: "Preacher, I want you to pray ior me." Rev. uonenoo re plied that be would be glad to do so. "But I want you to pray right away and pray hard," the stranger said. The minister answered that if the gentleman would sit down and be quiet the church would pray for him. The stranger sat down, and the services proceeded. Fifteen minutes later he again arose, and delivered himself thus:- Now, preacher, I need praying. Pm a farmer from away back here In the coun try. It was a job I got Into town to-night You never saw roads so all-fired bad in yonr born days; you never did, preacher. Why they're over the hubs a dozen times 'tween here and tbe place. They're so bad that coal's 25 cents a bushel out-there. We can't get to market preacher, and we have to eat pork and ram bos. The wheat's out so far it's sure to be froze. Preacher, we all need praying for, I tell you. Good night" He tramped out and the con gregation sang, "Pull for the Shore."' V gentlekan whojoccupies an official posi tlon in this city, said yesterday afternoon: "I see tbat Mr. McKean is down in Washing ton trying to arrange for more postoffice room. It is greatly needed. More space can be very easily secured for postoffice purposes right in the builalng. There are in the large, fine rooms on the second and third floor, a nnmber of officers wbo could be very easily moved out and put Into quarters on the opposite side of Smith field street or somewhere in tbe vicinity. It is not so necessary that they should be kept in the same building, as it is to nave all de partments of tbe postoffice under one roof. Tbe pension examiners could very easily be moved to Third avenue, where the pension dis bursement officers are located. The District Attorney's office could also be moved without any inconvenience to the public business. Some of the prople upstairs have more room than they need." The Stbolleb. BOUGHT A PIG IN A POKE. Amerlcnna May be Denied Fishing Prlvl leges Purchased In Canada. t SPECIAL TEtlOBAK TO TBI DISPATCH -J Montreal, January The Americans who recently purchased fishing privileges from the Quebec Government have been surprised by the statement that there.waaa question as to the validity of their purchases. The Dominion Government claimed tbat It alone, under the British North American act, possesses exclu sive control over the Inland, as well as the maritime fisheries of the country, and tbat in buying and paying their money against this warning, purchasers have done so at their own risk. Tbe question has eiven rise to a great deal of dicussion as to tbe law of the case. SEXT WEEK'S PLAYS. Seats will commence to be sold this morn ing at the Bijou Theater for the coming en gagement of the Carletou Opera Company in two of the best and most melodious operas, "Nanon" and "The Brigands." The engage ment will begin on Monday with Mr. Carleton's usual excellent performance of "Nanon," and this opera will ba repeated at the Wednesday matinee and evenlnc. On Tuesday evening and other nights of the week and the Saturday matinee '-The Brigands" will be given. By special request Mr. J. JC. Murray, well knoirn in Pittsburg, will assume therole of the brigand chief on Tuesday, and his friends have pre pared a surprise for him by securing 300 seats for that nlgbt to give him a royal welcome. Tbe Carleton Opera Company is at present in New York City, and scored a veritable triumph for their artistic performances. The Casino .Opera Company, with Pauline Hall and the original cast, cumes to the Opera House the week of .February 3 witb an inter- estlnr? repertoire. "ABrass Mokket." a new farce-comedy by I the author of the best farces America haspro- deced. Mr. Hovt is tbe attraction aojfoaaced 'for the Grand Opera House next woek.'ifV, OUS MAIL POUCH A Problem for Presbyterians. To the Editor of The Dispatch: The Presbyterian Church is agitated from center to circumference over the question of revision of the confession of faith. Fifteen Presbyteries overtured the General Assembly to take action on this question. The assem bly's Committee on Overtures made this re port: Because in the minds of many of our ministers and people some forms of statements in our con fehlonof faith are liable to misunderstanding. and expose our system of doctrine to unmerited criticism; and Wheeias. Before any definite steps should be taken for the revision of our standards it Is desir able to know whether there Is any jeneral desire for such revision, therefore, Besolved, Thattnls General Assembly overture to the Presbyteries the following questions: 1. Doyou desire a revision of the confession of faith? 2. If so, In what respects, and to what extent? This action of the General Assembly opened the floodgates. The religions papers teem with articles on revision, and at all the meetings ot the Presbyteries the questions submitted are discussed with vehemence, and in some case acrimoniously and with partisan fervor. Some favor a mere change in the verbiage, by which the doctrines of grace consonant with the Cal vmistic system of divine trust embodied in the confession shall be more clearly expressed, so aa to avoid ambiguity and render them less liable to adverse criticism. Others favor radi cal changes corresponding to the advanced thought of the present age. The five points of Calvinism are inter-dependent, and any change affecting one point In tbe same degree affects them all. If one be revised so as to change its tenor all must be subjected to re vision or the whole system of doctrine would be disjointed and vazue. Although all candidates for licensure and ordination answer in the affirmative the ques tion "Do you sincerely recaire and adopt tun confession of faith of this church as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures," yet tbe present discussion reveals the fact either that many of these candidates answered with mental reservation, or it proves tbat their views have undergone a radical change since the hands of Presbytery were laid upon them. Pastors of prominent churches, professors in tbe theological seminaries, ruling elders and laymen, in open Presbytery and through the religious press, boldly advocate views far from being in accord with the con fession of faith. The doctrine of predestination is one es pecially obnoxious to those desiring radical changes. Predestination is thus expressed in the confession of faith: By the decree of Uod for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestina ted unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death. These men and angels thns predestinated and foreordained are particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number Is so certain and definite that It eanhot be either in creased or diminished. Some wish the following statement changed in such a way as to avoid obscurity, that It may not seem to teach the damnation of any in fants: "Elect infants, dying In infancy, are re generated and saved by Christ through the Spirit, who worketh when and where and how He pleasetb." A majority of tbe Presbyteries thus far have voted in favor of appointing a committee of re vision. What the result of this apple of dis cord thrown into the halls ot our highest ecclesiastical court remains to be seen. Soma predict division, if radical revision results. Many have become liable to ecclesiastical cen sure for the utterance and dissemination of ultra views not in harmony with the standards. It behooves the Presbyteries to send wise and discreet commissioners to the General Assem bly which wdl convene at Saratoga Springs. N. Y next May. by which body this question of revision will be considered. John H. Atjgitex. WestBkidgewater, January 15. An Invitation to Visit Montana. To tbe Editor of Tne Dispatch: Will you kindly send me one dozen copies of your issue in which you make the "bigmsdicine talk" about Eillie Lynch presenting the Helena Journal with a pitcher of egg-nog? I would like to send you some if I could de pend on the weather, but it takes mountains to hold it If yon could only imbibe some of it with our Montana ozone it would take the mountains to bold you, and instead of a few lines complimentary to myself and the nog, you would have devoted at least a column to its praise. ,Now, if you should come ont here sometime and escape tbe wolves, lions, cayotes and In dians. I will ba pleased to show von the cltv in all its crimson beauty, and have a delegation consisting of X. Be idler. Bloody Knife, Mor phine Frank. Crow Pete and several others of our good old-timers to meet you. i wk. e. lynch. Helena, Mont., January 12. SO MOfiE PUBLIC HEARINGS. Secret Sessions of the Ways and Means Committee Hereafter. WASHTNaTON, January li Charles H Clark, of Pniladelnhia, a manufacturer of surgical instruments, was the first witness be fore the Ways and Means Committee this morning. The Chairman and Messrs. Flower and Breckinridge were the only members in at tendance. The witness advocated the lmnosi- tlon of a duty of 40 per cent on catheters and bouges. i Bernhardt Baron, a cigar manufacturer, of Baltimore, advocated the abolition of the in ternal revenue tax so far as it appertains to cigars and tobacco in all its forms. He con sidered It nnjust to raise the tax on Sumatra tobacco. If Congress protected the farmer by placing a duty of SO cents on Sumatra tobacco it was all he conld demand. Why should be be more protected than the farmer who raised vegetables? The committee decided, in secret session, to have no-more public hearings after to-morrow, although interested parties may file written statements concerning industries which have not oeen heard from. A favorable report has been ordered on the Breckinridge resolution, calllns upon the Sec retary of the Treasury for a statement of the German tariff duties, with an amendment including French, Austrian and other Euro pean tariffs. A SWITCH OP HAIE MISPLACED. Miss McGIIl's Raveo Tresses tho Caase of n Troublesome Snlt. rSFXCIAI TXXXOBAX TO SHX DISPATCH. 1 New Yoke. January 15. Miss Annie He GUI's back hair is causing her and Carl Mnller, a Brooklyn hair dresser, a heap of trouble. Fire weeks ago she had Muller cut oil the hair and ordered him to make it up Into a switch. To-day sbe called for the switch. It was brown, whereas her hair is black. The re sult of this discrepancy was a row which was aired in the Gates Avenue Police Court. The switch was placed In evidence, and the justice was asked to decide by the color whether the manufactured article bad originally come from Miss McGIIl's head. There was an apparent difference in the color of tbe two exhibits, but tbe magistrate said tbat be was not an expert and declined to de cide tbe delicate question. He also revised to give a warrant for Mullers arrest Miss Mc- Gill thereupon hurried oil to ner lawyer and bad him prepare papers for a damage suit against the hair dresser. . FAITH CURE A PAILURB. A Man Who Helled on It Now an Inmate oT an Asylum. rsrxciAT. TstsPBAK to thi dispatch.! Nobbistotvn, January 15. Michael Webb, of Bridgeport who last week claimed he had been cured ot epileptic fits by faith, tbe core having been revealed to him, as he alleged, cy a vision, in which the Virgin Mary, St Antho ny, Bt Joseph and Father Mollinger, of Alle gheny, figured, was to-day placed in the State Hospital for the Insane here. He was adjudged insane by a commission In lunacy. Webb Is abont SO years of ago and is a son of one of Bridgeport's Town Councilmen, Joseph Webb. Last Marcn he discarded medicine and fol lowed the directions of a faith curist, with the result tbat he is to-day in an insane hospital. His mind was Intently set upon his honed-for recovery from the affection of 12 years' stand ing, that tbe strain proved too great Much sympathy is fait for his family. 1I0DEEATE DOSES. Washington Capital: Isn't the nun who paints a fence a hne-er of woodr New Hampshire Patriot: Who kills all the dead letters? MUs Direction. Atchison Globe: There are so many things you can't do without and can't have. Binghamton Leader: When schemes are on foot tbe politicians are generally on hand. MrLWAtTERE Sentinel: It is not good form to discuss tbe weather, but just no w it is legiti mate to jistcuss it BrNOHAMTON-RepuoHean? OldTowser never learned to speak a piece, but he Is continually practicing his bow. Kearney Enterprise: When a man is at tacked by U grippe tt makes him weak in his knees and strong In his 'neeze. BaltkioeK American: It must ba some thing of ahandlcap' to a singer to have a soft voice, as naturally, sbe would find it difficult to smghMttwasle? CUB10US CONDENSATIONS; Fifty-seven million yards of doth were woven in the Lewiston, Me., mills last jear, Paris sends to foreign countries an nually 5400.000 worth of bonbons. Beturns show that Fayette county, Pa., has 9,000 dogs, and one township alone contains LOOOofthem. The oldest woman in Vienna is Fran Magdalena Fonza,who celebrated ber Utth birthday last Christmas. She Is cared for by her 80-year-old daughter. The statistics ot wild beasts for India for 1883 show that they do not grow any less dead ly. Twenty-two thousand nice hundred and seventy persons were killed in 188S, an increase of 600. A hew contrivance has been applied to watches called an "appointment reminder." A small dial is set into the watch's face upon which one can set the hands at any hour required. The Persian Prince Keyknbah Decuman ilirza, a cousin of the Shah, has just been con victed of counterfeiting in Moscow, Russia, and has been condemned to five years of hard labor in Siberia. Stories of the finding of gold continue to come from Maine, the latest being that an Indian squaw picked up S5C0 worth of the precious metal in the Franklin county hlus and sold it in Portland. In various parts of Laurens county, S. C an nnusual quantity of "honey dew" is re ported to have fallen, and ba some cases tha phenomena of a shower of sweet water from a cloudless sky caused not a little alarm. The Vale of Avoca has been bought by an English company, and the woods will be swept away in order to make matches. There is great consternation in the district where tho memory of Tom Moore is cherished with fer vency. MAKTDT Tobey, of Mt Morris, Mich., lost a valuable cow the other day, and when ha conducted a post mortem examination of the remains, found in her stomach 17 pieces of nails, a screw, a piece of iron rod and a section of wire six inches long. One of the fire department horses at Ann Arbor, Mich, during a recent sick spell showed himself a very game animaL Every time an alarm was rung in he would stagger to his feet and make a feeble but determined effort to reach his enrine, until bis strength gave out and ho fell exhausted. H. Palzer, of Sangatuck, Mich., cut from his raspberry bushes this week a stem tbat bore green shoots four Inches long. It Is said that In tbe woods tho raspberry bushes are leaving out in an uncommon manner for this time of the year, and that along the banks of the river the maple trees are beginning to blossom. The fifth Uative Indian Congress met in Bombay December 23. Two thousand dele gates were present a fow of them being women. On tbe same day there was a meeting of Mohammedans, presided over by the East, the chief officer of the Mussulman community, and a resolution was passed declaring the Mohammedans to ba opposed to the Indian National Congress. A few nights ago Farmer Jones, of Portemlle, Cal lost a fine sheep by coyotes. He turned in tbe fields a drove of wild hogs and left tha carcass. In hopes the coyotes would pay another visit Sura enough, tha next night three came for another feast but the hogs took a hand, cornered the varmints and mangled them so badlv that their mothers could not recognize their babies. At a recent meeting of the Society of Aerostation In Berlin Prof. Griese entertained the assembly with a description of an Inven tion of his, by means of which a man witb his own muscular power only may leap up into tha air and fly for a short time. The machine is called a sprungflngel. Several scientific men have become convinced tbat Herr Griesa's in vention is serious, and that it will aid consid erably in solving the problem of navigating tha air. A good deacon of the town of Perry, Me., tells a startling story regarding his curious experience while killing fowls last Wednesday morning. He was preparing for an extensive dinner, and killed three fowls; the last one, in stead of flopping around like an ordinary hen and dying when its bead was cut off, got up and walked abont ten feet laid an egg and give up tha ghost In the meantime the fowl's sad cackled for nearly a minute before that too. became quiet Our present methods of embalming are so superior to those of the ancient Egyptians that a modern embalmer might leave a human body so perfect that after 3,00(1 years, says the Lancet, "not a lineament need be wanting for identification tbat would not satisfy even tha cotemporary of tbodead person." The mum mies unrolled nowadays are dried up out of recognition. But tha embalming process Is liable to go out of use before the advancing practice of cremation. Part of a Persian poem, written to wel come Prince Albert Victor to Bombay, which he was "graciously pleased to accept" hi trans lated thus: "A Prince independent in dlenity, high in beauty and grace, as lovely as the moon, the World boasts of the abilities of him de scended from a royal line most exalted. Born to an heir apparent at whose feet the highest heavens do reverence, to whom the world far and wide pays homage, the confronting enemy yields readily to his sword. Descended from a line of Emperors who are fit to occupy the very firmament of heaven as their throne, for tha display of whose glory the world is not wide enough, Victoria, whose righteousness has made the world like Arztang." Violets sell in New York nowadays for SI 60 a bunch. There are about 50 violets in a bunch. Notwithstanding the price there is great demand for them, and florists say that there would still be considerable sales if they were S10 a bunch. In every florist's establish ment there are men and girls employed whose chief work is to fasten artificial stems on flowers intended for large bouquets and floral pieces. Ordinarily, flowers do not require much hand ling. Bat owing to its frail stem, every violet must have a support even for a small bouquet This is one reason why violets coma so high. The end of a bit of fine florist's wire is inserted into the flower from below and twirled around tba stem. It takes a good while to prepare a very small bunch for sale. The way tbe Bussian Minister of the Interior moves against an unsympathetic jour nal can be seen from a Ministerial order which has just been issned to the following effect: "Whereas, the European Messenger in a whole series of articles conducts itself In nootberway than In a spirit of condemnation of tne most im portant acts of the Government and that tbe articles of M. Sole vieft", published in that peri odical, entitled. The History of Russian Con science,' and containing exasperating criticisms directed against tho Russian Church and State, in their historical development inculcate falsa Ideas on tbe subject and shake respect for tha principles of their foundation and for the prin ciples of Bussian nationality in general, tha Minister of tbe Interior announces a first warn ing to the editor of the .European Messenger in tbe person ot tbe actual State Councilor, Michael Stasoolevich." m BOSTONIAN WITTICISMS. love is a species of intoxication that swells the heart Instead of the head. Diamonds have a great deal of influence where hearts are concerned. So they say who speak by the card. A True Gentleman. "What is your idea of a gentleman, Yellowly?" "A true gentleman always laughs at the joke of a story and never says that he heard il before." THE LAMBKLSS. "". I love to tee the little lambs at play in summer on the flowery, verdant leas, ." Bat on a wild and wintry, stormy dav 1 lovo the little lambs served up with peas. He (about to ask for a kiss) I have an important qne stlon to ask you. 8he(playruUy)-IknowwhatItls, Oeoree. lou -. want me to be your wife. Well, take me. He (rather taken aback)-Thls Is somewhat iad den, Isn' tit? . . She (tenderly)-I don't know, George, whether it Is sudden for you or not but I hare waited for it for three years. A. WIABT NIOHT. Within the grate a bright fire gIowinj,3 Around Its ruddy comfort throwing, A single rocking chair A hand, a soft and sweet band pressing, A tender arm a waist caressing, A head with rippling hair Contented on a shoulder lying. On wlnrs of bliss the moments flying Ah! who would not be there? THE HATTER'S HARVEST. "When cooler grows the blood, And clearer are the skies, ' When thrown Is all the mud And nailed are all the lies. When speakers cease to spout, "Sk AQU UUUC4 .v,avu v v.m, r When heelers cease to go aoom And Sift are taken In. When ceased of war's the tug And all becomes serene. Pull many a new silk plug "l" ;TfIU on the street be seen. -i All Irom Bolton Court ' SsBPsa ,V3
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers