frfoortl uuu. cfc lr I I Mje Sttftoafrlr. ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY a 1S48, Vol 44. o. JC4. Entered a; MtUbnrg I'obloffice, 0Tcinberll. 1SJ7, as second-class matter. Business Office--97 and 89 Fifth Avenue. News Rooms and Publishing House 75, 77 and 79 Diamond Street. Eastern Advertising Office, Koom C Tribune Building, 2ewYork. TERMS OF THE DISPATCH. rOSTAQE FETE IX TnE UJOTED STATES. JJA1LT Dispatch, One ear. 8 8 00 DAILT IMSPATCn, l'ertjnarter a w Xailt Disr ATcn, One Mouth 7 1ailt UlSl'ATCH, lncludinunaay, lyear. 10 00 DAU.T Dispatch, includingHunday.am'tlis. z DA1LT DisrATCII. lncludlnKSunday.lmonth 90 fcUKDAT Dispatch. Onelear M V EtKLT Dispatch, One lear. 12S The Daily Dispatch is delivered by carriers at cents rer week, or including Sunday edition, at 20 cents per week. PITTSBURG. THURSDAY. FEa 6. 189a THE MAYORALTY CONTEST. As was expected, the Democratic City Convention last night put Hon. John H. Bailey in nomination for the Mayoralty. 3?or Treasurer and Controller, the conven tion indorsed Messrs. Denniston and Mor row, the Republican nominees, whose cervices with an eye single to the public interests are rewarded not only by a contin uance of the honor and emoluments of office, but also with the fullest measure of confi dence. That Judge Bailey should, by the unani mous voice of his party, be made its nomi nee for Mayor is proof of the high esteem in which he is held. But the nomination is not likely to prove more than a compliment. Gourley, who was similarly favored by the Republicans, is already showing himself a stronger man with the people than some of his opponents affected to anticipate. Hav ing the party majority at his back, and ex hibiting, besides, a large measure of per sonal strength and actmty, the Republican candidate has clearly the advantage in the prospects, so far as up to the present dis closed. Judge Bailey's chances are not overly bright. But, whatever the result, the nomination in itself is an honor. IT HAY BE SETTLED. The statement is made that the eight-hour question is not likely to produce a strike in the building operations of Pittsburg this year. This opinion is based on the fact that workmen on buildings are now only called upon to work nine hours, and the conserva tive leaders who represent the building trades are not the kind of men to bring the business to a standstill for the gain ot the extra hour. Besides, the element of justice may fairly beheld to operate against making Pittsburg the field for such a contest while the workers of other cities are worked longer and paid less than our builders. Beyond all that, contractors and workingmen are alike enjoying the benefit of a prosperous period in building, which wise men are not likely to disturb except upon the most dire compul sion. We hope the eight-hour question will be settled elsewhere. THE QUESTION OF RULES. In bringing in rules which empower the Speaker to refuse to entertain dilatory mo tions, and to count as present members who are actually there and refuse to vote, the Republicans of the House are taking the proper course to make those legal and con trolling methods of action. If they succeed in passing those rules the power of the Speaker to do these things will rest on the authority of the House, instead of upon his personal authority. But the question inevitably arises, by what means will the rules be adopted? In order to make these rules the law of pro cedure, will the Speaker be compelled to re fuse dilatory motions, and to count the Democrats as present who refuse to answer on roll call? In that case, the vote by vrhicj the rules are adopted will rest under the jreneral suspicion of measures passed by such methods. It looks as if the Republicans will, in order to place the matter beyond dis pute, be forced to use the same urgency in having a quorum of their own vote present as on the contested election case. In the meantime, as to the policy of placing such power in the hands of the Speaker, that is a matter for discussion. The strong est arguments against it will be found in the speeches of James G. Blaine, James A, Garfield and Thomas B. Reed. TEE MISSISSIPPI IDEA. Tbe Mississippi plan of settling the negro question, which is presented by a legislator of that State in the shape of a resolution asking for the reneal of the Fifteenth Amendment, is characterized by the Phila delphia Ledger as an outbreak of the periodi cal insanity of the South upon the negro question. It is so, and yet has one element in it that comes nearer to fairness than any other plan which the Southern negropho bists have presented. The Southern idea generally is to gain the benefit of the repre sentation of the colored people in Congress by letting them have the right of franchise in law, but forbidding them to exercise it. This plan would disfranchise the blacks and would, under the Fourteenth Amendment, reduce the representation of the Sonthin Congress and the Electoral College. Bnt the inducement that is held out by the Mississippi idea lor favorable considera tion by theNorth is, as the Ledger says,even more unique and ridiculous. This is the promise that if the Fifteenth Amendment is repealed the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments "shall be most freely and ab solutely obeyed." The idea of promising that upon certain conditions the people will obey the supreme law of the land is one that could only come from Mississippi. The value of such a promise is exemplified by the fact that it has already been made with regard to all the amendments, inclnding the Fifteenth. It was done by the Southern States when their State governments were reconstructed; and it has been declared by the Democratic representatives of the South in Congress lime and again that the South accepts all the amendments in their en tirety. If the first promise did not bind the South what value would the second have? ABE THE HENS CONTUMELIOUS! A writer in the Agriculturist is respon sible for the somewhat startling statement that "the vast majority of hens reluse to sit in time to supply a most remunerative de mand." Why do the hens decline to meet a legitimate demand for spring chickens? Is it an assured fact that they are so stub born? These are two qnestions which oar agricultural cotemporary does not answer, but contents itself with stating the fact and falling back upon the incubator. It is vain for unlearned laymen to step in where poul try specialists fear to tread. We are averse to believing that our hens, be they stately long-limbed Brahmas, dashing black Span iards, fluffy Cochin Chinas, modest brown Leghorns or cheeky game fowls, are banded together la an effort to contest the rigid lami. of demand and supply. We fear that the hens have not been, fully informed of the emergency. With the most obstinate gentle remon strance and rational argument are usually sufficient to convince. Have the hens been reasoned with? If the need for earlier sittings were quietly suggested to the feathered matrons, if the opportuni ties for sitting in the chilly days of late winter were made more attractive, and the beauties of beating the incubator as a pro-J vider of early chickens were exnioited in a proper light, surely the hens would see their way to sitting early and often. The sympathies of the country are with the hens as against the incubators. There is a per nicious activity about the machine which is unpleasantly suggestive. Give the hens a chance ! FORAKEE'S BAD CASE. The testimony produced yesterday in con nection with that ballot-box forgery busi ness, is, if substantiated, of course, exceed ingly damaging to Governor Foraker. The attitude in which that defeated candidate stood, by his own statement, was bad enough; but this evidence seeks to make his case worse with the practical assertion that he paid money for the production of the forgeries, and held the matter as a re serve of campaign ammunition for a long time. But there are features about the testi mony which renders it no more than fair to the under dog which is perhaps the most charitable term to describe Foraker's posi tion to view this damagine testimony with suspicion. In the first place all the evi dence with regard to the payment of money comes from people who, by their own show ing, were engaged in producing a forgery and receiving money for it. Evidence from such a source is not quite enough to destroy a man's reputation when the self-confessed forger finds it wise to attack him. In the next place the statement that Foraker spoke last summer of a document in his possession which would damage the reputation of Sher man and McKinley looks the other way. A man would not be likely to give his enemies notice of that sort, if he Knew the document to be bogus. He might do so if he thought it was genuine. If this evidence is corroborated Foraker will be overwhelmed with ignominy, and will deserve it. But in view of the fact that he is low enough already, it is not wise to lend additional kicks to send him lower, except upon the most convincing testimony. THE BITER ROUTE. The announcement that a considerable amount of freight is being shipped byway of the Ohio river to the Northwest, is on the face of it a satisfactory one to Pittsburg. Nevertheless, it was made a matter of pub lication yesterday that some of the railroad men of Pittsburg are worked up over the fact that someone has the hardihood to take the freight furnished by Pittsburg, by carry ing it at cheaper rates than they do, and that they propose to appeal to the Inter State Commerce Commission to stop it by disciplining the Western railroads which carry the freight in connection with the river. This seems to indicate a revival ot the oft refuted railroad theory that the province of the Inter-State Commerce Commission is to prevent the railroads from carrying freights cheaply, and that the one treason which railroads can commit is to participate in or permit the transportation of freights by water. One theory is published that because ihe railroad rate from Cincinnati to Chicago ts 12 cents, and the rail and water rate lrom Pittsburg through Cincinnati to Chi cago is 15 cents, therefore there must be a violation of the law. This ignores the long standing railroad contention that through rates must be more than the sum of the locals. If the Western railroads connecting with the steamboats have been secretly cut ting rates, they can be disciplined; but it they have posted their through rates, the Inter-State Commerce Commission can no more slop them from carrying Pittsburg freight than it can regulate the procession of the eqninoxes. This, of coarse, is for the public advan tage. The route that can and will carry freight the cheapest, best proves its right to existence. If our river could always be re lied UDon, a great share of Pittsburg's prod ucts would go to the West and South by that route, despite the efforts of the railroads. " DEATH'S Bill HARVEST. The mortuary returns for last week are not pleasant reading. They show that 105 deaths occurred, as compared with 75 for the corresponding week last year. This is an increase ot exactly 50 per cent. Some al lowance must be made for the increase in Pittsburg's population during the year, but even then the increase in mortality is most significant The details of the health bill show that diseases of the lungs and respira tory organs were most generally fatal. Other signs are not wanting to convict the execra ble weather of the responsibility for the ex cessive harvest of death at this season. In addition to the present perils of the changeable, rainy and abnormally warm weather, it is idle to overlook the danger which its ctntinuance will entail. The ac tion of prolonged frosts upon decaying veg etable and other matter is one of the safe guards that the Northern winter brings with it. We have had little or no frost this winter; the prospects of freezing weather are extremely dubious now. When spring comes to make its brief stay before summer, there will have, to be done a vast deal of cleaning and disinfecting in this city, or the danger of an epidemic of deadly charac ter will be instant and formidable. It would be delightful if we could clean the weather, bnt we must bear with its desper ate dirtiness patiently, and lake all pre cautions possibly against the prevailing dis eases. A clotjd-bubst in Japan, which drowns a hundred people, is a reproduction, on a re duced scale, of the Johnstown disaster. A year ago such a thing, happening on the other side of the world, coulu hardly have been realized in this country. We bavo learned, however, that such things can have a dreadful reality. Does not the esteemed Philadelphia Prut need to be warned of the virtue of dis cretion when it declares that the phrase that "'Speaker Reed has brought his party to tbe edge of a volcano,' is round and sonorous, but it is full of sound and fury signi fying nothing." This assertion opens up the way for Instruction to tbe Republican organ that the phrase is a quotation from James G. Blaine, and was used with regard to exactly the same action which Speaker Reed has taken. Is it tbe correct thing for a paper to tell tbe states man who has just given its editor a foreign mission, that his words are "full of sound and fury signifying nothing." Still that much desired fire engine test recedes down the dim vista of the distant future. It 1s interesting to find the' esteemed Philadelphia Record in a list purporting to re count the trusts upheld by tbe tariff; including among a number oi contributions which havA no AxfotAnP-A thA finpar Trnst ivMh 1, an unquestioned, existence and which is up. held by a tariff of 85 per cent. This shows tbe error of the HecorO't declaration not long ago that the sugar duties mnst not he repealed, be cause it is a revenue tariff and does not protect anything. We are glad to perceive that our cotemporary is learning the error ot its ways. Niagara is soon to be harnessed to the work of electricity. It is announced. This will, of course, remove all danger from the attempt of cranks to swim that raging stream. As soon as Niagara becomes an electrical motor, any amount ot expert testimony can he produced to show that it is perfectly harmless. It is encouraging to find a Republican organ advising that If tbe majority in tbe House should decline to unseat Democrats in "at least half the cases" they "would gain In public approbation." This Is a good deal like the old colonial magistrate's idea of deciding tbe cases by tbe number of witnesses each side presented. But it affords the hope that in time to come one may recognize tbe principle of de clining to unseat anyone till tbe right of the contestant to the seat is proved. Me. Thomas A. Edison's remark that the existence of an Intelligent creator can "al most be proved by chemistry" has not yet pro duced an exception from Colonel IngersolL Doubtless, however, the pagan orator will at once appeal from chemistry to logic, and decide the matter by his own logic. The pugnacity of the Portuguese people may be measured by the fact that a mob destroyed a circus in Lisbon tbe other night. The mob fury which expends itself upon a cir cus Is not likely to prove very destructive to an iron-clad fleet; but we may believe that if the Portuguese had tackled a fully developed, triple aggregation, four ringed American cir rus, the circus would have captured all Portu gal and made a show of it. The railroad wreck is industrious in this vicinity at present; but, so far, its destructive tendencies have been confined to the smashing of freight cars. The sacrifice of human life will be spared probably till a passenger train is caught In one of the wrecks, and the car stove gets in its deadly work. The ex parte allegations made by tbe appli cants for a receiver In the proceedings con cerning the insolvency of tbe Spaulding Iron Company, are replied to by the answer of the managers of the company, given elsewhere. Of course this reply is an ex parte one also; but the interesting way in which the respondents counter upon the plaintiffs shows that in a matter of that sort there are two sides to the case. The suit which tells of the transactions of two plate glass companies, involving stock transfers of 1,500,000 in par value, and which were worth a premium of 85 per share, gives a very striking evidence of the prosperity of an industry which, only a few years ago, was a new thing in Pittsburg. One of tbe remarkable features of the times is found in tbe fact that while all the papers of every class and stripe in Philadel phia unite in demanding the passage of the terminal and belt line ordinances, tbe Coun cils of that city calmly shelve those public meas ures. It looks as it some power in Philadel phia's government is willing to let the public say what it will so long as it owns the Council men. The news is noted that last week Colonel Fellows, Prosecutine Attorney of New York, joined in a motion tor the dismissal of all the old boodle indictments. Colonel Fellows has a very clear idea of what he is there for. The application of a rural postmaster for a license, wnicn win oe passea upon at too coming license court, calls attention to the very salutary regulation of the United States postal service that the postal business and the liquor business must be kept entirely separate. The postmaster who does not wish to give up hfa postoffice had better restrain his ambition for a liquor license. "The Republican presses still making faces at Cleveland for 1892," remarks the Phila delphia Timet. This is a new and unexpected intimation that the brilliant New York Sun is a Republican paper. Tv nominating so rood a man as Jndce Bailey, and in indorsing two such men as Mor row ana Denniston, me nusourg ueniocracy show that tbey can make the recognition of first class officials rise above partisanship. Tbe meat of the matter lies in the fact that by dis regarding party lines', as concerns the two latter names, they do not weaken , party strength. PEOPLE OP PK0HIKENCE. Prince Henry of Battenberg, husband of Princess Beatrice, who has been absent from England for some time, has started on his re turn yesterday from Malta. , MBS. if Allon is tbe real name of the mys terious New York writer kDown as "Bab." She is tbe widow of an Irishman, was in the South during the war, and still loves the gray" as well as the green. Bismarck in his private capacity carries on the business of distiller, paper maker, and farmer, and has recently added that of brick maker, having established a large brickyard nearLauenberg, where a fine bed of clay exists. William K. Vandebmlt's steam yacht Alva is at Stapleton, where she is awaiting her owner and guests. Mr. Vanderbilt is going on a European crnise, and on tbe yacht there are two Alderney cows which will furnish fresh milk during the trip. , The King's College School Old Boys' Club wrote asking Mr. Gladstone to become an hon orary member, and received a postal card writ ten by him declining the honor. The club promptly put tbe card up at auction and got 6 shillings 3 pence for it. Henrt Irving is considering an offer for a series of Shakespearean recitals with MissTerry at tbe different cities in England during the summer. The scheme is to accompany them with fine music aud make them the greatest en tertainments of the sort ever given. Edward Bellamy did not, like Lord Byron, wake one morning and find himself famous. He worked hard for years with very little recognition, and even after ''Looking Back ward" was published, it was several years be fore it attracted much atteution. Mr. Bel lamy is 42 3 ears old. a lawyer by profession, but devotes more time to literature than to law. He has an office in Springfield, Mass., furnished In the simplest manner, with a table and tno or three chairs, and the floor is liter ally carpeted with manuscripts. George Bakcboft I now 90 years old, with his mind unimpaired. He spends his winters in Washington and his summers in Newport. lie is one of fortune's faVorltes. He was a brilliant boy at school and college; was sent to Germany; studied divinity; preached; wag Greek professor at Harvard; set up the Bound Hill School at Northampton; published some translations from the German; turned poli tician, first a Whig, then went over to tbe Democrats; published at long intervals bis His tory of tbe Untied States: was made Collector of the Port of Boston by President Van Buren, and Secretary of the Navy by President Polk, Minister to England and Germany by Presi dent Grant. AN ICEBLEG OYER A MILE LONG. Smoke Roso From It 60 Thnt It Looked Like a Ship Afire. rSPKCIAI. TZLEOBAU TO THB DI8PATCTT.1 Philadelphia, February 6.-Captain Bocquet, commanding the Atlantic transport steamship Maine, which arrived here yesterday from London and Swansea, reports havine passed a huge iceberg, 1 miles long and 350 feet higb. Tbe sight of such an unusually large berg was at once reported to the hydro graphic office and practical seamen refused to believe that such a monster existed la these latitudes. Captain Bocqnct savs that it was seen jnst five days aco. In latitude 13 19', longi tude 48 61'. The atmospbere was rendered al most unbearably cold in the vicinity, although the sun wasvery high and warm, it heinic nearly noon when it was sighted. "Atman might e to sea for hundreds of years and never behold such a sight as this was," said Captain Bocquet, "When first seen tbe steam was rising from it in such volumes as to make it look like a ship afire. The Milne had the usual experience of Western bound steamships hurricane after hurricane retard ing her speed.'! THE TOPICAL TALKER, A Notable Gallery of Flclnres Exhibited Here Sir. Howells' Opinion of Dili Jewell's Short Stories A Sapor of Ex. nlted Sympathy, 'pus reputation of Pittsburg as an excellent market for fine paintings baa got abroad ex tensively within the past two years; and the re sult has been the bringing here of several admirable collections, as well as some that were but mediocre. Where the paintings shewed conspicuous merit they met with a readv sale. Probably not less than $100,000 to J150.000 has been expended by Pittsburgers at these sales during the period named; and one of tbe re sults is that the forthcoming Art Loan Exhi bition, at tbe opening of the Carnegie Library in Allegheny next week, will show the handi work of the modern masters in such imposing and varied array as must delight art lovers. The statement of these general facts is intro ductory to brief mention of wbatis undoubted ly the most attractive collection of paintings yet brought by any dealer to Pittsburg. It is that of Mr. Bleiraan, which was yesterday opened at Gillespie's gallery on Wood street It differs from the preceding collections in that there is notbingin it which is not admirable. It is a great treat to see the beautiful group or works by modern masters which now brighten the walls of Gillespie's delightful little gallery, though detailed mention must be deferred un til a later issue. A few weeks ago I suggested to the readers of The Dispatch that If they had not al ready made Sarah Orne Jewett's acquaintance as a short story writer, to dp so at once. Her short stories in the Atlantic Monthly were particularly pointed out as undoubted gems. It is rather reassuring to find my suggestion indorsed by such an authority in the field of fiction as William Dean Howells. In the Feb ruary number of Harper's Magazine, Mr. Howells, as the Editor's Study, says: "In a degree we have inherited the vice of over explanatory f ollness from the English, who seem to address their fiction to the aesthetically idiotic; but such a sketch, for instance, as Miss Jewett's 'Going to Shrewsbury,' has the virtue of the best continental work and something more: the humor of the delicious sort of which Americans seem to have tbe spirit." The connection in which Mr. Howells men tions Miss Jewett, would seem to suggest that he considers her the foremost among onr sketch or short story writers, and an equal of the great Frenchman De Maupassant, whose wonderful chain of short stories linked nnder the title nf "The Odd Number." has been the most striking book of the Christmas flood. VX'hen this winter shall bave dragged its slow dismal length out of sight, it will be f onnd that death has been especially active among the socially prominent during the season. Mourning has never, in my recollection, been so generally worn in time of peace and when no deadly epidemic raged as It is now. A writer in the New i"ork Sun testifies to the same phenomenon there. He says: "The severe mortality of tbe past six weeks is beginning to be shown by tbe unusually large number of mourners who go about tbe streets. On every side, in car or boat, walking and riding; are to be met women whose fresh and densely somber garments proclaim their recent bereavements. In a car on an elevated train the other day, out of eleven women seven were noticed thus at tired, a proportion also encountered elsewhere. 'The scrap of reminiscence related by Joe Jefferson in this column the other day sug gests an anecdote which an old actor told mo the other day. Here is the story In the actor's words; "That story of Mr. Jefferson's reminds me of one the late John McCnlloneh told me while I was in McVicker's Theater at Chicago. It was to this effect: While he (McCullough) was playing 'Vlrglnius' in St. Louis, a lot of supers were talking together between the acts of Edwin Forrest's death, when a raw-boned, lanky Roman, about six feet higb, whose tights fitted him all over and touched him nowhere, broke in on the conversation, and exclaimed: What! Is Ned Forrest deadr Then drop- I ping his spear and putting bis hand to his fore head, said: 'Great heavens, there's another one of us gone.1-" ALWAYS IN THIS LEAD. The Dispatch n Newspaper That Completely Fills tbe Bill. From the Bedford Inquirer.i The Pittsburg Dispatch is a wonderful newspaper. Its Sunday edition has attained a bona fide circulation of over 50,000. With the new year comes new features. The daily issue of The Dispatch, which has ever mantained tbe lead, will continue to offer tbe best things going in the news line. Its reliable market re ports, vast newsgettlng machinery (Including leased wires to all the principal points, with bureaus in the chief cities), and its earn est progressive and independent policy have earned for it a national reputation and made it a household word in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. With the new year tbe already large facilities enjoyed by The Dispatch for producing a progressive nineteenth century newspaper will be added to. Ho Didn't Pall. From the Detroit Free Press. The Denver dentist who advertised "Teeth Pnlled Without Pain" refused to pull a tooth for a young man who entered bis office tbe other day and said it he was hnrt he'd slam bang six bullets into the dentist He ex plained that "Without Pain" meant that a man might live through it DEATHS OP A DAY. Mrs. Annie E. Kerr. Mrs. Annie is. Kerr, widow of the late Kev. David K. Kerr, D. D , formerly editor of tbe United Presbyterian, died at Green Cove Springs, Flo., on Tuesday, aged 68 years. She bad been in tfac South since tbe middle of December. In company with her son, W. N. Kerr, of Murdock, Kerr & Co., of this city, who went to Florida for mi neaitn. jurs. jierr was ine a&ugmer or Judge Warden, well known in the Pittsburg of early days, and was also a filter of William Warden, of the Standard Oil Companr. She was well known as an active worker In church and charltv circles, and her associates will feel her lots keenly. P. F. Clnrkn. P. T. Clarke, me of the oldest citizens of Alle gheny City, died yesterday at his home. No. 82 itoblnson street. He had been in good health all bis life, and on Saturday was taken ill. His con dition grew worse and worse until yesterday morning, whenjie expired. Mr. ciarke was 72 years of age, and for 27 years he bad been a trusted employe ofGrogan & Alertz, manufacturing Jewelers. He was an intimate friend of Kev. Father Molllngcr, ofTroy Hill, and was a prominent member of St. Peter's Fro Catbcdral. He has resided lu Allegheny Tor the past 40 years. Mrs. Jane Walker. The death or Mrs. Jane Walker is announced, having taken place yesterday at the home of her son, Alexander Walker. No. 72 Craig street, Alle gheny. Mrs. Walker was 81 years of age at the time of her death and was the mother or 7 chil dren and had 3 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was born near Belfast County Down,-lreland. Shecanie to this conntryin 1869 and bad always enjoyed good health. Rev. J. Cassldr. JACKSONVILLE, III., February 5. At a late hour last night the Bev. Father J. Cassldy. an eloquent and noted Cathollo priest died at his home at Mlrrayvllle. south of this city. He was very popular In his church and among his people. His pareuts live In Albany, N.Y., and ho was burled there. Wllllnm fill!. BLOOMINOTON, ILL., February 5.- William Hill, an old and prominent citizen, died, aged el. In 1838 be established Bloomlngton'sftrsl newspaper, the Observer, wnicn jaier wcuaii bus raniagrapti. From 1819 to 1852 be owned the Jtlttouri Democrat, at St. Louis, belore it was merced with the (J lobe. Mrs. Elizabeth Lindsay, Mrs. Elizabeth Lindsay, mother of K. H. Lind say, of the City Assessor's office, died yesterday, aged 61ve.srs. She was the widow of James Lind say, formerly Alderman of the Seventh ward. Miss Mamie Llndsav, of the County Commission ers' office, Is sluo a daughter uf the deceased. Cbnrles II. Johnston. LIMA. O., .February S -Kev. Charles H. John ston died to-day of pneumonia brought on by la grippe. He was a son of Kev. T. P. Johnston, of this place, and fora year past has been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. He leaves a wife and one child. R. c. BlcClore. GBEESVTLLK, February 5.-K. C. McClure, ex Bherlff of Mercer county, died to-day, aged si yaars. Ills funeral will be conducted by the G. A. It. Post of which he was a prominent mem ber. Admiral Qnackcubnih. Washington, February 5. -Bear Aamlral. Btcphen O. Quackenbuih, Uulted States Navy (re- xirea). aicuiastniKu.ubuiv resilience, on coium. 4.6U read, near this city, aged 67, TilE DAI IN'THE SENATE. Senator Sherman Reports a Joint Resolu tlon of Congratulation to Brazil. Washington, February 6. The Senate to day took up the bill to provide a temporary government for the territory of Oklahoma. The Clerk- commenced to read the bill, but had not completed the reading, when, at 2 o'clock the bill to aid in the establishment and tem porary support of common schools was taken up as the unfinished business, and Mr. Blair proceeded to address tbe Senate in advocacy of it. After speaking a few minutes. Mr. Blair temporarily yielded the floor to Mr. Sherman, who, from tbe Committee on Foreign Rela tions, reported tbe following joint resolution, which was placed on the calendar. "Joint resolution congratulating the people of the United States of Brazil on their adop tion of a Bepublican form of government. "Resolved, That the United States of America congratulates the people of Brazil on their just and peaceful assumption or tbe powers, duties and responsibilities of self-government, based upon tbe free consent of the governed, and on their recent adoption of a Bepublican form of government" This joint resolution is reported as a sub stitute for that Mr. Morgan introduced. It omits words "expressed In their repudiation of monarchy rule," and also omits several para graphs declaring the recognition of the United States of Brazil as a lawful and rightful govern ment, and directing tbe President to require tbe people and officers of the United States to recognize tbe flag of United States of Brazil, as tbe flag of a free, sovereign and independent State. Mr. Blair then resumed his argument He declared that the constitutionality of tbe bill was beyond question, and spoke some length in support of his favorite measure. After an executive session Senate adjourned, XATUEAL GAS ALL EIGHT. Mr. fllcGInloy Telia New Yorker That Our Fael'l Not Giving Oat. - From the New York Btar.l John R. McGinley, who has been one of George Westinghouse's most active agents In developing tbe natutal gas industry of Penn sylvania as secretary of the biggest natural gas corporation in any field, sized up the question of failure to me in this way: "Every day," be said to me in a conversation at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, HI have people ask ing if our gas isn't 'playing out' Natural gas Is giving out just the same as coal and petro leum are giving ont Coal men dig all the coal out of a mine and sell it Then they open up a new mine, and keep up the supply from that until in time that is exhausted. Wo do tbe same thing in selling natural gas. We put down wells and pipe the gas to market from a field. In a few years we may exhaust or par tially exhaust our supply. That simply means the tapping of another gas reservoir in another field. It may be in anotner direction or it may be further on. Undoubtedly, if enough gas is used, in time the fields will be exhausted, and tbe same thing must happen to the coal and petroleum deposits, and for the present at least the danger from one is about as great as the danger from the other. Down in Pittsburg we have gotten over gas famine scares when a well Btops or grows weak, but the Eastern papers have an occasional spasm over the fail ure of natural gas in Western Pennsylvania. If anyone thinks there is a failure let htm visit tbe manufacturing towns in the gas belt" SAMOA STILL NOT SETTLED. Tbe Ratification ot tbe Treaty Does Not End the Trouble. Washtnoton, Februarys. In the executive session of the Senate this afternoon the mat ter of Samoan treaty came up again. Mr. Edmunds introduced a resolution yesterday formally declaring it to be the understanding of the Senate that the rights of the United States to the harbor of Pago Pago ceded by Samoa in the treaty of 1878 were not disturbed by the Berlin treaty of 18S9. This resolution was discussed for an hour or more this after noon, friends of the treaty arguing that it was unnecessary, and that Its passage would serve only to complicate matters. The vote on a motion to lay the resolution on tbe table disclosed the lacHhat no quorum was present, and the Benate then adjourned. There was a large majority in favor of laying tbe resolution on the table. A motion maue yesterday to reconsider the vote by which the treaty was ratified was not acted upon. DETAINED BY THE TRAGEDY. Tbo Ilnrrlson Were to Have Attended n , Wcddlns at Harrlsbarg. 'tSI'ECTAL.TECKOttAM TO, TJW DISTATCH.I Hakbisburg, February 5, Walter James Bradshaw, of Helena, Mont, and Miss Eliza beth Beily were married in the Market Square Presbyterian Church this evening by Bev. George B. Stewart the pator, in the presence of a brilliant assemblage. But for the terrible misfortune which befell Secretary Tracy and family. President and Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Mc Kee and Mr. and Mrs. Russell B. Harrison, who were Intimate friends of the Bradshaws, of Indianapolis, ftould havo witnessed the mar riage ceremony. Miss Reily assisted Mrs. Harrison in several social entertainments at Indianapolis last winter. EAES1S0N MAI BE THERE. Genera! Hartranft'a Old Army Carps Will Bold n Reunion Mnrch 25. rSFECIAL TXLEOBAM TO THE DISPATCH.! HabbisbubO, February' The Executive Committee of the division of the Ninth Army Corps, commanded by tbe late General Hart ranft has made further arrangements for the reunion on March 25 of the survivors, by secur ing the halls of tbe Senate and House. Tbe event will commemorate the anniversary of the battle of Fort Steadman. General Parke, who commanded the Ninth Corps, Governor Curtln and other distin guished persons will be present The attend ance of President Harrison is among the proba bilities. Politics ot tbs Stnte Capita!. . (SPECIAL TELBGKAM TO THE DI3PATUU.1 Habbisbubo, February 5. The Dauphin County Democratic Committee to-day elected Naudaln Hamilton. President pf Common Council of this city, chairman in place of Wal lace DeWitt, who declined to serve any longer. County Commissioner George W. Cunkle and H. Wells Buser, until recently postmaster at Hummelstown, were elected Secretaries and Select Councilman W. L. Gorges was chosen Treasurer. Better Than Balldozlns. From the Philadelphia Ledger. England has a pretty good case as against Portugal in claims upon African territory, and the news that the Government is willing to sub mit its case to tbe arbitration ot the powers of Europe is, therefore, probably true. It would be a much more grace! nl way to obtain control of the desirable parts of East Africa by com mon consent than by "bulldozing" such an in ferior power as Portugal, In Favor of Pnbuldioi. Washington, February 5. Ex-Representative Felton, of California, to-day made an argument before the House Committee on tbe Merchant Marine and the Fisheries in behalf of the hill granting subsidies to American vessels engaged in the foreign trade. Mr. Felton represented tho San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and his argument was an in dorsement of theEarquhar bill. PLAYS AND PLAIEK8. The brightness and freshness of tho ever green "Ermlnle," as the Aronson company played it twice yesterday, are really remarka ble. It was beautifully costumed and set, of course, and the company appear to great ad vantage in every part Miss Pauline Hall has always been a charming Erminie, and Miss Georgie Dennin is only unfortunate in having so few opportunities. But James T. Powers desems unusual credit for the new touches of humor that he puts in the laughable character of CddeatU he kept the audience laughing from start to finish, being well aided by Mr. Stovens as JRavennes, and Miss Eva Davenport as Prtneku de Oramponeur. ."Erminie" is an opera where the chorus can shine, and it did yesterday in all tbe ensembles. "Hkld bt ins Enemt," which Is to be pre sented at tbe Bijou next week, has a reputa tion almost world wide. This is both because of its genuine merit and because it is tbe first play written on the late war, wherein tbe con flicting interests between the North and South bave been ingeniously interwoven as not to give offense to tbe sympathizers of either cause. Tbe play abounds in exciting situations and a genuino battle scene with galloping horses; but these are happily relieved by delicate touches i of the most exqulsito comedy. Tbe company presenting the piece 4s spoken of everywhere in the highest terms, so an excellent entertain ment .is an assured fact The sale of setts A,opens this morning THE TRACY OBSEQUIES, - A Solemn Scene la the Parlors of tbe While Homo The Secretary Not In a Condition 10 Go Co the Cemetery. 'J'HE beautiful, historic East Room at the Ex ecutive Mansion, the scene of so many varied spectacles of brilliant social gayety. was to-day devoted to tbe sadly-contrasted and solemnly-Impressive purpose of a funeral. Very seldom has any similar scene been witnessed at tbe White House, and never since 1865, when the remains of the lamented Lincoln reposed amid tbe same surroundings. The services over the remains of the wife and daughter of tbe Secretary of the Navy were appointed for U o'clock, but long before that hour tbe East Room was crowded with people, desirous of paving the last tribute to' their departed friends. It was a most distinguished gather ing, and included a large number of the promi nent people in Washington. Arrangements had been made for seating 350 persons, but over 00 managed to gam an entrance. All the door ways leading to tbe East Room were also thronged with people, and it is estimated that there were nearly 1,000 persons in ana about tbo house. As far as possible admission was confined trt uiojjciauiuisuu uiiicuiuienus ui ocuc- tary Tracy and his family, and consequently very few strangers were present A great crowd gathered ontslde, however, and watched the carriages as they drove into the grounds. It was found necessary to station policemen at the gates to keep out the crowd. Tbe caskets containing the dead were placed side by side under the central chandelier and directly oppo site the main corridor. They were distinguish able only by the greater size of the one contain ing the body of Mrs. Tracy. A large sage palm, with Graceful spreading branches, was placed between them at the foot The somber drap ings of the caskets were almost entirely con cealed by beautiful designs of emblematic flowers, white roses, camellias, hyacinths, lilies of the valley, etc. Garlands and wreaths were also banked against the sides of each casket These floral tributes were sent by Secretary and Mrs. Blaine, the German Minister, Senator Stanford, Senator Hale, Vice President and Mrs. Morton, Secretary and Mrs. Windom. Mr. James C. Bergen, Mr. Tobn R. McCne, Admiral Porter, Mrs. John Lee Carroll, Mrs. H. G. White, the British Minister, Prepresentative Hltt, Judge Bancroft Davis, Paymaster Gen eral Fnlton. U. S. N.. Renresentative Lodge and Mr. Henry W. Raymond. One particularly beautiful wreath was placed on Miss Tracy's casket by her younj; friends. Misses Proctor, Miller, Wanamaker, Rusk aud the Misses Win dom. HPhb seats were arranged on three sides of a square, the open space beine used for the entrance of the mourners and the Presldental party, who were assigned seats fronting tbe caskets. The Vice President and Mrs. Morton, who were among tbe earliest arrivals, were seated opposite. Near by were seated tbe British Minister and family; the German Min ister, the Chinese and Corean Legations, the Brazilian Minister and many other mem bers of the Diplomatic Corps. Army aud naval officers were present in great numbers and nearly all were In mil uniform. Shortly before II o'clock, the Schubert Quartet stationed jnst within the entrance to the East Room from the main corridor, sang the hymn, "I Cannot Al ways Trace the Way." Tbe members of the Cabinet, with the exception of Secretary Blaine, acting as pall bearers, soon after entered and took seats at the risrht of the caskets. They were soon followed by tbe funeral pro cession. Secretary Tracy and bis son Frank walking arm in arm at tbe bead. They were followed by General S. Catlin. Mr. A. B. Cat lin, Mr. Robert Graves and daughter and other relatives. A short space behind them came President and Mrs. Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. McKee, Secretary and Mrs. Blaine, Rev. Dr. Scott tbe President's father-in-law; Mr. H. B. Raymond and Lieutenant Mason and Mr. E. H. Halford. As soon as the Presidental party were seated tbe choir of St John's Episcopal Church, consisting of 16 white-surpliced boys and four men, under the direction of Mr. William H. Daniel, the precentor, entered tbe main corridor from tbe far end, and as they passed along its length, with slow and measured step, sang tbe hymn "Lead, Kindly Light" Rev. Dr. George William Douglass, rector of St John's Protest ant Episcopal Church, and Rev. George Elliott pastor of the Foundry Methodist Episcopal Churcb, entered at the rear of the choir aud took their places near the caskets. Dr. Dong lass immediately began the Episcopal burial service, "I am the Resurrection and the Lite." At Its conclusion the choir sung the hymn, "Jesus, Lover of my SouL" The Scripture lesson was read bv Mr. Elliot It began at the twentieth verse of tbe fifteenth chapter of First Corinthians, "But now is Christ risen from the dead and become tbe first fruits of them that slept. Fof since by man came death, bv man came also tbe resurrection of the dead." The choir then sang, "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me." A prayer, read by Dr. Douglass, concluded the services. The President with Secretary Tracy on his arm. first passed nut of the room, aud next to them came Mr. Frank Tracy, the son. who was so overcome with grief that he had to be supported by two of tbo ushers. Following the procession came the choir singing as a re cessional hymn, "Abide with me, fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens. Lord with me abide." Cecketary Tracy did not go to tbe ceme tery, as it was feared tbe task might prove too much for bis strength. The President oc cupied a carriage with Mr. Frank Tracy. A long line of carriages, coptaining nearly all of those who attended the services at tho White House, followed the remains to the cemetery. The procession moved all tbe way to tbe ceme tery in a double line. As it entered tbe gate aud drove slowly along tho drives over shadowed with banging pine branches there were crowds of spectators on either side of the road. The course wis directly toward tbe public vault and here the long line halted as the two hearses stopped before the open vault Tho sailors stepped forward at the word from their commanding officer, and took the two caskets forth and laid them carefully down upon stands placed beside the door of the vault Mr. Frank Tracy, leaning on tbe arm ot tbe President stood beside tho body-of his sister. He was deeply moved. Mrs. Harrison stood directly behind them, and in the small circle that stood near were several relatives and friends of the family. Secretaries Windom, Noble and Rusk also left their carriages to join the group, but almost everyone else remained seated in their carriages while tbe services, whlcb were very brief, were in progress. After the services for the dead bad been read the bodies were laid away in tbe vault, which was almost filled with flowers. Wyoming: Wants to Be Admitted. Washington, Feornary 5. Delegate Car ney, of Wyoming, made an earnest argument before the Houso Committee on Territories to day, in support of tbe bill for tne admission of the Territory of Wyoming as a State. From nn Unexpected Source. From tbe Boston Herald, j The venerable Grand Duke Nicholas says there is to bo no war in Europe for a long time to come. This is unexpected news to get from Old Nick. The Plntncd Knlgbi Eclipsed. From tbe Philadelphia Times.: Speaker Reed proposes to be the man from Maine after this. The white plume will simply be counted to make a quorum. THINK NOT. Think not that every wind which blows An omen brings to you; Each fleeting cloud to be replaced By one of darker hue. Think not that every wave tbat rolls A tidal wave will be. To bearawar all in its course Fulfilling destiny. .. Think not the sunshine's brightest beam Obliquely across your way, That they may make more bounteous Another's brilliant day. Think not if feet should stray aside In paths not wont to roam. That ne'er again they should frequent The purer haunts of home. Think not tf band by anger driven A cruel blow sboald deal. However tender they become Tbe breach can never heal. Think not if lips unguardedly False words address to yon, That doubts must ever linger near. When every word bo true. Think not that hearts have all grown cold, If you cannot discern The blood whlcb pulsates to and fro. And love which brightly burn. Think not this life is bnt a dream Which soon will flee away. And find within this world a tomb Forever and for aye. -(laa ?(( YftWn in Atlanta Constitution, --" OUIi MAILfOUCfl, Braddock School Directors. To the KdltoroIThe Dispatch: Several communications have appeared re cently anent tho public scbool question and xne election 01 school directors for Braddock. Thepublio school question is one in which all well-meaninc citizens are alike interested. Thereupon let us put away all selfish, jealous and narrow-minded denominational feeling. Let us first inquire If candidates for School Directors are competent able and enthusiastic supporters and believers in our public school system, and then, if it Incidentally happens that they are Methodists, Catholics or Presby terians in religious belief, give them credit for their honest convictions and extend to them as citizens that charity and right guaranteed to all by the Constitution. The doors of our public schools, not only In Braddock, bnt throughout the laud, stand wide open for the education, not only of all Chris tendom but all heathendom who may see fit to come In. Let ns elect to the office of Bchool Director only snen men as are Interested in universal education. Let our first question be. Is the candidate a tit and proper man or woman for the office? Not what denomination or church does he belong to. Let us be sure be fs a man of broad and charitable views and a be liever in tbe system, not a narrow-minded bigot Let him be a man tbat will be a help to the School Board and the schools and not a hindrance or figure head. Let him be a man whom tbe citizens of his ward want for tbe place. Let tho candidate be such a man, and when elected, either in Braddock or elsewhere, tbe people who eleet him or any snch man, will always be proud of their choice and the public schools will have most able guardians. OB3EEVEB. Beaddock, February 6. A Qnnllon of Law. To the Editor of TbeDlspatch: Would you kindly inform me through the columns of your valuable paper whether or not a "judge of elections," having become ineligi ble to serve on account of a nomination to a city office, has the right to appoint his succes sor, or whether tbe duty devolves upon the "majority Inspectorf" My Interpretation of "Purdon's Digest" is that the latter does the appointing. Am I right or WTongT D. H. WiEaMAifir. Pittsbubo, February 4. Engineer's Bdacalloiu. To the Editor of The Dispatch. What scholarship is required of a railroad engineer, or fireman, it any, and what part of arltbmeticT READER. Braddock, February 6. Ability to read, writer and tell tbe time of day is requisite. Candidates don't have to un dergo any very severe examination, so far as education Is concerned J. His RenilmenU, Too. To the Editor of The Dispatch:! Allow me to thank you for your editorial In tbe Sunday edition. It expresses my views ex actly. Mr. Reed may be violently partisan In his rulings; he may be manifestly unfair and prejudiced, but no one can say of him that he is a "Reed shaken by tbe wind." G. T. C. Emlknton, Februarys. Enatern Standard, 75tb. To the Editor of The Dispatch: Is the "Standard time" sent from Washing ington over the wires at high noon, calculated on the seventy-seventh or the sevenry-fittn meridian from Greenwich? J. H. S. Caxtox, O., February 5. A Cnpltnl Is the Usual Style. To the Editor of The Dhmaten: Which is correct in writing a check for one hundred and twenty-five dollars, to use a capi tal or a small h in hundred? Axleoheitt, February 5. TO EEGDLATB THE TELEGRAPH. A Senate BUI Giving the Inter-State Com merce Commission Control. Washin gtoit, February 5. Senator Cullom to-day reported favorably from the Committee on Commerce, Senator Spooner's bill to regu late inter-State commerce as carried on by tele graph companies. The bill provides that it shall be unlawful to make unreasonable charges for the service, to give any unreasonable preference or advantage to any person or firm: to enter into any pool for tbe division of re ceipts; to give any rebate or reduction in price to any person, firm or corporation not given to other. It is further provided that every tele graph company shall publish its rules from time to time to the commission hereinafter named, and shall file with said commission a schedule of rates.- Failure to perform any of the requirements of the act makes the com pany liable to tbe person injured thereby for tbe full amount of damages sustained, together with costs and attorney's fee. Persons claiming to be damaged may make complaint to the commission hereinafter pro vided for. or may sue in tbe United States Court Any officer of a telegraph company violating tne provisions of the act or who will ingly Buffers or permits any violation sbaU be decided guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon con viction in a District Court of tbe United States be subject to a "fine not exceeding 15,000 for each ottense. Tbe Inter-State Commerce Com mission, created by tbe act of February 4, 18S7, is given jurisdiction over telegraph companies aud the business transacted thereby, and au thorized to enforce the provisions of the act SOCIAL CHATTUB. A Number of Pleasant EntertalnmonU Yes terday, and More Coming;. Mr. G. Blair Painter dispensed hospitality to eight friends In the ladies' restaurant of tbe Duquesne Club bouse yesterday. A delightful luncheon was served and enjoyed. A musical will be given this evening at the KnoxviUaM. E. Church by the pupils of the Curry Conservatory under the management of Prof. Simon Bissell. Mrs. Alice McCollough, of this city, and Miss Stella Duffy, of the East End, are spending a lew weeks in Washington, D. C. A comclimcntary entertainment under tbe order of the Golden Cham was given last even ing at Old City Hall. Mrs. Harry C. Mllholland, of College avenue. East End, will entertain tho Warerly Euchre Club this evening. Colonel A. 9. Morgan and Mrs. Morgan, as sisted by tbe Misses Morgan, will receive friends to-nigbt Oar First Judge' Flctarr. A handsomo portrait of Hon. William Wal lace, Allegheny county's first Judge, was hung in tbe law library yesterday. He occupied tbe bench from October 8, 1788. nntll August 17, 1731. The picture is the gift of George Wal lace, Bellzhoover. a grandson of the Judge. So We Hnvi Heard. From the lew York World. The people of New Tork want the World's FaIrinlS92. WHAT EDIIOUS WHITE ABOUT. PnTLADELPniA Pro: Talk is cheap. That is why tbo Democratic obstructionists in Con gress are treating themselves so lavishly. New York ForW: The Republicans of the House have seated one contestant after a two months' wrangle. At this rate bow long will it take them to muster in their remaining scat beggars? St. Louis Pott-Dispatch: Panio is as de structive of life as fire or flood. If Mrs. Tracy bad waited a few seconds her life would have been saved by tbe firemen. The prime condi tion of self-preservation in danger is presence of mind. PniLADBLPniA Record: The vote in the New York Presoytery was two to one in favor of a revision of the Confession of Faith. The tendency of this great church is unmistakably -oward a softening of tbe rigidity or Its creed. Possibly the movement may end in a new schism. New York Telegram The Pullman car porters are organizing to secure relief from the deductions made from tbeir salaries for loss of linen and other articles. Tbe general Impres sion of the travelinc public is tbat tbe Com bination might easily solve the difficulty by buying out tbe company. New York Tribune: The first notable diplo matic triumph of tbe Harrison administration has been consummated. The Samoan treaty negotiated at Berlin last snmmer by representa tives of GreatBrltain, Germany and the United States was ratified by the Senate yesterday with only 12 dissenting votes. Philadelphia Ledger: Governor Camp-j bell. 01 unto, is a uotioiy fortunate politician. He has a clean record, and has been accused of being corruptionlst Any politician may have a clean record, but be never Jets a chance to prove it nntil he is denounced as a thief, for with p61itlcian the ordinary rale ot law that every man -is innocent until ho is proved guilty is reversed. CUB10DS COHHEHSAT105S. Milk from a cow which had been bitten by a mad dog is supposed to bave poisoned a whole family near Malta Bend, Mo and it Is thought tbey will all die. Farmer Becker, of Coolbaugh, Luzerne county, found a SOO-pound bear nnder his hay stack a few days ago. He and his son, a strap ping young fellow of 22, bad a tussle with itand after a hard fight they killed it At Coto Sonant, on tbe Guadalquivir, Spain, a party of ten with guns, in 11 days, shot 15 stags. 3 wild pigs, 3 foxe. 217 wild ceese.713 wild ducks. 402 snipe, 161 partridge, 38 rabbit', 7 hare, 8 quail, 15 woodcock and 5 bittern. To tal, 1,6& head. Bears apd wolves have become such' a nuisance this winter in the Department of Orel, in Russia, that tbe military have been asked to turn in and help bunt them. Tbey have invaded tbe farms almost nightly and carried of cattle from the barns. A. dog belonging to Harvey Skean, of Pottstown, pays regular visits, almost daily, to the graves of the three little children of his owner, interred at Pottstown Cemetery, and scratches upon the graves. He and tbe children were playmates. A French woman has got up a public contest the proceeds of which are to be de voted to the relief of the sufferers) from the Antwerp fire, in which the prize Is to be awarded to tbe woman who speaks tbe most words in an hour. lime. Olympe Andouard, a famous French champion of woman's rights, has just died at Nice. She was 59 years old, and had been married early In life to a Marseilles notary, from whom she separated after a few months, and spent some time In travelingabout Europe. Alterward she wrote a book and started a re view, which became so lively that the Imperial Government interfered with a prohibition of any political writing In it She then came to America and was somewbat conspicuous here, delivered lectures, and wrote a book on Utah and the Mormons. After her return to Franca she adopted spiritualism as a bobby. The new English composite gun vessel Thrush left Sbeerness on Saturday for tbe offi cial trials of her machinery in the North Sea. The trial was of eight hours' duration, and was of a most satisfactory character, there being a total absence of hot engine bearings or prim ing of the boilers. The engines developed 604.5 horse power, which was 81.5 horse power more than contracted for. Tbe Sparrow, sister ship to the Thrush, also underwent her natural draught trial in the North Sea. with equally successful results. With a mean of 121 pounus of steam, the engines worked 157.7 revolutions per minute, and developed 803.9 horse power. A statne commemorating a touching lit tle episode in the life of the late German Em peror, Frederick, is about to be erected at Kaiserslauten. When Frederick was Crown Prince be visited one of the orphan asylums of that town. Among the children was a sickly and sad-faced little boy. Frederick noticed bim, took him in bis arms and thereupon agreed to become bis godfather. Ihe child, to whom a caress was a stranger, appeared somewhat frightened at first, but soon got over bis diffi culty and began to play with the Prince's med als and decorations. The statue in question will represent the Prince with a baby In his arms, and the youngster tugging at his cor dons and crosses. The Pennsylvania Railroad Company's officials bave in contemplation the erection of an Interesting monument near Bordentown, N. J., to designate the location of the first mile of railroad laid in New Jersey. A portion of the monument will be made of the original spikes and plates of the first section of the road, which bave been carefully preserved for th'ji purpose. Tbe section of tbe railroad men tioned belonged to tba old Camden and Amboy Railroad, and is now operated by the Pennsyl vania Railroad Company. Isaac Dripp the engineer who ran tbe first train over this road, is still living, bale and bearty, and is enthusi astic over the proposed monument Mr. Dripps recently visited this place to point ont the exact spot where the road was commenced. A rat plague in the fen district of Lin colnshire causes mucn uneasiness among tbe farmers. Enormous destruction has been wrought in all directions. The runs in the stacks are as large as rabbit burrows, and in many Instances half the produce of some crops has been destroyed. The woodwork of the buildings has been gnawed through, wbile the boles in tbe dram banks are so numer ous as to form a vast honeycomb. The potato and mangold pits have been attacked, and the young plants In the fields, such as wheat and beans, are seriously eaten away. Many at tempts bave been made to check the ravages, and, although a very large numDer of rats bave been killed, they appear almost as numerous as ever. A Police Inspector named 3Ienne has just been tried in Paris for obtaining money under false pretences; His principal - victims were people seeking divorces. To tbe husbands he said that he was watching their wives, while he invariably warned tbe women of the pro ceedings which were about to be instituted against them. His dealings With a certain tradesman led to bis arrest. This victim was about to embark In a political career, and, hav ing had certain little financial delinquencies marked down against him, Meune promised to make matters square for him at the Prefecture of Police. For these good offices the trades man paid 20, but to his horror, be found tbat instead of being "whitewashed." the newspa pers opposed to him in polities were publishing catalogues of bis commercial crimes. He ac cordingly bad the fraudulent inspector ar rested. Meune was condemned to three years' imprisonment The postmaster at Bnndels, Pa., a new man, has been boycotted. When the old post master was ousted three-fourths of the patrons of the office gave an order' on the new post master to deliver their mall to a son of the old postmaster, who took it to his father's store, where it was distributed in the old postoffice boxes and then delivered. These proceedings did not hurt tbe finances of the new postmaster and saved bim considerable trouble, but as his compensation is based on tbe number of stamps cancelled, tbe boycott was extended to outgoing mall, which was accepted at the old store and delivered to tbe mail carrier, who mailed it at the nearest office on his route. Last week a postoffice inspector spent a night at Rnndels and read a little law to the boy cotters, and notified the mail carrier that he must not receive mail from persons along bis route, but the boycott is still on. The revenues ot the boycotted office were reduced to less than 4 for the past quarter, allowing the sum ot about 4 cents a aay jor compensation. A new fiber plant has been discovered on the Isle of Trinidad which promises to be an improvement on ramie. It was found by an agriculturist named T. J. St Hill, who has called it "maboltine," but whose scientific nomenclature is Abutilon perlploclfolium. Tbe great thing with this plant is that tho ribbons at nearly all times of the year are easily de tached from tbe wooden portion by simply stripping them with the. hand, aud therefore a decorticating machine is not required as for ramie. When it is known how readily the steins allow themselves to be deprived of their coating of bark and fiber It will be seen what an advantage this -simple fact gives tbe new product over many of the fiber producing plants. All that is required is to cut the stems, whlcb are fully ten feet long, spilt the bark at tbe larger end and strip off the bark from end to end without stopping, as fortunately tbe stems hsvo no side branches. Samples submitted to London brokers were favorablr reported on and were valued at from 17 to 20 per ton. THE BEST THAT'S GOING. The peal ot a banana has a falling inflec tion. louter Gazette, There's no soft-fist-ry about John L. Salli- van. Washington Star. All that the Presbyterian liberals want Is a fair "election." Sioux City Journal. A pin may lose it3 head, bat it never gets stuck on Itself. Sew Orleans Picayune. As soon as its bacillus was discovered "Ian gvinpe" went out of business. Hlngbamton Bt publican. 4 The Plattrlotlo sentiment of New York is against a World's Fair anywhere in thatbtate. f Washington Star. & Landlords dislike to rent their houses tof chess flayers. It takes them so long to move. Hochtttcr PotUExprets. And So They Were Married. "Hen- rlctta, will you marry met" 'I will knot" Sew fork Sun. Woman's Love. Ardent Suitor Do you love me, darling? Modern Glrl-l don't know. How much are yon. , worth? Sommille Journal, "What are the probabilities for February General Grcely?" " We shall have no February thaw this year." , -upon i --v-rcCc-s iFiiiAaa. la nATni n tr is iiixn. aicu AUi a uun. - "Oh. doctor " exclaimed the? weenins; wife, "must yoc give my hosbandupf CsnHioC do something more for him, doctor, bef&rejyont go?" " "Yes, madam,11 saw " uucmr, grimly, "l can make out my bin." Somerville Journal. "I see," said Mrs. Henpeck. "that the new Brazilian Government has established civil nwlages." , "Well, I wish you'd go down, there and learn something about them. I'm gettln' mighty tired of tola uncivil affair ot oun,"-iipa Xnk Sun, I " 1 m .,
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers