fit f' - t SECOND PART. UMBREL LA INSURERS A Patent Upon Handles That TMeyes Vould Discard. NEW IDEAS FOR UNCLE SAM Splendid Water-Shed Handles Ben and Other Notables. for BLAINE, EEED AND IKGALLS IN IT C0BES6POSDKSCE OF THE DI6PATCII. Washen-gtoit, Feb ruary 7. A tail, spare old gentleman has been seen during die past few stormy days in the gallery of the House and strolling up and down the corridors, al ways carrying an um brella, no matter whether General Greely's wea ther was fair or foal. Save that his hair and aide - whiskers were snow-white he looks very much like Rev. T. DeWitt Tal mage. His um brella is, how ever, more no ticeable and noteworthy than himself. As he swings it idly in his long, bony hand, or leans upon it while Gen. Harrison's Utnbrtlla. sitting in the gallery, looking down on the frenzied ecene below, it attracts attention. It is of silver, but its shape is its peculiarity; that is neither round nor square, convex nor concave not like pear, prism, pillar or pot hooks. You have to get acquainted with the old man himself to get any idea of it. That is not a hard matter, for be has got a patent on that queer shaped handle, and inventors usually talk at a dog-trot. Colonel Sellers' investments are trifles compared wilh what our old friend of the umbrella expects to result from his dis covery. Asking him to ex plain it, he said: "This is what we might call an autograph handle. Ton see it fits my hand per ClarksorCx Cleaver. fectly. Thumb, palm, joints-all are pre cisely anticipated m its lorm. "Now, if you take hold of it you will see that it will not fit your hand at all." The experiment was tried witn just the re sult the old gentle man predicted. At felt like wearing a ' coat two sizes too big, or puttine a No. 9 hat on a No. 6 bead. "It is a prime fact," re sumed the enthusiastic old inventor, "that no two people in all the hun dreds of millions on this footstool have hands alike. The police of Paris many years ago seized on this great fact and made use ol it in describing criminals. Every rogue who falls into their clutches is com pelled to make an im pression of his rightthumb in plaster and this imprint is preserved; with a de scription ol his hair, eyes, .person and various pecu liarities. "Now, I have discov- A Practical Idea. ered an application of this differ ence in hands to a great practi cal neeo. xnere are half a million umbrel las stolen every year. .The United States im- lnorts eight million Jevcrv vear.and as many more are made in this country. Anything that will save your um brella from thieves cer tainly ought to be wel come, ah mere is oi ,it is this: You make impression in any kind ot plas ter or wax the latter is better that impression is electroplated and the elec tro plate shell of cop per or silver is filled with lead or some lighter com- k position and 2' astened on pour n m- brella. The rhole thinf 0iZ nn Hi rinnp fin copper for la dollar. IXiiher cost more flrrnrdincr In Mr. Blaine1 Lion. the amonnt of metal it takes. This handle can be or namented as much as you please." Here the old gentleman took from a capacious overcoat socket a package rolled up in many lolds of soft tissue paper, unrolling it as gentlyand awelully as if it were the Koh-i-noor, he disclosed a su perb silver handle sur mounted by a lion cou cbant. "This," he said, hold it np admiringly, "is one I made for Mr. Blaine. That is his prehensile auto -form, so to speak. You can look at this and imagine 1 Wmmm- mmm jS!rIfc3i 1 Hi 1$ iv (l?sSV "l ' f WJeK frlisr- J55.V sin Trt! MKMMM mm vsxmmvzmp'i'' ilfH49fflw, ' S& MMI&ZZt.MZT VASSf y'Mr'r Vi-s wy&' m V& .iih .Am.m. tvsxjm how the helm of State feels when he has his grip on it. Now, here is another 1 have made lor the PresidentSee the eagle. That is a 5V beautiful piece of MM WmSm.m r . r "jwork. These con-Pr'-rchordal shaped im prints of palm and fingers are not so large or decided as thoie made by Mr. Blaine. So you think ;so? I will vouch for their accuracy. There can be no mis- i a fi w Torlngallt Only. Jtake about them. There is Jean Jacques In galls' fine Italian hand, as one of his critics might say. I put a grayhound's head on it. The grayhound is our most intellectual canine, and the snap with which his jaws come together remind one of the awfue crunching Ingalls gives the Democratic side of the Senate. Ingalls tried to apply th Latin name to this sort of handle. Ee called it the auto-mane, from Manus hand. "I have used the handle on other thincs. Here are photographs of a hammer, the snperb gavel I have made lor Speaker Beed, and a cleaver I am going to give Assistant Postmas ter General Clarkson, who is the champion headsman of his administration. You see I am mixing a little fun in with my business. That's all right, isn't it? EM" With this the old man wrapped up his darling "auto - manes." stowed them softly in his pocket, gave the umbrella an ad miring glance andtrndged up out of the gallery as as fast and as gracefully as his rheumatism would Speaker Meed's allow. Effective Weapon. J VLIXJS A. TKUESDELL. AHOXG WEST ENDERS. Items of News nnd Nelshborhood Goislp of Iocnl Inlrrnt. Wait for the electric road (?). Miss E. Cahiix, teacher at the West Lake School, Is quite ilL The Volunteer Social will bold a ball at the West End Rink Monday evening. Ed. J. Montgomery, F. Brebmer and Evan Jones are the applicants for tho West End postoffice. Ox Washington's Birthday the Ladles' Aid Society of the West End M. E. Church will hold a "pink tea." The Green Leaf Social held their fourth an nual reception at West End Gymnasium Hall Thursday evening. Mrs. J. H. Hebshberoeb and niece, Miss L. N. Jackson, returned home Tuesday from a visit to Wheeling, W. Va. The Mite Society of the Eleventh V. P. Church held their monthly social at the resi dence of Mr. Ed Brass Monday evening. Miss Mat L. Murray, of Steuben street, was awarded the gold medal at the Pittsburg School of Design last week for a painting in oIL Aw Interesting meetinc of West End Con clave No. 77 was held Thursday night. Mr. Homer LtMcGvw, President of the district, installed the officers. St. Marten's Church will hold a fair at tho old church hullding, beginning to-mgbt. It will continue for four nights. The proceeds to be applied to the new church fund. Eva French, aged 8 years, daughter of S. H. French, died last Saturday of pneumonia. She was loved br all. Little Eva was flower girl a few months' since at her sister's wedding. The patrol n agon has not been kept very busy the past week. The only facts conceived must bo tbo grand opening of the new police station. Then it will be a rush for first place. William Bell, a roller at Singer, Nimick ACa's mill, who was recently burned about the face and breast by a muck iron flash, is rapidly recovering and will be able to work in a few days. Me. Charles Pedder was agreeably sur prised at his residence, in the Thirty-filth ward, Thursday evening, January SO. Dancing was the order ot the evening. Supper was served at midnight. The Scotch tea and coffee soiree to be given at the Eleventh U. P. Church on Friday even ing will be worthy the patronagn of all. An in teresting entertainment is being prepared. Prof. Andrews will be master of ceremonies. A select party was given at the residence of Charles and Stewart- Hamilton. The merry group were: Messrs. S. J. Mertz. Georgp Lo Cart, Ocar Glickner, Joseph Henderson, Will iam McMillin, Misses Eva Mertz, Minnie Lobart, Misses O'Hara. Miss Mn A and Lizzie Haines gave a pro gressive euchre party Tuesday evening. A pleasant time was reported by alL The ladies' prize was won by Miss Emma Wetiengel and Thomas Hawkins won the gentlemen's prize. About 40 were present. The fair given by the G. E. Church atgWest End Rink can bo said to be one of the most successful ot the season. The young ladies' society's booth is cozy and beautifully decor ated, and thus tends to brighten tbo scenes of the evenine. The fair closes Saturday evening, February 15. Miss MabyA Harper, daughter of Isaac Harper, died last Saturday, the funeral taking place Monday. Born in England, she came to this country when bnt a child. She grew to womanhood, bnt affliction came, and after a vear of intense suffering she entered into rest. During: all her illness she had a smile of wel come for all who came to see her. The West End mourns her absence. The Young Ladies' Industrial Sowing Soci ety met at the residence of Miss Maggie Mitchell, Kerr avenue. The members present were: Misses Maggie Mitchell, Ida Powelson, Maggie Mawhinney, Mrs. Mawhlnney. Nellie Wettengel, Sadie Appleton. After sewing hours the gentlemen callers were: Messrs. William Richards, Harry Wettengel, John Mc David and John RMcGaw. Dancing was the order of the evening. Pride op Welcome Council, D. of L., in stituted January 22, is rapidly increasing in membership. At their last meeting they had an enrollment of over SO members. Officers were elected as follows: Conncilor. G. B. Nes bltt; A C. Susan Bryant; V. C., Arthur Ford ing; A V. C, Annie Henderson; f. 8., JohnH. Bryant; B, S Sadie Llewelyn; A R. S., Dora Shock; Treasurer, Mattie Bailey; Trustees, George Nesbitt, J. Fording, Edith Heaps: Jr. Ex. C, Frank Case; Jr. Ex. A. C, Emma Hen derson. The appearance of a ghost, it is said, has thrown tho people of Chanters into a fever of excitement. It is reported that tho ghost can be seen almost any timo after dark. A gentle man who came within reach of the ghost dealt the object a blow from his gold beaded cane, breaking the cane, but having no other effect At the morning services of the church the following announcements are made: "Don't be afraid of the ghost. Come to the evening ser vices." This docs not seem to have the desired effect, for the attendance is small. It is be lieved that Mr. and Mrs. Ghost will be brought to close quarters before long. The appreciation of the services of Miss Gertrude Mailasee by the teachers of the Stevens school were suitably rewarded last Monday evening, the event being the anniver sary of her nineteenth birthday. Miss Malta see having voluntarily and faithfully rendered her services as accompanist at the school en tertainments, tho teachers decided to, in some way, amply repay her. On last Monday evening Miss Mailasee was given a surprise at the residence of her parents. West ern avenue, and vresented with a beautiful tea set. Mr. and Mrs. Mailasee were also the re cipients of a China tea set in honor of their twentieth wedding anniversary. Those present were Prof. William McCullough and wife, Mr. Andrew Striet and wife, Mr. John L. Forester, Mr. John Phillips. Mr. William Keifer, Miss Ella White, Miss Mary WhiteMiss Cromviller, Miss Rofters, Miss Kay, Miss Keifer, Miss Gar bart, Misses Blanche and Stella Mailasee. Dancing and singing enlivened the pleasures of the evening. At mldnlghra dainty repast was served, after which the merry surprisers jour neyed homeward, and an evening long to be re membered by Miss Mallassee and her guests Is now an event ot the past. SOIIE COAL SHIPPED. A Rise In the River Bound lo Follow ibe Heavy Snow nnd Rain. Captain O'Neil returned yesterday from his visit to New Orleans. He reports busi ness very dull in that section. The river has fallen somewhat since the early part of the week, but the heavy snow and rain of yesterday will cause it to rise again to its former height. The Sam Clark went out yesterday with ten boats, and the Joe "Walton with six boats and six bartres, shipped by Joseph Walton &Co. O'Neil & Co. will sendthe Dick Ful ton out to-day with 12 barges and 4 light boats. THE DISPATCH STSSlSfSSSS life in Western Pennsylvania, from the pen of an accomplished writer. Armstrong's attack on Kittanning and the last Indian outrage are its principal features. THE PITTSBURG DISPATCH. WAKEMAN'S BEST HIT The Literary Pilgrirn in Spain Strikes a Startling Coincidence. ROBBED BY A BELENTING BANDIT, Whose Brother fle Ilad Befriended Before Execution in Cnba. SANTIAGO'S SHRIKE AKD TALLADOWD iconnzsroOTEscE or thx nisr-ATcn.1 Valladolid, Spain, January 18. Copyright It had been a hard tramp from Finisterre; we had not arrived at Santiago until about midnight, and it was nearly noon of the next day when I was awakened by a gentle tapping at the door of my old alcoba in the humble inu lo which our Gallegan guide had conducted us. The tapping proceeded from the knuckles of a harsh-voiced criada, or maid servant, who, on my demand that whoever was knocking should cuter, proceeded first to inform me that no such unpardonable conduct on her part could be tolerated, and then to say that one Pierre Eloquet, having bargained for the jacas he stood in need of, had eaten bis breakfast, dutifully kissed the sacred esclavina the grand finale of all pilgrimages to the famous Cathedral of San tiagowas now patiently waiting to bid me a final adios, after which he must speedily depart to his own people, at desolate Fin isterre. I asked that he be sent to myal coba. He came lumbering and stumbling up the stairs, and, hat in hand, entered the room and approached my bedside. Poor Pierre! He was in tears. He Bank upon his knees beside me, poured lorth vehement and eloquent blessings, and sobbed like a child as we clasped hands for the last time. Finally breaking away, as it overcome with sadness, he cried repeatedly, "Quede usted con Diosl" "Quede usted con DiosI" ("May you remain with Godl") and pre cipitately disappeared into the courtyard and calle below. HOW IT CAME TO BE BUILT. All there is of ancient Santiago worth contemplation is this wondrons old Cathe dral where Pierre had performed his adora tion. How it came to be buitt, and how for centuries it remained the most luminous shrine in Western Europe, are more strange and curious than can be told of any other of the noble though decaying sacred edifices of Spain. St. James, the elder, brother of St. John, the apostle, was stoned to death at Jerusalem. St. James is the tutelar saint of Spain, ns is St. George, of Eugland, St. Denis, of France, and St. Patrick, of Ire land. Over 1,000 years ago, in 835, Theod omir, Bishop of Ira", so runs the tradition, discoveredthe bodyol St. James, removed in some miraculous manner from Jerusalem, surrounded by a wondrous ligbt in a dense forest, to which a star led the way; hence the name of the city, Sautiago de Campostella. or St. James ot the place of the star, to which the body was removed by Leon III., from the chapel already erected at the place of discovery by Theodimir, and Santiago was raued to a see. A corn-rent or El Voto of one bushel per acre was collected from all Spain, yielding a yearly revenue of nearly $1,000,000, which was continued until 1S35. The present ca thedral is not a single creation of a single architect or period; but has been the result of untold votive offerings since the first won drously splendid basilica was built by Al fonso the Great, between the years 80S and 910. RARE ECCLESIASTICAL AET. An entire page would be requirecLto give adequate deicription of this noble edifice; but the chair-stalls, carved by Gregorio Espanol in 1606; the bronze pulpits, by Celma, in 1663; the massive, magnificent and unrivalled Portico de la Gloria, the mighty western entrance; and the tomb and effigies of St. James;are all unequalled examples in ecclesiastical art The latter two are won derful indeed. The sculptor's theme upon the Portico de la Gloria is the Last Judg ment, with Christ proceeding from the root of Jesse. This representation is inimitably more than enough to have given Mateo im mortality as "el Maesto" of Spain. Its vast ness, grandeur, deep poetic feeling, and mar velous reality, in which the flinty stone glows with radiant life, are, I believe, be yond comparison with any known sacred sub ject of the scnlptor's art to be fouud else where in Europe. In the center of the Ca pilla Mayor or chiet chapel rises a great al tar of jasper and marble. Again St James is represented at the battle of Clavigo slav ing infidels, who are falling about him id hundreds. Four great columns rise near these efiigies. Upon each is seated the fig ure of an angel. These four angels support the tomb itself, high in air, and an im mense star ot blazing gold is suspended above tbe tomb. TOWAED THE INTERIOR. But as entrancing as were the treasures of this most rare and wonderful ecclesiasical pile of Northwestern Spain, I was impa tient to reach the interior. Securing the company of a band of Maragatos, ou their way with a drove of pack mules from San tiago to Astorga, in the province of Leon, I passed three days and two nrghts upon the mountain roads with my strange fellows, mulet eers, who are descended from the Moors and still wear long tassels, to their caps, and breeches as wide and corpulent with cloth as a Scotch Highlander's kilt; remained a night at ancient Astorga, tbe Auturica Augusta of Pliny, where the old Boman walls still exist in great massiveness and strength, linked here and there by gigantic cubos; and then set out afoot arid alone down the valley of the Orbigo toward the olden capital of Spain, quaint' and ruinous Valladolid. This impatience brought me a singularadventure, illustrative ot tbe return of bread cast upon the waters. At Villa pando two roads, the northern via Medina, the southern by the way of La Mota, lead to Valladolid. The latter, dreary and un frequented, breaks into numerous mountain foot paths in the southern spurs of the Monies do Torezos. Briefly, I was lost, and wandering for a half day in a wild and for bidding district, as good or bad luck would have it, came upon a lonely mountain choza at night, where I was at first refused ad mittance by its only inmate, a starved and fiendish looking hag of 25 or 30 years. I stowed myself away upon the armful of millet straw she gave me, and, without food, passed a wretched night. My dreams were filled with all manner of dkaster, and, in the hours I laid awake I pondered forebodingly over a vicious remark my unwilling hostess bad made that the men of Montes de Tore zos repaid the visits of strangers to their homes when they were absent, with the "caress of the. knife." SHE SENT HIM XO BANDITTI. "WTien morning came, I gave her some coin, and received directions from her how to cross the mountains to Valladolid. The explicitness of these worried uc as I trudged along. But surely she had told me the way truthfully; lor on turning through a shadowy gorge, there lay the great valley of the Pi suerga, with the spires and domes of Valla dolid away to tbe cast, and, here almost at the mountain base, the grim walls of Siman cas, where, hamlet though the place is, may be found the richest store of ancient ar chives in all Spain. Just a little way beyond me were some innocent enough looking peas ants, with a tev bundles' of wood, a couple of jacas, two or three old blunderbusses, and ns many mangy dogs; apparently a group of simple mountain patans, or peasants, resting idly by the way. They responded to my salu tation pleasantly, whereupon I proffered each a cigarette. These were accepted with many "gracias," and I turned to go. "Artol" ("Haiti") cried one In a low but firm voice of command. As I turned again, PITTSBURG, SATUBDAT, I was looking in the face of three rusty old trabucos or blunderbusses. , I am not sure, but had I run for it toward Valladolid, I could have out-distanced either the shots from their rusty trabucos or their much more dangerous legs; But I simply raised my hands, walked squarely up to them with a smile, and said: "Most Excellent. Senores of de Torezos, you are less poor than I, but still welcome to all I possess." They had it all about V in Spanish coin, for my luggage and credit letters had gone from Astorga to Valladolid by rail in a moment I then claimed the privilege of resting a little time with them, and ques tioning them about their manner of getting on in tbe world. One old rheumatic villain, distorted, misshapen, almost', physically helpless, was the only genuine bandit among them. A BACKVfABD BANDIT'S COINOIDEMCE. All the others, save one, were the most simple-hearted souls that live. That one was a brave, fine fellow, going wrong under a heart-heavy load of indignity and grief. His wife had been my unwilling hostess of the previous night 'She bad sent me across the mountains with a particularity of di rection that made my acquaintance with her husband compulsory. To him I ap pealed for the reasons why he should leave an honest peasant's life, and, '.under the in fluence of tho unhanged aid wretch of his lit tle band, start straight in this sort of life for the guarda's bullet or death at the garrote. His story was a Ioue one, but, briefly told, he was becoming an incipient outlaw be cause his youngest brother, whom he had loved better than his own life, who had been sent to Cuba as a conscript, had been shot like a dog at Moro castle, for attempted de sertion after suffering untold indignities. "Shot at Moro? And in 1886? And had he blue eyes, light bair and a fine, fair face?" Yes, yes, yes, and yes again. Then there in the mountain way, where I bad been robbed of so mean a' sum that I was ashamed of it, I told this man as best I could a fact of my own experience, which I win De pardoned lor telling to you readers in a slightly different wav: "El desertarl" "El aesertarl" w,ere the low toned ejaculations I heard all about me one April morning, in 1886, in the cabin of the ferryboat, "Edouard Fesser," as it left the Eegla side for the two-mile trip across Havana Bay to the city. The cabin was well filled, and in a moment there came fussing and turning through the narrow pas sage to the forward cabin a Spanish Ser geant and a guard having in charge a man ot most pitiful appearance. TBAI IMPRISONED BROTHER. I made room quickly so that two seats were vacant near me, in which the guard and his prisoner sat, the latter next to me, while the sergeant, bearing a paper with a dangling seal, strode forward a bit, pompous with the importance of his mission and charge. These ferries carry the gayest of crowds between Havana and the beautiful suburbs to the east, but the entrance of the fiarty hushed the laughterand pleasant sal ies of men and women instantly. All pres ent seemed painfully exerting themselves to ignore the presence of the little group, but every one from time totiinestole secret glan ces at the deserter, and, well for humanity, not a hard look fell upon him. Some old priests near seemed to be moving their lips as if in prayer for him, and behind many a fan I could see tbe face of some beautiful senora or senorita in tears. I knew well enongh what it all meant, having once been a soldier myself, bnt I did not catch the full import of the brutal celerity of Spanish mil itary revenge until the guard on closing a flippant recital to a passenger 'next him to the effect that thea man had deserted from the forces at Moro castle some weeks before, after a tremendous flogging for some slight infraction of discipline, had got so far as tbe Jaruco Mountains, where he baffled pursuit for some time, until finally run down by blood-hounds remarked airily: "Ah, yes; he will really not even need breakfastaeain. The coosejode guera (courtmartiat)itm!4 ready awaiting his arrival!" This deserter was but a boy. He had a fair face too, round, almost boyish, even through the hunted look that had made him an old man in terror and desperate effort during those few weeks in tbe chaparral. His clothing was in rags, and his bare flesh, scarred and bloody, showed through. His feet were partly bound with rags and bark and thongs of the ribbon tree. He was bare-headed, bis' bair tangled and knotty, and in one place a saber cut was still open and bleeding. But he sat there with his hands olinched and bis face like a piece of marble begrimed with mud. PICTTJEESQTJE YET PATHETIC. Through the windows of the ferry the spars, rigging, and flags of a thousand ships upon the peaceful bay gleamed and glowed as we passed. The sun that lighted the whole earth with such splender kissed the monntain and made old Moro castle even beautiful. The deserter looked at Moro as with an awful fascination. Then, as if be yond it and what he knew was waiting for him there, the poor fellow's eyes seemed strained to some point far, far away. Ah, bis frantic soul vaulted the hated walls to old Castile, mayhap to his own peasant home, to the mother, the sisters, to a peas ant girl's thatched-roof home liy the vine yards, and brave as he was trying to be, his whole frame writhed, his breast heaved and surged, and, though be clenched his hands tighter and looked old Moro squarely in the face, his blue eyes filled and filled again with tears that scalded their way through the chaparral filth on his face like torrents. A dozen schemes for rescue shot through my brain. The sight and thoughts sickened me, I could scarcely remain in that cabin for the pity this man roused in me. Having recentfy graduated from the ed itorship of a high-grade literary periodical of "Middle America," my sole helpful pos sessions in Cuba at that moment were a small piece of plug tobaccoo and a $2 Bank of Havana bill. I quickly had these made in a compact wad. I got my knee against his leg. He started and looked me lull in the lace. My hand was on the low iron division rail between the seats, and it touched his. God knows a soldier's human sympa thy to a soldier in some subtle way 'swept from my heart to his in that touch. His clenched hand relaxed and tnrned. The palm was next mine. Our hands clasped, and there was a quick pressure. We were born thousands of miles apart, had never met until that instant, would never again meet unless in eternity, but we knew more ol each other in that one moment than some life acquaintances; and I somehow believe I will find the face that was then tbe second time tnrned on me somewhere in the undis covered country when I am set to travel there.- But the ferry boat had bumped against the Havana wharves. THEN THE LAST SEFABATIOIT. Through the clatfer and clamor and crowds, the deserter was shoved and saber prodded to the Plaza de la San Carlos; hur ried into a victoria alongside which were two mounted guardas, and driven rapidly , away. I could not work that day, and wandered along the walls of La Punta, restless, heart sick, and with the white face ot that desper ate life ever before me. At 4 o'clock just across the narrow harbor entrance were heard some ominons drum beats. On the little plaza just over tbe sea on the heights at Moro there were movements of small squads of foldiery. We could see all this plainly from La Punta. I ieared what it meant, could not bear it, and hurried away. Just as I reached the old Boquete walls there was a sound of musketry at Moro. I looked across the channel and saw the smoke from their pieces well nigh enfolding them all. But I saw through that cloud, one face sealed in eternal rest, when some old fish-wives on the Boquete walls near, crossing themselves as if it were an old habit and for like occa sions, lazilv muttered: "El desertarl" "El desertarl" "Maria Parissimal" exclaimed the man who had robbed me in the Montes de Tore zos, flinging himself abjectly at my feet, "that man whom you belriended was my murdered brotherr Edoab L, Wakemas-. FEBRUARY 8, 1890. THE CRUEL RUSSIAN. George Kennan's Awfal Arraignment of the Czar's Officers. A MASSACRE OP POOR EXILES Who Simply Asked for Mercj at the Hands of a Heartless Governor. PITIFUL IfAERATIYES OP SURYIYOBS Chicago, February 7. Mr. George Ken nan, now lecturing here on Siberia; fur nishes the Associated Press with numerous letters, tbe truth in detail of which he vouches for, giving an account of the mas sacre of Bussian exiles on April 3 last at Yakutsk. Mr. Keuuan declares all the statements impartial and truthful. "It appears," said Mr. Kerinan, "that ward the latter part of February last, 83 political exiles on'their way to Verkhoyansk and Stredni-Kolymsk were quartered tem porarily at Yakutsk, tbe first named places being distant from St. Petersburg 6,398 and 7,518 miles respectively, in a part of Siberia so remote from civilization that it is seldom, if ever, visited by human beings. Verk hoyansk is the first village to which the survivors of the Jeannette came alter they left Lena delta. Both places lay close to the Arctic circle. Communication is main tained between these two villages by means of reindeer sledges." The stury of Mr. Kennan's correspondents gives many de tails hitherto unknown, and the language of the writers is at times most graphic. The Governor of Yakutsk.General Ostashkin, by CRUEL AND ARBITRARY RULES, preventing the exiles from carrying a proper amonnt of clothing or baggage and withholding their two months' subsistence money, intensified their sufferings very greatly, as their marcn tea tnrongn a sec tion in which no supplies could be pur chased. Under the Bussian penal code it is a criminal offense for political exiles to unite in a petition ior redress of grievances. Each exile, thereiore, prepared a separate petition and presented it at the office of the Pro vincial Administration. The letters then go on to tell how they were directed to assem ble in the house of one of the exiles, and when there were told that the Governor re garded their individual petitions as merely an evasion of the law, and their action equivalent to open rebellion. "At 10 o clock the next day," writes one of the actual participants in tbe dreadful affair, "we numbered 33. Among us was Sergius Kapger and his betrothed, Anna Zoarvas trova, the latter quite a young girl, and a man who bad come in from one of the Yakutsk settlements to make some pur chases. These came to the house to see their fellow exiles. At half-past 10 the po lice overseer, Olesof, brought a verbal order that all exiles present were to come to the police station. "A company of Cossacks, numbering over 100 men, under command of an officer named Karamziu, then appeared, battered down the gates of the courtyard and 15 or 20 of them entered the house,- while the others surrounded' it. We tried to explain our side of the case, and said that we had not assembled there for any other purpose than to receive the Governor's reply, but that we would go to the police station, only asking that Karamzin withdraw bis troops. The Chief of Police then said to Command er Karamzin: 'What is the use of your talk ing with them? Do what you were ordered to.' iKa'ramzin then cried out to the Cos- ifif;V-t'PVo ttlm THE EXILES MASSACRED. "We were assembled in a room about 20 feet square, and bad gathered in one corner, from which position tbe Cossacks endeav ored to oust us by striking us with their clubbed rifles and pricking us with their bayonets. Some women, being wounded qbite severely, began to scream. Cartridges had been served out to tbe soldiers the night before, and they fired point blank into the miscellaneous crowd of men and women. Five exiles had revolvers which they had bought as a means of protection on their journey, and not for the purpose of resisting tbe authorities. Hicolai Zolof drew his re volver, sprang upou the divan and shouted: "Stop! Stop!" The firing then became gen eral on both sides. After one or two volleys the soldiers withdrew from the house and the whole Cossack force outside then poured in their fire through doors and Eschur, one of our number, rushed into the courtyard crying: 'We surrender,' but was shot dead a short distance from the steps. Podbetski, who heard the firing and ran to the bouse to see what was tbe matter, was shot dead at the courtyard gate. He was not implicated in the affair in any way, and was within two months of the termina tion of his exile. Joseph Estrovicb, already wounded, rushed into the courtyard, fell and was repeatedly bayoneted as he lay on the ground. "As a result of this affray, six of us, in cluding one woman, were killed outright. The woman's stomach was all torn open by a bayonet; all the rest of us were more or less injured. The Government casualties were one soldier killed and the Governor and a soldier slightly wounded. Tbe exiles killed were Sergius Pik, Sophie Gurevith, Pani, Potbetski, Peter Mokhanof, Gregory Shuraand Jacob Notkin. Twelve others were severely wounded." A SAMPLE OF BUSSIAN JUSTICE. Three months later the survivors were tried by court martial on the charge of armed resistance. This court martial was composed as follows: President, Lieutenant Colonel Savitski, Captain Korsakof, Cap tain Tisiennof, sub-Captain Yermakoff and one Fedorsf. The trial began on the 6th of June. The following questions were put to each of the prisoners at tbe trial by the pre siding officer: "What is your name, age and, religion?" and the nrisoner replies. "Do you ouservo tbe ceremonies of religion?" "Since the day of our arrest, no." "Do you adhere to your statements made at the preliminary examination?" (the statements were read over again to the prisoner). He re plies. "Yes." "You are accused ot armed resistance to the authorities. What have you to say?" "Upon what is this accusation founded?" 'The Court is not obliged to inform you." Tho Prisoner Presence in the house is not proof ot the accusation. I was there, but I did not make any armed resistance. 1 do not know why I have been Implicated in this affair. The Court It is out of place to teach the Court. Sneak more briefly. Have you any thing more to say? A 1 think not. The Officer YoO can go.- "Beyond this." says one ot Mr. Kennan's cor respondents, "tbe prisoners were allowed to say nothing in their own behalf." Three of the prisoners were hanged. Kohan Bersnstein, who had been severely wounded and was unable to stand, was taken to the scaffold on a bed from the hospital, the noose put around his neck and the bed taken from under him He was choked to death. Four teen others, including four women, were sen tenced for diflerent terms ranging from 10 to 15 years. The matter will probably be brought be fore tbe International Prison Congress. Mr. Kennan promises to furnish complete proof, and will bring witnesses from Siberia. , He does not think that Bussia will accept his challenge. The Roate Changed. The Pleasant Valley electric cars have ceased rnuninz to the postoffice, and now tnrn down Smithfield from Sixth instead. The difficulty experienced in getting in and out of the switches at that place is given as the reason for the change. "RTT T HOT? answer numerous corresnon 1)11411 11 111 dents in a humorous way, in TO-MORROW'8 20-PAGE DISPATCH. THE CUfp ONWEIR jlBBEY AIR nature boasts no lovelier spot. The Au gust sun is shedding its glad light over a redundancy of foliage and bloom that is the wonder, of the country side, an especial rich- ness of loam making hn (vrnnndt rotind the J' "A 1.1 lt. TVatv more prolific in vegetation than are those of any other lordly manor for many miles around. As ior the exterior of the old abbey Itself, its structural design is faultless; the rav ages of time have treated it lightly, and the rnthless and destructive hand of the ma rauder has been stayed; while the interior bears testimony to the advance which mod ern civilization has produced in luxury and beauteous cralt. Who is the proprietor of this grand old favored pile? Surely he must be a very king in thcrcalms of happiness. Whistling lightly as he walks with a buoyant step along the terrace, from which he can survey the county for miles round, in truth he looks a very prince. For he, too, has been favored favored with the beauty of the gods and fickle fortune's smile. But six months has Weir Abbey been his, and he revels the more in its possession from, the fact that it has come to him in the most unexpected manner by the death of a dis tant cousin who bad only bought the place giving a very large sum of money ior it some two years ago. Hugo Burnet has been forced till now to count his coins, and has, moreover, had but few to count, and a position to keep up in a regiment where most of his brother officers were wealthy men. Bnt he was light-hearted then. Poverty scarcely sits heavily on cheery natures. Is he as light-hearted now even though he whistles the last comic opera retrain? Scarcely. With the responsibility or wealth he has already found his first gray hair. A gray hair at 25, with Hugo Burnet's fortune and Annie Clareford's love ab surd I Aye; and she loved him, too, before he was rich; had vowed that no adverse fate should part them "adverse fate" being a somewhat highly strung epithet used by a prudent, fiery old Colonel who claimed to be her father, and, having suffered from a rash, impecnoious marriage himself, was resolved lhat If he could help it Annie should not follow in her mother's footsteps. But now that Hugo Burnet had stepped into the roll of landed gentry, and was the owner of Weir Abbey and several thousands a year to boot, why, of conrse, there could be no further reason to oppose the marriage, and the Colonel thought he would only show his sense bygivlngin. Annie naturally was radiant with happiness, and Hngo expressed himself to be most grateful lor the gift Colonel Clareford was ready to bestow on him; yet,' somehow, he did not appear to be nearly as keen 'to become Annie's husband as he bad been when three hundred a year at the ver outside would have been" the sum total of their income. When he was in Annie's society he smiled on her and kissed her, and was as affection ately devoted as ever, but when he left her a cloud would sweep across his usually frank, happy face, and a connoisseur in whistling would have decided that tbe merry tones did not always ring quite true. Could it be that Hugo Burnet had found some other maiden whom he deemed more worthy to be the mistress of the time honored abbey? Let such an imputation on his honor be forthwith crushed. He was too stanch, too honest, too much of a typical high-minded Englishman to waver one moment lrom his allegiance. And yet though weeks had passed into months; and to the outsiders there appeared to be no possible obstacle, he always avoided bringing matters to a climax, and had never yet asked Annie to name the day. Poor child, the roses were beginning to fade out of her cheeks, and though she never complained nor would have allowed herself to donbt Hugo's love for an instant, vet it was obvious tbat she suffered not a little. The Colonel was becoming as fussily irate about tbe marriage being deferred as he had once been tbat it should be contemplated at all, and would probably have called the owner of Weir Abbey some hard names if he had not been kept in check by his patient, long-sufiering wife. Still, even she was puzzled, by the delav. Every one was puzzled. The world in gen eralmeaning all the country for miles round was puzzled, and match-making mothers were beginning to think that per haps, after all, one of their daughters might have a chance, ior Annie Ularetord did not seem to be by any means as much in tbe run ning as they had believed her to be. Yet the couple were engaged, and the en gagement had been givenout quite officially. It was one of those society mysteries that give everybody Something to talk about, "A sort of thing tbat nobody can understand," as Italpb Fgerton, a quondam brother officer of Hngo's was heard to say to that inquisi tive little monkey, Susie Scrivener. She had been told that Captain Egerton was Hugo'd great friend and confidant, and was consequently trying to pick his brains. Un lucky Egerton I he had not got very many, and tbe lew he had were not sufficient to solve the riddle of why Hugo was so dila tory,about his marriage. And whatever Hugo had done in his marching davs, he did not help Ecrerton by any confidences now, bnt shut up his lips in a resolute manner, wbich there was no controverting, whenever Annie Clareford or nnything connected with his engagement to her was mentioned. During the first few weeks after his accession to wealth, before his manner grew enigmatical, he had sug gested that Colonel Clareford and his family should pass the summer in a charming cot tage which, being on the estate within a quarter of a mile of the Abbey, was a sort of appendix to the great house. Colonel Clareford had accepted greedily; he was always most avariciously ready to save money. Had it not been for this the county wonld not have known by any means as much of Hugo Bnrnel's love affairs as they did. Bnt August was waning. In September the Colonel and his family must return to their own small- dwelling in West Kensing ton, and the fiery old gentleman's fatherly instincts being thoroughly awakened, he told his wife "that he did not care what she said, he wonld have it ont with that fellow W Ft Who U the Proprietor t before he left; he did not intend him to play the fool with Annie. Why, she was losing her looks and getting thinner every day." So one grilling hot midday, when the birds were silent from sheer exhaustion, the insect world had crept away to doze among the loliage, four-footed creation slept be neath the shady trees, and there was scarce a murmur to break the stillness of tbe sum mer air, Colonel Clareford seized a knotty stick, which was his constant companion in his walks, and with a glare in his eyes as though he defied the very sun Itself, he started in search of the recalcitrant lover. Before he reached the abbey he saw Hdgo walking in an opposite direotion, and, his mind on suspicion bent, he at once decided that he was being avoided. "Hoi hullo there, Burnet," he shouted in a voice, the tones of which sounded like inimio thunder in tbe still air. Hugo, startled with the idea that some thing was wrong, looked around suddenly, and on his usually bright face there was such a terrified expression that he bore no resemblance to himself. "What is it? What is it, Colonel Clare ford?" he asked hurriedly. "Has anything happened to to Annie?" "She is only dying by inches pining away, in fact, and it is all your d ?d fault, sir; ail your d d fault. Nobody asked you to come and make love to my daughter. Nobody" wanted you. But having done so and gained her affections I say yon are a mean, dishonorable scoundrel to behave as yon do. Yes, I repeat it a scoundrel." All the color faded out of Hngo Burnet's face, and he stood trembling, ay, trembling, before his would-be father-in-law, and only muttered almost unintelligibly: "I can not help it; it is ior her own good. God knows, I can not help it," "Merciful powers, is the man a lunatic? Can not help it, indeedl If you are a speci men of the stuff young men of the present day are made of, then all I can say is give me the old times when I was a youngster. Can not help itl Very soon I shall not be able to help breaking every bone in your skin." "If you only knew, Colonel, you would not be so severe on me." "Then why don't I know? Who else has a right? X) n all mysteries. Let us have this one cleared up, and speedily." HO! HELLO "Would you mind coming with me to the vicarage?" "What! The parson is mixed up with it, is he? I thought he had been getting out of my way lately. Well, go on to the vicar age; let us see the end of it. The sooner the better." "If only there were an end," murmured Hngo, bnt in so low a tone that the Colonel, who was slightly deaf, did not hear him. Ten minutes' walk through the woods brought them to the moderu vicarage, which lay nestling amid tbe trees as though it were hiding away, half afraid of showing itself, lest the shades of any of the old monks should pass that way. The vicar was at home. He was an un married priest. For love of solitude and asceticism he might have been a very monk himself, only his religious proclivities had taken a Protestant turn, a iact, however, whlcb had by no means deprived him of a strongly developed tendency to superstition. He Saw the Two Men Coming In. He saw the two men coming in at the gate, and closing a large folio volume which he was perusing, pulled himself together as a man does who is preparing for a contest. It did not occur to him to refuse them ad mittance or in any way to defer the inter view. Sooner or later he felt it must take place; since it must come, best have it over. What was revealed at that meeting was as great a mystery as what had gone before the revelation. The fiery Colonel went home a subdued and saddened man, and al though by nature one who talked lond and long on everv subject, yet he never men tioned the interview in the vicar's study even to his wife. And everything went on much as it had done before the three men met in conclave, nnlv Annie drooped dailv more and more. and it seemed as if some blight had touched her. When she was with Hngo Burnet she smiled and tried to look as if all were well. She wonld not have him pressed for all the world, feeling so sure of him that she knew there was some good reason for bis conduct. At last the time came for the return to West Kensington. The days so pregnant with pleasure, strongly intermingled with pain, were nearly over. Annie's simple girl's wardrobe was packed. With tears- in her eyes she was standing by the window of the pretty parlor at the cottage, from which there was a splen did view of the abbey. She was wondering whether she should ever see the old pile again. Something at her heart almost bade her donbt it. Without her having heard his footfall Hugo had come into the room. She turned suddenly when he was close to her. It was tire first time Hugo had seen a look of misery on Annie's face, tears in her erst bright eyes. "My darlingl" he cried, his recent cold ness suddenly vanishing as he beheld her despair. "My darlingl" And bis arms were round her. She, too, overcome by the surprise, al lowed her natural feelings to have vest, and, PAGES 9 TO 12. her head on Hugo's shoulder, she lav for some seconds sobbing as though her heart would break. Could coldness and silence any longer hold a place between these two? ""Do you love me so-much, Annie, that to part from me would grieve you desper ately?" She raised her head and looked into his eyes' with a wondering sadness in her gaze that was most touching. "To lose you, Hugo," she said In loir tones, "wonld be for me to die." "To die, my Annie? No, It is in Order that you may live that I would leave you." "I do not understand." Well might she be astonished. His words were as the words of a madman. "AS my wife. Annie, yon aw fated. As sweet Annie Clareford yon may live and be happy for years." "Neverl" she answered. "What you say is a riddle past my comprehension. All I know is tbat without yon there Is no happi ness in life for me." Alas, alas! What could he do or say? The terrible secret that was prematurely bringing him gray hairs and making the My Trust is in God, Be Answered. fiery Colonel look sad and aged must be shared with the gentle, loving Annie. To the vicarage, then, she, too, in turn was conducted, and an old parchment which the too erudite vicar xept carefully locked away in a drawer was produced for her perutal, as it had previously been taken out when the Colonel had accompanied Hugo to the vicarage. THESE, BUESTET. Annie looked the parohment down. It had for heading in old English letters "The Curse on Weir Abbey." Beyond this, not being a scholar as wa the vicar, she could decipher nothing. So with a wondering look on her face, she turned to Hngo for information. He was no cleverer in the reading of old lore than was Annie; nevertheless, he knew fnll well what that strange writing meant. Had not the contents of that parchment been to him as a nightmare for several months past? "The Curse on Weir Abbey," repeated Annie; "what does it mean? Why should so lovely a place have a curse, and what has it to do with me and Hugo?" The vicar took, upon himself the office of explainer, for Hugo seemed as one bereft of speech. "The monks." he said, "when in the reign of Henry VUL they were ejected from this pile, left a curse behind them. Through the centuries that have passed since then, the curse has never failed to work the threatened ill on the possessors of Weir Abbey and their families. Some of these folios you see ranged on tbat shelf give "the history of the monks' unfailing vengeance descending on those who have usurped their rights. Hugo Burnet, as tbe present possessor of the Abbey, inherits the curse with the property; you, "if yon become his wife, will have to take your share of the awfnl retribution." Annie did not blench or faint as Hugo ex pected she wonld have done, bnt she said very simply, "Please read me the paper." The vicar was scarcely loth; his love of expounding overcame his fear lest the knowledge he was imparting should wound to tbe quiet her tender woman s heart. He began to read pompously, translating from the original Latin, used by the monks. "The vengeance of heaven cries aloud. Fire, pestilence and water shall be the im plements of wrath used in punishment of those who, having tnrned a religions honse into a secnlar abode of sin, shall be tbe pos sessors of the abbey by the Weir. To tbe owner himself shall death linger and bait, but his hearth shall be desolate, no children shall live to gladden his declining years, and the woman and wife who shall desecrate by her presence the abode of monks and holy men shall suffer a terrible retribution at the hand oi a just and angered God. Fire, pesti lence or water." When the vicar had finished his transla tion there was silence for a second or two. A rare light, as if some angel had touched her, overspread Annie's sweet face. She laid her hand in Hngo's. "And shall God forget to be merciful?" she said. "I have no fear. It there be danger I will share it with you, but to those who seek to walk aright the curses of men are mere empty words. Hugo caught the inspiration oi her trust and faith, and pressed tbe little hand she had given him. But the vicar was relent less, perhaps because he was annoyed by Annie's want of awe. "Presumptuous child," he said, in a stern voice; "shall a curse, think yon, tbat has' sever failed for centuries, be set on one side ior a mere child like yon?" "My trust is in God," she answered. "What shall I fear if He be on my side?" The vicar seemed rebnked, for he made no reply, only, folded the parchment and locked it away, as tbouzh to insinuate that he had uttered tbe warning, and if it had fallen on an unheeding ear no blame could rest with him. But what the vicar thought or felt this young couple did not analyze. With Annie's stanebness, Hugo's flagging' courage and belief in the future had re turned. They two together could surely defy that curse, he was beginning to think, and so he took his fair fiancee in his arms and kissed, her, and soon after they went forth hand in hand to be parted no more by fear of coming evil, for the maiden's parity and devoted love and faith seemed to cast a shield over Iv! llyJSlll It 3 .i 7 a i I ,