THE HTTSBTIR&' DISPATCH MONDAY. BBRUAET 24 ' 1890.
Mje $nalcfj.
ESTABLISHED.- FEBRUARY 8. 1S48.
Vol. ii, So. 17. HntereC at Flltsburg I'nstofflce.
November 14, lSST. as second-class matter.
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PITTSBURG. MONDAY. FEa 24. 18901
THE SOOTHSIDE'S WATEB.
The analysis of three different samples of
Water taken from the stream which empties
into the Monongahela river just above the
Southside influent pipes should, as it is pre
sented in our local columns, startle the city
authorities into prompt and effective action.
The fearful combination and conglomera
tion of pollution shown to exist there is
enough to justify the complaints that the
Southside people have made against the
city government.
"When this subject was revived it was de
clared in these columns to be the duty of
the city to secure a prompt investigation.
That duty having been omitted, The Dis
patch has undertaken it; and the dis
closures made by Dr. Mnndorf s analysis
of Beck's run water show that the need for
such action was urgent. The polluted na
ture of that stream without the schindery's
addition is so marked that the latter is
chiefly important for the peculiarly horrible
nature of its contributions to disease. The
idea that a dilution of such organisms can
be furnished for the use of a city is disgust
ing. The City Councils should lose no time in
remedying Jais matter by promptly furnish
ing the Southside with pure water from the
city mains.
DISAPPOINTMENT POE THE SP01XEBS.
The assault of the spoils interest upon the
Civil Service Commission has resulted in
the utter discomforture of those who were
trying to make their charges the pretext for
starving out the reform. The assertions of
favoritism on the Dart of the commission
have been shown to be exceedingly attenua
ted, whllenquiry has proved the improve
ment of the Government service wherever
the reform has been given a decent chance
to do its work. Of course Mr. Hatton and
his crowd of professed spoilsmen try to
bluster about the defeat, but they are not
worth considering. The people who are
really disappointed are the more eminent
leaders who dare not go back upon their
party pledges without a pretext, but who
had "let I dare not wait upon 'I would,' "
in the hope that these charges would amount
to enough to break down the commission.
ALLEGHENY'S UNSETTLED ISSUE.
A communication appears elsewhere, on
the management of the Allegheny Free
Library which argues at rather detailed
length, that the City Councils cannot dele
gate to anyone else the management of the
library; that they ought not to; and finally
produces the charge that the exercises of
last Thursday were for the benefit of the
aristocracy. The arguments would be
worthy of some respect if it were not for the
gratuitousness of the concluding demagog
uery. As to the claim that the City Councils
cannot delegate the powers of management,
that is equivalent to saying that they cannot
employ agents, janitors or librarians. The
Councilmen hardly expect to take care of
the building and hand out the books in their
own persons. They will have to delegate
powers, in order to do the work of the
library. The further fact as to the legality
of the matter is that the law under which
Allegheny supports her old free library puts
it under the management of the School
Board.
There is no impeachment of the City
Property Committee, or any other depart
ment of Councils in saying that it is not
selected with reference to providing a steady
and permanent policy in managing the
library. Such a policy is necessary to give
any such institution the success required.
It can be obtained by combining in the
management, a representation of Councils,
of the Board of Education and such citizens
as Prof. Brashear, John "Walker and others.
A settlement ot the question on such lines
would be creditable to Allegheny, and
would stop the present disreputable squabble
for the control of the property.
As to the allegation that because it was
necessary to select 1,200 people out of 120,000,
to be present at the presentation of the
property, therefore, those who got tickets
were aristocrats, such talk is wholly foreign
to any serious discussion of important
public questions.
HUDDLING AND HEDDLING.
The claim of a Nebraska man that the
fourth section of the Inter-State Commerce
law prevents the making of cheap freight
' rates for the exportation of Nebraska pro
ducts, and so establishes prohibitive
- charges, is quoted by the Cincinnati Com
mercial Gazette as "a statement of some of
the results of our meddling and muddling
reform demagogy."
The fourth section forbids the charge of
" - an actually greater rate on the short haul
than upon a longer one, which includes the
- Jess. Thus if the railroads wished to carry
grain from Nebraska to the seaboard at SOo
per hundred, it would prevent them from
carrying grain from Indiana or Illinois at
35c Tne only way in which a prohibitory
rate can be maintained by this section on
the far "Western products is on the supposi
tion that a prohibitory rate must be main
tained on the intermediate freight
Is the Commercial Gazette so anxious
to have prohibitory charges on the freights of
its section that it calls it muddliug and
meddling to enact that they shall have.at
least as good freights as the more distant
parts of the country?
THE PUTUEE 3A1XEOAD.
An esteemed cotemporary in studying the
growth ot railway traffic and the inconven
ience and danger of surface tracks, comes
to the conclusion that the perfected railroad
will not only provide separate tracks for
passenger and freight traffic, but will
elevate its tracks above the surface of the
earth. This development of the future it
regards as necessary in order to do away
with the difficulty and danger of grade
crossings, the crowded portions of the earth's
surface in cities.
. The probability of improvement in some
snchJIrectinaas-this is conceded; but the
.--"criticism, on the expectation of universally
S-elevated railroaas is that it sends the track
in the wrong direction. The first requisite for
the highest development of railroads is
solidity of road-bed. That the elevation of
tracks on trestles can permanently guarantee
that solidity is 'not likely. Nothing Is so
solid as the earth; and no means can be
taken to to perfectly free the roads from the
dangers either of a deteriorated road, or of
interference with other uses of the surface
as to sink the tracks below the surface of the
earth instead of raising them above it
The respective merits of elevated and
sunken tracks can easily be studied.here in
Pittsburg. "We have examples of both
kinds. It is no blind chance which causes
the elevated tracks everywhere to be sur
rounded by the most unpleasant sections of
the city and the sunken tracks in most
cases to run through the most attractive
portions. This is the natural result from
the fact that elevated roads are noisy; dis
figuring to adjacent property and a general
nuisance; while sunken roads are less costly
in the end, and permanently avoid all dan
gers of grade crossing or broken-down' ele
vated structures.
It is epigrammatically said that "we need
thoroughfares two or three stories high as
much as we require lofty buildings." True
enough for the great cities; but when we
come to decide how the stories shall be as
signed, it is no more than good sense to
put the lightest traffic iuthe upper stories and
the most ponderous weights in the basement.
"When we come to adopt any reform of this
sort, it will be cheaper and better to put the
streets above the railroads than to put the
railroads over the streets.
AN INJTJBIOUS ECONOMY.
An investigation into the salaries of
school teachers in the rural districts of Al
legheny county presents some remarkable
results, as set forth in a special article else
where. The fact that a large number of
teachers in Allegheny county get salaries
as low as $30 per month, ont of which they
board themselves, and that the average in
the rural districts is $38 58 for male teach
ers and 35 80 for female teachers, is not
creditable to Allegheny county. Neither
can it be regarded as hopeful tor the best
educational results.
These wages are not more than equal to
what moderately good common labor can
command- upon the farms or in the cities.
They are much below what is paid to any
kind of skilled labor. It hardly is a matter
for dispute that school teaching is as im
portant and requires more skill than dig
ging, plowing, building bouses or handling
iron. Yet the wages that are paid, as
shown elsewhere, really give an able-bodied
man less inducements than can be obtained
by digging In the city streets or steady work
on the farm.
Of course this is largely due to the 'great
number of educated people who are willing
to take ub teaching as a temporary ex
pedient for whatever it will bring them.
But that sort of teaching does not yield the
result that the public wants. The taxpay
ers should insist on better salaries and
better teaching than can be had under
suoh a system.
Nearly four hundred dollars in fines
paid by disorderly Individuals in Allegheny
yesterday, shows that the art of misdirecting
enthusiasm in the celebration of "Washington's
birthday is not a lost one. That kind ot cele
bration was laudably absent from the Amer
ican Mechanics' parade.
The important political information that
"when Alger is President Mrs. Logan will be
bis Secretary of State and she will be the brains
of the administration," Is given to the nation
by the Minneapolis Timet. This appears to be
official; but is it not a severely back-handed
compliment for a Presldental candidate, that he
must rely on that estimable lady to furnish the
necessary article of brains to bis putative ad
ministration T
If Senatol Blair would deliver his
speeches in the strict confidence of executive
session he might either get them published or
accomplish the equally landablo resnlt of
creating up the executive session.
It is satisfactory, so far as it goes, to be
assured by the New York Tribune that "The
Memorial Arch Fund is growing steadily, and
has already reached a figure which makes its
completion certain." This would be very well
lor New York if it were not for the appalling
dearth of any such information with regard to
the Grant Monument Fund. So long as that
work remains unfinished New York's discredit
is national.
NewYobk is rejoicing over its pre
sumptive victory in the "World's Fair matter;
but If the New Yorkers had more of the West
ern education they might know a certain tiro
verb about restraining their vociferations until
they got out of the woods.
Senator Dolph'3 coast defense bill
providing 123,000,000 to be expended for forte
and cannon, in connection with the naval pol
icy report In favor of expending nearly $300,
000,000 for a navy, all in addition to a pension
list ot 90,000,000 annually, is calculated toeive
foreigners a stunning idea of our construction
of the motto: "Millions for defense." The fig
ures may stun a few tax-payers as well.
The women suffragists are represented as
being desirous of establishing equality of wages
between men and women by means of socialism.
When socialism is able to change human nature
they may succeed.
The sale of the Chicago stockyards to au
English syndicate will permit the Hon. a W.
Allerton to devote the whole of his attention
and a share of that- more important political
factor, bis barrel, to the task of running for the
United States Senate as the tanners' candidate
on the platform that lump-jaw cattle furnish
a salutary and staple portion of the world's
meat supply.
The analysis of Beck's run water given
elsewhere is enough to prodnoe delirium among
the Sonthslde people -without the resort to
whisky which such water naturally suggests.
The prolonged arguments of the Demo
cratic papers that the alleged proposition of
abolishing the duties on raw sugar would for
tify the Sugar Trust, are convincing; but they
do not sneceed in demonstrating the correct
ness of the Democratic policy ot leaving the
Sugar Trust undisturbed behind its present
bulwark in the shape of the existing sugar
duties.
The Allegheny Free Library building is
a credit to the Northsiae city. Conncils should
take steps this week to Insure tbatthe manage
ment of it shall not be the reverse.
The mercury out in North Dakota went
40 degrees below zero last week, which beat the
record of last year In that vicinity. But the
blizzards obstinately refuse to visit the regions
where tbey will do the most good, apparently in
observance of a combination to increase the
profits from machine-made Ice.
At present it looks as if the cable cars on
the Central Traction line will beat that fire
engine test clear out ot sight.
The statement that George Francis Train
is going around the globe on another race
against time will probably check any further
attempts to follow that craze. Train may not
beat the record, but he will undoubtedly attain
tbe championship in the line ot making tbat
sort of nonsense ridiculous.
Martingln Early.
From the Chicago Inter Ocean.
Tbe literary society at Lancaster, Pa, offers
prizes for "spring poetry.;' The surplus will
undoubtedly accumulate rapidly.
PEOPLE OP PE0MINENCE.
Speaker Reed is opposed to the interna
tional copyright bill.
Posthastes General Wakamaxek Is
selline "Phytalia for the hair."
Speaker HtjsteD has clven up all hopes of
going'to Paris as Consul General.
The Russian grip in the person of "Count
Zubof," has struck Boston in a cyclonlo way.
Governor Waterman, of California, Is
said to be a good farmer and a shrewd band at
a bargain, but he is a very poor politician.
Hesrt Watter3ow is still a young man.
He celebrated his fiftieth birthday last week.
His health is good and be is a very happy
man.
Dinah M clock Craik surrendered ber
pension from the civil list fund for the benefit
of the late Dr. Westlaud Mirston. and when
she died the allowance was continued by Henry
Irving.
The Prince ot Wales bas become a very regu
lar attendant at the sessions of the English
Parliament, The fact is tbat the Prince is very
much worried about the chances of the succes
sion In case of his mother's death, and wants to
make as many friends as possible.
Governor Arbeit, of New Jersey, is a
great reader. Ho has always kept up with the
current literature and Is well informed regard
ing the tendency of fiction in these latter days.
He admires Rider Haggard.'s works, because
they take the reader out of his usual groove.
H. J, Messenger, Jr., Pb. D Associate
Professor of Mathematics In the University of
the City ot New York, will leave that institu
tion at the close of the present college year, for
the purpose of giving a year's special study to
the mathematics of life insurance at the insti
tute of Actuaries in London,
The ex-Emperor of Brazil, who was much
distressed. by the death of his wife, has slowly
recovered from his domestic grief and is now
ambitious of further political renown. He
maintains a household far beyond his means,
and hopes to live long enough to make an at
tempt to regain his throne. His physicians fear
that his brain is affected.
I
A TICKET SCALPER CAUGHT.
Judge Cooler Sets a Very Kent Trap for a
Railroad Broker.
The Minneapolis Tribune is responsible for
the following story: The last time Judge Cooley
was in Chicago he dropped in upon one of the
most obnoxious ticket brokers ot the brother
hood and brought him into camp In a manner
which gave the other scalpers cold feet for a
month.
"What can I get a ticket to New York for?"
said he, leaning confidentially over the counter
and tipping a wink to the man behind.
"Seventeen," replied the broker briskly.
"Can't you do any better than that?" re
sponded Judge Cooley, persuasively.
Well, -the broker thought that he could, and
finally arranged to give the Judge four tickets
way down below the legal rate.
"Well, bring them round to my room at the
Grand Pacific to-night," said the Judge. "I
bavon't the full amount with me."
So at the appolntod hour the broker appeared
at ins rooms oi me jnage.
The Judge reoeived him kindly. "Hold up
your right hand," said be casually. The broker
did. with some amusement.
"Now," continued the Judge, "do you swear
to tell tho truth, the whole truth and nothing
but the truth?"
Til be if I do anything of the kind!''
said the broker, as his expression changed to
blank amazement and his hand dropped like a
shot.
"Ob. I cuess you will." returned Judire
Cooley with a careless drawl; "here's my.
friend, the United States Marshal, sitting by
my side, and you will be given over to his cus
tody if you don't. So now sit down In tbat
chair and tell Judge Cooley, of the Interstate
Commission, all about those tickets you offered
to sell him below the legal rate this afternoon.
I want to know exactly how much each road
got for them and your commission."
The broker fell in a limp heap In the chair,
and before he left the room the Inter-State
Commerce Commission exacted some informa
tion which strnck the brokers all in a heap the
aay after.
BEF0EE THE WINTEE SET IN.
Somo Very Unusual Scenes In Connecticut
Only Last Week.
Wn-TjaiAimc, .Conic., February 23, Just
before tho snow came and the mercury sneaked
down into the zero corner, the Connecticut
snake hunter put In some . lively work.
A Columbia man killed a big striped
snake that was sliding briskly
along the country road, and C. W.
Nichols, of Mansfleld,got a six-foot-long black
snake. Snakes were killed in half a dozen
other country towns this week. Henry Ed-
warus, ot voveniry, cot a mua turtle mat was
swimming on tne Drins oi a meadow pool.
Mrs. Jackson's hen, of Williamsvilio, laid
an egg tuac was eight inches in circum
ference: myrtle bloomed In Deacon Gris
wold's yard in Centerbrook; school
children of Essex picked violets
by the roadside; frogs were beard croaking at
evening in the Connecticut nver valloy;Cbarles
E. Emmons, of Moodus, got a tadpole and saw
pomwogs in swarms in a crook; Mr. ilaronev.
of Hillstown, picked up a handful of grass
hoppers. Forty-eight hours later winter
stepped to the rront or the'uieteorolorical plat
form and winked at the icemen, who smiled
broadly.
KILLING DOGS WITH GAS.
How Saratoga Policemen Reduce thn Sur
plus Canine Population.
Saratoga, February 23. Chief of Police
Blodget, of this village, has invented a new
process for killing dogs condemned to death by
municipal authority. It is designed to take the
place of the water box in use at most dog
pounds, and Is certainly quick, clean and
humane. His engine of destruction is ordinary
illuminating gas, and tho victim receives the
fatal dose In a largo box with glass sides, Into
which a gas pipe leads.
A day or two ago the first dog to meet bis
fate in this way was killed, apparently painless
ly. In 2 minntes and 12 seconds. He was a big
follow, weighing 45 pounds. A little delay in
filling the box, because of the escape pipe being
open, lengthened the time, which, as a rule,
will probably be not more than a minute and a
half.
. A BIG FAMILI OP SIX FOOTERS.
Fifteen Boys and Seven Girl All of Re
markably Large Growth.
Biriunqiiam, Ala., February 23. John
Roberts lives in Lamar county with bis wife
and 22 children 15 boys and 7 girls, tbe young
est of whom is about 18-years-old. There are
six sets of twins in the faniilyJ All of tbe boys
are tall, none being under ofeet in height,
and ranging from that to 6 feet? iucbes. None
of the children are yet marrleS, and tbey live
under one roof in a double log Vbouse of three
rooms and a large loft, tbe boys) occupymc the
loft and the seven girls one of the lower rooms.
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are strong and healthy,
and- have not yet attained a great age, their
oldest child being about 40 yearswf age. The
parents were married at ul- and 11 years, re
specuveiy.
A Very Pertinent Suggest!
From the Savannah News.
A Brooklyn philanthropist is trying to or-
ganlze a syndicate to establish a system of free
Turkish baths for the poor ot that city) While
be is at that sort of thing he might do civiliza
tion a service by establishing a systom of com
mon, but vigorous, baths, in which a liberal use
of soap is resorted to, for tramps and An
archists. Telephonic Tansies.
From the 'Washington 1'ostl
Laporte, Jnd., comes to tbe front with a story
of marriage by telephone. This sort of thing
will probably be kept up until tbe contracting
parties strike a bad case of crossed wires and
get their matrimonial affairs so badly tangled
that even a Chicago divorce court cannot
straighten them out.
DEATHS OP A DAY.
V. H. Bead.
tSrZCIAI. TELEGRAM TO TBS DISPATCH. 1
Wellsbdro, W. Va., February 23.-C. H.
Beall, one of the largest wool growers In the
State, died at his borne In the eastern part or this
county this morning at 9 o'clock, of typhoid
fever, after a month's illness," aged SI years. The
Colonel, as be Is generally known, was one or the
most progressive farmers of this section. Be was
Vice President of the American Sheep Breeders
Association, and whllo it is not generally known,
he was the first wool grower to introduce the
Spanish merino sheep west of the Allegheny
Mountains, having bruught them from Vermont.
Wnblnalon Brck.
Washington Deck, aged 50 years, dlediasteven
lng at his father's home, 113 South Eighteenth
street. The deceased was a moidmaVer and ma
chinist. He was a brother of William and James
Beck, the glass jnanofactnren, and Mrs. Bedman,
tho principal of the Humboldt School. - Thei
funeral will take place to-morrow at 2 o'clock.
THE CRITIC'S REVIEW.
Channcey Rf. Drpew'a Book His Remark
able Teraallllty How Justin McCarthy
Dlakea History Interesting Some More
Trnili In the Novel Line Thrown on the
Market A Glance at tho Late Publica
tion. A good-looking book with the picture of a
good-looking man on the front of it; is
entitled Oratiom .and After-Dinner Speeches.
Mr. Channcey M. Depow is the author or,
perhaps, it would be better to say, the orator.
Mr. Gilder, of the New York Critic, is the com
piler and editor, and the book bears tho im
print of tbe new Cassell Publishing Company.
This publishing bouse, long the agents of Cas
sell 4 Co., has become an independent Ameri
can concern. It could not start out more
auspiciously than by the publication of the
speeches of such an independent American as
Mr. Depew.
The speeches cover a wide range of time and
topic. Some of them have tbe ring of
tbe war in them. Tbe latest and best
concerns tbe Columbus Quadri-Centennlal
celebration. Tbe Union ijef .gue Club, the New
England Society, and the Young Men's Chris
tian Association have given opportunities
which Mr. Depew has made fruitful. At the
meetings held to commemorate such men as
Garfield and Arthur, at banquets served in
honor of Stanley and Irving, before audiences
of doctors, of scholars, of politicians, of Sena
tors, Mr. Depew bas said what is here set down.
The following description of Mr. Depew
shows off his versatility in a strong light: "He
Is the President of the most powerful railroad
corporation in the United States, President of
tbe most Influential club, and President of the
Alumni Association of ono of the two oldest
and largest colleges: he Is the most popular
orator and after-dimier speaker in America,
and personally one of tbe most popular ot men."
He is not, however. President of the United
States, though he would like to be. Let it also
be recorded that, being on a visit to Pittsburg
for the purpose of addressing the x". M. C. A.
of this city, he was invited to preach on the fol
lowing Sunday at one' of our large churches
and declined. He drew tbe line at preaching.
For even Mr. Depew's versatility has limits.
Or else his modesty hindered.
One looks with sme curiosity to see it tbe
speeches, which fitted admirably Into their set
tings, and sounded very well in front of an au
dience and at the bead of a table, are really
worth anything divorced from the occasion.
Speeches which are served up cold are of ten
like second-band suppers. What do these ad
dresses read like now at such a longdistance
"after dinner?" They stand the test ad
mirably. They were good speeches, fruits
of Industrious tainting, almost all of them
even better than the occasion, and of the sort
which keeps. It Is a good thing to have them
in a book. ( 60; J. R. Weldln A Co.)
QNEofthe eminent men whom Mr. Depew
welcomed to these shores was Mr. Justin
McCarthy. And Mr. McCarthy's secona
volume of The Four Georges ( Harper fc Bros.,
J. R. Weldin A Co.) lies on The Critic's table
neighbor to tbe tbook of speeches. Mr. Mc
Carthy can do what Mr. Depew has never tried
yet, be can write novels and capital novels,
too. But better than bis good novels are his
delightfully readable histories.
Anybody who wants to take up a short but
thorough course of reading in English history
is commended to Green's "History of
the English People," and McCarthy's
"History of Our Own Times." And if the
"History of, Our Own Times" be preceded by
"The Four Georges," and followed by Justin
Huntley McCarthy's "England Under Glad
Stone," then you have the whole of it. And
'you have tbe satisfaction of reflecting as you
go on tbat you are reading books which are not
only valdable as history, but as literature also.
Everybody who had the pleasure of bearing
Mr. McCarthy lecture when he was here in
Pittsburg knows bow Interesting he can make
his descriptions and his narratives. That same
effective touch which brought out the pictures
of Lord Randolph Churchill and the Hon.
Mr. Smith, deals in this volume with tbe sec
ond George. Walpole and Pitt are the great
Ministers of the reign. JohnMorley also, a
"Minister" of a somewhat different sort, added
a fame to those days which will outlast its
troubled politics. Pope and Swift wore
the great men in literature. Hogarth was
making pictures. Over on this side the water,
as the days of the Second George drew near
their end, young Mr. Washington was prac
ticing at rifle-shooting with Indians for targets,
and Fort Duquesnc, defending tbe Ohio, was
tbe critical point in the contest. Brave Gen
eral Braddock, mortally wounded, but crying
out: "I shall do better another time!" was
dying amidst a different kind of smoke from
that which rolls to-day out of the chimneys of
Mr. Carnegie's mills.
Mr. McCarthy has an Important and interest
ing story to tell, and be tells it after such
fashion as attracts and Interests and delights
the reader.
V
yrn. McCarthy says in bis "History of Our
Own Times" that the English -orator
whom both Gladstone and Disraeli declared to
be the most effective speaker they had ever
listened to had a voice which sounded as if one
were kicking a tin kettle. It takes a good deal
more than a voice to make a speaker. Never
theless, a good-voice is worth while.
Prof. E. B. Warman, In bis little book on The
Voice (S2; Lee & Shepard; J. R. Weldin & Co.),
undertakes to tell "bow to train it bow to care
for it." Prof. Warman has had a long experi
ence in this work, of. which this book is the
fruit. To strengthen weak lungs, to teach peo- -pie
to breatho, to strengthen the vocal organs
so tbat they can be used for any length of time
and even out of doors, is what the author
promises. There are various pictures in tbe
book, and in tbe pictures tbe orators are all
ladles, but the directions are equally meant for
parsons, lawyers and politicians. The physi
ology of the vocal organs is given at consider
able length, with accompanying- diagrams.
There are pages of exercises. This is a scien
tific, sensible and useful book.
Meitheb scientific, nor useful, nor sensible
are two novels whoso titles are tbe best
part of them. And Satan Laughed, and
Speaking 0 Mlens.ro uninteresting, unprofit
able, and possibly if anybody could read them
through pernicious. The; publisher whose
reputation is affected by these foolish books Is
G.'W. Dillingham. The Fallen Millar Saint,
issued by the same publishing honse, is a book
of poems written by an ill-advised young lady,
who will presently be much ashamed of this
venture into print. Some of the verses are so
good and musical and sweet, that they make
the charitable reader wish with added hearti
ness that a little more scissors, blue pencil,
discretion and good judgment had been put
into the manuscript.
iTJome and School" (50c; Lee & Shepard; H.
n Watts & Co.) is the first bf four in a
series of "Picturesque Geographical Readers,"
by Charles K. King. Herbert Spencer's remark
that "Light takes tbe lead as a channel of per
ception," and Isaao Watts' saying that "Noth
ing tends to enlarge tbe mind so much as
traveling" are the texts from which these read
ers start "Home and School" Is printed In
good large type, with plenty of pictures, many
ot them photographs; and, with its chapters in
easy narrative, makes an admirable beginning
In the study of geography. From the home
pond to the great ocean, from the map of the
village to tbe map of tbe world, the little
scholars pass in pleasant stages. We are im
pressed by tbe good sense which marks the
book. It is as much better tban the old map-and-auestlon
way of teaching geography, as the
new way of learning languages is superior to
the old dreary and unprofitable drill in gram
mar. oTTHE Dead Heart," when Henry Irving
played It last September at the Lyceum
Theater, in London, was accompanied by the
distribution of a tasteful "souvenir," a copy of
which cornea to us from Messrs. Cassell & Co.
The flag of .France waves on tbe covert within
is the story bf the play, and excellent plotures
representing the characters in the crisis of the
plot (J. R. Weldin & Co.)
A pathetio story, set out against an un
" familiar background is Pierre Loti's An
Iceland lUhermfn (A, O. McClurg & Co.; H.
Watts 4 Co.! f Li We noticed quite recently
M. Loti's brilliant picture of a corner or North
Africa in his "Xrfto Morocco." He is equally
at home on tbe sea and within the regions of
cold. "An Icclamd Fisherman" is a simple and
touching love torL true to nature, striking
"down to tbe primeval root or human pathos
with tbe old. oVX tragedy ot love and death."
It is "Loti's masterpiece." It is the old story of,
the great, merciless sea. Kingsiey's chorus
sounds persistently 2a its pages: "Men must
work, and women must weep;" what matter It
tbe harbor bar be moaning, out must go the
boats, as tbe Leopoldlne went, into the face
of tbe wind. The little church has its walls
lined with tablets commemorating brave sail
ors, who went out and never came back. The
translation, in this case peculiarly difficult, is
excellently and sympathetically done.
ODD CHURCH MDSiC.
Tbe Queer Practical Joke Played
by a
Russian Organist.
From the Chicago Herald. I
A handsome, clever and highly educated
young Russian, bankrupt through operations
on the bourse of St. Petersburg, came to this
city some years ago with the wreck ot his for
tune, and for a time figured largely in tbe most
exclusive social set. After a time, all his
money having been spent, be dropped out ot
society, and for some years earned a precarious
living in various mysterious ways. Later he
took to tbe stage, and bis fortunes began to
look Up. It was soon after bis latest turn of
fortune that an old acquaintance, going to
church in a fashionable suburb, saw the Rus
sian bound on tbe same errand in company with
some of tbe set with whom he bad mingled in
earlier days. The Russian,- who is a highly
skilled musician, was asked to Dlay tbe orjran.
and everybody was delighted with tbe delicious,
dreamy voluntary with which be opened.
n. ujuutii mier tne i.ussian ana ms oia ac
quaintances met again at the rooms ot a
friend in New York, and tbe subject of that
marvelous voluntary came up. The Kiissian
was asked to repeat it, and he acceded to the
request, saying at the same time that it was an
Improvisation. Be played it as before, and
all present were delighted. "Don't' you
recognize it?" he asked. Several of them found
something familiar in tbe music, but no one
could place It "Listen," said tho Russian,
"while I play it rapidly;" and Kitting down at
tbe piano he rattled off wbatall recognized as
"Johnny Got Your Gun." By playing it slowly
with new notes skillfully interwoven, be bad
produced tbe dreamy composition with which
all nad been so charmed.
ENGLAND WILL KEEP CANADA.
Views of a London JonrnnI on the Question
of Annexation.
From the London Spectator.! x
We cannot help thinking that a good deal of
tbe Delief as to annexation being bound to
come has arisen from assuming it as certain
that if there were reciprocity or a Customs
Union between tbe Dominion and tbe States,
absorption must take place. We do not see
the necessity. England does not absorb the
countries with which she bas free trade, nor
would America, even It tbe free' trade were re
stricted to one power. Countries have
often been strictly united, in
spite of internal customs lines; while
again, States have had practically free com
mercial intercourse without amalgamation.
It is quite conceivable that England, Canada,
and America might politically remain to each
other in the positions they occupy to-day, al
though Canada and America admitted each
other's goods free, and bad a tariff against
those of England. No doubt the arrangement
would bo a foolish one for Canada; but to
speak of reciprocity as necessarily Involving
absorption. Is not to realize how essentially
illogical national sentiment often is.
Canada might quite well think she would be
injured, both by wearing English cloth and
by adopting American institutions. In any
case, a enstoms union Is further off tban Amer
ican free trade, and, meantime, we need not be
afraid of bills introduced Into Congress for ab
sorbing Canada, That is a game two can play
at, and the Dominion Parliament Is, we believe,
occasionally Invited to pass measures for ad
mitting tbe New England States to the federa
tion of British North America.
LIGHTED BI WOOD "GAB.
Tbe Queer Method at Illuminating a North,
era New York Village.
NORTHWOOD, N. Y., February 23L Tbe sole
manufacturing Industry of this locality is that
of making charcoal, and wood alcohol, by dis
tilling wood in closed iron retorts. The most
striking feature of the works in the eyes of a
stranger unaccustomed to such things, Is the
method of illuminating them at night Pipes
run from the retorts to tbe places where lights
are needed, and as night comes on the gas from
the retorts is allowed to flow through the pipes,
and is fired where it comes out It is simply
tbe combustion of tbe gas driven from tbeham
wood by tbe application of beat The company
owning the works have used the gas for illum
ination simply because itwas convenient
The gas plant consists of a series of cast iron
cylinders placed like boilers In a brick furnace.
It ear one end oreacn cylinder is a Dig hopper.
Tbe hoppers are kept filled with sawdust
brought from a bin by an endless screw tbat
works in a wooden trough. From the hopper
the sawdust Is conducted by other screws
through iron pipes into tbe retort There it Is
taken by another screw and pushed along to
tbe rear end. Because of the heat of the re
tort all of tbe volatile matters in the sawdust
are driven off, and the wood becomes charcoal,
when it is ready to be discharged through a
pipe at the rear ot tbe retort.
Tbe gas passes through pipes from tbe top of
tne retort to punners, sucn as are nsea in
common coal-using gasworks. Lime is the
chief constituent of the purifiers. It Comes out
with an odor not very much like tbat from
bituminous coal. It smells more like smoke
from an outdoor fire tban anything else.
INSECTS AND EVOLUTION.
Over a Million Different Species of Insects
Upon tho Earth.
From the Inter Ocean. 3
The seventh lecture of the course of popular
lectures upon "Tbe Testimony of Science to
Evolution" was delivered last night in Recital
Hall, Auditorium Building, by Prof. S. A.
Forbes, of tbe University of Illinois, bis sub
ject being "Entomological Illustrations of
Evolution." '
There are over 1,000,000 species of insects
upon tbe earth, and no class of life is more use
ful in demonstrating tho theory of evolution.
There is no region free from insect life. What
any animal can do some insect can do; what
any animal ran eat some insect can eat; there
is no mode of progression used by any animal
mat some insect does not use. rneir suscepti
bility of classification is most perfect Thus In
the genus of coleoptera alone there are nearly
20 sub-divisions. They possess in the highest
degree the qualities of central fixedness and
peripheral flexibility. All of these are qualities
called for by tho evolution theory. Prof.
Forbes proceeded to prove these major premises
and then dilated upon many special details, all
In support of his postulate tbat all life started
from a central point and' a 'single center of
distribution.
NINETEEN ENGINES TO A TRAIN.
How Locomotives struggle to Get Through
Western Snowdrifts.
Washington. February 23. This morning
Senator Stanford received a dispatch from
General Manager Towne, of the Central Pacific
road, which Informs him that the last passenger
tmin but one which went over tho mountains
used 19 of the most powerful locomotives and a
push-plow to start It, and with this power got
stalled near Emigrant Gap. Thus tho difficulty
was explained of getting traiasover tbe mount
ains. Tbe storm was abatlug at the time the
dispatch was sent, and over 1,200 sbovelers were
employed between Colfax anu Trnckee.
It Won't Pny.
From tbe Chicago Inter Oeean.1
Like a sensible man, J. Whltcomb Riley, tbe
favorite Hoosier puot, has found out, without
much loss of time, tbat playing the McQlnty
act won't pay. It won't do even to experiment
with McGInty.
MEN WHO MI'SS TUB TRAIN.
I loaf aronn the deepo Just to see the Pnllman
scoot
An' to see the people scamper w'en they hear the
lnglnetoot;
But w'at makes the most Impression on my some
what active brain
Is the careless men who get there jest in time to
, miss the train.
An' some cuss the railroad comp'ny, au' some
loudly cms their stars.
An' some Jest gallop down the track an' try to
catch the cars; .
An' some with a loud laff and Joke will poultice
up their pain;
Var'as kin's er people jet there Jest in tlmo to
miss the train.
An1 there Is many deepoa an' flag stations 'lthout
name '
Along the Grand TrunE railroad that leads to
wealth and. fame;
An' men rush to these deepos as fast as they can
ay.
As the train of Opportunity Jest goes a than-
derln' by.
The Grand Trnnk Railroad of Success It runs
through every clime.
Hut the can or Opportunity they go on schedule
time, ..
And never are the brakes reversed tbey won't
back up again
To take the men who get there Just in time to miss
the train. ...
' -S. W. Foil in Xanket Blade.
OUR MAIL R0UCH.,
The Control of Cnrnrgie Llbrnrr Argued
That tho Proposed Scheme It Illegal
Councils Considered' Competent to Sinn
ngo tbe Institution. -
To the Editor of The Dispatch:
An attempt is being made to placo the man
agement of tbe Carnegie buildings in the
bands of a commission composed of citizens.
school controllers and Councilmen. It Is pro
posed to entrust this commission with tbe ex
penditure of money appropriated by Councils',
the incurring of debts binding on the city and
the selection of officers and employes selected by
the commission. In my opinion the whole
scheme is in plain violation ot law, and if con
summated would be a constant menace to tne
best interests of tbe city of Allegheny. I be
lieve it would also subvert and pervert tbe
generous and philanthropic purposes of Mr.
Carnegie.
Tbe Councils of tbe city are the legal custo
dians of all public property. Under their
official oaths Councilmen are to administer a
public trust. They only can incur debts bind
ing on the city, and the money flowing into the
public treasury can only be paid out in accord
ance with the plain method prescribed by
statute. They only can elect and appoint the
public servants.
It bas been urred that nolltics would control
the appointment of officials In the new Institu
tion, tbat Councilmen are incompetent to judge
of the competency of candidates, and unable
to manaire tho art trallev. music ball and library
In accordance with Mr. uarnegle's broad and
liberal conception.
The history of tbe city government justifies
no such claims. Although tbe complexion of
Councils changes at every municipal election,
competent officials have been kept in office in
spite of political rhanges. The present Treas
urer has held office since 1858; the Controller
since 1873: tbe City Engineer since 1875; tbe
Superintendent of tbe Water Works since
1677. James E. Crow. Chief Engineer of tbe
Fire Department, held office from 1803 until bis
death in 181-9. Thomas B. Rodgers, ex-Ctty
Solicitor, held office from 180 until 18S8 when
be peremptorily declined re-election. Tbe
present Superintendent of the Parks has held
office for 12 years.
The execntion of the duties of these several
offices involved peculiar knowledge and special
skill In each department No one
will deny that tbe duties thereof were
performed in a worthy manner, and Councils.
In re-electing these officers to such extended
terms-of service, have suown themselves capa
ble of administering the public trust Imposed
upon them. Can tbey not rise to the dignity of
the new situation, select proper servants and
adopt efficient rules for the government of the
Carnegie buildines?
Are the present Councils so lacking in knowl
edge, culture and common sense tbat tbey can
not perform the duties placed upon them by
the people? Must theyseektbe aid of unsworn
and unelected citizens'aud, contrary to law and
public policy, entrust an aristocratio commis
sion with the administration of municipal func
tions? To do so is a confession ot weakness
and Incompetency. Any Councilmen laboring
nnder this impression should at once resign.
The City Solicitor, Mr. Elpbinstone, in a
written opinion, has advised Councils tbat they
cannot delegate to any commission tbe powers
and duties intrusted to and Imposed upon them
by tbe votes of the people. I believe Councils
will follow his advice.
Municipal commissions were grievous sores
upon the cities and boroughs of Pennsylvania,
until the Constitution of 1S74 forbade their
creation even by the Legislature. The com
missions which erected the City Hall, in Pitts
burg, and Improved Penn avenue, are among
tbe many local examples of tbe vice of such
institutions. Tbey are unrepublican, unsafe
and a menace to the welfare ot the public. By
their unbridled system of expending pnblic
money, the treasury of every city in tbe State
bas been bled aud burdens hard to be borne
placed upon tbe taxpayer. The Councils of
Allegheny should nip this danger in tbe bud.
Mr. Carnegie intended the institution for tbe
use of all the' people. If I were to choose be
tween a management of Councils elected by
the people and a system of government by an
aristocratic commission, I would choose the
former. We had a sample of the latter kind of
management last Thursday nlgbt To what
poor citizen were the doors of Music Hall open
on tbat occasion? The everyday people of
Allegheny were excluded, even the Guardians
ot the Poor and other city officers were refused
tickets, wnne tne nan was mien witn aristo
cratic residents of Pittsburg and its suburbs.
The citizens of Allegheny want no dictators to
manage public property.
Let me suggest a way out of the present dif
ficulty: First Give the Board of School Con
troller the right to use the library room and
conduct the library as heretofore. Second
Let Councils or some appropriate committee of
Councilmen elect tbe officers and employes
necessary for tbe care and manage
ment of tbe buildings, taking special
care to secure as Superintendent of
the Art Gallery and Musio Hall, a man
of culture and executive ability. This is the
most important office to be filled. The man
can be found. When elected. Councils will do
as they have always done in the past I. e., keep
him In office as lone as be Is a faithful and
efficient public servant
ine present councils are not constituted of
political mendicants. In their numbers are
many men ot culture.wealtb, business ability
and common sene. To them tbe citizens can
confidently look for an efficient discbarge of
pnbiie affairs. If any are found unworthy the
people have their remedy at the ballot box.
Allegheny, February 22. Citizen.
Gna Aleters and Kickers.
To the Editor of The DIsoatch:
In view of the gas situation in Allegheny of
meters versus contracts let me say the kickers
against meters are perfectly justified in their
attitude, notwithstanding the Westinghouse
people set up all kinds of claims for tbe relia
bility and fairness of their system. Although
not an Alleghenian, 1 am on tbe Chartlers ser
vicea low pressure one, supposed to be main
tained at four ounces, and no regulator be
tween street and point;of consumption. Tbe
Westlnghonse meters, being only volume meas
urers, when this service pressure gets belowtbe
normal one of four ounces (as is often the case
and as bas been for the last few. days), say two
ounces at the consumer's service pipe, it stands
to reason tbat we. to get an equal and
proper amount of gas, must open valves
at the fires, to permit about twice
the amount of flow. This means
double the number of feet recorded at tbe me
ter, and a doubled amount of dollars In tbe bill.
With one ounce of pressure In tbe service the
dollars are quadrupled, and tbis inverseness of
performance the thinner the goods tbe more
dollars would co on indefinitely, only tbat the
exquisite two-meter mechanism finally fails to
budge, and as if for shame's sake decently
stops.
The claim set up tbat justice and "fairness
all around" is attained by this meter is falla
cious, and in some measure I hope herein re
futed. If not, why not? I should .like to ask
tbe gas companies. Ehoixeer.
Pittsburg, February 21.
la the Attorney Rlghlf
To the Editor of Tbe Dlsbatch:
A certain young man, born and raised in the
United States, and for the past 19 years a resi
dent of Allegheny, who was 21 yeais old Mon
day, the day before election, was refused per
mission to deposit his vote at a certain polling
place by the Election Board, they claiming tbat
be bad to be a citizen SO days, or to be SO days
over 21 years of age. Tbe young man in ques
tion called on a prominent attorney of Pitts
bnrg, and wat told tbat the board was right
Please answer in the Mall Pouch column if
that young man was entitled to a vote and
what constitutes citizenship ot an American
born, and bow much over 21 years he must be
to vote. American.
Allegheny, February 22.
Facts About Ford City.
To the Editor of Tbe Dispatch!
In reply to "Reader's" query in Thursday's
Dispatch, Ford City is located on tbe Alle
gheny Valley Railroad, about 40 miles north of
Pittsburg, in Armstrong county. It bas a popu
lation ot 1,000 or 1,200. and bas not as yet any
local government It belongs to the Eittsburg
Plate Glass Company, who have large works
there.
Tbe. town was named after Mr. J. B, Ford,
who is, I believe, tbe president of the company.
There is one policeman on duty in tne town who
is employed by the company. E. K.
Neale, Aeustrono county, February 22.
TOO LAZY TO LlYii,
A Man Quite Willing for nis Funeral to
Take Finer,
From the Scottish-American. 1
Tbe laziest man in Scotland Is said to bave
been the joiner who, after repeated dismissals
from bis employment by bis master, was at
length forcibly laid into a coffin by his shop,
mates and carried oft for burial by way ot a
joke. On the way they met a farmer, who
asked if the man was dead.
"No," was the reply, "but we Intend. to bnry
h!u; bo I that lazriuit he should net be al
lowed to lire."
At the farmer's request tbey took oft tbe lid,
when the farmer asked the lazy one if he
thought he could eat two or three boiled taties.
"Are they peeled r" inquired the man.
."No,".returned tbe farmer. - .-
"Ab, weel, let tbe funeral gang on."
A PAPER OF PAPERS.
Yesterday's 20-Pngo Dispatch a Newsy and
Interesting Number.
What Is the use of putting ourselves to Incon
venience. In order to purchase' bign-prlced
magazines and new navels, when in oar own
city ot Pittsburg we can obtain matter quite as
now, quite as interesting and by authors quite
as able? What is tbe use of expending so much
moneyin boring these costlr nrodHCtions.when,
in a Pittsburg daily paper, equally bright
literature can be secured for one-tenth of the
price? Take up Ths Dispatch good people,
yesterday's Dispatch for instance, and glance
through its pages. Twenty pages, replete with
matter. Interesting in the highest degree, un
usually extensive, and so varied that nearly
every individual must find his own peculiar
taste in literature gratified therein! But it is
an old saying that "good wine needs no bush."
Let tbe contents of yesterday's 20-page DIS
PATCH speak for themselves.
J.
The Socialist trouble in Germany bezius to
grow desperate. The Government candidates
are being defeated everywhere, and the Kaiser
is wrathful. Stepnlak denounced tbe proposed
American extradition treaty with Russia, on
the grounds that it will increase Siberian
atrocity.. Queen "Victoria bas aroused herself,
and will open the next London season. The
Czar has summoned Prince Nicholas, of Monte
negro, to St Petersburg to answer charges
against his fidelity to Russia. J. "W. Lawler,
while sailing round the world In a small yacht,
got Into an English jail. Young Abraham
Lincoln Is a good deal better. Stanley is mnch
broken in health, and will stay some time In
Egypt Canadians are kicking against Gover
nor General Lord Stanley's household bill.
The French government has agreed to pardon
the Due d'Orleans, who will be conveyed
secretly beyond tbe frontiers. Tbe Russian
Government will immediately go towork on its
great railroad through Siberia.
The leading Democrats of Pennsylvania are
organizing a clean and solid phalanx to charge
for tbe Governorship. Chicago is reported to
be in the lead In the World's Fair contest
Indiana students raise a disreputable tumult
at Crawfordsrille.
i A dam on tbe Hassayampa river, Arizona,
holding a big artificial lake, gave way. occas
ioning much loss of life. Washington's birth
day was celebrated with eclat throughout the
country. Grover Cleveland spoke before tbe
Southern Club, and Chief Justice Fuller before
tbe Washington Club in Chicago. A shameful
riot occasioned by a quarrel between two G.
A. R. posts, occurred in Cincinnati. John
Jacob Astor, bead of the Astor family, died of
heart failure. Representatives of the original
States met at Philadelphia, to discuss the
erection of a notable national monument in
that city.
Delegates of tbe Funeral Benefit Association
met in the G. A. R. Hall, Fourth avenue. The
proceedings were very breezy, and debate was
kept up till 1J3U o'clock. Congressmaa Bayne
says that the President was pleased with his
Pittsburg reception. Citizens are beginning to
express very strong opinions against the con
trol of their tree library by politicians. The
Westinghouse bas produced a new airbrake for
stopping cars .on street roads. Washington's
birthday was splendidly celebrated in Pittsburg
and Allegheny. Mr. Charles Abel leaves for
Brazil in the interest of four prominent Pitts
burg firms. He carries letters from Secretary
Blaine and other notables.
The sporting world, will find much that is
spicy and entertaining in Pringle's review, and
the sporting page.
m.
Frank G. Carpenter writes wittily of various
Washington topics and personages. "The Fu
ture Utopia" is the title of a graceful article by
Shirley Dare. Brenan writes on Irish folk-lore.
'Beatrice." Rider Haggard's new story, con
tinues to grow in interest "F. T. R." describes
the colonial soldier as be was in bis prime. G.
H. Landlson cbats on revolver and rifle shoot
ing. Colonel Thomas P. Ochiltree's article on
"Country Statesmen" is distinctly interesting;
as also Is "Ideas of Culture," by Arlo Bates.
Brenan writes the history of a table d'hote.
Bill Nye is immensely tunny in "Sharing Great
Men." "Come Forth." the Biblical story by
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps and tbe Rev. Herbert
D. Ward, continues; and James C.Pnrdy's rem
iniscences of an old Pittsburg reporter never
flags in interest Mrs. Frank Leslie conducts
tbe usual "Woman's World" page. Ella
Wheeler Wilcox writes of "Women Men Ad
mire." Other contributors to this number are
Fannie B. Ward (The Dispatch's special
correspondent). "H. J. S.," Clara Belle, Rev.
George Hodges, Judge H. A. Glldersleeve,
Bumbalo, Bessie Bramble. L M. Pryor, Clyde
M. Allen, H. L 8., Miss Grundy. Jr.. Wilson, B.
P. ShUlaber ("Mrs. Partington"). Axel C.Hall
breck, etc., etc. Paysle's fairy tale is, as usual,
charming. Tbe dramatic, musical, military,
art and society columns are full of interest to
the initiated.
GEOEGE'GODLD'S MOUNTAIN LODGE.
The Meat Lor House Which the
Million-
alre'e Son Will Occupy.
Kingston, N. Y February 23. Architect
A F. Mason, of this city, has just completed
plans and specifications for the erection of a
mountain lodge for George J. Gonld on the
bank of Furlough Lake, recently purchased by
him. A site bas been selected and cleared of
stumps, rocks and all obstructions. It is on a
commanding eminence a short distance from
the lake, and the surroundings are full of wild
wood beauty. The contemplated building Is to
be a two-story log bouse, the logs and all the
timbers nsed in'it being left exposed In their
natural state. It will have a broad and spacions
veranda and a large wide hall, with old-fashioned
open fireplace. Tbe main floor will con
tain parlor, dining room and sitting room, and
the second floor will be divided into sleeping
apartments, halls and bathrooms.
The wator' for supplying the bullaintr is
conducted through pipes from a fine spring at
an altitude of ISO feet above the building. As
soon as the weather permits excellent roadways
will be built and a telegraph line constructed
to connect with tbe Ulster and Delaware Rail
road at Arkvllle. Mr. Gould Intends to have
everything In readiness for occupancy, by his
family early tbe coming summer.
A Hint to Organ Grinder.
From tbe Kansas City Star.
The fact that a New York organ grinder fell
dead while playing "Home, Sweet Home" has
brought out the naturally suggested joke about
tbe "terrible warning." etc. When one stops
to think ot the thousands of organ grinders
who do not fall dead while toying with this
venerablo air, tbe bollowness of the joke be
comes apparent The ways ot Providence are
inscrutable, and are not the proper subject for
jokes more particularly thin jokes.
ODD lTL'llS PR0H ABROAD.
A Swiss newspaper announces that the
grand prize of tbe Paris Exposition lottery has
been won by an English young lady who is an
art student at Genera.
It Is reported from St Petersburg that the
Russian physician. Dr. Bapchlnskl. announces
tbat he has discovered that diphtheria is easily
curable by inoculation of erysipelas.
In the villages of Northamptonshire a fund
has been started from which to pay 4 pence per
dozen for the heads of sparrows, whose dam
age to the crops has bocome unbearable.
. Steam surface cars, or dummies, are used by
the street railroad companies of Birmingham,
and last year they carried 19,000,000 passengers
with only 2 fatal and 41 minor accidents.
Complaint is made that the craze for na
tural flowers, ferns and rare plants generally is
leading to the destruction of the British hedge
rows, aud a law is proposed to make it a misde
meanor to steal flowers or twigs.
Miss E. M. Merrick, a London artist, who
last year went to Cairo to paint the picture of
tbe Khedive, has now received au order fur a
portrait of Henry 31. Stanley, which the ex
plorer is to present to Ihe- Eoyal Geographical
'Society.
A French woman, whose name is Gabrielle
Bompard, but wbo Is not related In any way to
tbe heroine ot tbe sensational Gonffa murder
case, bas applied to the courts for leave to
'change her name on account ot the unpleasant I
notice ner present one attracts.
THE service bullet for the new English mag
azine rifle is, it is said, to be a compound sol
dered bullet, one advantage of which is dlmln-':
isbed friction, and consequent less heating of
tbe barrel, experiments showing this to be ten
degrees less after 12 rounds bad been fired.
There u a movement in England to better
the condition of the barmaids by including
them withia the provisions of the act regarding
working women in factories. It U said that
now tbey have to work 100 boors a week and
get bat from 26 to n 75, with cheap beard
and poor lodging,
CURIOUS C05DE5SAT1MS.
Joseph Sheetz, of Geraantowu, Pa., Is
8) years old, and Is about to wed a young woman
Of 27.
Palmer Cox's Brownies, familiar to tha
readers of St. Ifleholai, have been purchased
by a patent medicine vendor and set to work in
his service.
A Mrs. Marshall, of Dubuque, lows,
laughed so Immoderately at a joke shebeardV
that her jaw became set and a doctor bad to
break tbe bone to get her mouth dosed.
A cat in Santa Cruz, CaL, has become
so expert in climbing up tbe door and raising;
the latch to get in that the carrying of a big rat
does not now interfere with her performing tha
feat
"The Biography and Letters of Sarah
Bernhardt 1834-1889;" by an old and wellknown
military officer, is soon to appear in Pans. Tho
book is to contain a preface written by a man
now dead.
Lemuel Case, of Ironton, "Wis., is said
to be unable to drink a cup full of akuost any
liquid without having it effervesce from his
month as though be were an animated mineral
"Kt Djpuon DOHie.
Runaway marriages are so common in
Georgia, an exchange reports, that many
parents deposit Injunctions with tbe licensing
officials forbidding tbe Issuing of marriaeS
licenses to their children.
The statue of Kev. Mr. Beecher, which
is to be placed in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, is
now being cast in bronze. It is to be of colossal
proportions. 9 feet hish. and representing tho
great preacher in soft felt hat and cape.
It is not often the case that a man passes
his entire life In the home in which he was'born,
but such was the experience of Samuel Banler.
a higbly-respected citizen of Porter's Corners!
Saratoga county. N. Y who died recently, aged
A j carl
Tho Northern Arapahoes of the Indian
Territory ate greatly excited over some mys
terious appearance seen by a portion of the
tribe in the 'Rocky Mountains. Tbe medicine
men and chiefs bave become Imbued with the
idea that the Christian Savior has appeared to
them.
The most valuable book in the world,
according to the Rivitla Ttpograflca, is the
Hebraic Bible at tbe Vatican. In 1512 the
Jews of Venice tried to buy it of Pope Julius
JL for its weight in gold. It would have cost
them 1109,000 if tbe Pope had not refused to
negotiate.
Mrs. Longman, widow of the late Mr.
Thomas Longman, died in London recently in
her 76th year. She was the last ot tbe genera
tion of the house tbat published for Scott
Southey. Coleridge, Moore, Campbell. Svdney
Smith. Mackenzie and Macaulay. She took a
keen interest in all the great literary projects
with which her husband was connected.
Annie Besant, the English Socialist,
who is about to visit New York, is a tall, thin,
sad-faced woman, with wavy.darkbalr and "the
pluck of a flamingo;" she edits a labor paper
called tbe Kite; Is a sister-in-law of Walter Be
sant tbe novelist; has lately figured conspicu
ously and unsuccessfully in an action for libel,
and is anxious to investigate for herself how
Toman rule is working in Kansas.
It is rumored that Dr. Kuorr. of Ger
DUay, the discoverer of antlpyrine, tbe great
grip remedy, baa made considerably over a
million ot dollars by the winter's epidemic. The
medicine sells at 1 40 an ounce, and Dr. Knorr
gets a royalty of about 60 cents on every ounce
sold. The demand everywhere was something;
tremendous, trivevdollars per onnce was fre
quently paid for the drug, and it was often un
attainable at any price during tbe height of the
visitation.
A Cleveland artist says that a genuine
artist is very much like a slngsd cat He is
better than he looks. In speaking of artists in
general he says that the artist of ability does
not differ in appearance from the ordinary
man. He says tbat in Munich when tbe student
begins to draw from tbe antique be lets his hair
grow long and carries paint box around with
him. When be enters a more advanced class
he cuts his hair reasonably short, and leaves
tbe paintbox at borne. "When he gets down to
genuine painting he wears his hair in the ordi
nary styles and dresses like tbe ordinary
mortal.
The paragraph in a New York evening
paper announcing tbe sale of the stallion Ko
tbe King at Lexington for 531,000 caused not a
little inquiry on the part ot horsemen as to tho
identity of the horse, but on the otberband it
was tbe source of a good deal of amusement to
telegraph operators or those wbo understand
the Morse aipbabet "Ko" is tbe term used by
efficient telegraph operators to denote "colon"
just as "si" is the marktransmltted for a semi
colon. Tbe young man who copied the dispatch
announcing the sale of Tho King, the famous
son of George Wilkes, bravely put down tbe
"Ko," and the copy reader gravely Inserted it
in the head line.
A newspaper man of Fannington, Me.,
visited a remarkable family; the other day,
Calling at tbe home of Jonathan Scott Ellis ha
found Mr. Ellis, wbo Is 93 years old, seated by
the stove and reading a newspaper without
glasses. His wife's sister. Miss Lydla Ballard,
wbo win be 97 years old In April va seated in
a rocking chair near by and knitting rigorously.
Another sister-in-law. Miss Hannah Ballard. 84
years old next October, was cleaning up tbe
dinner table and washing the dishes. Mrs. Ellis
died three years ago at the age of 88. The old
folks prefer to live by themselves and do all
their own work and Father Ellis yet lefersto
his sisters-in-law as "the girls."
A Kalamazoo lumber dealer is said to
be felicitating himself on having beaten tne
railroads. He received a carload of lumber
and paid freight charges thereon. Not having
unloaded it,withm the required 72 hours, tbe
railroad charged him demurrage, which be re
fused to pay. He was told that he could not
bave the lumber until he paid the demurrage
charge. That did not scare him. He pro
ceeded to break tbe seal, open the car. take
out and cart away his lumber. The railroad
agents sued him for an unlawful seizure, and
the case went to court The result was that
the law justified tbe dealer. This goes to indi
cate that when railroads charge demurrage
under tbe name of car service tbey are exceed
ing their legal right in the premises.
As one passes along the main traveled
road leading to the upper end of the prairie,
about a mile distant from Prairie duChien.ha
can see a bit of ground enclosed within a pila
of rock and debris on the rigbtnand side of tha
way. If one's curiosity should lead him to in
vestigate this lonesome spot, be would find tha
ruins of a tomb of a once prominent and in
fluential character in tbe great Northwest, and
a leader of tbe British troops under Colonel
McKay, who captured the American fort and
forces at Prairie du Chlen in 1812. The tomb is
that of Jean Joseph Roulette. A heavy mar.
ble slab, overrun with weeds and underbrush
and half obliterated, marks the spot where
sleeps the hero of many a hard-fought battle,
THE LAUGHING PHILOSOPHERS.
Love may be blind, but he knows when
the parlor lamp is too high. Binghamton Leader,
The man who has no charity in his heart
gives no quarter to the hotel waiter. Bolton
Port.
A philosopher says: "Love is light: hata
tbe darkness." How comes. It then, that those
wbo are smitten by Cupid's darts love the dark
netsl Boiton herald.
Cumso I see that a Denver detective has
mysteriously disappeared.
rangle He's probably found the criminal he
was looking for and the shock killed hlm.EpoeX
Fashionable Intelligence. "Theswallow
tall hsahad Its day."
"Perhaps so la Chicago. In New York the
swallowtail la only seen at night." Bern lorH
Bvening Sun,
A 'WTDE HIATUS.
The one great cause of all our woe, -
We learn it but to rue:
'TIs the difference ' twlxt what we know
And what we think we do.
Sew Fork livening Sun,
"My son," said the Judge, kindly, "do
you think you are old enough to understand tha
nature of an oath?"
"Yes, slr,"answered the youthful witness. "1
reckon I've heard "most every kind there Is. I'm.
tbe organ boy at St. Hezeklah's Church." CAt
eago lYibune.
Miss Highup It's perfectly icanrlalo!
Did too bear about Ulsa De Pink?
Miss Tiptop No. What has she done?
MlssBIgbup V, the most immodest thing im
aginable! Hue's let all the world know; the U
crazy to get married by going and Joining "acook
ery school."-A'to lork Weekly. - v jfifc.
The "Waning of the HonevmoongHt
jovellt'sawfnllylonesoToehere. iJBBB? a
She Yes. We are worse off thaaWBjbtaios
Crusoe. BHJ' '
He-Notsobadastnat. -f
Bheies. twice u bad. There was. only one of
him. Th'sre are two of as-Jast twice as lonesome.
Sew lork Evening Sun,
"I don't believe I am very-popular with
your father," said Herbert, sadly.
"No." she answered frankly, "you are not"
"Do you know of anything I could do tosiaks
hlmllkemebettar?"
'I don't thiak of anything." she answered,
after some thought '"unless you could, go away
somewhere and ale." Waehtngton rott.