Pittsburg dispatch. (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, March 30, 1890, Page 4, Image 4

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Hfje Siggafoq.
ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 8. 1S48,
Vol. -15. No. 51. EntcrcC at Pittsburg Postotllce.
November 14, 1S7. as second-class matter.
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htrccls.
THE DECEEASIKG DEATH LIST.
The reports from Louisville yesterday
justified the hope expressed in the last issue
of The DisrATcn that the estimates of a
thousand or more lives lost in the Louisville
cyclone were exaggerated. The deaths in
Louisville are nowput by thebest authorities
there at from 100 to 150, with the hope that
the total will be nearer the smaller than the
larger sum.
This is of course a fearful loss and joined
with the destruction made by the storm in
its course from near the Mississippi to Cen
tral Kentucky, it indicates the most
destructive of the cyclones ever experienced
in this country. But alter the report that
the loss of life might be counted by thou
sands it is a decided relief to find the mortal
ity reduced so materially. The destruction
of property is probably on a much larger
scale; but houses can be rebuilt, and, if
they could not, it takes many thousands of
dollars worth of buildings to equal the value
of a human life
The reports indicate that Louisville is at
present able to afford relief to all the suffer
ers from the calamity. Only a small por
tion o! her population have been deprived
of their homes, and business is going on as
usual. If that city should need outside
aid in relieving the sufferers, her neighbors
will be quick to give assistance.
A COSIEST FOE C0HGEESS.
Hon. George Shiras, who has already at
tained political fame as State Representa
tive trom one of the Allegheny districts, is
formally announced as a candidate for the
Republican nomination to Congress in oppo
sition to Colonel Bayne. Mr. Shiras is an
active politician and comes of a family in
which brains are hereditary. But, although
political rumor credits him with strong
backing, it must be regarded as a decidedly
ambitious undertaking on his part, to oust
Congressman Bayne from the strong
hold which the latter has held for seven
terms, and during the nast few years
almost without opposition. The cam
paign between the ambitious young
politician and the veteran leader, is ex
pected to be a lively one. While everyone
will have his preconceived ideas of ;the out
come of the contest, the Northsiders can be
sure that the result will ensure them a good
Congressman. If there is to be a contest
The DisPAicn will heartily interpose the
hope that the best man may win.
SIDEWALKS FOE THE PUBLIC.
Expressions of opinion among the legal
profession, with regard to that sidewalk
question, are strongly in support ot the posi
tion assumed by the Department of Public
"Works. The recent decision of the Supreme
Court is construed to carry the meaning that
no property owner has the right to occupy
the sidewalk either lor steps or areas.
There is no question as to public policy in
enforcing this legal view. The need of the
public, especially in the down-town streets,
for all the sidewalk space that can be gained
is paramount, and private interests cannot
be suffered to override that need. Of course
it should be recognized that the general be
lief in the right to occupy three feet of the
sidewalk for steps and areas.has made this an
almost universal offense; and plenty of time
should be allowed for the changes in build
ings necessary to remove the obstructions.
But if the law is as stated there is no
question of the correctness of compelling all
new buildings to conform to the rule, and of
strictly prohibiting the erection ol any
fresh obstructions.
MDCKLERArS FLAG.
It is satisfactory to learn that the Amer
ican Mechanics got the national flag ac
cepted and put up on the Mucklerat school,
without any difficulty or disorder. The
enthusiasm which led some two hundred
and fifty members of the order to take a long
march through the mud, for that purpose,
may not have been wholly pacific in its
nature; but the steps taken were entirely
orderly, and the result so far as is apparent
was creditable to the patriotic and law
abiding citizens engaged in it The de
termination of the order to rely upon the
law for the punishment of any illegal acts ir
quite commendable. It is to be hoped that
no such proceedings will be necesstry. "We
can hardly conceive that any sane man in
this country will take upon himself the
odium of attacking the national flag; and it
would be interesting to learn under what
delusion the objectors were led to oppose it
in the first place.
THE SUEPLTJS TOO TEMPTIHG.
There is something deliciously cool about
the proposal of the "Washington Post that
whiln Congress is trying to find ways to get
rid ol the surplus it could not do better than
give a million or so toward a new and gi
gantic hotel in the Capital. This modest
suggestion is occasioned by the report that
the City of Mexico is to have a two million
dollar bofel, half the cost of which is to be
contributed by the Mexican Government,
The rost wants to knDW why "Washington
should not have the big hotel it needs as
badly as does the City of Mexico, at the
nation's expense, when we can readily spare
50,000 to 5100,000 apiece for country post
offices; vote millions year after year to be
swallowed up in the floods of the Mississ
ippi; even think seriously of spending 577,
000,000 for colored school houses in the South ;
have already expended mauy millions in
subsidizing railroads.and may be induced in
time to grant subsidies for the improvement
of our ocean transportation.
There is only one reason, that need be
stated, why "Washington should not get a
big hotel built with the pnblic's money.
The reason is that "Washington Has no more
right to draw money in that way from the
United States Treasury than a man has to
steal a bar of silver out of the Treasury
vaults. In tl.jse days of public steals
of all sorts we do not wonder at the one pro
posed. "We only wonder at a newspaper
like the Post proposing it.
STREET EALLWAY MATTEES.
Movements in the affairs of the street rail
way companies are getting interesting. In
Pittsburg the dispute between the Duquesne
Traction Company, on the one hand, and the
Pittsburg Traction Company on the other,
with their subsidiary corporations used for
the purpose of litigation, has opened up in
the local courts after the Attorney General
had refused to take part in the matter. It
was hardly to be expected that the Attorney
General would take any steps in a matter
where it is difficult to see how the public in
terest is more on one side than the other; and
the issue between the corporations can be
fought out in the courts.
The question to be decided by the courts is
briefly whether the Councils can select out
of the corporations desiring to use the streets
the one to which it will grant the privilege
and has the power to exclude the others, or
whether priority in taking out a charter
gives a corporation a right which Councils
cannot ignore. If any one should raise the
contention that no power can grant to a cor
poration the exclusive privilege to use a cer
tain kind of vehicle on any street, then there
might be a public principle which the Attor
ney General should contend for. Bat neither
of the disputing corporations is likely to
raise that issue for the present at least.
In Allegheny the rumored move is of an
entirely opposite nature, being that of con
solidation between the two corporations
now furnishing transit to and from that city.
The reported move is based on a variety of
pleas, none of which are more cogent than
the desire to exclude competition between
the two existing corporations and the pos
sibility of shutting out new enterprises by
the occupancy of all the routes. This will
probably prove more desirable for the cor
porations than for the public, and should, if
the report prove well-founded, be viewed
with disfavor by every representative of the
public interest.
In both these matters on either side of the
river, one important principle is ignored.
That is, that the streets belong to the people,
and that every right of use granted in them
must be subordinated to the public benefit.
THE LESSON OF TAMMANY.
The recent exposures of the corruption
practiced by officials in New York who
hold their positions by the gift of the Tam
many organization, naturally stimulates re
flection as to the influence of that society on
municipal government. It turns the mind
back to the corruption of the Tweed ring,
which was fostered and shielded by the same
political organization, and is calculated to
strengthen the belief that the very nature of
that society is hopelessly dishonest.
This is a not wholly unnatural conclu
sion, but it does not cover the entire field.
It fails to take into consideration the fact
that other flagrant cases of corruption have
occurred in New York which cannot be
charged to Tammany. The Squire and
Flynn scandals were due to the County
Democracy, while the Broadway railway
steal was confined by no party lines, the
bribe-takers in that infamous affair having
only the preponderance of Democracy that
is natural to the majority of that party in
New York. In fact, if we examine the
political government of that city with re
gard to its succession of scandals and cor
ruption, the conclusion is nearly justified
that no political organization can be trusted
to keep itself clear from fraud and public
robbery.
This brings us very close lo the real
trouble. It is not that the occupation of
politics is necessarily dishonest; for the
reverse is actually the case. But the trouble
lies in giving the work of national politics
for a certain city or section into the hands
of a special organization or clique, with the
tacit or expressed contract that for keeping
up the party fight on national issues it is to
be rewarded by the control of local govern
ment. The result of such an arrangement,
which is widespread but has its most signal
illustration in New York, is almost sure to
be demoralizing. The clique or society is
not judged by its honesty or efficiency in
local government It must have funds; and
the temptation for plunder is entirely out of
proportion to the penalty. "When national
politics are kept out of local elections, the
frequency of such scandals will be decidedly
diminished.
There is nothing essentially dishonest in
politics; and organization for political work
is a necessity. But when a political club,
to work in national elections, undertakes to
run local government, it is time to expect
the development of scandals that inevitably
arise from local irresponsibility.
TEE MAHDIST MISSION".
The statement comes from Khartoum that
the followers of the Mahdi are about to start
out on a fresh crusade. This time, in addi
tion to their general purpose of forcing the
true religion on the world by fire and sword,
they have a definite object which they hope
to accomplish. They intend to free Africa
from the curse of rum. The Mahometan re
ligion on this point takes the stand of con
stitutional prohibition. In this respect the
Mahdists are a long distance ahead of civili
zation, whose Krupp guns are not more de
structive to the Africans than the liberal
supply of rum and gin which Christian
nations appear to regard it as their mission
to furnish to the savages in unlimited quan
tities. If the issue was solely on this point
Christianity might be impelled to ask itself
whether the Mahometan savagery is not
more genuine in its religion than Christian
commerce. But there is also no doubt that
the Mahdists will substitute the curse of the
slave trade for the curse of rum; and be
tween being tie slaves of the Soudanese
and the slaves of rum, the Africans will
unanimously choose the latter thraldom.
The indorsement of ballot reform by the
Democrats in various States puts a new con
struction on David B. Hill s declaration, "I am
a Democrat," The question arises, whether the
ballot reformers are cot Democrats, or Hill
makes a mistake about himself.
It is an interesting feature of the trust
tactics that seems to make it a necessity to
THE
bribe the employes of rival concerns to betray
the business secrets ot tbelr employers. The
cases in which that has been done by the Stand
ard are. somewhat notorious; and a parallel to
them has just been disclosed by the discovery
that two of Claus Spreckels' employes at bis
big concern in Philadelphia were doing the
same thing. The fact that their reports were
sent to a tobacco concern in Now York will not
create much doubt as to who got them in the
end. The curiosity of the trusts with regard
to the business of people who undertake com
petition with them, is something remarkable.
It is not verv discreet for some of our
I leaders of protection sentiment to insist that
the tariff on works ot art must be removed.
Cheap pictures for the millionaires and high
clothing for the masses will not mate a very
effective campaign plank.
It begins to look as if the Central Pacifio
lobby, which looks after the interests of that
corporation "in the legislative, executive and
judicial departments of Government" has got
Us work in very successfully this year. That
is the natural inference from the action of the
House committee putting the Union and Cen
tral Pacific settlements in tho same bills. This
expresses tho opinion of that body that the
corporation which adopts the policy of defiant
dishonesty must be given exactly the same
treatment as the ono which makes a show of
decency in the attempt to discharge its obliga
tions to the Government
The TJ. S. cutter on the Oregon coast has
caught another sealing schooner. This is in
discreet. Having succeeded in letting the same
schooner go once before, it now has to call in
the aid of the administration to help in letting
It go this time.
The energy of the tourist agent is shown
by tne fact that one of the class is advertising
In Brussels a round trip to the Congo at tho
rate of WOO, with hotels and hack hire thrown
in. How much of these features of civilization
is guaranteed is not stated. Whether the pleas
ures of the trip will be worth tho money is a
matter of individual opinion; but unless ar
rangements of an extraordinary sort can be
made, it is more than probable that the trip will
include a large amount of experience in the
line of African fever.
Even with the enthusiastic reception of
Patti in Italian opera at New York tho box
holders could not be induced to stop talking.
It appears to be the platform of the New York
millionaires that money talks as loudly as Patti
sings.
The certainty of a new and first-class
theater for Pittsburg's next theatrical season,
as announced elsewhere, will be welcome news
to theater goers. The large crowds that are to
be seen in our places of amusement prove that
there is room for another first-class bouse.
Under the intelligent and liberal management
of Mr. Henderson, of Chicago, it can be taken
as a foregone conclusion that the new Penn
avenue theater will be a credit to the city.
The complaint of the Kansas farmers
that Senator Ingalls has never done anything
for the agricultural Interests will inspire that
statesman with renewed activity in the distri
bution of seeds.
Among the qualifications of the young
est Gould for financial operations, it is stated
that he has been known to draw his check for
600,000. With the paternal Gould off on a
pleasure trip, tho young man may be able to
beat his former record by drawing his check
for as many millions, and yet not win the ap
proval of the old man when he gets back.
Pbobably it is not a matter of extreme
dissatistactlon to John Sherman that while he
is pushing his bill against the trusts, the withes
of Blaine and Alger will not go unwrung.
The State Treasurer of Maryland turns
out to have adopted the regular methods for
making a bole in the public funds. Poker and
speculation, applied to a State Treasury, are
sure to cause a deficit The Maryland defaulter
Is now reported to be very ill; but he is not so
sick as be has made the Treasury.
Dry holes are reported from various new
oil ventures. This may be for the purpose of
saving the petroleum market from the mire.
The quarrels of the street railway com
panies in one city as to which of them own the
streets are avoided in the other city according
to a report of consolidation of all tho railways.
In both cities the fact that the public owns the
streets is in danger ot being overlooked.
PEOPLE TALKED ABODT.
Mrs. Rose Terry Cooke is gradually re
gaining her health.
Professor James Russell Lowell is not
yet well enough to resume literary work.
Governor Toole, of Montana, it Is an
nounced, is to wed a daughter of General Rose
crans. General Sir John Rose, commander of
the British forces in Canada, is at the Hotel
Brunswick.
Senator QUAY brings back from the South
the skin of a gigantic rattlesnake which he
killed at New River.
Mr. C. C. Eragdon. principal of Lasell Sem
inary, will sail on October 1 next for an eight
months' jonrney around the world.
L. M. Plumer, a prominent lawyer from
Pittsburg, and Samuel Plumer, a banker of
Franklin, aro registered at the Girard.
Mobeeley Bell, the new manager of tho
London Times, is tho author of two volumes on
Egypt, namely: "Egyptian Finance" and
From Pharaoh to Fellah."
The ex-Emperor of Brazil will pass the early
part of the summer at Aix-les-Bains, and in
August will go to Austria on the earnest invita
tion of Emperor Francis Joseph.
The prize winners in the annual Freshmen
prize essay contest of the American Whig Lit
erary Society. Princeton College, are: First
prize, William F. Tyson, of Pennsylvania;
second prize, James D. Cameron, of Nova
Scotia.
A American who recently returned from
Paris says that Amelia Rivers-Chanler has
mado a sensation in that city. Not only has an
artist committed suicide for love of Her, but
there- are several impassionablo young French
men who seem inclined to do the same thing.'
It is often remarked that Senator Fassett's
name does cot appear in the lists of guests at
social gatherings at Albany. Yet he is con
stantly besieged with invitations. He visits
Albany, however, to do public work, not to
seek social diversion.
A Sensible and Proper Ruling.
From the Detroit Free Press.
The Philadelphia Judgo who sustained a
witness in her refusal to kiss a particularly
dirty Bible upon taking the oath was sensible
and proper. The way in which the oath is ad
ministered in the average court is almost
blasphemously business-like, and is at the best
only a form sufficient to bring an untruthful
witness within the penalties provided for
perjury. Any other form provided by stitute
would bo equally effective in this respect, and
it may be set down as reasonably certain that
the removal of the Bible from this use would
Dot at all increase the number of untruths told
upon tbe stand.
Pennsylvania Will Respond.
From the Philadelphia Press.!
A great disaster has befallen Pennsylvania's
sister State of Kentucky. If help is needed
and it must be should any State be permitted
to get ahoad of tbe Keystone in giving it?
DEATHS OP A DAY.
William R. McKce.
William R. McKee. aged 72 years, was struck by
a cable car at the corner of Twenty-flrst and Penn
avenue last evening and died shortly afterward.
Mr. McKee was the father of James M. McKee,
Fast Commander orPost!30, (i. A. R., and wasa
well-known Orangeman. No funeral arrange
ments have yet been made.
Andrew Robertson.
Montreal, March 29. Andrew Robertson,
Chairman of the Board of Harbor Commissioners,
and one of Montreal's most prominent business
men, 'lied suddenly to-day.
PITTSBURG- DISPATCH,
THE TOPICAL TALKER.
The Future of tbo Cnrncele Library In Alio
Bheny What Some Good Citizens Pro
pose for It A Center oi Intellectual
Cnltnre Wisdom From tho Tombs.
AThile the Councils of Allegheny are dis
cussing the question of what salary the
Librarian of the Carnegie Library shall reoeive,
a good many citizens of high standing in the
community are considering how tho usefulness
of tbe library may best bo fully developed. It
is fortunate for Allegheny that she possesses a
number of public spirited men who are deter
mined, if their efforts can secure it, to make
tbe library tbe center of a number of educa
tional schemes.
It is argued, as it seems to me with perfect
truth, that a library in itself does not insure
the creation of a reading public among the
masses. A tasto for reading, and particular
tastes for reading in certain directions, may be
cultivated in a community. People must be
attracted to the library by specific appeals.
Those who read already of course may be left
to themselves, but the great majority who do
not now read, especially the young men and
young women, will have to be drawn to the
library by some general scheme of attraction.
T-Jow will you reach tho men and women
Mr. Carnegie especially wishes the library
should reach?
It lias been suggested by some of the gentle
men, of whom I have spoken as taking a deep
interest in the library and the great work laid
out for it, that a great deal might be accom
plished by giving courses of lectures or read
ings In close connection with the library. The
physical conditions are all favorable. There is
a room at the disposal of tho library authori
ties where 200 or K00 persons could be seated.
There short talks upon literature, tbe arts and
sciences could be most conveniently given.
Who will the professors in this unchartered
university bef That is where a difficulty might
arise; but happily it doesn't. There are lots of
good men for tbe work. It would surprise a
good many of us to know how many men
lawyers, doctors, divines and others in
these two cities have made special
study of certain departments of
literature for example. There, aro among us
specialists in literature; this man knowing all
that there is to be known of Thackeray: that
man learned in tho history of Shakespeare,
full of quaint facts about folios and various
readings, dates and circumstances of the great
Bard's work; yet another, who is enamored ot
Goethe and the German school, and anotber
who has at his fingers' ends all that is worth
knowing about Washington Irving, Nathaniel
Hawthorne, JLiOngfellow, Poe and the rest of the
giants stalking In this new country's literature.
I know many such men, and I have no doubt
that tbey could be prevailed upon to bestow a
share of their knowledge upon their fellows in
tho way suggested.
"THEN in another direction there are men who
would take a keen delight in leading tbo
way into the fields of science. Mr. Brasbear.
it is safe to say, would be glad to help along
those who have a longing to know more ot tbe
celestial bodies. What better help to the be
ginner In astronomy, could there be found than
a series of short talks from such a man as
Mr. Brasbear?
The object primarily of these lectures, to use
tbe common but somewhat forbidding name,
would be to encourage and direct reading, to
develop and cultivate the special tastes and
aptitudes ot the readers. When a man has
had bis curiosity excited be seeks for means to
whet it
M1
ejjely a suggestion of what might be done
is all that 1 have attempted to give. It is
not my suggestion, either; It originates with a
small band of intellectual masters wbo have
the interest of tbe people at heart and a full
appreciation of what may be worked out for
the people through the library. The suggestion
Is worthy of serious thought
But if the library Is to bo a center of intel
lectual culture and practical knowledge it is
absolutely necessary that the librarian should
be in sympathy with the great purposes and
possibilities of the library. A fellow who can
catalogue books, stow them away In shelves
and take them out again, is not the ideal libra
rian or the man to have charge of the Carnegie
Library in Allegheny. He should be a well
read man. of course; a man of some depth of
learning but more than all else he should be a
broad-guago man of the world. He must know
the people, not the small minority who already
read books and patronize libraries, but tbe
masses of workers and doers of deeds who do
not realize very well now the advantages of
reading.
If Allegheny can find such a man, and find
him at 2,500 a year, she will be very fortunate.
A gentleman who has been wandering
among the graves in several cemeteries,
presumably to counteract bis peronnial cheer
fulness and chronic good nature, forwards to
me two choice specimens of the epitaph.
: I was well
: I became sick :
: I took medicine :
: and :
: Here I am ;
The other comes from farther afield. On a
tomb in a Blairsville cemetery may be read
this chaste and apologetic effort: "A. B was
a good son, a loving husband, a fond father, an
able lawyer, but an honest man."
"Three weeks, ago it was assorted in this col
umn that if a competent company would
give Pittsburgors a series of Gilbert and Sulli
van operas it would be profitable to all con
cerned. Mr. Duff is the happy man to take up
this gage, and be rides out of Pittsburg in a
Pullman car to-day, richer by several thousand
dollars than he came in. It is pardonable, per
haps, to congratulate oneself upon a correct
judgment, but in this case tho public of Pitts
burg and Mr. Duff are entitled to all the con
gratulations going. The public, as soon as it
knew Mr. Duff was offering something un
usually good, stepped up to the box office in
quick time. Mr. Duff deserves congratulations
because of bis pluck in venturing so much, and
iis sense in seeing where a profitable venture
lay.
Mr. Duff told me yesterday that he intended
carrying out his programme as to the Gilbert &
Sullivan operas. Next season ho will add
"lolanthe" and "Patience." possibly yet another
opera, to his present repertoire. He intends
playing the full repertoire In ono week stands,
so that Pittsburg will not be slighted. By tbo
way, Pittsburg ought to bo a two-week stand
for not a few of the first-class attractions now.
It will be soon, no doubt
Am as to tbo new theater? It is too early to
splinter the ceiling with our hats, but we
may smile quietly and decently as befitting the
day and the occasion. No city In tho country
needs a new theater more than Pittsburg, and
tbe gentlemen who bring it here aro entitled to
order moderate-sized halos to be worn by them
in their capacity of benefactors to along suffer
ing public
The newspapers ot the city, and among them
The Dispatch, have not neglected the inter
ests of the public in this matter. The need for
a new theater has been so plainly stated in
these and the columns of The Dispatch's
cotemporaries that it bad to come. It is fortu
nate that a first-class man he was a newspaper
man once, and that is saying a good deal and
a first-class manager is to preside over tho new
home of the drama. Mr. David Honderson is
just tbe right sort of caliber. As a matter of
course Mr. Jackman is to be congratulated,
too. Hepbuek Johns.
WHAT THEI SAI OP HIM.
Philadelphia Ledger: Senator Quay has
evidently returned from Florida in good condi
tion. His friend, John F. Dravo. was yesterday
appointed Surveyor of Customs at Pittsburg,
although ho "was opposed by candidates in
dorsed by Secretary Blaine and Congressman
Dalzell.
Philadelphia Times: Senator Quay's re
turn to Washington was signalized by the ap
pointment of his henchman, John F. Dravo, as
Surveyor of Customs at Pittsburg. This is a
gentle Intimation to tbe boys in the West that
business is still carried on at the old stand, and
that though the Senator may go a-flshing he
still bas bis eye upon them.
Prnlso for Sir. Scott.
From the Philadelphia press.
Good for Hon. William L. Scott and bis
So. 000 check for the relief of the Idle men at bis
coal mines! The faults of Colonel Scott the 1
politician, are lost sight ol in this generous act
of Mr. Scott tbe citizen.
SUNDAY, MARCH 30,
A FAYETTE COUNTY ORPHAN.
Career of John Ilinton, Wbo Is Now One ol
tho Foremost Men of Asia.
tWBITTIN TOE THE DISFATCH.l
John Hinton was born near Masontown, Fay
ette county, Fa., about 40 years ago. The death
ot his parents made him dependent at an early
age upon the charitable families of Fayette and
Westmoreland counties. Arriving at man's es
tate bo enlisted for the Indian War from South
Huntington township. Westmoreland county.
At Its closo he helped to escort the Cherokees
beyond the Mississippi. From Indian Territory
be went to New Orleans and shipped as a sailor
on a vessel bound for tbe East Indies. At the
Bay of Madris, on tbe western shores of tbe
Bay of Bengal, he left tbe vessel and enlisted in
a British regiment He served many years, and
during the memorable Sepoys' rebellion was
noted for his daring bravery. At his discharge
be was presented with a gold medal by tbe
Governor General himself.
He is next beard of traveling in a caravan
from Delhi westward across the Indus river
through Afghanistan and Persia to Turkey and
back. In time, from trading be became im
mensely wealthy, and was the owner of five
caravans, containing 13.000 horses and camels
and 60 elephants. In 1873 he visited Cabul, the
capital of Afghanistan, for copper, great quan
tities of which are there mined nnd smelted.
His magnificent retinue attracted the attention
of the Ameer, and be was invited to an audi
ence, a favor never before bestowed upon a
Christian. A present of a hundred of bis best
horses and a three-tnsked elephant made the
Ameer his eternal friend. Then yearly it was
followed by similar presents, beside camels and
merchandise.
John Hinton gained tho supremacy of trade
from the summit of tbe Hindoo Kosh Mount
ains to the confines of tbe Belioochlstan, and
in real power he is now second only to tho
Ameer himself. About I860 he was made Mili
tary Commander of tho District of Herat in
which capacity be suppressed a local rebellion
to the great satisfaction of his sovereign. His
meritorious conduct raised him high in the es
timation of the people of Afghanistan, and his
reputation has spread throughout Asia. Tho
Ameer is becoming famous for his enlightened
policy, is building telegraph lines and promises
railroads, electric lights and all tbe improve
ments of the age. For all this, how much
Afghanistan is indebted to John Hinton tbe
world may never know.
Another Individual Made Ilnppy.
Washington. March 29. Attorney General
Miller to-day appointed John P. Cameron to be
Assistant United States Attorney for the
Northern District of Ohio.
SICKLES FOPw SHERIFF.
New York Tribune: Governor Hill's ap
pointment of General Sickles as Flack's suc
cessor in the Sheriff's office is surprisingly
good. The Governor will probably gain noth
ing politically by this move; but tbe people will
be tbe gainers if General Sickles accepts tbe
appointment
New York World: Governor Hill has ap
pointed General Daniel E. Sickles to the office
of Sheriff, made vacant by the resignation of
Flack. While General Sickles is a Democrat
he has no affiliation with the various tactions of
the party is this city. He is understood to be a
believer in civil service reform, and if he ac
cepts the office we may expect him to conduct
it upon strict business principles. General
Sickles is a man of great wealth, and ho will
not be likely to squeeze the office for what It is
worth.
SPRIGHTLY SPRING SAYINGS.
Observations Apropos of tbo Season nnd
Otherwise br Our Philosopher.
fWniTTEN TOR THE DISPATCH.
As I' Should Be.
Sometimes the lover who is fired with passion
for the daughter is put out by the father.
Pecnllnritv of tbe Fair Sex.
Harry When a woman is mad with you, you are
likely to hear some plain troths from her.
Barry-Yes?
H. I have observed it. Moreover, careful as
she is about keeping from you the knowledge of
how old she is ordinarily, it seems she is not so
cautious when in a passion.
B. No?
H. No. When she is thoroughly mad she never
seeks to conceal her rage.
The Test Was Too Stronir.
And you Bay you wonld die for meV"
"Darllnir, I would with dellcht."
"Then give me t hat test or your affection and I
wJl never wed another."
Thus fartherc has been no announcement ot his
funeral.
A Poor Cook.
She could not boll, nor roast, nor fry, "
Nor make a mess of pork and tripe;
The only time she e'er made pi
Was when she went to setting type.
Cool.
Father (shouting down stairs) Uas George gone
yet, Jennie?
Daughter (sweetly) Sot yet paw.
F. (testily) Well, I want to go to bed.
D. (sweeter than before) All right, dear. I
think It's the best thing you can do, for you've to
get up early, you know. Good night, dear paw.
He Wished It.
"I would I were 'an angel!"
Thus to her beiu sang he.
I wonld you were." he said, for then,
Love, you might fly with me."
'it Is So.
"Man, know thyself," says Pope, and truth to
, tell.
Some men there .are who know themselves too
well. '
jTvro Auroras.
Aurora, goddess of the dawn.
Appear In all her rich adorning,
Soon as the sunbeams eild the lawn,
And Sol announces golden morning.
But myJAurora, maiden fair,
"Who,cvcry other maid surpasses.
In panercnrls comes down the stair,
At nine, to fritters and molasses.
Tbo Sealskin and Plnab Sncque.
At last tWe winter days are o'er,
Ho morp we wade through seas of slush;
The question will be asked no more,
'Pray is that real 6eal or plush?"
Hope for the Rncc.
Minister fsadly) I'm afraid that the Mongolian
will never Absolutely give up his gods and allow
himself to rest permanently within the sheepfold
of the beneficent influences of Christian civiliza
tion. Stockbroker (a member of the minister's flock)
Ohl come off. Here's a Chinaman eloped to Can
ada with Another Chinaman's wife, the pair taking
with thc!m 3.U00 belonging to the deserted hus
band. I
M. Is that so?
S.-It Is Indeed.
M. Then there Is hope for the race yet.
i O Teinporn, O Mores!
John Boyle O'Reilly says poetry flourished In
Ireland 3, 000 years aero. Oh I the times and the man
ners! Poetry does not flourish to-day. It is the
edltorjwho flourishes a club when the poet takes
In his poetry.
Too True.
'Tlic seasons are changing, " said one tramp to
another.
"Yes," was the sad reply, "we getwlnternow
wheA we were expecting spring."
"Yes. but after all, that's what we need."
"VVbat! winter in spring?"
"i!o. Change."
"Yes, Indeed (slapping his pocket), what we do
need is change."
I MnroThnn He Wanted.
"Halll spring!" the poet sang in glee,
Aslthrough the sky the white clouds sailed;
A eafe came from the Arctic Sea,
"Wild, and tbe springralned, snowed and hailed.
i Tho Green Thine.
"Is( there anything green about a grass widow?"
"Ccjrtalnly."
"OlAl you think so. What Is it please?"
liio fellow that hangs around her."
I He Loved Her StUI.
Herbyolco was harsh and she Jawed all day,
Till (her husband was crazy, as one may say;
Frorn morn to night it was chin, chin, chin,
Audi people who couldn't help hearing the din
Kne'.w well that the man had a cross to bear,
Andlbe cried in the depths of his wild despair,
"l'v3 loved, I've loved her through good and 111,
And with all her faults I love her still."
I
Jilted.
Behold hit woful mien,
Uls eyes so lusterless;
'Tls plainly to be seen
The youth Is In distress.
His gloomy port displays
The sorrow in his breast;
He walks In lonely ways,
He seeks, but finds no rest.
Ohl what has changed him so?
How has this como to passr
Wbo brought on him this woe?
Aiasi 11 was a lass.
Qtorge Mm sell faction.
1890.
KNOX AMONG TUE ACTORS.
Tbe Humorous Colonel Picks Up Some In
teresting Ynrns From tbo Lips of Billy
Florence, Maurice Dnrrymore and Man
ager mil Roach's New Story.
rwniTTEX FOB. TIIE DIRI'ATIH.l
A ctors tell more stories than any other class
ot people. Whenever an actor hears a
good story, or originates one, he is consumed by
a burning desire to tell it to his friends. So,
when two or three actors are gathered together
there is sure to be one of them telling a story.
Soon every one In tho profession knows it, and,
if it is worthy of publication, it gets into the
newspapers in a short time. Therefore His
dangerous to take a story from an actor and
publisn it as new, for by the time it gets into
print half of the bright peoplo ot the country
may know it
I was talking about this yesterday to J. M.
Hill, Maurice Barrymore, W. J. Florence and
many others.
"It Is not even safe," said Hill, "to offer as
'new,' a story that you have created yourself
five minutes before jou tell it Let me give
you an illustration. When James C. Roach
was playing under my management he, myself
and others were standing on Union Sqnare one
day. Some ono told the story about how the
man who, referring to the prowoss of George
Washington, said that as an evidence of bis
strength the Father of bis Country once threw
a silver dollar across the Potomac, and how an
otber man on bearing of this 100 years after
ward, said, 'Yes, it was a good throw, but you
must romember that a dollar went a great deal
further in those days than it does now,' Roach
replied: 'Yes. that was quite clever, but tbe
man sbould have added that General Washing
ton gave a greater exhibition of bis prowess on
another occasion when he threw a British Sov
ereign across the Atlantic
00 to Try His New Joke,
(pnis last witticism was original with Roach.
Ho knew it and was proud of it. Whilo
the laugh was going around at his repartee I
slipped away and went down to the office of the
lawyers, Howe & Hummel, where I knew Mr.
Roacb was exDected in less than halt an hour.
I told Roach's story to Howe, to Hummel, and
also to their clerk, and suggested that when
Roach came in and started to tell the story, as
bo undoubtedly would, that they anticipate
him. Mr, Roach came into tbe lawyers' office,
and in about two minutes led tbe convcisation
around to Washington.
"He began: 'You know the old story about
George Washington throwing the silver dollar
across' when bo was suddenly interrupted.
'Ob, Roach, for Heaven's sake don't give us
that old chestnut.' 'Yes. but wait; of course I
know that that is a chestnut,' said Roach, 'but
you see I bave to refer to that first, so as to
introduce a improvement on the old story.'
" 'What? You don't mean tbe appendix to
tho silver dollar story about George throwing a
British Sovereign across tbo Atlantic?'
"Mr. Roach almost fainted. He could not
understand bow it was tbat tbey could know
the 'British Sovereign" story which he had only
half an hour ago evolved out of himself. He
went into the inner room in an angry mood,
and began telling tbe story to Hummel. Before
he bad got half through the silver dollar part.
Hummel said, 'Roach, I have known you for
years as one of the brightest and most original
of story tellers, but if you are going to give me
that decrepit old chestnut of the red sandstone
Serlod, about George Washington throwing a
ritish Sovereign across the Atlantic, I shall
certainly ask you to desist; otherwise, we shall
not speak as we pass by.' "
One of Dowolf Hopper's Stories.
"TJewolt Hopper told this on JohnR. Rog
ers, Minnie Palmer's manager.
Calcrafr, who used to act in tbe "Dog Star,"
owed Rogers 50, and tbe latter had a judg
ment for tbe amount
"Now I am tired of waiting," said Rogers, as
he met Calcraf t some time ago on npper Broad
way, "and you've got to pay the money right
away or something will happen."
"Whv. really," said Calcratt, with a bland
smile, "I haven't got the money on me, my
boy, but," as if struck with a sudden inspira
tion, 'Til tell you what I'll do. I'll get it for
you if you'll come with me."
"Where to, and how far?"
"To the drug store, about three blocks from
here. The owner is a friend of mine and will
lend me the money, bnt we'll have to burrv, as
1 want to catch that 450 New Haven tram."
Conciliated with a prospect of getting bis
money, the creditor readily accompanied Cal
craf t to tho drugstore, which they found on
their entrance to be fairly tilled witb custom
ers. "Confound it," said Caleraft "just my
luck, and I am in a hurry, too. I must see Mr.
Smith and explain my errand." He stepped
forward and went behind the prescription desk,
where the proprietor received him with a cor
dial smile. Caleraft held a whispered conver
sation witb Mr. Smith, frequently indicating
the patient creditor by i motion of bis hand.
Then be called Rogers up to tbe desk, as be
hurriedly glanced at his watch.
"Mr. Smith will fix tbat with you." be said,
"I must run to catch my train now. Bye-bye,"
and off be went.
"That's all right sir," said tbe druggist In a
kindly tone to the creditor, "just sit down a
few minutes and I will settlo tbat affair of
yours."
A Slight Misunderstanding.
John R, Rogers sat down with a sigh of re
lief and waited 10, 15, 20 minutes. At the
end of that time the druggist joi-ed him and
motioned him to follow into a private room,
where, after closing the door, he told him to bo
seated.
"Now sir," he said cheerily, "how long has
this affair been going on?"
"Ob, I guess it's over a vear now."
"Over a year? Well for heaven's sake why
didn't you come to me before? I could bavo
fixed you mighty quick. Anybody in the busi
ness could have given you advice."
"Advice be hanged. I want money. I am
tired of advice."
"But haven't vou got money enougn to pay
for advice?" asked the druggist cantiously.
"Certainly, I have. But what's the use of
throwing good money after bad? I havo a
judgment against him and that's enough."
"Against whom?" "
"Against Caleraft, of course."
"What for?"
"What for? Why for the SOT you are to pay
me."
"Me to pay you?" ejaculated the astonished
druggist, rising from his chair. "See here,
what are you talking about, man?"
"I am talking about mv $50." thundered tbe
now wrathful Rogers, "and I heard yon dis
tinctly say that you would settle that affair of
mine."
"Listen," gasped tbe druggist, "are you mad
or am I? I don't know that man from Adam.
Ho confided to me that you were suffering
from sleeplessness and hypochondria, and
needed advice and medicine. He never said a
word about money, but I understood from him
tbat you would pay well fur treatment."
now Rllly Florence Was Sold.
i'tT7iULEl was ill London." said Billy Flor
ence the other evening, "I bad a great
fondness for going out to tup old historic
places in the suburbs. Ono day I was out at
Hampton Court where, I may say, any fellow
with a taste for tbe beautiful in art and nature
can enjoy himself. The weatherwas warm and
fine, and the roadt were somewhat dusty, sol
was nothing loath to turn into one of tbe many
'inn,' with which the palace Is surrounded,
and quench my thirst. I ordered a foaming of
'bitter beer.' and sat down at a little table in a
small and very dingy room. The only other oc
cupant of the apartment was a somewhat mili
tary looking gentleman, long past middle age.
After scanning my features Intently for some
little time, tbe gentleman left the table at
which he sat and drew his chair up to mine, at
the same time remarking: 'Have I not tbe
honor ot addressing Mr. Florence, tbe Ameri
can comedian?
"You bave," in friendly tone, "but you have
the advantage of me. for I do not remember to
bave ever seen you before."
"No," answered the stranger, "I don't think
you ever met me, and tbe fact is I only knew
you through a photograph in the possession of
a professional friend ot mine."
You aro in tho profession then f" I asked,
perfectly ready to fraternizo with a fellow
actor.
' I am stage director of the Standard," be an
swered readily.
"Ob, indeed," I responded. "Let ns shake
then, and bave a friendly glass together, Mr.
it
"Wilklns,"putin the stranger.
Notlilntr Too Good for Him.
t iTXT ell, Mr. Wilkins, my afternoon Is my
own and I suppose you bave time to
spare. Suppose we bave a little lunch to
gether, e'a ? What do you say ?"
"With all my 'art" said Mr. Wilkins. "I
don't start back to town until 2:30."
Accordingly I ordered In a sumptuous lunch
and a bottle of port, to which Mr. Wilkins and
myself did ample justice, chatting about various
topics, but horses and borse racing I found was
Mr. W.'s chief forte.
After a glass of grog and a cigar, my new ac
quaintance got np, looked at his big silver
watch and said, "It's neraly time to start. Will
you ride back to town with me, Mr. Florence?"
"Have you a conveyance, then?" I asked.
"Ob, yes, a beauty, lust cdmo outside and
see it. 1 think everything is ready for the back
trip." i
Delighted at the prospect of a drive home
ward through picturesque Surrey lanes, I fol
lowed my friend out to the courtyard, where a
large "omnibus" or coach was iu waiting.
"Time's up!" said a rugged faced man in
tbe vard, "and there is six insides and two
outs."
"Are you going to ride inside or out?" asked
Wilkins o: me.
"Ob, I don't mind," said L, "but where aro
vou going to sit?"
"Me? Ob. I drive, you know." replied Wll
ilns. "Drive, you drive the stager'
"Yes, I'm stage director of the Standard,"
he answered with a chuckle. "Don't you see
the name painted on the side of the 'bns?"
Sure enough, there were the words, "Tbe
Standard" in big letters n the slowcoach. I
, -U- .It.Hnn the InlfO AlinthelaCt
that I had been made a' fool of. but I did not
return to tue city in mat couveyaui-c. -j""r
took the next train and kicked boles in myself
all tbe way back."
A Veritable Mr. Mnlnprop.
f.TTVEBYBODr knows what a Mrs. Malaprop
C' John 8tetson is." said Maurice Barry
more. "You know he is always catching on to
new words which be does not understand, and
using them in the most extraordinary and mis
taken way. There is an old story about him.
how he heard tbe stage manager instruct the
stage hands to place a greon bank In an oo
lioue direction across the stag?. Stetson camo
in just before the curtain went up. and found
tbat the green baize grass had been placed at
right angles to the footlights.
See here, said he to tbe man who was In
charge of setting the scene, 'didn't you hear
the stage manager tell you to set that bank
opaque?' " J- ABJioT Knox.
STANDS PKE-EMINB.NT.
Nothing of Importance In TliU World Es
enpps lljn Etp ofllie Dispatch.
From the Pawtnctet, It- I., Times.
Among the numerous papers tbat find their
way into this State none can surpass and but
few can begin to equal The Pittsburg Dis
patch, whose Sunday edition stands unrivaled
in the whole country. In the wbolo realm of
news The Dispatch stands pre-eminent, both
for quality and quantity. Nothing of impor
tance In this world escapes its eye, and it
would be no surprise to see it some day giving
the news of tte next. Its daily edition is a news
encycolpredia, from wnich newspapers all over
the country draw largely, some of whom are
honest enough to give credit while others are
not. Taken all in all. The Pittsbubo Dis
patch Is the model paper of the country.
Lay It to the Snot.
From the St. Paul Pioneer Pres.
The Pittsbcbo Dispatch, commenting
upon the ruling of a Cleveland justice to
tbe effect that Sunday shaving Is a
work of necessity, says: "Yot PittsDurg
has got along without it for sev
eral years and bas not yet experienced any very
deleterious consequences from its absence."
But in Pittsburg a man accused of carrying too
many days' beard on his face can lay It to fur
nace smoke and foundry soot.
The Unexpected Always Happens.
From the Baltimore American.!
When lovely woman first invited herself into
tbe field of public action, and demanded the
right of suffrage, one objection to her was that
she would introduce sentiment into politics.
Tbe pretty typewriter was invited by the tyrant
man himself into the field of labor, and speedily
did introduce sentiment into business. Thus it
is the unexpected that always happens.
Iu tbo Midst of Life.
ISPFCIAL TELEGRAM TO THK DISPATCH.!
Mansfield. O., March 29. William Bloor.a
prominent contractor, died suddenly this after
noon while the guests were assembling for a
wedding reception to his son. who had just re
turned from his wedding trip.
STATE POLITICS.
In Willlamsport ex-Representative John
Vanvorce and Seth T. Foresman, both Demo
crats of tbe Jacksoman school, have already
gone into framing for the legislative nomina
tion. The Villiamsport correspondent of tbe Lock
Haven Express thinks that the Hon. R, P.
Allen would make a good compromise candi
date for tho Democratic nomination for Gov
ernor. Chaip.sian Kisner declines to take any
part in the discussion of a Democratic candi
date for Governor. Ho says it is not his busi
ness to nominate candidates, but to elect them
after they are nominated.
Philadelphia Times: Downingtown has
two postmasters. There are lots of would-be
postmasters in other towns wbo wonld only be
too happy if tbe Downingtown solution of tbe
postoffice problem might be given a general ap-pllcation.-
ISrie Dispatch: Later returns from tbe Craw
ford county primary election on Monday for
delegates to tbe Republican State Convention
show that a little less than 2.300 vote3 were cast
instead of 3,500 as first reported by the enthu
siastic backers of Senator Delamatcr.
Altoona Times: From the "handwriting on
the wall" we aro inclined to think Mr. Dela
mater he whom Senator Quay has promised
the Gubernatorial nomination is going to have
a bard road to travel in getting the nomination,
and In case be is nominated, a still rougher one
in securing bis election.
Clarion Republican Gazette: Major Mon
tootb, one of tbe Republican aspirants for tbe
candidacy of Governor visited Clarion on Tues
day, and was accorded a welcome by our citi
zens. The Major is an affable, courteous gen
tleman, and undoubtedly would fill the Guber
natorial chair with honor to the Republican
party.
Several members of tbe Knights of Labor
organization will seek legislative nominations
in Fayette county. They do not all represent
one party. The county, although formerly
strongly Democratic, has recently become a
very close one. and a few votes may turn it
eitterway. It gave a Republican majority in
1S88, but went Democratic again last year.
Remarkable Condition of AITiirs.
From the Philadelphia inquirer.!
Tbat is a somewhat remarkable condition of
affairs in Perry county, where an associate
judge sitting on the bench was an applicant for
a hotel licenseand, in spite of a strong remon
strance, himself granted his own application.
President Juugo Barnett revoked the license,
and an effort will be made to retire tho offend
ing judge. In the Southern States a car con
ductor is called "Captain." a hotel keeper
"Colonel" and a barkeeper "Judge." The
Perry county Judge seems to be of the South
ern type.
It Would Seitle the Question.
From the Baltimore American.
A saloonkeeper in Berlin bas been sentenced
to a year's imprisonment for calling the Em
peror a hog. If the calling of names was an
offense punishable by law in this country. It
would settle tbe question of pure elections at
once, for, at the end of a vigorous campaign
all tbe voters would be In jail.
THE AUCTIONEER'S GIFT.
The auctioneer leaped on a chair, and bold and
loud and clear
He poured his cataract or words. Just like an auc
tioneer. An auction sale of furniture, where some hard
mortgagee
Was bound to get his money bark, and pay his
lawyer's fee.
A humorist of wide renown, this doughty auc
tioneer, Hlsjoklng raised the loud guffaw, and brought
the answering jeer.
He scattered round his Jests like rain, on the un
just and the Just;
Sam Sleeman said he "laffed so much he thought
thet he would bust."
He knocked down bureaus, beds and stoves and
clocks and chandeliers.
And a grand piano, which he swore would "last a
thousand years;"
He rattled out the crockery, and sold tbe silver
ware: At last they passed him up to sell a little baby's
chair.
"How much? how much? come, make a bid: Is all
your money spent?"
And then a cheap, facetious wag came up and bid,
"One cent."
Just then a sad-faced woman, who stood in silence
there.
Broke down and cried, "My baby's chalrl My
poor, dead baby's chair!"
"Here, madam, take your baby 'r chair, " said the
softened auctioneer.
"I know Its value all too well, my baby died last
year;
And If tbe owner qf the chair, our friend the
mortgagee.
Objects to this proceeding, let him send the bill to
me!"
Gvnewasthe tone of raillery: the humorist auc
tioneer Turned shamefaced from his audience, to brush
away a tear:
The laughing crowd was awed and still, no tear
less eye was there
When the weeping woman reached and took her
little baby's chair.
-S. W. Fost, in Yankee Blade.
CUK10DS CONDENSATIONS.
The ground on which Helena, Mont, is
built yielded $30,000,000 in gold when it was
mined.
A herd of 47 elephants was recently
captured in a single drive in the Garo Hills m
India.
There are six counties in Kansas which
are without regularly organized Sunday school
associations.
The table UDon which Oliver Cromwell
signed the death warrant of Cbarles L was sold
recently to a London antiquary for J710.
The aggregate weight of the family of
Isaac Gloer. of Bowman. Ga.. consisting of
himself, wire and four children. Is 1,330 pounds.
A father and son. of Williamsport, Pa.,
bave walked 81,000 miles together. They are
umbrella menders and have traveled all over
the State.
Closes "Wasser, of Schwenksville, Pa.,
ate f5 oranges and a half pound of sugar, drank
two tumblers or water and smoked three cigars
in about two hours.
An educated, accomplished young lady
in Petoskey, Mich., has split 20 cords or wood
witb her own bands, and bas it piled neatly to
season for summer use.
A fine specimen of an Indian arrow
head was unearthed recently on Dr. Dutcher's
farm, near Tulare City. CaL He had it
mounted as a shawl pin for his wite.
George Oles, a violinist in Muskegon,
played "Nearer, My God. to Thee" on a fiddle
in the Methodist Church Sunday night unti
the audience went wild with enthusiasm.
A cat in Millville, N. J., finds pleasure
in swimming and often catches fish in shallow
water with its paws. It bas been known to
swim, in pursuit of a dock rat clear across the
river.
A man and woman left American Hill,
Sierra county, Cal., last Wednesday for Down
levillo to get married. They went on snow
shoes ana packed their wedding clothes in a
gripsack,
Thomas Lloyd, of Bichmopd, 3Io.,took
his spade and dug under tbe rotten sills ot an
old smokehouse, where he discovered glass
jirs filled with money aggregating 11,800 in
gold and JoOin silver.
A man named Hogne, living near Tina,
Mo., attempted to descend into a well 200 feet
deep with a lighted torch. Gas In the well
ignited and Hogue was burred to death before
assistance could reach him.
A well that James Mackem bored near
Flint Micb.. tapped an almost fathomless sub
terranean cavern from which there is a great
flow ot natural gas. and Flint people will ha7a
some gas experts examine tbe place.
A rat which attacked a brood of chick
ens at Pottstown was killed by the hen. and
atter the battle the barnyard rooster, wbo had
viewed the battle from a safe perch on tho
fence, celebrated the victory by crowing lustily.
A family in Whatcom. "Wash., not lik
ing the taste of the water they were drawing
from their 90-foot deen well, sent a man down
to inspect its depth. The well as In tolerably
good condition, but a dead Indian was hoisted
out.
A general suspension of payments for
one year has been found necessary in the Ar
gentine Renubllc to allow tbe commercial and
financial men to get over the results of the
wild speculation in which tbey bare been in
dulging of late.
At a newspaper office a day or two ago
a machinist, wanting to reach some shafting,
jumped up on a barrel ot printers ink standing
clo:e by. He didn't notice tbat an old paper
was serving as a cover, and he sank up to his
waist in the ink.
The other day a Minnesota clergyman
traveled 30 miles, made six calls, visited two
schools, gave an afternoon lecture and shot
seven jack rabbits, all between sunrise and
sunset, and be said it wasn't a good day for
pastoral work cither.
It is a curious fact that the Cnrragb. of
Kildare, which is a common just outside of the
village, is the only piece of real estate in Ire
land for which no rent is paid. It Is ued by
all the residents of the locality as a reeding
ground for cattle and goats.
The table upon which Prince Bismarck
signed the preliminaries of peace with Thiers
at Versailles in February, 1871, was the only
souvenir of the campaign which the Iron Chan
cellor bore Dacfc to Germany with him. He
paid his Versailles landlady 24 francs for it
Dudley Foster, of ISilJcrica. Mass.,hale,
hearty and in bis Slst year, was elected for bis
thirty-sixth year as Clerk and forty-first year as
Treasurer at tbe town meeting in tbat place a
few days ago. He declined to be a candidate,
but was elected to both offices by a handsome
majority.
Charles McEoberts and wife, who lived
two miles south ot Northville, were born on
Saturday, married on Saturday, celebrated
their golden wedding anniversary on Saturday,
took their last sickness on Saturday, and died
last Saturday. Sunday tbey were buried in
one grave.
On February 12, James Barton, of
Springport, Jackson county, died, leaving a
widow and seven children. Saturday the ad
ministrator, while looking through Barton's
safe, found 53.000 in moldy bills, which had
been secreted years ago. The bills are good
and will go.
Queen Victoria, who has started on a
continental tour, has taken along; 3 coachmen,
9 grooms. 8 horses, 1 donkey, 3 carriages, 73
trnnks, 3 special beds, a special cooking stove,
wine. 2 doctors, 1 surgeon, 1 surgeon accouch
eur for tbe Princess Beatrice. 3 ladies-in-waiting,
9 women servants, 1 lord, 2 equerries, 7
dogs.
A 14-year-old boy confined in a Paris
prison for attempted murder, being put into a
straight jacket as a punishment for violation
of the rules, managed to free bimself by
rubbing off the fastenings against a corner of
bis cell door frame, and then made ont of his
clothes a ropo with which he strangled himself
from the bars of his celt
A curious phenomenon is reported from
Batoum, on the shores of the Black Sea. Dur
ing a complete calm the sea Is said to bavo sud
denly receded from tbe shore, leaving it bars
to a depth often fathoms. The water of the
port rushed out to sea, tearing many or tbe
ships from tbeir nnchorage, and causing a
great amonnt or damage. After a short time
tbe sea resumed its usual level.
The will of a prominent attorney in
Cincinnati is a peculiar document and two or
the provisions bave attracted considerable
comment. 'l desire that no bar meeting bo
held for me. for such oc:asion3 are utilized by
lawyers to explodo tbeir eloquence without
cause. I desire that no crape be worn by my
family for me, but if any member chooses to do
so tbe same shall be charged to bis account."
The mourning costumes in different
countries are very curious. In England a
widow walks looking like a moun tain of crape.
In America she is less oppressive; in Franco
she soon becomes coquettish. The most elabo
rate mourning cloak beard of has lately been
made tor tbe Ducbess d'Aosta. It Is of heavy
silk, trimmed with fiat bands of ostrich plumes,
and having all its edges finished with fringes of
plumes that bave a jet band as tbeir heading.
An exceedingly cheeky thief made his
appearance in Boston-one day last week. He
was dressed in overalls. He went into the office
of a life insurance company, and, while whist
ling one or the latest tunes, began to unscrew
from tbe walls of a toilet room on the fourth
floor a mirror valued at about $20. Fully 20
occupants of the building saw the man at work,
and everybody thought he had been hired
either to repair tbe class or clean it. Thev did
not suspect anything was wrong until after ho
left Then it was learned he was a thief. He
walked down the four nights of stairs and left
by means of the front door.
CURRENT TIMELY TOPICS.
It tight lacing kills a monkey the dudes will
have to dispense with the luxury.
Bismarck will be 73 years of age Tuesday.,
Born on All Fool's Day, be bas kept them all
dancing to his music for many a day.
TnE date and location for tbo World's Fair
has been settled upon, and nil that Is lacking now
to make It a bowling success Is the soap. Chi
cago's Aldermen will probably put up that
article.
Rev. P. Sanders Reed preached a sermon
in San Francisco on the "Abolition of Poverty,"
and said that poverty would be lessened If a law
was passed prohibiting marriage among the
poorer classes. What an excellent feature Mr.
Reed would make lor the World's Fair.
P. T. Barnttx now declines to become a can
didate for the Mayoralty of Bridgeport, Conn.
Too busy with the other canvas, so to speak.
The price ot ice in Philadelphia bas been
fixed at l per hundred. As coal sells for 35 cents
per ICO pounds. It will be much cheaper to keep
warm than cold.
THE Republican press throughout the coun
try are praising William L. Scott for his liberal
donation to the famished miners. They don't
even mention the fact that be Is not looking fo
votes. Great Scotts' '.