j SECOND PflRTTf l THE TITTSBTJin rpDrWiT " 1 ftUUw w I ! ." i ( f i MOSS GROWfi RUINS Picturesque Views of Once Mag nificent Works Along the Old Canal. BLIAR COUNTY TURNPIKES Still Substantial and Smooth Alter Scores of Tears of Use. VAST QUANTITIES OP LIMESTONE Which Could be Used Advantageously in impairing State Eoads. EEK1KISCEXCES OF STAGE COACHING truoM oca srcciu. coiuiifsioNZB.j The Pittsbubo Dispatch ) cobmky itoad esteditiox. liOLLIDAl SBUBG, PA., May 11 , In fancy the horn of the Conestoga wagoner, or the stage coach teamster, has again echoed through the Allegheny Moun tains. A Stu Jebater farm wagon, although built expressly for The Dispach, is not a tally-ho by any means, nor are the Skiles bolster springs, with which our outfit is inrnished, quite as luxurious as the great leathern strap-springs ot the Concord coaches. But we have been riding on the old turnpikes of the overland period, and the cornet player of our party has made the air ring with flourishes snd blasts. Long years ago, when the stages from Ebensburg rattled down the mountain east ward, the passengers inside were notified of a sharp curve iu the road just beyond Hol lidaysburg by the trumpet Then they braced themselves ior the jerk. One of ibp Natives Surprised- "We had heard of this place, and wc founded it nt a merry speed, the cornet i MrnvJ " ''MW&to&.. u'Jhr'r'W j- .. w. (v "0' ' W&$uaw.m: vfesE OLD FOOTAGE IlXILnOAD VIADUCT. flourishes rising-nnd falling in bappy har mony with the motion of the vehicle. The little lady who keeps tollgate at that point came out in a great hurry. She looked as though she expected to see the ghost of one of the wagoners of '32. After leaving Cresion, your exploring party pursued itB way eastward over the old Philadelphia pike About u railo back of Cresson we reached the summit of the Alle gheny Mountains, and Dearer and Buceph alus rested their weary legs at an altitude of over 2,700 feet above tide-water. The view from this point was magnificent We looked over an area of mountain peaks nnd valleys 35 milts in extent With the naked eye were seen the touiis of Ebcnsburg and Lo rctto, while a glass brought Carroltown and Altoona's spires within tho range of vision. Here we stood almost in the center of the 800 acres of forest which Andrew Carnegie bought some years ago as a park for a castle which bo then contemplated building for summer residence. A Mchilj Eminence. From the western extremity of this wood land may also be seen the city of Johnstown and the windings of the treacherous Cone maujh for miles and miles. Carnegie still holds the laud, and if his castle is ever built it will become celebrated ns the loftiest dwelling place in Pennsylvania. Mrs. William Linton, who keeps a sum mer hotel on the summit, brought out to the wagon a pair of field glasses, which enhanced the beauty of the landscape before us. She si s the classes were carried bv General Mc Clellan through his earlier campaigns in the Rebellion; that the General gave them to General Hardy, and that officer presented them to her brother, William Meyers. The glasses are weather-beaten enough to confirm the statement ; We now began the descent of the eastern slope of the Alleghenies. Noon found us in the very heart ot the mountains at a wild romantic spot called "The Holy Fount." Gushing from the rocks by tho roadside is a gurgling jiool of water. It is vrckthtd in everlasting shade by out puttings of dripping rocks, tho interstices matted thickly with pine, laurel and wild grapevines. Oalllir.ln'n Ilolr Hprlns. Two massive tablo rock, one on cither tido ot the entrance to tho pool, lay as though planted thcro by iiaturo for renins vlrr. On one ol the rocks is painted this inscription: .. I : ni.KBHED-lSlG-DIUNIC : On the other rock aro these words: ! : : : nit aAi.Ln.iNH : : holy Hi'jtiNa. : i ! The tradition Is that the Calhollo pioneer of tho Allegheny Mountains, Prliioo Gal lltzlti. wn In the winter or 1810 walking through tho gorge of the mountains here, and being pursued by two pnnthrrs lie allowed thrm this spring, where titer slaked thilr thirst and wtnt ivit Undn htm . harmed. lit thereupon blend the inrlnir. and it has since been held in reverence by devout mountaineers. References to this spring in biographies of Gallitzin leave little doubt that be really did bless it, but as to the panther attachment, that is probably all myth. On to IlolUiUyibiirc. The "Fountain Inn" has connected this holy spritjg by pipe line with a fountain in the yard surrounding that house a couple of hundred yards below. "We drank the water at lunch that day. The remainder of the day was consumed 'in journeying on to Uollidaysburg. For 15 hours it had not rained. The tun shone and the day was warm and pleasant. Budding foliage clothed the mountain forests in tender green tints. The density of winter evergreens lost its attraction in the new colors of oaks, maples and chestnuts. In the sunbeams we saw, iar down beneath the rocks, the dashing brooks. Tbey, too, reflected springtime freshness. The wnite foam and spray at the cascades; the pretty greei f the deep, smooth-running water; the iWk blue of the quiet pools; the flash of myriads of speckled trout a mountain stream just as painters have seen iti After a night's sleep at Holli daysburg we resumed the journey, this time going southward. One of these mountain turnpikes we found o wreck. The other, after 60 years of use, is in splendid condition, and undergoing proper repairs every year, bids fair to last a century more. The "first is that section of the old Philadelphia pike extending from Ebens burg to Uollidaysburg, or to be more ac curate from Crcsson to Hollidaysburg. Since it passed into the hands of the town ship many years ago practically no attention has been paid to it. A Badly Worn Tnrnplke. Mr. Deveraux, of Summit, Cambria coun ty, informs me that every rainfall washes out the pike so badly that the township (Washincton) is not wealthy enough to keep it fixed up. For the same reason the entire road down the other side of the mountain to Hollidaysburg has fallen into decay, leaving the rock-bottom (common to mountain rccionO exposed. This pike was once macadamized, but only sandstone was used on tins portion ot it. Mr. Deveraux says if it was again put in solid condition there would no doubt be a general revival of travel on it. As it is, hucksters and others have been compelled to seek other routes to Lorctto and Ebcnsburg by way of Altoona. From Holidaysburg souththe old Mar tinsburg pike we found in a superb condi tion. It is macadamized, and limestone finely broken is scattered proluscly on the surface. We traversed it a distance of seven miles, and it was almost as smooth as a floor, as solid as a roek and ai well graded and drained as any piece of road we have vet seen. All this winter and spring it was in excellent condition. It is a physical im possibility to cut ruts in it. Well rtnllt Orlelnnllr. This road is still owned by a company. They keep it In repair from 'the tolls col lected, hut so little repair is needed on ac count of tho scienco nnd care with which it was originally built that running expenses aro small. Wagon load after wagon load of limestouo has been distributed all along its surface each ycir. We saw several loads freshly distributed. The owners of the road laugh at the idea of using any other kind of stone for road repairing. Of course, however, they admit that here, in Blair county, lime stone is more abundant than sandstone. It underlies farms and crops out nil over the mountain side. Tncy can get it very cheap. There is a species of limestone in Blair county, not of the calico color, but lighter, Working Out Jioatl Tazei in a Ltlturcly Manner. nnd of a grade which is almost worthless for burning. It makes excellent road material, though. ' I am impressed with the fact that Blair county, being o bountifully blessed with limestone quarries, is very nearly in tho center of the Slate. Its location might help to solve th problem of supplying counties in both Knsteru nnd Western Pennsylvania where there Is no limestone. It would be a central point for transportation facilities, and Altoona could be mado a vast baso of supplies. Krpnlrs In OM Tlmra. Daniel IC.ltcamy, who has lived In Holll dnysbttrg for nearly CO yearn, and who re sided along tho stnga cnacli pikes for SO years prior to that time, gave me n very in tcrestlng account ol how tho early highways used in do kept In good condition. He says cnoli ISO miles of thu plku wan In tliu custody of a sequestrator, whoso busliu-M It was to condemn nil bait upots in tho road, Thcso wore Immediately repaired with broken limestone. A large corps of laborers was kept constantly employed by eaeh seques trator in breaking stono. They wore always to be seen along the road. It would have boon considered ridiculous to only repair tho rimil In the spring time, hut work was kept up In tho summer ami winter, too. Ol course ninro repairs were needed In tho F' t llot '"'"ly many as aro now tho legitimate outgrowth of neiclecllng township roads 10 months out or 12. La borers on the ronds in thoso days wero paid 7fl cents, ei and fl B5 por day. Tho wad sequestrator also collected the tolls. Tho Into Samuel I.olt. of Hollidaysburg, was the last cqucitralor In the nelKhborbood of this town. A niibilnnilnl ir.undnllon. Tho tinderroiirses of largo slono In thorn pikes aro 10 Inches deep and wero laid on a wtll-gradcd foundiitlnn, thus resulting in good drainage. Mr. Jtcamy sayi this Is the onljr way to get solid and permanent roadi. Ho nyi there Is ample limestone In Blair eonnty for tbi whole fltiti, lit firori thi 'T,V!idgWTZrL illj, . -- - "---''r',M J G -t l THE , fsL'" .JL . Al ?il5M mw Wk m I to SS S f40tMM SiKKfiF Fyr" 1 i iM(r& MIM m Fw O fiKfS. VvSaHJ The splendid photo-engraving shown herewith gives tho public an accurate view of the new St. Nicholas Law Building, as it will appear when handed over to the company erecting it by Architect Stcen. The handsomo granite pile, popularly known as the Dalzcl Building, will stand at the corner of Fourth avenuo and Grant street. It will occupy a frontage of GO feet on Fourth avenue and 70 on Grant street. The interior arrangements will agree well with the magnificent exterior. Tho corridors will bo wainscoted with marble, the floors being handsomoly tiled. On each floor are ten rooms, all; the whole of the eighth or uppermost floor being given over to a law club. The club will have excellent quarters, consisting of parlor, smoking room, dining room, library and kitchen. All tho other rooms in the building will be iucd as lawyer's offices. Every room contains spacious vaults, not for tho storage of raro old wines, but rather or the safe-keepiug of musty old documents. Tho fan system ot heating will prevail throughout, and two large elevators prevent the necessity of climbing interminable stuirflights. Altogether Mr. Stcen's work is worthy of his reputation, as the St. Nicholas will tower as a worthy monument, to Pittsburg's push and prosperity. State Commission's plan for macadamizing all the principal roads in the State and be lieves that farmers should pay the increased taxation for the first few vears for the reason that it would only be the first cost, and so little repair would be required afterward that taxes would, in the eud, be nominal. A few miles south of Hollidaysburg I had the team stopped long enough to talk to Robert Hammil, a farmer. He was riding horses home from the plow. After a con versation with him about road repairing, I asked whero we would pass the old icservoir which used to supply the eastern division of the Pennsylvania canal. Tho Old Reservoir. "Here it is, right here," he said, and ho pointed us down to tbo valley below, where 800 or 900 acres of bottom land were being cultivated into fine farms. "That was the reservoir," be said, "and there is a part of the old dam yet" It was a tragic coincidence that this Mr, Hammil should be living here beside this old reservoir. Ho told us that his brother-in-law, Dr. Wilson, bad lived just below the crest of the dam of the reservoir which supplied the western division of the old canal. That was tho Sodth Fork dam. When it broko n year ago Dr. Wilson, his wi'e and child were all drowned. We left our wagon during tho afternoon on one of the old stone nqueduots which carries tho plko over the old Portago Rail road, whllo wo all went on a half hour ex ploration of "tho old Portage." Ills Work In Itulas. Tho Allegheny Mountains contain no moro Intcrestlo rollo than this grand old ruin. It will bo romembered that tho Kastem division of tho canal was 172 miles long from Columbia lo Hollidaysburg, Tho Portage from Hollldaysburir to Johnstown was 3(1 miles long. It consisted of 10 In elines and 11 planet. Tho Western division from Johnstown to Pittsburg was 104 miles long, makliiB a total of flUl miles. This stupendous work cost tho young State moro than (14,000,000, nnd later was transferred to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for 111,000,000. ... We lotiud tho timbers of some of tho In clmcs still Ir. place, hut nil aro rotting with age. Tho rails of tho levels were not laid on ties, but were fastened to stono blocks, orJdontly by moans of fish plates. All tho Iron is gone, but there you may still follow tho long Unci of stono blocks deeply embed ded in tho around, and the holes where tho plates and rails had boon fastened in you may readily clean out with your pencil. The itone foundations of tho stationary en glno bouses aro all overgrown with ivy and laurel. Vet they aro staunch and enduring. MoM-Urown nnd Old. The old walls of tht masonry along mountain sides to keen tht Inclines from sliding art moii covered now, tho troei have shaded tht wholt SO miles into u sylvan prominads, bat many of tht sumIto itooi PITTSBURG, THURSDAY, MAY 15, 1890. ST. NICHOLAS LAW BUILDING. -" - "it "iieS1"" 4i.J viaducts are crumbling and cracking with age. I met a road repairer just beyond Crcsson. He allowed us to protograph him if we would "fen' him a picter." He was actually working out road taxes. This is an awluliy cut up road to Clays btirg, Blair county, nnd if wo got over it safely you may look for something about Bedtord county roadways in my next letter. After that wo visit Somerset and Westmore land counties. L. E. Stoi'IEL. WEDDING OF A SEffATOB. Wolcott, of Colornilo, Joined In MarrIno to a BuIThlo Widow. Buffai.0, N. Y., May 14. Tho society world of Buffalo came out at noon to-day to attend the wedding of Mrs. Frances Metcalfe Bass, of this city, and United States Senator Edward Wolcott, of Denver, Col. The marriage was celebrated in St Paul's Cathedral, the Rev. Dr. Francis Lobdell officia ting. The full boy choir led the procession, singing "The Voice that Breathed O'er Eden, while iu tho tower tho chimes pealed a sweet accompaniment. Following the choir wore tho ushers, Messrx. George Carey, Thomas Caroy, Georgo M. Porter nnd Curleton Smith. Tho bride camo down tho main aisle, walking with her son, Mr. Lyman Metcalfe Bats, and was met at tho chancel by tho groom and tils best mnn and brother, Mr. Henry R. Wolcott, of Denvor. The brldo woro a Worth gown of white satin brocada and mull, trimmed with point lace and crystal. 1 lie alcoves and high collar woro entirely mado of tho rich point Diamond pins caught tho loco hero nnd there and fastened tho white ostrich feathor toque. Tho groom's gift, a olrolet of ten largo dia mond!, was worn nt tho neck, and tho hand bouquet was or la Franco rosos. Tho brldo was given awav by hor mother, Mrs. James II. Metcair. At 4 o'elook Mr. nnd Mrs. Wolcott will leavo for Now York, traveling In the Hon, Cliauncey M. Depew's private car, which Is garlanded with roses iu honor or the occasion. The bride's traveling gown Is one of old bluo cloth, richly ombroldored, nnd worn with a gray olnnk and cup. Tho oouiilo will stop at the Gllioy House, New Yorlt, for a fow days, then going on to Wash ington, Ahthmatio TitouriLEB and iorenesi of tho lungs or throat aro .usually overoomo by Dr. D. Jayno'i Expootorant a turo euro tire for all ooldu LADlicft' Jackets and wraps, an elegant as- korttnentof tho newest una roost uenrauiu styloif all prices, from tho lowest to tho very ben. TTflSU Huaus & Haoku. Ladies' ityllih silk waliti and London lilrti.ll flOtoj gnat vanity, at Koisu. baum&Co.'i, "wins t THE OLD ST. KICHOLAS. An Inn of (bo Fast Hazed to Sinks Doom for n I'llo of the Present. This landmark and inn of our olden time has recently been removed. Its demolition was commenced March 10, 1800. This hotel, although it was not so large or of the na tional reputation that the St. Nicholas Hotel, of New York, in its day enjoyed, yet was of sufficient size for the accommodation of patrons in the timo of its prosperity, and was well and favorably known in this city and elsewhere at that period. The hotel building was a four-story brick structure, situate on the corner of Grant street and Fourth avenuo (old Fourth street). Tho building was conveniently located, being on the direct way to the different railroad depots, as also 'near the steamboat landings at the foot of Grant street, on the Monongahela river. Further, it was near the County Court House, and in consequenco well suited for accom modating tho general traveling public, ns well as parties attending the Icourts as suit ors, Jurors and witnesses. Iu its best days tho parlors and dining rooms on the second floor, tho sleeping apartments on tho floors above, and every other requisite were con venient and comfortable. Tho hotel office was at the corner of Grant and Fourth streets. Adjoining wore tho barroom and harbor shop od Grant stroct front, with en trances from tho exterior and interior of tho building. In the last days of this hotel tho barroom was put where tho ofllco was and tho offloo removed to tho Fourth avenuo side, below tho hotol entrance thoro. The surviving patrons of this old hotel will recall many eutortalnlng remlnisconces nf old times therein, tin It was u favorite resort of many lawyers, dootori, preachers, surveyor aniljtradoimon o.'thoiodav as well ns substantial farmors of this and and adja cont countlos, und also sturdy California travelers who in tho early gold fever and ploneor days of tho gold siopo had gone around "Tliu Horn." With the passing away of tho old St Nicholas Hotol it may bo observed that scarcely any ono of tho old. time Inns and tuvcrns of l'lltiburg can now bo found, ai other buildings or Improvomont iiro now occupying their sites, Fiiitz. Now Nice. A child who has oneo takon Hamburg Flgi as a oatbartlo will novor again look on them as medicine, but will be llkoly to ask for them, under tbo Impression tliat they aro simply pre served fruit. 28 cents. Boso ono llg. At all druggists. Maok Drug Co., N. Y, tthsu KltAUfllt'H llKAIMOlUS OAl'SULKH, Un like many romedlos, aro porfoetly harmless), thoy contain no injurious substance, and will stop any kind ot a headache, will pre vent heudaohci caused by over-indulgence of food or drink late at night. Pries 30 cmtij ht iaIo by drugglits. shu REVISING THE CREED. An Important Meeting To-Day, the Hesults of Which Will Interest CHRISTIANS ALL OYEE THE WORLD. Changes Proposed in the Westminster Con fession of Faith. PEESBITEEIANISU TO BE M0DEBMZED Not merely Presbyterians.but Christians of eveiy name, are interested in the great con troversy over confessional revision which has been going on in the Presbyterian Church during the past year, and which will culminate in the General Assembly of the Church to meet at Saratoga to-day. There are two reasons for the widespread in terest in this question. Iu the first place, the Presbyterian Church is, of all the Prot estant denominations, perhaps, the most conservative in clinging to its old beliefs and old traditions. This is so much the case that the present general movement in favor of revising and possible dropping some of the old beliefs comes on the public as a surprise. In the second place the revi sion agitation has become something more than a denominational question, because it indicates an unsettling ot old ideas and old beliefs in all the churches. The remarkable and unsuspected growth of the desire for revision in the Presbyterian Church is not a sporadic fact; much less is it an accident It is most intimately re lated to the whole onward movement of modern civilized life. Conservative as the Presbyterian Churoh is, it has found itself compelled to go with the mighty and resist less current of modern thought. It is, in deed, true that it has not gone down this current as swlltlyas havo some other bodies. But that its movement has been considera ble is now evident to all. And this is why all Christians and, indeed, all intelligent men, follow the movement with such inter est. If conservatism itself has slipped from its moorings, they say, what is to be the ultimate resting place or those churches which long ago bade goodby to conserva tism'; rOIKTS TO DB CONSIDERED. But widespread as Is the interest in tho coming debate on revision, there are large numbers of people who havo only a vaguo Idea as to what is to be revised and just how tho present revision movement originated. A brief explanation as to both these points will therefore be in order. First, as to what to be revised. The an. iwer in, the Conlomlou of Fultli adopted by tho Westminster Assembly ot Divines, on tho 4th of Deeeinber, 1010. This famous By n od of Ualvinlstlo theologians wss called together by the Long Parliament on July i, 1(143. nnd remained In session till February Ti, llilll, Ho ins of the member belonged to the ("iiuroh ofKngland, hut wont ol them were Presbyterians and nearly all were strong Calvlnlitt. It approved of the "Hoi. emn League and Covenant," already adopted In Hsotland, and put forth a Direc tory for 1'ublio Woishlp. Hut It rant Im portant work was the Confession of Faith, which has had nuoh u profound Influence on I'resbyterlanlsm throughout the world, and whloh may almost he said to have created a distinct type of religious life, This conles slon was finally adopted in August, 1047, and the two catechisms in July, 1018. These formularies have been adopted with slight modifications by all the Presbyterian churches in the world. The Shorter Cate chism.was introduced Into New England by .the Puritans, and formed the basis of the cel ebrated New Euglaud Primer, which for nearly two centuries was the only recognized book of.instruLtion for the young. a Brj-vwAiuc ov Calvinism. It has been said that the Westminster Confession is not formally a Calvlnistlo creed-. This is true. But as a matter of fact, its trainers were so deeply tinctured with Calvinism that tbey could not help putting a good deal of it into their creed; and, as a matter of fact, tbo Westminster confession has always stood as the bulwark of Calvinism. No one who holds Arminlau views could1 conscientiously subscribe to it It is also true that there is nothing in the confession indicating that it is the final ut terance on the subject of Christian belief. But whether rightly or wrongly, it has been so regarded by a vast number of Presbyte rians, who have explained their reverence for it by saying tbnt it is simplya statement in briet of tho teaching of Scripture. Even to-day thcro are Presbyterians who take this view of it, and so believing, they naturally look upon those who desire to revise or modify thu cotitession as enemies of the faith. The propriety of making some revision of tho con'ession in order to bring it more in harmony with modern ideas, especially on the questions of election, the salvation of unbaptized infants, and tho fate of the heathen to whom Christ was never preached, has for many years been discussed in other Presbyterian churches. But up to 1838 it was not for a moment suspected that there was any desire for revision in the Presby terian Church in this country. But in that year an overture was presented to the Gen eral Assembly fiom the Presbytery ot Nas sau, L. I., asking that "proper steps be taken for a revision ot the third chapter (Of God's Eternal Decree) of the Confession of Faith, with special references to sections 3, 4, G and 7." ASKING TOR AN OVERTCItE. But the Assembly was preoccupied with its centennial celebration, and did not take much interest in the matter. In fact, it came very near being shelved, and it was only by accident, so to speak, that the friends of the overture secured a reference of the Question to the next General Assem bly. During the intervening year the Nassau Presbytery, by circular letters, sought to interest other Presbyteries in the Question, and as a result of this 15 of the 211 'resbytcries sent up on overture on the question. Of these 15, 4 were from New York, 2 from Texas, 1 each from Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa, and tho remainder from the older West. The really Influential Presbyteries, to called, wero not found among these 15. And apparently no great church leader was at the head of the move ment Nevertheless, the 15 overtures at traotod the attention of tho Gcnoral Assem bly, and tho committee to which they woro roferrcd presented tho following report, which was adopted: WimitKAM, Overtures have eome to this Qen oral Assninhly from Iff 1'rosbytorlos, vlz.t Mat toon, llellerontalne. Lake Superior, JJoulder, I'ortsnioath, i;os women, j'ayton, uoncra, Ne braska City, Lansing, Troy, Trinity, Lognnn port, Austin and Hyraeusp, asking for somo revision of tho confession ot faith) and Whereas, In tho opinion of many or our nun. liters and people, some forms ol statements In our confomlon of faith aro llablo to misunder standing, and expose our system ot dootrlno to unmerltod erltlehini ami Whoroas, Dofnrr any definite steps should bo takon (or tho revision of our standards, It Is do slrahlo to know whether thnro I any general do sire for snnli rovlsloni thoreforu Itosnlvnd, That this (Junoral Ansombly over ture to the Prcsbytorles tho following ques tions t ). Do you doslro a revision or tho confession or fatthf 2. It so, In what respects and to what extent? A I'OrULAIt MOVKM1CNT. The history of the movement during the last year is familiar to all. Tho strength of the deslro for rovlsion has simply amazed orery one, oven thmo who thought (hey knew all tho current ot thought In tho churoh, Tho revisionists themselvqs, In tholr most enthusiasts moments, never dared to hone for such a rosult. Many of them, indeed, looked for no immediate no tion on tht part ot tho ohureh, and had laid out (or tuiuHilris preirnnune 0 agitation extending possibly over many years. And now, at the end of only one year, an over whelming majority of the Presbyteries of the church are loudlv demanding revision, the great and influential Presbytery of New York standing at the head of the column. A lew predictions may be safely made in regard to the discussion of the question in tho coming General Assembly. First, the debats will mark an ara in the history of American Presbyterianlsm. Second, if any revision is made.it will be the result of a compromise between the revisionists and the anti-revisionists, in which neither will get just what they want And thirdly, the Church will not only survive this agitation, but will. In the end. be the stronger because of it For, as a result, it will be brought into closer touch with the living present, without being cut off from the venerable traditions ot the past. To revise a creed is not to repudiate it, but rather to make it the mdre perfect expression of tbe Church's thought. And to that result the present re vision movement in the Presbyterian Church tends. HO THE TOTE STANDS. TJp to date all but five Presbyteries have been heard from on tbe question. The re turns show that 133 have voted for revision,C0 against revision, andC have declined to vote. Most of the Presbyteries not beard from are foreign. The Independent iu this week's issue publishes the vote in detail for each Presbytery. According to its footings, 2,334 ministers and elders have voted against re vision and 3,334 ministers and elders have voted for revision. Twenty-seven of the Presbyteries cast a unanimous vote 12 against and 15 for revision. THE THEOCRITUS CLUB. A Homo Where tbo Motto Is Laugh nnd Grow Fat Lazy Men Will Find Horo a Paradise An Exclusive Organization of Collrso Men. The Theocritus Club has been in exist ence for fully three weeks. Its personnel consists chiefly of ex-college men, who Trish to have a good time in a refined, quiet way. Although not a secret society the Theocritus Club sternly refuses to allow the names of its members to be published. Yesterday a representative of Tiie Dis patch was accorded the privilege of view ing the interior of the clubhouse. Tbe ex terior appearance is plain. The houso stands on Ellsworth areuue; is built of brick, and surrounded by nearly an acre of prettily planted ground. It formerly be longed to a Mr. Armstrong, from whom the club purchased It, adding a third story aud refurnishing the Interior throuzhont. Thcro are about CO members, nil university men. The great majority claim Princeton cn their Alma Mater, but a lew are from Yale, Harvard and Washington and Jeffer son. Through the kind invitation of ono of tho members tho reporter wn admitted to the olubroomi last evening. Tho houiels charm. Ingly. furullhed In the Oriental style, belnu (specially rich Iu lounge, sy olmlr ntitl U mm bo u I ooflee table?. Tho doorway are arohed After the KnnUtn rummer, and heavy silken hangings take the place of doon, Hookah ttnnu In every earner of the two thinking rooms, but the big onlleetlon of Oc cidental pipe III the great oaken plpa-ravk show that all tbe members do not alleet the sugar-sweetened tube of Turkey, There are eight principal apartments in tlieoluhhouse, the two smoking rooms aforesaid, the dining room, parlor, library, billiard room and the three luxurious bathrooms. The parlor Is perhaps the most attractive. It 1 ''done," a Oscar Wilde would say, in the prevailing type of Orientalism. There are, however, a lew agreeable Incongruities, if one might so term them. For, instance, there is an old English mantel-piece, truly baronial in its width and height, from the top of which smile three marble busts. The first of these represents Bhakespeare the merry Shakes peare who gave us Dogberry and Falttaff. On tho further end of the mantel-shelf stands the broad, good-humored bust of Rabelais, with the motto, "L'hotnme qui rit" Be tween theso two is the representation of the club's great patron, Theocritus, the "laugh ing philosopher." Cut deep into the oak of tho mantel is tho club's legend in quaint Gothic characters. It is a simple and con cise legend: "Laugh and grow fall" In fact everything about this delightful club house tells its beholders that "heart-easing mirth" is tbe best passport through the tolls of life. A few choice water-colors and crayon sketches adorn tbo walls. The smoking rooms are gotten up in much the same manner. Tbe dining room con tains nearly a score of small round tables, at which only two people can sit comfortably. In every room a punkah, or Indian fan, swings to and fro above the heads of the loungers. The punkahs are worked by steam, and with their long-measured sweeps keep the roome dellclously cool. Altogether the Theocritus Club must bo a very pleasant place to lounge in; and no doubt its wainscoted walls hourly re-echo with merriment worthy of its three right merry patrons. INDEPENDENT OF PLUMBEHS. Architect Peobles I'm on the Overalls, bnt Hod ho Card. An amusing scene occurred iu one ot the new Westinghouie buildings at Wilmerd iug on Tuesday last During the past week the plumbers' strike has been somewhat of an obstacle to the further advancement of the building, but Architect Peebles is one of those men who delight in overcoming obstacles. He is alio deeply learned in more crafts than that of architecture, possessing among his other acquirements a practical knowledge of plumbing. On Tuesday the work was delayed because a necessary con nection between the pipe systems was un made. Mr. Peebles saw the difficulty and resolved to make the required connection himself. Accordingly, armed witn tbe necessary tools, he mounted a ladder and set to work in a business-like fashion. Presently a walking delegate came along. He noticed Mr. Peebles at work, and asked him if lie possessed a Plumbers' Union card, Mr. Peebles refused to reply. Tho man de parted nnd returned In about ten minutes with a large delegation of plumbers, wbo demanded lo see Mr. Peebles' card. The architect was now thoroughly rousod. From his elevated position on tho ladder he shouted, "I havo no card. I am thu archi tect or this building, which, until it is fin ished, is the aamo as niv own house. I can tear It down or do anything I choose with it wlthoutasklngtheonlnlon of anybody." Tho delegation then took the floor nnd bocaino highly argumentative and oven threatening. Filially Mr. Walsh, tho superintendent, discharged all the plumbors in tho delega tion. Tho baffled strikers marchod off, L'lorvlmrin their martyrdom; whllo Archi tect and Plumber Peebles continued his pipe connection with a triumphant stnllo on hi expressive features. iNi'ANTfl' cloaks In Immenso variety at 83, ?2 50, $3 up to 910. Host and largest stock ever shown. Rohicnuaum & Co. WTIIHHU IU.AOic Goons Tho most eompleto as sortment ol all wnol and silk and wool me dium nnd light weight fabrics for summer woar shown In the olty. ttsbu Huaos Se Hacice. Khauhr'h Hkadaohk Oai'sulks are moro pleasant and convenient to take than powders, wafer, elixir, eta. Thau I.onvrr. The very latest Kyle of drcaio made on ehort notice for ladle and children. Rea sonable price. Louvjik, 21 Sixth st. Ilnbr Carriage. .The bit for tbe Ictit money at Hr rlioa7i X07 lltore, wridtrai it., Afe,heny. j ROAD LAWS MEDED. Necessity of Legislation to Help Farmers Plainly Set Forth. THEIR CLAIMS TOO LITTLE HEEDED A Flan for Scientifically Improving the Highways Explained. GOOD EESDLTS OP PRACTICAL TESTS rwarrraar tor tub sisfatcu.1 The tendency of much of the legislation of the past 50 years has been to ignore the interests of the agricultural class. Private legislation for certain individuals or com munities occupies the attention of our legis lators much more than legislation for the Commonwealth. It mnst be confessed that those to whom the interests of the country are committed are much more prone to hearken to the demands of their city constit uents than to those of the unorganized farm ers. This is their complaint and the recent movements all over the country, which have resulted iu the formulation of the league known as the Farmers' Alliance are an evi dence of their realization of this fact. The fact should never be lost sight of that agriculture is the only true basis of a country's prosperity and wealth. From mother earth is drawn all our riches, and the industrious farmer, coaxing from be grudging nature a frequently meager re turn, produces those articles which form the foundation of nearly all other creative enterprises. THE TKOVIDEBS OF FOOD. In America agriculture must always pre dominate. Not only must the ever increas ing population of our cities be fed, but like wise must be supplied the foreign market, which will continue to increase as fast as population in the older countries outruns the means of sustenance. The farmer complains, and justly so, that his affairs do not receive the attention which they merit. His interests should be the Nation's interests, for, by the principle of social solidarity, tho concern of one becomes the concern ot all. When he suffers, all humanity must bear the pain. Likewise, tho farmer can consume other products only in propor tion to his owu prosperity. Thus, tbe cry of tho agricultural class lor reform is not lha cry of a class or n distinct faction, but rather a concern of the whole people, ior any harm to them react with equal foroo upon the sa tire country. Hint, then, ngrloultnro I tho tup root from which nil other Industrie must derive their mean of inalntenanoe, either a a wiurce of raw material or a uitenanee it I clearly to the direct advantage of nil that till Industry should be fostered and pro tected in UYnry way polhle. Huge Ileiilamln Franklin, whose name shine resplendent among the coterie ol Pennsylvania' (treat men, as well a the most dWnooratla of all Democrats, Thoniu Jefldreon, looked with the greatest of atls. faction upon the rural life whfeh they con sidered the only life possible for the Ameri can people. AN JIONOBA11LB OCCUPATION, Dreading the mercantile spirit, tbey looked upon a nation absorbed in the pro duction of raw materials as th-a one most likely to remain free from vice and the intrigue of foreign nations. Thi idea of the exclusive beneficence of nature, tbey obtained from tbe French philosophers of that day, who asserted that husbandry was the only honorable toll and the only true source of riches. While we cannot, by the light of our ex perience, accept the whole truth of their philosophy, it still contained a grain of truth. Early Americans believed almost universally that the United States would never be anything moro than a market for the surplus product of Europe, hoping in turn sho might become tbo garden of tho world. That America has belied the expec tations of her founders in ono respect has been duo to causes which will eventually make her the emporium of tbo world, and which have already placed ber on a compet itive piano with the greatest mercantile countries of Europe. The United States must ever remain a great agricultural nation, and it behooves us to foster this industry from motives of self-interest Much legislation is desired in its behalf, bnt the most crying need of the present day is the one nearest home, to-wit: The public roads. Americans are always severely criticised by foreigners, on account of the arrogant as sumption that our systems ofgovernment.our institutious, laws and customs have attained the summit of perfection. Doubtless Amer ica has left many of hercotemporaries way in tho rear in many matters, bnt in problems of administration, ot railroads, city govern ment, civil service, highways and other in ternal improvements, wo may greatly profit by tbo fruits ot their experience. NATIONAL HIGHWAYS. Especially on the construction and ad ministration ot hiebways we can learn much by contemplating the examples of Francs and Germany, which are clearly in advance of all other countries in this respect France bus undoubtedly the most perfect system of roads in tbe world. They are divided into five general classes. The first-class roads are supported by tbe State, and are called "Routes Natiouales." They are broad military roads, and connect the different parts of the nation. The only road which wo have corresponding to these, is the old UuinoerJand road, con structed during tbo early part of this century by the Federal Government, to connect tho Atlantic coast with the Ohio "Valley by way of Washington. This is tho attempt of tbe United States Government at internal improvements of this kind, and for various reasons it is not so desirable as State legislation, although several attempts have been made from time to time to induce Congress to pais an act on this subject In addition to these routes natiouales, thero are two classes of routes depart mentales, corresponding somewhat to our country roads and maintained by the de partments. Finally there are two remain ing classes or local roads, varying some what in their importance. All these roads are maintained by both labor and money taxes. In Germany thcro are three general cltssei of highways: Statn roads, provincial roadi and local rood. The former are maintained by the State, and tonnect large cities, while tho latter two aro tupportod by the pro vincial anu loom aumerities, ami, ot course, are of varying degree ot Importance. ACIKNGK IN IIOAD-MAICINO. In both countries road-making Is a soience, and highway aro laid out and con structed in atolentluo manner, the State ex ercising supervisory authority over all tho major detail. In England and Seotland roads are far superior to our own, but not so good a those on tho Continent. Tho cause of thi I probably to be found Iu tbo system of toll road, from which these countries are Just emerging, as are menvof our State. In all European eountrle the economic and social benefit of good highway are fully realized, and by means of a centralized control and oversight, which I absolutely necessary, they are maintained in most perfect con dition. Uoforo reform I pntilble, publlo opinion must bo arouiod to tho knowledge of tho waste being annually Incurred, and until thi is realized Pennsylvania will never attain the development of her power and resaureus which Is nnsilbla. Th miMI hayt never en good road, Mi,tfi till l roaieq waooi be iiptoiti (9 eeapliu wit j 31 3 n i
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers