Pittsburg dispatch. (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, December 12, 1890, Page 4, Image 4

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THE PITTSBimQ- ' DISPATCH,
FRIDAY;"- 'DECEMBER 12, "1890.
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Ije Bigpaftft.
ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY S, 1846.
Vol.13, so.3;iS.-i:ntered at Plttsbnrgrostofiicc,
Xovcmber 14. 1657, as second-class matter.
Business Office Corner Smithfleld
and Diamond Streets.
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75, 77 and 79 Diamond Street
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xcho has been disappointed at a hotel news
stand can obiain it
TEEMS OF THE DISPATCH.
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The Daily DisrATcn Is delivered by carriers at
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PITTSBURG. FRIDAY. DEC. 12, 189a
TOO MUCH PROHIBITION.
Dealers in oleomargarine are to be prose
luted again and it is astounding how many
of them will he brought to trial. The prose
cutions are to be made under the United
Stats law, which provides that oleomargar
ine or the various grades ot imitation butter
usually known by that name, shall pay an
internal revenue tax and be sold for what
it really is.
The law or this State prohibits the sale of
imitation butter in this State, absolutely.
It follows, therefore, that a violation of the
United States law is a violation of the State
law, too. And it is readily seen that the
Slate law is one of the chief incentives to
the violation of the national law. It is not
hard to conclude, either, that there is some
thing radically wrong in this wholesale vio
lation of law, and it is well to look care
fully for the trouble.
One ot the first things noted is 'hat the
men who are being prosecuted are not of
that class which may be ordinarily denomi
nated as criminal. Many of the names are
those of reputable merchants, men who
transact business after proper forms. It is
also noted that outside of Pennsylvania
there are comparatively few prosecutions
under the internal revenue law. The imi
tation butter is sold almost as extensively
elsewhere as in this Commonwealth, but it
is sold for what it is. People buy it know
ing what it is. It is a matter of observation
in this city that many buyers of the bogus
butter are not deceived in regard to its char
acter. Thus the opinion is forced that the pro
hibitory State law does more harm than
good. It is only too evident it does not pro
hibit the sale of imitation butter, and it is
equally evident it does compel dealers to
conceal the real nature of the article they
sell. Being a freedom loving people, the
citizens of the State want to have the right
to buy what suits them. It is proper that
cow butter and imitation butter should be
distinguished from each other so the buyer
could make such choice. The United States
law aims to reach this result.
The State law, on the other band, is de
signed to compel everybody to buy cow but
ter, whether they want it or not Six years'
trial has proven that it fails to accomplish
its purpose. And the frequent prosecution
of uleo dealers indicates the probability that
the State law, forcing concealment of the
true nature of the oleo, leads to the decep
tion of many people who would otherwise
buy cow butter, thus defeating its own pur
pose. for uxiroiai divorce ea-ws.
The commission appointed by the Legis
lature of New York to secure uniform
divorce laws in all the States of the Union,
after a careful consideration ot the subject,
has decided to ask the Governors of all the
other States to appoint similiar commissions,
which, after due examination, may be em
powered to meet in convention and agree
upon a uni orni system of divorce to be
thereafter ratified by the State Legisla
tures. The question is as interesting and im
portant in this State as in any other, and
the Sew York Commission appears to have
discovered a practical scheme for bringing
about harmonious consideration thereof.
The uniformity of divorce legislation is
most desirable and doubtless when the
request is made Governor Pattison, for it is
to be presumed that it will be made after
his inauguration, will deem it advisable to
appoint the commission. The Philadelphia
Record makes the sensible suggestion that
the representatives of the States appointed
in this manner "might profitably go lurther
and recommend uniform insolvent and lien
laws, uniform laws relating to marriage, to
the registration of births and deaths, and to
many other matters in which it is important
that the State authority should be supreme,
but also important that laws should not be
contradictory and confusing."
SMART -WOMEN'S DISADVANTAGE.
Women make a very good showing in the
civil service examinations at Washington.
Ifthereiults of these tests are to be taken
as decisive the average woman is more in
telligent and better educated than the aver
age man. The records, according to Chief
Examiner Webster's statement, show that
out of 43,977 persons examined for all
branches of the service, not inclnding the
railway mail service, between January 6,
1886, and June 30, 1889, there were 4,745
women, or 10 4-5 per cent. Of these 43,957
only 26,790 were passed. Of those passed,
3,691 were women, or 13 4-5 per cent.
The percentage ot women passed was
three times larger than the Dercentage of
women examined, or, to put it in another
way, nearly four-fifths of the women ex
amined were successful, while nearly half
of the men failed. The records for shorter
periods are equally flattering to the fair sex.
Prom July 1, 18S8, to June 30, 1889, 3,697
applicants were examined in the depart
mental service, of whom 1,154, or 31 1-5 per
cent, were women. The total passed was
2,182, of wh-m 835 were women, or 3Sl per
cent. In the postal service, for the same
period, out of a total of 10,702 examined
399, or 33X per cent, were women. The
total passed was 6.615, of whom 327, or 4 9-10
per cent, were women.
At the same time it is said that tne heads
of the departments in -Washington ask for
men almost invariably. Chief Examiner
Webster seeks to explain this discrimina
tion against women on the ground that men
re held to be more faithful and more care
ful. But we believe that it is the experience
of most employers that women, on the con
trary, show more fidelity and care than men
in the discharge of their duties. A more
reasonable explanation would expose the
radical difference between the service of
Uncle Sam and the service of private citi
zens, namely: that in spite of civil service
examinations and civil service reform planks
in party platforms the GovernmentjOmces
still form a gigantic political machine. A
stupid man with a vote will always be pre
ferred to a smart woman without one so long
as the departments at Washington are at the
mercy of the party in power.
OH. PRODUCERS' OPPORTUNITY.
Certainly the producers of petroleum have
reason to look about them for means to im
prove their condition. Depression oi their
industry, and oppression, is no new thing
to them. They have suffered periodically
since the early "seventies" when the Stand
ard magnates first started in to control the
business. There can be no doubt but public
sympathy will be with the producers in any
honest effort they may make to provide a
competitive market for their product and to
break the monopoly. But the producers
must remember their movements are no
newer thing to the public than oppression is
to them, and with this knowledge they
should build wisely and well.
Some movements made by the producers
in the past have been ill-considered. A few
of their efforts have been as selfish as the
greed of their oppressor for the producer
alone. Those movements were unfortunate
for the oil producers and they resulted dis
astrously. But they may yet conquer. A
movement broad enough in its scope will
lead tbem out.
Producer and consumer are both in the
same relation to the monopoly between
them. Both have rtbe same interest in
checking the dual extortion of low priees
for the crude product and high prices for
the manufactured product. The producer
should, therefore, consider the consumer as
well as himself. He should plan for the
real advantage oi the consuming public and
then he can confidently claim its support.
This fact should be the keynote of the
present movement. The oil producer may
co-operate in business and politics with the
wheat producer and the producers of all
other wealth. It is the duty to take broad
ground against all forms of monopoly and
extortion. To fight, shoulder to shoulder,
with his fellow sufferers against all-monopolies
as well as against the greatest trnst of
all, the Standard Oil Trust. It he does this
he can confidently expect a home market for
the product of his independent refineries,
even if the monopoly does sell below cost to
freeze him out. He only needs to work on
broad lines and stick to them until the
victory is his.
GILDING A MAIDEN'S DREAM.
The good fortune of Miss Carrie Painter,
which The Dispatch has the pleasure of
chronicling to-day, is unhappily all too rare
in this vale of tears. The fair maiden of
Homestead might have considered herself
sufficiently blessed in her good looks, with
which as our readers are enabled to judge
she is endowed, but n conjunction of lucky
stars has added riches. Over a half million
of dollars is a tidy sum even in these days
ot gigantic fortuues, and the young lady is
likely to find that a fortune of such a size
brings responsibilities in its train. If at
any time, however, the burden of the big
bank account should prove too onerous or
irksome to its fair owner and the other day
a New York gentleman shot himself bceause
be bad fallen heir to a fortune Hiss
Painter may rest assured that she will find
no difficulty whatever in persuading som--one
to relieve her of the burden. Modesty
forbids that we should name a hero for the
emergency.
CODFISH VERSUS SEALS.
It would be interesting to know if Senator
Richard F. Pettigrew, of South Dakota, is
married. If he is not he is never likely to
be. The views he vented the other day as to
the seal fisheries of the Behring Sea will
not make him popular with the fair sex.
He said that all the seals in Alaskan waters
ought to be exterminated, and he favored
the payment of a bounty by the Government
lor each seal killed. This sane and
moderate proposal he defended on the
grounds that if the seals were exterminated
the Alaskan waters would be the greatest
fishing waters in the world. The seals feed
on codfish. Each seal eats five or six
pounds of codfish per day. Now, instead of
having a great filing sea destroyed entirely,
Senator Pettigrew thinks it would be more
profitable to kill every seal and let the fish
be the prey of man. The seal company
gives employment to some 300 Aleutians or
Indians, but if the waters were rid of seal
and given over to fishing, at least 10,000
American citizens would have employment.
Alaska would then amount to something,
and the Behring Sea difficulty would soon
be settled. In his opinion the seals will be
exterminated anyhow in three or four years
without resort to the extraordinary warfare
which be advocates.
If Senator Pettigrew's seal-slaughtering
scheme were to be put into operation seal
skin coats would go beyond the reach of all
but millionai-es. This would be a public
benefit, the Dakotan statesman insists, be
cause sealskin is conducive to pneumonia
anyhow, and codfish is a wholesome meat
and palatable beverage. A very few women
will agree with Mr. Pettigrew the trifling
minority who have not sealskin cloaks and
despair of ever obtaining them. The hope
of owning a sealskin springs eternal in the
female breast. Here and there an unusually
courageous man may say amen to the death
sentence of the seal; but we very much ques
tion if many of Senator Pettigrew's constit
uents even, with the gorgeous prospect of
unlimited codfish before them, will have the
temerity to boldly and openly join in the
crusade against the seal. "Woman is woman
in South Dakota and in the minority, and
her influence ought to be great enough to
make Senator Pettigrew regret he ever
championed the unromantic codfish against
the charming seal.
The Force bill debate is expected to draw
Senator Ingalls from the bower of silence that
has concealed that picturesque statesman since
the Ides of November last. Wo can assure tho
Senator from Kansas that his silence has been
more sincerely eloquent of his feelings than bis
speeches usually are.
A cbtjeIi cotemporary suggests that if
Bill Nye does go upon the stage next year, as
announced, he should don tights and take a
leading part in comic opera. In spectacles
Mr. Nye is already a familiar figure.
The attitude of the church toward the
stage might well be more charitable than it is
generally, and Rev. Dr. Leonard Woolsey
Bacon, of Boston, is to ,be commended for ad
vocating a reform in this direction, but we
doubt if be is correct in saying that "there was
a time, not so very long ago, when the name of
actress was a synonym for infamy." It would
be nearer the truth to say that in tho past the
error of confounding the good with the bad in
sweeping condemnations of the stagp was more
frequently encountered than at present.
The Indian war is not raging yet, and
the prospects are that ample rations and Gen
eral Miles' military provisions will have a seda-
tire effect upon the unruly Sioux. The pro
gramme is to fill the Indians' stomach first and
it that does not satisfy tbem giro them all the
lead they want.
Police Justice Powee, one of the
strongest leaders of the County Democracy In
New York, has resigned. Is this to be taken
as a sign of the organization's resignation
under the rule of Tammany?
Three members-elect of the Illinois
legislature bavo it in their power to name
Senator Farwell's suocessor In the United
States Senate. Senator Farwell is said to be
staying away from Washington In order to con
vince the tno representing the Farmers' Alli
ance that It is their dnty to keep John M.
Palmer at home, and from the anxiety of the
Chicago Democrats it is to be judged that Mr.
Farwell is perniciously persuasive.
The opinion seems to be spreading in
many quarters that something ought to be
done to protect the veterans from Washington
pension sharks. Liberal appropriations for
pensions are all right, but the nation is under
no obligation to enrich a ring of attorneys at
the capital.
It is true that the man without money has
a small margin to go upon, but it may be some
satisfaction to him to know just now that ho
hasn't any margins to put up.
The countless thousands and especially
the children who have an abiding lovo'for Mrs.
Hodgson Burnett's Little Lord Fauntleroy
will sympathize deeply with the author in the
death of her son, Lionel, who was the original
of that charming character. It may be some
consolation to the bereaved mother to know
that her boy's memory will live long in the book
which be inspired.
King Kalakatja denies that he desires
to sell Hawaii to the United States. This is
hardly needful. In the first place he cannot
sell his island home, and in the second the
United States does not want it at any price.
There are good reasons to believe that
the financial stringency is abating. The im
provement is not great, but it is something to
be thankful for.
Some idea of the development of electric
lighting in this city may be gathered from sta
tistics which will be found in our news columns
to-day. The single statement that one com
pany supplies over one hundred and twenty
thousand lamps of 16 candle power, the usual
size for ufiice and domestic use, in the course
of a year, shows how far electric light has su
perseded gas.
The Indian actors in the thrilling West
ern drama now apparently drawing to a close
in Arizona have had their fill of ghost dances
and are content, it is a fact that actors usu
ally are content after the ghost walks.
The crowbar seems to be mightier than
the pen just now in Irish newspaper offices.
The spectacle of President Harrison
summoning Senators to tbo White House to be
disciplined for opposing the administration's
policy is decidedly humorous. But it will not
be a laughing matter if the country is com
pelled to discipline the President's party a
second time as a consequence.
PERSONAL PENCHIHGS.
Pauseee s freedom ol the city of Edinburgh
has been ithdrawn. From this it is plain that
the Scotch do not look upon his conduct in the
light of a joke.
Mbs. Stanley has been spoken of as a
beauty, but it is the keen intelligence that
shines in her great eyes which wins her the
greatest admiration.
People who knew Robert Garrett, and
knew him well before this long illness, are a
unit in declanuc that, notwithstanding bis
eccentricities, be was one of the most warm
hearted and generous ot millionaires.
Two busts of John Boyle O'Reilly, by differ
ent sculptors, are exhibited in Boston, but are
sharply condemned by the critics. The.4drer
tiser says: "Probably nothing in the way of
sculpture will ever exceed Donogbue's bust of
O'Reilly ntlrt he executed just before he
went to Paris."
Dk. Chauncey M. Depew's d'ning room is
a spacious apartment in which 40 guests can
easily be seated. The walls are in dark red, to
match the mahogany furniture, and the frieze
about them Is formed of appropriate inscrip
tions in Greek, Latin, Fronch and English. A
handsome mahogany sideboard contains a fine
display of rare china that is all of historic in
terest. Mb. Bouohton-, the English artist, expresses
surprise at tbo magnificence of the New York
houses, and recently remarked: "I know of
but few interiors in London where there is
such splendor of decoration and furnishing,
and at the same time such thorough good taste,
as I have seen here. The splendid paintings,
rare tapestries, porcelains, bronzes, carvings
and what not are to be seen in a profusion here
that simply is bewildering."
Senator Plumb, who is spoken of as a new
leader upon the Republican side of the
Senate, is a driver and has all the
Western contempt for precedent and po
litical Senatorial conventionalities where
they stand in the way of his accomplishing
what he desires. He is popular with every one
on account of his frankness and his good na
ture. He has that strange faculty of knowing
how to get at nearly every one, and whether
he meets a high political priest in the party or
a bumble worker, the Senator at once speaks a
language understood by both.
Washington McLean, the veteran jour
nalist who died in Washington this week, was
a man of great energy and decision of charac
ter. One of his favorite subjects for reading
was Napoleon. Any one who was fortunate
enough to start Mr. McLean upon this fubject
when he was in the right mood would be cer
tain to have a treat. In conversation he was
excessively picturesque and dramatic. He
was fond of taking a special topic and reading
through the year all the works bearing upon it.
During the last year of bis life be had given
himself up to the study of astronomy.
PAPERHAXEES LIHITING PRODUCTION.
Probable That all Sales WiU be Mado
Through Agent9 Hereafter.
Chicago, Dec Ik About 30 mills were rep
resented in the meeting of the wrapping paper
manufacturers. The Executive Committee,
through the Chairman, reported to the associa
tion, and advised that all sales should be made
through the agents of the mills; also, that a
shut down of the mills be ordered to take effect
December 25, and so remain until January 7.
These questions were referred to the com
mittees for consideration and report.
DEATHS OP A. DAY.
Spencer Morton Clarke.
ISPKCIAL TELIOBAM TO IBS DlRPATCII.t
"Washington, Dec. II. Sptncer Morton Clarke
died at tls residence. Breeze Bill, near Washing
ton, yesterday, at the age of 80 years. The older
residents of Washington and men who were In
political life a quarter oi a century ago will re
member Mr. Clarke as the first Chief of the Bureau
of Engraving and Printing. He was in the office
of the Supervising Architect, and when, on Au
gust 29, 1863, It was decided to Issue greenbacks by
the Government, Air. Clarke first suggested, when
the notes were sent to the Treasury Department
In sheets, a method of separating them by ma
chinery, Mr. Chase gave him permission to make
the attempt, which proved successful. Then be
proposed that the seals should be put on In tne de
partment, alleging greater safety, and Ibis, too,
was successful. He then proposed that some of
the notes should be printed here, and gradually
the Bureau of Engraving and Prlutlug became an
established fact. An act which created a good
deal of Indignation at the time was the placing by
Clarke ot his own portrait upon one of denomina
tions of fractional currency. So great was the op
position to this that the entire Issue of those notes
was withdrawn from circulation.
Benjamin M. Stillwell.
NEW Yobk. Dec IE Benjamin M. Stillwell,
an old and well-known lawyer of this city, died
suddenly at his horn! last night, aged 70. Mr.
Stillwell was one of the oldest practicing lawyers
In the city. Hi- leaves an estate variously esti
mated at iroui -tfJU.UCO to 11, till), (U).
Israel Kimball, Government Clerk.
Washington; Dec. 11. Israel Kimball, for 28
years a clerk loathe Internal Itevenue Bureau of
the Treasury Department, died in this cltylait
night aged 79 years.
SNAP SHOTS IN SEASON.
Fussy people are the first to disappear when
a genuine fuss Is started.
The village shows were rare treats, weren't
they? Oh, it's easy enough to laugh about
them now, of course. But you didn't consider
them lightly in the days when you sneaked off
your mother's best chairs to the little low ball
and carried water for the artists or animals
for the privilege of standing near the wood
box while the show proceeded, did you? No,
indeed. From the advent of the little hand
bills announcing the coming of the Mississippi
Monarcbs of Minstrelsy, or the arrival of
Signor Sleightofband, or the Thespian Tour
ists, eta, etc., until the lamps candles per
hapswere lighted and the curtains closely
drawn, you counted the hours and commenced
saving tbe pennies. And then he, she and it
came. You got in somehow or other. To be
sure you were delighted. For months after you
talked about the Essence of Old Virginny, the
bones and the banjo. The glossy-mustached man
who shook gold fish out of a handkerchief, run
a dagger through his wrist and made a card
dance haunted you night after night. And that
actor! You see him now, of course fierce, big
lunged, cruel. You cried when he struck the
poor old slave, didn't you? And then you
laughed at the funnyman. Tears and smiles
followed each other clear up to the edge of
sleep that night. You see It all now, don't you?
Tbe entertainments of your childhood aro
fresher than tbe entertainment you witnessed
a few nights ago if you only let your thoughts
drift backward. When the curtain drops now
you're done with tbe show. It tickled
your fancy for the time and that settles it. Not
so the show in the village hall in childhood's
happy hours. It tvas photographed on your
fresh mind to stay. When you want to repeat
the entertainment all you have to do is to lift
the curtain ot memory and the mind soon
sets the stage and the brain starts the show.
And there you are again chasing care away in
tbe charms of childhood. Take in the old show
occasionally. It will do you good. You
won't cry over it now, but perhaps
you'll laugh. So much tbe better for
yourself, then, and those about you. There
are no tears in childhood anyway. At least the
memory didn't retain them, thank heaven. So
burrow in that region as often as you can. Go
to the village show when tbe big shows offered
now crow tiresome. Climb on tbe old wood
box behind tho hot stove and laugh as you
laughed then. First thing you know you'll bo
kicking your heels, clapping your hands and
craning your neck like you did then. And the
beauty of it is it only costs you a thought.
Guilt-edged paper A warrant for the
arrest of a criminal.
Judging from tho latest news from Dublin,
United Ireland has been knocked into "pi."
The Senators snap their fingers when
Harrison snaps tbe whip.
Uncle Sam has given the Crows nearly a
million for their lands. They have no caws for
complaint.
On a Loir Pressure Main.
"Come sit by my side, little darling.
Snuggle up close, my dear.
The world is now chilly and cheerless
Since ice and snow are here."
She placed a warm shawl on her shoulders,
Poor, shiv'rlng piece of clay;
Then she nestled closely and murmured:
"We have no gas to-day!"
A tailok-m adu suit is cheaper than a lawyer-made
suit, at all events.
Adam didn't have to buy Eve any Christmas
presents. No wonder his home was a paradise.
At the present rate of recession Niagara
Falls' will reach Buffalo in about 54,000 years.
Plenty of time left to see the Falls. Walt for
the summer excursions.
Pakneli. yesterday opened a printing office
with a crowbar. The jimmy is mightier than
the pen.
Don't expect too much from people who
have great expectations.
Mate tho Best of It.
Be gay! What is the use of repining?
Merry mirth can keep tea.'s at bay;
All sorrows have a joy for their lining,
Heaven's hope can chase fear away.
Be gayl You are to blame if life's dreary
See bow nature smiles thro' her tears;
Heavy hearts make the footsteps grow weary.
But happiness lengthens the years.
Be gayl Mud of to-day may be flying
To-morrow o'er sunshiny road;
Sparkling eyes lose their brightness thro' cry
ing, And sighs will not lighten the load.
Be gay! Earth wasn't made for you solely.
It'll last after you go away.
It's the soul, not the body, that's holy;
Why grieve for a poor lump of clay 7
Be gay! Will your woes unto others
Who'll travel tbe path you have trod,
For to-morrow perchance your own brothers
WiU place the clay under tbe sod.
Every woman can be a lady, but a great
many refuse to join tbis class of femininity un
less the word begins with a capital L.
Chang, the Chinese giant. Is a Changhigb, of
course.
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's
ear, but if you cultivate them you can put
money in a silk purse.
The World's Fair folk are hatching a scheme
for a fish exhiDlt. They have dropped a line to
Washington and will first fish for dollars.
Watchmaking is a ticklish business at all
times.
Balfour sent a load of Indian meal to Ire
land. Uncle Sam could have stopped tbe
ghost dance if he had given tbe Indians a meal.
A solid financial circle A twenty-dollar
gold piece.
Judging from the way some folk go through
life they must have been champion creepers in
their young days.
Bondsmen in various parts of the country
are now setting up tho election expenses of
ambitious office-holders who figured as hust
lers previous to the Waterloo.
THE sun cut quite a shine here yesterday.
Some crank wants the Government to start
another newspaper. The, Congressional Record
is a sore affliction, and more in this line would
only add to tbe public woes.
The news trom the Rosebud reservation
should be taken with a great deal of reserva
tion. A Household Hint.
II the gas won't blaze up blight in early morn
ing, Don't blame it on. the soot-plugged burner
holes.
But just simply take it as a gentle warning
That it is time to lay In winter coals.
A bad gun is frequently responsible for an
evil report.
PrrTSBUBQ has an 8-year-old vagrant. He
should be spanked.
Pennsylvania, like some hones, is afflicted
with the poll-evil.
Paenell's ire has not helped Ireland, at all
events.
Allegheny is satisfied to trot In the same
old class. She should change her gait, at all
events.
The Acts of the Apostles have never been se
verely criticized.
If we knew where tbe first step led we would
hesitate before taking it.
Never Satisfied.
First It snowed.
Then it Wowed.
How we jawed! ,
Then It thawed.
A little flood,
Aseaofmudl
The proposed immigration law raises the
per capita tax on aliens. Guaranteed liberty is
cheap at a dollar.
The Indian Messiah has evidently taken to
tbe woods.
A good name on paper Jay Gould.
Tight lacing breaks more feminine hearts
than sorrow. ,
When the air ship ii a success Jack Frost
w)l not be able to close navigation anywheie.
The cutest little mouth may hide a set of
false teeth.
The fruit of tbe still don't keep those wbo
use it still, by a long shot.
Don't take a gun along when yon start in
pursuit of happlneis.
People who act on impulse very often meet
with arepulse.
The successful dentist always makes a good
impression, but Is forced to take your jaw first.
QUICK judgment is not always good judg
ment. Motives can stand analysis.
Willie Winkle.
GOLD m ALASKAN BITERS.
Wondrous Rich and Accessible Deposits in
the Gravel Banks.
St. Louis, Dec. it A. M. Hart, of Sitka,
Alaska, in the course of a long Interview to
day at the Lindell Hotel, said he knew of sev
eral rivers in Alaska that wero richer in cold
deposits than the Feather river in California.
In relating some ot bis own experiences, he
said:
"I was one ot t ho fi rst white miners that vis
ited tbe Forty-Mile creek, a northern tributary
of the Yukon river, and during the two seasons
there 1 saw enough to satisfy me that tbe bed
of that creek contains enough gold to make
100 millionaires. The gold is found in bars
formed by landslides from the mouutainous
banks of the creet, but these bars are washed
out by the high water every year, and the cold
is scattered down the creek bed. New bars are
formed the succeeding year, only to be washed
out the next I filed a claim 'upon one of the
bars, 45 miles above tbe mouth of tbe creek,
and with a rude wooden rocker worked out
nearly 600 ounces of gold In 31 days. High
water stopped my operations and washed my
bar away. I filed upon another bar, and
worked out eight ounces of gold tbe first day;
but a sudden high water the following night
washed my claim, camp and tools away. I
barely escaped with my lifo.
"Just before the thaw-out In tbo spring of
1SS7 three Swedes belonging to our camp re
moved the Ice from a small section of the creek,
and uncovered a place in tbe bed about 15 feet
square. Free cold could be seen shiningevery
where among the gravel, but it was frozen so
bard that it conld not be taken out witb pick
or shovel. The Swedes were determined to have
tbem and they carried wood from a canon two
miles distant, built tires in tbe hole, and as fast
as tbe gravel thawed out they gathered it up
and worked shining nuggets out. They worked
that schenio eight or nine days, and secured
nearly 1U0 ounces of gold from that little space.
High water stopped their work, but tbo fact
that the creek bed was fabulously rich was
settled beyond a doubt. Forty-Mile creek is a
small, rocky stream, with semi-mountainous
banks. It has been explored about 100 miles.
The stream can be easily turned at several
points. Tbe severe cold is the chief obstacle to
mining in that section, and the seasons rarely
exceed 90 days between May and September,
but during that time the night is less than two
hours in duration and mining work can be
prosecuted continuously by a company with a
sufficient force of men."
PREE COINAGE DEMANDED,
The National Silver Committee Addresses
Congress on the Subject.
Washington, Dec. It The National Exec
utive Silver Committee to-day issued an ad
dress to Congress, in which it is stated that,
believing tbe present money stringency and
the breaking down of credit on botb sides of
the Atlantic are due mainly, if not entirely, to
the attempt to conduct the world's growing
business and discharge the vast debts on tbe
narrowing basis of gold as the single money
standard, tho committee again appeals to Con
gress to delay no longer the restoration of sil
ver to unlimited use as money, with all the
rights of coinage ana legal tender possessed by
gold. All attempts to relieve the present
strained condition, by increasing the volume of
credit currency or multiplying credit expe
dient?, can at best afford bnt temporary relief.
With tbe supply of cold constantly diminish
ing, while population is constantly increasing
and the businesBof the world rapidly expand
ing, the recurrence of such conditions as we are
now experiencing must come, forcing the
periodical adjustment of prices and business to
the over-contracting scale of tho single gold
standard. What is needed is a broader basis of
primary money constant and adequate In supply.
To secure this, bi-metalism must be re-established,
and the attempt to stretch tbe single
gold standard over the world be abandoned.
MAY BEACH 79,000,000.
Superintendent Porter Talks of the Probable
Population in 1000.
-"BOM X STAFF CORIlKSrO-DK-fT.3
Washington, Dec. It Superintendent of
Census Porter said to-day, in speaking on the
population question: "As a matter of fact, the
results of the Eleventh Census show a right to
expect a population in 1900 of 77.000,000, possibly
of 79,000,000, Instead of 75,000,000 as estimated in
1873 by General Francis Walker. Should the
population during the next ten years increase
in the same percentage as it has in tbe decade
ending Juno 1, 1890, it will reach about 78,000,
000. If the population in 1900 only reaches the
estimate made by General Walker, tbe percent
age of increase during the next decade will not
only be less, but tbe numerical increase will be
less. An Increase of 1D per cent during the
next ten years wonld make tbe population ex
actly what General Walker estimated it would
be in 1890, whereas thd increase during the last
der-ade has been 26 per cent.
"Those partisans who are frantically attack
intr the Eleventh Census because it did not
reach 64,000,000 show that they are-utterly igno
rant of the estimates of conservative statisti
cians wbo have reflected on this problem In all
its various bearings. It might bo well for those
few prejudiced persons who are howling about
2,000,000 being mNsed in the census, to read
some utterances of such an able statistician as
General Walker."
.WISCONSIN GRANGERS' PLATFORM.
They Want an Agricultural College Separate
From the University.
MAdison, Wis., Dec It Tho Wisconsin
Stare Grange adopted yesterday resolutions
favoring a separate college of agriculture away
from the State University.
Tbe Committee on Resolutions reported in
favor of Governmental control of express and
telegraph companies; the California text book
law; manufacture of binding twine by convict
labor: in favor of Issuing, money direct to tho
people, without tbe intervention of National
banks, and that all money be legal tender; the
prohibition of dealing in futures; tbe control of
railroads.
GREAT BRITAIN'S LIBERAL POLICY.
The Bermuda Islanders Excited Over Re
strictions on Land Ownership.
Halifax, N. S., 'Dec, It Advices from
Bermuda report that tbe people of those islands
are greatly exercised over tbe refusal of the
Imperial Government, in defiance of colonial
laws which have existed for a third of a century,
to allow aliens, even when naturalized, to own
real estate on tbe islands.
The Bermuda Legislature has just adopted a
memorial to the Queen protesting against this
action, and pointing out that as all of the priv
ileges of citizenship In Bermuda rest upon the
ownership ot real estate, there Is no other in
ducement to become naturalized.
DISSENSIONS AMONG ENGINEERS.
Chief Engineer of the Hennepin Canal Dis
charged and Others Resign.
CHICAGO. Dec It General Newton, of New
York, has Deen temporarily appointed by the
Drainage Commission, of Chicago, engaged in
constructing a ship canal to connect Lake
Michigan and the Mississippi river, to fill the
position of chief engineerof the work, made
vacant by tbe discharge of Engineer Cooley.
The action of the board in get'ing rid of Mr.
Cooley bas angered his assistants, and they
have resizned in a body, declaring that their
chief was efficient and that bis removal by tbe
board was not actuated by motives connected
with the success of tbe work in hand.
-What the Indian Owes Civilization.
Frjm tbo Norrlstown Herald.
A cotemporary asks: "What bas Christianity
done for the Indian?" Well, it has placed
wooden statues of him in front of thousands of
cigar stores In this country; and that is more
thai tbe Indian has done for Christianity,
PLEASURES0F SOCIETY.
Murdoch-Lyon Wedding Almost a Balloon
Ascension Receptions and Other Pleas
ant Affairs A Muslcale or Two Events
of Yesterday in the Social World.
Guests at the Murdoch-Lyon wedding in tbe
East Liberty Presbyterian Church last evening
are still congratulating themselves over their
fortunate escape from an impromptu balloon
ascension that was taken by a number of men
stationed at tbe Iron supports of the awning,
endeavoring with might and main to prevent it
from leaving its moorings and departing from
its sphere of usefulness between tbe street and
the portals of the sanctuary. The efforts of tbe
men produced rather a shaky acquiescence tr
their wishes on tbe part of the awnlntr, until
almost all the guests had entered the church,
when lol a sudden and more violent gust of
wind sent canvas and men sailing through
space at frightful velocity, especially terrifying
to the coachmen perched upon their equipages
in the direct line of tbe awning, who lust no
time in seeking places of safety.
Fortunately, no serioas results followed the
accident, with the exception of the incon
venience suffered by tbe ladies, many of whom
were In the extreme of evening costume, in the
exit from tbe church, without the customary
covering.
The wedding was a very pretty one. and was
witnessed by a brilliant assemblage. The bride.
Miss Mary Lyon, a vision in bridal robes and
veil of pure white, was escorted to the altar by
ber venerable father, and preceded by four
dainty little flower girls and eight unusually
striking ushers, who were exceptionally busy
during the evening.
The groom, Mr. Augustus Murdoch, and his
best man, emerged from the pastor's study m
time to greet the bride, following the clergy
men. Rev. Dr-TCumler aud Rev. Dr. Cowan,
who officiated.
MISS LAUGHLnrS DEBUT.
A Reception That Introduced a Very Charm
ing Bnd Into Society.
Miss Pattie Langhlin, at tbe elesant re
ception given yesterday at the magnificent
Langhlin residence in Allegheny, made her de
but into society In a manner thoroughly in ac
cordance with tho wealth and position of the
young lady's family. The reception was given
by Mrs. James Langhlin, Jr.. the young ladv's
mother, aud was beautifully elaborate in de
tail The home, luxuriant to commence witb,
was further enhanced in beauty by the treatest
profusion of cut flowers, each room having re
ceived individual treatment In colors, flowers
and designs, by Messrs. A M.and J. B. Mur
doch. Tbe parlors were exquisitely dainty with
i j an" "bite carnations, clusters of thprn
tied with pink silk resting In every available
spot.festonning curtains,outilningtbe door and
reflectins their delicate beauty in the mirrors.
They were also used in tbe decorations of the
rooms on tbe second floor, and tbe neb, spicy
fragrance pervaded the entire honse and
mirgled with tho equally entrancing odor
wafted from tho dlninc room, where American
Beauty roses raised their uroud heads from
vases of unusual delicacy. Yellow chrysanthe
mums were in tbe library, and orchids in the
reception room, while in the hall a luxuriant
green screen, dotted with white lilies,
made a cozv little nook for the
mnsicians. Beautiful plants were used
extensively in forming convenient retreats
In and about, rest-suggestive sofas, and were
prettily grouped on the tops of cabinets and
bookcases. But among all tbe flowers the bud
was tbe one of rarest beauty, and by ber re
finement and gentle grace won the hearts of all
who paid their respects either in tbe afternoon
or evening;
Thongh a Pittsburg girl, education and ox
tensive European travel have taken Miss
Langhlin awav from the city considerable of
late years, and she was but is not now just a
wee bit of a stranger. The afternoon recep
tion was followed by a dance in the evening of
even grpater brilliancy than the reception. The
Duquesne Club caterer served the afternoon
reception and the evening dinner. The ladies
who assisted in receiving were Mrs. Clifton
Wharton, of Philadelphia, and Mrs. George
Wharton, of New Haven, both sisters of Mrs.
Langhlin. Mrs. John H. Paye. Mrs. A. E. W.
Painter. Mrs. Walter McClintock. Mrs. George
T. Purves, Mrs. George C. Rurgwln and other
prominent society ladles.
AN ABT1ST1C PEBFOBMANCE.
A Pretty Cantata Well Rendered at the
Soho School Halt
The cantata "The Flower Queen, or Corona
tion of the Rose." given by the young people of
the Central Presbyterian Cburcb. in Soho
School Hall, last evening, was a very pictur
esque and artistic performance. Tbe young
ladies wbo took part in the song performance
were costumed in colors to represent the flow
ers they impersonated.which also adorned their
gowns in great profusion.
The cast consisted of: Hose, Louisa Loomls;
Sunflower and Recluse. Gertie Steiner; Crocus,
Grace McKibben; Dahlia, Nova jSegley;
Heliotrope, Maggio Owens: IAly, Fannie Me
haff ey; Hollyhock, Maegie Thomas? Japonicn,
Lizzie Doming: Violet. Marie Presser: Mig
nonette. Nellie Hancher; Tulip. Lulu Stanley;
Dandelion, Mrs. K. H. Hamilton; Touch-me-not,
Mamie Snow; Popples, Maggie Owens.
Nellie Hancher, Lizzie Dornin-. Nettie Greer,
Florence Rickerby and Lizzie Eberly.
Part second pt the programme Included reci
tations by Misses Winnie Thomas and Nettie
Wilson, and Messrs. George and EmmertNeal
and Archie Holman anpeared in selections
also. The entertainment was nnder tbe man
agement of Mrs. M. J. Ligdon, assisted by Miss
Rose TSeely, pianist. It will be repeated again
this evening, and the proceeds will go toward
paying off the debt on the new church.
ART SOCIETY BECEPTION.
Music and Painting the Principal -Features
of a Delightful Evening.
Two exquisite paintings loaned by Mr.
Charles Lockbarr, "Entrance of Circus to a
Spanish Town" and "Honoring the Bride,"
were exhibited last evening at tbe one hundred
and sixtieth reception ot tbe Art Society in
the Academy building, at which the members
were pretty generally present.
Miss Jiav Beesley, the charming soprano ofrf
tne J. niru -resoyterian unurcD a recent addi
tion to the musical and social circles of the
city with Mr. E. C. He filer, a gentleman of
rare pianistic abilities, were tbe musicians of
the evening, and presented, by alternate num
bers, a thoroughly delightful programme, in
which were to be found difficult and intricate
selections Trom Beethoven, Verdi, Schubert,
Grieg, Liszt and other noted composers.
An Enjoyable Concert.
The new building of Providence Cburcb was
greatly aided last night by a concert given for
that purpose, in Carnegie Hall, and a goodly
number of people spent a delightful evening in
listening to the various musical numbers given
by an astounding array of talent, and elocu
tionary recitals by Prof. George M. Sleetb.
Among the vocal artists were Mr. W. S.
Weedcn, Miss EJlth Harris and Miss Nannie
Hammer, the singing of tbe latter being quite
a revelation to tbe audience. Piano soloists
were Mr. Beverldge Webster and Miss Bessie
Webster. The accompanists were Prof. S.
BIssell and Mr. Charles 1". Couch. The Alle
gheny Quartet and the Allegheny Concert Or
chestra appeared at Intervals, thus rounding
out a very enjoyable concert.
Tendered a Largo Reception.
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Nevin, whose brilliant
wedding in Lancaster, recently, is still a sub
ject of comment in social circles, were tendered
a large reception yesterday afternoon at the
beautiful suburban residence of Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph T. Nevin, in Sewickley. The guests
included members from tbe representative
families of both cities and tho valley, and tbe
general lmpres-ion produced by tbe bride was
such as would warrant extravagant predictions
for her reign as a social favorite in the circles
that welcome ber, not only tor ber own beauty
and brightnes, but as the wile of a highly re
spected young gentleman. Mr. and Mrs. R. J.
Cunningham, tbe latter a sister of tbe hostess,
assisted in receiving.
A Unique Entertainment.
A number of young gentlemen displayed pro
nounced literary tendencies, last evening, at the
enjovable gathering at the residence of Miss
Bessie Stevenson, in Allegheny. It was a
library party, and each lady guest represented
some standard book, tbe title of which was
suggested by the costume Horn. The affair was
in honor of Mr. and Mrs. R. W . Carroll, and
was one of tbe most charming and thoroughly
chic entertainments of the season.
Social Chatter.
AN annual New England supper was given at
the First Congregational Church, Allegheny,
last evening.
James L Graham Lodge, L O. O. F., will
celebrate its majority this evening at Carnegie
Hall.
Mb. and Mbs. Erasmus IIoeveler, of
Shady avenue, gave a ecchre party last even
ing. MB.THEO. G. Wettach'S pupils will be
heard in Carnegie lecture room this evening.
Mbs. Geoboe Shepfabd, of Fifth avenue,
will give a progressive euchre this evening.
The King's Daughters of St. Peter's Church
will repeat their luncheon triumph to-day.
Mes. Johns, "-.ayes, from 2 to 6, will en
tertain her friends to-day.
Theee will be a concert in Grace Church
this evening.
MES.W.DEWEES Wood will receive this
afternoon.
BORDER BAH) CLAIMS.
An Effort Being Made to Get the Bill Be
fore Congress.
irKOM A STAT COHKE3PONDE1T.I
Washington. Dec It The Border Raid
Claims Commission had an Informal meeting
here to-day to take some action looking to a
furtherance of the bill appropriating about
53,500,000 to pay damages arislrfg from tbe raids
ot tbe Rebellion. Tbe members of tbe com
mission in the city are Governor Beaver. At
torney General KirKpatrick, Auditor General
McCamant, Senators Penrose and" Williamson
and Representatives Hall and Skinner.
A meetlnc was held tbis evening at the rooms
of Governor Beaver at the Riggs House, at
which the gentlemen named were present, with
Congressmen Reyourn, Mutchler, O'Neill, At
kinson, Buckalew, Maisb, Craig, Townsecd,
Osborne, Stone and Bruuner also present. The
purpose was to -get tbe Congressional delega
tion Interested, and hring influence to bear on
the Committee on Rules of the House to make
a special order for tbe raid claim bill. This
will be a very difficult undertaking, as there Is
a tremendous pressure for place by friends ot
a bundred bills, and if a special order oe mado
for one. there will be a rtuwl for special orders
that will be decidedly unpleasant for tbe com
mittee. Moreover, as was admitted, and as
Governor Beaver stated plainly. Speaker Reed
Is opposed ti tbe bill, and it will be a big under
taking to Induce him to consent to a special
order, feeling as he-does toward the measure.
Messrs. Malsh and Buckalew went security
for ihe Democratic members of the Committee
on Rules, McRJllan (Tennessee) and Blount
(Georgia), that tbey would not stand in tbe
way of a special order, and It was thought that
McKinley and Cannon, of the Republicans,
would acquiesce. A committee, composed of
the Governor. Attorney General, Auditor Gen
eral and Senators Williamson and Penrose,
were named, to meet with Senators Quay and
Cameron to-morrow, and with them seenre. If
possible, a meeting of the Committee on Rules,
and urjre the making of a special order for the
claims bill. Senator Quay is expected to re.
turn to-night. Senator Cameron left the city
tbis afternoon, but if be fails to return, the
others will proceed without him.
Tbe order -will bare to be adopted by a ma
jority vote of the House. Tbis will be easily
secured, it Is thought, if tbe Committee on
Rules will do their part. It is evident, bow
ever, that there is little hope In the mind of
anyone that the bill will come before the House
this session.
THE DEMAND FOB CURRENCY.
Mr.DepewGives the Canses of the Stringency
and the Remedy.
Chicago, Dec .11. In an interview regard
ing the existing financial stringency. Mr.
Denew, who has just returned from a tour of
inspection of tbe Vanderbilt system, said the
business enterprises of this steam and electric
age of manufactured values and commercial
exchanges made the currency of the country
utterly incapable of meeting the demands of
legitimate trade. Not only do the people lock
it up, but the Government also does it in times
of a general scare by buying bonds.
At present the importer and the wholesale
dealer are so apprehensive about the ultimate
results of the McKinley bill that tbey are keep
ing their money actually out of circulation be
cause of tbe payment of these dues next Feb
ruary. Ho thought that the postponement of
the collection of the foreign import tax till next
July would very materially help to restore con
fidence and actually stimulate trade. With
such a sum as $10,000,000 postponed until next
July, things would right themselves, the scare
would be quieted, the public would have the
goods and tbe Government would have its
money. Mr. Denew added that he had no faith
in paternalism in government, and that if left
alone tho financial situatiou will right itself.
CODY'S FOOLHARDY PLAN.
With Only Nino Followers He Was About to
Invade the Indian Country.
Chicago, Dec It Lieutenant G. W. Chad
wick, who was one of the Government officers
sent out with Buffalo Bill to arrest Sitting Bull,
is in the city on his return trip. "Cody's plan
for the arrest of that wily old Indian," said
Chadwick, "was one of the most daring things
I ever heard of, and it is a probably a fortunate
thing that the Government courier overtook
Cody with dispatches countermanding bis or
ders. Think of Cody arrayed in a dress suit,
silk socks and patent leathers riding with nine
followers into tbe very heart of the Sioux
camp.
"His plan was to draw a gun on old Bull, and
take bim out of the camp. If the bucks gave
chase. Cody was going to protect his body be
hind that of Sitting Bull, and threatening tbe
Indians with tbe death of their chieftain if
tbey fired at him. All would have been mas
sacred had tho plan been pursued. It was
thought that tbis and tbe plan to disarm tho
Indians would have solved the Indian matter,
but we aro now agreed that had it been done, a
bloody war would have been precipitated.
Cody is now very ill from the long ride he had,
arrayed in the garments of tbe ballroom."
SUZETTE IS SLOW.
The Bostonians In a New Opera of Very
Slender Merit.
Tho Bostonians gave Oscar Weil's new light
opera, '"Suzette," at the Duquesne Theater last
night. The cast was strong but the opera Is
notably weak; trivial In plot, meagerly scored,
and tbe libretto is of the wishy-washy inane
order. Miss Marie Stone played tbe title rolo
with wonderful spirit, but satisfactory as were
all her efforts, dramatic and vocal, Suzette is
not a character witb which the public can ever
fall in love. Tbo prettiness of several of the
songs was about the only redeeming feature so
far as tbe composer as concerned. As the
Marquis dc Tolltbranche Mr. McDonald was,
of course, a chaiming figure, and Miss Davis
as the Marchioness, made the most of a small
part. Mr. Frotbiugham, in a mildly humorous
role, and Mr. Hoff as Auzeej lover, tried their
best to enliven the tedium of the tory. Tbe
chorus had small opportunity to display their
powers. In short, "Suzette" deserved tbe cool
reception it received last night. To-nigbt, and
for tbe balance of the week, that very different
work, the melodious and very merry "Robin
Hood," will give the Bostonians a field than
which they need ask no better.
MISS V00BHEES TURNS CATHOLIC.
Friends of the Noted Senator's Daughter
Snrprlsed at the Itamor.
Terbe Haute, Ind., Dec It The state
ment is published here to-day that Miss Halhe
Voorhees, of this city, has embraced tbe
Roman Catholic faith and that she was
baptized several days ago by Rev. Dr. Chapelle.
of St. Mathew's Catholic Church, in Wash
ington. Miss Hallie is an accomplished young
woman, and is a great favorite with the Sen
ator, who bas been drawn closer to her since
the death of Mrs. Voorhees several years ago.
Tbe announcement completely surprises Miss
Halite's friends in this city, who were not
aware that she leaned toward the Catholic
laith. She has been an Episcopalian.
A Supreme Court Judge 111.
GosnEN. Ind. Dec It Judge J. A. S.
Mitchell, ot tbe Supremo Court, is critically ill
at bis home in this city.
THE IBISH SITUATION.
Philadelphia Press: Mr. Parnell has evi
dently not studied coercion for nothing.
New York World: The Gladstone party
shonld also make a tour of Ireland and test its
popularity.
Philadelphia Time: Parnell's way of
running a newspaper is to throw the editors out
of doors by way of a starter.
NEW"lcOBKi-rM: It is too early to prophesy,
but Parnell has certainly got the start of his
opponents in tbe Irish campaign.
Philadelphia Press: Parnell is plainly re
solved that Ireland shall never have home rule
unless she will take it from Parnell.
Philadelphia Ledger: When he demands
home rule for Ireland, what does he meanT
Home rule by the minority, home rule by Par
nellr New York Tribune: The proceedings In the
office of United Ireland yesterdax were some
what out of keeping with tbe name of the
paper.
Philadelphia Record; The dispute be
tween the two Irish factions has been referred
to the Irish people for settlement. It is their
affair. It would be a wise thing for tbe Iriend3
of Ireland and for Irishmen in America to
await with patience the popular verdict.
New York Star: Tho most effective part
of the address of the Irish Parliamentary ma
jority Is the declaration that they offered to
leave Parnell's place unfilled ana to submit the
direction of their work to a committee of his
own choosing until events should determine
whether be could resume his post at their head.
New Yobk Times: As a newspaper propri
etor, therefore, Mr. Parnell simply made ducks
and drakes of his property, while as a politician
he calned nothing, since the intemperate vio
lence of his procedure will be likely to do bim
more harm tban the opposition ot the United
Ireland conld bays done under its former
dltor. - - '
CDEI0DS CONDENSATIONS.
Iron horseshoes were made in 4S1.
Light moves 192,000 miles a second.
The first steamer crossed the Atlantic in
1819.
Kerosene was first used for illuminating
in 1828.
Cork is the bark taten from a species of
oak tree
Electricity moves at the rate of 288,000
miles a second,
Tbe term "almighty dollar" originated
with Washington Irving.
Egyptian pottery is the oldes known,
and dates from 000 B. C. '
Slavery in the United States was be
gun at Jamestown in 1631.
Soap was first manufactured in Eng
land in the Sixteenth century,
Forty-three Popes reigned daring thes
building of St. Peter's Cathedrat
The first fire insurance office in America
was established in Boston in 1721.
It was once upon a time considered a
test of orthodoxy to eat mince pies.
It would take a freight train containing
33 cars to transport St 000,000 In pennies.
It is said that the Alexandrian Library
contained 400,000 valuable books 47 B. C.
The most ancient catacombs were those
of the Sheban kings, began 4,000 years ago.
The first sngar cane cultivated in the
United States was near New Orleans in 1751.
Postage stamps first came into use in
England in 1S40, and in tbe United States in
1S47.
The first public schools in America
were established in the New England State
about 1642.
The first cotton raised in tbe United
States was in Virginia in 1021, and the first ex
ported wax in 1717.
A Christmas entertainment in 1633, gotten
up by Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn, cost theso
two societies 20,000.
Mrs. JIattie Wooten, of Viola, Tenn.,
bas a quilt containing 3,162 pieces, no two
pieces ot which are alike.
Glass was made in EgP' 3000 B. C,
bnt the earliest date of transparent glass u
said to have been 719 B. C.
Perhaps the earliest occurrence of the
term "valentine." as signifying a lover. Is to ba
found In Rabelais, 1485 to 1553.
It is alleged that the catacombs of Borne
contain the remains of about 6,000.000 human
beings, and those of Paris about 3,000,000.
Those which are supposed to be the
earliest poetical valentines known are still
kept in manuscript in the British Museum.
On the West Spanish peak, Colorado,
R. L. Smith trapped a handsome golden eagla
that measured? leet 1 inches from tip to tip.
The date of Christmas Day was prob
ably fixed upon more by tradition than by
Papal decrees, and some time between A. D.
139 and 352.
There is an old Saxon ordinance, in the
days of King Alfred, by virtue of which tbe 13
days after tbe nativity of our Saviour are mado
festivals.
Two brothers were wrestling at North-
wood. Iowa, the other day, when one of tbem
was thrown with nch violence that bis neck
was broken.
The first appl3 orchard along the upper
Ohio is said to have been planted on Beech
Bottom on the West Virginia side a few miles
above Wheeling.
The saltiest body of water in the world is
the Lake of Urnmia, in Persia. Tbe salt in the
water analyzes 22 per cent, which is greater
than tbat of the Dead Sea.
The fastest vessel afloat is said to be the
3,200-ton English built warship intended for tbe
Argentine Government. She made 2t2 knots
under ordinary draft, and 224 knots with
forced draft.
Smokeless powders are not noiseless, as
is so frequently stated. Tbe noise is some
what different from tbat of black powder, be
ing on a higher key; but it can be beard quite
as distinctly and as far as when tbe latter is
used.
Mr. Edwin Streeter says that opals were
found in the Rising Sun gold mines, in tba
KImberley district. Western Australia, two
years ago. He adds that there is no donbe tbac
opals will be found largely in Western Aus
tralia. If a tablespoonful of kerosene be put
into four quarts of tepid water, and tbis bo
used in washing windows and mirror?, instead
of pure water, there will remain upon tbo
cleaned surface a polish no amount of mero
friction can give.
During tbe existence of the Common
wealth many laws were passed forbidding all
observance of Christmas Day. In 1647 some
parish officers were committed for permitting
ministers to preach npon Christmas Day and
for adorning tbe church.
At Jackson, Ga., last week, while
George Washington was picking cotton, a buz
zard alighted near him. With some difficulty
he captured tbe bird and took from it feet a
small steel trap ana two feet of chain. Being
relieved of its burden tbe buzzard soared away.
The English Government, in its endeav
or by act and by example, to abolish tbe ob
servance of Christmas, sat regularly every
Christmas Day from 1645 to 1656. bnt in spite of
its ordinances tbo people would not abolish tbo
feast, and Cbnstmas still survives to tell tho
old, old story.
The rifles which are now being gener
ally adopted are all of magazine type and of a
caliber varying from 0.302 to 0.315 inch. The
bullet weighs less tban one-half that used dur
ing our Civil War: tbe charge of black powder
used at present is 25 per cent greater, and the
velocity imparted is about double.
There is a trade which constats in the
destruction of echoes. These in churches,
meeting balls, and even large rooms are so
powerful at times as to prevent all enjoyment.
They are destroyed by spinning wires not far
from tbe ceiling" at points and lines where tba
waves of sound are most easily shattered.
It was at one time claimed aud at-
temptedto be shown tbac the Puiitan May
flower of 1620 was afterward used as a slare
ship. Close research rereaied the fact tbat tho
slarer was another ship of tbe same name and
different burden. Historical records, show that
about the vear 1471 Richard. Duke ot Glonces
ter. had a ship called the Mayflower; and Hun
ter in his "Founders of New England." men
tions some 20 ships as bearing that name
between the years 15S3 and 1633.
The Newcastle Chronicle of January G,
1770. describes a giant of the race of English
Christmas pie, which was 9 feet" In circumfer
ence at the bottom and weighed 18S pounds. It
required two men to present it at tbe table.and
it ua3 neatly fitted with a case and four small
wheels to faciliate its use to erery guest. It
contained 2 busbels of flour, 20 pounds of
butter, 1 geese, 2 turkeys. 2 rabbits. 2 wood
cocks, 6 snipes. 4 partridges. 2 meat's tongues, 2
curlews, 7 black birds and 6 pigeons.
WITH THE wrrs.
Western milkman (seeing the Atlantis
for the first tlmej-Gurjlln' pumps! what possI
WlMei'. Judge.
"I am now eDgaged on a new invention."
What is IK"
"I'm trying to grow canaries frpra canary
seed." PhiladilpMat Times.
"I should think there was a good chance
of her catching cold In tbat sort of a costume."
Yes. but think of her chances of catching a
husband!" Munsey WeeKly.
Bob Oatcake By Jove, Algy, von look
as If you bad Inst stepped out of a fashion-plate!
Algy Baboony (mortified) Aw what! So bad
as that? Life.
"Can you tie a bow-knot?" asked a gush
ing damsel of a Chicago clergyman.
"Yes. indeed," replied the alvlne: bring yonr
beau and a marriage license and I'll tie the knot
in fire minutes." Inter-Ocean.
Sanso I had my pocket picked last
night.
Kodd Well, you didn't, lose anything, did you?
ilunseys Weekly.
"Did you know that Miss Bjones wai
goln; to marry young Smith?"
"I know it; bnt 1 cannot understand bow a girl
as intelligent as she is can consent to marry a marl
stupid enough to want to marry her." Life.
Wile What on earth are yon picchin?
tbe baby for. jrou brute?
Husband (tuning his fiddle) Keep still, can't
you? He was Just op to high C when you put In
your oar! Sew lorklSun.
At the Aslor Library. "Have you got a
book what tells anythln? 'bout Do?gytnees;"
'Diogenes, you mean!"
"Yes. that's it. A feller down below berehM
jlvo me an empty crockery hogshead t' sleep In.
an' Iwanterglt some points on Interior decxerM
tIoa.'-JSr.
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