9gasm $? Wl&i&'r. ' -"-J, y 'THE PITTSJBTTKGr' A DISPATCH, SATTTEDAT, .JANUARY . "'8, r v. fc". THE DISPATCIIw-ri:" girs 1891 with a charming New Story, writ ten for its column by JOAQUINMILLER, the Poet of the Sierras. It is a CHARM ING SERIAL, and will be read with inter est by all. Other NEW FEATURES will befound in TOMORROW'S MAMMOTH ISSUE. THE DISPATCH will continue to add to its staff of correspondents and speciafwriters the best thought in the lit erary market. Letters ot travel out of the beaten paths, scientific research in the newer branches, "notion of the freshest schools, humor of the purest sort, reading for the youth, hints for the home, pleas ' lire for the firesido will be the aim at all times. THE DISPATCH TO-MORROW will carry the usual special CABLE LET TERS, covering all the news from EUROPE'S CAPITALS. It has correspond ents everywhere and complete telegraphic connections with all points. The HARRIS BURG and WASHINGTON BUREAUS bave been reinforced. Begin THE NEW YEAR by securing a copy of to-morrow's issue Order by mail, from your nearest news agent or through the carrier in your dis IrlcL Mail orders addressed THE DIS PATCH, corner Diamond and Smithlield streets. Pittsburg, Pa., will be promptly attended to. THE DISPATCH is Pitts burg's Popular Newspaper. B$jjaftjj. ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 8, ISIS. Vol.45, o.I30 -Entered at Pittsburg rostofficc. So einucr 14. 1SS7, as second-class matter. Business Office Corner Smithfleld and Diamond Streets. News Booms and Publishing House 75, 77 and 79 Diamond Street EAhTEKJ. ADVEKTJMNG OFFICE. ROOM II. TRIBUNE BUILDING. NEW YORK, where complete tiles of THE DISPATCH can always be Jound. Foreign advertisers appreciate the con venience. Home advertlKrs and friends ot THE DISPATCH, while In ew York, are also made welcome. THE DISPATCH is rrgulaily on sale at Srcntnnd's. S Union Square. Jf etc York, and 17 Arc ae VOpeia, Paiis, France, where anyone uho has been disappointed at a hotel news stand can obtain it. TERMS OF TIIE DISPATCH. TOSTAGE FEEE IS THE CXITED STATES. Dailt Dispatch. One Year $ s 0 Daily Dispatch, Per Quarter 2 JO Daily Dispatch, One Month.... "" Dailt Dispatch, including Sunday, lyear. 10 00 Dailt Dispatch, lncludlnc bundav.Sra'ths ISO Daily Diupatcu. including bundav, lm'tli 90 bCKDAT Dispatch, One Year ISO "Weekly Dispatch, One car., 1 S The Daily DlSPATcn Is delivered by carriers at 3feents per week, or including fcunday edition, at SCceuts per week. PITTSBURG, SATURDAY. JA. 3, 1S9L SOLVING THE RIVEK PROBLEM. The sixth paper upon the work of river improvement, published in this issue of The Dispatch, attacks one of the most difficult branches of the subject, namely, the treat ment of the delta swamp lands, on the lower Mississippi. This is a subject which has heretofore been apparently beyond the power of engineering control, the only partial success in connection with it having been won by Capt Eads' jetties at the South Pass. "Without undertaking a scientifically ac curate summary of the plan proposed by oar contributor for the treat men- of this part of -v tne river, it is enough to point out that the article elsewhere proposes the adoption ot the principle used in Capt. Eads's work, to establish a single deep outlet. In carrying out that idea, the jetties would be employed to make the current do the work of scouring out a single deep stream so thoroughly as to permanently deepen its bed and relatively raise the surrounding swamp lands above the flood level. The prizes to be won by the successes of this work are the splendid one of reclaiming 4,000,000 acres of swamp land at a cost ol less than 54 per acre, and the more incalcu lable one of establishing a permanent river nearly a hundred feet deep from the mouth of the Mississippi up to the vicinity of Baton Eouge. No one can doubt that these results would be well worth a far greater expenditure than the estimated cost of the work. Of the engineering practicability of the work expert minds must decide, as especially in relation to thisespecial branch of the ques tion the problem is beyond the knowledge of nil bat experts. But it is well known that the princ.ple has worked well in one in stance, and there is good reason to think the operation would continue to be the same on a larger scale. Beyond this, as the full scope ot our contributor's plans for improve ment are brouebt out, they become more and more impressive as constituting the most comprehensive, and far-reaching project for restoring the utility of the rivers that has yet been formulated. OIL WELLS MAY PDMP OX SUNDAY. Judge Stowe's decision in the case of pumping oil wells on Sunday is in the same line with decisions previously rendered in Washington county and some of the other oil producing counties, and itjshould finally settle the question. It would be Very .difficult to get an experienced oil operator or pumper who would give any other opinion than that pumping wells on Sunday is necessary work. Of course they would make exceptions to this rule for particular wells, which have practically no salt water to contend with. But where there is any con siderable quantity of water shutting down must be injurious. There are also other couditions which render it inadvisable to shut down certain wells one day each week. This being the case, it would be unjust to .compel them to stop operations, and it would be almost an equal injustice to com pel their more fortunate neighbors to do so. In fact, a modification of the old blue laws would be a very appropriate thing for the Legislature to bring about this winter. INTELLIGENCE IN PARTY DIVISIONS. In an article on the political situation in the Atlantic Monthly, Mr. Henry C. Lea, ot Philadelphia, bases his reason for the belief that the Bepublican party will find itself stronger for its reverses, and at the same time explains the susceptibility of the party to independence upon the following asser tion: "Containing, as I believe it does," says Mr. Lea, "the major portion of the in tellect and culture ot the land, it necessarily also contains a larger proportion of voters who-e allegiance is lightly held, and whose sipport may be purchased by deserving." There is no doubt that the support of a large clement that could recently have been counted among the Republicans must, as Mr. Lea says, "be purchased by deserving." But the question whether the Bepublican )m:i couUins the majority of tbe intellect mid culture of the land is an interesting one in the abstract, which probably might be 'discussed till doomsday without arriving at 7 any agreement. In the South, it will be " agreed upon all sides that the intellect and ' culture is to aome extent outside of the Be publican party of that dtc'.ion. In the strong Bepublican States of tie North it is also not improbable that the majority of the in tellect and culture is to be lound on the side of the most numerous party. But in the de batable States it is decidedly an open ques tion whether the party of Jefferson has more intelligence than the carty of Lincoln and Sumner, or to put it in more modern form, whether the party of Blaine, Beed and Harrison includes more intellect and culture than the party of Carlisle and Cleveland". . "While this issue can be settled by no ob tainable tests, one thing must be taken as certain. If the Bepublican party contains the majority of intelligence and understand ing, those qualities must be allowed to assert themselves in shaping its policy. By rais ing the party management above the level of stupid and machine-like partisanship to the level of a policy that aims at the benefit of the whole country the Bepublican party may make good the claim to possess the majority of intellect and culture, and at the same time measure the fealty of that element to its cause. BEAD MOTHERS AND FROZEN BABES. It is hard to imagine a more impressive detail of the horrors ol tbe Indian warfare, than the statement of tbe dispatches that the scouts from the Pine Bide Agency dis covered two Indian babes whose lives had been preserved as they lay beside their dead mothers through the snow storm that raged in that region between Monday and Thurs day. Of course the war contains many other details just as harrowing. There is no doubt that whenever the rebellions savages get the opportunity they will sub ject white women and children to far more merciless and indescribable treatment thau is exemplified in this incidental loss of life among the Indian mothers and exposure of their babes. But the horrors of the conflict which subjects women and wbes to the cruelties of war are shown by this minor de tail of the reports from the scene of conflict The nation is already pretty well advised that the Indian outbreak was stimulated, if not directly caused, by mismanagement at their agencies. The bargains made with the Indians were not carried out; the supplies due to them were cut down or withheld to such a degree as to reduce them to actual want That the final revolt was a sudden freak of desperation is proved by the fact illustrated in this discovery of the dead bodies of Indian mothers with their infants beside them, showing that the savages had not observed the first rule of Indian warfare to place their squaws and children in safety before beginning to fight. Of course, when hostilities have broken out, there is no course left for the Govern ment and its army bat to resort to warlare to bring the Indian under control. The troops whose shots killed Indian mothers with their babes in their arms are not to blame for it But the men whose mismanagement and inefficiency have brought that stain of cruelty on the record. of a great nation are responsible. The horrors which are pro duced by this unnecessary outbreak ought to induce an energetic overhauling ot the Indian management, and the complete re moval of the Indian, agencies from the field of spoils politics. THE FOSTOFFICE REPORT. Perhaps nothing so accurately indicates the growth and business activity ot a city as its postal business. Gaugea by this standard Pittsburg has every reason to be proud. The business of the Pittsburg postoffice has in creased rapidly for the past ten years, and is now crowding that of Philadelphia The past year was no exceptio i to the rule, the gross receipts being nearly G5,000 in excess ofl8S9, by Postmaster McKean's report. Material improvements have been made in the service and the change will be welcome, indeed, when the business is taken to the new building, though that has been so long under construction it will hardly accommo date the greatly increased business. THE RULE or CORPORATE GRANTS. In a paper read before the American Eco nomic Association by Prof. H. C. Adams he brought out a series of novel conclusions upon grants of corporate privileges. It is not material to trace the process by which Prof. Adams in studying the question of "statistics as a means of correcting corporate abuses" reached the following results, but these are in themselves interesting: L The granting of corporate privileges should be limited to those businesses in which the in terests of the public predominate over the in terests of the individual corporators. 2. AH businesses in which the interest of tbe public predominate over the interests nf the in dividual incorporators should be obliged to as sume corporate form. 3. All corporations should be required to make such reports as will enable the Govern ment, acting under rules prescribed by law, to direct their policy and control their administra tion. 4. All businesses, other than those organized as corporations, should be subject to inquiry, though not to control, the purpose of tbe in quiry being to determine whether or not a busi ness in any case should be required to assume corporate form. "While these rules may have a foundation in an original theory concerning the grant ing of corporations, they work out the theory to such lengths as makes it practically a new one. It is evidently based on the idea that the grant of all corporate privileges should be united with strict govermcntal regulation. But the regulation which it proposes is evidently of the kind which raises the alternative already presented in tne proverbial antithesis, whether the Gov ernment shall own the corporations or the corporations shall own tbe Government The best measure of the accuracy of the theoretical process which works out such conclusions is afforded by its practical re sults, and Prof. Adams' theories can be readily judged in that way. A reasonable construction of it would exclude from cor porate organization all banks except, per haps, those issuing circulating medium, in surance investment and trust companies. Or if there is any doubtjrrhether the finan cial corporations involve a greater public thau private interest it would establish a rule of supervision by which either they would be excluded or private banking firing or individuals conducting an investment would be forced to assume corporate form. In addition there is no doubt that Prof. Adams' rule would place outside the corporate limits the entire bulk of manufacturing cor porations, from rolling mills to dry dock companies, and would prevent the almost universal practice of associating capital under the corporate organization for such enterprises. It is plain tbat such a rule would bring a large fraction probably more than half of the enterprise of tbe nation to a dead stop. There is much more practical sense in the more generally received idea that corporate privileges should be granted for the asso ciation of capital to carry on legitimate en terprises for which individual capital may be necessary. Thus itjrequires about (5600,000 to start a Bessemer steel mill. One man or firm may bave enough capital to do that, but, on the contrary, it may be necessary and desirable to unite the capital of two or three score in such au enterprise. It wonld be a distinct retrogression from the prac tical workings of our corporate laws to for bid the association of capital in corporate form for such enterprises. On the other hand, it is by no means certain that this rule might not be more strictly drawn in some respects than it is "at present. The adoption of corporate organization by one or two great mercantile firms re cently, has no other assignable object than to escape tbe personal liability which fur nishes the corner-stone of mercantile credit. It may well be questioned whether legisla tion should permit tbe charters granted for it to be used for such a purpose. Had Prof. Adams stated his conclusion to be that the Government shall grant no fran chises involving tbe exercise of govern mental power, such as the 'right of eminent domain, or establish any exclusive privi leges creating a complete or partial monop oly, except where tbe public interest pre dominates over the private, and that all such grants must carry with them the strict supervision of the Government, he would simply have expressed a well-settled princi ple of constitutional law. But in view of the fact that governmental supervision is likely to be either a farce or a vexation, there is much better foundation for the princi ple that The Dispatch has always upheld, that no franchises should be permitted to carry any exclusive privileges whatever, and that all classes of corporate or private business must be regulated by the universal force of free competition. AN INTERESTING DISCOVERY. The finding of a city, of comparatively recent date, buried under virgin soil where cattle have grazed for centuries in England, may lead to a modification of generally ac cepted ideas about the changes of time. The city is identified as Silchester, which was inhabited about 1,000 years ago. For the past 500 years British history is quite con nected, so this city was, in all probability lost and buried that long ago. There is no record of any convulsion of nature which could bave buried this ancient town, and tbe inference is tbat natural and existing causes work changes in the earth's hurface more rapidly than they are commonly supposed to. The late Dr. Schlieman's explorations about the site of ancientTroy tend to confirm this theory. Tbat eminent archicologist fonnd a city supposed to be Troy, but it proved to be of much more modern date. Going deeper he found another buried city, and yet below that he finally discovered Troy. In that case, at least, the mold of tbe centuries was found to accumulate more rapidly than expected. And we may yet have to revise our geology and our speculations on the antiquity of pre historic ruins, such as have been left by the mound-builders and cave-dwellers. THE UNSOLVED TAX PROBLEM. It is foreshadowed that the Legislature at Harrisburg this winter will make a serious effort to improve our tax system. There has been endless commission-work and in dividual suggestion to lead up to some tax systemtKat would distribute the burden evenly. Yet the conclusion of the whole matter is that neither in the State.county nor city has the result been obtained. Of all the laws, that which imposes a three-mill tax upon certain classes ot personal property is the most defective in its operation. Erom the very first it has worked against those who voluntarily make full and honest re turns, and to the benefit of a great many more who make no returns at all. Such as bave investments in mortgages and other debts of recori are of course compelled to pay, since the Becorder's and Pro thonotary's books exhibit the obliga tion. At the same time money in private loans and personal securities can only be reached by an inquisitorial process which is not a success, if indeed it can be said to be even half-attempted, and which is no less objectionable than the methods of arriving at the national income tax, which was abolished about 20 years ago. Its prac tical working is that lenders upon mort gages add the three mills to the interest they would otherwise take, and the borrower and his enenmbered real estate in the end bear the burden. . No single function in the domain of political economy is so beset with complica tions and difficulty as this of raising reve nue for State, city and county, in such a way as to approximate equalization land uniformity. The genius who cau point out some sure and simple system whereby fair ness can be secured with certainty and with out the risk of oppressing or disturbing special interests, would be entitled to monu mental fame upon the roll of statesmen. Until such an one does arise, tax-tinkering is sure to continue a source of biennial con fusion and agitation at Harrisburg. Tbekt Heih, who brought the Galatea over here and pluckily sustained defeat in a contest for America's cup, is in the country again with a proposition tor a new international yacht race. lieim is such a game seacock tbat the yacht owners ot the country sboulddo their best to oblige bis desire for a match. That report about the Farmers' Alliance ot Wichita, Kan., driving away the tenant on a farm tbat has been sold ont at mortgage fore closure seems by further advices to bave been a misrepresentation. Tbe man who negotiated the loan says the Farmers' Alliance had nothing to do with it; that tbe only foundation of the report was that some of the neighbors, acting under a misunderstanding, persuaded the ten ant to leave, and that "now tbat the facts are known no resistance will be made to tbe execu tion of the law." This also reveals the fact that some of the reports from Kansas are in spired by a visible desire to misrepresent the Farmers' Alliance. PmsBUEO's New Year's resolution to stimulate and encourage the development of a gas fuel that will take the place of gas and rescue tbe city from tbe smoke nuisance is one tbat must not be abandoned with tbe ordinary class ot reformatory determinations. , It is rather irregular to find, going the rounds of the press averse containing a version of that ancient juvenile jingle, "You Are Old Father William." in which tbe old man ac counts for "tbe muscular strength of his jaw," by the fact tnat in bis youth be "took to tbe law" and "argued each cause with bis wife." This is credited to "Mortimer Crossley" as "a, new version of Father William." Who Mortimer Crossley may be we do not know, bat as the verse was published word for word in that juvenile classic "Alice in Wonderland," about twenty years ago, it is bard to see how it can be called a new version. An esteemed illustrated cotemporary plunges a hero into tbe raging flood with bis shoes on to rescue a drowning girl, and has him emerge, in the next picture, bearing his un conscious burden and wearing high top boots. In connection with the report that the son of "wbat-are-we-here-for" Flanagan bas been arrested in Texas for highway robbery, the New York Jfrcts remarks; Well, highway rob bery is tbe spoils system in tbe second legiti mate generation, for it "to the victors belong tbo spoils," then "might makes right" Rut when the esteemed Press talks in this oat spoken way about tbe offspring and ideas of tbe recent Bepublican candidate for Governor of Texas, is it not in danger of the dire disaster of getting itself denounced as bated mug wump? The ice machine which cannot make ice as cheaply as nature freezes it, witb'tbe cost of housing and hauling added, is likely to take a rest next summer. Concurrently therewith is the hope that prices will take a tumble. The fact that the other day when a Demo cratic Senator attacked tbe Integrity ot elec tions in Philadelphia "there was, no Senator from this State to reply." seems to the Phila delphia Press to indicate the need ot this State for ready and vigorous champions on the floor of the Senate. The need is unquestionable, but tbe best defense of Philadelphia against attacks on the integrity of her elections is to so conduct the elections that tbe attacks will be unfounded. New Yoek doctors are not satisfied with tbe promise of destroying the "white plagno" with Koch's lymph, but are already trying it on leprosy and the terrible eating cancer. May success attend all of their efforts. It is interesting, in view of the supposed fleht between Governor Hill and Mr. Smith 11. Weed in connection with the New York Sena torship, to notice that an arrangement is just completed by which the Governor awards to the firm of Weed, Parsons fc Co., the State printing of New York. With the great issue ot tbe State printing settled, it will possibly be fonnd tbat no minor matter like the Senator ship need disturb the harmony of the scene. Mb. Ingalls is still encaged in the greatest effort of bis life namely to make a minority ie-elect him to the United States Sen ate. His determination is wortby of abetter cause. John B. Fellows, the retiring District Attorney of New York, was congratulated by a newspaper ot tbat city because "he is no longer called upon to prosecute his fellow-men." The further subject of congratulation, tbat he is no longer called upon to nsa tbe District Attorney's offico to preserve boodle aldermen from conviction, was not expressed, but Is doubtless none the less heartfelt. The suspicion may be aroused that Jerry Simpson' goes without socks tbat he may get into Ingalls' sboe3 tbe easier. Besides the depredations of bandits in Mexico, word comes from Cuba that organized gangs of kidnapers there are carrying off people and holding tbem for ransom. Perhaps the people who are anxious to have the United States Government purchase Cuba would regard tbe bandits as adding to tbe value of the purchase by reason of the lively and profitable character of tbe industry. Young Mr. 1891 seems to be howling with colic induced by exposure to a very chilly atmosphere. The anxiety of the Bepublican leaders that Wee President Morton shall go to Florida for his health, in order to let a President pro tein of the Senate bo chosen who will force the new rule through, exhibits a tender solicitude on the part of the Republicans tbat Mr. Mor ton's health be worse, and develops an unpre cedented desire on tbe part of the Democrats tbat he may continue in vigorous health with a very strong spinal column. FBOHUtEHX PEOPLE. Rodyaed KtPLMO completed bis. 25th year on Tuesday. He was born December 30, 1S65. Alex. William Kinqlake, the historian of the Crimean War, who is 79 years of age, is dying. AuonuiSHOP Fabke has left Rome fpr tbe South ot France, and will embark for Canada early in February. Dr. W. H. Milbubn, the blind chaplain of the House of Representatives, is writing a book on the pioneers of the Mississippi Valley. He has a collaborator. Ida Lewis, the famous life saver, has been offered a chance 'to go on the stage as the heroine in a life saving scene, but sbe prefers her station in the Newport lighthouse. FanyDavenpokt's first stage appearance was in February, I&57, at (be American Theater; on Chambers street New York, of which her father and Harry Watkins were the managers. Clarehce V. Greathotjse, formerly a San Fianclsco newspaper man, after being ap pointed to a Japanese Consulate, has succeeded in winning tbe favor of the King of Corh, and bas been made Deputy King. Amelie Bives CnAKLER has completed an other novel, of which Richard Henry Stoddard, who bas seen the manuscript, says, senten tlously, he thinks tbe pruning knife will be used before the book is published. Edwin B. Wihans, who will be the first Democratic Governor tbat Michigan has bad in SO years, is a conservative, bald-headed old farmer, with a neatly trimmed beard, and kindly eyes beaming out of gold spectacles. Oke of the most prominent traits of the late Selah Chamberlain, of Cleveland, was bis ten der feeling for all his relatives, especially those who had not been so fortunate in business as be. He did much for those who needed help. Mrs. Harrison never touches wine, punch, or liquor of any description, and if her wishes were carried out the strongest beverage served at Wbito House state dinners and banquets would be Apolinans water. On tbe President's prirato table wine is never served. Sir John Pope Hennessy. who was re turned to Parliament from North Kilkenny in spite of Mr. Parnell's opposition, bas a fellow and kindly feeling with tbe latter on one ac count at least they have both made tbe Lon don Times pay handsomely for the privilege of libeling theni. United States Treasurer Huston is a devoted horseman, and at bis place at Conners ville, Ind., he has handsome stables, the stalls of which contain valuable horses of aristocratic lineage and noble records. Mr. Huston is a student of the trotting horse and his stables in variably carry off prizes when they are ex hibited at fairs and horse shows. Abolish the Property Qnallflction, Boston Globe. The knowledge tbat Governor Russell barely escaped being disqualified for the office to which he has been elected, because be did not until a few days before bis election possess real estate "to the value of 1,000," as required by tbe Constitution of tbis State, is enough to arouse an almost unanimous sentiment in favor of taking tbat ridiculous anachronism ont of tbe fundamental law of tbe Commonwealth. Peculiar but Indescribable Fitness. Philadelphia Times. J "Small stove" coal is to be banished from the trade and "chestnut" take its place. When we look at the past stories told by tbe pleasant parlor fife play in the welding of young hearts together, tbe substitution of "chestnut" as a regular fuel has a poetical fitness peculiar but Indescribable. Bluffers Esteemed In Washington. "Washington Post. 1 An Iowa man bas brought suit for 23,000 for tbe loss ot two fingers. Such a man wonld be rare game behind a full band. DEATHS OP A DAY. Charles Baroford. CHICAGO, Jan, 2. A private cable dispatch an nounces the death at Liverpool of Charles Eua ford, founder ana senior member of the great arm of Bam ford Brothers, the most extensive dealers In American hog products In tbe United Kingdom, and among tbe pioneers in introducing hog prod ucts to the English public Nearly SO years ago the brothers cot and put up English jneais in New York, but after the business moved West they closed out and went into the commission business exclusively. Owen Mc2Iahon.v Owen McMabon died yesterday at his resldenc o at 110 Penn avenue, after an Illness of II months. Deceased was aged 65 years, and was for 30 years employed as delivery clerk at tbe Dnqnesne freight station. He leaves three grown-np chil dren, Harry and W. J. being or the fine of 11c Mahon Brothers & Adams. Mr. McMahon was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Catharine S. Blair. Mrs. Catharine Sawcr Blair, wife of Kinder Blair, the well-known Allegheny baker, died last night at her busband's residence. So. 91 Ohio street, Alexander William Klnglake. L02TDON, Jan. 2. -The death or Alexander King lake, tbe historian, is announced. SNAP SHOTS IN SEASON. If you changed your will tbe other day see that its conditions are carried out, Let us take a peep at tbe sleepy, peaceful, snow-clad little village and see bow our old friends spent Christmas and began tbe New Year. Qverit yet hovers the odor ot turkey, goose and plum pudding. Little nngers are still glued by tbe snapping threads which stack to them after the "taffy pulling," The good blacksmith let bis fire die out and his bellows take a breathing spell. Tho shoemaker shot up his shop and laid aside his leather-scented brbechea for tho rusty' broadcloth panta loons. Tbe schoolmaster has been board ing 'round among tbe parents of tho happy little folk whom he dismissed over a week ago. Tbe doctor is busy If tho Christmas was green, because tbe super stition connected with such an event would be sure to make some feel poorly. The minister is in full possession. He bas been on "doublo turn," and feels tired after watch night. But it has been a season of feastingand resting of fel lowship and frolic, of peace and good will, of recreation and reminiscence in the little vil lage, anta Claus came and went, leaving a trail of joy which was distinct at the service in the little church on tho morn of his departure. Diversions of the most innocent and natural sort filled tbe time in between the burial and the birth. Then the watchers sang a dirge for the dead and an anthem for the living tbe creaky old bell swung swiftly nnder tbe strong, pulls of youthful arms, tho few lights which shot red gleams across tbe snow went out quietly, and the village slept on the threshold of tbe day ana the year. Greetings camo with tbe morn good wisbes for all, old, young, riob, poor. It was-a village holiday tbat ended with tho setting stars, and ere the moon was looking squarely down upon the quiet homes the village slopt again. Then it rnbbed its eyes once more, stretched its. pleasure-oiled limbs and went out into the old world little but broad enough for its simple life,. Not ranch turning of new leaves in tbe village only back to the same way with a hopeful heart and a helpful band. In the smithy the anvil sings and the bellows blow, the shoemaker pegs and whistles, tho children go back to the books, tbe old folk gather at tha store and compare notes, tbe tmkor makes tbe tin crackle and rattle. Only chalk marks on tbo weather boards and fence palings tell tbem tbat tho figures have changed only a glance at tbe cold white shafts which look liko marble mile stones against the steel blue sky that dips to earth behind the little graveyard on tbe hill reminds the elders tbat time bas dragged tbem closer to the clay. A heavy pnrse does not always mean a light heart. Love's labor is always lost on a coquette. It costs about as much to shoot Indians as it does to starve them. The first figure is the last now, and don't you forget it. If you have started to keep a diary of course you are trying-to do what is write. Americans admire pluck. Poor Lo will profit by .the bravery of Big Foot's band. It is some satisfaction to know that one Pitts burger with murder in his heart went to New York to kill bis man. He will be electrocuted there. Here be would be fed, clothed and housed. Braddock Field is keeping up its war record. Huns instead of Englishmen are biting the snow there now. The downward current of trade in Pittsburg now is confined solely to the rivers. ' The Back Numbers. Sometimes we hear tbe old fogies exclaim Tbat times like the old times will ne'er come again, And then they repeat from the page ot the past Some peculiar condition tbat never could last Some law or some notion, some pioneer view, Which the world in tbe course of events out grew. Then they cagely remark they are sorry to see That the times are not what they used to be. They seem to imagine tbat tfe is all wrong; Tbat the harmony ends with the old-time song; L That a step in advance means disaster dire; , liiaktt nuu KiAttueu uiccua A iiuuucauu. They relish the fruit of tbe tree tbat Is dead Press tbe dry leaves when the odor has fled. Sigh when you do not with them quite agree That tbe times are not what they used to be. They forget in their musings that this old world Would be clogged by tho moss if it wasn't whirled; Tbat tbo fresticst voice will lose its ring If it follows the notes on tbe same old string. Still tbeypull the same bow while they sadly croon. See naught but stale cheese in the laughing moon; If the earth is not earthy, and salty tbe sea. Then. times are notnow what they used to be. The snow in the far West does not seem to bave blockaded the warpaths. The doctors have at last discovered tbat con sumption is contagious. Isolation and inocula tion may eventually stamp out the "great white plague." You will seldom pick a quarrel it you pick your company. A New York woman, who Js the victim of two much mother-in-law, says'her father-in-law is so stingy tbat he sows buttons on bis clothing by moonlight in order to save gas. She is turn ing on the light. Miles' motto Good riddance to bad Beds. TnE fellow who is always exaggerating is only serving bis apprenticeship as a liar. If your tongue is loose you run the risk ot losing your reputation. If you want to restore business confidence settle your little bills promptly. Could, Not Keep CooL Ho sat beside ber, and the arm Tbat swung the fan seemed lame; The parlor was a trifle warm. But he still fanned the flame. BossA is no longer an exile from Erin. All he neods is' passage money. Some one should start a subscription immediately. OUT of sigh out of mind 1890. judoino from the manner in which tbe statesmen are reaching for the Hamsbnrg gavel it must be worth a great deal. Mortgages do not vary in weight, even if some are heavy. If General Brooke retreats before tbe braves be will undoubtedly be called a Tannine Brooke. Disease deposits germs in the snow banks. Newspaper workers frequently have to write tho wrongs ot others. Pabnell says he is willing to retire. When a man Is defeated be usually feels that way. SOME men win high honors in America by being expert fly-catchers. The doctor cannot always cure a ham. Mr. Speeb talks forcibly about Allegheny's police force. He evidently believes tbey would make good tobacco signs, as he called them wooden men. Mr. Speer is sbarp-tongued. Novelists frequently deal in false heir. Tbe machinery for tbe protection of rogues is about as costly as that provided for their punishment. Some soaps are made without lye, but the lie Is introduced when they are placed on tbe market. , When the old die only tbo young need oar pity. Love seems to be tbe only genuine hypnotic Influence, judging from the crimes and tbe fol lies perpetrated under its spell. Marriage engagements are conducted on business principles nowadays, and when tbe Partnership is dissolved the only matter in dis pute is the funds of the firm. Frequently a Mlsflt. There are numerous signs of the" times Which denote tbat the world never lags, But it is safe to bet dollars to dime's That tbe weather won't fit all the flags. Women are more stuck up than men simply because they know how to handle pics. The female spiders rule the males, but, then, they do most of the spinning, too. People who steep themselves m scent should make inquiry about tbelr olefactory machinery. Perhaps it Is out of gear. Gamblers, like sailors, can live between decks. The order of Sbefkat bas been ..conferred upon Mrs. Whltelaw Beid by the Sultan. When she becomes a mother-in-law tbe "she!" will be dropped and "old" substituted. Bio Foot is not tbe only kicker now. Willie Winkle. TO TAX BAHBOADS. The Farmers' Alliance of North Carolina Wants a General Change. Raleioh. N. C, Jan. i A bitter fight is im minent in North Carolina between the railroads ana the Farmers' Alliance membais of the Legislature. Tbe fiat bas gone forth that an ironclad Railroad Commission must be estab lished with authority to fix passenger fares and freight rates. Tho question of railroad taxation is also up permost in tho minds of the Alliance members. They argue that the people of North Carolina are living under a Constitution tbat requires tbat all property shall be assessed for taxation according to Its value and shall pay taxes ac cordingly. The entire rajlroad property of the State is only assessed "at $10,000,000. whereas the total taxable property is nearly 8250,000,000. They cite that the Western North CarolinaKail road isvalnedat $1,000,000 for taxation and is capitalized at nearly 116.000,000, and urge that such great inequality between the rich corpor ations and tbe poor land owners should be cor rected in some way. The make-up of the commission bas always been a bone of contention in the Legislature, some wanting the Governor to appoint and others Insisting that the Legislature shall elect the members of the commission. It appears to be generally agreed now tbat the Legislature shall elect. A circular bas been sent out over the State suggesting that the commission be made up of the State Treasurer, State Auditor, tho Commissioner of Aehcultnre,and the Chair man nf tho Finance Committee of each Home of the General Assembly. The argument In fayor of ihe commission made np in this way is that it would not create any new offices. The Alliance people are denouncing tbe proposition as having emanated from the railroads. They say that tbe Chairman of the Senate finance Committee will bo appointed by Lieutenant Governor Holt, with Is President of the North Carolina Railroad, and that Bain, State Treasurer, and Sanderlin. State Auditor, are both very friendly to the railroads. Tho battle ground will be in the. Senate. There are 60 members of this body: 43 are Democrats and 7 are Republicans. Tbe Republicans can be relied on to a man, and the railroadmen hope to be able to control 19 Democrats, which would give them a majority The charter of the Petersburg and Weldon Railroad Company expires in a few months and mnst be renewed by the Legislature during tho session which convenes on tbe secoud Wednesday of next month. This road runs from Weldon, N. C, to Petersburg, Va.. a dis tance of 60 miles. It is now under tbe control of, tbe Atlantic Coast Line. By its present charter it is exempt from taxation. It will not get a renewal with tbis feature in it. The new charter will carry taxation like other property, and nj special privileges will be granted. LYMPH JOB LEPEOSY. New York Doctors Still Enlarging the Field for Koch's Remedy. New York, Jan. Z Experiments are being made with Koch's lymph in a case of leprosy in tbis city. Tbe patient is a young and wealthy, New Yorker, who contracted the disease while on a trip through South and Central America. The case is of considerable development, and is being watched with great care by tbe attend ing physician. The reactions bave not been very pronounced, but still theywerenoticeable. Of course the case is under private treatment, not being of a character to take into any of the hospitals. Several inoculations bave been made, and there is thought to be an improve ment in several of tbe sores. While leprosy Is anything but a common disease hereabouts. It is not so rare, doctors say, as is popularly imagined. Not taking into account cases at various times reported to ex ist in the Chinese quarter, there is said to be a respectable number among the rest of the population. One physician's estimate is tbat there are perhaps 100 sufferers Irom leprosy in and near New York. Naturally, he says, little is heard of tbe cases, for whenever tbe pa tient's friends' means pormit it, tbe sufferers are kept carefully Isolated, while tbe greatest secrecy as to tbe nature of the malady is main tained. Cases of beriberi are said to be coming more frequently to tbe notice of New York practi tioners. The disease, as a rule, follows resi dence in tropical climates, and when it appears in this latitude is generally found to afflict per sons ..who have lived in hot countries. It is classed as a more acute disease tban leprosy, although very frequently it has been put under the head of tbat malady. It may appear in eitheran acute or chronic form, but it does not attack persons under 15 years of age. EUSSIAN PETB0LEUM. Enormous Increase in British Markets as Compared With the American. Chambers' Journal. A perusal of tbe sources from which our sup plies are obtained shows tbat the increase ob tained from tbe Russian oil wells in tho neigh borhood of the Caspian is enormous. In 1833 tbe Muscovites supplied us with 500 barrels Last year tbe imports from the same quarter amounted to 771,000 barrels. During tbe same six years the supply from the United Slates bad but Increased from 1,329.000 to 1,355.000 barrels. Tbat in tbe short space of six years Russian snipments should increase from practically nothing to more tban half of those from America is most remarka ble. Sncb phenomenal developments as these naturally call into existence the provision ot means for adeqnate transit and storing of such enormous qnanities. . Sir. Brice's Comprehensive Residence. Youngstown Telegram.j Senator-elect Brice is certainly in luck, good or bad as yon please, in the matter of resi dences. Tbe New York Press calls attention to tbe fact tbat tbe Senator-elect from Ohio, of which latter State the constitution requires tbat be shall be a resident, and resident of New York, has been elected a director of a Georgia railroad, tbe charter.of which requires that di rectors shall be residents of tbat State. It would be interesting to know whether or not Mr. Brice will qualify. Good Wishes for All. New York Herald. And here's to Senator Hoar in a bnmperof good New England cider. When the force bill dies may be bear np under tbe affliction wbich deprives him of bis offspring and not swear too much over bis loss. Taming; the New Lent Tonawanda ltcview.1 , Resolved, Tbat during 1S91 1 will not bo smil ing in public and snappy at home. FTREEIGHT FANCIES. ' I am sitting to-night by my hearthstone. The lire has smouldered low. But 1 6tlr tne perishing embers, And catch their dylnj; glow. "When, out from the dim, deep shadows, Strange visions come to mof Scene from the vanished life-past. Tossed on the surging sea. Youth senas its golden echoes From the land of laughter and song; Ah, the faces, tho merry faces. That to-night n.y fireside throngl Now there are words in tbe moonlight, And now the blush of a bride. Then tbe voices of little children. And a mother's matronly pride. The years, with their ghostly mem'rles, Wide on through the darkened room. Alow cheering my heart with tbelr presence, Hon castlnga deeper gloom. 1 strive to detain tho phantoms. But, alas, they bave quickly fled, Tbe spell bas passed beyond me, Audio! my fire is dead. ' , Ida Bsttlta CroucMn Toledo Sladi,'- THE TOPICAL TALKER. In tho Carnegie Library. The Carnegie Library, in Allegheny, is be coming rather rapidly what a library sbould be a place of books. It is a great deal easier, by tbe way, to found a library, appoint a libra rianjandldebatejabout libraries in Councils tban to create tbe library, get tbe books, unpack tbem, put tbem on the shelves, catalogue them and do all tbe other things, and their name is legion, which go to distinguish a library from a book store. Well, Librarian Stevenson and the four ladies assisting him bave accomplished a great deal in tbe last lew weeks. There are some six thousand books in the library now, and nearly all of tbem are classified, though tbe process of cataloguing tbem has yet to be completed. Mr. Stevenson showed me yesterday the dis position be had made of the books so far ob tained. The books are classified broadly in sections, such as history, geography, science, poetry, fiction and so on. Tho standard authors in all the principal departments are already on band, and as far as a cursory examination re veals, tbe editions chosen, as well as tbe char acter of tbe literature, are well suited to the needs of a popular reference and reading library. Tbe fiction which is likely to be bandied most ot all, is for the most part re markable for plain but substantial binding, and good paper and print. Another handy point in a novel is reasonably small size, and I noticed tbat most of the editions were of the convenient form that fit the pocket. Some of tho Books. Students of Shakespeare will find a great deal to Intarest them In tbe Shakespearean col lection upon one ot the shelves. There are several editions of Shakespeare; that of Boife. in wbich a play and the annotations thereon take up a single volume, tbe most satisfactory probably lor students' use. A number of critical works on Shakespeare, and other Shakespeariana, complete a valuable corner of the library. Ignatius Donnelly's works. It is satisfactory to note, will not find a refuge where Shakespeare Is honored. Tbe historical department is well equipped, both with the standard works of America and England, bat with good authorities on other countries and the latest and best works on tbe history of all the Americas from the earliest times, Mr. Stevenson has tried to provide for tbe general reader principally, but the histories of particular periods or epoens are sufficiently numerous to satisfy tbe specialist. In the poetic line Mr. Stevenson bas suc ceeded in collecting editions tbat are particu larly notable for good print and decent mar gins. How mnoh charm a fair margin and good type lend to poetry the poets wonld be displeased to admit, but tbey know it best of all. Ofcourse.it was not possible for the Car negie Library to cater to tne fastidious taste of the man who will be satisfied with nothing less than a narrow rivulet of text in a broad mead of fair white paper, but such of tbe poets as I glanced at yesterday were good examples of bookmaking in all respects. In short, wherever 1 went among the convenient alcoves and their laden shelves, I found good promise oi a icasi lor an wno love gooa oooks in Alle gheny. It looks now as if in two months' time tbe feast might begin. At present tbe reading room, with its supply of periodicals, is well patronized. ATlp on Tin Plate. "Tin plate will be manufactured in this coun try in large quantities before tbis year is ont," said a maker of iron and steel yesterday, and several days ago another iron manufacturer told me that he intended to bave the invitations to bis tin wedding anniversary, tbe tenth, en graved upon American tin plate, and bad placed the order for tbe plate already. He gave me to understand, also, that tbe tin plate would be made in ibis country. Tbe financial stringency which came with last fall un doubtedly strangled many new enterprises, in cluding a tin plate manufacturing plant which was planned for Pittsburg. With reviving confidence some of these frosted plants may blossom yet. A Season of Spoons. Society in general is suffering from a surfeit ot bonbon and almond spoons. Of course tbe delicate little silver spoons designed for use at dessert are not in themselves a trial, but hun dreds and hundreds of well-to-do people in Pittsburg have been regretting since Christmas that they had evrrUId eyes upon them. Tbe afflicted unacrstand exactly wbat tbe spoons have been responsible for tbis season, but for the sake of the comparatively few who are in blissful ignorance it may be explained tbat too many people bit upon tbe artistic but cheap almond or candy spoon as a Christmas present. Some families were swamped with spoons on Christmas day, and by actual count one lady of extensive acquaintance in tbe East End re ceived fourteen spoons out of a total of thirty two presents. Tbe spoon gift took on extra unpleasantness when, as happened in many cases, it was sim ply a matter of exchange. For instance, Mrs. A sent her dear friend Mrs. b a sil ver almond spoon; and MrsB , putting her friendship for Mrs. A at tho same figure, sent a similar spoon to the latterf You see tho littlo notes of thanks under such cir cumstances proved .lingular difficulties. Mrs. A conld not thank Mrs-B for her "lovely little spoon," nor conld Mrs. B thank Mrs. A for her "exquisite spoon," with the cheerfulness and grace the occasion demanded. A fashionable jeweler Informs me tbat be sold more little spoons than anything else tbis Christmas. Ho could make money If he were to offer to buy all of them" back at half price, Tho Frames Are Grand. If tbe pictures in the Verestcbagin collection npon which we are shortly to feast our eyes are on the grand scale indicated by tbelr frames, which are already here, tbov will surpass any thing In the way of an exhibition that tbis com munity has seen. Great sections of the gilt frames lay all over the balls and staircases of the Carnegie Library yesterday, looking for all the world nioro like pieces of some great proscenium decoration tban the setting for canvases One Man's Poison, Etc In a retired part of town a year or'two ago a littlo church congregation compelled their pastor to resign, because.they declarcd.be could not preach worth a cent. They were blunt. plaln-sncakingmen.the deacons who carried to the pastor the verdict ot bis flock, and they did not mince matters or clothe the unflattering intimation with taffy of any kind. Tbe pill was bitter.and tbe young divine choked a little and came uncomfortably near using unclerical lan guage before he swallowed it and resigned. Ha did not shake bands with the deacons, and with very few of the congregation when he left. Since then, as far as the small congregation in this city is concerned.the young preacher whose sermons were below par in their eyes has not been heard of. This Christmas one of the deacons, in fact, the one who bad been most active in procuring the young pastor's resignation, went out to some distant relatives in an adjoining county to spend the holidays. Tbe Sunday after Christ mas the folks insisted that he must accompany them to church to hear the wonderful preacher about whom half the county was crazy, and all tho older clergy jealous. He went and the young man who came upon the platform and afterward entered tho pulpit and preached to a deeply interested audience was tbe man the city congregation bad considered not good enough lor them. The city man bad to confess to himself, too, tbat the sermon was a good one, and be was honest enougb to declare it openly. He did not say anything about the prior acquaintance he bad with theprcacber. however, and the Utile church In town is still unaware that tho prophet it rejected has been received with high honor. A Profitable Chance for Mediums. Philadelphia Inquirer. General Spinner being dead, bis autograph Is now more of a "prize than ever. By the way, if any of tbe spiritual mediums wish to prove tbe genuineness of their manifestations, let tbem reproduce tbat wonderful signature. AU Beautiful, Some More Than Others. Boston Herald."! The wife of Mr. Justice Brown Is said to be a most beantiful and accomplished woman. Of course. Tbat is tbe way they describe every woman whose husband gets boosted to Wash ington. Bat Dave They? Harrisburg Telegraph. It speech Is silver, some of tbe United States Senators mnst shed a halo like a polished Bland dollar. ' CUBI00S CONDENSATIONS. Fortune telling by the foot instead of th hand is tbe latest. Calvary Episcopal Church. New York, bas opened tbe Galilee coffeehouse. Forty-eight languages are spoken In Mexico and telephone girls are scarce. The native population of Alaska num bers only 40,000, of whom 17,TXX)are Esquimaux. Uranium was unknown a century ago, but a lode bas been found in a mine in Corn wail, England. It sells for 812,000 a ton. A prize worth winning has been offered by the East Indian Government. Tbe prize is $25,000 for a practical machine for decorticating ramie. The number of telephones now nnder rental by the American Bell Telephone Com pany is 478,725. an increase of 33,88b over the same lime last year. Miss Fordham, a well-known English bicycle rider, bat ridden a safety wheel 1,860 miles at the rate ot 76 miles a day. and hopes to cover 2,000 miles before the season closes. The city gas works of Berlin brought f 1.750,000 clear profit into the treasury during tbe last financial year, despite tbe unusually heavy expenditures for new gas houses and conductor The only Chinaman in the regular armv of tbe United States is Edward Cobota, a private in Company H, of tha Fifteenth In fantry, at Fort Sheridan, 111. Ha served through the war as a volunteer. Four hundred out of every 1,000,000 of the residents of Saxony, in Germany, commit suicide. In Leipsic the proportion is tha highest in tha world, reaching 430 per 1,000,000. In London it is only 85 per 1,000,000. Mrs. Belle Wooster Higgins, of Sulli van, Me., bas had 19 years of sea life and has sailed to every nart of tbe globe. She is in ex pert in navigation, and conld take a ship to any part, foreign or domestic, should it ever become necessary. A recent invention is an electric min eral are detector, by wbich it is claimed that the presence of ore may be Instantly detected. By this means a comparatively inexperienced person is able to tell whether the sample con tains ore or nor. New York City has 1,357 electric lights at an annual cost of 530 each; New Orleans has 1,010, at SISOeach: Philadelphia has 800; at 3177 each: Toledo. O.. has 4U0, at $100 each; Scran ton. Pa., has 332, at S30 each, and Springfield, Mass., bas 300, at 83 30 each. The phenomenon of latent heat was first inquired into by Dr. Black, of Scotland, nearly 130 years agg. His attention was directed to tbe subject by observing tha: a mixture of Ice and water, though absorbing a measurable amount of heat, iid not rise in temperature, until all the ice had disappeared. The cotton mill industry is progressing in Maine, as, indeed, are nearly all kinds of business. Returns of assessors to tbe Valua tion Commission show tbat during tha decade from 1550 to 1S9U tbe number of spindles in cot ton mills has been increased from 610,566 to 859,890, or a gain of 219,324 spindles. In order to get tbe benefit of the maple sugar bounty, 58 persons bave reported to tha Internal Revenue Collector of the Fourth di vision of the Fourteenth district in the State that tbey are manufacturers ot maple sugar to tbe extent of 500 pounds or more. A large amount of maple sugar is made in Dolawars county. The company for cutting the Perekop Canal has now been constituted in Russia, and tbe work of joining tba Azoff and Black Seas between the Crimea and tbe mainland will ba commenced shortly. Tha channel will be 70 feet wide and 1 J feet deep. Ports will be made at each end. Tbe work ha3 to be finished in six years. A short time ago a band of 20 Arnanta entered Prisrend and coolly attacked tha honsa of tbe Chief Justice in broad daylight. Tha Judge arid several of his servants were mur dered, and tbe house, after being sacked, was bumed to tbe ground. Tbe Zaptlebs. or Turk ish policemen, did not attempt to interfere, and all the brigands escaped. Hiss Lilian Baird, aged 9 years, is be coming famous as tha youngest problem com poser in the world. She bas a fine instinct for chess, which has been cultivated by much practice and an hereditary talent for problem composing. Her first problem, composed be fore she was 8. has been printed in about 20 chess columns in England, Germany xzd America. Tbe 2-year-old son of Ben Caudell, of Banks county, Ga, about sundown on Decern ber 19 was eating goobers, or peanuts, when the young sister, who was plaiing with him. exclaimed: "Brother is choke jl?' He bad in haled a goober with tba hull oil into tha wind pipe. Dr. Thomas Hayden was called in, but when be came the child was too far gone lor any operative measures. It is not impossible to find ladies of not more than fifty years old who let their pianos stay unopend because, they say, they are to old and their fingers are too stiff to play any more. But the people who pass tlong Wintbrop street, says the Lewis ton, (Me.) Journal, it Is reported, often hear music from apianofingeredbyMrs. Matilda Sewall who though 96 years old, plays with the skill and energy of a girl. It is related of Henry H. Norcross, who died in Somemlle, Mass., last week, that when a boy in Charleston. Me., be entered tba store of a Levant merchant as clerk. Tbe second morning he said to his employer tbat he could not remain if be was to be required to sell liquor. Some men wonld have told him to go. but Mr. Benjamin B. "Vaughan was a man who could appreciate a conscientious clerk. Ha kept tha boy and at once went out of tha liquor business. "Vera Sassulitch has been the cause of more alarm to the Czar tban'all the other Rus sian anarchists combined. In ber early years sbe was a pretty governess in a little country village ot Russia, and she still possesses traces of beauty. Sbe is a woman of iron will and stern resolution. At one time, finding it im possible to conquer ber. tba Russian govern ment is said to bave offered ber a briba of 10,000.000 roubles to quit the cause of anarcby and quit tbe country. Something new in tbe line of entertain ments is upon tha tapis at York Beacb. Me. a frost carnival. Tbo hall is to be decorated to represent tbe Arctla regions, with grottoes, snow caves and icicles. Tba audience are ex pected to appear in costume suited to tbe ap parent condition of things, toboggan, Esqnimo, or snow and frost covered suits. Tbe children are in tralnim for appearance as snow fairies, frost spirits, etc., and a sleigh bell chorus and drill, with 164 sleigh bells, is on the perform ance. The supper is to match tha resc of tha programme. It tbo weather continues to be have as it has done for tba last four weeks, tbere is no doubt that tbe out-door accessories will be in proper trim for the occasion. WISPS OF WAT. "Wee Lung" is going to try Dr. Koch's lymph on bis name. Sao Zork Evening World. "I shall certainly call and see the old year ont with you." said the young man. Well," she said, resignedly, "even the calen dar makes 18W end with a cypher.' ' WasMngton Post. Proprietor James, it is about midnight, isn't it? Clerk-The clock has Inst struck li sir. Proprietor Then it Is IS91. Yon may now sand paper those maple-sugar bricks, put the sign over them: Positively the first lot for tbe season." and then you may go. A happy Mew Year to you, James VMeago Tribune. Ignatius Donnelly, as President of tho Minnesota Farmers' Alliance, ought to give a boom to bacon. Chicago Inter-Ocean, Ella Wheeler "Wilcox says that "while tbe eagle screams above the housetops the wolf howls at many a door." "We should think the howls of the wolf would frighten off the scream ing eagle or vice versa. XorrUtoim Herald. "I stand upon the threshold ot a glad New Year!" She said unto ber lover, with a rosy, winsome blush; "Which you'll find in time," he answered, "is better far. ray dear. Tban standing on a measly, little bob-tall flaiu." St. Paul atooe. Slippers will be much "used this .winter, yor grown-up persons the slippers will be accord ing to the latest fall fashions on icy pavements, i'or naughty children the slippers will be felt. Toledo Blade. Sitting Bull'sanguage was a conglomera tion of pure Sioux, impure .English and decayed French. When he swore, be used all three lan guages so fluently that the Recording Angel with his stenographer and typewriter conld not take down and charge up.all?)ls oaths. Fact. Grand Rapids Herald. There is said to be a serious falling off" in the supply ot Maylayan gntta- percha, bat In offset lo the loss it may be note that the boardlnghouso steak Is as plentiful as ever. Chicago Times. Simmons I've got a chance to start a newspaper. Some men are willing to baek me. Timmlns Which style or paper-rtadabla or rt ipeotablet Indianapolis Journal, !l ,-k"
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers