v 'V? THE PITTSBUJIQ-DISPATCH, "MONDAY, "JANTTART : 19, i80L - i T ,f pi. i. f ? life B$pM). ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 8, JS4SL VoL Io.S43. Entered at Pittsburg rostoffice, 2t6TeinbcrH. laST, as second-class matter. Business Office Corner Smithfleld and Diamond Streets. News Booms and Publishing House 75, 77 and 79 Diamond Street KATEKN ADVERTISING OFFICE. liOOMa, TRIBUNE UUII.MNli. SEVf YOUK. where complete files or THE DISPATCH can always be lound, Korelcn advertisers appreciate the con venience. Home ad crtlscrs anil friends or THE IHM'ATCH. while lit Jew York, are also made wclionie. THE DISPATCH is itgulaily on sale at Erentino's. 5 Union Square. JVeto York, and 17 A, de COpeia, J'aris, Fi-ance, where anyone who hax K-rn disappointed at a hotel news 1.1 and can obtain tt tkkms or the dispatch. rOTAGE IXXE IX THE CJTITED STATES. Taily Dis r-ATCii. One Year t s 00 Daily HirATcn, Per Quarter 2 00 Daily DisrATcn, One Month 70 Daily Dispatch, Including bnnday, lycar. 10 00 Daily Disi"atcii, including; fcunday.Sm'ths ISO Daily llirATCii. Including bumlaT. lm'th 90 frcsDAI DloPATcn, One Year 150 V LU.LT Dispatch, One lear 1 15 The Daily DisrATcn Is delivered by carriers at :iccnts per wccL, or including Sunday edition, at II cents per week. P1T1&BURG. MONDAY, JAN. 19, 1S3L. HILL rOK THE SENATE. The news comes from the inner circles of political gossip of Hew York that the Sen atorship matter is settled, and that David Bennett K ill will be the successor or Senator Evarts. "While it is difficult to congratulate 2?ew York on this representation in the highest legislative body of the land, (here is room for felicitating the country in this probable termination of Gor. Hill's Presi dental ambition. The Senate is a notoriously unhealthy nursery for Presidental booms. The lives of Clay, "Webster, Seward, Douglas, Conk ling, Thurman and Sherman attest this fact. A man who has made a colorless record as benator may be taken up as a compromise, as in the case of Harrison. But one who goes into the Senate as a pro fessed Presidental quantity must exhibit transcendent qualities of statesmanship to make good his claims to leadership. Per haps the ambitious Governor of New York may display powers which will place him so high above his colleagues as to win the adhesion of all Democratic hearts; but it is not hazardous to predict that his entrance into the Senate will prove to be his retire ment from the Presidental field. Besides which, the effect of this step in practical politics will be to send into the tanks of bis enemies the barrel and the Luie of the irate Smith M. "Weed, Of those instruments of political warfare, one will be heavy and the other will be sharp, if "Weed ever gets the chance to do execution with them on the ambitions of the man who promised him the Senatorsbip but kept the goods for himself. BEHIND OUR ERA. The town of Findlav, Ohio, brings in its gas explosion at the tail ot the procession of natural gas events. Tbe explosion of gas which wrecked a hotel there, yesterday, is principally interesting lor the chain of fortuities which produced it, rather than as au illustration of the dangers of the gas. A leak that could not be discovered, a room full of gas, a hole through the floor to let the gas out, and a stray match accidentally lighted, all had to combine before this dis . 'aster came off; and of course they all had to be preceded by a job of poor gasfitting to let the gas escape. Pittsburg has got far be yond the stage where such leaks or ex plosions are feared. It ha3 arrived at the less satisfactory stage where it begins to fear lest it may be left without gas enough to make an explosion. WAXAMAKER'S FRUITLESS WORK. Postmaster General "Wanamaker'j deter mination in urging the adoption of a certain measure of postal telegraph, de serves the public recognition, even though it appears little likely to attain any success. The attention of his own party in Congress has been too much occupied with pursuing the phantasm of legislating party su TTcmacv, not to speak of the reasons for suspecting that the influence of Mr. Gould and his associates is too strong with Con gressmen, to permit the adoption of Mr. Wanamaker's ideas. Ytt if there is one step in the extension of governmental powers to which independent thinkers of all classes will agree it is that proposed by the Postmaster General. The postal telegraph is now as much of a public necessity as the mail service was fifty years ago, and as clearly within the proper function of government as the latter. Mr. "Wanamaker's plan does not go to the full length of the government ownership and control of all telegraphic lines. It is in deed an exceedingly limited and experi mental measure. It does not infringe upon the freedom or rights of any telegraph corpora tion present or future. In urging its pass age by Congress tbe Postmaster General is fciniply seeking an improvement of the postal facilities which bis department extends to the public; and his stand is well worthy the approval of the nation. Yet there is no reason to expect that his efforts will be of the slightest value, beyond pointing the way to future action. It will be one of the evidences of the weakness of this Congress, that when a member of the ) administration it supports urges an im provement of the services of his own depart ment which the great mass of the people indorse, Congress cannot pay enough attention to bis requests to get the bill out of committee. THE EXPENDITURE OF CITIES. The Secretary of the Albany Board of Trade has been giving exercise to an inquir ing mind by collecting statistics of the cost of city government in various cities, per capita of population. The statistical ex hibit is not as valuable as it might be from the fact that some cities appear in certain tables and are entirely absent in others; while there is a conspicuous absence from all of them of such eminent examples of municipal expenditure as New York, Brook lyn, Philadelphia and St. Louis. But the comparison as to the expenditure of the various cities named affords instructive in formation to the citizens of each place. In the first place as to total municipal ex penditure, there is instruction to the people cf Pittsburg in that our rate of 514 62 per head is nearly 54 above the average, and with the exception of Boston, Providence, Syracuse, New York, and Lynn, Massachu setts, is the highest on the list. As the larger cities whose cost of municipal government per capita exceeds ours, show a rate of 538 per head, it is fair to conclude that they in clude such expenditures as sewer and street assessments; while, as the rate which is as signed to Pittsburg would only yield a total, on 240,000 population.of 53,400,000, it is evi- aent that it does not include special assess ments, but is actually below the mark for the general tax levy. By comparison with a rate in Chicago of $3 9 per capita, and in Minneapolis and Milwaukee of $3 25 and $3 72, respectively, the Pittsburg rate is de cidedly heavy. But, on the principle that misery loves company, there is some satis faction observing that Buffalo and Cleve land come close to our expenditure with totali per capita off 13 and 514 08 respect ively. As to the departments of expenditure, there are some interesting comparisons. Pittsburg has been thought to spend a good deal of money on her fire department. But, while ber general rate exceeds that of Buf falo, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Galveston and Springfield, the cost per capita of her fire department is less than in either ot these cities. It is larger than in 21 other cities included in the list, but is only 18 cents per capita above the average. In the comparison of her police expenditure Pittsburg is ex ceeded by Albany, Baltimore, Boston, Fall Kiver and Providence, and is exactly equaled by Bufialo with a rate of $1 28 per capita, this being 33 cents above the aver age. On the other hand, it is a singular fact that in school expenditures Pitts burg is very nearly at the bottom of the list, her rate of 53 cents per capita being less than that of 27 other cities, and only Toledo, with a rate of CO cents, is lower. This last result is calculated to arouse a suspicion as to the exact accuracy of the figures. Nevertheless, the approximation which they make to the facts suggests that Pittsburg mHy well economize in other de partments of expenditure; but might afford to spend a little more money in educating the rising generation. AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL THEORX. Tt is reported that President Harrison is beginning to find a way by which he can escape the necessity apparently arising from his former declarations, vetoing the silver hill if it shall reach him. At least that is the natural conclusion from some remarks which tbe President is reported to have made to a correspondent of the 2few York Tribune, to the effect that he does not see "how the President has any right to set up his judgment against the manifest will of Congress, when that will has been ex pressed in a thoroughly deliberative man ner." Without any reference to the rights and wrongs of silver coinage, or the political necessities of a President who cherishes the dream of a renomination, it is necessary to say that this theory of the President, which has been expressed in something the same form before by Governor Beaver, is au evi dent effort to dodge the duties of the office. If the President does not see how he cau do it, it is only because he does not consult a certain document called ths Constitution of the United States for the information. If he did he would find in that instrument a provision that after Congress has passed legislation in a manner which the Constitution requires to be delib erative, it must be presented to the President. If he approves of the legisla tion he must sign it; it he does not approve of it he must return it to Congress, giving his reasons for disapproval. Here we have a plain statement not only how a President can set up his judgment againstthe manilesi will of Congress, but how he must do so. It is true that the Constitution does leave a loophole by which the President can permit legislation of which he does not entirely ap prove, but which he does not consider im portant enongh to call for a veto, to become law without his signature; but that is an immense distance off from the theory that the President cannot set up his own judg ment against the will of Congress. The principle attributed to the President amounts to a repudiation of the veto power without taking the trouble to amend the Constitution which enacts that power. A very pertinent illustration of wbat it means is suggested by the New York TForZd. Sup pose that some fortuity should make the next Congress Democratic in both branches instead of in one, and that body shonlJ, with due deliberation, repeal tbe tariff act. Would the President sign the re pealing act? He must do so, if he be lieves the milk and water theory that the President is not to have any such judgment of his own as the Constitution calls upon him to exercise. Moreover, there is hardly any more reason in the President's previous record why he" should reluse to sign a free trade bill than why he shonld veto a free silver bill. But he would not do so, because he does not believe the principle credited to him; and because any avowal of it is a shallow excuse for dodging in the in terest of a putative Presidental candidacy. Perhaps, however, the President wili point to the form of his remark as furnishing a loophole that permits a free exercise of his Presidental functions. He makes it a neces sity that the will of Congress shall be "ex pressed in a thoroughly deliberative man ner." As Speaker Reed has already called attention, in an expressive and devout man ner, to the fact that the House has ceased to be a deliberative body, the President may have taken this means to declare that he still considers himself at liberty to use his veto power as is required by the Constitu tion. A BLOW TO THE WAGNERIANS. It is announced that the Metropolitan Opera House of New York, which has here tofore been regarded as the American shrine of the Wagner cult, is to be given over this winter to a season of merely ear-tickling and melodions Italian and French operas. The ardent apostles of the German music-drama receive the shock with a calm fortitude which does them credit; and we must learn rather from their previous declarations than from their present impassiveness that this falling off from the standard of Wagner afflicts them as tbe apostasy of Julian did the Fathers of his time. For the past few years the Metropolitan Opera House has been the strong fortress of tbe "Wagnerian. There they were able to proudly point to the musical taste of the metropolis as irrevocably wedded to the musical declamations and strident orchestra tion of their especial school of composition. There, it was claimed, was proof that the' people were no longer bonnd to the ornate melody or pulsing rythm of Italian music; but, being freed from that vitiating thral dom, had protessed the pure faith of Wag nerism. What a blow then to learn that for the sake of lessening the annual deficit which the shareholders of tbe Metropolitan Opera House pay for the privilege of sitting in the boxes and furnishing their conversa tion as a Greek chorus to the lyrical per formance, the Italian opera will hold the boards this winter; and tbe attraction is ex pected to restore a closer equality between income and expenditure. Yet this is the lesson which might have -been learned from a study of opera wherever an equal representation is given to either school. Those who do not surrender them selves to the theory that music begins and ends in one style of composition, have been well aware that the opera-loving public is willing to take a liberal share of Wagner in theirs, but docs not want an exclusive diet ot Xohengrlns, Meistersingers or Flying Dutchmen any more than it does of turkey or quail. It is natural that having been fed on the straight diet of the German school these many winters, the patrons of opera in New York should hanker after the fleshpots of tbe Italian! school and make up their minds to eujoy the pleasures of operatic sin for this season. While we admire the stoicism with which the Wagnerians receive this blow, we can fail to perceive that it is a terrible blow. The glory is departed from their house in this country; and the hope that tbe nation had become severely and heroically ot the school of Bayrenth is swept away. It is now reported that Speaker Beed will permit the House to pass tbe free coinage measure in order to put tbe President into what ibo average political mind regards as a hole; and again, it Is asserted that he will not permit it in order that tbo capitalists may be bound to tbe cause of Reed Republicanism. Upon one point rumor Is agreed, however; and that is that tbo House will not exercise an in dependent judgment for tbe sake ot best serving the business interests of the country. Afteij the fiery Colorado legislators had indulged in petty warfare to tbe extent of killinz a man or two. It occurred to tbem that they might settle their quarrel by referring it to the Supreme Court. To have done this be fore tbe shooting would have been too violent an innovation on Colorado precedents. A Philadelphia sugar refinery firm has issued a circular expressing a fear lest re fined sugars shall be scarce and high about tbe 1st of April on account of tbe change in duty. Tbe people will take tbo chances on that, in view of tbe certainty that sugars will be cheap later on in tbe month Rut the man who banks on high sugar immediately preceding tbe re moval of 3 cents of tbe dnty on refined, will be liable- to make tbe discovery that be is an April fool. Michigan's salt combination is the last one to break up, and as a result of tbe impending dissolution it Is announced that tbe price of salt will drop 30 cent a barrel. This affords another striking corroboration of tbe claim tbat trusts and pools lower prices. They do lower prices by going to pieces. Some of our Eastern cotemporaries are in quiring in an agitated manner why it is tbat tbe United States was not Invited to the Jamaica Exposition which opens on tbe 2Sth of this month. Possibly It was for tbe reason tbat the managers of tbat show did not think it would be worth while for the United States to go tbere; and perhaps that view of tbo cause is well-founded. The pause in the predicted upward rnsh of tbe stock market is attributed by a Wall street circular to tbe fact tbat some specula tors have sold out at a profit, A good many lambs who have been squeezed heretofore wonld be glad to get a chance to sell ont at tbeir original investment. A prophecy comes from Australia that Cardinal Gibbons will be tbe snecessor of Pope LeoXIIL Tbe United States will second tbe Australian nomination; but in view of tbe pre dominant of Italian cardinals in tbe college tbat elects the Pope, we are afraid tbat Cardi nal Gibbons' chance of being Pope is not much better than tbat of a Fennsylvanian for tbe Presidency. The latest thing in the "challenge" line is that of Succi to Dr. Tanner for a competi tive fast. The old pie-biting challenges bad a better harmon.'witb tho demands of tbe hu man internal economy. Conctjreently with the international contention over tbe destrnction of tho seals, comes tbe repor: from Newfoundland that the great auk is wiped out. This highly esteemed bird was prized on account of his plumage, an,, tbe public esteem was too much for him. -He is no more; but tbe human race will try to struggle along without him. 'Hill in the United States Senate may disclose the fact to his admirers that ho Is noth ing more than a hillock. The inventors and builders of air ships are now occupying columns at a time in the newspapers telling wbat wonderful changes they are going to effect In the way of transpor tation. All of it is exceedingly alluring, but it is not balf as convincing as if they should dem onstrate tbeir claims by doing just a little bit of firing. PEOPLE WE TALK ABOUT. It is said of Senator Teller that he is a man of such careless and indifferent appetite that he doesn't care whether be has a five course and remove dinner or a free lunch of pickled tripe. Emterob William eats four meals a day a substantial breakfast of meat, eggs, etc., at 7:30; second breakfast at noon, consisting of soup, meat and vegetables: a regular dinner at 6 o'clock, and a light supper about 9:30. Jilts Elaine Goodalk, tbe Superintendent of Sioux schools, whose engagement to marry Dr. Charles Eastman, a full-blooded Sioux, who was educated at Dartmouth College, is announced, first came into public notice as a poet. Miss Emily Hotvland is a director of the First National Bank ot Auburn, N. Y., and wben a man has a reputation for ill-treating bis wife or refusing to buy ber neat bonnets be knows that ho has no chance of getting bis paper discounted in tbat establishment. Judge Frank DosTracapossible candidate for United States Senator in Kansas, served In an Indiana cavalry regiment during tbe war. He has a pale. bea.-dless face, with markedand distinctive features, something like Robes pierre's. He believes iu no God and is strongly inclined to socialism. Odetta Tyleu, the actress, who is Bessie Kirkiand at ber home in Nasbvil'e. is consid ered a beauty on or off tbe stage. General Kirkiand, her father, is a West Point gradu ate, and made a fine record in tbo Confederate Army. Miss Kirkiand is a niece of General Hardee, author of the famous work on military tactics. Lorp Salisbury is the hardest worked member of the English Government. Rarely has tbe Foreign office bad so much business on band, and Lord Salisbury has been reading and writing dispatches 12 to 14 hours a day for weeks. All tbe questions on which the English Government is now engaged with foreign pow ers are important and require tbe close and constant supervision of the Secretary himself. Said Rider Haggard to a reporter the other day: "I am on my way to the City of Mexico, via New Orleans, wbere I shall remain over Sunday. I have always been very much inter terested in the antiquities, particularly those of the Aztec nation, and I want to inform my selt by personal investigation, even if for no other reason than personal gratification. I shall probably write a new story with the Aztec race as a theme, presuming, of course, tbat the necessary material will be tbere for me. How ever, I have matured no plans as yet, although my idea is to treat of a civilized period, about tbe time of the Spanish conquest." ONE TONGUE FOB CANADA. Dalton McCarthy, M. P., to Make Another Attack on the Trench. Ottawa, Jan. 18. Dalton McCarthy, mem ber of tbe Dominion House of Commons, will make another effort to abolish tbe use of tbe French language in Canada daring tbe ap proaching session off Parliament. He says: "I .found for many years that the, French Canadians were gaining influence and power in public affairs tbat was not In keeping wltb tbeir wealth or numbers, tbat tbey had a policy antagonistic to tbe best interests of this coun try, and that it was their dream to reorganize Canada and make it a French nation. "Manitoba bad been forced to accept the dual language system, and tbe proceedings and laws of tbe province had to be printed in both languages. The same state of affairs had been forced upon tbe people of tbe Northwest Terri tories. Tbe people of Manitoba, acting within their provincial rights, have abolished tho dual language. At the next session I want mv bands free so tbat 11 tbe Government should disallow this measure, as many suppose it will, I may move a vote of want of confidence in Sir John Macdonald's Ministry, cvsn if Island alone." SNAP SHOTS IN SEASON. As between free silver and freedom, tbe people preter the latter. Scheotees, aren't waT Do you know any person In your circle who hasn't got some plan, como notion, some idea, some "good thing" by which he hopes to add to his store of worldly wares in a manner more rapid than by tbe process which he has and is still pursuing? If you do not know such an one helias merely kept you out of bis secret, for tbe bee is undoubtedly buzzing in the bonnets of all of us. Tbe old method is too slow, of course. So ,you plan, and plot, and study, and puzzle your weary brain over some thing wbich you consider a sure thing, a prize winner, a swift road to a sure fortune, a short cut to wealth and ease and worldly pleasures. Every bait, some glittering to be sure, but most of tbem barely hiding tbe sharp barb on the hoek, is nibbled. Presumably a fish that has wriggled off the cruel book once will nibble with care ever after. But the human fish bites and bite and the human fisher baits and baits. Wis only wbllo you are nibbling at the golden hooks cast by others that you forget to bait your own, too. If you are caught and landed, you flounder around like tbe finny fellows who breathe to death out of their ele ment, but, unliko tbem, you live to be caught acain livo to help others pull in a net which you have helped to weave and set, perhaps. Stlh it's all right to scheme, plot, plan strive honestly and honorably to fisb in season with tho appliances allowed. If there were no schemes and schemers, no divergent thoughts only a ploddlngalong slowly on tbo well worn, rutty old roadway life would in deed be dreary and the world would not be such a pleasant habitation. So don't blamo your neighbor if he has a good thing, utilizes it, profits by it and is lifted up out of the old groove. He goes higher, where there's lots of room, and lets the one behind h'm move up a notch, easing the pressure below, which is great. Don't envy nor fear him. Work your own little betterment scheme, and think only of how the pressure behind will be eased if it shoves you upward and onward and forward. Monumental lies can be found in almost any graveyard. Travelers aboard ship are companionable, as they come In close contact in the companion way. 'Close-fisted people make you knuckle down during a business transaction. WnENanldea takes root others will sprout from it If you are tbe least bit cultivated. A Winter Idyl. He loved ber very fondly, And sbe returned his passion, . But, cruel fatel Sbe learned to skate After a maiden's fashion. Upon the slippery ice She really was dasbmg; Bat, sad to say. This maid was gay, Susceptible to mashing. He was a dismal failure. As an ice navigator. And it is stated That's why she skated Off with another skater, Fitzsimmons never tasted liquor, and that's why he licked Dempsey. Ouida uses a perfume on ber hair that costs 150 an oucce. It is not a centless scent, at all events The electric light will save the lives of tbe granger statesmen. There's not so much gas to blow out now as thero used to be. Laughing stocks Those on the guns sur rendered by the Indians. Inqalls' speecb seems to have made a greater hit in Washington than it did In Kan tas. , The man with a hard cheek suffer; under a dull razor just tbe same a. other victims. Out of Order. He dropped a nickel in the slot, Expecting weight and date; Tbe little joker cometh not, But still he got a wait. Money squandered on a box at the opera goes for a song. The Harmony Society of Pennsylvania is located at Economy. The inharmonious society is located at Harrisburg, and economy is not in it. The promoters of tbe Chicago air ship say there's no flies on it. Perhaps this figure of speech means more than they think. TnE wedding circlet is tbe female prize ring. Quay sticks to his .friends in spite of all efforts to pull him away from them. Harrison has found this out, and is sad. The man who shoots folly as it flies is usually loaded with liquor. The freckled girl will make a better wife than the fickle girl, my buy. Got His Cue. Tbe maiden blusbedand bung her head, "What do you take me for," she said. Tbe young man spoke up eagerly, 'For better or for worse," said he. People wbo do nothing never amount to anything in this world. A noiseless piano is among tbe list of late patents.' This is the key to tbe solution of a long standing nuisance. HARD words frequently lead to hard blows. Last year the arrests for drunkenness in Philadelphia increased 6,000. Dullness and lonesomeness will drive people to drink. People who ride a hobby too hard are scourged by the lash of prejudice and don't know it, Philadelphia doctors are pczzled over a patient wnose heart is on tho right side, wbich is the wrong side. So long as it's in the right place they should be satisfied. A Hill Episode. The pavement was smooth as polished glass, Pedestrians took to the street. With the exception of one little lass Wbo seemed to have faith iu her feet, rier pathway lay down a. heavy grade, Soon a scream succeeded a whirl; Wben I picked her up sbe sweetly said, "I'm only a slip of a girt." Old maids missed a chance once and the Miss clings to them still. One of the Senators spoke for 12 hours the other night. He run the risk of losing his voice In order to save a motion. The cranks who believe that persuasion can pacify mad Indians are arriving at Pine Ridge. This means more idle talk. Johnnie will get his gun again, perhaps. If tbe force bill is forced on him. Forgot He Was In Boston. "You are tbe apple of my eye," He said with agitation. 'Slrt" said the maiden, "bye-the-bye, That's not my appellation." A ceazy xatch. The tiny piece of court Blaster on tbe cheek of tbe girl of the period. The pugilist guards his trunk with unusual care. Iy the people have any grit they will not allow those who occupy positions of trust to throw sand in their eyes. Sour-tempered folks seldom taste the sweets of life. Willie Winkle. Gubernatorial Friction. Bradford Record.! Tbe fact tbat Connecticut has started out with a dual Btate government suggests the idea tbat tbe two Nutmeg Governors are grat ing one another. PROPOSED MARRIAGE LAWS. Married 'Women In This, State May Soon Control Their Own Property. Hahrisburo, Jan. la Married women in Pennsylvania will have all- tbe rights of men. practically, It the bill introduced by Senator Grady shall be enacted. It declares tbat mar riage shall not be held to impose any disability upon a woman as to the acquisition, control or use of property, real or personal, or impair her power to make contracts of any kind. In tbe eye of tbe law the married woman will be a femme sole trader. Property of every kind owned or held by her before marriage shall be hers, tbe same as if sbe was not married. Tbe bill will empower a married woman to make contracts and sue or be sued by others the same as a single woman. But the most important feature of the bill Is that relating to conveyancing of real estate, which will be greatly simplified. Senator Grady proposes tbat a married woman can execute a conveyance of her separate property, create a mortgage np.in it or lease It, without herbusband beinga party to tbe transaction. Following this sentiment to a logical conclu sion it will no longer bo necessary, if the bill becomes a law, for a man to ask tbo consent of bis wife to sell a piece of ground. He will be able to sell the house over her bead without her name being upon the deed, providing the title rests in himself exclusively, and such convey, ance may be .made to convey tbe property clear of the claim of either party as hus band or wife. Husband and wife will also be able to convey property to each other the same as if they were not married, and tbe woman will not be liable for tbe debts other husband if she has signed his note as accommo dation indorser. The same immunity will also be extended to her when indorsing tbe notes of other persons as accommodation. Husband and wife will have tbe same civil remedies against each other upon contracts as if tbey were not married.- The relations of husband and wife in recard to inhcritimrcacli nthnr's property will cot be radically changed. It will not be possible for cither to disinherit tbe other, but the will made by the wife before mar riage shall not be revoked by the fact of mar riage. BLAIHE'S GREAT TASK. ne "Would Make America the Commercial Center of the World. Gath in Cincinnati Enquirer.! At the present time Mr. Blaine is understood to be engaged in a great constructive piece of Work, the end of which is designed to be the transferral of tho commercial operations of the world from Europe to tbe United States. I was talking with an observer of the State De partment but yesterday, wbo said: "Blaine has cut out the largest piece of work that any of our State Secretaries has at tempted. He desires to make the United States tbe center of monetary and trade operations tior tbe whole American continent, whicb, standing midway between Europe and Asia, can, he thinks, do the business of both of those continents better than Europe." "Wbat is your basis for that statement?" "Tbere has been a revolution in nearly every South American and Spanish American State since Blaine set on foot his Pan-American scheme. Brazil has shipped its Emperor back to Europe, and tbere not the least prob ability of bis ever returning to Brazil. Tho Argentine Confederacy has had a revolution in the streets of Buenos Ayre, and has overturned the Govcrment there, and tho result has been to break the bouse of Barings and throw nearly all Europe and the whole world into a monetary panic. Revolutions have taken place in Central Amer ica. Tbere is little doubt that Blame has in spired, through his ministers, a class of thoughts and hopes in South America all tend ing toward a concentration of American Influ ence thronghout this continent, and be has at present a monetary convention meeting in Washington with the idea of solving the coin age question." BOUND JO LEAD THE SINGING. An. Obstreperous Chorister In Court for Persisting In His Office. Boston. Jan. 18. Tbe district Court at West held to-day resembles tholarm scene from "Tho Old Homestead." All North Blandford is on band as principals, witnesses or specta tors In tbe case cf Charles Gibbs, who I charged by bis minister with breaking up tbe church service by singing so londly as to drown the voices of all the others and purposely sing ing out of tune. For ten years Gibbs led tbe choir, until four years ago, when he fell into disfavor with the church officials and was do posed, and congregational singing substituted. Gibbs, nothing daunted attended as before, and Sunday after Sunday stood in front of the pulpit, and with arms, feet and voice led tbe singing. The presiding elder interfered, and finally closed the church for months, as no minister would preach, there under tbe circum stances. When it was' thought that Qibbs bad sobslded the church reopened. That was two years ago. and during tbat time Gibbi has made life a burden to the preacher and all in the church and community who op posed his resuming the leadership of the choir. He has a voice as powerful as a steam fog horn, and whpu he sang no one else was in it. If he couldn't drown tbe other singers out with his volume of tone be wonld slug off key, and quickly get the voices inextricably mixed. "I'll lead tbe singing in this church or bust the whole concern," was his often repeated threat. Last June, wben asked by the minister not to keep timo to the music wltb his feet, be appeared in cburcb the next Sunday with a big sheepskin woo! rug and ostentatiously opened and spread it under bis feet. A PEESIDENTAL POSSIBILITY. A Dark Horse In the Person of the Dem ocratic Governor of Oregon. Portland Oreconlan.J The Democratic party might do much worse, and probably will do much worse, than to placo Uovernor Pennoyer, of Oregon, upon its next natioual ticket. Tbat party is not well sup plied with available Presidental timber. Tbe desperate and reckless rivalry between Cleve land and Hill has crowded all other Eastern candidates Into tbe background, and forced upon the party a dilemma, on either horn of which hangs defeat. The rejection of both, the only course of safety, turns a simple dilemma into a complex puzzle, only to be solved by a happy turn of blind chance or a flash of inspira tion. Tbe same considerations that exclude Hill and Cleveland shut out every prominent Democratic leader identified witb tbe rivalries, feuds and divisions of tbe national Democracy in tbe last five years. The times demand a Franklin Pierce. Governor Pennoyer is more than a Franklin Pierce. He is like bim only in bis freedom from sbaro in or responsibility for tbe party divisions tbat have arisen from tbe clash of personal ambitions. He has tbe same warm and sympathetic nature, winning personal friendship and popular confidence. He has more of the political strength whose test is tne ability to command votes regardless of party. He has twice been elected Governor of a Re publican State, tbe last time with a margin of 15,000 votes in his favor. He has had more ex perience in public affairs than Pierce, and rep resents a State of far more relative conse quence than Now Hampshire in 1S52. He is a more available candidate, personally and locally. HAGGARE'S LITERARY VENTURES. Chance Induced Him to Take Up His Im aginative Pen. IL Elder Haggard In New York Journal. My entrance Into literature was purely an accident. Even after my return from Africa I bad no idea of entering the profession. I went to Africa as secretary to one of tho Gov ernors. I was in the country at the time of tho war, and left disgusted at tbe outcome. .My methods of book making differed but little from those of other authors., A writer must, tn .in InttmA tn n. Knlient Ti!lva n. thnmnnh knowledge of bis plot and characters before touching pen to paper. He must, too, have collected an Immense amount of material on which to draw. While in Africa 1 made a close study of the habits uf tbe natives and the country Generally. In consequence, when I returned to England I was in a position to describe what I had seen and heard. These materials, witb a sufficient amount of romance blended with them, are made use of in mv tales of African life. As I have already stated, my entrance Into literature was due to chance. While practicing at tbe bar I conceived tbe idea of writing a work on politics. This, my maiden effort, proving successful, I was induced to writo ro mances. "Dawn" was my first effort, Then followed other romances, including "She." which has been tbe most successf nl ot mr books. 1 1 Imlt my working hours to six daily. In the past I have been too productive, and in future will publish but one book a year. "Wher Harmony Reigns. N cir Orl eans Picayune. 1 - Tbe Irish leaders-estranged by personal am bitionswill harmonize on tho method of ob taining and receiving American contributions. The cause is not yet lost. Uncle Sani's Poor Economx. .Sew Orleans Picayaiie. J Nothing but blankets and Indian rations are saved by hiring men for il3 per mouth t kill off other men. that' are being supported in charity by the sama Government. , ' ACROSS THE BORDER, Rev. George Hodges Writes Eutertalnlngly of Scotland's Capital City, Edinburgh Many Points of More Than Ordinary In terest in the Famous Town. Old and new lie side by side iu Edinburgh, and between the two there is a "great gulf fixed." But tbe great gulf Is delightfully laid out with lawns, and flower beds, and shady walks; and the contrast between the ancient and the modem is one of the pleasantest features of the most beautiful town on the other side of the Atlantic. There aro two chief streets in Edinburgh. One Is Princes street, whicb runs through the new town. It bas upon one side this fine val ley with its gardens, and upon the other a long row of hotels and attractive shops; tbn most attractive shops in Europe. Paris, Vei lie, or London cannot show such a series of tempting windows as invite the passers by on Princes stre'et. The other great Edinburgh street is High street, which begins at tbe castle and ends at Holyrifod Palace, and runs through the old town. One of tbe quaintest streets iu tbe world. The respectable portion at the popu lation has far the most part moved OTer to tbe other side of tbe great gulf. Tbe Immense, tall bouses in which tbe plutocrats and aristocrats did ouce bave residence, are turned now into tenements. And such tene ments! You go along between tbe castle and tne palace, wuere yucen Aiary used to co in tne old times, and Iook up at tbe precipitous old bnildings. Oat ot more than half tbe windows dangles tbe family washing. These people have no "back yard." They uave nothing, ex cept a few feet ot ouards and plaster, and a fine view out of tbeir windows. Tbere is only one place to dry tbe clothes after tbe hasty washings, and that is oat in public where tat tered linen flutters gaily in all the smoky breezes, like banners along tbe line of some fine tnumubal inarch. Between tbese great buildings little spaces open, here and there, called "closes;" nlleywajs. leading to back areas and courts, dark, suspicious-looking and malodorous. You look in. and. amid tbe tumbling shanties, dirty children are shouting ono to anotuer in tne language (out not wrtn the good words) of Presbyteriamsm. An Involuntary Suggestion. The most striking contrast. Side by side, with the great gulf between, lie Paradise and Purgatory! Lazaruft on High street, and Dives on Princes street, look across at each other. How many of them will change places in the Day of Great SurprlsesI The Scott monument is beside Princes street, on tbo edge of tbe public gardens a fine, graceful, gotbic structure, visible from end to end of tbe splendid avenue. Here sits Scott, tbat his proud countrymen may behold bim. Close by is tbe Waverly station, where you take tbe train for Abbotsfyrd. You go out among tbe pleasant hills, where you see the sbining of f airnvers, and get under the shade of great trees, and walk along the leafy lanes, and so by rail and road to Abbots ford. Tbe house is kspt as it was wben the master lived in it. You are taken Into bis study. There is the big black leather chair in which be sat to write, and tbe desk on which he laid his paper. You look out of the big bav window of tbe library upon tbe tine smooth lawn reaching down to tbe banks of tbe Tweed, In a case by this window ard gathered some of the curious things of wbich Scott was proud to bo tbe possessor. Na poleon's writing-case and pen-case of green velvet, and the big, golden bees with which bo lastened bis coat; and the silver cross wbich Mary, Queen of Scots, carried to ber execu tion; and locks of hair of Wellington and Nel son. In the drawing room is a painting of Scott, with bis favorite dogs, also of bis wife and bis mother, and a beautiful picture, of tbe present owner and occupant of Abbotsford, his descendant; and another plcture.not so beauti ful, representing Mary, Queen of Scots' bead after it was cat off! In tbe armory Is Rob Roy's claymore, and Napoleon's pistols, found in bis carriage after tbe battle of Waterloo, and many old suits of armor, and the key of old Tolbooth prison, and much else that is curious and worth looking at. The Ruined Abbey of Melrose. The railroad station at which yon get out for Abbotsford is close besido the ruined abbey of Melrose. The abbey is beautiful, of course; some of the carving at the capitals ot the old pillar is wonderfully fine, and tbe great arches with flowers growing over tbeir broken curves are most graceful. But tbe church is all of the abbey tbat remains.- Tbe monastic buildings, wbich are so interesting at Fountain's Abbey, have long since been pulled down. So tbat Melrose, after all tbe tourists' anticipations, is somewbat disappointing. But Scott says tbat if we want to view it "arlgnt" wo must see it In the soft "moonlight." Tbat no doubt would vastly improve it. The new town uf Edinburgh is more beauti ful than the old, but tbe old town is more pic turesqe and more interesting than the new. Here is the great castle, on its pecipitous crag, fortified since tbe days when the Saxon Edwin gave his name to Edwin's burgh. Tbere was a company of Highlanders being drilled there when I saw tbe fortress; stout fellows in kits and bare kness, with bright plaids and white gaiters, moving like a great complicated murder machine. A Distinction in Worshipers. Along tbe way from tbe castle to the palace you pass the old Church of St. Giles. At the crossing of the street beside tbe church, a great heart in the pavement the "Heart of Mid Iiotbian" marks the site of the Tolboutb pris on. St. Giles' is a Presbyterian "Cathedral." I went to service there ono Sunday. They keep the front door tight locked until the exact hour for service has arrived. Tbere is a side door which is open for the pewholders. The poor people who want to say tbeir prayers, but bave no pews of their own to say tbem in, must abide patiently in the rain (for it always rains in "Auld Reekie") until tbeir betters have taken their places. They did not seem to be deterred, however, by this forbidding condition of things. Tbere was a crowd tbere which filled up balf tbo square, all patient, all seriously-minded, all conscious of the day of tbe week. Tbe graven image ot St. Giles, with his goats, confronted us over tbe great door, and seemed not quite in place among tbe crowd of eminent stone Scotchmen wbo are carved beside bim. Finally, tbe gates were openea. a company oi vergers, most imposing functionaries In black gowns and broad red collars, carefully kept us from netting into the best seats. And the service begun. In marched the ministers in gowns, preceded by majestic vergers in black and red. There was au anthem, a reading of scripture lessons, a chanting of the psalms of David (in King James' version not Rouse's) and progress, read out of a book, each followed by an "Amen" sung by tbe choir and congregation. And yet this is tbe cburch in which Jenny Geddesmade her name immortal! Tbey were attempting, it will be remembered, in Land's day, to force tbo Book of Common Prayer upon tbe unwilling people of Scotland. It was to be read uoon a certain day in tb,s churcla of St. Giles. Dean Hanna was to read ir. Ihe church was crowded with an irreverent and protesting congregation. The dean began to read. Whereupon Mistress Jenny Qeddes rose up, and seizing ber kneeling stool flung it at tbe officiating parson's bead. Tbat was the signal for the beginning of a not. and for the sudden ending of this ill-advised endeavor. Tbey show Jenny's stool In the museum. And they have a handsome brass plate in the church wall in memory of tbe dean, upon which is inscribed: "He was the first and the last to read the service bookin this church." But tbey come perilously near tbe service book nowadays. And why not? A little further down tbe street is the house where John Knox lived. There is a cheap res taurant now in John Knox's parlor, and tbey sell tobacco and cigars in bis basement kitchen. But you can see wbere be ate and slept and wrote. In this little narrow study, built out over the street, hardly big enough to turn about in, that uncompromising preacher made his xermons and thougbt out hard words for Mary, Queen of Scots, and did the thinking and tbe praying which made bim the leader ot bis peo ple. A View Worth .'he Climb. So wa come to Holyrood. the palace and the abbey. -."Arthur's seat" towers up over tbe old buildings, and Indeed over the whole city. You climb up to the ton of the crag, past St Anthony's ruined chapel, apd you get a view worth seeine. Tbe best view wbich you get at tbe old palace, is into the long past. H-re was enacted that fierce tragedy which was the. crisis ot the stormy life of the unhappy Queen. In this little snpper room tbey murdered niTTin pnmirr ud alonir tbat staircase hidden yonder behind the tapestry. Heretbeydragged blm, through this roon? and through that, to tbe bead of tbe stairs, stabbing blm as tbey went The old rooms are kept much as tbey wereln those grim days, never very beautitul and now looking forlorn enough. Ihe queerest sight in Hohrood Palaca is the picture gallery. Here are paintings of tho kings of Scotland, beginning back several centuries before tbe Christian era; tbey were all painted by one artist, who did tbe work by contract, so many pictures a month. Tbe pictures are not all of their "speaking likenesses." In the old town, and in tbe heart of the oldest part of it. is tbe Grey friar's Church. Tbere were friars in gray cowls once saying their litanies within these walls, and taking their monastic recreation iu these pleasant gardens. Presby terians are now in occupation, and tbe old car dons are set about wltb tbe atrocious monu ments of a parish graveyard. There are two congregations in possession off tbe old cburcb. They bave built a partition across tbe middle of It, and hert tbey say their prayers and sing their psalms, each turning his back upon tbe other. Every "Sabbath" day this carious TMot&cln at nnbratherliness is enacted heXora the eyes, of God and men. ,H Is like the two I Scotch slaters who lived in the same roam for a score of years and never spoke, keepine up soma old and foolish disagreement, parted by a cbalk-llns' drawn across tbe floor from tbe threshold to tbe stove! Within tbis church, and upon tbe flat surface of tbe tombstones in tbe churchyard, tbey signed tbe "Solemn League and Covenant" It is time, one would think, fur another covenant, a league of brothers. G. H. OUR MAIL POUCH Perpetoal Motion Once More. To tbe Editor or Tbe Dispatch: If a person invents a perpetual motion ma chine bow long will he have to leave It in the Patent Office to prove tbat it bas perpetual motion? Has tbe United States or other Gov ernments offered a prize to tbe inventor? Pittsbubo, January 17. J. F. The mechanical definition of that unat tainable ideal, peipetual motion. Is a machine which wben set in motion would continue to move without tbe aid of external force and without the loss ot momentum until the parts wonld become deranged or worn out. A very short test has always proved sufficient to dem onstrate tbe lack of these qualities. The Gov ernment has offered a reward neither tor a perpetual motion machine nor tbe construc tion of a railroad to tbe moon. However, If you bave discovered tbe undiscoverable, there Is not the slightest donbt tbat Jay Gould and Croesus will be mere pigmies in comparison. Washington, Engraving and Temperance. To the Editor of Tbe Dispatch : Howl many members were in Washington's Cabinet, and who were they? WBere and by what nation was engraving invented? When and where was the first temperance society formed? Reader. Hulton, Pa., Jan. 16. Washington's Cabinet contained only four members, Jefferson, Hamilton, Knox and Ran dolph. Engraving was practiced in India and China in remote ages, and mentioned in tbe Bible in Exodus. 28:36. The first modern torn perance society was organized by 200 farmers at Litchfield, Conn., in 178!). Concerning the Gladstone. Can you give me any information as to tho origin, etc., of a madstone? Is it animal, min eral or vegetable? X. Y. Z. Sewickley, Pa.. Jan. 17. It is the generally accepted 'opinion that the madstone is composed largely of moonshine. Certainly It is a very scarce and mysterious article, and a search of tbe authorities fails to reveal any information upon the subject Can Anyone Give This Information? To the Editor ofThe Dispatch. Please state how to make ink look old when written on paper and oblige A READER. Pittsbubo, Jan. M. FOREIGN STUPIDITY. People Who Lack the Resources and In genuity of Americans. We had an exceptionally prosperous year. I consider tbat tbe whole land Is wonderfully prosperous, said Senator Stanford to Gatb, of tbe Cincinnati Enquirer. That can only be felt by one who bas gone out of tbe beaten paths in Europe. I was In Russia, for example, and I marked how tbe women were sitting down In the fields digging potatoes witb their fingers, assisted only when tbe ground was bard by a short pointed stick, with wbich they broke the clods. I was acquainted with tbe Russian Consul in San Francisco, an Intelligent man, and I asked blm why there seemed so little sense of suggestion in his country. He said tbat the people did not seem to come by it like tho Americans. "Machinery," said he, "does not seem conformable to our agricul tural ways. Germaas. English and Americans furnish us with most all the new ideas. An American went out there and established me chanical works, and wben be died tbey em ployed several thousand bands. People then began to wonder tbat we Russians had not thougbt ot doing tbe same thing. I bad," said the Consul "on my farm a reaping macbine,but whenever it got broke I had to send 20 miles for ever so slight a repair." LIBELED FOREIGNERS. They Are Not So Black as the Criminal Statistics Faint Them. New York Commercial Advertiser. It is stated that "in New York, where tbe ratio of tbe foreign-born population is only 23 per cent 45 per cent of the insane, 48 per cent of tbe inmates of prisons, and 51 percent of those receiving support are foreign? born." Of course, tbis is all true, but the committee over looks tbe important fact tbat the foreign-born population is almost entirely adult Children are rarely insane or imprisoned. In this State tbe foreign born constitute 40 per cent of our voters, and the fact that tbey constitute 46 per cent of our convicts is not a very damning one. Tbey are- generally poorer than the native born, and tbe poor everywhere are more likely to be convicted than the well-to-do. The fact that the committee's statistics allege that our immigrants are twice as likely to be Insane as our own people should have revealed to tbem the absurdity of their proposition. The gen eral poverty of immigrants wonld naturally in crease tbe ratio of crime and pauperism among tbem. bnt it would not even tend to increase Insanity. The statistics published on this point indicate greater insanity on the partot tbe committee tnan on the part ot the immigrants. HOW TO CIVILIZE THE INDIAN. Don't Put Him to "Work, but Make s Soldier Out of Him. Brooklyn Standard-Union. Strange as it may seem, the path to civiliza tion, and to all greatness, in commerce, educa tion, art literature and science, wbich the world now enjoys, bas lain through military achievement Is not the action of the War Department in enlisting certain of the Indian tribes as soldiers, and more recently of assign ing an army officer to drill and bring under dis cipline tbe "friendlies" at the Pine Ridge agency, really the first practical step toward settling our Indian problems by beginning tbe civilization of the Indian la tbe most practical way? Tbe Indian's highest conception of manhood is tbe warrior, and if be can be taught, as he evidently can, that the disciplined warrior is higher than tbe undisciplined and savage one, the rest of the lesson will be easy, until in time be will arrive at that stage where the soldier Is subordinated to tbe more peaceful occupations of civilized life. A BARKEEPER'S PET HAT. It Knows Its Owner's Property and Takes Care of It Birmingham, Ala., Jan. IS. Captain Riley, a barkeeper at a fashionable saloon in this city, bas made a pet of a large rat which lives under the floor. Every day when the Captain Is on duty the big rat will come out of bis hole for a lunch. Riley saves a few scraps for the rat for wbich the rodent expresses its thanks by blinking its little red eyes. Tbe rat will put Its head up through its hole, which Is behind the bar, and take a cautious look around. If one of tbe other barkeepers is on duty the rat goes back, out if it sees the smiling face of Itileyit comes boldly forth and devours tbe remnants of the Captain's luncb. A few nights ago three silk umbrellas were left In tbe saloon over night one of tbem be ing tbe property of Riley. The next morning two of tbe umbrellas were found cut to pieces by tbe rat but Riley's was untouched. His pet rat had recognized and spared his property. A BABY'S GOOD LUCK. Being Left on a Door Step, It Is Adopted by the House Occupants. READING, Jan. 18. When Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Scblenker, of 343 Schuylkill avenue. returned home last evening after a call at a neighbor's, tbey found a basket on the door step. Tbey carriea it into tne bouse, and alter removing a number of articles of infant cloth ing tbey found cuddled up under them a girl baby about 6 months old. Thiv called in tbeir neighbors and made In quiries In all directions to flnu uut where it,, came iroiu. lui. vuum i;ci uo cine to its identity. Having no children of their own, they bave concluded to adopt it The Uoming of the Kendals. On Monday next Mr. and Mrs. Kendal, two particularly distinguished exponents of high comedy, will make their first appearance in Pittsburg at the Bijou Theater. The repertoire for tbe week will be "The Ironmaster," "A Scrap of Paper" and "The Queen's Snilling." The sale of seats begins to-morrow morning, something wbich is not ofen dono at the Bijou. A Guarantee of Peace. New York World..) Tt.would be well if this unprecedented win ter In Europe -could treez up ths armies so tbat they could not thaw out la the spring. CDRI0DS CONDENSATIONS. ; It costs W cents to rnn a train a mile ia England. Telephones are now being introduced on board men-of-war. A Wichita man offers the Government a big price for Alaska. The daily surplus of births over deaths in the United Kingdom is tSOO. Cork, iisunk20feetin the ocean, will notnseon account of the pressure of tho water. A society has been formed in England to abolish capital punishment for female mur derers. Women of fortune are starting the fash Ion of carrying a purse and card-case set in dia monds. Cigarette smoking has become alarm ingly prevalent among Boston's fashionable) women. Some New Tork mothers have organized a school at which their children are taught good manners. A prophet has arisen who says that tba world will be densely overcrowded before it is ax) years older. A horse died the other day at Atchison of lockjaw. A dozen or more nails were found in tbe teet ot tho animal. Cincinnati has passed an ordinance pro hibiting experiments in mesmerism ana hypno tism within the city limits. A London matrimonial agent boasts of having arranged 40,000 marriages between mem bers of all classes of society. Athletic girls have a tendency to swing their arms when walking and to Inflate the chest in a ridiculous manner. A Kansas statesman who wants to suc ceed Senator lngalls blew his nose on a napkin at a Topeka hotel tbe otber day. The fad of the hour at Grant's Pass, Ore., is to watch the salmon go over the fish ladder at tbe dam in Rocne river. Some of the possibilities for' crime offered by 'the practice of mesmerism or hypnotism, as it is now the fashion to call it- were shown recently in "ans, wben a nypnoust secured a check for 10,000 francs from tbe victim. It is claimed for the State of Missouri that she has three of the largest springs iu tba world. One in Dent county is so large tbat it was proposed to supply tbe whole city ot St. Loafs with Its water by running an aqueduct from its neighborhood to tbe city reservoir. It has been estimated that the recent Australian stnkes cost the colonies there over 1,250,000 sterling. Tbe loss to labor in Victoria. New South Wales and South Australia is reck oned at 949,000, to trade at 305,000, and to tba State, in maintenance of military and police and loss .ot wbarfage and customs due, at 80,000. The fastest mile a single man has trav eled by various methods of locomotion is, to date, as follows: Swimming, 26:52: walking, C23;bow shoes. 6:3! rowing. Sail: running, 4:19K; tricycle, 1:43 2-o: bicycle, 2:29 4-5; skating, 2:12 i-S; trotting horse, 2.-03; running horse, 1:35; railroad train, 40K seconds; balloon, pneu matic tubo and electricity records are yet to bo made. , The people at Hssexville, Mich., got all mixed up in their notions of the Indian war and decided tbey were needed ont West to help kill off a few squaws and red children; so a man organized a company of 50 volunteers and has been drilling them daily, awaiting a reply to a letter to General Miles offering to coma to bis rescue at once. The General is silent upon the offer. 'A little boy in TJtica thought it would be a pleasant amusement to play being a letter carrier. He accordingly secured, secretly a bundle of old love letters that bis mother had kept since her courtship days, and distributed tbem from bouse to bouse throughout tba neighborhood. Wbat befell Tommy when bis enterprise was discovered can be readily imagined. A strolling surveyor happened along to a certain farm bouse in Illinois and offered to run tbe farm lines for S3. He was put to work, and he found the lines all wrong and got seven farmers into fights and lawsuits be fore the county surveyor came along and dis covered that tbe stroMer couldn't run a straight line for 20 rods -o save his neck. Tben be strolled again. A "poor white trash" girl from the mountains of North Carolina was received by a Raleigh lady into her home for training. Sba was taught at first to be orderly; second to be clean, and tbtrd to be near. Suddenly sba lied to ber monntain home. Tbe ladv found ber tbere. "Why did von leave me?" she asked. "War, Mis' Blank. I jnst couldn't stay. I was just cloyed with neatness." A man who was in tbe car with Sitting Bull wben the latter set out upon his first rail way ride, which was from Bismarck to Wash ington, says the chief shivered and gazed about In wonder as the cars fie w over the rails. "Tho train is running very fast," said a sentleman present. "Umph," replied Sitting Bull, looking out of tha window. "Fire wacon stay still. White man's medicine make earth move heap fast." It has been thought that lightning could not strike a train. Tbe theory has received a complete contradiction. At Discbau. Prussia, an express train running at tbe rata of 60 kilo meters per bour into tbe station, broke down tbe buffing apparatus, r,n Into the interior facade of the station, and broke up against a neigbboring bouse. An investigation estab lished tbat tbe accident is to be attributed to tba effect of lightning, wbich fell upon tbe train. John Bull has the smallest, most heterogenous and least efficient army of any of tbe great powers, and yet it costs tbe most, tba snug sum of S177,00u,0CO annually. His sum total of regulars, volunteers, militia, etc., is 76iC00. Tha German army costs Slb7.00Q.00O. and tba French $140,000,000. and each of tbem could put in the field within tba 21st day of mobilization 2,000,000 men and about 4,000 field guns. Witbin tbat time England could not muster mora than one complete army corps. The Atlanteans, a mystic organization recently formed at New Orleans with tba pur pose of adding to the pleasures of tbe carnival, bas issued invitations for their inaugural ball and tabaleaux February 3. Tba artist's skill has been called into requisition and the band some missive conveys an idea of the beauties Atlantis and bis court will unfold in tableaux. From tba unfatbomrd depths wbere Atlantis, the lost continent, lies submerged, comes At lanta on his tbrone surrounded by bis cavaliers and born upon the wings of thought, and mid the wonders of the deep and the beauties of bis realm he holds nigh revel to which his loyal subjects are accorded welcome. LAUGHING GAS. "I'm short," this was his cry through lifej And even at bis death. Tbe doctors, after wordy strife. Declared blm short of breath. Washington Pott, Tbe man who lost his money is in a post tlon to denounce prize flghtlns and Us attendant immorality. Sem Orleans Ficagvne. Little Jenks It is astonishing that yon girls will let yourselves bs squeezed In tight cor sets. Katie Why, If I refused, George, you know you wouldn't like it, English Exchange. Among the newest designs in jewelry is a delicate and dainty lace pin of precious stones shaped and arranged In the exacl outline of an In terrogation point. Its use, as may easily bo in ferred, is to enable bashful men to pop the ques tion without tbe embarrassment of speech. Set Xork Telegram. "How cold is it, Mickey?" "Twenty de grees Fahrenheit." "Well, who asked about the foreign heat? What Is it la American heat?" Buffalo Express. Highwayman (to deaf individual) Money oryour life. .... .. ' Dear Individual (In carriage with wlTe)-What's that? MoneT or my wife. Well, then, take my nUe.-i'oreign newspaper. "I want to see some of your bicycles for ladles," said the Boston girl. This Is tbe finest in the market," said tha salesman. -You mast be mistaken," said tbe customer, "It has no side-saddle." Kew Xork Sua, A suburban young lady had occasion to telephone down town to tbe family physician. ' Come up this afternoon, doctor," sba spok into the microphone, "brother bas a pain ia hit right ear." "A pain" repeated tbe physician. "Yea, a pain In his right ear." "A pain right here? Why, miss, you don't think I can see by telephone, do you?" Cincin nati Post. t & "Bring yonr umbrella," called Mrs. Brinkly tahcrbnsband, the otber Sunday, as she' waited at the door for blm to goto church. ' "Who's going to preach?" ho called back from upstairs. t. i "Our regular preacher.1 "Is that so? Wei). I nets wa won't need sat. - . umbrella. ; Ttxat Sitings . jfaf .? jy
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers