I jt Mte Bi$paf rg. ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 8, 1848. Vol. 48, iso. 10. Entered at Plttsburjtrostomce, November 11. lib.", as second-class matter. Business Office Corner Smithfleld and Diamond Streets, News Booms and Publishing House 75, 77 and 79 Diamond Street. KAhTKKS ADVERTISING OFFICE. BOOM SI, TRIBUNE BUILDING, NEW YOKK. -where complete flies of THE DISPATCH can always be lound. Foreign advertisers appreciate the con venience, llome advertisers and friends of THE DISPATCH, vhlle in New York, are also made welcome. THE DISPATCH u regularly on sale at Jtrentaiiti's, S Union Square. Jfew York, and 17 Are. de rOpeia, Pat is, France, where anyone uho has been disappointed at a hotel news stand can obtain it. TERMS or THE DISPATCH. TOSTAGE FREE IX THE C2JITED STATES. Daily D'SFatch. One Tear S a 00 Daily Dispatch, Per Quarter 1 00 Daily Dispatch, One Month TO Daily D-spatch, Including Sunday, lyear. 30 00 Daily Dispatch, lncludincSunday,3m'ths 2 60 Daily Dispatch. Including Sunday, lin'th SO SCXDAY Dispatch, One Year 150 AVelklt Dispatch, One Year 1 25 The DaiiV Dispatch Is delivered by carriers at rieentsper-neek, or lncludinc Sunday edition, at II cents per-.wcek. PITTSBURG. TUESDAY, FE& 17, 1S9L SENATOR QUAY'S DENIAL. Senator Quay has denied the charges which have been made against him, declar ing then to be malicious falsehoods, one and all. The Dispatch presents, this moraine, the speech as made by Mr. Quay in the Senate. At the outset the Senator says that since Alexander Hamilton was hunted to death no one in public lire has been pursued so persistently and malignant ly as himself. "While under pressure he re fused to say anything, but now, when there is no politieAl battle going on and friends and enemies are in judicial frame of mind, he thinks is the time for the statement which he has m.ade. He first takes up the charge that, at some time, or continuously from 1879 to 1882, he used money of the State of Pennsylvania for speculative, or private purposes. He admits that during this period he was en gaged in stock operations and in some of these was associated with a gentleman who -was at that time cashier of the State Treas ury. These speculations proved seriously disastrous and ne was compelled to pay a portion of his associate's losses as well as his own; in doing this it became necjssary to supply an alleged deficit in the treasury; to do this he had borrowed 5100,000 fron Senator Cameron, every dollar of whith has since been paid. But Mr. Quay deni-s any knowledge of the deficit or of the use cf State funds until he and his associate had cached a settlement of their joint losses. Secondly, he denies the use of any public mone;s for the purchase of stock of a Chi cago street railway. He bought stock of that ompany with money borrowed from the Peple's Bank, of Philadelphia, on his own cdlateral. Thinly, the collateral charge that he de fraudei, or attempted to defraud, the widow of a deeased friend, in this transaction is denied iositively and a gentleman named who cattestify to the truth of the denial. Fouruly, he refers to his action as a mem ber of tie Board of Pardons; denies any imprope motives and says the people of Pennsylvania were fully familiar with this action be'ore he was elected State Treasurer, or TJnitei States Senator, Fifthly the charge that he attempted to secure th pardon of Lynch by threats is branded s a "lie, for which there was never the shadov of a foundation." He then passes on to the denial of the "nebulous charges" of corruption as a member oithe Legislature; the charge that he attempted to bribe an internal revenue officer; thahewas paid 580,000 to secure amendmea of the high license law, and finally the charge that he had, "in some niysteriousmanner," defeated the amend ment to theConstitution of the State pro hibiting tht manufacture and sale of liquors. All of theseare denied absolutely. A little li;ht is thrown on some of the loose mcthois which have prevailed in this State, espechlly about Harrisburg, for loose methods hare prevailed. Senator Quay speaks only .or himself. It is now in order for those who originally made the charges against Qua; to repeat them, in detail, with whatever of rroof may seem expedient. It will then be .n order for Senator Quay to sue for libe, as, in a special telegram to The Dispatch this morning, it is in timated he w.ll. This will bring the matter where the evidence, pro and con, may be given under oath and all the facts brought out This is tie only just course. Senator Quay should tither be vindicated that all may be sure o: his innocence, or he should be convicted for the public benefit There is no half-way course admissable. Pending ihe further course of events, the public can afford to suspend its judgment for a few days. In the meanwhile, interest is now so profoundly aroused that the whole proof must be brought out. THE TKIDCTE TO SHERMAN'. The public will unite in indorsing the ac tion of the Mayors of the two cities and the leading members of theG. A. R, and Union Veteran Legion, in requesting that this com munity be given an opportunity to pay a last tribute to the memory of General Sher man as his remains pats through the city on the nay to their final resting place. X o city in the country will more feelingly show honor and love for the dead hero than Pittsburg; and none of the nation's great men would at their death command a more universal tribute of love and respect Pitts burg during the war was constant in its support of the Government and in its care for the soldiers. It will now prize the op portunity to show that its old sentiments re main unchanged, in giving the last testi mony to the greatness and patriotism of the dead General. It is to be hoped that the arrangements of the funeral party will permit our citiiens to uuite in this final act of homage to the last of the great Union commanders. THE DANGER OF THE CUFFS. A rock loosened by the rains from the cliffs above the Panhandle road on tbe Southside yesterday dashed into a passing train and crushed the life out of a young girl who a short time before had left her home for the city lull of hope for the future. The warning of danger in this tragic event is emphasized by the fact that a very nar row escape was had by a train on the Port Wayne road Saturday night from a whole- bale disaster by a similar slide ol rocks from the cliff just below Emsworth. In this case tbe engineer saw the fall of rocks just iti time to apply tbe brakes and render the col lision harmless. The protection of trains from danger of falling masses dislodged by rains from the hills along which our railroads must run is iiiji ftrnWijriiiriiii jn-.s.'-- extremely difficult But it is no less evi dent that the peril is grave. It is also per tinent that the fatality from this source did not occur without previons warnings. The necessity exists not only for a careful watch but of active engineering work, as the safety of suburban railway travel is of primary importance both to the puolic and the rail way companies. No expense that is neces sary to fully remove danger ought to out weigh it FATTlSONS FRESIDENTAI. BOOMERS. The wideawake New York correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Mr. L. N. Megargee, informs that journal that the man nowmost talked of in New York as a possible Presidental candidate, is our own Governor. The well-known qualities which would give a Pattison boom strength are fully set forth, his strong hold on various classes fully ex ploited, and finally the following extremely sanguine view of what Governor Pattison might accomplish as a Presidental candidate is given: As stronc a Republican as Senator George Handy Smith said the strongest thing concern ing Pattison's political possibilities I hare ever beard. It was the day after the defeat of Delamater. Said the Senator: "If the Demo crats only knew It they have in attison a Presidental candidate very difficult to defeat It is not impossible that if he were nominated he would carry Pennsylvania. Why do I say so? Because the Republican party in the fight which they have just lost id this State ex hausted every resource in Its power to bring abont the election of Mr. Delamater. It could not have done more in a Presidental contest, and If Pattison can win under those conditions how could we prevent him from carrying the State if the Democrats were to name him for the Presidency!" The constant desire of The Dispatch is to see both parties put up their best men for high office. It regards with favor the recognition of Governor Pattison as one of the most promising men among the Dem ocrats. The characteristics which have en abled him to win three hard fought cam paigns in Republican strongholds would at least require the best nomination the Re publicans could make to offset him. His proof of adminiptrative ability in office, his demonstration of independence, his unsullied integrity and his constant opposition to cor poration encroachments would give him great strength with the people all over the country. When, however! this is said it is necessary to correct any intimation that Governor Pattison could carry Pennsylvania as a Presidental candidate in 1892. If such representatives of stalwart Republicanism as Senator George Handy Smith and the es teemed Inquirer had any idea that he could, the last thing they would do would be to inform the Democracy of their belief. Pattison's success heretofore has been due to the fact that in the campaigns he has won it has been possible to keep national issues out of them. In the last campaign there was a strenuous attempt to make peo ple believe that the tariff would be affected by his election. This had some effect in cutting down his majority; but the obvious fact that as Governor he could not control a single vote in Congress on the tariff bill, permitted his election on purely State issues. But if he were running for Presi dent the case would be reversed. It would be impossible to avoid the force of the argu ment that his election wonld have a direct and controlling influence on the tariff. The man who sincerely believes that any candidate can bring into the field such per sonal strength as to induce a majority of Pennsylvania voters to vote for him as a candidate opposed to protection does not know Pennsylvania. A very fair indication of what is to be expected can be obtained by comparing Pattison's majority of 1882 with that of 1890. In the former year, when the tariff was nos a leading issue in national politics, he had 42,000 votes more than a moderately creditable Republican candi date. In 1890, when the tariff was promi nent in the election of Congressmen, it af fected the vote for Governor so as to cut down his majority to 18,000. If he should come before the people as the Democratic Presidental candidate, his personal popu larity might cut down the nominal Republi can majority of 80,000 to 50,000 or 60,000; but nothing is more certain than that citizens who voted for him last year would change their votes, where the tariff was directly at stake, to a degree to entirely extinguish his majority. In the interest of a correct understanding of the case, the Democrats should beware of such a tribute from the Greeks, as Senator George Handy Smith's alleged opinion that Pattison might carry Pennsylvania. He would have no more chance of it than of fly ing over the moon. THE SLAUGHTER IN THE MINES. Another gas explosion in one of the mines of the Connellsville coke region; another burning mine from which egress is cut off and four more lives sacrificed, is the melancholy tale of the report to be found elsewhere. The almost constant recurrence of these disasters is an awful endorsement of tbe ne cessity of constant and increased precautions in the mines. Yet there is the danger that their frequency may so accustom the public mind to their horrors as to dull the demand for more stringent regulation. The disaster of yesterday following those at the Mam moth and Farm Hill mines, is enough to arouse inquiry whether some unestimated subterranean forces have not increased tbe generation of gases in the Connellsville region, making mines heretofore considered safe, traps in which men are killed by ex plosions or doomed to the more painful death by burning. At all events it is demonstrated that the usual precautions are not adequate to pre vent disaster. While the early reports may not be sufficiently accurate to warrant definite conclusions as to yesterday's calam ity, there seems to be a general agreement that the explosion was caused by the death dealing naked lamp. With constant loss of life produced by this dangerous imple ment, tbe conclusion is indisputable that its use, except under the clearest proof of the absence of all danger, should be stringently prohibited. NASBYS OF TO-DAT. The late D. R. Locke won a national reputation 23 years ago by the portrayal in misspelled literature of the views in politics held by an old Bourbon Democrat The characteristic of his opinions was that they revolved about what to him was the central point, the possession of the postoffice. It is an instructive example of the persistence of a universal human quality that exactly the same quality of Kasbyism is now rampant in Republican circles of Boston. The organs and leaders of Republicanism in that center of culture-are now agitated with the conviction that unless they can get hold of the postoffice the Republican administra tion will be a hollow mockery. The recognition of tbe supreme criterion of the postoffice spoils in politics is made emphatic by this case. General Corse was appointed by Cleveland not as a politician but as a reformer. Jacksonian Democrats denounced the appointment as a surrender to mugwumpery, in placing the qualifies-. tion of the appointee above the supreme duty of ladling out the pap to workers. The results in actual dispatch of business have been such that the business interests of Boston are urging his reappointment The civil principle which the Republican platform so boldly declared tends the same way. Beyond that the principle which the Republican party enacted into law years ago, that with equal qualifications the preference in appointments shall be given to veterans of the war, is clearly on the side of General Corse. But all of these are of no weight in the scales against the principles of Kasbyism, which cause the organs to cry alond that nothing must be left undone to avert the evil of not getting the Republican politicians into the postoffice. Business in terests, reform principles and the professed love for the soldier are nothing. The de sire of Petroleum V. Nasby to write post master after bis signature is the ruling pas sion. The Nasbys of Boston may or may not get hold of the postoffice of that city; but they will succeed in showing that Locke's satire was nothing more than commonplace fact beside their views of politics. THE JOHNSTOWN LOAN. Members of the Legislature are said to be in great doubt whether the bill for the reim bursement of Mr, Kemble is constitutional, but they prefer to put the responsibility on Governor Pattison. This may be a per fectly proper proceeding. If it is plainly unconstitutional tbe Governor will veto it And then, how will Mr. Kemble get his money? The better way to have disposed of this matter would have been by the calling of an extra session of the Legislature at the time of the flood. That is easily seen now. But there were difficulties at the time. It would seem that there should be some con stitutional way of repaying a loan made under such circumstances. The action of certain young women who refused to appear in tights in a new perform ance of "Pinafore" is criticized as false mod esty by tbe New York JZvenins Sun. It may have been false modesty, but it was good dra matic j augment "Pinafore" won tbe applause of the amusement-loving world without resort ing to the all-pervading tights. The manager who wonld wreck tbe music of the sailors' chorus by resorting to the meretricious device of young women sailors with a generous dis play of form, displays his ignorance of the qualities which won the Gilbert and Sullivan operas tbelr popularity. It has again been discovered that the English navy is worthless.. Still, it will hardly be discreet to twist the leonine tail too reckless ly or to challenge tbe worthless fleets to try con clusions with the alleged defenses of our sea coast citios. It is referred to as an example of "the perfection attained by the modern science of Wall street rumor mongering" that Jay Gould on his Southern trip was shadowed by a spy in the pay of the bear combination, who was charged with the duty of telegraphing North any unfavorable news about the health of the railway king. And It is also an example of tbe value of the information obtained by the scien tific system which resorts to spies that this particular shadow, when he did not have any unfavorable news to te!:graph. did his best to earn his salary by manufacturing the news. If that promise of putting the wires un der ground within a year, which was heard last year in Pittsburg, were fulfilled our city would get ready to hold a May pole dance around the poles on every block in the city. It is somewhat stunning to read in a re view of Meissonier's death by Theodore Child, that "Meissonier's funeral was a failure, and from the scenical and cynical points of view his death was not a success." Tbe inference that tbe Parisian undertakers did not get tbe great painter decently Interred is duly cor rected in the context But it remains to be said that if bis death and funeral were so de void of snecess, Meissonier would probably be glad of a chance to try it over again by the ligbt of experience. An English socialist says that the trouble with this country is that there is not enough discontent Consequently he will try. to make up the lack by being discontented over tbe ab sence of discontent That Indiana anti-Trust bill which pro vides fine and imprisonment for getting up such combinations is denounced by the Boston Traveller as "demagogical,"wlth the further re mark that it would punish membership in labor unions. Which naturally provokes the ie mark that if it did so it wonld be the reverse of demagogical and the esteemed Traveller would be enthusiastically in favor of it Sib John Macdonald's idea that the United States wants to bo annexed to Canada is a grievous error, of which tbe honorable Bar onet should speedily free himself. A Florida farmer has written to the President demanding that he be made Secre. tary of the Treasury. His claim to the position is the same that is urged on behalf of numer ous eminent statesmen who were struck by the recent elections. He is out of a job. Both the Democratic Governors of Hew York and Pennsylvania are perfectly willing to let it be a long time between declarations on the silver coinage question. There are indications that the bananas, oranges, picnics and other semi-tropical fruits which Colonel Pat Donan was producing out In North Dakota have been sadly nipped by re cent blizzards. Further products in that line are suspended until next winter. That cold wave which is promised for to-day cannot come to time too promptly to suit tbe yearnings of the people for relief from tbe reign of mud. "A COMIC opera composer has five wives, all living," remarks tbe Philadelphia J'ress. And yet it was supposed such things were con fined to Mormonism and Mahommedauism, neither of which sects have yet been known to produce any comic opera. NEVER EXCITED. A California Man Wanted a Divorce Be- cause of Cruelty. Alta California. The divorce salt of Abraham Maurice against Yetta Maurice was on trial before Judge Troutt yesterday. The complaint alleges ex treme crnelty as a cause for separation. The plaintiff while on the stand yesterday, by his manner of answering the questions pro pounded, afforded considerable amusement to a large number of spectators. He said his wife was "awful cruel," that she on one occa sion chased him around the house with a hatchet "And, Judge," continued the witness, "I was so frightened I did not know what to do. I got excited for tbe first time in my life. Judge, and nearly jumped out of the window. I ran toward the window, and and I nearly jumped out" well, did you jump out?"askea the attorney for tbe wife. "No. jou bet 1 didn't I only threw my grip sack out." "W as that all of that trouble?" "Yes, that was all there was that day." "When was the next tronmer The next morning. Just after we got up, Yetta, she get mad again and say she throw me out We run round, and round, and ronnd, and I could not cct out, but she couldn't catch me." "Did you get excited on tbat occasion?" "Ob, no. I never cet excited only that once, when I nearly jump out of the window." "What do von do when your wife chases you and says she'will throw yoo out?" "I ifon't do nothing. 1 runs and gets out quick." The examination continued for some time, but nothing more definite in support of tbe charge of cruelty was obtained as far as the taking of testimony had proceeded up to the .time oi adjournment. THE PITTSBUJRG- DISPATCH, SNAP SHOTS IN SEASON. More effort is made by men and women to stand among tbe elect on earth than the elect in heaven. Were you ever confined to a room on a rainy, winter day? If you ever suffered the tortures of slow convalescence during the sun less season of course you know how it feels. But you of the whole and healthy class yon who bave never tasted vile doses, been smarted by strong plasters, stung by sharp knives, racked by sharp pains, tortured by sore swell ings don't know what suffering in this world really means. The invalid indoors smiles at the sun just like the well ones out of doors. So, too, is be depressed by the clouds ind the rain, the dark and tbe damp. So he sits and sighs through tbe sluggish hours. On the panes the diamond drops beat and flatten. They seem to be cut in two by the contact and chase each other downward to spread out on the sash and form a tiny stream streetward. The sooty specks which float on Its silvery, rope-like bosom are tossed and lost just like the craft on the treacherous current of tbe big stream that washes tbe living walls of the world. And how the big drops overtake the little drops, and devour, obliterate, overcome them, just like the big eat up, crush, over power the little in tbe battle that will never end until the secret is revealed. Then tbe wind shifts, tbe patter changes, and the pure pellets, which througn the panes look like tiny ropes of liquid silver, beat a newer song. Plaintive chords grow fierce under the short lived gust, and cry out under the wild lashing, while the stream formed on the sash swells and speeds on, like a river at full flood, sweeping off all in its ruthless riot Then it in the rain seems to pierce tbe panes and throw showers of mist In your tired eyes. You look as through a veil sprinkled with diamond dnst The honse across the way seems farther off, and redder in tbe somber staining shadows. Does run closer to the wait Women pull their bedraggled skirts closer and shout fiercely to the children playing in the puddles. Men run against each other and don't stop to apologize. The wires strung to the tall poles down which dust-fllled rivulets of rain run look like an endless chain of polished steel beads. Smoke strnggling from chimneys is beat down and flattened into clouds that hide the soot-stained pots. Wet and cheerless out shadowy and damp within. So you sit and see the drops drown each other on the window ledge and wait for a rift In the cloud and a glint that will transform the silvery drops into liquid gold. The flying machine men will probably take a fly in Wall street before they venture into the azure The game of forfeits seems to be popular in petty criminal circles. We don't want Canada. The weather went down to 21 below zero there the other day. She's too chilly. McKinley was a martyr to duty, at all events. The Berlin man who advertised for a wife and got a letter from his mother in Amer ica sensibly decided tbat she was safer than a mother law. Monet is the only thing that talks in a speak-easy. People who set snares for the unwary in the cities are frequently caught in the police nets. A Knotty Problem. Only a ribbon blue, well worn, Tied in a woman's way; Did you a dainty Miss adorn, Or deck out a Maiden grey T Surely the fingers that knotted you so Must have been taper or wrinkled, I know. Were you discarded, cast aside. Merely a coquette's toy T Did your lost luster shock her pride t Did your frayed ends annoy T Perhaps you were lost as she sped along. To be torn and soiled by the passing throng.. Only a ribbon blue, well worn. But not on neck or hair Wero you by Miss or Maiden borne. Else you would Btill be there. I'll make a guess, back it with a quarter. That you have done service as a garter t When it comes to scandals that are scandals, London and Berlin can give Paris a pat band and win out easily. The cry of labor seems to be smothered in the committee rooms of National and State capitols. The lymph of kindness will cure some griefs. BLANK astonishment is writ on the faces of those who miss the winning numbers in the lottery. Sentiment that spares murderers and acquits criminals proves that tbe heart can turn the head. Why is a pickpocket like a gunsmith ? Because be rifles pockets. The great profits of railroading come to th surface when a magnate goes to his fathers. The stockholders seldom make a mill. Politicians snap their fingers at a vote of censure after securing the votes necessary to elect them. The Economite banquet Sunday seems to bave been a swell affair. Dried apples were on the bill of fare. The baseball men seem with the King of Misrule. to be in League Cal Brice is going heavily into the South American steamship business. Now look out for a flood of watered stock. The only lawmakers doing real work at Washington and Harrisburg are those who be long to the steering section called the lobby. The only tramps in made by the feet. Pittsburg are those Discbeet folk never have a secret to tell or a prediction to venture. Water promises to cause more trouble in Allegheny than alcohol. The coquette lives in a fool's paradise, but when she reaches for the fruit she finds her bands full of ashes. The opera singer who reaches the high notes must have a soar throat Senator Quay is going fishing and his son Dick is going with him, . presumably to cut bait. One draws pay from Uncle Sam and tbe other from the Commonwealth. Some public offices are private snaps. When the next campaign arrives those who are roasting Don Cameron will not want to look backward. Some military commanders get more glory by leaning on their staff than wielding their sword. When the cruel baseball war is over the mosquitoes will appear. Pity the sorrows of a Lieague city. Most girls prefer male companions with engaging qualities. Why is religion like paper money? Be cause it is divided into several denominations. Every time Jay Gould gobbles a railroad tbev say he is ill. It's enough to make any man feel the pangs of indigestion. The fellow at the top of the heap thinks a heap of himself. Willie Winkle. An Evening nf Pleasure. Aliqulppa Council No. 67, Jr. O. U. A. M., beld an entertainment at Enterprise Hall, Mc Kee's Rocks, last nigbt A largo audience listened appreciatively to a lengthy yet enter taining programme of music and literature. Chief Marshal T. J. Morley. of the coining paraaOi-maue-iuv upeuiuji auuxesa. m, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY OUR MAIL POUCH. The Coming Canadian Election. To the Editor of Tbe Dispatch: Dear Sir I have been very much amused in reading the long letter by your very American correspondent at Montreal, on what be is pleased to term tbe "great crisis in Canadian history." The wish in his case is evidently father to tbe thought only let him possess his soul in patience until after the 5th of March, and then see what sort of a figure the Ameri can colony in Canada (said to be 70,000) and tbe few annexationists and other traitors will then cut at tbe polls. Annexation is just about as probable for us as it is for New England to apply again for po litical admission to the Dominion of Canada. (Maine did make such an application.) The United States is not onr best market by any means. Statistics will show this. Wo are simply competitors living happily and prosper ously under a tariff over 50 per cent lower than yours. What a glorions privilege the prospect of having our taxes more than doubled by our very disinterested Yankee friends at Washing ton, and for what? A share in tbe privileges of general competition with;our Yankee cousins from New York, Pennsylvania, etc. Your cor respondent says there are only three courses open to ns: Tbe first and second we now hold practically, the third, contains very little honey for us. Tbe letter of "Engineer," In same issne, on Canadian ship railroads, when relieved of the usual amount of spread-eagleism, simply means tbat there is more enterprise to the square inch (in proportion to population) In Canada to-day than in this country. Look at all the great works, bridges, tunnels, canals, eta, between the 'Soo and tbe sea," and Canadians have no reason to feel ashamed of themselves. Yours, etc., Montreal Elector, (Who will be on hand on the 5th.) Pittsbtjrg, Feb. 18. Abont the Tax System. To the Editor of The Dispatch: A few years ago I was In a town in the "Wild and Woolly West" in which a great commotion was caused through the biting of a child by a mad or angry dog. The child was taken sick and had convnlsions, though whether cansed by the bite of the dog or from eating green apples was never fully determined. However, the citizens were aroused, a meeting was called and a proposition made to kill all the does in tbe township. Bnthow? They could not in vade a man's castle and destroy his private property, so the wise heads took council and decided to put a tax of J5 on every dog then owned within the corporation limits, and it worked welt It worked as all taxes save one does work, in the restriction or diminution of the article taxed, whether it be a yellow dog. a mechanic's home or a fine business block, in deed this law of high taxes and restricted augmentation is like unto the laws of tba Medes and Persians, for it has never changed. And now to my moral. In Saturday's issue of your paper these inspired words occnr: "There is a lack of judgment in a tax system which dis courages improvement of real estate." Wbat made you spoil tbe fine effects of the above by by adding the following: "But the experience of the past few years in this city does not look as if tbe bulldingindustry had been entirely choked off by our tax sys tem." But it has, Mr. Editor, not entirely, but to at least SO per cent You must remember that Pittsburg is a very wealthy city one of the wealthiest in the United States in proportion to population, Onco remove the taxes on improve ments on industry and its effects on Pitts burg would be marvelous. There would be no 1,000 houses on 840,000 lots, as can be seen all over your big city to day. Instead there would spring up fine structures on every hand. Ten bonses wonld be erected where there is now one; 60 mechanics would find profitable employment where one is needed to-day, and your city would soon be one ot magnificence as well as thrift I wish you wonld reprint that little squib about Franklin's watch in this (Sunday's) edition, using tbe deadly parallel, and putting in your second column the facts about that piece of property which was worth 81,200 50 years ago, but which "now represents a small fortune." Give us the full facts, and tell us whether it was tbe land or tbe buildings that has caused it to multiply so rapidly in value. Dollars to doughnuts tbat the improvements, tbe bondings, the labor expended upon it does not represent 1,200, which would of course make the "small fortune" represent the "un earned increment" W. H. STABKEY. Pittsburg, Feb. 15. tfBOMIKENT PEOPLE. Queen Victoria will not visit Florence, Italy, this year, as proposed, on account of the unhealthy condition of that city. The Emperor of Austria sent the German Empress a diamond set which cost 115,000 as a gift in celebration of her infant's christening. Mrs. John Elliott (better known to the literary world as Maud Howe) is under stood to be writing a play for Richard Mans field. The Marquis di Rudini, the new Italian Premier, is a Sicilian, 58 years old, tall, strong ly built, and with a full flowing beard tbat makes his appearance the more striking. Mr. and Mrs. Riser Haggard, who left their little bunch of three children behind them in London while they pushed their way into Mexico, will have the misfortune to learn that one of them died last Wednesday. David B. Hill's seat in the Senate will be the one directly behind Senator Gorman's. His right-band and left-hand neighbors will bo Senators Daniel and Colquitt. Tbe seat has been occupied for a dozen years past by Senator Wade Hampton. Robert Buchanan, the poet, novelist and reviewer, was a poor Scotch village boy a score of years ago, withont fame or fortune, or prospects of either. The success he has had in literature has been won by hard work and merit, but to-day be is one of tbe foremost men in London literature life. General Sherman was about the only one of the more famous Union commanders who lived to complete his 70th year. Grant, Sheridan, Thomas, Hancock, Meade, McClelian, Warren, McDowell, Halleck, Hooker and Burn side, all went over to the great majority before reaching three score and ten. John Baring, the first of the name in England, was tbe son of a poor minister in Bremen, Germany. He went into business in England, as a clotbmaker, 200 years ago. His son Francis became a merchant and a .member of the East India Company snd thus' laid the foundation for the fortunes of the house of Barings, now Baring Bros. Lord Tennyson is well known for his apprehension of being mobbed, and many stories are circulated in regard to tbis monomania. One in an English paper says tbat Lord Tennyson was taking a country walk with a friend, when a fellow creature was espied in the distance. "We must turn back," said the poet "that fellow means to waylay us." His companion persuaded him, however, to con tinue tbelr on path. They caught up to the enemy and passed bim. He took no notice of tbem whatever. "What an extraordinary thing," cried the irate poet "tho fellow seemsjto havo on Idea who I am!" POST-ELECTION EXPERIENCE. He Had Voted Early and Often for the Candidate of His Choice. San Francisco Call.) A recent post-election experience of Super visor Ellert is affording some little amusement for his friends. Shortly after tbe municipal election, so the story goes, the genial member from tbe Sixth ward chanced to meet an old colored man whom he had known for many years, and after greeting him Mr. Ellert said with a smile: "Well, Sam, I suppose it isn't necessary for mo to ask if you voted for me, I am sure you did." The old colored man scratched his head in a puzzled sort of way for a moment and replied with an air of hesitation: "To be honest with you, Jlr. Ellert I done vote for de uder man." "You're honest about it at any rate, and as I like candor, here is a dollar for you. Try to do better for me next time." Slowly Sam reached for the dollar, and as he beld It in bis band be scrutinized it carefully, then with a show of embarrassment said slowly: "You owes me S2 more." 'Why. how is that?" "f done vote for you three times." Sam hasn't collected tbe balance as yet or hadn't at least at last reports. DEATHS OF A DAY. Henry KuhL IBrECIAL TELEQKAM TO TBS DISPATOn.l F bxedOM, Feb. 18. Adam Euhl, of Freedom, received a letter to-day tromhls father, of Lohra, Germany, stating mat nis Brother, Henry Knhl, late or Freedom, died on the 2d Inst Mr. Kuhl left Freedom In .November, last year, to visit Dr. Koch, but when he arrived at bis old home he was not able, on account of weakness, to 6ee the ereat proiessor. Mr. Kuhl was onlyM ycar or age. Mrs. James D. Best Greensbueq, Feb. 16. Mrs. Best, wife of James D. Best, Clerk of Courts, died suddenly this morning from a hemorrhage, bhe was about 29 years old. 17, 189L MUSIC INJHE MAIN. The McCaull Company in Clover A New Soprano Kajanka's Scenic Glories Primrose and West Minstrels Variety Performances of Many Sorts. The McCaull Opera Company made its an nual appearance here last night at the Grand Opera Honse before a large but painfully chilly audience. The opera chosen for the oc casion was Von Sunpe's "Clover," tbe best ot that composer's works, in our opinion, and certainly tbe most popular in America. "Clover" has been performed once, if not twice before, in Pittsburg by the McCaull Opera Company, and its merits have been pointed out in tbese columns before. Tbe great good quality which the opera possesses is its general melodiousness. There are tbree or four, per haps halt a dozen, of tbe songs tbat are really charming. The plot is of tbe weakest al though tbe sentimental love story on wbich it tnrns is pretty enough. Like most imported operas the libretto is simply worthless abso lutely and minutely silly and vacuous. What fun and wit there are in the dialogue got there throngb De Wolf Hopper in tbe first place, and Digby Bell in the second. That tbe comic ele ment is as strong as it Is is merely a testimony to the cleverness of tbese two comedians. Last nigbt Digby Bell displayed his subdued and singularly original bumor in tbe part of Casiml -, and departing from tbe traditions of De Wolf Hopper who was seen here last in the character, made Casimir broadly funny In the qnietest ways. The local allusions were well conceived also, and Casimir's resolve to get wealth by "buying a poor farm and selling it to tbe city" witb 100 francs, and Westinghouse stock with the other hundred, was received with a big rouna of ap plause. A new song in the third act entitled The Potato and the Acorn," was capitally sung by Mr. Bell, and tbe contrast of tbe witty lines with the solemn air was none the less amusing, because the latter suggested tbe motive of Gounod's "Palms" quite forclblv. Tbe vocal strength of the McCaull company in its present shape is quite remarkable in tbese days of comic opera in tbe hands of farceurs. Miss Helen Bertram as Stella was a delightful revelation of a new prima donna in light opera. She sans here tbree years ago m Emma Abbott's company, but last night she appeared under far more favorable auspices. Her voice is not only beantiful in Itself, but has been excellently trained, and tbe songs in "Clover" which fall to Stella's share were rendered by Miss Bertram with exquisite feeling and no little brilliancy. Her songs were all encored. Mr, Chauncey Olcott, the tenor of the company, also made an excellent impression. The rich quality of his voice and tbe unwonted manliness which accompanied it make Mr. Olcott very valuable in such a role as Kudolph. Heis one of tbe best tenors heard here tbis year. The merry and comely Miss Annie Myers plays Fanny with the samo spirit and humor as of yore and the minor characters are competently filled. Tbe chorus is not what it should be in many respects, and apparently contains some who are not familiar with the music or business of "Clover," but tbe concerted finale of the third act and some other numbers were well sung. The orchestra was obtrusively loud at tlme3 last night Tbe audience was not demonstrative at all, and the work of tbe company deserved more applause than it obtained, although encores were plentiful. "Clover" will be repeated to night Bijou Theater. The well-known spectacular' drama "Kajanka" was reproduced at the Bijou last evening, but reproduced with such sweeping changes and improvements that it was virtually a new piece. Tbe Miller Brothers have as sumed control of "Kajanka" since its last ap pearance here, and have certainly done wonaers in tbe way of Introducing novel specialties and magnificent scenery. Tbe story of "Ka janka" is laid in ancient India but then no. boay coes to see "Kajanka" for its story. Miss Bessie Fairburn plays Electro, tbe good genius of tbe pieoe, while Miss Nellie Sennett as Beel zebubQueen of Sheol is delightfully, though very mildly diabolical. .Mr. W. Huge makes a sprightly Zamello, while Messrs. Joe Allen and R. W. Broderick, as the rival High Priests, are distinctly funny. Mr. Charles Ravel, of tbe old Ravel family, is tbe thoroughly competent clown of the pantomime part and the Mariposa dancers Imported from Lon don by the way are very pretty young ladies, and extremely graceful dancers withal. Mile. Bertotto is a winsome little maiden barely 12 years of age, bnt her dancing and quick change business are really clever. Tbe Marlams, French acrobats, furnish several very novel and difficult feats, with the farcical assistance of Charles Ravel. Tbe staging of "Kajanka" could hardly be better. All tbe scenes are new; those of the fairy grotto and the crand transformation be ing remarkably beautiful. The Duqaesne Theater. Although the Duqucsne Theater has estab lished a record for novelty and excellence in its shows, there is room to question whether the current engagement tbat of Primrose & West's minstrels fully maintains that reputa tion. In the main the show is a good one, but it is all grouped about tbe personages of Primrose, West and Dockstader, tbe latter being decidedly in tbe lead. Tbere is an absence of the "chestnut" in the funny work, but with tbe exception of that con tributed by tbe leaders, it has little recom mendation, save tbat it is new. Tbe minstrelsy opened last evening with the tbe time-honored full company olla podnds. Mr. Joseph Natns sang "Comrades" very well indeed, while Messrs. Reynolds, Davis, Natns and Garland contributed a quartet, "Annie Laurie," which was harmonious enough, but somehow knocked half the poetry out of the doar old ballad. Mr. J. Melville Jansen and tbe inimitable .Lew Dockstader were clever and comic; while George H. Primrose made rather a hit in "New Coon Done Gone," a melody of the Christy type. In "The Swell" he was also well received, and bis suit could be beard even above tbe applause. William H. West's original skit "Fun-o-graph," was amusing in the hands of George Powers, Dan Waldron and W. H. Smith. Lew Dockstader was enthusiastically applauded in "Misfits," which gave him a chance to sing several laugh able parodies in his best style. His local hits were especially well received. "Tbe "March of the Imperials," produced under Mr. W. H. West's supervision was an artistic bit of grouping; and "A Horrible Nigbt" which closed the performance was a novel scrap of negro pantomime. Harris' Theater. Tbe periodical visits of N. S. Wood to tbis house are invariably tbe signal of a big week's bnsiness. Mr. Wood comes tbis year with a play he has presented here before, with almost the same company he had last season, but the theater was packed at both performances yes terday. The scenery carried by tbe company is appropriate to the play, which Is a melodrama ol the New York slum type, and the plot wbich is, of course, a deep one, full of dire possibili ties which are always headed off by tbe hero, is well sustained. A number of specialties which are introduced assist in making tho entertain ment a great drawing card. Harry Williams' Academy. Tho Rentz-Santley Novelty and Burlesque Company reappeared at Harry Williams' Academy last evening, and were received with as much applause as on their last appearance here, a few weeks ago. Tbe "Sensation in Paradise," a spectacular burlesque in nine scenes, affords opportunity for the intro duction of capital variety artists, and a number of handsome women, who add to their natural attractiveness in being first-class performers. Jack Hustler, in pretty Nellie Wilson, got around tbe world again on time, despite the at tempts of Charles Pnsey, as an Irish Arab, to prevent bim. Tho La Porte Sisters made tbeir usual hit in medleys and songs, and Clara O'Brien and Kate Gilbert gave an exhibition of knife throwing wbich sent a thrill throngb the audience, lest the thrower should bv accident impale her partner. Tbe performances went with the usual dash char acteristic of tbe Academy performers, and was witnessed by a big house. Harry Davis' Museum. There is a fine assortment of savages at this house this week, including four Samoans and two Fijians. Tbev are decidedly interesting, thomoreso as Atafou, one of tbe Samoans, is a chief who assisted in tbe rescue of American sailors when the big storm wrecked tho men-of-war in Apia harbor March 16, 18S9. The stick danco of the Samoans is curiously skillful. The quarters for Mr. Collins, who is to begin his long fast on Thursday next, havo been fitted up comfortably in the curio ball. In tbe tbeater an amusing entertain ment of specialties is given by Professor and Madam Zera, in magic; Emma Hall, a clever dancer; William Lang, Alfred Tanner and Mackin and Curdy. The brichtest feature of the programme is Locklln's stereopticon views, awue of which illustrate episodes In the late General Sherman's life and elicited loud ap plause. World's Museum Theater. An unusually good vaudeville performance is to be found tbis week at tbis honse. The Retlaw and Alton Vaudeville Company give a varied entertainment to which Retlaw and Alton themselves contribute a new bar act and tbeir extremely amusing hat throwing. The farce comedy "Faces" 1 another humorous feature in which Wilton JUii Ni'Uoti and Miss Gerard Dgure to advantage. The heavy juggling of Audv Gaffney, the grotesque dancing of Mor ton. Reno and Mack, and Auz-iIj, the human fnrlMnraw. are worth seelne also. In the curio ball the $10,000 twins, the Martin Sisters, , and Miss Millie Owens, witb a wonderful head of Xhalr, are the principal attractions. SOCIETY IN LENT. Edmund Itossell Makes a Startling Asser tion His Views on Tinted School Rooms and Complexions Another In teresting Lecture Sequel to the Sani tary Ealr Social Chatter. Edmund Russell, in his Iectnre at the Penn sylvania College yesterday afternoon, made the rather startling assertion that every room in a young ladles' school or seminary should be tinted, in paper and furnishings, to harmonize with the complexion and the eyes of the occu pants. Tbe young lady students of tbe college who were present exchanged mischievous glauces, and then looked across at their principal, the stately Miss Pelletreau. whose kindly lace was suffused with color as sbe laughingly met tbeir gaze, and who embraced tbe opportunity offered at tbe close of the Iectnre to remark that it was hardly consistent to expect rooms to be papered and furnished for individual oc cupants, when all of such work was neces sarily completed before the opening ot tbe school year, before it was known who tbe students were to be, wbat tbeir complexions were, or wbat the color of their eyes or balr. And in concluding, Miss Pelletreau queried of Mr. Russell if, when a room was neatly papered with a modest negative paper, its beauty was enhanced in any way by promiscuous picture cards placed at various Intervals of wall, from which dangled tiny lead pencils with blue ribbon streamers, and if lawn tennis racquets gave an artistic finish to a room. This time tbe yonQg ladies' laces were sul fated, and Mr. Russell, while condemning all such "jimcracks," was a trifle disconcerted over his sweeping assertion regarding the maidenly apartments, but be compromised by saying: "Icon would permit each young lady to paper and furnish her own room according to ber necessities in coloring, would you not Miss Pelletreau?" "Certainly, I would be pleased to have each one exercise her taste in that manner." re plied tbe charming principal, realizing that sbe bad rather the better of it all aronnd, while Mr. Russell continued with a few remarks to the effect that as a school girl's room was. so would her subsequent home be, in most cases; hence it was necessary to educate ber in tbat particular, as well as in the "ologies" and sciences. A Lecture on Honse Decoration. The lecture was on house decoration and the tbe college girl constituency of tbe audience was augmented by a goodly nnmber of society ladies, whose carriages awaited outside in tbe winding driveways, and tbe drlvlngralnfall. In this lecture, as in every other given by Mr. Rus sell, harmony was the text and be commenced by relating an incident of a dear, good Massa chusetts woman, who lived in a very ancient demoralized country home, but wished to have her parlor, a south room, remodeled on itbe sum of $10. How be, being a friend of the good dame's, said: "Give me your X and 1 will see wbat I can do for you." With wall paper of a lovely russet orange color at IS cents a roll and olive green paint, tinted witb turquoise and orange, coloring tbe high, old-fashioned wains coting, and the low, irregular ceiling beams, a golden dream was realized tbat rendered the absent sunbeams in tbe shadowy room of no moment whatever. "Lincoln and His Family" and "Washington at lit, Vernon" though long used to honorary positions on tbe wall wero then discarded and In their frames, coated with colored paint was placed photographs of classical subjects. A 75 cent plaster bust was then nroenred and coated an antique russet tint, and there still remained some 07 cents for furniture. Even.tbo amiable, resourceful Mr. Russell was somewhat non plussee at that stage, as tbe sofa and chairs were black haircloth, but he finally conquered by purchasing two yatds of olive-green canton flannel, witb which be gracefully draped tbe objectionable sofa, and still had 13 cents left The good woman was delighted, but a little atraid tbere bad been witchcraft in tbe trans formation. Others wero also delighted, and people traveled miles to see tbe room, return ing home only to do likewise, without consider ing at all their houses or tbe relations that should exist between houses and furnishings. And the result was that a perfect epidemic of orange rooms visited New York and vicinity, and cheap orange paper, bob-nobbed with silken draperies and brocades and canton flan nel, became familiar with Wilton carpets. Hand-painted frames were put around expen sive oil paintings, and the sun shone on a mixt ure tbat was excruciatingly grotesque, as east and south rooms alike succumbed to the dis ease. Simply an Illustration of Congruity. The story and the sequel were used to illus trate congruity. That a room should be studied In relation to tbe persons wbo occupied it another story illustrated, whereby a proper amount of care in making tbe wall duller and grayer and zreener and colder than tbe human flesh, tbe effect was to make youthful all those who stood beside It. as tbeir complexions were lighter and warmer and enriched by the con trast. In connection with tbat, Mr. Russell said: "Ladles, the complexion is a legitimate study, and one to be cultivated only; put your paint and ponder on tbe wall." In furnisbing a room three things should be considered, said Mr. Russell, materials aesiens and color, all "come and look at me" designs, either in paper or in drapery, should be "cut" entirely in favor of tbe more modest indiscribably beautiful symphonies in colors. So shonld all scrapbook pictnres and museum bric-a-brac, and all Dresden and Sevres china, as tbe insane designs violate all principles of art and dwarf tbe artistic tendencies, tbe little spotted rose buds and beetles tbat adorn the edgeof tbe pieces having no relation whatever to the gen eral design. "Cast them all out" commanded Mr. Russell, "and especially if they have any abominable cupids posing on them anywhere," An Abhorrence to Mr. Russell. Cnpids, by the way, are an object of especial dislike to the Delsartean disciple, and he never loses an opportunity of waning war against them. Festoons are another aversion, and he does not hesitate to make it apparent Set de signs of any kind are inimical to art, which should be synonymed with common sense, and wbich means the right thing in the right place, said Mr. RusselL Tbe millinery effect obtained In rooms by the lavish supply of drapes, throws, tidies and tbe elaborate chandelier and lamp shades in vogue was especially deplored by tbe speaker, who thouzht tbe piano lamps and tbeir ballet skirt attire should be relegated to the closet in the daytime and only allowed in good society when tbeir presence was required, and useless tidies and such things banished forever. A greater and a higher simplicity was advo cated by Mr. Russell in the furnishing of homes. A PLEASANT EJTEBTAINHEHT Given by the Wllkinsburg Y. W. C. T. V. East Evening. A very pleasing entertainment was given by the Y. W. C. T. U. in Wllkinsburg last evening at the home of Miss Carrie Harr. The exer cises commenced with a vocal quartet by the Misses Foster and Alter and Messrs. Long and Pollock. Then, after a guitar solo bv Joseph Foster, there were recitations by.MissPershing, the "Onion Recorder," by Miss Calderwood: a guitar duet by tbe Messrs. Foster, ana soncs by Messrs. R. A. Steel. Long and Pollock, Misses Alter, Foster and others. Tbe entertainment was preceded by a busi ness meeting, at wbich tbe affairs of tbe Wllkinsburg Branch of tbe Y. W. C. T. U. were declared to be in a satisfactory condition. Social Chatter. A 3IU3ICALE is to be given by the "Willing Hands Circle," of the King's Daughters, at the residence of Mrs. C. L. Magee Friday, Feb ruary 20, at 8 o'clock. Admission SI. Tickets can be obtained by applying to tbe circle. Miss Bnrd Edwards, Miss Sindle, Miss Rees, Miss Faber, tbe Misses Aiken, Miss Gillespie, Miss McCallum, Miss Pitcairn or Miss Friend. Pink cards are out for a reception of the same tint to be given by Colonel John B. Clark Circle No. 11, Ladies of tbe G. A. R, Thursday evening, March 5, at Cyclorama Hall, Alle gheny. Tbe names of a number of prominent G. A. It ladies figure on the card as patronesses. Gernert will furnish the music If tho programme, as outlined for the regular meeting of the Woman's Club, this afternoon, is carried out, a very interesting session will be tbe result The subjects of the tbree papers to bo read are "Peter the Great," "Women of Russia, Past and Present" and "Catherine H." AN entertainment was given last evening in Wllkinsburg Academy Hall under tho auspices of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Church. A carefully selected literary and musical programme was rendered. Edmund Russell will speak to Mrs. C. n. Magee's Iriends this afternoon, at ber lovely Oakland home, on the subject of "Personality." THE Lenton Reading Class met at tho resi dence of Mrs. E. M. Ferguson, on Fifth ave nup, yesterday afternoon. DEAD SET AGAINST THE BILL. Col. Andrews Comments Severely on the NIcaraugua Canal Scheme. Colonel James P. Andrews returned yester day from Washington, where he put in a few licks against the NIcaraugua Canal bill, which will come up in the House tbis week. The Colonel states that, according to tbe bill, tbe syndicate is to receive 200.000,000 for some thine which costs onlv 165,000 000, and be pro nounces 1 a "gigantic meal." lie auds I hat ex-Senator Warner Miller and others at tlio he.wt nr the scheme refused to answer certain questions before the committee unless they were kept secret The Colonel thinks it Is a pretty state ot affairs wben Con--rxional proceedings must be kent secret He , , ,. - - - ... ... , . . -- thinks im nut wiu ce soeiveo CURIOUS C0NDENSAT105S. The late Duke of Bedford made the twelfth peer to commit suicide during tnis cen" tuty. MarchlO will be the twenty-eighth anni versary of the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Betting on tbe rainfall has been carried on to such an extent in India that the Bombay Government has passed an act f orbidding it The barrels of rifles are made in large quantities in tbe United States, but shotgun barrels are all imported, and almost exclusively from Belgium. A pin consisting of a pennant of light blue enamel, with the letters "B. C." In silver letters, bas been adopted as tbe college pin of Barnard College. List week the water in Coos bay, Ore gon, was so cold that multitudes of small fish became chilled and died. Tbere were thou sands of tbem floating on Isthmus slough. Tbe programme of the new Italian Cab inet inclndes schemes for reducing the military budget without impairing the efficiency of tbe army; protection and a revision of the bank laws. Thomas Dellert and "William Huddle son, messengers delivering telegrams in sub urbs of Portsmouth. O.. were mistaken for burglars and shot and severely wounded by a servant girt A tornado near Trenton, Ga., carried off a horse, leaving a sick man and his bed un harmed, hut shelterless. Tbe neighbors turned out and built a temporary shanty over tba couch at once. One of the most familiar faces on the streets of Cincinnati Is that of Mrs. Robert Schneider, tbe woman "newsboy." Sbe has sold newspapers at a street corner stand for a number of years. Several Catholics are among the newly elected members of the Parliament of Japan, this being tbe first instance of tbe direct repre sentation of Japanese Catholics in tbe govern ment of that country. A man in Hannibal commits suicide after tbe model of the modern French duel. He fires his pistol in the air, falls down, lies motionless till hi3 suicidal intent ebbs away, and then gets up and goes about his business. At South Colchester, Ont, M. Brown, aged Si, led to tbe altar Mrs. Margaret Clickert, aged 87. Tbe groom had buried four wives, and the bride mourned tbe loss of five husbands. Her last husband died two years ago, aged 121 years. Between 1863 and 1873 the unit of 'rep resentation in tbe popular branch of Congress was one member to 127,381 inhabitant: from 1S73 to 1883 it was 131.425; from 1ES3 to 1593 it is 151.912, and for the ensuing ten years it will ba 173,901. For many years it was believed that the atmosphere had a great deal to do with thread-making, and that good thread could only be made in Scotland. It Is now known that it is all m the twist and nothing in the at mosphere. There is one gentleman in Newman, Ga., who evidently does not consider marriage a failnre. He was married about ten years ago. and on each Christmas moraine since he bas presented tbe minister who officiated at the ceremony with a S10 gold piece. A standing committee of the Reichstag, after a prolonged discussion, has decided to bring the question of women's claims for ad mission to the German universities before the general body of tho Reichstag, so tbat a divis ion may be taken upon it Chicago has developed a youthful prod igy of a violinist named Dimond. He is a boy of only 15 years, but his execution of difficult compositions is said to be phenomenal. His favorite instrument is an old plantation fiddle tbat used to belong to one of his grandfather's staves. The mad King of Bavaria sometimes smokes as many as 100 cigarettes a day. For each cigarette be uses an entire boxof matches, touching off tho others to see them burn after he bas used one to secure a light He bas a new suit of black broadcloth made for him twice every week. A plague of locusts recently visited the Rawulpindi district in northwestern India Such Immense heaps of the insects settled on the railway lines that the ordinary trains could not pass. A flight of locusts passing over Jnelnm darkened tbe air like a thunder-storm, and wben they settled on tbe trees, strong branches broke under their weight John W. Towt, of Ifyack, K". Y.. died yesterday, in his S9tb year. During the war Mr. Towt was interested In the "Underground Railway" for fleeing slaves, and bis home was one of the "stations." His love for the colored race led to great benevolence In their behalf. He founded their cbnrch In Nyjck, and wa3 its main support His gifts to the Methodist Church amount to a large fortune. De Freycinet, French Minister of "War, has issued an order tbat no person without sat isfactory papers ftoni tbe military authorities shall be allowed near any French fortification or military establishment, and that French of ficers and privates shall no longer lounge In restaurant, hotels and cafes frequented by for eigners. The object is to cnrtail the extent of tbe Italian, German and Austrian systems of espionage in France- Otto Reimer, a convict in the Indiana Southern Penitentiary, at Jeffersonville. is said to be a brother-in-law of the eminent German bacteriologist Prof. Kocb. Reimer was given a two years' sentence for stealing a cheap silver watcb at Terre Haute. He is probably tbe best educated convict in tbe United States, speak ne fluently German. English. French. Spanish and Italian, besides being proficient in Greek and Latin. He is 43 years old. Columbus, Ind., has a remarkable case of catalepsy, or trance sleep. The victim is Jesse, 13-year-old son of Mand and Samuel Stritt Fonr months ago be fell Into a deep sleep that lasted 30 days. When he awoke he said ho had been in heaven, and minutely de scribed a trip his father had made into Illinois, saying he had looked down upon bim from heaven all the time. He bas again fallen asleep, and for two weeks tbe efforts of physi cians bave failed to rouse him. There are fully a dozen dialects in Italv, and Dr. Calegarls, of San Francisco, as serts that they were all mastered by Cardinal Mezzofanti who is now dead, and who could speak 55 dialects and languages. It is related of him tbat while be was at the Vatican a trav eler arrived In Rome from Asia to be confessed, whose language no one wbo met him could un derstand. Cardinal Mezzofanti was sent for, and found tbat even he had never heard it spoken. By means of signs he learned the stranger's errand, and that be had with him a dictionary of his native tongue. This the Car dinal took, and, informing tbe Pope that he would be prepared in 2-1 hours to confess the man, retired to bis room. Wben. at tbe time named, be appeared and announced that he was ready to proceed, it was found tbat be had mastered the language sufficiently to converse quite freely with the traveler. WAIFS FROM WIT'LAND. Jobbs "Why don't you bank your money, Uncle Josh, Instead of keeping it in a stocking? Uncle Josh Hnh 1 1 han't got much money. Be sides. I'm afraid of banks. Jobbs Why, tbe banks are perfectly safe. They won't break. Uncle Josh 'Tan't tbe banks I'm afraid of so much as 'tis tbem tellers, if I put my money la 'm tney'd tell the assessors, and then bow'd I swear my tax oil? Chicago Times. Nevada, with a population about one fourth tbat of Omaha, has resolved to hold aloof irom tbe World's Fair If tbe Chicago Board of Trade does not withdraw Its anti-free coinage pe tition to Conjtress. If the Columbos .Exposition manacement survives this shock it is capable of standing anythlng.-OmaAa World-Herald. Office Boy (rushing breathlessly Into a sick room)-Mr. Lowmood, U It true that you've got a genuine carbuncle? Jlr. Lowmood Alas, too true! Office Boy Well, llr. Goldsnoot sent me over to tell you he'll pay the highest market price for Hit Hain't off color.-JetMfe"' Weekly. Mendicant in Newspaper Office Say, boss, got any change to spare.' "So, I'm the ex-change editor." Spokans Spokesman. "Hand me the paper cutter there," said Llje. Thst ain't a paper cutter," ssld B. MeKee. "That's my grandpapa's sword." Seo Xork Sun. "Have you a press club in this town?" aiVcd a literary visitor of the editor or the Slb vlile Qenins of Liberty. O, no, " replied the editor. "We kill poets by stabbing them with the ofilce towet" Chicago lnttr-Octan. Aim low. So many numskulls have aimed high and overshot the mark tbat no man who Is now caught aiming high can get any credit at the store. Aim low and bit the ground in the cotton patch. Dallas, Tex.. Kelts. The campaign lie is so lonesome when there Is no campaign on that It writes open letters for pastime, ewftrleans Picayune. All of the saloons at Yankton, S. Dak., have been closed. Tbat settle's Yankton's chances of ever belug the capital. Sew Orltam ,1StV4StU