PITTSBURG DISPATCH,- TUESDAY, 1891 OUB SCHOOL SYSTEM Severely Criticised by a Taxpayer Who Has Been Keeping Tab on THE BODES DEVOTED TO PLAI. Too Much Flnbdnbbery and Too Little Eudimentarj Work Performed. IMCTS FOE EDUCATOKS TO GAZE UPOS To the Editor of The Dispatch: The editor of a morning paper, comment ing on tba recent increase of salary to the school teachen of Allegheny, says: "Alle gheny proves itself worthy of a place second only to one of the cities of the Common wealth by raising tbe salaries of its public school teachers to the level of other cities of equal population." I am a taxpayer, and would respectfully ssk: Why should school teachers be paid in proportion to tbe number of inhabitants in ncity, instead of in relation to the value of their services aud tbcir personal capacity? As is well known, tbe number of tbe popu lation does not in the least affect them, a fixed number of children being allotted to each teacher. And, further, the editor says that "there are few communities of equal population which are richer than Allegheny or better able to pay tbe standard price for education; that good teaching or anything else cannot be had below tbe market price." Granted. In the markets of the world . .-. the best article brings the best price, but its own merit fixes the price, not the buyer's tbility to pay. The majority of the taxpay ers in both Allegheny and Pittsburg are working people. They are not paid in pro portion to their employer's wealth, but ac cording to the value of their day's work. It tbe salaries paid the teachers heretofore were not up to the standard of second-class cities, comparatively they have been much better paid than the majority of working peorfe, out of whose wages they are in part paid. Has Been Taking Notes. Under these circumstances it is quite per tinent to inquire, do these and all other taxpayers, whose money it is pays every thing connected with onr school system, get the best or even a good article ior their money? I have for some time been watching tbe progress of school events, and venture to as sert that 19 out of every 20 taxpayers don't know what they get for their money, and I expect to be able to show them, by means of clippings chiefly lrom your columns, since April last, that there is no greater delusion in existence than the common supposition that our school system is an efficient one, and is siving the rising generation a thor ough education in branches that will be practically useful through life in their duties and occupations. Oar school year begins on tbe 1st of September and closes on the last day of June. It contains 200 days. School opens at 9 in the morning and closes at 12 M., and reopens at 1.30 P. 21. and closes at 4 P. M., making a school day ot five and one half hours. There are short recesses morning and afternoon. I think it may be s ifely assumed that, with the recesses, the children taking their places, arranging their books, arrang ing for recitations and nianv other in terruptions to study, that must of necessity occur daily, fully half an hour daily is con sumed, leaving five hours for study. A processor of drawing gives three lessons of half an hour's duration weekly, in drawing. A professor of music gives one lesson oi half an hour weekly, whiehwitb closing the schools at half after 3 Friday afternoons, reduces the time another half hour daily. That music, drawing and writing, the most superficial or the branches taught iu the schools, ure the branches most assidu ously cultivated is evident from tbe great prominence given them at tbe yearly ex aminations and on all festive occasions, which are chit fly made up of bunting.flags, exotics from tbe green houses and specimens of drawing and penmanship and musical ex rcises, the proficiency in which three studies clearly shows that they monopolize tbe time of both teachers and scholars to the neglect of those useful studies that neither tinkle nor glitter, and suggests that tbey are neglected because tbe tinkle and glitter of lancy penmanship, colored chalk out lines and music can be turned to good ac count with people who are unable to dis tinguish between the relative merits of su perficial accomplishments and solid, practi cal information. They deluded these peo ple into believing that colored chalk out lines, spread-eagle penmanship and clap trap songs are valuable acquisitions, and those people go fortn and swell the chorus of those who laud to the skies a school system of which they really know nothing. Important Studies Handicapped. We may safely conclude that these three branches, and in some of the schools a drib ble of calisthenics, directly and indirectly, consume one hour daily, leavihg 3J hours daily for tbe study of reading, spelling, geography, arithmetic, grammar, history and physiology, all of which are alleged to be taught in our schools, seven important studies, for each ot which there is just one half hour daily in a class of 15 students. This affords each two minutes for recitation. In the light of all this, is it surprising that a college professor recently discovered that au average scholar might get through a high school grammar course in 3G hours, and a six years' course in a common school in six weeks? Though a college pro'essor discovered this only a short while azo, a goodly number of our rich citizens must have discovered it a good many years ago, as for some years past they have been sending their cbildren to private schools to be educated. Often a bright boy of 15 in England or Germany, besides thorough proficiency in all the branches taught in our schools, is well advanced in tne primary scientific studies and Latin, and one, perhaps tuo, ot the modern languages. The schools and colleges in those coun tries cost prooably one-half less than ours do. How do applicants of 14 or 15 years of age for admission to tbe High School compare with this? liecentlv 634 presented themselves for examination. They were examined in only four rudimentary branches reading, writing, drawing and geography, and the high percentage in them 3fter a seven or eight years' study, made the subject of mucb loud congratula tion, in which the public joined, no doubt supposing that the grammar, arithmetic, orthography, history and physiology to fol low, being the crucial test, would beiqually creditable. Hut up to the 1st of February, there bad not vet been any report of any fur ther examination, and I for one derive'from tbe following clippings the conclusion that tbe less said the better about any other than those four branches. Play Seems to Be Quite Plentiful. These clippings refer almost wholly to tbe Pittsburg schools, but will, I suppose, answer for the Allegiienv also, as presum ably one is but the reflex of the other: "On April'30, the one hundredth anniversary of Washington's inauguiauun, the schools will ue cloed." "A mnsicale mil be given next Friday after noon in each of the rooms of tbe Fortieth Street building." "N ext Friday at the Luckey Scbool'will be re ception day. In the eveuing an exhibition by tbe pupils will be riven." Visitors' day at many of the schools will be ob-erved from now until tbe closing of the year. On such occasions manuscript and slate work are exhibited. But the sweet music of childish voices is alai a lcry attractive feat ure of recep Ion day V "To- a i visiting liy at Howard School No. 1. lo-morron mil be viituiguay at tclioul No. 2.'- "NextFriday will be reception day at tbe No. 3 building, corner Sorners and Web-ter stieets. A like event will take place at tbe Tbirtr-tblrd street building on Thursday. May 29. Parents and friends of the cbildren will be kept in con tinuous motion on this date, as there are no less than five reception davs scheduled for the dav preceding decoration." "The MinersviIIe schools also had an enjoya ble reception yesterday." "Last Thursday was visitors' day at the Soho schools: fully SOO people thronged the building from 1:30 until 4.30 P. M. The boards In the 16 rooms were ?o beautifully decorated tbey were tne cynosure of all eyes. Beautiful specimens of penmanship and drawing were exhibited. .Motion songs, calisthenics, selections from authors singing, and the rapidity with which tbe children left the building in answer to the tiro alarm were leading features." f 'On Wednesday morning the three schools of the Liberty district will bo thrown open to visi tors. In the afternoon a general jubilee will bo held." "The Liberty and St. Clair schools will have reception days toward the latter part of this month." "The Park and Bloomfield schools will have reception days on May 28 and 29." Some Soldiering Thrown In. "At the Homewood School last week a mili tary company of boys, ranging in age from 10 to IS year, was organized. The principal, be ing an old soldier, nill drill tbem in all the niceties and precision ot military tactics. Tne company will drill once a week (whether during school hours or not is not stated." "Yesterday was reception day at the Forbes School. Over 1,000 visitors called on the teach ers and pupils. Tbe latter had brought over 1,000 plants in pots, and with these the hall was decorated. To-day tbe flowers will be sent to the cemetery. In every room specimens of tho work of tbe scholars were shown, and tbe vis itors entertained with song and declamation." "Tbe O'Hara School children had a reception yesterday." "A Washington and Longfellow entertain ment was given by the pupils of room No. 18 of Grant School yesterday. A number of histor ical readings were given, and the music was appropriate to Decoration Das." "Tbe pnpils of room No. 8 of Hancock School gave a repetition of their Washington's birth day entertainment yesieraay aiiernoon. xne programme included the play of the "Revolu tion and the Thirteen Colonics," together with a number of historical recitations, borne very neat manuscript was exhibited." "The East End children will have a jubilfe and lawn feteonWednesdayafternoon.lay 23." "Miss Mary Davis, of the Soho School, gave an interesting class drill in arithmetic to her associate teachers last Thursday." "It will be visitors' day at the Lawrence School next Thursday." "Anumber of interesting events are billed be fore the closing of tbe schools for tbe holidays. On Tuesday the Moorbead School holds a re ception from 2 to 8.15 o'clock P. M. Last W ednesday morning tbe Grant School gave an entertainment of class songs and recitations, a dialogue entitled tbe "Dolls' Hospital" bv the pupils of room i, tbe School Girls' Party in troducing the graceful minuet dance by room 8, a cantata by room 1L a hoop drill and a Japanese scene, having singing and dialogue by room 12. Blackboard and slate work were ex hibited." "Prof. McCollonch aud his corps of teachers, ot the Thad Stevens School, are rejoicing oor an early Christmas gift. Last week the di rectors presented the school with an elegant piano."' "Pi of. Rinpbart, at the' request of many teachers, is contemplating the organization of a teachers' class for Instruction in music" "To-morrow the first consignment of school children will visit the Exposition, and for tbe next three weeks it is expected that 1,500 school children will visit it daily." To Develop the Muscle. Some of the schools are making strong efforts to have gymnastics put on tbe schedule, and to that end many of the teachers are quietly es tablishing calisthenics as part of the regnlar routine. 'Why not pay a professor of gym nastics $1,200 a year as well as a professor of music?' queries ono bright teacher. What tbe pupils need now is a regular offset to the daily mill of mental work. (When v.e take the grist into consideration, 'mill of mental work' is cood). Prof. Etting has for some time been a regnlar attendant in the Birmingham, Allen, and in fact most of tbe schools and tbe teachers are very enthusiastic over tbe work." "Tbe interest in educational circles in both Pittsburg and Allegheny is centering at present in tbe drawing classes for teachers. The authorities ot both cities have made ar rangements to drill tbe teachers in this some what neglected branch. Neglected branch when lor years it has held foremost rank among all tLe branches taught in tbe schools aud we have professors who teach tbat and only that at $1,200 or JkoOO yearly. If itisnec lected what do they du fur their salaries? If they neglect it why are tbey not discharged? If a taxpayer refuses or neglects to work for his wages bis employer discharges him promptly." "The following schedule of drawing classes for Pittsburg teachers of steps 1 to e inclusive has been issued bv Superintendent George J. Luckey. Tbe meetings will occur at 3 Y. H. in the boutbside schools: Friday. December 12, teachers of Soutb Duquesne, Grant, North Hancock. Forbes, Franklin and Ralston dis tricts; Mondav, December 15, Moorhead. O'Hara, Sprluuneld aud Oakland; Wednesday, December 17. Lawrence. Howard, Washington aud Mount Albion; Thursday, December 18, Highland, Liberty, Lincoln, Homewood, Ster ret and Colfax; Friday, December 19, Peebles, Riverside, Luckey and Stevens. Soutbside teachers.except those of Riverside, Luckey and bteveus districts will meet Tuesday, December 16, at 3 r. M. In the Birmingham School. On tbese dates Mrs. Van Wagoner, tbe supervisor of drawing, will give instructions on "Clay Modeling." "There is considerable jostling at present among Pittsburg schoolgirls for places at the cooLiiigscl.ool. As 15 are taken every three months trom a certain number of schools, all cannot go at once.' "lue .Illustrated School Review, for the study of literature iu the public schools, and also for supplemental reading in tbe schools and homes, will be greatly improved tbe coming year. Stories will be complete in eacb issue, beside information interesting to teachers, principals and scholars." Niglit School Pastimes. So much for the day schools. But for a real touey affair commend us to the night schools. "The Seventeenth Ward School Board has In. augurated bi-montbly entertainments in tbe night school now running in that ward. A similar entertainment was given two weeks after." Night schools open at 7:30 and close at 9, five nights in a week. The estimated cost for next year, apart from teachers' salaries, is 4,500, and here we have one of these schools, by order of the directors, monop olized one" night out of every ten, so that light-headed but ready-witted directors and their friends can have a hall and fuel and gas at the public expense for a series of high old jinks by night tbat so far eclipses the jamborees by day. This closes the record for 1890. Bat this record does not contain one-half the clip pings in my possession, but as tbe remainder are mere repetitions it is needless to copy them. And it is of more importance to the taxpajer to know that 1891 has opened most auspiciously. "One hundred and fifty dolls, all dressed in their best w ere the cynosure of all eyes in room P.O. i, at tne u tiara school, last Friday alter noon. They were presided over by Miss S. Rosewell. It was the "annual dolls' reception day," when tho pupils of the other rooms aud visitors are invited to see tbe dollies." The Friday reception was unusually well en joyed." "Tbe Legislative Committee of tbe Allegheny County Directors metjesterday afternoon at Superintendent Hamilton's office in tbe Court House. Tbe meeting was toconsider the means of presenting tbe bill providing fur a l, umber of assistant countv superintendents to tbe com ing session of the Legislature." "Prof. Samuel Hamilton was yesterday re elected superintendent of the schools of Alle gheny county and his salary increased from $2,500 to $4,000 a j ear." "George J. Luckey was re-elected superinten dent of tbe Pittsburg school, but a proposition to Increase bis salary from $3,500 to H0O0 a year was defeated." "The Allegheny City School Directors held a meeting in tbe evening and re-elected John S. Morrow superintendent, increasing his salary lrom $2,200 to SioOO." Tbe Move for More Money. "The" Allegheny Board of School Control was startled at its meeting by a petition from 102 ward teachers demanding an increase ot salary. Tbey presented an elaborate argument and backed it up by a schedule of graded salaries tbey declare to be unequal and inadequate." "Prof. E. . Rinehart will issue a call next week tu all teachers desirous of receiving in struction in vocal music to a preliminary meet ing at Ralston School next Saturday." "A bill is to be presented to tbe Legislature shortly providing that the State shall prepare, publish and distribute all school books free of charge, aud that the citizens shall pay for tho nooks through taxation." "Tho btanstics furnisnod by the Department of Public Instruction show that the public scbools of this btato cost almost 13,000,000 a year. " "Tbe Finance Committee, of Pittsburg, have prepared an estimate of the appropriation re quired for all school expenses for 189L The grand total is $414,750." "February 7. 1&91, the Central Tnrnverein, at a meeting yesterday decided to send circulars to all German societies of the State advocating the passage of the Flickinger bill, providing for physical training in schools." System Said to Be Lacking. ' So well as I could learn by inquiry there is neither routine nor system in the schools. Writing, diawicg, music, arithmetic, or thography, grammar, composition, geogra phy, history;and nbysiology, compose the course. How this it adhered to we can I j earn irora tne louowing programme oi a class drill, held in the Miller Street School January 24, 1891. We are told that all the scholars in the olass first entered school in September and their average age is under 6 years. Programme Music, motion song, "Odr First Talk on Flowers." Oral language, motion song. gymnastics, reading, written language, motion song, physiology, number, observation and im agination. Here we have a desultory fuddle of music, botany, rhetoric, gymnastics, physiology, and mental philosophy for cbildren whom it is fair to assume cannot spell words of three syllables; and also we may assume that since September 1 these infant scholars have been in special training for this special exhibition, to the exclusion of those studies that come within the range of their mental capacity, to wit, reading and spelling, and in consequence nearly five months' time has been thrown away. In writing, the copy for each room is written on the blackboard, instead of in the children's books as formerly. In ill-lighted rooms and in all rooms in gloomv weather. the strain upon the eyes ot weak or short sighted children must be highly injurious. Grammar, geography, history, physiology, may or may not be recited three or four times a week. Such days as recitations are had closses of 20 or 30 present themselves, but only some six or eight bave time to re cite. Now it is easy to see bow this will work. The scholars having the greatest antiiude for tbe branch will do the reciting, both as a means of saving time and because they will make the best showing at tbe yearly examinations, and tbe care due the whole class will be lavished on them. No Time for School Study. In tbe scbools during school hours there is really no time for study. All branches requiring study are sent borne, to be studied during tbe evening and night. Besides tbe cbildren are olten kept iu during noon re cess and after school closes. One of the chief purposes of our costly school buildings is the separation of the children from the distractions of their home life, and the attractions ot their childish play, and so give better opportunity to study. Bnt like all other purposes this too is defeated. The school hours are now al most wholly monopolized by exercises that have no relation to a useful education, the one great purpose for which tbe system was originally founded giving all the people a good practical education at the least possible expense; prevents the active exercise and amuse ment out of" school hours absolutely neces sary to maintain and. mature tbe mental and physical health of growing children, and we have on every hand loud lamentation over excessive nervous strain, enfeebled con stitutions, and the alarming prevalence of myopia and other disorders of sight In tbe majority of children the really useful branches are hard, uninteresting study. By the introduction of music, draw ing and the other various fantastical exer cises that flood the school hours the interest of the scholars centers on these, to them, con genial entertainments, and this distaste to the really useful and needful branches is confirmed. So far as education is concerned the years between 6 and 15 are the most im portant in life. Memory is most receptive and almost wholly unincumbered, and all other faculties are undistracted by the cares and occupations of life. To the children of the poor and middle class the loss of those years is irreparable, for these are not only the best, they are the only years in which tbey can obtain an education, as they must as early as possible earn their own living, and tbe smattering of tbe really useful branches they now get is for that purpose practically useless. A Pertinent Case Cited. Of the manner in which th -,z educational fandangos are introduced we see a specim--a in the case of the teachers on the Southsida quietly introducing calistbeni-s into those schools as a part ol the echo.)', routine. We also see by this that is is their practice to introduce thern without consulting the school authorities, wh. a they can do so what are we to thiuk.of i.ie capacity of those authorities for holding tho position they do. Does the Board of Control think these things of no moment, seeing they only squander the taxpayers' money and their children's time? Of this proceeding they can not plead ignorance. It was duly published in the papers, and they must surely know that the live daily school hours are more than overloaded already with like imbecil ties. The fact is that any one with a hobby that will afford a pretext for employing a new batch of supervisors, superintendents and teachers, find no difficulty iu riding it into the schools. Witness tbe cooking school. In anv book store any citizen can buy a good cook book for 25 cents, and the rich epicure for $2 or $3 can have the best results yet attained in culinary science in either this country or Europe. And this experiment cost last year $1,017, and the levy lor next year is 51,250, and this money in part out oi the pockets of people who find It much harder to get enough ot boiling beef for themselves aud their families all the year round than to get it properly cooked. And in the face of the fact that real estate and all business is overburdened by taxation we learn from the following clipping, January 25, that "owing to the popularity of the cooking school the indus trial committee will soon have to establish another one, probably on tbe Southside," and concludes by asking: "Why not have a cooking school to train teachers for the work in Pittsburg?" Are Parental Expectations Realized? At the end of eight or nine years' steady attendance at the public schools tbe children come home to their parents. But are the ex pectations of those parents realized? Do these boys and girls have tbe multiplica tion, addition and subtraction tables in memory ready for instant use without slate and pencil? Can they write receipts for moneys received? Canthey make out bills? Can tbey fill up tbe printed forms of obliga tion in common use among all classes? Can they write a business or any other letter or communication correctly as to spelling and definition of words without a spelling book, dictionary or grammar at their elbows? Alackadayl But they can outline (not draw) lions, elephants, giraffes, horses, sheep, and just lovely Swiss cottages and pict uresque styles and rustic gates. With col ored chalk they can delineate tulips, roses and lilies, and with their pens convolutions, and whirls, and flourishes, and they can sing such charming songs and accompany them with admirable gesticulations. These to them, so far as earning a living isconcerned, are worthless acconiplishmets, and an indif ferent smattering of arithmetic, geography, grammar, history and physiology all, ex cepting arithmetic, altogether worthless makes their stock of useful knowledge. The deluded parents find their children fit only to deliver messages and carry packages. At the ages of 14 and IS they are too olten only competent for cash or office boys! The Finishing Touches. Those who can afford it pay ior tuition to one of the numerous privatecolleges. The numbers and crowded condition of the so called commercial colleges bear witness to tbe inefficiency or false policy of onr public schools. Were onr common schools ful. filling the purpose for which they were in tended giving (he children of the common people a good practical education so many of the parents, straitened as tbey are in cir cumstances, would not incur an expendi ture they can so ill afford at the end of an eight or ten years campaign in the com mon schools. Thee tell-tale clippings show that the week including Decoration Day, the last week of June, and tbe week preceding the Christmas holidays, were three weeks almost wholly given up to a general jamboree. Throughout all tbese entertainments we see that only drawing, writing and music are exhibited as school acquirements. The dictionary, spelling book, grammar, arith metic, geography, history and physiology all sat on a seat so far back nobody caught a single glimpse of them. Finally, whether this is or is not the best article to be had m the educational market, the figures show tbat it comes pretty high. In the city of Pittsburg last year the price paid lor only tuition and its incidental ex penses was (318,382 63, nearly one-tnird of a million. A Feieud to the Public Schools Allegheny, March 2. LICENSE LAW CHARGE Judge White Talks Significantly to tho Grand Jurors. VI0LAT0ES DESERVE NO SYMPATHI Bottlers May Not Peddle Goods on the Streets or to Clubs. , IESTEKDAI IN THE COURT! COURTS In his charge to the grand jury yesterday. Judge White made a pointed reference to the liquor question and the License Court, which opens iu two weeks. His position was clearly stated, and all doubts as to where be stood on the subject were cleared by the clean-cut charge Tead. The substance of the paper follows: You will bave before you many bills against parties for violations of the laws relating to the sale of intoxicating liquors. These cases de mand your serious consideration. Tbe sale of intoxicating liquors is fraught with more evils to society than any other cause, or all otber causes combined. It is tbe cause, directly or indirectly, of nearly all tbe crimes and poverty in our midst, and of the wretchedness and mis ery iu the families of tbe poorer classes. All tbe laws on tbe subject bave been intended to guard against tho evils of tbe traffic by limiting the right to sell to porsons of good character, who would not abuse the privilege, and pro hibiting sales on the Sabbath day, to minors and persons of intemperate habits, undersevere penalties. Those who bave duly obttined a license aro entitled to protection in their business, so long as they faithfully observe all tbe laws on tbe subject. They have a business authorized and sanctioned by law, and It is as legitimate as any otber business. But tbey Obtain the license on the express condition that tbey will keep all tbe laws on the subject. Falling to do so, they are subject to all the penalties Imposed by tbe law, and are liable to have their license re voked. Violators Untitled to No Sympathy. Those who sell without license do so know ingly and in open, flagrant violation of law. No good citizen, no decent, reputable man would be guilty of snch conduct. Tbe persons en gaged in this illegal business are of the lowest class of socioty, who have no moral obligations and will not. therefore, hesitate to swear to anything in tbe hope ot escaping punishment. The; are entitled to no sympathy at the hands of a jury. Since tbe court has bad tbe granting of li censes in tbis county tbe ovlls of intemperance bave been verv greatly reduced. Tbe traffic in liquors had fallen into very bad hands as a gen eral thing. Men and women of the lowest character had licenses or were selling without license. Tbe saloons and doggeries were so nu merous tbat the business was not verv profita ble, and to increase their profits, the cheapest liquors were bought, aud sales were made at all times to any persons without regard to law. Fifty years ago, and even less, the Innkeeper and those wbo had license wore generally repu table men. It was not so during the timo li censes were granted by tbe County Treasurer, when any person wbo paid the fee could get a license. It the traffic could be confined to reputable men, the business itself would become more reputable, aud a better class of men would be willing to engage in it. If only reputable men bad license, and all Iaw on the -ubjert were faithfully kept, the evils of intoxicating liquors would be reduced to the minimum. Alleged Retailing by Wholesalers. Those who have had retail licenses have gen erally been more strict in keeping the law. In this respect a great reformation has been ef fected. Bnt, according to common report, and especially police reports, another evil has sprung up and grown to great magnitude. I refer to sales by distilleries, brewers, whole salers and bottlers. They have no right to ped dle ibeir goods around and sell on the streets. Nor bave they any right to engage in tbe retail busiuess. Selling in jugs, buckets, quarts and bottles. In the neighborhood, is retailing and a violation of the law under their license. It is tbe worst kirn, of retailing far worse than a regular retail house. It is a wrong to those wh bave a retail license, and is the most pro lific source of intemperance and the evils of drunkenness. Distillers and brewers are manufacturers and not wholesale dealers. They supply tho mar ket and trade with their products, and sell in tbe original packages. Their license as manu facturers does not authorize tbem to keep a Slace and stock on hand to supply persons In uckets. quarts and jugs, for that is less a wholesale thau a retail business. Wholesalers are those whose main business is to supply the retail trade, and in considerable quantities. When the main business Is to sell to those in the vicinity, it is not a wholesale bouse. Wholesalers bavo no right, in any case, to sell less tban a quart. They may sell by the quart, but so may retailers. If tbe wholesaler bells mainly by tbe 'quart or bottle in the neighborhood it it really a retail business, and he should have a retail license. Tbese houses tbat sell by tbe bucKet, quart and jog, in the neighborhood are tbe worst kind of groggeries. Bottlers are not wholesalers or retailers. Their license authorizes tbem to bottle liquors, and of course to sell tbe filled bottles. Tbey bottle liquors to be sold in cases, mainfy to supply retail dealers. If their main business is to sell by tbe bottle In the neighbor hood, they are retailers, and are liable to be in dicted for selling by retail without retail license. If they peddle their gooas around on tbe streets and thus sell to consumers, whether to single persons, families, clubs or licensed dealers, they are liable to indictment, for tbey have no right under a bottlers' license to do so. Tbe small wbolesaleand bottling establish, mem s are a great evil. They are the ready means of supplying liquors to minors and persons of intemperate habits, and greatly aggravate the evils of excessive drinking. Bottlers' License for Retail Business. Many persons apply for wholesale or bottlers' license because they know they could not ob tain a retail license. They intend to do a retail business under cover oi a wholesale or bottlers' license, such persons are nnwortbyof any icense. and ought to be held by conrts and juries to a strict accountability. Jurors violate tbeir oaths and do a great wrong to society, in conniving at the escape of guilty parties. It encourages these parties to continue in violations of the law, induces others to follow tbeir bad example, serves to degrade the business, and multiplies ten-fold tbe evils the law was intended to correct. In the granting and refusal of licenses tbe court has a certain discretion. Tbe court must art according to tbe law and evidence, not ac cordingto the personal opinion of the Judge as to tbe necessity of the traffic or the wisdom of the license laws. Tho law implies the necessity of licenses, at least in some localities, and pro vides they shall be granted on certain condi tions. Tbese conditions, in tbe case of retail licenses, are: (1) That tbe applicant shall pre sent his application in due form; (2) his fitness tbat he is "a citizen of temperate habits and good moral character;" and (3) the necessity that bis bouse is "necessary for the accommo dation of tbe public and the entertainment of strangers and travelers." The law provides tbat remonstrances may be filed and must be con considered by tbe court, and also that evi dences may be received when the application is heard. The law does not authorize a license for a mere drinking place. It is only in connection with accommodations for the public in the way ot hotels aud restaurants. Since this fact has been realized there has been great improve ment In the number and character of the res taurants in onr cities. In rnral districts and small towns, in nearly every case, tbe object Is only to keep a drinking place, and no license should be granted, except for a regular hotel or inn. Information Regarding Applicants Wanted. The Court cannot have personal knowledge of one in twenty, perhaps not one in fltty, of the applicants in this county. We must, there fore, be furnished with evidence to perform our duties properly. We Invite such evidence. We ask good citizens of tho different wards and districts of the county, and especially tbe police officers of tbe cities and boroughs, to aid us by giving information as to the character of the applicants, tbe places for which license is asked, and, if tbey bave heretofore had license, bow tbeir business was conducted. An excellent plan, and one we strongly recommend, is for tbe police authorities or citizens, in each ward and district, to appoint some suitable person in that ward or district to fiersonally examine the premises for which a icense is asked, and make inquiries Into the character of the applicants, and be present in court to give information when that ward or district is called. We want this information in reference to all applicants, whether retail, wholesale, bottlers or any other. It should be given before, or at tbe time, the applicant is examined In court tbat be may bave an opportunity of answering, denying or explaining. We want no anonymous letters, and no private, confidential talks, and must disregard any communications after the applicant has had a hearing. The rigbt way is for those who oppose a license to appear In court and give testimony at the hearing. Tbey may have in'orinulmi very Important and Mhich would defe it tho license, jet tho Court, not being informed, or deceived by tbe false statements of tbe applicant, may grant tbe license. Such persons have no right afterward to complain of the action ot the Court. Respectable men engaged in the liquor busi ness are also deeply interested In tbis subject. It is their dnty. and greatly to their interest, tn jiid in fringing to punishment all violators et the law, and to see tbat no person wbo would disgrace tbe business get a license. CAN'T MODIFY B0TT5DABD3S. The Decision of Judge Stowe in the Sharps- bnrg Case. Judge Stowe yesterday handed down an opinion in the case of the petition of resi dents of O'Hara township for the annexa tion of land in the township to the borough of Sbarpsbnrg. The annexation had been objected to by some of the laud-owners, who maintained tbat the land was only farm land. Judge Stowe, in his opinion, said it was olear to him that a portion of the land was solely farm land, and as such should not -be included in the borough limits. He did not think the court had the power to change or modify the boundaries set out in tbe petition, as it wonld amount, in fact, to the ignoring of the finding of the grand jnry. As he could not approve the finding, and had no power to modify it, tbe only course was to refuse to approve it. This leaves it open for the people to commence new pro ceedings if they see fit. TO-DAY'S C0TJET CALENDABS. Lists of Cases to Be Tried Before the Several Judges. Common Pleas No. 1 Ablett & Co. vs Morton et al; Guffy vs Clever et al; Geis vs Sanders; Thompson etal vs Myer et al: McCoy vsMc Nally; Williams vs Fergus et al; Miller vs Jack son et al; Trinkle vs Allen; Grnbbs, use, vs O'Neil et al; McConnell et al vs Gerrard; Grocers' Supply Company vs Hoeveler et al; McClure vs Kay. Common Pleas No. 2 Rhodes vs Rodgers; Jackson vs Pennsylvania Natural Gas Com pany; Hays vs Black Sc Co. et a). Criminal Court Commonwealth vs? Curley Fannon, Joseph OrziU, Thomas Armstrong, William White, John Ward. Sloan Manning. Hattie Kilgore. Lottie Rodgers, George Craw ford, William Bonner, Daniel O'Fee, Robert Wilcox, Joseph GUI, George Darry. Edward Fitzpatrick, Fred Simms, Harry Anderson, Jacob Levy, Ella Brooks. WOBK OF THE GBA1TD JUBT. List of True Bills Found and Those Ignored Testerday. The grand jury returned tbe following true bills: Thomas Armstrong. Harry Anderson, Edward Fitzpatrick, Sloan Manning, Joseph Orgill, larceny and receiving stolen goods; George Crawford. George Darry and William Benner, entering a building to commit felony and larceny and receiving stolen goods; Curley Kannen and William White, larceny from the person; Ella Brooks, larceny by bailee; Daniel O. Fee and Robert Wilcox, entering a building with Intent to commit a ielony; Hattie Kilgore, felonious assault and battery: John Ward. pointing firearms; Lillie Rodgers, selling liquor without license; John Donobue, Joseph QUI and Fredrick J. Simms, assault and battery. Tbe following-bills were ignored: William Curtis, attempt to commit burglary; William Cody et al. larceny and receiving stolen goods; Mamie Palmer, perjury. TEE CONSTABLES' BETUBltS Heard by Judge White In Criminal Court Testerday. A large portion of the time in Criminal Court yesterday was taken up in hearing the constables' returns. The violations of the liquor laws reported were very few. Most of the constables returned, "no viola tions." Judge White stated that quite a number of the constables bad not yet made their returns. In consequence he made an order that no constables returns would be received in court until Wednesday morn-' ing, when they would be required to come into court and make their returns publicly. failing to do tbi i tbe Court would take steps to bring them in. Minor Notes From the Conrts. The ejectment suit of Jacob Cable against H. C. Cable and Sarah McGraw is on trial Be fore Judge Collier. A VEKDICT of $33 for tbe plaintiff was given in the snit of H.J. King against L. C, Barton an action on an account. Ik the suit of Mrs. E. Ohliger against Loflnk t Wiegand, to recover borrowed money, a ver dict was given for tlio 90 for tbe plaintiff. The executions issued yesterday were: T. A. Gillespie, against the Pine Run Gas Company, $7,668 69, apd Young. Mahood & Co., against Robert Muir, 81,880 48. In tbe suit of Elizabeth J. Walker against Fanny J. Walker, executrix of Thomas P. Walker.an action for rent, a verdict was given yesterday for $49 for tbe plaintiff. Andbew Kchafee and John Bracken were placed on trial in Criminal Court yesterday on a charge of criminally assaulting an imbecUe named Bessie Bryan, near Tarentum. The suit of Neat Laird acainst the Citizens' Traction Company for damages for tbe death of tbe plaintiff's child, who was run over and killed by a cable car, is on trial before Judge Slagle. Ik the suit of George Seattle and wife against Jefferson township, an action for damages for tbe deaths of their two sons, wbo were drowned in Lobb's Run, a verdict was given yesterday for $100 for the plaintiffs. The ejectment suit of Joseph T. Mcintosh against J. Mcintosh, B. L. Mcintosh. Eliza J. Cunningham. Mary Tellerton, Jacob Wellsteln, John Weilstein, T. K. Beatty and Valentine Klinging is on trial before Judge Ewing. A NON-SUIT was entered against tbe plaintiffs yesterday in tbe suits of Henry Laudef eld and bis father. Rinebardt Landefeld. arainst th Pennsylvania Railroad for .damages for injur ies to the son, who was run over and bad one foot cut oft. A non-suit was entered against the plaintiff yesterday in tbe case ot the Hope Manufactur ing Company against C. C. Shriver. garnishee of G. T. Hilleary. an action to obtain money Shriver was allezed to bave in his possession belonging to Hilleary. Attorney E. F Dotty yesterday entered suit in Common Pleas Court No. 1 against the Leader and J'ress publishing companies on be half of Preacher Irwin, wbo claims to bave been libeled by the defendants. Damages are laid at 810.000 in each case. A preliminary injunction was granted yes terday against the Braddock Electric Railway, restraining them from laying tracks on Main street and Braddock avenue. The bill was tiled by tbe Braddock and Turtle Creek Street Rail way Company, which claims the right ot way over these streets. ASKS JOE A CITY HOSPITAL. Superintendent Baker Makes the Annual Report of the Bureau of Health. Superintendent Baker, of the Bureau of Health, made his annual report to Chief Brown yesterday. During the year there were reported 6,210 births, 2,411 marriages and 4,977 deaths. Mr. Baker suggests tbat $10,000 be appro priated for vaccination, which he considers absolutely necessary for the prevention of smallpox, and then makes a strong appeal for "two or more small frame buildings, separate and apart from the main hospital building, but on the same grounds, on which there is ample room, for tbe purpose of car ing for and treating destitute individuals suffering from scarlet fever, diphtheria, ery sipelas and diseases of a like character, other than smaupox, ana tnose wnicn tbe general hospital refuse to accept The necessity for such buildings is becoming greater every year as our population increases." Super intendent Baker states tbat the only ex pense would be the cost of erecting the build ings. CHOSEN FBIEfflDS WILL SUP, And Incidentally Organize a Sick Benefit League for Pennsylianln. Wilkinsburg Council No. 32, of the Or der of Chosen Friends, has arranged for a meeting in Balston's Hall next Tuesday, the 10th inst., for the purpose of organizing a sick benefit leagne in connection with the order. Tbe leagne is to include most of tbe councils of Western Pennsylvania. Besides the business of the meeting there will be a supper at which social intercourse is to run riot, and it is expected the occasion will be an unusually pleasant one iu eery way. Sleeplessness, nervous prostration. nervous dyspepsia, dullness, blues, cured by Dr. Miles' Nervine. Samples free at Jos. Fleming as bon s juartet at. m MILLIONS LOST IN IT. Facts and Figures on the Recent Speculation in Silver. TEEKE WAS OVER-PRODUCTION, And Free -Coinage Was to Make the Sur plus Held Big Profit. YAULTS K0W FILLED WITH BULLION New York, March 2. There are many mourners in Wall street and elsewhere in the financial haunts of the city. By the downfall of free coinage, which is now con ceded even by its most sanguine friends, a great speculation has come to an end. Mill ions have been lost in the deal. In July last, when it became certain that the bill providing for the purchase by the Govern ment of 4,500,000 ounces of silver per month would pass Congress and become a law, a number of pools were made up to buy silver bullion in tbe expectation that there wonld be a great advance in price. The conclusion reached by the speculators was correct. When they began their opera tions silver was below $1 an ounce. On tbe passage of the bill it jumped up rapidly un til it reached $1 2Vy. To make the silver in the silver dollar worth $1 in gold it wonld have to be quoted at $1 29.29. The men in the pools expected that the price would go to about $1 25. The new law went into effect on August 13. It was calculated that the production of the American mines ior the ensuing year wonld he 65,000,000 ounces. Calculations of the Experts. Of this amount the Government would be required to purchase, at the ruling market prices, 54,000,000 ounces, and the arts would use 9,000,000 ounces more. The surplus, therefore, was reckoned at only 2,000,000 ounces. America bad previously been a heavy exporter. The preceding year it bad sent abroad about 23,000,000 ounces. The outlook for the specnlators was good, bnt they had only surface indications to go by, and the succeeding events proved what had been proved many times before, that it is impossible to corner the products of tbe earth. It bad been tried in grain, coal and oil, and always with the same result. The more the speculators bought the more there was to sell. Nature's bounteous band could never be emptied. The pools conducted their operations en tirely in New York. Most of them were formed here- There was one pool, known as the "Congressional pool," made up in Washington. Its members wero principally Senators and Congressmen. The orders of this pool were executed in New York. To facilitate operations in silver a sort of silver clearing house was established. The Mer cantile Safe Deposit Company received the bullion on storage and issued for it certi ficates which were recognized by the New York Stock Exchange as "good deliveries." Instead of having to deliver the silver when a sale was made certificates representing the amount of tbe transaction were transferred. Thus heavy expense for cartage and risks of fraud and loss were obviated. Nearly All Transactions In Certificates. The greater part of the dealings in silver since tne new law went into ellect has been through the medium of certificates. Each certificate represents 1,000 ounces of silver. The Mercantile Sale Deposit Company at first charged 2 cents per 1,000 ounces a day storage, xne charge was subsequently re duced to 1 cent. The certificates were guar anteed by the Western National Bank, which also settled "difference." The silver, of course, could not be delivered in amounts of exactly 1,000 ounces, owing to the differ ent weights of the bars. Sometimes lots of silver would run over and other times they wonld fall under. In either case the West ern National Bank would receive or pay the difference, as the case might be. Almost the entire production of silver came to New York, as here was the natural market for it The Government bought on regular days of each week, at the prevailing market prices, but the store in tbe safe deposit vaults kept steadily mounting up. The reason was easy to find. The mines had all increased their output in anticipa tion of greater profits. Many old mines that bad been abandoned on account of the low grade of their ores, which could not be smelted with a profit, were reopened and even refuse heaps were worked over. As tbe accumulation grew larger the price began to descend and fell steadily until it was below $1. Then the agitation for free coinage was started. If successful that would, specnlators understood, provide a market for all the silver that might e pro duced, no matter how great the amount Tbe agitation was so energetic that it seemed at one time destined to be successful, and the price of silver rose to $1 13. 10,000,000 Ounces In New York Alone. When the opposition to the free coinage of silver assumed increasing proportions the price of silver took a downward tnrn again and tbe adverse report of the House Com mittee on Coinage sent it once more below SL The-present quotation is 97 cents. There are now in the vaults of the Mercantile Safe Deposit Company 7,332,867 ounces. There is enough more bullion stored in other places, including the vaults of banks and safe deposit and trust companies, to make the total amount stored in New York about 10,000,000 ounces. The production of silver since the enact ment of the new law is calculated at 40,000, 000 ounces in ronnd numbers. The averaee cost to tbe speculators has been about $1 10 an ounce. They have been compelled to keep tbe Government supplied in order to prevent importations from other countries, and their sales have realized only about $1 05 an ounce. They are, therefore, otit 5 cents an ounce on their transactions. By this calculation their total losses on their dealings in the bullion alone have been $2,000,000. Storage charges and interest on .he money required to carry the silver rings the total loss up to $2,500,000. The future of silver speculations is prob lematical. The specnlators think they have a chance to recoup part of their loss. There have been practically no exhorta tions from this country since the new law went into eflect. Now that free coinage is defeated they expect that exportations will be resumed and tbat they will be snflWent to advance the price at least a few cents an onnce. Calculating on the previous expor tations and the requirements of the world they say the extra stock ought to be wiped out in two or three mouths. The silver in the silver dollar is now worth in the New York market 75 cents. 8T0LE THE EIECTI0K LAW. A Theft Which Will Cause the Oklahoma Authorities Trouble. Oklahoma Cur, March 2. It was dis closed Saturday by the Compiling Committee of the Territorial Legislature that the law providing for a general election has been stolen, and no trace of it can be fonnd. Jt provided for an election on national election days and was passed by both Houses, but there is no trace of it further. It is thought here that the Governor signed the bill, and that it was stolen from the Territorial Secretary. At any rutc, the bill is gone, and there is no law croyiding for an election two years hence or ever again in this Territory. No Oil In Brazil. James Flaccus, who went to Brazil a year ago, to drill for oil, returned yesterday, disgusted with the? country. It cost his com pa nv $23,000 to drill a dry hole and the natives aliiit mobbed them. Ther burned down the derrick, ami the Stats uflicuis re fused to give thcui satisfaction. Pbudently Breakup Youe Cold by the timely use of Dr. Jayne's Expectorant; an old remedy for Sore Lungs and Throaia. J and a certain curative for Coughs. MUST HAVE SEWERS. JohnS.B. Mercer Takes tho Oath as Bur gess of WUkinsborc and Makes Some Pertinent Remarks Looking After tho Health or the Borough. A special session of the Conncil of Wilk insburg borough was held last evening when the recently elected officers were in ducted into office. They were: Burgess, John S. B. Mercer; Assistant Burgess, Squire Samuel Creeiman; Councilmen.T. J. McKallip, Tirst ward; Jacob Weinman. C. B. Stewart, Second ward; James Balpb, Third ward. After the oaths had been administered, tbe retiring Bnrgess, Dr. John Semple, made a few remarks, in which he took oc casion to thank tbe Council of the past year for their fidelity to the interests of the borough and their co-operation in looking after its welfare. The retiring members ara J. H. Wood, Thomas W. McCnne, James A. Wilson and John H. Mcintosh. Bnrgess Jlercer also made a brief address. He said that he had not the least doubt that each and every member wonld earnestly labor with bim to accomplish the duties tor which tbey were chosen by the people and in seeing that the borough enactments are rigidly complied with during the coming year. Ho called particular attention to tbe tact that the sewerage system of Wilkins burg is inadequate. He said the time is at band when this question of sewerage must demand public attention. The health of the people must be protected, and ordinances relating to nuisances looked after. He sug gested better arrangements in the Council chamber, such as a raised platform for the press and permanent desks for members. At the conclusion of his speech, the Bnrgess announced the following standing committees: Finance Arthur Stuart, Samuel A. Steel, N. J. H. Gerlng. Ordinance and Printing T. J. McKallip, Jacob Welman, JamesBalph. Fire Arthur Stuart, N. J, H. Gerlng, a A. SteeL Light S. A. Steel, Arthur Stuart, N. J. H. Gering. Streets Jacob Weiman, Daniel Krider, N. J. H. Gerlng. Water 5. A. Steel. Arthur fatuart, C. A. Mltinger. Borongh Prop erty C. B. Btewart. T. J. McKallip, James Balpb. Police C. A. Mltinger, Daniel Knder, C. B. Stewart The session was brief, no regular business being transacted. The new body holds its first monthly meeting on next Monday evening when the clerk, street commissioner and engineer will be chosen. Mr. J. S. B. Mercer, the new Bnrgess, is one of tbe oldest painters in the eity of Pittsburg. He has been in business for 21 years, his father having been in tbe same line before bim. He is known as one of the I most progressive of Wilkinsburg's citizens, naving always Deen active in every move ment ot reform for the borough. PIE0LETJM HEAR OMAHA. Farther Facts Concerning the Recent Dis covery Near That City. rWECUL TZLXOB.LV TO TBS DUrATOa.1 Omaha, March 2. Since the announce ment a few days ago of the finding of oil near this city, things bave commenced to assume a tangible shape. The Omaha Oil aud Gas Company has been organized and articles of incorporation filed. The capital stock is placed at $20,000, and the object of the company is to buy, lease and sell oil and mineral lands and bore for oil. Tne veil of mystery still hangs over the well at Seymour Park. A member of the company was seen last evening by your cor respondent, but he refused to talk about "it. Rumor has it tbat an increase of oil was found on the eighth bit, and that the sand continues to show up better as the well deep ened. Tbe supposition is that they are here in the interest of the Standard Oil Company. The striking of oil U now the chief topic of conversation in business circles, and real estate men bave already commenced to nse it on the strength of booming their prop erty. From my knowledge of oil, I teel safe in saying that it oil exists here at all it will be found at a depth' ranging from 1,400 to 1,700 feet, according to the location. Two more leases were taken yesterday, and it is safe to presume that in tbe course of a few days all the available property in this vicinity will be taken up. So far as can be learned tbe well will be drilled in by next Wednesday, when it will be given a chance to show its colors, and determine whether a sea of oil lies beneath the Gate City or nor,) PBTJSSIA'S LITTLE PBIITCE. His Name Was Kept a Secret According to an Old. Custom. Joachin, the name given to the little Prince of Prussia, is more of the German name than it sounds, and has been borne by some of the best as well as some of the worst members of the Brandenburger Princes. It is an unwritten law of the Prussian Court that the names to be given at the christen ing of an infant of the reigning house mnst not be known to any one except the parents and sponsors until actually nttered at the ceremony by the court chaplain. Tbe secret was well preserved on this oc casion as far' as "Joachin" was concerned, as it was generally supposed tbat the Kaiser would give Franz as tbe chief name to bis youngest son in compliment to his at present warm friend and ally the Emperor Franz Josef of Austria. At the banquet lollowing the ceremony tbe Empress Frederick wore the same grey silk gown which she had specially made for the dinner she gave some weeks ago in honor of her daughter Vic toria's engagement to the Prince of Schanrnburg-Lippe. Her Majesty was in high spirits and frequently kissed her little grandchild. GAVE TOO LAEGE A DOSE. A Hospital Patient at St Paul Dies From Its Effects. St. Paul, Mixn., March 2. Miss Phil lipina Wamback of Georgetown, Minn., came to her death at St Joseph's Hospital in a most sensational manner to-day. She is the daughter of wealthy parents at George town and but 19 years old. For some time she has had a goitre on her neck just over the windpipe. It was feared that it wonld continue to grow nntil it suffocated her. Yesterday morning she came to St Paul ac companied by two brothers, and went to St. Joseph's Hospital for treatment. This morning Drs. Millard, Ritchie and Millard prepared to remove the goitre, first arranging to render Miss Wamba'oh uncon scious with ether. She objected to its use for some time, but finally consented, where upon t he physicians began administering it, and continued it for three or four min utes. Noticing alarming symptoms they suddenly ceased their work, and applied a battery to restore her to conscionsness. She did not revive, however, and died in 20 minutes. The case is in the hands of Coroner Qainn. HEW SCHOOL FOB EDGEW00D. Eapld Growth of tbe Snbnrb Calls for Greater Accommodation. It is expected that the borongh of Edge wood will, before many months havepaised, be in tbe possession ot a handsome school building. Tbe board of school directors of tbe borough have advertised for proposals from contractors, and tney expect that the handsome two-itory brick buildingon Maple avenue called for in the specifications will be an actual fact during the coming summer. Edgewood is one of the prettiest suburbs of Pittsburg, and its population has increased so much within the last ier years tbat the need of a new school for the children can no longer be ignored. The People's Store Fifth Av. Every lady wants them tbe remarkable bargains we offer this week in fast black cotton hose. 'Xlicy will go quick; don't de lay, r 20 cent stocking forl2Jc 30 cent stocking for l'Jc 40-cent stocking for 29c . 50-cent stocking for 33Je. Best bargains we ever sold in hosiery. Campbell- & Dicx. NEW TTJBTjTCATTONS- THE COSMIC BEAN; OK The Great Show in Kobol-Land, BY FRANK R. STOCKTON. With Twenty Illustrations by Dan Beard. THE DISPATCH has secured for Serial Pub lication, tbe above storr. The opening chap, ters appear NEXT bONDAY. MARCH 8. "THE COSMIC BEAN" A FANCIFUL and humoroui extravaganza in Stockton's best vein, intended to amuse and instruct Children of all ages as well as their fathers and mothers; being the story of the International Exhibi tion and Games held in Kobol-Land and par ticipated in by the inhabitants of Kobol-Land, Tanobar and the Nus tyria, telling the story of the twin Kings of Tanobar, of the wonder ful cosmic bean of such extraor dinary qualities that it could take the place of all other food. Cooked in certain ways it tasted like meats and it afforded the same nourishment. It also could be prepared so as to be like all dif ferent kinds of vegetables, bread, even cheese and butter. It could be made to produce drinks re sembling tea and coffee and wines and spirits. This highly fanciful narrative describes the Great show, the mighty Giant Girg, the black and shiny Afrites, the gnomes from the mines, and the myriads of Fairies with their queen and her court, with Dryads who took possession of a grove of oak trees, the Genie who first appeared in the queen's tent in the form of smoke, the Brownies, who proved themselves so apt in combing and brush ing the horses, the Griffin, the centaur, and, in fact, every animal and being that has ever existed in children's books, met together at this great show and took part in feats of strength and games of skilL Fiery dragons, who produced daz zling fire-works. Besides, there were wonderful flowers and plants, a chrysanthemum with flowers as large as saucers of Blood -red color, which threw out streaks of Fiery color, a very odd cactus which every quarter of an hour produced a bud which grew and swelled and in two minutes opened and produced a Cucumber pickle ready to eat; a water lily with large and flat leaves, which were so hot that food could be cooked upon them, particularly Griddle cakes, which were made in great numbers by little black;" Imps; a plant contributed by the fairies which would open and dis close a rose, and then change to marigold, in an hour to a chrys anthemum, then to a zinia, a tu lip, and so change hourly into other flowers until at the twelfth transformation it became an Immortelle, and lasted indefinitely. A species of dog-wood grown by the Afrites, long branches trained to Catch rats; egg plants, the food of which could be hatched in the sun and produce different sorts of barn-yard fowls; the Ghost plant, through the leaves of which and stems one might pass his hand without injury to th? plant; the Talking flowers, which said ''Good morning" and "Papa" and "Mamma;" flowers that produced water ices of delicious flavors, and a very curious plant made by a Nustyrian gardener, who had grafted the water lily, the sugar I cane, the cow tree, and fireweed upon a tea plant, and when one of the large cup-lik"e blossoms were pulled off, held under the end of the broken stem, it was speedily filled with fragrant and delicious tea. And so on, and so on. Also the wonderful games, begin ning with a Hurdle foot race, which three youthful Giants from the mountains, a lot of nimble Brownies, a genie with blazing eyes, a kangaroo, eta, took part in, and the race in which a Centaur took part It is impossible to give in the cir cular an adequate description of this wonderful story, which is a veritable new "Alice in Wonder land." The artist, Mr. Dan Beard, is especially at home in this style of work; besides being one of the most frequent illustrators of the leading magazines, he illustrated Mark Twain's last book, "A Yankee in King Arthur's Court." That Mr. Stockton is just now at the zenith' of his powers is shown not only by this story, but by his wonderful two-part story, "A Water Devil," in the January and Febru ary numbers of Server's Maga zine, and "The House of Martha," now running in the Atlantic Month ly. For fanciful humor, nothing that he has done surpasses "The Great Show in Kobol-Land." THIS SPLENDID SERIAL begins public.' "" "la miSBUBO DIH1"A 1 no. on SUNDAY NEXT. MARCH 8. PONT Misa IHB QPJEHrflfi 0HAfTEB3ft . ' J mLi Wl t i . -itjkii h- r-Zfaj ,gfa(BMiirfMBMHittmMilliMBMifciMHH
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers