H
33.
THE '-PITTSBTJBGV .DISPATCH; Rf.THUR3DAT, MA-KCMfff lalStl;
-ZL
I4"
t
i
w B&paftfj.
ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 8; 1S45.
Vol. -Mi ISo. 3.-Enrered at Pittsburg Postofllce,
Kovcmbcr 11, isS7, as second-class matter.
Business Office Corner Smithfleld
and Diamond Streets.
News Booms and Publishing House
75, 77 and 79 Diamond Street
F ASTERN ABVEKTISIS.G OFFICE. BOOMS,
TKIBUMS BUILDING, NEW TORE, where
complete files or TUB DISPATCH can always be
found. Foreign advertisers appreciate tbe con
venience. Home advertiser and friends or THE
DISPATCH, while in 2ew York, are also made
welcome.
THE DISPATCH ts regularly on sale at
Brentmo's. 5 "Vnton Square. Ifew York, ana 17
jlre. de V Opera, Paris, France, where anyone
trho has been disappointed at a hotel news
stand can obtain it.
TERMS OP THE DISPATCH.
rosxiGE tree nt the uxttxo states.
DATLT DisrATCH. One Year s CO
DAH.T DisrATCH, Per Quarter 5M
Dailt Dispatch, One .Month TO
Daily Dispatch, including bunday, I year. 10 00
KArtT DISPATCH, lnelndlncSunday.Sm'ths -50
Daily Dispatch. Including Sunday, im'th so
fcCXDAT Dispatch, One Year 60
Weebxt DifPATCH, One Year 13
The Daily DisrATCH Is delivered by carriers at
31 cents per week, or Including bunday edition, at
it cents per week.
PITTSBURG. THURSDAY, MAR 12, 1S9L
THE ILLINOIS SENATORSHIP.
The Illinois Senatorial deadlock was
ended yesterday by the election of John M.
Palmer, the Democratic candidate, whose
supporters stuck to him through thick and
thin until two of the farmers' representa
tives concluded that the best they could do
was to giw him their votes. As the new
Senator obtained the votes which turned the
scale on a pledge to vote for the abolition of
the national banks and an indefinite pledge
for the increase of paper money circulation,
the Farmers' Alliance can congratulate it
self that its peculiar ideas are not all de
feated as a result of this contest In addi
tion, the Democratic leader pledges himself
to a larre-siz:d contract in the line of mak
ing the Pacific railroads pay their debts, in
which the vast majority of the people will
be glad to wish him success.
The attitude of the Republicans at the
close of the election furnishes a peculiar
commentary on political piinciple. The
Republican press has rung all the changes
on the financial and economic heresies of
the Formers' Alliance; but it seems that
those heresies did not present tbe slightest
obstacle to a proposition at the last to throw
the entire Republican vote to one of the
farmers' representatives. They were ready
to swallow the farmers movement heresies
and all, rather than fail in their attempt to
defeat the Democratic candidate. Principles
are all very fine in their way; but the Re
publicans of the Illinois Legislature will
not let a little consideration like that stand
in the way of the grand political purpose of
heating the Democrats. The latter in a
like predicament would doubtless be ready
also to do the same thing to beat the Re
publicans. raoxrns at cokpokate meetings.
Even those who may have differed from
Mr. Westiughouse's "ideas as shown in the
manner of organization of some of his large
companies cannot fail to admit that Pitts
burg has been benefited largely by his
enterprise, and such ieeling of sympathy
as was extended to him during recent
embarrassments is apt to be intensely
heightened by the sharp turn which was
taken to oust him from the Switch and
Signal Company. Ordinarily, it is not the
business of the press to pass opinions upon
the transactions within private corporations,
but there is a business question involved in
this case which has a very decided public
interest It is probably true that most of
the voting in many corporations is done by
proxy. Shareholders find it inconvenient
to be present Oftentimes they live at a
distance. Or, if in the neighborhood, they
are otherwise engaged when annual meet
ings take place. They have to rely on the
good faith entirely of those whom they name
as their attorneys to cast their votes. The
question now arises in how far are these
appointees to be held as bound to carry out
the expressed or presumed wishes of the
persons who repose this trust in them. If
the law says not at all, then proxies here
' after will be few and far between in
corporate voting.
In the case which has just made such a
stir in Pittsburg the givers of the proxies
quite evidently understood that they were
to be used according to Mr. "Westinghouse's
judgment Mr. "Westinghouse himself was
named primarily as the person to cast the
yote. The peculiar nature of the proceed
ing, which has been so sharply characterized
in business circles, is shown by the circum
stance that, Mr. Westinghouse being absent,
the proxies were cast directly against him,
and thus became an instrnment in forcing
out himself and his friends.
It is this phase of the question which
bears upon the general use of proxies at
corporate meetings which has a decided and
instructive interest to shareholders in many
concerns.
STATESMAN SIMPSON'S SOCKS.
The Honorable Jeremiah Simpson has at
last made known to an anxious public the
fact that he wears socks. Sis speech at
Annapolis, Md., yesterday will be taken as
a final answer to the momentons question,
and the Honorable Jerry will now have
nothing to bother him but the spending of
his salary and the other cares which will
become incident to tbe career of a Fanners'
Alliance Congressman. The reporter to
whose efforts is due the settlement of the
matter should get a vote of thanks from a
much relieved people, but be will probably
be content to do without
Mr. Simpson's insinuation that he took
the socks from his defeated enemy may give
currency to some new slang. It used to be
said of a successful or unique person that
"He takes the cake;" but this will likely
be changed to, "He takes the socks." If the
change does take place, the new statesman
from Kansas will have the proud satisfaction
ofknowing that hehas not lived in vain. The
' statement that he put bocks on after the de
feat of Ingalls needs qualifying or some
irreverent rascal will spread the report tbat
they have not been off since.
AN ENCOURAGING SIGN.
In connection with the stoppage of the
Edgar Thomson Steel Works on account of
the dullness in the rail trade, it is perti
nent to observe that the statistics of new
railway building for this year show a hope
of increased operation. The iron and steel
interests of Pittsburg have gone through a
long period of limited railway construction
without feeling the limitation' of demand,
until quite recently. The lack of orders
from new railways having been compen
sated for by tbe demand from other direc
ions, it is satisfactory to note a possibility
tbat the absent demand will be restored
when it is most needed.
Latest statistics show that at the begin
ning of the month 7,134 miles of railway
were under construction as against 5,038 a
year ago; 7,787 miles were located or under
survey as compared with 7,041 in 1890, and
3,891 miles projected against 2,831 at this
time fast year. Altogether there are 18,814
miles of railway on which work is now in
progress or is likely to be commenced before
the opening of 1892. Of course, the state of
general business and the condition of the
money market will have much-to do in de
termining the actual amount of work done
in railway extension. But these figures
show that the prospect is good for a fair de
gree of activity and an increased demand for
iron and steel to be used in the construction
of new roads and the supply of rolling stock.
A VITAI. befokm.
Tbe question of smoke is rapidly resum
ing the vital importance which it once had in
Pittsburg, with the additional burden given
by the experience of many years as to what
it means to be free from it This generation
knows what strides in public improvements,
and what an immense gain in the value of
life are possible when the city is freed from
the darkness and dirt, that was once the rule
here, and threatens to become so once more.
Tie most striking additions to our architect
ure, the greatest steps in the direction of beau
tifying the city and the largest progress in
adding to the enjoyments of life in tbe city
all date from the abolition of the smoke.
Since this generation has learned by actual
knowledge the great jvalue of light and
cleanliness, to lapse back into the old dark
and grimy condition without a united strag
gle to minimize the evil would simply prove
it so inert and apathetic as to be worthy of
no better fate.
Under these circumstances the report of
the smoke inspector of Chicago has a de
cided pertinence to Pittsburg. The smoke
question has been agitated there for many
years; but vigorous work has only been done
of late. The inspector reports a decided suc
cess in abating the smoke nuisance from
factories, hotels and office buildings; and
tbe Tribune, in commenting on the report,
says that "the clearer skies with which we
have been favored during the past few
weeks show tbat this is not an idle boast."
The task of getting the smoke of railway
engines abolished has been slower. The
railroad corporations at Chicago, as else
where, are slow to comprehend the import
ance of conforming themselves to regula
tions for the public interest, and while some
have abated the smoke from all engines
running within tbe city limits, others have
done little or nothing in that line. For
such cases the report promises an era of
vigorous prosecutions and the. imposition of
fines that will convince the corporations of
the superior economy of abolishing the
smoke.
These facts from the history of the anti
smoke effort in Chicago show the nature of
the work tbat must be done here in order to
prevent the return of the smoke from be
coming permanent They also show that
persistent and determined work will event
ually win success in getting rid of the evil.
As to the practicability of complete combus
tion of smoke that has not only been proved
in Chicago, but, as was pointed out in The
Dispatch the other day, is daily demon
strated by experience in this very commu
nity. An immense saving in the cost of
fuel alone can be made by the use of im
proved appliances which will insure perfect
combustion of coal instead of sending a
large percentage up the flues to darken the
skies and sully the surrounding community.
What is necessary is to convince the com
xnunitwof the waste and stupidity of the
practices which maintain this nuisance, and
then to hasten the universal adoption of
smoke-consuming appliances by judicious
municipal acts. With the practicability of
perfect combustion where coal must be used,
and the facilities which Pittsburg possesses
for the distribution of gas fuel, the task of
abolishing smoke ought to be comparatively
easy.
It is difficult to exactly estimate the value
of this issue to Pittsburg; but it is not diffi
cult to show that it is an immense sum.
The saving in fuel alone, involving not less
than 25 per cent of the coal used, is a large
item. The damage by smoke to millions of
dollars' worth of fine buildings forms an
other heavy consideration. The injury to
drygoods, clothing, books, pictures and fur
niture in the stores, and the damage to tbe
same articles in the possession of purchasers
is to be reckoned by hundreds of thousands
of dollars annually. The extra cost of illu
mination on account of our darkened skies
and smoky windows is no slight item; but it
is far less than the injury to eyesight from
the same cause. Finally the inestimable
pleasure to each individually from the light
and cleanliness to be gained by abolishing
tbe smoke, places the aggregate beyond all
computation, and invests the issue with the
highest importance to the whole community.
With these considerations at stake, and
the reform so easily attainable as it.is, it
will he criminal apathy for Pittsburg to su
pinely permit the permanent revival of the
smoke nuisance.
AN UNFOUNDED CLAMOR.
It is quite evident that a share of the out
cry made by a portion of the Democratic
press over the Constitution of the new Ap
pellate United States Courts is wholly facti
tious. The claim that the President has no
right to appoint the judges to fill new posi
tions created by Congress during the recess
is clearly of that sort
The assertion is that the clause of the Con.
stitution empowering the President to fill
up all vacancies tbat may happen during
the recess of the Senate, applies only to va
cancies that may occur by death, resigna
tion or removal of the incumbents of exist
ing offices, and does not authorize the filling
of a new office in that way. But there is
nothing cither in the language of the,Con
stitution, or in tbe nature of the case, im
posing that limitation. If it has anything
but an imaginary existence it must be estab
lished by precedent It so happens that the
precedent is the other Vay. The last and
most prominent precedent is furnished in
the appointment by President Cleveland of
the inter-State Commerce Commissioners
during tbe recess succeeding the passage of
the law creating their positions. No one
thought of disputing the power in that case;
and there is no more reason for doing so in
this instance.
As to tbe other claim that the bill gives
tbe inferior appellate court jurisdiction in
certain classes of cases reserved by the Con
stitution for the Supreme Court, it presents
a much more delicate question. The cases
which are reserved by the Constitution for
the original jurisdiction are those "affecting
ambassadors, other public ministers and
consuls and those in which a State shall be a
party." If the new law puts any of these
cases within Hbe jurisdiction of the lower
appellate courts, it raises a very serious
question as to constitutional power which
the Supreme Court will have to pass upon.
But in the absence of any citation showing
that it does so, the public may take refuge I
in donbt as to the fact, and on all-other cases
tbe Constitution gives the Supreme Court
appellate jurisdiction, "with such excep
tions and under such regulations as the Con
gress may make."
Under these circumstances, the assertion
that Congress muddled the Supreme Court
relief bill may be taken as partisan silliness
until more specific proof is offered of its
truth.
MRS. LESLIE'S INTENTIONS.
Mrs. Frank Leslie's declaration that she
is about to make a will leaving "$600,000 for
tbe purpose of founding a clubhouse for
women in New York indicates several
things besides the bare fact contained in it
The amount of money is a large one, and
many men of good business qualities have
devoted their lives to trade without securing
anything like it Here is a woman, how
ever, who took hold of her husband" almost
bankrupt business at bis death a few years
ago, and not only put the business in good
condition, but made money so rapidly tbat
she is able to give over half a million dol
lars to the foundation of a beneficial insti
tution. This fact illustrates two things
the rapidity with which money can Tie made
at present, and that men are not always the
most successful in its accumulation,
Mrs. Leslie deserves commendation for
her expressed intentions, but the mere giv
ing them voice shows the radical difference
between men and women. We do not re
member that any man ever told of his be
nevolent intentions after or before putting
them in his will. If a man wanted to build
a college, endow a church or do some simi
lar act, he generally leaveshis heirs to learn
his intentions after he is in the tomb. Not
so with the New York lady. She declares
beforehand the distribution she intends
making of her wealth, and, incidentally,
accepts all the advertising resulting from
her candor.
This is all right, of course. But there is
a better plan than that adopted by Mrs.
Leslie for the enjoyment of a grateful pub
lic's thanks. The Pittsburg plan, as exem
plified by Andrew Carnegie, gives more sat
isfaction in that the benevolently inclined
person can see the results of his generosity,
as well as enjoy the honors accruing there
from. But perhaps Mrs. Leslie never
thonght of that
In view of announcements that million
aires C. P. Huntington, Leland Stanford and
Ciaus Spreckels are all taking a hand in the
California Senatorial fight, there is Imminent
danger that the Senatorship market may be so
outrageously bulled as to rise far abovo the
normal figure of 400,000.
The Dispatch has refused, to accept
hasty conclusions that the Koch lymph was not
as valuable as was hoped; just as it has de
clined to jump to the belief tbat it was a cer
tain cure for consumption. The results ot ex
periments by impartial and authorized bodies,
however, begin to reach the point where it is
necessary to accept the first conclusion. Sev
eral organizations of medical authority have,
after dne experiments, practically decided
against it Tbe latest decision of tbe sort is by
the Spanish commission, while similar verdicts
have been given In this country, aa well as In
Europe. Indeed, the absence of further re
ports from Berlin is calculated to strengthen
tbe belief that tbe discovery' has effected no
permanent benefit
Now that the Republican caucus in the
Legislature has resolved to' redeem party
pledges, there may be some hope for tbe pats
age of the ballot reform bill; and if the resolu
tion were sincere, we might even look for the
passage of the anti-discrimination bilL
One of those flower; that grow over the
party wall. In the shape ot a pleasant interview
with Henry Watterson, published in the New
York Tribune, reveals tbe fact that Mr. Wat
terson started In life as a piano player, having
accompanied Pattl in her earlier concerts. But
a too vigorous pounding of the keys generated
a felon which paralyzed his thumb, and be was
forced to become a newspaper man. Since free
trade editors must be, it is to be regarded as a
fortunate felon which gave us so gallant and
lively a specimen of the class as Mr. Watter
son. Bat tbe disclosure suggests a regret
tbat some editors cannot eenerate a sort of
felon which will force them to desert Journal
ism and take to piano-pounding.
Ex-Tbeasubeb Huston's threat to turn
Indiana against the President Is laughed at by
no less a Republican" authority than the St.
Louis Globe-Democrat. That journal evidently
believes that tbe danger of spoiling an already
addled egg, is not worth mentioning.
The suicide in an Eastern town the other
day of a tender sixteen-year-old youtb, whose
mother told him that be should have non i at a
cake that was then baking, is a mournful bnt
Instructive event. The smell of tbe sweet
morsel was too much for him. With the joys
of tbe world denied him he went out and hurled
himself into the next one. Tbe case shows how
tbat portion ot humanity whose susceptibilities
are too delicate to struggle with the adversities
of this cruel world can be induced to leave it at
an early age.
With their harangues in favor of free
coinage of copper, the abolition of interest and
the repudiation of mortgages, the Pollers and
Simpsons are doing their best to bring the
Farmers' Alliance movement to au early
death.
These are intimations that the reported
leadership of the press gallery in tbe impromptu
concert tbat took place upon the adjournment
of the House last week was a flattering perver
sion of the facts caused by undue Influence of
the correspondents over tbe press reports. It
is now asserted that Lige Half ord is the only
newspaper man at Washington with any
musical genius, and that the only harmonic
function in which the Washington correspond
ents can claim skill Is that of conducting an in
terview. Mb. Henkt Watterson condemns the
late Congress with the declaration that its
course was "most unrepublican;" bnt he finds
solace in the prospect that tbe next Congress
will be still more un-Republlcan.
A Pennsylvania legislator has just
Introduced a bill like that recently brought
forward at Columbus prohibiting tights on tbe
stage. It will soon be in order to go back to
the Greek chorns which was comnosed entirely
of males. But the platforms of both parties
are silent on this great issue, so tbat the meas
ure will hardly get beyond the committee stage.
FROM the virulent manner in which the
Hill organs are pitching into Henry Watterson,
we fear it will soou no discovered that the
Kentucky editor is not a Democrat
We regret to observe that the bad ex
ample of Columbus, O., and Wheeling, W. Va.,
with regard to the pistol practice of leading
citizens on each other, has produced a similar
shooting in Memphis, Tenn. It will be too bad
if the murderous tendencies of Northern cities
should spread Into tbe peacelnl South.
What misguided English syndicate pur
chased a monopoly of all our Dakota blizzards.
The new melodrama of the Queen of
Roumania has been rejected by a Vienna the
ater because It is bombastic in language and
absurd In plot If this leads to au international
complication it will cause a rnsh of American
managers to secure the rightto inflict,the play
upon this long-suffering nation.
A Philadelphia Pun.
Philadelphia Public Ledger.
A family named Boyle has set up a claim to
the ownership of much of the territory oc
cnoied bv Lanslne. Mich. It is not strange that
Boyles should need Lanslngr however.
.. EXCURSIVE EXTRACTS.
"Why Gold Necklaces Tarnish A Musical
Canine The Discovery of Mahogany
The Shah's Bad Poetry Forgot Hl
Impromptu,
The Washington Post relates that recently a
young man entered a Jewelry store on Pennsyl
vania avenue, that cltv. and, in a very excited
manner, demanded to see the proprietor. The 1
young man's conntenance indicated a storm,
and it was not slow in making its appearance.
"I thonght you sold me this1 necklace for
solid gold. It's nothlne of the kind. It's a
fraud, a perfect fraud."' stormed the young
man. "Ipald you a sufficiently large price to
have it solid gold of the purest grade, but it is
nothing but brass, and if you don't refund my
money there will be trouble."
"Young man. Just calm yourself," said the
Jeweler, "and if yon can prove that the neck
lace is not solid 18 karar gold, I will gladly
give you double the price. Now, tell me, what
isthetroubler
"It is simply this: I gave tbat necklace to
toy fiancee, and it has resulted in nearly break
lng oS tbe engagement. The first time she
wore it the miserable thing blackened her neck
before it had been on two hoars. The young
lady was attending a cotillon at tbe time, and
she is fearfully mortified over it for she de
clares that every girl in tbe room mast have
noticed the black marks made on her throat by
my latest present. She naturally concluded
that I, like my gift was a fraud. Tbe only
way I conld make peace was to show her by tbe
amount of your bill tbat I paid sufficient to In.
sure its being solid gold."
"That is what I tuoneht" replied the jew
eler. "The fault is not with the necklace, bat
with the young lady herself. You will flni(
that during tbe course of her life she has takes
a rrmit donl nf efi-n mnilnlna nitnffi InlnfT OrL
a great deal of strong medicine containing cer
tain minerals, the effects of which remain lil
the system for years. Such a person cannos
wear gold next to the skin, for the minerals li
tbe system will find their way througb thj
pores of tbe skin with tbe perspiration, ana
even In this minute quantity, will attack and
tarnish cold of the purest karat. The tarnish!
of course, comes oil, and soon there will be
sufficient quantity to leave a dark colore,
mark on tbe skin of the fairest woman If sb
is so unfortunate as to have much of tfiet
metallic medicines in ber system."
A Musical Canine.
The Huntington, Tenn., correspondent of tbi
St Louis Globe-Democrat tells a story which
made appropriate to Pittsburg by tbe presenci
of tbe cultivated canines now exhibiting on
Penn avenue. Colonel Baker, nf this city1,
writes the correspondent has a very fine blacl
and tan dog tbat he calls Polly. When abou
half-grown it was noticed tbat when acertaii
lady visitor sang "Buelah Land," and Poll;
happened to be in the parlor, she would tbrov
her bead back and join in the chorns. This lei
the family to experiment with ber, and it wa
noticed tbat certain tunes affected her, whll
others did not Where the voice dwelled Ion:
on a note she would howr in perfect unison
8hortnoteswould.be executed by barks, ant
between tbe two bnt little discord was pro
duced.
Polly was generally a regular attendant a
church, and occupied a seat by some membe
of the family, sitting upright and giving the
closest attention to tbe sermon. When a son
was sung by tbe choir tbat affected Folly',
nerves, care bad to be observed to prevent hei
from disturbing public worsbip, by a gentle
admonition, as placing the hand on her head
So well trained was she that this always had
tbe desired effect
Dr. Parks, of the M. E. Cbarcb, delivered a
lectnre one Sabbatb evening on dumb animals,
and extended to Folly, through tbe Colonel, an
invitation to be present. When they arrived
tbe seats were nearly all tiled, and the Colonel
was compelled to occupy one immediately in
front ot tbe pulpit. By crowding up room was
made for Polly next to tbe aisle. Her presence
was not noticed ny more than bait a dozen in
the largo audience. She sat up so straight and
stiff, watched tbe minister with such close and
Bolemn Interest, that upon one or two occasions
during the lecture, when his eyes wonld rest
upon her intelligent face, he appeared momen
tarily mrown on nis naiance. .a.! me conclu
sion, the familiar sonc. "Sweet Bve and Bye."
was announced and tbe audience roBe. Colonel
Baker allowed Polly to remain on the seat, but
placed himself in front of her, completely con
cealing her. Everything passed off all right
until tbe chorus.
"In tbe s-w-e-e-t bye and bye" was reached
when Polly cbimed In. At "s-w-e-e-t" she
would emit a low, melodious whine in perfect
tune, and "bye and bye" would be emphasized
by sharp barks in exact time. The audience at
first manifested surprise, tbe second verse
aroused curiosity, and at tbe conclusion Polly
and tbe cboir were tbe only musicians, amid
excitement entirely inconsistent with devo
tional feelings.
Polly is 10 years old and has a large family
connection, nearly all of whom manifest the
same musical peculiarity. A .few weeks ago
Mrs. Baker allowed "Jo," one ot Folly's off
spring, to attend church with, ber at Atlanta,
Tex., where she was visiting. "When tbe aufdl
ence rose to mg the doxology "Jo" rested his
hind feet on the seat be bad occupied and
E laced bis fore feet on tbe bench in front of
lm. When tho congregation started to sing
tbe family wa3 mortised to see Jo throw his
bead back and join in the tune with ail the zeal
and oarnestness of the most devout Christian
in the body.
The Discovery of Mahogany.
The disoovery of the beautiful and costly
timber known as mahogany, says the Detroit
Free Frets, was purely accidental. The first
mention made of it was by Sir Walter Raleigh,
who used it in 1597 at Trinidad for repairing his
ships. About tbe beginning of the eighteenth
century a small quantity of it was taken to
England by a West India Captain named Gib
bons, who bent a few planks to his brother, a
physician residing In London. This gentleman,
at tbe time of the recelnt of the wood, was
having a house bnilt and placed the planks in
tbe hands of the carpenters.
They attempted to cut it. but because of its
hardness very quickly threw it aside., Tbe
doctor expostulated, but the workmen re
mained fixed in their determination to have
nothing to do with a lumber which so success
fully resisted their attempts to saw it The
planks were then taken to a cabinetmaker
named Wollaston, who was directed to make a
candle box with a portion of tbe wood. Tbe
same objection Has advanced by this workman,
butbeing a persevering individual.be persisted,
and finally made tbe box. When polished it so
outshone anything previously made tbat it very
quickly became au object of curiosuv, and
tbe people flocked to see If.
As a consequence the Trood became quite
popular, especially after a portion of tbe
physician's treasure was emploved in tbe con
struction ot two bureaus, one for himself and
tbe other for the Duchess of Buckingham.
Ihese specimens of cabinet work caused the
rejected wood to become a prominent factor in
the construction of luxurious pieces of furni
ture. Thus Wollaston was amply rewarded for
his perseverance in fashioning it into tbe can
dle box, and bis name, togctber with that of
tbe phjsician and his nautical brotber. became
inseparably connected with the history of the
introduction of this v ood into civilized lands.
Flogging Treferable to Poetry.
It is not generally known, writes a contrib
utor to tbe Chicago Times, that the present
Shah of Persia is not only a prose writer ot con
siderable merit but has also some pretensions
to the character of a poet Like the Geiman
King, who, according to Carlyle, declared him
self to be above grammar, so does tbe Persian
monarch consider himself above criticism; yet,
like all poetsbe is glad to lend an ear to it
when it is favorable. i
One day, however, having completed a poem
which particularly delighted him; he deigned to
read It to one of the most prominent men of
letters attached to his household.
"What do you think of itT" he asked after
reading his verses aloud.
"I do not altogether like tbe poem," was the
candid reply.
"What an ass yon are to say so!" exclaimed
the offended sovereign, and there was certainly
much wisdom in tbe royal words, for the mis
guided critic was- forthwith ordered to the
stables to be flogged.
A few days later the Shah, having written
another poem, once more desired to hear the
opinion of tbe learned scribe whom he, had
consulted before. Hardly had he read a few
lines of his latest elacnbration when tbe
learned man turned abruptly away and pre
pared to run ont of tho room.
"Where are you golngt" thundered his Ma-
"Back to the stables," cried the critic in des
peration. So amused was the King of kings by this
repartee tbat he forgave the delinquent, and
forbore to have him no eged a second time.
Forgot His Itnpromtu.
Tbe Lansing. Mich., correspondent of the
Detroit If em says that a joint legislative con
vention, held Wednesday night was not a suc
cess. One untoward circumstance which
marred the effect of the exercises occurred
when Senator Benson took the platform. He
forgot his little piece.
"The orators ah ah to which you have
listened (long pause) pronounced In eulogy
of the Illustrious dead whose distinguished sery.
lcrs have so long been profoundly ah ab
profoundly recognized by the grateful people
of this republic (another long cause), have
brought sadness to ah to your hearts, ahd
tears ah to your eyes as only the utterances
ofor-"
There was a very long pause here, during
which the orator shifted uneasily around and
showed unmistakable symptoms of being about
to break down.
"So seldom might a champion arise to
grapple with the oppressor" (very fast and
with a desperate intonation that was almost
pathetic) "Pericles, of Athens, made his city
the ah ah tbe architectural wonder of the
world. Caesar ab Alexander, when he
severed, had untied tbe Gordon knot of Asiatic
ab Asiatic"
The auditors teltllke biting tenpflnny nails
during tbo long silence that succeeded. Then
tbe Senator, with tbe shamefacedness of a
school boy, pulled a big roll of manuscript out
of his pocket and began to read bis oration.
And instead; of starting it with Alexander,
where he had left off, be began the thing all
over again.
PEBS0HAL PABAGBAPHS.
Henbt Villabd, of railroad fame, has
gone to Europe. He sailed yesterday.
Mb. James Path, the novelist, has
Just joined tbe staff of the London Punch.
Hebe Windxhqbst, the leader of the
Center party In tbe German Belchstag, IS seri
ously 111 again.
Edwin Booth's leading lady next sea
son will be Miss Ada Dyas. Miss Minna Gale
will lead for Lawrence Barrett
B. F. Steabne, of Lynchburg, Va.,.lias
In his possession a curiously carved violin, said
to have been tbe property ot Thomas Jefferson.
John E. Pabsons, the lawyer of the
Sugar Trust looks much as Ralph Waldo Em
erson looked when he was 60 years old. He Is
tall, attenuated and stoop-shouldered.
Henbt Ievino has been elected to the
Marlborough Club. This is a high honor, for
the Prince of Wales does not allow anyone to
join that Institution whom be does not wish to
number among his Intimates.
Phillips Bbooks is 65 years old, and
for 20 years he has been the rector of Trinity
Church, in Boston. His salary is 510,000 a year,
but of tbat a large proportion goes for charity,
for bis generosity is proverbial.
James Gobdon Bennett, the proprie
tor of the New York Herald, Is a naval vet
eran. He was a lieutenant and commanded his
own yacht which was armed and commissioned
as a vessel of the United States navy.
The Empress "Frederick is coming to
England again in July, to be present at the
wedding of Princess Louise of Schleswlg-Hol-steln
and Prince Albert of Anbalt-Dessau.
Tbe Empress is then to be the guest of the
Queen at Windsor Castle and at Osborne.
Andbetv Lang is in poorer health than
usual. He has recently had several hem
orrhages. Tbe portrait ot Lang, prefixed to a
just published volume of his essays, shows him
to possess a lean, clever, kindly-eyed, fascinat
ing visage, rather American than English in
type.
Congbessman Andeeson, of Kansas,
the great Pacific Railroad fighter, is 56 years
of age, above the medium height stout with a
fresh colored face, set off by luxuriant gray
hair. He is a man of education, pleasing ad
dress and good manners, and is an advocate of
free silver.
Mb. Seuboeon and Dr. Parker, of Lon
don, have left the Liberation Society (for the
Disestablishment of the Church of England).
Dr. Parker declared that he would have noth
ing to do with atheists and agnostics trying to
disestablish the Christian churcb, and tbe re
ligions work should only be undertaken by
religious men.
Ex-Empeess Fbedebick is short, plain
and stout There is much in ber countenance
to remind one of Queen Victoria. The physi
ognomy gives tbe impression of sturdy strength
or mind and high thought. Nevertheless she
has a retreating chin and a poorly formed
mouth. The nose is. commonplace and turned
up. Where her strength lies is in the compact
well-developed forehead and brow.
- H0BT0H AHD HIS BOAT.
A Brooklyn Medium Pretends to Tell the
Fate of the Daring Sailor.
Nkw York. March 11. More than 100 days
ago Captain F. L. Norton sailed for Europe on
a small steamer of the same name, for which
he claimed the quality of being unsinkable by
storm and flood. He bas never been seen since.
Now one of the members of his company has
beard from the ill-fated craft througb a Brook
lyn medium.
The medium declares that Captain Norton
died of starvation when 80 days out from this
port. A few days previous his wife had died
and his niece followed her. The little ship, the
story goes, met a terrific cyclone, and was
driven far to the southward with the loss of the
smokestack and deck-house. At present tbe
wreck lies about 3,000 miles east of Brazil, and
Engineer Conlson was tbe only survivor.
A TUBK AHD HIS WIVES.
Their Arrival In New York on Way to the
Sandwich Islands.
New York, March 11. Among the passen
gers arrived on the La Gascogne was a bearded
Tnrk, Oban Solyman Gaidjlkban Sheek, who,
with bis four wives, had come from the little
town of Mons in Galicia, Asia Minor, en route
to tbe bandwich Islands.
The man was a fine specimen of his race and
was elegantly dressed in tbe garb ot his country.
About his bead was wound a white silk turbln,
from the front of which sparkled a big ruby.
Around bis waist was a silken sash into which
was stuck a Turkish sword. The four women
were heavily veiled and were dressed in white
camel hair garments. The Turk was a man of
wealth, and has a son at school at St Edmunds
bury, England
NEVEB TOO OLD TO LOVE.
A Groom of 69 Weds a Bride of 58 Summers
in Braddock.
ISPKCTAL TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH. 1
Bkaddock, March 11. A remarkable wed
ding occurred here this afternoon, when John
Sberwinand Mrs. Mary Beam took the vows
that made tbem man and wife. The groom is
9 years of age, and Is the grandfather of many
children.
He is the father ot Burgess William Sherwin,
and an old and honored resident. The bride is
68 years of age.
FOUND HIS M.0THEB.
A Chicago Boy Gets a Fortune and She
Comes to Claim Him.
Chicago, March 11. Mrs. Norton, the
fashionable dressmaker, has proved her claim
that she is the mother ot young Harry Fergu
son, tbe bellboy, wbo lately fell heir to a con
siderable sum of money.
Letters have been received by the detective
department from Canandaigua, N. Y which
verify tbe woman's claims.
Not Quite So Large.
rrnoM a staff cobeespoxdejtt.i
HabrisburG, March 1L An error in tbe
telegram yesterday relative to Mr. Fruit's bill
to permit an Increase iu the tax levy in bor
oughs made it appear that the measure fixed
the minimum ratb at 10 mills. Itshuuldhave
read the "maximum" rate.
DEATHS OP A DAY.
John FrankUn Swift,
San Fbanoisco, March 11. John
Franklin ttwlft Minister to Japan, whose death Is
reported from Toklo, was born in Kentucky In
1S29. In 18J2 be came to California and entered
tbe law office of Frank Plxley. From then on he
served as a lawyer of distinction, being
engaged in some ot the most import
ant cases in tlie State, in 18G3 be
was elected to the Leclslatnre as a Kepubllcan.
In lSB ho ran for Coneress as an Independent, but
was defeated. In 1877 he received the Kepubllcan
nomination and wis elected. In I83U he accom-
Jianled J. IS. Angel!, the new minister, and Will
am If. Westcott to Peking, whertbcy negotiated
tho Burllngame treaty. In 1SS3 Mr. Swlrt rau Tor
GOTCrnor on the ltepuoilcan ticket, but was de
feated by Y. A. Bartlett. the Democratic nom
inee. He was appointed Minister to Japan March
It I8S9.
Mrs. Annie Blchards.
Mrs. Annie Bicbards, oneof the most1 re
spected of Pittsburg's Welsh residents, Is dead at
the age of 72 years She was stricken with paral
ysis a week ago. but was though t to be lm proving.
The deceased was the widow of the late Frederick
Klcliards and a sister of James lteese, the boat
oullder. She leayes two sons by different mar
riages. Hon. James F. Blchards, of the Pennsyl
vania Legislature, and David Stewart, the engi
neer. Charles De Blanc.
NewTobk, March 11. The steamship
Venezuela, which arrived here to-day irom'Cur-.
acao, reports that Charles De Blanc, of New Or
leans. ex-United States Consul at Porto Capello,
died at Curacao March 3 and was burled there.
Bev. Thomas Lee.
Cincinnati, March 11. Key.. Thomas
Lee. Superintendent of tbe Union Bethel, a char
itable and religious institution, during tbe past SJ
years, died yesterday.
Senor Pedro Armenteros.
HAVA1TA, March 1L Seuor Pedro Ar
menteros; one orthe founders of the Autonomist
Sarty and a member of the board or tbat party, is
ead.
F0UHD AT LAST.
A Former Slave, Now In Ohio, Hears From
Bis Long-Lost Mother.
SrsiNoriELD, o., March 11. After 10 years'
separation William H.Tcxld, an ex-slave at
Washington Court House, JTayette county, has
discovered the whereabouts of his mother, now
100 years old, living at' Macon, Ga through a
letter received lasr night. Twelve years prior
to the war they were sold to different masters
and each received tbe master's name who made
the purchase. Todd and one ot bis brothers
belonged during the war, to tbe Twenty-second
Colored Union Infantry and at the battle of
Deep Bottom. Va his brotber lost his life.
There were U brothers, and all of tbem were
soldiers in tbe Union army; 12 of them foueht
in tbe Fort Pillow massacre", eight being killed
after tbe fort had surrendered and rebels had
taken possession of it Four escaped and are
living to-day near tho scene of their childhood,
where their aged mother and four of "Gov
ernor" Todd's children by his first wife are liv
ing. The letter elves Todd Intense delight He Is
about 70 years of age and quite poor. Au effort
is on foot to raise money enough to send him to
his native State, where he may see bis mother
before she dies. He has been writing to people
In the South for many years concerning the
whereabouts of Ms mother and children, and
at last he Is a happy man. He was assisted In
tbe search for her by the son of his old master.
Mr. Toad.
PEFFEE'S PHTAHCIAL VEEWS.
He Wants $80,000,000 Issued to Baise the
Mortgages on Homes.
trnoM x staTt cobrxsf oiroxirr.
Washington, March 1L The various
Farmers' Alliance representatives In and out
of Congress who have been visiting Washing
ton lately are taking occasion, through the me
dium of mass meetings and club gatherings, to
make known to the public their views on finan
cial and other questions. At a meeting last
night Senator-elect Peffer gave his financial
views at great length. Mr. Peffer announced
tbat the Alliance men now meant to rnn things
to suit themselves.
Among other thines. the successor of Sena
tor Ingalls wants 50.000,000 new Treasury notes
of tbe denomination of SL This sum, or so
much thereof as was necessary he would loan
out, 10 per cent of each loan to be paid each
year, 0 per cent to be applied to the extinction
of the principal indebtedness and lper cent
covering the interest. In tbat way he believed
it possible to redeem every mortgaged borne in
tbe land within a period of 15 years. He wants
the money-Issuing power taken away from
national banks, and be thought those institu
tions should be converted Into Government
agencies.
AUSTIN C0BBQT3 GEEAT SCHEME.
Ho Will Eclipse Them All With His Ocean
Steamship Line.
ISFlCCIAI. TXLXOKAX TO THB DISPATCH.l
NjtwYobk. March 1L The Seaboard for
the current week says that Austin Corbin will
.establish the finest transatlantic steamship line
between this country and Europe by building
eight 12,000-ton steel ail-American steamships
capable of attaining a speed of 24 miles an
hour to run from Montauk, L. L, to Milford
Haven, England, in five days. A reporter in
quired of Mr. Corbin if the report was authen
tic. Mr Corbin would only say that he bad not
authorised such a publication.
The article in Seaboard sets forth that noth
ing has hitherto stood in the way of a con
summation of this scheme except tbe inability
of Americans to run the ships as cheaply as do
tbe English. The passage of tbe postal subsidy
bill, which grants SI a mile to first-class ships,
removes that disability from American enter
prises. Within two years' time it Is believed
tbat tbe first four ships of this line will be In
commission, and tbey will be tbe finest ships
ever built in tbe world, tbe aggregate cost it
Is believed, amounting to the enormous sum of
about 112,000,003.
A PB0SPEE0US IUSTITUXIOrT.
The Methodist Book Concern Preparing to
Enlarge Its Quarters.
Cincinnati, March 1L In pursuance of the
authority granted by .the General Book Com
mittee of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
its tecent meeting here, tbe Western Metho
dist Book Concern has bought for $90,000 a lot
adjoining their present building, which gives
tbem a frontage of 71 feet on Fourth street by
240 feet on Home street. On 'tbls will shortly
be erected additional buildings.
The" growth ot tbe concern has been aston
ishing in tbe past seven years. In 1884 its net
capital was S414.857; in ISai It stands in solid
assets, 31,010,515. Meanwhile it has paid to
general chnrcb funds, nearly 1130,000. This
shows net earnings averaging more than 1103,
000 per year.
A VEBY C08TL x VOTES.
Brought From Honolulu to Be Present at
the Dominion Election.
CHICAGO, March 11, "What do you think of
bringing a man over 6,000 miles to vote and
paying tho entire expense of the Journey?"
asked Mr. Thomas A. Wilson, of Bridgewater,
N. S., at tbe Auditorium to-day.
"Tbat is what the Canadian Pacific Railroad
did just previous to the last election. There
was a precinct in Winnipeg which was known
to be doubtful, with tbe Liberals slightly in
the - lead. Tnts man. whose presence ' was
needed to Influence others, was In Honolulu,
Hawaii. He consented to return to Winnipeg
to vote providing his expenses were paid.
Someone was out over 150 for the trip."
EUASAGE FB0M HOBSE HEAT.
An English Syndicate to Manufacture the
Stuff in Chicago.
Chicago, March 1L "No, I do not think
that any English or any other kind of a syndi
cate will manufacture sausages in thuTclty X or
export using horses shipped in here dead as
raw material," said Health Commissioner
Wickersham to-dav. referring to a published
statement to that effect.
'If these people wish to use healthy horses,
horses that are shipned into the city alive."
continued Mr. Wickersham, "they may 'do so.
It has never been proved that healthy horse Is
not healthful, but I will not permit any other
such establishment to uo business here."
COMING THEATRICAL EVENTS.
Sam Dkvebe'8 new company will entertain
the patrons of Harry Williams' Academy next
week,
Harris" ever-ponnlar theater win present
The Tin Soldier," that faugh-prorokini; pro
duction, commencing Monday.
Franz RtmsiEi, will give piano recitals at
Old City Hall Monday evening, March 13, and
Wednesday afternoon, March 18. Seats at
Klebcr & Bro's. on and after Saturday.
JefterSON and Florence gave their last per
formance of "The Rivals" last night. The
"Heir at Law" will be tbe bill at the Duquesne
lor tho rest of the week.
Tbe following is from tbe Boston, Mass..
Fost of April 16, 18S9, and is a graceful com
pliment to Ullie Akerstrom, tbe young actress
who is soou to be seen In this city a the
Grand: "Dancing, real dancing, is an art al
most as much lost to our stage as pantomime,
and Miss Akerstrom'sSligbtness ofmovement
ber sense for rhythm and tbe easy precision of
her steps are therefore in joyous contrast to
tbeclumy ballet and tbe athletic pas soul to
which tbe American Terpsichore is for the
most part reduced."
After a two years' absence, which she has
spent in conquering London and all England.
pretty Minnie Palmer comes to the Duquesne
Dexi iuuuj .. - -.-... uMQuivut, pre
senting H. S. Taylor and H. Williams' new
comedy melodrama, "A Mile a Minute." The
mechanical effects employed are said to be far
In advance in point ot ingenuity of anything
yet developed by tbe modern craze for realism
on tbe stage. A Teal English locomotive. Im
ported at tbe expense of $25,000, will be seen
running at the rate of 60 miles an hour in full
view of tbe audience during the great clfmac?
terlc scene of the play. The sale ot seats and
boxes begins this morning.
It all tbe promises are carried out the attrac
tion at the Bijou next weak will be one of tbe
most important theatrical events of the season.
The play Is from the pen of that master of
playwritrhts, Steele Mackaye. and as the title
"Money Mad" indicates treats on a subject'
pertinent to these days of financial troubles
and illustrating this great menacing evil of
daily life. Tbe story deals with life in Chicago
and tbe whole scene ef the plot Is laid In the
city by the lake and alternately transports tbe
spectator from the palaces of the money kings
to tbo slums of tbe wretched and vicious. Tbe
play Is said to have several scenic features-new
to the stage and among them is a realistic pro
duction of tbe Clark street bridge which spans
the busy river tbat runs through ChicagovThe
bridge bas a swinging draw wIch opens and
closes and steamers and tugs under full head
of steam pass through. - '
IN SOCIETY DOMAIN.
Leonard Wales' Opens to Be Produced by
the Duff Opera Company To Be a Grand
Social Event List of Sen Interested.
A social event of considerable importance
with any number of society patronesses is be
ing arranged for during the return engagement
ot the Dnff Opera Company, whtn
it will give three performances of
Leonard Wales' opera, "Tho Lion of
Peru," for which Dr. Woods furnished
the libretto. The opera, both score and li
bretto, bas been recently rewritten and now
stand, it is said, very greatly improved. Tbe
new orchestration was thoroughly tested not
long ago by Mr. Wilt's orchestra, wbo will ren
der it, as tbe performance will be given lu
the Opera House. Tbe opera. It will be
remembered, was presented in this city by tbe
Boston Ideal Company In May, 1E88. At that
time a number nf business men, whose names
have never been published, were Interested in
the production, 'itier were Andrew Carnegie.
James B. Scott, M. W. Watson, Gilbert Raf
fertv, George A. Kelly. General A. L. Pearson,
J. M. Guffev, H. C. Fnck, Marshall McDonald,
Captain Si 8. Broun. H. H. Brown, H. H. Ar
mud. Charles K. McKenna. W. J. Lewis, H.
Sellers 3IcK.ee and several others.
They are still enthusiastic over tbe opera and
many of tbem. including Andrew Carnegie,
will occupy boxes in i the Opera House with
their wives. Marie Tempest will appear In the
title role and Charles O. Basset will be cast for
"Walpole" tbe leading" tenor role.
A HAEVABD EVEJfT,
President Eliot to Lecture Here Next Satur
day Evening.
Tbe advent of tbe Harvard Glee and Mando
lin Clubs In this city recently, and the preced
ing organization of a Harvard Alumni Asso
ciation were seemingly but forerunners of a
series of intellectual and material treats. The
Harvard sapper is scarcely cold before It
is announced that President Eliot of
Harvard University, will lecture to tbe newly
orcanized association and its friends and wilt
afterward be tendered a reception. The date
for the notable event is tbe 14th of the month
next Saturday and the place tbe Duquesue
Clnb.
The lecture will commence at 8 o'clock
and tbe assemblage will be a rep
resentative one, as invitations have been
extended by G. HFainter, the President. to peo
ple prominent alike in the social and commer
cial world. Though a Lenten affair, it is to be
very brilliant and some exquisite toilets are to
ue worn ny society leaaera, x ne aiauusuuuBu
and conservative college President will be en
tertained at tbe Duquesne Club during his so
journ In this city.
UNCLE SAH MUST HUSTLE.
A Postmistress Got Married and Wants to
Resign, but Can't
Mr. and Mrs. Reinhart, a bride and groom of
McMlnn, Pa., and tbe latter, postmistress at
tbat place, were in the city yesterday on their
bridal tour. Mrs. Reinhart, since becoming a
happy bride, desired to retire from the employ
of Uncle Sam, but finding him slightly derelict
in settling up accounts retained her posi
tion, and while in tbe city consulted with
Colonel Hudson as to the best means of coerc
ing tbe stalwart and contrary old gentleman
into doing the correct thing according to ber
ideas. After being closeted with Colonel Hud
son, and having a confidential chat with Post
master McEean and Assistant Edwards she de
parted, bent upon interesting tbe Congressman
of her district In the difficulty with the hope tbat
tosetner tbey might vanquish tbe foe and re
ceive tbe ducats.
Mrs. Reinhart bas been very popular as post
mistress of the little burg, and her vacating
the office will be attended with regret by the
people, who, bowever. rejoice with ber upon
her marriage, while congratulating bef hus
band. AH 0BAHOE TEA
To Be Given by Ladles of the Belle vue Pres
byterian Church.
An "orange tea" will Invigorate the social
circles of Bellevue this evening. It Is to be
given by tbe Ladles' Society of the Presby
terian Church, and will commence at 6 o'clock
P.M. From that time until 8. tea will be
served under the orange colors, with the
accompaniments that go to make up a first
class church supper. After thorough good
humor is invoked by such a programme on tbe
Jiartof hungry man the assemblage will ad
onm from the Sunday school room, with its
orange bue. to the audience room, where tbe
prominent local musical talent will render
vocal numbers for the remainder of the even-
The ladles interested in the nrolect are Mrs.
Dr. Artbnrs, Chairman, and Mesdames Thomp
son, Marlln, Klrker and Luzan, assisted by
Innumerable aids among tbe pretty girls of tbe
region.
The Great Baritone Will Sing.
It has been variously reported that Theodore
Reichmann, the great German baritone, would
return to Europe Immediately and would not
appear at tbe Pittsburg May festival. Man
ager George C. Jenks yesterday received a let
ter from the baritone's manacer, stating that
he bad decided to stay in America, especially
for tbe Pittsburg event This is quite a com
pliment for Pittshurc and tbe management of
tbe festival feels flattered on account of Herr
Reichmann's decision.
Mrs. Porter's Farewell.
Mrs. James E. Porter, a lady prominent In
the social and musical circles of tbe city, whose
frequent appearances as a concert soloist with
the Mozart Club and other organizations bas
given her an ex'tended acquaintance and fol
lowing, will make a farewell appearance next
Saturday afternoon at tbe free organ recital at
Carnegie Hall, before going to Roanoke, Va.,
her future home. Mrs. Porter will be heard
in "Kiddle and I." "Babyland." "What's in a
Kiss" and "Are Maria," tbe latter with violin
obligate by Miss Mamie Reuck.
A Wedding of Interest to Come.
A wedding oflnterest will take place very
shortly, when Mis3 Alice Stevenson, youngest
daughter of George K. Stevenson, will be
united to Mr. William Dqnlap. of Oakland.
The nnion will be celebrated wftb the elabor
ateness and brilliancy befitting the nuptials of
two such prominent young people nf long es
tablished famlHe". It will occnr at the Steven
son mansion, on Fifth, near Craftavenue. The
invitations have not yet been issued.
Social Chatter.
The members of the Argonot Association
will hold their eighteenth annual reunion on
Monday evening at the residence of William
Sbaffer,'No. SC29 Penn avenue. (The association
Is composed of forty-niners, who are the sur
vivors of a company of 300 that went from Pitts
burg to California in the gold days of 1849.
Ret. T.J. Leak, D.D.. will lectnre in the
Union M. E. Church. Allegheny, this evening
on "A Horseback Journey Through Pales
tine." Mb, and Mrs. J. J. Speabman, of Sharon,
will celebrate theirsweddmg anniversary this
evening. Hagan will eater.
Mrs. Rose Callert and daughter are so
journing at tbe Arkansas Hot Springs.
Miss Mart D. Watson has returned from
a two weeks' visit in New York City.
The Order of Solons will hold a reunion in
Old City Hall tbls evening.
Mrs. A. C. Graft and son, J. D bave gone
to Hot Springs, Ark.
STJPEBSTrnOUS SILLINESS.
Methods Employed for the Recovery of a
Drowned Man's Body.
Birmingham. Conn. March 1L The friends
of Bernard Gayner, who was drowned near the
Housatonlc dam two weeks ago, bave'employed
queer methods for the recovery of his body.
Material means falling, resort bas been made
to the superstitious methods which bave been
in vogue in many countries. A sheaf of wheat
was thrown from where Gayntr fell, and it was
watched to see where it wonld sink. It is said
the sbeaf will sink in'.tbe same place the body
does. Tbe watchers searched where tbe sbeaf
sank, but found nothing. A wax candle was
then stuck on a board and lighted. The board
was sent floating down tbe stream. This was
done In tbe belief tbat the board would stop
and the candid go out over wbere the body lay.
This experiment was also a failure, lbe last
venture bas been ibat of tbo dead man's
brotber, wbo consulted a New York clairvoy
ant. He was told that the body lay in a deep
hole close to the bank, at tbe east side of tbe
dam. where it was firmly imbedded in the mud.
A diligent search was made as directed, but
with as fruitless a result as tbe others.
A Rival of Carmendtaw
Ullie Akerstrom, wbo is to be seen at tbe
Grand Opera House next week. Is described as
one of tbe most graceful and agile dancers on
tbeAmerlcanstagandUsaldtohayeabund-'l-xnat
ant opportunities to disnlay her skill in this di
rection in mepiajs sue u 10 proauce.
Sorry Now, No Doubt
ew York Kecorder.l '
At a recent Lenten party in Washington raw
oysters. Ice cream and beer were served.
There ought to be pesanee enough in a repast
of this sort to su;t anyone who is not fanatic
CDEI0D8 COffDENSATIOSS;
A distinctive church dress for women
to wear on Sunday is proposed in England.
An Albany, Kan., paper publishes the
following Item: "John Thompson's dogs are' all
dead but 12.
There are still 14 different places on this
globe wbere cannibalism is practiced, but the
custom is gradually dying out.
Kansas City's Chiel of Police is looking
for an embezzler who is only 15 years old, 6 feet
3 Inches tall, and weighs 100 pounds.
Experiment tends to show that the edges
of the flame of a petroleum lamp give from 37
to 33 per cent less light than the flat surface.
When cast and malleable iron are used
in tbe same structure a galvanic action Is set up
between them, and the malleable iron is cor
roded. A Eaclne, Wis., woman has been ex
pelled from church because she went to sleep
during the sermon, snored and made faces at
the pastor.
A turnip measuring four feet in cir
enmference and weighing 50 pounds Is on ex
hibition at the New Whatcom, Wash., Cham
ber of Commerce.
The Poncho Springs in Colorado are all
on the side of a mountain and hot and cold
water flows from tbe ground in places not
more than three inches apart
Among the "arts" taught by a lady la
Cincinnati is that of "being able to shed tears
whenever occasion requires a mos't powerful
weapon in the bands of any female."
Virus taken from hares is being experi
mented with in France, and thus far it baa
been found to work equally well for the pur
poses of vaccination as virus taken from calves.
Cork covering for steam pipes has
proved very successf nl in England, and in some
f-1 " -a' been found to make a difference of
tuu- to im" irom the temperature of uncovered
Pipes.
During a fire in Chicago, a few nights
ago, a man wbo lived next door to tbe burning
building, was awakened by tbe clamor, and ha
and his wife ran hastily into tbe street be
bringing a cat with him. and his wife leading a
dog.
Nearly 30,000 violent or sudden deaths
occur every year in England calling for In
quests, twice as many as the number of Ger
mans killed ra tbe Franco-German war: and for
every violent death there are at least 50 acci
dents. The effect which living at high altitudes
has on the blood of animals has been recently
Investigated, and the results show tbat tbe pro
portion of oxveen In tbe blood of men and ani
mals acclimatized there was the same as that of
dwellers at lower levels.
A Nevada girl has such monstrously big
feet tbat she was secured for a dime museum
c'rcult, Intended to advertise that she was from
Chicago. This coming to tbe notice of several
Chicago helresse, they formed a svndlcate
and paid her 51.000 to announce St Louis as her
base of supplies.
A man in Milwaukee saw a woman fall
down, and be helped her up and spoke words of
consolation and she sent him a deed of a $5,000
house. A man in Peoria did tbe very same
thing, and the woman yelled for ber husband,
wbo was near by, and be came runnlngupand
broke tbe consoler's nose.
Persons sitting by a coal or wood fire
are aware of a sharp crackling sound as the
coal and wood ignite, but few know tbe reason
for it A genleman of a scientific turn of
mind explains tbat it is due to the air or liquid
contained in the pores expanding by beat and
bursting the covering in which it Is confined.
A new device is used by traveling men
for the name strap on their valises. A card
bearing; their name and address is slipped into
the leather card pocket in tbe usual way, bnt
now In addition a piece offmica Is slipped in on
top of tbe card, keeping it neat and clean, and
at the same time permitting it being read by
reason of its transparency.
A new discovery was made in the
famous Wind Cave of the Black Hills last week
byVhich openings were found tbat took a
seven hours' tramp to one of tbe subterranean
chambers and return. This cave is surpassing
the famous Mammoth Cave of Kentucky in
magnitude, and will be a principal object of at
traction to visitors ot the Black Hills.
There was a lively scrapping match be
tween two Indiana lightweights the other
night and when tbe victor returned to his
home in Sevmonr, puffed up over his victory
and S10O in his pocket, bis mother realized tbat
bis etrotism might prove his downfall If not
nipoed in tbe bud. Sbe therefore squared off
ana DrDKBsisjsvaoDxuocsea aim oucmtne
second round.
In certain parts of Africa crickets are
said to constitute an article of commerce.
People rear them, feed them in confinement
and sell tbem. The natives are very fond of
tbeir music, thinking that it Induces sleep.
Superstitions regarding the cricket's chirp are
very varied. Some believe that it Is ominous
of sorrow and evil, while others consider it to
be a harbinger of joy.
An Egyptian scythe recently unearthed
Is exhibited among the antiquities in the pri
vate museum of Flinders Petne In London.
The shaft of the Instrument is wood, support
ing a row of flint saws, which are seenrely ce
mented into it. This discovery will set at rest
tbe speculations which bave been made as to
how tbe crops of tbe land were gathered in tbe
flint and early copper age.
There is truly a most remarkable case
of marriage and death reported from Nova
Scotia. A groom and bis blushing ibride
stood- up before a minister to be mar
ried, when the groom fell to the ground a
corpse. Heart disease was tbe cause. The
local paper says that the groom's father and
granaiatner aiea in ine same manner and at
the same period of the marriage ceremony.
A law suit at Chicago involved the re
covery of a cent and the expenditure of WOO in
court and counsel fees. Tbe postmaster sold a
postage stamp to an Englishman, wbo, after
placing it on a letter, tendered a Canadian
fienny as part payment. An argument Inl
awed, then a row and then an appeal to the
courts. Eventually tbe postmaster got judg
ment and a genuine unadulterated United
States cent.
The biggest insect of its kind in the
world 13 tbe Hercules beetle of South America.
which grows to be six inches in length. It is
said, whether truthfully or not, tbat great
numbers of tbee creatures are sometimes seen
on tbe mammsea tree, rasping the rind from
the slender branches by working around tbem
with their horns until tbey cause the juice to
flow. This juice tbey drink to Intoxication,
and thus fail senseless to the ground.
Mexico, Mo., has a man whose beard is
so stiff and stent that he shaves with wire
pincers; a carpenter who sacrifices bis dinner
every day to play billiards: a young man woe
wilted in tbe register's office and sneaked out
without securing the coveted license; a woman
who gets up in tbe morning and bnllds tbe fire
while the husband spanks the baby, and a col
lege graduate who has not read a paper for 20
years, save only when one was given to him.
The women of Fort Scott, Kan., have a
sign and a token. Just after they had com
pleted the nomination for Mayor at tbe opera
house, a rooster that was part of tbe "Cold
Day" company's properties, bearing tbe ap
plause and snpposing tbe show was going- on,
came out of his coop ana atrntted down to the
footlights, and flapping bis wings, crowed
lustily. The ladies encored the performance.
and the rooster bowed bis acknowledgments
and crowed again. Tbe ladies regard this as a
sure sign that their candidate is going to win.
CLIPPED CACHTNNATIONS,
Clerk This cloth is very durable, mad
am. I assure von.
Shopper Yes, bat take It away. It Is not en
durable. St, Faul Dtsvateh.
Sauss In tbe good old days when gallants1'
fellows met tbey used to break a lance to show?..
their love for each other. ;3Kj;
ltodd-Nowadavs they show their love by break-!.
Ing a bottle. Sew lor Heratd.
From the Governor of Connecticut to the
Governor of .New York: "It's a short time be
tween snubs." 5t Louts rost-VUpatch
A dead heat must be the kind that is used
In acreamatory.o'M.fffe'o Express.
Emily Now that you are engaged to
Barry, does be ever ask you for a kiss?
Julia-Be never has yet
Emily Dear mel Is he bashful?
Julia -Ob, no; betakes them without asking.
Boston Uerald.
A BALD-HEADKB. IABS -WAIL.
In the front row he sat till the burlesque jras
out
And he said 'be's a sightly young elt
she's scant lu her salt there cannot be a
doubt-
Bat then, I'm short on hirsute myself."
Washington Fost.
Clerk (in the gas company's office) This '
bill of Wlshleu' is entirely too large: he couldn't J
Iiitk eamnmed la mnrh ml.i.An(h. 3
. n.n m . U.W..
Bookkeeper How do you know!
aerk-Kr-um-I ought to know, t am paying i
addresses to bis daughter.
J-.sSS
;-,
jrJK.
B?..-,
jSc$&&dUijtf -.sneL&t, .i.
mSM