. 4 ITHfi gETTSBtTEQ- ." DISFATOH, EIDA?, ' SlABOH 20 J89L vfopfixft. mm ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 8, 1S46. Vol. 5. .o. 4L Entered at Pittsburg roiloEce, November H. 1SST, as tecond-class matter. Business Office Corner Smithfleld and Diamond Streets. News Booms and Publishing House 75, 77 and 78 Diamond Street ZAETKBN ADVERTISING OFFICE. ROOM H. TRIBUNE BUILDING. NEW YORK, where complete flies of THK DISPATCH can atways be Jonnd. Foreljn Advertisers appreciate the con Tenlencc. Home ad ertlsers and friends or THE KISFATCH, while In New York, are alio made welcome. IHE D1SPATC3 is regularly on sale at Jtrcntmo's. S Union Square. A'eur York, aid 17 .dre. de COpeia, Paris, fiance, where anyone uho has been disappointed at a hotel news stand can obtain it. TERMS of Tia: nisrATcn. rosTAOE run ix tiie nans states. PAILT DlSPATCIT. one Year f 00 IIatlt I)If patch, Per Quarter SCO Dailt DlrATCH. Une.Mo-ita " DaILT DisrATCn, Including "-nnday, lyear. 30 00 DAH.T lJierATCit, lncludlncSanday,8mtn 150 Daily Dispatch, Including fcundav. liu'lli 90 tCKDAT Dispatch. One Year TS0 "Weeelt Dispatch. One Year IS TltE Datlv DlSPATcn Is delivered by carriers at ;f cents per wcel, or Including Sunday edition, at SI cents per week. PITTSBURG. FRIDAY. MAR. 20, 189L A PROFITLESS DELUSION. "While the opinion of Justice 'Williams might have been very much clearer as to what he meant by "curative legislation," we still think it clear enough he did not contemplate that any legislation at this date could repair blunders as to improvements wholly or partially done. He was explicit enough in saying that the cost of these mis takes would have to be met by general taxes, not by special assessment of the street abutters. The curative legislation suggested in his opinion could only have been meant to anply to plans for future im provements the cure of a defective system. The contrary idea to this is still professed by the city officials. But it does not strike us as affording ground fur the slightest hope. .Even if a "curative" act is got through the Legislature, attempting to authorize new assessments against the abutters for past improvements, what likelihood is there that Governor Patiison would sign it? During his previous term he vetoed a street bill for Pittsburg because it allowed improvements upon the petition of less than one-half the abutting property owners. How could he now consistently sign a bill ordering these same abutters to pay where work has been done on petition o! It- an one-half, and even where the Sup e e Court for other and stronger reasons hai specially declared the abutters not to be liable? The Dispatch entertains no doubt at all that in almost cverv instance in which the city has made improvements under the con demned street acts, the abutting property owners were benefited lar more than the as sessments made azainst them. It is also a case of great injustice to make the general taxpayer pay far these special improvements. But there is no use cherishing delusions. Justice Williams' opinion gives little ground for expecting that curative legisla tion can affect the liability for work already wholly or partially done. And if it did, Governor Fattison could not be expected to turn a complete somersault from his former position. The Legislature can "cure" the defective system so as to make it work constitutionally for the future. It will not succeed in the retroactive measures contemplated. LEGISLATION l$r PREJUDICE. The reason given for expecting the Ohio Senate to pass the bill prohibiting the im portation of armed police partakes largely of the humorous. According to reports there was a chance that the measure would have been defeated, had not the honorable legislators been considerably bothered by detectives lately. As the bill is intended particularly for the Pinkertons and their detectives, and as the Pinkerton detectives are supposed to have been extraordinarily active in boring boles in hotel ceilings in order to hear what certain representatives had to say on'certain subjects, tbe humor is apparent. But there is another side to the matter. Putting away all discussion of the proposed law and its merits, it seems that passing bills on prejudice is a rather risky proceed ing. Kepresentatives and Senators are sup posed to legislate for the benefit of their constituents, and not in accord with personal prejudice, whether of long standing or suddenly ac quired. If a legislator honestly believes bis constituents de-. re that a certain bill should become a law, he is supposed to use every honorable means to procure its pas sage. He, himself, may not like the pro posed legislation, but beyond trying to con vince his constituents that it would be bad lor their interests he is not entitled to go. If they want it to pass, it should pass. And if a legislator honestly believes his constitu ents do not desire a certain bill to become a law, he should ue all honorable means to procure its defeat. Personal prejudice should have nothing to do with the case. The foregoing is only theory, though it is sound and unassailable. Practically, in Ohio as in every other State, the legislator does what best suits his own interests, and forgets that he is supposed to be a servant instead of a master of the people. The Dis l'ATCH heartily approves laws for the regu lation or abolition of foreign police in all the States. Past abuses warrant legislative ac tion. But prejudice on the part of the law makers instead of public demand for re forms is dangerous. T11E COURAGE OF JUSTICE. The .St. James Gazette, in speaking of the Nciv Orleans lynching, takes occasion to re mark that "it is doubtful if 'John Bull' has enough grit left in him to protest in as emphatic a manner as the citizens of New Orleans have protested." It has an erro neous standard of courage if its ideal is illustrated by the doings ot the New Or leans mob. The Gazette should bear in mind that at present we are seeking lor the courage ot justice, which holds fast in pain and in pleasure the command of reason. History repeats itself, anil now, as in an earlier day, "the time has arrived, when, like hunts men, we should surround the cover and look sharp that justice does not slip away, aud far out of sight, and get lost, for beyond a doubt she is somewhere near." "We believe less in the kind of grit exhibited in this lynching and commended by the Gazette than in the virtne and remedial powers of our institutions and people, which finds its strongest and satest exemplification in that "universal saving' power of true opinion in conformity with law," everywhere so char acteristic of the best civilization. Plato substantially says, in hs "Eepub- J lie," that which constitute the true courage of a city is likea true sea-purple,which, when dyed upon a carefully prepared white ground, becomes a fast color that no wash log, whether of pleasure or of passion, can deprive of its bloom. On the other hand, if the education and influences by which a people are prepared to take the dye of the laws are not well grounded, then these potent solvents of intemperate fears and passion wash away the bulwarks of reason and reduce men to the level of unregulated and unreasoning brutes. This lynching in 2few Orleans is said to be a blot upon American civilization. So it is; but at the same time it should also be borne in mind that the New Orleans of the "Bloody 11th of March," like the New Or leans of the 20th of December, 1603, when the tricolor ot France came down and gaTe place to the American flair, and the keys of the city passed from the hands ot the French colonial prefect to those of the commission ers for the United States, was then, as now, the least American of all the cities over which the Stars and Stripes unfnrls. URlTIEItT IN SENATORIAL CONTESTS. It was hardly to be expected that the con test over the election of a successor to the late Senator Hearst, of California, would be settled without charges of bribery. They have been made, and are supported by evi dence of such nature that an official inves tigation seems necessary. Jnst whether an investigation will be ordered or not is un known at present, but judging from the mode of procedure in several other Sena torial contests in which bribery was charged the general public is not likely to be shocked by a detailed account of Califor niau legislative corruption. This may be all right, and undoubtedly is if we are to adopt the belief that it is none of the general public's business who is elected to the Senate from California or from any other State. Such a view seems to be a favorite among a certain class of politicians, but, unfortunately for them, the public still persists in thinking it is vitally interested in the character of the men who fill chairs in the Upper House of Congress. That charges of bribery in the election of United States Senators are entirely too common goes almost without saying. Some have thought to explain away any possible effects of corruption of this sort by claiming that the charges generally come from candi dates who foresee defeat, or are the malicious inventions of minds warped by the heat of jealousy. Such is not the case. In almost every instance where bribery has been charged, good grounds for such action have existed. It matters not that after the elections nothing more was heard on the subject. The habit of hushing up such charges is almost as common as the charges themselves. Possibly in the future we may be able to look upon the Senate with feelings of pride. "When corporation magnates and servants have been ejected from its precincts, and when the buying of the title "Senator" is known no more, the Senate will be worthy the respect supposed to be due its dignity. But not till then. THE PLUCKY QUEEN WINS. The Supreme Court of Hawaii has finally rendered a decision that the Queen has a right to use her own discretion in the ap pointmenrof a Cabinet It will be remem bered that certain politicians of the island kingdom denied that right, and wanted the late King's Cabinet to hold over. To this the Queen would not consent, and some rather wild talk of revolution was heard. The matter, however, has been settled, and in tbe Queen's favor. This is as it should be. Any ruler, whether he governs by the sup posititious divine right or by the will of the people, has the right to select his own ad visers. "Whether the Cabinet selected by the Queen is the best obtainable for the kingdom's needs or not is a matter for the future to decide. One pleasant feature, however, is the dis comfort of the great sugar monopolist who virtually ruled the island during the life of the late King. The Queen, and, of course, her new Cabinet, are opposed to the peculiar methods of Spreckcls, and, if their opposi tion be not carried to excess, may be able to do much good for the country in restraining his appetite for the best of the kingdom's produce. CHICAGO'S 7,000 DELINQUENTS. The Dispatch is in receipt of a letter from Moses P. Handy, Chief of the Depart ment of Publicity and Promotion of the "World's Columbian Exposition, explaining what he calls the exact status of tbe alleged failure ol 7,000 subscribers to its stock to pay up subscriptions. Mr. Handv says it is "certainly not surprising that in about 30, 000 subscribers there should be many who, putting down their names in the enthusiasm attendant on Chicago's securing the Exposi tion, now find themselves either unwilling or unable to pay." He also says the full amount subscribed by Chicago citizens will doubtless be paid into the treasury as needed. This latter statement contains informa tion which The Dispatch is very glad to receive. But the former statement only emphasizes the remarks recently made in thee columns, that a large share of the vaunted public spirit of Chicago is only public spirited enough for people to put down their names to boom Chicago, but not enough to put down the cash. The proper kind of public spirit on the part of the 7,000 delinquent subscribers would have led them to make their signatures good with the cash, notwithstanding some unimportant changes in tbe plans. However, The Dispatch rests secure in the belief that the Exposition will in everv way be a success. It favored Chicago in the contest for the site, and still has enough confidence In the "Windy City to expect that all promises will be faithfally kept. A SURPRISE FOR GERMANY. The announcement that President Harri son has determined upon summary measures for the protection of the fair name of Ameri can pork will prove interesting, and espe cially so to the German authorities. "When Minister Phelps makes tbe demand that tbe American hog products be rlcognized, and backs tbe demand up with the President's threat to retaliate in case it is not complied with, our German cousins will no doubt open their eyes and wonder what has come over the erstwhile easy going Uncle Sam. There can be but one outcome of the mat ter in its present stage. The German Gov ernment will find it convenient to suddenly discover hitherto unknown virtues in the meat or the American pig, and will welcome it to the shores of Germany, where it will speedily be made into the savory sausage for the delectation of the sturdy Teutons. The President's action will also teach Germany and other countries that the Chief Execu tive of this nation has lately had conferred upon him a power tbat can be made to oper ate to Uncle Sam's interest should occasion require. Unjust discrimination against a really useful rood articlesimply because it happens to be produced ft this country will cease, and the peopleif the various nations will be the gainer by getting good pro visions at fair prices. An English journal feels aggrieved over some plain statements concerning the neclected tomb of Byron which appeared in a recent article in The Dispatch. The article is true, no donbt, but an illustration "hows Byron's grave outside the church at ilucknalL Tho correspondent did not send the sketch, bnt it was taken from an English illustrated maga zine, which led tho editor astray. Were it not for this trifling slip a city cotemporary that pats the Englishman on the back would not have an opportunity to vent its spleen. It is due the correspondent, Mr. Edgar L. Wakeman, to acknowledge that the blnnder made In illus trating his article has called forth unjust criti cism upon him. If the esteemed cotemporaries at home ana over the water will read the article they will see that the tomb is described as being in Hncknall Cbnrch instead of Huck nall graveyard. We can vouch for Mr. Wake man's statements as to its present condition. In this connection it is not amiss to let the public know that The Dispatch circulates every where, and Is read In Enrope as well as America. Senator Power, of Montana, says the silverltes asked too much. So did tho ap propriation bills. Bnt, unfortunately, the bills got there. The numerous ocean disasters chronicled in tne last few days are calculated to bring the dangers of sea travel homo with startling dis tlnctncss to the dwellers in inland cities. By far the most terrible was tbe wreck of the Utopia, off Gibraltar, by which almost 600 human beings lost their lives. The intimation tbat the officers and crew of the wrecked vessel abandoned the passengers to their fate, while the people on board the ironclad Rodney used every effort to rescue them, brings out two prominent traits in human nature. To the officers and crew of the Rodney is due every commendation the world can give brave men; but tho miserable wretches who had charge of tho Utopia and its precious freight deserve only the execration of mankind. For an impatient man, Treasurer Huston is the most thoroughly resigned person in the country, if number of attempts count for any thing. Some members of the North Dakota Legislature, who were paid to vote a certain way, did not look closely at tbe checks, and consequently did not see that they were so dated as to he no good until after the final voto was taken. When tbe honest legislators tried to get their cash they found tbat payment on the checks had been stopped. The next thing we knoV wo will hear of a North Dakota law to the effect tbat all bribes must be paid cash In advance. The Stato orphan school scandal has broken ofit afresh, and promises to interfere with the .regular order of business at Harris burg. Lord Macauley wrote: "We know of no spectacle so ridiculous as tbe British public in one of Its periodical fits of morality." Yes; hut when the titled part of the British public gets in one of its periodicals the proper de scriptive word is misfit. The red-hot fire escapes on a burning tenement bouse in New York must have made the inmates wish for wings. A German editor has been sentenced to six months' Imprisonment for printing a poem by Helnrich Heine. Poets'are always causing trouble for eaitors, and it seems as if their baneful influence lingered after death. The sinking powers of the rams on the English war ships have been fully demonstrated by the latest ocean horror. THE Congressmen who imagine that the public doe3 not know who are responsible for the extravagance that looted the treasury may be enlightened when they appear for re-election. Lightning purifies the atmosphere, but the Supreme Court lightning will sot purify the streets of Pittsburg. So far the light turned on in the License Court bas failed to reveal any startling specters in the liquor line. The Brooks law seems to have carried out tbe promises of Its promoters. Even tramps carry the grip now. Pa tience and plenty of quinine is the popular prescription. An idle Forbes street natural gas meter has rendered a bill for 35,100 feet of the fluid. However, meters are only peculiar when they fail to earn a living for their makers. POINTS ON PZ0l?LE. "Warner Miller's American Fiber company has been stocked for 150,000,000. Ex-President Cleveland will move his law offices from William street to the Mills building in Broad street on May L t Senator Edmunds is tapping a few maple trees on his farm in Vermont, and will tor 'a season try tbe sweets of private life. Charles Emory Smith, United States Minister to Russia, has been granted a leave of absence from St. Petersburg to visit this coun try. "W. Maceay Laffan, of the New York Sun, has bought a jadelte jar . for $4,400. Aud yet there are people who talk about 'the poor newspaper man." Congressman Springer, of Illinois, is seriously ill at his residence in Washington, from nervous prostration supplemented by a severe case of tbe grip. Prof. Bbdgsch is about to leave Berlin for Egypt, at the expense of the German Min istry of Education, in order to inspect the dis coveries recently made at Thebls. General Deodora da Fonseca, who bas just been elected President of the Brazilian Republic, is 57 years old. All his life since his boyhood has been passed in the army. The Archbishop of Canterbury bas ac cepted the Presidency of the Palestine explor ation fnnd, of which the la i Archbishop ot York was the President from the foundation of the society in 1803 to bis death. Senator Stanford and wire are at Ithaca, N. Y. Tho Senator is making a care ful inspection of the University there for guidance in connection with the great univers ity he is building in California. Dr. Emma Brainaed Eyder is ar ranging some appropriate Hindoo words to the music ot a lot of Yale Bongs, to be Introduced into East India by tbe Pundita Ramabai. who is laboring to elevate child widows. Bishop Paddock, of Massachusetts, was regarded by the late Richard H. Dana, of Bos ton, as the best presiding officer in a conven tion that he ever knew. The Bishop was a ready off-hand speaicer, and knew how to dis patch business. Sir Edwin Arnold, while living in Japan, not only smoked frequently himself, but even trained his children, including a little girl to do so. Cigarettes were used by the young folks, who, strangely enough, somehow did not seem to be very fond of the Indulgence. Jay Gould's signature was printed in tbe puzzle column of a Boston paper -with the request that readers guess whoso it was. Among the persons to whom the autograph was credited were T. Reed. Ingersoll, Ike Weir, Baron Hirscb. H. Greeley. JubalEarly and In spector Byrnes. Dr. Aemand Jeannoutot, a young physician of Paris, is tbe latest in the field as a consumption cure discoverer. His cure is by Inhalation. His apparatus consists of a small, tubular brass boiler connected with a brass pan with a lid. When In operation from under the lid escape vapors which spread about the room, one of tbe parts of which is prussicacid. Mrs. French-Sheldon, the wealthy woman whose proposed daring attempt to emulate H. M. Stanley's recent feats in mid Africa bas attracted much general attention, resides with her husband, a well-known author, in a beautiful retreat by tbe Thames at Hampton. She is of fine physique, litbo and supple, with piercing eyes, very handsome, of exceptional conversational powers, and one who appears to be regardless of fear. She Is a granddaughter of Sir Isaac Newton, compara tively young, and of American birth. TWICE TOLD TALES, A French View of tho Alligator A Fox Rides Hogback Tho Phantom Mountain Living Under tho Snow George "Wash ington's Soap Bobble Helped Oat by Song Piety and Punishment. The Revue des Sciences tfaturelles informs us that the United States are gradually wit nessing the gradual extermination of the vari ous types of their aboriginal fanna; the buffalo gone, tbe alligator is now threatened with ex tinction. In fact, every part of the animal is utilized. Its hide attains a high price; its teeth sell at from 15 to 30 cents the liter: in fact, its flesh, twee deprived of its fat, is greedily devoured by swine, hogs and even fowls. Fibrous, but white and tender, it Is likewise eaten by the Indians and negroes when they have nothing else to consume; and, but for its musky flavor, it would certainly be preferable to the lean Florida cows. The peo ple of South America esteem very highly, also, tbe tail of the alligator, in the same decree as the ichneumon, that delicate lizard whose fleh combines with tbe flavor of the" chicken tbe tenderness of tho frog or green turtle. Tbe cattle breeders of Florida, however, re gret tho loss of their crocodiles, who are accus tomed to wallow in tbe eartb, thus creating de pressions, which filled with water during the rainy season constitute in summer valuable reservoirs for theirstock. To the negroes the capture of an alligator is a windfall, which tbe dealers In terrapins, their employers, abandon to them. These turtles, in fact, disappear in order to pass tho winter in the holes occupied bv the alligators. Tbe negro huntsmen em ployed by the terrapin brokers pass the winter exploring tbe environs of Savannah marking out the spots where the alligators have bur rowed, when spring" returns they go with their tools and unearth at the same time both alligator and terrapiu, torpid still from the cold, the negroes appropriating tbe former by way of perquisites. A Fox Rides Hogback. A good story is related at the expense of a well-known business man of Little Rock by the Chattanooga Times. His hunting proclivities are well known, and he has the reputation of being so skillful in this line that seldom.If ever, does anything escape when he gets on its trail. Last Saturday, however, he was defeated in a most provoking fashion. He saddled up his steed and took up a trail that led to the south west from the city. A short distauco away he started a handsome fox. Away the animal flew, with Martin in close pursuit. He seemed to be unlucky, for no matter bow fas: he rode tbe fox always kept just out of reach. The race lasted some hours, during which the sly little animal doubled and redoubled bl3 track. At last tbe fox showed signs of fatigue, and Martin began to smile at thought of tbe satis faction he would get. But, alas, they struck a herd of hogs, and just as Martin was preparing to "close in," the lox sprang on the back of a long-legged porker one of the kind that can outrun a racehorse. Tho hog raised bis snout, gave a frightened grunt, and away ho flew. Martin stopped, completely spellbound with amazement. The fox held his seat like a circus rider, while the further tbe hog got away tbe faster he seemed to go. Martin watched tho strange pair till they disappeared in a bruih patch and then returned to Little Rock. He related tbe strange occurrence to a number ot "intimate friends," and from them it became known tbrougbont the city. The Phantom Mountain. Clustered about the captain, says a contribu tor to the Kan Francisco Examiner, they were telling about John Mulr's experience on the great South Dome in Yosemite during a snow storm, wben alone there, impressed with all the vastness of the place, be saw a giant image in tho clouds like the wrath of the val ley's god, veering and advancing as if in menace. It was told howMuir finally ascer tained that tbe image was merelyiis own re flection on the snow cloud a duplicate of tbe world-famous specter of theBrocken. Then up spoke Mayor John B. Glasscock, of Oak land, and said: "I have often been on Mount Diablo; in fact, I have camped there season after season. I have viewed the sun rise and set from a perch upon the summit time and time again, but only once bad I the pleasure of beholding the ghost like peak. One morning, however, after I had climbed the grade in order to see the Signal Service men, who were formerly stationed tbere.flash their heliograph signals across to an eminence on the otherside of the Truckee. and then over to Monnt St. Helena, 1 was told to turn my eyes out to sea. You know it is a fact tbat on a clear day a person can see more coun try from tbe summit of Diablo than ftoin any other eminence In the world. "The great central valley spreads out on one side, all the lesser hills, generally shrouded In a fog, are beneath you, and off to the west dim ples the blue Pacific Well, this morning I could hardly believe my eyes. Right up from the bosom of thrfdeep arose a great mountain solid, majestic and empurpled. For a long time I believed tbat it was the product of some drastic light of pent up volcanic fires' tbe growth of a night. But as I studied it I saw it wa the exact counterpart of the double cone of Diablo a phantom of the sea. By tbe pe culiar reflective and refractive condition of the atmosphere tbe mountain was made to appear as a wave-washed crag. As the sun rose all its apparent stability vanished and It dissolved into tbin air. I tried for the sight again ard again, but the atmospheric conditions were never favorable. Ever afterward tbe ocean stretched away, unruffled and remote." Slept Under the Snow. Tbe case of Mrs. Elizabeth Woodcock, who survived long burial under snow.may be known to many readers, says the Leivure Hour, This woman, 42 years of age, of Impington, a village three miles north of Cambridge, lost ber way In returning home from market on Saturday evening, Febrnary 2. 1799, and was buried seven feet deep in tbe snow. In this state she con tinued eight nights and eight days, wben she was dug out alive on Sunday, February 10. She retained tbo full possession of her senses all the while she was immured. She died July 21, 17SW. A somewhat similar case occurred in the snowstorm of November. 1S90. A middle-aged woman, named Alice Jane Lowe, belonging to Wigan, was admitted into Spalding workbouse in a very weak state, having been found by tbe relieving officer sleeping out in tbo snow In the Lincolnshire lent, near Spalding. She was put to bed, and then stated that she had slept out for fire weeks continuously, including within tho last few days' tbe severest weather of the year, wben tbe snow covered the ground to the depth of nearly a foot. Tbe poor woman's hair was in such a matted state that it had to be all cut off. She stated that she had tramped all the way from Lan cashire, where she had formerly been m do mestic service, and at the time she was found in tho snow sho appeared to have lost ber way. The workhouse officials consider it most re markable tbat the woman survived the ex posure of the cold. George Washington's Soap Bubble. A party of gentlemen were enjoying an after dinner cigar and talking about Atlanta men who tell good stories and crack good jokes. Tbe conversation was enlivened by choice quotations, by way of illustration, says a writer in tbe Atlanta Constitution. And tbereon hangs this tale. Dr. Sid Holland furmhed an entertaining subject of illustration. One of tbe stories on him ran tin. sly: Two gentlem'n were whlling away the time en route from West End to Atlanta on the hay burner, by seeing which could tell the biggest lie. At one of the sidings, where tbe mule were allowed an extra long rest, Dr. Holland got aboard. "Howdy, Sid." said tbe gentlemen. "We're seeing which can tell the biggest yarn. Won't you take a hand?" "I'm a truthful man myself," replied the doctor. "Well, we'll put tbe dinner on it. The man who gets left on the story must set 'em up." It was agreed, and as luck would have it, Sid led off with the first tale. "l'VP got a relic out home that beats tbe world," be began. "It's an heirloom in the family and money wouldn't buy it. I've been offered fortunes for it, but always refused to parr with tbe precious thing. "Talk about relics, it's different from any thine I ever heard of. I" "Well, what is itr' asked one of the gentle men, both becoming workod up at tbe doctor's description. "I beard of the fellow who had a piece of Eve's fall dress, and about tbe man who toted a chip off Adam's tombstone in bis pocket, but mine tops 'em all." Both gentlemen wore worked up to the high est pitch of expectancy ny tne time tne doctor reached tbe climax. "But what is it, what is it?" they exclaimed, impatiently, as he paused to brush a sunbeam off his shirt front. What is It?" "A soap bubble George Washington blew when he was a boy." Tbe two gentlemen looked at each otber, glanced up at tbo doctor, then changed the sub ject. Piety and Punishment. The Lexington Gazette tells of tbe cunons custom observed by an earnest and determined Richmond mother in raising a brood of six boys whom a dying Jinband bad left to her care and whom she raised to honorable man bood on a mixed diet of prayer and flogging. She was an exceedingly pious woman, and so strict a member of tbe Presbyterian Church that Dr. Brcckenridge or some other observant preacher called ber the "Sho Elder." When the boys were caught in some ugly scrape re quiring her attention she would locktbemup iu tho attic in the old Northern Bank, where they lived, and just before night the "old lady' would make her appearance, armed with Bible, hymn-book and a bunch of tough switches. Bhe proceeded to read a chapter from the Bible; this was followed by the singing of a hymn, and then she would begin the "business meeting." The whipping was "proportioned to the "old lady's" state of mind and to the offenses charged, but always severe and to the extent of the durability of tbe rods employed. Helped Out by Song. I know a woman, writes M. L. Rayne in the Detroit Free Press, wo had a very Blow domestic, noticed that it took her a whole fore noon to scrub tbe kitchen, a piece of work that should bave been accomplished in an hour. The girl accompanied her scrubbing-brush with a song, and tbe misstress listened to tbe slow music she made: "Mid pleasures scrub an' palaces scrub tho' we may scrub roam. Be It ever so scrub humble there's no scrub place like borne." "Hannah" called tbe mistress. "I'm tired of hearing "Sweet Home;" sing "Rory O'More." Nothing loth the girl old so, and fell into tbe trap bo cleverly set for her. Her brush flew over the boards, and when she had finished tbe song the floor was scrubbed as white as snow. The poetry of motion had made swift work. The "yo-bo-heave-ho" of tho sailor makes the labor ot handling the heavy windlass, or tho rope, almost a pastime. And tbe wet-browed slave in tbe old plantation days sweetened bis toil with the measured chant in a minor key "Sang of Israel's victory Sane of Zion bright and free." Tbero is a humorous anecdote of a song tbat helped in a matrimonial venture. In this par ticular case the lover stuttered so badly when ever he attempted to pop tho question, that he made himself ridicnlous and would run away. Atiast tbe young lady suggested to lnra that if he could not say what he wanted to express ho could sing it. Happy thought. Ho at once hurst forth: "D-d-ear M-iss M-mary if you'll be my wife I'll t-t-t-ake good care of you all my life." Mits Mary, who bad so generously helped him cut, gave him a propitious answer. AFTEB CAMPBELL'S SCALP. A Plot Against Him, "With John R. McLean as the Chief Conspirator. rSPZClAi. TELEGItAM TO TUB DISPATCH.: Columbus, March 19. There is considerable of a sensation in political circles to-day over the report tbat Governor Campbell's enemies are preparing to relegate him to tbe rear. Tbe report is tbat the leading Democratic paper of tbe State is to maKe the attack, and that the substance of tbe same will be bandied by tbe press associations at Washington. Jobn R. McLean and Lawrence T. Neal are given tbe credit of being behind the scheme, and that they will be candidates respectively for United States Senator and Governor. It is claimed the Campbell-Fnraker ballot-box story is to be reopened, with detriment to the former; that the Congressional record of Campbell is to be attacked, with a view to showing tbat he was interested in the legislation for the Improve ment of tbe Potomac flats and tbat be was benefited thereby. Many of tbe Democratic members ot the Legislature bave been cognizant of tbe scheme for some dajs and a number of them have been consulted as to the advisability of making the move against Campbell, but none can be found who have interested themselves further than to advise the publication. Governor Campbell is in New York, and this evening sent the fol lowing telegram to his private secretary: "You may announce apropos of proposed article that any newspaper making or publish ing charges will be promptly prosecuted, civilly and criminally." A PAESON'S WEDDING. The Son of Rev. Mr Hays, of Allegheny, Married to a Klrkwood Lady. (SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO TIIE DI8PATCH.1 Wheeling, March 19. Rev. C. C. Hays, formerly pastor ot tho Presbyterian Church at Bridgeport, and Miss Lucy Alexander, of Klrk wood, were married at the bride's borne yester day. Rev. Mr. Hays, of Allegheny, father of the groom, performed the ceremony. The Opera House Orchestra furnished the music for the occasion. A large number of friends were present to witness the ceremony, after which the couple departed for an ex tended Eastern trip. NEWS FEOM THE ISLAND KINGDOM. Important Changes In Progress Among the Volcanoes of Hawaii. San Francisco, March 19. The steamship Mariposa arrived this morning, 24 days from Sydney and about seven from Honolulu. Queen Llliuokalanl has reappointed H. A. P. Carter Minister to the United States. Several changes are reported as having taken place in the crater of the volcano of Kilauea, and the cone of Halemaumau is stated to bave disap peared. Earthquake tremors bave been fre quent in the vicinity of tbe volcano. DEATHS OP A DAY. L. M. Axtea CFECIAL TZLEGHAM TO TUX DI8PATCB.1 "Washington, Pa., March 19. L. M. AxtelL Recorder or Washlngtoncountv, died at his home In this place last niti. Mr. Axtell was born In Jacksonville, Greene county, January 9, 1335. His lather was the minister of the famous Cumberland Presbyterian Church at that Mine. He graduated from tho California Normal School In 1&0, when we went to teaching, in 1SS4 he was the Uepublican candidate for the nomination of Recorder, and was defeated by a majority of one. liil&'hewas again a candidate, and was again defeated by a small vote. Last year be was again a candidate, and won both the nomination and election, lleanwhlle he became sick, and at no time since has been well enough to attend to his duties.' It is expected the Governor will ap point P. Baker, bis clerk, to fill out the term, Hon. Alfred Elng. .SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH. 1 Erie, March 19. Hon. Alfred King died to-night at the age of SO years. Deceased was born In Waterford, Pa. : was a surveyor, county official of Erie, first Mayor of rle city, and served several terms In that capacity. He built the suburb known as Kingston, and was a brother of Editor King, founder of the Pittsburg Gazette. One oinis sons Is Lieutenant A. II. King, or the Ughtli United States Cavalry, stationed at Tongue rler, Ariz. Deceased whs also Deputy Collector of Customs, and was Chief of Police when stricken with his last illness. During early slavery times lie operated the Eric division of the Underground railway, and while carryinc malt by lake to Canada transported hundreds of fugitive slaves. Charles Uenry Collier. rSFECIAL TELEOItAM TO THE DISPATCH. 1 Wheeling, March 19. Charles Henry Collier. Secretary of the Fire and .Marine Insur ance Company since its organization in 18TJ; died to-day at noon. He came to Wheeling from Boston iu 13-10, and has occupied many positions of trust 111 this city. He was prominent in Masonic circles, having been Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of West Virginia, and was the highest Masou In the Slate. A special session of the Grand Lodge will be called to attend the funeral. He was a graduate of the University or Ohio, and was for j ears principal of Llnsley institute In Wheeling. Joseph Albietz. Joseph Albietz, ex-Alderman of the Fifth ward now the N Inth ward died yesterday after noon. Mr. Albietz, father or Captain J. J. Al bietz, came to Pittsburg iu 1831, from liaden, Ger many. By occupation a nailsm.tii, bnt not being able to find employment at his trade, ne peddled German clocks through this and adjoining coun ties. In lS3i when WInfleld Scott was a candi date for President, only nine German-born citizens In Pittsburg were Whigs, he being one orthem. 'Ihe others were .Messrs. Uucli. Sahl, .Friday, Kretz, Shlldlcker, Mueller and Berger, Lizzie Fox. Miss Lizzie Fox, who died at the Ladies of the G. A. It. Home at Hawjkcns station, yester day morning, was a graduate or the Orphans' School at Driiinuicrvllte, near Unlontowu. She has been quite ill ever since she entered the Home, earlv in the past JalL and passed quietly away, surrounded by tbe kind ladles who had charge or the Home and who had done evervthlng that conld possibly be done for her comfbrt. 'Ihe fu neral services win oe ne;u ni me noine to-morrow afternoon, at 3 o'clock. Interment private. C. P. Kimball, Ex-Consul. NEW YORK, March 19. C. P. Kimball, of Chicago, ex-Consul at Stuttgart, died at the Brevoort House tnls morning. He was paralyzed In his left arm and side two years ago, and had been subject to heart trouble ever since. The climate of Chicago being too harsh, lie was obliged t3 stay in Florida last winter. He had been here since last November. Two days ago he had an at tack orheart trduble. complicated with brain dis order, and yesterday afternoon he became un conscious. George Montgomery. rSrSCTAL TILEOBAK TO THK DISPATCH.; NeV Castle, March 19. George Mont gomery, one or the best-known farmers and poli ticians In Lawrence county, was round dead near hlshotneat l'laln Grove last night. He had been driving, and bis horse alarmed ibe family by coming home alone. Heart disease was the cause. Mr. Montgomery was S3 ears of age. and was a member of the One Hundredth (Roundhead) Reg iment. . Hon. Horace 4- Palmer. TrrCUL TKL30KAJI TO TUB DISFATCnl .Erie, March 19. Hon. Horace A. Palmer, known everywhere as the Inventor of tbe Palmer sewer trap, died Suddenly to-nUht. Deceased was a native or Rochester. N. Y. He was a Knlgbt Temnlar and a man of prominence PLEASURES OF SOCIETY. An Interesting T. M. C. A. Entertainment Pretty Homo "Wedding In Allegheny Mt. Washington Ainetenr Theatricals Coming Lectures and Other Treats Social Chatter of the Day. An entertainment that was appreciated by tbe audience was given last evening in the Railroad "Ward of tbe West Penn Hospital, under the auspices of tbe Pennsylvania Rail road department of tbe Y. M C. A. The programme was a long and Interesting one. It commenced with an overture by Mr. G. C. Taylor and his three children. Harry. Emma and Walter. Then there were recita tions by Miss Kittle Hamm, selections by the Wilklnsburg Mandolin and Guitar Clnb, vocal solos and duets by Misses Kate McMannus, CoraHarcum, Hallle Deems, the Neal brothers and others. Miss Cnrdle DeHuff was the ac companist. Every number was heartily ap plauded, and the commendation was deserved. There was a large and appreciative audi ence in Old City Hall last evening to listen to the concert of the Frohsinn Sinking Society. The stage presented a pleasing appearance with the ladies in their bright evening dresses of various colors looking like a parterre of flow ers framed in by tbe dark garments and wbite shirt bosoms of the men. The society had been preparing for this concert for months, and the splendid work it did last night proved tbat it bad not wasted its time. Tbe soloists were as follows: Miss Agnes Vogel. soprano; Messrs. Karl Ahl and Joseph A. Vogel, tenors: Messrs. Ernest Staub and Emtl Biebler, bassos. Mr. Leo Oebmler was the violinist, and Miss Clara Oehmler and Mr. Cbarles Gernert accompa nists. After an overture and trios, solos and a chorus the cantata. "The Wives of Weins berg." was rendered with soloists, chorus ar.d orchestra. It was cast as follows: Wife of the Jlui gomaiter. Miss Agnes Vogel; Emperor Conrad, Mr. Emest Staub: First Sentinel. Mr. Joseph Vogel: Second Sentinel, Mr. Erail Blehipr. George Toerge was the concert mas ter. The performance wasremarkably smooth, and reflected the greatest credit npon every member of the Frohsinn Society taking part. A vert pretty home wedding was that of Miss Jean F. Alexander and Dr. H. W. Urllng at the residence of the bride's parents, 23 Beech street, Allegheny. The ceremony was performed by Drs. McAllister and Purves, in the presence of many friends of the young couple. The bridemaids were tbe Misses Lillle Wattlesand Bessie Alexander.and Messrs. Weis ser and 3. W. Alexander attended the groom. The bride was tastefully attired andlooked very pretty. The rooms were decorated witn paims, orchids and other rare plants, relieved by the brilliant hues of roses and other cut flowers. Messrs. W. H. Cote and Linford Smith had charge rf the arrangements. Mr. and Mrs. Urling have gone on an extended wedding trip through the East. A delightful entertainment will be given in tbe Mt. Washington Reading Room this evening by the students of tbe Curry School of Elocution, under the management of Byron W. King. An interesting programme has been prepared. Tbe first part consists of music and recitations, and tbe second of tbe rendition of the sparkling comedy "A Box of Monkeys." The cast will be as follows: Edward Halston, Mr. G. Boyd; Chauncey Oglethorpe, Mr. H. Lorney; Lady Guinevere Landpoore. Miss Ruth Reuck; Mis. Ondego Jhones. Miss Hanna Baxter; Sierra Bengaline, Miss Nina Mlllegan. This comedy has been played in Pittsburg be fore, and Is very amusing. The Elks had a social session at County Democracy headquarters last night. Mr. Muller, of tbe Lewi3 Quartet, opened tbe even ing's entertainment by singing "Comrades." He was followed by T. C. Tracey, whose banjo selections were rewarded by a call for an encore which was gracefully responded to. Slg. Cris pini gave a trombone solo with excellent effect. The "Kirk Orchestra," led by Henry Ecker, played between nambers. Harry Kennedy's rendition of his own song, "Little Empty Stock ings" deserves special mention. Social Chatter. Mrs. J. H. Irwin of 115 Page street, Alle gheny, will give a parlor concert next Tuesday evening for the benefit of tbe new Westminister Church. It is hoped that the church will soon be ready. The congregation expects to use tbe lecture room for services on the first Sun day in April. Cards are ont for tbe wedding of Miss Nellie "Williams, of Oakland, and Sidney Wilmot, on April L The young couple will reside on Seneca street. A reception will be given in the Cyclorama parlors, on the 1st of April, by Jobn Sauers. of McKeesport, and Mr. Lan trier, of Locuststreet, Allegheny. The lecture by Hon. Henry Hall this even ing, in the Third U. P. Church on Diamond street, above Ross street, promises to be well attended. An entertainment was given last night at the residence of Mrs. Greer, daughter of Dr. Mowry, tor the benefit of the Westminister Church. A reception will be given by the Pittsburg Cotillon Club, at the Academy of .Mrs. Slack Davis, next Tuesday evening. About 300 pe'ople participated in tbe pleasures of a reception at tbe Seventh United Presby terian Church, on "Iceland." Miss Bessie Byrne, of Stockton avenue, Allegheny, left last evening for a week's visit to friends in Philadelphia. A euchre party is to be held at theresi aenceof H. B. Hays, 30 Sheffield street, Alle gheny, this evening. About 50 'friends of Mr. Wood, Jr., were entertained at his mother's house on Caldwell street last evening. A ball is to be held at Cyclorama Hall this evening. MUSICIANS IN COUNCIL. A Resolution Passed to Head Off the Threat ened Importation of Talent. Milwaukee, March 19. Nearly the entire day has been occupied in the Convention of the National League of Musicians in the discussion of the proposed affiliation of tbe league with the American Federation of Labor. President Wolsiffer took a stand in favor of cautious action on tbe subject. A New York manager, F. A. Schwab, is about to start for Europe to engage musicians for service in this country", and in the hope of head ing off this project tbe New York delegates secured the adoption of a set of resolutions protesting against tbe Importation of foreign mnsiciansfor any purpose whatever, and de claring tbat there is no lack in America of cap able performers on any Instrument. Appended was a resolution extending the thanks ot the national league to Mrs. Jeannette M. Thurbe;, for her efforts to elevate the mnsical profession in this country. These resolutions were fardered sent to New York by wire at once. The one referring to tbe Importation of musicians struck tbe Chicago delegation as covering tbe cae ot Theodore Thomas and his contract with tbe Chicago Orchestra Association, and Mr. Currier moved to bave a copy of the resolution sent to Milward Adams for bis enlightment. This brought up tbe Thomas matter in an in formal way. and the Cnlcago men stated tbat Thomas bad made contracts with musicians in Munich. However, it was decided to bave a special set of resolutions submitted with refer ence to tbe Chicago case. A Reciprocity Dispatch Denied. Ottawa, March 19. In regard to the dis patch from Washington that the Government of British Guiana bad declined to enter into a reciprocity treaty with Canada, it is stated tbat tbe Government bas received no intimation of tbe kind from Guiana. XOUTH'S HARVEST. Years ago I met Lizette In a land of flowers, And the memory lingers yet Freshed by springtime showers. In a bower made by vine We together sipped red wine. Those were gala days, Lizette. We bad youth and leisure; Laughter echoed where we met, Sorrow doled scant measure. Bars of sunlight through the vine Fleciied with gold the ruddy wine. Yes, our hearts were young, Lizette, Passion died a' sighing; Still we surely felt regret When we saw love lying In the shadow cast by vine, Dying for one drop of wine ! -. Have you sun alway, Lizette ? Juicy grapes, sweet flowers 1 Or does mem'ry claim tbe debt We owe those happy hours 1 In my dreamland grows A vine Tbat'yields a cup of bitter wine. Years ago I met Lizette, Now tbe seas divide us. Would you have ns both forget T Can you all deride us 1 Down in most hearts there's a vine Bearing bltter'fruit like mine. Willie Winkle." Pittsbuko. March 19. A SERIOUS SITUATION. The Old Fight Over Plate Printing Is Com plicatlng Matters In the Treasury De partmentAll the "Work Is Behind Probable Trouble Over Steam Presses. .SriCIAL TELIOBAOI TO THE DISPATCH.: Washington, March 19. Tbe Government bas a difficult task to handle just now in tbe Bureau of Engraving and Printings where all the paper money and Internal revenue stamps are manufactured. Tho work of tbe bureau bas fallen dreadfully behind and a great outcry is raised by internal revenue collectors all over the country in letters to the Commissioner of Internal Revenne ovsr the scarcity and even dearth of stamps. Captain W. M. Meredith, Chief of tbe Bureau, is working hl3 force of plate printers 2 bouts overtime every dar and still he Is unable to keep np with tbe demand. The law require? tbat a three months' supply of stamps shall be kept on band. As a resnlt, the notes bave to be issued green and unenred, and after a brief circula tion aro returned to tbe Treasury a unfit for use. Accordingly Chief Meredith is contem plating the advisability ot starting up some steam presses in order to get a stock of stamps ahead and thus contrive also to lay up a stock of notes for future use. Should this be done, a violent outbreak on the part -of tbe plate printers is expected. These steam presses were invented and patent ed by a man named Milligan, an employe of the bureau, now dead, after many years of labor and study. Their use is strenuously op posed oy the ifiate i'riuters Assembly, unignis of Labor, from motives of self-Dreservation. since tbe steam presses, if used, would largely supersede nanaworlcmen, and It is owing to tne discontinuance of tbe steam presses that the present difficulty in the bureau has arisen. A Former Fight Recalled. After the memorable fight in Congress dur ing.tbe Fiftieth Congress against the steam presses, a clause was placed in tbe sundry civil appropriation bill probibiting the Secretary from using tbe Milligan macbine after June 30. 1889, unless the owners and patentees would ac cept a royalty of only 1 cent per 1,000 Im pressions for tbe use of it. The royalty previ ously nald was SI ner 1.000 ImDressions. and the patentees didn't accept the 1-cent rate. There upon tbe presses were tbrown out. It is claimed that for every dollar paid for the use ot tbe steam presses the Government saved 55. and that each of the machines formerly in use saved the Government 55,000 a year. The cost of doing the same work by band is said to be 2 times as great as tbe cost of steam press work. Objection is made to the quality of the work execnted on the steam presses, but Chief Mere dith thinks the steam press work is good enough for tobacco and liquor stamps, which are simply pasted upon packages and used but once, and then only by authorized agents of the Government in the Internal revenue ser vice. For bank note work, Chief Meredith prefers band presses, for tbe reason that they produce more careful and perfect results. Tbe bureau annually prints about 47,000,000 impres sions, of which 32,000,000 are revenue stamps. Cost of the Work. The band press work costs the Government 14 per 1,000 sheets, while the machine work costs Si per 1,000, a difference of $10 per 1,000. The report of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue last year shows that the printing of stamps cost the Government $3 95 per 1,000 sheets more than In any other year during tbe Cleveland administration. Captain Meredith believes tbat a saving of $92,000 could be affected by printing tbe revenue stamps on the steam presses. At the last session of the late Congress tbe Federal Manufacturing and Printing Company of New York, owing to tbe steam plate presses, offered to enter into a contract with tbe Gov ernment to do all the printing and engraving now done by the bureau and furnish all the materials tor $25,000 a year less tban it now costs, tbe contract to continue not less than four years. The company further offered to take and use the Government building and plant at a fair price, to work their employes only eight honrs a day, and to give bond for tbe faithful performance of tbe contraction accordance with the specifications prepared by the Government. Congress declined, however,-to reopen the old fight of 1838, and this offer was not acted upon. Consequently the hand method is still pursued. Provision for tbe expenses of tbe bureau for the coming fiscal year, ending June 30, 1892. exclusive of clerical expenses aud dis tinctive caper, was made to tbe amonnt of S1.07S.000." Of this sum, $530,000 is to pay the plate printers and their assistants. A Deficiency Is Certain. Each plate printer is provided with ona as sistant, usually a girl, who hands him tbe sheets while be prints them. For tbe year ending Jnue 30 next, $1,253,000 was allowed, of which $525,000 went to the plate printers and their assistants. A large deficiency will certainly have to be supplied by the next Congress. Three months alter Chief Meredith took charge of the bureau In ISS9, he bad to put in 47 additional hand presses to do the work re quired. Recently he had to add 43 more. Now he finds that be will be obliged to add 125 more, in order to catch up with baji work. The presses cost $150. The priiSers receive on piece work an average of $30 a week, and tbe girls get SI 05 a dar. There are 1,200 people in all employed in the bureau. Of these 29S are plate printers. From next week on, an other hour will be added to tbe day's work, making 3K hours overtime, for which extra nay is given. This will be continued until July L After tbat as many more hand presses as are needed will have to be added. This can be done the more readily since tbe new addition to tbe bureau bnilding will then bo ready. If any accidental stoppage of work sbonld oc cur now bowever, tbe bureau will be in a de cidedly bad predicament and both the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Bureau will be seriously embarrassed for lack of notes and stamns. Tbe President and the Secretary of the Treasury are very anxious and uneasy over tbe situation. KISSING HAS A HISTORY. It Always Existed and Undoubtedly Al- ways "Will Exist. Popular Science Monthly. Tbe mutual kiss of affection or passion by the lips between persons of opposite sex is gener ally considered to be instinctive. Reichenbach sought to explain it on the theory that the month was the focus of his "odic force," and that these two foci of opposite sexes possessed natural attraction to each other. The fact that tbe mutual kiss between opposite sexes Is not general among tbe tribes of men is abund antly shown by the observations of travelers in tbe lands where savagery and barbarism still exist. Where it Is now practiced it is not prob ably of great antiquity. In some languages. notably too Japanese, mere is no.wuru ior kiss. When, however, the kiss was Introduced to include women, its vogue, like that of other new Inventions, was carried to excess. Ac cording to the chronicle of Winsenlus. it was unknown in England nntil the Princess Rowena, tbe daughter of King Henglst of Friesland, instructed the insular Vortigern in tbe imported salute. Though the Saxon sta tistics are not probably exacr. it is historical that in England, not many years ago. it would have been the imperative duty of a visitor to have kissed all tbe ladies of tbe household, even without previous acquaintance. Such was the experience of many surprised literary foreigners, notably Erasmus. The cotempor ary drama shows tbe usago to have lasted Into the Georgian era, and it is to be noticed tbat tbe performance was generally called a "sa lute," sometimes "tho salute." NOTES FB0M THE "WOEID'S FALE. Difficulties in the "Way of BoUdlng the Model Battle Ship. CHICAOO. March 19. J. Harry Ballard has been appointed chief of the foreign depart ment of the World's Fair, In place of Dr- Weston, of New York, deceased. It now trans pires that neither the Government or tbe local directory bave the money to construct the pier for tbe proposed line of battle ships for the naval exhibit, and In all probability it will have to be built on shore. The city and the directory have agreed upon a contract for supplying water for the Expo sition. The directory will furnish tbe money to purchase pumping engines of 12,000.000 gal Inns' capacity, which, with the plant, will cost $130,000. This money is to be repaid tbe directory at the close of the lair. The city is to charge 520 per l,000,000gallons for pumping the water. SUING THE GAS TETJSIS, The Papers Prepared and Proceedings to Begin Next Week. CHICAGO, March 19. The papers in the quo warranto proceedings to be instituted against the Gas Trust in the nameot tbe Attorney General of tbe State have been finished ana sent to Springfield. It Is expected tbat they will be returned In three days and the action will begin early next week. Two From Texas. Dallas News.J Offices are called spoils because It usually spoils a good citizen to elect him to an office. In political selection tbe survival of tbe toughest Is tbe law. Taxing Telephone Companies. Madison. Wis., March 19. The Senate to day passed a bill requiring- telephone compa nies to pay an annual license fee of 21 per cent oa the gross earnings. ' CURIOUS CONDENSATIONS. The thinnest and at the same time one of tbe toughest leathers tamed is a frogskin. The citizens of Nashville, Tenn., use the United States street mail boxes for spit toons. A Shreveport (La.) beet of the blood red variety weighs 46 pounds. It grew on Silver Lake soil. A. flowing well from which a stren? current of cold air constattly gushes is tho latest curiosity near Greensbirg, La. A Georgia editor has 27 children. He positively refuses to insert an advertisement announcing that a boy or girl is wanted. Since the establishment in 1803 of Wet Point Military Academy. 3,334 men have received diplomas from that institution. The oyster is one of the strongest crea tures on earth. The force required to open an oyster is more tban 1.300 times its weight. The organs of smell in the turkey vul ture and carrion crow are so delicate that tbey can scent their food for a distance or 40 miles. A Philadelphia surgeon has dissected and mounted the complete nervous system of a human being, something never before accom plished. An Italian physiologist has demon strated by experiment that thinking causes a rnsh of blood to the brain, which varies with uie nature oi tne tnougut. The British soldiers' life at Indian frontier stations cannot be altogether happy. One noon recently the thermometer registered 94attbeGnatongfortlnSikklm. That night it fell to 17 above zero. One of the two chimpanzees at the Paris Jardin d'Acclimltation, inoculated with Koch's lymph, died 48 hours after the operation. The lungs ot tbe creature were sent to the Alfort School of Medicine to be carefully examined. A Belfast man is so careful of his ducks that he hanls tbem home on a hand sled and tucks them into their beds every night. Ma's own baby could not be more assiduously at tended to, or even a fashionable dame's pet poodle. A California woman living near Auburn has made a success in a rather novel line of enterprise. Some years ago she planted eight acres of olive trees, and they have jusc begun to bring in a return. She gets $3 a gallon for the oiL . The olfactometer recently exhibited to tbe Academy of Sciences in Paris is a little ap paratus for testing the smelling powers of in dividuals. It determines the weignt of odorous vapor in a cubic centimeter of air which is per ceptible by the olfactory sense of a person. A woman of Valley City, Dak., wagered tbat she could put the slips on five pillows while any man present at a church fair could encase one, and seven different men took ber up and suffered defeat. No man can ever acquire tbe knack of holding a pillow in bis teeth to work with both hands. A man crazed with drink was going to kill a Savannah carpenter who bad only a car penter's oilcan to defend himself with. He stabbed tbe man seven times with It. nowever, and the doctor said tbat five of tbe stabs were worse wounds than could have been inflicted with knife or bullet. A man in Cincinnati has made affidavit that be called np an acquaintance by telephone and had a five minutes' chat and then learned tbat tbe man had been dead two hours when he helloed him np. It is hoped tbe dead man got satisfaction over the wire. That is more than any live one will ever get, Wisconsin is to have a law which pro vides tbat when a husband disappears and Is not heard of for three years by his wife she is divorced without further notice. The Enoch Arden business in that State will thus receive a bad black eye, and the man who goes out to feed the hogs will be quite apt to return. The whaling schooner "William A. Grozier, ot Provincetown, carries one of the youngest sailors afloat tbe captain's son, aged 13 years, who is now making bis seventh voyage whaling. He goes as assistant mate and navi gator. He is regarded as a mascot both by owners and crew, as good luck has followed every trip. The people of St. Petersburg seem to get a good deal of fun out of the long, cold winters. At recent aristocratic balls Ice statues of celebrities have been tbe fashionable decora tions. Famous sculptors did not disdain to try their skill in tbis line. and. tbb figures were most effective wben placed among shrubs and plants and lighted up by many colored lamps. An aged widow of "Westport, Conn., was stricken with paralysis two years ago. Her condition presents a case that is puzzling the physicians. Her left side is entirely useless and she has lost the power of speech. Her eyes never close, but she pays no attention to visit ors, and only at times to members of tbe familv. For days at a time, after passing into a coma tose state, she resembles very much a dead person. The first organized Oklahoma raid, it is said, was made at night on April 13, ISS0. by 13 men. two of whom, as guides, marked the trail by placing old buffalo skulls at prominent ridges, so tbat tbe route is known to tbis day as tbe Hog's Back Trail. A location was selected on April 22. A city six square miles in area was surveved and three houses built, and then on May 15 came Lieutenant Pardee with I2soldler3 and 12 Indian scouts from Fort Reno and ar rested the whole party. One of the properties sold by Philadel phia auctioneers is of considerable historic in terest. If is tbe house on Seventh street, below Market. Tbis has been known for many years as "Tbe Jefferson House." and is said to bo about 100 years old, having been built by Jacob Hiltzbelmer, who owned tbe corner honse. where tbe bank now stands and in which Jef ferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, during tbe Revolution. The present Jefferson House occupies the site ot a part of tbe garden of tbe corner house and was built after the English soldiers departed from the city. Until quite lately a captain of the First Regiment of Guards had been considered the biggest man in the German army. He meas ured over SO Inches in beighr. Buta short time since a young Rblnelander joined tbe First Regiment of Foot Guards as a "one-year volu n teer," who attains tbe rolosal height of over 7 feet 4 inches. Since 1850 tho First Rep'ment of Guards has not had so tall a man. At tbat time they had a man who was so tall that every thing; even his bedstead, had to be made spec ially for him. Hi3 accouterments are pre served still among tbe curios of the regiment. A euriou3 example of how modern re search in bacteriology was foreshadowed Ion? ago is furnished in a rport of a recent lecture of a scientist given in feature. He there qnoted a French traveler visiting England in 1663, who attended a meeting of tbe Royal Academy on May 23 of that year. At this meeting it was re ported, among other things, that the germina tion of insects does not arise from decay; for the intestines of an animal and other parts which easily corrupt, bavin: been placed In a glass, closed with cotton wool, so tbat n. fly or other animal could enter, but only the air could penetrate, tbey had been preserved for six months withont maggot or other thing being observed. Tbis Is almost exactly tbe experi ment of Pasteur in tbe present generation, ex cept tbat in tbe latter experiment not only were insects and otber animals excluded, but also the microscopic vegetable germs, which were utterly unknown to tbe earlier experi menter. JOURNALISTIC JEST3L BUSINESS. "I never give a kis," said Sue, My little biack-eyea maiden. "1 never give a kiss, 'tis true. But ah, you bet, 1 trade 'em !' Ktio l'ork UeraU. Curio Dealer- -Here's a skeleton of George WA&htnfft6nfs net cat. Collector I don't want one so large. What's this small one? Curio Dealer That's a skeleton of the same cat when it was a kltten.-Cai'crijro Sews. "I say. can't a man 'get some sort of a reduction?" asLed the economical citizen as he stood at the box oEce of the theater where tbe high-priced attraction was playlug. J(0." "1 tell you." the applicant persisted earnestly, "lryon'll give me a hair-rate I'll agree to look at the whole performance tbrouzh the big end of an opera-glass." Wasldaaton Pott. "You have been speculating, I believe?" "Yes." "Is there any money In It?" You bet! All my money's In It and the most ormy wire's. There's money enough In It: tbe trouble Is you can't get any out ont." Stw for Press, Jim Pegasus Now I have read von my poems, what do you say. Shall I publish them In book form, or burn tbem up? Colonel fcrcy "Yerzer-Hcm, second thoughts are always best. Burn 'em up, Jim, Texas S(T ingt. Tillinchast Tell ns a hunting story, Gil- . dersleeve. Ulldersleeve-At this season of tne year I tell fish stories only. "Why Is that?" "Because It is Lent." "E, iitmL iiffftfiriTi 'iTJtfhihtttiStrh to .p)y.jrTftpWHiMBWKfaHbiiMMy
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers