THE -PITTSBURG DISPATCH; FRIDAY; JANUARY 8, ' 1892. Wlie Bifiwj. ESTABLISHED FEr.r.UAEY S. IMC i, a-i af. -v -. F-tiri t rltthurr Postomco bCovcniber.lSST. at tecond-class matter. r)Busines3 Office Corner Sraithfield and Diamond Streets. News Rooms and Publishing House I 7S and So Diamond Street, in S New Dispatch Building. f-attov .TvrnrniNr; officii noojrrfi. TRIBT,Xr. nni.niN'K. XFW YOKK. where com ' relc files ofTIli: lMsPATCHran alwavsne round, rorrign sdcrtirs appreciate the convenience. Home advertisers and friends of THE DISPATCH, wMlo In 2ew York, are also made welcome. THF. DISPATCH is rrcjvlnrly tmvalrnt Err ntrnf t. t Pnvm Square. -A'rco Jort. and 17 -4w rferOpem. F&n. Bnncr. tefcfrv anyone rcltn kns len disap pointed ot a hotel nncs stnmi can obtain it. TERMS OF THE DISPATCH. rrTGE TTVE1! IX 1T1S UMTED STATES. JVII-T PisrATCH. One Year. S 8 oa Daily DKrATrii. Tor Quarter. 100 jDailt PiTjOTiC. One Month 0 )IAILY Dlr TCH. inclodlng Snndav, 1 year.. 10 00 Dailt IJIsi-atck, lnclndlne i-mulav, 3 mths. 1 50 DAILYDisrsTf II. InelndlngSundaj, lm'th . 10 M3SATFisi--vrcrr. One Year ISO Wsorxr Pisiutch, One Year 13 Tirr TUlIriuvrATCHis dolercd by carriers at jr cents tfT wee, or, including Sunday Edition, at 20 cents per v ok. riTTsnunG. rnm.vY. jaxuarv s. THE LIBRARY AWABI). The selection of the design for the Car rnrgie Library and Ait Gallery building at theSchcnley Park entrance marks another step in what seems to be the slow but nevertheless steady progress toward the final realization of that great gift Xot withstanding jests at the time which has been taken in reaching this conclusion, anyone who has visited the exhibition of plans, and considered the work implied in the full consideration of the cost, capa bilities and accommodations of nearly one hundred different designs, will recognize that the delay has not been due to inatten tion, but to careful, thorough and ex haustive work. The selection of the Longfellow, Alden & llarlow design promises for the public architecture of Pittsburg a variety of type and character. The effect of Air. Richardson's cenius as illustrated in the Court Ilouse has been bene ficial, but there would be little gain to the architectural character of the city's public edifices, if all the buildings were of the type illustrated by the Court Ilouse or the Alleghenv Library. Doubtless public opinion on this choice will bi as varied as the differences in individual taste; but full study of the design a sketch of which ap pears elsewhere in this issue will reveal constantly increasing virtues, and will promise a permanent embellishment and attraction to the city. The controlling factor in the selection was less the external attractiveness than .the convenience and adequicy of its internal accommodations. In making this the real criterion the Commission acted wisely, not only because the utility of the building is more important than its beauty, but because by that course the highest resthetic principle is observed. The true foundation of architectural beauty is in its fitness for the purposes to which the building is to be put. In selecting the design which gn es the best arrange ment for library, music hall, art galleries and museum, the Commission secure the highest degree of permanent fitness and lasting attractiveness. It would have been gratifying to local priiio if one of the designs by Pittsburg architects could have been selected. But as on the principle of selection adopted the decision was otherwise, it is still a gratification that Pittsburg talent is so well represented in the list of premiums or the six next best designs. a war rumors and p itkiotism. One thing rumors of war have done during the last year for which we may be thankful is the production of very potent proofs of the common patriotism of all the United States. When Italy snarled last spring, from every corner of this country came the, response of loyal men ready to fight 'for the Stars and Stripes. It is true, it never came very near fighting, but the disposition of all sections of the country to resent a na tional insult was shown in unmistakable shape. Similarly, since Chile's attitude has raised another war cloud our patriots lave made themselves heard. "ne feature of this demonstration re lhe latent power of this nation upon The nava' department has been I with offers from yachtsmen ?ners tendering their ships !. ;ervices to the United States in case of war. Commodore Watt, of the Ameri can Yacht Club, for instance, has offered his fleet steam yacht Golden Pod to the Government to be used as a torpedo boat. Other equally available craft have been tendered for use as torpedo cruisers, transports, collWs and dispatch boats in the event of a war with Chile, This is the sort of support our Government should receive, and is far better than blustering talk. If the war scare produces nothing worse than an exhibition of wide spread patriotism in our beloved land we fmay indeed be thankful. M NEW TOHIi'S PREFERENCES. The firm grip that David B. Hill has upon his party in Kew York State is being illustrated eery day. The S"ew York Legislature is the latest to pay tribute to liisommandiiig genius. A canvass of the Democratic side of the Legislature reveals the preference of two-thirds of the mem !bers for Hill as a Presidental candidate. Of the Democrats who stated their prefer ences fifty-three are for Hill, while but Hour had the courage to stick to Cleveland gjpenly. Twenty-six Democratic members would not indicate their choice, but a majority it is commonly believed are in iclining toward the Elmira wonder. ' According to the usual interpretation of a legislative cam ass in Sew York State this portends a solid, or nearly solid dele 'gation for Hill next summer. At the same 'time it is worth noting that nill's rabid deliverances upon the Democratic policy are meeting with sharp hostile criticism in many Democratic papers, including some ihat are reckoned favorable to the new Senator's Presidental aspirations. The evidence of as bitter a contest as ever be tween the Hill and Cleveland factions is affording Republican journals great joy, a"S it well may, for with Xew York State by reason of Democratic quarrels once more in the doubtful list a Republican Yjptory next fall comes clearly into view. Before dismissing the incident there is Miother significant development of the canvass of Nw York' Legislature to be .ifoted. Of the Republican members no less than three-quarters prefer Secretary Elaine, and what more eloquent contrast could there be than the spectacle of fifty Sembers throwing up their bats for Blaine SvSUe a paltry six declare for President arnson. If these figures as a whole may he trusted as representative of party tendency, the drift on the one hand is for Blaine and on the other against Cleveland. THE INTERESTING BLUE LAW SUITS. The public will feel almost delighted to learn that the four or five gentlemen who compose the Law and Order Society have at last carried their admiration of the act of 1794 from the domain of speech into that of positive and radical action. Be lieving, as they profess, that no spepies of worldly work should be performed on Sun day; that the trains aud street cars should not run, mill fires be lighted, newspapers either printed, delivered or read, or for that matter greenhouses or libraries be opened all of which.and much more they regard as prohibited by the ancient stat utethey have quit the hitherto unsuc cessful task of getting the rest of the com munity to agree with them, and now be gin a test of the law. Like the old man in the fable, they are tired of throwing pel lets of grass at the boy up the tree. Now they will try what virtue there is in stones. There is not the slightest likelihood that the movement will accomplish what the society desires. But. TnE Dispatch, nevertheless, believes it is far -more cred itable to the advocates of the Blue Law to bring the matter to the courts than to con tinue the intemperate and inconsequential vaporing which some of them hive hither to indulged on the subject It is also courageous on their part to begin with the newspapers; for of all the several forms of work which have become necessary on Sunday, none is encouraged, patronized and demanded in a greater degree by the public than that in which the press is con cerned. The newspapers, also, are power ful to create opinion. They are able to defend themselves as fully as may be. 2fot only that, but as they are published In every town of importance in the State, and as the rule for one section will quickly be applied to all, their interests will com pel the forming of so strong a league for resistance, that if the supporters of the Blue Law can conquer in this instance they should be able to make short work of the other details of Sunday labor which vex and agitate them. It may be objected, of course, to the proceedings before Alderman Rohe, that they are not so broad and comprehensive as the highest type of reform courage would dictate. There will be carping critics to declare that stern conviction should have impelled suits simultaneously for all the various infractions of the statute; that the prosecution of the employes of the trains, mills, electric light and telegraph service, greenhouses and library attendants and messenger boys should have gone on at the same time with the newspapers. But that is a mere matter of tactics. There is no reason why the Society's agent should not resort to gen eralship if it promise advantage To at tack all at one time would be too arduous. The Society does not love the other offences against the Blue Law the more for granting the temporary immunity; The plan is to obliterate each in detail. It is very like the famous one of Captain Bobadil for annihilating the French arm?. An expert swordsman, he proposed, single-handed, to challenge and kill the enemy one by-one, until the whole, horse, foot and dragoons, were put hors Cu com bat We think the-- Society will be quite as successful as the Captain was. The progress, of the snits will be watched with interest Though TnE DisPATcn is, of course, one of the parties in immediate and adverse interest, it is able to compliment the Society on having at last made up its mind to take just the step which has been steadily recom mended in these columns as the only way to settle a conflict of opinion as to the rights of citizens under the law. Since the above was put in type re porters bring the latest and somewhat dis appointing intelligence that while Alder man Rohe says informations have been filed before him, the names are not yet to be given out, nor the warrants to be served in short, that the actual execution of the law is held "under further advise ment" This is really depressing. We do not, however, feel inclined to withdraw any of the commendation of the Society given as above when the impression pre vailed that, at last, under an impulse of courage, it had actually got into effective action. If the warrants are not to be served immediately, that, too, is probably tactics. Announcing the informations as having been made while deferring the warrants is, doubtless, a shrewd move to draw the enemy's fire. But the Society should now take heart and proceed. The mere swearing of informations while per haps soothing to the angry mind of the detectives, will merely be scoffed at unless the action proceeds. NO MONEY rOIt RUSSIA. Congress has no business to appropriate money for tho relief of Russia or any other country, and the House did per fectly right to squelch the attempt to ob tain a. 5100,000 appropriation for such pur poses. The matter of helping Russia's starving peasants is praiseworthy enough, and the Western flour men and others who have created a fund of pro visions deserve credit, of course. But Congress is not authorized to divert the revenues of the nation to foreign charity. The precedent of pro viding $100,000, or any othersum,would be dangerous. Moreover, Russia's represen tees here still persist in the declaration that the Czar's Government is abundantly abe to .succor the famine-stricken. To offer national aid would be almost an affront under the circumstances. It is not surprising that Mr. Chipman, of Michigan, in the debate upon this Russian appropriation, raised the question of Rus sia's right to be considered a participant in the comity of civilized nations. The inhuman persecution of the Hebrews by the Russian Government has evoked a protest from President Harrison in this nation's name, and a great number of citi zens individually and collectively have memorialized the Czar upon the same sub ject Under the circumstances a vote of our public money for the people who un doubtedly uphold the Russian Govern ment in its cruel policy toward the Hebrews would be in doubtful taste, to put it mildly. SOLDIERS, NOT BCARiCROTYS.NEEDED Massachusetts has set a good example by equipping her naval battalion with a modern repeating rifle. This is the first militia corps in this country to be so armed. Pennsylvania's soldiers think themselves rather lucky to have so mod ern a weapon as the single loading Spring field. This State's treatment of her mili tia is little short of disgraceful. Their equipment Is mostly thirteen years old at least; the arms arc antiquated, and in the castfof the artillery absolutely worthless, excepting a few gatling guns. The scant appropriations are only sufficient to keep the uniforms and munitions from positive dei;ay, and if the services of our militia wexe required for anything more serious thn police duty, they would have to be equipped afresh from head to foot Wh en evera,riot or other emergency calls, tljqm from home our National Guardsmen uarve to skirmish for brogans before they can take the field. If the National Guard is worth keeping up, Pennsylvania oqght to follow Massachusetts example andwopen her purse. England has apparently learnt nothing from her troubles in Egypt, and iseems likely to embroil herself with France over- Morocco. It would be interesting to have-expert opinions as to the amount of harm caused by the poisonous atmosphere in many-rooms due to the desire to save gas. The flue open ing is often too small to permit the escape of all the vitiated air, and the result is a chamber filled -with hot air, tho end sought, but such, as is unsnltedfor the support-of life. It is said that for acf es around Columbus nnnn m-n Tinnr h fmmd willinc to COnfcS3 that ho supported any candidate -but Sher-. man. Electrical executions in New York will be public hereafter, if tho Legislature follows Governor Flower's sound counsel to repeal the'idiotie section of the statute pre scribing secrecy. Xewsparer readers will not have to read such lengthy accounts of the executions when they are free to all. It is really surprising that certain people consent to sleigh-ridlnjt, for the delightful sport is practically unknown in England. The society formed in London to illuminate- and explore tho dark continent ot Browning has given up the ghost. It is not the first time the poet's obscurity has tired pcoplo to death. TnE cold weather that furnishes sleigh ing for tho young, warmly-clad and healthy is slaying tho aged, poor and infirm. The politician who seeks to make capi tal from the economy of a refusal to succor real distress should bo classed with the man who murdets his father to obtain pocket money. County wars are a peculiarly American institution, and, despite all excuse, they are a national disgrace. The Czar's attitude with, regard to the Russian famine is perhaps attributable to the belief of his ministers, that "Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to bo wise." The. wisdom of the Pope is unquestion able in refusing to interfere in French mat ters ot State. Salisbuky's statement that he will not yield a jot of the British rights in the Bering Sea dispute probably means that ho hasn't got a tittle of right to part with. Red ink throwing by a jealous woman is an improvement on the vitriol of the past. Sickness is often measured by the suf ferer's public prominence. A Secretary of State would bo reported seriously ill if ho suffered from a chilblain. HIGH OX THE LADDER. JIost. Rev. Robeet'Knox, D. D., LL. D., Protestant Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, is seriously ill with J influenza at Dublin. Pbof. John IC Paine, of Harvard, who is easily the first among American compos ers, is to write the instrumental music for the opening of tho Columbian Exhibition buildings next October. Lady Salisbury, wife of the British Premier, has become a member of the Women's Committee formed to look alter the exhibits of English women at the World's Fair to be held at Chicago. The venerable Dr. Noah Porter, ex President of Yale, is confined to his bed with an attack of grip. Yesterday ho was some what better, but owing to his advanced age the worst results are feared. EsirEKOK William has addressed a let ter of congratulation to Horr von Korn, tho proprietor of tho Schleluchi Zeitung, in Lon don, on tho occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of that Journal. Major General Snowden has nomi nated Major Austin Curtin, Commissary of Subsistence of the Second Brigade, to be Division Commissary of Subsistence, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, vice Taton, resigned. Alarming rumors have been circulated concerning the health of tho King or Spain. It was stated that he had been attacked by grip, but it has been learned that he is only suffering from a cold. Xo anxiety is felt as to his condition. The Duke of Marlborough predicts that in a not distant future America will revel in the possession of a "representative class of lauded merchant nobles who wilt vie in lux ury and in wealth with anything that the Old World ever produced." AH HESOIC MOTHER Gives a Earge Portion of Tier Cuticle to Cover the Earned Rody of Her Child. New York, Jan.7. Sfceciai Ten-year-old Ilyman Muench set fire to his clothing Idle plaving with matches, October 23, and was burned so badly on the top of his head and on his chest and stomach that the skin refused to glow. About a fortnight ago the surgeons of Eellevne Hospital, in which the little lellow is a patient, agreed that the ouly n av of covering the exposed surface was by grafting upon It the skin of sotno healthy person. Hyman's mother volun teeied to provide tho necessaiy cuticle, and tho initial operation was performed this afternoon. Both mother and child were put under tho inllucnco of ether, and the laborious process of transplanting skin from tho thighs and loss of the mother to tho body of the child in tiny portions was gone through with, An area'oi cxposolflesh more than a foot long and and nearly ten inches wide was covered with the mother's skin. A space n as left uncoveied in the middle to allow tho skin to expand smoothly. Neither Mrs. Muench nor Hyman seemed the worse for the operation, and it Is thought that the restof the bodv and the exposed portion of the skull can be covered in a second opera tion. IS IX A POLITICAL MOVE! Tlie Postal People Not Pushing the Lottery Gamblers Very Hard. Xew Obleaks, Jan.7. Special. Mr. Paul Conrad, President of tho Louisiana State Lottciy Company, and the other officers and directors of that company, were ar rested yesterday for alleged violation of the anli-lottery postal law found against tho:a at Martinsburg, W. Va. They had already been indicted at Boston, St. Louis, Sioux Falls, Pittsburg, San Antonio and other cities under this law. When they wero brought before the United States Court to-day TJnltodjStates District Attorney Grant dismissed them, saying he had been ordered to suspend all proceedings against tho lottery officials until further orders. Mr. Grant would not say from whom these orders came. An Undertaker Beaten Out of a Job. Catos, Jan. 7. fibfctaJ. Mrs. Emmet Cable, wife of a prominent farmer near Sparta, was ill with dropsy for some time Growing worse dav by day she finally sunk into a comatose condltion.it was thought she was dead. -Befoie tho undertaker ar rived watchers noticed a slight motion in the bed and in an instant the supposed corpse sat Upright, thiew tho sheet aside and leisurely stroked back her hair. A little later and the poisonous embalming fluid would have been introduced. Campbell Told All He Knew. Boston Xe-ws. vern or Campbell's message to the Legis lature will be six linns in length. Itdoesn't seom to take him long to tell all hcknows. More Dangerous Than Bricks. Boston Herald. The cranks are carrying dynamite in their bats now. It is.more dangerous than bricks. LIVE WASHINGTON WAIFS. WASHnTGTOir, Jan. 7 In view of the provision in tho reciprocity section of the tariff law or October 1, 1S90, making It tho duty of tho President after January 1, 1832, to suspend by proclamation tho free admis siou of sugars, molasses, coffee, tea and hides against such countries producing these articles as, after that date, maintain tariff duties upon American agricultural and other products which he may deem un equal and unreasonable, the President sub "mitted to tho Attorney General the ques tion whether tho law authorized him to issue a proclamation fixing a future day when tho duties imposed by virtue of the proclamation would take effect. The Attor ney General has given an opinion that the duties must attached be collected on and after the date ot the proclamation, and that a future day cannot be named by tho President. Owing to this decision, and to the fact that Justice; to importers of the articles named in section 3 or tho tariff law requires that reasonable notice should be given of tho President's intended action. Secretary Blaine to-day sent notes to the diplomatic representatives, in this city, of Austria Hungarv, Columbia, Havti, Nicaragua. Hon duras. Spain (ror the Philippine Islands and Venezuola). informing them that on March 15 next tno President would Issue hi procla mation, unless in the meantime some satis factory leciprocity arrangement should be made with the countr.'os named, declaring that in view of the free admission of the articles named in section 3 of the tariff, the product or those countries, he deemed their tariffs on the agricultural and other prod ucts or tho United States to be reciprocally unequal ar.d unreasonable, and that as against the countries named he would issue his proclamation March 15 next, suspending tho provisions of the taritt law relating to the introduction into the United States of sugars, molasses, coffee, tea and hides, the product or or exported from such countries, and on and after thnt date the duties fixed in section 3 would be imposed on those arti cles. The notice to Spain, however, only applies to the Philippine Islands. Negotiations with France and some othor countries have leached such a stage as, in the opinion or the President, to warrant tho Secretary or State in withholding notice to them or a proclamation affecting their prod ucts. The notes referred to were considered and signed by Mr. Blaine at his residence this afternoon. General J. W. Foster spent some time in consultation with him on the subject. Senator Hill, of Xew York, remained in his scat for an hour after the adjourn ment of tho Senate to-day. He was an object ofintorest to the people, which then had entrance to the hall, and was much dis cussed and pointed at by little knots ot spectators who gathered in the rear or the desks'. Ho occupied the seat formerly filled by Senator Hampton, of South Carolina, in the last row on tho Democratic side of the chamber. The now Senator received a meas ure of welcome not usually accorded to new comers in the conservative Senate, for not only was he personally greeted by nearly all of his Democratic colleagues, but by many or tho Bepublican Senators, and he must have been surprised to find out how many persons in Washington had known hltn for years, to Judge by their protuse declarations. He watched tho short proceedlugs to-day with much interest, and when Captain Bas sett's four bells signaled adjournment he re marked jocularly that the session had been too short to admit of his distinguishing him self. There are now ten Senators who have notified the Caucus Committee or their abil ity and willingness to sorve on the Appro priations Committee in the place formerly held by Mr. Plumb. Although Senator Per kins, in viow of his Congressional expe rience, is likely to faro much better than is usually the case with new Senators in as signment to committees, it is not probable that he can succeed tothis much coveted place, so that tho Caucus Committee, unable to fall back upon the rule of succession, Is in a dilemma. One of its members to-day said that tho membership of the Appropriations Committee would probably be increased, notwithstanding the understanding reached at the beginning or the present session that it would be allowed to shrink to its former membership of rfine when a vacancy ensued in the natural courso, or events. Ir some such measurp of relief, is not afforded it is feared that thtf Senators who favoredadl vision or the general appropriations bills among tho lending committees or the Senate will in the end carry their point through the aid or certain of tlio Senators from tho older States who are disappointed in their desire to get places on the all-powerful Appropria tions Committee. There was to-day laid before the House reports made under the direction or the Cliier of Engineers of an examination and survey of the St. Louis river from Grassy point in St. Louis bay, to Fond Du Lac, on the State line'between Minnesota ana Wis consin. The improvement proposed con templates forming a channel by dredging, where necessary, 100 feet wide nt the bottom and 1G feet deep, up to Fond Du Lac, at an estimated cost ot $113,000. The questions asked in the progress of argument bj- Justices of the Court to day give good ground for the presumption that the United States Supreme Court will decide against the Church or the Holy Trinity or New York, iu the suit between it and the United States crowinir out ot the church's bringing Rev. E. Walpole Watren.of England, to this country under contract, as Its rector. REPRESENTATIVE WASHINGTON, of Tennessee, tho Chairman of the Committee on Territories, says the committee will un doubtedly prepare bills containing enabling acta by which Territories or Arizonaand Now Mexico can hold conventions to form con stitutions that may bo voted on by the peo ple at the coming election in November. The Dills will, ho says; in all probability be so framed that the Territories may after the constitutions are adopted by the people tie admitted bv tho proclamation of the Presi dent, so tha't further action by Congress will not be necessary. It is not likely, he says, that any new territory will be admitted in time to participate in tho next Presidental election. The Treasury Department has approved the action of the Collector of Customs at Cleveland, O., in requiring bond for the pro duction of consular invoices covering goods arriving nt that port from New York under immediate transportation bond, in cases where the consignees do not produce a con sular invoice at tho time of making entry or such goods." Two important committees of the House effected an organization to-day. The Ap propriations Committee authorized the ap pointment of sub-committees, and deferred action on the census deficiency requested by Superintendent Porter until they can begin work. It is practically settled that there will be no assomblago or all the gen eral appropriation bdls In tho Appropria tion Committee, and the distribution or the appropriation bills among several commit tees will remain as In the two previous Con gresses. Tho Wavs and Means Committee did a llttlo routine business preliminary to beginning work on tariff legislation. Reutor Springer, son ot the Chairman, succeeds John M. Carson as principal clerk. Alex. Jones, a Chicago newspaper man, was ap pointed assistant clerk, and J. D. Darnellle, ot Sprinlleld, HI., messenger. Only eight members a bare quorum were present. The House Committee on Foreign and Inter state Commerce Commission, or which Rep resentative Mills is Chairman, will be called to' oider-Saturday by Representative G. D. Wise, of Virginia, who will act as Chairman (or the present. EGYPT'S H0SABCH DEAD. His 18-Ycar-Old Son, Prince AbDas Pasha, Succeeds to tho Throne. CAino, Jan. 7. Tewfik Pasha (Mohammed Tewflk), Khedive of Egypt, died this after noon from influenzaat the ago of 40 years. The death of tho Khedive was entirely un expected. It was stated this evening that he was in no apparent danger rrom the at tack of influenza, when suddenly tho com plications sot in and developed with start ling rapidity.. When It became generally known that the ruler of .Egypt was. dangerously III, groups of people gathered at the gates of Helorian palace, where the Knedlvo was lying. At 6 o'clock this evening a bulletin was issued stating that the Khedivo was in a critical condition. It is bolioved that at that time he must havo been dead. At 7 o'clock his death was announced. He will bo succeeded by Prince Abbas Pasha, his eldest sou, who was born July U, 1871. The funeral of the Khedivo will take place to-morrow. Tho Khedive's sons have been hastily-summoned from Vienna, COITOff HO X0HGEE KING. Overproduction Sends tho Trice tower Than EvorBefore Quoted at Now York. New Tobk, Jan. 7. Special) The cotton speculation to-day ran up to 214,000 bales, tho largest in a -long time. The early figures for March, the favorite speculative option, were fully one-half cent a pound below the closing figures of Wednesday. There were "proportionate-declines in the other options. At the close there was a partial recovery aud possibly a steadier tone. Tho decline for 43 hours amounted to $1 3 a bale. Cotton has dropped to the lowest price In its history. For months, it Is said, current prices have been below the cost ofproduc tion. The crop estimates lnve been pushed up to between 8,000,000 and 8,500,000 bales, the largest on record. The receipts at Southern seabord cities havo been unusually heavy for a long time. The speculation at the South has been extensive, and, to some ex tent, reckless", and many of the speculators have left their brokers to hear the losses. 'The bank3 have found it necessary to call in tneir loans, xne total decline ror a wees is $2 50 a bale. The lower figures, though.liave stimulated larger export orders. BABHUM'S BODY WAS BUBIED. The Story That a Dummy Was Csed Is De nied by Rev. Dr. Collyer. New York, Jan. 7. Special A story which has found some believers was circu lated in Bridgeport, Conn., to the effect that at the funeral or tho lato Phineas T. Barnum a "dummy'' did service Instead of' the re mains of the lato showman. Rev. Dr. Robert Collyer delivered the funeral oration at the obsequies. He was seen to-day In relation to tho story. Ho said: "I put my hand on his forehead, then I closed tho coffin lid," said the Rev. Dr. Robert Collyer this morn ing, thus disposing of the statement that a dummy of straw was burled in tho place of the body or the late Mr. Barnum. Tho alleged story was told with circum stances and detail. It was said that the body was concealed in the house in Bridge port ror four days after theburial of the siiuil.icrum and then interred in secret in a spot known only to Mrs. Barnum and a row triends. Arter ghouls had lost hope or get ting the body it was to be relnterred be neath the granite slab. Hawley, Reynolds & Wllmot, tho undertakers, declare that the story Is false, and Dr. Collyer's statement disposes of tho matter for once and all. ON LTJPEB'S UTILE LIST. Twenty-Six Insurance Companies Under Suspicion, Half In This State. HABBisBcito, Jan. 7. Special. State In surance Commissioner Luper has received from Auditor Henderson, or Indiana, a list or fire insurance companies he considers un worthy or confidence. Ot tho 26 named Just one-half are in this State, nd are nmong those against which Commissioner Luper is directing his present crusade. The list fol lows: Alliance, Reading: Merchant, Altoona; Montgomery, Montgomery county: Stetson, Stetson: Farmors and Mechanics', Millers burg; Fail-mount, -Dauntless and Quaker City, Philadelphia; Aurora, Capital City and Susquehanna, Harrlsbure; Dauphin, Dau phin; Reserve and Washington Union, Cleve land, O.; Sandnsky and Steadman, Toledo, O.: Northern, Sioux City, In.; Dakota F. and M., Mitchell, Dak.; Wytevllle.Wyteville.Va.; Columbia. New Jersey; Delta, Greenville, Miss.; Industrial Fire Inueurance Associa tion and Buckeye State Mutual Fire, loca tion unknown; Delaware River F. and M., Camden, N. J. THE BULKELEY DECISION Puts an End, Also, to the Suit for Salary of the Governor's Secretary. Habtfobd, Jan.7. Governor Bulkeley has been Informed that the Controller has le cortsidered his ruling last March, so far as the same applies to the Governor's claim to the payment or a proportional amount or the salary attached to tho office of Execut ive Secretary forServices from January 20, 1991, and has, accordingly, adjusted tho claim andallowed tho amonnts fonndtlni. This action is attributed to tho decision ot the Supreme Court establishing Governor Bulkeley's title. It ends the Brainard-Staub' suit. Two WelI-Known Families United. Newabk, O., Jan. 7. At St. Frances do Sales' Church this morning, was solemnized tho marriage of Miss Frances Bernham Woods, only daughter of Mrs. Cecilia 1. vWoods and the late Major General Charles R. Woods. U. S. A., and ntece or Justice William R.,Woods, or the United States Su preme Court, to Eugene F. Arnold, or Washington. Tho ceremony was performed by Right Rev. John A. WnttPrson, of Colum bus. The bride 'is a strikingly beautiful brunette and comes of an old" and distin guished family. The couple will reside in Washington. Tho Sick at the Capital. WASHnroTOX, D. C, Jan. 7. Rear Admiral C. R. P. Rogers, U. fe. N., retired, is danger ously ill with heart trouble. It is said at the Navy Department that there is no chance ot recovery. The condition of Speaker Crisp showed considerable improvement to-day. He ate a good breakfast and later on read "a morning paper. Representative John C. Tarsnev, of Illinois, has been ill for several days with a bad attack or grip. He is re ported a little better to-day, but is still con fined to his room. DEATHS HERE AND ELSEWHERE. General John Irvln Gregg. GeneralJohn Irvin Gregg, a distinguished soldier ot tne war with Mexico an J the late war, died nt Ids residence in Washington. Wednesday, In Ills Mtu year. He was born In Uellefonte, Pa., in 183!. and served In the Second Pennsylvania Volunteers In the Mexican War, rising to the rant ofcaptain. At the beginning of the late war lie volunteered with the Fifth Pennsylvania Reserves, bnt he was soon transferred to tho regular service and afterward became Colonel of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. In the fight at Deep Bot tom he was wounded in the wrist, and he was again wounded at Amelia Springs in 18C5. Attlie close of the war, lie was breveted Ms lor General. Tills made his fourth proreotlon forfirnllant services between 1861 aud 1855. After the wir lie had com mand of the troops in Southwestern Virginia, and was afterward sent to Louisiana as ,Insnfcctorqf Freedmen. In JnIv,iS5S.lie was appointed Colonel of the Elftlith United btatcs Cavalry, and sorted as such until 1878, when he was retired as a result or a severe affliction of the knee Joint, received two years previous Hon. David Putnam, Abolitionist. Hon. David Pntman, one of the oldest nattte citizens of Marietta, O., died yesterday morning, aged 84 ycara. The deceased was the fifth son of the late David Putnam, one of the original settlers of Marietta, and grandson of General Israel Putnam, pf revolutionary fame. Mr. Putnam was a famous figure In political life during the few years lminedijtelj-preceedlng the late war. having been an Abolitionist and one or the managers 6f the "underground railroad," of which his house was one or the stations. The Carl or Litchfield. The Earl of Lichfield died in London yes terday. Thomas George Anson, second Earl of Lichfield, Viscount Ansoil andltaron Soberton, was torn August 15. 13. and succeeded to the titles upon the death ofhis father, March IS. 18M. On April 10, 1855, the Earl married Lady Harriet Hamilton, eldest daugnteror the Puke of Aber corn. lly this marriage there were three sons and five daughters. The Earl wilL be succeeded by his eldest son, Thomas Francis Ansou, who was bora Jauuary3l, 1SJC. "William A. Shaw. "William -A. Shaw died at his lato resi dence In Bclleviio yesterday morning or pneu monia. Mr. Shaw was the oldest resident or llelle vue, having been born in Versailles township In 1809. He leaves a widow and tlnvc children, 'ihey arc Dh. W. C. aud Preston bliaw and Mrs. J. C. Doty. Obituary Notes. G EOItGE M. MAM.EY. formerly a law partner of ex-Senator Ingalls, died in Summit, N. J.; Tues day in his 81st year. He owned much real estate In Kautas. ' General Aliiekt CAJinuiEr.F, a French sol dier who fought In the Italian campaign and was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle orsedan, Is dead In Pans. Edwabd Nichols, President of the Brooks Locomotive Works at Dunkirk, N. T., died yes terday morning or pneumonia, aged 41 years. He was prominent in local politics. Hos. Lewis Fuon, ex-member or the Legis lature and member of the Constitutional Conven tion In 1873. died stidderlv yesterday afternoon from an attack of grip, at V, llfcesbarrc, aged 71. Coloxel Jacob "W. Stamc, of Lancaster, died Tuesday in his 63d year. During- the war he was commander or the Seventy-ninth Regiment. Penn sylvania Volunteers. Ho was a proml neut Mason and Knight of Pythias. Gkxehal James V. Romford, late or the United States army, died suddenly at Ills home in Ellnbetli, N. J., Wednesday. Hq served in lho Black Hawk", Seminole. Mexican aud Civil Wars. When the late war broke out he was surrendered by General Twiggs on tho Texas frontier, but, re fusing to give his parole not to light the Cojdeder acy, he was held prisoner for -over a ycar.Aftr his release he was promoted successively to colonel and brevet brigadier general. LIKE A BDD BALL "Was the Initiatory German Given in Honor of Miss Margaret Brown A Wedding and Other Functions Mark Time's Flight In the Polite World. Again the Pittsburg Club was the scene of the triumph, if not the debut, of ono of the season's ''buds. This was the fashionable german given last night by Miss Howe in honor or her niece, Miss Margaret Brown, and which drew to the Club Theater the usual exclusive set, and filled that cozv place pretty nearly beyond comfort point. The house had been decked with flowers in the afternoon against tho young lady's coming, and looked its very prettiest. Out in tho foyer groups, of plants wero ranged about. -The only flower here were long stemmed American Bnantles arranged in n tall Japanese vase and standing at the apex of the twfl comfortable seats which run along nn equal number of sides of the foyer. The orchestra on the stage was concealed from light by an embankment of palms and other tropical products, behind which was a scieen of tarlatan hung with English ivy. The dining room across in the house had only decorations on the mantel piece'', con sisting of tiny palms, American Beauties, ferns nnd similar fancy plants. Refresh ments were served on small tables, but they wero unadorned in flowers. The dressing room mantel was left unbanked on account of Its convenience in holding the toilet accessories or the ladies. Miss Brown who wore a dainty gown a la ingenue was supported socially 'by her aunt, who was her hostess, and her parents. Her bouquets were said to be among tho most beautiful received by any young lady this season. It might be said that tho ball at n hlch Miss Brown did not coma out was brilliant enough to servo as nn introduction for a whole bunch or debutantes. The casts of the two plays which the Dramatic Club of the Western University of Pennsylvania are preparingfor presentation at the Plttsburg'Club Friday evening, Janu ary 15, have been completed and are as fol lows: "EABLT VOWS" A COMEDY HI TWO ACTS. Miriam Curtice Miss Daisy Miller Snsan, a maid Miss Anna Scott Hon. Mr. Curtice Mr. E. B. Gochring Captain Wlnthrop Mr. C. W. Davis Ned Wilder Mr. D. S.Liggett Sampson .......Mr. W. Riddle "CnCMS" OXE-ACT FABCE. Mr. Breed, a Bntier 'Squire Mr. W. Riddle n.arry Breed. A. B., of Western University of Pennsylvania Mr. II. M. King Tom Burnhani, leading lad v of W- U. P. Dramatic Club Mr. W. McD. Dorrington Flora Strong Mr. C. Vi . Davis Mrs. Breed Mr. J. F. Griggs, ;r. The patronesses are: Mrs". J. B. Scott, Mrs. C.Lu Magee, Mrs. AV". J. Holland, Mrs. John Walker, Mrs. WIlIiam.Thaw, Sr., Mrs. Reuben Miller, Mrs. M. B. Riddle, Mrs. Cort landt Whitehead. This is the'second or the Dramatic Club's entertainments. The ceremony transforming Miss Jane Lewis into Mrs. Joseph J. Marshall was per formed last night in tho Fourth Avenue Baptist Church, before a host of friends and by the pastor of the church, the Rev. H. A. Applegarth. The usual floral decorations prevailed at the altar and bands of smtlax replaced the white ribbon generally used. The ushers were Mr. Jared Marshall, Mr. Leon M. Vardv, of Wheeling: Colonel Harry Sherrard. of Steubenville: Mr. W. J. Lewis, Jr., Mr. J. Scott AVhite, Mr. narrv Mosley, Mr. Florence Miller and Mr. Alexander Jenkinson. During the ceremony, the organ in the skilled hands of Mr. Samuel Brown played numerons selections, among them being Schubort's "Serande'- and Mendels sohn's "Wedding March." The wedding gown wasot white moire antique with orange blossoms, A. veil was worn, and the bouquet carried was rormed solely of Roman hya cinths. The bride is an extremely attractive looking girl. Mls3"Gertnde Lewis, the maid of honor, wore yellow crepe made in a simple fashion. A reception following the ceremony, which took place at 8 o'clock, was given at Mr. Thomas L. Lewis' house. In Bellefleld. When the customary greetings and con gratulations, incident to such an occasion, were extended, the happy bridegroom boro his wife off on the wedding tour. Social Chatter. Ix answer to tho 200 invitations sent ont by Mrs. Alan Wood, the "minor element" of Plttsbnrg nnd Allegheny came on Wednes day afternoon to pay their respects to little Misses Roland, Anita and Helen Wood. Mrs. Wnod was assisted in receiving the little folks by Mrs. Thomas McKee, Miss Det willer. of Philadelphia. Mrs. Wood's cousin. and Mrs. Joseph B. Dilworth. Miss Det wilier, who Is spending the winter with Mrs. "Wood, is quite young, and gives promise of being a beautiful girl. Besides her pretty face, sho has a naturalness and rare gru cionsnes3 of .manner which make her a favorite with everyone. Florists sny debutantes' boquets are some what less than two-thirds the size of those of former years. Though roses are as little lasting ns ever, they continue to be In favor, as, undoubtedly, there is no flower so hand somo nor so satisfactory when used in large quantities." This winter orchids also are being much nsod. Unfortunately thov look rather out of their element in a ballroom, for to be seen In their full attraction the concomitants of South America, decayed trunks of trees, moss and stones, are le qulred. Mn. Homer Moobe, the musical llterarian and tutor, will probably give some recitals in the city prior to leaving in Juno for Eu ope, with the expectation of joining the German stage. The triumph which Mr. Moore game at the Symphony Orchestra concert on Wednesday evening was another of the well-earned recognitions contributed to that gentleman's talents since his arrival a short time since. Mr. axp Mrs. H. Cloto, of tho West End, gave a reception on Saturday evening, at which formal announcement was made of the engagement or tho hostess' charming sister, Miss Margaret Thomas, to Mr. Evan Floyd, or Wllmerding. Miss Thomas has Just returned from a sojourn in Florida. Miss Sara Spaxo will make her formal entree into the social world next Tuesday evening under the chaperonage of her father and mother, 3Ir. and Mr?. Norman Spang, who will give adanco ror her at tho Kenmawr Hotel. Thirty-eight big bouquets wero the floral trophies laid at Miss Watson's rect on the event of her coming out ball, and last night there coula be traced at least 22 eqnally pleasant perpetrations for Miss Margaret Brown. Miss CntLfts, ono of tho most popular of the season's debutantes, give a luncheon to day in honor of Miss Zaldle Fulton, or New York. Miss Fulton is said to bo the mot popular visitor Pittsburg has seen this win ter. St. Jonx TnE Baptist Church, or La wrence ville, entertnined its parishioners with a musical and literary entertainment in St. Augustine's nail, given by the Young Peo ple's Literary and. Dramatic Society". Miss Axxie Smith,, whose engagement to Mr. Scairo was announced officially by The Dispatch some time ago, will bo the guest 'of honor this afternoon at a reception given by her sister, Mrs. Ubrton Singer. Mns. Chables Cclp is spending this week in Philadelphia. Shortly after Jlrs. Culp's return sho and Mr. Cnlp will set un their dnintr establishment In a pretty house In the Baum plan in East Lfbertj-. Mrs. Harry Rka gave a small dinner on Tuesday. Other eqnally exclusive affairs were Mrs. Joseph R. Dilworth's pink tea on Wednesday and Mrs. Ross J. Martin's dinner on the same afternoon. Mr. ajid Mrs. Edwis Graham Ferocsox, nawaway on their wedding Journey, will bo nt home January 23 and February I at the home of Mr. Ferguson's mother, Mrs. J. Scott Ferguson. . Mr. axd Mrs. J. 3t. Aikkx havo Issued In vitations for their dnnghter's, Mis Mar garet's, marriage to Mr. Clarence E. Bed lent, on Tuesday evening or next week. JIBS. A. E. W. Painter's guests, who al most brought Pittsburg's social world to their feet, have gone their several ways, leaving behind them a train of regrots. Social engagements for next week are'be inginado with a due regaidfor the Kendal repertoire. It will bo the theater party wick of the season so far. A few friends of Mis. W. At JJunlap. nee Stevenson, oT Robinson stieet, were enter tained at a pink and, white dinner last night. Mrs. B. F. RakpfrtY, 6r Fifth nvenuo and llidwelt street, gave a dinner last night to H people. Tho table was decorated in yellow. Miss Gillespie, or Thomas stroet. The Boulevard, gavo an entertainment of a mn ideal nature to her friends last night. Mns. Joiinsox gave a theater party to see "Alabama" lat night, iu honor of Miss Pcttit, Mks Child's gnest. The Misses Price, of the East End, give a card party on noxt Wednesday evening at their Filth avenuo-bome. Dr. T. J. Gallaher, of Colllnsr avenue, East End, is homo lrom a visit in Phila delphia. Man's Position Mny He come Hopeless. New York Commercial Advertiser. When tlfdjother sex go in for dynamiting, poor man's position in. the universe will he come boneless. ' ' SPEINGEE'S FSEE WOOL BILL. Full Text of One of the Most Important ot This 'Session's) Measures. Wa8H1xqtox, D. C, Jan. 7. The following is the text or the free wool bill drafted by Chairman Springer, of the Waysund Means Committee, but not yet introduced in the House by him nor approved by the majority or the Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Springer was at first reluctant to give it out for publication in advance of. its Introduc tion, Jiut Anally said that in view of the many conflicting statements which hadgone out in regard to the bill, ho tnought It might he best, in order to avoid criticism, to make its provisions as at present dratted public. It Is as rollows: A Mil to admit all wools free or duty and to re peal the duti"!, per pound and per square yard upon woolen goods. Be it enacted, etc. Section 1 That on and after the flrstriayor Jan nary. 18T3, the? fodowlng articles, when Imported, shall be exempt from duty, namely, all wools, hair of tl-o camel, goat, alpaca anil other like animals, and all wools on tho skin, all Nolls, top waste, stubbing waste, rovliig waste, ring waste, yarn waste and wiwlen rags, muugo and flocks. Sectlan 2-That on and after the 1st day of Jan nary 18)3. the duties per ponnd imposed In para graphs Ml. S12. 3T5, 3IH. 305. SOB. 3!7 and SB of an act to reduce the revenue and eqnalize duties on lmnortsand for other purposes, approved Octoiier 1. 1S0O, and the duties per snnare yard Imposed In paragraphs 3ffl. '00 -SOI. 402. 4C3. -101. 405. 4C6 and 407 or said act be anil the same are herebv repealed, and only the advalorem duties Imposed in nil said paragraphs respectively which are mentioned In this section shall thereafter be levied, collected and paid upon the articles mentioned In said para graphs. The articles mentioned in paragraph 403 of said act shall lie subject to the rate of the duty Imposed by this act on carpets ot carpeting of like character or description. The articles mentioned in paragraph S90 of said act shall thereafter be sub jected to a duty oTZO per cent ad valorem. The effect of section 2 is to wipe out all ex copt the advalorem duties on woolen and ai orsted yarns, cloths, shawls, knit fabric, blankets, hats and flannels of wool, women's and children's dress goods, coat linings, Italian cloths and goods of similar charac ter, readv-made clothing and wearing ap parel, felts, plushes nnd pile fabrics made partly or wool, cloaks, dolmans, jackets, talmas, ulsters, etc., webDings, corings, sus penders, braces, beltings, bindings, braids, galloons, fringes, gimps, cords, cords and tassels, dress trimmings, laces and em broideries, bead nets and buttons for orna ments, made principally of wool or worsted, carpets or all kinds, druggets and bookings, mats, rugs, hassocks, art squares and other portions or carpets or carpeting. These are what are known as the compensatory duties to manufacturers, made because of their being required to pay duties on raw wool. Tho duty under paragraph 300 of the McKinley act is fixed in Mr. Springer's bill at 30 per cent ad Valorem. Paragraph 330 of tho McKinley net provided that "wools and hair in the form of roping, roving orlops, and all wool and hair advanced in any man ner beyond the wahed or scoured condition not specially provided for in addition to compensatory duties, shall be sublect to the samo duties, ranging from 40 to 50 per cent, as are imposed upon manufacturers' wool not specially provided for. This is equiva lents a production (besides compensatory duties) ot from 10 to 20 per cent on roping, roving and top wool and wools partly ad vanced in manufacture and not specially provided for. INDIANS "WATCHING C0NGBES3. A Delegation of Creeks on the Alert to Head Off Harmful Laws. St. Locis, Jan. 7. A party of eight Creek Indians are in the city on their way to Wash ington "to watch the doings of Congress," as Chief L. Perryman, who is in charge of the party, says. "We deem it best to keep up this custom," said Chief Perryman. "Wo spend from $7,000 to $10,000 a year in watch ing the movements or Congress. "Congress, you know, is composed oTmen representing all kinds or interests, and they may spring measures that would be harm ful to our interests and have them passed berore theirpurpose is fully understood ir we do not keep nn eye on them. 3Ieasures are sometimes advanced that would inter fere with our weHare, though they may not be intended for that purpose. Our people have fine farms and raise a large amount of stocc. We spend large sums of money each year On our schools, and our people are in telligent." The delegates will leave to-night for Washington. "WOULD-BE C0NGBES3MEN. Each County in tho New Castle District Pre sents Its Candidates. New Castle, Jan. 7. Special Now that it has been settled that Congressmen will be nominated by tho delegate system here after, the different counties aro getting into line. Lawrence county will present the names of Colonel Oscar II. Jackson, who has served two terms in Congress, and Thomas W. Phillips, the oil king, will also nsk for the nomination. Butler county will present tho names of Newton Black, who was a candi date before tho last Congressional Conven tion. Mercer county's candidate will be a new man Hon. S. C. Koonce, a substantial farm er, at Clarksville village. Beaver county's candidate will, moro than likely, be Hon. Charles C. Towrtsdiid, Who" also" was before the last convention. He has served one term in Congress. ZLKINS HUMFICENI 0ITEB. Land and a Fortune in Cash for an Acad emy in His Home Town. Pareersburo, Jan. 7. Special Rev. W; E. Powell returned this morning from New York where he had an Interview with Hon. Stephen B. Elkins, Dr. II. L: Moorhead, Sec retary of the American Baptist Home Mis sion' Society, and President Harper, of tlio University of Chicago. Secretary of War Elkins made a proposi tion to give 23 acres of land and $25,000 in monev to build a first-class academy nt El kins, "W. Va. This would involve the re moval of Broaddus Coliego lrom Clarksbnrg to Elkins. If Clarksburg holtfsQut better Inducements the college will remain there. A meeting will be held next aveek. Gotham's Latest Swell Wedding. Nnw Yore, Jan. 7. The marriago or Colonel Ralph Vivian, of England, to Mrs. MarshalJ O. Roberts was celebrated this afternoon in Calvary Church. The ceremony was rjerforined by Rev'', nenry Y. Satteriee, assisted by Kev. Dr. Endicott Peabodv. Tho church was handsomely decorated, flowers abounding everywhere Three arches were placeu acioss tno iront ot me cnurcn, ana ic was bpneath the center ono of these flo er laden bowers that tho bridal party passed to the altar. An Educator Tossing Array. NewHavejt, Jnn. 7. Special Ex-President Porter, of Yale University, who has been ill for a long time, was reported to be in a critical condition by his physician Iat night. Ho is gradually sinking aud the end Is thought to bo near. SHERMAN'S WMXATTO.V. The Republicans of the Ohio Legislature havo dono themselves an honor and the country a service by returning John Sher man to the Senate. Philadelphia Press. Tnislsasgood'nowsashas come over the wires inmanya day and will gratify the friends orgood government and honorable politics in all parties and all over the coun try. A'ctc York Times. Hox. Johx Shermax lias been elected to succeed himself" as United States Senator from Ohio without the shadow or a shade or doubt. We prnposa three cheers for John Sherman and the Honest Republicans who helped elect him. Cincinnati Commercial Ga zelle. Ohio will continue to be i epresented in the United States Senate by a man whose emi nent public service, long experience, great ability nnd incorruptible Integrity have been an honor to his State, his country nnd his party for tho past SO jcars. yew York Press. Ouio and tho entire nation aro to be con gratulated, not only that the most capablo and experienced Seu.itor in the upper brdnch of Congress is to be allowed to round ont'hls lire in tho public service, but that Fdraker will vanish rrom pnbllc view at least torn season. PhiiaJetphla Times. Tee nation is not so rich in statesmen of original genius that Heart afford to be de prived of the services of its most eminent financier; Senator Sherman. His nomination bv the Republican caucus at Colnmbus alter asplrited caucus offers ground for profound satisfaction throughout the country. yew York Tribune. Mex of the caliber of Mr. Sherman belong inirway to the whole country, and when thny are sacrificed tolocal Jealuustos and en mities and rivalries, as they too often aro, the whole country sustains a Toss. Mr. Sher man's assured re-election is matter for pub lio congratulation, Philatielpliia Sort Amer ican." - ' CURIOUS CONDENSATIONS. - Ten days per ycaritf the average sick ness in humau life. A railway to Jerusalem will be. com pleted in next April. The smallest shoe shop in New York is 3 feet 3 inches square. More fruit is -probably imported into. London than any other city in the world. In Colorado the Southern Pacific Kail road is ballasted for sorao distance witbr rock salt. Virginia, Maryland and Xorth Carolina each has two species of lizardprovided with, three eyes. A stick of timber 20i20x91 feet wa3 re cently cut in Oregon and shipped to San Francisco. A Georgia convict cannot get out, al though his term has expired. The prison records say he is dead, and there is no pro vision for releasing a dead man. There aro now 2 colored "women law yers, '21 doctors. 6 civil engineers, 13 pro tographers and 32 artists. Tnere are also 113 colored women pursuing studies abroad. I nTexas there is a stone about 20 Teet in, diameter that has wonderful magnetic power. It is said that It will draw a ham mer or an ax to Its surface even when placed 10 to 15 feetawuyon the ground. There are some curious things in Yellow stone Park, among which isn hole whicn has no bottom that has vet been reached. A line has been dropped down nearly 3,000 lcet and yet it did not touch bottom. The civil service records ot the past three years show that out or the number of men applicants examined for Government offices only a little over one-half passed avhilo four-fifths of tho women applicants passed. Soda water is an American drink; It is as essentially American as porter, Rhine wino and claret are distinctively English, German and French. The most Interesting fact in themanufnetnreorsoda water is that it contains no soda. A firm in San Francisco recently re ceived rrom a lire prisoner in the San Qnen tln, Cal., prison, a check for $S0. It was in Sayment for goods that he bought from tho ouse 21 years ago just prior to committing tho deed for which he is imprisoned. In Northern Africa date stones are roasted and used a3 a substitute for coffee. Alt kinds of basket and wicker work are made from the leaf stalks, while the leaves themselves are made into mats, bags, etc.; the wood is used for fences and buildings. A 13-year-old Maine girl, who is lum bering at Moro, with tho assistance of her father, loaded on team 321 logs nnd hauled them to tho landing, some distancs away, where she unloaded them and returned ror more. She was just 2U days hauling tho 321 pieces. ""While at her cooking the other day," relates the Femandina, Fla., yeas, "Pblllis Kelly, colored, broke an egg open, when an other distinct egg about the size of a marble and with a hard shell, was found in the yolk. It was sent to the yeics office for in spection." The reed swamps of the Guadiana river, in Southern Spain, are all alive with migra tory birds in November, and tho water fowl of Northern Russia winter on the shores of the Caspian, where snowstorms may occur now and then, but where water birds are, on, tlio whole, much better off thau on the desert coasts further south. In old times rhinoceros horns were em ployed for drinking cups by royal person ages, tho notion being that poison put into them wouldshow itself by bubbling. There may have been some truth in tho idea, inas much as ninny of the. ancient poison were acids and they would decompose the horny material very quickly. Doubtless the first dogs which wero trained to serve mankind were the jackals or Asia, which are to this day veryintelll--sent and docile when tamed. There was a kind of dog kept by the ancient Egyptians which was evidently obtained by breeding from a slenderly bmlt species that is wild in Africa at the present time. Much speculation has been indulged in as to the nature of the glow-worm's light, which is not put out by waternor seemingly canable of giving forth any heat. It has been assertetl that the light diffusing sub stance contains ohosphorns, but this has nevor been proved. Certainly it is incap able of communicating Ignition to any thing. During the early part of this century and previously the official tax gatherers on the Island of Hawaii, in theSandwlch group, did all their accounts on a rope 2.4G0 feet long, which was divided into lengths, each corresponding to a district. Loops, knots and feather tufts along tho rope served as memoranda for the hoes, pigs and pieces of sandal wood collected from taxpayers. The single tribe of the Betsi Fangs, in the Kongo country, nccording to Do Brazza, numbers over 2,000,000 souls. Their most im portant villages are from three to ten miles back from the rivers. Father Lejeune esti mates that along the Ozowe river iromLam barene to Ndvole there are 200,000 Fang". Bufalltherivers forming a network through the country are in the possession of this race. "A live manatee or sea cow was caught in Btscayne Bay a few days azo,"reports the Eustls Lake, Fia., Reaim. "It gave its cap tors a lively time and some hard work to get it across the bav. Sometimes it came along as nnietns a lamb after being exhausted by lts-efforts to escape. Then, when somewhat rested, it would break away, and, to prevent swamping their little boat, they would have to give it rope and let it run awhile. In 1887, when the English started on their expedition to Abyssinia, they carried with them a goodly supply of bright, new Maria Theresa dollars coined for them in i cnna,bnt this coin met u avell-deflncd mis trust on tho part of tho natives, since it looked so surprisingly new. Yet the Maria, Theres.i dollar Is the only available onwin all this part or the Dark Continent. Tho conquering tour of this coin was achieved with remarkable rapidity. gix intimate friends, three yonng men and three young women, in Louisville, two years ago, agreed among themselves that ono sbonld not marry unless the other did. A year later, ono or the voung men ana ono of the young women beenmo engaged to each other, but as the otners were yet ap parently heart free they could not marry. Six months later another eouplo agreed to loin their lot3 for life, but then camo trouble. The third yonng roan was willing to marry, but the third yonng woman was not This drove the other two couples nearly avild. and they frantically reproached tiie reluctant maiden for keeping them, out of happy matrimony. Finally, a few weeks ago. she yielded, and on New Year's Eve tha three couples wero married. PICKINGS FKOM PUCK. Old Lady (excitedly) "When is the train, to New York due? Ticket Agent In two hours ana 40 minutes. Old Lady (with a sigh of relleO I am so glad I am not too late. "Where are you going, my pretty maid?" 'I am going to sneeze, kind sir," she said. Whom are you sneezing at. lny pretty raaidr "I'm going to sneeze a-chewl " she said. "Tell me what yon read and I'll tell yoa what yon are." said" the Philosopher. "Well." said the Boston girl, "I read Ibsen, with pleasure." Then," salt the Philosopher, "you arc a curi osity." Bonder Don't see you on 'Change nowa days. Wlpedont No;. I've left yoa fellows and gone Into ail honest business. Bonder Great ScottS I didn't know there was any. lie leaned upon the upper rail And. with the courage givculo men. Slowly and Armlv toM hli Ule While the poor girl was wondering when Her wearied ears he'd cease to bore That tiresome man who lived next door. "And now," said the Gotham host, as he ro9 from the dining tabic; "will you step Into the drawing room and join the ladles?" "With pleasure, " responded the guest froai New Orleans: "I always attend the drawings with great regularity." Bleecker The Philadelphia Biddies are dlitaiitrelattves of years. I believe. IlM.Ile (or Scouarle Ys. very distant. They won't even acknowledge the relationship. She sent him a kiss in her letter Two thousand miles away: And the dead-letter clerk paused to take at his work That kiss that went astray ! "Wonder why thev call 'em 'custom tail ors?'" " ,i "I reckon it's because custom doth breed a habit Jnaaua." . SIM ; . , T- v r snBkmi.Lk JllWfBMMiE3.i5BlMill.MlllMMMMWi
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers