Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 January 1879 — Page 1

A. DEMOCRATIC NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED EVERT FRIDA*, DT TAMES W. McEWEN. terms of SUBSCRIPTION. ' One copy <me rear..... tl.a» On« copy atx month*..... .. I.M One copy throe month* M DT’Advertlalng rate* on application.

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

FOREIGN NEWS. The Pope has written an encyclical letter, in which he calls upon Bishops to com- combat Socialism, Communism and Internationalism by preaching the principles of the church. News from the seat of war in Afghanistan is to the effect that Gen. Roberts, finding the hostile tribes collected in considerable numbers, attacked them with three small columns and was completely victorious. The failure of the Cornish Bank, which created so much alarm in England a few days ago, turns out to have been an affair of much less importance than was at first supposed. The liabilities are only about $3,250,000. News from Afghanistan reports the occupation of Candahar by the British invading forces, and the precipitate flight of the native officials. Some commotion has been caused in Berlin by the publication of Bismarck’s bill for the punishment of members of the German Parliament who use unbecoming expressions. The measure abolishes freedom of debate, and is aimed at the Socialists. DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. East, Philadelphia reports 739 fires for the yew 1878. Value of property destroyed, $l,534,518. Philadelphia papers chronicle the death of Morton McMichael, for many years proprietor of the North American, and lately Mayor of the city. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has just rendered a decision which has startled the people from one end of the State to the other. The decision, which is to the effect that a widow’s dower remains unapproachable by any power directed against her husband, will affect the title to millions of dollars' worth of real estate in Pennsylvania, and lead to incalculable litigation.

Benj. Hunter, for the instigation of the killing of John M. Armstrong, for the purpose of securing a life-insurance policy, was hanged at Camden, N. J., on the 10th inst The wretch had made two unsuccessful attempts at suicide—first by blood-letting and then by starvation—and was so weak and exhausted that he had to be carried to the gallows and held up while the rope was adjusted around his neck. He died by strangulation. Went. The extensive boot and shoe house of Appleton, Noyes Maude, in St. Louis, has made an assignment. The miscreants, seven in number, who burned the two cattle ranchers, Mitchell ! and Ketchum, at the stake, near Kearney, Neb., have all been arrested. A bold robbery was perpetratedin the city of Chicago the other day. Two men, in a cutter, drove up in front of a jewelry store in one of the most crowded thoroughfares, at 6 o'clock in the evening, alighted, broke the glass show-case, seized S4,(XX) worth of diamonds, leaped into the cutter, drove off, and have not since been heard of. Fort Robinson, in Nebraska, has , been the scene of a bloody entente, resulting in a wholesale slaughter of Indians and the I death and wounding of several soldiers. For some time a large number of Cheyenne Indians who were engaged in the raid in Western Nebraska last summer, and were subsequently captured, have lieen held under restraint at that post. It having been determined by the Government to send these savages south into the Indian Territory, preparations were being made to that end. They declared their determination not to go south, asserting that they would die in resisting such a movement. The military tried to starve them into submission, and even went so far as to deprive them of fuel, but their stubborn natures would not yield. Finally it was determined to place the two leading chiefs, Old Crow and Wild Hog, in irons, and separate ' them from the common Indians. In i carrying out this step there was a furious j struggle between Wild Hog and the guards, in | which one of the latter was dangerously I stabbed. This affair caused the wildest excitement among the savages. Some of them com- ' inenced chanting a war song, and, at a ' given signal, the entire body made a dash through their prison windows, and, tiring on the guard with revolvers which they had succeeded in concealing, all ran for the open prairie. The guard opened fire on the fleeing savages, shooting them down by dozens in the frozen snow, presenting a scene that discounts the custer massacre. The cavalry continued in pursuit of the retreat- I ing savages, killing thorn without mercy. Four soldiers of the Third cavalry were wounded and one killed, having been shot through the heart Dull Knife, the Cheyenne savage leader, was numbered among the dead, having been shot through the head. Altogether between thirty and forty of the Indians were killed and a great many wounded. A fire on Main street, Cincinnati, destroyed property valued at 9150,000. At a recent meeting in Toledo of prominent horsemen of various Western cities it was decided to arrange a great Western racing circuit. Two Umatilla Indian chiefs, White Owl and Quit-Ti-Tumps, have just been hanged at Walla Walla, Ore. They both preserved to the Lst the characteristic stoicism of their race, dying with the death-chant on their lips. Troy Dye, ex-Public Administrator of Sacramento, Cal., who killed A. M. Tullis for the purpose of securing the emoluments that would accrue from administering on his large estate, has been found guilty and sentenced to death. In a race at the Exposition building, Chicago, between a horse and professional pedestrian, the former scored 201 miles in 52 hours, the pedestrian making 149 miles in the earne time. The equine was on the track 27% hours, and averaged 8:21 per milo. Advices from the -Cheyenne River Indian Agency report that runners had arrived there from Sitting Bull’s camp, with a message hl Abe the hostile Cheythe rules of the agency if they were’ 1 ISUjJpit the protection of the Government

South. There were 140 fires in New Orleans la » year, with a loss of only $340,000. The people of Atlanta, Ga., have been enjoying skating for the first time in twenty years, and in New Orleans sleighing is reported tor the first time in more than half a century. - avigation in the Georgia rivers has on m errnpted by ice—an evidence of severe Clark Hubbard, wife and two chilfmi’ 7 r " Ut ®. weßt from Gherman, Texas, were frozen to death during the recent cold snap. ° n the Iron Mountain h 8 80,1(11 of 8t - Louis,caused by the ditching of a train, resulted hi the death

The Democratic sentinel.

JAS. W. McEWEN Editor.

VOLUME If.

of the baggage-master and express messenger, and the wounding of several passengers. It is announced in a dispatch from Frankfort, Ky., that fourteen men have been indicted in Breathitt county, for the murder of Judge Burnett, and four for the murder of Freeman. These killings occurred during the recent civil war in Breathitt county. POLITICAL POINTS. A union of the heretofore discordant elements of the Republican party in Louisiana is said to have been effected. The Republicans of the Pennsylvania Legislature met in caucus on the Bth inst, and nominated J. Donald Cameron as his own successor in the United States Senate. The Colorado Legislature has elected Hon. Nathaniel P. Hill United States Senator from that State. He succeeds Mr. Chaffee. At a meeting of the Potter Committee, last week, it was decided to enter upon an investigation of the cipher dispatches. The Republican members abstained from voting, on the ground that they originally opposed the appointment of the Potter Committee, and had no desire now to enlarge the powers of the committee. A telegram from Washington to the Chicago Tribune states that “ the Nationals in the next Congress propose to maks the most that is possible out of their position. A call has been issued from the headquarters of the National party for a meeting of Greenback Congressmen-elect for Feb. 22. Most of the gentlemen have responded. The subjects agreed upon to be discussed are the Eight-Hour law, the Speakership, and specific greenback measures. The Nationals declare that they do not propose to go into the caucus of either party and will hold their own caucus, but will have Democratic proclivities if sufficient inducements are made them by Democratic leaders”

WASHINGTON NOTES. The 4 per cent, loan is going off at a rapid rate. The subscriptions reached over SII,OOO,(XX> in one day, last week. A Washington dispatch announces that Justice Hunt, of the United States Supreme Court, was stricken with paralysis, a few days ago, and that his life is despaired of. The President has nominated John C. Bridge Appraiser of Merchandise at Baltimore, and Nelson C. Sherman Postmaster at Cleveland, Ohio. The eleventh annual convention of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association was held in Washington last week. Mrs. Cady Stanton presided, and the familiar faces of the ladies who lead the movement were all to be seen. The speakers were rather severe on President Hayes for not advocating female suffrage in his message. It is reported from Washington that there is not the slightest probability of the new Army bill passing either branch of Congress. Two members of Congress—Hon. Julian Hartridge, of Georgia, and Hon. Gustavus Schleicher, of Texas, have died within a few days at the capital, of pneumonia, a malady that seems to be unusually prevalent thereabout this winter, and which physicians attribute largely to the bad ventilation of the Hall of tho House of Representatives.

MISCELLANEOUS GLEANINGS. The Vanderbilt feud will not down. It continue* to arise in a new shape every once in a while. We read in the New York papers that a new petition has been filed in one of the courts of that city, by Cornelius T. Vanderbilt, praying for the restraint of William H., who is charged with wasting his father’s vast estate by speculation, bad investments, etc. The bill also claims that several millions of dollars of the same has already been lost, and that the entire property is in jeopardy. Michael Farrell was hanged at Quebec, Canada, on the 10th of January, for the murder of Francis Conway in August last.

THE BLAINE INVESTIGATION. The Teller committee began work at New Oreana on the 7th inst., and on that day several witnesses were examined regarding the charges of bulldozing, intimidation, etc. J. E. Breda, of Natchitoches parish, an ex-Confederate soldier, but since 1871 a Republican, testified that “ there is no lawlessness among the negroes—miserable individuals. They hardly daie strike back. They are murdered there like sheep. Political speeches calling upon the negroes to cut loose from the Democratic parly are styled incendiary speeches, and I never made a speech that was n/t strictly a speech on simply political subjects. The negroes are ground down and cannot even sell their crops under their own names. There are 1,700 white and 4,000 colored voters in the par- | ish, and there are more white men who vote the i Republican ticket than blacks who vote the Democratic ticket The Democratic majority in the recent election, given in the official journal, was 2,900.” Senator Cameron—Are any 1 ' prosecutions against fraudulent voters, etc., • being carried on in any of the State courts? Witness—No, sir. For, if so, the whole judiciary of the State would have to be brought trial. I state this on hearsay only. I know nothing from personal observation. I and my brother were driven out simply because we were political leaders. Several other witnesses were examined, all of them Republicans, who testified similarly to Breda in regard to the goings on in Natchitoches parish. Messrs. J. D. McGill, Lucien Bland, and J. M. Me- : Gill residents of Tensas parish, testified that before the election there were two tickets in the field—a regular Democratic and an Independent Democratic. The negroes agreed to support the latter. Witnesses believed the negroes were intimidated to such an extent as to prevent the election of the Independent ticket. They also believed that frauds were committed by stuffing the ballot-boxes. The whole machinery of the election was in the hands of the regular Democratic nominees. Witnesses were candidates on the Independent ticket.

At the meeting of the Teller Committee at New Orleans, on the Bth inst., a number of parties from Tensas parish were examined with a view of proving that bulldozing and intimidation had been carried on in that parish at the late election. Fleming Branch (colored) testified to the * attack on Fairfax, 7v’'" bU ." —.. —f nr Congress. of the shooting down of the adherents of Fairfax, and of the latter’s precipitate flight to save his life; witness himself was wounded m the melee, and he and a number of tother colored people took refuge in the bushes. On the- Tuesday following the attack on Fairfax the slaughter on negroes began, and some eighty the witness stated, were killed ahogether. Daniel Kennedy, Viola Wallace and Bebeoca Ross all colored testified substantially to the same occurrences related by Branch. E. C. Ruth, a colored 'Justice of the Peace, testified that 200 colored men in his ward were forced to join the Democratic club, and then received certificates entitling them to protection. Witness tes°ther acte of lawlessness. J. N. Mitchell, the only white man examined during the day, testified concerning armed

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1879.

bands from other parishes and f/ora. Mississippt He beard a great many things, but knows the reports were exaggerated.' He said: “In fact, if you inquire rigidly info many Tories you will find pot a word of truth in them. Armed bands did some things which I could not approve. There is hostility between the negro and white man. I won’t try to disguise the fact Show me a negro who votes the Denv noratio ticket, and I will show you a hypocrite fir a fool” Before the Teller Committee, on the 9th inst, W. D. Rollins, of Tensas parish, testified that he was a candidate on the Independent ticket at the late election; saw no outrages committed, but thinks intimidation frightened the negroes so much that they stayed away from the polls, and that if the negroes had voted they would ha ve had a majority of 1,000. J. R. Losey testified in regard to the dispersing of the negroes massed for the purpose of attacking Waterproof; was one of the Sheriff’s posse ; said “the negroes were in their quarters, and, when we fired one volley, they dispersed. Two or three negroes were wounded; don't think any were killed.” Frank Watson (colored) was the next witness. He lived eight miles from Waterproof, and was told by a Democratic friend that the place was getting too hot for him; that he had better clear out. He ran away, leaving his partly-gathered crop to take care of itself. Other colored witnesses testified that on the day of election there was a riot in Caledonia, Caddo parish. The riot commenced after the voting was over, and three negroes were killed. Witnesses testified to the general intimidation of negroes in Caddo. Ben. Williams and William Harper, of Caddo parish, testified on the 10th, corroborating the testimony of other witnesses as to violence and intimidation in the parish, and placing the polls at out-of-the-way places without duo notice, thus preventing the colored men from voting. A H. Leonard, District Attorney, testified to general acts of intimidation Prior to the election was told by prominent Democrats that they meant to carry the election. Asked them how they would do it, in view of the fact that the negro voters were greatly in the majority. The reply was that the negroes would vote the Democratic ticket. Later, a fixed determination on the part of the Democrats to carry the election became evident. This determination finally was intensified into acts of intimidation. Witness then detailed various acts of violence, threats and fraud, such as placing ballot-boxes at inaccessible places, the organization of cavalry companies-throughout tho parish for the avowed purpose of carryingthe election, notpermitting the Republican Supervisor to disci: arge his duties, and refusal to allow negroes to vote who had registered, on the ground that their names were not on the books. .H. C. Rogers, L. Templeman, G. A. Simpleman, and J. Shepherd, of Caddo, were called by Democratic members of the committee, and in substance denied the statements of previous witnesses of intimidation by the Democracy. They asserted, that where were the greatest troubles the negroes were the aggressors. The Teller Committee, on the 11th inst., examined Judge L. V. Reeves, of Tensas parish, Chairman of the Democratic Committee, who testified that the troubles in that parish did not arise from political causes. He said that rumors spread abroad that the color line was to be drawn, that the whites became alarmed, that Capt. Peck, who went to Fairfax’s house to persuade him to withhold from his purpose of arraying the blacks against the whites, was shot down, and that in the fight that ensued several negroes were wounded. This was the starting point of the troubles, and the question became no longer political, but a contest between the whites and blacks. The negroes at once massed in large numbers, and it became necessary to restore peace. Everything was peaceable and quiet on election (lay. Geo. Norwood, of Caddo, the next witness, appeared with his head bandaged, and spoke with difficulty, having been shot in the face in the Caledonia affair. He testified that the first shot was firefl by negroes at him. He did not fire a shot that day. He is a Republican, and always worked for the negroes, and thought it hard they should be the first to shoot him. William A. Lacy, a lawyer and editor, and J. C. Moncure, Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, l>oth residentsxtf CttdUo parish, testified that the election in that parish was fair and peaceable; they stated tfiat District Attorney Leonard was responsible for the troubles in that region. The negroes voted freely until Leonard, seeing no chance of carrying the election for the Republicans, ordered the negroes to go home. Witness thought some of Leonard’s speeches incendiary, calculated to excite bad blood between blacks and whites. A couple of colored witnesses testified that the bulldozers in Point Conpee parish committed great outrages, whipping and killing negroes.

THE POTTER COMMITTER.

Before the Potter Investigating Committee, holding its session at Washington, the counsel of Secretary Shermau offered as evidence the affidavit of one St. Martins, who was formerly a Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms for the committee, confessing that he had sworn falsely before the sub-committee last winter, and casting imputations upon Representative Stenger in that connection. The committee decided by a strict .party vote to return the affidavit to the counsel of Secretary Sherman, and that said counsel be instructed to inform Mr. Sherman that St Martins would be examined touching the matters embraced in the affidavit, should Mr. Sherman or any member of the committee so desire. St. Martins’ affidavit is, in substance, that his appointment as Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms was procured by Weber, on condition that he would perform certain service that would prove advantageous to the Democrats in the investigation. He says: “ I was induced to leave my home in Donaldsonville, La., by Weber, and interview Democratic members of the committee and confidential agents of Samuel J. Tilden, A M. Gibson, J. H. Maddox and George W. Carter. At interviews with the agents (generally I saw each separately) I became convinced that they desired special service, and were interviewing me for the purpose of determining whether I was discreet and reliable, and that their plans might be safely intrusted to me for execution. Maddox revealed the service I was expected to perform: Firstly, the journey to St. James parish to subpeena Arm-

stead, Duncan and Steward, but not to serve subpoenas until I had first ascerj tained that, When placed upon the stand before the committee, they could give the testimony desired by Tilden’s agents. Secondly, to secure such testimony, I was authorized to offer a hope of reward, and the further assurance that they would be permitted to return to their homes in Feliciana parish (from which they had previously been driven) and a guarantee of immunity from molestation in future. Thirdly, the testimony desired from Armstead, Duncan’ and Steward wife <a; retraction and denial of the material facts in * their examination before the Returning Board as to outrages, intimidation, ete., in Feliciana parish. From conversations with Armstead and Stewand I became convinced that they would prove pliant witnesses. I brought them to the city and took them to Weber’s room. I then reported to Maddox and the committee that wit-

“A Firm Adherence to Correct Principles.”

nqgsas weft in thecity. Maddox wrote out an affidavit form of the evidence each was expected- t<4 give before the Potter Committee. I caHriflrl these affidavit* from Maddox to Wetwr. Those nesses, and they were promised, Duncan 960, Armstead 980, and Steward 980 for snch testimony. Weber “coached” witnesses by repeatedly reading to each the testimony expected, and he furnished.Steßger with questions to be propounded to the witnesses and answers witnesses had agreed to give. I carried such lists, from Weber to Stenger. In the performance of my duty as Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms, I was placed in possession of the subpoenas, and, in twelve or thirteen cases where the names of witnesses had been furnished by Republican counsel, I was instructed to report persons not found. I was instructed by Stenger, Chairman of the sub-committee, that in cases where witnesses subpoenaed would not furnish the evidence desired by the committee, or unfavorable to the Democracy, to return the subpoenas and report the persons not found. During the entire session of the committee in this city Maddox, Gibson and Carter were busy influencing witnesses by the use of and offers of money, and the Chairman of the committee had full knowledge of this fact. Maddox repeatedly told me Gibson was Tilden’s outside agent, and he would se. ure all the money desired from CoL William T. Belton, of New York.” Representative Stenger emphatically denies the allegaticns of St Martins, says the affidavit was procured by corrupt means, and that affiantcis a bigger liar than Jim Anderson. Messrs. Carter, Gibson and Maddox also make counter affidavits, pronouncing the statements of St Martins false so far as relates to them.

FOBTY-FIFTH CONQBESS. Tuesday, Jan. 7.—Senate.—Bills were introduced and referred as follows : By Mr.. Booth, for the interchange of subsidiary silver coin and United States notes; by Mr. McDonald, to authorize the taxation of outstanding legal tenders... .Mr. Edmunds said that on this glad morning of the new year, when there were peace and joy and hope everywhere, he thought it best to offer a resolution tending to cement more perfectly the good will and harmony now existing all over the country. He therefore submitted a resolution declaring thatin the judgment of the Senate the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments to the constitution of the United States have been legally ratified, and are as valid as the other parts of the constitution; that it is the right an* the duty of Congress to enforce such amendmentsJjy appropriate legislation, and the duty of the executive department of the Government faithfully and with diligence to impartially execute such laws; that it is the fluty of Congress to appropriate money to that end instructing the Judiciary Committee to report a bill for the protection of the rights of citizens and the punishment of infractions thereof. Laid on the table at the request of Mr. Edmutids, to be called up hereafter... .Mr. Voorhees called up his resolution instructing the Judiciary Committee to inquire into the expediency of making the trade dollar legal tender, and providing for its recoinage into the standard silver dollar. He addressed the Senate at length, denouncing the trade dollar as fraudulent money, which, having failed in its mission abroad, had returned home to cheat the honest people of this country... .A large number of committee reports, petitions and communications were presented. -

House. —Mr. Acklen called attention to the scandal in Louisiana with which his name is associated, and presented a resolution to authorize an inquiry. Defeated, on the ground that the resolution did not embrace a question of privilege... .Mr. Kidder introduced a bill for the admission of Dakota as a State. Referred.... Mr. Ryan introduced a bill extending the time to pre-emptors on public lands who have suffered by prairie-fires. Referred.... Mr. Carlisle introduced a bill to include newspapers, periodicals, and proof-sheets in mail matter of the third class. Referred.... Mr. Waddell. Chairman of the Committee on Postoffices and Post-Roads, reported a bill relating to the classification of mail matter and the amount of postage thereon. Ordered printed and recommitted... .The Geneva Award bill was called up and discussed... .The deaths of B. B. Douglas, of Virginia, and A. 8. Williams, of Michigan, were then announced, and the House, in respect to their memory, adjourned. Wednesday, Jan. B.—Senate.—Mr. Edmunds said there were no joint rules between the two houses of Congress, and he, therefore, submitted a concurrent resolution declaring that on the last three days of this session no bill passed by either house shall be sent to the other for its concurrence, and on the last day of the session no bill shall be sent to the President for his approval. He said he hoped this resolution would be passed, and Congress devote the last three days of the session to consideration of bills pending between the twoTiouses. Referred... .Mr. Grover, arising to a personal explanation, denied seriatim the published charges that some $97,000 of the public funds of Oregon had been expended and net accounted for during his administration as Governor of that State.... Consideration was resumed of the bill to amend the “Patent laws,” and Mr. Wadieigh took the floor, but was interrupted by a message from the House announcing the : death -of Representative Hartridge. Senators Gordon, Booth and Beck were appointed a committee to accompany the body to Georgia. House. —Official notice nf the death of Representative Hartridge was taken, and Messrs. Cook. Frye, Cox, Cabell. Stone, Davidson and Hanna were appointed a committee to accompany the remains to Georgia.' Thursday, Jan. 9.—Senate.—Mr. Beck called up his resolution of the 7th inst., referring to the Committee (in Finance the answer of the Secretary of the Treasury to the resolution of Dec. 3 relative to the amount of silver coin received in payment of customs dues, and its disposition. He criticised the answer of Dec. 3. and said that specie resumption had been reached by the ruin of hundreds of thousands of the best men of the country. He quoted from the answer of the Secretary, and spoke of some of it as nonsense. He showed scant respect for the Senate and none for the law. The Secretary was the trustee and agent of the people, and not of the creditors of the Government. He had no right to allow the bondholders to say in what coin they would take their interest. Mr. Beck then argued that the Secretary had increased lhe interest-bearing debt of the United States $105,000,000. This was not a very flattering exhibit, when business of all kinds was so depressed. Unless the Secretary could show some law authorizing him to divert silver coin from the purpose for which it was intended, he was guilty of official misconduct ... .The resolution deferring the answer of the Finance Committee was then passed, and the bill to amend the Patent laws was taken up, and Mr. Wadieigh spoke in favor thereof. At the conclusion of his remarks the Senate went into executive session, and when the doors reopened took a recess until 3 o’clock.... Upon reassembling, the Senate, headed by VicePresident Wheeler and Secretary Gorham, proceeded to the House to attend the funeral of the late Representative Hartridge, of Georgia.

House.—Out of respect to the memory of the late Mr. Hartridge, no business was transacted by the House. In the afternoon the funeral services of the deceased member were conducted in the Hall of the House. Friday, Jan. 10.—Senate.—Ths Committee on Naval Affairs was directed to inquire into the expediency Of providing -that the -Chiefs of the Bureaus of Steam Engineering, Provisions and Clothing, and Medicine and Surgery at the Navy Department be selected from officers whose relative rank is not belo.W._Jtbat of Captain... .The Indian Appropriation bill was passed.... Mr. Allison, at the request of Mr. Kirkwood, introduced a bill to provide for an additional bounty to soldiers of the War of the Rebellion. Referred.%.. The petition of Dr. Mary E. Walker for a pension was also referred. House.—Mr. Gunter, Chairman of the Committee on Private Land Claims, reported a bill for the relief of Myra Clark Gaines. Ref erred.... The William and Mary College bill was taken up, and after a long and lively debate was defeated —87 yeas to 127 nays... .Mr. Hatcher introduced a bill to declare forfeited the lands granted Missouri to aid in the construction of the Iron Mountain railroad. Saturday, Jan. 11.—Senate.—Not in session. House,—After the reading of the journal, the death of Representative Schleicher was announced, and Messrs. Giddings, Shelley, McKenzie, Mueller, Loring, Brentano and Townsend were appointed a committee to accompany the remains to San Antonio. The House then adjourned as a further mark of respect. ' .

Effects of the Frost.

As an evidence of the -terrible severity of the cold in Central Illinois, the game-dealers of Bloomington relate that farmers are offering quail at 25 cents per dozen, picked up by the hundred along the fences and hedges frozen to death. They are found in bunches of ten to twenty, frozen solid. Nearly all the rabbits brought to town this week are minus a part x>r all of their ears, which have been destroyed by the frost of the past two weeks. In all parts of

McLean and adjoining counties fanners report heavy losses of hogs by “ overlying ” and smothering, resulting from the hqgs gathering together to keep warm.-- Kloomvrigton (III.) paper.

SOVEREIGN STATES.

Meeting and Organization of State Legislature*, and the Condition of the State Finances, ’ North Carolina— Jolm M. Moving (Democrat) was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on the 9th inst Arizona— The Legislature organized Jan. 7. The Council stands 5 Republicans, 4 Democrats; House, 10 Democrats, 8 Republicans. West Virginia—D. D. Johnson was elected President of the Senate, and G. H. Moffatt Speaker of the , House, on the Bth inst, both Democrats. . Nevada —On the Oth inst. the Legislature elected Republican officers, as follows: President protein of the Senate, W. R. King; Speaker of the House, H. A. Gastom Gov. Kinkead was inaugurated on the 7th. Illinois— The Senate elected J. H. Paddock Secretary, and the House chose W. A. James Speaker. The Legislature met Jan 8, and is Republican in both branches. The Governor's message ’sho ws ffie State “bonded debt to be $552,742.06. Louisiana— The Governor's message was received on the 7th inst., no new organization being necessary. The Legislature is strongly Democratic. Gov. Nicholls’ message details a't length the State default on the January interest, and recommends an equalization of assessments. Indiana— The Democrats elected their Legislative officers—in the Senate, by the casting vote of the Lieutenant Governor—as follows: D. D. Dale, Secretary of the Senate; H. 8. Cauthorne, Speaker of the House. Gov. Williams’ message shows the State debt to be 94,998,178.34. Connecticut— The Connecticut Legislature met in joint convention on the 9th and elected the Republican State ticket. Gov. Andrews was escorted to the Capitol and installed as Governor. His messa e opens with congratulations upon specie resumption and the hope of the return of prosperity. hichigan— The Michigan Legislature met on New Years, and took possession of the new Capitol, and organized by electing E. S. Hopkins Secretary of the Senate, and John T. Rich Speaker of the House, both Republicans. Only a small aggregate of bonded debt remains outstanding, and Michigan’s finances are in a flourishing condition. Maine— The Legislature met on the 2d inst., and organized with a Republican Senate, and ’National and Democratic House. In the convention of both branches of the Legislature, Alonzo Garcelon (Democrat), Governor-elect, took the oath of office. The Governor, in his message, congratulates the nation upon the return or resumption. Minnesota —C A Gilman, of St. Cloud, was elected Speafier of the House, and C. W. Johnson, of Minneapolis, Secretary of the Senate— Republicans. The part of Gov. Pillsbury’s message relating to State finances shows receipts for the year $1,010,909; disbursements, $1,562,409; balance in the treasury, $48,499; subject to credits of $73,007, making an actual deficit of $24,508. The floating debt amounts to $122,001.

Wisconsin— The General Assembly met Jan. 8, and elected officers as follows : W. F. Price, President pro tern, of the Senate, and D. M. Kelly Speaker of the Assembly. These gentlemen" are both Republicans. The indebtedness of the State is $2,252,057. The indebtedness of the counties, cities, towns, villages and school districts in the State amounts to $9,831,158.50. Tho values of all property in the State, subject to taxation, are $400,34f>,582.32. Pennsylvania— The Legislature, on the 7th, chose Thomas B Cochran Chief Clerk of the Senate, and the House elected H. M. Long (Republican) Speaker. Gov. Hartranft’s message shows that the estimated deficiency in the general fund at the close of tbe present fiscal year will be $2,173,060. A falling off in the revenues of $1,500,000 has occurred m the last two years. Tbe public debt Dec. 1, 1878, was $21,586,200. The sinking fund amounts to $8,504,899. Afissowr*—The Missouri Legislature organized Jan. 9, by the election of the Demo era tic caucus nominees, as follows: Speaker of tbe House, J. Ei Belch; President of the Senate, W. H. Phelan. Gov. Phelps’ message treats of a number of subjects in an exhaustive manner. It reviews the condition of the treasury, the relations of the Governor with the State treasury, and the connection of the latter officer with the defunct Mastin Bank, Which was one of the State depositories. Tennessee— The Forty-first General Assemblj of Tennessee organized Jan. 6, by the election of John R Neal, President of the Senate, and H. P. Fowlkes, Speaker of the House. They are both Democrats. Gov. Porter’s message reports a balance in the State treasury of $291,103.95. The total value of property assessed for taxation for 1878 shows a decrease from 1877 of $13,696,695. The outstanding bonded indebtedness of the State is $20,221,300; unpaid interest, $4,052,717. .. Ohio— The General Ansemblyanet on tho 7th. No new organization. By Gov. Bishop’s message we learn that the total funded debt of Ohio is $6,476,8(5. The total local debt is $41,205,840; to which, adding the irreducible debt, composed of school and other trust funds —540,260,984 —makes the aggregate public debt of the The receipts of the State treasury for the year were $5,581,538. At the - close of the year a balance of $918,694 remained in the treasury. Neio York— The Legislature took possession of their new State House on the 7th, and organized on the 9th with Thomas G. Alvord (Republican) as Speaker of the Assembly. Gov. Robinson, in his message, calls attention to the new Capitol, which, he says, was to cost no more than $4,000,000, but which has already cost o'er $9,000,000, and is yet far from completion. To finish it on the present plan would cost $8,000,000 or $10,000,000 more. The State tax wa i $7,941,297 in 1878. The total funded debt on the 30th of September, 1878, was $9,754,054. The actual reduction of the debt for the past fiscal year was $1,803,060. Nebraska— The eighteenth session of tho Legislature convened Jan. 7. The Senate elected Col. William Marshall President. Tim House elected C. P. Matthewson Speaker. They are both Republicans. Gov. Garber’s message congratulates the people on the prosperous condition of the State. Taxes have steadily been reduced, the levy for State purposes being last year but $6,000,000. The value of taxable property in the State is $75,000,000. The current expenses of the State are $500,000 per annum. The public debt is less than $600,000, and the State Treasurer reports $460,000 on hand

The Moonshine War.

The Commissioner of Internal Revenue has prepared a statement, showing the number of illicit distilleries captured, the number of stills seized, and the number of persons, including only internal-revenue officers and their guides, killed in the country during the past year: O.fficen Suite Arreete Killed and • Seized. Made. Wounded. A1abama........... 83 f>92 .... Arkansas 16 31 .... Georgia 237 654 5 Illinois 11 9 .... Indiana 2 2 .... Kentucky 97 207 2 Louisiana 5 1 Massachusetts 1 1 .. / Maryland 2 2 Mississippi.. 10 3 Missouri 99 131 ” ” New York 38 30 ”” North Carolina 410 4SO ”1 Ohio 7 9 Pennsylvania 3 3 Sou th Carolina 110 90 2 Tennessee.......... 223 466 f Texa5..,.....,..... 4 4 ... Vermont 2 2 Virginia bO 152 ' "j West Virginia 20 13 Wi5c0n5in,,..,,,... 1 1 Total..: 1.258 2,990 ~J3

That Collar-Button.

The editor of the Cleveland Voice, judging from the following, has passed through a common experience: “When you see a cross-looking man coming down town in the morning with the knees of his pantaloons white and dusty, and several bits of straw and a diminutive feather sticking in his hair, you can just make up your mind that he’s been under the bed looking for that blamed collar-button.”

WOE IN BRITAIN.

A Picture of the Distress Which Prevails in the City of Sheffield—lnstances of Frightful Destitution. [Sheffield Cor. of the London Dailv News.] Whatever the cause maybe, there can be no question of the severity of the decadence of trade which has brought many thousand skilled workmen to the verge of destruction. At present the most highly-skilled men are not actually begging their bread, although many of them are in almost as evil a case, for there are exceptions to the stagnation which oppresses the greater part of the town. Many oldestablished houses, famous for their special productions, are still working full time nearly full time, and their workmen continue as prosperous as ever, as do some of those employed in the manufacture of Bessemer steel. But the body of puddlers and other ironworkers are driven to terrible straits. Their case is not that of men who, having enjoyed a period of prosperity, are suddenly deprived of income, and compelled to fall back on the little stor£ of accumulated earnings which would keep them going till times grow better. It is far worse than this with the Hallamshire operatives, who, instead of being stricken down with a sudden blow, have seen their resources gradually drained from them.

It is now about two years and a half since the depression of the iron trade set in seriously. Wages, after some little resistance, fell, but this change proved only the forerunner of greater misfortune. Another decline in wages was quickly followed by a decline in the quantity of work. For a while employers strove to keep their v'ork going in the hope that trade would mend, but at last found that they must put their men upon half time. This was borne bravely enough by all but the most improvident, but when the three w’orking days per week were reduced to two, ahd at last to one, it became no longer possible to support life on the meager earnings. Bit by bit furniture and clothes went their way to the pawnbroker’s, until at last the iron worker, reduced to one day’s work per week, found himself face to face with a gaunt specter of a wife, with barely rags enough to suffice for decency, a hungry brood of children, and bare walls. Terrible stories are told of the privations endured during the bitter weather of the last few weeks. A hideous, but apparently well-author-ized, account appears in the Sheffield Independent of a familwat Hillsborough actually stealing grains from a cart and devouring them, a narrative which recalls the ghastly stories of destitution in France toward the close of the old regime. Nothing quite so shocking as this has yet come under my notice, although I have seen signs to-day in the district named, as if in mockery, Brightside, as much calculated to excite surprise as pity. In one house I visited I found a widow absolutely in rags. The skirt of what was once a gown was vandyked, as it w r ere, round the bottom, her feet protruded through her wretched boots, and a few lumps of coal only added to the chilly look of the stone floor, and the walls and windows stripped of every vestige of blind or curtain. Two little children were finishing a mess of cold boiled rice, and a third was huddled up close to the mockery of a fire. Yet there were signs that the cottage had I once been at least comfortable. On a table, which, besides a stool, comprised the entire furniture of the parlor or kitchen, the dwelling-room of the cottage, were a few of those garish and hideous articles that English workpeople either buy at fairs or make for themselves with crewel or chenille. Thfese poor so-called ornaments the pawnbroker had refused to have fanythingto do..with. They represented no intelligible sum of money, and like one or two framed prints of equal value served to render emptiness more ghastly. The sole resource of the entire household was the labor of the eldest son, whose earnings last week reached 7s. 6d., of which 3s. Bd. was required for rent. In a neighboring house, in Carlisle street East, I found a sad sight indeed. Five little children, of Whom the eldest was hardly 9 years old, and the youngest a baby, were here alone. The father had gone on some errand, and is the man on whose wife an inquest was held some days since, and whose case excited profound sympathy. It seems that the-poor, halfstarved woman, who was suckling the wan and leaden-looking baby I saw laid on a table out of the reach of the younger children, received news of some work for her husband, and flew to meet him with the joyful news, but, having reached the last stage of exhaustion, sank down in the street. Succor was promptly afforded, but too late, for the poor creatore ultimately died, as the jury decided, “of starvation.” The husband has, I believe, work now, and the appearance of all the children except the baby testifies to the self-deny-ing care of the mother they have lost, and also to the efficiency of the means taken to afford help to the children by the authorities of the town. Round the corfier from Carlisle street East I turned into Fornsett street—a little more sheltered, perhaps, from the biting blast which swept over from the moors—and I found so many cqses of misery that it would be tedious, if not sickening, to recapitulate them all. One woman, with three married and three unmarried children, was kneeling on the floor scrubbing it, and literally without a shoe to her foot. Inquiry elicited the fact that there was one pair of shoes in the family, but that these were passed on to the member who was going out, and that her daughter had gone to the “ tip ” to pick up coals and cinders, for the coals distributed to her among others had come to an end. She had no furniture. Everything she had was “fastened,” i. e., pawned. Times had been bad so long that everything had gone, and her husband was ill upstairs, lying on the floor with nothing but a blanket to cover him. I was assured that hardly any of the people had bedsteads or bedding, and the next house I determined to see for myself. Here I was received by a fair-haired and by no means ill-looking man, had it not been for his hollow cheeks and sunken eyes. There was not a vestige of furniture in the room, nor of fire in the grate. In the room overhead I saw his family—a wife and five children, the last of whom was born a week ago. The whole family had evidently slept on the floor, for a couple of blankets still lay spread in the corner furthest from the stair-top. Over the fire cowered the mother, round whom the children sat watching, with wistful looks,

$1.50 net Annum.

NUMBER 49.

the cooking of some coffee and the frizzling of a bit of bacon. The husband is an iron-puddler, one of those attracted from Staffordshire to Sheffield by the hope of higher wages. A poor woman, a few doors further off’, told me that her two youngest children died in her arms from cold and exposure, for she was obliged to take them with her when she went to seek odds and ends on the “ tip.”

COAL FIRES.

How to Maimge a Coal Fire—How to Start One, anti What Kind of Coal to Use. [From the American Agriculturist.J So much of comfort, health and economy depend upon the proper management of coal fires during winter that we offer a few common-sense suggestions, which may be new to some of the readers of the American Agriculturist, who have not given thought to the subject. In renewing a fire in a stove or furnace, it is customary to dash in a lot of coal, entirely covering that already on the fire. The result is a cold spell, cessation of cooking, etc., for half an hour, more or less, depending upon the kind of coal, its size and quantity, the draught, and the amount already ignited. Often the fire vexatiously goes out. This can be avoided by piling all the fresh coal upon half or so of that already on fire. The burning portion will partially maintain the heat, will keep up a draught, and rapidly extend through the fresh coal. When this is well on fire, it can be spread over the whole, or, if needed, more coal can be put in on the other side, leaving the new coal well burning. In this way a continuous heat can be maintained, with far less risk of extinguishing what we have. This may seem a small matter, but it will often contribute a great deal to comfort, and often save weak or sickly or damp persons from taking or increasing a cold. In the kitchen it may save the spoiling of good cooking or baking. In large steamships a steady power is kept up by haying several fire-boxes under tlje same boiler, and replenishing only one at a time. When a coal fire is almost out, it can be started afresh by first adding a little fine coal over the fire, with a bit or two of dry wood, if needed, and covering all around it with coal enough to concentrate the draught upon the little fire remaining.

In starting a fire, a great point is to concentrate the draught. If kindling-wood is abundant and cheap, a large quantity may be thrown in, fired, and, when well ignited, the coal thrown on freely. But usually it is better to put on a little kindling in a pretty compact heap in one place at the middle of the grating; when w’ell started, put over it a little fine coal, and cover all the rest of the grate with at least coal enough to turn the draught of air through the kindling point. It will ! bum more certainly and more rapidly, and extend to the rest of the mass much sooner, than if the kindlings were spread out so as to give no strong heat to the hard coal at any one point. The best kindling for hard coal is a few shavings or paper to catch from the match; over this a little pine, cut short, and over this charcoal, or dry hardwood only half a foot or so in length, and split fine—all the kindling in one pretty compact mass. The point is to get heat enough to ignite the hard coal. When the draught is not | strong, or one is in haste, cover all the grating with a few thicknesses of waste newspaper, or any coarse paper, with some coal upon it, except right under the kindlings. This will concentrate the draught at that point, and greatly hasten ignition. The paper will bum off as the fire spreads, and admit the air to other points. in mild weather much may be saved in large stoves, or furnaces, orgrates, by covering a part of the grating with brick, or flat stones, or clay, even, or by covering part, of the coal with fine ashes, so that the draughtof air can only pass through a part of it. A little skill and care in this will effect a great saving of fuel, and supply an amount of heat adapted to the weather, or to the rooms to be warmed. We prefer a pretty large fire-box in a stove or furnace, and, in the cookstove even, the burning portion or surface to be con- > tracted or regulated as above; we then have ample room for a large fire when it is wanted in extreme cold weather, or for any emergency. The brick or clay can be readily removed from any part of the grating as desired. The smallest coal that will not drop through the grating is usually the most economical for all fires, even for large heating furnaces. Large lump, or egg coal even, requires a considerable depth of mass to burn well, or indeed to keep ignited at all.

Lamar and Douglas.

During the electoral count of 1877 the Democrats held frequent caucuses to consider whether they should prevent its completion by filibustering. Lamai was opposed to this plan, and made several earnest, convincing speeches against it During one of these speeches Douglas came in, drunk, as usual. He interrupted Lamar several times, in an irritating way, and finally approaching him called him a traitor to the South. Lamar took no offense until the charge was repeated, when he turned to Douglas and said, in a low tone: “ You are not in a condition to talk with gentlemen, sir. Your words are beneath my notice.” Douglas pushed up closer, and, shaking his fist in Lamar’s face, repeated the charge with increased emphasis. Lamar replied: “ You lie, sir. You are yourself a disgrace to your State and your country.” Douglas attempted to strike Lamar, when the latter, livid with anger, hurled him off "into a crowd of gentlemen who approached to separate them, and shouted: “ Take him away; take him away, or I’ll kill the drunken brute.” - Washington letter.

Temperature of Sleeping Rooms.

The rule should be everywhere, during the part of the year when fires are kept burning, to avoid hoisting outside windows. It is safer and better to leave the chamber door open, as also the fire-place; then there is a draught up the chimney, while the room is not likely to become cold. If there is some fire in the room all night, the window may. be opened an inch. Halls Journal says that it is safer to sleep in a bad air all night with a temperature over fifty, than in pure air with the temperature under forty. The bad air may sicken you, but cannot kill you; the cold air and does kill very often.

gemorndif JOB PRINTING OFFICE Hm better Ucilitias than any office in Northwestern Indiana for the execution of all branches of •FOB PRINT IWTG. PROMPTNESS A SPECIALTY. Anything, from a Dodger to a Price-List, or from I Pamphlet to a Poster, black or colored, plain or fancy. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.

THE LONG AGO. BY BAYAHD TAXLOB. Oh! a wonderful stream is the river of time. As it ruus through the realm of tears. With a faultless rhythm, and a musical rhyme. And a broader sweep, and a surge sublime, And blends with the ocean of years. How the winters are drifting like Hakes of snow, And the summers like buds between. And the years in the sheaf as they came and they go, On the river’s breast, with its ebb and its flow. As it glides in the shadow and sheen. There’s a magical isle in the river of time. Where the softest of airs areplaying; There's a cloudless sky, and a tropical clime, And a song as sweet as a vesper chime. And the Junes with the roses are staying. Ami the name of the isle is Lone Ago, And we bury our treasure there— There arc brows of beauty, and bosoms of snow. There are heaps of dust— but we loved thorn so! There are trinkets and tresses of hair. Tliere are fragments of songs that nobody sings, And a part of air infant’s prayer; There’s a lute unswept, and a harp without strings, There are broken vows and pieces of rings, And the garments she used to wear. There are hands that are waved when the fairy shore By the mirage is lifted in air. And we sometimes hear through, th*’turbulent roar. Sweet voices heard in the days gone before, When the wind down the river is fair. Oh! remembered for aye lie that blessed isle. All the day of life till night: When the evening comes with its beautiful smile. And our eyes are closing in slumber a« bile, May that greenwood of soul be in sight.

WIT AND HUMOR.

Ants that keep the world busy—lnfants. To ask a man to pay a bill is as easily said as dun. The girl of to-day perfects her form and—stays so. Who ever heard of a barber taking in a silent partner? We presume the caves of the ocean are mostly salt rheums. The unwearied sun. from day to day, Doth mostly hide himself away. A young man with his first goatee may be said to have had a tuft time of it. There are two a’s to spell separate, but the wrong way is spelled with the more e’s. An exchange is of the opinion that to speak of tailors as “ sound on the goose” is flat iron-y. Don't run on a errand, little boy—you might injure it with the nails in your boots. The lady who purr-chased a suit of catskin fur, said it was just what she was in purr-suit of. “Hulloa, Charlie! What’s the mat- * ter? Training for a race ? ’’ “No, Tom; racing for a train! ” The difference between Turner’s famous picture and cutting your chin is, one is a slave ship and the other a shave slip. People who take their meals at restaurants must shudder when they read the advertisement, “ Wanted—Women for puddings.” A woman that can’t turn the house upside down hunting for a thimble is devoid of one of the most graceful charms of her sex. “How do you make a Maltese cross? ” was the question before the institute. And one of the schoolmarms answered : “Tread on her tail.” “Well, dear, what did you learn at school this week?” “Oh! mamma,darling, such stupid, stupid things that I never want to think of them again! ” The easiest way to convince an Indian that whisky is injurious is to let a big demijohn fall on his toes. Yon can’t convince him by argument. Pat Murphy says there are so many fish in the sea that, if you should take every fish you could catch out of it, he didn’t think there would be one less in it. Mother (noticing her son’s greediness) —“George, you should always leave the table feeling that you could eat a little more.” George—“l do, mother.” A fellow out West got a sentence of twenty years for stealing horses. That is what might be called an Evarts sentence. It was very long —Wheeling Leader. A pair of mules have been blown to pieces at a coal mine in Kentucky by nitro-glycerine. Nitro-glycerine, it is thus demonstrated, can go one better than a kicking mule. Says the cynical Free Press: “ Nothing does a doctor so much good as to prescribe an ocean voyage for a sick man who can’t raise enough money to pay his street-car fare down town.” “Say, Johnsing, why does you remind me of a mad dog?” said one colored brother to another, who was recumbing under a buffalo-robe. “ Gub it up,” was the answer. “ Kase yon’s got hide-rough-ober-yer! Yah! yah! ” Miss Made-up Oldgal—Yes, I love the old oak; it is associated with so many happy hours spent beneath its shade. - It carries me back to my childhood, when—when ” Young Foodie “When you—cr —planted it.”

Hangings in 1878.

In the United States during the past year 96 murderers ( all men) were hanged an increase of 13 over the record for the previous year. Of this number 41 were white, 52 colored, 2 Indians and 1 Chinaman. Five were hanged for outrage, 4 for wife-murder and 1 for silicide. There were 7 double executions. 4 triple and 2 quadruple. Friday retains the reputation as hangman’s day, 70 executions having taken place on that day. The largest number in any one month was in March, 25 executions having then occurred. Seventy per cent, of the hangings were in the Southern States, and nearly two-thirds of the victims were negroes. In Texas there were 10, Louisiana 9, Alabama 8, South Carolina 8, North Carolina 8, Pennsylvania 6, Missouri 5, Georgia 5, Tennessee 4, Arkansas 4, California 4, NewYork 3, Kentucky, Virginia, Montana, Delaware, Ohio, Mississippi and Maryland, each 2; Massachusetts, Arizona. Florida, New Hampshire, Indiana and Nevada, each 1.

No New Facts.

It is related that Prof. Simon Newcomb, of the Naval Observatory, at Washington, attended a wedding recently with a friend. After the ceremony he advanced with the others to pay his respects to the bride and groom. Approaching, he solemnly shook hands with each, but said not a Word. As he turned away, his friend, surprised, said, ’“Why didn’t you say something to the bride?” The solemn professor, whois nothing if not scientific, answered: “Why, I didn’t know that I had any new’ facts to impart.”