Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1893 — Page 4

SOMETIME. Somet me. w'<n .nil lire's lessons have been learned. And sun and stirs for evermora have set, The things which our weak judgments here have spurned, The things o'er which we grieve with lashes ■wet, Will flash before us cut of life’s dark night. As stars mos in deeper tints of blue; And we shall see how all God's plans are right. And know what seem reproof was love most time. And we shall see, while we frown and sigh. God’s plans go onus best f r you and me; How, whon we called. He heoded not our cry Because His wisdom to the end could see. Aud e’en as p udeut parents dis dlow Too mu h of swuot t > eravi >g babyhoo 1, So God. perhaps, is keeping f om ns now Lifu’s sweetest things, because it seeaioth good. And if sometimes, commingled with life’s wine, We lind the wormwood, and rebel aud shrink, He sure a wiser baud than yours or miuo l’ours out this potion for our lips to drink; And if some friend we love is lying low. Where human kisses cannot reach his face. Oh, do not blame ilie loving Father so, Bat wear your sorrow witu obedient grace! And you aha 1 shortly know that lengthened breath Is not the sweet st gift God sends His fri nd, And that sometimes the sable pall of death Conceals the fairest boon His love can send. If we could push aj r the gates of life, And stand within, and all God’s workings see, We could interpret all this doubt aud strife, And f r each mysterv could find a key. Hut not to-day. Then I e content poor heart! God’s plaus like lilies pure aud white utifo d: We must not tear the clo-e- hut leaves apart; Time will reveal th ■ calyxes of gold. And if, through patient t ail, we reach the land * Where tired font, with sandals loosed, may rest, When we shall clearly know aud unders and, 1 think that we will say, “God knew th; best.”

A JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON.

“Hugh, conic here,’’ called Mr. Alfred j Nevalls. the active partner of Nevalls, t Son & Co., forwarders, from his private | office. The bookkeeper left his desk in the middle of the room and stood silent before his master. “Close the door aud sit down.'' Hugh obeyed quietly, demurely, as lie did everything else, as undisturbed and as imperturbable us the belfry is to the clangor of the bell. -■ “Soph—that is Mrs. Xevalls- has returned from Armway and is now visiting her mother. Mrs. Tracer,” began Mia Nevalls. k “.flrirry to hear that, Sir." " “And she lias little Mfii'y with her.” Mr. Nevalls looked fiercely at his retainer as if expecting a response, and Hugh replied : “Sorry again, Sir.” “Yes, and by the Lord 1 won’t stand j it. My—that is, Mrs. Nevalls has broken her word, or at least our understanding; while I have been true to every undertaking. What did she mean by saying that she would take the house ut Armway and educate the child if she didn't intend to stay there? She knew full well that, separation or no separtion, I would never submit my little girl to the, dominion of that old harridan. And yet she is back here in a month's time. “I suppose, as it always was, it’s ‘mother.’ She has ruined two lives, but she shan’t ruin the third! I tell you, Hugh, I won’t staud it; by Jove, I won’t stand it!” and Mr. Nevalls, ns if to exemplify this determination, began to pace up and down the floor. “You must get little Mary for me,” he continued. “I am her uatural guardian. The law gives me-the right, and now Sophia’s—l mean Mrs. Nevalls’—own act makes it a duty. You must get her, and trust me, I’ll keep her.” “Yes, sir,” said Hugh, and he arose as if be had beeu asked to fetch a file of paper. “Wait a moment. Don’t be so abrupt. Can’t you see I’m nervous? You won’t do anything to shock Sophia. She has such a tender, sensitivenature.” “Oh! no, indeed, sir.”

“And will you need any money?” “I will lot you know this afternoon, when I have reconnoitred and found out how old and ugly the maid is.” “Well, take your time and method, Hugh. I trust you. But look out for that old warrior if you value your eyes and hair.” “Can’t spare them, sir, even to oblige a lady.” And silently, furtively, Hugh passed into his office, and thence out of the warehouse, leaving word with the boy at the door that he was going to a funeral, and would not he back before night if he had to drive to the eeme tery. And Alfred Ne vails swung around in his chair and clutched the topmost letter as if it were a drowning man's straw. But to no avail. He could not work. Who can, indeed, when self cries out for justification? The black letters lost their form and meaning and assumed delightful shapes of a fascinating young woman, of a charming little girl.' Delightful, yet exasperating for these pictures seemed to say: “We are yours; why don’t you claim us and hold us?’ Only a coward would abandon those so weak and trustful.” What afoot I’ve always been!” thought Alfred. “And what’s worse, how foolish my present course will some day surely seem. From idiotic infancy I have passed through a driveling youth into asinine manhood, and there I stick. What a muddle I’ve made of life, or rather what a muddle life is! The more liappiuess one stores, the quicker it spoils. And yet, when I returned from college and father took me into business, and Sophie smiled, ns she always had smiled since we were little children together, and even that old vixen did’t show her teeth except to grin, why, earth seemed an Eden.” Meanwhile the faithful Hugh was meditating after his nature, as he proceeded on his mission. “People that play with fire are apt to jump and suck their fingers,” lie mused. “Matrimonial quarrels are so romantic on the stage ana so easily settled; but it is real life, with a red-faced ranger to fan ’em, the prairie flowers are quickly swept away and nothing left but black, baked soil. Well, let them go it.” Hugh turned into a side street and Mopped before a mean looking shop, whose windows bore the proud insignia Wf Lombardy and displayed a motley

collection of diamonds, harmonicas, revolvers, watches, flutes, and razors. When he came out a few minutes later his derby hat had been replaced by a broad-brim, and his demure black frock coat by a velveteen shooting jacket, lie gave his drooping mustache an upward twist and grinned inanely, and looked far more like a German tenor out of a job than the confidential clerk of a reputable forwarding house. It wits a fall day, sunshiny, brilliant, with a zest to the air like the tingle of wine. Hugh took a car to the park and then strolled across toward Sammis street, in which the Tracey mansion was situated. There were but few pedestrians abroad, here and there a maid trundling her charge or watching 'its play from one of the benches; but Hugh saw no fluttering gleam of little Mary’s golden curls. He reached a clump of evergreens from which he could espy the house where she was held. To the left was a grove, and beyond this a terrace, at the foot of which ran the street through which he had arrived. On the upper and lower sides of the grove were broad fields, on which the school children were permitted to play croquet and tennis. But now these were deserted. Indeed, if the park was lonely mornings, this was its loneliest part; hardly a sound, hardly a motion, save the crackle of a falling twig or the lazy curl of smoke from great piles of burning leaves. Hugh found an obscure scat,and drawing his hat over his eyes thrust his hands into his breeches pockets, outstretched his long legs, seeming to sleep, narrowly watched.

Presently a flaxen-haired, robust maid was busied with the ice at the Tracey's basement entry, and then Hugh awoke. AVhat more natural than that a poor German exile should dare approach and accost a woman of his race ? What more natural than that a blue-eyed Madchen should chatter at the joyful sound of her mother tongue ? Oh, yes, she was more Ilian busy. She could not linger with the much-to-he-commiserated respectable stranger. Her mistress was a housewife with the eye of a lynx, and her mistress’s daughter had arrived to visit and was quite ill, arid she must attend on her and the little girl, besides the many duties of the ordinary day. A pleasant hour for a stroll with the child? Indeed it was, and more the pity. Her mistress would not let her grandhild out of her sight; did she fear that she might harm one so innocent? And the Madeheu shrugged her plump shoulders and hurried into the house ns the whistle resounded and a shrill voice strained the tube.

So Hugh, by a circuitous route, returned to his eyrie and waited, feeling rather discouraged. But by and bv the door of the Tracey mansion opened and slammed, and a short, stout, red-faced woman, who looked angry with herself since there was no other suitable antagonist present, camcdown the steps, tightly grasping a child by the hand. A dainty little girl, with long golden hair and happy eyes that danced impatient to the restraint of her grandmother’s stride. She marched up the sheet as if to a basShe wheeled at the corner and entered (lie park by that very path near which Hugh lay in ambush, and little Mary skipped blithely by liet’ side like a Cupid attending one of the Fates. “Deuoe take it,” muttered Hugh. “I never shall have fv b-iter chance. There's not a soul in sight. But what cun l do? I cuu’c loosen th' so breadhooks short of a girrotiug.” lie withdrew the closer among the evergreens as the pair approached, and lookid about him in desperation. The lazy curl of the smoke caught his eye and suggested a wicked design. But thire was success in it, for saint or shrew, vie ini or vixen, would surely bo affected alike by such a peril. Ho deftly wove a wi-p of leaves, twigs and gr sc He lighted it. He crept behind the matron aud dropptd it on her trailing woolen skirt. In an instant ho wus by ber sidewith hands upraised and alarmprotruding eyes. “Beg pardon, • Ma’am,” he shouted, “but your dross is all ablaze.” Now i: there was one thing— pe'sons were out of the running—that the Widow Tra'-ey soared it was fire. There was a d notness about it which she could appreciate. Her lecture on lamps, which she delivered whenever a new servant was engaged, and consequently very often, would have been a potent adver-ti-ing m dium for an electric light company. And so, as she looked behind her ui d saw the smudge, she lost her head aim found her feet at the same moment. Without a thought of the child, she sped j across the luwn toward her home, surprising the air with singular screams. Hugh stamped on the wisp, which he had adroitly kicked from the skirt, and then, raising the terrified little girl in his arms, disappeared through the windings of the grove. A moment later they were seated in a down-town ear, little Mary contentedly munching her orange and Hugh holding her hand as carefully, if not as agiessivelv, us her grandmother had.

“You are glad to go and see your papa?” said he. “Yes, and my mamma, too.” “And you love your papa?” “Oh, yes; and my dear mamma.” Hugh thought for a moment. It was touching to hear this child speak so confidingly of parents who had separated. Their bickerings had not affected her instinct at least; perhaps its purity might bind what they had loosed. “That’s right, little one,” he said, “always speak of your father and mother as if they were united in all things as they are in your love. ” Little Mary looked at him inquiringly as if she but half comprehended. “I love my papa and mamma, bofe of dem together,” she stoutly reiterated. Poor Widow Tracey ran and screamed and smelled smoke and felt hot until she reached the street. Then as she could not help from perceiving that the passers by were not a whit alarmed for her safety, but rather for their own,shunning her as one of unsound mind, she gradu ally appreciated that her blood was responsible for the heat and the bonfires for the smoke, and then she suddenly recalled little Mary. Back to the park she sped, screaming anew, and more surprisingly, and those who hail only suspected were now sure of her mania. Back to the very sjiot, where the offending wisp still smoldered, but no signs of the child, no signs of him who had so bnsely deceived her. Unharmed, yet scorched by the fires of indignation, Mrs. Tracey at length returned to her home. She entered her daughter's room in a whirl of volubility. “He s done it,” she cried. “The wretch, the villain. He’s stolen the child; we are ruined, undone. I’ll have the law on him if I live. Oh, how I hate him, with his smug German spies. I’ll arrest that one for arson, for breach of the peace, for—for kidnapping, Sophia, what ails you? Why aren’t you excited? Why don’t you faint?” But Sophie only settled back on the pillows and smiled. “My little girl is 9«fe with her father,"

she said, “I—l only wish she had on a prettier dress.” “Ob, you 1” screamed the widow. “I know yon. You are as weak as your father was. But I’ll strengthen you as I used to strengthen him. I’ll send for my lawyer. We’ll see whether Justice is the woman they figure her to he. I’ll send for little Mr. Pbibbs. And oh, my dear child, he firm. Remember your wrongs; try to be lake me.” But Sophia only smiled, and was silent. Little Mr. Phibbs came, and the next day Alfred Nevalls was served with a writ of habeas corpus requiring him to have the body of one Mary Nevalls, an infant, by him alleged to be unlawfully detained, together with the cause of her detention, before the Hon. Samuel Badger, Justice of the Supreme Court, at his chambers on the following Saturday. When this was served by Phibbs, Jr., who exhibited the County Clerk’s seal and the indorsement of the Judge on the original with the air of a veteran, Hugh whistled and murmured, “I thought so,” aud Mr. Nevalls swore. A moment later and he despatched his clerk in hot haste in quest of his attorney, the vigorous Abel Burgess. Saturday morning, bright and early, the Widow Tracey occupied Judge Badger’s front office. Little Mr. Phibbs, smiling and sparkling, was in her train, and so was Sophia, silent, distrait, with heaving bosom and twitching lips. The widow sniffed curiously at the unopened letters on the desk,‘and regarded the black and red labelled law books with suspicion and disdain. As why should she not who was a law unto herself? Sophia sighed. And little Mr. Phibbs twirled his glasses, consulted his watch, and mentally calculated a bill of costs. Little Mary arrived in charge of a stalwart nurse, backed by the faithful Hugh, and then there was commotion. The widow sobbed and raised her hands in eloquent appeal. She threw herself on her knees before the child and strained her to her breast. And the stalwart nurse said “Humph,” which meant a great deal more, and Hugh unconsciously twisted his moustaches into similarity with the German tenor’s. But little Mary stretched out her arras to her mother, who quietly crossed the room and took her on her lap, nor did the guardian twain offer any opposition. The widow, beiug thus relieved, turned her attention to her male foe whom she recognized, despite his sedate attire.. In piercing tones she denounced him as a spy, an assassin, a petroleuse—this latter confidently with contempt of gender. She dared him to deny his villainy, which he made no attempt to do, and demanded of the two court officers in waiting his instant seizure and immurement. As these two representatives of the dormant side of the law were political associates of Hugh’s, and lived in the same ward, they merely grinned aud occasionally commanded silence. Air. Justice Badger entered from his private office, and bowing stiffly, seated himself at his desk, and began to fuss with his papers. Prcsenly Alfred Nevalls, in company with Abel Burgess, Esq., and a great armful of legal tomes, entered. Alfred saluted his wife gravely and seated himself on the opposite side of the rco:n. And poor Sophia bent her head and kissed little Alary’s cheek. Abel Burgess arose and hitched liis coat collar. “May it please your Honor,” he said, “we waive certain objections to the sufficiency of the petition and to the form of the writ. We produce here with the child and file our return alleging that we are her lawful guardian aud entitled to her custody.” “We traverse that return, your Honor,” replied little Air. Phibbs briskly. “And shall show that the defendant is. an improper and dangerous person for such a charge, by reason of dissolute habits, atheistic views, and violent temper.” “Good, good,” cried the widow, but Sophia looked toward her husband with tear-filled eyes us if protesting, “I don’t believe him.” 1 Then you must take the affirmative,” growled Abel Burgess. “Softly, my friend; we shall see about that,” breathed little Air. Phibbs. And hammer and tongs, gently and insinuatingly the twain argued and reargued, the one citing unanswerable cases, the other quoting indisputable statutes. Finally Air. Justice Badger, who had sat like one in a reverie with his eyes fixed on little Alary, raised bis baud and the discussion' ceased.

“An application of this nature,” he said, “appeals to tho equitable side of the court. There is but one view to be considered, and that is the welfare of this interesting little girl. To insure this, I can deliver her into the care of her father, of her mother, or of any third person,” (there Sophia sobbed,) “but before entering upon an investigation which seems likely to be acrimonious, and to deepen unhappy differences, I wish to hear from the one who, after all, has the most at stake. Come to me, little one, won’t you? don’t be afraid.” Little Mary slid from her mother’s lap, and climbed quite courageously on the judge’s knee. “Tell me how old you are, my dear?” “Nearly tlieven, Sir.” “And no you love your papa?” “My papa and my dear mamma.” “And would you like to stay always with your papa and have him take care of you?” “With my papa and my dear mamma. I want bofe of dem together.” Sophia’s head was bowed; her tears were dropping •on her distracted bosom. Alfred crossed the room and stood by his wife's side. “Oh, why did you leave mt?” he whispered, “and why did you return? You knew it would make me angry.” “I—l hoped it would; for then I would surely see you.” “There, there,” said Judge Badger quite fiercely, as he tucked his bandanna away in his coat-tail pocket. “Enough of this. I’ll adjourn the hearing indefinitely and consign this sweet little child to the care of her parents. ‘Whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder,’ nor any old woman, either,” nnd he glanced vindictively toward the baffled ranger.—[New York Times.

A Bank in Her Throat.

Grassini, the great Italian singer, whs very much interested in the young girls among her relatives, and always ready to encourage any talent she could find in them. One day a novice was brought to her with the unpromising words, “She is a spoiled contralto, and will never do anything on the stage.” But the singer listened while the young girl began her frightened trills, when suddenly Grassini caught her in her arms with delight. “Why, yon are not a contralto,” she said, “but the finest soprana in the world. Your voice is far stronger than mine. Study well. You want none of my help; then is a rich bank in your throat.” TbS little singer was none other than Giulia Grisi. —[Detroit Free Press. In 1616 tobacco was first cultivated in Virginia. t

THE JOKERS' BUDGET.

JESTS AND YARNS BY FUNNY 3IKN OF THE I’KESS. Defined—Cause for Grief—Not So Very Old-A Weuk Spot—Very Likely, Etc., Etc. DEFINED. “Pupa, what is a reception?" “A reception, my son. is a social function where you have a chance to speak to every one but yotir hostess.” CAUSE FOB GRIEF. “My good man,” inquired the tenderhearted old lady, “are you in any trouble? Why do you stand there wringing your hands?” “'Cause,” replied the tramp, “I jest washed ’em.” NOT SO VERY ODD. Airs. B.—How do you feel to-day Captain? Quite well, I hope. Captain—Oh, yes. I am troubled somewhat with asthma, and now and then I really fear I am growing old. Mrs. B.—How old are you? Captain.—Only cighty-two. —[Fliegende Blaetter. NOT TOO HIGH. Von lilumer— How much is this apartment on the ground floor? Agent—Fifty-five dollars a month. Von And the one above it? Agent—Fifty dollars a month. Von Blumer—llow many stories lias this building? Agent—Eleven. Von Blumer—Then I’ll engage the roof for next summer.—[Judge. VERY LIKELY. “The inventor of the alphabet must have been a modest man,” said Hawkins. “Why so?” asked Mawson. “Because he began it with A,” said Hawkins. “Most men would have begun it with I.”—[Harper’s Bazar. FINDING OUT Dawson (to stranger at Mrs. De Noo’s reception)—Who is this Airs. De Noo, anyhow? Stranger—She is Air. De Noo’s wife. Dawson—An 1 who on earth is De Noo? Stranger—l.—[Truth.

_ MEANT SOMETHING ELSE. Jcunc Premier (at the amateur theatricals)—l sav, old man, have you got the stage fright? Heavy Villain—No; I think she’s in her dressing-room. —[Truth. EXPERIENCES. Van Daub —Were you ever done in oil, Air. Broker? Mr. Broker—No; but I had three ribs broken in a wheat panic.—[Truth. NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN. Dennis—l see dey playd base bawl in de time of ancient Rome. Alike—How so ? Dennis—l wuz down at a book stan’ yisterday, an I see a book called de “Rise and Fall ov de Roamin’ Umpire.”—[Kate Field’s Washington. HE HAD TO. “Do you love your teacher?” “ I suppose I have to.” “Why so, Tommy?” “ Because the Bible says we must love our enemies.”—[Texas Siftings. A WORD OF TWO MEANINGS. “Acliou,” in monkey language, means warmth and comfort, according to Prof. Garner. “Aehou,” when uttered by §oor humanity, generally means cold, iscomfort, and a sneeze.—[Boston Globe. GREAT HUNTING. “Is Cliolly fond of hunting?” “No, people arc fond of hunting Cholly; he has been up in supplementary proceedings a dozen times!”—[Rider and Driver. APPRECIATION. Bulldog- That fellow was quite a dandy. Mastiff—lndeed ? Bulldog (licking his chops)—Yes ; he wore a very tasty suit of clothes.— [Truth. A BETTER REASON. Hobbs—l)o you believe Gallup burned his house to get the insurance money? Dobbs—No; I visited him at the jail, and he confessed to me that he did it to get rid of the box of cigars his wife iiought him for his birthday.— [Life. POPULAR SCIENCE. He (of Boston) —Professor Skihigh is going to lecture on sun spots. She (of Chicago)—Well, if I thought he could tell of a real sure cure for them I would go to hear him—l freckle so easily.—[Life. A CANDID CRITIC. Author—Well, what do you think of my new drama? Friendly Critic —Splendid! The villain in particular is admirably portrayed. The very words he utters are stolen. —[Life.-

CORRECT DIAGNOSIS. Shrewd Doctor—l see what’s the matter. It’s mental strain—too much worry. Busiuess Man—What do you advise? “Change of scene.” “Where to?” “Oh, almost any country where there is no extradition treaty.”—rNew York Weekly. CHANGED nSR MIND. The Shopping Woman —llow much is this silk a yard? Clerk—Six fifty, madam. The Shopping Woman—Then let me have a package of hair pins. [Chicago News. SHOULD MEND HIS WAYS. James (piously)—What is the gate to heaven? • James’ Father—Well, it’s not the gait you’ve been going at recently.—[Texas Siftings. HE DIDN’T COMPLAIN. Young Wife—This talk about men being so impatient when a woman is getting ready to go anywhere is all nonsense. Friend—Doesn’t your husband complain at all? Young Wife-—No, indeed. Why, last evening I couldn’t find my gloves, and had a long hunt for half a dozen other things; and yet, when I was finally dressed, and went down stairs to my husband, there he was by the fire, reading and smoking as calmly as if I wasn’t half an hour late. Friend—Well, I declare! Where were you going? Young Wife—To prayer meeting.— [New York Weekly.

A WEAK SPOT. Mrs. Gazzmn (reading)—Miss Parker, of New Mexico, runs a telegraph office, two express companies, a railroad office, a ranch, and keeps house. Now, Mr. Gazzam, what do you think of that? Mr. Gazzam—l’ll bet a dollar she has to ask some one else if her hat is on straight.—[New York Sun. DAYS OF BECKONING. Wile—When we go anywhere now we have to walk. Before marriage you always called a carriage. Husband—That’s why we have to walk now.—[New York Weeklj. A LOGICAL SMALL BOY. “You aren’t behaving verv well, Tommy,” said grandpa. “Do you know what 1 would do if I w<src a little bov like you?” “Yeth, grandpa,” said Tommy, “you’d do the tharae ath I do, cauthc if you didn’t you wouldn’t be a little boy like me.”—[Harper’s Bazar. . TWO RET TER THAN OX'S. Teacher—We must have been taught to forgive those who despitefully use us, but when Johnny Muggs hit you, what did you do? Boy—l—l hit him back; but that was only s > he'd have something to forgive, too.—[Good News. KEEPING THEM DOWN. Rich Youth —I should not object to the work of earning my own liviug if I had to. but what I should hate would be the olfieiousness and petty tyranny of superiors. I should hate to have to bow I to the whims of some wealthy man not a bit better than myself. Poor Youth—That’s easily avoided. Be a typewriter, like I am. Employees i never put on airs over me. I know how to take the starch out of ’em. “Eh ? What do you do ? ” 1 “ Ask ’em how to spell a hard word now and then.”—[Good News. AN INSINUATION. “You say your daughter plays by ear?” said the minister. •'Yes,” replied the mother proudly. “Excuse me but —er— is your daughter at all hard of hearing?”— [Washington Star. GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Dora—ls that new waist you are havi ing made a creation of your own? Cora—Yes. I am going to call it the uew navy design. Dora—What for? Cora—Because I expect to be so well armed.—(Cloak Review. SIMPLICITY. “I don't like your milk,”said the mistress of the house. “What’s wrong with it, Mum?” “It s dreadfully thin and there’s no cream on it.” “Arftcr you’ve lived in the city a while, Mum,” said the milkman encour.aginglv, “you’ll git over them rooral idees o’ yourn.”—[Chicago Tribune. THE PRIMITIVE WHISTLE. “Papa,” said Walter, “I wish you’d buy me a whistle like Georgie’s.” "What kind is that, Walter?” “It’s one with nothing to it but whistle. Ho makes an Oof his mouth und blows the whistle through it.” —[Harper’s Bazar.

Some By-Gone Superstitions.

The ancient custom of whirling the teacup and telling fortunes by the dregs, seeing a kiss here, and a ring there, clear sky, or tears, is now known as a part of the old divination which even the more enlightened of the heathen ridiculed; the notion of the disaster with thirteen at table has been exploded long ago; the idea that Friday is a day of ill luck, that any of GoiVs days can be days of ill luck, ranks one adhering to it as among the low and igorant. That one must not trim one’s nails on Sunday, lest one do so nothing one is ashamed of before the n :xt Sunday; that the scissors dropping into the floor, instead of upon it, announce a coming guest; the rocking of au empty chair gives spiritual warnings: that the baying of a dog at night, the breaking of a looking-glass, the putting on of another's crape, all prophesy death —the belief in these and kindred superstitions, and the expression or exercise Ol such belief, gives one a low caste, and is no longer to be indulged in with safety by those ambitious of social correctness and elegance. Enlightenment has gone too far in these days for those desiring its extension tosubject themselves to the idleness of a belief if any possible power over us inherent in any combination of inanimate substances. We have come* out into the light, and left the bats and owls and creeping things of night behind us. We caunot be hampered by those who persist in looking back and lingering over such dust and ashes; we drop their hands and go on. It has become, by the edict not only of Christian faith but even of gav society, au evidence of vulgiti breeding, both inadmissible and impossible, to give any more heed than we should to objects of curiosity to these notions and fancies which arc in amount the creed of the igorant beldams of dark ages. These useless and depraving things must all go together into the caldron where the sisters of the blasted heath performed their incantations, belonging to the legends of dark history and unhappy ages, and be allowed to bear no relation whatever to the sweetness aud light of our own fortunate days, and those more fortunate, perhaps, to come.—[Harper’s Bazar.

Evils of the Eucalyptus.

Tlxc eucalyptus tree is the greatest destroyer of a sewerage system known to the municipalities. The fibrous roots will penetrate the smallest possible opening at the pipe connections, and once into the sewer pipe will grow and expand until the sewer is entirely choked up, and in a number of cities it has been found that the pipes have been broken. The planting of trees of this variety should be discouraged now that we are about to have a sewerage system. In some cities ordinances have been passed compelling property-owoors to cut down all trees of the gum variety for the protection of the sanitary condition. It would be well for our city fathers to look into the matter in this city and ascertain if any of the eucalyptus trees now in the city are near any of the streets or alleys through which the sewers are to be laid. [Modesto (Cal.) News. Some folks at Elizabeth, N. J., were interested the other day to see a white crow flying in a flock of his black brethren. As secu from below the wings and belly of the bird appeared pure white, and he maintained his flight with the black crows apparently upon terms of perfect equality. li'ndon papers advertise “houses especially adapted to Americans.”

BODY AND ITS THEALTH.

Causes of Consumption. —A medical authority states that consumption is dependent upon three factors: First, decreased vitality, antagonizing powers, or what you will. ’This is well known, as well as in what manner it is induced or transmitted. Second, an active inflammatory condition. This may be pneumoni: , bronchitis, laryngitis or the like. Third the presence of the bacillus tuberculosis. Without these three there can be no consumption. It is the usual thing in the examination in the deadhouse to find evidences in the lungs that the subject had at some time a commencing consumption, but the vitality had been so great that nature had encapsulated the infected part with tissue of high vitality and the condition became innocuous. The fatality from tuberculosis, then, is dependent on a decreased vitality, and we must look to a proper kind of diet and a consequent increase in the general antagonizing power of the body for the remedy.

Contagiousness of. Phthisis.— The discussion which has been going on for some time past as to the contagious character of phthisis has been emphasized on the negative side by the fact that at the famous Brompton Hospital the records of thirty-six years show not a single authenticated case originating within its walls among some two hundred and eighty physicians, residents and nurses. Equally remarkable are the statistics of the Friedrichshain Hospital in Berlin, which show that out of nine hundred and eighty-nine physicians and nurses only ten became tubercular, of whom three showed evidence of the disease before entering the hospital. Again, Dr. Brehmer states that at Gorbersdorf, where his institution is situated, during the last twenty years more than ten thousand phthisical patients resided in the hospital, who walked the streets of the town and commingled with its inhabitants, and who therefore apparently crowded the air with tubercle bacilli, yet the mortality is 50 per cent, les among the Gorbersdorf population than it was before the establishment of the hospital. Dr. Schnvder, of Switzerland, also gives record of eight hundred and forty-four cases of phthisis among married people, in four hundred and forty-five of which the husband only was phthisical, and in three hundred and sixty-seven the wife only, while in thirty-two both husband and wife were affected, showing that in eight hundred and twelve instances there was not the least proof of contagion. Electricity in Medicine.—A very interesting and instructive lecture was delivered recently by George G. Hopkins, 31. D., in Brooklyn, on the subject of “Electricity iu Medicine.” During the lecture the doctor exhibited and explained the various electrical machines and appliances used in medical practice. In treating the subject Dr. Hopkins spoke of the numerous uses to which electricity is to-day put, and cited three different kinds of currents which are known and used for scientific and practical'purposes to-day. The doctor intimated that at the present day the real advancement in electrical knowledge was in the application and improved and superior machines for use and application, and especially was this true in the medical use of electricity. There has been a new era in medical electricity within the past twenty years owing to this fact. He cited a case which had occurred in his practice during the past twenty years of a.girl of 16 years who was helpless, unable to walk or to speak words of more than one syllable, but was naturally of a bright disposition and good family, who was taken to St. John’s Hospital and treated by electricity, and who finally received the use of her limbs and the physical portion of her body, but was still unable to utilize her brain powers. A 29-cell bicromate battery was used each day for six months, the current being applied through the limbs, and a cure effected. The lady is alive to-day, and, although not iu vigorous health, enjoys much that would have been impossible for her without the use of the elecric fluid. Electricity is used for many contrary conditions, so ns to produce a contraction, or again a relaxation of the muscular tissues. The galvanic current is used as a tonic, and Dr. Hopkins assured his hearers there was none better known, especially for hysterics, goitre, swellings and tumors; also for cramps, nervous diseases and neuralgia. Many very interesting instruments were shown, among others a cataleptic instrument, in which the medicine was held in blotting paper, and by means of the electric current driven through the skin. There were various needles used for cauterizing and disintegrating purposes. The subject of resistence was touched upon and electrocution mentioned. Dr. Hopkins was most emphatic iu declaring his repug- • nance to this form of Capital punishment, preferring hanging and shooting as being, to his mind, more humane, as, although the actual execution of the application of strong alternating electric currents, of 1,500 or 1,200 volts was certain to produce instant death, the mental suffering was much more intense and awful than in any other form of death. Dr. Hutchinson differed with Dr. Hopkins as regards the methods of capital punishment, and believed electrocution to be absolutely the most humane, neat and scientific manner of inflicting the death penalty. Many interesting stories and scientific facts of research and observation were related, and questions were solicited on any point not perfectly understood. Among the instruments exhibited was one for throwing light into the stomach by means of a small electric light within a silver tube, through which any surgical instument might be inserted, and the difficulty removed, was most interesting; also a powerful incandescent light which threw light through the hands and limbs, and was said to be powerful enough to throw light through the neck, sufficient to light up the interior portion of the larynx and throat, making examinations of those organs comparatively easy.

A Naturallst’s Experiences.

G. W. Dunn, the veteran California naturalist, has left for the Tehachapi and Cuyamaca mountains for the collection of the curious plants and insects of those regions for the World’s Fair. He may also go into the Whetsone mountains. Altogether he expects to be gone many weeks. “The-last time I was in the Whetstone and Rincon mountains,” said Mr. Dunn, “I had some gruesome experiences which I shall never forget. It was in 1837, at the time of General Miles’ campaign against the Apaches and I twenty miles north of Benson and forty from Tucson, in the Rincon mountains. 1 had a butterfly net in my hand and was just on the eve of making a catch when a big painted ludian, gun in hand, looked over my shoulder. He displayed the greatest interest and probably thought I was a medicine roan. I looked

as unconcerned as I coaid and finally worked my way cT in the brush. But I didn’t sleep in my usual place that night. I dragged my blankets off to a new place. Next morning two men who camped below me were found murdered. The same Indian had killed them. ‘‘l got out of there then and went to the Whetstones, ten miles west of Benson. One day I went to a little spring on the top of a mountain. It was concealed with brush, and when I got inside three old bucks and a squaw sat there. They had a cup. and, though I was much taken aback, I borrowed it and got a drink. While I was doing so the squaw came and looked me over ;md pulled at my white hair and whiskers to see if they would come off. I vacated that region, too, in short order. That same night, the same as in the other case, they killed two men,, woodchoppers, who were camped near by. “The Rincon and Whets’tone mountains are among the best fields for naturalists of any on this Coast. There are many rare plants and insects there, and 1 hope to secure a good many.” Mr. Dunn always goes as far into the wilds as possible and uniformly camps out. A snalfe or a tarantula country suits him immensely. He told • a story how on his last trip into the Lower California mountains J. J. Taylor of San Diego, fearful of the rattlesnakes, encased his legs in joints of stovepipe. 11c slipped on the mountain side, and, being unable to bend his legs and brace himself, he fell and was badly bruised on the rocks.—[San Francisco Examiner.

How Indians Make Bows.

Every tepee has its bow wood himg up with the arrows in the smoke of the fire, well out of reach of the flames. A warrior with a sharp knife and a sandstone or file can make a bow in three days if he works hard, but it most generally takes a week, and sometimes a month, to finish a fancy bow. When done it is worth $3 in trade. The bows differ in length and strength, being gauged for the arms of those who are to use them. A white man would, until he learned the sleight of it, find himself unable to bend even the weakest war bow. The force of such an arrow may be imagined when it is remembered that, while a Colt’s revolver will not send a ball through a buffalo, an arrow will ga through a buffalo and come out on the other side. A man's skull has been found transfixed to a tree by an arrow which had gone completely through the bones and imbedded itself so deep in the wood as to sustain the weight of the head. lie had been tied up to the tree and shot. Bows are made of all kinds of wood. The best are made of Osage orange, hickory, oak, ash, elm, cedar, willow, plum, cherry, bullberry, and from the horns of elk and mountain sheep. No Indian who cannot handle the strong bow is deemed fit for war. There are three bows, the baby bow used bv the children, the long bow, and, last of all, the strong bow. The Sioux and Crows make the best bows. The Sioux bow is generally four feet long. AVhen unstrung it is perfectly straight. Some bows are covered and strengthened and made more vitally elastic on the back by being strung with sinews. In such instances the hack of • the bow is flattened, then roughened with a file or stone, the sinew being afterward glued on. The sinew is then lapped at the middle or grasp of the bow and at the ends. The string is attached while green, twisted and left to dry on the bow. The whole outside of the sinew is now covered with a new solution of glue and the bow is done. These bows are painted, beaded, velveted, and leathered. Tue Crows make jointed bows out of elk horn. To do this they take a large horn or prong and saw a slice off each side of it. These slices are then filled or rubbed down until the flat sides fit nicely together, when they are glued and wrapped at the ends. Four slices make a bow, such a fourfold bow being jointed. Another piece of horn is laid on the centre of the bow, at the grasp, where it is glued fast. The whole is then filed down until it is perfectly proportioned, when the bone is ornamented, carved and painted. . Nothing can exceed the beauty of these bows. It takes an Indian about three months to make one. They are very expensive. The Indians, as a rule, do not sell them. In travelling the arrows are sheathed in a quiver made generally of the skin of the puma or mountain lion. The bow sheath is generally of the same stuff.— ! Globe-Democrat.

Volcanoes of Central America.

Of the ninety active volcanoes in Central America, writes Fannie B. Ward, I li-ive seen thirty-fiye and never saw any signs of lava; on the contrary, pumicestone is imported with painters’ supplies. Black ashes are emitted from the volcanoes; it is fired upward three to ten miles high and distributed by the trade winds over the country. It is a rich fertilizer. Besides her picture in colors, nature does some work in black and white. It is on the Pacific shore on the northwest of Nicaragua. The beach is about 250 feet wide, and is covered with black volcanic ashes, fine as sand. The great white billows of the Pacific were rolling in, the intense light of the midday sun showed the contrast to its utmost limit between the black volcanic ashes and the white billows. These volcanic ashes cover the ocean bed fai out, as I have been told by those who have taken soundings along the coast. This, picture is twenty miles long, extending to within a few miles north of Corinto.— [Boston Transcript.

Traveling at Night in China.

In traveling at night in China everyone uses a torch or lantern. Ordinary business men use a small glass and tin affair, which they swing as they walk. The well-to-do and the mandarins emt ploy the globes already described. Two of them are usually fastened to the back of the traveller’s sedan chair as a part of its furniture. At night they are carried by a servant who goes in advance. As a rule, the higher a man’s social standing the larger his lanterns. If he has a title it is painted on their surface in characters so large as to surround the. light. A titled lantern takes the right of way over a plain one, and as between titles, the higher precedes the lower. The onlyexception is that a “joss-lantern,” or one belonging to a religious procession, take? precedence over all others.

A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

“What a beautiful child!” exolaimed Mrs. Intheswim, pausing before a baby carriage which a nurse was wheeling through the park. “What a lovely complexion! Your face is familiar to me,” she added, addressing the nurse; “will you please tell me to whom the child belongs?” ‘‘Bless your heart, ma’am, she’s your own, but she has grown a great deal since you saw her last.”—[New York Press.