Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1894 — Page 6
semocratitSentmel RENSSELAER, INDIANA. J. W. McEWEN, ... PuBUSHn.
BALLOON IN WAR TIME
THE SUBJECT AGAIN OF INTEREST TO ARMY MEN. Beoeot Advances In the Science Make Air Ships Valuable in Military Operations What Europeans Bite Accomplished - United States War Balloons. Useful for Observations. To have an effective balloon corps fully equipped and ready to take the field in case of war at a moment's notice is now regarded by all the great European powers as a matter of vital
TRANSPORTING GAS ALONG THE COAST.
Importance. Everything tends to show that if there is one branch of modern warfare, or rather, perhaps, strategy, which is likely to be watched with keen interest during the next war it will be that of military ballooning. It is generally conceded that France has made the greatest strides toward per-
THE FIRST U. S. SIGNAL CORPS WAR BALLOON, THE GENERAL MYER
section in this line, though the world at large has not been permitted to know the exact results oi Its latest experiments. There is a great deal of secrecy about the establishment of Meudon, where the Government Paro d’Aeroetation is situated. France has been and is spending a great deal of money in perfecting an absolutely faultless dirigible balloon, one that can be moved in any direction at the will of the aeronaut irrespective of the direction of the wind. The French experts claim that their war balloon,
BURYING A BALLOON.
the “General Meusnier,” attained a speed of twenty-eight miles an hour and could be guided with utmo t ease to any given point. However, since no outsiders were allowed to witness the wonderful performance, it might be a trifle exaggerated. The German Emperor does not propose to let his warlike neighbor monopolize this feature of army equipment. He has just presented to the German Society for Promotion of Aerial Navigation for the advancement of this science the sum of 50,00.) marks. This is to te applied for the construction and equipment of a giant balloon. This balloon will be as high as a four-storv house. It Will be fiitysix feet in diameter and will contain not le-.s than 2,530 cubic meters of gao It will be made of Egyptian cotton stuff and will be coated with vulcanized gum, a substance which is considered mperior to varnish. Kxpect to Adceiirl 33,000 Fe«t A very interesting feature rtf this monster balloon wilt be the provision of a special valve of a new construction which will keep the gas pure for a longer time and thus sustain the balloon for a longer period. It is proposed to make not less than fifty journeys witbin a year and to ascend as high as possible,- An altitude of 33,00j feet is thought to be obtainable by the use of artificial respiration. More than $2,500 wiH- be expended in purchasing scientific apparatus for this ba lton, which is . intended more for taking observations than for the purpose of war, i . Aside from this, the German army has this spring put in the field as efficient a balloon corps as that of France, though, perhaps, not so strong numerically. At Metz, during the last maneuvers, several successful ascenproved the vast °advanio*e P an * may derive trom these aerial observetones. A very interestinisexperiment ■
■ was also made to show that the balloons can, in an emergency, supply the wsnt of bridges. A good-sized balloon was supplied with a large number of ropes dangling from-its side. One of thes-: was seized by a soldier, who was carried across the river in the twinkj ling of an eye. As soon as he had landed he fastened the end of a line securely. after which ihe bailoon was hauled forward and back, and in less than no time transferred a battalion from one side to another. A new air torpedo, to be used in balloon warfare, is the invention of a Frenchman, who has disposed of his patent to the Russian Government. The inventor claims to be able to direct this with aa much accuracy as that of a submarine torpedo. It has a carrying capacity of nearly 1,000 pounds of explosives. The discharging of these can be made without subjecting the attacking party to any risks, owing to the remarkable guiding power of this aerial cruiser, which is to strike and glide away with marvelous rapidity either as it emerges from the clouds or springs unseen above the smoke of battle to let fall its missiles of destruction when least expected. No public experiments have as yet been made with thft flying torpedo, which, if it is all that the inventor claims, will pr >ve a most dangerous power of destruction. However, till a practical test has been made, no one can judge of its merits. War Walloons for the American Army. In building the war balloon “General Myer” for the signal service of the United States army the first real step was taken by the military officials of this country to advance with the great war powers of Europe in this lino of military work. It is modeled after both the French and English military balloons, and the mechanical details embody the best features of each. It resembles the English in the similarity of materiallrom which the envelope is made. The system of inflation is also like that of the English, the hydrogen being stored under pressure within steel cylinders. In the plan of its suspension gear it is after the French models. The envelope of the “General Myer’’ is spherical in shape, with' a capacity of 13,000 cubic feet, corresponding with the ordinary balloon used abroad for captive ascensions, and having a lifting power sufficient to carry two men with the necessary signal instruments.
The envelope is formed of gold-beaters’ skin, whioh is especially adapted to this purpose, as it is impervious to the hydrogen gas and is very light. The membranes from which this fabric, gold-beaters’ skin, is formed are taken fr< m the entrails of the bullock, each animal furnishing one. When stretched they are from eighteen to twenty-four inches long and ten to sixteen inches wide. After taking the membranes from the slaughtered bullock they are first scraped free from fat and soft parts and salted till needed for use. After taking them from the salt they are first culled, washed and soaked in fresh Wat r till the salt is taken out. Then a day or two before using they are placed in a vessel containing soft water, in which has been dissolved some fish glue, which adds to their adhering qualities when making the fabric of the envelope. In making the envelope, says a correspondent in Aeronautios, a cotton model balloon with a neck was made of the same size as the General Myer and its surface oiled. This cotton bag was then inflated with air by a blower and the neck securely fastened'so as to retain the air. The model was kept in a state of tension by applying the blower from time to time as'The air under pressure from within/leaked- through. The model thus fully inflated was suspended by ropes attached, to the neck and to the top or opposite hole. This suspension permitted the model to be turned as upon an axis, and thus brought every part of its surface in rotation within easy reach df the operator. A scaffold, framework, having a height nearly, .equal to the semidiameter of the model, was placed around one side, or semi-circumference, thus presenting to the workmen a nearly vertical surface on which to lay the membranes. The nice task of placing the membranes forming the fabric of the envelope was done by women. Each membrane was taken from the water, stretched out upon the surface of the inodel, smbpthed down by band, and sides or ends, where irregular, were cut off by a pair of blunt-
USING BALLOONS FOR CROSSING RIVERS
pointed Bbears, whioh the women used mostueftly. Being wet SSid fbJiargeCl with the’solution of fisijj glue, the membranes stretched taut cnrjjr the surface, and.adhered whilS damp to the model. The membranes in this way were placed side by side, the edges overlapping, until the entire surface of
the balloon model was covered with one coherent layer of the gold-beater's skin. Over this first layer a second and third were put. in like manner,, except that the membranes in each alternate were placed at right angles to ; the longitudinal diiectirn of the pre- | ceding series. Over the third layer were placed, from the top to the neck, long ribbons about an Inch wide, of the ; same material, and in lattice. These I ribbons were made by stretching a ! layer of gold-beater’s skin upon a long and smooth oiled board, and superimposing thereon five additional layers
A DANGEROUS LANDIN G
successively, and, after drying, the fabric, which resembled parchment, was cut into narrow strips. These interlacing ribbons, or cords, appear as diamond-shaped figures, increasing in 6ize from each pole to the equator, and strengthen the balloon fabricand limit its tearing to rents no greater than about sixteen inches at the equator, in case the balloon should come in contact with any sharp-pointed object. Over these strengthening cords three additional layers of gold-beater’s skin were placed similar to the first three. Around the top and about the neck an additional layer was placed to further strengthen these parts, where the strain is great. After the fabric was thus completed the air was pumped out of tho model, the neck of the cotton tag was separated from that of the outside fabric and air was blown ip to the true balloon envelope between the skins and the cotton material, gently separating the skins from the oiled surface of the cotton model and permitting the latter to he pulled out through the neck of the balloon proper. There remained a translucent globe, which, except for the latticed ribbons in diamond-shaped figures, appeared homogeneous throughout, not the line of a joint or lap of the thousands of pieces of which it was formed showing. In the tot) of the balloon envelope was now ,cut a circular opening about eighteen inches in diameter, iDto which the valve ring or thimble was inserted and seized, and into the thimble was secured the valve. The envelope of the balloon being complete, it was placed within the netting, the top of yyhieh was secured about the valve ring, and upon ropes being attached to the ring the balloon and netting wore hoisted, air was again blown into thel balloon and the netting adjusted. After this the balloon was hoisted higher ar.d the suspension gear, with basket, was attached, after which came the captive gear—that is, the cable which holds the balloon when it ascenda All was pei feet and the “General Myer” was ready for use. Mow ih© Cable In Mudn. The cable serving to hold the balloon captive is made of several strands of steel wire, having in its center an insulated wire for telephonic work, the outside strands acting as return wires. The balloon, with complete equip-
BALLOON ATTACHMENT FOR GOVERNING ASCENT AND DESCENT.
ment, is now at the Fort Riley, Kan., School of Instruction, where it is being used in instructing the signal corps at that post. It has been pronounced by experts as a masterpiece in military ball on building. This is not the first time the United States army has made use of balloons. During the civil war the federal government recognized their value for making ob. ervations. In the month of September, 1861, one of the m st daring aeronauts, La Mountaine, furnished important information to Gen. McClellan. His balloon rose from the northern camp of the Potomac and parsed above Washington. The ropes were then cut and La Mountaine ro.-e to ths height of a mile and a half and found himself directly over the lines of the enemy. There he was able to perfectly observe their position and movements. When he had made his observations he threw out ballast and rose to a height of three mile*, when an air current carried him in the direction of Maryland, whero he descended in safety. General McClellan was so well satisfied with the observations taken that through his influence the war department leceived orders causing more balloons to be provided. The use of balloocns, however, was discontinued for manv years, but now it is believed they will be given a permanent place in the equipment of all armies. The s'cience of aeronautics has so advanced, new features being constantly added, that it is hard to disbelieve anything claimed by the enthusiasts in this line. The chances are that we will dispense entirely with ordinary fleets and do our fighting in the air. urrr~“7-
STARTING A BALKY HORSE.
Tta Pot Hl* Finger m vhe AnU m*l’a Ear with Immediate Efleet. A colored man had just delivered a trunk from a one-horse wagon on N street, Washington, the other afternoon. Whel he came out of the bouse and climbed to his seat he bade the horse shake himself. Tbe animal apparently did not understand what was said, for his only movement was to place his feet more firmly on the pavement and give his tail a slight tremor. The driver repeated the command, at the same time adding emphasis to his words by a quick- stroke of the whip. It was to no purpose, the horse had balked. The blows fell thick and fast on the beast's back, but the horse had apparently come to stay. The man climled down from his seat and began work on the other end of the obstinate creature by pulling at the bridle and speaking heavily loaded sentences into the auricular receptacles of tbe horse. The only effect noticed by the News man was that the horse pressed its feet so closely to the cobble stones that it almost crushed its shoes. Many were the modes of moving his horseship advanced by the bystanders. At last some one suggested that a fire built on the pavement beneath the animal would be calculated to make him move. It was to be tried as a last resort. A bunch of shavings and some small sticks were placed under the horse, and the driver was just going to apply a match to the pile that was intended to melt the animal into action when a stranger who had been noticed joining the crowd a few minutes before stepped up. The newcomer's browned face and bands, stout boots and broad hat suggested that he had come from the rural districts. “Hold on there,” he said to the driver as he stepped out into the street, “that ain’t the way. You climb back into yer wagin an’ I’ll start the creatcher. ” The negro did so. “I ken start ’im” said the man as he stepped to the horse's head and began patting him on the neck. Then, without further words, he thrust his finger in the animal’s ear and pulled gently. The horse shook his head once or twice in a vain attempt to get away and then started to move off. As it trotted away around the corner the farmer was heard to exclaim: “Begosh, that moves’em every time.”
CAUGHT AN ARCTIC PELICAN.
The Man, aa tho Event Proved, Was Alto Caught by the Bird. Old Tom Clellan is an industrious Scotchman who has his dwelling on the bank of tbe artificial reservoir which supplies the city of Fostoria, 0., and its numerous factories with
“HE SWAM TO THE CRIPPLED BIRD.”
water. One day recently he espied a large white bird floating upon the lake, and, taking his gun, he succeeded in creeping up to within a few feet of the majestic stranger. He fired upon It a tremendous load of shot from his gun, which he had previously loaded for “banshees” and “brownies. ” The pelican only ducked Its head, and evinced but slight injury from the heavy charge or shot The old man fired again, and this time the bird floundered desperately, but wa9 unable to rise. He then threw off his clothes, swam to the crippled bird, and attempted to seize it in his mouth and swim to shore with it; but the strange bird dexterously besmeared the old man’s bald head with a kind of mucousor saliva, and then, distending its cavernous pouch beneath its throat, opened its mouth and jammed its head and throat down over old Tom’s head, neatly encasing the latter in the spacious pouch. Being thus completely circumvented in his efforts to capture his prize the old man pulled out for the shore with lusty strokes, towing in his wake his prize. On reaching the shore some persons seized the indomitable bird by the legs and another of the party grasped the old man in like manner and, taking a steady pull, they released him from the membranous prison in which his head had been ensnared by the huge bird. Old Tom, it is needless to state, immediately dispatched the bird, not even waiting to put on his shirt and trousers. The bird is now on exhibition in Fostoria.
THROW UP YOUR HANDS.
The Most Sensible Thlnsj to Do When a Desperado Has the Drop on Yon. “When a desperado gets the drop on you the only thing for a sensible man to do Is to throw up his hands,” says James Skaggs, of Coffeyville, Kan., at the Lindell, to a reporter for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. “ r l i throw up your hands is no reflection upon your bravery out in the. wild West. To attempt to draw your weapon when a man has pulled down on you is to Invite a verdict of ’Came to death for being a fool. ’ The most desperate man will throw up his hands when he has the worst of the draw. He argues that if he is being arrested he will always have the chance of escaping. If his assailant simply desires to humiliate and intimidate him, why, there is the broad future to get even in. I have known Wells-Fargo stage-coach guards to throw up tneir hands at the first command and give up their arms. There is no use in saying that the robber will not shoot. Too many dead men have told that he does. I knew a little Wells-Fargo man who had a great reputation for bravery. The coach was held up ou the jSanta Fe trail. The guard was one of the first to surrender. The passengers were disgusted as they stood i n 1 i ne a n d were robbed. When the coach renewed its journey they were very harsh in the criticism of theii guard. The coach rolled on for a half mile and turned a bend behind some rocks. The guard then stopped the coach and unstrapped a Winchester from the side of the vehicle. Then he started hack on foot alone. Juajtas
he expected, he came across the men on the road dividing the booty. They did not perceive him until he got his Winchester at work and killed all three in their tracks Then he stepped forward, secured all the booty and the weapons of the robbers and rejoined the coach about nightfall, the driver having moved slowly, as he knew what the brave fellow was up to.”
A REMARKABLE SKULL
Which Belonged to Some Unknown Prehistoric Beings A most remarkable specimen was recently added to the collection of a noted archeologist of California,
A PREHISTORIC SKULL.
remarkable state of its preservation, is the fact that it has been reduced to about one-third of a skull’s natural size by the exercise of some art or process now unknown. Apparently all the bones were removed from the head, and all that now remains is the skin which has ossified and become as hard as stone Whatever may have been the nature of this process the features of the being still remain. A long growtu of luxuriant black hair is still attached to the scalp, and hair of the same color form very distinct eyebrows. The appearance of the skull seems to indicate that it was made the subject of some strange religious ceremony after death. To the back of the head and amid the growth of hair which hangs below the neck is attached a long .pendant string, apparently made of some sort of hide, and showing by marks of discoloration and disintegration great age and much exposure. The lips are tied firmly together with long coids, the ends of which hang below the jaw a foot or so, forming, as it were, a sort of flaxen or hempen beard.
He Knew His Strength.
A Georgia fruit dealer hat! about his store a man of color who was noted for his honesty; at least, he had been for the six months he had been employed. When the first load of watermelons for the season was received Zeke became worried and nervous, and just before closing for the night he went to the proprietor. “I spec, boss, l’se got ter resign,” be said, twirling his hat in hand like a shame-faced boy. “Why, Zeke, what’s the matter?” w.as the surprised response. “I’m satisfied with you, and I thought you were satisfied with me.” “I wuz, boss, twel terday.” “What’s wrong now?” “I cain’t stan’ hit, boss,” he said, vaguely. “Can’t stand what?” “Cain’t stan’ de great tem’tation, boss,” he went on rapidly. “De orringes ain’t nothin’, nor the bananners, nor the peaches, nor plums, nor grapes, nor noner dem. Dem’s nothin’ to a man ob my princ’ples, boss, an’ ’taint no tem’tation for me not ter pick urn up when you ain’t lookin’; but, boss, hit am dem yar watermillions wot’s rasslin’ wid dis chile, an’ dey’s gwine ter fling him, sho. Dem’s what I cain’t stan’, boss, an’ es I hain’t done resigned my job, dish yer very night, dar's a commandment gwine ter be busted wide open, an’ I’se ’sponsible fer hit. Lemme go, boss,” he pleaded, and to save a good man Zeze was invited to take his pick of the pile and carry it home with him.—Detroit Free Press.
Godfathers and Godmothers.
We must, doubtless, look to the Jews for the origin of godfathers and godmothers. The use of them in the primitive church 13 so early that it is not easy to fix a time for their beginning. Some of the most acient fathers make mention of them, and through all the successive ages afterward we And the use of them continued without any interruption. By a constitution of Edmund, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1236, and in a synod held at Woicester, 1240, a pro vision was made that there should be for every male child two godfathers and one godmother, and for every female one godfather and two godmothers. King Henry VIII., referring to the Princess Elizabeth, says: My Lord of Canterbury, I have a suit which you must not deny me. That is, a fair young maid that yet wants baptism. You must be godfather, and answer for her. ner.ry VIIL, Act V„ Scene 3. A constitution of 1281 makes provision for a Christian name being changed at confirmation; this is practically a renaming of the child. The manner in which it was done was for the Bishop to use the name in the Invocation, and afterward for him to sign a certificate that he had so confirmed a person by such new name. It is possible that this practice might have been in Shakspeare’s mind when he wrote: Call me hut love, and I’ll be uew baptlzea. Henceforth I never will be Borneo. —Romeo and Joliet. Act It, rcene 2. —The Westminster Review.
Nothing Unscaled Among Hie Alps.
To-day, when every great peak has been thoroughly explored, when famous climbers have achieved the most difficult summits alone, or at least without professional guides* but few remain the mere ascent of which confers any brevet of distinction in this field ot athletics. As in all professions, and in all sports which boast semi-professional experts, the standard has been raised, in order to take a high rank, or to “make a record,” the aspirants for the honors of the Alpine Club must traverse such peaks as the Matterhorn and descend on the opposite side, or across the Dom du Mischahel, the highest peak on Swiss soil, which presents little difficulty until one descends the steep rock face above Sabs. There are still a few summits left which are admitted to be som&what “t'mgh,” and one of the most successful enthusiasts in the matter of rock peaks has recently given his verdict in favor of Chamouni as a happy hunting ground. Scribner’s Magazine.
Orest Power end Influence Wielded bp President Mcßride. President John Mcßride, of the United Mine Workers of America, at whose order 200,000 coal miners quit work with one accord, is the executive head of one of the most powerful labor unions in the United States. No better evidence of the strength and widespread distribution of >ta influence need be adduced than is furnished by a few cf the figures showing the number of men who went out in the principal centers of the coal industry. In Pennsylvania there were 50,000; in Illinois, .8,000; in Ohio, 26,000; in Alabama, B,OCO, and in Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, lowa and Indian Territory enough to swell the number somewhat beyond the grand total of 200.000. President Mcßride has the confidence of these men because he is one of them, and he is their leader because of the confidence they have' in his ability and judgment. He began to work in the Ohio coal mines when he was only 9 years of age and at 16 was admitted to membership in the Miners’ Union. He had been a member of the union for 13 years when in 1883 he was unanimously elected its President, which position he filled for four successive years. Mr. Mcßride was temporary chairman of the convention which met in Indianapolis in 1885 and formed the National Federation of Miners and
which was unearthed near the h e a d w a t ers of the Amazon. It is nothing less than the skull of some prehistoric being, and that ,it is a rare find will be seen from the accompanying illustration. The wonderful thing about the ■skull, next to the
Mine Laborers of the United States and Territories, and was active and influential in that organization so long as it lasted. When the present organization, the United Mine Workers of America, was formed in 1890 by uniting the National Protective Union and National Trades Assembly, No. 135, of the Knights of Labor, both of which organizations were composed of coal miners, Mr. Mcßride was elected chief executive and has ever since held the dual position of President and National Master Workman. He is a native of Ohio, and was born in Wayne County, July 25, 1854.
Who Occapies the Pogition of “Second Lady of tho Land.” One of the most jnotherly and loyal women at the nation's capital is Mrs. Adlai Stevensdn, wife of the
Vice President of the United States, who as a leader of Washington society stands second only to Mrs. Cleveland. At the time of her marriage Mrs. Stevenson was a beautiful young woman, as is evidenced by a portrait of her which hangs in the parlor of 1 the Stevenson home. It represents her in a gown such as ladies wore before the war. The skirt is full and spreading and the bodice is cut low and without sleeves. She stands erect in a stately pose. Her hair, parted in the center and combed hack in a simple fashion, notably enhances her beauty. Her hair is still almost as black as it was in tho-e days. Mrs. Stevenson is a woman of unusual education. She enjoyed opportunities in her youth that very few women of those days enjoyed. Her father was Dr. Lewis Green, President of Central College, in Danville, Ky., and he was determined that she should lack nothing in the way of an education to make her a perfect woman. She made good use of the opportunities he gave her. She is a w.iman of great charity and gives largely to all good works. So far as lavish entertaining is concerned Mrs. Stevenson does not attempt to make a mark, but her home is a popular one. She is ably seconded in her social duties by three beautiful daughters, Mary Ewing Stevenson, Letitia Ewing Stevenson, and Julia Scott Stevenson, and one son, Lewis Green Stevenson.
The potato, so long a staple food, has deve,oped almost innumerable varieties. Forty are easily distinguishable, but there are many others with slight and almost imperceptible differences. There are nineteen varieties of the white potato in America, eighteen in Germany, twenty-six in Great Britain aud thirty-two in Prance. Elder Sister— Come, Stanley, take your powder like a little man. You never hear me making any complaint about such a little thing as that. Stanley (peevishly)—Neither would I if I could daub it on my face. It isswallerin’ it that I object to.—Brooklyn Life. “Are there any more jurymen who have prejudice against you?” inquired the lawyer. “No, sah; the jury am ail right, but X want to challenge the iudge. "—Green Bag.
LEADS THE MINERS.
JOHN M’BRIDE.
MRS. ADLAI STEVENSON.
MRS. ADLAI STEVENSON.
The Potato.
HUMOR OF THE WEEK
STORIES TOLD BY FUNNY MEN • OF THE PRESS. Many Odd, Carious, and Laughable Phases of Homan Nature Graphically Portrayed by Eminent Word Artists of Oar Own Day —A Budget of Fan, Sprinkle# of Spice. A man never realizes his worth until he is sued for breach of promise.— Tid-Bits. The charity that begins at home is often so discouraged that it never gets farther.—Puck. “Why do you call that man an illicit still?” “Because he refuses to testify.”—Buffalo Gazette. When a man makes a prediction and it comes true, it tickles him almost to death.—Atchison Globe. All the world may be a stage, but Shakspeare was wrong when he said that all men and women were players.—Philadelphia Record. First South Carolinian —Ah, my • boy! raid a dispensary with me? Second South Carolinian—Thanks, old man; don’t care if I do.—Puck. A suburban paper, reporting a meeting of a Woman’s Dress Reform League, says: “Thirty odd women were present.”—Philadelphia Record. Book Agent, entering the sanctum —“I have a little work here which— ■ “Excuse me,” interupted the victim, “but I have a great deal.”—Boston Courier. Jaspar —A great many actors are out of work just now. Jumpuppe— That is strange, when so many people who are not actors are on the stage.—Puck. “How did you come to send up Mr. White’s Card?” “He bet me a bottle of wine at the club last night that if I called on you you wouldn’t be at home. ” —Life. As It Works. —Tommy—“Uncle, what’s prohibition?” Uncle (who cOtoes from Maine) —“A law that pre* vents men from getting good liquor, Tommy.”—Puck. Lionel—“l say, Budge, where do the Skye terriers come from?" Budge —“Why, from the clouds, when it rains cats and dogs, you know.”— Harper’s Young People. Mrs. Houser—“ls the oath of office I read so much about profane?” Houser—“ Humph! Depends a good deal whether it is taken going in or coming out.”—Buffalo Courier. “I wish,” said a theater manager disconsolately, as he hung on to the strap, “that the standing-room-only sign got into the theater more and into the street car less.”—Washington Star. A Good Sign.— Landlord of newly opened wine tavern (to waiter) — “Piccolo, mind you pay special attention to that gentleman' sitting yonder; he has such a red complexion.” —ll Corriere. President of a Bank— “ Has anything unusual happened during my absence?” Clerk—“No, sir, nothing unusual has happened. The cashier ran away last night with $50,d00.” Texas Sifting 9. Maud Bonton— “Did you hear about Edith Rider's eloping with a coachman? Wasn’t it awful?” Miss Goodform—“Oh, dreadiul! And the worst of it was he wore whiskers. ”
Brooklyn Life. “I wonder that Mrs. Elderbody should marry that man. He is ever so much younger than she ” “That’s right. A great advantage to a woman to have youth on her side.”—Boston Transcript. ' Housekeeper —“ Are you sure that this tea isn’t half copperas?” Dealer (convinciugly)—“We couldn't afford to sell copperas at the extremely low price we charge for this tea, ma’am.” —New York Weekly. Little Charley— “ Papa, will you buy me a drum?” Fond Father—“Ah, but, my boy, you will disturb me very much if I do.” Charley—- “ Oh. no, papa, I won’t drum except when you’re asleep.”—Tid-Bits. Young Wife— What is baby trying to say, dear? Husband—Give it up. He seems to he trying to manufacture a word about twenty syllables long. Young Wife—lsn’t that lovely? He’ll be a great scientist some day.—Tid-Bits. Of the twenty-six barons who signed the Magna Charta three ivrote their names and twenty-three made their mark. This is all changed now. Every baron can write, hut only a few succeed in making their mark.—Boston Transcript. First Youngster —“l’ve got a new baby brother what come from Heaven last night.” Second loungster —“That’s nothin’. My little baby brother went to Heaven yesterday.” First Youngster (reflectively) —“Pete, I bet it’s the same kid.”— Me. Mil Delawanna —I want to sell my farm in Jersey. Real-Estate Agent—What is the price? Mr. Del•wanna —I d like to get fifteen thousand. Real-Estate Agent—Tiuit’s pretty high for a farm. You’d better cal Pit a “country seat,” and ask twenty. —Life. Banks —What did her father say when you told him that you wanted to marry bis daughter? RiversWell, he didn’t absolutely refuse, hut he imposed a very serious condition. Banks—What was it? Rivers—He said he would .see. me hanged first.— Brooklyn Life. Professor of History (in the young ladies’.' seminary) “Having finished the sad story of this episode In the life of Marie Antoinette, I should be glad to answer-any questions you may feel inclined to ask.” The class (in unison)---“What did she have on?”—Tid-Bits.
Millions of Deities.
The manufacture of ikons, tue nncred images so universally venerated by orthodox Russians, is one of the largest household industries of central Russia, where 2,000,000 are turned out every year.
Hard on, the Peasant.
Nearly every workingman in Italy wears a beard o» account ot the eost of shaving. Now it Is proposed to aid the by getting a tax oa beards.