Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 October 1894 — Page 6

SljeJtmofrflticSrntinel J. W. McEWEN, Publisher. RENSSELAER. - - - INDIANA

CELESTIAL SOLDIERS.

ACCOUTERMENTS OF THE OLD CHINESE ARMY. Rows and Arrows Still in Use—Gonffs and Trumpets as Offensive Weapons—Drill Turning Somersaults—Battery Equipped with Fire Crackers and Cannon. Back Number Warriors. The signal defeats the Chinese navy has encountered in its engagements with the Japanese ships show that the Chinese have learned little more of the art of using steam vessels of war than they knew in 1860. In that year, during the war with the British, a small gunboat grounded in a river, was abandoned ty the crew and captured by the Celestials. Noticing the superior speed of the gunboat over their own tub-like junks, they determined to use the vessel, so floated her off the bar, lighted the Are in her furnaces, produced the proper amount of smoke from the funnel, but was greatly surprised that she did not move, and conceiving that the foreign devils must have bewitched her, sent for conjurers to remove the spell. All their eCorts were, however, in vain, they finally concluded that the boat needed a couple of eyes painted, one on each side of the bow. to enable her to see her way. Before this could be attended to, the boat was recaptured by the foreigners and further experiment indefinitely postponed. The efforts of the Celestials to utilize Western methods of army discipline and Western arms in the land service seem to have been greeted with somewhat more success than this attempt to press a steamer into the employment of the Flowery King-

ON THE WAR-PATH.

dom, but with all the improvemonts that necessity has forced upon the Chinese military authorities, the army remains, for the most part, in a condition that renders it a scoff and byword to the troops of any civilized nation. Nominally, on paper, it is an imposing force. According to the Chinese official reports it comprises all the arms of the service in overwhelming numbers. There are the troops of the Eight Banners, including Manchus, Mongols and the Chinese, or rather the descendants of those who joined the invaders under the Emperor Shunchih in 1644. Altogether, therefore, the empire

ONE MEANS OF PROMOTING COURAGE.

is said to be able to put 1,250,000 men in the field, a force that seems so large that any one might be excused for entertaining a profound respect for the military strength of the empire. Such a force is not large when compared with the area of the country nor with the population, for it should not be forgotten that the Chinese empire is almost as large as the whole of North America, and •that more people speak the Chinese language than any other one tongue on the globe. Butin absolute numbers the Chinese army is strong, and were its efficiency only equal to its numbers the plains of Central Europe might once more behold the spectacle of Mongolian cavalry overrunning the fairest regions of Christendom. If this sight is ever witnessed, however, it will only be after some centuries of drilling have given the Celestials an idea of military tactics, and the same period of good food and proper exercise has hardened and developed their muscular systems to enable them to stand the fatigue of long marches and the labors of the battlefield. It has never yet happened in the history of the world that a nation of meat eaters was conquered by an army of grain feeders, and until the Chinese alter their diet Europe has nothing to fear from them. Nor need the Japanese be greatly alarmed at the prospect before them of a horde of Chinese being poured into Corea,from the plains of China, fqr the Chinese idea of military drill and tactics is of the most primitive description. Only ten years have elapsed since the Governor of Shantung reported the results of a grand review and declared “the perform-

ances of the soldiery were found worthy of high commendation, as well in shield and spear practice as in posturing, tight-rope dancing and other military exploits.” A little later the Director General of the Yellow River forts also had a review, and in his report to the court stated that “the performances of the soldiery in evolutions, spear, shield and archery practice, and in turning warlike somersaults, was of the most satisfactory description.’’ As late as 1884 a Governor of a province on the Yank-tse-Kiang tested bls troops in shouting, and affirmed that their performance was “past all criticism,” while “in gong-beating and trumpetblowing” he never had heard their equals. “They also ran very swiftly.” While the last named military accomplishment may be greeted with a smile by those unfamiliar with Celestial tactics, its usefulness, particularly to troops whose highest merit on the field of battle is an ability to beat the gong, to shout, to turn somersaults and dance the tight rope, cannot be questioned, and the astuteness of Its Chinese officers in training their men to speed is as deserving of compliment as the ♦rurnpea blowing of the soldiers themselves,‘ But the Chinese see nothing absurd in such performances, for one of their greatest generals long ago laid down the maxim that “when an enemy comes and breaks down the wall of a Chinese city the army ought not to stay and fight, but should retire as speedily as possible and await an opportunity to harass the movements of the enemy.” Another grav<> authority declares that “the chief point in offensive or defensive movements is to frighten the enemy, and to this end the faces painted on the shields are of the greatest value, and next to these is the ability to shout well, to beat the gong and to turn somer-

saults, all of which aje inexpressibly terrifying to outside barbarians.” The Chinese army has been lately remodeled, that is, an attempt has been made to remodel it, though how far this has been successful is an open question. A number of European officers were appointed to teach the tactics employed in the armies of more civilized states, and some degree of efficiency has, it is said, been attained in the use of civilized weapons. How far this statement is true will doubtless soon be made

A VETRRAN GUN.

manifest. It is certain, however, that only ten years ago. dqljdng the war with the Ereneh in Tonquin, the reorganized regiments were little more efficient than the mob of shouting, gong-beating, and somersaultturning Celestials, who were the sport of both French and British soldiers and sailors in previous wars. Even now, however, the constitution of the army differs little from what it was when China, at the beginning of this century, having been, so to speak, the cock of the walk in Eastern Asia from time immemorial, was regarded by all her people as absolutely invincible. 1 The leading branch of the military

SCENES IN CHINA.

service is found in the “Bannermen.” These are the descendants of the original invaders, who, by law, have the rigid, to guard the Emperor’s person and the twenty-four gates of the “Forbidden City,” Pekin. As there are over 100,000 of these men in Pekin alone, it is obvious that they can not all be so employed, so selections are made from their number to form a privileged corps, the crack regiment of the Chinese army. This body is armed with bows and arrows, save on great occasions, when they

wear swords and carry lances or halberds. They stand guard at the gates of Pekin, at the palace, and escort the Emperor on his journeys. The next in honor are also armed with bows and arrows, very good bows, no doubt, and excellent arrows, but still somewhat behind the times. As though in recognition of the fact, they are provided with matchlocks, with which they are supposed to exercise six times a month, firing three shots on each exercise day. Much more importance, however, is attached to the archery practice, for, though it is no disgrace to a soldier not to hit anything with his matchlock, some discredit attaches to a failure with the bow. The principal drill is with the scaling ladder, it being taken for granted that the enemy will always seek refuge in some place that needs to be scaled, though much attention is also given to leaping and jumping on horses, running at full speed. These do not comprise all the drills, for the soldiers are taught to use the sword, the club or military Hail, and also to beat the gong in the most ear-split-ting and terrifying manner. The army of the Green Standard constitutes the great body of the Chinese militia. Assembled when an emergency demands the use of troops, they are generally disbanded when the emergency is past, and so have neither time nor opportunity for acquiring a knowledge of drill or of military tactics. Little effort is made at uniformity,either in dress or arm-, and the men composing the militia force are in reality a mob that could not stand a moment before even a single regiment of European soldiers. Untrained, undrilled, their swords, spears, matchlocks, and bows hang rusting on the walls of the barracks, save on those occasions when a dress parade is commanded. Even then there is no little difficulty in making them presentable. The cavalry of the Chinese service does not differ materially from the infantry, save in the fact that the men are mounted on scrubby ponies much given to falling down. The drill, or rather lack of drill, is the same, and the men are armed with the same kind of weapons, except that the cavalry carry bigger gongs. The artillery, however, constitute an entirely distinct branch of the service, and by their inability to hit anything are a wellspring of joy to the enemy. For of all cannon that were ever invented the Chinese cannon are the most worthless, and of all gunners the Celestial artillerymen are the worst. Their native-made guns are the poorest apology for artillery that ever came from a foundry. One English officer tells of a gun he saw that had been cracked in tiring, and was nevertheless continued in the service by being patched up With strips of bamboo and tied with strings. The guns have no sights, for the Chinese ao not understand these mysterious appliances, and often remove them from the foreign guns purchased for the use of the navy, sometimes rep'acing them with pieces of bamboo. With the native guns it Is impossible to hit anything,

partly from the lack of sights, partly from other faults in ■ the piece, and partly from the worthlessness of the powder. It is said the Chinese invented powder hundreds of years ago, and artillery men who have tried to use the Chinese product are often tempted to believe that it is some of that powder that was first invented. The Chinese guns merely throw out the shot and that is about all. During the opium war the English, watching the Chinese batteries, often saw the round balls used drop from

OLD-STYLE FIGHTING JUNKS.

the gun at the distance of a few yards and roll away, and even when the Celestial shooting was at its best, the balls glanced from the wooden sides of the mem-af-war, generally without throwing off a splinter. Besides their cannon the artillery men are provided with bows and arrows, generally much more effective than their guns. They have no gongs, the report of the artillery being supposed to answer the same purpose, but they are provided with one weapon, which, so far as known, is peculiar to China. It is known by a Chinese name, which, translated into English, sig-

nifies the “stink-pot,” and it justifies its appellation. It is a small vessel or jar of pottery filled with sulphur and other combustibles, and is used by lighting the inflammables within and then throwing it among the enemy. One match, burning under the human nose is bad enough, but the general effect of this peculiar weapon is that of a barrel of matches, and no wonder can be felt at the fact that, when landed on the deck of a hostile ship, it speedily drives the defenders from the scene. With cannon, stink-pots, and a bountiful supply of very large firecrackers to use, when their guns from any cause fail to go off, a Chinese battery is well

MILITARY TRAINING EXTRAORDINARY.

provided for either attack or defense, and is justly regarded as the bulwark of the national independence. To what extent the warlike appliances of ten or twelve years ago have been supplemented by more modern and improved devices is uncertain, but judging from the fact that of the troops dispatched to Corea, some at least were armed with bows and arrows, it is fair to presume that in no inconsiderable degree the timehonored implements of war still hold their place in the Chinese bands, and were it not that the Japanese are better provided, the international duel would be about as interesting and as bloody as if it were fought with mops, washboards, and flatirons. r

A GROUP OF OLD-TIME SOLDIERS.

OUR BUDGET OF FUN.

HUMOROUS SAYINGS AND DO* INGS HERE AND TI-fERE. Jokes and Jokeleta that Are Supposed to Have Been Recently Born—Sayings and Doings that Are Odd, Carlons, and Laughable—The Week's Humor. Let Us AU Laueh. “What did you do when he proposed?” “I lost my self-possession at once.”—Truth. There is no lack of good form at Atlantic City, especially during bathing hours.—Philadelphia Record. Dyspeptic Lady—“ Doctor, do you think oysters are unhealthy?” Doctor—“No, madam—at least, I have not yet treated any. "—Truth. Stramber—“Did you feel the late financial depression?” Singenly—“Feel it! Why, for a month I wasn’t able to borrow a shilling!” TidBits. The Wife—“ Yes, I married you to spite Fred Grigson.” The Husband (ruefully)—“l wish, my love, you bad married Fred Grigson to spite me. ” Tid-Bits.

Herdso—“Why didn’t you defend your wife’s suit for divorce , '‘” Saidso —“I had known for years that what she said was law.”—St. Louis PostDispatch. One of the funniest things at the stores is the sweet smile a woman gives a man when she wants him to sell her something below cost.—Atchison Globe. Wife—“ And did Mr. Gay really say I was positively dove-like?” Husband—“ Something of that sort. He said you were pigeon-toed, I believe.”—Boston Transcript. Summitt—“Miss Gayley seems thoroughly imbued with the idea that youth will tell.” Bottome—“Yes; you see she has three or four small brothers. ’’—Buffalo Courier. “America has no standing army, I believe,” said the foreigner. “It is clear you haven’t spent much time in the street cars of this great country,” replied the native Truth.

Tourist (in a remote village)— “Can you tell me where the station is?” Porter—“l can, but I won’t. We are glad to have a tourist here at last. ” —Fliegende Blaetter. “Es I give you your dinner,” asked Mr. Haiseed, “will you turn the grindstone awhile?” “Naw,” said Dismal Dawson. “I ain’t no crank agitator.”—Cincinnati Tribune.

“Her religion is very much like her dress; she can put it on or off, just as she pleases.” “Yes, and like her ball dress at that; there isn’t very much to it.”—Life’s Calendar. A minister who, had difficulty in keeping his parishioners’ eyes fixed upon him during the sermon solved the difficulty by placing a clock directly behind him.—Kansas City Star. Careful Mother—“ Johnny, when you leave the table before the others, you must always say, ‘Excuse me.’” Johnny—“ What! When there ain’t any company?”—Boston Transcript. “Some men,” said Uncle Eben, “is so soured on human nature dat when ’er friend returns a borrowed umbrell’ dey t’inks it am a reflection on de umbrell’s quality.”—Washington Star.

“If a dog should howl under your window at night, would you regard it as a sign of death?” “Yes; if it was light enough for me to get a good aim at the dog.”—lndianapolis Journal.

It is a strange fact that the man who sings most energetically and effectively of “A Life on the Ocean Wave” becomes seasick before begets both feet on the gangplank.—Washington Star. “De trouble wif disshere civilization.” said Uncle Eben, “am dat by de time er man gits financially fixed ter inj’y de bes’ ob eberyt’ing, he’s done worried hiss’s inter dispepshy.” —Washington Star. “What hez Congress done?” asked the rural stump-speaker in strident tones of Indignation. As he paused for a reply, a man with a big doublebass voice answered: “It hez done the American people.”—Washington Star. Teacher “They builded better than they knew.” Do you understand that? Bright boy—Yes’m. They always do. “Who always do?” “The architects, you know.” “Pop's new $5,000 house cost most SIO,OOO.” —Good News.

Was it drink that brought you to this place?” asked the young woman who was engaged in philanthropic work. “No, miss,” replied the hard ened offender. “'Twas the lack of it. I wus that done up with thirst thet I tried ter steal a keg o’beer.”— Washington Star. “After all,’’remarked the thoughtful young man, “there’s such a thing as having more money than you need. A man can’t enjoy more than one thing at a time.” “That’s verwy twue,” replied Cholly. “A fellow cawn’t smoke a cigawette and chew a toothpick both at once, can he?”— Washington Star. Old John was a shoemaker, an Irishman, and an ardent admirer of the Duke of Wellington. To describe the battle of Waterloo was his chief pleasure. He always wound up the narrative, sitting with his hammer poised, his spectacles pushed back on his forehead, and his whole appearance indicating the utmost enthusiasm, with the words: “An’ the duke sez, sez he; ‘Up. gyards, an’ at ’em!’ an’ wid that, simultaneously, at the same time, all to onct, the gyards upped an’ atted at ’em. An’ that settled it. ” —Harper’s Drawer.

The people of France are soon to see some logs which are mammoths. The Washington State Building, which was one of those at the World's Fair, was made of immense timbers. Some of them were 3 feet square and 150 feet long. These are they which have gone abroad to show what Americans can do in tree raising. It is said the building is to be set up in France, just as it stood on the World’s Fair grounds, and then the common people will feel more assured than they are how that that U the style of American houses.

PORTABLE STOOP SEAT.

ft Takes lhe Place of Hu;» and Offers a Back Rest. A portable stoop chair is shown in the accompanying cuts. It is made of what is termed perforated chair bottom. On the bottom and back of the two sections are stout wooden braces hinged, so that when placed

STOOP SEAT CLOSED.

in position on the steps of a stoop, etc., it takes the place of a chair, ottoman, rug, etc. It is exceedingly light, weighing but pounds, and occupies but little space.

PORTABLE STOOP SEAT OFEN.

Fig. 1 shows the seat closed for carrying or putting away. Fig. 2 represents it in position ready for use. They are furnished in lightcolored wood.

UNIQUE FIGURE IN ENGLAND.

William Morris, Millionaire, Manufacturer, Poet, Artist and Socialist. One of the most unique figures in England is William Morris, an aspirant to the poet laureateship. He is

a millionaire, manufacturer. poet, artist and Socialist. Although a capitalist and the owner of a lactory in which are employed hundreds of hands, he is one .of the most active •Socialists. Frequently, it is said, he harangues crowds in the streets of London, telling of

WM. MORRIS.

the social revolution and the great upheaval to come. He says: “I was led to Socialism by noting how ugly civilization is.” He has a very poor opinion of the people of the United States. In all probability he will be named for the office of poet laureate unless the position be entirely abolished

LATEST THING IN BANGLES.

It Includes Two Hells and a Pig and Is Made of Solid Mold. A fashionable London jeweler has just put upon the market a bangle which, according to all accounts, is destined to become widely popular. It consists of an armlet of solid gold,

THE ‘PIGGY” BANGLE.

to which are attached two small bells and a pig, all of which appendages are also of the precious metal. The bells tinkle musically, and in some cases are so tuned as to produce a chord. The whole forms a rather costly ornament, but already cheaper articles of the same design are being ms de.

QUEER INDIAN DOLLS.

The Toys of the Moqnl Papoose in Arizona. A collection of dolls has just been received by Mrs. Fletcher S. Bassett,

of Chicago, which has an interest not to be measured by its attraction f.« children. These strange dolls are from the Mogul Indians of Arizona and are resplendent in bright paint and eagle feathers.

Farmers in Europe.

On the continent of Europe, where the governments are paternal, special legislation in favor of the farmer has been enacted. Banks have been formed for the express purpose of loaning him money at a low rate of interest. In Australia the Government has the power to release him, if needy, from taxation. In France special reductions on railroads, in favor of agriculture, have been made. The Belgian Government has gone even further, and will allow no charge to be made by the railroads for the transportation of butter, milk or eggs when the owner travels with his goods. Manure, too, can be sent on the waterways free of charge. It is small wonder that the Briti h farmer grumbles at the indifference of his Government, which compels him to compete on such unequal terms in his own market with the favored foreigner.

Coincidence of “9.”

The figure “9” plays quite a conspicuous part in the life of Emperor William. He is the ninth king of Prussia; his immediate family consists of nine members; he was born in the fifty-ninth year of this century, on Jan. 27—figures which, added (2 plus 7) make 9, or divided (3:27) give 9as quotien t. In January, 1869, he was made first lieutenant in the first regiment of the guards; in 1879 he completed his studies at Bonn, and was promoted to a captaincy. He was married on Feb. 27, and on March 9, 1888, he was called to'the throne.

A DETROIT BUILDER.

HE TELLS A REMARKABLE STORY OF HIS LIFE. CAME TO DETROIT ABOUT FORTY YEARS AGO. Levi EUcy’s Experience Worthy Seriou Attention. (From the Detroit Evening Newt.) Away out Gratiot avenue, far from the din and turmoil of the business center, there are many attractive homes. The intersecting streets are wide, clean and shaded by large leafcovered trees, and the people you meet are typical of industry, economy and honest toil. There are many pretty residences, but none more inviting in its neatness and. hcme-like comfort than that of Mr. Levi Elsey, the wellknown builder and contractor, at 74 Moran street, just off Gratiot. Mr. Elsey is an old resident of Detroit, having moved here about forty years ago. He has erected hundreds of houses in different parts of the city, and points with pride to such buildings as the Newberry & McMullan and Campau blocks, in which he displayed his ability as Superintendent. “I have seen Detroit grow from a village to a city, ” he observed yesterday, in conversation with the writer, “and I don’t think there are many towns in America to-day equal to it in point of beauty. I know almost everybody in the city, and an incident which recently happened in my life has interested all my friends. “It is now about eight years ago since I was stricken down with my first case of illness. One cold, blustering day I was down town, and through my natural carelessness at that time I permitted myself to get chilled right through. When I arrived home that evening I felt a serious pain in my left leg. I bathed it that night, but by morning I found it had grown worse. In fact, it was so serious that I sent for my family physician, and he informed me that 1 was suffering from varicose veins. My leg swelled up to double its natural size and the pain increased in volume. The agony was simply awful I was laid uu and never left my bed for eight weeks. At times f felt as though 1 would grow frantic with pain. My leg was bandaged and was. propped up in the bed at an angle of 30 degrees, in order to keep the blood from flowing to my extremities.

“I had several doctors attending me, but I believe my own judgment helped me better than theirs. After a siege of two months I could move around; still I was on the sick list, and had to doctor myself for years. I was never really cured, and suffered any amount of anguish. “About two years ago I noticed an article in the Evening News about my friend, Mr. Northru •, the Woodward avenue merchant. In an interview with him he stated that he had used Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People, and that they cured him. I knew him very well, having built his house out Woodward avenue, and I thought I would follow his suggestion. I must confess I did so with marvelous success. From the time I began to take the Pink Pilis I felt myself growing to be a new man. The ■ acted on me like a magical stimulant. The pan departed, and I soon was as strong and healthy as ever. Before trying the Pink Pills I had used any amount cl other medicine without any noticeable benefit. But the Pills cured me, and I was myself again. “When a person finds himself relieved and en oying health he is apt to expose himself again to another attack of il ness. Some three months ago I stopped taking the Pink Pills, and from the day I did so, I noticed a change in my condition. A short time since I renewed my habit of taking them with the same beneficial results which met me formerly. I am again nearly as strong as ever, although I am a man about 55 years of age. I tell you. sir, the P nk Pills are a most wonderful medicine, and if they do as well in other cases as they did in mine they are the best in the world. I freely recommend them to any sufferer.”

Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People contain, in a condensed form, all the elements necessary to give new life and richness to the blood and restore shatterel nerves. They aie an unfailing specific for such diseases as locomotor ataxia, partial paralysis, St. Vitus’ dance, sciatica, neuralgia, rheumatism, nervous headache, the after effects of la grippe, palpitation of the heart, pale and sallow complexions, and all forms of weakness, either in male or female. Pink Pills are sold by all dealers, or will be sent postpaid on receipt of price (50 cents a box, or six boxes for $ .50—they are never sold in bulk or by the 100), t y addressing Dr. Williams’ Medicine Co., Schenectady, N. Y.

Street Life in Canton.

The streets of Canton are divided into sections ol a few blocks each; and each section is shut off from all others by heavy gates, that are closed at 9 o’clock in the evening. The populace is so turbulent that for many centuries the authorities have made it a practice to hold all the people of any section responsit?le for any riot or tumult in that section. The result is that people have got in the habit of regulating affairs in their section without any reference to the powers that be. The electrician of the Canton plant had occasion to see the effect of this in an instance where a store wanted lights, but the wires could not be run, because one man objected to having a hole cut in his house for securing a pole. The man wanting lights informed his neighbors, and a delegation waited on the individual, and soon induced him to withdraw his objection.

Selkirk’s Lookout.

The isle of Juan Fernandez, situated in the Pacific Ocean, some 49 i miles west of Chili, must always be of interest as the home for four years and four months of Alexander Selkirk, the Largo buccaneer, whose story is said to have given to Defoe the idea for “Pobinson Crusoe.” There is a hill on the island called “Selkirk’s Lookout, ” from the fact that it was on its top that he kept watch for a passing ship that might take him from this “horrible place,” where he was monarch of all he surveyed. Some say that it was the West Indian island of Tobago, and not Juan Fernandez, that was Crusoe’s isle.

Congregationalists.

The membership of the Congregational Church is composed of 188,187 males and 373,444 females. This is nearly two to one. I ast year the number of deaths of ministers was ninetyeight. The average age of these ninety-eight was <8 years 5 months and 23 days. When a woman has a good servant girl herself, she is always willing to help another woman get one. But if she is looking for a girl herself, she is extremely unreliable on the girl qiiestion. / J \