Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 April 1895 — Page 6

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CRADLE OF THE RACE.

ARMENIA THE OLDEST LAND IN THE WORLD. A Country of Great Natural Resources, but Devastated by the Worthless Turk—May Yet Be Delivered from the Sultan’s Rule. Native Home of Man. The bloody massacres perpetrated by the Turks and Kurds in the heart of Armenia served to call public attention to one of the oldest and most remarkable countries on the globe, a country once rieh and populous and powerful, but, like every other land that has suffered the curse of Turkish rule, now desolate. There was a time when the Armenians numbered at least 25,000,000 population, but now It is estimated that not more than 5,000,000 remain in their native and well-beloved land, while 3,000,000 or 4,000,000 more are wanderers to and fro over the earth, sober, industrious, economical citizens of many lands and well-to-do in every country but their own. They would do well there also were it not for the Turks. The Ottoman Empire has proved itself in modern times, as the Persian in ancient, a national curse, a sore, an ulcer among nations; it has been said of the Persian State that of all the nations over which it gained control not one ever raised its head again, and the statement is almost literally true Far more fortunate have been the States that have suffered the blight of Turkish rule. One by one they have risen in rebellion and have shaken off the Ottoman yoke. Years of revolution and bloody war were sometimes required to secure the coveted freedom, and the march to liberty has been over thousands of bloody corpses of men, women and even of children, but by perseverance the cause was always won. Greece, Servia, Roumania, Bulgaria, Roumelia, Georgia, Circassia, the story of each is the same—a bloody rebellion, a long war, assistance from foreign powers, and then freedom. The unhappy land

of Armenia is now going through the preliminary stages of the process of acquiring independence, and xueie is no reason to doubt that in time, and, perhaps, in no very long time, the Armenians will be as free as the Greeks or Bulgarians are to-day. It is a singular land, that in which the fight for liberty is now being waged under such fearful odds. It Is

A GATE OF ERZEROUM.

a land so old in history that the earliest legenus of the human race point to it as the first home of mankind, and so far do the sober facts of history confirm the wild fancies of legend that historian, scientist and mythgatherer all unite in the belief that somewhere in the region now generally designated as Armenia, the human race first began that process of migration and development that has led to the peopling of every corner of the earth. The Garden of Paradise was in Armenia. Adam was an Armenian; so was Noah, for his ark rested on Ararat, where, according to popular tradition, it remains to this day, having been seen, or at least reported to be seen, by two or three different travelers. From Armenia began the dispersion of the nations, and all the legends 01 the early days point the finger back toward that singular land at the head waters of the Euphrates and Tigris as the home of every nation that preserved a memory of its own origin. s The limits of Armenia proper are by «o means accurately determined, for at -different times the country has been under many different governments, and even at present, it is divided between Turkey, Russia and Persia, and the boundary lines Sorm a never-ceasing source of dispute between these three powers. The truth is that Armenia really has tio boundaries worth the name, the various tribes of savage kinds that occupy the eastern district, pandering back and forth at their pleasure, and, according as inclination or convenience may .prompt, owing allegiance .to either or neither government. According to the best authorities, the land of Armenia proper con-

tains about 150,000 square miles, being I bus a little more than twice the size of Missouri, and for the most part consists of a high tableland from 5,000 to S 000 feet above the level of the sea. Although within the tropics It is by no means a tropical country, having, on the contrary, a climate rather severe

than mild, for during at least three months in the year, deep snows cover the wide plains that stretch from the head waters of the Euphrates to the Caspian Sea, and on the Ararat range the snow has never been known to melt In spite of its altitude, however, the country has agricultural advantages of no mean order. The tablelands are not of uniform height and on their various terraces the products of any country on the globe may be raised, from the dates of Arabia to the oats and barley of Norway. The country Is otherwise wealthy besides, for there are mines of gold, silver and several other metals, while coal is abundant In many localities, and petroleum is found in a score of different places, Under even a passable form of government Armenia would be a singularly prosperous country, but the curse of Turkish misrule has blighted every hope of the inhabitants. Industry is checked, for no one knows the amount of taxes that will be required of him; nor, indeed,can he be certain that after the products of his fl Id have been garnered they will not all be eaten or carried off by bands of irregular Turkish troops, who will consider themselves singularly forebear-

THE BASHI-BAZOOK.

Ing if they do not also take his life. Instances have been known of farmers who raised a hundred bushels of grain and saw elghty-five bushels carried off under the name of taxes, to feed a rapacious soldiery. Under such circumstances, the people have no incentive to industry, and so Armenia, like every other Turkish province, is gradually wasting away; the Industrious and economical portion of the population are leaving as fast as they can, and this remarkable region will soon be desolate. The inhabitants are not all Armenians; in fact, the Armenians now form only a small fraction of the population in the country they once called their own. Turks, Kurds, Persians, Tartars, savage tribes akin to the races of hardy mountainers that people the region from the Caspian to the confines of China, they are all alike in one respect —that all are treacherous and bloodthirsty, and all are inspired by a bitter hate of anything Christian. The name seems to rouse among these savage peoples all the innate ferocity of untamed human nature. To do them justice, however, the Christians, so called, of Armenia, are not much better than their Turkish and Kurdish neighbors. They have

been hardened and brutalized by ages of oppression and suffering; they regard the Turks as their natural enemies, and are just as ready to fight the Ottomans as the latter are to fight them. Unfortunately for the Christians, however, they are hopelessly in the minority, and so from time to time the world is shocked with these narratives of Turkish atrocity. In cold fact, there is very little choice between Christian and Moslem in that part of

the world, and the swarms of wandering bandits sometimes consist of both Christians and Moslems, whs rob both parties with strictest Impartiality. The cities of Armenia are not very numerous aor very populous, neither are they very prosperous. The best among them are Kars, that has stood

A FRONTIER POST.

more thau one historic siege from both Russians und Turks; Erivan, a fortress from Roman days, and the capital of one province; Erzeroum, which once boasted a population of 130,000, but now has hardly more than 40,000, if so many, the reason of the decline being the same as that for the depression in every other part of the country. Erzeroum, the seat of the Turkish Pasha who misgoverns the country, is well fortified after an Oriental fashion, having great massive walls that have been neglected until they are ready to fall down of their own accord, big wooden gates covered with plates of iron, closed every night at an hour after sundown, when belated travelers are supposed to be compelled to remain outside, which, in fact, however, they rarely do, but simply walk along the wall until they find a place where it has fallen down enough to enable them to climb ever, and then enter and go about their business. Erzeroum was once a city of grand proportions and great commercial consequence, but its glory has departed. Situated as it is on the high road between Teheran and Mecca, the annual caravans of pilgrims from Persia, Afghanistan and India all pass through it, but in greatly diminished numbers from those of former years. The Indian pilgrims now go by steamer through the Red Sea, so do not a few from Beluchlstan and Persia, and only a few from the interior now pass through the once famous city that still presides over the destinies of the oldest land in the world. Like all other Oriental, and particularly Turkish, towns, Erzeroum presents from a distance au imposing appearance that is by no means confirmed on a nearer approach. From a few miles distance, nothing can be prettier than a Turkish town. The white walls glitter through the dark green foliage of the cypress trees that abound in the surrounding cemeteries, while the minarets and domes rise above the houses like points of vivid light. A nearer approach dispels the Illusion. The marble walls are of whitewash, the minarets and domes are gaudy and flimsy, the streets are filthy enough to breed a pestilence, and everywhere savage dogs go to and fro in troops, and fight with each other for the offal that is cast out of the doors and windows of every house into the street. But there is hope for Armenia. A brave people like the natives of this historic land can not always be kept in subjection to a degenerate race of thieves and murderers like the Turks. The incompetence of the latter to govern anything has been so plainly shown for a century and a half that the world has ceased to expect anything from the Ottoman power. But for the halfcrazy fear that the English display whenever anybody raises the cry of

Russian wolf, Armenia would long ago have been delivered from the rule of the Turk. Twice in the present century has Russia been ready to occupy the whole province, and twice has the deliverance of Armenia been postponed by the trickery of British politics and diplomacy. It is true that in being placed in Russian territory the Armenians would merely exchange one

A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF KARS.

master for another, but experience has shown that while the Czar is a hard master, he is more tolerant than the Sultan. Bolker (meditatively)—My experience has taught me one curious thing. Blobbs—Has, eh? What is it? Bolder—That the closer a man is the harder it is to touch him.—Buffalo Courier.

A KURD SOLDIER.

ASKS FOR NEW LAWS.

SECRETARY CARLISLE PROPOSES SOME REFORMS. In Hia Annnal Report He Suggests a Few Badly Needed Changes in the Currency Legislation—Would Revise the Bond Laws. Changes Must Be Made. The annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the state of the finances haa been sent to Congress. It shows that the revenues of the government from all ’ sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, i 1894, were $372,802,498 and the expendil tures $442,605,758, which shows a deficit :of $69,803,260. As compared with the fiscal year 1893 the receipts for 1894 fell off $88,914,063. During the year there was a decrease of $15,952J»74 in the ordinary expenditures of tljb government. The revenues for the current fiscal year are thus esti- ! mated upo,n the basis of existing laws: From customsf 160,0(10,000 Irom Internal revenue 165,000,000 f rom miscellaneous sources 15,000,000 From postal service 84,427,748 Total estimated revenue 55424,427,748 Ike expenditures for the same period are estimated as follows: For the civil establishments9l,2so,ooo lor the military establishment.. 53,250,000 For the naval establishment.... 32,500,000 tor the Indian service 11,500.000 lor pensions 140,500,000 For Interest on the public debt.. 31,000,000 *or postal service 84,427,748 Total estimated expenditures. .$444,427,748 lhe above figures, compared with the estimated revenues, show a deficit of $20,000,000. It is estimated that upon the basis of existing laws the revenues of the government for the fiscal year 1896 will be: From customsslßs,ooo,ooo From Internal revenue 190,900,000 I'rom miscellaneous sources 15,000,000 1< rom postal service 86,907,407 Total estimated revenues $476,907,407 The Secretory thinks many small district offices should be consolidated and a genera] reorganization of the customs service made. He also asks for SIOO,OOO per annum for investigating Chinese cases and paying expenses of deportation, owing to the new treaty with China. Subject of Currency Reform. The most important feature of Mr. Carlisle’s report is his discussion of the subject of currency reform, in the course of which the administration’s plans of a new system of currency are set forth in detail. Mr. Carlisle reviews the financial statistics referred to in the tabulated statement and charges $3,022,000 of the deficit to the importation of raw sugar prior to the time the new tariff law went into effect. The income tax will afford no revenue till July 1, 1895, but there is reason to believe the importation of sugar must soon be resumed on a large scale, and he thinks by July 10 considerable collections under the income tax law will have been made. He is of the opinion that the execution of the present laws will yield sufficient revenue for 1896 and leave a surplus of $28,814,920. In urging financial legislation for the purpose of supporting the public credit Mr. Carlisle says: “The well-known defects In our financial system and the serious nature of the evils threatened by them have done more during the last two years to impair the credit of the Government and the people of the United States at home and abroad and to check our Industrial and commercial progress than all other things combined, and our first and plainest duty Is to provide, if possible, some effective method for the prompt and permanent relief of the country from the consequences of the present unwise policy.’’

The Secretary then reviews the circumstances leading up to the first $50,000,000 issue of bonds, yielding $58,660,917 and increasing the free gold in the treasury to $107,440,802. The lowest point reached by the reserve since the resumption of specie payments was on the 7th day of August, 1894, when, by reason of withdrawals in the redemption of notes, it was reduced to $52,189,500. After that date it was slowly replenished by voluntary exchanges of gold coin for United States notes by the banks and by small receipts of gold in the payment of dues to the government until the 14th of November, 1894, when it reached the sum of $61,878,374. In the meantime, however, the frequent presentation of notes for redemption in gold clearly indicated the existence of a feeling of uneasiness in the public mind. In addition the vast accumulation of money at oftir financial centers and the general depression in business which prevailed in this country had so reduced the rates of discount that the inducement to keep funds abroad was much greater than in ordinary times and made it highly imprudent to neglect any precaution which appeared necessary to insure the safety of our financial position. Therefore, the second issue of $50,000,000 was decided upon. The proceeds of the sale, $58,538,500, have nearly all been paid into the treasury, according to the terms of the sale, reducing the rate of interest to 2.878 per cent. The transaction justifies the opinion that a 2% per cent, bond could probably have been sold at par. Here the Secretary asks for a law giving him such authority, saying it would strengthen public confidence. Preservation of the Gold Reserve. With regard to the redemption of government obligations the Secretary shows his attitnde on the hard money question and says the one who presents paper for redemption must be given his choice of metals, aS a change Would work hardship on the public and nation. This condition cannot be permanently remedied except by great changes in the laws relating to the subject. The situation is the result, too, of three policies: The circulation of United States notes as currency and their current redemption in coin on demand; the compulsory reissuance of such notes after redemption; the excessive accumulation and coinage of silver and the issue of notes and certificates against it at a lower ratio than is warranted. He continues: “Frequent issues of bonds for the purpose of procuring gold, which cannot be kept after it has been obtained, will certainly cause increased distrust among our own people as well as among the people of other countries and not only swell the volume of onr securities returning from abroad for sale or redemption, but Increase the withdrawal of foreign capital heretofore Invested in our domestic enterprises. “It is not the capitalists alone whose interests are affected by the use or threatened use of a depreciated and fluctuating currency and the consequent derangement and diminution of business. A paralysis of business, whatever may be its cause, strikes first the wage-earner. “Under our present currency system, the volume of circulation Is unchangeable; It Is unalterably fixed at a certain amount and no matter how great the emergency may be It can be neither enlarged nor diminished. The only part of the currency possessing In any degree the quality of elasticity is that Issued by the national banking associations and it is now generally conceded, I believe, that in this particular, at least, it has failed to meet the requirements of the situation at some of the most critical periods In business affairs of the country.” The National Bank Question. With regard to the “Baltimore plan” for national banks the Secretary says: “As the plan suggested proposes to exempt the Government of the United States from all liability for the redemption of national bank notes and place the sole responsibility upon the banks themselves, a guaranty fund of not less than 30 per centum upon the outstanding circulation is regarded as a very proper and necessary feature of the system.’’ Then coming down to the tariff he says: “The raw materials used in the production Of commodifies for the use of the people In their homes' and in their various Industrial .1 pursuits should be free from . taxation. IfMr ladastrles are to be profltaUly conducted

red need co«t of production moit precede or accompany reduced prices of the finished product. ‘-The late act while It places upon the free list a considerable part of most Important raw materials used in our manufacture, left Iron and lead ores and bituminous coal, together with sever « other articles of lA* consequence, still dutiable, thus not only falling to put in force a consistent system of revenue reform but leaving some of our most valuable Industries at a great disadvantage as compared with their rivals differently located.” CARLISLE’S ESTIMATES. Secretary of the Treasury Thinks He Can Get Along; with a Million Less. The Secretary of the Treasury has sent to the House of Representatives his estimates of appropriations required for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896, which aggregate $410,435,079 as against $411,879,041 estimated for the present fiscal year. Following is a recapitulation of the estimates by departments for 1896, with ' comparisons with the appropriations for 1893, cents omitted: Estimates, Approp’ns, Departments. 1896. 1895. Legislative $8,336,742 $10,377,617 Executive 199,540 194.024 State 1.780,538 2,008,218 Treasury 138,187,281 133,735.362 War 54.855,629 55,296.320 Navy 31,999,886 26,726,752 Interior 158,929,873 173.825,971 Postofflce 6,532,820 2,468,982 Agriculture 2,100,330 3.227.252 Labor 187.470 170,011 Justice 6,724,960 7,730,399 Grand t0ta155410,435,079 $415,760,943 The changes of interest in these estimates present as compared with the appropriations for the current fiscal year are as follows: In the Legislative branch: Salaries and expenses are increased about $225,000, public works about $400,000, public printing about $750,000. Treasury department: Salaries and expenses are increased about SIOO,OOO, territorial governments are decreased about $30,000, internal revenue increased $817,000, of which $469,600 is on account of the collection of the income tax provided for by the act of Aug. 18, 1894. The estimates for public works are nearly $4,000,000 in excess of the present appropriations of which about $2,000,000 is for the continuation or completion of public buildings as follows: Allegheny, Pa., to complete, $175,000; Buffalo, continuation, $200,000; Chicago, repairs, $50,000; Clarksville, Tenn., completion, $15,000; Fort Worth, Texas, completion, $40,000; Kansas City, continuation, $100,000; Little Rock, Ark., additions, $58,000; Newark, N. J., completion and additional lands, $200,000; Norfolk, Va., completion, $60,000; Omaha, continuation, $200,000; Portland, Or., continuation, $100,000; Pueblo, Col., continuation, $50,000; St. Paul, Minn., continuation, $150,000; San Francisco, commencement, $150,000; Savannah, Ga., completion, $200,000; Sioux City, lowa, continuation, $50,000; Washington, D. C„ continuation, $500,000; Worcester, Mass., completion, $50,000.

Brieflets.

China has accepted the English offer of a 4y 2 per cent, loan of £1,200,000. Six murders in two months in Michigan have resulted in agitation for capital punishment. Capt. McKenzie, of the Cleveland fire department, has fallen heir to one-fifth of a $533,000 fortune. Chicago and New York Congressmen will co-operate to secure appropriations for lew postoffice buildings. The first rain for four months fell in Arkansas, putting out the forest fires which had done great damage. Four men who robbed the postoffice at Ticonderoga, N. Y. were captured by a sheriff’s posse after a desperate light. Rev. Dr. Henry M. Storrs, who defended Prof. Briggs before the Presbyterian general assembly, died at Orange, N. J. William Brandt, a blacksmith at Freelandsville, Ind., committed suicide by hanging on account of financial troubles. Avalanches of snow, ice and earth, and not an eruption, were what changed the appearance of Mt. Ranier in Washington. Judge McMaster set aside the allowances made by Receiver Failey and his attorneys in the Iron Hall case at Indianapolis. Gov. Waite is continuing his war on Denver gamblers. He charges that the clergy are in league with the worst elements.

The proclamation of amnesty issued by the Czar includes the Lutheran clergymen who were arrested in the Baltic provinces. Fire which started from unknown causes did $15,000 damage to the boxing department of the Cudahy Packing Company at South Omaha. Judge McConnell of Fargo refused to annul the marriage of Aaron Hirschfield to Dell Hogan, and declared his witnesses to be unworthy of belief. Robert G. Ingersoll, said to be a nephew of the great New York lawyer, is under arrest at Minneapolis, charged with having stolen law books. The Anderson (Ind.) paper mills were sold at receiver's sale to Crawford Fairbanks, president of the American Strawboard syndicate, for $83,000. Many roads are suffering from a car famine owing to increased local business, while others are sending “empties” East to accommodate west-bound traffic. Missouri River packers are stirred up over the advance in rates on live hogs and packing-house products and may retaliate by shipping via gulf ports. A negro killed A. B. Leigh, a farmer, near Newman, Ga., and had a revolver drawn to shoot Mrs. Leigh, but Lilia, a daughter, seized her father’s shotgun and drove the man from the. house. Rabbi Wise, known by Hebrews all over the country, will resign the presidency of the Hebrew Union College at Cincinnati. He founded the college and has served as president, wthout pay, for nineteen years. Advices from “Bob” Kneebs, the famous American horseman who was arrested in Germany on a charge of “ringing” horses on German race tracks, show that he has not yet been released from custody, as reported. Cincinnati ministers are fighting Sunday theatres. Two of the ministers went to Havlin’s Theatre and stayed long enough to qualify themselves as witnesses. The police refused to arrest the actors until the performance was concluded. Recent observations at Mount Lowe observatory indicate that the Edward Swift comet discovered by the son of Prof. Swift at that observatory on Tuesday evening, November 20, may turn out to be the famous lost comet discovered by Devico at Rome November 22, 1844, just half a century ago. The society women of San Francisco have adopted a novel plan to raise money for a children’s hospital. Proprietor Hearst of the San Francisco Examiner will turn over the whole plant to them, and they will get out the Christmas edition of the paper, the entire proceeds of the day’s business to go to the hospital fund. The weekly statement of the Imperial Bank of Germany shows the following changes as compared with the previous account: Cash in hand, decrease 1,300,000 marks; treasury notes, decrease 400 r 000 marks; other, securities, decrease 2,680,000 marks: notes in circulation, increase 28,210,000 marks. George Meredith, the English novelist, was paid for his last novel sA the rate of SSO per 1,000 words. > ... ■- ■' ;

HUMOR OF THE WEEK

STORIES TOLD BY FUNNY MEN OF THE PRESS. Many Odd, Curiouv and Laughable Phases of Homan Nature Graphically Portrayed by Eminent Word Artist* of Our Own Day —A Budget of Fun. —The most bangerous hole in a man's pocket is the one at the top.—Boston Bulletin. —“Jim’s done made his mark in the Legislatur.” “That so?” “You bet; signed for his salary:''—Atlanta Constitution. —“Why do you not stop begging and try to get some work?” “Because I do not wish to give up a sure thing for an uncertain one.”—Paris Figaro. —Ella (disdainfully)— The attentions of the gentlemen are so tiresome. Bella I (demurely)—The attentions they pay to ! other women?—Boston Transcript, i “Yes,” said Mr. Sourman, “women I like money, and money is like women.” I “How is that?” inquired his wife. “Money talks.”—New York Press. —Uncle—ls your little dog intelligent? Small Nephew—Well, he hasn’t got so much sense in his head, but hit tail seems to know a lot—Good News. —He (very conceitedly)— I don’t think I should like to marry any girl unless she was of a self-sacrificing nature. She—But wouldn’t that prove it?—Life. —Binks—There is a report that a sausage trust is being formed. Jinks— Can’t be true. Any trust in sausage would be impossible.—New Ydrk Weekly. The Bachelor—l’m waiting for the Interesting woman of 30 that the novelists talk about “Well, you won’t find her. All the women under 60 are not over 22.”—Life. Mistress —“Goodness, Bridget, to whom are you writing in those immense letters?” Bridget-?‘To me sister, mum; she’s deaf and dumb.”—Harper’s Bazar. He—“De Freshe Is laid up with nervous prostration.” She—“lt must be something else. Nothing on earth could prostrate that fellow’s nerve.”—Detroit Free Press. —lt is learned that there are 8.000,000 piano players in the United States, and they can elect any man President that they may unite on. This is terrible.— Texas Siftings. —“You started out to keep a diary, I believe?” “Yes.” “Going to keep it up?” “No; I’ve decided it’s easier to write an autobiography ahead than live up to it.”—Truth. —Briggs—“Miss Cobble is a great horsewoman, isn’t she?” Griggs—“l should say so. She was taken ill the other day and they sent for a veterinary surgeon.”—New York Sun. —Her Father—“No, young man, my daughter can never be yours.” Her Adorer—“l beg pardon 1 ; I don’t want her to be my daughter, I want her to be my wife.”—Harlem Life. —“You cannot crush me,” he hissed to the girl who had just spurned him. “You just wait till I get you out on the street with my bicycle,” she muttered malignantly.—Detroit Tribune. —“Strange about May. She doesn’t get married because she doesn't know how to say no.” “Indeed?” “Yes, when fellows ask her to sing for them she always complies.”—Detroit Tribune.

—Phyllis—Little brother told papa that you kissed me over 100 times last night. Alphonso—How did your little brother know? “Why, it’s the little things that count, you know.”—Yonkers Statesman. —“I am told,” remarked the young woman who is fond of research, “that twins are usually very much attached to each other.” “Yes,” replied the mat-ter-of-fact man, “the Siamese twins were.”—Washington Star. —George—l wonder why it’s so easy to get engaged to a girl in the summer. Jack—l just tell you what, George, after a girl sees herself in a summer boarding-house looking-glass she’ll accept most anybody.—New York Weekly. —Borax—“My wife makes a little money go a long ways these times.” Samjones—“So does mine, unfortunately. She’s always subscribing for missions in Africa and Polynesia.”— Truth. —Paserby—“Say, Johnny, why are you wasting your time here shooting craps?” Messenger boy—“ Wasting my time? What’s de matter wid yer? I’m gettin’ paid for every minute of it. Got a message in me pocket”—New York Herald. —Mother—“Johnny, on your way home from school stop at the store and get me a stick of candy and a bar of soap.” Father—“ What do you want of a stick of candy?” Mother—“ That's go he’ll remember the soap.”—New York Weekly. —“I always thought she was the most commonplace of girls.” “At any rate she has just done a most romantic thing.” “What, pray?” “Married a young man of her own age who is neither a coachman nor a prince.”— Judge. —“Suppose, Bobbie, that another boy should strike your right cheek,” asked the Sunday-school teacher, “what would you do?” “Give him the other cheek to strike,” said Bobbie. “That’s right,” said the teacher. “Yessum,” said Bobbie, “and if he struck that I’d paralyze him.”—Harper’s Bazar. —A young miss just Struggling with the piano was privileged to hear Sousa’s band not long since. She afterwards wrote to a friend: “P. S.—Oh, I forgot. I heard Sousa Friday and it was fine. I wish I could play ‘The Washington Post’ and ‘High-School Cadets’ as they did, but then; I am not a band, so don't expect to.”—New York Tribune.

Old Pledges.

At the Paris Mont de Piete, the official pawnbroking establishment, a wedding ring pawned in 1857 has just been redeemed. Only 17 francs was lent upon it originally, but the ticket was renewed thirty-six times, and the owner paid fifty francs in interest Tickets are still renewed every year for a pair of cotton curtains pledged for 4 francs twenty-two years ago, and for an umbrella pawned in 1849. About the most miserable man in the world is the one who is expected to laugh at a joke be hao heard before. —Texas Siftings. Ly

DESIGN FOR A TOWN HALL.

Suited to the Bequirementa of a Town of Five Thousand People, Here Is a study for & small town hall, suited to the requirements of a town of from four to five thousand inhabitaijts. There should be in every town the public building, in which all should take equal delight and pride. Thia building should not be a wooden, tum-ble-down, flat or mansard-roof dry goods box, neither need It bfi an attic in some building, the lower part of which is used as a store-room for kerosene or any other equally combustible material, but should be a real solid, substantial brick building, which should be built in a proper manner, the floors fireproof—not built in that slip-shod fashion that old fogies always prefer, the wooden beam and floors forming beautiful flues for the devouring flames to creep through, thereby at all times rendering such buildings perfect man traps. The roof should be a feature of the building, and not, as many suppose, be made to appear as small as possible, as If It was something to keep out of sight In the design here illustrated it has not been the aim to produce anything but a good, plain, honest build-

PERSPECTIVE VIEW.

ing, suited to the requirements of a country town. The basement is reached by front entrance directly under main entrance, and the floor of porch above forms a covered porch for basement entrance. The hall is large and spacious, and commihiicates with court room, heater room and firemen’s sitting room, also hall of first floor by a flight of easy stairs. The Are engine room is large, and bis two large doors suitable for runniV in engine and hose wagon, and conneAing as it does with sitting room, makes* convenient arrangement. The chief’s Vftice is connected with court room aid has an outside door. Four cells arl provided, in which to stew away atltimes the refactory individual who insists on being in hot water. The first floor contains court room with judges’ and jury room, town clerk’s offUe, with large fire proof vault

PLAN OF FIRST FLOOR.

in which to stow away the town records, two good offices which should hold lawyers enough to do what legal business is necessary to be done in a town of this size. The hall is spacious and communicates directly with offices and court room, and has a broad and easy staircase ascending to the large, high hall above, ‘the whole of which is in one room for assembly purposes. Such a hall as this is capable of being fitted up and answering for everything required in a country town, as a caucus meeting or a theatrical performance, for private parties and public balls, church fairs or even ministers’ donation parties. This hall would be a source of revenue that would almost run the entire building, and would be a source of continual enjoyment to the citizens of the town. The building is thoroughly ventilated throughout The outer walls built of good, honest red brick in colored mortar, with stone basement, water table, sills, steps, etc. The roof slated. The

PLAN OF SECOND FLOOR.

first and second floors of rolled wrought 1 iron beams and corrugated Iron arches, filled in with cement concrete, on which is bedded the sleepers the bard pine floors are laid on. The interior finish to be of bard wood, in a plain and suitable manner. , Cost, $12,0©0. (Copyright by Palliser, Palliser <fe Co., New York.)

The Olive Tree.

The olive tree is supposed to have been originally a native of Greece, but it is now naturalized in the south of France, Italy, and Spain, where it has been extensively cultivated from time immemorial for the oil expressed from the fruit The tree attains an almost Incredible age. Near Femi, in the Vale of Marmora, hj a. plantation about two miles in extent of very 1 old trees, sup-posed-to be the same trees mentioned by Pliny aS grdwlng there in the first century of the Christian era.