Democratic Sentinel, Volume 21, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 June 1897 — Page 2

fli; t_g emo era tie jfiitind J. W. Publisher. RENSSELAER, - - - INDIANA

SEARLES GOES FREE.

JUDGE BRADLEY ORDERS ACQUITTAL OF SUGAR KING. Questions Not Pertinent Decision Bays Senate Investigating Committee Went Outside Its JurisdictionHose Is Turned on Convicts. Senate Is Defied. In the case of John E. Searles, the sugar trust witness, Judge Bradley ordered the jury to bring in a verdict of acquittal, holding that the questions asked the witness by the Senate Committee were not pertinent, and, if so, were not within the jurisdiction of the committee. The judge's opinion was exhaustive. It had been reduced to writing. He pointed out that Mr. Searles had testified specifically that no money had been contributed by the sugar trust to the national campaign or for the purpose of influencing legislation or the election of United States Senators. As to the local contributions, Mr. Searles had testified that he dad not know how the contributions had been used, by whom or for what purpose. The questions put to the defendant were claimed to be pertinent to the second and third divisions of the Senatorial inquiry’, namely, as to whether the sugar trust had contributed sums to campaign funds with the purpose of influencing the election of a United States Senator and whether any Senator had been a party to a compact with the sugar trust had contributed to a campaign fund pie investigation as to whether the sugar arust had contributed to a campaign fund would be an unwarranted search into the private affairs of the company and plainly beyond the power of the Senate. The Senate Committee had reported that no testimony had been produced to show that the sugar trust had made any contributions to any national campaign fund or tor the purpose of affecting legislation. If money had gone for the purpose Of electing members of State Legislatures who in time would elect a United States Senator, it was beyond the power of the United States Senate to go behind the election of legislative members.

DROWNED OUT HINGLEADERB, Hose Turned on Striking Convicts at San Quentin. So far as external evidences go things are in an improved condition at the penitentiary a-t San Quentin, Cal. The State Board of Prison Directors held a special meeting and authorized the warden to shoot down convicts if necessary to restore order. One hundred rifles were borrowed from the armory of Company D, at San Rafael, and sent to the prison. Test extra guards were employed l and placed on the prison walls. CapL Birlem ordered out the fire hose. The nozzle was poked into the wicket of each cell and the convicts were thoroughly drenched. This operation was continued until 8 o’clock and finally the yelling and cursing ceased. FRANCE PLEDGES ITS AID. She Will Support the American Bimetallic Movement. There were 400 delegates present Friday at the annual meeting of the National Bimetallic at Paris. Deputy Fougeirol, who presided, spoke hopefully of the prospects of the movement. Premier Meline said that France alone could not Bettie the question. The co-operation of other powers was necessary, but the United 1 States had now brought the matter before Europe in a decisive way by sending commissioners whose ability and knowledge of the subject enabled them to speak with authority. “France under these circumstances,” he said in conclusion, “will support the efforts of the United States.’’ BOTH THE DUELLISTS KILLED. Young Texas Men Empty Their Revolvers Into Each Other. The neighborhood of Sweet Home, Tex., was assembled at church. Two young men, Will Lewis and Wit Bosworth, were among the number, and bad blood existed between them. They walked away from the crowd together and stopped l after going some distance, appearing to talk the matter over very calmly. One turned as if to leave, when the other drew a revolver. The other wheeled and both fired about the same instant and continued until their revolvers were empty. Both were dead when their friends got to them. Every bullet fired by each took effect

Athletes of the Following Is the standing of the clubs of the National Baseball League: W. L. W. L. Baltimore .. .23 8 Philadelphia. 17 17 Cincinnati ..23 11 Brooklyn ....18 18 Boston 20 12 Louisville ...15 16 Pittsburg ...18 12 Chicago 11 22 Cleveland ... 17 14 Washington.. 9 21 New York... 15 13 St. Louis.... 6 28 The showing of the members of the Western League is summarized below: W. L. W. L. St. Paul 27 10 Detroit 15 18 Milwaukee ..23 12 Minneapolis. 15 22 Indianapolis. 19 13 Kansas City. 12 24 Columbus ...17 14 G’nd Rapids. 9 24 Wants to Patent Hia Air Ship. Ferris D. Toucey of Duluth, engineer of the First National Building and a brother of General Manager Toucey of the New York Central road, will make application for patents on an airship in a few weeks. He has been working secretly for five years on his plans. The machine will use both steam and compressed air. There will be no wings, screw or gas employed. Make a Big Hani. At midnight Monday two masked men bound Peter Beith, who was in charge of the Providence mine, near Nevada, Cal., broke open the safe, and stole a large quantity of amalgamate. The loss is estimated at $20,000. Entire Family Killel. J. W. Roberts, with his wife and two children, was struck by an Illinois Central north-bound passenger train at Aima, 111., and all were instantly killed. They were driving hi a wagon Like a Gift from Heaven. The Shelbyville, Ind., sheriff was about to begin the sale, under foreclosure, of the farm belonging to William Wiley when the latter received $5,000, willed to him by a relative in Kentucky. The bequest was unexpected, and the amount enough to pay off the mortgage. Booth*Tucker Convicted. Commander Booth-Tucker, of the Sal ration Army, has been declared guilty of maintaining a nuisance at the army barracks, in New York, by a jury. BoothTucker may be sentenced to the peniteo,or year, or be compelled to pay a fine of S6OO, or both. ■ C'-

Tillman takes the trail. Would Renew the Fenate Inquiry Into Sugar Schedules. Senator Tillman of South Carolina introduced a resolution in the Senate for the appointment of a special committee of five Senators to inquire into recent reports of speculation by Senators in sugar stocks and as to advance information by New York speculators as to the sugar schedule of the tariff bill; also to continue the investigation made in 1894. The resolution recites that one man is serving a sentence in jail and that another was recently acquitted on a technicality, and provides for conducting the investigation so all questions shall be pertinent. Senator Frye, in the chair, promptly referred the resolution to the Committee on Contingent Expenses. Mr. TiHman was allowed to speak on the subject by unanimous consent. Mr. Tillman made a very sensational speech. He said the Democratic members of the Finance Committee were under a cloud on account of the sugar schedule of the tariff bill of 1894; also that the Republican members of the Finance Committee were now under suspicion. One party was as deep in the mud as the other in the mire, asserted Mr. Tillman. Mr. Pettus of Alabama demanded that Mr. Tillman should specify his charges and that the whole Senate should not be subject to his sweeping assertions. Mr. TiHman said Chapman was in a jail turned into a club, while the great magnate had gone free on a technicality.

ZANZIBAR SLAVES FREED. Most of Them Will Remain with Their Old Masters. United States Consul Mohuu at Zanzibar has informed the State Department that the sultan, Hamaud Bin Mahomed Bin Said, April 7 issued a proclamation abolishing the legal status of slavery in the islands of Zanzibar and Cemba. The consul says.- “It was thought by many persons that the effect of freeing the slaves would be to throw many thousand negroes on their own resources, and that great suffering and privations would ensue for three or four years, but from what I can see not one person will suffer in the slightest degree. In my opinion not 10 per cent of the present generation of slaves will leave their masters, and to outward appearances the condition of the negro is the same as before emancipation. The Arabs received the news with submission. The town was absolutely quiet, although sailors and marines were prepared to land from the British men-of-war in the harbor. I don’t think there is the slightest fear of future trouble.”

WATER IN THE WHISKY. Alaska Smugglers Said to Have Made $45,000 Last Year. News comes from Alaska that liquor of doubtful quality is being smuggled into that territory in large quantities. The shipment of liquor there is unlawful, except where special permits are granted, but many saloons receive fresh consignments by every steamer, though liquor is never entered on the manifests. The latest ruse for getting quantities of whisky into the interior is to take it through Alaska in bond for British territory beyond. Being prohibited there, a bond is given British customs officers to take it out in a specified time. Means are found for taking it across the line into Alaska at some point not watched by American officers. It is asserted that in this way 1,200 gallons of high-proof spirits were distributed among Yukon mining eamps last season. By diluting the quantity was increased to 2,400 gallons, which sold for $25 a gallon, netting a profit to the smugglers of $45,000. Similar though smaller shipments are being made this year.

BANKER JOHNSON INDICTED. Charged with Violating Nearly Every Section of the Law. The Federal grand jury at Indianapolis found nine indictments against John F. Johnson, late president of the State National Bank of Logansport, Ind. He is charged with violating practically every section of the national banking law, including forgery. Fifteen counts in all have been prepared. It is found that the directors of the bank cannot be indicted for stupidity and incompetence, which the Federal authorities indicate is the chief trouble with them.

Kites in the Weather Service. The most significant development in weather forecasting for years, making it possible to forecast for a period of at least sixteen hours longer than at present and more accurately, has been attained by the weather bureau, and soon will bear practical fruit. This is the result of experiments with kites flown at distances of one to two miles above the surface of the earth, which have been quietly conducted in 'Washington for some weeks. Daily readings have been taken at this altitude, and the fact has been established that shifting of the wind occurs a mile above the earth’s surface from twelve to sixteen hours before the same change of direction occurs on the surface. This is due to the same forces which operate to cause wind shifts to produce a storm, one condition being dependent on the other. Secretary of Agriculture Wilson has taken great interest in the experiments, which were made by Chief Moore of the weather bureau, and his consultations with Prof. Moore have resulted in the formulation of a policy which will make weather predictions more valuable in the future. The most imperfect part of weather forecasts now is the prediction as to rain or snow. Meteorologists for the last ten years have been impressed with the fact that future data as to storms must come from a knowledge of upper air conditions. The aeroplane investigations, it is announced, have reached that point where it can be safely stated that within six months the Government weather bureau, for the first time in the history of any meteorological service, can construct a telegraphic synchronous chart based on air conditions one mile above the earth. The chart will cover the conditions between the Alleghenies and the Rockies at the outset. This step probably will mark a new epoch in the weather forecasting problem.

Greece Objects, An Athens dispatch says: The Greek Government has sent a memorandum to the powers protesting against the indemnity demanded by Turkey, and also protesting against the proposed rectification of the Greek frontier. It is reported that the Turks have confiscated 1,250,000 bushels of wheat at Volo, and that the Turkish commander has issued a proclamation calling upon the peasants to return and gather the harvest or their crops will be confiscated. Advices from Lamia Thursday say that a fresh panic prevails there, and that people are fleeing from the city and deserting their children. Gomez Coming to See McKinley. Advices from Cuba were received by the Philadelphia junta to the effect that Gen. Gomez will com'e to this country as “secretary of war pro tern.” of the Cuban republic to confer with President McKinley. Gen. Garcia will command at home. Kills His Boy and Himself. Charles F. Hillyard, 50 years old, a well-known lawyer of Brooklyn, shot and killed, his 13-year-old son, William, and himself. Their bodies were found in a bedroom in Hillyard’s elegant home. Objects to Dr. AngelL The Turkish Government has made formal objection to receiving Dr. Frank B. Angell of Michigan as minister from the United States, according to a Washington itopatch to the New York Sun. It la said

the porte does nqt want as the dipiomttie representative ot this country a man who is in close touch and sympathy with the Christian missionary element in the Sultan's domain and strongly disapproves of the action of the porte in the Armenian massacres. Mustapha Bey. the Turkish minister in Washington, has notified Secretary Sherman of the position of his Government with respect to Dr. Angell. As an intimation of that character is final, Dr. Angell cannot go to Constantinople in his diplomatic capacity.

WAITING ON THE TARIFF. Business Hesitates Because ot Work at Washington. R. G. Dun & Co.’s Weekly Review of Trade says: “People are actually doing more business than they realize. They reckon by values, but these are much lower than in any previous year of prosperity and leave little margin for profits. In quantity there is almost as much business being done as in the years of greatest prosperity, and though the increase in population would call for a material expansion the comparison is not discouraging. llie recovery is slow, hesitating and gradual, but more has been done on the whole in May than in April, while returns of April showed the volume of business only 10 per cent smaller than that of the best year heretofore. Yet hesitation is doing its work every week, and multitudes are waiting because of possibilities at Washington who ought to be filling the demand for labor and the products of labor.” BAD IDAHO WRECK. Head-End Collision Kills Five Persons Outright. A head-end collision between a freight and a passenger train at American Falls, Idaho, caused the death, so far as is known, of nine men and the serious injury of eight others. Two of the latter will die. This is the worst wreck that has occurred on the Short Line in many years. The west-bound passenger was waiting for the freight at American Fails, standing in front of the station building. The freight coming east ran away on the hill west of American Falls. It is thought that the air brakes were tampered with. The freight, running fifty miles an hour, crashed into the passenger train, which was already backing up, right in front of the station. The station building was shattered/ Both engines were converted into scrap iron and twenty freight cars were wrecked.

TORRENT IN A TEXAS TOWN. Over a Hundred Homes Swept Away by a Rio Grande Flood. At El Paso, Texas, the levee broke and the flood waters of the Rio Grande rushed like mad spirits through the city. The Texas and Pacific Railway, realizing that hundreds of families were being flooded from their homes, backed in a large number of empty freight cars for the accommodation of the homeless. Not fewer than 120 homes were swept away. The crash of the walls of houses as they crumbled and fell was mingled with the cries of frightened women and children driven from their homes. Several hundred families are now housed in the freight cars standing in the sea of water. Poison in the Bread. Fred Beeson, an employe on the ranch of Harry Morse, at Sunol, Cal., used arsenic instead of baking powder in making a batch of bread. Beeson is dead, another man will die and several others are dangerously ill. Beeson was a new hand on the ranch. It was found necessary to secure a cook and Beeson was asked if he could fill the position. He said he could do plain cooking. He was put to work in the kitchen and his first work was to bake up a batch of bread and biscuits for the evening meal. When looking around the kitchen for soda Beeson found some white powder in a baking powder can. He assumed that it was soda and he added three heaping spoonfuls to the dough. Beeson set aside some of the dough for biscuits and then baked a batch of bread. The dinner was served and Beeson and one other man partook heartily of the biscuits. The others ate more sparingly. An investigation proved the powder used was arsenic. Great Strike of Miners Likely. The national executive board of the United Mine Workers of America have decided to order a general strike throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, to secure the (59-cent rate for mining. More than 50,000 miners will be affected by the order, and a desperate struggle between the men and operators will result. The order, it is said, has been decided on because of the fact that thirteen of the large coal companies in the Pittsburg district have secured control of all the lake front dockage.

Iron Mills Cut Wa jes 10 Per Cent. The Mahoning Valley Iron Company, the Brown Bonnell Iron Company, operating extensive mills at Youngstown, Ohio, and William Tod, engine builders, have posted notices of 10 per cent reduction in wages. Boodlers in Hnssio. Russian artillery officers stationed at Otchakoff, on the Dnieper, have been detected in selling large quantities of gunpowder and other stores to Odessa junk dealers.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

Chicago—Cattle, common to prime, $3.50 to $5.50; hogs, shipping grades, $3.00 to $3.75; sheep, fair to choice, $2.00 to $5.00; wheat, No. 2 red, 69c to 70c; corn, No. 2,23 cto 24c; oats, No. 2,17 c to 18c; rye, No. 2,33 cto 34c; butter, choice creamery, 14c to 16c; eggs, fresh, 8c to 10c; potatoes, per bushel, 15c to 30c; broom corn, common growth to choice green hurl, $25 to S7O per ton. Cattle, shipping, $3.00 to $5.25; hogs, choice light, $3.00 to $4.00; sheep, common to choice, $3.00 to $4.50; wheat, No. 2,88 cto 90c; corn, No. 2 white, 27c to 28c; oats, No. 2 white, 21c to 23c. St. Louis—Cattle, $3.00 to $5.50; hogs, $3.00 to $3.75; sheep, $3.00 to $4.75; wheat, No. 2,83 cto 84c; corn. No. 2 yellow, 22c to 24c; oats, No. 2 white, 18c to 20c; rye, No. 2,33 cto 35c. Cincinnati—Cattle, $2.50 to $5.00; hogs, $3.00 to $4.00; sheep, $2.50 to $4.75; wheat, No. 2,85 cto 87c; corn, No. 2 mixed, 25c to 27c; oats, No. 2 mixed, 21c to 23c; rye, No. 2,35 cto 37c. Detroit—Cattle, $2.50 to $5.25; hogs, $3.00 to $3.75; sheep, $2.00 to $4.75; wheat, No. 2 red, 82c to 84c; corn, No. 2 yellow, 25c to 27c; oats, No. 2 white, 23c to 25c; rye, 34c to 36c. Toledo—Wheat, No. 2 red, 78c to 79c; corn, No. 2 mixed, 23c to 25c; oats, No. 2 white, 18c to 20c; rye, No. 2,35 cto 36c; clover seed, $4.15 to $4.25. Milwaukee—Wheat. No. 2 spring, 72c to 73c; corn, No. 3,23 cto 25c; oats. No. 2 white, 21c to 23c; barley. No. 2,28 cto 33c; rye, No. 1,35 cto 37c; pork, mess $7.75 to $8.25. Buffalo—Cattle, $2.50 to $5.50; hogs, $3.00 *o $4.25; sheep, $3.00 to $4.75; wheat, No. 2 red, 83c to 84c; corn. No. 2 yellow, 28e to 30c; oats, No. 2 white 24c to 26c. New York—Cattle, $3.00 to $5.50; hogs, $3.50 to $4.50; sheep, $3.00 to $4.75; wheat, No. 2 red, 77c to 79c; corn, Na '2, 28c to 29c; oats, No. 2 white, 21c to'22c butter, creamery, 11c to 16c; eggs. Western, 9c to Ue.

LIGING IT DOWN

CHAPTER XVI. That I should be entertaining Yorke Ferrera in my own house as a guest—that he should be simply polite, and friendly, and conventional, would have once seemed to me an astounding and impossible fact But it was a fact nevertheless, and one to which I grew accustomed as days passed by. With each day the feeling of a change—a strange, indescribable, but most complete change—dawned upon me. Never by one word or look did he recur to the past—never by the faintest allusion recall that scene of our last parting. “It is over—safely over,” I would tell myself, drawing in a deep breath of thankfulness. “Perhaps, after all, he will marry Nettie Croft.” But Nettie had not ye tappeared on the scene. I had written twice, but without avail. I made up my mind at last that I would go and fetch her myself, refusing all excuse. I had a sort of longing to see Yorke Ferrers with her, to see if he would take up that broken thread again, knotting it with new admiration and regard, for indeed Nettie was worth both. So, ready for battle, and armed at all points, I was ushered into the little dingy, shabby drawing room of the Crofts, and there, sitting calmly at his ease, and apparently on the best of terms with grandmother and granddaughter, was Yorke Ferrers himself. I was so amazed that I could not even offer any conventional greeting. “You here!” I exclaimed. “You never told me you were coming.” “And you favored me with equal confidence,” he said, sarcastically. “I never expected to meet you here.” Then I remembered myself, and went over to greet Mrs. Croft, who was glowering at us both in malicious and most sinister fashion. "It is not always prearranged things that are as easy as accidents,” she said, and something in her voice and look made me color hotly as 1 turned to Nettie. We kissed each other as usual, but for a second a flash of eager curiosity shot from her eyes to mine. The memory of that evening was present with us both. We had not met since, and we met now in the presence of the man we had then discussed.

At last I remembered my errand, and told Nettie that I had come with an invitation to which I would hear no refusal. She looked at her grandmother, but the old lady nodded a gracious assent. “Go, child—go!” she said quickly, “and stay as long as you like.” “I in the afternoon, and stay the day after,” Nettie said quietly. “That will be long enough. Ido not like to leave grandmamma so much alone.” “Very well,” I answered, rising to take my leave. “1 will send the carriage for you, or,” glancing at Yorke, who had also risen, “perhaps Mr. Ferrers will call and drive you over?” “I shall be delighted,” answered Yorke quickly, “if Nettie will trust herself to me.” “Thank you,” said Nettie coldly. “I will not trouble you. Joan always arranges matters for me, and my box would not go in the pony carriage.” “As you please,” said Yorke huflsly. Then he turned to me. “Will you give me a lift home—or is it inconvenient?” “Not at all,” I said; “I shall be glad to be saved the trouble of driving. lam always nervous about that hill.” So we all shook hands, and I had only just an to Whisper to Nettie: “It is all right now; he has got over it.” Then I went out into the cold, frosty air, and Yorke assisted me into the carriage, and took his place beside me, and we drove off. So, he said, after a few moments’ silence —“so you have formed a friendship. Are you and Nettie inseparable?” "Does that follow?” I asked quietly. "I am very fond of her.. I—l think, she is fond of me; but we are not necessarily inseparable.” “When I knew .you,” he said abruptly, “you had not even a bowing acquaintance with her.”

“True," I said. “It was you and she who were inseparable then. It is odd how things change.” “And people, too,” he said gloomily. “Yes, I believe I was fond of Nettie once'” “There is no reason,” I said tranquilly, why you should not be fond of her again. She, at least, is not changed.” “You talk,” he said, savagely, “as if it were the easiest thing in the world to be fond of anybody.” I was silent. The sharp, cold air whirled by, the bare trees and hedgerows seemed running a wild, mad race. In silence we drove on, in silence we reached the lodge-gates and passed into the park. Then, half way up the drive, Yorke suddenly drew the ponies to a standstill. “Joan,” he said, abruptly, “you have changed, and so have I; it mayn’t be—quite—in the same way. But that matters not. The change is there. Now for one moment drop your mask. Let us go back to Konigssee.” “No,” I cried, fiercely, “not for one moment —not for one second even! I will not go back. I will not even think of that time. Oh, shame—shame on you to ask me!” “I asked you,” he said, in a strange, husky voice, "to try you, Joan. You have not—forgotten. No; well as you play your part, you have uot forgotten.” He lashed the ponies, they sprang forward —forward, and almost over a figure coming towards us down the dark and winding drive. "Take care!” I cry in terror, but the figure turned aside and passed shadowlike into the brushwood and shrubberies. It was a woman’s figure, tall and dark, and with a gleam of silvery hair under dusky draperies. “I suppose Mrs. March is taking a walk, ’ I said to myself. “But what an odd time!” Then the ponies reached the hall door, and I sprang from the carriage and passed in, without another word or look at Yorke Ferrers.

CHAPTER xvn. Nettie Croft stayed with us for several days. A hard, frost has set in, and Yorke Ferrers, and Alfy, and herself pass most of their time skating. Ido not skate, and the n eather is too cold for Darby to go out, so Sir JtaJph has to chaperon Nettie. One afternoon, however down to the hond to watch them. . '

BY Rilu

Midway between the plantation and the pond where I expect to find the skaters there is a little belt of trees, enclosing a tumble-down old summer honse. As I glanced casually in its direction I gave a little start of surprise. At the entrance of the summer house I see two figures. The one I cannot help recognizing. Its height and bearing proclaim It at once ae that of Sir Ralph. The other figure is that of Mrs. March, the new housekeeper. I may well be amazed—and I am amazed—to see my husband and this woman in deep and earnest conversation. An odd, uncomfortable feeling comes over me. I think of Sir Ralph's warm praise —of the stress he laid upon the fact that she was a lady—of hie engaging her without reference or inquiry; and I think, too, of certain little peculiarities in her manner to myself—a want of respect, a certain half-patronizing, half-condescending acceptance of my orders or directions, that I have hitherto placed to the score of my own youth and want of dignity. But now a new light seems to dawn upon me. If she Is on such terms with my husband that *’« can meet him in this unlikely spot, and walk and talk with him in this familiar fashion, it seems to say that they have strangely forgotten their relative positions. As I them in a puzzled and wholly bewildered fashion, they pass on and beyond the little belt of sheltering trees, and are lost to sight. Half indignant and resentful, I make my own fray to the pond, and there I come upon Yorke Ferrers, standing gloomily apart, watching Alfy Instruct Nettie Croft in some new figure. As I approach he lifts his hat and comes towards me. “Has Sir Ralph not been skating?” I ask, glancing quickly round. “Yes; but he left half an hour ago,” he answered. Half an hour! So for half an hour he has been walking In the plantation with Mrs. March, I think to myself. What can he have to say to her? We walked up and down on the bank, waiting until Nettie had perfected that lesson. I was in anything but an amiable mood. I was annoyed with Sir Ralph, annoyed with Nettie, and not at all pleased with Yorke’s company. “It is a dreary day,” he remarked at last, glancing round at the colorless landscape. “Has any one else been here?” I asked, abruptly. “Any one from the house, I mean, to look on?” “No,” he said, looking straight at me. “Why do you ask? Have any of your domestics been playing truant?" “Do not be absurd," I said pettishly. “I asked because—because—l fancied—” “That is lucid,” he Interposed, quietly. “I think you are not In a very good temper this afternoon. Something has put you out”

“You are mistaken,” I said, with dignity. "Nothing has put me out. I wish they would come. I wanted to talk to Alfy.” “You need not hint so plainly that you don’t want to talk to me,” he said>stormRy. “Do not be foolish,” I said with composure. “It is not more unnatural that 1 should wish to walk with Alfy than—than that you should wish to walk with Nettie Croft.” “Did I say that?” he asked in a low, suppressed voice. “Did I even hint it?” “No; but, of course, I knew it all the same,” I said, coolly. “Oh!” he said with an odd sort of composure; ‘‘there is a rival in the field!” “Nothing that need make you very uneasy,” I said quickly, “for I am almost sure you are first favorite.” He turned suddenly and faced me, and seized my hand and drew it tight against his breast. “Joan!” he said fiercely. I snatched the hand away. I made a rush past him. There—a few yards in advance I saw the figure of Sir Ralph. In a second I was beside him. “Oh,” I cried joyfully, “so there you are at last! Why did you not wait for me at the pond?” He turned and looked at me, his face strangely pale and cold in the frozen winter dusk. “I did not say I would wait,” he answered coldly; “and,” looking at Yorke, who was beside us now, “I had no doubt you would be well taken care of.” His tone and look were so strange and so unusual that a curious, uncomfortable feeling crept over me. He did not attempt to keep the hand I had placed in his own, so I let it drop by my side, and we walked on, a very gloomy and taciturn trio, till we reached the terrace. “Are you coming in to have some tea?” I asked Sir Ralph, as I entered the house. “No, not this afternoon,” he said curtly. “I have some letters to write, and some accounts to look into.” He left us in the hall, and went away to his own study. For a moment my eyes followed him in pained wonder. Then' 1 turned and met Yorke’s watchful gaze. “It is all your fault,” I burst out in sudden fury. “What business had you to seize my hand to —to —to make me look like a fool? Of course he saw us.” No doubt he saw us,” Yorke answered sneeringly. “But he won’t say anything. Is—ls he does,” sinking his voice and drawing nearer, “ask him with whom he walks every afternoon in the plantation.” Then, ere I could collect my amazed and indignant senses, he walked away, and left me standing there, but with something in my heart that was not there before—something that threatened destruction to the peace of mind I had assured myself was henceforth to be the best and sweetest possession of my life.

CHAPTER XVIII. The day after this scene, Yorke Ferrers left Monk's Hall. Sir Ralph told me he was going to take up his old profession again; that he was going into chambers in one of those close and dreary courts surrounding the Temple; that he had announced his determination of going in steadily for work this time, and I had listened with wonder to the announcement, and marveled if I should ever understand Yorke. Nettie Croft, to whom I wrote this news, answered back that she was delighted; that no doubt he would do well. ’Y?}y. Bllould 110 not, with his talents and abilities? And there was nothing like work and occupation for young men. Once again we settled down into the old quiet routine of life. But there was a change. Sir Ralph was not so ready with excuses to join me at every opportunity. Aever by any chance did he wander into my boudoir or dressing room at those hours when he knew' I was suX to be alone. Day after day glided on monotonously, uneventfully, and, to me, most drearily, and still the shadow between us and the constraint weighed more and more heavily. lhe winter wanes, and in the spring we l< i k° u d° n , and for once I am glad o i glad of the promise of excitement, on ever false—of gaiety, however hollow ot the whirl, and bustle, and endless engagements and occupations which are about my London seasons, and promise me some distraction and forgetfulness.

Sir Ralph has suggested that I should bring Nettie with me, and I am aothlnj loth, and as Mrs. Croft is in better health, and gives a grudging consent, I bear my friend off in triumph, and tell her that I have now a double inducement to be gay and worldly. We take a furnished house for the season. Its arrangements do not please me, and I spend much time in altering and rearranging, in selecting other furniture and hangings, and in making what Sir Ralph terms a “picturesque litter.” But the result is satisfactory, and it gives me occupation during these early April days, when as yert the rush and whirl of gaiety are in embryo. “I have asked Yorke to dinner tonight,” my husband said one morning at breakfast. “I saw him last night; he did not know we were in town yet. He said something about calling.” “I hope,” I said, “you mentioned my days.” “No; but you can tell him yourself tonight I thought one more wouldn’t spoil our number, so I told him to look in.” I glanced at Nettie. Alfy was coming, and Alfy had stipulated that he was to take her in to dinner. I feared Yorke would be a disturbing element She had flushed rosy red, and smiled consciously as she met my glance. Sir Ralph’s eyes had followed mine. I don’t know what interpretation he put upon that exchange of looks. I was growing almost too'reckless to care. It seemed hard that he should so often willfully misunderstand me.

“Why does he ask him here?” I said to myself. “If he suspects anything, why does he ask him here?” The evening came. I was not quite dressed when Nettie knocked at my dressing room door. I turned and looked at her with wondering admiration. Her snowy arms, and throat, and neck shone satinsmooth from out faint clouds of tulle that draped the tall, beautiful figure. Her rich wealth of hair was twisted high up on her head, and fastened with a diamond arrow. “I never saw you look so lovely,” I said—“never! What have you done to yourself?” “Perhaps,” she whispered shyly, “It is happiness.” We entered the drawing room together, Nettie and I, and a few moments afterwards Yorke Ferrers was announced. Quick as lightning, I saw his eyes turn from me to Nettie, and read their look of admiration and wonder. I scarcely spoke to hipa. The feelings of resentment and indignation which ho had left with me as a legacy after our last interview seemed to spring up into renewed life at the very sight of his face. He was handsomer than ever. The pallor of his cheeks and the shadows under his eyes only gave a new charm to his face. As the room filled I saw women's eyes turn to him, and me also. I had again and again to repeat that formula, “My husband’s nephew, Mr. Ferrers,” in answer to inquiries, and I found myself debating as to whom I Should offer the felicity of his company. The hour for dinner arrived, passed, and still Alfy had not come. I began to grow uneasy. It was so unlike him to be unpunctual. Ten minutes —a quarter of an hour—then the footman entered with a telegram. Sir Ralph took it with an apology for opening it, then turned to me. “Alfy is detained at Aidershot,” he said. “We need not wait any longer." There was no help for it. Sir Ralph led off his appointed dowager; the others followed “two by two.” “You must take Nettie,” I said hurriedly to Yorke Ferrers. Then, as he offered her his arm, I found myself companionless. Mechanically I began to count. “Two four—six—eight— ten— twelve. Good gracious!" Nettie, catching that exclamation, turned round. “Why, you have no one,” she said. "Take Yorke’s other arm. How is it we'rs an odd number?” “Never mind,” I said hurriedly; “do not speak of it—perhaps no one will no< tice. We are thirteen!” (To be continued.)

Blotting Paper.

In England they use a thin blotting paper. Here we use mainly a thick blotter. Such thin blotting paper as is used here is chiefly for blotting leaves in books. Here we use on a desk a sheet of blotting paper 19 by 24 inches, the standard size, which may be turned over when one Side is pretty well filled with ink. In England the thin blotting paper is folded into a number of sheets, making a sort of pad, something larger than legal cap paper, and when a leaf gets saturated with ink it is torn off. Blotting paper is not new, but it was first made in this country only about forty years ago. Before that time we used some of the thin English blotting paper, imported, but more commonly to prevent ink from blotting we used sand, which was poured upon the written sheet out of a sandbox. The sandbox was a common article of desk furniture, as the wafer-box was at one time, and almost as commonly seen as the inkstand. It was made sometimes of tin, sometimes of wood. It was, perhaps, three Inches in height, and maybe two and a half inches across the top, where its diameter was greatest. It was something like a pepper-box in the manner of its use, but as to shape, instead of having a convex top, it had a concave top, like a saucer. The bottom of this saucer was perforated. The box was filled with sand through these perforations. When the box was used sand was poured from it upon the writing. A little of the sand adhered to the fresh ink it kept from blotting. Very much the greater part of the sand poured out lay scattered upon the paper. Lifting the book or paper the surplus sand was poured back into the box. Many of the wooden sand boxes were handsomely turned articles. ,The sand used was a peculiar fine black sand of uniform grain, brought from Lake George, in New York State. At the time of the civil war in this country blotting paper had come into comparatively common use. It is only within fifteen or twenty years, however, that it has come into the wide and very nearly general use of the present time.

Popes in the Chair of Peter.

The list of pontiffs varies in the works of different authors, not only from the fact that in the first three centuries of the papacy there is much confusion with regard to the names and number of the bishops of Rome, but also that the theological and historical writers baking different views of the controversies which have raged at various times in the church reckon some as antipopes which others count as pontiffs. According to the list furnished by Chambers, from the accession at Peter, A. D. 41, to Leo XIII., in 1878, there have been 260 pontiffs and sixteen antdpopes.

SENATE AND HOUSE.

WORK OF OUR NATIONAL LAWMAKERS A Week's Proceedings in the Halls of Congress—lmportant Measures Discussed and Acted Upon—An Impartial Resume of the Business. The National Solons. The Senate Wednesday resumed consideration of the tariff. Mr. Vest, opposition leader, moved a reduction in the duties upon boracie acid, and was defeated, 34 to 20. The debate was participated in by Senators Vest, Jones of Arkansas, Aldrich, Perkins, White, Caffery, Gray, and Stewart. Mr. White, a Democratic member of the Finance Committee, opposed Mr. Vest’s amendment, urging that the California industry required the rate allowed by the committee. Seven paragraphs of the bill were considered during the day, the committee being sustained in each instance. The resolution was agreed to authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to employ any, suitable ship in forwarding relief supplies to India. The House was not in session.

The Cuban resolution was brought before the House Thursday. A motion to refer to committee, none of Which are yet appointed, was declared by Speaker Reed to be out of order. Mr. Lewis appealed from the ruling, and the appeal was tabled—9l to 57. Adjourned. The Senate made good progress on the tariff bill, disposing of ten pages. Several votes were taken, the Finance Committee being sustained in each case by majorities varying from six to fifteen. The drug schedule was under discussion and the debate was largely technical. Before taking up the tariff the final conference report on the sundry civil bill was agreed to, including the provision suspending until March 1 next the executive order creating extensive forest reserves. After a long period of silence Senator Tillman of South Carolina startled the Senate Friday by a speech no less dra-matic-in its delivery than sensational in its allegations. He declared the public statements that Senators were speculating in sugar stocks, pending the settlement of the sugar tariff schedule, were getting to be so persistent and forceful that it was a national scandal. He preceded his speech by presenting a resolution for the appointment of a special committee of five Senators to investigate the charges. The Senate then took up the tariff bill. The House did nothing. The Senate Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds agreed to report favorably the bills for public buildings at Baltimore' Md„ to cost $1,500,000; Durham, N. C.’, $125,000; McKeesport, Pa.. $200,000; Washington, Pa., $75,000; Wilkesbarre, Pa., $225,000; Butte City, Mont., $300,000, and Aberdeen, S. D.. SIOO,OOO. For the first time in many years a member of the United States Senate was Saturdty afternoon directed to take his seat as a result of statements made in debate. The Senator who offended was Mr. Morgan, of Alabama, and the man who called him to order was Senator Hale, of Maine. Mr. Morgan was at the moment soundly berating Speaker Reed for bis exercise of the one-man power in the House. The presiding officer at the time was Senator Gallinger, of New Hampshire, but after the spurt of indignation on the part of Mr. Hale was over, Mr. Morgan continued his speech declaring, for the first time during the twenty years he had served in the Senate, this was the only occasion on which he had been directed to cease debate aud take his seat. He wanted the American people to know that such demands were made at a time when the Senator so dealt with was defending the Constitution. The whole day was consumed in a further consideration of the glass schedule. The Senate adjourned over Monday.

The Senate made good progress on the tariff bill Tuesday, advancing to the important metal schedule. During the day the paragraphs covering marble and stone, china, glass, brick and tiles were completed, with a few minor exceptions. The Senator from South Carolina. John L. McLaurin, who succeeded the late Senator Earle, was sworn in at the opening of the session. This establishes the personnel of the Senate as it will remain for some Republicans, 43; Democrats, 34; Populists, 7; Silver Republicans. 5; vacancy, 1 (Oregon); total, 90. The House passed two minor Senate bills, but because of non-existence of committees could do no other work. However, a lively attack was made upon the policy of holding up appointment of committees until after the Senate finishes with the tariff.

WASHINCTON COSSIP

The state, war and navy building was begun in 1871 and cost $10,000,000 to complete. The hall of the House of Representatives is the largest assembly room in the world. The Congress of the United States has met annually In Washington since Nov. 17, 1800. The Crawford bronze door of the Senate wing weighs 14,000 pounds and cost nearly $57,000. A marble column surmounted by a statue of Lincoln stands in front of the district courthouse. The new naval observatory at Washington is one of the finest scientific plants in the world. General Winfield Scott fathered the soldiers’ home, which was established by Congress in 1857. Ainsworth R. Spofford has been librarian of Congress since 1864. His salary is $4,000 a year. It costs about SIOO,OOO a year to run the White House exclusive of the President’s salary of $50,000. The columns of the eastern portico of the capital are each solid blocks of sandstone thirty feet high. The Rogers bronze doors at the main entrance of the eapitol tell the history of Columbus and cost $28,000. The treasury building was completed in 1869 at a cost of $8,000,000. , It is the largest government department. The postoffice department building was erected in 1839 and extended in 1855, at a cost of over $2,000,000. The terraces of the eapitol were only completed In 1891, the total cost of the building footing up $14,455,000. The bronze propeller of the famous flagship, the Hartford, was cast into the statutes of Admiral Farragjit,