Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 October 1890 — Page 16

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THE INDIANAPOLIS JOURNAL, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1890.

BASKING IN OLD MEXICO

Interesting Descriptive Talk About the Financial Methods of the Country, The RMicnIcus Blander Made in an Effort to Introduce Nickel Carre ncj Facts About the CircalatinjHediuiri Queer Mexicaaldeis. Ex-Mayor Grxibb?, of this city, x?ho has recently returned after seven years experience in the banking business in Mexico, has valuable knowledge of the business methods in rogue in the sister republic. A Journal reporter, in conversation w ith him, brought out a number of interesting facts. 'Tho business of banking, as carried on in this country," said Mr. Grubbsin answer to the reporter's question, "was almost unknown in Mexico until within the past ten years, and tho banking facilities of that conn try, npon a systematic and exact basis, are quite limited even at this time. "Up to about 187S the exchanges of that ancient and somewhat populous country "were made exclusively Jon a monometallic bais, silver being almost the solo currency in circulation a email copper coinage, for convenience in minor transactions, being the only exception. As each state had its own distinct copper coinage the benefits of that currency were merely local. Naturally the bulk and weight of the silver currency rendered all commercial transactions of any magnitude quito inconvenient, while, in the absence of railroads, the risks of transportation from one part of the country to another were so grout as to prevent shipments, except when absolutely necessary. It may readilr be seen that under such a eystem of exchanges th trade of any commercial center would of necessity be confined within narrow limits, and there could be no inducement to strive lor larger results by the opening of other and more distant fields. This condition of atlairs in a moditied form is practically in existence nt this day, even in thoo localities in Mexico in which bauking-houses have existed for several years." "What is the usual plan regarding money among merchants or tourists in the interior of Mexico!" "A bag containing 1,000 silver dollars will weigh sixty-four pounds. If one starts on a journey to the interior of Mexico, it is often quite uecessary to carry theso dollars to defray tho expense of tho trio, it being almost impossible to procure bills of exchange except upon bankers or merchants in a few of the larger cities. Where large amounts of money or bullion are to be transported for any great distance, a fully equipped train, known as a conducta. fuarded by an armed escort, is employed, t is impossible to carry even a moderate amount of money with any concealment, or to carry it at all with any comfort. The constant exhibition of coin held in bags, clinking in trunks or boxes, or ponred in streams at the banks and commercial 'houses, constitute a standing temptation to violence and robbery, although to the creditof tho Mexican people it may be stated that bold robbenes, such as frequently occur on our Western highways, are of rare occurrence. Even in the city of Mexico, with its population of 300,000, and possessing banking facilities superior to any other city in the republic the silver nuisance is plainly visible to all observers. At the entrance to every banking-house may bo seen a half dozen or mors street porters (cargadores), most of whom are kept busy daring banking hours carrying bags of silver from tho banks to the business-houses, and from stores and shops back to the banks. It seem9 difficult to teach the ordinary Mexican that a debt may be paid without actually counting out the sum total of tho obligation in silver dollars. That a check or order on a bank ior a certain sum of money can, in any possible manner, be of the same value and as effective as silver dollars in the cancellation of a debt for the amount it calls for is a very difficult financial transaction lor him to understand. . He has handled silver dollars until they havo become to him the only true measure of Talues. For instance, a Mexican of good financial standing and average intelligence negotiated a loan in the bank for $J,000. lie borrowed this money to pay an obligation he had given to Mr. A. Mr. A. was in debt to Mr. U. for a like sum, and Mr. B. owed to the bank from which the money was borrowed this same sum of &J.OU0. This was all known to the banker, and he suggested, as a matter of convenience to all concerned, that the borrower take a certificate of deposit for the money and nse it in payment of the debt. It was explained to liiin that the money was owing to and coming directly back to the bank, and that the inconvenience and expenso of carrying the silver to three different places, and th trouble of counting it each time, might thns be avoided. This was beyond the Mexican's comprehension. His obligation, like all others in Mexico, called for pesos fuertes (hard dollars), and his imagination con Id not be forced to the point of comprehending that a slip of paper, calling npon a bank for the payment of a certain sum of money, could possibly take tho place and perform tha functions of that many cold silver dollars. Tho result was that two porters were employed to carry the bags of money to the several parties whose debts were to be cancelled. ' Within a few hours the same dollars, in the same bags, were securely looked in tho safe of the bank from which they were lent out, but they had. in the meantime, been counted four times, and each debtor and creditor had been afforded the satisfaction of gazing upon and handling them." "For what length of time has paper money been in circulation in Mexico, and by what bank was it tirst issued!" "The tirst issue of bank notes in Mexico was made by the!3ank of London, Mexico and South America, a branch of which was opened in the City of Mexico about the vearlH'4. The issue consisted of notes of large denominations, and. therofore. had no effect in checking the use of silver. In fact, paper money was not regarded with mnoh favor, and, until within recent years, a domestic bank note was a curiosity in any part of Mexico outside the federal district. "From lS7SuntillbS3theLegislatureof the state of Chihuahua chartered four banks of issue. These fzanchiscs were granted prior to the concession by the several states to the general government of the right to control the business of banking throughout tho republic Each of theso state banks had maintained an unimpaired credit the business public had been greatly convenienced. by their operations and their franchises, which were in the nature of vested rights, should have been held inviolate. The. government, however, did not regard theso state charters as sacred, and to-day there is not a bank in Mexico that is operating under a state charter." "At what time was the Mexican National Lank orsanizedP "In lfeii President Gonzales brought influences to bear upon the various states to induce them to cede to the general government tho solo power to grant banking privileges, and his efforts were successful. Immediately the President and Congress entered into contract with a Frencht and Mexican syndicate, which granted to a corporation a complete monopoly of the business of banking, so far as the issue of circulating notes is concerned, in all the states of the union, for a term of thirty or possibly for fifty years. This syndicate now operates and is known as 'El lianco Nacionai Mexicano,' (the Mexican National Hank.) For this concession, which gave to tho syndicate enormous advantages and an almost absolute control of the money markets of the entire country, the publio treasury received practically no benefit. All that the syndicate was required to do In return for this immenso monopoly was to guarantee that tho credit of the government should be good in the bant thus chartered for a buci at any time not exceeding even million dollars. Not one centas far as tho public is aware was paid outright for this princely concession, controlling as it does tho entire banking interests of a great republic; but the credit of tho government is simply guaranteed for a limited sum, every dollar of which, with a good rate of interest added, the government will bo obliged to pay. "What effact has the opening of the National liank upon other banksof issueP "As soon as the National Hank was organized and ready for business the Secretary of the Treasury ordered all the banks in tho state of Cblhauhn to cease operations, declared tLem illegal, and ordered ttat tho circulating notes of said banka be

redeemed and cancelled within six months from the dato of said order. This meant ruin to sorne of the older banks, whose bnsiness had grown to large proportions. The pressure was so great that two of these institutions, in order to avoid a conflict with the authorities, finally made a compromise with the government and the National Hank, whereby they were given charters for fifteen years, at a cost to each bank of more than $J0,000." "Is the Mexican National an organization similar to the national banks of the United States!" "Not at all. The name national Is a misnomer as applied to the Mexican National Hank. The mother bank is located in the City of Mexico, with branches in many of the principal cities, but the notes issued in Mexico City are the only ones that pass at par in all the States. Notes issued by the branches at Chihuahua, Zacatecas, v era Cruz and other points all bear the stamp of the place of issue, and will bo discounted from 1 to a percent, when presented to the bank at any other place than the place of is.iue. Unlike the national banks of the United States, tho Mexican National offers no security to the holders of circulating notes other than that afforded by the paidup capital of the bank. No government bonds or other collaterals are on deposit in the Treasury Department for the security of any of the liabilities of the bank. It is, therefore, apparent that the National Bank of Mexico has no better basis than tho old State banks of our own country which years ago sprang mnltitudinonsly into existence in a day and passed as quickly away, leaving an unsavory record and much misery behind them. Of course, this is a short-sighted and incomplete method of banking, and tends to preveut the general use of hank notes in place of silver, but tho people of Mexico have much to learn about banking, and in time will doubtless improve upon all the methods now employed in great linancial institutions, as well as in tho conduct of all affairs of business, both private and public." "What are the denominations of silver coins now in use in Mexico!" "Up to within a recent dato the fractional silver of Mexico was tho real (122 cents), medio real (0I4 cents), dos reales (25 cents) and quatro reales (50 cents). These are the old Spanish coins, such as circulated in this country fifty or more years ago. The Mexican government recently adopied the decimal system of coinage, and subsidiary silver coins similar to ours, and of tho same nominal value, are now in free circulation." "Are there any nickel coins in circulation!" "In 1SS3 the Mexioan government attempted to placo in circulation a currency of nickel. The coinage consisted of pieces of the denominations of 1,2 and 5 cents, and were very artistic specimens of the engraver's work, as the diea were made in the United States. When tho time came to placo this coin in circulation a huco blunder was made, and tho experiment of a uickelcurrency was a fiat failure. Wherever 11 regiment of soldiers was stationed this money was sent by the barrel and shoveled out 011 pay day. Taking it as it came, it required about a quart to pay for one day's marketing. Every one became alarmed at the prospect 01 handling such a currency probably more alarmed at the thought of having to submit to any inovation whateverand merchants and traders refused to accept it. In some places, where the people found themselves burdened with this coin, with no apparent way of disposing of it, serious riots occurred, aud, within six months from the time of first issuing this currency, the Kovernment was forced to call it in. In the larger cities many merchants were offered this nickle money at a discount of 25 per cent, in order to induce them to handle it and start the circulation. Some of them tried it. but their efforts were in vain. To-day a nickel coin is rarely to be fonnd in Mexico, and none of them are used in trade. It is refused in exchange for stamps at the postoffico of the government that authorized its coinage and , placed it in circulation." "How is money loaned in Mexico, andean collections be readily enforced!" "Those having money to loan in that country dispose of it on both personal and mortgage securities. An ordinary note or promise to par. such as is used by oar people, is of no value as commercial paper. When loans aro made on personal security only tho obligation given is what is known as a librauza, which is simply a draft drawn by A against B, in favor of C, and accepted by B; it being necessary to have three or more parties named in the draft a drawer, an acceptor and a payee. If such an obligation is dishonored at maturity there aro no legal proceedings required in the way of formal issue of summons, trial and- judgment. Before noon of the day after maturity the draft must be protested. As soon as this is dono the claim may bo placed in the hands of tbedistrict judge, and the creditor must state which one of tho debtors he desires first proceeded against This defendant is at onco called in. and his only defense is that he did not sign the draft. If he admits the signing, judgment is at onco entered as confessed and execution is issued. The property of this defendant must first be oxhausted before proceeding against any of tho other parties to the draft. If the one against whom execution first issues is not able to pay the debt in full, another of the debtors may be proceeded against, but only one at a time, until the debt is fully paid or all the defendants are stripped of assets. "Loans on real estate are made usually on what is known as a retro venta, an instrument similar, in some respects, to a deed of trnst. The borrower really executes to the person lrom whom he receives tbe money a valid deed to the real estate described, reciting therein the amount of the obligation and the date on which the same is to be paid. This deed contains a condition that if the money is paid as agreed the deed becomes null and void, but that in default of such payment tho conveyance becomes absolute and the borrower loses all right and title to the property named in the deed. Such 'contracts are valid under the laws of Moxico. Of course, such contracts shut off a vast amount of litigation, but tho result is often disastrous to those who havo been obliged to thns pledge their homes. "A lawsuit in Mexico on an ordinary promise to pay or on miscellaneous contracts is a thing to be avoided, and none know this so w'ell as those who have once indulged in the expensive and never-ending luxury. The litigant who posseses money can, if so disposed, keep a case grinding, or, more properly speaking, 'sleeping,' in the conrts for an almost indefinite period. "Sitting in the ban& one day was a Mexican alcalde, (justice of the peace), a veritable hidalgo in rags, as proud and dignified as ho was poor. A customer having money on deposit came in, asked for a blank check, tilled it out and drew the money it called for. Instantly the old alcalde was on tho alert. 'What is that!' he asked, pointing to the check. He was told that it was a printed check or order in blank, and used for the purpose of drawing money from the bank 'Will you give me oner he eagerly inquired. He was given two or three, and went away ae happy as a child with as many new toys. After a day or two another Mexican came in and presented a check filled up for $100, and bearing the signature of the venerable alcalde. As there was nothing to his credit in the bank, of course payment was refused. After a time the alcalde came to the bank in person, and being asked for an explanation, quite innocently replied that ho thought it was all right to send in his check and get some money in the same way he had seen his neighbor get it. He did not know that it was necessary to make a deposit in the bank before sending in his check. He kne-w, however, that tho 'gringos' (Americans) had many new and novel ways of doing everything they engaged in and be was sure he had run against the latest and best of all Yankee inventions." Mr. Grubbs gave the reporter a shake of the hand and concluded the interview by saying: "Do not convey to the readers of the Journal the impression that the educated Mexican is not a man of affairs and cannot grasp and handle successfully large enterprises in the field of finance or in the world of commerce Ou the contrary, he is shrewd and able in all the avenues of trade. In political atlairs tho diplomates of Castilian blood stand m tho front rank, and it is a question if they aro not more adroit and plausible in the management of international controversies than those of any other people in the world." Custora-Uouse Iluslnoss. The imports and duties collected at the Indianapolis office from Oct. 1 to Oct. i, wore as follows: Chas. Mayer & Co., sixty-two cases dolls, ?5il,70; Kipp Bros., nineteen cases sundries, 8342.45; Emil Wulschner, one case musical instruments, $41.50; H. Lieber tV Co., ono case looking-glass plates, $.rj9.K; Griffith Bros., one case cotton velvets, 101.20; Jacob Metzgar &. Co., two casks wine, $157.00.

New parlor goods at Wm. L. Elder's.

EEUINIbCESCES OP A ECRV1Y0E. r I Some Becollections of the Work of the Indiana Lezklature of 1S61.

During the State fair week nearly all the "survivors" held reunions in this city. This is well enough when the gatherings are coniined to tho fast-thinning ranks of the veterans of the war, but when members of long-dead legislatures take it upon themselves to survive and by organization, speeches, resolutions, etc., remind the public that they aro still in the land of the living and desirous of perpetuating their own history, it is almost too much. These are not tho words of the reporter, but of an unfortunate survivor of what the gentlemen who met here during fair week called 'The War Legislature of 1501." "It was not," remarked this survivor, "nearly so much of a war legislature as some of the still-living Democratic members of it now want everybody to behove. It was .tho forty-first session, of the General Asser .LIy of Indiana, and convened on Thursday, Jan. 10, 1S6T. This, of course, was before the secessionists had committed any overt act, and was while South Carolina was getting in readiness to tiro upon Sumter. In the Indiana Senate a spirited debate arose over the introduction by Mr. Wagner, of Warren, afterwards the gallant General George Wagner, of a resolution that all motions referring to "the disturbed state of the country" be referred to thecommitte on federal relations. This was opposed by the Democratic members. General Steele, of Parke county, spoke in terms of condemnation of a resolution passed at a then recent meeting of Democrats iu Perry county (some of whom no doubt yet 'survive') in which they expressed a preference for a Union with a Southern Confederacy by taking the southern counties of the State and joining them to territory on the other side of tho Ohio river. "Mr. Cobb, of Lawrence county, ono of tho survivors of this Legislature, and now an ex-member of Congress, as noted in the Jonrnalof thatday.triodtojustify the action of the Perry couuty secessionists. He said the people of that county had a richt to make such an expression of their choice of future associates. "This Legislature certainly met under circumstances which should havo stirred even the coldest-blooded mossbacks to patriotism. On tho'Jthof January the news came from Charleston that the Star of the West had been fired Into by the rebel garrison on Morns island and also by Fort Moultrie, while endeavoring to enter Charleston harbor. Fort Sumter, held by Maj. Robert Anderson, did not respond to the rebel guns, and the vessel put out to sna again. This, and not the firing upon Fort Sumter, was South Carolina's tirst attack on the Hag. "it must, however, be said that in tho special session of forty days which followed the regular session of sixty-one days, the Democratic members did much better, but the best still fell several notches short of being the patriots they now desire to bo thought. There was no doubt of the stuff' of which the Republican inaiority in both houses were made, and they crowded those of tho opposition who held back from giving Governor Morton the support he so much needed. There was one noble and patriotic man in the Senate, Allen liamiltou, a courtly old gentleman from Allen county, who, though a Democrat, saw his duty clear to acting with the Republicans in all measures that would assist the war party. His Democratic colleagues made matters uncomfortable for him, as ho was practically under a boycott during the session. 'Lieutenant-governor Hammond, who acted as Governor after tho death of Gov. Willard, came to the end of his term when tho forty-first session of the General Assembly began. He signalized his departure from office by appointing, during tho last ten days of his term, more than sixty Democrats to commands in the militia. This carried some alarm to .Republicans, but when Governor Lane was made United States Senator and Lieutenant-governor Morton became Governor things were changed. Many of tho militia officers appointed as Democrats became active in their support of Morton, and afterwards distinguished themselves in the field. "I think about the last purchase of sand by the State to use for blotting purposes, at least in any quantity, took place in March, IStfl. The purchase consisted of a dray-load of black sand, which was taken charge of by the Secretary of State, and was lor the use of members of the Legislature. There have been Republican Legislatures since then that needed sand much more than that one." YALUE OP PURE WATERS. Medicinal Springs of Indiana Necessity for Care in Selecting Water for Use in Boilers. Tho other day a Journal reporter sauntered into chemist Hurty'e laboratory. There was a long array ot jugs and bottles on a table, the jug3 bearing express tabs, indicating that they had come from a distance. "All filled with water," said the chemist, answering the reporter's look of inquiry. "During tho past four or live years there has been more demand for water anal3'zing than ever before, and this year exceeds any two previous years in this demand. Indiana is taking a great interest in waters that are supposed to contain minerals in medicinal combinations. There is a general recognition of the sanitary bearing of water. The search for natural gas has resulted in the. discovery .' of salt wells and mineral waters. There are salt wells in Indiana which, if utilized, would certainly develop a good aud paying industry. Delphi, in boring for gas, struck a mineral water of great medicinal worth. The valnablo properties of the artesian wells of Martinsville and Spencer are generally acknowledged, as are the pioneer medicinal wells of Lodi, Lafayette and Terre Haute. These three last named 'were found when tho borers were not after water, but oil. "In the city," continued the chemist, "we havo a valuable . mineral water, tho Amreet, at the Denison House, and there is also, at Haughvillo, an excellent water both for bathing' and drinking purposes. Elkart has a flowing well; all it needs is to beutilized; and Warsaw has a fine artesian well that the people there fully appreciate and of which they aro making tho most.' One of tho greatest advantages in a mineral water is its freedom from organic matters that cause ill health, and this fact must not be overlooked in estimating their medicinal virtues. The recovery of health by invalids at springs is quito as often dno to the fact that they are drinking freely of pure water-7-that is, water iree from orgauio pollution as to any other cause. 1 "West Baden, French Lick and Indian Springs aro well-known resorts In Indiana. Their waters proceed from natural springs. The other waters are brought to the surface by artificial means, but the waters are. of course, just as clearly nature's as those that aro found at thesurface. Minnewau Springs, near Lawrence, in this county.'used to be visited by quite a number of persons from this city, but for several years they seem to have been forgotten. The magnetic springs at Cartersburg, Hendricks county, are said to impart their magnetio properties to steel or iron in a high degree when immersed in the water. "All steam-users aro becoming solicitous as to the character of the water they use in steam-making. They now are aware or tho fact that there are waters that are dangerously corrosive to steel and iron, and they look to tho chemist for information as to what waters must not bo used. The scale that forms in the good, house-wife's tea-kettle need not alarm her, but it may be a very serious affair iu a manufacturer's boiler, iu steam boilers, where thousands of gallons of water are evaporated daily, scale means the expenditure of hundreds of dollars more in fuel as well as damage to the boilers. It is, as 1 rcmarned, a well-recognized fact that some waters are corrosive, corroding! the iron aud steel with which they come in contact. At the bolt-works in this city, not many years ago. an $1,800 boiler was utterly destroyed in a few months bv a corrosive water. A spoke factory in Illinois, I need not give the place or name of tho firm, was almost broken up by loss of boilers through corrosion. Ono large item ot railroad ex

pense is the destruction caused by scale and corrosive properties of water." "How do you tsll what waters aro corrosive and what are not!" "It can only be positively determined by analysis. Water with over sixteen parts of solid matter in the 100,000 can not be used with economy in steam-making. Corrosion is discovered by analytically estimating certain ingredients, termed corrosive Magnesium chlorides always prove corrosive if in sufficient quantity, as do waters carrying large " quantities of some of the nitrates. In the last three weeks I have examined samples from thirty-five different wells for a certain railroad company. This will give an idea of tho economic interest that is being taken in the water at the stations along that line." THE LOCAL REALTY MARKET. Property Yalnes and Rents in Good Condition, with No Prospect of a Change. The local realty market was probably never better during the first few days of October than it was last week. Rents and property prices are exceptionally good, and there is no indication of a change. "Good rentable property can be disposed of very readily," said one acent to a reporter yesterday, "i know of but a few dwellings that are vacant now, and in almost every case it is due to a lack of modern improvements. The tenant in Indianapolis demands natural gas, for instance, if it is available, and owners of houses that are in the supplied wards have but little prospeot of renting them unless they put it in. Property on the South Side, too, is rapidly advancing in the estimation of the public, for we have very little difficulty in renting desirable homes south of Washington street." "Is there being much property sold in the city!" asked the reporter. , "Yes; aud it is bringing good prices. There was never a better time to invest in improved property than now. The market is in splendid condition and there are no signs of a change for this month. And ..what is more, tho present values aro stable. They will not fluctuate" During tho past week eighty-five deeds, with a total consideration of $104,921, were filed with the county recorder. Thirty-six building permits were issued by the city clerk, representing a total outlay of $25,425. TIIE PARK'S MASCOT. An Explanation Found for the Phenomenal Success of a Popular Theater. Of tho hundreds who daily pass through the front entrance of the Park Theater there are probably very fow who know that they walk over tho gravo of one whose memory is kindly cherished by all of the attaches of the house. Little do they know that directly under the main corridor of the lower floor is a well-kept cemetery 00 a small scale, to be sure the principal and only grave of which is marked by a neat little head-stone that bears the following inscription: ........................................ i LITTLE JOE. i : Died Nov. , 18. or Con- : : svmi'tiok. : : Peace to II is Ashes, :

...... Little Joe was admired by all who know him. Docile iu spirit, active In temperament, and, withal, kind to his fellow-creat-nres. he never made an enemy among men. The saddest feature of his death was tho fact that, although conscious, he could not speak a word. During the days of his illness, and oven through the agonies of his last moments on earth, he was silent. In fact, from the day of his birth until be passed away little Joe never uttered an intelligent word not because ho was dumb, but been u S3 he was a monkey. When N. S. Woods was filling an engagement at the theater last winter his pet monkey. Little Joe. was the favorite behind the scenes. Perched upon the handpainted branch of Some scenio tree ho would chatter away in a lively competition with the players on the stage, and during the week's performance he made scores of friends. Tho engagement opened on Monday and Little Joo was as active and nimble as a monkey could be. But soon his activity began to show signs of depression, his chattering gradually ceased and in its place came a hacking cough. Medical assistance was called, ana his affliction was pronounced quick consumption. Wednesday night Little Joe witnessed his last theatrical performance on this earth, for on Thursday he grew rapidly worse. Late in the evening all hope ior his recovery was abandoned, and about dark he died. .Then came arrangements for what was probably to be the most unique funeral that has ever been held in this city. Friday morning at 9 o'clock was fixed as the time of holding the services, and ample preparations were at once begun. Manager John Dickson took upon himself the task of selecting a place ior the grave, and thinking that Little Joe's corpse might prove a mascot for his house, he chose a spot in the cellar, just under the front entrance of the lobby. William F. Grant, the stage manager, was deputed to make the casket, and bringing into play twenty years of practical expeperience as stage manager, he made a coffin that was a marvel of neatness. Only eighteen inches in length, it was neatly padded inside and lined with paper lace. On the lid was tracsd, in brass letters, the name of the dead. Little Joe's funeral was attended by fortysix people, all of whom were genuine mourners. The procession through the theater was one of remarkable impressiveness. Manager Dickson and Mr. Grant, with uncovered beads, led the way to the cellar, followed by the employes of the house and all of the members of the Woods company. Several outsiders, who knew little Joe personally, were also present by special invitation. The services at the grave were brief. Managor Dickson spoke with feeling of Joe's life and of his good works. Frank Hippel, who guards the west entrance to the gallery, delivered a short address on the beauties of an honest life and the benefits to be gained from a spotless career, while Martin Adkins sans an appropriate hymn with difficulty, as his voice broke several times with emotion. The casket was then lowered and covered with earth. And this was the last act of kindness that was done for Little Joe Christian Endeavor Union. The third quarterly meeting of the Indianapolis local union Christian Endeavor Societies has been announced for next Friday evening, Oct. 10, at the Central Christian Church. A programme of especial interest to all persons interested in the work among young people has been prepared, and to all such a cordial invitation to attend is extended. Members of Epworth League societies are especially invited to join in this meeting to discuss practical methods of work. . Labor Notes. A locomotive has 6,000 pieces. Bread is mixed by electricity. Massachusetts has a labor ticket. Omaha telegraphers aro organizing. The United States have 75,000 lady typewriters. Typographical Union No. 1 meets this afternoon. The State of Ohio has established free labor bureaus. A Chicago cold-storage building has three stories underground. New York has a woman cobbler, a woman butcher and a woman blacksmith. Irish & English is a Buffalo firm.- Irish is English and English is an Irishman. Furniture-workers in a New York shop refuse to do without beer in working hours. In England one man in five hundred gets a college education, and in Amorica one in every two hundred. A San Francisco Chinaman has a telegraph ofiice, electric-light plant and complete electrical outfit. Telephones are being introduced in hospitals to enablo patients to talk with their friends without danger of communicating diseases. The Grand Division of Railroad Conductors has paid off an indebtedness of $11,500 in a year, and has a large balance in its treasury. Attention' is directed to the opening announcement of Seng's dry-goods bazaar in this paper. . v . . .

7TAN EXCITING INCIDENT RECALLED. A Demonstration of the Readiness with Which Most PeoplForget Dates.

r The other day adjournal reporter was handed by the city editor a postal-card bearing this inquiry: To tho EUtor of the InAl&napolia Journal: Will you kindly Inform mo the date of the exClosion of the I., B. W. locomotive In the old nion Depot, and oblige Constant Header. Certainly, nothing easier. The reporter called upon Uncle Billy Jackson, who has been connected with tho Union Depot and Union Station from the beginning. Oh, yes; he remembered the circumstance perfectly; the engineer of another engine, a C.f II. & D.. was killed, a fireman severely injured, and the west end of the old depot blown out, together with a.portion of tho roof. Strange, but he couldn't after all remember just whether it happened in the spring, summer,, autumn or winter, and he could not just "place the year in which it took placed Mr. Jackson thought that Mr. Elvin.;who has been-connected with the J., M. & I. road for half a century, and who remembers everything, might know. But the reporter could not find Mr. Elvin. There,,! however, was Al Blake, standing on the steps of the station and looking out over Jackson Place; Blake, who has been at the depot since before the war. But Mr Blake could not quite fix the year, though he was ready to tell all about the explosion.' , , Captains Eli Thompson and Thomas Colbert, of the Union Station police force, were consulted. Of course they remembered the explosion. It was one of the most singular accidents that ever took place in Indianapolis. But the date of the occurrence! They were both in the situation of the old gentleman .who, called as a witness in the Superior Court of this county, was being tested as to his memory in regard to a certain fact. '."Why," remarked the witness with much emphasis, "I remember f it as well as 1 do the time of my marriage." "When were you married!" asked the lawyer on'the other side. "November, 145," was the answer. "What day of the month!" The old gentleman looked at the jury, then at the ceiling, gasped two or three times, and then, in humility and sadness, was forced to confess that no had forgotten. Several other persons who have been about the station for many years were asked about the explosion, but were unable to fix the date;' At last the reporter came across Mr. Charles K. Peddle, of the Vandalia, who resides at Terre Haute. "The explosion," 6aid Mr. Peddle, "took place, I think, in March March, 1876, about 'the 11th or 12th. I have an entry J in a diary of that year that I went over to Indianapolison the 14th to meet Messrs. Wells, Curtis, Young and Cooper, master mechanics, respectively, of the J J M. & I., P., C. & St L.. Bee-line and L, B,'& W. roads, to investigate the causo of tho explosion. The engine was then in the I;, B. & W. yard. The boiler gave way at a mam on one side of the wacron top, and the steam and water struck a P., C. & St. L. engine on an adjoining track, killing the engineer and badly damaging the roof of the station and its west walk The jury of inqnest made a report to -receiver Wright of the L, B. & W. railroad, the road to which tho engine belonged." Ir. Pedtile'a diary comes very near to the exact information. The explosion took place at 12:20 in the morning of tho 18th of March, 187C. The night express on the I., B. fc W. had delayed departure from 11:50 owing to the tardiness of the C. H. & I. the Junction road, as then called. Jack Kogers, in charge of tho L, B. &. W. engine, had just backed up his engine and was making connection on tho middlo track. Immediately north and directly opposite stood the Junction engine but a few feet distant, both engines within the west arch of the depot. -The engineer of tho J unction engine, A. W. Moore, of Hamilton, O., was instantly killed ana his fireman, Isaac A. Ballard, was somewhat scalded and badly hurt by falling debris. Mr. Kogers, of the exploded engine, and bis fireman, Patrick Mullen, wero unhurt. Fred Steinhauer, Frank Stedman, Charles Manning and others were in the depot at the time of the explosion. "Constant Reader's" inquiry has developed the fact that so far as dates are concerned few memories aro to be relied on. Ills Generosity Italned Him. Deputy Sheriff Samuel Crbaley received a document yesterday that is a trifle out of the usual order. It was a schedule of property, made by a minister of this county. The affidavit read as follows: Not one dollar of proierty of any kind. Have been too helpful to others for my own financial good. Going security, too, has helped to bring on disaster. "That man is very frank anvway," remarked Mr. Corbaley, as he filed the paper away. "I only wish everybody elso was as candid." A Popular Ceremony. Ham's Ilorn. vAn exchange remarks that human beings love ceremony. Thev do they do; especially the kind that takes two folks and a preacher to make it binding. - i; Reduced Hates to the East. Commencing Oct. 7 and continuing until further notice, the Ohio & Mississippi Railway will sell round-trip tickets from Seymour and North Vernon to Columbus, O., and return, at $5; Pittsburg, Pa., and return, at 10; Harper's Ferry and return, 812; Philadelphia, Pa., and return, $15; Boston and return, f 20; Dayton, O., and return, $5; Galion, O., and return. $6; Mansfield. ' O., and return, $7; Akron. O., and return, $7.50; Cleveland, O., and return. $8; Jamestown, N. Y., and return, S&50; Buffalo, N.T., and return, $10; Salamanca N. Y., and return, $10; Albany, N. Y and return, SIC; Yonngstown and return, $9, with liberal return limits. For tickets and information call on or address agents of the O. & M Railway. Mr. Paul Krauss will issue soon a small pamphlet, entitled "The Correct Dress," giving the styles of dress that is considered y cultivated persons good form for different occasions "where and what to wear." P The Best Hat Made is the'"DunlapM hat, silk and stiff. W. D. Seaton, sole afrent, 27 North Pennsylvania street. THE high qnality of the M. & P." ranges has been attested by a letter Just received by the manafactnr ers, the Mason & Davis Company, Chicago, fxom the Chief of imreauol the Nary Department at Washington, in form in r them that an order has been sent through the purchasing paymaster for "a range ot Uie M. & D? type. No. 24, three sections." This ran la for the cruiser "Boston." now at the New York navy yard. All sizes for families or hotels. For sale by Wit. H. BENNETT, 38 South Meridian treet. REMOVAL. p Mrs. A. 8. Fowler has removed to No. 1 North Meridian street; where she will open, Monday, an entire new stock of Hair Goods of the latest designs and styles. She will be pleased to see all or her old customers, and all needing anything in hair goods. 1 North Meridian St. MRS. Ai' S. FOWLER. BYJ. M. DACOSTA, M. D., LLD. A new edition of Medical Diagnosis, just received Price, in leather..;l $7.00 Trice, in cloth....,, COO Sent prepaid on receipt of price. CATIIOART, i CLELAND & CO., 26 East Washington St. 6 Per Gent, Money. In sums of not less than $1,000 on Indianapolis improved Real Estate. Bor rower has the privilege of paying 8100 or more any interest day, and interest on such sum paid toceaso. Reasonable lees. No delay. JOHN S. PANN & CO., 80 East Market Street

HERMAN 1 MARTENS

Now fall styles Wall-Pa tiers, Lace, Portiere and Silk Curtains, Window Shades, Mattings, Rugs, Oil Cloths, Linoleums, etc. 54 Nortli Bennsylvania St, Opposite Postoffice. PANG YIM, KO. 7 MASS. AVE, WYANDOTTE BLOCK. Japanese Fancy Goods. ImpoitedTes, and aU ktnd ot New Gools, at low price. Jipaneso and 13 am boo Curtains different pricaa. GRAND SELIG'S

SPOT

109 and 111 Soutla IUinois St.,

TO-MORROW-

MONDAY, OCT. 6,'90

An entire

DRY GOODS.

Furnishing Goods, Ladies' and cash, will be offered at prices to An inspection solicited. "A useful souvenir given store on opening day.

UCCE

RINK'S CLOAK HOUSE

We have the reputation of the leading, largest, best and lowestpriced Cloak House. You are left if you buy a Cloak before you see us. Our trade-mark is save S3 to $$ on every Cloak. Agents for tha warranted Walker Plush Cloaks.

Rink's Cloak House, 30 and 32 North Illinois Street. Opposite Y. M. C. A. Block. N. B. We repair your old Cloaks like new. A.. COHEN & SON, Merchant Tailors.

LARGE STOCK BEAUTIFUL PATTERNS.

Takea lock and be satisfied. You will find us at 32 "West "Wash. St., News Bmlclinp;

TOYS

CALL A.T

CHAS. MAYEE & OO.'S 29 and 31 West Washington Street

CARPETS,

Also, full lines of "wet weather goods," Mats of all kinds, Oil Cloth, Linoleum, etc.

ALBERT GALL, vl&SsJg.

UNDERSTAND THIS

Our Wood Carpet is sweeping things. It is n fine wood flooring, laid in varions forms as wood, and polished and durable as tile. It is laid over old floors or new. When hardwood floors are desired a common soft wood floor is laid, then tho wood carpet floor, thus securing tho warmth, solidity and "dead" effects of a double floor. Contractors and builders are "on to this." Any ono who guesses the correct vote, or nearest to it, cast by all parties for Secretary of State in Indiana next month will bo f riven a Wood Carpet for ofllce or dwelling, aid by us. Guesses ranged in order of receipt More than one making the guess, a second prize of a Turkish Rug will bo given. Guess early and often. Address Wood Carpet Department. IPASTMAN, JT SCHLEICHER & -LEE CARPETS, DRAPERIES, WALL-PAPER. Tho Largest IIouso in tho State. OPENING OF-

CASH

DRY-GOODS BAZAAR

new stock of Misses' Cloaks, bought for spot defy all competition. away to every lady visiting our SELIG'S BAZAAR.

SB

AND DOLL

WALL-PAPERS, DRAPERIES