Indianapolis Journal, Volume 52, Number 5, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 January 1902 — Page 21

i - X EIGHT PAGES vnm pivj: cjkxts. INDIANAPOLIS, SUNDAY MORXlXG, JANUARY 5, 1002. PRICK FIVK CK NTS.

SUNDAY1

i n P?r THREE

!THE

JOURNA

PUR FOR IRRIGATION

xvestei com;ki:psmi: i nwr.cit r lomxg (.luiiM). i They Ahiilnn Ihr Trlnclple XVhleh Ilrong po Thrm Hie "Willing Sap. of llnilern Members. I UO GEERAL LAW PROBABLE too i.nt a valuation ilaci:d O.VtHCLAIMED LADS. Congrf jiLely to Krrp Control In. Its On Hands and Onlf r Ilfic Improrr mentn. Corresponded of the Indianapolis Journal. WASHINON. Jan. 7. Members of Conpress generjy and especially those from Kastern Sti-s have been studying with lively inter the proposed national irrigation bill ter.tly formulated by a committee of "Wltem members. This bill has rot created ravorable Impression; in fact, It has been distinct disappointment. The incre-; of sentiment in favor Of rational Irri tlon which has been so noticeable In digress during the past year has been laiily built up on the principle adopted in Hansbrough-Ncwiands bill This bill proposed that all d by the United States in of last tfessid money expi tho reelamat ii of arid government lands should be re United Stat rned to the tteasury of the by those who secured the direct benefit4 The new committee bill, as it will be printed to Congress in Janu ry. propose. hat the government should produce a wr supply for the arid lands at a cost nr. the land to exceeding $10 per aero for 5 irrigated and the homepay the government but 3 Header shoul p-r acre as quota or tue cost ot tnc reservoir or iiin line canal. The most.s ous objection to the policy of national a to Irrigation presented by the humid re.jms was the uncertainty as to the amounto be expended by the government and ie probability of the expenciture or man billions without adequate an suggested in tho origi returns. The nal Hansbroud-Newlands bill in the Fiftysixth Congres met this objection by proposing that th West should reclaim itself. That the prodfct from the sales of public lands should ct istitutc an arid land rvciamation fund to ke used for irrigation works. That each trac :lof land a3 reclaimed should repay to the t camatlon in I without intere: Usury the cost of such rcannual installments, but or profit. THE RI It LA MATION IDEA. When this In was proposed it was hailed throughit the country as an easy and logical waj out of the difficulty and comment was generally favorable. The idea that the st of this reclamation of government Iars shall, to far as possible, be repaid by thi settlers w ho get the land has become so xcd in the minds of the executive office of the government and of a majority ofhe members of Congress, that It was adored hy President Roosevelt in his recent message and by the secretary of the Interior In his most recent report. The President says: "Tno land reclaimed should Lie reserved by tho government for actual settlors ami the cost of construction ehould so far as possible be repaid by' the land reclaimed." The secretary of the interior says: "The lands to be benefited by such works should b reserved for homestead entry, onl; in small tract, each being subject to the payment before the title is passed of a sum equivalent to the cost of storing or conserving the water, such payment to be made, if desired, in Installments extending over a number of jears." It will be observed that both the President and the secretary of the Interior have recommended that tho land Itself should bear the cost cf reclamation. The present committee bill, which will shortly come up for consideration, abandons this idea upon which the principal support has been secured in the East for the national irrigation movement, provides that tho government shall not reclaim lands where such reclamation will cost more than $10 per acre and establishes a fixed price to the settler of $3 per acre for all land reclaimed by the government. The Idea of placing a limit upon the cost per acre for reclamation works is not bated upon a business proposition. In the xtensively arid regions, such a3 Arizona, Utah. New Mexico and many other placs. It will undoubtedly cost more than $10 pr acre to reclaim tho land, and thus mary desirable and much-needed projects would be entirely excluded. There is another fca. lure which must be taken into account, and that ls the increased irrigating value of a certain water supply. 'It is very possible that in some places the pro-rating of the cost of the irrigation work over the land which could bo irrigated the first year would amount to more tnan $10 per acre, whereas, after this same land had been Irrigated for several years the same amount of water could be used over a larger area, s Ls always the case, and thus the project would after all ia time come within tho $10 limit. The committee bill does not take into account, however, this well-established fact in irrigation science. TOO LOW A VALUATION'. To say that the settlor shall only pay $3 per acre for this irrigated land is practically to legisTato a bonus for the benefit of those who make the first filings upon the land to be irrigated. It is a very low estimate to say that the addition of a water supply to arid lands, brings the value of that land up from nothing to J0 an acre, and if this Ian 1 wirb Its water right is used to grow anything besides the most extensive field crop the land Is worth from $30 to $100 an acre in connection with its water supply. This being the ca.-e a strong weapon is put in the hands of opponents of rational irrigation, who say It would be a poor business proposition and unfair to other farmers in the United States for the government to make land worth from $20 to $100 an acre and then dispose of it for $3 an acre. Theie U no settler of the arid regions of the Werft who would not bo more than willing to pay his full quota of the cost of an Irrigation system which would put water upon his land, and winch would In time build up around him a lively comunity wlm many wants to be supplied. Ths committee LIU also makes the matter Of reserving th" land for actual settlers only optional with the secretary of the Interior. The withdrawal of thi?? land fur this purpose should be made mandatory and the trlcttat legislation hhou! J be incorporated

in the bill to prevent any possible speculation In a valuable area, created for the benefit of homesteaders only. The committee bill is also considered highly objectionable by those who wish to see all elements of speculation eliminated. Ja that while it makes beneficial uso the limit of a water right, it makes those rights perpetual and does not connect them with the land. The committee bill, so far as it has been discussed Informally by members of Congress, who, while not representing arid states are willing to assist in bringing about national aid to irrigation, has not oeen favorably received. There iz a well-defined belief In Washington tha't no general irrigation bill will become a law at this session of Congress or probably at any other session. The President and the secretary of the interior failed to recommend it. They did recommend, however, appropriations for specific irrigation works. This meets the views of a majority of the members of Congress and has great advantages over tho proposed general law. In the first rlacc, while the proposed irrigation bill suggests a fund to bo created out of tho proceeds of the rales of public lends this is really immaterial, a.-: the proceeds of these sales now go into the general treasury and to ret them aside would bo the same thing as making an appropriation frOm the general treasury with th-2 serious objection as to the indefinitcness of the amount to be used each year. BETTER THAN A GENERAL LAW. One of the objections made to the proposed irrigation bill is that it takes everything in this connection out of the hands of Congress for all time and leaves everything to the secretary of the interior. This will bo strenuously opposed, for Congress is not prone to put the perpetual right of disbursing millions of dollars into the hands of any government official, leaving the distribution to his whim or judgment. President Roosevelt in his message evidently contemplates the building of individual enterprises. The secretary of tli3 interior goes farther than this and actually names three which are acknowledged to be desirable from every point of view. No vital principle Jn the Hansbrough-Nlw lands b'dl need bo sacrificed by adopting a system of direct annual appropriations and the building of particular works instead of passing a general irrigation law. It is well recognized that certain great fundamental ideas must govern in any national works of thi3 character. First That the water shall belong to the land and be Inalienable therefrom, and that no one landowner shall have any more water than he beneficially uses on his land. Second That no more land shall bo allowed to a homesteader than 13 necessary in his particular locality to occupy his full energies and attention to tho best development of the community in which ho lives. Third That tho government should not give bounties to homeseekers excepting by affording them opportunity to create homes. Any expenditure by the government upon the public lands for their reclamation should be returned to the government In a series of annual payments by the beneficiary. With these ideas generally prevailing among the members of Congress who have taken an interest in tho subject it is believed that the proposed committee bill is hopelessly deficient, fatally cpen to criticism, and Its strenuous advocacy will retard the work of reclaiming the arid public domain so emphatically favored by the present administration. J. D. WHELFLEY.

A NEW MEDICAL SCHEME attexdaxce ox thi: sicic ri:nMMIED FOR TUX CEXTS A AVEEK. Combined Philanthropic and Money. Mnking Venture Already iu Operntion Huu It Work. Correspondence of the Indianapolis Journal. NEW YORK, Jan. 2. Medical attendance for 10 cents a week is what is offered to the roor of New York city by a company which alms to combine money-making with philanthropy. If the plan is successful a new era ha3 dawned for the poor oT great cities. Briefly, the plan i3 this: For a weekly payment of 10 cents medical attendance for a family of two i3 furnished; for a family of from three to five the fee is 20 cents a week, and the maximum charge is 20 cents. Prescriptions, for subscribers only, are filled at a uniform rate of 20 cents each. The concern which has been started to carry out this scheme is capitalized at $Jj0.00o, and is backed by men of experience and means. Dr. Joslah Strong, of the League for Social Service is tho vice president, and bankers, ministers and insurance men compose the board of directors. There are sixteen stations distributed over the city at which there arc constantly in attendance two physicians, a matron and nurse and pharmacist. In connection with each 5tat!on there is a thoroughly equipped drug store. Physicians h ive been selected with an idea of avoiding every possibility of its being charged that the medical attendance secured for 10 cents a week is Inferior to that which a family would get in the usual way. Patients are tot, of course, compelled to attend the medical stations. A physician is constantly la attendance there, day and night, but his coworker treats at their homes patients who are not able to call at the station. SOME PAY IN ADVANCE. Tho fee of 10, or 2J, or CO cents is collected weekly at the subscriber's home, or, if preferred, ho may pay it monthly or yearly in advance. A surprisingly large number of families make their yearly payments of, say, $10.10. for a family of four, thus securing medical attendance for a wholo yvar for less than a brief illness would ordinarily cost. The stations aro distributed among the localities from which the company would naturally derive tho larger part of its income; localities peopled, as a rule, by the poorer classes. So that a trip to one of the stations means no more effort than a journey to one's physician. It is clear that if this plan Is carried out on the lines projected and along which work Is now being done that it will bo a god send to those that have heretofore been compelled to depend upon hap-hazard dosing with patent medicines, self-udminls-tercd, or the services of none too competent physicians, upon whom they formerly relied. I waylaid one of the patrons of the East Broadway station as he emerged from the entrance and asked him what he thought of the scheme. "Well, I'll tell ycr." he said, "A young feller comes around to me place, and gits the old woman to gie him 20 cents a week. She don't toll me nothing about it, because she thought I'd have some kick to mate about payln out the muiiey when nobody was sick. Rut when she ys laid uq lt rheumatism the other day. she tells

mo to come around here and get the doctor. I ain't got no money,' I says. 'Y'ou don't need none, she tell3 mc; 'it's paid for already.' So the doctor he comes regular, and the dope costs mo 20 cents. So I saves more on the old woman's rheumatism than she'll pay in a year at 20 cents a weck. An' I ain't Licking at all. All the people where I live ls In it. The wimmin is, anyhow." Another ratron of the station, a woman this time, told me that sho had a sick husband and child at home who were bdng treated by tho "dispensary," as sho called it, the doctor calling every day and the weekly cost of medicines being not more than GO cents. The family was thus getting medical attendance and medicines which would ordinarily cost at least $7 a week for a total outlay of JO cents weekly. The presence of free dispensaries in the locality of the stations docs not seem to affect the business done by the latter, tho people, as a rule, having little confidence in the dispensaries, and preferring, in almost every case, the concern to which they have to pay something. THE FINANCIAL SIDE. Of course tho whole success of the scheme depends upon the income derived from the several stations in proportion to their cost, for each station must earn enough to ray two physicians, a matron, a pharmacist, rent, heat, light and for the stocking of the drug store, besides contributing a share to tho expenses of the general offices. The company is not inclined to give many details as to its affairs, but it is safe to estimate that the expenses of each station are not far from $1U3 a week. At one station I visited in East Broadway, thero was a fairly steady stream of patients who came either for Interviews or to have prescriptions compounded, and I was told that the receipts that day had been about $100. This, however, was an exceptional day, the average daily receipts being $25. Adding tho cost of the central executive office to tho operating expenses of the station, would still leave a good margin of profit. One reason why the company does not wish to give elaborate details of its affairs is that it intends shortly to branch out in other cities, and does not wish to bo forestalled by others in the same field. The concern, the corporate name of which Is the Provident Medical Company, has been investigated by the charity and health authorities of the city and State, and it is plaixi enough that the business men connected with it would not have given It the support of their money and their names if they had not been convinced that it was a practicable as well as worthy undertaking. There is no doubt that such an organization would do a vast amount of good in every large. city, and, at the same time, if honestly and skillfully managed, make dividends for its stockholders.

HOW LONDON'S POOR LIVE. Case In Police Court Cnuwes Revelations of Misery und Sveatins;.', London Telegraph. A little girl, aged twelve, named Amelia E. llovell, of Margaret street, Hackney, was charged on remand at North London with stealing sausages and condensed milk from the shop of David Vale, of Elsdalo street, Hackney. The child Faid Fhe took the food becauso her little brothers had had no dinner. Mr. Kennedy remanded her for inquiries to b3 made. Mr. Thomas Holmes, the court missionary, now said he had found the girl's mother to bo a widow with four children, one boy a cripple, ller husband, who was a furniture porter, died in the early part of the year from pneumonia. There was a little club money, and after the widow had paid the funeral expenses she handed the balance to her landlord to pay rent while sho learned a trade. She hired a sewing machine and learned blousemaking, . but all she got was ls 2d per dozen. She could not earn more than a penny per hour. Mr. Kennedy A miserable pittance. Mr. Holmes She pays 2s Cd per week rent, and there Is none owing, and she has paid nearly 3 off the sewing machine. Mr. Kennedy Has she no other means? Mr. Holmes Yes; she gets 3s Cd a week from the parish. And 1 may add she is most methodical in her habits. Here is her book, In which she nhows how she spent the bust shilling. A halfpennyworth of tea, a halfpennyworth of sugar, a penny-faithing-'s worth of bread, a pennyworth of oil, a pennyworth of margarine, a halfpennyworth of firewood, and some bacon. As a fact, the children had only bread and margarine for dinner on the day that this child took the sausages and condensed milk. i Mr. Kennedv Some charitable people have sent a little money for this roor woman, and I shall hand it to you. Mr. Holmes, to distribute at your discretion. Mr Holmes It would bo a good thing for her to clear off the 7 owing on the sewing machine. Mr. Kennedy We haven t got but no doubt It will come. . The child, who had been sobbing silently in the dock, was discharged ar.d handed over to her mother. With the object of learning what practical assistance could be afforded to this unfortunate family a representative of the Daily Telegraph saw Mr. Holmes and then paid a visit to Mrs. llovell. Margaret street, a shabby little thoroughfare, lies in the Hackney district, in the bewildering center of many streets of equal shabbiness. The houses are small, grimy and dejected looking, the vicinity dull and spiritless, and nearly every room in these worn little dwellings shelters a family. A dark staircase led to the two rooms which the widow and her children occupy. Tho littlo cripple boy. aped seven, was just shuttling away to afternoon school. Pale and tired he looked, but his infirmities seemed caused mainly by the want of nourishing food. Considering the circumstances, the room was remarkably clean and tidv, but nothing could hide the pathetic poverty. A feeble fire glimmered in the tiny grate; for food there was half a loaf on tho table, with a paper containing traces of margarine; no blankets and sheets indeed, no coverlet conveying any real warmth lay on the beds. Yet winter hud come; the sewing machine was idle, for no work had turned up that day. For these rooms the widow pays Ss 6d a week, and thl? only by the good nature of tho landlord, who has done what even Mr. Holmes, with alt hi experiences, considered -unique. The landlord be it said to his credit has recently reduced his lodger's rent from 5 to 3s 6d a week. Hard of hearing, her face stamped with tho toll and stress of her wearisome life,the widow readily told her story a story of everyday hardship which would seem incredible did not grim reality prove its authenticity. Briefly, her utory is this: Sho receives- from the parish 3s Cd a week, which enables her to pay her rent, and four loaves of bread one for each child. This bread. If possible, ls made to last the week. For a living she makes blouses at the rate of ls 2d a dozen. "What can you actually make a week?'' was the Question. "When blouse-making Is In full awing from 6s to 7s. but the average is more likely Zs." That is to say, she gets 5s a week, out of which she has hitherto paid ls 6d toward the cost of her sewing machine, leaving a balance of 2s Gd. or exactly 6d a day on which to feed and maintain herself and four children, aged twelve, nine, seven and two. And to do this she has to begin work at 4:30 In the morning and continue until 'J at nicht. In the midst of the story the little girl, Amelia, rushed In breathless on the. way to school. Her pinafore was wringing wet. Asked where she had been since she came out of school at 12. she answered that she had been washing up dishes for a lady who had given her some work, but this means that practically ull the child's spare hours are given up to helping her mother as best she can, and bringing back a few pennies at the end of the week. As sternly as he could the missionary told her mother that for a few days, at any rate, she must not allow "Milly" to work, and this may be safely done, as Immediate distress has been relieved. The reaction of her terrible ordeal has told on the child. With proper and practical aid much could be done for her. She Is clean, bright, and Intelligent, prh.'.p Impulsive, but It Is easy to comprehend hT sudden yielding to temptation.

GAS AFFECTS THE EYES

LSn OF SATfRAL FIEL CAUSES 3IOHE GLASSES TO BE AVOIIX. Dr. Dnnfcl A. Thompson, n Special ist, Sayn Ilnrninir Gas Canse Eye Mointnre to Evaporate. TO PROTECT NATURE'S LAMPS ItEAHIXG OX RAILROAD TRAIXS should aot nn ixdulged. llycn of Children Retter Cared For Xow Than Formerly Follow Xnt Ii re's Laws. "It is generally thought," 5aid Dr. Daniel A. Thompson, a specialist, to a Journal reporter, "that diseases of the eyes are increasing, and the cause of this belief is that wc see so many more people wearing glasses than wc used to. But taking diseases of the eyes on the whole they are not on tho Increase. Of course, to this, there aro some exceptions, sucli as affections of tho mucous membrane and cases that reiuirc tho uso of glasses. "Now the thing that is mostly responsible for this increase of certain eye diseases is natural gas. Natural gas has an extremely dry heat, and this would naturally reduce the atmosphere to a peculiar dryness, causing rapid evaporation from all moist surfaces. By way of illustrating the dryness which is caused by natural gas, it has always been Quito noticcablo how much more quickly a houso burns which has been heated by gas than one which has not. (Jas, from some cause or other, makes every bit of moisture evaporate not only from tho eyes of a human, but from the very timber of which his house is built. I do not doubt in the least that certain diseases of the eyes which are, apparently, on the increase now, will almost wholly disappear when tho uso of natural gas is done away with." "It la raid that a number of years ago people did not have as much trouble with their eyes as they do at the present time. Is this so?" Dr. Thompson was asked. "No, that Is not true," he replied. "People of a number of years ago had exactly the samo trouble with their eyes as we do to-day, but unless it affected their general comfort or occupation they paid littlo attention to It. It used to be that when children complained of their eyes, their parents thought little about it. But now when a child complains of its eyes the first thing the parents think of is to get glasses to remedy the trouble. The truth of this statement can very easily be verified by a little observation of the number of children you see wearing glasses at the present time, while a, few years ago it was a very unusual thing to see any but middle-aged people wearing 'glasses to aid their eyesight. MORE CAREFUL NOW. "People of to-day arc much more careful in regard to their sight then they formerly were, and when they feel that their eyes aro the least affected they have them attended to immediately, and in this way very often avoid some serious eye trouble which might result in total blindness, and if. not so serious as . this, in some disease which might give them a great deal of trouble and pain. It Is eiuite a noticeable fact that while all other afflictions of the body arc on the increase, such as insanity, etc., blindness is not, and especially is this so in affections of infants which formerly were so fatal to sight. "You see light has a great deal to do with affecting tho eyes, particularly a light that is not steady. Lights are some-, thing that very few people understand, 'lhcy generally think that as long as a light is bright enough to sco by it can be placed anywhere in tho room and it will not strain the eyes in the least. The proper way to have a light placed, and especially If the person is right-handed, is so that it will fall directly over the left shoulder, and in that way tho full volume of it will fall on the book which is being held In the right hand. Tho best light In the world for study or any kind of close reading is that of tho old-style argand burners. They produce a steady, soft light which seems not to injure the eyes in the least." Tho doctor was asked if he thought men who worked at night were susceptible to bad eyesight, and in reply, said: "Yes, men whose occupation requires that they be employed during the night are very susceptible to what Is called bad eyes. The cause of this is, that the night is an unnatural time for labor of any kind. And then, of course, they generally have to contend with bad lights all right long, excepting, perhaps, in newspaper offices, and never being rlaced in a position where their eyes come in contact with the strong light of day that is, while their eyes are employed on a close ' strain the sight is very naturally affected. PRESERVATION OF SIGHT. "There aro certain rules," continued Dr. Thompson, "which, if peoplo would observe, would tend to preserve the sight of the eyes. Very often people are caused great inconvenience and sometimes much pain because of a littlo carelessness on their part which could be remedied very easily. For Instance, the care of the general health is necessary to have perfect eyesight, as 13 also strict hygiene, and habits of study. One habit which is very bad for the eyes is lying down while one reads. This fault ls mostly indulged In by women, who throw themselves down on a sofa or couch to read their books. To be sure this is a very comfortable position to occupy while reading, but it is the hardest thing in the world on the eyes, though people can scarcely be mado to believe it. Another bad habit which is often the cause of diseased eyes, and of which nearly every one is guilty, is reading on trains or other things that move. The rule is that one should never read on anything moving. The. Jolting which is caused by the motion of tho iraln or any movement which is similar to this causes an unsteadiness that puts the eyes on a constant strain all the time, and it is highly important that they be relieved of all strain. And that about the light coming over the left shoulder, which I spoke of before, should always be observed, because it keeps tho reflection from coming direct in the eyes. "Very often you hear people say that they study an hour or two before breakfat. This, no doubt, denotes a very ambitious person, but If people who practice it keep it up long enough they -will find that they have ruined the sight of their eyes. They very often attribute the failure of eyesight to overstudy, but if the real J

cause could be ascertained It would be learned that they had used their eyes too constantly before their fast is broken, and at this time all of the organs of the body are at their lowest ebb. And every bit of blood that is in the body is required to keep it In general running order, without overtaxing any part of it which is as sensitive as the eyes. Neither should a person apply his eyes too closely directly after eating a hearty meal. Any one can notice that if he attempts to read after eating a drowsiness comes over him to such an extent that more than likely he will drop oft into a doze. The reason for this is that the stomach requires all of the blood to digest tho food. and very naturally tho eyes arc left without mote than enough to perform their ordinary functions, without any additional strain." LIGHT IN SLEEFING ROOM. "Js it bad for the eyes to sleep with a light in the room?" the reporter asked Dr. Thompson, and he replied: "No one, under ordinary circumstances, should sleep with a light in his room, because it Is unnatural and Is contrary to all the laws of nature. And if wc go directly against nature we cannot expect good health of any kind, let alone good eyes. It was intended that time should be divided Into three equal parts of eight hours each. Of course, this is not doner by the average person, because it is impossible, but if one is in a position to do it, it would greatly aid his general health If he would observe this division of time, namely work, recreation and rest. And during this period of rest the retina, or w hat can better be called the sensitive plate of the. eye. can recuperate, and this recuperation must always be brought about in the dark." "What do you think of the proposition to admit light on only two sides of a schoolroom?" Dr. Thompson was akcd. "In my estimation it Is not a bad thing, becauso in this way it would throw the light in from each side and it would fall over the shoulders of tho pupils. I was particular!' struck with the way in which one school building receives Its light. The school is situated at North Indianapolis and it has an arrangement by which the llgnt is admitted diagonally from the ceiling in the north part of the building, giving all of the pupils a north light, which is superior to all other lights, over their shoulders. It seems to mo that this is really a better plan than to have the light admitted from both sides of the room. I will again say that wherever a north light can be procured for tho purpose of close work, such as studying, it should be done becauso this is the strongest and most effective light that nature gives us, and after all wc cannot improve or get around the fact that what nature provides is always the best."

THE LITERARY OUTLOOK KIPLING'S PLAXS FOR THE YEAH SAID TO IXCLUDE A AEW XO EL. 3Iolern Magazine Effort for Tinielliiess Ilalznc nt Ten Cents it SetM Doyle's Xcw Book. Correipondenc? of the Indianapolis Journal. NEW YORK, Jan. C.-It takes a considerable stretch of one's credulity to accept the report that Kipling will publish a novel during the coming year without first lotting the public see it in serial form. Kipling has long been a believer in serialization for two reasons publicity and money and while he may care no longer for the former, he certainly Is not opposed to the latter. For his last serial, "Kim," he was paid $25,000, a sum equivalent to his royalty on 1(X,000 a?oplC3 of one of his books. As none of his recent books has exceeded that sale and many of them have fallen considerably under that mark, it is not at all likely that he will give up the most lucrative part of his income. So far as I have been able to learn, however, Kipling has no book which will be ready for publication this year. He is always workingliterature has always been a habit with him, as he says, because he inherited a drop of ink in his veins but at present he is not planning a book. His next series of short stories will bring French scenes and characters into relation with English soldiers and sailors, and these will probably be brought out in magazines during the year. Some poems are also promised from his pen. One of the most Important books, which will appear early in the spring, will be Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervillc's." All those who regretted the literary murder of Sherlock Holmes will rejoice that the great detective appears again In this tale. Dr. Doyle Is Indebted to a friend for the suggestion and outlines of the plot by which Holmes's resurrection was brought about. For years, Doyle refused to let the detective livo again he had always maintained that he was through with his adventures, until the marvelous plot of the Baskervilles was suggested. Then ho repented and went to work on the new tale. Sarah Grand has become fo charmed with American ways and American women, while lecturing among us on "Mere Men," that sho has decided to write a novel, whose heroine shall be an American girl. All the time she has been In the United States this winter she has been studying the people she met, and has been gathering material for her novel. She has a way of Interesting herself in everything about her, and at the same time has no appearance of curiosity or desire to make mental notes of her impressions. Yet, this is what she has been doing constantly. xxx "What's become of politics?" queried a local officeholder the other day. "We have Roosevelt, a historian, for President. We shall have Ledge, another historian, In the Cabinet. Hay became known first as an author. Now comes tho news that Booth Tarkington Is to run for the Indiana Legislature and has his eyes on Congress, and even Opie Reed Is going to run for alderman in Chicago. Before long a condition of election to any important office will be the authorship of at least one successful book." It is a noteworthy fact that the business of writing has recently taken on more the dignity of a profession than ever before. In England, after a man has made a name for himself in the literary world, he is a most likely candidates for Parliament. There ls. of course, more than a mere sentimental reason for thin. Authors of books the best authors of the best books aro no longer recluses, mere students of life from an introspective point of view they are successful nowadays because they are such intense realists in this, that they see and know and .write the life that Is being lived in the world to-day. XXX As an lnstar.ee of the up-to-dateness of one of the leading magazine, the day fol

lowing the announcement of Marconi's transatlantic success, one of Its editors was on the way to Newfoundland to get the fresh impressions of the Inventor for a storj of the achievement. The man chosen to go had three hours In which to prerare for the journey. When he got up In Matne he discovered that several bridges had been washed and torn away by the storms, but nothing could stop him. Later on we shall doubtless have the Marconi ttory In this particular magazine, but the account will not tell of the difficulties the author had to face. All these things are done quietly and in tho regular course of things in order that tho growing demands of the public for timely features be met. xxx Booth Tarkington has practically completed his new novel, a love story, which depicts life in Indiana at the time of the Mexican war. It is not. In any sense a historical novcl-thc author's talents do not run in that direction, a fact for which he may be thankful. Of his two books already published, "The Gentleman from Indiana," was tho most successful, though "Beaucalre" promises to last longer, and Mr. Tarkington Is anxious to duplicate his first success. At the same time his new book will probably possess much the same quality as "Beaucaire," for the author is both author and dramatist. In that fact lies to a large extent the charm of his writing-he sees the play going on before him as he writes;, and the reader, because of the clear st1e and .dramatic forc e of his story, sees the matter in the same way. xxx The ruthless piracy of the modern Sunday paper which runs to yellowness Jn methods and chromatic horror In appearance, is proverbial. One of the New York editors of this class was outwitted recently in a manner to give joy to his former victims. The aforesaid editor conceived the plan of printing a lot of Christmas Bhort stories from well-known authors, and his list included Balzac, Kipling, Stevenson. Dumas, George Eliot, etc. With most of these there was no trouble. A man was detailed to "fix up" the stories so that they might have a Yuletide significance. Two or three were selected from Stevenson, and a reporter called upon the authorized publishers in regard to the matter. "Certainly," they replied to the request, "if you will send a check to Mrs. Stevenson for $200, you may use the stories." The Sunday editor agreed and the check was sent. Then two days later the editor discovered that the stories which his man had chosen were among the uncopyrighted portions of Stevenson's work, and hi3 rage was something terrible to witness. To his mind, it was a crime to pay for the use of anything which he might as well have stolen. xxx I chanced to be passing Trinity Church the other day when, above the rattle of trucks and the clanging of street-car bells, I heard the cry: "Balzac, fifteen complete volumes for 10 cents, former price $1." At the curb stood a wagon on which were plied high several cases. Two men, typical hucksters, were calling out that, In order to advertise this edition of Balzac, they were offering fifteen complete volumes for 10 cents not 10 cents each, but 10 cents for the set. The crowd about the wagon bought eagerly, each purchaser receiving a pasteboard box about an inch wide, in which were contained twelve or fifteen pamphlets of a few pages each, the whole being worth about 3 cents. xxx It is unfortunate that the publisher of "The Book Booster," by Bert L. Taylor, has not seen fit to put out his delightful booklet In a more attractive form. Without doubt it i3 the cleverest satire on modern publishing and advertising book methods that has appeared in recent years. Mr. Taylor measures editions by weight and ranks the child author highest on his roll of fame. His motto, "Knock and the world knocks with you; boost and you boost alone," serves as a text for his good-humored attacks on books and authors of the day. Recently he received a letter from Elbert Hubbard, whoso "Philistine," Mr. Taylor has so cleverly satirized in "The Bilioustine," "each copy tied with a string by hand," In which Fra Elbertus writes: "I have just looked over a copy of your last .work. It is rot," etc. Yet there are many who will hope that Mr. Taylor will continue publishing "The Bilioustine," not only when he needs the money, but also whenever he can find the time. HERBERT BREWSTER.

GIRLS AWAY FROM HOME. Traits Observed In Those AVho Live Together in n Honrdius Hotme. Kansas City Journal. I lived for some time In a boarding house for girls exclusively, where 100 made their homes, engaged in offices, stores, schools of music and public schools and medical and dental colleges. As most of those girls spent their evenings in the house, frequent opportunities were afforded for observing the effect produced by sympathetic songs, the talk of home, or, perhaps, the recital of an Incident which occasionally befell somo unfortunate little newsboy. Such Incidents, while trifling In themselves, served to remove the outer shield and sterner mien with which many Birls must of need envelop themselves while making their way in the world. Those girls appreciated and sympathized with the little newsboys' efforts in getting his pennies together each day. They also loved the songs of home, the sentiment seeming to reach and affect the hearts of thoso who, through the force of circumstances, were separated from home and Its surroundings. An agreement was entered into by the girls in that house that, when on crowded cars, they would surrender to age, irrespective of sex, seats they might be occupying, and when not very tired, or if they had been sitting a greater part of the day at their work, then the seat would be surrendered to laborers with the palls going home after a long day of hard work. One of the girls, who wa3 engard in keeping books in a large wholesale uouse, and whose work kept her long hours from 7 in the morning until 6 at night on coming home in the evening always brought the paper with her. bought of the little newsboys on the street. Asked why she did not have It delivered and pay for It by the week, as It would be cheaper than bujIng It on the street, she replied that she preferred paying as she did so the newsboys could get their little rake-off. Of course, it was only a penny or two, but it was a good deal for the boys when they worked hard for It. This girl, when any of the other girls were unfortunately out of a situation, always tendered assistanee, sometimes paying their board for two or three weeks until they could secure employment. As her situation paid her a good salary, she was quit independent, and this, by some not well acquainted with her, was construed as a manifestation of boldness and the absence of womanly gentleness and refinement. Mho Drought Hitn. Motherhood. "Children." said Aunt Mary, "you have a new little brother. He came this morning while you were asleep." "Did he?" exclaimed the eldest. "Then I know who brought him." "Who was it?" asked Aunt Mary. "Why, the milkman, of courne. I saw it on his cart, 'Family supplie3 dally.' "

IN THE FIELD OF LABOR

HECEXT MEETING Ol THE XATIOXAD CIVIC FEDERATION. The Movement Originated In t hfrngO n Yenr Aro and linn Jlnrtc Great Stride. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS THEY AHE MEX OF Tili: HIGHEST ham; ix rni. in mm:s. Tlnllronds of Tili mid Other Coat trie--Lnhor pnn of l.ornl and General Interest. Th National Civic Federation, which promises to open the a; for concillatl and arbitration between iap'.al and lai and eventually lead to a solution ' f th bor problem, has made greater strid accomplishing Its purpose thtn ww pected by the industrial captains and lab leaders one year ago. The movement originated in Chicago scarcely more than a year ago. The origin was in the Chicago Federation, which was designed to give opportunities for discussions of industrial anil economic topics, such as trusts and the equalization of taxes. One year ago la.-t December, at the invitation of the Chicago Federation, a number of capitalits and labor leaders met with the organization and the result was the formation of the National Civic Federation, with the object of bringing employer and employe into a closer relationship. President Gompers, of the American Federation of Iibor, end John Mitchell, president of the Fnited Mine Workers, were the representative men of the labor organizations of tho country In that convention and wero active in promoting the national federation. It was decided at that meeting to issue a number of invitations to leading capitalists and labor leaders to meet In New York. The third party feature that is, men to represent the public who have no interests directly with capital or labor was also a venture that has proved successful and has done much to bring about a community oC interest spirit and desire for fairness. The meeting held In New York last month was attended by such men as Senator Mark A. llanna, James A. Chambers, president of the American Glass Company; William H. Pfahlcr, president of the National Association of Stove Manufacturers; S. It. Callawaj, president of the American locomotive works; Lewis Nixon, president anil owner of the Crescent shipyard, at L'llzabethport, N. J.; Charles M. Schwab, president of the United States Steel Company; II. H. V re-eland, president of the Metropolitan Street-railway Company, of New York; city; E. D. Ripley, president of the Atchison, Topeka &. Santa Fo Railway; Marcus M. Marks, president of tho National Association of Clothing Manufacturers; Julius Kruttschnitt, general manager of the Southern Pacific Railway, and John D. Rockefeller, jr., on the side of capital, and Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor; John Mitchell, president of the United Mine Workers; Frank 1. Sargent, grand master of th Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen; Theodore 1. Shaffer, president of the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers; James Duncan, secretary of the Granite Cutters' Union; Daniel J. Keefe, president of the International Association of 'Longshoremen; James OConnell, president of the International Association of Machinists; Martin Fox, president of the Iron Molders National Union: Ja. M. Lynch, president of the International Typographical Union; Edward E. Clark, grand master of the Brotherhood of Railway Conductors; Henry White, secretary of the United Garment Workers of America, and Walter MacArthur, editor cf the Coast Seamen's Journal, on the lde of labor, and ex-President Grover Cleveland, Archbishop John Ireland, Bishop Henry C. Potter, Charlea Francis Adams. Cornellua N. Bliss. Charles W. Eliot, Franklin MacVcagh. James H. Eckles, John J. McCook. John G. Milburn and Charles A. Bonaparte representing the public. These men, with. Oscar S. Straus, chairman of the conference, and ltalph M. Eauley, secretary, constitute the general arbitration committee appointed by tho conference, which will take charge cf the work outlined and promote its success. XXX Speaking of the accomplishments of thj Civic Federation the United Mine Workers Journal says: "The aolc and energetic but quiet efforts put forth by the Civic Federation during th past year were rewarded magnificently rt'hn last week the leaders in work, tradr-, political, religious and civil life met in New ork city to put their noble and humane project on the road to success. They tlecttd thirty-six men eminent In public life to take charge of the plans and carry them to completion. Just what success in this affair means can be best Judged by those who have endured long, bitter and costly ttrlkes, titner as employe er employer. The object to be attained Is that when employes and employer get into a dispute the contillatioa branch of the Civic Federation will step in and bring the disputants together, havo each pres. nt their sida and then dccldo Lpou the merits of the caso trnd present them tr tr.e public, so that it can Intelligently detide which side is wrong. No man or t-et of men can resist tho force ef an Intelligent public opinion. The most stubborn employe or arrogant e mployer mutt jK rforce bow to the decree when rightly awarded. The idc e)f compulsory arbitration would not do. You cannot change custom by law nor put manhood into men by legislative enactment. But you can arouse the Instinctive equity In men'g breasts by appealing to their sense of right und Jutiee and that is what the Cii$ Federation proposes to do, and by so doln;? prevent strikes and lockouts. It may seem optimistic, but it looks as If the ehadow of the approaching millennium was projected upon the screen of Industrial affairs when John Mitchell. Charles Schwab, Mark llanna, Samuel Gompers, Bishop Potter and Archbishop Ireland met, put their leet under the table, and discussed ways an 1 means to prevent indutrlal wars. The man who would have predicted this ten years ago would have been laughed to scorn anl would have been deemed a isionary." XX Tho recent action of the House of Lords In England in declaring that trades unions can be sued for damages has cau&cd a flurry in trades union circles. Th points of law that have already been settled arc: That to resolve not to use material coming from any particular firm because of a refusal on their part to case upplylrg another whose hands are on rtrlke is an actionable offense. That for pickets to endeavor to persuade men not to work for an employer whoso men are en strike, however peaceably It may be done, is an actionable offense. That to publish blacklist eif workmen or employers Is contrary to law. That to call out njerntwrs ef a union r threaten to do so unh-s the employer d!scharKfH nonunion mn. Irrespective es t whether nKreermnts have been entered into or otherwise, ls Illegal. Laboring men propose to gt around this law by th stabllshment of Poaid if conciliation and arbitration to title all wage quistlons and disputes. X X The United SUte and England are the only to countries In the world that now hae exclusively private railroad ystema.