Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 December 1878 — Page 2

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THE INDIANAPOLIS NEWS: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5. 1878.

CLOSING OUT THB BEE-HIVE DRY GOODS STOCK.

Greater Reduction in Prices, Too c»d buy Dry Uood* ch««p. Ererythlng In Um, boow mu*t jo. Lmm and Fixture* (or aale. Close & Wasson.

CARPETS, Wall Paper, Etc.t LOWER THAN ANY OTHER HOUSE IN THE STATE.

W«v Good*, Full Stock, Latest Style*, Choice Fatten* and Low price*.

A. L. WRIGHT & CO.^ (Suceeaeor* to Adams, Maxsub & Co.)

Diamond Rings, PEARL RINGS, OAMEO RINGS, AMETHYST RINGS, BABY RINGS. Bingham, Walk & Mayhew, 12 E. WASHINGTON ST. Sign of the Street Clock.

THE DAILY NEWS. THURSDAY, DECKMEEB 5, 187S. The Indianapolis News has the largest circulation of any dally paper in Indiana. If Virginia repudiates it will not be the iaiiU of her governor. Nephew Pelton, interviewed by a Tribune reporter, says he has nothing to nay. Perhaps a congressional committee can persuade him to change his mind. The Advocate, the greenback paper published by Shupe, in New York, for twen-ty-five cents a year, a sum that would not Itegin lo pay for the white paper, has collapsed under circumstances that make it Icok like a swindle. The thousands of subscribers who got four or five numbers, have paid, dearly for their whistle. The commercial' convention at New Orleans supplements the similar effort recently made in Chicago, by a solemn declaration that the pending Texas and Pacific railroad bill is full of holiness, 'without the taint of self interest and altogether lovely, and that it should be passed forth with. “Government guarantee of a low rate of interest on the bonds” is what ■trikes the subsidizers as essentially beautiful. ’ Word comes from Washington that the Committee on contested elections will report this week in favor of throwing out Rainey and Smalls, of South Carolina. Rainey is the man who saved the general appropriation bill last summer, by being ■ober when the other committeemen were drunk. He was fairly elected, but election and services do not count much when there is a chance to give a hungry democrat a filling up. A Lahore dispatch that General Roberts “finding the enemy concentrated,in sufficient strength to justify the hope of inflicting a crushing defeat oi» the ameer’s forces, has delayed his attack until, etc.,” ■ounds like some of McClellan's dispatches during our late war. He was always just “laying for” the enemy and calling the world to witness that he was going to give him the most terrible licking just as noon as he exposed himself a little more. The poverty of Berlin increases at an •ppalling rate. The poor rate in 1875 was 2 in 85, in 1877 it was l.in 74, and the trorst feature is the number of families of the middle class, who ten years ago found it easy to make both ends meet, and are now in utter distress. One cause for this is that Berlin has no natural advantages. It is •n artificial creation; a city built in a fiat and poor country, and built too undsr the stimulus of the victory over the French, which made streets and houses and parks and all the appearances of wealth spring np like Jonah’s gourd—surpassing even Indianapolis. If those who are so eager to get up petitions for Guetig will spend a little time in getting up a petition to congress to do nothing, take its quarter’s pay, and go fcome, they will do twice as much good with half the trouble. The most promising indications that we see in the present ■tate of things is the threat on one side “to make it hot for the president,” and on the other “to warm the wax in the ears of the democracy.” If the session can only be apent in speeches it will be a blessing. What the country needs now is to have its business and its money let alone, and shot and protracted party controversy that will leak the session away in the customary “able and eloquent” that nobody will read or ought to remember, will be a God-send. Bo more power to your tongues, gentlemen, and keep blowing. Th* latest witticism credited to Carlyle by the London literary gossips is a savagely expressed wonder “how long John Bull will stand having a miserable Jew dance on hU belly.” Of course the reference is to Disraeli, Who can, however, afford to laugh at (iarlyle’s rage, while he continues to enjoy the 5:/ ' ■ - as;, « .

friendship and confidence of the qneen.— (Journal. If he can, he is easily consoled. Everybody except the Journal knows that the “friendship and confidence” of the queen has noli»ing to do with the tenure of England’s prime minister. When an “appeal to the country” results in a majority against a ministry that ministry “must go,” as Mr. Disraeli's did in 1867; after which the queen was “graciously pleased to invite” Mr. Gladstone to form a ministry, although she detests Mr.Gladstone and dislikes his party. The executive of England can’t rule by favoritism; that is only the privilege of American presidents like Grant. That a faithful officer is not left undisturbed looks as if honesty did not suit the average congressman. In Johnson's time, John D. Defrees, then congressional printer by Lincoln’s appointment, was ousted for a democrat, who retained the place a month before Mr. Defrees was reinstated, and boasted that in that time be bad made thirty thousand dollars. Defrees was again ousted by a senatorial ring for the benefit of Almon S. Clapp, whose maladministration is remembered as one of the loudest smelling sections of the malodorous Grant administration. Now it is rumored that the same gentleman, whose efficiency and integrity is beyond question, and who was appointed again to the place by President Hayes, is to be the object of another attack with a view to doing away with the office entirely, and thus throw the government printing work open as the award of a democratic congress to a lot of party printing establishments. Indiana’s state printing steals and newspaper insurance swindles, will be innocent little pasttimes compared with the way private establishments responsible to a partisan congress would “job” the government work. Free Coinage oi Silver. Washington advices indicate that a determined effort is to be made by the advocates of “cheap -money” to secure such changes of law as will allow silver to be coined “on the same terms” as gold.* At present the government does not coin silver for private account, while gold is coined free of charge for anyone who briflgs the bullion to the mint. The reason for this is that silver can be bought for eighty-two cents on the amount contained in the standard dollar, and that a cent will supply the alloy and pay the cost of manufacture. It is therefore provided that the government shall purchase silver bullion, manufacture it into dollars on its own account, and thus make a profit of seventeen cents on each coin for the benefit of the public treasury. It would seem a plain dictate of common sense that so long as this cheap coin is made a legal tender the whole people should have the benefit of it. On a coinage of $3 000,000 per month the public treasury will derive a profit of $7,000,000 per year. In whose interest is the proposed change to be made? Not of the government, for it will lose the profits mentio led; not of the people, for they have no silver mines or bullion; but wholly of the silver owners. The proposed change will not advance the price of silver, because it has declined since the passage of the silver bill, notwithstanding the government is a compulsory purchaser. It will not increase the amount of coinage, because the mints are now running to their full capacity. If more dollars are wanted, more mints must be provided. The profits of a few day’s coinage under the present law, would pay the expense of converting the Indianapolis arsenal into a mint. Let our Indiana representatives in congress consider that taking $7,000,000 a year out of the profits of the treasury, and putting it into the pockets of the owners of silver bullion, will not benefit their constituents; but securing a mint at this place, which can be paid for out of the profits of the establishment, will be at least a local advantage. The Afghan War. The Beaconsfield ministry a few weeks ago put forward as its justification for the Afghan war the necessity which arose for satisfactory relations with that country on the part of the British Indian government in view of the rapid march of events in Turkestan, by which is meant the Russian possession of Khiva and their work on the Oxus river, showing their unfaltering purpose of pushing south to the sea or to the border land of British India. It is rememberad how the British mission to Cabal, which desired an equal footing with the Russian mission there, was refused with threatening declarations; thereupon came war. The liberals in England of counts charge this policy on Beaconsfield as wnnccessary and as simply in pursuance of his purpose of the agrandizement of the crown at the expense of the constitution. We need not be concerned with motives or policies. A glance at the map, and a recollectian of the outcome of the recent Turkish, war will show the broad design of the Beaconsfield government. Before that event, Beloochistan, which fills the gap in the Indian ocean between British India and Persia, was brought under British control. After that event, Cyprus fell into English hands, as well as the protectorate of Asiatic Turkey, which included of course the Dardanelles. Thus, generally speaking, the whole of the southern part of Asia was shut off from Russian advance by England, except Persia, which being a homogeneous nation, could be relied upon by a power which hems it in on all sides to be put forward against Russia, should it become necessary. But with Afghanistan, with its formidable mountains, some of them nineteen and twenty thousand feet high, and its impregnable passes uncared for, England’s safety placed on Beloochistan as a reliance would amount to little, as would indeed the safety of the Panjaub and the hill countries of British India. Generally speaking, then, the possession of Afghanistan, or the assurance of possession at any time is the last and the one thing needful to make a complete military frontier against Russia, stretching from the Mediter&n&an on the west to Indo-China on the east.. It is

in Afghanistan that the Himalaya and Htndo-Kooah mountains meet like the point of a triangle with an easy approach to the latter on the Turkestan side by the valley of the Oxus river. This place is really the hinge of “the backbone of the world,” and to leave it possible for Russian possession would render practically useless all that England has done hitherto for the extension and protection of her Indian empire. With this in her hands she has possession virtually of the whole of the southern part ol the Asian continent, guaranteeing to herself the strongest intrenchment possible against the long expected disturbance or. attack by Russia, which is to mark the beginning of the struggle between Anglo-Saxon and Sclavonic civilization for the possession of the eastern world. This statement is general and sweeping and may be denied in details-*-is denied by the the liberal party in England, which declares this Afghan war is unholy and unjust, but a glance at the map will show the general intendment of the Beaconsfield course of empire as here stated. The immediate object of the Afghan campaign of course has not been revealed. The statement of the London Times that one million pounds will pay for all that is necessary to gain there, would indicate that the possession of one or two important strongholds was all that was desired. Just now the brunt of battle falls on the weakest column, that under command of General Roberts, which advanced from Thul up the Khurum valley with the intention of going through the Peiwar pass to Haedar Khal, 170 miles away to the northwest. It would then be in a position to combine with the advance of General Browne from Peshawur through the Khyber pass and march on Cabul, or turn to the lef\ and attack Guhznee, while the third column, under General Biddulph advanced on Candahar from Quettah. This column has abandoned operations until spring. General Browne’s advance, 16,000 strong, after the easy capture of fort Ali-Musjid,i8 working its way slowly toward Jelallabad, while General Roberts with only 6,000 men, six regiments of which are native troops, is halted at Peiwar pass by the Afghans, who swarm the hills.

CURRENT COMMENT. Congressman Smalls, of South Carolina, is adjudged worthy of the penitentiary by the s iprenie court of that state and will go there If honest John Patterson from the other end of the capital could be sent to keep him company, both would be where they ought to be, and the United States congress would be considerably more respectable. The Journal has the same foreign editor it bad during the Turkish war, evidently. For two days he has persisted in having the Engligb fight in Pcshawur pass, when really they are engaged in Peiwar pass, about 100 miles south of the city of Peshawur. NeLon Var.derpool, a half-breed Indian, who lives near Fernando, Pennsylvania, claims to have Charley Ross in his possession. All that’s found of Charley Ross will be about what is sought after for A. T. Stewart. Their bodies are food for the worms. Prunes, a peculiar kind of plum which grows in Germany, Austria, Hungary and France, but best in the latter country, are imported fresh from France to New York, and are now taking the place of figs as a dish on most tables. They run about forty or fifty to the pound, and sell at about ten cents per pound. Walking clubs for women are so fashionable in New York now as to have become almost a mania. Regular expeditions at stated times in the city and out are made. The desirable custom is spreading. Indianapolis is in a good flat walking country, and the women of this region could add to iheir health and length of days by adopting the fashions of their New York sisters. A Missouri editor and membcr-elect-of the state legislature has prepared a statement of the cost of criminal prosecution and maintenance of the penitentiaries iu that state. The cost of prosecutions for misdemeanors he does not state, for that is borne by the different counties. He estimates only felonies paid for by the state The largest item in this expense is for criminal trials, which includes thee >st of keeping the accused persons in jail, witness fees and transportation. In 1877 the cost of these trials amounted to the enofmous sum of $850,869,64, and the total cost to the state of criminals, including the running expenses of the penitentiary in excess of its receipts, for the year, was $454,527.26. In nine years the state has paid for these things $2,954,446.11. A truer indication of an inevitable tendency is furnished by the independent movements which added to the interest of the recent elections in some of the states. A new element is iatroduced into party calculations, while a stronger soirit is infused into the better class of politicians, who recognize other obligath ns than those whic h govern the action of the party managers. The effect may not be at once apparent, but the tendei cy is to weaken the bonds that are essential to southern solidity.—[New Y'ork Times. The right of the people of the south to govern themselves is recognized, nay, insisted upon, by the people of the north; but if the pe< pie of the south violate the laws of the country, and the laws are not vindicated by 1 c al sentiment, and the democratic party winks at such violations, making no protest against them, the natural effect will be the punifbment of the democratic party in the north by leaving it out in the cold.’—[Boston Herald. Destructive Fires A fire last evening destroyed the Pacific flour, grain and feed mills and stores, the grain elevator and dryer attached, situated on Columbia street, between Pacific and Amity streets, Brooklyn. Loss $200,000; insured. The Mississippi Valley tobacco works, ow ned by Smith, Cook k Co,, is located in ihe center of the business part of Burlington, ’ owa. and the bulk of the contents w ere burned fi st night. The Holly water works kept the lire from spreading to the adjoining buildings though it was feared all the business portion of the city was doomed. Loss on the building is estimated at $10,000; on machinery and stock $40,000; all insured. Drinkers Liable to Dyspepsia. Dr. B. W. Richardson, cf London, °ays that all persons who have been addicted to the use of wine or spirits, even in slight excess, suffer habitually from dyspepsia.

Immigration to the North. Over 8,000 farms of 160 acres each have been taken up this year on the line of the Northern Pacific railroad. Three Week*’ Work. Mr. Francis Murphy has been laboring three weeks in New York and has 8,000 signatures to the pledge to show for his work.

RATH.

At Nightfall.

Sou# Observation* Made by • Professional Catcher. [New York letter.] The corse of New York flats is the rata, particularly those flata, to called, built over blocks or stores. A few years ago I took and furnished one of those flats at a rent of $100 a month. In a few days the cook came in t« rrified. A rat had buret out of the sink, squeezing itself through, the narrow leal drain-pipe, and exploding outward as if gunpowder had fired it. They climbed in the windows of the kitchen, and raged up an 1 down the passage way, fairly hallooing with joy. One night I barred my bed-room, and all night beard the rats scratching to get it. Next morning I found that they had tore up the carpet with their teeth, bit the corner off the doors and gnawed the Venetian blind e ats to pieces. 1 packed up and departed. These rodents oi New York have constantly prowipg teeth, a pulpy substance being at the root, which feeds the tooth as the top is worn off by friction. If the rat breaks the upper tooth, the lower grows forward, fills up the gap, and like a sword pierces the unopposing jaw. Our common brown rat is supposed to have originated in Norway, and thence to have passed over the globe in’every ship he could get passage on. There used to be a rat in England different from the Norway chap, but the latter soon drove him out. The city rat is almost as fierce as a wolf, and acts in combination like wolves. They are cannibals, and eat their own wounded companions; a rat caught in a trapjby the leg is tery often assailed and killed by his associates, ar.d the foot remaining in the trap is often supposed by the ignorant to indicate that the animal chewed off his own leg. The male rats outnumber the female, as in the electoral commission, where there were eight to seven. There are really eight male rats to three or four female; it is supposed that the delicate flesh of the female rat tempts her gallants, and by keeping down the number of females, they keep down their species, much to the pleasure of mankind. Rats sufltr much for water, and the common wav of killing them in New York is to give them phosphorus, when they barn inside and run and howl until they die. Livery stable men here say that rats have been known.to nibble the horn of a horse’s hoof and to gnaw the callous soles of dogs feet while the dogs slept. The female rat, nevertheless, is an affectionate mother, and has to fight the he rat, who wants to make a meal off the children. Yet rata are exceedingly clean, and wash themselves after every meal; they are also epicures, and, when there is good meat and bad, will eat the good and leave the indifferent. Sometimes naval vessels undertake to purge themselves of rats by means of ebafing-pans filled with brimstone, and often the rata run along the cables attaching the vessels to the shore, and have to be knocked off with a billft of wood. The black rat was driven out of the English colonies by the brown rat, which stole all his females and bred upon them until all the black rats turned brown.

John C. Breckenridge’s Idea. [Col. Forney,] He was emphatic against party organization iu the south. I could perceive that he was anxious for the people to build railroads, and go to work, and not to act like Micawbers, waiting for something to turn up in politics, for the repayment of their slaves, or for help from Washington. “There is no such thing as a lost cause,” he exclaimel. “We went to war to make a new government; we failed; and now we shall best help ourselves by proving that we can be good citizens of a common country.”

Change* in the Hair Trade. The sales of one of the largest hair merchants in Germany have fallen off 25 per cent, in bulk, and 40 to 50 per cent, in value within the last three years, entirely through the iticrcased demand for Chinese, Japanese and oilier cheap hairs. In 1871 the exports of hair from the treaty ports were 286 tons; in 1874. 330; in 1876, 670. This serves in some degree to explain the pigtail robbing which has been rife, and which is also said to have bee n prevalent at the peruke period, 150 years ago. The English In Afghanistan. The brigade under General McPherson has advanced to Boeawal, beyond the Koord, Khyber j-ass, to forage aud reconnoitre. General Roberts intends to attack Peiwar pass by a turning movement. The Afghans were too strongly posted for the attack in front The London Times, in its leading editorial, says it has reason to believe that the expenses of occupying the desired frostier in Afghanistan will only be about one million pound?.

A Doctor Himself. Some time ago Peter Muscinski, of Presque Isle, Michigan, was told that he must die unless be consented to have his leg amputated, the main bone of which was decaying He refused and took to his bed. After weeks of patient suffering, one day Peter sat np in bed, and with a sharp knife made ao incision marly six inches long, and with a pair of pincers removed a piece of the bone o ver four inches long. Since the removal a new bone has formed, and he is now able to be about.

The Corruption of a Third Term. [New York Sun.I The description of politicians most forward and loudest in their advocacy of Grant for a third term may lie regarded as an indication of the objectionable influences by which he would be surrounded if again placed in the White House. His surroundings were bad enbugh before. It looks as if, in the event of his election to a third term, they would be worse, if worse they could be. Largely Responsible. [Washington Gazette] Governor Williams is largely respons ble for the numerous murders committed in Indiana. His indiscriminate use of the pardoning power has defeated justice to such an extent as to embolden men to commit the crime of murder, trusting to the clemency of the governor to save them from the gallows Guard Against the Petition Weakness. [Crawfordsvtlle Journal.] The newsftapers of Indianapolis are fighting off the foolish sympathy of the people f®r the murderers now'c n'ined in the Marion county jail. The only hope for justice is to guard the people against the petition weakness, for as sure as one is presented to Governor Williams, that sure is clemency extended.

An Elevating Community. [South Bend Tribune.] Few men stop at the Chicago hotels who do not write Col., Major or Hon. before their names, although at home they are plain ‘ misters” and saw their own wood.

Ad Honorable Perjurer. John O’Connor, ex member of the Ohio legislature, was convicted yesterday in the United States court at Cincinnati, of perjury in swearing to false affidavits for the purpose of procuring a pension from the government.

“One Freeman More, America, t« Thee.’* The Fenian convict Tiernary, alias O'Connor. has been released and placed aboard the City of Chester, for New York. The authorities observed the utmost secrecy in the affair.

Chicago Block Show. At the fat stock show at Chicago yesterday the first nnze for four-year-old steers wn» given to D. M. Moniniger, of Albion, Iowa, and the second tQ George Gray, sr„ of Rushville, Indiana.

Insane AVife-Murderer Acquitted. Jacob Vilinger, of Chicago, who murdered his wife in a brutal manner was yesterday acquitted of murder by the jury on the ground cf insanity. He will be sen: to the asylum.

Germany Reaching for Colonies. The German government has decided definitely to occupy the whole Samoan Archipelago, where she has already taken possession of coast points upon several islands.

New Trial of Monoaal.

Moncasi, who attemoted to assassinate the king of Spain, has been granted a new trial,. which will begin in two weeks.

Combig slung by the meadows, Just after the aim went down, Watching the gathering shadow* Creep over the hlllaiife* brown; Coming along in the gloaming, With never a star In the sky, Mr thought* went a-ruamlng, *-roaming, ’ Through day* that are long gone hy; Day* when desire said, “To-morrow, To-morrow, heart, we’ll bo gay!" Day* ere the heart heard the sorrow which echoes through yesterdsy. Life was * goblet burnished, That with love lor wine was Ailed; The cop is bruised and tarnished, And th* precious wine is spilled. But to the traveler weary, Just coming in sight ei home, What does It matter how dreary The way whereby he has come? Coming along by th* meadows, And watching the fading day. Duskier than night’s dusky shadows Fell shadows of yesterday. In the northern sunset's glimmer, The Great Bear opened his eyes; Ix>w in the east a shimmer Showed where the fuU moon would rise. Lights In a window were gleaming, And some one stood at a gate, Paid, “Why do you stand there dreaming? And why are you home so Uta?” Yesterday’s shadow and sorrow That moment all vanished away! Here were to-day and to-morrow— What matter for yesterday? -[Good Words.

SCRAPS. Krupp has made 15,000 guns of various caliber since 1847. One of Bismarck’s ideaa of “absolute rest” is smoking ten pipes a day. Out of the twenty-six grandchildren born to Queen Yictoria, only five have died. Iron safes are manufactured in the city of Mexico which are said to be equal to the best made in Europe. Mr. Woodbury Blair, aon of Montgomery Blair, is to be married to the widow of the late General Foster. An elegantly-bound copy of Sankey’s songs was put up at a church fair and raffled for. Was this a game of chants? ^ There ain’t no bizziuess too good to advertise. Even if you bar got a bible to sell you have got to talk it up.—[Josh Billings. Mr. John Weiss is laying dangerously ill in Boston. It is feared that he cannot recover. His library has been announced for sale. Mrs. Hayes has her two younger children eduqated at home, with some little acquaintances—McCrarys and .Shellabargers—to f hare their studies. The name of Mr. O. W. Holmes jr., son of Dr. Holmes, has been mentioned favorably in coinec’ion with the judgeship of the district court of the Boston district. The Burlington Hawkeye is filled with admiration for Moses—a man who "made such accurate mistakes that it has taken the world several thousand years to discover what they were.” Bhinarck’s new son-in-law is attached to the German embassy at Paris. The publication of his father-in-law’s private thoughts is no’, calculated to endear the Couut Rantzan to the Parisians.

A magistrate at Northfield, Minn., was addr jssed as “your honor,” “Joe” and “you d—d fool” in the course of an eloquent speech by a light of the local bar, who was pleading a case before him. Rev. E. D. Winslow, the forger, has dropped out of the public mind, but it is believed at the state department in Washington by those who ought to know that he is living quietly in the neighborhood of Boston. “The man who would steal a red-hot stove’’ lives at Holly, Michigan. A few n gbts ago a telegraph operator at the depot in that city stepped out to get a bucket of coal, and on his return found that some one had stolen his stove. Little four-year old Mary complained to mamma that her button shoes were “hurting.” “Why, Matie, you’ve put them on the wrong feet.” Puzzled and ready to cry, she made answer, “What’ll I do, mamma? They’s all the feet I’ve gotl” “My lord,” once exclaimed an illiterate actor in “Pizarro,” who didn’t um^erstaid what cacique was, “my lord, ’neath yonder palm we have captured a cask. What is vour pleasure?” “Roll it in,” cried the tragedian, • and let’s bust in the bung!’ Senator Don Cameron, of Pennsylvania, has arrived in Washington. Will Senator Cameron be so good as to go to a tailor who has the courage to tell him that a coat that ri aches to the waist is not the coat for a man who occupies a place in the United States senate.—[New York Herald. Senator (’haffee, as well as Senator Jones, has had a fortunate summer. A silver mine, in w hich Chaflee owns a one-half interest, has been developed during the last few months so that it pays an income of $9,000 a day, Senator Chaffee thus receiving $4,500 daily from his mine and $L3 daily from salary as senator. Ma-y Harris, the slayer of her lorer Burroughs, a treasury clerk, is still au inmate of St. Elizabeth insane asylum, in Washington. A correspondent who saw her recently says that “when walking On the lawn or playing croquet i-he looked like all other liwiies engaged in similar amusements.” No city on the continent has so many disreputable mediums and clairvoyants as this Puritan city of Boston. No city but Boston would allow such performances as they give on Sundays. The city that once hanged Quakers, scourged Baptists and drowned witches, now patronizes witchcraft with a high hand. It has more than two hundred witches in the shape of spiritual mediums, mesmerists and clairvoyants. But thirty-two c’airvoyants are recorded in the directory. These are but a small part of the actual performers. In front of the old state house once stood the stocks and pillory, a perpetual terror to evil doers. Now the terror is gone.— [Rev. Henry Morgan. The Brooklyn aldermen, in response to a memorial from Commander Meade, United Slates navy, yesterday approved of a propofed act of congress to pay a pension of $50a month to the aged w idow of the late Rear Admiral Hiram Paulding, who died in Huntington, Long Island, on October 20, aged eighty-one The widow is now seventy years of age. Admiral Paulding was senior officer on the retired list at the time of his death, aud bad served in the navy sixtyseven years, having taken part in three wars. His father was one of the captors of Major Andre The Admiral's estate amounts to about $10,000, of which his widow has only oce third in her lifetime.—[N. Y. Sun.

There was a traveling lecturer before the war known as “Green, the Reformed Gambler,” who was quite a character in his way, and at ihe opening of hostilities joined the Union aimy. He was so very badly wounded as to be a cripple for life, and one day repaired to the White house to ask Mr. Lincoln for an appointment in the commi*-* sary department en the score of his injuries. He was afraid the president might not kaow him. and, to refresh his memory, said: “I am the man who used to tie known as Green, the reformed gambler.” “Oh, yes,” replied Mr. Lincoln, with his accustomed readinass, “I know you. I suppose a great many more people have heard of you than would ever have beard of me if I had not been elected president of the United States,” and with this the man got his appointment.

Virginia’s Finances.

The Virginia legislature met yesterday. The governor delivered his annual’ message, which is almost entirely devoted to the discussion of the state debt. The governor says that no excuse for non-payment of the debt ever can be urged save inability. There are only two ways open for an honorable settlement, that is, by an increase of taxation or a fair and friendly adjustment with the creditors. Repudiation or forcible readjustment would bring ruin, but increased taxation, though it might cause suffering and pri’v&tioix ] for a time, would ultimately bring pro*rer*t>

| and peace.

MATTERS M ISC ELL AN RODS. Was Solomon m Gold Bo*?—Flat**** is Christ* ■ Time—Naval Observatory— Personal. (Correspondence of The Indlaaapod* Mews.] WsnnksTOF, December 2,187*, Senator McDonald is credited with saying that if the republicans had made a square aad honest fight on a specie resumption issue they would have carried Indiana by a handsome majority. The senator is good authority on this point. A believer in specie resumption himself, his judgment as to the effects of a sound financial discussion on the sensible men of his own perty, is sound and reliable. Gen. Harrison’s position, he maintains, was one of great strength before the people, but he was not sustained by any of the congressional candidates, and his unaided efforts at placing the republican party firmly on a specie basis platform were unavailing. It is profitable to learn from oar enemier, even after disaster, and this mistake pointed out by Senator McDonald may serve as a useful lesson in 1880. ft should teach the lesson to politicians, as well as moralists, that to tamper with wrong is not only a wrong itself, but exceedingly bad policy. Sooner or later right asserts itself, and those who have danced have the fiddler to pay. And sometimes there is another individual “to pay and no pitch hot” and ready for the occasion. SILVIR yibld. The yield of the Nevada silver mines for the fiscal year 1878, was $47,223,303.25. Reports from three counties for the last quarter are lacking, so that in round numbers the yield can be placed at $50,000,000. The mines of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and elsewhere will probably increase the silver yield of the United States to nearly $10#,000,000 for the year. It is one of the great industries of the country and involves a problem in finance that many of our newly fledged statesmen handle “so good as the best kind,” to use a Dutchman’s expression, while the financiers of the world who have made coinage, trade, and commerce the study of their lives can not agree in their views as to the future of silver when considered in its over-production as compared with the yield of gold. It may roach the point, as lead has done, when its value will scarcely pay to mine it. Do we not read that “silver was lightly esteemed in the days of Solomon?” But, then, Solomon did not have a congress to legislate a fixed value into silver. He was a wise man himself and a very prosperous one fer a time, but he did not live in an age when the enactmentof a legislature gave certain value to a white metal but “lightly esteemed.” Solomon should have had a congress, and then he could have enjoyed being called a “gold bug” and ridiculed for his profuse ornamentation of his temple with the yellow mctil. He was perfectly happy until he discovered that he had not in all his kingdom either legislative magicians nor fiatists. He was stung with mortification on gaining knowledge of this and sinking into sin aud shame, ended his days a miserable wretch. Moses encountered magicians in Bgypt, who very cleverly imitate 1 his miracles. Had he attempted the manufacture of money after the “Ohio idee” he w mid, doubtless, have found the magi equal to the emergency. An American congressmm would have beaten him to death, aud forced him from the court of Pharaoh, and out of the land of Goshen, even, by conttroptuous laughter. Christ encountered fiatists in his wanderings over Judea. Some of these dispensers of wealth and blessings were in the habit of saying to hungry children and ragged beggars, “Be ye fed,” and “Be ye clothed,” and with these benevolent dispensations would pass on, conscious of having done a good thing. But Christ did not believe in fiatism, and rebuked these venders of bogus charity. Neither do the people believe in bogus money or bogus politicians. As soon as found out the counterfeit will be cast

aside.

I know a fine field for fiatists to work in if they can be persuaded to occupy it. Some years ago acquaintances of mine invested largely in Missouri lead mines. Lead, like silver, has deteriorated in value, until the

of navigators. Science is doing much for commerce, and It i« now demonstrated that light houses in ths sky" are as necessary as on riven, lakes and ocean coasts. There astronomical works are abhorred by the compositors at the government printing office. A until force, specially trained for this particular work, is detailed to put in type the observatory publkatkms Ordinary compositors can do nothing with the matter. In addition to figures, preseated in every imaginable shape, there are Greek letters interspersed, zodiacal signs, algebraic characters and many special marks for tbs designation of peculiar parts of the public*, tions. It is quite necessary for both compositors and proof readers to keep “an eye open" for the little things so apt to be overlooked. are so important that their omission would spoil alL THS CAMSEOSS. At a banquet recently given, Mr. Quay, chairman of the republican state centred committee of Pennsylvania, ex-Governor Y oung, of Ohio, was present, and in the course of some remarks in response to a toast, said that daring the progress of the last campaign in Ohio, he had come to Washington to get money for the necessary expenses of the canvass, and, meeting with disappointment, was returning home despondently. Meeting Don Cameron on the train he made known the failure of his mission to Washington. Cameron asked him how much was necessary for his purpore, and upon receiving an answer gave him a check for the amount Don is abundantly able to do this, but it shows a generous disposition along with the means of helping those who need help. There are some fifteen or twenty editors of country papers in Pennsylvania who hare been “placed on their feet by the Camerons, and who, consequently. nght for Simon and Don through evil as well as good report. The secret of the power of the Camerons in Pennsylvania is money, and while some of it has, probably, been used corruptly, much of it has been honestly placed where it did the recipient lasting good. It will be very hard to shake the Cameron dynasty in Pennsylvania, while there are so many men of influence under obligation to both father and son.

THB FOREIGN LEGATIONS. The Turkish legation was withdrawn from Washington some time since, and will not be re-established. The Chinese embassy attracts most interest just now both on aocoimt of its size and novelty. The French legation occupies very modest quarters, and none make - any pretentions to a grand display except the British ministers’ household who reside in a mansion built by the quren’s government very much in size and architectural appearance like that of- Harvey Bates’ on North Delaware street. Some of the representatives of foreign governments put on style when they think occasion calls for it, but, as a general thing, they go about the streeu very much as other people do, and without attracting special attention. , * - PERSONAL. There will be opposition to Lew Wallace's confirmation as governor of New Mexico both no the republican and democratic sides of the senate. It is hardly formidable enough, however, to defeat him. Hon. John H. Baker has been here over a week working on the appropriation bills, hs being a member of the committee having them in charge. The work is all done aud the bills will be ready for presentation as soon as congress is ready for business. Mr. Baker is one of the most industrious members of our delegation, and a man of sound views and extensive attainments. His constituents have done well in returning him for another term in congress. All but twoof the Indiana delegation were here for a Sunday dinner, and I presume tba others will be here for roll-call at 12 o’clock to-day. Barton.

A Patent Burglar Alarm. Wise burglars, in ascending stairs at night, always walk near the wall, as there the lioards creak less than they do in the middle. Equally wise householders however leave three or four thick, dry newspapers loosely unfolded on the landing—the best and simplest burglar alarm in the world, since to step on them or attempt to move them is to make noise enough to rouse the house.

Fatting Rack on Fat«. The Turks, amid all the dangers which threaten their crumbling empire, maintain their characteristic itohdity, and console themselves with their old and strikingly oriental proverb, “Ay var, yil var”—that is to say. “There are months and there are years, or, more fully, “Why should we hurry when there are months and years to come?”

Another Glasgow Hank Failure. The Caledonian bank failure has decided to go into liquidation in consequence of Its holding some of the stock of the city of Glasgow bank. The othertfcotch banks will take the Caledonian's notes-and pay its depositors. Iis general business is solvent, and it has a paid-up capital of $750,000, and deposits to the amount of $5,216,000.

narket price yields but little profit over the cost of mining. Now if a positive, fixed and known value can be given to silver by stamping it, why not to lead? The owners of the lead mines are quite willing to be interviewed on the subject. INTERIOR HEAT OF THE EARTH. The report of the board of engineers of the army embraces much valuable and interesting matter. Among other things are tests of the earth’s interior heat. These tests have b<«n made iu mining shafts at different depths in tunnels at various points of excavation. In some instances the hea’ reaches 189 degrees, and, although drafts of fresh air are supplied through tunnels to deep shafts, the air becomes so hot as to almost forbid its inhalation. Home of these tests were made in the preal 8utro tunnel, which crosses the Comstock lode. The engineers discuss the question of the depth possibly to be attained in mining without certain loss of life by extreme heat, but arrive at no definite con-

dUMOli.

NAVAL OnSERVATOBT. The site chosen for the relocation of the r aval otiservatory ia on Georgetown bights, far above the fiver’s fogs aud in a position free from the miasma which infests the present establishment An old family mansion on the immediate bank of the Potomac, near the mouth of Rock creek, was originally selected for the observatory, but it was soon discovered that a mistake bad been made in netting on ground so near the surface of a bread sheet of water from which fogs ari.-e during several months of the year. The oUervet ry w as founded during the admitmiration ot J< hn Tykr, and bis name, and tbi t of Abel P. Upshur, secretary of the navy, who was killed on board the Princeton by the bursting of the gun “Peace-maker, while that vessel was on a trial trip down the Potomac, mark the stone which surmounts the door framing at the entrance. This sot eminent institution owes its establishment to the untiring efforts of John Quincy Adams, who pressed the matter for the benefit of commerce and navigation. He met with much opposition, and it was q-it« “the thing” to tell him “wa did not i c ed any lighthouses in the sky.” The “old n an eloqsent” perseversd to only a partial success. He could not have an observatory e>-tabli*hed. but a “repository oi maps and charts,” and out of this ’’repository” has grow* the observatory, which hag reflected mi much honor on our country throughout the scientific world. The nautical almanac is published annuaUy by the astronomers of the observatory, and a catalogue of stars biennially, besides other occasional works relating to astronomy and navigation. Coast surveys for ail parts of the world are also prepared and published by the scientific errps of the navy ia (onneciion with the observatory. It is the business of on* astronomer every fair night to observe the fixed stars and calculate their positions is the heavens. New stars 'are biennially added to the catalogue, and when v e consider that gome stars have been observed six hundred times and an intricate calculation made for each observation; that the Lumber of stars already observed, numbwtd and deciphered has approached 40,000, and that there are “more to follow,” some I idea may be had of the amount of work there is expended on these catalogues and and almanacs prepared for the use

Reduction In Fansenger Hates. The Vandaliii and the Ohio and Mississippi railrosds reduced their passenger fare to Cincinnati from $9.50 to $7 to-day. These road* charge the Wabash line with selling to scalners here tickets to Cincinnati' over their road via Danville, 111., for $7, and their course in reducing the fare is taken to meet ths alleged action of the Wabash road.

Adulteration of Foreign Wines. The purchaser of imported wines Is no longer sure that he ia getting a pure article. In (he past, adulteration was unknown in Europe, out that day is gone, seemingly, forever. France has ’ been so guilty in this respect that the government has been urged to take some action in regard to the matter.

Architect 11111 Muspended. The president yesterday ordered Secretary Sherman to suspend Supervising Architect Hill. This action was entirely unexpected by both the secretary and Mr. HilL it having been previously understood that the suspension was not tii go into effect until the beginning of the trial in Chicago. A (Saint Exposed. „ - The body of 8t. Francis Xavier was exI deed in the cathedral at Goa, India, yesterday, in presence ot many Catholics from various parts of the world. The ceremonial was impressive, and excited much religious enthusiasm. St. Francis was treriea in 1564.

Painful Aeeldoat to Alax. Htophana. Hon. Alexander If. Stephens yesterday, whileaacending the stone steps leading to thehouse, on crutches, slipped and fell,causing a painful wrench ot the knee, which will pud ably confine him to his room for soma, time.

KaUxoad Official Kitted. Henry W. Cekraft, superintendent of th* car department of the Missouri Pacific railroad, at Hedalia. Mo., was hilled yesterday while coupling care at Ottarville. He bad been in the employ of the eompanr fifteea years. Charged with an Old Murder. The governor of Pennsylvania has iWMd * requisition for Michael Merrick and Michael Gattaoan, two well-know* citizens ol Springfield, Illinois, for the murder of Mike Dorktn at Pottsville on January 18, 1865. The Charter Oak SwlndUas. The trial of H. J. Fertoer, E.R. Wiggin, Jas. C. Walkley and Samuel H. White, ex-officere ot the Charter Oak life insurance company, on a charge of conspiracy, begun at Hartford, Connecticut, yesterday.

Welcome to the Lameci. Ottawa was a blaze of light and firework* la-’t night to welcome the new governor gett' e al ar.d his princess. , .« Loo* Enough Without It. FrobaWr. [Chicago InUr-Ooean-l Not a word in the message about eiviHW • vice retorm. What’s the matter? A Small Coro State Too. The yield of corn in Ohio Util JW 64,ooo,i>oo bushel*.