Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 September 1899 — Page 8

JASPER COUNTY GLEANINGS. PROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS.

gs ■ SHARON. A wticome shower last week. Pastures dried up and some farmers feeding their stock. The Axe farm, south of town, is reported as being sold again. Mr. Dickey, the Monon real estate man, was tn town a few days ago. Misses Pearl McGee and Retta Gish are attending school in Rensselaer. Messrs. Umstead and Blake of Remington, verecallers here last Saturday. Morgan Jenkins and W. Shaffer of Washington, 111., are visitors here this week. Louis M. Shaffer of Cooper. 111., is looking after his farm interests here this week. T.W. Daley, our hustling merchant, was a business caller in Chicago last Monday. Mis. Bice of southern Illinois, is visiting her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Blake, south of town. Quite a number from here attended the exercises at the Milroy church last Sunday evening. The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Fisher died last Monday morning, aged about 15 months. The remains were interred at Weston cemetery in Rensselaer. The family have the sympathy of all in their bereavement,

NORTH BARKLEY.

Hot! Hotter!! Hottest!!! Ben Bowlus of Lowell, is visiting in this vicinity. Fred Gifford returned home to Sandwich, 111., Thursday.. Aaron Seitz shipped a car of onions to Cincinnati Monday. Nearly everybody attended the picnic at Comer Saturday. Mrs. James Stevens of Hercher, Ills., is vising Mrs. Harry Gifford, Charlie McManus of Valma, is topping onions for Mr. Callahan. Herman Ahlers and Warren Wilson did business in Rensselaer Saturday. The last job of threshing was done this morning. Thursday at Warren Wilson's. Pearl and Ethel Hahn returned home from their visit with relatives in Warren county, Saturday. John Schwind, who lias been visiting in Lafayette for the past couple of weeks, returned home Sunday, accompanied by his brother Joe. They will work for Warren Wilson. Fire broke out in the marsh northeast of Gifford Station Tuesday, and is raging at this writing. It has burned over about three sections and if the present weather continues it is hard to say where it will stop. Many thanks for D. Vs. sympathy for us, in our loss of a shirt, but we foresaw the necessity of a new one before the hardships of winter began, ami by the sweat of our brow accumulated enough "free silver”—free in return for hard labor—to purchase a new one. So we have once more prepared for the chilling blasts of winter. See? Had quite a knock-out at Comer Monday. William and Thomas. Richmond clubbed Harry Gifford out of his office at Comer, no serious damage being done. Harry was cut pretty badly about the face and head. Dr. Schwjer of Wheatfield, was called. He is still confined to his bed but getting along nicely. The Richmond's were taken to Rensselaer jail Monday night, by constable George Daniels and his deputy, F. M. Callahan. The cases were tried before squire Thomas Driver. William got $25 and costs. Thomas getting off easy, only $5.00 and costs. They are now boarding with Sheriff Nate Reed at the “star" boarding house.

BLACKFORD.

I guess the Valina cor. has gone dead. Dora Price has been slightly sick for the last few days. Thomas Price has been very much worse this week. Miss May Warren, who is staying at Anderson Jenkins, has got the measles. Charley Reed, Denver Miller and Isaac Miller are working at the Lesh sorghum factory. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. George McElfrysh, Aug. 30. a tine boy. Who are as happy as they ? Ed and Jesse Jenkins helped Mr. Lesh Tuesday night. It seems Mr. Lesli is going to work his sorghum factory day and night. My stars, aint cattle 'way out of sight? What will.an ordinary cow sell at when small sucking calves bring sl2 to sls dollars each? Frank Schroer took Dell Thornton’s place feeding the threshing machine last Saturday, as Dell had a boil on his hand and could not work. Peter Hordeman passed through Blackford lut Thursday with his threshing machine. He was headed by the Nubbin Ridge band, with Dell Thornton as drum major. Some of the y oung people of this locality went to the hi*-down at Parr last Saturday night. One young fellow was heard to say. •I didn’t dance, 1 just looked on," There was a party at Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Jenkins last Saturday night. Eleven couples Were there. They had no fight, but played all night, and all went home well pleased in the morning.

REMINGTON.

The Remington schools began Monday. Rev. Mathews is attending conference this week. Mrs. J. H. Robinson's father is visiting her Rife week. A number of our people took in the excursion to the seashore this week. A new boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Stoudt on Tuesday of last week. The Catholic Order of Forresters held a picnic at the Remington fairgrounds Wednesday. UaL E. Sheetz has begun work on a fine new residence on the corner of Blaine and New York streets. The Remington Fair association are said to have paid their premiums in full with a neat cash balance left. John C. Allman was in town Tuesday in the capacity of traveling salesman for an Indianapolis hardware house. Four candidates successfully tested the **bocking” qualities of the "Rebekah goat” Tuesday night of last week. « The Citizens Hay Co., have their immense hay barn here filled to the roof and are now filling the old elevator building. ft Geo. Hargreaves, traveling grocery salesman for McNeil, Higgins & Co. of Chicago, is - spending a few days at home this week. Marshal Luckey raised some S3B a few days ago by subscription to assist in paying the expenses of Joe Turner's little boy who is receiving treatment at a Chicago hospital. lib'' V--.

Jasper Guy, I. D. Lu’key, W. H. Shesler and James Billie were over to the hub Tuesday, Mr. Bilile was before the commissioners asking for a saloon license which was granted. The Christian church people have the exterior of their new brick church building well along toward completion. It will be a handsome and commodious structure when completed . Quite a lot of sickness is prevalent here now owing, the physicians say, to the large amount of poison breathed from the dust that has filled the Air for the last month, and the heated condition of the atmosphere. Wm. Woodkirk has resigned his position with Patton Bros., poultrymen, and has accepted a position with Tribby Bros, in their grocery store. A Mr. Bell of Goodland, has succeeded Woodkirk in Patton's employ. The town has recently placed meters on the hydrants of water consumers. The rate charged for water is about 30 cents per 1,000 cubic feet. There Is about in a cubic foot. This arrangement is the most fair that could be adopted, as now every person pays for exacly the amount of water he uses, no more, no less. Quite an exciting time was experienced in town last Wednesday afternoon about 1:45 o'clock. One JimmyO’Connor being in town and in his usual tangle-footed condition, Marshall Lucky started to put him under arrest when Jimmy concluded to shake the town, and took to his heels. The marshall turned in a "hurry-up call" for Maxwell's patrol wagon and started in pursuit, with his baton in one hand and using his revolver with the other, after a chase of three or four blocks he succeeded in overtaking his prisoner, bundled him into the wagon and landed him in a cell,

INDEPENDENCE.

Needing rain badly, Hurrah for Toni Taggert! Frank Hays bought a horse of Wm. Ousley. Mrs. Gassy is staying in Chicago for awhile. George Daniels is building an addition to his house. John Hurley has purchased himself a new wagon. Win. Ousley has purchased another fine driving horse. Cutting corn and digging potatoes is the order of the day. Ike McCurtain hauled a load of potatoes to market Tuesday. Chesley Wray hauled a load of hogs to Rensselaer Wednesday. Miss Bessie Brubaker, of Parr, visited in this vicinity the past week. Joel and Will Wray worked for Mr. Huett in his onion field last week. Fred Renicker went over near Remington Tuesday and bought some cattle. Lynard and John Hayes have been pulling and topping onions for Mr. Funk. Another rattlesnake was killed last Sunday by J. Wray, which had five rattles. Charley■ Hopkins and Miss Sylvia Hill attended the temperance meeting near Dunnville last Saturday. Mr. Ed Miller went to Wheatfield last Sunday to preach the funeral of the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. O. Miller. A certain young lady the other day said that she was “promised." I wonder how soon? Boys get your circle saw ready. Quite a number of young folks gathered at F. Hayes’Tuesday evening. They ate watermelons and made cane molasses, too. A good time was had. The Independence cor. took a trip through northern Jasper last Saturday. I saw Mr. Wheatfield and Mr. D. V. cor. and shook hands with them Lost, a daybook with a silver star pin in same, somewhere between Rensselaer and Wheatfield. Finder will receive a suitable reward by calling on the owner, Charley Hopkins, Blackford.

DUNNVILLE.

Goodness, how hot! John Blocher is ditching for August Kaluuska. Rev. Hickman departed for conference last Monday. Mrs. Hickman is visiting with Mrs. Wilmington. Mr. Gerber was the guest of Jessie White last Sunday. Assessor Fisher bought a cow and son of Mr. Kalanska. August Kalanska and family are visiting friends in Illinois. Mr. Vandercar is preparing to start his cane mill next Monday. Johnny Hill jr„ of Wheatfield tp., was the guest of D. V. last Monday. Miss Emma Henry arrived at D. V. a few days ago. Warren is happy. Mr. Marshall loaded a car of straw atD, V, last Wednesday and Thursday. What did Grant Hill use for a side curtain, last Sunday? Ask Nancy Hufford. Who was that young fellow that was talking to Miss Edna Witt last Wednesday? Our corn must be debating the expansion question for part of it is getting stunted. The dance at Mr. Stocks last Wednesday was a success. E verbody enjoyed himself. Mrs. Lizxie Vandecar and Miss Rilla Williams were at Wheatfield last Wednesday. Who was Prof. Mannan riding through the regions of D. V, with? He has girls to spare. Mr. Wheatfield attended the picnic last Saturday. He was as happy as a telephone girl. Miss Rilla Williams of San Pierre, was visiting in our vicinity last Saturday and Sunday. Percy Stocks of Chicago, visited his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stocks, the first of the week. The Mason brothers of Wheatfield, were working in our vicinity last Tuesday and Wednesday. Dr. Weakly and Miss Tillie Olson were the guests of Miss Maggie Lily, at San Pierre, last Sunday. Prof. Mannan was the escort of seven young ladies last Saturday. He believes in expanding his matrimonial pasture. Bill Wilmington of D. V., and Charley Foote of San Pierre, departed for Chicago last Monday to join the regular army. I saw Mr. Independence and the Southern Mountain Sheep last Saturday and Sunday. The former was as happy as a buck-saw without an owner. Mieses Jessie White, Netta Collins, and Meaers. Charlie Sands, Bobt. Mannan, and Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Miser, who have been attending the teachers' county institute, returned last Saturday.

Mr. Fitzgerald and daughter of Ulinota, are visiting the former'aMn, Mr. Billy Fitagerald. Milt Jonea who haa been painting the ■ohool houses of Kankakee tp., finished his work last Tuesday. Jonea is a first class painter. Some of the D. V. people are swearing eternal vengeanee upon the D. V. correspondent. They remind me of a bubble—they froth, sparkle, and then burst. Rev. V. O. Fritts of Rensselaer, has been appointed to hold a tent meeting at Dunnville. The tent will be there this week aud he will begin on Monday night Sept. 11. Mr. Blackford walked to church a few Sundays ago with a young lady who appreciated his politeness so much that she said, “Thanks, I could carry it better myself.” Everybody declared that it wasgood to be there. It was estimated that there .were about 600 present. Truth has been sown as thick as the soil would allow, may it yield an abundant harvest, Born to Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Jones, Sept. 1, a 914 pound boy. Now, Jones was exceedingly happy. He went out and broke his whip over his cats in order to convince them that he he was a full-fleged pa. Like father; like son. Some uninformed people declare that Bryan is a corpse lying in state. I wish to inform them that Bryan isn’t dead, but that he is very much alive. He will be the most popular man in the (J. S. in 1900. His opposition will be the corpse that will lie in state, viewed by the restoration of permanent prosperity which is sure to come when trusts are suppressed and silver remonetized. I. o. G. T. PICNIC. Last Saturday, as the sun, the eternal light of known and unknown worlds, was peeping above the eastern horizon, thus flooding the Sleepy Hollow of these parts, with welcome light, the sons and daughters of temperance, decked with blue ribbons, the recognized mark of that fraternal organization, in company with their parents and friends, wended their way to Dunn's bridge, on the Kankakee river, to hold the first annual I. O. G.T. picnic. They came to give a united p ish tothe well equipped chariot of sociability. They brought pies and cakes, pickles aud onions, watermelons and green cucumbers, aud other royal dishes and spread ‘ them upon the ground and without any formalities they began to practice intemperance upon the good of the land. They showed their love to each other by throwing undesired eatables at one another. The main feature of the day was the display of the oratorical chariot. It was decked with gold that perisheth not. The wheels of the chariot were composed of Prof. Beaman, Rev. Hickman and Hon. Buck Stanley. King eloquence in Napolenic giory, rode the chariot with dignity.

GILLAM.

We deem the Indianapolis Sentinel quite a treat. Frank Starr of Lee, is working for Chas. Whitaker. Levi Miller and wife visited J. Blankenship and wife Sunday. The hot, dry weather has put the corn out of the way of frost. I think I will be able in a few w'eeks to report Gillam as being a greasy tp. Herman Fingal is working for the InterState Oil Co., near Comer’s store. Bart Reed and Jas. Blankenship cut cord wood for P. Hermansen Wednesday. Threshing is a thing of the past and the Gillam cor. didn't get threshed either. Levi Miller and wife are visiting the former's father this week at Medaryville. Joe Rhoen and Milroy English took dinner with Jas. Blankenship and wife Tuesday. It seems to me as if D. V. cor. is taking up considerable space trying to flatter the Gillam cor. Sunday school was not very well attended last Sunday on account of a basket meeting at Narview. Orpha Bisher and Jennette Cook, Charlie Smith and Bessie Kimble attended church at Glendale Sunday evening. Ed Rockwell and wife and Miss Jennie Logan visited friends and relatives in Wheatfield Saturday and Sunday. The seven day advents are holding a protracted tpeeting at the Glendale schoolhouse this week. Everybody invited. Wm. Cline has returned from N. D., where he has been working for the last two weeks. Iguessjlill wanted to see his girl. Jerry Bisher and Jno. Watson are building a furnace to make sorghum molasses. Come, boys, and get some "lick'um good." Rev. Umblebee preached his last sermon at Gillam Sunday and started to conference Tuesday. We hope to hear of his return for our pastor next year. We can’t solve the problem how Charlie can go from Gillam to Glendale and attend an hour and a half sermon and get baek.to Gilliam in 20 minutes. How about it, Charlie? Jno. G. Bisher and wife, Tom Logan and Maud Culp, Mira Logan and Cecil Culp, attended the basket meeting at Narview Sunday.

FAIR OAKS.

Will Dilts’s have moved to Gifford. Abe Bringle's visited in Newton tp., a few days last week. Mrs, T. J. Mallatt went to Virgie, Wednesday to visit her parents. Mr, and Mrs. Wenrick of Gillam, visited at Will Dilts's Saturday and Sunday. Mrs. Dr. Proudiey and Miss Alice went to Rose Lawn Thursday to do shopping. Rev. Middleton of Rensselaer, was in town Thursday eve and Friday of last week. Mrs. Jennie Barker of Yeddo, is visiting her parents. Mr. and Mrs. D. Winslow. Misses Iva and Cora Grimms of Virgie', called on Miss Nettie Mallatt, Wednesday. Misses Jessie and Iva Moffitt of "Moffitt’s Switch,’’ attended C. E. meeting Sunday eve. Mrs. Amy Ritchey went to Reynolds last Saturday to visit friends for a couple of weeks. Everybody please remember the C. T. U. meeting Sunday eve. Sept. 17. to be held ia Christian church. R, W. Schofield and wife and C. D. Mallatt and wife attended Holiness meeting at Wheatfield last Sunday. Rev. O’May delivered his farewell sermon last Sunday. The new minister will be here one week from next Sunday. WiU Herod of Johnson Co., who has been working for 8. B. Moffitt, has moved his family into one of John White’s houses. Mrs. Winslow, Joe and Sylria arrived home last Saturday from Yeddo. where they have been visiting for the past three weeks. Hon. I. S. Wade of Lafayette, called on friends here Wednesday morning while waiting for the train to goto Mt. Ayr to the J Tcunpcrffioo® picnic.

Mr. aud Mr*. Gnat Harmoa, Mrs. Fuller and children and Mrs. Munden wentto Shelby fishing last Tuesday. From all reports, this was not a successful expedition. Grandma Moffitt zwas taken seriously ill very suddenly Thursday morning. Dr. Proudley was called. The trouble seemed to bean affection of the heart. She is better at this writing. About 2 o'clock to-day (Thursday,) a heavy rain, wind and hail storm passed over town, giving us a copious shower, and quite an amount of hail. Some of the hall was as large as a hulled walnut. The hail was serious enough to cause a team of S. B. Moffitt’s to run away. It had been used In the hay field east of town, and the wind blew a rick of hay to pieces, containing about 18 tons.

WHEATFIELD.

Dr. Loach of Hebron, did business at this place Tuesday. Horton, the dentist, did all kinds of work at this place this week. There will be a grand ball at the opera house Saturday evening, Sept. 16. Benhart Fehdig of Rensselaer, visited relatives at this place Tuesday. Mr. Earl Wilmington is trying his hand at the 3-1 depot this week, knocking the spots off the Mor-8 alphabet. Mr. Beaman, Mrs. Ida O’Meara and Miss Osborn are the teachers at this place this year. School commences Sept. 18.

S. R. Hill of this place has arranged to grind grain of all kinds on Saturdays of each week. Now, Mr. D. V. if you have a voice for cornbread, here is your chance. The dance at Mr. File’s last Saturday night was a success, so much of a success that Dan Flickenstine went back the next day, we suppose to see when there would be another, "The cat came back the' very same day,” and so did Charley Gerber’s lap robe which he thought had been stolen, but was merely utilized in a berth by one of the boys who was out almost as late as himself and did not care to disturb any one about the house. Charlie said it made him a little hot, but at the same time he shivered on the way home. “We will excuse you this time young man, but please do notlet this occur again." Once in our lifetime we attended a picnic where every person present appeared sober. Miraculous! Well, we should say so. Nothing but a weak, warm lemonade was drunk, and nowthestrainonourmind istoknow whether it was the "pic" or the “nic” that was left out? But we are confident that both were not present, and have come to the conclusion that this is the first time in the history of the country when that amount of San Pierre and Wheatfield people were together without any intoxicants. This was at Dunn’s bridge last Saturday. The ball game between the Jollie Tars and the Greens last Sunday at this place was ineresting from start to finish. The score wss as follows: J. Tars. Greens. E. Lidtka 2 B, lilton < 3 I. Moritz 3 A. Jensen 3 W. Greve 2 A. B.aman 2 H.Remley 2 L. Lidtka 1 i J. Tilton 0 'l. Jensen 3 Page 3 D. Scroyer 1 Pinter 3 R Anderson U G. Miller 4 W. Tinkam 1 W. Mason 1 C. Wyant 2 J, Tars 20 Greens 16

SWEET LILLIE.

[From Newton Township.] Sweet Lillie One bright summer day, In Grandpa ’s kitchen Was working away. In her aunt's gingham apron. This neat little queen Was as pretty a picture As ever was seen. She stood by the table; Her kneading board nigh, And was busilly making A delicious peach pie. The flour had besprinkled Her face and her arms; But this only added To the rest of her charms. And little she thought On that bright summer day, That a young man was standing Not far away. And w’as feasting his eyes On this beautiful scene; The pride of the kitchen— The pastry queen. And he thought— If girls only could know, That these ways are taking far more with the beaus, Than all the graces the city belle shows.

Real Estate Transfers.

Mary’ C. Teter to John F. Garriott et al, July 6, sw 35-31-7. Union, sl. q. c. d. Henry R. Wood to Mary E. Wood, Aug. 26, Its 7-10, bl 1, Thompson’s sub-division, bl 3, Rensselaer, S2OO. Joseph L. Pefley to William Zea, Aug. 14, It 0, bl 12, Western Add., Remington, SBOO. William P. Harlan to John Pool, Sept. 1. se nw 20-31-6, ne nw 19-29-5, nH ne 19-29-5, sw se 18-29-5, se sw 18-29-5. Hanging Grove, SII,OOO. - - William M. Imnell to Michael Jungles, Sept. 2, se nw 29-31-6, 40 acres. Walker, SSOO. William B. Austin et al to George R. Dickinson, Sept. 6, It 8, bl 2, Austin A Paxton’s add. Rensselaer, S2OO. John E. Hollett to William Corah, Sept. 1, It 10, bl 11, pt Its 11 and 4, bl 11, Remington, $1,500. Simon P. Thompson to Albert E: Kirk, Sept. 7. pt bl 12, Parr, SSO, Henry Mullen to Anna Schnekenberger, July 29, pt Its 4,5, 6, bl 8, Remington, Western Add., $250.

Read The Jasper County Democrat. Tell them you saw it in The Democrat. A whole armload of old papers for a nickel at The Democrat office. The two best wagons on wheels, Studebaker and Weber, for sale by C. A, Roberts. Come in and subscribe for The Democrat and get the Indianapolis Sentinel one year free. Get your wedding and at home cards printed at The Democrat office. A handsome line to select from. For Sale:—Lots 5 & 6, Newton’s addition, 134 feet front, good location. Easy terms. Enquire at this office.

INDUSTRIAL OPENINGS.

a Porto Bleo to SwiniH Mra W Rwmll Capital. Limes, which are used universally on the island, are very abundant, and during the flowering season perfume the air for yards around with the delicate odor of their blossoms. The fruit? readies a size and perfection seldom seen elsewhere, ana the large pa-per-skinned varieties almost cause one to mistake them for lemons. They are never raised with intent and never exported, but they may always be found freeh in market places. The bottling of lime juice has been found very remunerative elsewhere, and is offered as a business suggestion. Porto Rican pineapples are famous for their delicious flavor and wonderful bouquet; in fact, it is even admitted in Cuba that the pineapple par excellence is grown on the sister island. It has only been within the last decade that any attempt at systematic culture has been made, and the industry is yet carried on In the most primitive manner. The Mayaguez district is the one in which, they are grown for export, and in other portions of the island, where never above a hundred or so are grown in a single patch, they are used for home consumption, the inferior ones alone finding their way to the local markets’.

The raising of the above-named fruits—bananas, oranges, limes, lemons and pineapples—offers industrial openings of merit for men of small capital, who cannot or dare not indulge in the high-priced luxuries of sugar growing, coffee or tobacco plantations. It is a sure way to modest wealth, and it is believed that no investor for the next ten years, can go amiss by putting his money and his wits into this form of toil. What are sorely needed to-day, however, to assure complete success, are direct lines of fruiters running from the island ports to the great marts of our Atlantic seaboard. It is possible on account of the lack of such transportation that the more perishable fruits have never found their way to the United States.

Cocoanuts grow everywhere along the sandy coast lines, and old coral rocks which have been covered oven with rich silts and sands, afford a perfect soil for their prolific growing. It is said that cocoanut raising is very profitable; that is, it gives large returns for the money invested; but there is much more labor connected with the industry than the casual observer would imagine. The sandy margins of the coast line, where siugarestate holders are willing to part with them, are sold for very low figures. The trees rapidly spring to maturity, and after a very few years bear immense annual crops of nuts. The heavy expenses lie in the laborious methods) of gathering the nuts by climbing the trees and hacking the branches from the lofty heights, and again in the difficulties which are met" with in releasing the nuts from the heavy fibrous husks*. Cultivation of the sandy loams in which the trees grow is unnecessary, and hence, there are no expenses in this direction. A very profitable business is* the extracting of oil from the nuts-, as half a dozen large ones will furnish a quart of oil. The writer hesitates to make too much of a point regarding this industry in Porto Rico, as the suitable areas are not numerous!, and there are so many far more desirable localities along the coast of Cuba, where thousands of acres are available in aingla stretches. It is one of the economic possibilities, even here, which should by no means be overlooked.—Harper’s Weekly.

DEWEY AT MANILA

Admiral’s Life a Leeeon for Every Youg Naval Officer. It has been said *that Commodore Dewey sought the command of the Asiatic station because he foresaw the opportunity that was to come to him. In one sense this is true. Dewey has always been a man of action, a natural fighter. That he went gladly to the East Indies command, when at least two other flag officers* could have had it if they had wanted it, and that he preferred taking service afloat to any kind of comfortable duty on shore, is true; but- it was the seaman’s instinct that led him, rather than any prophetic power. There were several questions of grave importance likely to come before the country, and Commodore Dewey knew that the man in command at sea is the man who is in a position to make opportunities for himself; while the men who cling to easy billets ashore must—when war clouds threaten—stand around and wait for chances to come to them. It was no mere chance that put George Dewey in command of the east; it was the logical working out of the principles of a lifetime. The men who had always had sufficient influence to keep them in time of peace in easy places in New York and Washington, while others did the hard work of the service at sea, discovered that all their influence could not give them the places of danger and of honor in time of war. It was a good lesson for the navy, and it should be remembered by everyyoungofficer.—Joeeph L. Stickney, in Harper’s Magazine.

LONGEST PLUMB LINE.

b Doubt!*- That Which Swtap in the Washington Momunent Daubtless the longest plumb line in existence is that suspended in the Washington monument, w*hich has a free swing of more than 510 feet. It is of hard drawn copper wire, three-axty-fourths of an inch in diameter, and is suspended, for protection, in a galvanized iron pipe. The wire is located in a plane cutting the center of gravity of the monument, which is 174 feet 10| inches above the door sill. The plummet was set June 12,1887, with the top end of the wire fastened to an adjustable brass screw in an I beam about ten feet from the west wall. - In the plummet house (which is riveted to the vertical protecting pipe), at the base, is a hollow iron pedestal, one side of which is fitted with a door for access to the interior, where stands a bucket of water in which the “bob,” a 25-pound brass spheroid, swings. On top of the pedestal are two telescopes, one on the north side facing south and one on the east side facing west. Both are moved by micrometer screws with a travel along scales graduated to inches and twentieths, which, with the screws, give readings to thousandths of an inch. These readings are taken daily, the maximum defleetion ever observed being 0.14 inch, which by calculation shows that the top of the monument moves about three times as far as the center of gravity. As carefully taken data would prove of great value to engineers who undertake the erection or custody of very tall shafts, it is proposed to make the readings automatic and continuous by means of a kind of improved pantograph enlarging 1,000 times. These, with the heat records taken at the top and at the bottom, both inside and out, would constitute a record of great value, showing what scientists call the “breathing” of this 81,120 ton mass of stone.

No less interesting was the location of the shaft, or what is recorded thereof. The bench mark, known as the Jefferson pier, was built on the first meridian kne of the United States, in 1793. It is at the intersection of a line drawn N.-S. through the center of the executive mansion and another E.-W. through the capitol. No considerable record exists of the establishment of these lines, although it ia tradition that President and Mrs. Jefferson were present at the time, and that Mrs. Jefferson gave her thimble to be set in the top of the wooden monument to receive the scratched cross. From this monument, and another located 90 degrees therefrom, levels were taken, with which subsequent levels were compared to determine whether the monument settled evenly. All the levels taken show that the fottndation has remained horizontal, although subject to a gradual diminishing settling, which, in the centennial year (1876), was 8.82 inches.

FISH AS FOOD.

la No Better for the Brain Than Other Meat One of the very interesting bulletins of the department of agriculture, by Dr. C. F. Langworthy, treats the subject of fish as an article of diet exhaustively and with good sense. We may, however, summarize the conclusions reached in a few words. Fish from the sea and from fresh water, in equally wholesome and nourishing. Weight for weight, fish contains rather less of the constituents of real food than meat. The difference is partly made up by the circumstance that fish costs less than meat per pound. One fact which it may be well to have widely known is that there is nothing whatever in the notion- that fish food is good for the brain, because it contains phosphorus. There is not more phosphorus in fish than in meat, and the brain does not require phosphorus. Probably the notion is too deeply rooted to be destroyed wholly. The amount of all kinds of fish taken from the sea, lakes and rivers by Americans is 850,000 tons a year—a huge'amount—and yet it is less than 25 pounds for each person of the population. Fish is much more expensive than it used to be. Prices of other things haye gone the value of the “finny tribe,” as the fine writers call them, has advanced—-that of the aristocratic salmon, and of the lowly cod, of the elegant trout and the ugly sturgeon, of the giant halibut and thetiny smelt—all are higher in price. The result is due largely to the modem system of quick *- transportation and cold storage. For Chicago can have codfish, if it wants it, almost as fresh as it goes to the Boston tables; New York eats California salmon; and Boston epicures feast on Florida and Georgia pompano—all sold “green,” that is, not frozen, and almost as fresh as if newly taken from the water.—Youth’s Companion. v ’ ’' ■ c ...' ..

People Who Gossip.

It is enough for some people to hear a story: thev don’t care whether it is true or not.—Atchison Globe.