Rensselaer Union, Volume 6, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 January 1874 — Page 1

THE RENSSELAER UNION. Published Every Thursday by HORACE E. JAMES, JOSHUA HEALEY, PROPRIETORS. Office, in Spltler’e. Building, Opposite the Court House. Subscription, 03.00 a Year, In Advance. JTOB WORE 0 1 every kind executed to order in good style and at low rates.

EPITOME OF THE WEEK.

Condensed from Telegrams of Accompanying Dates. Friday, December 19.— Minister Sickles announces to the Secretary of State at Washington the conciliation of the conflicting interests in the Spanish Cortes, and the establishment of the Castelar Government... .Twothirds of the business portion of Hudsonville, 111., was destroyed by fire on the night of the 18th. Loss about $50,000, with little or no insurance.... Both houses of the California Legislature vote for Senator for the long term. Op the 17th the ballot resulted: Farley (Dera.), 41; Booth (Ind.), 57; Shafter (Rep.), 21. On the 18th another Joint ballot was had, with exactly the same result' except that one of tho members who voted for Booth was absent... .The Illinois Farmers’ Association adjourned on the 18th after adopting a Constitution and resolutions declaring that every American voter should do all in his power to secure the election of honest and competent men to office; that farmers are absolved from all allegianoe to tho old political parties; that therepeal of the salary-grab law should be retroactive; that large salaries arc antagonistic to republican principles; that the civil service should be reformed;- they favor improving the navigation of lakes and rivers; oppose a protective tariff; depreeftte the system of subsidies; favor a legal-tender currency issued directly by the Government, and interchangeable for bonds bearing the lowest possible rate of interest; demand the revision of the patent laws; insist upon biennial sessions of the Legislature; assert the right of the State Legislature to legislate for the control of railroads and oppose any attempt of Congress to exercise such control; condemn the practice of public officials in receiving free passes from raibvay managers; demand a reduction of taxation; declare that “since a large number of plow manufacturers of tho West have thrown down the gauntlet we take it up, and recommend the farmers of this State to patronise none of the said manufacturers until they will sell to us direct at wholesale rates.” The election for officers resulted in the choice of W. C. Flagg, President; 8. M. Smith, Secretary; and J. H. Pickrell, Treasurer.... The State Grauge of Wisconsin will meet at Janesville, January 20. Saturday, December 20.—Dispatches from the Gold Coast announce that the King of Dahomey has Joined tho Ashantees. The fever continues among the British troops, and 100 invalids have been sent to St. Helena The French Assembly has passed a bill increasing the salary of President MacMahon. ....It is reported in Havana that a Btearner named the Santiago de Cuba has succeeded In landing a filibustering, expedition on the southern coast of Cuba, between Guantanamo and Santiago.... Our Consul. General at Havana telegraphs to Secretary Fish that the Captain General has informed him that the Ylrginius prisoners were on the 18th delivered to the commander of the Juniata....Pcrteet (colored) a Chicago wife murderer, was hanged at Joliet on the 19th. Monday, December 22.—8 y the recent capsizing of a ferry-boat on the Thames, at London, thirteen persons were drowned.... The Post-office Department estimates that 120,800,000 postal cards will be used during tho next year, at a cost to the Government of $1.39% per. thousand Au elaborate petition has been presented to Congress, usking that Abraham Lincoln's birthday, February 12, be set apart as a national holiday.... By the deed of endowment of the school at Peuikese Island, given by Mr. Anderson, Professor Agassiz had the right to select his successor as President, and he chose his son, Alexander Agassiz.... The time for holding the next annual State Fair of Michigan has been changed from September 21 to September 14, 1874.... The annual report of the State Superintended of Schools in Nebraska, shows 63,108 scholars in the State.... The recent State Grange of adopted a resolution that all members purchasing agents of the order are instructed not to purchase any machinery of the plow manufacturing firms entering into the agreement of October last, or of their ageuts, or of the manufacturers and dealers in any Other farming implements who may open a like warfare upon the farming interests of the State. .... The California Legislature, in Joint convention on the 20th, elected Governor Booth to the United States Senate for the long term. The vote stood: Farley (Dem.), 38; Booth (Irid.), 61; Shatter (Rep.), 20.... An immense mass meeting of the workingmen wag held in Chicago on the evening of the 21st, at which resolutions were adopted demanding that theclly should furnish them with work or aid through the winter. Tuesday, December 23.—A dispatch from Pouang announces that the Dutch troops have occupied both banks of the river running through Acheen, and the Sultan, seeing defeat, inevitable, has given in his submission to the Dutch commander.,.. It is reported from Bau Domingo General Ignnces Bousnli s has been elected President of the Dominican Republic, and It is announced that the new administration will probably endeavor to annul the Samana Bay lease,... Harry Genet, a convicted member of the Tweed “ring” In New York, was to have been sentenced on the 22d, but ths Deputy Sheriff who had him in charge had the day before permitted him to visit his family, and he has not been seen since. A reward of $5,000 is offered for his recapture. An order was given by the court on the 20th for the confinement of Genet in the Tombs until sentence had been pronounced, which order was entirely Ignored by the Sheriff....Ths California Legislature on the 23d Toted for Senator for the Bhort term, as follows: Hager, 44; Shatter, 22; Cole, 8; Haight, 15; Phelps, 7. Seven members were absent. No election. Wednesday, December 24th.— A Berlin special says rumors are in circulation there that the Emperor William is dead, which rumors are undoubtedly false, though it is certain that His Majesty is'Mfery ill Thv London Times alluding to the report that Spain has made a denftnd upon the United States for the restoration of the steamship Virgtaius and the survivors who were surrendered at Santiago de Cuba, says: “Such action on the part of Spain would b« premature, despite the opinion of the Attorney-General of the United States that the Virginiua had no right to carry the American flag. Spain must wait until a United States Court has settled the case of the yeseel before proceeding farther In the mat-

THE RENSSELAER UNION.

VOL. VI.

ter.”....A Washington Associated Press dispatch says: “It is now quite certain that if the estimates are reduced, as proposed, and other contemplated reductions in Federal expenses are made, increased taxation will not be necessary. Secretary Richardson favors the abolition of the sinking fund for on* year, or until the revenues increase. This would give about $30,000,000 to the Treasury, Which, together with the reduction in the estimates, will be money enough without resorting to increased taxation.”.... The California ’Legislature has elected Judge Hager, of San Francisco, United Btatcs Senator for the short term.

FORTY-THIRD CONGRESS.

Thursday, December 18— Senate.— A petition was presented and referred, from the citizens of Kansas, asking for the passage of a law allowing soldiers of the late war a bounty of ICO l.nH The Hnnnft Ip)] , m establish the compensation of Senators, Kepresentaures, amt Delegatee, was taken np, read twice and referred to the Committee on the Civil Service and Retrenchment.... A lengthy debate was had on the question of finances, and after a short debate on tho House resolution for adjournment over the holidays, the Senate adjourned. Ilowe—A. lengthy personal discussion occurred between Messrs. Hale, Wilson, Eldridge and Bntlcr concerning the receiving, by Mr. Hale of a salary of SIO,OOO as agent and counsel of the United States on tho mixed British and American Commission, In addition to his salary of $7,500 as member of Congress.... The Speaker announced that he had appointed Messrs. E. K. Hoar, Cox, and Hazelton Regents at the Smithsonian Institute for the next two years. ... .The Senate amendment to the bill making an apnropriation for extraordinary expenses or the naval service, increasing the amonnt from $4,00ii,000 t 055,000,000, was concurred in....A concurrent resolution was adopted for adjournment over the holidays from the 19th till Monday, the sth of January... .A resolution to print. 225,000 copies each of the agricultural reports of 1872 and 1873 gave rise to a discussion involving the question of a renewal of the franking privilege and the reduction of the expenses for printing public documents. The resolution was agreed t 0.... A Postal telegraph bill was introduced and referred.... A supplementary Civi(Rtghts bill was reported from the Judiciary Committee. .. .Adjourned. Friday, December 19.— Senate —A petition was presented from a large number of citizens of New York, asking for a general disarmament of the Federal forces, and the adoption of provisions to settle all difficulties by arbitration. ....The House bill allowing distillery warehouses to be continued after changes have been made in their management, was passed. ; . - House bill - 'hi relation -to—the compensation of Senators, Representatives and Delegates, was reported back, with an araenument, front the Committee on Civil Service and Retrenchment, and its passage was recommended... After discussion on the question of the repeal of the Bankrupt law, tho House resolution for adjournment over the holidays was passed—32 to 27—and after an executive session the Senate adjourned to January 5. House.— A resolution was adopted authorizing the Judiciary Committee to send a subcommittee of two to New Orleans to take testimony in the matter of the impeachment of Judge Durell, with power to send for persons and papers... .The Supplementary Civil Rights hill was called np and debated.... A resolution was adopted Instructing the Committee on Railways and Canals to inquire whether the rates charged by the Chic&go. fiock Island & Pacific Railway Companies for tho transportation of earn, freight and passengers across the bridges and tracks connecting Davenport and Rock Island are reasonable, and if not. to secure reasonable rates.... Adjourned to January 5.

THE MARKETS.

NEW YORK. December 23,1873. Cotton.— Middling upland, 15X®16c. Livestock.— Beef Cattle—sß,[email protected]). HogsLlve, [email protected]. Sheep—Live. $5.0007.50. Breadstcffs.— Flour—Good to choice, $6,900 7.40; white wheat extra, $7.40Gg8.10. Wheat—No 2 Chicago, $1.54®1.58: lowa'epring, $1.5101.55; No. 2 Milwaukee spring, $1.5801.60. Rye—Western aud State; 1,05©1.06c. Barley—l.sool.6o. Com —Mixed Western afloat, 83©84c. Oals—New Western, 59@6t)c. Provisions.— Pork—New Mess, $15.95016.00. Lard—B!4©B?*c. Wool.—Common to extra, 38065 c. CHICAGO. Live Stock.— Beeves- -Choice, $5.ft0©5.40; good, $4.5004.75; medium, [email protected]; butchers stock, $3.0004.00; stock cattle, $2.5003.-50. Hoga—Live, $4.7005.10. Sheep—Good to choice, $4.2505.25. Provisions.— Butter—Choice, 30©84c. Eggs— Fresh, 23©24c. Pork—New Mess, $14,250 14.80. Lard—B!4©Btic. Brkadstuffh. Flour—White Winter, extra, $6.7509.95; spring extra, $4.7507.25. Wheat -Spring, No. 2, $1.131401.14. Corn-No. 2, 53 q, @s4c. Oats—No. 2, 38>i®39c. Rye—No. 2, 75© 76c. Barley-No. 2, [email protected]. Wool.— Tub-washed, 40®50c; fleece, washed 38045 c.; fleece, unwashed, 25®32c.; pulled 35®39c. CINCINNATI. Bbeadstuffs.— Flour—$7.0007.25. Wheat—sl.6o. C0m—54358c. Rye—96c. Oats—43®soc. 8ar1ey—51.4031.55. Provisions. — Pork—-$15.00015.25. Lard—@BK«. BT. LOUIS. Live Stock.— Beeves—Fair to choice, $1,503 5.50. Hogs—Live, $4.8005.15. Breajjstuffs.— Flour, X X Fall, $6.5037.00. Wheat—No. 2. Red Fall, $1.6501.70. Corn-No. 2, 51053 c. Oats—No. 2,37!4®38c. Rye-No. 2, 680 85c. Barley—sl.3sol.4o. Provisions.— Pork—Mess, $14.25014.50. Lard—--B©BV4c. MILWAUKEE. Breadstcffs.— Flour—Spring XX, [email protected]\ Wheat-Spring No. 1, $1.1701.1714,; No. 2,1.140 1.1414 c. Com—Nq. 2, 52V4®58c. Oats-No. 2,360 36>4c. Rye—No. 1, 73®74c. Barley—No. 2, $1.39 01.40. DETROIT. Breadstcffs. Wheat—Extra, $1.6101-62. Corn—64®s6c. Oats—42®4Bc. TOLEDO. Breadstcffs.— Wheat—Amber Mich., $1,480 1.49; No. 2 Red, $1.451401.46. Com—Mixed, 5714 ®UOc. Oats—No. 2,4514046 c. CLEVELAND. Breadstcffs.— Wheat—No. 1 Red, $1.59®1.60; No. 2 Red,[email protected]. Com-81@66c. Oats-48® 48c. BUFFALO. Live Stock.—Beeves Live, $5.0005.30. Sheep-Live, $4.371405.50.

A LAKE MYSTERY.

Diamrry o( « Mn iittlag Upright In His Boat, Frozen to Death. A rew Sabbaths ago, two farmers of Malden, Canada, while riding to church with their families, noticed a ship’s yawl on the lake, heading towards the beach, and half a mile or so away. They could see plainly a man in the stern-sheets steering the boat with an oar, and though there were no vessels in sight from which the boat might have come, the morning was so bright and pleasant that they readily concluded that some one had left the beach for a morning sail, or to pick UJ> something he had seen in the distance. So they Jogged along churchward. On their return in the afternoon they found the yawl hard on the beach and the man ting stiff and motionless in the stern of the boat, grasping the steering oar as they had seen him in the morning. They Jumped from their wagons and then discovered that the

RENSSELAER, JASPER COUNTY, INDIANA, JANUARY 1, 1874.

man was lifeless and frozen bard as a rock! He sat bolt upright on the seat, the oar protruding behind, and both hands clasping the handle. The boat contained about a foot of water, but otherwise did not show very rough usage. The man’s legs Were covered with ice as far up as the knocs aud the spray had dashed over hia back and shouldcra and frozen therq. *s.vZ:. . Nothing was found upon his person ta indl cate his identity, or to show how he had been cast adrift. It was not thought that he had put off from any vessel, but it was the belief of sailors in that region, that he had been driven from some island, or from some point down the shore. No one could say how long he had been afloat when death laid his icy fingers upon him, but the appearance of the corpse indicated that he had been dead at least three days. There were neither sail or mast to the boat, and but one oar, showing that the poor fellow had not intended a long;trip, and Riving good ground for the belief that he had been blown off the shore. He was frozen to the *eat so firmly that the ice had to be broken off with a stone before he could be released. For days the frozen man had been seated there, jig icy the aghen oar, speeded by kindly waves and favoring gales to Christ ian burial. The parallel instance of the finding of a vessel in the Polar Seas,’ with the crew sitting stark, silent and frozen, occurs to the mind as we read this simple story. In . that case the victims had a| least the ghastly satisfaction of freezing together, aud dying in company.. The Great Lakes have their mysterieq as well as the broad ocean.

THE VIRGINIUS.

Serious Complications Between Spain and the British Government—Decision of the'll. S. Attorney-General •that the Vessel was not Entitled, to Carry the 17. S. Flag. Kxx West, December 21. Information reached here yesterday from Havana that serious complications in regard to Cuba have arisen between the Spanish and British Governments. The advices did not state the precise nature of the difficulties, but it has become known that the British Consul General at Havana has received dispatches from Lord Granville to instruct all naval commanders in the'West TndTes to Immediately rendezvous in Cuban ports. It is stated that in official circles it is certainly known that the British Government will assuredly demand the punishment of Burriel. The British Admiral has left for 3t. Thomas, where he expects to be relieved. Washington, December 21. It has been known for some days that the Spanish Government has furnished evidence with regard to the VirgiDius and her claim to a right to bear the flag of the United States, and that the President submitted the evidence to the Attorney-Gen-eral for his opinion thereon. It seems now to be understood in official circles that the Attorney-General has given an opinion that the vessel had forfeited her right to bear the flag of the United States, and at the time of her capture was carrying it without right and improperly. In view of this opinion our Government will, in accordance with the terms of the protocol, institute inquiry and adopt proceedings against the Virginius and against any of the persons who may appear to have been guilty of the illegal acts in connection witli her. As Spain has proven to the satisfaction of tho United States, according to the Attorney-General’s opinion, that the Virginius was, at the time of her capture, carrying the United States flag without right and improperly, the salute to the flag on the 25th day of December will be dispensed with, as now not necessarily requirahle, but the United States will expect the disclaimer of intent of indignity to its flag in the act which was committed. From the proof submitted by Spain it appears that the clearance papers of the Virginius were obtained by perjury. The Department of State has no information concerning the complications between Great Britain and Spain. Rear-AdiiSiral Scott has sent to the Secretary of the Navy a large number of documents connected with the capture of tne Virginius and the executions which followed it. These include the list of 103 who were in the prison at Santiago de Cuba, thirteen of whom were shot. But four Americans are among the number fiven. Those who were executed, in adition to the thirteen above mentioned, were in jail only a few hours, with the exception of Captain Fry, who was not taken to that place. According to the official report concerning the mode of trial by court-martial,Captain Fry declined to answer all the questions put to him, protesting that by the laws of nations he and his crew had committed no offense that justified his or their imprisonment or trial as parties claiming to be in command of an American merchant vessel, furnished with all properly certified papers, which he had delivered to (lie boarding officer of the capturing vessel. J. N. Rowe, of Rockland, Me., deposed at Kingston. Jamaica, that from his knowledge of navigation, the Virginius when captured could not have been less than seventy miles from the coast of Cuba.

Attorney-General Williams’ Opinion Regarding the Virginias.

' tWiamxoroK, December 22. The following is the opinion of AttorneyGeneral Williams in the Virginius case: Depabtment or Justice, I Washington, December 17. f The Hon. Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State: Sib: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th Inst., submitting tp me a large number of documents and depositions, and askiug for my opinion as to whether or not the Virginias at the time of her capture by the Spanish man-of-war Tornado was entitled to carry the flag of the United States, and whether or not she wmcarrying it improperly and without right at that time. These questions arise under the protocol of the 3Vth ultimo between tbe Spanish Minister and the Secretary of State, in which, among other things, it was agreed to that on the 25th Inst. Spain shall salute the flag of the United States; but it is further provided that if Spain should prove to the satisfaction of the United States that the Viaginius was not entitled to carry the flag of the United States, and was harrying it at the time other capture without right and improperly, the salute will be dispensed with, as in such case it not being necessarily requtrable, but the United States will expect In such case a disclaimer of intent of indignity to its flag in the act which was committed. Section lof the act of Dec. 81, 1702, provides that ships or vessels registered pursuant to such act, and no other except such as shall be duly qualified according to law for carrying on the coasting trade, and denominated or deemed ships or vessels of the United Btates, shall be entitled to the benefit and privileges

OCR COUNTRY AND OUR UNION.

appertaining to such ships. Section 4of the aum« act provides for an oath by which, among other things, to obtain registry of a vessel, the owner is required to answer that there la not a subject or citizen of any foreign prince or State, directly or indirectly, by way of trust, confidence, or otherwise, interested in such ship or vessel, or in the profits or issues thereof. Obviously, therefore, no vessel in which a foreigner is direel ly or indirectly interested is entitled to a United States registry, and if one is obtained by false oath as to that point, and the fact is that the vessel ia owned or partly owned by foreigners, she cannot be deemed a vessel of tho United States, nor entitled to the benefits or privileges appertaining to such vessels. The Virginius was registered in New York on the 26th of September, 1870, in the name of Patterson, who made oath as required by law: but depositions submitted abundantly show that in fact Patterson was not the owner at that time, but that the vessel was the property of certain Cuban citizens in New York, who furnished the necessary funds for her purchase. J. E. Shepherd, who commanded the said vessel when she left New York with a certificate of her register in the name of Patterson, testified positively that he entered into an agreement to command said vessel at an interview between Quesada, Mora, Patterson, and others, at which it was distinctly understood that the Virginius belonged to Quesada, Mora, and other Cubans, and that said Mora exhibited to him receipts fur the purchase money and for repairs and supplies upon said steamer, and explained to him how the said funds were raised among Cubans in New York. Adolpho de Varona, who was Secretary of the Cuban mission in New York at the time the Virginius was purchased, and afterward sailed in her as Quesada’s Chief of Staff, testifies that he was acquainted with all the details of the transactions, and knows that the Virginius was purchased with the funds of Cubans, and with the understanding and arrangement that Patterson should appear as the nominal owner because foreigners could not obtain a United States register for a vessel Francis Bowes, Charles Smith, Edward Greenwood, John McCann, Mathew Murohy, Am brose Rawlings, Thomas Gallagher, John Furlong, Thomas Anderson, and George W. Miller, who were. employed upon the Virginius in various capacities after she was registered in the name of Patterson, testify clearly to the effect that they were informed, and understood while they were on the vessel, that she belonged to Quesada and Cubans represented by him, and that he navigated, controlled, and treated such vessel in all respects as though it was his property. Nothing appears to weaken the force of this testimony, though the witnesses were generally subjected to cross-examination; but, on the contrary, all the circumstances of the case tend to its corroboration. With the oath for registry the statute requires a bond id be given, signed by the owner, captain, and one or more sureties; but there were no sureties upou the bond given by Patterson & Shepherd. Pains have been taken to ascertain if there was any insurance upon the vessel, but nothing of the kind has been found; and Quesada, Verona, and other Cubans who took passage upon the Virginiua, instead of going on board at the wharf in the usual way, went aboard off a tug after the vessel had left the harbor of New York. - I cannot do otherwise than to hold, upon this evidence, that Patterson’s oath was false, and that the register obtained in his name was a fraud upon the navigation laws of the United States. Assuming the question to be whaj. appears to conform to the intent of the protocol whether or not the Virginius, at the time of her capture, had a right as against the United States to carry the American flag, I am of the opinion that she had no such right, because she had not been registered according to law; but I am also of the opinion that she was as much exempt from interference on Ihe high seas by another power, on that ground, as though she had been lawfully registered. Spain, no doubt, has a right to capture a vessel with an American register, and carrying the American Hag, found in her own waters assisting orendeavoriug to assist the insurrection in Cuba; but sbe lias no right to capture such a vessel on the high seas upon an apprehension that, in violation of the neutrality of the navigation laws of the United States, she was on her way to assist such rebellion. Spain may defend her territory and her people from hostile action from what is or appears to be an American vessel, but she has no jurisdiction whatever over the question as to whether or not such vessel is on the high seas in violation of any law of -the United States. Spain cannot rightfully raise that question as to the Virginius, hut the United States may, and as 1 understand the protocol they have agreed to do it and be governed by that agreement; and, without admitting that Spain would otherwise have any interest In the question, I decide that the Virginius at the time of her capture was without right, and improperly, carrying the American flag. Very Respectfully,

The Surrender of the Virginius Prisoners.

New York, December 22. The New York Tribune'* Key West telegram gives an account of the surrender of the Virginius prisoners to Lieut. Com. Braine of the Juniata. It appears that the authorities to the last momeut kept the poor wretches in ignorance of their prospective release, and with base inhumanity led them to suppose that they were to be executed. Priests were with them, taking their confessions and dying declarations, and imploring them to look to Qiod for pardon. They were taken out of prison in despair, but on their way to the slaughter-pen, as they supposed, their eyes fell upon the Juniata, flying the flag of the United States. When they realized the truth a scene occurred which beggars description. Their enthusiasm knew no bounds. They were speedily transferred to the deck of the Juniata, and gave vent to the most extravagant but touching demonstrations of joy, embracing each other, some crying, some kissing, and others offering thanks to the Almighty for their deliverance from the horrors of their dungeon and the prospect of an ignominious death. On the night before the surrender, the officers and crew of the Juniata were stationed at their quarters, her guns being turned on the city. The Spanish volunteers having been excited to an open riot by the rumor that tne surrender was to take place, a large number of them went in a body to the Governor’s palace and begged permission to attempt the capture of the J uniata,say ing that they could do it with knives alone. The Governor refused to grant permission. Our officers believe that the application Was made in earnest, Bnd not a few regTet that it was not favorably entertained, as the Juniata alone, not to speak of the Kansas and Pinta, would have been more than a match for'their assailants. On the arrival of the Pinta at Santiago orders came to the ship from Commodore Braine for the paymaster to issue all the blankets and pea-jackets in his department to the prisoners, who were hardly lit to bie seen in their rags. This was speedily done, but, as there was still great destitution, orders came for every man on board to give their own blankets and spare wearing apparel in .the good cause, promises being made that all would be replaced on the arrival of the ship at Key West. The officers and men cheerftally complied with the order, only preferring that it should be issued as a request, in which case they would have obeyed with Just as much alacrity. £very heart wss touched by tbe pitiable cod-

GEORGE H. WILLIAMS ,

Attorney General.

dition of the prisoners. The poor fellows report that they were barbarously treated. The surrender took place atMorro Castle, six miles below Santiago. A receipt was g ; ven for the prisoners. It was reported In Santiago that when it was found that the Virginius had been towed out of the harbor of Havana, a large number of officers of high grade tendered thei” resignations to the home government by telegraph.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. A noted soliloquy—2 Bor 0 2 B is the ? To tell a horse’s age—Say how old he is, of course. We should have more music if all men were in tune. A Kentucky paper speaks of the “ res viled” statutes of the State. Never turn a blessing around to see whether it has a dark side to it. Silence is the safest course for any man to adopt who distrusts himself. It is a good suggestion that people who adviWtise on fences mix a little spelling with their paint. Take care of your health and your jgjfc; thgy are the two better halves that. make a man of you. It is wonderful how few evils are remediless if you fairly face them, and bonestly try to remove them. Poor Jones says he always gives Mrs. J. her own way, because it is the only thing he has to give her. The widow of a deceased soldier is entitled to draw his pension so long as she shall remain Iris widow. The deduction to be drawn from the panic is reduction, and this view of the matter is permeating the country. y Pimpleville Post, the New York Mail says, is the real name of one of its Vermont exchanges. It makes us boil to look at it. “ Poor Jim Wayne!” remarked an Indiana paper, “he has gone where bartenders don’t scowl when a man fills the glass up.” Ruskin maintains that lying is justifiable if done for a good purpose, which would be consoling if a person addicted to lying cared whether it were justifiable or not. A Bible, placed in a neat Tittle rack, ornaments each Pittsburgh horse-car, and the average Pittsburgher frequently burst into interrogation as to the name of the book. A tailor sent his bill to a magazine editor. It was returned in a couple of hours, and at the bottom was written: “Your manuscript is respectfully declined.” He who cultivates the farmers’ mind, cultivates their farms, and the best crop in the whole round of agriculture is a crop of sagacious, reflective and industrious men. When a man goes into bankruptcy for the sake of making money, he always finds it more pleasant than his creditors do. It is not a pay-in-full operation for him at all. Our life is determined for us; and it makes the mind very free when we give up wishing, and only think of bearing what is laid upon us, and doing what is given us to do. ■ V -yA Lafayette, Ind,, man drew his money from the savings bank and invested it in a pair of horses and a carriage, his idea being that if were all going to chaos, he would at least go in style. If we use common words on a good occasion, they are the most striking, because they are felt at once to have a particular meaning, like old banners or every-day clothes hung up in a sacred place. If there is a heroic act in the world, it is the retention of an extraordinary piece of news for which everybody is impatient, though the divulgence of it would be like a spark in a powder-mill.— Hovoitt. The late Rev. Baron Stow, of Boston, said: “Sermonsare like guns, long or short, new or old, bright or rusty, loaded or empty. Some shoot too high, some too low. They teach, amuse, or exasperate, according as they are managed.” “There is one good thing about babies,” says a late traveler; “they never change. We have girls of the period, men of the world, but the baby is the same self-possessed, fearless, laughing, voracious little heathen in all ages and in all countries.” According to Beecher, “The cheapest thing on earth is a mean man. A faithful aog dies and is missed, a good and stately horse dies and he is missed, the emigration of the birds in autumn is a source of sadness to us, but mean men die and few tears fall.” “The slanderous soul is imbued with the electric fire of hell. His black heart emits the sulphurous fumes till his whole nature is absorbed in one homogeneous mass of hellishness,” is the way a Greenville, Tennessee, editor pulverized a person who slandered him. A French veterinarian annoints the inside of a horse’s ears with a drop or two of huilti decade (an oily substance obtained from the wood of juniperus oxycedrui), in order to save the animal from annoyance by flies. The oil need not be applied but once a week, and is perfectly harmless when thus employed. A young man in Fond du Lac was a party to a mock marriage at a festive gathering, and it proves that the man who married them was a magistrate, and so the marriage is binding. The girl holds him to it, but he is engaged to another girl, who threatens a suit for a breach of promise. It is a complicated case. One of the cooks of the Nicollet, at Minneapolis, after a courtship of over two years, made all arrangements for a wedding, recently, with a former ironer in the hotel. lie repaired with license and good clothes to where the girl worked, as per agreement, to take her to be married. Ife was niet there by “that other feller,” who informed him that the lady had been married to him tke day before. That cook is now meditating on woman’s deviltry in general. Very many sections of the country benefit persona predisposed to consumption, but no rule can be given. Where one should go depends very much on the person. The climate of St Paul is clear, cold and dry, and that benefits some cases of consumption; Denver is warmer, but clear and dry, and benefits others. Other cases ind great relief in Florida; others find a malarious district advantageous. A a rule a clear, bright, dry, steady climate is found the best, and St. Paul has all these qualities, though the cold is frequently found too aevurt,

NO. 15.

THE DEATH OF THE YEAH. Feeble, and faint, and grim, and gray. In hil last dark hour, the Ola Year lay; And heavily came hia parting breath. And bis eyea grew dim in the miata of death. Yet a few montha past, when the apring-tlme embed. This gray Old Year was a merry child; And he rivaled the lark as It cleft the air, And twined bright bade with hie golden hair. Then the Summer came, and the bade were flewors, And the nightingale sang in the blooming bowers; AncLa pensive youth, he loved the night Andr the silent stars and the pale moonlight. Still the montha rolled by, and the Antamn now Gave Its golden fruit from each bending bough; And, with mind mature, he had reached at length. The full perfection of manly strength. But the leaves grew sere, and the Antnmn passed, And the tall trees bent to the wintry blast; And the days wore on, and the end drew nigh, And the weary Old Year lay down to die. Feeble and faint, and grim and gray, In bis last dark hour the Old Year lay; And heavily came his parting breath, And his eyes grew dim in the mists of death Yet not alone, for Old Time stood there; He watched at his side with paternal care. And he gazed on the glass in his withered hand. And jealously counted each ebbing sand. Nay, not alone, for a company vast. The shades of_lhe numberless years of the pp it. Encircled the-eoaeh where the (lying year laj _ And mournfully beckoned bis spirit away. Then sullenly tolled from a crumbling towei, The solemn strokes of the midnight hour; And the ghost of the gray Old Year was free, With the shadowy past, in eternity!

HOW MILLY SAW THE OLD YEAR OUT.

BY SUSAN COLLIDGE.

The ink-black clouds have discharged their burden and fled, giving place to a sunset clear and pink as any which shone on last June’s roses or the lush fruitage of August. But what a different world it lights it. Where once was grass and flowers, winding wheel-track, and meadowfence, lies now one smooth, glittering surface of unbroken snow. The first great storm of the season has fallen, and when such comes early in winter to Kennebec Hollow it is once for all. Not till April rains and May suns conspire to undermine the drifts will the white mantle be rent apart and the imprisoned things below find light and egress. Faint sounds of shoveling come from afar as the sunset deepens. All the Tong afternoon the farmers have been busy chiseling out the paths which are to serve for so many months to come—long, straight avenues from door to gate; narrow tracks from house to barn. As for the road way, the runners will take care of that, and even as we listen a faint jingle comes from an invisible somewhere, and further yet another springs un responsive. In fact, the young people of the neighborhood are collecting for their first sleighing frolic—one of the old-fash-ioned kind—beginning with a little lovemaking under a buffalo-robe, to crisp sound of bells, and ending with a dance and supper. What a cheery tinkle it is; although to little Milly Ives, sitting disconsolate in her father’s kitchen, it seems just the most teasing, aggravating, vexatious noise she ever heard. You see the ear mus* be in tune to enjoy it! Poor Milly. It is not pleasant at any age to sit by and hear the signal for faroff gayeties which you long to share and cannot; at seventeen it is intolerable. And when once in your life have you been allowed to taste of the cup of pleasure; and when every looking-glass and running brook that comes your way shows a face —well, to say the least, not bad looking, the case becomes worse and worse. It borders on the tragic! And such was Milly’s position. She sits near the fire, between her father and her step-mother. She always sits there in the evening. Everything in that house has its place, including the human occupants. The hatchet would be as likely to desert its post and “strike” for a different nail to hang upon as Milly to venture upon another chair than the accustomed one. How she hates it all in her soul—the spare, prosaic neatness, the ugly chintzy pattern of the cushions, the blue yam In her lap which she is pretending to fashion into a stocking; the monotonous ticking of the clock. It is a “comfortable home,” as people say. There is no stint of food or firing, but for anything to nourish the heart or refresh the imagination it is Vacant as Sahara. And Milly is only seventeen, and her nature is grasping and thirsting after something better, as a plant grapples with delicate rootlets in a hard and barren soil. She is what farming folk call a “slip of a girl”—slight and fair, with a face whose wistful blue eyes are strangely pathetic when contrasted with its extreme youthfulness. The look was born in them, gentle reader- Some girls have it—perhaps a token from some long-ago ancestress, wnose history included a broken heart. If by no means denotes any special personal suffering in its possessor; but women with - those eyes generally have things pretty much their own way as Tong as they continue youDg and pretty. One day Milly would find her’s useful; but, you see—step-mothers are not young men, and the time is not yet. The step-mother in question, tilting to and fro in her rocking-chair, marked the unshed tears behind the lashes, and the mutinous mouth, and made her mental comments thereon. They were somewhat withering in their nature, but all she said was: “Mildred, you are not gettin’ on at all with that stockin’.” For be it known our heroine’s baptismal name was Mildred—Mildred Annabella! It is one of the economical indulgences of bur New England people to give fine appellations to their children. Just as cheap for the money; so why not! Human patience, however, and the duration of mortal time do not permit the everyday use of these gorgeous titles; so they are reserved for high days and holidays, and some easy nickname invented to take their place. There are occasions, however, when the indulgence of a familiar address is too much to be expected; and this Mrs. Ives considered one of them. , “I know it, ma’am. But I can’t knit tonight," was Milly’s reply, with the accompaniment of a half-sob. “What’s the matter with the girl!" asked her father, looking up from Thin newspaper. “The matter is,” responded his wife, “that she’s behaving in what I call aa unreasonable manner. I told her I wasn’t agoln’ to have her paradin’ off with a lot of cackling girls and light young fellows on a sleigh-ride. And she’s been in the snlks ever since. I know you’ll take the same voo I did, Mr. Ives. We want her to grow up shamefaced and modest, and not with braided hair apd costly apparel, and

m— ■- - ' ‘ A.JT “ '.JPS* KATES OK ADVERTISING. Advertisements not under contract must be marked * -SB* . Yearly advertisers *lll be charted exlas for Dissolution *nd other notice* not connected with tlutr regular business. A)1 foreign advertisements mast be paid quarterly In advance. Frofeeskuial Cards of At* lines or less, one year, ASHE ETACE. lm. Dm. Am. I tye One square MAS fMf iftAl ■ rwo sqwrc* Tr.W 'ft.wf hW’I 1 One-quarter column 10.00 13.00 IS.OOI WXi One-ball column U.()0 16.00 20.00 SO.Si One column 16.00 10.00 3Joj ».»

fiddling and dancing, which ia not convenient” As Milly’a hair curled naturally, It would have been less than “convenient” to braid it This, however, was not intentionally a part of her step-mother’s syllogism. She went on i “As for sleighridin’ and the assembling ofyoung folks together, I find no warrant for it in Scriptur’. ‘Let the younger women be keepers at home,’ Paul says. And so long as I have any influence in this house so it shall be. There’s a great deal too much of this junketing and gaddin* goin’ on in the neighborhood now. I said to Miss Pratt, the other day: ‘l’m sure, I can’t see where you expect Barah Matilda to go to, with her hair frizzed, and dancin’ and flirtin’ and the like: but I call such doings the way to the Pit. She says: *Oh! Mrs. Ives. It seems to me young people really need some little amusement.’ But I told her that such sportin’ on the brink of everlastin’ woe I considered both sinful and shameful. She hadn’t a word to say in reply, and no wonder. And now, Mr, Ives, since we are on this subject, we may as well have it settled once for all. I’m only Milly’s step-mother. My word is nothin’, of course, and everything I do is a hardship. But you’re her own father, and I wish Milly goin’ on in this foolish way, or not?” “ But, father,” interposed Milly, in a timid voice, “I never did go on in any way. I can’t think what mother means. I never did go anywhere—not to any parties or sleigh-rides or anything—and I wanted to go just this once very much; but mother said—” here her lips quivered, and as a sudden peal of sleigh-bells rang down the valley, she fairly burst into tears. “Mildred, I’m ashamed of yon,” said Mrs. Ives, in an acid voice, while “Tut tut-tut!” was the only protest poor Mr. Ives could think of. r ~ “And now,” went on his wife, sanguine of victory, “just say, once for all, is Milly to conform to my views, or is she not?” Poor Mr. Ives. The embarrassment of deciding between wife and daughter was not a new one. Some natural relentings there were for his child, but the other scale was too heavily weighted to allow of hesitation. “Of course, my dear; of course. Milly, you hear what your mother says,” and then he retreated again into the shadow of his newspaper. Milly’s sobs grew louder. This was dreadful. Pretty soon she got up, still sobbing, lighted a candle, aid, mumbling an almost inarticulate “good night,” departed to the little room she called her own. The world looked forlorn enough as she put her pretty cheek on the pillow; but sleep came speedily—as it does to the young—and her woes were forgotten. She woke with that blessed oblivion which slumber brings, refreshed and brightened with the hopefulness of the new day. It was a sparkling morning—dawning on tip.toe, as it were, and full of life. The air was like wine. For all her heaviness of heart, she could not keep dancing as she went about her work. “We had sUch a splendid time,” said Sarah Matilda Pratt (the young lady aforesaid»?vho sported on the “edge of the Pit”), catching Milljr as she was loading her slender arm with sticks at the woof pile. “We went to Steadman’s, you know. They do make the most elegant egg-nog! We danced till we were just as warm as toast—such fun! And Jim Allen came home with me, and once we got almost spilled out. I had my month full of snow when we bounced up against a big drift; and we laughed till it seemed as if • we should go off. It was such a pity you wasn’t there.” “Oh! I did want to go. I did want to so much,” said Milly. “W e’re going to have a dance: ourselvea New Year’s Eve,” went on Sarah Matilda. “To see the Old Year out, you know. Ido wish you could come, Milly. Can’t you, possibly ? It’s such a shame not to dance the Old Year out. And it’s bad luck, too, people say. Wouldn’t your mother let you, if you’d ask her, don’t you think?” “Oh! no,” said Milly, with her lips trembling. “I have asked her again and again, and father, too; and they both say—” and here she sat down on a log and began to cry. “Don’t Milly, Oh! don’t,” cried the other, almost in tears herself, from sympathy. “It is too bad. I declare it is. You’re the only girl anywhere about that is kept so strict I vow, I wouldn’t stand it if I were you. I say,” (a sudden bright plan striking her,) “I’ve thought of something, Milly. I’ve got it! You can come. And you shall, if you’ll only do as I tell you.” “What do you mean?” wonderingly. “Why, come without asking leave—that’s all! Nothing’s easier. Your ma goes to bed early, don’t she?” “Yes.” „ “Well, you just slip up stairs a little before her, and fix yourself; and, as soon as she’s asleep and the house is quiet creep down again and out by the sheddoor. You would get to us by half past nine, and Jack’ll see you home. None of the doors are ever locked at night are they ?” “ Hardly ever. Sometimes they are;but not often. But Sarah, I shouldn't dare—” “ Nonsense! Not dare! There’s nothing to be afraid of. If your own ma was alive, she’d let you come in a minute; for they say she was the greatest favorite anywhere about, and went to everything that was going on. And you’ve a" perfect right to come, if you want to. You’re of age, you know.” “ No,” said truthful Milly, “ Not quite. My birthday isn’t till April.” “It’s just the same thing,” her irrepressible friend. “ You call crane, if you like. Oh! Milly, promise you will. Do, darling; do. 1 shall think you don’t love us if you don’t.” And so on, in the midst of which appeal Mrs. Ives was heard calling, “ Milly, Milly f” and,-gath-ering up her wood, Milly flew with guilty haste toward the house. “ The woman who deliberates is lost” Milly deliberated. She resolved and re-resolved, and at the end of all, New Year’s Eve saw her before her glass, putting the finishing touches to her drew. It was an Ugly, old-fashioned gown, of light green merino,‘and the white roses in her hair looked queer enough with it; but, somehow, they set off the fair head and daisy-white skin as well as £ more conventional garb could have done. She saw that she was pretty,* and it was impossible to help enjoying it Noiseless and tremollag Bhe crept down stairs, shawl in hand. Fortune smiled. The shed was reached, the door opened, gently closed. Bhe waa outdoors, alone the atari. The aaow

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