Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 10, Number 23, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 6 December 1879 — Page 1

Vol. 10.—No. 23.

THE MAIL

A

PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

A Woman's Opinions*

Mixiccns, IND.

One of the most mournful sights on eartb is the ladle*' wsiting room st a depot. Tbe females sit in solemn silence around tbe sides of tbe room. Here is a smart young woman arrayed in all tbe colors of tbe rainbow, dressed as if for a party, and, in ber Ignorance, enjoying the attention she attracts. Here is tbe strong-minded specimen, tall, tbin and angular, grasping her umbrella tightly, ready to deferd herself against every horrid man in creation, when there isn't oue of tbem would come within balf a mile of ber if be 00old belp it. Here is tbe mourner, pale, sad and grief stricken, and by ber side, tbe timid, nervous old lady who sits on tbe edge of tbe seat, holding ber baskets and boxes snd bundles with an undying grip, anxiously watching tbe clock, and jumping up spasmodically every time the door opens. Here are the mothers and the children yes, children, singly, in psirs, by tbe dozen, and in scores, of all ages, sizes, oolors, dames and dispositions, from tbe chub-by-faced baby, sucking its thumb, to tbe spoiled urchin, whose screams and general diabolism make your finger ends tinglo with a longing for a personal interview. One shabbily dressed, careworn, prematurely old woman came In with seven, tbe oldest of whom, I learned upon inquiry, wss in ber tenth year. Tbe two youngest could not walk, and yet there were no twins in tbe family. I didn't ssk after the fstber. I felt as if I would rather not make his acquaintance. What a pity babies did not cost a certain sum per capita, so that tbe very poor could not afford to have so many.

What a shifting panorama is tbe waiting room of a depot. "All aboard!" shouts tbe msn at tbe door, and there is a gathering of baggsge, a hurried rush through the open doorway, and tbe faces tbat have been an object of study and interest for the last hour, pass from our sight forever. But in at tbe other entrance comes tbe human freight of tbe last train, with new countenances, new characters, and thus tbe stream of humanity goes on, like the waters of Niagara, that some from mountain and hillside and valley, are seen but an instant, as tbey plunge over the falls, and then flow onward, unnoticed and forgotten.

It is equally entertaining to watch the passengers on board the train, and more especially the difference in the manners of the two sexes. The men collect in crowds of two or three, read tbe newspapers, talk business, tell jokes and pass tbe time very sgreeably, no matter if they have never met before and never expeot to meet again. But not so with tbe women. One comes in, deposits ber bundles, settles back in her seat, and proceeds to view every other woman in tbe oar with a suspicious glance. Another enters with a haughty air, accepts tbe seat some gentleman offers, almost knoeks blm down with an unexpected "thank you," and withdraws into herself for the rest ef tbe journey. Another bustles in, drops down upon tbe cushions wad purses up her tips aa much as to say, "Now, I've traveled before and I'm prepared to meet all sorts of people, so you needn't try any of yoar games on use." I have traveled several hundred miles on a train where no two women would address each Other during tbe trip, and on a steamer for tw"6 days and* 'nights where not one lady spoke to another during that time, excep those who were traveling to* gether, while the gentlemen collected on tbe decks, told adventures and stories, and bad a delightful time. Now all this shows great discrimination OH the part of the women. Tbey know very well tbat tbey can't trust one another.

StUKdR

Is improving very rapidly. Were it not for a few old landmarks, one would hardly recognise tbe town of ten years ago. Tbey are Juat completing the fourth railroad, tbe Lake Erie and Western, and building a new depot.

Tbe new Higb School building hi about completed at a coat of 135,000. Tbe bell coat almost a thousand and tbe town clock in tbe tower cost fifteen hundred. This last is tbe gift cf Charles WtUard, a public spirited dtisstu A abort time ago the gas works were built and tbe pipes laid. Everybody was delighted. The gas biased beautifully in all the business bouses and many private dwellings. Every burner wss lighted, and tbey looked back contemptuously upon tbe days, or rather nights, of coal oil lam pa. All was brilliant— for a month—then the bills came in. About tbat time tbe very air would bare ignited it one bad struck a matob. People found they could do very well with half as many burners, and a great many wished tbey hadn't been so hasty hi disposing of their old lamps.

Tbe gas is of an excellent quality, and

A TERRE HAUTE, IND,

is furnished at 91.80 per thousand feet. I have invited a number of tbe dissstl*fied to come down to Terre Haute and pay gas bills awhile. The proprietor of the gas works says he ean furniab good gas at the above named price and make a big profit. How does It happen that at Terre Haute, with the coal right at band, we have to pay almost twice tbat sum This is a conundrum for tbe gas company to answer.

The Public Library is flourishing and receiving many new additions. Indeed, I may say, it is in a much more prosperous condition than ours at Terre Hsute.

The Social Science meets here next Tuesdsy. Miss Frances Willard and several other distinguished persons will address tbe society.

A. P. Burbsnk will read in the Opera House to-morrow evening, and Theodore Tilton will lecture next week. Col. Ingersoll delivered his lecture on the Mistakes of Moses a short time sgo, and, as might be expected, left a tumult behind him. Robert should be called •'the great agitator," as his followers and op posers always find themselves at sword's points as soon as he has gone. At the Thanksgiving servioes held in tbe Methodist church, tbe minister went very much out of his way to denounce Ingersoll in the most unqualified terms. In conclusion be said: "Tbe true animus of this wicked man is shown in bis acceptsuoe of the iuvitation to lecture here, which letter he closes with a blasphemous oath." The congregation looked appropriately shocked and put on an expression of pious horror. Now, with an unpardonable skepticism, considering the time, place and speaker, I said to myself, "There isn't one word of truth in that story." So the next day, while out driving, I called upon this preacher and asked him if he would give me his authority for tbe statement he bad made, saying, "Of course you would not have made it simply from idle street rumor." He said be would not, snd upon being pressed for his authority, said "oneof tbe 'brothers in the church' told him tbat he saw the letter which closed by ssying, 'Advertise largely and we'll have a d—d big house.'" Then I went to see this "brother," who suid thst he did not tell the minister any such a thing, but only tbat a friend of his bad told blm that he saw the letter, snd it contained this blasphemous sentence. At this moment his "friend" csme in sight, and, being questioned, said be didn't ssy he saw the letter, but only that the Chairman of the Executive Committee told bim that he received such a letter from Ingersoll. I then went to the Chairman, who said he never made such a statement or anything tbat could be so construe^, that sny one who wished could examine tbe entire correspondence, letters, postal cards and telegrams, that there was not an oath or ooarse word in one of them. Then I went back and told tbe minister the exsct facts. That afternoon in conversation with another minister, after denouncing Ingersoll in the most bitter terms, be said, "During his reception at the hotel bis profanity in the presence of his wife was disgusting and Insulting. Any man who swears in tbe presence of bis wife is a bad man." "From tbe head waters," 1 suggested, but as he had never heard of tbe "head waters," I ssked his suthority for this statement in regard to Ingersoll's reception. He gave me the name of one of the most prominent ministers in town. I put on my bonnet and went to see bim. "Were you at Ingersoll's reception "I was." "Did be use profaue and Indelicate expressions in the presence of his wife?" "I was there from the beginning to tbe end of the reoeption. Mr. Ingersoll did not make nse of one profane or coarse expression, or use one word that might not be spoken In tbe presence of the purest and beet woman tbat ever lived."

I relate theee incidents to prove tbat Moses wss not tbe only holy man who has made "inIntakes."

Muncie is much excited just now over an assault and battery case. A young husband of a years'standing, belonging to one or tbe beet families, has been whipping his wife. Tbe chief trouble in the esse seems to have been too many neighbors and relatives, and consequently too much interference. She left him some time sgo, but be coaxed ber back by signing sn agreement which is so novel I give It in full: ««I promise my wife thai 1 will not give ber any mow trouble, either by cur-fting or *cokiing. and I promise to attend church, Sunday school, prayer meeting ami temperance meeting. I also pledge myself to kneel with her in evening prayer, be it at home or elsewhere. 1 al*o promise to get her anything that ake may tuft! for health and comfort that Is In my power to do, and if I fell lo comply with this agreement shall not ask her to lorjftvo me any more or to live with me any mar*.

Signed,

Notwithstanding this covenant be oonid not resist the temptation to look upon tbe wine when it waa red, and when she slapped blm In tbe face his christian fortitude gave way, and be Maaulted and battered ber, in consequence of which he is tbe subject of just and universal indignation.

I most close this rambling letter alter tbe feshion of womankind by adding a P. a—I take this opportunity of rethoughtful lad turning thanks to that Mend who sent me a

thoughtful lady pencil sharpsner

tied to a postal card, accompanied by a wiUy note hoping that hereafter I wonld "be entirely independent of any or tbe male persaaslon.,, Never, no, never— tbat is—well, anyhow, I am much obliged.

SATURDAY

Three cornered neckercbiefii have the points rounded. A band of fur at tbe top of the boots is a fancy of the season.

Dress buttons cannot be too elegant, even diamonds will answer. Every lady who wears a "surcingle" is not a candidate for a bridal.

It is now fashionable to border mourning handkerchiefs with black lace Tbe newest things in brooches are dear dear little froggies with emerald eyes.

Petticoats are now made as elegant as dress skirts. The most stylish are of black or dark blue silk, finished with cherry.

Tbe latest shade in gloves is ruby, something near in shade to tbe erst popular brick reds. They are heavily stitched with white or blue.

An exchange says an eoonomic North Wheeling girl has knocked the bottom out of sn empty cheese box and now wears it as a fashionable belt.

Tbe new style of wedding invitation will read: "Mr. and Mrs. Proudfoot respectfully request your presents at tbe marriage of their daughter," etc.

The prevailing atyle of wide belts worn by the ladies is calculated to impress one with the belief tbat a great deal of leather belting is going to waist.

Tbe favorite stone of the season is tbe ruby, of which the best jewelers can hardly find enough to satisfy tbe demand, and tbe garnet. is also in high fevor.

Crape veils for deep mourning are edged with a border of lustreless silk mode, half a yard deep at the bottom, and a band of the same three inches wide, on the aides.

It is estimated that the fashionable society of New York—tbat Is, the persons who habitually entertain and go to parties—does not number more than two thousand persona.

Dont tell your wife that sealskin taequee are going oat of feshion. Her mind is definitely .settled on that question, and she will reply that she is glad, for they will be so cheap.

Don't let any one get frightened when her milliner tells ber thst tbe newest thing for bonnet material iseplngeline velvet—it's only what our grandmothers wore and called nncut velvet:

Paniers are altered In form* Instead of being abort and toll on the hips, they are carried further back, are narrow and long, and disappear low down on the skirt under tbe looped back breadth.

The old faahion of wearing jackets of different color and material from tbe raits, is once more looming op In tbe distant vista of approaching styles. Already ladies in Paris bare been seen In white evening dtosses with pointed or p*M11l'in jackets of colored silk or ***&,

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EVENING,

THE COMING BELT.

If this belt business goes on, the dry goods houses will soon advertise belting warranted a yard wide.

Scraps of Style

Very small bustles are worn. Ribbed velvets are much worn. Sealskin fringe is a late novelty. The long dolman is the cloak of the season.

The "umbrella" is tbe latest Isrge bonnet. Paniers are rarely seen on Paris dresses.

Coral has at length gone entirely out of fashion. Seslskin continues to be tbe fur most in demand.

Elaborate dresses are now criticised as "works of art." Two sizes of buttons are used lor most costumes.

People and Things.

There are thirty-eight people in this country for every carriage on wheels. A m'.nee pie at bedtime is tbe shortest route to the menagerie.—Cleveland Plain Dealer. $ 7

The man who has been brought up on hog and hominy is the man who wants quail on toast when he strikes a hotel.

When tbe deacons of a church band around a silver contribution dish, tbey do not expect it to come back nickelplated t~ *4'* j§

To return an umbrella, a pencil or a borrowed book, says Beecher, is an indiscretion which indicates spproschiog insanity.

A bachelor, upon reading that "two lovers will sit up all night with one in the room," said it could not be done unless one of tbem sat on tbe floor. Snob ignoranoe Is painful.

Tbe bes^ waiter at tbe Palace Hotel, San Francisco, cherishes a souvenir of Gen. Grant's visit in the curions shape of apiece of pie, out of which the great American soldier bad taken one bite.

Talmage has a sincere backer in the person of Fred Douglass, who is credited with having said recently that while a slave his prayers for freedom were not noticed until he resorted to the subterfuge of praying with his legs.

Invalids may as well take care hdw they let their angry passions rise, and throw their arms about them. Daniel Cam pan, of Detroit, struck his nurse,

North, because she didn't rub

his back the way he thought she ought to, and a jury has made him pay 13,600 for the fun. It Tbey have got another musical prodigy In Atlanta, Ga. A colored boy living there, 18 years of age, by simply putting his right hand over his ear, gives with his month the most perfect imitation of a Scotttadt bagpipe. Tbe music seems to eosae from his bead, but, to use the words of tbe Atlanta Const! to« tion, "the Lord only knows bow."

DECEMBER 6,1879.

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velvet, and we shall soon be declaring this so lately despised style "perfectly lovely" well, it|will be gorgeous at all events.

Ribbons with feathered edges are revived this season after years of disuse. Another old fashion revived again is the colored velvet round hat. Felt is popular for common wear, but plush or velvet is used in dress hats.

The shorter the street costumes are made, the longer are the evening trains, and the general adoption of the short skirts for street wear has made adjustable trains very convenient some ladies thus make a dress serve two ends, as upon entering the house they put on this train, as our mothers used their apron, and are all dressed for dinner.

Some ingenious person has invented a new kind of jet, which will enable our fashionables to bang more than ever of this glittering material on their silk suits. Tbe greatest objection £0 jet has always been its weight. This invention does sway that objection by making it hollow and very thin but the cost of tbe new trimming is considerably In advance of tbe old pieces, and this, together with the feet that the adoption of it has made muoh more jet en regie, makes the cost of trimming with jet about double whst it used to be—thst is, comparatively.

Susan Perkins* Letter.

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TBKKK HAUTK, Dec. 5th,

1879.

DKAE JesKPHixs—I have been rather busy tbe past week and almost despaired of finding time to write you my weekly budget of news. Although I have not attended any balls or parties or other worldly dissipations, I have enjoyed myself In a quiet way. Sunday evening we attended the Baptist oburcb. Uncle Ezra, who is not a member of any church, seems to be determined to see religion in all of Its different aspects, and so ha» been attending first one church snd then another with now and then a church social sandwiched in. However, when he asked me to go with him on Sunday evening I was very glad for I always enjoy hearing Mr. Henderson preach. His sermons are so practical and delivered with so much oarnestnece that tbe stoutest unbeliever can hardly withstand bis arguments. Besides that, such a home like feeling takes possession of one the moment t^iis church is entered. Attentive ushers are ready to show strangers to comfortable places and friendly bands proffer the hymn books or render other trifflng service. Some might consider these things of smsll Importance but many a heart has been lightened by just such trifles. Hospitality is the beacon light wbioh has saved, many a poor straggler and it ought to be practloed in public places as well as in the privacy of our homes.

Monday, to ray unutterable astonishment, I received an invitation to attend the ooncert that evening (not from Tiptop however,) I said "yes".of course, as it is considered quite a compliment to be invited by a young gentleman to such a place. Afterwards I tortured myself with the thought tbat perhaps I had showed too plainly my happiness in accepting. We arrived quite early, in time to see most of the small audience assigned to proper places. Although not many were there, it is safe to say that the very best people of Terre Haute composed the few who were fortunate enough to hear Wilhelmj, Tbe first number on the programme was a piano solo by Mr. Max Vogrich which was rendered so artistically as to win hearty applause. Later in the evening he gave us ."Somnambula" that exquisite fsntssie from List iu such a manner as to win a hearty enoore, and throughout the evening he showed his complete mastery of tbat instrument. Tbe next on the programe was a solo (I forget its title) by Slgnora Marie Salvot. My imagination pictured a falr-baired, sylph like creature robed in white. WbeA I beheld tbe reality I at once concluded tbat ber home name must be Mrs. Maria Salters. She had dark hair, was dressed in green, and followed all great singers in the fashion of being fat—ah—I should say adipose. Her voice, although showing evidence of culture, was not altogether pleasing. Indeed once when she gave vent to anew variation, a peculiar twirl {of her Voice, it irresistibly reminded me of the steam calliope. I said so to my companion and he looked so inexpressibly shocked that I took it all back He is a musical critio and quite sensitive no wonder be was horrified at my lsck of appreciation. I am dreadfully sorry I made the remark for now In all probability be will never invite me to another entertainment. My troubles vanished when tbe great violinist appeared. When the audienoe saw Wilhelmj it beheld a gentleman, a scholar, an artist so handsome and dignified, yet so gentle looking. He won tbe bouse before be badjplayed a note. And then his playing! Nothing could equal the exquisite harmony of his touch nothing could be sweeter than the mu sic we heard that night. As a general thing I care very little for violin playing but no one oould have listened to Wil helmj without longing to be better. There 1 I will not rapbsodize any more except to say that after playing the "Hungarian Airs," if be had even hinted at such a thing 1 sboold have obeyed and meekly carried his violin off the stage for him! Is it a bad case Josephine A noticeable feature of tbe evening was tbe frequent and hearty applause, tbe persistent encores showing that the audienoe, although small was appreciative. Nothing so entbnses an artist si to know that his greatness is recognized I speak from experience. After a waltz by Slgnora Marie, (do not be alarmed— she only waltzed with her voice,) tbe performance closed, and I dreamed all night of Wilhelmj pounding Maria over the bead with his violin, because she persisted in ringing "We me met by Cbanoe."

Tuesday*evening, feeling hungry, I aiipped in at the Asbury social. I do not mean by that, that I cheated them out of my entrance fee. No indeed, am too honest! Mrs. Blppetoe served me with a dish of oysters fit for a queen, snd Mrs. Bppert treated me just ss well at the fruit table. After my lunch, bav tag a few minutes to look around, I discovered a number of mycquaintanees among them Mr. snd Mrs. Walmsley, Mr. Diall and others, I particularly enjoyed a conversation with a middle aged widower who waa there, but I will

Tenth Year

not tell his name for fear of telling too much. Matie and George returiied from their wedding journey last week and are now snugly settled in their own bome. We were qnite surprised to see tbem as they were not expected for a month yet. Matie told,me confidentially that George spent all his ready money, and owing to a misunderstanding with his bankers, wss obliged to come home. Yesterday I spent in admiring their new house furnished so prettily, even sumptuously. Yott should see the furniture of ebony and gilt, the handsome chaiis upholstered with velvet and satin, or raw silk, the beautiful sideboard displaying her cut glass and silver tbe lovely brussels carpets and rich rug?. Look at theee things and you will believe tbe "boom" is near at hand. It may be a boom of prosperity or, perchance, the dismal boom of creditors, clamoring for. the payment of these luxurious things. Uncle Esra storuis about it and declares the present generation is rushing to destruction. Says he "went to bouBe keeping in two rooms with the bare necessities in the way of furniture etc. Now, the young people begin at the top of the ladder where their parents left off." Matie says it is all nonsense to waste ones life in saving money and then to die just when one is expected to begin enjoying it. I was quite surprised to find tbat very little of their furniture was paid for, but I suppose it is all right as Matie says most of the young married people here, who make any pretensions to style, have begun in this same way. I have been thinking lately that my having been reared in obscure little Okaw will be a great benefit to me. So often w© hear of great people who begin life in a very small way. Lawrence Barrett was a boot black Emma Abbott sang in tbe streets for her living Shakespeare waa the son of a wool grower Ben Johnson was a brlok layer Jennie Llnd was a poor Swede, etc., etc. Who knows but that some day people will speak of the great Susan Perkins as being a country girl from Okaw. Yes, I am truly glad I was not born in this great, prosperous, booming Terre Haute, Au revoir,

USIK.

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OUR BOOK TABLE. iV* & AUNTS f6% 'SCRAP BAG. (Vol. 5) "Jimmy's Cruise in tbe Pinafore," etc., etc. By LOUISA M. ALCOTT, author of "Little Women," etc., etc.

Price, fl. Roberts Bros., Boston. Godecke, Terre Haute. This attractive little volisTfte contains thirteen short stories for children, by the gifted author of "Little Women." It is. the fifth, we believe, of a succession of collections of crisp and sparkling stories for young folks under tbe same general title. Miss Aloott has not always, in her juvenile stories, escaped the imputation of being a little morbid, and of apparently seeking to teach lessons of a sort whlob are just as well left alone till later in life but in tbe msjority of cases she has succeeded not only In writing in a way that provea very interesting to the young, but also leads tbem In good, wholesome chsnnels of thoughts. The first of this series tells how a little boy was enabled to belp bis widowed mother and give his little invalid alster an In* vigoratlng sojourn in the country, by singing for several weeks in a Juvenile "Pinafore" company, and the tale is not without a few shrewd, sensible remarks, dropped in the easiest, most matter-of course way, about tbat wonderfully popular little opera, and tbe subject of amusements generally. Other of the sketches are bright and suggestive too, and the pretty little illustrated volume must prove profitable as well as attractive and amusing to hosts of young readers. EYEBRIGHT. By Susan Cool Idge.

Roberts Brothers, Boston E. L. uodecke, Terre Hsute. Price 1.50. Thousands of children who have become acquainted with this delightful story in tbe pagee of St. Nicholas, will be right glad to see it In its neat attractive dress ass book. It is well written, bright, healthful and interesting.

STUDYING ART ABROAD, and How to Do it Cheaply. By May Aloott Nleriker. Roberts Brothers, Boston

K. L. Godecke, Terre Haute. SELECTIONS FRO^I FENELON. Roberts Brothers, Boston E. L. Godecke,

Terre Haute.

"A SHOOTING GALLERY." Indianapolis People. Miss Helen M. Gougar, of Lafayette, the lady who became angry because sbe was not permitted to read the first paper before tbe Science Association, now calls tbat interesting bevy "a shooting gallery." Did yon ever? Miss Gougar has method in her madnesw sbe not on'y resigned her position in tbe society but sent in tbe resignations of forty others whom she had proposed as members. We reckon now tbat Social Science Association might as well hand in its "chlpa." "A shooting gallery!" Well, we never I

THE light Guards, Governor Guards, McKeen Cadets, Hager Veterans, and the Light Guard Band will go to Indianapolis, on Tuesday, to assist in receiving Gen. Grant. Terre Haute will fill a large space In tbe grand pageant,