Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 13, Number 52, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 23 June 1883 — Page 1

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Vol. 13.—No. 52,

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THE MAIL

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE.

Town Talk.

COMMENCEMENT SEASON.

The commencement exercises for the year 1833 are about over, and no one, excepting those who have participated, and their admirers, are sorry for it. Last week the State Normal School blowed out the usual number of teachers and closed its doors for the season. Last night the High School launched upon the sea of life twonty-four young men and women—principally the latter—and next Wednesday St. Mary of the Woods will wind up the list. In the public schools a few years ago the merits olthe graduates seemed to be measured by the number and quality of the boquets received by each member of the class. Those who had the means covered up alJ defects in the region of the brain by a liberal application of flowers, while the poorer, and generally more talented, had to content themselves with the applause which they could command. The flower racket has been abandoned, however, so far as stage effects are concerned, and the rich and poor ajjpearon an equal footing. All flowers sent in are placed on the stand, and the audience remains In blissful Ignorance of the amount paid for floral decorations for each graduate At the present time theemulation, on the female side of the house, and it largely predominates, is to excel iu dress. To a number of dressmakers tbe present graduating season has been a bonanza, and dresses of cheap material have been made expensive by rich trimmings, and there sseuis to be a probability that the trustees will have to establich a regulation dress for graduating exercises. With the close of each year comes an addition to the corps of teachers. Those of tbe Normal School, it is said, readly And sif nations, but those of the High School uiv not so certain. The former are foreign talent and scatter over the State the latter .belong here and generally look to the city and vicinity to help them «ut. From the figures it MeeuiM that very few of the boys who enter the high school remain to take the whole course. Their-education for business does not require that they should remain there four years. After one or twoyearH they drop out, while those who remain generally liud themselves so far behind, in business qualifications, at the close of tho course th*t they never catch up.' It is a singular fact that among the uiost successful business men of the coiitttry are to be found very few high school or cotk\ge graduates. The young man who completes a college course has very little practical worldly sense, and has arrived at an age when it is no small matter to acquire It, and will generally remaiu In the background while his leas polished competitor will step to the front.

THE NSW cot)RT MOUSE.

Two years ago, about tbia time, tie paper* were iu a state of boundless excitement over the proposed new court house. There were libel suits and ru mors of libel suits on all hands growing out of the excitement and bad blood

which

manifested themselves. After the

storm has corns the calm. Two years ago there was too much architect in the air. When the cow petition became very brisk, the architects became very jealous of c«ch other. Merit was set aside and prejudice Installed In its stead, until the war of architects became so vigorous that the whole scheme was dropped This year the erection of a court bouse is looked upon as a matter of course.

A

levy of ten cents on each one hundred dollars of taxable property has been made for court house purposes, and not a murmur of complaint has been heard. No advisory committee has been appointed to confer with the Board of Commissioners, nor have any plans yet been adopted or submitted", although it is conceded that they soon will be. It teems to be generally understood that a competent architect has been employed that ho has been instiucted as to thecost and general plan of the building that he is now at work, and will report in a few days, after which tbe work will be proceeded with as soon as tbe coutract can be let. The competition among contractors will be lively, as a 1900,000 job cannot be picked up very often. It is to be hoped that home talent will control tbe work, and it probably will. There one contract out now for the erection of a court house In this county, and it may probably muse some trouble unless some agreement can be made. Th* architect of the proposed courthouse of 1872 about two years ago obtained a judgment against the oounty ffer $13,444 for his plans and specifications, and when work commences the contractor may fee! that he te entitled to damages in a considerable amount, as he could certainly do the work now for a much smaller figure than etsweaysnra ago,

THE orau HOC**.

Tbe amusement asason has doted, ami the work of improving tbe Opera House has commenced. The artist who did ex­

cellent work in painting tbe scenery in use since the honse was opened has been employed and is now engaged in the work of replacing the old with new. The floor is to be raised so the audience can look on, rather than up to the stage. These improvements are needed, and there is another matter which should receive the careful attention of tbe management—sn improvement in tbe means of egress in the event of fire or panic. The preeent plan of the building would cause a fearful loss of life were a panic to occur with a full house. There are bnt two doors and two stsirwsys for the use of an audience of fifteen hundred people. It is true that on ordinary occasion st tbe close of a performance the house is emptied in less than eight minutes. but once create a panic and the consequence would be fearful to contemplate. Tbe narrow escape of a few days ago should call attention to this defect with sufficient force to have it remedied.

THE TRAMPS.

At the present time the tramp crop Heems to be larger than the average farmer claims for bis wheat and corn,and is becoming a greater nuisance as it becomes older. A few years ago the tramp was satisfied with abed and breakfast at tbe station bouse, but now be calls at private houses, wants the best, demands bis meals hot and raises a row generally unless his demands are complied with. He has been quite numerous in the city of late, and many complaints have been heard in regard to his operations. As long as he remains beyond the city limits bis vagaries can be tolerated, but when be appears in the role of an aristocratic beggar he should be run in and given a dose of exercise on the stone pile.

THE CROPS.

It is usually tbe forte of tbe farmer to complain of his cropq. Before harvest be is rarely known to have any prospect at all, or If he has any it is very poor This talk Is usually indulged in, because it is believed tbat it will tend to keep up prices. This year, however, there is good cause for complaint in this locality, so far at least as the wheat is concerned. In this vicinity it is undoubtedly poor, but the corn and"oats will almost, if not quite, make up for tbe deficiency. Busi ness men do not seem to anticipate dull times on account of a crop failure, but All are making preparations to carry on the usual fall trade. When the modest granger conies to realize on his year's toil he will not find himself much behind other years.

A Woman's Opinions.

PICNICS.

The cold, wet summer has been very discouraging to that species of very doubtful amusement called tbe "picnic, but the pleasant days of the las: week may be said to have fairly inaugurated the season. Webster defines the picnic as "au excursion of pleasure into tbe country." We will not dispute so learned an authority, but we would like to inquire, 1st, Do we take tho "pleasure" with us when we go into tbe country Or, 2d, Do we find the "pleasure" awaiting us when we arrive? Or, 3d, Does tbe contact of city people with country atmosphere produce a combination known as "pleasure?" After an experience of many summers, each one bringing a greater or less crop of picnics, we ask these questions, honestly seeking information.

Picnics are among the few entertainments tbat uever change. Monday and Tuesday are spent in washing and starching and ironing and fluting the dainty muslin dresses tbat are always worn on these occasions. Wednesday we cook both ourselves and tbe victuals. We fry spriug chickens at thirty-five cents apiece we bake most delirious pies that have a knack of falling to pieces when we lift them out of the lunch basket, we make the lightest and most delicate of cakes which resemble a piece of lead when taken out from under the table cloth and goblets and lemons Mid sugar that are always packed on top. During these three days there is not a cloud in the sky, and everything is so hot and dry we long for the cool and refreshing forest. When every preparation is completed and we are ready to retire, we notice a (ew omnious sign of rain, just enough to keep us awake and uneasy through tbe night. We arise at dawn, but the sun doesn't arise at all, at least we cannot perceive that it does. Tbe children'almost drive as crasy with questions and complaints. A few drops of rain fall there is immediately deluge of team within tbe house. Tbe clouds scatter and the children rash about In uncontrollable Joy. We are In a state of anxiety and suspense, but, at length, packed ttke ismdwicbee, in a rickety wagon, we start for the picnic. We reach the grounds, and the children, like captive bints set free, fly hither and thither, their voteas ringing with music. Tbe grown people, tor want of something rise to do, alt down on a bench. Tbe young girls, gotten up tor tbe occasion, in a very picturesque manner, seise upon the few inexperienced young men

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who were foolish enough to come, snd employ them in staking off a croquet ground where it is so rough nobody can play then they put up swings and swing all the youngsters, big and little then they get into a boat and row about in tho hot sun till they are blinded, sunburned and exhausted. In the meantime, the fellow who has a sweetheart, gets her by the arm and they start off to to find a spring, but they forget all about tbespring till they have to be hunted up two hours afterward. Lovers snd children enjoy themselves here indeed, life to tbem, is all a "picnic."

The matrons, sfter vainly searching for a spot smooth enough and clean enough to spread the feast, cover up all irregularities with tbe table clotb, scatter tbe food about in reckless con fusion, call on the accommodating young man to squeeze the lemons and, finslly, announce dinner. Ants and spiders scamper among tbe dishes, gnats float about in the lemonade, little green worms drop down from the trees, but a good appetite is not fastidious. In tbe midst of the repast a sudden shower comes down. Everybody flies to shelter. The housewives gather th6 four corners of tbe table cloth and reduce the banquet to an undistinguishable bash. The picnic buddies forlornly together, companions in misery. After the grass is thoroughly wet, tbe sun breaks forth in

And tbe children, jolly little creatures! dirty and ragged and somewhat cross, but ready to go again every day in tbe week. For them, a day iu the woods is tbe height of bliss. How old must we be ere a picnic ceases to delight and becomes a bore Children want to be in constant motion young people crave excitement. When we reach an age where we love quiet and long for rest, where the thought of a picnic gives us the headache, and we prefer a comfortable bed to a moonlight stroll—then we are growing old and we might as well admit it. Youth looks at us with pitying eyes, because we do not care for what seems to tbem so essential to happiness we look at youth with calm superiority, feeling that we have passed through all tnose gradations and reached a plane of peaceful contentment, above and beyond their comprehension.

TERRE HAUTE, END., SATURDAY EVENING. JUNE 23. 1883

IDA

A.

Japanese curtains are very pretty, light and suitaoie for summer. Scarlet and white matting is now tbe most fashionable carpeting for bedrooms.

Guitars and violins are to be adapted to purposes of decoration. Oval mirrors are placed oV6f tbe mantels and flanked on either ride by tali, old-fashioned candlesticks.

Anew table-cover is embroidered in a design of frogs in all attitudes and at all angles skipping over it.

Invention seems to be turning tnightily to the construction of ottomans, for which an utilized soap-boxes, butterfirkins and the lower put of old chairs.

Beds in handsome chambers have the spread and round bolster covered with satin or other material, corresponding to that generally of tbe upholstery in the room, and pilk»waiotheee instances are not seen.

Blue is tbe beat background for sculptures, because tbens having their own relief, and being powerfully reflective of light, are best contrasted and advanced by a color having the nearest affinity to shade as Is the case with blue. For however, dull red is prefera-

It Is getting quite customary to lay •ride the heavy woolen carpets during tbe hot summer months, and to bat* la their place either cooi straw mattings, or stained or painted floocs on which are hid rags which can he kept clean and free from dost with a terymtte caw.

pur. Breakfast Table.

"It seems to me that you rather 'shook' me last night at the rink," grumbled Mr. Jack. %•••'Well 1 intended to," replied Miss Laura coolly. "It is very nice I suppose to sail around the Rink when you can pick up a partner already equipped—not

Sowing

HIB

hot­

test mood snd wilts us completely. The fresh, pretty dresses of tbe morning hang limp and starch less, the coquettish frizzes are replaced by tbe stringiest kind of bangs shoes are damp and shapeless gloves refuse to be put on the end of tbe nose is ornamented by sunburn.

At this melancholy point, several carriage loads of people drive out from town to see tbe picnic. We brace up and try to look happy. We laugh gaily and tell them we have bad a splendid lot of fun and all tbe time we are wondering if we evetdid look clean and sweet like they do and if we ever shall look that way again A couple of daintily-dressed youAg gen tlemen come dashing out in a buggy Neat, cool, animated, of course tbe girls prefer them to tbe damp,perspiring, sun burned young men who have grown old in their service since the early moruing And when the young man who has courted his girl all day, swung her till his srms ached, rowed her up and down the river till his bands were blistered carried her over the swamp and lent her bis coat during the rain—when he sees her climb into the buggy with one of the fresh young men and drive off without even saying "good by," he just jams his battered straw hat down over bis eyes, ties a soiled handkerchief over his wilted collar arid starts for home on foot swearing all the way tbat wild horses shall never drag him to another picnic

nor caring how she got there—

her provide her skates, put them on, etcetera." "Ob! ho! You mean I ought to pay for your skates!" "No, I usually have as much as a dime about me thank you, but I appreciate a little attention—when I might need it—and object to being picked up £oen it suits you and dodged when it stflts you. "Well this is a pretty go! Here the other day you thought it a shame as well as nonsense to see a young bookkeeper go prancing off to a party or a show in a thousand dollar rig tbat cost bim five dollars for the evening to take his dulcinea through passing shower." "Yes and I said I would rather walk through the shower in a water proof, not being salt or even all sugar, sanded a little you know, with a youth who knew enough to make a party call. I think that very pretty and demure girl with whom you were so taken, sot you down on tbat score." "Which one? Really I have so msny "Oh you know. The one who rides in fier own carriage and laughed £t you for offering one—and said she would rather walk, for she could walk in these days of gossamers and overshoes. Did you ever think tbat a young lady might think as she rolled along in one of Beauchamp's elegant turn-outs at your expense 'here £oes several good books a tailors bill, afoot of land, or a year's interest on a hundred dollars for a folly tiiat my own father, a well-to-do business man, wouldn't indulge iu.' "Whew! Where did you pick up »11 that." 'rlhave had it over and over from my wmercble parent. More tbon once,as he J^eped out to see the carriage ldmps, he #o~ultf soy,'Laura, here is your beaufine turn-out—what's his business?' and

I would meekly say, 'beis a book-keep er, Pa, for Perkins.' 'Well, I must say that old Perkins couldn'tafford it, per haps his book-keeper can,' and then imagine how I enjoy the ride—no,Mr. Jack, I don't like a five dollar ride to a sixshilling show. A little cheap attention now and then is worth more than au illy afforded extravagance once a season." "Many thanks Will you ride in tbe street-car to the rink, this eve I'll drop the fare into the new s'.xty dollar box for you."

Unfortunate remark, for the Major exclaimed, "Did you ever hear before of a car company putting in a safety cash box and reducing wages at the same time? Eitbbr one is enough or too much." "Pnhaw Major, how are we going to have a mile of new track if the wealthy car-drivers do not pay for it. You did not thing think tbestock-holders would, I hope Why they have to draw the dividends when tbe addition begins to

^fhe Professor said seriously enotigh, "In consequence of the expensive improvements contemplated it is necessary to reduce wages from 11.14 per day to $1.00."

4

HARPE&.

HOUSEHOLD ART.

"True, Professor! Iv is necessary to reduce tbe fare of the drivers and mules. The little facts tbat summer cars are not to hold custom but to increase it and that tbe new track is not to give a longer ride for five cento, but to do more business is a good reason for reducing wsges. I suppose you beard too tbat the profits from the improvements are to form a sinking-fund lor the drivers who help to pay for tbem." "No, that sounds improbable." "I admit it basauair of improbability and withdraw the statement."

Jack remarked that "Tbe mule is tbe happier of the two. He will kick if be dies, but the dnver will die if he kicks." "Noco-operation here," said McEwan.

But I notice as I come in from my trips some effect of tbe business men's co-operation. What will they do next? Did you notice in the Gasette a new style of club, specially adapted for buaias men, and for this city It it to be a club without fees, officers, constitution' or biiklutin objects. At is men can do as they please—talk shop or not. Most men are miserable in many associations, becsou tbe only thing they know, business, is never talked. I believe the best board of trade we could have would be an informal association, with headquarters always open tor daily evening rsoort for business men only. Out of informal ehsts and exchange of

MM might grow many a concerted movement. At least, tbe drawing together, sodslly, of businem men might develop community of interest." "Something might be made of what joussy," continueAthe Major. "There Is a power in concsrted action. Perhaps in a small dty there is lew uhansnimity 10 ID a target one. In large cities prominent businens men meet together

in more boards, societies, corporations, and companies. Here they cannot meet so, and stand aloof from each other are jealous and distrustful often, censorious and critical always aud yet they are an uncommonly good lot of men, judged by honesty, industry and commercial' standing. No town of the same sire can show as small a list of failures, so few adventurers or reckless traders."

RAILROAD& FIFTY YEARS AGO, In 1832 there were but 107 miles of railroad in the United States. The road now constituting part of the Baltimore and Ohio was then sixty miles long, and was said to be "the longest continuous railroad in the world." The American Railroad Journal, in its issues of tbat year, made some predictions which doubtless seemed extravagant to its readers then, but which, in view of the gigantic strides of railroads since, seem modest enough. It predicted that railroads would, in a measure, supersede csnals, "and lead to the construction of a few important lines in those parts of the country where the amount of business will warrant tbe undertaking." A St. Louis merchant wrote to the editor tbat if a railroad to the seaboard should be constructed, "I can get my goods from New York in twenty-five dsys." Reference is made to tbe fact that a petition to the legislature of New York in April, 1832, asking for a charter for a railroad from the Hudson to Lake Erie "met with unconquerable opposition on the ground that it would have a tendency to divert business from tbe canals." How feeble was tbe conception st that early day of possibilities of the era of consolidations, may be gathered from the suggestion of the editor that "a uniform gauge should be adopted by railroad companies, as there is rare possibility of some of these roads connecting in the future." The highest rateoi speed then thought to be possible wss twelve to fifteen miles an hour, and it was predicted tbat passengers might be conveyed from Baltimore to the Ohio river in twenty-four to thirty hours—a distance that is now covered in seven hours.

Modern achievements in railrosd building and transportation were never dreamed of fifty years ago. It miy be that tbe results of tbat period of invention will be as far out outstripped by the ingenuity and laber of man during the next half century, and that atrial locomotion, or machinery propelled by electricity, or the application of other natural forces now unknown, will make our present modes of conveyance appear as slow to the people of that day as tbe stago coach and the sailing vessel do to US.

SUNDAY WORK*.

Indications now are tbat tbe leadin'g railway managements of this country are to do less Sunday work in tbe near future, on their respective lines. President Ackerman, of tbe Illinois Central road, takes tbe right ground. He says, while be does not consider it practicable to entirely abandon the running of trains on tbat day, he thinks the number could be greatly diminished without tbe railroads suffering pecuniarily, or the business public. Vice-President Hayes, of tbe Union Pacific, considers tbe suspension of Sunday labor eminently desirable, but believes tbat until action is taken by the public in tbe form of legislation, relelvlng tbe roads from liability for suspending business, a certain amount of work must be performed on Sunday. £e believes that the railways will heartily join in educating the public so tbat it will demand tbe entire abolition of Sunday labor. President Colby, of the Wisconsin Central, says he heartily sympathizes with any effort to make Sunday a day of rest for all. General Managers Smith, of the Chesapeake A Ohio Haupt, of the Northern Pacific rfnd Rowland of tbe Louisville A Nashville, all, in a correspondence with tbe Railway Age,takestrong ground against Sunday labor. 1 11

A NOVEL SUGGESTION. Tbe writer of an "Open Letter," in tbe Jaly Century, gives interesting indorsement of the following striking suggestions regarding tbe treatment of prisoners: "A. plan which is believed to be new, and which appears to have great merit, has beer, proposed for the reformation of prison discipline. It has been proposed tbat prisoners shall be paid for the labor which they perform tbat, so far as may be, there shall be no restriction of tbe industries or honest occupations which prisoners may follow that they ahall be allowed to engage in trades and industries on their own account, and that they shall even bepermitted to traffic with the outside world so far as may be compatible with insurance against escape and tbe commission of frauds or other unlawful practices, and that ail prisoners shall be entirely dependent upon their industry tor their living and comfort, excepi in cases of gfrfcnji— or other disability that they «h«n support themselves by their labor, and grow rich or remain poor by their labor in fine, that true individual liberty be not only taught but enforced when the State, by tbe sequestration of criminals, has pot It out of their j»wer to be a present dsnger to society.*

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THE Utica widow wbo thought she ought to have the right of reassuming her maiden name when ber husbaud died, because it would be more taking to suitors, was not wrong. How can any woman be a wife when she is a widow Death severs tbe marital tie, and with it there should be a resumption of the fsmily name of tbe female survivor. But the fact Is more patent in tbe case of a divorced woman. The decree of divorce annihilates her rights as a wife. It is hard on the former husband that a female should go about the world bearing bis name, and when, too, he baa married another woman whom the law acknowledges as bis only wife. Under such circumstances, the divorcee should again take her maiden name,with, however, tbe prefut "Mrs.," to show that she had been married. It would be consistent with the solemn record of a court If such a clause was iuvariably made supplementary to it.

AN exchange states that a brother editor is to be married and he responus as follows: "Married! To be married! Nay, nay. I am but an editor-man. Divide nothing by two, and perhaps by several, and bow much remains? Aak to starve some other gentleman's sister to death Harness an angel, fresh from the realms of celestial bloom and sunshine, to a rag-man's dog cart? Clip the rainbow tinted pinions of a seraph aud give ber, in exchange,one ink-smeared, gray goose-quill? Ah, no, I would not if I could—but I need not fret about it, for I could not, if I would."

Annie Besant, the co-laborer of Charles Bradlaugb, Is bent on coming to America to lecture. She is a Malthusian who believes that the world in, or soon will be, overpopulated, and tbat tbe prime duty of parents is to limit (be number of offspring. Fashionable society In the Bast will perhaps flock to see her on the subject. Her succes in New England, where the original race is dying out from too much peculiar education, is assured. Anna was once a beauty, but brain fever and forty years have spoiled it. Her face is described as leonine, her hair brown, and her eyes dark-gray, and her figure large and well proportioned. Hut tbe leonine face snd dark-gray eyes! Those are things to fly from. They are emblems of high animalism and too much persistence.

LITTLE SERMONS.

A soft snswer doesn't turn away tbe hard question. If you feel angry, beware lest you become revengeful.

A man is never so fortunate or unfortunate as be thinks. Every men's virtue la best seen in adversity and temptation.

Nothing helps tbe memory so much as brder aud cliunlflcation. He keeps bis road well enough wbo gets rid of bad company.

One day is worth three to him wbo does everything in order., Consolation consoles only those who are willing to be oonsoled.

The reward of doing one duty is the power to perform another. No persons are more empty than those wbo are full of themselves.

Honest worth clothed in poverty often trembles in wealth.

If we cannot live so as to be happy, let us at least live so as to deserve hsppiness.^

•&, .3

One true friend adds more to our hap* pinees titan a thousand enemies to our unhappineas.

Whoever sincerely endeavors to do all tbe good be can will probably do much more than be imagine*.

No "M" ever regretted tbat he was virtuous and honest in his youth, and kept away from idle companions.

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Thirteenth Year

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CA TJQHT IN THE RAIN.

Editor Mall: .,, Last Sunday afternoon I was in Woodland cemetry wheu the rain storm came up. As ill-luck would have it, I was destitute of an umbrella, and was throughly wet before I reached Bhelter. But this is not tbe point. I noticed in various parts of the city of the dead groups of ladles, some of whom were accompanied by from one to three children. Tbe ladies mostly wore thin dresses that formed little protection even against a light shower. A few of

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them had umbrellas, and some of them lip parasols scarcely able to cover a large hat. Even with an umbrella, a lady can hardly shield herself and two or three children. It struck me that the city should erect, say, half a dozen rustic houses or pagodas, in various parts of the ground, where visitors, especially ladies and children, might take shelter in a sudden sbowtr. People are in the cemetry at different times of the day, and some spend many hours there. I think there ought to be plaoes erected whero rest or shelter £?uld be enjoyed.