Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 15, Number 32, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 31 January 1885 — Page 1

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.Vol.*-!5.---N0. 32.

THE MAIL

A PAPER TOR THE PEOPLE.

Town Talk.:

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f\ The new police bill goes into effect Jfliere to-morrow. It does not give that ./universal satisfaction which was claimed for it by its projectors. It is, pertiaps, needless to say that there were many moreapplicahts for positions than there were positions. Those who failed •%o get places are much disappointed, and

Hwear vengeance. On the old force most of the men expected to remain, but they ^Jdid not. Those who had to retire are 'igenerally dissatisfied, and some of them %ue telling tales out of school. It is .charged that one of the selections is not a resident of the connty that another lias forwarded to Washington an application for a pension in which he swears that he is permanently disabled, while *0 obtain a position on the force he swears lie is in good health, and that an other was qualified who does not claim to fill, the .requirements of the ordinanco. It is also argued that men who are now sworn in cannot be subsequently discharged if .Althey should' fall below the weight. 'fAgaln, it is a mooted question as to -whether the mayor has a vote as a member of the Board of Commissioners, even ®«n a tie. It seems as though there is •^rouble ahead, and the passage of the ^Metropolitan bill by the Legislature 'would by no means decrease it. It is &£rue the men selected this week are all ^efficient, and will make a good working force, but should the State bill become a law they have no assurance that they will remain, in which event they would fee out the expense of their uniforms.

Under the old plan a Republican force oould have been retained until the middle of May, at least, while under the new order one-half of them are discharged in midwinter. Tl^ese objections are put forth principally by disappointed men, and are given for what they are worth. Some of them may be good and some bad. but all are entitled to due consideration

The much talked of Criminal court bill was introduced in the State senate jpeaterday and eriem!&ft%re nuYnerous* and aggressive Its advocates are quiet and determined The indications are that the fight will be bitter, and will be a repetition of past judicial warfare in Vigo county.

As presented the bill contains eight sections. Its title is "An act establish ing the Criminal court of Vigo county providing for the election of a judge and Criminal Prosecutor thereof crea ting Criminal prosecutors for certain criminal oourts, and fixing the compen nation thereof and fixlug the compensation of the judges of criminal courts, declaring vacancies in the offices of judge and criminal prosecutor of the said criminal court ol Vigo county, and declaring an emergency."

Section I. provides for the establishing of a Criminal court in Vigo county "the terms of which shall commence on *lhe first Mondays In March and Septem"her, each continuing six months shall business require It.

Section II. fixes the salary of judge At $2,600 per annum. Section ill. creates the office of criminal prosecutor, whose term of office •hall bo two years or until his successor Is elected whose compensation shall be the same as prosecutors of Circuit courts, and defining his duties.

Section IV. provides that the prosecutor's salary shall be paid quarterly out of the county treasury.

Section V. provides for the election at the next general election, after the passage of the act of a judge and prosecutor, who shall be commissioned and qualified as now provided for by law.

Section VI. declares vacancies in the offices of judge and prosecutor from the taking effect of the act, and authorizes the governor to fill them.

Section VII. repeals all laws or parts of laws in conflict with the act. Section VIII. deolaree au emergency, and that the act shall be in force from and after the passage.

It will be seen that the bill does not abolish the Superior court, but merely divides the business of the Circuit court by removing from it jurisdiction in criminal cases. The friends of the bill urge in its favor many reasons, among which are the following: During the first two year* of the late Criminal oouit of this county,, from seventy-five to eighty convictions were secured in penal oases while Mr. Davis was prosecutor. Undktr Mr. Tenant's administration as prosecutor the figures show a slight increase, and under Mr. Kelley the convictions averaged seventy-five per annum, while since the court was abolished the convictions in the Circuit court fcave averaged less than one-half of the figures named, and the smallest number of convictions ever secured in the Criminal court in a single year are in exuess of the largest number in the Circuit court. This is through DO fault of tim prosecutor or judge, but because of

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the inability of the court to reach the cases. The Circuit oonrt has four terms each year. About the first of each term two weeks are set apart for criminal business, and a similar length of time about the close of the term. During each day of criminal business six or seven cases are set down for trial. Should one case go to trial the witnesses in all the others must return home, and when a case lasts several days it necessarily causes much hardship and inconvenience to witnesses who are compelled to return day after day and await the calling of the case in which they are interested. In the Criminal court unless the cases are trivial not more than one is set for trial in a day. In the Circuit court during the weeks devoted to civil business no cri canal cases can be reached at all. In such cases prisoners in jail awaiting trial are kept there at an expense to the county of forty eetits per day each, whereas, in the event of a Criminal court they conld be placed on trial at any time, and the expense saved. Another argument advocated is that during the four months devoted by the Circuit court to criminal business it retains the regular panel of the jury at that much additional expense to the county. On the score of expense it is claimed that the expense of the Criminal oourt cannet exceed from $6,000 to 96,500 per annum. The Superior court costs from 115,000 to $20,000 per annum, and the Circuit court no less. Marion connty with a population of 120,000 has six courts three Superior, one Circuit, one Criminal, and the Federal •eurt. In tbe latter cases between nonresidents and residents, where tbe amount involved is not less than $500, can be tried, and in order to expedite business tbe Indianapolis attorneys Invariably bring such suits there. In this county, with a population of 60,900, it is claimed there is plenty of business for three courts. **1*

Such are the arguments tbe friends of the measure advance, but as the bill has little show of becoming a law, It seems a waste of The Mail's valuable space to give this nummary cf the act and tbe opinions |f the few in its favor. Its passage over the protest which is going up from this county would be such an outrage as the Legislature will hardly dare to perpetrate.

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The public are delighted at tbe prospect of reduced rates at the Opera House for the rest of the season. Prices have been lowered at Indianapolis for some time past. There is no reason why amusements should be exempt from tbe general reduction which has taken place all over the country on account of the b%rd times. The result of the fifty cents admission fee was seen in the large audi ence which assembled on Wednesday evening to bear the rather pretty opera of Girofle-Girofla, but it was the general opinion that the entertainment was dear even at that price. The "star," Miss Su9io Kirwin, should hardly pretend even to the rather doubtful honor of singing In cornio opera. Her actions and appearance are those of a third class variety actress. In her effort to be cute and fascinating she In simply vulgar and disgusting. She has no beauty of face, figure or manners and not the slightest dramatic ability. Her voice Is good but Is quite neglected In her attempts to bewitch the nice young men who sit In the orchestra. An occasional grimace at the boys In tbe gallery, a vicious kicking of her train and a periodical turning up of her toes complete the list of Miss Kirwln's attractions. She hasvapeculiar tendency to lean up, something after the manner of a broom handle, against every man who oomes in her way, and seems more in her element in the "drinking scene" than In any other. Conly, the tenor, evidently "travels on his shape," as that seems to be his chief recommendation, and, before theevening was over had the appearance of being pretty well intoxicated,—probably with connubial bliss. Brand, the baritone, (one is tempted to use the old pun, "bare o' tone,") probably was driven off some variety stage, by the "guying" of the boys, and took refuge in comic opera, which tolerates almost anything and anybody. He can neither ring nor act and his chief talent lies in getting drunk and drawing a butcher knife on his friends. Chapman is a fair comedian with an inclination to be coarse, which be indulges according to the calibre of bis audience and on this occasion he seemed to feel very little restraint. The chorus was average and like all choruses suggested two questions, "Where do they get such ugly, ill-shaped girls 7" and "What second-band store furnishes the costumes To sum up the evening spent with Girofle-Girofla, one condudes that, notwithstanding tbe rather nice music, every lady present must have lost something of her self-respect, and the men must have realised that tbe play exerted anything but amoral influence*

The very best of comic opera is demoralising. It is spedes of entertainment that abould be dlsoountenaneed. On tbe contrary there are very few first

It is neither prudish nor affected to say that comic opera has reached a point where self-respecting men and women should enter a protest. It is only a few years since tbe Black Crook and tbe Lydla Thompson Blondes threw tbe whole country Into a state of virtuous commotion. The women were beautiful, tbe dancing exquisite and no finer spectacular performances were ever given. The comic opera oi the present day has abandoned all tbe attractive features and retained only the objectionable. There is no longer an attempt made at tbe spectacular, you. can pick up prettier women on the street than you find in tbe average comic opera troupe, and most church choirs can furnish better musical talent, but the public have outgrown their conscientious scruples. It is time for a reform and this can be brought about In two ways, First, by a unanimous demand from the press, which has too long been silent in regard to the decadence of light opera and second, by the staying away of first class people from tbe second class performances that are being imposed upon them. Whenever the press by their criticism and the people by tbelr absence express their condemnation we may expect an improvement. Meanwhile we protest against refined and dignified women lending their presence to any such exhibitions of coarseness as that given under the name of Girofle-Giiofia, and, indeed, the msjority of comic operas presented during several seasons past.

To turn from the realm of amusement to that of labor, a gentleman of this city advertised for a copyist and received over one hundred applications, most of them from ladies. He was amazed at the class of the lady applicants, many of them with wealthy husbands, some fashionable, society women, most of them the very last persons you would suspect of an ambition to work for a salary. And yet there is no more distinctive tendency of tbe women of the present day than this deeire to earn money. I receive many confidences of this character, partly because I happen to make some money myself and partly because I always advocate the propriety of a woman's receiving, if possible, sn equivalent in dollars and cents for her labor. I know women surrounded by every luxury, who do fancy work and dispose of it for the pleasure of earning money. I know mothers of families, who have mind and body taxed to tbe utmost extent and yet they take up some oufatde work that will bring in never so small an amount of actual cash. And I know women over sixty years of

TERHE HAUTE, IND., SATURDAY EVENING. JANUARY bl, 1885.

class p'ays that attract such large and respectable audiences as does a very poor comic opera. By some strange freak it has become tbe fashion. Ministers and rigid church members, who would not witness a standard theatrical performance, occupy front seats at very questionable comic opera. The young gentleman who goes to tbe theatre al«ne all the season, will invite a young lady to a presentation of "Tbe Merry War" or "The Queen's Lace Handkerchief' and both will gaze nnblushingly at the more than half nude ballet girls, whose actions are far from modest. Fathers and mothers will sit with their halfgrown children and listen to language that would not be tolerated for an instaut if it were spoken instead of sung. The average comic opera is a string of absurdities,bordering upon impropriety, loose in its suggestions, and utterly devoid of any influence which will improve the spectator either meotally or morally. It Is not sufficient to plead the "music*' as an excuse for attending. Much of tbe music is worthless and the few airs that are really fine do not compensate for the general demoralizing tendency of the whole thing.

The most mischievous featureis that it has become not only proper but fashionable to attend. There is little or no judgment displayed. Tie mere announcement that it is comic opera brings'out tbe cream of society. The result is an avalanche of operas without merit, taken up by companies without talent and patronized by a public without discrimination. Th class of entertainment is gradually falling lower in tbe scale and tbe delicacy of the audience is becoming dulled. It was painfully noticeable a few evenings ago that several very questionable allusions were loudly applauded, tbe audience not hesitating to show that they saw and appreciated the double meauing. The cheap personalities were hilariously received, the frequent references to gambling "brought down the house,'' while tbe drunken orgy, with the bride conducting herself like a public character and tbe groom sprawling upon the floor with a whisky flask in bis band, called forth the loudest encore of the evening. This opera is no worse than the rest. There is scarcely one that does not con tain a drunken carousal there Is always a vulgar husband wbose witticispas ore-i mostly in regard to his wife and tbe rest of the opera is made up of a newly wedded couple who are not at all modest in their deportment, and several lovers whose conduct is nauseating, to say tbe least.

age who do various little things for the money they will bring, not that they really need it but for the delight of being able to earn it.

There is not one woman out of one hundred who would decline remunerative work if she could do it quietly at home.' Husbands have much false pride in regard to their wives earning money. They think it is a reflection on them. Perhaps no man can fully understand a woman's feelings in this matter. He wonders in a vague way why she is not contented with her lot, he is willing to do what is right for her and if she will let him know what she wants he will try to get it for her. And thus he reasons in his kind-heaitad, stupid, blundering way and gases upon her in helpless amassment as she persists in being independent when he is perfectly willing she should be dependent upon him. Suppose you should say to an, ablebodisd, intelligent man, "I will feed you and clothe you and satisfy all your wants as far as I am able, if you will speeffy what they are, bat you must agree never to attempt to earn dollar for yourself." If he possessed a spark of manliness, do you think he would mafc* snch a compaotT Why, If you woatd undertake to supply every need of ar two-year-old child, still would he persist in striking out and helping himself. Occasionally an employer tries to make bis employes take orders for groceries, etc., which must be purchased at a certain place. Instantly there is a rebellion. Tbe employe says, "I'll do your work and then I want my money to spend as I please." And thus the woman reasons: "I work long and faithfully and I don't want to take all my |»y In victuals and clothes." PerbapSKtheman who has ber in charge provide! for ber better than she could do for l|erself but that does not satisfy ber independence. Women have become possessed of an ambition to have money in exchange for time and labor and where or how it will end, who will date to prophesy V"

Forty years ago, in the eastern States, there were just seven occupations for women, aud not so many in the other parts of tbe country. It 1880 there were in tbe State of Massachusetts alone 284 branch*^ of industry, in which 251,158 women.,were engaged. What will be

For almost every month finds women taking up some new branch of industry and they do not abandon any of the old ones. These same conditions exist in,a greater

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less degree all over the civiliz­

ed world.. There is no instance on record of women giving up any kind of employment where they have obtained a foothold no laws recognizing their equality have ever been repealed no school which has once allowed them to enter has everolosed its doors no profession which they have been permitted to take up bas ever been thereafter refused {to them no organization which has once admitted them bas ever seen lit to shut them out, no privilege wbiob bas once been granted them has ever been taken away.

In short, the past thirty years have witnessed tbe steady advancement of women and, notwithstanding some mistakes, tbey have never taken one step backward. In no one year have tbey ever made more marked progress than in the one just finished. To mention individual oases where women have distinguished themselves In law, medicine, theology, literature and various departments of business would fill a volume. In India women are admitted to the highest universities and are making rapid progress in medical and scientific studies. In China women pbysicans are regarded as a necessity and tbey have sent at least one woman to this country to obtain a medical education. In Norway one of the most influential members of Parliament has organized a woman's rights association at the capital to secure equal property rights and suffrage and a law has been passed admitting women to all university degrees except the medical. In 8weden a bill to enable women tax payers to vote was defeated in the Second or Lower House by only nine votes. In Finland woman's right to vote has been recommended by two governors. In Holland and Italy the question of the rights of women is pressing more and more strongly. In France several women have been elected to seats in municipal councils of large districts, a bill has# been passed making them eligible as members of tbe Normal Council of Education and, for tbe first time in the history of the state, wives may procure divorce for the same causes as husbands may. In "Australia women have graduated at Melbourne University receiving the degree of B. A. In most of tbe foreign universities great concessions and privileges have been granted to women.

In England tbe progress of women bas been much greater than in this country. Tbey have been admitted to tbe examinations of Oxford after bitter opposition. Victoria University has admitted women to the degrees. Dublin Royal University has conferred degrees on nine yon ng women. Indeed it would be impossible even to refer to tbe edu­

cational and professional honors that have been awarded to women during the past year. Woman suffrage has become a political issue in England and Scot land. Women have already municipal suffrage there and it is only a question of a very short time till they will vote just as men do. In Ontario, the Prime Minister, Sir Jehn McDonald, has introduced a bill for woman suffrage, and Nova Scotia and Ontario Legislatures have conferred upon widows and unmarried women the right to vote, on the sane terms as men, at all municipal elections and have made equal property laws.

In the United States, the land of the free and the home of the brave, where all men are born tree and equal and all women are not, there has been less progress than in foreign countries bnt there has been a steady forward movement and the advocates of equal rights feel more encouraged than ever before. The question commands more respect and there is a greater tendency in Congress and in the State Legislatures to treat the subject in a fair and impartial manner. Equal suffrage will probably be brought to a vote In the U. S. Senate this winter and thirty members at least will vote in the affirmative. Women have already school suffrage In twelve states and full suffrage In three territories, and a number of states will undoubtedly pass a municipal suffrage bill within a few years. In the meantime every avenue of employment is open to women and in many states tbe laws have been made almost if not quite impartial. All of which Is a vast improvement on the old English Common Law which gave a husband the right "to lawfully chastise his wife with a reasonable weapon, as a broomstick, but if he used an unreasonable weapon such as an iron bar, and death should ensue, It would be murder." [Chamberlln, page, 818] If he did not kill her, however, the law would sustain him. Those were "good old times"—for men—but it would be bard to find a husband nowadays who would consider it expedient to use even a "broomstick." 'v

IDA A. Hakpbk.

WILLIAM M. EVARTS, the Senator elect from New York, and just now tbe foremost candidate of the Republicans for tba next presidential contest, fell love with his wife when she was slkteen and he a green boy at college. She was the daughter of Governor Wardner, of Vermont, and was as pretty as young Evarts was homely. They became engaged at her home in Vermont, and Evarts went away to New 5fork, promising to return when he had made enough to warrant his marrying. At twenty-five he had made a name for himself as a lawyer, and was a member of one of the chief New York law firms, of one making, it is said, a total of $60,000 a year. At this time he married, and bis wife, after bearing him thirteen children, is still well and happy.

HKNRY CLEWS, a well known Wall street man, says that the men who drink whisky are sure to go to the "wall" on tbe "street." Men in the stock business have excitement enough without alcohol. A glass of wine at dinner may be well enough, but to drink to celebrate success or to drown chagrin at losses is to destroy one's chances. When a man has lost, he needs to keep himself in the best spirits—not alcoholic—to eat good dlnuera, amuse himself and look carefully after bis health but above all things let wblsky alone. He can always win If .the whisky is in his compe titor instead of himself. This applies to all business where competition is sharp. Indeed in what business nowadays is it not sharp? There is a whole temperance lecture in a few words.

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the Pennsylvania Legislatures bill has been introduced which provides that a wife beater, or the beater of any woman, shall receive in the jail yard, at the bands of the sheriff, thirty-nine lashes on his bare back. Every State should have such a law. But there are also husband beaters. What shall we do with them? Lock them up until they learn that a husband has rights that a figliting woman should respect.

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A DISPATCH from New Haven, Conn., yesterday says that Mrs. General Thumb who is at present playing at a museum in that city, is to be married in about three months. Tbe name of the prospective bridegroom is not known to a certainty, but it is thought to be Count Rosebud, a gentleman of exceedingly deminutive stature.

THE CITY'S GOOD NAME. [Indioapolls Journal.] Probably there is not a city in tbe Union where there exist such a tfmtual feeling between the capitalists and tbe laborers as in Terre Haute. For instance when the Vandaiis reduced the number of working hours in their shops, the landlords reduced their rental. President McKeen gave orders that their coel and wood should be hauled at actual cost. The Car Works company as well treats its employes as (ar as possible for them so to do. with tbe greatest kindness indeed tbe same remark will apply to nearly all other industries in that dty. This bas dons much toward giving Terre Haute the good name It enjoys.

Fifteenth Year

WOMEN'S WAYS.

ANew York man who has taught 460 ladies to play billiards says they play billiards as they play cards—ten points of gossip for every point made in the game. ."

A young woman in Pittsburg having vV jnst died from effects of having ber ears pierced, newspaper readers may look out for moral essays on this fashionable practice of mutilation.

The will of the late Maria L. Chlsm, which bas just been admitted to probate in New York, is a model of brevity. It says: "I, Maria Chlsm, do give to my daughter, Sarah Phelps, all my real estate and personal property, to do as she sees fit. Sole executrix."

On the Illinois Central train, snowbound at Williams, Iowa, last Wednesday, was a LeMars girl on ber way home from Chicago to be married that evening.

Tbe

train was in thesnowdrift two

days and tbe conductor telegraphed to the prospective groom to wait in patience, as he had the bride elect all right. They were married Friday.

Why is it that there 1b almost always a coufilct between nature and fashion Woman, as God made htr, oan't be much improved upon, but woman herself evldentlyfdoesn't agree- with this. Why, bless your,, soul, it the average woman were deprived of the foolish privilege of wearing bustles and corsets and high instep-heel shoes and bangs, etc., etc., etc., etc., she wouldn't care to exist another hour. The conceit of woman in thinking she can improve upon God's designs is appalling.

Why in the name of sense do women bang their hair A high forehead is an indication of intelligence. Do women dislike to be considered intellectual Is it tbe climax of feminine ambition to be considered stupid and unintelligent Is it this that causes our fair ladies to bang, crimp, friz and wave their front balr,*so as to cover up the noblest of all the features, the forehead Verily, verily the ways of the world are past all finding out.

A romantic young waiter girl at a hotel in Ontario came near losing ber life tho other day by trying a foolish ex,periment. She bad heard an old saying tha^nj^aWU who JuptUQgpft.

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husband the first ""male person she shook hands with, and believing the proverb, attempted to swallow a raw chicben's heart, but failed. The heart stuck in her throat and would not move either way, down or up. A doctor was called in and arrived only in season to save the deluded girl from an untimely death by ctoking. /,

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&CRAF8 OF STYLE.

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Some fashion prophets think the pillow aham is going. '*!•''i t'ti \s. A moderate-sized tournure gives style to a costume, but a big bustle is hideous.

Short velvet and brocbe mantles in dolman style will be worn in the early spring.

Stripes of all widths will again be worn, but not s(^fashionably as plaids and checks. 4JT

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Crazy quilts have bad their day. The proper caper now is a "slumber rug," whatever that may be.

Cloth costumes grow In favor "as the winter advances, and lighter clothes are on the counters for spring wear.

It is becoming quite a thing in New York to have a prestidigitator engaged to furnish apart of the amusements at evening receptions. This keeps the compauy amused until dancing or supper is announced.

At tbe charity ball in Omaba the program consisted of fifteen dances, and after everv third number there was a selection by the orchestra, which was not danced to. An excellent ides. 11 1 wwsrJbzSSfrS'ii

LITTLE SERMONS.

Have confidence in the good you see. It is a vigorous stomach that can di-ge-i Mattery.

All that lies betwixt the cradle and grave is uncertain. There never was a mask so gay, but some tears were shed behind it.

It is no discredit to change one's opinions when convinced of their falsity. Promises hold men faster than benefits hope is a cable and gratitude a thread. fejj'f

Memory was given us that its retro* spect might call up wise teachings in past experiences.

As the mind expands with knowledge the heart develops with it and extends its capacity for enjoy men t.

Whenever you are angry with one you love, think that that dear one might die that moment, and your anger ijrill vanish at onoe.

It mutt be somewhere written that the virtues of mothers shall occasionally be visited on tbeir children, as well as the sins of fathers.

Religion suffers more from the sbsme of those that profess to be guided by its precepts, than from the presistent oppo* aition of declared enemies.

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