St. Joseph County Independent, Volume 13, Number 25, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 17 December 1887 — Page 1

VOLUME XIII

TWO WOMEN. BY ANNA CERES FRITSCH. I. Thy life flows on, a peaceful, murmuring rill. In calm trust in God thy soul doth rest, Sleekly submitting to tje Master's will. Thy life’s sun nearing tranquilly the west Chastened thy spirit, sj subdued and still; From the chalice of life you've quailed your fill, let like a troubled sea is my heart, And it surges in wild unrest, Its longings bearing it far away From the haven where faith finds rest. Hill my woman's he irt must have its own way, And blindly worship i s idol of clay. ti. “Gather her 'nenth the shadows of Thy wing; llo'd Thy protecting hand abwo her h ad.” , low touching, motherly, these words did ring, By thee in trustful prayer so meekly said ; In my heart s depths sweet echoes'wakening, et to my soul no comfort could they brin *. or like a storm-tossed bark is my heart—(Lost arc rudder and oar— Flashed and slu rerod against the rocks That line life's fa'eful shore, though my soul drift farther from peace away, t shall still bo true to its idol of clay. in. You said it with a mother's mien ami look : “Give up thy heart to God ; let Him hold on1 rance toere.” Alas! its every space and farthest nook Are fide i with earthly lovo most fond and rare — N'o room therein for teachings of The Book, ■I n less my love its o iject first forsook. tor a mos rebellious thing is my heart, Ind It clings to its treasure dear; Clos -r love s tendrils, as time speeds on, Cling to i s idol here. .tlnsl through death and eternity 1 shall v or. hip thee only, my idol of clay, tag I© -v mm CHAPIE3 IL

VER the prairie iswept a party of [mounted men, th9 continual beat of ; their horses’ feet ( sounding keenly j on the almost pulseless air. Dark | clouds hung low I in the west, and ; the oppressiveness j of tho early an- ■ tumn night foretold a coming) storm.

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Among the number was one who crouched low over his pony’s neck, and every now and then a low, gasping moan escaped his lips. “Stop that,” cried their leader, angrily, as he turned toward the trembling, terrified being,unwillingly borne whither he knew not. “Stop that whim- | pering, you black rascal! If you don't I we’ll set you up fur a shooting mark. Do you hear what I say?” “Y—e—s, boss.” “Then see that you keep quiet an’ | urge that lazy critter into a brisker , gallop. We’ve got many miles before | us that must be gone over before i dawn.” Skete —for it was ho —turned one long, despairing glance over his shoulder in the direction from whence a small bright light appeared far in the east, which his tortured mind realized was the still burning ranch of his old ■master—his loved, betrayed master, that be had served so long and well until now. Yet he bad little imagined that the band of desperadoes had other intentions than robbery when he, in unwilling terror, opened the door for their admittance. Not until compelled to mount and accompany them, and when more than a mi e away, did he perceive the raging flames of the ranch and surrounding buildings that wme of a nature to be set on lire. Then .aawakened senses began to realize the enormity of his work, and he moaned j in anguish. But even now the voice of Jim Gregory could strike terror to his timid heart, for he knew that to “make a shooting mark” of a poor old dar' y would be a small affair to him. The I mystery was that he hadn’t dispatched I him ere this; but Jim, the leader of . that half-dozen desperate men, had a । reason for preserving Skete’s blac.c I skin known only to himself. On they pressed, mile after mile be- ' ing left behind. Skete had seldom been out of sight of his home since he ; had lived in Nebraska, nevertheless he ■ felt pretty certain that their direction ! was northwest, and that the stream of water-they were never far from was the North Platte. The country was desolate in appearance; the muddy river, the numerous sand-hills, and the sparsely scattered bunches of buffalo grass were not calculated to inspire one with other than gloomy thoughts. Dawn broke at last, and the country was still barren in appearance. A brisk wind sent sand and dirt hither and ■ thither in blinding confusion. A real, ’ genuine Nebraska “blow” was upon I them, and a real, genuine Western , storm was not far off. “We must find shelter soon, or we will be caught in a stoi nr of no small mag- । nitude. There’s some friendly bluffs slightly to our west; let’s break for them, boys. Hurry up!” The tired ponies were urged once more, and the bluffs were reached in time to be a partial*shelter from the sharp wind and cold, piercing rain. The threatened storm had broken at last. The storm lasted some five hours, when the clouds parted and the bright, cheerful sun smiled down over that farreaching plain. The ponies were tethered for a short time to allow them to eat a few mouthfuls of the buffalo grass, and then their journey was resumed once more. Tor two days and nights they pressed forward as rapidly as possible; then, when poor old Skete was beginning to be so stiff and weary he could hardly keep on the pony’s bac , they entered a more broken country, with the grand old mountains in the distance. Skete felt a thrill of delight as bis eyes beheld those lofty heights. Virginia, dear old Virginia, was recalled so vividly that he almost exclaimed out loud, “Press do Lor’,” for Skete detested the monotonous plains

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of Nebraska, and his heart lingered for [ the hills of his native home. As the sun was creeping behind the mountains the party entered a lovely valley, sheltered on every side by towering mountains. Here a scene of novelty and comfort greeted them. Tents were scattered about and children were playing here and there. Lazy cattle and sheep nibbled the green grass along the mountain stream, and fires, over which swung kettles, were in numerous places. Several dusky specimens of man- i kind lolled abmt; some four or five approached them as they rode up. “We have < ome according to prom- ■ iso, Laid Eagle. Have the other parties arrived yet?” exclaimed Jim Gregory. The young chief addressed as Bald Eagle replied in excellent English: “Yes, they have been waiting the coming of their white brothers long.” “The ranch is many miles oil', or was,” laughed Jim, heartlessly, “and ! we have made the best time possible. I Take that nigger off, boys, let, him cook us a good supper. 1 dare say ho knows how. I will go and report to j Iron Dan at once. I bring him splen- ! did news and we are all to be well i paid.” The men were silent, but more than i one face looked dissatisfied and as if in i doubt as to their share of the spoils. Evidently Jim Gregory was on friendly terms with the Indians, for j only a few gave him more than a pass- | i i glance as he strode through their : village. To the right, in the shadow of a cluster of trees, with tall mountain pines reaching their dark green arms just beyond them, two men in the Western garb of bucks!,in and corduroy azily smoked their pipes. The darker and heavier leaped to his feet the mo- ; ment he beheld the approach of Bald Eagle ami his companion. “Ah! you have come! What sue- ! cess?” “Good; we ransacked the ranch, stopped old Fairleigh’s disturbed dreams with a knife, set the whole she- i bang on fire, and here we are. Here’s the money and the papers —all we j could find.” “You are sure he is—dead?” “Very sure; you made a special point of that in your orders,” brutally. “Yes; nothing could be accomplished while ho lived; but the girl, what of her; you didn’t kill her, also?” Jim Gregory shrugged his shoulders and laughed heartlessly. “No; that is, we gave her a chance for her life. We merely set the ranch on fire, left her sweetly sleeping, and skedaddled with the old nigger, as you ] requested. ” “Then she may have perished ” “Don’t think it’s likely; too many cowboys around over the country. Some one on ’em got there in time to pull her out.” “ I had no desire for her death; she could not interfere with my plans — ! yes, these papers are all right—you I have succeeded well; the money you

“ Fe®, these papers are all right.” can have for your share, and N’ed’s here, and the other boys; divide it between you. ” “Have you no further orders, Captain ? ’ “Not at this moment. I want to think a while; in the morning I will have other work ready, no doubt. ” The men drew off, leaving Iron Dan alone with his thoughts. His dark, evil face glowed with an exultant joy as he examined the papers he held. “Ah!” he muttered, “at last, fair cousin; at last we are oven. The trump cards are in my hands now. You sent me to the devil, and made me what I am. Now, my time has come. What delight it will be to tell you how he perished and that all his vast wealth is mine!” CHAP'IER HI.

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I assure you, and I can obtain another and will gladly escort you to North Platte; for you can not remain here; the fire has made a waste of everything, and there is a storm gathering that will break by dawn, if not sooner. Come; many kind friends await you, I assure you.” Nora glanced at him, with her eyes full of anguish, and replied: “Friends! I haven’t a friend in the world. We lived here alone, seeing no one scarcely.” “ But I tliink you forget there is One who never forsakes us.” “Yes, our Savior. May He help me to bear this great sorrow. You are very kind, sir, and I thank you. I will accompany you as you request; when I am calmer 1 will be better prepared to look the world in the face. I wonder how- the fire originated?” “Not from accident, lam certain; I examined the ground. A party of five or s x men have been here.” “But you don’t think ?”

WALKERTON, ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDI ANA, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1887.

“I am not prepared to say, positively; but this night’s work shall be ferreted out, I assure you, dear Miss Fairleigh, and your father’s cowardly murderers brought to justice. Don’t look so white; try to bear it. Here are the horses, ready for our journey. Shall I help you to mount?” Just as the storm broke in all ils fury Nora entered the hotel and was tenderly led to her room by ono of Hip maids. As she parted from her new-found friend he said, softly and kindly: “Best for a few days; then, if I can .....voy HO© ; / -- m w--BI ' : \ 7 ‘ ■- ' ' “I haven't a friend in the world.” be of any assistance, let me know. My name is Lester Gray. I am stopping here for the present.” When Nora was alone in her room she drew from her pocket a small purse ami, pouring its contents in her lap, counted it over. “Only twenty dollars. Papa did not think 1 would need more. Ah, me! if I could only hear if he—if -ho is really dead, or what: I feel that he must have perished when I could scarcely escape from the lower room. And poor Skete! Alas! if he was but alive 1 would not feel so lonely. Why did they wish to murder papa? The money! Ah! 1 had forgotten that.” ■She remembered the name of a lawyer that had done business for her father, and scut, lor him at once. Mr. Leo Swift, a tall, stylish, elderly gentleman, with an exceedingly cold face and manner, made his appearance that evening. “You sent for mo, Miss Fairleigh. I am truly sorry to learn of your great loss. I only hoard of it at noon.” “I thought you wore papa’s friend, and ! knew no one ” “Ah, yes, poor man!” “Have you heard anything positively ?”

For the first time the man's face showed something of pity. “Yes, they found the bones of ono man—and something some knife or watch—the latter, 1 believe, that two of the cowboys identified as your father’s. ” “ j hen he is dead,” sho sobbed, “and —and ISkete?” “Ho must have escaped; the boys say he was an arrant coward; ho tied in terror no doubt, and is hiding in tho plains.” Nora shook her head slightly. “Yes, he was a coward, hut ho loved papa and I too well to desert us wholly; if he escaped ho will return to mo before many days. I wish, Mr. Swift, you would make, some efforts to discover who those cowardly robbers and murderers were. Papa certainly left considerable property and—and I would wish a big reward offered. '’ “By all means, Miss Fairleigh, I will do whatever you wish. Your father did leave a very handsome fortune, which, of course, is now yo rs. Unluckily all his papers are destroyed, but I apprehend no serious trouble. I will arrange money in the bank that you can draw at your own convenience. Here are some blank cheeks, and now I will bid you good evening, promising to call to-morrow and inform you what success 1 ant having.” When he called the next day he found Nora somewhat calmer and looking exceedingly lovely in her new black dress, whose soft artistic folds rendered the country maiden into an elegant, gentle appearing lady, though the sweet face was unchanged except from the great shadow that rested upon it. “1 called to inform you that I telegraphed to Denver lor one of the best detectives in the country, and he will reach here in a day or two. I have learned nothing further. I will take what measures I think best in regard to your father’s estate. In the meantime rest and try to grieve as little as possible. This world is a world of trouble at best.” Two more days passed quietly, the obsequies of the dea l were over, and Nora sat sadly by her window when a caller was announced. “Mr. Dan Le Fane.” The name was unfamiliar, but supposing him to be the expected detective, Nora ordered him shown up at once. She received him in her private parlor, and as the dark-browed man first beheld her face he started back and turned slightly pale; only his own heart knew who it was her face recalled, but the next moment he was himself again, cold, cruel, desperate, and revengeful. “Miss Fairleigh, I presume. ” Nora bowed and replied: “Be seated, please. ” The man took the chair opposite her with easy grace, and his bold, black eyes scrutinized her fair face; he smiled to himself when he remembered the object of his visit. [TO BE CONTINUED. | “The quickest way to make an enemy of a man is to lend him five dollars, ” said a philosopher sententiously; and then, with a half-concealed show of eagerness, he inquired-' “Isn’t there somebody around here who would like to make an enemy of me?” The man who can hang pictures under his wife’s supervision for an hour and keep his temper does not want to be an angel. He is one already, although he may not have a pair of large, flapping white wings behind his shoul-der-blades.

HEN Nora Fair.le’gh begun to ■fully realize what had befallen her she glanced piteously about her. The handsome young stranger was the first to approach w ith words of comfort. “If you please, Miss,” he said, kindly, “my horse is here, quite safe,

CHEAP TELEGRAPHY. Senator Cullom’s Bill to Establish a System of Government Wires. Four Million Dollars Asked of Congress to Construct the First Ten Lincs. Senator Cullom of Illinois has introduced a bill to establish the “United Stales Postal Telegraph” as a part of the postal system of the United States. Following is a summary of the measure: It calls for an appropriation of §4,000,000, and provides for tho construction of the followin'* trunk lines : Oue from Washington to Portland, Me., via Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Jersey City, New York, Brooklyn, New Haven, Hartford, Providence, and Boston; one from Washington to Minneapolis, via Pittsburg, Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, LaCrosse, and St. Paul; one from Now York City to Cleveland, via Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo ; one from Pittsburg to Topeka, Kan., via Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Kansas City; one from Toledo to Detroit; one from Washington to Galveston, via Richmond, Charlotte, Columbia, Augusta, Atlanta, Montgomery, and Now Orleans; ono from Chicago to New Orleans, via Imliamipolis, Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, ami Vicksburg ; one from Chicago to St. Louis, ,fa I’eoria and Springfield; one from Chicago t > Sau Francisco, via Des Moines, Omaha, Cheyenne, Salt Lake City, and Carson City ; and one from Cheyenne to Denver. Postal telegraph offices are to be opened at the places named and at all intermediate points at which first, s vend, or third class postoflues lire established. Branch lines are to be constructed from time to time, the intention being to connect the lines with all cities where the lK»8tal froe-delivcry system prevails, but no additional facilities are to be provided in States a ready connected with the trunk lines until postal telegraph offices have been established in every State and Territory. The system is to be constructed in straight linos, as near as practicable, but repaid is to be taken of cities that, will afford tho best telegraph c facilities to the public. Tho lines are to bo constructed by the Engineer Corps of the army and then transferred to the custody of the Postmaster General. Tho poles are to boos iron, the win sof copper, and all other materials of tho best character. Eight wires are to be strung on tho lino from New York to Chicago, and four upon other lines. The Sei retnn of War is nuthoricd to use the military service linos of tho United States as fur r; c- । edient, and also to make all necessary condemnat ions of lauds or buildings ut a fair comp mu ition. All disputes as tn what is fair compensation are to bo settled by the Court of Claims. The Sceiotary is further authorized to construct, take, and u-e nil machinery and devices, not including telegraph lines, whether patented or not, us shall bo deemed necessary, tho compensation to !>■> determined in the same manner as condemnations of land. A rate of 10 cents for each twontv words and ■ cents for each additional ten words is fixed fi r distanooH of under •■'M miles mid mi additional rate o. 5 cents for each 2.0 mile- mer .0 ’. A night rate of 35 c uts and a duv rate of cents is fixed for each 100 words transmitted for newspapers, except that win re the same dispatch is dropped off nt tm r ■ than ono office tho rati 8 sliall be 2 ■ cents and ■> > cents respectively for each dropped copy. The office of Director General of Telegraphs is created as u purl of the t’ostoffic*'Department. It is made tho (Intv of the Postmaster General to report to Congress, after the pHs.-ag. of t he act, a idan for 1 lie complete organization of the postal telegraph system, with detailed estimates of mon mid money needed. Before the system is put into operation and employ. - selected examinations are to be held by the Civil Service Commission to determine the fitness of applicants

INTERSTATE COMMERCE. Senator Cullom’s Bill to Define and Extend the Commissioners’ Powers. It Proposes to Take the Commission Out of the Jurisdict.ou of the Interior Department. Among the numerous bills introduced in the Senate is one by Senator Cullom to amend the interstate commerce act. The amendments include the recommendations of the Commissioners, and are in minute legal form. The following is a synopsis of the more important provisions: 1. To extend the provisions of the net so as to apply to express, sleeping-car, drawing-room-car, palace-car, stock-car, and tank-car companies, and "any other companies, associations, or persons furnishing for public use upon rai.roads cars or other instrumentalities for the transportation of persons or property.” 2. To | rohibit not only i oofing between diff, r ent railroads, but between differeut raiiror ' and other carriers. 3 In the rixth section, which relates to the publication ot rates, the provisions with respect to the advance and reduction in rates are re peated, so as to apply specifically to joint through rates. The short-haul provision is also repeated, in order that there shall be no question that it applies to joint through rates. 4. As to the short-haul provision, it is provided that where complaint is made against two or more carriers for violating it, and the violations occur between points on the road of one only, that road only shall be held liable for the v iolation. 5. The commission is authorized to prescribe the form in which tne schedule prescribed by the law' for public inspection shall be prepared or arranged. No special form is prescribed in the law. a. The commission is also authorized to make provision for the official publication of its dt - cisions, 7. An addition to section 15, which relates to compensation for damages, is proposed, to the effect that when a complainant is seeking to recover damages the carrier may file with the commission its consent that the commission may pass on the question of damages, and in such case the carrier shall bo bound by the decision of the commission, and the decision of the commiss on shall stand as a judgment which may be enforced by execution by Unit d States marshals in the same manner as jud ments of the United States Circuit Court are enforced. In case such assent is not filed, the commiss may investigate and report the subject of damages, and, if it shall report that the complainant has suffered damages to a specified amount, it mav name the time for the payment for such damages, and if the carrier shall make the payment within the time named, the sum shall be in full satisfaction of any claim the complainant may have under the act in respect to the grievances complained of ; but if such payment is not made, the complainant may proceed in any United Hates Court of competent jurisdiction to recover damages for the wrong suffered, and such proceedings, findings and report of the commission shall be prima-facie evidence of the facts found. The provision is also made to take the commission out of the jurisdiction of the Int riot Department and make it independent, and to require it to report direct to Congress, as recommended by the" Secretary of the Interior. There is no age in the horse’s life when oats are not good for him. A young colt may be taught to eat them very early, and they are absolutely necessary when the mare’s milk begins to fail, or it becomes time to wean him. If the oats are scarce divide them between the growing colts and the working or driving teams. The latter have learned to eat anything, and in careless hands are often overfed with grain to save the labor of the grooming needed to keep them in good condition for working. OTHONNA Crassifolia planted in pans rbout three inches deep will soon droop all over the edge of it, and be covered with pretty star-shaped flowers of brilliant yellow. Some bulbs of Oxalis planted with this will make a fine mixture and agree well together. If the Othonna gets too long cut it off some, otherwise, it will look skimpy on the top. When the flowers of hyacinths and tulips are open, the plants should be kept in as cool a place as possible, thereby lengthening the blooming period considerably.

NATIONAL LAW-MAKERS. What In Being Dene by flic Mational legislature. In the House of Representatives, on tho Bth Inst., the Speaker announced the Committee on Mileage, as follows: Rogers (Ark.), Belden I (N. Y.), Howard (Ind.). Burnett (Mass.), and I I'olton (CaL). Various resolutions to amend | the rules were introduced and referred to the Committee on Rules, when it shall bo appoint- ' ed. Tho House then adjourned until Monday, I the 12th. After tho reading of the journal and the presentation of a few department oommunioationi, the Senate, on motion of Mr. Farwell. adjourned till the 12th. Many bills were introduced in tho Senate on the 12th inst. and referred, among them the following: By Mr. Beck, for the retirement of United States legal tender and national bank notes of small denomination, and the issue of coin certificates in lieu of gold and silver certificates. By Mr. Dolph, to provide for fortifications and otnor seacoast defenses. By Mr. Edmunds, to provide for tho establishment of a postal telegraph. By Mr. Bowen, for the free coinage of silver. By Mr. Manderson, granting a pension to every soldier and sailor who is incapacitated for the performance of manual labor and for pensions to dependent relatives of deceased soldiers and sailors. jHe said he introduced this bill at the unanimous request of the Grand Army of the Republic.] Also for the admission of the State of Dakota and the organization of the Territory of Lincoln. By Mr. Cullom—For a | ension to the widow of Gen. John A. Logan; also tor a constitutional amendment in relation to bigamy and polygamy. By Mr. Blair— For a constitutional amendment extending tho right of suffrage; also for the relief of w omen enrolled as army nurses. By Mr. Turpie— For the admission of the States of Washington and Dakota. By Mr. Hoar—For the erection of a monument to the negro soldiers killed in tho war. By Senator Plumb— To make it an offense punishable by fine and imprisonment for any railroad, sleep-ing-car, telegraph, or express company to offer any Congressman or other Government employe any free pass or reduction frmn the ordinary rates charged, or for any government employe to accept cruse such a pass. Mr. Hale offered a preamble and resolution providing for the appointment of a select ■ committee of seven to examine fully into the present condition of the civil service in all its branches; to ascertain whether appointments have been based on merit and qualifications or distributed as partisan favors, and as to the participation of government officials in political conventions and elections. In tho House of Representatives, Speaker Carlisle, having called Mr. Crisp (Ga.) t> the chair, stepped down upon the floor and addressed the House as follows: “It is well known that there is a contest pending which makes it improper for me, as presiding officer of tho H use, to appoint the Committee on Elections. I have left ihe chair, therefore, for the purpose of asking the House to excuse me. from the performance of that duty and take such proceedings in this matter as its judgment may dictate. I have no suggestion to make except to say that the formation of the committees of the House will be facilitated by having this matter disposed of at tho earliest day that will suit the convenience of members ' On motion of Mr. Holman, a resolution was adopted providing for tho election of the fifteen members ot tho committee. The Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections invostigat-d tho West Virginia con-tested-election case, on the 13th inst., and decided unanimously to report in favor of Mr. Faulkner a ciaim to the vacant seat. Mr. Ingalls introduced bills to remove the limitation iu the payment of nr, irs of pensions and grimting an cars in cermm em-e, to those pensioned bv special acts of Congress. Mr. ( ullom introduced a bill to equalize the rate of pensions. It fixes tho pension for loss of sight or disability requiring regular medical attendance at §72 per month. Mr. Cullom also intro lucod a bill to establish the I nited States postal telegraph, ami another to define and extend tie powers of the luteistate Commerce Commission. Senator Jonos, of Arkansas intro I iced a bill to open tile great Sioux reservation m Nebraska to settlement. S'nator Dawes iutroduoed a bill taxing manufacturers and dealers In adulterated laid, and requiring it to bo stamped. The Senate Committee mi Agriculture w ill give a hearing mi this subject m January. The Finance Committee made a favorable report on tho Morrill bill to refund t > the States the direct taxes imposed by the act of IStil. The aggregate is about §15,00 1,000. The bill was placed on tho calendar. The Smmto voted to continue Senator Cockrell's select committee to inquire into tho (xeoutive departments, with leave to report at ini', time prior to Jun. 25. Senator Chandler introduced a bill to regulate tho holding of Congressional elections in South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The House unanimously adopted a resolution offered by Mr. Cannon 111 declaring that the following named gentlemen should constitute the Committee on Elections: Messrs. Crisp (Cbairmam. OTeri all, Outhwaite, Barry, Mulsh, Hoard. Johnson 'N. C. . O'Neill llntl.i, Aloore, Rowell, Houk. Cooper, Lyman, Johnson (Indo, and Lodge. Speaker Carlisle then directed that all papers in the various contested election cases be referred to this committee. A Blockade-Running Story. “It is not generally known that much of the blockade running and introduction of contraband stores and medicine during the war was done through the actual connivance of the Federal executive,” said Mr. Randolph Tucker recently. He was the center of a little circle of friends who had been in sympathy with the lost cause. “I will give you an incident in proof of this,” he went on. “Beverly Tucker, my brother, was in New York as the purchasing agent of the Confederacy. He had come hither under the belief that an arrangement had been agreed upon by Secretary Stanton and J. A. Seddons, Secretary of War of the Confederacy, by which certain quantities of cotton were to be permitted to run the blockade out, and that a ship loaded in New York with bacon, Hour, and quinine was to be permitted to run through the blockade into Charleston. “Something led my brother to doubt the good faith of this alleged convention, and he wrote to me to go to Secretary Seddons, learn the exact particulars, and if the enterprise was safe to let him know. Mr. Seddons assured me that the compact had been made and would be carried out in good faith. Beverly had neglected to advise me how to communicate with him and I was in a quandary. I bethought myself, however, that a personal in the Herald could be made the vehicle. Seddons was known to his friends by the familiar nickname ‘Sawney,’ and I was generally called ‘Banny’ for short. i So I had friends insert this personal: ‘Sawney says it is all right. Go ahead —Banny.’ Beverly saw the advertisement, completed the cargo, dispatched the steamer, and by means of certain prearranged signals she ran the blockaders without risk and delivered her most welcome stores.” — New lork Teleqram. Two OUNCES of soda dissolved in a quart of hot water will make a ready and use Cui solution lor cleaning old painted work, preparatory * o repainting. Ihe mixture in the above proportion should be applied when warm, and the woodwork alterward washed with water to remove all ( traces of the soda. i A chaik high enough for one to sit in and use one’s arms freely in cooking manipulations, is the most sensible yet invented for woman. No man ever stands to perform any work that be can do in a sitting position. AVoman is ever last to accept an easier method. Willow furniture that has not been stained or painted, can be v ashed v ith salt and water and a brush; dry thoroughly before exposing it to dust. Glass spoons for pickles, are something new, and with them comes the information that they are imported.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. Notes on the Lesson for December 18 —Other Parables. [From Chicago Standard. By Rev. J. M. Coon.] The lesson for the above date may be found in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, verses thirtv-one to thirty-tfiree, and forty-four to fifty-two. mnuSTRATIVE scripture readings. (For home study and family worship.) M. The Lesion. T. Parallels—Mark 4: 30-32; Luke 13: 1821. j AV. Rapid Growth at Pentecost Acts 2: 37-47. T. Rapid Growth iu Samaria. Acts 8: 5-17. ^F. Rapid Growth at Ephesus. Acts 10: II- & The Increase from God. 1 Cor. 3: 1-9. 8. The Pearl of Wisdom. Prov. 3: 13-24. NOTES. ^V. 31. Put forth unto. Bet before. Them. The sea-side congregation. Mustard seed. The seed of the mustard plant, the smallness of which was proverbial in Christ’s day. Seo Luke 17: 0. V. 32. Least of all seeds. Wo are not to infer that the mustard seed is the least of all seeds in the world, but it was the smallest used by husbandmen in their sowing, and probably the smallest that produced so large a plant Greatest amony herbs. Greatest among its own class, and so great that it outgrows ordinary horb plants, and becomes a tree. Pirds....lodge. Best upon its boughs, or build their nests among its branches, thus showing the strength and sturdiness of the plant. In this parable we have represented the planting and growth of the Redeemer’s kingdom— i. e., from small beginnings to large developments. The whole history of the church is an expressive testimony to the truth of Christ’s teaching. Think of tho multitudes of Christian believers to-day, in comparison with the few fishermen who first obeyed the call of Jesus and entered His service. V. 33. Leaven. Fermented dough, which, like yeast, ferments the Hour into which it is put. Three measures. Something more than a bushel—a large quantity to be affected by a small lump of leaven. Tho teaching of this parable is generally regarded to be the same as that of the preceding one, and shows how Christianity, with its small and obscure hidings of power, will eventually pervade the whole race of mankind. Some regard the parable as representing the progress of evil in tho world, inasmuch as leaven is an element of corruption, and is elsewhere spoken of in that sense. But such an interpretation is scarcely in harmony with the purpose of parables. Jesus and Satan are both represented in Scripture by a “lion,” but surely not iu the same sense. Vh. 48, 49. Gather into... .east away. It will bo readily seen that the teaching ot this parable is to be tho same general purpose as that of the tares; and it is probably introduced here in order that Jesus might end his discourse with another solemn allusion to the end of the world, which shall be a time of gathering and separation. V. 50. Purnace of fire. A description in keeping with the burning of the taros, and involving not simply separation, but destruction. Walling, etc. Expressive of sorrow and torment V. 51. Have ye understood. Jesus is anxious that his truth shall noi only bo heard but be understood. V. 52. Every scribe. Every one who deals with law. Instructed unto the kingdom. Diseipled unto tho kingdom, and therefore rightly informed concerning it. Out of his treasure. Out of his knowledge of Bible truth. The Bible is a treasure house, full of wonderful things that are both “old and new.” Acquaintance with the Word of God is a sure I source of interest to ourselves and to others. LESSON TOPICS. 1. Tho JUistard Seed.—Very small is the mustard solid, but it is a seed, and a seed is a most wonderful thing, for in it is wrapt a ■ germ of life> Strange from what small beginnings do great tilings grow, and the hum- ; blest beginnings have the things with the ) highest destiny. Os all the creatures that .at e born into this world, a puling human inj faut is by long odds tho most helpless, and I yet it is the only creature that can climb ; above the stars. Even so, there is no nobler growth than that I of religion in the human soul; and yet, at its implanting, it only exists as an infinitesimal । germ—the smallest of all seeds. And yet, : day bjpday, it mysteriously grows. Tho dew I falls upon it, and the sunshine and tne rain, until, by ami by, it towers aloft in beautiful ; symmetry and matchless strength. 8o like- । wise is the development of Christianity in the | world. Very obscure and insignificant was that early Christian church that, was planed at Jerusalem—little as a grain of mustard seed, but wondrously it grew—gre vas the mustard seed—grew as me banyan tree—striking down as well as springing up, and from innumerable new centers spreading abroad its branches until the world is being covered with its beneficent shadow. 2. The leaven.—Commentators upon this parable are accustomed to find in it suggestive lessons as to the way in which the grace of God diffuses itself through all the faculties of a single human soul, as well as through communities and nationalities—silently, mysteriously, pervasive, resistlessly. 3. The hid treasure, and the goodly pearl. —Tho commentators make a subtle distinction between the teachings of those two parables, and no doubt there is a distinction, with a difference, the most palpable being this; that in tho case of the treasure hid in the field, the man, as it were, stumbles upon it, while in the ease of the pearl, the merchantman had a definite purpose, and in the prosecution of that purpose found a pearl that was exceeding precious. Even so in the matter of religion, there are some that seem to stumble on it, and thus illustrate that Scripture which says, “I was found of them that sought me not,” while other souls of greater moral earnestness, dissatisfied with all earthly baubles, and seeking after something nobler and better, the Lord meets and reveals to them the rich treasures of His grace. But the two parables have several things in common that wo may profitably ponder. The treasure and the pearl alike declare the preciousness of the gospel. And in the case of each the price of possession is the renunciation of all things else. “He went and sold all that he had and bought it.” There is a sense in which the blessings of salvation are free as the light and the air. “Without money and without price”—such is the gospel proffer—and yet unless we give up all for Christ, and all to Christ, we cannot have the treasure or tho pearl. 4. The net cast into the sea.—Here is surely a representation of the visible church on earth, for into it are “gathered of every kind.” Such is an accurate description of almost any church of any considerable size. Some of us have seen what a heterogeneous lot of fish are inclosed by an ordinary drag net, when it is drawn ashore—big fish, little fish, scaly fish, slimy fish, fish good for food, and fish good for nothing—such have been tho contents. And we have witnessed also the sorting process, and seen the better sort put by themselves, and tho worthless cast a wav to rot. So shall it be in the end of the world., Tho net at last shall be drawn ashore. And then it shall be with the fishes, good and bad, as wo saw it to De with the tares and the’ wheat Here, as there, tho angels are represented as effecting the separation, and in both cases a fiery doom is represented as awaiting the ungodly. Subject for lesson for Doc. 25, “The Child of Promise.”—lsaiah 9: 6,7. Corliss, the great engine builder, made no attempt at invention until he was 35 years old. Uis lirst effort in this lino was a machine for sewing shoes, which was a failure. A movement is in progress in New Y r ork for tho erection of a crematory wherein bodies may be incinerated by electricity. The invention is the device of a Sicilian. The Czar of Russia receives n larger salary than any ruler now living, the amount being $10,000,000.

NUMBER 25.

INDIANA STATE NEWS. —John O. Snydor, the man who has had the walking mania for several years past, died at his.home, near Millgrove. Snyder could not bo induced to cease walking, aud when his friends tried to stop him he ■would be taken with convulsions and suffei intensely. He walked night and day, and could get no rest except in walking. He would eat, sleep, and shave himself while walking, and if he stopped he would go into convulsions until put onto his feet and started upon his walk. Scientific men have come hundreds of miles to investigate the case, but failed to give any theory why he acted in this strange manner. He was on exhibition in the museums in Chicago and Cincinnati, but he kept up the incessant tramp with no relaxation whatever. He was brought home about four weeks ago, with his limbs badly swollen, yet he kept on walking, although two men were required to walk with him to keep him from going into convulsions. His limbs swelled to enormous proportions, but if they could move, as if walking, he found some relief and ease. At last, overcome with weakness, ho took to his bed. This is one of the most mysterious freaks of nature on record, and no solution of the problem has so far been given. —A tremendous explosion occurred in Stevenson Brothers’ at Cutler, recently. Giant powder, in oyster cans, had been placed under the building, and over tho cans were piled heavy stones. Great pieces of granite were sent crashing through the building, tearing windowframes from the walls. The saloon floor was completely uplifted. The sides cf (he building were forced out four feet at the bottom, and sleepers two by ten wore twisted and torn to splinters like pine shingles. The large stove was forced through the ceiling, and not a bottle on tho show bar was left unsmashad. The loss will exceed SSOO. —Miss Alice Reed, daughter of ex-Com-missioner A. J. Reed, of Clark County, recently returned from her home in Ness County, Kansas, where she went a few years since and pre-empted a farm of 160 acres. Since then she has continued to reside in an adobe house on the land without any companion, except her pony. She says that she has never had any occasion to be afraid of anything, aud has always received the kindest of treatment.

—Jerry Balay, a young man of Green Township, Morgan County, while out rab-bit-hunting, accidently shot himself, causing instant death. He xlhs in company with a young man named Hoglan, and looking for a rabbit. He was standing on top of a fence, with his gun resting at his feet, the muzzle pointing upward. The gun slipped so that the hammer struck the fence, and both barrels were discharged, the contents passing through his heart. —Mrs. Margaret Twibell, a wealthy widow, near Montpelier, while blacking a stove got a considerable quantity of the polish on her right hand. The hand began to swell, became very painful, and developed into a bad case of poisoning. The hand is in bad shape, and Mrs. Twibell's general health is affected by the poisoned member. Amputation may be necessary. —The farmers of Washington Township, Hendricks County, are considerably excited over the appearance in that locality nearly iwo weeks ago, of two large eagles, which have remained in that section ever since. They are very bold in their attacks upon young pigs and poultry. A number of attempts have been made to kill the birds, but none have proved successful. -—Michael Sullivan and Adam Schoner, section-hands on the Vandalia Railroad, while making repairs on the road at the crossing of the Vandalia and Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago railroads, near Plymouth, were run down by the Fort Wayne accommodation train. Sullivan was instantly killed and Schoner fatally injured. Both have large families. —lda, the 6-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David May, of Desoto, a small town five miles northeast of Muncie, was burned to death while trying to extinguish the flames in a cradle, in which a baby was sleeping. A spark from a stove caused the fire. Mrs. May had only left the house a few minutes, to go to a neighbor’s. The baby was not injured. —The cases of John B. Park, passen er conductor, and John Dorsey, freight engineer of the Chicago and Atlantic Railroad, charged with involuntary manslaughter in the Kouts disaster, will be called December 28 in the Porter County Circuit Court. Their bail has been fixed at $5,000 each. Park has been arrested and has given bail. —At Swanington, Nelson Dillibeck, a brakeman on the C., 1., St. L. A C. Railroad, got his foot caught in a guard rail while uncoupling cars, and ■was run over before the train could be slopped. He was taken to Fowler,-where he died. The cars ran across his body, mangling him terribly. —The Commissioners of Scott ( ounty have been arrested, charged with a violation of the statutes in that they employed Hon. Charles L. Jewett as an attorney to attend to legal business that the law requires the Prosecuting Attorney to look after. —Gov. Gray has appointed John 11. Bass, of Fort Wayne, Clem Studabaker, of South Bend, and Antone Meayer, of Terre Haute, honorary commissioners of the State of Indiana for the coming centennial celebration at Cincinnati. Mrs. Charles Mee, of Elkhart, has entered suit against the Elkhart Street Railway Company in the of $20,000 damages, for several broken ribs, received recently by falling from a car. —Amboy claims to have the largest gas well in Miami County. Pipes have been laid, and nearly every resident of the town is supplied with the fuel. Free fuel will be furnished for five years to anybody who will erect a roller flouring-mill. —Jesse Lear, miner, aged 49 years, and married, was crushed by falling slate in the Campbell mine, at Brazil. His back was broken and other injuries sustained that will result fatally. —John Cantner was caught in the belt of a large drive-wheel in a saw-mill at New Lancaster and horribly mangled.