Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, February 14, 1875, Page 7

THE CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4. 1875.—SIXTEEN PAGES. CHICAGO POOR. The Sections Where They Chiefly Congrégate. Comparatively Silsit Amount of Absoliite Destitution. The Work of the Relief and Aid Bocléty for Two Months, What W4s Done, and What * It Cost. The County Agent. “Misery,” observed that erudite and justly- eslebrated philosopher, Josh Billings, ‘“‘Jovs Kompany, but kant bare kompetishun.” By which he may have meant, if indeed he ever meant anything, that pecple never admit any- body else’s troubles to be equal to their own. And in that sense there is s spice of trath in the remark. Chicago, for instance, would bo ub- apeakably jealous if any other city should hava fire greater than the one by which she was visited in 1871, And in common life how many people there aré who feel affronted if their condition is favorably edmpared with that of their neighbors. Mrs. O'Braay, of Hog Alley, who is continually” be- moaning ber wretched lot, would doubtless ex~ perienca the same resentmont—on being told of other and greater sufferers than hersel{f—that would arise in the mird of Harvey D. if in- formed that other Mayors have been more abused than hehas been. Frank Agnew thinks that no Sheriff has éver been #0 persecuted a9 the present incumbent, Mike McDonald's grit would Jeave him entirely if he thought that any other gambler was about to eclipse him in notoriety. And so on, ad infinitam. Bat Chicago, however reluctant to yield the palm to any other city, must acknowledge that IN ONE PARTICULAR, atleast, she is bebind the world. It must be apvarent fo 6ne who reads the newspapers, and who is conversant with the various poorer local- ities of the city, that there is a Jack of that utter destitation and wretchedness which form s marked festure of all grext cities. There are, of course, poor people, aud many of them; but, with Zew exceptions, all manage to get enough to eat and to wear. It is difficult to define the districts that are distinctively occupied by the poorer classes, as those people are scattered, or rather squatted, all over the city m all kinds of nooks and quar- tera. On the North Side there is » district bonoded by Larrabee street snd the North Branch which has recently earned considerable notoriety by a horrible marder committed within ite precincts. It is called by the police “+ LITTLE HELL,” aname, by the way, borrowed from a neighbor- hood in Cow Cross, London. ‘Little Hell” is witbout doubt coor. Its inhabitants are not only poor but vicious, including some of the most turbulent characters in the city. Its popu- lation is mized, consisting of Irish, Swedes, Ger- mans, Dutch, Poles, and Italians, with a very light sprinkling of Americans. Ssloon-rows and svab- biog affrays are not infrequent. And yet, a care- ful investigation sbows that there is very little of real squalor and destitution in this neighbor- hood. The houses, though rudely constructed one-story affairs, are comfortable, and from nearly every chimney a cloud of smoke ascend- ing: ows that the inmates are by no means re- daced to the direst exigeme of pove:ty. The men are mostly employed ia tne gas-honse or other Jarge establishments in that part ef the : “‘ CHETENNE ” is another district that has become noted in poles: ‘avoals. It lies south of Hariison stréet, tween Clark and the river, This is given up almost entirely to the lowest class of prosti- tates and professional thieves. Though dirty and vio in ail ite aspects, “Cheyenne” is by no eans ip a starving condition. Were it not for The whisky which is constantly consumed therein enormous qoantities, “Chetenne” might live well, andeave money. As it is, that district is chronically poor and shiftlesa. Unhinged doors and hat-stuffed windows contribute not a little to the general foriornness of the dingy hab- iiatons. The people themselves, a5 a rile, ara even lees attractive than their dwellings. distinctions of color have long since been abol- ished in “ Cheyenne,” white and black living to- gether on equal terms. Many of the white women were once occupants of splendidly-far- nished mansions on the other side of Clark street, only a block or two from their present degraded quarter, to which they have sunk in the regular couras of vice and diasipation. BRIDGEPORT is the very insignificant name applied to a large istrict in the southwestern part of the city. There is probably as mach real poverty in Bridgeport #e anywhere in the town. It is also the hanot of the roughest characters. Irish ig the prevailing ustiovality. Yet, notwitbstand- ing the rade amd desperate disposition of the men, most of them are good workmen, and find nasty employment in the many manufacturing poten ishments that aboundin that neighbor- b ‘There are, of course, mapy other places about town where poverty may be found. There ares few by-wars on the West Side given up to tene- ment houaes, and isolated shanties are frequent in the thinly-inhabited outskirts; but the above- named districts comprise the greater portion of the poorer popniation. And, when the size and Felative importance of Chicago are taken into soneideratic it is indeed astonishing that 80 litele of real destitution exists within ita limits. In order to agcertain : THX KuAwUNS run THIS HALCYON STATE OF AFFATBS a Temunx reporter called upon Mr. C. G. Trus- dell, Superintendent of the Chicago Aid and, Re- lief Society, who from his position and experi- ‘ence is well qualified to speak upon the subject. B—What, in your opinion, is the present con- @ition of the poor of this city ag compared with ther condition last wiater ? 4 Better, by far. The expenditures of the Relief and Aid Society have not been one- fourth of what they were last winter. and still uo deserving spplicant for sid bas been turned away. R—Hare you the exact figures? Mr. T.—Yea. For the months of December and January last winter our total expenditures amounted to $112,124.75, while for the corra- sponding months of this winter there were ‘but $23,930.98. © B.—How do yon account for ‘THIS REMARKABLE DIYFERENCE? ‘Mr. T.—It is esaily explained. The thres winters before this haye each been marked by public calamities which affected the poorer Classes directly. The winter of 1871, of course, was the hardest, following, as it did right after the fire; 1872 was marked by the epizootic epidemic, which turew out af work all drivers of teams, who were thus com- pelled to come to the Aid Society for sasistance ; 1873 saw the financial panic, which ivterrupted business, stopped s great number of manufac turing establishments, and consequently depriv- ed arotber large class of workmen of employ- ment. The ent wioter has not witnessed ny general obstruction of business. The labor- ing classes are generally earning fair wages; and, consequently, the pumber of applications Yor aid hss beon grestiy reduced. B.—supe complaints have been made, Mr. yell, that deserving objects of charity have TURNED AWAY UNAIDED. Mr. T—I know that complaints have been made, as they always will be made against apy inattation of public cbmity. I wish to say, however, that no deserving object of charity, who epmes within the jurisdiction of this Society, bas over been refured assintance. Of course, wo have to investigate carefully, in order to guard aguinst impositica, and then, besides, we bave to discriminate between those who’ naturally be- long tous ani thoge whose cases require aid fron the County. Agents, —How do you make “* “THIS DISCRDMINATION ? ‘Mr. T.—People afflicted with incurable dis- eases; rendering them permanently dependent, and psopers wha are shipped bere from other ot proper claimants upon the county- number of trained qilitors, wh 88 to investigate every application for pois te Heed sgh A Soil ay bo gathered from the following statistics, Bhowing the crpanditures: of the Society for the past two mon: : (Jan, 1875.)Dec., 1874, Coal and wood . $ 123.70 Bente and ezsb. 5,832.00 isportation ... 441,568, Interments,, . 113.00 Pay-roll . 2,097.94 Totals...... $15,332.69] $ 8,648.29 ‘Total two months,{ $23,980.98. F Z Compara the above table with the following, showing the cash expenditures for the torte- sponding months of the previous winter: ik a PR pe 8TL| Dec, 1873, $17,894.03] $10, 45,210.00] - 22,734.80 “4,702.00 _-20, 648.20) $73,764.20] $ 83,370.55 ‘Total two months, $112,124.75. Following in a statement of the number of _. ARTICLES 1sSvED datltig thie cdrresponding two mbnths of the pre- vious winter and the present; —— Dee, 1874, and) Dee,, 1873, and Jan,; 1875. VJan.. 1874, Meb's wear. BOARDING AND LODGING. Following is 8 comparative statement of the number of dars board dud lodging formshed duriog the months of January, 1875, and Janu- ary, 1874: fan,, 1875.)Jan., 1874. a c 65 651 6 196 ‘Thefe ara sdveral othor features of thé month- ly report for January, 1875, wbich may be of in- terest to the readers. For instance, THE NATIONALITES of thobe who were aided, a3 follows: ‘Nationatitica, Adults, | Chiidren, 3B] aronciRaat fo ‘Total number persons alded, 2,551. sick, ‘Aged, sick, and infirm single men ‘Aged, aick. and infirm single wo ‘Able-bodied men with families, Below 3 ts RIOSYITAL REPORT for the Sour ware: ending Jan. 30, 1875: . 5 Fy ss] £2] # | 3 digi a] 3 | 38 fOr. . shige] B58 ga) 28) ° | SF Fi S851: s3 Sa Jif | FS PEslia Ss 2 | 6 | s | 28 7] 4] -1 4 30 St, Joseph's ujé6ié6/u ‘Women’s and 6l a; sa] 6 Alexian .. 4/6; 21 8 ‘Totals... 53 | 3s | 15 In connection with the hospital report, it may be well tostate that, shortly after the fire of 1871, the Relief and Aid Society gave Jarge sums of money to the various hospitala of the city, purchasing the right to use one bed, without charge, for every thousand dollars so contribut- ed. The numberof beds to which the Society bas thus become entitled in the various bospitale is as follows: Mercy, 40; St. Luke's, 28; St. Joseph's, $1; Alexian Brothers’, 13; Women’s aod Children’s, 25; Eye aud Ear Infirmary, 20; Habnemann, 15, Br the game mothod the Society has acquired the right to keep twenty boarders in the Home of the Friendless, and twenty-five in the Old People’s Home. Like most other charitable institutions in this city, the Westera Seaman’s Bethel Home and the Western Seaman’s Friends’ Society ara indebted to the Relief and Aid Society, for which the lIaiter ie credited at both these boarding- houses with meal and lodging tickets‘each year to the extent of 10 per cent on the money given them. The tickets are rated at 25 cents each, and the entire amount which can thus be claimed each year by the Relief aud Aid Society is about $1,500. "Aa is doubtless well known to most readera, the Society has in constant operation TWO LODGING-HOUSES, where any peaceably inclined individual can sleep one or more nizhts without charge. Oné of these is located at No. 14 North Unicn street, and the other ia on the corner of Clark and Harnson streets. The following figarea show how well they are patronized : SOUTH SIDE. ‘No. lodgings furnished to date of last repart, Jan. 2, 1875, 2,996 /21: No. lodgings f lodged in January... Yo. meals furnighed since last report. APPLICANTS. The total number of applications for aid daring the month of January last was 3,712, of which 1,061 were approved. While the difference in these figures at trst sight may be surprising to the reader, it will be well to bear in mind the great number of impostures that are daily at- tempted upon the Boolaly Many people apply for relief when their condition does not warrant their receiving it. Others apply on the ground of an anticipated necessity, and, of courpe, are refured. Stull ~ others, and they form a very large class, come to the Relief Society when they properly are subjects for connty support, and are already on county agents’ boaks. itis comparatively an easy mat- ter ta select out of the many applicanjs such as are really deeerving of assistance, and, not- withstanding the number of impostures that are attempted, few have ever succeeded, "For instance, some daya ago a case was re- ported of a man and wife ‘ving on String street, who, it was stated, were on the verge of starvati; To a charitably-dispoged Jady, who visited them, the man related s doie- fol tale of sufferng. He eaid that he had only earned $7 in two months; that it wag impossible for bim to obtain work anywhere ; and that for the two previous days neither he nor hia wife bad bad anything to eat. The lady at once went to Mr. Trusdell and repeated the story, whereupon the Superintendent dispatched a regular visitor with instructions’ to give the family $10 if the statement was found to bé correct. The visitor weat, and, on inyestigation, found a food supply of food bid away in « cupboard, and slot of coal in the cellar. The msa of the bouse told the. visitor that he had formerly worked for Robert Law; so the visitor, although satistied already that a fraud bad been pecicel upon him, went’to Mr. Law's oltice. there learned that the man was at that time steadily employed by Mr. Law, and had been since last Jane, at a salary of $10.50 8 wack. ‘This case is only ope out of thousands. ~~ As has been stated, ‘THE THEORY — of the Relief and “Aid Society is to give only temporary assistance, and hence it generally ig- nores all persons whose physical disability red- derg them permanent paupere. Such cases, ac- cording to Mr. Trusdell, belong properly to the care of the county. Wishing to ob’ an in- sight into every side of thig quegton, § Tam- une reparter called upon zi ~ "" GOUNTY AGENT DIEDEN for farther information, when the following con- versation taok place: ‘BR.—In sonr opinion, is there much among the poorer classes this winter ? Mr. D.—Na; forthe reason that everybody can obtain relief before being reduced to actual Sant. They know very well that ali they have to do is to apply to the County Agent and ‘get provisions. oe B.—Do you supply all who make application? Mr. D.— We make no distinction between those who were burnéd oct and‘ those who were‘ not burned ont. All that is required byus is to know applicant is needy. I haves dozen reg- tors, who inquire into eyery new case and re) tome. i ‘B.—Haw many people are now dependent upan the county for support? “Mr. De_There are gow just 6,100 families upon my books, and these draw thelr support regularly from thie affice. Peeper number spe foamy in fou, making 24400 Deante suffering | general condition this winter and laa BR.—Of course, this army of dependents is not all composed of paupers. Mr. D.—By no meang. A large humber of cases ara those df lnboring people out of ein- ployment temporarily.. ‘hese wo calculate to feed for a month, to enable them to get on their feet again. Others are aid up by sickneéd or ac- cident. Then there are a great many aged and intirm people who always remain on our booke autil they dio, ee R.—Do you think, on the whole, tliat there is AS MUCH DESTITUTION THI8 WINTER a8 List ? Mr. D.—Ob, no, Of ccurse my office is not so much affected by hard times or good part of other charitable ivstitutions aro, simce a great part ofmy patients are chronically dependent. Bull there isa decided difference botween the R.—It was stated in an evening papér & few days ago, Mr. Dieden, that ie Eeree af ete A DISAGREEMENT. had srigen bofween voureelf and the manager of tho Relief and Aid Society, in regard to furnish- ing aid to poor people who had been burned out in 1871, Is it 80? ‘Mr. D.—Not dt ali. We have never bad the slightebt disagreement. I can easily expidin the whole thing, The Relief Society bas freqnently sont cases over to me, stating that they were fit dubjecta for county aid, and tho county baa gen- erally taken care of them without s murmur, On the other hand, when parties who havo been burned out apply to me, I bave frequently seat them over to tho Relief Society. Bat they do not stay there. They are almost alwayssent back to me, on the ground that they were paupers before the fire. Now, rather than keep the poor wretches trotting back and forth this bitter weatber, I havedetermiced to take care of ali who come to mio, providing they are desery- ing. THE nit. Mr. Dieden hereupon handed to the roporter 8 printed copy of rules, at tho same time pointing to the following: tn Order No.4, passed by the Honorable Board of Cook County Commissioners, Monday, April 20, 1874, strictly stipulates, That from and sfter the let day of July, 1874, no person whd is able-bodied and physic aily, aud mentaliy able to earn a living, shall be supported by, or receive aid from, thie county, and the alms from the county shill be confiiied to aged, in— digent persons, indigent widows and orphans, old, decrepid persohs, sud cripples, and such persons a8 are physically aud mentally unable to earn « living, and such extreme cases as may be speciaily ordered by th Boara of Cook Counts Commissioners, or a major- ity of the Committee on Public Charities, in writing.’ Mr, D.—This rule was suspended by tho County Commissioners Jan, 11, leaving me free to judge of all cases where application was made fur aid. It will go into effect again Feb. 28, when busicess wilt be lighter, You understand, of course, that no assistance in the way of money is ever given from this office. Our aid conuiets entirely of food, fuel, and shoes. ‘To each per- gon, on making Spplieation, is presented a ration- ticket, whych includes a ‘supply of rice, tea, cotfee, and soap, 8 bean-ticket, a meat-tioket, and # wood-ticket. Wood avd coal 1s given out in half—cords and tona, respectively. Mr. Dieden then furnishea the reporter with atatiatics, showing the business of the office during thé past two months. In December there were given out 8,726 ration-ticketa ; 8,836 bean- tickets ; 20,819 meat-tickera (3 Ibs each) ; 99,387 loaves of bread ; 1,205 pairs of shoes; 145 wood: tickets; and 2,845 cval-tickets. In January there were giyen out 4,991 ration-tickets ; 11,404 bean-tickets ; 28,932 meat-tickets ; 184,381 loaves of broad ; 986 pairs of shoes ; 159 waod- ticketa: and 4,039 coal-tickets. In conclasion, it may be observed that with two such eleemosynary institutions as the Relief and Aid Society and the County Agent's offico— not to mention the hundreds of other minor charitable societies—there 1s no danger of any great degree of destitution existing in Chicago. See VERONICA, DUCHESS OF ST. GIULEANO. Stay, Curzio! Coula’st thou find it in thine heart ‘To win thy lady’s favor by some deed Bold, dangerous, and sudden : such a part ‘As in the playing doth some courage need, ‘And nerve, and—glittering steel? My Curzio! Well I know thee—brave and inal! ‘My lord the Dnke of late hath careless grown; ‘No matter, it is naught! He hunta to-day. ‘Thne was—ah, well! bis pleasures are hia cwn, ‘He hath, perhaps, been somewhat mare than gay. Gay, Ourao? By my soul, I ghall requite him with relentless dole! ‘There is a women, Carzio, thin and white, ‘With poor moon eyes the Duke doth call divine; And hair all colorless as noonday light— ‘Ab! thou would’st better like such hair as mine, ‘Bat yet he loveth her! By heavens! Curzio, but this man doth err! I care not any whit except for this, ‘That go this wonsn trenches ou my etate; Thave no care for love's sake—vertaia 'tis -* T hate my spoure with lavish, wifely bate, ‘Curzio, heed not there sighs, Bat thou art handsome with thy dangerous eyes, ‘And nervous strength, and mouth set firm and square, To do what deeds are urgent, Curzio, mine! : Metninks thou art most comely, Now, beware ‘Lest high-born ladies’ hearts respond to thine, ‘And peril comes thereby. Peril to taee? What acorn is in thine eyo! Dost truly like me, Gurzio? Well, perchance} But yet I know not, Would’st thou secye me wall? AL! now I see the dagger in thy glance; Thou yould’st for me descend through, Curzio, I fain would know Could any pallid woman stir thee 507 My eyes are not pale moons to weep witht, ‘What see’st thou in them s0— in still r«poes? ‘Yea, mighty lore for those my friends I call, ‘And hatred dark as death and hell for fovs! And—listen! Hand on sword! Murder, my Curio? Dost thou hear the word? ‘That woman—kill her! Cut me off hor head! Olt with it straight, and bring it here to me! Pale, ghastly, grinning, dripping, spla isd with red? ‘What { loxel, tumbiest thou? Nay, ow 4 600 ‘Thou hast the nerve to slay! The sooner shalt thou conquer love! Awayi + Ho's gone! I'll have it here—that cursed faces ‘And all ite flowing hair shall epsttenad bes And ins basket, brave with silk and Bre: Tilo the ghastly thing up tender, ‘Aha, great Duke! ‘Thy play Shall have strange ending ere auother day ; Arroyal gift I'll send thee, husbgnd frup; ‘ ‘And thou may’st kiss thy fill of hair and eyes, And cold blue lips, with white teat gleaming through; ‘These were the eyes thou did't ¢0 y prize, Sweet love, I'll go prepare A caske! fitting for a gem so rare. : . . : - : . Not yet? The miscreant! Hath his courage failed? One comes, but ‘iis not he; Iwouldavow = * *Tis Giorgio, but his face hath straugely paled, ‘He hath a'burden. Now, ei, what hast thon? Yea, cast it to the floor! ‘What ails thee, sirrah? Bee'st thou not the door? Dead| At bis own hand! Now tho ssints forfend | Enough! Lask no further knowledge—go! Thanks, Curzie! Thus to make an easy end. Bab! with the base-born it is ever so—~ No pith to love or hate, ‘Nor high resolve to wring suicesss from fate, Yet thou hast served me if tha deed be done; *"And, if thy craven spirit hovers nigh, I kiss my hand to thee, thou ghostly one J *Tis mora than, living, thon could’st o'er oqma by, Fool, bravo, cowatd—go ! rece And join thy murderous brethren down below ! ‘That bundie! Deadly still it Heth there 1 No living thing might be so fearful ptill. Til touch it with my foot, Ha! yellow hair ‘Btiffened with blood, What's this? I'm grewing ill! Such woman’s weaknesg now I St. Giuleano's Duchess, where art thou? But if the thing should open staring eyes— ‘What then 7 Tam no timid, trembling axl, To faint and fail for ought beneath tha skies. “Phere !--Hideous reinnant of a hated whole !— God! *Tiqahorriblething— * —_* ‘With white crushed bone and hanging tendon-string ! TMI giye thee choice adorning, though, for i Giro tee csend > Jewel tomy lord’ ied ‘Whose setting forth unseemly he might call; Nor fail his fealty rightly to reward, Ob, wretched heart and life © ‘That I aliould live to be a disdained wife 1 ‘Thou art not pleasant handling} Now, “tix done! ‘False wanton, thon art rarely hougod at last | Too fair thou art in death, detested one! T would thine eyos were not ehut ao fant, ‘So that their staring bine Might show’ the awful glaze of desth’s dull hua, Ob had my lord kept faithful to his vow God knows how tens | ad Deans ape ton iy The d done, ond murder us now, “And naught ‘lett save doviligh, deadly hate | *" For this foul day's black care aie ‘The wide world holds no yefoge fram despatr 1 I wil] not have thee look so fair and good, Carst face! ‘Thy beauty aball have naught tq boast | Tit mark thes with dark stains of thine own blood! ‘Red hands? I faint! Help! help! My soulis lost t ‘Tam no longer brave! ‘Hell's curses grips thee, Woman, in thy gravel Peleg Armurignt in the New York Grophte, gates of bell! ACute Little Girl. ANewHampshire newgpaper tells about a 6- year-old gis] in a’ country town in that State who went into a store where ber father yas Joung- ing: the other day, and, slyly approsching him, id: Paps, won't you buy me a néw dregs 7” * What, buy you s new. dress, Susy papa. won't you?" ‘Well, Pil see. Tl speak fo your mother about it.” Elongation to an rming extent rapidly spread over the little face, but a’ thought suddenly strack her, aud with 2 smile she looked up into her father’s face and said, “ Well, papa, if you do speak to mam- ma’ about it, touch har easy, or she may want the new dress herself |" Thie father at once saw poiph apd the new drees wag purahaged _GAS. Statement of the Purposes of the New Company. Pledges Given to Keep Faith with the Public, Wat ft Now Costs to Make Gas~Old Prices Maintained, Compidints Recently Made Against Extortionate Biils. Resuits of an Investigation of the Subject; Diminished Consumption, aid Increased . Bi THE LAST NEW COMPANY. WHAT IT PROPOSES AND PROMISES TO DO. Tho gus question ia becoming one of great im- portance to the city, from the fact that the ex- isting companics dealing in that commodity are Hot giving general, or even partial, satisfaction tothe public, No wonder, then, that ambitious rivalg shoula step in andtiy to win that favor with the people which the old cdrpotations ap- pear disposed to throw away. ‘This gas business has been # kind of eye-sors to the Common Council for slong time, and very many ordi- nances have beon introduced befora that body providing for the organization of new compa- nies, but all of theni have fallen thtough trom ona cause or another. THE LATEST THING IN THE GAS LINE is the project which is known tuder the name and title of the Consumers’ Gaslight and Coke Company, organized within a month, which pro- poses toreform—if it can only have 2 favorable ordinance pissed—the whole system of supply- ing light to the City of Chicago and the citizens thereof. ‘The old companies look upon the in- trnder with a jealous eye, and stand upon their dignity, reaulved to fight to the last for wha: they consider a rightfal monopoly. In TALSING THE MATTER OVER the other day with local philosopher and gas philanthropist, who has. he says, the good of the community at heart, a Tarun reporter gleaned the following remarks: Reporter—Woat do you think of the new com- pany whose ordinance ia now pending before the Common Council? € Philanthropist—I think that the passage of the ordinance, under necessary restrictions, would materially bonefic the city and help to break down the monopoly of the existing com- anies. : Tt.—You are familiar with the main provisions of the proposed ordinance? P.—Yes; it proposes, at the outset, to supply the city and citizehe with BETTER AND CHEAPER GAS, and to fairly enter into competition with the corporation’ iow monopoling the business. The now Company ts willing to submit to proper restrictions, end expect fair play from the city. ‘R.—What do you mean by “fair play?” ‘P_—All it asks from the city is the rignt to lay pipes in the streets. ‘That is all the city is ex- pected togive. As I have before said, the Com- pany is willing to submit to proper restrictions. R.—What woold you call ‘PROPER RESTRICTIONS ?” P.—In the firat place, the Company is ready to consent to a restriction that will render the ordinance inoperative until $100,000 shail havo been expended upon the now works,—the samo to be expeu:led within twelve months from the massage of said ordinance; otherwise the latter js to be conadered void. Until then, the Com- pary would have no right whatever to open any street. Ip the next place, after $100,000 has been spent, and before any streets ara opened, the Company should file a bond of $200,000, in two or more good sureties, to complete the work. Failing to do this, the city would receive an en- tire forfeiture of €200.000, and the Compauy would lose #100,000 additional. The next re- striction provides that uot more than 500 feet of any one street shall be opened at any one time. Also, anch streets must be finished, restored to their previous condition, immediately; and, while open, the Company shall provide portanle bridgea, with watchmen to attend to them, 80 a6 to bridge the ditches to allow wagons and foot- ‘passengers to croas oyer, and, in this way, traffic and travel would remaia pnobstracted. ‘R.—Are there any more restrictions ? LIMITED CHARGES. P.—Yes; there is one providing that the Com- pany shall pot charge more than $2.50 per 1,000 enbie feet to consumers. They can charge as ouch less as they chooga, but that isto be the Tmt. The standard ia to be 14-candle gas. It shall not charge tne city more than $2 for each 1,000 cubic feet of the same gas; and it shall havo works capable of supplyiug from 1,000.000 to 1,500,000 cubic feet of gas per day, within two yeata from the passage of the ordinance now pending. ‘This gives both the city and the gen- eral consumers a great advantage in comparison with the present system. R.—Io what way ? P.—Bevause now the aggregate Chicago con- sumption per day is 4.000,U00 cubie feet of gas— the minimum price being at the rate of @3 per 1,000 feet to consumers, and at the rate of $2.50 per 1,000 fest to the city, and that, too, for gay far below the standard agreed upon by the Con- pumers’Gas & Coke Company. This would be ALNET SAVING of 50 conts per 1,000 feet per day to Chicago, or $2,000 per Gay, which would aggregate $700,000 saved for the year—sufticient to pay an entire poijce for that period. Private consumers would Saye in the pane praportiop, T.—What is the standard of gas now used in this city? P.—It averages all the way from 9 tol¢ candles, generally the smaller figure. Now, ig there any good reason why thé Companies should charge as much for gas at 0 candles as amg at 14 candles? I think not, A PERFECT FRAUD ON THE CONSUMERS. BE Well what would the Gonensiert! Cambte ny do in case its gag standard should, at any time, fall short of 14 candles ? a at P.—Well, so far as I am aware, it proposes to mske a rebate in this proportion : mppoee the new Company charges $3.50 one month for 14- eandlo ‘gas, and thatthe next month, for any reagon, the standard should fall to 7 candles, the price would be reduced one-half, or at the rate of $1.25 per 1,00) cubic feet. The Proportion conld, of courge, be adopted according to the test- ed standard of the gas, the apparatus at the City-Hall being the gauge of messurement. I don't know that anytuiug could be fairer. Cer: tainly’ the old Companies have no right to charge as high for 9 candles ‘as they do for 14, aud yet they do it all thetime. Is there, to come to another point, any reason why the existing Com- panies should be privileged ‘to sell all thé gas in the city, any more thau a particular firm should be privileged to sell all the dry-gaods, or all the groceries, or all the provisions necessary for the Chicago market? as B.—No, but the circumstances may be regard- ed ag a little different? P\—I' don't see ‘why they ghould. Gas is, surely, a commercial commodity and A NZCESSARY OF CIVILIZED LIFE. Is therp any reagon why, apart fram the uten- able theory of absolate monopoly, the Common Councit should refuse to pass an ordinance which would insure the spending of $1,500,000 among the people of Chicago? And now, while J am upon this subject, pe ‘me remind you'that, within the last five years, labor has declined at least 50 per cent, and coal has come down from $8 to $4.50 per ton. Therefore, the cost of manufac- turing gas by.the Chicago Gas Companies has de- clined fully one-half, and yet they have made no reduction in their prices. On the contrary, they charge at the old rates,—making more than 200 per cant profit,—a rate far beyoud what any manufactunng company could honestly claim to be protected in. Now, I say, when gas, as & commodity, has actually ehrank af least 50°per cent in the cost of ‘producing, why should the ald companies ba permitted to monopolize every thing, and to imperiqusly dictate extortionate prices to fhe people of Chicago? : think that the ‘competition of the *"R.—You proposed new Compsny would epmpel the monopolists to lower theirrates ? “P.—Undoubtedly. They would have to come down in spite of themsolves. They claim, I know, that they are s permanent fixture here ; that they represent property, widows, heirs, and all that. But everybody knows that they started ob & Capital of $100,000 ; ‘that they have built it f up to $3,000,000 ; haye made lar. | Bete Us RE hare nate | sheir stock to awell still more their already enor- mous protits. Can any man show that the cost of manufacturing their gas. coal, labor, purifica- tlon, aind all thrown in, 18 beyond. $1.25 per 1,000 cubic feet? You remember that threo years ago cast-iron pipes goid for $88 per ton. To-da: the same pipes can be had for $37 per tof, an will not $1,000,000 of capital properly applied just now be equal to $2,500,000 used when iabor and material wore dearer? These are _ ,POINTS FOR THE PEOPLE TO CONSIDER in discussing thia gas question. R.—The points appear, to be strong enoup! but there is always a certain amount of distrust in the public mind relative to new speculations. P.—I don't khow why the public should dis- trusts new company any more than the old. They are not compelled to deal with the Con- sumers’ Company unless the gas and the terms suit them better, Both conld be very easily bet- tered. In every other kind of business it is the Habit of ¢he houses to ibvectory their stock avery year, ahd base their. prices upon their actual assets. Have the Companies referred to done 80? Not atail; they keep oninthe old war. While tleir tradé and assets have multiplied, thay continue to multiply their profits, making out of the city and out of the consumers, deter- mined to have their “ pound of flesh” anyhow. They base their valttation in the franchise from the city, which they hold to be exclusive, and which the Common Council allows to ba exctu- sive, by restricting now conipanies iu a manner that rmakea it utterly impossible for them to begin work at all. Now every persoti ia Chicago who has bad apy dealing with the Gas.Companica koows that _ me civitL TREATMENT 18 NOt TO BE EXPECTED, unlegs the consumer agrees, in cyery inatance, with their ideas. The Chicago Gas Companics might certamly treat their customers with cour- tesy. Dotheydoit? Do not theiremployes, on every possible occasion, snub every one who bas anything to do with them in the way of business. There is no such thing as gentlemanly forbear- ance and business accommodation in their offices. Any citizon; compelled to pay exorbitant gas- bills, if be protests, isliableto insult, He ia told to gb away, if he does not like their atsle of do- ing business, and to help himself, if he can. R.—Thero certainly hss been some complaint relative to the points you méntion. P.—It 18 not true that each consumer is re- quired to pay his bill on the 12th of each month, and, if he isafew miuutes late, the cacbier's window is closed, and he is Hed to go away and bear the penalty of additional tax, although he may have bedn waiting in lind to pay the amount for half{-an-hour. Does not every other kind of manufacturing establisument collect its bills contteously? What right, then, has the gas monopoly to treat peoplé with such little consideration and evident want of courtesy? It is all the result of unopposed monopoly. Another thing: Is it not true that the pres- sure of gasin the street maios, from twilight uati] midnight, owing to the carelessness or in- competency of employes, is as great ay 21¢ inches? What isthe result? Night-lights left burning half turned off, after midaight blaze up to the fail extent, and thus double the amouut of gas that should be used is wasted, and the consumers are obliged to foot the bills all the same. THE NEW COMPANY. P R.—Is the proposed new Company éntirely Chicagoan ? P.—No; it iss combination of Eastern and ‘Weatern capital, and has also the benetit of be- ing organized by gentlemen who dre familiar with the pas business themselves. Their mopey is all ready, aud they are only awaiting the paa- sage of 2 favorable ordinauce. R.—Otber companies, it would appear, are going to try and gat ordinances through for the same purpose? ‘ “40D A BLIND,” P.—Alia blind. The very moment » company that isin earnest comes into the field, the ald Companies, afraid of competition, get up bogus ones (i. only costs about $50 to do it), and go before the Council with so ordinance that om- braces ruinous restrictions—all for the purpose of tying the hands of the men who really mean business. For example, they reatrict them- selves to having an-office or gas-works no nearer than 2 miles from the Qourt-House, thus com- pelling the new company to operate in places where there is little demand for street improve- ment, and refusing to allow them. to open paved streets until they have to be repaved, which will not be for years. There are many other dodges, famillar to the public. Tho new company proposes to take in the whole city, but does not propose to 0 into isolated districte, far away from its mains, for that would be raimous, and not business. It proposes to supply any citizen, on ady street, within 50 feet of its main, with gag, on his filing application at the office, and to carry the main wherever required continuously. It will also at- tend to the meters and service-pipes free of charge, and have everything in proper order, ao that the job will be a completa one, and give satisfaction to all concerned. —.—. GAS BILLS, ‘THE WONDERFUL INCREASE IN JANUARY. "The complaints of consumers of gas in the last few months about the increase of their bills, a8 well as the quality of the gas, bave been general. ‘Tue Tarmvxe bas been deluged with murmurings of this sort, and, in most instances, their justice has been substantiated by the presentation of bills and receipts, which, compared wich the billg of corresponding months of previous years, show the percentage of increase to be larger than the “increased pressure” theory would seem to explain. The murmurings have not been confined to any class or condition, but bave come from business-houses and private families alike. Several cases) have been shown in private families where the bills of January have doubled the bills of December, and ¢rebled the bills of other months of the past year, while the business-house bills presented have shown an increase that those who have to “pay the fiddler” cannot compre- hend. Those who have complained at the head- quarters of the South Side Gas Company have not been able to gather ANY EXPLANATION OF THB DIFFICULTY that was satisfactory, but have had to pay their pills sa presented, large oramall. To ascertain how general the increago in bills was, and the average of the increase, a TRIBUNE reporter yes: terday took @ tramp among the business-men, and s dive into the musty records and receipts of many of the business offices ia the heart of the city. Tho object of bis explorstions was not only to ascertain the proportion of increase in gas-bills forthe paat few months, but, by com- parison, 30 FIND THE INCRESSE over the corresponding mouths of ayear ago. ‘The trouble encountered would 1ijl a volume, the do- tails of which ‘the public can never know, how- ever much they may hunger therefor. What was found, however, is presented. which will afford the reader the opportunity of comparing the past and present, and the gentleman who so frequently ‘rushes ito print” in defense of the Gas Compsny another chance to rise and ox- sve 7 e Sun- plain. It tay also prove good, reflectiv day reading for the members of the g' poration against which the figures ‘appear to tell. ‘The statements from the several houses sre comparative, for three months of 1873-14 and 18745, and are intended to show the amount of bills paid for gas for the months named : ‘ ‘HUNTOON 4 HALL, = a |S 17.10] * 16.80) 15.60) 5 49.50) 1874-5. js 17.70 20.46 20.10 5 58.25 ‘November 1874. 18775; “91.30/§ 11.40 4 i -80,0¢ 29.40 25.1) 28.70 IS_77.40]$ 60.50 71879-4.| 1874-8. 32.401 24.60 : 35.40 6. 23.40) 0) | 167374] 187475, Is 24.60$ 36.90 30.60{- 61.30 asd] 44.70 5132.90 December. Jammary... ©, W, 4K, PARDEMGE, 1873-"4.| November. Is 09.90 December... 89.501 January....... 72,60) Total..s.sooe ceteercecceeeerenre!$ 19200 (CHAS, GOSSAGE & CO. i—— ‘251.40: 246.60 429.99 ate eases ereenesol$ 286.50) HILL, WILLOUGEBY & co. 1873-44, | 1874-75, roads using gas of the South Side Company. Tne month of January for 187475 is only given, which was alt that could be obtained at the time: CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PAGIFIO RATLROAD, $101.51 | January, 1875..... $501.90 (OAD. «$231,00 N CENTRAL RAILRO. «5480.20 | Japuaty, 1875...:..$388.40 Ee: XIGLINOIS OENTAAL RAILROAD, =| Jatitiary, 1874... .$534.86 | Junwiry, 1875.... ..$796.63 ‘The statements above embrace fifteen of the larger consumers on the South Side. They were en “ WITHOUT SELECTION, ani with the purpose of résching the average ot percentage of increase, if guy existed, over the bills of a year ago. Each of the husiness houses aasured the reporter that they had been more economical in the use of ga’ the last three months than ever before, notwithstanding the size of the bills they bad paid. It will ve seen that, despite their economy, with oné or two ex= ceptions their biils bave largely ibcreased over the corresponding period of ayear ago. In the case of the railroads, tho Rock Island claims to have tsed the same number of burners as last year; the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rosd claima to have used lesa burners, and consumed far less gas; the Michigau Central Road claims that its reduction in consumption has becn one- half, white the bills are very near the sams; the Illinois Central claims to have consumed sboat the same,—if anything, less,—while its bill for the past three months has increased about one- third over the corresponding months of a year ago. The statements, on the whole, aro believed to be a fair average of the South Side at large, and a true réflex of the relations of the South Side Gas Company and its patrons. THE TOTAL of the fifteen consumers’ bills for 1873-4 appears to be $4,379.27, against $5,144.29 for the same period in 1874-5. The increase amounts toa total of $765.02, or nearly 15 per cent, and this in the face of the fact that consumers have practiced an economy in the use of gas in the last three months never before thought of. Let some one who can, farnish a solution of the problem. BHUSIOR. Why did Freedom shriek ? Kos—ciusko fell. Stantey says that there are no banks in Zanzi- bar, but the natives have many a wild there. Which would you rather do for a steady busi- ness, go to Wheeling Virginis, or goto Corning Towa? “Of what beverage did Julius Cesar die?” Anawer: ‘Of Boman punches administered py Brutus.” ‘When small boys are out on their travels it is proper to ask them, ‘Does your mother know your route ?” If a man drops down upon a chair where a bad boy has lett a bent pin, he will nse liko a phosnix from its ashes. It bss been cold enough in Kansas to freeze whisky, and some of the drunkards there have become solid men. ‘When s Comstocker wants to disparage another he says: ‘* Whep you thoroughly prospect hun, you'll find no bonanza in him. One fortunate thing in being s King is, that Kings never have to get up nights and log the potatoes in beside the coal-atove. An uncle left eleven silver spoons to bis nephew in his will, adding, ** He knows the rea- son I have not left him the whole dozen.” ‘Mr. Naylle, of Toronto, was knocked dawn hy: mistake for another man, recently, He hopes geet hit the right Naylle on the head next ime. “What's jography, Bul?” ‘It's a-tollin' of forrin Isnds that we know nothin’ about by ‘cate chaps that’s never seen “em,” Bill gota Goyern- ment situation. Barnum advertises that he will ‘hold four races at the hippodrome.” We pass; there is no use bucking against four aces.—Boston Com- mercial Bulletin, “Your feet are not very stylish,” ssid a man to his friend, whose feet were covered with buniong, ‘“‘No, not stylish; but exceedingly nobby,” was the goad-natured reply. ‘Two rival eel-fishermen in Maine recently set fire to each other's hata, whereupon a jocal paper mentions it under the head of ‘A Parig Com- mune in America—The Two-eeleries Again in s Blaze.” A Vermont farmer stroked his gray locks and sadly remarked: “I dido’ really know haw old and feeble I’ was until I went to lick James this morning. He's only 17, but I couldn't make him holler. Queen Gertrude, of Denmark, must have had more than two husbands, Shakspearo to the con- trary notwithstandin} Does nqt Gray, in his Elegy, remark: ‘The rude fourfathers of the Hamlet sieap?” Petershsm has produced an anctioneer who fella the trath. He recently told » bidder, “You've got a good bargain on that’ sleigh yoy bid off for $2.56. It's just as good for the hens to roost on as one that costs $60. An eccentric actor, whose mania took the form of view readings, maintained that Horatio was really Hamlet's father, and justified himself in the scene in which Hamlet moralizes over the skull of Yorick, by saying: ' It amelt so, Pa.” “John, I ssw your cousin Isssc a few weeks ago, and he had just received a fall, which cut a tost horrible rash in ‘bis arm.” ‘Ab, poor fel- Het What did he fall on?” “Wolly really, I forget now ; but it rather strikes ma ha fall on Tuesday morning.” ‘A gentleman drove » sorrowfal-looking horse inte town last Saturday, and, stopping in front of Bank Block, he requested « small'boy to hold hima moment. ‘Hold ‘im?” exclaimed ‘the bay; ‘jast lean him np sgainst the poat—that'll "Exchange. * ‘ach depends upon the way in which thi are stated. Pear example, in ope of our We Qo exchanges gn accountof a steamer accident is giyen. in which the reporter says: “The only Passengera wore T. B. Nathan, who owned threo- fourths of the cargo and thé Captain's wife.” «< What are you after, my dear?” said a grand- mother to a little boy, who was sliding along a room and caging furtive glances at a gentleman iho gaa paying a vidit. 1am tryiog, ‘grand- ma, to steal papa’s hat out of the room withont letting the gentleman seo i$; he wants bim to thiok he’s ont.” “Whst is your name?” asked s census-taker. “Jolin “Corcoran.” “Your age?” | * Twenty- one.” “What nativity?” ‘Well, that’s what bothers me. I'll tell you, and maybe ypu can make it ont. My father was Irish, but ia now a naturalized American citizen; my mother Eo- glish, add T was bora on & Dutch trigess, under the French flag in Torkian waters. Now, how is it?” ‘When tha Duke of Newcastle was in this coun- try, acitizen of Cincinnati, who had managed to get introduced to the Duke, thus introduced e, let me his wife at Pike's Opera-Honse:, a Di Era. JUCRS introduce you te my wife, . , the @aughter/of Maj.-Gen. +, of Kentucky, who was brutally massacred by Britiah’ and Indisns while gloriously fighting for his count at the battle of the River Raieen.” + ied “You jist ought to have been over to our house last night!” shouted one small boy to snother on the Campus Martins yeater- day. . ° Why—making pictures?” inquired the other. °* Nant much ! Hamph! No air; our folks went away and we had pop-corn, two kinds ee gmeniansd water, milk and camphor, dred the grown “GOTHAM. The Charity Ball and tho Lady-Wash- ington Reception. Tho Smnall-Pok Hospital—Dreadful Roglect and a Noble Saérilite, Cold Weather and Spiing Styles. Speciat Corressondence of The Chicage Tribune. New Yori, Feb. 10.—The grand CHARITY BALL, solong talked about, and so immenss in ite proniies and realizationa, bas come abd gone, and been a complete success. It has gone ahead of ail ita ottier amesakes, and the amotot of money gained for charitable purpodes dnd insti- tations far exceeds that of previous years. It was gotten up under the auspices solely of the very elite of New York society, and represented, in its managers sud lady-managémont, the wealth and aristocracy of onr city. The display of floral decorations, the muiié of Grifulls’s and another (pioinenade) band, the richuess of the dicseas, the display of diamonds: and fine toilettes, and the crush and crowd of fashion, were beyond description. ‘Ye proceeds of thé ball will réach tho sum of $12,000, which is more than has ever been gained in former years; and which will ma- terially benefit the different benevolent societion of oar city. ‘The next great event on the programiiie i the LADY WASHINGTON RECEPTION AND TEA-PARTY, under the management of Mrs. Judge Boose- velt, Mra. William B. Astor, Mra. Judge Daly, etc., ete., and to be given Feb. 23, of course, at thé Academy of Music, The sim atid object are to build, and own, and equip a floating hospital, or barge, in which sick children and ailing moth- ers can be given the atimalds of a ride out on the ocean, and plenty of salt sea air, and a changy of dict and life,—more of s panacea than medicine to the sickly dwellérs in stifling téne- niént-réoms. Theré have béott tiaby excatslois during the sunime?, givén f6r thesé dick poor by the kind ladiea and gentlemen attached to Br Job2’s Guild ; but the expense of hiring a barge, preparing the necessary wholesomo food, and getting the proper men to underteke the trip, etc., has been heavy; and the 1s have Is- bored under many disadvantages. It is ndw in- teniéd to build a barge, having all culinary ap- pliances, with salt-water baths and portable cot- beds for the feeble, and ali the convehiénces they require, on board. Such s barge would cost about $20,000, and could make daily trips difing the warm spring, summer, and early fall. The Lady Washington reception is to be represented also by Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities. The decendants of Adams, Hamil- ton, Jay, Livingston, Bufr, etc., are to take part, and Mrs. Washington’s drawing-room 1s to be reproduced with exact detail by Danicl Huating- ton, Prosident of the National Academy of Design, from his picture called * The Republic- ‘an Court, or Mrs. Washington’s Receptiou-Day,” with living representatives, A'lthe china used at the tables will be reproduced ip exact pattern from thatin use by Ladv Washington, and, after the bevy of beautiful Madieon avenue, Murray Hull, and Fifth avenue beauties haye served you with a cap of fragraut Old Hyson, the cups and saucers, and all the pleces of the tea-set, are to be disposed of at auction. Tho gentlemen acd , the costumes ladies are to adopt also (would = that of the olden times they could sa easily weir the man- ners and ingraft the cocrtesies!); and numerous old heirlooms, in the way of original powdered perukes, buckled shoes, brocade gowns, and stomachers, will be farbished up and ‘worn again. The gentlomen wili sport the em- broidered waistcoats, knee-breeches, and. silken, hose ; and the ladies, the hoops. farthingales, and pointed low shoes, with powdered hair, of the days of old. The thirteen original States are to be faithfally portrayed by thirteen ladios ; and the music, display, and floral decorations promise to be fcusneparacd by any other event. All New York is at the very highest point of ex~ citement, and it is predicted that the affair result in a great financial success, as well as be the grandest affair that bas ever occurred in New ‘ork. Every few months there has come » rumor of incompetency and neglect in the management of the . SMALL-POX HOSPITAL oa Blackwell's Island. The Hospital ought to be ander the control of the Board of Health, and nots part of the duty belonging to the Commissioners of. Charity and Correction. lf any of the afflicted patients who are carried to ‘Hospital have escaped death, it has been ss by» miracle, since the peop‘e suffering from that frightful disease have bad neither care nor at- tendance. ‘The nurses have besn, hitherto, criminals from the Penitentiary on the island, who were willing to assume the duties of the Hospital in order to shirk all work, duty, or re- sponsibility. The stimulants they were alowed to take in order to keep them strong for their severe and loathsome duties was generally taken with such frequency snd with guch relish that they were in a state of drunken stupor nearly all the time, and the patients, blind, delirions, and frightful to Took upon, were left to die unattended and sone, and huatled, without a prayer, into unknown graves. Louder and louder eame the rumors of neglect, and there seemed no remedy, since the office of nurse wag a fearfal one, at best, in auch a place. At last the reports of such alarm- ing neglect, dranken orgies, and fearfal suffer- jngs, came to the earr of the Sistora of Charity of Mount St. Vincent Hospital, and st once, with a noble self-denial, six of the Sisters vol- unteered to go and take charge of the Smail- Pox Hospite! They had not had the diaosse, and set werd willing to faco death in its most frightfal form to help the afflicted, and, by their tender ministrations, in some measure alisy their anfferings. On Wednesday lat che six Sisters of Charity quietly rode off to the bleak. Island, and, without tremor or fear, entered those dread portsla which forever shut them in to a life so loathsome. There was a noble self-denial im thus tsking upon themselves sucn a task. That they will work s reformation jn the former neg- lect and inattention, and fit the snfferere ta endure, and, if need be, to die, cannot be doubt- ed. There must be great comfort in the thougat, to the person sfilicted with that loathsome and frequently fatal disease, that gentle bards at- tend to his wants; that kind, pitying eyes look compassionately on him; and that, if doomed to r will be said for the passing soul, die, a prays si be Dp: and the ebroud will be drawn tenderly over the rigd form:—instead of being left aloae to struggle with the fearful disease; to hava & brutal, drunken prisoner sleeping unconscious of your sufferings; gnd to be rolled into = grave, with all the disgust and dispatch possible, even ss goon as the breath leavea the poor, tor- tured body. There coald be no deed more s martyrdom than thus entering as nurse in & ‘small-pox hospital ; and, without having had the fatal diseate, 1t seems, in eyery truth, a sacri: gf life upon the altar of one’s homanity and re- gion. OUR WINTER WEATHER still continues, cold and unusual to our climate. The ice-floes nightly form and drift into the @ocks and wharves of the rivers; and in the day they aro cut and ground into buge ialsuds by straggling ferry-boats, almost impeding naviga- tion, and creating all kinds of unpleasant deten- tions. Thé wiad whistles sharp from the East River, and suggests March ite penetrating qualities, and real winter in it benuabing faculties. People shiver and sit clover to the grate-fres, and complain that it is quite ‘too cold to goouttochnrch,” although tbey soon get ready to “ breast the gale” for opera-boafle or theatre, when pared or brother, or lover an- nounces tickers forthe evening performances. Yet the ‘spring styles” are coming in; and bate, that have rolled on the back of the head #9 long, aré cow to tilt again over the none in alarming jauntiness! And so New York Iac-¢, like their varying fashions, oscillate between the jolly and the serious. Bxciag. Live Toads Embedded in Stone. ‘Mrs. Hooper, in » recent Paris letter to tho Philadelphia Press, gives this account of an in- teresting experiment in natural history: ‘One often reada“in the daily newspapers and else- where of the discovery of live toads in the centre of trees or inside of apparent! solid stone, A French naturalist, M. Margelidet, bas juat pab- lished the results of an experiment of that na- ture. Onthe 16th of January, in the year 1870, he caused s cavity to behollowedina large atone, put a toad into the cavity, and then sealed upthe mouth of the cavity with impermeable cement. Tho other End a a 15th sof are rts fre years, day. for day, since the poor Rreataure into durance vile, he wrcke open the cavity, at the Museum of Natural History, snd found the toad within alive and well, though in 9 torpid condition. Norhas it since is ares