Evening Star Newspaper, November 5, 1881, Page 2

AMINATIONS, HOW THEY AKE CONDUCTED. Judge Feiger Upon Civil Service Ques« tioning. EXAMINATIONS PAST AND PRESENT — COMICAL PEATT RES —ODD EXAMPLES OF IGNORANCE AND stUPrprry. A member of the old board of examiners, when promotions and appointments In the civil ser- vice were rezulated by examinations, toldaSTaR reporter the other day an incident about Judge Folger in that connection. The gentleman quoted was chairman of a board which was holding a civil service examination in New Yerk for appointments and promotions in the federal service in that city. In these examina- tions there was always a fixity of standard which was adhered to thronghout. Judge Folger came in when the papera of the candi- da examined. Hespokeinterms of praise in rezard to the exact fairness and the perfect system of the examination, but said that he did not think that federal appointments should be reculated by the rule of three. He spoke at some lenuth on the subject ral drift of his remarks was that ci examinations did not amount to much, partica- : way of reform, and that he thought methods would in the end be found to be more practicable. ch has done more to attention at this time to that anything else, there has rable and exchange of Miecrs of the Trea- erning the times when the attempt was made to reform treasury There isa good deal of fun in these prin of the examinations of s still kept up, but it is only a form. Anold gentleman who was prominently con- nected with the civil service reform examina- tions of a few years azo, now goes through the motions of examining candidates for Treasury appointments whose selection has been assured peace they ever present themselves for exam- ination. He has a small room tn an out-of-the- way part of the Treasury building, instead of the full swing ofa suite of apartments the ex- amining board possessed in its palmy day ‘The desks in his room at which candidates are supposed to sit, bear the unmistakable signs of very infrequent occupation. In not more than one case out of twenty appointments made in the department is there an examination. The applicant always passes, and only goes through an alleced mill in order to prevent the death of all that is left of the civil-service reform scheme. But to the reminiscences that spring up among Treasury department officers. Some of the ex- amination papers of the time when exam- iners really examined certainly were interest- ing reading. THE NERVOUS MAIDEN. The most anique, perhaps, on record are those of a lady of about forty-five years. She handled ail the papers in a quiet, aeliberate way, and while spending considerable time over each, got through with her task considerably in advance of any of the others undergoing the inquisition. She showed no sicns of excitement or perturba- tion whatever. The examiners were therefore somewhat surprised when they looked over the papers and found that all that the apparently calm lady had done was to write these words ‘upon each papet: “Oh, dear! 1am so nerviss 1 dou't know what to do!” A CASE OF FALSE SYNTAX. At one of the examinations the candidates were directed to correct the false syntax in the following sentence: “And Rebecca took goodly raiment and put them on Jacov.” One aspirant for a salary from Uncle Sam corrected the sen- tenee by making it read: “And Rebecca took sufficient raiment and put them on Jacob.” He evident labored under the impression that than Jacob had come to see his girl without putting on all his clothes. THR CLERK WHO WAS NOT THERE AT THE TIME. A clerk who was up for promotion to $1,400 a year was given a problem in regard to a suppo- sitious case of the settlement of the accounts of & paymaster entrusted with a certain amount of money. The solution to the problem, as put down in biack and white, was that the clerk did not know anything about it. “This case hap- peued.” he said, *‘before I came into the depart- ment.” TRE YOUNG MAN WHO TACKLED THE INDETERMIN- ABLE FRACTION. Candidates were required to write out in full the arithmetical problems which were given them for solution. One of the problems upon one examination—the first on the list—had for its answer an indeterminable fraction. One bpd man struck that problem and went forit. He was a careful young man and wanted to earry out his instructions in full. He was an hour later than the other candidates in handing im his papers. He had touched nothing but that problem. He had staid by it all day. He had covered sheets upon sheets of paper in the vain endeavor to seize upon that indeterminabie fraction. ODD CASES OF IGNORANCE. Every candidate was askea to write out his or her clerical experience. In the majority of cases this question broucht fall and detailed ac- counts of religious belief and experience. There were found iundreds of candidates who could not bound the state in which they lived nor tell its capital. In fact, it was an excep- tional case where a person was found capable of accurately bounding any state. THE PROUD KENTUCKIAN. A Kentuckian, in answer to the question who discovered America? proudly wrote “Daniel Boone.” WHAT 4 CANDIDATE KNEW ABOUT AMERICAN HIS- Tory. The question “What two distinguished Polish generals served in the Revolutionary war?” was asked. After wrestling with it some time, one } pee man put them down “Cromwell and ‘yfayeit.” BOUNDING” THE UNITED STATES. The records of the department show that one answer to the question gave as the boundaries of the United States: “Grand Portage and Lake Michigan, New Foundland, Yucatan, Central Awierica and the West Indies." The same man also confidently asserted that Sierra Leone was one of the mountain ranges of the United States. Another adept in aoe ere that Vermont | and Arkansas were both Atlantic coast states. A candidate from New York admitted that he was unable to bound his native state—New York—but ventured that Chesapeake bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence were twoof its boundaries. Inan- swer to the question what the three co-ordinate branches of the government were, an answer from a candidate from cultured Boston was “the senatorial, political, congressional and | legislative bodies.” In American history @ Marylander said that the revolution- ary war commenced in 1669. One exam- ination paper dubbs the Attorney General as <ijitant General” and the President as AINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES. Fourth Opening of the School. ADDRESS BY DR. TONER—THR MOVEMENT TO SUPPLY TRAINED NURSES—INTERESTING IN- TERVIEW WITH FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE. Reference has been made in Tuk Star to the address by Dr. Toner at the opening of the fourth course of instruction in the Washington Training School for Nurses, but it contains so much matter of interest that a full report is given below: Ladies and Gentlemen, Members and Profes- sors of the Washington ining School for Nurses: We assemble to-night to open in a pub- lic manner the fourth regular course of instruc- tion in the Washington Training School for Nurses. The presence of this distinguished as- sembly is particularly gratifying to the society and the friends of the enterprise. Our work is | each year becoming more and more appreciated | by the public. The encouragement given to | trained and competent nurses, and the demand | for their services in the sick-room, is everywhere | constantly mereasing. Schools for training | nurses are being established in nearly all our | large cities, and the calling of the trained nurse may now be considered one of the established and honorable pursuits of life. This society is | Still laboring under an embarrassment in not having a home of its own for the systematic in- struction and training of its pupils; but by cour- age and perseverance we hope finally to obtain suitable quarters, and we think we see in the | near future a prospect of our nurses having a | suitable home in the projected National Garfield | Memorial Hospital. During the past summer I | had the opportunity of a conversation with a | lady of great practical experience in nursing, | and one of the most noted and influential living advocates of the utility of training schools for the education of nurses. I allude, as you will infer, to FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE. This event came about as follows: The even- ing before [ left for Europe the graduates who received certificates at the close of our last year’s instruction called to pay their respects and wish me a pleasant journey, and left with me a card bearing their photographs. I at once concluded to put the photograph in my trank, and if opportunity offered while in England to give it to Misa Nightingale. I also took with me for the same purpose a plate and cup and saucer of the china decorated for the loan exhi- bition held last spring in the interest of the Washington Training Schoot for Nurses. It happened that a few days after my arrival in London I visited St. Thomas’ Hospital. That institution has a corps of trained nurses, pre- sided over by Mrs. Wardroper, a lady of much executive ability, and who is an efficient co- worker with Miss Nightingale. This old and very extensive hospital 1s a handsome stone building near the center of the city, onthe bank of the Thames, immediately across the stream from Parliament House. The institution is richly endowed, and is kept in admirable con- dition in all its appointments. Its administra- tion and nursing are unexceptionable. From Mrs. Wardroper, who accompanied me through part of the building, I obtained the address of Miss Nightingale, and the following day I took to her residence the photographs and china I have referred to, but without having any hope that these trifles would lead to an interview. However, the next morning I received from Miss Nightingale a very polite note of acknowledg- ment, which is as much 4 COMPLIMENT TO THIS SOCIETY as it is to myself, a fact that induces me to read. It is in the following language: “Dr. Toner, 5 Henrietta street, Cavendish Square, London: “My Dear Sir: I thank you a thonsand times for your great kindness in bringing me your books, the photographs of the nurses, and the china manufactured for your nurses’ training school, all things which I shall value so much. Icannot bear that you should leave England without my seeing you personally on a subject so interesting to us both; but I am so over- | worked (andalwaysa prisoner from illness) that Tecan only say: Could you give me a few min- utes on Monday at half-past twelye oron Tues- day at half-past twelve or five? Please let me have a word in reply, and for the nursing cause pray believe me ever your and its faithful ser- vant. FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE.” Lreplied promptly to her note that I would do myself the honor of calling at the earliest hour she had named. I kept the engagement to a minute; and upon my card being sent to Miss Nightingale I was tmmediately conducted to her room on the second floor. Here I ound Miss Nightingale reclining upona lounge, by the side of which stood a smali table, with writing ma— terial upon it; also the photographs of the nurses and the pamphlets and china I had sent her. She held my card in her hand, and, ad- dressing me by name as I approached and with- out rising. extended her hand and bade me wel- come. Florence Nightingale, though of English parentage, was born in Florence, Italy, in 1820, and is therefore sixty-one years of age, but she looked not a day older than forty-six. Miss Nightingale’s features are regular, her face is smooth and unwrinkled, she hasan English com- plexes large brown eyes. and a well nourished ly,which would weigh 165 pounds, so that she is not now the slight. fragile person which the engraved portraits, taken just after the Crimean war, represented her to be. Nevertheless she is, and has been, for years, a sufferer, and confined most of the time to her room. Had she the health to appear in public and to fill the place in society and the social world which her talents and worth entitle her to occupy, she would be the most popular lady in England. And, not- withstanding this enforced retirement, I believe Florence Nightingale is to-day (perhaps except- ing the Queen) the most universally beloved of any woman in Great Britain. In personal ap- pearance Miss Nightingale very much resembles a lady of high culture and literary ability in this city, and who is well and favorably known for her many charities, and asa contributing mem- ber of this society. Though Miss Nightingale sat upright much of the time when I entered the room and again several times during my stay, yet she did not at any time move her lower limbs, which rested on the lounge and were covered with a shawl. I do not know the character of her invaiidness, but, whatever it is, it in no way affects her mental energy or sympathy with THE WORK OF EDUCATING NURSES. She has enlarged, clear, and distinct views on the subject of nursing and the training of nurses, and expresses them forcibly and fluently. Dur- ing my visit a servant woman brought her a glass of milk, of which she took a couple of swallows. After a few briefremarks relative to my visit to England and the Importance and sig- nificance of the International Medical Congress | then in session in London, she proceeded to in | quire very particularly ‘about our training School in the city of Washington. She had read the pamphlet of the announcement of our school | and had the names of a number of the incorpor- ators and the teachers and officers of thesociety well in mind. She asked how our wealthy, educated, and fl eset es citizens were disposed tow: the school, and recom- mended strongly that we should not rest until we obtained a home for the nurses, and | that we should be particular to admit to the | honors of the school only those whose character, physical strength and zeal in the cause give | promise of efficient services. She was also par- icular to inquire what aid we received from the the “A the “exicitive branch” of the government. Ni- agara was spelt by one man three different ways: “Miagora,” “Nyagarer” and “Nighazariz.” Ne- braska was spelt “New Braska” and “Nebras- ker” by ahandsome lady from Ohio—state of the great. One candidate said that he had been government and froin organized societies, and if we had a fixed fund. She was quite sur- prised that sufficient voluntary contributions | could be obtained to support the school. and that we should have been so successful without the aid of e:idowments and government appro- to™Critinden’s business college and kepted school besides,” and further on said that ““Wimmin first = to the cepuleer of crist.” He also 8; elt pepaye) £0 essential to enterprises of this ind in Great Britain. She listened with much interest to an account of our late loan exhibi- with a little g. the largest display of ignorance was upon decimal fractions, of which the general run of candidates examined seemed to have no know ledyze whatever. ‘othe Editor of Tax Evexixe Stan: If our brilliant Evexixe Stan could use its tainly ran @ of ranning into the horse or wagon @ another just turning the corners. If our light all the time, it is lees after they are in ‘Will not the editor tion, and was particularly pleased with the fact hat our leading citizens were interested in its success. Florence Nightingale began her life- work by acquiring a knowledge of systematic nursing in 1849 at Kaeserworth, an institution on the Rhine for practical instruction in the art of hospital nursing. During the Crimean war, in 1854-55, she entered with zeal upon the duties of her high vocation and * GAINED A WORLD-WIDE FAME by her geniusin the organization and superin- ; tendence of the nursing in the large military hospitals. She retired from this fleld of work with broken-down health, from which she has never fully recovered. On her return to Eng- land she received a letter of thanks from the Queen, accompanied by a suberb jewel. A fund of 250,000 was rai subscription, and a Florence Nightingale ining Sehool for Nurses established. A ey subscription was raised by the British soldiers to erect to her a monument, which she declined. To this school, which bears her name, she is still giving her at- tention, being specially interested in the educa- tion of nurses for the poor. Renee (Rd not all the pupils, are from among pele women of Engiand and ladies of — position. though she is aware the wealthy will in- duce some of those educated to nurse the poor to go into service for high of those educated in this the poor and more of the nurses, a visit is made by one of them and her services tendered to place the room in order and impart instructions to the family or attendants how to keep it so, and how to administer medicine and to wait on the pa- tient. This assistance of the nurse was some- times, though not often, declined. 1 inferred that it was commonly found that besides scrub- bing and scowering sheets and pillow-cases, and sometimes a pillow, a couple of napkins, a drinking-cup, a spoon, anda candle, or some such things were needed and supplied by the nurse from the house. The house was visited by the nurse twice a day and the BEST PRACTICAL REGULATIONS MAINTAINED in the sick room, the most exact compliance with the doctor's directions for the administra- tion of medicine and diet observed, and the patient’s condition in every respect rendered as comfortable as possible. ‘This service was nearly always found to be agreeable to the patient and their friends, as well as the physi- cian in attendance. This service of the nurse was continued until either recovery, removal to hospital, or death rendered their duties no longer necessary. Usually about the third day, the nurses found the room put in pretty good order before their arrival, and courage anda confident hope of recovery established in both the patient and their friends. While Miss Nightingale is devoting her energies to educat- ing nurses for the poor, which she recognizes as but one field for this useful labor, she is de- lighted to hear of the multiplication and pros- perity of schools for the training of nurses both in Great Britain and other parts of the world. Nothing could be more earneat than her good wishes for the suecess of the Washington School. Ibeg your indulgence for this very imperfect sketch of a most agreeable interview with one of the noblest of characters. Miss Nightingale lives and’ labors apparently en- tirely unconscious of the undying fame she has won, and the noble example of the possibility and usefulness in this line of work she haa so gloriously given to hersex. And now, what can and ought I to say about our own school and its prospects? Those who have graduated, we are glad to be able to say, are finding in our midst constant and remunerative employ- ment, and the society is in receipt of good reports from those who employ them and from the physicians whose patients they nurse. This is very gratifying to the school. From the in- quiries made for them we are confident that twenty or thirty trained nurses would find em- ployment in this city. As yet It is too early to say what is to be the character of the class this ie, We trust that the avocation of the nurse this country is beginning to attract to it ladies of education, as well as of social position, as it has done in England. The lectures are free to those approved and as having the proper qualifications, and who conform to the regulations of the school. We are quite confi- dent that those who are suited physically, men- tally, and morally to the work, and are properly trained and devote themselves with fidelity to their duties can acquire competence and repu- tation. As means are needed to carry on the work of the society, and as the annual subscrip- tion is but one doliar, we urge all who can to be- come contributing members. No one will miss the sum, and it will greatly help us. Our worthy treasurer, A. S. Solomons is ready to re- ceive donations for the school in large or small amounts from any source. In regard to raising funds I desire to announce that it is the purpose of the friends of the school to give a promenade concert some time about the holidays. We wish to keep our old friends and add many new onesto our ranks, and makethe schoola success, and the trained nurse ablessing to all who re- quire their service. _—————— Letter from Denver. 4 LIVE WESTERN CITY—ITS PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENTS — WASHINGTONIANS RESIDENT THERE—RAILROAD OPERATIONS. Correspondence of THE EVENING Sar. DENVER, October 28, 1881. Said a former well known Washinztonian, whom I met on the street here sterday, “There is no doubt about it, next to Washing- ton, Denver is the best city in this country.” This beautiful little city has about it some of the many good points of Washington, and with its broad, well-graded streets, bracing atmosphere and delightful climate, one can easily put up with the exchange. There is a great deal of wealth here, a great deal of energy, a great deal of thrift, and a large hearted, generous people. Just now the residents here are a little worked up, in view of a capital moving scheme, agitated by some of the ambitious towns of the state, which are desirous of the honor of having the seat of government within their limits. The matter is to be voted upon at the coming elec- tion, and a good deal of buncombe is being in- dulged in by second-rate towns as to their rights and advantages. The Denver people have all their arrangements made, ayd confidently ex- pect the requisite majority to hold the capital here. The people here have advanced ideas in city improvements. A contract for lighting the streets by the electric light is now in successful course. The steam heating company are fur- nishing to the citizens heat at a certain stated sum per week—the conveying pipes radiating under ground, the same as gas and water pipes. The work of sewering the city is progressing rapidly and successfully, the contractor for the work being the former well-known sewer builder of your city, Mr. Joseph Williams, There are numerous Washingtonians here, and in other parts of the state who are frequently visible here. Of these I have met Col. Ward H. Lamon, formerly United States marshal of the District; Major J. V. W. Vandenburg, Mr. Will Davis, Harry McCurdy. Mr. Will McBlair, T. Harry Donehue, who is doing finely in business, is superintending the rehearsals of an amateur theatrical company, and who has on the tapis the formation of a social club similar to the whilom famous Garrick Club of Washington. Henry Himber, once a loud-mouthed ward poli- tician, is also here engaged in street work for Mr. Williams.. The adyent of Hon. John A. Bentley, formerly Commissioner of Pensions, was hailed with pleasure by those who knew him. Mr. Bentley has taken a handsome law office, has brought hither his wife and boy, and is “‘here to stay.” I met, a day or two ago, Mr. G. Q. Richmond. formerly a young lawyer in Ben Lovejoy’s office. He has been pecuniari successful, and now enjoys the honor of being mayor of Pueblo, next to the largest city of @he state. Many of the readers of Tue Star will remember John W. Jenkins, formerly of Wash- ington, whom Gen. Grant appointed secretary of the territory in the early days of Colorado. Col. Jenkins has had the usual business fluctua- tions of a western man, but has now settled squarely down to hard work, and as the prose- | cuting attorney of the Leadville district claims to have sent more men to the penitentiary since he has held office—about nine months—than was done before in five years. Ex-M.C. Lyman K. Bass, formerly of New York, and well-known to Washingtonians, enjoys a magnificent salary as principal counsel of the Union Pacific Haii- road Company. Senator Teller is also one of Sag eden ee counsel, enver is beginning to take upon itself airs a8 @ railroad center. Three trains daily ar- rive from and depart for the east and west. Toad, the Denver and New Orleans, is stretching out towards the Crescent City, with means sufficient to warrant its successful com- pletion. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. a formidable opponent of the Union Pacitic, is ex to arrive here within two months, the city council having already passed the ordi- nance giving the right of way. With these in- coming roads, and the steel rails of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad stretching away into the fastnesses of the Boks mountains, and bringing to its very doors the gold and ‘silver there being largely mined, Denver must grow and flourish, and in ten years will vie with the great cities of the east in culture, wealth and influence. Siter. Ne Rest for the Plodding Ploughman. To the Editor of Tux Evexixc Stan: If “Constant Reader,” Room 48, War depart- ment, will overhaul his arithmetic, he will finda certain rule as to progression of figures that will demonstrate his researches still undone. If this.sentence of seven words were in figures, he would find that he has not by any means com- pleted his task. What has become of all the “plods”? Here are some omitted: Pods his weary way the homeward plowman. Plods his Way weary the homeward plowman. Plods the homeward plowman his weary way. Piods the homeward plowman weary his way, Plods the homeward plowman his way weary, &e., &e., &e. Do not, 0, Star! make the weary compositor set it all up again: but let ‘Room 43” take the problem home and finish the job this time. Boom 21, War Dep't. He Still Plods. ‘To the Editor of Te Evaxixe Stan: Perusing your valuable paper of 29th ult., I THE WASHINGTON ASYLUM. Annual Report of the Intendant. NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED—SHORT AFPROPRIATIONS—A HOUSE OF REFORMATION FOR COLORED BOYS NEEDED—CARE OF THE “MILDLY INSANE,” ETO. Mr, George A. Caswell, commissioner and intendant of the Washington Asylum, has sub- mitted his annual report to the District Commis- sloners, in which he states that while there has been some improvement, both sanitary and in the way of economy, in the general condition of the hospital,he is unable to make a report as favorable as that of last year, owing to the fact that the appropriation was largely reduced while there was a decided increase in the num- ber of inmates and the cost of material. As a result it was necegsary to withdraw the prison gang from street work, there being no money for the purchase of tools and extra clothing needed for that service. For the same reason it has “not been possible to make either Tepairs or improvements to the premises. ‘The appropriation for the present year is but little larger, and the cost of material has still further increased, again making it impossible to utilize prison labor on outside work; besides the necessity for certain changes too long neglected, to make the pauper class reasonably comfortable without regard to the money at command, renders the situation even more em- barrassing than last year. The condition of the shanties occupied by COLORED MALE PAUP ERS, has been for along time a disgrace to clviliza- tion. They have now become absolutely un- tenantable. Though the necessity for additional money to furnish comfortable quarters was re- peatedly urgedon the attention of the gentle- men having charge of the appropriation bill in the House of Representatives, he could not be persuaded either to visit the asylum to see for himself nor grant the needed means. He (the intendant) has been obliged to fit up at consid- erable expense, one of the old army magazine buildings in which to quarter these paupers. In Himes pe but little attention was given to the condition of our unfortunate classes, but public sentiment now demands that they shall be reasonably and comfortably cared for. When he first assumed control of the asylum every- thing seemed going rapidly into decay. While manok has been done more still remains to be one. NEEDS OF THE ASYLUM. So far as cleanliness both of buildings and inmates is concerned, the intendant states he is in a condition to challenge comparison with anv similar institution in the United States; yet for want of means fences have decayed beyond repair; blinds have fallen from their hinges, and roofs are in a leaky condition. New wards have become absolutely necessary. Under this condition he had made a decided increase in the estimates for the coming fiscal year. An addi- tional overseer is needed and an increase of their salaries is recommended. He renews a former recommendation, that the present law be so amended as to enable the judge of the Police Court to sentence constant offenders to long terms of service. It is absurd to hope to reform. or benefit a person who has fallen so low as to become a regular inmate of the workhouse, while the longest term of imprisonment is ninety days. With longer terms and a proper system of rebate of time for industry and good behavior, foue hope may be expected towards reforma- jon. NOUSE OF REFUGE FOR COLORED BOYS NEEDED. He recommends that a house of refuge or reformation be established in con- nection with the asylum for colored boys who are being sent to the workhouse for petty of- fences; whose enforced association with the low- est criminals soon make them criminals. With small ouflay the remaining army and navy mag- azine buildings might be utilized for such pur- pose. The law should be so amended as to en- able the Police Court judge to sentence these boys to the house or refuge until 18 years of age, with a reserved power to the Commissioners to release at discretion. Many of these boys are without friends or homes, and they are sent down there not because they are bad, but be- cause the world affurds them no other place,and at the end of their terms they frequently impor- tune to be allowed to remain there. The parents of others, obliged to go out to service and una- ble to properly care for them, have also be; a to be kept there. Under the present arrange- ment he is oblizcd either toturn them upon the streets, knowiiz that they will immediately return, or transferthem to the alms house to be trained as ignorant paupers. CARE OF THE “MILDLY IN! The question of the care of the “mildly in- sane” has received considerable attention, and they have been sent to this institution, but in the most enlightened communities such dispo- sition is not tolerated. If they are to be sent there, it will be necessary to provide for a suit- able building and forproper attendants. He calls the attention of the Commissioners to the pro- test of the visiting physician against ‘the send- ing of persons suspected of insanity, or actually insane, to the almshouse hospital for safe keep- ing.” MISCELLANEOUS MENTION. Some years ago he had recommended the abo- lition or one of the offices of resident physician and the appointment of a resident student. The large increase of work inthe medical branch renders it necessary that the office should be restored. In 1879 the total prescriptions were 8,700, while last year they were 15,122. The improvements made to some of the dining-rooms, &c., are described. Fifteen hundred and forty-seven days work ot prison- ers, one hundred days work of overseers and fifty days of horse and cart labor were furnished the engineer department for the improvement of H street northeast; during last winter 7’ barrels of dry fertilizers were made from nizht- soil and garbage, ten thousand heads of cab- bages were raised and large quantities of other vegetables, and fruits were raisedand consumed on the place: five thousand seven hundred and four pounds of prime pork was killed. The es- timates for fiscal year ending June 30, 1883, are $55,000. The report of Dr. Dyer, visiting phys cian, is appended, showing the number of deaths to have been 9 during the past year, number of admissions to hospital 613. Ali demands upon the hospital have been promptly met, though at times it has been over-crowded. BS ES Laws of Hygiene in Government Offices. To the Raitor of Tur EvenNe Stan: Permit me to suggest to those who have charge of different divisions in government buildings, school rooms and other places, that while ventilation is indispensable to health and comfort, sitting in a current of air or draft is dangerous and not unfrequently fatal, One can safely sit in a cool room where plenty of air is cireulating, and perhaps feel no ill effects, but to sit between a door and window with both ‘open will soon give any one but a cast-iron mor- tala fearful cold. In many offices the laws of hygiene are entirely overlooked. Clerks will sit for hours perfectly still, writing or figuring, per- haps directly in front of a window and a door open behind them, with a current of air which raises the papers on their desks. When they attempt to straighten up they will find their necks stiff, their shoulders lame, sneezing will ensue, and in many cases a dangerous sore throat and pneumonia perhaps. If any one in- timates there is danser in such exposure, they will not unfrequently get this answer: “I’m not a baby; I like-plenty of fresh air; I never take cold; its just exs @s one accustoms himself. Those who are of tresh air are always get- ting cold.” Such persons are totally ignorant of the laws pele aes the first thing they know they are down with. pneumonia. One can go into many of our qffices and hear nothing but coughing, sneezing.and hawking, and will per- ceive at the same.jtime a continual draft, and those in the line of:it half sick without scarcely knowing why. Thirty clerks may occupy a large room, and with the windows down from the to} aad rire from the bottom withthe patent ad- Justment for vent)ation, the air is constantly changing, and not ¢ffen impure. No one is ex- ad. Let the doprs, however, ‘here outer dpprs those who sit in tl en in very warm weather currents of air should be avoided, and certainly now in this ‘chaneabl weather some eee is set have name.” sald, “Ob as ve nami 1 ia took-a hard cold atthe office; had 3 y mene gotover it; had quick consumption, Telegraph Poles and Wooden Tree Boxes Viewed as Nuisances. To the Editor of Tae Evexrna Star: The thanks of this community are due you for the persistency and force with which you have for some time past advocated the removal of the ‘unsightly telegraph poles which encumber our beautiful streets in almost countless numbers. T congratulate you, Mr. Editor, on the suc- cessful result of your labors in this direction, for it is now only a question of time, and compara- tively of very short time, when all telegraphic wires within city limits will be consigned be- neath the surface of the e: where they should have been originally pls Allow me to invite your attention to another eyesore, or rather multitude of eyesores, disfiguring the streets in every direction, hoping for your co- operation in endeavoring to abate ‘such an abominable nuisance. refer to the wooden tree boxes, dilapidated and decayed; once whitewashed, but now faded and dirty, wrecxed and_torn—many of them ornamented with strips of various colored wood, together with an abundance of old rusty straps of iron, leather, tin or cotton cloth—which abound as far as the eye can reach, from almost every int of observation one can take. The parking comnrission in its report for 1870 states the number of trees under its care at 60,000, all of them, it is presumed, farnished with wood boxes. The entire cost of these is not stated, but in their report of October, 1880, they state that for 3,500 new boxes, setting the same and repairing old ones, including white- washing, there had been expended during the then past fiscal year $7,522.26. It may be safely assumed that the ayeraze cost of the boxes is about $1.25 each, which for the 60,000 trees ag- grezates 275,000'so far under this head. And still the work goes on without any practical steps being taken to curtail this expenditure at any point. This might very readily be done by removing the boxes from the more advanced trees afterthey have acquired a size of about four inches diameter at a distance of four feet from the ground, because any tree of that size is capable ordinarily of sustaining itself without adventitious support. That an improved con- dition of the trees would result as a consequence of such action there can be no doubt. On this annual report of November 11th, 1878, qi “When trees attain a size that supports are not needed, the boxes are decidedly injurious,asthey prevent the trees from swaying to and fro with the wind, thus rendering them unable to recover the perpendicular position which their elasticity enables them to do, unless counteracted by the rigidity of the box. It is observed that. those trees without boxes are not so liable to injury as those provided with them.” And again they say “perhaps two- thirds of all the trees in the city would be im- proved by the removal of the boxes.” The only objection they suppose to exist to the pro- posed removal is that in a few instances horses may injure the trees by gnawing the bark. I say few because, proportionately, not more than one in a thousand is likely to be so inter- fered with, while at thesametime the popular pride and affection for the trees would soon provide an affectual remedy for the evil. In the face of facts likethese why is it that these abominable nuisances are not only allowed to remam but to go on accumulating from year to ear indefinitely without any practical steps bene taken to abate and eradicate them? Why is it that the honorable Commissioners of the District do not give orders for their immediate removal in accordance with the suggestions contained in the reports above quoted? Such action on their part will vastly improve the ap- pearance of the city, and, at the same time, economize a heavy item of superfluous expendi- ture. Poromac. ‘The Sale of Stamps. ‘To the Faitor of Tax Evenixe Stan: I saw by Thursday's papers that the petition of the business men, on Pennsylvania avenue, between 9th and 10th streets, to the Postmaster General, asking the appointment of some one authorized to sell postal cards, stamps, &c., was respectfully declined by the acting Post- master General (Gen. Hazen) on the ground of economy. Now it ms to me that this is car- rying the econon business a little too far. Wiy not dismiss move all the letter-boxes and require every one to go to the Post Oilice to receive or post their letters? ‘This would save a lot of money. Why mails by slow instead of fast Why not even cents for cost quite as much to do. This would wake or a large amount for the Post Office, and according to the brilliant reasoning of Gen. Hazen would bein the line of economy. Will he dare recommend these measures to Con- gress? Yet there is just the same argument in favor of any one of the above propositions as there is against the appointment of stamp agents. The Post Office is for the benefit of the people, and if Gen. Hazen would spend a few days in any of the prominent stores on the Ave- nue he would find out how many people would be benefitted if there were other places besides the Post Office where they could buy stamps and postal cards. Section 3919, U.S. Revised Statutes, authorizes the appointment ot such agents, and if the Hon. Postmaster General will carry out that law he will beneilt more people than he seems to have an idea of. Now, Mr. Bditor, will you let us hear from you. F. B. M. eee ‘The New Mimister. The Hon. Lionel Sackville-West comes ofa very ancient family. It was founded in thereign of Edward IT. of England by Sir Thomas West, who was in high favor with that monarch, and has furnished several distinguished soldiers and statesmen to the nation. The present minister, who is the fifth son of the fifth Earl Delaware, was born July 19, 1827. He entered the public service in 1845 with the Earl of Aberdeen, when that statesman was foreign secretary. He was in the foreign office in 1847, when he was ap- pointed attache to the British legation at Lisbon, from whieh he was transferred, in 1549, to Na- ies. He was attache at Stutteard in 1852, at Bertin in 1853, and secretary of legation at Turia in 1858, where he was also charze d'affaires on several occasions between 1859 and 1863. In 1864 he was sent to Madrid as secretary of lega- tion, where he was charge twice between that time and 1367. In the latter year he was pro- moted to the secretaryship of the embassy at Berlin, and transferred to Paris in 1868, where he was minister plenipotentiary a portion of the year during the absence of the ambassador, and again in 1569, 1871 and 1872. He was appointed envoy extraordinary and minister plenipoten- tiary to the Argentine Republic in 1872, and to Spain on the 11th of January, 1878, where he still remained at the date of publication of the Almanach de Gotha for 1881. It will be seen that Mr. West has gone up through all grades ot diplomatic service to bis present position of envoy extraordinary to the United States ac- cording to the excellent ruleof civil service pro- motion upon experience and merit that prevails in Great Britain. = ses Garfield’s Grave—A Steady Tide of Vis- itors. A Cleveland exchange says: There was a con- stant stream of pilgrims to the Garfield shrine yesterday. The avenue was crowded with car- riages, street cars were packed to suffocation, and amateur pedestrians lined the sidewalks. In the cemetery the crowd, scattered over the broad grounds, was not 80 apparent. In front of the ¥ault a spruce soldier trod hisconstant beat and ogled the pretty girls from the corners of his eyes, while a stalwart soldier, with his hands in his pockets, saw that inquisitive women did not linger too long by the vault door to gaze upon the new bronze casket, almost covered with floral tributes. On either side, and along the route to the Garfield knoll, newsboys were hawk- ing copies of weeks-old newspapers filled with horsible caricatures of the Garfield famil; imaginative cuts of the funeral car catafalque. The sales, however, seem remunerative. On Garfield. knoll the crowd was thickest, forfrom that point can be obtalned a fine view of the distant city and lake. The tread of thousands of pilgrims has worn the grass till the spot is bare. Below, wees ries hotel deco the funeral car, with 9 slight covering of can- yas,restsand rots on the bareground. The plumes have been removed, and lie on the platform, where the wind and rain can the sooner destroy them. Some of the complain bitterly of their treatment, and insist that barracks should be built for their accommodation if they are to remuin all winter. Vandals were to be seen’on all sides, and trees, shrubs and flowers sutfered from their de} itions. In the rear of the chapel seyeral little mounds have been trod- den down almost to a level id the feet of atuide toe ‘cometery and fast below 8 le the i with the of the proprietor moupebing buses that wa without some small gain, was subject the same parking commission in their | I the letter-carriers and re- | The Building Boom. Messrs. Dearing & Jounson, cont Duiiders, have completed a fine reside Giles Biague, on K, between 15th and} northwest. The size 18 2 by 70 feet, three stories and basement, pressed brick front, with mould! brick cornices. A full bay window runs up t entire front. ‘The internal arrangements are me complete, having reference to both comfort and elegance. The internal finish ts in the different Woods. ‘The parlors are finished in mahogany wood mantles, elaborately carved and ornamental ting about the fire places. One wamut, the dining room tn ash, the hallway and stair cases in cherry. ‘The doors are all made to Suit the inside wood finish, Mr. Wi, M. Poindex- ter is the architect, The cost is about $90,000, Four fine three-story dwellings are being erected on Virginta avenue, between 9th and 10th streets Southwest. These have pressed brick (routs with tower windows trimmed _ with Ohio sto: bricks laid in’ panels with brick cornite. The fronts are highly ornamental. ‘They have each eleven rooms with bath-rooms on eich floor, la- trobes and e with hotand cold water and every modern convenience. They are owned by James Fraser and Mr. William Price, the latter ing the architect and builder. arior I$ in }1_ moulded brick front, mouided bri Murderous Ducking Guns. To the Faitor of Tux Evesisa Stan: Cannot the attention of the authorities, having: such matters in charge, be cailed to the fact that, as the cold season approaches, the gunnet gun because they are too lazy 4 do anything are getting to work with their large immor: duck guns? It tsa fart, oftentimes noticed, that | by firing these lange guns several times at flocks of ducks, it 1s possible to exterminate the whole flock. In the 12th section of the District Game Law we find the following: “Be it enacted, that on shall, at any time, kill or shoot at any ks, Wik goose, or Wild brandt, with any vr gun then suci as are habitually raised at sth and fired from the shoulder, under a ty of $ for each and every wild’ fowl so ied, and under the further penalty of $25 for firing’such gun at any wild fowl as aforesaid or | having sald gun in possession.” (The above game | laws Were published in your paper in 1878.) Be- Ueving that this note will be seconded by some other ‘persons interested in the preservation of game in the District, remain, very respectfully, “Horsrct.” —— ee The Significance of a Well-known Family Name. To the Rattor of Tux EVENING BtAR: In a late article in your paper on the derivation from the Hebrew and signifies gracious, This ts an error. The word 1s from the original Welch, which is the oldest language in existence—(Adam and Eve spoke Weich in the garden of Eden)—and signifies a priest or the priesthood. The word is roperly John or Johns, and has been corruj Tr'nglish tuto gonus "Nove Luke, chap, 24: ts name ‘is John—the prophet of tht highest”—that priesthood inhered in the family of Johns, and many an olden legend and tradition still survives to illustrate the historic pecultarity and exclusive priestly nobility of the family. One of the chief ch: rislics Of the name, after their great plety, | Was their extreme jocularity and love of fun. ‘They were jokers from time immemortal. A granite imonument, an immense boulder, erected over nine hundred years ago, to commemorate the tragic death of one of these priests through hisinveterate tendency for practical joking, still exists, and the tradition concerning it {8 as distinct tn alt the surrounding country as the uuwritt-n history of | the surrender at Yorktown, or the great Chicago j tire. ‘This monument bears the indented semi lance of an Immens® boar’s head, with the foliow- j {ng inscription, which when translated by the | plitn country people of the region round about, | Signiftes “0, horrible, horribie deed, to kill a man | for a pig's heed.” a’ monument of a later date, | erected to a member of the famiiy in 16%, m | Still be seen in the old Hingham burying ground, | near Boston, which bears the foilowiug inscrip” | tion: | <{Here lies ‘Tom Sones: whot do you think! Can't you offer an old fellow somethine to drink? | What! drink to a dead man? Yes, and I'll tell you why: | When he was be w ways dry.” But I spare your readers any further infitction. Outsiders and strangers.can investigute for them- | Selves. The genuine and appreciative members of this historic and priestiy family ought already to be Well informed upon the subject. ONE OF THE HEIRS TO THE NAME. i peaidins The Hoy Preacher. To the Editor of Tar Evextxo Stan. When I read Prof. Swing, of Chicago, on the “boy preacher,” I wondered of what is he pro- | fessor, can it be of theology, and knoweth not the scriptures. how that He who spake as never man spake. saith,—verily I say unto you, who- soever shall not receive the kingdom of tod asa little child shall in no wise enter therein. As we receive so we preach; so preacheth the boy preacher. Am glad whenever Tue Star reports concerning the whereabouts, and the | work, of the young Evangelist. A rezular reader of THE Star, and a friend of all who preach the gloriousgo spel of the Son of God. = <> = “Mark Twain's” New Hotel. The following “items” in relation to Mr. Twain's new investment are published: RULES AND REGULATIONS OF MY “HASHERY.” 1, This house will be strictly intemperate, and no questions asked. 2 None but the brave deserve a bill of fare. ilis for board will be bored bills. 4. Boarders who do not wish to pay in advance are requested to advance and pay. 5. Boarders are respectfully requested to wait until the cook cooks the meals. 6. Sheets will be nightly changed once in every ‘six months, or more if unnecessary. 7. All regulcr boarders are earnestly requested to pull off all their boots regularly, li they can convenientiy do $0, before retiriig for the night. 8. Beds, with or without bugsor fleas, if pre- te ferred. 9. All moneys or other valuables are to be left. in charge of the proprietor, without cost. This he insists upon, as he will be heid responsible for no losses on any account. 5 10. Inside and outside matter will never be tur- nished ni per men, under any considera- Pon—excepUng reportérs—who willbe always kept out 11, Single men, with thelr familtes, will never be “taken in.” 12, Night-Mares—Single fare, $1 an hour. 13. Stone vaults for snoring Boarders. 14. Children without families preferred. par eae ra How Frederick Douglass Get Mis Name. Once initiated into my new life of freedom, and assured by Mr. Johnson that 1 need not fear recapture in that city, a comparatively unim- portant questicn arose as to the name by which I should be known thereafter in my new rela- tion'asa freeman. The name given me by my dear mother was no less pretentious and long than Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. I had, however, while living in Maryland, dis- pensed with the Angustus Washington, and re- tained only Frederick Bailey. Between Balti- more and New Bedford, the better to conceal myself from the slave-hunters, I had with Bailey and called myself Jol 5 but in New Bedford I found that the Johnson family was already so numerous as to cause some confusion in dis- tingutshing them, henee a change in this name seemed desirable, Nathan Johnson, mine placed great em] ‘upon this necessity, mined me to — — fot os ee for me. I consent e me by my pres- ent mame te ose by which I have been Hates for three and forty years—Frederick Mr. Johnson nad Jase been reading of the Lake,” and so pleased was great characte ,_ Johi shown himecit like iin of the The Century Magazine. Mr. Edward Knebel has taken out a building per- | mit for the erection of a fine dwelling house, to be loeated on C street, between Ist and 2 streets. northeast. The main building is to be 19 feet front by 36 feet deep, three stories and basement and two-story and basement back butiding 14x pressed of proper names, it 1s stated that Jones is derived | is, he was to be a priest. In ancient Wales the | RELIGIOUS NOTES. PUNCHED COIN IN THE CONTRIBUTION ROK— MILITARY PARADES OW SUNDAY — ar ee CARS” —PLAYING SINGING-MASTER IN| CHUROM SERVICES, KTC., ETC. — Father Hyaciathe has decided to postpore his visit to America until next February —Three essentials of the church are the divinity of the Saviour, the sanctity of the Word, and charity in life. hong. — To the question, “Where did the revival | begin?” a religious writer answers: “It began where a revival always begins, in the heart of ‘one person.” Mr. Ingersoll, according to The Christian knows no more about the Christian u from picking his fingers with the burr. — St. Albans, the first and most prominent of the Ritualistic churches of New York city, has proved to bea failure. The building has beea | sold to the Church of the Bplphany, an ex- | tremely Low chureh. | —Rev. Father Conway, who has long been | pastor of the Chureh of St. Patrick, Chicago, has been appointed to the vicar generalship of the diocese, an appointinent which carries with it nip of the cathedral. — The Salvation army recently held its anni- t Bristol, England. Jt was stated at athe evening that during the past nths the stations of the army had increased from 180 to 253, and the officers from BAD bo 470. — The funeral of Rev. Edwin A. Dalrymple, a well-known Episcopal clerzyman of Baltimore, took place in that city on Wednesday, atte by nearly all the Episcopal clergy of that city, and by several from Maryland and the District of Colum | —The Congregat | very little heed to floating ramors as to what the Congregational creed committee are mean- ing todo. It happens to know, it eays, that all which some people have been given to under- stand in regard to the committee and their af- fairs “is not only unauthorized but misleading.” —Methodist preachers are proverbially poor men, but Baltimore has one, the Rey. J. F. | Goucher, who is not of that class. He offers $7,000 to buy lots for the Theological School in | Foochow, China, provided the General Mis | siouary Committee will approve the measure and appoint a married man to take charge of the school. — Mr. Jefferson, the actor, has incurred the | displeasure of the Ladies’ Sabbath Association of St. Louis by acting there Sunday. He ex- plained that he was averse to playing on Sun- | day, and only agreed to do so in St. Louis | because the management suggested that tt was the custom of the place, and that there were no | conscientious scruples concerning it. — Rey. Arthur Hall, an English clergyman, being annoyed by snoring during his preaching the other day, stopped in his sermon and aatd: “I do not object toa quiet nap ona hot day, and am flattered at being able to contribute to anybody's . But, while proud at being able to give the beloved sleep, I wish it to be distinctly understood that I draw the line at | snores. ‘There is somebody snoring in the con- egation, and [shall be obliged if somebody will waken him.” — The following somewhat apocryphal story is just now going the rounds:—Philip Phillips, the “singing pilgrim,” wrote Myron W. Whit- ney, asking if he would aid in some service of | sacred song, and, as if to hint that no sordid pecuniary consideration should be expected, signed himself “Philip Phillips, singing for us.” ‘The hint was taken, and in reply Mr. j Whitney wrote his terms, and, asking if the | Lord was not fully as able ‘to pay his price as was @ poor human, signed himself “Myron W. Whitney, singing for stamps.” —“What, after all, is the difference,” it is often asked, “between a Presbyterian and Con- gregational church?” As to the internal man- | agement, not much. A Presbyterian sessionand |a Congregational standing committee may | amount to about the same thing. Only the | committee must be cautious about moving with- out consulting the whole brotherhood. “1 am my wife should drive,” said John New- “if she will give me the reins when I want them.” If the committee undertakes to lord it too freely, there is friction.—Chicago Advanoe. | —*Do you believein predestination?” inquired | 8 Mississippi steamboat captainof a clergyman | who happened to be traveling with tim. “Of conrse I do,” was the reply. “Then lieve that whatever is to be will t | tainly.” “Well, Pm glad of it.” ? “Because I'm going to pass that boat ahead in Just fifteen consecutive minutes, if there is any virtue in pine knots and safety valves. So don't be alarmed; if the boilers are not going to buret they won't, that's all.” Upon this the divine began to put on his hat and looked as if he was going to back out. which the captain observing remarked, “I thought that you be- lieved in predestination.” ~So Ido, but [ prefer — nearer the stern when it takes place.” — Now that punched and otherwise mntilated coins are refused by almost all shopkeepers and business people, and even by the street car con- ductors, it is ask Who takes them and what c of them? ‘This seems a puzzle until inquiry is made of the gentlemen who handle the church collections. They report that a great deal of punched silver is received, and | that much of it is in quarter doliars and halves. So much of this busiaess is done in coins, which people could not otherwise get rid of that insome | quarters the churches are reaping a perceptible | and solid advantage from it. This being the case, they have no disposition to denounce the practice “severely. When they have a large quantity of this variety of coin on hand they sell it ata slight discount. — The 9th Massachusetts regiment arrived at Boston on Sunday evening, and was met by the Ist regiment, which acted as an escort of honor. “A great deal of delay and display took place,” says the Congregationalist, “after which, sur- rounded by surging and shouting crowds, they marched to Faneuil Hall, where the city gave them a collation, and after the due amount of drinkin, ‘ing and miscellaneous confusion all dispersed to their homes. We the regard whole transaction as a disgrace to the city and an msult to its Christian citizens of all creeds. It is no secret that the regiment about whom all this fuss was made brought no credit to Massa- chusetts during their excursion, and such whole- sale desecration of the Lord's day on their re- turn deserves the severest condemnation.” —A business man recently asked The Boston Journal why gospel cars should not be attached to passenger trains as well as smoking cars. Conductor Harris, of the Old Colony Railroad, answers through the same that the sug- gestion is a practical one. He writes: “There are hundreds of Christian men, who delight in the -worship of God, who from six to stead of spittoons have acarpet; instead of cards have Bibles and Gospel song books. I venture twenty years’ railroad experience that the thing is practicable.” . —The Sunday School Times aptly takes off the auctioneerike-way in which some leaders of 1 t B i Hl it ii i = & i ry 4 & g Babe a4? B 38 tf i t al E F F itt i : i i He HT] Hy Hi i] it brig i & e relizion than a boy would know of a chestaut “ - <