Evening Star Newspaper, October 7, 1882, Page 2

EDGEWOOD AND [TS SURROUNDINGS. Description of the Old Mansion House and Its Adornments—Home Life of Katharine Chase Sprague. An Unpublished Romance Connected With the Purchase of Edgewood by the Late Chief Justice Chase. ‘WRITTEN FOR THE STAR BY CHAS. H. BRAINARD. Prominent among the notable women in Washington at the present time is Katharine Chase Sprague, whose matrimonial infelicities haye long been the subject of newspaper com- ment and controversy throughout the country. Bhe resides on her large and beautiful estate of “Edgewood,” about two-and-a-half miles from the Capitol, with her daughters Ethel, Portia and Katharine, whose several ages are twelve, Bine and seven years. Her residence ts situated on the brow of a hill, within a short ride from Glenwood cemetery and a few rods from a by- road which leads from North Capitol street in aneasterly direction. It isan ancient struct- ure, having been erected in the early part of the present century by Col. Berry, one ot the original settlers upon the land which now com- Prises the city of Washington. It stands in the midst of a fertile and beautiful domain of ebout fifty acres. on which it was once proposed to erect & summer residence for the President of the United States. It isa plain two-story edi- fice. built in the most substant ner with bricks of an unusual size, y other brick used in its construction being placed endwise, thus giving additional strength and thickness to walls which seem to have been built to stand for centuries. THE INTRRIOR—THE VIEW. Abroad and lofty hall extends through the eenter of the house. the rear door opening upon @ spacious piazza, which commandsan extensive and diversified view many miles in extent. the Most prominent object in which is the Capitol, which stands directly south of it, and about two miles distant, while beyond are seen the Poto- mac river and its Eastern branch, together with the heights of Georgetown, Arlington, and Union- town, which gradually rise from their banks. The hill on which the house Is situated slopes abruptly down in tront and on both sides, and the whole territory east of the estate is sur- rounded with thickly wooded hills, among which scarcely a single evidence of the exist- ence of a human being is anywhere to be seen, and the only dwellings in the landscape between the house and the Capitol are two dilapidated cottages Inhabited by negroes, and as the house stands at some distance from the line of road but little traveled, the only sounds that break the stillness of its surroundings are the Bhrill whistle of the engine and the rattling of the cars on the track of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, which passes through the valley below, and within sight of the house. ‘The walls of the main hall of the house are hung With pictures, conspicuous among which are a up of dogs, by Robinson; a Scriptural scene, yy an ancient and unknown artist; an engraving from Carpenter's painting of “The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation,” and pkoto- ‘ic groups of the four children of Mrs. wague, taken a few years since in Paris. The i. of the house occupies the entire lower r of the western wing, on the right of the hall, and is elegantly turnished, most of the furniture having been manufactured in Paris, and every article a splendid example of the skill of the designer and artisan. The walls of this Foom are also adorned with pictures artists, among which are several fami including one of Mrs. Sprague t: hood. and near it hangs an exquisite picture of @ younger sister, which represents a lovely girl of some twenty years, whose face beams with intelligence and earnest thought. On a side table stands a statuette, in Parian marble, of the fair mistress of the mansion. who is clad in her bridal attire. It 1s an admirable work of ‘art and a striking likeness ot the original. WORKS OF ART—THE LIBRARY. The refined and elegant tastes of the presid- img genius of this sumptuous abode find expres- gion in the numerouz articles of beauty in the shape of vases, classical busts, mosaics and em- bruideries, which le upon the tables and man- teis, hang upon the walls and rest upon pedes- tals in yarious portions of the room. Elegantly Bound albums of photographs and engravings ‘are conspicuous amoug the many attractive ob- — in this ay ment. and a large collection of works of standard authors in luxurious Dindings fills an elegantly carved bookcase which stands between the front windows. A *door on the eastern side of the hall opens into a large square room with a lofty ceiling, the threshold of which one conversant with the his- tory of the place and of its late distinguished Daxian can hardly fail to cross with reveren- tread. for this is the library where the late Chief Justice Chase passed much of his time ‘when not engaged in performing the duties in- umbent upon his official life. The most-prom- {nent object in this room is his marble bust by Jones, which is remarkable for its life-like and spirited expression and for its fidelity as a like- wees. This bust is the original of the one in the United States Supreme Court Foom in the Capitol. Between the windows tne portrait by Carpenter, painted in 1849, mot long after Mr. Chase first took his seat in the United States Senate. He was then in the Forty-second year of his age and in the maturity of his physical and intellectual powers. Three sides of this room are occupied by books, in fine editions, representing almost every department of English literature, The open shelves con- taining them are surmounted by a feavy cornice and decorated with leathern fringes. The top- Most shelves are within hand reach, and the between them and the ceiling is filled by engravings, ideal bust rnamental jars and vases and pieces of ancient armor, all of which are relieved against a’ back- ground of fizured paper of a neutral dark green tint. A richly stuccoed cornice ex- tends around the ceilinz. in the center of which 4s a larve and elaborate circular.ornament of the fame material, from which hanes a massive gas chandelier, beneatn which he large writing tabie of carved mahogany used for many years the late Chief Justice. The marble mantel is decorated with photographs of noted in- dividuals, including several ot Justice Chase, taken at different periods during the last few years of his life, and a large French mirror overs the chimney from the mantel-piece to the ceiling. This room, like ali others in the house, ‘was furnished, decorated and arranged under the immediate supervision of Mrs. Sprague, and in with her wishes, and is, in all re- spects, a beautiful exhibition of her refinement andculture. The furniture of this attractive Yoom consist principally of luxurious leather- covered arm chairs, which are inviting in ap- ‘THE DINING-ROOM. ‘The only addition made to the Edgewood Mansion after its purchase by Mr. Chase, in 1968, is an L on the eastern side, which Is two stories in height and contains a large dining- Foom and several small chambers. ‘The dining- Foom is in most respecta the most elexanti: farnished of ail the apartments in the penn house, much of the furniture being of the most costly workmanship. The sideboard and also the cabinet containing the silver ware are o! of oak and covered with elaborate and highly fin- ished carvings from artistic designs. represent- fruits, flowers, and figures of cherubs, wi stand out in bold relief. These articles offurniture are marvels of beauty aud must have been purchased at a fabulous price of the Parisian manufacturer. They were brought hither from Canonchet, as was also a large oval inst the chimney, and ely carved oaken frame, Fepresenting a wreath formed of forest leaves, mid which two life-sized cherubs are disport- ing, fs in harmony with the beauty of the other Giticles of similar workmanship. ‘The space between the front windows of the G@ining-rcom is fled by a magnificent French mirror, in an elezant gilt frame, which rests arble slab within afew inches of the reaches tothe eeiling. A larze oil presenting a scene in the life of bangs on th prigsdoe ts a room are the a lo of enormous size, Plece of Gobelin tapestry of an- we agsinst the soutiern wall, out the ight from one of the windows. the other rooms in the height. In these respests iy paper: 4 ton, — rtstic adorn- ot. the de- the-writings love for her offspring is the ruling passion of her heart, and that her real enjoyment is not found in the material splendor which surrounds her, and the luster of which is dimmed by the beauty of her own person and the grace of her manner and conversation. The room alladed to is the children’s play-room, in which the inger daughters, Portia and Katharine, literally revel ‘for several hours during each day, and which contains dolls of every conceivable size and style, many of which were purchased in France and Germany, ana the room abounds with cu- rious toys, cribs, cradles, and carriages. The floor is strewn with them, and the shelves of little cabinets are filled with these tokens of a mother’s love. “Little Portia and Kate are never so happy as when showing this room and its contents to occasional visitors whom their intu- itions assure them will be gratified thereby, and their attentions will not cease until such guests are induced to take a swing in the grove on the lawn, and have admired their little carriage and the pair of trained gouts, which they manage with the dexterity of veteran coachmen. ‘MRS. SPRAGUE AND HER CHILDREN. It is very obvious, even toa casual observer, that in the companionship of her three daugh- ters Mrs. Sprague finds her great consolation for the trials and disappointments of her mar- ried life, and that their present happiness and future usefulness are the objects of her chief solicitude. ‘Assisted by a capable governess she has undertaken the entire charge of their education, and their proficiency in the English branches of study, and in the ase of the French and German languages, attest her fitness for the arduous task she has assumed. While her affection for her daughters is of @he most devo- ted character, the absent son, who is In charge ot his father, is not forgotten. She speaks of him in tones of motherly tenderness, and points with pride to his portrait, in the uniform of a naval cadet, which hangs upon the wall. Mrs. Sprague retains much of the beauty for which she was noted In her earlier years. Time has touched her but lightly. Not a streak of silver is seen in the rich auburn hair which shades her classic brow, and if an expression of sadness is occasionally detected in her countenance, and heard in her silvery voice, it is but momentary. She is remarkable for her uniform cheerfulness, and for the cordial greeting which she extends to every friend who appreaches her, and never casts a shadow over any circle of friends that may chance to surround her, by any allusion to her domestic troubles. She evidently feels that the future is hers, and that if she will she can give it arose color. One thing is certain, her charm of manner and grace and elegance of con- versation are beyond the corroding touch of time, and cannot fail to render her more attrac- tive and admired as age advances. THE ROMANCE OF EDGEWOOD. A sketch of Edgewood and its inmates would be incomplete without a brief glance at its his- tory, and the romance connected with its pur- chase by the father of its present owner. It is well known that in the year 1827 Mr. Chase was astudent at law in the office of William Wirt, Attorney General of the United States. Mr. Wirt was the father of two accomplished daugh- ters who seemed to have excited the admira- tion of the young student, which admiration found expression in a poem written in blank verse, and entitled “The Sisters.” This poem displayed poetic talents of no common order, and was an eloquent and beautiful tribute to the young women who had inspired his muse, though it did not afterwards appear that either of them excited a deeper sentiment than that of admiration of their personal comeliness and rare mental endowments, which seemed to have been of a high order. According tohis own confession, he found the delightful family cirele of Mr. Wirt very attractive. and he was ever welcomed to it with cordial kindness, but a stronger at- traction existed elsewhere, and this was the old mansion at Edgewood, in which resided Col. Berry, who was blessed with an only daughter whose presence formed the light of his house- hold. Col. Berry was a gentieman of the old school; naturally aristocratic, and not inclined to encourage the visits of young men to whom the presence of this only daughter was doubt- less a strong attraction; but having conceived a strong liking for young Chase he always gave him a cordial welcome, and, aided by hisdangh- ter, did all in his power to render his visits a source of genial pleasure. Hence Edgewood became the favorite resort of the young law student, and here were passed some of his hap- piest hours during the period in which he was engaged in the study of law. It does not ap- pear that Miss Berry inspired any tenderer emo- tion in the heart of the young student than that of deep and lasting friendship; but the kindness with which he was by the household of kdgewood made a pefima- nent impression on his mind and caused "the house and its inmates to be associated with the most pleasant memories of this period of his ex- istence, and he was often heard to remark that if in after life it should become his good fortune to acquire means sufficient to purchase an estate inthe céuntry he should endeavor to become the owner of Edgewood. j Inthe year 1868 Edgewood was offered for sale, and Judge Chase became its purchaser. ‘The old mansion seemed to have been planned to meet his tastes. and from the day he first crossed its threshold as the guest of its original proprietor until he took up his permanent abode therein he was never so happy as when per- mitted to retire from the busy world and seek serose of body and mind within its spacious walls. Note.—Since the foregoing sketch was put in type the writer has learned that during its occupancy by Colonel Berry the es- tate now known as Edgewood was called Metropolls View; a title which seemed to Mr. Chase neither appropriate nor euphonious. After some delay in selecting a suitable name for his purchase. its location near the edge of a dense wood suggested the one by which it has since been designated. ———<$§<_-e-—____ WOW A COLORADIAN SPEAKS, A Regular Elijah Pogram. “Just wait till Iturn myself loose to-mor- row,” said Judge Tom Bowen to a Denver Tri- | bune reporter a day before the republican state convention. “You will make an address, then?” “Me? An address? Well, I should smile! Young man, did you ever see a cyclone?” “No, Judge.” “You have never seen it whirl and tear and rip and rend and splinter and break and gnash and gnaw and flop and flounder and thrash and crash; you have never heard it roar and thun- derand bluster and shriek and scream and whistle and moanand raveand swear and groan. Jam a cyclone!” “Judge, you amaze me!” (Hush, have you ever been in battle?” “No!” “I am two armies met in gory conflict—a mingling of bugle cails, clash of sabers, roll of drums, rattle of musketry, boom of artillery, whistle of balls, explosion of shells, inoans of the dying and huzzas of the yictors !' “Oh, Judge!” “Tam a royal Bengal tiger, a roaring Nublan len, a rhinoceros with two horns, a deep-sea whale, an infuriated elephant, a laughing hyena of the desert, a man-eating shark, an African gorilla, a grizzly bear, an octopus—yoa, sir, an elght-lezged, one-eyed, blood-sucking octopus!” udge, what do you mean?” “Come to the convention to-morrow,” sald Judge Bowen, ‘and you will learn what I'mean. Iam going to make the grandest effort of my life. Tam going to paralyze my andience—pui- verize it—bite it in two—chew it up—spit it out. Yes, young man, | shall rend the pale air like a two-edzed sword--ravish prose—rape the muses | and ,fellower the very art and science of rhet- oric!” ——+e-—____ IN THE HAREM, A Turkish Beauty. Mis. Gen. Lew Wallace, wife of the American minister, has been permitted to see the greatest beauty of Prince Feramorz’ harem in Turkey. Two wonderfully ugly black eunuchs met the visi- tor at the iron gate of a beautiful garden and conducted her to a large room rather barren of furniture, but hang with fine eastern draperies. Here she found the prince’s latest acquisition, whom she thus describes in the Independent: “Among the billowy cushions and vaporous veil- ings rose the young face. Oh! what a revela- tion of beauty! uplifted in a curious, question- ing way to see what manner of women these are who come from the ends of the earth with un- veiled face, and go about the world alone, and have to think for themselv r things! The expression was that of a fovely child wak- Ry ge ee BE mor, for 3 faco, fair an the first a women while’ tao! ana the angel jet unfallen. A perfect oval, the’ Ii nread, and, on? those woudertes see HOW “BOODLERS” OPERATE. The Way Would-be Rogues Are Swindled by More Accomplished Villains. An Interesting Tale by a Gov ernment Detective. ‘Men Fleeced and Refieeced by the Dealers in Alleged Counterfeit Money. A Bystematic Scheme of Fraud That Dofies the Law. “Read that circular,” said a prominent gov- ernment detective to a Star reporter, pushing it, as he spoke, across the table. “Read that, and I will tell you something of the operations of what we call the “boodlers,’ if you have never heard of them.” Confessing his ignorance, and expressing desire to hear what the officer might care to say on the subject, the reporter picked up and pe- Tused the printed circular. To describe its con- tents in a few words, it was an invitation to purchase “the green articles” at a price equal to about ten per cent of their face value, the name of the sender. and a full address being attached, together with directions for remitting money and other particulars. In answer to a look of inquiry, the officer continued: “Yes, he boldly makes an offer to farnish counterfeit money. Perhaps it would surprise you to learn that there are over ONE HUNDRED SUCH CONCERNS in New York city, (for that is the grand center of such operations,) and that they send out mil- lions, yes, actually millions, of these circulars every year. They get their names from direc- tories, from subscription lists of papers, and in other ways. I will take one of these circulars that may chance to fall upon congenial soii, and follow it in its course. John Smith gets it. He is a farmer perhaps, and not averse to increasing his capital suddenly. He believes the opportu- nity for passing it is good, so he ventures to write for a better description of the ‘green ar- ticles!” Now, Mr. Sharp feels a nibble. but he is too old a fisherman to pullin a sprat where he might land a whale. Mr. Smith receives a letter with a newspaper clipping enclosed ‘The latter is an account of an arrest made in New York city of a person charged with passing counterfeit money. The prisoner is arraigned in court and boldly denies the falsity of the money, and upon a strict examination the money is de- clared to be genuine and the prisoner discharged. That clipping never was part of a newspaper, although the imitation has been carried to such perfection that the slip includes letters @ppar- ently forming part of words of the columns on either side, and@has advertisements on the back. The letter enclosing the clipping explains to Mr. Smith that through the accident described in the newspaper clipping the writerhas been com- pee from fear of discovery, to suspend his usiness foratime. He calls the attention of Mr. Smith to the excellence of the counterfeits (his own manufacture) which could pass so rigid atest, and declares that the arrest was prisoner in attempting to pass sums as large as $5,000 at one time. In conclusion, the writer agrees to inform Mr. Smith when he may renew negotiations. Now, it is only natural that this entorced delay should make the would-be knave more than ever anxious to get some of the ‘green articles,’ so that when he receives another letter In a few weeks saying the way is clear he sends on his cash and receives in return—a block of wood or a bundle of neatly cut paper. ANOTHER WAY OF WORKING IT. Go back to the lasg letter, and you will ob- serve a pressing invitation from the confidence man to Mr. Smith to call upon him at his place of business and inspect the notes before pur- chasing. He recommends him to a certain ho- tel—here is the card—[pushing across the table an advertisement of a third-rate hotel located in the lower part of the city,] and gives him a number (in the circular here it is 86) by which he is to be recognized. Now, we will suppose that Mr. Smith, being a rascal, and naturally of a suspicious mind, decides upon going on and ex- amining the notes, instead of sending his money through the mail, and trusting to the honesty of the ‘boodler.’ Shortly atter his arrival at the hotelhe receives acard, and a faultlessly-dressed. gentleman OF Nie appearance ts ushered to NES room. The password ‘36" is exchanged, and they are soon engaged in a pleasant conversation. ‘Oh, no,’ says Mr. Sharp, in answer toan inquiry from his rural customer, ‘we won't talk busi- ness to-day. Not a word; leave that for to- morrow. Iam going to show you the sights to- day.’ And he does, making it very pleasant withal for his new sequaintunee, and seeing him comfortably hous it night. He calls for him the next morning and convevs him in a carriage to a large business block. and up several flights of stairs, into a neatly furnished office. Behold tne abode of the sboodlers.’ It does not look so terrific; a few fine desks, a couple of clerks, a large safe, and acommunicating room. All is business now; the gentleman is introduced to the clerks, the safe is opened and negotiations begin. Drawer after drawer slides back. disclosing great piles of crisp, new notes, of different denominations. Mr. Si knows a good note when he sees it, and he declares that the counterfeit is perfect. ‘So it is,’ says the narrator smilingly; ‘so it is,’for the notes are genuine Treasury bills. ‘The amount desired by the purchaser is counted out and wrapped up, under his watchful eyes, upon a table; or he is allowed to wrap up the package himself, Now, while this is going on, let us look into the second room. ‘The door stands slightly ajar, and reveals a number of small hand-satchels of exactly similar appear- ance. A confederate stands within this room, and hearing the amount of the purchase named, proceeds to wrap up a bundle of cut paper of a size corresponding with the package then being made in the adjoining room, and encloses it in one of the satchels. As Mr. Smith finishes wrapping his parcel, one of the clerks presents him with a satchel, and the package is placed in it, the satchel locked, and the key safely dropped in Mr. Smith’s pocket. At this moment Mr. Sharp, who has been idly drum- ming with his fingers upon the window pane, starts back with an exclamation: ‘There is that officer again,’ and he hurriedly explains to the alarmed victim thats private detective is ‘shadowing’ the house. ‘It would never do for him to nab you here,’ says Mr. Smith. ‘It would ruin my business, send you to the penitentiary. ‘We buy these tellows body and Soul, but they would follow you and arrest you as soon as you got out of the neighborhood.’ A short consultation is held, and one of the clerks comes to the rescue witha stion: ‘The express officeis on the next block. Let Mr. Smith express his satchel to his home, and you, ve, Mr. Sharp, who have subsidized the detecti 5 go with him and carry the satchel.’ The victim is already in mortal fear of arrest and Jumps at the idea, which isto him like astraw toa drown- ing man. Now, watch this piece of neat Tascality, where onerogueovermatchesanother. Mr. pes up the valise and partly opens the door. in that manner. Walt, to resume, time is an RELIGIOUS NOTES. HOME MA’ THE BRIGHT FANCIES OF PO! object now, and. business is short and sharp. He goes back t6 the office, picks out his notes, and pays his money; no satchel for him this time, he is not to be caught again, so he puts his Reang Sgr eee ge buttons up his Coat to depart. Mr. Sharp will go down stairs with him. He must take a parting drink, even if it be only lemonade, A saloon is always near the office, where one or two of the ‘boodlers’ are constantly on watch. The name of the drink called for by the chief swindler is a clue to his confederates in the saloon to the amount of the prize and its lopation upon the person of the victim. Mr. Smith parts with his friend and hurries toward the ferry. As he passes into a by-street he tx inted upon by two stout fel- lows, who show es, proclaim themselves to be detectives and arrest him for carrying coun- terfeit money. Paralyzed with fear, for he be- Heves himself to be guilty, although the notes are really genuine, he allows himself to be es- corted into an office, where sits a pretended Justice of the peace, or United States commis- sioner, surrounded by law books. This person assumes @ grave air when the nature of the prisoner's offence is made known, and directs a search, which results, of course, in the discovery of the proenge: ‘This is put away to be used in the trial, and the magistrate takes down the name and address of the victim. This is done not only for the purpose of preserving the out- ward forms of law, but as a means for relieving THE MUCH SWINDLED MAN ofall his cash, save that required for the pur- chase of a railroad ticket to his home. He is re- manded to the Tombs, and starts out under the charge of one of the detectives. Thislatter gen- tleman amuses his mouse for a few moments by vividly describing the punishment that will be meted out to him. He is, however, of a sympa- thetic nature, tells Smith that he has done so much of this business that he has about con- cluded to quit it, and declares that if he had money enough to buy a raiiroad ticket he would jump the town. A hint or two of this kind is generally sufficient, and Mr. Smith, keeping only enough of hismoney to carry him home, turns over the remainder to the bogus detective, and makes a straight line for his home.” caused by gross carelessness on the part of the |" THE CREDULITY OF HUMAN NATURE. “To show the credulity of human nature,” said the officer, “I will tell you that I have had man come to me after being twice bitten as I have described. He wanted to show me a counterfelter’s den, he said. He had seen the Money, and could put his hand upon the parties. Thad quite a time explaining to him that the money was genuine, and that the swindlers could hardly be touched under existing law, and I doubt if he is even yet completely disen- thrallea. It is the old story of the greater knave living upon the lesser, and unwittingly these swindlers are of benefit to honest folks, for they discourage greatly the sale and circula- tion of counterfeit money. Asageneral thing @ man who has been once or twice bitten re- frains from indulging in this {legitimate bus!- ness, and is perforce made an honest man through the aid of rogues.” ee CHICKEN STEALING. The Science of “Roost Raiding” Becoming One of the Lost Arts. e WHY ITS PATRONE ARE DIMINISHING IN NUMBER— 4 TALK WITH 4 REFORMED CHICKEN TEIEF— HOW ROOSTS ARE ROBBED. During the past few years the most popular of larcenies—chicken stealing—seems to have been losing its patrons and during the past year there were, perhaps,a far less number of chicken roosts burglarized than ever before. Whether this isto be accounted for because the race of chicken thieves is dying out; because the coops are built stronger or because there has been a too close watch, is hard to tell; but it is more than likely that the law passed some years ago making a second offence of petit larceny punish- able in the penitentiary has had more to do with the decrease in the number of offences or this kind than ‘any other cause. Robbing a chicken roost (could. not, as many sup- pose, be accomplished with safety by a novice. Among those engaged in the business there have been white and black, native and foreign, young and old. . A reporter of Tue Star, sitting in front of a station house with the officers, noticed a colored man looking towards ti door suspicousiy, One of the officers galling him, the man came up. OUT OF THE BUSINESS. “You've been here before, haven't you?” asked one of the officers. “Ain't your name ” The ex-chicken thief, for such he proved to, be, answered with a shrug of the shoulders: “Yes, indeed, I have, more times than one; but you can’t catch me again. I'm done dat busi- hess now.” “What business do you mean?” asked a ser- geant. = “Why, you knows,” (with a laugh.) “You caught me foul on the fowl business. You knows T once had a fancy for chickens,” “Oh, yes,” said_ the officer;- “but where have you been since. It's beentwo or three years since you were here.” “Well. you ought to know, as you sent me up,” said the man. “I went to the penitentiary and got enough. I’m out of the business now. It don’t amount to much, ‘specially in the win- ter time, to go to the Jail for a few nionths, but when a man has got to go tothe penitentiary and work hard for two or three years, just for a few chickens, it is too much.” “Why, they fed you there—you haven't lost any weight ?” the sergeant asked. “Oh, yes, I was fed; but there was no chicken on the table. The meat wasall from right behin’ de horns. One year is ‘nuff for me, and I have done gone out of the business.” “Now that you've reformed,” said the re- porter, “you won't mind telling us about the business, how it is worked, &c. Does it require ‘an expert ?” SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. “It won't do for aman to be clumsy,” said the ex-chicken-thief, ‘and a good hen-coop opera- tor is as fly as a finished safe burglar. He does not have so many tools to carry, and his capital is not large. The principal articles of the kit are a bag and a pair of gum shoes and a box of blue-heads. The first thing to be done is to get to the chicken-house. Foose nies this ve es by prying open a gate. len you musn't make we eh and its best not to wear any heavy shoes, but to go barefoot or wear rubbers. When. you get to the chicken-house you pry open the door, if it’s fastened, and creep in.” “And take the fowls down?” queried one. “Why, no sir,” answered the ex-C. T., “the blue heads tnen come in.” “Blue heads!” exclaimed some of the unin- itlated. “Yes, blue heads—sulphur matches. You have vour bag under, your arm, and taking out your box of matches 722. scratch one softly as you can. You won't have no luck if you isn’t HOME NEWS—THE CHURCHES ELSEWHERE—EN- COURAGING EXHIBIT. — Rev. Page Milburn, who lately returned to his charge. Mt. Savage, Md., M. E. Church, has been compelled by his health to give up work again. — The mission at St. Aloysius’, which was in progress for two weeks, closed on Sunday last, the concluding lecture being by Father eny on the Infallibility of the Pope. — Rev. Father McCarthy, of the Immaculate Conception church, continues quite low and is quietly awaiting death, having come to the con- clusion that there is no hope of recovery. —The following delegates will represent the Y. M.C. A. of this city at the convention at Charleston, W. Va., October 12th to the 15th: Joseph Bowes, R. T. J. Falconer, E. H. Grant, o B. Lang, Geo. A. Hilton, and Theo. A. Hard- s- —Madison avenue M. E. church, N. Y., will probably be supplied next spring by the sppoint- ment of Rey. O. H. Tiffany, formerly of the Me- tropolitan in this city. Rey. Dr. T. M. Buckley, of the New York Christian Advocate, is now fill- ing its pulpit. ~The Baltimore Methodist devotes consider- able space this week to commenting on a remark of Rev. Dr. Newman contained in a re- cent letter: “I believe God will give all a chance for salvation, if not in this life, then in the next, even though the process takes millions of years.’ —Sunday week will be an interesting day at the Keyser, W. Va., M. E. church—the reception of probationers, all the result of the revival among the railroad men a few months ago, and ‘90 per cent of all the probationers will be re- ceived. —In Ebenezer colored Methodist church (East Washington) an old-time revival is in progress, at which the altar is crowded with penitents nightly. Rey. Robert Steel, the pastor, has charge of the meetings. —‘Bud” Eagleston is much encouraged by the aid he ts receiving in the erection of his Gospel-Temperance tabernacle on B and 2d streets northeast, the corner stone of which will icGev- as money, have been given him, much of it by parties who have been benefited by the work. —The Rey. Mr. Green, of Raleigh, N. C., re- cently immersed 140 persons in seventy minutes. —Dr. John Hall, of New York, has been visit- ing and preaching in his native neighborhood in Ireland. — Bishop Andrews, of Wisconsia, has tau- tioned the Methodist clergymen of his diocese not to participate in politica. — The Evangelist thinks one of the best bene- fits of a vacation Is the new sense it gives of the value and sweetness of home. — The Presbyterian says that “the Suez canal is the highway of the King Eternal, and must not fall into the hands of the world’s scourges.” —The late John Magee, jr., of Watkins, N. ¥., has left by will $50,000 for the erection of five Episcopal churches in New York, Pennsyl- vania and Virginia. —The first church, New York (Rev. Dr. W. M. Paxton’s), standsat the head ot the Presby- terian roll in benevolent collections. The col- umns last year amounted to $108,204. —Moody and Sankeyare in Paris. They give only two Sundays to that city, as they are not atall handy in their use of the French lan- guage. After that they return to their work where English is spoken. —The pastor of the United Brethren church at Rohrersville, Washington county, was locked out of his church by a portion of his congrega- tion recently on account of the stand he had taken against certain secret societies. —The Northern Ohio Methodist Episcopal conference, which has recently been in Session, unanimously adopted a report in favor of a stringent prohibitory law for the state, and ‘hailed with joy” the passage of the Smith ‘Sunday law.” —In Boston a confectioner has been fined ten dollars for sending ice cream to his customers on Sunday that they might have it for dinner. The court which inflicted this fine deciaed that ice cream is not.one of the necessaries of exis- tence in such a sense as to warrant sending it out on Sunday. —In a letter written three years ago, Darwin 6a ‘Christ and science have nothing to do with each other. I donot believe any revela- tion has ever been made as to the future life. Everyone must draw his own conclusions from vague and contradictory probabilities.” This ts held to settle the question of his theological opinions. —A convention of the colored clergymen of Maryland, irrespective of denomination, was held last week in Baltimore. The object ot the gathering, which was large, was to carefully consider the present condition of the colored race in Maryland, religiously, morally, educa- tionally and financially, and devise ways and means to better the present status of the race along everyline of duty, through all theavenues of life. —Rey. Dr. J. P. Newman, of New York, says: ‘“ There are three things true in honor ot the Roman Catholic church: It has been a wall of brass against acientific infidelity; a protest- ing power against all forms of socialism and communism; and it has set its face resolutely against frequency of divorce, which has espe- cially diszfaced Protestant’ Massachusetts, Connecticut, Indiana and Illinois. —Some of the Methodists and others of Ten- nessee and Georgia have determined to have a “Chautauqua” of their own. The committee appointed to locate it met in Atlanta last week and decided on Mount Eagle Springs. The place selected is on the top of the Cumberland plateau, eizhty-seven miles from Nashville and sixty-four miles from Chattanooga. The Uni- versity of the South is six miles distant and Fairmount Female college is only half a mile away. —The way in which the Rev. Mr. Sullivan, of Salem, Ohio, set about making love to a nice young married lady was as clumsy as it was ridiculous. Instead of going directly to her and kissing herhe wrote her a gushing letter, in which he spoke of hungering to press her pouting, pretty, persimmon- like lips to his own. mehow or other this lettergot abroad, with the result of makii things so hot for Brother Sullivan that he had to resign the pas- torate of the Methodist church of Salem. —The Church of the Ascension in Chicago is conspicuous for its ritualist practices, and its rector, the Rev. Mr. Ritchie, is recognized as one of the most advanced ritualists in the Protestant Episcopal communion. Last Sunday he gave notice that High Mass would be cele- be laid on the 15th. Material and labor, as well | SEASONABLE HINTS—HOW TO PREPARE FOR WIN- TER—SICK CHILDREN—SOME GOOD RECIPES. Burnt Up Tue Arr.—Two sperm candles or one good lamp will render the air of a room about as Impure as the breath of one man, and one gas-burner will consume as much oxygen and give off as much carbonic acid as five or six men. A HANpsome anp TET Smwpie EAsicy-MaDE ‘Sora-cvsHton cover is made of one square of satin; on this embroider a spray of flowers; it may be done with kensington stitch and crewels or with the popular ribbon embroidery. Finish the edge with a cord or with fringed silk. A QUICKLY MavE Dessert.—Peel and strip one dozen oranges of tender texture; put in a glass dish of good height alternate layers of the orange and desiccated cocoanut, sprinkling each layer lightly with sugar; finish the top with the white of an egg beaten to snow with a tablespoonful of powdered sugar flavored with almond or vanilla. PRETTY AND OLD CHarrpacks are made of squares of linen and of satin. This seems at first a strange combination, but the effect is ex- cellent. Where the squares are joined, cover the seams with fancy stitches. The satin squares may be left without ornamentation, all the work be put on the linen ones. Embroid- ery, or painting, or etching are the favorite methods employed. MILK as Foop.—Milk is a food that should not be taken in copious draughts like other fluids. which differ from it chemically. Milk should be slowly taken in mouthfuls at short intervals; and thus it is rightly dealt with by the Sree If milk be taken after other food, it is almost sure to burden the stomach and to cause prolonged indigestion. The better the quality of the milk the more severe the dis- comfort will be under these conditions. Deticats Inpian Prppine.—One quart of milk, two heaping tablespoonfuls of Indian meal, four of sugar, one of butter, three ezes, one teaspoonful of salt. Boil the milk in the double-boiler. Sprinkle the meal into tt, sti ring all the while. Cook twelve minutes, stir- ting often. Beat together theeggs, salt, sugar and halfa teaspoontul of ginger. Stir the but- ter into the meal and milk. Pour this gradu- ally on the egg mixture. Bake slowly one our. KeEepine Grares.—In Europe a method ot Preserving grapes is now very generally fol- lowed. The cluster is cut with a piece of the cane still attached, and the lower end of the cane is inserted in the neck of a bottle contain- ing water. Gra thus treated are kept ina perfect manner for along time. The European journals have figured racks and other devices for holding the bottles, in such a manner that they may sustain the weight of the fruit, and also to allow the clusters to hang free, and much as they would upon the vines.+ Orance Fritrers.—Peel and slice three or- anges and lay them in powdered sugar; mix to asmooth batter four teaspoonfuls of flour, a saltspoonfal of salt, the yolk of a raw egg, and about a gillof milk. When ready to use the batter, add to it one teaspoonful of olive-oil or melted butter and the white of one egg beaten to a froth; dip the slices of orange into the bat- ter, lift them out flat with a fork and put them into smoking hot fat; fry light brown, lay them for a moment on a napkin or brown paper to ab- sorb all fat. springle them with powdered sugar, and serve hot.—Juliet Corson. PaINTING Om.cLOTHS.—The Country Genfle- man answers an inquiry how to paint over an oilcloth, that a little furniture varnish will re- store its good looks, and if the corners are cut off, and the whole is bound around with black, brown or scarlet alpaca braid, it will be “amaist as gude as new.” Now 1s THE Time To Pur THe WINTER BED- Dina in order; the mattresses should all be sunned and thoroughly aired; if soiled, rip the ticking off—this is not at all difficult to do; have it washed, and it should be starched a little; while it is ‘undergoing this operation the hair, or wool, or cotton which composes the filling can be aired by placing it carefully on a large sheet and laying it where the sunlight can shine on it; if it has been used for several years, it will cost but little, and will weil repay the expense, to have it picked and scrted over before a upholstered. Blankets ought also to thoroughly cleansed. if to make them less burdensome and difficult to handle, you cut the long double ones in two, overcast the ends with worsted or yarn of scar- let or blue to match the stripes in the blanket. Do this with button-hole stitch; it takes a few minutes only to do this, and it is neater than hem, and is really a pretty addition to the bian- ket. Very pretty comforters for children’s beds are made of the thin cotton cheese cloth; tack them and bind them with bright colors. If around it makes it look attractive. Crochet two or three rows in shell-stitch, with a scallop to finish it. It is an excellent plan to put a strip of white cotton cloth at each end of a common comforter. It can be removed and washed with much more ease than to wash the comforter itselt, and with much handling, even with per- fectly clean hands, it is likely to become soiled. The ends of white spreads are improved by being worked with white cotton in buttonhole stitch. This is particularly the case where the spread has been in use a good while and the hem is worn and the edge frayed. All you need to do is to trim off the threads so they will not ravel and buttonhole the edge. ¥° Post. Stck CurLpREN.—The vicissitudes necessarily incident to an out-door and primitive mode ot life are never the first causes of any disease, though they may sometimes betray its presence. Bronchitis, nowadays perhaps the most fre- quent of all infantile diseases, makes no excep- tion to this rule; a draft of cold air may reveal the latent progress of the disorder, but its cause is long confinement in a vitiated and overheated atmosphere, and its proper remedy ventilation and a mild, phlezm-loosening (saccharine) diet, warm smeet milk, sweet oatmeal porridge. or honey water. Select an airy bed-room, and do not be afraid to open the windows. Among the children of the Indian tribes who brave in open tents the terrible winters of the Hudson Bay territory, bronchitis, croup and diphtheria are wholly unknown; and what we call “takit cold” might often be more correctly described as taking hot; glowing stoves, and even open fires, in a night-nursery, greatly aggravate the pernicious effects ofan impure atmosphere. The first paroxysm of croup can be promptly relieved by very simple remedies—fresh air, and a rapid torward-and- backward movement of the arms, combined in urgent cases with the ion of @ fiesh- brush (or piece of flannel) to the neck and the upper part of the chest. Paregoric and poppy- syrup stop the cough by zing the irri bility and thus preventing the ischarge of the phlegm till its accumulation produces a second and far more dangerous paroxysm. These second attacks of croup (after the administra- tion of palliatives) are generally the ones. for use in the crib, an edge of worsted crochete d |. ‘The enterprising broker's never a ‘The Fireman's Story. (Wil Carleton in Harper's for October. } “Flash” was a white-foot sorrel, and run on No. 8: Not much stable manners—an average horse wo 808; Notional’ in his methods—strong tn loves an’ Not much respected, or popular "mm bis very much respe; ongst Dull an’ moody an’ sleepy on “off” an’ quiet Fall Of tarbent sour looks, an’ small sarcastic ways; Scowled au’ bit at his partner, an’ banged the stable floor— With other tricks Intended to designite Iife 9 bore. * But when, bet day or night time, he heard the alarm-bell ring, ‘He'd rush for his place in the harness with a regu- lar tiger spring: An’ watch with nervous shivers the clasp of buckle an’ band, Until it was plainly evident he'd like to lend a hand. An’ when the word was given, away he would Tush an’ tear, As If a thousan’’ witches was rumplin’ up his air, An’ Wake his mate up crazy with Its magnetic charm; For every ‘hoof-beat sounded, a regular fire alarm! se Never * horse @ Jockey would worship an’ ad- mire Like “Flash” tn front of his engine, a-ractn’ with @ vey Never a horse 80 lazy, so dawadlin’, an’ so slack As “Flas” upon his ‘return trip, a-drawin’ the engine back. Now, when the different horses gets tender-footed an’ ol They atu’t no use tn our business; so “Flash” was finally sold To quite mn respectable milkman; Who found tt not so fine spose of God’s creatures outside 0’ their reg’lar ine, Seems asif I could see “Flash” a-mopin’ along here now, A-feolin’ that he was simply assistant to a cow; But sometimes he'd imagine he heard the alarm _ Al's di An’ jump ou" fear for a minute before they could ‘hola him tn; An’ once, in spite o’ his master, he strolled im *mongst us chaps, To talk with the other horses, of former fires, per- aps; Whereat tiie milkman kicked him; wherefore, us boys to please, He begged that horse’s pardon upon his bended nees, But one day, for a big fire as. we was makin’ Both o' the horses we had on somewhat resemblin’ Yent’ van Flag’ an’ rushin’, with excellent voloe We passed the'poor old fellow, a-tugin’ away at hiscart. If ever I see an old horse grow upwards into a It over see a driver whose traps behind him *Twas that old horse, a rompin’ an’ rushin’ down gitte track, i An’ a milkman, a@-tryin’ to hold Away he dashed like a cyclone for the head of No. Gained the lead, an’ kept it, and steered his jour. ney free; Dodgin’ the Wheels an’ horses, an’ still on the cenest “silk” An’ furnisiiin’ ali that district with good respectae ble milk, Bey hn tog! an’ runnin’, and vainly hollerin’, “Whoa!” Milkman bracin’ an’ sawin’, with never a bit of show; Firemen liughin’ an’ chucklin’, and hollerin’ “Good! go in!” Hoss a-gettin' down to tt, an’ sweepin’ along Mike woh ‘ere where the fire was, halted with a Sent the respectable milkman heels over head in Watehed ‘unt he see the engine properly workin’ ee ‘he relinquished all interest in the Moped an’ wilted an’ dawdled—faded away once more; ‘Took up his old oce’pation of votin’ life a bore; Laid down in his harness, and—sorry I am to The milkman hohad drawn there Grew his dead body away. That's the whole o’ my story: I’ve seen, more’n once or twice, ‘That poor dumb animals’ actions are full ofhuman advice; An’ if you ask what “Flash” taught, I simply an- ‘Swer you, then, ‘That poor old horse was wsymbol of some intell- gent men. Osculation. 4 NANTASKET IDYL George W. Hills, in Boston Gazette. Where the summer breezes mt Perfumes with the laden air, And the honeysuckle blossoms: Spread their fragrance everywhere, Just within the broad veranda, In a shady, cool retreat, our hero, Dick, reclining, wuied, o'er come with heat, Hark! a step upon the carpet, Coming beret’ By Jove, 1Us Lut lappy thought! T'il felgn’a slumber, Just to see what she will do.” And his eyelids then descended O’er his laughing hazel eyes, And with blissful expectation ‘There he waited for the prize, Nearer, nearer came the footsteps, Lightly as a fairy’s tend, While within his wicked ambush Richard waited for the end. Softly they approached the sofa— Surely he it is they seek— Ana, ey ged and joyed, he felta Tinid kiss upon his cheek! ‘Thrilied with fond imagination, Up he sprang with ardor then, and with love's own burning passion ‘Clasped — his faitntul pointer, Bent Clasped him with delicious wiumph, Pressed him fondly to his breast, Then, with madness gazed upon him— Well, we'll omit the restt ‘When the Ticker is a Ticking. When the fascinating ticker is a-ticking, Is a ticking, And by points the market rises one by one, by one, Sas eeaeacemn en eee Profits won. ust at this moment a clerk calls him suddenly. ‘The exclamation causes both the sharper and his victim, who is following him, to look back into the room. As the ‘boodier’ turas, his hand Bibles | the satchel swings out of the partly opened door and the confederate, who stands outside holding the duplicate satchel, MAKES AN EXCHANGE in the twinkling of an eye, and slips back through the hallway, into the second room, The whole transaction occupies less than a second of time, and the doorway being blocked by the body of Mr. Sharp, the victim is pre- vented from seeing anything of it, and goes contentedly to the express office. When he arrives at his home, opens his satchel and finds ‘@ bundle of blank paper, his feelin; may better be imagined than described. le writes -a letter,—a threatening and indignant letter,—to his and in return receives a depre- catory epistle, remonstrating against his unjust hi }, and asserting that the ex must have been made in the express office. ‘They know our business,’ says the letter, ‘and we can- hot protect ourselves from an oceasional depre- dation of this sort. us to make for we feel innocent of But to avoid losing a 00d customer we will stand one-half poly sat loss, and pay by allowing you to select double the ‘anlount of the stuff for one-half the price orginally agreed. upon.” STILL BUZZING AROUND THE CANDLE. “You would suppose,” continued the officer, reflectively, ‘that no human being of ‘average in- careful how you ‘commence. Soon as your match pee is to burn you must put it under the rooster’s bill and We'll flop; then you grab him and put his light out his head off.” And he showed how it‘was done by a quick turn of the'wrist. *‘Som@ hayé'a way of biting them through the neck, but ‘early all practice the wringing process.” WHY THE ROOSTER. IS TAKEN FIRST. “Do you always-take the rooster first?” was “Why, yes,” sail’ the’reformed man, “and if you don’t get the. ‘Tooster first the chances are that some one will get you. If you get the rooster and keep him still, it is all right, and a can rake the roost; but if the rooster makes the least noise the hens allsinga chorus, and you're running a risk. ntlemen, I’ve learned dome ey id Bom Lan eobs ble sh and 0 any men lone send ie around. /Chleken pie and hen soup is scarce NOW Ouse.’ veh the reformed chicken fancier walked off one of the officers remarked, amidst the of his audience, ‘Yes, he has left his ways to attend to the soles of men, and is heeled at last with a kit suitable for his work.” ‘Would Ruia the Honeymoon. They were sitting in the shadows of the honey- suckles through which the sinking sun was peep- ing at them with a face as red as if it had Just emerged from a brick kiln. back a rising sigh and said: ka ant i: “No, ane ee atick to never could hold # basin for ten days and love her the land. I a wouen's chin brated in his church on Friday, being the feast of St. Michael. He also announced that Bishop McLaren would officiate. Bishop McLaren con- tradicted this and said that the Protestant Episcopal church recognized no such service. Mr. Ritchie was not at all disconcerted by this, but insisted on going on with the service, bishop or no bishop. : —Some time ago Pastor Simmons, of Green- bush, N. Y., was called to account by his church tor making love to a young lady of bis church and writing ridiculous love letters to her. This might not have been severely open to criticism but for the tact that he is alreany married to another lady. He repented and said he was sorry and would write such love letters no more. Thereupon hischurch agreed to continue him as itor. Now the Hudson river Baptist association, north, demands that the church shall remove Pastor Simmons, The church re- fuses to foe but — eee ence he hag re- iy other man Is likely to be. association says that if the church so insists it may have its way, bat It shall be excluded from fellowship. Sothe Greenbush church 01 fatal When a child is goede yma. rind ye beware of rooms. Do icines; costiveness, as an after ed yontioe! affections, will soon yield to fresh air vegetable diet.— Popular Science three da the process, and at the end the ninth day throw Seat tea ane coemmbors inice i i i i I £ i é Ss SE H Hit Hi ie é | FE ; i i! g j itt i z aut if fe i | s E F a3 ‘hie r. three 1 Tat See, I pluck his tiny kingdom— And divide it, dear, between Us, ‘You the Persian, I the Mede. ‘Why the Slippers Were Never Finished. *.