Evening Star Newspaper, December 24, 1884, Page 2

WHY THE PIPES FREEZE, A Talk With the inspector of Piumbing INCONVENIENCE IX COLD ATHER—THE BAD PLUMBING IN OLD HOU —SOME INTERESTING To HOUSE ITATIC THAT PLUMBERS HATL A “FREEZE NOT CORRECT. Bow TO PREVENT w WITH Joy, Asso many people are now tnconvenienced by reason ofthe freezing of the water in the supply pipes of their houses. a Star reporter asked Mr. 8. A. Robinson, the inspector of plumbing, it there was any way to prevent such troubie? “Yes sir,” said Mr. Robinson, “there is @way to prevent It. and noone should be in- conyenienced where the plumbing is properly constructed and where stop and waste cocks are provided to shut off the water at night, or | ‘when the house is unoccupied.” | “Who is responsible in cares where water freezes in the pipes?” asked the reporter. “If all necessary provision is made for shut- ting off the water at the proper places, and the supply pipes in the house are planned and laid out in such a manner that every line of pipe can be completely drained and emptied. it is th fault of the tenant or oceupant of the ho “Row will you provide against the water freezing in the traps under the Aixtures, such as water closets, sinks. basins, ete.” “All waste pipes,” sald Mr. Robinson, “have, | in a good system of plumbing, sufficient fall to | insure the running offof all water from the | pes, and every trap is. if not in piain sight, 2 accessible. These traps when in very e posed places should be packed, and where so Titated thet tute cannot be e.a little gly- cerine poured into the smaller pipes and rock salt in the larger ones wil! prevent freezing in | this climate.” “If all this can be s0 easily done, Teporter, “why Is it that so many honses are now without water by reason of having their pies frozen or on account of the waste of water ‘other houses?” “Ifthere is any trouble with new houses,” an- swered Mr. Robinson, “it arises first from the carelessness of the architect in locatins the fix- tures in exposed places and allowing the supply ipes to run along cold walls, or in parts of the | jouse not heated during the winter season, and agalnit is in a great measure due to the ignor- ance or carelessness of tenants or servants not an- derstanding or making use ofthe stop aud waste cocks provided for shutting off the water from the house at night. There is no necessity | for allowing the vaterto run to prevent freezing when ail the occupant of the house has to do Is to go into the basement before retirin ‘and shut the water oif. “What is the result of these people allowing the water to waste?” “It causes great inconvenience to the careful householder,” sald Mr. Robinson, ‘by depriving | him of the use of water In his bath room. In | many houses the water will not rise above the | first floor whilst this waste is going on. and in many cases I have known people to be deprived | of the use of water in their klichen, and yet these people who wa the water think it a great hardship beca the water department | Sends an inspector to stop the waste.” How about the old houses?” | “Landlords should be compelled to provide Proper facilities for cutting off the water, | ‘and such an arrangement of the plumbing and Sixtures in every house he offers for rent as will | insure not only health, but cleanliness and comfort.” | “How can this be brought about?” inquired | the reporter. “If, in the opinion of the Commiss post regulations governing plumving jouse-drainaze cannot ve applied to the recon- struction of the plumbing in old houses, ad- ditional legislation should be asked of Congress compeliing all landlords to put their houses in sanitary condition. In planning a new | house we generally find every one anxious to have a proper and efficient system of water sup- ply and seweraze; but as to our old houses, I @an safely say nearly all are so defective as to be dangerous to the health of those who occupy | them. “I will mention some of the graver aad | common fauits found in the plumbing of old | houses. that you may understand the importan of change:—Fixtures without traps; leaky terra cotta drains under the house, polluting the soll and filling the house with sewer alr: no | said the Yentilation to prevent syphonage of traps: soll pipe terminating at the location of fixtures in the bath-room; connection of tne drip pipes to | the soll pipe system or to traps; the connection | of the overflow from drinking water tanks to | soil or waste pipes; the running of vent pipes | from water-closet bowis into soil pips he run- ney flues: the use of rain leaders as soil aud waste pipe: the use of rain leaders as the only ventilators tor house drains; untrapped leaders under win- dows of sleeping apartments. These and many other serious defects exist in many of our first- class houses, built before the act of Conzre: Was passed making provision for an inspection | of plumbing.” “Are not the plumbers reaping a rich harvest ‘at this time 7” “I think not,” Mr. Robinson. “It is a | it plumbers make money or that they are exorbitant im their charges for work done in time of afreeze. It costs a first- class plumbing establishment not less than fifty cents an hourto send a manto repair a leak, end when the bill is presented for time and mi- terial, with the addition of a small percent: 80 great Is the howl about extravagant charges he wishes he had never undertaten the job. For this reson and because it interferes with bis regular work many plumbers decline ail | orders to repair bursted pipes except tor regu- lar castomers.” { “It would seem to me more economical in the end te have the plumbing of all houses put in Proper sanitary condition,” suggested the re- porter. “Yes. It not only costs a great deal to repair the leaks, but the damaze to the house an‘ fu niture, and the great inconvenience to the occu- pant, should be considered. 4 house having a Proper arrangement of plu..bing always co mands a better rent than those that are de‘ec ive. Although the average householder may not know when fixtures are properly trapped and ventilated, they certainly can tell from whenee the foul odors proceed, and are apt to leave a house where the landiord refuses to cure the evil. It is but just and right that they should leave, tor it is very certain that many ot the with which our people suffer and our children die are caused by the villainous condition of the drainage and plumbing in old houses, and the absence of proper sub-surface drains to prevent dampness of cellar floors and walls. It is of the greatest importance to the community that the press should agitate this subject of the plumbing, drainage and ventila- tion of old houses, until every householder is Provided with the facilities tor having cleanl!- Bess, adequate means of ventilating their houses and the proper appliances for warming during cold weather. and at the same time educate the people in all matters connected with house sanitation.” “see Was Abraham Lincoln a Teetotaler? ‘To the Editor of Tux Evesixe Stan: Under the caption of “Tonsorial Reminiscences,” Saturday's Stan, “Stewart, the veteran barber at Willards,” ts quoted as saying:— “I was the first man who shaved Abe Lincoln when he t fd, He bad, a rcorm tn the | 2 we - . 3 bith Mob 1s sud. ome Iaases oD a tray. was wry cs for Fs ww that Presidents drank whisky. _ Mr. Stewart must have :uistaken as to the con tents of that bottle. | Mr. in bis address tothe Order of Sons | of Temperance in the east room, September 2%, ‘Stal With emphasis, that be had “signed the total abstinence pledge’ when a boy, and had Kept it inviolate to That hour.” ‘The printed address Containing these words is on record, and this stave- verified by many who were present on that occasion, the writer being ameng them, This correction 1s due to the memory of 33 good and true 4 man as ever Diessed the earth with a pure, noble life. B WASEINGTo, D. C., December 23, 1884. | i Transfers of Real Estate. Deeds in fee have been recorded as follows: T. B. Towner to C. J. Towner, part 1, sq. 763; £1,600. ‘Susan A. Miller to G. W. Talbert, parts 30 and 31, eq. 1026; $500. J. F. Hanna, trustee, to Honora Roach, lot 11, sq. 559; $—. C. McCarthy et al, same property; $——. Honora Roach to Cnaries ‘Schneider, same bps ale $960_ Emma 0. Smith to Wm. Walker, lot 14, sub: sq. 970; £2,000. Emma Q. Smith to W. Walker, lot 14, sq. 970; $2,000. C. V. ‘Trott _to W. J. Newton, part $4, ‘Sub. Sq. 181; $200, John Brown to T. E. Wi in part sq. 539; $—. A.C. Clark to James E. Divver, part ; $1,220.50. 1 S Leyon, trustee, to BR Fr g 8 T ber; wheels Was also dam: She: sored. oa Moras’ Points and tie tug Battier, which was ‘sent down for her, found her already in tow. She cane Up at 3:30 p. m., and will lay off for a day or two for repairs. die of March. Slim Chances for “Boodle” This Session A MEMBER OF THE THIRD HOUSE CHATS ABOUT CERTAIN BILLS BEFORE CONGRESS AND DIS- S SOME OF THE SECRETS OF LEGISLATION. “The ocenpation of the lobbyist is about pla: ed out. for this session anyhow,” remarked mber of the third house to a Star reporter. ‘The boys,” he continued, “sti hang ‘round, but most of ‘em ain't making enough to pay their cigar bills. Some of ‘em tried to work the new library scheme for a fee, but it didn’t pan eut. There wasn’t anybody willing to pat up a “boodle.’ Then, there’s the question of a city office site for Washington. Some thought they * a chance in that.but I don’t believe it’s ever shaped up. These chaps with their Gal- veston harbor job think they are big enough to work an eight million dollar bill through Con- gress without any outside help. ‘They're goin’ on the economical plan of doing their own lob- byin’ and expect to talk Cong out of over ight millions. Why, they don’t even know who they ought to talk to. It’s the ivolishest er heard of. The idea of a lot of green hands workin’ a bili like that through. ‘They'll find a hard road to travel, and their mednness ‘ll make it harder for ‘m, *caus boys mean to give’em a black eye whenever they get a chance. Eads’ ship-railway Dill’s been withdrawn TO CLEAR THE TRACK FOR THE GALVESTON JOB. Yes, I know a model of the railway, showin’ how it ought to work, bas been put up over at the Senate. Can't you see what that’s tor? It’s Senators and members use wil be invited to see the ship rail- { work. and while they're looking ids and his Galveston partners will be ¢ up the harbor scheme to ‘em. Its just a le trap to get Congressmen in a commit- tee room aud talk ‘em over to the Gatveston job. You know Eads’ strongest point—at least that’s what they say about him—is his ability to taik men over to his way of thinking. They say that all that’s necessary for him to crowda thing through Congress is tor him to have a square show at arguing with members.” BOODLE SUPPLIED BY DE LESSEPS. “There's come talk of money comin’ here to beat theNicaraguan treaty. I don't know how true it is, but I do know that some fellers are bankin’ on makin’ their winter's expenses out of it. They say that Duke Gwin, ex-Secretary Thomp- son and one or two others are comin’ after the holidays with a buodle supplied by De Lesseps to kneck out the Nicaragua canal. But if they do come none but high-toned ducks can get into the snap. They'll want ex-Senators and cabinet officers, who can explain constitu- tional law and set upterrapin stews at Cham- berlin’s. That's too hich up for me.” SWELL LOTTERY LOBBYISTS “There are two or three lottery bills hanging here in Congress. They are iron-clad, too. They put the screws on lotterles and lottery ticket sellers; but these lottery companies have their regularly paid lobbyists to look after such things. Didn't you know that? Well, you might get a good item for The Star by finding out the names of these swell lottery lobbyists and printing them. J ain’t sure about it, but I believe they get bills to suppress lotteries intro- duced so as they can bleed their employers. There's talk of the whisky men trying again to Fs reli They don’t give down worth a cent. Maybe the last part of the session will pan out something that'll give a mane chance to turn anhonest penny helping somebody or other through Congress, but the outlook is not calcu- lated to keep a man here if he’s got anything to do somewhere else. It don’t look to me, though, as ifthere’s going to be any big busiz hess in the lobby hereafter. To tell the truth, people are getting AFRAID OF ANY MAN THAT'S CALLED A LOBBYIST. The newspapers have said so much about the business that people are down on it, and a mem- ber of Congress is actually atraid to taik to any Man who's been spotted as belongin’ to the lobby. And, to be honest about it, some of ‘em aint no better than confidence men after all. They lay round the Capitol watching for any- thing and everything that has money init. Soon as they discover somebody who hasa bill ora claim they go for him and tell him if he don't let em in they jump on him. It’s DIVY oR FicuT with them. No honest lobbyist has any use for that crowd. It's them that hurts the business and make people scared at the name of lobby. There’s many a queer racket worked about the: Capitol corridors, I can tell you, and if the re- porters could just get on to some of ’em thev'd have something wortli writing about. got £10,000 out of a certain crowd when the tariff bill was hanging in conference just by cheek and smart work. The crowd! speak of had acer- tain interest to take care of and they were afraid ‘twas going to be hurt. That man found out how the committee stood and then made a bar- gain to protect that interest. He never went near the committee—never spoke a word to any of the members: but when the report was made and the thing was ali rmght he got his £10,000. The votes of members have been sold over and over again without the members themselves ever knowing anything about it.” A CONFIDENCE GAME. “How is it done? Well, the racket is about this: You want to secure the vote of a certain member. 1 know him, and pretend that I can control him. I let you see me speak to him and talk with him. You begin to believe I can work him. I just wait till the bill comes up. Then if my man votes for it I claim to have made him do it; if he don’t, 1 tell you he fooled me, and that’s all there is of it. But there ain't as much of this now as there used to be. The law- yers have almost spoiled the trade of the pro- fessional lobbyist. They take a fee, as they call it, and that’s respectable. These lawyers are ys on the watch for fees of that kind, and theydrop on a game of a fellow’s to specu- late on a member's vote they go and blow on him. I'm either goin’ to study law and get ad- mitted or quit the business. if I stay in itI’m goin’ to be in the respectable gang.” = 2 ee NOT OPPOSED TO THE TRACKS. A South Washington Business Man Who Thinks that Section is Benefited by the Nailroad—He Criticises the Movement Against the Company. “T have property in South Washington,” said & prominent business man of that section toa Star reporter to-day, “that has advanced in value at least 2500 per cent on account of the presence of the railroad. Take the railroad away from South Washington and that part of the city weuld soon be as dead as Alexandria, ‘The grass would grow in the streets. It is not pleasant, I will admit, to have a railroad pass bs one’s residence, but It must go by somebody's idence.” “What do you think of the proposed plan of | aesagend the rallroad on Water street?” askea ‘we Star reporter. “That plan is good enough, but still the rail- road would nave to go by some person's prop- erty to get to Water street. They would com- plain of that. It does not matter what the real value of a man’s property Is, it is just as valua- bie to him as any other man’s property, and he has Just as much right to be considered as any other man. Now, niae-tenths of the business men of the city are in favor of leaving the tracks Just where they are. ‘These avenues give them direct communication with the south. and are conventent to every one interested. I am satis- fied that the roads will never be removed from them. Along these avenues property has been greatly enhanced in value. Persons who have tried to buy there for business purposes have had the prices raised upon them to en almost unreasonabie point. The depot on 6th street, I am sure, will not be disturbed, for it is conyeni- ent to every one, and still obscure and out of sight. en = appre- ciate that, and they will be ow to vote to move the depot. In other cities, of a progressive character, the railroads are recog- nized as necessities, and are given every reason- able advantage. In Philadelphia the railroad passes through the city, and bas been allowed to establish a depot right under the shadow of the splendid new public building. “The railroud,” continued the @ commercial hagetacr 8 In cases like this, as in all cases, the comfort and convenience of a small minority ought not to stand in the way of the interests of the reg atis a “But what do you think of railroad to cross 14th street?” porter. “In the first place,” was the answer, “the action of the Commissioners In keeping a guard ot police down there was ridiculous. The rail- ome : Gol oe to do anything clandes- inely. ¢ men who are opposing th@railroad clamored for aiet time Docames te railroad company used streets, a8 they cl for depot pi The railroad company buys a piece of ground conveniently located, and the clamor against the company is again raised. The location I regard as one well suited to the Purpose. It is in a place right on the riverfront, which probably meser would be used for resi- ce purposes. It is convenient to everyone, and especially to business men. It is ridiealovs to talk about cutting off the travel over the Long bridce. You might stand thereat theend merchant, “is permitting the asked the re- of the bridge all day and not see halfa dozen wagons come over from and in- varably those wagons turn down | Nand avenue and never go up 14th street,” ‘bill throuch, but then they ain't no | One wan | TOYS OF THE DA How Santa Ciaus and the Toy Maker Have Progressed ith the Age. A VISIT TO A MODERN TOY PLAY THINGS THAT CARRY INSTRUCTIVE LES- SONS WITH THEM—HOW PRESENT PRICES COM- PARE WITH THOSE OF FOR) TIMES, &C. “The day of toys antl balls. monkeys on & with a string has passed,” said a 7th street toy dealer to a Stak reporter, as he led the wav to the back of the store, where toys, ingenlous and rare, were piled upon the counters and strung up along the ceiling as thick as clothes on a wash day. The store looked like an ex- aggerated Christmas tree or Santa Claus, heaven. “The simple toys you andI used to play with,” continued the dealer, “would have no attraction for children to-day. The toy making art has reached a perfection you would searcely think possitle. ‘They are making sen- sible toys—toys that have some meaning and teach something. That is the feature of the toys this season. Instead of the trinkets that elnidren: wed to pull apart to sec what's inside to make ‘em squeak, they are making toys that children have to put together themselves and learn the phil- osophy of their construction. Instead of the y used to have, which, wlien put together, ent some simple form of architecture aud give the children some idea of beauty and pro- priety in construction. Then there are desks— school desks and black-boards ard commercial hem like to play school and bus- These are in great deniand. There are iness. Aureat many new toys of American make. and they are almost driving the Imported toys out of the market. They are more ingenious and have more meaning. A TOY CAPITOL. “Now here's a great novelty,” and he pointed out a miniature of the Capitol. “That is an im-f menseiy popular toy. It is a good representa- tion of the Capitol, and at the main door is pre- sented a movable panorama of the interior oe the building, representing the rotunda, Senat chamber, Hall of Representatives, President’s room and committee rooms, together with the White House and portraits of the Presidents from Washington to Arthur. A brief history of the building and illustrations and the polities of the Presiden is given also. moved by means of the balls on the smaller domes. “Then the blown up fort is another novell It represents a fort Je of small blocks, | ioned so as to have the points of strencth an engineer would require, armed with guns and guarded by soldiers. That heavily barred door is the entrance to the powder magazine. Here is a cannon to shoot at the fort with. Take a shot et that door.” And he handed the scribe a little wooden cannon, which shot a rubber ball by means of’ a spring. Then he touched the gun off after taking good aim, the ball entered the magazine door and the fort was blown into frazments. The soldiers were blown up into. te air and the fort taken | with great slaughter. “See,” he said, “the ball strikes a spring there, ich does the rest. The magazine is blown up and the mangled limbs of the soldiers have to be gathered up and put together again. Thisis a great thing for childre: They can go around with their lance wagon and pick up the dead and wounded, andtake them to the hospitalto have their | mangled bodies reconstructed. They use the | same eannon to shoot at wooden soldiers when | stood up inline of battle. mortar-gun with flying dart, which is an amus- ing toy for play soldiers. SHIPS AND DOLT. HOUSES, “Another novelty the ocean wave sailing vessel, which is fully rigged and equipped. It is on wheels, manned with wooden sailors that can be, moved about, and a caro of barrels, | bales and boxes, marked with the names of business houses, which may be moved about, loaded and unloaded. The rigging may be manipulated, and the sailors made to appear to be at work. Then for little girls there is a handsome doll house, beautifully finished In colors and fur- nished throughout with reception chairs. center table, carpet and rugs, and also a doll’s ham- mock. There are also handsome doll bedroom sets, bedsteads, tables, chairs, bureau with glass and drawers, towel rack and everything com- plete. There Is also a complete doll’s side- board, with coriplete outfit of plates, cups aud saucers, goblets and tea service. One of the greatest novelties is the Bell tele- phone, the sale of which is immense. It is con- structed with rubber tubes and mouth nieces so as to carry sound, and children cantalk through it, having a central ofice, exchange and every- thing complete. At the bottom there are little tags to pull, so as to call up Jack, Kate, Susan, Bill, John or Dinah, and a comical fgure re- sponds to each call, poping up out of the top of the instrument. Block architecture is very popular. They are getting up some very handsome designs in this. There is the modern Gothic church to be con- structed ont of blocks, houses of different styles, cottages, depots and stores. The depot and train of cars isa great favorite. The depot the tracks laid through it so the cars can pass througii, and the cars are wound up so they will ron and the bell ringas they come into the station. Then there's the seaside cot- tage and horse-cars, saw-mill and village store. Some of the stations are very elaborate, with high towers and clocks. The gun-boats with spring cannon that shoot rubber balls are popular. OTHER NOVELTIES, ‘The block tower and elevator are other novel- ties this year. The idea of the elevator is to give children some knowledge of machinery and to instruct them as to the elevation of hizh mountains, monuments and large buildings. The tower is about four feet eleven inches high when erected, and resembles an iron light- house, It is furnished with a perfect model of a passenger elevator, which can be raised and lowered by a simple contrivance. At the top of is attached two arms, on each of which is a wind-mill, and the whole revolves by means of the contrivance which raises and lowers the ele- vator. Tablets giving elevation of buildings, mountains, &c., are attached to the siaes of the tower. There are all sorts of toy guns and pistols, all working with rubber springs; and steam cars, boats, boys on bicycles, circus riders and dancers, whicli are wound up end run like they had lifeinthem. One novelty is the foot-bail pisger—a wooden boy about two feet high, who kicks a rubber ball high up in the air, so that it may be batted by the children playing with it. The ball is placed on a little wire stand in front of the automaton, whose foot is held back on a spring, and when released flies out with great force, kicking the ball high fn the air. “Ave there any new games? Well, yes; there's one very novel one, which Is all the Tage now. That's parlor base ball. No, it does not effect the windows and parlor ornaments. It is played on a board like checkers. See here the bases are laid out and these pins represent the base ball players. Now you handle these as the men would handle themselves in a game of base ball—only not quite so roughly, maybe. It's becoming a very popular game and will probably take the place of the tield sport with those who have an aversion for black eyes and broken noses. BILLIARDS AND OTHER GAMES. The parlor billiards ts very popular too; and then there is a game for children called Over the Garden Wall. It is a new idea for a ball target. 7t is a serles of swinging panels, one side Tepre- senting a garden wail covered with vines, and children looking over, and is so arranged that when hit by a bali the panels revolve, bringing into view ‘comical characters. Each panel is numbered. and when hit and ives counts according to the skill of the player. Another game ts the campaign Jo the way of other toys, there is a fire engine made after the model of those in use in this city, which, when wound up, will run all about the floor, and men on behind ring the alurm bell. Then there are some very novel money banks, such as Blind Tom and Mr. Punch, two very funny fi who have a remarkable appetite for pennies; and the old come! feeding his child. The latter ig very novel. hen a penny js placed in the spoon, which the old man holds in his hand, he litts it up and feeds it to the child, who smacks his lips after swallowing a mouthful of copper. WHAT THEY Cost. “Now, you'll be surprised when I tell you what these things cost,” sald the agent of Santa Claus. “Now, think; when these automatic toys first came about they cost from @ to $10, Most of these things now sell for a dollar, some foras much astwo dollars. Here's a train of cars, large size, for $1.98. We have rabber band ‘steel and iron bicycles for trom $13 to $35. Bi- cycles and tricycles are in great demand. sell much better than sleds. cheaper. ‘which TABLISHMENT— | hat give them practical instruc- | Then there is aj the tower is a light, in four colors, to which | THE EVEANNG STAR: WASHINGTON, D. C., | WEDNESDAY. - al DECE MBER 24. 1884—DOUBLE SHEET. CHRISTMAS GREENS. Picturesque Holiday Scenes in the City : Markets. SOME OF THE CHRISTMAS SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OB- SERVED IN THE MARKETS—THE VENDERS OF GREENS AND THEIR ATTRACTIVE WARES—HOW CROWFOOT IS GATHERED, AND SOME OF TEE DRAWBACKS OF A WINTER VIRIT TO THE Woops —THE GENERAL USB OF GREENS IN THIS CITY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. One of the interesting features of the Wash- ington market in the holiday season is the dis- play of greens, which are brought to the city and used in the decoration of churches and houses. The fact of the matter is that the cas- | ual observer, for instance an English tourist, would no doubt sagely conclude, after a tour through our markets, that their main object ‘was to afford a chance for the purchase and sale of crowfoot and pine trees, while the sale of meat and vegetables Wag apparently purely inct- dentals. If the casual observer wus really an English tonrist, it will be at once seen what valuable deductions based upon this conelusion could be made as to the habits and customs of the citiz capital ec It the stranger might mi citizen does not, but enjoys the really pictur- esque efiects which the soft piles of crowfoot, with Its varying shades of green. and the taper- ing branches of the trees gives to the ordinarily prosaic appearance of the market. There fs no escaping from this feature of Christmas. if any one was so hard-hearted and hard-headed as to wish todo so, The greens are the first objects upon which the eye falls as you enter the mar- ket, and the last sound that in nine cases out of ten you will hear on leaving is: “Buy some greens, lady?” Even the iron fence about the parking near the market has been softened and toned down by the wreaths and garlands which twine about and conceal the har thelr almost luxuriant softness. The preprietor of all this richness may be found squatting in front, keeping up a constant inspection of the passers-by, but, as a rule, wisely allow- ing the wares to speak for themselves. How effectively they appeal alike to the prac- tieal householder, who pauses with his market basket and in the fall knowledge of the needs of a large tamily,and to the young andsentl- mental girl, who comes tripping along in search of something pretty. They all stop. Every one buys something green, Perhaps after all it may only be a habit belongingto the holiday The panorama 1s | season. Perhaps the dull gray of the winter sky, the cold desolation of the park and THE SHIVERING BARRENNESS of the trees gives anything green an attractive- ness anda beauty. The most brilliant display of the exquisite roses for which our markets are famous inthe season have never attracted so much of the popular regard, but when the sweet grace of spring touches the dull earth we shall regard all these things as coarse and com- mon. Whatever may be the source of the popularity, crowfoot and pine and cedar are certainly now a power in the market. It is curious to note the devices and shapes into which these mate- rials are worked. The crowfoot, as it is most easily managed, is the principal material cm- ployed in making the crosses, wreaths, &c. But a great many of the colored artists, not content with the rich effects of the green when massed together, mtroduce into the wreaths a sort of a | white moss. The green is not of dark enough ade to make such a contrast effective. A more triking result is attained by introducing in the ss of crowfeet sprigs of holly with their red berries and glistening green leaves. Ferns of. the different varieties ure also employed with good results. Those who wish to make their own decorations can buy the crowtoot already wound into ropes or entirely loose, just as it was plucked from the ground. The old women who have these decorative Christmas articles for sale are very apt to groan hake their neads in a doleful wi ‘dif it was hard to gather the green: y will tell you how they have to grub in th Ow and pull out the frozen crowfvot, and how their hands feeze as they wind it in ropes. Then, very likely, a male voice at your side will be heard saying, in the pauses of the narrative: Dese greens are certainly hard work. So cole’ wid you’er han’s in the suow’—auntil you begin to shiver yourself. THE JOYS OF THE Woops. It is certainly not the pleasantest thing In the world to gather greens, especially if alight snow has fallen. If he isaman, probably the duty will devolve upon him to get a supply ot cedars and pines for Christmas trees and decorations. With axein hand he goes to the woods and, crouching down near the ground to get beneath the low branches, he whacks away at the trunk. The blow brings down a shower of fine snow, whieh sifts down his neck and makes him feel as if he had swallowed the north pole. How- ever, the man who has trees to sell gets no sym- pathy. The crowfoot is what represents work, and in consequence brings the hizhest prices. ‘Swisted into ropes, the usual price is five cents e yard, but it is apt to vary according to the de- mand from four to eight cents. When the pur- chaser comes to cheapen it, then the dealer at once reveals to him the horrors which 1s the lot of that courageous soul who ventures forth into the woods in search of crowfoot. The dealers with their curious collection of crosses and wreaths, their little bundles of hol- ley, with its red berries, and their great, soft thasses of crowfoot. as a rule congregate on the eos of the market and along the southern wall. aud CHRISTMAS TREES IN MARKET. On the opposite side of the street there are Tows and rows of trees of all shapes and sizes, causing one to imagine for the moment that the woods of Virginia and Maryiand had walked over and were taking a brief rest against the fence of the Smithsonian grounds preparatory toafurther tramp. Here may be found great masses of holly,and after walking downthrough these forest aisies one is inclined to wonder it there were any left for next year. The number of trees, the yards upon yards of crowfoot, and the quantity of holly that is sold curing Christ- mas week in this city, reaches a very large amount; but it is only one indication of the very general observance of the holiday season. ‘The greens are put to almost every used. They may be found twined around the awning posts in front of saloons, and nestling amid the glasses and bottles of the bar. Then they are found giving pretty effects among the arches and pillars ot a church, and adding a touch of color to the ornaments of the altar. There are but few houses sv poor that there Is not some- thing green to be found in this holiday season, Perhaps only a spray cf holly ora branch of pine, but it is something. IN PRIVATE HOUSER. As one walks along the streets there may be seen in the windows of the houses of both the rich and poor wreaths of Christmas green, or, perhaps, glimpses may be had of the glories of the Christmas trees. with its glitter and flash of pretty things. It may be wrong to spend so much money for thinks that at the best can only last a week or so, but as one of the crowtoot aguers remarked: “It is good for the poor people. We can have ur Christmas, too. —— ng A Republican’s Estimate of Cleveland. The Hon. Andrew Shuman, formerly licuten- ant governor of Illinois, and one of the Blaine electors, publishes over his initials in his paper, the Chicago Hvening Journal, an extended ac- count of a recent visit to President-elect Cieve- land at Albany. After describing Mr. Cleveland personally, and stating the circumstances of his visit, Mr. Shuman says: “As the result of my conversation and of his utterances, I am favorably impressed with Gro- ver Cleveland, his good intentions and his cour- age. He looks and talks like a thoroughty honest man, a true American patriot, and shall expect that he shall so prove to be when he gets to Washington. 1 do not believe him capable of reckless partisanship. He will do nothing that will injure business Interests of the country or bring discredit upon the government or nation. Heis apparently a just man, anda man of broad ideas and sympathies. No one can talk with him for ten minutes without oa | thus impressed. he have the nerve and courage to resist the wiles and pressure of the bad elements of his Party ‘when he assumes the reins ot government? He has the appearance of @ brave, self-mastered and self-reliant man, and the people of Albany, of both parties, assure me that he is precisely that style of man; that he has demonstrated this tact in the gubernatorial office, and that he will demonstrate it even more convincingly at Washington. ERS. —" its of Mra, Downs, eames earring cre red a lotter yester A Notice ov Contrast Firgp.—T. A. Ki of Chi- Se oa ee - ‘Of can- ‘Yassers to contest the election of Chas, J. Mulheran to tLe lower house from the 13th district urface in | KE: KINGLE’S MAIL BAG. Letters Which Little Ones Send to Good St. Nicholas. A LITTLE GIRL Wo 4 TOOTH-BRUSH—A TALK WITH ST. NICHOLAS’ PRIVATE SECRETARY—WHERE THR LETTERS ADDRESSED TO KRIS GO, AND HOW THEY ARB NSWERED. “Here’s another’ card for Kris Kingle,” said & city post office clerk, bringing a postel card up to the desk of one of the officials of the office with whom a Star reporter was talking. It ‘Was a postal card, on which some small boy had written on one side, evidently with much diffi- culty, the words “Kris Kingie.” On the other was the message to Kris Klingle, printed in biz letters, which, however, ran in different direc- tions, now and then colliding with one another and getting into inextricable confusion. It is not likely Kris Kingle will have time this year to decipher the Lured wie on the card so as to know what the little boy wants. “Do We get many such letters?” said the ofi- cial. “Yes a good many come into the office. | Here is one that was dropped into a letter box Just as itisnow. You see there fs no postage ; Upon it at all. The carrier, when he collected Be letters from the box, brought this in with him.” The letter or note was written upon what ap- peared to be a fragment of a blank Sunday School report, there being spaces on it for re- cording the number of Sabbath pupils who were in attendance, and other information of a siin- ilar character. It was folded, and on the outside were crawled the words *Santey Close.” The letter written on the other side was as follows: WASHINGTON, D. C.. 1884. Dear Santey Closse: My farther Is dead and my mother is poor and 1 want a new pait of shose and stokings anda gosmer and umbre! torth brush. My mother says will you please bring her pair shoes for Sunday and 2 pair stoxings for Christmas I close my letter Maecz J. Lex 1011 191m St. xw “We keep all these letters,” continued the Official, “for a gentleman on Capitol Hill, who,I believe, answer them. SANTA CLAUS’ PRIVATE SECRETARY. The Star reporter last evening found the house of the gentleman, who attends to Santa Claus’ correspondence. He was enjoying his comfort before a warm fire, cheeked, happy looking children, were busily engaged putting together bits of colored paper in odd forms for Christmas decorations. “Yes.” said the gentleman, laughing good |humoredly, when Tue Stat reporter told his mission. “I get Santa Claus’ letters, and do not object to telling you about it, If you will not use my name. This is the seventh year that Thave been getting the letters. Seven years azo, I noticed in the list of advertised letters in Tue Star, a letter addressed to ‘Santa Claus.” {t struck me some one ought to get the letter and answer it. the officials were indoubt whether they had any right to give it to me. I told them that I was as much Santa Claus as any one, and that Ihadas much right to the letter as any one else. They were satisfied, of course, that my intentions were good, and finally gave me the letter. After that, by arrangement ail letters so directed were saved for me. { have got a great deal of pleasure and amusement out of them, and I think I have done some good, too. Tt has given me such an interest in Christmas. In {interest as children do. Some of these letters are very amusing. and some are very pathetic.” “What do you do with them?” “If any adilress is given { invariably answer them, Sometimes I refer the children to their fathers or mothers In such a way as to let the parents know what they want. If it is a case that looks as though there was something more needed than the playthings which Santa Claus carrs in his pack I may go and visit them, look up their surroundings a little and maybe help them in some way. ALL THE WAY FROM KANSAS. “Last y from a little Norwegian girl way out in Kansas, who wrote that she had just heard of Santa Claus and would like to know about him. She addressed her letter to this city because, I sup- pose, she thouzht this was the capital and Santa Claus must make his headquarters here, My children became very much interested in this little girl, so far away, who had written to Santa Claus. and each ene contributed some- thing from their Christmas—ail except my little girl who had no money. She wanted to send her best doll, but we would not let her ao that. We bought for the little girl a copy of Hans Christian Andersen's tales, sent it to the post- master in town and he delivered It. SANTA CLAUS FAD NEVER COME. “I remember another letter,” the gentleman went on, “‘a very touching little letter from two little girls—one six and the other eight years old. They wrote that their father end mother were Cead; that their mother. betore she went to heaven, told them about Santa Claus, but he had never come tosee them. They gave their address as South Washington. I looked them up, and found that they were living with their grandparents—two very nice old people. I called upon them, saw the children, and then asked the old gentleman if I could see him alone. He took me into another room and I read the letter tonim. He called his wife in, and when she heard the letter she was 20 touched that she cried. Well,I need not say. that after that. These old people were kind, but had never thought about the matter. They were in deep sorrow on account of the death of their son—a sorrow that so overshadowed every- thing that they did not think of the Christmas entertainment of these children. If I have ac- complished nothing else by taking an interest in these letters than to bring these children into happy relations with Santa Claus I am satisfied with that. I believe the old people, too, find that Santa Clage brings some happiness to them. “There was one boy up in New York who wrote that he did not want any skates, or any sied, but something to read. as he was far away into the country, where he could get nothing to read. We made him up a package of books out of the library and sent him.” “How many such letters do you get each year?” asked the reporter. “From six to twenty. Some years a great many more come than in other years. They be- gin to come in the tirst week in December. Last year Iframed a reply, and made hektograph copies of it. Isent a copy to every child whose address was furnished. [ dated the letter trom the Hartz mountains, in Germany, so as to keep up the character I assumed, and stated that there were so many children to think of that some might be overlooked; that my pack was getting so large that places had been established in the United States where toysand other ‘things were deposited; that I had no doubt that if they consuited their father and mother they could atrange so asto get the things they wanted; but If all the articles of the kind called tor were gone, they could find something else just as good. Ofcourse, many of the letters I receive contain no addresses, and I have no means of telling where they come from. Here.” said the ntlemen, taking from his desk a packet of fee “are sume I have recently received.” SOME OF THE LETTERS. One of these letters had been folded and dropped into a letter-box without postage and without being inclosed In an envelope. On the outside was the name of “Kris Kingle.” to- gether with that of “Basil Sillers,” supposed to be the little boy who wrote it. It was written in lead pencil, and evidently with great pains and labor, so Kris would haveno troubie in reading it. It said: “Kriss Kingle Basil wants an and adevilin the tox money bank a paint bors, horn horse some cake and candy nuts 4 story book hobby horse a box of cards and a volocipied dear Kriss Goodby. Sleigh and drum” Another one had been written for the little ones on a type writer. It saia: WASHINGTON, D. C., Dec. 18th, 184 carriage for little Annie Wood. I also want a doll baby. I want a lot of candy. Please Santa bi Howard some candy too. Bring John some He also ‘wane a goat. ‘100, ‘Your friends, aloes Gzorere Howarp, Room 0, Axniz Howazp, Room 9, Another was written in ink by alittle girlwho tried very hard not to makea blot, but could not help rubbing her hand over the bottem of the page before it was dried. 20 as to give sev- eral of the letters a tattered and wind-blown look. It said: ‘Wasurneron DC dec 21. 1884 Dear Santa Claus 2 wien [ce caoane tom ies oem: otwhat t wouid like to have Christmas I would a ge doll baby to fy the Brought me last Christmas a large set of large be@ but if you can’t me all the carriage and bed and fugene Be i tf i subi FA i ANTS AN UMBRELLA AND a gloves and | while four rosy | T applied to. the post office, but | fact, [look forward to Christmas with as mnch | £ | he continued, “I got a letter Santa Claus was very good to those children | ms of Music to be Churches To-morrow Following are the programs of musical services afranged for various churches to-morrow in addi ton to the list published in Tun Stax last even- in the ROMAN CATHOLIC. St. Augustine’s—High mass at § o'clock. New mags, Weigans; celebrant, Rev. C. Hurley; sermon | by Rev. M. J. Walsh; Veni Creator, Millard; offer- tory, Adeste Fideles, Novello; low ‘mass at 6,7 and | 9 O'clock; grand high mass at 11 o’cloc ASS, Giorza; celebrant, Ret. John A. De Ruyter; deacon, Rev. C. Hurley; sub-deacon, Rev. M. J. Walsh! by Rev. C. Hurley; Veht Creator, from Mey: erbeer; offertory, Hac nocte cum Datus est (trio), Calero; benediction after mass; no vespers; 0 Sal: | Ntaris, soprano solo, Mrs. Agues Smallwood, Nico- | la; Tantum Ergo, mate chorus, trom Liszt; Lau- ate Dominum, Rosenwig; chorus of thiriy-two Voices; organist’ aud leader, Prof. Charles Thier- | bach i, MPS. Acnes Smaliwood, Mra. Mar- | tina Irving. Miss Mattie Marin, Miss Annie Dey, | Miss Blanche Fe Mary Sims, Ml Ra . Miss Annie Clarke, Miss Annie Johnson Mr. | Jame ms, Mr. Ignatius J: | Mr. James leeder; busst, Mr. W. T. benjamin, Mr. Alphonsus J: Mr. J mms, Mr. Arthnr Chasiey, Mr. Linus Jackson, Mr. Waller Coakley. St, Matthew’s—Iligh mass at So'clock am. Tue | | Music will be as follows: Hymn, Adeste Fideles, Novello, before services; mass by La Haciie, for tmuale voices; Vent Creator, Hummel; offertorium, Ui Natale, by Gounod. Solem hizh tass and ben- { ediction at 11a. m.; hymn, Adeste Fideles, preiude son, Dr. Augusta, Georg Wichtt's Imperizi mass, with {ts full orene=: | ural mpaniment; Veni Creator, Wiegand; offer- tortum; Alma Virgo, Hummel: oO | Cerit'o: rantum Ergo, Ros: Sermons by Rev. Dr. © r ts of: Soprant, Mrs Nelli | tee, Misses Mamie Livingston, e, Reed, Misses Belie Smith, Dollie Patterson, O'Hare, Mary Gannon and Miss MeLind Messrs! W. H. Burnett, Fenuel, May, Parkhurst and Collins; bassi, Messr lack: ; Prot. Gannon, director. the first time in America. The orchestra has beca | selected with great care. PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. Andrew's churen (comer 14th and Corcoran —Quartette, Hark! What Mean th . Danks; ae sand | EB nc: erg, in f; ‘Hymn ‘©. 22, Cabol; offertory, sop And ‘There’ Were Shepherds, Wii Soprano, Mrs. F. J. Woodman? aito, Mattie E. Gray; tenor, Mr. W. R. B. Atkiaso1 Mr. F. J. Woodmai t. i Christ chureh” (Nav | Grand festival in Bb by Gustav C. Knopt | by Kroell; Jubuate; Chant; Glorla Patrt, Dp, | cffertory;’ alco solo, O Babe, My Son, 5 Henry Leslie; soprano, Miss Annie Grety; aito, Miss | Lizzie Macnichol; tenor, Waiter Conn; bass, Sazauel | A. Kennea: St. Luke's'c! Phe first service will be held on Wednesday (Christmas eve) et 7:39 o'clock. This service will be full choral, at | dered fal proper Psaits Veulte, Barnby; Jubilate, Wa: anthem, For Unto Us 2 Child is Born, B E the xs, Hark, nd Of forty in and g1 and 18, under Brown, t sisted by Mine. from Ni x s the scood cl ‘ch music shouid | opportunity and attend these services. DP St. John ‘getown)—Venite, | Gloria Patel, D, Te Deum, L ate Deo, Gloria in | Hymn, No. 435; Hy Kyrie Offertory, Sing, O, Heavens, B. Tours, Prantl, Mrs. Balley, Mrs. Cooke: alti, | Miss “Barbarin; bassl, Mr. L. Ci vr. | tenor, Mr. Hugh Nelson, ‘Mr. Selfridge; Mr. Hutchins; ng Hache; J Exee eble, Mr. it ay Cooke, director; Mr. W. E. Mid- wi { m., and a vesper sa Ane choral serv betn arranged for 11 o'clock. | Cavalry Baptist—Opening piece, tenor solo, | Noell, Gounod; chorus, Sing, O Heavens, ‘Tours cd in Clouds of Goiden Light, Shaw; ass solo, bass and alto duet and chorus, hymn, Antioch. Cholr—Soprani, Miss rs. G.H. Liltebric) Gray, B 3 tenorl, Siessrs. G. H. Lillebridge and Judd; basel, Messrs, Smith and Hickney; organist, Theo. Ingalis King; director, G. H. Lillebridge. St. Paul's Lutheran church, corner of 11th and H streets—Opening anthem, Hark! What 0 ‘Those Holy Voices, Danks; chant, Our Father, Myers; Gloria Patri," Erumerson; — Kyrie Gloria in Excetsis, Gregorian; offertory, “The Multitude of Angels; contralto solo, lial the’ Hail the Morn, Jecko. The cholr’ will x Mt . X and Sadie Messrs. W. G. Penny and G. F. Muth, Messrs. M. B. Domer and 8. C. Stokes, bassi; H, Hazara, organt: Rec oo THE LIFE OF THE TRAMP, How He Fares in This City—The Ac- commodations at the Station-Houses —Victims of Policemen Who Want to Take Cases, The tramp who visits this city as the wintry weather sets indo not receive so cordial a wel- come now as they did in previous years, when John Whiteford’s tence. There they “loaves and Lshes” friend, who is now dead. Now they enter the city by the county roads instead of by the Balti- more and Ohio railroad, as formerly. When they arrive in the city they are compelled to | apply to the station-nouses for a night's lodg- ing. ‘They are put in a room well heated, and it it should happen that several are in on the same night they usually sit around the fire and tell stories until ten or eleven o'clock at night, when the lights are lowered and they ietire to the opposite end of the room where their bed is spread. The bed consists of a wooden plat- form, which is built on an incline, with several boards raised at the upper end to serve fora illow. The platform is built about seven feet t7epared by their good ong and twenty eet wide, with a stove at the foot of it, which is kept red hot all night tong. ‘They use their coats, if they have any, to make their pillow soft. and take their shoes off. In their dreams they sometimes roll off their beas, and it has happened. now and then, that one of them rolls against the stove and burns himself. At mid- night, when the “relief” is changed, it is stated, any officer who has not made a case for some time will go into the lodgers’ room, pick out a8 many as he wants, and transfer them to iron beds in the cells, and transfer their names to the “arrest blotter,” placing the word “va- grancy” opposite the name. The tramp, thus transferred, does not like his new quarters, and he walks the floor until morning, when he is placed In the “black maria” and taken to the Police Court. The officer is then over zealous, and attempts to swear, as the officers cail it, “too hard.” and with the assistance, perhaps, of a shyster lawyer, the tramp gets off. So far, all is well, andthe tramp starts once more on his traveia, but when he reaches the front door of the court house he is stopped by the shyster,who asks for his fee, and trouble is again in sight. When the words passed between the pair, be- come too warm, the police stop them, and while the shyster is arguing the case with the police the tramp escapes and goes on his way rejoicing. EES Satie dare saree Discriminating in Favor of Brunettes. From the Indiznapolis Journal. Women who want to be clerks in Washington have found a new grievance. It has been under- stood for some time thet they were being dis- criminated against under the civil service rules, which allow the heads of departments to call for male clerks if they prefer them when vacancies are to be filled. It is now claimed by the blondes that not only do they have to fight favoritism shown to men, but also that evinced toward brunettes of their own sex. The startling dis- covery is announced that such appointments as THE FOUR-YEAN-OLD BOY The Woes of a Lover Persecuted by an infant—How a tie Brother is More Terrible than a Big Onc. He had a wild, way-off look in his dark plue eye. He was depressed. He was dazed. He ran his fingers wildly through his hair, then he threw his bead on his folded arms against @ lamp-post and looked miserable. The moon was full. “What's the matter?” asked the philan*hropic StaR man. “Is that you?"—recognizing a friend. “What ails you?” He raised his head and stared vacantly at his questioner; then, with a hopeless shake of the head, leaned mournfully against the jam 5 “Where've you been? Have soa got em?” exclaimed the frightened scribe. “Got ‘em!” and he straightened up suddenly. But the next instant he ayain subsided imto the = @ of hopelessness. “Well, I guess I ave’ “Were you ever in love?” he asked, waking up a little after a few moments. Oh, is that all?” sald the scribe. “Pahaw.” . it ain't all. All? all?—Oh'" and he ned heavily upon the lamppost. “All? Why Big! Well I guess not. I'd knock him out mone round and run off with the girl, and wouldn't mind if I did get a load of rock salt in the rear,” and he squared himselfthreateningly. “No, he’s about four years old,” and the young hed miserably, then shook hie fist at the it his lips, and hung heavily upon the man s\ lamppost. Then he turned plaintively about rested his hand on THs Star man's shoulder. “Did you ever go to see a girl who had a four year oid brother? Well, don't. Don't ever get in the way of it. 1 tell youas a friend, bew: Let it aione; don't touch it. No, don’t.” He stopped for a moment and chewed his moustache Violently. Then continued: “A four year old boy must be avelded. All boys should be killed when they reach that age. They're worse than tomea Big brothers, angry pas ain't a circumstance mite! Twas just looking into her loved we. I wus about to ask be mineand clasp herto my heart. when— r. Blank,did you ever see a dog with a tinpan tied to his tail,’ came out trom behind the sofa, and the four-year-old brother crawled up Into her lap. Oh, of course, i smiled. | patted him and told him the cat was under tie ext room. Then again the fatal on my tongue. Her hand was in mine. t twisting her fingers up with mine, you Know. My chair was slipping out from under me and one knee had Just touched the carpet—‘Sister, here's a_pin'—then he watke back to the next room. Then for three minutes all was still—my heart beat quickly—she was mi— But: ‘Sister, another pin; that's two pins. Mr. Blank, did you ever see a Junee ltoastring? They can’t cet away; can Mr. Blank?’ Then he crawled up on my knee and wanted to know why Santa Clans dian’t come on the Fourth of July. And if that Was Santa Claus sister was kissing ou the front door step Inst night—‘for don't you know sister when she picked me up in the vestibule tind her that if I'd be good and not talk too much Santa Claus would bring me something good—it must ‘a been Santa Claus. Don’t you think so, Mr. Blank?’ [ haven't heard whether the fall hurt him, but here I am.” ‘Then heran his fingers through his hair, and went back upon the lamp-post. sewer — RUDENESS ON THE BAIL. What a Railread Official Has Ob- served—Ladies Who Occupy Two Seats—The Man who Leaves His Bag- gage on a Seat While He Smoking Car-How ™ “Tnever saw such rudeness in my life,” re- marked a gentleman to a railroad official as he stepped off a car within a few minutes of the starting time ofa train. “There are men, some youns robust ones, too, in that car holding fast to their seats while ladies are standing.” “Yes,” said the official, “there are plenty of such, and when the train men suggests that double up they will bristle ap and Intimate that they are « erstepping their duties.” “Perhaps,” suggested a bye stander, “if the ladies would say ‘thank you’ more often they wouid fare better. Some will give a man a ‘get me your seat look’ as if men were rrender their seats.” “Of course,” said the railroad man, “most men will interpret the iook and give up; and in some cases not even a nod is given in return. ‘There are some men, however. who can stand all their looks and hold fast to their seats. If do not act always as gentlemen towards he latter are often to blame. It, when es up his seat the lady would merely nod her thanks, others would not hesitate to give up to the iadies also.” “There are some ladies,” said the bystander, “who will take a seat for two and then ask the irakeman to turn the seat in front of her for her to rest her feet upon.” “Yes,” put {n another, “that Is always the case if the lady has a neat looking foot.” “But,” said the railroad man, ‘the ticketscall for but one seat each, and except in cases of sickness seats are not turned.” “Some women who cecupy two seats,” said the bystander, “do not hes tate to say to'a lady that the seat with ber is er aged.” 'y her little hand satc!¢!," added the rail- road man. “I call that lying,” said 1 traveler who had Jast come up. “And the inguiring lady,” continued the by- stander, “has to stand: * Till the conductor or prakesman makes a request that the pat engers double vp,” sald the railroad man, * You have not hit upon the worst nuisance of all yet. There are no people 80 considerate of the Comfort of ladies as in this cou. try, but there are exceptions among men, as there are among ladies. The large majority of the latter atways command respect, for they are never so forgetful as not to thank @ gentle- man for any little courtesy. There are a few, however, such as you have described, put they may yet jearn some day, whin reats are dif- ficult to find. how it is themselves, and improve in their conduct. The biggest nuisance of all is the men who travel with big aichels and place them on seats in the iadies’ car to hold them while they go forward to smoke. These are the regular bores who take advant- age of the custom of jeaving something ou a seat to retain it, and arrange their traps 80 as to secure two seats, and then go in the smoker, thus occupying seats for three. So you see that there are some men who are quite as great nuisances in this respect as ladies. If all would recognize the fact that a ticket is for but one seat, and pone are entitled to special privileges, our daties would not be so onerous.” At this point the bell sounded and the rail- road man sung out, “All aboard!” and got on his train, while some other bores who had been chatting with their friends to the last moment, jumped off. The first duty of the conductor while collecting the fares was to see that some fair one made room for their sisters who had been kept standing, and arrange the baggage of the smoking bores 80 as to give all a chance to sit down. nisin, ‘The Cracked \iti-Charge From the New York Tribune, The career of the large multi-charge gun, in- vented by Col. J.R. Haskins, is ended. ordnance board have been testing the gun at intervals for more than a year at Sandy Hook, and after fring @ round Jast Thursday a crack more than three feet long was discovered in the tube which rendered it unfit for use. Col. Has- kins said yesterday to a Tribune reporter: “This disabled gan is the largest one ever constructed on the mi principle. cause of the gun's cracking was hot on account of any increased strain resulting from the com- bination of faeces chambers, but was on ac- count of a defect in the metal casting. Whipple, of the ordnance board, said when it ‘was com, i it would have been 3 i are now given to womenare invariably bestowed upon nhy dark-haired sisterhood. When taxed with making this cruel distinction, the officials excuse themselves by saying that blondes are Naturally there and hatred between these factions white and red roses, so to speak. The blondes, however, ars able to score one over their despised antagonists, owing to the appointment of one of their number to a coveted sition in the Treasury. She was apy itly a es Fagar t mparee nape ge aap! lark wig while ing thro rdeal oan ination. pet 4 that hereafter if made it, cause for mc —_ to the iuch. The steel tubew! inside cracked last year, but the outside the gun was gpinjared. Three sixteen feet wide by two inches thick, orugk upon the gun the tube was cracked to experiments made have tions, except that I could HE it i" a g ) : tube. Iam ‘the $100,000 appropriatton