Evening Star Newspaper, November 7, 1885, Page 2

bo cItY AND DISTRICT. TWO ELEGANT HOUSES, ‘The resideners Erccted for Col. John May amd Mr. ry Adams. ovsEs w HW HAVE BEEN MANY MONTHS FINE AND UNIQUE EFFECTS IN CK WORK -KICH INTERIOR DECORATIONS— THE COSTLIEST PRIVATE RESIDENCES IN WASHINGTON Durtn; er the two houses in course of erection orthwest corner of 16th and Hi streets have ted agreat deal of atten- tion. One reason for this is that the style of architecture employed differs widely from the general character of that which prevails Yhroughout the city, although monotony has never been charged as one of the defeets in the €esign of houses erected here. In the great va- wlety of styles which prevails these housesstand as types of something entirely distinct. ‘The only residence that at ali resembles ‘them ts that of Gen. N. L. Anderson, at the Southwest corner of 16th and K streets, and Pik house was designed vy Mr. Richardson, of , Who Is also the architect of the houses jm question. The distinctive feature of these houses is their massive appearance, which Is ‘obtained by plain brick walls of unusual thick- hess, witb stuall window openings and a strong Youndation of undressed white Ohio stone. The basement walls are two feet thick, and the Three stories are surmounted by’ @ high pitched roof of slate. The only ornam¢ ation in the exterior walls is. Which is obtained by laying the bricks of different sizes in curved arches, pillars and designs of a varied character. Near the door- Ways and in various places in the exterior sur- Jace there are designs which have been carved 4n the brick after it was laid in the wall, and which havea very fine effect. The houses are the Hinest examples of the effects to be obtained In ‘the use of bricks that have ever been produced Ju this city. All the exterior bricks have been auade by the Virginia Brick company of this District, trom special designs furnished by the architect. Instead of the bricks being 12 Anehes long, which is the usual size, they are 16 Anches long. and those that are axed in the win- ‘dow sills, in the rounded sides of the turrets and 4n_ the ornamentations. are all specially made for these houses. There are twenty-six different esigus of bricks Used in the building, and,with ‘the exceptions of the foundations and the main ‘entrance, no stoue fs employed. Col. HAY’'S PALATIAT HOUSE. ‘The house on the corner belongs to Col. John lay, who was private secretary to President ‘Zincoin and Assistant Secretary of State during the Hayesadministration. He is also an author Of considerable reputation, and the authorship 9f the popular novel, “The ‘Bread Winners,” has been attributed to him. This house has a front- ‘ge of Sity-four feet on H street and ninety feet on 16th street. The entrance is from 16th street and has a massive porch of Ohio stone Sod a fine brick arch over the doorway, the Span of which Is about fifteca feet. Passing u der this arch through a capacioux doorwas ‘the vistor finds himself in a broad central hal from which a grand staircase ascends to th ‘upper story. The ceilings and walls are pan- eled and Wainscoted with white inubagany, a ‘wood brought from South America. ‘The mas- sive beams which are exposed in the ceiling Lave @ delicate tracery of carving running along the edges which 13 simply exquisite. On ‘Whe right of this hail is the dining room,which 4s grand apartment finished entirely in red Mahogany, the rich red coloring of the natural “wood us seen om the walls and ceilings giving effects which harmonize With the other ‘details of the room. At the north end of the room ts a great old: | dashioned fire-place or ingle nook with seats at the sides aud a mantelpiece of large size that i # perfect marvel of the wood carver's art. <apacious window seat runs around the win: dow looking upon 16th street, and all the «e- ‘Lalis of the room contribute to the grand effect ‘Which Its size produces. Across the hall on the south side of the house {s the library, which is | Ainished ia oak, witha lavishness of detail that does not violate the good taste and quiet ele- funce which characterizes the entire work. fhe parlor, which adjoins the library, 1s smaller room and is finished in the French le. The wood work is pine, painted white. Wwuched with gold. The mantel at the fire- pkue is delicately carved. There are thre: ‘Btaircases in the house lu addition to the grand central stairway, and a capacious butier’s pan- ry and other accessories Whieh are necessary 4n a house constructed on sucit a grand Scale THE GRAND STAIR CASE, ‘Which ts weil lighted by windows looking into ‘the back yard, terminates in the second story ina spacious hall,into which the chambers pen. This hallis lighted by alarge skylight in the roof, and access is gained tothe third story by a smaller stairway. The rooms in the “upper storles are finished In pine, which are to be painted in colors which wil biend with the Papers to be placed ou the walls, | Each room asa handsome fire-place with larze mantels carved. There are two bath-rooms on cond floor. one of which is a good-s with the floor and wainscoting porcelain tiling. On the third floor there is an- ‘Other bath-room. The attic story, under. the high pitched roof.is thrown into one large room} aud with the exception of the floor Minished. All the floors in the house nd luid with such care that nota crack can Beseen. The doors are made from special de Signs and are very fine examples of pine wood work. A water tank in the attic story has be- aeath It a flooring of sheet lead to guard against the possibility of leakage, and the pipes that Fun ai Bheet ‘Bn immense range and a large laundr: ached. The billiard room ts large and has a handsome fire-place and wood mantel. There & wine room, coal room and other conven- ences in the basement, and the heating is done ‘Dy indirect radiation. "The rear of the house Is Dnished as handsomely as the front, and every detail ts as complete and substantial as skiil nd money can make it. The house when com- pleted will cost fuliy $100,000, and as it stands on ground for which Col. Hay paid 86 per foot, it is the most cost rivate improvement that thas ever been in this city. MR. ADAMS’ HOUSE. The house which adjoins it on the west be- Jongs to Mr.Henry Adams, the son of Charles Francis Adams andawriter of considerable inence. While in its general features this bears resemblance to that of Colonel it differs from it materially in its details. ‘The corner house is bailt on. grand scale, with great rooms, lofty ceilings, and all the acces- sorties: to conv: an impression of grandeur fn the mind. Mr. Adams’ house is smaller. Ithas@ frontage on H street of 44 deetand adepth of 58 feet. The rooms are, qherefore, small in com m with those of neighboring house, the ceilings are wer, and the entire design gives a more bs home- like impression. The interior finish and arrangements are unique in the extreme, and ‘the house representa the most advanced phase of the prevail fondness for the antique. ‘This house iswhat | known asa basement houset With the main entrance directly off from the street. The front of the basement ‘up tothe first oor is constructed entirely of white Ohio stone, ‘whieh in ts exquisitely carved. ‘The ret maining exterior walls are buil tin thesamestyle and asthe ining house. Heneath the basement is the cellar, which contains the Steam heating apparatus, coal vaults, wine cetlar, &c. The oddest feature of the house is the main entrance, which, ax ited, is directly ‘off from the street and through a low doorwa: Jeads into oa ape hall with a low ceiling. This Ball is paneled and wainseoted in pine, which Js pointed white. At one side isa fireplace chimney seats and an elaborate raantel of pine handsomely carved and painted to cor- yespond with the desiga of the hall. From the center a platforia staircase leads up to the first oor. This staircase is broad and low, and the Dalasters are very small and set close together, mand as seen from below give an odd effect. Ad- ining the hall, but with no entrance directly isthe kitchen. This has windows look- “fag into the street anda door which opens directly poy Lege ert ips: is wapantry, and in the rear of that Is the laundry. The space back of the main hall is used for a @umb waiter anda passenger elevator com- Dined and the stairway leading into the celiar. THE AKRANGEMENT OF THE Rooms. The uain stairway, which is well lighted by ‘windows in the buck of the house, leads up into @ ball in the second story, from which the Fooms open. There are two rooms ip the front Of the house, one for a library and the other for a@study-room. oth of these rooms are finished 4m quartered oak, which is not only good work, Dut gives a fine effect. One of the features of She house are the fire-places, with hearths of red Drick laid iu red mortar. The test fire-place 4g in the library. and itis faced with blocks of Mexican ony x, which ts beautifully marked by Hature, showing the vegetable and animal forms as they became petrified and imbedded 4n the mineral formation. The stone has a high ‘Polish and shows with Gue etfect. The dining- Foom ts in the rear of the library, and has wip- @ows and 4 door which occupy the entire end of the room looking tnto the back yard, The room ‘s weil lighted and cheeriu ‘The fireplace in this room is finished ‘With red stoue. Ail the fire-places and manteis on this floor represent the most advanced modern ides, and the effect is very odd and unique. Tie’ rooms in the upper stories are Buished in pive with bard oil fiuish, and the Iantels and fire-places exceed in beauty those ‘which are usually placed in the chambers of a vate residence. The cost of this house will about $60,000, and the saine price was pald for the ground as was paid for that on which the adjoining house is located. A stable has Been built iu the rearof Mr. Adams’ bouse. ‘While there is a space in the rear of Col, Hay’s house, it has not yet been decided to build a stable there. Although the arehitect Is a Boston wan, the houses huve been erected by Wash- ington workmen, under th direction of Mr. ‘Charles Edmonston, the builder, The erection ‘Was begun a year ago last A! st, an‘l they ‘Will be ready to be occupied in a few months, : —— see. A Marutep Woxax Exopes.—At Memphis, Tenn., William Hiser on Thursday eloped with Mr. Schultz, who leaves a husband and one ehiid behind her. The pair were shot at by Schul:z last Sunday night while they were walking aiong 4 street arm in arm on their ‘Way tochurci. Schultz is soon to be tried for the shooting. ‘Hiser is about 20 years of age, mad Mrs. Schultz is a ne, vag the floor are laid in a trough of lead ate quiet, and unassami 600d looking woman ing. In the basement is the kitchen, with | FOOLS AND THEIR MONEY. he Guileless are Fleeced by the pers Through the Mails. A POST OFFICE OFFICIAL GIVES AN INTEREST- ING CHAPTER OF EXPERIENCE WITH FRAUDS —THE SHARP DEVICES THAT ARE EMPLOYED. “Speaking of frauds practiced by using the mails,” remarked a Post Office department of- fictal who has charge of the investigation of complaints against frauds, “look bere.” He opened a large case where were pigeon-hoted about a cartioad of documents. “These,” said he, “are exposures of the frauds. They are legion. Their methods embrace all the tricks that raseality has invented to entrap the un- wary. They reveal a shrewd knowledge of human nature. It 1s difficalt to tell which is the more amazing, the brazen impudence and transparency of the frauds or the gullible sim- lieity of their vietims. The greater part of Thee swindlers get. thelr hold ‘upon the confi- dence of the public by advertising in the news- apers, and strange tosay, the moral and ro- ficlous’ journals of the country are usually made, through carelessness probably rather han ‘the eupidity of their business manage- ment, accomplices to the confidence game played upon their guileless readers.” WORKING THE RELIGIOUS PRESS, “For example,” he continued, “how often is seen in the advertising columns of religious periodicals something like this: ‘Comfort to the AMicted—An aged physician, retired from practice, but still desfrous of doing good to his fellow men, takes this means of informing the suffering of something to their advantage. He was himself, for many years, a sufferer from that terrible’ malady, the Catarrh. In his en- deavors to effect a cure he studied all the best medical works on the subject. He traveied over Europe and consulted the most eminent physicians of the civilized world, but all the re- sources of science, and all the medical skill of all the schools,’ could not arrest the pro- gress of the fell disease that made his life a burden. Finally, as he had about de- termined to yield and no longer struggle with the grim monster, he heard through a returned. Mmissionury of the celebrated Foolemall Root, with which the Magi, or Medicine Priests, of Persia, perfurm such’ wonderful cures of this dreadful malady, Gathering up his remaining b, he sailed to Persia, found out this remedy, and paid an enormous sum for the secret of tis preparation for use. It re- stored him to health, and enabled him to save the lives of thousands of his patients. Having now retired upon a competency, his natural be- nevolence prompts him to give ‘to the suffering the beuefit'of this marvelous cure. - On reeelpt, of one dollar (which simply covers the cost of the material) and three postage stamps, to pre- ¥ postage on the package, he will send this dy by return mail, guaranteeing or the money refunded. Address and, No. 19 Invisible Lane, N. Y., or Catarrh Dispensary, P. 0. Box 50.490." THE TRUSTING VICTIM, “Some pious victim of this malady,” con- tinued the official, with a grim smile, “receives her weekly Journal, devoted to Christian work and the interests of her denomination. After reading an earnest editorial.on the need of | faith, and the articles admonishing her to read | the religions in preference to the secular news- | paper, as its columns are filled with only the | chotest gieanins of truth, her eyes glance over the adverti |e Her faith ‘Is active, espe- Lanee of all she finds in the religious journal, which has been a help to | her spiritual life for so man, rs. As her | eyes rest upon the alluring advertisement just | | quoted she accepts ft as gospel trath and areve- lation. Surely Providence has directed her to a cure at last. "That dear, good, wise old man, so full of “sympathy for’an agony that has | brought ‘him almost to death's door, | has “come like an angel of healing to give her back her health on more. The doliar and the stamps are quickly mailed to Dr. Cheatfraud, and she lies awake at nights In expectancy of the wonderful baim that is to heal her much-doetored disea But no re- 5 After a fortnight of anxious suspense | disappointment, she writes again, y. At last, after scolding the village nouncing the inefficiency of it dawns upon her that she Then she and all her sym- ‘n and sisters fall to censuring al servieo, ven swindled. breth Mifice department for allowing the ed by such impudent and bare- She writes to the editor of her ns Fireside Guardian, and he s up the cudgels in her behaif and roundly ieetures the Postmaster General for permitting the postal facilities of the country to_be used as @ means of fleecing the poor and afflicted out of thefr mone: ‘does not occur to these good people that Dr. Cheatfraud has not used the mails at all. He has simply used the columns of the Zion's Fireside Guardian. DEVICES To DEFRAUD. ‘The above Is but a sample of the schemes to defraud. Here is another that fs being worked. by many a rascal: “Agents wanted—Good,smart young men or women ean get steady employ- ment and good wages, ranging from $5 to $10 ber day, as agents for the sale ofone of the most | opular books of the age. Apply to. Hum, use & Co., No. 146 street, Chicago, closing $1 and one postage stamp to be used in making inquiry of references, ete. Send by wail.” Devices of this sort cause the money of any a si redulous soul to part from his or her p The dollar is sent, but the ‘agency or the $5 or $10 per day are never real- ized. The victims who have thus sent their money In the mails generally blame the mails for bearing It away to the coffers of the enter prising Hum, Bugg & Co. Here is another sample: “Wanted. ‘The Gre- cian Art Redivivus company desires toemploy | persons to copy choice warks of art, sucn a8. | paintings or sculpture. For good imitations, no rangi yf from 850 to 3 will be paid. ‘he work will be sent to applicants. For such. as is rejected the patrons will only lose their labor. ere is a rare opportunity not only to develop artistic talent, but to earn money. Many patrons are making large sums. Send 3 to the office of the Grecian Art Redivivus Co., box No. 408,500, New York, and pictures, paints, brushes and other apparatus will be sent, together with full instructions, so that persons can begin this work who have not be- come skilled artists, and can receive the benefit of instruction. ‘This association is founded and endowed by benevolent lovers of art, with the laudable end of developing the genius of the American people and stimulating their love for the noblest arts.” THE ARTISTIC RACKET. Such notices as these, slightly varied, capture multitudes of innocent but simple people, some of whom have a smattering of experience in painting or drawing; and others lacking the requisite genius to wield a white-brusb, also send in their money. The Grecian Art Redivi- vus company, whlch consists of one shrewd raseal in a New York attic, with an investment only in a few advertisements and a box in the Et office. reaps a plentiful harvest of five dol- jar bills. Then a shower of dolorous complaints poursinto the department. By the time an in- Spector cap get upon the scene to investigate this concerh, the rascal at the bottom oi it has departed, sought some other city, where he comes out with another name and another scheme to collect the tax that fools ure so eager to pay for experience. One very successiul game was played in this way. ‘A notice ap- peared in the advertising columns of respect- able journals something like this: AID TO LITERARY GENIUS. “A gentleman of much Iiterary culture and ex- perience, as author, editor and reviewer, offers his services to young authors in preparing for ublication and securing recognition for their Heerary work. Any vermin having manuscript Stories or novels which they ire published will do welt to consult him. His rare critical attainments will be of uso in suggesting im- provements in plot and style; and his aequaint- ace and personal friendship with the leading publishers of America will enable them to se- curea pobiestion of all good work, ina manner that will bring the writers both fame and for- tune. Terms of consultation b: letter, $10; to be sent with manuscript. Address ‘Berwick Nansemond Biuffer, PhHadelphia, Pa P.O. ox 10,590.” One would think this was angling in waters where no gudgeons would be found to bil But this knave, with shrewd insight into human nature, baits his hook to appeal both to cupidity and green ambition, and cast it into a very hungry school. In upon him poured a deluge of manuscripts, mostly from young ladies, and with each came the requisite ten dollar bill. He answered them all, praised the authoresses each in highest terms, sug- gested changes in « few instances, and pre- ten that he had made arrangements for publication of their stories in leading maza- zines, drew another $10 or $20 out of each of the aspirants tw literary fame, and then con. signing the manuscripts to the flames, Mr. Bors witk” Nansemond Bluffer, the literary critic and iriend of Pane geulus, disappeared from bis haunts, while u sorely disappointed yj tims wrote pathetic stories of their experie: for the perusal of the head of the postal depart. ment. A LUCRATIVE FRAUD, “Another simple but very lucrative fraud,” the official went on, “is operated in this wise. A small advertisement appears in the “Want columns of a great daily newspaper: ‘Wanted— Copyists to do writing at theirown homes. Lib- eral prices paid. Send ten cents to the subseriber to procure paper, ete., and copy will be far nished. Give full address, street and number, and ‘send specimen of penmanship.” Ladies who write a rapid bug distinct hand are pret ferred. John L. Smalisteal, station X, Louis. ville, Ky.” Many an indigent miss, "vainly seeking ‘clerical work, sees this, and believing that at last she has found a chance to earn her livelihood in easy and dignified employment, takes a dime from her scanty purse and senda it to this, pusillanimous thief, and he uses It 10 Procure ‘paper, ete.’—principally etcetera. ‘THEIR NAME 18 LEGION, “It would require columns to enumerate the ‘frauds’ who are thus engaged in appealing to the cupidity and gullibility of the public. There are the patent medicine trauds, the ‘old man whose sands of life have nearly run out; the healers of all diseases, the fortune tellers,the bogus publishers of ten dollar books at the low rice of one dolia:, the vendors of Taachines to do the impoesitie: the art diserfat Imapatenco, the restorers of ville te tees 1m In pilis that ‘must not be talker bY’ thease ing an expansion of the family circle, rs who will send a $78 gun for $15, the importers who will sell a splendid warranted ‘(Gotu ther is about one toch ee ane THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON, D.C., SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1885-DOUBLE SHEET. and benevolent and co-operative unions ines frauds ia nutnberless forms, but all miserable they in tu the i the vietim theif complaints.” THE COUNTERFRIT MONBY TRICK. “One scheme levied quite a contribution from those who wished todos thriving busisess in passing counterfeit , money,” ccatianed tbe . . clreular eateatse cee ncine Bares: gs bil, Hating that it was a simple of a very 20 a supply or g0e tla Be OnompLly Fe Initted. he if m natural rascal, thought he saw a fine chance. On presentini smashaethte ecaaotalt 3 and, of course, never heard of it again, and he was In no situation to ‘squeal. MATRIMONIAL UNIONS, “There were on the ‘fraud docket’ st one ume,” continued the official, “and published as trauds nearly one hundred ‘bogus innurance companies: ized on the pretended plan of aiding matrimonial alliances and ‘ing & Saas een ae cee honest-hearted of antique who iment who wore daoes by these tands, would cotoniog anew Tarrtory.? THEY COME UP SMILING. partment tried to guard the public against these cheats by advertising them in the Guide.’ A list of frauds used to be from time to time, It ran up into dreds, and some scam: Gosen oF #0 of aliases, ise, under a new name, and ‘an eager indied as over. “The power given to the Postmaster General to oppose these schemes is very limited. When satigiactory evidence is Person Is conduoting jevico 10 obtain money through the malls by false or fraudulent | Protenses, | representations or Tie postnianter os the office where the rascal Teaps his harvert to retarn letters ad- dressed to the raseal to the whende they came, tb be given back to the sender, and to Postinastrs ca opens ahaa ioe fuse masters ean r letters oF re Thetr other mall motion, ether to, send or de. liver it. The exercise of this power, when in- voked, has ¢! to sone slight extent, the operation of these fraudulent bat perience has shown it to be entirely juat to thwart them. ee WHAT PROTECTION THE LAW GIVES. “United Statesstatutes make it penal to en- gage in such fraudulent schemes, and = great many of these rogues have been bi t tee. Post office are on their track con- stantly, and when evidence can be found and & case made against these depredators on credulous and simple minded, the offenders are prosecuted. But conviction is attended with many difficulties. ‘The victims often live in dis- tant states. They dislike togo hundreds of miles to fextlty against a stranger who has cheated them out of inconsiderable sums. It is not easy to trace letters from their hands into the post office, or from the office into thelr hends. Hun- dreds of cases in which the guilt is morally manifest, tall of conviction because it is im- possible to supply every link in the chain of legal evidence essential toestablieh guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, DIFFICULT TO PROTECT FOOLS, “And the statutes, the marahals and the courts,” “remarked the official,” are not numer ous enough nor powerful enough to protect al the fools from ail the knaves, Bluch less can the t office department do so. Its chief business is to carry the mails with celerity and security, and deliver them with eertainty. It can not break seals, nor aswortthe mail matter of the honest from that of the dishonest, nor can it ex- ercise @ censorship over the correspondence Which itconveys, The protection Is for the peo- ple to be educated up to the point of learning thatall schemes advertised which promine them much tor are frauds to be shunned.” man as to the Feed ai Give Them. Commissioner Colman, of the agricultural bu- reau, was visited by a Star reporter and ques- tioned in regard to the proper feeding and care of horses, The commissioner has devoted 3 great deal of eareand study to the horse. He owns s large farm near St. Louls, which for years has been mainly devoted, under his own supervision, to the breeding, raising and train- ing of fine horses, In response a8 ee lest for some inforination with regard to the feeding and care of horses, based upon bis experience, he said that the feeding ot Ss Was & very Si ple matter, the inain requisite being the best quailty of oats and hay: Degiaged hay and damaged oats were unfit to be fed to horses, and most of the injuries to the digestive organs of the horse were produced by food of s bad character. Some horses require more tood than others. For horses that work, about twelve quarts of oats per day toeaeh horse, and trom twelve to fifteen pounds of hay was the proper quantity tobe fed. ‘The oats should be ted in three equal instalments, and the main portion of hay should be given at night. To horses that have but little exercise, not more than elght or nine quarts of oats and about the same antity, of hay a above should be give larity of feeding was very desirabi Horses should be fed three times a day, at s gertain hour, and certain minute if possible. They are excellent time-keepers, they know Just when to expect thelr feed, and if they do ‘not get it at that time they become worried and fretted. Oats isa better grain food than corn, because it is less heating and produces more muscle; but three or four ears of good, rij corn thrown into the feed box occasionally would be greatly relished by the horses and drama prove ere pee gto addi- tion of tyro or three o wheat bran, either wetted or diy ta alse relished: If for, nishes a variety and conduces to the health of the horse. A horse to do well needs dally exer- cise, and cannot remuin in perfect health if kept standing in the stall day after day. Two oF three hours at least of exercise is essential to health. ‘Horses should be given water sbout half an hour before their meals, or, not until an hour has passed atter they have been fod grain, The stomach of@ horse ts very stall, aud It «large quantity of water is taken, the water washes the grain into the Intestines without having been properly digested and, frequently, in- Seed clan conte dio tdi A sleep upon 1s aiso pensa- bie, and many horses will not Ile down unless they have asoftbed to rest upon. Thorough rooming, removing the dust and the dirt aud he exhalations of the system from the coat of the horse is also indispensable to gooa health and condition. A tl bh currying and brushing should be given daily to every horse fhe is to be kept in the highest health. Kindness in the treatment of horses is very desirable. A horse responds to kind treatment and endeavors to repel and defend himself agalnst cruel treatment, Vicious horses are Produced by vicious treatment. A horse has the same senses asa man, can be educated to do a great many things, if the pains is taken with im from his birth Up ead if his senses are properly ap; 1c e a kind, useful ond intelligent domestic aniraak, The abuse and ill-treatment given to horses throughout the country is very reprehensible, and every kind-hearted man should do ail that he can to bring about a better treatment of the most useful animal that the Creator has con- ferred upon him. Religious Teleration. For Tux Sram. Rev. J. A. Walter, Washington, D. C.: My Dez Sre: I have read ‘with much inter. est your letter in Tum Stak of the 27th ult, on “Catholie in the subject of the school.” We t to be equally desirous of preserving the “right of nce” of all men everywhere, in Cy it coun- tries alike; and you andI would agree that “religious teaching” is necetsary to make “good and usetul citizens,” ‘You plead for the “right of Catholics to teach cathotles” in the reform senodl. ‘Will, You aise Pray with Protestant, lumatee: of Peseiscaes oepital and’ the homme of the Litdle Biaters of the Poort” When I ask mn, T recog. ize the tact that these tions are not state” institutions, ae rel rag ita = ears past large ‘ai0u ry Kreatthis ‘moment largely sap By the rt THE CLERKS IN STORES. Something About the Felks Whe Stand Behind the Counters, THE NUMBER OF PERSONS 80 EMPLOYED IN ‘THIS CITY—THE FLOOR WALKER AND HIs DOMAIN—THE NEW CLERKS’ aggoctaTion AND ITS OBJECT, “There are between 25,000 and 30,000 clerks outside of the departments in this city,” said Mr. Wm. A. Hungerford, secretary of the Clerks’ Mutual Benefit and Protective associa- tion, in answer to an inquiry made by aSTaR reporter. “I mean by that all persons employed 1n stores or private business establishments ‘as clerks, male and female. About one-halt of thia number are females, At least one-half of the clerks, both male and female, are under 25 years of age.” = he gets “What becomes of the clerk when old?” asked the reporter, “He may become one of the letors, or own @ store himself,” said 2 Benger, {Dut to uses popular phrase, the clork ‘gets left’ when he grows old. There are so many active Young men ready to, take his piacs, ‘oung men living at home perhaps, an iubaist on half the salary that would suites the oid clerk with a family. The young man at 25 oF 80 isat the height of his usefulness as a clerk. ‘Then he either secures for himself u place in the firm, or some icularly high position, for which his training and experience has him, or he begins to ret le. That's one trograd thing we propose to do in our association—to check this ‘We want to fire the young men with ambition, and at the same UUme do what we can for the old men.” “We do not admit female clerks into our asso- clation,” continued Mr. Hungerford, In answer toa question. “You Know our assoelation is & benefit association. Female clerks are not fitted for the labor they have to do. It is our experience that in s force of male and female clerks four-fifths of the sickness is among the females. In one large store here, where a ben- efit association was started among the olerks, it Wsiangulahing because tho, somales, of & large portion of them, become sick, and the clerks bave to pay. The proper and only seemn- ing remedy appears to me to be the establish- ment of a Separate benefit association among fhe female clerks, with s higher ratio of dues; &c., which could ‘be easily accomplished, an would result in untold advantages; for ‘with thera thelr working is often compulsory of a6; count of circumstances, and they can lil afford to jose their Wages on wocount of sickness, thongh all firms do not require them to forfel their pay during sickness. We require to passa rigid physical examination. to be not only socially acceptable, Vote eee cally qualified. We have a very high standard.; THE HEALTH OF CLERKS. “It is generally supposed that clerks owing to long confinement indoors are not very healthy,” suggested Tux Stak reporter. “Just the reverse is true,” sald Mr. Huo; ford. (Asa general thing, I think our medical examiner will tell you, that they are stronger than Js the rule among men—above the aver- age. The clerks, you see, have a great deal of active work to do and huve to keep It up, They become hardened. In the case of one of our members recently admitted, the doctot told me he bad never examined’ a person he con- sidered in better condition. ‘The class of clerks Wwe have are members of boat clubs and bleycle clubs, young men fond of baseball and other gutdoor pastimes and members of gymnasiums. Why, during the past summer we made up two baseball nines out of our store alone, though they did not have much chance to play.” “No,” Mr. Hungerford went on, “though it 1 indoors the employment of a clerk is not sede tary. In all the larger establishments the clerks are not expected to sit down. They ate ex- ected to be on the yo all the time.” “Aren't the hours long?” “The hours are pretty long,"sald Mr. Hunger- ford. “This has been brought about by a com- bination ofelreumstances,or competition among | some of the smaller establishments, under the belief that it is nn accommodation to the public to keep open late. ‘That idea Is somewhat an- Uquated now. During the tast few summers in Chicago, New York, Fhiladelphia, und all the larger cities, while many establishments of every class ‘closed at 5 or 6 in the after- noon, ly number- closed one day In the week at 12 or 1 o'clock, showing @ tendency to shorten hours, Did it injure their trade? No, they found it the best kind of an adver- Usemeni for them. ‘the mere fact that their clerks were out having recreation, spread the fame of the house. And then it notonly makes the clerks take more interest in the business of the firm. but the fact that the proprietor tak an Interest in the welfare of his clerks, gly the clerks an Incentive to work.” THE MONARCH OF THE FLOOR. “What ie a floor-walker?” inquired the re- porter, anxious to learn all the mysteries of lite in a store. “The floor-walker seems to be a creation of clreumstances,” sald Mr. Hungerford,“ You will find floor-walkers only in large stores, olerk ie has and generally in dry goods and fancy stores, where there aré a large number of clerks and employes. He is frequently, though not always, a member of the firm. Hé may be found on the floor of the store at all hours of the day, being generally the first to ar- rive and the last to leave. His duties ure to see that the clerks, cash bdys and all the help are in their respective places and attending to their duties In a proper manner, and also to see Uhat eustomers are properly and satisfactorily waited u . In many places the floor-walker has entire charge of the under help—employing ordischarging them at will, Increasing thelr pay when leems them deserving, or recom- mending them for promotion. He 1s also a general salesman, and while confined to no Special department, is supposed to know the Whereaboute and approximate values of all goods kept in the establisument, He has to answer innumerable questions dally, Custom- ers are directed by him, clerks transferred, boys scolded, &e, Many floor-walkera have a'la: and valuubie trade of their own, customers wi will buy from them in preference to any one else in the store, He is supposed also to know the credit customers of the firm, if they have any_the people to give or refuse, credit. “All complaints of articles lost or mislaid, bundles of merchandise undelivered or improper treat- ment of customers go to the floor-walker. Sometimes these matters are carried tothe head of the firm, but oftener settled by the floor-walker himself. He is, in short, the Tep- resentative of the firm on the floor, the execu- Uve officer of the establishment.” HOW GOODS ARE MARKED. “Don't clerks, going from one establishment to another, have trouble in familiarizing them- selves with the methods of marking goods? asked the reporter. “There is « simple dra now in use in almost all large establishments,” sald Mr. Hungerford. “That isthe model number sys. tem, which has done away with the old style of marking the cost and the selling price of goods in cipher. By the old system goods were marked with letters of the alphabet. Some word or combination of ten letters was taken as @ basis,and to each letter was assigned a numerical value. In large places where clerks were constantly changing the word would be- come known and the secret would soon be out. Now the cost isnot marked upon the goods. Each bill of goods is numbered and the ‘num: bers are kept in the office in a check book. Op- posite each number is entered the cost and the place where the were purchased. The are simply marked with the cheek ‘nuin- r and the selling price in plain figures. The clerks can never Vary from the price marked. ‘He never knows the cost of the goods unless he learns it accidentally or is u department buyer. If it is necessary to send « new order for the same goods, the firin get the information they want by referring to the proper number In the check book. In some establishments clerks buy forthe firm. ‘Thesc houses have what ure called department buyers, men who thoroughly understand some special branch of the busine and are given power to buy. | Ench department has its head, who buys for it, consulting of course with the proprietor. The'head of the de- partment selects the styles and the jcular Seuss rane cee io ir Inay se! well in Philadelphia and New York, bat in Washington probably would not sell as nant” ‘fhe head of a department in eu to become scquainted with these pecull of the trade, and to know what will customers best.” THE AIMS OF THE ASSOCIATION, “Does your association propose to regulate salaries or hours of labor?” ites it his ho intention of dictating to. em| We propses to make it as much of ebayer, the merchants as to the clerks, ana to show: merchants that it is to thelr interest to aid and e the amoclation. We have not ar ganined lr the purpose of influencing salaries or honrs ot employment. Our object {fs prima rily @ union of clerks for the pu: ‘of ore- ating a relief fund, out of which to pay weekly benefite when sick and a benent of b100 to tke family ofa member who dies and to in'24hours after death. As urule-whea gs qe ies he does not leave enough to ‘iis “Then we propose to estab! Information. Tule 1s, an erlgnae eae ith us, We sais “Gonfdential Titercoune: SE. tween or ane a the merchants and ployment. We will procure for those out cmploymeny, E ; F i i H E i i 3 3 a3 4 t | i i 5 lo two. Ot course, we do sociation is organi: Wwellart of the Clerks t Not pretend that our as- to look after {bs moral Pi ince where? clerks ar ro eit Oa Tine ratiiige vente Tt has {a existence only three and’s hair months ng been organized July 2ist with about 0 members. It was incot od October 1st. Wearetoday inamuch better nancial com @ition than we at first anticipated. Our mem. hip com) Rec (ate ee ay con er Ss 4 in men's fur- nishings, 5 in, hat stores, 10 in groce! confectionery, 2 in crockery, 1 yeToee esd in banks, 3 in real estais omices end sie Yarious otheremployments. ‘We have ‘about 24 applicants who have been received an so. cially seceptable, but awaiting a physical en, amination, making a total altogether of 16." ———$+o._ DISTRICT LAW SUITS. Attorney Riddle’s Report of the Cases on Trisl During the Last Fiseal Year. THE RAILROAD CASES — THE WASHINGTON MARKET OOMPANY LITIGATION — OTHER CASES, Mr. A. G. Riddle, attorney for the District of Columbin, in his annual report to the Commie, sioners forthe fiscal year ending June 30th, 1885,mentioned elsewheresays: In the Supreme Court of the United States the only important case, that of the Baltimore and Potomac Rail- Toa company against the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, growing out of an attempt of the company to lay their tracks ‘across 14th street southwest without authority ‘of Congress and against the orders of the Com- missioners, was decided in favor of the Com- missioners. The decision deflaes the rights of railroad companies as more limited than here- tofore generally supposed. AS eee upreme Court of the District, amony them the Important casse of the Distal rat tho Washington and Georgetown Railroad conf. Pany, and the same against the Metropolitan company; In each of which the court, on full al re unanimous in sustaini: the Judginent ofthe Ciroult Court, Wants, wee Helpate a reversal of these judgments in the Supreme Court, to which the defendants have removed them on error. I hope some means may be found to secure the advance of these cases in that court to an early hearing. ‘The cases of Strong againat the Diviriet certl- fled to the General Term by the CireuivCourt for hearing on the defendants exceptions to the award of the referees, was heard and decided at the last term of the General Term. The cases are 80 widely known that I do not deem it Necessary to give full reportof them. Although the decision of the court Teversing the award of the referecs was made since the end of the fiscal year, still the result of the hearing is a matter of notoriety that it may be well to state that the court in disposing of the cases reversed. them on the one point that the reterees erred in allowing the plaintiff the difference between the sum realized by him in disposing of audi- tors’ certificates of the board of public works and their face vaine, and remanded the cases to the Cireuit Court for hearing. In the cases or the District of Columbia agt. Smith and the Washington Gas Light com- ‘ny, which were justituted In the Police Court ¥ the District ust the defendants for creating and maintaining a nuisance, injurious to health, consisting of the crashing. burn- ing of oyst shi &c., and removed tothe Geueral Term by the defendants on certiorari, the court decided in favor of the District, and remanded the cuses to the Police Court tor fur- ther proceedings, Gibbons uxt. the District was asuit filed to restrain the District from the collection of cer- tain taxes due on property belonatag to St. Patrick's church, which, on hearing In General Term, was decided in favor of the District. Browning case, action for damases to property on account of detective sewerage. The judg- ment, 10 lavor of the platutiff tor $3,500, was on hearing in General Term reversed. District of Columbia agt Young was a, case instituted in the Police Court by the District to requlre the defendant to pay a license as com- merelal agent. The defendant removed the case by certiorari to the Supreme Court of the District, and the decision of the General Term. was favorable to the District, The McGill case.—This was an action for dam- ages against the District, in which the plaintiff recovered a judgment for $3,000, which was affirmed on appeal. As it was the negligence of an adjoining property owner which caused the accident I think the District will be able to col- lect whatever amount it pays on account of the Judgment. Tue Emerson and Gannon cases, wherein judgments were obtained in the sum’of $4,000 "y each plaintiff, involve certain principles whichI think should be passed upon by the Supreme Court of the United States, and [have accordingly tuken the necessary steps to have them removed to that court, a he Washington Market company case again the District was au action instituted by the market company to restrain the District, its Commissioners and the commissioner of the sinking fund from enforeing the collection of certain special assessments due by the com- pany. T! O pilncipal point contended for by the plaintit’ was that the United States had paid the taxes sought to be collected, and there- tore the company was relieved of such 1 Pays ment. The court ruled against the plaintiff and dismissed the bill. Clarke case, action for dams Injuries for $20,000; judgment! fendant, Sherwood cases, actions for damages for er sonal Injuries for $10,00;judgment for $2, a Bonavires, action for dumages for 000 On account of alleged injuries recelved by being turned out of house owned by District without uisite notice, &c.; verdict for $100. ‘urdie case, sult for es for personal in- Juries in sum of $50,000; verdict for the Dis- ict. Moone agt. District; sult for damages for per. sonal injuries in sum of $10,000; judgment for 31,000. There were a great many other cases tried, some of which were finally disposed of, and others are now pending on appeul. We have secured the final disposition of 16 cases in the Circuit and higher courts during the year. INCREASE OF POLICE COURT CASES. The report of Mr. James E. Padget, special ussistant attorney, in his annual report, states that the cases tried in the Police Court from July 1st, 1884, to June 30th, 1885, Inclusive, Were 8,203. Convictions, 7,450; ‘dismissals, 728; nol proa., 99; continued, 16, and amount Of tines imposed, $45,390. Mr. Padgett states that the difficulties men- tioned in his previous report as regards the Prosecution on appeal of ‘whisky cases” still exists, and the only relief from the evil of this Ulicit business is in new legislation. The number of cases tried ip the Criminal Court on appeal were twenty-three, in which there were ten convictions, seven acquittals, Bnolle pros. and three in which the jury dia greed. The number of cases appealed from the lice Court during the year was 77. ‘Bue sacrease in the numberofcases prosecuted in the name of the District in the Police Court has, during the past five years, been very marked, showing elther an increase of crime or large growth of the District in population, or both. In 1880 there were 3,025 cases, and fines amounted to $16,585; in’ 1881, 4/454 cases ‘and fines of $19,654; in 1882, 5,043’ cases and fi 74; in 1883, 5,744 cases and fines 1884, 7,410 cases and fines 109; te: ‘390; the General Term for personal in favor of de- $24, und’ in 1885, 8,393 cases and fines $45, thus showing an increase in five years of 106 percent in number of cases, and nearly 200 per cent in amount of fines imposed. phir ect General MeClelian’s Book. From the New York Herald. It has recently been stated that General Mo- Ciellan’s recollections, the manuscript of which was burned, had been almost entirely repro- duced and ‘will be published soon, and they will occasion as much comment as Mr. Depew's letter on the Grant-Jobnson matter gave rise to, When spoken to on the subject yesterday General Fit John Porter sald: ~The personal recollections of General McClellan were nearly ail burned; but he did succeed in reproducing them, and nad he lived he would have rewrlt ten the whole book. ‘The Papers and records were all saved, and only a lew weeks ago ho ‘Was engaged oh a description of the Penlusular carny So far as to the book creating a stir Tao hot know, but it will be different from. th GrantJohnsoh controversy. Mr. Depew's statements were not proven. In General Mo- Gielian’s case every statement is conclusively proven. The publication of the book is neces- tary to General McClellan's reputation, and, furthermore, it will sot right many erfors in history and do away with many misapprehen- “air William ©. Prime, the Uterary executor of Gen, Motiellan, said: “The general was cor ‘on his book’ until about two weeks (owas nearly through with, the Poninsal campaign, I have not looked at the papers which mention the general's wishes on the sabe Jeet. [have not examined the book and can- {ot tell how lange it will be or how much work there remains to be done, conseq Dottell when the book ‘will be will'be tall of Interest and replete recollections. ——_————_o0_—____ Singular Death of a Boy. FLOUNDERING IN THE MUD TILL ME DIES—HIS ‘CRIES FOR HELP UNHEEDED, neny Tean- bis! 5 ablished, "Tt AN ORNITHOLOGICAL couRT. Birds for Alleged Depreda- Tyee ee Upon Grain and Frait. AN INTERESTING INVESTIGATION GOING OX AT THE AGRICULTURAL BURKAU—EXPRRI- MENTS TO DETERMINE WHAT BIRDS PEED UPON—THE MIGRATIONS OF BIRDS, 4c. “Those are birds stomachs,” said the pro- fessor of ornithology, a8 he picked up one of a collection of odd little phials Tae Star man had been examining curiously, and held it up to the light “That's the stomach of a bobo- lnk, Ah! and this of a humming bird, We have quite a collection of them,” “What are they for,” asked the scribe. “Why, we want to find out what birds commit redations grain and frutt,” replied the Siecee genveman. ‘When we want to Know if & bird is stealing the farmers’ rain, we just kill him and analy Eisstomach, Veare now making very extensive inquiries into the habits of ‘his is the bird bureau or the court, where birds with committing ions are put on We have a large number of prisoners now be- fore the bar and are taking testimony. Hereto- fore lynch law has been in operation, and many of the little feathered culprits have been We iavend nerally upon, ion merely. Eegive them a fair trial and will give careful consideration to all testimony. The most des- perate criminal we have had to deal with is the nacious. little English sparrow. te makes no detense whatever and be has been convicted and sentenced to death. He has been " In the act of committing most terrible de) ons, and upon examination his has been’ found to be overloaded with stolen pro- visions. He is the worst of all the feathered criminals. His conviction was upon very strong evidence, but more damaging testimony is coming in every day. Here is an aitidavit which sous forth that an immense oat fleld ins been completely stripped of its. y immense bands of these Yinpudent flute rotbern. “The crow has In bis own defense ‘and has made out @ very good case for himself, He is very intelligent, as are all the starlin; family. He pleads gullty to eating corn that has just been planted, and acknowledges that he steals achicken occasionally and cats exgs, and that he haseven goue #0 far as to steal sil: Yer spoons and bright, sparkling Jewelry, of which he is very fond; but he protests that ‘he makes ample returns for all these depredations by clearing out bugs and worms and grusshop- rs, that it left afone would do much more Flarm than be does. ‘He claims that he is work- ing the farm on shares, and asks, for his own subsistence, only a very small part of what he saves tothe farmer. He is a very profound bird and seems to have esr eet of the Here a analysis of his stomach shows a very Pe centage of grain, itis. brother, the. blaskUird, and his cousin, the oriole, are about as clever ax heis,and make it appear that the fruit they eat is very amall pay lor the services they per form, and they claim the right to take fine laces’ and small pieces of clothing for their nests. In all theircases the court will probably return a verdict af not guilty, and they will be recommended to the protection of the tarmer. THE ONLY CONVICTION, “In fact, the English sparrow,” continued the professor, “is the only one that has yet been convicted. All the rest compensate ip some for their doings, and in the balance ST a Carag cong a san aa by agreat deal, The robin is an invaluable bird, “and the meadow lark ix harmless and happy, his sweet voice cheering the early rising farmer. When all the cases on the d et are tried it will be found that very few birds could be dispensed with. Too maby have already been condemned on circumstantial evidence. Farmers flocks of birds in thelr grain fields, and at once conclude that they are ‘eating the grain. In this way they accused the bobolink. I went out into Virginia with my gun not long ago. The farmers told me the bobolinks were devouring their grain. Great numbers of the birds were in the fields, apparently eating the grain, but I shot about forty of them, and when Iexamined thelr stomachs I found not a sign of grain, bat y number of insects, They were not eating ‘in at all, but were freeing it trom destructive Insects, However, when they change their feathers and become rice-birds they change their good habits also and become very destrac- tive to the southern rice plantations. In large rice fields it keeps two men busy shooting them all day long, cach man using up 16 pounds of powder in 4 week. “The owl,with an air of profound wisdom, and the hawk, with much show of shrewdness, come into court arm and arm and make thelt lea, Both claim that a great injustice has bec aone them. ‘They admit that certain of thelr families may be regarded as devourers of poultry, but deny that this can be chal against ‘all of the species. They declare they delight most in a diet of mice and grass- hoppers. They say they have rather a distaste for chicken, and would not eat it except when reduced to great extremities, and that they are not responsible for their relations who have cultivated this ministerial taste. The owl uestions the wisdom of destroying one's ends in the endeavor to reach an enemy that may be concealed in their midst, and the hawk contends that it is the duty of the prosecution to identify the culprit before they can secure a conviction. The robins, cat birds, brown thrushes, blue birds, jays and other small birds offer ‘thelr stomachs in testimony to prove their in- nocence.” ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY. The object of the ornithological branch of the Agricultural department, which has been re- cently established, is to ascertain the food habits of the various species of birds and thelr habits of migration and hical distribu- tion throughout the country, with the view ot furnishing farmers with information that will be of value to them in the preservation of thelr crops. ‘Dr.C. Heart Merriam, who was inted the ornithological agent of the asparteout, ‘are rived in Washington a few days ago’ and is busily en, in his work. ‘The American Ornithological Union has col- lectea an immense mass of information con- cerning the migration of bi which is exceed- ingly Interesting and valuable, They have 1,400 agents throughout the continent of North America, watching very closely the movements of birds and following them in their flights. The assistance of lighthouse-keepers all along the coast in secured, so that the birds are shadowed in all their movements. ‘They have discovered that the great numbers of bi nee over the country do not spread ovar a wide area, but have certain beaten tracks,sa to speak, they always follow. They’ ha,> established routes which thelr ancestors have been travel- ing over for hundreds of years and have regular laces Lo stop for refreshments. They generally follow the w iands, keeping by a river when they have one in their course, or go alony coast, and they always foliow exactly the same course year after year. In the migration into British America in the lake region they do not cross the lakes at all points. They cross over the state of Michigan from Lake Erie to Lake Michigan and follow the shore of that lake, in- creasing in numbers and concentrating as they go, until they reach a certain point at the Straits of Mackinaw, where they always cross, The number crossing at that point in a single night Is iramense. They generally travel at night, and hundreds of them batter themselves to death inst the light houses in a single hour. "The object of the ornit ists in ee ee movements so closely is to ascertain where the various species are at cer- tain seasons, s0 as to determine how mneh damage they cun do to crops, &c. ‘The area over which the observers are scat- tered is co-extensive with the boundaries of the inhabited portion of North America, and In- cludes part of the West Indies and’ Central and South America, Stations been estab- lished In every state in the Union, and all the territories except Nevada. The society has classified the birds into per. manent residents, winter visitors, ‘transtent visitors, summer residents, and accidental vis- itors, and has sent out circulars asking perti- nent questions concerning the movements of the feathered population, Their habits are studied closely, but no attempt is made to take their census.’ The various observations are quite interesting, in showing the great speed at whieh some of the birds travel. They generally move at night, and goas fast as they can to reach a certain feeding station before to rest. It is known that sometimes travel several hundred miles without stopping. the most rapid flyers is the little hum- ining Gird, whieh travels great distances in @ very short time with ease, The swallow and the pigeon are fast aye ducks go at the rate of amile quently. QUESTIONS FOR FARMERS, ‘The braach of economic ornithology of the Agricultural department is devoted entirely to aucortaining the, food habits of birds, and eir uestions as Sfuvoutout to the farmers allover the and collections of birds’ are LITERARY NOTES. GENERAL GRANT: A New, Original and Authontic Teriof ice aad Dende Hy PRawR A Bek. Of the Puiimdciphia hanes.” (With ai Untrod:ic: tion hy his Pastor, Rev. . b Newman, Meoorial Paition.~ Prowsely Liatrated. — Philiadeiphia na ,,mibihing Company. Wastngion: y & Haskel Although bearing many evidences of hasty Preparation, in both the textand mechanically, {tts doubtful whether so much that is of popn- lar interest in the career of General Grant can be found in any single work yet published as is comprised tu the thousand and odd pages of this volume, It tells in a graphic manner the whole story of his eventful life from boy ere to the last sad scenes at Riverside Park, and brings out prominently many important features of the great hero's character not here- tolore generally known, It contains also inter- esting contributions from and the substance of interviews with gentlemen who sustained the most {ntimate relations with the illustrious Suldloct uf the narrative, belore, during and the great war, together w: mates his character by generals in the coniederate service who were to him pending that momentous eit addition to theme it contains im; it official an wate cor- nce "not easily obtainable, hitlerto, thus itatonce@ most usefal and en- fertatning addition ‘to the biographical litera- ture of the country. The numerous illustra- Hous will doubtless be a ular feature of the Pook, Particularly in the hands of » canvasser, but there is nothing (iy aS r, by tl scloses writer, eat ee Gay Ca by talegrape ‘sent out by telegrap: from New York on the occasion of the final funeral ceremonies in that city.—a revelation which must be very gratifying to a number of innocent who were supposed to be guilty of that astonixhing performance, THREE DECADES, OF FEDERAL TION: 885. of Events Preceding. Duriug nod the American Geil Ware Involving Secemion, Emancipation aid LEGISLA- ‘and Historical Since BR: ‘broad, = eL Viner Suribesssis a0, ate Ieatrated with Thirty-six Forvraiis Bi ved on steel Kapecially for this wor rs Soncer Ara RA: Hed Nothing which gomes from Mr. Cox's pen can be dull; an4 when it treats of a period the most momentous in the history of the country, with the events of which he was perfectly familiar either as.an intelligent spectator or an active Participant, the outcome is wure to be in th ighest degree Interesting and instructive. T author is so well known in Washington that his i efforts need no praise here, and of this particular work our readers have already had appetizing foretastes In the extracts from its pages which have hitherto appeared inthe columns of THe Stax, It sects to be only ne- cessary to. itis now before the public to insure for ita large and steady demand. it is literally one of the books that a public matt cannot afford to do without, and there is no private citizen who will not be largely the gainer for having read it. AB IT WAS WRITTEN. A Jewish Musican's Story. e SIDNEY Luska. New York: Camel & 0, feahiingtou: Brentano Brothers. The readers of this story will not be surprised at the statement that the publishers have made an arrangement with its author whereby they are to publish all he writes for years, “As It Was Written” I More than promise, as some of the erliles have called It, and for a besiuner tis a wonder- fully clever performance, Poe ond Haw- thorne are suggested in reading it, though neither is imitated, and one is also reminded of “Charles Auchester,” but this story Is less tedious to the average reader than that once Popular musical novel. It is full of strong dra- matic situations, the action is well sustained throughout, and’ the movement is brisk aud continuous, so that the interest of the reader does not flag from beginning toend. That it ix not without weak points would be saying too much; but it is exciting without bein sc tional, and somewhat technical without be! dull, and is therefore very much better thay the average of current fiction, and, above ail, it is not too long. LOUIS AGASSIZ. His Life and Correspondence. Edited by Eitzawern Cany. Avassiz. Boston: Houghton, Mifiin & Co” Washlngwou: “Robert The charge sometiines made that biographies constitate an undue proportion of current liter ature, in that the lives of men who have done lite for the world and in whom the world takes little or no interest are too frequently written, cannot be construed toapply to this work. The career of Professor Agassiz was a most usefuland interesting one, and Itshistory, as told in these two handsome Volumes, is alike entertaining and instructive. The first deals with bis early life in Europe, of which but little is known here; the second is devoted to hix long and honorable service in the cause of science after he became a citizen of the United States, Throughout his personal and his professional career are woven ther xo naturally and and deilneated ina style so attractive that the biography reads like 9 veritable romance. In mechanical appearance the volumes are equally attractive. that, in short, nothing but words of praise can be used. TEE LAST MEETING. AStory. By Bras ork Mat- New York: Charles Scribuer'’s Sons, ‘Washington: Wm. Ballantyne @ Son. Except the part he bore in connection with Mr. Bunner in writing the colleetion of short stories entitled “In Partnership” this is, we be- Heve, Mr. Matthews’ first essay in the domain of fiction, although he has been a somewhat in- dustrious worker in other literary fields. And avery bright and enter spite of some obvious 11 - casional straini in efforts at fine writing. The scene is laid In New York, and most of the characters are sald to be triends and associates of the author, although their identity has not been made known. The heroisa brilliant young artist, who mysteriously disappears one eve- ning after a misunderstanding with the lady to whom he is secretly engaged, and upon this im- cident and his sul juent adventures and un- expected return to his old circle of triends and his waiting bride the interest of the story hangs, AT LOVES EXTREMES. By Mavutc ‘sox, author of “A Girl,” “His Seen Cay tc. New York: Camseil & Co Wash ington; yntano Brothers. This is, we think, decidedly Mr. Thompson's best effort in the way of a novel. It is dis- tinetively American, in location and coloring, in spite of the fact that two of the principal characters are Englishmen. The scene is laid in the iron and coal regions of Alabama, and the author’s familiarity with southern life and character evabies him to paint, phic pictures: of the people, places and’ incidents o2 that lo- eality, while his love and knowledge of nature gives an added charm to the story by reason of the faithful descriptions of birds, flowers, scenery, etc., scattered every where through Its ex. The plot is not a pleasing one, and nome ofthe cl rs are far from azreeab ut there afe some well drawn dramatic situations, and the attention of the reader will be closely heid to the close, A NATURAL ARI EMETIC. Specialt for Elemeniary.® ry 2 iicuknbe AS Chicago. SR. Winchelt & Co. Ifthe man who causes two blades of grass to grow where but one grew before is a benefactor to his race, he who simplities and shortens the road to knowledge ix not less so. And this is what our townstan’s little work does. While it is prepared specially for elementary’ schools, it really seems to contain and explain about all the arithmetical principles absolutely neces- sury In carrying on the colmon. pursuits of Iife, and irit receives the recoguition its merits deserve it will speedily take its place emong the standard text books of the country. MARUJAH. By But Harte. Bostou: Houghton, Mldlin & Cor Washington: Wm Hallantytek son California Is,of course,the scene of Mr. Harte latest effort, which is already familiar to mat readers, having been published as aserial on both sides of the Atlantic, but it hardly rises to thesinedard ofeome of bis cartier leanings in that rich and pleturesque field. However, the authors delineations of character are always felicitous and true, and his sketches of scenery aro so charming that, whether his plote are in- trieate or simple, the reader Is always sure of an agreeable treat whenever @ new story ap- pears from his graceful pen. ER GRANGE. By Prax BR. Srocxrox. BURlastrated ty AB. Fost. New York’ Chaves Scribner's Sona.” Washington: Wan ue 2son. Itis not all difficult to believe the statement that the first edition of five thousand copies of this new and beautiful reproduction of “Rudder ” was ordered by the trade erage. the binder's haps, Its quaint and de- licious humor has made it a te | | | George and Robertstepheasoe, aothor of ba pad yen and Georse Maller and Avdrew cs Pitman, author of “Mission Lite ‘Gtwece Palestine,’ &c. (Washington: Krentago Brogh- ors) More conclusive evidence of the perennial pop- ularity ot Lowell's “Bigiow Papers” could mot well be asked than 1s found in the fact that the continuing demand for them justifies their im corporation Into the exquisite “Etiversde Al- dine “series” lately projected by Hougt Mifflin & Oo, These famous papers add i} company in which they may be pisced, and it may be said also that they bave never been pal in mnere attractive and conventent form than that In which they now appear, Henry Holt & Co. announce for early publies- Yon « volume of Koumanian fairy tales, which have been highly praised by those to whom the Uransiations have been submitted, and also a collection of poems, entitled “Wish Town,” from the pen of Mr. William. Young, author of the Arthurian Uagedy of “Por: dragon,” so iuvorably received by the litera: rians of the country when brought oat by Mr. Lawrence Barrett two or three Years ago. “For Lilias,” by Rosa Nowebeite Garey, con- sUtulng No.7 of Lippinoott’s series of esiect A Stady Which Would Throw Light ca the Question ef Indiae Migrations PROF. 0, T. MASONS TALK BEPOME THE an THROPOLOGICAL SOCIETY PATTERNS axD METHODS CHARACTERISTIC OF INDIAN WEAVERS. On Tuesday night last Professor Otis T. Mason delivered a lecture before the Authropological society upon basket making atnong the lower races. He began by saying that in most mu- sculs containing spectmens relating W authro- Pology Ube arrangement i# am ethnic one, that is, ll things relating Woeack Uribe or nation are brought together in the same Vitrine, alcove or This plan has great advantages wud the ethme idea ix by no meams discarded in the oscum, The fundamental ov ver, is @ purely maturad listo» foods, vease ontageny phylogeny ‘are studied just as we «tad fishes, inammals, plants and minerais. Pro fessor Mason tnsisted strenuously upou the as sertion that nothing whatever relating to man is truly anthropological until It is laid apom the dissecting tabl treated precisely aa the Haturalist treats his apecimen, Furthermore, it was argued that wo must lool ry human production as a natu- ral effect of a natural cause; man, the causer of these effects, being Just ax ‘much # part of nu- ture and working in harmony with the nature of things around him Just as smoothly ax any other cause of any other phenomenon. in other things we often argue from effect cause; it is perfectly legitimate, to Teason from art products to their inakers, We thus may follow the ups and downs of human- ity and its migrations by tollowing tbe various types of its works. ‘or the purpose of showing that human in- ventions are susceptible of a purely scientific treatment, that they dider in no essential respect from other specimens in our cabinets, the speaker placed betore the audience large COLLECTION OF BASKETS gathered from ail parts of the world. Although baskets, like the leaves of the forest, appear outwardly in the greatest variety of form and color, they belong strectarally to a very tow types, a, ry ag and traceable throughout the wor! ‘inoing with the kimo, we find two out of jour fundament palierns—the twined and the coiled. a oon aan Oat Let i Py stray nts, twigs, de., a cert and the covering ever ol ‘those parts the weft inva vwined basket the “upright lot of sticks ran down betw: the strands of a two-ply twine at ever; haiftarn, The fabric ‘is really double. What isa coiled basket? Any ebild who hus ever played with putty or who bas ever made a little mat by coiling a thick braid of worsted knows. The savage invariably proceeds thus She takes a rod, a small bundle of twigs, straws, or leat-veins gud coils it around, wrapping of seizing (as the sailors say) the bundle of straws with & thread of straw, split root, or bark, her stitches always into ‘the fabric unae twined wallets of coarse shore rushes, and her coiled baskets of wild rye’ aud other plants. Both fabrics are of the coarsest ath, The Hskimo womeo makes ber or k and it is evident that she learned both ods from Indian neighbors, the cutied Ube Athabascans, the twined from the Lo jiaas of the Pacific coast, THE ATHABASCANS _ use the long, tough sprace roots in their cotledy, baskets, ‘The Sitkaus and Queen Charlotte islanders employ Ube saine substance in their twined basketry, The former produce Jar- shaped baskets Of great beauty and ornament them by sewing into the texture of bark, feathers, perenne cen, Se ele. —— same ty work is foun wrough Utals, tion New Mexico, Arizona, and reaches tte a nia. Some of the specimens from the latter locality have wou the admiration of the world by thelr symmetry, delicacy of texture and elaborate ornamentas ol ‘Une of the beautiful specimens from the Sacramento valley having jost ite label, a gen- Ueman in the tence at once recognized the source and named correctly the very tribe who made it, This cofled basketry receives a very curious treatment among the Mokis, who con- struct a bread plate of very thick cotis of yacca fiber, introducing ® great profusion of orna- ment. Let us return now to the twined basketry which hotly enters into the contest for iden apple with the colled ware. At puts on its gayest apparel, Not omly these Indians fabricate from spruce root watertight flexible basket as thin as buckslct bul they cover the whole surface with the - est provasion of geometric ornaments, so put on as to show only on the outer side. This ts easily done, since the twiner in twining ai ways placed a stiteh on the outside of « warp strand every” time one was placed on the inside. If you are paying attention you will see that the basket ikers had only to catch up the outer balt of ch twist to produce an exterior decoration entirely unseen within, This twined basketry made coarsely by Utes, Zunts and Mokis, aad with some pretentions to beauty by some tribes in northern California, IN AND OUT WEAVING, We now come to type 3, which is neither more nor less than In and out weaving, such aa appears in all the baskets you will see in Wash- ington. But a marvellous diversity of appear- one produced by material, color, absolute and relative size of parts, and form of the vee n ri ai Ft sel. Again, this in and out weaving may be twilled in an infinite variety of patterns. The Indians of British Columbia having more cedar bark than they know what to do with fabricate everything they need in the textile line by simple checker and di: weaving without The Indians of on variety of twilled di in whieh would be difficult to amitute in When the warp sticks are wide or far apart and the weft splints are narrow and close together, a form of called osier is produced. through Central America, Mexico, at Zuni and among the Mokis of Arizona, where it reaches its culinination in the beautiful bread re Sembling old-fashioned pie plates im ‘These trays are built up of an_ infinite nus! of little dyed twigs which are woven into bun- dreds of sno two alike. The woven ware in twill reaches great perfection in South America in the use of the cane, but culminates IN AFRICA AND WASHINGTON TERRITORY, It remains to speak of one more type of basketry which Prof. Mason @welt upon with much pleasure, because it is confined to two far the earth, Washinglon Territoryeand'the heart ot Aition: It can be casily understood by any one who will look for a moment at a bird cage, consist- ‘tund horizontal getoer uy aenutinagar cal are m1 ry way ‘a series of rods is joined to