Evening Star Newspaper, January 23, 1886, Page 2

CITY AND DISTRICT. @UR PURLIC SCHOOLS. What Mr. Lovejoy Says About Mr. Dorman B. Ea‘ Statements. HE SAYS THAT MR. EATON MAS BEEN SISLED BY STATISTICS—HOW THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF WASHINGTON COMPARE WITH THOSE OF OTHER CITIES—THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE TRUSTEES, “Did you see Mr. Dorman B, Eaton’s address to the Washington Newsboys’ meeting in last ‘Wecnesday’s Star?” asked a STAR reporter of Mr. BG. Lovejoy, president of the school doard. “Yes,” sald Mr. Lovejoy; “also {ts corollary, eech, The eloquence statistician.” “Were not Mr. Eaton’s figures and statements correet?” “I cannot conceive whence Mr. Eaton obtained statistics, or how he reached #: nelusions,” answered in the ol wa rs, inciusi number of 4 Mr. Lovejoy. Distriet is from 6 census of 1586 ren of school with an enrol unenrolied. 1 never | en- . is not nd obser- law never contemplated the synchronous enrollment of all these 43,000 Children. It is Impossible and undesirable that all children sh ages of 6 to 1 continue in se rs. Edueat than the k ral derived or} ubsentees. inquired first, how many received some schooling? secoud, how many were supplementing seholar ship with some useful pursuit. All that his figures prove is that 43,000 children do not atiend school for a period of twelve year: from the age of 6 to that of 17 years, in- He states that pearly three-quarters ‘ the schooling pro- vided is equally distrib 43,000 children, each child would have elght years of Schooling, or three-quarters of the legal term— 12 years! HOW WASHINGTON'S scTrooLs COMPARE wiTH | OTHERS. “Is Washington worse off in respect toxchools than most any other city in the United States?” asked the reporter, referring to Mr. Eaton's re- ¥, “I think the con- jency and re- schools else- illiteracy, y and * sald Mr. Lovejo trary [strue, I mean ti ¥ compare fav vith regard to ‘whieh Is the touchst attendance, the most nished by ‘Circular of Inform No. 3, Bu- Teau of Education, 1884,’ which restores to the | District the good character of which it was de- prived by Mr. Eaton. From this publication it appears that the illiteracy of whites between the of 10.and 14 years in the northe: states ls 3.6 per cent; in the District is only 1.8 reent; of blcks in the northern st: iMteracy between the same cent; in the District 14.9 percent. “What does Mr. Eaton mean by stating that 5,600 are obliged to leave their desks to make room for others?” “I cannot conceive,” said Mr. Lovejoy. “It is not, from a hygienfe and educational stand- point, desirable that the younger children Should for the frst two school years have daily Sessions longer than from three to fonr hours. ‘This arrangement affords the opportunity for two separate classes of children to occupy the same room,constituting forenoon and afternoon sehools. It would be preferable to have ses- sions in the forenoon only, but this would ne- $Vssttate the duplication cf school rooms for tals class of pupi It is true, however, that a few schools of | higher grades are compelied to have hal-day dessions lack of accommodations, but their umber fs too insignificant to give color to Mr, Eaton's statement. If Mr Baton had stated that upto the year 1861 there was no school ‘wystem in this District responsive to the de- @Mands of population, and the now generally Festa educational theory and practice, he Id have stated a melancholy truth. If he | stated that, between the years 161 and | 1886, there had been deve! «da system of Lie schools with accomm: tions and facili- hich to-day compare favorably with those of other cities, he would have made a gratifying Gnd undeniable statement.” SENATOR HAWLEY’S REMARKS. “What did you think of Senator Hawley’s re- @arks?" asked the reporter. “The spirit of them must have been gratify- Ing toevery friend of the public schools,” said Air. Lovejoy. “But Mr. Eaton's premises being in the main imaginary, Senator Hawley's con- elusions were proportionally illogical. ‘There is room, however, lor bis generously fered Services. The District needs such friends. In and their rarity enhances their value. Wor the future, Senator Hawley must be re ‘as the champion of the public schools Of the capital, He will be asked to consider that the District has never received a grant of public lands for educational warposes, such as ost of the states and territories have enjoyed; that our schools have been built solel: upon annual appropriations derived from istrict Tesources; tl at _until a few years ago the public sehool accommodations of the District were Wretehed—one of the best school houses bein, the old stable of President Jefferson, still stand- ing at the southeast corner of Lith and G streets Borthwest, where desks and benches. were Substituted for stalls, pupils and teacher for the Dy Of the horses which baflled Col. Tarle- "s pursuit of the sage of Monticello; that a few years ago Congress, urged by the school au- thorities, recognized the absolute need of school buildings, and established a precedent of appro- rating Out of the District ureasury the sum of 100,000 annually for the purchase of sites | and erection of school houses; that it is| to be profoundly regretted’ that the | Commissioners have reached the conclusion | that the District revenues will not justify a | similar appropriation for the coming year, although very much needed; that the reason Why the last Hogering representative body of the people—i,e., the school board—has not ap- peared recently betore Congress, is because the Sebool trustees felt a delicacy in going over the heads of the Commissioners, having received &n tntimaiion some time ago that it would be ul to those gentlemen, In. justi to the board of schoo! trustees, ley should be inf Distriet ne ed, when he’ says reat fault in by the board school been, at least during my connection with the schools, the Commissioners. Their ies (the only ones presented 'y of the Treasury) have ever been by that cabinet officer, but Congress iably made appropriations for of the estimates submitted rs. In the autamn of 1884 board submitted estimates for the current school expenses of 1855-6. These esti Mates were reduced by the Commissioners. Congress added about $10,000 to the estimates years reduced even then the appropriation, axtesults « not and is not adequate to" teachers have had the!r 2 percent Arelietency bill Oe. and the aries cut down three ppropriating $5,000 | ‘Would be a measure Of Justice to the teachers, who are an overworked, pald class. Con- gs, and it fs to will champion no means of redress im their own hands. it is to be als» hoped that he will not only protect the present, but pro- Vide for the future interests of the 8 the teachers. is and An unfortunate difference of opinion exists between the sclool board and the Commissioners respecting the school appropri. ation for the ensuing year. There Is a marked discrepancy between the recommendations of the trustees and the estimates submitted by the Commissioners, they having greatly reduced the amount submitted by the board.” ‘The Matter of Heckless Driving. To the Editor of Tax Evexino Stag, Commenting on your elitorial and the com- munication about fast and reckless driving and its consequence tn the shape o: accidents to foot passengers, I add that no more reckless driving do I see than is done by the boy drivers of the buckster wagons and in some cases milk wagons sbout our streets. It 1s almost a daily occur- me of these reckless lop, and turning cor- r itas dangerous at crossings ws if the hor eshad run away. Indeed, I have instinctively stepped back some. mes and wondered H this had not hay med. As it is, 1 um afraid tor my little chil- ren to go out of the house unattended, and am Justified in Itis often tie and number of ‘that I could take the name team whose driver is thus tmaiking the eity as unsaie in the day as itis unsafe at night by hordes of foot-pads and burgiars, Bat I ask myself the question: Shall I spend a day in attendance on & Police ¢ be to find the ease I am lodging infor bout postponed, and then take another day trom busiuess, and’ probably have cecur what did occur not long ago with.» tleman who had a thief arrested and tried? the result of his etforts to maintain the majesty Of the jaw, and that ater spending two hous of time in ‘lodging information at the police sta tion, having 4 trial day set, having ‘witnesses whose time was vaitable drayged from thelr homes, b T postpone the case through other day in waiting to testify, the was dismissed because the thief swore Liat Le did not steal the money. In other words, it wus the oath of the complainant aguinst that ofthe thiet And sol tear were I togive the name and number of the reckless driver Tcould only swear I saw bim galloping his horse, aud he would swear be dida't gallop the horse, and the case would be dismissed Tbonesily think Ubis is the real reason why so many thieves go unprosecifted, and why so many drivers are imperiling Ue lives of the cominunity. Prssiust. Pe The national convention of journeymen ba- kera, held at Pittsburg, decided to boycott pro- tors Who refuse to reduce the hours of labor twelve hours a day. Ata convention of ‘Trish Pocleties of Boston and vicinity, it was voted w have uo parade on St. Patrick's day, THE RORED JUSTICES. ‘The Sanctum Sanctorum of the United States Supreme Court. A “STAR” REPORTER PENETRATES TO SACRED PRECINCTS OF THE HIGH TRIBUNAL—THE ROBING ROOM, THE CONFERENCE ROOM, AND THE JUDICIAL BATHROOM. A Srak reporter recently inspected the sanc- tum sanetorum of the United States Supreme Court, Guided by Mr. McKenney, the clerk, the reporter passed through the innermost chambers and recesses of that august tribunal. He stood within precincts forbidden to any but the final dispensers of justice in the United States, their officers and attaches. The clerks’ offices are common property, in a manner. They are open to everybody, from the Attorney General to the humble bootblack. The court chamber and the marshal's office are also open to the public. But the man or woman who passes beyond those boundaries stands in danger of being overwhelmed by the combined indignation of the court. ‘The several attend- ants, who guard these innermost precincts, stared at the reporter as if they thought that a profanation was being committed, THE ROBING Room, . Anarrow passage from the private office of enney leads into the “robing room,” ‘hin reality comprises two apartments. e first entered is poorly furnished, except ith old-fashioned stuff which has 1d last fall, replaced one ce twenty-two years. A plain old hair covered lounges of ancient tern and chairs, most of them of a similar ‘The wall of the covered with a huge portraitoft Chiet Justics larshall, a copy of the painting , Va. Another portrait of Marshall, which was lett to the court in the will of the late Chief Justice Chase, looked down upon the reporter from the north wall, and opposite It hangs a portrait of Chief Justice T nove corner {¥.a small crayon sketeh ord Coleridge, with the following inscrip- espectiully presented to the Judges of the Supreme Court ut Washington by the Lord Chiet Justice of England, in grateful memory of the henor conferred on him by them on the 1 of October, 188: And in one lower is the lord ograph “Coleridge, Lord Chief Justice of England.” The date named Is the one on whieh Lord Coleridge was invited to 4 seat upon the supreme bench, next to Chief Justice Waite. A picture of ex-President Lin- colp and of John Jay, the first U. 8. Supreme Judge, complete the gallery of the robing room, JUSTICE JAY'S SCARLET-FACED ROBE. The Jay portrait is the most interesting of the collection. It represents the Chief Justice in his official robe, the scarlet facings and sleeves of which are im marked contrast with the som- ber gowns worn by his successors. It was by some denied that the Supreme Court dignitaries ever indulged in ay scarlet velvet trim- ings to their robes, but Mr. Jay, ex-minister to Austria, and a lineal descendant of the Chiet Justice of that name, settled the controversy by producing the identical robe, with its gaudy facings and sleeves, worn by his ancestor. The smailer front apartment fs occupied on each side by very plainly finished closets, which, when the court is not in session, contain the official robes of the justices. These rooms were, priorte the completion of the Capitol wings, devoted to the public use of the Vice President and the smaller of the two was, in those days, the ante-room. Nearly all the furniture looks ancient enough to have been used by the vice preside fathers of the republic, but in tact, the washstand and the chandelier are the only two articles of the original furniture remaining. A door leads trom the robing room into the main corridor of the Capitol, and immediately opposite is the door of the justices’ private en- trance to the court chamber. HOW THE COURT IS OPENED. Before 12 o'clock of session days the Justices assemble in the robing room. By the ald of @ colored attendant overcoats are exchanged for judicial robes and the coats are carefully hung upon pegs from which the robes had been re- spectively removed. At noon, the Chief Justice leading the procession of justices, files out of the robing room across the ‘corridor and enters the private passage-way leading to the bench, well drilied attendants having opened each door. As the judicial procession appears the marshal raps, and the bar and spectators rise to their feet. Arrived at their respective places on the bench, the judges indulge in a stately bow to the bar, which is returned by the latter. The crier then calls out: “Ovex! Oyez! Oyez! Ali persons having business before the honorable, the Supreme Court of the United States, are ad: monished to draw near and give their atte Uon, for the court is now sitting.” Here t! erier pauses an instant, and with a reverential bow calls out, ina solemn tone of voice, “God save the United States and this honorable eeurt.” The office of the marshal of the court adjoins the court, separated from the chamber on the Senate side by only a few steps through a nar row hallway. This office was the old Senate finance committee room. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CUPBOARD. A sharp turn from this hallway leads into a diminutive apartment which is set apart for the use and benefit of the Attorney General. This cuddy was formerly one of the Senate cloakrooms, and the ceili is so low that with a plug hat on Gen. Garland could hardly stand straight in his Supreme Court office. A small desk, a washstand and two chairs make up the furniture, The ex-cloakroom corresponding, on the opposite side, 1s_a sort of ready lunch room for the justices. On busy days they retire there torefresh themselves with sandwiches. A plain table and several chairs constitute the furnitare. A HIDDEN PASSAGE-WAY. The entrance from the marshal’s office into the court chamber leads to the rear of the bench and underneath the old Senate gallery. This space bebind the pillars which supported the gallery is used simply asa convenient private Passage way for the Justices and officers of the court. The fireplaces which warmed the old Senate chamber are now closed and the hand- some old marble mantels with their superb carving are hidden from public view, On one the bas-rellet work represents a number of small boys easily and innocently breaking sticks, one by one, from a large bundle. The opposite man- tel represents Hercules vainly endeavoring to break the entire bundle across his knee. ‘The motto is “United we stand, divided we fail.” A crayon sketch of the court’as it existed In 1876 is hidden in the recess behind the beneh, THE CONFERENCE ROOM of the court is on the basement floor immedi- ately beneath the robing room. It is entered from the corridor through & sort-of semt-circut lar anteroom. A plain wrshstand, a sofa of ancient pattern and apptarance and a table nmade up the furnishing 5f the ante-room; but around the semi-siruiar wall extended a row of hooks, at Yéguiar intervals, each hook marked with tht name of the Justice whose coatand_but-Siang upon it during conterence hours. Frei the ante-roum the reporter into a dotte apartment made by cutting out the Wail between two rooms on both sides of the fre place. The principal object in the confer- $22 room proper is a long table, such as ts used fi congressional committee rooms, and ranged about It are Just enough comfortable arm chairs to accommodate the justices. This in the rence table wheréat cases coming be- the court are carefully considered’ and | dccisions arrived at. Atthis table, too, opinions whi justices have reached upon cases referred m are submitted and read for the consid- eration of the whole bench. ‘The Chief Justice occupies the head of the table, and formerly it was the custom for the others to take their seats nearest lw him in accordance with senior- ity of service, but this practice has been discon- Unued, and now the associate justices take any seat that is convenient except the one at the of the table, "The adjoining room also con. tains a table, and In here it is the custom of the Justices to examine models and machinery sub- mitted in cases involving controversies over patents, The walls of both rooms are shelved, almost from floor to ceiling, and. these shelves are fliled with law books, eblefly the statutes of the different states. There is no room upon the walls for pictures or ornaments. The steadily increasing number of law volumes has. already gccupied every inch of available space in the fe seiner pe itis ee that the row of hooks in the’ antl-room soon, to place to book shelves. nee seme STONE'S BUST OF TANEY. In one corner stands a marble bust of Chief Justice Taney, which was made by the Sculptor Stone. After the death of Clerk Carroll the ‘Stone heirs claimed the bust as their property, and removed it to the Coreoran Art jaliery, the same time offering it for sale. One day ta {he,bust bad been removed Mr, McKenney, in looking over some ol at - eeled check which Mr. Carroll had. given Bone in payment for the bust. The check Fepresented & subscription of the members of the bar, which had been raised for the pu: of the bust and turned over to Mr. Carroll to make the page ment. The heirs, upon being shown this prost, Promptly relinquished all claim to the marble. A JUDICIAL BATH-ROOM. A narrow corridor leads from the conference room to the bath-rooms of the court. They are fitted up plainly but comfortably. One of the ath tubs is of huge proportio: was made th order to accommodate the bully iplten nthe weightiest Judges, in avoirdupois, The Senate barber shop, which adjoins the conference room, belongs to the court. Chief Justice Chase loaned the room to the Senate, with the understanding that the court should reclaim it whenever {te But the claim is now ignored, Several thousand dollars have been expended in fitting up a comiorta in fitting up miortable barber shop and and the possesfon shall outweigh ai ane oboe, at opinions of the court, so far as this matter 18 s steaming tea aa only bar of ae cnr from Pockets of clients and not SSeS EL: Archbishop Walsh, of English press lor slandering the Irish people. THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON IN WDED QUARTERS. How = Vast Library is Packe@ Away ims Small Space. AN BXTENSIVE ART COLLECTION WHICH THE PUBLIC NEVER SERS—HUNDREDS OF THOU- SANDS OF BOOKS—HOW READERS ABE BEING CROWDED ovr, ETC. " Probably the most extensive art eollection in this country, and in many respects a yery val- uable one, is hid away in this eity where Do one ever sees it, and its very existence is un- known, except.toa few. The collection cof- tains the best of all the etchings, lithographs, photographs, chromos and photogravures that have been produced in this country in the past twenty years. Their number is countless. They are piled one above another, many of them never having been taken out of the boxes in which they were expressed, and the pile is covered with dust and buried in neglect, in some of the cramped and dingy rooms at’ the Capitol, where are stored some of the overflow of the congressional library. ‘The collection be- Jongsto the library, where ile works of art have come for copyright privileges, Many of them would be great aquisitions to any art gallery, and it is fmpossible to estimate their money value, each plece upon itsown merits, not to mention thelr value as illustrative ‘of the Ffowth of the graphic art im this country, Hung upon the wallsand held in portfolios, where they might be seen by the public, these Pictures would form one of the most valuable collections. besides being ope of the most Inter- esting in the country. As it is they go togethor with thousands of valuable books, throws lite rubbish in the national LITERARY WASTE BASKET. When the new library building Is provided by Congress, these pictures will be taken out from under the dust and given a place where they may be seen in some way. ‘Thousands of books that belong to the national library are in as pitiable a plight as are the pictures, Valu- able worke, many of which could hardly be re- placed. are piled away like old broken furnt- are 1h a junk shop. The library looks like a. Junk shop or an auction room. The from the floor to the ceiling, have be #0 full that the books are cozin floor is piled with the overflow. What cannot find room on the floor are stowed away in nooks and corners in other parts of the build- ing. Five hundred and sixty thousand vol umes, two hundred thousand pamphlets, three hundred thousand pieces of music, and count- less works of art, are squeezed unul the stitches break to get into quarters where there is room for only 200,000 volumes, close fitting. There is room for only @ little more than a third of the bound voluines, and the space required for the works of art and music and publications of like character, 1s much greater than that demanded by the books. Some of the most ‘valuable words have rubbed thelr backs against each other until they are thread bare, and others are squeezed so tight that they bulge out at the back in agony. Some of the richest bindings are rubbed and xcratched and bruised, ‘and those that have got loose on the floor out of the crush have taken advantage of their liberty to spread themselves out of supe. CROWDING OUT THR READERS, It was originally intended that the books should be confined to the shelves and the space between should be occupied by readers. But the books have been closing in upon the readers uunUll the readera can scargely move around the table. One babitue says that for many years he has been watching the walls close In upon him like the “iron shroud,” and he finally ex- pects to be crushed within them. In the further extremities of the passage the books have crowded up on to the tables and driven the readers out altogether, so that they are now confined to a small space, where about twenty moderate-sized people cab sit with thelr elbows close to thelr sides and read, ench having about 53,000 books, pamphlets and sheets of muste as his share of the reading matter, besides the innumerable works of art he might look at If they were where they could be seen. It would be a day's task to read the titles, With’ the two hundred and fifty thousand books tia: are on the floor, and all the tempo- rary wooden shelves cleaned out, and the buoks that are bidden behind their fellows taken out, there would be left a very fine library. As itis the books are crowding each other off the shelves and fighting for a foothold on the floor, This Is the largest library In America, and thers are only five larger in the world—the national Hbrary in Paris, the British museum, the impe- rial Mbrary at St. Petersburg, the royal library at Munich and the imperial public Itbrary at Berlin. ‘The Astor and Boston. public are the in this country that any where approach it and they are very much smaller, jat_the congressional library is deprived of more than half its usefulness on account of the lack of room. Every day many persons who would come to read are turned away because they can find no Vacant seats, and on Saturdays the place is overrun. BOOKS THAT ARE IN DEMAND. Senators and Representatives and their im- mediate families can take the books out to read them, and the public is given the same privilege, only they must leave the value of the ook taken, as a deposit to secure its return. But for the fact thut # groat many books are constantly out in this way there would not be ‘even storage room to keep them in out of the Weather, All the American works and many of the foreign are kept in duplicate, and sue works as are valuable to Congressmen f r bis torical reference, or a8 models of style, are in great demund. “About 50 nels of the works of hakespeare are always out. From 28 to 30 sets of “The Federalist’ are held by members and Senators all the time. Twelve sets of the ‘Madison papers are always in use, aud {t takes ever less, than ten sets of Macduley’s essays and six of his history to meet the demand, The members and Senators generally are great stu- dents of Macauley and Shakespeare, ‘THE PROPOSED NEW BUILDING. It is thought now that the prospects for get- ting a new library building are very good, and that Congress will certainly pass a bill this ses- sion. ‘The necessity for it is so great and so ap- parent that the matter can be no longer post- poued, With the plan that has been adopted there would be plenty of room for the book where they could be put away on shelves out o} danger of fire and not subject to the unusual wear and tear of being plied up promiscuousiy, and being packed away in dark and damp pisces. At present the Toner coliection and a large number of other books are stored uway in the basement or vaults of the Capitol. The roposed plan, besides giving plenty of room Tor ine ‘books,’ contemplates inking the beat lighted building in the world and would far- h seats for two hundred or more people who should come to read. Besides this it would give to Congress some twenty more committee Fooms, The present library has ‘never been opened at night, the ehlef feuson being that there never wax any provision for gas, or any other means of light than the sun, The new building would, of course, have gus fixtures, and Congress would probably decide to have it opened of evenings and on Sundays, ‘THE LIBRARIAN'S VIEWS. ‘Mr. Spofford, the librarian, advocates keep- ing the library open at these times, and says it would be an Infinite benefit to students and the general public. Public intelligence, he Says, demands that such facilities for research and Study be offered. It the bill js passed it 1 not proposed to tuke all the books from the Present library. Mr. Spofford says there are enough duplicates to ft out the present lib th Just the complement of books It should have without depleting tho general library, and it should be retained as a library . ence for Congress. bie al —-—_+e+ AN INTERESTING CLAIM. Mr. Belt’s Bill Against the District for Dam: A rather curious claim has, as stated in THE Sra, been sent to the Commissioners by Mr. R. V. Belt, whoresides near the corner of 10th and N streets, in which he asks that he be re- imbursed for the damage done to his range by the failure of the supply ot elty water. His letter, with the agcompanying bill, is as follows: {I inclose herewith a claim amounting to $54.46 against the District of Columbia, for ages sustained by me by reason of the failure of the sald District of Columbia te ine nish my premises, No, 1314 10th street north: eat, with water water rates for said - ises having beet paid to and receipted for by ‘Colum- the proper officer of the suid Distri tiem satiated tratnn eaece neces- Just sary to convince you of the lability of trict of Columbia for the paymentor this jas claim, on every principle of the law of contract, as well as of equity, right and justice, Please remit the amount of the enclosed bill tome at ven at the earliest pow THE BILL FOR DAMAGES. “The District of Columbia to R. V. Belt, Dr.t ‘To cost of repairing damages to kitchen botler connections, ete. at premises No, 1914 10th street northwest, sustal 1886, eaid damages bing caused Tyre bute ing out of the water back of because of the failure of the said District of Columbia to supply water to the said premiscs.......$27-23 To Of repairing sfmilar damages caused by fallure ot said District’ of Columbia to furnish water to sald premises in January (22), 1878... THE TELEPHONE CONTROVERSY. ‘The Bell Patent and the Rival Inven- tions, WHAT 18 SAID ON ROTH SIDES—THE SETTING ASIDE OF THE BELL PATENT WOULD HAVE BUT LITTLE EWFECT ACCORDING To THE STATEMENT OF 4 PATENT OFFICE OFFICIAL. The decision of Secretary Lamar In the case of the Bell telephone patent, which recom- mends that a sult be instituted by the govern- ment to test the validity of the patent, fs re- garded by those whe are fighting the case as another step in the contest for the final annull- ing of this patent, while the other side simply consider it a renewal of what has already been decided In the courts, There is, however, great Public interest in this matter because of the general use of the telephone by the public and the vast finaneial interests involved, In order to procure a statement from both sides as to the opinion by the parties in interest of this latest decision @ Stax reporter called upon counsel for both the defendant and the plaintiff. STATEMENT OF COUNSEL IN THE BELL INTER- est : One of the leading counsel for the Bell inter- est said in reply toa question: “We contested this case before tbe Secretary of the Interior simply to avold a double litigation, The samme questfons involving the same principles and Supported by precisely the same evidence have been tried in court after court, and inva- Tiably the decisioa has been in favor of Bell, There was not a particle of new evidence brought out in this latest hearing, except In re- to the Meucct case, which does not amount to anything. Everything that has been brought Out has been passed upon by competent courts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts, and there ts how on the docket of the Supreme Court of the United States a @se appealed from the Massachusetts court, which will come up for hearing elther this term orthe next, The rival claimsof tnventors have all been rejected In favor of Bell by courts com- patent aud honest, and the charges of fraud have not been sustained. The coulesting par es have now succeeded in making the United States government assume the cost of further prosecution, and while this is an undoubted nefit to them it dos not supply the case with the evidence needed to make a strong suit, What they need is new and more convineln, evidence, in order to bring about the reversal “of the decisions of all the courts before which the case has been tried.” COUNSEL FOR THE CONTESTING COMPANIES. One of the leading counsel for the contest ing companies expressed his views as follows: “We claim that Bell is not the first inventor of the art of transmitting articulate speech by an undulating cur- Tent of electricity over a wire or other cou- ductor. ‘This is the broad principle, but an un- dulating current mpy be produced’'in various ways, and by many sorts of machines and ap- paratus. ‘The decisions so far have all taken the ground that the Bell patents covers every ible kind of current, and ever desirable machine for commusieating air vibrations to electric vibrations. We claim that there was fraud in the Issue of the patent that there are grave doubts as to the bona fide, character or the litigations on which favorable decisions were procured and that the govern- ment did a wrong In fesuing, u patent for un ‘operation of nature. Our evidence was of such a character that after thorough in vestigation by the authorities of the interior department, they decided that Judicial proceedings ought to be instituted to determine the merits of this controversy. With the resources of the govern- ment, it willbe possible to meet successfully the powerof this monopoly and opening the business of telephony to competition and im- provements in the apparatus.” VIEWS OF A PATENT OFFICE OFFICIAL. ng to know what would be the effect if the Beil patent was set aside,a Srar reporter asked @ well-informed official of the Patent office for his opinion on this point. He replied: “I don’t think thata decision adv to the Bell patent would injure that company mate- rlally or ald the other companies which have inventions, E: ypaolally this would be true it the broad principle was laid down that the pro- cess of transmitting articulate speech by an undulatory current of electricity was not pat- entable. Then any telephone couid be used, anda man could run a wire from one point to another without interfering with patented rights, But when you come to join on to an- other wire, then you come again into the region of patented rights, and here the Bell company is supreme. Forseveral years past it has bought up all the patents of any importance that have been issued for the varlous parts of a telephone. For instance, — the Bell company owns the Biake transmitter, which ts the broad underlying patent in telephony, the object of which is to vary the rises in electric currents by changing the con- ducting surfaces between two carbon contacts. Then they also own the Berliner induction R nt, which Is In use In every telephone box In the country, by which the low tension bat- tery currents are transferred into high tension currents over outlying circuits. They control the patent for the switch appliances by which, when you iif the receiver from the hook, thé battery is thrown into cireult for use in trany- mitting, and at the same time the bell is cut otf, The leading patents In telephone culls, switch boards, bells and general appliances for use in central stations are also owned By the Bell company, so that you see the original tent Is of tile cousequence as the telephone js now used. The methods by which the prin- ciple is made practical are all patented, and the Most Valuable of these are controlled by the Bell company. ———_+e+_____ THE OLD SEAL OF THE SENAIE. What is Known of Its History—No One Able to Say What It Typified. In submitting the new seal, which was adopted by the Senate the other day, the com- mittee on rules reported that careful examina- tion of the Journal and archives fulled to dis- close the history of the existing seal or any authority for its use, but It was engraved, as |.has been learned about 1831 by Edward Stabler, postmaster at Sandy Springs, Md., from 1828 until his death in 1883. The device was de- signed by, R. P. Lamphear, jr., a French artist, then @ resident of Washington. Mr. Edward Stabler, jr., of Baltimore, a son of the engraver and postmaster, has the correspondence relat- ing to the matter. Mr. Wagner, a wood en- graver of York, Pa. in a letter’'to the elder tabler in 1831 wrote: “The seal of the Senate 18 not what it ought to be for the money it cost. ‘The figures are very awkward, specially the middle one, which appears to be lalling over, the drapery'is very stlif and too scanty a pat: tern of it.” ‘The committee's report adds that no one has Yet ever discovered what these figures were in- tended to typify or what relevancy they had to the United States Senate or its proceedings. At the feetof the central figure are the words, “July 4, 1776,” and on a scroll at her right the words and figures, “Constitution, March 4, 1779." These inscriptions cannot be discerned. on any impressions made within fifteen years from the old seal, but they are plainly legible on the original proof Impressions In the posses- sion of Mr. Stabler, who has a large collection of seals made by his father for government de- partments at Washington and for states and courts, A Sigh. ‘Wnitten for Tax Eveyine Stan. ‘Thou fragrant, creamy rose, bloom on. Ah, well! ‘tis well, ‘Though summer's baliny Breath soon files; ‘Thongh winter's chill and somber akies Erelong will close thy dewy eyes;— ‘Bloom on, ’tis well. ‘Thou Joyous butterfly fost on. Ab, well tis well. ‘Though honeyed flowers not long can last; ‘Though breeze will change to frosty blast; ‘Though sun-warmed days will soon be past;— Float on, "tis well. ‘Thou bright-eyed little maid, laugh on, Ah, well! ‘tis well. ‘Though youth's fair skies will turn to grey; ‘Though golden dreams will turn to clay, ‘Though life will prove a weary way;— Laugh on, ‘tis well. -H. W.0. —_——+e+ ‘To the Editor of Tax EVENING Stan; ‘With a view to opening @ discussion of what revenue be derived thereby than under te RPeatate will 6 per cent net, but sonal ty yield 6 nt pir of the thods THE Stax has always taken the leadin ad- ‘vooating usetul gestion will meet ———— Light Wanted. THE HOMEOPATHIC HOSPITAL. A Commodious and Well Arranged Building Prepared for the Institution, ‘The fepnders of the National Homeopathic ‘Hosp tal association, which was incorporated in June, 1881, would doubtlessly have been astonished if told, at that time, that within five years the association would own one of the ‘finest and best arranged hospital buildings in the Distriet of Columbia. The association has not only sueceeded in securing such a building, but has also, in the meantime, maintained in rented buildings @ homeopathic hospital and free dispensary. The new hospital building, rner of N and 2d streets north west, will scop. ‘opened for the reception of patients. The proy- sone yrbailaing ras purchased of ars herve ot ac 8S Inte Geo, W, Higgs. ‘The main building fronts 80 feet on N street by 60 on 2d, Is four stories high above the basement, and substantially constructed of brick and stone, Adjoining the main building on 2d street 1s an annex, in TiRigh le located the stoam heating apparatas, the kitchen, lanndry, and apartments for ser’ vants. An elevator connects the kitohen with the floors above. HOW THE PROPERTY WAS PURCHASED. , The report of Mr. E. 8, Hutchinson, president of the board of trustees, just made to the asso- ciation, says: “When the present board ot trustees yame Into office they found the hospl- tal located at 520 3d strect—a dwelling house inconventently arranged for its use—and sub- {ect to.an annual rental of one thousand dol- are Congress having sppropriated the sum of fifteen thousand doilars for the purchase or erection of @ building, as @ recognition of the indefatigable efforta of your committee, and the first government concession to home thy, {ts application became a serious matter, Many conflicting interests and opinions were to be harmonized, and for a time it seemed inevita- ble that the ‘future homeopathic hospital and the National Homeopathic Hospital associe- tion, with its high aspirations, would be con- sigved toa small plot of ground and a very ‘small vuilding. from which it would be fortu- hate ever to escape. “The extensive property which we now occu- Py, situated at the corner of 2d and N streets horthwest one of the highest aad healthiess ints within the city limits, being onthe same level as Capitol Hill, and within a half-mile Of the Capitol grounds, secluded from the bustle and noise of business, yet convenient of access by street cars or otherwiso, was visited In June last by the Individual members of the board of trustees, the Ladies’ Ald association, and the medical’stafl, and all concurring that Its pure chase would be judicious, the trustees made an offer of fourteen thousand dollars, which was accepted by the owners. Some vexatious de- lays intervened, and sion Was not ob- tained until November, when contracts for the necessary alterations were immediately made, und to-day we are possessed of buildings and land estimated to be worth fully flity thousand dollars for hospital uses, THe are 1s exceptionally favorable to health, being a ary gravelly loam. The view from the upper windows is not able to be obstructed by the erection of adjacent buildings, and covers a broad expanse of wooded hills beyond the city mits. “The purchase Incindes over 30,000 uare feet of ground,and the buildings are well a meres tor hospital and capable of accom- modating, when all the floor space shall be made available, more than sixty patients, one- third of whom may be in private rooma, ‘with ample rooms for the house physiclan, matron, nurses and servants and large roums on first floor for a nurses training school, free dis- pensary aud lecture room, all of which should be put into operation at as early a day as possi- ble. The stairways are ample ind easy of as cent, the halls aré broad and well lighted. THE VENTILATION of the wards and private rooms Is positive and controllable, being secured by two Immense brick shafts extending through the roof, with lateral lines SiMearrpiera f with each room ut floor and celling, so that the upper or lower strata of air be rapidly withdrawn. The heating 1s by steam radiators, all under the windows, with a fresh air duct to each, con- trollable by the nurse in charge, The supply af steam is from a large boiler, which, with the Jaundry and culinary department, i8 situated in adjacent buildings. The bath rooms and water closets are in an annex, convenient of access, yet securely 1s0- lated; no sewer connections are within the walls of the building, and sewer gas will not be an pencnh to contend with in the treatment of isense, The free wards are particularly bright and cheerful, and the arrangement of the private rooms for pay patients, each opening ‘Into a large central hall, with its ample open fire- place, is a unique feature which removes the usual dreary thoughts of a hospital, and briny the air and comiorts of a bright and cheerful hoine clrele, The extensive grounds may be made attrac- tive by the expenditure of a sinail amount of money, and it is hoped that @ cordial effort will be made by the friends of homeopxthy, both in W: pineton and throughout the country, to jake this charitable work worthy the nami it sthe National Homeopathic hospital, The board’ of trastees desire to recognize the valu- able work of the ladies of the Aid association who never weary of well doing. heb ccna A WARM WAVE ASTRAY. The Indications Officer Throws Some Light on Last Week’s Weather Pre- dictions. ‘The indications officer on duty et the signal office, in conversation witha STAR reporter, referring to the article signed by “Facts,” which appeared in Tue Star of Friday last, said: “I have no disposition to enter intoa news- per controversy over the subject, as I hardly Seam a person who makes a personal attack on another in a newspaper under a nom de plume worthy of having any attention shown his writings, The intent of said article is too evi- dent to be mistaken, His personal allusions to to me I care nothing for. As to my competency orincompetency my record during the past four years’ duty ou indications is open to in- spection. Leaving out altogether newspaper items in connection with the warm wave pre. dicted, It may be of interest to the readers of THe Star to know why it was that it did not come tohand at the time it was anticipated, but I suppose it will be conceded it was present here Saturday and Sunday. ““Facts’ says there wus no warm wave in ex- istence. I will prove there was by the tempera- lure ip the west from minus 10° to over 30° rising to plus 30° to 40°. He also says that the temperature at Deadwood was wrong as re- ported, and I will prove that there was noerror. ‘his {s'all I wish to discuss, as I snid-before the remainder of the article 'is in relation to me personally. “Tuesday afternoon, the 12th, the barometer Jn the upper Missidsipp! and Atiscourt valleys had in eight hours fallen about .20 of an incl 5 and the temperature in those districts in twehty-four hours had risen from 10° to 20° in the former, and from 20° to 30° in the latter district. Atseveral places it was as high as 32°, while “at Washington the thermometer stood at 14°, In the Obio valley and ‘Tennessee the rise was about 10°. The sudden fall of the barometer gave evidence of the formation of a storm which, if It had developed and followed the "usual course, would have caused the winds in the middle Atlantic states to have shifted to south- erly with Geeldedly warm r weather, At mid- night of the 12th the area of high barometer, cauaing the late cold wave, was disappeari off the coast of the middle Atlantic states, an atthe same hour there was a still further fall of 10 in the barometer In the Mississipp! val- ley, Extending westward trom the lower lake the rise in temperature in twenty-four hours was from 10° to nearly 30°, There was every indication of the Area passing off to ket é by f ing barommee in Sea, Sonsoquoutiy followed ‘sonsequently follow ter here and warmer weather. morning the temperature had continued rising Ree amsiate tous ech vteatco: an uis, while at it was 1°. On this (Wednesday) morning I was surprised to find that the area of high pressure, instead of passing off the coast and di o ing, had from some unaccountable reason Ls refnforced, and had worked backward,cov the New England, middie Atlantic states, an Jake regions, Facomed this buts tempdrary rise, which would rapidly give way as the Tonieler continued ialling in the west, ‘with rising temperature, and seemed ho rea- sonable doubt but ‘that the high temperature juiries in regard to the weather, I paid we would have © warm waver bet abe temperature would rise slt . I felt con- Vindod that “the next motting the temper: ture would be at least 20° higher. On the afternoon of Wednesday a area, cen- tral in Manitoba, represented by the line 29.50 press! . inches, aud the winds in nearly all districts except those on the Atlantic coast had to southerly with increasing temperature. The area of high pressure still worked backward, but at midnight appeared to be giving away: over New Engiand. At this report the storm in Manitoba moved northeasterly, passing beyond our stations of observation.’ It was evident by thechartot Thursday morning that the westward movement of the high area was caused by increased pressure over Nova Scotia, which checked the eastward movement of thd ‘warm wave as far as themiddle Atlantic states were: AtT a. m. of Thi were but two places in the middie Atantic stalee where the temperature, did not We ‘and Lynchburg. At Washington New York, 16°; “Norfolk, 18° and [ey 16°. the coast gave way, followed ai continuing i i 3 Hi ressure on thi Sale SCRAPS FROM HOTEL TaBLES. ‘What Becomes of the Feed That Guests Leave. ATALK WITH A HOTRL MANAGER—THE WAT THE AMOUNT OF SCRAPS IS REDUCED—LEA' INGS SOLD TO MANAGERS OF CHEAP RESTAUR- ANTS, ETC, The scraps ffom the dining room of a large hotel or restaurant form a very important item a8 any one may know who has noticed the enormous bills of fare provided and the lavish- ness with which the average hotel diner orders. When a maa orders for his breakfast oatmeal, fruit, two kinds of meat, fish, eggs, potatoes, coffee and hot cakes, it is evident that unless his capacity is beyond the ordinary, that he must leave ® good part of it uneaten. It interesting to know what becomes of tt ail, and in order to obtain this information a STAR re Porter questioned the proprietor of one of the leading hotels in this city, who gives his per- ‘sonal attention to the duties which are usually ean “to a4 u west int the amount of on the plates by sy guests. It has been my ex- Etobbuy the vest of overs thtag” er oman yay the every 3 in roasts, Ican get more ‘medt tor the mone; 4m 8 roast from the rump than froma fine ri Toast. But when you take away tne fatand the bones, and then find out that most of it is left Untouched on the plates, that kind of a roast ts not so cheap after all. It is the same way with steaks, flourand vegetables. A smaller quan- Uty wien it is eaten takes the place of the lat quantity and variety that is noteaten. If marketing is done in this way, and ifs person nee and knows what is good and bad, and at the same time ifa rigid scrutiny ef the kitchen is maintained, there is gnly about one-tenth of the food that loaves the ‘uneaten,” WHAT BECOMES OF THE SCRAPS. “What disposition 1s made of that?” asked the listener, with considerable curiosity. “I see that you want to get down to the altl- mate analysts of the hotel bill of fare,” said the man, withasmile. “Well that can be dot regulated hi e next st T he food provided tor the help is entirely distinct from that furnished the guests, and is, of course, of inferior material, But this is not scopamical, The (walters, koow what js ter perhaps than the guests, an they are not quing Deree tenderloin steak to the guests and then sit down to a meal of rump steak themselves, That would not be human nature, When such @ system prevails it has been my experience that the help steal the good food if they can't get it in uny other way, and leave untouched the inferior material that is supplied. Iglye my help the food that I far- nish my guests, and, ax a rule, they, will use what has been left by the guests. Of cou { do not mean that tho walters will take the food that is left half eaten and mingled together on the plate. Bat where & plece of meat bus been only partially eaten, a art cutoff and the rest left. undisturbed, the help will eat it, and the same Is true of the vege- tables. Now, if the food has been well selected, alter the guesis and the help have finished, there are only the scraps left. Of course, we have the stock pot for soups, where all the bones are thrown, and which’ is kept going night and day. This leaves only the broken teces of bread und meat and vegetabies left to accounted for, The quantity of such acray I maintain, if the steward understands bis business, ought not to be large, but of course the quantity varies, according 4s the manage- meut is good, Dad, of indifferent’ SOLD TO CHEAP RESTAURANTS. “The final disposition of the scraps,” he con- tinued “differs in different hotels. In some cases they are sold to the smaller eating houses, ere hash is prominent iu the bill of fare and bread puddings. [ have known instances where the leavings trom a large botel have been sold to the muuagers of eating houses and the leavings frown these places again disposed of to houses run on acheaper scale. But in my own case I never allow the scraps to be of sulticient importance to make them an object of sale, ‘There are standing in iny kitchen several cay- ered baskets,whicn belong to charitable Institu- tons, and every duy some one calls and emptics them.” This, 1 think, Js a general. practice among the hotels in ‘this city, so that a good use is made of whatever 1s left from the tabies.” EXTRAVAGANCE OF THE AMERICAN MOTEL SYSTEM. “There is one defect about the American hotel system,” he continued,“‘which ought to be rem- edied, and that is the custom of providing for each meal such immense bills of fare, The idea sevins to prevail that the exesllence of the table depends upon the length of the bill of tare, which, in tact, the exact reverse is generally the case. The result is, thata poor quality of ood 4s provided, and there is a great waste. People geLin the habit of ordering u great number of dishes which they cannot possibiy ext, but as they muss them over the food cun only be used by the help or put in the scrap baskets. In places where the Eu system is followed guests order only what they can eat, and thus the cost of serving is reduced, and uiere fs not so much waste. It is a singular thing that peo- le who, when at home, live. on rather scanty Tare, as b00n as they evine toe hotel want the greatest variety, and then are loud in their complaints about the table. Ican always tell how people live ut home by the way they act when they come to a hotel. Those who live Welland are accustomed to luxury at home give the least trouble at hotels.” Reported for THE EVENINO Star WOODLAWN FARMERS’ CLUB. Agricultural Interests in Virginia. PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE ROAD SYSTEM—THE MATTER OF “EXPERIMENT STATIONS”—THE RELATIVE VALUE AND PRODUCTIVENESS OF WHITE AND YELLOW CORN, The January meeting of the Woodlawn Far mers’ Club was held at the home of the prest- dent, N. W. Pierson, on the 16th Instant. The reading of the minutes gavo rise to some fur- ther remarks relative to the proposed change in our road system, and some additional names were subscribed to the petition in its favor. The subject of experiment stations, left over at @ former meeting, was called up and further discussion had upon it A circular, with en accompanying petition, from the secretary of the South Side Farmers’ Club, addressed to the islature, asking for an appropriation of fif- ten thousand, dollars for the establishment of experiment stations in connection with the three colleges having agricultural departments now in this state, was read. The members of the club were requested to sign the petition and have it forwarded to Richmond by the 10th of January, but that tme being past, the signing was dispensed with and the proposition dis cussed, the general sentiment being averse to making such appropriation unless there was & guarantee that an effective disposition could be made of it. The general impression prevails that no practical benefit would result to farmers if iu was placed in charge of the said colleges, under the present, system of m: ment. It ‘was though? that better results would follow if placed in charge of the commissioner of agri- culture. In connection with this subject . Lukens read several articles from the New York Tribune in relation to industrial educa- tion, he being strongly in favor of extending suet! facilites to the masses rather than tos favored few. An article was read relating peared that the test, benefit was received from the latter. the New Jorsey experiment station in confir- Tsion of the same: thing, but the inembers nt—most of them—remained skeptical on Pie subject. This drew ont some expressions as to the relative value of white and yellow corm i i iat a 5 & § E 4 fl i i How the Commen Sehools Managed ‘THROUGHOUT THE UxION, “It is an almost universal rule in this coun- try,” said an official of the bureau of education, to whom a STAR reporter applied for informa- tion, “that the schools are managed by boards of education, who control expenditures, choose their own officers, the superintendent and teachers, and are independent bodies That nine or twelve mem! multiple of three. The rule is that one-third Fetire or completé their official term. People and yorespat the people! the mu je and re; in Ment of the schools, at taxes are £ ‘ es) of education, in others the board of school irectors, or school visitors. Organisation and principle of govern: the same in all. In some, cities each represent in the sch board. The su n- offeer of the board and tendent is the executive: chosen board. In the cases of many jes there ix also a deputy superinten- nally, when common lished, exch school was man: by the people themselves, the inbabitants of the in which the schoo! was located. Then ‘ap the system was developed and schools were combined special officers were to look Sppears in a pamphiet, issued by the bureau of education, entitled “A Statement of the Theory of Education in the United States America, itles, and sometimes prescribes less of the branches of knowledge to may more or taught; provides how districts created, divided or consolidated — with others,’ and how moneys. may raived by or for thom; prescribes their organiza- Uon,officers and their powers and the time and manner of filing and vacating offices and the functions of each officer; prescribes the school ‘age and conditions of atiendance, and provides in some cases for the investinent und applica tion of the school funds derived trom the gen- eral government. The local municipalities or ganize school districts under state laws elect school officers and levy ani taxes — for school __ purposes. ‘The local school officers examine, appoint and tix the salaries of teachers when not otherwise done, build school houses, procure school sup- plies, arrange courses of’ study, prescribe the Tules and regulations for the government of the sohools, and administer the schools.” IX THE DIFFERENT STATES. Another publication, issued by the bureau, containing the “Proceedings of the Department of Superintendence of the National Educational association at its meeting at Washington, D. C., February, 1880," contalus an appendix which summarizes various matters relating to the common school systems under the different state laws. This shows that the chief educa- Uonal officer of the state is known variously as State superintendent or state cominis- sioner, and is either chosen by — the people or the state board of education, appointed by the governor or elected by thé legislature. The state boards cousist generally of various state oflicers whose duties are of an educational character. In some cases the board comprises such oficiais and other members chosen by the legislature. The cbiet educa tional officer of the county isknown in different parts of the country as county superintendent, county examiner or county commissioner. ‘The modes of appointment of this officer differ Yery mucb, In some states the county super- jntendent is appointed by the state superin- tendent; in others by the county court; in others by the state board of education; in others by the governor; in others by the county board or township trustees, while in others he is chosen directly by the ‘The county bourds in some cases are composed of the superintendent and certain teachers. In Georgia the members of the county board are chosen by the grand jury. In Maryland the Judge of the circuit court‘appoints the members of the county board, who appoint the superin- tendent and confirm the appointments of teachers. The county board ts appointed some- times by the state board, aud sometimes is composed of certain county officlals designated by jaw. In Mississipp! the members of the county board ure chosen by the parents or guardians of children, and in Ohio they are ap- Pointed by the probate judge. THE DISTRICT TRUSTEES. The district trustees usually appoint teachers, or where they donot appoint, recommend their appointinent to the county board. These trus- tees are chosen generally by the people, though in some instances they are appointed by the selectmen or the county board. Except in Ala- buma, where the teachers are appointed by the township superintendent, the teachers are ap- pointed and removed when necéssary by the district or county bard or school committee, ‘This is an outline of the school systems of the various states as regulated by the state laws. THE CITY SCHOOL SYSTEME. “Circular of Information, No, 1, 1885," issued by the bureau of education, containing an elab- orate account of the elty school systems in the United States, prepared by John D, Phill LL. D. This circular states that the schools the cities are controlled and managed by local boards variously designated, but for tbe most part directly representing the opinions and will of the, people. In keneral the members are elected by popular vote. “Theaim of the most intelligent friends of our schools,” circular ‘says, “has been their administration he cable irom the influence of party ities,” For the most part, the circular says, school boards are ‘ested with authority to man: whatever relates to fostruction within Humits prescribed by law, and to control the ex- nditure of the funds ‘legally provided there- ie They have the power to ite, elect and ‘bers and fix thelr compen: ‘they determine the grading and courses study of the schools, prescribe text-books, make regulations for admission of pupils, for promo- tun and for graduation, but are not empowered to establish schools or'to provide for insirac- ton not authorized by law; neither have they the custody and disbursément of the school moneys. There are, however, cities in whieh the powers enumerated are shared between centeal board and local or distinct boards; and in a few cities the powers of the board are re- stricted. In some other elties, however, boards ‘have even greater powers than those enumerated. In New ¥ board bas, almost unlimtt matters relating to scl ,. municipal body dimiss o dependent on an: either for the purchase of sites or the erection of school —_s—__ ELECTRICAL INVENTIONS. Yankee Genius Centered Upom the Study of Electricity. HOW THE BUSINESS OF THE ELECTRICAL DIVI- SION OF THE PATENT OFFICE HAS INCREASED IN LATE YEARS—USKFUL INVENTIONS, AND ‘PRETENSIONS OF QUACKS. ‘The introduction of electricity and electrical appliances into the arts and, in fact, into all the department of every day life has in the past few years been carried on to such came into general use, which Years ago. Previous to thai time class of inventions pertal gemeibe sis Nghe nd Vhemuriwde at tia High "So rapidly” has the art aebetsped ‘that even now electric lighting trom y in this office, and is electric railways, oF motive This, comy ul speak isthe nel field 10 giestrealiovention: soit now rapid weioped and whai w ceed itn knows culge io tne Tota ae and skill required is very great,and the very’ profusion which the inveuttve genius of the country displays ts prool, if there was nothing else, of the generai diffusion of learn- ing and the high culture which the people have ELECTRICAL QUACKERY. “Of course,” continued Mr. Kintner, with smile, “there are not wanting quacks and pre tenders in this department as well as in all others, As an illustration of this class, there are the various medical uses to which it 1s claimed that electricity can be put to. For i ies for a patent for aa instance, invention, accom; by numerous aMdavite im that marvelous cures have of people who been effected through its agency. When an examination is made this invention ts found consist, ‘of an ordinary electric lig Tire, which te rein ‘across tho ceiling of « bed roomi, and, by conveying the ground currents: electr.city'over the bed where sick. persous lie, they have, according to the inventor's claims been cured of grievous maiudies, Then, be- longing to the same class are the various gicctric pads to be applied externally, You ‘hate ‘no. idea what a ‘multitads of such devices are brought to the office, It must be apparent that we, who are the ox: perts in bebuif of the public 10 a particular art, Should be ws proficient if not more so than the class Of persons who come before us as invent~ ors, not only from # theoretical standpoint, but also ina practical sense. Neither myself nor any of my assistants have had actual practioal kuowledge of the applications in the art, and in consequence we labor under serious disadv ‘here is pe no art in the Patent office in which there are flied so many applicas tions for patents tor alleged inventions, which would be clearly, 1! allowed, humbugs oF frauds upon the public.’ This ts particularly true wi relation to electro-medical devices, very few Which are suffered to go to patent. It is also true of some telephonic apparatus.” AN EXPERIMENTAL LABORATORY NEEDED, “For this reason,” said Mr. Kintner, “1 bave Tecommended to the Comminsioner the ereo tion of a one-story structure within the court of this buliding for an experimental, physical and chemical laboratory for the use of the electrical and chemical division of the office. During the year I have been twice detailed to make texts Upon alleged Improvements in telepbones, in boUb instances at the expense of the inventors, and in both cases I reported adversely to the applicants, It is apparent tat the examinee luvors under great difficulties when he submits to tests made by an applicant with his own arranged io his own way,and under ‘such conditions as will give him the most favor able showing, There can be no question but that the office should defray all such expenses, and should also be provided with apparatus fof making all necessary tests, and for familiarize ing {ts corps of exatnivers with the practical a Well as the thevretical state of the art. cnn cnn — SNOW-COVERED REAL ESTATE. ‘The E@ect of the Snow Stormon the Real Estate Market. As the snow was falling the other day, agen eman remarked to @ StaR reporter in the office of the recorder of deods, “Now the ground is being covered by snow we Wiilsee a falling off in the transfers fled for record.” “Is there any particular reason tor the falling off except the inclemency of the weather?” asked the reporter. “Why, to be sure,” was the answer. “People don’t Mke to buy what they can’t see, Pare chasers, toexamine the goods offered be- fore buying, and this rule applies to land as wellas ordinary commodities. I don't know that they like examine the ground to Judge of its, teal character, but the rule seems: to be that the ground must be visible beture It 4s purchased, at least Judging from the past exe perience tn this office.” “At what seasons of the year does the market most active?” was asked of another gen= Ictman in the office. “Generally in the spring and early summer,” ‘was the answer; “but last year this order was reversed, and daring the fail the transiers grad- were during the year Jed, 700 more than ery ertesipee ba fa eet ee ¢0425, Emma 3. Tmstead, roudheud to dF 000. B. F. Gilbert’ to Mary A. ‘Kuchling. jols 1S.and 14, Nk. ®, ‘Takoma park: 837%, W Horner et al.lo A.A.Lipscomb, lot Three B; 350. Elvira L. Johnson to ' George H icLanaban, lots 30 and 31, sq. 93: $12,000; Jesse Shreeve to W. C. Donnell, lot 38, sq. 47 300, Elizabeth L, Dunn’ wo G.’ Browne le, lot $1, Lanier Heights, $1,225. G. Goode'to Elizabeth L. Dui X, trustees, to 7,0. 975; $1,450." Jane Hart to 3. H. Chew, pt, same; $1,400, Sallie Ry to D. Cartter, sub. lot F, sq. 26; $4,500. 3,8 Bamonds to Levi Wooabary. sub. Brom) iodo. 1, Takoma Purk; $246.45, ‘Givers to . E. Bromwell, lot 3, bik. 1, do. . 813; $938.79. CA. Best to J. M. Gi eub Faq. 81a; 180." Peter Bent to fatson Boyle tot. P. P. F. Cusick to ey a ty é a * 4 I 19 to 21, sq. 789; Gilbert tod. E. aa B, States to John 8. Rwormste i, pl. C. A. Best to sume, ail ; 4 fi ie £ 7