Evening Star Newspaper, October 18, 1890, Page 8

3 Ne a oe a INSIDE THE EARTH. Ao Eccentric Scientist and His Strange Theory. STORY OF SYMMES’ HOLE. An Early Product of Nineteenth Cen- tury Thought—A Bclict in a Land of (Written for Ta Evenrne Stan.) SOMEWHAT recent edition of a com- pilation of tho Symmes Theory of Con- centrie Spheres has suggested this method of disseminating a knowledge of this theory more widely than can be done through the pamphlet just allnded to. ‘The author of this theory, John Cleves Symmes, was born in Sussex county, N. J., on November 6, 1780. During his boyhood and youth he re- ceived such education as the neighborhood schools could impart, supplemented by general reading, for which he carly developed an in- satiable fondness. He was specially interested im mathematics and the natural sciences, and lost no opportunity to enlarge hia stock of in- formation on these subjects. At the ago of twenty- two he enlisted in the United States army as ensign, and in ten years he bad advanced through the grades of second and first lieuten- ant to a captaincy, which rank he held until the disbanding of the army in 1816. While in serv- ice he was highly es- teemed as a brave and ‘zealous officer, and in several close engage- ments he so deported himself as to receive from the commanding JouN CLEVES sruMrs. officer honorable men- tion for his daring. His high-spirited nature, which would not overlook a slight or an offense, brought him into two “affairs,” one of which necessitated a an angle of 12 degrees with the equator. The edges of the carth ehell are called verges, and their frigid portions toward the equator are known as the icy hoop. The verges occupy about 25 degrees, and if delineated on a map would show only the outer half of the verge. All the polar regions upon the present map would be out of sight. The meridian lines extend at right angles to the equator as far as the outer edges of the verges and then wind round along the surface of the verges. termi- nating at the points directly under the highest parts of the verges both north and south. The line which marks the location of the apex of the northern yerge begins at a point in Lapland about 60 degrees north and 20 de- grees east from London on « meridian crossing Spitzbergen, whence it passes southwest acrovs the Atlantic ocean and the southern part of Greenland, through Hudson's bay and over the continent to the Pacific ocean near Cook's in- let, thence across the Fox Islands toa point about 56 degrees north and 160 degrees we nearly south of Behring’s straits; then it pass over the Pacitic.crossing the south end of Kam chatka, continuing northwest through Liberi entering Europe across the Ural mountains, in latitude 58 degrees north, and passing near the Arctic coast, over the mouth of the White sca to the point of starting. FORMED TO FIT PHENOMENA. This theory was formed to harmonize with phenomena as its author saw them and ail the reports of arctic explorations which he could procure, so that much that may appear ridicu- lous in the theory is duo to the explorers and arises from a prejudiced interpretation of their observations and reports, ‘The peculiar contour of the verge was made to fit in some degree the characteristics of the isothermal belta of both hemispheres. The region of the verges must bo the coldest parts of the earth's surface, because, being more convex, they diverge instead of converging the rags, 80 that the temperature of any n part of the earth’s surface depends as well upon its proximity to the verge as to the equator. For instance, Paris, 49 degrees north, is about the same distance from the verge as Washington, in latitude 30 degrees north, and their climate is nearly alike, ‘The report of Capt. Parry that the highest altitude of the sun is not at noon in high lati- tudes, but at some time afte of the sensible horizon from east to west and its contraction from north to south, as stated by Capt. Koss; the appearance of the sun and moou when near the horizon; the lengthened twilight, and the dip of the mas: are made to add liuks to the chain of re: ing which culminated in this theory, with strengthening proofs in the southward migra- tion of arctic birds and beasts, the shoals of southward-moving herring. the driftwood on the northern shores of Iceland, Norway and settlement according to the “‘code,” he re- ceiving a wound in his wrist,while his opponent was more seriously burt ball lodging in bis hip. PREEMPTING HIS CLAIM. Upon his retirement from the army he be- came a resident of St. Louis, trading with tho Indians and furnishing supplies to the troops stationed on the upper Mississippi. It was while here that he promulgated his famous theory, announcing it in the form of a circular, which at the same time was intended to pre- empt the claim in case others should make the discov -ry before he could find the means for making the attempt. The circular wus as follows: Light gives light to discover—ad infinitum. Sr. Louis, Missovar TexnrTony, NontH ANFRICA, April 10, A. D. 1818. To all the World: Ideciare the earth is hollow and habitable within; containing a number of solid concentric spheres, ome open at the poles twelve pport of this Of Ohio, late N. BT have ready for the pr e Prinetyles of matter, wherein I show proots of the above pusitions, accuunt for the v pus phenoweuas, Bnd disclose Dr. Darwin's “Golden a My terms are the patronaye of this and the new Worlds Idedicate to ife and her ten children. Isclect Dr. 3 L. Mitetwll, Sir H. Davy and Baron Alexander von Humbolitt as my protectors Task gue hundred brave co docked w if uot meu, on reaching one degroe northward of la tude 82, we will retura in the succeeding apriny Capt. Symmes addressed a copy of this cir- cular to every learned institution and to every town of any size throughout the United States and to many of the scientific societies abroad. Of course the promulgation of such a startling belief called forth from newspapers. youthful societies and debating clubs criticisms, friendly and otherwise, and jests and scofings without umber. Count Volney laid the matter before the Academy of Sciences of Paris in accordance with tho wish of the propounder, but it was soon decided that it contained noting worthy of consideration. ‘Numerous circulars or memoirs, as the author called them, followed this first one, each ad- vaneing facts in proof of his theory or replying to the arguments of some worthy combatant. W118 LECTURES. In 1820 Capt. Symmes began lecturing on his theory, beginning at Cincinnati and the larger towns of what was then knownas the west. The earnestness and enthusiasm of the — and the novelty of the subject attracted large audiences, but he failed to make egnverts of ch as had means to enable him to~ test his m his audience ” theory of the earth deserving of serious examination and worthy of the attention of the American people.” In 1822 he presented through Senator Johnson & petition to Congress, settmg forth his views, and asking governmental aid in equipping and organizing an expedition to explore this in- ternal world. During the two years following both houses of Congress and the general | assembly of the state of Ubio were similarly importuned, but without avail. However, he Was not so unfortunate in the west; his theory excited so much notice that a benclit perform- ance to aid the polar expedition was given at the Cincinnati Theater on March 29, 1824, when a laudatory address was read, closing with: “Has not Columbia one aspiring son By whom th’ unfading laurel inay be won? Ot Bsmines to prace her future scrols of fae.” In 1825 he applied through the American minister at the court of St. Petersburg for per- mission to join the polar expedition which the Bussian government was fitting out, The re- quest was granted, but lack of means for the purchase of a proper outfit prevented him from going. Still, undaunted by failure when he expected success, he continued to write and lecture, visiting the principal cities of the cast and north—even to Canada—until the struggle against such heavy odds was ended by ceath on May 29, 1829. Of his written publications there are known, im addition to the one already given, six me- moirs on the formation of mountains, open poles, light between the spheres and several short newspaper paragraphs. His theory has been pratann. in “Extracts from a biograph- ical Sketch of Capt. Symmes, published in 1826, im Cincinnati, Obio, by a citizen of the United States,” two articles in Atlantic and Harper's and the book referred to in the first lines of this teh. This work ‘is called the ition,” and in the copy in the brary ying that the first edition is not known to the library—it is perhaps the “extracts” just men- tioned and most likely written by the captain himself. THE EARTH ACCORDING To SQUIRES’ THEORY. Se much for the man; now for the theory. According to this theory the earth is globular, hollow and open at the poles. He thought it wes hollow because an Omnipotent Being would not have created so large a globe with only its outer surface habitable—that would be a waste of and hence improbable. If there isa _- abode within the earth the light and t supply must be the sun, and.f the sun there must be an opening for the admission of the light and heat: owing to the inclination of the polar axis and the rotation of the earth around the sun an orifice of the proper size ‘at the poles—allowing for considerable refrac- tion in such high latitudes—would admit a iting the suggest Sha Japiter's belts, Siberia and the discovery of coal in the arctic regions. FOLLOWED UP BY IIIs SOX. The captain's son, following in his fathor’s footsteps, has within the past fow yeara inter- preted recently reported facts so as to accord with this theory. One of these isa report of Capt. Hall from latitude 81 degrees 38 minutes ng: “I find this a much warmer country an Lexpected, and it abounds with life and seals, game, geese, ducks, musk cattle, deer, foxes and all kinds of wading bird: which, added to the statemont that seventy miles fur- ther north Hall saw an open sea with dark nim- bus clouds overhanging. causes the son to be- lieve that had Hali not been poisoned he would soon have entered the internal world. Another fact cited is the statement of Nor, after passing 80 de, he found a timber an abundance of explorer, Capt. Wiggins, found this country and made the acquaintance of the inhabitants, who spoke Hebrew. A Mr. Seebohm. who accom- AN UNJUST CRITIC. The Faultfinding Letters of a French Visitor to This Country. COMMENTS ON THE PEOPLE. Chevalicr de Bacourt and His Cross- Grained Growls — Washington Un- sparingly Deate Wit! Prince de Joinville’s Two Visite: ce ee Written for Taz Evesrxa Stan. { am indebted to an old friend, Mr. M. W. Galt, for calling my attention to a book pub- lished in 1885 containing private letters from America during the administrations of Presi- deuts Van Buren, Harrison and Tyler by the Chevalier de Lacourt, with memoir of the author by the Comtesse de Mirabeau. Judg- ing from these letters the writer must have been a cross-grained, ill-tempered man, whom nothing could please, as le finds fault with evorybody and everything. Washington comes in for more than its share of his animadver- sions, Tho weather, the streets, the people, all are to him objects of disgust. Nothing and nobody is spared. His diplomatic confreres are unsparingly dealt with. The book, how- ever, is very interesting, as it recails incidents which, at that period, wero important, and some of which left their impress on the future of the country. He deals with all sorts and descriptions of life at Washington, Néw York, Puiladelphia, Baltimore and other cities he visited, and noné of them all can obtain from him a, favorable word. They are American, aud that is onough for Do Bacourt. His posi- tion gave a knowledge of events transpiring in tho administration at Washington which was anied the expedition, took a ride on horse- back with several others through this new country. He reported that overything was very cheap, which could be explained by supposing that their market was China. A LONG FORGOTTEN SATIRE, This last name calls to mind Capt. Adam Seaborn, who wrote “Symzonia; a Voyage of Discovery,” New York, romarkably clever satire on Symme y, Whilv care- fuily and accurately detailing this theory and describing the precautions for the voyage and the exact manuer of its making he induiges in a genoral and « of tho customs and be * as he narrates those of the “internals.” A few ex- tracts from this rarely read book will give of its character: ‘One man was propo: to be actmitted to the Order of Worthies b: ttle ‘Wise,’ because he had given evidence of superior imagination and ingongity, having fancied that Le had discovered by studying the laws of matter and motion tha: the Internals were inhabitants of the concave sido of a hol- low sphere, aud reasoning from analogy that he convex or outer side of the sphere must be inhabited by a people enjoying der range of action and more exte: ing im unlimited . council unanimously rejected the application, censured him for troubling them with the dreams of a maniac and expressed the opinion that to suppose the outside of such @world to be inhabited was as absurd as_to suppose mon to dweil on the outside of their houses.” “Another man was proposed as Wise for de- vising a schem substitute in place of tokens asystem of promissory obligations. to be is- sued by an association of individuals who should be always bound to redeem them. This pian, he contended, would greatly facilitate exchanges and contribute to the conveni: of government. His scheme was prompt demned as a device to cheat people, by causing perpetual fluctuations ia the nominal price of things.” “Another was proposed for admission for composing a code of written laws, The couiu- cilrejected the schome, saying that public opinion, the established principles aud habits of the people, the prevalent sense of recti- ude and benevolence, had been and still w. safficient. Laws, if in accordance with th: principles, could add nothing to their efticac and if inconsistent with them, they could not be enforced.” Disregarding this slight digression we have shown in outline the nature of this theor: and to the credit of 1ts propounder it must be id that nove other so preposterous has had the support of so many recorded statements, J. Howanp Gore. ee ke BOGUS ALASKA CURIOS. Their Manufacture an Important Indus- try in San Francisco. Frord the San Francisco Chronicle. “The spread of American enterprise and Yankee ingenuity is nowhere seen to better ad- vantage than among the guileless natives of Alaska,” said Capt. Anderson of the Bertha to a reporter yesterday. ‘The captain thereupon proceeded to throw new light upon the results of the fad of relic hunting pursued by Alaskan excursionists. “The captains of the excursion steamers are pestered by the passengers for information as to the best places to procure relics,” said he. “The arrival of excursionists creates as much ofa stir among the natives as steamer day did }in San Francisco im the ‘Js, They are the legitimate prey ot the children of Alaska, Years ago 1t was podsible to get real relics at a moderato price, but now it is hard to tell the difference between real and f: “Some time ago some ingenious natives used to take haif dollars, hammer them out very thin and mani ture tiem into bracelets. ‘These curios were sold for €1.50 the most. When steamer loads of tourists com- menced going to Alaska in the summer they bought up the bracelets as fast as they were made. The native Alaskan is a very speody individual. He saw fortunes in store for him. The bracelets could not be made fast enough to supply the demand and he formed a sort of syndicate with his brothers. This syndicate sent to San Francisco and had hundreds of there bracelets manufactured here and re- shipped to Alaska, There they were and are still retailed to the guileless excursionist at #5 or #94 pair. ‘Tho samo may be said of native idols, straw hats, bottle covers and bows and arrows. More than half of them are made in this and other coast cities and then sent to Alaska for sale. The natives know when they are talking to an expert and they do not try to palm off spurious articles on him. But the green excursionist is their ready victim. They will sell him a straw hat made of spruce roots for #5 or #6 which they ordinarily sell for 50 cents. Imported war su:ts decked with feathers and beads are disposed of at from $25 to 875 each. < “Ifthe studious collectors of Alaskan curios only knew the history of half their materiais they would become very sod. Tho native Alaskan is a victim of civilization. He has denied the outside world, aud he does not hesi- tate to use that knowledge in those letters. He gives tho reason for the second visit of the Prince de Joinville to this city. It may be re- membered by some of our older citizens that Prince de Joinville came here during Mr. Van Buren’s term in the presidency, He landed at the navy yard frqm the Vreuch muan-of-war Volue and called upon the President to pay his respects, and was invited by the President to diue at the Executive Mansion, and for some reason, not then explained, he neituer accepted nor declined the invitation, but ieft tho city, sailing directly for France. It created a good deal of talk and the general opinion was it would be mado the subject of complaint to tho French government, but that Do Bacourt denies, ‘THE PRINCE'S SECOND VISIT. On his gecond visit the Prince de Joiaville arrived in New York in the ship La Belle Poulle ember, 1841. M. de Bacourt says: “The nce took me apart (what a pity he ever put him together again) and told me that the first time he came to the United States he had be- haved in such away that he had been sent back from France to make amends for his error. Mr. Van Buren, who was President at that time, asked him how long he intended to stay in Washington: he told him that he was going to leave the next day. Notwithstanding this reply Mr. Van Buren invited him to dine the nextday, which invitation the prince did not think he was obliged to accept. ‘This pro- duced great dissatisfaction and disagrecablo remarks, which were reported on the other side of the Atlantic. The prince charged M. Pontois, the then French minister, to mako his excuses, but he received a ‘famcux galop' (severe reprimand)—this is his expression— and the king peremptorily ordered him to re- turn to the United States and accept an invita- tion to dinner, Consequently,” says M. de ) “he will go immediately to Washing- ay there long enough to ‘avoid an- other scolding.” In the meanwhile Mr. Van Baren had retired to Kinderhook, Gen, Herri- son had died and the iavitation to diuner was given by Mr, Tyler. TUE WHITE HOUSE DINNER, This cross-grained minister speaks as un- pleasantly as he can of the dinner. Mr, Web- ster, the Secretary of State, left the ci morning of the dinner and De Bacourt saye: ‘iam not sorry for this discourteous act, for ho is pretentious, tiring and would have bored a Mr. Legare, one of the new members of who ig amiable and speaks french |, Will replace Mr. Webster, which will be far more agreeable t@ the prince.” The dinuer, Le says, “passed off better tuan [had hoped. it only lasted one hour and a haif. The geand reception in the evening was tedio ridiculous and tiresome. Happily the prince, with his natural gayety, amused himeelf with the strange toillettes of the women and bore with great patience the indiscretion of all those who asked to be presented, also the familiarity of their manners and language. At last at 10 o'clock he went home, delighted to have per- formed the t for which he had crossed the ocean by royal and paternal command.” ONE WHO REMEMBERS HIM. Alady who remembers this irascible little Frenchman says he was to her like one of those little, ill-natured, snarling, barking fyate dogs, the most unpleasant and annoying of the canine breed, She says ho found fault with everything and body, and was intensely disiked, The retative who gives those letters to the reading public should have exercised some judgment and withheid those which are et being published.” ye, “those letters on he remembrance of M. de most assurediy will recall him very unpleasant person. It was to M. de Bacourt Prince ‘talleyrand bequeathed his memoirs, giving him as une of his execu- tors the power to publish them after his death, or to postpone the pub I hopes, too, ica am, Bacourt.” te er period if he judged it necessary. Taileyrand died in May, i833, and De Bacourt betore his death, acting on the judgment allowed him, delayed by his will the publica- tion until 1835, They “are now, it is said, un- dergoiug preparation for publication, FAULT FINDING IN NEW YORK. When the Priuce de Joinvilie returns to New York M. de Bacours accompanies him and tells of the entertainment given him there by Mrs. Dr. Mott and others andthe same fault finding pervades what he writes of them which ed at Washington. He says of the rs, Mott's: though better than Washington there was much to find fault with in the exaggerated dress of the women and the vulgar manners of the men.” Of his own countrymen he says: ‘The French who are living here (New York) annoy me very much, * * ‘They are abominable rogues, who have run away from France and live here by fraud. My predecessor, M. P tois. lived on very famili a, y are astonished that I do not follow ‘hese abused citizens sent a ench government complaining d asking his recall. On his return to Washington the Patent Office was robbed and he says of it: “The thieves have not been caught and probably uover will be, owi the singular organization of the ’polic rather to the total abseuce of any guarantee of public or private property.” ‘The articles were recovered, as all kuow, and now aro in the National Museum, LIPEL ON WEBSTER AND CLAY. His description of the dinner at the Presi- dent’s on the 12th of January, 1842, contains such a gross libel on Mr, Webster that ono feels tempted to brand him as a falsifyer. Mr. Clay’s speech delivered in 1842, January, he pronounces “‘a complete failure.” Lord Mar eth was there, he says, ‘and lad the opportun- ity of judging of the eloquence of the great American orators and of the angrchy which rules in this paradise called republic!” ‘There is nothing that escapes this scold. He attacks the Barards ‘for their impudence in calling themselves descendants of the Cheva- lier Bayard; they are ignorant, no doubt, of the fact that the chevalier had the good sense never to Lasakt Gi His predecessor, Mr, Pageot, wh left such pleasant momories of himself and his amiable wife, the daughter of Maj. Wm. B. Lewis, who was one of the auditors of the Treasury under Gen, Jackson and Mr. Van learned from his white brother how to le and he knows how to seize an opportunity.” ——— ee Pity the Messenger Boy. From the buffalo Courter. One of the district messenger boys undertook anovel task last Sunday afternoon. He was called to a Franklin street house, where he fovnd woman with a baby. Buren, he treats with scant courtesy. Count de Montholon, who accompanied the Princs de Joinville on his travels, he defames by faint [rae and speaks of his young wife,the daugh- of Gen, Gratiot, so popular here in after years, when the Marquis de Montholon re- turned as French minister, as follows: “Her face, which is rather swoet ‘than pretty, is al- ready faded, like that of all the young Ameri- can women, and sho is not Magan ber old.” He attended a charity fair here by “ele- gant ladies” of the city, as he quotes, and “it was only curious on account of the filth, display and the bad order kept.” iike disagreeable tenor, a book, ail of disagreeabic tenor, and if he contented himsolf, as sil Hall, the Trollopes, Dickens apd others, with ridicule of {s,wo vould boar it saili ly, but ne transcends libolers apd assails whom he evi- ‘eral said_he regarded it as badinage, matic corps is particularly subjec‘ed to his abusive criticism. In bord 1841, he attended one of Carusi’s May balls, and says truly, “‘Mr. Carusi is the dancing master of all the young girls in town,” and in his description of the fete libels the fair queen of May, to whom on those delightful oc- casions we paid such willing homage, and says she was “ugly,” as if it were a possible or prob- able thing that a May queen could be ugly, and if we remember aright this queen of May was a very handsome girl, and today, thoug! @ grandmother, is a remarkably handsome wo- man—handsomer, a friend remarks, than any woman he ever saw in Paris, unless she was an American. This lady, the wife of a retired commodore. still atiracts almost much admiratiou in her maturity as she did in her girlhood, Libelous though the snarling letter writer is, we thank him for recalling those days—remote almost they seem as the anti- rovolutionary days. Amid all the changes of time and circumstances to the few—compara- tively—who participated in the enjoyments of that period they remain as delightful memo- ries, 118 DESCRIPTION OF WASHINGTON would not be recognized now. He says: “The avenue is the only strect, and it is crossed by streets at right angles, in each of which are from five to six housos; * * * you can reach the oper country in five hundred steps. * * * ‘The inbebitanta all own cows and pigs, but no stables, and these animals wander about all day and night through the city and go to their owners’ Louses only in the morning and evening to be fed. The women milk their cows on the sidewalk and sprinkle the passers- by. The nocturnal wanderings of those beasts create an infernal racket, in which they are joined by dogs and cats.” In February, 1841, he saya: “I went to see Mr. and Mrs, Charles Hill, who live at the extreme end of the city (the northwest corner of 14th street and Massachusetts avenue—Thomas Cir- cle). My carriage sank up to the uxletree in the snow and mud. It was necessary to leave the carriage, which had to be dragged out and scraped to remove the mud and slush, which nec to it like glue, I don’t know how any one can getto Hill's on Monday next, when they give a ball, They count on the moon shining on that night to save their necks. This is how it is in Washington—streets not paved, swept or lighted. VISITING ANALOSTAN ISLAND. He cailed on Gen. Mason on Analostan Island, charged by the king (Louis Phillippe) to assure him of his feelings of friendship toward him. The old gentleman was the king's guide in this part of the United States forty- odd years ago, He seys the fumily of Gen. Mason “was very agreeable, and, what was as- tonishing, prodigious, enormous. ‘They pressed us to stay to dinner—a politeness unkuown to Americans, who never admit any one to their table without having made their preparations a long time before and drilled their negroes and negresses, * * * The good old general,who is sixty-five years old, begged me to thank the king for his gracious remembrance; he was transported with joy and gratitude.” The G Mason De Bacourt speaks of so patronizin; was of a distinguished family anda gentleman of large fortune and the father of tho late Hon. James Mason, who represented Virginia in the United States Senate for some years and was with Mr. Jolin Slidell sent as envoy to Eng- land by the confederate government and was taken by Capt. Wiikes from tho British steamer and brought to the United States, Lut subse- uently returned tothe steamer trom which they had been taken. Col. John Mason, an- other fon. was a well-knowa resident of Georgetown, where he owned large mills, John ¥. Mason, who was Secretary of the Navy under Mr. Polk and minister to Franco, though related, came from another family, that of jorge Mason of Gunston Hall, who wae the author of the “Bill of Rights” and declined to accept a seat in the United States Senate, though elected. I could follow the libeier through his whole book and point out the dis- tinguished personages whom he traduces, Of Mr, Van Buren, for instance, he says: “His politeness is perfect; it is the perfect imitation of a gen- tleman.” Every one who invited him to their entertainments he ridicules and abuses, I will not quote naracs, as many members of the fam- ilies he libels live here, He finds it in his heart to speak well of the venerable Father Mathews, He says: ‘He is an American by birth, but was brought up in Liege; he returned to America during the French revolution, He came to Washington, which was being built, and think- img it would become a city of ‘importance bought a large tract of land.” (The square where St. Patrick's Church stands.) He says: “The Abbe Mathews scems to me to be a good, honest man, distinguished only for his charity— perbaps the highest of all dis tions.” A dis- tinction of which De Bacourt is entirely devoid. Iwill only turther notice a most interesting character, who, like everybody brought into this Look, is spoken of in an unpleasant manner, to say the least. HENRY WYKOFF. Do Bacourt speaks very frequently of Fanny Elssler, whom he had known in Europe, and who was inaking the tour of this country at that time. Mr. Honry Wykoff accompanied her as her agent, I botieve, though De Bacourt asserts he had married her, which is not true. Mr, Wykoff, despite the unpleasant terms in which M. de Bacourt speaks of him, wav a man of very extraordinary ability, which enabled him for years, indeed up to the last days ot his life, to sustain the closest relations with the most distinguished men and rulers of this country and Europe. Ho was intrusted with most delicate and important negotiations by the Emperor Napoleon ILI, with whom he had been on terms of intimacy for many y Asa diplomatist he was recognized as ‘ha equals in Europe. He was for y ciate and recognized agent abroad of the elder Bennett, to whom he introduced me after [ had assumed the direction of the N tell gencer, A fend had e: tween the Herald and the National Infedigencer, which was healed only afew years before M Gales’ death, Meeting Mr. “Wykoff in New dim to call on Mr. Bonnett at lunched and where I re- le advice in journalism, and Mr. day or two thereafter I dined with Bennett at his residence, Washington Heig! with Mr. Wykoif and had the opportunity of seeing the intimate reiations existing between Mr. Bennett and V His access to the o the throne, was of no The Iate Gen, Ramsay, so remembered and esteemed here, told me Wykoff on one occasion r weil an incident of Mr. Ws when dining with him and Mr. W. AN INSTANCE OF WYKOFF’S INFLUENCE, ‘The general said soon after he had graduated at West Point he was sent or made a tour of Europe and was in Paris during tho temporary trouble between this country and France, was therefore during Gen, Jackson's adminis- tation, Our minister had been recalled, I think. Atany rate he was not there and Mr, Daniel Brent, consul general at Paris foryes was acting charge d'affaires, There was to be a state ball on some great occasion and the young lieutenant of artillery was anxious to go and applied to “his relative,” as he told me, Mr. rent, for an invitation, Mr, Brent regretfully imformed him he had disposed of all he had re- ceived, and suid the conditions existing between the two countries forbade his asking any favors of the government, Very much disappointed, Gen, Ramsay, said he met that day Mr. ykoff, towhom he expressed his disappoint “Oh! don't be worried about that; Iwill cket for you,” said Mr. Wykoff, an as- surance which evemed so unlikely that the gen- Some hours later, when he had returned to his hotel, an invitation reachgd him, borne by a personage resplendent in royal livery. On the night ot the ball the consul general and charge d'affaires was surprised to mect the young lieutenant, not only there, but sustaining evidently most pleasant relations with members of the royal houscho!d. This, of course, was the influence of Mr. Wykoff, even in that early day. During the war Mr. Wykoff occupied a Povition which gave him intluence with Mr. Lincoln, aud it was said his visits in Europe during that period were as an agent of the gov- ernment intrusted with important state mat- ters. With the French minister, Marquis de Moutholou, he was on confidential terms and did good service, as 1 was assured, in maintain- ing the friendly relations between France and the United States, which were at one time very seriously threatened. The only foolish thing I ever heard of Wykoff doing—for he was born dipiomat—was the publication of his book, “My Courtship and Its Consequences,” detail- ing his pursuit of Miss Gamble, His relations with the best It Bacourt speaks in the most familiar terms of Count de Menou, who accompanied him_to Baltimore and introduced him to Arch- bishop Eccleston, and De Bacourt relates what he cails asingular fact, “that in the establis- ment of Catholic bishoprics in the United States the promoter of the first scat was Jefferson, who was said to be an unbeliever in any cae, ba While minister at Paris in 1789 he was, ho says, pal nunci Writing from Rockaway in Angust, 1840, he say? have at last seen Madame Jerome Bonapar! iss Patterson—a large, fat woman, whose face still jerves traces of wonderful beauty, but totaliy devoid of expression. She looks like a plaster model ina studio enlarged. They say she is an agreeable woman, but I Pronounce her dreadfuily tedious.” These extracts might be continued ad in- finitum, and bat for an occasional piece of in~ formation he has extracted and his allusions to those we know here, this book of M. de Bacourt amounts to nothing except an ex- hibition of ili nature. Those extracts I will close with about the only pleasant thing he has said of those he visited here, In June, 1841, the Comte de Menon introduced him to Mra. Graham, then residing in the house which stood where now the Columbia University stands, and there he met Miss Emily Harper of Baltimore and Mr. George Graham. He 13 kind enough to say of them: “These ple have distinguished manners and speak Frenca very well.” Joun F. Corie. <1 Sas on = m HOME MATTERS, Seasonable Suggestions and Eve: 5-Day Hints to Practical House Keepers. Sprinkie Corywgat op the baking pan in- stead of greasing it, Sarr Dissotvep rx Atcomo:, gin or ammonia will take out grease spots, To Coot Eanrueswanr or glass quickly place the article in cold salt waver. A Preasant Hovsznoiy Deoponrzrn is made by pouring spirits of lavender over lumps of bicarbonate of ammonia, To Exrract Ixg From Woop, scour with sand wet with water andammonia. Rinse with strong saleratus wator. Never Pur Potators oy tne Tabie in a cov- ered dish, ‘They will reabsorb their own mois- ture and becomo soggy. A TasLesPoon or OxTmea soaked a number of hours in a glass of milk is a yery nutritious and flesh-forming food. Denicious Saxpwicues axp Cigar Ones can be made by mincing fine rare beefstack. Sea- sou only with pepper and salt, These are ex- cellent for invalids. Never Wasn Curs, Prates orn Ksrves used in the sick room with those of the family; scar- let fever and other infectious discases have been spread in this way. Do not eat in tho sick person's room or partake of anything that has been left there, Ira CeLtar Has a Damp Sarexz, and cannot be thoroughly ventilated, a few trays of char- coal set around on the floor, shelves and ledger will make the air puro and sweet, says Medical Classics. If a large basketful of char- coal be placed in a damp ceilar where milk is kept, the milk will be in no danger of becoming tainted, ARRANGE IN A Baxtyo Dist a layer of boiled rice. season with salt, pepper and bits of but- ter, then a thin layer of grated cheese, and so on alternate ese for tho top. Moisten well rich mik or, stiil better, cream, and strew the top with rolled crackers, Bake for twenty minutes or uutil the top isa light brown, To Avow Tae Opor which too often fills the house when cabbage or other green vegeta- bles are boiling follow these simple directions: Put your cabbage ina net, and when you have boiled it five minutes in_ the first pot of water lift it out, drain for a few secofds and place carefully in a second pot, which you must have full of fast-boiling water on the stove. Empty the first water away, and boil your cabbago till tender in the second As ax Eao Suet 1s Somewnat Ponovs, eggs easily absorb unpleasant odors, and should be kept ina clean, airy, cool place— never in a cellar with decaying vegetables, Mitpew 1s Eastry Removep by rubbing common yellow soap on the articles, and then a little salt andstarch on that, Rub all well on the article and put it in the sunshine. Ir a TabLesPooxfut or Kenogeye is put into four quarts of tepid water and thus used in washing windows and mirrors, instead of pure water, there will remain upon the cleaned sur- faee a polish no amount of mere friction can give. Make a Puan Cur.Care, then a quart of frozen custard. When ready to serve, take the center out of the cake, fill the space with the frozen custard, cover the cake with the top, pack in ico for half an hour. To Civan Lace fill a bottle with cold water, draw a stocking tightly over it, securing both ends firmly. Place the laco smoothly over the stocking and tack closely, Put the bottle in a kettle of cold water containing a few shavings of soap and place over the fire to boil, Rinse in several waters and then drain and dry. When dry remove and place smoothly in’a large book and press with weights. Very nice lace can be made to lock lke new by this proce: Havixa Dustep ano Removep Sucw ARtI- cLks as can be carried from the room wring a flannel mop out of hot water and wipe the car- pet thoroughly, wringing the mdp from clean water as often as it may become soiled. Now sweep with a new broom, as you ordinarily would, and when you have finished you will have a bright, clean carpet, with little or no dust, and ail atthe expense of a very little lard labor. Those who have not tried this method are skeptical about its merits, but one trial will convince. Guarz Sixvr,—Take fine, ripe grapes, pick ovor and wash. Do nct cook them, but squeezo through a coarse cloth; boil the juice slowly, skimming well; add one-half pint of granu- lated sugar to one quart of juice when nearly done. Boil one hour, being cargful not to scorch. Put in glass 3 or bottles and seal tightly. Keep in a cool, dark place, wr: ns and bottles in brown paper. Raspberry, 2 berry und peach sirups are fine made this way. ‘They are nice for flavoring pies and puddings. Lavnpresses 1x Gerwayy will not use soda on linen, believing that it rots the goods, They dissolve about two pounds of soap in three gal- Jons of water as hot as the hand can bear, and add to this one tablespoon of turpentine aud threo of liquid ammonia, The mixture 1s then well stirred, and the linen steeped im it for two or three hours, while the vessel containing cloth and liquid is covered as nearly hermeti- cally as possible, The goods are afterward washed out and rinsed in the usuel way. The soup and water is often reheated and used a second time after half a tablespoon of turpentine and a tablespoon of ammonia have been added. ‘Fhis process is a saving of time, labor and fuel, Creme A LA Suisse.—For this most delicious dish procure aring mold made of tin and meas- uring two inches wide and two anda half inches deep. In this ring bake some rich sponge cake mixture and when doae enough turn out very carefully on to a nice china or glass dish; brush the cake ring over with vanilla glace, and, when quite cold, fill in the center with a high mound of stiftiy whipped cerca flavored very delicately with vanilla. Ornament the top of the cream with finely chopped pistachios and candied cherries cut in tiny pieces and arrange round the base a bor- der of small fresh green leaves. If preferred coifee or chocolate glace may be used for the cake ring instead of the vanilla glace; then, of course, the flavoring of the cream must correspond, —-s00 Too Great a Tyranny to Endure. From the Boston Transcript, A young lady of one of our suburbs, who married recently and went to a Connecticut city to live, reports a remark on tho part of a servant girl which is quite epic in that line. The lady, having a large house and being de- sirous of running it in good form, called up her cook cach day tothe dmiug room (which was on the main floor, the kitchen being iu the basement) and there gave her her orders for the meals and other matters connected with the downstairs work. For a day or two the cook took the orders with a rather bad grace, but committed uo overt act of insurrection, But presently, one day after the mistress had Sizinhoa hor cctlers: the conk apeka up: “And now, mum, ” she said, “I want ye to to what I havo to say, an’ it’s this; that, if y go’an’ to shtay here, an’ yo have ordhers to give me, ye'll have to come down- shtairs to the basement, for I'll not be comin’ up here to ye anny more.” Before the young mistress could recover her breath after that “if ye’re go’an to shtay,” the girl went on: “‘An’ there's another thing I want to tell ye. I notice that ye have wine on the tebble aich day, but that none af it whativer gots down- shtair to the kitchea, Now, that's nayther roignht nor fair, an’ I give ye warnin’ that some of that wine must find ite way to the kitchen T'll be lavin’ “the mistress had by thia time rocoyored her composure. > Toe many Ne Navin’ ane thy efter ‘noon, please!” she A TALK ABOUT FLOWERs. Pretty Effects of a WellyAppointed Window Gardeu, SOME OF THE FLOWERS THAT BLOOM IN THE FALL—ATTRACTIVE WINTER PLANTS—apvaN- TAGES BULDS OFFER AMATEUR OAKDENERS— THE CARE OF PLANTS. © T IS ALREADY about and around us—the sere and yellow leaf. And the fine, soft October day is here also—tem- pered with exquisite at- mospheric bourancy, healthful and invigorat- ing, and peradventure Ethe most delightful of all the year. Yet its very loveliness is the harbinger of winter, creeping on apace with | 3 its cold and chilling blasts riding triampha ly | over fields where flowers held carnival all tho 1 summer long. But winter is not omnipotent in its warfare against things of living green—for tho patrons and lovers of flowers have assayed to protect aud preserve them, and by perseverance and culture succeeded in transferring the flower garden in its beauty and fragrance from with- out to within doors—holding a summer picture up into the very face of hoary winter. The den isa beaatifal, attractive fin reality as well as in print. A pretty flower in a window never fails to attract attention and gladdens the eyes of many besides its owners. FLOWERS THAT BLOOM IN THE Fai. In Aagust and Soptember tho beaatifal aster is in its glory and runs well into Octo- ber. One of the finest of the many varieties is rlet salvia, the colors of which, when the nights begin to grow cool, seem to grow intense. Another fine flower for September and October is the anemone japonica, which, With its saucer-shaped flower of milky white with yellow stamens, grows about two foet high and blooms profusely. Carnations—ever lovely—which begin tinue through the winter when protected, The p carnations are* beautiful and sweet-scented and very popular for winter bouquets. The queen of autumn flowers, however, is the chrysanthomum or “Christmas flower,” and its rich regal blossoms of white are capecially beautiful. The pompoue or small kind is pretty, both in form and coloring. The plant of either large or small is hardy and easily cultivated in rich, light Foil. A single plant of the pure white'v: ¢ will bloom profusely in- doors, and this, with one of a delicate shade of rose, form a most attractive and pleasing com- bination. to bloom in J SOME WINTER PLANTS. Of course many of the bloomers of summer and autumn caa be carried through and made to do servico all the winter, but the most effective results are from the cultivation of the hardy bulb. By hardy bulb is meant the Dutch or Holland wties that are intended for “flowers that bioom in the spring.” bat if rightly managed can be easily swindled and made to believe that spring has come in mid- winter. Those who kuow nothing at all about growing plants and want to try their hands should begin on these bulbs. Some florist wittily said: “A Dutch bulb cau snap its fingers at the stupidest amateur alive and grow and bloom in spite of him or her, whether the house be light or dark, hot or cold.” The most prominent of these bulbs is the hyacinth. Tho tulip, marcissus, jonquils, daffodils, crocus, scilias and lily-of-the-valley can be also easily grown in witter. A wiole window Lox cau be filled with them to » pretty effect by planting the large bulbs of hyacinths, tulips and nercissus at equal distances apart and then filling in with small bulbs like crocus, scillas and snowdrops. The white Roman hya- cinth, which is earlier and has several small spikes of flowers instead of one large one, 18 worthy of cultivation. In cultivating the lily-of-the-valley in winter an individual treatment is necessary. After planting it it should be ina sheltered position where it can freeze, then brought ito the cellar, where it can thaw out gradually, and afterward placed in a cool room. Plenty of water must then be given it and it will grow and bloom beautifully. Of the narcissus there is a great varicty, but at present the florists are advertising espe- cially the oriental narei CHINESE SACRED LILY, which bears 4 profusion of beautafal silvery white flowers with golden yellow cups. It is called the Chinese sacred lily becanse the Chinese use it to herald the coming of their New Year. One of the bulbs lately brought to this coun- try is the frecesia, the faves of which are long and narrow and the flowers pure white, tube shaped. with yellow blotch aud are strang mong the stem like a row of beads, The buibs are small, and half a dozen can be grown in a five-inch pot. After blooming they should re- main in the pot until another season, when they may be taken out and put iuto fresh earth, They increase rapidly and the flowers are delightfully fragrant. OTHER BEAUTIES FOR THE WINDOW. Cyclamen persicum is beautiful plant for the window, the leaves having beautiful mark- ings on them and the flowers varyimg from white to rose and oy Se crimson. It likes a cool window and will bicom from January on toward spring. it one has roont% calla makes a nice window plant. It likes the warmest and sunniest place and plenty of warm water. The Chinese primrose is a good plant for a western exposure and likes to be kept cool, It can be had in many pretty shades, Daphne odora is au old-fashioned plant not often seen now, buta fine one for a cool win- dow. Ithasa good glossy evergreen foliage, and the sweet-scented small waxy pink flowers will perfume the whole room. Of other tlowers adapted to winter growing, especially the geranium, there is a multit to choose from. de Among good geranium winter bloomers are Queeu of the Fairies, Asa 4ray, Emile de Geradin and Jean Sisley, These flowering varieties will do as well at east or west windows as in southern exposure, CURIOUS AND PRETTY, If you can have but one plant have the small pink oxalis floribunda, for it is a curious and pretty plant and will bloom ten months in the year. Justafter sunset it will seemingly go to Bicep, the trefoil leaves will close like an um- breila and the rosy tower will fold itself to- gether for slumber just as the canary at the other window, perbaps, will draw himself up in a bunch for a good night-long nap. In the morning, uniess it be cloudy, the icaves and flowers will quietly unfold and enjoy dayligat life along with the ather members of the house- ol A WORD OF CAUTION, Do not be deceived into buying inferior bulbe. Got the best; it is economy. They may cost as much again. but it is money well in- vested. The best come from Holland, and can be had from any first-class florist. Most of the Amcrican dealers import largely from Holland and sell at reasonable prices, but many buy up inferior American grown bulbs, which are dear atany price. So many large firms are now en- gaged in the sale of imported bulbs it is possi- ble to purchase enough at a moderate cost to stock a large bed, NOTES, Calla are well under way now for winter blooming and good plants canbe had The especial need of this plant is food, water and sunlight in great abundance, — It also requires ® warm room in which to do its best, It is well to secure now a stock of soil for use in winter, at which time the ground is full of frost and the soil is unsuitable. It can be easily procured and put away in the cellar to be used as necded, Always, when practicable, cover house plants when sweeping theroom in which they are kept, as dust is very injurious to them, —————— King Alfonso’s Democratic Ways, From the Corriexe de Napole, Whenever the king sees grandees or gentle- men whom he knows he calls them by their Christian names or their surnames without their title—a custom always reproved by his governess, “Eh! Xiquena!” exclaimed the i asthe cx-minister passed. The ee who knew that the count's father as dead and that the son had inherited the title, clap owes —. me to remind our maj Person whom you do the if sddcoss is the Deke of incon” The xclaimed: “The z : H £ BF EE i i eF i i : i : i Ps ? E i | e . A BUSINESS RAILROAD. The Southern Maryland Rue by an Time terprising Man and Two Horses. From the Baltimore Sun Th atbern Maryland railroad, whose em Sines were burned some months ago, and which has since suspended operations, has again re sumed, The resumption is only partial, bow+ ever, and the method of operation is unigne and primitive. Horse power is now used im- stead of stoam in transporting freight over the line of the Southern Maryl@d from Hu, ville, in Charles county, to Prince George's county, nine miles, At the Intter place connection is made with the Baltimore and Potomac road, and the freight that once reaches there can be transported without difficulty to any part of the country. To Mr. George L Chappelear,@ merchant at Hughesville. is due the credit of stem now m vogue on the road, ear i engineer, conductor, tirce man. brakeman, bay ster, section hand, station . and ishes a part of the Motive power of the rejuvenated road. Mr. Chappelear's method a8 as follows: He has procured two singie-trees, which are at= tached one to exch side of the car, A horse is hitched to cach of these, and, using the ence | of the track asa towpath, they are arged op by the lusty voice and Mrong cowhide whip of ctor to pull the nt he has col- the condu I The horses objected a little to the work at itissaid that Mr. Chappelear hap broken them to make the trip without m coaxing. On the line of road traversed @ isa work about 80 tect long. sand leading them ovee avath the tresti rned and with a strong crow bar pried the car over the bridge. After this the horses were reh and all wont smoothly and gayly on It 6 said that M coutract to he cxnned goods from Hughesville to Brandywine by his novel method. He can carry a load of several tone and can make the round trip im about eghs hours. bas taken the soe At Last. When on my day of lif A fr J hear far My feet to paths unkaown, Thou who hast made my home of Mfe-so plea» ant, Leave not ite tenant when its walls decay; 0 love divine, O Helper ever present, eugth and stay! all else is from me drifting, v's picture, daysof shade an@ shine And Muadiy faces to my own uplifting ‘The love which answers mine. Thave but Thee, O Father! Let Thy Spirit _Be with me then to comfort and uphol No cat Ino bianch of paim 4 merit, 1 ill unreckoned, gh ‘Thy nding grace, pillar beckoned Some hum Some sue among Thy many mansions, ering shade where sin @ud striving And flows forever through beaven's green expam sions ‘The river of Thy peace. There, from the nv 1 fain would ie: And find at last, t “round about me stealing,