Evening Star Newspaper, February 21, 1891, Page 9

A CONGRESSMAN’S DAY Many Demands Made Upon the Peo- ple’s Representative, FROM MORN TILL NIGHT. ‘The Experience of One Representative as De- tailed to a Star Reporter—Little Chance Per- mitted Him to Attend to Public Business— Worried by Constituents, AVERAGE DAY LABORER DOES NOT do more work in twenty-four hours than does the member of Congress who performs his duties conscientiously. The man who drops the plow handles to come to the House will get a new idea of what work is if he attempts to do all ‘that is required of him. Those members who Sre not run half to death are very fortunate in having @ peculiarly contented and intelligent constituency, or else they do not undertake the work that is demanded of them. Theoretically, it is the duty of « member of Congress to make & study of statesmanship; to examine with are and deliberation all those ques- tions of state which come before them. They are law makers snd should be familiar with the laws that are and the neces- sity for laws to be made. They should study the great economic questions which agitate ‘the country and should be masters of all there is of economics. The science of government should be to them as the primer of the educe- tional system. They should not be disturbed in their philosophical moods; they should have fimes to devote to the study of the most pro- found works. They should filter all ms ‘through minds fall of profound and should pass upon ‘nothing in haste and without due consideration. That is theoretically! PRACTICE VERSUS THEORY. In actual experience the new Congressman Jearns this after be has been in Washington for s while: that he a Coe, an office broker, a bureau of gen forma- tion and an errand boy, with’ occasionally the addition of public entertainer and Capitol ide. Even the Speaker of the House, Mr. “the czar,” may be seen at times point- ing out things of interest to visitors or calling up the echoes in statuary hall for their enter- tainment. The Conj 's day starts as early as the 4ay of any man, is as full of activity and ends as late. Some there are who take their ease; some attend to the duties of state only, but these are a happy few, who occupy & position of God-hke independence. There are many who get up at 6 o'clock in the morning and work on thei mdence until 9, then go to the departments, from one to another until shortly before the hour for the meeting of the House or of their committees. They then go LARGE PROFITS IN POKER For the Men Who Own and Manage the So-Called Clubs. A THIN DISGUISE UNDER WHICH GAMDLING ROOMS ARE MAINTAINED—RAIDS RESULTING FROM COMPLAINTS FROM WIVES OB MOTHERS—HOW THE GREEN ONES ARE FLEECED. 66r]\HERE'S MONEY IN THE POKER BUSI- ness,” said a police officer to. Stam ro- porter the other day, “and there are many per- sons in the business now who are making money enough to buy a brick house every few months. “They are not called poker rooms any more, but are known as clubs for social and literary improvement. Almost every one of them is conducted under articles of incorporation. ‘These so-called clubs do notinelude the bona fide social clubs of which gentlemen are members, but they are such clubs as aro or- gavized and conducted by one or two men and for their benefit only. The designation ‘club’ is only used asa blind to cover any alleged violations of the gambling law that might occur, or to at least avoid suspicion as long as possible. Where these clubs are well con- ducted and some care is exercised in admitting layors they sre likely to run a long time fare belay detected vad raided, if such an ending should happen to come. DOING IT IX HANDSOME STYLE. “The proceeds of a game or two are usually large enough to justify the proprietors in keep- ing in the rooms a well-spread table of the choicest delicacies, for which no charge is made, the ‘toll’ or ‘draw down’ being ample to pay ali expenses and leave the proprietors a good sum for themselves. In addition to the lunch, wines and liquors of various kinds are also served, or are kept on a sideboard, where the ers can either help themselves or be served 9, the janitor, who is often called custodian. “This important individual, like his employ- ers, also reaps = harvest and his salary on many occasions is as much as that of many (rogers aianay Ee papi poe table are alway iberal as especial; after they have washed down their lunch or supper with many glssses of punch oF some- ing stronger, and in a big game it is not an unusual thing for them to toss a one or two- dollar chip to the waiter. In that way he gathers in the chips until when the game is over he cashes pro $10 worth of cellu loids or ivories. ENROLLED AS A MEMBER. “To get in a game of this sort the player is generally required to sign his name and be- come a member of the club, but it matters not whether his real name or an assumed one is re- corded, nor does it matter much whether he pays any initiation fee or not. Indeed. he is not often asked to pay it. Sometimes the fee 4s $10 and when the money is paid the newly received member is furnished chips to that amount, for which no charge is made. then » full-fledged member and as such is en- titled to the benefits of the club. ‘That means that he can visit the room when he and He is through the rest of the day with the ordinary committee and House work, and are at corre- spondence again at night." There are several who keep two stenographers at work all the while, and some use phonographs which they talk fall of letters morning end night for @ copyist to take off during the day. ONE DAY WITH A STATESMAN. “Go through one day with me,” said » hard- worked member to Stan reporter the other day. “In the morning, after an early break- fast, Ihave from thirty to fifty letters to read, besides glancing hastily over my home paper. Many of the letters I can answer at once. Sach asIcan Ido. Others are requests for infor- mation I must look up or have looked up, or are commands sending me to this department or to that to attend to private business for con- stituents. Armed with these letters and with a list of Thave to see to, Igo, say to the Treasury Department first.’ I rush through there as fastas I can, always being delayed more or less by the presence of many others of my kind, who are there on business simi my own.” From Secretary to subordinate,from subordinate to Secretary,I go until I have done up that department for that dsy. Sometimes ter is waiting end pleading and urging, com- mauding and kicking, perspiration and loss of temper. To the next department I g0,/ a8 8 woman from store to’ store on tour at Christmas time. & shopping t ‘Thee the same kicking and scuffling and hudling has to be done over again, and from there to the next and the next, until all the departments are clewred up for the day. By that time J have material for answers to a very lage number of letters. But Ihave no time tien for writing. I must hurry to attend a committee meeting, at which I am supposed to nake a report as @ subcommittee, on one or tvo bills which have been referred to me to samine into, formulate and advise the com- Tittee upon.” T have forgotten Just what time have devoted to this duty. I must have done Yin my sleep, for all the rest of the time up that hour has been accounted for.” But thit i public business and couldn't be expected to Weiven right of way over private matters, wich must be at to for considerate con- situents, IN THE COMMITTES ROCM. “I go to the committee to discuss matters I lave bad no time to look into, and I must study te question and discuss it at the same time. Athe close of the meeting I am_given other toexamine and am instructed to draw up Yepris on certain measures I am su to «throughly understand. The House has met ménwhile. I have a bill, just » little bill of intrest to my folks at home, upon the passage of yhich great local political consequences deynd. I must try to get the Speaker's ear, to map an engagement with hiseye. I must try to @ unanimous consent, and to do so I must ples with certain habitual objectors to keep stillust this once. I wait with my nerves at hightension, shouting and pressing myself forwed and getting red in the face, and in the end \e regular order is demanded before I can get ther the ear, the eye or unanimous gonatt. ‘The regular order is « measure which ama; to take an interest in, to have exam and to understand and to"be read to do Propose amendments to and that et of thing. On that bill I am making my rerdasa statesman! Mesnwhile all that inforntion I have got or have failed to get at the deartments, all the things I have done therer have failed to do, which has to be writ- ten alut to my various distant correspondents, is runing through my head and I try to steal @ momnt now and then to write s letter, to Jessenhe pile that must be written after ‘the Houseas adjourned. CALLED OUT BY CARDS. “Mar times during the dayI am made ware la bit of cardboard that my presence would lappreciated in the corridor. Some- times it merely some one from my home who wants tebake hands with me and ask how I am getty on and talk about the folks end the things home. Sometimes it is a gentleman who hasome to hear from my own mouth for the Indredth time that itis notin my power nd the civil service law in his in- terest. jain it is a lady who requires a great many mittes of my time in which to con- yinee mi that I should subscribe to this orto that scheme, should pay to have my picture printed in some country wet whose revenues depend upon paymentior pictures, should help some benev- lent _mement by the influence of my name some one to play against him, and the of time always depends upon the size of each player's stake. In well-regulated club or fare admit play poker or any other game as long as he can ni len, it will not be raided. “There isa club here now,” continued the officer, “or it was here a short time ago, where the players were many and big moncy was played for. A tin box was used to hold the ‘draw down’ or ‘toll,’ which was for the benefit of those (sap pe the club, and it held somethi $75 worth of chips. Ihave seen that box emptied as early in the evening as midnight and then filled again before sun- rise. One can judge from that how those who are in charge can afford to conduct the rooms in fine style and how the owners get wealthy. FLEECING THE GREEN ONES. “Iv’s amusing,” he continued, “to see people get into » game who think they know all about to | it, and it is also a mystery to know where some people get so much money to lose in the game. Some of them play night after night and always seem to lose. Fifty dollars to many of them See ncticoem os rash on 8 conte fe the aver: person. Saturday night e prince age for the gamblers, and that night's pos rarely ends until Gaylig) it 8 day morning and sometimes not until considerably later in the day. Some men are not sai to stop when their cash is all gone, but they will put up their watch, no matter what sort of a one itis or whether it will represent 9 dollar chip or a hundred dollars’ worth of them. When his watch is gone his necktie, if it isa good one, will follow, and some men will even put up their shoes. On one occasion I knew of a mans losing his money. then his watch and other ar- ticles, and when Sunday morning came he had to borrow a pair of shoes from the janitor to go home.” MAKING COMPLAINTS. “How are the raids brought.about?” asked the €f “In different ways,” was the officer's reply. “Sometimes itis the result of complaints of disturbed neighbors, but more frequently it is the result of com ‘t on the part of some man who thought he was a gambler before he went into the room and whose opinion was changed by the result of the game ¢o that he believes that he hardly knows » jack froma queen. |, he comes to the conclusion that he has been robbed, and in many instances he is correct, for while his opponents do not put their hands in his pockets they do its equivalent in ‘putting up’ or ‘stacking’ the cards in a manner that renders it impossible for hint to win. ‘The dealer, if he is far enough up in the business, is able to read the backs of the cards as well’ as their faces, and even if the cards should be shuffled ina manner to give the amateur a better hand than himself and he sees he can't bluff him he knows when to drop out and let the ‘sucker,’ as be is called, wina pot. That only enthuses him with the idea t he can beat the game, and because his next hand is evens better one he will plunge beavily and, of course, lose his money. During the ‘game everything seems fair and be never suspects crookedness of any sort, but when he leaves the brilliantly lighted room and gets out on the cold dark street he begins to realize how he has been duped and goes to enter a complaint against the club. WIVES AND MOTHERS. he does not make the ‘kick’ directly he sometimes does it in an indirect Going home empty-handed, if he is not afraid of his wife he tells her the truth of where his mone: has gone, and she either writes an anonymous letter or comes right ahead and faces the offi- cers with the complaint. permitted to play and their mothers learn of it, Their mothers make the complaints and five their sons names, who can be used to give evidence against the proprietor or manager the club, who is also’ sometimes known as its president.” and the plus of my salary; should express for the biefit of » moral reform association my viewgn temperance, woman suffiage and define mecreed, or that I should use my in- fluence tpass a private claim which all the in- fluence ¢ gentlemen like myvelf in the Inst half dom Cor had been wasted on. Moanwhi I maybe subject to criticism if I am bees ps a gentlemawho sends in for me merely wants ‘% “borro” $5 or $10 to tide him over a tem- ‘The fact that we are Ts HIS LoporINas aaarx. “When Iret to my lodgings after adjourn- ment theres before me the the morning, together with a large number of letters whit have come in b: sad must b read and anawered. finishing the corr nee and from ahacetion en itto futies as stadying some question by the committee. But all matters H i rie FErt i Es i zi ‘eacier—*What part of speech is ‘but? Michel—“ ‘But’ is a conjunetion.” tarred Now give meanezample Micine—“See the goat but the boy. ‘But? Connects be guat and the boy.” Diy see in this seat?” wD flowers, If I might go tonight,— ‘Might wing my way to realms of light, ‘All sins confessed, Supremely biest, Giide through the gates to perfect rest,— m ‘Would earthly ties impede my aight, ‘Loved faces haunt my failing sight, And tempt my soul ‘To shun the goal, ‘The Joys of which but half are tola? “The same is often the case where boys are | o1 Miss Leffie de Rideau—““What can we possi- THE WEATHER AND BATTLES. Absurd Meteorological Ideas. To the Editor of The Evening Star: Prior to the obtaining of facts it is not sur- prising that all manner of sbsurd views should be held in regard to a subject. Indeod, it isnot surprising that even many valuable facts should be marshaled on the side of error. Prior to the establishment of our admirable weather service we had no definite lmowledge of the forces that produce and regulate the move- ments and conditions of our atmosphere. Now we have these movements laid before us on the same general principle that we have the to- pography of the}globe laid before us in our geographies. Prior to the development of that branch of knowl known as_gedgraph; mer of Absurd sires were bald a oe the scndition of the earth's surface. The facts obtained by dis- covery put an end to all controversy which these facts make plein. ‘Now that we have extended the same princi- ple to the atmosphere, and have mapped thst, and that daily the facts are spread before us, it would seem wise on the part of the pane people of the world, atleasi, to heed these: fo master them, and to become as wise in re- gard to our atmosphere as the ordinary school | boy is of the geography of the earth's surface. < vf strange to say, the world pays little heed to this intormation. “Information that it would secm should have been earnestly sought for is quite neglected. The result of this is that even many intelligent people con- tinue to spread before us, in the public print, notions in regard to the weather that inthe lino of geogruphy would be in keeping with things prior to the fifteenth century. Our Weather map was established in 1870. Aliowing five years for it to get on a good basis, we may count from at least 1875, or sixteen years, t0 obtain valuable information in regard to our atmosphere. The imap reveals to us the two grand factors, “high' and “low” (barometer), and all the causes that produce them, and their influence on the atmospheric economy of the world. At certain times it is clear and cold. An extended and positive reveals the cause. At other times it is relatively warm for this season. A north “low” shows the cause. Then there is the tornado or cycloni the blizzard, the general storm and the fair | weather. No matter what the condition, the map reveals it, andeven indicates it in advance. ‘The cause of rain or snow is the gathering of the clouds which bear the material to be pre- cipitated in the form of snow or rain, accord- ing to the temperature, produced by the juxta- position of “high” and “low.” The sun far- nishes the heat for evaporation, and the con- centration of the heat prodices the factor “low,” which, in turn, produces the winds that ‘these clouds onward over hundreds of miles of territory to some common center, where the precipitation takes place. Without this arrangement there would be no precipita- tion, and even with the heat tocvaporate, there would be no centering of clouds, forming what we term the “storm,” without this agent “low.” And yet intelligent men, even at this day, when thesc all-important facts are known to us, are the while and repeatedly coming to the front with come absurd plan embracing BALLOO? ELECTRICITY AND ARTILLERY to cause rain at any time and place. They cite facts that during great battles precipitation has taken place. ‘They might also ha other facts. They might ha that the full moon has shed ite weird light over many a battle field, but that would be no evi- dence that the battle caused the moon to be fall. ‘Thero never was a better illustration of the absurd statement of post hoc, ergo, proctor hoe than this. During a battle we are liable to have any meteorological - condition. ‘The greater portion of the time, when battles are in order, is the warmer months of the year, hen’ there is a prevelence of the north lows” and the north “lows” mmer “locals.” To rain can be produced without regard to the juxtaposition of “high” and “low” is asabsurd ‘a8 to claim that something can be made oat of nothing. With an extended “high” over the country, say 1,000 miles in diameter, with an intensity of 30.7 degress pressure, all the artil- lery and electricity which could be brought to bear would not even create a “sign,” but let a north “iow” come on and the precipitation would take place, if all electricity and artillery where the local takes miles to the north of it. When we can obtain some rival the sun and can move it about the coun- as wo now move a train of cars, we possibly might hope to create a force that will evaporate the water in our oceans, lakes and rivers—form it into clouds and waft them on to some desig- nated spot. Until we can do this we had better save our money and not expose our ignorance of natural laws. S place, but hundreds of ower that will LENT AND THE FLORISTS. Flower Growers Now Getting Ready for Easter—How New Varieties are Produced. There is one person who is sorry that Lent is here, and that is the florist. A Stan re- porter dropped into » florist's establishment today and had a little chat with him about flowers. “No, sir,” he said, “I cannot say that any particular flower could have been called the favorite flower this winter. Honors were easy as far as roses were concerned betwee: the American Beauty and the La France—the latter, of course, always « prime favorito. For some years florists all over the coun| been ‘endeavoriny ha to propagate a rose which would take the place of the La France. Not because the La France was not as popular ‘as ever, but because a flower was needed which would be regular in its blooming of good sub- stential flowers. ‘This character the La France lacks, for while it isn free bloomer many of the flowers come on weak, short stems. which, of course, bring little money. This year a new rose, known as the Duchess of Albany, a beautifu: medium between @ rich Col ored Frauee and an American Beauty, was introduced, but it did not seem to catch on. I suppose you know," con- tinued the florist, “how we get these different colored roses? You don't? you. On every rose there comes what is called ‘sport,’ or along shoot from the plan‘. In many instances this shoot bears a different col- ored flower from those borne by the rest of the bush. ‘This shoot is carefully cut off and propagated and the result is a new flower. At prevent the newest is the ‘Waban.’ It is a ‘sport’ from the “Mermet,’ the most beautiful, to my idea, of rosebuds. "The men who propa: gate these new varieties run the price of plants way up and make a great deal of money. The season that lias just closed promised to be an exceptionally good one for the florists and would have been so had it not been for Secre- tary Windom’s death. A large number of rs had been given for receptions and balls and the florists had an unusually large stock on hand when the Secretary died. All of the orders were countermanded and many florists were lef; with a large stock on hand. His death, however, did not affect the trade in New Yor 80 We got rid of our superfluous stock in that city and Baltimore. All of the florists are now looking forward to, Faster and they will v0 plant their flowers and so heat their houses as to bring on hand just cbout that time « large ly.” supply. Written for The Eveninz Star. ‘Woman. ‘From man was she created, why thus, He only know: Who guards our paths and tempers e’en the fiercest wind that blows. ‘Man's passions left unfettered would bring chaos yet untold, ‘the world. ‘Tel not of living jewels worn by maids in sbuth- ern climes, Or of deeds of knightly valor done in these or other sovereign, gold, Nat. Youralist—“Why, a great variety of insects, animals were housed. And particularly must it be |! borne in mind that the cause of the summer | "ét “local” is not in the immediate neighborhood | A Pretty Philadelphia Shop Girl Whe Be- came a Peeress. of them contemporary with 1820 and given over to small notion stores, the proprictors living in ‘the second floors. The bnsiness done was very limited, old Mrs. Harbach making more money in her little candy store than any merchant on the street. Miss Rachel Lang kept a dry goods and trimming store in the neighborhood of 8th and Filbert. She wasa kindly old Scotch lady, who would as soon have had a man behind her counter asa German band before the door. So all her assistants were girls. Gloves were the only men's wear sold in the shop and Mies Lang noted with satisfaction that her sales in this line were rapidly increasing, but it never occurred to ber that this was due to any other cause than the -excellonce of her goods, although, in fact, her gen’ customers cared very little for the and quality of what they bought, so long as they were waited on by Diana Blake, who was generally admitted to be the loveliest girl within the city Long-nosed, sallow-fnced Indies with unde- niable social records and pockets fall of money often visited the store and wondered by what eaprice of fortune a common Irish shop girl should have had such a dower of beauty which in the fitness of things ought to be the ipherit- ance of women having Quaker ancestors and big bank accounts, and one of them went so far as to suggest to Miss Lang that ¥ good looks were too apparent for her station in ife, but went away much offended when th little Scotch lady remarked “that if every one minded their own business we would all get along better.” Diana was born in Galway, Ireland, but had come to America when an infant. She wasi of that Irish beauty as scarce in these days, ce- cording to John Brougham, as hens’ teeth. Dark blue eyes, like wells of living water, shaped b; long, blue-black hair’ and a com- plexion that was simply marvelous, were added & sweet voice, graceful form and manrters at once piquant and modest. Her father was a day laborer and the family lived in Chester street above Rac = Pael though Diana fully appreciated the e: gencies of her position, there was one tompta- tion she eonld not forego, and that was dancin When only six years old she had taken leasons from Signor Julian, who had a school at 10th and Vine streets. ‘The fact that he was an Irish man named McCaskey did not make him less eflicient a8. teacher, and when his pupil was twelve years old he secured hei jloyment at the Walnut Street Theater in one of those clab- orate baliets that s0 delighted our unsophisti- cated grandfathers. Her ialentsoon won recog- nition, and the dollar she received for each formance did much for the family, income. No whisper of this had reached her employer, and it was not until she was eighteen that Man- ager Wood made her an offer of $18 a week, and it became necessary for her to quit Miss Lang. ‘That lady was « good Presbyterian, and looked on the stage as the broad road to de- struction, but Diana justified herself through the family necessities, and she now went on the stage as danseuse premicre and took the name of Sophia Lee. Her success was pronounced from the first, and the jeunesse doree, represented in those days by gawky young gentlemen in gorgeous vests and claubes so tight that thoy looked as if skewered onto the wearer, paid the prett) dancer many squeaky compliments, at whic! she innghed good. nataredly, though sbe div- creetiy kept her admirers at a distance. Abont 143 one of the Barings, » nephow of Lord Ashburton, visited this country and was welcomed by the best society with effusio: With him came a young Englishman named Richard Hardy. He saw Miss Lee at the theater, was struck with hor grace and betut; and secured an introduction. He wad’ bi thorough gentleman and addressed her not-ad’ & professional, but as a lady. Diana fell in love with a rapidity that startled herself. After 4 month’s quiet attentions Hardy spoke ont. He loved her and wished to make her his wife. She spoke to kindly Billy Wood, the man: He played the part of heavy father to. periee tion, pointed out the evanescent character of success on the stage, the hardships and perils rofessional life and advised her not to ct an opportunity of sccuring a position rmanent and honorable, as he had no t oni doubt happy one. ana accepted Hardy and they were married at St. Joseph's by Father Barbelin. In society it was regarded a8 a distinct mesalliance—the bride poor. an Irish girland a stage dancer—but Hardy and his pretty wife cared nothing for the opinions of the broadbrims and Aminidab Sleeks that prevailed then in Philadelphia and left at once for New York. Before the hone; moon was over the first trouble came. Hardy's father warned his son that such # marriage would end all intercourse with his family, but Richard had means of his own and found no trouble in getting employment. In less than a year old Hardy relented, and his son and fe left for En id to find the father's wealth swept away by reverses in trade. Sir James Hardy was Richard’s uncle and the hend of the family. He was enormously wealthy and had but one son. He also re- sented the union his nephew had made, and, dying about this time, left him out of his will: Between the inheritance to his vast : property and Richard Hardy were the live! eight people, and yet, by the caprice of fortah>, all these vanished in two years, and Richard became a baronet and his wife Lady Hardy. She took her place in society with » graco and dignity that we-e her natural gifts and grew more beautiful ae time went by. Her first great sorrow was tho death of her husband. She was then thirty, with one son. Two years after she married Count Egmont, a Flemish nobleman of tinction connec! with tho Russian embassy at Paris, and when presented at the court of the emperor was regarded as one of the most beautiful women in Europe. She survived both her last husband and son, dying in 1869 in Brussels. THE WIDOW WHO WAS “BUSINESS.” But She Had a Tender Feeling Deop Down * in Her Woman’s Heart. From the New York Sun. Arickety old wagon, drawn by a pair of lean old mules, came around the coruer of the freight house. A little old woman was holding the lines and three or four tow-headed children were behind her. “Hee-up, Jerasalem !” she called to the off mule, who shied at a freight car, and with twitch anda yank and acut she wheeled the team around and backed up to the platform. “Whar's the express feller?" ehe asked as she Jumped out and came along cracking her whip. “Oh, yon are the chap? Wall, the old man’s thar in the wagon. I want to ship him TEP dent ose hive, lied the be “I don’t see ‘ nt looked into the wagon. ee Bat the hand which rocks the cradle is the ruler of | “He 'un's in the coffin thar! I'm going up with it to Erin. How much to pay?" ‘They went to the office and arranged matters and the coffin was taken from the wagon and placed on a truck. the woman returned to the wagon and said to the eldest boy: jow you, Rube, you drive slow and don’t worry tliem mewls and the rest of you all be- have yourselves. Come down fur ime Wednes- a bring a jag of co'n to sell with you. sudden, and I’ yurty ‘ve “un wanted to be wouldn't im. ‘Your husband?” I asked. “Sartin. Lived together nigh years. Reckon you all are amazed that ery and take on, but thar’s heaps to see to, and it all falls on me, Only half an hour afore the train, and I've got twenty things to think times; about.’ ‘The power of mighty sovereigns,or, that greatest ted, about that. "She suddenly disap; as we walked along to the cotton ‘piled yh on the platform we heard » grieving and sobbing and then ayoice of lamentat ou “Oh, Jim, old man, it’s the Lord’ cant abides! Tm a holdin’ rs THE MYSTERY OF FIVE. 4 Landlord’s Peculiar Superstition Was . Tragically Verified by His Death. ‘From the Atlanta Constitution. Tt wasa dreary December night, and es I stretched myself before the comfortable fire in “The Wayside Tavern,” I pitied all belated travelers who were unsheltered in the cold and sleet. “Yes,” said the landlord, continuing « sub- Ject we had been discussing, when » lond rat- ling of the windows bad momentarily inter- rupted the conversation, “I always was super- numbers.” T la cigar and refilled said, pushing the decanter “sf Bon stitious. I wouldn't make the fifth man at a table for anything in the world. There's something in it, Itell you. I'm afraid of odd ughed as I brushed the ashes from my There's luck in St nambery landlord,” 1 "t believe it. My father fell dead while at the table with four others. He made sittin, the fifth man. He died in this very room!” I looked curiously at the man. He was in earnest about it. His face was pale and he lifted F | like a hen there was @ loud knock at The landlord banged his 18 door. with the iron bolt. One man with dri counted the landlord. force Cage to shiver it and drew back ping clothes entered. Then another, and another—“One, on the table two, three,” “Any more?” and he peered out into the darkness. “No more!” said a tall, bl low with an evil countenance. tonight,” said the Innd- down, he whispered in my ear: “Just five of us—odd number—just what we onatti all Toan lodge lord: “Thea, beoaey were talking about!” His han fel- “ain't three \d trembled nervously on my shoulder. ih limbs Strange—andhe a big, burly fellow, wit ‘s “Bring out your wine! cried one of the men—or something stronger if you've got it. ina traveled far and every man of us is wet rh. Yer strong- than your fire there!” cried the others, “give us something something that'll’ warm us quicker Glasses were soon clinking, toasts were pro- posed and responded to an: make maerry. P a the three travelers who were so fortunately shel! tered began to ‘Their merriment amused me, but I did not join in it. I was noticing the landlord at odd intervals, He sat near the fire—far en the table—silent and morose. away from was leaning back in my chair, my arm resting on the table. ‘The three stra “Come, landlord stranger,” addressing m “and yo ‘come, have a rount with us.’ We're Justa party of five Lote be sociable!” ing, with odd numbers.” “I'l drink with you,” said the landlord, ris- “but not at the table. I never sit ‘The room echoed with laughter. Ve ood one,’ “You've been frightened by arn. Come, draw up a chair, e devil won't cate! “That may be,” said on landlord, not risk it, forall that. dices.” said the tall, ill- bh you! “put Pil @ got my preju- “Why not put your prejudices to the test,” I said, “and dissipate them forever?” “Too much of a coward,” said one of the “I dare him to take a chair and make one of u: “Pour me out another drink. I never took that word—‘cowa: with you!” ‘The man wasa hard drinker. me that ie we were $i; ‘tidvent of the t Leleta! ‘ousness and'siiperstition. He tossed off another proached the table unst me, and sank into a cl fh from any man. I'll sit He had teld ping wine together ree boisterous trav- “Yhis I attributed much of his nerv- “lass and then aj ly, 26 it seemed “Now, to the landlord's health!” cried the ‘men, and glasses were filled again. He drank long and deeply. ‘Th pallor of his face increased; his hand trembled violently, » strange light crept into his eyes and he stared vacantly around the room. Presently the filled glass fell from his hand to t her avenir as @ wife would bes | theftoor. He looked from face to face with wild, appealing eyos, then his head fell forward until itrested on the table. When we lifted him there was no sign of life in the staring eyes. “Good Gor I eried, “the man is dead!” And the rude voices of my rough companions echoed, “Dea Here'was a mystery! But in this world so plain, yet so mysterious, far stranger things: happening every day. From Judge. i ill it & fi Hi i ii! Hal from fl BARON DE HIESCH INTERVIEWED. ‘The Origin and Nature of His Munificence for the Benefit of Poor Jews. Special Cable Dispatch to the New Yort Herald. Thad the pleasure of being received by Baron de Hirsch at the Villa Carlotta, Monte Carlo, when he kindly gave me the following interest- ing particulars reepecting his numerous mu- Rificent gifts to the poor: Baron de Hirsch’s whole affections were cen- tered in his only child, Baron Lucien de Hirsch, who died some few years ago, after a very short illness. This cruel affliction caused him ‘to retire from all. active business. Being pos- sessed of enormous wealth and having no direct heir, he, after mature consideration, de- cided to employ or devote a portion of his for- tune to the alleviation of the sufferings of his fellow m Notwithstanding his Jewish descent Baron do Hirsch isa man of large and liberal ideas on religious matters, many mem- bers of his family being Christians. Further- more, bis adoption of two English children, who are being brought up in the Christian re- igion, is suficient proof that his unequaled liberality is not limited to his own REFRIENDING THE JEWS OF RUSSIA. For several years past he has seriously occu- pied himself with the miserable condition of the poor Jews in Russia and he determined to ible steps to come to their asxist- je at once entered into negotiations with the Russian government to this effect and Proposed to devote the sum of £2,000,000 to at object. It can be easily imagined that is offer was not lightly refused by the Rus- im authorities, but certain stipulations i posed by the donor, though of a kind usual in Such cases—such as that the money should be invested in the hands of trastecs—not being in accordance with the desire of the Russians, who wished to have the whole and sole handling of the money, Baron de Hirsch was obliged to withires ‘his offer. a le thereupon decided to take other steps. This, however, did not prevent him—as proof that he had no religious prejudices—from hand- ing to the chief of the Holy Synod, M. de Pobiedonoalzew, a gift of £40,000 for the ortho- dox Russian schools. It may not be uninterest- ing to the Herald's readers to know that gener- ally in Russia—es it was in many other coun- tries of Europe till a few years ago—Jows are no longer allowed to farm or till land, aud this, with their increasing population, was oneof the principal causes of their poverty. HELPING EMIGRATION. Being baftied in his efforts to help them in this way Baron de Hirsch determined to do 80 in another and began to encourage and help Russian Jews to emigrate. Enormous sume have been given by him for this purpose. America was the first country looked to, and to provide funds for the emigrants and for the education of their children was the prime ob- fect of his muniticent gift of 12,000,000 francs. jut the persecution of the Jews still continn- ing in Russia it became necessary to tind some other outlet than the Umited States, and he sent a commistion of three competent men—en English oficer of engineers, a Belgian anda German—to the Argentine Repubhe for the purpose of reporting on the agricultural pros- pects of ‘that country. Their report ‘being favorable a farther important sum will be pro- ied by Baron de Hirsch for the purpose of enabling Russian Jews to emigrate to that country and for the purchase of land there for their benefit. It has been the general belief that the Jews are extremely opposed to manual labor, but Baron de Hirsch assured me that this is not #0, indisputable proof to the con- And this fact is the principal cause of ‘oposed action in their favor in the Argen MORE MUNIFICENCE. Besides these di nt sums, Baron de Hirsch has just given 12,000,000f. for Galician schools. This latter gift probably gave rise to the erron- cous statements which appeared in the papers that he had given the said sum the second time to the United States, whereas he simply handed over to the American trustees the capital of his former gift. -African Cannibalism and Superstition.> From the New York Star. Attention has been so generally directed to Africa and its people by the visit here of Henry M. Stenley and the controversy over theactions of the rear guard of his exploring party that anything about the dark continent is timely. Joseph H. Reading, who has for years been identified with missionary work in Africa, but is now on a visit to this country, talks’ both intelligently and entertainingly about that con- tinent and its people. “One very prevalent impression about dark- est Africa,” he say with regard to its su sunlight, bi colors and gentle ewe ges es} tropical sun- light is never forgotten. It burns into the soul and those who have been under its influence for any length of time will always long for it wherever they are and be willing to brave all sorts of fevers and languors to be under its spell again. What docs not seem to be generally nn- derstood in America is that there are really two Africas. The old Africa of the interior is still wrapped in barbarity gud superstition; the new Africa of the coast is of an entirely different kind. espocially the section lying along the western boundary of the continent. To be sure, this strip of civilization is not very wide aud does notextcnd inlond any great distance, except occasionally aiong the rivers. There are, too, two distinct varietics of the native savege—the slave- holding andthe cannibal. The only form of government known is that of the tribe. A collection of villages makes up the tribe and anumber of familits constitute the village. ‘The slaves are almost universully either cap- tives of war or the criminals of one village sold for punishment into slavery to another village. ‘The cannibal natives represent about the worst type of human beings extant. They make ita custom to eat enemies captured in wer, and frequently go into battle merely to secure ratification of their unnatural appetites. I fExeknown instances where these depraved wretches have even eater their own dead who have succumnbed to disease, and where, when id not wish to eat their own relatives, Oné remarkable thing which I believe is not gen- erally known is that these black savages will never eat the flesh of a white man. They have 4 superstition that to do so would bring some horrible kind of misfortune upon them. Another noticeable thing is that it has been im- ossible to convince the African cannibal that The wait pork that the tradors take out to them is not the fesh of pickled white men. When these creatures visit a settlement the graves have to be closely watched or they will dig ay the a veg and or icy them away. ‘They regard tho white man as thé possessor untold wealth, and are always anxious for him i ecause they think he can he does not, however, buy their rubber and ivory, he soon discovers that he is unwelcome, and that his life is in jeop- ‘From the Boston Herald. Politeness to be worth anything must be in- Changed Conditions im the Monkey Cage Since the Coming of an Anthropoid Infant. From the Philadelphia Inquirer. the birth of the cunning little one several days ‘ago great consternation has prevailed in the evolutionary family. It seems to be not only the idol of its fond parents, but also the joy and pride of the entire group. Different ones shared in fondling and coddling it, and the quarrels and knock downs which have occurred in the efforts of the otber monkeys to get pos epssion of ithave produced some remarkably ludicrous scenes. One of these fanny incidents took place early yesterday, frightening one of the night watchmen half out of his wits. Just ashe was about rounding the garden on the last patrol of his beat Watchman Shuman had his atten- e tion directed to the monkey house by a terrific commotion. So great and unusual was the up- roar that the man was startled. Nearly every morning the monkeys welcome general clatter, but this time ing. All sorts of sounds such the screams, juarters, givi: the watchman the impression some small animal of prey had got into their cage and was slaughtering the monkeys, or else a battle among themselves, such as has occ’ several times, was in ‘progress. Hasteni in as fast as his feet could carry him, be found the army of monkeys formed in’ a circle turned looee in the big cage, the confusion could not have been more, uproar or the scene more ludicrous. For several moments the watchman stood an at the strange performance, when ls of the larger of the cunning creatures advanced to the monkey in the center. Seizing the in- fant, which up to this time was unobserved by the man, the moukey gave a big leap and made off with it. Up the side of the cage he airrel, holding the bab and climbing with’ the o ile fifty monkeys, with hi like brass tea kettles, fol- lowed in hot pursuit with the frenzied mother, gile holding his infant charge secure to from harm. Meanwhile the excitement and confusion ap; if possible, to increase. Instead of turning and heading him off, the foolish animals continued to chase him from the rear, frequently falling over one another in their precipitate rush to recover the baby. In this manner they ran around for several moments. ‘The watchman, bewildered as well as amused at their capers, stood by, enjoying the funny scene, at a loss to know what to do. Finally the big old monkey, which had stolen the precious infant, suddenly turned into the ter of the cage to where the mother sat when be grabbed it from her arma. Stopping sbruptly, he seemed to bid defiance to the pursuers, and while they, evidently seized with & fear to approach, collected about him ms circle and chattered as they had done about ‘the mother, he held it tenderly to his bosom in one arm and stroked its little body affection- ately with the other. Thus caressing it for a he handed it buck to ite glad mother, and there was joy throughout the whole family. As a result of this incident Lady Jane aud yy Hiend Keeper Byrne to a special cage, where there are only three or four other mo: keys. The baby was christened Rosina by an admirer of Rosina Vokes, the dramatic star. “Ever since this young one was born, «few days ago, there has been the greatest time among the monkeys,” said Keeper Byrne. ‘hey all seem to be just as thoronghly in love with the little creature as ever x family of girls were with an infant brother. The mother |appears to realize that they regard it with aftection, and she has undertaken to cul- tivate this affectionate feeling by loaning it out to others to nurse. In conse- quence it has handed about from one to the other until in the general sdmira- tion its stomach has been forgotien and it has not been receiving nourishment frequently enough. This is not intenti neglect on the part of the mother. When she loans it there is trouble in getting it back, because they pass i from one to another. It is a very hardy {little creature, and scems to stand an amazing | amount of handling. The others caper with it very gently, however, and understand as well as its mother that it requires tender treat- ment. Since I have moved the mother and it into another cage, where there are only a few others, it will not be neglected, for there are not so many to coddle it.” The little one which has created so much commotion in the monkey family weighs only about pound. Its limbs, body and head are perfectly developed, and in general appearance It is also a counterpart of its parent, except it is in color e dark pink. Its diminstive body is covered with a slight growth of fine hair of a yellowish hue. It is nursed at the breast of its ‘mother after the same manner as a baby, He Had «= Blood Purifier. From the New York Sun. A dilapidated-looking old man, who was chewing bassafras root with great energy, sud- denly appesred in the waiting room of the Erie depot, across the river, and as he ap- proached man who was waiting for a western train be pulled a bottle of liquid from an old satchel in his hand and said: ‘My friend, you are looking yaller about the eyes, which is a sure sign that your blood is in abad state. One bottle of my blood purifier will restore you to health and vigor.” ‘Don’t want it, sir,” was the curt reply. right, mister, all right. Ifa wants to keep on looking yaller about the eyes when a punnycea is at hand that's his own Long "bout the middle of April you'll be on your back with a spell of bilious fever, but you needn't lay it up agin me.” roite ext Person approached a looking woman, about thirty-five years who was probably an old maid. “Them yaller streaks at the corner of mouth denote g torpid liver, ma'am,” saii man as he gave the bottlea shake. ““Sunthin’ right here to improve your looks fifty per cent in two weeks. “Sir!” she right in my own house, from ga by my own hand. | Just cemnel teo cee botkes & REMARKABLE SENTENCE. A Sedge Who Took Delight in Pronouncing Death on « Prisoner. ‘Santa Fe Letter in Pittaburg Leader. One of the most eccentric and at the same duty by the j of acourt of justice nounce abuman being the sen death. is something horrible about it, and the mind of the court naturally revolts trom the performance of such a duty. green old ; but you are About to be cut off as the consequence of yeur own act. Jose Maria Martin, it is now the spring time; in a little while the grass will be up in these beautiful valleys and on Messs aud mountain aides flowers Til be dlooming, birds singing above your - sentence of the court is that you be taken from this place to the county jail; that you there be kept anfely and securely confined: in the custody of the sheriff until the day Rpisted for your eageation. Ie very cna, ir. Sheriff, that he have no opportunity te escape, and that you have him at in, until—Mr. Clerk, om what day of the month does Friday about twe weeks from this time come: “March 22, your “Very well—until Friday, the 22d day of March, when you will be taken from Sour Place of confinement tosomesafeandconvenion® within the county (thet ia in your discretion, ‘Mr. Sherif you are only ‘con- fined to the limits of the ‘eounty), and that you there be hanged by the neck until you are dead, and—the court was about to aid, Jose Muria Martin, ‘may God have mercy on Your soul,’ but the court will not assume the Forponsibility of asking an all-wise Providence to do that which « jury of your people heve refused to do. ‘The Lord couldn't have morcy on your soul. However, if you have any re ligious belicf, or are counected with any relig- ious organization, it mizht Le well enough for yon'te ‘send for your priost or your minister and get from him—well, euch Consolation as you can; but the court advises you to place ne rel upon snything of that kind) Me. Sherif, remove the prisone: Organisms We hear much nowadays in a general way about bacteria. As many of our readers will doubtless welcome more clear and definite im- formation in regard to these minute but pow- erful organiems, the following is quoted from Popular Scwnoe News: Bacteria are not insects or “bugs,” bat plants. They have, however, the power of Spontaneous motion. Like other living things they take in matter and potential energy and give off matter and manifest energy. Food tor ing chlorophyll they require organic the maintenance of life but they can, subsist upon food that contains ‘no proteid, being able to take nitrogen and sulphur from inorgame sources and with carbon organic sources, and with water they build up proteid materin!, They share tion in common with sil ving things, in oxygen and givi: oft carbon dioxide. Certain vast however, do not require free oxygen, to unlowk it from. the substances in which they exist and certain chemical attributable to them evidently depend upon this power of ur- locking oxygen from stable compounds. Bae- teria are very widely distributed, being present in the atmosphere in vast numbers, and also an thogenic, easily killed by ways found in putrefyi or juids; hence it is sometimes Gola (a degrees Fulrenluet)eumpende the G ane mation of bacteria, but does not kill them— iH i be it i i i g i £ | ry & i i j ! | | it i f 5 £ i al e i { E { i ie i i i Hl i & E f i t | f i 8) i | H i