Evening Star Newspaper, February 13, 1892, Page 7

THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON. D.C. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1892—SIXTEEN PAGES. TALKING OF SEALS. A Joint Commission Now in Session in This City. DISCUSSING THE FACTS. Comparing Investigations Made tm Bering Sea—Sir Baden-Powell and His Associates— ‘The American Commissioncrs—A Basis for ties to the controversy. ‘There is now in session im this city a Joint com- mission of four men deeply versed in the question and having in charge the solution of certain disputed facts and the establishment of the true state of the sealing industry in an Undisputed form. This commission consists of four members, two from the United States, one om Great Britain and one from Canada. were appointed by their respective gov- ernments spring and instructed to visit Alaska independently to investigate the con- Gition of things in Bering sea, to ascertain the approximate numbers and yearly habits ot seal, and to estimate whether the = =promiscuous hunting that carried on each season is tending to their e7 Yermination. These and some other collateral qWestions were examined with great care by each sid the object of the present co ference is to bring these indepeadent observ: ions together and to formulate a report that ‘will constitute what is termcd in law a finding ef fact for presentation to the tribunal of ar- Bitration that is to be formed. These commissioners are Profs. T. C.sMe @euhall and C. H. Merriam for the United States and Sir George Buden-Powell and Dr. i ‘M. Dawson for Great Britain and had never met before Monday last, te brought together at the Arling- | ton Hotel and introduced. Last summer they | conducted their Alaskan investigations upou a revenue vessel of the United States and Great Britain, respectively, and did not have occa- sion to encounter each other during the season. In fact, it was felt to be desirable that they should work in this way, so that they could get es many individual views as possible upon the subject is WoW 4 JOINT commission. They have ypw been coustituted joint com- missioners by virtue of orders from each -gov- ernment and will probably continue in session in this city forseveral weeks. They meet behind doors ina smail room in the State De- partment, between the office of the chief clerk @cd that which was formerly occupied by Assistant Secretary Moore and more recently the oficial home of Gen. John W. Foster, the agent of the State Department in the negotia- tion of the reciprocity arrangements. He has also been placed in charge of the diplomatic end of the conferences on bebalf of the United States. Sir Baden-Powell is regarded as con- siderable of adiplomat and the services of » wan experienced in international fencing have been deemed necessary. There is to be no formal organization of this Joint commission and no one mewber is to be Gesignated as its head. The process of discus- sion will require little or no formality in the sessions, as the results to be obtained are largely in the nature of a compromise view of the situation, and it will be necessary to pro- | ceed in a cozversational way, each side formu- lating and advancing certain propositions that will be accepted or rejected by the other. WHAT UNCLE SAM CONTENDS, Tt fs the general program of the United Btates to insist that pelagic sealing without restriction is unnatural and inadvisable, and that it is tending to the extermination of the species. The British claim is opposed to this contention, and is to the effect tat there is no danger of the destruction of the seals, and that the fairest system is » catch-as-catch-can sea- son without limit beyond that imposed by tho climate. As to this latter point the United Biates urges the adoption of gp international Fale for a tlosed season, time limits so defined that the hunting’ shall be conducted ealy when thé seals are not breeding. "This, in general, ws the question +6 be settled by the commission. That greater and eventually more vital point of whether or not the Bering sea isa mare clausa or closed sea within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Unite Biates will doubtiess be left to the arbitrators to settle. It is a point less of fact than of theory, and more of argument than of investi- It is sproblem in geography, a matter y and @ dispute in p: nts, in THE BRITISH COMMISSIONERS, The senior member of the British commis- sion isSir George Smith Baden-Powell, M. P.. ECM RSS, &c.,&c. He iseom- paratively young, hav- ing been born at Oxford on the day before Christmas, i847. His father was professor of geometry at the uni- versi The son went through ‘the usual course of instruction for a young Briton, graduating at Oxford, after an honorable ca- reer in both scholastic and athletic fields in 1876,taking bigh honors 2B GEOKCE paDEN- and winning the Chan- POWELL. cellor's prize for the English essay, his subject being the “Relative Advantages of Large and Small States.” He shaped bis course for @ parliamentary future and during bis period of study at the univer- sity produced several monographs, the most noted being = book entitled “New Homes for the Old Country; a Personal Experience of the the northwestern ports of Canada, and partien- larly of British Columbia, with all parts of which province he has been familiar for many years, In 1887 he was intrusted by the Cana- dian government with the conduct of the Yukon expedition and traversed » great ex- of previously unknown country in the ity of the eastern boundary line of Alaska. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of England, of the Geological Society of London and America and of many other scientific socicties. |_. Mr. Ashley Froude is secretary to the British ‘commissioners and will doubtless act in the general capacity of secretary to the joint com- inission whenever the services of such a per- sonage are required. He is the son of James Anthony Froude, the celebrated Euglish his- torian, and his tendencies being toward a dip- Jomatic career, be ix taking a preliminary conrse by working with various international commissions sent out from London. He is still in bis twenties, but already quite an accom- plished diplomat, with an exceedingly fine presenes and a charming manner. He xccom- ied: ish commissioners to Alaska 3 ll, director of the United States coast and geodetic survey, to which po- sition he has been ap- pointed during the past few montis. He is fifty-one years of age and a native of Ohio. During bis course in the common schools of that state he developed an aptness for the study of mathematics and nat- ural science, and con- ducted an independent study of those branches. From 1373 to 1878 he first professor of hysics and mechanics in the Ohio University and then he went to Japan as professor of hysics in the Imperial yoon-s.¢. uumpanmars.Uulversity ot Tokio. During bis stay in Jupan, which lasted three years, he conducted several important series of experiments, and established some valuable facta in the science of physics. From meas- urements of the force of gravity at the sea level and at the summit of the extinct volcano Pujiyama he calculated the probable mass of the earth, and attained » result closely agree- ing with ‘that obtained by Francis in England by another method. He returned to this country in 1881 and re- sumed his chair at the University of Ohio, and in 1882 organized the state weather service, of which he was director until 1884. He was the first to devise and put in operation # system of Weather signals for display on railroad trains, which method was in general use throughout the United States and Canada until 1887. In 1884 he received an appointment ar professor of the United States wouther bureau and came to Washington. He was charged with the es- tablishment of @ physical laboratory at the bureau, with the introduction of m of observation of atmospheric electricity and with the investigation of methods for determining ground temperatures. He was the first to es tablish stations in the United States for th systematic observation of earthquake ph nomena, in which he became deeply intereste daring his stay in Japan. In 1836 he resigned from the service toac x e it the presidency oi the Kose Polytechnic Insti- tute at Terre Haute, Ind. that position until he was appointed to the head of the coast survey in 1890. Prof. Mendenhall is @ Ph.D. of the Ohio University (78) and LL. D. of the University of Michigan ('87). He has held various high offices in the ranks of the American scientific societies, and has written Voluminously in pamphlets and monographs ou numerous topics. titled “A Century of Electricity,” published in 1ss7. He is a member of the National Academy Of Sciences. Prof. C. Hart Merriam of the Department of Agriculture 1s Prof. Mendenhall’s colleague oft the American side of the consmission, and went with him to the sealing islands last summer. He is a comparatively young man in the realm of advanced science, being yet in the thirties, t he has achieved considerable reputation n is own line of work—the study of natural his tory. He was president of the Biological So- ciety during the past year and is a member of Various other scientilic organizations, at the Sessions of which from time to time he has pre- sented valuable papers. He is at present the head of the ornithological division of the Agri- cultural Department, and it was for his well- based acquaintance ‘with the babite of birds and animals that Le was selected for » position upon the present commission. ———_ The Name of Christopher Columbus To the Editor of The Evening Star: Some writer bas recently forestalled me by calling attention to the appositencss of his baptismal name, Christopher, the Christ- bearer, for his was truly « pure and Christlike Batare, due allowance being made for the in- fluences of his period and surroundings. We must remember that his was essentially an age of religious persecution, and that notwith- tanding Isabella's gentle nature hers was a ion of ail nations the most bigoted and in- nt. Enlightened as Columbus was, neces- sarily he was of his dey and generation; yet bis conduct was humane and beneficent in comparison with the cruelty, treachery and fanaticism of bis colleagues ‘and contempo- raries. ,_ Therefore, it seems to me that his surname is equally apposite as well as suggestive, for Columbus means a male dove—and why not the dove bearing the olive branch? Had he been even such an one as Cortez or Pizarro he would still bave “builded better than he knew,” for. as the representative of the most autocratic country of Christendom, he was God's instrument to bring about the founding of this freest of all countries, free America. As the dove of Noah's pent-up ark went forth over the wild waste of waters to find a refuge for the children of God, so the Christ- bearer dove of the middle ages went out from narrow-minded, superstitious Spain across the unknown, unexplored and trackless ocean to find a refuge for future generations, who for ages have blessed and still continue to bless his name and the name of the Christ whom he bore in his heart. Here is « refuge from persecution and oppres- sion, from despotism, violence and wrong, where each may worship and believe as he will, and be remained in Political snd Domestic Life, the Industries and Natural History of Australia and New Zealand.” It was received most favorably by the press at the time of its ixsze. being based on personal observations made during a three years’ tour of the colonies. Twe other works appeared at this period, “Protection and bad * an “State Aid and State Interference.” These titles will serve to show the trend of Sir George's thought and work. In 1877 he was made private secretary to the Governor of Victoria, and it is though’ that it Was while he was at that post that his views be- came so formed as to make bim a strong sup- BPries of the doctrine of tmuperual arity “Dur. g his stay in Victoria the political crisis that bas becomes matter of historical record took lace in the colony. In 1860-8! be weat to the jest Indies to mvestigate for himself the actual resuits of the sugar bounty law on the industry, and in 1982 Mr. Gladstone sent him back a¢ # joint commissioner to investigate the @dministration, revenues and expenditures of the colonive iu the West Indies. Hix report, submittea in the spring of 1884, was regarded sone of the most complete and masterful re- Views of tie state of affairs ia the isl.nds ever Presented. For it he was created ©. M G. S next work of importance was m of m treaty of commerce then oposed between the West Indies and the United States. Atthe same time he was per- Sistently culling public attention to the need of ® Europess conference on the subject of sugar bounties, and the result of bis writings and re- Porta was the succesafu; commission of 1838. Tn January, 1885, he went on » diplomatic seission into South Africa aud aided Sir Charles Warren in negotiating with the native chiefs of Bechuanaland He also aided in the expedi- tion sent to drive out the Boers, and made s tour of investigation among the various terri- tories of South Africa During the winter of 1886-87 Mr. Baden- Powellhe had "not thon received his title was in Caneda and this country making bis first Acquaintance with the fishery question, being Sir George is conservative in politics, and | limit tm 1885 he stood for and was elected to parlia- ment from the Kirkdale division of Liverpool. He was afterward re-elected. Dr. Geo. M. Dawson is the eldest son of Sir E Wm Dawson, p sity, Montreal. end was educated ly at the Royal School of Mines, Loudon. Since 1873 Dr. Dawson has been actively en- Ged in explorations aud in geological sur- ‘voys, first Cpa and naturulist to ber majesty's boundary commission, and subse- i witb untrammeled conscience. What Tatters their faith or creed, if in their hearts they sing peans of praise to the Savior of man- kind, whose spirit, the dove of the Holy Ghost, led on the true discoverer of America, through stress and suffering, to a second redemption of man by the power of His name? Then should not these symbols, the cross and the dove, appear wherever a monument is raised to Christopher Columbus? And where can better befit their visible manifestation than the exposition which is to commemorate his nai fame and the anniversary of our ’s birth? Lnus Pum ae Against the Alderson Bill, To the Editor of The Evening Star: Anent all that has so far been adduced argu- mentatively and protestatively against the so- called Alderson bill, the bull's eye of the arbi- trariness of the measure is still unhit The bill is the embodiment of the most tyrannical attempt at unconstitutional legislation against the rights and privileges of free American citi- zens. Such species of levying of contributions from civil employes of the government is an injustice provocative of resentment against one of the most unwarranted abridgments of the inalienable rights of the citizenship of this country that will not be submitted to without & strenuous fight by. even such apparently Powerless, creatures au department clerks. ‘ongtess has uo more constitutional right or power to legislate 2 per cent of our salary into #fand for pensioning fellow clerks after thirty years’ service than it has the right or power for similar legislation concerning the salary of employes of private corporations, It is a prerogative of the Congress to legis- late in conformity with the requirements of the Constitution to the extent of appropriating money for the payment of salaries to the em- ployes of the government, but there the busi- hess of Con; ceases so far as the de- partment clerks are concerned, who are civil free ictated to ty-year ted extortion humili- of every self-helping departments. Perdita—“What do you think ef his being so infatuated with me?” Penelope—“‘I think it is a waste of time.” Perdite would not is largest work is en- | sh MARIE. lish, dat ver’ h’easy for me to speak. My wife, she’s b’Ang- glish girl, Maz Not Marie like de French say. No! Mario, b’Ang- lish way—Marie Boyle She's do younges’ daughter to de hol’ Paddy Boyle w'at work onde mill. Dat's fonny foller, de h'ol’ man. *E speak hb’Anglish ver’ bad. 'E b’always say “bagorry” when 'e go for tay “bagosh;” an’ ‘esay"*kittle” for “pot; an'e’ Wea ris pipe top side down on ‘es mout’; but wien 'e awear 'e swear good an’ strong! De h’oldes’ girl, she’s call Emma, an’ Xiste Brouillette, de von to de h’ol’ Brouillette w'at toake de bar'l near de church, 'e was cavalier to'er. One night ’e h’ax me for to go down wid ‘em for veiller on de h’ol’ Boyle; an’h’all de way he was speak wid me ‘bout Marie.’ Owshe was de bes’ girl onde parish; ‘ow de h’ol man was give Plenty money wid her; ‘ow she was work ‘ard; ‘an w'at Emma was tell ‘eom she speak h'on me ball de time. Tl not care for h’all w'at’e say. I'll be no know dat Marie h’ ever sence she was litt!’ girl, en’ Pl not sink nodding on'er. An’ ef’e Was tol’ me all dat, jus’ for ’ear me say some t’ng on Emma; I'll not be satisfy ‘ce: Tt jus’ say: wt don’ make nodding for m« knife was break; ef I'll not cut far ‘nough down ide fire go pas’, and dere's no chance. P’r'aps de fire "e's pas’ now. Wi ‘art w'en de blas’ go? P’:’aps ‘e make nod for me any'ow. Den I'll sce do face of Marie, wite an’ froze, an’ Til say, like de pra‘r, “O God! O God!” an’ Pli risk de One—two— one-—, an’ de fase come *way on my ‘ai’, an’ de Se "ti ty tor sel front was by en for yell, an’ was b’all stiff, but Pll “ol b’np de cu’ of G6 Taser an’ Til Year’ de boss say, “T’ank God! An'T'll look. an’ I'li see ‘eem ait’ Maric w'at was kneel togedder on de an’ dey was cover i’up de littl” Paddy ‘way wen 'o come. An’ I'll 'ear de boss say, “Dere, girl! dere girl! don’ cry! don’ cry!” Ike ‘e ‘wai go for cry ‘eomself. An’ den'e turn roun’ h on de boys w'at was run h'up, an’ ayell, “Get hout die, you fools! Go ‘ome! ‘wear strong, an’ dey go; an’ I'll not know w’y, I'll get b'up and I'll go too. An’ bymby de boys was h’ax me de question, au’ Tl look on my ‘an’, an Til see ll “ave dere dat fuse not more long nor ‘alf my finger, an’ my ‘an’ was h’all twis’ h’up wid de fire, an’ ’e was cut wid my nail; bus dat don’ make nodding for me den. An’ dat night late I'll go down on de b’ol’ Paddy, an’ de h’ol’ man meet me on de door, an’ ‘e jus’ take me on de room w'ere de litt!’ Paddy was ‘sleep with 'es modder. An’ ‘e don’ say nodding, jus’ slap me sof’ on de back w'en we go on de h’odder room. An’ dere's no = An’ I'll say after w'le ‘alarie, she w a8 at ‘ol’ man si e es * 3 go h’out. An’ bymby Marie she come an’ she sit down near de table, an’ she ‘ardly look on me. An’ I'll speak littl’ w'ile, au’ I'll see dat don’ do no good; an’ den I'll lock on ‘er an’ I'll say, “Marie, I'll go on de shanty dis winter.” An’ Wen she don’ say nodding, I'll feel my *eart getcol’, an’ I'll tink 'o’s no use for try in’ Tl get bh’ P- Den Marie she put ‘er ‘ead on de table, an’— Til ca elp ’eem—I'll put my good ‘an’ on 'er e. : 7 De h’ol Paddy Boyle 'e was good feller, an’ Gheperg prety ian ep Tl go fou veiller wid ‘eeu, to ‘ear “eam tell de Ge minute she feel dat, she Jump h'up, story an make 'es joke. _ le say, fas’ an’ One night “e wes say, “Wy don’ de young for you touch mo? ‘Ow dare you feller get marsy? Dey work ‘ard, an’ dey erow | PUE YOU ‘an's on mei : em "way deir money. Dey get h'o!’, an’ den de| Am’ I'll say, “Dat Was h’only one ‘an’, g00d girl no ‘ave dem”—an’ ’e make long string | Marie ‘ol’ bout de b’odder w'at was Den ‘e say, “Look dem two girl! Same day w'at dey get’ marry, I'll be give de feller w'at take dem one ‘ondre’ poun’.” Den I'll ray, for som» joke wid de -h’ol’man, “You give ‘ondre’ poun’ wid Emma an’ you Bive ‘ondre’ poun’ wic Marie?” An’ 'e say, “Dat's wat [li say.” Den I'll ‘say, “Movsieur Boyle, I'll take do bot'!” An’ Til'don’ ‘ave de word speak afor bol’ man stiff h’out ‘es leg quick an kick m stool, ar I'll fall all over de floor, an’ de b'ol’ feiter laugh, an’ Xiste ‘e laugh, an’ de bot’ girls dey Jaugh. och! I'll be so mad, I'll start for make de course for ’ome, but Marie she put ’er back on de door, an’ sie say: ‘Ah, Melchior! Pleas’ don’, Melchior! Don’ min’ de h’ol’ fadder, Melchior. Please don’, Meichior! An’ she say dat so sof’ an’ she’ ut’er ‘an on my h'arm £0 pretty, an’ she look me h’on de h'oye so like she was go for cry, h’all de mad was go h’off an’ me back on de fire An’ den wo was hall jaugh, an de h’ol’ Paddy, ’e bring b'out de bottle an’ we ave de de littl’ coup, an’ make good frien’s some more; an’ I'll say dat night as w'en we was walk ‘ome, “Bagosh! Xiste, ‘she's pretty girl; mos’ de pretties’ girl w'at I'll h’ever see.” Au’ 'e say, “Who's pretty girl” An’ I'll say, “D b Well, er min* hatter dat I'll go on do h' Till get de chance, t's not any id de h’ol’ man w'at I'll go for veiller But Marieshe don’ be so kin’ for me like dat night b’any more. laugh plenty; she sing b’all de song w’at de b’ol’ man h'ax er for sing: ‘en w’en I'll tell de story "bout de bush, in’ "bout w'en I'll go for ‘unt; but I'll never "er speak sof’ like dat fey bc an’ wen Tl ‘only laugh an’ laugh. ice on dose night! nodding ‘ow ‘ard de win’ blow, or ‘ow ‘ard de col’ make; w'en an’ me ‘h’open de door " bot’ de giris an’ de h’ol’ Paddy was dere, de big stove was roar ’mos’ so loud like de ", an’ de fire was show red t'rough de crack dance on de wall t'rough de’ole on de door; an’ Emma 'er foot go h’up an’ down, h’up an’ down, an’ de w'eel “um wid de fire; an’ Marie she make de stocl an’'er ‘an’s dey dance wid de needle; an’ me an’ Xiste an’ de h’ol’ Paddy sit an’ smoke; an’ we tell de h’oi’ stor; an’ sing de song and de complaintes; an’ de warm of de stove'e’s good, good, till de time come for go. Xiste an’ Emma was marry de nex’ spring, but h’all de time I'll don’ get no more neur wid Marie. *E go b’on dat way h’all de nex’ summer, an’ de nex’ winter, an’ de nex’ summer h’after dat. An’ dat summer dere was come a gennelman from Mon’real, an’ ’e was board wid de h’ol Paddy. *E don’ do nodding but make de p ture of de h’ol mill, de church, de red bridge an’ de river an’ de trees. No matter ‘ow big dey was, dat make nodding for’eem; 'e jus’ ma dem so littl’ wate want on de picture. Ba- osh! ‘e's ver’ smart! an wen ‘ea dere fire, ‘ll elp ’eem ball I'll be h’able. One time I'll take ’eem h’up so far’s de lake on my cance, an’ *mos’ crazy wid h’all wiat'e see. An’ sometime 'e ‘oller for some- Ving, an’ h’ax me for not paddie, an’’e look, un’ look, like ’e go for h’eat de ‘ole boutique; an’ I'll look too, an’ I'll don’ see nodding—jus’ de same h'ol” y, an’ de same h’ol’ water, an’ de same h’ol’ ‘ills w'at spoil de good farm, an’ make me tire’ for look on ‘eem. Ef dat was h’all, dat was h’all correc’; but dere was Marie. I'll don’ get so much chance for see ‘er den, ‘cause I'll work ou de quarry, an’ dey was pay for make h’over-time, an’ I'll stay 80 long's ‘e's not be dark. Sonday'a de h’only time w’at I'll ‘ave de chance for veiller; an’ do h’ol’ Paddy ’e was glad for see me work like dat an’ make de money, an’’e tol’ me dat ef Marie say yes, 'e don’ say no. ,, But Marie! I'll don’ know w’at arrive on *E don’ make . Sometime I'll tink ‘e was de paint man; but *e never say nodding. I'll never see com "lone wid ‘er. "E jus’ work, work, work, jus’ de sume like e was make de money wid ‘take de h’ol’ mill an’ de tree small on de picture. But Tl see Marie was h’always wear de bea’ dress, an’ she was glad h’every time'e an’ de h’Anglish soun’ so sof’ an’ on ‘er; ice w'en dey ‘peak wid beach odder. One night wen Il way good-by, TU turn on de door an’ I'll say, “Marie, I'm wait long time.” pA she may, ver! fas', “Do watch’ pot never An’ I'll say, “I'll don’ wan’ de watch’ pot for Boyle, I'll wan’ "eem for me.” An’ she laugh at dat, but de h'eyes dey don’ laugh wid de mout’—an’ she don’ say nodding. An’ dat be h'always de way; I'll get de good start an’ den I'll be stop like dat; an’ 'e’s pretty “ard for de mam for make b’all talk by 'eem- self alone. On de widdle of de summer Emma come ‘ome for make de h’ol’ Paddy visit. "E was de gran fadder now, an’ de litt!’ feller was call’ like 'eem Paddy—Patrice Brouillette. De b’ol’ man ‘e was proud, an’ Marie she was proud too. An’ she was wid de littl’ feller b’all de time; ‘ug ’eem, an’ dance wid 'eom, an’ speak wid ‘ecm h’all de tame, like dere was no big people on de worl’, Dat make me glad for see ‘er like dat, but sometime 'e make me sore on de ‘eart too—for h’all dat was make nodding for m Sometime she laugh h’all de time, an’ don’ let me say nodding; sometime she was cross, an’ den I'll can’ say nodding; sometime sho was qui't, an’ den was ahi le ewas dat sometime I'll go y. ou de quarry an’ de rock we try for blas’ was jus’ on de top, on de new groun’ w'at open b'up. But dat rock was ‘ard an’ we was work on ’eem near de ‘ole day an’ we make two bias’, but ’e don’ come. ‘An’ de boss say, “Now, boys, make dis one good an’ deep an’ we blow de bottom h’out ! Well, for sure I'll made dat good bias’. Til not be mean wid de powder, an’ w'en I'll put in de brick, I'll tamp 'cem down de bes’ I'll know 'ow, dat fase ax grow on de rock. Bymby,w'en b’all was finish’, de bosssen'b’all do boys off an’ me an’ ’eem stan’ dere, an’ w'en *e see de fuse wat's h’outside, ’e laugh an’ sa} ‘Well, dat's long ‘nough for, coax 'er for sure t. An’ den ’e say, ‘er gol” An’ I'll lighter b'up, an’ we start Wo was walk hover on were de boys was ‘ide widout'urfy, au’ we was jus’ be dere, ween Tenice Lalonde jump ‘Wop an’ swing ‘en ‘aus an’ yell: “Melchior, look, look!" An T'll tarn roun’ an’ Lil see de littl’ Paddy w'at run ‘long de top of de quarry, an’ jus’ be'in ‘com dere's Marie jus’ h’over de top of de ‘ill, w’at walk an’ {Geliqhteaty) “Because you think I “fi laugh wid de dower on ‘er ‘an’, an” between us do smeke of defuse qo ‘ap like de littl’ write snake. Tl see Marie stop, an’ den de laugh go, "er face was w'ite an’ fix’ like 'e was froze wen she seo w'ere dey was come. ball twis’ b’up so I'll can’ h'open ‘sem; an’ Marie she jua’ say one word, an’ den er two harms was roun’ my neck, an’— Well, dat’s Marie w'at teach me for speak de h’Anglish good like dat. ———_+e+ —____ Lost AT A PROFIT. A Wily Sea Captain Makes a Losing Bet :That Brought Him a Big Return. From Blackwood's Magazine. The captain of one rather old and slow stoamer, finding that he would have to be a long time in China before he received a full cargo of tea, and would have probably to re- turn in ballast, began, to every one’s astonish- ment, to say that, owing to the repairs that had been done to his engines, he hoped to make » racing passage. Then, still more to the astonishment of the captains of the fast steamers and the world at largo, he commenced to back himself to make the fastest passage home. In auch very considerable sums of money did he wager that people began to think there was something in it, his steamer’s engines had probably put im in ® position to bet almost on a certainty. Of course the steamer, whose greatest speed was eight knots an hour, arrived in England weeks after the others, and the captain lost his £500; but instead of having, to lie in China waiting his chance of argo coming in from the interior—a probable delay of weeks— he had cleared in a few days, after his bets be- came known to the public, with a full ship, thus recouping to his owners, who of course paid his betting loses, a considerable number of thousands of pounds profit. ———_<e~ New York’s 400. “by the grace of God.” It is entirely by the favor of the peo- ple. We have no permanent oligarchy,we have no fixed condition in which man, woman or child must remain from birth to death, but many of us long for just that sort of thing. It would gratify the silly billies and the Miss Nancys.and the present race of wealtbians very much i Abey could be perpetually known cs the “Four Hundred,” for instance. Now, that is a bomcly illustration and it mustof ne- cossity appeal to every intelligent reader. But the Four Hundred of today isnot the Four Hundred of five years ago. ananey; how quickly Let one of them lose his. he drops out! Is he any better because he has money? Is he any worse because he has lost it? A thought- ful glance at the men and women who are be- fore the public in the social stzise will teach a lesson pregnant and most suggestive in a large.majority, are men of uo sp gem women’ noticeably frivolous. It is within the memory of every intelifgent observer when the Vanderbilts were not asked in what is known as society. Do you suppose that John Jacob Astor, the original, the good old ped- ler, the graduate from. a’ butcher's shamble 8, shared the hospitality of the old Dutch Knick: erbockers or of Gotham's best people? Still less could he find acceptance in the giddy-headed throng, and if I read aright, vulgar as was his origin, meager as was bis education, incomplete as was his social endow- ment, he had too much native common sense tocare for either the one or the other. He knew what he was St for. He was an excellent servitor ina butcher's shop. He was acom- petent butcher; he developed early the trading iustinet, and his nose for progress was unus- ually keen, as is evinced by the marvelous pur- chases of land made by him in times when such transactions were regarded as the very height of folly. But the Astors of today are actually quarreling among themselves as to which is the Mrs. Astor. If the good ladies who indulge in this Lnew the mirth they ex- cite, if they could appreciate the hither verge of the comical side of the situation, they would, let it be mo in the interest of honest American wo! 00d, blush at such utterly un-American, nonsensical sirsand would-be graces. Look at rugged Cornelius Vanderbilt the elder. Start with him on his flat boat, Comeup with him as that well-packed head of his brainific- ally.ran out in various directions, and always along the right line to wealth, to usefulness, to helpfulness. See how he grew, and then mark the processional following. See what bis son William H. did and then come with me sndlook at hia sons, the grandsons of the original Cor- nelius—Cornelius apd William K. In society? I should say so. Why? yi It won't be said “Because they are Christian gentlemen.” ‘There are several others of that kind in New York. It won't be said ‘Because they are railroad experts.” ‘There aro thou- sands of such in the land. It won't be said “Because they are quiet, modest, courteous, hospitable.” Such, thank God, is the charac- ter of millions of Americans, Why, then? Obviously for the same reason that the Astors two generations ago were admitted into what ia technically known as society—because they have ample means and are able to hold their own in any race where wealth is a factor. But where you will find one such man as the Inte John Jacob Astor, where you will tind one such man as Cornelius Vanderbilt, you will find Scores of lunkidads whose aspiraiions are of the Mcallister stripe. Aping the weaknusees of foreign lands, copying the excrescences of peo- ple who live under totally ditferent conditions, they have developed an obvious desire to im- Press upon their fellows that they are really 400 very uncommon individuals. ‘And éo they are. But not in the way they imagine. —————-oo____ Aspiration. Fallen again! So—I give up the fight, ‘What boots it to strive, if forever aud ever, In spite of one's utmost of pain and endeavor, Sul 10 cleave to the right, ‘Still to follow the light, One falis from What boots it?» Oh, better to climb and to fall, ‘To sirive and to fail, to Sght and be slain, ‘Than 1 grovel content on the soul's lowest plane, ‘At the spirit’s clear call ‘Whoo atirs not at all— ‘His cup shall —Jounra B. Gua. —_—_~eo Ramming With an lron Cisd. for keep de blas’ | BEN BUTLER’S WOOING A Rothatice Which the General Omit- ted From His Autobiography, SARAH HILDRETH, ACTRESS. A Stage Career That ie Generally Forgotten— A Modern Mystery in New York—A Clever Dlusion—The Decline of Carmenta in Pub- Me Favor. Correspondence of The Evening Star. New Yorx, February 12. N ALL THE REVIEWS of that most remarka- ble life history, the au- tobiography of the Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, there has been not a single mention of one of the most interesting episodes in the famous politician's varied cay reer. His own pen even has not dealt with it, because, perhaps, it .- is the most cherished event in a past that is held sacred by him. Yet it is, after all, the softening romance in Gen. Butler's life, in which the storms have far ex- ceeded the calms. Those who know old war horse, who have been under the spell of his eloquence, who have felt the fervor of his invective or the keenness of his satire, who have watched him in angry debate or in cratty legal argument, will be surprised most of all to know that Gen. Butler once cuore the romance that is commonly attributed to sentimental fledgings only. We read much of the stern labor of rs; his indom- itable pluck, hi overty and obscurity to gail a his combats with prejudice and influence to gain recogni- tion and power. But we read little or nothing atallof his young man’s fancies of a tenderer nature. he was ever a lover, that the ambitious and grim young lawyer ever pleaded his own cause before a judge with cherry lips, cheeks of down and melting eyes. Surely, sinco all the world loves a lover, Gen. Butler may well have told us the story of his first and only romance— the romance that teri to him years of hap- piness und children to lighten his hours, and Was only ended by death. There have been hundreds of romances just like it, but far more less joyous in their results. Gen. Butler married an actress. This era of playgoers, with its score of famous favorites of the foot- lights, has probably never heard of Sarah Hildreth. Yet she was in her day an actress of note. Surrounded by admirers, high in social favor—a rare distinction for any player in that rejudiced time—fascinating in person and bril- iant in intelleot, Sarah Hildreth may well have claimed homage from impressionable young men. She was the daughter of Dr. Isaac Hil- Greth, a reputable physician then practicing in the of Lowell, Mase., for #0 many years Gen. Butler's nome and the scene of some of his most famous political triumphs. SARA HILDRETH’S CAREER. Sarah Hildreth was carefully educated in her native city, and doubtless her acquaintance with the theater was extremely limited during her girlhood. But thatdid not prevent her from becoming enamored of the stage. She was scarce eighteen when there came,to her an opportunity to realize her fondest dreams. Visiting relatives in Brooklyn, she was easily enabled to put her purpose to the test. She at once placed herself under the tuition of that admirable actress and lovely woman, Mrs, Ver- non, who found in her handsome young pupil remarkably promising material. The course of study for the stage in those days was not too long. On August 10, 1837, Sarah Hildreth— doubtless to the amazement of her friends in quiet Lowell—made her debut on the profes- sional stage, coming forth, moreover, not minor actress, but as a full-fledged “star. ‘The scone of her essay was the historic Park Theater in this city, the first house and the most famous of that name, and the play was “Tbe Wife,” Sheridan Kuowles’ powerful story of intrigue, in which the fair young debutante appeared as Mariana. The occa- sion was a benefit to W. H. Chippendale, who, oddly enough, is the only surviving member of ‘that memorable cast. The hero, Pierre, was acted by Charies K. Mason, a then noted lead- ing man. Sarah Hildreth’s success was in- stantancous. The house was brilliantly crowded and its auditors were disposed tobe critical, for star debutantes in those days were not regarded with strong favor, the popular theory holding that they should rise from the ranks after years of preparatory service. But the gentle grace and refined beauty of Sarab iidreth won the severest of her critica, Her lady-like demeanor, her intelligent counte- nance, ber modest costume, all spoke volumes in her favor. At first it was observed that her elocution was somewhat marred by a lack of expression and variety, and that her manner was not quite animated enough in the more forceful scenes of the play, but on the whole her debut was marked by success, and that suc- cess made of the Lowell physician's daughter an actress destined to charm thousands of American playgoers before she should capitu- late to the fierco wooing of Lenjamin F. Butler. Offers came to her at once irom numerous shrewd managers. The siock-company system then ruled, and among the southern managers who had ‘just visited New York in search of budding talent was William Abbott, who owned theaters in Charleston and Columbia, 8 C. Mr. Abbott engaged Miss Hildreth for his com- pany, which alternated between the two cities, and during that winter also she appear red in Savannah. Subsequently she played in several cities in North Carolina and Virginia, after which she returned to New York. In 1842, hay- ing then gained anenviable repute as acon- scientious, powerful actress and an estimable, hretined woman, Sarah Hildreth became the Jeading lady in the stock at the old Park ‘ihea- ter, this city. On the same boards, which five years earlier she had trod in fear and trembling, she now came forth crowned with the laurel of public favor and at the head of « company of jayers brilhant in every respect. Around fer were gothered William E. Barton, the famous Todi; ‘Thomas Harry, the” best stage manager bis day; Henry ide, 24 omation ant jolly fellow; Carson W. Clarke, Henry Bellamy, Mrs. Vernon (her old proceptress); Mrs, ‘Thomas Barry (the first), and a dozen others equally noted, and all dead and gone long ago. ‘This engage- ment may be regarded as the turning point in Surah Hildreth’s stage career. Her telents, it was soon discovered, were overshadowed by the riper ones of those by whom she was sur- rounded. Her opening performance was as Rosalind in “As Lou Like It,” but there was a brave Orlando to command inuch of the ap- plause and a Jaques whose cynicism drew all the laughter, so that Rosalind was somehow a lesser figure in the play. Tho result was a surprise and a sorrow to the young actress’ friends, but it was a not uncommon outcome. ‘Mass Hildreth’s engagementut the Park wascut short, probably by herself, and before Christmas of that year she had accpted an offer of the “leads” in the stock at the oid National, Cin- cinnati, then under the magagoment of the same Chippendale at whose benefit she had ‘made herdebut. ‘There she remained three months, during which she played es « star in Louisville, and in that city also was the recipi- ent of a mammoth benefit. mo of the cast, had already pressed his suit and bad wonafavorable answer. To attend the benefit hehad made the journey from Lowell and it was his purpose ‘to escort Miss Hildreth ‘back to. thet "city. "Ho fulfilled his purpose, and more, too. Inefew days came known that the stage would. lose haps forever. In a few = withi ~~ of it in forty years in mattess of amusemen’ An exact counterpart of the Poe chess player has been for several seasons an nary exhibit in one of our museums, and onl: the mos unsophisticated of visitors is fool by it, Indeed, the expert who site inside the Wooden man and guides his hand is well-known in chess circles. ‘The illusions, which com- mand much attention in this fifty-cent museum, must be far more difticult to solve and more pleasurable to look at than the contrivance that Piqued the cariosity of Poe and hs public. An interesting conjurer_has come to this es- tablishment from Paris. He looks like every- thing else but s sleight-of-hand man. He Deurs a strong resemblance to Lord Salisbu the English premier. The eecret of his illu sions lies in by him of a gentle and plausible manner. He is like the refined pickpocket; you don't suspect him. and so you lose your watch. This magician, upon going to work, unbuttons his cuffs and lays bare to above the elbow a pair of fat white arms, ex- cusing himself, in his curious, broken English, “for undressing in publeek.” His greatest trick is prefaced by wbleaux representing the culture of silk from feeding the worms to the finished material, dyed in rich colors. The girls who personate the Chinese in these pic- tures are unfortunately, with one exception, what is known as British blondes, while their hair should be Chinese black, and this part of the illusion may be justly termed a delusion, if not s snare. ‘The magician’s trick is, of itself, one that has been shown by two of our American showmen, who bought it from him, but be presents it more elaborately. In the final tableau be Cs pears ins monk's garb. He bas, as the woll- nown legend runs, smuggled some silk worm eggs out of China, and he taps his_pil- grim’s staff with a knowing look (for it is all Pantomime) as much as to say: “I have tife egge inside.” In the center of the stage he suspends.» silk cord loosely across two thin uprights as Then, walking to’ th picks up what socms to be a rame about two feet square, over which i stretched white paper. It is just such a thing as is used for cheap show carus. This he turns over and over, to show that there is nothiog hidden at the back of it, and then hangs it on the line. Next he outlines upon the suspended paper the figure of a silk worm, enclosed in an oval outline. Suddenly. you are simply astounded to see the frame collapse, ani hind it, hanging apparently from the same cord, a large yellow silk egg, looking like big Chinese lantern. Something is stirring in- side, Tho next instant the shell is broken. aud forth issues none other than a charming woman, clad in white silk and with white wings ou ber shoulders. It ige wonderful trick How did that get there without your seeing it? How was one hundred and thirty pound chick suspended by that frail line, which was not tied at the ends, but merely Inid across the pegs? As we are sensible observers and don't look with the blind eyes of those travelers who see miracles in East Indian jugglery, we know t the big egg and its contents THE DECLINE OF CARMENCITA. Our faddists have had enough,of Carmencita. The ploasure-seekers went stark mad over her last winter, and everybody has read how the women and girls of the Four Hundred were taken in box parties to the disreputable con- cert bali where the Spanish danseuse danced. She has returned to the stage of her former tri- umpb, and now she is @ fiasco. All efforts to boom her fail. Recourse was bad to the fiction that she was a sufferer from heart disease and was likely to drop dead in one of her gyrations, but people won't even go tosee her death kicks, She dances as well as ever, bus the spectators are confined to the more or less tough rounders who ordinarily frequent this gilded dive. There Hes few loyal admirers of Carmencita lett, however, and last night, as one of them sat watching her, he enunciated the theory of high art expressiveness that some folks find only ab- surd and grotesque in Carmencita. “There is no doubt that dancing has s speech of its own that discourses eloquently to the human heart,” he said, “and the fact that dancing is quite as old as speech is proof that it is of equai dignity, the only difference being that one ma innguage addressed to the ear and the other to the eye. The latter has the advantage of being far greater in quickness, just as sight is many thousand times quicker than sound. Now, the speech spoken by the dancer may vary, but when it comes to the fiery of attitude, to the fervor and passion of the poetry of motion, the Spanish dancer leads all the rest. ‘This is the charm of Carmencita’s dancing. We like it because of its ardor, its intensity, its warmth; it speaks to us in the tongue of vehemence born of life in a land of sunshine, in a land of thewine pressand the olive, where people woo passionately and for- t quickig. Carmencita is thoroughly Spanish, and that’s the secret of her wonderful success, Her motions have the sway, and the rock, and the bend, but that ia only'to emphasize the whirlwind which will soon burst upon you. With lightning rapidity her slender body and limbs will strike out her thoughts as the orchestra with its quick staccato portrays a sudden emotion. You try at first to follow her flying feet, then her wonderfully gracefui arms, then the motions of her head, then the aiver of her body, but you are dazed and isappojnted. You begin to fear that her fame has been exaggerated.” Exaggerated! That has been the verdict in every city visited by Carmencita except New York. Her American tour was a failure ina popular and money sense. But » mention of her fiasco did not silence the adulatory man. He went on: “Oh, it is gradually that you learn to understand the language she is speaking; youive over trying to put the letters to- gether, to make up words, or even to put words together to make up a sentiment. You wait until she has finished her sign picture and then you are charmed with its tone and coloring and contrast; it is ject in its harmony, it has the very glow of the Spanisls sunset to it, the very odor of the orange grove, the very golden sparkle of tine old Xeres. Its flavor is almost appreciabie to the taste.” ‘Ten minutes later, inthe room under the stage, Carmencita sat for a brief time. Car- mencita smiled on no stranger until after he was introduced by # mutual acquaintance, and even then the smile was not meant to encourage unconventional treatment, “I don't know why New Yorkers were raj tur- ous over me,” she said in Spanish, “and 1 don't wonder that they've got over it.” Further conversation revealed the fact that she didn’t mean, by ber dancing, any of the subtleties which my friend had ascribed toher; = she Grae 4 — comprehend his fine \eories as silent language 6 by her contortions, and, finally~-yee-ehe would drink a little champagne. ———~oo—____ ‘Taxing Clerks. To the Editor of The Evening Star: Please allow me space enough in your valua- ble paper to express my opinion in regard to taxing departmental clerks for the Pensioning of the aged government employe. I cannot understand why any one employed by the gov- ernment for fifteen or twenty years should need the aid of a charity fund. ey certainly receive all they are worth, and if they are ble of filling a position under the government they ought to be oapable of taking care of their salary. Even if such » ‘“fand” were started none ould vel @ pension but shove that tronize the rooms, and gam- Ging hoasa. Bithece one ‘very few mechanics or laborers that ask for assistance from charita- ble institutions if they are able to perform manual laber, and why should employes of the government? Their is surely better the average. Would it not be better to contribute a small amount at once for those in actual want? Irefer to the poor widows and hel; mentioned in Taz Sr. few evenings ago. It would not be a bad for Uncle Sam to havesset of “Franklin's maxims” printed and hung on each government em- ploye’s desk or in a conspicuous place. FL & SOME OF THE MEASURES NOW BEYORE THE LOCAL LEOWLATURE—THE INCREASE IX THE KUMBER OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOTES RESIDENT IN THE CITY—OTRER MATTERS OF INTEREST. T IS NOT LIKELY that all the street rsil- road measures intro- laws. If every charter or additional privilege was granted that w asked for this city would be pretty well gridironed with car tracks. But of course portion of such bills ever receite favdrable action, much less pass the two houses, Each session, however, wit- nesses an increase in the number of measures of this character that are brought to the at- tention of Congress. In fact the question of the street railroad facilities of the city bas within the past ytar or two taken « prominent place with those interested in the material Progress of the District It used to be that street improvements was the main theme of the requests made yearly upon Congress for legislation affecting District interests, Street improvements still represent very important and motorial needs of the District, but they have now to Yield or at any rate to share the first place to the question of railroad facilities. It is easy to understand why this should be so. This city has reached the stage in its development when the population is pressed out from the center and the outlying territory is occupied with homes. Itis necessary that the occupants of these homes should have casy and rapid com- munication with the business center. come thickly built up, and yet they are with- out street railroads. Ihe residents, as well as | the owners of property who desire to find a market for their property, are nat- urally anxious that this need should be supplied at once. Hence the demand made upon Congress. In recent years three railroads run- ning into the suburbs have been chartered and one or two of the existing city roads have been authorized to build extensions. But practically, as far as the city is concerned, the street rail- road facilities are about what they were fifteen or twenty years ago, Of course there are two- horse cars instead of the bob-tailed car anda cable system and cushions on the car seats and other improvements, but the street railroad system of today covers about the same territory within the limits of the city as it did years ago. SOME PROPOSED MEASURES. The efforts that are now being made to supply what are regarded as deficiencies in the Present service are represented by bills authorizing the construction of entire new rouds and also by bills providing for the ex- tension of old roads. Asis well known to the readers of Tux Sran, Senator McMillan, the chairman of the District committee, has’ an- nounced as his policy that so far as’ possible the absolute needs for new service should be supplied by building branches or lines con- necting with those of existing companies. A number of such measures are being or have been considered by the District committees. For example, it is proposed tiat the Washing- ton and Georgetown railroad should be ex- tended to the new Georgetown or Free bridge, and the property owners and residents in the vicinity of the 7th street road would be delighted if this company would con- tinue the cabie system along this etreet beyond the present terminus of its road, which is at the Boundary. estate along 14th street extended has been appreciating im value ever since it was determined that the cable system would be continued out to Mount Pleasant. ‘The 7th street property owners look forward to the same gratifying results in the event that ‘ith street extended is made # part of the cable system. At is also proposed that an extension to the Metropolitar road be built along P street froma Dupont Circle east to 9th street. Itis held that there is @ necessity for a cross-town road and this plan has been suggested as a means of supplying this need. Another branch of the same road is advocated which would leave the main stem at East Capitol street run along 11th stroct to the south aud thence east along Penn- sylvania avenue to the new bridge. Then there is the Columbia railroad with ite western ter- minus at New York avenue and 15th street. It is designed to continue this line along Pennsyl- ¥ania avenue to 17th street, thence south to G street and west aiong that street. As an alter- native proposition the new branch could leave the prosent ine at 13th and H streets, run along the latter street to 17th street and go on along the route as above indicated. 7 tin, jon to the Eckiugton road, weieh wil : coutinued along G street to New Jersey avenue and thence south, reach- ing the Capitol grounds at the end of North Capitol street. It is desired that the new Rock Creek Railroad Company should have the pri ilege of extending ite tracks from 18th street along Boundary to 7th strect. The Anacostia Tailroad would like to come up 6th street to F and thence along F to 11th and south to ite present line near the Genter Market. Some of these plans have taken the form of bills and others are still under consideration. tis fair to presume that some of these mens- ures, as well as some bills providing for entirely new lines, will survive the uncertamties of congressional action and become enacted into jaws. The importance of supplying the city with ample strect car facilities is tully recog- nized, and there is no doubt but that much of 1e future prosperity of the city depends upon the development of this feature of exty life. THE PROFITS OF 4 SYNDICATE. The practice of handling large tracts of land or high-priced property by means of syndi- cates has become well established bere, and it is comparatively easy to organize a syndicate if there is any profit in sight. Some times when an alluring prospect of this character is somewhat hazy those who form the syndicate g0 in on the doctrine of chances and accept the result with philosophic composure. Asa rule syndicates make money just as individuals do who put their money in Washington real estate. Perhaps there are cases where in the opinion of those most interested the harvest 4s not as great as they had expected, still there are exceptions to every rule. A member of » syndicate which is quite large enough to be dignified with the name of an in: tod company recently told » Stam man that his company was about to pay a second dividend amounting to 12 per cent. They had been or- ganized less than two years, and with a capital Of $100,000 had acquired a large block of city property. ‘The greater portion of the p mouey had been secured by a trust, aid in ad- dition to paying the interest, taxes and other expenses they had accumulated sur- hal the property. ‘The profits, in addition to the surplus, were represented by two divi- dends—one of 10 per cent and one of 12—which made the total $100,000 in less il 1 | if : i 2 i Ltd ; i il fr There | &re some sections of the city which have be- | ania cure alot that met the requirements of the e Ball particulars, but finally Mr. Charles wate a lot which bas met the ap- Proval of those interested. The deed trane- ferring this property to George Bogus, the treasurer of the institute, has been on record and the final steps have Sacheoben: ion is on the taken. The new loc be side of 10th street between I and K Streets and consists of three sopeate pieces of property belonging to these individu- als. The entire property gives a frontage of 70 feet on 10th strect with » depth of 90 feet toe 25-feot alley This property was purchased Mr. Handy in connection with H. ©. Stewart Son and A. M. Gorman, real estate brokers, from Charles F. E. Richardson, Robert D. Mes ton and W. W. Goddard, executor, et al. ‘The price paid for the entire ‘pr wns $23,495, which is at the rate of about @3.72 per square foot. Plans will be ut once prey yared, for the erection of a handsome building, whieb will be specially adapted for the needs of the institute. In addition to the library, reading rooms, school rooms, &c., there will be a «ym: nasiam, a large ball and re on rooms. {estimated that the building alone will cost some $40,000. —— Against Pensioning the Clerks, To the Faitorof The Evening Star The proposition to reserve 2 per cent of de Partmental clerks’ salaries for the creation of ‘® pension fund is the most sickly sentimentaliem based on the grossest injustice. Nor ere the Advocates of the Alderson bill the least back- ward in making unwarranted statements in support thereof. “C. H.” in a recent issue of Tux Sram says: “The young especially are im favor of the bill.” Qn the contrary we bave iled to discover this class of youngsiera. The government pays the most liberal salaries, ex- acting fewer hours to the day than private concerns. Law, medical and other schools of the very best all have classes at hours when the clerical force of the government can attend. The enrollment of clerks in these classes show that « large per cent are fitting themselves for independent professional Lucmess with view to quitting the government's employ before the weight of years is upon them. This class 3s not “especiaily in favor of me bi.” 44 young or middle-aged clerk who bi to an “obnoxious pertiean’”on the ‘change of, the Administration had « little rather have. the 3 per cent of his salary to go with his “removal” than to leave it for some one who has not voted since Andrew Jackson ran for President The clerk who has spent twenty-five to thirty years in the government's employ and who is now worth from the tens to the hundred thousands of dollars certainly is an object of charity and ought, if he has to give up his clerkship, to be paid 2 per cent of the student clerk's §900 oF 1,000" salary! Or he of less business tact, but who knows how to lead a “merry life and a short one,” who knows how to spend bis salary before he gets it, should, after bis uhirt years of big sulary and riotous living, be wed to put his hand in the pocket of the young man who is trying tosave enough money to buy @ little professional library ors few mechanical instraments and take out 2 per cent of bis gross earnings that the wine may not stop when he is thrown out on the cold world. Let those who wish form their mutual benefit associations, but do not force tribute from those who would not voluntarily become members. Perhaps if the bends of the depart ments would take the trouble to find out the financial condition of these old and useless clerks they might find that the service of « great many could be dispensed with without “cruelty.” The man or wowan who fails to lay by from his or ber thirty years of liberal salary something to keep them when old age comes on certainly basa poor ciaim for pen- | sion on the government and far less on the teliow clerks. ‘The character of the service snd the rules governing does not admit of comparison with the military service. It ta claimed the scheme is a charitable one, but it as strange charity that ts founded on extortion. Pexsios Orrics CLan&. —_—> John Will Keep Quist From the New York Tribune dine Jast Sunday afternoon, and, as they bed allowed the servants the same privilege, epartment was deserted when the owners turned in the early evening. When they disembarked from the elevator and the lord the bousebold began to fumble for keys he horrified to discover that they were either or snugly ensconced at that moment in some other and inacccasible pocket. “Carrie,” he said in stricken tones, “I think— I'm afraid—that is, 1—I've lett my keys!” “You don't mean it?” she ejac “I really do,” impossible nooks and crannies the louged-for bunch. “The elevator boy of coarse has « key,” aa- nounced his wife. “Cull him.” “There are only two and we bave both,” he answered briefly, still fumbling Gam you pick the lock, Edward?” she asked. ‘was not educated for » burglar, Care line.” ‘Then we must send for s locksmith.” “Tonight—no shops are open. Iam afraid we must either break the door or send for the superintendent,” he said decisively. (hey rang the bell for the elevator, and sat dismally on the stairs till it came. Itisa terrible thing to sit on an apartment house stair and look at your own door elosed serjobn said the keyless proprietor when the John,” elevator arrived, “have you a key that will #8 ‘the superintendent in the building?” “He has went to Harlem, sir, to spend the evening.” wish you would.” ‘There oe tote, followed by much shuttling, pushing an squirming, an ed shows, remained capped by @ psir of dilapidated shoes, in sight. Having gone that far John stuck. 1, there,” came in muffled tones from half anside. “4 “Caroline,” he whispered. “The door's open, “Weil, you're « careless thing, you to be ashamed of yourself for ioue aoe unlocked,” she declared a ful ‘pull at ye ay 44 (Orer a les quiet vometimes?” “hematin an? “Here's another dollar. You understand.” ——+e-—___ ‘That Paid ‘From the Boston Transcript. Acrowd was gathered in the hotel smoking room and & stranger, somewhat seedy, but of Wemaniy manners, entered without causing particular remark. Presently there came stil; i Ky ry if i if