Evening Star Newspaper, March 5, 1892, Page 13

ELLET AND THE RAMS The Civil Engineer Who Won a Great Naval Victory. ANEW IDEA IN WARFARE. How the Steam Ram Was Invented—First Suggested by Mr. Ellet, but First Adopted by the Confederate Government—How Mr. ‘Kilet Won the Victory of Memphis. Written for Th Evening Star. N 184, WHILE MR Charies Ellet, jr., was crossing the Atlantic dent to Steamer Arctic, down ‘and sunk by an small tonnage. sug- gested to him the fe = =! bility of — = == steam vessels into pow- — erful machines of war, byso constructing them &s to receive severe shocks with impunity while acting asrama. During his stay in Germany, when the Russian government was contem- Plating the destruction of its entire fleet of men-of-war imprisoned in the harbor of Bebastapol by the blockading fleets of France and England, Mr. Ellet having perfected his plans, presented them to the Rassian admiralty and offered, if they were ecepred, to direct the complete destruction of the allied fleet. His views so impressed the emperor, before whom they were iaid, that Mr. Ellet was requested to hold himself in readi- Ress for an immediate call to St. Petersburg for a personal conference, when Europe was startled by the death of the czar. The information of bis majesty’s death and consequent change in the plans of the government was communicated Officially to Mr. Eliet some hours before it was Permitted to reach the public press. Before his return to this country, at the ap- pearance of some trouble with England, ap- reeiating the exposed condition of our sea- Board, ir. Ellet sent to the Navy Department a@letter submitting to that department the ‘views upon naval warfare the substance of which he addressed s few months before to the Russian government. His plan was to connect the steam vessel into a floating batte nd enable her to fight not with her gu yy her momentum. He detailed at some length bis plans for strengthening the huils of the Vessels, for constructing the false prow. & ‘This letter Mr. Eilet followed bya larger more elaborate communication from London, ‘August 16, 1855. Both letters, wit some farther exposition of ‘is views, he efbbedied a pamphlet published December 1, 1853, in Hichiond, Va., where he was professionally ed. “The pamphlet attracted muc fentice, and was quite widely distributed through the country, north and south. WHEN THE WAR BROKE OUT. From the first outbreak of hostilities Mr. Ellet apprebended danger to the navy of the United States from some adaptation of bis plan and endeavored to put the authorities Upon their guard against this possible da f—particular!y from the United States frigate jerrimac, captured by the confederates in the Norfolk navy yard. and which it was known they began at once to fit for service of some kind. After many efforts to avert the eatastrophe he feared, including an urgent appeal to be per- qmitted to strengthen a smail steamer, man her ‘With volunteers and proceed to draw out the Merrimac snd attack and destroy her before Sbe should take the offensive, on February 6, 1862, he finally published the following notici “STEAM Rams.” “It is not generally known that the rebels now have five steam rams nearly ready for us Of these five, two are on the lower Mississip, two at Mobile and one is at Norfolk. The last of the five, the one at Norfolk, is doubt- less the most formidable, being ‘the United Btates steam frignte Merrimac, which has been Zo strengthened that, in the opinion of the Febels, it may be used as a ram. “But we bave not single vessel at sea, for, $0 far as I know, in course of coustruction, able to cope at ail with a well built ram. “If the Merrimac is permitted to escape from Elizabeth river she will be almost certain to commit great deprecations on our armed and ‘unarmed vessels in Hampton Roads and may n be expected to pass out under the guns of tress Monroe and prey upon our commerce in Chesapeake bay. Indeed, if the alterations have been skilifully made and she succeeds in getting to sea, sbe will not only be a terrible Scourge to our commerce, but may prove also to be a most dangerous visitor to our block- Siding squadrons off the harbors of the southern Coast. “Ihave attempted to call the attention of the Navy Department and the country so often to the subject during the last seven years that Talmost hesitate to do it again; ana I would not do so here but that I think the danger from these tremendous engines is very imminent, but not at all appreciated. “Experience derived from accidental col- lisions show that a vessel struck in the waist by @steam ram at sea will go down almost in- Stantaneously, and involve, as has often hap- pened in accidental collisions, the loss of nearly ‘all on board.” Four weeks‘ later, March 8 the Merrimac made her appearance in Hampton Roads and in her own way demonstrated the value of Mr. Ellet’s neglected invention. The loss of the Cumberiand and Congress, with all the noble lives sacrificed upon those vessels; the blow to the prestige of the government would have been averted by attention to the warnings of this earnest and patriotic engincer. ‘The carcer of the Merrimac was brief enough: An encounter with the Monitor, in Which both sides claimed the victory, but which cost the gallant and loyal Worden his might. a few subsequent demonstrations be- tween each injured vessel and the destruction Of the unwieluly and crudely built rebel ram, ‘was effected by her own commander—May l1— ‘pon the rumored advance of McClellan. ME. ELLET'S comission, There was no longer any apathy on the sub- fect of rams. Bulietins and dispatches poured into the departments from the Mississippi Fiver. Mr. Ellet was sent for by the Secretary of War and was requested to proceed at once to the west and fit out as rapidly as possible, in aceordance with his own piaus, river steamers that might meet and destroy the rebel rams, now fully believed in. This dificult commis tion the dauntless engineer accepted upon the #pot, making only two conditions—one for the mea be should command, the other to assure the success of his efforts. ‘The men must take service with afull knowl. edge of the dangerous nature of the duty—the ¢uemy's fire being the least of the dangers— ead I would like to be authorized to assure them that their names would be reported to the Se. wry of War, who will recommend them, if ¥ do well, to the President and Congress.” I nk this will be valued more than specitic re- wards. Cuantes Ecxer, Jr., to the Secretary of War. For timseif he ‘claimed absolute indepe: ence of command, for the reason that the un- Tsual character of the service sntrusted to bim, : end the imperfect preparation of the means for erforming it, made of time and secrecy essen- le success. He did not retary the probability of the follow- Fequest the tary guard and second to If in commund of lect I respect- f « brother, Capt. Alfred D. Ellet of,the fitty-ninith Limois voiun- teers, now in cut souri, 4 man of Gauntless energy and devoted patriotism. who Will carry this enterprise turough if be sur- Vives and I am disabled. ‘The rank coafered upon Mr. Ieaving Washington was that 0: colouel of the staff. From the hour of his departure he re- ceived incessent telezrams from the War De- Fortment urging dewyateh. In Ficteburg he eceived the followi.s: Wasurxorox, March 18. Unless for imperative reasous lo sot confine jour work to oue locality. Gavs « portion to imcinuati and New Albany so 4s to avoid the imputation of local favoritism and «iso to Lring @utthe whole mechauiesi ingenuity of the Obio ee cand onan ¥ «= you can. Beport to me. E. M. STANTS, P Secretery of War. Maucu 2. The rebels bave a rain at Memphix. Lose no time! E M. Sraxtox. Maacu 29. Yours received. Direct quartermaster to ure whatever you need. Spare nothing to Sceomplish your object the speediest moment, for time is most precious. Epwaxs Ma. Srantes, Secretary of War. ‘Im consequence of these and other similar ocean, the terrible acci- the Collins rum insignificant vessel of converting | himselt, and in one | dispatches Col. Ellet sent the following com- munication to Gen. Halleck: ae Prrrescae, FEr t a M Seater ‘House, Pi am at lonot by instructions from the Secretary of War, Prepare boats with which to sink the rebel rams. If the necessity is very Cems I send a boat and mechanics and materials imme mediately with instructions to strengthen and protect her as well as theycan on the way dowa the river and follow with others as fast as they reach here. If more time can be allowed the work can be better done here, They will be only off-hand contrivances at best, mere substitutes for rams; but if we can find @ few brave pilot: nd engineers to a them I @ can make them do the worl Cuantss Exist, Jn May 10.—The river defense fleet of rebel rams having come unsuspected up the river, came out from under the guns of ‘Fort Pillow, and attacked the gup boat flotilla of seven armored vessels at or near Point Plum, aud sunk the Cincinnati and Mound City, fortu- nately in shallow water. May 12. —Col. Eliet received in Louisville the following dispatch from Washington: Col. Cuantes Exver, Jn.: A telegram from Com. Foote indicates great anxiety for the descent of your rams How soon can you be ready to leave? P. F. Watton, Assistant Secretary of War, HASTENING DOWN THE RIVER. In response to this telegram and others of a like tenor Col. Ellet, after starting some of his boats, wrote as follows: New Ausaxy, May 15, 1862. Hon, P. F, Watson, Assistant Secretary of War: Five of my boats ought to reach Cairo tomorrow morning. These five are of the smalicr class, and will be taken down to Fort Wright without delay by my second in com- mand, Lieut. Col. Ellet, and be held there ready to take part in any movement against the enemy. The sixth will overtake the fleet on the Mississippi. The seventh and most powerful boat will not be more than twelve hours behind. The eighth will leave Madison today and ought to reach Fort Smith by Sunday, and [hope tobe on board. The ninth and last will leave here Sunday morning and report at Fort Wright. ‘The arms ordered by me have not been re- ceived. Please send a dispatch to Lieut. Col. Ellet at Cairo, authorizing him to make «re- quisition on the commander at that post or any other source of supply, not too distant, for 300 navy revolvers and 300 breech-loading or other short riffes to use between decks, if no surgeon is appointed for the flest, please suthorize Lieut. Col. Ellet to engage Dr. james Roberts of Carbondale, Ill., who is well recommended and willing to serve. But my rams shail not be detained for want of arms or doctors. Cnantes Exter, Jn. At the same time he wrote Mr. Stauton with his customary candor: “My boats are illy RS; pared for the work I shall require of them. It is hot upon their strength 1 rely, but upon the audacity of our attack for success,” May 25 Col. Ellet communicated his arrival above Fort Pillow to the Secretary of War, stating that he had called upon Com. Charles Davis, who had replaced Com. Foote in com- mand of the gun boat flotilla, and jhad offered and sought co-operation with that officer. May J0.—On the eve of making a recon- naissance below Fort Pillow Col. Billet was noti- fied by the captain of the Monarch that the chief engineer of that vessel demanded an ex- amination of her boilers, which he pronounced “uniit for use.” Col. Ellet repaired on board the Monarch, examined into the case, removed the chief engineer and issued the following de- cision “The chief engineer bas ordered a board of engineers to examine the boilersof the Monarch and teport upon them; but the colonel com- manding. intending to run the boat below the fort and use her, good or bad, safe or unsafe, considers ch an examination unnecessary at this time.” ‘Lhe expedition below Fort Pillow was duly made by the rams, running the batteries and returning in safety. On the 4th and Sth of June Pillow and Randolph were ascertained by Col Ellet to be abandoned and atter plunting the Union flag on each deserted fortification he joined the movement of the entire fleet down the river to Memphis. THE BATTLE OF THE RAMS. Before that city occurred June 6, 1862, the memorable engagement, when, for the first, and, I believe, the only time upon record, steam rams fairly encountered rama This brilliant event has never received the notice which was and is its due. A stronger pen than mine is needed to do it justice. ‘The scene must have been awful in its magnificence. The great gun boat fleet was drawn upand anchored above Memphis. The levees of the city were crowded with its populace and with the soldiers of Gen. Jeff Thompson's command, eager to Witness the anticipated destruction of the gun boats by the rams which had struck them so hard a blow upon the 10th of May. The river defense fleet. eight in number, of rams strong and successful, steamed up the river in the light of the rising sun, sending in advance a shot of defiance, re- sponded to with interest by the gun boats, Suddenly alittle vessel, frail and unarmed, manned by volunteer soldiers and river men, and commanded by a civil engineer who had never donned his uniform and whe wore his shoulder straps only as @ neces sary insignia of command, shot through the gun boat squadron, flashed like a thing of light and life through the smoke of the can- nonade and plunged into the heart of the as- cending fleet. This single messenger of death, the at little Queen of the West, was quickly followed by another ram, the Monarch, equally unarmed and unprotected, and depending equally upon the rapidity of its movements and upon the “audacity” of its attack. Had the rebel rams met the shock as it was given the lighter ves- sels of Col. Ellet’s command must have per- ished. They were but two against eight. But an effort to escape carried the first vessel struck to the bottom and spread dismay among the rest. The melee was terrific. At one moment, says an eye-witness, himself a leading actor in the scene, “four rebel rams were in collision—one sinking, another ramming and two others endeavoring to extricate the: selves from apparently inevitable destruction.” Sales woe Venting, won wan shrieking in agony and despair, while over all poured the ceaseless discharges of shot and shell from the gun boats, which left their anchor and bore down upon the retreating and despairing foe. The fate of the battle was soon decided. ‘Seven rebel rams sunk, blown up, fired by their own crews or tured attested the inventive genius and personal prowess of an American engineer, backed by the courage of » handful of selécted volunteers and sustained by the grand artillery of the regular service. ‘The modest bulletins of the heroof Memphis, himself wounded unto death in the first mo- ment of his victorious onslaught, conveyed in- telligence of the engagement to the War Depart- ment in the following terms: Orrosits Memrars, June 6, 1862. Te the Hon. E. M. Stawtos, Secretary of War: “ The enemy's gun boats made astand early this morning opposite Memphis and opened » Yigorous fire Upon our gun boats, which re- turned it with equal spirit. 1 ordered the Queen— my flag ship—to pass between our gun boats and ran down of them upon two rams of the enemy, which at first boldly stood their ground. Lieut. Col. Ellet in the Monarch, Capt. Dry- den, master, followed gallantly.” The rebel rams endeavored to back down stream, then to turn and run. But the movement was fatal to | them. ‘The Queen struck one of them fairly and for a few minutes was fast to the wreck. | After separating the rebel steamer sunk. My | vessel, the Queen, was then herself struck b; janother rebel ram and disabled, but, thoug! | damaged, can be saved. A pistol shot in the | leg deprived me of the power to witness the re- mainder of the fight. The Monarch also passed ahead of our gun boats and went most gal- lantly into action. She first struck the rebel boat that struck my flag ship and sunk the rebel. She was then struck by one of the rebel | rams, but not injured. She then pushed on | and struck the Beauregard and burst open her side. Simultaneously the Beauregard was struck in the boiler by a shot from one of our | gunboats. The Monarch then pushed st the | gum boat Little Rebel, the rebel flag ship, and | having but httle headway pushed her ashore, | the rebel commodore and his crew escaj | The Monarch then finding the Beau {ing took her in tow until she sank in shoal | water. Then in compliance with the request commodore Davis Lieut. Col Eliet dis patched the Monarch and the Switzerland in pursuit of one remaining rebel gun boat and some transports which had ihe gua boats and twoof my rams have fone below. 1 ean not too much raise the con duct of the pilow ‘engineers and military guard of the Monarch and Queen, the ie coaduct of Capt. Dryden or the herole bearing of Lieut. Col Eliet. “I will name ali the im @ special report I am, myself, the only person in my fleet who was injured.’ Hespect- fully, Cuantes Excer, Jn, Colonel Com The confederate general, M. Jeff Thompson, reported to Gen. G. T. Beauregard: Gaexapas, Miss, June 7, 1862. General: lam —— the boner be | reporting to you most entire destruc of the Thvec autense Sass in the river in frontof Memphis * * © J GS large partof the engagement from the river banks and am sorry to say that in my opinion many of our boate were handied or the plan of the battle was very rams did most of the e; died more adroitly ever, entirely owing ‘The last episode in thie brilliant carcer ended. Fora few days Col. Elles commanded his fleet and issued his orders from his couch ld Ts forenight wae pain. Then his constitution ravages of bis fatal wound. ‘The news of your glorious achievement at Memphis reached here iast evening, and our jor we culy dampened by your personal in- jury. You will accept for yourself and return to your officers, engineers, pilote, soldiers and boatmen, the cordial thanke of this department for the gallantry, courage and skill manifested on that occasion. When your otficial report is received official recognition will be made of spective merits. I went in the evening to your house and as carefuily as I could com- tuunicated to Mrs. Ellet your injury. She was, of course, deeply affected, but bore the infor- mation with as much spirit and courage as could be expected. It is hot design to proceed immediately to join you. I have furnished her with @ pass and free passge, and she will be accompanied by your daughters. I hope you keep me advised of your state of health and everything you want. To my official thanks I beg to add my personal regards. ‘Howin M. Braxtox, Secretary of War. NOW NOODLES PAID HIS FARE. Owing toa Mistake of His Own the Incident ‘Caused Hi ‘Embarrassment. “I had a most extraordinary adventure the other day,” said Noodles last night at tho Platypus Club. “I had taken passage on a Potomac steamboat. Seeing » large man in biue clothes, whom I took to be the captain, standing on the deck I approached him. “ ‘What is the fare?’ I asked. “ ‘One dollar,’ be replied, looking me coblly in the eye. “‘ ‘Here is the money,’ I said, handing him = dollar bill. “Then I went and sat down im the cabin. After a while » person wearing a uniform with brass buttons accosted me. He said: “One dollar, please!" “What for?’ I asked. “Your fare, sir,’ said the man. “I paid it balf an hour ago,’ I protested. “You are mistaken,” he said. “<I assure you that I am not,’ insisted. ‘I Paid it just aiter I got aboard.’ “To whom did you pay it” he inquired. “Why, tow big man in blue clothes," I ex- claimed.’ ‘There he is now, talking to those ladies.” “Why did you pay it to him?’ asked the man. “Because t supposed he was the captain,’ I answered. “Well, he isn’t,’ was the reply. ‘I never saw him befor “‘Do you mean that he is only a passenger?’ Tasked. Certainly,’ said the man. ‘One dollar, please ! “I felt real angry. After paying over tho dollar I went over to the big man in the blue clothes and touched him on the shoulde: looked around and bowed gravely, to say that he would be glad to wished of him. *‘Tgave you a dollarhalf an hour ago," I said, smothering my indignation with difficulty. “That is true,’ he repi ied. ‘Will you kindly expiain?’ I demanded. ‘Explain what?’ he inquired. «Why did you pretend that you were an offi- cer of the boat?’ I said, getting angrier. “ ‘I never said anything of the kind,” he an- Grsieatgenveceraaey. 2 i “ ‘Bat you received my fare,’ I insisted. “- 4] think that you are laboring under # mis- apprehension,” he said very politely. ‘You asked me what the fare was and I told you that it was one dollar. You thereupon handed mo a dollar and J put it in my pocket, I never refuse money. “ Bat,’ I protested, ‘you permitted me to suppose that you were the captain.’ “My dear sis,’ said the big man, ‘T always permit every one to think what he likes. It is not my business to forbid anybody to suppose anything. Without sol m from myself you gay jollat. Do I understand that yon wish is returned?” “Yes, Ido,’ id, not knowing ex- actly what to make of the situation. ‘Here it is, then,’ he said. : "I took the money. There did not seem to be anything to say under the circumstances, and so I refrained from further remarks. 1 must confess that the incident jarred upon my feelings, but, not being able to think of any- thing better to do, I simply bowed and strode away in disgust. Later on I observed that the big man in biue clothes sppeared to be very much amused sbout something or other and that the ladies with him were likewise convulsed ‘with merriment, though I cannot for the life of me imagine what they were laughihg obout.” a egeee Value of Good Kouds, A. A. Pope in the Foru:n, Bad roads force people to live in cities; good tend to take them out into the country. is observation reveals its force perhaps more strikingly when read in view of the facts of railroad development, to which the especial at- fention of the American people has been given during the past forty years. The railroad have centralized the population in the eitie and larger towns, and arranged them along their lines of communication. Now what is needed is sn equal dovelopment of carriage roads to broaden the areas of population and to relieve this congestion. Railroads need better carriage roads for feeders; farmers need them for access to the railroads and to the cities; manufacturers need them for access to loss populous areas and for lower rents and for less cost of portage and transportation; merchants need them as an slement in the cheapening of their wares; the people need them for the reduction of the ex- of satisfying their wants and for the more efficient distribution of their activities. All men work and plan, after supplying their own and the immediate needs of their families, to leave # good inheritance to their children. All good citizens take into their plans of pub- lic expenditure the leaving of wise investments to the next generation. t wiser, surer and Detter inheritance can we leave to our sons and our successors than good roads—roads that ean be rved and usedat little expense and that endure both as monuments and ss in- Yostmente during the years and she contaries come’ Signe of Advancing Years: From the Giobe-Democrat. “Do you know the surest indication of old age?” asked Dr. Reed of a number of friends a the Lindell. “The surest indications in man," he continued, “are a moist eye, a dry palm and shrinkage of the calf of the leg. All these indications are due to some action of the nerves jaent upon advancing years. Inthe matter of the eye, the fifth sec- tion is interfered with, and it is this which causes a flow of water. ‘The dryness of the palm is produced by an interference with the functions of the body, also due to the action of rves, and the shrinkage of the leg fol- lows from similar causes. In old age, too, you notice some men more corpulent than in the earlier portions of their lives, With drinking men the is often produced by the quantity of sac- charine, which they consume with their drink, and, with those whodo not drink, 1t follows from other changes. As to the hair becomi v, it results, in the majority of se rarhial cling of the batt cals Coloring ‘mattae’ ‘jynlch, tks cloeizg produces. mat joni With women the Gimmness of the eye does not come so soon as it does in mep.” ——_e- ___—. ‘The Sick Irishman. An Irishman was painting » Rouse green when the paint pot fell to the sidewalk. A woman chanced by. “Mercy! what's the matter?" she exclaimed. And the small boy standing near shouted, “That Irishman up there has just had a hem- orrhage.”—Judge. HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT Prominent: Washington Families ‘Whose Records Are of Interest. JUDGE DRAKE AS A SAILOR Mr. Traxton Beale as Minister to Persia—In- teresting Description of the Country and Its People—An Incident on the Ill-Fated Mornet—Naval Heroes of 1812, ‘Waitten for The Evening Star. <)HERE ARE NOT many families im our country which bear evidence of a transmis- sion of talents or he- oie achievements be- yond the generation succeeding the founder of the family, but among our citizens there is one whose rec- ord from the early days of the revolutionary war has been marked of descendants which will keep the names on the archives of the country undimmed by time. Gen. Edward F. Beale, succeeding his father and grandfather, whose names are borne upon the rolls of fame and who received from Congress medals and thanks for valiant services, won his spurs atan early age in Mexico by perilous adven- tures and daring achievements which form a part of the histury of the country. Mr. Truxton Beale, now minister to Persia,at the early age of thirty-three has already given evidence that the name he bears will continue to fill an honored page in the archives of his country. Mr. Beale after graduating inlaw at Harvard and Columbian College,practiced his rofession with Mr. Wayne MacVeagh in Phila- lelphia, but gave up the law to attend to the vast landed interest of his father in California, Mr. Beale spent some years in extensive travel through Europe, China aud Japan, and began his diplomatic career equipped by an expe- rience and knowledge which rendered him an admirable representative of our country in the land of Darius. The concessions obtained by him from the sheh for the missionaries of the Presbyterian church enabled them to hold real estate in Persia, ané which had been heretofore refused, and the recovery of valuable property which they had been deprived of by an unfaithful agent was the beginning of his labors for his countrymen in that far-off land. He also obtained the remission of revenue duty on the goods designed for the Columbian fair at Chicago, and has induced the merchants and others of Persia to prepare a large representa- tion of the products of the country. ‘That he has made a favorable impression on the shah these concessions demonstrate, and as a personal tribute he was presented by the shah With a fine stallion of the famed Parthian stock, This valuable accession to the equine race of our country Dr. Beaie will send as a present to California. He has employed his leisure from his diplomatic duties in sending to California valuable trees, fruite and flowers. The abreshum tree, whose huge pink blossoms will add to the many floral beau- ties of that state. Ihe climate of California and Persia are very nearly the same, and he has sent the box tree (not the shrub), the gil- jau, a bard and valuable wood; the astralagas, s valuable medicinal shrub. Here are new varieties of sheep, birds and, indeed, all na- ture’s products. Persia was regarded as the treasure house of the world, and from the most cient to the youngest country these tributes will prove of great value. WORD FROM PERSTA. ‘The letters Ihave been privileged to read, addressed to his family, are of very great in- terest. This is his description of Kasbin, one of the old capitals: “From our window we could see the dome of a famous mosque, it looks in the midday sun lke a gigantic tor- quoise and its facade is a high immense surface of many colored tiles. The governor's garden is many times the size of Lafayette Square, full of trees and flowers, kiosks and palaces. ‘The inside of the dome of one struck me as being very beautiful, it was light blue, with figures traced in white all through it, so fiuely done that it looked like lace. Directly under the Aome was a large reservoir inlaid with blue tiles, into which abundant water gushed from dozen fountains. We dined there. Before dinner the best tea, water pipes, water ice, walnut pistache and eau de vie. During dinner, sad monotonous music, the wail of humanity, like most eastern music: old residents here say you get fond of it. From Kasbin to Teberun is along weary desert stretch with a few Kardish nomads wan- dering over the trackless wastes. We went into their camps once or twice for buttermilk which, in some mysterious way, they manage to keep cool in this intense heat. At Teheran I was received with all the pomp and ceramony possible, and a day appointed for a meeting with the minister of foreign affairs. From a letter dated Teheran, August 6, 1891, is a de- scription of the ‘Persian Passion Play.’ It ® drama representing the _ life of their great saint and prophet Hous- sine and his family, who were massacred while invading another country. The play was given in a large tent. Before the play begai priest after priest came upon the piatform in the center and sang a sad song and then told a story to the audience. With the great variety of brilliant carpets, tapestries and turbans and dresses it looked like the east. When the play began a man in full armor, on a fine horse, representing the saint's enemy, rides in and with a great deal of dramatic force denounces the saint and tells him he will kill him and his family. ‘The audience at this show great emo- tion, # great many tears and groans, then the fighting is performed in the most reckiess manner. I afterward saw the religious proces- sion in the streets. Many of the poor people gash and cut their heads and let the blood ream all over them as they walk through the streets, desiring to suffer as the saint suffered.” THE BEALE ANCESTORS. e Tam always desirious of chronicling the ad- vancement of Washingtonians. The family of Mr. Truxton Benle is one of the oldest now here. The name of Truxton, the great-grandfather of Mr. Beale, after whom he is named, stands among the highest in the naval annals of the country. His maternal grandfather, Mr. Samuel Edwards, was in Congress many years, relin- quishing his seat by the pressure of a large law ractice. He was the personal friend of Gen. jackson and Mr. Buchanan, his colleague in the House, and Commodore Porter, then minis- ter to Constantinople. His uncle, Harry Ed- wards, so well known and exteemed in the early days of California, now resides on the paternal estate in Pennsylvania. JUDGE DRAKE 4s 4 SAILOR. Learning that Judge C. D. Drake had beena midshipman in the United States navy and was ‘at one time on board the ill-fated Hornet, I called to see him snd obtained some most in- teresting incidents in an interview. The jour- nal he bad kept while on board. of the Hornet, trom February 4, 1829, to July 4, was produced, and with that to refresh his memory the events of that long ago were most vividly told. I asked the judge when he left the Hornet, and he said on’ the Fourth of July at Havana he left to join the United States sloop Grampus. I asked him if he could recall any special inci- dent that would be of interest now, and he re- plied that the accident to Lieut. John J. Young would well repay reproduction, and, referring to his journal, he related the painful incident. “Oa the 2ad of May, 1829, the Hornet was off the harbor of Matanzas with three merchant- men under convoy. A clipper-built schooner hove in sight, going before the wind. Some- thing in her appearance excited the suspicion of the Hornet s captain and he ordered an en- sign to be hoisted, as a signal for the schooner to show her colors. She did not do 0; and as, dy the gloss, n ere seen on her deck, and it might be that she wasa slaver, the cap- tain ordered a shot to be fired across bows to bring her to. It so happened that Liout. Jobn J. Young was officer of the forward divi- sion of guns, and he was ordered to fire the shot. He proceeded with all practical to get the gun inacondition for use, but for some cause captain was impatient, and shouted from the quarter-deck, ‘Bear @ band with that gun, sir; the schooner might get to Havana before you fire?’ Mr. Young's only repl; y Ld him to consciousness and to = knowl- edge of the terrible _ in} he srasen, sud sored so re Sutleipate only eff for them if he should die. s00n he became cslm and then his forti- began to show itself, as it continued to do the whole succeeding ordeal. “ Doctor,’ said he, with collected air and steady tone, ‘ie there no chance of setting my Sornere ia not, I am sorry to say, Mr. Young,” ‘was the "8 answer. ib oe me = at them,” he ce] — box pang y one of his friends, he rat im ‘upon his elbow and for more than a minute steadily at his mangled limbs, and then, without a word, lay back on his pillow. BRAVERY UNDER THE SURGEON'S KNIFE. “While the surgeon was preparing for the amputation Mr. Young was entirely composed. ‘When he was laid upon the table for the opera- tion he said: ‘Doctor, Jon had, probably, better have aome one to hold me, for you know the pain inflicted by such an operation.’ (Anesthe- tios were then unknown). But the surgeon had more faith in his fortitude than Mr. Sam] himself had, and no one was required to hol him. In a short time both legs were ampu- tated below the knees. During the whole op- eration not an exclamation of any kind escaped the sufferer's lips, not even a sigh, and when the last bandage had been applied and he was removed from the table he turned, witha smile on his face to the surgeon. and said, ‘Well, doc- tor, my dancing days are over; you have made a sbeér hulk of me. “Mr. Young was sent ashore at Havana to return to the United States in any vessel that could be found to take him, and so he was not among the officers lost on the Hornet, but lived until 1875, when he died a commodore on the retired list. In the list of officers of the Hornet when she sank the name of « well-known Washington family was printed wrong. It was published a" It should have been Laub—Edwin ul When Judge Drake left the navy he resided in Missouri, from which state bi to the United States Senate in 1867. While in the Senate, visiting New York, he saw Commodore Young'at the Brooklyn navy,yard, where he was stationed. Judge Drake subsequently became chief jus- tice of the Court of Claims on the organization of that court and was retired some few years ago. had were ake in ‘THE NAVAL HEROES oF 1812. The recent death of Sir Provo Wallis at the Advanced age of 101 removes the sole survivor of the naval heroes of the war of 1812. Admiral Wallis was the senior admiral of the British navy and remained on the active list of the navy until a few years before death, which oc- curred on the 18th of February. Admiral Wal- lis commanded the Shannon in the fight with the Chesapeake,commanded by Capt. Lawrence. Qniy'a fow dave before his death Admiral js told the story of the capture of the Chesapeake and the death and burial of Lawrence so graphically that a repro- duction of a part of the narrative must be of interert to the readers of Tux Star. The fight occurred on the Ist of January, 1813, off Boston harbor. Capt. Broke sont a formai challenge to Lawrence by a fishing boat. “The American Nelson,” as the veteran called him, signified his acceptance by firing a gun and hoisting a large flag bearing the device of “Free Trade and Sailors’ Rights.” Lawrence was confident of winning. A dinner was prepared for the prisoners and a plentiful supply of handeuffs were on deck. We put off some six miles with three ensigns flying and the Chesapeake bore down on us over the sea in gallant style. ‘We had a splendid opportunity to rake the Chesapeake while she was coming down on us, for Lawrence considered only how he could svonest come to close quarters, dis- daining all maneuvering, but Capt. Broke called out, ‘Don't fire whilst ‘the gallant fellow head on, but wait until his broadside is full on 80 he can have an even chance.’ And so we waited in grim silence. The eun was setting and the Chesapeake was to the westward of us. As her sails threw their long shadows far abead and finally passed over us while we were in our shirt sleeves it threw a chill over the life Llood ofevery man, for we knew it was a death grap- ple. Suddenly theychecred and fired. We re- plied simultaneously with our shot. Three roadsides only were delivered and eleven min- utes saw the end of the fight. The two vessels became entangled. Broke shouted for all who could follow him, and when the ships separated he signaled that he was in possession. LAWRENCE'S DEATH. “Every officer on the Chesapeake down to the officiating chaplain wasslain or desperately wounded; the courageous Lawrence, shot through the body, died four days afterward in his cabin. Broke was dangerously wounded, and Watts, our firstlicutenant, was killed by abulletfrom the fore top. It thus came to Pass at the age of twenty-two I took command of the Shannon, put my junior, Mr. Faulkner, in charge of the prize, placed their own fetters on the wrists of our ‘prisoners and set gail for Halifax. It was Sunday when we arrived there and everybody was in church. We were con- cealed by a fog till close to the harbor; the yards of both ships were manned and the Brit- ish flag floated proudly over the American en- sign. The rumor of our coming hadspread like wildfire. The worshipers abagdoned their clergyman and rushed dowh to the 8, followed in quick order by the choir boys in their robes, and finally by the cler; man himself, who'did not even wait to divest himself of his surplice. “In passing up the bay there was a great shout from the people, for they thonght our prize was the forty-four-gun frigate President, which had incurred their cordial dislike, but when they heard it was tho Chesapeake and that her commander, Lawrence, was dead, not a huzza was heard, except, I believe, by a brig lying anchor. Capt. Lawrence was highly respected for his humanity to the crew of the Peacock, aud marks of real grief were seen in the faces of all the inhabitants I had a chance to see. I can traly say that they considered the blood which had been shed on the Chesapeake's deck as being as dear to them as that of their own countrymen. On the day of the funeral [saw three mahogany coffins carried on board the Chesapeake. In one of them the remains of Capt. Lawrence were placed, and then rowed ina twelve-oared barge to minute strokes to to the shore, followed by a procession of boats at respectful distances. After landing at King's wharf a regiment of troops and a full band of “The Dead March in Saul’ took music playin up the line of mareh. Six of the oldest navy captains iu port carried the pall, which was oue of the colors of the Chesapeake, aud on top of the coffin was placed Lawrence's sword. The procession was very long and everything was conducted in the most solemn and respectful manner, and the wounded officers of both nations who followed the procession made the scene very affecting. I nover attended a fu- neral in my life when my feelings were so struck. There was not tho least mark of exulta- tion that I saweven among the commonest people.” lous F. Corie. ————+e- LINCOLN’ ONLY REASON, A Nonsensical Excuse for What His Kindll- pess Led Him to. From the Boston Herald. The late E. W. Kinsley used to relate the fol- lowing pasusge of words between President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton, which occurred during an interview Mr. Kinsley had with the President in regard to the feeling of Massa- chusetts on the issuance of the proclamation of emancipation in 1863. While Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Kinsley were talk- ing aclerk opened the door and said that a woman insisted upon seeing the President. Mr. Lincoln directed that she be admitted. A poor old woman, her clothes clinging to her worn- out frame, and with teara running down her cheeks, entered the room and asked Mr. Lin- cola for a pass that she might go to nurse her son, who was in a field hospital. ‘The Presi- dent told her it was impossible; that no pass could be given to any one outside the military. “Her grief,” said Mr. Kinsley, “was pitiable. She pleaded with Mr. Lincoln to be allowed to go and nurse her boy, till at last the Pre ‘y muscle in hi “There is your pass; go to Secretary Stanton and get it countersigned.” “The woman thankfally received the note and withdrew to the Secretary's quarters “After her departure Mr. Lincoln leaned his head upon his hand and in silence awaited the storm he knew would follow when Stanton had seen whet the missive was, He wad not kept Jong in suspense. The door flew open and in came Stanton greatly excited. “Mr. President, be said, ‘don't you know ‘that under no circumstances can a pase be given toecivilian—why did you give pass to this woman?’ juick as a flash came the answer: ‘Because she Lincoln knew that he hold nov have given the pesnand teat sone ‘not ve given an is fe could n0 logical ex- Stanton’s anger cuse, so he evaded it all with that irrelevant ly. ‘The Secretary turned and left the room Without» word, but the old woman got her pass, ——+2- —___ Mistross—-‘Norab, how does it Ifind You idiing away your time in rocking ‘Domestic (with languid not Sink moms 1 ame sepeeing: Delssz- D.C. SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1892-SIXTEEN PAGES. Ts DIPLOMATIC DIGNITY. Shall Uncle Sam Send Ambassadors to Foreign Courts? POSITIONS OF MINISTERS. ‘They Are Below in Rank the Ambassadors of Every Government, Xo Matter How Small or Insignificant—Not Unlikely That Our Chief Ministers Will Be Raised—Ambas- eadors and Their Privileges. eee nt aires HALL THE UNITED States send ambassa- dors abroad? It looks fs though that would ‘shortly happen. Mr. Blaine is well known to be strongly in favor of the plan, as wns also Mr. Bayard. Secretaries of State through many administrations have advocated it. There is not the slightest donbt that the Senate would have granted its ap- proval long ago, had it not been for'the power- ful opposition of Preston B. Plumb. Now that he is dead, the proposition will be brought up again with the diplomatic and consular appro- priation bill, and there is every reason to an- ticipate that it will receive the indorsement of cussed in the House of Represen tatives last year it was asserted that an ambassador would want bigger pay than is required by a minis- ter representing this country at a foreign court, but Chairman Hitt of the committee on foreign affairs denied that this would be the case. The elevation of our principal ministers abroad to the rank of ambassadors would ren- der those diplomatic posts far more desirable than at present from the poiut of view of sec- retaries in the cabinet and other citizens of eminence. As things are now, they seem to be regarded as extremely eligible, being incident- ally in the line of promotion to the presidency itself. For example, the case of James Bu- chanan may be quoted. But an ambassador is ® bird of a very different feather from a min- ister. He iss little king. In fact, when he represents a monarchy he is actually regarded as an incarnation of the sovereign and is treated in all respects as if he were a king in a foreign country. Disregard of his personal dignity is an insult to sovereign majesty and may amount to @ casus belli. DIGNITY OF AN AMBASSADOR. An ambassador in a foreign country does not make the first call. The minister for foreign affairs calls upon him. Afcer he has been pre- sented to the reigning monarch he holdg a levee as if he werea sovereign. The king dincs with him exactly as if he were the monarch Whom he represents, but the king never dincs Witha minister representing another power. ‘The ambassador acts directly for the sovereign and commits the iatter by his acts, whereas the minister is nothing more than an intermediary. He has even a right to confer with the king, without the intervention of the minister for foreign affairs. In practice he does not exercise this right, which is a tradition of feudal times; but, to il- lustrate the operation of the theory, and also to show how far the power of such a diplomatic Tepresentative to involve his government by his actions extends, the instance may be men- tioned of Count Bernadetti, ambassador to Prussia in 1870. There had been a dispute be- tween Prussia and France respecting the can- didature of a Hobenzolicrn for the throne of Spain. Prussia felt obliged to yield the point, and her decision to this effect was commuui- cated to Count Bernadetti through the minister for foreign affairs, Gut the count, not sat- isied with this, sought the king in his gardens at Ems and, speaking in the name of France, requested a personal assurance from the monarch that the candidature would be withdrawn. ‘the king declined to talk on the subject and replied haughtily, “I refer you to my chancellor, Count Bismarck.” Whereupon Bernadetti telegraphed to the Emperor Napo- leon that the King of Prussia had refused him an interview, and war was declared at once. An ambassador for the United States would represent the sovereignty not of aking, but of €0,000,000 people. ‘She minister, on the other hend, simply represents the government, for which he acts as agent. Unquestionably’ the elevation of American ministers abroad to ambassadorial rank would bring about im- portant ebunges in diplomatic etiquette on this side of the water. Rules of precedence would bave to be adopted in Wash- ington, very different from the simple Jefter- sonian regulations. Receptions at the White House would take on new and interesting for- malities, Among other things the President would be obliged to dine at the houses of an- bassadors from over the seas, just as effete European sovereigns do, whereas he never accepts the hospiwlity of a foreign minister. | Of course other nations would seud ambassa- dors hither as soon as they received otticers of the same rank to represent us. POSITION OF OUR MINISTERS. It is eurprising how desirable the high dip- lomatic missions from the United States abroad are considered, in view of the strict laws of precedence which oblige their incumbents to eat cold soup and to submit to so many humil ations. Suppose that an eminent represent: tive of this country has been waiting tor three hours in the ante room of a European minister for foreign affairs, possibly having brought a frugai lunch with him, Just ashe is about to be aamitted,in comes theambussador from Siam or Persia. Necessurily under such circumstances the ambassador goes in before him, obliging him to remain in attendance for an lour oF #0 longer. ‘Lhis is calculated to be extremely ag- ravating to simple republican feelings. Frank- fin, Johw Adame ood John Jay used to go through this sort of experience in France, waiting for days and even weeks for an au- dience. Mr. Adams and Mr. Phelps are said to have been compelied to undergo “‘intinite humiliation” at the court of St. James in order togetan opportunity for diplomatic discussion. Was this because the foreign governments in question were disposed to show discourtesy to the United States? By no means. It was simply due to the fact that we have refused to give our representatives an equal official status with the ofticers who represent other uationsat these courts. Itis urged that by appointing ambassadors we would assume the attitude of « first-class power, and would say in effect, “We desire you to consider our business as of first-rate importance.” The title and rank of ambassador gives certain privileges which we voluntarily ex- clude ourseives from by declining to give that rank to the men we sendabroad. “Accordingly, other powers are obliged to send their second- rate diplomats to Washington. Between this argument and Mr. Plumo’s opinion that all diplomacy was mere suobbery and fuss and feuthers, lies the question which will sooncome up for discussion in Congress. PAY OF FOREIGN DIPLOMATS. In the social and pecuniary way United States ministers abroad tind themselves much more agreeably situated than foreign ambassadors at the same courts. Mr. Whitelaw Reid received asalary of $17,500. The fact that he paid a rent of $21,000 a year for his house in Paris would seenr'to indicate that his pay was hardly sufficient for his comfortable support. The British ambassador at Paris gots $45,000 a year, ® house and $100,000 additional for entertain: ing and other expenses. His dwelling is a pal- ace, about five times as big as the British lega- tion in Washington, and he is expected to keep up the style of a sovereign. He bas evenssmall court of his own. Itis the same way at other European capitals, the British ambassador at Vienna receiving 40,000, at Berlin $37,500, at Rome $35,000, at St. Petersburg $39,000, at | $40,000, and so on, always with | Coustantinople 0 large allowances added. Sir Julian Pauncefote gets $30,000, besides a house and dllowances. This is high for # minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary, but that is because living in Washington is expensive, Reference is often made to the simple way in which Benjamin Franklin mude his appear- ance as commissioner at the French court. The unaffected greatness of the man made its own impression, but it is nevertheless « fact that eccentricity caused to. be grievously med an there. Certain of and ” —_—_——— Native Tommy (to new )—“You wasn't BEAL ESTATE GOSSIP, People Who Are Trying to Select Plans for ® House THE FAVORABLE OUTLOOK IN TRE REALTY MAR- KET—SOME F STRERT DNPROVEMENTS—rae at- TENTION PAID TO EXITS AND STAIRWAYS OF BUILDINOS—A HOTEL AT GLEN EcHo. EOPLE WHO INTEND to build this season are, as arule, trying tosettle upon the plans for the Proposed house. Of course there are some people who spend the greater part of the time preliminary to begin- ning building opera- tions in making up their minds to build and then they call in the architect one week See See C Bae and expect to get their plans, with working drawings and specifications, completed by the following week. It is unnecessary to say that architects do not encourage clients of this sort, although there are to be found architects who | are equal to such an emergency or most any other the whim or folly of people make pos- sible. Time spent in studying plans is not lost time. It may imperil the harmony of the do- mestio circle for a season and give rise to more or less bickerings in families, but eventually it saves or preventsa bostof “extras” and insures a structure that exactly suits those who occupy ft. The most ordinary remark to be heard from the owner of a new house is that while the house suits him very well, yet if he was going to build another he wo changes in the plan. When a that his house just suits and of a single feature that he wo: it is pretty safe to conci extremely easy to pleas » he planned the house with care and gave a great deal of thought to the arrangements. In addition te the satisfaction which is derived from living in ahouse that is adapted especially for your necds and comforts, it is possible to build much more cheaply when the owner knows exactly what he wants and sees that the plans rovide for sui building egun. There is no item in house construct that costs quite so much for the © so-called “extras,” which are |result of departures made from the | adopted plan. Generally it does not cost much to change your mind, but tais operation be- comes very expensive when it effects modifica- tions of a plau of a building in the course of construction. | you are going to do before you begin and stick to it, and in that event there is no reason for the house costing contract price. A FAVORABLE OUTLOOK. The pleasant weather following the persistent storm of the early part of the week has had » good effect on business in real estate offices. Dealers report @ good many inquiries from those desiring property, and no doubt before the end of the next werk the volume of busi- ness will show a considerable increase. The building season has open improvements are the f real estate the outlook is regarded as protnis- ing. There is an abundance of money and Property investments ure in demand. An thing that offers a fair profit is sold without difficulty, and while there is no great activity yet the demand is good. Recently # block of lots in a resident localit placed on the market at a fair price and readily fold in one day. Property heid at stiff figures is disposed of more slowly, but still there is a demand which appears from the good sized list of the daily transiers. F STREET IMPROVEMENTS. There are several improvements tobe made this season on F street between llth and 12th 4 have different t he is either single penny more than the | pearance of that square. A four-story build- ling is now being cted at the southeast corner of 12th and F streets by Mr. | Thorn. The a the Morgan estate, and plans are ui | sideration for the erection of a busin build- | ing on that site. The next property, which is owned by Dr. Toner, will probably be improved, while the adjoining building, the property of Mr. Metzerott, is being removed, and in its place a new structure will be built. When these Improvements are completed the entire front- age will be built up with modern buildings, with the exception of the structure that sepa- | rates the Moses building from the Metzerott property. BROAD ENTRANCES AND STAIRWAYS, The inquiry that was recently made by Con- gress as to the anfety of buildings used for pub- lic purposes emphasizes the attention that is paid to these details of the interior arrange- | ments of buildi It was formerly the case | that the location and.width of staircases, both in | public buildings and in private houses, received Pitt little consiterstion cithor from builders or | the public at large. However, now it is | different and it is quite common to find stair- cases that are broad and weil lighted, Even a portion of « valuable frontage may be found iti modern buildings to be given up to halls and staircases. Feople are beginning to realize thateven such an insignificant teature as a back stairs in a house is well worth supplying witu an abundance of light. It is found that servants make more use of them, thus afford- ing a very substantial saving to the owner in wear and tear on the fine carpets and rags h cover the main ball aud staircase. The badly ventilated halls aud stairways of old-fashioned houses are not revived m modern houses to any great extent, and this isa decided change for the better, The building regulations contribute to this much-desired retorm, when they are properly enforced. ‘There is no reason why any of the | buildings constructed for the use of the public, whether churcies or halls, should not contorm to modern ideas in this respect, except perhaps the neglect of the authority intrasted with enforcement of the building regulations. A HOTEL at GLEN ECHO. Plans for a hotel to be builton the Chatanqua grounds atGlen Echo are being made by Mr. Mindelef, the architect. The new structure will be three stories high, two hundred feet long and varying in width from forty-five to seveuty |teet. It will have all the modern conveniences. Some of the buildings used last season for stores will form a part of this hotel. It is pro- posed to coutinue the electric railroad, wuich now terminates at Glen Echo, to Cabim John Bridge, but it has not as yet been detinitely determined whether this extension will be made or not. ‘here will be some work done in road waking in the subdivision in tue vicinity of Glen Echo, and it is expected that the coming Chatauqua will in every respect be superior to the one held last year. renee Only a Lawyer Could Do It, From the New York sun. He sat just oppesite me in the train, and |from the legal documents be was perusing I | had no doubt that he wasa lawyer. [looked out of the window as the whistie blew to note that we were approaching a large town, and a minute later felt that the car was off the rails. A balf open switch Lad done the business. Ws | bobbed and bumped along fog a few and then the car tilted over and went down bankimeut. "We wero all. pulled out of tho wreck after a bitand I found 1 hada broken leg and some lesser evils. I was laid on the grass beside the lawyer, who was for a time unconscious, but presently he came to and briskly observe: “Open switch—train derailed—culpable car lessness—won’twettle for a cent unger £5,000!” Ho seemed to feel of himself for wo oF three minutes to find out how badly be was hurt and then continued: “Worse than I thought for! It appears that both legs and this left arm are broken, and I think 1can also plead internal injuries I'm Charles der con- $10,000, and don't be in a hurry to settle ut that figure!” ‘There were peopie rushing about, still en- gaged in the work of rescue, aud three or four of us were groaning apd taking on close by, but the lawyer was in no wise ratded. He was evidently sinking, however, for his voice was much weaker as he suid: “Papers, cards und envelopes on the body to ideutify it by, and they'll telegraph my wite and ship mangled remains howe vy express Hurt worse than I thought for. Tm Rowe to die. “Will drawn aud everything in order, and left note on my vilice desk ior my Wife to sue for $20,000 iu case of my ueaub. Clear case, and jury’ won't be out ive imin- utes.” If be said any more I didu't catch it. I was just then busy figuring up my owa uamages and groaning away in tour languages. ly aad by the peopie came with doors aud shutters to carry us up to the depot. Aw two of them were If to pick me up 4 said: “I think the iawyer bere is bart worse than Tam. Give him the preference.” “Ob, be isn't in bit of hurry—be's stone dead!” replied one of the men as he took a ‘and further, I was im the court widow received @ verdict ur * | by scold: The wise policy is to know what | streets which will add very much to the ap- | ning property is owned by | good for six months in the hospital, over it I | pull through. Damages not one cent less thau | Quite sure | THE BLIND CANARY, ‘Written for Tue Evewree @ran, r TRE MIDST OF BUSY, BUSTLING Paris lived two quiet, eimple French women, mother and daughter. Their existence was a most uneventful one and as an outlet to theit affections they bad @ number of canaries, housed in one large cage, and on these little creatures they lavished the greatest care and attention. Their tenderness to God's helpless little ones did not end bere, however. Just outside the windows ran a pretty balcony and during the severe winter months the daughter daily spread Dread crumbs there for the famished sparrows who found » home under the eaves of the houses and who would perish in great numbers were it pot for the kindness of just euch dear, loving hearts as those of these simple women, ‘One day they noticed a “*bavy” who, while gathering ibe tupting crumbs, bad bees overpowered by a sudden severe hallstorm, | which beat down his tiny wings until ex- | hausted by bis repeated efforts, be lay quite | still and would have died but that the kind jeyes of these women feli on himand tender | hands were stretched out to him and he was | taken into the warmth of the room, where be | coon revived and found himself a tenaut of the big cage and the center of agroup of aston- ished, inquiring, bead-like eyes, whose owners | disapproved of the little intrader. However, after a few days they all became acoustomed to each other, and soon the little ingrate | printed all the best places and asserted his right to the seed and water to be of more import | ance keted mself ‘m This was decidedly ope | Posed by the old father canary, who tried to ow this young usurper, by sundry scoldings, that this Was not the way to overtura estab= | shed mghta As no good results were effected fight resulted and before bis | benefactress couid interfere the young sparrow j had quite conquered nis lecturer and with bis Shatp beak bad destroyed one of the canary’s yea. ourse our French lady a8 once took him out of the cage and put bim ous [ofthe window, which he doubtless Med fall { well, but the mischief done the poor | was beyond help and for some time be was and required the most tender care. Afters while We little victim seemed to regain his strength and, though with only one eye, be Managed to Lop about quite ebeerfully. One | day his mistress noticed that be fell against the | Bide of the cage, staggered and acted in a be- wildered manner and was not able to find bis | way, and afterseveral such attacks she *ook bim out and upon examination found that the poor litte fellow was indeed quite bland. Poor little bird, it was very and to see bim suifering: for along time he did notsing, bus | was very unhappy, sitting in ® corner all ine heap, bis bead Leld down as from pain, and when he moved it was only to creep about care- fully and fiud the seed and water. Afters time, however, he grew stronger and learned to find his way quite well, ouly Le never tried to tly up to the perches, but always sat on the botiom of the cage, which was a very uncom- fortable position for « bird. ‘This smell hero contented himself quite well and soon seewed reconciled to the eternal darkness, and he would sing for hours, # most pathetic sight, forashe sung be would turn his head from |side to side as if he were conjuring up the green trees and blue skies by bis sweet melo~ dies, j For two years this brave little bird lived his Uunseltish, uncomplaining life, though during this time he was after all sometimes suffering fo greatly that his devoted mistress thought she must have hum killed to end bis misery, but each ume be recovered and took up bis burden again, living in darkness yet trying to be contented and happy. About» year after he became blind his littie wife bad © nest full of eggs aud when ber bitsof children were hatcted this devoted father learned, after re- peated efforts, to fly from perch to perch and to reach the nest, where he would sit patiently | feeding his downy litde ones, returning every | few minutes to gather a now supply of food to | fll thar hungry little mouths. Not one day did be negiect them, caring for them until they | left their nest. Then he went buck to the bot- | tom of the cage aud touk up his old life, narrow aud cramped, yet filled with « sweet resigua- tion. He had grown so tame that his mistress could (uke Lim from the cage and be would #it tor bours on her hand, taking his food from [her bps. If in the cage and bis name was called he would put Lis head to ove side and listen attentively and when assured that it wae |whe he would become very impatient to be taken out. |. After two years of this existence—this pa- | tient cndurance—the litde martyr passed away jam the night. Lc. G. From Good News. | "Father of Family—“Madam, what does thie mean? Our daughter is alone in the parlor | with a young man and it’s after o'clock. & shall go right down and kick the fellow out.” | Mother (quietly)—“She came up about balf an hour agoand asked for two pairs of seis iuh! What in creation did she want them he said she was going to help him clip coupons. WView TU go right down and lock the doors 80 he can't get awa, PRESENCE OF MIND; Or, the Professor of Magic and the Savage Canine From Puck.