Evening Star Newspaper, March 26, 1892, Page 12

12 SUBJECTS OF THE CZAR They Once Founded a Colony in Cal- ifornia and Abandoned It, BACK TO BLEAK SIBERIA. A Trading Post in New Albion—Zalf of So- noma County Bought for Trifles From the Indians—Thirty Years of Misfortune—The Sealousy of Mexvico—The Present Kuins— ‘Where Gold Was Found. 2 tag eens ee “niME AT LAST MARES MEE) a things even. A second ship goesJoaded to the guards with sup- plies for starving Rus- sians. Half a century ago the fact that her subjects were starving in this country induced Russia to loosen her | hold on one of the fair- est spots in all th broad land and ber dis- heartened colonists } turned back to the snows of bleak Siberia dis- pite her peaceful demeanor Russia was trying to fasten herself on Spanish soil. In 18! Gov. Sola of Alta California issued an edict of banishment of the Russians from Mexican soil. The Rassiaus said they didn't | understand made trip of state to Fort Ross. He concluded that it would take too much money, time and life to dislodge the intruders, and as he was satisfied that they were not there to acquire territorial wealth the matter was | bi atrace and braving imperial see “on both sides the Russians and Mexicans established trade relations. WHEN AMERICANS WERE EXCLUDED. In view of the fact that California is now so | active in trying toexelude the Chinese from her territory it isa little amusing to note that a little more than a haif century ago Americans were denied entrance into the golden territory. In 1831 Gov. Manuel Vietorio of Mexico con- cluded that the Russians and Americans were 5 — Bee S OLD BLOCK HOUSE. gusted with a country which for thirty years had only enabled them to keep body and soul | together. ‘There may be liviug in Russia today | Romanof, Baranof, Pribylof or some other “of” who waiting hungrily for American flour and flap jacks can call to mind those other years of hunger and hardship when intercourse with Spanish-Mexican people being forbidden they | were forced to look to China and Russia for the | meager supplies which at long intervals came to help eke out a scanty subsistence with what they could scrape from the soil and claim from | the tea. This, too, when Russia held peaceable | Possessions of a well-fortified fort close to one | Of the finest harbors in the United States. RUSSIANS IN CALIFORNIA. Itwas in March of the year 1812 that that part of the United States called New Albion or by the more distinctive title of “Upper Cali- fornia” was invaded by the Russians. Since | the discoveries of Bering in 1741 Russia had been greatly interested in the northwest coun- try. and had established, after fearful priv tion and suffering, a chain of fur-trading posts along the Russian American coast and Aleutia Islands. The inclement climate and sterile soil of their possessions disheartened the coionista, OLD LANDING PLACE. and when at last scurvy and kindred diseases Began to decimate the ranks Kuskof, who was then governor of Sitka, started out i the country to the south. He was de with the climate and the country though mildiy claimed by Jed’ to establish a trading post in i. No one disputed his right so to do at that time. The Indians were peacea- Diy inelined. and as they c! Kuskof bought of them what is half of pnoma county. therefor “three pairs of bi of breeches, two axes, three hoe: glass beads.” THE RUSSIAN COLONY. The objective point was Eodega—then called | Rumiantzof—bay, a small but comparatively | saze harbor. Kutskof came from Sitka in the | ship Chirikof and with him evervthing | necessary for the of the fort. He had with bim ninety-five Russians, twenty-fi them mechanics. and about 100 Aleuts, th five Indians of Russian had reduced to a condi and there came into existence a fort which was finally dedicated on August 30, 1512, the name- day of the Emperor ‘Alexander. The name given it was Hows, from the root Hussia, which ’id to be derived from a Hebrew word (rosh) meaning “chief.” OLD RUSSIAN BARRACKS, NOW A HOTEL. ‘The site selected for the fort was on a level table land about two miles long by one mile wide. The seaward side was a precipitous blag 100 feet high and deep ravines formed an almost impassable moat on the other sides, there being but one place of access. It was about eighteen miles from Bodega bay, in a place surrounded by red wood forests, that the fort was built on ® spot called by the Indians Mad-Shui-Nui. The fort buildings were constructed of hewn red wood logs. A uew forest of various kinds of trees has grown up where the red wood mon- archs were laid low, but great stumps are hid- den under the vines and underbrush, and these pushed aside bring to light the prints of Cossack axes. TRE MAIN BrILDINGS of the fort were inclosed in « great quadrangu- lar square. made by setting in §the ground thick upright beams of redwood twelve to fit- teen feet high, surmounted by a horizontal beam, in which wood and iron spikes formed a Kind of chevaux de frise. It bad loop holes, and on two angling corners, one overlooking the sea and the other the land, were towers or block houses with high pointed roofs. In this quadrangle were the house of the commandant, officers’ quarters, barracks for Russian em: ploses and the chapel. Outside were the earth ats of the Aleuts. Remains of the stockade are still visible. ‘The commandant's house was luxuriously furnished for that day, including fines windows, » piano and a well-filled brary. he chapel was a neat structure. surmounted by a chime of bells and the interior decorated ‘With paintings of old master ‘THE BALL ROOM, NOW A SALOON. It was the intention of the Russian govern- mont to utilize this post as a trading station and toestabliah farms to supply the northern | decay and desolation reign over the getting too numerous in Alta California, so an imperial edict was issued declaring that there- after the American and Russian Poytstion combined must not exceed one-third of the en- tire population of the province, and guards were stationed at Bodega bay to count the in- coming Kussians and at the Columbia river to keep tally on the Americans. ‘THE DISCOURAGED RUSSIANS. As the years went by the Russians lost heart. Their enterprises were all failures, their farms weuld not produce, their waters bad been despoiled, none of their people ever came to them, and when they could get away those who had literally hewed a home in the wilderness turned their faces to the western sun and watched for the white sails of the ships that were to bear them again to Siberia. Excepting the wives of a few of the officers no Russian women ever camo to the colony at Fort Rows. ‘The Russians intermarried with the Indians and Mexican Indians and a peculiar half-breed race sprung up, which yet inhabits that section of the country,speaking a queer Russian patois. SOLD OUT AND DEPARTED. Ten, twenty, thirty years weat by, and as quietly as they came the Russians prepared to leave. Having every property right in the spot of ground which they hnd pre-empted they de- clared their desire to be rid of the incum brance that they might get away from the “Americans,” who, despite the “exclusion edict.” were crowding over the mountains into California. Just as the land lay, with the plow in the furrow, the horses in the stable, cattle on the hills and the piano in the commandant's parlor, these Russian po: i the hands of Capt. John . who counted into the Russian governor's hat $10,000 and promised to pay in installments $20,000 more. REMAINS YET VISIBLE. Fifty years ago last New Year day the Russians evacuated the fort and left “America to the Americans,” so far as the United States was concerned. The remains of their quaint civil- ization is yet visible. The chapel remains, despoiled of its paintings and chime of bells, and is now used as a stable, its benches are the chief ornament of the saloon which is located in the old ball room. The old barracks now extorts tribute from pleasure-seckers as a summer hotel Its log walls have been sided upand the interior treated to a serious at- temptat decoration, but the red wood floors held by naiis like railroad spikes are as firm as ever. THE OLD COSSACK CEMETERY. Out on an open level some 400 yards from the site of the fort is the old Cossack cemetery. It has, perbaps, a hundred graves that can be found, but the clumsy wooden tombstones have jong since lost their inscriptions and deserted spot. The orchard with its dwarfed and gnarled fruit trees and riotous grape vines still yields largesse of nature's fruit untouched by graft or cross, In Pioneer Hall, in San Francisco, there are prop bore of the Russian settlement. In the deserted ball room was found a music rack and candle stick, which nobody claimed; three cannon bails and one of the old cannons from the block house and one of the millstones are among the souvenirs. A HISTORIC SPOT. A heap of broken stones and rotten timbers mark the site of the water mill. This is a truly historic spot, for through this race shining yellow grains were one day seen, and Captain john Sutter learned that a golden fortune lay in his acquisition from Russia. Just back of the hill where the Corsacks had tried for thirty Years to farm themselves rich free gold was found, and in a few short years repaid Captain Sutter an hundred fold on his investment. ‘The grain the United States sends Russia to- day may be considered by her as ompense for the thirty years of ‘ojects expended in trying to farm over # gold mine in New Albion. Lw.B ene SS THE FAEMERS’ MARKET. ‘Where the Consumer Can Buy Directly From the Producer. Anumber of farmers from that portion of Maryland and Virginia directly adjacent to Washington will appear before the District Commissioners Wednesday, March 80, to advo- cate a favorable report by them on the bill which was introduced in the House March 15 by Mr. McKaig to provide for the establish- ment of a producers’ wholesale and retail mar- ket in the city of Washington. ‘This bill is said to have been prepared by the farmers, who claim that there is a necessity for the establishment of a market where the pro- ducer will be able to dispose of his farm, gar- den and dairy products direct to the consumer, and where the latter can go, feeling confident that the articles on sale there will be frosh and ure. Pie bill provides that the open space at the intersection of Ohio and Louisiana avenues with B street and 10th, 11th and 12th streets, together with the south half of B street be- tween Lith and 12th streets, be set apart to be used ng a wholesale and retail market for the purchase and sale of hay, grain, seeds, wood on the wagon, poultry, cattle, sheep and swine, dressed or'on the hoof, and all farm, garden and dairy produce. The privilege of id exposing for sale articles in this market shall extend soX%ly and exclusively to bona fide farmers, dairymen, gardeners and other coun- try producers or their teamsters: and any other rsons Who offer for sale articles in that mar- Eet'shall pay a fine of from €5 to $50. All the District health and market laws are extended to this market. The market shall be under the management of five market commissioners, one appointed by the governor of Maryland, one by the gov- ernor of Virginia and three’ by the Commis- sioners of the District, If the governors fail to make the appointments within thirty days the District Commissioners shall appoint the other jo. The market commissioners shall each ‘8 bond of $1,000 and shall be compensated the rate of $10 for each day on actual duty. No commissioner shall be removed until the expiration of his term of office except for due cause shown. ‘The board of market commissioners shall organize thirty days after their appointment and shall prepare plans and estimates for the paving and grading of the said ‘open space and for building over the same suitable sheds and stall, After the plans shall have been ap- trict Commissioners pro- Proved by the missione: possis sual be advertised for and the work let the lowest bidder. THE EVENING STAR: ” ‘WASHINGTON, D.C. SATURDAY, THE PIGSKIN SEAT. fused : oe ste documenta Sa iaouao, The governor [Now is the Season for Enjoying Horseback Riding. dropped. Finally an international marriage FOLLOWING THE HOUNDS. ‘Washington Better Adapted for Riding Than Any Other Large Oity—The Different Kinds of Riding Horses and Their Advantages— How to Jamp and How to Fall~About Hunters—The Dumbiane Club. T MAY RAIN OR IT may snow, and it may be biting cold, but spring is spring and the weather that is bad to- day is pretty certain to be good tomorrow. It was reflection such as this that probably prompted one of the 4 visitors who has now ot decided to make Wash- ington hishometo send north for all his horses, so that he might enjoy plenty of horseback riding for the next ten weeks. To a writer for Tux Stan, who asked him abont it, he said he had found thus far that Washington is better adepted for horseback riding than any other large city, and this was one of the reasons why he had determined to cease being a visitor and to become a resident. ‘This gentleman keeps a saddle horse for or- dinary riding in the parks and a large bunter for following the hounds, besides a polo pony and a thoroughbred that he sometimes runs in gentleman-rider . He was questioned about their qualities and gave an interesting talk as a result of a pretty wide experience. FAVORS THE POLO PONY. Ho said he thonght for a short spin of an afternoon that the polo pony was the best fun. These little nage are not necessarily very small and the best on erage over thirteen hands in height. They are strong and active, and if they are well bred and spirited a rider has bis hands fall when he rides one. For one thing, take thetr method of shying. A large horse, as a general thing, swerves or to one side, with some warning to his rider, but the little horse when he shies does it as quick asa flash, and being so light himself often jumps across the road. If the rider is not on his guard he finds himself and the pony have ted com- pany. When this latter calamity befals there ames some fun—for the pony. How to catch @ horse after he has thrown you is quite a sci- ence. Like chasing your hat when the wind has blown it off your head, if you are pre- cipitate, you are lost. You must be cool and patient, but in the case of the horse it becomes quite trying tg the temper to walk after him, getting within s few feet of him only to have him shake his head and trot on a little further. Don’t run after him, whatever you do. The result will be that he will get frightened, kick up his heels and ran away, and then he is gone, unless a good Samaritan coming along the road happens to catch him. If you are riding in company don’t let your friend run after the horse that is loose. “It will result in a race, md the horse without any weight to carry will win, It is, in truth, a great deal easer to tell you pire not to do than it is to say what 1s best to do. ‘THESE GENERAL. RULES had better be observed, however: Try coaxing first; hold out your hand as though you had sugar in it; whistle gently and serve out a lib- eral amount of flattery. Walk very gently and siowly toward the horse in the meantime, and if he comes within reach of the arm catch him and hang on to him. If he is proof against your blandishments try by skillful maneuvering to get him up near a fence. ‘Then he may think he is penned in and may allow you to capture him. “If all this failsand he trots away when- ever you come near him and stops every few moments to nibble the grass, why just follow him and try to keep him in sight and trust to somebody on the road catobing him and hold- ing him until you come up. There is always a good chance of this in a thickly settled region, but fancy the position of a man out on the rairies when his horse gets away from him. ON THE PRAIRIE. The writer was ouce coming down the Mis- souri river by vuat in Montana, and as the boat passed through an Indian reservation there came to the water's edge an Indian chief on one of the little cayuse ponies that they ride. He dismounted and stood watching the boat as it steamed past, and as he looked the pony sud- denly jerked his head up, broke loose and went scampering off across the prairie. To exhibit surprise or annoyance, or indeed any sudden emotion, would be beneath the dignity of an Indian chiei, so this gallant redskin simply glanced carelessly at the flying pony and then resumed his inspection of the steambont. There was not a habitation of any, kind in sight, the country is one of the most'sparsely settled in all América. To attempt to find the pony would have been like searching for one articular mosquito in the desert of Sahara. ig chief probably bad a walk of at least fifty miles abead of him, and all because he had been careless and allowed his pony to escape HOW To FALL. Having said « few words about catching a horse after he has thrown you it will not come amiss to give some hints on the subject of how to fall so as not to damage yourself. To fall off of a horse—or to be thrown—or to go down with a horse—all these are pleasures which almost every rider who has ridden much has undergone. Whenever you hear a rider boast that he has never been thrown you may be pretty certain that he has never done much riding, or at any rate has never done any difti- cult riding. ‘The best rider, too, may be taken unawares when he is lounging in the saddle, if the expression may be used, and a sudden shy and jump may vend him to'the or worse still,to make acquaintance with the stony bed of a country road. Now, how should he fall? The first Leong see is, strain every nerve to fall away from the horse. The danger of striking the earth is not to be despised, but a greater dan- ger is that the horse will fall on you or step on You. Having sustained no damage get up in- stantly and catch your horse before he hay had time to recover from his surprise at your acei- dent, otherwise the interesting and prolonged horse chase described above may ensue, IN JUMPING. If you are riding ina hunt and your horse goes down with you in making » jump, or any- thing of that sort, there is not much good in giving you any directions to follow. If you fall away from e horse in a soft lace you vre ail right, — generally, at if you and the horse fall on one you areboth in a bad way. You are going fast and you are really not in @ position where you can do much for yourself in case of an accident. The wisest thing is never to jum; your horse if you can help it. An experienced Tider observes this rule always and prefers a gate toa fence. But if jump you must, and if You want to win you have to do it sometimes, why, keep your wits about you and don't let your horse rush at the fence as though it was « Paper-covered hoop that you can plunge through without damage to yourself or your horse. If your horse has got beyond your controi and is running for a fence give his head a sharp pull so that it will be up in the air. If his bead is down he will plunge into a stone wall. He must seo where he is going,aud then you are, comparatively Y, opeaking, safe. Sitting at home in a rocking chair is safer than fox hunting—there is no doubt of that—but it isnot balf as much fun, and probably one of the greatest pleasures of the ts thas it in- volves personal about are hackneys hunters. Anything that looks chunky is called 4 c0b, an: that is big, and jampe is called a bunter, and all the other horses that are not thoroughbred racers are termed hackueys. This isa very loose and inaccurate way of clang etl te air all at, far ot ot x a . thick-tet, pony. hoes, Capable of cartying aheavy weight at a modera' A should be under fifteen hands high and more tion" tately apr as | ‘a8 well as un- Yaat, nor can bo u ie 1H hs With us Uuntally moent ne applying pte stent inion end Oont GIOE A rfect ing an Thoy trot priueipally, but they canter also and some of them axe rapid runners. back to the hunters, they ta most interesting field for study. A genuine hunter iss rich man’s horse. A poor man may afford s saddle horse, but « saddle. horse espe- cially designed for following the* hounds~is a luxury that only rich men can afford. The ob- ject sought in breeding and selecting hunters is but power, and ‘his is why it so seldom bappens that a thoroughbred. horse is a good hunter. He cannot carry s heavy weight and he has been trained to race and not to hunt, for in hunting great speed is seldom used. ‘The pace issteady and the sport may occupy half the oy. ¥ot hunters, and especially in England, do other things than bunt. : They are often put in the tally-bo coach as wheel horses, they are used in the dog cart, and when they are no Jonger fit for the hunting field they are some- times relegated to the plow. They are a dis- tinct clase of horees, but they are not, strictly speaking, a distinct breed. Thus » catriage horse, upon being tested in the field, will some- times show very desirable huuter quality. and then he will be taken away from. the pole and become afterward a hunter. They do breed hunters, it is true, but the result of the breed- hunter, and in breeding for good hunter sometimes re- ») THE CHIEF CHARACTERISTIOS of 9 good hunter may be briefly stated asa ahor$. back, adeep girth, a broad chest and strong lege It is imperative that the horse should have good wind, that he sbould not stumble and that he shonld be tractable. The latter quality, it is obvious, is necessary, be- cause bunting itself is dangerous enough with- out having it added to by a fractious, unman- ageable animal which seems determined to commit suicide and murder at the same time. Areally heavy man—that is, one who rides about 200 pounds, saddle and all—must have horse with all the qualities enumerated above carried toa high point, and it bas been truth- Tully said that such e man must be content to follow the hounds on un animal similar to an active cart horse. It may be said finally of these three classes of horves, the buck, the cob and the hunter, that While they are to'a large extent of imported stock there ig no reason why they should be, and if they are worth the trouble they can be ined and developed of American breeds. The tucky hozse, the northern roadster, Morgan horse, the Virginia saddle horse and the American thoroughbred contain in them- selves the elements which can, under proper selection and breeding, produce horses for any known use, except, perhaps, the heavy dray, and for this purpose there must be an infusion of the blood of Hercherons and Clydes, ‘THE DUMBLANE CLUB, All these remarks about horses are appropri- ate to the present season, but it is probable that there area dozen Virginia saddle ‘horses used here to one hack or cob or English hunter, and, in fact, as hunters some of the very best are the large-sized Virginia horses. The hounds may be expected to busy time soon, The Dumblane Club, an institution for which the horsemen of the District owe sincere thanks to Mr. 8. 8. Howland, who originated it, has one of the finest ipacks in this part of the world and the drag can be laid over the most pic- turesque rfins. And here, too, a word can be said in favor of this system of hunting. To catch a live fox is doubtless very much better sport, but live foxes are scarce within five miles’ of @ great city. Moreover, foxes run where no horses on earth can follow. Then, there is the barb-wire fence, which is so much used nowadays, and which is responsible for tho injury and disfigurement of many 9 fine horse. When the anise seed bag is used all these disagreeable circumstances are avoided and there is certainty of a good run, dificult or easy, as you chose, and long or short. The fox bunt is uncertain, requires e great deal of time and often ends in riding or sitting in the saddle all day for nothing. Ina more favorable country than that in our neighborhood, where there are fewer barb- wire fences and rail fences are more reasonable in height, and where, too, foxes are more numerous, fox hunting is practicable; but is is not so here, and the best thing is to pretend there isa fox. ‘The hounds are real, the riding is real, the run is genuine—the only thing wanted is brother Reynard. WHY PHYSICIANS ARE POOR PENMEN. Doctors Whose Prescriptions Can Hardly Be Deciphered by Druggiste, From the Chicaxo Herald. “Why do physicians write their prescriptions so fllegibly?” a down-town druggist was asked “Give it up,” he answered. “‘Affectation, I guess, Think of a man writing such a thing as @ prescription carelessly! Why, human lives depend on it,and yet—come back here; I'll show you some samples.” Prescriptions written by a number of popu- lar physicians were shown. An inexperienced eyecould unravel nothing intelligible from the documents, and the druggist’s questioner, himself no mean decipherer of bad writing, jondered how the storekeeper had been en: abled to translate eS. no reaton for such writing,” con- tinued the druggist. “Nine-tenths of it is care- lessness or affectation. Ve have to watch these Prescriptions constantly as to quantity of cer- tain ingredients in order to see if we have de- ciphered the Prescription properly, or if the doctor has made @ mistake. I have detected several errorson the partof physicians. Of course, I didn’t send the prescription back and thus lose the doctor's trade. I simply used my own judgment, based on experience, in regu- lating the quantity. Any of tho clerks in this re knows more about drugs and chemicals an 4 good many of these doctors, ‘To those in this business it is a wonder how W serious mistakes are made. Why, do you know, rather than take any risk we refused. to put up the prescriptions of a largely patron- ized physician, and all because his handwrit- illegible. It was abomiuable. The only part we could read was the letter head. “A certain West Side druggist, who i dead, had @ brother, who is yet practicing ‘medic,’ with an office over the store. brother wi ician and had an extensive practice that took him to all parts of the city. His prescriptions were presented at many drug stores, but not one of them could be deciphered. There was only one place in town where they could be trans- lated—at the brother's drug store—and they always landed there. It was a great scheme. Since the druggist’s death the physician's hand- writing bas greatly improved.’ +02 _____ Pittypat and Tippytee. All day lopg they come aud go— Pittypat ahd Tippytoe; bes op up and down the hall, i By these pi Pittypat and Tippytoe. How they riot at their play! ‘And, a dozen times a day. ised ley troop, deman — ‘Only buttered bread wil doy And that tutter must be spreud ‘Ynches thick, with sugar, tool Never yet have | sald: “No, Pittypat and ‘Tippytoe!” Sometimes there are griefs to soothe— Sometimes rumed brows to smooth; For—I much regret to say— toe and Pittypat Sometimes interrupt thelr play ‘With an internecine spat; Fie! oh, fle! to quarrel #0, Pittypat and Tippytoe! Oh, the thousand worrying things Every day recurrent brings! ‘Habds to scrub and hair tobrush, ‘Search for playthings gone amiss, ‘Many s murmuring to hush, Muny a little bump to kisg; Life's {ndeed a fleeting show, Pittyput and Tippytoei Seuam ey nas + bittle frocks : ttle shoes P “MARCH 26, in . YEARS OF RAPPINGS. The Spiritualists to Celebrate a No- table Anniversary. THE STORY OF THE FOXES. The Manifestations Which Gave Rise to Mod- ern Spiritualism—What is Claimed by the Bélievers—Impostures in the Name of Spir- ftualism. HOSE PEOPLE IN this city who believe in spiritualism—that be- lief which acknowl- edges the presence friends and enemies, and their ability to make their presence known by physical map- ifestations—are pre- paring for a spiritual reunion on the evening of March $1. There will be rappings by ghostly bands, gruesome sounds and noises and mysterious communica- tions which the faithful will think are from be- yond the bonrne. ‘This interesting if uncanny event will be the celebration of the forty-fourth anniversary of the advent of modern spiritualism, It was onthe night of March 31, 1848, that the first alleged telegraphic system between the spiritual world ‘and the United States was established. It was on this night that the cele- brated Fox sisters first heard those mysterious tmppings on the walls whose echoes were to resound over the country and arouse the be- lievere in spiritualism to thankfuiness that physical connection had at last been established ‘tween the unknown woridand this common, TWh mate ne of th ticipants matter if one active par in the events of that natal day--one of the Fox sisters herself—has since asserted that the demonstration was a fraud, a fake; not spiritual, but entirely ph: The true believers say her confession was » lie, made for money and their cele- notoriety, and they go ahead with brating. THE FOX RAPPINGS, Many people will remember the For rap- Pings; for those who do not let the story be told. It seems that in 1848, in the little town of Hydewville, ¥., on the outskirts of town, there stood a lonely old house, It stood apart from its neighbors, as though holding aloof in its old age from the upstartish new houses around it. Its weather-beaten sides and time- worn foof gave it that air of venerable dignity which some old houses have. Tt was just such a looking house as one would think might be troubled with spirits. When the Fox family moved into it, however, they did not bother themselv the thought of spirits. To them it was simply a dingy, musty old house, with lote of crevices and knot holes where the wind howied dismally om gusty nights. After awhile, however, they began to hear strange noises in the house. There would be knocks and raps on the walls, creaking of floors and rattling of windows, One night they heard sounds of a scuffle in a room, # body falling, a gurgling, choking, suppressed cry and then something heavy being dragged down the steps into the cellar, 6 was too much. When the rapping com- menced one of the family interrogated the ghostly visitor, asking questions and indicating certain knocks fo represent the alphabet for answers. At first his ghostehip simply told the ages of people preseut—a number of neighbors having been sent for at this point— told how muny children they had and similar things. Finally be branched out into a history of his earthly experience and his untimely end. He been @ peddler, and one stormy night | had sought shelter at this old house before it was occupied by the Foxes. His host had fallen upon him in the night, cruelly murdered him and then buried the body in quicklime in the cellar. No one occupied the Fox mansion on the night of this recital. The family went toa neighbor's. quite next day the neighbors came over and ng uy the cellar. They found in a trench in After this there was a seance every night at the Fox mansion. People came from far and near to hear the rappings. There was no doubt about the sounds. They were plainly audible and some queer answers were given. ‘The news spread over the country rapidly and spiritualism gained many converts. Every- body was talking of the wonderful rappings. From every section came reports of successful seances being held and rappings produced. It was several years ago that one of the Fox sisters publicly confessed to fraud in the pro~ duction of these demonstrations. Spiritualiom hus continued to grow in this country, however, until now the believersin it number 45,030 members, according to a recent census bulletin. Their organizations, numbering 334, own Up agin lea value of over half million dollars. husetts is the strong- hold of spiritualism, over 7,300 of the inbab- itants of the little bay state holding the belief. New York comes next, with 6,351, and Pennsyl- vania third, with 4,569. ‘The growth of spiritualism in Washington has not been very rapid. There are probably 300 persons who acknowledge their nee to belief and attend the meetings. The Tanks of the spiritualists in Washington are recruited from the transient population coming to this city from other states, office holaers who come and go. ‘The local spiritualists hold public meetings nearly every Sunday night and sometimes one evening during the week. The exercises upon such occasions consist of a lecture, recital of individual experiences and test by some medium. SOME CLATMS OF SPIRITUALISM. The orthodox spiritualist claims that his creed is as old as mankind; that every spiritual phenomenon which has startled the world of today was familiar to the Chaldeans, Pheni- cians and Egyptians thousands of years ng0, The ancients believed that spirits atten them in battle and guided their warfare, When the phalanxes of Greeks r upon the Per- sian multitude at Marathon they felt them- selves upheld by unseen spiritual hands. It is claimed ‘that priesthood itself owes ite origin to spiritualiem; wheu of old a mau be- came & medium of communication be- tween this and the spiritual world he was set aside as a teacher and finally becam riest. The spiritualists of today are fond ing a glittering galaxy of names am the beliovers in their faith They ay that fomer was one of their number; that he drew inspire- tion from the spirits with whom he communed. That Hesiod, Finder, Hach; were believers; that Plato derived his philoso- phy, — hia genius, Cicero his oratory, and Seneca, Pliny and Plutarch their several talents from the spirite who were continually with ‘The believers claim that spirits wrestled with passe capi in a trance he sa and the # pee ae ak Roba aiied Yolees from the olber world.” 1892—SIXTEEN enroll-| E. Tho. PAGES. Sees ot octlee ring which the jewol- des ve: ‘there wae hardly ane” fads in Paris whe erat daniaee hattatats nota military officer who not the art war with Cesar, nor a counsellor who would ‘NOt argue « point of law with Cicero.” public furore over the Fox rappings the atten- | tion of Congress was called to spiritualism. In April, 1854, Senator Shields presented in the Senate a petition signed by 15,000 spiritualicts | Of the United States asking Congress to appoint 8 special commission to investigate the of spiritualism, im presenting the petition Senator Shiclis emarked that in bis opinion the prevalence of the delusion of spiritualism at this age of the world among any considerable portion of the citizens must indicate a defective system of education or @ partial nt of mental faculties. The Senator poked a little fan at the petition and then Senator Weller suggested ity reference to the committee on “foreign re- lations.” Senator Shields thought it should go to post offices and post roads, aa the question ot eutablishing a spiritual ‘telegraph might It was finally ordered to lie onthe table. It ia stl there. ————— HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNL Steps Taken to Form = General Assoctation of Graduates. OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES CHOSEX—HOW REPRE- SENTATIVES OF THE VARIOUS CLASSES WERE CALLED TOGETHER—PURPOSES OF TEE PRO- POSED ORGANIZATION. (PHERE Is CERTAINLY No ONE INSTITU- tion of learning within the coufines of the District of Columbia which ig called “alma mater” by more young men and women than the Washington High School. Though young inyears the High School has won for iteclf a Position second to no other institution of its character in the country. Its graduates, both male and female, are occupying positions of responsibility and trust in the business and professional walke of life, not only here but in other places throughout the land. The fact that there is no regularly organized association of High School alumni has been often depre- cated by graduates of the school, and a grow- ing feeling that this condition of affairs should be remedied has caused steps to be taken dur- ing the last four months toform such an ass0- ciation. But before proceeding with an account of this movement it may be well to note that of the classes which have graduated from the school (beginning with the class of '78 and end- ing with the class of '91) somo have organize- tions of their own. It is the custom with these clases to hold annual reunions, when all mem- bers of the class, who are able to attend, come together to renew the friendships of étudeut days. However, with the classes which are not organized the case is different. ‘They ave no means of getting their members together and it is especially desirable for such that a general organization of the alumni be effected. FORMING AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, The steps which have been thus far taken to bring about the organization of the Alumni Association above referred to are as follows: In the early part of December last several members of the class of "89 communicated with the presidents of the various classes having organizations requesting that they ap- point a committee of three from their class, these committees to meet and informally dist cuss the project. ‘This request was complied with, and a meet- ing heldin the latter part of ‘December, at which it was decided to suggest to the various class organizations at their annual reunions the advisability of selecting three delegates empowered to represent the class, these dele- gates to form the executive committee of the pre association. ike suggestion was adopted by all the classes which eid reunions and the delogates sclected accordingly. This committee, composed of those em- powered by the classes to act for them in the Matter, met on the 15th of February. It was found that only nine out of the thirteen classes selected their delegates, the classes of '82, "83, "84 and '87 being unrepresented. In’ view of this fact a committee of seven on organiza- tion was appointed to secure a representation from the classes unrepresented as yet, and moreover to formulate the objects of the as- sociation so that at the next meeting the com- Pennsylvania. He bas resided in Washington since an early age, and .. \\ attended the city schools ASN from the sixth grade SOS the High N through School. While in the AWN Bigh School he took a J] @ prominent part in school matters, and in his senior year was cap- tain of company A in the battalion. He is at present employed in the eastern division of the Hw KAMEN. per % completing a law course at the National Col- lege. sion office and is THE PLAX. The plan of the association is in brief to pro- vide an organization of the alumni of the Washington High School by which the individ- ual graduates may co-operate with each other in acting on any matters of interest to the pub- lic schools, the High School and the alumni themselves. Touching the first object mentioned, that of co-operating with the school trustees and offi- |. cials in promoting the interests of the school system, it 1s believed that a body of educated, intelligent citizens, properly organized end thoroughly interested aud enthusiastic, can do much toward keeping the public schools well abreast of the times. fe association propores, ns one meant of en- couraging deserving students. to establish in the years to come scholarships in the various | colleges which shali be awarded to High School | pupils who successfully compete for them. So much for the association trom its educa- tional standpoint. QyIn addition to the above mentioned object the association will provide an organization of alumni similar in character and scope to those of the colleges throughout the country. [tis provided by the constitution that a meeting shall be beld once a year, which shall bo of much the same character as the usual alumni banquets or receptions of college organizations. This will serve ina great measure to cement the ties of student days and will furnish a de- lightful reminder of the “good old tunes in the | High School.* At will be the duty of the secretary to secure @list as complete us possible of High School alumni. together with their addresses, occupa- tions and other items of interest. THE MEMBERSHIP. According to the constitution the member- ship is to be of three classes —active, associate THE NATIONAL GUARD Happenings of Interest to the Local Military. IMPROVED ADMINISTRATION. Work for Staff Officers; a Timely Communk cation from Gen. Ordway—Kifle Prectice Schedule for April— What Troop A Proposes to Do—Notes. dations which bave so Jong been necessary have been satisfactorily accomplished a se rious and steady effort will be made to raise the already high standard of efficiency of the entire brigade. It is already a model organization, but it is still a trifle short of perfection. Some time ago Gen. Ordway sent copies of an instructive letter to the regi- mental commanders. The suggestions bave been assimilated and the commands are in pro- cess of being obeyed. The letter is as follows: Sir: Itappears to me that the brigade bes now advanced sufficiently in instruction and | experience to justify taking another step in the | lesson of distributing and fixing responsibility | BPon the lower grades of commanding officers | Im the origin of the brigade each company was } in diroct touch with brigade jaarters aud | so continued for a long time after the organiza- tion of the brigade was completed. The pro- sof educating a corps of competent officers and gradually distributing responsibility from superior headquarters downward by euccessive steps to the ulcimate unit, has necessarily bees. slow. In the education of staff officers in their duties and the education of line officers in their relations to staff officers very litde has yet been done. ion developed a great many defects that and honorary. Active membership is limited to graduates of the High School or to those who have been or are active members of any class organization. Associate membership is limited to those who attended the High School for at Jeast one year, but who did not graduate. Associate members have all privileges except those of voting and holding ot Those who have taken the initiative in the organization recognize that the project can meet with success only by the united sup} of the individual alumm and alumne, and 0 hope and contidentiy expect that ‘all High School gradustes will feel an interest in’ the Welfare of the association which plans to do whatever comes within its power for the ad- Vancement of the iustitutions which did so much for them. When the plan of operation has been ma- tured, further information in regard to the association will be published. Communications regarding the association shouid be addressed to the secretary, Pollard, 13th and Khode Island avenue north- | west, 4 PROPOSITION BY CONGRESS TO PURCHASE THE TRACT AND PRESERVE IT AS A PLACE NOTABLE IN THE HISTOKY OF THE COUNTRY—NECESSITY OF PRESENT AcTioN, The other day a bill was introduced in the Senate authorizing the purchase by the govern- ment of Temple farm at Yorktown, Va. This place was thescene of the most importantevent, to use the Ianguage of the bill, in our national history, ab it was there “the rights asserted in the Declaration of Independence were secured by the surrender of Lord C lis and the British army and navy to Gen. Washington.” There is still standing, in about the center of this farm, which contains some 500 acres, the mittee might have something in tangible shape upon which to work. ‘The committee made its report at a meeting held in the Franklin School building Thurs- day, March 3. The report stated that the com- mittee had secured three delegates each from the classes of '84 and "87, these delegates hay- ing been appointed by the last presidents of the two classes, as that was the most available means of securing a representation in the ab- sence of # regular organization. This leaves the classes '82 and °83 still unrepresented, but it is expected that representatives of these classes will soon be secured. The report further stated that the main ob- Ject of the association should be to foster any Project having for its purpose the improve- ment not only of our high school system, but also of all the public schools of the District. Is was further suggested that annual alumni reunions would be useful in the attainment of je main object, and would moreover furnish social feature to the organization which would be enjoyable and helpful to all. ‘This report was adopted and the temporary chairman was authorized to appoint « com- mittee to draft a constitution. his special Committee reported at a meeting held b 10, and the constitution, as drawn up by them, was adopted after » few changes, OFFICERS ELECTED. A meeting for the election of officers was set for the 22d of March, and accordingly the com- mittee met at that time, and without any pre- liminary busmess election with the following result: President, Mr. J. G. Faick, '80; secretary, Mr. Willard A. Pollard, "85; treasurer, Mr. "89; vice presidents, M: Mr. F. H. Stephens, '80; Mr. A. Brandenburg, ’84; Mr.'C. E. Brock, 85 J. N. Saunders’ r. B. May, '88; Mr. H.C. Grove, ‘89; Mr. Boos, '90: Mr. John B. Seman, jr., "91. The executive committee is composed of the following representatives of the various classes: "78, Mesera. Frank B. Noyes, B. B. Thompson Soasrs. J. G. Falek, and H. L. Hodgkins; "80, F. H. Stophens and L. D.’ Wilson; “81, Messrs. Myer Cohen, Charles L. Sturtevant and Walter Donaldson; ‘84, C. A. Brandenburg, W. © Clephane and I, U, Townsend: "85, Messrs ¥. E. Hodges, W. A. Pollard and ©. E. Brock; "86, Messrs. Chas. H. Bates, J. N. Saunders and Albert Shoemaker; '87, G. Wolt and John Henderson;, an E. Aughinbaugh, M. B. ‘69, ean 1B. C. Grove and mas; 90, Messrs. J. M. Chamber! ‘Tenwey Ross and F. C. Lawyer; ‘91, P. Moore, John B. Sleman, and H. president, Mr. J. G. Falck, though not a native of Washington, has resided here since 1873. He a the public schools ey Ne fit 7 E i f z, | i | old Moore house, in which the terms of sur- render were arranged for the proud army and navy, with its haughty commander, Cornwallis, It was also the headquarters of Gen. Washing- ton, Gen. Lafayette and Count de Rochambeau immediately before and during the time of Cornwallis’ surrender. TO PRESERVE TRIS FARM. The house is still in a good state of preserva- tion, and during the centennial celebration of 1881, which was held on this farm, the Moore house was elegantly furnisbed and turned over to the French guests, descendants of Lafavette and Rochambeau. The proposition now brought to the attention of Congress for the purchase of this farm is with the view of its preservation as @ place notable in the history of the country and) worthy 10 be kept asa memorial. Many years ago suggestions came from every quarter that such places should be secured and beaati~ fied by the government of the United States, It was argued that it would have a most excel- leyt effect on the rising generations ax well as preserve the interesting memorials for future generations. The three pieces of ground men- tioned most ton’s home, Mount Vernon; next that of Valley Forge, where Washington wintered his ragged but brave little army, and last, but uot least, Temple farm, at Yorktown, Va. THE WORK OF PATRIOTIC WOMEN. But the women fearing that, through the tardiness of Congress, the home of Washington migbt become dilapidated and go to ruin, moved in the matter of securing Mount Vernon, together with all articies of furniture that could be had belonging to it, and. placing it in order, made arrangements that the American people could visit it and see it in nearly the same con- dition that it was when the father of bis country lived there. After Mount Vernon was secured in this way there was a movement to influence Congress to buy Valley Forge in Pennsylvania and temple farm in Virginia, and also to erect monuments on the most important battle-fields, especially those where victories bad been gained, but Congress did not act. Women of the country, becoming tired of delay, have set out to buy Valley Forge under the auspices of the Daugh- ters of "76. The movement has had the hearty indorse- ment of Mra Harrison, the patriotic indy of the fouse. URGENT TS TO CONGRESS. In 1890 the Patriotic Sons of America in their national convention held in Washington,whcre tional relic ‘The legislatares of New Jersey, Virginia, Mary- hio and South Carolina have passed ons instructing their Senators and re- questing their Representatives in Congress to legislation to provide for the purchase aud prevervation of” this historic ground, and similar has been taken by various vet- eran uzations, and by the time-honored Carpenters’ of Philadel) in whose the First was the property, with the view of cutting it up into small parcels and ition, r E fF i ——— were that of Washing- | The last annual proper military dis- tribution of responsibility and oversight would | have been discovered within the battalions and | remedied long betore the brigade i | Am view of these facts I would that | you put in force a system under which the bat- | talion inspectors of rifle practice should,at fre- | quent intervals, make thorough inspections af | the rifles of his battalion—not « pro forme ia- spection of the rifles in the hands of the men, but a thorough inspection of the inside of the barrels by use of the mirror. That the quar- termasters of the batiahons sbould, at frequent | intervals, examine the Jockers of each company |tosee that they are prope . the com- | pany store rooms to see the ition of the | surplus property, the company property books to see that they are properly kept and all prop- erty receipted for us issued. That the adju- tants of the buttalons should, at frequent in- | tervals, inspect the books, papers and records | of the companies to seo that they are well and properly kept. y the staff officers will teel that they have some duties to perform [and will become interested im their work and | the majors of the battalions will, at all times, | have accurate knowledge of the progress aud condition of their commands. In the same way the adjutant, quartermaster and inspector of rifle practice of the regime should occasionally accompany the battalion staff officers on these inspections in order that the regimental commander may be kept thor- oughly posted ou the condition and defects of each organization in bis command. pectons should not be previously | announced and ‘lly ordered, but should | be made from time to time with « view of geiting accurate knowledge. Under such @ system, when the annual bri- c | re wor i proper judgment qo be formed of the actual ition of the command at all times, instead of its condition under a special inapection | known aud prepared for | ad: y RIFLE PRACT! res Tonight there will be regular practice in the | gallery by the general staff and the field and staff officers and non-commissioned staff of | regiments, Next weck the companies will | peer in the gallery ou the following schedule: Monday—Companies B end C, fifth battalion. | Tuesday—Company C, second Duttalion. Wednesday—Company D, fifth _buttalion, Tuursday—Compang A, fourth battalion. With the April practice will end the rifie gallery work of the brigade for the year 1892. Of course the gallery will be available to @ con- j siderable extent through May and June, but | not for schedule practice. All those who bave | not Completed the requisite scores will be given ample opportanity to catch up, while | those who want to increase their totals will be enabled to try until further trial would seem to be unnecessary. Company officers would de | well to urge every man to do at least all the 12; company C, Tuesd Third battalion—Cor com} 8 day company C, Monday, 16th. Sixth battalion—Company A, Wednesday, 13th; company B, Wednes@ay, 27th; com- pany ©, ‘Abureday, 14th; company D, Thure- | day, 28th. | First separate battalion—Company A, Mon- day 11th; company B, Friday 22d: com ca Monday, 11th; company D, Friday, 2d First eparate company—Monday, 25tb. Engineer corps—Friday, ‘The general staff, and the feld and staf officers and non-commissioned staf of regi- ments, Saturday, April 30. ‘The Held and ‘stadt oficers and non-commis- sioned staff of battalions, the evenings assigned to company A of their respective battalions. THE VICTORIOUS sIXTH. Since the disappearance of the fifth battalion there have been but two ritle teams im the sec- ond regiment, but the competition for the regi- mental trophy kuows no diminution. The first se—over and 300 yards —was shot in the gallery Wednesday evening is the presence of Col. Clay, Majors Campbell and | Bartlett, Capt. Cilley and a large number of other second regiment enthusiasts. Capt. Jas, E. Bell, the second’s inspector of rife practice, ired ten highest: ‘was range officer. Eacl possible for each man thus being 100. ‘The scores Barone nee wie, Sixth battalion team—Lieut. captain, Kirk, 90; McClain, 90; Goodwin, general outline of the program shows that the troop will, at Ivy City or anathletic exhibition. Hy nlte F i 55 ! i if iif i i i I i & f i | i | i L i & g by i