Evening Star Newspaper, October 21, 1893, Page 15

THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON, D. C, SATURDAY. OUTOBER 21, 1893-TWENTY PAGES. UNDER THE CLOCK. Things That Have Happened on the Senate Floor. INCIDENTS OF A WORDY WAR, Some of the Humorous Phases of| real the Silver Debate, SCENES IN THE CHAMBER. ‘There is nothing cleaner in the world than the Senate chamber in the morning, before the statesmen begin to arrive. Pages and Messengers have swung the chairs into per- pendicular relations with the Vice Presi- dent's rostrum, clerks have cleared the lit- tle desks of books and documents, and care- ful hands have placed on each 114 the legis- lative pabulum of the day—fresh, clean copies of the “Record” and other products of the North Capitol street publishing house. Cuspidors are in exact occultation with the desks, the occasional waste baskets are prim and orderly, and the reporters’ tables are quite Innocent of ink stains. A colored man has swept the cloth that covers the first of the steps leading to the Vice Pres- dent's desk until the marks left by the rest- less feet of the pages are nearly obliterated. Monday mornings especially the place ‘wears an air of being strictly for exhibition purposes only. The pages are still adorned Mr. Teller Demands Attentio: im remnants of their Sunday finery, and the eases of law books that decorate the front Tow of desks are prim and neat. Half an hour later all is changed. News- are strewn about on the desks. The mathematical arrangement of the “Records” is disturbed, and here and there are great stacks of books piled high on the desks of intending debaters. The great spectacle of orderly quiet ts destroyed. Monuments of Books. These piles of books form quite an inter- esting factor in the debate. They mark the Course of the discussion as surely as the steam gauge marks the pressure on the Boller. The desks with which the Senate is furnished are low affairs, intended more for comfort and dignity than for capacity. So When it comes the turn of @ tall man to speak, such as Senator Peffer or Senator Cockrell, these low desk lids are far too low down to serve as rests for manuscript. The Femedial device is simple and cheap, for if there is anything in which the legislative branch of the government is rich it is in fat documents that pile nicely together ana — up well without much danger of Senator Peffer was outdone a bit in this Fespect by Senator Cockrell, who builded up & tower of learning that could have given pointers to the Babel affair. Just what com- Posed this structure it is difficult to su mise, but judging from the various extracts that the Senator made from sundry books which he picked out of the foundation of it, to the endangerment of the whole pile, the —— of literature could not have been very ‘ing. Yet Senator Peffer is no mean architect im this line of work. He establishes a small brary on his desk every time he makes a set speech. He has such a generous length from the floor to the top of his round head that he must have his notes well under his <¥es, and so there is pretty sure to be a par- tal eclipse of the Kansan when he is saying things for publication In the “Record.” tor Kyle, though a tall man, does Rot often build these wonderful affairs. Neither does he enter into the spirit of his remarks as does his populist colleague from the bleeding state. The young man from Dakota reads his remarks, whenever he goes to the trouble of thinking about the subject beforehand, from a carefully pre- pared typewritten manuscript. He does not Venture to deviate from it, but grinds out his words ir an unenthusiastic voice re- minding one of the delivery of a reading of the House going over an unfamiliar t, though in a lower key. There are no gestures, no movements of the head of body, save a slight swaying to and fro as one or the cther of the populist’s feet gtows weary. One looks in vain for symp- toms of the training he must have had to fit him for the pulpit which he once oceu- Pied. His must have been an unemotional rel Mr. Kyle's voice would lend it- self very easily to impassioned oratory, and though it hag no discernible quality, it shows signs of great reserve strength that might with cultivation be brought into good ylay on a peroration. Mr. Peffer’s Style. On the other hand, Senator Peffer is al- ‘ways interesting in his postures, his tones and his carefully prepared gestures. He talks like a man intensely in earnest, #0 earnest that he is quite oblivious of the vacant seats around him. He talks straight at the presiding officer. He knows that there are expert and agile stenographers down in front crystallizing his distinct words into history. That is encouragement enough for him. His words come easily, though at times they are a bit painful in their enunciation. He talks almost extem- raneously, referring with orderly care to is notes, which are always written on slips of paper about six inches long and three wide. His favorite gesture ts a calm one, con- sisting mainly of pointing his forefinger upon the note he is then expanding. Only at the climaxes of his utterances does this man from Kansas unfold into a veritable gesture. He sweeps his arm through the air in a dignified wave and adds to the force of nis diction. There is no waste energy about Peffer. He is a great conservato: an economist, even to the motions of his arm Nor fs there any rant about him. He is calm, logical, inevitable. His voice and the way he handles his notes and reference books show the orderly nature of the man. He is the personification of neatness and system. His voice is under excellent con- trol, and has not an unpleasing quality. It really attracts more attention than do the Senator’s theories and declamations. The long whiskers that have made Mr. Peffer so famous enjoy his most distinguis e4 consideration. He treats them with great respect. Many long-bearded men show very little regard for their hirsute append ages, but Senator Peffer evidently recog- nizes their value as a most excellent trade mark, for he never twists them, never lets them get in the way of his eyeglasses or his goblet of water. They are altogether very well behaved whiskers. His Whiskers Disappeared. ‘The esteem in which they are held in the Senator's own mind was shown the other Morning after an all-night session. The air in the Senate chamber, though the fur- Races were going, was permeated with that peculiar damp chill that will strike through the thickest wall at abort 4 or 5 the young day. Mr. was < of | Faulkner stepped He { cause of the gro It was a horrible thought. Senator to Senator, and hated plutocrats of Wall street, whom the Populists discuss so cordially, with just the faintest suggestion of a part in his closely cropped beard. But like the beautiful butterfly that emerges from its chrysalis, soon the coat was opened, and there then emerged the Peffer, with the truly whiskers, and the Senate was at ease once more. All heads are uncovered in the Senate chamber when the Senate is in session. This is, of course, a custom by no means confined to the Senate, but it is as a rule jealously guarded by that austere organi- zation. But there are cases when Senators by chance forget to remove their hats, though they make haste always to correct the error. Senator Vest caused no little consternation the other merning when he entered the chamber during the prayer, with his soft felt hat firmly planted on his gray head. He stood for a moment under the clock and seemed absorbed in the = words flowing from the lips of the blind chaplain. Then he turned and walked slowly towards the door of the cloak room, where he paused again. The hat was stil) on his head and he was all unconscious of the fact. Some one gave him a stage whis- per and he blushed like a school girl. His hat went off in a twinkling, and the short form of the Missourian vanished through the doors like a drop of froth on the crest of an angry billow. | { { Mr. Wolcott's Senatorial Courtesy. it must not be imagined that all is gall and bitterness between the repealers and the obstructionists in the Senate. The tighter the tension becomes in the fight as it goes op record the firmer seems to grow the friendship between Senators Lodge and Wolcott. Their desks are separated by that of Senator McMillan, who has taken only a minor part in the row so far. Thus he forms an excellent medium between these two young statesmen who represent such extreme views on the silver question. Mr. Wolcott is a great. favorite generally. He sits in a veritable hot-bed of republican re- pealers. The other morning he proceeded to illustrate the difference between his per- sonal and political affiliations by passing a box of sweetmeats to his neighbors. It was not taffy exactly, but it served to show how sweetness sometimes enters into the Senate situation. Senator Sherman took a large bon-bon and tucked it away into his left cheek. It remained there for a long time and the grave Ohioan’s face wore a distorted appearance during the reading of the journal. When he arose to present a boavie his voice was strangely muffied. mator Manderson also partook of thi feast, but Mr. Wolcott slipped the box into his desk before the rumor spread. Point. Senator Harris is a positive boon to the official reporters. His slow enunciation and distinct utterance give him first rank easily, in their estimation. He ts particularly beneficent to them when he rises to make @ point of order, for then his tongue takes on an even firmer tone, and his caustic words come forth like thunder claps in summer time. He a curious habit of peinting his long forefinger at the chair when he “rises to a question of parlia- mentary inquiry,” which is often, and he seems to cleave the air with his erudition on this subject. Then the stenographers loaf and wish that all the statesmen were Harrises. Looking for Cartoons, Statesmen more often than otherwise keenly appreciate the humor of the car- toons that appear weekly in the comic journals of New York. There is quite a rush on Mondays for the latest issues on the part of Senatcrs whose faces are most frequently used in distortion and chartca- ture. A few days ago Senator Vest se- cured one of these pers, presenting a highly luminous illustration of the situation Stewart's Silver Tongue. in the Senate. His keen blue eye soon caught a glimpse of his own features peep- ing through the background, and imme- diately he began to beckon to his demo- cratic neighbors, and to point out to thent with great glee the points of resemblance which he detected. Senator Gorman also discovered his own smoothly shaven fea- tures through some intervening shrubbery, and he joined in the laugh. Mr. Black- burn and Mr. Morgan joined the group, and in a moment Mr. Voorhees and Mr. Tr to see what was the ing hilarity. These grave gavel rapped Bipped out of sight, and the baif-dosen out of! an n Senators looked very sheepish. Mr. Hill Under Mr. Morgan's Fire. Senator Morgan's masterly silence under the fire of Mr. Hill during the latter's fierce attack Tuesday evening evidently gave Mr. Hill a lesson tn self-control, for when the veteran from Alabama proceeded to flay him in his response the gentleman from New York ably echoed his inattention. He was writing very industriously at ‘is desk in the rear row, when Mr. Morgan alluded to the rebellion, and eulogized the late Mr. Randall and other northern men who had shouldered their muskets and had me down to test the issues by battle. His 88 Was prominently in evidence as he dug into the ink well and scratched away furiously, while Senator Morgan proceeded to pay his respects to the stay-at-homes. He did not miss a line when these words came forth, unquestionably aimed at him: “But I have no respect for those who are now high on the public ladder and who held back when the call came to arms, and sent their hired representatives into the field.’ The smooth white head only shone th more clearly as these syllables came stin, ing forth. The pen scratched furiously when the next gun was fired. Senator Morgan turned straight around until back was toward the chair and his face was aimed at the ifldustrious Senator from New York. He then delivered himself of this remarkable re: “Who are they? Who, but the petty poll- ticlans who float like bubbles on the surface of a stagnant pool for a brief time, only to burst when the first puff of wind of adversi- ty_ explodes them!” The smooth white head was raised. All eyes were turned that way, for a reply was pected. But no! the Senator only wanted a@ glass of water and was summoning a page for that purpose. Then the head went down again and Mr. Hill resumed his imita- tion of a man writing an essay on “solitude” in the center of the Sahara desert. flow Mr. Dolph Busies Himself. There has been a great deal of listening done in the Senate during the past few weeks; not as much, perhaps, at times, as there might have been, yet enough, nevertheless, to have developed certain habits of attention in a few of the statesmen who are persist- ent in their attendance. Senator Doiph, from certain poigts of view, ls a most in- dustrious listener. He is in his seat early, late, and continuous): He is present at every flooding of the oratorical dam, and is & most enthusiastic auditor as regards his Dresence in the chamber. From the rear galleries he might even be suppose] to be paying attention to what is being said. He is still enough, certainly. But from the cth- er side the illusion is spoiled, and the Sena. tor from Oregon vecomes a inere unit in the quorum rather than an imbiber uf tho know! that is being poured fortn. Mr. Dolph's favorite occupation is the ad- dressing of documents. with which he sup- plies himself most Jiberatly. Sfe has a see- retary, who is also his son-in-law, but the office does not carry with it any of tie or- Ginary duties that are sometim~s found so arduous. So the Senator aitends to these [ttle trifles himself. Ie has plenty of time and rather likes the exerc'! He can, with industry, and witheur too tnany tnterrup- tions in the way «if roil euis and other bothers, get rid of qutte a Jot or literature in a day. His harvest time is after he hus made a speech, tien h> calls upon the pu Me printer for many, :nany copies, und im- mediately sets to wort ding them to all his friends and constituen There is no danger of the people of Oregon losing sight of their veneraric representative in the Senate. When he is at work thus the floor of the aisle which his desk adjoins becomes coveied with the yellow mani!ia packets that contain the pabulum for the genus voter. Higher ond higher rises the Pile, until it gets in the way oc some che, and then the Senator calls a page and out goes the little fellow, stagcering under an immense load of printed word: The ink well on Senator Dolph’s desk has to be filled inore frequently than that on any other. Mr. George a Good Listener. Next in rank of attention comes Senatcr George, who ig really a splendid listener. There is no point of view from which he does not show to sdvaniage as an auditor. From the front, the rear, and the side, he fs all ears. This iy nit a literal remark, but merely a figure of speech. ‘Ine Sena- tor’s favorite position Js that of great vas for he believes the iin] to be induenced by the comforts and discomforts of the body. So he has lad his desk pro: one of the eusiest, limberest ti swinging chairs that can be procure in this he hearkens to ail the speeches thi are delivered. Grasping the arms 6f the chair firmly with Loth hands, he lets go of earth and allows the chair to tilt baci ard as far as it will go. A large section of tobacco completes his happiness, and he is a magnificent encouragement for the driest talker that ever secured an audience. Other Senators as Listeners. Senator Pugh is not so persistent in his attention, but when he takes an interest in what is being said, it is a whole-souled, complete style of interest that leaves no doubt in any mind. He usually moves to @ place right under the speaker's arms, and sits with one hand behind his ear and his face filled with smiles, and his eyes spark- ling. He seldom listens to the other side of the question, but prefers to hear the ar- guments that suit his own taste far better than those that antagonize him. But the expert listeners of the Senate have to do a good deal of fine work to get ahead of Senator Peffer, who takes an in- terest in about everything that is said on the floor, whether it suits his peculiar ideas or not. He, too, abandons his own chair, which is far out of the way of most speech- es, and assumes a place within gesture rafige, so that he is frequently obliged to duck his head to avoid being hit. Senator McPherson is also very attentive, as is Senator Palmer, and both these states- are prone to ask questions that probe the very bottom of the argument that js being enunciated. Mr. Frye sits quietly tn his seat much of the time, and might be either thinking or listen: from all out- ward appearances, as he always becomes intensely interested in the legs of the re- porters’ table just in front of his desk. But the best listeners in the Senate are the official stenographers, whose business is to hear each word that is uttered. On Fare occasions a speech is prepared, and not deviated from in the least particular, and then these faithful absorbers are at liberty to think of something else for a time. But they have their ears primed, nevertheless, for interruptions and roll calls all the while. es PEFFER MAKES A HIT. The Whiskered Populist as He Ap- peared in the Guise of Orator. This is how the correspondent of the Kan- sas City Times describes Mr. Ingalls’ suc- cessor, as he appeared in the Senate fight: Allen, of record-breaking obstruction fame, had told the man of long whiskers that cold bouillon was the best ‘thing in the world to give instant vitality, and Allen had drunk it out of small cups, but he didn’t say anything to Peffer about this feature. The Senator from Kansas was noticed to lap his hands together and call a page. He whispered something to the boy and the urchin darted in a dead run for the Senate Feffer Refreshes Himself With Bouil- lon. restaurant. Presently he came back bearing a@ huge bowl. It was full almost to overtiow- ing. The boy bore it carefully on a small tray. All eyes were on him. Somebody in the press gallery suggested that Peffer was going to introduce it as an object lesson, showing how the repealers had fallen in the soup. But the jest fell flat. The Kansas Senator reached out his long arms and his bony fingers encompassed the bowl about. Every voice was hushed; what did it mean? Voorhees looked on in a stupefied, dazed kind of a way. Wolcott whispered something to Teller, who was reading a newpspaper, and both looked directly at Peffer. ' Every man in the press gallery was stand- ing on his feet and the eyes of the gallery were riveted on Peffer and his soup. But the author of “The Way Out” and other soporific works paid no heed to the vulgar gaze. He rest; the bow] momentarily on his desk, took from an inside pocket a linen handkerchief and separated his mustache from his whiskers. Then he raised the bowl carefully to his lips. The suspense had ended and a subdued groan passed throughout the galleries, fol- lowed by a slight titter. Not until he had drained the last drop did the Kansas Senator take the huge bowl from his lips. Some of the soup spilled on his whiskers and gathering his hirsute ap- pendage in his big linen handkerehief he stroked it affectionately. Then he resumed his speech. The soup seemed to inject new life into Peffer. He began to tell of the farmers’ movement and why it was brought about. He drew a dark picture and his voice trem- bled with emotion. Nobody else was ostensi- bly moved just at that time, but Peffer worked mightily on his own feelings. He told of the plutocratic parasites of the east. Then he pictured a hovel out west. It had a thatched roof all that sort of thing, covering number! children. What- ever it might be, it was their home. This with tremulous voice. “Yes, it is their home, their all,” said Mr. Peffer, Here an tdea occurred. He would sing: Be it ever so humble, There’s no place like home. Some one poked his head out of the press gallery into the writing room and said: “Boys, Peffer’s singing.” ‘There was a wild rush, but it was too late. The Kansas Senator had changed to reci- tation, but the song was as rehabilitating to him as the soup. He told of the magnificent proportions of the Farmers’ Alliance; 4,000,000 voters it contained, and three Senators rep- resented it on the floor. 6+ A Thrilling Episode. From Truth. She used to ride a tricycle, She passed him on a bicycle, She froze him to an icicle, And sped upon her way! Her wheel it struck a stone upon The highway. She was thrown upon Her head. He sped his own upon, And picked her up, they say! (The rascal worked a loan upon Her governor next day.) soo Appreciative. From Puck. Wool—“What's the matter with your eye?” Van Pelt—‘“Tried to convince an Irishm: that a four-leaf clover was a shamrock.” Wool—“I thought the four-leaf clover brought good luck.” Van Pelt—“It does; didn’t I get away alive?” . All Necessary. From Puck. Mr. Broadstreet.—‘‘Here’s a report of the cricket match, with two colunins of the names of the society people in the grand stand, and nothing about the game.” His Wife.—‘That’s about all that people who go to cricket matches care to know.” —_—_-+ e+ — __ Geography as a science was introduced into Europe by the Moors about 1240. THE IMPRESSIONISTS. The Present Popular and Profit- able Phase in Painting. VARIOUS OBJECT LESSONS. A Study of Some of the Statues in Washington HELPS TO FAME AND FORTUNE Written for The Evening Star. Frederic Harrison, in a recent and very interesting essay in The Forum on “Art and Shoddy,” observes: “Art flourished in the days when, as the Roman poet says: “Privatus illis census erat brevis— Commune magnum.” Now I haven't any idea what the Roman poet sets forth in the foregoing proposi- tion, but I fancy it has some bearing either upon the economic or the aesthetic value of art, and I am positive that a couple of lines of something in a foreign language located near to the head of this article will give to it a very desirable tone. I be- eve that the utilization of such a resource in the discussion of Art—with a large A— lends character and force to whatever con- clusions are formulated and offered. Thoroughly devoted to art and somewhat in love with those who are conscientiously attached to the same shrine, I want to present a few examples, object lessons in art, which exist right here in Washington, and that, too, ouside of the superb treas- ures in the Corcoran Gallery and away from the cozy, fraternal atmosphere of the Art Students’ League of this glorious city. I want to impress, at the same time, upon the minds of all lovers and patrons of art the fact that there is a most encouraging quantity of magnum bonum in the make- up of the American people. Having but recently returned from a visit to the wondrous ‘feast at Chicago, where I passed the chiefest portion of my time in the art galleries, I find that I am saturated with things in all shades of biue and gray, with now and then a dash of yellow, a spot of red or a streak of black. In brief, I have come back an impres- sionist! Gone is my loyalty to Landseer Leech; Meissonier, Vibert and Bouguer- eau are no longer idols; Yongkind and Munkacsy do not tempt me, and 1 hold but slight regard for inness, Moran, Van Elten, Shirlaw, Chase or Blashfield. I bow my bead to Corot, Whistler, Tryon and all the rest of those whose artistic frenzy is so in- tense that thus far they ane able only to make their pigments tell the esoteric side of ngture as she reveals herself to them. Besides, ‘esoteric’ is such a delightful word. It keeps us guessing, as do the im- pressionists’ pictures, and that is lots of fun. For instance, to show how we impres- sionists see things, I give'you here a single note as to the life- sized statue on Penn- sylvania avenue of one of the greatest printers, philosophers and philanthropists the world ever saw. Any one would guess as to his character atier stadying the rear view of the figure,as given above. No, it is not the figure of a tired, ag- Frauklin. gravated father in his robe de nuit patiently carrying his wide-awake offspring through the watches of the night. It is Benjamin Frank- lint Note the depth of feeling indi- cated by the flap of his coat pocket, and see with what vigor the roll of manuscript —in my opinion “copy” for the almanac which “Poor Richard" published—catches and waves in the wind which comes sailing down the avenue from the Senate chamber. Again I sound a single note; this time for the purpose of showing how degtly and how effectively an impressionist may indicate color with but a single pigment. You see fh the accompanying Paragraph a view study of that magnificent statue to Lafayette, and you will observe that in order to make my art still deeper I give the merest ard most shadowy hints as to Lafayete. details. But it is color that I was after in this example; therefore I call your atten- tion to the white and filmy delicacy of the lace frill at the wrist and— No, that is not a tottering Goddess of Liberty which he ts supporting on his left arm! Those are the intertwined folds of red and white and of red, white and blue— the colors of his two countries. Can you not feel the warm reds and the startling, vigorous blues in those flags? I assure you I did when I made the drawing and you are of little use if you can’t feel them with me. However: Here is a superb example of esoteric art. It is a rear view of that splendid con- ception of the im- mortal Martin Lu- ther’s grand figure. Note the pose—but that is not material in the mastery of im- pressions. What I particularly desire you to study and comprehend is the sentiment so strik- ingly indicated. Do you not feel the great heroism of character which is shown just Luther. to the right of and a trifle below the angle of the lert shoulder? Are you not suscepti- ble to the wondrous mental ability so ap- parent in the tone of that fine head? and how about the unswerving and dignified loyalty depicted so emphatically by the exquisite handling of the color masses in the drapery? Then, too, observe the char- acter to be seen in the detalls of that mas- ive collar—but I must avoid details, as a truthful teacher, so: It has been charged that impres- sionists save them- selves by adhering carefully to the {n- definite folds of clas- sic topics whenever they attempt to do figures. The claim is an absurdity! It is as easy for us to place ourselves en Tapport with modern opportunities as it is to dally with any other condition in na- ture, provided we are ourselves in the mood. Everything de- Dupont. pends upon our own humor. For instance, in the foregoing effective translation—also from the rear—of the excellent statue of Admiral Dupont I have endeavored in my disposition of color values to show how admirably gold and lace and blue may be put into juxtay ition. That I have suc- ceeded fairly well with the epaulettes and sleeve bands is apparent, but I confess frankly that the high lights upon the marine glasses and ‘sword scabbard are rather weak, In hastily jot- ting down the ac- companying striking group of impres- sions I was at fault. I had no bust- ness to see more than 8 single impression. I account for the lapse, however, by the fact that I was not, at the time, in the vein for color ef- fects and besides my stomach wasn’t just right. Then, too, I became, somehow or other, fairly daft Farragut. over the idea that I must in my absorption of the topic indicate in the notes I was sounding the presence of the spy glass—which I knew was there and visible from the other side of the statue. If I have succeeded in doing this, as I believe I have, I have no apologi: to offer. I wish to explain, however, that the egg shown at the top of the pedestal and directly below the point of the-sword seabbard represents the ring to the tackle block upon which the left foot of the figure ts resting. I feel you will forgive this slight imperfection when you realize, as you must, the skill with which I have depicted the block in question. by those painters who paint buttons and stitches and warp and woof in their figures that we never attempt anything but clouds, air, verdure, foliage and water, which may be of any form and in any tone; that we daub at a tone or two and make spasmodic es at @ variety of indiscriminate lines and strokes and then, guessing what the ony en be, give ita agg al uch charge is a contemptible fiction born of jealousy and nurtured by incom- is amply shown, I think, by the Preceding treatise upon figures in’ impres- CHARLES 8S. HATHAWAY. oe NEW PUBLICATIONS, THE PRINCE OF INDIA, or WHY CONSTANTI- NOPLE FELL. By Lew Wallace. New York: Harper & Brothers. Washington: Woodward & rup. In the two volumes of history, incident and description that come fresh from the gifted Hoosier’s pen there is but little with which the fair-minded critic may find fault. Viewed from the standpoint of the student of eastern history the work is unexception- able, every chapter giving evidence of thor- ough and deeply intelligent investigation into events that gain interest by the manner of their presentation. With so many _ really clever nov- elists engaged in the production of vapory lJanguage over themes that cannot possibly be treated in any other than a hackneyed fashion, it is a relief to find one man of genius willing to devote his talents to the instructive edification of a people who can and do appreciate brains and a purpose. Comparison of “The Prince of India” with “Ben Hur” is not easy, nor would the re- sult be profitable if the comparison were made. “Ben Hur’ is much less complicated in its plot, and has an appear- ance of polish that at times is missed in the later and more pretentious work, but when the best tests are applied it will be conceded that “The Prince of India” ts worthy its author—another jewel in one of the brightest of literary crowns. The oft- ‘told tale of the Wandering Jew is a new story when treated by the master mind of Gen. Wallace. TANIS, THE SANG-DIGGER. By Amelia Rives. New York: Town Topics Publishing Compauy. The strongest piece of sketch work Mrs. Amelie Rives-Chanler has yet given to the public, a story of the most magnetic sort, and yet with a strain of sentiment in it far from complimentary to the sex that furnishes Mrs. Chanler with her heroes. The tender incidents are of a more highly elevated morality than has heretofore been common in the literary productions of this authoress, and throughout the story—which is nothing short of entertaining—there runs a minor strain that in the end drowns the richer harmonies of affection which occa- sionally burst forth and please the finer senses. There are no unnatural charac’ no strained situations; nothing but nature as it is where the “Sang-diggers” dwell. THE MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN. A i sorg. By Philander Johnson. Washington: Henry White. Mr. Philander Johnson of The Evening 3tar’s staff has presented for popular con- sideration an original topical song which is well above the average as to text, and which has the rhythmic swing in melody that makes such things pleasing. The idea is a new one and deals s' ly though good naturedly with happenings the like cf which very few people have not experi- enced in some degree. The promptness with which members of the theatrical pro- fession have taken to it ts an almost con- clusive indication that it will find favor with the public at large. COSMIC WHEEL AND RIDDLES. Just copy- righted and issued by Cosmic Wheel Company of this city. This unpretentious little work consists partly of fifteen pages of reading matter and partly of a small detached rotating disc, four or five inches in diameter. The vheel,” of disc, has upon its two faces a condensed view of the entire surface of the earth as in rotation before the sun—each country having its true position, relative size and shape, and its own rate of motion they all move in succession through the twenty-four hours of light and shadow representing day and night—distances and directions (by land or water) to and from all parts of the earth, the season of the year, day of the week and hour of the day or night in every country on the globe ate seen at a glance. All the essential facts of physical geography are so plainly exhibited to the eye and unders' ling in one con- crete picture that even a child, by manipu- lating and studying this wheel, would soon acquire a more intelligent and comprehen- sive knowledge of the earth and its phe- nomena than most people do in a lifetime. A most fascinating and instructive little work for all intelligent persons, old or young. It is a purely local product. THE BOY TRAVELLERS Ty SOUTH ERY EUROPE. ventures of two a hrough italy, Southern Frauce aod Spain, with sisits of Sicily, and to Gibrajtar and the Islands a W. Knox. New York: Har- per & Brothers. Washington: Woodward & Lo- the careful attention of people of any age. No guide book, hor any other collection of information, begins to be half so in- | tersting or attempts to compete with the | Boy Travellers’ series in any essential par- ticular. Written by such an eminent author as Thomas W. Knox and iljustrated pro- fusely by artists of unquestioned ability the volume is complete enough to satisfy the most critical. Old tourists may revive memories of strange pilgrimages from its pages, while to the untraveled careful pe- rusal will be the next best thing to an expensive series of wanderings. A HISTORY OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE FROM ITS FOUNDATION TO THE DEATH OF MARCUS AURELIUS. G7 B. C.—i80 A.D) By J.B. urs, M. lege,” Dui ifustrated. New York: & Brothérs. Washington: Woodward & Lo. throp. This carefully prepared work, covering a period of Roman history which is of all |periods perhaps the most important, bridges the gap between the Student's Rome and the Student's Gibbon. The author has written directly from original sources and has presented in a clear and interesting style the political, military and social history of the empire from its founda- tion to the death of Marcus Aurelius, to- gether with chapters on Roman art, life at Rome, manners of women, houses, baths, the Circus Maximus and other interesting matters appropriate to the subject. FREDERICK DOUGLASS THR ORATOR. Contain- ing an account of his life; bis eminent public services; bis brilliant career as an orator; se- lections ‘from hls speeches and writings. By James M. G: A. M., professor of the Latin language and Mterature, Howard Univers- ity. With an introduction by W. 8. Scarbor- A.M., professor New ‘Testament. Ureck and ‘literature, Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Obie. ingtield, Mass.: Willey & %0. A,comprehensive and enjoyably readable sketch of a life in which millions of people have been and should be interested. It supplies details that modesty kept out of the Douglass autobiography, but which should not be lost because Mr. Douglass Was averse to saying things eulogistic of himself. Prof. Gregory has said these thor- oughly and in a fashion that adds much to his already well-established reputation as an educator. THE RAILROAD QUESTION. A historical and practical treatise on railroads and remedies for thelr abuses. By William Larrabee, late gor- emt et . ‘Chicago: ‘The Schulte Publish. Ing Co. Ex-Governor Larrabee is one of the many men who are satisfied that railroads should be controlled and operated by the govern- ment, and the stated object of his essay in literature is to show that as long as railroads are private property and are used by their managers for speculative purposes —the interests of the stockholders only be- ing regardgi—they are not performing their proper functions. From the Larrabee stand- point the argument is of the best. THE JEWS OF ANGEVIN ENGLAND. Documents and records from Latin and Hebrew sources, printed and manuscript. For the first time collected and translated by Joseph Jacobs, cor- Tesponding member of the Royal Academy of History, Madrid, and of the American Jewish Historical Society, Washington. New | York: G. P. Putnain’s Sons, Washington: Brentano's. Within this volume is to be found what Mr. Jacobs declares is every scrap of evi- dence he could find in the English records, whether printed or inedited, that relates to the Jews of England up to the year 1206. A remarkable work and one on which the historian must necessarily place consider- able dependence. But it will be read with avidity by people who are not and never will be historians. GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICIANS; ANCIENT AN }ODERN. By Charles Marcotte. Chi- cago: Charles Marcotte. The political peculiarities of all nations are treated so that the average being can readily understand why those peculiarities exist. It has been said of this book that “it condenses more ideas and gives more reliable information than can be found in the scattered treatises upon that subject;” that statement is probably true, fellow and tutor of Teter Col- | as — o fis it if has before been rendered into English worthy the labor of translation. least interesting feature is the done by Chinese artists in the school sided over by Go Leng of Swatow. volume is unique. TH WGai The Lothrop. Anything from the pen of an Ought to be popular. The volume, written forty years M. and Anna Alcott and barn the ROBIN'’S RECRUIT. By A. G. of “Decr Daughter Dorothy,” x trated by the author. Boston: Roberts Washington: aa I 4 Loe CABIN. By W. Washington: Woodward & An autoblographical sketch, presented in one of those miniature volumes of Har per's “Black and White” series. One best and most natural fragmen‘ eil’s writings. adie’ GIRLS. THE BARBERRY BUSH AND STORIES ABOUT GIKLS FOR san of “What Katy Brothers. ‘Cool! » guthor ing Office. THE TWO SALOMES. A novel Foal, author of “‘oweny ea 4 4° K Bradford,” “Dally,"" dees "New Torkt Harper & Brothers, Wasbington: Woodware & DAVID BALFOUR: BEING THE MEMOIRS HIS ADVENTURES AT HOME AxD ABROAD, Scribner's Sons. Washington. Brentaas'e THE WHEEL OF TIME, COLLABORATION, OWEN WINGRAVE.’ Three stories by eng conversations on the American Tony We bis Semmy. Bm Beverly, X.d.: 3. TB Maes ad ert Grant, Westeated Uy WT Biaedhey ond cs. New ¥ Y ‘Serthesrs ‘Sons. Wash: a rs. SEWAGE TREATMENT AND SLUDGE of Orit ‘Baginces P. mM. Soc. Lowaces R. J. Bush, dag an OTT beet LES Bt rom: ber of the “Good” Company” serlent ‘teeved monthly. WRITE ‘THER. A novel. By Black. NEW FADs IN FLOWERS. Dresses and Hats Decorated Artisti: cally. Written for The Brening Star. One of the pretty balls this summer wa, & marguerite dance, the hostesses, with two exceptions, being young spinsters. They all carried bouquets of marguerites. same flower was largely used ration of the room and supper the yellow satin gown of one esses was ornamented on skirt with this flower. The j and dan ner tables represented Watteau designs, im mauve, crimson, pink and green. The color was carried out in orchids, the second with rose buds, the third with carnations, while the last was represented by mignon: ette and green orchids. The Jamp shades and menus were all en suite. In bouquets the “shower” is the favorite form for evening dress, and the flowers that compose it are chosen specially with idea to lightness. The handle ts quite con- ceaied among the flowers, and is provided with a hook, so that the flowers may fastened to the waist when not in use as a bouquet. Autumn Hats. The large velvet hats, turned upward fi front, bring visions of lovely faces. But while velvet is to be used extensively im every department of millinery, there will b¢ many hats of felt and satin and of plaig felt. For those who have a liking for felt hats the feeling is likely to be supported be+ cause the new models are charming. One has a soft cloven crown, turns up at the side and is bound at the brim with black galoon. A ribbbn band and bow @ curled cock’s plume at the side are leading features. Another hes @ crown much wider in the front than at the back; still another is in the popular boat form, the brim wident and turning upward at the side, and slight ly pointed in front. whese are trimi only with a durable corded ribbon bow, are intended to stand any stress weather. The admired manly fashions regulaté many hats, and one of the coming autumn and winter shapes is exactly from the soft Alpine headgear that Swiss climb- ers so generally wear. A waterproof hat is an approaching to women. It is a broad brimmed shape in brown felt, with a tan-colored patent-leather binding closely stitched over the brim to the depth of a quarter of an inch. The leather, cut to the width of the crown, encircles it, and has a flat bow at the side. Another hat, in gray felt, rather of the sailor class, has a narrow all-round brim turning upward, and a flat crown. It ig bound at the edge with black and trimmed with black ribbon. An endless bow at the side is composed of four prominent loops. Steel and jet play conspicuous parts in the new trimmings of velvet and satin hats, Biack is blended with white and cream, © combination always refined and beautiful, However, the new and distinctive color of the season is saphizine, an exquisite shade of sapphire-blue, although light shades of the burnt-straw tint, beaver, oak and to- bacco are all finding admirers and pur- chasers. The most important part of the present grande toilette is the “dessows.” The dress must be quite plain, without any trimering be or ornament, a dreamy. poetical style costume, but the “underneath” must more elaborate, such as this, a black “des- black gauze corsets trimmed with light blue satin, and a multitude of black gauze skirts, all trimmed with chicoree ruchings of blue faille. With this should be worn polished black leather shoes and black lace rosettes, with the inftial of the wearer in turquoises, taking the place of the usual buckle.