Evening Star Newspaper, April 13, 1895, Page 9

THE EVENING STAR PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, thes woe aa Cor. 11th reeee by ie Ev ta SH KAUFMANN. Pres. New York Office, 49 Potter Building, —_-———_——— ‘The Evening Star ts served to subscribers in the eity by carriers, on their own account, ut 10 cents per week, or 44c. per month. Coples at the counter cents ‘each. By mail—anywhere in the United pele) or Canada—postage prevaid--50 cents per Saturday qui $1. 3 wiauday anintupls Sheet Star, $1.00 per sear tg 2: Entered at the Post Othe> at Washington, D. C., _ Part2. Che ay ening, Star. apes oie as second-class ranil matter.) 7 AN mail .adscriptioos must be paid in advarce, Rates of advertising made known on applicatico. WASHINGTON, D. C., SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1895-TWENTY-FOUR PAGES. Printers’ Inf, fe fitffe scGoof: master of advertising), saps: JE is cfaimed for the Washingfon Stor, and proBablp trutGfulip cfoimed, Bat no offer newspaper in f8e counfrp goes info 60 farsz & percentage of aff fhe Bouses within a radius of fwenfp mifes from fhe office of puffication, REAL ESTATE GOSSIP | Grading and Opening Up Massachu- setts Avenue Extended. FEATORE OF AN ATTRACTIVE AVENUE The Steady Progress in the Line of Suburban Improvement. SOME NEW BUILDINGS The District authorities are now en- gaged in grading a portion of Massachu- Betts avenue extended, being that section @hich lies between the new observatory grounds and Rock creek. The avenue has been graded from the Tenleytown road to the observatory grounds, where it follows the circle which skirts the northern edge of that property. Congress recently appro- priated $10,000 for this work and it may be possible that the grading can be com- pleted to Rock creek. It is the expecta- tion that an appropriation .will be ob- tained for the erection of a bridge to span the creek on the line of this avenue. ‘There is a bridge a short distance north of this point which was erected by private enterprise several years ago, but it was only intended to serve until a permanent structure should be erected forming a con- tiruation of the avenue. In the event that the plans of the trus- tees of the American University are car- ried out and the initial building of this great enterprise is erected during the present year it is thought that active measures will be adopted for the opening up of Massachusetts avenue from the Ten- leytown road west to the grounds of the university, which, as is well known, front on the Loughboro’ road. The extension of the avenue east of the creek and to the bounds of the city was accomplished several years ago, and it is now quite a popular driveway for those wishing to visit this section of the suburbs. That portion of Massachusetts avenue within the old bounds of the city is one of the longest avenues in the urban plan, as well as one of the most attractive. Along its entire length of some three miles there is a double row of trees on both sices, and this feature alone would entitle it to the distinetion of being one of the most remarkable city streets in he world. It is not unusual to find in other cities a similar wealth of arborial beauty for a few squares on some street, but. there is prebably not another instance of the con- tinuance of such a feature for more than three miles. The partially compieted ex- tension which ends at the Tenleytown road will add another three miles to the lergth of this avenue, and there is no doubt that in course of time a similar scheme of tree planting will mark the new. section. Suburban Improvements. The extension of Massachusetts avenue passes through about the center of a tract of lard which a company recently organ- ized proposes to acquire and inaugurate there a series of extensive improvements, so as to make the section available for building purposes. It is said that the or- ganizers of this enterprise are engaged in raising the money in order to eifect the purchase of this land, and if their efforts should be successful and their plans are carried out a large sum of money will he spent in grading and opening and impro ing streets. Whether this scheme material- iz or not, it is evident that the future growth of the city will be accompanied by a continuance of the development which has already begun throughout that section. A similar line of improverrents will no doubt follow the course of the extension into the suburbs of other streets and av nues of the city, and in several sections considerable progress has already been made in that direction. As has already been pointed out, suburban settlements not only thickly dot the territory within the bounds of the District, but have extended beyond into Maryland and Virginia, and there is no question but that this process will coptinue as the center of all this activ- ity, which is the city itself, expands in pop- ulation and in business importance. ~ Senator Wolcott's Purchase. A sale of some interest was made recently by Fitch, Fox & Brown, real estate brokers, for Mr. Gardiner G. Hubbard. A vacant lot on the east side of Connecticut avenue be- tween M and N streets, adjoining the resi- dence of Senator Wolcott, was sold to the Senator for $16,000. The lot has a frontage of 30 fee Senator Woleott leases the house which he has occupied during the greater part of his term of service in the Senate,and it is among the possibilities that he will in the near future erect a hand- some residence on this site. In any event, he expects to build an addition to the house, which will give him a place for his library. One of the singular circumstances that sometimes occurs happened in connection with the sale of this lot. It was the prop- erty of Alexander Graham Bell, and for a number of years he used an old building which stood on the property as his labora- tory. It was finally torn down, and since then the property been unimproved. He had donated the property to the Volta Institute, which was founded by him and is located in Georgetown, and the lots had been on the market for sale for some time, but no purchaser had put in an appearance. me weeks ago, in talking about the ter, Prof. Bell laughingly remarked that he supposed that as long as he held the lots they never would be sold. Mr. Hubbard, who is his father-in-law, offered to take them off his hands, and Mr. Bell spted the offer. A day or two after this ad been made, and, of cours before the deeds for transferring the prop- erty could be recorded, Senator Wolcott, ‘on his own motion, made an inquiry agents of the property as to the price, and decided to buy it. The sale of the property so soon after Mr. Bell had de- termined to part with it may have been merely a coincidence, but it was certainly a striking and peculiar one. The Building Record. During the week ending yesterlay there were issued from the office of the inspector of buildings twenty-one permits to build new hquses at an aggregate estimated cost of $78,330. The northwestern section had fcur permits at $41,400, then came the county with fourteen permits at $34,500. The northeast had but one permit charged against it and that was for wm), The southwest had one at $1,800, and the south- east one at $530. Some Improvements. Columbia Heights gets a fine improve- ment in the new dwelling which is being erected on Bacon street by George H. B. White. © house will be three stories with cellar, having a frontage of twenty- one feet by a depth of seventy-five feet. It will have all modern conveniences and will be heated b; Ground has b for the erection of a three-story dwelling at 1003 Rhode Island avenue for Louis R. Peake. W. F. MeClure ts the builder. Work has been commenced on a three- story brick dwelling at 1010 Rhode Island avenue for F. P. Reeside. W. F. McClure fs the builder. J. H. Lane ts building fo’ brick and frame dwellings at 310, 311, 312 and 313 S street north: The hous will be two stories high and heated by furnace. He is also building two of the same style of dwellings at 310 and 312 Randclph street. A row of four frame dwellings on Polk street, Anacostia, is being erected for J. B. Redd. ‘A dwelling is to be erected by Dr. T. F. Mallan from plans prepared by N. R. Grimm, architect. It will be located on B street between Ist and New Jersey avenue southeast. The front, which will be forty- two feet, will be built of brown stone and pressed brick, and the pitch roof will be covered with Spanish tile. Three houses will be built by Jacob Bros. on Harvard street. They will be three stories in height, 18 by 60 feet, with fronts of Indiana stone and white brick. W. J. Palmer is the architect. +The residence 1220 Connecticut avenue, which was recently purchased by A. T. Britton, is to be remodeled and tmproved, im accordance with plans prepared by Jas. AYS TELL. A Person Cannot Safely Be Judged by His Surroundings. “You have no doubt noted how complete- ly the felon a man looks the moment you charge him with erime and lock him up?” It was a Congressman from Ohio who ask- ed the question of a representative of The Star. Without waiting for a reply, which was bound to be in the affirmative, he went on? ‘There has been one experience in my wild career which led me to doubt the ac- curacy of our vision on these grated door occasions. I’ve been made to wonder whether it was not our imagination which furnished the felonious look which we see in these captives of the law. This is the stery. It was many years ago in Columbus, I was a member of the legislature. It oc- curred that a couple of fellow statesmen, v.ho were on a committee which had to do with the institution, were called by. dint of business to pay a visit to the state asylum for idiots. It was an evening enterprise, and as I was without any program I ac- companied them. It chanced to be a field day, or rather field evening, at the asylum. The inmates were in a long hall, with a hard floor, a cross be- tween a ball room and a gymna- sivm. At the far end of the haul, on several tiers of seats, much like that luxurious up- helstery one finds at a circus, were huddled the more irresponsible. But down in the body of the big room were probably 100 per- sons of both sexes, ranging from ten years to forty and fifty years, and who were equal in a mental way to going through a kind of drill in calisthenics with wooden dumb bells. And they did it very nicely, as I noticed from my place, with my fellow visitors up in front. There was a brass band, too; the instruments being managed by inmates who had a taste for the melodious. I am bound to say that it was a good band; far better than many which might boast more brains. The zany who operated the B flat cornet was a wonder. I was much interested in all I saw, and as many of these weak-minded folk were girls, ard pretty ones at that, my reflections, as I gazed on the scene, were not without a cast of melancholy. I felt sorry for them; their fates seemed very hard. To be born into an easy world like this one of ours, and then to not be granted sufficient wit to take advantage of it was hard. “Perhaps an hour was taken up in the dumb bell exertions of the boarders, and the music of their band. The meeting then lapsed easily Into an informal dance, qua- drilles being readily arranged. Every now and then a waltz or round dance of some sort was pulled off. It all went smoothly off, too; the ‘gentlemen’ seeking their part- ners with the most studied, if not labored, politeness,and the ‘ladies’ conducting them- selves in all respects like belles of the first water. “My fellow statesmen had been over there before, and appeared—like the horse thief in Louisiana—to feel perfectly at heme. It was no time at all when I beheld them each with a partner take their places in a quadrille. And to their credit be it said, they did yeoman service and danced every bit aS well as the idiots. While I was feeling proud of them Mrs. Doren, the wife of Dr. Doren, the superintendent of this home of little light, and who felt somewhat responsible for my entertain- ment, asked me if I ever danced. I ad- mitted that on one or two occasions, cast- ing caution to the winds, I had in the teeth of the advice of my best friends given way to this frivolity. Why didn’t you tell me? cried Mrs. D. “Vil get you a partner in a moment.” And before I could restrain her she called to a very beautiful girl, seemingly about tweny years old, who was dancing with a still nger-girl for a partner. ‘Here, Anna,’ said Mrs. D., in a pleasant sort of haste, ‘here is Mr. G. and he has no partner. Won't Maggie excuse you and let you dance with him?” “Annie seemed in no wise loath. She ap- proached with smiling eyes, and the next moment we were a part of the waltz just then raging. “[ was very much pleased with Anna. She was such a dainty, beautiful creature, that her mental shortages were made all the more a blow. I paid no heed to the rather informal introduction which Mrs. D. bestowed upon us, rightly concluding that where the wit ‘of a person might be measured by a child of eight, elaborate so-. cial observances would only serve to tangle and abash. “As Anna and I were circling down the situation we conversed. I nammered my observations down so as to keep them within Anna’s reach, and we got along tip top. After the waltz Anna and I promen- aded the hall with the others. I asked about her home and her parents, and pro- posed such other topics as a child of five might safely struggle with. I didn’t want to overload Anna’s brain. “Perhaps I was with her half an hour, and it was the most sorrow-bitten’ thirty minutes I ever added to my life. I was younger then, and more capavle of the softer sentimentalities. Anna was so. beau- tiful and so unfortunate. Without that luster of the soul; wanting that rich armth of color which springs from in- telligence; what could Anna be? My heart wept for her. “Rut it was time to go back to the Neil house. There were divers cares of state waiting for me to plunge into them. I led Anna to a seat, where there was quite a cluster of idiots, and where she, therefore, would not feel so keenly the pang of my absence. Then I shook her poor, inane hand, and after gently patting her on the head told her to be good, and that hefore long I would see her again. She thanked me_ nic and there was a smile in the corners of her mouth which made her ap- pear almost intelligent. : “How did you find Anna as a partner? asked Mrs. D., while we were busy with our coats in the reception room. “‘Excelleat,’ I said, ‘exceliont.” Then I launched into eloquent regrets over the twilight fate of one so fair and so af- flicted. “Why surely you didn’t take Anna for one of the inniates?’ said Mrs. D.; and there horror in the lady’s voice and ire within her eye. “T certainly did,’ I replied, while alarm began to curl at my heart. “why dear! dear!’ said my hostess, ‘what a horrible mistake! Anna is our head teacher.’ = never went back, and I. never saw Anna again,” concluded the law maker. “T hear she is married now, and make no doubt she at times recalls me as the big- gest idiot she met at the a: bE —_.—_— NORTH CAROLINA POLITICS. Democrats Resolve on an Aggressive Campaign—“‘Straight” Republicans, The democratic state executiye commit- tee cf North Carolina has decided to make an aggressive campaign and to begin it rext year much earlier than heretofore. Reports made to the committee were en- couraging as to recent gains, though the ditticulty of defeating political enemies was admitt Many leading republicans had a confer- ence the other night at Greensboro’, at which Senator Pritchard was the leading pirit. The sentiment is for a_ straight electoral ticket and no division of it with the populists, though willingness is ex- pressed to divide the state ticket with the latter. THE NATIONAL GUARD Gen. Ordway’s Position in Regard to the Memphis Drill. COMPANIES AND THE BRIGADE CAMP Steady Progress Made in Preparing for the Coming Contest. NOTES OF INTEREST ——— If every company in the District National Guard should suddenly develop intense de- sire to undertake a pilgrimage to Memphis fot the purpose of participating in the in- terstate drill which is to be held there next month Gen. Ordway would offer no objection, and, of course, he has no ob- jection to make as to the two or perhaps three companies that may reasonably be expected to go to Tennessee in May. Pro- vided that the military efficiency of the cempanies is not diminished, the command- ing general is quite careless as to where they go; he would not be disturbed if the preposition to travel involved a tour of the United States or a journey to Honolulu or Sitka or even that ancient headquarters of the first Alaska cavalry, Point Barrow, provided that all things are done decently and in order and with proper regard for the goodly repute of the District of Co- lumbia. It may furthermore be stated that Gen. Ordway will not exact from companies go- ing to Memphis any pledges as to attend- ance at the brigade camp at Fort Wash- ington in June. There has been an im- pression abroad that the general would de- cline to permit any of the companies to go to Memphis unless their respective com- manding officers guaranteed satisfactory attendance at the brigade camp, but the very positive statement made by the gen- eral to a Star reporter yesterday evening reveals the real status. “Companies desiring to go to Memphis will undoubtedly receive the necessary per- mission,” said the general, “but they will have to show up in our brigade camp also. You may announce positively that com- panies having less than an average of 75 per cent of their membership in brigade camp will be mustered out of the District National Guard with all possible celerity after the closing of the encampment.” The situation is now perfectly plain. Interest in the Memphis Drill. The Memphis interstate -drill continues to boom. The champion National Fenci- bles are already putting up a really beau- tiful drill, notwithstanding the presence of a great deal of raw material in the team, and-those familiar with the history of the company freely express the opinion that the company which will drill on the Memphis field will far surpass all the tormer representatives of the organization at interstate competitions. Capt. Domer is displaying unusual energy in the work of training his men. ‘The Morton Cadets are steadily moving onward and upward, and mean to be very near the top of the ladder at the finish. Nightly drills are also being held by the Corcoran Cadet Corps, and Capt. Edwards states that if Gen. Ordway will permit him to go into camp at Fort Washington with a comparatively small company his team is going to Memphis without doubt. The Hibernian Rifles have dropped from the list of possibilities. The Emmet Guard, at its annual meeting, which occurs Tues. day evening next, ill take decisive ac- tion in regard to the proposition that the company send a team to Memphis. The Vicksburg Southrons will be among the competing companies at Memphis. This will be the first appearance of the organization at an interstate drill since the contest held in this city in May, 1887. ‘The Southrons have never sent out a team since the adoption of the new drill regula- tions, and the showing they will make at Memphis is, therefore, awaited with con- siderable interest. ‘A Change in the Rules. There has been a slight change made in the rules of entry governing the Memphis drill. Class B has been changed so as to read: “Companies that have never won or been awarded first or second prize in inter- state drill,” instead of “Companies that have never won or been awarded a prize in interstate drill.” This action was taken because certain companies that desire to enter the drill have taken third, fourth and lesser prizes ineother drills, and yet are of the opinion that they should not be required to com- pete with companies in class A, the drill for the championship. It is proposed tq have a great military parade and review during the encampment, such a one as has never before passed through the streets of Memphis. Already electric lights are being placed in position in order that the city may be brilliantly lighted at night throughout the drill period. The Memphis Cycle Club has definitely _ar- rarged to hold a big race meet May 17. The Omaha Guards, who have taken prizes at every drill they have entered, will compete at Memphis, having posted the forfeit. Janitors at the Armory. The question of janitors, or rather lack of such employes, is the cause of much dis- cussion at the armory. At present the members of the various companies are in the habit of sweeping and cleaning the rooms and leaving the refuse matter in the corridors, where it remains. Only one man is employed at the building as janitor now, and it is a physical {mpossibility for him to keep the structure in proper con- dition. A scheme has been broached providing for the employment of four men, to be paid from a fund which, it is proposed, shall be raised by assessing each com: pany and each staff a certain amount monthly. ‘The plan will probably be adopt- ed, and the cause for lack of cleanliness thereby removed. Use of Penalty Envelopes. The attention of organization command- ers has been called, in a circular !etter, to what is described as the growing mis- use of penalty envelopes for other than official correspondence, for which alone they are intended. Notices of meetings of officers or other associations, of recep- tions, fairs, theatricals, or other entertain- ments, or invitations to any of these, it is stated, are not official business, and must not be sent through the mails in official penalty envelopes. The penalty envelope, the circular con- tinues, are to be used only for such cor- respondence as relates to what law und regulation make the official business cf the National Guard; and only by such members of the guard as the same author- ity or the requirements of. the service empower. Second Battalion Camp Mess. A meeting of the commissioned officers of the second battalion was held zecently, for the purpose of maxing arrangements in regard to the mess at the coming bri- gade encampment. A committee compris- ing Lieut. R. A. Foster, Lieut. T. S. King and Lieut. R. McMurray was appointed to ascertain the number of men of the battal- fon who will participate in the encamp- ment, and.to estimate the amount neces- sary to assess each man in order tl.at sup- plies in addition to those furnished by the government may be procured. The battal- fon has already engaged the services of an experienced army cook, and although the meals will not be luxurious, the members of Maj. O’Brien’s command mean to amply satisfy the inner man during the outing. To Take a Practice March. Capt. Leonard H. Mattingly, company B, third battalion, has requested permission to take his command on @ practice march to Falls Church, Va., leaving the armory Saturday evening, April 20, and returning the following night. This company has or- ganized a drum corps of iBirty pleces,which is to be known as the ion Rifles’ Drum Corps. In connection therewith is a strong orchestra. As to the Brooklyn Trip. No definite action in regard to its con- templated trip to Brooklyn May 30 will be taken by the first battalion until the regu- lar monthly meeting in May. Unless cach of the four company commanders gueran- tees to carry a full company of fours, dou- ble rank, the visit to the thirteentn regi- ment of Brooklyn is to be declared off. A Friendly Match. Teams representing company C, second battalion, and company A, second battalion, engaged in a friendly rifle match last even- ing in the National Guard rifle gallery, company C coming out ahead, scoring 393 to 335 by company A. The riflemen of company C were Capt. Domer, Sergt. Crist, Privates Hadger, Boyer, McClanahan, Swi- gart, Baum, Stott, J. P. Cromwell and Mc- Beth, while those of company A were by Capt. Edwards, Lieut. Prosise, Sergts. Thompson and Collins, Corporals Dodge and Guista, Privates Britton, Hazard, Tay- lor and McGlue. In Place of an Eneampment. The substitution of a week’s march for a week’s encampment by the National Guardsmen will be found a most agree- able change, according to military jour- nals. Messachusetts and, it is believed, other states will adopt the plan the coming summer. The campaign should include the bivouac, picket and sentry duty, and the making and breaking of camp, marching packing and cooking, The sedentary lives éf many of the men would not admit of forced marches. Ten miles the first day would be followed by easy marches of ten or twelve miles. The citizen soldiery is en- listed for service in case of need, and nat- urally would not care to give up half or the whole of their vacations to fatiguing. work, and the chances are that many would break down unless the campaign were carried out on a moderate scale. There should be no prearrangement of camping grounds, these to be determined by the proper officers while actually en route. 2 Another matter of deep interest to the National Guard is the reorganization of the regular infantry, The law provides that the troops mustered inte. the govern- ment service shall have the same organiza- tion as the regular forces—ten company, single battalion regiments for infantry. Consequently the three battalion National Guard regiments could not bemustered in- to the United States service intact, much as the country might meed them in case of foreign complications. Je is generally coneeded that the three battalion measure for the imfantry regi- ments of the regular establishment will soon become the law of the fand. A con- siderable number of vacancies in the grade ef second Heutenant will be created by the act. The National Guard should be given its proportion of these offices. Indeed, it is urged, the law should be so framed that a certain proportion of all vacancies occur- ring in the grade of second lieutenant in the regular infantry should go to officers of the National Guard. Noten. The instruction of, sentries will be con- tinved Monday evening ext, when the fifth battalion assembles in Convention Hall. It is rumored that unless there is a very large improvement in attendance over the last assembly of the battalion, Major Suess will cause Something, and perhaps several things, to drop. The annual meeting and banquet of the Cfficers’ Association of the‘ second regi- ment is booked to occur Thursday evening, April 25. Gen, Ordway and Col. Mosher will be the only guests of the association, but a number of other prominent guards- men are to attend upon the invitation of members of the organization. The commanding officer of company C, third battalion, has requested the dishonor- able discharge of Privates John Botts, Rich- vid Burnett, Clifford Barry and Walter Daniels. Company A, second battalion, has issued cards for its twenty-ninth complimentary hop, to be held in the National Rifles’ pee Monday eveftiing, April 15, at 8:30 o elcek. Private Jesse W. Thornton, company B, third battalion, has been transferred to company A, second battalioh. ———.—_ CORNS ON THE SOLES. They May Re Prevented From Hurting in a Simple Way. “I have made a discovery. that my fellow men should have the advantage_of,” said the colonel as an amiable smile flitted over his genial features. “You: have probably noticed in the past that I limped slightly in my walk. Well, that was due to no old wound, as many supposed, but was caused by a corn right in the’center of the bottom of my right foot. Why didn’t I have it re- moved? Why, my dear boy, I suppose it was taken out by the most expert chiropo- dists, at least twenty times, but, like the apocryphal cat, it invariably came back. I tried everything I heard of in order to ob- tain relief, but to no avail. I have the corn yet; it is with me at this moment, but I am its conqueror, and I believe I could dance a lively waltz without discomfort. This is how I won the battle. The other day I was walking down the avenue, when 1 espied a pair of insoles in a shoe store window. A happy inspiration seized me and I went in and bought them. Taking them home I removed my right shoe and stocking and taking a pen I dipped it in ink and placed the fluid on that corn, Then placing the right insole on the floor I press- ed my foot down evenly upon it, and the ink on the corn marked the place where it would rest. I cut a small hole thfough the insole at the spot; put the article in my skce and put it on. The corn fited in the hole to a nicety, and new I do not know I have the infernal thing when I go out to walk. There are thousands of persons who have corns on the soles or heels, and they can securé comfort as/I did hy following my process.”” ——___+-2+_____ HYPNOTISM AS A DEFENSE. Chief Justice Hortom of Kansns Dis- sipates 2 Misapprehension. In an interview reeently, at Topeka, Kan., Chief Justice Horton of the Kansas Supreme Court explains away the general acceptation that the ceurt had recognized hypnotism as a defensive plea im a murder cese. The facts in the ease are these: A man named Gray -procered a gun and incitefl a man named MeDonald to kill one Patton. Gray made McDonald believe that Patton was traducing the character of Mrs. McDonald. McDonald, who did the killing, was acquitted. Gray was convicted in the lcwer court and tne supreme court affirmed the decision. ‘The case will be known far and wide as the “hypnotic case.” Judge Horton says: “The McDonald case wus not presented to the supreme court. ‘If it had been, and the same evidence pre- nted to us against Gray had been pre- sented against McDonald,the supreme court, had it the power, would have ruled for McDenald’s convictiong The acquittal of McDonald seems to re been @ miscar- riege of justice.” - +o It is again announce@g that Lord William Beresford will marry the widowed Duchess of Marlberough, formerly Jane Lilian War- ren, daugrter of the late Commodore Price, American navy, and widow of Louis Ham- mersley of New York. IN MUSICAL CIRCLES Proposed Convention of Women’s Amateur Clubs in This City. CIRCULAR INVITING DELEGATES 10 COME Active Rehearsals of ‘*Coronet and Coin” and Si Lootah. —_+ OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST In June, 1893, during the progress of the world’s Columbian exposition, a national convention of Women’s Amateur Musical Clubs was held in Chicago. The sessions were held in recital hall, in the music hall building, and continued for four days. The objects of the convention were to show the actual standard of musical culture among the best class of American women in all parts of the country, and the char- acter and quality of the educational work in music being done by Women’s Amateur Musical Clubs; to stimulate the formation of such clubs where they did not exist and improve the work of those already organ- ized, and to give a national recognition to this sort of woman’s educational work, which had been hitherto overlooked. ‘There were forty clubs represented at the convention, which was presided over by the wife of Theodore Thomas, and among the delegates was Mrs. Edwin FUhl, wife of the first assistant secretary of state, and at that time a resident of Grand Rap- ids, Mich., and president of the St. Cecelia Society of that city. Mrs. Uhl did not forget the valuable ex- perience gathered from the convention in Chicago, and ever since then she has rec- ognized the necessity of women’s amateur musical clubs continuing such meetings at regular periods. Recently, therefore, she drew up a circular letter on the subject, which has been sent to all the clubs that were represented in Chicago. The letter recites that since the formation of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, and the convention of the Amateur Musical Clubs, held in Chicago during the Colum- bian exvosition, several musicians and many presidents of such organizations have expressed the wish that those meetings should be continued, to be held biennially and asks why a federation of musical clubs may not be as successful and as useful as the General Federation of Women's Clubs. The members present at the annual or bi- ennial meetings (which should be held in different cities) would secure audiences, hear performers other than their own im- mediate associates; papers on instrumental end vocal music would be presented and amateur compositions rendered. Mrs. Uhl believes the effect of such meetings would be very great. Those in attendance would receive fresh inspiration, and the reports which they would take home to the ab- sent members would be nearly as beneficial. Thus, after meeting several times, a high standard would be éstablished. Assurances of earnest co-operation from many mem- bers of amateur musical clubs have been received, put the future steps taken will largely depend on the interest manifested in the answers to this circular letter. It is proposed to ask each club receiving the circular to authorize the attendance of its president at a meeting to be held in May of the present year+1805—in this city, for the purpose of forming a prelifMinary organization and arranging a program for work, to be submitted to their clubs for their ratification. In case a president can- not attend, a delegate appointed by the club can be received in her place. The chief consideration is to secure an harmoni- ous, enthusiastic federation of amateur = ical clubs, and of this Mrs. Uhl is hope- ul. Under the efficient management of Percy Winter the cast and chorus of Smith and MacLeod’s comic opera, “Coronet and Coin,” are rapidly perfecting themselves in the necessary stage work for the coming production on April 25 and 26. The splen- did chorus of nearly 100 voices is as near perfect as conscientious and steady re- hearsing can make it. In addition to the orchestra of twenty-one picked musicians, a guitar and mandolin orchestra of six- teen players is being drilled by Mr. Arthur Yundt, lately of the popular Tuxedo Quar- tet, to play in the opening chorus of the third act. Gundlach, the costumer, is hard at work on the numerous costumes, which are being made from special designs by George Gibbs of this city. The addition to the Children’s Country Heme is now fairly under way and will be ready for occupancy before the hot weather sets in. It is to aid in raising the money to defray the expense thus incurred that the performances of “Coronet and Coin” are to be given. Smith and MacLeod not only give the use of their opera, but their services without any remuneration what- ever, and if other friends of the charity respond by patronizing the entertainment there is no doubt that the amount realized from the sale of tickets will not only be sufficient to clear the home of debt, but leave something over to help make the young guests more comfortable this com- ing summer. ‘Those who pass up F street between 12th and 13th every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening will notice small groups of interested listeners thered together in the vicinity of No. The nocturnal air of early spring is permeated with con- tinuous strains of melody, and the listen- ers soon discover that is a rehearsal of the beautiful Indian opera of Lectah” being held. It is a fact that since the rehearsals of Messrs. Garland and Grimes’ romantic aboriginal opera commenced they have not been without an interested audience on the sidewalk below. However, this has not interfered with the punctilivus attention given to the work by both cast and chorus. Messrs. Howard and Mahoney are fast transforming their pale- face charges into very creditable Indian maidens and warriors, and when this opera is produced for public inspection and criti- cism at the Academy of Music, April 23, there is not one of the great Sioux tribe on their western reservation that need blush with shame at their eastern imitators. The cast, as has been stated, is complete row fn every detail. It will be a pleasure to the friends of Mr. Fellx Mahoney to know that he will again assume the role he created at the first production of this cpera. The part of Bristling Bob gives him ample opportunity to display his rich bari- tene voice, and to do some excellent act- ing. * ‘The Daisy Chain Guild, under whose avspices “Si-Lootah” will be rendered, has just cause to feel proud of its past efforts in the direction of the Contagious Disease Hospital, and it is hoped at the conclusion of the present event the fund will be greatly increased. Miss Amy Hare, the pianist, who is well remembered in this city, has recently been playing in London and meeting with de- cided success. She played in St. James’ Hall, and her program included an aria and presto by Paradies, Von Weber's so- nata in E minor, Schumann’s “Papillons,” three Chopin numbers, Brahm’s rhapsodie in B minor, Rubinstein’s bagcarolle in A and Liszt's polonaise in E” major. The critics spoke very highly of her work,prais- ing her capabilities as an executant, her adequate interpretation of every author and her versatility In the mastery of va- rious styles. Referring to the Von Weber sonata, she was complimented for “a crisp touch and pure musical tone, as well as expressive phrasing, and much artistic feeling.” Her success will be gratifying to her large number of friends in Washington. ‘The Georgetown Orchestra is actively re- hearsing for its next concert, and the in- terest of the members seems to be on the increase. Director Rakemann has infused into his force a portion of his own enthu- siasm, and this seems to bind the members more closely together. It’is Mr. Rake- mann’s intengion to present at the coming noying nuisance. concert a program that shall surpass in in- terest any that the orchestra has yet at- tempted: Among the numbers will be the overture, “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” @ composition melodious and attractive. Mr. Emil Mori has written an opera com- ique in two acts with intermezzo, which he calls “‘Telemach,” and which he will pre- sent for the first time at Metzerott Music Hall on May 1. The plot is taken from ancient Greek history, as told by Homer of how Ulysses, King of Ithaku, after an absence of twenty years, found his home in the most desperate condition. The histori- cal events are modernized in regard to so- cial conditions, but the classical style is maintained throughout. The comedians of the opera, a Theoklymenos, a prophet by trade, and the three herders, one being a traitor to Ulysses’ cause. Ions, a tramp, who proves to be the goddess Pallas Athene in disguise, algo creates a great deal of merriment. Melantho, Telemach’s sweet- heart, and Penelope, Ulysses’ grass widow, are the leading sopranos, while Telemach, a good-for-nothing youth of twenty, has a mezzo-soprano part. Ulysses, the missing king of Ithaca, makes his first debut as a beggar. He sings pathetic or comical, and brings a good deal of experience and in- teresting news from his voyages home. Eurynome, the oki housekeeper, discovers Ulysses’ identity in a very peculiar way, and is later on rewarded by being married to the prophet. Ulysses, after gaining ad- vantage over his enemies, first resolves to kill them without exception, but is finally moved to tears by their promise: “We'll never do this thing again!” Everybody shows the deepest emotion, and the day is celebrated by allowing Telemach and Me- lantho to become a happy couple. a Se JOHN SHRIVER’S DILEMMA. The Newspaper Correspondent Urged to Plead There Was Nothing in It. It is not getting so funny for John Shriver as the time approaches for his trial, with the possibility that in the end the Supreme Court will be called upon to pass final judgment. In view of the re- cent leaks about the court and the pre- mature publication of several important decisions of the court, it is possible that the august tribunal will not look 1pon the plea of privilege in a case where a newspaper man refuses to tell where he obtained information with any degree of lenience. It is well known that the recent leaks have caused great discomfiture to the judges. They feel that the court has been outraged, and_although they may not make an investigation of the matter they will not feel like condoning the offense of the newspaper man and the brokers who refused to answer questions as to where they obtained information, or as to such transactions as were under inquiry. The newspaper men are having consider- able fun with John, and the constant al- lusions to the irritation which the jus- tices of the court feel about the recent leaks have a tendency to suppress some- what the buoyancy that Mr. Shriver has heretofore maintained. He has already been advised to put in a plea at the trial (something that the newspaper men have all_the time maiitamed) that what published was of no earthly use anyway, cut no figure in the investigation, and that when finally the mysterious stranger, upon whom hinged the whole ga’ tale, put in an appearance, his. story, over which the investigating commitiee seemed puzzled, vanished into thin air. This is the kind of advice that John is getting on all sides. It has been suggested chat his attorney read the article, declare that there was nothing in it and that subse- quent events, shown by the record of the investigation, so proved it. In this case it is claimed by Mr. Shriver’s friends that a jury would at once acquit him, and he would never be compelled to face an angry Supreme Court, which had been ruffled by leaks of an important kind. Of course no one can tell what John will do. He may refuse the kindly adv that has been proffered him on all sides, and prefer the notoriety, even accompanied by some in- convenience, rather than take a sure and short cut out. —_——.—_ An Assortment of Kicks. To the Editor of The Evening Star: Why is it that people are to be suffo- cated when they go out to take a walk in this beautiful city by the dust, com- pesed of dried horse measure and the irri- tating powder of pulverized stone and ag- phaltum, raised by the infernal street sweepers? The crossings are indeed ren- dered so muddy that the sidewalks are made filthy by the feet of unfortunate pe- destrians, but the streets are not wholly sprinkled. Is it not stipulated in the con- tract that the work shall be done between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.? At times one cannot escape the horrible nuisance, go where he may, in any part of the northwest sec- tion of the city. Why are the hotels in the northwest section allowed to keep cellar dcors open that take up half the sidewalk, day and night, all the year round, while an industrious bootblack is not allowed to have a chair on a corner or near a house? I asked several policemen why they did not report the nuisances and they shrugged their shoulders, saying it was no use, and muttering something about “a pull. Why are people not prevented in the fine summer evenings (just when a walk is something to be desired) from flooding the sidewalks so t persons cannot go abcut without having their feet soaked? In the hands of children and malicious servants a hose pipe is an engine of terror. Yeu will see hose, large even as those used by the fire department, in ‘full play sometimes; and the operators take a_spe- cial delight in annoying passers-by. There should be an order passed forbidding the use of hose after 8 p.m., so that the streets might be used for recreative rambles. The hours of sweeping the sidewalks, too, should be prescribed, so that after a.m, one could walk the streets with some comfort. All people do not own carriages or use the street cars when they wish to go a few squares for pleasure or on business. The streets of the city are not what they were six or eight years ago. For a little while, after an energetic citizen lifted the city out of the mud, things went on pretty well by the force of inertia; now it is like an_old plantation, going down hill. For the past year the city has been very dirty. No one could go down town without getting very muddy, if he lived north of New York avenue and west of 7th street, at any time since the wet season began last fell. Why are not nurse maids prevented from going two, or three abreast with baby carriages? It is a very common and an- Indeed, there should be a statute or law against persons marching along three or four abreast on the side- walks. Cannot those crow baits of horses be driven off the streets? In any other place they would not be allowed. It is disgust- Ing to see the animals driven by some lazy brutes in this town. The police should be ordered to arrest the drivers. It would be n@ hardship to any one. There is enough wark for laborers nearly all the year round here. A push cart is a far superior affair to a shambling wagon drawn by a horse just able to crawl. Why are ash men and dust men allowed to go about at all hours of the day and annoy persons passing on the street by clouds of nauseous dust? Th et is we should have fifteen Co: missioners instead of three, so that there might be committees to attend to every. thing. Instead of clamoring for a_ vote, which will never be granted, let the people insist on having a competent board ap- pointed to care for the elty and District. ‘The Star could help, with its undeniably great influence, in carrying out some of the reforms suggested, some of the plans pro- posed. ROBERT S. HURLEY. —— = Luther S. Croker, the inventor of the corductor’s ticket puncher, died at East Braintree, Mass., Sunday, aged sixty-six. The wound in the face of Li Hung Chang, the Chinese peace envoy, who was shot March 24 by a patriotic fanatic, has new completely healed. & IN LOCAL STUDIOS During the past week the exhibition by the Washington Society of Artists at the Cosmos Club has been a constant source of interest to the Washington public, no less than 8,000 people having visited the Sallery during thet time. After Wednes- day, when it became known that “The Princess,” by Miss Curtis, had been pur- chased by the Cosmos Club for $400, the interest greatly increased, and that par- ticular canvas became the principal point of attraction. The first two pictures marked “sold” were the fantastic little study in pink and gray, by Juliet Thompson, and “On the River Maas,” by Parker Mann. As an artistic success the exhibition was far in advance of any previous one held by the society. Several of the canvases had been exhibited in the Paris Salon a year or two ago, and two or three were sent over by American artists there for this especial oc- casion, and with the clever work of several artists who have recently established them- selves in the city, gave an unwonted touch of interest and brilliancy to the collection. It is expected that the new Corcoran Gallery will be completed before the next exhibition is given by the Society of Wash- ington Artists, where, with increased facil- ities, the paintings’ may be shown, to greater advantage than heretofore. “The pressing need for a gallery where such local collections may be placed is fast be- coming recognized, and it is probable that the new gallery will contain special pro- vision for them. During the exhibition just closing the portraits shown by E. H. Miller attracted much attention, particularly the one called “Sunbeam,” which was unusually nice in color and values. “Late Afternoon,” by De Lancy Gill, was rather a surprise to those familiar with Mr. Gill's work—showing as it did an almost total change from his usual style and technique. Miss H. 8S. Loury had a finely painted study of “Quail,” and the original draw- ing, “Ruling Passion Strong in Death,” which hus just been returned from Ger- many, where it was sent for reproduction by the artists’ publishers. ., “Mending the Net,” by Frank B. Clark, is a most successful interpretation ef the subject, rendered with striking fidelity to nature. Miss Grace Patten had an attractive por- trait study. W. B. Chilton, an unusually well handled *“Woodiand Study.” Wm. T. Matthews, a painting of “Liackberries” and “Flowers.” Miss Clara Wilson, a “Study of Field Daisies." H. Hobart Nichols, a veirdly attractive little canvas, called Sorcery.” Robert Coleman Child, a carefully stud- ied subject, “Fidelie,” and a bit of moun- tain scenery, called “Across St. John’s Val- ley. Mrs. Helen A. Wharton exhibited an ef- fective marine, and Miss Alma de Mier of the Art Students’ League a picturesque view of country roadway, lighted by stray, gleams of sunshine. H. R. Burdick exhibited a portrait eas- ily recognized as Dr. Sawtell. Miss Anna Sands, a daintily handled study of *‘Prim- roses.” Mr. Dunbar had a most creditable exhibit of sculpture, and his life-like heads of many well-known pecple have called forth much favorable comment from the visitors to the art exhibition during the week. Mr. Dunbar has undoubted talent, and the steady Improventent he shows in his work is very gratifying to his friends.and ad- mirers. . ee The night exhibitions of the Corcoran Gallery, which have been so largely at- tended during the season, will close with that of Friday evening next. o*e The exhibition which R. Le Grand John- ston will open next Monday in the Fischer gallery will contain much of the finest work he has accomplished during the past year, together with a number of decorative subjects, quite different in style from his usual motives. . ee F. J. Fisher has cards out for a series of receptions and exhibitions of his pupils’ work--to be held on the 18th, 19th and 20th of this month, in his studios in the Cor- coran building. . Robert Hinckley has been obliged to sus- pend work for a time, owing to a recur- rence of the nervous prostration from which he suffered last spring. * ee A number of sketching classes are being organized and parties formed for out-door painting during the spring and summer. Among these the most conspicuous is that conducted by E. C. Messer, who is plan- ning a several wecks’ trip to the moun- tains of West Virginia. oe F. M. Pebbles has almost completed the portrait of Secretary Gresham which has occupied his easel during the past winter. The likeness is striking and the ensemble effective and pleasing. The artist is also rapidly completing the bust portrait of Gen. Bissell, upon which he has been work- ing, and both canvases will be placed on exhibition for a short time before being consigned to their respective places in gov- ernment buildings. . oe The last lecture in the course given this season under the auspices of the Art Stu- dent: League will be delivered by W. Lewis Fraser this evening, at the Builders’ Exchange. The subject of the lecture is “Pencil and Graver in American Art for One Hundred Years,” illustrated with a number of stereopticon views. —_———_—_. THE SAMOA A Man of Importance and the Leading Laundry of the Island. “We were strolling about one of the Sa- moan Isiands,” said a naval officer to a representative cf The Star the other day, “looking about for something interesting. We met many people who did not seem to know anything and could not answer our questiens. Finally we found a man who seemed to appear better informed than the others and had the appearance of being a man of some importance. Though not a native he had, no deubt, been long in the islands, as his appearance indicated. He wore parts of a German and parts of an English uniform, and I am not sure that he did noc have some American clothes on. **You look like a man of some import- ance here, one of us said. ‘Perhaps you can tell"_us something akcut the country we wisk to know.’ ~ “IT am a man of some importance here,” he replied. ‘I am minister of agriculture and labor. If I can give you any informa- tion I will do so with pleasure.” “Well, he answered a number of inquiries and then said: ‘I see by your uniforms you are Americans. I am always glad to meet Americens; but that was pot what I want- ed to speak to you about. You will prob- ably be here for some time, and I wanted to tell you that my wife is a first-class and we would be glad to do the z for the officers of your ship. I-can u that it will not be done better by any one in the island. ~ -se0e-—__—_ Want Agent Teter Removed. A delegation of Indians from Fort Hall have called on Governor McConnell of Idaho, with a request signed by three hun- dred of the tribe that Agent Teter be re- moved and A. W. Fisher, agent during the Harrison administration, be appointed. They ask the governor to forward it to the President with a letter. Teter is charged with mistreating the Indians and furnish ing scant rations.