Evening Star Newspaper, December 8, 1896, Page 15

THE EVENING sTAR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1896-16 PAGES. MR. OLNEY’S VIEWS What He Said About Cuba in His Annual Report. REVIEW OF THE SITUATION Our Relations With Great Britain Explained at Length. ee THE ALASKA BOUNDARY ‘The Secretary of State has prepared a special report to the President of the more important international questions which have occupied the attention of the State Department during the past year. It is one of the papers accompanying the Presi- dent's message, and treats of foreign af- fairs ir a more detailed way than does that document. The report opens with the re- mark that the relations of the United States with foreign powers continue upon that fcoting of harmony and friendliness which has been their tortunate character- istic for so many years. Details About Cuba. In regard to the Cuban affair, Secretary Ciney says: ‘The situation in the Island of Cyba has largely engrossed the attention of the De- partment of State during the pas* year. Its efforts to obtain trustworthy informa- tion and to insure due protection to citi- zens of the United States and their prop- erty and interests within the theater of dls- turbance have been ably seconded by the consular representatives in that island. As regards the character and scope of the hostile operations which now a‘Tect the greater part of Cuba, the reports of our consuls are properly confidential, and while precise as to the several districts touching which reports kave been received, the na- ture and sources of the information ebtain- ed are such as to make detailed publication impracticable, so that the department is uot in a position to do more at present than state its general deductions as to the posi- tion of the contending parties. Confined in the outset, as in the ten years’ insurrection which began at Yara in Octo- Ler, 186s, to the eastern portion of the Is- land, where the topography and absence of settled centers especially favored the des- ultory warfare apparently normal to this class cf contests, the present insurrection very early took proportions beyond those of its predecessor and therewith assumed an aggressive phase, invading the popuious central and western districts. Passing the defensive lines or trochas traversing the island from north to south, formidab!e bodies of the revolutionary forces early ‘n the year established themselves in the rich sugar-planting districts of Santa Clara, Clenfuegos and Matanzas, made hostile forays almost in sight of Havana itself, and. advancing westward. effected a lodg- ment in the fertile tobacco flelds of Pinar del Rio, which has so far resisted all efforts of the Spanish forces to overcome. No Seaport Attacked. No prominent seaport has been attacked by the insurgents or even menaced beyond occasional raids upon the outskirts. A large part of the twenty-two hundred miles of the irregular coast line of Cuba, com- prising the comparatively unsettled stretches of {ts western extremity and the inhospitable mountain shores of its eastern part, is practically in the hands of the revolutionists. The @haracter of these shores, filled to the westward with shallow indentations inacceesible to any but light vessels of small tonnage, and to the east- ward with rocky nooks dangerous to ap- proach by night and affording insecure anchorage for larger craft, lends itself peculiarly to the guerrilla warfare of the interior, so that the insurgents, being re- Meved of the need of maintaining and gar- risoning points upon the coast, are ef- fectively able to utilize a considerable part of it as occasion offers to communicate with the outside world and to receive clan- destine supplies of men, arms and ammu- nition. The situation In that quarter, as regards the ease of surreptitious access and the difficulty of repressing illicit traffic, finds a not unapt parallel in that of the Cornish and Welsh coasts of England or the Scottish highlands in the last century, where a few adventurers were able to smuggle supplies and land rebel emissaries or forces, baffling the watch of maritime forces much greater than those maintained by Spain along the diversitied shores of Cuba. While thus in fact controlling the larger part of the internal area of the whole Island of Cuba, from Cape San Antonio to Cape Masi, and enjoying practically un- Itmited use of an equally large part of the coast, the revolutionary forces are scat- tered, being nowhere united for any length of time to form an army capable of at- tack or siege and fit to take the defensive in a pitched battle. Assembling suddenly at a given point, often in a single night, they make unexpected sallies or carry destruction to the tobacco and cane fields of Cuba, and at the first sign of pursuit or organized assault they disperse only to reassemble in like manner at some other spot. No Established Government. So far as our information shows, there is not only no effective local government by the insurgents in the territories they over- run, but there is not even a tangible pre- tense to establish administration anywhere. ‘Their organization, confined to the shifting exigencies of the military operations of the hour, is nomadic, without definite centers and lacking the most elementary features of municipal government. There nowhere appears the nucleus of statchood. The ma- chinery for exercising the legitimate rights and powers of sovereignty and responding to the obligations which de facto sover- eignty entails in the face of equal rights of other states 1s conspicuously lacking. It is Gladness Comes With a better understanding of the transient nature of the many phys- ical ills, which vanish before proper ef- fe entle efforts—pleasant efforts— rightly directed. There is comfort in the knowledge, that so many forms of sickness are not due to any actual dis- ease, but simply to a constipated condi- tion of the system, which the pleasant family laxative, Syrup of Figs, rome ly removes. That is why it is the only remedy with milliozsof families, andis everywhere esteemed so highly by all who value health. Its beneficial effects are due to the fact, that itis the one remedy which promotes internal cleanliness without debilitating the organs on which it acts. It is therefore all important, in order to get its bene- ficial effects, to note when you pur- chase, that you have the genuine arti- cle, which is manufact by the Cal fornia Fig Syrup Co. only and sold by all reputable druggists. If in the enjoyment of good hcalth, and the system is regular, laxatives or other remedies are then not needed. If afflicted with any actual disease, one may be commended to the most skillful physicians, but if in need of a laxative, one should have the best, and with the well-informed everywhere, Syrup of Figs stands highest and is most ly used and gives most general: not possible to discern a homogeneous po- tical entity, possessing and exercising the functions -of administration and capable, if left to itself, of maintaining orderly gov- ernment in its own territory and sustain- ing normal relations with the external familly of governments. ‘a 3 To illustrate these conditions, the insur- gent chiefs assert the military power to compel peaceable citizens of the United States within their reach to desist from planting or grinding cane, under the de- creed penalty of death and of destruction of their crops and mills; but the measure is one of sheer force, without justification under public law. The wrongs so com- mitted against the citizens of a foreign state ure without an international forum of redress to which the government of the United States may have recourse as re- gards its relation to the perpetrators. The acts are those of anarchy, and in default of the responsibilities of de facto statehood in the case, there remains only the territo- rial accountability of the titular sovereign within the limits of its competency to re- press the wrongs complained of. In opposition to the nomadic control of the interior and the undefended coast by the insurgents, the Spanish authority con- tinues in the capital cities and the seaports. Its garrisons are there established; from them its naval operations are directed and executed. Most of its functions preceed as in time of peace. Its customs and munici- pal revenues are regularly collected, and with exception of the temporary restraints, alleged to be due to the admitted existence of a siate of hostilities, foreign commerce with the island is kept up, although largely diminished by the natural contraction of the Cuban market of supply and demand. As to those parts of the island with which this country and its citizens maintain legitimately normal intercourse, the Span- ish power is supreme, although often exer. cised in a vexatious and arbitrary way, calling for just remonstrance. So far, therefore, as the relative position of the Spanish and insurgent forces is com- parable with the situation during the Yara insurrection, while the same phases of or- ganized administration in the capital and seaports and effective relations of trade with the outside world on the one hand, and on the other a nomadic association without the insignia of orderly government and strong only to wage harassing warfare in the interior, are now as then apparent, the present insurrection stands in notable contrast with its predecesssors, both as to force and scale of operations. Increase in Numbers. Although statistics of their military strength are attainable with difficuliy and are not always trustworthy when obtained, enough is certainly known to show that the revolutionists in the fleld greatly cx- ceed in numbers any organization her2to- fore attempted; that with large accessions from the central and western districts of the island a better military discipline ts added to increased strength; that instead of mainly drawing as heretofore upon the comparatively primitive population of east- ern Cuba, the insurgent armies fairly repre- sent the intelligent aspirations of a large proportion of the people of the whole isl- ard; and that they purpose to wage this contest, on these better grounds of vantage, to the end and to make the present strug- gle a supreme test of the capacity of the Cuban people to win for themselves and their children the heritage of self-govern- ment. A notable feature of the actual situation is the tactical skill displayed by its lead- ers. When the disparity of numbers and the comparatively indefensible character of the central and western Vega country are considered, the passage of a consi ler- able force into Pinar del Rio follow2d by its successful maintenance there for many months must be regarded as a military svc- cess of a pronounced character. So, too, the Spanish force, in ‘he fie!d, in garrison on the island, or on Its wiy thither from the mother country, is largely beyond any military display yet called for by a Cuban rising, thus affording an inde- pendent measure of the strength of the in- surrection. From every accessible indication it is clear that the present rebellion is on a far mcre formidable scale as to numbers, Intelligence and representative features than any of the preceding revolts of this century; that the corresponding effort of Spain for its repression has been enormous- ly augmented; and that, despite the con- stant influx of fresh armies and material of war from the metropolis, the rebellion, after nearly two years of successful re- sistance, appears today to be in a condition to indefinitely proleng the contest on its present lires. The nature of the struggle. however, de- serves most earnest consideration. The in- creased scale on which it 1s waged brings into bolder relief all the appalling phases which often appear to mark contests for supremacy among the Latin races of the western hemisphere. Excesses before con- fined to a portion of the Island become more impressive when wrought throughout its whole extent, as now. The insurgent authority. as has been seen, finds no reg- ular admiristrative expression; jt is as- serted only by the sporadic and Irrespon- sitle force of arms. The Spanish power, outside of the larger towns and their im- mediate suburbs, when manifested at all, is equally forceful and arbitrary. Indixeriminate Destruction. The only apparent aim on either side is to cripple the adversary by indiscriminate destruction of all that by any chance may benefit him. The pcpulous and wealthy dis- tricts of the center and the west, which have escaped harm in former contests, are now ravaged and laid waste by the blind fury of the reepective partisans. The prin- ciples of civilized warfare, according to the code made sacred by the universal acaui- escence of nations, are only too often vio- lated with impunity by irresponsible sub- crdinates, acting at a distance from the central authority and able to shield them- selves from just censure or punishment by false or falsified versions of the facts. The killing and summary execution of non-combatants is frequentiy reported, and while the circumstances of the strife are such as to preclude accurate or general in- forraation in this regard, enough is known te show that the number of such cases is considerable. In some instances, happily few, American citizens have fallen victims to these savage acts. A large part of the correspondence of the State Department with its agents in Cuba has been devoted to these cases of assault upon the rights of our citizens. In no tn- stance has earnest remonstrance and en- ergetic appeal been omitted. But the repre- sentatives cf the Spanish power often find it easily practicable to postpone explana- tions and reparation on the ground of al- leged ignorance of facts or for other p!ausi- ble reasors. Z Its effect upon the personal ‘security of our citizens in Cuba is not the only alarm- ing feature of the reign of arbitrary ana:- chy ir. that Island. Its influence upon the fortunes of those who have invested their capital and enterprise there, on the as- sumed assurance of respect for law and treaty rights, is no less in point. In the nature of things. and having regard to the norma! productions and trade of the island, most of these ventures have been made i: the sugar and tobacco growing and stock- raising districts now given over to civil war. Exact statistics. of the amount of such investments are not readily attainable, but an approximate statement shows that American interests in actual property in the district of Cienfuegos reach some $12,- 000,000; in the province of Matanzas some $9,000,000; in Sagua, for estates and crops alone, not less than $0,220,000, while in San- tiago the investments in mining operations Probably exceed $15,000,000. For Pinar del Rio, Santa Clara. and the other interior districts tabulated statements are wanting, and so also with regard to commercial and manufacturing establishments, railway en- terprises and the like. Financial Loss. A gross estimate of $50,000,000 would be more likely to fall under than over the mark. A large proportion of these iny2s:- ments is now exposed to the exceptional vicissitudes of the war. Estates have been desolated and crops destroyed by the in- surgents and Spaniards alike. Upon those not actually ravaged operations have been compulsorily suspended owing to the warn- ings served by the revolutionists or the withdrawal of protection by the Spanish authorities, often accompanied by a simi- lar prohibition against continuing work thereon or by forbidding communication and residence, thus entailing enforced abandonment of the premises. Provisions and stock have been seized by either force for military use without compensation. Dwellings have been pillaged. In short, the cessation of all remunera- tive production accompanies actual or prob- able loss of the invested capital. Numer- ous claims on these several accoun-s have been filed, but in many instances the suf- ferers are known to abstain from formal claim or complaint for prudential reasons, lest worse should befall them at the hands of the insurgents and the Spaniards in turn, accordingly as elther may gain tem- porary control of their property. A partial estimate of material claims and injuries of this class already aggregates a trifle under 310,000,000. * Nor does the loss fat upon capital alone. Large numbers of the agricultural laboring classes are driven from the fields to the nearest towns, partlysby the peremptory orders of the local military commanders and partly by the cessation or destruction of their only means of livelihood. They are well-nigh destitute. Among:them «re many citizens of the United States. Scme idea of the extent of this calamitous cor di- tion is given by the reports which reach the department from a single district. It is officially reported that there are in one provincial city alone some 4,000 necessitous refugees from the surroynding country to whom the municipal apfhorities can af- ford little or no rellef. Over 300 of these are American citizens, engaged in ,pros- perous farming and stock raising at the he- ginning of the outbreak, whose employ- ment and resources have bee@ swept away by eighteen months of civil strife, reduc- ing them from affluence to penury and throwing them upon the charity of en ex- hausted community in a devastated land. All these disastrous conditions, with the evils and disorder necessarily following in their train, are Interfering with the insular avenues of trade and very gravely impatr- ing the business operations of Cuba. A measure of the general failing off is in- structively found in the monthly returns of the customs receipts at the fifteen ports of entry of Cuba, which, from $5 ,480,255.77 during the first seven months of 1895, sank to $3,728,107.80 in the corresponding period of 1898. This is but one of many accessiblc examples to show that the industrial value of the Island of Cuba is fast decreasing under the prevalent conditions. From whatever point of view we regard the matter, it is impossible not to discern that a state of things exists at our doors alike dangerous to good relations, destruc- tive of legitimate commerce, fatal to the internal resources of Cuba, and most vexa- tious and trying because entailing upon this government excessive burdens in its domestic administration and In its outward relations. This situation cannot inglefinite- iy continue without growing still worse, and the time may not be far distant when the United States must seriously consider whether its rights and Interests as well as ils international duties in view of its pecu- liar relations to the island do not call for some decided change in the policy hitherto pursued. Besides the cases growing out of the acts of the combatants in the interior, com- plaints have not been infrequent touching the course of the insular government in the centers where the Spanish authorities as- sert politico-military powers. | Numerous instances of interference with the persons, property, vessels and interests of citizens of the United States have been brought to notice in the past twelvemonth. In every case where the facts sufficed to impute cul- pability or responsibility to the agents of the Spanish power redress has been promptly and vigorously sought. The right cf every citizen arrested in Cuba to have the benefit of the ordinary riminal proccedings guaranteed by exis ing trerties has beer energetically insisted upon: the clatm of the insular authorities to seize the persons of our citizens without pro-ess or charge of crime, and to detain them as suspects upon mere administrative erder, has been met with prompt demand for immediate regular trial or release: arbi- trary restrictions upon crdinary commerze, decreed by the military power, and tending to impair existing contracts of our citizens, have called forth impressive remonstrance and promise of redress; the right of our consular representatives to address the lo- cal authorities in defense of any assailed interests of Americans, when questioned, has been successfully defended; and un- warraniable acts of interference with our vessels have been at once resisted. The particulars of many of these cases will be found in the col!ected annual volume en- titled “Foreign Relations of the United States. The Competitor Cane. In April last, the Competitor, a sma!) schooner of American registry, eluding th vigilance of the federal authorities, took on board men and supplies presumably intend- ed to ald the Cuban insurrection, and reached the coast of that island near San Cayetano. Being discovered by the Spanish coast guard, a conflict ensued, resulting in the captare of a number of those on board as well as the seizure of the vessel. The prisoners, among them several American citizens, were subjected to a summary mili- tary tria!, which, although conducted by an admiralty court, alleged to be competent, appeared to have lacked the essential safe- guards of procedure stipulated by the exis ing conventions between the United States and Spain. This government promptly in- tervered to secure for its implicated citt- zens all the rights to which they were clearly entitled, including appeal from the pronounced sentence of death. Their cases were subsequently carried to the higher tribunal at Madrid, which has set the con- viction aside and remanded the cases for retrial. This government has been censtrained to enter earnest protest against a recent de- cree of the governor general of Cuba, or- dering the registration of all aliens in the island, and pronouncing all those not regis- tered within a certain time as debarred from appealing to the provisions of existing law. The treaty rights of American citi- zens obviously depend on their actual alle- giance to their own government, not upon any arbitrary Inscription as aliens by the state wherein they may be sojourning; and while this government is weil disposed to admit the convenience of the proposed registry as an additional evidence of the right of such citizens in Cuba to the nro- tection of the authorities, and has signified its willingness to facilitate their registra tion, it can never consent that the om's sion of a merely local formality can oper- ate to outlaw any persons entitled to its protection as citizens, or to abrogate the right to the orderly recourses of Spanish law solemnly guaranteed to them by treaty. Relations With Great Britain. A chapter on Great Britain is as follows: The long-protracted dispute between Great Britain and Venezuela in regard to the boundary between the latter republic and British Guiana has for a number of years past attracted the earnest attention of this government and enlisted {ts often- renewed friendly offices to bring about an adjustment of the question in the best in- terests of right and justice, as determin- able by the historical reeord and the actual facts. The extended discussion of the sub- ject culminated in July of last year by an elaborate presentation to the British gov- ernment of the views of the United States touching the opportuneness and necessity of a final disposition of the points at issue by the pacific resort of an equitable arbi- tration. The entire correspondence having heen jaid before Congress by the President with his message of December 17, 1895, that body provided for the appointment of a domestic commission of eminent jurists to examine and report touching the ascer- tainable facts of the controversy, with a view to enable this government to deter- mine its further course in the matter. That commission has pursued its labors unremit- tingly during the present year, its re- searches being greatly aided by the elab- orate statements placed at its disposal by both the interested governments, together with a mass of documentary evidence fur- nished from the archives of the European countries that shared in the early dis- coveries and settlement of South America. The Arbitration Agreement. Pending this arduous investigation, how- ever, the zoverr ments of the United States and Great Britain have omitted no en- deavor to reach a friendly understanding upon the main issue of principle through diplomatic negotiaticn, and it is most grat- ifying to arncunce that amicable counsels have prevailed to induce a satisfactory re- sult, whereby the boundary question and its associated phases have been at last eliminated as between this country and England. A complete accord has been reached betweer them, by which the sub- stantial terms of a treaty of arbitration to be concluded by Great Britain and Venezuela have been agreed upon, the pro- visions of which embrace a full arbitra- tion of the whole ccntroversy upon bases alike just and honorable to both the con- testants. It only remains for the two par- ties directly concerned to complete this equitable arrangement by signing the pro- posed formal treaty, and no doubt is enter- tained that Verezuela, which has so earn- estly sought the friendly assistance of the United States toward the settlement of this vexatious contention, and which has so unreservedly confided its interests to the impartial judgment of this government, will assent to the formal adjfistment thus attained, thus forever ending a dispute in- volving far-reaching consequences to the peace and welfare of the western continent. Coincidently with the consideration of the Venezuelan boundary question, the two governments have continued negotiations for a general convention, in the line of the recemmendations of the British house of commons, to which previous messages of the President have adverted, that all differences hereafter arising between the two countries and not amenable to ordi- nary diplomatic srqreprent, should be re- ferred to: arbitratidn- The United States and Great Britain yhaying given repeated proofs of their acqitescence in the great principle involved, Tosronly by treaties be- tween. themeelvcs, but severally by con- cluding lke adjusti#hts with other pow- ers for the adjudichffpn of disputes rest- ing on law and fac}, #he subject was nat- urally apprcached ia @ benevolent spirit of agreement, and thevregotlations have so satisfactorily progres as to foreshadow a practical agreemtpt at am early date upon the text of @, Gonvention to the de- sired end. r A joint commisstoti: of arbitration has been appointed un§er the convention of Febrvary 8, 1890, for’the settlement cf seal- ing claims present@d, by Great Britain against the United States in virtue of the prior conventicn of ‘February 29, 1802. The commissioners will ‘sit at. Victoria, B. C., and possibly also at San Francisco, Cal. ‘The Senin, During the past year little has Leen ac- complished in the matter of additional pro- tection for the fur’ seals. Unfortunately, the legislation of Great Britain and the United States, enacted to carry out the Parls award, differs in important particu- lars. Under the act of Congress a vessel seized, having in its possession prohibited arms or implements, or seaiskins, or the bodies of seals, in the closed season, is pre- sumed to have violated the law, and the burden of proof rests upon the master to shew innocence. In the act of parliament known as the Bering sea award act, 189, on the other hand, there is no such pre- sumption, The act of parliament known as seal fish- ing (Bering sea) act, 1801, under which the mcdus vivendi of 1891 and also that of 102 were agreed upon, contained such a pre- sumption, but this provision, as above stai- ed was omitted in the Bering sea award act, 1894. The fact that the British government for the past two seasons has refused to permit British sealing vessels to have their arms piaced under s2al while in Bering sea has also led to some friction regarding the searching of vessels. It 1s to be hoped, however, that this latter question ison the verge of an agreement which will more effectually carry out the purpose of the award. A From incomplete returns ‘received it would appear that the total catch of seals from the so-called American herd has terially decreased during the last ‘The cause of this ts, unquestionably, sealiig. Every effort has been mag duce the British government to regulations of the Paris award, ward a more stringent method ing the seal herd. The suggestion was made of an internationai commission to consider this whole question, said commis- sion to consist of representatives of Russia, Japan, Great Britain and the United States, and, pending the report of said commission, that Bering sea be closed to fur seal fish: irg. It is to be regretted that to this the British government refused its concurrence. Last summer, however, the British gov- ernment requested permission to send nat- uralists to the Pribilof Islands to examine inte the condition of the fur seal herd, and this permission was promptly granted. The British government appointed Prof. D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson of University Col- lege, Dundee; Mr. James M. Macoun of the Geological Museum, Ottawa, Canada, and Mr. Andrew Halkett -ef tne department of marine and fisheries, Ottawa, Canada. Mr. 3. E. H. Barrett-Harhilton of Kilmannock, Ireland, was also sent to the Russian Seal Islands to make independent investigation there. These gentlemen went to the Prib- ilof Islands, and have made or will make a report to their gov¢ynment. Under the provisions of the joipt resolution of Con- gress approved June & 1596, Prof. David 8. Jordan of the Leland: Stanford, jr., Uni- versity of Palo Alto Cal. was appointed by the Secretary of* the Treasury as an expert to examine Into the present condi- tion of the fur seal herd on behalf of our government. There:were associated with him Mr. F. A. Lucas and Dr. Leonard Stejneger, both of the U, 8. National Mu- scum; Mr. Charles 'H. Townsend of the U. 8. fish commission, Lieutenant Com- mander Jefferson F...Moser, U. S. navy, ard Mr. Joseph Murray. Professor Jor- dan has not yet prépared his final report, but from the preliminary report, which has just been received, tt would appear that pelagic sealing is the ¢ause of the great decrease in recent years in the number of fur seals, and: ofthe present critical state of the herd. The fur seal herd*iy'threatened with ut- ter ruin unless some #hanges are speedily made in the award régulationg. It is sin- cerely to be hoped that as a result of the reports of these experts to their respective governments changes in the law will be agreed upon which will effectuaily pr2- serve the fur seal and protect this valua- ble industry for the use of mankind. The Alaska Boundary. A proposal for the immediate location of the Alaskan boundary line along the one hundred and forty-first meridian by setting international monuments thereon at or be- tween convenient points already determined by independent American and Canadian surveys, and by continuing its demarcation hy joint survey, having been accepted, ne- gotiations are in progress toward a conven- tion with Great Britain or the organization of an international survey commission, as contemplated by the act approved Febru- ary TSG. The prospects of immediate negotiations for the precise demarcation of the coast- wise Alaskan boundary are good. The pre- liminary survey of that region under the convention with Great Britain of July 22, 1892. was completed within the stipulated: time, and, having before them the neces- sary topographical data, the two govern- ments are now in a position to consider and establish the boundary line in question ac- cording to the facts and agreeably to the true purpose of the treaties between Great Britain and Russia, and between Russia and the United States, whereby it is de- scribed. Under authority of a provision in the sundry civil appropriation act of March 2, 1895, commissioners have been appointed to confer with a similar committee on behalf of Great Britain and the Dominion of Canada to inquire into the feasibility of constructing a deep waterway for seago- ing ships between the great lakes and the Atlantic ocean. The assent of Great Britain and the other chief ma e states having been given to the lately perfected international rules for the prevention of collisions at sea, and to the proposal of the United States that those rules shall be put in operation on July 1, 1897, the protracted negotiations to this humanitarian end have reached a sat- isfactory result. BROOKLAND. Miss Mamie Duglass and Mrs. Cameron Brodie A two children of Washington were the rec guests of Mrs, Herbert of Quincy: street. Mrs. Wolsh, mother of Mrs. Arthur Nichols, who Ged recently, accompanied 1 Nichols, left yesterday for Lincoln, Va. Mr. Arthur Nichols, will spend the winter in Washington. Mrs. Mary Bennett, who has been for some time the guest of Mrs, Jobnston of Quincy street, is spending a few weeks in the city. ‘The Baptist Young Pepple’s Unton held an tn- teresting meeting last might. ‘There was a large » amd many well-chosen remarks were Major and Mrs. Greeti @lay Goodloe have closed thelr pretty home, “Woodeive,”” on the Quests Chapel road, to spend th.winter in Washingto Miss Corrie Eckenwakdee: of Baltimore will the guest of Mrs. John i. ,Hare during the Christ- mas holidays. . ‘The rehearsals for theneantata which will be given by the Sonday school of the Queenstown Baptist Church during Christmas week are now in progress, and much earnest work 1s being done. ir. a Mrs. H. E. Brooks will leave shortly for Washington, where thay will specd the winter. a eS A Sand Desert ii' Massachusetts. From Popular Science. 3s Se In Tewksbury Ceniet, Mass., Is a “sand desert” that offers some attraction to ge- ologists and also collectors of Indian relics. The “desert,” of about a dozen acres in extent, is partly coveggd with pines, Along the western edge runs.a ridge, entirely des- titute of vegetation, “abcut 1,500 feet long by one-third as wide? ¥ hose highest point is perhaps fifty feet.; It rans in a south- easterly direction, thus resembling some hills of glacial origin,’ and has gently slop- ing, rounded sides. A‘ great many flint ar- row heads have been found here, and also the remains of an Indian village. Digging a few feet through the sand that has probably blown there in the many inter- vening years, were found burnt and rotten stones, about as large as a person's nead, arranged in a circle about five feet in dia- meter. Inside this circle are found small pieges of charcoal and black earth, made by the decaying charcoal. Be digging nearby it was found that in a line about south from the first are other fireplaces, and opposite, a few feet distant, running par- allel with these, are-tho-e fireplaces. This seems to be the street of an ancient Indian village, elther the Wameslts, Agawams, Pawtuckets, Pennacosks, Fiscataquas, W: amkees or Shawshineg, for there are traces of these both in Tewksbury and Billerica. SUBURBAN NEWS ANACOSTIA. ‘The members of Anacostia Tent of Rechabites ex- pect to bave a large and very enthusiastic meeting at Haines’ Hall this evening, as several of the dele- gates to the American Aanti-saicon Leagus conven- tien, which begins im Washington today, have Promised to attend and make addresses. It ts un- derstood that a spread of good things in the eating linc will follow the Hterary exercises. ‘The Ladies’ Ald Society of the Anacostia Bap- tist Charch will meet today in the church, at which it ts hoped to transact some very iiuportant busi- ness. a A large number of the employes of St. Eliza- beth’s A-ylum were furloughed Saturday. ‘This action of the avthorities was, it is sakl, entirely unexpected by the victims, but was rendered neces sury by reason of the fact that the appropriation by ‘Congress for the running of the institution was getting “low, ard it was feared that further ap- ristions’ could not be made available befoce the beginning of the new fiseal year, July 1 next. ‘The anual election of officers of John A. Logan Post, G. A. It, of Anacostia for the ensuing year Will be held tomorrow evextng. last meeting of th: Women's Christian mperance Union of Anacostia, which was held in the Anvcodtia Baptist Church, addresses were made by ex-Gov Berbam of Maine, Mr. James H. Dony of Anacostia and others. Mr. J. B. Redd, who for some time past has con ducted business in Hillsdale, ix about to remove warehcuse recently erected by Mrs. Frederk n Anacostia. It is underst ge F. Pyles, who Was the predeces: it postmaster, M. J. W. Tolson, at the office In Anucostla, will aga! h candidate for the place for the term of Pres- nt MeKinley’s administration. The draw of the Navy Yard bridge, to which a! tention has heretofore been called in The 81 with the result that the trou! complained of Was rem- is again tn bad shape, so far as the rallings: yncerned, and there ix great danger of a pet son who is wel quainted with the 5 walking overboard at a plice where he would almost certain to drown before assistance could reach him. ——————— GAITHERSBURG. Minnie M. Duvall, Uttle daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Clarence Di vall, died of pneumonia after a short illness. Rev. Wm. D. Beall officiated at the funeral Saturday afternoon, and interment took place at Forest Oak cemetery. Mr. W. Purnell Hickman and family and Mra. Martha A. Carrell have removed to Newberry, S.C., to reside. 3 Revival services at the M. E. Courch South this week, conducted by Pastor Lloyd, are growing in Interest, and announcement is inade that they will continue during next week. Misa Ida Burkhart, wife of Mr. Wm. Burkhart, dled at her home in Barnesville. Her death was suddeu and unexpected. Funeral services were can- ducted at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rev. M. J. Riordan officiating. Monday evening Gaithersburg Chapter, Epworth League, will bold its annual mecting at Epworth M. E. ‘Uhurch. New officers are to be elected, as well us the accustomed Iterary entertainment rendered. ‘i Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Briggs were given a sur- prise party ‘Thursday night by a crowd of merry young people, who broke In upon then at iueir pleasant home near Avery Jaden with a generous Some of those” present la and Lillie Ray, Amy Jessica und Hattle Adamson, Ta Bogtey and Annie Earp, Messrs. Henry and’ Walter Bozley, George Earp, Claude Belt, Herbert, Charles” aud Tee Adamson. Mr. Amos 3. Young, one of the teachers in the Comux M. E. South Sunday school, gave a dinner to his clase. The visitors arrived at bis home about x Belt, ildred and Gladys | noon and happily enouzh the tlme before was pissed In aumsements, music and social Mr. E. Reynolds Alderman, editor of the Hegister, Marietta, Ohio, ts visiting bis brother, Dr. A. H. Alderman of Langdon. Mr. Alderman will visit other cities in the east before returning bome. Mr. Joveph Walker, who has been quite sick at his home on 2kth strect, Avalon Helghts, for the last few weeks, has recovered and is able to be at bis business again. Rev. Mr. Crowe, rector of St. Barnabas’ Mission, Langu: conducted services there Sunday after- hoon. There was a large attendance, many persons from the city also being present. Miss Kate Wells of New Jersey avenue north- west, Washington, Is visiting her niece, Mrs. Z. W. Alderman of Langdon. A bist hes nud praise service was conducted by Mr. E. P. Sherman Sunday eveuiug at the Lang- don M. E. Church. The children of the Sunday school wHl this week begin rehearsing for the Usual Christmas entertainment, Kyrd of Alabama was, Sunday, the guest ‘irs. M. E. Shaffer of Avalon Heights. ‘The Comedy Club of Langdon will give an enter- tainment at the Langdon Opera House on the 16th Instant, for the benefit of charity, and it is the de- sire of the members of the club that every ope will assist In this effort to rv ve the necessary wapte of some of the deserving persons who unfortunately out of employ Mr. George McCauley, who wats quite i week, is again a! out of doors, Messrs, George Cook and Edward ith of Wash who have been visiting Mr. L. . ington, 1D. “¢ Burke of Langdon, have returned It is understood that Miss Date tH a few days x1 Whose home is vited by Mr. Reerbohm Tree to become a me Der of hs company, Miss Slddons expects to zo row to consult with some of her ing Mr. Book Company of the election of Mr. Mr. B. F. Falwards, ‘hney, editor and chief It ix understood that Mr. Brandy of the pension office will erect a handsome cottage on bis lot on Cincinnati street in the near future. ——_—.—_- FALLS CHURCH. veeraphle and Copy has beer organized . P. Sherman, as presh manager, and Prof. Sc A dclightful meeting of the Village Improv it Society was leld lest night at the residence of Mr. Geo. A, L, Merritield, with Lieut. Barry, vice president, presiding, and Mr, Willlam Stranahan sccretary, Dr. J.B. Gould reported the purchase of a beck cage for the pubtic school of the town, cs. directed by the society, and a letter of thanks was gift. Mr. M. E. Church reported a conference gift. Mr. M. E. Chureh reported a conference with Mr. Robert Walker, superintendent of roads for Alexancria courty, m regard to certain iprovements to the roads near the co:poration, but from the interview he thought but little, if euything, would be done. The matter of a course of lectures under the auspices of the society was referred to the executive committee. Ret. D. H. Riddle reported the organization of a society at Vienna, in the orgatizauon of whi number of this society took port N. Meekiny mad» report that petitions iy. Signed seLt in to the Post Office rtment asking that the name of West End aftice be changed to West Falls Church, and that East End changed io East Falls Church, bet that no p had been taken as yet by the department. ‘The matter of a town well ‘vas brought to the attention of the so- elety by Mr. M. 5. Church, and discussed, and on motion of Mr. KE. N. Meckins a committee was di- rected to be appointed by ‘he president to wake a Propasition to tle council that the society would appropriate the sum ef $50 for the purpose if the ecuneil would appropriate a_ like amount. ‘The | president appointed Messrs. FE. N. Meekins, M. } Chorch, Geo. W. Hawxhurst, G. A. L. Merrifield and Dr. J. B. Cculd as the’ comumittce to confer with the council, A meeting of the executive com- mnittee of the society was directed to be held at the Congregational Church Thursday night to con- sider the establishment of a lecture course, An etellent progrem, in charge of Mr. G. A. L. Merrifield, was rendered, consisting of the follow- ental music, “Love's Dream,” Miss original porm, “Fall reading, ie C. Merrifield; recitation, 3 vor “Haunted,” Be Stranuba! Waltor Birch, with Miss Bee Graham as accompanist: “My Wife's Chars,” Lieut. Barry: tet, “Good Night, Beloved,” Mrs. A. P. Eastman, H. Thornburgh, Messrs. 8. H. Thornburgh end Frank Newman. ‘Among those present were Mr, and Mrs. M. E. Church, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Rollins, Lieut, and Mrs. Barry, Prof. and Mrs. R. J. Yates, Dr. and Mrs. J.B. Mr. “and Mrs. 8. H. Thornburgh, man, Mr. and Mra. C. Newman, Mr. and Mrs. R, Phillips, Sr. “and Mrs. J. 1. Davenpor:. Mrs. T. W. White, Mrs, Alice D, Eromwell, Mra. T. M. ‘Talbott, Mnx. W. P. Jones, Misses “Jeaste Ergland, Belle parent. Rilla Crossman, M. M. Wilson, Belle and Tinnlé Merrifield, Aida Boern- stein, Pearl Luttrell, Bee Grabam, ellie KE. Hawxhurst, May Barry, Marcia Swormstedt, Edith Merrifield, Margaret and Gertrude Nourse, Anita lips, Messe. E, M. Talbott, E. F. Morebet leekius, Rev. D. H. Ri Ww, Ki ‘y. Jr., Willlam Stranahan, Luttrell and Philip Nourse. ‘The ladies of the Congregational Church me yesterday at the residence of Dr. J. B. Gould and arrenged for thelr usual annuai New England dinner, which will take ce Thursday at the Surday school rooms of the church between the hours of 5:30 and & p.m. Miss Alice Sims has been elected organist of the Presbyterian Church. A charter wan granted Kemper Lodge of Masons of this tuwn by the Grand Lodge at its recent seasion in Richmond. ‘Mrs. J. M. ‘Thorne was called to Haddonfield, . J., Saturday by the sudden death of her sister, Mrs. Granville Garrett. A meeting was held at West Falls Church Satur- day night. J. L. Davenport in the chatr and W. M. Ellison secretary, in the interest of an extension of the electric railroad to that end of the town. The citizens of West Falls Church purpose grading the road and giving the right of way to secure the road. ae Misa Margaret Fay led the young people” ing Surday evening. reite, farm comnell held tte monthly mecting jast 0 meet- An “experience social” will he held at the bome of Mrs. William Russell, this evening. An interest- ing program hris been prepared and a cordial wel- come is extended to all. The Home Missionary and Ladies’ Ald socfeties of the St. Paul’s M. E. Church will mect Wednes- day, from 11 till 4 o'clock, at the home of Mrs. Will E. Dulin. Miss Nannette Milliken was given a surprise party Friday evening. Those present were Misses Birdie and Nannic Russell, Clare and Rante Man- nakee, Letitia Langille, Edna Nelson, Mamie and en he tows, ball. ‘The at the town hall. ry quatut, in. thelr old-fashioned and thelr singing and recitations well rendered.” The program open- the atire lenguer which wean followed be the reel re league, ad byt - tation, “The ‘Raiy's G “ song, “Coming Trough thy Grace Stock: recitation, Louise Scofiel Lesson,"” Mabel Duebay; “The Duel,” dock; duet. “Shoemaker Brown: “Dottie Dimple; Ain't So Young As T Used to Be." Roy Burch; “The Miller of Deo,"* Miss Faith Stock: dtalogue. race Stock and May Gould; “The Lost Doll Lydia Fo: Mattle Blackturn: song, “The Suawuee [iv Blanch Rkige iph's Opinion,” Watson Eld- r * Louise Scofield and Bessie song, Bureh; "Ros “Auld Lang Syne," Ba Little, Stanley Milliken, Hal Dorian and Otts Dorian; “The Little Chicke Frank Fawcett; recitation, Ethel Blackburn Night Lallaby,”* Louise Scofeld and Bessie Burch During the intermission the MNttle folke passed through the audience selling candy. Financially the entertainment wax also successful. A Christmas cantata ts being prepared by the children of the Warner Memorial Presbyterian Sun . Found Santa Clans.” evecting at o'clock. ‘Thi promises to be one of the finest can- tatas ever given b Burch: quartet, BRIGHTWOOD. Last Sunday the Christian Endesvor meeting was led by Miss Sophie Robinson on the topic, “Faith in Christlanity.”” It was a consecration mecting, and the exercises proved very cntertaln- ing. Rev. Reed's sermon was on the general subject, “Looking to Christ. The Juniors hold 2 meeting this afternoon at the church. There has lately been much talk over the “hold- ups” on Shepherd road last weck, and night be- fore tast a rather heavy-bullt mun, formerly 6f Alexandria county, Va., who has been in the « ploy of Mr. ‘Thomas Bealle, was. arrested by Policeman Coin immediately ‘after he “held up" two colored men on Shepherd's road near Nr. Bealle’s green houses. He ix supposed to be the sume one Who Was reported some days ago. Mr. Bealle says that he met the man at the door of @ green house Just before he stopped the colored pedestrians, but that he was not drunk, as some have cleimed, although he acted very qucerly. A large pocket ‘knife, with open blade, was taken from the man. The Eastern Star met last night, holding a very long and Important business meet ‘The Brightwood Glee nnd Social Club has posr- poned thelr masquerade indefinitely. It was io be held next Friday. —_—_—_ FAIRFAX COURT HOU At the meeting of Providence Lodge, 1.0.G.T., Friday evening, it was decided to postpone the hat- trimming social until Tuesday evening, December 1D. At the meeting of Star of Hope Juvenile Temple Saturday afternoon an interesting letter was read by Mr. Wilson Farr from Miss Sudie Fitzgerald, the grand superintendent of the order in Virginia. Rev. Geo. H. Williams of Annandale, Vt formerly a resident of thi# place, preached an inter: esting sermon im the Southern Methodist Church Misa. Duttie of Muda Miss ie of Middleburg, Va., is the the Misses Van Deventer, SRE The county clerk has issued a marriage Ieense to D. Everett Brayman and M. E. Mande Carr. > ROCKVILLE. Among the pleasant social eventa in which the People of the county are concerned was the mar- riage of Mr. Joseph T. White, county commissioner from Poolesville district, and Miss Margaret C. Urner, daughter of the Rev. Martin Urner, which took plice at New Market, Va., Wednesday last. Rev, Chas. H. Waters performed the ceremony, the fair bride having for soine months been en- Faxed as a teacher tn the young Indies’ seminary conducted by him at Gaithersburg. On the return of the married couple they will make thelr home at Burdette, this county. A pleasant dance and reunion of the young peo of the western section of the county took place at the town hall, Voolesvilie, last Tuesday, at which there was a Large attendance. In addition to those re- siding in the Immediate ncighborbuwd there was a large attendance from a distance. Mrs. Richard Toole and Mrs. Edward Wootton acted as chap- ¢Tobes. | Among the participants were Misses Aunt Mary Williams, Clara Conley, Mamie Poole. Anna Sellinan, Carrie Williaris, Mamie. Pyles, Leasy Mrewer, Ella Welsh, Jaia Allnutt, Bettie Willlams, Nellie Brewer, Dora Hall, Margaret All putt, Nanule Davis, Euima Dawson, May Dorsey Jessie Candie, Daisy Alinutt, Ledie Brewer, E=the Hall and Messrs. Benjamin Wilte, Turner Woot- ton, Duvall Chambers, Wallace Poole, Wm. Will- jam. Resnolds Nicholson, Joseph Pyles, Mortimer Hall, Harry Dawson. Ralph Jones, 0. Willia Wilkes Jones, Clarence Darby, Waiter George Brewer, Claude Allnutt, Walter Will Lawrence Allnutt, Albert Chambers and Dr. E: jones. This locality has for several weeks been annosed by a couple of ministerial-looking men representing themrclves us missiouaries of the Mormon Ciuc ar Salt Lake. "Thy and were and for board and lodging In private families. They met w or a cool reception, and it is understood have eine taken up the scene of thelr labors in the neighbor- hood of Sandy Spring. The pecullar inducements they offer for embracing the tenets of the Mormon Church do not appear to be appreciated in this oa The tramp nuisance In this section has for the past few weeks almost become unbearable, and it is understood that an effort will be made at. the next meeting of the town council to have au ondi- hance pass -d to strictly enforce the law relatinz 10 these Wandering nowads. It is thought that the prospect of a term of six or twelve months in the house of correction may have a somewhat depress- ing ‘effect upon the “cheek” exhibited by these gentlem=n of the road. In the office of the clerk of the clreuit court the fol transfers of real estate have corded: “Joanna Swander and bushand to Jennle 8. Woods, lot 53, Gilbert's addition to Takoma Park: Se no tattaney, te Alona lot 33, Dik. 55, perch Frederick W. Reeves to Milon Roa 45, bik. 21, Takoma Park: $ George C." Kemp, 341 acres of Isnd near Quince Orchard: $3,731. “Jerome L. Thompson and wife to Minoie and’ Vinnie Thompson, tract of land near Clarksburg: $—. After considerable unavoidable delay it now al- most becomes a fixed fact that Rockville will in a few months be p:cvided with an ample water sup- ply and clectric lights. On the 9th of this month the mayor and council of the town will dispose of bonds to the amount of $20,000, said bonds bearing interes’ at 4 per cent. and being exempt foom tax- ation. Immediately after the sale of the bonds It is the intention of the town authorities to adver- tise for bids for furnishing all the necessary. mut terials for the water tower, pipes and machinery for forcing the water from the artesian well to the tower. also the necessary pipes to convey the Water to all parts of the town. They will also re preposals for material for the constraction of a first-class electric Hight plant, including the con- struction of suitable buildings, poles, Wires, ete. These contracts will be on’ the 2th of next, after whi A will be pnste ax much eelerity ge the weather will allow: pected that the censtructlon of th h, lots Benson Tal! sapply of water thing that has been greatly needed here fo ears, and will be hailed with satisfac ple of the town, recent efforts being made by centlemen to protect the bla the upper are appreciated b vers of sport in this county. e willing to lend a help Each winter after the heen drawn off canal tLoneunds of these game fish lave here ed to return them to the ri ma «tance to propagate. A diminution ler and size of the fish has been for -everal years. —_—_ HYATISVILLE. The town commissioners met cn the cvening of the Ist instant, with F. H. Smith in the chair. The following bills were onlered to be pald: Wash- ington Brick Company, $111.00; J. W. ‘Tolxon, Ium- ber on Columbia avenne, $11.17; George E. Hartly. corstructing stone gutter, $9.92; Robert Bantam, cerstructing store gutter on Maryland avemme, $17.00; E. A. Fowler, gravel on Prospect avenue, $13.35; Jos. A. Blondon, work with road scraper, $12; B. D. Stephen, brick on Spencer stivet, $28; W. HL. Richardson, treasurer, tax commission from September 2, 1896, to Dec. 1, 1896, $54. Rx porter Company, printing 500 Dill heads, $2.50; Saunders Plummer, erecting two new lamps, re- moving oue'lamp and palating one post, $1.52, and for superintending lemps for month of November, $22: G. A. Yates, new lainps, $10; C. W. Barr, six months’ wapes as bailiff, $25; Arthur Carr, $27.12. A resolution was pissed calling the attention of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company to Ansuficiercy of gl ts at the station platform. Mr Amman repotted that a_bosrd walk from Columtia avenne te Evansville would require 4.462 feet of lumber at 1 cost of $74.72, exclusive of freigni. The meeting then edjourned. What would undoubtedly Have been a serious av eldent was narrowly averted Friday morning by cup of it—It’s hard to get enough of it. Law | appeared, coming ground the dred yards distant. Fortunately it tuvin, moving at a slow rate of who ‘were near the and quickly extricated the the freight train whizsed by track was cleared. Mr. end Mrs. Leven MH. Campbell gave a very pleasant card party Saturday evening at their an Littletield avenue. ‘The guests were Mr. Mrs. Deloame, Mrs. J. 1H. Raiston, Ralles, Misses Ni Vert and Harry Dorsey. ‘The cntertain- meut Wax given In honor of Miss Mackintosh, Stanley, colored, ratsed a commotion last evening at Mount Pleasaut h, near empting to break up a revival . He Was arrested by Depaty Sheriff M. Cousin Waring ond lodged in Mariboro’ Jail, charged with disturbing public warship. Mrs. Jerome Baxter has gone to New York -city, where she will remain several weeks visiting rela> tives, Mra. Dr. Chappelle, who has been visiting Mrs. Charles A! Wells, Las returned bome. Sow thet Christinas is drawing near several an- known indi iduals have actively engaged themselves in “chicken raising.” Last week they broke into the henners of Walter Shaw, MHving near Benning, and secured thirty chigkens, and Dr. 0. H. Bright Well of the same place suffered the low of five oF six turkeys. j from the rut, ® moment after the and Mes. A. D. fe and Lottie Fenwick, Mears od LAUREL. A Whist Club was organized Wednesday evening at the bome of Mr. and Mrs. Emory Valk, oa Washington avenue. Among those who became members of tie clu! Mr. apd Mrs. T. Alexis Berry, and Mrs. Norris, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Clark, Mr. aud Mrs. Emory Valk, Miss Eliza Cronmiller, Miss Jean Crane, Miss Lena Brehme, Mr. DeWilton Suo Refreshments were next meeting wi Mrs, Frank A. Ci While a party, « den ond Mr, Marbury Harrison, ames. The Mother of Seuator ( Gambrill, a nephew Were out gunning thi distance 1 ela portion of the charze in his neck and he young nd, who was wot fatally injured, Was removed to bis a Baltimore toward in Maryia ‘One company a, walt of have bers of adjutant gearral of tne state will be san- with the signified thelr mt. Vlngness to heen to hew far the state will xo dn providing mt for th pany. Col. Charles D. of the Sth Marvland Regiment ts assistin in forming the company. A: present the Maryla militia Js without a cavalry or artillery company. Tt ia tumored in this section that a combination is being formed to embrace all the completed and Encompleted and proposed electric lives threagh Howard, Mentzumery and this county. It is sald to be the purpose to abandon th e by w Tichester. ‘The power hoase at That place fs to be completed. Elcott City and Laurel will be on the line between Bal and Washington, and a brauch is to shoot uf from the former town rnpike toward Frederik. Am agent for rd th in this section qubetly working up the Maj. Jame A Fiee Quill, Filtoriat Aeso state Were present. object of the association to be fe of the profession and for the © individual members. A good could be accomplishe The other omfccrs were: First © presi Frederik 4: second vice presi Russell town Ent -rpris Annapolis, Exarvtae K of the Bel Air Tiuw . W. Seabrook, Wes son N. Taylor. Easton Qakland Republican; W. Progress: J. W. Post, Elkt: tives to the national “ommitt« ~ Si trensurer, sutive comm or Sentinel: Since, Moot City Maj. James Mhert nz ef the rod from a Lunt- play spent several days with friends in it Va Misses Mollie and 1 kins have cloced to Washington auzher of Prince Georg street Mr. and Mrs. Georze EF. Baldwin howe ¢ house here and will spend the winter tu ton, —_——_ Had No Remedy. From Truth, Professor—“How do you think our gov- ernment should be conducted?” Student haven't the least idea.” Professor (astonished)—"Young m: - you are the eighth wonder of the world.” & woxnan’s happies. fancies may come, true if they are not all destroyed by ill- health; sickness is the tonch at which happiness bursts like abubble. A sick wo- man cannot be a happy wife or mother. More marriages and homes are wrecked by the wife's physical weakness than by any other one cause. Diseases incident to the delicate and in- tricate, feminine or- ganism need the skilled treatment of an experienced spe- cialist. Average doc- tors have not the opportunity to ac- quire the necessary special knowledge and skill. Dr. R. V. Pierce for nearly thirty years chief con- ; a idagred is’ Hotel and Surgical Insti- tute, Buffalo, N. ¥., has devoted u life- time to the treatment of these delicate com plaints, and his “Fa. }\ vorite "Prescription “is the most successful medicine ever de- vised for women. vames Caswell, Esq. of Ocheltree, Johnsoa Co., Kans.. (P.O. Box 61), writes: My wife was troubled with profapsus’ or “female weakness’ for scveral years. She was not able to do her work, she Kad such bearing down patos, and pain in the back. Her periods were irregular varying ail the way from two to six weeks. At those times she would have fainting spells so bad I thought she could not live. She was ettended by the best doctors in the country. They did ‘her no good, and she grew worse all the time I ed up one of your advertisements and thought I would try your medicines. Before my wife had taken one bottle she seemed better: so I got her another. By the time she had taken four bottles of the ‘Favorite Prescription’ and two of the “Golden Medical Discovery ‘and two of the ‘Pleasant Pellets’ she was completely cured. No more pain. Her monthly periods are regular now and she is stout and strong. She weighs 160." _Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets regulate the Yer, stomach and bowels. By druggists ( FREE BUTTONS! ELECANT BUTTON FREE WITH EACH PACKACE Sweet Caporal Cigarettes AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A COLLECTION OF BUTTONS WITHOUT CosT.