Evening Star Newspaper, January 30, 1897, Page 18

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1897-24 PAGES, 18 SIBERIAN TRAMPS Fugitives From Justice in a Barren Land. MAY BE SHOT DOWN LXE BEASTS But They Have Their Revenge on a Helpless People. - WITHOUT COMPASSION ——__>—_— Wriiten for The Evening Star. S F I WERE ASKED Tex feature of Si- berian life impressed me most during my recent visit, I should have to designate the so-called Sibe- rian tramp or run- away convict. This decidedly unique out- growth of the Sihe- rian exile system was brought par- ticularly to my no- tiee while on my bi- journey along the great post roa: from Achinsk to eastern Siberia. The in terest aroused by several chance meetings this curions class of fugitives prompt- 1 me to observe and inquire more par- -ularly into their peculiar life and habits. the facts thus gleaned left, at the a very deep impression upon me. ing without a penny may be at- to some and may be feasible in a 4 country; but tramping along the 1owy wastes of Siberia, cold and hungr nd always in danger, can only be, it seems me, the outcome of dire necessity—the erele necessity of choosing between bad and worse. ‘The Siberian runaway convict from all appearances does not so much seek per- manent liberty from his hard enforced la- s to obtain a momentary respite. And at a fearful freedom it is! A never end- ing struggle in a murderous climate, with the tortures of hunger and a constant hid- be w A Bradiga or Rui way Convict. from pursuit, to end in being finally ‘aught. put into irons and sent back to the mines from which he has escaped. Such is ne career of the bradiaga. 1 was informed by one of the Siberian rs officials that sometimes a whole life in tramping, being caught, t ‘k and running away again, on until death liberates the unfortu- » from the burden of life and so- y from a dangerous pariah. ‘0 discourage these frequent attempts at «scape the government has granted the I privilege to any one of either cap- or shooting down the bradiagi on 1. in fact, the Mongolian Buriats Irkutsk province make a regular of hunting them just as they do according to their cal- however bad, are worth more the price they uirrel. While tlements the a al himself even in} ‘ood and is invariably forced, hunger, to commit theft. A Dangerous Set. about to continue my bicycle through this particular infested ton my way to Irkutsk, I was warn- my host to be particularly on my ow,” said he, “take my advice, however well armed you may be; travel in broad daylight till you are in sight f the Siberian capital itseif. ‘ r mode of attack is simple,” he con- in answer to my inquiries. “Travel- © never molested in the daytime. It s of these unfortunate ee incident that occurred one stormy night at one of the post stations along the great Siberian highway in. a district notorious for the depredations of the bradiagi. I did not get much sleep that night, but lay awake listening to the howling of the wind and pattering of the rain on the window panes. About 2 in the morning I dropped Into an uneasy doze, from which I awoke about an hour later to find the old post- master replenishing the stove. terrible night, Gospodeen,” he muttered, tossing a large pine log into the flame. “One almost pities the Katorgi (runaways), with no roof over their heads. Poor devils, they must be like drowned rats!” Too tired to answer, I was about to turn on my side, when a loud knock aroused me and brought GENERAL CONVICT PRISON withdrew I asked him, out of curiosity, where he was going. ‘To my astonishment he shouted back, “Moscow.” The idea of his starting out on foot to accomplish a journey of over 3,000 miles struck me 4s being decidedly Siberian. In this “Land of Distances” a thousand miles count ‘or nothing. One of the leading characteristics of the bradiagi, which distinguishes them from other murderers and freebooters, is their complete indifference and absence of irrt- tation and passion when committing a deed of blood. But what astonfshes one most is the combination of the most hard- ened crime with some religious ideas, and also a certain of humility, born of the severe discipline of hard labor of the AT KRASNOYARSK, SIBERIA. the old man shuffling back from the kitchen n doubie-quick time. It was no tarantass wr telega. There had been no sound of bells or wheels. Whoever the nightly vis~ itor was, he had come on foot. The old nan displayed no desire to open the door, and showed signs of such uneasiness, that then for the first time flashed across me the words of my Krasnoyarsk host: “Keep a good lookout about Touloung. They are worse there than anywhere.” A second knock, louder than the first, cut short my reflections and induced me to make signs to the postmaster that my re- volver was loaded. Apparently reassured, he then went to the door, unbolted it, and let in the mysterious visitor. A tall, spare man, with reddish gray beard and mustache, pushed rudely past the postmaster and entered the room; and then, divesting himself of a latge bear- skin pel ank into a chair with a sigh of satisfaction. “At last,” he muttered in R and at the same time added ply, “I thought you were going to keep me out there all night. Why did you not open sooner? Come, quick! The samovar and some eggs and bread. Don't stand there staring like a fool.” An Unwelcome Guest. ‘That the stranger had no legitimate right to order provisions in a government post house without a podarozhna I was well aware. This fact, however, did fot seem to occur to the postmaster, who shrank away without a word of remonstrance to get the refreshments. In the meantime, being unobserved in the darkened apart- ment adjoining, I lay perfectly quiet, in order to study more closely this unceremo- nious visitor and his movements. He had not a reassuring countenance. One thing especially aroused my sus- picion: he had not removed his cap on en- tering the room, and apparently had no in- tention of doing so. It is an unwritten law in Russia that on entering an apartment the head shall be uncovered, more out of respect for the sacred Ikon, which always hangs in one corner of the room, than out of any politeness to the occupants. I had never yet seen the rule departed from, and felt sure that the man had some hidden motive for remaining covered. His dress was unique, if not becoming: a pair of gray tweed trousers surmounted by a Siberian peasant’s caftan, secured by a broad red sash around the waist, and a pair of rough topboots. Save for a thick wooden cudgel, which lay on the table be- side him, the stranger was apparently un- armed. Who could the man be? And where in heaven's name had he come from this wild, stormy night, or rather morning? for I had noticed with satisfaction that the day was beginning to dawn. One circumstance which occurred later put an end to my conjectures and con- vinced me that my first suspicions were well grounded. Having made a hearty of tea, black bread and milk, he d his chair back, and resting both ‘on the stove, lit a cigarette. While so doing. his cap accidentally slipped off, and I distinctly saw that one-half of his head was shaved. the distinguishing mark of the Siberian convict. That he was a _katorgi there was now no doubt. He left the post- house very quictly without paying for his nor did the postmaster make any further remarks regarding his strange vis- itor. It might have got him into trouble with the authorities if ke had. Fugitives From Justice. What kind of people these tramps are can easily be imagined when it is known that the very worst criminals are exiled to the mines and that men who are sent to settle in Siberia never have recourse to flight. These fugitives from penal servi- tude, after having passed Irkutsk, follow the chief postroad, which is the only line of communication between eastern Siberia and European Russia. To forsake it would te impossible, as on either side there is nothing whatever but uninhabited wastes. the bradiagi must perforce follow this track, hiding ist the bushes when they hear SOLDIERS ESCORTING CONVICTS ON THE GREAT SIBERIAN POST ROAD. ts only at night that these blackguards at- mpt their nefarious work. The most dangerous hours are between 3 and 6 a.m., when travelers who have been on the qui vive all night somewhat relax their vigi- lance. A couple of the thieves are told off © cut the traces of the tarantass, two more to seize and bind the yemstchik (ac- complice or not), and three or four others at the same moment to climb over the back of the vehicle, and, falling suddeniy in front of the hood, to dispatch the pas- sengers with a blow from a heavy blud- xeon. According to report, they have no firearms.” I tea: on the other hand, that in Ye- neseisk and Tobolsk provinces there is a sort of understanding between the villag- ers and the runaways. The peasants not only do not hunt the bradiag!, but give them food and other necessaries. The tramps on their side, even when in superior numbers, never attack the inhabitants, ex- e m cases where it is absolutely necez- sary to insure their own safety. Such mu- tual concessions arise not only from habit, but from mutual interest. When on a dark night (for the tramps traverse villages only at night) a peasant is roused from his slumbers by a loud knocking at the door, and his question is answered, “The unfortunate ones,” he runs to his store room, and, getting food, throws it over the wall as quickly as pos- sible, without opening the gates or asking any explanation. The reciptents thank him and as quickly withdraw. The peas- ant knows that a refusal would possibly to arson and perhaps murder. The imps, on the other hand, are aware that by burning and murdering they mark the track they are pursuing, and thus facili- tate their capture, besides inciting the peasants to throw endless difficulties in the way of their flight. For these reasons 5 rere understanding cxists between in this connection I am reminded of an the sound of post horses. When traveling on the noiseless bic: however, I some- times came upon these human will-o'-the- wisps unawares, and much to their aston- ishment. On one occasion as I whirled briskly round a wooded bend in the road I came in sight of one of them on the oppo- site side of the highway, which (as {s usual in Siberia) was of enormous width. He was hurrying along with his ‘gaze on the ground, and did not notice me until I dis- mounted and called out to him. As he looked up and caught sight of me a most curious look came over his face, which I could not help remarking. Whether it was the sight of my revolver, which I always wore outside on my belt, or the strange aj pearance of the bicycle, I canrot tell, but he glanced round him quickly for a mo- ment as though meditating a “bolt;’ then realizing, perhaps, that he could not pos- sibly get out of range of my revolver, he seemed to resign himself, and came slowly over toward me. As he approached I saw that he was fairly trembling in every limb with fright, and his mouth was quivering. To eee such a picture of abject fear was positively pain- ful. Although he was a great big hi fellow, and thad an ugly-looking o under his arm, he was as unnerved and cowed as a beaten dog, and evidently ex- pected me to immediately handcuff him and take him back to prison. To sure that he was really what I suspected, I ordered him to Hift up his coat, ith were his E and lo and behold, undernea' rison clothes, whilst hidden by his mines, which produces a show of pity toward the victim they are destroying in the most cold-blooded manner. A Strange Religion. Misfortune—and the bradiaga is one of the most unfortunate of beings—uncon- sciously turns their thoughts toward re- ligion. In justificatibn of their crimes they invariably say, ‘“‘We are poor sinners, but also most unfortunate, and therefore God will forgive us all our sins." Whenever they see a cross they always take off their caps and cross themselves. In conversa- tion, I am told, they are very fond of quot- ing what at first sight seem Scripture texts, but what in reality are phrases made up by themselves for their own justification, such ss, “God hates the rich ones of this world.” “Sin committed in perfect hu- mility 1s no sin.” “If you must kill a man, don’t kill his soul.” Besides these religious sayings they have a great many proverbs which clearly indi- cate their lawless nature, viz: “He is not a thief who steals, but he who allows himself to be caught.” “Dead men tell no tales.” “A fool gives, a wise man takes.” “What you can get is yours; what you cannot is other people’s.”” To describe more graphically this class of men whose type is wholly unknown in Europe, I will relate the following fact: In one of the more important Siberian villages, called Balachta, lived two settlers. sent there as punishment for some small offense, o:.e a Russian called Intezgu, the other a Pole. They were both shoemakers and entered into a partnership to con- centrate their efforts in earning a small living. One day they made an excursion from the village, some ten or twenty versts, with the intention of cutting small pieces of wood used by shoemakers in pegging boots. Reaching a few straggling bushes they separated and each began to cut the small twigs they required. As ill-luck would have it, a party of twelve tramps just then pa: Perceiving the Pole, alone, they surrounded him in an instant. Intezgu, who was but a few paces off, hid in tke bushes and witnessed what follow- ed. He could not help his friend, as he knew that if he showed himself he would be killed at once. Trembing with fear he was compelled to remain an unwilling wit- ness of the tragedy. “Hail, friend,” said the tramps, taking off their caps. ‘Bad luck to you that you have met us, but you see it is not our fault. Such is the will of God. How much money have you got?” “Five roubles, which I will give you, as well as my clothes, if you only spare my life. Gentlemanly Murderers. ‘Your life is of nv use to us, and we would really like to let you go, but you see, dear friend, we have cur laws, which we cennot avoid. If you were to escape alive you would report us to the police, and we might be caught. Therefore forgive us poor sinners—but die you must.”” “I swear I will not report you.” “Yes, yes; one always says that when afraid, and forgets it afterward, we know. You had better lose no time talking, but pray a little, like a geod Christian. We don’t wart to torture you; you can choose ycur own way to die. All this conversation pagsed in a subdued voice, as if in gentle persuasion. The coun- tenances of the murderers bure no trace of anger or fierceness. The Pole tried to soften them with his prayers, when one of the tramps, who ap- peared to be the chief, took him kindly by the hand and said in a friendly tone: “Good man, don’t be a baby and ask for @ life we cannot give you. You and we are both the children of one father. Let us finish this business in a brotherly fashion. By resisting you will only suffer more. Choose which death you prefer. The knife er stick or river, which is very deep, or perhaps you would prefer to kill yourself. ‘We will even allow that.” . “I will not willingly take my own life,” he said. ““ has given it to me, and I will not assail it. Kill me with your sticks, but pray kill me at once.” “Be quite assured; we have had a good cea of practice, and you won't feel any- thing.” “And now let me pray.” He knelt down and irtrusted his soul to the Most High. When he had finished he kcoked at his murderers, standing silently around him. “Are you ready?” asked the chief. “Ready,” he answered in a low voice. It was his last word; a few blows with a strong stick on the temple stretched him senseless on the ground. The tramps then stripped the corpse, tied a stone to the neck and threw it into the river. “A pity,” said the chief, walking slowly away and lighting his short pipe, “that some other man did not meet us instead of this ore, I am very sorry for him.” “True,” answered another, “he seemed @ good sort of fellow.’ “So quiet and not et all quarrelsome,” added a third. “In that he showed his good sense.” fin- ished the chief. And after having thus sung the praises of their victim they lost themselves in the woods. Their last words were his funeral oration. THOMAS G. ALLEN, Jr. ———— Great Towns Compared. From the Indianapolis Journal. “Great town, Louisville,” sald the man with the fat cigar. ‘Kentucky hospitality and all that sort of thing. The last time I was there they didn’t let me spend a cent.” Huh,” said the man with the cigarette, “I had that sort of experience in Chicago.” “Y-e-s you did.” “Indeed I did. They didn’t let me spe a cent there, either. They took it all aw from me before I had got two blocks from the railway station.” Victim of Overconfidence From the Chicago Tribune. “Professor, what’s the reason a man can’t coast up-hill on a bicycle?” “Why, it seems ridiculous to ask such a question as that. The mere fact that—in short, the obvious absurdity of the thing— implying as it does, such dense ignorance of the simplest of nature’s laws—there would appear to be——” Qfuch disgusted)—“I guess I've lost. I bet ycu could explain it.” Fee lee erg ee Advantages of Modern Drama, - From the New York Weekly. Panic-stricken Audience (at the theater) —‘Fire! Fire!’ Manager (rushing in)—“There fs not a , ladies and itlemen, But on the cork i Jackets find un- der the seats, and we'll Tet loose the tank.” UNIVERSITY NOTES —E 169 Cathdjic University. Librarian A. #° Spoffora delivered the second lecture in the public lecture course Thursday, his subject being “Choice of Books.” Next ¥Rursday at 4:45 p.m. the third lecture wipe given by Gen. A. W. Greely, chief of,the signal service, on “The Trans-Mississippi Region; Its Economic De- velopment.” in, Dr. Shahan, grefessor of history in the theologi depnrtment, attended the ban- quet given to Pref. Henry Barnard, the father of the. American common school system and the fisst commissioner of edu- cation of the {inited States, at Hartford, Conn., Monday -last. The committee- an preparation of the year book for 1897-'98 held its first meet- ing Thursday. The January number of the University Bulletin will be issued the coming weck. ‘The restaurant and news stand which has been located in McMahon hall has been moved into the new dormitory. Dr. Pace, who has been seriously ill for some time past, has recovered sufficiently to resume his duties. ‘The senate of the: university at its last meeting enacted statutes defining and cles- sifying the requisites for admissioa and de- termining the rights and duties of students. Howard University. At the Sunday evening song service in Miner hall the following program will be rendered: Song, “Gather the Golden Grain,” full chorus; anthem, “Sun of My Soul,” C. E. choir; scriptural reading and invocation; song, “Happy Day,” full chorus; “Holy Father, Guide Thy Childr C. Scott and George H. Harris; reading, selected; anthem, “Sweet, the Moments,” C. E, choir; song, “Help Us to Worship Thee,” full chorus; address; song, “Speed Away,” full chcrus; anthem, “O Be Joy- ful.” C. E. choir; song, “In the Cross,” full chorus; anthem, “I Will Praise Thee,” C. E. choir; doxology and benediction. Thursday at 1 o'clock a special hour-of prayer for schools and colleges was held in Andrew Rankin Chapel, President Ran- kin conducting the exercises. Dr. Hamlin of the Church of the Covenant was the principal speaker. At the conclusion of this service the deans of the academic denart- ments conducted an hour's special service in their respective departments. The C. E. Society gave a very enjoyable sceial in the parlors of Miner hall last night. This evening a service in celebra- tion of the sixteenth anniversary of the inception of the C. E. movement will be held, at which papers on various phases of Endeavor work will be read by the mem- bers. Judge A. 8. ‘Taylor, vice president of the C. E. Union of the District, and Prof. Warder will addrees the society. The Alpha Phi (mock congress), after a lively discussion, adopted the resolution re- questing the Commissioners to rescind their action respecting the newsboys. Mr. Bar- bour, from the finance committee, laid the free coinage bill before the house. A bill was introduced by Mr. Gillam providing for the extension of suffrage to women, and Was referred to the committee on elec- tion. The Livingstone Missionary Society met Friday evening and addresses were made by Rev. Mitchell Hall, D.D., and J. P. Wash- ington. There was also a solo by W. R. Payne, and songs by a quartet composed of Messrs. W. R. Payne, W. W. Barham, G. H, West and E. Tartt. The Theological Literary and Debating Society Wednesday afternoon discussed “Resolved, That there are circumstances under which a:maf is justified in telling a lie.” Affirmative, WV. W. Barham; nega- tive, W. E. Mggre.,, Columbian University. ‘The first lecture tn the public course will be given Monday, February 8, and the series will conginue; Mondays and Fridays through February’ and March, ending April 16. The'dpenting lecture will be de- livered by Prof.;Frank H. Bigelow, his sub- Ject being “Joh até Wycliffe, the English Reformer.” The other lecturers and their topics in regular uence are as follows: y. Frank ‘S¢wafl, “‘Ideatism in Litera- * Prof. Rdward Farquhar; “The Nor- ture; man Conguest;” Rev. Frank Sewall, “‘Ideal- ism in Scterice?” PrUf. M..M. Ramsey, “The Coming of the Bourbon;” Rev. Richard L. Howell, * he Logi¢at Future of Canada;” 06, “Man’s'€ontrol of En- artis, ‘National Spirit ch afd German;” Prof. John R. Proetor, ._ Mili- tarism;” Prof. E. A. de Schweinitz, “Useful and Ingenious Germs; Rev. Charles James Wood, “Survivals in Literature;” Prof. W. K. Butler, *‘Spectacles, a-#ocal Point in the World’s Development; Prof. M. D. Learned ermans in the United States; Prof. W. O. Partridge concludes the course with a series of six lectures: “Life and Art,” “History of Sculpture,” “Greek and Roman Art,” “Spiritual Element in Art,” “National Art” and “Art and Religion— Memorial Art.” The program for the course of lecture in the Corcoran Scientific School to be de- livered by the students has been announced. The first lecture will be given next Satur- day afternoon by Charles Russel Ely on “Benjamin Silliman.” The subject for discussion before the Enosinian Debating Society next Friday afternoon is “Resolved, That United States senators should be elected by popular vote.” Affirmative, Messrs. Stuart and Biscoe; negative, Messrs. Harlan and Everett. Mr. Hoover will edit Class News No. 1, and Mr. Broadus No. 2. The junior class has appointed Messrs. Handy, Shuster and Linkins a committee to make arrangements for a class dance to be given during March. The students of the- Law School who claim Virginia as their home have organ- ized a society for the promotion of good fellowship among Virginians. ‘The question for debate in the Law School Debating Society this evening is ‘‘Resolved, That immigration into the United States should be greatly restricted.” Affirmative, J. Felix, BE. F. Beckman and C. H. Gray; negative, T. Keiper, W. H. Rill and J. E. Flannery. President Whitman and Dr. J. Macbride Sserrett represented Columbian at the an- nual banquet of the Washington Alumni of the University of Michigan. ‘The Columbian Women have elected Miss H. E. Maguire, president; Mrs. M. M. Ram- sey, vice president; Miss Anna 8. Hazelton, secretary, and Mrs. D. K. Shute, treasurer. The Athletic Association was to have held @ meeting Thursday afternoon, but it was postponed until next week. Georgetown University. The Morris Literary and Debating So- clety at the meeting tomorrow afternoon’ will discuss ‘Resolved, That the periodical election of judges by popular vote is more conducive to the best interests of the coun- try than their appointment for life by the executive or legislative.” Francis E. Turth will speak in the affirmative and Stephen J. Casey in the negative. There will also be a recitation by F. P. Kennedy. James P. O’Brien will be the critic of the evening. Jean F. P. Desgarennes handed in his resignation as chairman of the ex- ecutive committee at the last meeting, but the society refused to receive it. The Philonomosian Society appointed de- baters Wednesday evening to contest for the prize in the annual debate. The speak- ers will be Douglass of North Carolina, Stephens of Georgia, Moore of Ohio and McLoughlin of Iowa. The debate will oc- cur the second week in March. The January number of the Journal will be issued next week. The Glee, Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar Club are preparing a program to be pre- sented in Gaston Hall during inauguration week. The same program will probably be presented in Baltimore on the 2ist of April, when the college team plays there, Man- ager Cullen having arranged for two games with the Baltimore league club, the first on April 20, to be played on George- town field, and the return game on the 21st in Baltimore. Joe Kelley, left fielder and captain of the Baltimores, who has been engaged to coach the team this season, will arrive on Feb- ruary 10, and remain until after the first regular colleg® game, which is scheduled for March 24. Active practice will com- mence immediately on his arrival. The schedule is not quite completed, but pro- vides fer no less than twenty games on the home grounds. This is the first season in the history of the university when a professional coach has been engaged, and it is expected that Kelley's training will do much for the team. The Law School Debating Society will tonight discuss the arbitration treaty now before the Senate. American University. The University Courier, the quarterly publication of the university, will be issued during February. ‘ Bishop Hurst has been in the south for some weeks holding conferences. The Flor- ida conference, held at Tampa, Fla., and composed entirely of colored ministers, subscribed $40 to the Asbury fund. A piece of real estate, valued at $15,000, and located at Ocean Grove, N. J., has re- cently been transferred to the trustees of the university by a friend in Baltimore. who desires his name withheld from publi- cation. The property is improved and has a good rental value. National University. The medical and dental senior class have elected H. P. Cobey valedictorian. Com- mittees to arrange for commencement ex- ercises have been appointed. E. D. Carusi, secretary, who has been sick for some time, has recovered suffi- ciently to resume his duties, All classes, except juniors, will hold election of officers tonight. A meeting of the senior and post-grad- uate classes is called for next week to ap pata committees on commencement ex: cises. ee eterna nt enn ef R Nn aR SacI SSS THE PACE THAT KILLS. Something for Business Women Read and Consider. From the New York World. The pace that.kills a business woman is the work she does at home. Good, hard, faithful attention to business never killed any one, man or woman. Worry, and the “seeing to things” idea— these are the two nails in the business wo- man’s coffin. The “seeing to things” idea is distinctly feminine. No man ever had it. Every wo- man is born with it. Men sit in‘a street car and watch the driver of a truck groan and tug, and try to get his wheels off the track, and not a man will move to help that driver, or even sigh in sympathy. Every woman in the car is edging and peering and wishing she dared go out on the platform and “see to that truck.” ‘That's the thing that kills women. They try to carry the world on their shoulders, and they don’t realize that the world is a great deal better off without their puny strength under it. Business women try to do too many kinds of things. They are, most of them, ‘Jills of all trades.” When'a business man gets up in the morning he takes his bath, goes into the dining room and eats his breakfast, Kisses his family good-bye and gces down-town to work, like a sensible man. The business woman—do you know her? I do. 3 I'll tell what the business woman does. She gets up early and goes into the chil- dren’s room and fusses around for half an hour or so. If you ask her what she is dcing she'll say she’s “seeing to things. She hires a servant—and waits upon her. She pays a dressmaker—and sits up nights studying fashion books for a new way to hdve a dress made. She buys a hat—and takes it home and tears it all to pieces and makes it over ‘again. She dictates to a typewriter—and then takes the “copy” and corrects it herself. She works herself ill over something she can’t do, and ought not to do, and takes a rueful pleasure in a martyred spell of ill- ness. She worries about other people’s troubles, she frets over other people's children, sh: almost takes .medicine for other people's headaches, and she puts all her friends into nervous irritation trying to “see to them.” If the business woman fs worth one-half her salary, she puts al! these things out of her mind at the office. ——__+e+____ A “Really Truly” Secret Society. From Collier's Weekly. Bella—“We girls are getting up a secret society of our own. George—‘Indeed; what's the object?” Bella—“I don't exactly know yet; but I'll tell you all about it after I am initi- ated.” to —+2e+—_____. The Only Way. From the Indianapolis Journal. Watts—‘Does your wife believe the stories you tell her to account for you be- ing out so late?” Lushforth—‘‘She does.” “How in thunder do you work itv” § “I tell her I was busy getting drunk. Setieeeeteeetentecnteeteeinienietoarteoteraereerraereeateara er ALMANAC & HANDBOOK. a ai a cate ~ at present attracting the interested atten- DOCTOR McCOY TEACHES A LESSON Patients and for All Diseases. Given as the Illustration to Carry the Lesson Home--What Dector McCoy had something to say nbout offers of free treatment. The essence of it was simply, that it is not honest to lead people to a medical office-cn frec offers and take their money. When Doctor McCoy established hin practice in Washington, for a stated time he treated everyone free. He would as soon thought of cutting his arm off as of accepting a cent from yone who responded to his free offer. When following thin for a stated period he advertised $3 a month, he stated that the #3 was to cover the cost of medicines; that his own services and those of his col- aengue were free. He would as soon thought of cutting his arm off as of taking more than #3 from any pa- tent. Doctor McCoy made the word “Free” popular because his use of it wan honest. His offer to trent patients for #3 2 month, the average cost of medi- ciaes, w: believed and accepted by thousands because they knew Doctor McCoy told the truth, because they knew his saperb skill ax a physician ad mever been tarnished by deceit or trickery as a man, It in not enough that this be once stated in public print. The lexson needs to be brought home so hard it will never be forgotten. The public must be protected from any methods that gre not perfectly sincere. The sick ones of the public in any event deserve protection, so Doctor McCoy teaches this lesson, ¢) ing the p again his offer of $3 a month promising to main im this offer just as long as the resources of his office will permit of ft, that is, until the number of patients under treatment becomes so great as to prevent the posstbility of his personal carc and attention. This is the offer: UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE TIENTS PLYING FOR OR ING TREATMENT AT DOCTOR McCOY OFFICES WILL BE TREATED UNTIL CURED AT THE UNIFORM RATE OF $3 A MONTH. THIS APPL TO OLD PATIENTS RENEWING TREATMENT AND TO NEW PATIENTS COMMENC- ING TREATMENT. IT IS NOT CON- FINED TO ANY ONE DISEASE. IT MEANS THAT NO MATTER WHAT THE SICKNESS MAY BE IF A DOCTOR'S SERVICES ARE AT ALL REQUIRED, THE PATIENT WILL BE TREATED UNTIL CURED AT THE RATE OF #3 A MONTH. THE ONLY PEOPLE RE- FUSED WILL BE PEOPLE WHO CAN- NOT BE BENEFITED BY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: -D6CTOR McCOY DOES NOT WANT AS PATIENTS PEOPLE WHO ARE BEYOND THE HELP OF MEDICAL SCIENCE. George H. Cannan, 119 24 st. Cured of terrible skin HE TELLS OF HIS CURE FOR OTHERS WHO ARE DEAF. J. W. Palmer, 1005 G st. n.w.: “IT had been growing deaf for eight or ten years, but for three yems past my loss of hearing became very annoying. “My ears felt as though stuffed with cotton. I would have to listen very intently and look directly ac the person im order to understand witt he said. “I went to a specialist and was treated for a iong time. The treatment ne gave caused me interse pain, and I finally had to give it up, having de- rived no benefit whatever as to my hearing. “My daughter read of the cures performed by Drs. McCoy and Cowden, and a friend, near Bos- ton, sent me the testimony of Rash Aldrich, the Deaf Mute, whom Doctor McCoy had entirely restored to hear- ing. The testimony was so convincing that I detec- mined to try the treatment. “I could not hear jthe alarm clock when I went there. After three weeks I found mysel? suddenly hearing the clock ticking on the shelf, then I found I could hear it fifteen feet away. Previously I could hear sounds and voices, but they world be disconnected; now they come to me clearly. I have no trouble now in hearing The Slightest Whisper or joining in conversation.”” j cannot remember when I was not deaf. HOW HER TEACHER HELPED ALICE L TO A CURE OF DEAFNESS, Miss Alice Lyles, 215 South Alfred street, Alexandria, Va., fourteen years old. (This 4s the young lady's story in her own words) My ers had to shout at me, and I often gots when I could not help things. T mearly got ran ove once with the cable cars, for I could not hear the is. T could see folks talk and would they were saying, but I could mot bi ‘At Sunday school ({ go to the Southern M. F Chureh) T could not hear anything except what my sister told me, The girls used to tease me soni times because I could not hear. ight tea nd write or repeat what the See Her Lips Move better than any one but 1 sister read abo to go to him for 1 me though. Don't you think Iam giad Iw " AML of 2 su Tks we vt at hom - hs last, but it lasted, and I can bear all right now, At school I Can Hear Every Word the teacher says. My teacher is Miss Davi Peabody Se lets me out the treatun tor MeCo; Mrs. “My hear like other folk yles, her mo daughter had be She her, snyst she was five called by tot mw FOU Were speak over her cure by Do her. She tor McCoy. and everything is so other doctors treat bi her.”” Mixs Da he tencher, xays I first knew Alice, was three was very deaf. ‘Thi n +. until the last fe d better Now sl It used to be Now me tions. recitations at all, Alice Lyles, 215 South Alfred st., Alexandria. Cured of deaf- ness. ENTIRELY CUR 0} TERRIBLE SKIN DISEASE, Geo, H. Cannan, 119 2d st. mow.t “About five sears ago I first discov hards water pimples about the size There came two or three at a thue first they would spread and cover my whol would swell up and burst, and my become a mass of 501 I lost two of 5 fiom the disease. During winter we hands were wor Last winter I because of the s¢ pen treated by y could not cure me. Ip 4 cure of John B. Barker, 1210 12th st Ferma by Doctor McCoy, and pl his treatment. Ihave been ° skin on my hands is as soft and « fa young chil I recommend any any skin disease to go to SERIOUS STOMACH TROUBLE CURED. 164 Si lor nt. canght a severe A. L. Hixso: “Two years ago, I settled In my Stomach and Rowels. that time until I is treated by Doctors Metuy and Cowden T was a constant sufferer from Stomach trouble. I tried several physicians and took many remedies, but with no pet my stomach would ferme gi pressed on my beart, producing a feeling of terri- Me distress, oppression and pain. I was in pretty bad condition when I began Doctor McCoy's 1 ment. My improvement began in a short ¢ and has continued, until the pain ts now all con, I sleep well and I am again in perfect comfort.” DOCTOR McCOY’S BOOK FREE TO ALL. now. CONSULTATION FREE. McCoySystemofMedicine PERMANENT OFFICES DR. McCOY’S NATIONAL PRACTICE. Dr. J. Cresap McCoy, Dr. J. M. Cowden, Consulting Physicians. 715 13th Street Northwest. MADE OF RUBBER. A Hindoo, Who is Now im London, Ties Himself Up in a Kn A Hindoo named Bava Luchman Dass is Every well-informed person in ;the, District of Columbia should "possess a copy of THE EVEN- ING STAR ALMANAC. and HANDBOOK. - 8. Its value as a ready book of reference makes it well nigh in- dispensable to every one who de- sires to keep in touch with latter day events, newsdealers =five cents a all and at The Toe : agin: a Perey one gae } : ( . gfles * Hee ge” sets gitse? Sic" 8 ; tion of the London medical profession, says the Graphic. Mr. Dass is a Yogi, and if all Yogis are like Mr. Dass, the ordinary treatises of anatomy must be subjected to revision. He was exhibited to the Students’ Anatomical Society of St. George’s Hos- pital last. night, and introduced by the lecturer as “‘an unusually complicated spe- cimen of the Indian Yogi, a Brahmin namely, of a very high caste, who goes throvgh certain religious exercises with a view of qualifying himself better for para- dise.” These religious exercises seem to take a physical form, and Mr. Dass, a lit- tle dark gentleman, sat upon the table and proceeded to exhibit a selection from the ped about on one hand and jauntily on his knees, a po- is to ay knees being at such an acute angle (hs nothing short of complete dislocation could have made the performance possible. The lecturer endeavored to follow his move- ments cn an extremely suggestive-looking skeleton, which he had by his side, and finelly came to the conclusion that Mr. Dass had no ligaments at all. eee Objects to Organs. From the Chicago Post. “No,” he said, thoughtfully, “I don't think an organ ought to be allowed In a flat building.” “Don’t you include pianos?” he was “Not at all. A piano in the next flat may annoy you somewhat, but it takes one of these little parlor organs to give you the impression that you've been sleeping in chureh when you wake up from a Sunday afternoon nap or go to bed a little early some evening, and the feeling is intensely lisagreeable,” 0+ Disgraceful, From the Boston Transcript. Fuddy—“How disgraceful it is to see peo- ple crowd about a church to get a squint at a bridal couple!” Duddy—“I know it, and when it ought to excite their pity instead of their morbid