Evening Star Newspaper, March 5, 1898, Page 16

,» MARCH 5, 1898-24 PAGES. CHAPTER VI. The Hall of Audien er chamber on the break-up of hing procession, Elissa threw herself upon couch and burst into a passion of tears. might she weep, for she had been Ise to h oath as a priestess, uttering as a mes from the god that which she had learned from the lips of man. More. she could not rid herself of the re- nfembrance of the scorn and loathing with h the Prince Aziel had looked upon or of the bitter insult of his words when he called her “girl of the groves and # murderess of children.” So far as she was concerned, they were terly untrue, indeed, for none could throw @ slur upon her, and as for these rare hu- man sacrifices she loathed the very name of them, nor would she have been present had she guessed that any such offering was intended. Like most of the acient reli- gions, that of the Phoenicians had two sides to it, a spiritual and a material side. The spiritual side was a worship of the far-off unknown divinity, symbolized by and planets and visible only in Stic movements and in the forces To this she clung, knowing no 1. and from t strove to wring their secr her heart was Lonely _invoc: he goddess the light of th moon ap- er, for from them she seemed to h and comfort, but the out- onies of her . or the more arker of them, Ww ion in her ey And rophet s truly? a of hers were and there already what What if and the p of the iren he had 1 of her and m the 4 Teat doubt te being, and with the doubt came How was it, if faith were true, € took the name of the god- nothing had befallen her? She matter, but turned from h from a thing un- clean emained, therefore, but the Prince Aziel, who had put her from him with bitter words of scorn. Ah, F pain her so, piercing her aS with a spear? Was it because— she loved him, and so soon? Yet, the truth of it. She had learned s he cursed her fierce blood was a new fire, h ot which she fore. And not her bi spirit—her spirit it not leaped within he S lo one most one long lost him and he as hard. As she in her pain the door of b d and Sakon, v father, entered. “What is it has chanced yonder? had n for he been present in the ‘and, daughter, w do you weep “I weep, father, because your guest, the | Prinee Aziel, has ed ‘a girl of the 4 murderess of children,’ she by my head, prince wer for it to me grasping at his sw y. father, since to 4 to deserve his w sid him all that had p: nothing “Now, that he is, he said the gov- hilt. im I must have isten,” and ed, seems that trouble is heaped upon said the Phoenician when she had finished, “and they were mad who suffered the prince and that tierce Issachar to be p “nt at the sacrifice. Daughter, 1 tell you this: Ei and Baaltis, at the Jehovah of the Jews 1s and that his prophets do not sely, for I have seen it in my der in the coasts of Sidon. What hough I am a wo shiper of achar say? That before the moon young again the tem; ould run red blood? Well, so it may happen, for bal threatens w ur sake, my dau, for my sake, fathe “sone who knew ar against what the answer would be. “You Know well, girl. = man is besot- ted with you; moreover, he is mad with is newcomer, the Prince Aziel. manded public audience of me and I have it priva word of God Jew said he saw hanging over u: it fall it will be because o: it would be ple and their idolatri “What does it matter what he said kon hastily. “How shall 1 an- she replied “that he dues w the Prince Aziel.” “What! Of the stranger who this very you in words of such sham oon?’ asked her father, astonishe: tid not speak in answer; she on! sight before her and nodded ner with a strange ly to be jealous of iad ever man such a daughter,” he went n petulant dismay. ‘Truly it is a wise saying which telis that women love those best w beat them, be it with the tongue or with the fist. Not but what I would gladly i to the grandson of and of Pharaoh rather than to . but the legions of Solomon oh are far away, whereas this al has a hundred thousand spears al- at our gate.” no need to speak of that, she said, turning, “since, even were the prince would have naught to who am a priestess of Baaltis. r of religion might be ove ed Sakon, “ I wed that bl. pearted ou may answer what »+ sure, that I will go pass as wife to the Sakon it e ot of will » moth But then ¢ force hateful to me, or there will h a war as the city has not known . for Ithobal and his trib anc gainst me. By the you can, for a while, at any peace between us, but if it is . then blood will run in rivers, and nis city, with all that live in it, troyed, or at the least its trade ruined and its wealth stolen from “If it is decresd that y must bi eeing that t ened us for many years, must think of he of cities afterward. ll these things are answered Elissa, s war has threat- nd that a woman if first and of the fate Of my own free will I will never take Ithobal to husband. Father. I hi: said.” “Of the fate of cities, yes; but how of my fate and ot those we love? Are we all to be ruined. and p2rhaps slain, to satisfy your whim, girl?” did not say so, father. I said of my own free will I would not wed Ithobal. If you choose to give me to him, you have the right to do it, but know then that you give me to my death. Perhaps it is best that it should be thus.”* Sakon knew his daughter well, and it did not need that he should glance at her set face to learn that she meant her words. Also he loved her more dearly than any- thing on earth. “In truth, my strait is hard, and I know not which wey to turn,” he said, covering his face with his hand. “Father,” she replied, laying her fingers lightly on his shoulder, “what need ts there to answer him at once? Take a month, or hiding | as my fathers were before | ed } SOrrmenT 1909 OT n-99ER maccene if he will not give it, a week. Much may happen in that time.” “The counsel is wise, at this straw. aughter, be in the great hall of audience, with your attendants, three hours after noon, for then we must receive Ithobal in all pomp and deal with him as best we may. And now I go to ask peace for the Levite from the priests of El, and to discover whom the sacred colleges desire to nominate as the new Baaltis. Doubtless it will be Mesa, the daughter of her who is dead, though many are against her. Oh! if there were no priests and no women in this city it would be easier to govern,” and with an impatient gesture he left the rocm It was 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and the sreat hall of audience was crowded with he said, catching KING ITHOBAL PLACED HIMSELF IN LEFT to fix a quarrel upon my guest, the Prince Aziel, here in my council chamber, and to bring upon me the wrath of Israel, of Tyre, and of Egypt? Be sure of this, that the prince shall cross no swords with you; no, not if I have to set him under guard to keep him safe. To your business, King Ithobal, or I break up this assembly and send you under escort to our gates.” Now his councillors plucked Ithobal by the sleeve and whispered to him advice which he seemed at last to take with an ill grace, for, turning, he said, “So be it. This is my business, Sakon. For many years I and the countless tribes whom I rule have suffered much at the hands of you Phoeni- cians, who settled here in my country cen- turies ago as traders. That you should trade we are content, but not that you HE MIDST OF HIS COMPANY AND THE HALL. a brilliant ass There was Sako. the governor, and his council of the bles of the city; there were Prince Aziel and his retinue, Issachar, the prophet, fierce- eyed as ever, though hardly recovered from the rough handling he had experi- enced; there were representatives of the college of the priests of El; there were many ladies, wives and daughters of dig- nitaries and wealthy citizens, and with them a great crowd of spectators of all classes gathered in the lower part of the hall, for a rumor had spread about that the farewell audience given by Sakon to King Ithobal was likely to be stormy. When all were present a herald announced that Ithobal. king of the tribes, wanted to take his leave of Sakon, governor of Zim- boe, before departing to his own land on the morrow. “Let him be admitted,” said Sakon, who looked weary and ill at ease. Then as the herald bowed and left, he turned and whis- pered something into the ear of his daugh- ter, Elissa, who stood behind his chair, her face immovable as that of an Egyptian Sphinx, but magnificently appareled in gleaming robes and jeweled ornaments, which Metem, looking on them, reflected with satisfaction were now his property. Presently, preceded by a burst of savage Ithobal entered. He was gorgeously arrayed in a purple Tyrian robe decked with golden chains. while on the brow, in token of his royalty, he wore a golden circlet in which set a single blood-red Before him waiked a sword bearer ing a sword of state, a magnificent andled weapon inerusted with rough s and inlaid with gold, while behind him, clad in barbaric pomp, came a number of counsellors and attendants, huge and half savage men, who glared wonderingly at the splendor of the place and its occu- pants. As he came Sakon rose from his chair of state and, advancing down the hall, took him by the hand and led him to a similar chair placed at a little distance. Ithobal seated himself, and looked round the hall. Presently his glance fell upon Aziel and he scowled. “Is it commmon, Sakon,” he asked, “that the seat of a prince should be set higher than that of an anointed king?” and he pointed to the chafr of Aziel, which was placed a little above his own on the dais. The governor was about to answer when Aziel interposed with spirit: “Where it is pointed out to me that I should sit. there I sat, though for aught I care the King Ithobal may take my place. He Read the Message. The grandson of Pharaoh and Solomon does not need to dispute for precedence with the savage ruler of savage tribes.’’ Ithobal sprang to his feet and said, grasp- ing his sword: “By my father’s soul, you shall answer for this, princelet.”” “You should have sworn by your mother’s soul, King Ithobal,” replied Aziel, quietly, “for doubtless it is the black b.ood in your veins that causes you to forget your cour- tesy. For the rest, I answer to none save to my God and my king.”” “Yet there is one other who will make you answer,” replied Ithobal, in a voice thick with rage, “and here he is,” and he drew his sword and flashed it before the prince's eyes. “Or if you fear to face him, then the wands of my slaves shall cause you to cry me pardon.” “If you desire to challenge me to combat, King Ithobal, for this purpose only I am your. servant, though the fashion of your challenging ts not that of any nation that I know.” ; Before Ithobal could reply Sakon called in Is this a place for a loud voice: “Enough of this. brawling, King Ithobal, and would you seek should establish yourselves as a sovereign power, pretending to be equal to me, who are my servants. Therefore, in the name of my nation, I demand that the tribute which you pay to me for the use of the mines of gold shall henceforth be doubled; that the defenses of this city be thrown down, and that you cease to enslave the natives of the land to labor in your service. I have spoken.” Now, as these arrogant demands reached their ears the company assembled in the hall murmured in ang2r and astonishment, then turned to wait for Sakon’a answer. “And if we refuse these small requests of yours, oh, king,” asked the governor sar- caslically, “what then? Will you sake war upon us?” (ire tell me, Sakon, if you do refus2 a ‘‘In the name of the cities of Tyre and Sidon, whom I serve, and of B rain, my master, I refuse them one and al answer- ed Sakon, with dignity. “Then, Sekon, I am mind2d to bring up 100,000 men against you, and to sweep you and your city from the face of the earth,” said Ithobal. “Yet, I remember thaz I a1s0 have Phoenician blood in my veins, mixed with the nobler more arcient blood at which yonder princelet jeers, and therefore would I spare you. I remember also that for generations there has been peace and amity between my forefathers and the couneil of this city, and therefore would I Spare you. Behold, then, I build a bridge whereby you may escape, asking but one little thing of vou in proof that you are in- deed my friend, and it is that you give me your daughter, the Lady Elissa, whom I love, to my queen. Think well before you answer, remembering that upon your answer may hang the lives of ail who lis- ten to you, aye, and of many thousand others.” For awhile there was silence in the as- sembly and every eye was fixed upon Elissa, Who stood, neither moving nor speaking, her face still set like that of a sphinx and almost as unreadable. Aziel gazed at her with the rest, and his eyes she felt alone of all the hundreds that were bent upon her, Indeed, so strongly did they draw her that against her own will she turned her head and met then. Then, remembering what bad passed between herself ard the prince that very day, she colored faintly and look- ed down, neither the glance nor the blush escaping the watching Ithobal. Presently Sakon spoke: “King Ithobal,” he said, “I am honored that you should seek my daughter as your queen, but she is my only child, whom I love, and this I have sworn to her, that I will not force her to marry against her wili, whoever be the suitor. Therefore, king, take your answer from her own lips, for whatever it be it is my answer.” “Lady,” said Ithobal, “you have heard your father’s words; be pleased to say that you look with favor upon my suit, and that you will deign to share my throne and power.” Elissa took a step forward on the dais and courtesied low before the king. “Oh, King!’ she said. “I am your hand- maid, and great indeed is the favor that you would do your servant. Yet, king, I bray of you search out some fairer woman of a more royal rank to share your crown and scepter, fcr I am ali urworthy of them, and to these words on this matter which I have spoken in past days I have none to add,” and again she courtesied, adding, “King, I am your servant.” Now a murmur of astonishment went up from the audience, for none of them thought it possible that Elissa, who, how- ever beautiful, was but the daughter of a noble, could refuse to beccme the wife ofa king. Ithobal alone did rot seem to be as- tonished, for he had expected this answer. “Lady,” he said, repressing with an ef- fort the passions that were surging within him, “I think that I have something to of- fer to the woman of my choice, and yet you put me aside as li¢htly as though I had neither name nor power nor station. This, as it seems to me, can be read in one way only, that your heart is given else- re.” “Have it as you will, king,” answered Elissa; “‘my heart is given elsewhere.” “And yet, lady, not four suns gone you swore to me that you loved no man. Since then it seems that you have learned to love and swiftly, and it is yonder Jew whom you have chosen,” and he pointed to the Prince Aziel. Again Elissa colored, this time to the exces but she showed no other sign of con- tu lon. “May the king pardon me,” she said, “and may Prince Aziel, whose name has been coupled with mine, pardon me. I said, in- geed, that my heart was given elsewhere, but I did not say it was given to any man. May not the heart of a mortal maid be given to the Everliving?” Now for a moment the king was silenced, while a murmur of applause at her ready wit went around the audience. But be- fore it died away a voice at the far end of the hall cutee oak: x “Perchance the lady does not know that yonder {2 Egypt, and in Jerusalem also, Prince Aziel is named the Eyer-living.” Now it was "3 turn to be overcome. “Nay, I kne not,” she said. “How should I know it? I spoke of the dweller in the heavens whem I worship—” “And behold the title fits a dweller on the earth whom yeu q@nust also worship, for such omens ddinndt' come by chance,” cried the same voice, but from another quar- ter of the crowd. 1. “I ask pardon,” broke in Aziel, “and leave to speak. Ig is true that, owing to fe ea mark I bear, among the Egyp- ans ave iven the by-name of the Ber-living Bat it is one which this lady can scarcely have heard; therefore, jest no more-upoa a chance accident of words. Moreover, if you be men, cease to heap insult uponia woman. I ‘have not dared to ask the Thay Elissa for her love.” “Aye, but you will ask it, and she will grant it,” a ‘ed the same voice, the owner of which none could discover, for he seemed to speak from every part of the chamber. “Moveover,” went. on Aziel, not heeding the interruption, “the last words between us were words of bitter anger, for ‘we quar- reled on a matter of religion.” “What of that?” cried the voice. “Love is the highest of religions, for do not the Phoenicians worship ii “Seize yonder knave!’’ shouted Sakon, and search was made, but without avail. Then Ithobal rose and spoke: “Enough of this folly,” he said. “I am not here to juggle with words or to listen to such play. Whether the Lady Elissa spoke of the god or of a man is one to me. I care not of whom she spoke, but for her words I do care. Now hearken, you city of traders, if this isto be my answer, then I break down that bridge which I have built, and it is war between you and my tribes, War to the end. But let her change her words, and whether she loves me or loves me not, come to be my wife, and it shall stand; for once that we are wed I can surely teach her love; or if I cannot, at least it is she I seek with or without her love. Bethink you, then, lady, and reply again, remembering how much hangs upon your lips.”* fs “Think you, Kink Ithobal,” Elissa an- swered, with flashing eyes, ‘that a woman such as I am can be won by threats? I have spoken, King Ithobal.”” “I know not,” he answered, “but I do know that she can be won by force, and then surely, lady, your pride shall be the price, for you shall be mine, but not? my queen.” Now one of the council rose and said: “It seems, Sakon, that there is more in this matter than whether or no the King Ithobar pleases your daughter. Is the city, then, to be plunged into a great war, of which none can see the end, because one woman looks askance on a man? Better that a thousand girls should be wedded where they would not than such a thing should happen. Sakon, according to our ancient law, you have-the right to give your daughter in marriage where and when you will. We demand, therefore, that for the good of the commonwealth you should exercise this right,-and hand over the Lady Elissa to King Ithobal.” This speech was received with loud shouts of approval, since no Phoenician audience would be willing to sacrifice its interests for a thing so trivial as the happiness of @ woman. : “Between the desire of a beloved daughter to whom I have pledged my word and my duty to the great city over which I rule, my strait is hard indeed,” answered Sakon. “‘Hearken, King Ithobal, I must have time. Give me eight days from now in which to answer you, for if you will not 1 say no to your suit Ithobal was about to refuse, when once more his councillors plucked him by the sleeve, pointing out to him that if he did so it was likely that none of them would leave the city alive, singe at some sign from Sakon the cagfeinS*of the guard already hastened from¥he hall. “So be it, Sakon,” hi camp withovt your longer safe for on, against them, ang’ this shall your Elissa and peacr “Tonight I Is, which are no ho has threatened war the eighth day from ralds bring me Lady e—or I make good my threat. Till then. ofereweil,” and, placing himself in the ypidst*f his company, he left the hall. 2 x q gen vit. The Mack Dwart. Some two houfs shad. passed since the breaking up thénassembly in the great hall, and the re ziel was seated in his 1 chamber lost fy sht, wheh the keeper of the door anfounegd that a woman was without who dtéiréfi to speak with him. He commanded that she should be ad- mitted, and a veiled figure entered the room and bowed before him. ear “Be pleased to unvell and to tell me your business, liftty?”he said. “ With some reluctance she withdrew the wrappings from Her head, revealing a face which he recognized as one that he’ had seen among the waiting women who at- tended cn Elissa. S “My message is for your ear, Prindée,” she Said, glancing at the man who had ushered her into the chamber. ass “It is not my custom to rece! thus alone,” said the prince j you will;”” and he commanded the servant to stand without the door. “Lady, I’await your pleasure,” he added, as soon as he had gone. “Tt is here,” she answered, and drew from her bosom a little papyrus Toll. “Who wrote this?” he asked. “I know not, prince; it was given to me to pass on to you.” Then he opened the roll and read it. It ran thus: “Though we parted with bitter words, still in my sore distress I crave the comfort of your counsel. Therefore, now, since I may not speak with you openly, meet me, I beseech you, at moonrise in'the palace garden under the shade of the great fig tree with five roots, where I shall be accompanied only by one I trust. Bring no man with you, for my sake.—Elissa.” Aziel thrust the scroll into his robe and thought awhile. Then he gave the waiting lady a piece of gold and sald: “Tell her who sent you that I obey her words. Farewell.’ This message-seemed to puzzle the woman, who opened her lips to speak, then, changing her mind, she turned and went. Searcely had she gone when the Phoe- niclan, Metem, was ushered into the pres- enge of the prince. “Oh, prince,” he said, maliciously, “par- don me if I caution you, but in. truth if veiled ladies flit thus in and out of your apartments in the light of day, it will reach the ears of the holy but violent Issacher, of whose doings I come to speak, and then I tremble for you.” Aziel made a. movement half impatient and half contemptuous, ‘The woman is but a serving maid,” he said, “who brought me @ message that I understand but little, Tell Tae, Metem, for you know this place, does there stand in the palace garden a great fig tree with five roots?” “Yes, prince; at least, such a tree used to grow there when last I visited the city, whereof it is one of the wonders, because of its size. What of it?” “Little, except that I must be under it at moonrise. See ahd read, since, whatever you may say of yourself, you are, 1 think, no traitor.” re “Not if I ani Well paid to keep, counsel, prince,” Metem answered, with ‘a smile. ‘Phen he took the ‘scroll and read ft. “I am glad that, the'noble lady brings an attendant with her,” he said, as he returned of Zimboe are cen- it, “since the sogsipg sorious and might misinterpret this moon- light meeting, a3, indeéd, would Issachar. Well, doves wijlcép and maids ‘will woo, and unless I can make money out of it the affair is none of initie.” “Have I not,told you that there is no question of woping?,’ asked the prince an- grily. “I go only to give her what counsel I can in the mtitterlof the suit of this sav- age, Ithobal, Qhe Lady Elissa and I have quarreled beyond repair over that accursed sacrifice—' “Which her féady ‘wit prevented,” put in Metem. ease “But I promised last night that I would help her if I could,’ the prince went on, “and I ever keep my, word.” “I understand, ince. Well, since you turn from the Igdy,, Whose name with yours is so much in, mén’s mouths just | now, doubtiess you will’Bive her wise copnsel, namely, to wed “Ithobal and lift the shadows of war; froth this city; for which, indeed, we sh: ( tame to her, for )Stubborness. And, by. ie has ‘listened to your wisdom, she chance to explain to you that the sight of today’s attempted sacrifice filled her with horror, and that she parted with every, jewel she owns to put an end to it—well, her words will be true. But since you have quarreled, they will have no more interest for you, prince, than has my talk about them. So now to other mat- ters,” and he duct of, the necessity :E}: ag, a: co! of hi tgious zeal. Presently-he was gone, leaving Aziel some what bewildered: none can mové, h: the way, if when “Could it be true, 9, she herself had tol: him, and as Metem now. ‘that Elis sa had not partie! lingly in the hor- ible rites in the temple? If so, he had mis her B unjust; indeed, wha. atonement -could':suffice-for such: words as he had used toward her? Well, to some ex- tent she must have understood and forgiv- en them, otherwise she would scarcely have sought his aid, though he knew not how he could help her in her distress. When Elissa returned from the assembly she laid herself down to rest, worn out in mind and body. Soon sleep ‘came to her, and with the sleep dreams. At first they were vague and shadowy, then they grew more clear. She dreamed that she si dim and moonlit garden, and in it a st tree with twisted rocts that seemed familiar to her. Something moving among the branches of this tree attracted her atten- tion, but for a long while she watched it without beeing able to discover what it was. Now she saw. The moving thing was a hideous black dwarf, with beady eyes, who held in his hand a little ivory- tipped bow, on the string of which was set an arrow. Her consciousness concentrat- ed itself upon this arrow, and, though she knew not how, she became aware that it Was poisoned. What was the dwarf doing in the tree with a bow and poisoned arrow, she wondered. Suddenly a sound seemed to strike ‘her ear, a sound of a man’s foot- steps walking over grass, and she perceived that the figure of the dwarf, crouched upon the bough. became tense and alert, and that his fingers tightened upon the bow string till the blood was driven from their yellow tips. Following the glance of his wicked black eyes, she saw advancing through the shadows a tall man clad in a dark robe. Now he emerged into a patch of moonlight and stood looking around him, as though he were searching for some one. Then the dwarf raised himself to his knees upon the bough, and aiming at the bare throat of the man, drew the bow string to his ear. At this moment he turned his head, and the moonlight shone full upon his face. It was that of the Prince Aziel. (To be continued.) UNIVERSITY NOTES Columbian University. The athletic association, to whose mem- bership a number of the students have re- cently been elected, will meet this evening. Plans are under way for a base ball team to represent the university this season, and it is probable that some attention will be given to tennis. Prof. Jeffords’ lecture was postpone1 from Wednesday until the 9th instant, The Hamiltonian Society, at its meeting this evening, will have for discussion, “Re- sclved, That the United States should an- nex Canada.” The Law School Debating Society Held a public debate last Saturday evening, the question being, “Resolved, That the Untied States Senate should be elected by direct vote of the people.” The speakers were Messrs. H. S. Le “ Hume, jr., affirmative, and Mess 8. Smith, C. C. Wyant and A. A. Adams, neg- ative. The judges, Messrs. Job Barnard, Tracy L. Jeffords and W. R. Ellis, readered ir decision in favor of the latter gentle- men. The question this evening will be, “Resolved, That the government should ; and control the telephone and tele- | graph systems,” and the speakers C. O. Guynes and W. F. Kirk, affirmative, and Messrs. W. F. Kirk and H. A. White, neg- | ative. On the 19th instant the question will be, “Resolved, That the policy of ex- cluding Chinese laborers should be main- tained and rigorously enforced The Virginia Club of the law school will give a smoker next Friday evening. The Columbian Parliamentary Law Soci- iety will meet tonight. ‘The students of the Corcoran Scientific School held a meeting Thursday to elect an editor to represent them on the staff of the “Call.”” The Enosinian Society, class I, will dis- cuss the question this evening, ‘Resolved, That the execution of Charles I was justi- fiable.” The speakers on the affirmative side will be Misses Smith and Parkinson, and on the negative Miss Smith and Mr. Beatty. Class II has for discussion, “Resolved That music is more elevating than poetry and Miss Ross and Mr. Harlan, affirma- tive, and Mr. Rogers and Miss McKeldon, negative, will be the speakers. A movement is cn foot for the building of a new hospital, to be conducted under the auspices of the university. Work has been commenced on the new law school and office building on 5th street, and the old structure is now being torn down. Georgetown University. Work on the new, grand stand has been ccmmenced, and it is the intention of the athletic association to have it completed if possible by the 26th instant, when the first game of the season in base ball will be played with Johns Hopkins University. Mr. J. M. Dunn is the builder of the new structure, and the permit states the cost as $2,500. There will be three flagpoles on the stand when completed, and dressing rooms and other conveniences will be fit- ted up below. The seating capacity will be at least 1,000. ‘The base ball team was out last Satur- day for the first time. Mr. McCarthy is captain, and the most prominent candi- dates for the various positions are Moran, Walsh, Casey, Fleming, Maloney, Dowd, Smith, O'Connor, Bach, O'Donnell, Tracy, Dewns, Miles and Kelly. There is some talk of holding a dual meet with the University of Pennsylva- nia, but no definite arrangements have been made as yet. The bowling tourna- ment has just been completed, with John Keane the winner and Joseph Fitzpatrick second. There were fifty-six entries, and the affair was considered a great success. The scores, though not very high, were fair, considering the short time some of the contestants have spent at the game. The consolations will be played. off next week. Shortstop Demontreville, formerly of the Washington Base Ball Club, but now with the Baltimores, is practicing with the ‘varsity nine. The examinations for the second term at the law school will be held on the 10th, 12th and 14th on torts, equity and con- tracts, respectively. That in civil law has already occurred. The result of the exam- inations held just before Christmas has not yet been announced. The law school debating society held a public debate last Saturday evening, the question being, ‘Resolved, That the pro- visions of the income tax act of the act of Congress of August 15, 1894, were consti- tutional,”” and the speakers, Messrs. L. H. Mattingly and Charles F. Conlon, affirma- tive, and Messrs. Joseph Saloman and Charles R. Yeatman, negative. The de- bate was decided in favor of the negative. Professor Douglass was absent from the law school last Saturday evening, and his place was filled by Mr. A. E. L. Leckie. Mr. C. de B. Claiborne, manager of field and track, represented Georgetown at the meeting in New York of the Inter-Col- legiate American Amateur Athietic Associa- tion. Father Richards was out of the city last week, Howard University. Prof. R. B. Warder and Seniors G. S. Murray and Calyin Alexander returned Tuesday from Cleveland, Qhio, where they had gone as delegates from Howard to the international convention of the students’ volunteer movement. Next Monday after- noon they will report to the students of the university. Last week Miss Edith A. Rankin led the C. E. mass meeting, her subject being, “Getting Close to Christ.” The topic this evening will be, “Profitable Sabbath.” Last night the annual debate of the theo- logical department was held for the May- nard prizes. The question for debate was, “Resolved, That the migration of the col- cred people to Africa is the best solution of the race problem in this country,” and the speakers, N. W. Brown, G. W. Powell and M. B. Sparks, affirmative, and W. E. Moore, G. H. West and C. Wright, negative. The judges were Rev. H.B. Higley,D. D.; Rev.W. V. Tunnell, D. D., and Rev. J. H. Bradford, D. D. The music was under the direction of Professor Stevens. Second term examinations will probably be‘commenced next week. ———— Brass Collars for Drunkards. From Tit-Bits. A colonial gentleman, who now sits on the Wandsworth and Clapham board of guardians, amused his colleagues at their weekly mecting by stating, during a dis- cussion upon ‘the best manner of dealing with local inebriates, that they had an ex- cellent way ‘of checking excessive drinking in Manitoba. -When a man had been twice or thrice: convicted of drunkenness in the police Pons he was sentenced to wear a i~} brass Collar,.which marked him out among his fellows ‘as'& person to whom no pub- ‘ican “could with impunity are liquor. drastic measure often prot a ey On the authorities being satisfied that the branded individual had served a sufficient- as uncol- he and endowed with the “iberty oc pan CURIOUS UNITED STATES ARMY UNIFORMS OF THE PAST. IN YEARS GONE Queer Uniforms That Have Been! Worn by Our Army. SINCE THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD Turkish Trousers and Long Coats Had Their Day. ———— SILK HATS AND STOCKS Written for The Evening Star, MILES ported to be contem- plating —_ important changes in the uni- forms now worn by | the soldiers of the United States reg- || ular army. At a re- cent reception at the }) White House the | general appeared in a gorgeous new tun- ic of his own design, | liberally adorned with gold lace, snd of alternate yellow and The most remarkable point the wearing a sash gold stripes. alout the uniform, however, was not splendor of the facings as the prominence of the cak leaf and acorn decorations; a curious fact, as these ere supposed to Le the distinctive military embiems of the British crown. Gen. Miles, however, inti- rates that he is going to take the best features of every other nation’s dress reg- ulations and incorporate them into his new system for the clothing of the American army. In this connection it is interesting to recall some cf the curious uniforms whizh the brave defenders of our great republic have from time to time adopted, either through choice or necessity. Who would ever imagine that our soldiers once wore the tall silk hat of the modern society gentleman? Yet in 1810 an order was is- sued directing that all the privates be sup- plied with a hat identical in shape and form with the “chimney-pot hat” of toda’ and this extraordinary kind of military headgear continued until 1812, when it was replaced by a mcre ornate covering, described in the regulations as “a leather cap, bell-crowned, adorned in front with a yellow eagle made of brass work, em- bossed with the regimental number; a white pompon in front and a black cockaije at the side, made of leather.” Certaialy it was a more serviceable hat than its predecessor, and more suggestive of the martial spirit that inspired its wearers to their brilliant deeds of valor in the strug- gle of that year. But the day of the pot hat was not yet done; in 1821 the cadets of the Military Academy at West Point Were requested to adopt the pattern which had been condemned as an unsoldierlike head ccvering but nine years before, and great was the wrath of these embryo Washingtons and Jacksons at the indig- nity which, they dectared, had been put vpon them. But their dislike soon gave way to a feeling of respect for the uni- fcrm, and perhaps to this fact is due the erormous popularity of the tall hat among American citizens. Leather Hunting Shirts. In the stirring times of the revolution- ary period the dress of many of the patriot regiments was at once quaint and pictur- esque. Many of the troops, prominent among them the Ist Virginia Regiment in 1775, were clothed (at thir own expense) in leather hunting shirts, leggings and caps, trimmed with fur—a dress that Washington recommended to ali those who were unable to obtain the regular uniform, saying that “the leather hunting shirt in- spired terror in the heart of the British soldicr, as the latter believed that its wear- er must necessarily be a sharpshooter, in fact another Leatherstocking.” On reflec- tion, one can hardly blame the Britisher let us take the governor of Connectic regiment of foot guards, or; Us anized in 1771. There were two companies, the first of which wore scarlet-colored coats, richly covered with gold lace and faced with black; buff cassimere waistcoats and butt cloth breeches, high bearskin hats or “bus- bies,"" and black leggins. The second com- pany, however, outdid the first in magnifi- cerce by the adoption of white vests, bree and stockings, ruffled shirts and silver buttons! In additioi ust Te- member the long powdered q and ean-shaven faces of the period, So as to dequate idea of the imposing ap- of these tall and weli-built sons But think of a s r wearing White stockings and breeches! Washington's own uniform as comman- ler-in-chief of the army was very simpi S compar out.” He prescr dv pr were of the simi the superior office: r wore a light-plue sa n his coat and wais gadier generals w gre and » inguishing mp of pink silk. sashes of de~ A An amusing memoirs of th ben of a ¢ w en. ih that with the sole condition no came should be in possession of an entire suit of clothes. It is nardiy necessary to state that a change of clothes was a thing unknown and undreamt of among t warriors. As the baron himse more picturesque or unusual 7 ably never rreun thi loubtless 2 packing and twenty y seions eclonial houses who were pr 5 - was not one that could boast a whole pair of trous- ers ———_22—_—— COINS OF ALUMINUM. English Public Belicve They Woul@ Be Very Acceptable. From Pearson's Weekly. Aluminum has acquired so rapid a pop- ularity for a variety of purposes by reason of its lightness, its cleanlincss and its brightness that it is remarkabie it should the smaller substitute for copper and not have been used before denominations of col the far heavier and bronze. A change is, however, to be wrought in this direction; but, instead of the authori- ties of our own mint being the pioneers in what would unquestionably be a popular movement, the initiative will come from the other side of the Atlantic, where a com- mittee on coining has reported upon the subject, and Congress will no doubt act in the matter in accordance with that report during the next few months. To the people who have to sums of money in small den: change—for the change is | sooner or leter in our own country—will be most welcome. A man presented by the conductor of an omnibus with 11 pence as change for a shilling invariably grumbles at the weight which he is condemned to carry about with him, and a woman equally resents the excessive weight which is added to her purse by a similar transaction, The adoption of aluminum coinage would and make th pasure Tather th etal is far brighter and retains its Juster for a@ much longer time. It will no doubt be urged that the use of a silver-colored metal would lead to all sorts of frauds being perpetrated on the dirty ry large minations the ind to come unwary, just as there were at the time silver three half-penny pieces or e withdrawn culation in Jamaica, and nickel and half-pennies were substituted Then the negroes were frequently defrauded by the unscrupulous, who palm- ed off pennic rowns and the half- pennies as shillings. But in a very short time the negro got to understand that silver coins were milled at the edge, and the dishonest people ceased having a’ good time of it. There is, however, an additional natural advantage in the use of aluminum, for its weight is so different that it would seem to be an impossibility for any one to make a mistake in the matter. The calendar for the present year © actly reproduces that of 1887. Each year commenced n a Saturday, has a twenty- eighth 4: February. and in both years for his timidity in approaching the fear- less backwoodsmen. The Pennsylvania regiments, facetiously dubbed the “Quaker brigade,” were remarkable for the exces- sive plainness of their uniforms, which were modestly made of buff-colored cloth. trimmed and faced with brown. What a contrast to the gay trappings of the troop- ers known as Moylan’s dragoons, describ- ed as wearing “green short coats turned ~p with red, waistcoats of red cloth, buck- skin breeches and a leather cap, trimmed with bearskin, a flowing mane of horse hair harging trom a curved brass crest at the top.” High Collars and Stocks. In 1802 the then commander-in-chief is- sued an order that the collars of all pri- vates’ coats should not be less than three inches high nor more than three and a kalf; ten years later the height was in- creased “to reach as far as the tip of the ear at the side and back, and in front as high as the chin would permit in turning the head.” These preposterous collars were afterward replaced by the equally uncom fortable stocks, but a more rational meas- ure brought into vogue the present low collar of soft cloth, supplemented in the case of officers by an ordinary civilian collar. : President Monroe decided, toward the end of 182i, that the uniforms of the various regiments should all be dark blue in col- or, and that this was to be in future the national color; the West Point cadets to have gray coats and trousers, while the regimental musicians were to be distin- guished by their red coats; facings and or- namentctions of every description were abolished. But in 1832 the facings were readopted and shortly afterward the long coat gave way to the dark blue jacket or “coatee,” as-it was called, which came in with the sky-blue pantaloons. Perhaps no more remarkable uniform was ever worn than that of 1855, remarkable for its un- bagey long Coats with wide bell skirts, end to still further increase. the the long coat was discarded in favor of the loosely fitting “coatee” mentioned above. At this date, also, the coft felt hat, with a broad brim ides, was army days were..undoubtedly very Easter falls on April 10, A city business man, who gets to work at nine in the Morning, takes an hour for lunch and leaves for home at four or five in the afternoon, little un- ders ds the hardships of the {D life of the farmer, who starts to work at break of day and frequently et works on into the night by lantern- light. A man to endure “ithe hardships of a No - farmer’s life, must be robust physically at the outset, and if he would live a long life, always keep a watch- ful eye upon his health. He should re- mem! that it is the apparently trifling disorders that eventually make the big dis- eases. It does not do for a hard working man to neglect bilious attacks or spells of indigestion. If he does, he will soon find himself flat on his back with malaria or eee with rheumatism. Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery is the best of all men. It makes the aj he: , the dij ion ive, the bl the liver ac- pure and rich with the life- Barber Co., Kan. ‘Medical