Evening Star Newspaper, December 10, 1898, Page 16

his state Yhen noticing there was something omin- THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1898-24 PAGES. armored men, the detachments being under will, at your word, prostrate myself at your “Your majesty, I will obey any command the new mid-Pacific possession of the re- om qi {the symbol on his breast. “My orders are [me what you like; names signify Jittie.”* breathed a deen sigh of satisfaction at | Roptakel back Gus Sim wee tastes iaaeelal | MCLE CRAPRLN genmperr cee Gon CHEMLGtDE | tuning evista tes upright | “ majesty.” replied the messenger, calmiy. | count, “found, an mtruder sitting on bis | posture. The count, though hot-headed, was no | throne, would he like it, think you?’ ‘Count of Winneburg,” said the emperor 3 WOOT WOW DWI fool, and he stood fer a moment pondering ‘His feeling, perhaps, would be CHS Be sleet Be is alleged that upon the Soe SS SSS SS 2 x the words which the Knight of Ehren- | astonishment, my lord count, but speaking | sion of the last meeting of the council of = . : ‘i itive (lidsapokedteal tkinguiavies yes for the emperor, Ii am certain that he) state for the Moselle valley you. in| An Important Problem Which Will “Let not the crafty archbishop -mbroil | Would never lay hands on the usurper, or | presence of th> nobles there assembled, < } you with the emperor. treat him like a sack:of corn in a yeoman’s } cast a slight upon your over-lord, the arch- Have to Be Solved. 4 1 This warning had been the cautious war- | barn.” ‘ bishop of Treves. Do you question the tior's parting advice to him. The count laugheg heartily at this. ard | statement?” The count cleared his throat ees, ee Se “If you will honor my humble roof," sald | Was relieved to tind ‘that this quitted him | several times, which In the stliiness of that Piste tines the count slowly, “by taking refresnment | of the tension which’the ereat presences had | vaulted room soun¢ WRITTEN FOR TEE EVENING ‘TAR BY ROBERT BARR. under it, L shall be glad of your company | at first caused , | booming of cannon. : CONTRACT SYSTEM 10 BE ABOLISHED : - = afterwards, to Frankfort, in obedience to | ‘“Truth to tell, your majesty, L am sorry If to cast the archbishop half the dis- C : TARAeRte ES cominnaviies? I touched him. I should have ceqaesied [fance of this room is (o cast a slight upon SN ee The messenger bowed low, accepted the | him to withdraw, byt my arm nas <Iways | him, 1 did so, sour She eats % t ospitality, Mther they made way | been more ready in action than my tongue, ere was a simultaneous ripple of laugh- ‘ . ) PR eee Peer “ Eb pgTEDS MRSEHIO Se OAT EIGnE Ee aren (ae youllean react nen ine Teese ants) | ter mitts sinetenni coon ea eoeenimel| Planters Are! Prapaning to! Mbet the ; toltharcapieal! ; this room.” searching eye of the emperor sw2pt the 5 i et eT ae ia thin the walls of Frankfort the count | “Indeed, count, your tongue @ you | room. e ee Changed Conditions. was lodged in rooms near the palace, to | Very good service,"” continued the cnperor, | “Sir count,” said the emperor severely, which his conductor guided him, and al- | “and I am glad to Have from you an ex-]| “the particulars of your outrage are nat eae though it was still held that he was not a | Pression of regret. & hope, therefore, ee SS of ae only your admi enere e cot a single flazo vine | prisoner. an armed man paced to and fro | You will have no hesitation 1n repeating }of. Hear than my commands. Betake oe NQ oT 'R w ; ; lee Sy Rake ay deant rearue | Metre hleldageelieaighte eolsey tenes 4 | enae declaration tthe archbishop of | Yourself to your castle of Winneburg and CONFORMING TO OUR LA » ae sige fremont 2 e. Surely, Beilstein, you | ing his arrival Count Winn2burg was sum- | Treve , SOL ee Gt a ed ea — t th aad of Wit : ve amended that, if only for the | moned to the court, and in a large ante- Does your majesty mean tnat I am ty aaeves ona we appointed ite ciated , isis > in fer | < ef an old and constant comrade. | ré found himself one of a numerous te apologize to him?” pee tes ie aa Ris yeiesee Reese Gm” | written for The Evening Sta: va gue =e Map ies Cents 0 a 2Or AE eee ne Ree a ae RY | che ee ag orESE OES Ot ae cepa | utd Gee ee eT ee eal coleabe emerge ee nabs onatereatinge es a Speman day of our meeting. and then, to| huge hall was hung with tapestry. and mt | count sald slow! : have committed. Disobey at your peril.” | jegistation will come before the present s ra grea pair, T found myself an hour the further end were great curtains, at | | “I will surrender to your majesty my per. | , Once or twice the count moistened his | Congress than that bearing upon Hawali, er | and have ridden hard to be among you. each edge of which stuod half a dozen | son, my sword, my castle, and my Jands; 1{ dry Mps, then he said: wn the long r ugh th » down the F narrew 1- 2 trace of Impat and wel a eee of irman was nt t hy whose she ple: nar s no other in whose h burg himself. re now collected, ar was thug a doub! st as well as p ity 1 to soothe the a Ni ifked the Count « generous-hear stand by his friends was the quarrel h.s own ittle eared the sta!wart tr ald rs, neburg wh quarrel it was ™m 2 opportu! of wield- nip of Tre sip of the nd now strode apart rrived ormed that ing would return in nothing had bee! zh mounted 7 the but wer hi archbishop ar that Count V J in the chase, ha peeiing, for It wa: ® body was bet > nob.es. proba ore take my . and I call upon you to the council tab the emperer was inclined to defer tu the the lord of Treves had this right t and m, between ¢ entz an} midway 1 no desire lion's ja rdship's benevolent in- ‘The emperor seemed of Cochem as a ng, and the nobles “cause ‘they could not for wishing to av ontinued to ing of equal ad- gh I asked them said the archbishop. “for 2 thos to when rolke tt ddenly, to the wart Cr ajesty,” he said, castie stands rt league from ¢ and has a Rittersaa!l as large as ix he Pinnacled palace by the It is equaily nt to all ¢ and every gentleman is right welcome to its b My cellars are well filled with arders are stocked w All that can be in fav applies with equ: ept of my roof, it is »bles with universal enthusiasm yes; Winne he spot.” smiled, knew p of Treves was somewhat lispensing of his hospital his guests drink th her than tap the wine of a yield majesty smiled bles thought of the ma hs, whered safety of the em unanimous in ther Winnebu elected Count Winnep ok hold of the 23 of the enerc nts of The archbishop glared nd him, but no man moved he stood. 1 to be seated. The council ts called to order. Baron Beilstein cleared his throat ond Spoke, see with some hesitation heverthel Lis votce May we beg a little more time for Count urg? He has doubtless gone far- Id than he intended when he set myself knew something of the fas- of the chase, and can easily under- 2pes out all remembrance of with a touch of obstinacy We ther at edn sts his council a lesser thing?” de- the archbishop. “We have waited Ro iv already, and I shall not gtve the legeerd a moment more.” Indeed, my lord, then I am sorry to hear a not willingly be the man who ait Winneburg’s chair, should he come on us."* ta threat?” wring ft is am asked the archbishop, 4 a threat, but rather a warning. neighbor of the count, and know and whatever his virtues may be, e is not one of them. heavily, may I venture to sug: your lordship remove the prohil aimed when the count’s servant ug wine, and allow me to act tei it. order the flagons ich, I think, will please W ter when he comes than in his ehatr.”* 3 is no drunken revel, but a cow said the archbishop sternly wine when the host is not 1 r it." . my lord,” said Beilstein, with a { the shoulders, “some of us ure so that we care not who makes the as long as the wine be sound ast offer What reply the archbishop would Lavo made can © be conjectured, fur at that Imoment the door burst open and in came Count Winneburg, a head and shoulders above any man In that room and huge in Proportion. “My lords, my lord: he cried, his loud ee booming to the rafters, “how can I < vow [© exeuse such @ breach of hospi- ¥ 2 over their mee h was rather to curb at han to confirm sti th lready had ven a year before these cou nad been ted. the arch- } td opposed them; but, finding that press | if time | | | }lerd. | the solid table rattle, and bringing dowa | looked with undisguised hatred at his as “Winneburg,” he said. slowly, i} apo.ogize abjectty for this in- | he may | tmperlal ous in the air, and an unaccustomed silence to greet his words. he looked from one to the other, and his *, traveling up the ble. rested finally upon the archbishop in bis chair. Count Winneburg drew himself up, his ruddy face coloring like fire. Then, before any person could reach out hand to check him or move lip in counsel, the ecunt, with a fier.e oath, strode to the tsurper, grasped him by the shoulders, toed bs bees high above his head and flung him like a sack of corn to the smooth feor, where the unfortunate archbishup. huddied in a helpless heap, slid along th= polished surface as if he were on tce. The fiteen nobles stood stock still, appalled at this unexpected outrage upon their over- Winneburg seated himself in the r with an emphasis that made even his huge fist crashing on the board before . Shouted: Let no man occupy my chair unless he has weight enough to remain there." Baron Beilstein and one or two others hurried (o the prostrate archbishop and assisted him to his feet. ount Winneburg,” said Beilst can expect no sympathy from u: @ course of violenc: n, “you for such in your own hall.” I want none of your sympathy,” roared the angry count. “Bestow it on the man now in your hands who needs it. If you want the archbishop of Treves to act as your chairman, elect him to the position in rome. I shall have no usurpation in castle. While 1 am chairman 1 sit in chair, and none other.” There was a murmur of approval at this, for one and all were deeply suspicious of the archb:shop's continued encroachments. His lordship of Treves, once more on his fect, his lips pailid and his face color: and that in the presence of the nob.es empire, or I shail see to it that not one of this castle remains upon an- “Indeed.” said the count, nonchalaniiv, “I shall apojogize to you, my lord, when you have apologized to me for taking my ce. AS to the castle, it is said that th usted in the buiiding of it, and it ¥ that through trenaship tor you preside over iis destruction.” archb.shop made no repiy, out how- tuly lo the rest of the company Who looked on glum enough, well knoy that the episode they had Witnessed meant, in all probability, red war let ioose duwn the smuing valley of the Moselle, left the Ritter-seile. “Now that the councll is duly convened in regular order,” said Count Winneburg, when the others had seated themseives around his table, at questions of state come up for discussion? For 8 moment there was no answer to this query, the deiegates looking at one another speechiess, But at last Baron uistein, shrugging his shoulder, said, at look c.osely to the strengthen wat that we al ing of our which are like to be tested before by the Lion of Treves. It may have been unwise, Winneburg, to have used th archbishop so roughly, he being unaccus tomed to athletic exercise; but, let the consequences be what they may, I for one wilt siand by you.” “And L, andl, and T, and 1,” erled the others, with the exeeption of ‘the Knizht ot Ebrerburg. who, hving as he did near the town of Cobientz, was learned in the jaw and not so ready as some of his com- Eade Speak first and think afterward. “My ” cried their presiding officer, “«uite tly deeply moved by this token of their fealt what I have uone, 1 have done, be tt wise or the verse, and the resujis must fall en my head alone. No words of mine can remove the dust of the floor from the hbishop's cloak; so If he comes, let him come 1 1 give him as hearty a weicome as it {8 in My power to renaer. All L ask is fair piay, and ® who siand aside shail s a tight. it ts not mght that a he act OF mine should embroil the peace Country sie 0 if Treves comes on 1 raat me one, here in my castle. Bur, i thank you alj for your of- b. That is ad, except the Knight n of Ehrenty urg, Whose tender of assistance, if mare, has escaped my ear. Anignt Of Enrenburg had up to that Moment ves Studying the texture of the vaken table on which his fagon sat. Now he 1ooked up and spoke slowly. “I made no protfer of help,” he said cause none will be needed, I believe far as the archbishop of Treves is cone ed. ‘fhe count. a moment ag he- “a aid that elt he wanted was fair play, but that is just What he has no right to expect from’ his present antagonist. The archbishop wits Inake ho attempt on this castie; he will act muca more subtly than that.’ The acche bishop will lay the redress of his quarrel upon the shoulders of the emperor, and it is the oncoming of the imperiai troops you have to fear, and not an invasion from Treves. 2st the forces of the emperor we are 4 less, united or dividec y may call upon us on, If we In- a, his majes' : this casue, = We are rebels, »roken our oaths. “What, then, eft for me to do? asked the count, ed at the coll in Watch be had involved himself. othing,”” advised the Knight of Bhren- burg. “except apologize abjectly to. the archbishop, and that too soon, for his lordship may not accept it. But when he formaliy ds ft J should render it to him on bis own 1 think myself weil out of an awk ition.” The it of Winneburg rose from his » lifting his clinched fist high * head, shook it at the timbers cf e roo! Phat,” he er stone of Win other.” do, while upon an- At this those present, always with the exception of the Knignt of Ehrenburg, prang to their feet, shouting: mperial troops oi Count of Winneburg!” Some one flashed forth a sword, aud in- Stanly « glitter of blades was in ths air and cheer after cheer rang to the rafters. When the uproar had somewhat subsided the Knight of Ehrenburg sald, calmly: “My castle stands nearest to the ca: al, and will be the first to fall, but neve theless, hoping to de my shouting when the war ended, I Join my forces with those Test of you!” And amidst this unanimity and much emptying of flagons, the assemblage dis- solved, each man with his escort taking his Way to his own stronghold, to con more soberly, perhaps. next day the problem that confronted them. They were fighters all, and would not flinch when the pinch came, whatever was the outcome. Day followed dey, with no sign from Treves. Winneburg employed the time in setting his house in order, to be ready for } whatever chanced, and just as the count as beginning to congratulate himself that his deed was to be without consequences, there rode up to his castle gates a horse- man, accompanied by two lancers, and on the newcomer’s breast were emblazoned the ms. Giving voice to his horn, the gates were at once thrown open to him, and, entering, he demanded Instant speech with the count. My lord, Count Winneburg,” he said, when that glant had presented himself, “his majesty, the emperor, commands me to summon you to the court at Frankfort.” “Do you take me as prisoner, then?” usk- ed the count. “Nothing was said to me of arrest. I -vas merely commissioned to deliver to you the message of the emperor.” no, We stand by the ‘What are your orders if I refuse to go?” A hundred armed men stood behiad the count, @ thousand more were within call of the castle bell; two lances. only were at the back of the r, but the Strength of the empire was betokened by command of two gayly uniformed officers. Oceasionaly the curtains ware parted by menials, who stood there to perform that duty, and high nobles entered or came out singly and in groups. Down the sides of the hull were packed some hundreds of peopl>, chattering together for the most part, and gazing at those who passed up and down the open space in the center. lhe count surmised that the emperor held his court In whatever apartment was be- hind ths crimson curtains. He felt the eyes of the multitude upon him, and shifted uneasily from one foot to another, cursing his ungainliness, ashamed of the tingling of the blood in cheeks. He was out of place in this laughing, talking crowd, ex- periencing the sensations of an uncouth rusitc suddenly thrust into the turmoil of a metropolis, resenting bitterly the sup- posed sneers that were flung at him. He suspected that the whispering and the giggling were directed toward himself, and burned io draw his sword and let thes: popinjays know for once what a man could do. AS a matter of fact, it was a buzz of admiration at his stature which went up when he entered, but the count had so lit- ue of self-conceit in his soul that he never aven guessed the truth. Two nobles pass- “WHIRLED HIS HEELS feet, and humbly beg pardon for any offense I have committed against you, but to tell the archbishop I am sorry, when I am not, and to cringe before him and sup- plieate his grace, well, your majesty, es between man and man, I'll sce him ad— first.” Again the emperor had some difficulty in preserving that rigidity of expression which he had evidently resolved to maintain. “Have you ever met a ghost, my lord count?” he asked. Winneburg crossed him- self devoutly, a sudden pallor coming over his face. “Indeed, your majesty, I have seen strange things, and things for which there was no accounting, but it has been usually after a contest with the wine flagon, and at the time my head was none of clearest, so I would not venture to say whether they were ghosts or no.” “Imagine, then, that in one of the corri- ders of your castle at midnight you met a white robed, transparent figure, through whose form your sword passed scathlessly, what would you do, my lord?” “Indeed, your majesty, I would take to my heels, and best myself elsewhsre as speedily as possible “Most wisely spoken, and you, who are no coward, who would face willingly in HIGH OVER HBAD.” ing near him, he heard one of them say distinctly: “That is the fellow who threw the arch- bishop over his head,’ while the oth glancing at him, said: “By the coat, he seems capable of up- ssiting the three of them, and I, for one, wish more power to his muscle should he attempt it.” The count shrank against the tapestried walls, hot with anger, wishing himself a dwarf that he might escape the gaze of so many inquiring ey Just as the scrutiny was becoming unbearable his companion touched him on the elbow and said in a low voice: “Count Winneburg, follow me." He held aside the tapestry at the back of the count, and that noble, nothing loth, disappeared from view behind tt. Entering a narrow passageway, they traversed it until they came to a closed door, at each lintel of which stood a pike- man, fronted with a shining breast plate of metal. The count’s conductor knocked sently at the closed door, th3n opened it hoiding it so that the count could pas: in, and when he had done so the door clos- ed sofuy behind him. To his amazement, Winneburg saw before him, standing at the further end of the smal! room, the Emperor Rudolph, entirely alone. | The count awkwardly was about to kneel when bis liege strode forward and prevented him. “Count Winneburg,” he said, “from what I hear of you, your elbow joints are more supple than those of your knees, therefore, let us be thankful that on this occasion there Is no need to use either. I see you are under the mistaken impression that the emperor is present. Put that thought from your mind, and regard me simply as Lord Rudolph, one gentleman wishing to have Some little conversation with another. ‘Your majesty,” stammered the count. “I have but this moment suggested that you use the title, my lord. But leaving aside all question of salutation, let us get to the heart of the matter, for [ think we “Pll See Him Damned First.” are both direct men. You are summoned to Frankfort because that high and inighty prince of the church, the archbishop of Treves, has made complaint to the em- peror against you, alleging what seems to be an unpardenable indignity suffered Ly him at your hands.”’ “Your majesty—my lord, I mean,” fal- tered the count. “The indignity was of his own seeking; he sat down in my chalr, where he had no right to place himself, und —I—persuaded him to relinquish nis posi- tion. “So I am informed—that 1s to bis majesty has been informed,” ~eplied Rudolph, # slight smile hovering round his finely chiseled lips. “We are not here to comment upon any of the archbishop's ce- lirquencies, but granting, for the sake cf argument, that he had encroached upon your rights, nevertheless, he was under your roof, and honestly, I fatl to see inat you were justified in cracking his heels against the same.” “Well, your majesty—again I beg your ity's pardon—" no matter,’’ said the emperor, “call combat anything natural, would, in e circumstances, trust to swift flight for your protection. Very weil, my lord, you’ are how confronted) with som>thing again which your stout arm is as unavailing would be if an apparition stood in. y Path. There is before you the specter of subtility. Use arm insiead of brain, and you are a lost man. The archbishop ex- pects no apology. He looks for a stalwart, stubborn man, defying himself and the em. pirs combined. You think perhaps that the imperial troops w and that y emperor wou him than against him, but the ou fight with in truth there will be no contest. Hold to r refusal, and you will be arrested before you lay the precincts of this palace. You will be thrown into a dungeon, your castle and your lands, sequestered, and I call your tention to the fact that your estate adjoins th: possessions of the archbishop at Co- chem, and heaven fend me for hinting that his lordship casts covetous eyes over his bounaary, yet, nevertheless, he will prob- ably not refuse to pt your possessions in reparation for ths insult bestowed upon him. Put it this way, if you like: Would you rather pleasure me or pleasure the archbishop of Treves?” “There is no question as to that,” an- swered the count. hen it will please m> well if you prom- ise to apologize to his lordship, the arch- bishop of Treves, That his lordship will be equally pleased, I very much doubt.” “Will your majesty command me in open court to apologize “I shall request you to do £0. hold the faudal law.” “Then I beseech your majesty to com- mand me, for I am a loyal subject and will obey.” “God give me many such,” said the em- ‘or, fervently, “and bestow upon me the wisdom to des2rve them!" He extended his hand to the count, then touched a bell on the table beside him. The officer who had conducted Winneburgz entered silently ‘and acted as his guide back to the throng2d apartment th had left. The count saw that the great crim- son curtains were now looped up, giving a view of the noble interior of the room be- yond, thronged with the great of the em- pirs, The hall leading to it was almost de- serted, and the count, under convoy of two lancemen, being nearly as tall as their Weapons, passed Into the throne room and found all eyes turned upon him. He was brought to a stand before an =levated dais, at- T must up- the center of which was occupied by a lofty throne, which at the moment was empty. Near {t on the elevation stood the three archbishops of Treves, Cologns and Mayence, on the other side the Count Pala- tine of the Rhine with the remaining three electors, The nobles of the realm occupied places according to their degree. As the stal- wart count came {n, a buzz of conversa- tion swept over the hall like a breeze among the leaves of a for: A malig- nant scowl darkened the countenance of the archbishop of Treves, but the faces of Cologne and Mayence expressed a car- tain Christian resignation regarding the contumely that had been endured by their colleague. The count stood stolidly where he was placed and gazed at the vacant throne, turning his eyes neither to the right nor the left. Suddenly there was a fanfare of trumpets, and instant silence smote the assembly. First came officers of the imperial gu@rd in shining armor, then the immediate advisers and councilors of his majesty and last of all the emperor himself, a robe of great richness clasped at his thoat and trailing behind him, the crown of the empire upon his head. His face was pale and stern, looking what he was, @ monarch and a mi The count rubbed his eyes and could arcely believe that he stood now in presence of one who had chatted amiably with him but a few mo- ments before. The emperor sat on his throne and one of his counctlors whispered for some mo- ments to him, then the emperor said in a low, clear voice that penetrated to tho farthest corner of the vast apartment; “Is the Count of Winneburg here?” “Yes, your majesty.” ‘Let him stand forward.” ‘The count strode two long steps to tho front and stood there, red-faced and abash- ed. The officer at his side whispered: “Kneel, you fool, kneel.” And the count got himself somewhat clumsily down upon his knees, like an ele- phant preparing to receive its burden, The face of the emperor remained impassive, and he said harshly: “Stand up!” The count omee more upon his feet you place upon “In that case, e. continued the emperor, his severity visibly relaxing, “I can prom- ise that your over-lord will not hold thi incident against you; such, I understan¢ is your intention, my lord archt op?” and the smperor turned turned toward the Prince of Treves. The archbishop bowed low, and veiled the malignant hatred in his eyes. “Yes, your majesty," he replied, “pro- viding the apology Is given as publicly as was the insult, in presence of those who Were witnesses of the count’s foo.ishness.” “That is but a just condition,” sald the emperor. “Remember, that the council will be summoned to Treves to hear the count’s apology. And now, Count of Winneburg, you are at liverty to withdraw.” The count drew his mammoth hand across his brow and scattered to the floor the moisture that had collected there. He tried to speak, but apparently could not; then turned and walked resolutely toward the door. There was an Instant outery at this, the chamberlain of the court standing in stupefied amazement at a breach of eti- quette which exhibited any man’s back to the emperor, but a smile relaxed the em- peror’s Nps and he held up his hand. “Do not mo.est him,” he said, as the count disappeared. “He Is unused to the artificial manners of a court. In truth, I take it as a friendly act, for T am sure the valiant count never turns his back upon a which imperial Wwitticism was well re- pd, for the sayings of an emperor rarely lack applause. The count, wending his long way home by the route he had come, spent the first half of the journey in cursing the arch- bishop, and the latter half In thinking over the situation. By the time he had reached his castie he had formuated a pian and this plan he proceeded to put into execution on receiving the summons of the archbish- op to come to Treves on the first day of the following month and make his apology, the rehbishop, with characteristic penurious- ness, leaving the inviting of the fifteen no- bles who formed the council to Winneburg. and thus his lordship of Treves was saved the expense of sending special messengers tc each. In case Winneburg neglected to summon the whole council, the archbishop added to his message, that he would refuse thus to receive the apology if any of the nobles were absent. Winneburg sent messengers, first to Betistein, asking him to attend at ‘Treves on the second day of the month. and bring with him an escort of at least 1,000 men. Another he asked for the third, z other for the fourth, another for the fifth, and so on, resolved that before a complete quorum was present half of the month would be gone, and with it most of the archbishop's provender, for his lordship, ac- cording to the law of hospitality, was bound to entertain free of ali charge to them selves the various nobles and their escorts On the first day of the morth Winneburg entered the northern gate of Treves, ac- companied by 200 horsemen and S00 foot soldiers. At first the officers of the arch- bishop thought that an invasion was con- templated, but Winneburg suavely ex- plained that if a thing was worth doing at all it was worth doing well, and he was not going to make any hole and corner af- fair of his apology. Next day Beilstein came along, accompanied by 500 cavalry and 500 foot soldiers. The chamberlain of the archbishop was in despair at having to find q ters for so many, but he did the best he could, while the archbishop was enraged to find that the nobles did not assemble in greater haste, but each as he came had a plausible excuse for his delay. Some had to build bridges, sickness had broken out in another camp, while a third expedition had lost its way and wandered in the forest. The streets of Treves each night resounded with songs of revelry, va- ried by the clash of swords, when a party of the newcomers fell foul of a_party of the town soldiers, and the officers on either side had much ado to keep the peace among their men. The archbishop 8 wine cups were running dry, and the price of provisions had risen, the whole surround- ing country being placed under contriba- tion for provender and drink. When a week had elapsed the archbishop relaxed his dignity and sent for Count Winneburg. We will not wait for the others, “I have no desire to humiliate you necessarily. Those who are here wil! ar witness that you have apologized, and so I shall not insist on the presence of the laggards, but will receive yqur apology to- morrow at high noon in the great council chamber.” “Ah, there speaks a noble heart, thinking generously of those who des fully use you, my lord archbishop,” Count Winneburg. ‘‘But no, no, I cannot accept such a_ sacrifice. The emperor showed me plainly the enormity of my offense. In the presence of all J insulted you, wretch that I am, and in the pres- ence of all shall I abase myself.” But { do not seek your abasement,” pro- tested the archbishop, frowning. “The more honor, then, to your benevo- lent nature,” answered the count, “and the more shameful would {t be of me to take advantage of it. As TI stood a short time ince on the walls I saw coming up the er the banners of the Knight of Ehren- burg. His castle is the farthest removed from reves, and so the others cannot surely delay long. We will wait, my lord archbishop, until all are here. But I thank you just as much for your generosity as if I were craven enough to shicld myself behind it.” The Knight of Ehrenburg tn due time arrived, and behind him his thousand men, many of whom were compelled to sleep in the public buildings, for all the rooms in Treves were occupied. Next day the arch- bishop summoned the assembled nobles and said he would hear the apology fn their presence. If the others missed it, it was their own fault; they should have been in time. “I cannot apologize,” said the count, “un- ulallare here, It was the emperor’s order, and who am I to disobey—my emperor? We must await their coming with patience, and indeed Treves is a goodly town, in which all of us find ourselves fully satisfied.” “Then, my blessing on you all,” said the archbishop, in a sour tone most unsuited for the benediction he was bestowing. “Re- turn, I beg of you, instantly, to your cas- tles. I forego the apology.” “But I insist on tendering it,” cried the count, his mournful voice giving some tndi- cation of the sorrow he felt at his offense if it went unrequited. “It is my duty, not only to you, my lord archbishop, but to his majesty, the em- beror.”” “Then, in heaven’s name, get on with it and depert. I am willing to accept it on your own terms, as I have said before.” “No, not on my own terms, but on yours What matters a delay of a week or two? The hunting season does not begin for a fortnight, and we are all as well at Treves as at home; besides, how could I ever face my emperor again, knowing I had dis- obeyed his commands.” “I will make it right with the emperor,” said the archbishop. The Knight of Bhrenburg now spoke up, ly, as was his custom: Tis a serious matter,” he said, “for a man to take another’s word touching action of his majesty, the emperor. You have clerks here with you, perhaps, then you would bid them indite a document to be signed by yourself absolving my friend, the, Count of Winneburg, from all neces- sity of apologizing, so that should the em- peror take offense at his disobedience, the parchment would hold him scathless.” “IT shall do anything to be quit of you,” muttered the archbishop, more to himself than to the others. And so the document was written and signed. With this parchment in his saddie bags the count and his comrades quitted the town, drinking in half-flagons the health of the archbishop, because there was not left in Treves enough wine to fill the measures to the brim. ——+-0 +____ “Want” ads. in The Star pay because they bring answers. ever pite- said RNA ANIA BENNIE SER 928 ODN Gare AP MIST eee SEO PSTD ETERS STO I AER SO NES Seo TIO DE SEAT SO PT OP EEE BEES TOTES. ST EN NE aE EN EEC er lt ORGS OE So NOR Un OVD WD con Pave Ota ovnatanny ors ls eo vanut Muni public, and of this legislation none will attract more serious attention than that re- lating to the employment of contract labor there. The contract labor problem, indeed, has been one of the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of Haw n annexation for years. The employment of contract or coolie labor, which is in effect “limited” slave labor, is not only contrary to the spirit of American imstitutions, but is spe- cifically forbidden in the Constitution and the written laws of the republic. Yet the major part of Hawaii’s material prosperity has been built up on this system, and it has been assumed by many in considering the annexation of the islands that 1ts con- tinuance would be urged by the Hawaiian planters. This fact has aroused the bitter- est opposition to annexation in several quarters, especially among trade unionists, and discussion of the anticipated Hawaiian fight against compliance with the law will take up a considerable part of the time of the Federation of Labor convention to be- gin at Kansas City on Monday next. Ready for the Change. The truth of the matter, however, Mes in exactly the opposite direction. Instead of preparing to fight the contract labor law of the United States, the Hawaiian planters are getting ready to obey it. As long ago as 1802, when annexation under the Herri- son administration was thought to be as good as accomplished, the planters foresaw that the end of the system there must come as soon as the Isiunds were made a part of the republic. Ever since then they have been studying the problem of its aboli- tion in ali its bearings, and last summer, when word was sent to Hawaii that annex- ation might come at last, as a war meas- ure, they renewed their diligence. Today their preparations to substitute free for contract labor are well under way, and, ac- cording to Kovert W. Shingle, Hawalian commissioner to the recent Omaha exposi- tion, these preparations are of the most thorough and prectical nature. Contract Labor in Hawail. Mr. Shingle Is a native of the United States, but his relations with the author- ities and the planters of Hawaii are of the most confidential nature, as is sbundantly shown by his official position; he has been in constant communication with Hawail throughout his stay here and much of the information which follows is taken from letters recently received trom there by him. “It is not only true today that all the planters are preparing to obey the contract tabor laws of the United States,” said Mr. Shingle, in a talk with the correspondent yesterday, “but it is also a fact that the majority would prefer free labor and would have put it in the place of contract labor long ago had such a course been thought feasible. At the same time it is only right to Say that there are planters who fear the sreatest trouble from the free labor sys- tem, They are in a small minority, how- ever, and are naturally the most conserva- tive men on the islands. There ts a much larger party of those who believe that it might be a good thing to introduce free labor at once. These hold that while white free laborers demand and must be paid at least one-third more than virtually en- slayed orientals, the change would in the long run be profitable. One white man, they say, will ordinarily do as much work as two Asiatics, and if this should prove true in Hawali there would be an actual money gain in the substitution. Besides, 1,000 Anglo-Saxons would be preferable as residents to 2,000 orientals in any part of the islands. Danger of Strikes. “One of the greatest objections to free labor in the past has been the danger of strikes. Sugar is not like coal, Coal can be dug at one time es weil as another, but when sugar cane is ripe it must be cut. A. delay of two or three days might cause total loss. This fact has always been con- sidered of great weight in considering the substitution of free labor for contract la- bor on the Hawaiian sugar plantations. Naturally efforts will be made to provide against danger of enforced stoppage of Work in displacing contract laborers with free men, and it fs believed that this will be possible under the United States govern- ment, though it would have been imprac- ticable under the Dole administration and still more so under the monarchy. “AS a matter of fect, there are now thou- sands of free laborers in Hawaii. Rice, taro, coffee, pineapp es and bananas are ali among Hawaii's staple crops, and few con- tract laborers ave employed in cultivating them. The great majority of these are to be found on the sugar plantations, though thousands of free laborers, both natives and whites—Germans, Scandinavians and Portuguese chiefly—work in the cane also. The contract laborers are all Japs and Chinamen. I cannot make an accurate statement as to their number, but I should say that there are about 20.00) Japanese and as many Chinamen, or 40,000 in all. Earnings of Contract Laborers. “They get $15 a month gold, the laborers finding themselves in food and clothes, and their employers furnishing living quarters and fuel. Every month $1.50 is deduct:d from the pay of each man and deposited in the government postal savings bank, where it Is allowed to accumulate for the three years (36 months) comprising the term of the contract. The $54 thus placed to each man’s credit is used to buy his passage back to his native land. As the average Chinaman or Jap can live on $2.25 a month, most of them save up from $300 to $100 in gold while in Hawali, and this, being changed to Chinese or Jap yen (silver), be- comes from $600 to $800. Either of these sums is large enough to support a low- grade orjental for the remainder of his nat- ural life. As a matter of fact, there are large numbers of returned contract !abor- } ers both in the flowery kingdom and the | empire of the rising sun who are now sub- sisting on the interest of their savings in Hawali, put away in three years. Not Such a Hard Lot. “You can see, therefore, that the lot of the orlental contract laborer in Hawaii is far from hard, according to his view point. He may undergo some privations, to be sure, but they are of his own choosing, since he is not obliged to save as he does, and when his contract ts up he is ready to go home and pass the rest of his existence in idleness, like any other capitalist, retired on hia money. It should also be understood in considering the pay of the Chinese la- borer in Hawaii that he averages a better net income than any officer under the rank of captain in elther the Jap or Chinese army. Such officers get aboit the same gross sum as the laborers, but out of it they have to bear many special expenses, such as the keep of horses, club dues, showy uniforms, ete. Instead of $10 or thereabouts net, realized by the laborer, the Jap army officer of low grade is lucky to have any net at all at the end of the year, and the majority run a little deeper in debt every year waiting for the better pay that comes with promotion before they can pay up. The Rawhide in Hawaii. “It would be altogether impracticable for the Hawalian sugar planters to depend on the ortentals as free laborers, for the sim- ple reason that were they privileged to work or not as they please at any given time they it easily ruin a planter through sheer ness. The oriental con- tract laborer ts unquestionably the most indolent, moat obstinate human alive. en tap te ae ee ee if he can help t, when he does go ont he does as little as he treatment that ts a may be harsh ac American laborers, possibly can. The rded him in Hawait ording to the ideas of but the adoption of other tactics with the coolies would cer- tainly result most disastrously “The orfental contract laborer’s untversal method of getting out of work ts to felgn iiness. Every plantation employs one or more doctors to look after the heal h of its employes, and t majority of these doc- tors have their hands full every morning examining those who say they are not well They rarely describe their symptoms. ‘Ve lee sick! Vellce sick’ being the extent thelr statements occasions rule. If the doctor finds thie pleas well and good; the sick man 1s properly md, tored and nursed and allowed to ite idle till he Is weil acain. Procedure tn c ft stamming differs on different plantations, of course. Sometimes a man with a rawhide whip follows the doctor. The persuasion afforded by a few blows from this Instru- ment of torture ts invariably effective, Such treatment doesn’t seem right? Well, the Hawailans understand that tt won't ao under United States laws and that is why they are trying to get r dy as fast ast can for the inevitable change. It ter universal now, by any means; the law al- lows the sending of a recalcitrant contr laborer to jail and this course is adopted. Besides there ore other met of bringing them to time, but me f them would hardly be allowed here. How Contract Laborers Live. “The quarters furnished contract labor ers on the sugar plantations of Hawaii are much better than the homes they would provide for themselves and are quite Rood as those furnished to the free Inbor- ers, They consist of low one-story frame buildings, inclosed with rough boards as a rule and whitewashed. Each building will accommodate five or six men, They sieep anks and cook for themselves. They chiefly on cheap rice imported from in China, which can be laid down in Hawail < paid than th >a month, and planters prefer them as a rule since they do more work for each dollar of wages than the orientals, They do not make as much net for them- selves, though, for it costs them more to ivi The employment of contract labor In He- wall began in 1876, and has, therefore, been in force for twenty-two years. It is attend- ed by many drawbacks, not the least of which is the fact that quite two-thirds of the earnings of the laborers is hoarded and taken out of the country for expend $ Thus each of the 40,000 laborers virtuaily takes $10 In gold from Hawail every month. That is the equivalent of $400,000 a month in the agererate, or $4,500,000 a year. In twenty years this would be $06,000,000 ne der the system of free labor the vast sama of which Hawali is now being draine? would remain right there and contribute io the development of the islands. This cir- nee alone is enough to make all thoughtful Hawaiians welcome the comirg change. . ‘The Hawailan commission consisis of enators Cullom and Morgan and Represon- tative Hitt for th States and Pree- ident Dole and Judge is! ands,’ ‘d Mr. Shingle. 2 are all now in Washington, save Dole. He will be here in a short time. They wil! rec ommend that the entire contract labor sv=- tem be wiped out within a reasonable 11: and, as I have sald, the suger p’ themselves are preparing as rapiily # ean for the change. Co-operative Cane Reising. “Perhaps the most interesting steps aro being taken by J. B. Atherton, president of the Hawalian Sugar Planters’ Assocli:ion, and also president of the Ewa @ronounced Ev-a) plantation, unquestionably the largest single tract of land unger sugar cul- tivation in the islands. Unaer his direo- tion W. J. Lowrie, manager of the planve- tion, recently spent some tme tn Caiiforn where he arranged w.th twenty-five Amer- icans to go to Hawaii, taking their fam/live ich them, for the purpose of working t Ewa p.antation on the co-operative or jw centage plan. Under this pian the corpura- tion will aliow each man a certain number of acres for cultivation. Ail cane raised under this arrangement will be ground at the Ewa plantauon mill, the farmer recety- ing @ percentage of the proceeds in pay- ment for his cane. The piar has beer very carefully wrought out, and !t is estimated that the net earnings of the vest men will not be less than 340 a month: ine most in- dolent and unfortunate cannc: easily drop below $20, while the average will be nei fer from $0. The twenty-five Americans ur- rived in Hawaii late in Novezaver, 1 are probably now beginning ther work. This experiment will be watched with the great- est interest by ail the Hawaiian piantors, and if it works well on the #wa plantation the same pian will be adopted in other parte of the isiand.” Spanish Dishes Coming. From the New Orleans Ties-Dermocrat. The commercial exodus to Cuba is apt to result in familiarizing Americans with bona fide Spanish cooking, something scidom seen in this country. Oil and pepper are the two things that especially characterize ihe Castillian cuis- ine. One of the favorite dishes in Cuba is “tasajo,” which is simply drcd meat, cook- ed with tomatoes, red peppers and onions. “Tripa a la Andaluza” is another prepara- tion frequently seen. As the name indi- cates, the basis is boiled tmpe, which is cooked with beans and potatoes, and al- ways served wtih the smali red Spanish Sausage known as “butafarra Catalina.” A similar sausage, only bleck, is known as “butafarra Astoriana. “Chile con carne,” which everybody eats, is nothing more than @ thick stew of beef (carne) and beans seasoned with chiles, Spanish “tortillas” are corn cakes flavored with red peppers, and differ from the Mexi- can tortilla in that the latter, when prop- erly made, are rolied in chopped vegetables. A salad a la Espanola is prepared of let- tuce and celery, with @ few sliced tomatoes and peppers. Served with French dressing it is very good. ‘ne Spanish soups are, as a rule, a littl* too heavy fer the American taste, Waich runs more toward consomme. They are thick decoctions, full of vegetabies, and look frightfully greasy. Soup, however, does not have the important role among ine Spaniards that it plays in French do- mestic economy, and is an article of sec- ondary importance. From the day that a ing man starts out to seek his first position to the end of his business life, his health has a world to do with his success. When a young man applies toa business man fora sition, his ‘Sper appearance has a deal to do with ye outcome. “* Personal appearance” does not mean dress alone. It does not mean exterior cleanliness alone. A young man may be clean, so far as soap and water will make him, but be disfigured by unsightly pimples, eruptions and ulcerations on the skin. are due to impurities in the blood. The blood becomes impure because it is improperly nourished. Instead of receiving the pS elements of the food, it receives il emanations of indigestion, bilousness and costiveness, The reason that Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Disco the best remedy for disorders of thi — is that it goes right to first causes. it gives a man on i t facilitates the disorders of the digestion, and makes the imilation of the life-giving elements of the food perfagt, It invigorates the liver, It pu: enriches the blood. It makes the muscles strong and active, It tones and a = eet It — a man look as he s! i—strong of body, slert of brain and clean and whole- some of skin. Mecdicine dealers sell it, and have nothing “just ss good.’’ “Thad eczema its worst form.” wrties