Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, July 16, 1893, Page 13

i e g ————e, & SN L9 THE OMAHA DAILY BEE BULL FIGATING IN MEXICO Desoription of One That Was Oonsidered Fully Up to the Aviiage. 'FIVE ANIMALS BRUTALLY PUT TO- DEATH Wour of the Victims Distinguish Themaelves by Kliling & Horse Each -Entertain- ment Does Not Drag—How ti Novices Are Tanght. Crty or Mexico, July 10.—[Special to Tur Bee)—Bull-fighting in Mexico is not carriod on 0 extensively asit was a fow years ago, and one might safely assert that 1t is virtually practiced in but & half dozen ©ities in this republic. The fight I describe took place in the city of Pachuca, on the 28th of May this year, and was fully up to tho average. Pachuca is a typioal mining town about sixty-five miles from Mexico City, contain- frg about 20,000 people. The altitude of Pachuca is 8,000 feet above the sea loyel, or 800 feot higher than Mexico. The writer was oue of a party of six that left the City of Mexico via the Mexican railway on an excursion train that started at8:30 . m,, on its trip to Pachuca, where tho renowned Ponciano Diaz was to give an exhibition of his skill, assisted by Timoteo Rodriguez and wife. It is generally corceded that Ponciano is the bravest and most daring Mexican bull-fighter in the re- public, and when he visited Spain some time ago ho receivod many laurels and plaudits from that nation. We arrived in Pachuca about 11:45, and as the fighy was not to commence until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, we had plenty of time to visit the many places of interest in that flourish- Hng city, Farly in the aftornoon we wendred our ‘way to the bull ring in orderito avord the scrush at the entrance, and at 4 o'clock the }Judges took their seats in the box reserved for their use, and the band simultaneously ‘commenced playing one of those beautiful iselections only to be heard on such ‘occasions. Explanation of Technioal Terms. n explanasion of the terms I may use in “this article, I will state that a ‘‘rosa” is an ‘mrtificial bouquet, the stem of which is ‘armed with o steel barb similar to thatofa fish hook; this bouquet is placed in the bull's “back as he enters the ring. The name *‘ple- adores” is applied to the men who aro mounted on horses and armed with a long pole, at tho end of which is & sharp steel int, with which they try to hold off the mll when he makes an attack on the horses. “There are two picadores in the ring at the ‘beginning of the fight, and they remain until ‘signalled by the judges to withdraw. *Ban- derilla” is the term applied to a stick about eighteen inches in length, also having a sharp steel barb at the end like that of the rosa, and beautifully decorated with tissue paper of many colors; these banderillas are shaped into many different forms; those used by the hero of this particular fight were made to represent a heart. The ‘‘banderil- Jeros” are the men who place the banderillas into the shoulders of the bull. They are iven two of these barbed instruments and ave to place them into the bull while heis rushing upon them, and if they succeed in putiing but one into the bull the audience show their displeasure by hissing long and loudly at the unsuccessful banderillero. Larze capes of varied colors, called *‘capns, are used by the banderilleros for the purpos of teasing the bull and attracting his atte: tion when he pushes one of the fighters too closely; when the banderilleros are using these capas they are referred to as ‘‘tore- adores.” The man who kills the bull with the sword is called a ‘‘matador.” He is armed with a double edged sword about twenty-six inches in length, and also a mall red flag with which he attracts the attention of the bull He has to make the thrust with his sword while the bull is charging upon him, The ring itself s nothing more than an enclosure of about ninety feet in diameter, and is destitute of any protection to the fighters, with the ex- coption of four “burladeros” along tho edges of the pen. 'These burladeros are about eight feet in length and set away from the edge of the ring a sufficient dis- tance to allow a mun to run behind them, but at the same time close enough to the fence to prevent the bull from following, They are of the same height as the fence of the pen, or about eight feet. The ring is surrounded by benches. chairs and boxes, and somewhat resembles the amphitheater ‘of Rome in gladiatorial days. Entrance of the Purtiolpants, The judges gave the signal for the en- -ance of the men who were to_take part in he affray, and in & moment they appoared in the cuclosure, gorgeously arrayed in cos- tumes of vaviegated colors, the picadores ou horseback ana the remaluder afoot. 1t is the custom for the matador to throw his cape among. the audience just before tho fight begins, and it was not at all surprising when the fickle Ponciano picked outa party of American tourists as the proper resting place for his robes during the conflict. This Tash act was probably prought about on ac- count of the ladies composing tho party Dbelng most excellent specimens of American eauty. “The judges now signalled for the appear- ance of the first bull, which came bounding into the ring with the customary rosa in his shoulder. Evidently the first thing that met his gaze was the picador to the lefv of the entrance through which he had come into the ring, and with tail erect and head lowered ho made a mad rush for the horse on which the r!cndor wis mouuted, and ap- ;nmnlly without difficulty drove his horns ar into the animal's body. The poor horse ltn‘gul‘ed for & moment and then fell, never again to enter the cruel bull ring. The bull had scarcely finished this bloody attack ero oyes discernod the second picador mounted on an excellent mustang on the opposite side of the ring, when with a furious and violent charge he also made short work of that animal, which was hur- ried out of the pen where he so lately had entered full of life and beauty. The judges now called for; the banderilleros to com- mence tho work of worrying and teasing the bull, and 1n a momeni's time the first ‘banderillero had managed to put one of his brads into the bull's shoulder, but was hissed and hooted by the sudience on ac- count of his failure to put in both. The socond banderillero now approached the thoy hly infuriated beast and suc- cessfully drove his banderillas into the bull; but the shird banderillero did his work wuch neater than his ecessors, and for @ moment, as the bull wua dushing at full speed upon him, his Aifo wus in great danger, when with the agility of an athlete he dexterously glided step to the side of the bull's horns and thrust his banderillas firmly into the bull. This magoificent feat called forth the deafening applause of the multitude, and money for & moment was thrown wildly iuto the ring. Then the judges signalled for the matador to put an end 0 the bull, and invincible Poaciano Diaz, sword in hand, avpeared 1 the center of the ring. Ponciano's aged mother, who attends nearly all the fights in which he participates, covered her face with her shawl so that she could not witness the last scene. In a short time he attracted the attention of the bull, which stood for & moment as if study- ing & means of attack, and then with a loud bellow rushed upon his antagonist; but Ponclano proved equal 1o the occasion and stepping quickly w the side thrust the sword o the hill through the bull's body, and death followed almost instantly. Then three mules covered with clegany ~ blankets and housings were brought into the ring and made to drag the bull from the arena, No Time for Driuks Botween Acta, ‘There is a difference between bull fights and most other entertaimaents, in that there is po time lost between acts, and the first hardly boen dragged from the ring when the second one was turned iuto the now bleod-staiued enclosure, He first un- horsed one of the picadores and then at- tacked the second, who was also partly dis- mounted then paving tho ground furious fora mom‘l;ndl h:‘mu‘:: anot! ernnl; (or‘lhuu $0d 0" the horss. "One of the. tareadorss bried 1o atirack bis attention (rom the biesd- | ing horse, and_tho bull turned and followed him olosely, but the toreador made for one of the burladeroes and he had soarcely got- wen bohind it bofore the bull eame against it, full force, almost tearing it down. About this time one of the ring assistants thought the bull was behind him and started off at o rapid_ pace, but e was so badly frighteried that he foll to the ground and for a fow mo- rients was frantically endeavoring either to regain his footing or drop through the earth, 1 could not tell which, and the comic sight callod forth derisive laughter and cheers from the spectators. The banderilleros were very succosstul with this bull, only one of them failing to put both his barbs into the benst. The judges now called for the mata- dor to_come forth, and Timoteo Rodrigues, assistant 1o Ponclano Diaz, stepped into the ring, and with tho first thrust of the sword put an end to the bu The third bull was put into the ring as s00n s the second one had been romoved, and his first act was to gore another horse to denth, and then dismount the next_picador. Then came the feature of the day: Maria A de Rodriguez, wife of Timoteo Rodriguez mounted on an_excellont and well trained horse, appeared in the ring, and for a mo- ment the audience went wild with enthusi- asm. She was a superb rider, and her cos- tumo was rich and showy. She was given the banderillas, and successfully put two of them into the bull. For a moment the largo concourse of people fairly rent the air with applause, and bouquets, sombreros ana monay were showered into the ring in abund- ance. She gracofully bowed her acknowl- edgement of the honors bestowed upon her and graciously gave back the hats to their respoctive ownors. The bull, ovidently pro- voked at having a woman dare to enter the enclosuro and put banderillas into his flesh, bothought himself of a means of rovenge, and madea furlous chargo upon the fair banderillera and her noble steed, and for a moment the spectators were speli-bound, for the bull's horns came violently in contact with the horse, but luckily for horse and rider the blow 'struck the saddle girth in such a manuer that it glanced off, and_no serious damage was done, Ponciano Diaz then successfully killed the bull, but not without great danger to himself, for the bull was very vicious throughout the fight. The fourth bull was finrrlod into the ring, and probably thinking thero woro slroady too many occupying that oircle, immediately tore open the sideof a horse, the picador narrowly escaping from_ the bull's horns, But after this attack the bull seemed to weaken, and backed up against the fence and faced his antagonists, but would not fight; the audience in one’ voice called for “otro toro,” “otro toro,” which signifies another bull. Tho judges decided the bull was not a good one and requested that ho be taken from the ring. It is not always an easy matter to get the bulls out of the ring, though they rofuse to fight, and a stoer is generally put in the ring as a companion for the bull, and they are taken out together. In this case when the steer was brought into tho ring the buil regained his courage and attacked the steer, but the bull was lassoed by the horns and’ hind legs, and with the steer was removed from the ring. This One Falled to Kill a Horse, The fifth bull was now brought into the ring and instantly attacked one of the pica- dores, and, although he did not reach the horse, he managed to push the pole from the picador’s grasp. This bull was the only one that did not kill a horse. About this time a shower of rain fell and caused a gencral stir of discomforture, but tie sport was too fas- cinating for anyone to think of retiring from the spot; the fight went right ahead, and after the banderillas had been put into the bull, Timoteo Rodriguez stepped before the bull to put an end to him. The audience, however, called vociferously for Ponciano, but the judges decided against them, and Timoteo proceeded with the fight. The ground was slippery from the shower of rain that had just fallen, and when he made his first thrust he missed the heart, but the sword was driven clear through tne animal and lhe}{ulnt protruded through the bull’s body. He was given another sword and this time stood immediately in front of the bull and thrust the weapon into the spinal chord just back of the horns of the bull, and the animal fell dead at his feet. This mode of killing a bull is exceedingly dangerous and Timoteo was cheered to the echo. As tive bulls were to be killed, and the fourth one had to be taken out of the ring on account of its refusal to fight, they now brought forth the extra bull. Timoteo Rod- rigues_ again distinguished himself, and seemel to have a charm over the bull, Ponciano Diaz also seemed to beara charmed life, for during this fight the bull had an ex- cellent opportunity bf goring him, but Pon- ciano merely gazed into the bull's eyes and the animal walked away apparently satis- fied to sacrifice his own life rather than de- prive Mexico of her Ponciano. During this fight the most sickening scene of the day oc- curred. The bull dismounted a picador, Bm’umlivl injuring the man’s leg, and then gored the horse in a horrible manner. Th poor horse managed to regain his feot an started on a run around the ring; his en- trails hanging from his body soon became entangled in his leg and he was thrown violently to the ground. The assistants got him on his feet again and dragged and whipped him out of the ring, but this sight ‘was 80 cruel and brual that it has undoubt- edly stamped itself indelibly upon the mem- ory of every spectator. The banderillas were then put into tne bull, Timoteo Rod- riguez once more lllsthl:ulshing himself by his agility and bravery. Then Ponciano Diaz made one of those sword thrusts for which ne has gained much celebrity. While the bull was rushing upon him with great speed he thrust the sword into the animal clear to the hil, withdrawing it immediately. The bull stopped almost as soon as the sword point had pierced its flesh, and then like a drunken man staggered a moment and dropped dead in its tracks. This bull was killed magnificently and Ponciano was the recipient of many congratulations, For the Benefit of Novices, ‘The bull-fight proper was now ended, but for the benefit of the younger aspirants for the bull-ring they turned a bull into the enclosure whose horns wero padded and bandaged with wrappings of cloth in such a manner that they could not seriously injure anybody who happened 1n their way. Large numbers of boys now jumped fnto the ring, and although the bull 'did not touch a slnglfu one it was an amusing sight to watch the youngsters roll and tumble over each other when they imagined the bull was following them. After several minutes of this kind of amusement the bull was taken out of the ring and the day’s sport was at an end. ‘The sport being over, our party returned to the tram, which left Pachuca at 6:30 in the evening and arrived in Mexico about 10 o'clock at night, One more remark and my story is finished: In Mexico City they have had but one bull- fight during the past three years, and that one was projected by the wife of President Diaz and the proceeds realized, together with many voluntary contributions, were sent to Spain for the benefit of those who were suf- ferers from the inundations which ocourred that year. The principal reason for stopping the bull-fights in this city was that the bulls they used were of such an inferior breed that they would not fight, and the people, becoming disgusted, tried to tear down the vings and were so disorderly and violont in their denunciations that the governor of the district 1ssued an order forbidding the fur- ther practice of this brutul though fascinat- ing pastimo, Toko. e New York' liroatest Property Owners, The Astor estate will pay in taxes this year $420,000. This is more than the entire sum of city taxes cotlected in 1820, There is only one richer family than the Astors and’ that is the Vanderbilt, which pays #608,000, but as this includes a good deal of city railroad property the Astor real estate, exclusively owned by tho family, is undoubtedly the more valuable. The Lorillard family pays $131,000 in taxes, which means that its city property is actually worth more then 810,000,000, while'the Jay Gould ostato is assessed $134,000. These are the four richest estatos in the city. From the tax books just made up it ap- l)enrl that the most valuable buildings n New York are the Equitable, at 120 Broadway, assessed at $3,800,000; the Fifth Avenue hotel, $1,800,000; the Mills building, $1,700,000; Mutual Life buiid- ing in Nassau street, $1,625,000; the Western Union building, $1,500,000; the Astor house, 81,400,000, and the Stewart building, #1,600,000. The real values are nurl{. if not quite, double the rate ot which they are assessed. For instance, the Herald building, for which 1,100,000 has been offered, is appraised by the city tax assessor at 8560, ANCIENT BRITISH CUSTOMS Quaint O1d Obeervances Still Oommon to England, Sootlaad and Ireland, TRADITIONS AND LEGENDS OF CENTURIES Nenrly All the University and Pabllo Sohool Oustoms Intact—COross-Oountry Rid- Ing And Punch and Judy Show Btil Floarish. [Copyrighted, 1893.) Loxpow, July 3.—(Special to Tas Bee.]— 1t is a common and pathetic lament of most writers, and particularly of those writors who shut themselves up in the shadowy re- cesses of some moldy elnb, with the opposite street facade for the limit of their horlzon ot actual observation, that the good old days and their good old ways are dead and beauti- ful things of the past. The change in condi- tions of life and living in England, Scotland and Ireland have certainly been greater dur” ing this century than ia all the five centuri es immediately proceding; and this has of no- cessity made obsoleto many anclent customs and observances thatare perhaps Justas well tohave survive in literary reminisconce only; but in mostof those things holding fast the gentler and dearer traditions of a people in home, sporting, social and even re- ligious life, there is a surprising record of sturdy retention. Should only those which have come under my personal notice since 1867 be given the briofest roferance, so groat a number could be grouped as to completely refute those dolorous plaints that the pleasant olden customs are no more; and I am quite sure that should some friendly and enthusias- tio pen be devoted to making an entire volume on tho subject of ‘“‘Famous British Customs Still in Vogue,” rreating the mat- tor something after the garrulous, genial manner of that wonderful old olla podrida, “Hone's Every Day Book,” the English speaking and reading world of today would find in the resulta genuine revelation of pleasure and surprise. In Ireland the tender custom of “convoy- ing” the departing emigrant is the same today as during all the sad cycles since its peasantry were forced to seek homes in for- oign lands; its wakes and weddings, its fairs and frolics, its childrens’ huncing of the robin and the wren, and countless other cus- toms hundreds of vears old are preciscly as they were in the heart of the better olden Isle of Man Same as of Old. Over in the sturdy little Isle of Man every essential feature of its patriarchal and rep- resentative government, established early in the tenth contury, exfSts in its original sim- plicity at the vresent time. Its Tvawald court is still, as 1,000 years ago, held under the open sky on its grassy Tynwald nill. fts sheading coroners, high bailiffs, house of koys and sword-bearer promulgate the laws | ust as they did in glorious King Orry’s time, Some of its parish clerks are still elected by the votes of only those who ‘‘put out smoke,” that is, whose habitations possess a chim- ney. Its fisher folk put to sea with goodly prayers and psalms. Its peasant folk, in dress. customs,superstitions and plous faith, live lives of calm indifference to the outer ‘world of change; and the barflic strain of old, held true and firm down the shining line of 1,000 years, flashes forth now as then in its weird, exalted Oiel Verre in each suc- ceeding Christmas tide that comes. And who shall truly say that the land o cakes has lost its fine old customs and ten- der superstitions altogether? What a host of genial customs still cling to these stern and fine folkk through the influence of their *‘guid neebors” the benificent little Brownies alone! Make merry of it as you may, the household Scottish “brownie” still holds its helpful place in the hearts of the people be- yond the Esk and the Tweed. He is never' idle in all good office to the lowly home of the countryside, where you never fail of finding him, if you do not enter his realm in the spirit of cavil and scoffing. There, in each simple homo and heart,he sits enthroned with every attribute of benevo- lence and affection. He notonly works with glant might to assist in ploufihlng the land, harvesting the crops, guarding the grain and minding the nerds, but in every little household drudgery of guidwife and bairn he lends a helping hand. No ill can come but that he has fended its cruelest touch. No sorrow can fall upon the household whose hurt would not be deadlier were it not for his kindly and palliative powers, And in all tho glorious old land o' cakes, his gentle in- fluence aads zest to every peasant joy. As the burns, springing from the misty, crag- rimmed corries of the north, descend and water the welcoming plains of the lowlands the endless streams of Gaello superstition descend from the weird and misty ceilidhs of the crofters’ ancient homes and the cen- turies-ola clachans and render perennial the lowland growth of Scottish folk-lore and well beloved olden ways. Scotland’s Anclent Customs Stlil Obsorved. Let all doubters of the existence in Scot- land of most ancient customs and pastimes step into the great farm kitchens of the Lothians at Hallowmas eve. Let them, at Auld Reekie's ancient cross, at midnight of any New Year's eve learn what a Scottish Hogmanay truly is. Let them in spring and summer and autumn follow the keen-oyed, surc-armed golfer, or know tho thrill of win: ter curling joys. Let them visit that most ancient and glorious of Scottisn fairs, tho St. Georgo cattlo fair of Kelso, where tho Tweed and Teviot mingle their historic waters. Lot them wander to that decaying realm of Gypsydom, quaint old Yetholm,hid- den from both English and Scottish eyes in the mazes of the grewsome Teviot hills, and seo the ‘‘F'asten Een” ffames of Bowmont- side, in February, almost as ancient as tho ‘Peviots themsolves, and so brave, rough and brawny that tbe spirit of battle and the strength of ginnts are required to withstand them. Or still, let them wander to old Hawicktown and view something that church and state could never put down—the annual Common Ridings; and, as the Cornet is mounted, feel the thrill of the hero days within them as Hogg's soul-stirring lines, Sons of horocs slaln at Floddon|— Met to ride and trace our common— burst from thousands of borderers’ throats, and they will know that the Scotia of old, in tradition, feeling, pastime and venerated custom, is the same today as long, long be- fore the solemn league and covenant. Down in scarred und earth-rent old Corn- wall little indeed has been any manner of change for hundreds of years. It is within the memory of those now living when old folk wero constantly lamenting in theiwr ancient language, *‘Cornoack ewe all ne cea ver yen poble younk "—*Cornish is_all for- fil with the young people!"—but there has en uo one to lament in truth the departure of old customs in the rugged land of “Tres, Pol and Pen.” See what & host of these dear old drolls, and these but a few out of hundreds, even a Yankce can find and remember: The “Takin' Sunday,” when all the lauds and lasses meet to se- lect ‘‘puirdners” for Mazard }charry) fair, that most beloved and uncient fair at Praze; the ‘“growder” selling and growder, or scrubb nfi. day; the “watching” overnight for the May Jay's coming; the blessing of apple trees on St. James’ day and at Christ- mas time; “rook” day on the great estates, when all the peasant folk can shoot rooks 1o their beart's content and luxuriate in pot- pie mado of the young rooks for a fortnight hereafter; *cob nutting,” that ferocious contest betwean Cornish tads and quite wounderful kite fiymng by grave old niners that immemorial” custom of mothers of be- stowing gifts to the first person met, when returning from a christeniog; the *taking the New Year” into houses inyariably by men first, on account of the ill-luck always following woman's accidental first outrance, 8 custom almost as universal in Scotland, Treland and some portions of the north of Eugland; the saturnalia of flowers Helston calied Furry (Flors) day, as ancient as the duchy itsell; and the “huers’ of Carringgladen and Porthmiaster hilis, St. Ives, and their horn-blowing and bush: waviag as the shoals of pilchers are sighted, Customs Older Than Christianity, Then there are the Beltalu fires, as in Ireland and the Scottish Highlauds, older Tien than Christianisy lmz the “touch-pipe” or siesta of the Cornish thifier, ‘above grass” and below ; the ‘‘vagrom Tairs" or wild, bar- baric convoying by children of all vagabond traveling shows; the “wiping of the shoe" by the pilcher-packing f¥hwives of St. Ives, or daubing the stranget's'shoes with oil, for which & half crown ‘for: luck of the fair maids that feed and cz’lho the poor” (the pilehers) must be pAfd, or a hustling or a ducking will follow; thf@ ‘very ancient har- vest-home custom ' of, ‘‘crying the neck" which consists of elevating a small sheat ot the bost heads of grain three times and cry- ing “The Neck!" as a tokan that tho fleld is done, and n sigual for farmside generosity and jollity ; and those faint old castoma &t Cornish funerals of “‘eatryin’ the box” (the coftin), “layin’ 0ot” the-corpse, “watchin',” which is nearly equivalent in all essentials to the Irish wake, the display of the “‘bierers" (bearers) and their unique coffin- tackle, the slow, weird psalm-chanting pro- oessionals to the churchyard, the wailing of all females at the church, the compensation of the ‘passon” in ‘com in the pres- ence of tho multitude; the final ‘‘cheerin’ " of the mourners at the homes of the latter, and the gallons of “‘shnaegrum” at the pub- lic house, over which the lamented *Coden Jack” is paid the highest eulogy known to Cornish genius, **'E knowed tin " n England generally the great number of old customs surviving,and almost prevailing, is far more remarkable to those who will soe, than can the absence of their like be either striking or lamentable save to those of com- pletely opaque vision. In modern London, modern as Paris or New York in most of 1ts cosmopolitan characteristics, there are no end of ancient customs still in vogue, espe- clally among tho ancient guilds and among tho “extremes of society, from the coster- mongers' annual.outlandish parade to the lord mayor's banquet. There is a no greater nest of these odd old ceremonials and things than may at any time be observed In and about Parliament and the House of Lord: while for every half dozen court ceromonials in vogue during the time of Elizabeth that have been discarded, any person of intelli- gence can point out & scoro, equally antique, curious, and some might insist ridiculous, which have been dauntlessly retained. Charms of English Village Life. As 1 have proviously shown in these ar- ticles, English villages and villago lifo are in most particulars as charming and charncter- ful as they were any time at or beyond acen- tury ago. The customs remain with these practically the same; and the change in es- sentials is largely in the imagination of those who remove to the cities, and who are them- selves subject to such radical chango that their former provincial environment seoms mean and deformed from the new and won- drous view. But coming directly to the moat important and effective illustration that can be made, take life in and about tho great English, or for that matter Scottish and Irish, noblemen's estates. As British institutions and sociology go, these provide the highest possible example. With few ox- ceptions—such as tho tho discontinuance of home brewing of ale, and tho provisions of 3 servants’ hall in place of the common tablo— the entire regime of theso splendid places re- mains the same as 1n the timo when the old robber barons’ fortified stono barrels with ditches around them wero transformed 1nto princely Elizabethan castle or hall. Tu nearly overy detail of rolatious betwoen lord and tenant; between tenant and hind; in the management of the home demesne} in the force of rotainers and their duties— from steward or_agent, down past head for- ester and under foresters, head gamekooper, helpors and “beaters,” bead gardener and under gardeners, lodgé keepers and all house servants—thero remaius, strong and fixed and seemingly unchangeable, every olden custom, observance, duty, eratuity and pleasant or unpleasant association of master and man that have, for nearly a quarter of a thousand years, provided the most inter- esting pages of Eunglish literature and se- cured the almost unshaken admiration, 1f not_always affection, of those who have, despite all political turmoil, held the Brivish nation together; all of, which is not in de- fenso of @ system, but the statemont of o historic fact and praetical illustration of & most interesting sociological spectacle. Goneralizing, there are innumerabie an- cient customs and observances remaining in England peculiar to its people which aro almost _as -unconscious as fadeless. Tho greatest host of theso are of o half reiizious and half social nature, solely the outgrowth of tho influence of the Church of Engiand which are so much a part of national and individual 1ifo, even among_dissenters, that thoir existence is almost unrecognizablo among the people themselves. Tho single instance that the ancient caudle and chris- tening feasts and_ceremonies are greatly re- yived, and often more_extravagant than in former times, is sufficient illustration, I haye heard tho town crisr announcing the arrival of the coach at old Warwick town, and grotesquoly unifarmed Sergeants at Muco—*robinredbreasts” they are locally called—stride about within the walls of an- cient Londonderry precisely as they did be- fore tho long siege. Derby duy, the memor- ablo ‘movouplo feast - andouting, and the statutory feast of the 12th of August, are religiously kept. Pavliament always adjourns for_tho first, and nothing but im- pending national calamity could tempt it to meet at the time dedicated to the opening slaughter of grouse. Nearly all tho old unfvorsity and English public school observances and customs sre mtact. Everybody knows that Guy Fawkes is annuslly ofiiciaily and literally searched for in the cellars of Parliament house before the opening of Parllameat, The ancientcus- tom of *doling” food and clothing to the poor is still observed on_St, Thomas Day in Kent. That unimpeachablo custom of uni- vorsal guzzling which, in 1874 alone, brought the national treasury's revenue of £31,000, 000, scoms to_bravely hold its olden own, Ovor at Great Yarmouth by the sea you will still find in general use the famous anciont two-wheeled “Yarmouth cart,” little, narrow and low, und with shafts as 1ong as a Cuban volante's, At Coventry the town council meets in St. Mary's hall, a structure built for this self-samo purpose 600 years ago, and many of the oldest ceremonies are preserved, while every year brings its Lady Godiva prot cessionals “upon which Peeping Toms with wooden heads and leering eyos look down, English lovers still run away o get married aftor the ancient Scotch fashion of consent before witnesses at Grotna Green. “Well-Uressing and “Rushbearing,” Over fn Derbyshira 1s still splendldly alive the ancient and beautiful ceremony of *well- dressing;” and in the heart of Wordsworth's Iand, beside _the very spot whero tho grand old singer lies, may be aunually seon that swoetest of all plous pastoral customs, “rushboaring,” & ceremony perhaps & thou- sand years older than Christianity itself, “There are more “hot cross buns' now sold every Good Friday in England than were over disposed_of on that day before the reformation, Who can close his eyes or his pocket to that hoary English custom of “tip- ping”” which holds tho classes and masses so firmly togethert Thas glorious fountain of childisn pleasure, the Punch and Judy show, flourishes everywhereanid in blessed youth perenuial. There is an ‘hundred times tho cross-country riding thpt there was a cen- tury ago. Somo time since I figured out from relisble data that the rentals of shoot- ing and tshing priviloges in Scotland alone annually exceeded £3i§,612, or $3,800,000! What must they be for three kingdoms, and who can truly say that these most aucient and lnspirsing of Briushaporis aroe falling into decay? What woyld the boysand yout of England say to the fssertion’ that “hare- and-hounds,” foot ball,soricket aad even wrestling and *putting ihe stone” wero not immeasurably more unfversal and wmanfully now doue than of yorel “And last—because one has to stop someswhere in @ recital, which, briefly made, wopd fill every column of this paper—it would not be a venture- some_thing for ono who had tramped the length and breadth of th British Lsles, as 1 bave done, o express, tho frm bolief that, two 10 one, there is today more ringing olat: ter of better hoof, more jingling of tier haruess, more rattling of superb coaches and merrier notes from bugle aud horn, and this 100, every whit for pieasure, along the xrlul-i hedge-bordered highways of Saxons, and Celts, than wero ever known in Britain palmiest olden wuu\ltn‘! days! DGAR L. WAKEMAN, —_— The “No. 9 Wheeler & Wilson makes a perfect stitch with all kinds of thread on all ciasses of materials. It is always ready. Sold by Geo. W. Lancaster & ., B4 B, 16th street. —_— The la) est ple ever made was baked at Denley , Englaud, for the queen’s ubilee. It spoiled, however, 5o that when was 0] the steach was awful. The next week unother was made of 672 nds of flour, 1,800 pounds of potstoes, one heifer, two calves aud two sheep. I'DOUGLAS COUNTY ROADWAYS Plan Buggosted for Their Thorough and Oomprehensive Improvement. CORRECT LOCATION THE FIRST REQUISITE | The Radieal Dotocts in Douglas Oounty Ronds Folnted Out—Practioal Sagges- tions on Road-Making by Ourtiss ¢. Tarner. I. ‘'Ot all inventions, the alphabet and the printing press alone excepted, those inventions which abridge distance have done most of the civilization ot our specics.” Conspicuously displayed on the golden door of the Transportation building the words of Macaulay are awakening trains of thonght in the minds of many who have never bofore realized the full extent of the subject. ‘We are so accustomed to accept the convenieuces of nineteenth contury civ- ilization as a matter of course that it is difticult or at least unusual for us to pause and endeavor to realize the condi- tions of human existence a few centuries back, in ages when the footpath and tho pack mule representod the highest type of inland means of communication, In every age the necessity of bettor means of communication’ has been realized and striven for, but in no age and in no country have there been such contrasts of parfection and crudity as are to be found here in America today. Our railway systom is the wonder of the world. The fleet that pliesour in- land lakes and rivers is a mighty one among the fleets of nations. Our sys- tems of urban communication are by all means the most perfect that the world has ever seen. But our country roads are the worst known among civilized ople. We are as many centuries be- ird the ancient Perusians in the con- struction of country highways as we are centuries ahead of them in the methods at our command. It would be a platitude to say that good country roads are a necessity. It is & difficult task to make people re- alizo how bad our roads really are. It is a still more difficult task to secure agreement on a line of policy looking to their intelligent improvement. For im- mediately we decide that improvement is a necessity we find diverse interests rising up and clamoring for this, thator the other policy. I, in the judgment of those who are most capable of deciding, cortain reforms or lines of action' are deemed necessary wo at once find an army of private interests rising in oppo- sition. Topsople who have observed the workings of our local governments tho effoct of the opposition ot private in- terests is clear. How can these discordant elements be united? How can the voice of selfish private intorests be silonced when 1t is plainly in opposition to the general wel- fare? - Only bya olear, exact understand- ing of the situation on the part of the public at large. With an intelligent understanding of the conditions and re- uirements by the public there can be no ear but that a correct solution will be finally reached. Having been committed for some time to a line of policy that is, in my opinion, the only rational policy to pursue, have been constrained to write the fol- lowing seriesof articles in the hope that the public may receive a correct under- standing of the actual conditions and necessities of the road improvement question @s it exists here in Douglas county. Practioal Suggestions. ‘There are two ways in which the roads of Douglas county may be im- proved, 1st. By building or improving the natural clay or earth roads. 2nd. By paving or macadamizing these improved roads. Tt roquires no argument to show that the first process of improvement must be carried out before the second or final process is undertaken. The only questions are: Have our clav or earth roads reached their highest development? Can nothing be done to still further improve them before giving them per- manence by paving or macadamizing? The first question admits of no argu- ment. An hour's ride in almost any di- rection will convince the casual observer that it can be answered unqualifiedly in the negative. "The second question, however, is very far reaching in its effects, and one that requires a clear understanding of many conditions, Iam prepared to answer it unreservedly in the affirmative, and it is on this affirmative answer that I shall base my argument. I wls{: to state here positively that it is my opinion that our country roads are in an extremely unfit state to be either paved or macadsmized. That to give permanence to the monstrosities that sorve us in the place of roads, by paving or macadamizing them, would be. an act of the greatest folly, That we can never have good roads in this county until we abandon our present illogical and ruin- ous system of lozating roads, and adopt an intelligent system based upon com- mon sense principles. Let us then attack the problem of road improvement in a rational, intelligent, systematic manner, Let us begin at the bottom and work up, Let us begin and build new, correctly located earth roads. Build them carefully on some compro- hensive plan, and after the most ap- proved methods. Build a few miles each year, and as rapidly as they are built lace them under some well organized, ntelligent management. Do not leave them to take care of themselves as is now done, ‘Whén this has been accomplished, then 1t will be time to talk of pavements, and not till then, These are revolutionary ideas and may be startling to many who have not given the subject much thought. They are ideas that must be carried out if we are to exercise the commonestjudgment in the management of county affairs. In future articles I shall attempt to give a plain review of the situation, and will point out the disadvantages of pres- ent methods, together with tne advan- tages to be derived from a complete departure from them, ——— Meontal exhaustion and brain fatigue Promptly cured by Bromo-Seluzer. e — Don't lay the child down with his ears bent away from his head ; the result will be & deformity, READY MADE MUSTARD PLASTERS We were mmmnfl:mn?mfii oy o B g o v A ABURI S, Aok o ‘cotton cloth. SEABURY'S SULPHUR CANDLES. those Saniiee DAy Bacis T basasionta. ol T Ty e Quitos mad (rritating inseota. Frico, e 6acl To purify sick-room: aparments, ec., use 'DRONAPHT| PASTILLES, (AEETE P, BEABURY & JOMNSON, Fhmnt! iales NEW YORK, One-third Saved By buying Moquette Carpets now, if you can find a earpet in our made up line to fit your room; and we have so many sizes made up you are almost sure to find one. These are go- ing at $1.00 a yard as long as they last, which won’t be long. Orchard € Wilhelm Caret (o; Dungies, Deen 140 and 150 i, e Jom{Jom[ o[ o e o Jem jew sl jan{ jon] i [ Jan] Jan] Jen jon{ on o[ o joe o jon e o j ] o Jom o Jon{ Jan{ Jan{ Jon{ Jan joni] [ Ten o e sn aei e joe{ jon{ jon{ jme{"jos s o] X and MORPHINE HABITS. Full information, on an EASY and PERMANENT CURE, sent FREE by . . THE NATIONAL HEALTH CO., 441 Paxton Block, Omaha. Neb. “WHY SHOULD YOU PAY 25¢ AS YOU HAVE HERSTOFORE DONE, FOR A LIGHT WEIGHT, ROLL COLLAR? WE ARE Now MAKING ONE, WITH DEEP POINTS, EQUAL TO ANY IN THE MARKET, FOR 20c. SOLD BY ASK ONLY ALL THE LEADING TR Men's Aldmere. Furnishers, The Monarch is the best warm tweathor Shirk. Bolid Comfort & complote satiefaction guarzatesd. 1316 Douglas Street, Omaha, Neb. t in norvous, ehronic, private. blood, skin and ediotns, ae diplomas and oertifioaies will show, o rogistored graduate success, oatarrh, lost manhood, s aud ali forms of private diseases. ury used. unable 1o visls me may be trasted ai ho y cate contents or sei Correspondence striotly Brivase. Hook (Mye Bundays, 108, m,t013 m 0] stamp for elrouiar, Omaha Loan and Trust Co SAVINGS BANK, SIXTEENTH AND DOUCLAS STREETS. Capital $100,000; Liability of Stockholders, $200.00) B PER CENT * A A.HOS 1513 DOCVUGL tterest patd on SIX MONTH¥ 4'% nar ouTiIRE MONTi8 Cortluostes of Doposit, 4 po? Banl Mserost satd on bunkaocounts KIMBALL PIANO “2 Nctice to Contractors, Bids will bo recelved by the undersigned up to12 welock noon. July dlst, ek, for making additions und alterations (o the present {ratue schoal butlding of district No. 5. Benniugton, Douglas county, N a Did ou tho entire work conten 101t with his proposul a certitiod choo £0.00 drawn 1o the orderof the undersixned as s guuranty that he will fully comply with the torms of bis propossl, should the same be ne- copted. Drawings aud specifications oan by soed atzthe office of L. Mendelssohn. architeo foom 50 Paxton blook | The riglt 1s ressr 1o reject any or s MENRY SIMONSEN, Jyusum nulngtou, Neb.