About The sunny South. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1875-1907 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 12, 1887)
w VOLUME XII.—NUMBER 58' ATLANTA, GA., SATURDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 12,1887. PRICE: $2.00 A YEAR IN ADVANCE. Shading Across the moody Chasm. BRAVERY IN BATTLE. How It Feels to Stand Up and Be Shot At. Some Queer Experiences on the Field in the Confederate Ranks. In my last article I attempted to portray, as briefly as possible, the feelings of a soldier when about to be ordered into battle—the thoughts and impressions that then came thronging into the mind, and their bearing up on his physical courage. In this article I shall endeavor to recall my recollections of the de meanor of my comrades, and of other com mands, as I had occasion to hear of them from various authentic and personal sources. It may seem to some that in the following lines I am seeking to glorify my comrades in arms at the expense of their adversaries; but it must be remembered that Pickett’s divisim of Long- street’s corps, to which my regiment belonged, were as well known to the men of the army of Northern Virginia as plucky and tenacious lighters dur ng the struggle, as they afterwards came to be known in the authorized histories of Iaje’s campaigns. Many a time I have been asked, “Mow does a soldier feel when in actual combat;”’ Prom my personal experience 1 can only say that it depends upon circumstances. As I said in my last article, the feeling of vengeance is utterly absent in a close contest between opposing regiments. As a rule, during our civil war the men never approached within twenty yards of each other—one side or the other giving way. When it it considered that our rifles carried a * alj nearly a mile, and that the tactics wore to a lvance firing, it may be seen that a great loss of life might happen before The Actual Crapple of the contending forces. I don’t mean to say that there were no bay onet fights or actual personal encounters, but they were few and far between. When they did’occur it was with blind fury (for instance, on the occlusion of Pickett’s charge at Gettys burg), where crossed bayonets and clubbed muskets were brought into play. There neither side asked quarter nor gave it. It was a sym- ple knock down at d drag out light, in which the Virginians had to give way because of the overpoweri og numbers and artillery brought against them. Now, I recollect distinctly (without naming the battles) that during the seven days’ battles in front of Richmond in 1802 we were on the offensive. Before that we had been strictly on the defensive. It was a new experience, too, to us, because before that period we had al ways been on the defensive. That country (the Chickaliominy and its allluents) was densely wooded with scrub underbrush, and in marching in battle order regiments, and even companies, would be separated from each other in avoiding the obstacles to an ad vance. That sort of thing was very trying to the nerves of the men, because the skirmish ers were out of sight of the main advance, and even when they met the out-lying posts of the enemy the infantry line was not notified. Now there was a situation in which The Best Troops Might Be Tried. It is of the subsequent battles, including all the battles of the army of northern Virginia up to the campaign of 18'14, that 1 can deal with. 1 recollect the preliminaries of two or three oattles as distinctly as I do the events of yes terday, and I recollect moreover how I felt when"the order to strip for battle was given. But what I wish to give an idea of is the con duct of a regiment when in actual battle. There are three battles in which I was engaged that especially recur to my memory, for the reason that the fighting was fierce and the loss on both sides heavy—those were Frazier’s Farm, second Mamvssas and Seven Pines—I mean to state that in these battles our regi ment lost most heavily. Before the latter of these battles some of my comrades were im mediately behind the lighting line, and before they could roll up their blankets they were called into the fight by their officers. The old story to the effect that the boys learn in the columns of the “.Kneid”—when speaking of the soldier clement—“furor iraque rnen.em precipitant,” had no exhibition in the contest of the war between the States, or be tween these men in line of battle. The men as a rule stood off and shot at long range at each other. When they got to closs quarters, and they were fighting body to body and man to man, then of course, as I have, above stated, there were angry passions developed by the contestants which did not apply to the body proper of the armies on both sides in any oc casional engagement. In die old days it was shield to shield and spear to spear, and sword to sword. The best man was he who was the strongest and most skilful. Now, we can kill each other at a thousand yards range. 1 don’t know that I can better give an idea of the im proved methods of modern warfare than when I state that in the charge of Pickett’s division at Gettysburg The Entire Force was Decimated iogg before they got within reach of the oppos ing batteries. I wish to give instances of the peculiar bear ing of the men in the battles wherein my regi ment was engaged. For instance: When after the battle of Gaines' -Mill (the second day of the (even days’ fight in front of Richmond) there were numbers of the Union dead and wounded around and about our bivouac, we did what we coal I for them in the way of giv ing water and medicines, etc., but, as far as I can recall my sensations, we paid no more at tention to ttiem than is usually done by spec tators to a herd of slaughtered bullocks. I recollect well the pushing and crowding attendant uoon an advance over rough ground. It was almost impossible to keep the align ment of a dress parade, and under the fire of the artillery gaps were constantly being made in the ranks. Friend and foe we pushed over, disregarding all appeals for help until we had attained the summit of that which we had been ordered to drive at by our generals. It is certainly a fact that, as a rule, the men on the other side when they were drawn up to tight had a pretty good inkling of the work mapped out lor them. I remember that at the battles of Vorktown and Williamsburg and the subsequent fight at Seven Pines, before Richmond, there was much shakiness among the men of my regi ment. And there was an incident never be fore reported in the newspapers. It was this: Gilbert Meen, adjutant-general to General Gar land, atteu pted to rally the men who had gathered behind a sheltered spot. Now it happened that after the charge was made, winch was nearly sundown, the various disor ganized organizations called upon us for an advance forward; and there never lias been an order where the troops on either side refused to respond to the orders of their officers. Finally, as for Troops in Actual Battle, I have this much to say, that I never saw more profanity than in the standing up of a regiment anywhere. A missionary would have but small chance for a conversati m. There never was a veteran who had stood in actual battle who cared whether or not the one side or the other succumbed, except that there was a stand of colors above him to which he owed allegiance. It is distinctly in my memory, for instance, that at the battle of Williamsburg, aid tbe battle of the Seven Pines thereafter, the men in my brigade swore “like the army in Flan ders.” In fight the men were like “wild bulls of Bashan,” and the file-closers of whom 1 was one at that time, had bard work to keep i hem in order. Before the order was given them to advance they were quiet enough; but thereafter, in spite of all the orders, abjur- gations, and prayers of the officers, commis sioned and non-commissioncd, they would crowd in toward the centre, and thus were rendered in a measure incompetent with the best action of our whole force. Again I recollect that in the middle of one of the hottest battles of the war, in 1802, the captain of the company told a sergeant that the ammunition was giving out. The sergeant left his position and darted for the ammunition train, lie got his cartridges and started back, but on the way a shell exploded near him and ignited his cartridges, wounding and lacerat ing him severely about the face and body. When he was lifted from under the debris the first question he asked was, “Did I get '-ui in all right?” Now, it has been my fortune to have been in more than a dozen pitched battles, and in double the number of skirmishes that, as far as the combatams were concerned, approached almost to the dignity of a battle, and I never saw as yet a man llinch from his duty. When the light was raging, and men and comrades were falling on every side, I never saw any of the rest of the men drop out to carry them back. We depended on the regularly appoint ed "ambulance corps,” and the fight wat maintained until the sun went down and dark ness set in, for, be it remembered, that in all its vicissitudes the army of NortLern Virginia under General Lee was never fairly whipped. A CLASSIC RETREAT. DeLand, Florida’s Educational Centre A score of years hence, the old graduate of DeLand, returning to visit his Alrnea Mater, I w*H lookqtpon her stately.biyildi0 J> ; ,. w i th feel ings of pride, and perhaps express them in flowing numbers as rhythmical as those writ ten on approaching a more venerable institu tion in the old Bay State. There is always a peculiar charm about an academic town. A stranger visiting Cambridge or Andover feels this a*, once; he notes the influence of culture in everything, the architecture, the manners of the people, and the quiet dignity with which business is transacted. He seems to breathe a different atmosphere, and the charm increas • es as his visit lengthens. Already these feat ures are noticeable at DeLand although the college is still in its infancy. The city of DeLand is in Volusia county, on the east coast of the peninsula, about UK) miles south of Jacksonville. It is accessible by both river and rail, located on high, rolling pine laud, not near any water, standing or running, and is remarkable for its general healthfulness. The climate is almost a specific for throat and lung troubles, catarrh, rheuma tism, etc. The population numbers about 1500 white people, at d is far superior to most Northern towns of the same size in its intel lectual and moral tone. There are in the city six white churches, ail possessing houses of worship, a well organized school, and a kinder garten. It has an almost ideal location for an institution of learning. It is destined to be come to Florida what Cambridge is to Massa chusetts, or New Haven to Counecticut—the educational centre of the State. DeLand Academy and College is situated about one-third of a mile north of this thriving town, and in one of the most beautiful and healthful sections in Florida. The main build ing is situated on the corner of the two princi pal thoroughfares of the city. Woodland Bou levard ami Minnesota avenue. It presents an imposing appearance as it rests upon a beauti ful and gradually rising knoll, in close proxim ity to the dark green orange trees, laden witli their golden fruit, and surrouuded by the tall and stately pines. In architectural design it is one of the most handsome and best arranged buildings for educational purposes the writer lias ever seen. Professor Forbes, the president of the college, is a graduate of the University of Rochester; and brings to the institution rqie scholarship, long experience, and a love for his work. The oilier members of the fac ulty are instructors of experience and reputa tion. DeLand College is destined to become one of the leading institutions of the South, and will not only offer opportunities for education unsurpassed in the North, but, by educating the sons of F lorida within her own borders, will give a tone and character to the State which will he o' more value to it than millions of dollars invested otherwise.—Correspondence Jacksonville Morniny Xews. Agricultural Experiment Stations. The United Suites Senate, after adopting an amendment proposed by .Mr. Edmunds, “that nothing in the act shall be construed as bind ing the United States to continue this appro priation, but that Congress may, at any time, suspend or repeal all or any of :he provisions of the act,” passed the Agricultural Experi ment Station Bill. The bill directs the estab lishment (in connection with agricultural col leges) of a department to be known and desig nated as an ‘•agricultural experiment station.” Where there are two sticli colleges in one State the amount appropriated to each State and Territory for this purpose (§15,000 a year) is to be equally divided between tlmm, unless the State Legislature shall otherwise direct. The object and duty of such experiment sta tions are: To conduct original researches, or to verify experiments oil the physiology of plants and animals, diseases to which they are severally subject and remedies therefor; (lie chemical composition of useful plants; the comparative advantages of rotative cropping; tie capac ty of new plants or trees for accli mation; analysis of soi s and waters; the chem ical composition of manures; the adaptation and value of grasses and forage plants; the composition and digestibility of different kinds of food for domestic animals; scientific and economic questions involved in the production of butter and cheese, and such other research es or experiments bearing directly on the ag ricultural industry of the United States as may be deemed advieabie. Agricultural Department. Facts About an Important Bu reau of the Government. Editor Srx.vv South:—Visitors who come to see the sights of Washington, and even men who have lived here all their lives, very sel dom visit the Agricultural Department, l’er- haps in strolling through the beautiful grounds which surround the building on every hand, they will ask what it is. But its appearance is not inviting and they seldom enter. The name is not attractive to the denizen of the city, and he of the country sees enougli of ag- culture at home, and is too much engaged in other sights to investigate. Its museum is full of natural curiosities, and you may find many fascinating subjects for investigation and ob servation from the seed tests; tiie great room crowded with nearly a hundred men and wo men wrapping up the seeds, the marvels of the microscope, and the wonders of the exper imental silk manufactory. view of he complaints that have recently been made about the poor quality of seeds furnished, your correspondent spent considerable time in that department, and in the investigation of thatparticulardivision. Commissioner Colman kindly afforded me every facility for doing so, and placed at my disposal all the available sources of information. The result was that the writer became convinced that if any worth less seeds get out, it is not owing to any lack of the commissioner and his assistants. The tests to which the seeds purchased are sub mitted are, to the last extent, ebse and strict, and it would appear almost irkpossible for worthless or sterile seeds to pass from the hands of the department in any noticeab e quantities with such arrangements as are made. Of course it is presumable that some bad seeds will get out among the enormous quail ities distributed. But tiwJWRcems una voidable. It is, however, safe to say that great precautions are taken, and the endeavor is made conscientiously to reduce the amount of sterile seeds distributed to a minimum. Without increasin' the appropriations, the present management maims to n*Ve increased the amount of seeds furnished, go per cent., furnishing a thousand more packages to each Congressman than ever before, and it is as serted that no complaint lias yet been received at the department in regard to life worthless ness or sterility of the seeds. Another interesting division is the Entonn- NOItMA-N .1. COLMAN, COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. It is to Henry L. Ellsworth, son of the dis tinguished < llivcr Ellsworth, third Chief-Jus tice of the United States, that the farmers, and indeed every one, is more indebted than to any other person for the recognition by Con gress of the claims of agriculture. In 1830, he was appointed by President Jackson the first Commissioner of Patents, and during his ad- lfti’.listViiA,,’.. I.C~)V:Vjt'ir-lf'...T7rl;r-4lli ly to improvements in the implements of agri culture, and the aid which azriculture migflt derive from the distribution of rare grain and seeds. Through his efforts the President in structed the United States consuls to forward to Washington, any rare plants and seeds which, in their judgment, could be trans planted to American soil. From this small germ, planted over half a century ago, this immense department. f the Government has grown. It would be interesting no doubt, to trace its growth, the struggles it passed through and the obstacles it hail to surmouut, but space forbids. Suffice it to sav in regard to its history, that it remained a bureau under the Patent Office until the 15th of May, 1802, when the act establishing the “Department of Agriculture” became a law, and on the 1st day of July the department was formally organiz ed in the rooms of the Patent Office, previously occupied by the agricultural division of the bureau. The commissioner, althobgh the head of an independent department of the Government, was not to be a member of the Cabinet. However, there is now a bill in the House making him a Cabinet officer. In the bill which founded the department it was made the duty of the commissioner “to acquire and preserve in his department all in formation concerning agriculture, which he can obtain by means of books and correspon dence, anil by practical and scientific experi ment (acurate records of which may be kept in his office); by the collection of statistics and by other appropriate means within his power: to collect, as he may be able, new and valuable seeds and plants, to test by cultivation the value of such of them as may require such tests; to propagate such as maybe worthy of propagation and to distribute them among agriculturists.” In the performance of the duties thus im posed upon the commissioner, and in the gradual enlargement of the range of the oper logical. The depredations of insets constitute a most serious obstacle to the successful cul ture of all kinds of vegetable products, and the primary object of this division is to stddy the habits and life history of insects injurious to vegetation and also the best means of destroy ing them or counteracting their rr .-ages. Silk culture is also o,of' 1 ‘ ’"'itries whirl, is bet«i' ... , eomv: -.e effort is now being made by the establishment of reeling stations at three different parts of the country, viz., San Francisco, New Orleans and Philadelphia, to ascertain whether or not such establishments can be run oil a profitable basis or if it is unadvisable to attempt silk cul ture in this country. Then there is the work of the Chemical divi sion which is directed to the preparation slid dissemination of information relating to the practical application of the results of chemical investigations on the nature and property of soils; in determining the value of fertilizers and to all kinds of analyses which are more in timately associated with the progress of agri culture. There are a number of other divisions of doubtful usefulness, and shoul I any reader be particularly interested he can get them by ap plying to the commissioner. Of tiie commissioner hi nself it might be well to say a few words. Mr. Colmtn was born in tbe Stale of New York, and resided there on the parental farm until lie reached the age of twenty. He then moved West and settled in Kentucky, where he taught school and studied law, graduating from tiie Louisville law school with the late M. C. Kerr, who was subsequent ly Speaker of the II use of Representatives. F’oruiing a co-partnership with Sir. Kerr they settled in New Albany, Indiana, for the prac tice of their profession. Mr. Colman was shortly afterwards elected prosecuting attor ney, and filled that position for some time, but subsequently resigned in favor of his partner and removed to St. Louis for the purpose of carrying into effect a long cherished purpose— that of publishing an agricultural paper. This paper he lias owned at d managed ever since, lie was instrumental in originating tiie Mis souri Horticultural Society ami State Board of Agriculture, was a member if the Legislature during the term of 1805-’00, and was nomi nated for lieutenant-governor in 1808. He was THE AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT. ations of tiie department, a body of assistants are at work, whicli now embraces a working force of nearly four hundred persons—special ists, laborers, clerks and other employees. Tiie working force is systematically arranged in divisions, each one of which is directed by a responsible bead. These divisions are tiie Seed division, the Etomological division, the Horti cultural, Bornological and 1’ropagaiing divi sion, the Statistical division, the Chemical di vision, the F’orestry division, and the Veteri nary division. Through these divisions the commissioner is enabled to execute the vari ous duties prescribed and contemplated in the organic act creating the department. It would be impossible in a brief article to describe the workings of tiie many bureaus, so we will turn our attention to the most important. The distribution of seeds has been one of the leading features of the operations of the department since its establishment, the object being, as required by law, tbe introduction and dissemination of new and improved varie ties of cereals and forage plants, as well as seeds of every kind of plant of promising or known value. The law does not require that all the seeds should be of new or rare kinds only, bnt it includes all that are valuable. In defeated at tiie time but was renominated and ejected in 1874. In the position which Mr. Colman now occupies he will have iu.il scope for the exercise of his vast experience and in domitable energy. There are few men in the United States more familiar with every de partment of farm life and industry than he is, or better able by voice and pen to portray them. Whatever may be ’he genera! estimate of the worth and value of the Agricultural De partment, no one can investigate its workings thoroughly without coming to the belief that as far as Commissioner Colman is concerned, he is attending to his duties with as much con scientiousness as industry, and that is saying a great deal. If what I have already said seems to give great importance to this bureau, yet, when the Signal service, or Weather bureau, shall be added to it, in accordance with a bill now be fore Ci ngress, and which may become a law before you get this in type, of how much more importance will it then be! Of enough conse quence at least, to be one of the most inviting branches of the Government to be visited ana studied by every visitor of the millions who annually sojourn to the Capital City. Good Examples byMillionaires Several mill onaires have recently set some good examples to their brethren of the order of Craisus. California already owns in the Lick Observatory one of the most valuable scientific institutions, as the gift of one of her wealthy citizens, and now Mr. Stanford, her millionaire senator, is about to endow a uni versity for her. Mr. Tilden’s gift of a library to the city of New York, provided it is not in terfered with by the courts, is another instance of the devotion of a great fortune to the pur poses of popular education and entertain ment. In our own State, Mr. Jonas G. Clark, of Worchester, has, in a similar spirit, given to that city an ample fuud for the foundation of a university, and his action is the more ap plauded because it tends to familiarize men of great wealth with lie idea of dispensing it while they live, instead of leaving it to be fought over by dissatisfied heirs and divided among the lawyers. It is well to note such examples and make the most of them for tiie encouragement of our millionaires generally to go and do likewise. Wealth once accumulated and possess jd, the question arises: What is the best use of it? It can be used for its own sake, or it can be used for the benefit of the disposer. It can make opportunics for untold pleasure to the dispenser, for while humanity struggles with the inequalities of condition and circumstance the world over, it lias need of help and craves it. Probably no question has been more ac tively considered in the minds of the wealthy who are possessed of human sympathies, than to kiow how best to reach the common needs of the greatest number. Hospitals,societies.be- lievolcnt institutions, and churches are always included in large public bequests, and proper ly; but there are many of these common char ities that tin living ought to support, while the wealth of the dead might he devoted to wider and far-reaching good. No country now can compare with ours in the number and size of its millionaires. Many have died: their fortunes are scattered by leg acy, and they are soon forgotten. We count it a public benefit when a mass of aggregated wealth is broken up and putin circulation, for the chances are in favor of its speedy dissolu tion by the ever eager heirs, and the sum of active capital is increased. The far-sighted philanthropist, the one who secs beyond to day, who at heart desires the greatest good of the greatest number, is he who, while dispens ing daily amid the most needy, is p aiming with a broad and Christian motive for the com mon good. Tiie Tilden-Stanford-CIark idea of endowing free libraries and founding free universities, thus bringing the resources of learning and lit erature as a gift to the masses, is surely a wise one. Shaktjpeare says: “He that hath his wealth in his brain, hath it where no man can take it from him.” The ever-present need of humanity is intelligence, education, brain. Knowledge is power. It often happens that invention, tenacity of purpose, great persever ance, are found among the poor and uneduca ted, but they become giants when guided by intelligence, by education and an unselfif h spirit. Recall the names of the many who •gave left co’ossal fortunes, and see how the ! lie Average parson, wnetner n.ai.mg Etti +- ’broadest minded are the best reuiemhcri-U.' j George Peabody left millions for the poor, un educated children of the South, and every ! child that shares his providential charity ■breathes blessings on his name; while the little village school houses are monuments more en during than stone or metal. These benefactors of the people have their reward. Within a few years there died in New York an old man, who had lived his three score and ten, who had toiled and acquired, and who insisted, while living, that he would plant not only for to-day for his own, but for a generation and his fellow-men. And when death touched him and his wonderful activities were stilled, and the generous hand was cold and folded on his breast, then from humble home and noisy workshop, from the school and the college, from artisan and laborer, from mechanic and inventor, from merchant and trader, from press and people, arose a mighty tribute of thankfulness for the life that had been; while the manifestations of grief knew no limits, but passed over the world like a wave of sorrow from sea to sea. Why? Because this man had planned for the widest-reaching and all-in cluding charity; because lie knew that knowl edge was really power, and the only power the poor and humble could possess. The idea of public good in some shape was the dream in his mind for years, and when it came to frui tion it took shape in the Cooper Institute— school, library, college, all in one. Open to all it is a feast for the hungry mind, knowing neither class nor country, only a common hu manity and a common need. This, then, is the best use of wealth : to pro vide for the coming generation, and just so far relieve this one. To plan tor the future keeps the heart sensitive to the touch of nature that makes us all akin. It is well for our public- spirited men of money to define their ideas, and carry them into execution while well and active, preventing legal disputes and distorted purposes. Guided by the broadest philanthro py they need have no fear of the harvest. F’or the friend of humanity there is no death; he lives in active minds and throbbing hearts, and while over his grave the grass grows and the birds sing, yet greener than the grass, and sweeter than tiie songs of birds, will be the memory of him who gave of his bounty for the blessing and uplifting of his kind. Michael Davitt Defends McGlynn. A New York dispatch says that in the dem onstration at Madison Square, in that city, in honor of the great Irish patriot on the eve of his departure for Ireland, “tiie wildest enthu siasm was evoked when Mr. Davitt, in his siM-uch. took up tlie defense of Father McGlynn. He said Dr. McGlynn’s offence began in 1882, when he made an address favoring the Irish revolution. ‘Ill that year,’ said Mr Davitt, ‘Cardinal Simeoni singled out for censure one of the most devoted priests, one of the purest hearted men that God lias ever called to the ministry. He was censured for supporting this movement in Ireland, whicli for object had the obliteration of crime; for supporting this Irish revolution he was censured, fret there be no mistake [a cry of ‘Hit him again!’] about the origin of this hostility to Dr. McGlynn. Had he been engaged in the praise of England or ill tiie denunciation of Ireland in 1822, he might have been to-day tiie Archbishop of New York. [Hurrahs, cheers and laughter.] Because F’a- tlier McGlynn has done what Irishmen have done in defiance of Cardinal Simeoni, he mer its tiie censure and ii awarded the punishment which the propaganda would have meted out to the McGI; mis of Ireland had we brooked the ignorant pro-English interference in our national affairs.’ Mr. Davitt said Father Mc- Glynu would go to Rome and would get a fair hearing from Pope Leo. lie denounced Sir George Eerington and tiie Duke of Sutherland. The former, he said, intrigued against Ireland in Rome until he was driven from the sacred c ty." The deposed priest insists that he lias yield ed all the obedience to his superiors that was rightfully demanded. His sympathizers are raising a fund of §50,000 for him, and are locked out and denied the privilege of worship ping in St. Stephens church. WASHINGTON CITY. Reminiscences of Distin guished Public Men. PERSONAL MENTION. What the People Are Doing and Saying. Thomas Hughes lias completed his biograr phy of Bishop Fraser. A son of Kit Carson resides in Los Angeles, and is struggling with poverty. Marshall Field’s private sitting room in his Chicago residence cost §7,000. Senator Edmunds wishes to establish an in ebriate asylum in Washington. Prince Eugene, youngest son of the king of Sweden, lias gone to Paris to steady art. When Prince Alexander of IJattenburg goes through Egypt he will travel incognito. Private Secretary Barry reports the condi tion of Mayor Hewitt as greatly improved. Ludwig Windthorst, leader of the Clericals, is an intellectual giant but a physical dwarf. The Prince of Naples has a collection of rare coins and medals valued at more than §40,000. Mrs. Nellie Grant Sartoris will spend the latter part of the winter with her mother in New York. Russia will propose Prince Nicholas of Leuch enherg to succeed Alexander as prince of Bulgaria, Sir Richard Brooks’ tenants have adopted the plan of campaign and are being served, with writs. Senator Vance, of North Carolina, tells the Democratic party that it must purify itself or go to pieces. Ernest W. Longfellow, sou of the poet, will pass the remainder of the winter on the Medi terranean coast. Sam Jones and Sam Small should make a pilgrimage to Wall street when they get through with Boston. The Hon. William Walter Phelps, it seems, has some hope of succeeding Mr. Sewell as Senator from New Jersey. Bill Arp is shaking up the Mississippi bot toms. Crowded houses every night. He is a whole brigade with himself. Mr. Gladstone has conditionally assented to the proposal to take a division on a resolution affirming the principles of home rule. Ferdinand Ward, who is engaged in pasting tobacco labels at Sing Sing, is called by the warden a “kicker and a schemer.” Herr Tisza, the Hungarian prime minister, has spoken to his friends in very reassuring terms regarding the maintenance of peace. Miss Christmas, of North Carolina, a grand daughter of the famous M/ra Clark Gaines, is one of the belles of Washington this winter. Lord Granville said that the speech from the throne disclosed the fact that the Government intended to again introduce the Coercion bill. Win. R. Tra7erg is said to be dying at Ham ilton, Bermuda. The keen business sense aud tiie keener wit of the genial financier will be sadly missed. Hon. Frank Hurd and other free-traders have popularized the saying that protection builds a wall which harmfully obstructs for eign trade. Emperor William of Germany has expressed a wish to meet Queen V ctoria in her jubilee ’AwiijV.v.J'fcr.■ iJwiUe.rierL—v> V.U,-nd Tjie -r.in^ {lay take •pvmdedt with Icis.v orC-Jufcly'. 4»,uP.tj»j V,~ \ 'z’v,r. ini’- ? " it mean <to assassinate j/tor” i No'Jr ~ ( place m suuimqr. f V « .., a .i c -i i *-•- - ' The son of the Dacn-^' af' pf fbiibly has the finest collection of postage stamps in It fills 300 volumes and has cost Henry Ward Beecher predicts for Europe “an earthquake that will split her from top to bottom,” aud suggests that it will be a blessing for America. Beecher gets further away from the teachings of the Bible every year. Incidents Which Have Transpired at the National Capitol. By BEN. PERLY POORE. No. 171. The Solid Men of Boston. I do not know that it has ever been stated who was the author of the quotation, “solid men of Boston,” used by Daniel Webster. It is to be found in a little English brochure, en titled “Songs,” by Capt. Morris. One of these songs, headed “Billy l’itt and tue farmer," commences thus: Sit down neighbors all, And I’ll toll a merry story, About a British farmer And Billy Pitt, the Tory. I had it piping hot, F'roiu Ebenezer Barber, Who sailed right from England And lies in Boston harbor. The song cannot be reprinted in New Eng land, although it was not probably considered broad when published. It describes Pitt and his agricultural friend out at night, and mit tak en for robbers. The seventeenth and last verse is: Solid men of Boston, Make no long orations; Solid men of Boston, Banish strong potations; Solid men of Boston, Go to bed at sundown. And never lose your way Like the loggerheads of London. Marshall and the Young Desperado. John C. Breckinridge used to narrate some interesting anecdotes about a Revolutionary veteran named Humphrey Marshall, who was six feet two in height, with a commanding presence, an eagle eye and a great devotion to the good old Federal principles of Washington and Hamilton. He was for many years a mem ber of the State Legislature, anil was Senator iu Congress from 1705 to 1801. Just hefore the war of 1812 he had made himself especial ly obnoxious to the Democrats by denouncing their determinatiin to involve the country in a war with Great Britain, and Gov. Scott de clared that lie would pardon any man who would shoot him. A young fellow to whom Marshall had in some way given offence, de clared that he would undertake the job the next court day; and when that came, a crowd, including Gov. Scott, was on hand to witness lhe sport. About Loon Marshall rode into town on horseback, got his mail at the post- office, transacted some business at the Court House, mounted and started for his home. The young desperado, well fortified with whis ky, was oil hand, and galloping after him, he presented his pistol aDd cried : ‘ Halt! I mean to kill ypu.” Marshall re5n»'i v, Ais DjYf, and don e mean ‘to assassinate ’ > 'v 0 )'i plied the sprig of chivalry, takirtg another pis tol from his breast pocket, “here is a pistol for you; take it and defend yourself.” Mar shall took the proffered weapon, and with a quick blow from it knocked the young fellow’s pistol from his hand, then, cocking the pistol given him, the old hero shouted: “Now, dash you, turn around and walk your horse to the Court House door!” The subdued belligerent knew that his life depended upon his obedi ence, and he returned crestfallen amid the cheers of the assembled crowd. When they reached the Court House, Marshall said : “Now go and drink Tom Jefferson’s health; it’s all you’re good for.” And with a graceful bow he again started homeward. Doug<as and the Mormons. Gen. Shields' used to say that Stephen A. Douglas was the prince of wire-pullers, and to narrate many anecdotes of the “Little Giant’s” skill in political management. In the organi zation of the Democratic party in Illinois, he said that the Mormons gave I (ouglas a great deal of trouble at tte time Nauvoo was their headquarters. Just at this time Joe Smith had a revelation commanding the Mormons to vote the Whig ticket, and as they were a for midable element in the vote of the state, Doug las himself called upon Smith to talk matters over. Douglas was so convincing in his argu ments that Smith was converted to his views, but said as he had had one revelation it would not do to have another. To get over this dif ficulty Joseph said that if they would call on Rigney Smith, his broiler, he would probably accomplish what they wished. Rigney was accordingly consulted, and at tbe next convo cation in the temple lie announced that he had a later revelation which directed the Mormons to vote the Democratic ticket. When Joe Smith was questioned on the subject he replied that as Riguey’s revelation was later than his, it should be followed by the Mormons. The result was a sweeping Democratic victory in that portion of the state. Lincoln’s Illustration. Rev. Dr. Szold, the Rabbi of a Jewish syna gogue at Baltimore, who was often at Washing ton during the war, said very correctly that it was the Martyr-l’resident’s nature to argue a point, but that when persons would come to him witli complaints he often gave them his views in a short and comprehensive parable, lie would thus often unravel an intricate and knotty question by his keen and incisive wit. As for instance: Some Western gentlemen called at the White House and harangued Mr. Lincoln in an excited manner about the omis sions and commissions of the administration. He heard them with his usual patience, and finally said: “Gentlemen, suppose all the property you were wortli was in gold, and you had put it in the hands of Blondiu to carry across Niagara Falls on a tight rope, would you shake the rope while he was passing over it or keep shouting to him, 'Blondiu, stoop a little more,’ ‘Go a little faster?’ No, I am sure you would not. You would hold your breath as well as your tongue, and keep your hands off until he was safely over. Now, the Govern ment is in the same situation, and is carrying across a stormy ocean an immense weight; un told treasures are ill its hands; it is doing the best it can; don’t badger it; keep silence and it will get you safely over.” Dr. Buchanan. Dr. George Buchanan, a thrifty Scotchman, was the founder of the Maryland branch of the Buchanan family, and resided at Druid Hill, near Baltimore, now the Druid Hill 1’ark. One of his descendants married Miss Virginia Carolina Marylanda Johnson, a sister of Mrs. John Quincy Adams, and their son, after a continuous service in the United States Army of upward of half a century, died at Washing ton in 1878, aged sixty-six years. At the commencement of hostilities in 1861, Col. Buchanan's loyalty was suspected, and Presi dent Lincoln sent for him to ascertain where he stood on the question of secession. “Are you not a first cousin of Commodore Buch anan, who has just gone South?” asked Old Abe. “Yes, Mr, President,” he replied, “I am a first cousin to the commodore and also a first cousin to your minister to England, Charles Francis Adams.” He was placed in command of a brigade of regulars in the Army of the Potomac, and during one of the battles on the pertinsula he was opposed by a Confed erate brigade commanded by Gen. Winder, of Maryland, who was his wife’s brother. the world. him more than §350,000. The latest English rumor is that Queen Vic toria will abdicate during her jubilee year. The Prince of Wales is said to be impatient for that year to come. Lord Randolph expressed the hope that the House would not follow Mr. Chamberlain’s policy of creating in Dublin anything in the nature of a Parliament. Ex Gov. Davis, the new Senator from Min- nessota, is quite blind in one eye, “as the re sult of having made too many speeches facing brilliant electric lights.” Joseph L. Morgan, of South Carolina, Sec retary of the United States Legation at the City of Mexico, has tendered his resignation, to take effect March 1st. Prince Bismarck, in his argument before tbe Prussian Diet, declared that Germany had, by its constitution, transferred the essential por tion of their rights to the Emperor. “Gen. J. Floyd King,” says a Ijjashinrton correspondent, “is in appearance the Napoleon Bonaparte of the House of Representatives. lie is said to pride liiimelf upon looking like It is said that President Cleveland attributes his indisposition to a lack of out-of-door exer cise, and that in consequence lie contemplate? au extended trip through the country nexi summer. Mine. Tussaud now exhibits in her London museum the keys of Metz, which Count von Moltke, on the capture of that fortress, greatly desired to present to the German Emperor, but could not find. Senator Berry, of Arkansas, and our slate rock philosopher have joined hands iu behalf of the refunding to the Southern States the ille gal cotton taxes imposed aud collected at the close of the late war. When Jay Gould went through Texas he said that Dallas should have a population of 150,001) people. He was careful, however, not to commit himself about spending auy of his millions to effect that object. “President Grevy and Prime Minister Gob let both unsuccessfully have tried to remove Gen. Boulanger from the control of the mili tary affairs of France. The maintenance of peace depends ou General Boulauger’s re moval.” Lord Salisbury said: “The outlook on the continent is so very black that it is not too much to say that the chances are in favor of a war at an early date. When once it has bro ken out we will not be secure from being in volved. Napoleon, and ho is a great admirer of the ‘Little Corporal.’ He quotes Napoleon often, and in attitude and gesture he acts much like Bonaparte. His face is on the same contour as that of Bonaparte, and he wears that little lock of hair over his broad forehead which you always see iu B maparte’s portraits.” The Emperor of China must he a tremendous gourmand, if a correspondent of Les Debats is to be believed. According to that writer, the “Son of Heaven” insists on having bears’ paws, antelopes' tails, ducks’ tongues, torpedo eels’ eggs, camel’s hump, monkeys’ lips, carps’ tails and marrow bones served on his tabl every day in the year. In his young manhood the late Earl of Id- desieigh was esteemed the cleverest amateur actor in England, and at one time he actually thought of going ou the professional stage. Later in life iie was much interested in the church, and read the lessons in his son’s church at l’ynes, probably as often as Mr. Gladstone performed the same services at Hawarden. lie was also the author of a re vised and improved form of the marriage ser vice. Representative S. S. Cox is slowly recover ing from his severe illness. In a private dicta ted note to a friend in this city he says that he suffered a million deaths, but was lifted f through by two pictures, one on each side of his bed, of a li'eboat going out aud one con ing in. “Knowing,” he says, “that my sysn had saved nearly 30,000 lives, I thought w haps that I could hold the rudder and through.” He adds: “I writer would show the effect tions on human misery and I
