About The sunny South. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1875-1907 | View Entire Issue (June 25, 1887)
THE SUNNY SOUTH. ATLANTA, GA., SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE 25, 1887, 3 THE NEW COLUMBUS P —OR,— Narrative of the Sole Survivor of Sir John Franklin’s last Arctic Expedition. . [COPYRIGHT SECURED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] CHAPTEB XX. STII.L EXPLORING—A REMARKABLE DISCOVERT. Mv first thought, upon awakening, was to return to the great room. I thought also of the perils attendant upon the venture. That there was danger there could be no doubt. But so far from intimidating, the element of hazard seemed to fascinate me, and I was im patient to return to the work. But it also oc curred to me that no great satisfaction could be derived without a better light, and 1 be thought me of the coal. If I could transport it in sufficient quantities as to make a great heap poorly repaid for my pains; but I thought it in the large chamber, I hoped to be able to 1 - - - - - - - produce a bonfire. Under ordinajy circumstances the task that its lakes and rivers, and presents to the torch bearing traveler scenes that compare in mag nificence with any conceived of by the warm imaginations of eastern story writers. I determined that I would pursue the open ing to its terminus. CHAPTER XXII. A MEMORABLE JOURNEY BEGIN. I concluded to prepare for a long trip. Of course I could not foresee but that I might reach the terminus in a few hours, and be but would be wiser to take with me all the pro- ) visions that my dogs and myself could carry. . I strapped securely on the back of each dog I now imposed upon myself would have seemed ^ much bear meat as he could conveniently unbearable. But I set about it cheerfully, for it gave me employment. I made a bag for my self, and arranged for the two dogs to carry burdens like pack horses. It was at least two carry, taking a considerable quantity myself, besides the gun, compass, ammunition, lamp, etc., etc. Before starting away I made my store house miles we had to carry our loads, and the way ; as inaccessible as possible by prying up and was in some places so rough the dogs had to be unpacked. I worked at this for several days before I was content with the quantity of fuel we had transported, but at length stopped and lighted the fire. , . When the coal became heated and the oil met the flames, quite a bright light was pro duced, and I gazed upon a scene which dehes description. . I seemed to be standing amidst the halls of a veritable Aladdin’s palace. The room was enormous in size, and seemed a hundred feet high. The stalacities that swung from the dis tant ceiling as-utned numberless beautifnl, grotesque and frightful shapes as the flames flared up and down. There seemed to be an gels with outspread wings, and trees and birds and terrible wild beasts, and the whole glittered and sparkled as if sprinkled with dia monds. I walked about and viewed the magnificent scene from different points. Immense piles of stones towered up from the floor. They had doubtless fallen from above, or they were stal agmites. , , . . My eye was suddenly arrested by what ap peared to be a large sarcophagus near the cen ter of the room. My recollection instantly reverted to accounts I had read of the giant’s coffin in the Mammoth Cave, (situated, 1 think, in the United States) which is not in fact a coffin, but only a huge stone which—viewed from a particular direc tion—looks strikingly like one. I doubted not, therefore that the great pile I gazed upon was merely an interesting illusion But fancy my astonishment when I found in dubitable evidence that it was indeed the work of human hands. It was twelve feet wide, eighteen feet long and twenty feet high and flat on top The stones that composed it were rough and jagged, except on the Western end, and'the interstices were filled with a tort of cement. This I found out by brushing away the thick accumulation of dust. The Western end, as 1 have said, was not rough like the other sides; and here I found the convincing proof of human workmanship. It was covered with characters and inscriptions cut in the stone There appeared, among others, the figure of a lion and a crown; also a house on the pinnacle of a mountain surrounded by watei. There was an open window, and a man with long b9ard leaned forth from ii with extenced hand whilst a bird was flying towards him. The workmansnip was rude, but yet the fig rolling down the stones that had served me for a stairway, for I anticipated that the place might be visited by bears in my Spence. Loo- lik and I had killed more than one of them near the entrance to the cave. I now started on my most memorable expe dition. By counting my steps and timing myself, I had learned to judge with an ap proach to ac curacy, of the distance traveled in a given time, and after leaving the Grand Rotunda, I consulted my watch and began counting. To one traveling on a posted road this would have been a severe penance. But moving as I did through a dark and unknown tunnel, it was necessary to attend to it with unceasing diligence. However, it was not to me a vexa tion; but on the contrary I obtained from it employment and entertainment. And I kept notes of the time and distance in my memo randa book The trip I was now upon proved monotonous. A detailed account could not be entertaining. I was lucky in finding many pools and some streams of pure water. The cave seemed end less. At some places it widened out, and in others its walls drew near together, and the ceiling varied in height as well. The way was generally unobstructed, but now and then I had to unpack the meat and help the dogs over dangerous places. Several vast halls opened to the right and the left, but I did not enter them. I pushed straight on, and my compass sho wed that the course was almost northward. Burdened as I was, walk ing proved laborious. I adopted the plan of traveling five hours and resting one, and trav eling five hours and sleeping six; and every seventeen hours I made about fifteen miles. Always when not in motion, for economy’s sake I extinguished my light. As I progressed the movement of the air now from the north, and now from the south as before described, constantly continued. I sprang up and lighted my lantern, and for fear my courage might forsake me, I presented my gun and ran forward impetuously. There the man sat as before with his face between his hands! “Speak: man o'spirit!” I cried, no longer able to restrain myself. “Who aud what are you?” But my only reply was the resounding echoes of my own voice made sepulchral by terror. “Well then friend,” I said with a spas modic laugh that made me doubt my own san ity, “I will awaken yon!” And I punched his shoulder with the muzzle of my gun. Horrors! the arm dropped off, and his head rolled down to my feet! The figure was petrified. Looking about me after my excitement had somewhat subsided I found myself, in the midst of a group of petrified human bodies. There were six in all lying abont on the ground in various postures. I lingered for hours abont this mysterious spot, speculating abont the strange discovery. I was then Dot the first man that had trodden those dark passages, I thought. And I looked upon the rigid forms with a feeling akin to sat isfaction as I reflected that my bones would not sleep alone in those ghastly catacombs. *•*••••• Taking up my burdens I pressed forward again, for I was becoming strangely in earnest in my objectless enterprise. I was nov: not less than one hundred and for ty miles from the place of starting! But what had I accomplished? Nothing. Should I return 1 I shrank from it. But yet the time must soon come when the want of food would force me to go back. Had I not better return at once? Should I go forward until I should exhaust my provisions, and then perish for want of food in attempting to return? Grave questions! Fearful questions! But an indefinable force seemed to control me, and with aching shoulders and sore and weary feet, I tilled on, and oa, with grim de termination. My route at length diverged to the westward, and suddenly I was brought to a standstill, and my travels were too evidently at an end. I was on the brink of a chasm opening to the west. I cast in a stone, and it fell into water a short distance below me. My way was stopped at last, for I could not think of climb ing down into the subterranean water. So, seeing that I must set out on my return at an early hour, and being worn out by excite ment and over exertion, I extinguished my light and sank upon the ground. Sleep soon veiled my troubles. CHAPTER XXV. CHAPTER XXIII. A PANIC—THOUGHTS OF DEATH. When approaching the hundredth mile, I became conscious of a distant but low and in cessant sound. It was an indistinct roar like the far away hum of a coming storm. A feel ing of awe overcame me. O, fancy the sensa tions of a human beiDg in my position! j Driven to fly from the surface of the earth : and seek a home beneath it. Creeping like something suDernatural more than a hundred urea were quite distinct, and I almost felt as if miles from daylight, and treading regions of I had met the shade of Noah in that ghastly 1 .... place. The crown, I thought, could have but one interpretation. This was the pretentious tomb of some ancient king, and the lion was the sign of his pride and power. And the other fig ures were designed undoubtedly to represent and record, pictorially, a tradition of the de- luge. , . . . Though my archeological researches uad not been extensive, yet, by general reading when in the land of books, X had learned that men of old did live and bury their dead in caves, and record prominent historical facts by means af picture writing, and that the vari ous races of mankind on the globe; though sep arated by oceans and conflicting languages, possessed traditions of the ancient flood; and hence that there was nothing so startling in my discovery as at first I had conceived. Yet I fancy that if I could make it known to European antiquarians that there exists in a cave north of tne Arctic Circle the well-pre served sepulchre of a pre-historic king, their iniprcst. would be excited amazingly. I can interest would be excited amazingly, only regret that so valuable a discovery must remain hidden. 1 searched closoly for other evidences of burial, but found none, I discovered, how ever, some stone arrow and spear heads. I had a great wish to open the tomb; it prob ably contained treasure, I thought, or some eternal blackness never visited by a living creature before! I wrapped myself up and laid down. I drew my faithful brutes close up to me, and their companionship was sweeter than any human beings had ever been. And they seemed to feel the solemnity of the mo ment, for they hovered in silence about me like little birds when the falcon passes, as if to implore protection from an impending but in visible peril. But I lay not long thus. I pushed on. The noise gradually became louder as I advanced, and at length became deafening, and I was re lieved beyond expression to find it was occa sioned by the falling of water. I came to a point where the corridor I was in became the bed of a rushing stream. The water came swiftly from the north, and, turn ing suddenly, poured through the eastern wall into a great pool that I shuddered to think of. Here I thought my journey was to end. This was an underground river, and the extensive cave I had been exploring was probably its ancient but now abandoned channel. I sat down and gave myself up to meditation. The thought of suicide had often crossed me, and I now asked myself soberly if it would not be an act of wisdom to cast myself into the sweeping cataract and go over the dark fall. The Danish Prince, 1 thought and whispered to myself, might well find the question debat able. For, though he was' sad and greatly priceless record of the early history of the ; troubled, yet there were for him many argu- i j T>..i wwrntvf- r\t tho nhvaipal fnrno • e i:r_ world. But for want of the physical force necessary to remove the stones, I was com pelled to forego the idea. CHAPTER XXI. THE GRAND ROTUNDA. After some hours spent in gazing upon the monument and its inscriptions, aud in making some notes of the latter in my memoranda book, I walked over to the northwest corner of the great chamber (which I had now named the Sarcophagus Room) and found myself again ne »r the opening of the northern exten sion. My morbid appetite demanded new won ders or terrors, and I went forward into the j new unknown. Behind me the walls led off to j the east and west until lost in darkness. Be fore me was black space. Leaving a light at the entrance, I moved straight forward for a distance of tne huhdred yards, and at the end of this distance began to ascend a steep hill. There were a great many loose stones, ani when I arrived at the top of the eminence, [ which was four hundred feet above the floor, 1 ' amused myself for in Any minutes by rolling j the largest that I could move down the slope. The effect as they went crashing down in the darkness, displacing many others in their pro- j gress, was wild and startling in the extreme. | I resolved to make a new bon-fire, and re turned home for thi3 purpose. After refresh- | ing and reposing myself and the dogs, I went about the labor of transporting coal in the same manner as before I worked at this for about a week, carrying the coal to the top of the mountain, as I called the eminence I had scaled as above described. When I had got about two tons of coal in place I lighted the fire and retired to the foot of the mountain. I had soon a magnificent illumination, and pro ceeded to traverse the foot of the eminence. ments in favor of life as well as against it. He was heir to a throne. He had wrongs to avenge. He loved a beautiful woman and was beloved. The sun shone, the flowers bloomed, the birds sang for him; but, O! my God! whatcould there be in life for me? Banished from the smiles and caresses of woman; deprived of the pleasures of books, and travels and society, and doomed to drag out a' wretched existence in this grave-like | place, and succumb finally like a beast to cold or hunger! Why should I longer live when it was in my power to close the scene by a simple I plunge? Then I asked if God ever witnessed the mis- ; eries of His individual creatures, why does He not see and pity me now? Has He placed man- on earth and turned His eyes from him, and closed His ears against him forever? I sprang to my feet and leaned over the dark torrent, and i think I should have taken the fatal leap but for the almost human actions of my affec tionate d >gs, which seemed pleading with me not to destroy myself. With a strong effort I recovered from the frenzy that had possessed me, and, throwing off my melancholy as well as I could, I began to study my surroundings. I was able to discern, with the assistance of mv poor light, that the cave was not entirely filled by the stream. It seemed that the water had cut a deep channel on the eastern side, leaving an exposed ledge on the western. I laid down all my burdens, and explored the ledge with care. It was in some places not more than three feet wide, hut generally somewhat wider. I tra versed it for about one hundred feet, and was overjoyed to discover that the stream not only plunged out of my corridor to the east as I have described, but also debouched into it from the east about one hundred feet above the fall; so that the route seemed open before me again to the northward. I re’raced my steps and proceeding to the eastward and thence around unloaded the dogs so they could pass safely, to the point of starting. The mountain was about one thousand leet in diameter at the base. In the circuit described I passed a good many openirgs leading off in various direc tions. I was delighted to find so much scope for fu ture enterprise. If I could only succeed from season to season in laying in good supplies of food for the winters, my life need not be en tirely without enjoyments. and then by peace-meal brought all my prop erty forward to the new starting point. CHAPTER XXIV. STILL ONWARD—A HORRIFYING DISCOVERY. I traveled on, and on, and on! Past gloomy openings, over cracked floors and rough stones, ’neath dripping waters, and by the edges of gap- By experience my eyes could distinguish ob- j ing pits. With darkness behind, darkness be- jects much better than at the beginning, and I was acquiring a facility and celerity of move- fore, and silence rarely broken. Once my dogs stopped and raised their bris- ment that made underground locomotion com- | ties. Then they began to growl and finally to paratively easy. I mvde several visits to the great field of my latest discovery, devotin bark violently. They refused to go forward. Deeming it impossible that any dangerous myself to a me.hodical examination of its beast would be encountered at that vast dis parts, as I had done in the Sarcophagus Room. I named it the Grand Rotunda. tance underground, I was greatly puzzled. Cocking my gun to guard against any possible I penetrated the various halls or openings peril, I advanced cautiously and strained my that were connected with it to a considerable distance, but found them all rough traveling, except one, which made off to the north. This was pretty free from obstructions, and I gaze to discover what had so excited the ani mals. Heaven save me! Was it a vision? Sitting on a stone with both elbows resting on a larger plored it several miles but fonnd no end, and stone in front, with his face buried in his hands, as 1 plodded wearily back home I asked my self repeatedly the question, where does the north corridor lead to? And all the while as I would stand gazing upon the sarcophagus, or wander thoughtfully about in the grand Rotunda, climbiDg now upon the “mountain,’’ or peering curiously into some new closet-like grotto, that question would press itself upon me. It stole my rest and disturbed my sleep. In my dreams I was always gazing into the unexplored darkness of the northern gallery. I was fascinated by it. I knew from my reading that extensive open ings under the earth were not uncommon. The celebrated Mammoth Cave before alluded to not only extends a great many miles, but has was the figure of a man.' With a cry such as men make only in the last extreme of agony, I sank fainting upon the floor. When I awoke my faithful dogs were licking my face. My light had been extinguished when I fell. I was limp and weak in every limb, and felt as if I could stand no more men tal or bodily suffering, but must now give up the dreadful contest I had been so long waging against misfortune. Who shall be wise enough to acconnt for the energy that brought me to my feet again in that dreadful emergency? Would it not have been infinitely better to have died at once? A NEW MYSTERY AND A HAIR BREADTH ESCAPE. Upon awakening, I resolved to set out forth with upon my return to the mouth of the cave— to go back to Loolik’s grave and my coal fire, and the daylight seemed somehow like a home ward journey. My provisions had grown alarmingly low, and my life depended upon getting back as soon as possible to the source of my supplies. But, just as I turned to retrace my steps, f be held a stairway that mounted upward further than my eye could reach with the aid of my very poor light. I had found too many unaccountable things to be very much startled at this, and I paused to ascertain whether it was the work of nature or art. It was unquestionably the latter, as shown by many evidences. It should be recalled that the chamber I had traced to its end, poiLted, at its terminus, al most due West. The stair mentioned was on the Southern side, so that in ascending it my face was to the South. 1 began to climb without any design, though the time I was consuming was precious as drops of blood. At some places the steps were cut in the solid rock, and at others they were made by the lay ing of stone. The ascent was gradual, and I counted one hundred and ninety-six steps be fore reaching the top. The dust was very thick on every inch of surface, showing the long disuse of the stairs. Wearied and perspiring, I sat down on the topmost step of the long flight and scarcely moved for hours. Then I started hesitatingly down again; but, led by the old fascination for the unknown, I turned about and began to ex plore according to my confirmed habit. The ascent had brought me to an almost level table land, that I now traversed in a Southern course for nearly a thousand feet without meeting with anything of special inter est. But when I reached the brow of the de clivity which terminated the plain, I was dread fully startled by the appearance of a large num ber of lights a great distance away through the pitchy darkness before me! They were sta tionary, but some of them would disappear and reappear again, occasionally, in a manner that suggested they might be temporarily obscured by moving bodies. * Was it possible, after all my emphatic disbe lief in the supernatural, that I was actually in vading the abode of hobgoblins? Or had I dis covered a new race of men living in the bowels of the earth? While walking up and down excitedly, and gazing with indescribable feelings at the distant illumination, I discovered a stairway leading down into the depth of darkness that occupied the space between it and myself. Full of doubt and dread, I began the descent, which proved much longer than the ascent had been. As I moved lower and lower down into the black abyss, I stopped in my cautious course now and then to look at the lights. Suddenly I became conscious—from their duplicated, lengthened and tremulous appearance—that they were being rt fleeted upon the surface of water, and in a few minutes I stood upon the shore of a lake. Tne lights were apparently on the opposite shore directly in front, of me, to the South, and must have been several miles away on an air line. I resolved to investigate this mystery, if possible; but how to do it was the question. The deep, broad water was an insurmountable impediment. Hoping that I might be able to pass around the lake, I attempted to skirt its shores, but the overhanging walls prevented. The way was open and easy for a distance of two miles, and for a period of not less than four weeks I paced restlessly up and down by the side of the dark water. Its surface was usually calm, but now and then the surrounding and overhanging cav erns were made musical by the wavelets that came ashore—a circumstance which proved that the water was in some way disturbed at a great distance from me. What could it mean? Exploring an out-of-the-way nook, I made another discovery that diverted and excited me very much. It was two boats 1 They were lying some ten feet above the level of the water, and were old and decayed. The surface of the water must have been much hisher in the ancient times when these boats had been in use. But the precious time I had occupied in these continued efforts toward the gratification of a morbid curiosity could never be regained. My provisions were entirely con sumed. Hunger was no longer to be merely dreaded—it must now be endured. It was to* plain that I could never retrace my steps back through the caves that had brought me to my present position, unsustained by food. [to BE CONTINUED.] PROMINENT TEACHER DEAD. Prof. I. F. Cox, President of the South ern Female College, Dies Sud denly in LaCrange, Ca. Professor I. F. Cox, the President of the Southern Female College, of LaGrange, Ga., died very suddenly at his residence in that city Monday morning at 3:30 o’clock, it is supposed from an attack of apoplexy. He retired in his usual health the night before, and his untimely death was a great shock to his friends and family. Probably there was no educator in this sec tion more extensively and favorably known, as ah instructor of girls, than ,Prof. Cox. For a considerable number of years hi had been the President of the Southern Female College, and from small beginnings he has brought the in stitution to a very high standard of excellence. It is a Baptist institu lion, and has a reputation as one of the most prominent female colleges in the land. Himself a teacher of a high order of ability—excelled by nore and equaled by few—he was ably assisted by members of his family, who are his corps of teachers. He leaves the college in the hands of those who thoroughly understand his plans and wishes, and will maintain it at its present standard. Prof. Cox was one of the most prominent Baptists in the State. He was a good man and a pure Christian, whose death is a severe loss to that community, and its announcement will be received with sorrow throughout the South. The commencement exercises of the college began Saturday. Rev. Dr. Ryais, of Mercer University, preached the commencement ser mon Sunday. The remainder of the pro gramme was dispensed with. CHAT. “No, I never expect to settle down into a mere housekeeper, when I am married, be my lot ever so humble!” This was an expression that fell from the lips of a bright, intelligent girl—a friend—on the eve of her marriage. And I lauded her resolve, only cautioning that she should remain true to her principles. Don’t neglect home duties; yet, because there will be a lower strata of routine and petty troubles, do not forsake the upper one of thought, idealty, sentiments,” I advised when we parted. And the other day I saw my friend again, after the lapse of three and a half years. Instead of my vivacious companion of old, I beheld—a mere housekeeper, whose conver sation seldom rose above the level of physical ailments, servants, the vexations attending the work basket, or gossip of the kitchen. I went my way philosophizing, and afterwards read some stray editorials in a paper, that touched upon the very thoughts in my mind. In fact, the words I had used years ago in the presence of my friend were almost identical with those from the pen of the editor. To repeat some of his sayings: “Her hus band, who is almost if not quite, exempt from human failings, has already manifested a pro found admiration for poUpies, and has openly expressed his detestation to over-done mut ton.” She accord ngly builds up wtthin her a for- tiess of resolution, in which to guard that sa cred treasure of a husband’s affection. She gives up her music, painting and em broidery, and studies the chemistry of the kitchen. At the end of ten years she is a tiresome sort of pet son whose whole intellect is absorb ed in attending to the cares of housekeeping and in getting stylish dresses for her chil dren. She only developes the ideas that men are the most unreasonable and selfish of creatures, and women the most abused and self-sacrific ing. The husband acknowledges to himself that he is disappointed in the wife he has chosen, and yet he finds difficulty in point ing out the mistake,and scarcely finds canse to blame her, for is she not a faithful wife, a devoted mother,and a most frugal manager?” That is just the case of my old acquaintance. She has allowed herself, all her former firm resolves to the contrary notwithstanding, to degenerate into a housekeeper, automatum- like in her thoughts and movements, neglect ing all her finer qualities of mind. It is this very plan of constantly picking up pins and needles, as that editor metaphorically phrased it, that renders a wife, after a few years, an unfit companion for her husband. I run the gauntlet when I say that men are unworthy this sacrifice, yet a woman might forever devote her time, talents, self, to this occupation of looking for pins and needles, and her liege lord would not appreciate it. But he would have his wife as learned in other things; he would not ha fe her forsake the at mosphere of the soul, however much his appe tite craved plum-puddings, lobster salads or veal cutlets—however often he desired stray buttons replaced. And if our houskeepers will not renounce everything, when the hus bands renounce nothing, hut cultivate the mind more, and the monotonous existence of domestic life less, I dare think there will be more happiness and congeniality about our hearthstones. Mother Hubbard. Florida Chats of Poetry and Ca*s. Carmen Sylva says that “a hundred different and sweet smelling leaves are needed to make a rose, and a hundred pure joys go to make happiness.” That is more than we must expect. Her own life shows that perfect happiness comes not to us. The nearest approach is a con sciousness that no duty is shirked and no sor row paraded. Carlyle says if we do that duty lying neatest us the next will appear in time, and my experience goes to prove it. Ma Belle Carmen, I am glad we have tastes in common. I will again wend my way thither ward this summer, and I hope I may have the pleasure of meeting you this time. Jean Ingelow is sweet, and womanly from the first page until the end. I often think of the sermon that was preached to the fisher- folks. I have never read Festus entirely, but all of his extracts are worth remembering. Truly we do “live indeeds, not years.” “Pol lock’s Course of Time” is inimitable, I think. Mother Hubbard wants our opinion in re gard to Milton and Homer. I have read both, but the blind poet is too deep for me. I can’t assimilate half I read. If one has time to read Paradise Lost, refresh the mind and body, re read it, and, if necessary, read again, well and good; but this is not the age for such books. Homer says the most of his thoughts so con cisely one cannot fail to grasp them—magni tude, beauty and all. Some parts of Paradise Lost are so sublime, yet so horrible, that, the emotions are confused and our sensations can not be analyzed. But I leave these topics for wiser heads. Susie Steele, I sympathize with you—not that I have ever had any experienco in that life, for my duties have ever been so plain there was no gainsaying them. Take an active in-, terest in something, for there is no true happi ness in idleness. Work for some good, be it ever so s owiy. I live in the country this year, and am perfectly content. The home ties are more firmly knit together, and brothers and sisters are more apt to conform their tastes and ideas to those of each other than if in a town, where congenial friends form circles and'sets. Looking up from my work yesterday to hand sister the scissors, I was amused at what I saw—she at d buddy on the floor of the piazza trying to feed a kitten, about as big as a min ute, that buddy had found in the field. They had a Bile Bean bottle and a quill through the cork. The milk did not suit his feline majesty, for he wanted it in larger quantities. There is quite a tinge of anxiety as to whether it is a wild cat or not. Some say it is, and mamma is afraid of it already. Yum-Yum, you will be a successful teacher if you love it. Educate ihem morally and their mental education won’t be a drag. Con secrated teachers are a power for good. The hand that leads ns o’er the rugged and ofttimes tearful road of “the three Rs” lays the founda tion for all the future. Many ludicrous things happen and quaint things are said that, when read of, are Thought to be the sayings of an older head. Leal, bonny Leal, tell us of your home life. I have heard of your fame as a housekeeper. Musa Dunn, write us more of that new home. Away in the past Lallah Rookh and I corre sponded with the same girl. She was known ‘Southern Lassie.” Can you not prevail upon her to come to oar Household again, or is she too much engrossed with German? Who is that in the sweet twilight of the bay window? As I live, it is Quien Sabe and Lee. I cease this string of nothing and hasten to join them. Amid the subdued silence of my applause, I retire. Florida. I The Journey Round My Room. I have just finished that charming book by Count Xavier De Maistre, “Voyage Antonr de ma Chambre," and it came into my mind that this room with its contents mignt form the subject of an interesting chapter. I will begin first with n y books. There in that corner are the collections of tweDty years from the old book stores of New York and Wasbingtor, D. C. My oldest French book is Claude Manger’s French Gram mar, printed in London, 1684. This bock is bound in Vellum and is in good condition yet. Here is my Bible printed in Rome, “Ex Typis Vaticanis,” bound in parchment with ornament d Capitals, the margin bordered with pictures of Scriptural subjects, quaint beasts, birds, flowers, viDes and symbols. I like the works of Wm. Cobbett, and have his English Grammar, his French Grammar and his “Advice to Young Men.” Here is a large book five inches thick, and bound in hog skin. It is the Cilloquia Familiaria of Erasmus and was printed in Leipsic, Germany, in 1713. Here also are four volumes of Virgil’s works, French on one page and Latin on the other, bound on royal turkey Morocco and gilt edge. There on the floor is a ponderous volume, Rob ertson’s Phrase book, printed in London 1700. Beside it is Voltaire’s Contes Philosophiques, printed in Geneva in 1713. Werther in French and Spanish, Paris 1813, and the most oeauti- ful book in French “Ttlemague,” in four volumes with cho ce engravings on steel; Paris, 1812. Paul et Virginie, “Le Solitaire,” a pretty manuscript book of poems, written by a German lady in a delicate hand. Cooper’s Virgd, Horace, the Iliad, Pcson Edition, Homer’s Odyssey, Comedies de Terence, Del- phine Horace, and Ovid Delphini, were books originally printed for the use of the Dauphin, with a prose translation along the margin of the original. They are now very scarce. Here on this table are sixteen autograph al bums full of choice poetry. They once be longed, I dare say, to as many pretty young ladies. The oldest one is dated 1820. They contain, besides poetry, dried leaves and flow ers and little mementoes. I have several bound volumes of Godey’s Lady’s Book as far back as 1840. I like to look at the old fashions and compare them with those of the preseDt day. I notice the ladies who lived in the year 1840 (bless their dear souls), wore no “bangs,” nor did they wear “Tower of Pisa” hats with poor little dead birds stuck on them. No, those ladies were pretty, too. Those books are full of lace patterns and embroidery work. My good landlady says, “Why don’t you give those nice lady’s books to some lady who will understand and profit by them? What does an ‘old bachelor’ like you want with lady books?” But I say in response, “I enjoy them myself as much as any lady could; I like to see a nice piece of lace or a crochet pattern or a piece of embroidery, just as well as any wo man.” Then she puts her apron to her mouth and laughs, and says, “I must go down and turn my bread in the oven.” Well, I have a good many more quaint and curious tnings to describe. My pictures come next, but I will leave them for another letter. I am almost tired writing about pictures and think I will give it up. No matter how much I write, I never get a word of thanks or en couragement from any of you. I will tell all, . yon readers where the galleries are in New York, and you can come and see them your selves. There is more to be seen in New York this summer in art line than there has been in twenty years. So all come who can and see for yourselves the wonders of New York. The Statue of Liberty on Bedloe’s Is land alone is well worthy of a journey of a thousand miles. Ira Jones. Elizabeth, N. J. But a truce to further rhyming. Dear Moth er H. yoar ct at has touched my heart and I ympathize with } on in your sad bereavement. Bnt you know where to seek for consolation. Goldie Ashbnra I thank you for your com- limentary allusions to me I am sorry that I -at not give my opinion of the Ancient Mariner v» “The Princess,” as I have not read the poem in question. sylvania, I hope to often meet yon in the Household. Italic, it chef rs me to know that my response o your request has been satisfactory. Susie Steele, I think yon cannot fail to find the s> m . iathy and companionship yon need in the Household. I have lived half my life in the country and I love it. The stifling city with its dusty streets, its noise and bustle, its dis played wealth and squalid misery is not to be compared to the country. In referring to sa cred and to profane history I find that most of the great men of the world spent their early days in the country. But I have not space for further comment. I may take up this subject some other time. We celebrated Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24th, and onr jubilee rejoicings were in keeping with our heartfelt loyalty. GM bless onr Q tean, long may sbe reign To share bet people’s love, Aud after death, Ol may sbe gain A brighter crown above, A crown begemmed with every grace, Which In her virtuous fife we trace. And may ber few declining years Be peaceful and serene, Nor war’s alarms, nor anxious fears Disturb onr dear old Queen, Uutll at last tbe angels come And bear ber blood washed spirit home. Qneb6C. Veritas. BURNING OF COLUMBIA. The Mother Superior of the Ursuline Nuns Fixes the Responsibility. Columbia, S. C., Jane 17.—The nuns of the Ursuline convent have moved into the famous and historical Hampton-Preston mansion, hav ing purchased it for $27,000. This mansion was given to them to occupy twenty-two years ago, under the following cir cumstances, related by the aged mother supe rior: “On the morning of February 18, 1865, when General Sherman saw the Ursuline nuns and their crowd of students standing in St. Peter’s church yard, their convent burning and themselves without food or shelter, he dis mounted and approached with a bright, cheer ing manner, extended his hand and said: ‘Oh, sis-.er, these are times in which to prac tise Christian fortitude.” “You have made them so, general,” replied the mother superior, cheerfully. “I am sorry, truly sorry, that yonr convent is burned,” said the general. A brief interview followed, during which General Sherman offered, in the kindest man ner, to give the Ursuline nuns any unoccupied house in the city which they might choose for a convent, and a strong guard of protection. General Sherman then deputed General Chas. Ewing, (son of Senator Thomas Ewing of Ohio), to contribute in whatever way he could to the comfort of the sisters. They were then taken to a Confederate hospital, but it was al ready crowded, and General Ewing advised the mother superior to accept General Sher man's offer and choose a convent. She re plied: Yes, we have thought of asking for Gener al Preston’s mansion, which is very large.” ’ Is that where General Logan has his head quarters?” asked General Ewiag. 'Yes,” was the reply. That is ordered to be burned to-morrow morning, after we leave; but if you will take it for a convent, I will speak to the general and the order will be countermanded.” The nus found a temporary shelter for the night, and at an early hour in the morning they were informed by an officer that the orders were to fire the Preston mansion, unless they were in actual possession. The mother supe rior and a number of sisters hascened to the mansion to find fires already lighted in tbe yard, and fire balls scattered in the house to the third floor, but upon their entering the fires were extinguished, and they were left in pos session of one of the only houses left standing in the city. After the war they gave it up to General Prest in. The statement of the mother superior clearly proves by whose order Co lumbia was burned. A "Toady” and Egotist Combined. Speaking metaphorically, there was a man (?)—a lone traveler, whose solitude had be come almost unbearable, but— “A bobbed tail dog at length he found, In whose companionship he traveled around,” And they were doing splendidly, too, until a third party made its appearance, and unfortu nately for “bob-tail,” tne interloper was capa- pie. Our friend, the traveler, readily perceived this, and with remarkable antipathy for all things imperfect, he raised his— foot to spurn. “Poor doggie, his tail he tried to drop, And from his late friend he went gallop.” Here is the metaphor verified: Susan Steele is the lone traveler and I the maimed animal, and, until tbe third patty arrives, or an unu sual gesticulation of the traveler’s lower limbs, I expect to shame e’en the canine species in the exercise of fidelity. Susan Steele, for one troubled with loneli ness or ennui, employment is an efficacious remedy and one which is always accessible. What golden opportunities your surroundings give in which to try your talents. I once thought the elevation of mankind a charming occupation, and one in which I could aid suc cessfully; but facts afterward destroyed my hopes. But again I believe, for the object that provoked my aoubts, recently showed signs of civilization; and from my efforts long ago, there yet will be a man. ‘'Tbe completion of which maybe oeyond my ken— Fjr aaei and -s ti- i im>- may span. Bn' the good se-d sown la his ooso a then, Will yet produce a perLct man ’ Why do you sigh, country, and country peo ple? The dearest, most companionable friends I have, my parents, are country people; and home, an old rambling farm house, surrounded by oaks whose grandeur atone for that lacking in the house, is “the dearest spot on earth to me.” And these long summer days, so preg nant with heat, no doubt our city sisters, blessed with congenial associates, would gladly leave all for onr cool country retreats. ***»»,** “G ve Away, I lay little claim To dowager, I assure you; I lack two very essential parts, Dignity and jointure.” »*»***»* Now I have hastened to have my “confab,” for the insertion of it in the midst of the con troversies of Homer versus Milton, would be equally as ridiculous and comical as the ejac ulation, “We fry ourn in lard,” during a brief pause at a “mnsicale soiree.” Phcebe. The church bells are chiming, awakening sleeping memories and bringing past events to my recollection. I look out of my office win dow and see the rich, red glow of the setting sun reflected on the house opposite. I am alone here, and yet my thoughts are crowded with facts and fancies—so mnch so that I can not get my mind fccussed on one object, nor on one subject either. The great secret of suc cess in the achievement of anything great is to do one thing at a time and finish it before com mencing another. Thus by little and little continued, we work wonders. Bv little and little the grains of sand Were gathered In heaps on the ocean strand. By little and little wlcn toll and skill Tee pyramids rose and remain there still, A proof to the world, how stone npon stone, Have up to each great proportions grown. Toe wail of C' tna, so lenguty and strong, Over half the Empire stretched along, By adding and adding stones great and small Tne Chinese bnflt this wonderful wall. By little and little the highest spire Prom Its lew foundation rose higher and higher Until it reached to that giddy height Where it points the way to the source of light That beautifnl river so broad and deep, And so calm that it seems as if half asleep. Was at Its source but a trickling rill That wended Its way from that far < ft bill. But by Uttie and little the stream was fed As It sought a wider and lower bed, Now ocean ships on this river glide Par. far above the up flowing tide. By Uttie and little the coUd Is taught. By Uttie and uttie Is knowledge sought. Tae highest diploma or learned degree, Was acquired by adding to A. B. C. From Wad ley Georgia. Mrs. F. S. Battle, writing of the preparatory treatment for prospective mothers, by Dr. Stainback Wilson, Atlanta, Ga., says: “In bed only about two hours, and had very few pains. Am more than satisfied with what it did for me.” Write to her inclosing a stamp, or to Dr. Wilson, who will give information free. “Here’s an item about a Kentucky editor dy ing from drinking too mnch whisky,” observ ed the judge. “Dying from what?” asked the major. “From drinking whisky.” “Then it wasn’t a Kentucky editor.” Sick and bilious headache, and all derange ments of stomach and bowels, cired by Dr. Pierce’s Pellets”—or anti-bilious granules. 25 cents a vial. No cheap boxes to allow waste of virtues. By druggists. Miss “I understand, Mr. Softley,” said Muffin, “that you play the violin.” “Wellyes, Miss Muffin, I—a—try to play the violin.” “That’s what I heard. You see, Mr. Soft- ley, we are going to have a little sociable, at our honse next Thursday evening. I wanted to invite you, bnt ma—she is so very anxious not to give anybody any trouble—ma was a- fraid that—” Oh, no trouble at all, I assure you, Miss Muffin,” eagerly interposed Softley; “it will be a positive pleasure to me to bring my violin.” “Ye-e-s—that’s what ma was afraid of.” Gold Fields, that pan out richly, are not so abuidant as in the early California days, but those who write to Hallett & Co., Portland; Maine, will, by re turn mail, receive free, full information about work which they can do, and live at home wherever they are located, that will pay them from $5 to $25 per day, and upwards. Either sex, youDg or old. Capital not required; you are started in business free. Those who start at once are absolutely sure of snug little for tunes. The Oldest Newspaper in the World. The oldest newspaper in the whole wide world is the King Pau, “Capital Sheet.” pub lished in Peiin. It first appeared A. D. 011, but came' out at irregular intervals. Since the year 1351, however it has been published week ly and of uniform size. Now it appears in three editions daily. The first edition early in the morning, and printed on yellow paper, is called Hstng Pau (business sfieet), and con tains trade prices-and all manner of commer cial intelligence. The second edition which comes out during the afternoon, also printed upon yellow paper, is devoted official announce ments and general news. Tbe third edition appears late in the afternoon. It is printed on red paper, and bears the name of Titani Pau (country sheet.) It consists of extracts from earlier editions, and is largely subscribed for in the provinces. The number of copies prin ted daily varies between 13,800' and 14 000 — Ex. IN MEMORIAM. D'ed, May 20tji, 1887, little Frank, Infant son of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. snns, aged fifteen montns and nine days. “Not dead—only gone before;” only fled ere thy cherub son! had been gnllt-stalned—ere tbe world bad power to breathe one blight o’er tby sweet Inno cence. 8 eft. ephemeral flower, that never felt a storm—vision of beauty, fair as brief, tbou bast been called hence, and tbou art passed like a sunbeam’s smile, a zephyr’s breath, into tbat brighter borne beyoDd. Gone ere yet tby brightness had been passion or grief-stained, and not a breatb can now arise to dim tby glory. Tby little grave shall only be a t brine where fragrance and flowers and dews—Nature’s brightest wreath—sbau waft their Incense, and wbere oft npon tbe midnight air viewless harps shall murmur Heaven’s own strains. 8o like a form of light, lent to ns for only a little S hlle, tbon hast left ns. Tbe baby voice of glad- »ss Is bushed, and there Is a veiled face whose parting leaves by tbe once joyoHs hearth a dark and silent place. “A smile batb pass’d whleb filled Its home with light, A soul whose beauty made tnatsmile so bright!” Bat, “No bitter tears for tbee be sbed. Blossom of being seen and gone! With flowers alone we strew tby bed, O blest departed one! Wnsse all of life, a rosy ray, Blnsbed Into dawn and passed away.” Atlanta, Ga. C. V..-.fLLS I i i!..) Us, / Arr-.-e of Llfc D®. UPasinj—Xot IVstlienc®— hot Famine—AII c..r own Fault. * Modern Cooking and Mon- ern Living have brought it on. It comes upon us un*. wares. The patients have pains about the chest and sides, and sometimes in the back. They feel dull and sleepy; the mouth has a bad taste, especi ally in the morning. A sort of sticky slime collects about the teeth. The appetite is poor. There is a feeling like a heavy load on the stomach; sometimes a faint, all-gone sensation at the pit of the stomach which food does not satisfy. The eyes are sunken, the hands and feet become cold and feel clammy. After a while a cough sets in, at first dry, but after a few months it is at tended with a greenish colored expectoration. - The patient feels tired all the while, and sleep does not seem to afford any rest After a time he be comes nervous, irritable and gloomy, and has evil forebod ings. There is a giddiness, a sort of whirling sensation in the head when rising up sud denly. . The bowels become costive; the skin is dry and hot at times; the blood becomes thick and stagnant; the whites of the eyes become tinged with yellow; the kidney secretions becomes scanty aud high col ored, depositing a sediment after standing. There is fre quently a spitting up of the food, sometimes with a sour taste and sometimes with s sweetish taste; this is fre quently attended with palpi tation of the heart and Asth matic symptoms; the vision be comes impaired, with spots be fore the eyes; there is a feel ing of great prostration and weakness. All of these symi toms are in turn present is thought that nearly one-half of our population has this dis ease in some of its varied forms. Shaker Extract of Knots (Sei- gel’s Syrup) changes the fer ments of the Digestive organs so as to convert the food we eat into a form tl at will give nourish ment to tiie feeble body, and good hea ill is the consequence. The eh eet of this remedy is simply marvelous. Millions upon millions of bottles have been sold in this corn)try, and the testimonials in favor of its curative powers are over whelming. Hundreds of so- called diseases under various names are the result of indi gestion, and when this one trouble is removed the other diseases vanish, for they are but symptoms of the real malady. — , , . Testimonials from thousands of people speaking highly of its curative properties prove tLis b ‘'ond adoubt. Soldby drug“ .j. .. .. T. SURE THROAT, CROUP AND HOARSE NESS CURED BY USING I Holmes' * Month* Wash# and DENTIFRICE. PERSONS Wearing Artificial Teeth should use HOLMES’ MOUTH WASH and DENTIFRICE. It will keep the gums heal thy and free from soreness; keeps the plate from getting loose and being offensive. A Pare Breath. Clean Teeth and Heal thy Gums by using Holmes’ Mouth Wash and Dentifrice. Try it. A Persistent Feeling of Cleanliness re mains for hours after using Holmes’ Month Wash and Dentifrice. SPECIAL NOTICE. £>o yon want a rubber stamp of yonr name with Ink and a pair of pads for tbe smalt sum of 20 eta., or, do you want a neat hammock 10 feet long with rings and side cords for only 83 cis., colored $1 oo. Either sent post paid. Now ta tbe time to secure bargains. Address L. A. Tillman, Sbelbyvllle, Tenn., P. O. Box 199. From John H. Coyle, O. D. S., Profes sor Operative Dentistry and Den tal Materia Medlca. Balti more Dental College. Having been shown the formula for Holmes' Sure Cure Mouth Wash and Dentifrice. I will say that from my knowledge of the therapeu tic action of each of these substances entering into its composition on deseased mucus mem branes of the mouth and gums, I believe it to be a specific in a large number of the ordinary deseased conditions for which it is recommend ed. I say this on theoretic grounds and tun satisfied that a practical test of this month wash in my own practice has more than justi fied my expectations. I therefore reccommend it for general use and would be glad to know that every man and woman in the country • would try it for themselves, believing that it will resnlt in great good to those who use it aa directed. Athens, Ga.—I have had occasion recently to test the virtues of your Sure Cure Month Wash in an aggravated case of inflamed and ulcerated gums, with most gratifying re sults. I find that I can accomplish more in a short time with Sure Cure Mouth Wash than any other one of the many similar prepara tions I have evernsed in my practice of many years. I wish that every one, old and young, would use your preparation according to the printed directions, and then, I think, the den tist would be able to accomplish more good for their patients, and do it with more satisfaction to all concerned. H. A. LOWRANCE, D. D. 8. HAIK GOODS BY MAIL To any Part of the U.& Send for Ulnstrated Cir cular of Latest Styles to JOHN MEDINA, 463 Washington Street, BOSTON, MASS. CONSUMPTION I have * positive remedy for the above diaeaae; bv ita tise thousands of cases of the worst kind and of lone standing have been eared. Indeed, so strong Is mv faith ■i its efficacy, that I will send TWO BOTTLES FREE, heether with a YA LUABLE TREATISE on this dlsaaaa. , in Pearl 8L,N«wlfcri5»
