Conferences, Associations, Etc.

SOLEBURY, PA. —An interesting meeting of the Young Friends' Association of Solebury was held on First-day afternoon, 11th inst. The opening silence having been observed, and the minutes of last month read and approved, the following report of the Executive Committee was given by Eastburn Reeder: Appointments for First month meeting,—“What is Orthodoxy?" to Watson Kenderdine. "Our gifts from God; Our gifts to God," to Stella M. Robinson. Reading, Harriet Magill. Recitation, Edna May Walton.

The report on Literature was given by Emma L. Rice, after which Eastburn Reeder read from the Discipline that portion relating to oaths. Florence R. Kenderdine reported on the section for Current Topics. For next month Walter W. Carter will report on Literature, Hannah Kenderdine on Discipline, Annie M. Smith on Current Topics, and Margaret L. Fell on History.

A nominating committee was named to report officers for the ensuing year.

A proposition was made by Eastburn Reeder that a change should be made in the time of holding our meetings. Instead of strengthening the First-day morning meetings the Young Friends' Association tends to lessen them considerably, persons generally not desiring to attend both the same day. He thought it would be well to convene the Association at eleven o'clock, immediately at the close of the regular meeting hour, which will bring the conclusion of the Association meeting at 12.30 o'clock. Several present favored the change, although a proposal to hold the Association in the evenings was mentioned, but did not meet general approval. The president earnestly desired members to consider this matter until the next meeting, which will be held at the usual hour, 2.30, p. m.

Ella B. Carter, who was the only representative from this Association at the general conference of Associations, held recently at West Chester, gave an interesting account of that meeting.

A reading on the "Friendly Idea of Worship," was given by Edward Simpson, and a recitation, "Out of the False into the True," was given by Martha B. White.

Florence K. Blackfan answered the question, "How can we distinguish between the rational and the spiritual ?'' Remarks were made by several present, and the exercises concluded with a brief period of quietness.

FLORENCE R. KENDERDINE, Cor.

PHILADELPHIA.-A regular meeting of Young Friends' Association of Philadelphia was held on Second-day evening, Twelfth month 12, the president, William E. Walter, in the chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, and standing committees made reports.

The Building Committee reported that the contract had been signed and work was in progress on the new building. The Lecture Committee announced that the course tickets for the Hudson Shaw lectures are transferable.

A matter of interest in the report of the Executive Committee was a gift of valuable old papers and tracts from Ebenezer Adams.

A nominating committee was appointed to bring forward names of friends to serve as officers of the Association for the ensuing year.

On behalf of the delegates who attended the Conference at West Chester, J. Eugene Baker reported that the sessions were well attended, and that the subjects so ably presented made the meeting one of pleasure and profit.

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The first paper of the evening on "The Scope of Whittier's Bible References," was prepared by Alice N. Townsend and read by Mary H. Whitson. With numerous quotations from his work the writer showed that our Quaker poet goes far beyond the others in the number and variety of his Scripture references. These "average more than one to a page, and refer to "almost every book from Genesis to Revelation. Mention was made of the power with which Whittier fought slavery, of the poems written to keep alive public conscience which are "rather the prophet's burdens than the poets pleasure." "To say that he who will look up Whittier's Bible refer

ences will gain a knowledge of the text of the whole Bible, is to say the simple truth; to say that he who reads his Whittier with his Bible will find the text illumined, is to say no more than the truth."

The paper showed much careful study, and was supple-. mented by Sanford P. Campbell, who read from poems which showed Whittier's feeling in regard to the hereafter. In these we realized his natural shrinking from the unknown, and his deep and enduring affection for his friends.

In the remarks that followed, a friend expressed the thought that Whittier was a man of action, and of the world, and inspiration was the weapon of his art. The second topic which claimed the consideration of the Association was " Unity in our Meetings," which was presented by Jesse H. Holmes, in an excellent paper. The keynote of the subject was the lack of continuity in the exercise of the ministry both in ir dividual sermons and in a succession of sermons at the same meeting.' Among the many thoughts, all worthy of most careful consideration by those who have the best welfare of the Society at heart, these seemed prominent: that "though the view łas been held that it is irreligious to query as to the ways and means of delivering a message of the Lord, we know as a matter of experience that the Lord's message is made clearer by proper care in delivery." That by proper care in delivery." That "it is better to make one distinct impression than a dozen vague ones."' The use of illustrations which are oft repeated tends to a loss of strength, and that the great storehouse of ideas and illustrations is not exhausted." It is apt to cause a scattering of thought when, during the development of an idea, a phrase of Scripture accidentally makes something else come into the mind of the speaker, causing him to start a new train of ideas, and to leave incomplete the original message.

In closing Dr. Holmes urged us, above all, to strive for immediate sense of God at all times.

The presence of our friend Isaac H. Hillborn was very welcome. He said that this question was one deserving attention; that God meets his children on the plain that they can understand, that he often uses a humble mouthpiece, and that qualification lies in the direct connection of the stream. with the fountain. We must think, and feel, and do, but above all we must be; and being in perfect sympathy with God we act as he may dictate. After his closing words we felt that he had proved his own thoughts and that the meeting was the gainer in having both a representative from college and one whose alma mater stood at the intersection of two. cross-roads, and whose path had led over freshly turned furrows.

Some expression followed. One thought was that as vocal ministry changes the current of thought of individual worship, there lies great responsibility in breaking the silence.

Entire unity was expressed throughout the meeting when a friend spoke with appreciation of the paper and the remarks. following it.

After a period of silence the meeting adjourned.
ISABEL CHAMBERS, Secretary.

HUNTINGTON, IND.-The Young Friends' Association met at the home of James P. Plummer, Seventh-day evening, Eleventh month 26. The chairman, William Moore, called the meeting to order, and after a short silence the routinebusiness was transacted. It was decided to have two readings. or recitations at each meeting in addition to the paper.

The paper for the evening was written and read by Clotilde Edmondson. The subject was, "Can the germ of the Divine in each human soul be developed without any external aid?" The writer said that at birth the germ of the Divine lies in the soul, and must be acted upon by God's laws, the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. His dew and. sunshine must reach it, in order that it may develop. The discussion was very interesting and spirited. Several claimed that no matter what the environments were, each and every human soul had the power to develop what was best within itself, without any other aid than that within. Others. claimed that the writer was right, we must have aid from ourfellow-beings to perfect our growth mentally and spiritually.. Adjourned to meet Twelfth month 23.

C. D. E., Cor. Sec'y..

Educational Department.

MEETINGS WITH PARENTS-CHILDREN'S READING. THERE has been inaugurated at Friends' Seminary, New York, a series of Conferences of the parents of the pupils, and the teachers of the school, for the purpose of arriving at a clearer conception of the function of the school, and of the relation of the home to it, and of securing a more hearty and intelligent coöperation in the work carried on jointly by parents and teachers. They meet in the afternoon, and last from three to five. Generally some topic is assigned for the day, but the first portion of the time is devoted to conversation in order that instructors and patrons may become personally acquainted with each other and that consideration may be given to individual students if there is any desire for it.

So far, no papers have been read, and no set speeches made; the meetings are what they claim to be, conferences, and they are entirely informal. As yet, they have not been large, but they have been interesting, and, it is believed helpful. Two of them have been held this year. At the first, the subject of Home Studies was considered. At the last, held on the 15th instant, the subject was Children's Reading. With the notices sent out was the following syllabus of topics under the general head that gave some direction to the line of thought and speech:

Reading as a pastime, as a help or hindrance to school wɔrk, as a basis of sympathy in the family, as a factor on the formation of character. Kinds of reading adapted to different ages and conditions. Books versus periodicals; newspapers. Use and misuse of fiction; poetry. Cultivation of taste for reading in reading. Standards of criticism. Books to be recommended."

The subject was briefly introduced by the Principal, Edward B. Rawson, who referred to the Reading Table in the school-room upon which are some of our best periodicals and some books for suggested reading, varying from time to time with subjects of study in school, and he asked for opinions as to its value. [Perhaps it ought to be stated that this Table is to be used by the pupils only after they have prepared their lessons and have time for it. Nothing of special interest as to its value was elicited, partly perhaps, because other topics seemed more interesting.]

Time did not permit the taking up of many of the topics. suggested.

There seemed to be an earnest desire for good reading. It was believed that teachers have more influence in directing the reading of their pupils than they themselves imagine, and they were therefore encouraged to give more attention to forming the taste of the young under their care. It was thought much time is wasted on periodicals. Children should be asked to tell what is in the books they read and to give their opinion of them. While Dr. G. Stanley Hull's tadpole was not introduced into the conference it was doubtless in the minds of several, for it was realized that the kinds of reading should be adapted to the different ages and conditions of the readers, as each stage depends somewhat on the one which precedes it. The recognition of this fact is a hopeful sign; and possibly the side remark may be permitted that it might be useful to recognize the same fact in the course of study.

This brief report is given with the hope that it may interest other schools, and induce them to engage in similar work and to report what they are doing through the INTELLIGENCER. H. R. R.

GEORGE SCHOOL.

Prof. Swift, of Rochester, N. Y., recently gave before the School, two very interesting exhibitions of microscopic objects enlarged and shown upon the screen.

At the last meeting of the Young Friends' Association, the general subject of the evening's exercise was Temperance. There was a lively discussion as to the best way of dealing with the liquor traffic, and the duty of Friends in the field of reform.

On the evening of the 10th, after the adjournment of the private meetings of the two literary societies, the

"Whittier's entertained the "Penns Penns" in the parlors; all the members of both societies entered into the games and charades, and the result was a very pleasant evening.

The regular meeting of the Whittier Society, Twefth month 17, presented the following program: The Mysterious Stranger, a recitation by Hamilton Gilky son; declamation by Howard M. Carpenter, "Nations and Humanity "; rainbow paper, Bertha Perdue; declamation, "Rome and Carthage,'' Elizabeth Woodman; "Whittier Greenleaf," the Society paper, read by Roy McVaugh; oration, "Canst Thou Sing at Sea?" Maud E. Rice; recitation, The Legend Beautiful," Elsie Wallace; original story, Ethel Perdue; oration, "What this Country Needs," William Smith.

For the past week skating has been the principal out-door exercise, nearly all the students participating; the pond has been in excellent condition.

The general health of the school has been remarkably good during the whole term, thus far.

A course of lectures is being arranged, the first one to be given early in First month.

School will close for the holidays Fifth-day 22, and resume the 3d day of the New Year.

SWARTHMORE IN NEW YORK.

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The annual meeting of the New York Swarthmore College Association was held on the 17th of the month at Friends' meeting-house, New York.

Owing to the inclemency of the weather, the attendance was not as large as last year.

The Association was fortunate in securing the presence of President Birdsall, who spoke briefly of the material condition of the College, with its needs and requirements. He spoke of the establishment of two new courses of study, and described improvements which were being made to the buildings and grounds. One of the most encouraging statements made was that the number of students enrolled showed an increase of twenty-five over the previous year, and that the total attendance nearly equalled the record for any year of students pursuing their work in the four college classes. He stated that plans which he was confident would mature had been set on foot to erect in the near future a men's gymnasium,Swarthmore's most immediate need. The remarks on the college were followed by a short address on the " Scholar, an Addition to the Commonwealth.'

It was probably the first opportunity that the majority of those present have had to meet Swarthmore's new executive, but his enthusiasm for the college, and deep interest in its welfare, and his scholarly address, impressed all that the College has been fortunate in securing him for its President. The routine business of the Association followed his address. The officers of the Association for the ensuing year were elected as follows:

George H. Strout, president; Harriet C. McDowell, vicepresident; Frederick C. Hicks, secretary; Laura C. Miiler, treasurer; Lila K. Willets, Henry C. Turner, Joseph J. Walker, directors.

The report of the President was read, describing the work of the Association for the past year. Two lectures were held, one given by Prof. Appleton and one by Dean Bond.

The proposition for the Association to give a dinner during the winter was discussed, and meeting with unanimous approval, the Board of Directors were instructed to arrange it for some evening in the next month.

After an informal reception and refreshments, the meeting adjourned. F. C. H.

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE NOTES.

The regular meeting of the Young Friends' Association was held in the college parlor, 18th inst. The program öf the evening was as follows: Paper, "Inner Light," Anna T. Speakman; report of West Chester Conference, Emma Halloway, 1902; paper, "Our Opportunities," Sarah Bancroft, '97.

The College literary societies held their regular meetings on Sixth-day evening, 16th inst. Prof. Ferris W. Price was present at the Eunomian meeting, and in some remarks emphasized strongly the value of the College literary society.

The annual "Shakespeare Evening" given by the Senior class, occurred on the evening of the 17th inst. An extended program, taking scenes from "Cymbeline, The Merchant of Venice," and others of Shakespeare's works, was very successfully was presented. College Hall thronged with friends and visitors from Philadelphia and surrounding country. After the entertainment a reception was given to the members of the Senior class and their friends by President Birdsall and Dean Bond. Prof. Furman was presented by the class with a handsome oak table, as an appreciation of her efforts to prepare the entertainment.

The usual recess at the holidays begins this week, after the completion of recitations on Fifth-day, and extends to Fourth-day, 4th prox. '99.

CANDIDATE FOR SUPERINTENDENT.-J. Chauncey Shortlidge, A. B., of Maplewood Academy, Concordville, Pa., has announced himself a candidate for County Superintendent of Public Schools of Delaware county. He is a graduate of Swarthmore College, and of Harvard University, was principal for one year (leaving to go to Harvard), of Friends' Academy at Locust Valley, L. I., and had early experience in teaching public schools.

IN PRAISE OF DECEMBER EVENINGS.
SLOW on the waning landscape creeps the night,
On hill and plain the gathering shadows fall,
Till, last, soft darkness like a velvet pall,
Veils all the fading fields and blinds the sight;
Then from the hidden hamlets here and there,
From hillside cot, or stately mansion fair,
Clear through the frosty, or the milder air,
Twinkles home's beacon-light.

Dear, swift December evening, lovelier far
Than are June's perfumed twilights, warm
and still,

Her saffron skies, and primrose evening star,
Her golden sunsets on the purple hill,
Her sports upon the green, her village boys,
Chasing the bounding ball with merry noise,
Her dreaming lovers' visionary joys

Which fill young spirits still.

Thine is a sober loveliness, denied

To those glad twilights of triumphant June
When all the flower-lit fields are glorified,

And Love and Youth move to a joyous tune;
Too strong, too fast, the impetuous pulses come,
Too restless for the calm content of home,
Too far afield the wandering fancies roam
In Life's young Summer-tide.

But thou, in solemn robes of somber gray,
The wayward, wandering fancy dost recall,
Thy star-sprent mantle hides the dying day,

Gently thy kindly, brooding shadows fall;
By June's rich voice Love's melodies are sung,
The glad, the blithe unreason of the young ;
Thine the low tranquil tones, the silvery tongue
Which calms and comforts all.

Fall swift, December evening, not with snow,
Rude wind or drenching rain, but clear and
fine

With breathless peace, or west wind whispering
low,

Till Yule-tide brings again its gift divine!
Summer is gone, with anxious hopes and fears ;
Life's homely, wintry joys, its precious tears,
The lamp that lights, the hearth which warms
and cheers,

Are all, are only thine.

-Sir Lewis Morris (Carmarthen, Wales), in The Independent.

MORE than 200 municipalities in England, Scotland, and Ireland now own the municipal gasworks.

THE basis of yellow journalism is as certainly an hysterical one as were the manifestations of wondermaking, miracle-producing epidemics of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, when egotistic, bombastic, sensational-devouring prelates shouted their "extras of a new and marvelous cure through the dispossession of the devil, thereby causing the hysterical element of the community to commit insane acts, criminal deeds, and political mistakes, for which the sane portion of society were held responsible. Let us make a clinical examination of the yellow journals and arrive at a diagnosis. We find at once that broad statements made yesterday in the yellow journals regarding some political event is denied to-day by journals in good health, while our patients remain silent. An interview with one of the officials of the Navy Department is an excuse for an extra;" while this same interview is denied in toto the following day by the victimized official.

It is one of the characteristics of the hysteric not to remember bungles and blunder. Contradiction of a fact stated by them is a stimulant, a charming seducer which ever feverishly allures them into further distorted and untruthful by-ways. To be noticed, recognized, whether with ridicule or contempt, it matters not, is the life, the pulse-throb of the hystericignore his existence and he ceases to be.

The earliest observers of hysteria noticed the boundless mendacity in this affection. All mental efforts are made to attract attention, court remarks, and disturb the peaceful routine of a community. The hysterical need, crave, something new and marvelous every day. Night and day the yellow journals show these well-known symptoms. New sensations must be found, manufactured, or imagined daily. No matter how impossible or nasty, the morbid mobility of the mind of our patients, the excessive excitability of the imagination, demands stories-stories often without a basis of truth or reason. The conscience is misty and muddy; made so by all sorts of ridiculous and senseless ideas. The sign hung over the door of the editorial room, which should read "Temple of Truth," has been changed to one reading "Mosque of Mendacity."

Sexual and religious emotions are the fundamental causes of hysteria and always prominent symptoms of the disease. See how well the yellow journals accentuate these facts. On one page we will have a story dealing with a repulsive sexual crime, prurient details surrounding the life of the victim, and nauseous particulars concerning her companions. Then will follow, on the same page, illustrations of some notorious actress's lingerie, or salacious hints at the unfaithfulness of some European prince, the escapade of one of the jeunessee doree of the paper's city, and a featured account of the intrigue of an American woman with a gypsy fiddler. Turn to another page and we will find

historical sketches of some saint or virgin; an alleged account of some new facts in the life of our Saviour, as revealed by some obscure monastic writer; pictures, modern and ancient, of the crucifixion; and colored supplements redolent of angels, virgins, martyrs, and all the insignia of dreamy and religious mysticism.

The cry that the public demand these papers is partly true. Hysteria is contagious, and soon becomes epidemic. A large proportion of the public is controlled by suggestion. It is through suggestion that hysteria becomes epidemic.

Given a neurotic

individual who reads daily a yellow journal, or one who, in other words, is receiving daily suggestions of a nature which disturbs the emotional element in him, and we soon have an hysterical individual. This case rapidly affects others brought into contact with it, and the certain ultimate result is an epidemic of hysteria which is exhibited in the workshop, on the street, and at the fireside.

There is no doubt in the minds of those who study the insane and the criminal but that the suggestions offered by the owners of sensational journals is the seed planted which ripens into lust, murder, and plunder. It can scarcely be otherwise when the autosuggestive ideation, which exists in a class whose impulses have never been inhibited, is the only ideation fully developed.

[Dr. Howard thinks that the present conditions cannot last very long. Every such hysterical outbreak in the past has been self-limited, and so likewise will the journalistic hysteria pass and be remembered only in the studies of the psychologist or the alienist.]

A GENTLE HAND.

Our Dumb Animals.

T. S. ARTHUR tells somewhere of the power that rests in a “gentle hand." Belated in his travels, he called Belated in his travels, he called at a farmhouse. He was greeted first at the door by a huge dog. As he was about to retire with fear, a slender girl appeared, and, with a gentle voice, commanded the dog to go into the house. The voice at once controlled the animal. "Who is there?" growled a voice from within, and Arthur was told that he could not remain over night. The girl's hand soon rested on her father's arm, and a gentle voice spoke a few tender words, when the rough voice modulated and the stranger was made welcome. Several times in the course of the evening was the power which rested in that slender girl's hand and voice clearly manifested. As morning dawned and Arthur was about to depart, the farmer informed him that he could ride to the town. The offer was gladly accepted. As they took their seat in the buggy, however, the horse, a rough-looking Canadian pony, stubbornly refused to go. The farmer jerked and whipped the horse, but all to no effect.

A stout lad now came out into the road and, catching Dick by the bridle, jerked him forward, using at the same time the customary language on such occasions; but Dick met this new ally with increased stubbornness, planting his forefeet more firmly, and

at a sharper angle with the ground. The impatient boy now struck the pony on the side of the head with his clinched hand, and jerked cruelly at his bridle.. It availed nothing, however. Dick was not to be wrought upon by such arguments.

"Do not do so, John," said a gentle voice. The boy obeyed the touch of her hand. "Poor Dick," said the maiden, as she stroked his neck lightly, or softly patted it with her child-like hand. Then speaking to the pony, the stubborn little creature, turning his head as if to see the hand whose magic power he could not resist, started upon his journey as freely as if no silly crotchet had ever entered his stubborn brain.

"What a wonderful power that hand possesses!" said Mr. Arthur, speaking to his companion as they rode away. The farmer's countenance lighted up with surprise and pleasure as he replied: "She's good! Yes, everybody and everything loves her." Indeed, there was the secret of her power; the quality of her soul was perceived in the impression of her hand, even by dumb brutes. Even so can the magic touch and the gentle tones control the boy. In handling or correcting him, see that "mercy seasons justice," and that love be mingled with firmness.

Plymouth Church.

Of the vacancy in the charge of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, and the succession to Lyman Abbott, the Springfield, Mass., Republican has to say, as below. The suggestion of Washington Gladden will seem to many, no doubt, a very good one: 'Plymouth Church society has agreed to release Dr. Lyman Abbott from his pastoral duties after January 1, and from his pulpit work on May 1. That will be the outcome, although to please a minority the latter decision is deferred a month. Until May 1 Dr. Abbott will preach his two seimons on Sunday, and no more. The question of the succession is being considered. Among the men suggested are Gunsaulus of Chicago, Bradford, of Montclair, N. J., and Dr. Berry of Wolverhampton, England. Plymouth church ought not to import an Englishman. It should stand for New England always. The pulpit of Beecher should not seek foreign timber. Mr. Bradford is a good man,—there are other very good men who might be named, but if the Plymouth people want to keep the true New England flavor, they should call upon Dr. Washington Gladden of Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Gladden might not want to come, but no less forceful and progressive an exponent of what Plymouth church stands for should be chosen."

Beet Sugar in Minnesota.

SUGAR-BEET cultivation in the southern part of Minnesota is a pronounced success, according to the report of the manager of the beet-sugar factory in that section. This factory closed for the season, after a continuous day-and-night run of seventy-five days, during which time 350 tons of beets were ground daily, resulting in a product of about 2,500,000 pounds of sugar, which was readily sold in St. Paul and Minneapolis. The beets contained as large or larger per cent. of sugar than those of any other State, except California, and their cultivation was profitable to the farmers, who received for them an average of $4 a ton.

Because of the success this year it is expected that a much larger area will be cultivated next year, and the managers of the factory are looking forward to a running season of 160 days.

The effect, however, upon the beet-sugar interests of the free import of cane sugar from our newly-acquired "possessions," the Hawaiian Islands, may be very serious.

CURRENT EVENTS.

President MCKINLEY went last week to Atlanta, Ga., to attend the "Jubilee," a war demonstration. In the afternoon of the 14th instant, he made a speech before the Georgia Legislature, in which he praised highly "valor" shown in war, and said the care of the Confederate soldiers' graves should be assumed by the nation, the same as those of Union soldiers. This sentiment was loudly cheered. On the following day he reviewed a procession, and spoke from a stand. The party went from Atlanta to the Booker Washington school at Tuskegee, Ala., thence to Macon and Milledgeville, and reached Washington on the 20th.

A DISPATCH from Washington, 18th, says: "President McKinley's suggestion has quickly borne fruit. In the House of Representatives, Mr. Rixey of Virginia, has introduced a bill opening national soldiers' homes to disabled veterans of the Confederate service from 1861 to 1865. Mr. Lamb, of Richmond, followed this with a bill directing the Secretary of War to permit clerks appointed by the governors of the several States interested to copy the muster rolls or rosters of the Confederate army now in the War Department as part of the records of the rebellion." It is suggested that this latter move is in the direction of granting pensions to Confederates, the same as to Union soldiers.

THE House of Representatives last week passed the Pension Appropriation bill, without discussion, in about twenty minutes. It appropriates 145 millions of dollars, an increase of four millions from last year. A bill extending the customs and revenue laws of the United States to the Hawaiian Islands passed the House without opposition. A bill to charter an "International Bank," was defeated in the House, 148 to 103. In the House, Mr. Bailey, of Texas, the Democratic leader, has raised the question of the right of an officer of the army to be at the same time a member of Congress. It is said that the precedents and decisions are all against such a practice. General Wheeler of Alabama, and others, furnish instances, now.

THE Joint Commission which has been sitting at Washington on Canadian and United States questions, closed its sessions on the 17th instant until the 5th of next month. The commissioners will then reassemble "to conclude whatever treaty they are able to agree upon for presentation to their respective governments. It may be definitely stated that a treaty covering practically all points under consideration, except that of reciprocity, will be signed.'

MARSHAL RAMON BLANCO, former Captain General of Cuba, arrived at Alicante, Spain, on the 19th. He evaded the crowd, which was awaiting him, and took a train for Madrid. The Carlist disturbances and threats of revolution in Spain do not seem to be making headway. A letter from Madrid to a New York newspaper, (the Evening Post), asserts that "it is perfectly useless to attempt to disguise the fact that the peace treaty has profoundly exasperated most Span ́iards, and has increased tenfold their rancor and animosity against the United States."

THE second trial of United States Senator R. R. Kenney, of Delaware, in the United States District Court at Wilmington, on the charge of conspiracy with Boggs, former cashier of the First National Bank of Dover, to misuse the bank's funds, ended as did the first, with the failure of the jury to agree. After having been out three days Judge Bradford discharged them in the afternoon of the 19th instant. They were said to stand 8 for acquittal, 3 for conviction, and blank." The former jury, it was said, stood 7 for acquittal, 5 for conviction. It will depend upon the instructions of the Department of Justice (Attorney-General's office) at Washington, whether the prosecution shall be further pressed.

IN the prosecution of United States Senator Quay, and others, on the indictments found in the criminal court in Philadelphia, District Attorney Graham filed on the 19th inst., the answer to the petition of the defendants presented to the

Supreme Court, on the 10th inst., by which they obtained a The answer is long, and denies generally stay of the trial. the allegations of the petition, asserting in one place that the evidence for the prosecution is drawn from the books of the. bank, and in another that "the evidence submitted before the magistrate, standing without explanation, clearly established the guilt of the defendents, and warranted the finding of all indictments referred to."

A CRISIS has occurred in the affairs of the Liberal Party in England. Sir William Harcourt, who has been for some years leader of the party in the House of Commons, has written a letter to John Morley, declining to serve further. It is presumed that the leadership of the party will now pass to Lord Rosebery, who held that position for a short time,-and it was considered not very successfully,—after the first withdrawal of W. E. Gladstone from active politics. Lord Rosebery is an Imperialist, and sympathizes with the plan to have the United States join in world schemes of "expansion." Harcourt and Morley refuse to adopt that policy. The latter is now engaged on the life of Gladstone, which is expected to occupy him for two or three years to come. Sir William Harcourt is reported as saying: "At seventy-one years of age I cannot change my faith. Schooled, as I have been, in the old Liberalism, I cannot approve the imperial commitments which the new Liberalism is light-heartedly undertaking."

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REPORTS that a large loan to some great foreign government was about being negotiated in this country were circulated at the beginning of the week. The government, it appeared, was Russia. A despatch from New York, on the 19th says that J. & W. Seligman & Co., of New York, received a cable from their London representatives, asking whether or not they could place $10,000,000 four per cent. thirty-year Russian railway bonds, guaranteed by the Russian Government. "The matter was considered and decided in the negative, the present time not being considered opportune for selling Russian bonds in this country." Other parties, it is stated, offer to negotiate the bonds.

THERE have recently been large orders placed in this country for locomotives, etc., for England and her colonies. The Midland Railway of England, it is announced, has ordered 20 freight engines in Philadelphia and Schenectady, N. Y. They are to be of the American design, which is quite different from the English. 'Heretofore, there has been no sale for American locomotives in England. The only American engine used in England was built early this year by the Baldwin Works, of Philadelphia, for a small railroad in Devonshire." It is explained that as a consequence of the recent long strike of the "engineers" (machinists), English locomotive builders are now only able to deal with arrears of orders. An English newspaper announces that the Carnegie mills of Pennsylvania have secured an order of 40,000 tons of steel rails for railroads in Cape Colony, South Africa.

FIFTEEN cities of Massachusetts held municipal elections, and voted on the liquor license question, on the 13th instant. The feature in cities outside of Boston was a general falling off in the vote for license. Lowell, which for nine years has supported the saloon, changed over to the no-license column.' In Holyoke the majority of 1,400 for dicense, last year, was reduced to 69; in Chicopee it was also reduced from last year; in Lynn it was reduced from 1,329 to 679. Beverly increased its no-license majority. Cambridge again voted no-license, by 4,973 to 3,223. There seemed to be a decided increase of opposition to the sale of liquor.

THE labor commissioner of Missouri reports that 70 per cent. of the women applying for work at the public employment bureau in St. Louis are "grass widows," so-called, and as a rule young and of prepossessing appearance. The fact is taken to indicate a startling loosening of the marriage bond in the regard of the people.