Friends' Intelligencer and Journal.

FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER ASSOCIATION, LIMITed. HOWARD M. JENKINS, LYDIA H. HALL, RACHEL W. HILLBORN Robert M. JANNEY, CHARLES F. JENKINS.

EDITORS:

HOWARD M. JENKINS. LYDIA H. HALL. RACHEL W. HILLBORN

PHILADELPHIA, SECOND MONTH 5, 1898.

OPPORTUNITIES.

An inspired writer, dwelling upon the dearth of spirituality among men, says, when we contemplate our spiritual condition, "that we should never say to ourselves we have done the best we could. Not one of us has done this." To this we may add that we have been looking perhaps for some person greatly endowed with knowledge of Divine things, or for some great revelation of God's will concerning us, to lead or direct us in this. But this is not always God's way. Is it not that we are too much engrossed in things pertaining to our physical and mental well-being, that we regard too little the small opportunities for soul culture that might come to us daily if our inner eyes. were opened, or our sense of feeling quick to perceive them?

These opportunities lie about us everywhere. One opportunity may be in a little material aid given to one in distress, or a kindly smile or word to a little child, or even a warm shake of the hand of a discouraged friend or neighbor, or assistance given to help an obscure one to try unused powers, or a visit to some sick or aged person cut off from contact with the world. A quiet half-hour in silent meditation, or a prayerful reading of the gospel of Jesus Christ, or some inspired thought of poetry and prose; all these may reveal a spiritual wealth within us of which we little dream. Once this Christ-spirit is unfolded and not repressed, it will seek its own nurture from little opportunities on every hand, and will grow and reveal itself to others who will catch the inspired glow, and they too will seek for growth on the Godward side of their natures. We have great need to be ever watchful for these little opportunities for the growth of that life which is eternal, and perishes not with the body. Ever watchful for light:

"The restless millions wait

The light whose dawning maketh all things new ; Christ also waits, but men are slow or late;

Have we done what we could? Have I? Have you?"

HE Citizens' Permanent Relief Committee of Philadelphia, send us a circular letter asking the aid of the press in directing attention to the great needs of the suffering people in the Island of Cuba. The Committee, of which the Mayor of the city, Charles F. Warwick, is President, is collecting funds. It "will aim to help all alike, irrespective of creed or nationality, and

confidently assures contributors that all moneys and supplies intrusted to them will be faithfully and carefully, distributed through its own agencies, under the guidance of the State Department of the United States."

Contributions of money may be sent to Drexel & Co., the Committee's Treasurers, to Mayor Warwick; or to the Secretary, Dr. M. S. French, Room 910 Betz Building, Philadelphia.

In the first issue of the INTELLIGENCER for 1897, First month 2, we printed extended extracts from a sermon preached on the preceding "Forefathers' Day," (of the Plymouth, Massachusetts, people), Twelfth month 20, by Dr. David Gregg, in the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn. In it Dr. Gregg spoke very favorably of "The Quakers as Makers of Ameriça." Since then, the discoure has been much commended, and repeatedly quoted from and reprinted by other journals.

REFERRING to our article of last week, and the suggestion of the Friends of France as a subject for historical study by Young Friends' Associations, we note an interesting letter in The Friend, London, First month 7, from Joseph G. Alexander, of Tunbridge Wells, England, describing a recent visit to Congenies and its neighborhood. We print extracts from the letter in this issue of the INTELLIGENCER.

ABBY D. MUNRO writes an interesting account of the school work at Mt. Pleasant, S. C., and at the close mentions the pressing needs of the School for aid in the winter's work. We have also in hand a letter from Martha Schofield, at Aiken, S. C., in which she presents the claim of the school there upon Friends and others. The brief and earnest appeal of Anna M. Jackson, last week, emphasized the needs of both these worthy institutions.

BIRTHS.

WILSON.—To Franklin P. and Elizabeth H. Wilson, at Washington, D. C., First month 25, 1898, a son, named Harold Hoge Wilson.

DEATHS.

BAILEY.—At the residence of her sister, Mary B. Parker, West Chester, Pa., First month 23, 1898, Elizabeth J. Bailey, aged 68 years; an esteemed member of Birmingham Monthly Meeting.

DECOU. At Trenton, N. J., Twelfth month 1, 1897, Miriam H. DeCou, widow of the late Isaac DeCou, in the

89th year of her age. She had long been an Elder and Overseer of Upper Springfield Monthly Meeting.

HAINES.—Suddenly, Eirst monh 31, 1898, Mary B., widow of Joseph C. Haines, aged 49 years. She was matron of Friends' Boarding Home, (Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting), 1708 Race street, Philadelphia, and very efficient, kind, and attentive.

Interment at Upper Greenwich, (Mickleton), N. J.

HUGHES.-At the residence of her son-in-law, Dr. Milton E. Conard, West Grove, Pa., Twelfth month 31, 1897, Elizabeth G. Hughes, in the 78th year of her age; a member of New Garden Monthly Meeting.

As this dear one passes on to her higher life, she leaves for us a beautiful, undying memory of a full rounded life of usefulness, of kindness, of pure unselfish feelings toward every one, with an ever-ready, willing hand for the comfort of others,—of thoughtful loving counsel and support for all who came to her. A pure, sweet spirit whom all felt and loved who were so favored to be within her influence. She had finished her work, her visits, her cares all done, and without great suffering she lay in her weakness "ready and willing for the call." A

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JOHNSON.-At Kennett Square, Pa., on the 15th of First month, 1898, Sarah S. Johnson, in the 87th year of her age; a member of London Grove Monthly Meeting, widow of the late William Johnson, of Toughkenamon.

She was a gentle, upright, and loving spirit, with open heart and purse to deserving charities and worthy reforms, and was tenderly and affectionately regarded by a large circle of

relatives, friends, and neighbors.

MASSEY.-At the State Normal School, West Chester, Pa., whilst on a professional visit, First month 31, 1898, of apoplexy, Dr, Isaac Massey, of West Chester, aged 62 years.

NEWS OF FRIENDS.

An appointed meeting was held here (Catawissa, Pa.), Twelfth month 30, attended by Margaret P. Howard, of Philadelphia; S. Jennie Kester, Sarah L. Eves and nephew Perry Eves, from Millville. Ellwood Heacock and Benjamin Hicks walked from Bloomsburg to attend the meeting, and the house was full for a week-day meeting. After a solemn silence, utterance was given to the clear enunciation of the truth, as embodied in earnest aspiration of individual minds, and at the close, with the silence and quiet handshake, it was expressed that it had been good for them to be

here.

Besides two or three, the others attending are members of denominations not knowing of Friends,— although the assertion is ofttimes repeated that the grand-parents have been Friends, and they respect their memory. Ambrose Sharpless leaves his place of business, and attends all appointed meetings, although not a member, and when the Monthly Meeting is held here, once a year, the inquiry is made of the time, with an earnest desire to come.

The First-day meeting is steadily increasing in interest, and one year ago a preparative meeting was solicited, but failed of encouragement in the Monthly Meeting. If a discontinuance of many years' standing had not created imaginary difficulties against a meeting being held, the proposal to do so would not be met with objection. One with the Lord is strength. Catawissa, Pa. MARY EMMA WALTERS.

The "Central Committee" of the Conferences of of the Conferences of 1898, to be held at Richmond, Indiana, met at Friends' meeting-house, New York City, on the 29th ult., in the afternoon, to consider the arrangements for the Conferences. It is proposed that they be held at Richmond, the week beginning on Second-day, Eighth month 22. Committee meetings, etc., will be held on Seventh-day evening, and it is expected that Friends attending will arrive on that day,—the 20th, and that on Second-day the sessions will begin promptly in the forenoon.

The committee has general supervision of the arrangements, but the programs for the several Sections, First-day School, Educational, Philanthropic, and Religious, are made up by separate committees appointed for the purpose. They have been, we believe, substantially completed.

Our friend Robert S. Haviland writes us from Chappaqua, N. Y., 31st ult. : "Since making the ar

TELLIGENCER, I have been kept a close prisoner to my room for nearly two weeks, with a severe attack of rheumatism, and though better at this writing, there seems but little prospect now of my being able to attend any of the meetings named."

The information will be received with special regret by those meetings which were to enjoy the privilege

of his visit.

LIQUOR ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS.

EDITORS FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER :

FRIENDS have always been interested in the welfare of the Indians, so that the progress in civilization of these wards of the nation during the last generation has been particularly gratifying to the members of our Society. But it must be borne in mind that the key to this improvement in the red men has been a fairly well enforced Congressional statute prohibiting the sale of liquor on the reservations, or to the Indians.

Now, however, it is proposed to retrograde in this commendable policy, as evidenced by the House of Representatives passing a bill, First month 22, to place the Cattaraugus and the Seneca Indian reservations, in New York State, under the operations of the "Raines Liquor Law," and giving the State courts and officers jurisdiction over violations thereof.

This means that not only is the harmful effect of the liquor traffic to be brought home to these Indians, but also a precedent is to be established as an entering wedge for the liquor-selling interests to get a hold on reservations in other States, resulting in the degradation of many of the Indians and the undoing of much good work accomplished.

This bill now goes to the Senate, where it is believed it may be defeated by reasonable efforts, as it is thought that attention has only to be called to the serious evils ensuing to obtain the requisite votes against it.

Accordingly it is requested that those interested in the matter should write an earnest remonstrance against the measure, addressing it to some Senator other than those from New York (from whom no aid may be expected), with a request that the same be handed to Senator R. F. Pettigrew, chairman, or some other member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. FRANKLIN NOBLE.

New York, First month 29.

ANECDOTES OF ROBERT BOND.

The Friend, Philadelphia.

A LETTER from a Friend of Indianapolis relates the following anecdote:

'I have often thought I would like to give an incident in the life of my old teacher, Robert Bond. He taught in our neighborhood, seven miles north of Winchester, Va., twenty years. He was a son of Joseph Bond, one of the early settlers of Friends, and had a large farm close to the Hopewell Meeting-house. Robert grew up, as did most of the young people of that day, of strictly moral habits, and not what could be called a truly converted Friend, but one that might be called a traditional one.

"In early life he was engaged in his father's mill, which he followed some years. It became too slow for an aspiring youth; he concluded to go to Alexandria, Va. There was for a time quite an exodus to Alexandria, and the most of them spent their substance, and returned to share the means possessed by

their fathers.

"Robert was engaged in the flour trade at the time the British made their presence known at the district in the war of 1812, and when they left, as they passed by Alexandria, they supplied their commissary with Robert's and other flour.

"The scene was too much for Robert's traditional Quakerism, and he joined the army at the fight below the city. Robert, after securing a musket, fixed himself behind a large stump, and began shooting. He said that an impression came upon him so strong to move, that to remain there was not safe, but he was slow to move, fearing that a stray bullet might catch him in moving. He could withstand the impression no longer. He moved, and he had scarecly left the stump when a cannon ball struck it, and tore it loose, bursting it in pieces.

He began teaching, to clear himself of debt that the loss of his flour caused him, which debt he paid, principal and interest, and which was done by denying himself of many of the comforts of life. His scholars were in size from the child of five years to the ages beyond their majority of manhood and womanhood. Many were the talks he gave us to make us useful and upright men and women. He left an honored name behind, and the respect of his hundreds of old pupils. He secured the means of giving the poor in the neighborhood a fair start in the way of an education. He maintained the principles of the Orthodox at the separation of the four male members left at that time. He died in Twelfth month, 1860. Never married."

A REASONABLE sympathy is a powerful solvent of misunderstanding.

Correspondence of Friends' Intelligencer. FROM ABBY D. MUNRO: THE WORK AT MT. PLEASANT SCHOOL.

THE winter, so far, has been a singularly mild and open one, with the exception of two or three cold spells of a few days' duration. But the nights and mornings are so cold we need clothing warm enough to be uncomfortable the remainder of the day. This weather is favorable to the poor, making a great saving of fuel. In former years, the poor people cut their own wood from a portion of the village called the commons," left uncleared for that purpose. But within a few years, this land has been sold off into houselots, and cleared, thus ending this free supply of fuel. This makes. cold weather particularly hard on them, and makes every chip of wood of some account. The farmers have been slower than usual in putting in their peas, as a cold, backward spring is predicted, which would prove very disastrous to the young crop.

School is large and well attended, as usual. Four hundred have been enrolled, thus far, and the higher classes are

unusually full. In fact, every room is taxed to its utmost capacity, and the need of another grade is felt by all. But the teachers are faithful and earnest, and work to the limit of their time and strength to bring their classes up to the mark

for the yearly promotions. The advantage of having control

of the County School, in this place, and training our own pupils from the very first, is clearly seen, for instead of seeing young men and women in the higher rooms, as at first, they of advancement,—anywhere. are filled now with pupils of the average age for that degree

The Industrial work goes on as regularly as clock-work, and improvement is sure to follow such persistent regularity." Two hours of undivided time and attention are given the cobbling boys; twelve passing in at a time, We frequently find one and another of them mending their own shoes at their hour.

The holidays passed very quietly. It was unpleasant most of the time. Christmas day it rained, pouring all day. All outof-door sport was thus prohibited, of course, much to the disappointment of the young people, and as much—even more—to the relief of many older people, to whom the noise of the fire-cracker, pistol, and cannon seems utterly out of keeping with what should be the spirit of the occasion. These ing as formerly. Scarcity of money may have much to do with days are not made a time of such prolonged, noisy merry-makit, but the younger people have learned to find their enjoyment in a more quiet and rational way.

To the little family in the "Home," the day brought all rain dampen their spirits nor the cold east-wind chill their the pleasure it brings to children generally, neither did the enthusiasm. They had brought from the woods a little Christmas tree, and plenty of boughs of the holly and Christmas-berry bush, with which their sitting-room was tastefully decorated, till it had a glow as bright and cheerful as their own faces. The Christmas eve had brought their gifts, and all through the rainy day they trimmed and untrimmed their tree, nursed their dollies, made miniature feasts of their Christmas cheer, and sang and played, unmindful of storm and clouds without, while everything was so bright within.

The

Last, but not least by any means, came our yearly school entertainment. We hoped for a pleasant day, for our own sakes, but more particularly for the sake of the little army of country children who we knew must start on their seven-mile tramp by day-break, to reach the school-room in time. day appointed dawned bright and pleasant, greatly to our satisfaction. To vary our program as much as possible, we had decided upon a "Santa Claus in a chimney," for the diverAt very little expense and trouble, we high, in size and shape as much like an ordinary chimney as improvised a chimney, by making a light frame, seven feet possible. This we covered neatly with red cloth, carefully chalk-marked to imitate bricks. When completed it was pronounced artistic, as well as realistic, and many were the inquiries of the teachers if it was a "truly chimbley," which, perhaps, they thought had sprung up in a night. It was interesting to see the assembling. Five rooms, of necessity, were crowded into one: the Primaries going through their

exercises in their own room.

At the sound of the piano the march commenced. The seats were soon filled,-two in each, then the benches at the side of the room, still they poured in! All available benches and chairs were produced and quickly filled, and still they came! One more was placed in each seat, still they came, and a row was seated on the platform, and even on the floor. A perfect sea of human faces it was, to look into, as we stood before them,-the Black Sea, it might fairly be called, for of such is our school almost completely made up. But they were bright, happy faces, filled with pleasant anticipations. After singing their Christmas carols, and a few recitations, I read to them the interesting little "Legend of Santa Claus," taken from the Young Friends' Review, not to disabuse the minds of the little ones of their mythical belief, but to impress upon the older ones the true idea of unselfish Christmas giving. As the tale drew to a close, the voice of old Santa Claus was heard, singing in the distance. An intense stillness prevailed as the sound drew nearer and nearer, and when, at last, the top of the high hat, then the white bearded visage, and at last, the arms and shoulders of the queer-looking, much-read-and-talked-of personage appeared in full sight, out of the chimney-top, and he stood puffing and blowing with the exertion, bowing and scraping, before them, their surprise and merriment knew no bounds! Their shouts of laughter fairly made "the welkin ring." Some of the most timid started for the door, but the thought that they had not receivel their presents brought them back, and they soon were as merry as the rest. The chimney was placed in front of the entry door, and some of the teachers stood in the entry and handed up the bundles, while he handed them over the top. Some as their Some as their names were called, came forward with fear and trembling ; some were filled with awe before this wonderful personage; while others received their gifts with chuckles and grins—all happy and delighted. Then the teachers came in for their share, and were required to bow and courtesy much to the delight of all. Then, after bidding them good-bye, telling them to be good children, and he would come again, he departed; the pupils went to their rooms, received each a bag of candy, and were dismissed. It was a time of rare enjoyment. And how Santa Claus got there, what he did and said, will be the theme of talk and conjecture as they gather with neighbors and friends around their pine-knot fires in the country, or go from home to home in the village, for many a long day. These yearly jubilees have become so much a part of the school we hardly believe we could now drop them without injury to it, even if we wished to.

We desire to call the attention of our friends to our last report in our Supplement to the " Bulletin. They will see how sadly we need funds, with which to carry on our work. Will they not please send in their contributions, and give us relief from this wearing anxiety?

Since we commenced this letter we have been favored with a call from our friend, Thomas T. Hilliard, Salem, N. J. We regret that he could not have come when school was in session, but we were glad to welcome him, and show him as much of our work as possible. Now that tourists have commenced passing through on their way to Florida, we earnestly hope that others will follow his example. The ferry boat leaves Market Street wharf, Charleston at 7, and 10 a. m., and 3, and 6.30 p. m. Returning, it leaves Mt. Pleasant at 6 and 8 a. m, 12 m. and 5.30 p. m. We are always glad to welcome our friends for a longer or shorter stay.

IRELAND spends about $60,000,000 a year for liquor.

THE Denmark temperance society receives a government subsidy of $1,500 per year.

A STRAY yellow dog sat upon a wooden seat in a city park. A little child's tiny arms were lovingly entwined about his neck, and a cooing voice was saying in his ear, "I love you, little doggie!" He was as proud as any prize setter in the land. "Is that your dog, little boy?" said a policeman, as he passed the happy couple. "No, he doesn't belong to me. I'm only acquainted with him," answered the little fellow.Exchange.

She

Florence Hall Philips, in her paper on "Audubon—the Man and Naturalist," gave a vivid description of his life, his personality, and told many anecdotes of his career while collecting material for his great book on American Birds. also solicited names for the Audubon Society of Pennsylvania, which was organized in Tenth month, 1896, and the object of which is the preservation of our native birds. The paper was followed by remarks from several who had made birds a subject of study.

An interesting paper read by Helen Borton, of Woodstown, N. J., was prepared by Joel Borton for the late Conference at Newtown, Pa. In this various reasons were given for the small attendance in many meetings of the Society.

A short extract containing suggestions to Young Friends' Associations for future work, was read from the INTELLIGENCER, and after remarks, the meeting adjourned.

MARY H. THATCHER, Secretary pro tem.

NEW YORK AND BROOKLYN.-The Young Friends' Association of New York and Brooklyn met at the Library Room, 16th Street and Rutherfurd Place, New York City, First month 23.

The Nominating Committee brought forward the following names of persons for officers, which the meeting approved: President, Charlotte M. Way; vice-president, Henry M. Haviland; secretary and Treasurer, Hyman G. Miller; correspondent, Edward Cornell.

The Brooklyn Bible Section reported a consideration of the childhood of Jesus, and the method of educating the young customary among the Jews at that time. The New York Bible Section reported a further study of the Book of Exodus and of the character of Moses.

The paper of the evening on "Friends and the Bible," was by Marianna S. Rawson. She mentioned the advice in our discipline enjoining the frequent reading of the Bible, and said that the belief in the Bible as the perfect rule of faith and practice, prevailing among the "evangelical" churches, was impossible for Friends. She advocated family reading of the Bible, but not perfunctory reading. We should beware of indifference towards the Bible; it contains some of the grandest truths and the strongest words of guidance for our lives. She concluded by reading selections from the Psalms, Proverbs, and other books, to call our attention to the fact that their beauty is often overlooked.

In the discussion which followed it was said by some that we should read the Bible as we would read other valued books that indifference to it arises from deifying it, and hence disbelief upon the detection of errors of fact. Others thought that it was impossible to treat the Bible like any other book; that we do not treat all books alike; we should read it reverently but not with a superstitious reverence.

It was also said that though the Bible is a record of the best thought in the world, we should be careful to seek in it what is the highest. It should not be read indiscriminately by the young, nor should we allow ourselves to read the words merely as words, but seek always to realize the beauty and truth of the thoughts expressed. This led to the expression of the desire that for children and for family use there should be a selected edition of the Bible.

It was said that the reading of the Bible in families should not be formal, but with consideration; that it should be read not because it is the Bible but for the good there is in it, neither ought we to lose sight of the evident truths, by haggling over disputed and doubtful passages.

The discussion was very general and closed with the feeling that it had brought us more in unison in our ideas regarding the use of the Bible.

After the usual silence, adjourned to meet in Brooklyn, Second month 13. E. C. TRENTON, N. J.—A regular meeting of the Trenton Friends' Association was held in the lecture-room of the meeting-house, First month 24. An unusually large number was in attendance.

The meeting was called to order by the President, A. Crozer Reeves, and after roll-call and reading of the minutes of the previous meeting, the various committees made their usual reports.

The only paper of the evening was presented by Rabbi Weiss, who was requested to prepare it, by one of the members of the Association, on the subject of "The habits and conditions of the Jewish Nations at the time of Christ's sojourn on earth.' The paper was well received, and in the informal talk following it, the Rabbi gave much interesting information concerning the Hebrews.

After a few moments' silence, the meeting adjourned, to meet Second month 28. L. C. W.

Educational Department.

SWARTHMORE COLLEGE NOTES.

ON Seventh-day evening President DeGarmo and his wife entertained the Sophomore class at their home. Of the alumni, William G. Underwood, '89, was present. The hospitality of the host and hostess and general informality made the occasion a most enjoyable one to all present.

Great interest is being taken in preparing for the contest for the Underwood-Pouder prize cup. This cup has been offered by two of our alumni to be contested for by the literary societies. This contest will consist of a debate, oration, essay, declamation, and vocal solo. This is proving an incentive to greater efforts and has aroused the old-time enthusiam of the literary societies.

The students and friends of the College on Fifth-day, 27th, listened to a reading by Dr. Magill of his translation of Corneille's "Le Cid.' Dr. Magill's translation is well known, but the reading of it himself made it doubly interesting to the large audience present.

On account of examination week, little of note has taken place at the College, this being the end of the first semester. '99.

THE HANNAH WILLETS BEQUEST.-The bequest made in her will, 1897, by Hannah Willets, of Manhasset, Long Island, to the two colored schools in South Carolina, at Aiken, and Mt. Pleasant, is about being paid by her executors. The amount was $5,000, one-half to each school. The amount given to the school at Mt. Pleasant is paid to the " Abolition Society" of this city as trustees it being the trustee also of the school property, which was some years ago conveyed to it by Abby D. Munro, who up to that time had held the title.

At a meeting of the Abolition Society, on the 27th ult., the treasurer, William S. Ingram, was directed to receive and receipt for the Mt. Pleasant School's share, and when received to pay $1,000 of it to Abby Munro, to reimburse her for the purchase and improvement of additional land at Mt. Pleasant, lying between the school property and the Bay. It was considered important to have this land, in order to protect the school property on the water side. The remaining $1,500 it is

proposed to invest as the beginning of a Fund for the School's maintenance.

EDUCATIONAL Conference.—The next Educational Meeting, under charge of the Committee of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, will be held at the meeting-house, at 15th and Race Sts., on Seventh-day of next week, the 12th inst. The subject for the day will be "English." Principal George L. Maris, and Mary E. Speakman of George School, and Dean Bond, of Swarthmore College, will open the discussion of the subject. All interested in educational work are invited.

LECTURES IN NEW YORK AND BROOKLYN.-The Board of Direction of the New York Swarthmore College Association have arranged for two lectures, to be given under the auspices of the Association for the benefit and entertainment of its members, and their friends.

The first lecture was given by Prof. William Hyde Appleton, LL. D., of Swarthmore College, on Fourth-day evening of this week, the 2d inst., in Friends' meeting-house, 16th St. and Rutherfurd Place, New York City, Subject: "Some Homes and Haunts of British Poets."'

The second lecture will be given by Elizabeth Powell Bond, Dean of Swarthmore College, in Friends' meeting-house, Schermerhorn street and Boerum Place, Brooklyn, at eight p. m., on Sixth-day evening, Third month 25. Subject: "College Life." No admission will be charged, and all are cordially invited to attend.

LITERARY NOTES.

PROFESSOR B. A. Hinsdale, who holds the chair of the Science and Art of Teaching in the University of Michigan, has written an exhaustive biography of Horace Mann, of Massachusetts, one of the founders of our present public school system. The volume, which will be published by Charles Scribner's Sons, not only contains a complete account of Horace Mann's life and labors, but presents a picturesque review of the common school revival in this country, half a century ago. An illustration of this growth is shown in these figures from Massachusetts: when Horace Mann laid down his office fifty years ago, that State was spending $749,943 a year on her common schools—in 1896 the same item amounted to $11,829, 191.

The Review of Reviews for this month renders a good service to the cause of international arbitration by publishing an English translation of an article on the advance of the peace movement throughout the world, from the pen of the distinguished French publicist, Frederic Passy, President of This article the Society for Arbitration Between Nations. notes many encouraging signs of progress in the agitation for arbitration now going on among even the most military nations of the Old World.

The current Meehans' Monthly honors the Pacific Coast by a Prang colored lithograph of the Oregon breeches-flower, Dicentra formosa, which the historical chapter tells us, is one of the elements in the forest scenery referred to in Bryant's "Thanatopsis.

on

The current issue of the Century Magazine has an article "Ruskin as an Oxford Lecturer, by James Manning Bruce. There is a graphic personal narrative of experience in "The Steerage of To-day," by H. Phelps Whitmarsh, who came over as No. 1616, Group C," the narrative accompanied by Castaigne's sketches. A novel paper is "My Bedouin Friends," by R. Talbot Kelley, with pictures by himself, setting forth unique adventures in the Egyptian desert. There is a continuation of the important reminiscences by Mrs. Sara Y. Stevenson, of Mexico, during the French Intervention, with glimpses of Maximilian, his allies, and enemies.

Houghton, Mifflin & Co., promise about the middle of the present month, the Second Series of Letters of Victor Hugo, including letters written while he was in exile to Ledru-Rollin, Mazzini, Garibaldi, and Lamartine.