hite Hand
A Tall of the Early Settlers
of Louisiana.
BY AUSTIN C. BURDICK <>
CHATTER XIX.—(Continued.)
The old chief took tbe youth's hand,
|,| having gazed into his face a few mo
■ents. he said:
p'M’hite Hand, you once nace me an
Itb. but from all oaths you have ever
|ven me I now absolve you. Coqualla
is told me all. She has told nie how
tie you are in heart, and how yet you
ng for the home of your childhood. 1
> not think your father has fall« n in
lis general massacre, for his place is
rong. and the red men owe him no
tudge. Yet he may have fallen with
le rest, If he has, you may sometime
nd opportunity to reach your native
ind. But you are under no oath now.
f what has now happened I will not
peak, only to say that you cannot see
or understand all that has led us to this
tarful work. The story of the white
Ian's rule is everywhere the same.
Vhere a tribe, or a people, have made
eace ami accepted the friendship of the
French, they have become weak and
uny. White Hand, 1 have a strange
>ve for thee, but I hate thy people. Ami
hat thy father almost hates them too
as drawn my heart towards him. But
re could not see our people being grad-
lally swept away, and our homes torn
tom us. without striking this blow. Yet
Itung Serpent has fallen. The bullet of
he white man has found his life. But
ie dies content. Th# white man has full-
n, too.”
The old chieftain sank back exhausted
is he ceased speaking, and for some mo
ments he remained with his eyes closed.
Vhen he opened them again. White
land spoke.
"My father,” he said, “ere the hand of
leatb has done its work upon thee, wilt
hou not tell me why I was taken from
ay father's house? Surely you canuot
ibject to tell me all now?"
“No, my child, I have no objections.
Or I never promised not to tell. And
rhen I sent for thee now, I meant to
ell thee all. Do you remember when
■our father met me in tbe woods near
lis dwelling?”
"Yes,” returned White Hund, bending
iver with eager interest.
"Well, I had then been to see Simon
.obois. By some means he learned that
was down the river, and he seat for
ne. He had heard that I was a savage
hieftain, and a lover of gold. I met him
n the woods, and he proposed to me
hat I should seize St. Julien’s son and
lay him, ami for this he offered to pay
lie a hundi%d pieces of gold, But 1
purned the offer and left him. I came
ionic, and tohl my brother what Lobois
md said to me, and he pondered upon
he subject in a new light. You know
he Natchez often send messengers to
he Great Spirit, and the Great Sun had
vished to send a white messenger to the
white man's God, even as we tohl you
when you first came here. At length I
fell in with his views, anil I knew of no
one whose spirit would be surer of ad-
piission to your God than tbe spirit of
I.ouis St. Julien, for I knew him to be a
good youth. So I returned to your fath
er's house and saw Lobois again, and he
told me he had hired a party of Chicka-
saws to kill you, but that you and your
companion had killed them all—six of
Ahem. I then offered to do what he wish
ed. But this time his wants had receiv
ed an addition. He not only wanted the
[Son killed, but he wanted the daughter
captured and carried off towards New
Orleans, I agreed to this; but 1 made
him give me a written promise to pay
me the money when the work should be
¡done. He hesitated at first, but at length
he wrote the pledge and signed it; an I
theu it was arranged that Louise should
be left upon the bank of Lake 1‘outchar-
train, at the end of the middle trail, and 1
pledged myself to take you with me and
kill you, for you know this bad been niy
purpose in seeking you.”
"But the paper—the pledge—you had
of Lobois—where is it?” uttered White
Hand.
"It is safe. Coqualla. go to my closet,
and you will find it in the oaken casket.”
The princess went, and in the box she
found the paper, which she handed to
her father. He took it, and having open
ed it, he handed it to White Hand, say
ing, as he did so:
"Here—it is yours. And now all 1 ask
is pardon.”
"For all that you have done to me,”
murmured the youth. "I pardon you
from the bottom of my soul; for you may
have been an instrument in the hands of
heaven for saving my life. Had you not
taken me, another would, and I should
not have lived. So I shall, after all. re
member Stung Serpent with more of
gratitude than of complaint or anger.”
"Do you mean that?”
“I do.”
Stung Serpent raised himself upon bis
elbow, and caught the youth by the hand.
“Coqualla,” he whispered, "where art
thou?"
"Here, my father."
“I have been kind to thee. If it lays
in thy power, help White Hand to bis
people. Is it Coqualla I see?"
"Yea. Are you faint?"
“Faint? Stung Serpent faint? No!
Vp. warriors of the Natchez, and strike
for your homes! Who shall fear the das
tards now? My braves, remember tbe
trophies you have won under Stung Ser
pent’s lead. Strike—strike, now. for your
honor, your homes, and for the totnbs of
Jour ancestors! Sink your blades to the
P*'le, and leave not a man ot them all to
tell their king the tale! Now! On—to
the deathT’
One long, loud warcry
paroxysm, and as it ended____
lilg sound, the chieftain sank back,
quails moved to his side an«i knelt
him, and in a moment more tbe loud <
of the women rent tbe air, for Stung
pent was dead!
CHAPTER XX.
There was consternation for a while in
the village of the White Apple when it
was known that Stung Serpent was
dead, for be had been an important man
among the Nat« hex. At the en I of four
days, the body was made ready for tbe
grave, and nine persons, with ropes al«out
their ne-ks. remained fasting by it.
And ire all these people to di " as'<-
*d M hit» Hand, after be and Coqualla
retirsd to their own dwelling
Yea. ini but for the ioterces-i us f
tny father himself, many m «re wo tld
have died.’
“It is a <ruel practice,” said tbe youth,
as «Uy.
“Cruel?" repeated tbe prim e-s. in sur
prise “W|y do you say so?”
Because one death is enough, M by
ab- iild so maty be added?"
’Ah." ansvered Coqnalla. ing nuo is-
’f- Tow «io Sot nnderstan I T'"tr p»--
ple hare Hot Ut<k love for tbe departed
•• we bare. It • a long dark rva I wbi« b
my father has now to travel, and surely | rd, and be sat down and toLI her all.
it is fitting be should have company."
“Aud will you go*’ the prin ess asked.
"And does this always happen when ' “Yes, I must. But. Coqualla. have you
one of your people dies?"
changed your mind?”
Certainly; though some have not so
"Ouly to be more strongly bound to
many companions; but all have one. thee. And yet.” she added, putting her
When the last Great Sun died, there arms about her husbauJ's neck, “speak
were one hundred who went to keep him but oue word—simply whisper to me—
company over the dark road.”
that thou wouldst rather go free ftom
"So urany?"
care or thought of me. and---- ”
Yes—and of course they were happy. | "Hush. Coqualla! You wrong me now.
for with him they were at on«e admitted O. I should never sleep iu peace again,
to the happy home where the Great did I think thou remained»! here wb u
Spirit is."
thy wish was with me. But we must tleu
"But,” queried White Hani, "Stung to-night.”
Serpent has l>een dead now four days,
“I am all ready, dearest.”
and these people will not die until to
“But we ueed provisions.”
night. How, then, shall they go togeth
“I have such all prepared as we can
er?”
carry.”
"Ah,” returned Coqualla. with a faint
“Then you hare thought of this?”
Discovered.
smile, which «emed to indicate a pity
“Yes. But O. speak the truth, my love
I.fttle Four-Year-Old was visiting his
fbr her companion s ign««runce, “my fath If within thy iumost soul there dwells a
aunt, who lived tn a new house, with
er's spirit will not start alone. It re thought---- ”
all moderu convsnieucea. It was his
mains near the ol«l body until the other
"It is all of love for thee. Coqualla."
spirits join it, aud then they all go off interrupted the youth, seeing at once her first meal at the .bouse, and he was
together. Do you not understand?"
drift. "So let me hear no more of it frankly staring at everything au«l ev
"Yes.”
erybody. Including the “company to
Now let us prepare.”
"Ami is it not right and proper?"
“Bless thee,” murmured the fair girl, dinner." Ills aunt, desiring more bls
“It is, it you think so; but I should sinking upon her companion's bosom. "O, cults, touched the electric button un
hardly dare give my voice in favor of it. since we first spoke of this, my heart has der her foot, which rang a bell out in
Why, look. Coqualla. aud tell me if this sunk deep down in its darkest mood
very thing has not already reduced your when the thought of staying here has the kitchen. The maid appeared at
nation from a once powerful people to a dwelt with me. Those aweet words you ouee. and. without a word being said,
mere handful.”
whispered to me have been with me ever took the empty plate and started for
This
"My father spoke of that ere he died.” since. an«l they have wrought a wonder the kitchen for the blsculs.
answered th.' princess, thoughtfully. “He ful change in my feelings. When we get mystery was too much for the small
said he wished ouly his few immediate to our new home we will talk more about boy. and he piped out:
companions to go with him beyond the it. an«l you shall teach me to read the
“Say. Mary, was you peeking?”—
grave, and even they must be old peo great book «herein these precious truths New York Times.
ple."
are written.”
"And he was right. Coqualla. I have
"I will." promised White Hand. "But
T«n Much.
heard that the Natchez were on. e a the night comes on: tbe morning will le
mighty race—a great nation, numbering speedily npproa-hiug.
Come—we will
their warriors by the many thousands, talk on the way.”
and now they have only a very few hun
Just as the first gray streaks of dawn
dred. In a large community, under or appeared in the east, the fugitives reach
dinary circumstances, the births will not ed the great river, and without tnuih
much overrun the deaths by nature. But trouble they fouml the brake and the
see here—not only do your people die off canoe. They easily pulled the light craft
as do others, but for every one who dies from its nest and dragged it to tbe river
naturally from one to a hundred more It was a smooth, beautifully finished
must be killed to keep them company.”
boat, fashioned from a huge log of yellow
"I know," said Coqualla, thoughtfully pine, ami seasoned without crack or
—“1 know. But still it were cruel to check. Into this the adventurers put
send my father's spirit away over the their little store, and then, with hopeful
dark, long trail alone. Your people do hearts, they entered and pushed out into
Uncle Josh—Goah! this weddlu' Invi
not think of this. They do not think of the broad stream.
tation ter Jack's weddiu’ is cheeky.
the loved spirit wandering away in the
(To be continued.)
dark alone.”
Aunt Bailie—How so?
"Yes they do, Coqualla."
Uncle John—*>ell. It says your pres
PIANO OF MUSICAL STONES.
"Thev do?"
ents Is requested. I intend ter semi a
“Yes.”
After Ye in of Search M. Ban Ire Cot present, but I think this Is too much.
“And yet they send them no company.”
lectel the Flints.
“Ah. their company comes from the
Clever Scheme.
It was a work of years, says L'Illus
other way,” spoke White Hand, softly tration, for M. Baudre to make the col
Doctor—Did you take the rhubarb I
and sweetly. “When a human soul de lection of flints which constitute his prescribed for you?
parts, we, or I, believe that the loved
Patient—Faith an’ Ol did so.
ones who have gone before come down geological piano. The stones do not
Doctor—How did you take It?
be'oug
to
the
class
of
resonant
rocks
to lead the new-born spirit away to heav
Patient—In a pol, b'gorry!
en. I have a mother there. Coqualla, an 1 known as “phonolytes,” such as are
I think she will come down to earth found In Auvergne, not far from Mont-
Uncle Reuben Fays.
when my spirit departs, and welcome Dore, but are flints collected by M.
Yo’ kin console a man by tollin' him
me to the home of the blest ones. Sure Baudre with Infinite toll and search,
ly they know the way through tbe dark each giving when struck a true musical he's a martyr, or yo' kin hurt his feel
in's by callin' him a fool, an' yet nine
valley better than we could, or better note.
times out of ten one term will apply
than any others of earth."
By accident, while taking a country as well as de odder.
Gradually the Indian girl's hands were
brought together over her bosom, anil walk one day he picked up a flint and,
Ex pensive.
her head was bowed. When she looked chancing to strike it. heard a faint note
Jerry—Good jewelry is awfully ex
up there was a strange light in her eyes respond to the blow. Tbe idea took
and a soft, hopeful expression dwelt upon hold of him to gather. If possible, pensive.
Joe—Yes, It is; whenever I buy my-
her dusky features.
enough flints to form a complete chro
“White Hand,” she whispered, “tell matic scale. Difficulties In'the search | self a scarf piu 1 have to buy one for
me that again.”
for these stones only Increased bls ar my wife.
"Is not tbe theme more pleasing than dor. For more than thirty years lie
Matter of Taste.
the strangling of helpless victims over
She—Are you fond of birds?
the graves of the dead?” the youth ask pursued the quest, making it the prin
cipal alm of his life to form out of a
ed, kindly.
He—Sure thing!
1 simply adore
collection of flints the Instrument tie them.
“Yes—yes. But tell me more.”
And White Hand went on and whis called the “geological piano.”
She—Which Is your favorite?
pered into his companion's ear tbe whole
From the neighborhood of the little
He—Quail on toast.
of his own pure faith in God and the ris village of the department of L'Indre,
en Saviour; and when he had done the where he lived and first met with the
“Took Care of Bar Age.”
princess murmured:
Conductor—How ohl are you, little
singing flint, he extended his search far
“It is sweet, and it is better than the
and wide. Only once In a while would girl?
faith I have been taught.”
Edna—Y'ou will have to ask ma.
She bowed her head again, and this he hit on the Ideal flint which uttered
time she remained a long while thought a true note with generous vibration. She always takes care of my age In a
ful; and when she next looked up, a That was fludlng the precious stone street car.—Town and Country.
change had come over her countenance.
which repaid him for his thousand and
Solving u Mystery.
"White Hand,” she said, “I promised one disappointments, his toilsome wan
Little Tommy—Papa, what Is a bl
my father that I would help you escape derings, bls diligent search in stony
ped?
from here, if you wished. What have 1 places.
Papa—An animal with two legs.
to remain here for? My father is dead;
After many years he had at length For instance, a man Is a biped, my
I have no brother or sister, and the ways
of my people are not pleasant to me. May got together tbe full scale In flint notes, boy.
and numerous examples of each, with
I not go with you?”
Little Tommy—Well, what's Uncle
The youth threw his arms about the the exception of one. He had been so James? lie's only got one leg.—Co
fair speaker's neck aud drew her upon far unsuccessful In putting his band lumbus Dispatch.
on the first “do.” Perhaps It did not
his bosom.
"Coqualla, speak but the word, and I'll exist In nature. He gave up hope that
Not In Her Class.
die in thy service, if necessary, to lead be could meet with It In France. He
Jack—Tbe photograph you sent me
you to my father's home. O, we will not would try Canada. But the new world Is just like you, dear. 1 kissed It ever
be separated.' '
showed no trace of the Initial note of so many times.
•
••••••
Nina Did It return your kisses?
The burial was over. Stung Serpent the octave, and M. Baudre returned to
Jack—No, of course not.
reposed in his grave, and by his side lay his native land resigned to the notion
Nina—Then how can you say It Is
the bodies of those who had, in obedi that the chase must be abandoned in
ence to tbe cruel faith and custom, given his old age. Fortune once again smiled, like me?
up their lives that they might keep their and tbe stone of which he despaired
Wanted to Know.
loved chief company in his dark journey. suddenly appeared, as he was walking
And once more the Natchez commenced
their mad orgies over their victory, for In Berry.
Advanced In years, he now passes his
they were not yet satiated.
Late at night, while the warriors were leisure In playing, as be does with skill,
dancing an 1 howling in the square. Trick on this curious piano.
ed Arm came to White Hand's lodge an 1
called him out. The youth could not s»e
An Australian Fish Story.
her face in the gloom, but from the man
Writing from Bunbury. West Aus
ner of her breathing, be could tell that tralia, to a brother in London. Reginald
she was deeply moved by something.
Shaw relates the following amazing In
"White Hand,” she said, "our plot has
worked exceeding well. Not a blow has cident, which, he states, happened to
been, struck save here at Ck'atehez; so the one of bls party when fishing from the (
great mass of the French are saved. But jetty:
Ills friend had baited his hook with
thou art in danger here. The moment
the Natchez find that their plan has fail a large whiting, hoping to catch a king- .
ed they will suspect thee, fur it has fish, when a shark about seven feet |
Angry Lady (on very cold day)—Con
been whispered that you visited the tem long swallowed it! The angler gently
ple, and the Great Bun. when he looked brought the shark to the surface of the ductor, where can I get an empty seat.’
towards the west for the moon last night
Conductor—In the park. lady.
ami saw it not. was perplexed. This night water, while a man working on the
jetty
came
to
his
assistance
with
a
big
j
they saw the new moon for the first time,
Keen with Him,
and they remembered, for the first time, Iron hook and after several Ineffectual j Mr. Flirty (tauntingly*—I saw Mrs.
too. that the moon ought to have been attempt to jab tbe hook Into tbe Berryman on the street to-day. She
a week old. Amid their mad joy they shark s mouth the latter got away
looked charming In her mourning
have not thought of this before. But , (in pulling up his line tbe fisherman gown.
they think of it now. and fear has al found that be had lost tbe wblting bait. |
Mrs. Flirty (sarcastically)—Indeed!
ready seized upon some of them, though but had hooked two large ribs of l»eef
It'« a pity we all can't be widows.
those few keep it to themselves. Now
you can judge how much risk yon run.” from the stomach of the shark. Then,
A Good Start.
"And will they suspect me?” the youth to the amusement of tbe crowd, one of
“Jack's going Into the jewelry busi
whom remarked, "Well, exchange Is no
uttered, tremulously.
"They will be likely to; for you are of robbery.” he landed the beef safely on ness. ”
“Where'd he get bls start?”
the hated people, and your powerful the jetty.—London Mall.
friend is dead. Dark, angry eyes have
“He's going to use bls college fra
been bent upon you. because you have
lit ycle Y eraus a Cow.
ternlty aud society emblems as a
shown your loathing of the cruelties you
An Irish farmer went Into an Iron basis.”
have witnessed. And. again, the F*-n h monger's shop to buy a scythe. After
Uncle Reuben Rural
will soon be on the N’at«h«-z trail. 1 be ,
It was Deacon White, of our church,
future is dark for us all. but you may serving him tbe shopman asked him
who was gwlne to sell bls mewl an'
escape. Can you not remember tbe trail If he would buy a bicycle.
"What Is that?” queried tbe Irish send de price to de benighted heathen
by which you came?"
man.
, “I fear not.”
of Africa, but he was saved de trub-
"It's a machine to ride about tbe town ble by some benighted heathen of
"But you can follow it part way from
on."
here?”
America stealin' de animal an* a wheel
"Yes. for it is broad towards the vil
"And. shure. what might tbe price of barrer to boot.
lage."
It be?"
Another Kvik
"There you can take the river. inc
"Fifteen pounds.”
Mrs Kipper At last spring la here
know the southern trail. You went it
"I'd rather see fift<«en pounds In a
and tbe coal man and plumber are
once hunting with Stung Serpent.”
cow."
things of tbe past.
"Yes—I remrmber that.”
"But
what
a
fool
you
would
look
rid-
,
“Th* n all is safe. Follow that trail to I
Mr. Kipper Don't feel too merry
the right an 1 it will bring you out upon Ing around tbe town on tbe back of a 1 Here comes tbe Iceman around tbe
the river fifteen miles be uw here Among cow!"
corner.”
“Shure. now." replied the Irishman,
a clump of brakes there you will find a
canoe. • It is m.ne. Take it and Boat “not half such a fool as I'd look try
An Inslnwntion.
down tbe river. Still retain your pre» ing to milk a bicycle!"—Ttt Bits.
Miss Cutting That «log of yours
ent garb, and let tbe walnut stain be op- ■
seems to be remarkably Intelligent.
rm your face. In that way you may ee
Tlre-ame Work.
Boftlelgh Yaws. Indeed!
I aw
cape the Natchez, should any of them
May Mr Huggard called on you couldn't begin to tell you all he knows.
m*-*t j OU. and by your speech you «-onld last evening, didn’t be?
Miso Cutting No, of course not.
v cklv convince the Fren b. I can d«> , Fay—Yes. and be made me very tired.
••1 re for you. I would have saved all
Undonbtadlr Trnn.
May—I suppose be tried to kiss you.
the Fren. b if 1 cot*'-» ** 1 loI*d
Singleton -M’by does a woman al
fay
—
Yes.
and
every
time
be
kissed
«et I must follow tbe fortunes of my
me I bad to slap him.— Philadelphia ways carry her purse In her band?
Wederiy Because if she placed It In
VV
Hand thjnk.-d the old pr n ess ; Press.
ber pocket It's ten to oue she d novar
. r k n Inees. an l with a thoughtful
. r t -n-d to bis l "dge Coqualla I Id!« ne«s is the burial of a living nan bo able to And It aga.a.
..se-’ L m «bat Pn«-ked Arm bad
| Jeremy TajloC.
THE SCHOOL WAGON
1J
¡1 An Interesting Experiment Which Is Soon to lie o
o
Tried in Illinois.
♦
t
♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦»-»♦• ee»e»x-«w^w »-v •■»» r» »»e- e e^eoeeoeeeoeee vow*
The New Woman.
The other day a man and a woman
«•ailed on the house agent a -out taking
a house. The woman did all the talk
Ing. and turned to the man for con I
flrmatlon or corroboration. He always
agreed with ber. and did it very meek
,y'
"Mell,” said the woman, "we’re will
Ing to lake the house at £30 a year
Ain't we. John?”
John replied, • . es."
"And we’ll pay the rent promptly. '
too, won’t we, Jorn?"
"Yes.”
"And we'll take good care of the
house. Won’t we, John?"
"Yes."
"Aud we don't mind taking It for
three years. Do we. John?"
"No.”
"By the bye,” the agent Inquired, “of
course you are man aud wife?”
"Man and wife!" exclaimed the worn
an sharply. "Indeed we're not Are
we, John?”
"No. my dear.”
"What?" said the agent. “Not man
and wife?”
"Not exactly," she retorted. “I'd
have you know In this Instance we are
wife and man. That's so. Isn't it.
John?”
And John meekly agreed. Spare Mo
menta.
But l>ee<ia?
“Is he a man of bls word?”
“Decidedly. I never heard another
mau brag so."
Lota Needed.
"Jack says It’s golug to be a real tin
wedding.”
“A tin wedding!”
“Yes. He Bays It's going to take all
he's got.”
Fun for Him.
“I don't suppose you'll be sorry when
the school season’s over,” remarked
the old gentleman.
"Y'es, I will,” replied the street ur
chin, " ’cause I don’t never go to school
at all, an’ it’s lots o’ fun watchin' de
odder kids w’at lias to."—Philadelphia
Press.
He Knew.
Mrs. Fuyter— You always were n
fault finder.
Mr. Fuyter—Well, I found you, all
right.
Ha Would Think It.
Miss Oldglrl What
If I were to tell you I
Mr. Callier Down—I
wouldn't like to call
but---- ”
would you say
was only 24?
don't know. I
a lady a liar,
“Practical” Arithmetic.
A teacher who was trying to Instruct
her class about the mysteries of addl
tlon and subtraction explained that one
could not subtract or add unless the
numbers were of the same denotnlna
tlon, when a little girl said:
’“Teacher, can’t you take six peach
es from four trees
Little Chronicle
Light on the Hnbject.
He—I suppose you are aware of the
tender feeling I have for you?
She—No; I’m quite In the dark.
He—That being the case permit me
to suggest that we strike a match.
Ambiguous.
Weary—What wuz Raggles sayin'
about build« ga?
Willie—He said he had a strange at
traction for them, an' they took such a
bold on 'im.
Detroit Krick Astray.
"I never saw Blleombe as Irritable
as he Is this morning. What's the
matter with him?"
"Couple of fellows tried to sell him
a gold brick yesterday.”
"Well, he didn't buy It, did he?”
"No; but he's Just found out It was
a real gold brick ’’—Chicago Tribune
Not Now
“Does he smoke expensive cigars?"
“Not now.
I've stopped buying
them.”
Ths Lie» It.
Palette— De Au tier is tbe most ego I
11st leal chap I ever met.
Brusber How's that?
Palette—Why, every time he paints
a landscape be Imagines be flatters ns
tore.
Wise Toad of Woroeocer.
Among tbe favorite stories of Ren
ator Hoar Is a tala of a remarkable
toad, possessed of an intuitive kuowl
rilfe of antidotes.
"I was out In my garden one day."
sal«! tbe senior He ns tor from Msaai
ebusetts, "and noticed a toad bopping
along toward the veranda. At the
edge of the low flooring was a spider’s
web straight across bls path.
Mr. !
Toad didn't observe It, and, plump, be
landed squarely In It This unevremo
nlous and burglarious entrance nat-
urally provoked the resident spider,
who was strongly of tbe opinion that
his home was his castle. Accordingly. J
be proceeded to give the toad a most
vicious bite. Instantly tbe toad hopped
back on the lawn, found a bit of plan
tain leaf and chewed It. Then back
be hopped and bit tbe same olwtruc
tlon. with tbe result that be got at)
other bite. Keren times be repeated
the attempt, each time going back to
tbe plantain for an antidote for bls
wounds At last be succeeded In de
mollahlng the spider's web and bopped
on hie way rejoicing."—New York ■
Tri bane.
THE SCHOOL WAGON.
ROF. ALFRED BAYLISS. State Superintendent of Pdbltc Instruc
tion in Illinois. Is a strong advocate of school district consolidation.
Suppose the taxable wealth of a rural township In Illinois should
be assessed for the purpose of raising the funds necessary to maintain and
equip one central school house. There Is hardly a rural towastdp In the
State In which a central school mantained and equipped In such a way
would not be one well worthy of the name. To begin with, the building
would lie commodious ami comfortable. In ventilation, lighting, warming
and every sanitary armugement ft would be a century ahead of the little
district school houses to be fouml at nearly every turn of the rotld In Illinois,
but hundreds of which are, In late years, attended by a half dow«u children
or less, and not a few of which are closed for want of attendance. Supt,
Bayliss says the real reason for this change Is the movement to the cities
and towns. He tells a story In this connection. "I met a friend on the
train tbe other day," he says, "who was returning, with his wife, from a
visit to old Lancaster County, where they came from. He had had a
good time, and was golug home to think It over and talk It over. He la
a rich farmer; has hundreds of broad acres, a great liarn. Into which you
could haul the district school bouse, a flue home, etc, ’Will,' I said, T
suppose the boys have been running the farm.’ 'No,' he '»aid, ’they are
not at home.’ 'How's that?1 ‘Well. John, he's practicin’ law over In
Iowa, and doin’ pretty well. too. Henry, he's a dentist. Hung out his
shingle up In Wisconsin last April, and wrote me that he cleared nearly a
hundred dollars the first month. Jim, he's at the school of pharmacy In
Chicago.’ 'And who's on the farm?’ 1 asked. ’Oh, us tw> and the hired
help.*
"You all know that man. don't you?" the professor avks. “His name
Is legion.” Then he goes on to tell about the mau he had In mind. "This
man has a railroad station, n school house and a graveyard on his farm,
and they used to tie very proud of the fine large school.” When asked
how the schoof was flourishing now, he answered: "Oh. I hardly know. We
had six scholars last winter, but tbe Jones family moved not long ago. 1
don't think of any more to come In.”
An outgrowth of the system of township consolidation of schools will
lie the school wagon, to collect tbe children from the more distant parts
of a township and bring them to the school. The calculators think this
could lie done without Increasing taxes or even reaching the limits of taxa
tion for school purposes In a township, nfter the ff.rea of assessment for the
support of a central school Is made so much larger than that of the dis
trict. In course of time, no doubt, after this system Is developed, aud Its
logical outcome and results are seen, the wagotiB will run. no matter what
the condition of the weather or the roads. All roads In a rural Illinois
township will lead. then, to the school house In the center, or In that spot
In the township which can be reached the most easily and speedily. That
is wliat the system Is sure to come to. and probably It) a few yearH.
That building consolidation 1s one of the purposes of the proposed
reform, however. Mr. Bnyllss leaves no room to doubt. "Here In Illinois.”
he says, "we must have out In the country pleasant, roomy, convenient nnd
sanitary school houses, as well adapted for their pur)«<ise lu all respects and
even as attractive architecturally as they are fast coming to is« In the
cities. Architecturally, the school house should exhibit the taste and to
some extent the aspiration of the neighborhood. It should )>e better than
the best dwelling house, but In many a country district there are those
who wouldn’t exchange their best barn for the sell■ >«»1 house. It should tie
llghteil from the right direction: have the teacher's «leak In the right place;
have ample nlr and floor space; have cloakrooms for boys nnd girls, entered
from the schoolroom, and be furnished with Invatorles opening Into prop
erly constructed closets, accessible In no other way. It should be properly
ventilated, nnd when possible have n dry. clean nnd warm cellar. It should
have ahumlant Isstk cns<«s and cabinets and rending tables. A portion of
tbe ground should be properly ornamented, and altogether the house aud
ground should be the just pride of the community.”
Prof. Bayliss admits that, at first view, the taxpayers might fear that
they could n«>t stand the expense But lie evidently doubts whether their
expenses would lie greatly Increased They could not stand It. he admits,
"under the grotcs«;ue system of school maintenance now prevailing. The
’idea Is to centralize and Improve systems and force results by cutting off
a great many useless expenses and putting tbe money which Is now paid
into Incompetent hands Into the hands of others who ran give value re
ceived. "The reduction of the number of districts In each township.” lie
said, "would In many. If not most, cases lead to the conaolldation of all the
schools, the organization of a graded school, and the establishment of a
high school department In every township. If. because of bad roads or
other causes less real, a township does not choose to consolidate all of
the schools In one building, then at least the older children could be brought
together In a central school, and given the advantage of companionship and
association with others of their own age.”
The township high school Is one of the prime results aimed at by tba
proposed change. There Is provision for township high schools In tha
Illinois school laws, but as long as the district system prevails there Is
little prospect of the opportunity being utilized. The new system. It Is
believed, would bring the township high school Into existence all over tha
Rtate. "There ought to ba,” says Supt. Bayliss, "within reach of every
farmer's child ln/lllinols. a country school that should be as worthy a
place on tbe accredited list of the State university as the city schools that
now make up that list. It ought to give as good quality of Instruction In
mathematics and science and language and literature as tbe city high
school.” As to the effect of centralizing the common schools of tbe town
ship, he says: "Our present system has served Its purpose. It no longer
meets the requirements."
From all of which It would appear that President Eliot of Harvard It
not so far wrong when he says that the educational system of this country
Is capable of vast Improvement Hupt. Bayliss attributes the decay of the
country school to the great and growing movement toward tbe towns and
cities, and be baa come pronounced views as to this movement as a cause
of which there are likely to come many serious effects. "Society Is mov
ing," be says. 'The city school, for reasons I need not atop to recapitulate.
Is keeping up with the procession. The country Is re-enforcing and regener
ating the city with Its best blood. Tbe movement la not new. but It Is
continuous and accelerated. The elements which doetroy the population of
cities will operate In the future as in the psst. Me ere proud of the fact
that tbe majority of the great men thia country has produced come from
the farms, and It will be a most serious mlstal.e to even seem to encour-
sge the Idea that success In life Is possible only to those who leave them.”
make« one realize how costly the
Millions In a Bstzlesblp-
Seven million dollars will be the cost game of modern naval war would
of the British I>attle»h1p Edward VII., ■ prove.
Two more battleships of the same
which 1» now In process of construc
«■lass have been laid down the Dotnl>
tion at tbe Devonport dock yards
more money than has ever I «fore been . Ion aud tbe Commonwealth.
represented In an engine of war. The
IG-sult of Experience.
keel of the mammoth craft was laid
"I went to the church fair last night
by the king In March. 11MI2. and al
and I think I see a new meaning l-i
ready the hull Is virtually complete, that old adage now.”
over 4.0U0 tons dead weight of steel
“M’hat'e that?”
plating and armor having been built
“It’s my Idea that none but the
Into her.
brave have any busluees there.”—
Ho quickly has this superb warship Philadelphia Press.
been brought forward that, although
No Danger of Fire,
ti»a original specifications did not al
Guest Any danger of lire In thia
low for her being ready for tbe pen
nan! before March. IBofi. It Is now hotel ?
Bell boy( with bls teeth chattering*
.«ffi.-lally stated that she will be com
pleted many months earlier than thia. - N not unless yer pay extra fer It.—
The original estimates were for Judge.
£1JM)#.000. and although they have
M'hen a man Is buried he gets In on
been cut down. It la authoritatively the ground floor, which le true at no
stated by prominent o .rials at Itevon previous time In Ills career.
port yard that the total expenditure
Not one In fifty has sens«« enough to
will amount to well ver *.4<»i.i»»i.
This outlay on a fabric which a well- Itcgin repenting a sin tiefure lie is
41r?ried torpedo would annihilate found out