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" ISSUED SBItl-WElEL^ ^ ^ ^ l. m. qrist's sons, Publishers. } % ^amilg |)ftrspaper: <Jfor ^ $romotion ojf the jfjolitifal, Social, ^grirnlfiiral, and <Eommei;rial Interests of the feopte. {TERMMNo^02o^Ymlc^mA,ICr' ESTABLISHED 1855. YORKVILLE, S. C., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1 904. NO. 93 rprSc f LITTLE I A ROMANCE OF TH1 GREAT LORD HAWKE" { CYRUS TOWN Author of "Commodore Paul Jones," of the S c * Copyright, 1901, by D- M CHAPTER XVII. FALLS THE FLAG OF FRANCE. -v I ^ E RAMESAY stood in his pri vate office in the shot-racked Chateau St. Louis. From the English batteries at Point Levis the cannons were continuously firing upon the already ruined lower town, and even upon the castle Itself. From Townshend's intrench* ol A A tKo KnOVV men is on me itmuwaiu d*u? wo siege guns which had been landed from the British ships were raining shot and shell upon the upper town and the citadel. Fiedmont, the French chief of artillery, was making what reply he could. The fleet of Admiral Saunders in the basin had been moving up toward the lower town during the past week, and as de Ramesay watched them, large boats full of troops were even then being landed on the meadows and flats at the mouth of the St Charles river and were being drawn up in columns under cover of the ships' batteries, as if preparing to approach and storm the gate nearest the bridge. De Ramesay had Just come in from a tour of the walls. It was a hopeless outlook indeed before the governor. He had done his best, but the end was approaching. Sad Indeed is the moment when we realize that our best is unavailing. The rations of all had been reduced and reduced until starvation stared them in the face. No 0 part of the town was safe now from tuo English fire. The very chateau itself in which he stood was riddled with shells. There was a great gaping hole in the roof of his cabinet, through which the rain poured dismally. The temper of the garrison had grown worse and worse. Nothing whatever had been heard from de Levis. De Ramesay felt that if an assault were delivered it could not be met His garrison originally consisted of 150 troops of the line, some 400 or 500 colony troops, and the local militia, but had been much reduced by death, wounds and starvation, and was growing less every day. The colonial soldiers and militia had been deserting in handfuls. Presently Capt. Rouvigny entered. "Monsieur," he said, saluting, "a body of merchants, headed by Monsieur Daine, are here to see you, and " "Bid them attend me in the great hall of the chateau, captain," interrupted the governor gloomily, "and summon the officers of my staff. Let some one go for Monsieur Fiedmont, if he can be spared from the walls. ~ We need his counsel." "I omitted to state, monsieur," continued the young officer, "that the merchants are accompanied by the officers of the city militia." "Let them all come together, I will Bee them all. I know what it means " said de Ramesay despondently. A few moments after he entered the great hall of the bullet-ridden castle. k Many of the portraits which adorned it had been destroyed by the fire of the enemy. Grim old Frontenac, the unconquerable, however, still kept watch and ward over the territory he had loved, now fast slipping into the hands of the hated English. Had he been in de Vaudreull's place, thought de Ramesay, they might not now r?e in such a pass. Through the broken window-pan ^s the rain heat and the wind swept in mournful harmony with the thoughts of the people who crowded the room. At the lower end were congregated a body of the most influential citizeas of the town. Their plain but rich dress, comfortable cloaks, prosperous appearance, proclaimed that they were men of substance and condition. A little apart from them stood the officers j of the colonial militia in bedraggled, weather-stained uniforms. The merchants faced de Ramesay boldly. The eyes of the citizen soldiery sank to the ground, and they looked everywhere but at him. They shifted uneasily under the stern gnze of the veteran commander, while their hands played nervously with their sword-hilts. De Ramesay was attended by the officers of his staff, able soldiers all; some of them were drenched with rain and covered with marhs of their exposure to the inclement weather, which showed they had just come from the ramparts. Among them were Rouvigny, St. Luc, Fiedmont, and Joannes the town major, and with them de Vitre, still under restraint by de Ramesay's order. The governor stood at the great table with his officers grouped around, him. The merchants and militia officers drifted together at the opposite side. A stranger would have instantly lecognized that here were two parties to debate a serious proposition. Sadness was the predominating note in de Ramesay's face; haughty pride and contempt flashed from the eyes of the nobles and professional soldiers at his ^ back; dogged determination was evidenced in every line in the portly figures of the merchants; and stubborn shame spoke from the drooped heads of the militia officers. "Messieurs," said the governor quietly, "you have asked an audience for a purpose which I can but too well divine. Will you speak your mind and ^ have done with it? The gentlemen of the counter first." He turned inquiringly to the merchants. bat no. one apparently cared FRANCE f ? DAYS WHEN "THE WAS KING OF THE SEA SEND BRADY < "Reuben James," "For the Freedom ? ," etc. l*- J i/leton k Co., New York. I.o break the silence. No one wished to assume the stigma of being the first to make the proposition in furtherance of which they had assembled. "What, gentlemen!" continued de Ramesay sarcastically, " are your desires so base that none of you have even courage to mention them? Monsieur Daine, it was at your house, I am informed, that the gentlemen held *?--? *<? ?t.i- ?ixrni vnii uieir 1110CUU5 iuio uuimua. w j vm speak?" "Monsieur le Chevalier," stammered Daine, flushing and paling by turns, "we are?we cannot?we do not?in short, we came to beg you to surrender the town." "Ah!" said the governor, "and why should I give up a charge devolved upon me by his majesty the king?" "We are starving, monsieur," answered Daine more boldly; "our dwellings, our shops, our warehouses are ruined. We can do no more. If the English break into the town, if they storm the walls, we have over 2,000 women and children here. Think of them, sir!" "True," said de Ramesay, "but so long as we have arms in our hands the English will not break through the walls. Is it not so, gentlemen?" "Vive la nouvelle France!" "Let us die for the flag!" "Vive le roi!" "Death to the English!" broke in confused acclamations from the little group of officers behind the chevalier. The others were sJlent "How is it that I hear no response to my appeal from the officers of the militia?" continued the governor. "Gentlemen, do you allow your brothers of the regular army to outdo you in patriotism?" "By God, sir!" ripped out one of the leading officers of the militia, "we cannot fight any more, and there's an end to it! Our men are deserting by hundreds, and we are hungry! We have had nothing to eat since last night, nothing to drink either! 'Tis ill keeping guard and fighting on nothing! "STRIKE THE FLAG." i he English are there in thousands, cuise iliem! We cannot keep them oui. My men won't fight any longer!" "Nor mine!" "Nor mine!" rang through the halL "And you, monsieur, has your stomach for fight also left you?" asked de Ramesay, frowning upon the man. "Yes, it has!" snapped out the officer furiously. " 'Tis a hopeless contest, the city is lost!" "Yes, yes, he is right!" "Surrender!" "Give up the town!" "We are lost!" cried one after an UIUC1* There was no doubt either of their unanimity or of their determination. "You cowards!" exclaimed the governor bitterly, turning upon them with a withering glance of contempt. His calmness gone, he stamped his foot in passionate scorn and anger. In the midst of the confusion, which well indicated the disorganization in the town, an officer burst into the hall and shouldered his way through the struggling mob toward the governor. The crowd became silent as they recognized his presence and instinctively felt that he had news of importance. His face was grave with anxiety. "Monsieur," he cried, saluting, "the English are about to storm the St Charles gate! Monsieur lc Gardeur, .who commands there, has sent me to say that the town troops have thrown down their arms and have refused to fight! He has no force to stay the advance. For God's sake, send reinforcements. or we are lost!" | Even as he spoke another officer came running into the room from the walls on the otner siae. "Monsieur le Gouverneur," he cried, as he entered the apartment, "the colonial troops have withdrawn from the walls! Capt. Le Moyne says that the English battalions are mustering for an immediate attack. He has not enough regulars to man the guns! He must have reinforcements immediately, and the men are hungry!" "Is there an ounce of bread left," asked the governor, turning to the 1 quartermaster, "to feed the soldiers who are faithful and these cattle?" "Nothing, sir," answered that functionary sadly, "the last ration was issued last night." ."You see. sir." cried the.merchant, "to what straits we are reduced! My children cry for bread!" "My wife sufTers with hunger; we are ruined!" cried another. "My soldiers starve!" exclaimed a third. "Gentlemen," said the unfortunate chevalier, turning to the militia, "you have some Influence with your men surely! Return to them, beg them to fight one more day! Monsieur de Levis will surely succor us. Upon us depends the fortune of New France. When we strike the flag we give up a province, an empire! For God's sake, messieurs, for the king, for your own lands, once more to the walls! Vive la nuvelle France!" The militia officers stood in gloomy silence in the face of this appeal. The feeble acclamations of the loyal offl cers or the line were arownea Dy a dreadful crashing sound, followed by a detonating explosion, which hurled the people in the room in every direction. A shell from the batteries burst in the hall. "Sauve qui peut!" cried one in the smoke. "We have no safety anywhere!" "Strike the flag!" "Fly, fly, messieurs!" The room was filled with men, dead, wounded and stunned. Groans, curses, shrieks resounded. Scarcely knowing what had happened, the governor, de Vitre, and the rest, blinded, dazed, and choking, found themselves swept out of the chateau to the terrace in front of it overlooking the river. From the tall staff above them floated the white flag of France. There was an excited group of men around it Two or three eager hands clutched at the halliards. Slowly, as if with reluctance, the proud" banner came drooping down to the earth. De Vitre, Rouvigny, Joannes, Fiedmont and two or three others with drawn swords ran into the midst of the mob, driving back the townspeople and the officers. With eager hands they strove to hoist the flag, but the halliards had been cut and they could only lift it in their hands a little space above the sodden ground. As they realized the effort, their antagonists swept down upon them again. The governor's spirit was unabated, but his resolution at this gave way. He succumbed to the Inevitable. "Let be!" he cried, breaking his sword and throwing the pieces far from VI t?? Da If IHC HOfi *O UU TT U> XJC A t A miriiibered that it was not my hand that struck it! You cowards, you have your way! It is the end of New France." He stood, with the tears trickling down his rugged old face, a picture of shame and sorrow. One by one the big guns that ringed the city ceased to pour their Shot upon the town, as the English saw the flag come down. Although the heavy smoke still hung low in the sodden air, a silence ominous and gloomy for the Frenchmen succeeded the roar of the cannonade. The ships in the harbor were soon black with men. From the meadows on the Plains of Abraham the sound of cheering could be heard faintly, and down by the SL Charles gate, where the columns of the English were massed, came back an echo of the Joyful sound. It was the deathknell of the province. Maj. Joannes, reluctantly complying, while bitterly protesting, was dispatched with a white flag to Gen. Townshend's headquarters. With the cessation of the bombardment the townspeople, regardless of the rain, poured into the streets. The plateau in front of the chateau was soon filled with people shouting, gesticulating, laughing, crying, sobbing like mad. The gwim old governor, with the officers about him, stood at the foot of the flagstaff looking over that marvelous prospect which should never again belong to France. Presently Joannes returned. "The terms, major?" cried the governor. "The garrison to march out with the honors of war, with their arms, two pieces of cannon, and 20 rounds; afterward to be transported to France with such of the townspeople as choose to eo with them. The free exercise of our religion permitted and the rights and property of the people respected." "And the alternative, monsieur?" "Immediate attack." "Have you the paper?" "Within my breast, sir," answered Joannes. "Let us go to the chateau; we will sign It." Presently the two reappeared on the terrace. "Say to the English that the people are starving, and ask them in the name of the women and children to send us something to eat at once," said the governor. Joannes saluted, turned away, and was gone. The people watched him disappear in silence. to bh continued. Marvelous Corn Crop.?Our corn crop of this year, if massed together, would cover sixty acres of ground to the depth of nearly sixteen hundred feet?a veritable mountain of corn over a third of a mile high. If divided equally among the population of the earth It would give eacn person nearly two bushels. One practical result of the enormous corn crop ought to be a material reduction in the price of beef for home consumption, since It Is the crop on' which beef cattle are chiefly fed. In many parts of the west the harvest has been abundant, but in Oklahoma, especially, farmers this year are boastful of their corn crop. Favorable climatic conditions produced a record-breaking yield. In many instances the ears and stalks are of such unusual size as to be veritable curiosities. In a field owned by Walter Matthews, a farmer near the town of Mulhall, in Logan county, an eleven-year-old boy, weighing eighty pounds, climbed a stalk to a height of four feet without its bending with him. The stalk was strongly rooted and about sixteen feet high. While the growth In Oklahoma was exceptional. no traveler through the west this fall could fall to be Impressed with the vastness of the corn area and the immensity of the crop.?Leslie's Weekly. piscfllancous grading. LONG RANGE FORECA8T8. ? Section Director Bauer 8ays They Are Impracticable. OorrMDondence of the Yorkville Knqolrer. Columbia, November 15.?The slow and laborious progress of all the sciences, from the earliest dawn of civilization, has been hampered and burdened by the actions of men Incapable of mastering the principles Involved In the study of science, yet with the keenness to be alive to the possibilities of science for the public good. These men were unscrupulous enough to assume the to them false garb of knowledge, and In that false garb pose as apostles of the science, for personal gain and utterly regardless of the good of humanity. In their false guise, it Is true, these imposters were but the laughing stock of men of science and deemed unworthy of serious notice, while the ignorant and credulous "believed more readily in the false than in the true, as the former promised more, were more mysterious, claimed to know it all, and it is too sadly true, that the people in ages past, as in our own age, delighted In being humbugged and were willing to pay for their pleasure. Thus it was that the beautiful science of astronomy that demonstrates with such exactness the motion of the heavenly bodies and that teaches other properties that pertain to them only, gave rise to the astrologer who made the credulous believe that planets had an Influence on the destinies of men, until a wiser age destroyed the fallacy. Thus it was that chemistry gave rise to the alchemist who In his mysterious and preternatural processes made the credulous believe that he had the command of the much sought for elixir of life. Thus it was that the science of medicine gave rise to the quack with his nostrums and who, even today, deludes the sick and afflicted with his deadly doses; and thus it is that the beautiful and intricate science of meteorology and weather forecasting has given rise to its own peculiar parasites, a host of long range weather forecasters, that in a mysterious and wholly irrational way claim to be able to foresee that which patient, hard and intelligent study of meteorology by learned men in all parts of the world, has not been able to do, and by them has been declared Impracticable. It is true that our own weather bureau and the meteorological services of other countries have demonstrated the practicability of forecasting the weather for from one, two or in very favorable conditions three days in advance with reasonable accuracy, but I kinoof ^rooanfprq with one accord, deny the possibility of forecasting the weather for a month or a season In advance, and yet, these charlatans, fakes, or whatnots, who make a fair though fraudulent living by selling such forecasts to the ptiblic, and, what Is still more strange, reputable papers, that ordinarily are not willing parties to any fraud publish such forecasts in their columns. The desirability of long range forecasts is admitted, their usefulness, If they were possible, cannot be gainsaid, and their attempt Is not deprecated, on the contrary success is ardently hoped for and encouraged on rational grounds but their practicability Is, at present, wholly denied and can be shown by any attempt, however friendly, to verify them whenever made. People who are familiar with meteorology know this, but the many have not studied the science, and influenced by their desire for knowledge and misled by the spurious through plausible claim of unprincipled long range forecasters, readily buy and believe the goods to be genuine. Few test its worth by actual verification, but credulously accept an accidental agreement between the forecasted weather and what actually occurred as convincing proof, while the failures that so numerously happen, if noted at all are charitably forgiven and forgotten. It would indeed be strange if some of the long range forecasts did not prove correct, for the chances are about as one in five that they will, If ordinary intelligence is exercised in making them, and it is this probability of chances that gives life to the long range forecaster. But he has other deceptive devices such as clothing his forecasts in the most general and indefinite language, he guards carefully against any attempt to disprove his forecasts and keeps open a loophole for escape, also by stating that he has in mind some other section of the country where the forecasted conditions did actually occur. While meteorology has made rapid progress in the last fifty years, and the fact has been amply demonstrated that the weather Is governed by laws as certain in their operations as those governing other phenomena of nature, yet it has not advanced far enough to enable the weather to be forecasted for a season or even a month in advance. The weather bureau makes no claim to be able to make correct forecasts for periods longer than one, two or at longest three days, and for the longest period there must be very decided conditions as shown by the daily survey of the atmosphere by its numerous trained and skilled observers. With all the skill and training by the best talent available and with as conscientious effort as true and honest men are capable of mistakes will and do occur. Long and careful observation has shown that weather changes are not dependent on planetary influence. Nor is weather forecasting a matter of inspiration, but ability to make reliable forecasts comes from hard study, long training and intelligent observation. It is absurd to believe that when intelligent. scholarly men, who have made meteorology a specialty the world over are in full accord in their denial of the practicability of making accurate long range weather forecasts, that a man ignorant of the very laws on which the forecasts are based and relying on mystical non-existing planetary influences, or on Inspiration which means nothing save an erratic aKIa mental condition, snouiu ue make them. The weather bureau today Is giving the people the best service possible, but not content with the success already attained, it has in the past, and Is now studying every available and suggested means of improving and extending the scope and amplitude of its forecasts,' for both short and long periods, and should long range forecasts ever become possible, It will be through such efforts and not by the bragadocio methods of Ignorant charlatans who now occupy the field with their fraudulent long range forecasts. Prof. Willis L. Moore, who as chief of the weather bureau has had to deal with this subject In both an administrative way and in its scientific aspect recently stated his views on so called long range weather forecasts In no uncertain language, and wholly In condemnation. In substance he said that It Is the opinion of the leading meteorologists of the world that public interests are injured by the publication of so-called long range weather forecasts, especially such predictions as relate to severe storms, floods, droughts, and other atmospheric phenomena of a dangerous and damaging character, and the persistent efforts of certain men to foist their predictions on the public, for public gain, has reached such proportions that it is deemed advisable fairly and temperately to counteract the Influence of those whom we believe to be preying on the credulity of the public. They may believe that they have discovered a physical law on a meteorological principle that has not been revealed to the astronomers, meteorologists or to any other class of scientific investigators, but the publication of predictions that by reason of their absolute inaccuracy are calculated to be positively injurious to agricultural, commercial and other industrial Interests, casts a serious douhi on the honesty of their purpose, and upon their disinterested devotion to the public welfare. Such publications bring the science of meteorology lilt) disrepute and cannot, therefore be made in response to a desire to advance that science along useful lines, and they retard the work of honest investigators through whose efforts only can gains h?? mnrie in the fundamental knowledge of the causation of weather, that will Justify forecasts for a month or a season in advance. In a circular letter to observers on the same subject, Prof. Moore says: "I hope the time will come when it will be possible to forecast the weather for coming seasons, to specify in what respect the coming month or season will conform to or depart from the weather that is common to that month or season; but that time has not yet arrived, and I believe that you will be best serving the public interests when, without indulging in personalities or mentioning names, you teach the community you serve the limitations of weather forecasting and warn it against imposters. Tour public press should, and doubtless will co-operate with you in this endeavor. J. W. Bauer, Section Director. SEES BULLET FLY. Adirondack Sportsman Demonstrates How It Can Be Done. "I can see those bullets fly as you shoot them," said H. J. Callahan to a group of riflemen during recent target practice at Minerva. In this county. Several of the gunners laughed at him, but he induced them Anally to come to his side at a point about 150 yards from the target. It was nearly 4 p. m., and the sun was shining at a favorable angle, Callahan was able to point out to his friends silver streaks which traveled from the gun to the target of each shot. The bullets appeared nice glimpses of telephone wire glistening In the sunlight, the metal reflecting the rays of the sun. The sportsmen were able to study the bullets' flight until the light changed. The rifles used were a .30 Winchester, a .30 Marlln, a .45.90 Winchester and a .38.55 Winchester, and the bullets from them were observed without the aid of fleld glasses. Some sportmen who were not present on the afternoon of the target practice mentioned were not Inclined to accept the story, and It was for their observation and benefit that a second series of experiments was held. The guns used on this occasion were a .38-55 and a .38-40 of Winchester pattern, each firing factory ammunition. It was observed that some of the bullets traveled with greater speed than others, owing to a slight variation in the loading machines at the cartridge factory. The speedy bullets appeared with a thinner line of light than the slow ones. It was also found that the vision was lulcker than the rifle ball, for the eye could anticipate the arrival of the bullet at the target, see the bullet and watch the target for It to strike?New York Sun. WINE AGAIN8T DEATH. Strange Wager of Mexican War Veteran* is Nearing Decision. A wager between wine ana ueam, made 55 years ago, may soon be paid. In the vault of a bank at Covington, Ind., reposes a bottle of ancient vintage, the contents of which will be drunk by the single survivor of a little band of 20 soldiers of the Mexican war. The wager is the most unique of the kind on record. After the close of hostilities with Mexico 20 of the veterans who went to the front from Fountain county. Ind., met in reunion. This was in 1849. It was voted to assemble yearly thereafter on Thanksgiving Day. At the first dinner a bottle of wine was presented to the little company and in a half joking manner one suggested that the bottle remain uncorked until but one survivor remained, this one to quaff the wine to the memory of those gone before. The idea met with instant favor and it was so agreed. Each year the annual dinner has been held and each one more closely cemented the ties of comradeship formed on the plains of Mexico. For years at the annual gatherings the bottle has occupied a place of honor at the head of the table and was annually the subject of merry Jests and predictions as to who would be the last survivor to drink its contents. As the years passed ind the little band became reduced in numbers the jests ceased and instead fhe old soldiers who were left looked with awe and veneration upon the flask, regarding It as a link that binds them to the memory of those who have gone before. Now there are 17 who have crossed the dark river, leaving three who will likely assemble on next Thanksgiving Day. Of the three who are left all are past 80 years of age and all know full well that soon the strange compact made In 1849 must end. Each wonders to whom the lot will fall. In the year* *?A 1 1?*??'>? TVianlraorlvIn? ly interval ueiwccu uic * .?.>B ? Day reunions the bottle of wine is kept safely under guard in the bank vault, but before many years, it will be removed from its place to deposit for the last time. For 55 years it has been preserved, a pathetic memory of the shadowy past, but it will not be long until its mission will be fulfilled.?Chicago Tribune. Apples and Drunkenness.?With the view of learning the opinions of other medical men concerning the efficacy of the habit of eating apples to destroy the taste for liquor a New J York city physician corresponded with many medical men living in various I states. He received replies from all but three. From a large majority came answers that they had never known a case where a person was accustomed to the free use of apples and was a drunkard, nor had they ever known of a drunkard who was accustomed to the daily use of apples. From a personal observation, covering a period of more than 25 years, the physician says he never has known a single Instance where a person who was a free user of apples acquired the liquor habit, nor has he known a person addicted to the free use of liquor who was fond of apples. REPORT OF GRAND JURY. All the County's Affairs In Healthy Condition. Before receiving Its discharge last Tuesday afternoon the grand Jury submitted the following as its final presentment: To Honorable R. C. Watts, Presiding Judge: We beg to report that we have passed on all the bills handed us by the solicitor and returned same with our findings, and ask that the solicitor carry over indictment against one Wilson for future term of court, for further Investigation. In the examinations for the county officers' books during the year, we found the books of the clerk of the court all neatly kept, and all funds in his hands properly accounted for by receipts of deposits In the different banks, and in this office we found the official bonds of the officers properly secured. Superintendent of education. In this office we found the books so neat and accurately kept, any information was easily obtained. Auditor's office. We found the books and papers in this office in proper condition and find that owing to the business ability and watchfulness of the auditor that there has been an increase of taxable property over 1903, of $168,014.00. Treasurer's office. As all of the money of the county passes through his hands, we made a close examination of this office, and we And that all moneys are properly accounted for by vouchers and cashiers' statements from different banks of the county. As to the books of the supervisor we refer to his annual report. In connection with the examination of the books of the treasurer, auditor, superintendent of education and supervisor, we found the endorsement of the comptroller general and foreman of the grand Jury, dated September 24, 1904. We use the words of the comptroller general to express our approval of the condition and management of these officers: "Mr. Foreman, these officials give me less trouble in their annual settlements than any others in the state, and I have yet to find a mistake." Sheriffs office. We found the books and records in good shape. Probate's office. We found no criticism to make and refer to his annual reports, which the law requires him to make to the court. County home. The condition of the county home as reported by special committee to us, is most encouraging and the management meets with hearty approval. We recommend that one Hambrick, now in the county home be sent back to his native county, Chester. Jail. Special committee reports conditions safe and well kept. Chalngang. Everything in proper condition for carrying on the work and the health of the convicts continues good. We received petition from J. H. Wltherspoon, complaining of the condition of the LIncolnton road. We refer the game to the county commissioners. We recommend that grand Jurors be paid for extra services during the present term as follows: V. B. McFadden, $1.60; R. 8. Hanna, $1.50; W. L. Black, $1.50; A. J. Parrott, $2.50; R. L. Scog gins, $2.90; W. C. McLure, Ji.su; n. K. Lowry, $3.25; J. R. Williams, $1.90; N. S. Black, $3; J. O. Walker. $13.50. If there is no further business, we beg to be discharged. J. O. Walker, Foreman. PLENTY OF "MEAN" LIQUOR. Much of it Rank Poison, Says Chemist Wilsy. "If the man who said there was no such thing; as bad whisky, but that there was good whisky and better whisky, could see and taste some of the stuff that we are analyzing every day he would admit that there is stuff sold under the name of whisky that at least is bad. In fact, it is little better than rank poison and we occasionally do run across stuff that It is no exaggeration to call poison." These remarks were made a few days ago by Dr. H. W. Wiley, chief of the bureau of chemistry of the agricultural department, when he was In New York arranging for the installation of the bureau of analysis for imported food and liquors at the appraiser's stores. They are particularly timely now in view of the investigation being carried on by the dity authorities Into the deaths of several persons in the "Stryker's Farm" neighborhood which have been attributed to the drinking of poison sold as whisky. Of course the cases now under Investigation are extreme ones. The stufT which the victims of the saloonkeepers' greed drank, and from which 'hey died, has been found to have contained a large percentage of wood alcohol, put in no doubt to give the liquor the "bite" which is so much lesired by some drinkers. Wood alcohol is a deadly poison and only the most ignorant would use it to fortify whisky. This stuff doubtless was manufactured in quantities as required in the saloon-keeper's cellar, and has never entered into the markets as a commercial commodity. It is a fact, though, that hundreds of thousands of gallons of stuff, less poisonous only in degree, are sold over the bars in this country and In England as whisky, and are drunk by persons who think they are getting the pure juice of the grain. Dr. Wiley's Investigations in this country and those of The London Lancet in England have shown that many of the popular brands are not whisky at all. In order to understand what is meant by this statement it is necessary to understand what a true whisky is. Dr. Wiley has laid down a definition for his food standards department which is generally accepted, both by scientists and the trade, as the true one. It is as follows: "Whisky is the distilled product of fermented cereal grains, properly aged in wood, in order to remove the greater part of the fusel oils, etc., proa.woH rttirine- the distillation. Whisky should not contain less than 45 or more than 55 volume per cent, of alcohol. and not more than 0.25 per cent, of total solids (extracts). The content of fusel oil should not exceed 0.25 per cent. No artificial color other than that derived from the wood in which it Is stored is admitted in whisky." In order properly to age whisky, and no liquor is entitled to be called whisky unless It has been matured by age, according to this definition, it must be stored for at least four years in a properly warmed and ventilated warehouse. Four years is the minimum recognized in the trade, but Dr. Wiley declares that it is seldom that whisky that is less than six years old is fit to drink. Proper aging, then is an expensive process and one that requires large capital. It Is estimated that less than 25 per cent, of the stuff sold over the average bar, and in many of the high class hotels, too, for that matter, has really been matured by age. Most of the stuff which masquerades a3 whisky Is an artificial product, made by taking cologne spirits, or pure alcohol, known in the trade ob high wines, and adding to It various Ingredients. A little burnt sugar is added to give It the required color, a few drops of fusel oil to give it the "bite" and perhaps, If the "distiller" is more than usually scrupulous, or wishes to turn out a little higher grade article, a small quantity of real whisky is added. By this Is produced an article which Dr. Wiley says "looks like whieky, tastes like whisky, and even analyzes very like whisky, but has a very different effect on the human stomach." As a matter of fact, cologne spirits is a poison, too, not so violent or so quick in action as the wood alcohol which was used by the "Stryker's Farm" saloon-keeper, but quite capable, If its use is persisted In long enough, of accomplishing the oq mo eooulf Various efforts have been made by the distillers of honest whisky to stop the manufacture of this spurious stuff. They are at a manifest disadvantage, In order to produce an eight-year-old whisky they have to distill it honestly from fermented grain mash in the first place and then hold it in storage for eight years. The rectifier as the maker of spurious whisky calls hitqself, can rolll In a dozen barrels of c ologne spirits at the back door, reduce them with water to the required alcoholic strength add the coloring and flavoring matter and in eight hours he can roll two dozen barrels of eight-year-old whisky out of his front door. With him the age is determined solely by the label required by his customer, Curiously enough the government recognizes this traffic. All It requires Is that the product when it leaves the rectifier's premises be labeled "Rectified," but that does not in any way injure its sale. The retailer knows what he is selling and the consumer. If he knows anything about the difference between real and spurious whisky, has no opportunity to examine the label on the barrel. One thing the government has .done U protect the honest distiller. That Is the passage of the "bottling in bond law." Distillers are allowed to bottle their whisky in bonded warehouses under the supervision of government officers and on each bottle there Is placed a green stamp, which is Uncle Barn's guarantee that the contents of the bottle are pure whisky and at lea*t four years old. Of course the fact remains that most four-year-old whisky is not fit to drink, but the date of the label will always tell how long the liquor has been in bottle. There has been a good deal of opposition to this law from a class of merchants known as blenders, many of whom produce good ivhlairtM hv hlpnrUnir reel whiskies of different ageti and characteristics to produce a drink that la smoother and more palatable than a straight whisky might be. By blending a comparatively young whisky ma/ be made to acquire many of the characteristics of an older one. That the adulteration of wines and liquors is not a new thin? Is shown by a curious inquiry recently made by a student of the history of the traffic. That it was a pretty atrlous offense, too, at one time in some of the wineirinking countries Is shown by the old records, for John Ehrnt, who Introduced the practice in Eselngen was beheaded in 1687,?New Ycrk Times. 8T0BY OF 0L0 HICKORY. Allowed a Veteran to Meld His Own Views. The following story quoted from the Washington Post, illustrates Andrew Jackson's character: When Jackson was i>resldent, Major Olbbon, a New Jersey man, was postmaster at Richmond, Va. A delegation from Richmond waited on Jackson to demand the postmaster's place. "Isn't Major Olbbon an old soldier of the RevolutionT' aiked Jackson. "Well, yea" "Anv otuwrwi n era I r Kt his official character?" "No-o. But he stumps up and down the streets of Richmond abusing you and your administration." "Does he?" said Jackson grimly. "Yes. and besides he is an old time Federalist" When the delegation had withdrawn Jackson serl promptly for the auditor of the postofflce department "Mr. Auditor, what tort of an official Is Major Gibbon, postmaster at Richmond?" "A model postmaster. Mr. President." "Any charges against his official Integrity?" "None whatever, sir. His accounts are scrupulously correct, and always rendered on time." The next day the delegation called again. "Gentlemen," said Jackson, "You admitted yesterday that no chcugelies against Postmaster Gibbon's official character or conduct This Is verified by the accounting officer of the treasury. But you dwell on the fact that he vilifies me and openly opposes my politics. For that you would have me turn adrift an elderly man?the man that led the forlorn hope at Stony Point, and left his right leg there. "Such a man, gentlemen, has bought the right to entertain his opinions and speak them, and to abuse me as much as he pleases." ?-? A Vivid Dream. As a result of a peculiarly vivid dream Charles E. S anley, B. A., of Erin villas, Newcastle, County Down, Is suffering from the effects of what appears to be severe l unburn. In relating his almost weird experience he says: "I am 35 years of age, a student, and very pale faced. Having been confined to my rooms In the city of Belfast by severe literary work for some months, I paid a flying visit to Newcastle on Monday last, when the little town was deluged with rain and the sun obscured. -"I remained indoors all the evening reading, and retired to bed about 11 o'clock. During the night I dreamed I was lying on the seashore In a strange locality, and that the sun was shining ? .V. an that I wiin intense urai, k muv.u felt my face and hands actually being burned. In my dream I remember thinking: what a tanned face I would have after lying so long exposed to the glaring sun. "The dream passed away, and in the morning I arose and commenced to shave. What was my astonishment, on looking in the mirror, .to find my face and neck literally tanned dark brown, my nose in a parboiled condition, and the skin broken, my forehead covered with freckles and my hands also tanned brown and freckled. "The experience made me uneasy, and accordingly I spoke to a doctor who was staying in the same house. He said I was badly sunburnt by exposure. I explained I had not been in the sun for a single hour for months, and that I arrived In Newcastle in a deluge of rain, at the same time mentioning my dream. "He was amazed, md said It was the most remarkable case he ever knew, but he believed the force of imagination had in my dream affected the skin and caused the sunburn and freckles. "The doctor asked me to write to the press, as the case is a most remarkable one. I may add I am a total abstainer, and am free from any disease or skin affection."?Dublin Cor. Chicago Inter-Ocean. . ?+ ?