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[Illustration: STAMPS]
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[Illustration]
POLITICS IN THE LAND OF SHADES.
According to the old Latin idea, people at death take up spiritual
abodes across the River Styx, a fabled spot somewhere, and reached
somehow. Puzzle stories are required to stick to well-settled facts in
chronology and theology no more than was ancient fiction. The following
"true" story pretends to stick closely to neither "ology" mentioned.
Here is the telegraphic (kite line) report, just to hand:
_TO FOLK STILL ON EARTH:_
Did you know there was an election held recently in the Land of Styx?
Your newspapers have been so filled of late with details of your
campaign that the contests in a mystical country have been left
unnoticed. It is left to me to give to you the first news of both
campaign and its results.
It was a three-cornered contest, this late political fight of ours, and
here are the tickets in the field:
A.
For President of the Styx Club, the "Father of Chicago" (1).
For Vice-President of same, the great Egyptian who had his pillar
ornamented with palm-trees (2).
For Trustees, the President of the United States who first suspended the
writ of habeas corpus (3); the man (4) who ordered that Sunday should be
made, in his empire, the Christian Sabbath; the discoverer (5) of the
Ohio River; and the inventor of binary arithmetic (6).
For Chief Engineer of the Styx Fortifications, the architect (7) of the
Great Fire (1666) Monument, London.
For Custodian of Estray Sprites, the founder (8) of the Order of Sisters
of Charity.
B.
For President, the author (9) of the Marseillaise Hymn.
For Vice-President, the leader (10) of that company of Icelanders who
discovered Greenland.
For Trustees, the king (11) who founded the Order of the Garter; the
only United States Senator (12) from California who was ever nominated
for President; the discoverer (13) of Cape Horn; and the inventor (14)
of the panorama.
For Chief Engineer, the inventor (15) of silver mirrors.
For Custodian, the father (16) of ancient moral philosophy.
C.
For President, the first Roman (17) to wear a crown.
For Vice-President, the author (18) of "Hail Columbia."
For Trustees, the President (19) of the United States famous for his
"Kitchen Cabinet"; the queen (20) who said, "We will not have our
prerogatives brought into question"; the father (21) of tractarianism;
and the discoverer (22) of aluminium.
For Chief Engineer, the architect (23) of Trinity Church, Boston.
For Custodian, the man (24) who ran second on the Presidential ticket
with Horatio Seymour in 1868.
The election came off yesterday, and the ticket marked "B" was
successful. To-night there is a grand river parade of rejoicing. At the
head of the parade is the ship (25), building for a German firm, that
has just been launched in Glasgow, and rivals the _Great Eastern_ in
size. Following it are all manner of craft and all sorts of people. Of
the latter are those ancients (26), described by Cæsar, who burned
everything they owned preparatory to migration, not knowing where they
should go to. Behind them came the first permanent base-ball club (27).
But the feature of the unique parade was a great company of people (28)
who first used parasols. And they carried such queer banners!
Three of the banners bore legends. The people, who have little else to
do here, busied themselves all night trying to guess the things
described. Maybe you can do better than we have, for up to this hour we
have guessed but one of them. Here they are:
I (29) am soft and spongy because I haven't had time to dry. Some people
doubt my existence. But that doubt is easily dispelled, for everybody on
earth has seen me many times. I always float and have funny marks on me.
I live in the cold and travel much. Good to eat? Yes,--and no.
I (30) am thin and thick; a liquid and a solid. I am long--very long,
and I am short. I have written epic poems and doggerel rhymes. I have
overturned nations, and carried news of deaths and births. I am several
colors, but most people prefer me black. Everybody uses me.
Millions of dollars have been spent to find me (31). So have many lives.
And yet everybody knows where I am. Fame awaits any man I touch, and yet
I don't exist, and wouldn't be a particle of use to anybody if I did.
Above these words were real birds, perched on cross-arms and carried
high in air. One was the bird (32) that might be expected always to
carry a knife--to stab the candidate, maybe--as the politicians say.
Another was the bird (33) that came from the backwoods. A third (34),
one that would never do for a campaign torch, and a fourth (35), one
that would make a good out-fielder in a base-ball nine if it didn't talk
so much.
As I write you this the cannons boom, the adherents of the great
Frenchman are jubilant, and the sound of his inspiring hymn is
everywhere heard.
* * * * *
In this fanciful story are mentioned some famous people, either persons
or classes, some birds and some other things which you may give the
names of. All are described by a sufficient clue, it may be an act, or a
peculiarity of their names. In sending answers, do not write out the
story. Number names as numbered here, write one below another in the
proper order, and put your name and address at the top of your first
sheet of answers. Mail answers not later than December 27, 1896, to
HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, New York--no street number required--and put in
the lower left-hand corner of your envelope "Puzzle Answer." Correct
answers, with names of winners, will be published in HARPER'S ROUND
TABLE as early after the close of the contest as possible, probably
within about two weeks.
The prizes, which will be awarded by the Messrs. Harper & Brothers,
Publishers, New York, are: $40, divided among the ten best solvers
according to merit. If one solver stands conspicuously ahead of the rest
he or she will be given from $10 to $25, as the comparative excellence
of the answer warrants. Persons of any age may help find the answers,
but only those who have not passed their 18th birthday, and who are
members of households in which HARPER'S ROUND TABLE is regularly read,
may send them in. Merit signifies correctness and neatness, and has no
reference to the solution reaching the office of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE
first in point of time. Elaborate decoration of answers is not
encouraged. Use common stationery, note size, and do not roll. Write on
one side of the paper only. Everything comes to those who--try!
* * * * *
Much the Cleverest Yet.
The cleverest amateur journal the TABLE ever saw--and it has seen a
great many--is _Ye Jester_. The last issue, a "Bicycle Number," is full
of fun and pictures Here is one example:
HIS DEFINITION.
"Say, Denny, phat do thim letters mane, 'L.A.W.', on thot bike-mon's
coat?"
"'Long Av Wind,' ye ignoramus."
Here is another:
MOTHER GOOSE UP TO DATE.
"Pussy-cat, pussy-cat, where have you been?"
"Out on my bicycle taking a spin."
"Pussy-cat, pussy-cat, what saw you there?"
"Some stones in the roadway--myself in the air!"
In pictures there is, 1. A scorcher. 2. He meets a bull. 3. "But I
didn't learn to break broncos for nothing"--and the bull is throwing the
scorcher over its head and over a ravine, in fine style. 4. "Sorry I
can't help you, Mr. Bull, over the ravine too. Good-day."
Another very clever picture is of a bicycle-dealer who painted his sign
each side of a window. The sign aims to attract customers of course. It
happened that when the dealer threw back his window shutters they
covered all save a few letters on each outer edge of the sign. And they
read,
I AM A FAKIR.
The dealer sits in the window and wonders why no one comes.
What adds greatly to the attractiveness of _Ye Jester_ is the fact that
it is not set up in type and printed, but is written on a mimeograph or
some similar machine, and then printed in red and blue. The drawings are
clever, and the whole publication so far above the usual grade of
amateurs that all lovers of play journalism ought to see what a high
standard has been attained in this year of N.A.P.A. grace. Its address
is 31 New York Avenue, Brooklyn; single copies are five cents. It is
published by the Avalonia Chapter, No. 792.
[Illustration: STAMPS]
This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin
collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question
on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address
Editor Stamp Department.
Through some misunderstanding I published in this column the name of a
gentleman in New Zealand as desiring to exchange stamps. I have just
received the following letter from him:
DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND,
_October_ 10, 1896.
Messrs. HARPER BROTHERS, Publishers, New York:
GENTLEMEN,--If you send me a set of Columbian issue, will forgive
you for inserting the fact of my being a stamp fiend; as it is, I
am simply inundated with applications for exchange of stamps. Your
paper must be extensively read, as I am quite unable to answer half
my correspondents--the postage alone would ruin an ordinary mortal.
Please apologize for me, and state post-office cannot supply me
with stamps required to answer so many anxious inquirers.
Yours truly,
C. H. OSMOND.
The collection of Plate Nos. continues to grow, and true values are
gradually being ascertained. Some of the Nos. which were formerly quoted
at high prices have fallen seventy-five per cent. On the other hand,
Nos. formerly low in price have advanced in a corresponding ratio. Three
months ago I called attention in this column to the fact that 9000 full
sheets having 72,000 Plate Marks of No. 89 had been printed. Several
copies of this No. have turned up in small Western post-offices, and the
finders obtained $50 each. The last copies to come into the market came
from Shanghai, China. The U. S. post-office in that port had a large
number of No. 89 sheets, but most of them were used up for postage
before their value as Plate Nos. was known. The same thing happened at
Shanghai with one of the early 5c. sheets. Almost all the sheets printed
in Washington of this No. were sent to Shanghai, and a very few copies
only were preserved.
E. R. THOMAS.--The Revenue stamps mentioned are worth from 1c. to
5c. each. The 5c. 1861 is worth 35c. The earlier issues are worth
much more.
CYNTHIA A. HOGE.--Apply to any stamp-dealer for catalogue.
A. LOHRMAN.--I cannot quote values on long list of common stamps.
You can buy 2000 varieties of stamps for $35 or $40, or 1000 stamps
for $10. This last is just 1c. each, and would form the basis of a
very good collection for a beginner.
J. J. PARKER.--The dies for the 1869 issue, as first prepared, had
the numerals of value quite small. Before any of the stamps were
sold, it was determined to make the numerals larger. The complete
set from 1c. to 90c. is known with small numerals, and blocks of
them were comparatively common twenty-five years ago. Strictly
speaking, they are essays, but doubtless would go through the
post-office to-day. A few weeks ago a block of four 2c. small
numerals were shown at the Collectors Club. They were sold for $40,
but have changed hands several times at advanced prices.
F. X. RUSH.--The best way to sell great rarities is by auction. For
good scarce stamps worth from $5 to $25, the exchange sheets of one
of the large city societies is a very good way of selling; but to
avail yourself of that means you would have to join the society, as
none but members have that privilege. For ordinary good stamps the
A.P.A. exchange department is very good. That also is limited to
members, but the cost of membership is only $1.80 per year. At the
last reports the A.P.A. had over 1000 members.
R. STARKE.--From your description I should say you have the
ordinary 1871 issue of Tasmania, as all stamps from 1871 to date
have the water-mark T. A. S.
A. W. DE ROADE.--The $2, $3, $4, and $5 Columbian stamps, unused,
are turning up in great quantities lately, and have been sold at
ten per cent. discount. The $2 stamp is advertised for sale in
single copies at $1.75. The present issue dollar values have no
premium, as they can be bought at any large post-office at face.
PHILATUS.
[Illustration: IVORY SOAP]
Her graceful presence, everywhere
Suggests the fragrance, faint and rare
With which the sweetest flowers allure:
To such a dainty gown and face
The touch of soap seems out of place--
Save Ivory, which itself is pure.
Copyright, 1896, by The Procter & Gamble Co., Cin'ti.
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JUST PUBLISHED
THE BOUND VOLUME OF
HARPER'S ROUND TABLE
FOR 1896
Volume XVII. With 1276 Pages and about 1500 Illustrations. 4to, Cloth,
Ornamental, $3.50.
This unusually attractive volume contains three long serial stories
for boys, by James Barnes, Kirk Munroe, and Molly Elliot Seawell,
besides many shorter stories by other popular writers.
Modern Outdoor Life is very fully treated, some one hundred and
fifty pages being devoted to subjects of that nature, and in
addition there is an important series of articles illustrated by
instantaneous photographs on the different athletic sports.
A few of the other features of this volume are the interesting
papers by Mrs. Lew. Wallace on The Tower of London, and the twelve
articles by Mrs. Emma J. Grey, on getting up entertainments for
young people. Each article describes amusements suitable for one
month in the year. Cyrus C. Adams contributes a series upon
different interesting subjects connected with recent African
explorations.
* * * * *
Of the previous bound volume of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, the _N. Y.
Sun_ said: "There is nothing, we imagine, that the young reader
would be likely to prize more."
* * * * *
READY DECEMBER 10
A VIRGINIA CAVALIER
By MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental,
$1.50.
Miss Seawell was born within a few miles of the birthplace of
Washington, and both from her knowledge of Virginia life and from
facilities which have been afforded to her alone she has been able
to gather what little knowledge can be secured concerning the
incidents of his boyhood. The story, however, should not be thought
of as a history, for, while the incidents are founded upon fact,
the book itself is historic fiction, with the Father of his Country
as its hero. The book ends with the early fights with the Indians,
in which Washington took part during his Western trips, and
includes his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Virginia
troops at the age of twenty-two years.
* * * * *
HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York
[Illustration]
A DILEMMA.
WHEN TACKLER TRIED TO BLOW THE BALL--PERHAPS 'TWAS BUT A WHIM--
HE DIDN'T DARE LET UP AT ALL, LEST IT SHOULD BLOW UP HIM.
* * * * *
An amusing story comes from India. It concerns a distinguished officer
who was constantly embracing some new hobby, much to the disgust of his
brother officers, and to the annoyance of the soldiers on whom the
hobbies frequently involved extra duty. His latest fad was amateur
gardening. One day he was strolling past the officers' quarters, when he
saw a couple of soldiers busily raking a lot of gravel-stones over a
patch of earth.
"Ah, men, I'm glad to see you taking an interest in gardening. It's a
very nice occupation."
One of the men, not knowing him by sight, replied: "Nice, is it? Umph!
That's all you know. We wouldn't be hiding this earth with gravel if we
didn't have an old fool of a General that's mad on gardening. Here we
are scraping these stones about in case he should pass this way and want
to grow cabbages on the bit of earth underneath."
* * * * *
Here is an enjoyable little bit of history that has descended to us. It
seems that some hundred and fifty years ago the natives of one of the
Scilly Islands boasted a library which consisted of but one book. It was
the pride and delight of the people, and went from hand to hand until
its pages, from perpetual thumbing and handling, grew utterly worthless.
This alarmed the proud natives, and a meeting of the dignitaries was
held to decide upon the purchase of a new library, this time of more
than one book. Long and loud they argued, and the matter was nearly
approaching a disastrous crisis when a deputation of townspeople,
desiring to have a voice in the matter, waited upon the dignitaries.
Again the discussion waxed furious, and the ultimate result was the
following resolution:
_Resolved._ On the next fine day, weather permitting communication with
the mainland, an order be transmitted to Penzance for another copy of
_History of Doctor Faustus_.
Then the meeting joyously broke up.
* * * * *
THE WEATHER.
The snow comes down from the sky in flakes,
The rain comes down in drops,
The sunshine comes in beams, and makes
The earth yield bountiful crops.
* * * * *
A DAINTY SPRING FLOWER.
"The flowers that bloom in the spring," or any other season, for that
matter, we find, by an English magazine, are not all suitable for
boutonnières. The following is a description of the _Rafflesia arnoldi_,
named by the discoverer, Dr. Arnold, found on the island of Sumatra, in
1818. The circumference, we are told, of the full expanded flower is
nine feet, its nectarium calculated to hold nine pints; the pistils are
as large as a cow's horns, and the entire weight of the flower is
computed to be over fifteen pounds.
* * * * *
[Illustration]
REASSURING.
"OH, DON'T GO SO FAR OUT, BOYS; I'M AFRAID THE ICE IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH
TO HOLD US!"
"WELL, THE WATER IS NOT DEEP, NELL. THIS IS JUST ABOUT WHERE CARRIE FELL
THROUGH LAST WINTER, AND SHE ONLY WENT IN UP TO HER CHIN,--AND YOU ARE
HALF A FOOT TALLER THAN SHE!"
End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, December 8, 1896, by Various