length of 6,450 miles; also, the old French cable, which is 3,329
miles long; the direct United States cable from Ireland, 2,360
miles; the new French cables, 3,461 miles, and the Brazilian cable,
extending from Portugal to Brazil.
DISCOVERY OF ELECTRIC LIGHT.
STEWARTSVILLE, Mo.
Who first produced electric light?
J. C. ADAMS.
_Answer._—It is uncertain when electric light was first produced by
artificial agencies. The first successful display occurred in 1810,
when Sir Humphrey Davy with a battery of 2,000 elements entertained
the Royal Institution by producing an electric light with an arc
three inches long between carbon points.
ALTITUDES OF WESTERN CITIES.
EVERGREEN, Neb.
What are the altitudes of Buffalo, Chicago, Des Moines, St. Paul,
Yankton, Omaha, and Fort Kearney?
MANY WESTERN READERS.
_Answer._—The city of Buffalo, N. Y., is elevated above the sea
level about 580 feet; Chicago about 690 feet. The average altitude
of the State of Iowa is about 1,000 feet, varying from 445 feet at
the mouth of the Des Moines River to 1,650 feet at Spirit Lake. The
average elevation of Minnesota is about 1,000 feet. The eastern part
of Dakota is 1,000 feet above the sea level, the central and northern
parts are about 2,500 feet, while in the Black Hills the mountains
reach the height of 7,000 feet. Omaha is 1,046 feet above the sea
level, and Fort Kearney 1,247 feet.
DESCENDANTS OF POCAHONTAS.
SILOAM, Ark.
Name some of the descendants of Pocahontas.
A READER.
_Answer._—Among them are the Randolphs and Bollands, of Virginia;
John Randolph, of Roanoke, the associate of Thomas Jefferson,
Madison, Monroe, John Adams, and other fathers of the Republic was
the most distinguished of these.
366 REVOLUTIONS IN A YEAR.
LAKEVILLE, Ind.
How many rotations does the earth make in a year?
C. A. B.
_Answer._—The earth makes 366 rotations in the 365 days composing
the year. This is a necessary condition of its making one complete
revolution around the sun in a year.
WHEN THE FOUR GOSPELS WERE WRITTEN.
EXIRA, Iowa.
When were the four gospels written?
J. A. HALLOCK.
_Answer._—The time when each of the gospels was written is not
positively known. Matthew and Luke are generally conceded to have
been written between A. D. 58 and A. D. 60. Mark was written after
A. D. 62. It is thought that John was written about A. D. 78; but
Biblical critics are not agreed on these matters.
A RAILROAD COMPROMISE.
LOCKPORT, N.Y.
Is it true, as reported, that the Northern Pacific Railroad has
secured control of the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railroad
by the purchase of the latter’s stock?
W. T. RANSOM.
_Answer._—No. The two roads recently came to an agreement not to
encroach on what they are pleased to call each other’s territory.
They also purchased of each other such branch lines as they had
begun which seemed to be at variance with this understanding as to
territory.
ORIGIN OF THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT.
MARION, Ind.
Please give a brief history of the temperance movements in this
country.
SAMUEL C. ZOMBRO.
_Answer._—The total abstinence societies of to-day are the outgrowth
of the old temperate or moderate drinking societies of England and
America. About 400 years ago an association was formed, the members
of which pledged themselves not to drink more than a specified
quantity of alcoholic liquors each day. A society somewhat similar
was inaugurated in Germany in 1600 called “The Order of Temperance,”
whose members were pledged never to become intoxicated and to that
end never to imbibe more than fourteen cups of wine per day. In
America, also, there were moderate drinkers’ organizations. In 1820 a
society was formed in New Jersey, the members of which agreed never
to drink more than one-half pint of rum or whisky per day. The first
total abstinence movement of any importance in this country began
in Saratoga County, New York, prompted by the Temperance Society of
Moreau and Northumberland.
Forty-three persons signed an agreement not to drink “rum, gin,
whisky, wine, or any distilled spirits or compositions of the same,
or any of them, except by the advice of a physician, or in case of
actual disease, also excepting wine at public dinners, under penalty
of 25 cents.” In 1813, The Massachusetts Society for the Suppression
of Intemperance was formed, but owing to the laxity of its rules it
was not very efficient. The American Society for the Promotion of
Temperance was inaugurated in Boston in February, 1826, and rapidly
grew into an extensive organization, having increased in three years
to 11 State associations and 1,000 local societies. About this
time the name tee-total came into use, having originated from the
vain attempt of a stuttering reformed Englishman to pronounce the
word “total.” In 1840 the Washingtonian Society was formed by six
drunkards in the city of Baltimore, who resolved to avoid their cups
and reform their associates. In five years its pledge had been signed
by 650,000 persons, most of whom had been tipplers or downright
drunkards. Other societies were soon formed; the Sons of Temperance
in New York, in 1842; the Order of Templars of Honor and Temperance
in 1845; and the Good Templars in 1851. Since the war many local
societies have been formed, and the Murphy movement has extended all
over the country.
NEW YORK ELEVATED RAILWAYS.
TAOPI, Minn.
Please give a short description of the New York elevated railroads.
M. H. MILLER.
_Answer._—The demand of the people living in the outskirts of
New York City for more rapid transit than that furnished by the
horse cars began to be answered in 1868, when an elevated railway
extending a half-mile was constructed on Greenwich street as an
experiment. Three years later the West Side Elevated Railroad Company
obtained a charter, but before much could be accomplished it sold
its rights to the New York Elevated Railroad Company, in 1872. The
new organization proceeded rapidly to erect its roads, extending
from the heart of the city to the suburbs. In December, 1879, its
rolling stock consisted of 131 locomotives, 292 passenger cars,
and 8 service cars. The road was leased to the Manhattan Railway
Company in May, 1879. The Metropolitan Elevated Railroad was first
called the Gilbert Elevated Railroad, in honor of its projector, Dr.
Rufus H. Gilbert. Although the company obtained its charter in 1872,
work was not commenced until March, 1876. In two years it expended
$10.-300,000 in constructing its lines. In 1879 the road with its
rolling stock, consisting of fifty-six locomotives, 180 passenger
cars, and two freight cars, was leased to the Manhattan Elevated
Railroad Company, which now has a complete monopoly of the elevated
railroads of New York. The tracks of the Metropolitan are supported
on two rows of columns connected with each other at the top by strong
lattice-girders. The rails weigh fifty-six pounds per yard, and rest
upon yellow-pine cross-ties, 6 x 7 inches by 8⅜ feet long, separated
two feet apart. The engines weigh fifteen tons, and are capable of
a speed of forty miles an hour. The stations are about one-half
mile apart. The New York Elevated Railroad consists of a single row
of columns, supporting a lighter tramway than the Metropolitan.
Although at first this system of railways met with considerable
opposition, the people of New York now recognize that its convenience
far outbalances its unsightliness, noise, and other disagreeable
concomitants.
PAUL PRY.
CHICAGO, Ill.
Who was the author of Paul Pry and who was the original of the
character?
INQUIRER.
_Answer._—The author was John Poole, an English dramatist, born in
1785. He was remarkably successful in the production of light drama,
including some roaring farces, of which the most conspicuous was
“Paul Pry;” “Hamlet Travestie,” with burlesque annotations; “Deaf as
a Post;” “Turning the Tables,” and “The Wife’s Stratagem,” adapted
from Shirley. It was long believed that Thomas Hill, the eccentric
editor of the _Dramatic Mirror_, was the original of Poole’s Paul
Pry, but Poole himself contradicts this notion in a biographical
sketch of himself that appeared a few years before his death, which
occurred in London, Feb. 5, 1872. In this sketch he says: “The
character of Paul Pry was suggested by the following anecdote,
related to me several years ago by a beloved friend: An idle old
lady, living in a narrow street, had passed so much of her time in
watching the affairs of her neighbors that she at length knew the
sound of each particular knocker within hearing, and could tell to
which house it belonged. It happened that she fell ill, and was
for several days confined to her bed. Unable to observe in person
what was going on outside, she stationed her maid at the window as
her substitute for the performance of that task. But Betty soon
grew weary of the occupation; she became careless in her reports,
impatient and tetchy when reprimanded for her negligence. ‘Betty,
what are you thinking about? Don’t you hear a double knock at No.
9? Who is it?’ ‘The first floor lodger, ma’am.’ ‘Betty! Betty! I
declare I must give you warning. Why don’t you tell me what that
knock is at No. 24?’ ‘Why, Lord, ma’am, it is only the baker with
pies.’ ‘_Pies!_ Betty? What _can_ they want with pies at No. 24? They
had pies yesterday!’ Of this very point I have availed myself. Let
me add that Paul Pry was never intended as the representative of any
one individual, but of a class. Like the melancholy of Jacques, he
‘is compounded of many samples,’ and I could mention five or six who
were unconscious contributors to the character. That it should have
been so often, though erroneously, supposed to have been drawn after
some particular person is perhaps complimentary to the general truth
of the delineation. With respect to the play generally, I may say
that it is original; it is original in structure, plot, character,
and dialogue—such as they are. The only imitation I am aware of is
to be found in part of the business in which Mrs. Subtle is engaged;
while writing those scenes I had strongly in my recollection Collin
d’Harleville’s ‘Vieux Celibataire.’ But even the little I have
adopted is considerably altered and modified by the necessity of
adapting it to the exigencies of a different plot.”
THE VOTE LAST NOVEMBER.
BELOIT, Wis.
What was the number of votes cast for the different parties in each
of the States in the November election?
W. W. LLOYD.
_Answer._—The following table, though liable to a few changes, is
substantially correct:
————————————————+——————————+——————————+—————————+——————————
| Rep. | Dem. | Gbk. | Scat’g.
————————————————+——————————+——————————+—————————+——————————
California | 67,173 | 90,695 | |
Colorado | 27,552 | 29,897 | |
Connecticut | 54,853 | 59,014 | 697 | [1]1,034
Delaware | 10,098 | 12,053 | |
Florida | 20,139 | 24,067 | | [5]3,553
Illinois | 254,551 | 249,067 | 15,520 | [1]16,344
Indiana | 210,234 | 220,918 | 13,520 |
Iowa | 149,051 | 112,180 | 30,817 |
Kansas | 75,158 | 83,237 | 20,933 |
Louisiana | 33,953 | 49,892 | |
Maryland | 74,515 | 80,725 | 1,833 |
Massachusetts | 119,997 | 133,946 | | [1]2,137
Michigan | 149,697 | 154,259 | 5,854 | [1]1,114
Minnesota | 92,802 | 46,653 | 3,781 | [1]1,545
Mississippi | 20,553 | 48,159 | | [5]9,729
Missouri | 128,239 | 198,620 | 33,407 |
Nebraska | 43,495 | 28,562 | 16,991 |
Nevada | 6,462 | 7,720 | |
New Hampshire | 41,111 | 36,091 | |
New Jersey | 97,869 | 99,962 | 6,063 | [1]943
New York | 342,464 | 535,318 | 11,974 | [1]25,783
North Carolina | | 111,763 | |[2]111,320
Pennsylvania | 315,589 | 355,791 | 23,996 |[3]43,743
South Carolina | | 67,158 | 17,719 |
Tennessee | 91,693 | 119,297 | 9,538 | [4]4,632
Texas | 27,625 | 164,087 | 41,126 |[5]12,160
Virginia | 4,342 | 94,184 | |[6]99,992
Wisconsin | 94,606 | 103,630 | 2,496 |[1]13,800
+——————————+——————————+—————————+——————————
Total |2,553,821 |3,315,955 | 256,265 |
————————————————+——————————+——————————+—————————+——————————
To obtain a correct estimate of the Prohibition vote there should be
added to the above amounts the Republican vote of Kansas, 4,398 votes
cast in favor of a prohibition amendment in North Carolina, and 5,196
votes for prohibition candidates in Pennsylvania, which would swell
the number to 141,328.
NATIVITIES OF CHICAGOANS AND NEW YORKERS.
ROCKFORD, Ill.
Which has the larger ratio of foreign population, Chicago or New
York, and of what elements is the foreign population of these
cities composed?
AN OLD SUBSCRIBER.
_Answer._—The foreign population of New York City, according to the
last census, constituted a little over 38 per cent of the whole;
the foreign population of Chicago was 40 per cent of the whole. Of
the foreign population of New York 198,595 were natives of Ireland,
153,482 of Germany, 23,767 of England, 8,683 of Scotland, and 929 of
Wales, 12,223 of Italy, 9,910 of France, 9,020 of Poland. 8,093 of
Bohemia, 7,024 of British America, 4,743 of Austria, 4,551 of Russia,
4,545 of Switzerland, 4,101 of Hungary, 3,194 of Sweden, 1,860 of
Holland, 1,644 of Cuba, 87 of Africa, 119 of Asia, 175 of Australia,
556 of Belgium, 747 of China. 1,096 of Denmark, 69 of Greece, 7
of Greenland, 20 of Japan, 100, of Luxemburg, 132 of Mexico, 893
of Norway, 66 of Portugal, 59 of Sandwich Islands, 427 of South
American Islands, 667 of Spain, 77 of Turkey, 814 of West Indies,
exclusive of Cuba; 17 of Central America, 35 of Atlantic Islands,
62 of Europe, nationality not given; 93 born at sea. Of the foreign
population of Chicago, 44,411 were natives of Ireland, 32,919 of
Prussia, 29,249 of other German States, 13,265 of Canada, 13,045 of
England, 12,930 of Sweden, 11,887 of Bohemia, 9,783 of Norway, 5,536
of Poland, 4,152 of Scotland, 2,626 of Bavaria, 2,556 of Denmark,
2,145 of Baden, 2,045 of Holland, 1,356 of Austria, 1,590 of France,
1,919 of Hanover, 1,357 of Italy, 1,923 of Mechlenburg, 1,612 of
Saxony, 1,459 of Switzerland, 1,408 of Wurtemburg, 484 of Belgium,
408 of Hamburg, 739 of Hessen, 300 of Hungary, 358 of Luxemburg, 235
of New Brunswick, 243 of Nova Scotia, 722 of Wales, 921 of Russia,
110 of Nassau, 258 of China, 107 of Australasia, 48 born at sea, 41
of South America, 61 of Spain, 59 of West Indies, 87 of Newfoundland,
81 of Oldenburg, 44 of Brunswick, 44 of Great Britain, what part not
stated; 330 of countries not specified.
SLAVERY IN CUBA.
GRAPELAND, Texas.
What is the condition of slavery in Cuba, and in what time will
emancipation be complete?
SUBSCRIBER.
_Answer._—According to a Cuban law, passed by the Spanish Cortes in
1870, all persons who should be born after June 23, 1870, and all
who should attain the age of 60, should be free after June 23, 1870.
This enactment, however, was evaded to a considerable extent. The
plantations were supplied not only with negro but also with Chinese
coolies, who were subjected to even greater servitude. In November,
1879, a new bill was passed by the Spanish Cortes, which provided
that all slaves from 55 upward should become free; that slaves
from 50 to 55 should be liberated Sept. 17, 1880; from 45 to 50,
September, 1882; from 40 to 45, in 1884; from 35 to 40, in 1886; from
30 to 35, in 1888, and those under 30 in 1890. The bill also provided
that the sum of 100,000 piastres should be set apart annually for
defraying the expenses of the emancipation, the owner to receive 350
piastres for each slave. This bill has gone into effect and is being
generally observed, although there is still some complaint of its
violation.
WASHINGTON TERRITORY.
MANSON, Iowa.
Please give a few facts concerning the climate, soil, and products
of Washington Territory.
W. CLEVELAND.
_Answer._—The Cascade range of mountains extends north and south
through Washington Territory, dividing it into two unequal parts,
which differ somewhat as to their climate and soil. West of the
mountains the climate is very moderate. The inhabitants do not
suffer either from extreme heat or extreme cold, the annual range
of the thermometer being from zero to 85 degrees. The rainy season
lasts three months in winter, during which the inhabitants suffer
no great discomfort. The soil on the river bottoms is a very rich
alluvium. The uplands have a clay loam, but considerable tracts
are sandy soil. About Puget Sound forests of fir and cedar extend
up to the summits of the mountains, while in the river bottoms may
be found the vine-maple, alder, and crab tree. Grain of all kinds,
nutritious grasses, hops, fruit, and vegetables grow abundantly.
East of the Cascades the climate is a little drier, and the summer
and winter heat a little more extreme. The soil is whiter than
that of the Mississippi Valley, being highly charged with alkaline
deposits. Herding now is the chief occupation of the settlers, though
it is expected that when the Northern Pacific Railway is completed
agriculture will become more prominent. Fruitful orchards, surrounded
by fields of wheat, oats, barley, and rye are not at all uncommon.
SACRAMENTO AND SAN JOAQUIN VALLEYS.
EDGINGTON, Ill.
Please give a description of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys
of California.
A READER.
_Answer._—Between the Coast Ranges and the Sierra Nevada lie the
beautiful valleys of the Sacramento and San Joaquin, named from
the rivers which drain them. The climate of the country is very
uniform, the mean summer temperature of San Francisco, on the bay
into which these rivers empty, being 60 degrees, and that of winter
51 degrees. The rainy season commences in November and continues
until April, during which period, however, but little inconvenience
is occasioned. The dry season is such that crops readily mature and
may be harvested, threshed, and sent to market without being placed
under shelter. The soil is very productive, and, unless the rain
fails in its season, yields abundantly. The grasses are numerous and
nutritious. Wheat, oats, corn, and other cereals are grown quite
extensively. But in many portions of the valley the most lucrative
business is the cultivation of orchards and vineyards. Grapes,
apples, pears, plums, and in the southern part apricots, oranges, and
other tropical fruits grow in abundance. On the verdant slopes of
the mountains sheep-grazing is carried on on a large scale. Although
these valleys offer many inducements to settlers, land may still be
obtained in some places at moderate prices.
EX-GOVERNOR THROOP, OF NEW YORK.
BUCKLIN, Mo.
Please give a sketch of the late ex-Governor Throop, of New York.
F. M. BEERS.
_Answer._—Enos Thompson Throop, at one time very prominent in
politics, was born at Johnstown, N. Y., Aug. 21, 1784. Choosing law
as his profession, he was admitted to the bar in 1806 and began
practice at Auburn. He early established an enviable reputation,
and in 1814 was chosen to represent his district in Congress. He
was afterward appointed by Governor Yates Circuit Judge of the
Seventh District. In 1828 he was elected Lieutenant Governor, along
with Governor Van Buren, and when the latter accepted a position in
Jackson’s Cabinet he succeeded him. In 1830 he was re-elected, but in
1832 declined a third term. He soon after removed to Michigan, where
he again became prominent in political affairs. As age, however,
came upon him his health failed and he returned again to his native
State. He died in his 91st year at Willow Brook, N.Y., on the shore
of Owasco Lake.
CLOCKS AND NOON-MARKS.
DANVERS, Ill.
How many correct noon-marks can be made during a year?
H. M. VALENTINE.
_Answer._—Four correct “noon-marks” are made in a year, on the
following days: Dec. 24, April 15, June 14, and Sept. 1. Owing to
the inclination of the earth’s axis and its unequal movement in
its orbit, solar days vary in their length. The average solar day
corresponds to the twenty-four hours of our clocks, which keep what
is called mean time. If a clock were so constructed as to give the
real solar time for all periods of the year, it would be observed
that sometimes when the solar clock pointed at noon, the ordinary
clock, keeping mean time, would be pointing at figures between 11:45
and 12, or at other times between 12 and 12:15. Four times each year,
however, upon the days mentioned, the two clocks would coincide, and
the shadow of a dial, or noon-mark, would point due south at noon by
the clock.
THE FATHER OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY.
BEDFORD, Iowa.
Please give a short sketch of Henry Bergh, so long the President of
the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
FRANK ATKINSON.
_Answer._—Henry Bergh, the philanthropist, was born in New York,
in 1823. He received his education at Columbia College, where he
manifested a considerable love for literature. He afterward obtained
some notoriety as an author by writing a drama entitled “Love’s
Attractions,” a poem entitled “Married Off,” and several tales and
sketches. In 1863 he was made Secretary of the United States Legation
to Russia, and subsequently Vice Consul. Returning to this country,
he founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, which was incorporated in 1866. This association has grown
into considerable magnitude, having branches in most of the States
and receiving the support of the best citizens. The society endeavors
to prevent cruelty to all kinds of animals by securing the passage
and enforcement of laws to accomplish that object. It also takes into
consideration things which pertain to the health of the people, such
as purity of meat, milk, etc. As a minor illustration of its good
work, a few years ago sportsmen were accustomed to shoot pigeons
at shooting matches; but by an effort of the Humane Society glass
balls have been substituted. Mr. Bergh continues to preside over the
association.
WEATHER SIGNS.
AURORA, Ill.
Now that Vennor and the Signal Service, or “Old Probabilities,” are
engrossing so much of the public attention, we are in danger of
forgetting the old weather proverbs. Cannot Our Curiosity Shop call
to mind a few of these, and let its readers test them alongside of
the prognostications of Tice, Vennor & Co.
CONSTANT READER.
_Answer._—The editor of Our Curiosity Shop is neither a prophet
nor the son of a prophet. The best he can do to meet this demand
is to give the following quotations from a lecture on “Weather
Prognostics”, delivered by Mr. William Marriott, before the
Meteorological Society of England:
When round the moon there is a brugh (halo),
The weather will be cold and rough.
When the sun goes pale to bed,
’Twill rain to-morrow, it is said.
When the clouds are upon the hills,
They come down by the mills.
Mackerel sky and mares’ tails
Make lofty ships carry low sails.
When the wind veers against the sun,
Trust it not, for back it will run.
When the wind is in the south,
It is in the rain’s mouth.
When the mist creeps up the hill,
Fisher, out and try your skill.
If larks fly high and sing long, expect fine weather.
When sea-birds fly out early and far to seaward, moderate winds and
fair weather may be expected.
If rooks go far abroad, it will be fine.
Cranes soaring along and quietly in the air foreshow fair weather.
If kites fly high, fine weather is at hand.
Wild geese, wild geese, ganging out to sea,
Good weather it will be.
When owls whoop much at night, expect fair weather.
Bats or flying mice, coming out of their holes quickly after sunset,
and sporting themselves in the open air, premonstrate fair and calm
weather.
Chickweed expands its leaves boldly and fully when fine weather is to
follow.
White mist in winter indicates frost.
When fires burn faster than usual and with a blue flame, frosty
weather may be expected.
In winter, when the sound of the breakers on the shore is unusually
distinct, frost is indicated.
Clear moon,
Frost soon.
In winter, when the moon’s horns are sharp and well-defined, frost is
expected.
If the wind is northeast three days without rain
Eight days will pass before south wind again.
If wind follow sun’s course, expect fair weather.
All the above prognostics, it may be remarked, are in strict
accordance with scientific observation.
FIRST MICHIGAN STATE ELECTION.
GREENVILLE, Wis.
When did the first State election occur in Michigan?
J. H. STANLEY.