Part 2

The trouble is not yet over for the trusts. You remember about the Investigating Committee appointed to look into the affairs of the different trusts. The members of this committee had a good deal of trouble with the Sugar Trust.

Seven of the most important persons connected with the trust refused to answer the questions asked them by the committee.

Among these men were such prominent persons as Henry O. Havemeyer and John E. Searles, men who are known as Sugar Kings.

The impossibility of getting any information from these witnesses made the work of the committee very difficult; and when the investigations were over, complaints were made against the men who had given the trouble.

One of them, Mr. E.E. Chapman, a stock-broker, was arrested by the United States Marshal, taken to Washington, and tried for contempt.

His offence was that of breaking the law which binds witnesses to give their testimony before Committees of Congress with the same care that they have to exercise before the judges in the courts of law. A witness in a law court who refuses to obey the court is guilty of contempt of court, and can be fined or imprisoned as the court pleases.

Mr. Chapman was found guilty of this misdemeanor, and sentenced to thirty days' imprisonment.

Having disposed of Mr. Chapman's case, the United States District Attorney has sent word that he intends to try the other six refractory witnesses on May 17th. From the printed accounts at the time of the investigation, they all seem to have given as much trouble as they possibly could, and as Mr. Chapman has been found guilty, the chances are that the others will be also, and that the jail of the District of Columbia may contain some distinguished millionaires before the month is out.

If we are to have Investigation Committees, it is just as well that people should learn they are not to be trifled with.

* * * * *

New York has just had a visit from Chief Joseph of the Nez Percés Indians.

Next to the old Sioux warrior, Red Cloud, Chief Joseph is the most prominent Indian alive to-day.

He came to New York at the special request of General Miles, and seemed to be much interested in seeing the sights.

His real business East was in Washington.

He came on from the Indian Reservation in Washington Territory, where he lives with 150 of his tribe, to ask permission to join the main body of the Nez Percés in Idaho.

There are 1,000 of the Nez Percés in Idaho, and it is the dearest wish of the old chief's heart that he, and the remnant of the tribe that is with him, may be allowed to go back and end their days in their old homes.

General Miles secured permission for Chief Joseph to come on to Washington and tell the Government the wishes of his people. He obtained an interview for him with Mr. Bliss, Secretary of the Interior, and also with the Indian Commissioner.

The old chief feels sure that his request will be granted, because, as he proudly says, he has come on himself to make it.

While he was in New York he went to see Buffalo Bill, William Cody, who, as you probably know, was one of the most famous scouts the army ever had, and who has done noble service for his country.

The chief saw the Wild West Show from Colonel Cody's box, and after it was over went to the Indian quarters, and smoked the pipe of peace with the Sioux Indians who travel with Buffalo Bill.

The Sioux have a great admiration for the Nez Percés, and their surprise and pleasure at seeing the chief was unbounded.

The language of the two tribes is very different, but the Indians have a sign language which they all understand, and Chief Joseph and his hosts sat on the mats outside the tepee, and had a long session together, communicating by means of signs.

The chief rode in the Grant parade, taking his place beside Colonel Cody.

* * * * *

King Humbert of Italy had a narrow escape the other day.

He was driving, when a man made a rush at the royal carriage, sprang on the step, and tried to stab the King.

His Majesty happily saw the blow coming, and, rising, struck the man's wrist. The dagger turned, and buried itself in the cushions of the carriage.

There was great confusion for a moment. The crowds which lined the streets rushed forward to the royal carriage; but the King's escort charged them, and drove them back.

The King was very little alarmed, and ordered his coachman to drive on.

The would-be assassin was caught by the soldiers, and proved to be a blacksmith, who is thought to be insane.

The news of the affair reached the palace before the King. When he reached there he was greeted with shouts of welcome, and had to bow again and again to show the people that he was safe and sound.

He appears to have treated the matter very lightly, and is reported to have said to those who congratulated him on his escape:

"Oh, it was only one of the little accidents which happen to people of my profession."

There was the greatest excitement throughout the city of Rome.

A large number of workingmen made their way to the palace, and asked to be permitted to congratulate their sovereign.

Special thanksgiving services were held in the churches, and the entire city gave itself up to rejoicing.

The excitement and enthusiasm must have been very great.

Crowds stood around the royal palace, and both King and Queen were obliged to come out on the balcony to bow to the people, who cheered frantically, and then joined in singing the royal hymn.

A friend of ours witnessed just such a scene as this in England many years ago.

It was just after Queen Victoria had come to the throne.

One day, when she was out driving, a crazy man tried to shoot her.

The people of London were so excited about the matter that they could not be made to believe that the Queen had escaped unhurt.

After her Majesty had bowed from her balcony and shown herself smiling and unhurt, there was still a rumor that she had been wounded; and, fearing some demonstration from the people, the young Queen's advisers thought it best for her to appear in some public place and convince the people of her safety.

It was during the opera season, and it was decided that her Majesty should occupy her box there for a part of the performance.

The house was very crowded; and the opera was half over when Victoria reached her box.

The great singer, Jenny Lind, was singing at the moment of her arrival, and so entranced was the audience with the song, that it did not become aware of her presence, until the singer broke off, silenced the orchestra with a gesture, and walking to the front of the stage, made a low curtsey to the Queen's box, and then lifting up her glorious voice, began to sing the national anthem, "God Save the Queen."

The effect was electrical.

The orchestra took up the strain with her. The chorus rushed on to the stage to join their voices to the hymn. The audience started to its feet, women waved their handkerchiefs and wept with excitement; men shouted and joined their voices to swell the great chorus.

The poor young Queen, whose courage had been tried enough during the day, stood in the front of her box, bowing and smiling, until at last the scene became more than she could bear; then she burst into tears, and had to leave the opera-house.

* * * * *

The Dingley Tariff Bill was reported to the Senate on Tuesday, May 4th.

A great many changes have been made in it by the committee; and a great many more are expected to be made before it passes through the Senate.

Germany is still declaring that, if the Dingley Bill is passed, she will make such a tariff on American goods that our export trade with Germany will be killed.

One of our consuls, however, writes us that there is a very small market for American goods in Germany, and that our trade will not be very greatly damaged if she does carry out her threat.

It seems, from the accounts given, that Germany buys very little from us besides the raw material which she cannot get elsewhere; and so, if she does make a tariff against our goods, it may not make much difference to us.

* * * * *

Word comes from India that the plague is gradually dying out, and it is hoped that the worst is over.

The authorities will continue their care in quarantining people from infected districts, and fumigating all the baggage, but the fear that the plague may reach Europe has pretty well died out.

* * * * *

They make a great deal of use of elephants in India.

You know, of course, that India belongs to England.

The title of Queen Victoria is Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and Empress of India.

England is obliged to keep a great many soldiers in India, and the elephant has gradually become one of the most important factors in the Indian army.

When the British first occupied India, the soldiers used the elephants to work on fortifications, to haul timber, and to do any work that required great strength.

After a while, as they began to understand the creatures better, the army officers gave them more important tasks, until at last an elephant artillery corps was formed.

It is said of the animals in this company that they know as well what to do as the best artillerymen, and will bring their guns in line with the precision of old soldiers.

Their duty is to drag the heavy batteries and the guns of the siege-train, which are extremely large and exceedingly heavy.

The elephants draw them as if they weighed nothing, and march along, keeping steady pace with the soldiers.

These big beasts trample down and demolish any barriers that are in their way, and pull their loads through heavy mire without the slightest effort.

Before the plan of using elephants was adopted, the guns were drawn by bullocks; but one elephant can easily draw a load which it would take thirty bullocks to move. The elephants are very tractable and clever, while the oxen are stupid, ill tempered, and hard to manage.

The elephants, despite their great strength, will not allow themselves to be overloaded.

If they are worked too hard, or made to draw heavier weights than is pleasant to them, they become sulky and will not obey orders. Their drivers, therefore, have to treat them very kindly; and then they will do all that is asked of them.

As soon as they have learned the work that is required of them, they will do it at the word of command.

The British soldiers do not attempt to manage these big beasts themselves. Natives are employed for this task, each elephant having his own special attendant.

These Mahouts, as they are called, feed and care for the elephants, who become very much attached to them, and pine terribly if their keepers are changed.

* * * * *

It is reported that Mr. Henry Havemeyer is trying to build an American Venice in the Great South Bay.

Two years ago he purchased a large tract of marshy land, which he has drained, filled in, and which is now ready to be built on.

He will construct some handsome villas, facing a grand canal, and separated from one another and also from the mainland by various other water-ways.

Mr. Havemeyer's charming idea is not entirely original, however. His Venice already has a very lovely rival in the West.

A charming little village has been built on sandbanks formed by the delta of the St. Clair River, which delta reaches put into Lake St. Clair, about thirty miles from Detroit, Mich.

The houses of this village are all built upon piles, some rising clear out of the lake, some having small yards around them.

A few trees and such flowers as will grow are carefully cultivated by the inhabitants, and add to the charm of the place.

The only means of communication is by boat.

Steamers go down from Detroit at short intervals, many of the business men in that city having their summer homes in this Western Venice.

* * * * *

Spain is going to try to raise more money to carry on the war in Cuba and the Philippine Islands. The Queen Regent has authorized the raising of about $40,000,000 for this purpose, and the Bank of Spain is to undertake the task. The loan is to be secured by the customs duties of Spain.

* * * * *

After more than three months of consideration, the General Treaty of Arbitration with Great Britain was rejected by the Senate on Wednesday, May 5th.

From the moment the Treaty was first proposed it met with great opposition in the Legislature, and many people predicted that the Senate would never ratify it.

The feeling of the public was, however, so strongly in favor of the Treaty, that it was thought it would surely be ratified after certain objectionable clauses were changed.

The Committee on Foreign Relations took the Treaty in hand to make these alterations; and when it was reported back to the Senate, people hoped that it was in a form that would be found acceptable.

This has not proved to be the case.

The Constitution of the United States requires a two-thirds vote for the ratification of a treaty, which of course you understand means that two-thirds of the Senators present must vote for it, or it is lost.

On Wednesday, the 5th, there were sixty-nine present when the vote was called. Forty-three voted for ratification, twenty-six against it.

You will see by this that the Treaty was defeated by only three votes.

When this Treaty was signed at Washington in January, everybody rejoiced. The United States was praised by all Europe for being the first nation to take such an important step in the advancement of peace.

The leading papers declare that, in spite of the rejection of the Treaty by the Senate, the American people are still in favor of it; and that, had the matter been given to the people to decide, the result would have been different.

* * * * *

The war in the East is practically over.

Report says the Greeks have appealed to Europe for help, and are now willing to withdraw from Crete.

It was felt from the first that the struggle between Greece and Turkey would be an unequal one, but the well-known courage of the Greeks, and the righteousness of their cause, made people hope that success would crown their efforts.

Such has not been the case.

Disaster has followed disaster. At the critical moment the Greeks always appear to have lost faith in their leaders, and to have behaved in a disorderly and insubordinate manner.

The retreat from Epirus seems to have been very little better than the flight from Larissa.

From Pharsala, after their fine and determined stand at Velestino, the Greeks again retreated to Dhomoko.

Whether it be from fatigue, want of military training, or lack of proper leaders, the Greeks seem to have been unable to withstand the advances of the enemy.

At the time of writing, it is too soon to say what action the Powers will take in the settlement of Greek affairs. It is only certain that the situation in Europe has been made very much more difficult by the apparent sympathy of the Powers with Turkey.

The success of the Turks will certainly make them more difficult to handle.

There is a rumor that some of the Powers would like to remove King George from the throne of Greece.

An alliance is also spoken of between Russia, Germany, and Austria against England and France.

It would certainly seem as if the troubles in Greece had stirred up so much bad feeling that another and much more serious European war must soon follow.

As for poor little Greece, if she has been obliged to appeal to the Powers for help, she will have to be content with whatever terms they make for her.

It is said that Turkey will not be satisfied unless she gets Thessaly back again, and the boundaries of Turkey are made the same as they were before the Treaty of Berlin.

Some people think that Turkey will not demand the return of Thessaly, but that she will insist that Greece shall pay all the expenses of the war.

It is said that Russia and Germany will support Turkey in her claims.

GENIE H. ROSENFELD.

INVENTION AND DISCOVERY.

Some clever person has thought of a very novel advertising scheme.

It is for use at night, and consists of a sign made entirely of small electric lights, which is sent up into the air and held there by means of balloons.

Advertisers have used the pavements under our feet for their signs, and have disfigured some of our grandest rocks with their Sapolios and their St. Jacob's Oils; pretty nearly everything on the face of the earth has been made to serve their purpose. The heavens have thus far escaped, but this new invention brings them also into line.

If it proves a success the glaring announcements of the bill-boards, which annoy us by day, may be repeated in the sky at night; and the romantic, peaceful heavens will be dotted all over with "H.O. is the Best;" and the obnoxious "Yellow Kid," with a hideous electric toe, will parade among the stars undaunted and unchecked.

This fruit-cutter seems to be a very clever invention.

As you can see from the sketch, it opens like a pair of scissors. Its blades are very sharp, and as it cuts the fruit, the blades pierce right through the flesh until they meet the pit in the center. The curves in the blade catch the stone and hold it fast, while the points and heels of the blades overlap until they have cut entirely through the flesh.

This invention should save a vast amount of time, and be a boon to the good housekeepers who put up preserves, not to mention the young folks of the household who are called in to help.

* * * * *

This sketch shows a folding crate for transporting or housing bicycles.

It is a very ingenious affair, folding tightly up when not in use, and taking up very little more room than an umbrella.

Opened, it looks like an ordinary crate--only made of iron instead of wood.

It has a baseboard to which hinges are attached, and if desired it can stand against the wall to hold the bicycle when not in use.

For packing and transporting it is joined by straps, and would seem to be a very useful invention.

G.H.R.

LETTERS FROM OUR YOUNG FRIENDS.

DEAR EDITOR:

I am a subscriber to THE GREAT ROUND WORLD, and read it with great interest every week. In No. 13 of THE GREAT ROUND WORLD, you published a picture of the iron statue of King Arthur by Fischer. Last summer we stopped for a short time in Innsbruck, and I saw the said statue in the Cathedral of that city.

There was one thing which puzzled me considerably and I know that you will be willing to explain it. Why was the fleur-de-lis placed on the shield supplied to the statue? I can't see what possible connection Arthur could have had with France, for I always thought that the fleur-de-lis was not borne by any British sovereign until after the hundred years' war was begun. Since King Arthur is supposed to have lived in the fifth or sixth century it seems strange to me that he should have been supplied with a shield bearing a device of a so much later period. Since I know nothing of heraldry, I have been much puzzled by this, and would be very grateful for an explanation. I should like to mention three books which I enjoyed so much when I read them that I am sure they would be appreciated by many. They are Miss Yonge's "Dove in the Eagle's Nest," and a "Chaplet of Pearls," and the "Caged Lion."

Wishing THE GREAT ROUND WORLD continued success,

I remain your devoted reader, KATHERINE P. NEW YORK CITY, May 26, 1897.

MY DEAR KATHERINE:

In reference to your question about the fleur-de-lis on King Arthur's shield.

It can have no heraldic meaning whatever, because armorial bearings were not in use in England until long after the Norman Conquest.

The kings and the great barons chose certain devices for their seals; but the same device was not used by the members of a family, nor was it handed from father to son, until armorial bearings came into use.

The use of the fleur-de-lis is not of French origin.

It was used as an ornament on the sceptres, seals, and robes, not only of the French kings, but of Greek, Roman, German, Spanish, and English kings, and was a symbol employed by many noble families in various parts of Europe.

Particular symbols have in all ages been assumed by various families of mankind, civilized and uncivilized, but they have nothing whatever to do with heraldry.

King Arthur was a legendary person, and his story is sung alike by the bards of Wales and the minstrels of France.

According to the Welsh legends he was born in Wales, and went over to Brittany in France, where he fought some of his famous battles.

According to the Breton (French) legends, he was the son of one of the early Britons who fled to France at the time of the Saxons. He was born in Brittany, and with the help of the Bretons went back to England and wrested his kingdom from the Saxon's hands.

The reason for the fleur-de-lis on the shield may therefore be that the sculptor chose to pin his faith to the Breton legend of the hero, and therefore placed the symbol of France on the shield. EDITOR.

The State of Montana has just adopted THE GREAT ROUND WORLD for use in all its public schools.

DEAR MR. EDITOR:

I am very much interested about Crete and Cuba, and I always want to see what THE GREAT ROUND WORLD says about them.

I was interested about Princess Charlotte of Belgium. I hope you will tell us more about her.

I hope that Cuba will gain her liberty, and that Crete will free herself from the rule of Turkey.

I think that King George of Greece is a very nice man, and I hope that he will keep the Powers from interfering with Greece.

The kindergarten for the blind is in Jamaica Plain, very near us, and last week I went to an exhibition there.

Sometimes I visit the kindergarten, and I have often seen the girls knitting and sewing.

Our teacher, Miss Cushman, takes THE GREAT ROUND WORLD. She lends it to the girls who do not take it, and they find out about Crete and Greece. We are studying about the Eastern Question, and your magazine helps us to find what we want. Do you know any more about the big python that was found in Florida, or was it just taken to the Smithsonian Institute?

Will you please send me a "Who? When? What?" Chart?

Your devoted reader, FANNY R.H. (aged 12.) BROOKLINE, MASS.., April 28th, 1897.

DEAR FANNY:

Many thanks for your kind letter. We have heard nothing further about the python. We understood that it was to be stuffed for the Institute.

EDITOR.

DEAR EDITOR:

Will you please publish an account of the phonographic graphophone--its invention, when, and by whom? We have recently had a concert by this wonderful invention, and I am requested to get all the information I can from whatever source I can. THE GREAT ROUND WORLD, which is read every morning in our schoolroom, is so much appreciated by all that I am sure my schoolmates will be pleased to see your reply. I shall be glad to get this information as early as possible.

Very respectfully, LUCY F. BRENT, GA., April 28th, 1897.

MY DEAR LUCY:

The graphophone is an improved phonograph, the cylinder being of hard rubber instead of wax.

The phonograph was invented by Thomas A. Edison in 1877, and improved by him about 1889.

It operates by means of a thin diaphragm set in vibration by the voice or any other sound. It bears a stylus which records the vibration, on a rotating, wax-coated cylinder, in a faint wavy line.

This line is sufficient, however, to guide the stylus over the same course again, and agitate the diaphragm into reproducing waves of sound, similar to those originally recorded.