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Pledged but to Truth* to Liberty «nd Law| No Favors Win u» »nd no Pear Shall At VOL. 17. M'HENRY, ILLINOIS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1892 NO. 40 ^liiiiealw. PVBUSHSD KTKKT WEDlfSSDAT BT . V A S T S L T K B i * KOITOB AND PBOPHIKTOB. ill BtshQ>|^8 Bloel^ --OWOtlTl PlSHT A ^ TERM* OF 8UB30EIPTI0H. OM Tft»r (In Advsaee) -- ... $LM If Not Paid within Three Montbs...... .. 100 Subscriptions received for three or eix months In the same proportion. Kates of Advertising. We anmeunce liberal rates for advertising n the Plainobalbb, and endeavor to state hem so plainly that they will be readily un- er stood. They areas follows: 1 Inch one year . • BOO 2 Inches one year • . >1000 S I n c h e s o n e y e a r - . . . . I S 0 0 V Column one year . • . • . 30 00 X Column one year. . . . » 60 00 Column one year * . - . • 100 00 One inch means iSe^5e»w^e«eii¥-ef one lneh down the column, single column width. Yearly advertisers, at the above rates, have the privilege of changing as often as they choose, without extra charge. Regular advertisers (meaning those having standing cards) will be entitled to insertion of local aoti«es at- the rata of 5 cents per line ss.ch wsoSe. Al! others s"lll be charged 10 cents per line the first week, and 5 oents per line for eaoh subsequent week. Transient advertisements will be charged at thfi ratio. jo p# line. (Etoop&rsS! type, same ae this is set in) the first issue, and 5 oents per line for subsequent Issues. Thus, an inch advertisement will ooat $1.00 for one week, $1.50 for two weeks, |L00 for three weeks, and so on. The Pt,AiWDRALBK will be liberal in giving editorial notieea, but, as a business rale, it mil require a suitable fee from everybody seeking the use of its columns for pecuniary gain. BUSINESS CARDS. O. J. HOWARD, M. l>. PHYSICIAN ASD 8URGEO , MeHenry. 111. Office at residence, one door wast of J. A.8lory's Drugstore. &H. FKOKBS, M, D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, MeHenry Ills. Office at Besldenee. WH, OSBORNB, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND 8URGEON. Office at Resldenoe, West MeHenry, I1L dalle promp.ly attended to day and night. Liverv Stable. HB. WIQHTMAN, Proprietor. First • class rigs with or without drivers tarnished at reasonable rates. Teaming Ot all kinds done on short notice. « T. bhbpasd. F. L. SHKPARD. 8HEPARD A SHEPARD, ATTORNKYS> AT LAW. Suite 512, North-ern Office Building, 96 LaSalle Street Obleago, ill. my KNIGHT ft BROWN, Attorneys at law. u. s. Express oo.'» Building, 87 and 89 Washington St. CHICAGO. ILL. JOSLYN as CASEY. Attorneys at law, Woodstock iil All business will receive prompt alien* turn. ttf. BARNES, ATTORNEY, Solicitor,, andi Counselor, Collections a specialty. WOODSTOCK, llAIWOtt V. 3. LUMLEY. Attorney at law, and soiioitor is Chanceryj3oD8ToOK, Jr/L Office in Park House, first floor. A. M. CHURCH, Watolimalcer and Jeweler NO. One HundredTwenty-Flve State St Chi­cago. III. Special attention given tore, pairing Fine watches and Chronometer*. 4VA Full Assortment of Goods in hie line Attention Horsemen! UoHbhrt, III., April 1st, 1898, I would respectfully Invite the Pablio to mil and examine m 7 stock of Horses before making arrangement* elsewhere. No busi­ ness done on Sunday. N. S. COLBY H'HBintT 1U> JOHN P. SMITH, Watchmaker Sc Jeweler McHENRY. ILLINOIS. A FINE stock of Clocks, Watches and Jew­elry always on hand. Special attention given to repairing fine watohes. Give me *°^U' JOHN P SMITH WM. STOPFER --Agent for-- FIIIC, - LIGHTNING, And Aee< dental Insuranee. Also Iowa. Minnesota, Nebraska, Alabama, and California Lands. Call on or address WH. STOFFEL, McBenry, 111: 0. 8. CtfBTIS & SOV, Gralner, Paper Haf*geref Kalsominera. DecQratorli McHENRY,; ILLINOIS. All work promptly done and satisfaction guaranteed. Country work a speolaltr. Call on or address 41.1. Curtli A t«n> McHENRY. LLL1NOM • '• .'iiiji. OF---- • Br(X)WLlN, Woodstock • • Illinois. Prosecutes all olassss and kinds of claims against the United States tor ex-Soldiers, their Widows, Dependent Relatives or Heirs. A specialty is made in prosecuting old and rejected claims. All communic Postage Stamps are end All communications promptly answered if Iosed for reply. WM, H. CO WL1N Offioe at Residence, Madison St., Woodatoea, Illinois. SHORT BOB BOLLS For Sale at Living Prices by the under­ signed. Call on or address FRANK COLE, SPRING OROVB. lit Spring "Grove, III, Nov. 12.1890. Amprican Clover Blossom Co. 351 N. Clark St. CHICAGO, ILL. The Great Blood Purifier. Cufts all .^lood Diseases tint srise from the effect of Bad Blood. A sure cure for Oaneer, jptftsrrsb, Piles, Slek Headache, Dys­ pepsia, y hooping Uough, iRheumatlsm, Con siipaiion, etc. Blossoms, per pouiyt - . - . 10.50 Fluid Extract, per bottle . • - i.oo Solid Extract, per pound - - • 2.50 Both the Solid and Fluid Extracts are made from the same stock of Blossoms, and are equally ae good and efficacious as the Blos­ soms. JULIA A. STOR Y, AEent. MeMonrr, Illinois. B NEAR THE DEPOT. WEST MoHENBY, ILL Keeps open for the aeoommodatlon of the Public a First-01 ass Saloon and Restaurant, Where be will at all times keep the beat brands of Wines, Liquors and Cigars Cto be found In the market. Also Agent For FRANZ FALE^ KQwukN Lagir Bin. Beer in Large or Small Kegs or Bottles al­ ways on hand, cheaper than any other, quali­ ty considered. Orders by mail promptly attended to. GOOD &TA BL1NGFOR HOR8V8 S^Oall and;see us. Robert Schiessle. West McHenrr, 111. A. Englen's SALOON AND RESTAURANT McHENRY, ILLINOIS. Quintette Orchestra, McHENRY; ILL. prepared 1 to furaish First Class Musi* to llie Dancing Public at Reasonable Rates. J, Smith, 1st Violin. Robt. Madden, Clarionet, O, Curtis, Cornet. L; Owen, Trombone, B, Ingails, Basso and Prompter, Address all communications to Jerry Smith, MeHenry. The Police Gazette, Is the "Sly illustrate-! paper in the world flOataining all the latest sensational and sportingnews No Saloon Keeper, Barber, OrClub Bootu Coil affurci to *>o vritii&Ui It. It always makes friends wherever it goes. Mailed to any address in the United States •eenreiy wrapped, IS weeks for fl. g--a rive Cents for sample copy. BICHA19 K. FOX rianui squabs, New York ttfftMTrnf Salesmon te soil our ww Mil I till choice Nursery Stock all goo I guaranteed to be first class tioon salariesand expenses, or a lsbeml commission oaid. No experience necessary. Write lor gngtfrtt of 100 Park Avenue, Rooheser H. I. 'me Kentucky Liquors, French Bitters, MeHenry Lager Beer, -AND- J. Scilitz MiMee Bottle Beer, In any quantity from » Snitz GHass to 100 barrels. A.T WHOLESALE OB fiETAIL Beer in bottles, kegs or case as cheap as the cheapest. We buy none but'the best and sell at Seasonable Prices all and see me and I Will use .on well. ANTONY ENGLEN tfcfupiy. 111,, 1688 *. I lvUn< J. J BARB IAN BROS* Wholeeale and Ret^l' . DBALBBS IS 3CTGAKS, McHENRY OLINOAT Bavlng leased the brick building one door South 01 the post office, we have opened a retail store, where, at all times be found Has cigr.rc oiojjs' uianufaciurc, together with siuokiuAt and chewing tofaacao of the best brands. a We have a very targe assortment and soma se^ henaacma patterns. CALL AND 81K US . BABB1AIT »BOa MoBerrv. Ro*»» »erif'k. i8M 8IMON STOFPfiL, AQKNT FOR Pheaix, of Brooklyn, I, t, Capital,:S,008,31S. Rockford, of Rockford, III Capital. 802,448, National, of HartM, Com Gapils!g $2,620 2S 3. Insurance carefully and safely placed on all classes of property against fire, ligbtn<ng, and tornado, either for cash or on Ion* time, without interest Fire policies on live stock cover same in buil iing or on farm tgainst loss or damage by fire or lightning an<i against lightning anywhere, liay, straw, stalks and fodder are covered by one policy, in building or stacks on Farm. Grain, seeds and mill feed are covered under ore sum "n building or on farm Insurance transferred to other locali­ ties free of cargc. Gasoline orol' stove and stenm threshet permite granted In policies free of charge Household goods of every description, including coal, wood and provl- si on* ail coveied under one item. Complete records kept of all policies, conditions, assign­ ments and transfers made. Call for list of over 700 poltoy holders in above companies. Simon Stoffol. PENSIONS! The Disability Bill Is • Law. Soldiers Disabled Since he War are Entitled* Dependent widows and p&rerts 4s pendent whose sons died from the effeats of sriny cervices are included If you wish your claim epeedily and successfully prose- eatad, addre s JAMBS TANNER. WASHINGTON D. a Lata Commissioner of Penttotis. I^^^IIH. • Mi ' • • II i Q AK l; V ACADIMY Will open lis second year on W*d nogday, Sept. 16. 1891, and will ofl< r special privileges to the right rlass of students. The institulloo will be con­ ducted as a Home School for Boys Wh«re fhey will rec ive|rhe bene fit® of a thorough preparation in all of the common branches of atady. GERMAN AND MUSIC. We claim for our srhoo! a pleasant and heal hv situation and the past year bears us out In the assertion. TKBM8 AMD DXSCBIPTlVE C2SCTJLAS Sent to any address on application. The school Is situated at Ringwood, McHenry Co., 111., on the C A N W. R, R„ 59 Miles from Chicago 15 miles from Lake Geneva, ar.d 6 miles from Fox Lake*. No saloon, billiard hall, or other louflng place In town. Addr< ss Oak Lawn Academy, 8tf Ringwood, III. McHENRY H; Miller & Son, -DEALERS IN- HARBLE I GRANITE, M onuments, Headstone Tablets, Eto. Cemetery Work of every de­ scription neatly executed at the Lowest Prices. Satisfaction Butantsid. 4 Shops at MeHenry and John»> bur^h, III, where at all times can te found a good assortment of finished work. Respectfully, Henry Miller & Hon. m4 snd receive free nea aCNU 91 *00 Solid Leather AD- ustable Buggy Washers, the bestand cbesp- eat, or 60 cents for 100; 15 cents for 90. N.H. SAUNDERS, Wellington. Ohlf^ F. O. OOt.BY, D D. S, OFriCE In Hoy's Block, over Beksrt ft Toaag's store, Woodstock, IIL MISS MYRTLE BRILL. Teacher ol Piano and Organ. Visits MeHenry every week, Thursdays, Friday* and Saturdays, and 1* prepared to take scholars #t any time Terms reasonable uid satUfaottoti gn&rnBleed Can be teen at the barker House on any of above earned day aaaa SALARY and Commission to »90Pt, Agents, Men »n4 Woraoa, Taaob era aa.l risers men to Introduce a H4W and papular standard book, MARVELS of the NEW WEST A new Agent sold 70 in one week. AG^NFS tKxjtU, $136 50. Over SO original engravings 10,too copies sold in one week. Exclusive lerritc??. Endorsed by Use srsatsst as«a of our country. Apply to VHP! HSNR Y RILL PUB. CO., HARWICH* OMUI Wauconda Anti-Horse Thief ^pssoolatloHe- onriosBs. Abthck COOK, Pres. Edoar Gbsbn, Sec'y. Jas. acuiT, V." E, E, Gilbbbt, Treas DIBBCTOR8. J r Boney. Bdgar Qrsen. Franc Thorn is. biobbs Henry Werden, H F Hughes, Morris For*. A J Raymond, Fraak Tbtonias. • It BH BBSS. A Cook Mtrtlc Morse AO Bancs Plutarch Houghton .. K K OliSert........... Geo U.^rrell p u Hill ,, ,,x. J? T Herris H F Hughes S H Harris J F Ronev K(1\n in Oook Fr ink Thomas . .4. . . . Seth Turner Rderar Oreen ... W M Olough A J tcaymoiKt ....... ;.8tebbms Ford taeo Pratt ..'.«*»•• P A Mimskey Mosee Beach, .. ......BF Johnston James Murray..... .. Warren Poweis J 1> McOabe ....... ...Geo Bates Henry Werden. Jae MonaRhan, Jr .... J B Glvnch ...,v.....'i.Robert Ha<r «on Ira^mith John Spencer..... Delos ABM ...O W Ounklee .. .. ... WeoJo«.ps .........Charles Havlin .. T Bacon Michael Haven Ri Paddock. .. ....... Gus staxon. MOtimtth.. ...Ooldlng Br«s Mot Ford. f V Slocum W0RTHINGT0N COMPANY 747 Broadway, N. Y., •aaoance foa immediate publication as No. 1*2 iii their HOSE LIBRARY m CHILDREN OF ADAH. BY R. M MAX LEY A ' ell-developed scry, easily winning and retaining the readers attent.on to the end. It is a vital contnbbtion to the social s udy of New York society, for it presonta a picture of Anierr.ifin life thai is most capt'vaiing to the thoughtful reader There is eucd an aimos- phers of t e realty over the uncommon hap. peninge of the novel, the narrative shows Such en refill etiuly am! shrewd observation of metropolitan life, that those who will notice tqe tppes, distinct and interesting in their .personality, wil' at once recognize ths verac­ ity of the representation. Fi r this reason it will produce a profound impression wherevei New 1'ork ln(iu'en<'<.' ia predomiDont Thous- au'in, however, who wish to read tho book with the expectation to be enterta nod only will be fascinated by the magnetism of the •tory, the chanh of iU langnage, its intricate plot, itn telling incidents, Its strange coinci­ dences anil its vigorous and at times thrilling acti ne. revealiua the iniier life, pleasures Intellectual pursuit*, as well as the frivol!' ties of the wealthier classsob of New York. Price, Cloth (illustrated), $1.00. P&ber, 50 cents. 15 per cent Discount THIS AND NEXT WEEK We wtili to announce ihtt we arc now ready to thow the public a larger and a new stock of JEWBLKY suitable for Eaater Presents, In Bracelets, N^cklacs, Brooches, Hairpins, Lace pins. Rings .Scarf pins, Cnfl pins. Cuft buttons, Earrings, Castors. Pickle and celery dls'ies. Knives and Forks 1847. Roitet Bros. A|pooii8 Napkin rings. Albums. <S'crsp books. Optical goods. Aohool books. Crayons. P<"» ells, Tablets. Elates. Wa cbes, clocks, If you think of buving a new sewing machine be sure ai d rail and examine the new Wbeeler& Wilsoo No 9 the s andard Machia* of to-day. B« sides that, we have the American.Domestic. Household, New White, and several other leading machines. 00 which we can save you from five to ten dollars. Yours truly, Heamau Bros. MeHenry, III., Al.ril 1893 MAKES HENSLAY AND KEEPS THEM HEALTHY Try It* Fob Sals bt JOHN EVAN90N A CO. West MeHenry, III. CHA«. KUHKSRT. -- • Johrsburgi'. UL J W.CRI3TY&80N, King wood. 111. FRANK RO WE, M' Hebron, 111. , T ̂ J . ' ^ 80LDBB8' OIPABmiR. Cdlted by WM. H, COWLIN, WOODSTOCK, ax. "lb rare for Mm who hot bem* Me battle, and for Ms ITIdov and Orphan*." --LiJioour. "Friendship, Charity. Lou- Uy-- Worthy torn of Patriot alttt- Mathers Q. A. st« Pfrectory. M'REKKT POST HO. S4S. Meets the Flrat and Third Tbnrrday STSI- lags of each month. H C MKAD, Ovm WOODSTOCK MIT, WO 108. Meets trst titd third Hcsdsy STenlaga of eftetrseoaili. K. B. Richakds, Cott. evmmii roar, wo m Meets the itentid and fourth Taeaday evenings of each mont h Wx. K. St. Cut, Ooa. BASTARD POST. BO MB. Meets the seooaa ana tourtn Monday even tags of eaoh month. J, D Clabk, Oom. MAKBNOO POBT, No. 168. Meets every Second and Fourth Frldsv evenings of ea^h month. K. R. Kokris, Ooa, WArOOHPAFOST.MO 368. Post meets every seeond and fourth Satur­ day evening in 6. A, R. Hall, Main St. A. L. PBICB, Oom. A Seed Season why every Soldier Should bs Pensioned. In a late paper I notice a paragraph said to copied from the December Forum and purporting to be the sentiments of one Lieut. Allen R.,Foote. The phrase re­ ferred to is "The Degradation of Pen­ sions." I care nothing for the context where the phrase occurs. So a pension degrades its recipient? It euggssts that the soldier expected or expects a reward for doing his duty, etc. 9 Now, Mr. Allen R. Foote does not ap­ pear to appreciate the fact that every volunteer who enlisted for three months, one year, or "during the war" whether his motives were pure patriotism or ig­ norant excitement, signed his life away, if the Government demanded it. The Government, through its chosen war leaders, might and could place those sol­ diers where their lives would or could be extinguished as quickly as the snuifing out of a candle. If a soldier returned well and unmaim- ed, it was fate, or "the shances of war"; his life was not insured nor assured for a month or even one week. Does Mr. Allen Foote recall the wages of the privates--those who did the "fati gue duty" of the army? Thirteen paper dollars a month, equal to about six dol­ lars in gold. Every one does know, or should know, that a part of the time the soldier's fare was none too good for a dog to eat. If he purchased a few necessities for himself out of that six dollars, what was there left for his family at home? "The State aid?" Yes; equivalent to 25 cents for each minor child, and 37% cents for the wife, per week; and flour from flO to 112.50 a barrel; cornmeal $2.50 per bushel; pork from 20 to 25 oents a pound, and factory sheeting from half a dollar to 85 cents per yard, etc. Here in my own family is a volunteer soldier who served his time and received an honorable discharge. He never ap­ plied for a pension until failing faculties compelled him to give up work. He ap­ plied under the law of June 27,1890. He is now in bis 70th year, and his pension is not forthcoming yet. If our Government would appropriate less for unnecessary public buildings here and there, and for dredging unavailable river bottoms, and, instead, assist the old soldiers before they are dead or be­ come actual paupers, it would be rever­ enced more at home and abroad. Pension every soldier in a consistent manner. Do not force one-half the sol­ diers to pay taxes that the other half may be pensioned. Suitably pension all, for no doubt many of the sneaking cowards suffered more than the brave soldiers and often they stopped the bul­ lets on the way to better men. One more suggestion to Allen R. Foote and others of his ilk. If he be a Christian and I apprehend he may be, let him for­ bear charitable assistance to all; let him suspend missionary donations; let him cease all good works, looking to a sunny eternal life and crown and harp as a re­ ward ; for to have Heaven thrust upon him in return for laboring to secure a "through ticket" would be "degrada­ tion." Oat upon such "balderdash.,' Give the soldiers now quickly a share of what they toiled and bled to save. Run some risk of pensioning a rascal here and there rather than let an honest sol­ dier sink into pauperism. There are some " hitches'* in the running-gear of this American Republic that would call a blush to the face of a iparble statue. Yours for the boys in blue, "yesterday, to-day and forever.',--M. I. Cumminos, 512 Kearny Avenue, San Deigo, Cal. Xeno'ial Day is coming Grand Army posts should lose no time in completing all the necessary arrange­ ments for the proper observation of Memorial Day. There is a feeling in some places that the citizens instead of the posts, should take the initative in me­ morial exercises. We do not think so. The people are not generally educated up to this high idea. They depend on the posts to go ahead. When the Grand Army is depleted by death they then will be educated and take the lead and we have no doubt the memorial exercises of twenty years hence will be as beautiful, •s popular and as patriotic as those of this year, and conducted by citizens, will rally with the Sons of Veterans. Indeed it may come to be that the sight of the old flag, with shining stars and wreathy stripes, will become a stand­ ing reminder of the men who lived or died as the fates decreed. We are not at all afraid that Memorial Day will play out while the Grand Army posts are as much alive as they are to-day, and we have an abundance of faith in the Sons of Veter­ ans after the old soldiers are dead.-- Woodstock Sentinel. Year, 1861 1893^.... 1 8 0 3 . • . 18tNi The Pension QuestMai The veterans of the late war axe passing away, and their number will drop below the one million mark before the next century dawns. In this con­ nection a table prepared by Capt. F. C. Ainsworth, of the medical department ol the United States, ia of interest and presents some striking facts for con­ sideration. This table, based upon careful computation, gives the probable length of time the soldiers of the re­ bellion will live, and is as follows. SURVIVORS. 1,201,392 1, £38,070 1,2QQ.9<58 1,182.882 V- 1,125.7® ..1,075,828 ...... 1,03*,52* ' 1,032.418 ....... 090,338 W&318 ... ... 990,380 ....... 8M.580 858,003 ....... 830,687 ...... 782,713 744,198 ...«»«•- 705, >87 665,833 ...... 626,231 ....... 420,727 ....... 261,727 ...... 110/173 37,03* 0,2*6 1M0,/: SID 1945, ..... 'Leaven's chart, which has been rec­ ognized as good authority, gives the to­ tal number of men engaged on the union side in the war of the late rebel­ lion as 2,778,304, divided as follows: White troops Jt,404,504 Sailors and marines 101.205 Negro troops 178,975 Indians ?. 8,530 In the thirty years that have elapsed since the war began there have died 1,518,072, or more than 54 per cent, of the whole number engaged, and the harvest of de&th still goes on relent­ lessly.--State Journal. 1897.. 189At. 1899.. 1900.. 1901.. •80S.. 1908.. 1904.. 1905.. 1906.. 1907.. 1908.. 1909.. 1010.. 1915.. 1920., 1925.. 1930. Until reciprocity opened the doors of the central and southern American 'states their trade was largely and dis­ proportionately enjoyed by the old world. Within a few months the mer­ chants and manufacturers of the Unit­ ed States have found a new market for their wares, a market that, if no backward step is taken by congress, will broaden as the years go by and help to assure prosperity to our people. The masses are interested in the devel­ opment of this new field and should aid it by voting for the party that has made it possible to extend our com­ merce and our manufacturing indus­ tries through aprotective tariff and rec­ iprocity* . It is a wonder that some of the peo­ ple who profess to feel so terribly about the present tariff law don't emi­ grate to Europe. If they were sincere and, being sincere, stopped to think, they would either change their minds or take passage by the first steamer they could reach. Lighthouse Lam pa and LemMt In lighthouses there aire six orders of lights, graded according to their inten­ sity. The lamp of the lowest or sixth order, which consumes only half a gill of coal oil an hour, gives about as much light as an ordinary parlor reuuiug lamp (say 12 candle power), while the largest or first order lamp, which burns sixteen gills an hour, gives 450 candle power of light. But while the naked flame of the lamp gives this much light, the French Fresnel lens in which the lamp is set condenses and concentrates this light, so that it is multiplied in power many times. Thus the little 12 candle power flame of the sixth order lump has in a lens a power of 75 candles; and the great 450 candle power light of the first order lamp, when placed in its enormous lens, gives a power of some 12,000 candles. Such a lens is 12 feet high and has a diameter of 6 feet.-- Harper's Young People. Paper a Hundred Tears Hence. Experts are predicting that the books of today will fall to pieces before the middle of the next century. The paper in the books that have survived two or three centuries was made by hand of honest rags and without the aid of strong chemicals, while the ink was made of nutgalls. Today much of the paper for books is made, at least in part, of wood pulp treated with powerful acids, while the ink is a compound of various substances naturally at war with the flimsy paper upon which it is laid. The printing of two centuries ago has improved with age; that of today, it is feared, will within fifty years have eaten its way through the pages upon which it is impressed.--Paper World. We believe that the Lily of the Valley Flour at. $1.35 per sack is equal to any flour offered at fl.3o in MeHenry. Leave your order for a trial sack and if not found as represented your money will be refunded. Remember the Fox Itiver Roller Mill. You can find some most beautiful band painted China at J. A. Story's. There art a few choice vaaee. pitchers, etc., of the "Royal Worcester" Ware, selected expressly for the Christmas trade | and they are perfect in both design and I workmanship. Do not fail to see then* I • POLITICAL PARAGRAPHS. Old war claims are being industrious ly poshed through oono-rps<a without democratic protest^not withstanding the preelection promise of small expend­ itures. Representative Wheeler, of Alabama, has introduced a bill in congress to ma­ terially reduce the pensions of ell soldiers whose disabilities were not incurred in battle. The average prices of manufactured goods, both foreign and domestic., were pever lower than since the passage of the McKinley bilL Democratic predic­ tions were that there would be a uni­ versal advance in manufactured goods. The financial policy bf the republican party, supplemented by wise tariff legislation, has brought a high degree of prosperity to the nation and deserve® the indorsement of patriotic citizens in the coming campaign and at the elec­ tion with which the compaign is to close. It is a significant fact that there are but three republican members of the house of representatives in the present congress from the entire list of southern states, and but one United States sen­ ator. In every northern state there is a division of congressmen and in several states a representative from either party in the senate. Leading democrats announce their intention to "smash" the present tariff law. Within the memory of many ol us a very large percentage of this same party were trying to "smash" the union. Later they tried to "smash" our financial system. Out on a party that never builds but always stands ready to "smash" what others have con­ structed. There was never before a time when the wages of the mechanic or laborer or servant girl would buy as much to eat or wear or as many comforts for the home as now. Wages are well maintained, and goods, because of im­ proved machinery and steady work, are lower than in former years. Good crops, protection to American industries and reciprocity have proved the friend of the wajre earner. No backward step should be taken on the pension question. The government has dealt liberally by the old soldier, in accordance with the public demand, but none too generously. Democratic con­ gressmen who are seeking to repeal a portion of the pension laws should be notified to take hands off. If fraudu­ lent claims have been pushed through they should be ferreted out and stricken from the list, but the lawa should stand as they are. Democrats continue to talk and write about a "billion dollar congress" be­ cause the phrase sounds well Were they to strike off the trifling sum at three hundred millions or so they would be nearer the truth so far as ap­ propriations for the ordinary expenses of the government are concerned. Dar­ ing the present administration, now In power but little more than three years, more than two hundred and fifty-nine million dollars of the publie debt haa been paid. Suppose we admit, says the Amer­ ican Economist, for the sake of argu­ ment, that the tariff on carpet wools and tin plate is a tax pure and simple. There is even then no robbery about it. Every cent of it is paid by the Amer­ ican people to the American people. For with us the government is the peo­ ple, and since, as free traders contend, there is not a producer of either of these articles in this country to receive any part of the tariff levied on them, it all goes to the government. Moreover, the government needs it to pay running expenses. We, the people, would have to supply it somehow, and it might bet­ ter come from a tax on tin plate and carpet wool than from the free trade tax on sugar. The Alabama legislature is composed of 136 members, of which but three are republicans. In Arkansas there is not a single republican in either the house or senate. In Florida there is but one; in Georgia but four; in Texas but two; in Mississippi but six. And yet in every UUlbUCi ru state the dciuuvi'atB have liberal representation. The fact is that in the states first named republican newspapers have been suppressed and republican voters intimidated and counted out until the result named has been accomplished. This is not a ' healthy condition of affairs, and patri­ otic young men in Illinois cannot afford to ally themselves with a party that is responsible for it. From start to finish the campaign at 1892 will be an intense one. The demo-* crats have well-nigh two 'hundred electoral votes for which they do no* have to fight. For the few required to make a majority they need to carry but three additional states. Hence, they can concentrate their speakers and campaign funds in a few locaiitiea. On the other hand the republicans must make an earnest campaign fat every electoral vote they are to secure. In some southern states there are prac­ tically no republican papers, and in en­ tire counties and districts there is no party organization, while in every northern state there is a strong organi­ sation of the democracy, and almost every county has from one to a doxen democratic newspapers. It therefore behooves republicans in Illinois to "lay aside petty differences and work har­ moniously for success in every etodias} district. Honest men of whatever party mm find little to criticise and much to praise in the administration of national affairs during the past three yean. Questions of an international character have been admirably manafret? dicrnity and firmness marking every step. In the department of the interior great strides have been made, especially in the matter of adjusting pension claims The navy of the nation is rapidly •*- suming huge proportions. Desertions > from the army hav@ never been less tB times of peace. The department of Sff* rieultxire is doing magnificent wodt} the post offices are admirably run; fes fact, everything is going on in a quiet, buataess-like waj,