Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1875-11-19
No. Circulation More than Double
that OF amy other Daily Paper
published Ira Washfnofon.

BsttsSDfs 80 ssaEftkbgfSus
Considering the possibility (rather rem ote
1t is true,) of the acquisition OF Cuba by the
United States II may be interesting 20 view
the ground where our possessions Iie-per-
haps. The much coveted island measures
fully 80 miles in length and little more
than 40 In average breadth, with an area OF
$4,000 square miles. The harbors OF Havana,
Matanzas and Santiago, are among the best
In the world. Beginning from the southeast
the Copper Mountains run nearly the whole
length of the island, eliminating In an atti-
tude of $50 feet. The cultivated portions OF
the lower tracts produce abundsntly corn,
rice, yams, bananas, sugar, coffee, tobacco
cotton, cocoa, and iOdIgo; while the un-
cultivated districts in the rear, countless
herds OF cattle. The elevated regions of the
Copper Mountains, besides teeming with the
metal from which they derive their name
and here and there producing gold, silver,
and iron, are covered with dense forests, In
which besides shipbuilding timber, palms,
plantain, and mahogany are conspicuous.
In 1850 the population numbered 564,69S
whites, 216,1 16 free people OF color, and
C62s5ST slaves. The prodUctiveneSs OF the
island may be inferred when II is stated that
her exports in 1855 amounted to q .395 600.
IL is said that Paul Morphy, the once
MAC in New Orleans. IT W ul1 not be strange
IL his exceptional powers as chess player
proceeded from some abnormal condition of
mind bordering on insanity. For some time
he has shown a faint of this disease, and OF
late years he has hal an almost morbid
aversion 10 the game In which he had such
worldwide triumphs. He was born in New
Orleans in 1851, and when mere child showed
extraordinary powers in games Of skill, and
especially in chess. He was trained to the
law, receiving a careful education, his family
being In aftiuenH circumstances but, though
lie gave 70 prominence to his chess studies,
1T was soon apparent that no player in this
country, could contest his superiority at the
game. In 1s5S he visited Europe, and his
easy success in cOnquering the ablest play
ers IN England and on the continent is a
matter within the recollection of most of our
readers. His remarkable powers in playing
from memory blindfOld created great as
toDishment. At Paris he played bllndfolded
simultaneously with eight OF the abIest
players OF Europe, won six of the games. the
seventh being draw, and losing only the
eighth. His quiet style Of playing, refined
courtesy OF manner, and unassuming
modesty under his triumphs also made a
most favorable impression in European
circles. On his return TO this country he
was naturally a good deal of a hero, but
mOdeStly declining TO be lionized he returned
TO his native city TO enter upon the practice
OF his profession, and the real work OF life;
which he did not consider chess to be. The
wealth of the Morphy family was destroyed
by the rebellion, and since then Paul Morphy
has been thrown upon his professional earn
ipgs for his support. His success has not
been great as a lawyer, and doubtless his
failure TO retrieve his broken fortunes has
foy ar
TiOuded mind.
a singular suit over "raised" check has
Just been decided in New YORK. A genuine
check for S2i on the Security Bank was some
time ago given in change by q storekeeper
for slOO bill. subsequently the check was
raised to si,222.55, and the Endorsement al
tered. The holder then purchased gold for
the check Of a Wall street firm, after the lat
ter had sent 1t to the Security Bank, which
certified It. Subsequently the same bank
paid the amount to the National Bank of
The Republic, which had the check, but find
ing out that the check was a forgery applied
10 the latter bank for the difference, which
was refused. The Security Bank thereupon
brought suit against the Bank of the Repub-
lie, and the court directed a verdict TO be en-
tered for the plaintiff OF 5,G02 80, which sum
probably includes the costs OF the suit.
The report OF the secretary OF the National
Grange of the Patrons OF Husbandry, which
body is now in session at Louisville, will
show that up to September Soth last "a 200
charters or dispensations hal been granted
TO subordinate oranges. About 400 oranges
have been disbanded, and about 1000 are de-
linquent in the payment of dues. This leaves
In operation 800 oranges. The membership
OF oranges varies all the way from p to go
each. Giving each grange a membership OF
leo would make a total membership of
2,0s9,Ooo. 1t is doubtful. however, If the ag-
gregate active membership reaches a higher
figure than 1,750,OC).
The letter Of Bishop Whipple 10 the Presi-
dent, thanking him for his perseverance in
The peace policy, is certainly compli men
1ary to the Chief Executive. The Bishop
mikes things a little, however, when he
says: "Now a dishonest agent Is the mark
TnOr1 IL