The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1876-01-27
Foreign Notes.

1t is a penal offense in Germany, as it
should be, to entice Germans to emigrate by
means of false representations. A Berlin
letter to the London Netcs says that an
amendment to the German penal code is
pending, intended to check emigration alto
gether, by punlshing even true representa-
tions made to entice Germans to emigrate,
when such representations are accom- panied
by any sort of encouragement. The measure
already in force is a very improper one; the
measure said to have been proposed would
be altogether improper, but is fortunately
one of that kind of bad laws that defeat
themselves. When Germany has fewer
wars, more popular governments, and is not
overstocked with discontented people, there
will he little desire on the part of her sub
jects to try new countries.
The power of the French, as a nation, to
find some good use for everything was never
more strikingly illustrated than in the case
of woman who has established near Paris
an institution for the propagation of the ant
species. She has Injured herself to the stings
Of her pet insects, and handles them with
perfect confidence. From every brood born
IN her preserves she selects the best 'layers"
to rear, and their eggs are sold at fair
price to bind fanciers as food for pheasants
The police see to it that she keeps her ant
house good distance out of the city, and
a number of agents are continually securing
the forests in the rural districts of France
and capturing large nests of ants to send to
her. Her establishment is, therefore, not
only no nuisance to her neighbOrs, but a
positive blessing to thousands of farming
people.
The comic papers in Germany still make
themselves merry over the downfall of DIR.
Strousberg, the bankrupt millionaire.
Though with the exception of the unfortu-
nate creditors, he is forgotten in the rolling
whirl of society, he has had his short reign,
been toasted, feasted, worshipped and de-
spised. The doctor stood at the highest
point of his glory five years ago, when he
celebrated his silveriweddlng! Homage and
respect were offered him them ofswhich any
king might have been proud. Every other
word was Strousberg. The number of over
seers and workmen dependant upon MIN
then was estimated at $50, 600, and they all
on the occasion of the celebration sent him
addresses, deputations and costly presents.
palatiGl house of this nifty times millionaire
the nobility, celebrated professors, officers
in high position and under officers, all
brought alike their best wishes. Reigning
princes offered him the title of Baron OF
Count; insignia of orders fairly poured in
upon him. In his native town, in the dis
trict of Allenstein and Rossel, he was
chosen member of the first Reichstag of the
North German Bund Musicians and artists
proclaimed him the most liberal and best
paying patron in the world. His picture
gallery contained the masterpieces of Bau-
tier, Achenback, Sohn, Calame, Meissionier
and Kraus-the latter made the rare excep-
ton, and painted the portrait of the whole
family. The contents of his gallery were
estimated at 6OO,0 600 thalers.. HIS music
hall was like a wonderland. His horses
were the envy of all lovers of the turf, and
yet at this very time he was refused credit
by the most solid houses of Berlin. At the
beginning of her husbands troubles, Mrs.
Strousberg sold all her jewelry to the amount
of 800, 600 thalers. One necklace of five rows
of pearls brought 90, 600 thalers. She also
signed away everything she possessed, SO
that the end is sad enough--the happy mis-
tress of the grand palace in Wilhelm street
in utter poverty with her children, and the
toasted owner culprit in common prison