The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1878-04-27

Tbs Conkiing Se,sation-The Edison Gen
Satio,l-The Edstei' FCsticHieS-Ihe He
JrsiC Passover.

WASHINGTON, April 20, 1878.
The chief topic of conversation in politi-
cal circles during the weeK has been the al
legged interview with Senator Conklng pub
lished first in one of the New York dailies
and by this time reproduced in nearly
every newspaper in the country. 1t was
expected that Conliling would say some
thiItg in the Senate the day after its publi-
cation, and that he, under the peculiar cir
cumstauces in which he has been placed,
could not afford to be silent. His first APP
pearance at tire capitol was in the room of
the Committee on commerce. He entered
as usual, spoke to his colleagues Of the COM
mittee as usual, and attended to his bust
ness just as usual No reference was made
by anybody 10 the interview. Some curl
osity was felt to see how Senators Conkling
and Gordon would meet. But nothing SEN
satonal came out of the meeting. General
Gordon entered the room, smiled pleasantly,
and greeted Conkling with courteous
Good morning" Don Cameron Howe and
several other Senators gathered around
Conkling soon after he appeared in his seat,
anu us uu dlllilulcl COllNtTSdJIOn was car
ried on, it was presumed the interview was
the subject under discussion. Conkling
seemed to be explaining the affair, and the
young Senator from Pennsylvania appar-
emily enjoyed the explanation. 1t was APP
parent that Cohkling was annoyed at the
publications He sought to put good face
ON the affair and assumed to treat it lightly,
but the fact that he considered his situation
embarrassing could not be concealed. Eve
rybody was on the glti uirs for the personal
explanation, and once, when Conkling arose
TO present petition, there was rush for
front positions in the galleries. 10 seems
that ConlIling regarded the situation of suf-
ficient Importance to place himself in the
"hands of his friends" and they advised
him not to say anything. Among Senators
the interview was discussed in low tones
and out of earshot of reporters. None of
them cared to have their remarks on the
subject put in print. Lamar declined to
say anything about the affair. General
Burnside had nothing to say, and Stanley
Matthews delivered himself TO a reporter of
a New York paper, and refused to open his
mouth to others. Had Conkling made a
personal explanation it is probable that sew
eral other Senators, whom he had in the in
terview taken the liberty to crticisc, would
have had something to say. As it is, the
sensation is about over, though only to be
succeeded by another.
Thomas Edison is here, and has been
carefully explaining his marvellous inven-
ton TO admiring throngs. "The boys of the
newspaper row" passed delightful evening
together, with Mr.. Edison and his phono-
graph in their midst. This morning the
wonderful instrument was on exhibition in
the patent Office, where the whole corps,
| from Commissioner down, seemed immense
| ly interested. Pieces of tin-ioil were lay
| ishly distributed among the lady clerks as
mementoes. Later in the day Edison app
| peared by invitation before the Academy OF
| Science, now in session, and with him came
the phonograph and carbon telephone which
| have made his fame worldwide. The sec
retary's room and the adjoining halls were
| crowded with an interested and excited
| gathering of ladies and gentlemen. The
doors which led 10 the room adjoining the
| hall where the scientists have RECALLED them
| selves daily with salmon and other brain.
food, We're taken from their hinges in order
that there might be Groom for one more" tC
| get peep at the modern magician aud his
wonders. The eyes of grave academicians
fair ladies, and eager children, were all
| turned curiously ON one man. The occasion
was a tribute of science, culture, and beauty
to inventive genius. The inventor sat a
the secretary's desk, twisting small rubber
band neryously in his fingers. His shaggy
brown hair stood out at all angles, in def
ance of comb rule. His forehead is round
not very high, moderately full in the tenn
poral regions, indicating prepondcrance 0
! idcality, yet not especially noticeable for cN
pansun. His eyes are grayish blue, clea
and bright, and in conversation brighter
wonderfully. The nose is large, standin,
out boldly from the face, just as if it wer
looking into the future for its secrets.
large mouth, whose smile is a pleasant one
u square, rather prominent chin, and
white skin, complete the facial description
His manner is quiet, modest, and retiring
-eXhbitinc a lack of egotism or assuranc
at once refreshing and marvellous in mai
who has reason TO be so justly proud of hi
fame and achievements.
Grand preparations for the celebration d
Easter are being made in all places of wor
ship. Tho churches are being decorate,
with cvcrgrceus and flowers, and the Chris
tian world will tomorrow express its iov II
a risen Savior and the hope of Immortality
One of the most peculiar services was eel
ebYated by the Hebrew congregation yester
day. The observance of the Passover il
ancient times used TO occupy eight day,
and, as it is commemorative of tho deliver
ance Of the race from bondage, has alway
been considerably shortened. Four day
are now being observed by some congrega
tions, and only two by Others. Tho rabb
arrayed in his black silk gown and lon.
white silk scarf about his neck, which is IA
'hinge spoken Of in the Bible, intouod tn
service, the congregation and the choir TAX
ing responsive portions. The peculiar ita