The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1882-12-29
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES.


Col. James Stephenson, of the bureau of
ethnOlOgy, has returned from New Mexico,
where he has been making some further eX-
ploratiOns of the ancient cliff towns. lie
has made an important discovery which is
believed to definitely fix the cave jewellers
at much later period than has been supt
posed by psychologists. 1t has been though
heretofore that these cave jewellers lived far
back in the distant past, measured by
hundred ages. Col. StephensOns discover
les indicate that not more than three centu-
ries ago they were living in these habitatiOns
carved out of the face of the cliffs, and that
the race Is of a comparatively recent time.
This conclusion is arrived at by the finding
of lot of mummies, well preserved, found
in position in cyst incased In fabric
woven from material resembling cotton.
Upon close examination, however, 1t Is
found that the cloth, instead of cotton, Is
made from the fiber of seed similar to flax.
Specimens of the seed, with Its roots and
stalk still preserved, were found In the re-
mains of house. which opens the way tOa
definite ascertainment of the actual material
used. An ancient Spanish writer, who WIS.,
lied this country not over three centuries
ago, gives an account of these people, with
description Of the cloth of which they
made their garments, and other particulars
about the customs of the natives, which are
substantiated by Col. Stephensons recent
find. The mummies are also clothed in
kind of neatly-made sandals, which afford
another point of Identification. Besides the
mummies Col. Stephenson brought $4,000
pounds of pottery.
THE ARMY AND NAVY.
The social influence of the families and
connections of army and navy officers in
Washington upon congress, and especially
ficult to pass throagh both branches Of the
national legislature any measures affecting
the personnel of the army or navy that hap
pened to be distasteful to them. In this
respect the army has enjoyed greater adj
vantage than the navy, by reason of the
number of detailed army officers always in
the city, as represented by resident family
connections In high places. This senate
generally checkmates the house In such
matters. Regardless of obstacles likely to
be encountered at the other end of the capt.
tOl, the committee on appropriations have
recommended some important reforms in
the staff and pay departments, and in these
they are believed to have the hearty SYM
pathy OF the majority of armyOfficers outside
of Washington. An amendment suggest,
to, provides that officers detailed for staff
duty shall not receive extra pay. and allow
ances. The case of Lieut.. Fred Grant, de-
tailed for service on Gen. Sheridan's staff
with rank and pay of lieutenant colonel.
was cited as an instance of fagrant abuse OF
Y
vides for the gradual reduction of the num-
Der of paymasters and the ultimate ABSORB
ton of the pay department by the quarter
masters department. This Is to be done by
adhering rigidly to the rule that no addition
al paymasters shall be appointed and no
vacancies arising from any cause shall be
filled, and whenever all of the paymasters
have died, resigned retired, or been dis
missed the payment of the army shall be
transferred to the quartermaster's depart
ment. This scheme was approved by
large majority of the members present FRI
day, but one member who was opposed toit
prevented its adoption by making the point
that there was not quorum present. Only
125 members remained In the hall, and the
house was.obliged to adjourn without COM
plotting the bill.
THE CIvII~sEBvICE BILL.
Mr.. Dorman b. Eaton makes the follow
ing statement of the condition and pros
Pendleton bill Is quite certain to pass the
senate. 1t will receive nearly all the Re
publican votes, and think half and per-
haps more of the Democratic votes. II is
likely to occupy another day and perhaps
more of the time of the senate. There have
been many amendments introduced, but
with two or three exceptions they are with
out the spirit of the bill and not likely to
be adopted I'm any form which will change
its structure or imperil its efficiency. There
are two amendments, each providing for an
examination comparatively Of those already
I'm the public service, which l do not think
have any chance Of passing the senate but
may possibly find so much strength on the
Democratic side as to protract the debate.
The result thus far has shown that thu. gen
eral frame of the bill, and indeed Its essen
ing forward such reform as public opin-
ion will sustain as any that could have
been devised. The clause requiring en-
trance at the lowest grade has been more
attacked than any other. L do not regard
the clause as very material, and II Is quite
probable that II may be left out of the bin.
But whether II Is retained or not, or what
ever party may be In power, think It quite
certain that fhe greatest majority would