Morning journal and courier., 1882-03-30

for their trade upon the number of twenty five or fifty cent orders they received. And such orders ceased almost entirely when twenty-five and fifty cent bills were no longer conveniently available. Treasurer Gilfllan says the only reason why fractional currency is not issued in response to this call Is the failure of Congress to make any appropria- tion for printing it. An appropriation for this purpose would be more useful and more popular than some of the appropriations made by Congress are.
 Philip Armour, the great pork man" of Chicago, says that the French edict prohibit ing the importation of American pork was originated by the willy minister of commerce, who was seeking popularity and knew very we'll that the slandered meat was not dis eased The action was urged by the French protectionists who, says MT. Armour, had been long waiting for pretext which the discussion of trichinosis by our newspapers furnished American packers were taken entirely by surprise, and hog products were depressed for several months. large fund of money was raised in the States and sent | to France in competent hands, but though 1t was used discreetly the law is still unre pealed, and not pound of American pork Is shipped to France. It is, however, thought probable that a law providing for an inspec- ton similar to the official examination of meats exported to Germany will be substltut ed for the prohibitory edict.
 Victor Nessler's opera The Ratcateher of Hamlin" is now being presented in Germany One of the most sensational scenes in it rep resents the exodus of a multitude of rats from Hamlin under the influence of the Rat catcher While this fantastic parsonage Is singing an incantation a multitude of rats in wade the stage, emerging from doors and windows of the houses composing the ''set, y from crevices in walls, and from holes in the ground In the leading opera houses of Germany no pains or expense have been spared in order to impart a realistic character to this rat-episode. The mimic rodents are ''made up" as ife-like as may be, and scamper about the stage as vivaciously as though they were really flesh and blood in SLedQ OI Shlu anu ID 10 AcA0N~NA NA-AN so excellently managed is this particular ''effect' at the Dresden Opera House that, a few nights ago, the property rats deluded a worthy old cat attached to the theatre. This conscientious creature, while watching the stage business" with placid interest from her favorite corner behind one of the wings, suddenly perceived what she believed to be a host of her natural foes in the very act of committing an audacious trespass within the sacred limits of her territorial jurisdiction. With piercing new of indignation she straightway bounded upon the stage, and, to the delight of the audience, flu riously attacked the legion of "counterfeit presentments'' that occupied the boards. No sooner, however, had actual contact with the property rats enlightened her respecting their fictitious nature than she majestically retired In obedience to an enthusiastic re- call, she was brought on a few minutes later in the arms of super to receive the tribute of applause her spirited conduct had 50 richly earned