The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1885-02-20

most anyone would be surprised to see
the photographs made in Japan. They
are well executed and the pictures show
not only fine scenery, but faces as fine
looking and intelligent as any of our
own. In needle work they seem to be
fully up to the mOst skillful More
handsome rugs, quilts, lamberquins,
window screens, etc., are not often
seen. Even those of Paris and Brus-
sells do not excel them either in beauty
of design or execution. A great many
persons purchase as souvenirs finely
engraved bamboo canes. 1t will repay
anyone visiting to give the Japanes de-
partment.. "a careful look..and he may be
sure of being treated with politeness
that puts to shame many Americans.
CHINA
does not occupy a very large space nor
show as fine work as one would rea-
sonably expect. Perhaps the war
which France is unjustly forcing upon
her is the lettering cause. Within a
pagoda built after the peculiar style of
that country they have arranged their
display which chiefly illustrates their
cotton industries. There are figures
representing men aud women sorting,
baling, carding, spinning and weav-
ing cotton. Their machinery is GER
taInly very crude and cannot possibly
manufacture goods of fine quality.
Spread out on tables for inspection may
be seen goods such as they have to sell
at home, especially of cotton manufac-
ture. The attendants are dressed in
very plain garments, mostly cotton,
that look like bags stitched together
hastily, with cape over the shoulders.
Visitors are treated respectfully, but
with rather stiff and reticent manner,
much unlike the suave politeness OF
the Japanese. One figure represents q
Chinese merchant, who sits dressed IN
silk, and evidently represents the veal.
thy class. But if one was left to Judge
of China from its exhibit he would
think that the people there are quite
well off if they have the commonest
necessaries of life.
RUSSIA
makes an exhibit peculiar to herself
1t is altogether by private parties and
independent of the government. The
chief attraction Is the beautiful orna.
mental work of malachite and bronze
casts. Now malachite is a mineral
found chiefly in the Ural Mountains,
and is carbonate of copper, and is
very rarely found elsewhere. Poor
specimens are found in small quaint.
ties in the copper regions of Michigan
and North Carolina. In color it is
green with most curious aud delicate
lines of standings. Although the spec.
linens are not large, yet they are cut
and fitted together until whole table
tops are formed. There are number
of such tables and stands, besides large
vases and many other smaller articles
made of this costly material. But just
notice the prices. Mr.. Hoffman, of st.
Petersburg, who is in charge, politely
informed me that the cost of the larg.
est one, which is about three feet in
diameter is 81 500, and for some of the
smallest ones he only asked the moder.
ate sum of $3.50. But let us pass to the
brOnzes. Of these there is most ele-
CANT and varied set. They are not
large, being only intended for mantle
pieces, but what they lack in size is
made up in price. Here is little caste
about four inches long, upon a small
slab of quartz crystal, representing a
seal lying upon an ice cake, which was
priced to me at $40. A bear about an
inch longer, in the same position, and
intended for paper weight, is $1,000.
There are numerous representations OF
soldiers on guard, cossacks upon theil
horses, some engaged in mortal com.
bat with the Turks and some riding
along leisurely smoking. with geese
ducks and other plumber fastened to
their saddles. There are numerous
hunting scenes, with hounds in full
chase, and horsemen at their heels
close upon wolves, foxes and hares
The famous Russian bear figures con.
spicuously, and the casts are mos
strikingly natural. One of the finest
is bear that is standing on two legs
with eyes, ears and angry mouth, as il
all attention to some approaching enc
my. Another is bearing down hunt
er, already upon his knees, who ha.
plunged his knife to the hilt in bruins
vitals, and it would seem may yet come
off victorious. Some of the highes
priced and most complicated pieces are
sleighlng scenes. Some are driving
three horses abreast at full speed, with
frightened women looking from be.
meath fur robes at hungry wolves al.
most upon them. Poverty and cruelty
which are prominent features of Rus
STA life are plainly depicted. A com.
pany of COssacks are violently binding
and transferring to their horses strug
Cling captive woman. Another scene
is that of wretched family transport.
ing their scanty effects i'm dilapidateG
wagon, the driver beating his bony
horses; and tagging behind is cow
barely able to walk, while a starved
dog is under the wagon. The price up
on these finest pieces is from $500 t.
$500. In a case near by are articles Of
luxury, mostly made Of costly stones
Malachite appears frequently made
into paper weights, ink stands and va
rious mantle ornaments. Many things
are made of"tiger stone, (which is more
mixed and striped color, and very brill
liant. Imagine cake stand turned out
of solid moss agate, with cups and COB
lets of onyx. Of course Russia would
display her furs, and here the visitor
can see them. There are robes COM
posed of thousands of pieces. ingeni-
ously cut and put together into hand
some patterns. Fox. beaver, otter,
white cashmere goat, and even cat
skins are formed into robes. You pass
your hand over the shiny surface of a
cloak lining of silver beaver skins
whose silky softness tempts you to ask
the price. Upon hearing that 'if you
would take two you could have the
pair for $780," you turn away with a
sigh and the consoling thought that