The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-04

with period so short as this. It's nearest APP
proach to the sun is at distance about onet third
of that Of the earth. It's greatest distance from
the sun is about four times that Of the earth,
which is within the orbit of the planet Jupiter.
The comet will probably reach its perihelion
about the last of March, at about which time it
will also be nearest the earth; but it will be so
nearly between us and the sun at that time that
it will not be conveniently observed. Next sum-
mer, after having passed the sun. it will again
be visible in the telescope for considerable
time. The comet will at no time be visible to
the naked eye.
NEW YORK firm makes the appalling state
ment that it has in stock nearly million plays
for the exclusive use of amateurs Most people
who have ever been inveigled into attending one
amateur theatrical performance have learned
that the poorest professional entertainment is
brilliant in comparison, and have vowed silent
vow never to be so victimized again. This de-
termination is made under the impression that
the plays adapted to amateur talent are far
from numerous, and that escape will therefore
be easy, though every block contain young
woman who feels that she can act as well as
Mary Anderson, and a youth who knows that he
is second Booth. When it comes to be known
however, that these ambitious members of soci-
ety. whom circumstances may debar from pro-
fessional life, can yet torture their friends in
million different ways, the outlook is gloomy.
The prospect is that no vows can Withstand the
pressure, and that unless the dramatic fever is
cooled in some way the life of the man or woman
without talent but who hopes to retain friendly
relations with society, is doomed to be embit
tered.
JOHN HENRY IRVING the actor, confdentially
informs a Detroit reporter that he likes this
country but is always glad to get back to Eng
land because he can't get any good mutton here.
There is no mutton in the world which COM
pares with that of England" says John Henry.
This is impolite, not to say ungrateful, on the
part of the distinguished foreigner, who should
not expect to have his cake and eat it too. When
he considers how successfully he has sheared
America, and feels the comfortable lining in his
pockets he should find no fault with the mutton
Mr.. JOHN L. SULLIVAN is now mentioned as
an ''actor," having appeared before the footlights
in the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Wednesday
plot of the play was not complicated, and con-
cluded with draw" in little contest between
himself and another actor-slugger. named Dono-
van. 1t was the ex.Rev., and now Hamlet Min,
who recently remarked in lecture that the
stage shares with the pulpit the civilizing and
refining influence which helps to make society
what it is
THOSE who still stand by the pastor of Ply
mouth, it is said, will make up the full amount
usually paid for pews in order to offset whatever
might be lost through detection of members dis
pleased with Mr.. Beechers Endorsement and de-
Tense of Mr.. Cleve.and's offense. This, they hope,
will be an Endorsement of his character. 1t
would seem, from this, that if certain men lose
faith in him tho matter can be righted by his
special friends making up duplicate indorse-
ments from themselves.
THE report that the French will put up an
iron tower 1000 feet high FOR the next interna-
tional exposition at Paris is calculated to take
the glory out of the Washington monument,
now the highest in the world, but 455 short of
the height proposed for the French tower. 1t
will be recalled in this connection that tower
of that kind was to be erected at Philadelphia in
1876. 1t costs more money to build such thing
than to talk about it,
THE conduct of the eccentric army paymaster
who mysteriously disappeared but subsequently
turned up and replaced certain government
moneys which he had carried off is great tri-
umph for the aristocracy. His name, it may have
been noticed, is Smyth. Had it been plain and
s.Lt 1soA:, c1a a
himself by going on spree with $1,000 not his
own about his person
THE case of VIM. w. Lloyd, banker of New
York, Altoona, Pa, and other places, one of the
most notable of banking cases, was settled yes
terday. After eight years litigation, Lloyd was
discharged from bankruptcy. Several millions
of dollars were involved.
In the public schools of Sweden four hours
week are devoted to instruction in the mechan-
ical arts And the plan is a success, despite
President Thompson's assertion that industrial
education has no place in common with public
schools.
SPECIAL from Buffalo says that Frank
Hurd's story of Grover Cleveland having been
the preSluoHJ Ol d Ireo-lrduo ciuu Is resdrueu as
the outcome Of too frequent draughts of New
Years punch" Another statesman fallen!
IT were we'll to begin the new year Alright by
starting right on the first Sunday The Sunday
page is now clean. See if you cannot keep the
record straight throughout the year.
BREAKFAST-TABLE CHAT.
MRS. LOGAN calls John Darling" even before
company And why notl
Mr. VANDERBILT is about to erect fine residence
at Imperial Point Westport, Conn.,, and the West
porters delighted especially the holders of real