Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-08-19
WlSE'S WITHDRAWAL.
GENERAL EXPRESSION OF REGRET At
THE CAPITAL AT HIS LETTER.
TOO Many Valuable Men Retiring
thology as Being Investigated by the
Agricultural Department.
IFrom Our Regular Correspondent. !

WASHINGTON, August 1S.-There
is general regret here among southern
ers at the withdrawal Of Major George
j. Wise from public life. He is re-
earded as an excellent member Of Con-
gress, energetic, faithful to his duties,
a sound Democrat. lie has acquired
experience during his two years, and an
acquaintance OF some considerable time
Justiiies me in the statement that the
common estimate of him in Washington
is correct. The number Of experienced
men is not so large that q great
number Of them can be spared without
loss TO the public. Already several Of
the ablest Democrats have decided to
withdraw or have been defeated in con-
venticn. Among the former, besides
Dir. Tucker and Mr.. Wise, Of Virginia,
recall Colonel Hammond, of Georgia /;
Judge Bennett, of North Carolina
Mr.. Hewitt, Of New York, and Mr..
Collins. of Massachusetts; of the lat
ter, Mr. Cobb, of Indiana, and General
Cox, of North Carolina, are the most
conspicuous.
/ hear mentioned especially to Mr.
Wise's credit his exsrtions in behalf of
removal Of the burdens OF the inter-
nal revenue and his devotion to the To-
cal interests of his district and Vir-
GINA.
MR. cox AND TAMNIANY.
A Tammanyite says that there is Q
common Misrepresentation with regard
TO Mr.. S. ;. Cox and the nomination to
the FiftIeth Congress from any of the
New York districts. His judgment is
that, should Mr.. Cox resign and come
home TO seek a re-entrance into public |
life in the way that has been suggested,
he would not be able to find a single |
district TO give him the nomination.
This gentleman says Mr.. Cox would |
have found it very hard the last time
be was nominated to get support from
Tanmsny, but Mr.. Kelly sent word to
the boys and they set him up. He calls |
attention 10 the fact that Mr.. Kelly is |
not now sending instructions to the |
boys.
STUDY OF BIRDS.
The Department of Agriculture is !
Just now engaged in some veryinterest-
ing experiments. The ornithologist,
DR.. Merriam. is sending out circulars
making inquiries into the habits Of
birds. lie also asks for specimens Of
the stomschs of mammals, and stom-
acbs and gizzards Of birds and ami.
mails. Hawks. owls, crows, quail, rice
birds, bee-martins, and sparrows are a
few Of those mentioned. He is par
ticular to give instructions how to pre-
serve those specimens. Ninety per
cent. of alcohol is recommended in all
instances. The Doctor is DESTROYS Of
learning particularly on what food these
birds subSist.
THE RICE-BIRD.
The most interesting perhaps Of the
investigations to a large class ofreaders
is that which the Department is making
in the matter Of rice-birds. 1t is found
that rice to the extent of 81 per acre is
annually destroyed by these delights Of
The bTeakfast-table. The interests Of
the farmer and the epicure are in con-
fict. Well, by experiment il has been
asoertained that the recessed soaked in
spirits of turpentine will not be Injured,
but will sprout beautifully. The bird |
takes bite and wants no more. 1t is
sickened, and flies away to obtain more
wholesome and palatable sustensnce.
The desideEatum is nov to find some
thing to prevent the ravages Of the lit
Ito robbers later in the season when the
birds return and the rice has developed.
The ornithologist asks the rice-grow-
ers fifteen questions. Among them are
such as. Bow many acres in cultiva-
ton? Average yield? Preyentiyes Of de-
struction, by firearms and otherwise,
by the rice-birds?
Messrs. John and Matthew Seanott,
IF Accomnck, are here.