Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-10-30
October 81, 1886

The prognosticators of coming
events are very much at their wits
ends just now, as to the success of
the coming social season. The fact
that great many houses that were
brilliant social centres last winter,
will be closed this year, seems to in
dictate rather curtailed season of
gaiety. 1t is believed that Secre-
tary Whitney will not entertain with
such lavish hospitality again, as his
expenses of last season were enor.
nous. 1t is said that he spent
nearly sixty thousand dollars, in
dinners, parties ETC., and at the
same time, kept up his New York
residence. Sundry calamities have
befallen many of the most promi-
nent leaders, and with singular ra-
pidity. There is however no appre-
hension of complete stagnation.
There is every reason to believe that
the White House will be unusually
gay. Presided over by so youthful
a mistress, it is safe to predict that
society will not be entirely upset by
the loss of so many Of its most act
i've members.
During a visit to the Agricultural
department this week, | was some
what surprised to see in one of the
rooms, q machine for reeling silk
from cocoons. 1t was in operation
and in the hands of two experienced
workmen from France. / learned
from an official, that this is the first
attempt to reel silk from cocoons
ever made in this country. The OBJ
ject of making this experiment is to
carry out the clause appropriating
the money passed at the last session
of Congress, and to demonstrate by
practical means that the raw silk can
be produced in this country. The
machine has six basins, in which
float the cocoons. The silk thread
is unreeled from the cocoons and
carried, by series Of drums and
wheels, to the reels. An ingenious
mechanism operated by electricity
regulates the tension of the thread
and the degree of fineness. This is
done automatically. AS soon as the
machine gets in working trim its ca
pacity will be noted, as well as the
cost Of operating it. If, after fair
trial, the machine should prove a
success, there is every reason to be-
lieve, that raw silk manufacture
will in a very short time, become an
important industry.
1t has been recently learned that
Minister Cox, while at Constanti-
nople, consummated under instruc-
tions from the United States, two
treaties with Turkey-an extradi-
ton treaty, and naturalization
treaty similar to the one now exist
ing between this country and Great
Britain. Some fifteen or twenty
years ago, q treaty with Turkey was
drawn up and was ratified by the
United States Senate. There were
several amendments however, which
the Sultan of Turkey declined to ac-
cept. In consequence, the scheme
was abandoned, and nothing was
ever heard nor said of this treaty,
until Mr.. Cox succeeded in bring
ing over the reigning sultan. At the
present time there is no protection
in Turkey for Turks who have be-
come naturalized citizens ofthe Uni
ted States. The treaties to become
operative, require the sanction of our
government.
Arrangements are just now being
made by the National Jockey Club
for the annual fall meeting. The
field of entries is the largest
in the history of the asssocia-
ton. Nearly every celebrated racer
in the country will run. 1t is a
question however, whether there
will be any pool selling on the
grounds. The new law forbidding
any style ofgambling in the District.
is said to be especially directed to-
wards the turf, and there exists some
little anxiety among leading turf
men as to the success of the coming
races, should the law be strictly
enforced. 1t is laughable to think
of this law, however, when we recall
to mind, the deserted appearance of
both houses of Congress during the
spring races. 1t will be remember
ed, that nearly every member of
House and Senate, attended and were
conspicuous figures around the pool
stalls. There is an appropriate lit
tie fable by Esop, which would fit
the case, but it's scarcely worth
mentioning. ALIc.
Tuesday of last week as lot of
cattle belonging to Vanmeter & Cham