, 1888-12-27

with small purchases from the Societe des
Metaux, and, second, the curiosity of 59.-
200 kilos of copper coins being imported
into France during the period under re-
view against 1000 kilos last year. There
must be the surplus stock Of some nation
that has either. changed its coinage Of
small demon nations, or that has taken I'D.
vantage Of the good market 10 realize on
Its surplus stock, not being able to put the
coins into circulation.
From the consumptive point OF view
there appears 10 be q prospect Of relief to
certain extent from o new quarter, il it
be true. as Is stated. that the German gov
eminent has decided to adopt brass cart
rides for the whole of It's field artillery,
after testing the system thoroughly during
the past summer, and that the English
govern ment has also approved their use.
The general adoption OF this system by
the armies OF Europe would call for many
thousand tons Of copper, Tor some Of the
cartridge cases weigh as much as twelve
pounds eaca.--New York Mining and En-.
gineering Journal.
Christmas. the happiest day Of all the
year for the little folks, the day when all
christendom enjoys day of rest and the
busiest Of busy men stop the wheel of
home, one day Of romp and freedom-one
day to make the little ones laugh till they
cry--one day to send rememberances to
absent friends, or turkey here, a sack of
-four there to some needy family who
would otherwise enjoy no Christmas. The
time when churches, Sunday. schools
Christian people generally, meet for praise
aud worship. In fact Christmas Is q day
for absolute enjoyment.
The last week in Spokane Falls has been
one of preparation for the day. The
holiday trade of the city has been i'm
mense. The total sales for Christmas
week are estimated at nearly u quarter of
million dollars. For more than week
there has been q veritable stampede In the
stores, and clerks and merchants have been
even then many customers were obliged to
wait One point is worthy of particular
notice--tbe class of goods pur-
chased The best was none too
good for the buyer this year. The
merchants all said that the Christmas Of
1883 in Spokane Is a splendid illustration
OF the prosperity of the city, and shows
conclusively that one and all have finished
tn Q year in far better circumstances than
ex listed at the celebration of last Christ
mas.
THE CROWDS.
The numerous business houses Of the
town yesterday were decked out
with profusion of holiday ware
In the many, fashionable bazaars were
to be seen a perfect stream of people
going in and out, the majority of those
outward bound, struggling with sundry
packages, all destined to make some heart
glad to-day. District messenger boys
were kept busy all day delivering presents.
The postoffice and express office we're be.
sieged with a mob Of people from
early morn till late at night.
The incoming trains brought huge
amount of matter that made the clerks
work like beavers.
Business will be generally suspended to.
day, most OF the stores and workshops be-
ing closed. The employers will give their
feast to-day. and many distributed turkeys
among their employees as a Christmas
present.
There will be services at all the churches
many having arranged elaborate musical
programs. Several Sunday schools had
their celebration last evening.
IN THE CHURCHES TODAY.
At the Roman Catholic church on Main
street masses will be said at 6. 8 and 8
A. M. High mass and sermon at 10 80
O'Clock. Benediction at 3 o'clock.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this
week masses will be said at 8 A. NJ. On
Thursday the children of the Sisters
give Christmas entertain ment at the
American Resort hall at 5 O'Clock p. NJ.
Gonzaga college clesod for the Christmas
vacation on the 2lst, and will reopen ON
January 7th.
Christmas tree exercises by the Presby.
terian Sunday school will be held to NOR
row evening at clock in the church.
The exercises, under the general subject
of 1.-The Star and the Cross" will consist
of singing, responsive readings and reci.
tations, to be followed by the distributions
from the tree.
There will be divine service at All
Saints Church this morning at IL o'clock.
All are cordially invited. Following is the
musical prog,am; Professional hymn No.
u; "Venite," GregorIan chant; Gloria
Were shephsrds;" "ksrie." Freoch
Litana; "Gioria Tibi. Gafnstt; hymn No.
10; offsrtory. Give Alms of Thy Goods;"
presentation of aims; Communion hymn
207, "Gloria in Excelsis; recessional No.,
%. The offerings of the congregation
will be for the new chapel and parish
building.
LAST EVENINGS EXRRcIsEs.
The ladies of Unitarian society held q
Christmas tree festival ia the church
basement yesterday afternoon, which be.
gan with singing BY the entire Sabbath
school. Eddie Lockhart gave recitation
followed by q Christmas carol by the
school. Miss Smith followed with an.
other recitation, after which Misses Eoline
bockhart, Mabel Blackfen AND hottie r
Kings of Orient Are." Milton Webster
read one of Dickens charming Christmas
tales. After singing by the school Miss