Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-03-20

refuse 10 see any OF the numerous ladies' who
Mrs. Russell Harrison went out to take lunch
with Mrs. Capt. Bourke.
Sergt Densmore has recovered from his cold
and is on duty.
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP.
A CLEVELAND CoNscIEScE.-Treasurer Hyatt
to-day received conscience contribution of
$40 in an envelope postmarked Cleveland. o.
The sender requested that the money be placed
to the credit OF profit and loss"
TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER MrILER-The
clerks Of the assessment division of the inter-
nal revenue bureau to-day placed handsome
bouquet on Commissioner Miller's desk. The
clerks will take leave Of him this afternoon.
The TERRIBLE FAMINE IN CHINA.-The U. s.
consul-general at Shanghai has informed the
State department, at the request of the Shang-
hal committee of the North China relief fund,
OF the distress existing over a large area of
China, the result of floods in the Yellow river
sections, and of droughts in portions Of the
provinces OF kiang Su and Anhui. The
committee desires to invite the char
table people of the world to respond to
its request for funds. Thousands are starving
and dying from exposure in Northern China.
Relief has already been received from America
and England, but more is needed. Until the
spring crops are gathered the famine will
continue, and to insure the spring
planting money is needed from abroad.
as in the famine districts there is neither seed
nor money to purchase it. 1t is stated that re-
lief, to be really effective, must continue until
next June, carrying limited number quite
through the season of want.
A PRESENT TO Ex-SECRTARY CoLMAN.-The
present made to Secretary Colman by the Off
Gals and employees of the Agricultural depart
ment. referred to in another column. was a
handsome oak antique hall clock. eight feet
high. with chimes and cathedral gong.
Mr.. J. r. Dodge, the statistician, made
the presentation address, and referred in appro-
pirate terms to Mr.. Colman's ability and
success, and to the appreciation of his kindness
and fairness. Prof. Riley and others also made
remarks expressing esteem and friendship.
Ex-Secretary Colman responded in a fitting
manner.
NEWS FROM HAYTI.-Under date of the 9th
inst. Consul Courier, at Cape Haytien, has re-
ported to Secretary Blaine that the U. s. s..
Galena with Rear-Admral Gherardi arrived
there from Key West ON February 81,
and was still in port The con;
has been seen in those waters since January II
last; also the arrival at Cape Haytien of the
steamer Geo. ". Clyde on February 26 and the
Caroline Miller on the 28th, both with cargoes
Of provisions. The latter vessel was to sail for
New York on the 8th instant with a cargo of
coffee and logwOod.
A BOARD OF ORDNANCE OFFICERS, to con-
sist of Lieut.. Col. A. R. Burlington, Capt. A.
l.. Varney, and Capt. Charles Shaler.
has been appointed to meet at Rock Island arse
nal, ILL.,, next Friday, to examine and report on
plans and material for reconstructing the gov
eminent dam.
The ADDITION TO WEST PoINr.-The Secre-
tary of War has ordered board of officers, to
consist of Brig. Gen. Saml. B. Hoabird quar-
termaster-general; Col H. l.. Abbot eng corps:
and Col. Robert p. Hughes, inspector general,
to assemble at West Point to de-
termine the best method for the
expenditure of s15O,OO0 appropriated by the
last Congress for the purchase of the Kins-
ley estate as an addition to the Gov
eminent reservation at the point
The act left it discretionary with the
Secretary of War to purchase the property out
right, or to secure by condemnation.
Some Musical People.
From the Boston Courier
Some musical people were discoursing the
other day, and among other things that were
said on the occasion were two or three stories
u
One well-known maestro related how young
lady one day said to him;
81 don't see what this piece has such queer
name for"
Queer name," he repeated looking at it,;
''that is very often used by musicians"
But what does it mean?" she asked SIT
seems to me that Bar lo'cole is very odd name
for piece of music"
At first he was inclined to believe she was
ia in 6aa
earnest, and she was, moreover, a girl who was
incapable of making joke.
'The name," he answered gravely, sis not
Barrel O coal. 1t is Barcarolle, an Italian word
which means boat-sOng."
Another of the ounces whose mission in life
is to make their musical teachers unhappy is
quoted as discoursing upon the music Of
Wagner; beginning. of course, with the CUES
ton how her teacher liked it.
The musician was clever enough to frame
non-committal answer, which cut off discussion
in that direction, but that did not prevent her
from going on to say that it seemed to her very
strange that the Wagner festival should be
given in a place SO far removed. The other
who was born SO near Bayreuth that it did not
seem to him at all out Of the world, inquired
what she meant.
why" she answered, ait must be dreadfully
inconvenient for people to go to Asia Minor
just to hear an opera. l should think there
must be places quite as good in Europe"
The other looked at her and decided that it
was perfectly safe to fool her to the top of her
bent.
But you see," he answered with all the
gravity imaginable, Wagner was very peculiar
IN his notions, and he wrote for the Asian at
mosphere, SO that to get the full effect of his
works it is necessary to hear them in that
country. As you say, it is great bother to
travel all the way to Beirout to hear the Wag-
merriam opera in all its perfection. But them"
he added with hypocritic candor, they are
worth the journey"
And it is probable that the questioner will
never know the difference between Bayreuth
and Beirout
President Spencer's Start in Life.
From the New York Star.
Out Of the best business talent of the country
New York selects the men who are to manage
the thriving and growing interests of the
metropolis. So it happens that Samuel Spencer
who used to be president Of the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad haQ ipined of al