The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-12-24

With this issue Mystery closes the Grst half
year Of its existence. As TO its success, we
leave that for our numerous friends to judge.
1t has been our earnest endeavOr to present
each week TO the many readers Of THE Ma
TIoSAL TRIBUNE a supply Of intricacies which
would afford both entertainment and instruc-
ton. Is is a fact not to be denied that puzzIing
is an instructive pastime and could we know
that we had been the means Of dispensing To
our readers both pleasure and profit We would
feel that our duty had been done. Several new
features have been introduced by Mystery, and
we are always willing and anxious 10 consider
any suggestion Of a possible improvement
either in our method Of conducting the depart
ment or Of its typographical appearance.
resume Of the contents % the rs numbers OF
Mystery will probably prove interesting There
have been published 252 puzzles. Of which num-
Der 1913 were forms and ll9 fats The largest
number Of flats appeared over the nom Of Nvas.
with G.. Race second. Damon and X. T. Did
led the form list with nine puzzles each to their
credit while Maud Lynn and Cloves come sec
ond with eight each. The total number Of
5olvers TO the first 20 numbers is $50, max
ing the average list Sc. K T. Did. G.. Race.
and Alumnus are credited with a Complete
list to each one Of the 20 issues, which fact
sOsyeTs. Washington has been represented
By contributions as we'll as solutions in every
issue up to date. Puzzles have appeared over
the mons OF 81 different puzzlers, among that
number being the majority Of the prominent
and active puzzlers of to-day. 10 is our hope
that the New Year which is about 70 dawn
will b.ing 10 our threshold many new faces
and a host Of the old ones who have been
standing back.-The current number Of the
EASTERN Enigma, edited by Arty Fishel, has
been received, and, acting on the suggestion of
Il. Yer contained therein we have inserted at
the head o. this department a standing notice
relative 20 the books which will constitute our
standards for the definitions Of words.-In
last week 5 issue we mentioned che Metropolitan
Hotel as being on the corner Of Broadway and
Spring street, but now We End that it is Prince
street instead. Being unfamiliar with the Me-
trOpOlis, we inserted the notice just az it was
given US By one Of the Reception Committee
We accept the geutlemans apology with pleas
contributions have been re-
ceived from Phonog RolCeby, K. o. Chester, As
pir0, and AlcyO. As yet we have received no
puzzles in competition for the prizes offered in
No "a. This chance 20 win several good books
should not be missed by our contrbutor5.-
The encouraging news comes that Dame d. Is
slowly but surely recovering from her recent Sc
we're attack Of sickness. Mystery extends con-
gratulatiOns and best wishes for her future good
health.-It will be noticed that all Of the puz-
zles above presented ara by members of the E.
p. L. The high quality Of the matter present.
ed shows eOnclusIYeiy the material Of which
the League is eomposed.-To each of our
many friends we wish THE MOST MERRY OF
CHRIsTMAsEs and THE HAPPIEsT NEW YEAR,
hoping TO hear from them as regularly in the
future as during the first six mouths of our
career.
12-2EsI. EUGENE