The National tribune., 1896-03-26

The Weather Bureau has new scheme for
distributing weather forecasts in big cities. 1t
is about TO go in operation here, and if success
full will be tried elsewhere. 1t is simple
enough. The forecast is put by changeable
type in the die that stamps the hour Of collec-
ton. Already large number of applications
have been received from Postoffices in other
cities.
Chief Moore, OF the Weather Bureau, first
suggested the new plan of disseminating nfor-
nation of the weather. The idea was discussed
at a conference of Weather Bureau chiefs, and
received their appreciation. The Bureau is
paying for the making OF the stamps to be
used in the Washington Postoffice, the Post
Office Department has no funds available for
that purpose The cost is considerable as a
great many duplicates of the dies are required.
Next year the contingent fund of the Post
Office appropriation will be available for pro-
yiding the dies and it is also probable that the
Agricultural Department will have funds avail
able to pay part of tho cost
r.
One of the local artists u. s. Dunbar, has
placed on exhibition here magnificent bronze
statue of "0ld Tecumseh," which any of the
veterans who followed the General to the sea
would lie glad to possess. The statue repre-
sents the General seated upon curveting
steed his hat is in the right hand his saber
at his side. Face and figure bear a wonderful
likeness TO Sherman. The figure is mounted
al icI, On ris
elevation. upon which blooming forget.me-
nots gently remind the onlookers of one of
Americas grandest sons. At one corner of the
pedestal is the figure of a negro raising his
shacklcd hands in the air. and, directly oppo-
site, War, with uplifted sword, is preparing TO
free him from his bonds. The figures of Peace
and History in graceful drapery, hold on high
the Nations battle-1sg surmounted with the
laurel wreath OF fame. On either side
tablets. On one is inscribed "Vicksburg aud
Atlanta; on the other, the notes and opening
bars of Marching Through Georgia."
4
A Washington veteran visiting Richmond
lately told the Gossip some interesting remi-
niscences about one of the most remarkable
houses Of worship in America. 1t is the old
Monumental Church in the late Capital Of the
so-called Southern Confederacy. There is a
romantic Object within it in the shape of a
photograph of Wilkes Booths double.
1t hangs in a dark corner OF the old FASH
Toned vestry ROOM" said the comrade few
days ago, land represents in the prime
Of life. standing beside table. his long, cleri-
cal garments giving him increased hight and
dignity. The long, straight hair is brushed
straight back from the high, broad forehead,
and the face-in its every lineament-is said to
be the image of Wilkes Booth as he would
have appeared at that time. The resemblance
is certainly most remarkable. He was Rev.
John @. Armstrong, pastor OF the church from
1873 TO 1884. Even to this day strange rumors
OF the final end OF Booth are 10 be heard.
There are tales of mysterious grave, Of a
body that Tailed in some of its marks with
those of Wilkes Booth. and differed materially
in others, and an intangible fabric of SUPPOSE
ton built about series Of gossiped incidents.
X
"The likeness of Armstrong to Booth was so
startling that some people who had seen both
men oand it hard to believe that they were
not the same. The preachers manner might
be called dramatic. His movements and ges-
lures has the repose and breadth that most
actors acquire in following their art and living
and working constantly before audience.
He was, moreover, slightly lame, as Wilkes
Booth would probably have been in conse-
quence Of the injury to his leg. sutained from
jumping out of Lincolns box. Armstrong;
manner. voice. aud temperament led to the
rir 81 inn hat IL ha mi mir icfo ba
would have been an actor.
"No subject Of discussion was more constant
in Richmond than the possibility that Arm
strong and Wilkes Booth were one aud the same
man. Armstrong strenuously denied the
identity, but such denials could not silence the
rumors. There seemed, moreover, a shadow
over his antecedents. lie came to Richmond a
comparative stranger. and claimed that he was
a priest ordained in Ireland. Investigation
was unsuccessful. There were so many re-
iterated declarations that finally Armstrong
resigned the rectorship. went far South and
died in obscurity. But even TO the end the
doubt as to his identity hung like shadow over
his life aud when on his death bed, his last
words were denial-a pathetic. heart broken
oenlal-lnat he was wilkes BOoth."
The free and easy House OF Represcn tatives
once ia awhile still breaks out in personal bit
ternoss, which, however, always proves amusing
to the onlookers During a session last week
Dir. Sulzer IN. Y, d. eLliyened the proceedings
with some personal remaIk ks about the yalor Of
Republicans who assailed Thomas i. Bayard
when he WAS not present to defend himself
lie devoted most Of his lime to Dir. Gibson, Of
Tennessee, displaying 10 the House d circular
which he said was sent out under Dir. Gibson's
frank describing his qualifications as cand-
date and entitled Rally, Boys. Once Again
Send Gibson Back 10 Congress and the Couatry
is Saved"
Mr.. Gibson, with flushed and angry face,
jumped 10 his feet aud shouted out: The
statement is an Infamous false hood and your
iniouner originated vile Islander, and you are
no better than lie is"
Z" decline 10 yield" said Mr. Sulzer
Your tactics are those of the coward" called
out MIR Gibson above the din aud confusion.
When Mr.. Gibson, however. returns home
and is asked What did you do?' he would
reply, We censured Bayard.' said Mr. Sulzer
Proceeding he declared thai the attempt 10
cenSale Mf. Bayard Was made for the purpose
II digertiug attention from the currency issue
aud pushing the tariff quest ion 10 the front.
Wbpn ha NJ .lnWn M i,sou mt tho floor