Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1898-01-06

Spcn king OF the peculiarities of the pen-
sion laws, Commissioner Evans tells the
story of distinguished officer who scry-
ed through the war and was badly wound
ed, but died in 1871 without having APP
piled for n pension. His widow married
again and lived with her second husband
until 1885. He died during that year.
She remained widow until 1892, when
she married for the third time, and Mt the
suggestion of her latest and present hus-
band filed an application and has since
received regular monthly pension which
up to this time has amounted to $3,S00.
This pension is granted her because of the
services Of her first husband during the
war, and No. 3 is enjoying the benefits.
Secretary Wilson has inaugurated an
inquiry to ascertain the demand for
horses In foreign countries, especially
with reference to the requirements or
European Governments for horses for
their armies. and has appointed Mr..
Charles Il. Stubs of Denver as special
commissioner to visit Europe and assist
In collecting data for n bulletin on the
subject Secretary Wilson takes the po-
sition that with our cheap grasses and
grnns the United States should supply
horses, as well as cattle, for the rest OF
the world, and that wcll-directed efforts,
as soon as the foreign demand is known.
will enable our farmers and stockmen to
control the foreign markets.
The florists Of Washington are making
an earnest effort to secure the passage OF
resolution by Congress prohibiting the
free distribution by officials of the Gov
eminent of plants, cut flowers, foliage,
etc. There are four conservatorics and
propagating gardens belonging to the
Government in Washington. 1t has al
ways been customary, as long as anybody
can remember. for the people in charge
Of these establishments to distribute their
surplus flowers among the official fami-
lies Of Washington and to loan plants and
similar decorations for dinners, receptions
and other entertainments, which of course
cuts good deal into the trade of the local
florists.
The pressure of Office seekers Mt the
White House is even greater than it was
last spring. The visits of Senators and
Representatives in Congress, delegations
Kinley men, are Just as numerous and
frequent, aud their demands are even
more urgent and imperative because the
untitled places are few and are going fast.
Cabinet circles i'm Washington are busy
discussing the approaching marriage OF
Miss Frances Alger, daughter Of the Sec
rotary of War, to Charles Pike of Chi
cago The event will take place early
in the summer, either in May or June. As
this is the first wedding in the cabinet
family it is expected it will be brilliant
affair.
A report from George Horton, the Unit
ed States consul in Greece, announces
that the Government there proposes to
purchase 10000 American made plows to
distribute among the Thessalan refugees,
in order that they may return to cultivate
the land they abandoned ut the approach
of the Turks.
During the last ten months we have
exported to Great Britain iron and steel
to the value of $1,331 1885, During the
corresponding period of 1896 the total was
S1,O46, 2G5. The exports to Germany dur
ing the same time have been about one
half as much.
Uncle Sam paid out last year over $141,-
100000 to the soldiers and sailors and
their dependents. This is the largest
amount disbursed during twelvemonth
since the bureau of pensions was estab-
lished.
Secretary Wilson asks Congress to give
him the authority and the money to en-
ploy number of microscopists in the in
spection of butter, fruit and other farm
products intended for export.
Commander Rush during his recent visit
to Washington gave the Secretary Of the
Navy some encouraging information con-
corning the naval militia organizations in
Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.
The State Department is receiving more
advice as to how to put an end to the
Cuban suffering by forcibe Intervention
than subscriptions for the relief of starv-
ing concentrates.
The deficit for the fiscal year, without
counting the Union Pacific receipts, is
$50, 67S, 407. If the Union Pacific returns
are taken in that deficit is reduced to
1908, 407.
Secretary Bliss gave Christmas gift
of a turkey to every married employe of
that department who receives n salary of
$50 a month or less.
During the first ten months of 1897 we
shipped to Great Britain $145,057 worth
of machinery and $624 ,OS4 in typewriters.
The number of postage stamps requir-
ed per year approximates 1900, 100000.