The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-09-13
LITERARY NOTES.

There is a general idea that the life ot an his.
torian is calm and placid This is not always the
case. Charles Hemstrcet author of "Nooks and
Corners Of Old New York" who is trying to make
history popular by telling of city's landmarks,
docs not find peace and quiet always associated
with history.
In searching some old papers recently, Mr..
Hcmstrcet came across the record of grave.
yard which, according to his reasoning, should
have been in the block which extends east from
Second avenue at Twelfth street But he found
this block solidly built up, with evidence that
a graveyard had ever been there.
The houses were mostly tCnCments, occupied
by Italians, who viewed with suspicion the his
torian's request to be permitted to look out Of
their back windows. In some Of the yards, he
thought, there might he a trace of the thing he
sought. Finally he boldly entered tenement to
go to the roof where he could get a view Of
the interior Of the block. on the stairway he
met the iantor.
'Does Mr. Jones live herc?" asked the re.
scarchcr, trying to give excuse for being in
the house
"Top floor" the janitor Unexpectedly an
swcred.
The historian passed on up the stairs to the
roof To his great Joy he could see from there
an enclosed space, the last remnant Of a grave.
yard more than 200 years old. 1t lay there abso.
lutely sealed up by the enclosing tcncmcnts.
Joyfuly studying the details of the hidden grave.
yard, the historian suddenly felt touch on his
shoulder The janitor had followed him, evident.
ly mistaling him for a sneak thief.
81 want you," said the janitor.
"Let me explain, the -"
Explain nothing We've had things enough
stolen. Now, I've got ye, an I've got ye right.
Come on" and the janitor dragged the man who
writes history down stairs. During the five.
flight walk the historian talked faster than he
had ever written. He talked to such good effect
that the ianitor decided not to have him arrest
| ed, but said:
"Anyhow it looks queer" And the historian,
| agreeing that it did look decidedly queer, and
fearing that the decision might be reconsidercd,
hurriedy turned his back upon the hidden grave
| yard and left the janitor in possession.
| The racial differences that exist between Japan
and China have probably led some observers to
| believe that the two peoples naturally anti.
pathetic. The war of 1894 has been cited as proof
| of this and in the present crisis in the far East
| it appears to be taken for granted by many that
the japanese people will regard Chna's misfor.
tune as their opportunity. That there is no
valid reason for thinking that this is Japan's
| attitude, and that those who are most prominent
in guiding Japan's public policy sincerely desire
| TO establish and foster friendly feeling with
| China, is ably shown by Durham White Stevens,
| esq, counsellor Of the Japanse legation, in his
article, "Japan's Attitude Toward China" which
appears in the current number OF Golfers
Weekly.
| Lieutenant General Nelson A. Miles writes an
| appreciation Of Major General 4. r. ChafTcc, in
command Of the United States forces in China, in
the September Home Magazine. This is followed
| by an article on General Chatfce's career by Wal.
| don Fawcett. The l. ustration is hitherto un.
published portrait OF General Chaifcc