St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1903-07-29
WASHINGTON LETTER
rspecial Correspondence


nublic and semipublic libraries, the
nrnollest of which would be considered
first class, not to say magnificent,
hook collection in the general run of
cities. The library Of congress, which,
as everybody knows, is the largest Ii
hrary on the western hemisphere, con-
toins upward of a million volumes and
furnishes a palace in which to peruse
them-delightfully cool in summer,
we'll warmed in winter, well lighted,
with ice water and other conveniences
furnished entirely free Of cost by liberal
Uncle Samuel. The student may have
his choice of table, desk or alcove,
nlaced there for his use, and Uncle Sam
also employs people to bring and to
take away whatever books the reader
desires, and, meantime, maintains 81
lence so that nobody may be disturbed
in his studies. Paper, pens and ink are
furnished freely.
Then there is the new Carnegie Ii
hrary another, though less sumptuous,
palace of white marble, where the seek
or after knowledge may not only study
as long as he likes, but may take out
books and keep them, too, until he has
absorbed their contents. Among the
others are the Carol Institute library,
which contains about 5000 volumes;
the Peabody, 10000; the Masonic Ii
brary. 3,O00-in shorts grand total of
more than 100000 volumes to which
the Washington public has free access.
Parliamentary Excursionists.
District Commission Mcfarland
Lunn chairman Of the New Reform
club of London, who has been in New
York making preliminary arrangements
for the arrival of the parliamentary
excursionists in this country. DR.. Lunn
stated to the commissioners that the
party would probably be in Washing
ton between Oct. 3 and 5. 1t is expect
ed that the president will be home at
that time and will give a reception in
honor of the visitors. The commission
ers will do all in their power to make
the stay of the members of the house
of lords and the house of commons
pleasant one.
The parliamentary excursion has been
arranged by Lord Lyvedon, being
planned primarily to give the English
legislators tour through Canada. The
excursionists will journey across that
country and back again before extend
ing their visit into the United States.
Increase In Diamond Imports.
A remarkable import record is shown
by the bureau of statistics recently is
sued statement, which places the i'm
ports of diamonds and other precious
stones for the last fiscal year at $780,
100000 This exceeds by so per cent the
importation of diamonds in 1901 and is
more than six times the average during
the period from 1890 to 1897.
The large imports of precious stones
indicate the development Sf compara-
lively new industry in The country
that of cutting diamonds. The value of
uncut diamonds imported in eleven
months ending with May has grown
from $2,5O0,000 in 1898 to 100000
in 1908. The census statistics of clap
idary work" show that the total value
of production of lapidary work in 1900
was over $5,500,000 against less than
$4,000 in 1890.
Wanted Some Big Words.
Secretary Shaw, pleased at a service
rendered by colored man, offered him
some money. The man refused it, say
ing that it had been pleasure and an
honor to be asked to do something for
such "an eminent celebrity" and then
added, But if you will give me few
big words in payment l shall be
mighty grateful" Certainly" replied
the secretary, "but what do you want
big words for?" "Mr. Secretary" re-
piled the darby, with vast dignity, 81
am one of the most principal speakers
at my debating club, and we have hot
times over politics and religion, and
wants those big words to use wher
some calamitous occasion predomi
nates."
Will Protect American Shipping.
The navy department, at the instance
of the state department, has taker
steps to prevent further interference
with American shipping in the ORR
noco by either government or rebe
forces. This action was taken upoI
the advice of Mr.. Russell, Unltec
States charge at Caracas, to the effec
that the government forces had de
tanned two ships belonging to the Orl
noco Steam Navigation company a
San Fernando and the insurgents hat
detained and were likely to destro.
three other ships belonging to the SAM
company at Ciudad Bolivar Order
were cabled to the United State
steamship Bancroft at Port Of Spail
to proceed at once up the Orinoco ant
release the detained vessels.
An Artistic "Pick Up"
On the walls of the antechamber o
the office of the secretary of war hang
gallery of portraits of his predeces
sors, resembling in variety OF subJec
and execution the group of ancestor
sold to the Jews by "Charles Surface
in the play. When Mr.. Roots portal
is added to the collection he need NO
waste time and money in sittings, a
he CON nn+ 1,ndnr ono of the DreSen