The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1903-08-04
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Especial Correspondence


The national capital has tliirty-ono
public and semipublic libraries. the
smallest of which would be considered
IL first class, not to say magnificent,
book collection in the general run Of
cities. The library Of congress, which,
rs everybody knows, is the largest IL
brary on the western hemisphere, con-
tains upward of a million volumes and
furnishes Il 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. Tie student may have
his choice OF table, desk or alcove.
placed 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 H.
brary, another. though less sumptuous,
palace of white marble, where the seek
err 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,O0O-in short, a grand total of
more than 100000 volumes to which
the Washington public has free access.
Parliamentary Excursionists.
District Commissioner Macfarland
has received a note from DR.. III. S.
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. II is expect
ed that the president will be home ut
that time and will give Il reception in
honor of the visitors. The commission
the stay Of the members of the house
of lords aud the house Of commons Il
pleasant one.
The parliamentary excursion has been
arranged by Lord Lyvedon. being
planned primarily to give the English
legislators a 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 inn
ports of diamonds and other precious
stones for the last fiscal year at $780,
OOO, OOO. This exceeds by so per cent the
more thar six times the average during
the period from 1890 to 1897.
The large imports of precious stones
indicate the development of Il compare
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 $2,5OO,OOO in 1898 to $1O,OO0,OOO
in 1908. The census statistics of LAP
idary work. show that the total value
of production of lapidary work in 1900
was over $500. 900 against less than
$500, 600 in 1890.
Wanted Some Big Words.
Secretary Shaw, pleased at a service
rendered by a colored man, offered him
some money. The man refused it, say
ing that it had been a pleasure and an
honor to be asked to do something for
such IAN eminent celebrity" and then
added, But if you will give me a few
big words in payment | 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. II
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 when
some calamitous occasion predom1-
nates."
Will Protect American Shipping.
The navy department, at the instance
of the state department., has taken
steps 10 prevent further interference
with American shipping in the ORR
noco by either government or rebel
forces. This action was taken upon
the advice Of Mr.. Russell, United
States charge at Caracas, to the effect
that the government forces had de-
tanned two ships belonging to the ORR
noco Steam Navigation company al
San Fernando and the insurgents had
detained and were likely to destroy
, three other ships belonging to the same
! company at Ciudad Bolivar. Orders
} were cabled to the United States
steamship Bancroft at Port Of Spair
to proceed at once up the Orinoco an6
/ release the detained vessels.
i An Artistic "Pick Up"
!. On the walls of the antechamber Of