The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-10
MINOR TOPICS.


The Minnesota newspaper world is much
disturbed as a result of an interesting story
from an imaginative correspondent at lie
Suer. 1t was stated that man in that
city went out with his rifle, during the
recent cold snap, TO shoot a cat. The cat
took refuge on the timbers Of water
tank, above the mans head. The man
fired, and pussy fell, but the bullet had
pierced the tank. Instantly a flood of
water descended on the man, freezing as
it fell, and he stood helpless. encased in
a rapidly growing block of solid ice. When
he was rescued and melted out the MUIR
dered cat was found frozen to his back
This is a very interesting story; but rival
papers doubted its exact veracity, and cast
slurs upon the paper which published it
and the correspondent who sent it. A
great deal of bitterness has resulted.
The management of the Louisiana Pur-
chase Exposition should arrange for a
matrimonial day in honor of the year. 1t
is reported that Director Taylor has al
ready received a barrel of letters proposing
marriage, and at this rate it should not be
difficult to get up an entertaining national
leap year celebration a ticket to the
grounds on that day emitting the holder
to a marriage license without further cost.
1t is possible that China may become an
ally of Japan during the present conflict.
Chinese soldiers cannot help much in the
way of fighting, but they are said to be
good runners, so they may be useful in
cases of pretended retreat. Also, they can
make fiendish noises which may discomfort
the Russians.
Sometimes a humble newspaper editor
breaks out with a ringing phrase that
proves that eloquence and forceful writing
are not yet dead. A Brooklyn paper speaks
Of 1.-The lunacy of superative egotism
carried to the extreme of clotted nonsense"
Put that in your note book-it will make
a tremendous hit at some future dollar
dinner"
There has arisen doctor who gravely an
nounces that leg grating is possible. Mil
lionaires who lose their legs will find that
good healthy ones cost much more than
ears, however. 1t is probable that this
form of grating will never grow as pop
ular or as profitable as some other vari-
eties
Dave" Francis, of Missouri, declares that
it would be a huge joke to nominate him
for the presidency. That should make no
difference whatever-most of the Demo-
cratic possibilities thus far named are even
bigger jokes than Francis. 1t seems to
be recommendation rather than a handi-
cap.
Mayor Mcclellan, OF New York, seems de-
termined to introduce startling changes
into the marriage ceremony. Not only
does he refuse to kiss the bride, as reported
the other day, but he has stricken the word
obey from the wedding vow. Well, that
alteration will prevent an immense lot of
perjury.
Women who are inclined to observe all
their leap year prerogatives cannot do bet
ter than to take a trip to the Philippines.
cry comes from the islands that there
are not enough women, and it should be
''easy picking over there for the bachelor
maids this year.
Nineteen years ago a man named Sub
lett, of Missouri, had valuable bull killed
by an engine. He Immediately brought
suit and has just received S276 damages.
One would think he would have Sublett
that claim long ago.
The Empress Dowager of China is said
to fear an irruption of Russians in spite
of the Chinese wall. 1t is understood that
the wall has suffered recently by PORTO, :
of it being carried away by travellers.
Admiral Alexieff will now have an op-
portunity to show how he is on looping
the loop. He has a good chance to put
life into his business from now on.
A Kentucky woman swallowed an electric
light bulb recently, but she has recovered.
light diet appears TO have agreed with
her.