The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-03

it could acquire plant without mourning a
debt
MINOR TOPICS.
A new plan for the reformation of wicked
young men has taken possession OF the fer
tile brain of Lucy Page CASTOR, the deter
mined foe of the deadly cigarette and other
forms of youthful depravity. In each
town lot of good young men are to be
picked from the Sunday schools and each
one of these is to win the friendship and
confidence of some designated sinner. He is
to do this quietly. and in such way as
to excite no suspicion of his Interior mo-
tive. Then he is TO stay with him at all
times, pointing out the beauty OF holiness,
and by example and precept finally leading
him into the paths of righteousness. What
could be more splendid? But a question
arises here as to the outcome Of this
scheme. Suppose the bad young man
should prove stronger of purpose and more
winning in his ways than the good COM
panion? Is there not a grave danger that
about half the missionaries will come under
the malign influence OF those whom they
intend to reform? Evil communications
corrupt good manners" said the apostle,
quoting old Greek philosopher; and it
seems about an even bet as to which side
would win. The plan is full of dangers.
Yesterday was grounding day." and,
sad to relate the ground hog was fully able
to see his shadow. According to the old
superstition. the alternating rodent went
back into his hole, whence he will not
emerge for six weeks, and during that six
weeks wintry weather will prevail. Ground
hog day is an ancient institution, though its
name is American. Ii used to be called
Candlemas, and on that day the Christmas
decorations were taken down from homes
and churches If the day was dark an early
spring was presaged, and vice versa.
'Ground-hog day is a western term; in
New England il is called 'woodchuck day."
and woodchuck is the better name for the
American marmot, which is not like hog
at all.
Ten years ago to-day the Kearsarge, the
stanch old wooden corvette that won such
fame by the destruction of the Alabama.
struck on Roncador reef in the Caribbean
sea and ended her honorable career. she
was the last of her race; already an anom-
ally and ar anachronism among the steel
clad fighting machines of our navy and
yet none had a nobler record. All her
stored prowess past. she
Struck her glorious flag at last
To the formless thing that builded Ron
cador."
At last the girls have awakened to their
responsibilities, and in one town at least
have signified their determination to take
advantage OF the privileges of leap year. A
number of young women of from eighteen
to twenty-eight in Dunkirk have formed
Proposal Club. and each member must offer
her heart and hand to some man before the
year is ended. If any young man refuses be
should be tarred and feathered for ungallant
conduct.
But, your honor" protested New York
wholesale liquor dealer, Il am respectable
business man and L cannot go to PRISON.
But one never knows what he can do until
he tries. and the respectable business
man." who had been counterfeiting whisky
labels, is behind the bars. He was willing to
pay fine for the crime he had committed,
but, like many others, expected his
Responsibility" to keep him out of Jail.
When the Usage Indians come to town
there is bound to be a celebra ton. Eighteen
of them went to Washington TO sign a
treaty opening their Oklahoma lands, but
the treaty had to be postponed until they
recovered from their headaches. They had
accumulated too much civilization the night
before, as did Prince Cupid when he first
saw the national capital.
Feud Murderer Harvey Mccoy had a
record of thirteen men killed before he HIM
self was slain by a bullet from one OF his
enemies. He should have stopped short of
the unlucky number. or else dropped two
men while he was about 1T. Feudists can't
be too careful about these things.
A New York woman who proposed TO a
preacher has, In consequence, been
adjudged insane. Was il because she ex-
ercised her leap year right, or because she
used 1t on a preacher? III that is sign of
insanity. it is easy to see the finish of that
Dunkirk club of girls.
There is man in Pennsylvania who has a
private deer park, and in that park the deer
are multiplying so rapidly that he is at a
loss TO KNOW what 10 90 with Inem. VEN
ison should be cheap in that part OF the
country. but he might start a trust and
make it dear.
Lillian Nordica gets her divorce, but no
alimony. oh, well. she will not be alto
gether destitute. She has a few golden
notes left in her throat worth more than
any 'pittance Mr. Zollan Doeme could pay.
So endeth romance begun in Indianapolis.
Colombia is getting ready TO unloose her
dogs of war. In contrast to the Siberian
bloodhounds OF Russia and the grim bull
dogs of Britain. Colombia's leash of a
pink pug pup and a hairless toy terrier
is interesting end amusing.
shall money changers rule the United
States?' asks Mr.. Bryan. looking severely
at Wall street as he asks the question. An
other unfortunate choice OF terms Who
ever got any change back in Wall street,
This is the one season in the year when
the man with the horse and carriage is
better off than his neighbor with the auto
mobile. The automobilst is not able to take
the wheels of and substitute runners
Tn Ohio thara has haan exhuued a MAN.