Evening star., 1907-05-24


without any possible objection from the
registry clerk. Another feature Is that II
she does not soon disfntangle herself from
the muddle she will soon be captured by
the conscriptfon.
Prize Money After Twenty Years.
Louis Michaud, aged seventy-one, has just
been awarded a prize in money left twenty
years ago by a M. Boissaye, who had pre-
sumably suffered from the vagaries of
Partisan Jehus to be bestowed annually
on the most deserving cabby. II any ever
deserved the prize Michaud is worthy, for
he drove a cab In Paris for forty-seven
years and actually never ran over any one
He first obtained his license in 1850 by
bribing the police, 'as was the custom In
those days." and gave 1t up only a few
weeks ago when he retired. In his long ca
reer not one single summons has ever been
taken out against him, though, according to
his own account it was easy enough to be
caught by police officer In the old days
for nothing at all.
Among other things he has given most
cheerful description of the police under the
tempt to prevent foot passengers from be-
ing run over, but spent their time lying in
wait for unfortunate cabbieS against whom
they took out frivolous summonses. which
they withdrew regularly for considera-
tion of from to francs. The young
cabbies of today who complain Of the police
amuse me. They ought to have tried what
respect the doyen of Paris cabbies is reso-
lutely conservative. He cannot trust him
self to answer you on the subject. The
hand that rocks the cradle Is not the hand
to hold the reins in his opinion, and he
wishes the first cochere had waited until he
was dead before mounting the box.
Blind Teach the Blind.
A curious deputation has found it's way
to the Office of the ministry of the interior
for the purpose Of placing It's grievances
before M. Clemenceau. 1t was not one of
workmen on strike, but was composed of
four blind men in frock coats and top hats.
Blind themselves they are engaged In teach
ing the blind. The foremost among them
was led by sympathizing usher to the
room of the chief secretary, the others, who
held on to each other, following In a single
file. After the attendant had introduced
them as "Messeurs the delegates of the
blind personnel" they explained their case.
Employed at the institution for blind chill
dren, they said that even the highest blind
professors earned no more than pittance
of $3.50, which was all they could aspire to
after twenty-five years service.
When the conditions of modern life were
considered how could they live decently,
marry and bring up their children on such
a sum? There were, they added, blind em-
ployes who did not get sou more than $40
per year. No, their spokesman said. they
were not ambitious, but they wanted lit
tie justice for the blind. AS the treasury
their claims for the present. All they
would ask now was an average increase OF
$40 per annum. And the blind callers con-
cluded by assuring M. Clemenceau OF
is little doubt but that the touching appeal
will be granted.
Several weeks ago. when police officials
returned after luncheon to station at
country town, they beheld an imposing in
dividual wearing a, decoration, seated at
the principal desk, who greeted them with
the exclamation that the place was in a
disgraceful condition and the whole service
in disorder He had been sent, he added,
from Paris to inspect the station and his
report would not be satisfactory. The un-
lucky men trembled and did not venture
upon a reply.
Packed officials Of to Gaol.
Several people had been summoned to ap-
pear, and these he packed Off to gaol in
the most summary style without word Of
explanation, and the whole lot of ofhcials
might have followed in their turn II a
functionary of a higher rank had not hap
pened to look In. This clever person took
in the situation at a glance. and after
few adroh questions to the so-called police
Inspector from Paris he sent him off to
prison and liberated the unfortunate indi-
viduals whom he had incarcerated. This
audacious individual Is now being brought
to trial on the triple charge Of usurping
functions, of Illegally wearing decoration
and OF insulting agents of the law. BY way
of excuse he said that he had been drinks
ing and the court, evidently regarding this
as an extenuating circumstance, gave him
the benefit of the first offenders act when
1t sentenced him to four months In prison.
A note has been sent by the minister OF
finance to the president of the touring club
to inform him that hereafter no duty will
be exacted from automobilists entering
French territory for any essence or petrol
contained bona fide in their reservoirs. This
privilege extends, OF course. only to the
subjects Of other nations who accord a
similar favor to French citizens, such as
England. Belgium, Switzerland and Ger
many Temporary permission to this ef-
feet had already been given during the
past year. and the minister of finance has
now made 1t permanent rule.
Actress With Sensitive Nerves.
Mile Gabrielle Dorziat of the vaudeville,
whom Londoners saw with NJ. lie Bargy In
the Marquis OF Priola' last winter. is a
lady with sensitive nerves, as all impress
sionable actresses properly are. She lived
until lately in magnificent fiat in the
Champs Elysees. and enjoyed living there
until a motor-car dealer rented the ground
floor premises to open shop and garage.
Then the lady's existence became unbear-