eee SOF OIYP In '" NEW YORK, DECEMBER 28, 1874., OND AR ARR Renae mmm OOOO OO ere ? Terms to Subscribers ¢ PDP One Year—1 copy (postage free)....$3 | One month......... 25 cts. ae a ne coples ss ids ” sews 4 | Two months........ 50 cts. Peri. Ah ae ee +s..»-10}| Three months...... 75 cts. hi EN, Shame et eae me ....-20 | Four months........ $1 00. Those sending $20 for aClub of Eight. all sent at one time, will be entitled to a Ninth Copy FREx. Getters-up of Clubs can after- ward add single copies at $2 50 each. ALL LETTERS S@OULD BE ADDRESSED TO STREET & SMITH, Proprietors. 25, 27,29 and 31 Rose St., N.Y. P.O. Box 4896 New York Weekly Postage Free. After the first, of January, 1875, every subscriber will receive the NEw YORK WEEKLY postage free, “We will prepay the postage. Three dollars will therefore secure the NEw YORK WEEKLY for one two copies, five dollars. A SPLENDID CHRISTMAS NUMBER Several eminent contributors, who have not heretofore written for us, have been engaged to write regularly for the NEw YORK WSEKLY during the year 1875, and most of them have already sent. us sketches for our Christmas Number. ‘We have now in hand Christmas sketches by J. T. TROWBRIDGE, Author of ‘‘Hearts and Faces,’ ‘‘The Vagabonds,”’ ‘‘Cud- jo’s Cave,’ “The Three Scouts,’ ete. : CHRISTIAN REDD, Author of “The Daughter of Bohemia,’ ‘Valerie Ayl- mer,’ etc. MES. HENRY WOOD. Author of “East Lynne,’ “Shadow of Ashlydyat,” ‘With- in the Maze,” etc. MISS M. E. BRADDON, Author of “Lady Audley’s Secret,’ “Publicans and “‘Sin- ners,’? ete, AMANDA M. DOUGLAS, Author of “The Crown of Duty,” ‘“Sy@nie Adriance,”’ “Stephen Dane,” et. LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON. Author of ‘“Bed-Time Stories.”” ; MRS. MARY J. HOLMES, Author of “Edith Lyle’s Secret,’ ‘‘West Lawn,” etc. : MAY AGNES FLEMING, Author of “A Wonderful Woman, ‘‘A Terrible .Se- cret,”” etc. PROF. WM. HENRY PECK; Author of “£16,000 Reward,’ ‘‘Wild Redburn,”’ etc. HELEN CORWIN PIERCE. GAIL HAMILTON. ROSE RAYNESFORD. LIZZIE HUNT. HERO STRONG. MISS M. A. ALDEN. DIANA MARCH. & EMMA WENBORN. MICHAEL SCANLAN. ALMEDIA M. BROWN. CLARA AUGUSTA. Some of the productions of this galaxy of star contribu- tors will appear in No. 9—our Christmas Number—to be issued on Monday, Dec. 21. The others will bo »nblished { inthe next Humber, OY aS BOON wihereaiter a8 Space will permit. We make this announcement to indicate to our readers the new attractions we have in store for them, as the above-named eminent contributors have been en- gaged to write regularly for the New YorRE WEEELY dt- ring the year 1875. With this combination of talent the year, without any additional expense for postage; | CHRISTMAS GIFTS. Christmas is coming, and already the fancy stores are making their windows gay and tempting with the display of goods for the holidays; and nervous people are shiver- ing every time they go home to dinner, in expectation of demands for camel’s hair shawls, and silk dresses, and jewelry, for Christmas! 4 The children are beginning to hoard theirscrip, and to almost grudge the pennies which have to go into the various mission boxes on Sunday; and mney lie awake nights wondering what they shall get, and wishing Uncle Dick or Aunt Sally would remember to send them a Christ- mas box. Many hearts will be gladdened by receiving Just what is most wished for, and many others will be doomed to dis- appointment. ’ This giving of presents at Christmas time is a pleasant custom, and we sincerely pity the individual who is so unfortunate as to have no one for whom to purchase gifts, We know just how empty of meaning to him are Christ- mas trees and mistletoe and the hanging up of little stockings. ; But while we certainly advocate the giving of gifts at this Season, we must seriously deprecate the custom, now 80 prevalent, of giving that we may receive in return. verybody gives everybody else something, confidently expecting to get back an equivalent. Now, we don’t like this way of doing things. Gifts from friends should be a free-will offering of the heart, not a modified case of trade and barter, and the moment they cease to be free- will offerings, that moment they lose all their beautifal significance as tokens of love and regard. he prevailing custom as relates to this ‘present’ sys- tem is peculiarly hard on young men, If they are sons of millionaires of course it is not so bad; but if they are clerks on salaries, Christmas mast be for them a veritable reign of terror. For they know that if Sallie Marie gives them pen-wipers and smoking-caps, she expects costly fans and laces and jewelry in return. And if the ong men do not come down handsomely they are stigmatize as “mean’’ and “stingy,’”? and receive the coid shoulder thereafter. We once heard two ledlhe-rRistarer AAR EINE Christ- mas matters, and their conversation opened our innocent eyes and gave us & new insight into the mystery of why some people had so many more presents than some other people. “Laura, love,” said one to the other, ‘I want a chain bracelet, which will cost about forty dollars, and if you will make me a Christmas present of one, I will get you that silver salver at Golabug’s, which we priced the other day. It was just forty dollars, you know.” And the other lady replied: “The very thing, Julia! I was)thinking of it last night after I went to bed! Itisso genteel to receive valuable Christmas presents, and have. them to. show to one’s friends! I should die of mortification if Jennie De Jones should get more than I! And she jis. always bragging about the things her rich uncle in Cuba sends her, and everybody knows old De Jones gives her the money and she buys them herself! JZ wouldn’t be se deceitful’? And when Christmas came, and the bracelet and the salver were duly paraded as presents from ‘friends at the South,’ we held our peace, though we felt that we could a tale unfold when we heard folks exclaiming: “How fortunate these Brown girls always are!’? In the selection of gifts for one’s friends the donor gen- erally wants to be the judge of what is best suited for the occasion, but, we beg leave to suggest, that itis always better to select something useful, evenif it be not so handsome as @& more fragile article. The age, position, taste, and needs of the recipient should be considered, and the gift be adapted to these needs. am You would. not want to give your washerwoman a set of sables, any more than you would send a barrel of soap to Mrs, Col. E. Jinkins, whose husband counts his dollars by the hundred thousand. We once knew of. a young tlergyman—a particular fa- vorite with the ladies—who received at Christmas and New Year twenty-seven pairs of slippers, and none of them fitted his feet, and the point.of the joke was that he detested slippers, and never allowed himself to wear them. Was it Doesticks who said, in effect, that he would pre- fera good pair of pantaloons asa Christmas present to all the worsted trumpery in the world? By all means, make the children giad at Christmas! If you can only get them picture books ata dime each, and earthen dolls stuffed with sawdust, and penny whistles, get them, and be glad you can do so much—for Christmas should be to the children, and «to us: all, the. symbol of love and hope—and a sweet reminder of a risen Saviour. F KaTE THORN. Will soon be commenced a new story by LIEUTENANT MURRAY, entitled “TRIED FoR His Lire; or, THE CHAIN OF GUILT.” PARIS GOSSIP WITH THE READERS OF THE NEW YORK WEEKLY. ‘ Nov. 16, 1874. I am sitting here, this November day, in my little room, MACEDONIO CAPISTRAN. BY KATE LUBY. During a recent revolution in Matamoros, Mexico, the com- manding general having “pronounced” and absconded, the soldiers had no commander. Suddenly a venerable old man, noted for his bravery, offered .to lead them to victory, and was received in the Plaza de Armas with enthusiastic vivas. Matamoros heroic! thy foes are retreating, To herd with the foxes in treason’s abode; Their plots all so vain, and their hopes all go fleeting, Like brigands they now have to take to the road. Oh! shame on the traitors perturbing thy quiet; The youth quits the wife of his bosom so dear, And draws the long musket, where war horrors riot, - That his children may rest in security here. All hail to the veteran chief who would guide us, Long live the young heroes whe cried, to a man: “We fear not the red bariner floating beside us, For home, for our children! lead on, Capistran!”’ Macedonio sublime! like the aged forest oak, Thy branches now fling their protection and love Round this city beleaguered. Of God we invoke That angels with laurels may crown thee above! O, Mexico! Land of sweet flowers, thy daughters Are pining in sorrow—'til] thou shalt be free; Then glide, like the ae over tréason’s rough waters For Peace, with the olive-branch, hastens to thee! Zaragoza immortal! Hidalgo so glorious! You blush for thetraitors who love you no more; And blessings you breathe on the friends who’d restore us, Oh! long may our eagles in harmony soar! The Star-Spangled Banner is proudly unfurled, ‘Like Egis immortal, to shield us from woe; No longer we fear the vain threats of a world, Ps For our Eagles can hom ble-and scatter each foe! THE DARK SIDE OF PARIS. BY FRANCIS A. DURIVAGE. Few persons who pass through Paris merely, or who Spend only a few weeks at a time in this brilliant city, are aware of itsshady site or perceive that, like Londonand New York—indeed like all great aggregations of humanity —it abounds with the most ama oe contrasts. Those, how- ever, who like myself have dived beneath the surface, know that, as there is an upper and an under Paris, phy-° sically—that as the splendid, superficial Paris covers an equal area of sewers ana of graves—so social Paris is divi- ded into extremes; that the same roof, indeed, shelters the opulent merchant and the sick ane starving workman. It is but a step from the, Louvre to the Morgue—only a pane of glass separatesthe magnificent dining room of Vefour from the poor pauper who would sell his very soul for the crust of bread which the dandy tosses disdainfully to the beribboned greyhound oi the feasting loreite. As an illustration of these statements, let us sketch a re- cent incident of life in Paris, premising that it is strictly true. I had frequently had occasion to climb the Rue des Martyrs, which makes a steep ascent from the rear of the church of Notre Dame de_Lorette, and had often paused to look at the gaudily colored sheets of pictures displayed in front of a little book and newspaper shop. The sub- jects were those familiar to our childhood—the illustrated history of Blue Beard, Little Red Riding Hood, Whitting- ton and his Cat, Cinderella, &c. The designs were not without artistic merit, but the coloring was loud—the brightest blues, reds and yellows being employed to capti- vate juvenile taste. These sheets are sold at from two to three cents apiece; consequently all who contribute to their production must be very poorly paid. I often noticed a very old man goibg into tke shop with alarge rollof paper under hisarm. I observed that he handed it to the shopwoman, who unrolled it, laid off sev- eral coiored sheets, examined, counted them, and then paid the old man a.small piece, of silver or a few copper coins, with which he departed. Having made the acquaintance of the shopwoman by purchasing two or three: of her cheap publications, I learned that the old man was a Colorist; that he was named Pierre Dupont; and that he earned his living and supported a sick little girl, his grandchild, by this work. Alas! he had Known better days. In short, he was a gen- tlemen in reduced circumstances, his fortune gone through no fault of his own, all his relations and friends dead. He lived in @ garret room in the Rue de Laval. Three weeks after having learned thus much, I read the record of his tragic fate in the Figaro, and through inquiry in the neighborhood ascertained many particulars which did not find their way into print. d One day the old man came home, almost in despair, His employer had found fault with his work, had com- plained that his colors Ovgrran the lines of the engrav- ings, and that even the ren had noticed and found . him more than haif looking out into the courtyard of the: eee ‘one Bi ut Paris, but about New York, for I have just. laid aside, after reading it through, No, 2, Vol. XXX, of the NEW YORK WEEKLY, which brings back home and its associations so forcibly to me that I am almost tempt- ed to rush to the Rue. Scribe and take a ticket for the next returning steamer, Not that I love Paris less, but New York more. , Yet the Paris ‘‘season”’ is opening with al) its customary result must be a splendid Christmas Number. ——_—_ >< The Late Mayor Havemeyer. The sudden death of Mayor Havemeyer naturally enough produced a profound impression on the public mind. Itis not often that an officer dies during his term of office. Such a death literally in office—that is, 1n the building and the room where official duties are performed—is rarer. It is more seldom still that an officer dies while actually per- forming his duties, All these circumstances were coincident in the case of Mr. Havemeyer. He died during his official term, in his official room, and in . the literal discharge of his official functions. Death found him, in a-very peculiar sense, ‘‘with harness on his back.” The event was a very remarkable one. Certainly: this. city does not supply its exact parallel. - The unavoidably anticipative dating and publication of the New YORK WEEKLY prevents our keeping abreast of current news, and by the time this number reaches the reader, the death of Mayor Havemeyer will be rapidly taking its place among ‘ the occurrences upon which men in this headlong age pause but briefly. It is proper, however, even at this late day, for the New YorRK WEEKLY to refer to the departure of the Chief Magistrate to say that, while he incurred political opposition and was con- demned for some of his acts as mayor, there is uni- versal testimony as to his uprightness as a man and his public spirit asacitizen. His long life of in- dustry, integrity and prudence is an example of the highest value; and his fellow citizens so esteemed him and his qualities that they three times made him Mayor of the Empire City. The position is one of great honor and large opportunities, The imme- diate successor of Mayer Havemeyer and all his suc- cessors cannot do better than emulate his fidelity to the post where death at last found him. Jewell’s Literary Gem. When the present Postmaster General took office, the New YorK WEEKLY gave him as hearty a wel- ceme as he anywhere received. We told him that if he would put his department in good working order the people would regard him as a valuable Jewell, unconnected with any Ring—or something to that effect. His first annual report, has been published, and contains @ great deal of important and interest- ing matter. As Mr. Jewell may be very properly considered a man of letters, so Jewell’s official state- ment may be accepted as, on many accounts, a lite- rary gem. Some of the figures are curious. The people paid during the year more than seventeen millions and a quarter of dollars for nearly six hun- dred and thirty-three million postage stamps. The de- partment also sold 91,079,000 postal cards, 117.047,750 stamped envelopes, 19,370,750 newspaper wrappers, besides official stamps,-envelopes and wrappers. The whole receipts were $24,596,568, and the total | expenses $32,126,414. To state all the facts of in- terest would be to reproduce the report. It refers, among other things, to the act of Congress, which takes effect on the first of next January, relating to newspaper postage. The charge will be on matter mailed from publication offices,two cents per pound on papers issued weekly or oftener, In the advan- tages of this reduction readers of the NEw YorK WEEKLY and all other journals will share, * brilliancy. Balls, new plays at the numerous theaters, concerts, parties, evening receptions, make a sort of so-. cial carnival. But the poor are beginning to feel the pinching of winter, for fires are now a necessity, at least morning and evening, and wood sells for a cent a pound. The autumn, however, has been exceptionally mild and lovely, and the brown leaves are yet clinging to the trees in the public gardens. The weather, indeed, has been so warm that many of the horse-chestnut trees leaved out and flowered a second time, and raspberries were plentier than in early summer. ‘ Strolling yesterday morning through the Passage Viv- ienne I came across a French map, a sort of bird’s eye | view of the city of New York. The French are not fa- mous for geographical or topographical knowledge, and their local maps are faulty. Judge what it must be when they undertake to represent cities three thousand miles away. In this view there are no Battery and Central Park, but there are domes, mosques, minarets, and roofs, blue, red and yellow, and the squares are planted with palm trees. A few houses are represented in Jersey City and Hoboken, embowered in paim and orange groves. I am not certain but one or two elephants amd camels are de- lineated ‘‘piroting*’ about the streets. The ferry-boais, bright scarlet or blue, rigged each with a tall mast, witha lateen-sail, are all stern-wheelers. The concoctor of this marvelous work of art must be de} {fault with it, She xen a 7 P iy . Price for his labor, “feluctantly confided to him ther quire of engravings colored. Phe old man had been obliged to work from day dawn till midnight to earn enough to pay his rent and buy the bread and cheese that kept him and his little charge from starvation. He could only afford one candle to work by at night. On this occasion, however, he brought home two, and labored patiently till his fingers refused to grasp the pencil. The next morning he showed his work to little Made- line, who was almost bed-ridden. “Why, grandfather,’ said the child, ‘“‘what were you thinking of? You must have painted with your eyes shut! you have overrun every line of the engraving! and what made you paint the coats of these Prussian soldiers gray —you know they are bright blue |’? “God help me!’ said the old man. “I am getting blind!’ But he took the colored sheets to the woman in the Rue des Martyrs and watched her anxiously as she ex- amined them. “This will never do!’ she said; ‘‘you are getting worse and worse. I hope you don’t spend the money I give you for drink! But you’ve stuck me on these pictures—you’ve spoiled them\? : : “J will try to do better next time, madame,’ said the old man. “No—I’ve got no more work for you!’’ said the woman. Then, seeing the look of despair in the dim eyesof the old man, she added: ‘‘But here’s a franc for you—it’s all I can do, for I’m a poor widow woman, and have two children to support.”? Old Pierre Dupont staggered out of the shop with death in his heart. Mechanically he went into a baker’s shop and bought two small loavesof bread, which cost him four cents. To these he added a small bottle of wine, which cost him ten cents additional. Then he went to his house, climbed wearily to his atti c, akin to that Roman showman who described what pur- ported to be a view of Washington, D. C., thusly: “Dees, ladies and gentilmen, isa view of the byutiful city of Veskmenton, de capitaiof America. Dat vite beeld- ing viz de dome is de residence of de great Giorgio Vesk- menton, de king of de country. Doze trees vot you see spotted vith vite are de cotton trees. Doze figures dat you see are an American count goin’ to de chase of de buffalo vith his serfs and vassals. Iz dat object in de sky de American eagie? No, ladies and gentlem@p, datis not de American eagle; it is a horse-fly dat has got stuck to de object-glass.”’ &c., &., &. An Englishman in whose any I crossed from Plymouth to Cherbourg, asked me ifthere were many buffaloes left. in the woods round New York city. Of course I told him they were scarce and shy, and ven- tured to predict that in fifty years hence people would go by rail from New York city to Niagara and notsee a single wild buffalo, antelope, grizzly bear or catamount, such was our rapid advance in civilization. : Yesterday was St. Eugenie’s day; and in advance of it, all the violets (the imperial flower-embiem) in the market were bought up to send to Chiselhurst as presents to the ex-empress and as floral offeringsto the tomb of the late emperor. There is stiil a strong. imperialist party in France, and its leaders are among ‘the most gifted, artful and energetic mren and women in the country.. They have a large capitai to work with—the memories of along reign, materially prosperous, illustrated by such glories as the Italian and Crimean campaigns, and by the con- struction of new streets, bridges, roads, dock-yards, hos- pitais, schools, the fabrication of new engines of war, and many other achievements. Still the recent overwhelming calamities of France,. directly traceable to the one man power, are. weapons the republicans use to advantage. The France ofthe future will be either republican or im- perial—there is no chance for the legitimists or the con- stitutional monarchists. Meanwhile the people are behaving very well. There are no emeutes, No riots, no threats of revolution—order ard industry everywhere. France is raising up a mag- nificentarmy. You see few soldiers lounging about as under the Empire—they are incamp oron the drill- ground, studying and practicing the use ofarms. The next cdilision, between France and Germany—and it is sure tq.come—will be a terrible one, and the Eastern hemisphere will reel under the shock. .. When-the new opera house opens-In January, there will be an additional attraction to Paris. 1t is the most richly ornamented theater in the world. All that wealth, taste and art can accomplisit has been. here combined. ° It will have cost 50,000,000 francs. Napoleon meant it should be the culminating glory of his architectural embellishments of Paris; and the’ domeis in the form of an imperial crown. That could not be changed, and, perhaps, it is as well, for the Prince Imperial and his mother may yet occupy the box designed for the man who is moldering to dust in the chapel of Chiselhurst. . Virginie Dejazet, an actress, now inher 77th year, had a farewell beuefit a few weeks ago, at which she played and sung herself, which yielded more money than any similar affair ever produced. I saw her play four years ago at the Folies Marigny, and she was then sprightly, fascinating and attractive. Her specialty was lively, rakish young noblemen of the last century, making love, dancing, fencing and singing. Sheis the soul of wit and humor, and writes letters that Madame de Sevigne would not have disavowed. . Another French actor still before the public in youthful characters is Laferriere, now seventy-two years old. Many of the men connected with the French stage are gentlemen, authors, musicians, sculptors, painters. One of the actors of the French theater left a lucrative prac- tice as a lawyer to adopt this profession. But enough of gossip for the present, Yours truly, FRANCIS A. DURIVAGE. and set the refreshments before his child. To his dismay everything looked dim and misty, and he had to grope his way to the invalid’s bed. The next day he only went out to buy a little bread. The third day the old man and the child were without food and fire. In the evening he sat by his cold hearth and muttered to himself: “Eighty years of age, and blind! If Madeline were only strong and healthy I could beg. But that is out of the question. A blind man’s dog costs money—and [ have not asou. Friends might help me; but all my friends are in Pere la Chaise—dead! dead!’ 3 A little thin arm stole round his neck and a weak yoice whispered: “God is good! let us go to Him. Theriver is cold, but it will soon be over. Anything is better than dying by starvation. Oome, grandfather; I am strong enough to walk to the Seine.” : She put on hér poor little patched shoes, her ragged cloak, and her little shabby hat. The poor old grand- ae took his hat and staff, and they sallied forth to- gether. A few moments brought them into the gay and bril- liantly-lighted boulevard, the sick chiid leading the old man. The cafes were all splendidly lighted-up. Through the plate-glass windows they saw (Dupont dimly, the child cleariy) laughing groups washing down turbot and venison with Burgundy and champagne. There was an incessant roll of carriages with flashing lamps. Round the doors of the theaters were crowds waiting for tickets to enter the temples of pleasure. The Maison Doree and the Cafe Anglais were a blaze of light. Near the Rue Choiseul was a large toy-shop, splendidly illuminated. The child paused herein admiration and wonder. She saw dancing dois performing on a mimic stage, little boudoirs and drawing-rooms occupied by miniature peo- ple, beautifully dressed, and wondered what they were— she had never had a-toy in her lifel—but all seemed iike fairyland. The old man drew her away gently from this spectacle, and they went down the darker streets toward the quays bordering the Seine. To the idler, gifted with artistic tastes, this night-picture of Paris is fullof enchantment—the long lires of gas- lamps, defining the curving shores of the riverand the bridges—the huge bulk of the Louvre and Tuileries—the solemn towers of Notre Dame, the airy, serrated spire of La Sainte Chapele, dimly descried against the evening sky. Bat the two poor wanderers saw and felt nothing of these beauties. With reason and conscience obliterated by misery, they were seeking death. Aud they fond it. Hand in hand they entered on the Point Neuf, and did not pause until they reached that abutment on which stands the equestrian statue of Henry1V. Here they paused and sat upon the bench untii the foot-passengers had ceased to traverse the bridge, then they mounted the parapet, kissed each Other, and, hand in hand, took the fatal plunge. When their bodies were found the next day, their hands were so firmly interlocked that they could not be separated, and they were laid out for recognition on the same marble siab in the Morgue. No one came to identi- fy or claim them. Inthe pockets of the old man, how- ever, were found a receipt for his quarterly rent, due and cod the day before, and a slip of paper with these words only: . ‘Bury us together. Pierre Dupont.’ The last prayer of the poor old man was granted, and he and his grandchild lie side by side in the common grave of Pere la Chaise. Oh, ye who know not what it is to be cold, and hungry, and penniless, take this lesson to your hearts. Search out the dweilingsof the friendless and suffering, give of your ample means and forget not who has said: -|the lunch ey had brought alon od THE NEW YORK WEEKLY, #3 * . Respectable Writers The NEw YorxK WEEKLY frequently refers to its brilliant array of talented contributors—men and women who have achieved distinction by their literary ability, and who socially and professionally command respect. They are celebrated, not notorious; they are admired for the moral lessons taught in theirstories, and respected social- ly a8 much as they are admired professionally. Whether viewed as novelists, or merely as men and women, they are respectable in the fullest sense of the word; and their literary success is not due to the notoriety sometimes achieved by the abllity to sing a comic song or cut fancy pigeon wings in a clog-dance. Our writers are people of brains; the other class, who pretend to be authors by permitting their names to appear to stories which they never wrote, and which they could not thoroughly under- stand if they read them, have their brains in their heels, and make a noise in the world by tripping the light fan- tastic toe. The NEW YORK WEEKLY ceiebrities are not of this class; their reputation rests on their ability to write good stories, and to others they leave the question- able distinction of making themselves known to the pub- lic by the harmonious rat-tat-tat of clogs. AN AWFUL DEATH. — of the loss of its second officer while lying at an- chor off Madagascar, Indian Ocean. The cargo being all stored the ship was waiting for a fair wind, and shore leave was given to the crew in watches. The second officer and his watch were roaming about a short distance inland, when they reached a piece ol wooded land, or grove, where all hands sat down in the shade to enjoy with them. The mate had chosen a spot a short distance from the rest, and: was eating his food by him- self, when suddenly one of the men saw a large boa constrictor unwinding his body from the trunk of a tree near the mate. When first seen, the head of the terrible crea- ture was drawn back, its bright eyes glaring oo oe and vi mouth open et esatie to 7 pla angs; it was preparing to spring! e snake seemed to be some twelve or fourteen feet in length and about fifteen: inches in circum- ference. A single glance showed the men this, but before they could even raise their voices, the boa had struck the mate apparently in the back of the ei heirs with the rapidity of SORED, had wound its body about the doomed man! His cries and contortions were: frightfnl, but they ceased in less than two minutes, when it appeared as though his whole frame had been crushed toa pulp of flesh. he monster, with the tenacity of his race, kept the braided coil of his body about his victim, all heedless of the shouts and excitement of the rest of the party. The men were pale with fear; they ad no weapons but their sheath knives. The mate, however, had pg oe a shot-gun on shore, which now lay near his lifeless body. One of the men stole up and suc ed in getting the gun, and rapidly retreating nee There was no hope of mi eg the officer. could see that he was nowdead. Should they leave him to be devoured by the awful boa? They could not make uP their minds to dothat, tremulous with fear as they all were. They resolved to rush up to him at once each first designating a portion of the body o ‘the snake, and cutti it as nearly through as ible, and then ru g away ther. The gun was only loaded with bird-shot, and would do little good, yet one was to remain in reserve, and try to loage the contents in the boa’s head. The men all rushed together and each de- livered a severing cut upon the snake’s body, who was thus nearly divided in pieces by eight knives at once, while he with the gun got as near as possible, and as the monster now unwound its mangled body from its victim, poured the load of shot full into its head. The snake died slowly, but when the men sadly bore the body of their comrade away: the boa was also dead. An Acceptable Gift. An acceptable and enduring gift to bestow upon your sister or lady friend, and one which will frequently remind the recipient of your kindness, isthe NEW YORK WEEKLY. Send the lady’s address, with three dollars, to this office, and she will receive the NEw YORK WEEKLY for one year > A vessel latel arrived at Liverpool, brings news: “WwW. B.’—Such a cap of mink as you desire must be made to order, and will cost you, if made of good dark fur, about $20. A seal skin cap for a gentleman will cost about the same, We can get cheaper articles, but you desire to know prices of really handsome caps. “Blanche 8.’’—Certainly, we can buy you any article you may choose to order, and will take great pleasure in execuling a commission for our readers. The ball fringe can be bought for 80 cents and 85 cents a yard for the cheaper qualities, and for $1 and $1.26 for the heavier fringes with two and tliree balis.. Camel’s hair serge and any of the rough dress materials make very stylish and oo suits when trimmed with this worsted bali or twist ringe. “EK. L. W.,? Dallas.—Plaid and plain black will make a very pretty combination suit; some most pe ag costumes are made of the Scotch plaids, as foundation, with trim mings of black, put on in Scotch or side plaitin The plaitings look better than the ruffles or folds. Trim the waist with a row Of narrow plaits—headed by a fold, ex- tending from the waist band over the bust and shoulders and across the back. For young people these suits are very much in favor. “Rosa Lee.’’—We can get you beautiful cashmere for $1 and $1.25 per yard, and merino for 80 cents and $1. The prices of the standard dress materials do not vary from those of last year, except in cases where a merchant de- sires to sellastock of old or undesirable colors, thea prices are reduced. “B, E. R.’—We can get the illusion for you to cost from 85 cents to $1.50 per yard. About three yards will be re- quired for the vail, four yards if you want one two yards long. Afull set of orange blossoms will cost from $6 to $15, according to quality of flowers and number of sprays wanted. The orange blossoms alone are so very stiff that most of our fashionable ladies mix them with smilax, lilies of the valley, and other graceful sprays. “A, H.”—The feather was sent by mail on November 11; hope it has reached you safely. € much prefer sending any article of value by express, as the express companies are responsible for any thing that may be lost. “S. K.”—A double circular cloak, heavily braided, with hood of blue silk, blue silk cord and tassels, will cost you $25. We can furnish you the matérials and have one cut and stamped ready ior braiding for $15. To have one stamped will ee eer you Can braid one your- self. Itis a, etty work. many of our ladies not only braid their cloaks, etc., but they almost cover many of their overskirts, jackets, etc., with the rich embroidery and beading until the garments are a mass of jet, and almost too heavy to wear with any comfort. An apron overskirt and sleeveless jacket were completely covered with the rich work. —_————_>-e<——____ Subscribers to the NEW YORK WEEELY Will have no postage to pay after January ist, 1875. In all cases the postage will be prepaid by us, and the paper will still be sent at the usual price — three dollars per year; two copies for five dollars. PASSING PARAGRAPHS. — The recent lecture of ex-Senator Schurz at Piymouth Church did not draw a large crowd. In thatcase Schurz and draws did not go togetlier. 3 — Shearman wiped his weeping eyes during the argu- ment of a law point in the Tilton-Beecher case. Pocket fees, not pocket-handkerchief, is what we look for in an Erie lawyer. — The St. John (N. B.) Globe is responsible for the statement that a young man recently engaged in peddling jewelry has been discovered to be the heir to the Jamison estate,in Scotland, worth $5,000,000. It is hoped his claim to the money is more genuine than some of the gems he has probably sold. — Under Horace Greeley the 7ridune was a cold-water paper. It was probably in honor of Greeley that the Trv- vune “took water” so heavily ifthe McOue libel suit. — The extent of the Arkansas Hot Springs has never been known until recently. The State now seems to be in hot water all the time. — Mark Twain, who recently attempted a pedestrian trip from Hartford to Boston, made a mistake in one let- ter. Heisa talker rather than a walker. — Professor Sheppard, of Chicago, has been lecturing on “The Tongue.” Whatever the professor may think of that member, he evidently doesn’t believe in holding it. — Large quantities of machine-made cigars come from Syracuse, which is also famous for ‘‘machine”’-made political platforms. : — Tae DUKe ur Haiaburgié’s som kas been baptized ag Albert Alexander Alfred Ernest William. That is not so many names as are usually given to royal babies, but without any additional cost, as hereafter we will prepay the postage. . Saat Queen Victoria has 80 many grandchildren that the sup- ply of names has run short; and it is hoped that the young ‘THE LADIES’ WORK-Box. THE PURCHASING AGENCY CATALOGUE.—Owing to many changes and reductions in moe we have been _ forced to defer the publication of our New Purchasing Agency Catalogue until the present time. All orders now received will be filled at once. It will be sent to any address, pre-paid, on receipt of ten cents. ae “Edith,” “Sarah B.,’? “Leah Hunt,’? and others desir- ing to know if we can make certain purchases for them by Christmas. Yes, if the orders are sent at once they willbe promptly filled, and your articles will reach you even a few days before Christmas, which will be far bet- ter than to have your packages come too late for the day fellow will be able to get on—with a handsome pecuniary allowance from Parliament. — “Beautiful Blue Danube” Strauss is coming to America next year, and may extend his travels tothe rest of the globe. His waltzing tour in that case will be ac- companied with “round (the world) dance’’ music. — The report that Mile. Albani had been privately mar- ried to Mr. Guy, the son of the London manager, is now pronounced in theatrical circles a mere “guy.” It is said she is not even engaged—except to sing in opera. — Betty Rigi has been dancing in ‘“‘The Deluge’ at of gifts. ; “Jean Young.’’—Give your sistera diamond ring in preference to the other article you mention. We can send you one to cost $25, $30 to $50, for small genuine dia- monds in handsome setting. Your mother wiil doubtless appreciate the handsome tea set of china, with gilt brand, for $25. Yes, we will make the purchases for you. Why not get your smaller sister a writing desk? e can get very neat ones costing from $5 to $10. “Mother.’’—Your daughter, you say, needs the articles mentioned. Then, weare sure, youcannot do better than to give them to her on Christmas, even if ‘‘they are rather outof the usual line of Christmas presents.’ There are very few young girls in this age who would not be giad of a good $10switch and a pair of Globe corsets to cost $2.50, You can also give her the pretty tie, pair of kid gloves, and a Knot of ribbon for the hair. “Sadie..’"—The catalogue of winter patterns has been sent to your address, and in it you will find many desir- able styles. By looking at the illustrations you can get @ Very correct idea of the new fashions far better than from any description we may be able to give in our limit- ed space, which must be devoted to very short answers to many questions. Astylish pattern for cashmere basque and overskirt is No. 3,605, price 30 eents. For the other suit we do not know of a more elegant overgarment than the demi-polonaise with sashes and basque back, No. 8,440, price 35 cents. We can hardly suggest any other style of trimming skirts than the plaits, knife, cluster, and box-plaits, the scolloped and plain ruffies, and the bands and folds. Many of the handsome skirts are en- tirely without trimming, and they are really elegant. “Aunty Emm.’’—Get cashmere and make your niece a pretty suit fora Christmas present. Let the skirt bea pretty blue, and the polonaise drab. Pattern No. 3,643, price 25 cents, is very stylish for a girl of twelve years of age. Let the skirt be made of and trimmed with the blue, while the polonaise may be entirely of the drab, or it would Jook perhaps prettier if trimmed with the biue. Get a hat of drab felt and trim with ribbon the shade of the blue skirt, the plume can be either blue or drab. “Little Girl.”’—You can get so. many things suitable for boys and girls for the $1, we hardly know which you will like best to give to your brother and sister. There are china and wax dolls, dressed and undressed; carriages, express wagons, cars that wind up and run by themselves, building blocks, tea sets, houses, trunks, arks with ani- mals, and the cheaper balls, trumpets, and other toys: suitable for one and all. “M. E. M.A good silver thimble can be bought for 50 cents. Gold-set ear-rings and breastpin will cost from $15 to $35; we can get you @ neat pair of onyx ear-rings for ets = pin to match for $6. The plaited bracelets will cost le “Rich Husband.’’—Your wife will be delighted with the seal skin sacque we have just purchased forher. It is really very handsome for the price, $150. Why not get a cap at $20 to match the sacque? The muff will cost $35. Yes, Shayne’s furs are entirely reliable, and most reason- able in. prices. “Mrs. R.,’? Newburg.—We are glad you were pleased with the mink set, boa and muff, at $35. It certainly was handsome for the price. Send asample of your hair, and we will see if it can be matched. Yes, we can have your combings made up for you, either in puffs or braids, at $1 per ounce. Our friends should save all their combings. “M.E. D.’—For young girls no dresses are so pretty and inexpensive as those of white organdie or Swiss. Flounce the skirt with five or six ruffles, about four inches deep. Trim your overskirt to correspond with one ruffle, and anarrow heading. You can edge the ruffle and heading on the overskirt with narrow Italian Valen- ciennes lace, if you want the dress to be very -pretty. Make a French waist with alternaterows of narrow tucks, and plain spaces—have half-flowing sleeves, finished to match overskirt. Trim the neck: with wider lace than that on the ruffies. You can loop the overskirt with a cluster of moss, rosebuds and spray of leaves and buds, and can also wear a bunch at the throat and on the hair. Tarlatan will make a showy and inexpensive dress, but it is not so useful as the organdie, which looks well when “done up.” If youdo not care to go to the expense of getting silk to trim your alpaca dress, you can make it look nice by taking some pretty shade of cashmere or merino, which trims better than the alpaca, and will give the dress a softer finish. The dresses of white alpaca:are used for bridal and evening costumes to quite an extent this season, and can be richly trimmed with white or any delicate shade of silk. An exquisite suit for a brunette Nad the flounces bound with rose color, and sleeves and “The poor are always with youl” vest the same shade. Moss roses are pretty in the hair. \ Philadelphia. If ‘*‘The Deluge” extends to Richmond the dancing Betty will be a Virginia reel. — Miss Louisa Webster, daughter of Dr. Noah Webster, died recently, aged 67. Her father was a veryquiet man, although, as he was author of a dictionary, he can't be said to have been ‘‘a man of few words.” — “Begone, duli Care,” finally did go from Steinway ‘Hall after Maccabe had told it, fora number of weeks, to begone. — They are to have in London a club for men and women. It will be called the Grosvenor, and the idea is believed to have originated with wives who want to keep their husbands at home by making club life unpopular. — John §. Clarke, the comedian, bought ‘‘Everybody’s Friend” from the author, Scirling Coyne, for £200, sterling coin. — They have in India tom-tom players who perform be- fore the Hindoo idols. The musicis about equal to what our Tom-tom cats execute on the roofs. — The Great American T (rail) Company—the Pacific Railroad, which has the longest line on the continent. — One of the Weiss men of the East—Rev. John Weiss, of Boston—is lecturing on the ‘‘Women of Shakespeare.’’ — Itissaid thata Nevada woman recently knocked down seven robbers who were trying to enter her house. That woman’s rights will be taken care of withont Miss Anthony’s assistance. — Something different from Trinity chimes—ringing the change by the conductors of the Third avenue line. — The Marr family in Michigan are among tlie latest who have inherited‘an immense estate in Europe and are going forit. They are more likely to mar their fortune than to make it. — Charles Reade says that James Lambert, his life- saving hero, is ‘‘much too fond of whisky.” Yet when he visited him, Charles tells us, he sent out and got James some more whisky. — — They had an earthquake shock in Essex County, Massachusetts, on the 25th of November. Ben Butler thought it was nothing to the earthquake that occurred there on the third of November. — Robert May manufactured false bells for-conductors ~ to beat the railroad punch with. Smilizg May became chill November for him when he was arrested last month, —_————_ > -9+ The Lady Washington Tea Party, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, on the evening of November 24, was quite a financial success. Although the result is satis- factory to the managers, anything but satisfactory smiles overspread the features of many of the visitors on realiz- ing that they had purchased two sets of tickets, one set of which was useless, as it was-not demanded of the visitor. Chandler Brothers, the ticket sellers, informed the pur- chasers that each couple should have a yellow ticket, costing $2, and a white ticket, costing $5, and that these were necessary to entitle the visitors to participate in the full entertainment. On entering the $5 ticket was taken at the door, but no reference, then or afterward, was made to the $2 ticket. Now, we would like the committe, or Messrs. Chandler Brothers, to answer these questions: 1. Of what use were the $2 tickets? : 2. Were they intended to be‘*kept by the purchasers as souvenirs of the entertainment? ; 3. To what do they entitle the holders? 4, What shall we do with them?’’ acti in