pensive. The preparation of the flower-beds will cost you but little time. The floral beauties that will make your home brilliant will cost you nothing. The ladies and the children of the household will care for them with the greatest pleasure. Place a broad piazza on the front of your house, upon which the family can sit when they rest from the active labors of the day in the warm season. Trim your house and outbuildings handsomely and paint them; keep the grass cleanly cut upon your lawns, and with the accessories I have mentioned your homes will be beautiful; they will be attractive to the children-they will be charming to all that come within their influence; and in them you will be vastly happier than when living in homes and on farms that present, as many do, only dreariness and evidences of bare, hard life.

Washington's Birthday.

Speech at a gathering in honor of the occasion.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: That a little child should have been born of respectable people in moderate circumstances, in the British colony of Virginia, February 22, 1732, is not of itself a remarkable fact, especially as the child differed little from other children at birth. It is a very common occurrence in these days, in Virginia, and in all parts of the globe. But once in a while it has happened that the nativity of one of these little ones who are continually coming into the world derives great interest from the wit, wisdom, genius, or prowess of the individual, gradually displayed after he has entered "the world's broad field of battle," and has won victories, in either war or peace, which Fame proudly blazons on her scroll. A baby seems a very little thing-a toy, a doll-to be loved and petted and played with. An apple-seed is another little thing, seemingly of no special value in itself; but the seed and the child, if properly treated, grow up together and may become a valuable, fruit-bearing tree and an energetic, wise and useful man. So when the boy-baby

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came into the household of Augustine Washington, one hundred and fifty years ago to-day, in Westmoreland county, Virginia, there was really nothing to distinguish him from any other child born into that county about that time, except the family to which he belonged, and that was not particularly noted. But the tremendous consequences that this event wrought in the history of Great Britain, America and the world at large have filled the trump of Fame for a hundred years, and founded one of the grandest nations of the globe. I am not here, to-day, to recount in detail the early trials, the noble acts of the youth, the arduous labors of the man, the steps by which he climbed to his honored niche in the history of mankind. these things we are familiar; but we are here to rejoice, with millions of our countrymen, that ever George Washington was born; to rejoice that he was the great and good man appointed by Providence to cheer and guide an oppressed people to a better and nobler condition of life, where they could enjoy personal and political freedom, pursue happiness and found a nation of such breadth, such grandeur, such liberty, that it might become the asylum of the poor and downtrodden of all nations. Washington was only human; subject to the errors and infirmities of our common nature; yet by will and circumstances fitted far above his fellows for the mission which he had to fulfill. As a man he was noble; as a soldier he was firm and brave and shrewd; as a hero he won the confidence of the people; as a patriot he triumphed over tyranny; as a statesman he left the impress of his character upon the institutions of his country. emphatically "the man of the time," and there seldom comes a time in human affairs when a good and great man-great in manhood, wisdom and energy-is not useful. There is one other in our national history, who, like Washington, came from the ranks of ordinary life to leave the stamp of his sturdy integrity, wisdom, and usefulness upon bis age and country. It was Abraham Lincoln; and it is very difficult to refer to either Washington or Lincoln, in thought or word, without remembering the other and the services each rendered in behalf of humanity and good government. If Washington Possessed a peculiar talent, a shrewdness, an executive power fitted

He was

to the destiny he accomplished, so did Lincoln, more than any other living man, possess attributes which admirably fitted him for his great work. And as with one, so with the other; when his mission on earth was fully accomplished he lay down, blessed and honored, to a hero's rest. Well may we, year by year, assemble in honor of the birth of Washington, and on the same day unite in one grand sentiment "The memory of Washington and Lincoln. **

Speech of a Speaker who had Nothing to Say.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: If there is one comfort greater than another, to a person who has nothing to say at such a time as this, it is the realization of the fact that having nothing to say, he can announce that fact, take his seat and enjoy the remainder of the programme unmolested.

I can truly say that I have not burdened my mind with the smallest idea to present you on this occasion. I have not taxed my memory with anything, and hence I have no taxes to pay. I comply simply because you call, and, whatever one's calling may be, it is his duty to respond, especially if he cannot escape. Of course, if I had had about a week of preparation, I might now arise and make you a dashing extemporaneous speech. The subjects are upon every side that would inspire me. It would be easy to dwell upon the wealth of beauty that we see around us. I should like to speak of the flashing wit, the brilliant oratory and the burning eloquence to which we have listened. This elegant repast, this genial gathering, the importance of this reunion, the glorious benefit resulting from this meeting-all these-any one of them-afford themes for a speech. Of course there are a thousand subjects incidental to this gathering that suggest a speech, but should I enter upon a consideration of any one of them I would regret it, and so would you.

It is an old, trite saying that the time to sit down is when the audience wants you to speak longer. In my case, if I wanted to speak longer you would want me to sit down. I will therefore retire, humbly hoping that this speech will not be misreported and that when you want a brilliant speech you will always call upon me.

Valedictory Address,

Delivered before a class graduating at college.

MR. PRESIDENT AND FELLOW-STUDENTS: It has devolved upon me, as the senior member of the class of 1884, to give expression to s few thoughts appropriate to this occasion. I do so with a keen appreciation of the relations we have so long sustained with each other, the faculty of this college, and the world of affairs into which we are about to emerge, and with which we are henceforth to mingle, not knowing what is before us, but hoping in the ardor of young manhood for the best.

Fellow Students, we have been companions for four years-four years, to some of us, of diligent application to our studies; four years of light and shade to all of us; four years of social fellowship and pleasant recreation; four years of mental and physical improvement. We have sympathized with each other in troubles and sorrows; have lightened each other's hearts in times of sadness, and have enjoyed college-life in each other's society, I will venture to say, as well as any other class that ever graduated from these classic halls. We go hence with our diplomas, which the world looks upon as the keys that are to unlock the doors of science, art, literature, theology, physic and merchandise for us, and open the avenues of wealth and honor to us. We go hence, as we are, to the battle of life. What success we shall have, what victories we may win, the future alone can tell.

But we go forth with strong hope and abiding faith that all will be well with us if we perform our duty faithfully in whatever calling or sphere fate may assign us.

Where will fate or fortune place us in the great sea of the future? I see in imagination this class all scattered, many the heads of fami

Bes, engaged in the peaceful pursuits of agriculture and trade; others on the rough sea of political life, some of whom will doubtless reap honor in State and Congressional legislation, bestowing benefit upon their fellow-men, while they hold high and responsible positions in official life.

But as we go forth, each to fulfill his destiny, let us forget all our boyish prejudices, if any we have, against each other, and through our lives be helpful friends to each other as opportunities may offer. For myself, and I think I speak for all, these college friendships are too sacred to be lightly broken or forgotten, and in our farewells and final pressure of our hands together, let us renew the bonds which our fellowship in our Alma Mater has woven.

Mr. President and Professors-one and all-we go hence with the profoundest esteem for the wisdom, forbearance and uniform justice and kindness that you have ever manifested toward us within these walls. We have been often hasty, heedless of your feelings and our own best interests, and have at times caused you great annoyance by our boyish follies; but in all these things you have proven yourselves our true friends and mentors, and in our hearts we have cherished no malevolence, no hatred toward you. In whatever we have given you offense we would ask your forgiveness, and carry away with us a heartfelt gratitude for all the many favors we have received at your hands.

Fellow Students of the Freshmen and Sophomore classes, I take a restrospective view, as I look into your youthful faces, and I see this graduating class as it was four years ago, a handful of inexperienced, puzzled freshmen, the sport of the sophomores, and unheeded or plagued by the seniors. What we felt and endured then, halfdiscouraged by our outward circumstances and our inward fears, you now feel and endure; but look up, boys, look up! The freshmen will soon be sophomores, and the sophomores seniors; and the troubles of the present will fade away in the future like a morning dream. On your part you have youth, good intellects and capable teachers, and if you fail-and I do not believe you will-you will have only your want of assiduity to study to blame for it. The four years' course is not the bugbear that you fear it is, and its difficulties will dissolve before the energy and application that you (I am sure) are now determined to exercise. We leave you here to so maintain the honor of this institution that you may depart from it with its blessing.

The hour of parting draws nigh. In spite of hope and faith in the future, there is a tinge of sadness in the present, which I, for one, do not fear to cherish and confess, for it testifies to the genuineness of our human sympathy and heartfelt friendship. Farewell, and peace go with you all '

Opening a New Railroad.

He

Speech at the driving of the last spike by the president. MESSRS. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS: No one knows better than yourselves the difficulties which we encountered at the outset in the establishment and construction of this railroad. You recall to memory, if you have ever forgotten it, the distrust and doubt with which we placed its stock upon the market, at a time when we had nothing to show but our unfledged charter and the right of way over about one-third of the distance which we proposed to build our line. I recollect, if you do not, the timidity with which I approached the first capitalist whose aid we sought, and laid our plans before him. listened patiently to the story of our prospects and condition, and generously subscribed for five hundred shares, paying for one hundred, and wishing us success. The magic of his name was worth a thousand shares more. Our confidence was restored, and that of the people along the line was strengthened by the announcement of his interest in the road. The shares were rapidly sold, money flowed in briskly, and the work went on with proportionate energy, and with every confidence in the final result. To-day the track of 567 miles is laid, and well-laid; the rolling-stock has been purchased and will begin to run to-morrow morning; the shares are all sold; the assessed installments have been promptly paid, and in five minutes more

the spike will be driven that unites the distant cities of Cand S by many ties of wood and iron of such strength and durability that the most important interests of both cities will be entrusted to it. I am not (turning to the spectators), Ladies and Gentlemen, advertising the stock of this road on this occasion-for none of it is for sale, and it stands at par-the best evidence that the confidence of capitalists and the public is secured in our favor. But we thank you for the encouragement you give us by your attendance upon this ceremony, and we trust that you will not withhold from us your patronage. We are not, properly speaking, a "grand-trunk line," but wherever our cars shall run you are welcome to ride-at regular rates. (Taking the sledge-hammer and the spike, and placing the latter where it belongs:) C- and S with this sledge I unite you in the bonds of commercial sisterhood. (Drives the spike.) The work is done, -the road is finished. Let on the steam! (Chorus of steam-whistles, and cheering by the audience.)

Fourth of July Celebration Abroad.

Speech by the United States consul at a reunion of Americans. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: Assembled as we are to-day beneath the blue skies and amid the luxuriant products of a foreign nation, our hearts beat warmly at the recurrence of this cherished anniversary of American freedom. Some of us have come from the sterile hills of New England, some from the sunny South, some from the prairies of the West, and we all sit down together at one table to celebrate the day made glorious by our forefathers in the declaration of our national independence. At that time in our history they were in the midst of the great struggle for social and political freedom; the end was uncertain; blood had yet to be spilt before peace could be conquered; yet, trusting in a just and overruling Providence, jeopardizing their lives and fortunes, they feared not to proclaim the equal freedom of all men under the law. The victory was not yet won, but they went forth, in the spirit of that declaration, to seal it with liberty or death, hopeful of the triumph which awaited them. To-day we remember their bravery, their energy, and their patriotism; to-day we rejoice in the principles which they maintained; to-day we are proud to be citizens of the great and prosperous nation which they founded. More keenly do we feel this pride when we look around us where we are to-day, when we see the errors and inconsistencies of other governments, and miss the educational, social and political advantages which we enjoy in our own country. Let us be thankful for our native land; for the stars and stripes which wave over us; for our prerogatives of national and individual freedom. I propose "The Memory of the Revolutionary Fathers."

Celebration of Queen Victoria's Birthday in America.

Speech by an American at a reunion of English and American ladies and gentlemen.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: I don't know what kind of weather prevailed in England on the twenty-fourth of May in the year of grace 1819; but it was a blessed day for Great Britain, for it gave the kingdom one of its most esteemed and favored sovereigns-the Lady in whose honor we have gathered here. Fulfilling the destiny of every true woman, she united herself in marriage to the man of her choice --a Prince every way worthy of her confidence and affection, and so public-spirited and progressive and intelligent as to endear himself to the better classes of the Queen's subjects. To the regret of all civilized nations he was taken away in the prime of his manhood; and I believe that if man was ever sincerely mourned and his memory revered, that man was Prince Albert of Coburg. True to his memory, faithful to the trusts imposed upon her in rearing her fatherless children aright, Victoria proved herself equal to the emergency, and with unswerving fidelity has ruled judiciously over the greatest nation of the globe. It is no disgrace for any civilized people to honor her by celebrating this her natal day, whatever their political government, and it is with pride and pleasure that I propose: Queen Victoria-Sovereign, Wife and Mother-Long may she reign!"

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N writing for the Press, while being explicit, the writer should make the statement as brief as possible. Though in ordinary conversation talk may be cheap, in the newspaper, words cost money. If sent by telegraph, they cost for transmission; time is consumed in their examination by the editor and proofreader; money is expended in putting them in type; ink and paper must be furnished on which they make their impress; and time is to be occupied by the reader in their perusal; therefore, each word should convey as much significance as possible.

General Directions.

1. If, unavoidably, a long article is written relating to a variety of subjects, it is well to break the sameness of the appearance by sub-heads, scattered through the article, relating to different subjects considered in the composition.

2. Write very plainly, on white paper with black ink, taking care to write names of persons, dates and places, with the atmost distinctness.

3. Use sheets of paper about six by nine inches in size, numbered in their order if more than one sheet be used. Very large sheets, on the compositor's case, make it inconvenient for the type setter.

4. Write on but one side of the sheet. Thus the paper containing your communication may be, if necessary, cut into parts, and distributed among several compositors who will place your composition in type.

5. As a rule, in short news articles, never use the pronouns I or you. A plain, succinct record of the news is all that is required. If necessary for the writer to refer to himself, it is better to say Our reporter" or "The writer."

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6. Never waste time in complimenting the editor or hi paper, when writing a letter for publication. Commence at once with the subject in hand, and close when you have done.

That kind of journalistic writing most easily taken up, and yet quite difficult to do well, is that of presenting in attractive form a judicious report of home news.

Much demand exists for more reportorial talent, especially on the country newspaper. Thousands of exciting incidents and events transpire, the details of which, written up for the press, would greatly edify the readers of the country journal, the editor of which, knowing nothing of the affair, is compelled to fill his paper with foreign news of less interest to his subscribers.

As a general rule, there is not sufficient local matter to be obtained, nor space to be filled, in the weekly country journal, to make it an object for the publisher to employ, at a weekly salary, a person whose exclusive business shall be collecting local news; and yet the editor is desirous of obtaining all the important home intelligence there is, and will willingly pay for such as he may publish, at the rate of from $1 to $5 per column, when an arrangement may be made for the correspondent to write regularly.

Of course no writer should expect compensation until it is clearly shown that his or her writings are of decided service to the paper in which they are published. When they become so, editors and publishers readily concede the fact, and are willing to pay what the articles are worth.

Important Reportorial Qualifications.

The reporter should be truthful. In writing of any event, great care should be taken to state the actual facts. To do this, the reporter should possess the energy to go to the scene of action, if possible, himself, and learn the exact condition of affairs. It is often unsafe to depend upon hearsay.

The reporter should carefully guard against allowing his own opinions to warp or bias his report of the sayings or doings of others, thus giving, almost without his being conscious of the fact, an untruthful representation. A plain, unvarnished report should be made, and nothing else.

Much discretion should be exercised in the personal mention of individuals. A dozen words, thoughtlessly written, may do irreparable injury to the reputation of an innocent person: a paragraph in praise may add to the life-long happiness and prosperity of the individual upon whom it is bestowed. As a general rule, while praise may be personally given, if wrongs exist, it is better to speak of them in general terms, rather than couple them with names of the individuals at fault; though, if the person be notoriously persistent in a course of wrong doing, justice demands newspaper exposure.

Subjects of Local and General Interest.

ITEMS FOR THE NEWSPAPER.

For the advantage of the inexperienced writer, making record of home news, the following partial list is given, containing subjects of general interest to the public.

Accidents.-When, where, to whom.

Amusements, Excursions, Etc.-When, where; character of amusement, etc.

Births. When, where, name of parents and sex of child. Burglary.-When, where, by whom, amount stolen, etc. Change of Business Firms.-When, and names of the parties.

Crops.-Present condition and future prospects,

Crime of any kind.-Names of offenders; nature of the crime.

Divorces.-Who, when, where, cause. When and where married.

Elopements.-Names of parties and circumstances. Election Intelligence.-Election takes place when, candidates to be, or are elected, etc.

Fires.-Whose property, when, where, cause, amount of insurance, names of companies insured in. Facts and Figures. - Concerning any products raised in the vicinity, amount sold, profits, etc, Festivals.-Held by whom, for what object, amount realized, etc.

Improvements.—By whom, where, and costs. Inventions.-Patents granted to whom, what for, na ture of the improvement.

Lectures.-Past, or to come; when, where, by whom, substance of what was said.

Marriages.-Who, when, where, by whom married, where gone on bridal tour.

Murders.-When, where, who, by whom, object of the murder, circumstances.

New Comers.-Their business, where located, where from, etc.

New Manufactures.-In prospect, when, where, by whom established, kind, etc.

New Buildings.-To be or built, erected by whom, for what purpose, cost, etc.

Price of Staple Commodities.-In the market, prospect for the future, etc.

Parties Leaving Town.-Who, when, where going, business going into.

Presentations.-By whom, to whom, where given, what presented, why.

Railroads.-New roads in prospect, profits of present

roads, etc.

Sales of Real Estate.-By whom, to whom, who will occupy, amount paid, etc.

Shows, Exhibitions, Fairs.-Where, when, who gives them, character of entertainment.

Schools.-Facts and figures concerning them, change of teachers, improvements needed, etc.

Secret Societies.-Election of officers, prosperity and condition of the society.

Strange Phenomena.—In the heavens, in the ele. ments, on or in the earth, where, when.

Suggestions of Improvements Needed.— Where, when, by whom, cost, etc.