THE COURIER
hardly be demonstrated with mathematical exactness, and whilo tho
writer is inclined to believe the doctrine as a seomingly necessary
corrollary to tho omniscence and omnipresence of God, it is still not
known in the sense in which we know things in their concrete form.
If we are so prone to err in our hypothetical reasoning from con
crete facts, should we not be somewhat modest in asserting that
Christianity is an exploded superstition, or that doctrinal theology
is fraught only with evil.
To the writer, tho influence of Christianity upon history, and tho
evolution of civilization has been such as to entitle it a most
respectful hearing and acceptance, no system of philosophy offering
anything better to satisfy the universal ljnging of mankind; and
while the wrier does not concern himself in the least with creeds, ho
is just optimistic enough to believe that denominational and doct
trinal theology was created for a purpose which is being subserved
before our very eyes, and most emphatically, that Christians are not
hypocrites in identifying themselves with this or that branch of the
great Christian Church.
Nixon.
Washington, D. C,
April, 23.
OBSERVATIONS.
If wind and frost and other things, such as blight and worms, wilt
keep away from the trees there will bo an abundance of fruit in
Nebraska this year. Seldom have the fruit trees blossomed so pro
lifially as this spring. Around Lincoln the trees fort el I a gracious
abunaance. The cherry trees, particularly, are radiant as the moon
in a covering of white.- It is a pleasure to drive through the out
lying streets of Lincoln these beautiful spring days.
Lincoln used to be noted for its immense number ot vehicles, and
for its utter lack of style in its turnouts. Lately, in the last year
or two, there has been a noticeable improvement in this direction.
Taste and individuality have hid an inning. The old fashioned
buggies and surreys have, in many instances, been replaced by
smart equipages; traps of various sorts, coaches, carts, spider phae
tons and neat ro-top buggies are to be seen on the streets in large
numbers. There is a greater dash and go in pleasure vehicles, and
an increasing desire to own a fashionable turnout.
Street railway companies all over the country complain of a
-lecreaso in business. Tho rise of tho "cycle is doubtless responsible
for a good deal of the loss of patronage. In Lincoln it is estimated
that there are 2,000 regular riders. If these 2,000 persons each save
10 cents a day in car fare it means a per diem loss of 820 to the
street railway company, or $140 per week, $600 per month, 7,200
per year.
There has been considerable talk about tho little affair at tho
Commercial club after the "Black Crook' performance Wednesday
evening of last week. Tho young men, who are well known, by the
way, have been criticised for tcking the women to the club, some of
the older members being somewhat outspoken in their disapproval.
Of courte everybody did not see tho "Black Crook;' but those who
did, and who know tho young men who entertaineJ members of the
company "after the show, ' wonder at the taste displayed by them
in the selection of their guests. The young men who found these
theatrical fairies attractive are to be congratulated on their keen
ness. Most people who saw them on the stage wanted to get as far
away from them as possible after the performance.
Tho social department of the Commercial club continues to boom.
The white shoe has made its appearance on the streets of Lin
coln. It can bo seen on O street any day. The authorities ought
to require persons who wear white shoes to take out permits, and
they ought to be taxed heavily. It is bad enough for a woman to
wear these things. It is awful when they are worn by a man. A
little distance off he looks as though he hadn't any shoes on noth
ing but white stockings. Perhaps Mayor Graham will call in tho
white shoes.
A great many Nebraska people aro sending tho detailed crop
reports, which appear weo'dy, to thoir friends and correspondents
in the east. Thus far the Nebraska reports havo been favorable.
The summer cars have appeared,
into tho doctors hands.
Recoiver Slaughter is playing
Mr. Upbam, lato superintendent of tho street railway company,
will remain in Lincoln for the presont. He has as yot no fully
matured plans for tho -future.
'JOSEPH"
A SKETCH OF A LOBBYIST.
"Joseph" got his bill through tho legislature with apparent oaso
Ho arrived in Lincoln from Sioux City thirty-five days after tho
session had begun. Hundreds of bills wero trying to push and pay
their way through both houses. A largo number Tailed. Joseph's
bill fed and joked its way through with little opposition, and no
member was a cent better off for voting for it.
When Joseph arrived ho took threo rooms at tho Lincoln. He
filled them with comfortable chairs, lounges and card tables. And
in ono room ho established a refrigerator which ho replenished
daily with ice and other things. On tho tables were oranges,
bananas, figs, nuts and anything else tho markot held. But tho
most delightful thing in the room was Joseph's welcome, hearty
and sincere. At night, aftor tho tho theatre, Joseph in tho midst
of a group of friends started for his rooms. On tho way tho number
constantly increased until perhaps twonty entered the rooms with
him. Then Joseph would tie around himself tho white apron used
by the sleepy waiter, who assisted him in his hospitality, and wait
on his guests himself. Ho never mentioned hia bill. If anyono else,
did, Joseph would stop him with the remark that thoy were not there
to talk or bills, but instead to eat a little. Ho said this with such
bonhomie his visitors took him at his word, laid aside
their suspicions, and accepted his provisions. If there were one
among them who was awkward and ill at ease, Joseph's compre
hensive eye noted it and soon the bumpkin's feet were comfortably
placed, and Joseph wa listening, while tho man talked in h's best
style. Joseph never monojwlized the conversation. Ho said very
little. But all felt stimulated to do his best when taiking with him.
His goodfellowship was not assumed. Ho was genuinely fond of
man. Though he had an end to gain by acquiring their friend
ship, he did it not by sycophancy or flattery of any sort. He fed
and amused them. He never talked of his bill, but when it camo
up his quandam guests were glad of an opportunity to please him.
They were as grateful to him for what he did not do as for what ho
did. While others buttonholed them they buttonholed him while
they told him their latest story.
In appearance, Joseph was quiet, exceedingly well dressed. The
world was his and always had ben but Joseph never "let on."
Late hours and the requirements of diplomacy have made him too
heavy. There are moments when he thinks the world costs too
much and that ho will givo up lobbying, but the fascinations of tho
chase aro too much for him, and he goes back to the parlor.
A FRIEN'DLY SUGGESTION.
Jimbly There is something the matter with my head, and tho
doctor doesn't seem to know what it is.
Jorkins Why don't you go to a wheelwright?
Jewelry and Diamonds at Flemings 1224 O street.
The latest thing in tans at Webster & Rogers.
Telephone Sisler 630 to sopply your milk.
Gas stoves make no dirt. Frank Lahr has the
Sweaters for wheelmen. 1137 O street.
m.