1 
SEPT.22 
nothing wo can claim as our own but energy, 
strength and volition, very little of me would be 
left, If 1 could but say what I owe to my great 
predecessors and contemporaries.— Goethe. 
In Russia, much more than In any other coun¬ 
try, Instances of longevity are not only more nu¬ 
merous, but also the most remarkable. Out of 
000,818 men who died In 1820, sis were over loo 
years of age, as were more than 115,24 more than 
120 , 7 were above 125, and one had attained the 
age of mo. 
1 know not why we should delay our tokens or 
respect to those who deserve them unt il the heart-, 
that our Sympathy could have gladdened, has 
ceased to beat. As men cannot read the epitaphs 
Inserlbed upon the marble that covers them, so 
the tombs that we erect to virtue often prove 
only our repentance that, we neglected It when 
with us —Bulieer Lytton . 
®Ijr fitcratjr Mo rib. 
ITEMS. 
“ Theo,” a Love Story, by Mrs. Frances Hodg¬ 
son Burnett, author of “ That Lass o’ Lowries,” 
which has recently attracted so much attention. 
Is In the press of T. B. Peterson & Brothers, Phil¬ 
adelphia, for Immediate publication. “Theo” 
will be In cloth and paper cover, and the author’s 
name will seeurc for It au extensive and rapid 
sale. 
Ton Septomber-Octobcr international Review 
contains the following: - Professor Sheldon Amos, 
a distinguished European advocate of Peace and 
ArbllruUOh. and the Professor of jurisprudence 
and International law In the University of Lon¬ 
don, contributes Modern Armies and Modes of 
Warfare, showing met size, condition and Influ¬ 
ence of European armies in times of war and 
peace. Mr. Win. M. tirosvenor, probably the most 
brilliant and reliable statistician in the United 
States, contributes The Communist, and the Rail¬ 
way, showing the true Interest of the working¬ 
men. Mr. jslinou Sturne, member of too commis¬ 
sion on Municipal Reform, contributes the Admin¬ 
istration of American Cities, advocating reforms 
of utmost Importance to property-holders. Alex¬ 
ander II. Stephens, the Georgia Representative, 
Vice-President ol ttrs late Southern confederacy, 
who frankly accepted all the conditions of defeat, 
and since the war ha3 with energy and tact up¬ 
held the Constitution and defended the Union 
In the south, contribute* Tho Letters or Junius, 
repudiating every claim to their authorship. Mr. 
Stephens' wonderful recovery from what was ex¬ 
pected to result In death, places this elfort of ge¬ 
nius In bold rellor. The President's Southern Pol¬ 
icy is the title of a contribution from a high source, 
which clearly defines and defends it, and will 
serve for tho enlightenment of all parties now 
preparing platforms for state Elections. This 
article tends toward public peace and quiet and 
the permanent stability or business. Dr. Fruncis 
Wharton, a writer of great legal learning and 
power, actuated by the broadest, principles of 
Statesmanship, contributes Sudleial Partl/.mshlp 
—Queen Caroline’s Case; showing that the mis¬ 
take or dr pending oil tho Impartiality of Judges 
in extreme partlzan cases Is not exclusively Amer¬ 
ican. While we are reading reports of tlllhuster- 
lng In Parliament, we will also read with Interest 
what Dr. Wharton tells or Queen Caroline’s fate 
at the hands or a partlzan English judiciary. The 
Late World's Fair, 1878—III; The Display. By 
Professor Francis A. Walker, late chief of the Bu¬ 
reau of A wards. ThLs Is pronounced by compe¬ 
tent. critics to be the “ best critical account, of the 
Exhibition." The notes on current events are 
timely. 
BOOKS RECEIVED. 
T. B. Peterson & Brothers. Phlla., Pa.: 
The Dollar Series, Red Vellum, Black and 
cold. The Cavalier, by G. P. R. James; 
The Queen’s Favorite; Panola, A Tale of 
Louisiana, by Mrs. S. A. Dorsey$1,50, Salath- 
tel, A story of the Past, Present, and Future, 
Rev. Geo. Croly. Paper, Too. Thackeray’s by 
Irish Sketch Book. Paper, 75c. The Moth¬ 
er-In-Law, or Married In Haste, by Mrs. E. 
D. E. N. South worth. Morocco, cloth, gilt; 
Price $1.75, 
Hurd & Hocouton, N. y. : 
Arizona As It Is, by Hiram C. Hodge. Cloth; 
Price $1.50. 
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York: 
His Grandmothers—A Summer Salad. Paper ; 
75e. Tho Way of Life, a service book for 
Sunday Schools; compiled by F. L. Hosmer. 
Boards; 75c. 
Porter & Coates, Phlla., Pa.: 
Famous American Trotting norse 3—29 illus¬ 
trations. Paper; 75c. 
Allen, Lane & Suorr, Plilla., Pa.: 
Personal Appearauce and the Culture of Beau¬ 
ty, with Hints as to Character, by T. S. So- 
zlnskey, M. D., Ph. D. 
Scribner, Armstrong & Co., New York: 
Nicholas Mlnturn, by Dr. J. G. Holland. Il¬ 
lustrated. Cloth; $1.75. 
Twenty-Sixth Annual Retort of the Indiana 
State Board of Agriculture, 1875. 
Sixth Annual Report Michigan pom. Soc.; 
Magazines for October; 
M Tth American Review for October-September. 
Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s, LltteU’s Living Age, 
1735 , Lippmcott. 
A PANSY’S FACE. 
I FATN WOUld gUCSH 
Tho secret that. t.Uo pansy hides 
Beneath Its starlilce face, its dainty grace; 
No more, no less. 
Only the little thought that glides 
Within tho narrow space Its fair leaves trace. 
I know full well, 
That thro' those tender speaking eyes 
A prisoned son I doth gaze, in sad amaze, 
That fain would tell 
In answer to my inquiries 
A tale, in tender lays, of other days. 
It might perchance 
Reveal the story or its birth. 
How in the long ago, before tte woe 
And wild romance, 
It reigned a royal queen of earth, 
With all earth’s glltt'ring Show and wild mad glow. 
IIow once this crown— 
Resting upon the pausy’s brow, 
Woven of starlike gleams and golden beams. 
Once pressed low down. 
Unlike the soft, sweet pressure now 
Her soft, bright curls—this queen’s-her happy dreams. 
How this fair dress 
The pansy wears, was hem, I ween. 
And to its .jeweled hem to greet her favors sweet 
Did many press. 
And one—but then, perchance I dream— 
Her best loved knight knelt at her feet, her kiss to 
meet. 
For his sweet sake 
This queen forgot all else on earth. 
Crashing the Idles passed upon her breast. 
These fair loaves shake— 
Trembling Dorn saddened fear, not mirth; 
Sweet pansy, stand confessed—tho truth I’ve guessed. 
This crystal drop 
The pansy on its breast doth wear; 
Trembles in dewy fear—(lie truth is near— 
I must not stop— 
But from tho pansy’s faco I tear 
The mask which shelters here, Queen Guinevero. 
But safe art thou, 
Sweet pansy, cloistered in this wood, 
IV here thro’ the dim, lone aisles the faint sun smiles 
As when ere now 
A false, forsaken quern thou stood 
Beneath the convent tiles in distant isles! 
What strange romanco 
Is this I've woven round these leaves ? 
All in a faint surprise, the pansy’s eyes 
(But to my glance) 
Gaze upward, where the night wind grieves, 
And where with broken sighs it slowly dies. 
[Dubuque Times, 
. -- 
A NEW FEATURE. 
Dear Lady Ruralists Permit mo to drop 
you a courtesy, and Introduce myself as Faitu 
Ripi.kv at your service, to whose charge has 
been committed the destinies of the “ Portfolio.” 
1 sincerely trust our mutual relations will he of 
thu pleasantest, and I hereby usk your co-opera¬ 
tion In making this department a sort of woman’s 
club, where we shall chat on all sorts of topics 
which pertain to woman and her work; exchang¬ 
ing hints and suggestions that will make our Illiv 
work easier. 
if you will tolerate criticism in a new-comer, 
allow mo to con toss that I think most of you 
are rather Indifferent to this your special nook. 
When May Maple smothered Free Lance in her 
forty-year-old mothers, you lett, Ihe poor fellow 
to his fate with never so much as a word of sym¬ 
pathy; and later, when Free I.anck (having re¬ 
gained a little of bis native assurance after his 
“ feather” defoat) revenged himself by wilting a 
caustic reply to Kbmenoarde’s sensible, womanly 
letter, you showed no Inclination to repel his uu- 
gallant Insinuations. 
Flossy's appeal fell on Indifferent ears, and oven 
the direful prophecies of Dr. Clark and Jauqvb- 
lina relative to women, as a class, becoming In¬ 
sane, failed to move you. It anything could or 
would drive a woman to protest, argue, or Inquire, 
one would suppose that hearing her sex threat¬ 
ened with wholesale lunacy would be D/A thing; 
hut, somehow, the Portfolio readers were not to 
bu coaxed out of their quietude. 
Now, to tempt some of you, dear friends, to 
break through this silence, 1 mean to offer five 
prizes (good novels, bound In cloth), not very irre¬ 
tentions, but sUll something that will In a way 
reward endeavor: One eaoh for the best articles 
on the following subjects, the articles to be lim¬ 
ited to one column In length. Either the affirma¬ 
tive or negative side of tho questions may be dis¬ 
cussed. Any one person Is eligible for more than 
one prize: 
Subjects. 
1. Worth of Labor-Saving Appliances In the 
Household. 
2 . Advisability of training Girls to a thorough, 
practical Knowledge of some Profession or 
Trade. 
3. Usefulness or “ Old Maids." 
4. Farm Life, from a Woman’s point, of view. 
5. is time spent In beautifying our homes time 
wasted ? 
Address communications Intended for Ladles’ 
Portfolio to Faith Ripley, 
Care Rural New-Yorker, 
78 Duane St., New York. 
And they will receive Immediate attention. All 
prize articles must be received before Oct. 15. 
Now let us have a department Inferior in inter¬ 
est to none in the paper. 
Cordially, r, u. 
A REMARK. 
In Christian Intelligencer of Aug. 9 , Margaret 
E. Sanostkr writes as followsIt the mothers 
and wives of the mobs, whose uncontrolled license 
has destroyed millions or dollars’ worth of prop¬ 
erty, had frowned upon the outrage. It would not 
have taken place. If the strikers’ friends at 
home had advised them well, there would have 
been no strike. Without knowing very much 
about political economy, any looker-on can sec 
that.” In passing,! would say, It'S not exactly 
clear to me what connection political economy 
lias with this phase Of the “striking” question. 
I should consider it belonged to the domain of 
social science. However that’s not the point 1 
wish to make. I would enter a protest against 
womeD being mado responsible for the uprising 
of tho “down-trodden working man.” 
From that fatal luncheon in Eden down to the 
present, time every calamity has been charged, 
either direct ly or Indirectly, to woman's Influence. 
To be sure we’ve become In a measure accustomed 
to being abused (not however that wo like It any 
better on that, account), but to see a woman turn 
traitor and Stigmat ize a part of her own sex as 
directly chargeable with the murder, and ruffian¬ 
ism of the latest exhibition of man’s superiority (?) 
over woman in the matter or reasonableness, Is a 
little move than 1 can suffer lo pass without 
comment. Now I submit, did women belong to 
the various brotherhoods and trades’ unions? 
What record Is t here that women addressed the 
meetings of these associations, or were even 
present at them 7 The strike was not a sudden 
Inspiration, It was deliberately planned, and Is It 
probable mat mis simultaneous action was the 
result of the counsels of women? To whom did 
the unionist or “ brother" look for guidance 7 To 
the “ women folks ” or to the chief of Ills society ? 
And Is It authentic that all, or the majority, or 
these turbulent fellows had families. Most of 
the rail-road men deprecated all acts or violence 
on the persona or tho property of others, and 
claimed that tee real culprits wore for tho most 
part tramps and vicious, Idle men, who had an 
eye only to possible plunder; and yet, according 
to Miss Sangtkk, each and all or these men could 
have been taught patience and submission by 
their wives! Imagine how one of these lusty, 
lawless fellows would have scorned the Idea of 
allowing his “ old woman ” to dictate a course of 
action to him. If, as Miss Sanghtkr claims, inun Is 
so much l he creature of woman’s I nil uenee, how 
cobles It that her tears and entreaties count for 
nothing with hhu against teo attractions of the 
dram sbopH? Perhaps this latest exponent of 
the true (?) cause of the strikes would have us be¬ 
lieve teat If tee wives and mothers frowned upon 
Intemperance U would disappear! A truce to 
such nonsense. 
if women must be slandered, leave the noble 
work to that. Incarnate egoism-man. Ho has 
been practising it for some thousands of years, 
and we doubt ir oven Sanostkr can exeell him In 
misrepresenting women, Jacouelina. 
-- 
MORE ABOUT FRETTING. 
“ Grandmother’s ” sketch was a faithful por¬ 
trait of one typejof character, “ Geraldine Ger¬ 
mane’s ” of another. 1 wish to remind them that 
the world Is plentifully besprinkled with good 
women and true who are neither *• frettors ” ma¬ 
lax, easy-golug, “shiftless” characters, one 
such has recurred to iny mind so often and vivid¬ 
ly since reading those articles, that 1 am con¬ 
strained to Introduce her to ycu. 
She lives on a farm, keeps four cows, and a 
swarm of poultry, besides pigs, bees etc. Nearly 
always does the work for her family or six, be¬ 
sides from one to three “ hired men," with what 
assistance can be rendered by her four children, 
of ages ranging rrom six to fourteen. Does all 
the sewing for herself and family, and Is always 
ready to minister to the sick, at whose bed-sides 
her cheerful face, reassuring voice and skillful 
hand are heartily welcome. 
Her house Is a model of order and neatness 
from chamber to cellar (It has no “ garret ”) and 
her table Is abundantly supplied with wholesome 
and inviting food. Her children are neatly and 
prettily dressed, her own ralnrnont neat and. 
tasteful and the amount of work she “ turns off '■ 
Is a standing woudev to her neighbors. The 
secret of this lies In a natural deftuess, perfect 
system and a cheerful temper that, saves the 
household machinery from tee frletfon caused by 
fretting. 
She Ls energetic, self-reliant, generous, brave 
and buoyant. When things " go wrong,” she 
rlgbt3 them If possible; and it Is usually possible 
to Intelligent determination, in tee common 
affairs ol the household, tee Inevitable and un¬ 
pleasant she Ignores or makes a stepping-stone to 
higher achlevments. Whoa somethingunforsoen 
and trying occurs, she rises to meet tee emergen¬ 
cy and comes off with Hying colors. Mountlug, 
as It were, tee wave that threatens to overwhelm 
her, she rides on Its crest to victory. She no move 
thinks of “ fretting " over annoyances than a 
skillful general thinks of silting down to com¬ 
plain because tho mosquitos Difest his camp 
and the enemy la marching to attack him. She 
Is a kind, firm and decided mother, a faithful, 
loving wife, a kind, good sister, an excellent 
neighbor and a "jolly” companion, her invinci¬ 
ble good nature, energy and spirit being Infect¬ 
ious. “ Her children rise up and call her blessed, 
her husband also and he pralscth her.” 
This portrait sketch is takou from life, and is 
neither over-drawn nor too highly colored. I know 
It Is partly the result of native gifts and tempera¬ 
ment, not bestowed upon all alike, 
But I have known many women, timid, sensl- 
185 
five and self-distrustful, who have taken up tho 
burden of life with unselitsh sweetness, giving 
themselves unreservedly day after day, to cheer¬ 
ful, loving service for their families and others. 
Through Joy and grief they " possess their souls 
In patience,” and tee loving heart, habitually 
gives out loving words, though often aching and 
sore. Conscientiously and prayerfully the round 
of toll and care Is kept up with cheerful alacrity, 
tee pure spirit never dreaming that she Is win¬ 
ning a martyr’s crown until she goes over the 
river and finds It waiting for her, while those left 
behind discover that they have been “ entertain¬ 
ing an ange! unawares.” 
Many and many aono will respond to the truth 
of this portrait, saying, as savs the writer, with 
moist eye and reverent lip “ It Is my mother!” 
Clyob Raynor. 
--. 
TELL-TALE LIPS. 
I have observed that lips become more or less 
contracted in the course of years, in proportion 
as they are accustomed to express good humor 
and generosity, or peevishness or a contracted 
mind. Remark the effect which a moment of ill- 
J temper and grudglness has upon tee lips, and 
Judge what, may bo expected from a habitual 
series of such movements. Remark teo reverse, 
and make similar Judgment. The mouth Is the 
frankest part of tee face; It cannot In tee least 
conceal Its sensations. We can hide neither ill 
temper with It, nor good; we may affect what wo 
please, but affectation will not help us. In a wrong 
cause It, will only make our observers resent teo 
endeavor to Imposu on teem. The mouth Is the 
Heat of one class or emotions, aa teo eyes aro of 
another; or, rather, It expresses tho same emo¬ 
tions, but. In greater detail, and with a greater ir¬ 
repressible tendency to bo In motion. It Is the 
region of smiles and dimples, and of trembling 
earnestness; of a sharp sorrow, or nill-brcatning 
Joy, of candor, of reserve, of anxious oaro, or lib¬ 
eral sympathy. Tho mouth, out, ol Its many sen¬ 
sibilities, may bo fancied throwing up one groat 
expression Into tho eye—as many lights In a city 
reflect a broad luster Into teo heavens.— Leigh 
Hunt. 
- -»»» - 
A SEVERE REPROOF. 
I hear a good story which Illustrates the desir¬ 
ability of olderiy gentlemen strictly observing the 
truth Jn their communications with the third and 
fourth generation. A grandfather, well known In 
tho House of Lords, was tho other day amicably 
chatt ing with his granddaughter, who was seated 
on his knee. "What makes your lialr so white, 
grandpapa?” the little rnaldon asked, "1 am 
very old, my dear; I was In tec ark,” said his 
lordship, wLth a reckless disregard for truth 
which does not prepossess one In his favor. 
“Oh!” said her little ladyship, regarding her dis¬ 
tinguished relative with fresh Interest, "are you 
Noah !” “No, I am not. Noah.” “ Aro you Shorn, 
thonl” “no, i am not Shorn.” “Are you 
Ham ?" “ No. 1 am not even Ham.” *• Then you 
must, be Japbet," Insisted teo little maiden, at 
tho end of her historical tether, and growing 
somewhat Impatient with tho difficulty which 
surrounded her aged relative’s identification. 
"No, lam not Japbet,” said his lordship, wag¬ 
ging his head, Intensely enjoying the Joke. 
“Then, grandpapa,” said the little maiden, firm¬ 
ly and decisively, “you are a beast.”— Mayfair. 
POOR GIRLS. 
The poorest girls lu the world are those who 
have never been taught to work. There are 
thousands of teem. Rich parents have petted 
them; they have beuti taught to despise labor, 
and depend upon others for a living, and are per¬ 
fectly helpless. If misfortune comes upon their 
friends, as It often does, their case la hopeless. 
The most lorloru and miserable women upon 
earth belong to this class. It belongs to parents 
to protect their daughters from this deplorable 
Condition. They do teem a great wrong If they 
neglect It. Every daughter should be taught to 
earn her own living. The rich as well as tho 
poor require this training. The wheel of fortune 
rolls swlttly round—the rich are very likely to be¬ 
come poor, and tho poor rich. Skill to labor Is no 
disadvantage to the rich, and Is Indispensable to 
toe poor. Well-to-do parents must educate their 
children to work. No reform Is more Imperative 
than this. 
-*-*-♦- 
Facts about monarebs and Jewels: Queen 
Victoria Is especially fond of the sapphire. The 
Empress of Russia has an unrivaled collection of 
turquoises and pearls. The ex-Queen Isabella of 
Spain has the most, valuable collection of laces In 
the world, one of her shawls being wort h £4,000. 
The Grand Duchess of Saxe Weimar Is said to 
possess the finest set of rubles and the Empress 
or Austria the best emeralds and opals In Europe. 
■ -- 
Marriages and Good Harvests.— It Is now 
known that marriages bear a fixed and definite 
relation to tho price of corn ; and In England the 
experience of a century has proved that they are 
simply regulated by the average earnings of the 
great mass of the people, so that this Immense 
social and religious institution Is not only swayed, 
but Is completely controlled, by the price of food 
and by the luto of wages. 
-♦♦♦ - 
A Woman’s Reply,—** At what age were you 
married V” asked she Inquisitively. 
But the other lady was equal to the emergency, 
and quietly responded: 
“ At the parsonage.” 
