ecclesiastical power of the so-called Mormon Church, and that the law so enacted should be rigidly enforced by the civil authorities, if possible, and by the military, if need be."

The Democratic platform:

"The Democratic party is pledged to revise the tariff in a spirit of fairness to all interested. But, in making a reduction of taxes it is not proposed to injure any domestic industries, but rather promote their healthy growth. From the foundation of this Government taxes collected at the custom-houses have been the chief source of revenue, and they must continue to be. Moreover, many industries have come to rely upon legislation for successful continuance, so that any change of law must be at every step regardful of labor and capital thus involved. The process of reform must be subject in the execution to the plain dictates of justice, that all taxation shall be limited to the requirements of economical government. The necessary reduction can and must be effected without depriving American labor of the ability to compete successfully with foreign labor, and without imposing lower rates of duty than will be ample to cover any increased cost of production which may exist in consequence of the higher rates of wages prevailing in this country.

"Sufficient revenue to pay all the expenses of the Federal Government economically administered, including pensions, the interest and principal of the public debt, can be got under our present system of taxation from custom-house taxes on a few imported articles, being heaviest on articles of luxury, and becoming lighter on articles of necessity.

We therefore denounce the abuses of the existing tariff, and subject to preceding limitation, we demand that Federal taxation shall be exclusively for public purposes, and shall not exceed the needs of the Government economically administered.

"The system of direct taxation, known as the internal revenue, is a war tax, and so long as the law continues the money derived therefrom should be devoted for the relief of the people from the remaining burdens of war, and be made a fund to defray the expense of the care and comfort of worthy soldiers, disabled in the

The principles thus put forward are not so inharmonious as to justify the existence of two great parties; but the parties exist, and it will be for the good sense and sound patriotism of the American people to decide by the ballot-box whether the Federal Government shall for four years more remain in the hands of those who have held it for twenty years, or whether the good of the country demands that, in the interest of reform, it should now pass to other hands.

can.

No party has ever held power so long as the RepubliIts success precipitated the long-threatened Civil War, a war which it carried through successfully. It has since controlled the destinies of the American people, holding the Presidency and the Senate, and for most of the period the House of Representatives. Its power has declined; it shows signs of weakness and dissension. On the other hand, the Democratic party lacks men who have attained prominence or displayed great executive talent, and its occasional partial successes have been almost inevitably neutralized by great political blunders.

Besides the candidates of the two great political parties, there are and will be others in the field, who are likely to draw away votes from one side or the other.

A Prohibitionist Convention, held at Pittsburg, July 24th, nominated, for President, Governor John P. St. John, of Kansas; and for Vice-President, Hon. William Daniel, of Maryland; while General Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts, is recognized as the candidate of the Greenback and Labor party.

"We favor an amicable continental policy, based upon more intimate commercial and political relations with the fifteen sister republics of North, Central and South America, but entangling alli

ances with none.

"We believe in honest money, all the gold and silver coinage of the Constitution, and a circulating medium convertible into such money without loss.

"Asserting the equality of all men before the law, we hold that it is the duty of the Government, in its dealings with the people, to mete out equal and exact justice to all citizers, of whatever nationality, race, color or persuasion, religious or political.

"The selection of Federal officers for the Territories should be restricted to citizens permanently resident therein.

We oppose sumptuary laws, which vex the citizens and interfere with individual liberty.

"We favor honest civil service reform and the compenstion of United States officers by fixed salaries; the separation of Church and State, and the diffusion of free education by common schools, so that every child in the land may be taught the right and duties of citizenship.

"While we favor all legislation which will tend to the equal distribution of property, to the prevention of monopoly, and to the strict enforcement of individual rights against corporate abuses, we hold that the welfare of society depends upon a scrupulous regard for the rights of property as defined by law, and believe that labor is best rewarded where it is free and most enlightened. It should, therefore, be fostered and cherished.

"We favor the repeal of all laws restricting the free action of labor, and the enactment of a law by which labor organizations may be incorporated, and of all such legislation as will tend to enlighten the people as to the free relations of capital and labor.

"We think that the public lands ought, so far as possible, to be kept as homesteads for actual settlers; that all unearned lands heretofore imprudently granted to railroad corporations by the actions of the Republican party should be restored to the public domain, and that no more grants of lands should be made to corporations, or shall be allowed to fall in the ownership of alien absentees.

"We are opposed to all propositions which, upon any pretext, will convert the General Government into a machine for collecting taxes to be distributed among the States or the citizens thereof."

BONEJINTERS.

BY HENRY CLEVELAND Wood.

THESE Words had for my ears such a peculiar and unusual sound, that they immediately arrested my attention, and aroused my-well, my interest, I may add, as I am not feminine in gender, and possess few of the prevailing characteristics of that estimable sex.

The words were uttered by old Aunt Dinah, who informed Charley and me at the supper-table that there was to be a fierce and mighty race between the Dustbugs and Bonejinters on that very evening, and she had hastened the present meal on account thereof, that she might fully participate in the enjoyable affair.

"The very thing," cried Charley, in his impetuous, eager way. "We will go. I am sure you have never seen anything of a similar nature?" he added questioningly.

"I feel convinced of that fact also," I responded, "for both words are quite foreign to my vocabulary. I have not even the remotest idea of their significance."

"You have expressed such an interest in the manners and customs of our emancipated race, that the present opportunity will be an excellent one for studying some of their most pronounced traits and peculiarities, and you must not miss it."

"But pray enlighten me! What is it all about?" I queried. "I disclaim any approach to curiosity whatever, but my thirst for knowledge in the present case is of a gnawing and unrestful character. Appease it, I entreat you."

"I am astonished," said Charley, in tantalizing deliberation, "utterly so, at your profound ignorance. I thought writers knew everything.'

"It is a common fallacy," I responded. "Their mission is to learn everything; so add your quota of information to my neglected education."

"Well," began Charley, obligingly, laying aside his

knife and fork while the explanation is being given, "there is no race under the sun, you will understand, who are fonder of amusements, or of holding religious assemblages, than the Americanized negro, who enters with the same exuberant enthusiasm into each, and when the two can be successfully united, as is frequently the case, the bosom of the dusky African is replete with unalloyed happiness, for they enter into these pleasures and pursuits with an utter intensity that would satisfy the most esthetic of souls.

"By reason of this characteristic, fairs, picnics, suppers, concerts, tableaux, and Christmas-trees (which latter are held as many times during the year as occasion and the condition of the church treasury requires), are things of frequent occurrence; the proceeds being devoted either to repairs about the church, or to purchasing fuel, and oftentimes toward raising funds for the minister's salary, which, like many other things in this life, occasionally proves uncertain.

"A race between the Dustbugs and Bonejinters is rarely resorted to, unless some considerable sum of money is desired; consequently it has not become so common as the other amusements, by means of which the church is supplied with the necessary earthly dross, to keep the machinery in smooth running order.

"On such an occasion it is a mooted question as to whether town or country possesses the most means and liberality, and often the excitement runs high and fierce between the two factions, much to the pecuniary benefit of the cause jointly espoused.

"The Dustbugs embrace all who are tillers of the soil, or are rural in their pursuits, while the Bonejinters represent the mechanics, or those who dwell in the town. Both words are coined from the ingenious verbosity of the negro brain.

"This, I believe, is the best and most extensive definition I can give at present," he concluded, laughingly. "It is sufficient," I responded, with a grateful smile. The Encyclopedia Britannica' could not have been more satisfactory, and I am exceedingly anxious to witness the race. It will afford me much entertainment, I feel assured, and therefore my obligations to you will be all the more profound."

"In the words of Mr. Toots, 'It's of no consequence,'" said Charley.

When we had finished supper, Charley lighted the incense which he burned almost incessantly, not before, but in, his worldly idol-a pipe-and we started on our walk, as the event was to transpire in an opposite quarter of the town, and we wished to enjoy the fine evening to its fullest extent.

Long before we were in sight of our destination the numerous squads of gayly-dressed and hilarious colored individuals of all ages and sizes, and the distant hum of many powerful voices, admonished us that we were taking the proper direction, and after a few minutes' walk our objective point was attained.

The present jubilant occasion was for the purpose of paying off the remainder of the debt hanging over a new church just finished, and which was a very pretty and substantial brick edifice.

The scene was already beginning to grow animated, early though it was, for a popular vote was then being cast by the two factions, regarding the likeliest pair of damseis that should represent them, a considerable number of candidates aspiring to this highly flattering position; while many fascinating arts were being openly practiced to secure the coveted nomination, each female acting as her own energetic lobbyist.

Finally a decision was rendered by each party, and the two successful representatives were at once provided with conspicuous and exalted seats above the crowd and facing each other. Both were arrayed in their most brilliant apparel, which was yet further heightened by innumerable odds and ends of gay ribbons and bright flowers. These damsels were expected to wield their softest blandishments in behalf of the party who had conferred so distinguished an honor upon them, and coax as much money as possible from the pockets of the dusky gallants who paid tribute and homage both at each respective shrine.

Every now and then the amounts collected were summed up and compared, and the results proclaimed by two, elected for that purpose, whereupon there would be either joy or dicomfiture, as one or the other of the parties would be ahead or in the rear, as the case might be. Then the contest would wax fiercer, as those who were successful strove to hold the ascendency, while the others made as equally strenuous efforts to reach and distance their antagonists, which was frequently done, so strongly did the bitterness of defeat work upon the liberality of the outstripped foe, and for a time confusion, exultation, and chagrin, held each their sway.

Shortly after our arrival a colored farmer of some means, carried happiness to the hearts of all the Dustbugs, and corresponding annoyance to the Bonejinters, by contributing quite a beneficent sum of money to aid the former party. The latter had immediately scattered numerous persuasive adherents through the building, and were quickly recovering from this severe shock. So successful were their efforts, indeed, that when the amounts were again compared there was only a small balance in favor of the Dustbugs, whereupon an enthusiastic Bonejinter, amid a thundering applause from his party, relieved the deficiency by extracting the required sum from the depths of his wallet, which he returned to his pocket in a sadly collapsed condition.

The self-satisfied air with which he walked off plainly indicated that this sacrifice was not without its sweet reward, and that the present destitution he had voluntarily brought upon himself was of little moment, when compared with the honor of his party, thus preserved by a heroic act.

Our presence was not forgotten or overlooked, and a vigilant Bonejinter soon had us under his protection, being positive that our sympathies all lay with his party, and despite our protestations of utter neutrality, we were straightway conducted into the presence of his society's representative, who modestly requested a small donation from each of us, which she received with many smirks and bows.

Scarcely had we left her presence when we were immediately seized upon by a zealous partisan of the other faction, who petitioned our aid in their behalf, and gave us a similar presentation to his party's choice.

On each platform beside the representative stood the "Speaker," either of whom certainly possessed volubility if not eloquence, and many very amusing little speeches were made on each side by these ebon-hued orators, every word being eagerly devoured by a crowd of open-mouthed admirers gathered around them.

This office is also a greatly coveted one, and reflects much honor on the possessor, who must be a garrulous individual of much persuasive power and gifted with considerable native wit as well, for in these accomplishments lies much of the ultimate success of his party.

Whenever anything was uttered that struck an auditor as being appropriate or good, that one at once gave vent

This last word I learned, on questioning Charley, was derived from the bloom of the flowering shrub, the fragrant calacanthus, whose powerful perfume is highly esteemed by them.

We stood in the vicinity of these speakers for some time, that we might hear the strange, and withal highly amusing, dialect of this exotic race, who in redundancy and originality of expression have no equals.

This dialect, too, is rapidly disappearing, as education and communication with the enlightened world afford means of improvement heretofore unknown in their shadowed history, and as their imitative powers are fine, they readily learn when the opportunity offers, although this same imitative quality frequently gives rise to the ludicrous mistakes which they often make.

"I'll tell yer what, my bredren (brethren) an' ladies, talkin' 'bout Noerwarn't he a Bonejinter, and didn't he bild de ark? S'posen he hadn't been a Bonejinter, what would a'

cum ob all dese poor Dustbugs dat we sees crawlin' round yere? Jist tell me dat, if yer kin! De las' one ob yer owe Mister Noer fur dis wurk of savin' yer frum de big freshet, so jog along dis way an' plank down de cash."

Loud applause from the Bonejinters and silence among the Dustbugs. The silence was but momentary, however.

"S'posen Noer was a Bonejinter," replied his antagonist, quickly recovering his equanimity, and picking up the gauntlet that had been thrown to him, "what ob dat? S'posen he did bild de ark, what ob dat? Whar would he a' bin, and all dese udder poor triflin' Bonejinters, if de Dustbugs hadn't fotch him cabbages an' taters an' bacon, fur to lib on till de rain wus ober? Tell me dat, will yer!"

Immense applause from the Dustbugs, and complete annihilation of the Bonejinters, at this unexpected retort.

Just a short while before the speaker of the Dustbug faction had been expatiating on the antiquity of his party, referring back to Adam and Eve, who, he informed his delighted adherents, were the very fountainhead of the Dustbugs.

"Didn't dey eben lik all de time in de gardin ?" he said; "an' if dey wasn't Dustbugs, I'd like fur yer to show me one. Dey didn't do nuffin else but walk round an' hoe a little corn, an' tend to de sweet-tater crop, an' spade up de beds fur plantin'."

"Jist hold on dar," interrupted the opposing orator. "Whar did dey git dem hoes and spades frum ?" "Why; de Lord made 'em, and gib 'em to Adam and

Later in the evening several small sums of money were produced from various brilliant bandanna 'kerchiefs, in one corner of which each had been securely tied, and was sometimes guarded by as many as three intricate knots.

Even the children yielded up their cherished nickels to swell the general fund, but did it with a willingness and display of ivory teeth that plainly bespoke the delight it afforded them, together with an exaggerated idea of the great aid their contributions had effected, that was highly comical.

Excitement would run high after each proclamation, and even Charley and I became infected with the general interest manifested, and watched the frequent fluctuations of the race with great and undisguised concern.

"After this I shall always regard with due leniency habitués of the turf," I said, laughingly, as I passed over a quarter of a dollar to aid in supplying the deficiency of the Bonejinters' treasury, on a recent count.

"Fortunately for me, I only had a small amount of change in my pocket when we came," responded Charley, "and that is about exhausted now, so I am safe from further temptation."

The church was by this time quite crowded, and becoming more so each moment, fresh arrivals constantly presenting themselves, some of them having walked a distance of six or seven miles from the neighboring farms, and as my curiosity was sufficiently satisfied, I signified my willingness to return home, which we accordingly did after a pleasant and entertaining hour among the Dustbugs and Bonejinters.

THE LOVE OF "THE APOLLO."

REX RIDEAU married Nannie Hawthorne on the 10th of

66

November, 1875, at St. Thomas's Church. Reception after the ceremony at the residence of the bride's father on Fifth Avenue ". vide the Court Journal of America.

Miss Hawthorne became engaged to Rex Rideau during her third season, and became his wife just prior to her fourth. She was twenty-three, and surpassingly beautiful! A woman with a complexion like a pearl, Greek features, large brown dove's eyes, with silky, sweeping lashes, a mouth of perfect sweetness, and a low, broad brow.

Rex Rideau, "The Apollo," was so called by his clubfellows, because of his absolute likeness to the Greek marble face of the god; and great was the howl and wail over the dual capture : a masculine howl on behalf of the ladies, a feminine wail àpropos of the gentlemen. That which appeared to sharpen the blow among the men was the fact that Rideau was a widower, having perpetrated matrimony at the age of twenty-seven, some ten years ago, but having only enjoyed conjugal felicity for the brief space of eight months; and that which drove the steel home to the feminine breast with added bitterness was the recollection that Nannie Hawthorne had never even once been heard to descant upon the immaculate charms of "The Apollo."

"You are delicious, generous, all that I would have you, my queen! You grant me favors almost ere I ask them a royal giver!"

'Tis an idyllic life, for, after all, if two people choose, two people can be very much apart from the rest of the world at a great hotel. They drive in the morning en tête-à-tête, they drive in the afternoon en convenance. Madame, in some splendid toilette, is seen every evening for half an hour or so, and then vanishes; and monsieur appears to prefer the seclusion of his own drawing-room to any attraction of billiards below.

Nannie is flawless to-night, in soft, white long trails of filmy lace sweeping after her, vailing the lovely neck and shadowing the round large arms, a peachy flush on the perfect cheeks! Well might Dick Hartley sigh a bitter sigh as he watched her. He did not even see the woman who sat near her, and with whom Mrs. Rideau was talking, but most people did notice her.

This woman is dressed in a satin dress, of a faint green shade, and a great blaze of emeralds lies upon her white neck. She is not more than twenty-six, and her name is Vivian Reade; she is Mrs. Vivian Reade, and without a husband.

"Yes," she says, in answer to some query, "I am just returned from France. America is my native land, and unnaturally, perhaps," with a little smile, "I prefer it."

"And I am nothing if not orthodox. Believe me thoroughly that if I die good I shall go straight to Paris! Oh, living there is delicious!" returns the other.

"You like it?" Vivian Reade says, looking at Nannie Rideau with a curious, unconscious shadow in her eyes. "Of course you like it-pleasure, gayety-all that is brilliant and beautiful! For you are all that yourself, and you are a young wife, they all tell me?"

Such a tender, quaint, low tone, and such a sad, slow glance from the great half-shut eyes.

"Mr. Rideau !-Rex !" Nannie pushes aside her curtain and calls her husband. "Let me present my husband to you! Mrs. Reade, Mr. Rideau."

Both Mr. and Mrs. Rideau remained down-stairs that evening until eleven o'clock. He played the first game of billiards that he had indulged in for months. Nannie sat chatting with her new friend, and soon, woman-like, had contrived to impart a very considerable knowledge of herself and her emotions and belongings to the other.

After that evening Cora Hartley thought she saw signs of a decline in the honeymoon of the Rideaus. "You!"

Rex Rideau's blue-eyed, Greek face is almost white. "I!" she answers, not surprised at his coming, but

ing a man like other men, but the very god of Olympus! And here they are now, my dears, as lover-like as the hour they sailed down St. Thomas's aisle to the heartmelting strains of Ever of Thee"!"

By "here" Miss Hartley meant the Ocean House,

her, with that wild, questioning look in her eyes. "Have you anything to say to me?"

"Yes, I have !" Fiercer and fonder than any words Nannie Hawthorne ever listened to from lips of this man, or any other.