The situation in Cuba remains much the same. The noteworthy event of the past week has been a sad and unfortunate shipwreck which occurred on October 16th. On that day a Spanish steamer was wrecked off the coast of Pinar del Rio, while making the trip from Havana to Bahia Honda. The Triton, as the steamer was called, was carrying soldiers' ammunition, money, and mules to be used against the Cubans in Pinar del Rio. According to all accounts... more...

The heavens are affording us an interesting study just now. Our kind old friend, the sun, it is who is giving us this benefit. One of the largest sun-spots which has ever been observed is now to be seen. So large is this spot that it is not necessary to look through a telescope to see it. By using a smoked glass, to dim the intense light of the sun, any one can look at the spot for himself. Nowadays, when all persons connected with the daily... more...

The mayor of the city of Greater New York is Judge Robert A. Van Wyck. New York city has just been passing through the most exciting election that has fallen to her lot since she became a city. This being the first election since the passing of the charter which made New York the second largest city in the world, each political party has been trying to get a man in for mayor who represented its own especial way of thinking. You will remember... more...

There was a very disquieting rumor last week to the effect that England had refused to take part in the Seal Conference. The reason given for her refusal was that she could not join in the discussion if Russia and Japan were admitted to it. At the British Foreign Office, which is the department of the Government that has the charge of such matters, the officials refused to say positively whether Great Britain had declined to take part in the... more...

The latest news from India is of a most encouraging nature. It is supposed that the announcement made by the British Government that they mean to send a strong force to punish the rebellious tribes has had a good effect. The Afridis are reported to have held a council of war, and have decided to return to their homes and gather in their harvests. The head men of the tribe are said to be responsible for this decision, because they made a strong... more...

...PREMIUMS...   TO ANY ONE SENDING US 4 NEW SUBSCRIBERS A Pocket Kodak   Measures 2-1/4 x 2-7/8 x 3-7/8 inches, makes a picture 1-1/2 x 2 inches, and weighs only 5 ounces. Delivered ready for 12 exposures without reloading. The Lens is of the fixed focus type, and of sufficient length of focus (2-1/2 inches) to avoid distortion. Has improved rotary shutter and set of three stops for lens. The slides for changing stops and for... more...

"ONE PIECE" Adjustable Book Covers. These covers fit perfectly all sizes of books. They are all ready for use—properly gummed—and do not have to be cut. They are made of a special paper, manufactured exclusively for these covers, which is admitted to be the best for wear, and also for cleanliness, as it is glazed and cannot readily be soiled. They are not easily torn, for when adjusted to a book all exposed edges are of double... more...

A Song of Life By MARGARET W. MORLEY. With illustrationsof flowers, fishes, frogs, birds, etc., set in the text.12mo, $1.25. "It describes with artistic delicacy the transmission of that wonderful thing called life in both the plant and animal existence. The difficult subject is treated with such intelligence and charm of manner that children may read it with interest, and parents need have no fear of its influence."—The Chicago Times.... more...

Current History   The Maine disaster is to the public almost as much of a mystery as ever. Little of absolutely reliable information has been made known, and until something is officially stated by the court of inquiry, judgment must be suspended. The court of inquiry began the investigation almost immediately after its arrival at Havana. The sittings were held on the lighthouse tender Mangrove, and lasted for a number of days; the court... more...

It is said that the unfortunate Princess Charlotte of Belgium is to be taken over to Mexico, in the hope that a visit to the scenes of her former happiness may restore her reason. Her story brings back to memory a very sad and interesting page of our modern history. Princess Charlotte, the daughter of Leopold I., King of the Belgians, was the most accomplished and beautiful princess of her time. She was the only daughter of the king. While she... more...