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... 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... 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,... more...

"ONE PIECE" 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... 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... more...

As we go to press there is an uncertain feeling resulting from the departure of our cruiser for Cuban waters. It may provoke a crisis, or it may lead to a better knowledge of the true attitude of the administration toward Spain. Cuba continues to furnish us with its share of current history; the news is no more encouraging than that of previous weeks, however. In the East the situation has not... more...

A Song of LifeBy 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... more...

Greece is certainly the most daring little kingdom! Far from being alarmed by the message sent her from the Powers, she has replied that it is impossible for her to withdraw her troops from Crete. She states that her object in sending them there was to restore peace, and as serious troubles still exist in the island, she cannot comply with the request of the Powers. In the reply, she further states... more...

Spain and the Cuban situation continue to form the great centres of interest in this week's news. With the continuation of active preparations on the part of the United States and Spain, the crisis seems to be rapidly approaching. It is to be hoped that each will succeed in making itself so strong that war may be averted because of its probable magnitude. The presence of two strong fleets, opposed... more...

The most important news of the past week is the step which Great Britain has taken in breaking off the commercial treaties with Germany and Belgium, which have been in effect since 1865. By the terms of these treaties, Great Britain gave her word that no articles manufactured in either of these countries should be charged higher tariff duties in her colonies than similar articles of British... more...