The President has sent his first message to Congress. In it he says that he is very sorry to call an extra session of Congress, but he feels it his duty to do so, because he finds the money affairs of the country in a very bad condition, and thinks it is necessary for Congress to take some immediate steps to find a remedy. It would seem that since June, 1893, the yearly, and even the monthly, expenses... more...

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... more...

The new Prime Minister of Spain is Señor Sagasta. After several days of uncertainty the Queen decided to appoint him. No sooner was her decision known than a report was circulated that Weyler had sent in his resignation; it was also rumored that Sagasta had stated that one of his first official acts would be to remove Weyler from Cuba. The truth of the matter is that Weyler does not intend to leave... more...

The affairs of Cuba are still occupying a very important place in the eyes of the world. The dissatisfaction in Spain over the Cuban policy of the Government has led to serious political troubles in Madrid. In every Congress or Parliament there are always two or more parties opposed to each other, and on this opposition the welfare of the country to a great extent depends. Were all the members to... 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...

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...

"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 Armenians in Turkey are becoming restless once more. They say they have waited long enough for the promised reforms, and as the Sultan has made none of the proposed changes, they have once again shown their hatred for him and his rule by resorting to that most cowardly of weapons, a dynamite bomb. One day last week all Constantinople was alarmed by the noise of several loud explosions. It was soon... more...

The troubles between Turkey and Greece do not show any signs of reaching a peaceful settlement. In fact, from the news this week, the Powers seem to be growing angrier as the days go by. England has boldly declared that she will never allow Thessaly to be placed under Turkish rule again. It is said that the British Ambassador, Sir Philip Currie, told this to Tewfik Pasha, the Turkish Minister of... more...

The recent despatches from India tell us that the soldiers who are fighting on the frontier have performed another gallant deed. The heroes, this time, belonged to the Northamptonshire regiment. It was necessary for the British to find out if the enemy was encamped anywhere in the neighborhood, so a portion of the troops left the British camp and marched to the summit of a mountain called Saran Sar.... more...