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A NEW EDITION.

"Prom grave to gay, from lively to severe, Anthony J. Drexel
Biddle roams among the fields and gardens of literature culling
with the industry of the bee sweets of every flavor. To provoke
the risibilities and promote digestion, try a course of his

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES

(For sale, excellently bound in cloth, fancy colors, silver illumi
nated, I2mo, pp. 80. Price, 25 cents, by all booksellers.)

The only observable fault being that they were compounded in
such homoeopathic doses. His versatile acquaintance with all
classes of dialects, his thorough grasp of the humors of a situation,
illuminate the lines of these laughable little sketches with an
electric brilliancy." — V-ittaburg Press.

"A. J. D. Biddle is acquiring a decided reputation as a humor
ist. " — Charleston News and Courier.

"There seems no end to some men's versatility. Take Mr.
Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, of Philadelphia, for instance. He is
a fellow of the American Geographical Society, and has a wide
reputation as a traveler and man of science. He was well known
as an historical and descriptive writer, notably through his book
on "The Madeira Islands," which was read everywhere. Well, one
day not long ago he branched out into a new field and wrote a
most ridiculous 'Froggy Fairy Book' for children that made an
instantaneous hit. And now here he is with a new volume,
'Shantytown Sketches,' told in the dialects of the various divis
ions of the lower five, and, more than that, well told. His Irish
men are real Irishmen, anfl talk like Irishmen, and his Germans

never forget where they came from

One can't help feeling that Mr. Biddle should add just a little
more to his rather formidable title— he should be styled Good
Fellow of the American Geographical Society." — Kansas City Times.

" 'Shantytown Sketches' is brim full of humorous anecdotes
and stories, some of which have appeared in many prominent
journals and comic weeklies, and which have been favorably re
ceived and commented upon. Besides these are a number of dia
lect sketches which have hitherto been unpublished. The work
proves Itself to be the production of genius."— Scranton Republican.

The above work is for sale by all booksellers, or will be sent by
Drexel Biddle, Publisher, postage prepaid, to any part of the United
States, Canada, or Mexico, or by Gay & Bird, to any part of Great
Britain, on receipt of the price.

A NEW EDITION.

"Some of the dialect selections are well suited for public reci
tation."— Trot/ Ritdgct.

"The author makes many decided hits, and his humor and
sprightllness are unfailing." — Suit Lake City Trilmne.

"The book will be read extensively for its humor." — The
Bookseller.

"It sparkles with fun from cover to cover."— Burlingtan Hnu-k
Eye.

"Shows an acquaintance with the Irish, German and negro
dialects and the characteristics of the ignorant people of these
races. Mr. Anthony J. Drexel Biddle is the author, and the dozen
short sketches which comprise the volume prove him to be an
appreciative observer with a keen sense of the humorous element
in the lives of the foreign elements of our population. All the
sketches are short, terse and wholesomely funny, and show an
intimate acquaintance with the dialect and colloquisims of the un
educated poor of a great city

Mr. Biddle's experience as a newspaper reporter has given him
opportunities to observe the phases of life of which these sketches
treat, with which many individuals are acquainted, and the school
ing of his profession has made it easy for him to catch the central
thoughts of the situations and surround them with the auxiliary
episodes to make them complete.

" 'Shantytown Sketches' is light and amusing reading, and
many of them are especially well suited for recitation on the con
cert platform." — Boston Times.

"Mr. Biddle is a successful maker of books, and he wields a
graceful pen." — Boston Globe.

"These sketches are in dialect and the correctness with which
the author handles the subject shows that he is gifted with great
powers of observation.

"The writer who gives his own ideas of the dialect of the nu
merous characters in our midst, soon finds himself astray, indeed
an object of ridicule.

"Mr. Biddle approaches the subject carefully, showing that
he not only observes, but that he has studied the eccentricities and
characteristics of the several nationalities he depicts

"Mr. Biddle's long service as a newspaper man serves him in
good stead in this character of sketch. He has met and conversed

A NEW EDITION.

with the people of whom he writes, he has noticed their peculiar
ities, and now that he has turned his attention to book writing
he has an immense stock from which he can draw. Being still in
the heydey of youth, and with perceptive faculties which develop
with experience; he is still adding to the store, so that there is no
appreciable diminution of his stock in trade.

"Nor does he confine himself to prose. The divine afflatus is
summoned at will. "Remember und take Varning" has not only
the proper rhythmic jingle, but embodies a wise sentiment and
tells it briefly and to the point.

"This work will be a decided accession to the home library."—
Philadelphia, Evening Item.

Opinions of the British Press.

" 'Shantytown Sketches' contains humorous prose and poetry in
Irish brogue, broken German, and the negro dialect. Verses in
the style of Hans Brcitmnnn are amusing."— The Manchester Gunr-
dinn.

"Well printed on thick paper, and prettily bound. "—Gl<ix!/tnv
Ili-rdld.

"These sketches are exceedingly well done. They show a close
acquaintance with Irish, Je"w, German, and Negro-English as It
is spoken in America. The sketches are full of humor, and paint
the lighter side of life amongst the classes indicated." — 'The Shef
field Independent.

"A series of popular and humorous pieces In dialect."— The
Scotsman, Edinburgh.

LONDON :

GAY & BIRD, 22 Bedford Street, Strand.

PHILADELPHIA :
DBBXEL BIDDLE, Walnut Street.

IN THE FASHIONABLE QUARTER.

AfiantgtoWi) Aketcl]es

ANTHONY J. DREXEL BIDE)LE

Author of " A Dual Role and Other Stories," etc.
ILLUSTRATED BY

CLARENCE SNYDER

{Sixth Edition}

PHILADELPHIA :

DREXEL BIDDLE, PUBLISHER

WALNUT STREET
1899

JSrotber
XuMow

2061765

CONTENTS

DOWN SHAMROCK ALLEY

PAGE

MRS. MULHOONEY'S RECEIVING DAY n

O'BLATHER'S LECTURE ON " ARNITHOLOLOGY " . . .17
A PETITION FROM DWELLERS IN SHANTYTOWN . . .25

MIT VRIENDS

REMEMBER UNO TAKE YARNING 31

ADVICK TO A NEWSPAPER REPORTER 35

AN HEIRESS 39

MEETINGS OF THE GRAND WATERMELON-
PATCH DEBATING SOCIETY

AN INTERRUPTED DEBATE ON THE WOMAN'S RIGHTS QUES
TION 45

BROTHER WINSLOW'S DISCOURSE ON " DE MODERN PEOPLE
AM EXACTLY LAIKE DE ANCIENTS" 51

AT THE THEATRE— FROM THE GALLERY STANDPOINT . 57
POLITICS 64

ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

IN THE FASHIONABLE QUARTER .... FRONTISPIECE

MRS. MULHOONEY'S RECEPTION 12

O'BLATHER, THE ORNITHOLOGIST . . . . . . l8

"WITNESS OUR SIGNACHEWRS" 26

" VON DAY VILE TEMPORIZING ON A MORALIZING BLAN" . 32
ADVICE TO A NEWSPAPER REPORTER FROM " EIN VRIEND " . 36

"VE SUFFERED MIT SHIP DISEASE" 40

AN INTERRUPTED DEBATE 46

BROTHER WAMPUS WINSLOW'S DISCOURSE . . . .52

WITH GRACE WELL BEFITTING THE WINNERS IN THE
CAKE WALK 58

DOWN SHAMROCK ALLEY

Mrs. Mulhooney's Receiving Day

MRS. MULHOONEY'S RECEPTION.

OOD afthernoon, Mrs. Mulhooney, an' this
is yer day fer resavin', is it?"

"Ah moy, an' is thot you, Mrs. O'Conner? Yis
this is moy day 'to home/ an' it's glad Oi be to see
you. Take a seat by the foire here, an' come in!
An' how be yez shtanding the atmosphere this cloi-
matei"

"Oh! It's doyin' Oi am, Mrs. Mulhooney!"

"Aye, yer face looks ill, Mrs. O'Conner. Ye should
take a roide in thim new electhric cars wot runs on
Catharine Street- now. Begob, it's a great thing fer
Philadelphie to hov thim — an' on'y five cents too,
Mrs. O'Conner, fer a nice afthernoon's roide from wan
ind av the metrolopus to the other. It would do yer
health good to take one, fer indade it was on'y yist-
erday thot Pat says ter me: 'Faith, an' Mrs. O'Conner
looks es if she were goin' ter be the cause of a "wake"
soon,' an' he was roight, fer indade yer look kinder
thot way."

"Faith, Mrs. Mulhooney, an' it's a roight com-
fortin' an' sympathitic friend yez are — an' how is
Pat doin' now?"

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

"Oh, foinly, Mrs. O'Conner; he's struck a job av
wurrk over to Wist Philadelphie wid an' ' upper ten
family.' "

"An' phwat's he doin' there?"

"Roiding on the top av a carriage all over the city,
as if he owned the whole concern, wid the Misses
sittin' quoiet loike insoide, an' he's gettin' thot shtuck
up, Mrs. O'Conner, ez he wouldn't aven take aff his
hat whin he drove past me the other day, an' me his
woife, too. He tould me aftherwards thot he moight
git the bounce ef he took aff his hat to anybody whoile
he wuz settin' an the box. He said ther Misses didn't
allow her coachman to bow to them wat they know
— noice manners thot they teach among the 'upper
ten,' phwhat?"

"Och, Mrs. Mulhooney, the loike wuz never

heerd tell av before An ph what's ailin' the goat?

Niver a-wunst did he offer to run at me whin Oi
kirn in!"

"Willie's bin ailin' since this toime lashst Chues-
day, whin he ate moy hat. The hat pins '11 show
t'rough his skin soon, an' thin Oi'll pull 'em out wid a
monkey-wrench . ' '

"Mrs. Mulhooney!

"But shpakin' av pullin' remoinds me av me brud-

MRS. MULHOONEY' S RECEIVING DAY.

der's cousin. She's just baught the foinest sit av
teeth iver owned in our family. Siveral av her teeth
wuz givin' her pains, an' she conceaved the plan to
hov 'em all pulled, which she done. Her new ones
wuz four months a makin', an' their cost yez will
doubtless obsarve in nixt wake's 'Hibernian.'

"But Oi must be an0, Mrs. Mulhooney. Oi shup-
pose yer goin' to do honor this avenin' ter the return
av Mr. O'Blather, by lindin' yer prisence ter the oc
casion av his lecture."

"Boy rights Oi am, Mrs. O'Conner, fer Oi hare thot
O'Blather's not on'y the coming man, but thot he's
came. He's bristed the ocean wave in search av
knowledge, ain't he?"

"He hov, an' we'll all turn out ter welcome him
back ter the land av Oirish stews an' politics."

"Well, since yez must be lavin' Oi shuppose ye'll
depart, Mrs. O'Conner. It's damp weather, an' Oi
hope the rain do not effect yer spirits."

"Oi nivir mix dhrinks, Mrs. Mulhooney, t'anks.
Oi kape the cork in me spirits bottle this weather, so
the water do not dhrip in t'rough the neck. Good
day."

O'Blather's Lecture on " Arnitholology "

O'BLATHER. THE ORNITHOLOGIST.

« A KNTTHOLOLOGY is wan av the best known
** methods av shtudyin' burrids an' their cus
toms," said Mr. O'Blather, addressing the cultured
meeting assembled to hear his learned discourse on
feathered foicl.

Shamrock Alley elite were in attendance that even
ing to do honor to Mr. O'BlatherV return from "fur-
ren paarts." He had been on a business trip to
India,* he explained by way of introduction to his
discourse, and, "Whoile in the heathen land," (a stay
of some four days,) he had undertaken "the shtudy
av the burrid which in India flourishes in profusion."

In an appropriate and poetical manner, Mr.
O'Blather first touched upon the "Burrids av beauty
an' av sang." In this connection he said :

"The burrids av sang are plentiful in their rarity.
They flourish manifold an' numerous.

* The nature of Mr. O'Blather's business trip may be explained
in that he had shipped for the round voyage, in the capacity of
stevedore, on an eastern bound tramp steamer which touched at
Ceylon.

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

"Firrist there is the mocking-burrid thot can ape
any other burrid's voice an' intonation better thon
any ape can ape a monkey, which, ez yez all know,
is great at impersonations an' imitations. In truth,
the mocking-burrid is to the race av feathered fowl
what the hyena is to the race av quadruped four-
footed bastes. As moy learned listeners doubtless
know, Oi will not tell them thot 'hyena' manes in
Indian to imitate, or above imitation — 'hy' maneing
above, an' 'ena' maneing any — above any, or above
any at imitation; fer ye know thot to thranslate a
thrue maneing, yez must always lave some word to
the imagination, an' then put it in to make sense —

A unanimous murmur of admiration arose from
the spell-bound audience at this philosophical and ap
parently logical explanation; and thus encouraged,
Mr. O'Blather continued:

"Far be it from me, ladies an' gentlemen, to ex
temporize an the hyena's lonely laugh, or av how he
imitates the crying av an innocent babe in the torrid
desert. The hyena is a king av imitators; he is an
actor among bastes, but the mocking-burrid is his
superior, an' it's av burrids Oi am shpakin'. Faith,
the mocking-burrid is a burrid, an' then there is a
cock-or-two (cockatoo) an' a screech-owl.

O' BLATHER'S LECTURE ON "ARNITHOLOLOGY."

"But the purtiest songster av thim all is the
chicken-patty. There is always a rayson fer the
namin' av a species, an' Oi nade not tell yez afther
whom the chicken-patty is called; fer av course, yez
hev all heard tell av the world-wide lady singer, Mrs.
Patti.

"Now, the chicken-patties are the religious burrids
av the natives, who, though heathens, are great wor
shippers in their own pagan fashion. The chicken-
patties are kept in the temples, where they are the
swate imblems av musical harmony, peace an' love."
On being interrupted and asked by one of his in
terested hearers to "give a description of a chicken-
patty," Mr. O'Blather appeared for an instant discon
certed. But he quickly regained his self-command,
and, drawing himself up to his full height, announced
with dignity and grave enthusiasm that "the chicken-
patty wiiz beyond description."

Then, apparently annoyed at the untimely inter
ruption, Mr. O'Blather paused. On being urged by
his hearers, he condescended to proceed, however.

"The chicken-patty is the swate imblem to the In
dian temple as the dove is the howly imblem av the
Christian church.

"An', whoile touchin' an temples, it \vould be ap-

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

propriate to till yez av the bun-ids av prayer. In
English these very burrids are called carrion, an' they
do carry on outrageous at the temples, though the
prastes niver shtop thim, fer they call thim howly.
There niver is a wake in this pagan land, fer all the
dead corpses are placed soide by soide an the walls
av the temples, where they becomes pray fer the bur-
rids av prayer what picks them to pieces wid heart-
rendering shrieks."

Here another of the audience interrupted, and
asked the lecturer if he did not mean birds of prey
instead of birds of prayer: he stated that he kept a
bird store, and merely inquired for information.

Still another of the interested hearers piped up
and said, "Hy'r lave aff about burrids, an' tell us av
the Indian war-dance."

A more inopportune interruption could not have
occurred. Mr. O'Blather grew furiously indignant,
and stated that he would close his lecture "Widout
further comment." And which he did, first stating
that "Indian war-dances do not occur in the Oriental
East, but only take place among the untamed Indians
av America's woild peraries."

But while three of the audience had been so ill-
bred as to interrupt the lecturer, the others had lis-

O' BLATHER'S LECTURE OJV " ARNITHOLOLOGY."

tened with profound attention. However, none now
urged Mr. O'Blather to exercise further his powers
of oratory. So Mr. O'Blather descended from the
platform. And he was soon one of the merriest par
takers of the feast of beer and cheese that followed,
at his expense.

Later, when daylight trickled in through the smoky
windows of the saloon, it found many of O'Blather's
guests still making merry. Upon one of the ladies
sweetly asking the Indian Ornithologist to again tune
up his. lyre, he refused by murmuring that he felt
"too full for utterance."

He, however, finally did condescend to sing a short
ballad, which he stated to be the most sacreligious
and soul-offending of all ballads to the turbaned In
dian. It was against the sacred bird of India, the
chicken-patty, ho announced in awe-inspiring voice;
and then he slowly chanted,

"Oh the chickens grow so tall
Thot they kill them in the fall,
And they eat them feathers and all,
Down in Bombay."

At the conclusion three cheers were given for
O'Blather, and the party broke up.

A Petition from Dwellers in Shantytown

to have Mention made of them

in the Newspaper

WITNESS OUR SIGNACHEWRS.'

T^O the Reporters: — "Iverybody takes their hat

* aff to me" has nothin' to do wid the question
in this case.

Why in the divil do yerz high-flown reporters al
ways publish all "society news" among the big bugs,
an' niver so much as mention wan av onr names?

Slmre'n this is a free country, ain't it, an' hoven't
we as much av a roight ter be in the paper as the
next feller?

We hov', indade!

Faith, an' didn't we rade in last Monday's paper
a long article about a Miss Wayup givin' a house
party out to the Divil's Inn* (is it they call it?), and
didn't the article tell the names av ivery wan prisent?

Yis, indade; ayven to a Mr. and Mrs. Cook, which
is the stylish way, we suppose, thot yez make men
tion av the cook and his woife!

Now, an the other hand, there's Pat O'Conner, who
is just afther givin' a Wake, in commemoration av
his dead Grandmother (the Lord rest her soul), the
loikes av which has not been surpassed in grandeur,

* Devon Inn.

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

for years, in this paart av the town. Not wan word
did yerz publish about thot in yer blamed society
news.

We also obsarve, wid great sarcasm, thot we read
wid pleasure the names av all the stayers down to the
seashore last week, an' the McMurphys an' McGuires
who wor resoidin' at the Wayside Inn, wor niver men
tioned at all.

These are only some illustrations av a big problem
which is worryin' us Americans down here greatly,
an' unless we see our names in the "society news"
pretty soon, the whole entoire population av' Shanty-
town will niver so much ez look at yer blamed paper
again.

If, likewise, also, at ony tonne, wan av you re
porters should want to become a policeman, we'll
make it hot fer him.

Witness our signachewrs:

JAMES McGiNNis,
BILLY McGuiRE,

TOM O'CONNER,

(The brother of Pat who gave the wake.)
PATRICK MURPHY,
TIM SEELEY,

O'REILEY.

MIT VPIENDS

Remember Und Take Yarning

''VON DAY VILE TEMPORIZING ON A MORALIZING BLAN."

\ 7 ON day vile temporizing

On a moralizing blan,
It shtruck me, how der shky grow? dark
Chust pefore der rain pegan.

Dere's someding alvays varns vone,
Like an aftenvards pefore:
Like der motion ohf a moving
Heralds slamming ohf a door.

A rattle-snake does rattle
As it goils to take a spring;
Und a bee does do some buzzing
Chust pefore it tries to sting.

Remember und take varning
Vrom dese blain und simple vordt?,
Dot a someding alvays happens
Pefore Happening occurs.

Advice to a Newspaper Reporter from

" Von Grand Vriend ohf Der Profession "

ADVICE TO A NEWSPAPER REPORTER FROM EIN FRIEND

reporter's life vas von grand series ohf ox-
citing coincidences und adventures in Bohe
mia — don't em? Ain't it? Is it nod?

Der reporting race vas ein schmall vite race py
demselves, coming originally from dot land Bohemia,
but now mostly Creoles.

Der brincibal raquirement of ein reporter should
pe to have von strong institutions und blenty of real
istic seashore sand; der rest vas gained py hard exper
iences und dimes, outside ohf, on top ohf, underneath
—don't 'em?

Der reporter's politics vas not his own, as dey vas
governed entirely py dot party which is nod in der
box; or, in odder vordts, he must vote for nobody"
somedimes und somebody no dimes!

Games vas good recriations, aber der fellows vat
plays ball mit dere feet make me feel like I vas on
poard ship in onbleasant vedder! Dis vorldt vas full
of laziness und shtupidity, aber der latter does some-
dimes go der former pefore! It don't vas efery plack,

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

threatening cloud your head ofer vat makes you put
up your umbrella; likewise, also, vat?

I vill here state, howsomefer, dot I pegan mit der
intentions of ending somedime, und der dime lias
came! Dese vas hardt dimes — don't 'em? -Der
vonce vas plenty — ain't it? Haf lots ohf cheek und
act as if you vas living in Gaul!

Concluding vas not easy ven interesting, aber I
must stop! "Der column vas chust completed." So
good-pye until-yesterday.

An Heiress

"VE SUFFERED MIT SHIP DISEASE."

r sommer ven die sun game up
It vos apout vour o'clock.
Mein frau und me, ve used to rise
Mit der growing ohf der cock.

But now I've got lots ohf money
LTnd a fine, spanking daughter.
I t'ink I glose mein shop, und take
Mein child agross de vater.

So up ve packs und 'vay ve goes
A sailing over de seas.
Upon de ocean vide, rolling,
Ve suffered mit ship disease.

Landed. Ve done der gondinent,
Meinself und mein frau und girl.
Und den ve vent to Gross Britain
To find a duke or an earl.

I reads an advertisement: a
Lady in society

Vould, vor a stated sum baid down,
Gif girls nodoriety.

SHA NTYTO WN SKE TCHES.

I answered de advertisement,
Und de lady sent vor me.
I handed her von hundred pounds.
Den she gave mein girl a tea.

Bnt such a growd ohf dudes und gawkes

I nefer pefore haf seen

As game in to meet de heiress.

I t'ink dey t'ought I vas green.

Mein daughter, she got disgusted
Mit de parties, fetes und teas,
Dough she got lots ohf -proposals
Vrom nobles, upon deir knees.

She didn't care vor Englishmen,
Deutsch or Union men vas pest.
Ve grossed pack to America.
Shall I tell to you de rest?

Veil, mein daughter's not yet married.
She's refused a Count vrom France.
I really don't know vat to do!
Von't you gome und take a chance?

MEETINGS Or

THE GRAND WATERMELON-PATCH
DEBATING SOCIETY

An Interrupted Debate on the Woman's
Rights Question

AN INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

TO dose gaddered in Conbersation Hall dis
ebenin', I hab pleasure in introduciii' de
'baters ob de occasion/' quoth the master of the cere
monies, a tall, solemn looking negro.

His announcement was greeted by a flutter of ex
citement among the audience: gossipy grannies and
ogling damsels craned their heads forward to catch
the first glimpse of Mr. Speak Easy, the brilliant but
opposing candidate for the honors of the evening.
Mr. Speak Easy stepped out upon the platform, and
made his bow of acknowledgment to a welcome of
very faint applause. He appeared as representative
from the Philadelphia Anti-Blumer Club, an organi
zation in small favor down Colored Street. But he
iras a city swell.

Mr. Philander Wampus Winslow, the popular
member of the Watermelon-Patch Society, was next
presented. He was a fat, jolly man with a counte
nance as black as anthracite. The visitor was ac
corded the courtesy of the floor for the first twenty
minutes; but he declined, stating that he preferred

SHA NTYTO WN SKE TCHES.

to hear the argument of his opponent before making
any remarks himself.

Brother Philander therefore arose, and a stamping
of feet and clapping of hands caused him to refrain
from speaking for some moments. As the noise sub
sided he cleared his throat with excessive violence,
and, striking a dramatic attitude, began:

"De woman's rights women.
Dey has but one song:
Dey wants all deir rights, an'
Dey wants to right wrong."

Mr. Speak Easy sprang to his feet. "Pardon me,
Mistah Chairman," he interrupted, "ef I venture to
conjecture that the ladies' rights subject does not
touch upon the question of penmanship. Did I not
understahn' mah worthy rival to say that the ladies
possessed the desire to write wrong?"

"Not at all, sah," exclaimed Brother Philander,
indignantly.

The chairman stumbled to his feet and asked, —

"Jest what did you say, Philander? I am regret-
fulling, but I disremembah."

Philander chuckled: "Guess you wuz 'bout do/dn'
off; I'll repeat et fo' youah obligation."

AN INTERRUPTED DEBATE.

A gaudily dressed negro rose in the audience. "Dey
wants to right wrong ob co'se," he said. "We all
undahstan's! An' dat's all ets needed."

A fat, old woman, a few seats removed, nodded
her wooly head approvingly. "Da's a mighty brainy
poem! Mighty brainy! Mistah Winslow's gwyne
ter loin dis hyar 'scussion suah!"

Brother Philander repeated the four lines of his
verse slowly and with much emphasis; and, as he con
cluded, the women of the audience screamed in their
enthusiasm and delight.

Mr. Chairman stepped to the front of the platform ;
his manner was very nervous as he turned partially
around so that the sweep of his vision might include
Mr. Speak Easy as well as the audience.

"Ah trust," he said, "dat dere'll be no disturbance. .
Fo' none ain't necessitous. Mistah Speak Easy is
hyah dis ebenin' at ouah invitation. We challenged
his club to a 'scussion upon de great question ob de
day, an' his club sent him to represent dem in de ali
gnment. Now, ef et ain't agreeable to ouah folks to
heah Mistah Speak Easy's 'bating, et ain't necessitous
fo' us to listen. But on de same reason dere ain't
no occasion fo' violence."

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

A great, burly negro, at a far end of the hall, sang
out, —

"Come aroun' some oder night,
Fo' dey's gwyne ter be a fight,
Dere'll be razors a flyin' in de air."

Mr. Chairman raised his hand, and called, "Sil
ence!" Then he addressed the representative of the
Anti-Blumer Club.

"Mistah Speak Easy, yo' know de motto ob ouah
society is 'Woman's Rights.' So you's rubbin' us on
a sore place when yo' runs up against ouah motto.
\\ c's a high-spirited lot ob niggahs down 'n dis locali-
tation, an' Ah reckon dat we can't keep calm in hear-
in' alignment agin ouah motto. Ef yo' will do us de
kindness to subsist f'om youah recitation, howevah,
we will call de 'bating off fo' dis ebenin'."

Mr. Speak Easy agreed to the proposition; he had
the good sense to see that numbers were against him.

Brother Philander Wampus Winslow's
Discourse on "De Modern People
Am Exactly Laike de Ancients"

BROTHER WAMPUS WINSLOW'S DISCOURSE.

[The following report of Mr. Winslow's speech may serve to
illustrate the power of elocution.]

1ST the night of the next meeting of the Grand
Watermelon-Patch Debating Society, Conver
sation Hall was filled to overflowing.

Deacon Jeremiah Jefferson delivered a long ad
dress, the subject of which was "I)e Modern People
Am Not Laike de Ancients." He resinned his seat
with the air of the self-satisfied victor to whom
"honors are easy." And he awaited the contradictory
delivery of his opponent, Brother Philander Wampus
Winslow.

The latter arose with considerable deliberation,
and, eyeing the audience with a very knowing expres
sion, said, —

"Leddies an' Gemrnen: I'll begin mah alignment
by sayin' dat what Deacon Jeremiah Jefferson said
ain't tme, owin' ter de fact dat Samson war laike unto
a great modern actor, 'kase he brought down de house ;
dis sayin' am entirely original, an' am chose fo' de

SHA NTYTO WN SKE TCHES.

express purpose ob illustratin' de fact dat 'de modern
people am exactly laike de ancients.'

"De odder day I heard a feller say dat he t'ought
cinnamon war de great spice; but, leddies an' gem-
men, I considah nutmeg greater (grater).

"Somebody sez dat a niggah's skin ain't exactly
black, but de feller what sez dat am color-blind in
my opinion.

"A great question once riz as to weddah de mos'
finest gals got married or stayed single; an' it war
decided dat de mos' finest gals stayed single. Now
I beg to differ, an' say dat mah observation has been
dat de mos' finest gals get married; but I'd laike to
add dat I don't tink de gals' fadders realize deir value
when dey 'give dem away.'

"Mah grandmodder used to be a bery good woman
when she was on dis firmament; an' one ting she was
bery interested in waz sewin'. She sewed lots fo' de
poor, until one day a tramp come along, an' goin' up
to mah grandmodder, he took a button out of his
pocket, an' said: 'Please sew a shirt on dis fo' me.'
She nebber done no moah sewin' fo' de poor after dat;
so I gib you dis motto: 'Doan hab cheek.' An' now,
leddies an' gemmen, mah savin' am said ; but go away
wid mah discourse printed upon de paper ob youah

BROTHER WINSLOW'S DISCOURSE.

hearts^ an' uebber let nobody say agin dat de modern
people ain't laike de ancients."

Brother Philander Wampus Winslow resumed his
seat amid a clamor of applause, and when Deacon
Jeremiah Jefferson arose to renew his argument, he
was hissed and jeered while the people cried, —

"Samson am laike de modern actor 'kase he brought
down de house."

At this juncture the Judge arose, and, calling sil
ence, announced that Mr. Philander Wampus Win-
slow had made "de mos' finest speech," and had,
therefore, won the debate. He concluded by saying:
"I mil add dat I am requested to gib de following
notice: 'De Guild fo' de Prevention ob Cruelty to
Chickens will meet here next Wednesday aftahnoon,
at foah o'clock, an' Miss Raspberry Rosetree will be
pleased to see membahs*ob de flock at her house on
next Tuesday aftahnoon, to meet seberal membahs ob
de Gran' Watermelon-Patch Society.' '

At the Theatre—
From the Gallery Standpoint

and

Politics

WITH GRACE WELL BEFITTING THE WINNERS IN THE CAKE WALK.

attired in his best Sunday clothes as he led
his beaming spouse to a seat in the "peanut gallery"
with grace well befitting one who had so recently
taken first prize in the "Grand Philadelphia Cake
Walk." When the asbestos curtain began slowly to
ascend, a small boy sitting next to Mr. Lincoln leaned
eagerly forward, but was quickly pulled back again
by a man who demanded, in a stern voice,

"Now, mein leedle Jakey, vat vor you get so ox-
cited ven de fire-proof gurtain goes up, ain't it?"

"O fader," the boy replied, "I alvays like to get me
der most for mein money, und I vant to see all vat
dere is to be seen, vrom de peginning to der end!"

This answer seemed to please the father, who patted
his son on the back and murmured,

"Leetle Jakey vill make ein great peeseness man
some day!"

"Good avening, Mister Morgenstein, faith an it's
yourself is it, thot I see at the theaythre?" said a
jovial-looking Irishman, who was just about to take
the seat next to Mr. Morgenstein.

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

"Ah, Meester Fitzgerald, it don't vas glad I am to
see you, und how fine und nobby you do look in dem
pants; vy dey fits you like der paper on der vail, und
I also tells you dat you vas strikin' ein grand pargain
ven I sold dem to you dis morning!"

"Yes, Mr. Fitzgerald, dem's der pants vat it takes
two pairs ohf to show der pattern!" added Jakey en
thusiastically.

Further conversation was cut short by the rising
of the curtain.

The first act amused all our friends, who sat with
wide-open mouths "taking it in;" and when the cur
tain fell, Jakey Morgenstein and his father clapped
and hurrahed, while Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln regarded
them with a supercilious smile, and Mr. Fitzgerald
roared with laughter until the next act began.

A midnight scene in a graveyard made Mrs. Lin
coln shudder and hug close up to her husband, who
instantly assumed an unconscious and far-away ex
pression. An Italian, sitting next to Mrs. Lincoln,
frightened her all the more by grinding his teeth and
muttering to himself whenever the banditti on the
stage brandished their long knives.

When the villain stabbed the hero, and the latter
fell from a seemingly stupendous height to the floor
of the stage, Mr. Fitzgerald exclaimed, —

"O my, but thot must hov hurt!"

And he went off into a fit of laughter which lasted
until Mr. Morgenstein touched him on the shoulder

AT THE THEATRE.

and told him in a mysterious whisper that it was not
"good peeseness bolicy" to laugh too much. During
the following entre-acte Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln went
out to get some pink lemonade, and Messrs. Morgen-
stein and Fitzgerald remained in their seats and re
viewed the gossip of "Shantytown."

"I haven't seen Tim Flynn av late; ph what's be
came av him?" asked Mr. Fitzgerald.

"Ach he vos into mein shop only a veek ago," Mr.
Morgenstein said. "He left ein suit ohf glothes uiid
ein vatch mit me, but said he vould gome pack again
for dem in a few days. Says he, 'Der height ohf
mein ambition vas reached, Isaac; I have begome ein
actor since I seen you last.' He said he vas blayin'
two barts down to der Standard Theatre."

"Phwhat wor they; 'off an' on?' " suggested Mr.
Fitzgerald, Avith a twinkle in his eye.

"He didn't say oxactly vat der names ohf der parts
vas," Mr. Morgenstein continued, taking his friend's
question seriously, "but he told me vat he had to do.
Says he, 'I vear a heafy suit ohf armor in der first
agt; in der segond agt I vear a pirate's suit und gary
ein large tin sword in mein hand. In der third act
I gome out dressed in der armor again. Der vas ten
oder fellers dressed chust like me. Ve have ein cap
tain vat does all der talkin' vor us. In der first agt
ve sing ein gorus to a song vat der captain sings der
vordts ohf. In der segond agt ve have to make ein
lot ohf faces und say, 'Ve vill, ve vill/ ven der cap-

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

tain says, 'Shall ve steal de girl from her fader's
home?' In der third agt ve have a 'scrap.' Der
captain gets de girl. Ve gif t'ree cheers, und der
gurtain vails vile der girl's fader vas doin' ein song
und dance.' '

A blank expression was on the face of his listener
as Mr. Morgenstein concluded. The speaker himself
did not appear to understand the exact drift of what
he had just said. The mutual conclusion was, how
ever, that Tim Flynn was on the road to fame and
fortune.

When Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln returned to their
seats, the former got into quite a spirited discussion
with Mr. Morgenstein, who accused Mr. Lincoln of
shutting out the view, tramping on his feet, and dis
turbing his comfort generally, when he and his wife
clambered past. During the following act Mr. Lincoln
and Mr. Morgenstein continued their discussion in an
undertone which, by degrees, grew more lively, and
especially so when two little darkies appeared and
sang "Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-aye." Mr. Lincoln main
tained that it was "a shame fo' respectable colored
folks to let themselves be made such fools of by w'ite
trash." Mr. Morgenstein wanted to know where the
"white trash" was, and he scoffed at the idea that any
colored folks were "respectable" in comparison with
"der vite gentlemens at der blay."

Mr. Fitzgerald leaned over and made some loud
and stinging remarks about "niggers and hen-coops."

AT THE THEATRE.

At this juncture the actors stopped in the perfor
mance, while cries of "Go it there!" "Silence!" and
"Put 'em out!" arose from various quarters of the
building; Messrs. Morgenstein and Lincoln found
themselves the central objects of all eyes.

But Mr. Lincoln felt equal to the occasion. Arising,
he leaned over the railing, and thus addressed the
audience: "Gemmen and leddies ob dese hyar United
States!"

"S — s — sh!" cried the people.

"Oh, I beg de leddies' pahdons, I should hab said
de leddies and geimuen; I proceeded wid mah con-
bersation jess ez ef I war one ob de w'ite folks down
dere, fo' I knowed dat war de right way to do in de
freatre, kase I'se often be'n up'n de top gallery w'en
de w'ite folks in de freatre pahties talked so loud dat
de people wot war actin' couldn't remember deir own
elocutions."

The noise and excitement had become intense.
"Put him out! Put him out!" the people cried, and
several ushers came rushing towards Mr. Lincoln.

"Guess we'd bettah take ouah departure from dis
w'ite trash hole, Saliana!" said the latter to his ad
miring spouse; and, giving her his arm, the two
walked grandly out.

The noise ceased, the audience quieted down again,
and Mr. Morgenstein rubbed his hands with delight,
remarking to Jakey, "I got der pest ohf der pargain
dot dime!"

POLITICS.

"James Mooney, now yew hurry up, an' don't
be all day about it neither. My lands, we'll miss

thet boat to the picnic, f er sure ! 1 declare, yew

stop. to chin with every Tom, Dick and Harry
everywhere."

"All right, Minty, but you would have me go
into politics, an' this is what you get. You told
me to make a name for myself. I have to be
pleasant to every body so as to become popular
against election day . . . '

"How-de-do, Jim. Please gib me ten dollahs.
Dere's a powr'ful la'ge fambily down mah way ct
needs convertin'; dey're dead agin us now, an' a
tenner'll bring 'em roun'. Ef we gets 'em, we gets
de wahd (ward), fo' dey hab a lot ob fren's dat
always relies on dere perlitical jedgment fo' de way
dey casts dere votes."

"All right, Sam; don't explain any more. 'Ere's
the money. An' low me to present you to me
wife. Minty, this is Mister Waters."

"I think the boat'll be movin' over the waters ef
we don't git aboard. I'm goin', an' yew kin foller,
ef yew want."

(Mr. Mooney, in an undertone to his wife.)
"Say how-d'y, Minty, an' be polite an' cordial, or
we'll lose the nigger vote."

POLITICS.

"Ah trust mail presence doan gib no offence,
Mistah MooiH'v r

"Not at all, Sam. Drop round to dinner with us
to-morrow."

Mrs. Mooney grew pale with rage, turned upon
her heel, and walked away. Her husband re
mained a moment to conciliate the negro, explain
ing that Mrs. Mooney "had one of her spells;"
when he rejoined his wife he reproved her for her
lack of co-operation.

Mrs. Mooney replied, — "Well, sakes alive, Jim!
Did George Washington, er Grove Cleveland, er
Julius Caesar, er Patrick Spootendyke ever 'nvite
niggers to their family table to git their vote? Ef
they did, et ain't in history!"

"There's a good many things wot happened wot
ain't written in history, Miiity."

"Well, may 6e, but I ain't a goiii' to hev my
family history tarnished by any such acts —

"It's money I'm afther, an' shure Moonev has it!
Ah! Ha! Ha!"

"Why, hello Pat! How much?"
"Tin, ter change the faith av some unbe
lievers."

Mr. Mooney whispered to his wife, — "It's me
last money, an' if I give it to him we can't go to
the picnic."

Mrs. Mooney compressed her lips, and then an
swered, —

"I'll be brave, Jim, an' give up the pleasure.
Fer sartain, it's dooty before pleasure; so serve yer
country an' pay the price, ef yew think the mo
ney's needed fer yer cause."

SHANTYTOWN SKETCHES.

So Mooney's last teii dollars were handed to Pat,
the ward-heeler, and Mr. and Mrs. Mooney return
ed homeward with the prospect of spending a hot
Sunday in town, but with the feeling that they had
made another speculation in Mooney's rising stock
of popularity.

And now little remains to be told. Mooney is
at present serving the United States as a full-
fledged politician, and he hopes, next term, to be
nominated Senator.

His admirers declare that "he is cut out to be
the 'Speaker of the House.' ' They deem him "a
born orator."

To enlarge Mooney's circle of admirers, and to
secure for him, if possible, the confidence of the
reading public, it might be well to append his
famous speech that won for him his first political
victory. He wrote and delivered it himself — and
here it is:

"FELLOW-CITIZENS: — I do not presume to stand
before you this afternoon trusting in my own abili
ty and influence, but trusting rather in the ability
and ever-increasing power of our great party."
(Applause) "Our party, friends, is like the em
blem of our mighty country, the bald-headed eagle.

"As this noble bird first fluttered forth from the
grand old State House on the day of the signing of
the Declaration of Independance, so our party had
its origin. As the power of the great Union in
creased, and, as its emblem, the eagle, stretched
forth its wings and soared into the air above us, so
the power of our party grew steadily, both in in
fluence and numbers. As the noble bird received

POLITICS.

the gory wound, which brought it temporarily to
the ground, when the Civil War broke forth, so
has our party received set backs during opposing
administrations. But these set-backs have only
been temporary, my friends. As the noble eagle
recovered from its wounds and arose stronger than
ever, when the bloody Civil War had ended, so our
party has come out victorious and more powerful
than ever after its temporary defeats. As the eagle
i i rose triumphant, I repeat, when that great inter
nal eruption was over, and as since that it has risen
ever higher, until in the most exalted heavens it
finally stretches forth its golden pinions over all
the world,, so is our party steadily growing. At
no distant day I prophesy that it will be the only
power in America!

"The great American people is composed of two
classes — the laboring men and the business men.
Which is the largest and more patriotic class? Who
are the true Americans? The laboring men! Our
party! The only party!" (Prolonged applause.)
"To gain our ends we must have representatives in
politics; we must have friends there to look after
our interests and to give us a voice in the Govern
ment. Now, I do not ask you to vote for me. Far
be it from that. But, friends, dear friends, I would
die at any moment for the defence of our cause. I
know you all, and you are dearer to me than my
life. This ward, the greatest ward in our noble
city, should be ably represented. Mr. - — ,

my worthy competitor, who represents the oppos
ing party, is a business man. He lives for his own
ends. I am a laboring man. I work for my
friends and serve them with heart and soul."

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

"Mr. Biddle strikes a lead when he turns to the children. The
success of his first,

THE FROGGY FAIRY BOOK

(Now in its Third Thousand)

shows that as a writer for small people he is entitled to considera
tion. This is a rare and rich accomplishment. He has just pub
lished a beautiful book of fairy tales,

THE SECOND
FROGGY FAIRY BOOK

and it will certainly bring joy to thousands of children. The books
are exquisitely printed and bound."— The Buffalo Express.

"Anthony J. Drexel Biddle's 'Froggy Fairy Books' promise to
become as necessary to the childish mind as the far-famed 'Alice
In Wonderland' books." — .Lou A.nyi-l<'s Times.

What the British I'ress says.

"Elsie Lee is as American as 'Alice in Wonderland" is English.
It is a pretty and healthy story, which is certain to delight all
good children." — The Scotsman, IZdiitlniryh-

"... Remarkably clever, and the long-haired young lady
who has wandered into Frogland .is charmingly contrasted with
frogs, who figure as portly elderly gentlemen, or are got up like
respectable family butlers." — The London Times.

"A fanciful piece of work, amusingly and prettily told."— The
London Star.

"It is written in the direct style of the old-fashioned fairy tale.
. . . In addition the story is interspersed with various comic
rhymes and poems." — The Manchester Guardian.

"The book is in every way calculated to please the little folk
for whom it is intended, and by whom a much better present could
scarcely be desired." — The Western Daily Mercury, Plymouth, Etiy.

From " The Second Froggy Fairy Book" copyright, 1897, by Drexel Biddle.
MOTHER GRUMBLE AND THE SHAMROCK GARDENER AT THE FAIRY BALL.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

"The present set of fantastic adventures of a girl just like
'Alice in Wonderland' is not loss likely to please."— The Scotsman.
Krtiitbtirgh.

"The Christmas books of Mr. A. J. Urexol Biddle, the American
writer and publisher, are becoming increasingly popular." — Lo-ndon
Literary World.

"Mr. Drexel Biddle, of Philadelphia, has published a new edi-
tio'n of 'The Froggy Fairy Book,' by Anthony J. Drexel Biddle.
The binding and the Illustrations, which are by Mr. John R.
Skeen, might almost suffice to account for the remarkable popu
larity of the little volume. On the other hand, however, it must
be admitted that without either of these adjuncts the mere text
would have been quite deserving of the favor to which three edi
tions in less than six months abundantly testify. Taking it alto
gether, the book is the very thing to delight children."— Gtaxyotr
Herald.

"It is unnecessary to explain the 'plot' of this most entertain
ing fairy tale. Suffice it to say that it contains all the elements
of wonder required to gain for it the approbation of the children,
while the excellent pictures are in themselves ;iu exhaustless
source of interest." — The Dundee Advert ivr.

"A funny book for children, which has obtained a great vogue."
—Pall Mall Gazette.

Latest, Opinions of the American Critics.

" 'The Froggy Fairy Book' has reached conclusive proof of its
popularity in swift succeeding editions, and one can only predict
that this second volume is likely to follow in the footsteps of the
first, for its adventures are as wildly fantastic and its illustrations
as taking." — ProvMi-in-f -Timrnnl.

"It is spoken of in the highest terms by the press and literary
critics on both continents." — Scran-ton I{c2>nblic<in.

"A more delightful child's book has never appeared." — Indian
apolis Sentinel.

"In the making of books the children should never be forgotten,
and few prose writers since Hans Christian Anderson have given
them such unalloyed joy as Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. His 'Froggy
Fairy Book' has been very favorably reviewed in this column of

The above work is for sale by all booksellers, or will be sent by
Drexel Biddle, Publisher, postage prepaid, to any part of the United
States, Canada, or Mexico, or by Qay & Bird, to any part of Great
Britain, on receipt of the price.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

the Press, and his 'Second Froggy Fairy Book' is, if possible, an
improvement upon the first. It is just out, beautifully illustrated
by Anne Penuoek, and the stories short and varied, will be a
source of great delight to the little ones. Let me say right here
that if any person imagines the youngsters have no pronounced
literary tastes he is mistaken. The child is father of the man
and a verdict from the grand jury of the junior Americans, with
out regard to age, sex,, color or previous condition of servitude,
is a testimonial to the ability to instruct and amuse of which An
thony J. Drexel Biddle may well be proud, as evinced in the
sales of his books. The adventures of Elsie Lee in Frogland con
tinued, increase the interest in her travels." — Pittnburg Press.

"Full of fascination is it for the average child, to whom Froggy
the Fiddler will doubtless become as real as Old King Cole." —
JBattitnorf World.

"The Froggy Fairy Book has given pleasure to thousands of
juvenile readers. It would be hard to lind a book so well adapted
to giving pleasure to young folks." — Savannah- Ken-s.

"Popular from the moment of its publication." — Book ffntfs.

"The success with which Anthony J. Drexel Riddle's first
juvenile romance met, has induced this popular author to write
another edition of his story. If such a thing were possible the last
is even better than the first. Mr. Biddle has that rare ability to
make his subject interesting for his little readers. It is illus
trative of an imaginative genius which realizes that the age de
mands more than the exercise of a mania for character analysis.
The book is replete with childish interest and is a wonder of the
bookmaker's art." — I,ea<lvilli-- Mim-r.

"Sure of a welcome." — ACM.- York Press.

"Has to do with butterflies, grasshoppers, and fairies." — New
York Times.

"Some attractive children's books have appeared from the pen
of that clever caterer for young readers, Anthony J. Drexel
Biddle. Of these, his 'Froggy Fairy Books' are especially well
known."— Worcester Sjiy.

"Iii the wider realm of imaginative writing Mr. Biddle is at
his best, and is second to no other."— Rochester Herald.

New Editions For Sale by all Booksellers.

The Froggy Fairy Book. With nine beautiful full-page illus
trations by J. R. Skeen. 8vo, cloth. Price, 50 cents; do luxe edi
tion, .$1.25.

The Second Froggy Fairy Book. Superbly illustrated with pen
and color full-page and inter text drawings by well-known artists,
printed on heavy satin-finished paper, and bound in blue silk cloth
stamped in gold, silver, and red. A gift-book appropriate for all
presentation occasions. Price, 75 cents.

JN IMMEDIATE PREPARATION

A. J. DREXEL BIDDLE,

Fellow of the American Geographical Society,

A New, Enlarged, and thoroughly Revised Edition of

THE MADEIRA ISLANDS.

To contain nearly fifty full-page illustrations and numerous
maps, together with additional chapters on the History,
the Vine, the Wine, and the Flora.

"It has been left for an American to give us the first illus
trated book on 'The Madeira Islands.' The author is Mr. Anthony
J. Drexel Kiddle, who has already made considerable contributions
to contemporary literature." — The. Sheffield (England) Tclef/rn/th.

" . . . As for the text, suffice it to say that the author tells
all that is worth knowing about the islands. He has evidently
studied them and their history thoroughly, going back to the time
when they were discovered and settled, and telling us how they
have fared from that time until now. Of life in the islands at
present he draws a graphic and interesting picture, and altogether
his book can be recommended, not only to historical students and
to those who may intend to visit the Madeiras, but also to those
who, though unable for various reasons to spend much time in
I ravelling, are yet always eager to obtain new information about
foreign and little-known countries." — The \<-n- }"«/•/.- Herald.

PHILADELPHIA :

DREXEL BIDDLE, Publisher,

"Walnut Street.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

THE FLOWERS OF LIFE

A. J. D. B.

"The author has here gathered something more than a dozen
of his latest articles, in prose and verse, which cover a wide range
of subjects. Those who have read and admired his terse writings
in former publications will welcome this compilation, which is
put up in fine though not extravagant style, and is well adapted
to presentation occasions, whether formal or intended simply as a
personal memento." — Good IL»nsrkeepinf/.

"There are few cleaner, more profitable and withal interesting
additions to the literature of the day than those contributed by
Anthony J. Drexel Biddle. Bound as they are in attractive, bright
and tasteful colors they may be regarded as a minis the confections
of the book case. The latest is entitled 'The Flowers of Life,'
consisting of a compilation of short sketches, some of which are
revised from an admirable brochure by the same author, entitled
'An Allegory and Three Essays.' which attained a world-wide

celebrity The loves, the hatreds and vicissitudes

of even insect life and death are not the least appreciable in this
excellent collection of terse triumphs in thought." — The Pittsbiirtj
J'ress.

"There is a blend of delightful imagery and felicity of ex
pression with a highly moral thought and tone through the book."
—The Sheffield (Enaland) Independent.

"Having a general tendency to improve the minds and human
ise the thoughts of readers." — The Toronto (Canada) Mail and
Empire,

"Subjects of deep import to mankind in general." — 77< r ]'r<»--
idfnce Journal.

"Mr. Biddle has attracted marked attention by his work dur
ing the past few years. He possesses a fine literary instinct, and
his allegories are full of deep thought." — Waxhinjiton ttitr.

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

" 'The Flowers of Life' Is a book with a purpose, being com
posed of sketches, poetry, and epigrams, every one of which
breathes forth an earnest conviction. It Is a book rich in its sug
gestions, the fruit of an able conscientious writer."— Koston Times.

"Contains many of the best essays and poems of this rising
American journalist and author, and is a work worthy of an older
genius than Mr. Biddle."— Scranton Republican.

"Convey, In brief form and simple language, some of the deep
est lessons of life. The thought, style and sentiment are of rare
beauty, and it is impossible not to be impressed with their phil
osophy. The allegories in particular are sure to rank very high
in literature, and their brevity and simplicity make it almost im
possible to avoid being impressed with the lesson which they are
intended to teach." — Fittsborg Titm-is.

"An exceedingly pretty book inside and out, in matter as well
as in appearance, and Is worthy of particular notice as a volume
that is appropriate as a gift to readers of all ages, because it is
chaste in style and in thought, full of sound moral lessons, not
imposed with the seriousness of a sermon, but instilled in the
easy, graceful way that follows the telling of a good story that
is well told." — Brooklyn Citizen.

"That A. J. Drexel Biddle is a bookmaker is evidenced by the
handsome little volume just published from the Drexel Biddle
(Philadelphia) Press, entitled 'The Flowers of Life.' All the
various needs of a good book appear to be familiar to him, from
the writing to the binding. In this book are specimens of his
style in every form, poems, prose, sketches, etc."— Toronto (Canada)
Neivs.

"A book full of human interest, covering a great deal of in
formation not easily obtained elsewhere; a good book for the
young." — Brooklyn Citizen.

"It is one of the ideal gift books." — Burlington Hatrk-JSi/e.

For sale, tastefully and strongly bound in blue, white, yellow
and gold cloth, gilt top, extra heavy paper, lamo., pp. 88, for 90
cents, by all booksellers.

LONDON :

GAY & BIRD, 22 Bedford Street, Strand.

PHILADELPHIA :
DREXEL BIDDLE, "Walnut Street,

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Full text of "Shantytown sketches"

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