The Great Round World
Single Numbers, 5c. Each
Numbers are bound up into four parts each year. Charge for binding, 35 cents a part.
Remittances should be by registered letter, or by check, express-order, or postal-order, payable to The Great Round World Publishing Co.
No receipts are sent for remittances unless requested. The number on the address label represents the number of the paper with which subscription will expire.
Ten days' notice should be given of any change of address.
ADDRESS:
Great Round World Publishing Co.
3 and 5 West 18th Street, New York City
At any of the following stores copies and bound volumes of The Great Round World will be found on sale, and subscribers may exchange their numbers for bound volumes:
TALKING
MACHINE
is simple, durable; no parts to break or get out of order. Any child can operate it. It is neatly encased in a hard wood box, well finished, size 8-1/2×11-1/2×3-1/2 inches, with brass hinges and catch; has hearing tubes for two persons, one (Berliner's Gramophone) record and twenty-five needle points. Price, complete with one Record, (express charges prepaid) $3.50. Weight 4 lbs. Remit by Bank Draft, Express, or Post Office money order. Agents wanted.
For terms and particulars address
(DEPT. B) 57 E. 9th ST., NEW YORK CITY
Great
Round
World
When
Writing
Advertisers...
JUST READY
THE GREAT ROUND WORLD PUBLISHING COMPANY
5 West 18th Street, New York
A Song of Life
of 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.
"Something of flower life, something of fish life, of frogs, and of birds, and a chapter on human life, form the subjects of this book,—all told in the graceful manner of a womanly woman, whose love for nature has given her a keener insight into nature's secrets, and a greater ability to impart those secrets to others with the ease of face-to-face talks than is vouchsafed to many people."—The Boston Times.
New York
"Four True Stories of Life and Adventure," by Jessie R. Smith. This is a book to be read by children, not to them. A child during the years of seven and nine is usually hungering for true stories, and some mothers and teachers try to meet the demand by reading and telling "true" stories to them. This is well and good, but it is clear that if this inborn craving could be met by books framed in language of such limited vocabulary and construction that so young a
'Tis the Small Things of Life That Give Pleasure
"DUBLEOOK"
EASY for Cleaning and Storing
SAVES Tires and Enamel
All Running Gear Free
Bicycle
Hanger
is PERFECT
50c.
FULL NICKELED
COMPLETE
THE G.W.E. CO., Room 1103, 26 Cortlandt Street, New York
BINDING CASE
To hold loose numbers of the current part of The Great Round World—preventing them from being lost, getting soiled, or scattered. May be had in green, red, or blue cloth. Price, 35 Cents.
Great Round World Publishing Co.
5 WEST 18TH STREET, NEW YORK.
THE LIVING METHOD FOR LEARNING
How to Think in French
and teaching how to SPEAK FRENCH. .. ..
"I am sure the book will accomplish precisely what is set to be its purpose."—Prof. James W. Bright, Johns Hopkins University.
"You have done a great and beautiful work in the publication of your manuals."—Bishop John H. Vincent, Chancellor of Chautauqua.
How to Think in German
"As a practical book to aid in quickly acquiring the power of correct and fluent speaking of the German language this work has no equal."—Scientific American, Nov. 11, 1893, p. 316.
How to Think in Spanish
"The learner is not obliged to think of rules or of English words when he wishes to speak Spanish."—N. Y. School Journal, July 14, 1894.
Stevens Institute of Technology HOBOKEN, N. J.
CONTENTS.
We wish to call our subscribers' attention to our new binders for The Great Round World. During the past year we have received many requests for missing numbers, also suggestions that some sort of cover or holder should be supplied, in order that numbers might be kept together, constant reference being made to back numbers, the loss of one causing much inconvenience. After giving the matter careful study, we have at last succeeded in making a handy case, in which the numbers as issued may be inserted. This case is strongly bound in cloth, with a handsome design on back and sides; the copies of The Great Round World can be inserted without mutilating them in any way, and be kept clean and in condition for binding.
I am very much interested in the war, and would like to do something for my country. Could you suggest something that a little girl could do?
Alma D.
Other boys and girls are gathering illustrated papers, periodicals, and books to be forwarded to the soldiers and sailors. You can help in this way.
In your issue of April 21st, you speak of the Russian officer Milutine having said that no Christian had ever succeeded in entering and leaving Mecca before his doing so. Sir Richard Burton distinctly states that he was the first man ever to accomplish this feat, as you will see by his book. Who is correct?
J. T.
If you read the account again, you will see that Milutine is quoted as having said that he had heard that no Christian had previously gone to Mecca and returned safely. It is true that Burton did precede Milutine. Editor.
New Books
"Manipulation of the Microscope," Edward Bausch (Rochester: Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.). At this season of the year, when so many of our readers are interested in the study of botany and other nature work, the use of the microscope enters largely into their work—and yet how few people really understand this most useful instrument. The writer of this admirable little book very sensibly assumes that his readers are anxious to learn the subject from its simplest form to the more complex details, and he has therefore made a thoroughly useful book. Few people realize the delight of using a microscope intelligently, nor do they grasp the true value of even the simple pocket forms of this invaluable little instrument. If they did properly appreciate the microscope, every boy would carry a two or three loop lens, and find it as useful almost as the indispensable jackknife. The wonders of field, forest, and seashore are not thoroughly appreciated unless the microscope is used—intelligently.
Current History
In our last number we give a review of the first month of the war. In glancing over the news, it is extremely interesting to contrast the losses of Spain with those of the United States. In the campaign off Cuba, we have had less than thirty men killed and wounded, whereas the Spaniards have lost several hundreds; they have had many of their fortifications destroyed, and have suffered great damage in other ways—by the capture of vessels, etc. In the far East, Spain's fleet was destroyed, and many men killed and wounded; against this was a loss on our part of one man killed and six wounded, and approximately no damage to our vessels.
The escape of the Oregon is considered another victory for us, as during that trip of about fifteen thousand miles she might easily have been intercepted and destroyed had she not been splendidly handled. Her run of four thousand miles between San Francisco and Callao (cal-ye-ä-o) is the longest ever made by a battle-ship without stop, and in the latter part of her trip, on one long stretch, she averaged over fifteen knots, a wonderful speed at the end of a trip of over ten thousand miles—for a vessel's bottom becomes very foul with barnacles, seaweed, etc., which greatly retard its passage through the water.
It is reported that, while coaling at Rio, a number of dynamite-bombs were smuggled into the coal, but fortunately they were discovered by the sailors.
Action in reference to neutrality has been taken by Russia, Greece, Venezuela, the Netherlands, and Canada. The declaration of neutrality by Venezuela is of special importance, as Spain's fleet would have found Venezuelean ports of inestimable value as places of refuge and for the purpose of coaling. Venezuela expresses her position in the one sentence: "The Republic will observe the strictest neutrality during the contest." No statement is made, however, as to what will be considered contraband.
The Dutch proclamation of neutrality, in addition to the usual forms, especially cautions the citizens of the Netherlands against becoming connected in any way with privateering; and the Dutch vessels are also required to respect the blockade; in reference to coal, the Dutch regulation is that only enough shall be sold to permit Spanish or American vessels to reach the nearest port of their country.
The Russian proclamation contains a statement to the effect that the Imperial Government, in concert with the other powers, had endeavored to find a means which would prevent an armed conflict between the two countries; that such friendly measures were without result, and that the Imperial Government "witnesses with regret the armed conflict between two states to which she is united by old friendship and deep sympathy; it is firmly resolved in regard to the two belligerents that a perfect and impartial neutrality will be observed."
Greece has simply declared that the strictest neutrality will be maintained.
On the 25th of May, President McKinley issued a call for 75,000 additional volunteers; of the previous volunteers called for, about 112,000 have been mustered into the army; with the addition that is now called for, the army will number about 250,000; and it is expected that active operations will be begun at once, and that Porto Rico as well as Cuba will be seized at the earliest possible moment; it is expected that part of our fleet will proceed at once to San Juan, Porto Rico, and destroy the fortifications there, so that our army can without serious opposition land on the island.
The cruiser Columbia, which was disabled in a collision off Long Island, is being rapidly repaired in the Brooklyn Navy-Yard. If she had not been very strong there is little doubt but that the Foscolia would have cut her in two; the frames of the vessel, however, are so well constructed that these, with the protective deck, prevented more serious damage. Naval officers are very much pleased to find how well the vessel withstood the collision; they say that if the Columbia had been a ship like the large ocean liners, nothing would have prevented her sinking with the ship that struck her. When the officer on the Columbia saw that a collision was inevitable, he gave the order "Full speed ahead"; it is very fortunate that he did so, as otherwise the Foscolia would have hit her amidships; and the damage must then have been very serious, as the water compartments in that part of the vessel are large, and when filled might have caused her to capsize. The damage proves to be much less severe than was at first thought; after two or three weeks it is thought she will be on duty again.
This is not the first time that the Columbia has been in trouble of this kind; two years ago she collided with the Wyanoke, a coasting steamer; in spite of the trying circumstances at that time, not a man was lost on the sinking coaster, so perfect was the discipline on the Columbia.
It is reported that the balloons recently received from Paris will be sent forward with the first expedition to Cuba; arrangements for equipping the balloon train are under charge of Lieut. Joseph E. Maxfield of the Signal Service. It is reported that one of the French balloons will be first given a careful test from the deck of one of the war-ships off Cuba. The necessary plant for generating the gas is already in Tampa; the gas will be forwarded in steel tubes, which will hold a large volume when the gas is compressed.
It is now proposed to take the necessary apparatus to Cuba, and have pictures of the bombardment of Havana and of other engagements made for reproduction with the cinematograph. Dr. D. S. Elmendorf is now at Tampa, Fla., making elaborate preparations for taking these pictures. The cinematograph is a wonderful invention. By a clever arrangement hundreds of photographs are taken, one after the other, with marvellous rapidity; these pictures are printed on a long strip, and made to pass through the magic lantern as rapidly as when the photographs were taken; the result is a composite picture which, when thrown upon a screen, reproduces every motion.
Edison was the one who invented this system of taking in succession very rapidly a great number of pictures of moving objects. We hope that Dr. Elmendorf will be successful, for we will then be able to see these interesting scenes; and if by a clever use of the phonograph or graphophone he can record the sound of the guns, we may not only see, but hear, the battles.
In The Great Round World last year we described experiments that were being made with kites by Mr. W. E. Eddy, of Bayonne, N. J., who has been largely instrumental in promoting interest in scientific kite-flying. Kites have been made of such power as to carry a heavy cable from one point to another over some obstruction, or to lift a man some distance from the ground for the purpose of observation. It is now planned to make use of the kites for offensive and
It is also believed that the kite will be of great value for signalling purposes, especially at night, as it will be possible to hoist electric incandescent lamps to a great height above the earth and signal by turning the light on or off in accordance with a settled code. Mr. Eddy estimates that it will be possible to drop fifty pounds of dynamite at a time from a distance a mile away; the plan is to send up these kites from within the lines of the attacking force and drop the dynamite into the fortifications of Havana. The men who fly the kites can remain out of sight of the forts; and the kite will be such a small mark and so high up in the air as to be very difficult to hit with a rifle-ball.
After a great deal of discussion in Congress, and many delays in finishing our war-ships because of the price asked for armor by the large armor companies, it was decided that the maximum rate—that is, the highest price—that the Government would pay should be $400 per ton; until this change was made neither of the great armor-plate manufacturers would bid, and, as a result, armor was not obtainable. May 24th, bids were opened for supplying the three battle-ships, Illinois, Alabama, and Wisconsin, now being constructed by the Union Iron Works, Newport News. About a year ago the Government advertised for bids for supplying this armor, but no bids were received because Congress had made the limit of price too low. Bids opened on the 24th were from two companies, the Bethlehem Iron Works and Carnegie & Co. It is evident that an arrangement had been entered into between the two, as one company bid to supply the armor for the Alabama, and the other for the Wisconsin, the bids in each case being the same—that is, at the maximum price of $400 per ton.
The armor for the Alabama will cost $1,022,504; that for the Wisconsin, $1,023,504; the first of this armor will be delivered in about seven months, and thereafter about 300 tons will be delivered monthly. At this rate it will be about fifteen months before the last of the armor is ready.
It is reported that Spain is about to sanction the commission or fitting out of privateers to prey upon our commerce. In the Spanish newspapers appear almost daily criticisms of our cowardly methods of carrying on the war. At one time it is stated that our vessels have been seen flying the Spanish flag in order that they may surprise some ship of theirs; at another time our cowardly attack upon some fort in Cuba is mentioned, when we sneak up under cover of darkness only to beat a hasty retreat when the first gun is fired.
In the face of such conduct, it is claimed by the Spaniards that we are entitled to no consideration, and it is believed both here and abroad that all of this kind of absurd talk means that Spain contemplates a resort to privateers to get even with us.
Privateers, in former years, when fitted out by Spain have acted so much like pirates that they have been considered and treated as such by England and by other nations, and the whole system has been so seriously condemned that it is believed that, should either Spain or this country fit out privateers, other nations would immediately interfere and put a stop to it.
There has been considerable discussion in reference to Hawaii; the question of annexation is favored almost universally by our people and in Congress; in fact, the annexation of the island is now considered not merely advisable, but absolutely necessary. In sending troops from this country to the Philippine Islands we must stop on the way for supplies, and should Hawaii be captured by the Spaniards or annexed by another power, it would prove a very serious matter to us; it is to be hoped that the question of annexation will be settled at once.
Very little news of interest is received from Spain. In the list of the new Spanish ministry, published week before last, we included the name of Señor Leon y Castillo as Minister of Foreign Affairs; Señor Castillo did not accept the office, which was then offered to Duke Almodovar de Rio, who has accepted.
The duke said that he did not wish the office, but accepted it on patriotic grounds, "as every Spaniard is bound to devote all his powers to the defence of his country." The duke is well and favorably known in England, where he was educated, and it is considered that the choice for this office is a good one.
The Spanish Minister of Finance, in discussing Spain's financial condition, recently said that he considered it satisfactory, and that the payment of all expenses of the war is assured; as a means of raising additional funds he proposes to convert the floating debt, now amounting to about 500,000,000 pesetas, into treasury bonds of small denomination, and to extend the Bank of Spain note issues. Spain may by this issue of additional paper money find herself in as unfortunate a position as did Cuba when Weyler endeavored to force paper money upon the people there. With an increase of twenty per cent. on taxes of all kinds, and with a paper money of doubtful value, Spain will indeed be in a sorry predicament.
Later reports from Spain would indicate that a crisis is approaching; business is at a standstill, and a famine imminent, as provisions are so high as to place them beyond the reach of the poorer people. It is thought that if an encounter with our fleet ends in disaster to Admiral Cervera, a revolution is inevitable. It is said that Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria has advised the Queen to leave the country, but that she has expressed her determination to remain and face the result.
Lieutenant Carranza, to whom we are indebted for the admirable explanation of why Spain should not be held responsible for the Maine disaster, published in The Great Round World some weeks ago, is having an unpleasant time in Canada. Together with several other Spanish officials he has been carrying on an "information bureau" for the Spanish Government; by information bureau we mean a system of receiving and forwarding reports to the Spanish Government in reference to our fortifications, etc. The present trouble has arisen from the fact that a letter containing important information has been mislaid; he accuses Joseph Kellert, a Montreal detective, and two other persons of entering his room and stealing this letter. They are making such a fuss over the matter that the letter must have been an exceedingly important one.
A despatch has been received from Admiral Dewey, dated May 20th, addressed to the Secretary of the Navy; he cables as follows:
"Situation is unchanged. Blockade is continued. There is a great scarcity of provisions in Manila. The foreign subjects fear an outbreak of Spanish soldiers; arrangements have been made for the transfer of these foreign subjects to Cavite if necessary. The rebel commander-in-chief, Aguinaldo, who was brought here by the McCulloch, is reorganizing a force, and may render assistance that will be valuable."
The first shipment of troops to the Philippine Islands started May 25th on the three transports, City of Pekin, Australia, and City of Sydney. When these vessels left San Francisco, late in the afternoon, the shores were lined with people, and there was great enthusiasm. These three transports carry about twenty-five hundred men; the expedition is under command of Brigadier-General Anderson, and consists of four companies of regulars under Major Robe; the First Regiment California Volunteers, Colonel Smith; the First Regiment Oregon Volunteers, Colonel Summers; and a battalion of fifty heavy artillery, Major Gary; and in addition to these a number of sailors, naval officers, a large amount of ammunition and naval stores for Admiral Dewey's fleet, and supplies sufficient to last a year. It was expected that the fleet would arrive at the Sandwich Islands by Tuesday, May 31st; it will proceed from this port in company with the Charleston, and should arrive at Manila about June 20th. A detachment of the United States Engineers was ordered from Willets Point, N. Y., to the Philippines, under command of Captain Langfitt; Captain Langfitt is an expert in the matter of torpedoes and harbor defences of this kind, and it is thought that his mission at the Philippines will be to fortify the different harbors by planting mines, torpedoes, etc.
Now that the reinforcements are well on their way, there is no reason to feel any anxiety in reference to any expedition which might be sent from Spain. The shortest route from Cadiz is, of course, by way of the Suez Canal; the distance by this route is over 8,000 miles; from San Francisco to Manila, by way of the Sandwich Islands, is but 7,000 miles; therefore we have at least a week the start of any expedition which might leave Spain. The troops sent on the three transports which sailed May 25th will be sufficient to garrison Corregidor Island; with strong fortifications on this island at the entrance of Manila Bay, it is believed that we can prevent the entrance of any fleet. The only fleet which it is possible for Spain to send at this time is Admiral Camara's; in this there are but two armorclads, the Pelayo and Emperadar Carlos V. Admiral Dewey would not consider them sufficiently formidable to give him any anxiety.
Unless we meet with misfortune or great reverses in dealing with the Spanish forces now at the Philippines, there is little doubt but that they are ours by this time.