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March 10, 1889 Record and Guide. 349 whenever it becomes too high for consumption can easily be displaced by some other metal; and for the last five years we have exported fully 35 per cent, of the total product—a percentage that has been slightly increased since the syndicate was formed. The fact is, that, compared to the price which the metal had formerly brought, the syndicate did not put copper up to an unreasonably high figure, while the values fixed by the coal companies were certainly much more burdensome to the commu¬ nity than they were before the combination was formed. In 1865 the price of copper varied between 503^^ cents a pound and 28J^ cents a pound. In December, 1878, it was selhng 15^g; in Decem¬ ber, 1879, at 21 cents; in December, 1881, at 191^; in December, 1883, it had fallen to lij^. Then came the hai-d times. After opening at about 15 cents in 1884, it dropped to 10 cents by June, rallied to 14 cents in July, and sunk again to 11 cents by Decem¬ ber. It was in May, 1887, ifc reached its lowest point, 9.95 cents per pound. Then came the formation of the syndicate and the restoration of the price. It will be seen by this exhibit that the syndicate figure was by no means abnormal. Certain mines, such as the Anaconda and the Calumet and Hecla, make large gains at 16 cents a pound, but their ore is so surprisingly rich that this would happen under any circumstances. Whether or not the syndicate will maintain its position it is impossible to assert. It is said that there may be a revival of the Indian demand for the metal, to the failure of which the prevailing low price, previous to the formation of fche syndicate, were' at least pai-tially due. Then it is believed in some circles that the danger of its position has been over-estimated. However this may be, we should like to see a little justice doled out by om- daily newspapers in respect to these combinations. Our Prophetic Department. Cosmopolitan—There are a number of topics of interest, foreign and domestic, which might be touched on in our conversation to-day. The varied themes will give our talk a discursive character but ifc maybe interesting for all that. Now, what is your impression of the situation in France? Sir Oracle—The whole European situation is exceedingly inter¬ esting just now ; but of course fche possibility of some pictm-esque or dramatic outbreak or revolution is more likely to occur in France than anywhere else. It is evident tbat the people of that country are heartfly sick of parliamentary government, or at least of the rule called into existence by the present constitution of France- There can be no stability in the councils of a nation whose ruling Cabinets do not last, on an average, three months. France de¬ mands a head—whether ifc be Emperor, King, Consul, Dictator, or whatever you may deign to call ifc. Boulanger represents the popular discontent on fchis point, and hence his apparent popularity. The Eepublican majority so far have shown no genius in fighting him ; they should take the ground away from under his feet. Cos.—What do you mean? What could the Republicans do but stand by the constitution under which they are organized ? Sir O.—That instrument in its iiresenfc form is as objecfcionable to the Republican masses as to their imperial and monarchial oppo¬ nents. The Eepubhcans ought to meet in a convention, composed of members of the present Chambers, and agree to give President Camot real power—the authority, for instance, of at least an American President. Then let him have a Cabinet responsible tb him and not to the legislative body. This would give the nation a head and the government a stable policy; this would be cutting the ground from under Boulanger's feet. Cos.—But would not this be revolution? The change that you suggest imphes violence, the use of the army—a tearing up, as it were, of the presenfc constitution of France. Sir 0.—It is a choice of e-vils. If the Republic shrinks from taking bold measures we may be sure that Boulanger wiU not hesi¬ tate w'hen his time comes. Still, as this is the centenary of the ■ French Revolution, and all Frenchmen wish the exhibition to he a prosperous one, it is not unlikely that a tacit agreement will be reached to ktep the peace until next fall. Cos.—How do you account for the peaceful character of WiUiam II.'s reign so far. He appeared to be full of military ardor when first called to the imperial throne. SlE O.—I judge the Emperor bas made some bargain wifch Bis¬ marck. The latter is getting to be an old man, who would naturally dislike to leave this world in the midst of a mighty confiict. He has probably secured a pledge from fche Emperor not to provoke a great \var imtil he has passed away. The death of the King of Holland would be the only event likely to create an immediate disturbance. Then Germany would be forced to insist upon her rights and thus gain access to the German Ocean. Cos.—You do not see war, then, in any direction in the immediate f utiure ? SiK O.—Cenfcral Asia may be the scene of a serious conflict very soon. The Russians are preparing already for another advance movement, but I think it will be eastward and not southerly and will involve the subjugation of Chinese Tartary. Eussia is doing a civilizing work in that part of the world and she will earn the approbation of mankind. Cos.—Still, there is Great Britain ; will the discomfiture of the governmenfc and fche London Times matter and the Parnell business lead to a change of administration from Tory to Liberal? Sm O.—Eventually this disaster will defeat the party in power ; but I doubt if the Tories expect to leave office right away. Coali¬ tions against them can easily be formed, and they are liable to go down under combinations formed by Jos. Chamberlain or Lord Randolph Chm-chill. As we said at the beginning, the sitnation all over Europe is mightily interesting. Cos.—Well, we have not much time for domestic topics. What do you say as to the business outlook ? Sir O.—It is not as good as I should like it to be. It seems as if we were booked for a period of depression in trade, unless, indeed. President Harrison should call an extra sesssion of Congi-ess; that would at once distm-b and stimulate business. A new tariff would mean encouragement to go into new industrial enterprises. This would call for capital. So would the building of ships ^ive us a merchant marine. But nothing can he done by the administration without the sanction of Senate and House, As yet nothing has been said to warrant a belief that Congress will meet before next December. In the interim the Treasui-y must keep on buying bonds. This will be a good thing for Wall street, but bad for the business of the country. Cos.—But are there not some business indications of a favorable character. Sir 0.—Yes; our heavy export of corn and provisions is an excellent sign. The fact that we are only just beginning to ship gold is a very promising one. Clearly Europe is still buying our bonds and stocks—more than enough, indeed, to cover the adverse balance of trade. With good crops this summer we may yet have a very good year's business. But when the regular policy of the administration is once fixed upon I look for a decline in the value of railroad securities, for the money of tJie country will be used in trade and not in Wall sfcreet. Men and Things. *'* Dramatic aud musical ai-tists can always be depended upon to give their profeBsional services in aid of such of their brethren &s are in distress. The benefits given throughout the year return a very lai-ge sum for those wbo need kelp, and all this is in addition to the contents of the private purses of the members of the profession, which are always opeu, as well as fche funds of organized societies, which maintain many worthy but disabled profes¬ sionals. But there is no such provision made for incapacitated authors and jouruahsts. True, the Press Clubs do something for theii- members who die poor, but the scribes who visit the Press Club's rooms in Nassau street are not endowed with much of this world's goods, but what is given, is given generouslv- There are many cases of very severe hardships which never come to light. A well-known poet is uow dying under most distress¬ ing circumstances. Many years ago he was stricken with rheumatism and lost his right arm, but he taught himself to write with his left hand. Some time back he became bhnd, through formation of cataracts over his eyes. These have been removed, but without restoring his sight; but fco keep the wolf from hia door he dictates bis articles, although suffering agony all the time. Yet this brave gentleman's name rankshighamong American poets. He has written verses which wOl live. It would not do to take up a public subscription, for he never would accept the money; but there ought to be some means of refieving the necessities of such men as he is without wounding their self-respect. Our government bears hard on authors. Ifc will not protect them, and it allows English publishers to min the profession. « * * The somewhat seuaational success of the Enghsh Gaiety Company in this country brings into strong prominence the difference between the poorest kind of American and the poorest kind of English wit. What Hoyt's farces are to us the Gaiety Company of London is to the English. The distinguishing characteristic of the former is boisterous, coarse tomfoolery, mixed with a sort of variety show. "Oags" are used to provoke laughter rather more often than puns, and a performer hai-dly opens his mouth without ripping out a piece of slang. There is practically no sfcory at all; a string of events is simply used on which are strung songs, cheap satire, imitations, and once in a whUe a fairly clever character eketcb. The English burlesque, on the other hand, is silly in its tun rather than boisterous. Heaven forbid that we should accuse them of nofc lieing coarse or of using " gags," but the emphasis is laid rather more upon puns and rhymes. Then, of course, the fact of the performance being a burlesque rather than a farce is responsible for mauy differences. The author consequently depends a good deal upon the humorous effect pro¬ duced by the degrading aad levelling of strong emotions and .situations. A great weakness in both the American farce and the English burlesque is the fact that the authors and actors both constantly endeavor co be funny, whereas they only succeed in being silly. There can be no humor fchat does not arise from contrast. An hom- of constant straining after wit becomes by the time the second hour is reached very tiresome. Some people defend these perforinanoes on the ground that the listeners, being busy people, need relaxation. But cannot relaxation be had without iuaninityf '*' The almost universal prosperity of theatres and theatrical combinations during the past two years is beginning to bear its legitimate fruit. A