heretofore, and at the anniversary meeting: at Saratoga, N.. Y., of the Congrega* tional Home Missionary society it was reported that the work of the society was being greatly retarded because of lack of funds. This is about the sti'ong-est evidence of the settling in of hard times that has been afforded- yet.Natural heat put out artificial fires in Birmingham, Alabama, Thursday. The temperature ran from 80.to SG, and the heat was so intense at 7. p. m. that the Birmingham rolling mills were forcec to shut down for the night.It may be that some trusts” have proved advantageous to the interests of the people, but they are in such bad company that they will have to go with, the lot. The’ United States senate cannot afford to betray tho people’s tariff inorder to faynr a single trusts • •4’ • . • • •The bicycle gains in Importance as well as.in numbers! It Is Conceded tio\* that ocean travel will, be .much lightened this summer from the fact that many people'will. stay a-b.home and view* the delights ol the country surrounding their own .homes,. through the. advantageous use. of the wheel.!'Few, perhaps, would think of canvasa* ing the prosperity of a eountry-:by the