for the criticism of his professional brethren. The lower face of the dam, on its down-stream side, has a curve of 31 feet radius, tangent at its lowest point to the water surface. The central part of this face has a batter of 4 inches to the foot. The profile at the top terminates the down-stream face and crest of the dam with a curve of 20 feet radius. To this both the front batter and the surface of the pond at the crest level are tangent. The upper angle of the crest is rounded off with a smaller curve, and the whole front of the masonry becomes a sort of reversed ogee-a form probably as well adapted as any to pass a large volume of water from a great height. The surface curve conforms as closely as possible to that taken by a stream in flood when it passes a low perpendicular fall. At the higher flood stages it is expected that there will be a tendency to a vacuum under the curved stream immediately after it has passed the crest. This, together with the pressure of the atmosphere upon the surface of the water, will keep the full flood stream in close contact with the curved face of the dam, and cause it, even in the heaviest flood, to slide smoothly over the masonry surface to its rock foundation. Such is the theory of the engineers; but only the test of time can decide how successfully they have estimated the forces with which they have to deal. The body of the work is in limestone rock; the two faces, the toe and the crest, where the greatest wear and tear will occur, are of granite, the blocks forming the cap being as large as can be conveniently handled. The entire work is laid in hydraulic cement. It is 1,200 feet long, 60 feet high, and 16 feet wide at the top, increasing downward till its width at the bottom is 50 feet. It is intended to allow a depth of 16 feet of water on the crest, and the abutments at either end rise to more than that

height. At one end of the dam the natural rock rises far higher, and at the other end is an artificial bulkhead, containing the gatehouse and the necessary sluices. The dam is 2 miles above the city of Austin, and when completed will form a lake 25 miles long and from half a mile to a quarter of a mile wide. J. R. Frizzell is chief engineer, with T. J. Fanning assistant.

Masonry Dam in India.-The largest stone dam in the world has lately been finished in India, designed for the supply of water to the city of Bombay. The work stretches across the Tansa valley, about 65 miles north of Bombay. The dam is 2 miles long, 118 feet high, 100 feet thick at its greatest depth, and 15 feet wide at the top. When filled, the dam will form a lake covering 8 square miles, and the expected water supply will be at the rate of about 100,000,000 gallons a day throughout the year. More than five years have passed since the work of construction was begun, and from 9,000 to 12,000 men, with 800 carts and animals, have been employed upon it during each working season. Great difficulties of construction were encountered. Sand and cement had to be transported for a long distance; nearly 15,000,000 cubic feet of rubble were used, with 2,200,000 cubic feet of lime and nearly 3,350,000 cubic feet of washed sand. The rock excavations alone amounted to more than 6,700,000 cubic feet, and the completed masonry altogether contains about 11,000,000 cubic feet. The contractors were Glover & Co., of Edinburgh, and the executive engineer was J. B. Clark. From the dam to Bombay the water is led in iron pipes 48 inches in diameter. Fortunately, in this climate the pipes can be laid above ground without danger from frost. Each length of pipe weighs about 4 tons, and their aggregate weight is 50,000 tons.

The Columbia River Jetties.-Since 1884 this great work has been in progress. It has in view the making of a channel over a dangerous bar at the mouth of the river, the contract calling for a depth of 30 feet at low tide. This is to be accomplished in the usual way, by concentrating the current and increasing its power of carrying away sand and other deposit. As the work now stands, it is a low-tide jetty, extending westward from Fort Stephens with a slight curve to the south, the length being about 44 miles. The ordinary mattress-fascine construction was used, the foundation being about 40 feet wide and from 24 to 5 feet thick; this, of course, is below water at all times, and upon it is placed the rockwork, extending to a level of 4 feet above mean low water. The latest report of Capt. T. W. Symons, of the United States Engineers, says that before the work was begun the channels over the bar were variable in depth and capricious in location; sometimes there was but one channel, and at other times there were three, varying in depth from 19 to 21 feet. The results already attained are extremely satisfactory. There is one straight-out-and-in channel a quarter of a mile wide and nowhere less than 29 feet deep. About 25,000 tons of rock have been used in securing the jetty and protecting the buildings. The original estimate for the construction was $3,000,710, and it is likely that the work can be finished within those figures.

Government Railways in Sumatra.Dutch rule in Sumatra has so stimulated commercial interest that a comprehensive railway system has been undertaken, under the direction of Mr. Post, a Dutch engineer. The engineering difficulties have been very great, owing to the mountainous character of the island and the steep gradients and sharp curves that everywhere have to be overcome. In general terms, the line extends across the most densely populated part of the island, its high central plateau touching the principal inland towns and reaching the coast at Port Emma, the terminus. The line ascends to an altitude of 3,785 feet above sea level, and crosses a formidable volcanic range whose Sumatrian name signifies "destroying fire." This section presents gradients as steep as 1 in 12, and these are overcome by means of mechanical appliances on the engines, consisting of 2 coupled axles combining adhesion wheels and cogged wheels, which can be used at the engineer's pleasure according to the steepness of the grade. For connection with the cog wheel, a central, ladderlike rack is bolted to the ties between the ordinary rails. Two types of ties are employed, both being of iron, since wood decays so rapidly in that climate as to be unavailable. The engines are provided with 3 kinds of brakesspring, air, and a tooth-wheel brake, which is capable of arresting the mechanism. All the machinery has to be of the simplest character possible, because the only engineers available in Sumatra are not accomplished mechanics, and complicated machinery is entirely beyond them. The locomotive is always coupled to the rear of the train, pushing it on the up grades and holding it back during descents. The cars are of the American type, and are arranged for two classes of travelers. One feature, at least, in the construction of this line was very interesting and

ingenious: running water was utilized for the purpose of carrying earth and depositing it at the places where it was required. This was effected by means of small canals of steep gradient, sometimes several miles long. The laborers stir up the earth and the water that carries it down steep inclines to places where it is desired to construct an embankment. Here barriers of bamboo are set, which permit water and soluble material to pass, while the solid earth, gravel, and sand settle down and form an embankment. So solid are these deposits that it is perfectly safe to cross them on foot or on horseback while the water is still flowing over the surface. The loss of material is sometimes as high as 30 per cent., but the saving in time and labor largely overbalances this.

Artesian Well.-An interesting but unsuccessful attempt was made at Galveston, Texas, to secure an ample supply of pure water. The city at present draws its water supply from 13 wells ranging from 825 to 1,350 feet deep. It was decided to expend $75,000 for a well at least 3,000 feet deep. The work was done in the usual way, beginning with a section of 15-inch pipe, telescoping smaller sections, and ending with pipe of 9 inches in diameter. No water was reached, but the result of the borings was of interest. They were as follow: Gray sand, 46 feet; red clay and shells, 18 feet: blue clay and wood fragments, 36 feet; sand and seashells, 215 feet; sand and clay, 600 feet; sand, clay, and seashells and wood, 688 feet; and the remainder, to a depth of 3,070 feet, was sand, clay, and large logs. At this point, the contract having been more than fulfilled, the boring ended in a bed of seashells.

Flexible Water-Pipes.-Engineers have repeatedly considered the practicability of laying water mains in the beds of rivers for the purpose of supplying fresh water to cities at the seaboard; but there have been many difficulties to overcome, and it has not been undertaken on a large scale. During the past summer a new plan has been adopted by the authorities of Rotterdam for laying pipes in the bed of the River Maas. A difficulty that had to be surmounted was found in the very large and continuous traffic of the river. Eventually a flexible tube was constructed, consisting of short sections connected with ball joints; each pipe is 23 inches in diameter, made of steel and provided with steel flanges. The ball joints are of cast iron. In sinking the pipes to position, 2 barges were fastened together and an inclined platform about 120 feet long was hung freely between the two. The pipe sections were built up on this platform, and as each joint was completed the barges were hauled astern so that the lowermost section slid off and was deposited on the bottom of the river, leaving room at the top of the incline for the attachment of the next section. The depth of the river averages 36 feet, and work progressed at the rate of about 85 feet a day. The whole length of the tube was about 3,000 feet.

Submarine Borings in Northumberland Straits.-Work has actually begun on the tunnel connecting the mainland of New Brunswick with Prince Edward Island, but it has not progressed far enough to justify description here. The engineer who had charge of the preliminary

survey devised a plan of making experimental borings which has the merit of daring and originality. The problem presented was, how to test the character of the earth under the perpetually stormy Straits of Northumberland, often at a

Snow in City Streets.-A problem that confronts all dwellers in northern cities is the speedy removal of snow from city streets. In the far north the work is too great for serious consideration. The snow is merely piled up in

the roadways, leveled, and allowed to remain until melted by the advancing season. This at least is the case in Canada. But the large cities of the United States are not content to let nature take its course, and their utmost resources are taxed to clear the streets for traffic after a heavy snowstorm. Various projects have been suggested, and elaborate calculations made, all pointing to the probable economy of melting the snow and causing it to run off through the sewers. Charles E. Emory, one of the best authorities on the use and distributions of steam, has reached this conclusion. The severe winter experience of England during recent years has caused them to investigate the same subject. It has even been estimated that, with the price of gas at 2s. 6d. a thousand cubic feet, snow can be economically melted by burning gas. Mr. Emory has tried a steam-melting process which gave good results and has the merit of simplicity. A tarpaulin 25 feet square was used to cover an area of snow, when spread steam was admitted underneath it, and the snow melted with astonishing rapidity. It was found that in this way large areas could be economically cleared. This method seems more practicable than the gas method, and in streets having steam mains it would seem to be perfectly feasible. The process involves the direct contact of steam and snow, while in the gas process, as described, the heat has to be led through a metal heating plate, undoubtedly a cause of inefficiency and expense. It is believed that none of the engines specially constructed for melting snow have proved practically successful.

depth of more than 100 feet. The apparatus is clearly indicated in the illustration above. A 4-inch wrought-iron pipe, made up in 20-foot lengths, rests upon the bottom of the sea, and at the upper end of the pipe is arranged a platform strong enough to carry an engine capable of developing a high rate of speed. The pipe is braced and anchored so as to secure it in an upright position, and the engine drives a diamond drill within the pipe at the rate of 1,000 revolutions a minute. A scow anchored near carries the boiler and accessory machinery, connections being made with the drill engine by means of flexible tubing. The drill is thus always held in a vertical position, and is not subject to any considerable oscillation, though often subjected to the force of a heavy sea. The inventor of this method is Alfred Palmer, civil engineer, of New York. The tunnel will cross the strait only a few miles from the northern end of the Chignecto ship railway, now approaching completion.

EVENTS OF 1892. Europe, although in no way relaxing her warlike preparations, has remained at peace, and actual warfare has been confined to barbarous tribes. The most considerable campaign undertaken by civilized arms was that of the French in the kingdom of Dahomey. The threatened hostilities between the United States and Chili were adjusted, and the Bering Sea dispute with England was again compromised. Cholera was epidemic in many states in Europe, but by dint of extraordinary measures was prevented from gaining a foothold in the United States. The ever-recurrent conflict between labor and capital caused trouble and bloodshed in France, England, and the United

States, the strikes failing in nearly every instance to benefit the strikers. Anarchy has become aggressive in many parts of Europe. In France the year closed with a threatening political crisis resulting from an exposure of the Panama Canal frauds.

January 1. Washington: New Year reception by the President at the White House. New York: Roswell P. Flower inaugurated Governor. Kansas: The Governor appoints the Hon. Bishop W. Perkins United States Senator, vice Plumb, deceased.

2. Tennessee: Convict miners, released by violence, are returned under military guard to Coal Creek. Captain Hardie, with a detachment of the Third Cavalry, disperses a band of Mexican outlaws.

4. England: A detachment of the Salvation Army attacked by a mob at Eastbourne. The Pope accepts conciliatory offers on the part of France.

5. Connecticut: The State Supreme Court decides that Morgan G. Bulkley is Governor.

6. Maryland: The Legislature meets at Annapolis and elects Democratic officers.

7. Foreign countries notified by Secretary Blaine that the retaliatory clauses of the United States tariff will go into effect on March 15. Kansas: Four men killed in a fight with outlaws near Springfield. Farmers' Alliance: Secret session of officers at WashingMassachusetts: Hon. William E. Russell inaugurated Governor. Connecticut: The Legislature meets and adjourns.

ton.

8. Memphis, Tenn.: Representative meeting of cotton planters.

9 Washington: First State reception of the year at the White House. Indianapolis: Street railwaysblocked by a general strike of employees.

11. Ohio: Hon. William McKinley, Jr., inaugurated Governor at Columbus. Formidable revolt in Mo

rocco.

13. Ohio: Senator Sherman re-elected by the Legislature. Maryland: The Hon. Frank Brown inaugurated Governor. Gibraltar: A British squadron sails for Morocco.

14. St. Louis, Mo. : Annual Convention of the Young Men's Hebrew Association. Indianapolis, Ind. : Tramway strike ended by arbitration. England: Death of the heir presumptive to the British throne. Prussia: Opening of the Landtag.

15. Washington: Annual meeting of the Women's Suffrage Association, Susan B. Anthony, president, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucy Stone, honorary presidents.

16. San Francisco: International League of Press Clubs. Washington: Association of American Inventors and Manufacturers of Patented Articles. France: A fight in the Chamber of Deputies. Dahohomey: Battle between French and natives, the latter defeated.

20. New York: Meeting of the Society of Civil Engineers. Rio de Janeiro: Successful revolt of pris

oners.

21. Maryland: The Hon. Charles H. Gibson chosen United States Senator. Boston: Dedication of Chamber of Commerce building.

22. The Soudan: The French defeat a native force. 23. Washington: The President issues an ultimatum regarding the dispute with Chili.

26. Washington: Minister Egan telegraphs that Chili accedes to the demands of the United States.

27. Chicago: National conference of the various "reform" parties, Miss Frances E. Willard, president. Washington: Meeting of the National Board of Trade, Frederick Fraley, president. Spain: Striking miners at Bilbao repel an attack of Government troops. Russian troops called out to suppress bread riots.

Washington: The President announces the satisfactory adjustment of the Chilian trouble. Chicago: Meeting of the National Farmers' Alliance, D. F. Ravens, president. Mexico: A formidable insurrection headed by the outlaw Garza.

VOL. XXXII.-17 A

February 1. Washington: The Supreme Court decides that Boyd is Governor of Nebraska, and that the antilottery law is constitutional. Germany: 20 anarchists arrested in Berlin.

2. Washington: The President proclaims reciprocal trade relations with Germany. Poundridge, N. Y. : A boy kidnaped and $6,000 ransom demanded.

3. Washington: Parcels Post Convention signed between the United States and British Guiana.

5. Washington: The President proclaims reciprocity with the British West Indies.

7. Columbus, Ohio: Meeting of the United Mine Workers of America.

8. Washington: Opening of negotiations concerning free trade between the United States and Canada. France, Italy, and Sweden selected as arbitrators in the Bering Sea question.

9. England: Parliament meets. Mr. Balfour accepts the Conservative leadership.

12. Germany and Spain: Anarchist plots discovered at Berlin and Barcelona.

13. A remarkably brilliant aurora visible in the Eastern States. Kansas: Wolves become troublesome and dangerous in parts of the State.

15. Washington: The Canadian free-trade commissioners return home without having effected a treaty.

16. Baltimore: Annual meeting of the Society of Mining Engineers.

17. Nashville, Tenn.: National Real Estate Congress opens, B. M. Niel, of Milwaukee, president.

18. Washington: A congressional party, numbering about 350, starts for Chicago to inspect the World's Fair site.

21. Indianapolis, Ind.: Strike of tramway employees. 22. Albany, N. Y.: The Democratic State Convention favors Hill for President. Washington: General Congress of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. Harrison, president.

23. Buffalo, N. Y.: Convention of Electrical Engineers. England: A motion to disestablish the Church in Wales defeated in the House of Commons.

24. Germany: The Emperor makes an extraordinary speech at Brandenburg, much criticism excited. France: Seizures of dynamite by the police in Paris.

25. Washington: Congressional investigation begins of the Pension Office under Commissioner Raum. Philadelphia: Consecration of the Rev. Dr. Ignatius F. Horstman as Bishop of Cleveland (Roman Catholic). Canada: Parliament opened by Gov.-Gen. Lord Stanley. Berlin: Riotous demonstration before the Emperor's palace.

26. Chicago University: John D. Rockefeller gives $1,000,000 in Government bonds. Berlin: Continued disturbances. Indianapolis: The striking tram-car drivers resort to violence. France: A new Cabinet organized by M. Loubet. Germany: More rioting in Berlin.

29. Washington: The Supreme Court renders decisions affirming the constitutionality of the McKinley tariff, of Speaker Reed's method of counting a quorum, and denying a writ of prohibition in the Sayward The Bering Sea arbitration treaty signed. Boston: The Grand Jury finds indictments against the Whisky Trust officials. Continued scenes of violence in Indianapolis. New Orleans: Mardi Gras festivities begin.

case.

March 1. Greece: The King dismisses his entire Cabinet. Austria: Much suffering among the poor in Vienna.

2. New York: Mass meeting to celebrate the Pope's birthday. Washington: Lumbermen's Convention, C. W. Goodyear, New York, president.

3. Baltimore: Corner stones laid in connection with the Women's College. Valencia, Spain: Anarchists explode a bomb in a church.

4. Washington, D. C.: Disagreement of experts on the Bering Sea question. Dantzic, Prussia: A mob loots several buildings.

5. Tennessee: Revenue officers and moonshiners killed in an encounter near Ducktown.

6. Dickenson College, Carlisle, Pa.: Dedication of a memorial chapel.

7. Pittsburg, Pa.: Convention of the machinery trades to form a National Union. Guatemala: The President-elect arrested by order of the President. Quebec, Canada: An election results in Conservative victory.

9. Memphis, Tenn.: Three negro convicts taken from jail and shot by a mob. Washington, D. C.: Conference of postmasters at the invitation of the Postmaster-General. By bequest from Gen. George W. Cullom, the Military Academy at West Point receives $250,000 for a memorial chapel, the Geographical Society $100,000, and the Metropolitan Museum $75,000.

10. Announced dissolution of the Standard Oil Trust. Twelve thousand bushels of corn from Bloomington, Ill., and $5,000 from Baltimore, sent to starving peasants in Russia. France and Spain ratify

commercial treaties with the United States.

11. Washington, D. C.: An exchange of money orders arranged between the United States and Austria. 12. Great Britain: About 400,000 coal miners strike against a reduction of wages. Paris: Anarchists wreck with dynamite the house of a judge.

13. Washington: The President announces reciprocity with Nicaragua. Vienna: Encounter between the police and starving workmen.

14. Washington: The President proclaims higher duties against Colombia, Hayti, and Venezuela, under the reciprocity act. New York: The steamship Missouri sails for Russia with supplies for starving peasants. Kentucky: Dealing in lottery tickets made a felony by law. Paris: Anarchists explode dynamite near occupied army barracks.

17. England and Denmark appropriate respectively $50,000 and $66,000 for representative exhibits at Chicago. New York gives $300,000 for a State exhibit.

18. Washington: Nine new circuit judges appointed by the President. Two convicted murderers fynched near Gainesville, Va. Paris: Celebration of the Commune anniversary.

20. Albany, N. Y.: Two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the First Reformed Dutch Church.

21. Chicago: Seven aldermen indicted, and held in $12,000 each, for alleged bribery. Washington: The Interstate Commerce Commission elects William R. Morrison chairman, vice Cooley, resigned.

22. Wisconsin: The State Supreme Court declares the new apportionment unconstitutional. Texas: Roger Q. Mills chosen United States Senator.

23. Washington: Receipt of England's refusal to renew the modus vivendi 'in Bering Sea. Massachusetts: the Governor's yearly salary fixed at $8,000. Minneapolis: 22,000 barrels of flour sent to the starving Russians.

24. Homestead, Pa.: Andrew Carnegie promises his workmen a library, hall, and gymnasium, worth $100,000. Paris: A new extradition treaty signed with the United States.

27. Washington: An agreement reached with the British Government, renewing the modus vivendi. 30. Boston, Mass.: First State convention of the People's party.

31. Norfolk, Va.: Launch of the United States cruiser Raleigh at the Navy Yard. Findlay, Ohio: a wife murderer taken from jail and lynched by a mob. Germany: The Reichstag prorogued. India: opening of the Bombay water works.

April 2. Mississippi: Adjournment of the State Legislature. Africa: The King of Dahomey attacks the French possessions.

3. Russia: The American relief steamer Missouri reaches Libau with provisions.

5. France and Great Britain agree to continue the modus vivendi as regards the Newfoundland fisheries.

6. Election in Rhode Island (see article on that State). Utah: Completion of the Mormon temple at Salt Lake City.

7. France: Anarchists blow up the police station at Angers.

8. New Orleans: Convention of United Confederate Veterans.

9. Rustlers and cowboys at war in Wyoming and Montana. England: Oxford wins the University Boat Race by two and a quarter lengths.

13. Wyoming: United States troops ordered out to enforce peace between cowboys and "rustlers." Spain: Anarchists explode a bomb in Valencia. Great Britain increases the appropriation for the World's Fair.

14. The United States Government agrees to pay an indemnity of $25,000 for the New Orleans lynching. Wyoming Cowboys surrender to United States troops. Spain: Two anarchist bombs exploded at Cadiz.

15. Dakota's (North and South) surplus Indian lands, amounting to 547,257 acres, opened to settlement at 12 o'clock, noon.

16. Tennessee: Revolt of convicts at Chickamauga. Revenue steamers Rush and Bear ordered to patrol Bering Sea. Cuba: Anarchist bomb exploded in Ha

vana.

18. Ohio: The State Legislature adjourned to January, 1893. Reading, Pa.: The "First Defenders" of Washington in 1861 hold a reunion.

20. Spain: Anarchists explode bombs in three

towns.

21. Fight between cowboys and rustlers at Little Powder River, Mont. Washington: A delegation of colored men call upon the President to protest against alleged Southern outrages. New York: The State Legislature adjourns; 57 Sioux Indians sail for London to recruit Buffalo Bill's troupe. Paris: The Cabinet decides upon war with Dahomey. Rome: Conference of the Red Cross Society.

22. Washington: The President proclaims a renewal of the modus vivendi as between the United States and Great Britain in the Bering Sea.

24. Chicago: Meeting of the International Society of Theosophists, Col. H. S. Olcott, president. Many arrests of anarchists in Europe.

25. Brooklyn, N. Y. : Consecration of Mgr. McDonnell, Roman Catholic Bishop of the diocese. Paris: Anarchists wreck a restaurant with dynamite, killing the proprietor.

26. Baltimore: Dedication of a new Odd Fellows' Hall, seventy-third anniversary of the order. Paris: Anarchists sentenced to penal servitude for life.

27. New York: Corner stone of the Grant monument laid with impressive ceremonies. Washington: Corner stone of the Catholic university laid.

28. Baltimore: Meeting of the Civil Service Reform Association. Atlanta, Ga.: Annual meeting of the Scotch-Irish Society. Four negroes lynched in Tennessee for outraging white women. Anarchists very active in Europe; bombs exploded in France, Belgium, and Italy.

30. New York: Congress and dinner of the Sons of the American Revolution. Elizabethport, N. J. : Launch of the United States practice ship Bancroft.

May 1. Washington: The President announces reciprocity with Honduras. Chicago: Three anarchist flags seized by the police in the May-Day procession. Europe: Several anarchist bombs exploded in different places.

2.Omaha: Methodist General Conference begins its annual session (adjourns May 26). Philadelphia: Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Labor strikes in several States. The steamer Tynhead sails for Russia with provisions from Washington, D. C. France: Anarchist bombs exploded at Liége.

3. Washington: Annual meeting of Superintendents of Institutions for the Insane. Newfoundland: The Parliament renews tariff discrimination against Canada.

4. Pittsburg, Pa.: Annual conference, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (adjourns May 25). Philadelphia: Opening of the graduate department