HOME STUDY. A thorough and practical Business Education in Book-keeping, Shorthand, etc., given by =MAIL= at student's home. Low rates. Cat. free. Trial lesson 10c. Write to BRYANT & STRATTON, 85 College Bldg., Buffalo, N.Y. CARDS FOR 1897. 50 Sample Styles AND LIST OF 400 PREMIUM ARTICLES FREE. HAVERFIELD PUB CO., CADIZ, OHIO HARPER & BROTHERS' Descriptive list of their publications, with _portraits of authors_, will be sent by mail to any address on receipt of ten cents. HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York. [Illustration: PISO'S CURES FOR CONSUMPTION] WHERE ALL ELSE FAILS. Best Cough Syrup. Tastes Good. Use in time. Sold by druggists. [Illustration: HOW TOMMY MADE ONE SKATE DO.] * * * * * A SURPRISE FOR EMPEROR WILLIAM. Before the many independent states of Germany were united into an empire by Bismarck and Emperor William I., the Bavarians and the Prussians were on terms of a none too solid friendship. The old feeling of rivalry has not been entirely eradicated from the lower classes, as may be gathered from the following anecdote which is authentic, the incident occurring only a few weeks ago. The Emperor had just been reviewing a body of naval recruits brought together from all parts of the Empire, and he had addressed them briefly upon the glory of a naval career, and had warned them against the enemies of the nation both at home and abroad. At the close of his speech the young Prussian Emperor was attracted by the stalwart appearance of a big bluejacket in the front rank. He called the man to him and asked him what part of the Empire he came from. "From Wiesbach, in Bavaria, your Majesty," replied the recruit, saluting. "And did you understand all I have said," continued the Emperor. "Do you know whom I mean when I speak of our foreign enemies?" "Yes, your Majesty. The Russians." "And do you know whom I refer to by our enemies at home?" continued the Emperor, referring, of course, to the socialists and other disturbing elements of the Empire. "Yes, your Majesty," replied the Bavarian, promptly. "You mean the Prussians!" * * * * * A SMALL BOY'S AMBITION. I want to be a newspaper-boy, And just as soon, sir, as I can, For when I'm grown up 'tis my wish To be a big newspaper-man. * * * * * EXTREME POLITENESS. Politeness is of course one of the most desirable qualities in a man or a woman, and particularly in boys or girls. The following story may teach us something even if we do not necessarily believe it to be true. It appears that in Japan not long ago three men broke into a dyer's house while he was away. They were surprised at their work by the dyer's wife, who asked them what they wanted. One of them replied by gently asking the wife how much money there was in the place. She answered that there was just a little in the house. The robber laughed and said: