Roller skating is now claiming the attention of, first, physicians, who seem to be divided in their verdict as to the injurious physical effects of the exercise; second, of clergymen and laymen in the churches, who object to the “rink” on account of the associations, quite as much as the doctors do to the skating; third, of economists. In a railroad car bound west recently, we overheard a conversation between two cattle drovers on the “Roller Rink,” one of whom held up a paper named the _Rink and Roller_, the organ of the new sport. These two men discussed the financial side of “roller skating,” one insisting thus: “A boy will chop wood for seventy-five cents a day, or work at the bench for that amount, and then spend fifty cents in the evening for himself and girl to attend the rink; they keep it up; what’s the good; it is a craze.” Rinks are being built in all our towns and cities, but it will come to an end like every craze. Some will be injured physically—perhaps some will date a moral lapse to an unfortunate acquaintance made in the promiscuous company; while all who go will spend their money. _What is the profit?_ * * * * * The venerable Mr. George Bancroft, having passed his eightieth birthday, still preserves his physical vigor and looks like one of the patriarchs of Washington. His mind is active and retains its strength, though now enjoying a much needed respite from literary work. Mr. Bancroft has finished his “History of the United States,” which has been a long and laborious task. Some new historian must appear, who can live in the midst of political changes, and like this great man, preserve an impartial judgment, as a historian, to continue Bancroft’s standard history of the United States. * * * * * The closing act of President Arthur’s term of office was one of simple justice to a worthy man. The following note explains it all: TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES—I nominate Ulysses S. Grant, formerly General Commanding the armies of the United States, to be General on the retired list of the army, with full pay of such rank. CHESTER A. ARTHUR. Executive Mansion, March 4, 1885. Congress had passed an act which made it possible that General Grant could be placed on the retired list. The Senate by a unanimous vote confirmed the President’s nomination. * * * * *