I can see but one way of hope and that comes from the wide-spread disposition to condemn crimes in high places, and to break away from partisan bossisms throughout the land. This may be the breaking of old party chains that will ultimately result in independent political thought and action, and culminate in an era of honesty in the administration of public affairs and also in private dealings among men. At least I hope so. [Illustration: PUTTERIN’ ROUND. BY CORA A. MATSON DOLSON.] “Pretty old for work, I am! Though I used to till my ground In good shape as any one— Now, I only putter ’round. Way I used to swing a scythe Was a caution, tell you, though! Down my acre any day— But I’m gettin’ old and slow. Still, I keep the burdocks out, And the grapevines up and trim; And this great-grandson of mine— Takes my time a-watchin’ him. He’s the cutest little chap, Like his Grandpap, and his dad— And that boy of mine I lost When he was an eight-year’s lad! I make out to split the wood, Like this—little at a time. There’s that baby, top the gate! Beats all, how the feller’ll climb! “Here, let’s stay with Grandpa now; Build a cob house on the ground,” “Keeps me pretty busy?” Yes, Guess it does, a-putterin’ ’round!” [Illustration: _Should the Publicity Bill Pass?_ “_There should be a law passed to absolutely forbid corporation gifts to political parties_”—_President’s Message_ _Kemble, in Collier’s Weekly_] [Illustration: _That’s the Question_ _The Investigated_—“_What we want to know is, who’s going to investigate Congress?_” _Bart., in Minneapolis Journal_] [Illustration: _Educational Department_] * * * * * STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLO. DECEMBER 29, 1905. _Honorable Thomas E. Watson_, DEAR SIR: (1) Are the Greenbacks all retired, and if so, when retired? (2) Are the Greenbacks legal tenders? (3) Are National Bank bills legal tender paper, and if not, on what basis do they have circulation? (4) What is meant by “free coinage” as advocated by silver men? (5) Could the holder of greenbacks during the War convert them into Government bonds at their face value? (6) Did the United States Government ever propose to pay the National Debt in silver or gold at its option, and when? If not, why not? (7) If silver coin is not a legal tender, why do silver dollars pass current at their face value, and why do National Banks pay out their silver at their counters and refuse to exchange them, as is usually the case, for gold? (8) Who determines the value of foreign coins? Yours, ⸺ ⸺. ANSWER (1) No. $346,000,000 still circulate, much to the annoyance of the National Bankers.