Page:The Pacific Monthly volumes 1-3.djvu/180

 In Art-

Barnard's new work, "The Hewers," is now ready to be put into marble. The clay model just finished has been photo- graphed, and reveals the inspiration of a genius that compels recognition. This figure, "The Hewer," is one of a colossal group which the sculptor has designed and sketched in miniature. Whether the group is ever completed or not this one figure is in itself a noble work of art, and one of which America may well be proud. Laura Carroll Dennis says of Bar- nard: "Art to him is the expression of life, and though he stands on the mountain top, his heart throbs with the great heart of humanity." Emil Sauer, the young pianist of whom it is predicted that he will eclipse Padercwski, arrives in America this month. He has already captured Berlin, London and St. Petersburg. It remains to be seen how a New York audience will receive him.

In Science —

Six new chemical elements have been discovered since the beginning of the year 1898. These are krypton, neon, metargon, coronium, polonium and etherion. Etherion is much lighter than hydrogen, and is a better conductor of heat. It is claimed that it exists not only in the solar atmosphere and in that of the earth, but that it is diffused throughout all space. The physiological effect of music has already been recognized, and it is now proposed to utilize it in the treatment of certain diseases, particularly in nervous maladies. Hellite is a new explosive of American manufacture and invention, the power of which is almost beyond belief. It is comparatively noiseless, and has already passed the experimental stage.

Leading Events —

December 1. — Governor Tanner, of Illinois, is indicted by the grand jury for omission of duty in connection with the Virden coal miners' riots, October 12.--The French government issues a decree forbidding the importation of fruits and plants from the United States--President Alfaro, of Ecuador, assumes a dictatorship over that country.

December 2. — Emperor Francis Joseph's semi-centennial jubilee is observed through- out Austria The United States is recognized as the supreme power in the province of Santiago de Cuba.

December 3. — American officials begin the work of cleaning the streets of Havana.

December 4. — President Zelaya, of Nicaraugua, appoints a new cabinet.

December 5. — General Henry succeeds General Brooke as military commander in Porto Rico The closing session of the Fifty-fifth congress begins with the reading of President McKinley's annual message.

December 1-17. — Massachusetts cities hold elections Two thousand Spanish troops sail from Havana for Spain Orders are issued for the establishment at Havana of the United States garrison, to consist of the Eighth and Tenth infantry.

December 7. — Mass-meetings are held in Chicago to protest against the extension of the street-railroad franchises for fifty years.

December 8.— The United States senate takes up the Nicaragua Canal bill The house passes tne urgent deficiency appropriation bill, providing funds for the support of the army and navy— The court of cassa-