S. K. Brown, Jun., living in a small Pennsylvania village, where there is a famous Friend's school, sends to the Round Table a quotation from a Philadelphia newspaper, and says he desires more information. The quotation, in his words, is under the title of "The Floating Stone of Corea," and runs:
"The stone is of great bulk, and shaped like an irregular cube. It appears to be resting on the ground; but is free from support on any side. If two men, standing on opposite sides of it, hold each the opposite ends of a cord, they will be able to pass it under the stone without encountering any obstacles."
We also should like more information. Can any one give it? There must be an explanation, else we must for the first time doubt that the law of gravitation is universal.
Good and Funny as a Game.
I have seen many games described in the Round Table, and I thought I would write out one which is played here. It is called "Key." The boys and girls are placed in two rows, and between them is seated the one who holds the key. The latter selects some one to take the key and give it to the one who has the longest hair, prettiest teeth, nicest dress, or anything he or she chooses. If the one who has to choose is a boy, he must choose a girl; if a girl, she must choose a boy. The one selected then goes around, and so on. The ones who have gone around then tell for what they chose the others. This game is very good when played right—and funny.
Nellie Thompson.
Golconda.
Questions and Answers.
One of our questioners asks for an explanation of the treaty just signed between this nation and Great Britain, and why Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Cleveland, and so many others rejoice over it. We are exceedingly pleased to reply to a questioner so keen and intelligent. Disputes are likely at all times to arise between nations, as they are between individuals. We have long since provided for the latter, not by urging each disputant to fall to pummelling the other, but by judges and jurors, who hear testimony and make decisions on them. The world is just now entering upon that stage of progress when nations as well as individuals no longer fall into wicked war, but have judges to hear and determine for them. The treaty which you ask about provides that when, during the next five years, any differences arise between the United States and Great Britain, such disputes, with all the testimony on both sides, shall be referred to six arbitrators, three to be named by each side. If these six men fail to agree in their decision, they are to select a seventh arbitrator. The latter may be any competent person. If the seven fail to agree, the dispute is to be left to the wisdom of the King of Sweden, whose decision shall be final. The treaty has been signed by our Secretary of State and the British Minister. It is signed in duplicate, one copy being for us, and the other to be sent to London. It is not yet law, and may never become law. It is awaiting confirmation by our Senate. If it is not confirmed, it is laid away in our State Department along with many other unconfirmed treaties. The reason so many rejoice over the event is because, as Mr. Gladstone says, "it is a step of real progress." You live in a fortunate age, that sees a step so important in the uplift of mankind.