Chapter M: B. Hilts, Towanda, Ill.—The present capital of West Virginia is

Charleston. Wheeling was the capital until recently.

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Charles Shick, Imogene, Iowa.—In the contest between John C. Heenan and Tom Sayers for the championship of the prize-ring, Sayers carried off the belt.

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Harry, Creston, Iowa.—Dealings in “futures” or “puts and calls” are contrary to the laws of Illinois. These laws have not been strictly put in force. There is a disposition to do that now.

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Mr. Thompson, Monona, Iowa—There are about 320 acres inclosed in the Union Stock Yards, Chicago.

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G. M. Ford, Chicago.—The total imports of the United States for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1882, amounted to $767,111,964; the total exports to $799,959,736.

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C. Allen, Rock Island, Ill.—The great earthquake which destroyed so many lives in the Island of Scio in 1881 occurred on the 3d of April. About 4,000 persons perished.

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Subscriber, Emmetsburg, Iowa—Chore is a corruption of the old English noun char or chare, derived from the verb _to char_ or _to chare_, signifying to work by the day, take one’s turn at doing jobs, instead of working as a regularly hired servant.

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A. Annubehale, Chicago.—None but native Americans are eligible to the office of President of the United States; but children of American citizens residing abroad are legally regarded as natives of this country so far as this and all other civil rights are concerned.

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G. W. Carter, Blair, Neb.—The fastest mile recorded of a running horse was made by Ten Broeck at Louisville, Ky., May 24, 1877, in 1:39¾. The fastest mile recorded of a trotting horse was made by Maud S. at Rochester, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1881, in 2:10¼.

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J. S. Ewell, Adrian, Ill.—The term “thoroughbred” means bred to a high point from stock of good pedigree. It may be applied to any species of animals, although, owing to the extensive breeding of horses for speed, there has resulted what is now a distinct class known as “thoroughbreds.”

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Blonde and Brunette, Chicago—The phrase “Bread is the staff of life” is attributed to Dr. Jonathan Swift. It is in his “Tale of the Tub.” It is not a Bible phrase. The original of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is still alive. He has published an autobiography. He was in Chicago not many months ago. His name is Rev. Josiah Henson.

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Non-voter, Rockford, Ill.—The fact that you are not a citizen and are, therefore, a non-voter does not exempt you from payment of poll-tax in case you do not wish to work out your assessment on the highways. The public roads are enjoyed by citizens and aliens alike, and—so are the taxes for keeping them in proper order.

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C. T. Smith, Braddyville, Iowa—The United States Government has erected a line of towers in Illinois on about the meridian of Urbana, and similar towers in other places, including the one near South Bend, Ind., for the purpose of effecting a more accurate survey of the country, and for other scientific purposes.

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