Easy Deaths.

The ' Saturday Review,'in discussing the unpleasant sensation caused by hanging, asks : ' What is really yifcnost painless mode of death ?' This is^jjuestiun for which it is impossible to fiui conclusive evidence. If, indeed, spritualism had anything to say for itself, it ought to be able to provide somo kind of answer, The very material ghosts who revisit this world by the help of mediums are often drawn form that class which has a consi derable experience of the subject. They are disreputable beings of criminal antecedents, who frequently have mide their exit to the spirit world by the route of the gallows. A more tangible result would be obtained than has hitherto been communicated to the world, if some of their familiars would call up, say the last murderer who has been hanged in Eng land and guillotined in Prance, and get them to compare impression. Unfortun ately, indeed, the ghosts in question are such confirmed liars that very little re liance could in any case be placed upon their testimony. There is, however, some evidence which is good as far as it goes. Various persons havo at different times been recovered after reaching the stage of insensibility, and their accounts, if trust worthy, tend to show that hanging is so pleasant a process that, but for the final results, it would be worth while to indulge in it occasionally, by way of amusement. The recovered persons, it is said, agree that the uneasiness is ' qmtmomentary,' that they then have visions of beautiful colors, and speedily become unconscious. Similar accounts are generally given by people who have recovered from drowning and, indeed, physiologists tell us that, so far as can be discovered, death is generally a more painles proces than we are apt to suppose If this be the case, our sym pathy with the hanged is so far thrown avray, and we might relieve the anxiety of expecting sufferes by giving them the mo3t authentic accounts of the operations which they are about to undergo. It must bo admitted, indeed, in any case, that the worst part of hanging, or of any form of execution, is probably that very unpleasant half-hour which must be passed previously to the performance. If our object be to dimmish suffering, we must consider, not the actual pang inflicted at the instant, but tfie preliminary im pression upon the imagination. For this purpose there is a considerable body of evidence which would demand attention. The popularity of different forms of suicide is not a proof that the torm adopted is really the most painles, but it is a proof that it is the least terri fying to the imagination. The ques tion as to the best inodo of performing the operation is often discusg&l, but, unluckily the results are rather ambiguous. Few persons who commit suicide, in diet, are cool enough to set about their end in a businesslike manner. jv soldier naturally shoots himself becnuse he das the materials always at hand. Women, it is said, incline in a general way to hangiug because they have contracted an aversion to firearms, vrhich remains with them —though it must be admitted that the logical process is not very sound—even when the dangerous character of an im plement should be its chief recommenda tion. Drowning again has recommenda tion to many people, not on account of its intrinsic merits, but because rivers are always handy, and because, in many casos, a voluntary performance may be oaily mistaken for an accident. The choice would appear to depend generally upon the peculiarity of temperament which makes it pleasantest for one to plunge at once into cold water, and for another to slink in by degree*. A man with vigorous nerves likes to take the shock and have done with it. A more excitable person generally shrinks from tho shock even more than from the change which it introduces, and dreads nothing which can be brought about by slow degrees. Tba French school of suicide has distinguished itself by its fondness for the charcoal pro cess, which to Englishmen generally sug gests associotions unpleasant even at the moment of death, of stuffiness, headache, md discomfort. The most elaborate plan that we remember is described as having been adopted at Paris. According to some ingenious author of contemporary history, a professor of the art kept a hospitable table, which persons about to commit suicide were in the habit of visit ing. They partook of a good dinner, with plenty of wine and excellent cookery, paying the bill we presume, beforehand, with tho understanding that a subtle poison would be mixed in one of the dishes not previously specified. We fear that the entertainer would be under a strong temptation to put it into the soup, by way of saving himself the rest of the performance. But if full reliance could be placed upon the host, we feel that such a mode of death, if not pYoeisely in accordance with Christain morality, would have its recommendation for many tem peraments. It is pleasanter to the imag ination to allow the blow to strike you without being aware at the instaut of its descent than to encounter it knowingly and visibly. And, indeed, if men of science should occupy themselves with the pro blem, there cannot be much doubt that some kind of poisoning would be the plan adopted in the interest of the sufferer. There is something unpleasant about every mode of death which involves a suspicious looking apparatus. A cold river in winter is much more terrifying than a pleasant stream in the midst of summer. The end

may be precisely tho same, and the actual amount of suffering not less in one case than another. But the instinct of self preservatioo. survives in a modified form, even with people who have decided to put an end to themselves, and warns them against everything that is painful to the imagination. Ophelia would never have drowned herself if in her time streams had been applied to the purposes common to a civilized land. And on the same princi pal there can be little doubt that some poi sons put an end to life in the quickest and least terrifying manner. An overdose of laudanum sends on out of the world with all possible respect for the decencies, and, if we consulted exclusively the tastes of our crimnals, we should probably put an end to them by some composing draught, according to the great precedent of Socrates. We do not, however, pronounce any opinion as to the advisablenoss of any change in the operation. After all, the chief thing is to have some method which is, so to speak, sanctioned by a long asso ciation, and which inflicts a defenite stigma upon the memory of the sufferer. Death by law ought not to be snperflously painful, but it ought to be distinctly ignominious, and therefore there is a good beal to bo said for adherance to the old-fashioHod methods which _ have accquired ?. certain significance, simply by tho fact that they have been practiced immemorially.

The Servian Retreat.

It was a horrible nightmare, that march from Saitschar. Cannons roaring, flames lighting up the valley, gusts of thick smoke driven athwart tho hill faces, the heaven's lightning flashing against the lightning of man. a narrov* steop road crammed with fugitives fleeing from the cannon thunder, blazing smoke, women clamoring wildly that tho Truk is close behind them, children shrieking or sobbing; animals, oxcmi, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, in an inextricable entangle merit on the Via Dolorosa. Ask hese miserable, panicstricken fugitives, crushing forward as if tho plague chased them, how they like war. No. Ask this man with knitted brow and quivering lips, who, musket on shoulder one child on the other, strides on through the mud, thinking of the crops on his acrOs that he leaves behind, already golden with harvest hues, Ask these two soldiers, each with bullet holo through the right hand, how they relish war now, as they tramp homeward, certainly not to glory. Is it not time to interfere in a struggle which is not war breast to breast, mim to man, weapon to weapon, but agony unspeakable to fugitive wonjen and children ? To the nightmare of horror succeeded a day even more heartrending. For hours there raged on the lofty shoulder of UYtunj, above thousands of exposed fugitive families, a thunder-siorm of a violence I have never seen equalled in the tropics. Hail stones as big as walnuts dashed do .in among the miserable creatures already drenched, and standing or lying in pools of water. The wail of the children, the shrieks of the women, the rushing of horses and cattle, amid the lurid gloom of tin's terrible storm, seemed like a foretaste of the Day of Judgment.

Pirnetti.

Auoux the beginning of the present con tury a conjuror mado his appearance at St. Petersburg, who astonished the natives by his marvellous performances His name was Pirnetti, and his fame is yet in the memory of those who witnessed his unrivalled talents. The Czar Alexander, having heard Pirnetti much spoken of, was desirous of seeing him, and one day it was announced to the conjuror that lie would have the honor of giving a representation of his magical powers at Court, the hour fixed for him to make his appearance being seven o'clock. A brilliautand numerous assembly of ladies aud courtiers, presided over by the Czar, had met, but the conjuror was absent. Surprised and displeased, the Czar pulled out his watch, which indicated five minutes after seven. Pirnetti had not only failed in being in wailing, but had caused the court to wait, and Alexander was not more patient than Louis XIV. A quarter of an hour passed, half an hour and no Pirnetti. Messengers who had boon sent in search of him returned unsuccessful. The anger of tho Czar, with difficulty restraiaed, displayed itself in threatening exclamations. At length, after tho lapse of an hour, the door of the saloon opened, and the gentleman of the chamber announced Pirnotti, who pre sented himself with a cairn front, and the serenity of one who had done nothing to reproach himself with. Tho Czar, how ever, was greatly displeased ; but Pirnetti assumed an air of astonishment, and replied with coolness:

'Did not your Majesty command my presence at seven o'clock precisely ?'

'Just so!' exclaimed the Czar, at the height of exasperation.

' Well, then.' said Pirnetti, ' let your Majesty deign to look at your watch, and you will preceive that 1 am exaefc. and that it is just seven o'clock.'

The Czar pulling out his watch violently in. ordor to confound what he considered a piece of downright insolence, was com pletely amazed. The watch marked seven o'clock? In turn all the courtiers drew out their watches, which were found, as usual, exactly regulated by that of the sovereign. Seven o'clock ! 'indicated with a common accord by all the watches and

clocks in the palace. The art of the magi cian was at once manifested in their strange retrogression in the march of time. The anger was succeeded by astonishment and admiration. Perceiving that the Czar smiled, Pirnetti thus addressed him: ' Your Majesty will pardon me. It was by the performance of this trick that I was desirous of making my firrt appear ance before you. But I know how precious truth is at Court; it is at least necessary that your watch shall tell it you, sire. If you consult it now, you will fiad that it marks the real time.' The Czar again drew forth his witch, it pointed to a few minutes past eight; the same deflection had taken place in the watches of all those present, and the clocks of the palace. This exploit was followed by others equally surprising and amusing. At the close of the performance, the Czar having complimented Pirnetti, brought back to his remembrance that, in the course of the evening's amusement,, he had declared that such was the power of his art that he could penetrate every-

where

'Yes, sire, everywhere,' replied the conjuror, with modest assurance. * What!' exclaimed the Czar, 'could you penetrate even into this palace were I to order all the doors closed and guarded ?'

' Into this place, sire, or even into the apartment of.your Majesty, quite as easily sis I could enter into my own house,' said Pirnetti.

• Well, then,' said the Czar, 'at midday to-morrow I shall have ready in my closet the price of this evening's amusement, one thousand roubles. Come and get them. But I forewarm you that tho doors will be closed and carefully guarded.' ' To-morrow at mid-day I shall have the honor of presenting myself before your Majesty,' replied Pirnetti, who bowed and withdrew.

The gentleman of the house followed the conjuror to make sure that he quitted the palace ; they accompanied him to his lodgings, and a number of police surroun ded the dweling from the moment he entered it. The palace was instantly closed, with positive orders not to suffer, under any pretext whatever, auy one to enter until the Czar himself should com. mand the doors- to be opened. These orders were strictly enforced, confidential persons having watched their execution. The exterio? openings to the palace wpro guarded by the soldiery. All the approaches to the palace were protected by high dignitaries, whom a simple professor of the art of legerdemain possessed no means of bribing. In short, for greater security, all the keys had been carried into the Imperial cabinet. A few minutes nrevious to the hour fixed for Pirnerti'a interview with the Czar, tho Chamberlain on service brought to his Majesty a despatch, which the messenger had handed him through an opening in Ihe door. It wi« a rn.ioft fiMiu the Minister of Police tint Pirnetti had not left home. ' Aha !ho has found out that the undertaking is impracticable, and has abandoned it,' observed the Czar, wifrh a smile. Twelve o'clock sounded. While the last stroke yet reverberated, the door which communicated from the bedroom of fche Czar to the cabinet opened, and Pirnetti appeared. The Czar drew back a couple of paces, his brow darkened, aud after a momentary silence, he said, ' Are you aware that you may become a very dangerous individual ?'

' Yes, sire,' he replied, ' but I am only an humble conjuror, with no ambition save that of amusing your Majesty.' ' Here,' said the Czar, ' are the thous and roubles for last night, and a thousand for this day's visit.'

Pirnetti, in offering his thanks, was interrupted by the Czir, who, with a thoughtful air, inquired of him, 'Do you count on yet remaining some time in St. Petersburg?'

' Sire,'he replied, ' I intend setting off' this week unless your Majesty orders a prolongation of my sojourn.'

'No,' hastily replied the Czar, 'it is not my intention to detain you, and moreover,' hu continued, with a smile, ' I should vainly endeavor to keep you against your will. You know how to leave St. Petersburg as easily as you found your way into this palace.'

' I could do so, sire,' said Pirnetti, ' but far from wishing to leave St. Petersburg stealthily or mysteriously, I am desirous of quitting it in the most public manner possible, by giving to the inhabitants of your capital a most striking example of my magical powers.'

Pirnelii could not leave like an ordinary individual; it was necessary that he should crown his success in the Russian capital by something surpassing his previous efforts ; therefore, on the evening preceding the day fixed for his departure. ho announced that he should leave St. Petersburg the following day, at ten o'clock in the morning, and that lie should quit by all the city gates at the saim* moment. Public curiosity was excited to the highest degree by the announcement. St. Petersburg at that time had fifteen gates, which were encompassed by a multitude, eager to witness this marvel lous departure. The spectators at these various gates all declared that at ten o'clock precisely Pirnetti, whom they all perfectly recognised, passed through. 'He walked at a slow pace, with head erect, in order to be the better seen,' they said, and he bade us adieu in a clear and audible voice.' These unanimous testi monies were confirmed by the written declaration of the oflicers placed at every gate to inspect the passports of travellers.

The inscription of Pirnetti's passports was inscribed at the fifteen gates.—[Translated from the German.

The Rival Lovers

Tjie lady fair who is to be the heroine of this thrilling narrative resides in South Washington, and for a long time was loved by two of the young bloods residing in that vicinity, and for many nights did they linger near the G-ospel tent, where she was a regular attendant, and basic in the sunshine of her smiles. A word from her would send ecstatic bliss into the soul of lover No. 1, and one of her loving glances would cause a flutter beneath the shirt front of swain No. 2, that sounded like a small boy rolling marbles into his trousers pocket. Thus matters stood until Monday night, when the rivals for this dear girl's love arrived at the tent, full of hope and happy in the enjoyment of the knowledge that they separately were engaged to take her home. The time arrived, and the lovers stood one on either side of the entrance. But she came not; five minutes elapsed, and still ' She cometh not,' said they. Another five minutes and she approached them, leaning lovingly upou the arm of another. Their anguish was plainly visible, and pent-up wrath was thrown at each other in emphatic terms. Each believed that the other was the cause of it, and said No. 1 to No. 2, ' You, sir, must fight.' Calling together a number of friends they adjourned to the neighbor hood of the Congressional Cemetery; superfluous garments were thrown aside a ring formed, and beneath the twinkling stars the rivals punched each other's heads, while the green sward was dyed with the spilled gore of these two champ ions of a lost cause. Another a dozen remads, they concluded to postpone the the matter to recuperate. Tuesday night they determined to decide the fight; this time, however, with boxing gloves. In view of this understanding, Odd Fellows' Hall, on the Navy-yard, was engaged under the pretence of a rehearsal for a minstrel show. The friends and contes tants gathered within the walls, and doors and windows were secured. For an hour the lovers bunged each other's noses, and, like tigers, satiated their thirst for each other's blood.

About the time that No. 1 began to show signs of caving in, the janitor of the hall having learned of. the disgraceful affair, burst the doors in and shouted for assistance. Quick as a flish the lights were extinguished, and the mob dispersed. Later in tiie evening, another fight was arranged, and Wednesday night the old battle-field near the cemetery was sought .■main, and after half an hour's fight, friends, who saw that neither of the parties woul i give in, an 1 fearing serious results, pas-ted the fighters Since then they have be:n confined lo their beds. while the girl who had caused their woes w<is stringing up No. 3 and lending her ear to his low whisperings of love. As the poet saith : ' Tis sweet to love, but rather bitter, To love a gal and then not git her.'

The "Molly Maguires."

A Sceanton (Pa.), letter to the 'New York World,' describing the recent terrible murders committed by the Molly Alaguires in the coal regions, says : —

The orginization has a very large membership here, and the headquarters of the chiefs are located here also. One of these, while in a communicative mood yesterday, furnished your correspondent with the following facts about the origin and formation of the Molly Maguire Society. The body is but one of the numerous secret organizations that came into exstaace in Ireland during the latter part of the last eeutury. These secret bodies were known by differrent appella tions, such as the ' Levellers,' the 'White- Boys,' the ' Hearts-o'-Steel,' or ' Steel- Boys,' the ' Peepo'-Day-Boys,' the ' Kight-Bttys,' and others. These, although operating under different names, had generally but one common purpose in view, which was to resist the rapacity of laudlords, who rented their lands far above their value, and, when the tenant had not the means to pay promptly on

' rent-day,' seized his goods or fluag him and his family out to perish by the road side. Many persons are said to have died through exposure by these cruelties.

At the time when, the name of a

landlord in Ireland was the sjnonym of cruelty, there lived in the County lioscom mon an old woman named Molly Mac-

quire. She had a small holding of land, and struggled hard to bring up the family of boys which her husband had left her. The constant failure of \h.e crops made her somewhat tardy in paying her rent,

and at length the land agent—an unscru-

Ipulous man—determined to eject her from the little home that was so full of sacred

recollections to her. He summoned his ' crowbar brigade'—a gang of men kept in those days by every land agfnt for the purpose of evicting tenants, throwing the houses over the heads ., of those who refused to leave, and seizing the cattle of others for rent--and went to the ' shilling! (hut or cottage) of Molly Maguire. The gray-haired matron was alone at her spinning wheel when the cruel gang came, They commanded her to leave ; bat so attached was she to the old hearth, so heartbroken at the prospect of eviction, that she said she would die first, and refused to be dragged from the hut. The brigade then commenced the work of

destruction, and, laying their icmTT" hands on the cottage, soon buried \ the prostrate form of old ifa M who was llled in the rubs. ' The cruel act stirred tfce sentiment to a white heat, and, a *W woman's wake a few enraged anrfi ' perate men pledged themselves V revensred for her death. Headed V° of Molly Maguire's sons, they ? J themselves into a society, to which! gave the murdered woman's name r a short time it spread throughout? adjoining counties of Mayo and ft 1 • ' Land agents were occasionally shop barns burned, and often in the dm an accent went into his domain anl "^ shocked to see his fine herd of r • disfigured by havincr their tails m* during the night. These atrocitie?*! tmued for some time, but at present ■ unknown in Ireland. The introdnoS! k I the Molly Maguire movemSt S*«l coal region 5 occurred about the cW> the war. It was revived by am&A satisfied and desperate miners f 0 t v purpose of having revenge on mine bos! and others in authority in and around? collieries, and received its title from 2 ' of the old workmen who in their youn days at home held tryst with the lead! in some secluded spot where the «.i»33 would not be likely to find them.

Celia's Moth.

BY KATE PUTNAM OSGOOD.

' There he is in the candle again !' exclaimj Celia, stopping her needles aad whiakine n half-fiaished stocking at a circling ijwi obsiinatoly bent; on perishing in the 9 am ' I wonder what moths were made for' stupid things !'

' Made for the candle, perhaps,' said Ror with a peculiar inflection in Ms lazy voice Calia gave him an impatient glance k resumed her knitting without answering ' It's all very well to call them sttmii continued Rory, presently, «but, if the trofi were toid, don'c you suppose the candle lii 6 the sam^. to ?'

' No, i don't,' answered Celia, shortly ' Well, you ought to know,' said Eon with that queer accent again. Celia turew down her knifcting-worf; second time. 'I declare, Eory,' she cried • I won't be hinted at like this I'

' What can Ido bnt hint—if you won't lei me speak out ?' said Eory. 'Well, speak out, then -make an end o id; may ba it's better bo,' said Celia. Hory's reply to this was to get up and con. round the tab it; to where Celia sat; whet* upon Celia, in her turn, quietly slipmj round aud seated herself in his empty chat Kory did no; dara to follow, bat he loots at; her in a diacomuied and imploring w* that raised the ghost of a smile upon lie hitherfcj s;era li&tle mouth. Bai sh

immediately became jedge-like again, I ' Now, just sit down there,' she said,«J say out v,'nat you h;.ve to say.' ' Wnat'a the U3e ?' muttered Rory, suit] a'; being ouc manceuvered. ' You knowil just as wHI us I do.'

' Know what ? Say it out, I tell yonf 1 Why, that I -tnat you—o Gelialthatl lovi; you so much 1 caa'i; say it. criedßory, a suddeu boyish gusu of tenderness melting through-the little cruaa.

Hera Celia dropped one of her knitting, needles, dived down for it, and came.np trill a red i;heek. But her reply was practical ii the extreme.

1 Well, suppose you do, what does it amoaiii to ? I wouldn't marry a shirk, any way.' This time it was into Rory's dark face that the blood flew, and he bit his lip. Celia'i. wards had stung deeper than she knewoi meant, perhaps.

' What would you have mo do ?' he said, at last. I

' Anything !' answered Celia energetically, ' G-3'o a hammer and break stones on the road would be better than nothing' ' Bab Vt'hy should I work, since my father left me enough—' c Why should you work ?' interrupted Celk. ' Wny, for the sake of working, Yes, I know -snore's the pity ; your fatha did leave you just enough to dawdle along. Yes, you do dawdle, Rory —no nee scowling like that; whac else can you call the way you've spent yonr time ever sinca you cam home ? When it's . rainy, you dawdle of with a fishing-rod ; and, when it's pleasant, you dawdle under the trees with a book all day long ; and then in the evening—. •In the evening I dawdle round the candle,' completed Rory, sarcastically, ' Yes, exactly ; and I can tell you, Eory, the caudle doesn't like it!'

' Doesn't it V said Eory, getting up. ' Well, good-night, then, Candle; I won't dawdle round you any more, this evening, a.uyhow !' With which speech he took W six feet of laziness outi of the room.

Celia stopped the click of her needles, add liatened for his tread on the stairs. She did not hear it, bub what she did hear, next minute, was the outside door closing with» bang that indicated Master Rory to beiaM very gentle mood. A little smite and then' little frown came over Celia's face.

1 Where i 3 he off to now, I wonder?' she said to herself, not condescending, however, to go to the window and see what direction the truant was taking. •To Susy Tibbiits's, perhaps : he has dove thai; ones or twice before when I put him cut—and he was put oat to-night ! Well, I can't help it; I cant see him running to waste so and hold my tongue. If he chooses to revenge himseltby going to Susy Tibbitfcs's, why, be mus taatAs all. Tsuppose ho won't expect meto sit up for him ; he knows there's the pantry window for folks that stay out .late courting- Eat Kory had not gone to Susy Tibbitts's, albiut certain of being suffered there to hove! round the candle as long and as close as M liked. He had gone down to the null stream, to a mossy stone where hehsdbeea wont, as Celia said, to dawdle with a fishing" rod ; but there was no fishing-rodiaMs hand now, and no dawdling in his mood either1. That word 'shirk' was still rankling Wittjtn him ! it was not by any means the first boo that Celia had scolded, him for being lazy,

EVENING STAR SUPPLEMENT, NOVEMBER 4, 18*6.