SUCCESSIVE Congresses having greatly impoverished the People, they were discouraged and wept copiously.

"Why do you weep?" inquired an Angel who had perched upon a fence near by.

"They have taken all we have," replied the People - "excepting," they added, noting the suggestive visitant - "excepting our hope in heaven. Thank God, they cannot deprive us of that!"

But at last came the Congress of 1889.