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THE RIVER PRESS, FINGER RINGS. Their Antiquity and Traditions of Magi cal Power-Some Ancient Rings. Fashions in finger rings-if the passer-by may judge from the jewelers' windows of to day-suffer but little change. Fashions in clothes come and go with a season; and at best do not seem able to outlast the century that created them. But everywhere to-day women are wearing rings that had their shapes fourteen hundred years and more, be fore Christ. It is not surprising that there is nothing new in this matter of rings for fash ion, fancy, religion and love have combined to create styles and shapes in rings for thou sands of years, from a time so far in the past that the rings shine there alone, all around is in ashes and darkness. Society observers remark with a displeasure on what they are pleased to call a "tendency" of ring fashions to a profusion of rings on one or all fingers. This is not new. At first the Romans only used a single ring, then one on each finger, then several on each. afterwards, according to Aristophanes, one on each joint. Their foppery later carried them into the fashion of wearing different rings each week, a fash ion that that funny wretch Heliogabalus car ried to its extreme, for, according to Lampid ius, that Emperor never wore the same ring twice. What is to-day original is only that which has been forgotten. The old metals, the old gems, the old motives are revived every day. Rings are given to-day with the same feeling, the same sentiment that animated the ring givers of old, a sentiment and feeling which was best put by James I. of England on send ing a diamond ring to Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, on the recovery of the latter from a dangerous illness. "That the favor and af fection he bore him was and should be ever, as the form matter of the ring, endless, pure and perfect." Quite recently there was made by a New York jeweler a copy of the ring of Suphis or Cheops, King of Memphis, the Egyptian monarch who caused the great pyramid at Ghizeh-which struck the patri ach Abraham with such awe-to be built for his tomb and epitaph. The original ring of Suphis, which is owned in this country, was fashioned by some artificer in gold, B. C. 2000. The copy is now worn by a New Yorker who certainly has a taste for the original, in possessing what was a novelty nearly four thousand years ago. This ring of Suphis is the most valuable antique ring extant. Almost its equal in value, and quite its rival in interest is the ring of the Patri arch Joseph, now in the possession of the Earl of Ashburnham. There is seemingly no doubt but what this ring is the veritable golden circlet that PharaOh gave to Joseph when " he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt." While the art work in this ring is superb it is naturally the historical value that renders it priceless. Historical rings are, however, by no means uncommon. For rings seems to be destined never to decay, their fate has something of the endlessness of their shape. In the British Museum is preserved an enameled gold ring bearing the name of Ethelwoulf, King of Wessex, the second King of England. Its date is A. D. 836. The ring of Edward the Confessor was for a long time owned by Charles Kean, who wore it each time he appeared in the charac ter of King Lear. The signet ring of Shake speare was found by a laboring woman up on the surface of the mill-close, adjoining Stratford churchyard, March 16, 1810. It is of gold, weighs twelve pennyweights, and bears the initials "W, S." There is a con nection or union of the letters by an orna mental string and tassels, known commonly as a true lover's knot, the upper band or flourish of which forms the resemblance of a heart. It was upon the finding of the ring that Hayden the painter wrote to Keats: "My dear Keats, I shall go mad ! In a field at Stratford-upon-Avon that belonged to 3hakespeare, they have found a gold ring and seal, with the initials 'W. S.,' and a true lover's knot between. If this is not Shake speare's whose is it ?-a true lover's knot! I saw an impression to-day, and am to have one as boon as possible; as sure as you breathe and that he was the first of beings, the seal belonged to him. R. B. HAYEEN." "Oh, Lord !" The fisherman's Ring used by the Pope to seal Papal Beliefs and Bull, is a steel seal made in the fashion of a Roman signet (sig natorius annulus.) When a brief is written to any distinguished personage, or has re lation to religious or general important mat ter, the impression from the Fisherman's Ring is said to be made upon a gold surface; in some cases it appears upon lead, and these seals are generallyattached by strings of silk. Impressions of this seal are also made in ink, direct upon the parchment on Which the brief is written. During the ceremonies at tendant upon the death of a Pope, thefigurp of St. Peter upon the ring isdestrdyed with a file, and thereupon all the authority and acts of the late Pope pass to the College of Car dinals. When a new pFope is QoisecratedI the renewed Fisherman'sr- Ring is prteseted him by the Cardinal Chancellor or Chamber lain. The meaning attached tio rings has been as variable as their shape. Charms and mystic powers have been connected With them from the first, and there liti atill ~fill over: the world liangering sU stit i * optseato e ith them. The Russians are particularly at tached to turquoises and believe faintly or resolutely, that they pres erv from bodily: harm. Jasper set in-ringStooktie lead of all other precious stones: with.. the ancients for its supposed :-healiig power, and this power was thought to be strengthened when combinied with silver in stead of gold. Many ofthe Gnostid or Basil idian gems, evidently used for magic and tal ismanic purposes, were of jasper. The dia mond was held in high esteem, because it was thought to be endowed with divine viz tues. A species of the ruby was thought to restrain fury and wrath. The jacinth or hy acinth was said to have the faculty of pro curing sleep when worn on the finger. Aris totle believed the amethyst capable of hind ering the ascension of vapors, while An drea Baccius says that it sharpened the wiP, being at enmity with all impurity, a stone that Nichols in his Lapidary-published 1652-says "is of so excellent a viriditie, or spring colour as that if a man shall look upon an emerald by a pleasant green mead ow's glorie by the glorie of that spring of viriditie which it hath in itself." The topaz is held as freeing men from passions and sad ness of mind ; the agate is thought to be good against poisons. The sapphire, accord ing to St. Jerome, will procure the wearer the fame of princes and others, pacify ene mies, free from enchantments, loose from prison and assuage the wrath of God. The opal is said to sharpen the sight of it's pos sessor, and cloud the eyes of those who stand about him ; for this cause it is revered as a safe patron of thieves. Cornelian is thought to gift its wearer with a cheerful heart, chalcedony procureth victory for its possessor ; while the wearing of coral in a ring has been thought sufficient to "hinder the delusions of the devil, and to secure men from Incubus and Succubus." In regard to rings there is a curious error common among all people, that the wedding finger was so chosen because of a vein run ning from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart. Levinus Lemnius quaintly says : "A small branch of the artery and not of the nerves, as Gallius thought, is stretched from the heart unto this finger, the motion whereof you may perceive evidently in all that effects the heart of woman, by the touch of the forefinger. I used to raise such as are fallen in a swoon by pinching this joint and by rubbing the ring of gold with a little saffron ; for by this, a restoring force that is in it passeth to the heart and re fresheth the fountain of life unto which this finger is joined. Wherefore, antiquity thought fit to encompass it about with gold." It is said thereon by Swinburn and others, that for this reason the fourth-by some peo ple called the third-because the wedding finger. The priesthood kept up the idea by still keeping it as the wedding finger ; but it was got at through the use of the Trinity. For in the ancient ritual of English mar riages, the ring was placed by the husband on the top of the thumb of the left hand, with the words "In the name of the Father," it was then removed to the forefinger with the words, "In the name of the Son ;" then to the middle finger with the words, "In the name of the Holy Ghost ;" and finally it was left upon the fourth finger with the closing word, "Amen." A much less notable, yet more harmful, delusion in the matter of rings was contrived some few years ago, known as galvanic rings, which when worn on the fingers were said to prevent or cure various diseases. Although by the contact of the two metals of which they are com posed, an infinitesimally minute current of electricity, hence, also of magnetism, is gen erated, still, from the absurb manner in which the pieces of metal composing the ring are arranged, and which displays the most profound ignorance of the laws of elec tricity and magnetism, no trace of the min ute current traverses the finger upon which the ring is worn; so that a wooden ring, or none at all, would have exactly the same ef fect, as regards the magnetism or galvanism. Geo. P. Reeves & Co. Watchmakers, Jewelers, -ANn Manufacturers of All Descriptions of Jewelry. And Importers of Fine Jewelry. Dia mends, Silver Ware, Watches and watch 1Iovements, HELENA, MONTANA. A Four Ounce Silver Stem-Winding Watch for $18. BENTON STONE SHOP KIELIIAUElR& STANDLEY. We are now prepared to do All kinds of Stone Work We will alfo contract for all kinds of BUILDING STONE, MASONRY, STONE IN THE WALL. All kinds of CUT STONE on hand and furnished on short notice. Also all sizes of GRINDSTONES. OUR PRIBES ARE THE LOWENT. A I SING, Benton Wash House, CO. MAI,.N AND ST. JOHN STRfEETS. wBSne A mD-aIRONING Done with neatn~ess and diipatch, FAIMIILY WAsJIIV G SOLICI'TED. )larrnfacturer and DeaIn HAR#ISS · aad SADLLES BRIDLE, The Best Btock always used. God Workmaniship, S :A large stock~ of the Celebrated MILLS, LEAK & O.'; GLOVES TO TOURISTS, TRAVELLERS AND FREIGHTERS I I have just refitted the House known as the 28-Mile Spungs, in the best manner for the recep tion and entertainment of the travelinig public, and in addition have purchased a Fine Livery Teanm and Carriage for the purpose of carrying Tourists to the Great Falls Also Tents, Fishing Tackle, Guns, and Sporting Goods of Every Discription for their SPECIAL ENJOMYIENT. Tourists willnot only find everything at my House for their Comfort and Enjoyment, but they may also enjoy a period of relaxation and pleasure at the Falls, Through Travelers will find Splendid Meals and ac commodation at reasonable prices. Frefghters will find Everything they may require for themselves or stock. I have a full stock of Canned Goods, i teats, Liquors, Cigars and Tobaccos, and can ofter the best inducements for their patronage. Everything is neat, clean and at ractive A. J. VANCE. "THE ELITE" Corner Front and Benton Sts. FORT BENTON, - MONTANA. A CHOICE LOT OF Whiskies, Wines and Cigars ALWAYS ON HAND. MARSHALL & WILSON, Prop'rs. TheElite is the most popular resort in the upper part of town. Drop in and have a friendly chat PH(ENIX SALOON! 122 Cents. BERNARD B. TIERNEY has opened on Front street the largest and best sa loon in Benton. Two Large Airy Rooms. Will afford the amusement-loving public ample op portunity for recreation at TWELVE AND A HALF CENTS. WINES, LIQUORS AND CIGiARS Of the best brands, and in large supply. Especial at tention given to the manufatcture of MIXED DRNKS To suit all palates and tastes. One large room will be used as a public club room, and ample fa cilities provided for those who take ad vantage of our pleasant resort. ROW E'S BLOCK, Near the Overland. CIGAR. AT THE [XTRADITIO N SALOONi A large shipment made of this justl) celebrated brand of cigars. "HERMITAGE" SOUR MASH And in connection with other features of this popular resot, we have instituted a Private Club Room, And will take extra pains to serve the public who may call upon us J. . EVANS & CO. J. 0, BOURASSA, Exchange Saloon F'T. BENT ON, - MONTANA. This popular saloon is kept in first-class style, and has constantly on hand a choice assortment of WINES, LIQUORS AND CIGARS, OF THE VERY BEST BR~ANDS. LESTER'S CLUB ROOMS Main Street, Fort Benton. ST. LOUIS BEER, Wines, Liquors & Cigars THE SULTANA CIGAR, All in full lines, and served in the very best~style. Front Street, Fort Benton. Choicest Wines and Liquors, THE CELEBRATED Sultana Cigars. J. J. MURPHY, Proprietor. THE BENTON SALOON J. C. WARD, Prop. A choice assortment of the very finest Wines, Liquors, Ales and Beer always in stock, I make a specialty of FINE CIGARS. All Drinks and Oigars Reduced to 12 1-20, Call axi see me. J3 . WARIDt, Main St., Benton. Overland Billiard Parlor WINES, LIOMORS & CIGARS All Drinks in Season. Wil. PRESTON. BARKER DISTRICT Main St,, next door to Court House, FOIRT BENTON. JOHN C. LILLY, Proprietor. ,The ery best Wines, Liquors and Cigars rept cKnstpantly onha nd. THE CLOTHIERS OF MONTANA. - -- The Largest, Finest and Most Complete Stock of Men's, Boys' and Children's Boots and Shoes, Hats and Caps, Blankets and Ouilts, Trunks and Valises, GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS, ETC. Can be Found at our Establishment. -0 Business Suits, Dress Suits, Duck Suits, Rubber Suits, Etc. Hand Sewed Boots and Shoes a Specialty. The Celebrated Stetson Hats and all other Leading Brands, constantly in stock. California, Pontiac, and all leading Manufactures of Blankets in all colors and weights. Trunks and Valises in endless variety. -O - WE CARRY THE FINEST LINE OF FURNISHING GOODS IN MONTANA. Cartwright & Warner's Underwear, Silk Underwear, Merino Underwear, Fancy Balbriggan Underwear, Etc. THE WORLD-RENOWNED "EVERLASTING DRESS SHIRT," E. & W. Linen Collars and Cuffs. Cassimere Shirts of all the Leading Pat terns. Silk, Linen, Cambric and Cotton Handkerchiefs. Scarfs, Neckties, Suspenders, Notions, Etc. British, Balbriggan, Lisle Thread, Cotton and Woolen Socks, IN ENDLESS VARIETY, - 0-. We are also prepared to take Measures for Suits. 1,000 Samples to select from. Perfect Fit Guaranteed. Call and examine our goods and prices before purchasing elesewhere. GANS & KLEIN, Fort Benton, M. T. Front St., near Benton (Murphy, Neel & Co.'s old stand). LOREY & MEINHARDT GRAINERS PAPER SAND //**-. . b~ .HANGERS Landscape, Ornamental, Fresco, Louse, Sign Banner and Scene Paintingof every description. Orders solicited from every naut of the 'Territory, and we insure the utmost care and dispatch in all orders through the mails. All work guaranteed First class in cvery particular, at prices to suit the times. Office in Zeigler's New Brick Block, HELENA, Mont. HARRIS & STRONG, PROPRIETORS. Ldvory Peed a nad 9ale. LIGHT AND HEAVY TURNOUTS Furnished on the shortest notice. The vehicles are all new and first-class, having been received late this fall, and are all of the newest and latest make and design. A specialty is made of Saddle Horses for Ladies and Gentlemen. THE BEST OF ATTENTION SHOWN TO TRANSIENT STOCK. OVERLAND HOTEL Front Street, Fprt Benton. This popular Hotel is situated in the centre of the town, convenient to the business houses, and opposite the steamboat landing. A number of New Rooms have been recently added, and nothing is left undone which will contribute to the comfort and convenience of guests. JOHN HUNSBERGER, P ROPRIETOR*I ALL COACHES RUNNING INTO FORT BENTON ARRIVE AT AND DEPART FRO]M THIS HOTEL.