CONJURING

is the art of performing tricks which mystify the observer, but are merely due to sleight of hand or skillfully devised apparatus. Many of these, such as fire-eating, swallowing molten metal, and similar tricks, were performed in very early times, but, whereas the old magicians laid claim to supernatural powers, the modern performer does not scruple to admit that all his mysteries are entirely the result of trick. Amongst the most succe ful performers of the past may be named Comus (late XVIII. cent.). Jules de Rovére, Préjean, Olivier, and Robert Houdin. Of late years the conjurer has been greatly a isted by the increased knowledge of science, and has availed himself of the use of electricity, magnetism, and optics. statesman and lawyer, 6. Albany, N. Y. In his earlier career he was closely identified with Utica, N. Y., where he studied and practiced law, and of which city he became mayor (1858-9). He duly acquired a national fame both at the bar and in politics. He served in Congre between 1859 and 1867 and was a member of the U.S. Senate from 1867 to 1881. In Washing ten he was notable for his powers as a debater and for his’ eioquence. He was a strong supporter of President Grant’s reconstruction policy and a foremost leader in every political movement of his time, allying himself with the more radical elements of his party on various occasions, a course that threw him in conflict with his fellow Republican leader, James G. Blaine. In his later years he was leader of the ‘Stalwart’ faction of the Republican party in New York. In this role he clashed with President Garfield over federal patronage in 1881, and both he and Thomas C. Platt, the other New York Senator, resigned their ‘seats. The New York legislature refused to reelect them, and Conkling retired to private life. In 1882 he refused an a ociate justiceship of the United States Supreme Court. province, W. Ireland, comprising counmon and Sligo; mountainous in west; principal river, Shannon; fine scenery; formerly one of Irish kingdoms, ruled by O'Connors; divided into counties about 1580. Area, 6,845 sq. miles. Pop. 609,966.