averaged, during the
last few years, three thousand four hundred and ten million pounds
(3,410,000 pounds), and for the whole world it is set down at nearly
twice that amount. It is estimated that three fourths of the sugar is
made from cane, and one fourth from the beet.

The consumption of coffee has doubled in most countries during the
last twenty years.

* * * * *

UNPLEASANT DISCOVERY IN THE PATENT OFFICE--LEVYING BLACK MAIL.

"The Patent Office has been, during the past week, in a high state of
excitement, occasioned by the discovery of the operations of E. W. W.
Griffin, clerk in charge of the draftsmen's division, who, it appears,
has been levying black mail on the lady employes of the office, for
nearly two years. During the administration of Colonel Fisher, late
Commissioner of Patents, a large number of ladies were employed, for
the purpose of recopying drawings, when ordered by the inventors, of
patents already on file.

"These ladies were placed under charge of Griffin, with power to
retain them in office so long as their services were satisfactory. It
has been proved that Griffin hired the ladies at regular salaries of
$1,000 per annum, the most of whom he blackmailed to the amount of
$400 per year each. It is estimated that he has made $1,000 per month
for the past two years.

"The matter was brought to the notice of Commissioner Duncan, and an
investigation ordered, which resulted in the dismissal of Griffin.

"It is thought that there are other cases of this kind, and the
Commissioner expresses his determination to ferret them all out,
and make a clean sweep of all parties in his department engaged in
swindling operations, against the government or against individuals.

"The Patent Office has for a long time been considered a rich field
for operations of this kind, and investigations have often been
suggested, but passed unheeded by the proper authorities.

"It is openly stated that an investigation into the relations existing
between certain examiners of patents and certain patent agents, would
disclose a more fearful state of blackmailing than exists in all the
other government departments combined."

[We find the above sensational paragraph among the recent Washington
items of the _Evening Mail_. We are in a position to say that "the
high state of excitement" alluded to has existed only in the brain of
the newspaper correspondent. The facts, in brie