Honours For Railway Presidents.

Recent honorary degrees conferred by Syracuse University included one of a Doctorship of Laws on Sir Henry W. Thornton. Sir Henry is recognised as one of the greatest authorities in the railway world, and controls the destinies of that great transport system—the Canadian National Railways. A similar degree was conferred by Yale University on Brigadier General Atterbury, President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In presenting General Atterbury's name Professor W. L. Phelps observed that he had received decorations and orders from Great Britain, France, Belgium and Servia, as well as the distinguished service medal from his own country. “He is one,” said President Angell, “who is recognised at home and abroad as a courageous leader in a field of service upon which the very existence of modern civilisation largely depends.”

It is reported that a balloonist has been able to hear a man's shout at an elevation of 1,600 feet; the croaking of frogs in a marsh at 3,000 feet; the roll of drums at 4,500 feet; the pealing of church bells at 5,000 feet; the rumble of a train at 8,200 feet; and the shriek of a locomotive at an altitude of 10,000 feet.