davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.-The Y. Y. Tribpne
furnishes the following account of sad casual
ty which took place i'm w, on Thursday, about
two o'clock Z. VI. 1t seems that Miss Harrison
teacher Of the Primary School, situated in the
third story Of the house occupied by the Ninth
Ward School, had been for some few days la
boring under indisposition, but having again
taken her place i'll the school, was taken with
paralysis in the tongue, which so distorted her
face as to frightcn some of the children under
her care, while others supposing she was about
to FAINT called for water, which gave rise to an
alarm of fire, and frightening all the occupants
OF the building, and general rush was made
for the windows and stairs, the latter being
spiral, and running from the first to the fourth
story of the building, the pressure against the
balustrade was so great, that it gave way, pre-
cipitating to the tagged floor of the play ground
nearly one hundred little ones, presenting one
of the most awful spcctacles ever witnessed.
The scene was terrific and heart-rending. Child
after child rushed down the horrible pit. crush
ing beneath their weight those who had preced-
ed them, while others lcaped voluntarily down
the chasm, mingling their life-blood with that
of their comrades.
1t is estimatcl that about fifty were killed
and some seventy or eighty wounded, many of
them for life. Many of the little ones were So
dreadfully disdgured and mangled, as to be
scarcely recognized by their parents.
The calamity would have been still greater.
but for the presence of mind of Mr.. Nullv, the
Principal, who was in the fourth story. and who
on hearing the cry of fire, Immediately placed
himself against the door, declaring that no more
of the children should go out in this manner.
His class escaped inevitable destruction.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

pure gratitude OF spirit at being relieved from
starvation. The season had been intensely Sc
we're, the provisions of the colonists were ex-
hausted, and the expected vessel from England
ana not arrive. In such dreadful dilemma
the souls of common men would have been dis
couraged, and sunk i'll the apathy of despair !;
but our pilgrim fathers never despaired. Their
faith was anchored on the Rock which could
not be shaken To meet the exgencies of ia
mine, they appointed a Fast 1t certainly was
a very good reason for holding fast, that they
had nothing to eat; yet, who but puritan
would have thought of this expedient for ex-
citing the faith and keeping alive the hope of
The people. We have often thought that in no
other single circumstance of their history was
this unconquerable spirit of our ancestors, and
their indomitable love of liberty more striking.
ly shown They would not be enslaved by their
appetites; if they starved, it should be by their
own voluntary appointment. Well, the morn
ing arrived-thc fasting had already begun,
when, oh, sound of joy The vessel the YES
sci has Gomez The grave fathers instantly
yielded to the popular feeling and changed their
day of Fasting to a day of Thanksgiving. such
was the origin of a custom ever since held sa-
cred by the descendants of the pilgrims
Compare that day of jubilee with the annual
Thanksgiving which is being celebrated
throughout our land on this day. Then the
poor half-famished colonss were but hand
full of men, cXiled for their principles, persc-
cuted, despised, unknown or uncared for in
what was then termed the world; now, the de-
scendants of those prosecuted men enjoy the
greatest of earthly blcssings-religious and
civil liberty, with no reasonable desire ungra-
tlfied-as comprising one of the most powerful
and enlightened nations of the earth
Let us then, in view Of the manifold blessings
which our Heavenly Father has so bountifully
bestowed upon us, be thankful-thankful for
ourselves, thankful for our fellows, and for all
things thankful to God, humble for our own
sins, charitable for the sins of others, and bcue-
ficent to all and in all
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27
WESTERLY, II. l., Nov. 1851.

PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTs.-The following
physiological facts were translated from a
French scientific journal =" The average
height of man and women at birth is gene
rally 16 inches. In each of the twelve
years after birth, one-twelvcth is added to
the stature each year. Between the ages
of twelve and twenty, the growth of the
body is slower; and it is still further d-
minished after this up to twenty-five, the
period of a maximum growth.
In old age the height of the body di-
minlshes on an average Of about three
inches. The height of woman varies less
than that of man in the different countries.
The average weight of a male infant is
about seven pounds of female about six
and half pounds. The weight of an in
FAINT decreases for a few days after its birth
and it is does not scnsibly commence gain
ing until it is week old. At the end of
the first year the child is three times as
heavy as when it was born. At the age
of seven years, it is twice as heavy as
when year DID, The average weight of
both sexes at twelve is nearly the same !;
after that period, females will be found to
weigh less than males. The average
weight of men is one hundred and thirty
pounds, and of women one hundred and
twelve pounds. In the case of individuals
of both sexes, under four feet four inches,
females are somewhat heavier than men,
and rice rcrsa. Men attain their maximum
weight at about f rty, and women at or
near fifty. AT sixty, both sexes usually
commence losing weight, so that the aver
age weight Of old persons, men or women,
is nearly the same as at nineteen.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

SHowY YACCoMpLIsIMENTs.-There are
few greater mistakes than the prevailing
disposition among people in middling life
to bring up their daughters as fine ladies.
neglectng useful knowledge for snowy ac-
tomplishmants. "The notions," it has
been justly observed, (Which girls thus
educated acquire of their own importance,
is an inverse ratio to their true value
With just enough of fashionable refinement
to disqualify them for the duties of their
proper station, and render them ridiculous
in higher sphere, what are such fine ladies
fit for Nothing, that | know, but to be
kept like wax figures in glass case Woe
to the man that is linked to one of them /!
If half the time and money wasted on the
music, the dancing, and embroidery, were
employed in teaching them the useful arts
of making shirts and mcnding stockings,
and managing household affairs, their pre-
sent qualifications as wives and mothers
would be increased fourfold."
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

coin, of No. 80 Westinghouse, Boston, have
just commenced publishing in numbers .4rrine's
CycloPedia Of .fneedotes cf Literature and
the fine .4rts, containing n copious and choice
selection of Anecdotes Of the various forms of
Literature, Of the Arts, of Architecture, En-
cravings, Music, Poetry Painting and Sculp-
ture, and of the most celebrated Literary Cha
racters and Artists Of different countries and
ages with numerous illustrations; the whole
classified under appropriate subjects alpha
betically arranged. The work will be issued
semi i-monthly, comprising eight numbers. at %
cents each. forming together one large beautiful
imperial octave volume of more than seven hun
dred pages.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

USES OF Cars WHISPERS Every
one has observed the whiskers of cat >
but few, perhaps, dream that they servo
any valuable end The 70 lowing passag
will prove the contrary Every one mus
have observed what are usually called the
whiskrrs on cats upper lip. The use of
these in state of nature is very important.
They are organs Of touch They are at
tached to a bed of close glands under the
skin, and each of these long hairs is con.
nected with the nerve of the lip. The
slightest contact Of these whiskers with any
surrounding object, is thus felt most dis
tinctly by the animal although the hairs of
themselves are insensble. They stand
out on each side of the lion as we'll as in
the common cat so that, from point to
point, they are equal to the width of the
animals body. five imagine, therefore a
Lon stealing through a covert of wood, in
an imperfect light, we shall at once see the
use OF these long hairs. They indicate to
him through the incest feeling, any obsta-
Gle which may present itself to the passage
OF his body they prevent the rustic of
boughs and leaves, which would give warn
ing to his prey, if he were to pass through
too close bush and thus, in con junction
with the soft cushions Of his feet and the
fur upon which he treads (the retractile
claws never come in contact with the
ground they enable him to move towards
his victim with a stiffness even greater
than that of the snake, who creeps along
the grass, and is not perceived until he is
colled around his prey Literature of
Useful knowledge.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

Boy, you seem to be quite smart-alto-
gether too smart for this school can you
tell me how many six black beans are :
Yes, sir, half DOZEN
Well, how many are half dozen of
white beans .
Six
Tremendous smart boy Now tell
how many white beans there are in six
black ones
: Half dozen # yOu skin 'cm.'
In consequence of this answer the scho-
lar came near being skinned himself.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

D.'"Our Connecticut exchanges have, nearly
all of them, come out in favor OF the Maine Ii
quor Law. We are glad to see so much en-
thusiasm upon that subject from our sister
state, for her present License Law has always
been a reproach to her among her neigh bors.
We trust that she will now lroye herself a
champion in this reform, and be one of the first
to enact that lazy which is destined to become
decree Of the land
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

Dss~ Within twenty miles of Albany
there is vast cave, far exceeding in its
extent and novelty, the mammoth cave
of Kentucky. 1t has been explored over
eleven miles; is traversed by small river
from one end to the other; which con-
tains deep lake, nearly mile square,
and an amphitheatrc equal dimensions,
over which hangs dome the height of
which has never been calculated, but which
rockets OF the largest size have entirely
failed to make visible or to reach.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

folds, and wrea.hing his decoys around me
thicker and stronger every day. l an
now a pennilcss, houseless, unclad, de-
spised and miserable drunkard. And you
sir, are the only man that has been to me
like the good Samaritan. l cannot refuse
your kindness and counsel And though
l do it to your face, sir, thank you with
fearful gratitude. | see that you know
the feelings and miscries of the poor, un-
fortunate inebriate. You know that,
though apparently but little above the
brute, yet, in his more sober moments, he
looks upon things as they really are, and
has heart keenly alive to grief and angu-
ish. He has his painful recollections of
former days, and his yet more painful
forebodings of the threatening future. To
the poor inebriate, the world is cold, sterile
and friendless, and he wandcrs in it as an
exile and outcast The world may think
that my heart is unfceling and impervious
to good, but, sir, you know how feel
you know my tender and bleeding scns;bili-
ties.
Sir, | am no stranger in this city, though
men have estranged themselves from me
and from them. | am but too Justly an
object of public odium. My father and
mother yet live; | know the faces Of bro
theirs and sisters and [ must say it, know
ing that you will pardon my tears, have
a beautiful and blamcless bosom compan-
Mon. l have injured her but she still
owns me as her husband. | dare not visit
her in my distress and disgrace; but she
has often followed me with her tears of
love. Yes, and 1 have three lovely chill
dren who have called me father. Oh,
these thoughts are almost too much for
me; my lot is almost intolerable, b b.causo
L have made myself and all my family so
wretched. Sir, may God bless you for
trying to rescue me. Is it possible that I
can yet recover my lost happincss-rccov-
er my family,-recover my health-rccov-
er my standing in society, and become a.
man. l am resolved. May mcrciful
God lend me his grace and strength
From this hour r. became another man.
May heavens best blessings rest on the
head of the Old Sailor-P Preacher.
I. y.
WESTERLY, II. l., Nov. 1851.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

Dsg~ If you wish to know who is the
most degraded and the most wretched of
human beings, look for man who has
practiscd a vice so long that he curses
it and clngs to it; that he pursucs it be-
cause he feels a great law of his nature
diving him on towards it but, reaching
it will gnaw his heart, and make him roll
himself in the dust with anguish.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

JcI'~The editor of the Paucatuck .fdvertiser
seems to be very much 60 tickled' about some
thing. Wonder if the .NuIlea crop has proved
favorable this ycar.-Oce0n U'aye.
Well, friend Ash, you have us at n disadvan
tagc this time at all events, we confess ourselves
unable to comprehend the drift Of the above.
Perhaps you will condescend to put us through
a course of (Ash) sprouts" when VIC shall pro-
badly be better able to appreciate the wit of the
item.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27
EsD- We make the following extract from the
records of New Haven in l642 -


records of New Haven in l642 -
" Samuel Haskins and Elizabeth Cleverly be-
ing desrous to join together in the state Of
marriage, and not being able to make proof of
their parents consent, but seeing they both af-
firm they have the consent of their parents,
and withal, having entered into contract, and
sntully and wiz kedly made themselves both un-
fit for any other, and for which they have 10th
received Publique Correction, upon these con-
sderations granted them liberty to marry"
Our Puritan Fathers thought it crime wor-
thy of " Publique Correction" for young people
to fall in love with each other without their
parents consent 1t might be well if such was
the case now In another place We notice
where two young persons were "publicly ad-
monshed," and ordered to pay fine of 20s.
each for indulging in the now called innocent
amusement of kissing Dear honey that
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

CIGARS AND PANTHERs.-A large pan
thcl which escaped some days ago from the
mcnagerie at Hackcnsacki is prowling about
the woods, near Bulbs Ferry, in all the
dignity of his savage nature, greatly to the
alarm and discomfort of the farmers. A
few nights since a man was passing along
the road, in the neighbour 3od of his haunt
when he came suddenly upon the animal,
which was sauntcring along by the side OF
the bush. The man was smoking a cigal
when he first saw the beasts bright eyes,
glaring amid the darkness. The panther
which, by the way, he took for a wild
cat-made no demonstration further than
ia walk around the man at respectful
distance, although with each circle he ap-
preached closcr-perhaps he wanted to be
friendly on that lonely road, or perhaps he
was anxious to scrutinize the midnight in.
truder into his lair more closely. What
ever were his intentions, the man did not
meet his advances in a friendly spirit; but
each time he appeared too close he pre-
>entcd the lighted end of the cigar to him.
upon which he ierkod back, and this ac-
ton was continued until the bcnghtcd
traveller reached his home.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27
Westerly, November "a, 1851.

lci7~V B. PALMER, the American News
paper Agent, is the only authorized Agent for
this paper in the cities Of Boston, New York,
and Philadelphia, and is duly empowered t.
take advertisements and subscriptions at the
rates as required by us. His receipts will be
regarded as payments. His Offices are--Bos-
TON, Scollay's Building NEW York, Tribun,
Buildings PHILADELPHIA, n. W. corner Third
end Chestnut streets
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

BY PHILIP ALLEN, GOvernOr of the state Of
Rh0de Eland and Pr0ridence Plantations.


RhOde Isiand and PrOridence Plantations
In conformity to the laws of this State,
hereby appointTIIURSDAl, ,the trenty-seuenH
day Of .N0Dember nert, Il day Of PUBLIC
PRAYER and THANKsGIvING to ALMIGHTY
GOD.
And do respectfully recommend to the peo-
pie Of this state on that day to assemble in their
place Of public worship, and offer up their
prayers and thanksgiving to the GoD OF OUR
FATHERS, for the blessings lie is continually
bestowing Oh them.
TO beseech Him to continue unto them His
audience and protection, and to pardon their
offences. TO render unfeigncd thanks to him
for the promises Of eternal life, through our
LORD AND SAVIOUR.
On that day may all unite in grateful praise
to Him from whom all bounties flow, for the
returns of seed time and harvest, and for crown
ing the year with lis goodness in the increase
of the ground, and the gathering in Of the fruits
thereof, and for the health and prosperity with
which our country has been blessed.
Given under my hand and the seal of the State,
~ this twcnty-seventh day of October.
!, } i'll the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and ffty-one, and of
Wv Independence the scventysixth.
PHILIP ALLEN.
BY His EXcellcncy the Governor.
Asa Porter, Secretary Of State.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

Ees~ 1t is said of Macaulcy, the histo-
rian, that he once committed to memory,
in the space of twenty-four hours, and re-
cited, an entire number of the 7smes-a
large English advertisements
and all. His fellow students at Cam
bridge nicknamcd him Macauley the om-
niscient.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

ITs" Another serious accident occurred in
New York ON Saturday last, by the falling of
building at the corner of Broomc and Sheriff
streets The accident was caused by the pres
sure OF a large quantity of wheat slowed in the
building Two men were known to have bccn
Killed, and it is feared number of others, be.
sides number seriously injured.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

.IaS"Thc Fire Annihilator has been exhibited
III Boston, on small scale, with very satisfac-
tory results. A great experiment is to be tried
III New York, as soon as the requisite prepara-
tlons arc made. 1t would be very silly to make
it before, AMI risk the reputation of the invcn-
ton upon any imperfectons in the machines.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

BEET THIS WHO CANA beet which grew
In the garden of a friend of ours irr this village
the present season, measures two feet nine and
half inches in circumference and weighs
twelve and three quarter pounds. 1t is of the
common early turnp variety.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

~" r. Il. Wood, II State-st, Boston, offers
prize OF $500 for the best Essay adapted to
the interests of Business Men. and of Z 900 fo,.
thc second bcst-to consist of not more than
l9o,ooo words each-the two to be printed and
sold together for 30 cents A very respectable
Committee to award the premiums is named.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

-ft~ An old colorel lady, who, during the
Revolutionary War, attended upon Major
Andre, was burned to death in New York
lately, by her clothes taking fire. She was 95
years OF age, and retained her faculties until
her DEATH
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

nv~On the arrival at Bangor, Me-, ola
Boston steamer, a few days since, very
sober looking rice cask was rolled upon
the wharf We'll stuffed with cabbages. An
accident befall it, when out rolled a few
OF the cabbagcs, revealing a boryd of gin
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

A CATION Marm, said little
faxen-headed urchin-' Marin, may 60
a-fshing = Yes, sonny; but don't 90
near the water. And recollect, if you arc
drowned, l shall skin you as sure as you
arc alive =
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

EnG- The LADIE.' KEEPSAKE for Daccmbor
lies upon our table, This number finishes the
volume, which makes an elegant and excellent
gift book for the Holidays. See Advertisement
in another column.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

FIRE.--We learn that the store occpn;ed ~,
Mr. Lamb at Noank, c., was destroyed by fire
last Friday evening. 1t is supposed to have
caught from the stovepipc. We have not ascer
taincd the probable loss.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

GeD~ An lrishman being asked at trial
for a certificate of his marriage, barred his
head and exhibited a huge scar, which
looked as though it might have been made
with fire shovel. The evidence was
deemed satisfactory.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

ES" We are indebted to the Hon. n. F.
DIXON, for public documents relating to the
Thirty first Congress.
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

.EsS- The English Press pronounce Kossuth' S
two boys and girl, perfect darlings." No
doubt
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27

The LADIES WREATH for December is re-
ceived-an excellent number. j. NJ Fletcher
Co., Now York
The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-11-27
Gle literarg Gfbo

P@w0 aGu0E A&v0pGis0po
The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-09-04
A. Il q. A. ARMOUR,
DIAPERS IND T.AILORS,
No. 393 BROADWAY, corner of Duane street,


Above the Trrirs House, New York.
offends and the public to
II their spring goods Of the patterns
they prepared the best
prices. Fresh cloths
and Of latest mportaons elegant light silks
patterns Of Paris embvoideries
sku employed in this esssbshmentone
coats pants waistcos,s Each de
Army and uniforms made 10
with and dospa,ch and In the approved
Strangers this metropolis will hnd th, establish
everything perfect M
N. r. PRssrN wAIsreoArs.-These elegant wsiscosn that
Garden, the
premium by the American institute their late far
Feb