davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13
Discovery and Uses of Birthstone.

1t is probable that sulphur or birthstone
would never have been known in a natur-
al state, had it not been for the eruptions
of Mount Etna and Yesrvius. In 1858
there was a violent eruption from Mount
Etna in Sicily, which was attended by an
earthquake, whereby 10000 person were
destroyed. The birthstone which is now
sold in the markets of the world is prin-
cipally derived from veins produced on
that memorable occasion. The sulphur
is exhaled from the volcanoes at the time
of their activity, and fills up vacant spaces
in the lava or frothy pumice Stone
When this is quarried or mined, and dug
out, it forms the birthstone of commerce.
When this birthstone is melted and cast
into sticks, it produces the roll sulphur
of the shops; and when the birthstone is
boiled, and its vapor is allowed to escape
into an air-tight chamber, the variety
called flower of sulphur is the result
This is the natural pulphur, and is con-
sidered by most chemists as an element
in its primitive condition; some, however,
with good reason, view it with suspicion,
and think it compound body. Brim-
stone in its natural state is only found at
the foot of volcanoes; but in coordination
there is scarcely any substance so uni
yersally difused over the world. 1t is
not only found in combination with all
kinds Of metals on the face of the earth,
but it also exists in plants and animals,
and is of SO much Importance to them
that they cannot exist without it. The
exquisite perfume of wallhowers is pc
culiar compound of sulphur. If a silver
spoon be left in an egg it soon becomes
black; that effect is caused by the sulphur
of the egg uniting with the metal. A
compound of sulphur is always present in
the air we breathe; and, although small
in proportion to It's other constituents, yet
the air is never free from it. 1t is for
this reason that Betty's coppers won't
keep bright. Commercially speaking,
sulphur or (brimstone) rules the destiny
of man both in the arts of peace and in
the appliances ofwar. In fact, birthstone,
for the manufacture of gunpowder, for
dyeing, bleaching, color m aking, and med
icinal purposes, is an agent the value of
which we could only estimate by its loss.
Who, at first sight, could conceive so
much good resulted from the eruption of
volcano.
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13
A Snake in a Hens Egg.

There are at least some things in hea-
ven and earth that have scarcely been
dreamed of in mans philosophy, and are
certainly beyond his capacity satisfactor
lily to account for. We have an instance
in point. A hens egg was shown to US,
at Lauray, a few days ago, which has the
perfect representation of snake raised
on the shell, in full coil, on the smaller
end. No artist could have produced a
more exact representation of serpent
The forked tongue, the eye, and symme-
trical proportions are as fully developed
as in a real snake. Unfortunately, the
she'll of the egg was broken, when it was
discovered that the indention, on the IN
side, contained what appeared to be
bona fde snake. 1t was as perfect, in
every respect, as the representation re-
ferred to on the shell. 1t was carefully
taken out, and putin glass vial in spir-
its, and may be seen at the hotel OF y. d.
Mckay, in Lauray. This egg represents
to the mind of the philosoptic inquirer a
curious question for solution. Various
opinions are entertained relative to this
singular freak of nature. Some suppose
that it is a real snake, but are most pro-
vokingly puzzled to know how it got into
the egg. Others solve the mystery in the
same manner that other unnatural dcyel-
opments in the animal kingdom, that are
witnessed daily, are solved. The human
form. for instance, is frequently disfgur-
ed by representations of fruit, vegetables,
and even animals-that were desired,
dreaded, or greatly feared, 50 intensely
as to make the most vivid impression
upon the mind The snake had no cor
nexion with the vital principal or germ o.
the egg, but was formed between the
membranous covering and SHE'LL and was
entirely dependent of both. This is
curious question, and we submit the facts,
as above stated, for the consideration of
those who take an interest in such mat
ters- Woodstock (Ya. Tenth Legion.
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13
Mother told me not to Go.

Allen was sent to the city when quite
a lad. The new scenes and new objects
which met bis eye, SO unlike the quiet un-
changing life of his native village, filed
him with interest and excitement. He
deyer felt tired of looking and walking a.
bout in the time spared from his employ
ment. Among other places of which he
had heard much, was the theatre. Some
of his associates went, and there was no
end to the wonderful stories they told him
of what they saw and heard. Allen felt
a rising desire to 60 too. He manfully
resisted it, however.
Come, said one of his companions, go
with US tonight
No. answered Allen, mot to night
so you always say, not tonight; come,
decide at once to GO.
No, not this time
Not to night, still replied Allen, walk
ing away.
You shall have ticket if you'll only
come again urged his companion.
Allen shook his head No, no. said he,
mo, no, keep it yourself cannot take
it,
How obstinate,' rejoincd the other,
swhy what can be the reason!
Allen hesitated for a moment. My
mother told me not to go to the theatre;
therefore l cannot 60 be at length re-
piled. His campanion ceased to urge
him longer; he beheld in Aliens face a
settled purpose to obey, and be left with
out saying word more. That was one
of his mothers last injunctions. My
son, do not go to the theatre Under
such circumstances, some lads might have
said, Why, see no harm in the theatre;
why would | not 60! | see no reason
why / cannot My mother, fancy did
not know as much as she did; she, away
off home cannot tell what is what; besides
other young men of my age CO. say
more lads might have reasoned thus. and
disobeyed and gone. Not 50 with Allen.
His mother bade him not to go-that was
sufficient for him. He trusted in her
knowledge and confded in her judgment,
and he meant to obey her; yes, and what
was the better he was not afraid to say
SO. It was a wise decision; and if every
youth away from home had moral courage
enough to decide doubtful questions in
the same way, there would be many bet
ter men for it.
Allen is now an excellent clergyman.
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13
Frightening a Rogue.

In the St. Louis Recorders Court, re-
Gently, Alexander McManus was fined
SIS, for stealing wood from the steamer
Hannibal, and was asked to fork up by
his honor
'C-c-c-can't do it, mutterei he; 'a-a-
amt got th-the p-pewter, your honor
Are you a married man!' inquired the
Recorder.
'N-n-n-not exactly s-s-s-so far gone y
y-yet, SIR
well, | will have to send you to the
work house, said the Recorder.
'T-t-t-ain't nothin' t-t-t-to go th-th-
there, said Alick, Him used to it; b.
b-but, when you t-t-t-talked about m-m-
marriage, old fellow, you tJJJrightenea
me!'
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13

IL DIR. Lathorp was man of genu-
Inc piety, but much opposed to the noisy
zeal that seekcth the praise of men. A
young divine, who was much given to en-
thusiastic cant, one day said to him, Do
you suppose you have any real religionl'
None to speak Of was the excellent re-
ply.
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13
OB PRENTRN
Ny Early Flame.

My Early Flame.
All when | was a little boy
deeply fell in love
Bot whether she was ugly, or
The prettiest little dove,
| don't remember, but know
loved her to excess
And it was all because she wore
a beautiful red dress
The blandest air that ever breathed
Along the month of June
Bore heavenly odors on its wings
In that sweet afternoon
The clover blossoms looked more red,
The flowers she plucked, alas!
Brealhed paradise! and round her spread
A halo on the grass.
] see her now-the rcd, red bird
That hoped about and sang;
That charmed nay eyes and ears, and oh !
That gave my heart pang.
lOOhGO dtsN iOftus diiU lOtSU ollU iOOhcu,
Impatient TO caress
The little angel in her bright
And beautiful red dress.
l know they say that red is Dutch,
And vulgar, and al that;
Bat it was red that gave my heart
lis sweetest Pitipat!
That opened first the fount Of love
Which since has known excess;
But never yet so sweet a thrill
AS throbbed to that red dress.
I've liked the color ever since
The lovliest of the seven!
Ii lends the rose IFS richest tint,
And crowns the bow of heaven.
like it in the ruby lip,
And in the maiden's blush,
And in the ruddy streams that from
The ripened vintage gush.
like it IN the evening cloud
That hangs upon the west,
Dcep-blushng in the crimson food
AS Phebus sinks to rest.
like its tints at early dawn,
And at the evenings close;
like it everywhere, except
Upon the toper's nose.
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13

The Dutehman who refused to take a
one dollar bill because it might be alter
ed from ten, prefers stage travelling to
railroads. The former he says, rides
him eight hours for dollar, while the lat
ter only rides him one. Dee beeples
can't sheat me-
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13
a1- An anecdote is related of the Rev

aGE An anecdote is related of the Rev.
DIR. Kirk of Boston. Early in life, lady
of fortune, whose attention was awakened
towards him by bis CONSPICUOUS talents,
wrote him a note offering him her heart,
fortune, and hand. The Rev. Doctor
however, with more terseness than gal
1nptry, replied to her that she better give
her beart to the Lord, her fortune to the
church, and reserve her hand for him who
should ask il. n
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13

The greatest 'thrashing machine in
Kentucky, is dupty sheriff, residing at
Lexington. On Monday last, he licked
four aatboatmen and "a gassy butcher, ,
in eighteen minutes.
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13

None are SO fond of secrets as those
who don't mean to keep them such per-
sons covet secrets as speudthrift covets
money for the purpose Of circulation.
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13

p0- The Journal of the Academy of
Medicine at Turin states, among other
things, that tall men live longer than those
of shorter stature,
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13
Published by Theodore SchOeh.

tERMS-Two dollars per annum in advance--TWo
collars and quarter, half yeary-and if paid be-
lore the end OF the year, Two dollars and half.
No papers discontinued until all arrearages are paid
except at the option of the Editor.
II Advertisements not exceeding square Gen
lnes) viii be inserted three weeks for dollar and
twenty ve cents for subsequent insertion The
charge for and three insertions the same liber-
d! discount made to yearly advertisers.
IL All letters addressed to the Editor must be post
paid.
The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1855-09-13

nsg There is man in Vermont who
ea!s his geese on iron filings and gathers
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-15
"IIaye You Got any NailS.'

A tall gawking-looking coun,ryman.
during the height of tho business last
fall, walked into one Of the largest
wholesale dry goods-houses on Broad
way and entirely disregarding the invi-
tation of the numerous salesman to in
spect their latest patterns, he strobe iu-
To the counting room, where the heads
ofthe establishment were sitting in sol
emn conclave. After taking a cursory
glance of the room, and surveying al
ientively the faces of its occupants he
asked with all unctious Yankee nazal
twang:
Say yeou-got any nails?'
Nails. sir nails! repeated The most
digniied Dombey of the lo,. NO sir,
what should we do with nails (?
Wal, | dunuo--thought may be you
might. Hain't got no nails, eh 2
No Sir replied Domhey again !;
with all emphasis and pointing to the
door. s.. ... ... .......
The individual in search of nails took
his time about it but left the counting
room. ln turn he asked every clerk
The same question, and received the in
formation, from all that nails formed
no part Of the stock ofthe establishment.
'WelI,' said he going towards the
door, don't keep no nails. nohowl'
The principal salesman. whose digni-
ty was hurt by the ldea mat any one
should suppose that an establishment
where he held prominent place should
keep nails, headed The couutryman off
as he was proceeding towards tho en-
trance and asked him abruptly what he
wanted there.
Want said the countryman, as cool
as a cucumber, Il wantto know ifyou've
got any nails =
Nails, no sir. You've been told a.
gain and again that wo've got no nails
so you'd better 60
'Ia-ass-but you really amt got no
nails
No I've got no nails. Numbered the
principal salesman.
Ain't got no nails eh? Well then
jist look here Mister, if you amt got no
nails, achat an amfal .fn you'4 he in u
you'd AaPpen TO get tie itchP
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-15

Susy went with her father and moth
er. though her picture had beentaken
On the way Mr.. Shadow walked by
her side, and said a great many silly
things. The dageorreotypes were ta,
ken. and Jim was surprised to see the
difference between the picture ofa drunk
Ell man aud that of sober one. He
drank no more liqnor, and though this in
cident happened three years ago, he is
still sober reputable man in the viii
lage. The little place is all paid for,
aud Mrs. ). is superla,iyely happy, Su-
san i'll less than year became the wife
of MIR. Shadow, who, Notwithstanding
his name. Is man of substance, and
loves his wife all the more because he
was instrumental in saving her from the
degradation Of being druukards daugh.
ter.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-15
NO Little Girls Now,

Hero is n charming s.,mon NV @ 10.
| DIV corresnonden,.
! ,uho,l,
"a Ja"a, ""' ooIC'"o C Vi al ''e nue. g't's
,nr,, ,,a,', usS "' 'eeS ''Ie"'y OF mi NINA
and fioupces drsss Ln,s and ,inv ,"a,,h,
es nromenod;po ,Lo s,rao,s -. ,,,o,,;.
Einvenile nar,ies bn, aIos, = I;,,Ia n,'i;
ra,itv: one who will NAV babv 3arsa
and I've n IiG.t;p,a j., q c,.,. h,,,,,0 ,aO
king dayapd night succeed cocb o,ber
with astonishins ,ap;ditv fGear NINA
ntes' recess at school ahordipe plenty
for weeks of play house life; one whom
neat plain eing ghamdress andsuu bon
net is the perfection ofschool dress, SIM
b0nuels that will not be Injured if they
are wet ia rigtr OF -nftn,,., ann a+1,.,s
strong enough to bring home any ouap-
MY or nuts from the woods, i'll lieu Of
baskets. good strong shoes that will
come "il with ease on warm summers
day, when the cool brook tempts the
warm ieet oaiave themselves in its wa
lers, instead OF CATERS which shrink
rom such rude treatment
Well it is 10 be hoped tha. the race
Of little girls will not become utterly
extinct. There most hc some wasting
their sweetncss upon The desert air;' for
surely they bloom not IN our cities, and
but rarely iuviIagcs.
A, an age when little gi,]s used ,o
be dressinc dolls &C.. nv con ,ho,,
decked in ali theirfnerv narad;ro th,.
streets, and flirting wi,bvonrg srnLsn,s
Where on earth are the mothers of,hess
precious airts2 Are they willing TO al
low such foIlyf -.
Then To dress--whv. lit,le oiss mus,
now be dressed as fine os mamma. md
the wonder is how she will be abIe to
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-15

Mrs. Scroggins was shocked at the
boldness of her spouse. in answering a
minister ofthe gospel in such pointe d
manner, and was led to believe that the
case was now hopeless indeed. But
woman's wits are equal to almost any
emergency; and though she had confes.
sedly given him over to the tender mer-
cies of the devil, she could not help
thinking it would be a good thing if he
could only be saved from himself. One
day circumstance seemed to conspre
Yin favor Of an experiment which had
suggested tselfto her fertile brain, and
she Immediately carried it into effect,
with tho most happy success, as the Sc
quel will show. -. .....
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-15
American Me citing in lancaster, Wa,

At meeting Of the friends and members
OF the American party, held August Goth
at Lancaster Courthouse, being Court-day
Mr.. Nathan SPriggs was chosen President
and u, Il. Dunaway, Secretary.
The National Platform adopted by the
Philadelphia Convention, was then read b,
Col Benjamin n. Robinson, after which
Col. Robinson addressed the audience in q
brief, bot eloquent and argumentaiive speech
doing much credit 10 the party and It's prin
ciples.
committee was then appointed to draf
resolutions, ratifying The proceedings of the
National Convention, aud after retiring for a
few moments reported the following, which
were unanimously adopted
Rcsoived, That the friend of the American
Party IN The county of Lancaster here assem-
bled, do cordially endorse and approve tho
platform OF principles adopted by the Ma
| ticnal Convention, recently held at Phila.
delphia and, believing that the safety o
our common country and the union of the
States depend on the success Of those prin
ciples, we pledge 20 our brethren througbou;
the State, our Jealous cooperation in behal
OF those principles, and we appeal TO every
friend of the American party Whatever par
ty afiinities may have bound him heretofore
to aid us in securing the triumph Of the prin
ciples here endorsed.
Rcsoiccd, That tho thanks of the Ameri
con party Of this State are due to its dele
| gates TO the National Council, for the yea
and ability displayed in the performance o
their du'iee. and in defence OF The principle:
OF the party.
Rssolved, That we can sayto our brethren
OF the State, though in the late contest we
have been defeated, we are not dismayed
and should we live 10 see the next struggle
Tor the Presidency, we shall again be found
in the enemy's way.
The proceedings were ordered to be for
ws'ded to the editors Of the Richmond Whic
and American Organ for publication.
NATHAN SPRtGGS, Prest
EDcAR f. DUNAwAy, Secy.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-15
THE TWO DAGUERREoTYPES.
HOW jim scRoGGINs WAS REFORMED
CHAPTER |.

CHAPTER |.
Jim Scroggins, though in the main an
honest, peaceable, quiet harmless fellow
had a beastly habit in getting drunk
whenever fit opportunity presented it,
self; and unfortunately because "where
there's will there's a way" the oppor-
tuni,ios were both fit and frequent jim
owned a comfortable homestead that he
had almost paid for. Mrs. Scroggins
was real worker and no doubt did
her foil share in buying the homestead.
She was endowed with grea, deal of
energy and good Judgment, and people
were so malicious as to say that she
was the smartest man of the twain.
BE this as it may, Mrs. Scroggins was
an Industrious woman, and took q good
deal of pride in the little place which
had been bought by their mutual indus.
try-and the thought ofhaving it wres,-
ed from them by cold hearted creditor
was in the highes, degree disagreeable:
but to such calamity her husbands in.
trinity, as the good minister of the vii.
lage called it, seemed to point.
The habit grew upon him as it almost
always does upon those who are in the
habit nf imhibng too freely. The mis-.
ries of the drunkard's wife had been too
often presented to the good woman's
understanding to be regarded as simplv
creations Of imagination, and she look ed
forward with alarm to the prospect of
enduring them, aud losing the little
place. But what could be done She
had exhausted her eloquence upon the
infatuated man, without producing any
Thing but temporary effect She poin-
ted out to him kindly tho evitably effect
Of his indulgence, and Jim proposed to
do better; but alas for the vanity of hu.
man expectations! he got tipsy tho very
next day. Then she appealed TO his
love of money--to his satisfaction in be.
ing the owner of a cottage and ten acres
ofland d--and, warming up with tho i'm.
portance of the subject, declared that
she would not enslave hersel { any long
er to pay for the place and then have it
taken away from them to pay for a rum
bill. jim listened to the good DANES
eloquence, and as usual, promised to do
better; but also as usual, no came into
the house the very next day, tight as a
iiddle-string.
Mrs. Scroggins was in despair; what
to do she did not know, as she expres. {.
sod tito Parspn Allwise, who was a sym.
pathizer with her in distress. She had
entreated. she bad scolded. she bad
threatened all to no purpose. What
could a bo1v dnY parson hll,,;s,
himself, though he made it point not
TO interfere in the domestic affairs ofbis
parishioners; was at last moved to try
his powers Of persuasion on the poor
follow. But jim unfortunately for tho
success of his appeal had but poor
opinion Of ministers in general, and OF
Parson Allwisc in particular; and as
good as told the worthy pastor that no
bad better mind his own business.
American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1855-09-15

was on the plate. The original, not be-
ing required for further use. was suffer
ed to sink away and complete his nap.
The pictures were put into frame,
and Mrs. Scroggins produced her mon
ey. ... r.
Nothing, nam; shall not charge
you anything
But, sir am abIo to pay
The artist shook his head. resou,ely
refusing to touch her money. Ofcourse
Mrs Scr"ggins was grateful and gave
the artist All invitation to take tea with
her, which he accepted. In the Course
of the meal, the daguerreotypist told
the story of his ife-how he had been
brought up in tho midst of intemper-
ance, and knew all about it. His faith
er had died drunkard, and leaving
his mother penniless, he had supported
her from the profits of his portable sa.
loon. Mrs. Scroggins, of course, SYM
pathized with the young man. aud read
lily understood why he would not take
pay for the pictares.
But, what was better than all, the
Jung oi'lSN t"oh ihho d lancy I'D Jim
only daughter, pretty girl of eighteen.
and after toa. insisted on taking her
daguerreotype, and the sly rogue pre-
tended that tho first was moi good one
and took another one of which he took
away with him. The tea things were
cleared away, and when he did go, tho
poor girls heart folio wed him, aud half
the night she laid awake to think Of
him. ...r. ... ....