davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

DAMASCUS Independent of its central
position, Damascus has attractions in itself su-
perior, perhaps, to any in the East We have
heard of ''rose-red cities half as old as time"
but Damascus is at least as old as any received
history, and in fact the oldest city we know of
which preserves to this day its original import
ance. From the time when Abraham left his
home ''between the rivers" to journey west
ward to the LAND of Promise" its name has
been familiar; its beauty and riches have been
proverbial for four thousand years, and it has
been link never broken between the patriarch
al age and that of the steamengine. 1t has
come under the dominion of David, of Jerobo-
am, of Pharoah Necho, eof Nebuchadnezzar, of
Alexander, of the Ptolemies, of Pompey, of Gle
opatra, of Herod of the Moslem, of the Crusa-
ders, of Timour the Tartar, of the Sultans of
Costantinopls, and the Pashas of Egypt, yet it
survives and still tourishes. Here is still the
'.street called straight" where Ananias came,
directed by q vision, to inquire for zone called
Saul of Tarsus." Here is still shown window
from which, il is said, the Apostlewas let down.
Here is the reputed site of st. Paurs conversion
and here are the tomb of Ssladin, the head OF
John the Baptist, the house of Naaman, and the
mosque of Sultan Selim. So varied are the as
sociations, near and remote, or apocryphvl, of a
city which crowns them all by its rare position
and luxuriant verdure. its gardens, its pastures,
and its 'clear streams" its Abana and Pharpar,
better than all the waters Of Israel"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

DIVIDING TIE FLooK.-When Mr.. Moody was
on journey, in the Western part of Massachu-
sets, he called on brother in the ministry on
Saturday, thinking to spend the Sabbath with
him, if agreeable. The man appeared very glad
to see him, and said:
81 should be very glad to have you stop and
preach for Inc tomorrow, but feel ashamed to
ask you"
"What is the matter2" asked Moody.
"Why, our people have got into such a habit
of going out before the meeting is closed, that 1t
seems to be an imposition on the stranger"
"If that is all, | must and will stop and preach
for you," was Moody's reply.
When the Sabbath day came, and Mr.. Moody
had opened the meeting, and named his text, he
looked around OH the assembly, and said:
''My hearers,I am going to speak to two sorts
of folks to-day-saints and sinners Sinners |
am going to give you your portion first, and
would have you give good attention" When
he had preached to them as long as he thought
best, he paused and said: "There, sinners,
have done with you now; you may take your
hats, and go out OF the meeting as soon as
you please"
But all tarred and heard him through.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

POETRY Y


The Snow.
BY CLARENCE MELVIN.
The snow the snow How beautiful
1t falls on hill and plain,
And weaves shroud for summer hours
That will not come again.
Each tiny flake that parts the air,
With measured sweep and slow,
Reveals, amid its beauty rare,
A gem no king can show.
The snow the snow! How beautiful
The fields are heaped with white,
Where rest the summer breezes swept,
When trees with leaves were bright,
But now with naked branches tossed,
They rear their giant forms,
And breast with stern and fearless hearts,
The winters blasts and storms.
The snow the snow How bright and fair
1t gems the valley wide,
And sweeping on before the wind
Like oceans restless tide,
1t twlnes amid the withered leaves
That mark the autumn sere,
And weaves sad aud faded wreath
To bind the dying year.
The snow the snow How light it falls,
AS erst in other hours,
Ere childhood's hopes passed away,
Or withered youths gay flowers;
Each crystal flake seems some past JOY,
That cheered the morning beam,
Then faded ere the light of noon
Fell on the gliding stream.
The snow the snow! How beautiful
1t falls on hill and plain,
And weaves shroud for summer hours
That will not come again.
Stern winter binds the sunny streams
That rippled soft and low,
And covers earth with leecy robe,
The pure and spotless snow
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24
sTAuNTON VIRGINIA, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER a. 1856

charging with his tsks in soldierly manner.
do not doubt the old stories of the Spitzbergen
fisheries and Chere Island, where the walrus
put to flight the crowds of European boats. A
wuk is the lion Of the Danish Esqumauy and
they always speak OF him with respect.
II have heard Of oomiaks being detained for
days at time at the crossings of straits and
passages which he infested. Governor Flaischer
told me that, in 1880, a brown walrus, which
according to the Esquimaux, is the fercest after
being lanced and manned near Upernavik, rout-
ed his numerous ASSISTANTS and drove them in
fear to seek for help from the settlement. His
movements were so violent as to jerk out the
harpoons that were struck into him. The Gov
ernor slew him with great difficulty, after sew
eral rihe-shots and lance-wounds from his whale
boat"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

AN INooNyENIENT ADvENTURE.-- recited
to me the particulars of an g,dventure which
happened to an European in plis Wilderness
During the time Capt Greybign was established
at Walfsch Bay, the medical gentleman who re-
sided with him had occasion 10 cross the Naarip
plain but being total stranger to the country,
he engaged IIottentot rs guide. The day prov
ed hot and oppressive, and the wayfarers had
not proceeded far when the doctor felt faint and
thirsty. On inquiry of his attendant whether
any water could be obtained, he received sulky
and unsatisfactory answer, and was about to
prosecute his Journey, when the man thus alb
Suptly addressed him :-"You've got very nice
hat, sir, which you must give me, or will not
stir another STEP" Under ordinary circumstances
to comply with such request would have been
inconvenient, but it was still more annoying in
the present instance, exposed as the doctor was
to scorching sun. Finding himself, however,
entirely at the mans mercy, and seeing nothing
but bowling wilderness all around him, he
grudgingly gave the hat, hoping to be exempted
from further importantly. But he was mistaken
in this matter, for he had not proceeded much
further when the Hottentot sat himself quietly
down on the sand, complaining bitterly of the
immense distance they had yet to perform, add
ing with sly look at the doctor that be thought
his Jacket would fit him exactly. The medical
gentleman was amazed at the fellows impu-
dence and at first refused this new demand, but
the man said that unless he received the gar
ment he would leave him to his fate land he was
obliged to comply. In this manner he gradual
Ily divested the chicken hearted doctor of his ap-
pare, and would in all probability not have left
him with the possession of the shirt on his back,
had it not been for the timely arrival of Hans
and another European then on the way to Wal
isch Bay The doctors story was of course
soon told, and the rascally Hottentot was not
only deprived of his booty, but soundly thrashed
into the bargain-Erplorati0as IN Southeastern
fricn
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24
But all tarried and heard him through.

APPLE TREES on TILE RoADsIDEs. Germany
it is common to line the highways with choice
varieties of apple. The owner marks alternate
trees by tying to them red string, which IN that
country means, ''If You will leave this fruit you
may have the rest;" and we have been told,
though we cannot vouch for the truth OF 1t, that
the public generally keep the contract faithfully.
Would it be so with us? We fear not. But
have we not agricuturists who would set few
Goldensweets, Summer Pippins, and also some
fall and winter varieties along the highway that
skirts their land. Their children might not, but
many poor child, whose parents own no SOIL
might have delicious fruit without stealing it !;
many o way-farer might regale himself on 1t;
and the owner would have the satisfaction OF
knowing that, in 50 far at least, he had been a
benetQct0r
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

WORDS AND GRAMMAR SEEM TO BE very varl-
able affairs The "Christian Inquirer" says -
"Tbe word fast is as great contradiction rs
we have in the language The North River Is
tast when the ice is mmovable, and then the
ice disappeared very fast, for it was loose. A
clock is called fast when it is quicker than time
but a man is told to stand fast when he is desir-
cd to remain stationary. People fast when they
have nothing to eat, and eat fast, consequently,
when opportunity offers"
And, while we are quoting from religious au'
thority, let US give specimen of the grammar
in which the "Rev NJ. Smithsen," "a travelling
W astern prea asner,j described the aSnr-ture of a
saint -
oWhen I arrope at the house of my deceased
friend, he was perspiring his last | stood by
his bedside, and said, as he was too far gone to
talk, Brother, if you feel happy nowjist squeeze
my hand and he sqaoze it,"
But there seems to be en- aristocracy IN the
alphabet, which may account for some difficulties
in spelling. A punster thus speaks Of the dit
ference of character between the BIS, the Cs, the
Els, the Is, the Is, the O's, the Ps, the rs, and
the VS.
(which are the most industrious letters The
Bees.
(which are the most extensive letters The
Seas
(which are the most fond of comfort9 The
Ease.
(which are the most egotistical letters. The
rs.
(which are the longest letters3 The Ellis.
(Which are the most noisy letters9 The Obs.
(Which are the leguminous letters2 The Peas.
(which are the greatest bores2 The Tease.
(which are the sensible etters2 The Wise. y
And here is the fact which may also assist us
to know the value of learning
''The Chinese booksellers have an odd way
of selling their volumes. They are disposed OF
not according to their value, at fixed price
but according to weight If, on weighing them
they are too light, the seller coolly tears some
leaves from another book, and throws them into
the SCALE"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

On OF MUSTARD IN RHEUMATIsM.-Where
one-6hird of the male population complain to
some extent of rheumatic pains, in the tickle ci-
mate of New England, but more especially along
the sea shore, physicians have it in their power
to mitigate an immense amount OF severe suffer-
ing, by prescribing the volatile oil of mustard.
It is employed as a rubefacient, being first dilu-
led in its own weight OF alcohol at forty degrees
Some patients may object to its pupgsnt oGor;
but that is temporary, while the remedy may in
some cases prove permanent cure. Make the
applications at least twice day, and protect the
part with soft flannel. Mustard mills are in op-
GRAFTON in the cities generally, at which the oil
may be procured, it being an article not much
in demand in the arts Were it not for detect
ing it by pungent odor,t oil would have be-
come q secret remedy for rheumatic pains years
ago. A nostrum loses miraculous efficiency, and
curative properties on becoming known.-Aea-
ical Word.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24
VHE FOLLOWING Is FROM THE RICH
i MOND DISPATCH:
Beautiful Work

We noticed in the fair ON OF the Mechanics lnstl,
tute two cases of Boots and Shoes tor Gentlemen and
Ladies' manufactured by our enterprising neighbor,
Mr. Aexader HILL which reflects the highest credit
on his skill In the case Of Gentemens Work we no.
tced two or three pairs Of Boots and Shoes that sur
pass in workmanship anything of the kind we haveev-
er seen either homemade or imported, and our only
regret is that he has competitors to contest the
palm of superiority with him. The case OF Ladies
Work is also of the best quality, and we do not think
they can be surpassed by any other manufacturer All
who have seen this work compliment Mr.. H. mghly,
but not more than he deserves.
Richmond Oct 1856.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

THE VALUABLE PART OF EDUoATIoN.-Educ
ton is to the mind what cleanliness is to the
body-the beauties OF one as well as the other,
are blemished if not totally lost by neglect and
as the the richest diamond cannot shoot forth,
its lustre wanting the the lapidarys skill so will
the latent virtues Of The no6lest mind be buried
in obscurity, if not called forth by precept and
the rules Of good manners. virtue Is the hard
and valuable part to be aimed at in education
all other considerations and accomplishments
should give way and be postponed to this
Narins, and Dissertations.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

M,NoE MEAr.-About these times when mince
pies are all the 60 an occasional reference to
the miserable condition of CANNES may not be
out of place Only think how they are treated
in China. The Chinese are queer people. Ken
Itch Van Tasser has neighbor who has just
laid'in'his winter proylsions-a hind quarter OF
a horse and two barrels of bulldogs; the latter
salted to keep.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24
7 AND FOR SALE.

I AND FOR SALE am authorized by Rev
i r. l.. Dabuey to sell privately his TRACT OF
LAND near Barterbrook, Augusta county. ltcontalns
1l9 Acres of good Limestone Land, lying handsomely
and well supplied with Timber. The buildings are
DWELLING, Kitchen, SmoSe-house and Barn, au
manner for his own residence There is aconyenient
well of good water near the house and barn. water at
several other points and branch which runs through
the land IN most seasons. There IS also snug Mead,
ow. and a suficency of Fruit The land is of good
quality, and mostly well grassed. As Rev. Mr.. Dab,
ney has removed permanently to another section and
is anxious to SELL viii offer Uery liberal terms to pur
chaserS. This tract is unusually convenient to MILL
shops church. railroad aud good society and presents
n chance tor a comfortable home, such as rarely offers
to professional man. teacher mechanic or small farm
er. HUGH U. UO4IihlE'
Barterbrook Augusta, Oct l, 1S56.-3mos
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

An exchange has discovered that the most re-
markable fact about the weather at present is,
that ladies possessed of handsome sets OF furs
find ut bitter cold" for the season, while those
who are not SO well provided declare lit amt
cold bit )" q.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

The Jews had no surnames, nor had the early
Greeks and Romans. Latterly the Romans used
three names; the first corresponding to our
Christian name, the second the class or rank
name, and the thirdthe family name. Modern
surnames began to be used about the tenth CEN
tury, when MOBILES took the name of their es-
tates middle class sons of their fathers, as
johnson Thompson, &C., and others Of trades, as
Smith, Cooper, Tailor, &c. Fancy names also
were given to foundlings, and ncknames be-
came surnames.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

why did you set your cup OF tea on the chair,
Mr. James p asked worthy landlady one morn
ing at breakfast.
1t is so very weak, ,ma'am', replied Mr.. James,
i thought would rest it,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

An Irish officer, not very conversant with
law terms, was lately tried for an alleged as
sault As the jury were coming to be sworn
the Judge, addressing the major told him if there
were any among them to whom he had any OBJ
lection, that was the time to challenge them
u thank your lordship." said the gallant prison
er, shut with your ordshp's permission, I'll de-
fer that ceremony till after my trial, and if they
don't acquit me, by the piper of Leinster I'll
challenge every mothers son of them, and have
'eln out too"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

Douglas Jsrrold was one day hurrying through
leading street in London, evidently immersed
in thought, when he was interrupted by quid-
nunc: SWELL, ,Jerrold, what is going on to-dayln
81 don't know" said Jerrold; but am p aud on
he went.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

An Irishman called at a printing Office with
an advertisement, and like prudent man, in
ouired what it would cost He was informed
that for one insertion the price would be 81;
subsequent insertions rs cents EACH IAN faith"
said lie, "I'll only have two subsequent inssr-
tions %
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

A dyspeptic old hypochondriac makes the fol-
lowing piteous inquiry :-"Ws have great cab
bages great gooseberries, great cities, great bal
looms, great crnone petticoats, great bulls,pigs,
and calves; but, tell me, where are our great
men ?n
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

Mr.. Brown, of Hog Island, Va, was advised
to get his life insured-"won't do it" said he;
sit would just be my luck to live forever if |
should" "Well, wouldn't, my DEAR" meekly
observed Mrs. Brown, of II. |.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

A nlaver who performed the ghost in Hamlet
very badly, was Missed. After bearing it good
while he put the audience IN good humour by
stepping forward, ana saying say Ladies and gen.
tlemen. | must give up the ghost"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

There have been many definitions of gentle
man. but the prettiest and most poetic is that
by a lady "a gentleman is human being
combining woman's tenderness with mans
nonraun y
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

A farmer in California states that be has
ploughed seventy-tive acres, this year, with a
woke of COWS. He says that they are faster
walkers than oxen-that they give milk, and
save the expense OF keeping another team.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

Our hearts are like instruments of music we'll
tuned they will make no melody in the ear of
God .unless they be gently touched by the finger
of the Spirit.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

Learning is preferable to riches, and virtue to
both. How many iu this money grasping age
believe it2
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

"Did you present your account to the defend
anti" inquired lawyer of his clerk. II did,
SIR" "What did he say, sra" "He told me to
go to the devil, SIR" "Well, and what did you
do after that2 "Why, then | came to you"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

In the pine barrens OF Michigan not thou
sand miles from Grand Rapids, but four miles
away from any other dwelling, is miserable
shanty OF log shingles, bearing the following
sign:
This uncle Dan Thomases,
Who always keeps his promises;
His victuals aud beer
And other good cheer.
Can't be beat about here.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

A WOMAN OF Coop TAsrE.-The following
very happy and equally true sketch is from the
London Quarterly:
You see this lady turning cold eye to the
assurances of shopmsn and the recommends
tions OF the milliners. She cares not how origi-
nal a pattern may be, if it be ugly, or how de-
cent A shape if il he awkward What ever law
fashion dictates, she follows laws of her own,
full things which people generally suppose to be
brought from Paris, or at least made by a
French millner. but which are Otter brought
from the nearest town, aud made up by her
own maid Not that her costume is either rich
or new-on the contrary, she wears many
cheap dress, but it is always pretty, and many
an old one but it is always good She deals in
no CANDY confusion of colors, nor does she effect
studied sobriety but she either refreshes you
with spirited contrast or composes you with
judcious harmony. Not scrap of trum-
perry appears upon her. She puts no faith in
velvet bands or gilt buttons or twisted cordings.
She is quite aware, however, that the garnsh is
as important as the dress; all her inner borders
and beading are delicate, and if not inteaded to
be seen it is as nice as that which is. After all
there is no great art either in her fashions or
materials The secret simply consists in her
knowledge of the three units of her dress-her
own station, her own age, and her own points.
And no one can dress we'll who does not. At
ter this we need not say that whosoever is at
tracted by the costume will not be disappointed
in the wearer She may not be handsome or
accomplished, but we will answer for her being
eyen-tempered, we'll informed thoroughly
sensible, and complete lady.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

DR.. Johnson compared plaintiff and defendant
in an action at law, to two men ducking their
heads in bucket, and daring each other TO re-
main longest under water.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

The oxen out in Iowa live so long that they
have to put sticks on their horns for their wrin-
kles to run out on.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

To square circle-settle up your wife's bill
for hoops at the dry goods store or milliners.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

PoETIcAL.-The author OF these lines has been
arrested for breach Of promise:
"Angel! beneath whose folded wing
My soul would rest,
Be mine, for 10 I've bought the ring,
And all the rest
OF those house treasures and etceteras,
Which every one who tries his state to better has J"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

Betting is immoral, but how can the man
who bets be worse than he who is no better2
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

NOR HIRE---0n the first day of January Ne
L GRO WOMAN, who is an excellent cook, and
washer and irone of good character and disposition
She has two children old enough to be entirely out
of her way.
Also a small NEGRO Bor sprightly and active, who
will be put out to good home. The country preferred
for the boy For further information enquire at this Of
fee.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

GOODNESS UNPARALLELED.-A mercantile nr'n
Of this city received this week letter from ths
csptain of one of the brigs they chartered, aaleu
Barbados, in which he informs them that as ne
believes the United States are about gong 70
smash, he sold ship and cargo and pecKsted the
money, which he didn't think they will ever sec
again. He concludes with some complimentary
illusions t, our countrymen, and wishes he hsl
never seen any of them. The vesselis the prle
Roston Boston Gazette.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24

Learn both how to receive and to refuse ia
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24
NTEW BOOkS !-HeadIey's Life Of washington

NEW BOOKS !-Headley's Life of Washington;
~ Arctic Explorations by Elisha Kent Kane, NJ. d.,
U. S. NJ; PerverSion: the Causes and Consequen-
ces of Infdelity, by Rev. W. j. COnybeare, NJ. A.;
Widdifeld's New Cook Book Liberty and Slavery BY
Bledsoe; Theodicy by BedSoe; Simpsons Obsteteric
Works; Smiths Practice of Surgery; Bread TO My
Children, by Mrs. Ellen Key Blunt; Irvings Life or
Washington, vols.
StauntOn, Oct %, 1856. ROBERT COWAN.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-12-24
Stamton Spectator.
by j. A. Il l.. WADDELL, Jr.
TERMS

~ Tie "SPEGT4T0R'' IS published once a psst
at Two Dollars gear, paid IN atgance, Taro Dol.
ts and fty Cents If delayed beyond the expiration Of
tie year. No Subscription icW be discontinued Jut at
the option Of tie Editors until all arsearageS pad;
ADFERTLSE.HEY7S Of ten lines Cor less,) inserted
three times for dotar and tceatycs cents for eacd
subsequent Continuance. Larger advertisements Inserted
IN the same proportion.
A lDerul discount made 10 those acAo adgerss By the
gear. ~
Professional Cards not exceeding secea lines, a0s~ %
=; so.sd for oBs err far 81 OO-6 Ino1ths for S3 0O