davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06
uonstrous MISUNDERSTANDING Cat. Alive.

James Glander was recently arrested in Lon
don on q charge of having skinned cats alive !
Some of the testimony before the magistrate was
as follows Robert Ringland, butchers por-
ter in Leadenhall Market, said-To-day was
passing the ruins of Nova Scotia Gardens, when
my attention was drawn to some boys who were
hooting the prisoner. went up and saw four
or five cats lying on the ruins. The skins had
been stripped off the whole of them, but the
flesh of one quivered, and it moved the others
were dead. The boys said they had seen him
turning the cats out of a sack, upon which the
prisoner ran away (; but / followed and caught
him, and held him till a constable came up and
took him. George White said-I saw the pris-
oner to-day on the ruins with bag on his
shoulder, from which, opposite the church, he
turned out seven or eight CATS They all NOV
ed; some raised their heads, and others their
legs. touched one, and it was quite warm;
portion of the skin had been lett upon the paws
He was then walking away, but raised q cry,
and number Of boys followed him, and seiz-
ed hold of him. hung to him, and he flung
me down, but other boys pulled off the skirts OF
his coat George Macintosh saw the prisoner
turn the cats outin heap of dust. They were
raw and skinned they moved and got on to
their legs, but then fell down again. saw the
prisoner one day last week turn out two or three
other cats on the ruins, but they were all dead.
Edward Maynard-On Monday week saw the
prisoner shoot out ten cats on the ruins; there
was only little skin left upon thepaws of each.
asked him what he did it for, and he said ne
was double ruptured or he would not have done
it, and that he had been in Guys Hospital. He
then pretended to be deaf. | and two other
boys made him put them again into his bag,
he took them away with him.
A woman named Mary Stedmam was also
brought up for the same offence. The prisoner
was watched by person, who saw her stoop
down and thrust two skinned cats under the
flap of a cellar. When the bodies of the cats
were taken up they were found to be quite warm
and quivering On examining the carcasses
mark of stake was found at the back
of the head of each cat the usual mode Of per-
forming the horrible operation being to fix the
head of the animal to spike,by which it is halt
stunned, when the skin is removed. The mag
istrate said the utmost punishment he had pow
er to inhct was three months imprisonment with
hard labor, and he should sentence the prisoners
to the full extent of that penalty.
1t appears that the cats are skinned alive be-
cause the fur retains its gloss, which it loses if
the animal is killed before being fayed. The
skins are bought by German furriers,at about 90
cents aDiece.-1S
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

TO ascertain the length of the day and night
orv time of the year, double the time of suns
rising I which gives the length of the night; and
double the time of setting which gives the
length of the day. This is simple method
which we guess few people know.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

NzTITNERS Is CO., ALEXANDRIA, are
w now prepared to exhibit to their friends and
customers generally, very large and beautiful stock
of Fancy and Domestic DRY GOODS, Embroide
ries Shawls, etc., comprising
Fancy and Black Silks, in great variety; some very
superior sndrich Lustre,
Rich printed Grenadines, Challies, De LANES,
Berage do, Grape dc Espange,
Berages, Grenadines, and 0rgandie Robes,
De Bege Madennas, Mohair and Alpaca Lustres,
Canton Cloths, plain and printed Organdies,
Lawns, Chintzes, Ginghams, and Brilliants.
SHAwLs.-Stela, printed Cashmere, Grape andTh
bet Shawls, and Scarfs.
In White Goods and Embroidcries our stock is unu
suay large and embraces everything that is new anC
desirable
Bonnets and Cap Ribbons, Dress Trimmings, ETC.
In Goods for Gentlemen and Boys wear, our assort
ment is very good consisting OF Cloths, Cassimeres
and vesngs indeed everything necessary to complete
gentlemans wardrobe
In House Furnishing and Goods adapted to the gen.
eral wants of the trade our stock for Servants
and Housekeeping purposes, embraces everything in
the way of Staple and Domestic Goods Cotton, Yarns
etc.
Also, Carpetings, Oil Cloths, Mating, and Rugs,
Velvet, Brussels, Ingram, Venitian, Dutch, Hemp
List and Rag Carpetings of every grade and quality
Canton and Cocoa Mating, all widths; Velvet, Tuft
ed and other Rugs Bookings, Crumb Cloths, Stair Oi
Cloths, and Linens, Table do. do. do.
A large stock of Floor Oil Cloths, from yard to
yards wide various qualities, and will be cut to Fl
Rooms and Halls-all Of which they will sell to thu
cash or prompt credit trade, cheap they can b
bought in any OF the larger markets.
II To the cash wholesale trade we think we car
offer special inducements, and shall be glad If they
will examine our stock before purchasing.
Alexandria, April Is, 1857.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

CANINE FIDELITY.-The Pacific Commercial
Advertiser, published at the capital of the Ha-
waian Islands, has the following surprising in
stance of affection exhibited by dog for the
person of the late kind-hearted old king of those
islands:
Among many interesting anecdotes recorded
of affection by dogs for their masters, we do not
recolect one where more endurance and con-
stancy were shown than in case which many
have witnessed here during the past two years.
When the remains of our late below ed King, Ka-
mehameha III were deposited in the sepulchre,
many were the sad mourners who watched
night and day, amenting in heart-rending. walls
the death of their King, friend and benefactor.
Weeks wore on, and human grief was modera-
ted if not assuaged the mourners quietly de-
parted and returned to their homes and occupa-
tions. Not so with the late Kings tavorite mas
tiff. When the body was deposited in its last
resting place, "Evelaina" took his station out.
side the door of the tomb, and there commenced
his weary watch. For many weeks he would
not leave the spot. After time, food was not
taken to him, and at last, driven by hunger and
thirst, he was compelled to leave; but, having
satisfied these wants, he returned to bis post,
and has thus kept watch for nearly two years.
Of late his keepers have tried to conine him,
but he is frequently missing, and, if searched tor
will be found guarding the mortal remains OF
him he loved so well.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

TRYING AN ExPERMENr-"Dennis, darling
och. Dennis, what is it you doing9"
whist, Biddy, rs thrying an Experiment"
"Murther, what is its
.It's meself that's giving hot wather to the
hens so they'll lay billed aigs.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

A bad tempered judge was annoyed by an old
gentleman who had q very bad chronic cough,
after after repeatedly desiring the crier to keep the
court % Quiet. al length told the offending gen.
tIeman Items he would fine him e1OO if he did not
cease coughing when he was met with reply,
~ will rive your lordship e20O you will stop
mo -
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

MEDICAL TREArMENT.-The following are
few of the many ways in which the ignorance
of the public, in regard to several parts OF medi-
cine which they are competent to understand,
influences piuriously the conduct OF physicians.
1. Ignorance of the natural course and progress
of diseases which are essentially slow, and not
to be altered by any artificial means, often leads
the friends of the patient to be urgent with the
medical attendant to employ more powerful mea'
sures. or at least to change the means used, TO
give more frequent or more powerful doses, &c.
D. Ignorance of the power of nature to cure dis
eases, and an undue estimate OF the power OF
medicines to do 80, sometimes almost compel
practitioners to prescribe remedies when they
are either useless or injurious. .. The same ig-
norance not seldom occasions dissatisfaction
with. and loss of confidence in those practltlon-
ers who. from conscientious motives, and on the
iustest grounds of art, refrain from having re-
course to measures of undue activity or from
prescribing medicines unnecessarily; and tedds
to the countenance and employment Of men scho
hare obtained the reputation Of greater aettrity
and 5oldaess, through their Gerry ignorance Of ths
true character and requirements OF their art. A.
II is the same state of mind that leads the public
generally to give ear to the most ridiculous
promises of charlatans also to run after the
professors and practisers Of doctrines utterly alb
surd and useless, as in the instance OF hom9ps-
thy and mesmerism, or dangerous, except IN the
proper cases, as in the instance OF hydropathy.
5. Finally, it is the same ignorance OF nature
and her proceedings that often forces medical
men to multiply their visits and their prescrlp-
tons to an extent not simply unnecessary, but
really injurious to the patient, as could easily De
shown.-,Sr j. Forbes. t,..,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06


THE Sp1RrrUAL HANp.-Mr. Willis, student
of divinity in Harvard University, has, for q
year or two past, been figuring as fourth-proof
spiritual medium in Cambridge Boston, Salem,
and various other places in Massachusetts. His
reputation was so excellent as to induce Prof
Eustis, of the Lawrence Scientific School, and
other gentlemen connected with the Uniyer.
sity, to attend one of his private circles in Bos
ton, last week.
Solemnly formed itself around the table the cir,
Gle of converts, impressible ladies, incredulous
professors and medium Willis. For time ev-
erything went on successfully. The table was
moved, the raps were distinctly given, and some
remarkable disclosures of fact and doctrine made
But few of the company were not quite salts
fed, and Mr. Willis was anxious to astonish the
learned professor with higher proof of his pow
ers.
The lights were extinguished and the circle
waited s'in solemn silence ALL" PresentlysMiss
A.. who is bit of a convert to the new faith
was sure that spiritual hand had touched hers
then Miss B. felt the ghostly fingers. Slowly
the spiritual hand stole around the circle, unti
it reached Prof Eustis. A touch had sutficec
the Others, but he was anxious to make the
strangers better acquaintance. With true Yam
kee heartiness he shook the spiritual hand witt
true Yankee warmth he kept shaking il, grasp
ing the shadowy flesh more and more tightly
The fingers struggled to free themselves, but the
Professor held on till the lights were lit, and he
saw himself clutching Mr.. Willis's naked foot
Miss A. went into spiritual Mysteries, and the
circle broke up in confusion.
The story has come to US through spiritual
hands," Ifit is true, it would seem to furnish
the faculty with an ample excuse for suspendine
the divinity student from his connection with
the University.-N Y. Post.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

WILLIAM LAHAHAN. JAMES STEWART
LANAHAN &; STEWART,
IMPORTERS AND WHOLESALE DEALERS IN
Brandies, Wines, Gin, Cigars, &c,
Nos. So II So s. Calvert Street,
BALTIMORE.
FOREIGN WINES AND LIQUORS.
o. Pinet Castillon 4 Co.
CoSSAo 0ei.S S4 1TASIi' noni, Otard, Dupuy Il Co.
arc anu Jun James Hennessy.
HOLLAND GIN, MADEIRA,
JAMAICA Rum, PoRT,
IRISH WHIsKEY, TENERIFFE,
SCoTcH do. SHERRY, WINES.
PEACH BRANDY, LISBON,
CHERRY BRANDY, MUsCAT,
LAVENDER do. MALAGA, Choice Old.
RASPBERRY do. CHAMPAGNE &
BLACKBERRY do. CLARET,
WINE BlrTERs. HAVANA CIGARS of all grades,
Extra Fine Old MoHoNGAHELA d BOURBON WHIsKEY,
from to years old.
Eah -1yr
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

CARE.-What inhabitant of earth is stran-
ger to care9 From sporting childhood to de-
crepid old age it travels with man. 1t hangs to
him like tight garment-it will not be shaken
off. In the crowded city it meets him, and
when he flies to the rural fields for rest and
recreation it follows close upon his heels. In
solitude he feels it expressing his heart, and in
the largest and lveliest society it is still bur
den. 1t destroys day dreams and beclouds
night visions. OH unwelcome care. But
there is relief. Sweet invitation and assurance
-"Casting all your care upon Him, for he car
eth for you!" There is one who is ever neal,
ever gracious, ever able, and to Him the bur-
dened Christian spirit still hastens for support.
He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench
the smoking flax.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

IMNoRrALrrY.-How beautiful the following
from the pen of Prentice, and how happy the
heart that can see these beauties as he portrays
them:
why is it that the rainbow and the cloud
come over us with beauty that is not of earth,
and thus pass away, and leave US to muse on
their faded loveliness2 Why is it that the stars,
which hold their festival around their midnight
thrones, are set above the grasp OF our limited
faculties, forever mocking US with their unap-
proschable glory And why is it that bright
forms of human beauty are presented to our
view, and then taken from us, leaving the thou
sand dreams of affection to flow back in Alpine
torrents upon our hearts, We are born to
higher destiny than that of earth. There is
realm where the beautiful being that now pass
es before us like meteor will stay in our pres
apoa foroyarn "A
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06
NO. XIII.
A Garden Novelty.

The Egyptian pea is an instance OF 'ege'so'e
resurrection, or at least resuscitatlon. IL Is
fragment of the old life of Egypt, true type OF
the luxurious fertility of the classic country, OF
the Nile, and unqhestionably the most truly MS
torical of any esculent we possess. The clrcum-
stances that led to the discovery of this com
panion of mummes and Inhabitants ofpyramlds
are in themselves as interesting as the plant 1t.
self is distinct from every known member OF
its useful family. During the explorations OF
Egypt by Sir Gardiner Wilkison vase was
found in O mummy pit, the age of which was
computed at about three thousand years. This
vase, Theoretically sealed, was presented to the
British Museum. Mr.. Pettigrew, the Librarian
to the late Duke of Sussex, proceeded to open
the vase to ascertain its contents, and in so DO
ing unfortunately broke it in pieces. The inte-
rior contained mass of dust and a few grams
of wheat and yetches, and on examining FUR
ther few peas were found, entirely shrlyeled,
of a resin color and as hard as stone. 1t was
known that mummy wheat had been recuscIta-
ted after an interment of five thousand years;
and it was determined that the first peas ever
found in a mummy vase should be subjected to
the experiment of revival. Mr.. Pettigrew ac-
cordinely distributed among his learned friends
these desiccated peas, reserving three for hlln,
self as mere curiosties. Those who had tried
to grow the peas failed,and no more was thought
about them till the remaining three were given
to Mr.. Grmstone, of Highgate. Mr.. Grimstone
tried his hand at them, subjected them to heat
and moisture, and. after thirty days, one miser-
able plant appeared above ground. by patient
care and ingenious culture this plant was brought
to produce nineteen pods, which were rlpened
and planted the next year; and this was the
foundation of the stock which is just beginning
to be known as the Egyptian pea: Botanlsts
were as much delighted as antiquarians at the
success of the experiment, for it gave them
new variety of the greatest value and most dis
tinct character. Its blossom is unlike. every
other pea it more nearly resembles bell than
the wings of butterfly, and is veined with green
lines on a white ground. The blossoms break
at every joint in clusters of two, four and eight
and are succeeded by pods that protrude crook
edy through them, each pod containing from
five to ten peas, which, when cooked, are dell,
ciously favored in fact, there is no pea to equal
it so that dusty Egypt has conferred upon us;
through these few shriveled seeds, palatiai
benefit t-National Magazine. $50
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

A FAcr.-A young lady in Brooklyn, New
York, has recently had her leg amputated mid
way between the hip and knee in consequence
of wound caused by broken hoop. The hoop
was of steel, and in some unaccouDtable manner
broken point penetrated to the bone. The
wound became infamed, amputation was thus
made necessary. We have the story from
young lady who is friend of the now crippled
for-life victim of fashion, and can vouch for its
authenticity. Winstead Herald.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06
Staunton Sgsttator,
JOS. A. WADDELL,
l.. WADDELL, Proprietors'
r. MAUZY,
TERMS.

rgy- The "SPECTAT0R" Is published once arees
at 7acO Dollars and tty Cents gear, Which may Os
discharged By tie payment Of Iico D0lars gt arg the
but at tie option of the Editors, ut all arrearages are
paid. ....,.5
ADVERTISEMENTS Of ten lines (or tess,) ansertsa
Mree times for doGr, and tYetyfge cents tor eac9
subsequent coatRuaace Larger serte@
IN tie same pr0portioR. ;,
A liberal discount made to those hO adrertiss By tho
year. mn,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

ONLY ONE O'cLocK-Mr. - coming home
late one night from meeting" was met at the
door by his wife.
"Pretty time of night, Mr.. -, for you to
come home-pretty time, three o'clock in the
morning; you respectable man in the commu-
nifty, and the father of family"
"'Tisn't three-it's only one, heard it strike;
Council always sits till one o'clock"
my SOUL Mr.. -, you're drunk-as true as
Pm alive, you're drunk. It's three in the morn
ing" %
one, as came round the corner tro or three
times"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

DESCRIPTION OF Cow.-Ata sale of cattle in
Gloucestershire, England, the auctioneer gave
the following extempore description of COW:
Long in her side, bright in Der eyes.
Short in her legs thin in her thighs,
Big in her ribs, wide in her pins,
FnIl inner bosom, small in her shins,
Long in her face, fine in her tail
And never deicientin filing her pail.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

The following conversation is said to have ia
ken place between boarding house keeper and
q servant
Bridget, what did you do with the tallow
Mr.. Smith creased his boots with yesterday
mornngl"
please nam, l used it to bake the griddle
cakes with"
SIT is well you did, Bridget; thought you
had wasted it."
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

Nothing mere beautiful than the neat gloved
hand of lady-excepta beautiful hand without
he glove.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06
Valuable Farm for Sale.
SINGERS SEWING MACHINE,

SINGERS SEWING MACHINE.
TTNhe great reputation of Singers Sewing Machines
adapted to every variety of work. and that each OF
them, kept employed, win earn not less than ONE
THOUSAND DOLLARS YEAR.
All persons desiring hull and reliable information
about these machines-sizes, prices, modes of pur-
chasing, &c-can obtain it by applying, by letter or
otherwise, for copy Of 1. NJ. SINGER & cos GA
ZETTE beautiful Pictorial Paper, entirely devoted
to sewing Machine interests. 1t will be sent gratis
LOCAL AGENTS wanted in every Town in the Uni
ted States to whom liberal inducements offered.
N. B.-We have made arrangements with many edi-
tors and publishers of newspapers highly profitable
and satisfactory to them, and wish to make similar
contracts with every newspaper and magazine in the
country For. full particulars address
L. NJ. SINGER & CO.,
No-oh OF 1o57-sy, 323 Broadwav N Y
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06
March 81, 1s57-sm 1923 Broadway, N Y.

DOOKS FREE OF POSTAGE.-HAVIN
ID made arrangements with the principal Publish
for supply OF the best works, will forward free
Publication advertised in New York, Baltimore or
Philadelphia on the receipt of the advertised retail
price of the work wanted thereby securing to readers
at distance books at the same rates as they can be
bought at tho bookstores in large cities Catalogues
mailed gratis upon application. All orders and in
quries answered with promptness ]. s. HUNT,
No. "a North street, Baltimore, Md.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06
April 4, Io51-3m S4.UU

DEEII ~ STEN Ems, w III U u II -
IL sale Druggists, 80 King street, are now re- "
ceivine a large stock of Foreign and DOmes- IA
tic Drugs Dye-stus, Paints Oils Varnishes, Brushes,
Window Glass, Putty Patent Medicines, &C. to which
thew call the attention of dealers They will sell at
Northern prices and guarantee satisfaction in every
respect Particular attention given to orders
Alexandria Feb 2S, 1S57.-ly
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06
CITY HOTEL,

ALEXANDRIA,. VA.
TTNHIS House having been thoroughly repaired and
Il newly furnished in every department. is nswopen
for the accommodation of the travelling community.
The new Proprietor having leased it, will spare no
efforts to make all who favor him with CALL comfort
able and agreeable during their stay at his House.
LOGAN o. SMITH, Proprietor
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

The following is true copy of q letter re-
ceived in Boston from across the water:
m 1rol os 1920
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-05-06

LOGAN o. SMITH, Proprietor.
Feb. IA, 1S57.-1y
A ALEXANDRIA DRUG STORE ID
IN HENRY COOK & co. No. SO Sarepta ~
Hall, King ST., have just received large as. Il
sortment Of the choicest varieties of Garden Seed
which they prepared to sell wholesale or retail at
low prices. Orders by mail promptly attended to.
Alexandria, Feb. %, l857.-ly
O. H. BAYNE. PATTERSON BAYNE. D. HARMON.
NEORGE BAYNE & CO., WHOLES A L E
" dealers in Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, and Straw
Goods S. w. Corner fixing and Water Streets, Alex
andria, Va.
~ Particular, attention paid to orders.
Alexandria Feb. 2S 1S57.-1y.
GEO WASHINGTON. JAMES ROACH.
VNTASHiNGTON CO., WHOLESALE AND
wv Retail Grocers, Commission and Forwarding
Merchants, No IL North Union Street, Alexandria,
Va. alexandra, Feo Zo' looI-ly
j. k MARSHALL, H. c. WARD.
NGARSHALL & WARD. FORWARDING
YA and Commission Merchants and dealers in Groce-
ries, Salt, Grass Seeds, &C., No. IL King st.
Alexandria, April 4, 1S57-to mar Is, '5S
T. j. SKINNER, H. D. WRIGHT.
StKINKER& &WRIGHT HAY ECO N
- stantly on hand Fine Ground Plaster, at their
STEAM MILL, Alexandria, Va.
Alexandria, April A, 1SS7-to mar 15 '5S