davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

GooD-On q certain occasion the counsel
took some exception to the ruling of the court
on certain point, and dispute arose.
''If the court please" said the counsel, II wish
to refer to this book for moment" and at the
same time picked up law volume.
"There's no use of you referring to any book, .
exclaimed the court, angrily; 81 have decided
the pint"
"But, your honor" persisted the attorney.
'Now, don't want to hear anything on the
subject" yelled the the court; 81 tell you again
| have decided the pint"
81 know that" was the rejoinder; 81 am sat
isfied of that-but this is volume of Black
stone; I'm certain that he differs with your hon
or, and | only want to show you what great
tool Blackstone was"
"Ah, indeed !" exclaimed the court, smiling
all over-"now you begin to talk"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

GRoe.-Until the time of Admiral Vernon,
the British sailors had their allowance of bran
DIV, or rum, served out to them unmixed with
water. This plan was found to be attended with
Inconvenience on some occasions; and the Ad'
miral, therefore, ordered that in the feet he
commanded, the spirits should be mixed with
water before it was given to the men. This in
novation, at first, gave great offence to the sail
ors, and rendered the commander very unPoPu-
lar. The Admiral, at the time, Wore grograln
coat. and was nicknamed "Old Grog." This
name was afterwards given to the mixed liquor
he compelled them to take; and it has hence
universally obtained the name OF grog.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

"Missus, rs goin to leave you," said Molly
to her mistress, whom she had loved and grown
fat with for good many years.
''Going to leave me, Molly Why, where
are you going3" "Oh, rs going to get married
I've worked long enough, and Tm going to
rest my bones"
Of course, Mrs. Jones could make no objection
to this common and natural female frailty. So
Molly went and nothing was heard from her for
year or two, when she came back, poor and
emaciated, having lost her husband, and all the
rest of the ills human nature is heir to having
fallen upon her. Mrs. Jones was much surprs'
ed to see her, and said to her, "Molly. have yon
rested your bones?" Goodness, Missus-ls
rested my w-bones, and denis all the ones Eve
rested"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

LADIES WITH PRICES ArFIxED.-Of this class
the independent Thus discourses :-"Large sums
are expended for articles of dress whose chiet
valne consists in the known cost of production
As an instance of the latter class, we recall the
inquiry of lady of refined taste, but limited
experience in the mysteries of dry goods, ad.
dressed to her next neighbor at Fifth Avenue
gathering pray, is that extremely SLOW
enly dressed lady, just crossing the room p
'Slovenlyp returns the interrogated, with a
shocked expression of countenance, why, that
is Mrs. --; she has on an exquisite dress Of
real point lace, which never cost less than two
thousand FIVE hundred dollarsp The value o.
this dress to the owner consisted entirely in it,
cost, an item, moreover, with which only expe
rienced shoppers or professional dry goods deal
ers could be even approximately acquainted"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

A FOND Fathers ADVICE TO HIS SoN.-As
you make your bed, my son. so you must lie in
it, but If you stuff it full of bills, you will soon
find it very hard lying to keep matters in the
least straight Drive the Dun from the door
and you need never trouble yourself about bolt
ing; but if the baiffs once begin knocking out
side, you will never know again moment
rest So be careful my son how you make you'
bed, and avoid debt, for believe me, many a
young man has had his bed snatched from un
der him. and been thrown on the world, simply
from sleeping OH tick.-7Ae Registered Chester
feM
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

PoLrRooN. was custom among those Ro
mans who did not like a military life, to cut of
their own thumbs, that they might be Incapable
of serving in the army. Sometimes the parents
cut Oft the thumbs OF their own children that
they might not be called into the army. Cal
met remarks, that the Italian language has pre-
served q term, pottrOon, which signifies one
whose thumb is cut of, to designate soldier
destitute of courage and valor. We use paltroon
to signify a dastardly fellow, without consider
ing the import of the original. t.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

THE R1cH MANS HEIR.-An old woman, who
nsed TO show the house and pictures at Towces-
ter, England, expressed herself in these remark
able words THAT is Sir Robert Farmer; he
lived in the country, took care of his estate, built
this house, and paid tor it (; managed well, saved
money, and died rich. That is his son. He was
made a lord, took place at court, spent his es
tate and died beggar!" A very concise, but
full account, and fraught with valuable moral
lesson. 'He who layeth up riches, knoweth not
who shall gather them.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

Nor A BAD IDEA.-The Steubenville Herald
in which town the small pox is now prevailing
says that an individual hamanely Inclined
calls round daily to see the sick and inquire al
ter their conditions, and goes around among the
well neighbors to inform them OF the progress OF
the disease Thus this humane individual DIS
seminates the news and the small pox. Inc
Herald gives its delinquent subscribers notice
that that individual has been employed to collect
their bills, and gives notice that calling al
the office to settle, may save delinquents from
the disease
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

New MARRIAGE CEREMoNy.-ln county in
Ohio couple appeared one day before a newly
appointed Justice of the Peace, and asked him
to unite them After some conversation, he re-
uuested them to stand up and join hands. But,
sad to relate, he had forgotten the ceremony
and neglected to take with him his book. After
a pause of Il lew moments the Squire broke the
silence with the following Question "ln the
name OF the State of Ohio, | -. know
all men by these -" DO you solelnnly
swear to take this woman to be your wife, love.
honor aud obey her, TO support the Constitution
of the State OF Ohio, and vote the Democratic
ticket?"
AS we backed out of the door in convulsions,
with our fists stuck into our ribs, we heard the
groom respond "yes," and the squire pronounc-
ed them "man and wife, Ohio paper.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

SHOOTING AN ORANGE FROM A BOYS HEAD
We have already alluded to the thousand dollar
wager, made by Jno. Travis, that he will shoot
three oranges from the head and hands of boy
distance, thirty teet-weapon, pistol. When
we reflect that the tremor or movement of a
muscle may be sufficient to cause a premature
discharge, and that the deviation of the fraction
of an inch to the precise aim might terminate ia
tally TO the lad, the feat appears as wonderful
ns t is certainly novel. Travis formerly resided
in Saratoga. The feat comes off in Louisville,
in June. The oranges are each to be 2 IA inch
es in diameter-one is placed on the top OF h>
head, and one on the back of each hand, the
arms being extended. In This position. at the
distance of ten PAGES, or thirty feet, facing the
shooter, and with no intervening object, Captain
John Travis proposes to hit the orange, and has
only three shots to hit the three oranges. The boy
who is to support the oranges is ten years of age,
and bright and sprightly lad. He has every
confidence in the ability of Captain Travis to
hit each object, and has equally as much in his
own nerve, which cannot be surpassed. He Is
now under daily training. The boys feet are
placed twelve inches apart, and his hands upon
his hips. The Captain shoots through the angle
made by the bending of the arms and between
the feet. This is done to accustom the boy to
the firing, and, if possible, give him more con-
6dence and make him feel at ease. The little
fellow is a native of Louisiana, and his mother
is always present during the practising. She is
entirely satisfied that il will result in safety to
her son. This is probably the most dangerous
feat ever undertaken by any man in this country.
land the police should be directed to interfere
aud prevent any such cruelty and danger to
human life
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

The grave buries every error-covers every
detect-extnguishes every resentment. From
its peaceful bosom springs none but fond regrets
and tender recollections. Who can look down
upon the grave of an enemy, and not feel com-
punctious throb, that he should have warred
with the poor handful Of earth that lies moul
derng before him
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

"Can body eat with these things2" asked
an elderly lady who was handling pair OF ar
ificial plates in dental office, aud adIniring the
luency with which the dentist described them.
MY dear madam, responds the dentist,
'.mastication can be performed by them with a
facility scarcely excelled by Nature herself"
"Yes, know, replied the female, "but can q
body eat with them e
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

REMEDY FOR INFLAMsp EYEs.-The subJoined
is from highly respectable and intelligent gen
tleman:
Take of the pith of red sassafras, and put it in
cold rain water let it stand for an hour or two,
by which time it will become thick; then strain
it off, and add piece of alum about the SIZE {"
nutmeg, one and halt spuonfuls of old rum,
one and half spoonfuls of honey; after winch
put it IN bottle and shake it well. 1t will be
fit for use in day or two. This receipt is cal
cuatnd for quart of water, the quantity OF
the pith of the sassafras to be sufficient t."
to make the water little thick and sticky
Apply the wash three or four times a day; lei
the patients lay on their back and take small
tea spoonful of the wash and pour it in the cor
ner of the eye If there is much pain about the
eyes or head, rotten apples, or dried apples
stewed, until they are soft, bound to the eye
will afford relief Burdock leaves, fallen in hot
vinegar, bound to the temple, will be beneficial
| was confined seven weeks TO dark room, un
der the care of two eminent doctors, and found
no relief until tried the above simple remedy,
and in four days was relieved from pain; in
week or ten days my eyes were perfectly re-
stored
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

YRoMAN.-The title of Yeoman was formerly
one OF more dignity than now commonly belongs
to it. 1t signitied, originally, Yepman, so call
I'd from bearing the bow in battle-bows being
made of yew. Hence, a yeolnan was, at first,
of at least equal consequence with an esquire, or
shield bearer, and, as proof Of this, we have
even now--yeoman of the crown, yeoman OF the
guards, yeonian of the chamber, dsc,-all per-
SONS of the first rank. .
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

The DREAM-I once heard a minister who
stated that he preached number of years with
out any visible benefit to any one. Finally he
concluded that it was not right for him to
preach, and IN consequence thought he would
give it up. But while musing on the subject,
he fell asleep and dreamed. II dreamed, said
he, "that | was to work for certain man for so
much. and my business was splitting open a very
large rock, with a very small hammer, pounding
upon the middle of it in order to split it open
worked long time to no effect, and at length
became discouraged, and began to complain,
when my employer came, said he, ''Why do you
complains Have you not Jared well in my EN-
ploy9"
30 yes."
Have you not had enough to eat"
eyes"
"Have you been neglected in any way 2"
"Nu, SIR"
"Then," said he, "keep to work-cease your
complaints, and will take care of the results. "
He then left Inc.
then thought applied my little hammer
with more energy, and soon the rock burst open
with such force that it awuke me. Then, said
he, ceased to complain. | seized my little
hammer with new vgor-I hammered upon
that great rock (sih) with renewed energy, moth
ing doubling, and soon the rock burst The
spirit of the Lord rushed iu, and the result was
a reward of glorions ingathering of souls to
the heavenly Shiloh.
Thus you see, my brother, that to persevere
in well doing, is sure way to gain prize
Youths Gazette.
A COURAGEOUS RAT-An English paper re
lates the following anecdote -
"a gentleman, worthy of all credit and who
may be the more readily trusted as his story &C.
knowledges his own defeat, was aroused one
night by heavy humping noise on the stairs
Unable to account for it, lie rose, donned his
dressing gown. and with his candle in his hant
proceeded to investigate the cause Half way
down stairs he perceived large rat employed
in facilitating the descent of a half loaf by push
it down from one step to another. Anxious t.
redeem his property, the owner descended aftel
it, The rat at first continued his exertions, bu
as the enemy gained upon him, he changed hi
tactics, and turning his front upward, began Il
climb towards his opponent This was just sucl
an intruder as might with all justice have beef
kicked down stairs; but SO stern was his air, ant
so menacing his aspect, that the gentleman hesi
tated, and hesitation ended in his retreat. Hi
feet being armed only with slippers, he los
heart, and began slowly to ascend backward
while the rat deliberately mounted after him
and thus steadily drove him back to his bed
room, the door of which he shut in the face q
his foe, and terminated the adventure by reti
ring to bed, while the rat returned to his well
earned booty"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

The SUGAR CRop OF LoUlsIANA.-lt is stated
in th. New Orleans Crescent that the sugar crop
ot Louisiana for 1857 will be from 225,0O0 to
100000 hogsheads, against about 10000 hogs
heads in 1856. Prices are of course much low
er than last year; but nevertheless planters will
realize about 81, 600 900 more from the crop of
this season than from that of 1856, while con-
sumers will also gain largely. a5
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24
Power of a Boa Constructor.

His mode of attack gave me an insight by
which this species of snake destroys animals
The teeth of the boa constructors being long,
bent and turned back, something in fsh-hook
shape, the snakes dart ont and seize hold of Their
prey. Then drawing their heads back again,
they pull the animal to the ground at once, and
coling around it, commence the crushing pro
cess. This power of squeezing must be enor
nous. On attempting to skin this animal, the
muscles inside had the appearance of strings oil
rope extending from tho head to the tail !; thes.
he seemed to have the power of contracting Or
extending, so that part that might be three
feet long as he coed himself round your body.
could be instantly reduced TO about a foot, b,
this means giving any one in his embrace very
tolerable squeeze.
have before remarked that these snakes are
not considered dangerous To man, as they ar,
not poisonous and if those attacked had sharI'
knife and managed to keep their arms free, Nj
Snake would gel the worst OF it. If one hap
pened, however, to be ASLEEP, and boa constrlc
tor then became familiar, he might so have
wound himself round arms aud body as to pr
vent knife from being used. have no doub'
that they have power sufficient to crush any
man to death in few seconds, did they once
ribs but never heard of such case during
rLy residence at Natal, although made every
inquiry from the Katiirs.
Formerly there was a great deal of supersti
tion among the Katiirs with regard to this snake,
and person who killed one had to 60 through
u quarantine OF purifying; now, however, the
Katfirs do not seem to care much about them
| saw an old fellow near the the Umbio river
pinning large boa constructor to the groun'
with several assagies to prevent its wriggling;
he had about dozen different ones stuck int
his body, aud seemed to think few more would
do no harm. He told me that the snake was
great rascal and had killed calf of his some
time before; that he had long watched the op
portunity of catching it out of its hole, when
smart race of some yards ended in the Kafi
assagying the veal eater.-Sporting Scenes
mongst the Ka6irs Of South Africa By Capt.
A. W Drayson, R. 4.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

According to au ancient usage in Prussia, all
the Princes of the royal family must learn a
trade. 1t is stated that the Prince Frederick
William, just married to the Princess Royal OF
England learned the trade OF cunposltor in
the printing office of Mr. Hauel, at Berlin.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

A RAILWAY TRAIN STOPPED BY BRIsANDs. =
We read in the Courier d. Itahe e:-"Between
Rome and Frascat is railway about nine miles
long. A considerable number Of persons Went
The other day to tete at Frascat, the ladies be-
ing dressed in their richest garments, and wear
ing their costliest jewelry: This was all known
70 the brigands. Accordingly, they seized the
officers who occupied the intermediate station
ia the midst of the deserted country, and pro.
ceeded to hoist the red flag, as signal to stop.
The engineer, fearing something was on the line,
brought the engine TO a dead stand, when the
robbers instantly laid hold of the travellers and
cooly plundered them, doing them, however, no
other injury. Up to this time We had fancied that
railways would put an end to this sort of ad.
venture; but the foregoing stroke, performed
at the very gates of Rome, shows tba. we were
too sangulne. Instead of robbing some ten or a
dozen passengers in q diligence, the brigands
now take 100 in one haul. OF course, the more
productive this peculiar branch of industry be-
comes in the Roman States, thetgreater will be
the numbers of those who follow it.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24
MISCELLANEOUS.
AMERICAN HOTEL.
STAUNT0N, VA,
MRS, MARY A, BROWN.

THIS new and elegant Hotel is now open for the re
i ceptiOn and accommodation of visitors
The PrOpretress assures the pubic nat every euort
will be made TO please her guests.
The Stages of HARMAN, BROWN CO., arrive
and depart from this Hotel where their only office is
TO be found
Stninton Ian 2S lSI-tf
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

Esq" at the end of mans name, is like
a curl in pigs tail-more for ornament than
use.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

READ THEM-One of our exchanges justly
remarks, that those who fail to read the adver.
tisements in newspapers often lose more than
they imagine. Advertisements are printed 10
be read just as much as any other item OF L, news
and it is just as essential to read them: Inere
is not an advertisement printed that Is not OF
Importance to some one. Nothing speaks more
clearly of mans prosperity in business than ma,
the manner in which he advertises. Don't 1ai
to read them. .-Nantucket Enquirer.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

The friendship OF some people is like our
shadow, keeping clase while we walk in the sun
shine, but deserting US the moment we enter the
shade.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

Pompey said he once worked for man who
raised his wages so high, tnat he could only
reach them once in two years.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

Quilts are things that sometimes are taker
from the pinions of one goose TO spread the
opinions of another
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

A MODEL TENANr.-"Jimmy, get some kind
ling. and be maxim fire" a,
'Please, sir, L can't; Mister O'Brien used the
last bannister yesterday"
"The bannisters gone! Then go on the roof,
and try the virtue of them shingles"
Exit Jimmy.
In week afterwards Mr. Murphy wants o
reduction of "rint"-'cause why9 the floors
lake,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

| THE THERMoMETER-Besides the ordinary
| use of the thermometer, for determining the
temperature of the atmosphere, cheat and cold,)
| it has become an instrument, not only of great
utility but of absolute necessity in the arts,
while its adoption and application to agricultu.
raj and domestic purposes has rendered it al
most as indispensable as clock or watch.
In the nursery or sick room, also, it is of the
utmost value and importance. The temperature
in winter, where person is at rest (or without
exercise,) which is the most comfortable and
conductive to health, is 70 to rs, and the more
uniform the temperature the less liable to dis
eases consequent upon a sudden change from in
doors to out When milk is set for raising
cream the room should be kept at 81, as the
nearer that temperature the greater the quaint.
ty and finer the favor If the butter. The tenn
perature at which cream should be kept before
and during the agitation, and not break the
small particles of gobules, of which butter is
composed, while undergoing that mechanical
process is found 70 be SO degrees; if too high
or warm the globuIes viii break and give the
butter an oily appearance The proper temper
ature of milk heated for the purpose of convert
ing into curd for cheese is 98 degrees, or "blood
heat" Milk heated to this temperature before
applying the rennet is found to produce cheese
not too soft to bear transportation, and while it
imparts superior richness it does not detract
from the weight, thereby giving better article
in the greatest quantity and uniformly of the
whole dairy. Boiling water will always clean
the instrument, if applied Immediately after
dipping in the cream without any danger of
breaking; where the scale runs up to 210 de-
grees "water boils." For scaldings hogs or
fowls $50 degrees is the proper temperature
1t is also very useful in ascertaining the temper
ature of the cellar or apartment where vegeta-
bles are kept and which are liable to be frozen
in extreme cold weather.-Lys Illustrated.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-03-24

A WIFE COMPRESSED INTO RING.-A certain
Russian noble, who lately visited Paris, was no.
iced to he constantly plunged into deep sadness.
He wore on his finger very remarkable ring,
Iarge enough for a bracelet, and extended over
his hand like buckler for the ring finger. 1t
was of greenish color and was traversed by
red veins. 1t attracted the attention of every
oody, but no one was bold enough to interro-
gate the mysterious stranger, until one day la
iy meeting him in public parlor, ventured To
,ay, "You wear very handsome ring" The
Russian made movement as though he would
conceal his hand, but that feeling gave way to q
iesre to unburden himself. ut is not a ring"
ne answered, "but sepuchre!" A shudder
asSed through the whole company. This jew
!, madam" he continued, "is my wife. / had
he misfortune to lose her some years since, in
Russia. She was an Italian, and dreaded the
ICY bed which awaited her after this life. |
carried her remains to Germany where | was
acquainted with q celebrated chemist, whom
lirected to make Of the body solid substance,
which could always carry about me. Eight
days afterward he sent for me and showed me
the empty coffin. horrid collection of iDstru-
nents and alembics. This jewel was lying on
the table, He had through means of some cor
rosive substances and powerful pressure reduced
and compressed that which was my wife into
his Jewel which shall never more leave me"
This burial by chemistry is an improvement
upon the process of cremation lately proposed
by the French papers. Should it become popu-
lar, widow, may, hereafter, have her husband
made into bracelet with chain attached, to
remind her of the hymeneal bond. A husband
will have his wife done into pin, and certain
academicians-old fogies-we know would make
very good coat buttons.