davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17
PULPIT WIT.

In Pennsylvania there is clergyman
almost as remarkable for eloquence and
eccentricitv as Lorenzo Dow himself. On
charity occasions his pathos, wit, and
sometimes bitter satire, are sure to win
more bank notes and gold coin to the
State, than the decorous eloquence of half
q dozen Other men. On late occasion
he was preaching temperance sermon,
which produced unusual effect upon the
audience. Among Other things, he as
serted, as the result of his own obserya-
ton, that confeSsodly "moderate drink
er" was sure to become confirmed ine-
briate within five years after he reached,
the state of indulgence.
He was interrupted here by q man in
The audience, who started up in great
excitement, proclaiming himself lnodcr-
ate drinker of ten years standing, and
one Oh whom the habit had made no
progress.
The clergyman stopped short, leaned
oxer the pulpit, and when the man had
ceased speaking, called out.
81 say friend, stand up here and let US
have look at you."
The man made an effort to brave the
host of eyes turned upon him and stood
his ground.
"Nearer man' cried tho minister,
beckoning with his long finger. "IIold
light up to this brothers face, some Of
you. Step on the bench and give us
a good look"
The moderate drinker was not to be
looked down nor talked down, and not
only mounted the bench, but allowed a
lamp to be held close to his face.
The minister bent over his cushion, and
gave the face long survey.
ssThat will do" he said drawing back.
ethat will do, my friend, and now l say il
owed the devil debt of hundred
drunkards and had paid him ninety nine,
and he wouldn't take you in full pay
ment Mt the end of five years, | would
never pay him." aga
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17
SUNSHINE.

We might write of the morning SUM-
shine, whose golden food is casting IFS
baptism of glosy over the fields, and send
ing its mellow spray in beauty through
the open door, broadly and warmly upon
the hearth. But is the sunshine new =
Was it not beamod upon us since tho
world was young and tho MORNING stars
first sang together? And yet the nights
of ages have not dimmed its beauty or
left q furrow there. tt is as warm and
golden this hour, as,when it climbed tha
freshly. moulded hills and smiled its first
good morning upon the earth in its sir-
gin purity and bloom. And il Keeps no
record of the scenes and changes II has
looked down upon. Nations, empires
and races have wasted while il shiued.-
Great crimes have been wroughtupon the
battIefelds where he has dawned: But
it set as camly at night as though no
fide of slaughter had ever reddehed In It's
glare. 1t shines for all, indeed. The
rich have no more Of it than the poor
The .sproduce dealer cannot Jun it up to-
fabulous prices. Misers cannot hoatd it:
Money lenders cannot loan its golden
beams at twenty five per cent: lis
ssnarket salueY is never f'qtloted no
change Grosshops canuot adultcfaie
it. The exclusive cannot appropriate IT..
The inproeident cannot waste il 1t
beams as warmly over the threshold Of
the hut rs Of the palace. In sorrow and
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17
OF Books and their Purchase.

Among our laboring population are
many whose active minds, especially of
the mothers and daughters, are craving
nourishment, and seeking it wherever it
may be found--in newspapers, magazines,
and circulating Libraries; yet they have a
natural healthfulness of nature which re-
iects the glare and shallowness of much
of the modern literature which thus falls
in their way. Such now and then afford
themselves the luxury of new book,
buying it with money saved by strict
economy, or earned by their own hands !;
and they of course wish to get something,
not merely interesting at the moment,
but which will bear repeated perusal.-
They hesitate long before making seloc-
ton, and well they may; for the book is
to be one of a very few; it will be kept
for wears; be taken into their hearts, and
regarded as one of their most valuable
possessions; be read over and over till its
every thought is interwoSen with their
own mental operations, shaping and col
osine them all. 1t viii be lent again and
again, to their neighbors, be hands down
to the younger children, in short will be-
come their own in q way many who own
large libraries cannot conceive Of.
The homes where book has this val
ne are becoming fewer and fewer, but
many such still exist in the quiet rural
villages which lie little off from the thor
ouchfares of tIavel, and where simplicity
of habits and customs still prevail; and
manv Of us can remember how the little
shelf Of a dozen books educated us more
thoroughly than large collection might,
because we were shut up to it IN our
childhood.
Hence we are always interested when
we see in a book store an intelligent, home
| Unlocking matron, looking through her
spectacles at the pile of books the accom-
modating shopman has placed before her,
| or the brighteyed daughter at her side,
| Gazing with longing eyes ri the rows
1
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17

said, perhaps there is, after all, some
yearning of nature between thom STILL
| He had not walked far, one morning,
few years ago, he SAID, and he gave as
a reason, that his attention was taken by
company of those Target creeping things
which lie on their backs in the paths as
soon as the light strikes them. But of
what use was it for you to help them over
with your cane, knowing that they would
become supine again 2 i gave them q
fair start in life, said he, and nny respon-
sibility was at an end.'
A minister who took deep interest in
political affairs, once said severe and sharp
things about him. His friends were
moved with resentment, bat Mr.. Choate
said, with evident grief and like a child,
4 am disposed to write him letter, and
tell him that he is mistaken Few things
in him have ever touched me more than
this incident, in view of all the circum-
stances Of the case.
1t may seem remarpable to some that
n man of his nervous temperament, and
subject to such great and frequent de-
mands upon it, should not have fallen in
to the habitual use of some powerful mar
cote. Had he done so, it would have
plainly manifested itself in one so con-
stantly before the public as he. Exalta-
ton of spirits by powerful narcotic is
inevitably followed by q corresponding
depression, uniting its miserable subject
for continuous nsntal labor. But we all
know how consecutive he 0as in his mon
tai efforts. When he had performed one
great service he was ready for another of
a different, but equally laborious kind, or
for his daily work.
Some have been interested to inquire
whether he had the artificial aid hero re-
ferred to, in his mental efforts. The high.
ly respected ply who has been his
medical attendant for twenty years places
this, by his denial oft, beyond question.
He wodld have known it if it were so.-
On the contrary, ho says that he could or
dinarily put him to sleep with Dover's
powder. Once, at home, using laudanum
in tooth, it produced sickness which
showed that his system was stranger to
such narcotic.
Whether he did or did not, said DIR.
Adams, experience that new birth, with
out which no man can see the Kingdom
of God, God knows. There arc things
which make us hope. He knew, what be
must do to be saved. He was speaking
with Christian friend, in his recent sick
ness about is feelings under the preach
ing of the gospel. He said, ANY man
who goes to perdition under that preach
ing, goes on his own responsibility"
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17

sThen | can arrange our matrimonial
preparations in the evening, while yoe
are at the lecture
WHAT
sAnd you can leave the house in hcl
charge all day. That will give you plen
ty of time to go out, and she can Learn
the ways about in the house.
'Whatg
and, my dear, one little favor. L
may be the last | shall ever ask. Stay
at hor:e one or two days, won't you, and
show her round, where you keep things
and so on, SO that she won't have any
trouble in keeping order after you GO
You viii do this to oblige me, won't
youT
Mrs. Peters. for answer, rolled up the
ascension robe into q ball and fired it at
Joe. The cotton, scissors, work basket,
and table-cloth followed this missile in
such rapid succession, that he was unable
even to fly. Then Maria's rage found
vent i'll words.
so! You and Sarah! That's the
reason you whistlod when you came in
You will be very glad to have me go and
marry her, won't you? No doubt Of it
But you shan't marry her, sir! You
shan't have that qualification! l will
stay, if it is only to spite you. l won't
go! l tell you, MIR. Peters, l won't go.'
But, my dear, you must go ifyou are
come forp
Il won't gor
But consider, my dear! What will
Sarah Think
Sarah! Don't don't dare to mention
Sarah to me again! I-I-oh!-I am
fairly chokingv and the little woman
threw herself into chair, in a fit of hys-
terics.
Noxl morning, Mr.. Peters met Fred in
the street.
well old boy, how goesitT
Fred was the reply, 4 am the hap
piest man in the world have reganed
my wife and domestic peace, and got rid
of busy, tattliug old maid, who under
pretense of loving my wife was everIast-
ingly interfering in all our household ar
rang ements.'
sThen Mrs. Peters will not ascend!
No. If Sarah is to be my second wife,
and step-mo;her to my Gil lren, Mrs
P. has concluded that she won't go.'
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17
THIRTY-FiVR.
BY Y. P. WILLIS.

"TAe s,ears of mans life are three score an
ten"
Oh weary heart theu'rt half way home !
/ stand on life's meridian height
As far from childhood's morning come,
As TO the graves forgctful night.
Give You'll, and HOPE parting tear,
Look onward with placid brow
Hope promised but TO bring me here,
And Reason takes the guidance now.
One backward look-the last-the last
One silent tear,-fF youth as past.
Who goes with Hope and Passion back
Who comes with me and Memory on
Oh, lonely looks the downward track
JOYS music hush d--HOpes roses gone!
To Pleasure and her giddy troop,
Farewell, without sigh or tear |!
But heart gives way, and spirits droop,
To think that Love IEay leave us here
Have we no charm when youth in flown
Midway to death left sad and lone
Yet STAY As 'twerc twilight star
That sends IFS thread across the wave,
] see a Frightening light from far,
Steal down path beyond the grave
And now, bless God IFS golden line
Come u'tr-and lights my shadowy way
And shows the dear hand elasp'd in mine
But LIST, what those sweet voices say
The better lands an sight,
ind Jy Its chasteninG tigh.
4AH lore FROM !ijt mjdray is driven.
Save hers whose ciasp'ed hard wiH bring thee on
TO heducn.
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17
Wlsttllaneous,
MIR. Peters First Wife.

NeS EAR! dear !no toast, eggs boiled
ID as hard as brickbats, and the cof-
fec stone cold,' and Mr. Peters rose from
the breakfast table in temper by no
means nmiable. and rang the bell violent
". There was no answer! Tie rang
neain, third, fourth time, still no an
swer. Out of all patience, he went to
the door and called Maria! Mariap
a slight, pretty little woman, dressed
in q soiIed, tumbled wrapped, with hair in
state of direfu confusion, answered
This summons. She had one of those
round, bright faces which Nature intend
ed should be decked with continual smiles
but now, with all its roses in bloom, 1t
was drawn out to its full length, and the
large blue eyes had serious, or rather
doleful expression, totally at variance
with their usual joyous look. Her voice
too, had lost its melodious, ringing sound
md was subdued to dismal whine.
what is it, JosephP
Where's Bridget!
.Gone out for me. I want more white
ribbon for my ascension robe
Mr. Peters said very naughty word
and then continued, Gold coffee, hard
eggs, breakfast not fit to cat
i WISH whined bis wife, you would
think less of temporal matters, and turn
your attention to the great end of life
Hang it all, madam, l would like to
enjoy my life while 1 do have it. Here
was /, the happiest man in the United
States, with pleasant home, chatty,
cheerful, loving wife, and good, quiet
children; and now, since you have joined
the Millerites, what am IL
oh, Joseph, you would only come
Into that blessed circler
'Ob, Maria if you would only come
out of it. Where are the boys?
Il am surcI don't know
Arc they going to school to-day?
my dear, their teacher has given up
the school, and is turning her mind to
more exalted objects. OH Joseph, turn
now while there is time. You have still
aweek for preparation and repentance
Repentance Well, whom / take up
the subject it will take rather moro than
a week to put it through
And Mr.. Peters put on his coat and
took up bis hat.
Joseph said his wife, you need not
send home any dinner. | shall be out,
and I'll take the boys over to their uncle
TO dine aa. 20
Joe made no answer, unless tho violent
" emphatic manner in which he closed
the door was one. Muttering with an
ger, he strobe into restaurant to make
q breakfast Here he was hailed by ono
1gf his bachelor friends, Fred Somers who
tucked up as he heard Joe's order
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17
THE BITTLE HAND.

The little hand. bless it, how confding
ly it is placed within our own. It trusts
| in its helplessness and weakness for guild
ance. Every nerve rests TRANQUILITY, as its
tiny fingers are encircled with a firm and
loving grasp. Watch the footsteps ofthe
little one rs he ranges the lawn, and with
his little hand he gathers the purple VIC
lets, and with childish glee he strews them
around. His. dark eyes look up roguisilE-
" as he runs laughingly on saying, catch
Inc if you cam u
How lovingly the little hand entwines
its tiny fingers among your cuiis, Of
clasping thcm at your knee, lisps out an
infants prayer that speaks peace to tho
troubled heart as if an angels voice had
whispered it from Heaven. Beautiful
childhood! would 1t could be always shiel-
ded from harshness. from corroding care.
aud corrupt Influences. Look Mt the little
hands stretched out for help, from harsh
father or an incorporate mother. 80
There are FIVE little oues, tho eldest not
more than seven, with large iask eyes
and curling hair. She stands in front OF
band of little ones, singing and keeping
time with her little hands, for there are
none to modest Or mako her afraid. She
has been taken away from the dark fate
that awaited her Vhildhood's homo, aud
the beautiful boy that she points out as
her brother, that unnatural mother had
placed ropo around his neck to strangle
him, but was discovered and arrested in
her dark design, iu timo to sayc his life.
There he is, not four years old with doll
in his hand, and he looks up, his face ra
Giant with smiles, as he replies to our sim
pie question of "Aro You fond Of dolls"
He has large dark eyes and noble head;
we could predict splendid career for hun
in tue future, if rightly guided.
Little hands are all around US, seeking
for guidance, relying upon the protecting
influence of those elder than themselves.
Would that we kept ourselves pure, SO
that we could perform our duty faithfully
and well. That nature must be hardened
indeed, that can see tender drop f1l
from the eyes of childhood or the little
hand stretched out in vain.
Who cannot call to mind little hands
they have caressed and tenderly cared for
that have now passed to the spirit lands
Our darlings were laid to rest in their mar
row house, their little hands fillod with
white rose buds, the last of summers Of
ferine. Though now all Unseen TO orr
mortal gaze their angel hands are still 10
visible ministers Of love, drawing us to
them in their beautiful home. Cherish
then, the little hand, and guard and guide
| it while you may, for it is an angel In
your household. You know not how
soon thor wings will unfold and soar up
ward and onward into the world Of lore
and light, leaving you in your anguish to
mourn and lament over their brief stay.
Blessed memories of the little hands that
have chung to you in their simple, child
like faith aud trust. Oh may those mem
cries never be laden with barshness or
unkindness, 'sFor of .ch is tho Kinkdora
of Heaven"
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17

Eg- Reformcrs are always digging
away at the same old story. Precisely.
1t is lust what the old tree said to the AK
"Don't keep hitting in the same place"
But the AK says to the tree: GLOW ols
can / get YOU down &c. W. Curtis.
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17

MOP 80
well, what in thunder is to payr
Maria's joined the Milleritesr
Fred, gave a long whistle, and then
said, Going to ascend next week.
Yes, and if [ don't commit suicide in
the meantime, you may congratulate
me. am almost distracted. Can't get
decent meal, children running riot,
servants saucy, house all in confusion,
wife in the blues, either quoting the
speeches of the elders at Inc, or sewing on
white robe, and grooming every third
stitch. Hang it all, Fred, I've a great
mind TO take poison, or join in the
armyP
HIM! him! you give an enchanting
picture, but l think caa suggest a cure.'
"A curer
Yes, if you will promise to follow my
advice, will make your home pleasant,
your wife cheerful, aud your children hap
py.'
DO it, cried Joe. I'll follow your
word like a soldier under his officer
what shall dog
At tea-time Mr.. Peters entered his
home, whistling. Maria was seated at
the table, sewing on her white robe, and
there were no signs Of preparation for tho
evening meal.
Maria, my DEAR said Mr.. Peters,
| cheerfully, SIS tea ready?'
Il don't know was the answer, 'haye
been out all day, attending meeting
'Oh, very well, never mind. Attend
ing meeting? You are resolved, then, to
leave me next week 2
oh! Joe | must go when I am call
ed
yes, my dear, of course. We'll, l
must resign myself | suppose. BY the
way, my dear, has it ever occurred to you
that | shall be lett widower with three
children? / think am handsome man
yet, my love- and Joe walked over to the
glass, passed his fingers through his hair
and pulled up his collar. Maria looked
up, rather surprised.
You see, my dear, it israthcr relief
for yon to go quietly, you know. 1t is SO
wearing on the nerves to have long i'll
ness; and besides, my dear, there will be
no funeral expenses, and that is quite a
saving
Mrs. Peters lips quivered, and her
large blue eyes filled with tears. Joe
longed to stop his heartless speech and
comfort her, but he was fearful the de-
sired effect was not gained yet.
so, my DEAR he continued, 'if you
must go, have been thinking of getting
another wife,
'WhatP cried Mrs. Peters.
another wife, my love. The house
must be kept in order, and the boys cared
for
The grief was gone from Maria's face,
but her teeth were set with look of
fierce wrath
another wife, Joe! Another wifep
Yes. l think I have selected a good
successor. 1 deliberated a long time,
when / was bachelor, between her and
yourself. You will like her, for she is
your bosom friend
MY bosom friendp
yes, my dear. think on the day
you ascend, l will marry Sarah Ingram 7
what that good-for-nothing, silly,
empty-headed old maid, the mother of
my children! Whatv
We'll, my dear, it seems to be the best
can do! l don't want to leave my bust
ness to go q counting, and she will have
me, l know
NO doubt! Oh! you great brutal,
hateful ats
Stop. my dear, don't fly into fury
We will try to spend our last week in hap
Illness. Oh, the way, l have PROPOSE
ton to make
go on, sir! Don't spare net
sAb, yes, that's the very thing / wish
to do. know your mind is entirely en-
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17

'Then | can arrange our matrimonial
preparations in the evening, while yod
are at the lecture
The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1859-08-17
RIVER FALLS PIERCE COUNTY, WISCONSIN, WEDNES

'Hallop he cried, You here?' Why,
what are you doing here at breakfast
time? Wife sick?'
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-06-28
Fourth Of July in New York.

The Joint committee Of tho Common Coun-
ell have completed their extensive arrange
ments for a celebration of the 18th Of July
There are to he twelve places for fireworks
stands: and for eleven of these stands band
of music had been engaged; the people in
the neighborhood of Mount Morris preleirlng
to furnish their own music. Il has been de-
teyuined to give each Of the Veteran Corps
1924, instead of the whole appropriation To
one company The sym of 5000 has been
set apart as prizes Tor rowjag regatta. the
members of all rowing clubs TO be admitted to
the contest. The usual Ginning of bells IS
to take place in the morning. 1T has also
been determined to Jesus hrs thousand cards
Of admittauce to standing position in and
on the City Hall, TO witness the display OF
fireworks in the Park
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-06-28
Pictures OF the Battles In Italy.

Our Paris correspondent writes that the
earlier battles, engagements, receptions and
skirmishes OF the campaign. have been cheap
ly and popularity done on wood and stone, at
from one to six sous the copy, accordingly rs
they are plain or are Horidly colored by the
brush or accompanying letter press The
swarm of new illustrated journals, devoted to
a record of the war, that have sprung to life
latterly, is almost numherless. Gustave D"re
has done the Mnntebelo on an enormous
scale for photography. Horace fernet has
zone down to the scene of that combat 10 re-
produce it on canvass. Previously to the
battle of Magenta, photographers were sent
for from Paris. Now that II is fought ana
won, Yom, a much superior artist to fernet
has gone down to the ground to make his
studies for an official historical picture.~-
Ne,r JOJt I,ibTHs
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-06-28
Politics in the South. West OF Virginia.

The Abingdon Nrgnian. thus alludes to
the subiect:-"If the revolution here was pro
duced by public speaking, Mr.. Goggin and Mr..
Jno. 4. Campbell are entitled to the credit,
for no others made public addresses. But
our gains here are not attributable to public
speaking, nor can they he traced to the inttu-
.nces of men. 1t was the spontaneous up
rising of an intelligent people sick Of misrule
and Encouragement in public affairs They
read and thought for Themselves, and when
the time came, acted for themselves. regard
less Of any party fastenings and party dis
cipline. We repeat, the revolution here was
spontaneous, and can be traced to no cause
but the determination OF n deceived and
cheated people to think and act for them
selves They had long trusted 10 the delu-
sive promises and professions OF modern
Democracy, and finding that their affairs
were growing more tangled and confused
from year to year, and believing that any
change would be for the better. as it certain
" could not be worse, they took the matter
IN their own hands, and hence the result"