davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Worcester daily spy., 1859-04-30

SINGULAR CUsToMs.-Ata recent meeting
OF the Society of Anhquarians," in England,
Mr.. Darlington read paper on the modes
taken to improve the apple crop in different
parts of Great Britain. These customs are
various. In some countries prayers are of
fered in others, drinking and poetry are used
and in one district instrumental music was
added. With respect to Wiltshire and Dorset
shire in the "Manuale in Ilyum Sarum," now
in the vicarage library of Marlborough, there
were two beautiful Latin prayers to be said on
st. James's and St. Christopher's day FEB.
25), in the orchards when the trees were to be
sprinkled with holy water. In Devonshire at
this day, a bowl Of toast and cider is taken out
into the orchard on Christmas eve, and piece
of toast put on the principal tree, and verses
repeated as follows:
"Apple tree
We wassa thee
To bear and to blow
Apples enow.
Hurrah hurrah hurrah,n
In Sonersetshire similar custom prevails,
but the poetry is extended to fourteen lines !;
and in Sussex is a custom called @blowlng the
trees" or "wassailing," which is performedb by
a number of young men blowing cows horns
under the apple trees, and each taking hold Of
tree and repeating verses, q little different,
but evidently of the same origin as those re-
peated in the other counties. Earl Stanhope
remarked that the custom of blessing apple
trees still prevailed in Normandy.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
A Dilemma.


The following example Of nicely Of con-
science is as good jest as it is model of
truth
DR.. Adam Clarke, the author of the cele-
brated "Commentaries on the Bible, on be-
Ing admitted into. tuH connection with his
religious denomination, was asked, as usual,
certain questions. Among other questions
always asked at that time, was tho follow
ing: care you in debt! Though rather
q whimsical incident, this question was like
y to have deeply puzzled and non.plussed
Mr. Clarke. Walking in the street that
morning, with another preacher, poor man
asked a half penny. Mr.. C. had none, but
borrowed one from the preacher who was
walking with him. The preacher happen.
ing to 60 out OF town, he could not see him
during the day TO poy this small sum. When
he stood up with the others, he knew not
Whist to say, when the question "Are you in
debt p should be proposed. He thought,
"if say am in debt, they will ask me ho,O
much and when say oaoe one half penny.
they will naturally suppose me to be fool.
IF say I am not tn debt, this will be q lie /;
for | owe one holf-penny, and am as truly
under the obligation to pay as if the sum
were twenty pounds, and while owe that,
cannot, consistently with eternal truth, say
I am not in debt" He was now most COM
pletely within the horns of dilemma /; and
which to take he knew not and the ques.
ton being put to him before he could make
up his mind--''Mr. Clarke, are you in debt !'
he resolved the difficulty in a moment by
nsweriDg--"Not one PENNY"
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
Gone "a LODz Time for Fruis.

Young Jerrold ''had gone ashore with
Capt. Hutchinson, and wss ieft in command
Of the gig. While the commander was ab.
sent two Of the men in the midshipman's
charge requested permission to make some
triaing pure hase. The good.n atured officer
assen,ed, oddiag-'By the way, you may as
we'll buy me some apples and few pears.'
.'All right, sir said the men and they de-
parted. The captain presently returned and
still the seamen were away on their errand.
They were searched for but they could not
be found. They had deserted. Any novel
reader hose eye may wander over this page
may readily imagine the disgrace into which
Mdshpmon Douglas Jerrold fell with his
captain. Upon the young delinquent the
event made lasting impression, and years
afterwards he talked about il with that curi-
Gus excitement which lit up his face when
he spoke Of anythins he had felt. He re-
membored even the features OF the two de-
serters as lie bad, most Unexpectedly, an
opportunity of proving. The midshipmen
had long put his dirk aside, and washed the
salt from his brave face. He had become a
fighter with keener weapon than his dirk
ever proved, when, one day strolling east.
ward. possibly from the Office of his own
newspaper 20 the printing premises OF Messrs.
Brandbury s. Evans, in Whitefriars, he was
suddenly struck with the form nnd face of a
baker, who, with his load Of bread at his
back, was examining some object in the
window Of the surgical instrument maker,
who puzzles so many inquisi,ive passers. BY,
near the entrance to Kings College. There
was no mistake. Even the flour dredge
could not hide the fact. The ex-midshipman
walked nimbIy to the bakers side, and rap-
ping him sharply upon the back said-'I
say, my friend, don't you think you've been
rather long time about that fruit = The
deserter's jaw fell. Thirty years had not
cOlmed the unquiet suggestions Of his con-
science. He remembered the fruit and the
little MILDLY, fer he said-'Lor is that you.
sir T." The midshpman went on his way
laughing g--Llfe Of Jerreld By his Son.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
Consolation for the Million.

My fair young reader, if you are not so
perfect beauty as peerless Lndamira,
Queen of the Ball; if, at the end Of it, as
you retire to bed, you meekly own that you
have had but two or three partners, whilst
Lindamira has had q crowd around her all
night yourself with thinking that,
al fifty, you will look es kind and pleasant
az you appear now pt eighteen. You will
not have to lay down your coach and six OF
beauty and see another step into 1t, and walk
yourself through the rest Of your life. You
will have to forego no long accustomed hom-
age, you will not witness and own the de-
precigtion of your smiles. You will not see
fashion forsake your quarter; and remain.
all dust, gloom, cobwebs, within your once
splendid saloons, and placRrd in your sad
windows, gaunt, lonely and to let. You
may not have known any grandeur, but you
won't feel any desertion. You will not
have enjoyed millions, but you will have es.
capped bankruptcy.--Taac &
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
WasisiEiSIOn's Negro Soldiers.

At Cambridge, General Washington had
heard that tie colored soldiers could not be
depended upon for sen:ries. So one night,
when the password was "CambridGe," he
went out side the camp, put on an overcoa:,
and then approached a negro sentinel.
"Who go dar 7" cried the sentinel.
"A friend" replied Washington.
"Friepd, advance, unarmed, and give the
countcrsiSr," said the negro.
Washington came up and said, "Rox-
bury"
"No, cir" was !he response.
"BedForJ," said Washington.
"No, sir !" responded the negro soldier.
"Charleston," said Washington.
Tie negro man Immediately exclaimed
81 tell you, Massa Washington say no man
go by here 'out he say Cambridge"
Washington said Cambridge, and went by
the next day the negro gentleman was re.
lieved of all further necessity for attending
to that particular branch Of military duty.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
RiCh Fancies.

In no class shall we find greater exuber-
unce Of fancy, or more exaggerated ideas Of
wealth and luxury, than in the thorough bred
loafer.
A few days ago, couple ofindviduals OF
this genius being seated in a nook near a
wharf, at which a California bound vessel
was lying, their conversation naturally ran
upon gold-as neither of the twain was the
possessor of n red cent; and they amused
themselves by wishing for the precious met
al.
"Bill," said one to the other, ,"I'll tell yer
how much gold wish had, and Id be sat
isfed."
"Well," said the individual appealed to
ego ahead, III see if you've got the liberal
ideas Of a gentleman"
"Well, Bill, wish had go much gold that
,twould take a II gun ship, loaded dowr
with needles SO deep that il you put in an
other needle shed sink-end those needles
to be worn out making bags to hold my
pile"
Bill threw his tEownless hat Gpon tht
pavement with indignation, and exclaim-
ed
"Dnrn IT, why don't you wish for some
thing when you undertake it !! wish ha
so much that yours couldn't pay the interes
of mine for the time you could hold re-
hot knitting needle in your ear.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
owens and EElS Apprentice.

John Ovens was playing an engagement at
the Howard AthenDnm, in Boston, last fall,
and was despatched by the manager to per-
form for a week in one oftae interior towns
of Western Massachusetts. One day, while
sojourning there, a plain, goodnatured son
Of the soil came up to him, as he was enjoy.
ing his ater-Erenkfast cigar, and addressed
him thus:
81 say, sqaire, aint you the player chap
that see in the theayter, last night, actin
out the funny felIer so cute :" ...
The part alluded to was Scion Single.
in "The Peoples Lawyer"
"WelI," replied John, with that 6innt
smile Of his,"I guess | am"
81 thought so," said the farmer. "Now
I've been good many times to the theayte+,
when I've been down to Boston, and seen c
hull lot Of folks plOyin' all sorts of funny
parts, but never seen any Of 'em who cou Il
come anywhares near yeou, Squire Vas
yeou deu take the rag off o. the bush, actin
out funny feller, and no mistake )"
The comedaa e1nccd his deep sense o
The compliment paid him by graceful toucl
of his hat, and his new friend proceeded:
II never did larf SO n1Hch in oil my bJrr
days. and SO did my wife, and as tc my dorter
Matilda Jane, thought she would ha' bust
wonder, Squire, fyou could larn our Sam
He's q cute sort of chap, and is up to al
sorts of queer goins on. Ein't nobody h,
don't sncker right eout every time they ace
him in his tantrums. guess he'd make
funny actor, just like yrou, Squire, if h
only had chance. S'pose yeou cooldn
give him chance, couldn't yeou Ifyeo
only let him try his hand awhile, should'n
mind bindin' him eout as prentice TO tn
play actin businessmen charge yeou much
nuther only take care on him, and don't lie
him git into mischief. Fact is, Squire,
think that boyd jest suit yeou, for he's
kind Of NATURAL fool, eenyheoV."
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
4}listrIlaueous,
Affection mOt IL Misfortune.

Death among ,huse we know, and some
OF hon we regard and esteem, and sick
ness OF those We love, torcibly reminds US Of
the many ills TO which flesh is fe'fj a"a OF
the sad fate OF those who know no consola'
ton, and can not meet misfortunes with that
true estimate of lille and its use which dis
n.ms them of half their tflllctive power.
There is more true courage, more real for
titude displayed in braving the His, and bear
ing the sorrows OF ordinary life, than armies
ever " itness or hospital records recount
Disappointed hopes, and unforeseen, newt
nble uisforiunes in bHsines, or calamalies in
the domestic eircle--any of these try a trde
man more than all he himself alone might
suffer. He is more tirtuous who cares most
for others and least for himself--hence the
better q man, however brave and enduring
the more he must suffer. But there are few
misforunes in which or IN their effects o
bright side may not be seetI.
There are calamities which are greater
than the death Of q loved one, but we are
wont to estimate that as the most terrible
that can sfflct US. Even the vety love foF
the dead which constitutes the source OF our
misery in bereavement is blessing of un-
told worth. A cotemporary, referring to
this love, beautifully remarks, "to have laid
a strong affection down among the dead
may be great sorrow, but it is not real
misfortune. Whatever ones aftergoings
may be, there is deposit for the future life
q stake in better country, a part of the
hearts which the grave keep holy in spite o.
the 'evil which is in the world The living
may change to US or we to them sin may
divide, strife may come between us, bu
through all times and fortunes the dead re
main the same to our memories and our love
The child taken from US long ago is still tn
innocent lamb that was for our holdipg.-
The early lost friend or lover is still th'
blessed Of our youth, q hope. not to be with
cred, .. promise not to be broken, a posses
sion wherein there is no disapp ppointmens."
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03

on the Pacific is just founded. Its growth
in the future will equal that Of the past, +
the United States seizes the golden opPor-
tunity offering. The wealthiest and mos
delightful Of fcOuntries will be redeemed from
the barbarism into whi:h it is fast falling.
An immense market will be opened for our
northern productions. Commerce will again
be stimulated as it was by California, and
The predic,ich of Humboldt, that the bal.
ance behind gold and silver would one day
be restored, ond be made good from the
treasures of Arizona and Sonora.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
Musical.

A gentleman in 'fair and regular standing
in the congregation ofone Of our city church.
es, entered certain music store, and stated
his wishes in this wise: 's. -tN
"Have you Solomon's Songs! / want to
get copy"
"No, no." said the salesman, not being
able to recollect at the moment any litho
eraphed sheet with that title. "No, ar
afraid not"
"Ah," said the amateur, drawing on bill
kid, perhaps it's isn't out yet. Our pastor
spoke Of it last Sunday as production oil
great genius and beauty, and want my
daughter to learn L." -..
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
Eject Of London Dock Gin.

The editor Of the Logan (Ohio) GGsstts
having been presented with bottle Of old
London Dock Gin, drank it, and then at
tempted to write a paragraph of thanks,
with this melancholy result: HUH
In conclusion, here's to "Fire Fountain
Company No. Some," the Brassfountain
Belle Band, and the rest of our home instu.
tions and org'zations, including the ladies.
and other branches of business [hlcl In and
around town and especially the Messidept's
Pressage. Monington Washument, etcs ell
of which may be had cheap at the Buck
Drook--Brook and Dug Store Of Bininger's
ldLondon Dock gin. for % year, II pay
ment is delayed until the end Of the Attain
tic cable. s,asees 60, es.,
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
The Emperor OF Bells.

At the foot Of the bell.to Of the Krem.
lin stands, on granite pedestal, the Tar
Ko!okO!, or Emperor of Bells, whose renown
is world wide. II was cast by order OF the
Empress Anne, in 1880, but was broken sew
en- years afterwards, through the burning OF
the wooden tower in which it hung. 1t is q
little over 81 feet in height, % feet n diam
eter at the bottom, weight l2l tons, and the
estimated value of the gold, silver, and cop
per contained in it, is 500. 600 dollars. In
one of the lower stories of the tower hangs
another bell, cast more than century be fore
the Tzar Xoloko!, and weighing "a TONS
Its iron tongue is swung from side to side by
the united exertions OF three men. II is on.
iy rurg thrice a year, and when it speaks all
other bells are silent. To those who stand
near the tower, the vibration of the dir is
said to be like that which follows the stimuli
taneous discharge Of a hunGred cannon. Ir
the other stories hang at least forty or fifty
bells, varying in weight from SO tons to l.,
600 lbs; some of them are one third silver
When they all sound at once, as on Easte
morn, the very tower mist rock on its foun
dation. In those parts OF Russia where ,h'
Eastern Church is predominant, no othe
sect is allowed to possess bells. The sount
of the bells is a part of the act of worship
and therefore no heterodox tongue, thong
of iron, must be permitted to preach falls
doctrines to half the city.-Bayard Taylo
! in MoScow.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
RAvENNA, THURSDAY. MARCH 3, l

die, he told the boarders to follow him, and
witness singular discovery. Silently and
stealthily they wended their way among Q
labyrinth Of barrels, demijohns and kegs,
until they came 10 the wine vault. There
sat the Captain with dishsveled hair, his
shirt sleeves rolled up, pounding cork into
a champagne bottle with wooden mallet
He saw the glare of the cSrdle and looked
up, and he was on his feet as quick as il aid
ed by shock from galvanic battery.
"Gentleman," said the Captain, "you will
perceive-ahem that is"-
"Oui, oui," said the French importer "zat
is--Uat is, BY garl'
For the first time in his life the Captain
was completely nonplussed.
"Gentlemen--the fact is--ahcm !--that
is to say--the fact is that think--ahem !
that the wine trade in this establishment
will experience sudden decline !"
OF course the thing took wind at once,
and some swore at the ''sell" but by far the
largest portion of the guests determined to
laugh it off Bibulous heard of the exposure,
and started down town, where he imbibed
an awful quantity Of gin-cocktails. In the
evening he returned comfortably fuddled,
and boldly charged the entire swind)e on the
Captain. IS.
AS for the Captain, he could beor It, for not
he took an early opportunity to disappear.-
Whether he finally settled upon his lands
in the Miami Valley, or went permanently
into the wine trade, this deponent hath moi
the means of knowing.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03

0rGovernor Morgan's private secretary,
Mr.. Bliss, is wog. The other day man,
decidedly inebriated, walked into the Execu.
tive Chamber and called for the Governor.
'"What DO you want with hint" inquired the
secretary. "Oh, want an Office with a
good salary-.a sinecure." "Well," replied
the secretary, can tell you something bet.
ter for you than a 6necure-you had better
try pa'er cure" The inebriate immedi.
ately vamosed.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
pOetital,
.,e lRrom the New York Ohserver.l
Let me KISS him for his Mother,

AT the funeral of young man who di
Of iever in New Orleans during the Ia
lu,umn, nn old lady came forward as I
cofin was To be closed, ard made the abo
request. u 1913 ,....-
"1et nc kiss him for his mother;"
lie Is friendess and alone;
By his death-cDuch stood no mother,
Rreathed DER him no mother's moan.
Stranger hands have smoothed his pillow,
Strangers lay him in the grave;
Came there not across tho billow
Whispered prayers the loved TO saver
Was not that fond mother pleading,
Mid her cares, through silent night;
Or was she unwarned, unheeding;-
Shadow!ess her spirits lightf
May the hand Of Jesus hold her
When this wave of sorrow breaks;
May the Fathers love enfod her,
Blessing even while lie takes.
"Le. me kiss him for his mother,"
For bear a mothers heart;
Tenderly, though for another,
can act the mothers part.
Age upon my frame is creeping,
But my heart is yet unchilled;
These old eyes are dim with weeping,
For the heart SO lately stilled.
ttLet me kiss him for his naother,'
On my lips her love shall rest;
ttLet me kiss him for his mother"
Ere the turf lies on his breast.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03

crit has been eloquently and truly said
that if Christianity were compelled to flee
from the mansions of the great, the acade'
mics of philosophers, the hall OF Legislators.
or the throngs of busy men, we should find
her last retreat with woman at the fireside
Her last audience would be the children
gathering around the knees Of mother--
the last sacrifice, the prayer, escaping in ST.
lence from her lips, and heard, perhaps, only
at the throne of Cod.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03

0IJoe G., as he wes famiiarly
called, was a mathmet!cian, bit certain
vacant stareabout his countenance, led many
to believe that he was not quickwitted.- -
Judge R. was Of this number. and as q crowc
was gathered aroand him one day while Joe
was passing, he addressed him as follows:
"Mr. c., how much is fat hog
worth at q sixpence pound"
"Step upon the scales, and will tell yor
in minute" was the quick reply.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
Divide and Conquer.

A young exquisite was listening to lady
friend singing a song, in which the follow
ing lines occur:
"ny that fair brow where :nnOecncs reposes,
Like moonlight resting upon snow"
Looking at him intently, she divided tht
words in the first line in manner rather diff
fcrent from the true version, and not paricu
larly, thus
"By that fair brow wherein no sense reposos,
Like moonlight resting upon snow.'
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03
The Dying Child.

ia oEVNoSs
Open wide the window, mother,
Let me breathe the air of May,
Il may soothe this burning fever,
Which is wasting Inc away.
Lot the cooling zephyrs, mother,
Fan my fever heated brow;
Let the suns rays, growing fainter,
Gently steal across me now.
-
Ie. mo by the twill ght, mother,
Watch the boys ,ort in !on glen,
For know that will never
See them Il their play again.
For I'm slowly dying. mother,
And soon will my spirit go
From this, to u woT d far brighter,
Where there's neither death nor woe.
When I'm dead. you must not; mother,
Shed for me tear Of sorrow:
But give praises to the Taker,
Consolation from Him borrow.
Lay MT IN the ,hurch yard, mother;
Meath the weeping will VS. wave,
Which keeps silent v'r.il over
Brother Wniio's little grave.
Deck my grave wih f wers, plothc'.
Ger my h"ad NY pretty rose,
And come visit me, with fA.hcr,
When tie da! draws to u close.
am getting weary, mother,
On my pil ow rest my head,
And thea kiss iGe ere slumhrr-
Slum5er viii, the silent dead.
can h&rd!! seo You, mother,
Death ! feel is very li2h-;-
Limbs grow colder, heart beats slowcr-
Mother, Mother, dear! good bye.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03

""GErTlr' WOMAN Ever K1rD."-Dr.
Kane relates that when one day, worn out
with fatigue, he turned into an Esquimaux
hu.,o 60. q little sleep. the good.nls.tuFed d.
hostess OF the wigwam covered him up with
some OF her own habiliments, and gave him
her baby for . pillow.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03

GFOne OF the finest specimens OF laconic
speech on record is that OF Rochejaquelin :
"IfI advance, follow me If fall, avenge
me If finch, kill me-"
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03

OrEvery cloud is said to have its silve
lining--not so of every pocket-hook.
The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1859-03-03

The You've LApY's STANDING REFER
EScE,-"I refer you to Pa !"