davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

AN OCEAN OF SNAKES Ship passes
through an Ocean of ,Snakes.--The state
ment published in Sundays Times that
the steamship Mexico, Captain Pitfeld,
when on her last trip, off the Tortugas,
steamed through tangled mass of snakes
of all sizes, has since become subject of
much comment. '.Snake stories" are pro-
verbally uncertain, but we are now ena-
bled authoritively to declare that this par
ticular one may safely be relied upon.
Our original account was incorrect in
one particular only. Instead of two hours
and half, as stated, the Mexico was no
more than one hour and half passing
through this horrible mass of .writhing rep
tiles. They were Of all sizes, from the Of
dinary green water snake of two feet to
monsters-genune sea serpents-of four
teen to fifteen feet in length. The largest
snakes, when the swell produced by the
movement of the vessel reached them,
would VIC are informed, partly raise them
selves up from the water, as in the atti-
tude of striking, and dart out their tongues
wickedly at the waves.
The greatest interest, as was natural,
was manifested by those on board the Mex
leo. Discipline was for space forgotten,
and captain, officers, passengers, crew and
ship boys stood in common by the sides
looking on sight that, so far rs shown
by sea annals, has never yet been Witness
ed by those who have gone "down to the
sea in ships which may, possibly, never
greet human eyes again
We can think of no valid explanation ON
the subject, unless it be-taking our own
inspiration from the 'day"-that the shade
of that famous snake destroyer, on the ap-
proach of his anniversary, has been wan
dering in Florida, and has shown that he
has lost none of his old skill, by driving
off in one mass its myriads of reptiles from
the coast.
Seriously speaking, however, the pres
ence of these snakes in waters off the Tor
tugas is remarkable occurrence, one that
may properly claim the attention of the
scientific. One fact at least is proven.
That fact is that, Nnder some special re-
vulsion of the laws ordinarily controlling
them, snakes may live in salt water. AT
ter this experience, the existence of the
} mysterious sea serpent becomes again
an "open question"
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
Items OF News.

A wealthy member of the Philadelphia
Union League, recently appointed to for
eign consulate, has resigned from the
League, having been detected stealing a
box of cigars. He confessed that he could
not help stealing, and paid $500 for the
cigars. The affair created sensation.
The party above referred to is Ferdi-
nand Cox, recently confirmed as Consul to
Leghorn.
The new Spanish Constitution provides
for hereditary monarchy, to be supplied
with King by the Cortes whenever
royal line becomes extinct. Trial by ju-
ry, universal suffrage, free speech and lib
erty of the press are guaranteed.
A negro was drowned by catfish in
Lake Concordia, opposite Natchcz, Miss.
a few days since. The negro was trying to
haul the catfish out, but the catfish hauled
him in, and he was drowned before assist
ance could be rendered
The most recent official information from
United States civil and naval officers in
Cuba, on the adjacent waters, agree in as
serting that the revolutionary movements
are diminishing in importance, and that
compromise may be effected.
The Methodist ministers of the New
, York East Conference are required to
preach at least once year against the use
of Intoxicating drinks, and, rather awk-
wardly for some, against the use Of tobac-
| CO.
A branch Junta of Cuban sympathizers
| is to be formed in Philadelphia, as an aux
, iliary to the Junta of New York; and con-
certs are to be given for the benefit of their
4 relief fund.
Next August the entire Imperial family
of France will deliberate the one hun
dredth anniversary Of the birth of the great
n Napoleon in Corsica.
The English sparrows let loose in the
q Philadelphia parks disdain the habitations
n designed for them by human hands, and
are building for themselves.
. -Four small expeditions from Florida, in
4 aid of the Cuban insurgents, have been
v safely landed upon the island within the
4 past two weeks.
Mr.. Peck, of the grain elevator firm o.
4 Parker & Peck, New York, is reported tc
be defaulter for $160. 900. He has gont
n to Europe.
4 The murder of Benjamin Ayre, tn,
" ASotSi In Sioi"Noi, hOpoi sSu
l. shot Monday, was done by a negro fol
= robbing.
Mr.. w. L. Valentine was dragged from
! his horse near McConnellsville, Pa. anC
f. robbed of $3.50 by highwaymen.
~ A wife murderer named Joseph Mesa
, er was sentenced.in Rochester, N. Y Mon
- day to be hanged June 4th next.
N n A terrific hail storm visited Missouri
= Monday afternoon, and did great damag
i, to vegetation around St. Louis.
!, The New York Evening Express report
,e the suspension of large packing and pre-
n. ~ vision firm of that city.
Mt Flora Stewart, aged 103, Samuel Briggs
a. ~ nearly lO2, and Mary Hanson, 100, die
m in New Hampshire last year
III n Tom Allen and Mike McCool are an
* nounced in st. Louis to fight within tw
m IN months for 81 900 side.
b Miss Cairnes, who recently shot her 81
ii ducer, in Jarrottsvillc, Md. has been lode
w ed in Jail at Bel Air.
70 j. r. Clay, the colored man nominate
no for Minister to Liberia, has declined ii
III appointment.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

PoTAToEs.-EARLY ROSE TO THE REAR.
The potatoe fever does not abate in the
least. But the origination of the Early
Rose has brought out new variety, called
the ''No T." which promises to eclipse all
others. Sixteen potatoes of this variety
have been sold for 1925, II pounds for
$615, one potato brought $50, and ono
was traded for COW worth $50 A man
in Hubbardton, Vt. who bought one eye
of "No. 4 potato and raised from it,
this season, potatoes that he sold for$ $50,
and has three left, Eight were bought by
one man for $400.
Most prudent people will refuse to bo
humbuggcd into investing very considera-
bly, in any of these varieties of potatoes.
until the scale of prices is more in accord
with the intrinsic value of the esculent-
until they may be purchased by the bushel
and not by the pound.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

WILD BEASTS OUT FOR A HoLIDAY.-An
Elephant attacks Locomotive, and a
Lion the Natices.-A great menagerie
opened at Forest the other day. A huge
elephant, named Hercules, was chained
to stake and having been very insubordi-
nate for some days, the people were warned
not to approach him. Some person, how
ever, handed the beast piece of tobacco,
which so enraged him that after disloca-
ting the mans shoulder with blow, he
broke loose, making the crowd scatter for
life.
A freight train was just approaching,
and he Immediately ran toward it with
great speed and met it with such shock
that he broke off his tusks and was i'm
mediately killed. The engine was de-
tached from the train and thrown from
the track, and the engineer having failed
to shut off steam it unfortunately ran into
the canvass and smashed the lions cage
killed the lioness and released the lion
The lion finding himself uninjured and al
liberty, and being frightened by the steam
and whistle of the engine, started at full
speed down the Homewood road, roaring
terrlucaily.
Meeting Mr.. George w. Sheppard h
chased, overlook and attacked him; bu
fortunately beyond tearing his clothes
did him no damage, his attention beiu,
drawn off by the approach of Mr.. Johl
Smith, on horseback. At the horse th
lion rushed, and having thrown it dow
began devouring it, while the rider esca
ped to the woods.
While he was devouring Mr.. Smith
| horse, Mr.. james Rich, who was on hi
r way to Forest with load of chickens
drove up. AS soon as he saw him h
reared on his hind feet, lashed the grouu
with his tail and sprang at him. MI
Rich eluded him by jumping from hi
D wagon, when he mounted and began t
, tear open the boxes containing the chick
ems and turned them out. He then SCENE
to loose sightof everything in his effort
to catch them.
: Some twenty men, well armed, starte
: out in pursuit. 1t is reported that b
t killed freedman in Smith county, nes
Mr.. Thomas Husbands, and that whe
last heard from he was going down Ocoh'
s i Brandon Mss. Republican.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
HydrOphObin.

The Wilmington Commercial of We'd
nesday says Yesterday afternoon large
black dog belonging to John Moore, who
resides on farm near the Concord toll
gate, displayed symptoms of rabies, and
suddenly rushed at and bit COW belong
ing to Mr.. Moore; he sprang at an OK,
but that animal raised his head in time to
avoid the spring, and assuming threat
ening attitude deferred the dog from fur
ther attack. The dog then started towards
Mr.. Moore, who got ont of its way think
ing something had infuriated the animal
but not at first suspecting bydrophobia.
Immediately after this the dog started to-
wards the city. On his way towards the
Brandywine he bit dog belonging to
man named Trusty. Reaching Jessup's
road he turned towards that part of the
city formerly known as Brandywine Vii
lage and turned up the Philadelphia road
AT the corner of this road and Mill road
he caught dog belonging to a butcher
and shook it. Some men were working
there putting up gas lamp, and one Of
them picked up a heavy stone and struck
the mad dog on the head. 1t caused him
to loosen his hold and he ran on up the
Philadelphia road. At Vandevcr avenue
he bit one or two other dogs, and shortly
afterwards met COW and two young hcif-
ers. He attacked them and they tried to
avoid him but he chased them back and
forth across the road until he succeeded in
biting each of them. He next turned uI
Lammot street, and here comes the mos
horrible part of the affair.
Some little children were playing il
front of row of tenement houses thcr,
and the dog made for them. He frs
caught little boy, six or seven years old
a son of Edward Nugent. He dragged
the child off of porch, to which he ha'
fled for protection, and dragged him ou
in the road, terribly tearing and laceratinl
his arm.
He next bit little girl, about six year
old, one of a couple of twins, daughters Q
William Carter. He also bit another lit
tie girl, daughter of Dennis Donovan
; The dog now turned back to the Philadel
, phia road and ran rapidly Northward, bitin
one or two other dogs He was pursue,
by crowd of twenty or thirty with guns
etc. and was chased from the time he lei
the city limits, shortly after A o'clock, un
,, til about 6, p. M. when he was killed o.
the farm of Eli Wilson, a short distanc
above the city limits. All the dogs know
, to have been bitten have been killed.
The excitement in the Sixth Ward (for
merly Brandywine Village) was intense
and has not yet abated, while feeling c
the most profound sympathy, with terribl
. grief Of the parents Of the unfortunate chill
dren is deeply felt. DIR. Miller is attend
ing the children. But little, if any, hope
e are entertained of the possibility of huma
: aid saving them from the frightful deaf
e to which they seem doomed, while the sus
: pense and horror Of their parents for tn
next few weeks must be intense.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
Cheapest Carpets in Philadelphia
WHERE TO BUY THEM.

WHO has not heard of EVANS CHEAP
w CARPET STORE? Where you can buy
much lower than at any other establishment, and
rely upon all goods being just as they are repre-
sented. This season our stock is unusually large,
comprising the latest styles of BRUSELLS,
OIL CLOTHS, MATTINGS, and WINDOW
SHADES. Elegant Irish Brussels Carpets, yard
wide, from 60 to 10 cents, equal in appearance to
the finest Brussels.
Dssr Don't buy without examining our low
prices, as we guarantee you great saving.
JOHN NJ. EVANS,
No 3l7 n. Second st. first Carpet Store above
Vine St. directly opposite Wood St. Philadelphia
April limos.
TNAKE NOTICE.-All those who want Pic
l. lures of themselves or families should call
at once at HORNING'S PHOTOGRAPH GAL
LERY, as he expects to leave about the lst of May
April 3-lm.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
Usunr.-public opinion seems to hav'

UsuRy.-public opinion seems to have
grown lax upon this subject, as upon most
subjects touching moral rectitude. The
fashion now is to get money; no matter
how you get 1t, SO you do not come within
the purview of the law; and he who gets
the most of it is the best fellow. Laws
against usury have been denounced, and
money has been regarded as commodity,
worth whatever it will bring in the market
Men of convenient consciences, who would
be. offended at the slightest imputation of
dishonesty, scruple not to take ten, fifteen,
twenty, or even twenty-five per cent. from
borrowers. Human laws against this
practice are based upon divine law, and
whatever false notions men may entertain
upon this subject, those notions will not
change that law, nor absolve them from
the penalties Of its infraction. During the
late session Of the Legislature efforts were
made for the abrogation of the existing
usury law and that body was piled with ear
nest arguments to induce it to comply with
the request; but they failed of their purpose
and the law was not changed. We give
the Legislature due credit for its course.
Something is due to the poor as well as to
the rich. Capital gives to its possessol
power and influence, and the moneyeG
snan is able, by virtue Of his wealth, to take
care Of himself. Mems necessities some
times drive them to offer usurious interest;
per centage ruinous to themselves ant
.hurtful to their creditors. The law, which
is founded in wisdom, steps in, at thi
point, not only for the protection of tn
individual who is driven into such fnan
cial straits, but of all that portion of tn
community connected with him in bushes
relations 1t is in accordance, therefore
with the fitness of things, that the grea
moral code given for mans government
should forbid the taking of usury. In tina
code, of higher authority than human law
we find the following:
If thou lend money to any of my people that
poor by thee thou shalt not be TO him usr
rer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.-Ey
odSs, %, %.
If thy brother or a stranger be waxen poo
take thou usury Of him or increase; tho
shalt not give him thy money upon usury-L
viticus, 1856, 81.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
At the Rink in Ipdianopolis on Thurs

At the Rink in Indianapolis on Thurs
day Geo. Il. Hudium, in the velocipede
contest for silver medal, made one mile,
with forty-four turnings, in the unprece.-
dented time of three minutes and three
seconds, with thirty-six machine. This
is the fastest time ever made in the United
States.
One of, the Oldest merchants of Eastville,
Virginia, Joshua p. Westcoat, was MUIR
dered in his counting room, Thursday
night, by some person unknown, but sup
posed to be a negro named Spencer Wright
He has been arrested, and confessed the
deed
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
summary OF News.

The feeling in Europe is not satisfactory
for peace. The French Senate have as
sented to the suggestions of Marshall Neil
and determined that the peace policy of
France shall be an army ready for imme-
diate war. Prussia is busily strengthen
ing her Notifications, as she must do in
the exercise of common prudence, when
million of the best soldiers in Europe are
within few days march of her frontiers,
and when nothing delays the most fright
full war, but the uncertain will of an un-
scrupulous man. The Commission to set
tie the pretensions of France to the con-
troll of the Railroads into Belgium will be
watched by Prussia with great interest
1t is impossible for that nation to permit
France to make unressted acquisition o
so important an adjunct to war upon thu
Rhine. Perhaps this Railway affair is t,
be the occasion of the conflict which can
not be long delayed.
In Spain the Cortes is yet at work upol
the Constitution, and an Emperor is a
difficult to find as ever. The expression
of sympathy for the Cuban insurrection
; by our House of Representatives, ha
caused good deal of feeling in Madrid
The Spanish naval commanders in tn
West India seas, are likely to prove tn
most dangerous enemy that Spain has j
, that part Of the world. We learn that i
addition to insults already offered to ou
flag, some men-of-war followed vesst
into Bermuda and searched her in Brit
ish port, and, moreover, actually lande
, party and secured the island for Cuba
refugees. The British Admiral will prof.
ably give the Spanish gun boats lcsso
in national law.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
The STATES AND THE FIFTEENTH AMEND

The STATES AND THE FIFTEENTH AMEND
MENT.-By the. means of lacking on Of
the requirement to the Virginia, Mississ-
ippi and Texas reconstruction act, that
those States shall adopt the fifteenth
amendment to the constitution, it is cal.
culated that that amendment will become
an article of the fundamental law by the
spring of 1870. Counting these thret
States, without Ohio, Indiana and Geor
gia, twenty-nine States, it is believed, viii
ratify that article, one more than is ne
cessary. So far, twenty-one States hav
adopted the amendment, viz: Maine
Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania
West Virginia, North Carolina, Soutl
Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida
Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota
Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Al
kansas, Louisiana and Kansas. The "a
tifcations of Kansas and Missouri, how
ever, are known to be informal. Fou
States, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connect
cut and New Hampshire, it is believed
will ratify the amendment during tf
present year. Georgia and Indiana al
both Doubtful having been defeate
once in the former State, in part by r.
publican votes, and the democrats, in Il
Legislature of the latter, refusing to r
main in their seats whenever it is CALI
up. thus preventing the presence of a co
stitutional quorum Bait. Sun.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

A LADY MURDERED BY HER LOVER
The steamer Richmond, which passed up
from New Orleans yesterday, learned at
Grand Gulf the particulars of one of those
tragedies of passion that appear more like
romance than reality. In the country,
some distance from Grand Gulf, reside two
respectable families, those of Cushing and
Andrews. Miss Andrews was a lovely
girl of seventeen, well accomplished and
of unusually fascinating manners. Mr..
Cushing's son, youth of twenty, had
been attached to her from their early child
hood, and as he grew older his affection
became an ardent, absorbing passion. A
short time ago he made formal offer Of
his hand, when, to his intense disappoint-
ment and modification, his offer was firm
ly though courteously refused. He brood
ed over his ill-rewarded passion and be-
came prey to jealousy and at length left
the neighborhood, vowing madly that he
would come back and take his revenge
On Sunday last he returned and riding uI
to Mr. Andrews house he begged to see
Miss Andrews at the door without alight
ing She came out, when he suddenly
produced pistol, fired, shooting hei
through the body and she fell on her fac'
and died without struggle. The infatu
atcd murderer rode frantically away, bu
Miss Andrews brother, breathing fury to
ward the murderer of his sister, sprang OIL
a horse and followed. He came up will
Gushing as the latter was crossing creel
and fired at him. Gushing jumped fron
his horse and took shelter in the bush
Andrews, not to be at disadvantage, di
the same. A parley ensued, and the tw
young men agreed to fight according t
the code-to leave the cover, fire, advanc
and fire, and again advance, firing unit
one of them should fall. At the first fir
Cushing received a mortal wound in tn
left shoulder; but the men continued I
near each other and fire until their revo
vers were empty. When assistance arri,
ed Gushing lay dead, with four bullets
his body Andrews had received thrt
: shots in his breast. He was able to tie
how the fight had taken place, after whic
c he also expired.-Men,phis Aratanch
S april 8.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

VIRGINIA NEws.--Persons desiring to
be kept posted on the State and Local News
of Virginia, and the extensive sales of Real
Estate, now going on in that section-tht
Piedmont Region-will do well to sub
scribe to the VIRGINIA SENTINEL, publish
ell weekly, at Warrenton, Va. Subscrip-
tion-$200 per annum in advance. Spe
cimen copies sent free Of postage on appli
cation. Liberal terms to advertisers
Cannon 4 Mead, Publishers.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
DIED.

On the 18th instant; at the residence of his pa
rents, Townsend, Del John l.. Hutchison, in the
10th year of his age
After painful illness of thirteen days he de-
parted this life to be with Christ. He was con-
verted to God in the 18th year of his age, after
which he lived consistent member of the NJ. E.
Church, and faithful christian. His end was
peace, leaving the brightest testimony to his as
socates whom he loved and by whom be was
beloved, that he was going to live with Jesus, as
he said in the last moments of his life, not for
little while but throughout eternity. II.
Del. Tribune please copy.
Townsend, April, ls69#
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

Activity AT THE BROOKLYN NAVY
YARD.-There is great activity at the
Brooklyn Navy-yard, and things gener-
ally there have the appearance as if we
were shortly to have new war on our
hands. Quite number of vessels have
suddenly been ordered to be got ready,
and the employees of the yard have known
no such busy time since the close of the
rebellion. 1t is said that similar orders
to get everything ready for sea have been
sent to Charlestown and Portsmouth.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

AppoINTMESTs.-The President on Sa.
turday, nominated General A. I. A. Tor
bert, of this State, to be Minister Resident
at San Salvador. San Salvador is city
with about 80, 900 inhabitants, capitol o.
the State of Salvador, one of the smallest
Central American Republics.
III. r. Torbert, Esq. of Elkton, hai
been appointed Deputy Surveyor of thu
oort of Baltimore.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

There are $4,000 Offices, great and
small, in the gift of the government. For
each Of these Offices, Washington cores
pondent estimates there are ten applicants
This presents noble army of 400, 900 Of
fice-beggars. The President has sent tc
the Senate since the 4th of March over
eleven hundred nominations.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24
SPECIAL NOTICES.
SPRING OPENING.

MBS. S. NJ. HATCH would respectfully inform
Ifl the Ladies of Middletown and vicinity that
she will have her Spring and Summer Opening of
BoNNETS, HATS, &c.
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the Goth,
Both, and 3lst, of April,
In the Room adjacent to her Millinery Store
April 24-lt
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

Monday next will be celebrated as the
,semi-eeptenniai anniverary of the estab-
.lishment of Odd Fellowship in the United
States. A grand display will take place
in Philadelphia. also in Wilmington.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

Phs Paraguayan barbarities, as well as
the Washburn trouble with the Lopez Gov
eminent, are under official consideration at
Washington.
Livingstone, the African traveller, is re-
ported to be on his return to England via
Cairo, Egypt. a
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

DEAFNESS BLINDNESS, and CATARRH
treated with the utmost success, by J. IsAACs,
NJ. d. and Professor of Disease of the Eye and
Ear, in the Medical College of Pennsylvania, II
years experience, formerly of Leyden, Holland, J
No. s05 Arch Street. Phila. Testimonials can
be seen at his office. The medical faculty are in
vited to accompany their patients, as he has no
secrets in his practice. Artificial eyes inserted
without pain. No charge for examination.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

The Comptroller Of the currency has is
sued an order to all the National Banks,
calling for their reports. to be Immediately
forwarded, showing their condition at the
close of business on the 18th instant.
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

5 The Statesman, the Baltimore literary
and critical weekly Is to be changed in form
and enlarged 10 size. The price is to be
rcduccd to $3.50 per appup,
Middletown transcript., 1869-04-24

The Government is having the Wash
ingt0n mansion, at Mount Vernon, re-
pared. What has become of the Mount
Vernon Association? t