davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01
A SHARP GAME.
How Con6ding Farmers are Taken
I'm by Itinerant Swindlers
From the Louisville Courier-J ournal.l

| From the Louisville Courier-Journal.1
During the past five weeks many Of
the good citizens of Taylor county in this
State have been victimized by travel
ing peddler, who by shrewdness sue
ceeded in relieving them of much of their
surplus cash, without making any ade-
quate return therefor.
He represented himself to be citizen
of LaBelle, France, unable TO speak a
word of English, which explained the
reason of bringing along with him an IN
terpreter to make the people understand
him. that he and brother started from
France with cargo of goods valued at
S750,000; that on the voyage hither his
brother died, which so discouraged him
that he determined to dispose of his
whole stock of goods at what he could
get and return as speedily as possible to
his native land.
He was, therefore, selling off his stock
for a mere song. The interpreter, who
represented himself to be Lebanon man,
verified all that was said, and more.
1t was further stated that the party
had sold the Campbellsville merchants a
large amount of goods, and would sell at
the same prices to the farmers, but that
he had no time to sell in less quantities
than fifty-dollar packages. He would
sell them good prints at three cents per
yard, and French merinoes, alpacas, etc,
at fifteen cents per yard if they would
take whole package, including a fine
suit of French cloth at fifty dollars.
Here the bundle was produced and duly
expatiated on, the Frenchman occa-
sionally heaving deep sigh, doubtless
in recollection of his defunct brother, or
any other man. The bait was frequently
eagerly swallowed and the frog-eaten
subject of Louis Napolean the Second
had but little difficulty in transferring
many fifty-dollar bills from the pockets
of his dupes to his own in exchange for
parcels not worth half the money. In
this way he succeeded in getting several
thousands dollars in sums of fifty and as
high as two hundred dollars at a time
from his victims.
A sample of the cloth has been exhibit
ted and pronounced half cotton by
competent judge. He left several con
tracts to be filled hereafter, for heavy
brown sheetings at five cents per yard
after which, like the Arab, he folded his
tent and stole silently away. The sheet
ings have not been received. Last year
a Cineinnati-Covington man kindly fur
nished large number of the citizens of
Taylor county with cookstoves at S4S
piece on a credit, every dollar of which
was afterwards collected. Any Louis
vile merchant could have supplied the
same or a better article at $2S.
The good people of Taylor are paying
pretty dearly for their experience, but a
few more such lessons as the above viii
convince them that it is always cheapest
to purchase goods of regular, estab
lished merchant, and that peddlers or
others offering goods for less than the
prime cost are either swindlers or thieves
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01
THE WASTE OF TIMBER.
Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand
Acres Devastated Annually by
Railroads.

From the Chicago Republican,.
The present consumption of wood in
the United States is enormous One
hundred and fifty thousand acres of the
best timber is cut every year to supply
the demand for railway sleepers alone.
For railroad buildings, repairs and cars,
the annual expenditure in wood is $685.
600 900. In a single year the locomo-
tives in the United States consume $780,
600 900 worth of wood There are, in
the whole country, more than 400, 600
artisans in wood; and if the value of
their labor is $1,000 a year each, the
wood industry of the country represents
an amount of nearly $500,000,00 per
annum.
1t will be seen, therefore, how extern
sive are the interest dependent upon the
production of lumber. Probably laws
will have eventually to be enacted by
the State Legislatures TO prevent such
destruction of the forests as will be
likely TO result in natural injury to the
country, and il may be necessary to en-
courage the planting Of forests to meet
the demands of the future.
The above paragraph is full Of mate
rial for thought for all reflective persons
Two hundred and fifty thousand acres,
probably, at least, swept off annually by
the devouring railroads alone. Does
any body know of a single company
among them all that is lifting so much
as finger to replace any Of this terrible
deyastationY Ties have an average life
of less than ten years. Most Of the
Western companies own countless acres
Of fine timber-growing lands on which
naught but wild grass grows. Would 1t
not seem the simplest dictate of common
sense for those Of them that are comfort
ably situated. TO plant their thousands of
acres Of some suitable, quick, medium,
and slow7growing timber, upon the rough
er uplands. Those to whom they sold
neighboring lands woald always be glad
to take the jobs Of breaking. fitting aud
planting their lands in the best manner,
under proper instruction. What could
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01

cum tew the conclusion that pedigree
amt no better than skimmilk.
Sum marry bekawse they hav bin
highsted sum where else; this IL cross
match, bay and sorrel; pride may
make it endurable.
Sum marry for love without cent in
their pocket, nor friend in the world
nor drop ov pedigree. This looks des-
perate, but itiz the strength Of the game.
If marrying for love amt success
then matrimony is ded beet.
Sum marry because they think vim
min will be scarce next year, and live to
wonder how the crop holds out.
Sum marry to get rid of themselves,
and discover that the game waz one that
two could play at, and neither win.
Sum marry, they cant tell why, and
live, they cant tell how.
Sum marry the second time to get
even, and find it gambling game--the
more they put down the less they take
up.
Sum marry to be happy, and not find
ing it, wonder where all the happiness
goes to when it dies.
Almost everybody gets married, and
it is a good joke.
Sum marry in haste, and then sit
down and think it carefully over.
Sum think it over careful fust, and
then set down and marry.
Both ways are right, if they hit the
mark.
Sum marry rakes to convert them
This il little risky, and takes q smart
missionary to do it.
Sum marry coquetts. This is like
buying a poor farm heavily mortgaged,
and working the balance of your days to
clear oph the mortgages
Married life haz its chances, and this
IL just what gives it its flavor. Every
boldly luvs tew phool with the chances,
bekause every boldly expects tew win.
But | am authorized tew state that every
boldly don't win.
But after all, married life IL full az
certain as dry goods bizness.
No man can swear exactly where he
will fetch up when he touches calico.
Kno man kan tell jist what calico haz
made up its mind to do next
Calico don't know even herself
DTy HOOuS Wv all MINUS 10 tllt Cuiiu Wv
circumstansis.
Sum never marry, but this IL just ez
risky; the disease IL the same, with
another name to it.
The man who stands on the bank shiv-
ering, and dassent, IL more apt tew ketch
cold than him who pitches hiz head fust
into the river.
There IL but few who never marry
bekaus they acon't-they all banker and
most ov them starve with bread before
them (spread on both sides), jist for the
lack Of grit
Marry yungi il mi motto.
/ hev tried it, and ] know what am
talking about.
If emmy body asks yu viii you got mar
ried (if it needs be-, tell him you don't
recoilekt.
Marriage IL safe way to gamble-if
yu win, yu win a pile, and if yu loze, yu
don't lose emmy thing, only the privilege
of living dismally alone and soaking your
own feet.
l repeat it in italics, marry yungl
There IL but one good excuse for
marriage late in life, and that ia
second nsarridge.-New York Weekly.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01
Josh BIIIinrs on Marriage.

Marriage is a fair transaction ON the
face ov it.
But thare IL quite too often put-up jobs
in it.
1t is an old institution, older than the
pyramids, and az phull ov hyrogliphies
that nobody can parse.
History holds its tongue who the pair
waz who first put on the silken harness,
and promised TO work kind in it thru
thick and thin, up hill and down, and on
the level rain or shine, survive or perish,
sink or swim, drown OF fote.
But whoever they waz, they must have
made a good thing ov it, or so menny oy
their posterity would not hay harnessed
up since and drove out
Thare IL a CRATE moral grip TO mar
riage; 1t il the mortal that holds the
soshul bricks together.
But their amt but darn few pholks who
nut their money in matrimony who could
set down and give a good written opin-
oyun viii on arth they cum to did It.
This il a crate proof that 1t IL one ov
them natral kind oy acksidents that must
happen, jist az birds ay out oy the nest,
when they hav feathers ennhi without
being able tev tell Why.
Sum marry for baty, and never dis
koyer their mistake; this Is lucky.
Sum marry for money, and don't see
it.
Sum marry for pedigree, and feel big
Cor six months, and then very senAoiy
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01

The Missouri Legislature having ad-
journed, the occupation Of a correspond
ent of one of the st. Louis papers is
gone. In concluding his last letter he
sends up the following virtuous wall: 81
might have been to-day with a fuller
purse by lending this correspondence to
elevate schemers 10 honor and legislative
favor, but / never yet prostituted my pen
to n base use on the temptation of
money, and l never will. No dollar has
contaminated my fingers, and if have
knocked the uRderpinning from castle
foundations it was because they seemed
unsafe and evil" Such unparalleled in
tegrity and sense Of duty should not 20
unrewarded.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01
Publisher and Proprietor.
he penalties of Great wealth.

CINCINNATI, March 2l, 1870.
EDrToR TINES: | find the following
paragraph going the rounds of the press:
1.-THE Fat Contributor has made
$4,000 out of his lectures this winter.
He would have made more if he copld
have lectured and tended door at the
same time.
Where the paragraph originated i
know not, but it has caused me great
deal of trouble and annoyance. Aside
from the clamor of creditors whic h it
raised about my ears, am besieged with
begging letters from all sections of the
country. / never realized before the
penalties and vexations attending the
possession of great wealth. Every mail
brings appeals from horde of needy ap-
plicants imploring me to give, declaring
that could not possibly miss the nasig-
nificant amount they ask out of the
wealth / have amassed. | have been
compelled to employ secretary to open
and read my letters, for if undertook it
myself would have little time for any
thing else. Every night | make bon
FIRE Of the letters accumulated during the
day, in a vacant lot at the rear OF my
house, and the illumination may be seen
for miles away. One writer, lowering
on the brink of the grave, could die
happy if | would send him money to de-
fray his funeral expenses. Though fail
ing rapidly, he says he will try to hold
out until he hears from me. If he does
he will live forever. Another man could
get married if | would send him twenty
dollars. That man will thank me some
day that didn't send it. One wants me
to pay for memorial window In
church in Alaska Another solicits
contribution towards building monu-
ment to deceased suffers. A man in
PEN Yam is ready to name bull-headed
canal-boat after me if | will furnish an
outfit; and a correspondent wants aid IN
founding pious soup-house among the
walruses, admonishing me that l can
take none of my great wealth with me
when die, adding that it is easier for a
needle to enter the eye of a camel than
il is to Ego through" a rich man, or
words 10 that effect. Some of these beg
gars. finding their appeal disregarded,
write again abusing me roundly.. They
call me mean, contemplate mser-a
hardened old skin-fint They say l
grind the face of the poor Ia low fling
at my poor adiences, supposed, and as
sert that / would ilch the reposing
nickle from the ophthalmic membrane
of departed contraband. Then comes
the threatening letter; one tells me in
ass of refusal. to bewarel another to
sbe did" / am followed home at
n;ght. and qaise afraid to venture out
after dark. all on account Of that con-
founded paragraph ] want you to cor
reef h: saw that instead of making ten
Thousand dollars, / ran behind that
amount-say ] made ii, but lost 1t on
gold-rot robbed-say anything to stop
This avalanche Of letters.
Yours, truly,
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01

The father-in-law of Charles Dickens,
who died recently at the age Of eighty
five, was George Hogarth, in his day one
Of the most noted musical critics in Eng
land; he had written at various times for
the London Morning Chronicle, the
Daily News, Illustrated News, and other
journals, besides books on musical sub
jects; and he was a friend of Walter
Scott, Prof. Wilson, Lockhart and Hogg
and is mentioned in the Noctes Am
brosianR."
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01
CORSETS.
Best French COrsets
AT THR-
Southern HoopSkirt Mandatory

+ AIDES WILL FIND IT TO THEIR IN
IL terest to purchase French Corsets of me,
as they are genuine and imported direct from
WERLY, L0lSEAU and NINE DUPONT.
set. would respectfully recommend the
Werly; while the L '0iseau is an elegant cor
set, elaborately embroidered. The Dupont is
a short corset. of n most beautiful pattern. l
have them in sizes from l6 to 35. and promise
to exchange one size for another until the
proper lit is procured. Also the
Improved Breast Protector.
The Invisible Walking Skirt is the only
fashionable skirt for outdoor dresses, while
the NEW PORTE ROBE is indispensable TO the
train dress. Both skirts can be had ONLY at
the mandatory. 1851 Main st.. near Wash
ington. I53l LOUIS LANCE.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01

PROPOSALS.
N o II L @ E .

N . IT i y II
.SEALED PROPOSALS WILL BE RE-
no No 1t, for the grading (per mile) to be done on
the Poplar street road turnpike. Profile to be
seen and information given at the Office of
Wohn L Robinson, engineers The Company
resarve the right to reject any or all bids.
'oSei'' II. A, MONTGOMERY,
For Shelby Co Turnpike Company,
1s-@ At Shippers' Cotton Press
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01

The milIiners in New York have
onened their spring styles. Among the
most elegant hats displayed were the
aVandebou.e a round, modest hat Of
white chip. shaped like a turbin and
trimmed with black Grape, white teath-
ers and tea roses; the Fouriette, an
imposing hat rising high, and SET With
waving ostrich feathers; the hoeheiort,
Grousset, Larocco. Olivier, and many
other beautiful designs Of head ndoFn-
ment. Colors are various but modest.
Flowers are used sparingly.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01
RAILROADS.
Memphis and Louisville R. R.
CONDENSED TINE TABLE.
TAKES EFFECT FEB. Z. 1870.

The 2.5 pm. train from Memphis leaves
daily. The 400 a. m. train leaves daily except
Sunday. Since the completion Of the Ohio
ferry transfer at that point is avoided.
Sleeping cars run through on the 2.45 pm.
train from Memphis to Louisville, connecting
at Louisville with Silver Palace sleeping and
Philadelphia and New York without change.
Derths, sections or state-rooms can be engaged
in through ears 10 New York at Ticket Office,
237lz Main street.
Trains connect for Nashville and St. Louis
as follows:
Lea=e Memphis......-...... 2.45p.m. 4.0Oa.m.
Arrive at Nashville. 9.00a am. 600 pm.
" st. Louis--.-.---.l0.00 pm. 100 pm.
Ticket Office. 2S7iS Main street, near Jefer-
son and at Depot head Of Main street.
]. Il. BOYD, Superintendent.
Jas. SPKED, Ticket Agent. 9-62-t
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01
NOTICE..
n y It L @ e {!

OFFICE PEoPLE's. INSURANCE COMPANY.
No. 16 MADISON STREET,
MEMPHIS, TySS., March "a, lS7O.)
rUHE STOCKHOLDERS OF THIS COMPANY
are hereby notified that the annual election for
seven Directors, to serve the ensuing year. will
be held at the Office of the Company on wednes-
day, April 9th, 1870. between the hours of 10
Am. and pm. Stockholders can vote in per-
SON or by proxy.
2O-s J.A. SIMMONS, Secretary.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-01
ANNOUNCEMENTS. A

Judge of First Circuit Court.
CIV. HEISKELL is candidate for Judge
of the First Circuit Court of Shelby county.
PIT. SCRUGGS Is candidate for Judge Of
the First Circuit Court Of Shelby county.
Election, 26th of May, 1870
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-07
DRY GOODS.
ENTLEMEN'S DEPAKTME T
WIN EK E SIA 7 MA h EkS.
We have now open one Of the best assorted

WITMER s. SLAYMAkERS.
We have now open ono Of the best assorted
stocks of
GLCTaS AND CA$SIMERhS
that we have ever offered to our friends, en-
bracing standard makes of French and Eng
glish Cloths and Doeskin Cassimeres, English
Granites, Blue Brown and Dahlia, English Ser
pcntincs, English and French Fancy Styles,
not to be exceled in this or any other mar ket {;
also q large assortment Of Tailors' Trimmings
We will furnish Dress and Business Suits at
very low rates. mado and trimmed in tho best
manner, guaranteeing perfect tit.
GENTS DRESS SHIRTS, of all numbers,
constantly on hand. We will also have Shirts
made for Gents or Boys by measure, guarantee
ing fit. Underwear for Gents, all numbers:
English Half Hose, sll numbers. We would
invite any WHO are in want Of the above goo"s
to call and sen US, az we feel sure we can please
W1TMER & &SLAYMAKER,
ans Is and IT King street.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-07
0lAS AND STEAM FITTING

V
WIN. COGAN,
No. Is North Royal street.
Has constantly on hand largo and complete
assortment of
CHANDELIERS,
BRACKETS,
HASPS,
PENDANTS,
STATIONARY AND PORTABLE DROP
LIGHTS IN VARIETY;
pOROELAINS, PHOTOGRAPH, MICA and
OTHER SHADES;
CUT, GROUND AND PLAIN GLOBES i;
ALSO,
STEAM PIPE, CAGES, COCKS, VALVES,
and everything in the Steam Fitting Line
Public Buildings and Dwellings furnished
and fitted up with Gas in the most substant ial
and elegant mannor.
Steam Work for Factories, Mills, Sc, prompt
ly and faithfully executed; all at prices which
will give satisfaction. my 8-tf
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-07
MACHINIS'rS.

w s. MOORE,
MACHINIST AND BLACKSMITH,
At No. 65 Union street.
..G .... Alexandria, Va.
Whsre he is prepared to furnish all kinds OF
MACHINERY, WROUGHT and CAST
IRON FENCES. &c.
Repairing done with dispatch. and at prices
that were charged previous to the war. ia 20
HIRAM A. WOOD. JAS. Il. PRICE.
WOOD & PRICE,
MACHINISTS,
Having rented the shop formerly occupied by
w. S. Moore, are prepared to do all work in
their line with neatncss and dispatch
STEAM ENGINES built to order, and re-
pair work Of all kinds promptly attended to.
We respectfully solicit share OF the public
patronage. WOOD & PRICE,
Corner Of Royal ard Wilkes sts.,
eeD G-T Alexandria, Va
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-07

A AFUNERAL SERMON. following is from
a sermon on the death of young man of in
different position in the socialcircles of B,
New Hampshire, who came to an early decease
by vigorous but absurdly unequal contest
with a party Of the Otard family:
II hev been requested, not to say impertun.
ed. toe deliver funeral discourse on this &C.
casion, and | hev reluctantly consented toe do
so. never heard any good Of the deceased
yit; and if the friends hev made up their minds
that am about to begin sech course now,
they are very much mistaken. estimate, in
fact, that this young man now a. layin beforr
you was about the wust man ever permitted,
in the onscrutablc ways of the divine peppusses,
toe locate in this vicinity. He was one who
might say alters fell when he was tempted !;
and he ccrtingly appeared to me toe seek,
rather than to avoid, occasions for such temp
tation.
"Why, my TELLER Christians, he KEEP hosses
and run EN-; he KEEP cocks and fit em and
as toe wimmln, let his widder (who see a
scttin' in front pcw) testify" Here the
widow arose, as was the custom when the
family Of the deceased was alluded 10, and
decming it a complimentary remark, courtesied
to the prcacher) I'm short, after diGQent
inquiry iutoc the partickerlers of his kerrikter
and conduct while he has resided in this village,
| hcv com toe the conclusion that about the
only coed thing that kin he said Of him at all
is that he was an active member of the engine
company and occasionally good at fires
The ''pa bearers will now proceed to bear
out the corpse.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-07
NGTlCE TO FARM ERS.

An advantageous Arrangement can lie made
by practical farmer accustomed 10 grazing
cattle with y land owner in Fauquier CO., Va,
providoi he can spply to tho purpose S3, COO or
$4,000. Operations to commence with sowing
wheat this fall on 3 farm now in full operation.
Anply ut this Office.
Fauqlicr CO., Va. ap 5-2.wlw&law"w
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-07

proper foresight in its deceased protector?
THE VIRGINIA INSURANCE COMP'Y.,
STAUNToN, Va,
Oilers to every head of family perfect security
against this melancholy condition
It is for LIFE INSURANCE ONLY.
Its charter is perpetual.
IT'S Cash Capital Sl2j,0i0.
II Is organized on tho basis of the old Mutual
Life Of New York, and its successful expo
rience.
Tho Premiums arc paid in cash its Divi-
dends are paid in cash; its policies arc paid in
cash, without deductions.
Ihore are no premium notes. and hence its
assets are all cash, which presents the only
solid substantial basis Of business for individ-
y 1SsEREs bIsfS;e; oN ALL PROPER, SAFE
TABLES.
IT PUTS NO IMPROPER REsTR1C-
TIONS ON TRAVEL.
IT lESURES UNIMPAIRED FEMALE
LIVES.
The Company is q combination of the pro-
prietary and mutual systoms, securing the ad-
vantages of both.
Its Policies are non. forfeitabe after two
years, end iEcontesta bic after five years, for all
mis-. statements and errors in application except
as to the age of the applicant. This is a
SUBSTANTIAL HOME COMPANY.
Inc ASSETS WILL DO invested IN virginia, ana
help to build up our own interests in Virginia.
1t commends itself for its safety, mans cement
and organization, to every Virginian and other
Southerner in search of safe
HOME LIFE INSURANCE
INSTITUTION.
Livesgents wanted in every precinct of every
county in the State. Send for circulars.
Address, PHILLIPS s. MAYO,
Gonoral Agents for V rginia and West Virgin
ia,- Lock Box 2l6 Staunton, Va.
REV. GEORGE A. SMITH,
feb 1.3n Agt for Alexa and vicinity.
INSURANCE.
FIRE AND MARINE RISKS
placed in responsible companies, at fair rates, by
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-07

GROCERIES.
WA' F. BRookHS'
lSuccessor to Brookes s. Taylor,l
FAMILY GROCER,
Corner Pitt and Prince streets,
And Dealer in
Fine Teas, Coifees, Sugars, Pickles, Amer ic an
and English, Canned Goods, Tobacco
Segsrs, ETC., etc.
N. B.-All orders from the country shall ro-
ceive prompt attention. dec
r EEoKEk. n..,or ~
GROCERIES,, PROVISIONS, WINES L1Q-
UORS, &C., &c.
Cor. King and St. Asaph sts.
Country Produce bought at the highest mar
Goods delivered to any part of the city FREQ
Of charge my S-tf
u G. SWAINE,
J. No. % North Royal ST.,
Two doors south Of old stand.
Has on hand and is constantly receiving fresh
invoices of
GROCERIES, WINES s. LIQUORS,
which he will sell cheap for cash. 70 26
T CLINTON MILBURN.
u. FAMILY GROCER,
And Dealer in hne TEAS, WINES, LIQUORS
and CIGARS,
Cor. Cameron and Royal sts:,
Alexandria, Va.
Particular attention paid to the selection OF
choice Flour and Teas. my N-tf
-
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-04-07
DHILIP PARK,

DH1L1P PARK,
ACTICAL L q M B E r,
No. IL South Fairfax street
The oldest and best established umbing
establishment in the city. All work done with
dispatch, and in the most durable and work.
manlike manner. Satisfaction guaranteed:
JOBBING done at short notice, and by him.
self, or the most experienced workmon. dec l