davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15
An AfiiectiOnate Rat.

THE Whitehall On. W Times relates the
following apochryphal story of affection
in a rat:
There is in Whitehall village family
who have little daughter two and a
half years old, who has formed "A singular
attachment for a rat. Every day this lit
tie one goes into the wood-shed adjoining
the house. where large venerable look
ing rat makes it appearance, when the
from her chubby hand. The parents have
caught their little one feeding its protege
several times of late, yet, on the approach
of any other than the little girl, the rat
scampers off to its hole. Several efforts
have been made by the child's parents to
dispatch the singular companion of their
darling, for it was feared that the child
might get bitten by it. Last Sunday the
rat showed its affection and guardian
care of the little ones comfort, as the
following will show: The child's moth
er put it to sleep in the cradle in the
kitchen, going to another room in the
house, leaving the sleeping child alone.
She was gone some time. On her return
she cast her eye at the child, when she
was surprised to observe the rat standing
perched upon the top of the cradle, NOV
ing its tail over the little sleeper. The
mother wishing to see what the ''varmint
was up 10, STOOD ana watched It's move
ments, peeping through the door, which
was only partly opened. She observed a
number of flies above the child's face,
when two lit on the little one, whereat
the kind rat whisked them off with its
tail. Wishing to make sure, the lady
quietly called her husband, and the two
stood watching the proceedings for at
least ten minutes. Every time that a fly
dared to alight on the little ones face
that old rats friendly tail would brush it
away, like the guardian angel lowering
about us, who, we believe, is constantly
brushing away dangers that threaten us
poor mortals. 1t was thought safe by the
child's parents to leave the child in
charge of it's singular nurse, and for one
hour the little one slept. When it awOke
its mother went to take it up, and the rat
jumped from the cradle and sped away
through the halfopened door to the wood
shed. Since that time the child has been
put to sleep in the kitchen to ascertain if
the experiment would be repeated. Each
time, when left alone, with the shed door
partially open, the old rat would enter
and take up its position over the top of
the cradle, watching the little sleeper and
brushing away the flies who dare to trou-
bic its precious charge.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

Il don't care if l do" said Greens,
walking around and planking down a
dime of the greasy shinplaster sort.
Then taking the mouth-piece in his
hand, he made ready. He opened his
mouth until the hole in his face looked
like a dry dock for ocean steamers, and
began to take in wind. The imitation was
like that of the Graphic balloon, but not
so disastrous. That fellows chest began
to grow and dstcnd until he rescmbled a
pouter pigeon more than man, at which
point he put the mouth-piece to his lips
and blew with such force that his eyes
came out and stood around on his check
bones to see what was the matter-but
that can-top went up like a flash, and the
needle of the indicator spun around like
the button on Il country schOol-house
door, until it stood still at 800 pounds .
The crowd cheered, and the keeper of
the can paid over the So in stamps, with
mutter of establishment. But Greens
pocketed them coolly, and turning to the
spectators, said:
Look here, gents, that amt nothing to
dc at all for a man who has been Il bugler
in deaf and dumb asylum for seven
years, like mer'-Netc Orleans Herald.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15
To EXterminate Ants.

THE n. y. World tells how housekeep-
ers can rid themselves of red and black
ants. 1t says that one succeeded by fill
ing cups with water and placing them
under the sink and cupboard, removing
all crumbs and everything they could eat
from the shelves. They all left Another
way is to wash the places they haunt
with strong alum water and leave it stand
ing in vessel therea bouts. Another
mode is to place fresh meat bone where
the ants can get at it, and they will flock
to it in large numbers. When they are on
it dip it in hot water, repeat it few times,
and the ants will have disappeared.
Another remedy is to boil four ounces of
quassia in gallon of water for ten min
utes, and add four ounces of soap. This
poured on their nest will destroy them.
This is intended to destroy a nest of black
ants when it is found. For red ants
another remedy that has proved success
full is: Take six or seven drops of oxalic
acid and mix it with a small teacupful of
melted lard, and set this preparation
wherever the ants are troublesome, and
they Will disappear in short space of
time. Carbolic acid applied with a swab
of raw cotton on thin stick to the edge
of shelves and where they seem to come
from, will cause them to disappear, but
before it is applied all butter and milk
should be removed from the vicinity, for
both will absorb the odor emitted there
from, which will give flavor thereto. But
ants will not haunt the vicinity of carbolic
acid, whether they be black or red ants.
PulveriZed boraX sprinkled about the
places infested by ants is said to eXtermi-
nate them. Another way adopted by some
housekeepers is to saturate asponge with
water and sprinkle it with fine sugar. The
ants will enter it, and may be immersed in
boiling water and thus destroyed. Wash
the place infested with cresylic soap or
spirits of turpentine, and it is said they
will avoid it.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

No housekeeper should be without a
bottle of spirits of ammonia, for, besides
its medicinal value, it is invaluable for
household purposes. 1t is nearly as use
full as soap, and its cheapness brings II
within the reach of all. Put a teaspoonful
of ammonia to Il quart of warm soapSuds,
dip in flannel cloth. and wipe off the
dust and tlyspecs, CRIME and smoke, and
see for yourselves how much labor it will
save No scrubbing will be needful. 1t
will cleanse and brighten silver wonder
fully; to a pint of hot suds mix Il tea
spoonful of the spirits, dip in your silver
spoons, forks, etc, rub with a brush, and
then polish on chamois skin. For wash
ing mirrors and windows it is very de
sirable; put few drops of ammonia on
q piece CT newspaper and you will
readily take off every spot or finger
mark on the glass. 1t will take out
grease spots from every fabric; put on
the ammonia nearly clear, lay plotting
paper over the place and press hot fiat
iron on it for few moments. A few
drops in water will clean laces and whiten
| them as WELL also muslins. Then it is a
most refreshing agent at the toilet table
a few drops in basin of water will make
a better bath than pure water, and if the
skin is oily it will remove all glossiness
and disagreeable odors. Added to a
lDOt-Ddtn IL tHllTclN dDSo1DS all HoAlous
smells so often arising from the feet in
warm weather, and nothing is better for
cleansing the hair from dandrutf and dust
For cleaning hair and nail brushes it is
equally good.
Put teaspoonful of ammonia into one
pint of warm or cold water, and shake
the brushes through the water. When
the brushes look white rinse them in cold
water, and put them in the sunshine, OF
in a warm place, to dry. The dirtiest
and clean. For medicinal purposes am
monia is almost unrivaled. For the
headache it is a most desirable stimulant,
and frequent inhaling of its pungent
odors will often entirely remove catarrhal
cold There is no better remedy for
heartburn and dyspepsia, and the aroma
| tic spirits of ammonia is especially pre-
| pared for these troubles. Ten drops of il
in a wine glass of water are often IA great
relief. The spirits of ammonia can be
| taken in the same way; but it is not as
| palatable. In addition to all these uses
| the effects of ammonia on vegetation are
| beneficial. If you desire roses, gerani
ums, fuschias, etc, to become more flour
ishing, you can try it upon them by add
| ing five or six drops Of it to every pint OF
warm water that you give them; but
don't repeat the dose oftener than once
in every five or six days, lest you stimu
late them too highly. Rain water is i'm
pregnated with ammonia, and thus it re
freshes and WHITES vegetable life. SO be
sure and keep large bottle of it in the
house, and have glass stopper for ii, as
it is very cvapescent and also in furious tC
corks, eating them away.-ErcHdHge
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15
Splitting.

IT is curious thing to consider how
many people there are in the world whose
daily habits are very little superior to
those of the beasts of the field. They do
not understand the use of the bath. They
are guilty of all sorts of dirty practices !;
and it is one of their peculiarities that
| they care nothing whatever for the annoy
ance or discomfort they inf1ict upon 9th
ers They are halfunconscious that their
own habits are very Objectionable, and,
consequently, they do not always reflect
that they give great offense 10 others !;
| they live like pigs themselves, and natur-
ally fancy that the manners and customs
of the sty are universally popular and
agreeable. Consequently, they go about
the world a nuisance to every body, and
are utterly incapable of learning anything
from the example of better people around
them.
The spitterS are among the most OffenS-
i've of this numerous class. They have no
respect for man, woman or child. You
see their tracks in every thoroughfare and
every public building. They would as
soon make their mark on your best carpet
as on the roadway. Half the people to To
met with in the streets are dangerous to
pass-for, just as you get up to them, they
discharge volley which you are likely to
receive full on dress or coat, without hope
of lodging it. Ladies, of course, suffer
the most. They cannot get out of the
way; and the chewers care little for their
feelings in the matter. They regard the
world as huge spitbox and would re-
sent any suggestion as to the filthiness of
their actions as an infringement of per-
sonal liberty.
In street railway cars the nuisance is al
most worse than in the streets. The driver
very likely chews, and his contributions
to the universal spittoon are carried
through the car, to the great delight of the
passengers. Or man will seat himself
by the window at the upper end of the
car, and begin scattering his favors on all
sides of him: on the mat, out of the win
dow, to the right, left, or any side he may
momentarily fancy The wind may be
| ahead, and thus diffuse the shower in a
| spray through the car. Remonstrance is
useless. "a man has a right 10 spit, hasn't
he?" And if you don't like it, you can
| get out of the car and walk.
| Those persons are what famous lee
turer calls "beasts way down. The Ian
| guage sounds strong, notwithstanding its
| obscurity; but the Amherst young men
probably understand it. AT any rate, there
can be but one opinion among decent pco-
pie with regard to this foul habit of spit
ting. 1t is thing to be checked, if pos
sible. But if anybody asks us how il is
possible to do it, we shall be obliged to
say that we do not know. This is one of
those evils which we can only describe,
without protesting to supply a remedy"
". Y. Times.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15
An Unfortunate COntretemps.

A CIRCUS tent was blown down recent
ly, in Chicago and in connection there
with occurred rather ludicrous Incl
dent in which two pairs of lovers
played parts which they wish in vain
could be erased from their memories.
The Tribune in narrating the incident
says: Without giving names in full, as
the parties though somewhat bruised and
shaken, called at this office to have them
suppressed, the facts of the case may be
stated as follows: Arthur, a heightened
Ashland avenuer, was cOaXed by his
Evangeline to take her to the show last
night, lust for fun, you know" The
same thing happened TO Tom, a low-toned
North Slider, his dulcinea being Katrina
by name. The two couples accidently
occupied adjacent seats at the show, and
were deeply interested in the perform
ance when the catastrophe happened.
They were, with the rest, thrown TO the
ground and enveloped in canvas. In a
minute Evangeline, who was "oniy
stunned" by the fall, heaved a heavy sigh.
There was no response. Then she moan
ed, and a stout arm crept around her, ana
a gentle but firm voice said, I'm with
YOU darling" In moment there was
one couple to whom the occurrence,
could hardly be called a misfortune.
Arthur, who also was "only stunned
soon began thinking of his partner. He
reached out his arm and touched-a silk
en- scarf He reconized its texture by the
feel, and drew it and its contents nearer
to him. IF we die, we die together
cried Arthur. "Vat ish dat you says:''
cried Katrina, but the happy Arthur was
altogether too happy to catch the meaning
or peculiar pronunciation of the words.
just then the canvas was elevated and the
fond lovers gazed upon-the strangers
whom they were pressing to their hearts,
and whose happy tears were comming
ling with their own. Can the tableau be
described, the bitter tears of the lady
lovers, the objurgations of the male, the
roars of laughter of the onlookers,
who grasped the situation in an instant
and the subsequent blame which each one
of the interested four cast upon the re-
naming three actors in this little drama?
1t was one of those things which, needing
but little description, will stand quite a
quantity of quiet meditation. If two
matches are not, as well as the dozen tent
poles, broken off by the gale of last night,
appearances, as the unfortunate couples
sneaked of, were very deceptive.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

THERE is NO DEATH-If it be true
that Nature abhors vacuum, it is equal
ly true that the Great Creator abhors deoti
and glories in life. There is really no
such thing as death-the term is mis-
homer, used to designate the changes
which occur in life. Life, eternal life, is
created by the laws of Almighty will
power, which are rs immutable in their
application as is the existence of the
Creator Himself When God made life,
He made everything necessary to sustain
it, but left it for mans progressive inteIli-
gence to discover, convert and utilize
Good medicine is to the ailing physique
what good fuel is to the expiring flame
the better the fuel, the quicker the fire
the better the medicine, the quicker
comes relief from pain. CALIFORNIA
VINEGAR BITTERs is life's elixir for old
or young. Use this medicine properly
and you will live to Il good old age with
out those physical ailments which make
seventy years burden. 10
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15
How Trees are Killed by Lightning.

All who have examined tree. which
has been destroyed by thunder will
have noticed not only how tn layers of
wood have been scattered and separated
into strips, as if full of wind and shakes,
but also the dryness and brittleness of the
wood, as though it had been through the
process of curing in kiln. This is attri-
butcd to the instantaneous reduction of
the sap-the moisture within the wood
into steam. When the moisture is album
dant as in May or early June, the force
and amount of the steam not Only bursts
and separates the layers and fibers but
rends the trunk in pieces, or throws off a
portion of it, down Il line OF greatest pow
er or least resistance. And when the
amount of steam thus suddenly generated
is less, owing to the drier condition of the
steam from continual evaporation and leaf
eXhalatiOn, there may be no external
trace of the lightning stroke; yet the
leaves will wither in a few days, showing
that the stem has been rendered incapable
of conveying supplies, and the tree will
either partially or entirely die. Still,
lighter discharges may be conducted
down the moist stem without any lesion
or hurt.-Building Nescs.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15
An Important Event in the HARRISON
Family.

MR.. AND Mrs. HARRISON had just fin
ished their breakfast Mr.. HARRISON had
pushed back and was looking under the
lounge for his boots. Mrs. III. sat at the
table, holding the infant HARRISON, and
mechanically working her forefnger in
its mouth. Suddenly she paused in the
motion, threw the astonished child on its
back, turned as white as a sheet, pried
open its mouth, and Immediately gasped,
"Ephraimr' Mr.. HARRISON, who was on
his knees, with his head under the
lounge, at once came forth, rapping his
head sharply on the side of the lounge as
he did so, and, getting on his feet, inquired
what was the matter. 80, Ephraim, !"
said she, the tears rolling down her
cheeks and the smiles coursing up.
"Why, what is it, Armethea," said the as
tonished Mr.. HARRISON, smartly rubbing
his head where it had come in contact
with the lounge. Baby" she gasped.
Mr. HARRISON turned pale, and commenced
to sweat. "Baby has-O, o, o, Ephraim !
Baby has-baby has got tooth!'' NO"
screamed Mr. Harrison, spreading his
at the struggling heir with all his might.
Il tell you it is,'' persisted Mrs. H., with
slight evidence of hysteria. 80, o, it
can't be-" persisted Mr.. H., preparing to
swear if it wasn't. Come here and see
for yourself" said Mrs. H. "Open its
little mousy wousy for its own muzzer.
That's toody woody; that's a bessed
little Jump % sugar" Thus conjured the
heir opened its mouth sufficiently for the
author of its being to thrust in his finger,
and that gentleman having convinced
himself by the most indubitable evidence
that a tooth was there, Immediately kicked
his hat across the room, buried his fist in
the lounge, and declared with much feel
ing and vehemence that he could lick the
individual who would dare to intimate that
he was not the happiest man on the face
of the earth. Then he gave Mrs. H. a
mp the heir, while the lady rushed trem-
lived next door. In a moment Mrs. Sim
mons came tearing in as if she had been
shot out of a gun, and right behind her
came Mrs. H. at a speed that indicated
she had been elected from two guns. Mrs.
Simmons at once snatched the heir from
the arms of Mr.. II. and hurried it to the
window, where she made careful and
critical examination of its mouth, while
Mrs. Ii. held its head, and tried to still
the throbbings of her heart, and Mr.. II.
danced up and down and snapped his fin
gers to show how calm he was. 1t hav-
ing been ascertained by Mrs. Simmons
that the tooth was sound one, and also
that the strongest hopes for its future
could be entertained on account of its
coming in the new of the moon, Mrs.
HARRISON got out the necessary material,
and Mr.. HARRISON at once proceeded to
write seven different letters to as many
persons, unfolding to them the event of
the morning, and inviting them to come
on as soon as possible.-Ddnbury Neaos.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

LAST evening, while the chief engineer
OF a lung-tester was expatiating upon the
benefits to be derived from the free use OF
his instrument, cadavcrous individual
stepped out of the crowd and remarked to
him:
"Mister, do you think it would help me
any to blow into that can?'
yes, sir; certainly; it would expand
your chest, give elasticity to your lungs,
and lengthen your life Why, you'd soon
be able to blow 800 pounds and win the
50 prize"
"Why, does fellow get s. when he
blows that many pounds? ?"
Eyes, sir; wouldn't you like TO make II
trial." with knowing wink to the
crowd.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15
Wild Beasts and Snakes i'm India.

The number of human beings annually
destroyed by wild beasts is one of the
most extraordinary features of Indian life
In the recently issued official statement
as to the condition of our Eastern En-
pire, we find the subject again discussed :;
and it is there remarked that, though re-
wards are offered by the Government
for the killing of these animals, yet
in some districts the loss of life is
very great; and in others, where it
is less excessive, the reason given is that
goats are very abundant, and that wolves
prefer kids when they can get them.
Deaths by snake bites are also very fire.
quent, no fewer than 1889 persons hav-
ing persisted in that way during the year
1869; while in 1861, the total deaths
caused by dangerous animals of all classes
amount to 1S,07S. DIR. Fayrer is of
opinion that, if systematic returns were
kept the annual number of deaths from
snake bites exclusive of all doubtful
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

THE PHRENOLOGICAL JoURNAL.-The
November number confirms the oft-repeated
opinion of the press at large that no one can read
that publication without deriving practica
well served and savory Among the articles
are: Rev. DIR. Blanchard, President OF
Wheaton University; The Briton, the Inspirations
Race; Our Immortality; Conversations about Face
with numerous illustrations: Money, ills Functions
| and Requirements; Wives who Hcnpcck: Address
TO Young Men; The Late Panic; Literary Peddlcrs
Grace Greenwood Bear; Failures in business
Iutcmpcrance and Life Insurance; Coward o
Hero etc. Price. 50 cents. $500 year Write
IL once to the publisher, and secure the volumes
for 1874 $ X. WELLS, $50 Broadway, y. Y.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

THE attention of our many readers is called
to the attractive advertisement of J. n. Harris
IL Co., advertising their great and valuable
lung remedy, "Allen's Lung Balsam." This
Balsam has been before the public for ten
years. N9tw t this long period II
shown the least sign of becoming unpopular,
but, on the contrary, the call for it has been
constantly increasing, and at no previous time
has the demand been so great, or the quantity
made been large, as at this day. We earnest
ly recommend its trial by any one who may be
afflicted with a cough or cold, and we warrant
it to cure if directions are followed. 1t is
sold by all our city druggists.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15
Thirty Years Experience Of an Ola
Nurse.

Mrs. MISSIONS SOOTHING SYRUP is the prescrp-
ton of of the best Female Physicians and Nurses
in the United States and has been used for thirty
years with ncverfaing safety and success by mill
ions mothers and children from the feeble infant
OF one week old to the adult. 1t acidity of
the stomach relieves wind collie, regulates the bow
els and gives rest health and comfort mother and
child We believe it to be the Best and Surest Rene
ly in the World IN all cases of DYSENTEEY and
DIARHIIQiA IN CHILDREN, whether II arises from
Teething or from any other cause Full directions
using will accompany each bottle None Genuine
unless the fac-simile of CURTIS & PERKINS is o.
the outside wrapper.
Som ny ALI, MHDICISF DEALERS.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

WE see by the Chicago papers that Proctor
Il GAMBLE have reduced the price of their
long established and popular brand, NOTIFIED
GERMAN SOAP Its present price and superior
quality makes it the cheapest rs well as the
best soap for consumers.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

The season for coughs and colds is rapidly
approaching, and every one should be prepar-
ed to check the first symptoms, as a cough
contracted between now and Christmas fire.
quently lasts all winter. There is no better
remedy than Johnson's Anodyne LiniDaent. For
all diseases of the throat and lungs it should
be used internally and externally.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-11-15

MAGNETIZING THE BLooD.-H those who il
the habit of warming their feet at night by arti
fetal means. would make few applications Of
DIR. Trask's Magnetic Ointment, they would have
no further trouble from that source. Its magnetic
qualities promote the healthy circulation of The
blood restore vi,or to the small vessels of The skin
and give a healthy glow to the surface.
See advertisement in this paper.