davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
Only a Grain Of Sand.

A man who had for years carried an old and
cherished watch about him. one day called on
its maker, and told him it was no longer use
ful, for it would no longer keep time correctly
Let me examine it, said the maker, and,
taking powerful glass, helooked carefully and
steadily into networks till lie spied just one
little grain of sand.
al have it" he said. a can get over your
difficulty
About this moment, by some powerful but
unseen power, the little grain, suspecting what
was coming. cried out:
q" Let me alone am but small thing,
and take up so little room | cannot possibly
iujure the watch-twenty or thirty of us might
DO harm, but cannot so let me alone"
The w.tchmaker replied:
You must come out, for you spoil my
work. and all the more so that you are so small,
and but few people can see you"
Thus it is with us, whether the children or
elders--oue lie, one feeling of pride, vanity or
disobedience, may be such little one that
none but ourselves know Of it yet God, who
sees all things, knows it, and that one sin,
however little it may appear, will spoil our
best efforts in his service.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
The Ram that Butted.

A retired clergyman sends US an account Of
a little affair that happened in bis place. 1t
appears that there was young woman, a
fine spirited girl, engaged at a washtub oppo-
site an open door. Just behind her was a
young man as is generally the case, and in the
yard was an old buck that was allowed the
freedom Of the premises, which is not always
the case, we are glad to say. Well this buck
came up to the door, and looked In, and the
young man going close behind the young wo-
n an pointed his finger straight at the buck,
and the old fellow recognizing at once the
pressing character of mute invitation put down
his head and dashed forward, and the misera-
bic man stepped to one side and fed, and the
young woman, all unsconcious Of the arrange
ment, received the awful shock without war
ming, and passed over the tub, and the air for
an instant appeared to be full Of slippers. and
wet clothes, and soap, and hot water, and suds
And the next minute that goat came flying
out Of that door at dreadful speed, bald the
whole length Of his spine, and with wild
look in his eye. And for an hour afterwards
he stood back Of the barn scratching his chin.
and trying to recall all the circumstances in the
unfortunate affsir.-DanJury NsrS.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
A Good Temper.

Good temper is the sunshine of the domestic
circle, and must be priced and cultivated &C
cordingly. Frstfulness, peevishness, sullen-
ness and anger, must be viewed as Kissing
snakes and driven from every heart that claims
the distinction of being happy When tempt
ed to give away to any illfseling, self-restraint
must;bs exercised and mutual forbearance
shown Much will be accomplished by carry
ing out the determination that both shall never
lose their temper at the same time-the one
bringing water where the other brings fire
"Let them treat each others feelings" it has
been we'll said, " with lcnity, and learn to be,
as occasion serves, blind, deaf, dumb,-especi-
ally damb. Not sullenly dumb, but serenely
dumb. Not silent from moodishnesS and pas
sion. but silent from reason and affection, look
ing out the while like a mariner in dark
night for the first streaks Of dawn, and halling
it with grateful welcome" Al gentle con-
trast, well arranged diversity gives relish
to married life 1t is the necessary condition,
hewever, of such diversity, that the party
should view things occasionally from differ
ent point of view, and wisdom will be re-
quired, therefore, by mutual concessions, gen.
teness, good humor and forbearance, to pre-
vent such diversitics Of taste and opinion be-
coming the source of quarrel, irritation, or to
use a phrase Of modern coinage, hagle." A
clergyman who had tied the marriage knot foI
many couple was careful always to whisper
to the bride as his parting counsel: " Be sure
never to have the last word An advice
which is excellent, hut which is surpassed by
the Recommendation that neither party should
take the first one.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
"God Bless Ny Mother" "

A chaplain in the navy writes Not many
nights ago tho whole meeting was moved as
the heart cf one man by a noble looking youth
Of eighteen who, in the midst of his broken
hearted prayer, burst forth in the earnest sup
plication; 40 God, bless my mother l
thank thee tia. thou hast heard her many
prayers, and that |, so long the object Of her
love, have at last become the subject Of thy
grace ew And on the last night the feelings Of
every one present were again moved in like
manner by the testimony Of sailor in middle
life, given with sobs and tears, to the blessed
influence OF mothers prayers, in restraining
a wayward son from sin, and il bringing him
at length, BY tho grace Of God, to the hope of
salvation.
Let the praying mother whose prayers seem
not yet to be answered take courage and exer-
else new faith in reference to the son of her
love from such proofs that praying breath is
not spent in vain.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
NEW SERTESJ CHARIESTOWN, JEFFERSON COUNTY, w a
POETICAL,
OLD AGE.

A songless bird, garden without flowers,
A riverbed dried up in thirsty hours,
A sterile field untutored by the plough,
A withered blossom on a whitening bough,
A Pickering light that fails when needed most
To warn the sailor of a treacherous coast,
A thought that dies ere yet It's fully born,
A hope that CLEANS like pOppies midst the corn
Fair idle weeds that flaunter in the sun,
Fair morning hopes that fail ere day be done,
Fair Life so seeming fair, so codly bright,
Fair Life, beloved of Love. and youths delight
At early dawn, how fresh thy face appears!
The twilight sees it furrowed DER with tears.
Spring flowers are sweet, but Autumn's woods are
dry,
Spring birds are silent meath wintry sky;
Spring thoughts that wake to deeds inspire nc
When the dull daylight fades along the shore
The ice-bocked stream can bear no preciou!
freight
The stripped and sapless oak stands desolate,
And the hill fortress that defed the foe
In crumbing fragments fills the vale below.
Yet is there gelden beauty in decay
As Autumn's leaves outshine the leaves OF Mayy
The calm Of evening with its roseate light,
The starry silence OF the wintry night;
The stiffness of repose when storms are Ger,
And the sea murmurs on a peaceful shore;
The brooding memories Of the past that make
The old man Young again for Beauty's sake;
The hope sublime that cheers the lonely road
Which leads him gently TO the hills OF God.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
Let US have Light.

The american Builder says: Do not ar
range your house so as to violate Gods first
commandment. Give it many windows, and
then, O, housewife, keep your blinds open du-
ring the day and your curtains drawn aside.
If you let the sun in freely it may "fade the
carpets" but if you do not it will be sure. to
cause i'll health to the mothers and children.
The sun is a good physician He has never
had the due credit for his curative qualities
for the bright eye; and rosy cheeks that come
from his healing bath. DOyou know how pu-
ny is the growth OF the potato vine along the
darkeued cellar walls2 Such is the health Of
human beings living where the sun is inter-
cepted by the windows drapery So dark
wallpaper is net only gloomy, but it is physi-
cally unwholesome Let In The sun, for with
it comes forth cheerfuness and strength A
dark room is an enemy of good health, good
temper and good morals"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10

A Farmer who raises corn wheat and tobac-
co is pretty well satisfied 10 these days if he can
by the hardest work manage to pay bis taxes
and bis laborers, and make decent support for
his family. The owners Of orange groves in
Florida who have little trouble with them af-
ter the trees are planted aud have good start
realize profits that seem almost fabulous
For instance, we see il stated In Southern
paper that Mr.. Hart, Of Palatka, who has
a beautiful orange grove on the st. Johns
river, realized S24 900 from it last winter
lie sold 500, 900 oranges at three cents piece
amounting to the sum named. The luxuries
seem to pay better than the necessaries Of life.
tRiehaoHJ Whig.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10

The Staunton Spectator says =" Last week,
Cox received from Charlottesville, President
Jefferson's family carriage to repair and Teht.
1t was imported from Europe by Mr.. Jefferson
and used by him several years. After bis
death, i. was used as a livery hack and driven
by Guy" SO famous and well remembered
by University men, and waS tho pride aud
glory Of Charlottesville. 1t has been 90 alter
ed in repairing that 1t now reemb!es tue hacks
in use ten years ago"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
V!R7INIA FREE PRESS.
TERMS.

~ The FaEE Pass spub,ished weekly az Iso
p flare aui Fi0y Ceu.s per anHuH, in adeonee
ra- CuEEE DOLLARS if not paid in advance.
~ One Dollar os3 Ff'y Cen;' for s'r oH'An
1s-The terms Of advertising are, for q square
Jsas inchl orlss,, one Dollar ani Fi''y Cen''t or
tbr,s .asertioas-larger ones in thes me p roPor-
ti,a g,eh continuance F.fty Ce'''.
rS-No advsrtisementto be considered oy tse
month OPP year unless specified on the Manuscript
or previously agreed upon between the parties.
~s-An advertisement not marked on the copy
ora specified number ofiusertions win be continued
until ordered cut. payments cxacted accordingly
ro-REarIAB A0vEErisENsNrs.-Io avoid any
understanding on ,he part Of the annas 'adver-
ti.,rs it is proper 90 state iis,'Het,y that tae
viI,-e only extends ta their immediate business
E,,l Estate. Legal or an other sent
bv them Co be an additional charge, aud no varia-
tion
0siuary Notices Of more than 6velinesvi
becLarcedtor.
TOB WORK--Posters. sale Bills, Circulars,
Cards. .tc executed promptly, neatly, dna az iaiF
prices
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10

Ny pretty little dears, you are no more ht
for matrimony than pullet is to look after
family Of fourteen chickens. The truth is, my
dear girls, you want, generally speaking, more
liberty and less fashionable! !restraint; moro
kitchen and less parlor; more exercise and less
sofa more making puddings and less piano
more frankness and less mock modesty. like
buxom, bright-eysd, rosy-cheeked, bouncing
lass one who can darn stockings, make her
own frocks, mend trousers, command a regi-
ment Of pots and shoot a wild duck as well as
the Duchess of Marlboro or the Queen Of
Spain and be lady withal in the drawing
room. But as for your pining,, ..moping,
screwed-up, wasp-waisted, putty faced, music
numbering, novel-dovOurins daughters Of fash
ion and idleness, with your consumption-soled
shoes, and silk stockings. you won't do for
wives and mothers-Mrs EHis' Lectures.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10

This is the way delighted Michigan local
puts it: Brighter days are coming-just think
of it. Blue birds, dandelions, caravans, scis-
ors-grinders, articbokes, yiolets, hand-organs
viii soon sing, shine, show, sharpen, scent,
and Shrek that spring has come.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10

The question: and the Chief main, only ques-
tion in the coming canvass Is simply this
SAag tie negroes rue NE ,eLites IN Pirginia
as they do in Louisiana, or shall yrginians
eontrol Virginia? Fellow white men, take
your choice. You are oJl,gei to choose.
fFredajcisburq News.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10

CONVENIENT to the Depots of all the South
I = ern and Western Railroads and Steamboat
Landings, saving Hack hire. Street Cars pass
every i've minutes conveying passengers to allsec-
tions of the City making it as convenient as any
Hotelin Baltimore. All the Appointments ofthis
House are irst Glaze for reasonable charges. This
house is supplied with the National Fire Escape,
also the Extnguisher Water convenience on
every Floor. X. SHARE, Proprietor.
Sept. ., II.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10

MILITARY SPEEoH.-ln copy Of the United
States Gazette published in 1919, we find an
account of flag presentation which may edi-
fy that large portion Of our population who
have lat,erIy participated in little affairs of
that sort. On the day after the battle Of Fort
Moultric in 1879, Mrs. Elliot presented to Col.
Moultries second South Carolina Regiment a
banner. Surrounded by the beauty and fash
ion of the day, the colonel stepped forth and
receiving the flag from Mrs. f., acknowledged
it in a very appropriate and eloquent speech.
In closing he turned suddenly to. his men,
and said my gallant companions you see
III. reward Of courage and fortitude You
have fought and have conquered, and tho
brave fellows who fell in the carnage Of yester-
day are new in heaven riding their charriots
like the very devil I"
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10

A WORD TO THE BoYs.-God puts the oak in
the forest, and the pine on its sand and rock,
aud says to men, "Tbsre are your houses go
hew, saw, frame, build make" God builds
the trees men must build the house. God sup
plies tho timber ;gmen must construct the ship.
God buries Iron in the heart Of the earth men
must dig it, and smelt it, and fashion it
What is useful for the body, and still more,
what is useful for the mind, is to bo had only
by exertion-exertiOn that will work men.more
than iron Is wrought, that will shape men
more than,timber is shaped. Clay and rock
are given, not brick and square stones. God
gives us no clothes he gives us fax, and cot
ton, and sheep. II we would have coats 'on
our backs, we must take them of our tlocks,
and spin them and weave them. II we would
have anything good or useful, we must earn it.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
VIRGINIA FREE PRESS
u; ". \; W. GbLEA1ENi .. GAhLAnER, Editors

Charlestown, Jefferson Co., w. Va
OFFICE IN JEFFERSON BULDING."
Saturday. May 10, 1878.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10


A Doc FIsHT.-A couple Of dogs were hav-
ing dispute on the opposite sides Of slat
fence, the other morning, when one Of them,
letting his valor get the better Of his dscre-
ton plunged his head through the Stats, IN the
hope of nipping his antagonist. That was
where'he made the mistake the head went
through nicely, but would not pull back. The
other pup, seeing his foe in chanoery, leisure
ly commenced chewing up the front part ot
his head and ears. There was music in the
air" about that time and the unearthly yelp-
ing brought the juvenile owner Of the demor-
allied canine to the rescue. He took in tho
situation at once, and freezing on TO that dogs
tail and bracing himself against the fence, he
pulled his level best For moment it was
doubtful which would give way first, the tail,
the head, or the picket: but, with final surge
the boy broush, away. his pup minus the big
gest part Of both ears. The first jump that
that dog made when loose was something over
twenty feet, and with a continuous vail OF
grief, he disappeared round the corner.
Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1873-05-10
Seed Corn.

The experience of each passing season adds
proof that corn, as well as other grains, can be
more advantageously improved by selecting
the largest ears aud best formed kernels for
seed, and by careful cultivation, and abundant
manuring, than by taking pains to Introduce
new varieties from q distance. Corn is not
detorated by long acclimatization, but is by
careless husbandry and neglect to "select the
fttest" An old author who wrote before the
Christian era knew how it was himself, and
said: "I have seen seeds for a long time select
ed, and with much labor culled out, neyerthe-
less to degenerate unless the largest were year
by year carefully chosen by the hand.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-01-01

The record OF the eventful year 1872 has
closed. and We stand upon the threshold of q
new year, unknowing what it may bring to US
of JOY or sorrow. 1t is better 90. The new
years day of one year ago would have been
changed for many from a season Of rejoicing to
one OF bitter mourning had the dread secrets of
the coming twelve months been disclosed. The
past is irretrievsbly gone, with its good deeds
and its bad ones, its record cannot be altered;
no man knows whether he is to have a future or
not; the present only Is ours, and we should each
one endesy0r to 20 use IL as not to have occasion
TO wish hereafter that its story OF folly or sin
should be blOtted out Nor is the time to do
right, because the present moment is the only
che We are sure Of.
Our country has been prosperous the past
YEAR, and a. community tie people Of the
District OF Columbia have good reason to thank
Almighty God for His protecting care of them
Exempt from the terrible vIsitations OF ire and
families and mourning to the homes of other
cities, We have suffered from no great disaster,
while all Who would labor have found work
Washin gton has made vast progress in the last
twelve months, and il now one of the best
paved, best lighted, best drained, and most
beautiful cities in the country, while its mortu-
airy record shows that il is one of the health
lest. Let the work of Improvement go on aud
n our morals improve correspondIngly the next
twelve months, We may hope to exhibit stall
better record for IS % than that for 1872 THIS
will help our readers one and all TO realize our
sincere wish that they may have sea Happy New
Year.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-01-01

While steam railway companies who might
heat their cars with steam from the boilers,
continue to roast passengers to death by stoves
which upset or smash up on the least proyoca-
ton, horse railway companies who might safely
use stoves, persist in freezing their passengers
Queer isn't it? Stoves are used in the street
cars at Albany, and while they keep the pas
sengers comfortably warm, occupy no more
room than would be required by two sitting
and two standing passengers. IL the companies
are too greedy however to sacrifice the space
which represents twenty cents fare, they might
use hot water pipes along the floor beneath the
seats, which practically take no room. fresh
supply OF hot water every trip woald ensure the
comfort of the passengers in very severe wealth
er, II there could be some means devised at the
same time TO keep the front doors OF the cars
from being continually opened, causing by the
draft inn umerable colds and Theumatisms.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-01-01

Sensible TO the last Miss Susan Il. Anthony
refuses to give bail and goes to Jail like man.
and when asked through the grating, ''whst
are you in for?'' replies, "For exercising nv
rights as an American citizen" The truth OF
the m after Il, the cause OF woman suffrage has
received some pretty hard knocks within
twelvemonth, and the faithful have become
apathetie. Susan understands this, and re-
membering that the blood OF the martyr is the
seed Of the church she proposes to reanimate
her followers by the spectacle Of her imprison-
ment for principle. We do not apprehend that
she will remain in durance vile for any great
length of time, and rather suspect that she will
be on hand to preside over the deliberations OF
the woman suffrage convention which is held
here this month
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-01-01

IL 3 d u q d,
DV. W. m. BARRETf,

pEETIST,
Has Removed 70 o. lfO2 z street N. W., corner
stn street. s. ly
Hls IT NECESSARY To WORRY abouf Con
HS taeioGs diseases when we have near az hand
rreyentiv whose tmiL ent qualities have been cou-
hfmfd by more than twenty years Of success ia
kurope and in this country? At q time when the
Email POx and Other diseases thre aten sore ad
rapidly IL consequence Of the extreme severity of
the weather, IL 10 Of the greatest i'm portsnce to
build no our constitutions, in order TO resist ard
ne agsinst all the kinds OF pernicious inf
which surround MS; the, efvre, IL would be mpossi-
ele TO call too strong the attention OF the public
on this very important point that the use Of Bit
ters prepared with the greatest according to
the PRINCIPLES Of the medical and which in con
sequence OF their action the blood stomach liver
and principal organs OF the body. produces such in
coDtestsble results Moreover, IL 10 so agreeable
to a taste that there is 4 mic hch be com
pared to them. If you ant to be con WINGED 60 TO
LCur dTnssi and ask for DR.. L. g. BERrRAM's
IOc g LIFE BiTTEBS; after ryng them ron will
give away with all other hind of medicine dec2s ly
NJ DID. A. PRATT. Graduats OF ONO Coiiess
KR Of Dental Surgery, ali 7th street, between
D and Il, q few doors south Of Odd Fellows Hall.
Refers To Il. A. Bacon ard Rev " 3. Ivsns. mis-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-01-01

The communication under the head OF "a
Prompt Answer" in last nights STAR, rela-
tive TO the alleged improper delivery of letter,
gives the best evidence that neither Judge Ed
munds, the city postmaster, nor the letter car
rlers can Justly be held responsible for the i'm
proper delivery referred to. The fact Is the
carriers are hard worked, underpaid set of
men, who attend TO their duties faithfully and
conscientiously. They work early aud late in
all kinds OF weather, and If they we're compen-
stated according to the actual amount Of LABOR
perfor med they would receive almost twice the
salary Of a first class clerk.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-01-01

That was rather elevated ground taken by
Captain Wilson, OF the United States steamer
Iantle, who, according to a dispatch from Zsn-
zibar, visited he Sultan and requested the
sbrogat:on of the treaty with England which
permits slavery to Zanzibar, and to the British
dominion territory, contained in the treaty m AIDE
With England in 1870" 1t is quite likely tina,
In the transmission of the account Of the inter
view through number of channels from such
Tar away country some verbal mistake was
made, since one would naturally suppose from
reading il that the American officer was PLAYING
the role of a meddler. What the dispatch really
msans probably is that he simply advised the
Sultan to Voluntarily renounce that provision
OF the treaty with England which permits
slavery, lot to abrogate the entire treaty, for
this he could Tot 10 without John Bulls consent
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1873-01-01

In iussy psnicky sort Of way the inquiry is
Stin ssitated for some protection against fire.
The latest move is that made by the PhiladeI-
phia CON mon council, which is Considering an
ordnance. drafted by the law committee,
when = INTENDED to prohibit the use of wooden
coralces "A any class OF buildings within the
CT limits, and also "a prevent the construction
- y - M@nsara r1O-s-tHe proposed penalty
he.fs ; ? Tor eseh OaeGce, with an additional
tBe Q: Der tFy tJs Continued infractions OF
tie is~. At Is al very well to regulate the
recfs AID the cornices, but it is much more
essential 10 look after the floors and the walls
that beth should be solid and fre-proof
Powers, the sculptor, in a letter recently pub
f-ned, ;cIls how fires sre~eomparativeiy uu-
known in Florence, and all because the floors
sle nearly ire-proof