davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
ROOtin' in a Marble Yard.

When Washington studied medicine
a great deal OF didicu;-.. was expert
enced il pro-u.iag dead bodies for dis
section, AID the students 1t ais college
used to make fo.siys upon She ocmetc-
ries at n;gl. fot the pl-pose o. ..raala.n-
ing the supply. One day the. heard OF
the interment Of a person who died Of a
mysterious malady aud they determin-
ed to resu~-ec: the remains. Thai night
Washington AID his friends s5a ted oDt
without a Light, but wirh p;cntJ OF
spades and sho,els. When they ca;ue
to the place and saw the white marble
tombstones, shey climbed over the fence,
and after a while found a spot where
the earth was apparently fresli. Thel
they began 20 dig. They drg for two
hours, and went down about twenty fou-
feet. After they had excavaied big
enough hole to make couple of cellars
and a -ife pit, :hey concluded they must
have been at wo-k at the wrong spot
They picked out another place where
the ground had jdst been upturoed, anI
after nearly bursting blood vessel
apiece, and getting out few hundred
tons OF dirt, they knocked off, and as
they sal down on the edge Of thc hole TO
rest and wipe off the perspiration, they
expressed their astonishmeut at the
scarcity of bodies IN that particular bur-
ial ground. 1t was getting on toward
morning then, but they determined once
more. Just as they had removed The
first shovel of earth, Washington WHO
had been wandering around the place
the meanwhile, suddenly said in q
mournrul voice:
"Boys, I think we had be:ter go home
now"
"What for?" they asked.
"Well, 1 taink anyhow we had better
knock of now on account Of various
things"
"What do you mean? What do you
want to go home for?" asked the crowd.
"Wcll," said Washington, 81 think it
would be judieious foc several reasons,
but principally because we've been root
in around here all night in marble
yardw
Then they did go home. They had
gotten over the wrong fence, the ceme-
te-y being a few steps further down the
road The members of the class who
went out right afte~ breakfast to see how
the ruins 4ooLed By daylight, said that
while the owner Of the marble gard did
not invent any new kind of swearing
when he came TO business, he infused
into the old variety very unusual and
picturesque energy.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
Twelve NidOHers Taking Cha nce.
for Twelve widows.

We Eefe -red briefly last week % a no
vel lo.te-. which -ook place at Holland
town ia ta:s coGn- y, b. whieh eleven
widows and as many widowe-s were
mated for ma ..'imoniai alliance. Re
faess, as we lean from Ike -epo-t OF "the
committee" when -epo-. comes % r.
signed by M. Vandeabe-g, SecIetGry,
are as follows:
1t seems that there were residing N
the town elevel widows and
Twelve widowe-s. We presume it
was a member of the Benevolent So
cie-y who frs proposed nat the eleven
widows should become helpma-es o
eleven of he widowers. At least .he e.
port says that thinking it ecozomy to
have them ina RED aad not knowing
how to pai= them, Z committee was Sc
lec.ed 20 hold coansel as 20 the best
mode of coupling" l, took .his COM
nlit-ee one hou- % decide IS % thC
method, pending which decision, we may
believe there was d huttering among the
4ASee4 - VI tlAG HIuOnH- II hd5 NGGtINu 10
dispose of them by lot and "consequen,-
ly, says the reports, the names of all
the widows were placed in box and
hewise the names o. the widowers.
The drawing took place at p. NJ.
Monday the Stu, at which time i. was
decided that Mr.. Il. Monton shonld be
married to Mrs. Brrin, Mr. H. Mention
to Mrs. Wink; Mr. Bode to Mrs. Wander
berg: Mr.. Furstenberg and Mrs. Kef-
sten; Mr.. J. W. Wossenberg to Ms
Wilde; Mr. NJ Verku!len to Mrs. Fer
renboorI; Mr.. Weyenbers to Mrs Hee-
sacker; Mr.. John KobUssen to Mrs. Till
man: Mr.. Z. Tennrusen to Mrs. Van
Dozen; Nr. =. Herremans to Mrs. Rolf;
Mr.. Score to Mrs. Van Bloemer.
The twelfth man 5 Mr.. D. II. Penter-
mannr land although he is doubtless the
happiest in sesen counties over the mar
row escape which he had, yet the com
mittee are casting abou, fo- some means
to supply him with n partner-advertiz-
ing that if there are any widows n
neighboring towns who would like to
take Mr.. Pentermann, duplication can
be made to Peter Kersten, President
Green County TVis.) -Adrocafe.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
Coal in Greenland.


The latest feature attracting attention
in the Frigid Zone isa Greenland coal
mine. 1t is nearly hundred miles
from Godhaven, and on the northeast
side of the island of Disco, in the weight
or strait. The vein of coal is about so
inches in thickness, running longitudinal
ly into the mountain few feet back from
the beach and about a hundred feet
above the level. A party that went in
pursuit of the Polaris sufferers visited
this mine and examined it. They found
on the top of the vein of coal three
strata, two of sand, with one of clay be-
tween the two, forming total thickness
of fifteen feet, which sand and clay had
to be removed before the coal could be
taken out. They found veins of ice run
ming through the sand as far down as the
coal, and the vein of coal increased in
thickness and good quality as it descend
ed, containing large per centage of Bit
umen, and a light sprinkling of rosin.
The first day the party mined and took
out and carried to the beach ready Tor
embarkation, about fifteen tons of gas
coal. If they.had remained they would
have taken out one hundred tons of coal
within five days. 1t is thus proven that
the mineral treasures of Greenland are
not always confined to kryolite, and in
deed there may be many valuable mines
of various kinds here, the mining of
which in the bosom of the earth would
be free from the terrible severity of the
cold. Doubtless further explorations
and mining operations hereafter will
render Greenland a habitable country
for mining population. With good
coal available there are ample supplies
life will be shorn of much of the terror
hitherto incident to the climate.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06

1t is not only fcr ire s:cl man, br:
the sick mans friends, tat he decor
comes. His presence is often as good
for them as for the patient, and they
long for him yet more eagerly How we
have all watched after him.! What an
emotion the thrill of his carriage wheels
in the street, and at length at the door,
has made us feel How we hang upon
his word, and what a comfort we get
from a smile or two il we can vouch-
safe that sunshine to tighten! Who hasn't
seen the mother prying into his face, to
know if there is hope for the sick infant
that cannot speak, and that lies yonder,
its little frame battling with fever? All,
how she looks into his eyes! What
thanks If there is light there; what g~ief
and pain if he casts them down and dare
not say "hope" Or it is the dear faith
e. thai is stricken. The terrified wife
looks on, while the physician fees his
patients wrist, smothering her agonies,
as the children have been called upo to
stay their play and their talk! Over the
patient in the fever, the wife expectant,
the children unconcious, the doctor
stands as if he were Fate, the dispenser
of lie and death; he must let the pa
tient off this time, the woman prays so
for his respite! One can fancy how aw-
full the responsibility must be to con-
scientious man; how cruel the feeling
that he has given the wrong remedy, Or
that it might have been possible to do
better; how harassing the sympathy with
survivors, if the case is unfortunate
how great The delight or victory!
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
SuspishOus and Knowing Men.
THE sUsPIsHOUS MAN


There are people in this world whoze
only wisdum konsis:s N suspesting ev-
cry III 'pg.
Wharever they happen to be, they all
ways smell mice, and they never swallo
an oyster from he half shell wi .hout
wondering if il want bad one.
If they hear person praised for his
vi-tew and morality, they hope thare il
no mistake about il.
Theze kind ov people often possess
menny of the virtews, but az a general
rule, he who suspects eve-g boldly else
kaz but little faith in himself, and wants
the klussest kind OF watching.
1 think had rather be swindled every
now and then than to lose faith in every
thing.
The suspishous man is a great sufferer.
but he manufakters most of his own
mizery; biz CRATE misfortune IL, that if
there IL any disaster laying around loose,
he IL sure to git both feet into it.
He who alwuss smells trouble il sure
by and By TO find it.
THE KNOWING MAN.
Thare are people we meet who seem
to know everything thatever haz hap
pened or il ever going to.
Yu kant ask them question that they
kant answer, nor tell them bit of nuze
that happened to day, but what they
heard of it more than a fortnight ago.
They can tell yu WHARF to look for the
lost tribes of Israel, and have got the
exact locashun of the North Pole map
ped out in their minds.
The knowing man ,iz allwuss as happy
as tho he had just got up from thanks
giving dinner, he is so phull.
They are the most cheerful people in
the world, bekause they are SO well sat
isfed with themselfs.
Their knolledge aint oy much use to
emmy boldly, Knolledge IL power, but
the knowing man has simply a power ov
knolledge.
l often meet theze kind ov people in
mi travels, but never venture an opin
yum on any subjekt in their presence, for
1 am sure not to git ennything right.
The knowing man il seldom malishus-
he IL often great bore, but then he IL
allwuss so happy he don't know it
Josh Billings.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06

HOPEFUL OUTLooK.-There is much
in the commercial situation to inspire
confidence in the future of the agricul-
tural and all the legitimate business in
terests Of the country. There is still a
foreign demand for our surplus cotton
and cereals at fair prices, and the South
has about 1,750,000 bales of cotton yet
to market, while the West has many
millions of bushels of surplus grain to
spare for Great Britain and the continent
of Europe, to say nothing of her hog
and beef products, and also the products
of other sections, such as petroleum and
naval stores. A lesson of economy has
been forced upon the people by the late
panic, says the Philadelphia Ledger, the
Importance of which can hardly be es
| timated.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
Warm Winters,
From the New York Post.

From the New York Post
It's customary % forget each winters
wea her before the next comes, and to
consider every season remarkable. An
old number of the Hartford Colrrant
contains some records transcribed from
tie journal of the Rev. Thos. Smith,
of Portland, Maine, kept between the
years I7S0 and 1895, which are rendered
especially interesting by the present
m-!dness. In 1875 Jaa1arv was pleas
ant ard moderate, and February was a
''summe- month";" and IN 173S January
came n Ike April; il 1740 me e were
out two snow storms; February was a
summer month again, and March the
same; in 1751. January Is, the frost was
entirei- cut of the ground. February
was like spring, and ''the winter ends
wonder through the whole" In 1856.
Janra-'y, the fish, as they are reported to
have done sh-s year, ''struck in" from
The sea, the weather being so warm.
February was deligh- -ful, and March
clustering, but soft as May. In 1878
Mr.. Smith records summer day on
Janua-y p, wonderful moderate" ne
next day, and February 9, "no snow
since December %, wonderful weather.
We saw two robins" Ia the year 1775,
February p, the New York Gazette and
Post Boy Tepo--s that "last Wednesday
the wea-h -her was so uncommon warm
that MANI yo1Hg lads went into the riv-
er to swim"
These are -eeords, all but one of them,
more than century old. They notice
six remarka ole wa-m winters within a
period of fo-t: .ears, bet coming with
no noticeable re-iod;ci5y. People who
are calling ttis a season st-ange above
all otI.e-s, inGica .7e that or- planet has
drifted into new influences, and who are
promising al sor,s of consequences,
from poo crops 20 Second Advent, may
bear :. mind that tne-e s precedent
fo~ i. al, anG tnat whetie- he weather
is dioihe!v dispensed each day o. is a
grand sequence Under ordained law.
coming and changing hour by hour, and
the peculiar freaks of a century and
more ago have not resulted in annihila-
tion yet. Mo- has the period between
tnen and now been one o. uninterrupted
disaster
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
The RattIes of Rattiesnakes.

The formation of rattles upon the tail
of rattlesnakes is a curious phenome-
non. The notion that one is developed
each year is incorrect. Young ones have
been known to have six or more; some
times two or three appear in a single
year. The number seldom exceeds ff-
teen. The skin of one that was six feet
long, now in the museum of the Long
Island Historical Society, of Brooklyn,
has fourteen rattles. De-Kay cited, in
1912, in the Clarion newspaper, published
at Bolton, at Lake George, 1,104 rattle
snakes, some of which carried fifteen to
twenty ratties. They were killed for
their oil. Tine same author states, on
the authority of the Columbian Maga-
zine TO-: November, 1856, that rattle
snake was killed, having forty-four raj
ties which seems an incredible number
The use OF the rattles is subject for
discussion. They are evidently well de-
veloped-not rudimental merely-and
the conclusion is irresistible that they
are of service to the creature. We can
not suppose that organs which are con-
stant in class of animal, could have
originated, if entirely useless and un-
servicable to it. Prof. Aughley sug-
guests that the whiring rattle is call
note by the animal to its mate. That it
was thus used on one occasion he was an
eyewitness. Again, it may be used to
terrify Its enemies, OF to paralyze its vic
tim with fright, or to call assistance in
danger He says: 81 once witnessed an
attack by seven hogs on rattlesnake.
Immediately the snake ratified, and three
others appeared; but the hogs were vic
! toriouso
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
The Fortunes of our Presidents.

Washington left an estate worth near
Iy 100000
The elder Adams left moderate for
tune at his death.
Jefferson died comparatively poor
If Congress had not purchased his libra
ry at price far above its value, (S20,-
O00,) he would with difficulty have
kept out of bankruptcy at the close o!
his life.
Madison saved his money and was
comparatively rich. The fortune of
his widow was increased by the purchase
of his manuscript papers by Congress
for $4,000.
James Monroe, tine sixth President.
died so poor that he was buried at he
expense of his relatives in a cemetery
between Second and Third streets near
the Bowery, in n. Y. City.
John Quincy Adams left about $50 =
900, the result of :ndustsy, prudence,
and small inheritance. He was meth
odical and economical.
Andrew Jackson left valuable es-
.tate known as the Hermitage, about
twelve miles from Nashville, Tennes-
see.
Martin Van Buren died rich. His
estate was estimated at nearly S399,G00.
James X. Polk left about S150,000.
John Tyler was bankrupt when he
became President. He husbanded his
means when in office, married rich
wife, and died wealthy in worldly for
tune.
Zachry Taylor left about $4,000. =
Millard Fillmore is a wealth. man.
Franklin Pierce saved $4,000 during
his term of service as President.
James Buchanan died bachelor, and
left an estate valued at 100000, at the
least.
Abraham Lincoln left about S174, 900.
johnson is said TO be worth about
O,O0O-[Washington Republic.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06

On the 18th Of October last the Mich
igan Fish Commissioners received from
the United States Commissioners a lot
Of Sacramento river salmon ova, esti-
mated at 10000 in number. The day
following the arrival the ova were
placed in the hatchery near jackson
Fully ninetenths of the eggs proved to
be good, and during the holiday week
the young salmon were placed in the
headwaters of the St. Joseph, Kalama-
zoo, and Grand rivers, and numerous
streams in the southern pat of the
State. Their growth is something won
derful. When placed in the rivers they
were about two inches long, and Of good
proportion; they nearly double in size
every two weeks, and in about three
years Will weigh from ten 20 fifteen
pounds
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06

A Locomotive Wonder.


4 singular specimen Of locomotive
has just been turned out Of a machine
shop at Glochesic-, y. j., which bids
far to c-cate quite sensation among
rail road men. i f. -four tons iu weight
and designed 20 run on one rail. II
res:s upon :Vo wheels, one following the
o;her. The raj or rack upon which IL
is % run, samp ole o. which Is laid in
tho yard of ;he builders, is styled 90
"prismoid, o. one-tracil railway and
= composed Of several thickucsscs of
plank built Upon me style Of aa inyer-
ted keel OF a vessel, win a Cat rail on
tire apex. Upol a ,est ;.ial Of speed OF
Gbou, twelve miles an honr was at
aimed, and ;he inventor Ga3 pasen.ee
claims ;hat the speed can be almost
doubled on a leag. aeacd tack. The
capaci y tor running cu-vos Is vesy much
grea.e- shan he Two -ad sys.em. The
revolving Aalges attached to INC engine
AID which run on the outside os each
wheel, abso. ely lock me rolling stock
to the prism, and obvia;e he necessity
of so much heavy rolling sock N light
trafc at a high rate of speed. IL is al
so claimed that p-ismodical railway
built win a base Of fourteen inches an
giles As degrees, can be built Mt cost Of
three ihoasaad dollars per nile.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
4 Very Obedient Dog.

Late Tuesday night, a stranger, just
fo- amusement, gave several bysianders
specimens of his dogs requirements, at
the corner o. pcrdido and -. Charles
streets. The master quietly, without
gesture Of any kind, .old his dogio walk
across the street, find little wagon and
get into it. Doggy obeyed, thougf re-
Iuctantly, as the wagon was a cart, but
he finally complied. He was then told
to hunt up fire plug and mount it..
His keen eyes searched moment, and
on the instant poor Tray pleased his
owner. He was tLen commanded 10
hEnt NJ iamp-Post and put his fore
feet o. =. This done, he was told 20 go
into the Pelican saloon, find a chair. and
sit IN it, then to look mp becr-barrel
and stand on it, then to lie down and act
like poisoned dog. These orders were
given in the most commonplace tone Of
voice, aud most Of the time the beast
could not see lis mas.er, yet he obeyed
quite as readily as a willing servant. ap-
parently understanding the English Ian
guage very well. OF ali the dogs that
ever showed Off on st. Charles a:-eet,
that one Is entitled to the pfemirm.-
Those who witnessed the perfo, mances
were not only amused, bat greatly as
tonished; in fact, one individual, having
witnessed a portion Of the antics, de-
elared that he would not and could not
suffer himself 20 view acts so altogether
unnatural as being mere instinct.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
Nothing Like Straw.

DIR. Dio Lewis writes: "Of the eight
pounds which a man eats and drinks in
a day, it is thought that not less than
five pounds leave his body through the
skin. And of these five poruds a con-
siderable per centage escapes during The
night while ne is in bed. The larger part
Of this is water, but in addition there is
much effete and poisonous matter. This
being in great part gaseous in form, pen
etrates every part of the bed. Thus all
parts OF the bed-mattrass, blankets, as
we'll as sheets-soon become foul and
need publication. The mattrass needs
this quite as much as the sheets. To al
low the sheets to be used without wash
ing o., changing three to six months,
would be regarded as bad housekeeping;
but l insist if thin sheet can absorb
poisonous excresions of the body to make
it unfit fo- use in a few days, thick
mattrass, which can absorb and contain
thousand times as much of those. poison
Gus secretions, needs to be purified as Of
ten certainly as once in three months.
A sheet can be washed. A mattrass can
not be renovated in this way. Indeed,
there is no other way of cleaning a mat
trass but BY steaming or picking it to
pieces, and thus III fragments exposingi it
to the direct rays of the sun. AS these
processes are scarcely practicable with
any of the ordinary mattresses, I am de-
cidedly of the opinion that the good
old-fashioned straw bed, which can every
three months be exchanged for fresh
straw, and The tick washed, is the sweet
est and healthiest of beds. If in the
winter season the porousnes of the straw
bed makes it little uncomfortable,
spread over it comforter or two of
wooden blankets, which should be wash
ed as often every two weeks. With
this arrangement you will have a de-
Eghtful, healthy bed. Now, if you leave
the bed 20 air, with open windows dur
ing The day, and not make 1t fol the night
before evening, you will have added
greatly TO the sweetness of your rest in
consequence, and to the tone of your
health. Heartily wish this good change
could everywhere be introduced. Only
those who have thus attended 10 this i'm
portant matter can judge of its influence
on the general health and spirits
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06

The remark has been made Of the
woman Of the period that "she don't
know enough TO bile water"
Mr. Brighfs recent election from Bir-
mingham cost him only one hundred
and forty FIVE dollars.
Ohio had Ben. Wade long time ago;
but this is the FIRST time the country ev-
cr knew her Waite.--[Syracusc journal
The Iowa Senate Is heavy body
The fifty members Kick the beam nc
s,527 pounds, an average Of 1903 pounds
per Senator.
A Michigan newsdealcr recently re-
ccived this order from a young LADY,
"Sead me A Novel called buffalo biland
the dais doins."
GLOW fast they build house. .now,' said
II; "thcy began that building last week,
and now they arc putting in the lights"
"Yes," answered his friend, "and next
week they viii put In the liyor.'
The Mayor Of Bainbridgc, Georgia,
has had his wages raised 70 twenty five
dollars month, with an evening ont
once a week.
The present Congress has au even one
hundred members who fought in the re-
bellion, and twenty-six Of the number
wore the gray.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-02-06
An OrDithOiogieal Opera Troupe.

An extraordinary pulpit entertain
ulent has been produced in Lima, Peru,
( by an italian named Con:ar.ni, who pro-
poses 10 car his exhibition 20 Europe.
lie has taught and trained, b.. dint o!
great patience ana perseverance, al OPP
e-a company, made Up of thirty parrots
and pa--oqgets, who perform two of Bel
lini's operas, Norma, and 'comnambG-
IL, o. { miniature sage, VIII I'll caoT-
us and recisatiyo. The di-eoso' and
manager accom- papies ihe a=t:s-s on q
pia1o-ha monium, and the perfection
with which each bird sings his par, and
the excellence Of the cho. Us are P-odig-
ious. The debut of tbs ly9ico-o-nitho-
logical company in "NoTma" was az
tended by the wealth and fashion Of Lii
ma. When the parroquet that sang the
eontralto finished the allegro in the "Sal-
utation TO the Moon" such was the en-
thEsiasm, the shouting and applause at
hearing bird sing the Casta Diva, that
the bird company, afrigiIted, tool. flight.
aid sought refuge among the side scenes.
This interrupted The performance for
fully Z q-arte- o. an hou-, ard Signor
CoItarini had to tfGnquilize tie "artists"
by giving them bread soaked IN vine
Thenceforth :he e. pressions Of approba-
tion wore moderated, in order nos to
SPOIL the play. /: appears ma; the bird
artists have now become accustomed TO
the applause. The correctness and pro-
?riety with which they give certain parts
of the opera are wonderful. The prime
teEore possesses ell ihe airs and graces
o. the school OF Mario, and ibe ladies Of
Lima have 3amed the p-ima doara Pat.
i. A. 'eas:, that is Ike story as told by
one of me Lima papers-peop!e wao
have any Imagination 10 spare will
please accept ;his draft upon Il.