davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
A Missionary's Touching Story.

was urging this one time in meet
ing in America, and an old man got up
at the close and said, i want to endorse
every word that has teen said. | be-
lieve in the conversion OF little children.
Sixteen years ago l was in a heather
country laboring as a missionary, and
my wife died and left me with three
little motherless children. On the Sab
bath after her death my eldest girl, ten
years old, came to ME and said, Papa,
shall | take the children into the bed
room and pray with them as mother
used to That is the power of exam.
pie; the mother was dead and gone,
and little Nellie, ten years old. wanted
to f, How in her footsteps. The father
said yes, she might if she liked, and she
led them off to the chamber to pray
He said when they came out he noticed
that they all had been weeping, and
asked what they had been weeping
about. We'll. father said the little
girl, prayed just as my mother taught
me to pray, and then'-naming her lit
tie brother-'he prayed the prayer that
mother taught him to pray: but little
Susie, she was too young, mother had
not taught her prayer Of her own, and
| could not help but weep to hear her
pray Why said the father, what
did she say?' Why, she put up her
little hands, and closed her eyes, and
said. % God, you have come and taken
away my dear mamma, and I have no
mamma to pray for me now-won't you
please make me good just as my dear
mamma was, for Jesus sake, Amen;'
aud. said the old missionary, God heard
that prayer. That little child, before
she was four years old gave evidence Of
being child Of God, and for sixteen
years she was in that heathcn country
leading little children to the Lamb of
God that taketh away the sins Of the
world Mother, do you believe your
child can come too early? Do you be.
|ieve your child can have his name
written in the Book Of Life too carly?
Oh, may God help US to labor for it, to
call our children into the ark. Nav
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
The Burning Of Moscow.

The burning of Moscow, in 1872, is
one Of the most noted conAagrations on
record, not only on account of its mag
nitude, but for its historical Importance
The French entered the city Sept. IA,
Napoleon proposing to make it his win
ter quarters On that.very day several
fires broke out, but little attention was
paid to them by the invading army until
the next two days, when they had ac-
quired great headway. On the 17th,
high wind arose, and the flames spread
rapidly in every direction; by the 18th
the whole city appeared sea Of fame.
and by the evening Of the Goth, nine
tenths of it was reduced to ashes The
total number Of buildings destroyed is
stated at between $4,000 and 5000.
The Russians at the time, in order to
cast odium on the French, attributed
this conflagration to the orders Of ka-
poleon. 1t is now, however, generally
acknowledged that the fires were the
work Of the Russians themselves, and
that they we're kindled by the orders of
the Governor, Rostoptchin, acting be-
yond all doubt under the sanction of the
Emperor Alexander. without which it
is hardly conceivable that the Governor
would have ventured such step. The
object was to deprive the French Army
of shelter from the winter. Ample pre-
cautions had been taken to insure the
entire destruction of the city InAan-
mable materials we're placed in deserted
mansions in every quarter. and the torch
was applied simultaneously all over the
city. In burning the French out of
their proposed winter quarters, no pro-
vision had been made for the safety of
the inhabitants, who were driven to seek
shelter in the surrounding woods; and
it is affirmed that more than 10000 T
sick and wounded perished in the flames.
The direct loss to the French is put
down at 40. .OOOE and beyond this, it in
The end involved the retreat in the dead
IF winter and tho almost con, nlota on
,ihilation Of the great French army
This act. which the Russians at the
lime repndiated. is now considered by
hem as their highest glory, the great
'st example in history of national self
acri6ce for the destruction Of an in
'ader -Appleton's american Cyclo-
,gdsa.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
His Word as Good as His Bond.

The late Samuel Brown, merchant
of Boston, and the owner of Browns
wharf, is still remembered by our older
citizens. When the elder Quincy was
Mayor he saw the necessity Of moving
the Almshouse and the House of Cor
rection to South Boston. Mr.. Brown
owned very large vacant estate where
the buildings now stand, and Mr..
Quincy called upon him and stated bis
purpose to induce the city government
to remove the institutions to South
Boston, and asked the price Of the estate
referred to. The reply was, $50. 900.
Mr.. Quincy said that would do. and
asked thirty days refusal and bond of
it in order to endeavor to persuade the
City Council to agree to the measure
Mr.. Brown replied that he should give
no bond, as, he said, his word was his
bond always. The Mayor took his
word, and in twenty-eight days had OBJ
tanned the proper authority, and again
waited on Mr.. Brown, saying that be
had come to complete the sale of that
land.
What land ? asked Mr.. Brown.
Why, the South Boston land we
spoke Of said the Mayor
We'll, at what price?' asked the
former.
Thirty thousand dollars, replied the
latter, the price agreed upon
Did say that amount, sir?'
You did,
Have you any writing to that effect?'
asked Mr.. Brown.
No, sir, none'
Well, said Mr.. Brown, "since you
were here l have been offered $50, 900
cash for it, and can you expect me to
sell it for 100000 to the city?'
Il do replied Mr.. Quinty, because
you agreed to-"
Have you any proof of that?'
Yes, l am the witness
But you being an interested party.
can't be a witness. Have you any
,ther witness or proof, and do you
'sk me to refuse $50, 900 for the land
ind sell it to the city for $30,0O0T
L do y
You have no bond for it, have you,
Mr.. Quincy
None sir, whatever replied the
Mayor. stretching himself up with great
whatever but your word,
nd that you said, was your bond,' be
eplied.
And, replied Mr. Brown. stretch
ng himself up with equal dignity, so
is My word is my bond, and for
80, 900 the land is yours.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
CHURCHES.

FOREST PREsBYrERIAN.-Rev. John Patton,
D. D., Pastor. Divine service every Sunday
at 10. 80 q. IN. and 100 pm. Sunday School
at q. m. Lecture on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.
m. Sunday School in the Chapel at Arm
strong's every Sunday at 2.30 p. IN.
Sr. ANNE's PROTESTANT EPIscoPAL.-Rev.
VIM. C. Butler, Rector. Service on Sundays
at 10. 80 a. m. and 3.30p NJ. Sunday School
at 2.30p.m. Services ou Fridays at 30 I'm.
METHODIST EPIscoPAL,-Rev. 1. G, Matlack,
D. D., Pastor. Service every Sunday at l0.C0
a. m. and 100 p m. Sunday School at $50
a. m. and 2.30 p. m. Prayer Meeting on
Thursdays at 7.30 p. m.
CoLoREp MsrHoDIsr N. Norris
Pastor. Service every other Sunday at 1870
pm; 3 and 8 pm Sunday School every
Sunday at I p. m.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

themselves, and the mind becomes
aroused to the glorious privileges it en-
joys. To look down through the broken
clouds was to witness sight surpass-
ing in beauty the magic caves described
in the +" Arabian Nights Entertain
ments." The profound, solemn. and
awful stiffness which prevailed above
the clouds was also remarkable. Even
while moving at the rate Of mile per
minute, the aeronaut seemed so utterly
becalmed that a suspended cobweb NOV
ing with the balloon would not be agi-
tated. In speaking of echo and ozone
iu the clouds, Prof. Wise said the re-
verberations ofsound among clouds were
tremendous; and in explaining the echo
which exists among them, he told
story of a conversation be had with him
self, instead Of a person upon the earth,
as he at first supposed
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
Poor Paul Morphy.

Paul Morphy, the famous chess play
er, is in New Orleans asylum, hope
lessly insane. He was born in that
city in 1910 Of wealthy Creole parent
age, and his adoption of the game of
chess as business not only offended
bis relatives. but occupied the years in
which be might have achieved success
in some other career He returned to
his home just before the rebellion, sud-
denly and thoroughly disgusted with
chess-so prejudiced against it that he
has since never played He has subse-
quently led an idle, morose life. His
daily routine Of existence, says the New
Orleans Picayune, involved walk on
Canal street every morning, where bis
dapper little fgure-always scrupulous.
ly dressed became as we'll known and
as regularly looked for as the MONDAY
bell. After his daily promenade he re-
tired from public gaze until evening,
when he appeared in his box at the
opera, where, it is said, he never missed
night 1t is further related that dur
ing these years b permitted no friendly
acquaintance; he was never known to
associate with anybody but his mother.
and persistently repelled advances from
those who, having been friends of his
early youth, desired to renew their as
sociations. He lived strange life.
strange, moody and peculiarly mournful
man. About year ago be began to
lose his mental control, and several
months ago was put in private asylum.
Some of his friends hold the theory that
his malady had its start in the strain
upon his mind in playing many and diff
icult games Of chess.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
God give us our children, and may their
names be written in the Book of Life
ID. L. Moody
A Girl Befriended.
An Episode that Weakened Mr.. Clai-
borne's Confidence in Human Nature.

Mr.. J. H. Claiborne OF Trenton, N.
j., on taking a seat in the New York
train on Tuesday night, saw a young
girl in front of him crying, but evident
ly trying to suppress her grief She
was prepossessing, and her attire indi-
Gated taste and refinement. As she was
alone, Mr.. Claiborne in fatherly way
inquired the cause of her trouble, and
pro6ered assistance. She replied that
her name was Ella Douglas, and she
lived in Lockport, N. Y
About three months ago. she said,
she formed the acquaintance of young
man who said that he was commercial
traveller of New York boot and shoe
house He paid his addresses to her,
and, her parents objecting to marriage.
be induced her to accompany him to
New York, promising to marry her and
take her to the home of his mother in
Wilmington. Delaware. Arriving in
this city, they we're married, and after
spending the night at hotel went to
Wilmington. There he deserted her.
after informing her that she was the
victim of fraudulent marriage. and
that the story of his mother living in
Wilmington was hoax.
The girl was heart-broken and out Of
money, but she said she had friends in
Thirty-6fth street who would render her
assistance. She said that she was too
weary to walk from the ferry to Thirty
fifth street, was ashamed to 60 up in a
car, and that Mr.. Claiborne would con-
fer a lasting favor by taking her in
carriage. Tothis he willingly consent
ed, and on reaching Thirty-6fth street
and Sixth avenue she requested him to
leave her. saying that she preferred to
90 to the house of her friends alone, as
the distance was only half block. Mr.. !
Claiborne turned away, but before
reaching his hotel be missed his watch
and money that he carried in his vest
pocket y Sun, Sd inst. !
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
MIDDLEToWN DELAWARE, DECEMBER H. 1875
The Centennial Buildings.
The HOrtic ultural Hall.
See WusfratioU.7 I


The Horticultural Hail, will be one
of the most pleasing and graceful Of the
Centennial Buildings 1t will be con-
structed Of glass and iron, and be 80
feet in length by 100. feet in width,
afnrding an area of about one acre and
a quarter. The central portion of the
building will be occupied by the Grand
Conservatory. 227 by Il feet, and be-
tween this and the outer frame will be
the Warm aud Cold Houses on either
side. At the ends. on the right and
left Of the entrances, will be dining
halls, retiring rooms, Offices. &c Near
this principal building will be num-
ber of other structures, such as Vic
loria Regia House. Domestic and
Tropical Orchard Houses. Grapery.
md similar horticultural buildings. The
grounds will be arranged
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

parts of the Continent. so that side by
side the visitor may see the full variety
Of the forest products and fruits of the
country, from the frs Of the extreme
north, to the oranges and bananas Of
and the wondrous grapes and
other fruits Of California. In this great
work it is important that the most per-
feet success should be achieved, SO that
the vastness Of territory. variety Of pro-.
duct. and perfection of species, which
constitute the marvel and the might Of
America, may be displayed in such
way as to be realized at glance. 1t
is subject upon which even little
spread-eagle enthusiasm would be more
than allowable, and the horticulturists
and agriculturists-p professional and
the nation. will be afforded
IN opportunity Of displaying their ac-
i've sympathy and practical assistance
IN the great Celebration.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

Impatience is the principal cause Of
most Of our irregularities and extrav-
agances. would sometimes have paid
guinea to be at some particular ball
or assembly, and something has pre-
vented my being there. After it was
over | would not give shilling to have
been there. I would pay a crown at
any time for venison ordinary. But
after having dined on beef or mutton, l
would not give penny to have had it
venison. Nierde.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
First Impressions in a Balloon.

Prof. Wise in a recent lecture says !:
The impressions of first ascension were
very striking. 1t is like the earth fall
ing away from the balloon. There is
no vertigo; but the earth sinks. becomes
flattened in appearance and finally con-
cave. The position Of the balloon SEEM
ed to be between two concavities. The
prismatic effects produced by refraction
arc very beautiful; fairy scenes present
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

SELFISH SoRRow.-Ata recent funer-
al Of a Danbury man, one Of the neigh
bors, a female Of very sympathetic
nature. was SO deeply affected as to at
tract the attention Of those present.
The wife Of the deceased, tall, raw
boned woman noticing the attention
paid to the neighbor, kindly approach
ed her, and in hoarse whisper, in
dicative Of the most intense disgust de-
manded.
''Who is running this funeral? You
or me p
The Sympathetic neighbor dried her
tears Danbury Ne,os.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
Sfleft Storp.
LAST CENTURY HIGH LIFE.

The young lady. no longer under the
strict guardianship Of the lady chate-
laine, is taken by her mother from the
country, as too dull an abode, to shine
at court and in the metropolis. At
sixteen. her figure is imprisoned iu stiff
iron stays, and her head delivered over
to the management Of a hairdresser.
Her department, next to dress, her first
consideration, she learns to walk in
high-heeled shoes, and to manage
gracefully her hoop and her train. The
dancing-master instructs her 10 the
stately minuet gavotte, and she has les
sons from another professor in the man
agement Of her fan---how to handle,
futter. and furl this necessary adjunct
to the toilet. She troubles little about
the santiquated occupations Of her pre-
decessors. Of gathering herbs and COM
pounding mysterious drinks for ailing
old women or sickly babes. She gives
no thought to the quaint cookery re-
cipes, carefully treasured up in the
cramped hand Of, perhaps, great
grandmother. Her only care is to COM
pose washes to increase the fairness Of
her skin, paste to whiten her hands,
and lotions to counteract the effects of
tight lacing and late hours. The great
study Of her giddy head is how she can
best adorn her person, possess costly
Mechlin or Brussels pinners and rufAes,
and rustic in brocades and satins to
captivate her admirers At length she
succeeds, and becomes the bride of
some respondent beau, with wig,
patches, snuf-box, cane, and 6relogues.
The dress Of Queen Charlotte, the
bride Of the period, is thus described
by the chroniclers :: On her powdered
hair she wore q Hyscap Of lace. the lat
est mode from France, and a coronet Of
diamonds on her brow. Her dress was
Of white satin. brocaded with gold, her
covered with diamonds. Her
long violet velvet train, looped to her
shoulders with bunches Of pearls, was
borne by ten bridemaids. N'
The dress Of the bridegroom was Of |
the greatest richness-a coat of velvet
or satin, embroidered all round with
lowers in colored silks. and heightened
with spangles, gold or silver, and paste
buttons the white satin waistcoat elab-
orately embroidered and enriched with
similar ornaments. A sword. with
richly-cut steel hilt, lace rufies and
,hirtfrill, with diamond -buckled shoes,
his attire.
Should We seek further to inquire
INTO the wedding life Of this fashionable
couple. we find it painfully portrayed
'y the powerful pencil of Hogarth in
lis Marriage la Mode There the
rife is yawniug over her chocolate,
While the husband has carelessIy thrown
himself into chair. Cards and card
ablss show the occupation Of the night.
The old faithful steward is leaving the
DOM with looks of despair.
Hoping that this and its cad finale is
"A exaggerated picture Of the manners
4 the time, yet there is no doubt but
hat society at this period had taken up
he vanity, freedom, and Improbable
node Of existence Of the Regency and
louis XIV.
The toilet was the great sum and Y
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

LONDON BRIDeE. London bridge has
become toe narrow for the immense
travel upon it, and there are now plans
for its widening which will increase its
convenience, though they may spoil its
beauty. The average number Of foot
passengers who cross it in a week is
between $780, and 700, 900, and Of
horses more than 116, 900.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

Life is book in which We every day
read a page. We ought to note down
every instructive incident that passes
A crowd Of useful thoughts cannot but
flow from self-converse. Hold every
day a solitary conversation with your
self. This is the way in which to at
tain the highest relish Of existence. and
if | may SO say, to cast anchor in the
river of life. +.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11


via Dubuque. On reaching Dyersville
he ttopped to see relative and make
some inquiries as to where be (the in
quirer) had been, and was surprised to
find there his horse and buggy. With
them be returned home to his friends at
Strawberry Point. Luckily be escaped
dangers which many sane man would
not; for on examining his own pockets.
which was the frst thing be did, with
great trepidation, when his senses re-
turned. his money was all safe except
what he supposes he spent for legiti-
mate expenses while travelling.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

Of the 1884. 900, 900 acres Of land
which constitutes the area of the States
and Territories of this country, 1,154,-
OOO.O 900 acres are yet to be explored
aad surveyed. The work is progress
ing at the rate of 26. 900, 900 acres an
nually
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
30 ssledi paetrp.
HIAWATHA.

Should you ask us why this dunniug
Why these sad complaints and murmurs,
Murmurs loud about delinquents
Who have read the paper weekly,
Read what they had never paid for,
Read with pleasure and with profit,
Read of church affairs and prospects,
Read of news both home and foreign,
Read the essays and the poems,
Full Of wisdom and instruction;
Read the table of the markets,
Carefully corrected weekly
Should you ask us why this dunning?
We would answer, We should tell you -
From the printer, from the mailer,
From the kind old paper-maker,
From the landlord, from the 'sdevil,'
From the man who taxes letters
With stamp Of Uncle Samuel
Uncle Sam the rowdies call him;
From them all there comes message
Message kind, but ftly spoken,
'iPlease to pay the bill you owe u.s.
Sad it is to bear such message
When our funds are all exhausted,
When the last greenback has left us,
When the nickels all have vanished
Gone TO pay the paper-maker,
Gone to pay the toiling printer,
Gone to pay the landlord tribute,
Gone to pay the clerk and devil,
Gone to pay the faithful mailer,
Gone to pay old Uncle Samuel
Uncle Sam the rowdies call him
Gone TO pay for beef and Bridget.
Gone to pay our faithful parson.
Sad it is TO turn our ledger,
Turn the leaves of this old ledger,
Turn and see what sums are due us,
Due for volumes long since ended,
Due for years Of pleasant reading,
Due for years of anxious labor,
Due despite our patient waiting,
Due despite our constant dunning,
Due in sums from three to twenty.
Would you lift burden from rs?
Would you drive spectre from you?
Noild you taste pleasant slumber?
Would you have quiet conscience?
Would you read paper paid for?
lend US money-send us money.
lend us uoney-send US money;
;END THE MONEY THAT you OWE Us!
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

Only good farming pays. He who
sows or plants without reasonable as
surance of good crops. annually, might
better earn wages Of some capable
neighbor than work for SO poor pay
master as he is certain to prove him
self.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

An eccentric old fellow who lived
alongside Of graveyard, was asked if
it was not an unpleasant location.
"No." said he, Il never jined places
with g set Of neighbors that mined
their own business SO stiddy as they
do"
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

When a mouse runs acoss the floor
Of a parlor filled with ladies and gentle
men. ladies wearing striped stockings
jump the highest. while those with
large feet sit perfectly STILL
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

The head truly enlightened will pres
emily have a wonderful influence in
purifying the heart, and the heart really
affected with goodness will much con-
duce to the directing Of the head.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
KNIGHTS OF pYTHIAs.

DAMON LoDas, No. L., Meets every Friday
evening at 5 o'clock. Lodge room in the
Town Hall "A 5tA
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

Henry Godnose Bailey is the name
Of boy in Springfield. Ohio. If we
were your parient, Henry Godnose,
we'd knock the middle name out Of
you,
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
syliddltto,ul, Ratttorp.
OFFICERS

Town COMMISSIONERS E. W. Lockwood,
J. R. Hall, Secretary; L. P. Nc
Dowell, j. H. Walker, L. 6. Vandegrift.
Assessor &C. E. Anderson.
TREAsURBR.-Joseph Hanson.
JUSTICE OF THE PEAcE.-DeW. c. Walker.
CONSTABLE AND PoLlcEMAN.-Vacant.
LAMpLIeBrER. C. Schreitz.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

An exchange says; 1T is astcnish-
ing to see how little there is of some
ladies in these days Of contracted
skirts" Yes, that's SO; and yet, we
can see great deal more of them now
than before. 9AtA
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

Probably one Of the most trying
times in mans life is when be introdu.
ces his second wife, seventeen years old,
to his daughter. whs is past twenty.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY

Tuesday evening at clock. Grange Room
in the Knights of Pythias Hall.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
OFFICERS OF CITIZENS NATL
BANK.

DIRscroRs. Henry Clayton, B. Gibbs, B.
T. Biggs, John A. Reynolds, James Culbert-
son, q G. Fenimore, NJ. E. Walker, j.. b.
Cazier, Joseph Biggs.
PREsIDENT.-Henry Clayton,
CAsHrER.-J. R. Hall.
TELLER.--John s. Crouch.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
MASONIC.

ApoxIRAx CHAPTER No. s, R. A. N. Meets
in Masonic Hall on the second and fourth FRI
days of every month at 8 O'Clock, p m. /.
UNIoN LODGE No. 5, A. F. A. NJ. Meets on
the first and third Tuesdays Of every month
at 8 o'clock, p. m. Masonic Hall.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
POST OFFICE.

OFFIcE HoURs.-Opens at 30 m and
closes at 9 p every day except Sunday
Mails for the North close at 7.30 m, and
2.45 m.
Mail for the South closes at 10 10 m.
Mails for Odessa close at 1923 m and 7.30
pm.
Mails for Warwick, Sassairas and Ceciltons
close at 1923 a m.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11
/. o. @. r.

GooD SAMARITAN LODGE, g. Meets every
Thursday evening at o'clock. Lodge Room
in Cochran Hall, No. 2, COCHRAN Square.
Middletown transcript., 1875-12-11

There are now about 1000 decked
vessels and 1900 open boats, with
$4,000 men. engaged in the Canadian
fishery.