davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Cool Impudence.

A gentleman in Cleveland, Ohio, had
the misfortune to lose his only child re-
Gently, and not many days after the
notice of its death appeared in the local
papers he received by mail from Phila-
delphia q roll containing a card with the
name, age, and date of death of his child
printed in the center, and having in the
upper part Of the card an oval space, and
in the lower part couple of obituary
verses. Accompanying the card was the
following impertinent circular:
The recipient of this will recognize at
once memorial to dear departed,
something that in years to come will be
looked upon with gentle reminder of
the happy days prior to the call of Him
who rules all things. 1t cannot be ex-
pected that the inclosed can be distrib-
uted gratis, therefore the price is placed
at fifty cents. Inclosed please find an
envelope to uraddress; fold the amount
i'll piece of paper, mention the name,
and mail it. Should You wish moro than
one copy, please inclose twenty five
cents for each additional one, giving the
name and date of death of the deceased,
and we will forward by mail. If you
should not have photograph of the de-
ceased, hair or flowers can be inserted in
the oval with very good result. To in
sert a photograph cut out the blank
space inside the oval, and fasten the
photograph on the back of the memo
rial, so that the picture shall appear ex-
actly in the center of the oval. Should
you not desire to retain the card, please
return to us, but before doing SO, please
take in consideration our expense of
time in getting up the form, material,
mailing, etc.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Accommodating Them All.

The story is told how skillful Long
Branch landlord managed to accommo-
date the crowds from the city that rushed
into his hotel late one hot Saturday
night Mr.. Landlord had not a vacant
place in which to stow away some dozens
of weary guests, who clamored for beds.
will accommodate you all, )" said he,
"but you must keep quiet and do just as
1 say. Take these bathing clothes, go
down to the beach, and while you are
bathing by moonlight will prepare beds
for yoil." Half an hour later Mr.. Land
lord appeared on one of the piazzas,
where several families were enjoying the
music of the band. He bowed, and in
broken tones said: " My friends, assist
your fellow beings who are in distress.
About thirty minutes agoa steamer from
Charleston, South Carolina, was cast
upon shore by these lovely breakers, and
there on the beautiful beach are over
fifty half drowned men, women and
children" The listeners uttered an ex-
clamation of sympathy. "You know
my hotel is FULL" said Mr.. Landlord,
wiping his eyes, "but if you will help
me, L will give shelter to these poor suf-
ferers." And then rooms were given up,
friends crowded into each others rooms,
pillows and blankets were relinquished;
and when Mr.. Landlord had brought up
the dripping bathers, and the whole fifty
stood in row, their appearance caused
great excitement, and everybody wanted
to do something for them. The sleeping
accommodations were all ready, and Mr..
Landlord happy as king. Such is one
of the thrilling tales whose recital serves
to while away the listless summer hours
at fashionable watering places.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
A Students Duel.

A Heidelberg correspondent describes
one of those student duelS that play so
important part in German university
life. The scene of the affair was in
room where there were forty or fifty
students gathered in groups at the diff
ferent tables, some in white, some in
green and some in blue caps, these de-
noting by their color the different clubs
to which they belonged. Some
were drinking wine, some coffee and
others breakfasting. None of them
seemed at all excited, and a stranger en-
tering the room would have supposed
that this was no ordinary cafe, so little
did the manner of those present, includ
ing the barmaids, evince any concern.
When the duel was called the students
formed a semicircle. The combatants
were already in place, facing each other,
and being armed, both of them tall
youths of about twenty-one years of age.
They represented different clubs, and
had two or three seconds apiece. The
duelists were we'll fixed with guards for
the eyes, neck, chest and stomach, and
even the arms, so that no very serious
wound could be inflicted ON those por-
tions of the body. The scope and end
of these contrivances seemed to be to
limit the wounds to the face. The
swords were rather long, very slender,
and We're frequently bent by the clasling
during the encounter. The combat be-
gan with a good deal of energy, but no
indications of rage or malice, and was
frequently interrupted by the warping
of the swords, once by wound on the
forehead, received by one of the COM
batants, and finally by the spraining of
the wrist of the wounded party. Neither
party to the fight seemed at all ready to
yield. The wound, though it bled freely,
WAS treated as mere tride by every
body, and the doctor who stanched it
did not apply any bandage or plaster.
Every scar on the face is badge of
honor among the students. Finally the
curtain was dropped, the reason being
that the already wounded party had SO
sprained his wristas not to be able longer
to WELD his weapan. He was obviously
overmatched in strength, but he was full
of pluck and had not yielded one inch of
ground.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Following a Witness.

Apropos of the O'Connell centennial,
Duslin correspondent tells an anecdote
of the iberator which aptly illustrates
his wonderful acumen. O'Connell was
defending prisoner who was being
tried for murder committed in the vi
cinity of Cork. The principal evidence
was strongly against the prisoner, and
one corroborative circumstance mention
ed was that the prisoners hat had been
found near the place where the murder
was committed. A certain witness
swore positively that the hat produced
was the one which was found, and that
it belonged to the prisoner, whose name
was James. "By virtue of your oath, "
said O'Connell, "are you positive that
this is the same hat =" eyes" was the
reply. "Did you examine it carefully
before you swore i'll your information
that it was the prisoner's2" eyes. "
Now let me see it," said O'Connell,
as he took up the hat and began to ex-
anime the inside of it with the greatest
care and deliberation, and spelt aloud
the name of James slowly-thus !:
flames" "Now, do you mean
those letters were in the hat when you
found it2" demanded O'Connell. 81
them them" 81 did" "This is the
same hat?" "It is" "Now, my
lord," said O'Connell, holding the hat
up to the bench, "there is an end to
this case there is no name whatever in
scribed in the hat" The result was the
instant acquittal of the man.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Secured Their Money.

There were some amusing incidents
connected with the receipt of the intel
ligence of the failure of Duncan, Sher-
man e. Co., Paris correspondent writes:
Two gentlemen of my acquaintance
heard the report about ten o'clock in the
morning. They went at once to Roths-
child's agency (where it seems nothing
was known of the event of the day. and
drew out all their money. AT twelve
o'clock the cashier of Rothschild's went
to their hotel, and found one of them in
his room. The cashier was pale and ex-
cited he rushed to the American with
out waiting to say "Good morning." 4"
and shook the notes in his face. "Dun-
can, Sherman & Co. have failed" said
he, "and 1 want you to return that
money"
Then spoke the American, who had
locked the cash in his trunk: CT haven't
wouldn' return it.
uYou refuse then WIS the cashiers
response "you refuse. will have you
arrested Immediately"
He went down the stairs at run.
Soon he returned with an ag ent of police,
and they threatened incarceration if the
was firm, and was taken away, but not
to prison. He was escorted to the Ameri-
can embassy, where Minister Washburne
told the cashier that he could not arrest
the gentleman, who happened to be per-
sonally known to him. You can only
seize his baggage, and advise you not
to do that" The cashier concluded he
would wait awhile, apologized, and de-
parted. The two Americans told me
their story i'll the evening, and said that
business of an imperative nature would
take them to London 10y the earliest
train and they have gone. know of
two others who drew their money at
Rothschild's before that house received
the news of the failure. They have
been informed that they must re-
fund, and doubtless they will do So
when they return to Paris.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Varieties in Fashion.

Black velvet ribbons are being manu-
factured at st. Etienne in great quanti-
ties for trimming winter dresses. They
are used on rich brocades and silks, but
are especially designed for cashmere,
vigogne, and other fine woolens. Three
or four rows are sewed plainly around
the skirts of the dress instead of
founces perpendicular lines of velvet
trim the basque.
Knife plaitings will be worn again on
winter dresses, and even more abundant
ly than at present. Some few French
dresses have one deep gathered founce
around the bottom, on which are placed
five narrow plated ruf1es.
The French arrangement of mixed
costumes is a plain basque with plaid
sleeves, and O plaid lower skirt with
plain apron. A quaint new suit has q
Efo1iisine EfrniYisi 5'"idi sleeves of rose and brown
plaid. The apron is plain brown, with
a bias plaid band on the edge the lower
skirt of plaid plaitings of fabrics, the
plaid founce being placed between
brown plating.
Pockets are again placed on plain
long basqres When in front and on
the sides, theyare flat and square when
on the back of the basque, they are
gathered like old-fashioned reticlles,
and have bow for ornament.
The Louis XIV. basque, with the back
quite short behind, long on the hips,
and meeting across the chest over a vest,
will be worn with winter suits. This
pretty basque has been worn during the
summer, and finds great favor. The
yest 10 shornlv Dointel or else stones
away in two points. This is a pretty
fashion for dresses that are made of two
materials, one of which is figured and
the other plain.
Advices from modistes are contradic-
tory about dress skirts, but there is q
general desire to shorten the skirts of
suits for the fall and winter.
The novelty in lingerie is collars of
solid color, pale rose, blue, ecru, and
mauve. The fabric is percale, and the
shape is that called English, with points
turned down in front, and a standing
band behind.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Detroit Free Press COinings.

A Kentucky post office paying a salary
of $23 per year is sought after by four
teen different men. They don't want
the money, but are after the {" big feel
ing which every postmaster has.
When Marquette woman gets a spite
at neighbor she drops a mourning en-
velope into the post Office, addressed to
her, and then chuckles at the thought of
how that woman will faint away at the
sight of that envelope.
Mobile people Judge of mans wealth
by the size of the cigar stub he throws
away. If he smokes it down close he is
looked upon as fellow of no account.
The man who will deliberately get his
family up at four o'clock A. NJ. to go off
on steamboat excursion lasting until
midnight is a greater fool than he who
conquers whole army.
When Pennsylvania farmer sold his
farm to an oil company he went to town
the day he got his cash and bought his
wife two hundred dozen clothes-pins
and twenty-five clothes lines. He said
he'd had growing and jawing enough
around that house.
There are no peaches or cream or soda
water in Lapland, but then when fell
low goes home with girl from church
he is expected to sit up all night with
her.
An Illinois farmer is determined that
his children shall all learn the printers
trade, so that they can have free tickets
to circuses.
Chinese almanacs do not predict the
weather, nor do they have any jokes
about red-headed women.
It's an i'll wind, and so forth. Somany
people burn light all night that bur,
glars are hardly ever obliged to carry
dark lanterns.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Feeding the Bugs.

The mild dogma of Buddhism, which
inculcates respect for all life, including
that of insects, sometimes necessitates
painful sacrifice. Two natives, says O
Calcutta paper, were the other day
found quarreling in the Burra bazaar.
On the police inquiring into the cause of
the disturbance, one of them said he had
been "feeding bugs" " for baboo "a
Marwaree merchant), who had given his
servant (the other native) two annas to
pay him, and the man wished to deduct
half an anna from that sum. AS the po-
lice officer could not understand what
was meant by "feeding the bugs" the
man explained that, that though the
Marwarees were very much disturbed by
bugs, still they would not kill them, as
they considered it was sinful to take
the life of any insect. The baboo paid
him to sleep on bedding daily for a
couple of hours before nightfall, in Or
der to give the bugs feed, so that they
would not disturb him at night. The
baboo was so very particular, that he
would not allow him to kill single bug.
and took care to strip him of his clothes
before he went into the room where the
bedding lay.
" have been tortured for two hours, f"
said the man, "and now the baboo's SER
want wants me to share my remuneration
with him."
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
telegraph Office Experience.

A correspondent writing from Pal
myra, No., says The other day col
ored man walked into our office and re-
quested us to send message to town
about thirty miles from here. After
much questioning we succeeded in get
ting the address, what he wished to say,
and the signature. He said he wanted
to "see it 60
" All right" we replied, and calling
up the office for which the message was
destined, inside of two minutes we in
formed him that it had gone.
Gomez he said
Yes"
He studied awhile, then said
" How long before it will get there ?"
Why, it's there now," we answered.
"Oh, I guess not" he replied, in
credulously.
Yes, it is" we replied "it was
there the minute we sent it.
Oh" he said, 81 reckon it takes
some little time on the way" Then he
fell into brown study, finally saying
" reckon couldn't ever learn that
business"
q" Maybe not" we said.
was you TdlSeu Ill IhISSOurl
Oh, no." we replied, "we are from
New York.
A" reckoned so," he said.
"Why 2"
Cause you're so smart they don t
raise folks ikeyou in Missouri. " And he
picked up his carpet-sack and took his
leave, doubtless fully convinced that we
had been trying to humbug him.
Two old farmers were talking at the
counter few days ago. Gone remarked;
The telegraph is wonderful" " " Yes, -
relied the other, Its the most sub,
limest Improvement that know Of"
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
A Dangerous Paper.

The green paper used to wrap about
lozenges sold i'll shops, railroad cars, and
at street corners, says the Journal of
Chemistry, has long been suspected to
contain arsenic; and, with the view of
ascertaining the facts by analysis, we re-
Gently purchased a roll of lozenges
covered with this paper. A qualitative
examination of the paper afforded all
the Characteristic reactions for arsenic
and copper. The wrapper contained
twenty square inches OF paper. OF this,
sixteen we're taken for quantitative
analysis. The result of the examination
showed that this portion contained 1916
grammes, or 2.34 grains of metallic
arsenic. This is equivalent to2. 81 grains
in the whole of the wrapper, a quantity
sufficient to destroy life in an adult per-
son. Children i'll all parts of the coun-
try are allowed to purchase the lozenges
covered with this poisohous paper, and
the rolls are often put into the hands of
infants as plaything. AS everything
goes into the mouth of young children,
it is easy to see that no more dangerous
substance can pass into a family than
these packages of confectionery. 1t is
quite probable that instances of poison
ing have occurred from this cause, which
have been of a serious or fatal character.
There should be laws prohibiting the use
OF poisonous papers for any purpose.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Fall BOnnets.

Bonnets Of regular shape, with strings,
says fashion journal, are provided by
French milliners almost to the exclusion
of round hats. The strings are not neces-
sarily tied in front, but may be fastened
behind or passed around the neck in the
way tulle is now done. There is fancy
for making the bonnets of the demi-sea-
son of velvet and silk, without flowers or
feathers. This is a natural reaction after
the profusion of flowers worn during the
winter season begins. There are other
imported bonnets for autumn completely
trimmed with birds wings. Sometimes
six wings are on each side of the bonnet.
These are the small wings of larks, star
lings and blackbirds, and are sold in
pairs, as the right and left wing must be
placed in natural position. Still another
capricious trimming is wings q la Mer-
clre-a pair Of wings arranged at the
back just as they are on Mercury's cap.
Birds will also be much used for trim
ming. These are quite large birds, such
as pigeons, the bird-of-t the-isles, the To-
phophore, and various others with
bronzed, shaded plumage. French mil
liners poise these in most fantastic ways.
Thus large bluebird is placed low on
the back of the bonnet with outspread
wings, as if flying down; in his beak he
catches up the long ribbon strings that
are tied behind. Sometimes a gray
pigeon nestles close against the right
side of the bonnet in others, only the
head and breast of the pigeon arr used /;
a bandeau is made of seven or eight tiny
humming birds.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Thoughts for Saturday Night.

Beware the fury of patient man.
To be great is to be misunderstood.
Kindness is virtue itself.
Have your cloak made before it begins
to rain.
Think of the ills from which you are
exempt.
Sorrow turns the stars into mouru ers,
and every wind of heaven into dirge.
The vacant skull of pedant gen
orally furnishes out throne and temple
for vanity.
He who cannot contract the sight of
his mind as well as dilate it, wants a
great talent in life.
Let us fill our urns with rose leaves in
our May, and hive the thrifty sweetness
for December.
to nal no utmost that severity can do is
make them converts.
Without temperance, there isno health;
without virtue, no order; without re-
ligion, no happiness.
Frame thy mind to mirth ana merri-
ment, which bar thousand harms and
lengthen life.
What is defeat2 Nothing but educa-
tion; nothing but the first thing to some
thing better.
L could never think well of mans
intellectual or moral character if he was
habitually unfaithful to his appoint
ments.
We affect to laugh at the folly of those
who put faith in nostrums, but we are
willing to see ourselves whether there is
any truth in them.
The movement of the soul along the
path of duty, under the influence of
holy love to God, constitutes what we
call good works.
True virtue, when she errs, needs not
the eyes of men to excite her bushes;
she is confounded at her own presence
and covered with confusion of face.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Not a Philosopher.

On q Baker street car the other day, a
woman having a sleeping babe in her
arms uncovered its head and turned the
little one around so that the breeze blew
in through the open window full upon
it. An ol1ish man, probably the father
of several children, moved about I'M
easily for some time and finally said
Madam, don't you know that your
babe will catch it's death-cold there?"
"No, sir" she promptly responded
Well, it's just such carelessness as
that which fills our cemetery with little
graves" he continued. .....
While all the old fools continue to
live I" she snapped, looking him in the
eye. d ~ rgfalf sg...
He saw that she didn't understand
natural philosophy, and he turned and
looked ont of the window.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Cold Water Day.

Gold water day is the grand day of the
year for the people of eastern New Jer-
sey. Stalwart youths and blooming
maids, whose cheeks were like I" fresh
blown roses washed with dew," at this
season hold high holiday. Half CEN
tury ago some farmers of Middlesex
county, New Jersey, having collected
their crops and finding their purses fuller
than usual, determined ON having a
grand "harvest home festival. South
Amboy, on Raritan bay, was the nearest
town on the bay side, so thither they
went. That picnic has been yearly re-
peatod ever since, the second Saturday
in August being the day for its occur
renee. This year over $1,000 persons
took part in the festival, and it was one
of the most enjoyable gatherings that
has been witnessed for many a year.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
Gyp Tie.

.... .Uyp lie
A very small boy was little Gyp Tie,
With dusky face and an almond eye,
queer, small voice, most silvery sweet,
And the busiest pair of noiseess feet
That one could ever have wished to meet
A very hard lot had little Gyp Tie,
Though his innocent face was never awry;
He washed up the dishes, and did the chores.
He blackened the stoves, and scrubbed the
floors,
And-he never listened behind the doors
He sang athis work. did little Gyp Tie,
A. sorrowful song that he wished to die,
And 60 to the bright celestial land,
Au angel there with his mates to stand,
With "clown" on his head, and chop" in
his hand
We grew very fond Of little Gyp Tie;
lie never was known to cheat or lie;
He went to church, and he learned to read,
And he prayed so hard, that we all agreed
That he was rescued brand" indeed"
He felt very sad, did little Gyp Tie,
And he wiped tear from his almond eye,
And he sang his sorr rowful song all day,
When the silver spoons we're stolen away
From the secret drawer where they always lay.
But sadder yet was little Gyp Tie,
When we hailed the big policeman nigh;
And he looked on Gyp as child of sin,
And he called his tears and prayers "too
thin !"
And he pulled out the spoons with scornful
grin
From the folds Of that blouse sewed safely in.
We want no more like little Gyp lie;
We think OF his prayers with dreadful sigh,
And his sorrowful song that was all of it
@ bosh !"
But we want youth to scrub and to wash,
Who has the profoundest belief in Josh!
Clara q. DolliUer.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02
A Wild Bird.

A touching story is that of the little
wild bird which flew into the great din
ing hall of the Grand Union Hotel at
Saratoga, and could neither find its own
way out nor be lured to safety by the
kindly endeavors of the servants, though
the entrances and the lower part of the
windows were nearly always open. The
heavy upholstery of the upper half of
the windows prevented its only chance
of escape, so after futtering bewildered
among the forest of chandeliers for six
days, guests all the time feasting at the
tables below, it at length died of starva-
ton and was picked up on the floor.
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02

"Papa, did you see those nice little
guns down to the store2" asked little
six-year-old boy, "Yes, Harry, 1 saw
them. But L have SO many children to
feed and clothe that cannot afford to
buy you one," replied the father, seri-
ously. Little Harry glanced at the baby
in the cradle with no loving expression
ON his face. Finally he said: swell,
papa, I'll tell you what you can do |; you
can swap little Tommy for gum"
The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1875-09-02

A country girl, near Utica, N. Y, a
few days ago, mistook the meaning of a
young man who was looking up pickers
for his fathers hop yard, and when asked
if she was engaged, sweetly said /: Not
yet, but | always thought it would be
pleasant" The young man rode home
quickly, and dreamed all night of
/" breach of promise trials"