davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
The Eastern Question.

The following is the text OF speech
delivered by the ozar of Russia at Mos
COW: "I thank you for your sentiments
respecting the political situation, which
ia now more clearly defined than before.
You know that Turkey has yielded to
nv demands for an immediate armistice
to end the useless slaughter in Servla
and Montenegro. In this unequal strug-
gle the Montenegrins, as heretofore,
have shown themselves real heroes. Un:
fortunately the sau cannot be said OF
the Servians, Notwithstanding the assist
ance of our volunteers, many OF whom
shed their blood for tie SlaVonic cause.
I know that all Russia joins me Id
warmly sympathizing in the suferings OF
our brethren and co-reGgionists. The
true interests of Russia are, however,
deare, to me than all. My wish to the
uttermost is to spare Russian blood.
Therefore, I have striven and will Still
strive to obtain real improvement OF
the position of the Christians by peace
full means. In a few days negotiations
will commence at Constantinople. MY
most ardent wish is that we may arrive
at q general agreement; should this,
however, not be achieved, and should
see that we cannot obtain guarantees
necessary for carrying out what we in
tended to demand from the Porte, l am
firmly determined to act Independently.
I am convinced that the whole OF Russia
will respond to my summons should I
consider it necessary, and Russia's honor
REQUIRES it. Moscow will lead the van
by it's example. May God help us to
carry ont our sacred mission"
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
The Life Of a Reporter.

reported on morning newspaper
three years, says Mark Twain, and it
was pretty hard work. But I enjoyed
its attractions. Reporting is the best
school in the world to get a knowledge
of human beings, human nature and
human ways. A nice, gentlemanly re.
porter-I make no differences-ls well
treated by everybody. Just think OF the
wide range of his acquaintanceship, his
experience OF life and society. No other
occupation brings man into such ia
miliar social relations with all the grades
and classes of people. The last thing
at night-midnight-he goes browsing
around after items among the ponce
and iailbirds in the lookup, questioning
the prisoners and making pleasant and
lasting friendships among some OF the
worst people in the world. and tho
yery next evening he gets himself up re:
gardless Of expense, puts on oil the good
Clothes his friends have got, goes and
takes dinner with the governor or COM
mander .in-chief of the district, the
United States senator and some OF the
upper crust of society. He is on good
terms with all of them, and is present at
every gathering, and has easy access to
every Variety Of people. Why, ! break
tasted almost every morning with tho
governor, dined with the principal
Clergyman and slept in the station
house. ~
A reporter has to lie little, OF course,
or they would discharge him. That
is why + left it. I am dh-
ferent from Washington. I have a
prander and higher standard OF prin-
ciple. Washington could not lie. 1 can
lie, but I won't. Reporting is fascinat-
ing, but then it is 80 Distressing to have
to lie so. Lying is bad-lying is very
bad, Every individual knows that by
experience. think that for man to
tell o lie-when he cannot make anything
hv it's wrong.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
Dissertation of LincOln's Tomb.

The attempted desecration of the tomb
of the late President Lincoln is one OF
those stories which would seem to belong
to imaginative rather than real crime. 1t
is difficult to believe that even the worst
of criminals would plan and endeavor to
execute such project. Had it sue
ceeded the whole world would have re-
garded it with horror, and we may we'll
believe that the expectation of ransom
with which the crime was planned would
have led to the final detection OF the
criminals, even if they had succeeded in
concealing their purpose until its accom-
pishneut. The later developments in
regard to the attempted desecration,
says letter from Sp4 ingfeld, ILL.,, shows
that it was the consummation of most
determined and deep laid conspiracy, in
which no novices in the criminal art
we're engaged. The community were at
first 60 Mortified by the discovery of tho
midnight attempt that they hastily jump
ed to q conclusion, that something of
either political or sectional significance
attached to the crime but it is now de-
finitely known that the sole motive or
object was tho obtaining of great ram
son for restitution of the remains. The
Lincoln Monument Association, COM
posed of leading citizens of the State,
have raised large amount OF money
and erected splendid monument which,
with its fine surroundings, is the point
of interest to all visitors here. It was
coniectured by the would-be robbers
that the association, the citizens of
Springfield and the people of Illinois, as
of the Union, would pay an immense
sum to recover the body. It was to be
another "Charley Ross" outrage, with
much larger possibilities in the way OF
rewards.
Ex-Chief Elmer Washburn was called
in to aid in the capture, which would
have been complete, with conclusive
evidence, while all were in the crypt,
but for an unfortunate accident. As
the detectives emerged from their hiding
place, one hundred feet from the vault
entrance, one of them in examining his
pistol accidentally discharged it. The
robbers instantly fed and disappeared
in the wood, which is but few rods
distant. The names OF the parties en-
gagged are all withheld by the officers,
who say they can be had when wanted,
but they are alleged to be among tho
shrewdest managers of gigantic crimes
on this side of tho water. The first ink
ling of theaffair was known in June last,
the details having been overheard in o
house in Northern city, and was soon
reported to parties interested here.
Since that time Robert Lincoln and
Hon. Leonard Swett, of Chicago, have
constantly been on the alert, and by
means of several fortuitous circum-
stances we're able to prevent what Ger
tainly would have been most horrible
sacrilege. The monument is now closely
guarded.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13

had the storm reached Summers The
tall buildings along the wharf were
leaning roofess, one this way, another
that, as if the wind, coming over the
bluffs, had reached just low enough to
unroof them. He hastened around the
foot of the hill; there lay the brick
hotel, the boast of the town, in scatter
ed fragments on the ground, like a
wasps' nest scattered by the house
keepers broom. He looked around ;
three-fourths of the town lay in ruins.
How was it with his home2 He ran up
the street until he could see where it
stood. Gonel Not vestige of it left.
And his family2 Perhaps they had es-
capped before the storm; perhaps.
Scarce knowing what he did, he hurried
to the nearest house that was yet stand
ing, and without ceremony opened the
door. There was no one in the room,
but on q couch in one corner a white
sheet "sunk to the still proportions" OF
two silent forms. Moved by some
strange impulse, he turned back tho
covering that shrouded the faces
Nancy and the baby
Shocked, stunned, he sunk on his
knees and laid his face on that dear
form. Who can describe, who can COM
prehend, the utter iesolation OF thet
hour? None but those who have felt
it. Oh, the thoughts and memories
that crowded upon him-many Of them
bitter, regretful thoughts. But there
was one memoryfor which he was thank
full: that he had not listened to the
tempter which whispered to him yester-
morn, that it would be weak and un-
manly to yield to her request.
They found him there an hour after
ward, but he asked no questions, made
no reply to tLeir attemptsat consolation,
and they left him alone with his dead.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
A French Love Story.

Marie Gauthier, q rich helress, be-
tween fifteen and sixteen years of age,
who lived with her parents at st. Me-
dard, WAS the object OF many hopes
among the eligible young men OF the
ueighborhood. In addition to these,
one especially ineligible sighed for the
oilded beauty. His name was Theophlie
Parceau, his ago eighteen, and his
parents we're humble cultivators OF a
small farm, His education had been
good, but feeling that he could not hope
70 obtain the consent of the girls faith
er, he entered his household as ser
want. with view of daily being seen
and heard by her. Within month the
heiress received his declaration and
warmly respond ied to it, and the couple
eloped.
Theophile had made o confdant OF a
voune man, Jules Gatinaud, who was
engaged to marry his sister, and seeking
the couple in their retreat, he told them
that the police were searching tor them,
and that there was no alternative but a
temporary separation. He advised The
ophile to escape, and offered to carry
Mile, Gauthier back to her father.
Theophile acted upon his advice, but
Gatinaud, instead of performing his
promise, took the young Lady to way.
side tavern, and thence, on the next
dsy, to his fathers house, and requested
the latter to call on Mons. Gauthier and
offer to find his daughter if he would
promise to give her hand to his son.
But Gauthier refused.
Mile. Gauthier was, however, soon
discovered and taken home. Theophlle
was also found, and both he and Gatl.
maud were arrested. The parents Of
Gstinaud were likewise arrested, but
they were acquitted. Theophile was
condemned to two years. imprisonment
and Gatinaud to three years,
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
A Deadly Pool.

Some remarkable statements were
made at an inquest held at Bury, Lam
cashire, England, recently, respecting a
mill stream lodgeFknown as "Old Char-
Lewis Lodge, " or "The Hatter's Gene
terv." in which q young woman aged
nineteen drowned herself. The lodge,
= seams. ia in the midst of thickly
populated neighborhood, and is not pro-
tected by any fence. The water beng
warm, it offers unusual temptation 70
suicide, and owing to its unguarded
condition, it is also the scene OF many
fatal accidents to young children, who
fall into it while playing on the banks.
The coroner said he considered it "a
public scandal" that cold Charleys
Lodge" was not fenced on In some
wav' He had himself held inquests on
the bodies of from fifteen to twenty
persons who had met with their deaths
in that lodge, and he understood that
ALTOGETHER upward of fifty bodies had
been taken out of it. he did not think
there was another place in the Kingdom
to equal it. This is a mistake. Inc
ponds on Hampstead Heath claim to
have destroyed more human lives than
any other piece Of water of similar size
in Great Britain, and the number OF
bodies taken out of them is almost be-
yond calculation. cold Chariey's
lodge" is, however, beyond doubt
most deadly pool, and a police constable
present at the inquest stated that 1t was
3 common saying in the borough: "lu
20 to Old Charley's Lodge" or "Go TO
BID Charley's LODGE first being
an expression of despair, the 8 second eel OF
brutality. The coroner, with the hearty
of the jury, suggested that
he should himself write to the owner OF
the lodge on the subject with the view
of having it fenced off; and it is to be
hoped that this letter will have the de-
sired effect.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
Visit Your Parents.

Never allow weather or want Of time
or considerations of expense or conve-
nience prevent it, short and often if in
the same town, or if at a distance, make
it point now and then to go back to
the old home, and talk about old times,
and tell them how you are doing. They
are old now, and are very much alone.
There are no young people about the
house to attract others, and most OF
those of their own age have passed
away; they need some break in the lone
iness of their homes; every visit OF a
child is pure happiness, and when the
message comes, "They are dead, your
first regret will be that you hadnot done
more to make them happy, and TO
smooth their pathway to their last resi-
iHo place. r
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
chinese Cheap Labor.

The testimony taken by the Chinese
commi ;sion in San Francisco in refer
ence to the shoe trade was very interest
ing. A manufacturer testified that four
years ago the average wages Of Journey
men shoemakers ranged from $24 to $50
a week, whereas at present they are able
to earn only from SIG to $18 week.
This reduction is attributed to the en-
ployment OF Chinese iourneymen. The
price of Chinese labor in San Francisco,
he said. WAS on level with that of white
abor in New England. An assistant
forewoman in a factory in which 800
Chinese iourneymen were hired, stated
that twenty-three young women were
also employed on uppers. They did not
like to work with the Chinese, but star
vation was the alternative. There were
hundreds of unemployed white women
in the city who would gladly take the
place of the Chinese, and they could
certainly work with greater rapidity'
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
Did She Mistake.

She led linn to sofa, and in deep
bass voice called him her SOULS idol, and
inquired what his monthly income was.
Seeing his gaze fixed on her boa con-
strictor- like mouth, sha remarked :
"Darling, I see you notice my large and
beautiful potato trap; let me explain to
you the reason of it's unusual size.
When I was quite a child I was playing
on pappy's cellar door; it gave way; l
was precipitated down into the base
ment, and caught by the mouth on a
projecting meat hook, which ripped up
my face and extended my mouth several
inches" With his eyes full Of sgmps-
thetic tears he rose from the sofa, and
replied, as he made toward tfe door :
"My angel, you are perhaps mistaken:
Probably. in the excitement OF that awful
moment, you left your mouth down in
the basement, and accidentally brought
up the cellar. We shall meet again in .
better world. Adieu."
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
Novelties In Millinery.

Glove kid is coming into use for bon'
nets, says Harper's Bazar. A very few
have been imported, but they are pre-
ferred by Parisiennes to the finest felts
or even velvet. One Of pale rose pink
has the fine rose kid drawn smoothly
over the frame and trimmed with os-
trich tips and gros grain Of tho same
shade.
The Benoiton, or scarf Of silk passed
under the chin, is another novelty. This
is a long width of soft twilled silk,
either cardinal red, cream, or other
shade of the trimming of the bonnet,
and is in many cases bordered with FUR.
It is sewed to the back of the bonnet low
down on the crown, is passed around to
the front, mufaing the neck, and Is las
tened on the left side. Silver fox fur or
else marabout feathers trim the hand
soonest Benoitons. The square figured
basket woven silks are also used for this
purpose.
Some of the newest French hats, espe-
cially those of plush or felt, have an
edge of fur that borders the face; gray
and black furs are most used.
White plush, velvet, or soft felt hats
chosen for dress by young ladies who
dress richly. They have broad crowns,
high but not pointed, are very short be-
hind, and are trimmed around the crown
with q plated scarf. For face trimming
is dark velvet of some becoming shade,
or else fringe of ostrich feathers very
much curled. The newest French telts
are of the tule,A shade, greenish cream
tint, trimmed with the same color, and
contrasted with pale blue or with dark
damask red. Cream colored felts have
cardinal puffings under the brim, with
many upturned loops of ribbon outside;
the ends of the ribbon are also turned
upward, and are cut into five or SIX saw
teeth points. The pointed Mother
Goose crowns and one sided bonnets
have become 80 commonly worn that
fashionable milliners are furnishing
their customers with more quiet looking
bonnets with broader crowns, or else
regular capotes. Felt bonnets are very
popular, Notwithstanding the outcry
against them made at the beginning OF
the season.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
The Nail District of Birmingham.

On q murk winters night, in the
olden time, when the fires from the
blast furnaces, and the lurid flames OF
some ignited pit mound, were all aglow,
the music of the mailing hammers OF
Birmingham, England, might be heard
all the country round. From the Little
huts or sheds, dotted here and .here
upon the broken landscape, with an
utter absence of order or convenience,
as though the mighty geological opera
tions underneath had shaken them ihto
the most unlikely places, the gleam OF
the hearth fires would shine from the
open shutters, and the merry songs OF
the workers, male and female, sung at
the very topmost pitch of their voices,
might be heard mile away. Up to ten
or eleven o'clock at night would these
sounds continue-no unusual clrcum-
stance in district where labor never
seems to rest, but where the roaring
furnaces and the great rolling wheels go
on increasingly day and night. Through
the open loophole, the whole art and
mystery of nail making could be wit
messed by any passer-by. The mailer
would have the ends Of three or four
rods in the fire, and taking out the ono
which had been in longest, after o pull
or two at the bellows to bring it to a
welding heat, he would taper down tho
point upon his anvil, at the same time
making q shoulder for the head. He
would then hold it over chisel or cut.
ting punch, stuck upright at the side OF
his anvil, and, giving it one tap with his
hammer, cut it halfway through, an
iron stop in front of the punch giving
him the exact guage for the length.
He would then turn down the point OF
the half-severed nail into steel instru-
ment called bore Che top of which
ormed q mold for the head, and twist
it off, and then, with few smart blows.
he would beat it down until the head
was spread out sufficiently, and assumed
the required shape, the nail just turning
from red to black as he gave it the
finishing tap. As his rods got too short,
he would weld or "shut" two of them
together, and put new rod in the tire
and so on, with the regularity Of clock.
work, probably, in thousand nails, not
one va1ying the number OF blows upon
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
THE HORRORS OF WAR.
Tho Battle of Djuuis- 3, 600 servinns De-
serted.-How the Wounded Prisoners
Woro Treated.

Tho Battle of DjuDis..3,UUO sefVlnns Do-
serted--How the Wounded Prisoners
Wore Treated.
A correspondent Of the London Iele-
graph writes: Thus they came on, and
presently opened so fearful rifle fire
that the bullets fell around US all like
hail. As yet our infantry were quiet;
not rifle was heard, and the foe was
coming nearer to the semi-circular
trenches of which I have before spoken.
Suddenly there is q movement In the
bushes, sharp note from the bugle, a
rattle of bayonets and steel barrels, and
then little cheer. Our men are NOV
ing, the supports are taking the empty
trenches, and the rest of each battalion
is in the reserve lines. All at once such
fire pours forth as envelops you in
smoke, and makes that still advancing
column stagger. Yet only for a minute;
there is q counter cheer and rapid
rush. Whirr how the bullets fly past
them; with what shrieks do The shells
bound in | See, the Servians are stand
ing still for moment, firing yet, but
coming no nearer to the mountain.
Their line is gradually being fed, too,
and they are extending every moment
It is only the fear of the shells and the
bullets which makes them hesitate.
Perhaps not only the fear, but rather
the effect, for now they are falling fast,
and without the aid even Of glass We
can see that they are strewing the
ground by hundreds or staggering away
to die. Harder than ever is our fire, as
theirs weakens, and more determined,
too, are our men, for they now quit the
outpost trenches and are advancing upon
the bewildered enemy. Volley after
volley from the foe fails to stop them;
they leave many comrade on the
ground, but on they 60, till at length
the Servians, seeing their red fezes COM
ing nearer and nearer, turn and fly, de-
serting 5000 of their number, who will
never see home in Russia or on the
banks of the Danube any more.
Not one WAS there but might have been
the hardy father of a numerous family.
I did not see boy among them. One
in particular I noticed-and he was but
a type of the rest-a tall, well made,
broad shouldered warrior, who, having
fought to his uttermost and received
wound in the stomach, had lain down
upon the road to Derbent in hope OF
succor. Unhsppily for him, friends
we're far away, and his comrades had
hung in fantastic fashion, on tree hard
by, Circassian, who, having fallen into
their hands, had been first tortured and
put to death. I was looking at him as I
rode by, wondering if he were yet alive,
when, horrible to relate, there came
upon the scene four Ohirkessoes. They,
too, had seen their hanging comrade,
and they thirsted for blood. At this
moment the wounded Servian raised
his head and rolled his CLASSY eyes round
in hope of deserving help. Down sprung
Circassian, and with little dagger
pierced the dying man through and
through, cut off his right hand, and
ripped him up as he lay upon the
ground. Fortunately his end was near,
and he expired; but even in death, he
was handsome giant, this victim to the
barbarous war which Russia has caused
and waged.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1876-12-13
A Burglar Shot and Killed.

Mr.. Joseph B. Pitzer, of Ziorsville,
Boone county, India q, with .Dls shot'
gun diminished the number OF burglars
infesting Indianapolis and neighborhood
by one. At Late hour at night Mr..
Pitzer was awakened by noise in the
rear of lis residence, which proved to
be made by burglars climbing upon the
kitchen. They removed the upper sash
Of the gable window opening out upon
the roof OF the kitchen, and through the
window gained access to the main build
ing. They passed from the room first
entered down the stairway into the hall
and parlor. Their movements wete
heard by MIR. Pitzer, who hurriedly
dressed himself and armed himself with
his shotgun. He took the precaution to
add to the load of birdshot in the gun
few buckshot. He then went to side
door on the east side of the house where
he could command view of the kitchen
and the probable exit OF the burglars;
He passed out of this door to small
porch, and as he stepped from the porch
nan advanced cautiously toward him,
stooping as if to conceal himself, evi-
IDENTIFY not being aware of Mr.. P:'s pres
ence. He soon discovere ! Mr.. p, how
ever, and started up, and. as Mr.
Pitzer thought, attempted to draw,
pistol. Mr.. P. Immediately fred upon
him with, IS it afterward proved, fatal
effect. The man disappeared behind
the house, and Mr.. Pitzer returned TO
his room and remained on guard until
daylight. After breakfast he started
for the barn to feed his horse, and In
the barnyard found the dead body of
the man upon whom he had fred the
night before. The shot had taken effect
in the breast and neck. The verdict OF
the jury was that the deceased came to
his death by gunshot wound 'by the
hands of, Joseph B. Pitzer, while IN the
attempt to feloniously rob the house OF
the said Joseph B. Pitzer. .-..,gv
People recognized the dead burglar
to be Charley Brown q professional
thief. Mr.. Pitzer is q well known and
wealthy citizen of Boone county, and 1t
is possible the burglars, knowing his
circumstances, believed he had a con-
siderable sum of money in the house.