davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
A Long Chase for an Express RObber.

On the 1st of October, 1879, one A.
w. Ellis, alias James Wood, alias Jack
Jones, alias James a. Reed, alias
James johnson, employed as a driver
of one of the stages on Wells, Fargo &
Co.'S express route, running from Col
orado Springs, in Colorado, believing
he had discovered a short cut on the
road to fortune, stopped his stage on
the road between Colorado Springs and
Fair Play, and requested two passen-
gers, merchants of Colorado Springs,
to hand over their watches and loose
change. Finding the request backed by
a huge navy six in the hands of Ellis,
the two gentlemen did not argue the
question, but did as they were request
ed to do, and gave him their watches
and about S1O0in money. Ellis then
broke open the iron box of the Express
Company from which he abstracted
81 200 in currency and package of
iewelry, and also riaed the mail-bags,
securing some $500 in money; altogether
getting about $500 in money and jew
elry. Leaving his horses, stage and pas
senpers in the middle of the road, Ellis
walked off with his booty. Mr. L. E.
Thaw, DETECTIVE employed by the Ex-
press Company and who has made quite
a reputation in the West working up
similar cases, was detailed to follow FL
lis, if possible, and secure his arrest.
He travelled the southern portion of
Colorado, thence through New Mexico
into Arizona; and thence along the bor-
der of old Mexico and into Texas, by
way of the Rio Grande--altogether trav
cling some $500 miles, and all the way
on the back of mule. From Texas he
returned to Colorado Springs, and tax
ing new trail, travelled to Kansas City
by rail, and thence south through Mis-
souri, and Arkansas into Texas
again. At Austin he first heard
of the object of his search, and
again at Elm Greek, thirty-fve
miles from Austin. Continuing the
pursuit, he went to Waco, and thence
to Hamilton and Rockdale. At the lat
ter place he learned that Ellis had pur-
chased twenty-seven head of stock and
started for this city on the Sd inst. At
Rockdale, also, the detective intercept
ed letter sent by Ellis to his father,
in which he told his father that he
would send him from Memphis draft
for $500. Detective Thaw Immediately
started for this city, and upon his arriv-
al laid the case before Chief Athy, who
detailed Capt. C. I. Smith, of our de-
tective force, to assist Mr.. Thaw. The
detectives learned that Ellis had been
in Memphis with his stock, which he
boarded at Forests stable, on Monroe
Street, but not finding sale for them
had gone to Niblett's Landing, Mis-
sissippi. Before leaving the city,
however, it was ascertained
that he had purchased at the First Ma
tional Bank exchange for $500, which
he sent to his father at Waco, Texas.
Carrying letter from Chief Athy to
j. E. Ousley, the cOlored Sheriff Of
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
A Riot at a Kentucky Dance.

The Shelby Ky.) Sentinel says:
From a reliable source we learn that
some days ago there was riot in the
adjoining county of Anderson. Our IN
formant says: "a dance was given at
the house of man by the name of Red
man, in the above county, and at which
be invited all of his neighbOrs. Dane
ing was at its highest point, when said
Redman asked the men who were dane
ing to dance like gentlemen, and not
like horses, as they were doing. After
Redman had concluded, man by the
name of Morgan, who was drinking
very hard, rushed in and said that he
was managing, and, in fact, boSsing the
dancing part. In the meantime Redman
had retired to another room, In which
he armed himself with pistol, and, re-
turning to the room where the dancing
was going on, and where Morgan was,
commenced firing at said Morgan. He
fred twice at Morgan, wOunding him,
from which he died the next day. While
Redman was firing, other men produced
ther weapons and Joined in. During
the shooting some one blew out the
lamps, leaving the participants to settle
il in total darkness. When the shoot
ing ceased and the smoke had cleared
away, and half of the invited guests had
returned to their homes, it was found
that two young ladies and gentleman
had been fatally injured"
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
An Arsenic Proof Stomach.

A thirteen-year-old daughter of n Mr..
Flagg, residing near Whitehall, says
the Troy On. " Times, is exciting the
attention of the physicians and scientif
ic men in that vicinity. Some time ago
Mr.. Flagg put some arsenic on some
bread and placed it in a portion of the
house frequented by rats. The bread
suddenly disappeared, and again and
again other pieces were placed in the
same locality, with the same result.
He finally determined to watch and as
certain, if possible, what became of it.
He had not long to wait before he was
horror stricken to observe his little
daughter walk away from the place,
cramming her mouth with the poisoned
bread. A physician was sent for, and
before his arrival the sobbing child
made known to her parents that she
had eaten all the bread that had been
prepared for the rats, and that she liked
it better than any thing she had ever
tasted. The physician was surprised,
and thinking, possibly, that the drug
might not be arsenic, he examined 1t,
and found it arsenic beyond a
doubt. To still further test it
he tried a small quantity of it
on a cat, which quickly sent the animal
into commissions, causing its death very
soon afterwards. What seems remark
able, too, is the fact that ever since the
child first tasted arsenic it has begged
for the deadly drug, time and time again.
About a year ago the girl fell sick with
fits. Nothing would bring her out of
the convulsions. In her quiet moments
she would beg necessarily for arsenic.
The physician in attendance, believing
that the girl could not possibly recover,
ventured to give it to her. The child
devoured it with avidity, and in less
than three days she was as well as usual.
Since then she has been given the dead
" poison at different times, the only
effect it having upon her being to make
her appear well, bright and cheerful.
The case has been laid before several
men, all of whom pronounce
it one of the most remarkable phenOm-
ena of the age.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
Life Insurance and CIimatOIOgy.

DIR. Charles Denison, of Denver, Col
orado, formerly of Hartford, Connecti-
cut, one of the multitude of health
seekers, proposes some novel ideas for
the mutual benefit of invalids and in
surance companies. He would have at
tached to insurance policies an agree
ment or eodicil to this effect: "The in
surance company promises, in case the
insured becomes the victim of chronic
disease affecting his prospects of long
evity, which skilled medical advice,
combined with climatic treatment, can
greatly mollify, to furnish that skilled
advice gratuitously, and also, if needed,
to loan the insured given amount on
his policy, with which he may be en-
abled to 90 to the climate Indicated" "
In order to aid both parties, a ''cli-
matte association" is proposed, TO gath
er the health statistics of various eli
mates, and the results of invalid jour
neyings and health resorts. In cOnnec-
ton with this, central bureau of medical
advisers, who shall be in cOmmunica-
ton with the medical profession gener-
ally, insurance companies and invalids,
in the way of examination, advice and
continuous observation of recorded
cases. A promising scheme, if its
working details could only be adjusted
to the acceptance of the various parties.
Whether practical or not, it is suggest
i've of the need of completer investiga-
ton by life insurance companies of
climatOlogy in connection with chronic
and malarial diseases. For instance,
taking one hundred insured lives in
eastern New England, ut or near Il GER
tain age, having consumption well de-
veloped in its incipient stages, how
many more years would these hundred
persons, under skillful medical advice,
average in Colorado, Florida, or some
other climate adapted to their individu-
al needs? DR.. DenisOn's observations
let some interesting light into the actual
procedure of insurance companies. He
met gentleman in San Antonio, who,
after a four years fight with pulmona-
ry defects, had accepted from the Con-
necticut Mutual Life Insurance Co.
81 800 for the surrender of a $4,000
policy on his own life. Having paid his
debts, purchased a horse and equip
ments, and living for few months an
out-of door life, he became hearty,
acquired weight of 10
pounds, and, II years after sur
his policy, is still alive
and well. We have also the statement
that prominent life insurance COM
pany has paid the expenses of heavily
insured policy-holder from San Fran
cisco across the Atlantic and return,
that they as we'll as he might profit by
the advice of specially skilled physi-
elan. Moreover, that many life COM
panies have of late been offering con-
to ''buy off" their intem-
perate or short-lived pOlicy-holders.
We suggest that the morality of this
last proceeding, if it be authenticated,
should be inquired into. In many cases
of intemperate persons, any such efforts
to "buy off" might be interpreted as
fraud.-SprtngfeId Repa'5-
ltCdn.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
How She Was Fooled.

A lady in this city suspected that her
husband was in the habit of kissing
Katy, the cook, and resolved TO detect
him in the act After watching for
days she heard him come in one even
ing and quietly pass through into the
kitchen. Now Katy was out that even
ing and the kitchen was dark. Burn
ing with jealousy the wife took some
matches in her hand, and hastily placed
her shawl over her head, as Katy some
times did, entered the kitchen by the
back door, and was almost Immediately
5, ized and embraced in the most ardent
manner. With her heart almost burst
ing with rage and jealousy the injured
" .fe prepared to administer terrible
rebuke to her faithless spouse. Tear
ing herself from his foul embrace, she
struck a match, and stood face to face
with-the hired man. Her husband
says his wife has never treated him SC
well since the first month they were
married as she has for the past few
days.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
Protecting the Jury.

Some negroes were listening to one
of their color, as he read to them the
proceedings of the Legislature from the
Constitution yesterday. When he got
down to the bill "to protect and pre-
serve unimpaired the right Of trial by
iury," old 81 spoke up and said:
g What's dat mean? Who's a gwine
to hurt de iury?"
"Dat means heap, Pm tellin' ye!
OATS a good thing!" replied Pete.
"'Splane it deni Whar's de nessersa-
ness fur it?'' urged 81.
"W'y dis way" said Pete. "Dar's
a gemman down dar at de depo' whar
was on de jury de odder day, an hear
him tellin' how dat he didn't want ter
gree wild de rest OBJ 'em, when a big
feller came UP and tole him eff he didn't
gree in bout two secon's dat he bust
him wide open! what you tink OBJ
dat?''
The bill then received unanimous ap-
proval.-AtlaHta Consolation.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
The " Creeping" of Rails.

The " creeping" of railroad rails has
attracted some attention OF late, and,
while we do not attempt to explain it,
we offer a point on the fact that on lines
running north and south, the western
rail " ,reeps ;" faster than the eastern
rail-that is, this strange movement of
the rail toward the south is more marked
in one rail than in the other on the same
track. Furthermore, it has been noticed
that on such a line the eastern rails
wear out faster. Both of these points,
we think, can be explained by the mo-
ton of the earth as it turns from the
west toward the east. Every thing that
has free motion is dragged after the
whirling globe; every wind that blows
and every tide that moves feels the in
fluence, and our train going north or
south is pulled over toward the east,
and naturally presses the east rail most
heavily. The western rail, being re-
lieved of its weight, " "creeps more
freely and quickly. 1t is also noticed
that the wheels that run on the eastern
rail wear out the first, and we can but
think that this earth motion is the true
cause Thepractical side of this is that
the eastern rail and wheels should be
stronger.-ScieRtific american.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
The Course Of True Love on Ice.

She came tripping from the church
door, her face flushed by emotions
awakened by the just uttered discourse,
and eyes bright with loving expectation.
He shivered on the curbstOne, where
for an hour he had waited imPatiently
with burning heart fairly palpitating
in his throat, and frozen fingers in his
pockets. They linked arms and started
for the residence of her parents. After
a few moments hesitating silence he
said: "Jane, we have known each
other long. You must know just how l
feel. You must have seen that clear
down at the bottOm-Oh, MOsesi"
He had slipped down on the ice with
so much force that his spine was driven
up into his hat, and his hat was tipped
over his nose, but she was tender
hearted girl. She did not laugh, but
she carefully helped him to his feet, and
said:
"You were saying, John, when you
slipped that the fOundation-Oh, good
nessi"
She slipped herself that time, and saw
little stars come down to dance before
her eyes, but he pulled her up in haste
=
and went on.
"Yes; Just as l said, clean down at
the bottom of my heart is a fervent love,
on which l build my hopes. That love
has helped me stand faee-Thunder!"
He was down again, but scrambled
up before she could stoOp to help him,
and she said breathlessly:
"Yes, yes, John. You remember,
you lust said love which helped you
stand and face thunder. And that you
founded your hopes on-This Pesky
icei"
There she sat. John grasped the
loose part of her sacque, between the
shoulders, with one hand, and raised
her to her feet, as one would lift kit
ten from pail of water ny the back of
the neck. Then he said with increased
earnestness:
"Of course, darling, and have long
ed for an opportunity to tell my love
and to hear those sweet lips whisper
whoOpi"
Somehow Johns feet had slipped
from under him, and he had come down
like a capital V with his head and feet
pointing skyward. She twined her
taper fingers in his curling locks and
raised him to the stature of a man, set
his hat firmly over his eyes with both
hands, and cried in breathless haste:
sH understand, and let me assure you,
John, that if it is in my power to light
en- your cares and make brighter your
journey through life tO-Jerusalem! :"
John stood alone, and said with breath
less vehemence:
"Oh, my precioust and thus shall it
be my lifelong pleasure to lift you from
the rude assaults of earth and surround
you with the loving atmosphere Of
Texas!"
And there they both sat together;
They had nearly reached the gate, and
hand to hand, and with hearts overflow
ing with the bliss of young loves first
confession, they crept along on their
knees up the front steps, and were soon
forgetful of their bumps on the sOftest
cushion of the parlor sofa.-BOStor
Tunes.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10

Bolivar County, Miss, Detective Thaw
left this city on the 23d inst. on the
Thompson Dean, and got off at Florey-
vile, ten miles above Niblett's. He
there met Sheriff Ousley, who at once
proceeded to Niblett's, arrested Ellis
and delivered him to Detective Thaw.
Ellis had on his person a gold watch,
one of those stolen from the passengers,
engraved "To my husband, and about
$1,000 in money. The detective and
his prisoner reached this city last Fri
day morning, and left on the afternoon
train, via Memphis and Louisville Rail
road, for Colorado Springs.-Menlphis
AUaldnche.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
A Mans Friends.

1t is very certain that a mans inti-
mate friends are often the last to suspect
his possession of unusual abilities. This
is trite observation, but one is con-
stantly being surprised at some new
proof of its truth. 1t was not long ago
that gentleman told us that he did not
believe that a certain celebrated poet
had any real genius, because he once
lived in the same town with him, and
knew that his family were no better than
they should be. He had never read any
of his books, however. 1t was the old
story over again. "He is great mani"
" Nonsensei | knew him when he was
only that Hight"
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
A Queer Fish.

There was an exciting scene near
Jacksonville, Fla, the other day. As
one of the Jacksonville water-men was
looking off to sea he saw, out by the ST.
Johns bar, at the mouth of the St
Johns River, something that looked
every like a whale.n "Thar she
blowsi" shouted the mariner. The cry
brought a score of men to the beach,
/" It's a whale, sure" said they, and
thereupOn harpOOnS were hunted up and
sharpened, lines were rugged, and three
boats were manned. by seven men in
each. Then there was an exciting race
to see who should first reach the mon
Ster, who was lazily tumbling in the surf
on the bar. The boats quickly made
the three miles which lay between the
shore and the thing they were seeking.
When they came nearer the older men
saw that the fish was not a whale,
but what it was they did not know; but
they determined none the less to cap
ture it if possible. Quickly they rowed
nearer and nearer, until the leading
boat sent a harpoon whirring into the
side OF the monster, and the otner crews
followed suit. Then there was a tre-
mendous struggle. The fish lashed the
water to foam in his endeavors to es-
cape, and the twenty-one men strained
every nerve to prevent him. At length
he was tired out, and after much trouble
was landed. He was found to be 81
feet long, p feet from tip to tip of his
lateral fins, and 81 feet in diameter at
the head. He weighed 1,500 pounds.
Barnacles said to be 100 years old were
fastened to him. What to call him the
fishermen did not know, but Professor
Hart, of the Smithsonian Institution,
and Professor Heydon, of the Cleveland
Medical Institute, soon settled that lit
tie matter. The fish was simply Sc
rio, elephdntuS haliburtiS, and these
learned men said he was at least 400
wears old.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
A VALENTINE.

OH little lOveliest lady mine,
What shall send for your valentine:
Summer and flowers are far away;
Gloomy old winter is king to-day
Buds will not blow, and sun will not shine;
What shall do for a valentine:
Prithee, st. Valentine, tell me here,
Why do you come at this time O year:
Plenty Of days when lilies are white,
Plenty ofdays when sunbeams are bright.
But now, when every things dark and drear,
Why do you come, St. Valentine dear:
I've searched the gardens all through anC
through,
For a bud t0 tell of my love so true.
But buds were asleep and blossoms were dead,
And the falling snow came down on my head
So, little loveliest lady mine,
Here is my heart for your valentinel
ST. Nich0LGs for February.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
A Fathers Fright.

A man in Troy was recently engaged
in painting the tin roof of his dwelling
house. A fifteen foot ladder stood up
against the house, the top of which pro-
jected abouta foot and half above the
caves. While busily engaged at work
he was startled by hearing childish
voice say, "Papa, me up high.p
, Locking up, to his horror and aston
ishment, he saw his little two-year old
boy standing on the caves of the house,
with one hand on the round of the lad
der. For a moment he hesitated as to
what he should do,-but finally he spoke
quietly to the boy, telling him to stay
there and papa would como and get
him.
The boy obeyed, and the anxious IA
ther reached him, and, taking him in
his arms descended the ladder How
the child managed to climb the ladder
to the roof and then step off on the caves,
aud turn-round and take hold of the
ladder, all without falling, is-a mystery.
The father did no more painting that
morning
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
TWO.

APART.
One place. one roof one name, their daily bread
IN daily sacrament they break
IoEether, ana together take
Perpetual counsel. such as use has fed
The habit Of, in words which make
No lie. For couriesy's sweet sake,
AMI PHYS one brave heart whose iOy Is dead
Smiles ever, answering words which wake
But weariness; hides all its ache,
Its hopeless ache, its longing and its dread.
Strong as n marty at the stake
RenOuncing self; striving 20 slake
The pangs OF thirst on bitter hyssop red
With vinegarl Oh brave strong hesrfsi
Sod sets al days, all hours apart,
JOY cometh at His hour appointed.
To0ETIIER.
No tourh no sight, no saund. ,,gde co,,,c,,,s
:, q no seas ciasp hands 10 separate
1hsm IRON each other now Too latet
triumphant love has leagued the elements
i, 10 90 their VIII. Hath light a mate
-S ~ sNItness. Can it overweight
ING ne AR. Or doth the sun know accidentss
- ihe night, the ayr, the sun inviolate
or them, do constant keen and state
liessage Of their ineeable contents
ana raptures each in each So great
helr biiss N loving, even fate
IN parting hem. hsilh found no instrumentst
y hose bitter pain iusgtfate
Tan Kill it, or tiscir fuith abate
An presence 0fLove's hourly sacramento
H. II. IN ScriJRey's for Febrgary
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10
In the report Of the Massachusetts,

InIauu 4 FIsntfles, DIT. SurteVant reIaJeS
an incident which illustrates the extra
ordinary voracity and rapid growth of
the pickerel- The Doctor placed two
young pickerel in a trough containing
a quantity of minnows about an inch
long. The first day, the pickerel ate
l2s minnows; the second day, they ate
132; and, the third day, $50. On this
diet the pickerel increased in size at the
rate of one inch per day.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10

The Christmas number of the Lon
don Graphic cost $4,000 before a copy
was printed. The first edition consisted
of 25O, 900 copies.
The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-02-10

AN exchange says: SIN our obituary
notice of the late Mr.. -, in yester-,
days issue, for the phrase he was no
bic and pig-headed man, read 'he was
4 noble and big-hearted man.'n