davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
Poisoning by q Lamp Shade.

Alta meeting of medical society in
Bonn, Prussia, Professor Zuntz brought
forward a case in which agentleman who
had for several years been subject to mi
graine observed that for some days he
had headache, which, without interfering
with sleep, continued in the morning,
and was accompanied with loss of appe-
tite and unpleasant feelings. In about q
fortnight the symptoms became more
severe, and lasted the whole day. At
the same time similar symptoms, but
much less severe, appeared in two stu
dents who sat at the same table in the
evening. The green shade of the petro-
leum lamp was suspected to be the cause
of the mischief, and on chemical ex-
animation it was found to contain arsenic.
It's use being discontinued, all the symp-
toms ceased in the three individuals. 1t
was evident that the heat Of the lamp
had set free the arsenic, and the greater
severity of the symptoms in the first
mentioned individual was due to the fact
that he was near-sighted, and therefore
sat nearer the lamp than the others did.
Professor Zuntz said that he himself
was some years affected in similar way,
though less severely, while using a green
lamp shade, in which arsenic was found.
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
Bread that was Read.

Not far out in the suburbs of Boston,
says the Transcript, is an ancient bury
ing place, wherein are headstones that
afford food for the antiquarian mind,
which are zealously guarded by faith
full sexton. Recently this custodian
missed one of the earliest dated of the
mortuary memorials, and he put all his
wits to work to discover its whereabouts
for some time without success. One
Sunday morning he went to his bakers
for the customary Sunday breakfast OF
brown bread and beans. In serving the
repast his eyes fell upon something un-
usual on the under face of the loaf
" Here lyes ye in reverse order,
which, after some study, he succeeded
in deciphering. No breakfast passed
the sexton's lips until the cause OF this
strange impress was solved. He hasten
ened to the bakers for solution. The
bakehouse adjoined the cemetery. The
floor of the bakers oven had given out,
and the break had been covered with the
ancient gravestone, which, happily for
the sexton's peace of mind, was unin-
iured by the heat to which it had been
subjected.
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
Wolves In France.

The number of breeding wolves in
France is estimated at 1000, ant the
number of whelps born in the months OF
May and June at about $500. One thou
sand eight hundred wolves on an aver,
age are killed annually. 1t is believed
that at the commencement of April 2,0oO
wolves are active in committing depreda'
tions. The direct damage committed by
each of them is estimated at about l,0OO
francs worth of cattle, representing al
together 1000, 600 francs. Much greater
damage, however, is inflicted by the
wolves Indirectly. as owing to them the
farmers are obliged to have folds for
more than 100000 sheep, which
causes an expenditure of hundreds of
millions. The Jonr7sal de pAgricult,tre
believes that if proper measures were
taken the wolves could be extirpated In
four or five years. ...... r...... 81.
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
Taking Toll.

A gentleman of an autobiographic
turn relates how he was instructed In
the custom of taking toll by sprightly
widow, during a moonlight sleigh-ride
with merry party. He says:
The lively widow L. sat in the same
sleigh, under the same buffalo robe, with
me.
"Oh! oh don't, don't I" she exclaim-
ed, as we came to the first bridge, at the
same time catching me by the arm and
turning her yelled face towardsme, while
her little eyes twinkled through the
moonlight,
"Don't what?" I asked. "I'm not
doing anything"
"Well, but I thought you were going
to take toll" replied the widow.
"Toll!" Ireioined. "What's that 2"
Well, I declare I" cried the widow,
her clear laugh ringing out above the
music of the bells, "you pretend you
don't know what toll is I"
"Indeed don't, then" said, laugh
ing; "e1plain, if you please"
HYou never heard, then" said the
WluOW, luOot ptONOhAhSty you A0'SA
heard that when we are On sleigh-ride
the gentlemen always, that is, sometimes
when they cross bridge claim q
kiss, and call it toll. But I never
pay it." ;,
: I said that I had never heard OF it
before; but when we came to the next
bridge I claimed thetoll, and the widows
struggles to hold the veil over her face
were not enough to tear it. At last the
veil was removed, her round, rosy face
was turned directly towards mine, and in
the clear light of q. frosty moon the toll
was taken, for the first time in my expe-
rienee. Soon we came to long bridge.
with several arches; the widow eaid it
was of no use to resist man who would
have his own way, SO she paid the toll
without murmur.
/" But you won't take toll for every
arch, will youa" she said, so archly that
q could not fail to exact all my dues;
and that was the beginning of my court
shin.
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
Two Bright Animals.

Two dogs were often, observed to 90
to O certain point, together, when the
small one remained behind at corner OF
q large field, while the mastiff went
around by the side of the field, which
ran up hill for nearly mile and led to a
wood on the left. Game abounded in
those districts, and the object OF the
dogs arrangement was soon seen: The
terrier would start hare and chase 1T
up hill towards the large wood at the
summit, where they arrived somewhat
tired. At this point the large dog,
which was fresh and had rested after his
walk, darted after the animal, which he
usually captured. They then ate the
hare between them and returned home.
This course had been systematically car
ried on for some time before it was fully
understood. D.. .fs.s. s..,.f.r
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
The Outside Passenger.

It was in the old days of stage coaches,
and one of those huge, numbering We
hicles was plowing its way between Bos-
ton and Salem in a driving rain storm,
filed inside and outside with Jolly jam
of passengers.
Among the number of the more fortu-
nate insiders was a respectable, bald
headed old gentleman, who seemed to
be very solcitous about a Lady riding on
the roof. Every few minutes he popped
out his head, regardless of the rain, and
shouted to some one above: "Well, how
is she now3" And the answer came;
Cali right"
els she getting weta" inquired the
old man.
"No, not much" was the reply.
"Well, can't you put something
round herr Twill never do TO have
her get wet, you know"
"We'ye got everything round her we
can get"
"Haven't you got an old coat or
rugl"
"No; not rag more"
A sympathetic young man, hearing all
this, and feeling alarmed for the poor
lady out in the storm, inquired of the
old gentleman, why they didn't have
her ride inside, and not out on the roof.
s'Bless you, there amt roomP e1-
claimed the old man.
"Not room! Why, I'll give her my
place; it's too badl" .
"Not at all, sir, not at all. We could
not get her into this stage anyhow"
Amazed at her prodigious Dimensions,
the kind young man said: "WeI, sir,
if my coat would be of any service to
you she may have it," and. suiting the
action to the word, he took of that gar
ment and handed it to the old gentle
man.
"It's almost a pity, sir, to get your
overcoat wet, but
"Not at all, sir; by no means; pass it
up to her."
The coat was accordingly passed up.
"HowU that do for hera" asked the
old gentleman.
"fip:topl Just the ticket! All right
now."
Thus relieved, no further anxiety was
manifested about the outside passenger
till the stage arrived at the inn, when
what was the sympathetic and gallant
young mans surprise and indignationt to
find that his nice coat had been wrapped
around-not a fair lady of unusual pro-
portions, but-a double bass viol!
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
A Gamblers Fate.

Among the innumerable anecdotes re-
lated of the ruin of persons at play, there
is one worth relating which refers to q
Mr.. Porter, an English gentleman, who,
in the reign of Queen Anne, possessed
one of the best estates in Northumber-
land, the whole of which he lost at hazard
in twelve months. According to the
story told of this madman, for wec can
call him nothing else, when he had Just
completed the loss of his last acre at a
gambling house in London, and was pro-
ceeding down stairs to throw himself
into his carriage to carry him to his
house in town, he resolved upon having
one throw more to retrieve his losses, and
Immediately returned to the room where
the play was going on. Neryed fer the
worst that might happen, he insisted
that the person whom he had been play
ing with should give him one more
chance OF recovery or fight with him.
His proposition was this: that his car
rage and horses, the trinkets and loose
money in his pockets, his town house,
plate and furniture short all he had
left in the world except the clothes on
his back, should be valued in lump at
certain price, and be thrown for at .
single cast. No persuasion could prevail
upon him to depart from his purpose.
He threw, and lost then, conducting
the winner to the door, he told his coach
man that there was his master, and
marched forth into the dark and dismal
streets, without house or home, or any
other creditable means of support.
Thus beggared, he retired to an obscure
lodging in cheap part of the town, sub
sisting partly on charity, sometimes act
ING as the marker in billiard game, and
occasionally as helper at livery stable.
In this miserable condition, and with
nakedness and famine staring him In the
face, exposed to the taunts and insults
of those whom he once supported, he
was recognized by an old friend, who
gave him ten guineas to purchase neces-
saries. He expended five in purchasing
decent apparel. With the remaining
five he repaired to common gaming
house, and increased them to fifty. He
then adjourned to one of the higher
order of houses, sat down with former
associates, and won twenty thousand
pounds. Returning the next night, he
lost it all, and once more penniless, and
after subsisting many years in abject
penury, died, a ragged beggar, at apenny
lodging house in st. Giles.
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
The TraImnlps, am Signals.

a. IN ~
& a Worsa rePolsshs ~ s.sS s1in tse = az -
tramPs ana gives tne mo- 1C.iow,ss = s:,.as s
OF the proceedings th9 G1uo - ~ soos 80
signals TO De cnaiKed ON ,t1e eaeee auu
doors OF all houses visited Dy HsmpeIs
OF the fraternity was revised: Ea.t = tnsse 81
cannot, OF course, pe gwen witnHous ~ w ne :.
triment 70 tnS Pubic sS.stcsi h,. siauo na' ors -
!! may pe genetaily seateI sAAs : CO., @
two genera ciasses, eaCn @ coia.A.plns ,,1u sss
eral supdlvlslons. nus s "a LIE sns s.on 80
Glass are rankeo le yaoo~ -, snU0~ .nsn.;ua ;un
ran away ana may, PeInaps: 20 wansins
q meal himsen; me @ ~ o.a ialmsi L;e;ta y sbas I
shrt sleeves VINO assures nis VIZ 80 saae
what the tramp ea.s wa! never DE- 10 ls bss
ed, and the man VINO wisnes u Taa pes.
ter. IN the category OF teoes Wno nase
fallen under tne WAN e o. me $50 sc2,a
ton are inciuoed tne IaW-Doneu ~o.t,aa ana.,
who reaches for nroomst,ck 80 on Sui
as the tramp enters; tns saI s;a a,onnanoa m1a
who turns on the ooCk oI ns eio4auIIe ;Is'
with the remark - we've gos : ian nay
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
Origin Of the Indians.

The oriein of the American Indians
has long been an insoluble mystery.
Various theories have been devised 70
account for the peopling OF the contl-
nent. There is the theory which as
sunaes that party Of Tartars skated
across Behring's straits IN the remote
past, and being compelled by sudden
thaw to abandon the idea of returning,
took mp q permanent residence here,
and proceeded to supply the continent
with q population of red men OF assorted
varieties. Hypothetical japanese are
also said to have drifted across the ia.
cific in disabled junk, and we are asked
to believe that their descendants are the
straight-eyed and copper colored saw
ages. Years ago, an ingenious traveller
discovered tribe of Indians aaulcted 10
speaking Welsh. SO
In October, 1874, MIR. Eisipger was
one of party of United States troops
which captured band of Cheyenne In
dians. Confident that no civilized per-
son could understand their jargon, tho
Cheyennes conversed loudly and freely.
MIR. Eisinger overheard them, and, to
his great surprise, found that he could
understand everything they said. Their
language was identical with bis OWL, ana
on informing his commanding officer
that he could understand Cheyenne, lie
obtained his discharge from tho army
and his appointment as interpreter.
Subsequently, be found that the Arapa-
hoes and the Comaaches spoke the
same soft Graubundenian tongue, and
he therefore believes that he has demon
strated that the Indians Of the South
west are neither more nor less than wan
dering children of the Swiss republic.
The whole question is as deeply
buried in mystery as ever.
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
to face the truth, and may convince the
other kind that nothing is gained by q
division of juggled gains.
Fashion Notes.

The "Zara" sleeve is new and par
ticularly dressy in thin goods. =,
Hosiery for evening wear is OF SILK,
matching the tint of the dress, the shoes,
high or low, strapped over the instep,
disclosing its beauty and fneness.
Quite reaction has taken place In the
style of brides dresses, much more
costly material being used than formerly,
and considerably less trimming. White
brocaded silks are in demand, and soft
satin finished failles. A peculiar quality
of this silk is called "bride's satin" 1t
is of the pureet texture, and costs $40
Der yard. Only one house has 1t. Lace
is not used with these fabrics. Iule
alone is permitted for the veil, and for
fine plating at the neck and wrists.
The robes themselves are cut loose and
made in an exceedingly simple style,
without putting, founcing or overskirt.
The ciinging walking skirt now meas-
ures three yards around the feet. 1t con-
sists of one front gore, narrow gore on
each side, and single breadth of, wide,
and two breadths of narrow material Tor
the back. Trains are made narrower
than during the summer. A few months
ago it was somewhat difficult to sit down
and look graceful when wearing q fash
ionably cut dress, but now such an
achievement is all but an impossibiity |;
and vet these narrow, cGnging skirts,
draped with indefnable folds, are con-
sidered 80 artistic that comfort is sacri-
feed apparently without sigh.
Colored petticoats for muddy streets
and bad weather are in demand. Some
are made in black and white, or OF gray
striped wool, trimmed with black vel.
vet, but the most elegant are Of red
wool trimmed with black velvet and mar
row black lace. Handsome and lady-hke
are those in quilted silk.
The very latest in silk neckties have q
crochetted slide that gives them the ap-
pearance of the gents Warren scarf.
Black and white cashmere insertion Is
combinei, and forms Q very pretty lace
scarf. 4 Lace scarfs with small polka
dots, embroidered with straw, are very
effective. ,;. - So sgsj
Very wide and long sashes are now
made of fine wool In check-hke tartans.
These sashes are trimmed at each nde
with q black velvet band, Embroidered
in white silk, finished with Q row. OF
fringe. It is very easy to drape this
sash over black silk or black velvet
dress. and when tied at the Hidey it
forms quite q charming tunic. 3a;v
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
|. ..17"l Nt ...t,..
Borrowed Dividends.

The New York Tribune, referring to
the matter of borrowing money to pay
dividends with, says: So few corpora
tions, comparatively speaking, are earn
ing more than their interest and their
expenses, that it is sort OF distinction
to be able to pay dividends, and a board
of directors, in doubt as to the pro-
priety of declaring q dividend, might
easily Z Be induced to vote for it
through this feeling Of innocent pride.
But in the vast majority Of cases where
unearned dividends are declared, the
motives which govern the men who, do
It are by NO means 30 venial. They are
simplyidishonest, and the act is ciearely
fraudulent. It is done for two or three
reasons, all equally unavoidable.
Sometimes the dividend itself is the
object: Where the directors are Large
stockholders the two or three per cent.
brings in no inconsiderable sum to their
private pouches. But what is OF in
finitely more importance, the usual re-
suit of such 8 declaration is an lmmedl-
ate advance In the price of stock, by
means of which the holders are able to
unload upon the ignorant and enterprls-
ing public. The issuing Of bonds, the
creation of floating debt, and the varl-
GUS forms of kite-fying to which mana
gers resort when they propose to pay
dividends which have not been earned,
are all channels of dishonest gain to the
small inside rings of operators by which
sc, =, many, corporations are governed.
These devices have been, practiced so
long that they have attained a certain
sanction in business circles, and are re-
parded rather as questionable irregu-
larities 9. than as downright swindhng.
The declaration of dividend, when
none has been earned, is not a mere trick
Of trade. It is fraud at common law,
and any one who is swindled by thus
means into the purchase OF worthless
stock has the right to bring an action
against those who have been guilty OF
the fraud. If few dozen people would
bring such suits, and lay open In court
of Justice the proceedings OF as many
rotten boards, it would be of great ad-
vantage to the public, and would open
t, eyes not only of spectators bat OF
those respectable and dull corporation
figure-heads who know nothing OF the
doings of their sharper associates, and
whose names are used merely as decoys
for the unwary.
: IL would be a good thing just now to
bring such suits. At the present time
hundreds Of boards are consulting
whether they shall frankly declare that
their companies have earned nothing
this year, or shall cook their accounts so
as to justify dividend. A large num-
ber of others are not discussing the mat
ter at all. They are busy devislng ways
and means of concealing their true con-
dition and of hoodwinking the pubhc
by a false balance sheet. A strong e1,
preston of public opinion now would
induce these who are reasonably honest
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
Merry Christmas.

In the rush Of early morning,
When the red burns through the gray
And the wintry world lies waiting
For the glory Of the day,
Then we hear ftful rustling
Just without upon the stair,
See two small white phantoms coming.
Catch the CLEAN Of sunny hair.
Are they Christmas fairies stealing
Rows Of little socks to al?
Are they angels floating hither
With their messages Of good-wills
What sweet spell Are these elves weaving,
As like larks they ohirp and sing?
Are these palms Of peace from heaven
That these lovely spirits brings
Rosy feet upon the threshold,
Eager faces peeping through.
With the first red ray Of sunshine,
Chanting cherubs come in view:
Mistletoe and cleaning holly,
Symbols OF . blessed day,
In their chubby hands they carry,
Streaming all along the way.
Well We know them, never weary
OF this innocent surprise;
Waiting, Watching, listening Alwsys
With full hearts and tender eyes,
While our little household angels,
White and golden In the sun,
Greet us with the sweet old welcome
merry Christmas, every one!"
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13

But New York State is not alone. The
liquor bill of Pennsylvania during 1870
was more than sixty-fve millions of dol
lars, sum equal to one-third of the en-
tire agricultural product of the State.
Illinois paid more than forty-two mil
lions, and Ohio more than fifty eight
millions. Massachusetts, paid more than
twenty-five millions, sum equal tofive-
sixths of her agricultural products,
while the liquor bill of Maine was only
about four millions and quarter. Mr..
Hargreaves takes the figures OF Massa-
chugetts and Maine to show how pro-
hibibory law does, after all, reduce the
drinking; but it is not our purpose to
argue this question.
What we desire to show is, that, with
an annual expenditure of $500, 600, 600
for Liquors in the United States-snd all
the figures we give are based upon off.
cial statistics-it is not to be wondered
at that the times are hard and people
poor. Not only this vast sum is wasted;
not only the capital invested is diverted
from good uses, and all the industry in
volved in production taken from benef-
cent pursuits, but health, morality, re-
spectability, industry, and life are de,
stroyed. Sixty thousand Americans
annually lie down in drunkard's grave.
It were better to bring into the field and
shoot down sixty thousand of our young
men every year, than to have them &c
through all the processes of disease,
degradation, crime, and despair through
which they inevitably pass.
With six hundred millions of dollars
saved to the country annually, how long
wonld it take to make these United
States rich not only, but able to meet,
without disturbance and distress, the
revulsions in business to which all ma
tions are iable2 Here is question fol
the statesman and the politician. Twen-
ty-ive years of absolute abstinence from
the consumption of useless, and worse
than useless, liquors, would save to the
country fifteen billions of dollars, and
make us the richest nation on the face
of the globe. Not only this sum-be.
yond the imagination to comprehend
would be saved, but all the abominable
consequences of misery, disease, dis
grace, crime and death, that would flow
from the consumption of such an enor.
NOUS amount of poisonous fluids, would
be saved. And yet temperance men are
looked upon as disturbers and fanatics
And we are adjured not to bring tenn
perance into politics |. And this great
transcendent question of economy gets
the 90 by. while we hug our little issues
for the sake of party and of Office! Dc
we not deserve adversely ?-Dr. j. O..
Holland tn Scri6ner.
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13
Bad SpeculatiOHs.

It is an evil Of the intense competi-
ton in great mercantile communities
that it drives many from the walks of
legitimate business into schemes OF
speculation withreference to sudden and
extravagant gains. The history of
frauds teaches that they originate chiefly
in the attempt to grow rich rapidly by
financiering rather than by diligence In
business. Financiering has its place in
legitimate business. Some men have q
talent for this, which is as true a mark
of genius as is poetry or art. But it is
not a talent that every man can acquire,
and it is fortunate that this is so; for If
all the world should turn fnanciers, the
earth itself would soon 60 into bank
ruptcy. Now. the calamity of. great
city is that every one who gains little
money takes to fnanciering as reader
mode of increasing it than regular bust
ness. Wall street, the focus of 6nan-
ciering, gives tone to the whole bust
ness community.
But fpanciering is deep game ; and
he who leaves an honest toll in q bust
ness that he does understand, for calcula-
tons of chance in matters where he has
no skill, is very apt to become the loser,
and, as in all lotteries, to grow desperate
in the attempt to make up his losses.
We do not speak of investments in stock
as property, but of the spirit of specula-
tion and we have no doubt that a just
verdict upon many cases of fraud would
be: "This man lost his capital and his
character by speculation in stocks. y
Keep, therefore, to honest toll in q legiti-
mate business, and do not aspire to be-
come q financier. "Be content with
such things as ye have"
Port Royal standard and commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-01-13

Two telegraph operators in separate
Hartford offices quarreled over the wires
until one challenged the other to meet
him half way and fig ght. They met and
had it out in fsticuffs.