davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
The Electric Eel.

The gymnotus, or electric eel, is u
tremendous assailant, both OF tho in.
ha6itants OF its own element and even Of
lnrgo quadrupeds, and OF man himself,
il he puts himself in its way. This ami
mRl is native OF South America. In
tho immense plains Of the Llanos, in
the province Of Caracas, is q city called
Calabozo, in the vicinity Of which thess
eels abound in small streams, insomuch
TINT q road formerly much frcquented
was abandoned on account OF them, it
being necessary to Gloss n rivulet il
which many mules were annually lost
in consequence OF their attacks. They
aro also extremely common in every
pond from the equator to the ninth de-
gree Of north latitude.
Humboldt gives a very spirited nc
count Of tho manner OF taking this ami
NAL, which is done by compelling twen-
ty or thirty wild horses and mules to
take the water. The Indians surround
tho basin into which they are driven,
armed with long canes or harpoons;
some mount the trees whose branches
hang over the water, all endcavoring, by
their cries and instruments, to keep the
horses from escaping. For long time
tho victory seems doubtful, or to in.
cline to the fishes. The mules, disabled
by the frequency and force OF the
shocks, disappear under the water; and
some horses, in spite of the active vigil
ance Of the Indians; gain tho banks,
overcome by fatigue, and benumbed by
tho shocks they have Encountered,
stretch themselves at their length on the
ground.
There could not, says Humboldt, be n
finer subject for painter; groups Of
Indians surrounding the basin; tho
horses, with their hair on end, endeay.
oriDg TO escape tho tempest That haa
overtakcn them; the eels, yellowish and
livid, looking like great aquatic scr
pents, swimming on the surface Of the
water III pursuit Of their enemy.
In few minutes two horses were al
ready drowned; the eel, moro than five
feet long, gliding under the belly OF the
horse or mule, made n discharge OF its
electric battery on the whole extent, at
tacking, at the same instant, tho heart
md the viscera. The animals, stupefed
by these repeated shocks, fall into a
profound lethargy, and, deprived OF all
sense, sink under the water, when the
other horses and mules passing over
their bodies; they are soon drowned.
The gymnoti, having thus discharged
their accumulation OF the electric fluid,
now become harmless, anil are nolorger
dreaded. Swimming half out Of tho
water, they fec from the horses, in.
stead Of attacking them; and il they
enter it tho day after tho battle, they
aro not molested, for these fishes require
reposo and plenty Of food to enable
them to accumulate sufficient supply
Of their galvanic electricity.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
Very Liberal.

at q fair at Meadvillc, Pa, man OF
very favorable appearance, claiming to
represent q large iswclry establishment,
drove upon tho ground and gathered q
crowd about him, offering two.dollar
greenback to any one who would give
SI.75 for 1t. The offer was readily
taken. He then sold tho amount he bod
just received for 81, saying that "his
object was not to make money, but to
advertise his house." This was kept up
till but small fraction Of the two.
dollar note remained, which he generous
ly threw into tho crowd. He then offered
some rings for sale, saying that he would
not sell them for less than twenty cents
apiece, but would take as much more as
any chose to give. When 10 had dis
posed OF his rings in this way he re-
quested all those who had purchased to
hold up their hands. He then refunded
their money to them, and gave them as
much more; those who had paid twenty
cents for their rings received about fifty
cents, and those who paid fifty cents,
nearly 81. He then sold some sleeve
buttons in the same way, always return.
ing 50 for 81. Having now whetted the
appetite OF the crowd and excited their
ayidity, he displayed some chains, which
he said he would not sell for less than
50 q piece; but, as he said before, he
would take as much as the generosity Of
the buyer would prompt him to give.
Tho chains were soon disposed OF, some
giving 50, some IS, and some even as
much as SO and SIG. When he had
accumulated about $500 he had the i'm
pudence to tell his victims that, as they
seemed to have plenty Of money, he
thought he would put what he had in
his pocket, and he advised those who
had any left to do the same. he then
lifted his hat, bowed very politely to the
crowd, bade them good day, and drove
of the grounds, to the utter astonish-
ment OF the unsophisticated.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
A Centennial In ldent.

A laughable incident occurred to one
Of our party few days ago, says Cen.
tennial letter. We were in the Govern.
ment building, whore, among other most
intereEting things, are displayed va
riety Of military apparatus, including
artificial horses and men Of life size ut.
tached 10 the cannon or standing on
duty in proper military dress. We were
examining these, when 1t happened that
real soldier OR marine was standing
near us, quietly and with soldierly atti.
tude surveying the scene. A young
lady Of our party, taking him for one Of
the lay figures around, was busy exam
lining his dress and criticisipg rather
freely the make up OF the supposed
wooden man, when suddenly he showed
signs OF life and begun to move off. You
can imagine the CONSERVATION OF the
young lady as she exclaimed to her
companions "Why, he's alive |" and
her modification at having been so free
in her comments upon United States
soldier only three feet distant from her.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
Terrible Puuishmrn.S.


One OF the most terrible punishments
ever conceived was that formerly used
in England on those WHO, arraigned for
felony or treason, refused to plead. As
the trial could not proceed until the in-
dicted person had answered the ques'
tion, "Guilty or not guilty ?" the tor
ture OF the "Peine Forte ct Dure was
resorted to in order to compel eompi-
nnce.
This strong and harsh penalty well
deserved the name. All the old law
books agree that the prisoner was car.
ried back to prison and laid in some
low, dark room, almost naked, upon Ills
back. a sharp stone was placed be-
meath the back, board on the body,
aud on this weights were gradually
piled. Tho unfortunate prisoner ro.
ceived each day, alternately, either q
small pieco Of bread Of the worst de-
scription, or some water from the near
est stagnant pool. Thus he continued
till he died, for he could not, after the
pressing begun, offer to plead. The
earliest statute imposing this penalty is
that OF Westminster tho First, in the
time Of Edward tho First. It continued
in use till 1772, when it was abolished.
In 1892, Giles Corey, an old man Of
eighty, and husband Of reputed witch,
was pressed to death.
Even women were subjected to this
punishment. Among the recorded cases
Is that Of Margaret Clitheroe, pressed to
death at York, in 1886, during the reign
Of Queen Elizabeth. She was a lady Of
some position, her stepfather being at
tho time mayor Of the city. She was ar-
raigned for having given shelter to n
priest. On being brought to the bar
she declined to plead, either to save her
children from being brought as witness.
es against her or because she did not
wish the jury to DO made instrumental
in her death. 1t may be, too, that she
underwent the torture MS n mode Of
death more painful, indeed, than hang.
ing, but at the same time attended with
less injury to her family, MS no coniisca.
tion or attainder followed pressing to
death.
Judge Clinch sentenced her to this
effect: "That in the lowest part Of tho
prison she shall be stripped, laid on her
back on tho ground, and rs much weight
laid on her as she could bear, and SO
continue for three days; md on the
third day, should she still refuse to
plead, bo pressed to death, her hands
and feet tied 10 post, and sharp stone
under her back.
On tho day appointed she was led to
tho toll-booth. Hero Fawcett, tho
sheriff, commanded her to undress.
She implored upon her knees, rs did
other women, to DO spared the shame,
but in win. The women then disrobed
her, and size put on a long linen habit
that sho had prepared. Being thus
ready, she lay quietly down on the
ground, her face covered with hand
kerchiei. Then tho door was hid upon
ilor, and she covered her face with her
hands, but tho sheriff told her she must
have her hands bound to two posts,
which was done, so that she seemed ex-
tended on cross. AS the first weight
was laid upon her she cried: "Oh,
Jesus, have mercy on mo |" but these
were her last words. A sharp stone was
then placed upon her back and seven or
eight hundred weight piled upon the
door. After an agony Of quarter OF
m hour she expired.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
Tcnacity Of Memory in a Pony.

I once had handsome little chestnut
pony, whom 1 called Dick, md OF whom
/ was very fond. Whenever I visited
my stables for the purpose OF looking at
my horses, which was seldom loss than
three times in the twenty-four hours, I
invariably spent 4 few minutes more
with Dick than with any OF tho others,
and rarely went near him without n
piece Of bread as treat. He was rs
much attached to me as I was to him,
and he always hailed my approach to
tho stable by q stretch, n neigh and o
paw. He would throw his head over
my shoulder, aud nibblo at the pugrec
OF my hat, lick my ear and show his
affection in every possible way. After
having had him for several years he be-
gan to knock his hind feet against his
fstlock joints, and finding it unsafe to
ride him, I sold him to friend equally
fond Of horses as myself, but Of lighter
weight We thus parted company.
My friend left India somo time after
ward, and l quite lost sight OF Dick.
About six years nitefward, when on u
visit to friend in distant part OF the
country, was asked to como and look
ut a nice little pony he had just bought.
The stable being somewhat dark, l had
tho pony brought out into tho yard, and
after taking general look at him, pro.
cecded, rs is usual on such occasions,
the examine the back sinews Of his fore
legs, and ago him by looking at his
teeth. While engaged In tho former
operation, the animal gave q snort, and
showed come impatience at the groom,
who was holding him tightly by tho
head. On attempting to look at his
teeth, he forcibly raised his head, placed
it on my shoulder, md began to mani
fest his old signs OF regard. Never for
Il moment thinking that it was my old
pony, OF tirst imagined some mischief
was intended, and started back; but a
second look at him, and q reference to
tho spots where he used to knock him
self, loft no doubt in my mind as to his
identity. It was, in short, my old com.
panion Dick. When he saw that I had
recognized him, ho neighed as Of yore,
paved aud looked happy. He had sew
eral pieces OF bread that day and for
several days after, when We parted for
the last time.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
The Centennial Medals.

The distribution OF Centennial medals
still remains matter Of animated dis
cussion, aud the New York Herald, rc-
ferring to the awards, sAys They aro
like the ribbon OF tho Legion Of Honor,
which may be given to either a general
or n corporal, and while they are testi-
monials to q certain excellence they do
not determine the degrees Of merit. It
is hardly to be expected that these
awnrds should content the exhibitors,
and we are not surprised that there
should bc quarrels already among the
contestants for Centennial honor. The
pianouakers, sewing machine com.
pa,lies, machinists and manufacturers OF
all kinds have gone to war about the
relative value OF their medals and
awards, and pretend to have solved the
great problem OF tho difference OF
tvGedledum and tweedledee. Perhaps
the commissioners could not have chosen
n better plan, certainly one not more
ingenious for ovadiug difficulty; yet
while they ostensibly decide against
rivals they actually make no decision.
Their good natured system OF makinP
awards is like that Of tho raco in Alice
i'll Wonderland" in which, we nre told,
"cvery one ran when he liked and
where he liked, and where all stopped
ut the word Of command, and nil won
and NIL received prizes"
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
WESTON W. VA MONDAY OCTOBER 2


lIaved himself like the best Of boys ever
alter. DR.. Spauxtcr left for his own
country with two saddle bags full OF
gold the maids OF honor grew fat, and
tho gentlemen oil raised mustaches,
now that the prince had grown too good
to pull them. Prince Fucker grew up
to be a great and good king, and the
first law he made as soon as he was
crowned ordered everybody in his king
dom TO keep stoat slIingle hung up be.
hind tho kitchen door, and spank all
their children regularly every Saturday
night. In consequence Of this there
wero never seen such good and well
mannercd children rs those living in
that island they never thought OF dis
obeyine their parents they never cried
for anything denied them; or whined,
or frettOd and they always sdid. !" Yes,
sir," and "No, SIR" "Pleaso." and
"Thank you"
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
How to Choose n Wife.

That young lady will make good
wife who does not apologize when you
find her at work in tho kitchen. but
continues her task until it is finished.
When you hear q young Indy say: ~
shall attend church and wear my old
honnet md waterproof cloak, for I fear
we shall bavc n rniuStorin," depend upon
it, abe will make good w:fo. When q
daughter remarks: Mother, l would
rot hire help, for I can assist you TO do
NIL tho work in tho kitchen, set 1t down
TINT shO will make somebody agood wife.
When you hear n young Indy say to her
father: "Dont you purchase very
expensive or snowy dress for me, but
one .llat will wear best" you may be
sure She will make a good wife.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
How Many Apples.

Some soy Eve 8 and Adam ., q total
or ton only. Now wo figure the thing
out fur differently. Eve s and Adam 8
also. Total, sixteen. Wo think the
above figures entirely wrong. II Eve
8 and Adam SO, certainly tho total will
be ninety. Scientific men, however, on
the strength OF tho theory that the all.
tediluvians were n raco Of giants, and
consequently great eaters, reason some-
thing like this: !: Eve S1st, and Adm 50.
Total, 1G3. Wrong again ; what could
be clearer that II Eve 81, and Adam
S.1.2, the total was S93? II Eve S.l-1st,
and Adam S.1.2 would mol tho whole bo
1923? I believe the following to be the
truO solution: Eve 8.1-4 Adam, Adam
s.1.24 Eve. Total, S,93S. Still au.
other calculation il as follows: II Eve
8-1.4 Adam. Adam S.1.2.4,2 oblige Eve ;
total, 82,056. We think. however, this
not to DO asuflicient quantity, for though
wC admit that Eve 8.1.4 Adam, Adam,
il he sO-s.1.2-t-2 keep Eve company !
total, 8,0S2, ,056.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
Fashion Notes.

The skirts OF walking dresses will re-.
main long.
Cardinal red bonnets are to be seen at
all the openings. .
Linen crayat bow, edged with lace.
sre among tie novelties.
The costume proper will be mixture
OF wool and silk, as last year.
Glossy cocks feathers arc in demand,
both for plumes and feather bands.
Fur is to be largely worn for dress
trimmings during the forthcoming sea-
son. o..
There is rumor that the cuirass is
going out to make why for the pepulum
bodice.
Embroidery on dresses is the present
fancy Of rich women, both abroad and
at home.
"Mother Goose" Is the name given
by milliners to crowns having quaint
tapering fronts.
Three cornered handkerchiefs are to
be worn outside Of wraps in place Of the
long lace scarfs.
The itleM or linden color vies with
the gay cardinal red for favor in bonnet
facings and trimmings.
The names OF the leading shapes in
hats are Brunswick, Lotts, Cavalier,
Coaching and the Turban.
Turban bonnets are really nothing
more than crowns worn far back on tho
head, with hanging strings.
Bclted waists are talked about, and
nodistes predict for another summer
full waists and broad belts.
All damask fabrics will continue to be
worn, but must be associated with
plain material OF the same color.
Ball dresses OF red tulle or Grape, and
dinner dresses OF red faille, have al
already been introduced in Paris.
One OF the novelties OF the winter will
be that OF trimming the hair, and even
the bonnets, with natural flowers.
A comfortable garment for early
autumn is tho rediugote, made after the
manner OF gentleman's overcoat.
For neglge toilets, short, tight fit
ting wrappings may be worn; for moro
dressy garments are the long, loose ones.
It is claimed for tho Gainsborough
bonnet that it is q faithful copy Of tho
one represented in the famous Gains
borough portrait.
all new polonaises are made very
long, and clinging in front and OF tho
sides, with the drapery at the back al
ways arranged below the tournure.
There is talk Of complete reyolu-
tion in the style OF hair dressing hair
cut short in tho masculine fashion will
comp pete with the braids, puffs, coils,
curls, etc., Of the present mode.
Semi-masculine costumes OF cloth,
completed by felt hat with tall crown
and broad brim turned up on one side
under long plume, after the fashion OF
those worn by the cavaliers Of Louis
XIIL., are struggling for favor.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
By Josh Billings.

have examined these rich men, and
find that the happicst time Of their life
is when they are making their money;
after they get rich mud sit down to enjoy
it, trouble begins.
Most people are anxious to get the
first news; l want my pews about four
days old, then I think I stand some
chance to hear the truth.
Men who originate ideas are seldom
the ones who execute them.
Without trials and temptations man
would DO nothing more than fungus.
The best way to maEGge children is to
spank them privately and praise them
publicly.
Misers arc strange creatures-they
seem to enjoy only those things they
have not.
There is no better evidence Of general
depravity than to sec those who aatter
tho most succeed the best.
There is no greater tyranny than fear.
The most pleasant prospect from the
top Of high mountain is to look back
and SEQ the rugged way we have como.
l have tried all the most approved
plans, and I find the best way to man.
age q woman is to let her have her own
way.
There is one trait Of the human char
acter that the devil himself must be
lIroud OF, and that is, the more we have
injured man the moro we hate him.
Most OF tho miserable would be com.
paratiyely happy il they would only
compare their condition with those be-
meath instead Of those above them.
Truth never is in hurry, but lie is
always on the jump.
There is great art in carrying your
points without seeming at all anxious to
do it.
Peace ought to be as cheap as duy-
light, but it is one Of the Injuries, and
costs us moro tllan anything else we have
to buy.
Love, which is simply the result Of
fear, will turn to hate tho first good
chance it gets.
1t costs less to agree with fool than
to differ with him.
Advice is generally like the bread
and cheese that beggars receive-thrown
over into tho FIRST vacant lot they como
to.
0bstinacy might be e1cusable in q
wise man, .bnt wise men arc never OBJ.
stinate.
Old age is n perch where all theaches,
sorrows and ills Of life come to roost.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30

When Wordsworth and Coleridge
werO at work on tho Lyrical Ballads"
Wordsworth ono day, being OF Neither
Stowey, produced the poem known as
ave arc Seven" all but the first stan-
Il, in little wood near by. It was
based on actual talk with child, met
when ho had visited Goodrich Castle
some years before, tho dialogue yielding
lit matter for q poem, since it involved
suggestion OF the natural instinct Of
immortality. When Wordsworth re-
peated what he had murmured out to
himself in the open air (the manner Of
producing nine-tenths OF his poems),
ar d it was written down, he said that it
wanted m opening verse, and he should
sit down to tea more comfortably il that
were supplied. "1'll give it YOU" said
Coleridge, ind gave at once the first
stanza, which-as addressed to friend,
James Tobin, with whom they were on
terms OF playful iriendship-he begun:
"a little child, dear brother JIM"
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
Loves Argument.

Oh, heart, be glad Iu sunshlues grace
Imet my lover facO to fsee;
We but "chsnged eyes" and by that sign
My heArt was his, and Lls was mine.
Dreaming. waited TIL he spoke,
Then uuto life aud love awuko
bad no doubts, l had no fears
That moment was the sum Of years.
"Ah, no! tits nots 80, Isay:
True love 1t groweth day by day.
Is warmed by smiles, and wet by tears
dirdlod with changing hopcs and fears.
"At fret Us but childish Joy,
Tho smiling OF = girl aud boy,
And must both time and sorrow know
Before 1t to full stature grow"
30 wise, swOot friend, and yet you fall
Yon lave not boon within tho veil,
ofyou bad seen with open eyes
This mighty, eodliko love arise.
No foolish boy with roviag wings,
That honcyed dArts al random aings;
For passion, pride, and wealth tool,
Pat ont to nurse, and sent to school;
Dat q divinity that speaks,
Awake, sweotheartl" and straightway breaks
A lordIier light than sunshine's glow,
A svoOter liio than mortals know.
I bow me to his fond command,
Take l!te's great glory from his hand;
Crowned In one mcmonts sweet surprise.
Whel | aud somebody change eyce."
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30

A milk vender in Belfast, Me-, being
intcrrogated by very inquisiiye lady
customer concerning his family relations,
aid being in hurry, gave her this
condensed and comprehensive summary
OF his family history. Said he: "1
courted my vito in Houlton, married
her in New Hampshire, went to house
keeping in Providence, and expect to
starye her 10 death In Belfast"
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30
No Politician.

A distinguished politician, while con.
versing with lady, the other evening,
became piqued by her attention to q
beautiful Spitz dog that was resting its
head conadingly in her lap, and iinpa'
tiently asked "Why is It thAt n lady
Of your intelligence can be 80 fond Of Z
dog ?" "Because he never talks poll
ties" was the prompt reply.
The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-10-30

Tho value OF property insured iu
London is 81, 700, 900, 900. OF tho tires
which have occurred in London during
the Inst five years four-tfths occurred 10
uninsured property,
The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1876-10-24

DEATH OF DR.. ROBERT RICHARDSON,
There died noar the village Of Bethany,
Brooke county, West Virginia, on Sun
day night last a man OF superior intel
lectual attainmens and most excellent
character, In the person Of DR.. Robert
Richardson, father Of the late Nathaniel
Richardson, Esq, of this city. He
had lived in that vicinity for about 40
years, and during much Of that time was a
Professor in the College and also one Of
the editors Of the MiLieanial HarbiagT,
and likewise a writer for various periodi-
Gals. For many years he practiced medi-
cine, but his latter life WAS chiefly deyot-
ed to his duties as Professor and author.
He was known for the great purity and
beauty OF his sstyle as writer. he took
an active part in the agricultural
interests Of Brooke county. Living on a
farm he INDUCED to a high degree his
tastes Tor agricultural and horticultural
excellence. His home was tho abode Of
cultivation and refinement, and no man in
Brooke county enjoyed more Of the respect
Of the people than Dr.. Richardson. Some
weeks ago Inexperienced a severe stroke
OF paralysis, and being in his list year
his system did otrally, but readily yield
ed to the second and fatal stroke that fell
upon him last Sunday. In his death the
people OF Brooke county have sustained
the loss OF one Of their best and most
valued citizens.