davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29
How Much Can a Man Read!

The longest single poem, believe, ex-
tant, is the Italian poem, the "Adone,n
of Marini, who lived in the time of our
James |. 1t contains 45, 200 lines. AS
for Spain, one single author of the seven
teenth century, Lopes de Vega, wrote
1,S00 plays; his works altogether fill
forty-seven quarto volumes. Alfonso
Tostado, aSpanish Bishop of the fifteenth
century, wrote nearly forty folios, hav-
ing covered with print nearly three times
as many leaves as he had lived days. To
come to England: Our William Prynne
wrote 200 different works. Chalmers
collected edition of the English poets
only comes down to Cowper, who died
in 1900, and it fills twenty-one volumes
royal SvO., double columns, small type.
The volumes average 700 pages. This
gives us total of IA, 700 pages, or 80, 400
columns. Now, it takes-I have made
the experimentation minutes to read
column with fair attention. Here is
good years work in reading over, only
once, a selection from the English poets
The amount of reading which student
can get through in Il given time hardly
admits Of being measured by the ell.
The rate of reading varies with the sub
ject, the rapid glance with which we
skim the columns of newspaper being
at one end of the scale, and the slow sap
which is required for page of, say,
"Kant' Critique of Pure Reason" being
at the other. Still, just to get something
to 90 upon, make calculation in this
way: Suppose man to be able to read
eight hours day. No one can really
sustain receptive or critical attention to
written matter for eight hours, But
take eight hours as the outside possibil-
ity. Thirty pages Svo. is an average
hours read, taking one book with anoth-
er. This would make 240 pages per day,
1850 per week, and 81, 1850 pages in the
year Taking the average thickness of
an Svo. volume as 400 pages only, the
quantity of reading which a diligent
student can get over in a year is no more
than an amount equal to about 22O vol
umes 8vo. OF course this is merely
mechanical computation, by which we
cannot pretend to gauge mental proc
esses. But it may be worth while
knowing that the merely mechanical
limit of study is some 220 volumes $40.
per annum.-Fortnightly RevieD.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29
@nr ponrg 9aMs.
CHRISTMAS EVE.


The stockings were hung in the corner,
Three of them, all in a row;
Tall Fred and dear little Mabers,
And VIII with its scarlet toe.
The goodnight kisses were given,
The evening prayers were said;
AND the quiet that relgned in the parlOr told
That the children had gone to bed.
Upstairs, from the quiet nursery,
Where the lamp burned soft and low,
could hear the prattle of voices
Come floating down below.
And knew bright eyes were trying
A heightened watch to keep,
Lest Santa Claus pass by them
And they be fast asleep.
But" said the voice of Mabel
Perhaps he won't come, because
Lucy Gray SAYS there no such person
As good old Santa Claus.
And If there isn't-truly,
Why, then he won't come YOU know:
And our stockings will all be empty,
From the top clear down to the toe"
Then up rose viii, indignant
At such suggestion as this,
Such sudden dispelling of fancies
And visions of Christmas bliss.
vi rocklng-hOrse, saddled and bridled;
OF stockings stuffed full to the toe;
VI pictures and games without number,
And wonderful trumpet to blow.
And with eyes all aglow with excitement
CAS- took through the doorway peep)
Said; She don know anything bout it;
I'm tired, and going to sleep.
wish you would stop your talking,
For our stockings are hung below;
And | know they'll be full in the morning,
Cause my father told me So"
And thought, o trustful childhood,
How you shame our ripper years.
And SO easily learn faiths lesson,
That we learn so slowly. with tears.
And thanked the little teacher,
And silently asked, | might know
That the way God leads us is always right,
For " Our Father tells us So"
- Youths Companion.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29
CHRLSTMAS COMING.

Feathery flakes are dancing. dancing
In the gray morn's frosty CLEAN;
Heralds they of reindeer pranclng
From the gardens of our dream
From the bright land of the clicking,
Where the bon-bons gayly grow
just like sweets of summer gardens, -
When the tulips smile in row.
Feathery fakes are falling, falling ...
From the skies in softest way,
And between are voices calling
Soon ii lCiLt be Christmas Day."
Don't you know how in the spring time
Wmtry SHOWS scattered wide,
Ere the lovely purple blossoms
Dare to peep from where they hide!
Feathery flakes are sitting, sitting
Through the chill December air
Here, and there, and yonder drifting,
Making everything more fair;
Laying whittier folds than linen
On the houses and the trees,
Softer than the richest damask
Spread our dainty guests to please.
Soon the bon-bons will be falling
As the flakes have fallen to-day,
And the children will be calling
To their patron saint so gay:
All. we knew when came the snow-fiakes,
You would come, dear Santa Claus;
For we always you remember)
Know the winds way by the straws.'
Soon theltrees, as fair as any
That THY elves have wreathed with snow
Will,be pAhnted -oh! so many
In our " srry homes-and To-
Something better far than snow-fakes
Shall be hung about their green
Candies. toys and fairy-tapers
Lighting up the merry scene.
And the children dancing, dancing,
Till, all tired their little feet,
Shall, with half-shut eyes up-glancing,
Wonder " why is life so SWEET"
And some tender voice shall Whisper
Flake-like falling from above
Christmas is SO sweet, my darling,
just because its King is LOge!n'
..... Mary B. Dodge.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29

THE Housekeepers' Union, organized
by Frau Morgenstern, in Berlin, now
numbers 1000 members, who do all
their buying on the cooperative plan.
The clerks in the grocery are all wom-
en- and girls; purchases are made in
large quantities, and sales are at actual
cost. The union began with POO men,
bers, who contributed two dollars each
as capital. In addition to this sum one
dollar per year as dues covers the entire
expense of procuring all needed articles
at the lowest possible rate.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29
CHUBBY RUFF'S DREAM.

Chubby Ruff was newsboy-as mer-
ry-hearted Il little fellow as ever carried
evening papers about the streets.
1t was the day before Christmas, and
l am afraid Chubby spent a good deal
of time at the window of the stores that
he ought to have devoted to business.
AT any rate the clocks were striking
eleven at night, the streets were getting
empty, the shopkeepers were putting
up their shutters, and Chubby had six
papers left unsold when he entered a
certain notion store on the corner and
walked up to the counter The Gus
toners had all gone, and the clerks, a
little tired and cross, were preparing to
leave.
"Clear out!'' growled one of them to
Chubby. ''Off with your
Don't speak till you're spoken to,
young man." said Chubby.
"We don't want any papers, I tell
you," growled the clerk again, as Club
by drew the bundle from under his arm
ooh! you don't? Then | shall feel
easy about EN- retorted Chubby, lay
ing them down on the counter.
"What do you want, anyway" asked
another clerk, little more graciously.
GA bull dog" answered Chubby, con-
fidentially; 90 is that one for sale?n
A general laugh followed, during
which Mr. Marsh, the proprietor of the
store, came from his office, buttoning
up his great-coat.
"Well, my lad said he, pleasantly,
"what can we do for you?"
I'm looking for Christmas presents,
SIR
Going to give mother something,
eh?'' ....
"No, sir; she's dead ......
Father, perhaps?''
"He's dead, too
brothers or sisters, then?''
Haven't any in the world, SIR
"Who thenP" ... ..
"Why, you see. Mr.. Marsh, / haven't
anybody to give presents to, and there
isn't anybody to give presents to me, so
thought I'd give myself one."a
"Capital plan," said the merchant,
"capital. Soyou know my name, Ell ?
What yours?9 rs .#.' .H,,f,hl
Chubby Ruff, sir"
"Chubby Ruff. Good again. Club
by Ruff gives Chubby Ruff, his sole sur
viving relative, Christmas present, as
mark of his esteem! Very good. Come
this way, Chubby, and let us look over
the stock You can 60" said he to the
clerks, "I'll wait on this customer"
And no millionaire driving to the
store that day in his splendid carriage,
no grand lady in her laces and silks,
had been more politely served than
Chubby Ruff was by Mr.. Marsh. 1t is
also safe to safe to say that no one had
been happier in his purchase than
Chubby was when he received in eX-
change for his pocketful of nickels the
very thing that he most wanted to give
himself-a shiny-red sled, striped with
gilt and adorned with a picture of a
reindeer at full speed. - g. -.-.
You're very kind, SIR said Club.
by, gratefully, as he turned to go.
Il don't know as / am" said Mr.
Marsh, " though it's time to show
kindness now. Do you know what
Christmas is, Chubby?'
80 yes, sir. / learned that at the
mission. It's Jesus birthday" ...
Eyes, yes. Well, we must be kind
for His sake. Where do you live, Club.
by?"
nowhere"
"But where doy stayP Where dc
you sleepP'' ...- .
"Well, sir, l generally sleep down tc
the Hail. We pay five cents for bed
there. But when | haven't any five
cents l know where there is big crock
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29
I LOVE TO GREET OLD CHRISTMAS!

love to greet old Christmas,
When the rime is on the bough,
With his coronet of holly
And the berries on his brow.
What though the clirging icicles
Hang on his beard of snow.
They III vanish in a twinkling
Before the yule logs glow.
love to greet old Christmas,
When snow lies thick without,
Or old King Frost comes nipping
And biting all about;
For then the ringing laughter
Falls pleasant on the ear,
And old friends gather round us
To taste the seasons cheer.
l love to greet old Christmas,
If not for present joy.
At least for recollections
That come without alloy.
A thousand hallowed memories
Around his form are cast:
They link the sober present
To the seasons that are past.
-EdUdrd ". Shjnn, IN Domestic Monthly.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29

The United Brethren in Christ re-
port an increase this year of 1882
members. The total is now 148, 1853,
with 4,O67 churches, a decrease of Il;
2,O59 ministers, an increase of 107, and
1887 Sunday-schools, with 1863, $50 chill
dren, officers and teachers.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29

Mr.. CHERRYBLEs asked his wife, the
other morning: ''What is the differ
ence, dear, between bribing man with
ten-dollar bill to keep his mouth shut
and a mixture of Indian meal and wa
terP" He almost took her breath away
when he answered: "Why, you see,
one is hush money and the other is
mush, honey" ...
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29

Two MONTHS ago they hung over the
gate for an hour. Such nights as these
they smack, SILVER, and away he goes
on dog trot.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29

THERE are said to be 240 deserted
farm-houses in Windham County, Vt.
Oh, those awful book agents!-Danbury
NcICS.
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29

Behold! Christmas morning, another
proclamation:
Santa Claus, otherwise known as Krss Kringle
and st. Nicholas, to his thrice-beloved children,
Greetings
Thanks for the many useful and beautiful
things you have brought me- and now, | beg
you, grant me one more wish, and then fare
well for another year. Go, all you happy
little ones who have never known want and
sorrow, into the poor streets and alleys and,
with kind words and bright smiles, ask the
thin, half-clad, half-starved children, who live
there in novels and tenement-hOuses, and who
have known want and sorrow all their lives, to
come, tonight, to the churches, where my
presents are displayed. Then on each one be-
stow what he or she most needs or wishes for,
and rs will this day prove, my darlings to be
the merriest and happiest of all Christmas
The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-29


1t was broad daylight. Mike was
taking down the shutters, and Mr.
Marsh, who had just come in, stood by
the stove looking down at Chubby.
1T was only a dream, after all, - said
Chubby, jumping up and rubbing his
eyes.
What was a dream?' asked Mr.
Marsh. "Will you tell it to me?'
Chubby related the dream, and Mr..
Marsh listened with great interest, all
the time studying Chubby's face, and
thinking very hard.
There's stuff in him, that's clear"
said the merchant to himself.
"What, sirP'' said Chubby. .r..
Chubby" said Mr.. Marsh, do you
like selling papers for living?"
Its the best can do, sir"
But suppose could help you to do
something better--to become mer-
chant, for instance?'' .....I. .. ID.
81 should like that very much, sir. y
"Well, I've been thinking about it
since last night, Chubby, and l have
taken notion that you might make a
pretty fair merchant. II it would suit
you, | am
"Oh, it would suit me, sir, I'm sure. "
'Well, then, I'll give you a place
right here in my store"
=" You're very kind, SIR
"That remains to be seen. may be
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29
A Serious Question PrOpOunded to
Democrats by IA leading Demo-
cratic Organ.

The Bangor Commercial, the leading
democratic newspaper in Eastern Maine,
propounds the following serious question
to the democrats of the State.
"A most serious question now con-
fronts every democrat in Maine. Mr.
Williams has SPIT UPON and REPU-
DATED that resolution of the Maine dem
ocratie platform which is even more en-
phatic than that of their Pennsylvania
brethren, and which denounces the mean
and measures by which Hayes was put
into the Presidential chair, as the most
monstrous political fraud recorded in his
tory He declares that Hayes title to the
Presidency is ralid and that the decision
of the Electoral Commission was judicial
ly right With this declaration OF Will
liams staring him in the face, can ANY
DEMOCRAT Of Maine cote for him
without giving his moral sanction to the
darkest crime in American history p Let
erery democrat tcetgh WeH his matter be-
fore deposttipg his 6aitot on The tenth Of
September"
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29
The Democratic Position on the
Title of President Hayes.

The democratic doctors disagree as to
the meaning OF the resolution adopted at
their State convention touching the ques-
ton of the validity of President Hayes IT,
tie. We see no difficulty in comprehend
ing its meaning. Only a petite, ;ger or
small politician would undertake to make
it appear anything else than a deslara-
ton that President Hayes holds his office
by fraud. the following is the resolution
itself, which is too plain to deceive any
body. Read it, and there will be no mis-
taking the position of the democratic par
ty upon the important question OF the
Presidents title.
Rosolued, That the reversal OF the ver-
dict OF the American people as expressed
at the balot-box in November last, elect
ing Samuel j. Tiden President OF the
United States, was the most monstrous
political fraud recorded in history. The
democracy submitted TO it in the interests
of peace. IL must not be repeated and
we call upon Congress to prepare and sub
nit Tor ratification an amendment To the
Constitution which will render its repeli-
ton impossible, and consign the conspir-
ators attempting it to condign punish
meut.
Mr.. Williams accpets and endorses the
whole platform but gives the above reso-
luton construction which its authors
never intended and which it will not bear.
Hence the great and bitter contest now
going on in the democratic party,
throughout the State. 1t is evident from
the above resolution that he who votes
the democratic ticket votes that the title
of Hayes is a fraud. Only vote for
Connor means that Hayes is rightiully,
legally President of the United States.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29
GENERAL w rs.

The silk crop of France for the present year, it
is estimated, will be more than three times as
great as that of last year when it generally a
failure.
The New York Central Railroad i. quietly but
steadily at work dischsrging the employees who
were most active in the recent strikes, especially
those who advocated violence.
The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser says that
the South demands from Congress the repair of
the Mississippi levees and the early completion of
Southern railroad to the Pacific Ocean
The misery Of the young man who courts a
sparkling fashionable belle and loses her is only TO
be excelled by the misery of the man who courts
her and wins her, VI serabe soliloquy of the
man who won her.
Hay-fever is very regular in its habits. VIC
tim of it says he supposes that if a man were cast
away on a desert island he would be able to cor
rect bis calendar by it if he lost his reckoning. 1t
always comes on the same day in the year
Every shopkeeper who refuses to let his women
clerks sit down when they are not busy deserves
to be bankrupt till doom,day, and then be made
to stand on one leg through all eternity. The So
ciety for the Prevention OF Cruelty to Animals
should take the matter up if nobody else will
CihiaRaG Commercial.
The King of Italy is hunting chamois on the
Alps where he leads a trapper's life. lie rises
early, and the frugality Of his table often forces
wry faces from the gentlemen of his suite. There
is rarely anything seen on the royal table except
roast meats, homely haricot of mutton, Bordeaux
and Macon wine Tie King knows his life de-
ponds upon his taking exercise. lie is very stout.
His neck is unusually thick, and his physicians ad-
wise him to hunt, as the best exercise to avert
apoplexy from him. lie outwalks the best walker,
and is never tired He wears baggy trousers Of
velvet, roundabout of the same material, and a
Tyrol hat.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29

The Argus knows the value of a good
endorser, even ifthe Enforcement is rather
Old 1t quotes with great delight and ap-
probation Mr.. Blaine's complimentary
words about Nr. Williams, written twenty
years ago. Isn't it rather hard on the
overburdened faithful Democracy after
they have bnt just recovered from the
shock of having Mr.. Blaine nominate
their candidate for governor, to give occa-
sion to the horrible suspicion that Blaine
is favorite of the Argus office too
Portland Press.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29
Information for Chairman Pillsbury-
Dangerous Situation of the Democrat.
ic Army.

The hrst japanese vessel has entered the port
oil London, the Niiagata Maru, 900 tons of rice
crew, thirty four Japanese She took IA DAYS to
make the voyage from Yokohama by way of the
Cape of Good Hope.
Sixty murderers and twenty other criminals are
at large in Tennessee, for whose arrest rewards
aggregating $40 900 have been offered Intellectual
ly. Tennessee is democratic, and of course, the
laws are vigorously enforced. (if we can believe
the democratic officials and palers.)
A machine has been invented in New York city,
mounted on wagon wheels, which is intended for
use on farms in the West. 1t deluges the ground
behind it with smoke from burning chips and
birthstone, and holds the smoke down long enough
TO sufocate every potato bug, locust and other in
| sect that comes within its influence
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29

STATE OF MAINE, County OF Kennebec IS.
To the inhabitants of the city OF Augusta qualified
according 10 law to vote for city and county OH
GERS.
You are hereby notified to assemble at your re.
spective ward rooms ON W Wednesday, the 9TH day
of Sept, at 10 O'Clock A. NJ, then and there to
give IN your votes upoa the following proposition.
to wit
subscribe TO and take the stock OF the Messalons.
kee and kennebec Railroad Company TO an
amount not exceeding fifteen hundred shares, OF
the par value of one hundred dollars per share
aud raise sufficient sum OF money to NEE. the
payments therefor by loan to be 1ected by AN
Issue OF the bonds of said city, with such terest
not exceeding Blk per cent, and for such period OF
time, not exceeding thirty year, as may be deter.
mined by the city council of said city, for the pu
pose of constructing a narrow gauge raw AZ ito =,
Augusta to West Waterville; provided that the
shares Oh the capital stock of said company shall
not exceed two thousand in numb ami that no
part of said subscription be pay able until of
the capital stock OF said company sha II have been
subscribed for and the directors OF The Somerset
Railroad Company shall have fu nished gu ,ranty
satisfactory to the directors the said
kee and heDnebec Railroad COMPANY that tho
gauge OF SAM former railroad shat be changed to
conform 10 the gauge OF sand latter road when the
same Is completedj and provided further that no
assessments shall be ma lie on the shares of said
stock beyond what the Dire tors of said company
may require ~ construct and equip said road IRON
Augusta to Wet Waterve, and In no case h,. yond
the par value OF said shares.
Those In favor of the proposition will vote "Yes'
and those opposed will vote "\o.s
The Pole 10 be closed at four O'Clock p NJ
The Board of Aldermen OF sa city will be in
open session at their room Tor the purpose OF
correcting The list of voters, and Of receiving ev
dence of the qualification of voters whose names
are not on the list. on Saturday and Monday pre-
ceding the election from ten O'Clock A. N b, ill
Twelve O'Clock M, and on Tuesday from ten O'CLOCK
Till four O'Clock r. NJ.
H.F. BLANCHARD, City Clerk.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29
U. S. Marshal's Office.

PORTLAND, August goth, 1877.
nlSTRlCT OF MAINE, sS:-This is to give nc.
warrant in Bankruptcy was issued again /
the estate of George Washburn, of Watervii.,
in the County Of kennebec, and State of Maine
who has been adjudged Bankrupt, on his own
petition, FLED in the District Court Tor said District
August 10, A. ID. ISL that the payment of any dc BITS
Bankrupt, TO him or for his use and the trans
fer OF any property by him, are forbidden by law.
That a meeting of the Creditors of the said Bank.
rup., to prove their debts, and TO choose one or
more Assgnees of his Estate, will be held at a
Court OF Bankruptcy to be holden at the Court
House in Augusta in said District, before John
W. May, ESD, Register on the fifth day OF Sep.
te nber, a. ID. 1877, at 10 O'Clock A. NJ.
S. S. MARBLE,
u 8. Marshal, as Messenger for said District.
aug2k&2g NV
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29

If Mr.. Williams was not in accord with
the democracy on the great fraud" BUSH
ness he ought to have said so plainly and
declined to accept the nomination. This
attempting to put an Interpretation on the
platform which any sensible man knows
it will not bear, rather than say like man
he docs not believe it, is not an honest
way to say the least Of it.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29

What is More Delightful than a Bath Ordin-
AIRY soap, however, often impairs the natural
wilderness of the skin, and sgravates its rrations.
Glenn's sulphur Soap, on the contrary, softens,
whiteDs, soothes and puriies it. Sold by all drug
gsts. Hills Hair and Whisker Dye, Black or
Brown, 50 cents. aug29-tSwlmo
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29
Sperial Notices

DER SONAL.-NOTICE Is HEREBY GIVEN
i that all officers and soldiers wounded, rup.
tured, or injured however slightly the late re.
belion, can obtain a pension by addressing Il.
kESoLkR. attorney for claimants, No. New
Chambers Street. New York. augl6 sntly
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-08-29

Democratic papers had hard time of
1t last week attempting on the same day
to commend, not TO say reconcile, the let
ter of Mr.. Williams, the speeches OF
Pendleton and Ewing in Ohio, and the
party platform in Pennsylvania.