davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
Hog Raising in Texas.

Colonel J. Depuy Davis, sojourning
in Texas, in letter to the editor of the
Reading Eagle, gives an interesting ac-
count of the life of settlers in Stephens
county, that State. One of the pioneers
wrote as follows:
am at present located about twenty
miles west of Palo Pinto. This is fine
country and picturesque,
and well adapted to the raising of hogs
and cattle, and enough of good farming
lands in the valleys for all practical pur-
poses. We are boarding at a rancho
while we get our claim in habitable shape.
It is about mile from here, beautifully
located, and has about eighty acres,
which we can cultivate. We are at
present cutting house logs and cedar
poles for rails, and hope to be located
permanently in few weeks. We had
four horses to start with, and by trading
around have still that number and start
of hogs, twelve in all. This is the great
est country for trading ever saw. The
people here are mostly from the North
and have the Yankee proclivity, "swap-
ping" fully developed. like the coun-
try and the people and intend to stick
out here. Stock raising is the principal
occupation. When [ tell you that the
hunting is good here l am not joking
chickens, quails, deers, ,turkey-the latter
till you cannot rest; also occasionally
catamounts, panthers, bears, ETC. A good
hunter can keep himself in fresh meat
easily.
1t does not require much to start here,
Should you desire to come, $100 would
give you good start in the hog business
For instance, you have $100. You in
vest before coming, either in Dallas or
Forth Worth, in two ponies, the one to
ride and the other to trade with. You
can get them for, say $15 each, and say
$15 more for. saddle and bridle-in all
$45. Put the remaining money in your
pocket and don't fool any away and strike
out, not neglecting to bring all your
clothes, as they dress very well here.
You arrive. Keep your saddle pony for
your own use, and trade the other for
hogs. You can get, say fifteen head for
it, which will be enough to start you in
that line, and if your saddle pony is good
one you can get for the use of it your
board while you are getting your claim
ready-that is, putting up a log house
ten by twelve and cutting a few poles,
which make excellent rails. An ordinary
hand can cut 100 per day and not hurt
himself. In two weeks you have place
to live in with hogs e" ough to start you
and saddle pony and $50 in money, OIL
thereabouts, $40 of which will keep one
man over month "batching" it. Should
You not wish to put up your own house.
$15 will get it done for you, and you cal
hunt in the meanwhile-which reminds
me, that you will need gun, either +
good shot gun Or a rifle. 1t would he
better instead of getting a trading pony
to get a pretty fair work horse. Yor
have no idea the amount of hogs or cnt
tie you can procure for him.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
A Foreign War i'm Washington.

The prospect of immediate war be-
tween Russia and Turkey, with proba-
bility of other powers being dragged
into it before long, is of course the sub
ject of much consideration at Washing
ton, and the New York World has obtained
the opinions of Admiral Porter and Gen.
Sherman in regard to it. The admiral
naturally looks at the matter from a
naval point of view, and finding that the
Russian navy is inferior to the Turkish,
and that the Dardanelles and Bosphorus
are well fortified, concludes that it will
be impossible for the Russians to take,
or perhaps even attack Constantinople
from the water. He counts much on
the religious fanaticism of the Turks,
who, he thinks, having already bought
in the United States an abundant supply
of the best arms in the world, will give
every dollar and every valuable they
have to aid their side.
Gen. Sherman's idea is that all the
great powers will be involved in the war
before the year is out, and that the strug-
gle is going to cost million If l-,v,
with some of the greatest battles evef
fought. AS to Constantinople, he sug-
gests, with his usual acuteness, that it
will do the Turks no good if they lose
every other point. The general has not
forgotten how he squeezed out the rebel
forces from Charleston and Savannah.
Both officers dwell with satisfaction
upon what is patent to every one, thlt
the war will enure to the benefit of the
United States, aud give a long and sorely
needed impetus to our trade and com
merce, Admiral Porter predicting that
the war will last two years at least, dur
inc which we sbnll haye to plant for The
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
Homestead Laws In Brief.

Under the United States homestead
law, any person twenty-one years OF age
and over, male or female, native or for
eign born-married women excepted
may obtain one hundred and sixty acres
of government land on payment of four
teen dollars fees, and after residence
of five years on the land they can have
a clear deed of it from the government.
After six months residence, if it be pre-
ferred, they may get deed on payment
of two hundred dollars, and no further
residence will be required. Soldiers
may deduct time spent in the service Of
the Union, not to exceed three years
from the five years. By the pre-emption
act any person over twenty-one years of
age-except a married woman-may
take one hundred and sixty acres of gov
ernment land on payment of two dollars
fees, and after residing on it six months,
or for any time not exceeding three
years and half may get deed on pay
ment of two hundred dollars, and Civ
ing evidence of settlement and improve
ment. The timber law gives one hun
dred and sixty acres to any one planting
one-fourth of it in trees and cultivating
it for eight years; forty to eighty acres
may be taken on like conditions. The
fees are the same as for homesteading.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
4 Very Peculiar Pride,

The Popular MonthIy has the follow
ing: y gentleman travelling in England
had letter Of introduction to a person
of some distinction whose whole estate
was in excellent keeping. Among other
fine animals shown him was fine white
COW, and this creature, he was told, was
the very personification of pride. AS
though she considered herself of pure
blood, she claimed precedence in all
cases; she always went ahead of the
herd, the best bit of pasture was her ex-
elusive domain, on which no other burst
intrude. So far did she carry her pre-
tensions that if any of the other COWS
entered the stable before her she would
refuse to enter. Anxious to see this
with his own eyes he desired to be taken
to her stable at evening. The man, in
strlcted how to act, drove in some of
the other COWS. The white COW drew
up; not only did she refuse to advance,
i'll spite of all encouraging words, but
her whole frame swelled with anger and
offended dignity. She kept lowing con-
tinually. At last the cows within, as
though conscious that they had forgot
ten their place, began to come out, and
as they were driven out the proud white,
with an evident air Of gratifed pride,
strobe in in state.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
The Question Of Mortality.

The comparison of vital statistics, as
given in large number of reports from
various countries, makes the death rate
of the cities of each of these countries
considerably in excess of the cities of
the United States. For instance, the
annual mortality for each thousand in
Madrid is sixty-fve; in Berlin, 800 /; in
London, 22.2; in New York, 27.9 or,
by another report, 29.8; Philadelphia,
20.3; or, by another report, 10. 50 /;
Boston, 1885; Liverpool, 23.9. Or,
taking twenty English cities, an average
of %. 70 per thousand, an excess in the
same year of 2.96 over that Of as many
cities in the United States. According
to De Bows statistics the mortality of
Sweden is "a. 80; France, 26. SO; Belgium,
1923 Massachusetts, 1871. BY the
returns of the seventh census, 1850, the
death rate of the whole United States
was 1873; while England was 2207 !;
France, 1897 Russia, $3.50; Prussia,
20.5S. BY the eighth census, 1860, the
death rate Of the United States was 1915,
showing q decided increase Of vitality,
as, in times of peace, the death rate is an
luutA VI lllC hlSNhSoo lutC anu ullS SoCiSA"i
degree of physical disability.
The recent army statistics of our civil
war give yet stronger confirmation Of
American advantages. In the mean girth
of the chest the Americans enlisted meas
ured little less as compared with Cana
dians, Englishmen, Irishmen and Ger
mans but in the mean expansion of the
chest they surpassed all but the Cana
dams. The height of the Americans,
five feet and 1928 inches, was the great
est, except that of the Canadians, five
feet 7.50 inches. The testimony of the
great majority of our army surgeons in
answer to the question: =" What nation
ality presents the greatest physical apti-
tude for military service ?" is most en-
phatic in favor of the native American as
possessing more physical stamina, greater
average height, superior intelligence and
activity. Not to multiply dry facts and
figures, they seem to support the opin-
ion that the native American type, in
stead of being a degeneration, is an i'm
provement. The new world has so far
improved the progenitor races. This is
hopeful and cheerful for a national out
look toward greater improvement and a
worthy destiny.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
Starting a Fire.

A Detroit woman screamed " fire !' at
the top of her voice. A boy yelled at
the top of his voice, and two men bel
lowed "fire p as if paid ten dollars a
minute. When policeman had gal
loped around for ten minutes without
finding any signs, he called on the
woman and asked why she had created
such an excitement
ooh sir, but don't talk that way to
me, sir J" she gasped, as she looked back
into the house. "My husband was in a
saloon over there and started out to lick
man. The man didn't want to be lick
ed, sir, and he rushed my Thomas home
on the run, with Thomas yelling fire 7
at every jump. When he came over
the alley fence, hair on end and voice
going, L thought there was fire and I
hollered, and boy hollered, and some
men hollered, and | tainted away and
burned my elbow on the stove. Do you
want to come in, sir, and see Thomas
black eye2"-Press.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
My Mysterious Muleteer.

We were party of three Englishmen,
travelling by rail from Madrid to the east
coast, bound to Puerta Muerta, to buy
transport mules for certain little war then
in,progress in the remotest east.
1t was at Almanac, the junction for Va
lencia and Barcelona, that first saw my
mysterious muleteer.
No muleteer was he then to all outward
seeming butt dressed like Spanish gen.
lleman OF the old school, wrapped in wide
capa or cloak, which, when he chose, COM
pletely enshrouded his face This was not
invariably; more than once saw his fea-
lures; plainly enough. He was not alone.
A strikingly handsome girl, SO like him
that she was evidently his daughter, clung
to him in manner that betrayed evident
anxiety and nervousness on his account
Her eyes, full of loving solicitude, were
continually turned to his now and again
she motioned to him as if she wished him
to cover up his mouth with his cloak. Was
this Tor concealment or was he an invalid {
Ihey were rather, a remarkable pair
Possibly it was the splendid Spanish beauty
OF the girl that attracted me, but found
myself thinking of them for the remainder
of the journey. | looked out Tor them on
the platform at Puerta Muerta, but they
were nowhere in sight. Then the pressure
of my own affairs drove them quite out o.
my head, and for some time was so busily
occupied that | had no leisure for vague
dreams.
Puerta Muerta, when we reached it
might, in truth, have been dead thousanc
years. The houses were like crum5lina
mummies set up in rows along the deserted
dust encumbered streets only a stray fa
lucha or two, with ragged sails, lay in tn,
harbor. The warehouses were all boarded
up, the mole overgrown with grass. Th
great caravanserai or fonda by the SCI
shore could have done no business 70
years; we had the greatest difficulty il
persuading its landlord that business ha,
come at last.
Bat in an hour or two all was changed
A Spaniard has keen scent for gain, whel
money can be made without great expendi
ture OF force. The town awoke with star
galvanized, as it were, into life by the actio
OF English gold. The shopkeepers too
down their shutters merchants hithert
idle came to proffer their services; dealer
without mules came in crowds to propos
contracts for their supply.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
GUILDHALL VT, SATURDAY, APRIL 81, 1877.

ingenious Spanish fashion, which is more
efficient than handouts or shackles, / was,
after long delay, usheredinto the presence
of the great man.
"Your name, "said he, without looking up.
"Gaythorne."
"Gracios al cielop cried the general,
springing to his feet. "At last we meet,
generous friend. Release him instantly.
This gentleman is most dear to me-dearer
than a son."
Enrique p l cried.
g Enrique Guevarra Y Carposillos, cap.
tain general and commander-in-chief of tile
armies OF CASTLE, and your firm friend till
DEATH"
| spent the following winter at Madrid,
and, renewing my acquaintance with Concha
Guevarra, think it is rot unlikely that
may become the generals son in more than
in name.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
Not Valued Highly.

A minister was told once by a man
that he had been professor of religion
for many years, but for ten years had
neglected all religious duties; but not
withstanding this he had never given uE
his "hope." The reverend gentleman
noticing meanwhile that his breath
smelled strongly of liquor lost no time
in telling him it was time he did. He
did not set much value upon hope that
had been preserved in whisky for ter
YEARS.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
A New Game.

The Virginia Chronicle says: A man
came into restaurant and mounting a
high stool leaned over the counter and
ordered porterhouse steak with eggs
on the side, and some ale and oysters
to begin on. In about half an hour he
had finished his repast and was begin
ming to deliberate what kind of dessert
he would wind up on, when man walked
in, and tapping him on the shoulder, re-
marked:
els your name Billy Hicks?"
eyes, that's my name, )" said the man
on the stool, as the hand stole down to
his hip pocket, fumbling for the
handle of a barker "what do want ?"
eve had little trouble once before
in White Pine, and now I guess I've got
you dead to rights" continued the new
conner, pulling out large sized six
shooter.
eff you'll just step into the street and
pace off your distance, I'm your man, !"
said the feeder, who had just finished
his pie, and whipping out a revolver he
sprang off his perch and rushed after
the other into the street.
The frightened restaurant man got
down behind the counter and bent his
ear to listen to the shots and the rush of
the mob; but he didn't hear anything
unusual, and in about five minutes he
recollected that there was $3.50 owing
on the meal Then he went out on the
sidewalk to investigate.
Was there row out here a few
minutes ?" he inquired of a star
gazer on the sidewalk.
Didn't see any. I've been here for
the last half hour or SO"
"See two fellows with ulsters and re-
volvers come out ?''
eyes, they were talkin' about swappin'
guns, and they're over across the way
now, takin' q drink"
/ The restaurant man went back to clear
mp the dirty dishes and reflect on his
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
The Old Garden.

A garden, lovely old garden see,
As 1 shut my tired eyes in the nights
With its alleys and walks and green groupings
Of trees
As picture it shines to my sight.
Not the picture it shone, but neglected and
rude;
Its borders all ragged with moss;
1t beds tracts OF weeds, and its blossoms run
wild
As if ruin had driven across.
There stood the old pear-a pagoda of green
With fruitage like bells covered DER;
The whole summer sunshine, its dews and its
scents,
Mellowed in from thepeel to the core.
And there stood the cherry trees rich coral
gems
Where the cherry thieves pecked might and
main;
With the boy in the harvest moon, robbing the
houghs
And the mastiff up leaping in vain
And the peach, with its rich, luscious, velvety
globes,
That sensitive child of the sun
The red down cleft open to show the gold
flesh;
And the mounds where the cucumbers run.
The nectarine's smooth, sheeny fruit by their
side;
The apricot's pin speckled rust;
The damsons bright blue; the large, oval egg
plum;
And the grapes silver, delicate dust
Yes. the old fruitful garden plot shone
bouquet
The richest and rarest of bloom
When the jewel eyed May came in youthful
array
And shed round her gladstone perfume.
In the hot summer nights the dull beetle
began,
With its bagpipe, to skim DER the ground,
Sip the nectar of flowers and honey dewed
plants,
The freely lighting Linn round.
Then the glow-worm her green and gold Ian
terms held forth
Where the gooseberry sprawled by the wall;
And the fox fires pale silver shone out of the
black
Inc LILAC stretched wide like pail.
And the bat that winged mouse-left his beam
in the barn,
And wheeled in his pathway askance:
While the cricket its shrill, hollow violin
scraped
For the fairies to come to the dance.
Whel the sun, to draw water, his ladder let
down,
The garden expanded it's breast
And soon the bright pellets glanced rich on the
rose,
Aud danced on the hollyhock's crest.
The bumblebees jacket was spangled with
drops,
AS he tumbed inside the cupped flower,
And the butterAy's fans found their velvet wet
through
In the warm, balmy bliss of the shower.
The old crooked ounce in nook of the fence
Its silver-gold product displayed;
And the currant hung out its red tassels of
fruit
Where the sunfower kindled the shade.
With wealth of rich health the syringa poured
"heh spring snone again on tne scene
What worlds of sweet violets blue, gold and
white,
Awoke in their tuftings of green
The old garden spot has now vanished away;
dwelling stands forth in its place;
And street, hard and stony, runs straight by
the fence,
Where the roses no longer trace
Those pictures of bygones how lovely they
look
In the desert and glare of to-day
They glow like the mirage with blossoms and
streams
That in Eden but flourish and play.
- Christian Union
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
Goss1prNa Ip1ERs.-The idle levy

Goss1p1Na IDLERs. The idle levy a
very heavy tax upon theindustrious when
by frivilous visitations they rob them of
their time. Such persons beg their hap
piness from door to door, as beggars
their bread, and, like them, sometimes
meet with rebuff. A mere gossip ought
not to wonder if we evince signs that we
are tired of him, seeing that we are in
debted for the honor of his visit solely to
the circumstances of his being tired of
himself He sits at home until he has
accumulated an intolerable loan of ennui,
when he sallies forth TO distribute it
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21
Strength for To-day.

Strength for to-day is all that we need,
AS there will never be tomorrow;
For tomorrow will prove but another to-day,
With its measure of joy and sorrow.
Then why forecast the trials of life
With such sad and grave persistence,
And watch and wait for a crowd of ills
That as yet has no existence.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1877-04-21

The salaries of good base ball players
will this year range from $40 per week
down to whack under thu jaw for Jump
ing into n mans garden after the ball.
The Manitowoc tribune. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1866-1878, 1877-06-07
BOGUS TEXAS CITIES.

The Austin (Texas) Statesman makes
another attempt to kill the bogus cities
which northern confidence men locate IN
Texas, in order to dupe the unwary. 1t
says:
81. S. Andrews, of Hartford, Canada,
writes to the Statesman asking advice as
to whether he should invest in town lots
in the city of Oxford This fictitious
place it is claimed is in the county of
Milan and attractive circulars are sent
broadcast over some of the Northern
States and Canada, in which the Texas
Land and Colonization Society," No.
156 West Fourth street, Cincinnati, O.,
propose to give away lots in the city of
Oxford The giving away process con-
sists in sending in return for each dol
lar sent by mail ono lot in the so-callod
city. This dollar, it is claimed, pays
for drawing and recording deed, and
even it there be piece of waste land
upon which this imaginary city is loca-
ted, there is the grossest fraud connect
ed with the proposition and if the last
be the case and the deeds are recorded,
there must be some one in Milan county
acting i'll collision with this company.
To lead parties into the snare, it is stat
ed that special rates have been made
Win ra1lrOaoS 1Of tnOSe holding these
deeds, who will be notified of a grand
excursion which is to take place in the
early future from points of rendezvous
to the great city of Oxford 1t is all a
hoax. There is no such place in Texas,
and those who are practicing such a
swindle upon people deserve to go to
the penitentiary for life. They are
probably the same rascals who sold out
Empire city, and one or two other
such cities in Texas