davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19
An Alligator Fight.

The New York Aquarium has had
twelve alligators, two of them huge fell
lows fourteen feet long. When they ar
rived Zone day last winter), they were SO
torpid with cold that they appeared to
be dead.
To make sure of their condition Mr..
Bishop, one of the attendants, quietly de-
scended the ladder, and, walking to the
centre of the tank, seized the big alliga-
tor by the tail. Scarcely had he done so
than a most exciting scene ensued. The
dormant reptile at once raised his ugly
head, and opening his mouth, snarled
like an Infatuated bulldog. The sound
had wonderful effect on the whole
group, and then ensued battle. Mr..
Coop, seeing that one of the eight-foot
alligators was about to seize Mr.. Bishops
foot, called out to him and ordered him
to leave the tank. He complied rather
unwillingly, for it was evident that
trouble was ahead.
The alligator, who had been deemed
dead, became very lively, and dashed his
tail in vengeful mood. Happening to
strike one of the nine-foot gentlemen, the
latterwas enraged, and swinging round
like lightning, and with fierce snarl, he
sought issue with his old antagonist.
Both of the reptiles closed, their jaws in
terlapped, and the struggle that ensued
was fearful one.
Two of the smaller ones followed suit
and began fighting on their own hook.
BloodN1owed from the jaws of the two
larger ones, and general commotiOn
was observable among the whole lot.
The visitors gathered round the tank,
and viewed the battle with deep interest
All four of the combatants were evidently
warmed up to their work, and their con-
tortions were frightful. Finally, Prof.
Butler decided to have stream of cold
Croton water thrown on the fighting ALI
gators.
This acted like charm, for the sud
den dash of ice cold water was evidently
distasteful to the brutes, as their jaws
relaxed and they separated. But it was
only for a moment, for scarcely had the
hose been taken down before the largest
pair began fighting again. This time
water had no effect, and as one of the al
ligators had seized his antagonist by the
fore foot and was slowly tearing it off,
more desperate measures were deemed
necessary. Mr.. Bishop accordingly re-
entered the tank, armed with long iron
crowbar.
Cautiously pushing aside two or three
of the smaller ones, he made his way to
the center of the enclosure, and, by main
force, pried open the monsters jaws, thus
releasing the wounded one, who was glad
enough to swing himself clear of danger.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19

consuming their own smoke; but, as a
matter of fact, the Old Religionists are so
particular in this respect that there are
special traktirs, or tea-houses, exclusively
kept for them, and where the fragrant
weed" and the "pipe of peace" are rigidly
tahooed. Yet these queer folk are only a
few degrees more behind the age than
most other children of the Gar, and prob
ably several generations will have to elapse
before Russia better deserves to be called
a civilized nation than that Turkey whose
barbarism she denounces, and is endeav-
oring to make the pretext of war OF
ambition.-Home Journal.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19
Feelings of q Mad Dog.

1t is no pleasure to a dog to 90 mad.
Dreadful as hydrophobia is to the human
being, rabies is worse to the dog. It
makes its approach more gradually; it
lasts longer, and it is more intense while
it endures. The dog that is going mad
feels unwell for long time prior to the
full development of the disease. He is
very ill, but does not know what ails him.
He feels dis satisfied with everything,
vexed without reason, and, greatly
against his better nature, snappish. Feel
ing thus, he longs to avoid all annoyance
by being alone. The sensation induces
him to seek solitude. The light inflicts
upon him intense agony. This induces
him to find out the holes and corners
where he is least likely to be noticed.
If his retreat be discovered, and the mas
ter's voice bids him come forth, he leaves
his hiding place, anxious to obey the
loved authority; but, before he has gone
half the distance, kind of sensation
comes over him which produces an in
Simultaneous change in his whole appear
ance. He suddenly darts back into his
dark corner. If let alone, there he will
remain, drinking great deal of water,
but not seeking food. His appetites are
altered. Hair, straw, dirt. filth, rags,
stones-the most noisome substance the
poor dog longs to swallow, in hopes to
ease burning stomach. He is now al
together changed. Still, he does not de-
sire to bite mankind; he rather endeavors
to avoid society. He takes long journeys
to vent his restless desire for motion
He does not walk, he does not run. He
proceeds in kind of trot. His eyes do
not glare or stare, but are dull and re-
tracted. His tongue hangs dry from his
open mouth, from which there drops no
foam. He cannot stay to bite. If, new
ertheless, anything oppose his progress,
he will, as ifby impulse, snap-as man,
in similar state, might strike, and tell
the person "to get out the way" If he
return home from these excursions, he
seeks the darkness. His thirst increases,
but with it comes swelling of the throat.
He will plunge his head into water, but
not drop can he swallow. The throat
is enlarged, so that nothing can pass.
His state of suffering is pitiable. He flies
at, and pulls to pieces, anything within
his reach. He emits the most hideous
cries. The noise he makes is incessant
and peculiar. 1t begins as bark; is
quickly changed to howl, which is sud-
denly cut short in the middle; and so the
poor wretch at last falls, fairly worn out
by the terrible disease.--N. Y. Illustrated
Weekly.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19

RECENT EVENT AT AN HOTW.-"Whos
theref' There was no answer, and the
queer noise stopped. anybody therel"
No answer. at must have been spirit"
he said to himself. l must be a medium.
l will try. Aloud "If there is a spirit
in this room. it will signify the same by
saying sy-no, that's not what mean. If
there is spirit in the room, it will please
rap three times." Three very distinct raps
were given in the direction of the bureau.
us it in the spirit Of my sisteri" No an
swer. us it in the spirit of my mother9"
Three raps. "Are you hsppy2" Nine raps.
"Do you want anythings" A succession
of very loud rsps. Twill you give me any
communication if get ups" No answer.
"6hall hear from you to-m6rrowl" Raps
very loud in the direction Of the door.
"6hall ever see your He waited long
for IN answer to his last question, but
none came. The spirit had gone; and,
after thinking about the extraordinary
visit, he turned over and fell asleep. On
getting up in the morning he found that
the spirit of his mother had carried OF his
watch and PURGE, his troussrs, and his great
cost down stairs in the hall.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19

SPECIE PAYMENTS. - The Journal's
Washington correspondent says the action
taken by Sec'y Sherman last week with
respect to the purchase Of gold with ~
per cent. bonds, for the purpose of facilitat-
ing specie payment, leaves no doubt rs to
the policy he intends to pursue. The pur-
chase of 81, OOO, 900 of gold, it can be stated
upon the most excellent authority, was the
first step toward the accumulation Of .
fund of 800. 600, 900 in gold or legal tend
err, or both, as condition precedent to the
resumption of specie payment Jan. 1879.
Secretary Sherman considers that this plan
ia not only authorized but is directed by
the Resumption act, of which he himself
is the author. At that time there will be
at least three hundred millions outstand-
ing, and Secretary Sherman does not think
that it would be practical to commence
resumption with less than one hundred
millions. There 10 no doubt that his pol
icy will be that of accommodating this
amount Of gold or legal tender, or both,
between now and that date.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19

THE SIMPLE SEcRET.-Twenty clerks
in q ENTHUSIASTICALLY hands in print
ing office--twenty young men in vii
lage. All want to get along in the world,
and all expect to do 90. One of the
clerks will rise to be q partner, and
make fortune. One of the compositors
will own q newspaper, and become a
prosperous and influential citizen. One
Of the apprentices will become master
builder. One of the villagers will get
handsome farm, and live like patriarch.
But which il destined to be the lucky in
dividual2 Lucky! There is no luck
about it. The thing 10 almost - certain
as a rule Of three. The young fellow who
will distance his competitors is he who
masters his business, who preserves his
integrity, who lives clearly and purely,
who never gets In debt, who gains
friends by deserving them, and puts his
money in ssvings' bank. There are
some ways to fortune that look shorter
than this old, dusty highway; but the
staunch men of the community, the men
Who achieve something really worth hav-
ing, good fortune, good name, and .
serene old age, oil 60 this road.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19

A MINISTER was told once by . man
that he had been . professor of religion
for many years, but for ten years bad
neglected all religious duties and not
withstanding this he had never given up
his "hope." The reverend gentleman
noticing meanwhile that his breath
smelled strongly Of liquor, Lost no time
in telling him Il was time he did. He
did not Get much value upon . hope.
that had been preserved in vhiskey fde
ten years.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19
The Baby Monkey.

The baby monkey at Barnum's show is
by no means pretty baby; it looks as If
it might be its own grandfather, having
all the wrinkles aud dignity of cente-
marian its stomach is blue, and its legs
as thin as hens forehead; but neverthe-
less it is very dear to the old lady, whose
treatment Of the little infant is an unfail-
ing source of amusement and delight to
the female portion of the audience. Sat-
urdav afternoon the ladies stood four deep
in front of this picture of domestic felicity
and maternal love, and begged in the most
imploring manner for "just few min
utes longer" when the time for closing
the cage arrived. One old lady with gold
bowed spectacles nearly choked with the
excess of her amaZement and delight,
when for some particular astonishing feat
of precautiousness, either the turning of
a sOmersault or the chewing of straw,
the admiring parent grabbed at her little
one, held him moment at arms length,
looked proudly into his little wrinkled,
weazen face, and then, with a positive
CRY of love and affection, clasped him in
her arms and covered his little skinny
head with smacking kisses. Another ex-
tremely interesting episode was the solicit
tude of the anxious mother for her infant
during his attempt to cat peanut. Just
as long as she could endure the spectacle
she watched the little one, breathless, and
then, drawing him gently to her embrace,
cautiously pried the nut out of its tiny
mouth, chewed it up fine in her own, and
upon her open paw again offered it to
him after which she looked out at the
admiring ladies, as much as if to say,
"Could you do more than that a"-Neu
York World.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19

STRATEGY BRurALLY MURDERED.-"I
don't cost you much, little hubby, do II"
asked she, tenderly patting his chin.
"Please say DON'T" continued she, win
somely laying her little cheek against his.
"Wal. aw.-a-of course you don't cost
me anything, darling, " replied he, hesitat-
ingly, and with visions of new silk dresses
in his eyes, "but"-
"But what2" asked she.
ooh, nothing, nothing" was his hurried
answer, ''only l was going to say
'sSay whsti" demanded the little lady.
"Why," said he, confusedly, why say
say that though yow don't cost me m--much
10 speak Of, y-your clothes do, nightly II
She stopped patting the bruts's chin.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19
Temporary Stars.

Every one has seen in works on astron-
omy the account of the famous temporary
star of 1879, which appeared during the
month of November in the constellation
of Cassiopeia, all Of whose phases were
observed by Tycho Brahe. Its extraor-
binary scintillation; its brightness, equal
ing and surprising Vega, Jupiter, Sirius,
and even Venus when in quadrature, so
that it was visible at high noon finally,
it's sudden diminution and disappearance
after seventeen months Of visibility, all
conspired to give to this star an extraor
binary celebrity.
In 1900 new star appeared in the
Swan, and was studied by Kepler; then
it disappeared in 1921, was again visible
in 1855, and at sundry times afterward;
it is still visible.
Thirty years after the disappearance of
the new star in Cassiopeia appeared the
star in Serpentarius discovered by Bru-
nowski in October, 1904, and which had
for its observer and historian the great
Kepler. 1t was visible for eighteen
months, and, while it did not equal in
brightness the star of 1872, it surpassed
the stars of first magnitude, and even
Jupiter itself.
In 1870 third temporary star was dis
covered by the Carthusian Anthelme, in
that part of the constellation of the Fox
which is nearest to Beta of the Swan.
At the time of its apparition, or rather
of its discovery, June Goth, it was of the
third magnitude. About August 10th it
was only Of the fifth magnitude, and three
months later it disappeared, reappearing
on March II, 1871, with the lustre of a
star of the fourth magnitude. The tenn
porary stars of 1879 and 1904 had directed
the attention of astronomers to the vari-
ableness of the light of stars; and already,
in 1850, Bouillaud had approximately de-
termined the period of Mira Ceti, or the
star in the constellation Of the Whale.
Cassini, who observed sensible variations
in the star Of the Fox, supposed that its
period could be fixed at ten months; but
It was sought for in vain in February,
1872; it did not reappsar till the end Of
March, being at that time of the sixth
magnitude; then it disappeared once
more, and has since never been seem
Popular Science Monthly.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19
The Leaves Sweet Secret.

Have YOU ever caught the secret
Which the leaves for ever sing,
Through each balmy day of summer,
When the birds are on the wing!
Have you listened to their language,
And their laughter, soft and sweet?
Have you watched their shining glances
Through the noontide's glowing heat.
Oh! they make such merry music,
Gayly dancing in the breeze,
Every tiny leaf a-tremble
On the solemn old oak trees,
That you know some happy secret
Must have stirred each winsome elf
To those bursts of fairy laughter,
And you fairly laugh yourself!
Up and down they dance and CULVER,
Back and forth they sing in glee,
While the whistling winds still louder
Pipe their merry minstrelsy,
All along the woodland borders,
Past the reapers and their sheaves,
Still the ripping music greets you,
OF the laughter Of the leaves.
All! It's sure some lovers secret
Which they whisper day by day;
Never ceasing, never firing
OF the old and happy lay.
Merry song and merry singers,
Merry hearts where love is king,
Every summer brings new lovers,
Every year fresh leaves to sing.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19

"You 20 10 6hecaggo, heyi" said =
gentleman from Germany. "vell, you pc
bretty garful about dat water dere. FL
you dond want to ket sex, you trinke node
Of dat water dill you ket used TO him.
Reakeotw DNneWGt.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-07-19

A MONUMENT 70 the memory Of Con-
federsts soldiers st ohsphsrdstown, Nd,
which was dedicated . few days ago,
bears the inscriptisa I'VE lie hsrs in
obedieuce 10 The command of our sovsr-
Gign States"
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-10-27
French Funerals

The system under which lntermcnts IN fa1ls
is managed has been several times altered
since the beginning Of the century. According
to tho plan introduced in Isl regular tariff
was adopted, and every funeral ceremony must
necessarily fall among some one or other OF six
different Classes. Those wore defined both as
to cost and detail. The most sumptuous came
| to q 9S2 francs-sOmo $S50-and the cheapest
TO SIS. The principle OF this arrangement still
obtains though higher prices and moro luxu
rious scheme of expenditure have nccessltatod
q revision of tho schedule. 1t was IN 1861 that
| fiual legislation established the French funeral
Oh its present basis.
The six classes were augmented 10 .ninc-the
highest price was fixed at about 81 300 and the
lowest at ST.. But these regulations lett one
important phase oil the question out OF view
How were pauper fuoeras to be provided forI
This was Rottled by very curious kind OF com
promise. La the case OF every lnterment taking
place in one of the Partisan cemeteries tho city
was to pay 10 tho contractor leo OF 1.-Two francs,
and 10 consideration Of this tax he undertook
ali psuper funerals free Of charge, and, moro
over. paid to the clergy Of the different rccoG.
nized religious denominations premium "t
fifty six per ct. in compensation Tor their aban'
doned privileges. This contract, entered into
| in 1860, expired on January !. 1871. when, IN
the tronbles Of the war, it may be wo imagined,
there was no one found 10 take it up. The
question had to be settled one way or another.
Ultimately recourse was had to the text Of
the old imperial decree. The town still paid
five francs for every burial within it's boundaries
The religious orders continued to receive the
old preminm, aud an administration undertook
the discharge OF gratuItoua funeral rites But
| the Paris of twenty years ago ia not the Iarld
| of to-day and 1t there are more sumpluous
| funerals than at the time when the maximum
charge was fixed at little over four thousand
francs. there arc also larger number OF pau
per iptcrmcnts. Statistics fix the average Of
these at about twenty five thousand year.
Mbile the tax paid to the different religious
communities on such occasions, as they sever
aly thought fit to claim it, amounted last year
| to over two million OF francs
UNDUE FAMrIARITY.-Oaoo of the great
| faults 10 modern manners is tho habit OIL undue
and improper familiarity. Some OF the clever
est of men fall into the way OF eqacczIng hands
10 the most violent manner, Of alapplDg even
their seniors on tho back, and in other rude
modes emphasizing their familiarity and assum-
ing close proximity of person quito uncomtor-
table to persons Of good breeding and taste.
Others again have an offensive and familiar
habit of using personalities, displaying kDowI-
edge of intimate and strictly private matters
which ono would scarcely care to have known to
one particular ffiends much less the subject
of rude and unmannerly conversation by con-
parative strangers.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-10-27
Alefar(0rla 04zGtte
SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER Il.
4 Social Problem Not Easy Of SOlu.
ton.

There are political and social matters Of a
| very important nature which depend upon the
proportion OF males to females in the popula
ton. For many years The general tendency
has been toward an excess Of females; and II
the statistics Of the recent past arc to be accept
| ed az key TO The future, it ia not unlikely
that by the time the population numbers So
600, 600 there will be 900, 900 more women
than men. But in social or economical qnrs
| tions it is even dangerous and fallacous to at
| tempt to reduce conclusions to mathematical
| form. Three elements come into play, the OK
tent and force of which cannot be anticipated
or estimated, and there is no certainty what
ever that the conditions which produce known
result in the past will remain the Same result
in the future The most that can be dono is to
state tho probabilities.
In the Atlantic and Gulf Southern States
there is surplus of females Of l67 ,22O. OF
which about CT 900 are negro woneo. 10 the
Western States the white males exceed the
white females, but there arc IL COG more color
ed females than colored males. The North
Atlantic States have l40,2 more females
than men; Rhode Island, with its popula,
ton of about 300, 600 giving an excess OF 5000
females or at the rate OF ten per oent. Much
Of this disparity is due to tho war and
W cmiSiotlUu duA htShnLiVH' A>Ne VIVA -
there was no war the Increase OF males would
be marked and decided. Migration from the
older settled States to tho new peoplcd States
accounts to certain extent for the figures pre-
sented by the former regarding tho excess OF
females; but the returns of tho Western States
do not balance the loss Of tho New England
and Atlantic States. A great drain on the Vi
tality of those who migrate is inevitable through
change OF climate and tho conditions OF exist
encc. It has long ago been estimated that fully
one ethird of those who undertake pionccr work
die in the first decade. The census of 1880
will, it is thought present still further eXcess
Of males. But besides what may be callod pc
cularly American Influence, which will become
of less forco as tho country grows older, there
are in the United States, as active as in Euro
pean countries, causes which arc most potent
in reducing the number Of males.
Tho struggle for existence falls most hoayy
upon the male population. There is growing
reluctance to marriage on account OF tho great
and increasing expense which it entails. lab
its of life are engondered which sap the healthy
and vigorous growth Of the population. Year
by year the female portion must contribute
therefore moro to thCir own support ns the dIt
iicuty of procuring husbands Increases.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-10-27
ROCKS. STATIONERY, &c.
SCHOOL AND
COLLEGE TEXT BOOKS

SCHOOL REQUISITES.
And everything appertnining to School nntit
for salo 81
FI2ICNCII'S, 90 KING STR ElII
Alexandria, Virginia.
Just received largest assortment Of all the
books used in the public schools of Virginia; Tor
sale nj prices xed by the State Board cf Educa-
ton. Price lists sent on application.
A full stock OF Blank Books, from tho largest
Ledpers and Journals down to the smallest Pass
Book; Composition Books, Check Books on all
the banks of tho city; hundred thousand as
sorted Envelopes O wal.selectod stock OF
French and Irish Linen Note Papers with En-
velopes to match; Mourning Papers and Enve-
lopes a large assortment Of American Letter,
Legal Cap Fools-cap, Note Paper, Flat Letter,
Flat Cap, Folio Post Letter Heads, Bill Heads;
Printers Blanks and Cards, Bristol Board, all
sizes Gold and Silver Paper, plain and hgured !;
Pspeteries, all sizes, styles and colors; Playmg-
cards, Visiting Cards and sthousand other choice
articles usually classet undor tho head OF Sta
tionery. Miscellaneous Books of fine, assort.
ment; History, Biography. Travels, new juvenile
Books; Bibles and Prayor-Books IN great Vari-
ETY.. Constantly receiving now Books.
Books and stationery mailed to any part oi
the country at lowest rates. -,
Owing TO tho now postal law increasing lhe
postape on packages OF merchandise from nail
cent to one cent per ounce the price OF lot NO:
!, five quires note paper, prepaid, Will Do ou
cents; lot No. ., so cents; lot No. 8 6o cents; OF
No. 4, 80 cents and ST.. French quadrllle same
| price. [sep 81 GEO. e. FkENCH.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-10-27
WINES AND LIQUORS.
Henry Englehardt'S Lager Beer.

4Dcatled for Family Use and Shipping)
TSAl lhsptiee o&ths public is respectfully call;
Cd t5 xVefy supsf}6f article Of LAGER aud
WEISS BEER, browed from tho best Malt and
Hons. with the greatest care for its purity, and
put up in the most convenient style with pstont
shoppers.
benefit from its use. Orders left at Louis APP
pich's restaurant will receive prompt attention;
Country merchants and dealers supplied at
lowest raIos. Delivered to any part of the city.
HENRY ENGLEHARDT,
,nv5 West End Brewery.