davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10
A Dead Sure Thing.

\ few years ago, Mr.. Hammond was
coming up the Mississippi on a steamboat.
Among the passengers was certain we'll
known gambler.
lhc boat had been out from New Orleans
two days, but owing to Mr.. IIammond's in.
luence not a card had been played or a bet
made by anybody. This was minous 10
the gamblers business.
lie had tried everybody on the boat for
game or some kind Of a bet on sometime
but had failed in every attempt. He was
getting desperate
Along III the afternoon he approached
Mr.. Hammond, who was sitting on the
hurricane deck, and called his attention TO
couple Of guIla flying across the river. a
few hundred yards ahead Of the boat.
" e., ! see them, said Mr.. Hammond.
Well, III bet you five dollars one Of
them falls into the water before we get by
them"
" never bct-you ought to know that"
was the reply.
"WcIl, III make it twenty to five; now
come"
Mr.. Hammond turned on his heel and
left him.
The gamblerloohcd mournfully after him
Tor lew moments, and then continued his
walk again.
Presently he came back and accosted
Mr.. II. again:
"I'H bet You twenty to five that this
boat blows up before We 90 ten miles
further Now, there's a good bet what do
you say
He was informed again Of Mr.. lis call
ing, and that such propositions were
scandalous.
" But that's dead sure thing-you can,
not possibly lose; come, what do you
say?''
Mr.. Hammond sought another part of
the deck, and left the obstru,ivc gentleman
with the 4" dead sure thing to himself
The boat had scarcely proceeded five
miles, when sure enough, it did blow up.
Mr.. II. somehow got an earlier start than
his late pcrsccutcr, and went up quite
distance. Is he was coming down he was
met by our sporting friend, who cried out
as he passed:
" Hello, parson. Bet you ten dollars |
90 higher than you did; what do you
say?"
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10
A Touching Story.

The Baltimore Eccning Nc,cs says: In
the year IS, as the mail train on the
Baltimore ~ Ohio railroad bound west to
cumberland, i'll charge of the late Captain
George A. Rawling, conductor, was APP
preaching the Doe Gully tunnel, the en-
glne struck and killed COW belonging to
the widow of watchman at that point
who lost his life in the service.
The accident brought to the scene quite
number of the people living in the imme-
dlate ncighbOrhoOd, and among them the
widow OF the watchman and her five small
children, who were crying most piteously
at their loss, and using the most heart
rending expressions. Rawling, who was
provcrbial for his kindness of heart, took
up subscription, the passengers and train.
men contributing, and he soon collected
seventy dollars and handed it to the widow.
With tears in her eyes, she turned to
him and said You will never regret this
kindness to the poor widow and her five
children, and it will come home to YOU
some day or other"
Time rolled on and the incident was
nearly forgotten, when one night Rawling
left Cumberland on his East bound trip in
a terrible rain storm, and after passing
through Doe Gully tunnel, his engineer
blew for brakes in sharp and quick blasts.
indicating sudden and unexpected danger.
The train was brought to a standStill
within fifty feet of an immense landslide.
covering the track for distance of fifty
yards, close to which largo bonfire had
been built, and standing within a few feet
OF it was the widow, with a blazing pine
knot in her hand, waving and shouting.
" W here is the conductor? Where is the
conductor?''
Rawling soon appeared, and going up to
him, she said, g told you you never would
regret your kindness to the poor widow
and her children. heard the fall of rock
and earth in the cut, and knew you were
coming down and built fire to warn YOU
OF the danger. God bless the man who
thought of the poor widow and her chill.
dren when they We're in trouble
The scene moved Rawling deeply.
This act Of the widow saved the lives of
the passengers and trainmen, and to this
day Tommy Beckett, who ran the locomo-
tive DcIu~arc on the occasion, and who is
still running on the Washington branch.
ripe III years, no doubt very often thinks
OF the widow with the blazing pine knot.
who signaled him at Doe Gully tunnel
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Secretary Thompson says his wife greatly
enjoyed the jokes made about him when
he was appointed Secretary of the Navy,
until one was made at her expense. That
was different thing. "You know" he
explained "that the New Orleans Times
told a story that when Mrs. Thompson
heard of my appointment, she said: THE
idea of making my husband Secretary of
the Navy Why Dick can't SWIM, Could
anything be more absurd? If there is any
one thing that l can do better than
another, it is swimming. l have always
been capital swimmer
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Mary i. Booth, editor of Harper's Bazar,
is paid $4,000 a year for her services.
Exceeding industry is one of her con.
spicuous traits. She attends seven or eight
hours daily at the Office all the copy and
Illustrations pass through her hands, and
besides she does great deal of writing for
the Weekly.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

a Chinaman who died in Belleville, N. j.,
last week, was buried as he would have
been if he had died in his native land. He
was clothed in the usual Chinese garments,
including hat and shoes, and placed in a
common coffin, which was then put in a
grave three feet in depth At the side of
the grave there were placed dish contain
ing two roasted chickens, and another
holding rice and chop-sticks. BY the side
OF the dishes bottle was put, and in hole
at the foot Of the grave small stone pot.
Religious ceremonies were performed. the
grave was filled, and all the property ofthe de-
ceased-a trunk and clothing.-was burned.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

THE DANsER WILL.-The case Of the
Danser will, BY which a large property
nearly million of dollars, shat had been
accumulated by man who kept gambling
house in New York was left almost entirely
to charitable objects, has ct length been
decided by compromise. Mr.. Danscr and
his wife having died an only daughter in
herited the estate. The daughter, who was
an intelligent Christian woman, died last
Spring, and having no near relatives, made
large specific bequcsts to religious and
charitable institutions, besides making her
executor, Mr.. Thos. Z. jeremiah, residuary
lcgatee, who was instructed to distribute
the residue amounting to about $2jO,000)
among such benevolent institutions as he
should select. The will was contested by
an uncle and several cousins, who wished
to possess the property, but a compromise
has been made by which the will is to be
executed, except that the residuary legacy,
mentioned above, is to be divided among
the contestants.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

The following are the names of the
seven wise men of Greece, and the motto of
each: Solon, of Athens, Know thyself;"
Chilo, of Sparta, Consider the end )"
Thales, Of Miletus, "Who hateth surety
ship is sure;" Cleobulus, of Lindus, "The
golden, mean or avoid extremes" Pat
tacus, of Mytilene, "Seize time by the fore.
lock :" Perlander, of Corinth, Nothing is
impossible to industry.n
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Speaking by the card; Mistress" You
seem to know all the gossip of the neigh
borhood, Mary" Maid" Yes, ma'am my
young man is letter carrier, and he reads
me all the postal cards."
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Young person applicant for housemaid's
situation May ask. sir, if you keep a
boy? Old gentleman-A boy No; why :?
Young person-Oh, to clean boots and
knives, carry up coals-Old gentleman
All, may ask-can you play the Piano?
Young person obviously mo sir.
Old gentleman-Ah. then, I'm afraid
you wont't-that is, we shall not suit you.
| and my wife always carry up the Goals
and the dishes, and all that sort of thing.
All we want is some one to play the
piano!
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

a story is told of two New England
deacons, between whom bitter fued had
long existed concerning some contested
point. Neither would yield, and the
matter threatened to be handed down to
the next generation, when one day Deacon
Smith appeared before his old enemy and
solemnly said: Brother Sodes, it is a
shame that this quarrel of ours should
bring scandal upon the church. | have
prayed earnestly for guidance in the
matter, and have come to the conclusion
that you must give in--for | cannot"
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10
Woman in the White House.

The wives Of the Presidents have in
every instance been ladies worthy of the
position they occupied, and in many in.
stances they have greatly adorned and
elevated it by the exercise of their personal
attributes. Mrs. John Adams was a
woman who even after this lapse of time
lives III the memory Of this people as a
Spartan spirit Of the revolution as a char
acter sufficiently strong and self-contained
to have performed the duties of her hrs
bands high office, if the emergency had
demanded. Mrs. Madison was social
queen. In some particulars she never had
an equal among her cOuntrywomen. Born
Quaker and reared one, marrying in her
own faith, and living, during her husbands
short life, in the exclusive society of her
sect, she emerged like chrysalis into a
society lady after her union with Mr.. Madi.
son, the then law student Of Philadel.
phia.
Miss Lane had the strongest personal in.
tluence Of any of the later-day ladies of the
White House. She went to il a blushino
young girl of great beauty, and She left it
the idol Of Washington people; and not
only of Washington people, but of great
numbers who had made her acquaintance
during the time of Mr.. Buchanan's ad.
ministration. She was popular because of
her exceptional sweetness of disposjtion
and high bred, refined ways. Her in.
huence and power were not exerted beyoud
the social kingdom in which she refined
supreme, because Of her youth. and the fact
that she was peculiarly situated, having no
near relative to share with her the position
she held and be in a sense her counselor
But she made the domestic life of tho
White House ideal in its delightfulne,s.
and she ranks in history beside Mrs. Madi
son IN popularity, while she stands alone in
her unique place as the first woman in
America, who, while occupying neither the
position of wife or daughter held the first
place in society as the representative of the
President.
Mrs. Hayes is in no respect like Miss
Lane, and yet in certain ways she is her
immediate successor. Unlike Mrs. Grant
she Is an interested observer of public
affairs, and an ardent and interested actor
IN the events transpiring about her. She
does not content herself with social duties.
nor yet does she ignore them. Like Miss
Lane, she IS intently watchful and careful of
the fame and name of the chief magistrate
and no act, however insignificant of itself
IS deemed too slight to be considered if its
results will add to the better public nm.
derstanding Of his efforts. Throughout the
northern and eastern trip she was re-
ceived, with the other ladies of the party.
in the most respectful manner, but it re-.
mained for southern audience to give her
welcome in a specially complimentary way,
and to pay her husband honor by showing
her exceptional attention. Her presence
was in every instance the signal for the up.
lifting Of hats and spontaneous welcome
from every man before her. Brooklyn Sun.
dug Eagle.
When the oxyhydrogen microscope was
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

A punster was once thrust into closet
with the threat that he would not be re-
leased until he made pun. Almost in.
simultaneously he exclaimed, "O-pun the
door,
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

The Lorillards of New York (Piere and
George) are the richest tobacconists in the
world, and form the oldest house in
America. They are worth three millions,
and have business which brings them an.
nually fortune. Their ancestors founded
this trade.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Saying sharp things doesn't pay. 1t may
crafty our spite at first, but it is better to
have friends than enemies, and if you
cannot make people happy, at least refrain
from adding to their misery.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

PRESERVING FLOWERS, ETC.-Many flowers
and leaves may be beautifully preserved by
covering them in every part with melted
sperm. The simplest way is to cut a
candle into pieces and melt it in an old
saucer on the back of the range--it must
not be hot enough to smoke First din in
the stems; the sperm will harden almost at
once, so that the stem may be held while
immersing the flower or blade Of the leaf
Dip but once and that quickly. The pro
cess Is too severe for delicate petals, melting
them as it were together; of others the
heat will change the colors. Variegated
leaves such as those Of the Pelargoniums.
Naples, lyies and fancy leaved Caladiums
will perhaps give the best satisfaction.
When arranged into bouquets or wreaths
they are less liable to curl if protected bv 4
glass globe, like those used for wax flowers:
still, if not protected with little care in
keeping them out of the dust and in a
coollsh atmosphere they will retain their
form and colors for months.
Ferns may be selected any time during
the summer, but one must carry large
book while gathering them. Subject the
book to pressure until the fronds are per-
lectly dry. 1t is well then to press them
with an iron.
Perhaps the best way to preserve Autumn
leaves is to iron them Immediately after
gathering with moderately warm iron
upon which white wax has been rubbed
iron each surface but once; apply wax for
each lCaf-RUdi Nc1o Yorker.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Shocked and astonished old man." You
bad and wicked boy, why don't you take
off your hat in church ?" Bad and wicked
boy, (overcome with GUILTY" If you please,
sir, I'm little girl.n
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

GoING UP STAIRs.-Young people and
elder ones of super.abundant vitality enjoy
running up stairs one, two, three and four
steps time,-but there are not few to
whom long flight of stairs is terror, which,
when overcome, leaves them breathless
and Tor time the exhausted. Such will find
that II they go up stairs slowly, straighten-
ing each limb before the other is raised
upon! higher step, very much of the
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Examiner: "And who reigned after
Saul ?" Answer: "David." Examiner:
"And who came after David ?" Answer:
"Solomon." Examiner: Sand who came
after Solomon?' Sharp Little Girl: "Oh,
please, sir, the Queen Of Sheba."
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

FANCY NOMENCLATURE.-The New York
S,m thinks that if two-thirds of the saving
banks, life insurance companies and trust
fund institutions now calling themselves
by such fancy epithets as Safety, Security,
Fidelity and Hope would change their
titles to Risk, Doubt, Fraud and Smash,
the names would be more appropriate.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Alexander II. Stephens says about him
self: " | suppose | have been the subject
of as many health bulletins as anybody,
and can compete in that regard with
Charles O'Conor, Mr. Morton and the Pope.
Well, my health is better in some respects
than it has been in twenty years in
Others not SO good suppose have been
the most pitiful subject Of dyspepsia that
any person has been, and yet survived. /
can't even now eat an egg nor touch q cup
OF coffee settled with egg. cant touch
butter nor milk, but can take hold of a
chop, sirloin steak or chicken with relish.
My rheumatism is worse, and am weaker
in the limbs than have been. The bron-
chal troubles which so nearly carried me
off last Winter, have nearly disappeared.
1t continue in the same state of health |
am now in, will be able to attend -he ses-
sions of the House very regularly this
Winter. In 1874 and 1875 didn't miss a
day Mr.. Stephens's face is furroHed by
suffering; his eyes are small, dark and
vivacious his hand, smaller than that of a
delicate girl, is white and firm.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

iiumbugs appear to flourish in PhiladeI-
Plna like mushrooms in sheep.fcld.
Hardly had the exposure of the Katie
hlnS swndle driven poor Robert Dale
owen into an ayslum, than the farce was
Reproduced in the same city by two ig-
norant rogucs with precisely the same
machIncry-c0rner cupboard, trap-door,
JingIing banjo, French masks, and ALL
Some pryIng reporter has uuearthcd the
whole nasty business, and dragged dupes
mediums and spirits into court together
Big Indians aud squaws. angels from the
seventh sphere, and pirates Of the fifteenth
century, with all their tawdry tOggery of
PANT robes and turkey feathers. The note
worthy point IS that among the most credu-
louS dupeS were men of wealth and wide
culturc-laWyeg>. tiuancjrrs and librarians
OF National reputation. among them our
Trend Morton. who, while he was carving
on his own gigantic swindlc. fell an easy
victim 70 the halli and trap-doOr game.
The story revealed in the trial is almost
incredible. These eminent men came
laden with gifts for the spirits-iewelrv for
the women, guns for the pirates, whiskey
for Big Indian. They paid high for private
scanccS, and called back the shades of
their first loves, adiurins them and kis-
sing them with tcrvor creditable to tickle
human nature. All Philadelphia has been
IN broad grin over the matter, and the
particulars are laid before the waves of the
victims III every mornings paper. The
moral Of which is, whatever a man NAV
believe as to Spiritualism, it is safer not to
commit himself to first love. dead or
alive, until his wife is safe on the other
side Of Jordon.- Trjtp,c.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

Jay Gould, it is said, was once country
editor. His downward course has been
rapid.
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

When the oxyhydrogen microscope was
first exhibited in Edinburgh, poor
woman, whose riches would never hinder
her ascent to the kingdom above, took her
seat in the lecture room where the wonders
of the instrument were shown, and which
were for the first time to meet her sight.
A piece of lace was magniied into a sal.
mon-net, a flea was metamorphosed into
an elephant, and other like marvels were
performed before the eyes of the venerated
dame, who sat in silent astonishment, star
ing. open.mouthed, at the disk. But when
at length a milliner's needle was trans
formed into poplar tree, and confronted
her with its huge eye, she could "hold in'
no longer. "My goodnessP ~ she exclaim-
ed, "a camel could 60 through that |
There's some hope for the rich folks yet ,
Smyrna times., 1877-10-10

At the cattle show: Gentleman, with
solemity-" Miss Florence, do you love
beasts? Lady, with yivacity-" Am l to
consider that as proposals."
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-10
VEGETINE.

NEGETlNE thoroughly eradcates every kind c
humor, and restores the entire s. stem to healthy
condition.
| The following letter from Rev. q. W. Mansfield
formerly pastor Of the Methodist Episcopal Church
hyde Park and at present settled in Lowell, must
| convince every ore who reads this letter OF the
wonderful curative qualities OF Vsgo;ine, as a
thorough cleanser and purifier Of the blood
HYDE PARk MASS, Fob. Is, 1876.
Mr.. ii. r. STEVENS:
Dear Sir-Ahout ten years ago my health failed
through the depicting effects OF dyspepsia nearly
year later was attacked by typhoid fever in its
worst form, il settled in my back and took the form
Of large deep-seated ahsess, which fifteen
month in gathering. had two surgical operations,
by the best skill in the State, hut received per
manent cure. ! suffered great pain at times and
was constantly weakened by n proiuse DISCHARGE.
also lost small pieces OF bone at different times.
Matters ran on thus about seven years, till May.
ls1i when friend recommended me to 20 to your
Office and talk with you OF the virtue OF Vegetine
| did so, and by your kindness passed through
your manuiactury. noting the ingredients, ETC., by
which your remedy is produced.
by what saw and heard gained some confidence
in Vegetine.
commenced taking It soon after, hut felt worse
from its effects, still persevered and soon felt II
was benellting me in other respects. Yet did not
the results desired, till had taken il faith
fully for little more than year, when the diff
Guilty in the back was cured, ana tor nine months
have enjoy ed the best of health.
have in that time gained twenty five pounds Of
flesh being heavier than ever before IN my life and
l was never more able to perform labo than nov
During the past few weeks hat scroiulous
swelling as large as my fist gather another part
Of my body.
took Vegetne faithfully and II removed it level
with the surface IN Il month. think should have
been cured OF my main trouble sooner If had ken
larger doses, after having become accustomed to
Its effects.
Lefty your patrons troubled with scrolula or kidney
disease understand that it takes time to cure
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-10

The FooT RAcE-ALDEN THE NIcToR.-A
foot race, for $3.50 side, between Rush
and Alden, came off on Pearl street, be-
tween Pine and Church streets, Friday
afternoon, in the presence of an immense
crowd. The race was a l00-yard dash,
scratch start" After several Intellectual
efforts fair start was had and the men
sped away. Alden is tall, slim fellow,
1.-the and sinewy; while his opponent is OF
shorsish stature and medium build. Appear
ances, OF course, were in favor of the for
mer, but, as it proved, Rush gave him a
good try" Up the street came the men,
almost neck and neck. and both showing
splendid physical powers. Suddenly Alden
forged ahead and kept the lead through the
last third of the course, reaching the goal
about three feet in advance of Rush. amid
the cheers and acclamations of the multi
tude. Winners time, ten seconds. 1t was q
fine race. and, We have no doubt. honestly
run and fairly won.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-10

Mr.. II. r. STEvEss:
In 1872 your Negetine was recommended to me,
and yielding to the persuasiOns of 'rend con-
sented to try it. Al the time / was suffering from
general debility and nervous prostrations super
induced by over.ork and irregular habits. Its
wonderful Strengthening and curative properties
seemed 10 affect my debiliia'ed system from the
first dose, and under its persistent use rapidly
recovered, gaining more than usual health and
good feeling. Since then have not hesitaied to
give Vegetne my most unqualified endorsement as
being safe, sure and powerful agent in promoting
health and restoring the wasted y stem TO new life
and energy. Vege.lne is the only medicine use,
and long as 1--WE never exTect to find better
Yours truly, ". II. CLARK
10 MGnfernX Streot. A | hanN Ia
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-10

FARES are reduced on the Portland and
0gdensburg road to three and one-half cents
a mile, making it the cheapest railroad
route in the State Other roads in the
State generally charge four cents mile,
and the Montpelier and Wells River road
charges five. The Portland and Ogdens-
burg have also reduced the rates in their
freight tariff.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-10

VERMONT EDITORS AND Publishers Asso-
cIATIoN-ANNUAL MEETING.-The annual
meeting OF the Vermont Editors and Pub
lishers' Association will be held in Graded
School Hall, Bennington, on Tuesday, Au-
gust IA, 1871, at 40 O'Clock p. m. An
address will be delivered by Hoo. E. p
Walton, OF Montpelier, and poem by Rev
o. e. Wheeler, of Grand Isle. Rooms and
board at s. per day may be obtained if ap-
plication be made at once to F. C. Whit,
of. Bennington.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-10

LING.-Arrangements have been
completed for wrestling match for $4,000
and the championship of America between
John Mcmahon, formerly yof Rutland and
now in San Francisco, and James E. Owens,
of Fairfield, in this State. Mcmahon chal-
lenged Owens to wrestle for 1000 and the
championship after Owens defeated Marten
of Ypsilanti, Mich, and deposited $500 at
the Lick House. Owens's hackers have &C.
eepted the challenge, and the match is to
take place at Stats hall, San Francisco,
the middle of September.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-10
SllElEIIRN ACADAMY.

IIALL Term begins SEPT I'd, ISL. and continues
L twelve weeks.
Good board can be Ohtaincd at reasonable rates.
Those wishing To board Themselves can seCurC
good rooms by applying Ia WALTER A. WEED.
C. X TuEl;ILL. Principal.
August -.-6WiW