davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
An Experiment for Boys.

Take two empty oyster cans and stout
smooth string. Let small hole be made
in the bottom Of each can, through which
the string, say fifty to one hundred ieet in
length is passed and secured. Then let
the experimenters set up their telegraph
by choosing their stations as far apart
as the tightly stretched string will per
nit, and while one of the operators holds
his ear to one Of the cans, and his COM
panion his mouth to the can at the other
end of the line, they will find that con-
versation can be carried on, so that low
tones, and even whisper will be distinct
ly perceptible. What usually most as
tonishes those who make this experiment
for the first time is that the sound of the
voice does not seem to come from the
person speaking from the other end Of the
string, but to issue from the can itself,
which is held to The ear Of .the listener.
This at first appears to be a deception,
but it is really not so. The ear tells the
exact truth. The voice that is heard real
~ comes from the can that is held to the
ear of the listener. The voice of the
speaker communicates sound-producing
vibrations to the wall of the can with
which his voice is in immediate contact.
These vibrations are communicated to the
string, but so changed that they no longer
affect; the car. "A person may stand by!
the string while the sound is passing, and
yet hear nothing = AT the other end OF
the string, however, these hidden vibr
tions reproduce themselves as sound.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
SUMAARY OF THE GENERAL NEWS,
EnGlish Crop Nepoyt..


The Ma k Lane Express review of the
British corn says the supply Of English wheat
in Mark Lane is again small, and for dry lots
ready sale is experienced, especially for rcd,
at fully late rates. Imports of foreign wheat
into London last week were liberal. In spite
Of heavy supplies, which consisted mainly of
Russian and East Indian descriptions,a a steady
feeling was apparent in trade. Millers have
cyinced an increased desire to operate, and it
is probable that as soon as Russian supplies
cease, prices may rally some few shill-
ings per quarter The requirements OF France
and the desire to have the tariff temporarily
RENTED on foreign grain imported from this
country, are also strong point in the trade
which is besides upheld to some extent by
fair outward movcment,exports last week ex-
cccding 1850 quarters. The decrease in
shipments from the American ports, which
will now be experienced, shonld also help
trade. 1t is certain that our own increased
winter consumption cannot be relied on
sufficiently as a power to enhance the value
Of wheat. and should the prices rise the i'm
provcment will be due, as far as can be seen
at present, to deficient crop requiring to be
supplemented by importation in ncighboring
European countries. Fortified by these con-
sidcrations holders still refrain from pressing
sales, and in certain state Of political affairs
the future course of the grain trade Is more
difficult to foresec than it has been for long
time past.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
After Lo! rhese Many Yoars.

DIR. Lemuel s. Draper, of Washington,
was appointed assistant surgeon of the navy
In 1852. Early in 1865 he was on the Prince
ton at Philadelphia. Thomas A. Menzies, a
blockade runner, but previously an engineer
In the confederate navy, was a prisoner on the
same vessel. Menzies obtainined leave to go
ashore, and Dr. Draper had leave to go with
Menzics for forty-eight hours. Both left
Philadelphia together and went to Baltimore,
where they were arrested by troops while at
confederate party III honor OF Mcnzie's return
In FEBRUARY, 1865, Draper's appointment as as
sistaat surgeon in the regular navy was re
vokcd, but on the 14th of the same month re-
vocation was cancled and he was allowed to
resign, at his own request. After many inef-
fectual attempts to get back into the navy,
DR.. Draper has been reinstated as assistant
surgeon. pay for thirteen years and ten
months.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
Bl0ndin.--How He Amuses the Paris
Public.
Paris Correspondence New York Mail.

Paris Correspondence New York Mail.
The reigning sensation in Paris at the
present time is the performances of Blon-
din ut the old Palace Of Industry. This
building was erected for the "Worlds
Exposition" Of 1851. It is about 600
feet long by 200 feet broad, and will ac-
commodate 10000 spectators It was
packed on the occasion of Blondin's first
appearance. Two great poles of masts
were erected 200 feet apart, reaching an
altitude of full 80 feet. A wire rope was
stretched across at the top, and fastened
firmly by means Of side-guys. The long
rope was drawn 80 taut that Blondin s
weight did not seem to sink it an inch.
at each end of the rope was little plat
torn, on the back Of which was little in
closure Of curtains, for changing dresses
Blonden was drawn up to this elevation
by ropes and pullies.
He wore diadem of gold, with dress
bespanglcd with what appeared the same
material. There was no net underneath.
1t was an exciting moment when we saw
him take his pole out upon the rope.
When about half way across he stopped,
sat down On the rope, lay down on his
back, SC, went across and back. He
next appeared in close fitting dress.
walked out on the rope, and even danced
to music of the band. He stood on his
head on the rope, and turned somer-
sault, first resting his shoulder On the
rope. He next shouldered chair and
walked out, placed it on the rope and sat
down on it; then stood up in it; then put
two legs on the rope and stood up in it.
He next appeared dressed as cook, all
in white, with white cap. He shouldered
a cook-stove, walked to the centre of the
rope, placed it on little arms extending
out On each side Of the rope.
This he opened, rubbed his sauce pan
and plates clean, started fire, cooked
four eggs, looking through each to see il
it was fresh. This he ate and topped of
with glass of wine; but happening to
take the wrong bottle, his bowels were in
agony. lie instantly took an antidote
rubbed his stomach, and nodded call
right" He then cooked a number OF
pancakes and threw them down to the
audience.
His next performance was to walk
across the wire with his feet fastened in
two wicker baskets l8 inches in diane
ter. He next blindfolded himself and
put sack over his head reaching to his
knees, holes on the sides for his arms
In this condition he walked across the
wire. He next drove himself across on 8
veloclpede. His last performance was te
carry man across on his back.
All this was done in such an easy
graceful, jolly, sangfroid manner as tc
relieve the spectators of much of the anx
iety they would otherwise have felt.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
Horrible Affair at a Reformat0ry.

An English paper says: We arc in
formed that the most horrible discover {!
have been made in the Reformatory for
Native Boys, which is situated on a hill
about nine miles from Kingston in: the
Island of Jamaica. Some time ago,
under the governorship of Sir William
Grey, a clergyman was appointed super
intendent ofthe retormatory, with sal
ary ofe400 year, besides house and
other perquisites. But these appear mot
to have been sufficient for the reverend
gentleman, who applied the food allotted
for the four hundred poor boys under his
charge to fattcning pigs for the market.
Meanwhile the little wretches were starved
and growing despcrate-they actually
fought with the pigs for the food thrown
to them. The miserable creatures were
neglected in every possible way.
A nasty insect, called a tick, we'll
known to every traveller in the tropics,
burrowed into their feet, and, as the doc
tor had to look after his private patients,
the wounds, which if examined in. time
had been trifling, became so serious that
amputation of toes or feet were necessary
in no less than eighty cases. Starved and
neglected, the lads became uAruly. The
offenders were then shackled together in
pairs and consigned to the cells, where
some were forgotten for three days and
left without food or drink. All this at
last came to light by mere accident. The
koys were entrusted with knives to cut
down some guinea grass outside, in
charge of one warder only; they naturally
used their liberty to satisfy the cravings
of hunger by plundering the neighboring
gardens. The owners did not dare to in
terfe1e, but reported the matter to the:
governor. This led to investigation and
reform, and we understand that Lord
Carnarvon has, in strongly worded des-
patch, denounced this horrible affair as 4
disgrace to the colony and to the whole
government.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
CHAPTER ia SURPRISE.

The morrow came. Rose had long been
promised holiday on the LIST Of January
She had engaged to spend it with an old
school fellow living at Clapham, end newly
married. It was a love.match. The young
couple were very poor, but very kind to Rose,
and she looked forward to the "dinner of herbs
where love was" Added to this, she longed
to get away. She could not calmly meet
the man she loved as the afianced of another.
Mrs. Pomfret sent for Miss Moss before
breakfast. Rose was already dressed for her
excursion.
II cannotspar you today" she said. "You
must put off your holiday Any day will do
quite as well for you."
"Not so, Mrs. Pomfrct," said Rose; "my
friends expect me-"
: ".Then they will enjoy the pleasures of ex-
pectation-the greatest Of al. pleasures, the
moralists tell US. ! require your! services to-
day. pay for them. Added to which, Sir
Harry, through whose kind intercession you
are lodged, boarded and salaried in this ele-
CANT and happy home, is expected to dinner
here to day Mr.. Pomfret wishes you to dine
at table, to meet him. Your absence would
he ungratcful and disrcspcctfu1, particularly
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27

front wall had fallen, q great many bows
and girls rushing about in confused
manner, but they became obscured to
view by smoke and flames in a few
seconds. There seems to have been no
possibility Of their getting out alive. The
fire vas one of the quickest ever seen.
In less than three minutes the flames had
ascended completely: to the roof. Peter
Stadamlller gives a vivid description of
the affair. He is employed with Hodges &
Co., and was within forty feet Of the
doorway when the explosion occurred.
1t seemed to throw. up the whole side
walk, and the front Of the sbuiling fell to
the street. There was a; two-hsrse truck
Of the Delaware e. Lsckawanna express
company passing, and the wall tell on
horse and driver. Stadtn1iller said he
believed there were nearly 200 persons
employed in the building at the time.
There were not more than dozen girls
employed on the ground floor, most of
the boys and girls being engaged on the
second and third floors. Stadtmiller saws
that he is positive that not more than six
girls and dozen men came out alive
through the Barclay street entrance. The
elder Mr., Greenfield was about the first
who rushed out and he was scalded. He
saw about dozen making their escape
by the roof to the adjoining roofs. As
near as could be ascertained there must
have been about 100 persons employed in
the factory at the time of the disaster.
The. scenes at Chambers street hospital
were hcartrendlng in the extreme.
Ambulances were quickly at the fire,
and were busy in taking wounded to the
hospital. The station house and Cham
bers street hospital were besieged with
men, women and children, all anxiously
iuquiring for some missing relative.
THE LATEST.
A later estimate places the number of
persons in the building at the time the
explosion occurred at ITO, including
twenty visitors and customers. The boil
CT had been in use five years, and it is
SAID Greenfield had been several times
warned that it was unsafe. The loss is
now estimated at half a million dollars.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
A Canndisn Strike.

Three hundred strikers on the canal
works from Montreal to Lachine, Canada, have
brought about collision with the contract
ore, in which one or more Of the former were
killed. The riot is not yet over and the po-
lice arc powerless to suppress it. The strike
was for one dollar per day.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
South A american Trade.

Alta M Getting Of the boardof directors OF
the Merchants Exchange OF St. Louis, on the
19th,a movement was inauguratcd for the for
nation OF company at that place and New
Orleans for direct trade with South America,
by mca2s of steamers sailing from the latter
to South American ports. In New Orleans,
Il considerable sum has already been subscrib-
I'd for the purpose, and it is bclived the
scheme can be made to work successfully.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
Loss OF 4 Steamer.

The Dutch steamer Friesland, from
Java to Rotterdam, has been lost, it is be-
lieved, with all hands, off Cape Finisterre.
She passed Gibralter Dec. 5th. Wrcckage
has been sighted, which there is but little
doubt came from tho Friesland. The crew
numbered about fifty. She had no passengers.
1t was first reported that she had 1862 passen-
gers, but these were mostly pilgrims, who
landed ut Paddal
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
A Deaperat t. Character.

A bloody tragedy was enacted in
Washington township, near Council Bluffs,
Iowa, OH the evening of the Goth. One vii.
liam Martin was accused of circulating stor-
les derogatory to the reputation Of u young
lady named Briggs. With view OF demand
Ing an explanation, Frank and Caleb Briggs
brothers Of the young lady, started, with two
o4her men, to call on Martin, but met Martin
On the way, when the latter, before a word
Was spoken, struck Briggs on the neck with
knife, severing the jugu1ar vein and killing
him instantly. Martin then attacked Caleb
Briggs and injured him severely before the
others could interfere. Martin is still at large.
All parties to the affair were young men.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
A Herd or Innian Ponies.

On the 2lst inst the inhabitants of
Spcarfisll valley in the Black Hills, were star
tied by large herd Of Indian ponies dashing
through the valley. A careful reconnaissance
show there attendants with them, and
ranch men and others Immediately started
out to capture them. It is the opinion that
they belong to a camp Of Sioux located on
Belle FOurchc.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27

The representatives of the great rail-
roads remained in session in New York the
greater part Of the 21st, and adjourned sub
jcct to the call Of the chair. One OF the
members said the next meeting would prob
ably be held in the west, and that questions re-
lating to east-bound treights were duly con.
sidcrcd. He said the meeting was unani-
mously in favor Of maintaining rates for, east
bound freights at the present figures untilthc
next meeting !
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
1OYce RAraone0t

The President on the 9th signed par
don for John A Joyce, convicted of conspiracy
to defraud the United States Of taxes on dis
titled spirits The pardon is full and uncon-
ditional. Joyce, it will be remembered, was
sentenced to 1900 fine in addition to his i'm
prisOnment
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
UphoIalng state Credit.

At large meeting at the Merchants
Exchange on the 18th, resolutions were adopt
ed expressing an earnest desire that the Leg
islature should promptly accept the liberal o.
fer ofthc State creditors, and by al ncce sary
legislation provide for the faithful discharge
Of the obligations assumed by the State in ad-
justment; that being fully conscious Of all the
evil effects that will follow resumption, they
were opposed to it in fact, and disapproved of
any action that led to it.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
Rclrfsal Loss Of hlfe.

Tho boiler in the extensive candy fac.
tory OF Ernest Greenfield at No. IS Barclay
street, n. Y, exploded early on the morning
Of the Goth, throwing down the i've story
building and Immediately wrapping the ruins
in flames. The number of the employees in the
establishment, mostly boys and young girls,
was unusually large, work being pushed to
the utmost, in view Of the holidays. Thelo
Of life is estimated at over one hundred, the
most OF whom are young girls between 8
and 2Oyears. Large numbers who were not
crushed to death by the explosion, undoubt-
edly miserably pcrished In the flames and
smoke which instantaneously filled the build.
ing.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
Tax t. support Free scp.eo,s.

The South Carolina Legislature took a
recess until the 10th Of January. The most
important measure adopted was ratifying the
amendment to tho State constitution, which
levies an annual tax of two mills upon al tax
able property in the State for the support Of
free schools: On the final passage to-day,
more than two-thirds voted af1irmatively. The
committee TO investigate the bonded debt will
report Immediately after the recess. No spec.
ial class Of bonds will be declared fraudulent,
but only particular bonds which were issued
irregularly. n ~
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
Silver Renontiixataon.

Amass meeting Of the citizens of Toledo,
Ohio, was held on the evening OF the 2lst, at
which resolutions were passed condemnatory
Of the Resumption act, and demanding It's re-
peal. Other resolutions favored the rcmone-
tization of silver.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27

=. A Philadelphian whipped his entire
family in one day, beginning with two
children, following with his wife, then
taking his two sisters-in-law in hand, and
finishing with his mother -in-law, with
whom, ,as'the narrative says, che wiped tie
floor, and swept the dinner dishes of the
table,"
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
Artery HOLOCAUST.
A Candy shop in New York, Crow ded
with work-VGOnle en-, Blown U y ana Over
One Hundred Lives Lost.

The boiler in the candy manufactory of
Ernest Greenfield, No. 63 Barcay street,
New York exploded about 5 o'clock on
the afternoon Of the 20th., while large
number of female employees were still at
work. The building was almost instantly
wrapped in flames, and it is said 100 to
$50 girls were burned to death.
DETAILS ETC.
The boiler which was under the side
walk on the Barclay street side burst,
tearing away the entire front and scatter
ing the wreck in all directions. A large
number of girls of all ages were employed
at the time in the building. The walls
fell within few minutes after the cxplo-
sion. A policeman who was on duty near
the building says he saw the front of the
building, five stories high, fall into the
street. Fifty-six wounded and one dead
were reported at the Chambers street hos
pital at As o'clock. A number we're
also sent to Bellevue and other hospitals.
1t is estimated the wounded will reach
1875. But few escaped uninjured. Mr.
Greenfield, the owner of the factory, could
give no idea of how many were in the
building at the time Of the explosion, but
thought about 10.
Of these about so escaped by the Col
lege Place entrance, and small number
got out through the skylights, walked
over the roofs and got down the skylights
of other buildings. The bookkeeper, who
was on the Barclay street side of the build
ing was blown out of window to the
street, and badly cut on the head. Sew
eral jumped from the second story and
escaped with slight injuries, the fall be-
ing broken by policemen and citizens on
the sidewalk below. The parties en-
ployed in the factory were principally
girls and boys from eight to twenty years
of age. Owing to the approach of the
holidays q double force was employed,
one working during the day and the other
at night. The force is changed at five
0 o'clock, and the fact Of the explosion oc.
curing at five minutes past that time rem
dersit still more difficult to know how
many or who are the victims. The num-
Der in the building at the time ofthe dis
aster is variausly estimated at from 100
to 800. The flames spread 80 rapidly
that it is feared that many who were not
injured by the explosion were burned.
STATEMENTS OF EYE-W1TNEssEs.
Mr.. r. Kleinn of SO Leonard street,
states that he was in the building about
ten minutes before the explosion. and
there were great many persons there at
the. time.o He passed in front of the
building two minutes after the, explosion
and saw on most Of the floors, as the
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
The Mississippi Jetties.

A dispatch from Port Eads says the
official survey of Capt. NJ. R. Brown, United
States army inspecting officer at the jetties,
shows % foot channel over 200 feet wide en-
tirely through the works, which entities Mr..
Eads to the second payment Of half a million
dollars. A practical channel through the jet
ties was found, with least depth of q feet.
The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1877-12-27
RUSSlA'S WAR WITH TURKEY.

Gen. Krudener's corps has started for
Orchanie. A Vienna correspondent telegraphs
that Turkeys first pacific effort my be regard
ed as failure. Germany hinted that treat
ing with Russia would be the shortest way of
coming to an understanding. It seems that
when the note was first mentioned, the Aus
trian government replied that it could not
hold out any hope of successful mediation on
such basis.
Erroneous interpretations having been
given to the circular of the Porte, inviting
mediation, it is officially explained Turkey
docs not approach the powers as vanquish-
ed State, since she still has two lines of de-
fensc which the government believes she
would be able to hold. The Porte, by it's cir
cular, desires to intimate its unwiilingncss to
consider proposals made by the Constantine
pie conference. As the war began, owing to
Turkeys refusal to adhere to those proposals,
the Porte thinks it might be terminated now
on that basis.
It is reported six thousand Turks
from Podgoritza compelled a Montcncgrin
corps to retreat into their own territory and
are now marching to succor Scutari and An
tivart. 1t is said the porte has instructed its
minister at Rome to ask for an explanation of
the relations which are growing more and
more intimate between Italy and Greece.
A correspondent reports Sulicman
Pasha, with 10000 men, arrived at CONSTANT.
noplc from Varna. He goes to Adrianoplc to
take command of the army Of Roumelia.
Sulieman's circuitous route is explained by
facts that the consequence of ice and snow in
the Balkan passes, heavy material is more
easily transported by railway to Varna and
thence by sea to Constantinople, then by the
more direct route. The czarowitch will prob
ably return to Russia when Gen. Todlcbcn
will assume the command in chief. Gen.
Toddleben has arrived at Orzova to arrange
the bombardmcnt of Abakalch
A Vienna special says negotiations have
been proceeding some time concerning the
naturalization of the Danube. No under.
standing has been reached so far, as Russia
wishes the neutrality to extend to the sea,
whilst England and Turkey seem only in
clincd to let it reach Sulina. Several Mahom-
idan deputies intend to solicit the governm ent
in the chamber to open negotiations for
peace. 1t is said the portewi]l sh ortly order
a fresh levy of SOC, 900 men.
During the past twelve months English
ships have been constantly conveying stores
to Gibraltar and Malta, where there is now a
vast accumulation of war material Orders
ufacture of sixteen pound field guns. 1t has
also been determined that four eight ton guns
for the inhexible arc to be chambered forth.
WITH