davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
Is the Wheat Crop Declining!

In answer to this question the american
Miller, in opposition to the popular opin-
ion, takes the negative side of the argu-
ment: "One of the questions which pres
ents itself to millers, and others interested
in wheat, is whether there is decline in
the wheat crops of the past few years as
compared with the crops of the earlier
periods in the history of our agriculture
Many have asserted, on what apparently
seem good grounds, that while the aggre-
gate amount of wheat is greater now than
formerly, the relative quantity or number
of bushels per capita, is decreasing, and
will soon be adequate to supply only the
home demand. The method by which
these conclusions have been reached is
fallacious in the extreme, and consists in
taking the best crops of former years and
comparing them with the poorer ones, of
the failures of later times" While we, as
ageneral rule, are opposed to a mass of fig
ures, we still are willing to give place to
the following: "On our basis of calculation,
| ~ 10 easily LIdL our W06al
production is constantly and steadily in
creasing. In 1S49 the whole crop amount.
ed to 10O,000,000 bushels; in 1859 it reach
ed 173 100000 bushels; and in 1869 it was
2S7, 100000 bushels. According to the
population, 4.3 bushels were produced pc,
capita in 1S49 5.5 bushels in 1859, and
| 7.46 in 1869. This last crop was an excen
tional one. Since then the average has
been 26O,000,O0O bushels year, or nearly 7
bushels per capita. Our reports furnish
another means of ARRIVING at the same gen
eral conclusion that our supply of wheat i:
increasing. For the past fifty years oul
exports in grain and flour have been equi
valent to 1902 100000 bushels. Of thi
immense quantity, only 17S 100000 bushel
were exported up to the year 1850, while il
the year 1874 alone 81 100000 bushel
were shipped to foreign countries"
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
A Desperate Situation.
[San Francisco Bulletin, April 81

San Francisco Bulletin, April Z.I
This morning the company belonging to
Montgomery Queens Circus passed
through the public streets. The last wagon
in the caravan consisted Of cage contain
ing lion and lioness, and tiger and their
keeper The tiger crouched stealthily in
one corner of the cage, the lioness in an
other, and between them sat the keeper
During the entire parade the lion manifest
ed good deal of uneasiness at the presence
of the tiger in the cage, and made several
attempts to approach it, but was prevented
from doing so by the keeper. When op-
posite the Nevada block, on Montgomery
street, however, the two animals managed
to rush upon one another. Then followed
one of the most exciting scenes imaginable.
The keeper rushed in between the infurlat-
ed animals for the purpose of separating
them, and the curious and horror-stricken
crowd rushed instinctively toward the cage
to render assistance, were it possible
While engaged in separating the beasts, the
lion seized the keepers thigh and drove his
teeth deep into the flesh. The excited
crowd on the outside then began to raise
their voices in alarm, but the man whose
life was thus placed in jeopardy coolly
told them to keep quiet, and seizing an iron
bar he struck the lion on the head several
times, finally compelling him to release his
hold and return to his corner. Blood flow
J ed freely from his wounds.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
Large Applications of Line.

"The idea that heavy applications of
lime to the soil are wasteful, is an correct
one. A few years ago, we applied fifty
bushels per acre to thirteen acre field
near the house, and before long the water
in the well, which was previously soft, be-
came very hard. The lime was evidently
dissolved in great part, and carried into the
subsoil and lost to the crop. Many iutelli-
gent farmers use now ten to fifteen bushels
per acre in place of fifty bushels, as previ-
ously used. When field has been largely
lined, much of the lime will be turned up
in the bottom of the furrow at the next few
plowings, showing that large portion
sinks into the soil. This is wasted to a
great extent, and if five dressings, of ten
bushels per acre each, are applied in ten or
fifteen years, or every two or three years. to
the wheat and corn crop, instead of fifty
bushels once in five years, as is usual, it
would to our mind be just as beneficial as
the large dressing, and much more econom-
ical. No exact rule. can be laid down, be
| cause heavy soils will take more lime than
light ones, not that they need it perhaps
but they hold it if given but ten bushels
per acre could harm no SOIL"
The above, from the Agricultural, will
hardly be Endorsed by farmers in the lime
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
Who are Wanted in California.
from the California News

[From the California News.]
Our experience during the last twenty.
five years has convinced US that emigration
to California should be we'll considered
Some classes of immigrants are desirable
here, and build up their own and the
States prosperity. Others, again, are a
positive injury. California needs only the
productive classes Farmers stand at the
head ofproducers, and farmers are particu-
larly welcome to California. Almost every
other branch of industry is crowded, but
while millions of acres of land lie idle it is
safe to presume that opportunities will be
open for thrifty farmers. To be absolutely
certain of success, however, farmers should
come prepared to make their industry pro-
ductive. Many, it is true, have started in
California with nothing but strong will
and stout body, and achieved competence,
and often fortune, in short time. But the
opportunities for mere labor, unassisted by
capital, are becoming limited. Such labor
is plentiful here. On the other hand, there
is no other country in the world where a
man can do more with one or two thousand
dollars than California Land is cheap here,
very cheap, when the extraordinary ad-
vantages we enjoy are taken into considera-
ton. We are neither frozen in winter, nol
are we cooked in summer; we are not two
thousand miles from the sea- board, as they
are in the much-landed Western States
life here is pleasure, with them it Is
mere existence. We want thousands oi
farmers of some means to come to Califor.
MIA, and there are always opportunities fol
a limited number of farm laborers, good
woods-men, saw mill hands, and other
rough help. People accustomed to gair
their living in towns and cities are out o,
place in California. We have now ter
times more of this class than we have any
use for
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19

Turkey refuses utterly to be dealt with
upon any other terms than those becoming
an imperial power of the first class She
can not recognize the right OF any other
power TO meddle in her internal affairs.
She proposes to carry out the reforms that
are necessary. Other Nations must treat
her as their equal, and she condescends a
good deal when she consents to that admis-
sion. So she says in her reply TO the Rus
sian demands:
No consideration, therefore. can arrest
the Government in its determination to
protest against views enunciated in the
protocol of the 31st of March, and to treat
It, as far as Turkey is concerned, as desti-
tute of all equity, and consequently also Of
all obligatory character. Exposed to hos,
tile suggestions, to unmerited suspicion
and to the violations of the international
law, Turkey feels that she is now contend
Ing for her existence. Strong in the Justice
of her cause, and trusting in God, she de.
termines to ignore what has been decided
without her and against her, resolved to
retain IN the world place with Provid,
ence has destined for her. In this regard
she will not cease TO encounter attacks di-
rected against her with the general prin.
ciples of the public right and authority Of
the great European act, which pledges the
honor of the Powers that signed the proto
col OF the 31st Of March, a document
which, in her eyes, has no legal claim tc
exact compliance. She appeals to the con
science Of the Cabinets, which she has &
right to consider animated toward her by
the same sentiments of elvated equity anc
friendship, as in the past. Immediate ant
simultaneous disarmament would be the
only eficacious means of averting the dan
gers by which the general peace is threat
ened"
And that means War
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
An Indian Duel.
From the Omaha Herald.

FROM the Om2na Herald.
A citizen of Sioux City, who has spent
much time among the agencies of the up
river Indians, says it is amusing, as we'll as
touching, to hear an Indian sing his death
few months since, and one day he observ-
ed an unusual stir among the Indians
Soon two bucks came forth from different
lodges, each with gun in his hand They
walked out some little distance from the
rest of the Indians and took posts, distant
from each other about fifty yards. At a Civ
en- signal they turned, raised their rifles to
their faces, and fired Both fell, wounded,
one fatally. They were Immediately sur
rounded by friends, who made no particu-
lar effort to bind their wounds, but simply
stood around talking among themselves
and gesticulating, while the wounded Indi-
ans, as soon as they fell, began the death
song. There was little music in it. 1t was
sort of deep-down, unnatural tone OF
voice, kept up for half a minute or so at a
time, when it would cease, and the sufferers
would in the Intern make confession o.
all the evil deeds they had ever done. They
would tell of the massacres in which they
had been engaged; how many scalps they
had lifted from the heads OF white people
the number of ponies they had stolen, to
gether with all sorts of important and un
important evil doings in their lifetime
This accomplished, they were ready to give
up the ghost.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
Cores pondence of the SOMERSET ppvss


WASHINGTON D. c. April, 18th, 1877.
south Carolina looks forward to several
years OF Democratic Government. Dis
.iie' Of Columbia people have been expect
ing report of great ceremonies, commo-
ZION and perhaps disturbance in Columbia
~nen the troops and Cham berlain officially
evacuated the State House and the reins
y, ,uoVernment were given up to Hampton.
me events took place, as was ordered
tuesday noon-but contrary to all expect
atfon-without any dram attic scene or i'm
posing ceremenicals. The troop were par
AIDED in the corridors of the State Honse q
iew minutes before noon and as the town
nAii oeli began to strike twelve, TO the or.
oef shoulder Arms! Right face! For
ward march," the little Company filed ont
by near door and in perfect silence not
more than hundred people we're in and
around the State Capitol at the time. and
considering that it was in reality the dis.
appearance Of the last vestige of Republi-
can rule in the State the excitement or
seeming interest, was very slight. Tuesday
ohamoeriain issued very stirring address
TO the Republicans of South Carolina an
nouncing his withdrawal from the contest
Tor Governor, which was great surprise to
Washington politicians as the last reports
before had been to the effect that he and
his party had decided to Defy the Presi-
dent, and resist the Hampton claims By
every expedient known to the law.
The Louisiana Commissions reports are
not OF the most soul cheering sort; it finds
peaee-making, as many have found it be.
fore to be rather up hill work. Both Gov.
ernors object to every plan for pacifcation
il proposes and oppose every means used
tending towards compromise. The citi-
zenS, too, delegations Of whom daily meet
the Commission, are not encouraging in
their demonstrations, and altogether pres
ent indication are that the efforts OF thai
august body Of presidents friends" will
prove small success if not an absolute
failure and the end Of the matter be thai
the Executive Power will have to be ex.
eried toword the decision as to the Govern
orship.of that. distressed Southern State.
II President Hayes is not altogether {
favorite. his good wife has made no enem
les AS yetand her policy is not objected tc
by any. She is too thoroughly herself tc
be unfriendiy, and conducts herself in the
Executive Mansion precisely as she might
in her own private residence. She with
her family, invaribly receive callers a
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
COmbats on the Ocean.

Among the extraordinary spectacles
sometimes witnessed by those who "go
down to the sea in ships" none are more
impressive than combat for the suprema-
cy between the monsters of tbs deep. The
battles of the swordfsh and the whale are
described as Homeric in granduer.
The swordfsh go in schools like whales,
and the attacks are often regular sea fights.
When the two troops meet, as soon as the
swordfsh have betrayed their presence by
few bounds N the air, the whales draw
together and close up their ranks. The
swordfsh always endeavors to take the
whale in the flank; either because its cruel
instinct has revealed to it the defect in the
cuirass, for there exists near the brachial
fins of the whale spot where wounds are
mortal-or because the flank presents a
wider surface to its blows.
The swordfsh recoils to secure greater
impetus. If the movement escapes the
keen eye of his adversary, the whale is lost
receives the blow of the enemy and dies al
most instantly. But if the whale perceives
the swordfsh at the instant ofthe rush by a
spontaneous bound it springs clear of the
water its entire length, and falls on its flank
with crash that resounds for many leagues
and whitens the sea with boiling foam. The
gigantic animal has only its tail for de,
fense. 1t tries to strike its enemy, and fin.
ish him with single blow. But if the ac-
tive swordfsh avoids the fatal tail, the bat
tie becomes more terrible. The aggressor
springs from the water in his turn, falls
upon the whale, and attempts not to pierce
but to saw it with the teeth that garnish its
weapon. The sea is stained with blood; the
fury of the whale is boundless. The sword.
fish harasses him, strikes on every side
kills him, and flies to other victories.
Often the swordfsh has no time to avoid
the fall of the whale, and contents itsel1
with presenting its sharp saw to the flank o.
the gigantic animal which is about to crush
it; It then dies like Maccabaus' smothered
beneath the weight of the elephant of the
ocean. Finally, the whale gives a few las
bounds into the air dragging its assassin il
its flight and perishes as it kills the mon
ster of which it was the victim.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
A Large Farm.

One of our exchanges gives the following
account of an $4,000 acre farm in Illinois:
an. L. Sullivant was born at Franklinson,
Ohio, August 6, 1907; educated at Ohio
University and Centre College, KY. The
design of his parents to establish him in a
profession was frustrated by an unalterable
wish of the son to render famous the avoca-
tion that is indispensable to the world, and
the true producer of wealth. He was not
ed as farmer of some thousands of acres
near Columbus, O., and think, on the ia
nous Scioto bottoms, for some years previ-
Gus to 1861, and has been an importer OF
blooded neat stock. In 1854 he purchased,
mostly from the government, in Illinois,
$4,000 acres of land. In 1861 he commenced
farming operations on $4,000 acres at
Broadlands. In 1868 he sold Broadlands
to Mr.. Alexander famous stock grower
and dealer, for quarter of a million dol
lars Mr.. Alexander, l believe, died last
fall and began transactions on his present
farm at Burr Oaks, planting one thousand
acres of corn in the first year. The next
year he planted five thousand acres. In
1870 he planted eleven thousand acres, in
1871 he planted over eleven thousand acres
in corn and over five thousand acres in 9th
er crops. It is said that at one time his
united corn-cribs, twelve feet wide and
| eight feet high, would extend nearly five
miles. His largest corn field was about
| twenty-five thousand acres. He has given
employment at one time to about one hun,
dred and eighty-fve men. His lowing herd
numbers two hundred and fifty head, swine
aggregate FIVE hundred. and has had al
once about five hundred mules and forty
horses. About forty of his finest mule:
were burned in a barn few weeks ago"
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19

visitors in the eve ing, excepting Sundays;
and in the most genial and unforma) man
ner Imaginable. Her dress is always neat,
nice, plain and inconspicuous, aud her de-
partment. that of a lady through and
through. Her visitors are never left in an
awkward position, each one is attended to,
and placed at his or her ease and made in
dividually comfortable. This is something
new in Washington. Even private parties
are not wont to receive so much attention
People 90 by invitation to such evening
entertainment, without expecting or re-
ceiving a word or look from their hostess
except upon their annual and departure
I suppose this custom arose years ago
from the crowded official receptions at
which the host and hostess could do no
n,ors than receive the guests with a word of
,ro,come and a smile of farewell. Stran-
ro,a at these receptions, are not even in
.roduced. SO their list of acquaintances is
not much heightened by attending such,
the only pleasure being in the sight of a
fam Of bedecked, befeathered and bejewel-
ed women, starched-up men, fair faces
fvery and flowers And because Washing
ton society is unaccustomed to receive pol
;te attention personally, Mrs. Hayes natur-
al treatment of her guests is all the more
,oreeable and results almost invariably In
another song to her Praise. Sometimes
Tho President and his wife receive evening
company in the library. This is a lovely
yoom-iust over the blue parlor which If
the usual public reception room-oval In
form with windows looking South and pres
entipo a fine view of the Potomac and the
Virginia shore beyond. The carpet is o
tapestry and the room is furnished with
comfortable aum and easy chairs, sofas
ottomans, &c. Law Book Cases are ranged
about the sides of the room, an upright
piano stands against the wall, several ia
bles. stands and ornaments are ranged
about and the room is a most cosey ane
: homelike one.
The weather is charmingly sunny ant
sprinp like, but the growing warmth is too
suggestive of the terrible heat that w
know is coming. Remembering the week
of uninterrupted almost insufferable no
weather of last summer, the mortality
among children and the unparalleled mum
ber of sunstrokes, we can but dread the re
turn of the season in which we suffered so
NJ. NJ. w.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19

stone districts of Southern and Southeast
ern Pennsylvania. They seem strongly in
favor of at least the maximum amount
named in the quotation. They recognize
the fact that the main value and action of
lime is in its action upon the vegetable
matter in the soil and upon insoluble plant
food. While it is no doubt correct that
very large amounts may not be judiclous,
yet the fact that it may be seen below the
reach of the plow does not prove that it
has not previously performed its duty by
lis chemical action. The amount which
may be economically applied will, in some
measure, depend upon the amount of vege-
| table matter in the soil.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19

EDITOR PREss.-Your correspondent
found himself last week roaming the hills,
and viewing the scenery in and about
Shawnee, Five years ago when l stood
where the Shawnee School house now
stands, little did think that the shaggy
hills and rough gullys would be dotted ov-
er with fine dwelling and business houses
stored with the rich luxuries of the land.
But such is the fact. The great business
interest will be centered in the Furnace in
terest. The change brought about since
the establishment of the furnace, IN busi-
ness is very apparent. Every thing appears
to be commotion. Where you will see the
miner hurrying to as from his work as If
though time would not wait for slow
step. Here you will see the furnace men
going TO or from his labor as if life was at
stake. Business men are painting, paper
ing and whitening up eyry conceivable
nook and course for business purposes. AT
nights crowds of men will gather in the
bar rooms, saloons, and other business
places and string their pleasant jokes
some of which are quite laughable, your
correspondent missed his old chum
"Frenchy" as he was nicked named
Frenchy kept five or six hounds, and con-
seouently followed hunting to some extent.
He had a shanty built where himself and
dogs lived in perfect harmony. 1t was to
this shanty we use to go to hear "Frenchy"
spin some of the biggest yarns he was dis
posed to play some rough tricks on the
boys. One is worthy of preservation.
"Frenchy" told the boys if they would
bring some whiskey down to his Shanty he
would have them the best rabbit soup they
ever eat. The bait took with two young
bloods, they brought a bottle of whiskey
took it to the shanty where they found
Frenchy with his pot on the fire cooking as
they supposed the promised rabbit soup,
Frenchy took the bottle, with evident de-
light, swallowed every drop of its contents
without any ceremony. In short time
"Frenchy" lay down as if sleeping, the
boys thought that was their chance to have
a good joke, by eating all the rabbit and
soup from Frenchy. Down in the pot the
boys delved eating peice after piece until
they had devoured its entire contents soup
and all. Then pileing up the bones they
proceeded to wakening French" who had
only been feigning sleep all the time,
"Frenchy" says "boys you think yous got
one d-m nice choke on me-you not
choke me on dat rabbit much--dat rabbit
was an ole black cat-eat many rats. The
boys was checkmated. But to the worst o
all Frenchy pulled out the fresh pelt from
under box showing the boys black cal
pelt, declaring "dat pelt make good gloves.
TIL boys hired Frenchy BY giving him al
, the Jeer he could drink not to tell the joke
, after he had drank the beer he mewed
like cat calling out boys hear cats
Billy Harner is crowded with good board
I ers at $3.50 per week. Billy is an accom-
t modating Landlord and knows how tc
J make his guests at home. He has renovated
! the Union House by whitening and paper
+. ing entirely new. The strange man Jacl
: of Trades, doing the work. More anon.
r TRAVELLER.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19

A lady on Washington street, who is an
enthusiastic republican, named her canary
but she loved him tenderly until last Sat-
urday she discovered that Jim Blaine had
laid an egg. Now she declares that no de-
pendence can be placed on politician.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1877-04-19
Feb. 8, 1877
s Parlor Organs

The best and most lasting parlor organ now i'll
use. No other ,parlor organ has ever attained the
same popularity.
1t has been tested by thousands, many of them
competent judges, and gives universal satisfaction
to all.
The music is adapted to the human voice, ranging
form the softest fiute-like note to q volume OF
sound unsurpassed by any instrument
The instrument has all the latest improvents
and every organ fully warranted for six years
Beautiful oil polish, black walnut panneled cases
which Will not crack or warp, and forms, in add
ton to splendid instrument of music beautiful
piece of furniture.
This organ needs only to be to be appreciated
and is sold at extremely low figures for cash Sec
ond-hand instruments taken in exchange.
Agents wanted, male OF female, in every county
in the United States and Canada. A liberal dis
count made to teachers, ministers, churches
schools lodges, etc, where we have no agents. IL
lustrated catalogue aud price list free Core
spondence solicited Agents discount given wher,
l have no agents. Best offer ever given now ready
Address,
DANIEL F. BEATTY,
Washington, New Jersey, U. s. A.