davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Sharp County record., 1878-12-12
Facts for the Curious.

The greyhound runs by the eyesight
only, and this we observe as fact. The
carrier-pigeon flies his two hundred and
fifty miles homeward by eyesight-
namely, from point to point of objects
which he has Marked but this is only
our conjecture. The fierce dragon fly,
with twelve thousand lenses in his eyes,
darts from angle to angle with the ra-
pidity of flashing sword, and as rapid
ly darts back, not turning in the air, but
with clash, reversing the action of his
wings, and instantaneously calculating
the distance of the objects, or he would
dash himself to pieces. But in what
conformation of the eye does this con-
sist? No one can answer.
A cloud of ten thousand gnats dance
up and down in the sun, the minutest
interval between them, yet no one
knocks another headlong upon the grass
or breaks leg or wing, long and deli
cate as they are. Suddenly amid your
admiration of this matchless dance, a
peculiarly high-shouldered, vicious gnat,
with long, pendant nose, darts out the
rising and falling cloud, and settling on
your cheek, inserts poisonous sting.
What possesses the little wretch to do
thisP Did he smell your blood in the
May danceP No one knows.
A carriage comes suddenly upon q
flock of geese on narrow road, and
drives straight through the middle of
them. A goose was never yet fairly run
over, nor duck. They are under the
very wheels and hoofs, and yet somehow
they contrive to flap and waddle safely
off. Habitually stupid, heavy and inao-
lent, they are nevertheless equal to the
emergency.
Why does the lonely woodpecker,
when he descends his tree and goes to
drink, stop several times on his way,
listen and look around before he takes
his draught? No one knows. How is
it that the species of ant, which is taken
in battle by other ants to be made
slaves, should be black, or negro ants?
No one knows.
The power of Judging of actual dam
ger, and the free and easy boldness
which result from it, are by no means
uncommon. Many birds seem to have
most correct notion of guns range,
and while scrupulously careful to keep
beyond it, confne their care to this
caution, though the most obvious re-
source would be to fly right away out
of sight and hearing, which they do not
choose to do. And they sometimes ap-
pear to make even an ostentatious use
of their power, fairly putting their wits
and cleverness in antagonism to that of
man for the benefit of their fellows.
We lately read an account, by natur-
alist in Brazil, of an expedition he made
to one of the islands of the Amazon to
shoot spoonbilIs, ibises and other of the
magnificent grallatorial birds which
were most abundant there. His design
was completely baffled, however, by a
wretched little sand-piper that preceded
him, continually uttering his tell-tale
cry, which at once aroused all the birds
within hearing. Throughout the day
did this individual bird continued his
self-imposed duty of sentinel to others,
effectually preventing the approach of
the fowler to the game, and yet manag-
ing to keep out of the range of his gun.
ga WOman's Mistako 8, 10 q rau
Sharp County record., 1878-12-12
No Cause 70 !

Yesterday afternoon =" n
had been caught Cus s1 d
rain and well drenc1ggu;'h 1,g;shisi
in a doorway on WV miSIG K
wiping his eyes ana ,1is iO's sgs
a second lad about lid ll,or.s. y
feeling a good deal SSlS ~ ,og
"W-what ails you' ,oots
ond, as he halted anu y
over. -. and !
II got all wes' WEI,
I'll +" Is that alp" indigg1SssttiI & sstiI
the first; {" then y0u,ias ,isst to +
you h'aint got no r,4gyinlr
"B-but you are w. - mvb'
"I-I know it, but y! pps!dty
Office yesterday ana Ile.|n b
I cries I have suIalpb Ian pbD
suthin' that affects tns =
Detroit Free Press.
Sharp County record., 1878-12-12
Home Amusempl

Rev. W. H. H. Murnr
writes to his Golden Rule. NJ
games and the relation vSIr'
tain to the home.c circle, ren b
a great many games OfsEl =
are being played in NewEn. =
to-day which were not NJ
young folks-or, if known, u
den by parents-lO years d
for instance, within the eLaI
become, we might almOst n y
and it speaks well for peopty
an intellectual exercise csl
much in vogue. For it tsSs J.
play chess even moderst
none but clever and thOugtl,
would ever like it. We
that cards are no longer sb
once were in HOUSEHOLDS. &
euchre are domiciled, tod
where, a decade ago, their :
not have been spoken as Z
whisper. Checkers are
more universal, but they md
ionable. They have tOusH
into high life; and where's
found their friends in The Vi
and in the farmers kitChs D
now admitted into the pltI,
wealthy and refined. Thegi|
with historical cards are sls
and many of them pleasant
And you find them in a &
household. Now all ibis i il1
ful. ! IL reveals to thv,Air{3
that home life is more yI'E
happy than it used to be- II,
dull evenings are being sai 4
sprightly and stimulating =
and that the home-circt 2
with attractions it 4
ly lacked. These ~
helping to make the homes Q
try happier, helping. to Hlls I
dren more contented with J;
and in doing this they ar 4
make the country more llls'
more virtuous, By wise
games are looked upon q
They help solve the prob
amusements and recrestNl
as all parents know, is oneO
problems they have to SOW
make your homes as haPPI
sibly can for your chldlsl
mates. Fill them with lnh &
and the cheerfulneSS OF 4
life. Play these games WI B 3
dren yourselves, and tlp ?
joys with them; and feea j
ness on the spectacle Of ths h
many homes are like the ~ \
that stands without slEll:"
and outline they suggetS' ls y
melody rises from the tDl'
and thus it happens ina, y 3
tractive, dreary and dui,
that this introduction o. pJr
which try both the VII NJ, NJ
the children, and OF tng O.a, .,-
for that matter-may US~
ion of the times, until e's! W
land shall be perfectly :. w. !,
these accessories OF prOII. I.s
For the children's Sake' tM t'
ton 90 on until every SaDa sa =
in his fathers house. W. ii !;
costly, such appliance. !. L
his entertainment that ns y, Z
Joy under his fathers W. 4
fathers presence. ,,,,
Home, home, sweet, SWEEP sesgs ii / !,
Be it ever so humble, 'n0' J J
home. hi
Sharp County record., 1878-12-12

-"A Woman's Mistake" I" is a new
French novel. We haven't read it, out
are willing to stake weeks salary that
her mistake wasn't in getting her boots
a size too large for her.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

LIQUOR License APPLICATIONS FOR New CASTLE Co..
Lists Of Those GrGtcd and R.fsed at the Late Court
The court at New Castle granted the following appli
cations for license TO sell liquor in Wilmington:
Hugh Mcguire 2. Plunkett 4 Co. ThoS. ID. Gibson,
Margaret Burke John w. Reynolds. Catharine Ford
John Fehrenbach Il. James Belt Joseph StOecle, VIM.
AlSentzer. Samuel Finley, August Ten Weges James
NJ DOwncy, Andrew Wilhelm, Philip G. Plunkett,
John Z. Graham, Bernard Bonner, JOS. II. Richards
George W. Ortlip, Smith & Paynter, Thomas Bruner
John Hartman, Joseph Fullmer.
The following licenses were granted outside Of
Wilmington:
New Castle-Davd Boldcn, George whitfield John
Keegan, Sarah Shearer, Martin Leonard, Hugh Nc
Govern
Christana-William B. Currnder.
Christana Hundred-Charles B. Dougherty.
Newark-William +. Griffith.
Mt. Peasant-SylveSter Clement.
Delaware City-Wiam Morris Michael Mulligan,
Bernard Zeller. Thomas ID. Bradway.
St GeOrges-Benjamn d. LOngland.
Observation-Disclosures Maxwell
Odessa-JOhn d. Paulin Catharine Newman.
Taeyville-Oliver H. Parry.
The following are the applications refused:
Wilmington-Hugh Lynch, John Dordan, Edward
McInall. George f. Kleinstuber, Patrick McCullen,
Erberhard Freve, Martin Mendler, Henry Bradley.
Michael Newell.
BrandyWine Hundred-Daniel McStay.
Stanton-James c. Person.
kirkwoOk-M lillian IS rUrd.
MiddletOwn-H. II. AdkisSOn.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18
Is Another Monarch Threatened2 2

Now that the Internationals are using
their bombs and stilettos against the crown.
ed heads Of Europe, it becomes the occu-
pants of all thrones to look to their seats.
King Cotton, who was for while threaten
ed by our civil war; has at length resumed
his supremacy, and bids fair to enjoy as
long and autocratic a reign as he likes.
But how is it with King Coal, who, if not
like his predecessor of the nursery rhyme,
a merry old soul, has been the cause Of
merriment in others. Fancy what ~ lugu-
brious world it would be without him ::
every furnace dark; every steam engine
motioDless; every gas.lamp extinguished; !;
and only the pine-knot or the sapling to
keep up the cheerful domestic blaze. In
fact, on the black shoulders of King Coal
nearly all the accumulated material COM
forts of the nineteenth century are borne
Yet the irreverent and ungrateful inven-
tors of the age are hard at work prying into
this weakness and striving to break his
back. They say that old King Coal is too
bulky and weighty; that in some three
hundred years he will be so exhausted
that he will no longer be able to bear his
burdens, and that some less unwieldly and
longer-lived ruler must be sebup. Already
several rivals thrust themselves into the
field. An insidious, oily cousin-german
named petroleum has lately come forward
with his clams those Elusive and mys-
terious powers, electricity and magnetism,
are pressing for the succession while even
that seemingly guileless fellow, water-who
was ever a leveller-demands share Of the
estate.
Miss Hosmer's magnetic motor, Sails.
hury's petroleum furnace, Edison's electric
! light, and Canadian inventors water gas
| (ior heating and cooking, not for illumina
| tion), are the inventions which say they are
| going to put an end to King Goals merri
ment and possibly to his usefulness. Like
rebellious princes, these inventions lay
| claim to all the great provinces hitherto
reigned over by King Coal in undisturbeC
| serenity. The steam engine, the blast fur
mace, the gas retort and the domestic stow,
have thus far acknowledged allegianc,
almost solely to King Coal. Now the mag
netic motor seizes on the work of the steam
engine; but should it fail to possess tn,
strength expected, the petroleum furnace
processes its ability to make all the steam
necessary. The latter promises also to pre-
vide the fuel for the iron and glass bias
furnaces far more economically and to d
the work more rapidly than coal. Tn
electric light will Danish illuminating ga.
and the Canadian inventors water gas wi
heat our buildings and cook our meals.
may be too soon to fix date for the ruler
downfall; but he must look to his title
deeds, and not be taken unawares. If h
stirs himself the pretenders will find MOI
stubborn enemy to contend with than the
now seem to suppose. He has fast hol
of his place, many obedient and willin
subjects, and fortresses of immense strength
N. Y. Post.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

INDEPENDENT PEoPLE-We have learned, in q slight,
religious TO hate the Independent man. and
want to kill him. We believe that he will. and in
many instances does proceed in direct opposition to
his principles for the sake of dsagreeng with you in
order to show forth his independence He gets of
the wrong side of the bed in the morning and puts on
his great rough boots, and tramples over everybody
he meets until bed time because he is SO indepen-
dent. He tramps on your corns, and in answer to
your piteous hOws says. We'll keep your foot out of
the way, them lie treads your wfe's train, and
when the thunder cloud gathers her brow and the
dress skirt pulls of at the waist he says Don't wear
such things where am then" He then insults the
minister the first day he breaches by telling him
there was sound than sense in his sermon, and
bidding him get rid of his college notions and learn
something practical And. having crushed the tnlid.
sensitive young graduate into perfect chaos OF
gloom and encouragement the independent man
strides off with his head in the air shouting that he
cant help il, that's his way and people must take
him they find him." 1t is pity that people can
not find him i'll the river sometime, where they could
have their option to either take him or leave him.
We have met this independent man, all of for he
is very numerous and we have never tallen IN love
with him. nor have we ever learned to believe very
much in the sincerity of his motives For we cannot
understand how it is that all the rest of the COM
munity should be constantly in the wrong, and the
solitary independent man OF the village be invariably
| in the right We once knew an independent man
who for two years served the people of his ward
member of the council And in those two years this
independent alderman voted on thirytwO ordinances.
besides untold resolutions and motions And he
| voted no on every ordinance except one. And on
that one he voted aye and all the rest of the council
| men voted no. We are not quite certain. on this
point but think he voted no on pet measure
of his own, because the other members voted for it,
And it was quite generally believed, when he thought
he was going to receive majority at the polls that
he voted against himself to preserve his fearless in
| dependence.
| We do not decry independence of character and
| thought. We admire them when they are coupled
l with some other virtues and little reason. But
when independence of character constitutes man
Danbury philosopher aptly expresses 1t, to make
hrstrate anger.'-BurtingtOn Hd0kege
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

How He COT THE PAss-There are those who are
consttutionally opposed to granting favors to their
fellow beings-an Uncomfortable class, who deserve
consideration from any one. Then there are those
who continually thrusting their favOrs upon
OtherSa class almost uncomfortable to get along
with especially the recipient of their attentions is
invariably left undera sense Of obligation But there
is class of favors which may be accepted without
any such feeling since they cost the giver nothing.
either in time money, yet are invaluable to the
cipient poor fellow who had been badly injured
in railroad accident out West drew the line ad-
mirably. He was a brakeman, and had been hurt in
the discharge of his duty His home in the East.
and the road which he had served passed him to the
terminus of its line. The next day the same and
also the next: but at last he to superintendent
who hestated. The poor fellow pleaded his case.
He was railroad man. He had been hurt at his
post lie had been passed by all the other roads.
An very we'll" said the superintendent; but I
can't see my way clear to give you pass. If you
were working for farmer. and were to get hurt in
his employ, would you expect another farmer 10 get
out his team and take you to the next town." No.
sir, said the brakeman not that exactly but il he
was hitched up and going my way should think he
was mighty mean if he wouldn't give me ride. "
| He got the pass.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

Philadelphia clergyman the Rev Mr. Macleod con-
tends that there is neither health sense nor religion
in full mourning He tells his congregation that bit
of black ribbon, worn in some way, will tell the
story of bereavement just as well as a complete
mourning suit. bit of Grape on the belpull gives
the hint to those who pass by and il is not considered
necessary to the whole front with black drapery
Why then will not a bit of ribbon on cloak or coat
answer the purpose and weight of useless expense
and a costume that is always gloomy and in warm
weather. very uncomfortable. be taken from the
shoulders of bereaved mOurners Christians, he is
convinced ought not to take gloomy view of death.
There are glorious hopes linked with the and
the hopes Of those who gone before should be
symbOlized rather than the sorrows of those who
left behind. He would have cheerful garments worn
by mouTners in token of the triumph of the gorifed
ones. and bit of ribbon Grape simple memorial
of their own sense of bereavement. The rest of the
full mourning he would send to the heathen, who in
their sorrow at the grave have no hope.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18
SMYRNA, DEL, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, DE-

was able to make beautiful fancy work of
different kinds, and could actually dis
tinguish not only colors but shades of
colors.
Tie San of Monday contains report of
a conversation on the case with DR.. VIM.
A. Hammond, in which the latter insisted
that it must be case of deception and
simulated hysteria like that of Sarah Jacob,
the Welsh Fasting Girl" DR.. Hammond
said he had never seen Miss Fancher, but
had heard of SO many similar cases that he
did not hesitate to say this was all hum
bug."-N. Y. Post, Dec. IL.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18
MY VOCATION.
FROM THE FRENCH OF BERANGER.

FkOM THE FRENCH OF BERANGER.
Wasted and sickly and mean,
On this ball of an earth l was flung,
Too little. in fact, to be seen,
was Stitled at once by the throng;
And there went up wall
From my lips so pale:
The good God said to me, sing,
Sing, poor little thing!
Splashed by the rich mans wheel,
As whirling it passed me by,
was taught to know and to feel
How insOlence rides on high;
1t cut like knife
Into spirit and life;
The good God said to me, sing,
Sing, poor little thing.
l could not, any more than my betters,
Live either on grief or Joy,
So put myself into the letters
OF a small but certain employ;
birds heart l had,
But ate like lad:
The good God said to me, sing.
Sing, poor little thing.
Love came to tighten my woe,
Like a sunbeam in cloudy weather
But love and youth you know,
Must take their flight together.
am old, l am old,
And my heart is cold:
The good God says to me, sing,
Sing, poor little thing.
To sing, or do myself wrong,
Is the task that is set me here:
IwOuld like, as pay for my song,
The love of the hearts | cheer,
When friends unite,
And the wine is bright:
The good God says to me, Sing,
Sing, poor little thing
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

MARCH OF AMERIoA.-This striking Incl
dent is related of Henry Clay. Before the
days of railroads, when Mr.. Clay was return
ing from Washington to Kentucky, as the
mail approached the summit of the Ale
ghanies, he got out and walked to the top.
After STOPPING down and taking a drink
from favorite spring, he arose, and stood
with his hand to his ear, as if listening.
When the passengers reached him, one
asked, "What are you listening at Mr..
Clay?" cat the march of America" said
the Great Commoner, starting from the
Atlantic-mounting the Alleghanies-de-
scending into the Mississippi Valley-going
over the Rocky Mountains-and passing on
to the Pacific slope" Those who live to.
day see the realization of the prediction.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

Rev. DR.. R. p. Stebbins Unitarian does not believe
or disbelieve with Herbert Spencer in an "unknow-
able" God He recently said: We never shall be
satisfied philosopher or fool to pray: o thou great
Unknowablc; thou great Cnconsciousness We ask
thee nothing for there is nobody TO ask. We ask
gift for there is nobody to give anything. Amen"
Such prayer would be very much after the order
of the skeptCa skipper who about to be wrecked
and cried out: 20 God, if there be God, save my
soul, if have soul"
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18
WHOLE NO. 1928.
A CARTE DE VISITE.

Asweet smile us of old
Doth repOse
On your face like sunbeam-gold
On the SHOWS:
You are warmer than the South,
And you have little mouth
Like a rose.
Enchanting Eloise
You are fair:
You're captiOus little tease
/ declare.
Yet my bosom thrills with hope
When | kiss the heliOtrope
In your hair
Do you recolect that day
Long ago
When We fingered in the gay
Afterglow;
When the cuckoo's tender note
Ger the hOneyed meads would float
Soft and low!
When the pale forget-me-not
Charmed the leas,
And DER your happy cot,
ElOise
SCARED the iriS-streaked dove
And the blue skies seemed in love
With the trees.
Then chirped the oriole
In the lime;
And I'm free to say my soul
Turned to rhyme.
And in my eyes your glance
/ shall finish this romance
When I've time.
r. r. Munkitrick in W1ee1iug Leader.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

The proposed amendment to the consti-
tuition of Missouri, making the payment of
poll-tax of not less than 81 necessary
qualification of voters, and providing that
the proceeds should be devoted to educa.
tional purposes, was defeated at the late
election. 1t is not certain that it received
majority vote in q single county.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

The Lewiston CMe) Journal says "At Music Hall
ticket Office, Thursday evening, gentleman pre-
sented a Bland silver dollar with ten cent piece
rveted to it, as pay for his tickets 'heres honest
money for yOu!
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

country exchange asks: rs it better to kill a
hog in the light or dark of moOn?" That depends q
good deal on the ownership of the hog; if it belongs
TO your neighbor the dark of the moon is decidedly
the best time to aSSaSsinatc it.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

We recently had talk about the efficacy or onions.
and here is more of it, They prescribed for cold
in the chest and rheumatism Just make onion favor
fashionable and everybody will use it.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

Come now, let all of us who are thinking Of buying
wives diamond rings and gold watches for Christ
mas pause moment and reflect that barrel of flour
will make a whole family happy.-Frse Press
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

Senator Lamar is a sensible statesman. His main
attention. present is given not to politics. but to
the devising of eectua legislation for protecting his
people from another incursion of Yellow Jack.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

MEMS MlsTAKEs-FrOude says: THE Providence
which watches over the affairs OF men works out of
their mistakes. at times. healthier issue than could
have been accomplished by their wisest forethought"
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

The vote in Virginia last month was almost one
hundred thousand less than it was in 1876 which is
largely owing to the enforcement Of the dollar poll
tax q prerequisite of casting ballot.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

BuckwheOt passes for currency in some places out
West And it is good currency, too; made into nice
cakes with necessary trimmings it will pass current
not only i'll the West, but everywhere.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18
'Tis joy that lighteth on the wags
The canine continuity,
But when grimalkin's tinis flaps.
1t means a superhuity
OF wrath, and you can't kick too soon.
-FOrlkerS Gazette.

The usual adjournment of Congress over the holi-
days is a kind dispensation enabling the people to
enjoy the pleasures of that festive season without
being disturbed by apprehensons as to what our
national Legislators might do.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18
She stood at an open window,

Leaning far over the sill,
And if something hadn't happened,
She might have stood there still;
But she reached for a banging shutter,
In binding northeast breeze
SO the family and friends are invited,
To join in the obseQuies.
IN, y. News.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

Whats the difference" asked teacher in arith-
metic, between one yard and two yards?' A
fence" said Tommy Beales. Then Tommy sat on the
ruler fourteen times.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

The Rev. Gilbert Williams, pastor Of colored
church at Elko s. c. has been forced by his cOngre-
cation resign his pastorate because he voted the
Democratic ticket.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

bill was recently introduced in the Vermont
Legislature prohibiting gambling of all kinds-even
the grabbag at the church fairs.
Smyrna times., 1878-12-18

The ELECTORAL CoUNT.-Mr Edmunds
delivered in the Senate, on Monday, the
9th inst, what the New York Herald called
"cogent speech" on his bill providing
for the counting of the votes for President
and Vice-President, and the decision of
questions arising thereon. The provisions
of the bill as explained by him, are that it
changes the time for the election from the
first Tuesday in November to the first
Tuesday in October; that it provides that
the electors shall meet on the second Mon
day in January instead of the first Wednes-
day in Misunderstanding longer time to
the State to dispose of any dispute as to who
had been chosen; that it provides that the
vote shall be counted on the second Mon.
nay in February, and, in case of two or
more sets, that the one should be counted
which both Houses of Congress should de
clare to be the true one.