davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-02-13

A note from Or. Oliver Wendell
Holmes on "the tweuty-seveuth letter OF
the alphabet" is published by The Indian
apOis Ncirs. The correspondent who send,
1t To The Nt,cS says: II begged ii for The
.Netcs. II is evident that Dr HOLMES was
Impressed with the character Ot the iair in
qUirer's letter, and answered it believing
Lavinia (Which is the second name of Miss
-. a worthy member OF the Society OF
Friends, 10 be a lady, but his Z. ;, seems
10 Indicate that he half believed himself
sold as 70 the sex. | will first give you
note OF explanation sent u by Layinia.
T.C.t.
The iuclosed letter OF DR.. Holmes was
called forth by the following circumstance
cousin Edward" and were reading with
much Interest the story of Elsie Eenner."
a. it came out in The Atlantic Monthly.
One day he asked me, What does Dir.
Holmes mean by the twenty-seventh letter
OF the aphabetI" and when | answered he
was not satisfied, and insisted | should
write and ask the illnstrous author for an
explanation. 10 my inquiry the poet kind
ly sent me this witty reply. My willing
ness to crafty thy expressed wish prevails,
and place it at thy disposal. With great
respect, 'LAvISIA.
BosToN, MARCH T. 1861.
My DEAR Miss LAyINIA: The twenty
seventh letter OF the alphabet is pronou.-
ced by applying the lips OF the person
speaking 1t 10 the cheek of friend, aud
puckering and parting the same with pc
cuIiar explosive sound. Cousin Edward"
will show you how to speak this labal con-
sonant, no doubt. and allow you TO show
your proficiency by practising it with your
lips against his cheek. For further inform
alton YOU had better consult yonr gran
ma. Very truly yours, o. w. HOLMES.
7. S.-Are sou any relation TO 1.-The
Young Lavinia' who '.once had friends.
mentioned by Thomson in his "Seasons?,
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-02-13
EXTRANAGANCES.

In mention of some extravagances, 1
said nothing OF ribbon at $50 the ward.
Yet such an article is shown BY leading
house, Furthermore, | have been shown
a pair OF garte:s marked 500, and am told
that pair has been made TO order and sold
for sl50O Whence such costliness? it
may be asked. Solely in the gold wrought
or jeweled clasp, for the remainder is but
plain elastic, albeit of the finest quality,
But as any one may see, if jewels are once
brought in, there is really no limit to the
possible cost. Should ary Of my readers
deserve further information on topics mem
toned here, or any other subject indeed,
Will be happy to reply to letters of inquiry
Address can be furnished by your editor.
Lucy CARTER.
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-02-13

-George G. Vest, the native Kentuckisn
whom Missouri has sent to the next United
States Senate, enjoys the distinction of
having been cowhided by woman. 1t
was when he was a member of the Confed-
crate Congress, and the lash was laid on
by the wife of Henry A. Pollard, in revenge
for an offensive remark
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-02-13

The Emperor of Germany is now won-
derfully well and vigorous, though still
carrying his arm in a sling. He gives au-
diences and rides out daily. He has held =
commission in the Prussian Army seventy
two years.
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-02-13

In Atlanta, Ga, man named Sam
Hill, suspecting that Jno. Il, Simmons had
caused the desertion Of his vile, fatally
shot him Friday evening.
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-02-13
Pauper Notice,

THE undersigned hereby gives notice that he
has contracted with the City Of Ellsworth for
the support OF the Poor during the ensuing yeas
and has made ample provision TOR their SUPPORT
he therefore forbids all persons from furnishins
supplies to any pauper on his sccosnt, as. with
out his written order. he shall pay no bills 50
urpished.
,,, NC. REYNOLDS
Ellsworth, A pril 20, 1878. lst5
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-02-13
40 FLOWERS.

One may walk long distance on Broad
way or tllh Avenue, or may survey an
entire assemblage at theatre or concert,
and see not flower upon bonnet or hat,
yet one large rose, or a bunch Of roses or
vioets at the throat give, an exceedingly
womanlike finish not only to an indoor
toilette. but to the masculine ulsters lust
mentioned. The adoption OF tullc strings,
brought under the chin aud tied in the most
becoming Ot bows is another way in which
We show that inclination for delicacy of
finish, which grows spontaneously in the
female heart. There is a rage for them
and they are attached to bonnets of all
kjnds-even dark colored fets or velvets.
Nclls of whit" tulle are also quite fashion.
able, and sometimes the two ideas are
united by bringing the veil over the face.
crossing it at the back aud tying the ends
in a bow under the chin Breton lace OF
fine quality is also used on bonnets. giving
a softened finish to the severity of winter
costume
Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1879-02-13
PROVERBS

NV OSs
sour stomach bad breath. ind iges ton
and headache easily cured by Hop Bitters.
study Hop Bitiers books, use the nediei
be wise. healthy and happy
when lie is drug, and you have los
all hope, try Hop Bitters."
kidney and urinary trouble is universal ;.
and the only safe and sure remedy ia Hon
Bitters-reiy on
Hop Bi,ters does not exhaust and destroy ;,
but restores and makes new.n
"Ague, Biliousness. drow siness, jsuns ice, ,
Hop Bitters removes easily,
''Boils. Pimples. Freckles, Rough skin,
eruptions, impure blsod. Hop Bitters cure.
Inactive Kidneys and Urinary Orsans
cause the worst Of diseases, and Hop Bitters
cures them all.r
More health, sunshine and joy in Hop
Bitters than in all other remedies.n
hop Cough Cure and Pain Relief Is the best.
For SALE BY ALL DRUGGIST. lyr2l
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
The Heavenly Jerusalem.

We use heaven to denote state in which
place and other circumstances may be com
pretended, but o, how much more All
goodness and all blessedness. All wrong
and suffering shut out forever. Let memory
andimagination do their worst in multiplying
images of evil, and in calling up before the
mind the forms and occasions of distress !;
then add that all these will be wanting. Give
indulgence to your boldest flights and Wild
est dreams of happiness, apart from sin, then
add that all, and infinitely more than all you
can imagine, will be yours and yours for ever,
without the fear or possibility of change, or
loss, or diminution. Every pure wish graft.
fled, all lofty aspirations more than realized
and what is past or present, still as nothing
in comparison with what is yet to come. All
attempts to heighten such an object only
lower it, and leave our apprehensions of it
less defined and satisfactory than at first
But if this ineffable condition, this negation
OF all evil, this perpetual fruition of the high
est good awaits you, stands prepared for you,
then surely it may well be said to you, come,
o come, for all things are now ready. Ex-
piation, pardon, renovation, the grace of the
Father, the merit of the Son, the influence
of the Spirit, the church on earth, and the
church in heaven, safety in life, peace in
death, and glory through eternity, a good
hope here, and an ineifable reality hereafter,
all things, all things are now ready. Ad-
Olson AlerQnder
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
HumOr In the Family.

Good humor is rightly reckoned most
valuable aid to happy home life An equally
good and useful faculty Is sense of humor
or the capacity to have little fun along
with the humdrum cares and work of life
We all know how it brightens up things
generally to have a lively, witty companion
who sees the ridiculous points of things and
who can turn an annoyance into an occasion
tor laughter. 1t is a great deal better Ia
laugh over some domestic mishaps than 10
cry or scold over them. Many homes and
lives are dull because they are allowed TO
become too deeply impressed with sense
of the cares aud responsibilities of life to
recognize its bright, aud especially its mirth.
ful side. Into such a household, good but
dull, the advent of witty, humorous friend
is like sunshine ON cloudy day. While it
is always oppressive to hear persons con-
stantly striving to say witty or funny things,
it is comfortable to see what brightner a
little fun is-to make an effort to have some
at home. 1t is well to turn off an impatient
question sometimes, and to regard it from a
humorous point of view instead of becoming
irritated about it. "Wife, what is the reason
| can never find clean shirt =" exclaimed
good but rather impatient husband, after
rummaging all through the wrong drawers.
His wife looked at him steadily for a mo-
ment, half inclined to be provoked, then
with comical look, she said: al never
could. guess conundrums; give it up
Then he laughed, and they both laughed, and
she went and got his shirt, and he felt
ashamed of himself aud kissed her, and then
she felt happy; so, what might have been
an occasion for hard words and unkind feel
ings, became just the contrary, all through
the little vein Of humor that cropped out TO
the surface. Some children have peculiar
faculty for giving humorous turn to things
when they are reproved. 1t does just as well
oftentimes to laugh things off as to scold
them off. Laughter is better than tears.
Let us have little more of it at home
Manufacturer and Builder.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
MONTPELIER, VT, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER TO- 1870

live with a body of death and, when at last
he goes, find themselves sickened, and see
their children, reaping the heritage that a
vicious father has left them, sickening and
gong, one after the other, until life itself Is
one unrolled sackcloth, and at last die, un-
friended and unknown. How may there are
that are in the ditch, and that have never
come upon the dry soil, being yet slaves of
the rice swamp How many men in life
have seen their highest aspirations dashed
ike crystal vase that can never be put to-
gether again And out of all this is there
no refuge? Is there no opportunity TO be-
gin Is there no hope of ever seeing per-
fectness of love ? Is there no place where
we shall ever see the symmetry of so noble
a machine as the human soul 7 Is there no
realm where men can walk by twos or fives
or scores together ? Is there no neighbor-
hood, no society, no nation anywhere where
we shall ever see that which is hinted at here
come out in full measure and power
by all the hope of manhood, by all the
lodgings and aspirations of an unsatisfied
soul, as well as by the impulses of sanctified
reason itself, | declare that there is life
hereafter. shall not die. Death shall not
have dominion over me. And why should a
man want to believe anything else What
put Denehcence Is the result OF it TO those
who are careworn and burdened2 ? What
but comfort is there in the imagination that
informs men of heavenly home that may
be theirs through all eternity.
In the whole field of revelation is there a
line to be blotted out Is there thought
to be extinguished Is there single color
that is meretricious ? Not one Every
picture, every fiction, points TO those of
most noble and heroic service. They washed
their raiment in blood, therefore they are
white. They wept, and all the tears shall
be wiped from their eyes. They walked in
malarial times for the sake of others, and
they shall know no sickness forever more.
Every conception of power and beauty and
color that fascinates the Imagination Of man
on earth, exalted toward the heavenly
sphere, is made to signify things that do not
yet appear.-Seiected.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
Hoping and Loving.

The French Revolution produced authors
who saw liberty only in religion. 1t was in
the field of the Cross that the Able de
Lamennais manifested his tender sympathy
with human nature, for the working people,
for the poor and suffering wandering like
our Saviour in the by-ways, beholdng the
few worshipers, the little gatherings at the
feet of Christ and under such inspiration,
he wrote the following: at was a win.
ter's night; the wind howled outside, and
the snow whitened the roofs of the houses
Under one of these roofs, in small chamber,
were seated woman with white hair and
young girl, toiling at their sewing. From
time to time the old woman warmed her
shriveled hands at little pan of live Goals
A clay lamp frightened this poor abode,
and ray of its light had just vanished on a
picture of the Virgin hanging on the walls.
Then the young girl raised her eyes and
gazed in silence on her companion, and
said, Mamma, you have not always been in
this want p while in her voice was an mex
pressible sweetness. MY child, God is the
Master, and what he does is well done
Having said these words the mother was
silent moment, and then went on. When
l lost your father, thought it grief with
out any consolation. Although you re-
h"ihcu W uic, ooulu OnIy unlnk Oh MIN /;
since then have thought that had he lived
and seen us in this poverty, his heart would
have been wounded, and knew that God
was good to take him. The young girl did
not reply, but she bent her head to conceal
the tears which fell on her work. The
mother continued, God has been good tow
ard him, and toward us, for our wants are
nothing compared to those who are in need
OF everything it is true we have but little
to live on, aud gain that little by our labor /;
yet that sufiices, and have not all been con-
demned from the beginning to live by labor
God has given us bread each day, and how
many have it not a shelter, and how many
there be who have none. He has given you
to me, my child, and why should | com
plain 2 At these last words tho ye.as
girl, entirely overcome, fell at her mothers
knee, took her hands, kissed them, then
threw herself on her bosom, sobbing. And
the mother with some effort cleared her
voice, saying, Happiness does not consist in
having many things, but in hoping and loving
much. Our hope and love is here and be
yond. After God, you are my world, but
this world vanishes as dream, and that il
why my love rises with you to the Other
world. When bore you in my bosom, ont
day | prayed most fervently, and in my
night sleep an angel appeared to me, anc
with celestial smile presented me with
babe, aud | took the babe, and the ange
crowned her with roses after you wer,
born the vision was ever before my eyes.
Not long after, the angels saw two form
gliding toward heaven, and troop Of angel
surrounded these two, and the air tremblet
with their songs of joy.'-Ihe Watchman
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
The Credit System.

The question is sometimes raised whether
giving credit to the poor, be on the whole q
benefit Or, whether the evils do not ex
coed the advantages, to those who borrow
Like most practices introduced into society
credit may be used for good or for evil, &C
cording TO the extent in which it is used
1t may be abused by excess, like food OIL
pleasure. In some conditions, the honest
the industrious, aud the frugal, may be
greatly benefited by credit. Their means
of wealth are thus increased. And without
such aid they might have plodded and
struggled for years and acquired no estate
Aud yet without prudence and great eau
tion, they may make an improper use OF
their good credit; and obtain loans which
they are unable afterwards to return. The
best plans will sometimes fail; and he who
calculates on making fifty per cent with q
loan OF one or two thousand dollars, max
lose the speculation. Many an honest anc
frugal man has been ruined in his estate by
his facilities for borrowing. In this, as il
all things else, moderation and prudence sre
excellent guides. To man fond OF show,
and without habits of industry and economy,
the credit system is still more dangerous
So long as he can borrow, he will INDUCE in
his expensive living, and in the parale of
which he is so fond. At first he mems to
pay; and that in few months wha his
dues come in. But when they come they
are not enough TO meet the demandsof his
creditors and he must borrow agail. He
cannot think of retrenchments his node of
living has become necessary TO his happi-
ness aud his standing in society, ad he
finds it necessary to live ON credit. lie now
merely hopes to pay for on calculuion he
cannot justly expect to do it. His expenses
are greater than his income and hs only
way to keep on in the style he has lived, is
to obtain more credit and loans. The sys-
tenn to such man and his family isfull of
mischief He must soon fall; aid the
longer 1t is kept off the greater it will be.
There may be circumstances under which
the credit system may be benefci. but
those who venture do well to remember that
the day OF payment will soon arrive and
that should they be led to extravaganza or
idleness by the extension of credit their con-
dition would be far less desirable than that
Of poverty with sobriety and economy
Religious Herald.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
A Bible In a Log Cabin.

1t was dark and stormy night. The
lnissionary's horse was tired, aud he was wet
and weary. For some time he had looked
in vain for a cheering light in the lonely
woods. At length he saw faint glim-
mer through the trees. But when he had
fastened his horse and gone into the
cabin, he thought he had never seeu SO
wretched place--cold and dirty, and al,
most without furniture. In the corner OF
the room was ragged bed, on which lay a
pale little girl. The missionary saw that
the little girls face was pale, and her hands
thin. She was i'll and great sufferer She
smiled with smile that showed peace was
in her heart, while her body was suffering
with disease. From under her pillow peeped
little book. 1t was the New Testament
Some agent from the Bible Society had
dropped 1t in that desolate place. The mis-
sionary asked the little girl "Can you
read 7" "Yes, sir" "Can you understand
II ?" "A great deal Of it, sir. see there
how Jesus came into the world to save sin
ners. He said, Suffer little children Il
come unto me, and forbid them not, for Of
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
DO Your Duty.

Some Of you appear to doubt if you can
decide for yourselves what your vocation in
life is. Do not hurry. "Do the duty that
lies nearest thee; the rest will follow"
Learn to do well the simplest, commonest
things these all fit you for the future. And
do not, above all, fall into that silly, childish
cant of hating duty" and doing things
only for Glove" 1t is the fatal weakness
of these days that love is exalted not merely
above but in place of all other virtues that
self-denial, selfcontrol, courage, endurance,
are all set aside for the sake of love, which
is perverted to mean Incidence and self-in.
diligence. This is not the love of the Bible,
but counterfeit weakness out of which
spring evils innumerable, even in the very
bosom of our homes and churches Duty
is the very breath of God and the outcome
OF love to him, as surely as warmth is born
of fire. Adhere to this, and the path of life
will unfold before you and the voice OF the
Lord say to your souls "This is the way
walk We in it."-Suaday A fernoon.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
A Friend to Meet Us.

| sat down in the cars the other day near
a lady with two small children. She had
several small satchels and bundles, besides
the restless little ones TO take care of. She
looked weary aud anxious and | pitied her.
thought, perhaps, she is going into the
great city stranger, and is troubled about
the selection of hotel, and the disposition
OF her baggage. i was questioning with
myself whether / ought to speak to her.
just then, however the baggage agent came
round. He went TO her as if he was certain
that she should need his services. He said,
"Shall | take your checks and attend to
your baggage 2" She looked at him with
a bright flush on her face and replied, No,
thank you, my husband will meet us at the
depot" She was not anxious, then, about
her entrance into the great city, and where
she should go. She was only weary with
her long journey, and anxious to meet her
husband who was waiting for her-the
husband whom she could trust fully-the
husband who would provide for her and her
children. When we entered the depot
gentleman was watching the car windows.
As soon as he saw her face, he crowded in
through the passengers who were hurrying
out. He kissed her. He took the children
and the bundles in his arms. He led the
way 10 carriage In waiting. She had no
trouble now. She asked no questions. She
sank down with her little ones in the cush-
ions, restful look upon her face, while he
procured the trunks, gave the driver his di-
rections, and then took his seat beside her,
and they were driven to the home he had
provided. This was but simple-an every
day incident; and yet it reminded me of
the journey which we are all making to
strange city. As we go tired and troubled
on our way, do we know that there is
Friend who waits to welcome us 4? DO we
know that our bridegroom has mansion
ready That he will come and take us
himself ? With this assurance as to the
end, we can bear cheerfuly all the trials of
the way. But to be landed on strange
shore, without anybody to meet us or to care
for-oh this will be sad indeed And this
can be Stunned only by making Christ our
friend.-Seiected.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
Both Frightened.

The following good story is told of
Americas greatest statesman Daniel Web
ster, travelling by the night stage from Bal
,timore to Washington, with no companion
save the driver, contemplated that worthy's
forbidding visage with q very uneasy mind
He had nearly reasoned his suspicious fears
away when they came to the dark woods
between Bladensburg and Washington, when
Webster felt his courage oozing out OF his
finger ends as he thought what fitting
place 1t was for murder. Suddenly the
driver turned towards him, and gruftly de
manded his name. 1t was given. Then he
wanted to know where he was going "To
Washington am SENATOR" said Daniel
expecting his worst thoughts were near real
ization. The driver grasped him by the
hand, saying How glad | am, mister, To
hear that. I've been properly scared for the
last hour; for when looked at you, felt
sure you were highwayman."
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1879-09-10
The Nome GirrA.


My sister. know you remember,
When the others were babies small,
How we sat by the FIRE and wondered.
When they were old and tall,
II they would be fair and gifted,
Gentle and easy to rule,
Apt scholars In all the lessons
Set forth in life's long school.
How we babe the slow years hasten,
so weary II seemed to wait
Uptll their feet should enter
Youths beautiful open gate.
And we dreamed, our own cheeks fushk,
How loves blissful, sweet surprise,
Would deepen the star-like cleaning
OF our Daisy's lustrous eyes.
And Sunshine, our wide-browcd baby,
with her speech 80 quaint and wise;
She should be singer and poet,
Uplifting mems heavy eyes
To the heights serene and shining,
Where in truths unfading light
The great ones from all the ages
Are shrined in unchanglng white.
And our boy, so brave, 30 knightly,
with hie proud heroic air.
His hand we knew would be foremost
To do for the right, and dare.
His voice rang ont like trumpet,
Over many a hard fought field,
Calling his comrades to follow,
But never to turn or yield.
All, years have been quick in passing,
The children have wandered wide
From the hearth where, proudly dreaming.
We gathered them to our side.
And many hope has failed them.
And many n ship gone down,
They tell us Of losses and battles,
Not yet Of peace, or renown.
But unto our lonely fireslde,
Love sent gift In their place;
And once more our eyes are gladdened
By the sight Of baby face.
We hold II close In our bosom,
And instead Of dreams. we pray;
" Dear Lord, In thy infinite mercy.
Keep this one child Away" -Seie'