davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
Chemistry.

Chemistry is the science of the world
and of the future-Whatever may be
said in praise of civil engineering to the
contrary. The bridge which takes the
engineer years upon years to construct,
the chemist can in so many sixtieths of
a second reduce to atoms.
Chemistry has given us the balloon it
has put in our hands gunpowder, nitro
glyeerine, dynamite, and, above all, full
inmate of gold, an explosive so terrible
that if an ounce of it be left in stop
pered bottle its grains falling among
themselves by their ownweight will Gre
ate aconvulsion sufficient to lay all Lon
don in ruins. 1t has given us poisons so
subtle that, were we to employ such
means of warfare, we could sail in bal
loon over the campiof the enemy and
drop shell, the bursting of which would
kill every human being within mile of
its range.
Then, too, chemistry has given US dis
infectants. To the chemists we owe car
bolic acid, chloride of lime, and permag-
nate of potash. Chemists have taught
US to disinfect our sewers and drains, to
ventilate our houses, to burn gas instead
of oil, and to light our streets with what
is more powerful than gas itself-the
electric light. It is to chemistry, indeed,
that we owe almost all the comforts Of
everyday life.
But, on the other hand, the possibili-
ties of chemistry are almost too terrible
to be contemplated. As the science at
present stands, any student can, if he
have access to well stored laboratory,
carry away in a pill box matter sufficient
to lay a city in ruins, or to poison the
whole community Of its inhabitants.
The chemist. can convert water into ice
in the center of red hot crucible. He
can construct shell the size of cricket
ball which will explode the moment it
touches water, and overWhelm in flames
hostile feet. Indeed, the chemist re-
duces the world to its original and pri-
NAL elements. For him, even more than
the engineer, nothing is impossible. And
yet his power, vast as it is, is limited.
He can more easily destroy than con-
struct. He can take life, but he cannot
give it. He can level the city with the
plain, but he cannot build it again. He
can Ecreate prussic acid, but he is igno-
rant of its antidote. He is like the fish
orman who rashly opened the vessel
sealed with the ring of Suleiman Ben
Daoud. The forces at his control are
beyond his command the powers he
can evoke he cannot lay. 1t is the old
story of Cornelius and grippa-thOse
who trife with natures secrets do so at
their peril.
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
ANSWERS to Correspondents.

The Burlington HaWkeye set apart a
column in which to impart general in
formation on domestic subjects to Its
readers, in imitation of the Cookery
departments of some of its contempora-
ries. 1t was called the "Mushery," and
the applications for information have
been very numerous.
One young lady asks, chow can make
q rag carpet out of two pairs Of old pan
falcons, one linen vest, and an old night
gown, so 1t VIII cover room IA by l6
feet? And how can make rag carpet
so that it cannot be detected from body
Brussels"
An Illinois man has a jack-knife and
a large meat hound which he wants to
exchange for property in Nebraska.
A lady says her baby has a sore mouth,
and the editor tells her to take equal
parts of burnt alum, burnt borax, nut.
meg, loaf sugur, burnt leather oil Of
cloves, powdered chalk, ginger, burnt
flannel, goose grease, wine vinegar, and
a pinch of snuff, and rub it on with a
stiff tooth brush.
A young man says : 'I tenderly love a
beautiful girl who lives in the house
with a new porch, just painted. Can
you tell me what will take fresh paint
out of the foundation of new pair Of
broadcloth pants.
An honest young clerk wants to knew
"what will take ink stains out of postage
stampsP
Another asks: "Who is the author Of
Milton's Paradise Lost? ?"
And finally, young lady asks; chow
do you dye a pair of black kids white
when you want to wear them to a we'd
ding two days after you have worn them
to a funeral"
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
Hotel neadheafs.

eyes" said the afable clerk at the
Palace the other day, as he lifted his
stomach up on the office counter and Sc
Iected another tooth-piel, t.they are up
to all sort of dodges, these hotel beats,
and we fellows have to keep a very
sharp look out for 'em bet your life"
"Do-ehP P.
'Nov. for instance, about four months
ago a nice old gentleman came in with
a rather fast-looking young man, who
had lust arrived from New York, he
said. and who engaged a handsome suite
on the fifth floor. The old man took me
aside, and said he was forced to run over
to Hong Kong himself on the next
steamer, but that he would leave his son
with us. The latter, he confdentially
explained, was Just then sowing consid-
erable wild oats by the way-side. In
fact said the gentleman with much
feeling, he is so disspated l dare not
leave any money with him, and espec-
iaIly desire that none be furnished him
bv your cashier not one single cent,
remember. For fear, however, he gets
into any real trouble during my absence
will depositin your hands this package
of gold notes. Use it freely if impers-
lively necessary, but do NOT let him sup
pose YOU have any such deposit, as Ihe
would be all the more. reckless and dis
sipated. If anything should happen we
were to write to the old party care,
Rothschild's Hong Kong Agency"
"Well-what then % .s.
"WeH, the young fellow raised merry
old Ned round this edifice for about three
months. He beat Smith and l out of
500 at pedro; ordered an the wine in
the house; gave queer little supper par
ties in his room; got drunk, and tried to
hold the elevator mans head overheard
so that the next landing would cut it off;
was chased around the corridors bvsome
married man with a pistol nearly every
night of his life, and in fact was a regu-
lar snorter IN every way"
SHOULD think So"
"Of course he never paid any board
we didn't expect that, having his Gov
ernor's bundle of securities locked up
all right in the safe But one day he
did something SO blamed outrageous
that we couldn't stand it-had chicken
fight in the ladies' parlor, or something,
so we wrote him a warning note"
"What did he say P'
Nothing but Eta-ta', and left the hotel
that very day; vamosed-disappeared.
AS we didn't get any remittance from
Hong Kong we opened the package last
week, and what do you. suppose was in
itP"
'Dunno-counterfeit money!
: ''Not such luck. Something can. be
done with real good. Ahem-Why,
there was nothing in that bundle but
couple of old newspapers. Thin K of it.
Ugh2 1t makes me sick to think of it
even now," and the genial hotel official
lifted his stomach down again, aud went
sadly in to his fifth meal.
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
How to Detect Scarlet Fever.

It is important to detect the disease
when it first shows itself, for the reason
that it may run rapidly to a fatal issue
and because early precautions need tC
be taken against its spread, inasmuch as
the patient may communicate it from
the very first.
Scarlatina is characterized by very
numerous red points on the skin about
the size of a pin-head-thOugh larger in
some places, but seldom as large as a
lentil.
These spots are closely aggregated,
leaving the adjacent skin wholly free.
About as much of the surface is free as
is covered by the spots. Where the
skin is free, it has a natural pale color.
There are generally fewer spots on the
face than on the rest of the body. It is
the reverse with measles, for which it
is most apt to be mistaken. Around the
mouth and on the chin there are 40
spots; hence these have a very peculiar
pale look, in striking contrast with the
scarlet spots.
Moreover, the spots are not as much
elevated as they are in measles; indeed,
they may be entirely fiat. They are
also less indented.
Their nearly circular shape, their be-
ing crowded together, with, free spaces
between the aggregates, their tOlerably
uniform space from each other, and
their nearly equal size, help to distin-
guish them from other eruDtions; but
the paleness of. the mouth alone is often,
sufficient to decide the matter at once.
Besides these indications, almost ar
ways the back of the mouth and of the
tongue are infamed, and the glands Of
The neck are swollen.
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17

bic daughter; but your disguise was
not perfect" And pointed to the mu-
tilated finger.
"What do you mean I" he shouted in
desperate tone.
Simply that your uncle's signature to
that will is forgeryp answered, rising
and confronting him. ''He died on the
23d of December. Your own telegram to
that effect is in existence. It was the
day before Christmas that you called on
me to prepare the document now on
record as his will. The inference is
plain; you undertook to manufacture
this spurious testament after your
uncle's death, and wishing to clOthe
your villainy in legal form, you procured
from me the required draft. You, or
some one at your instigatiOn, simulated
the signature of the deceased. The
witnesses, who have since peFiured them
selves in their depositions, were procured
in some manner best known to your
Enough, sir" he calculated, placing
his back against the door, ''you have
shown yourself to be in possession of
secrets the custody Of which prove dam
gerous."
lam not unprepared for your threats" !"
l replied. "1n the first place, did not
come here unarmed; in the next I have
prepared full written statement of the
facts to which have. alluded, with in
formation, besides, of my present visit to
yourself. This paper will be delivered
to the friend to whom it is directed, un-
less, within an hour, I reclaim it from
the messenger, who has been instructed
to retain it for that length of time"
His face grew livid. His frame quiv-
cred with mingled fear and rage, and his
eye cleaned like that of a wild beast at
bay.
"What is your purpose?" said he in
voice hoarse with suppressed passion.
"To keep your secret while you live"
answered, con one condition"
"Name it."
'That you write instantly to Julia Par
sons, renouncing all pretentions to hel
hand, and absolutely Withdrawing your
proposal of marriage"
After a moments pause he penned
brief note, which he submitted to my
inspection; it was quite satisfactory.
''Be so good as to seal and address If, !"
I said.
He did so.
Il Will see that it IS delivered" L said,
taking it up and bowling myself out.
When I met George Dickson next
evening, his old college look had come
back. He had great news to tell me.
The next thing was to take me 20 see
Julia; and it is needless to say what
happy evening we spent together and
what a happy marriage followed not
long after.
Etheridge Parsons, Ihave Just learned,
emigrated for Australia, on board of the
London, and went down in that ill-fated
ship.
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
Popular Science.

-Lamp-wick dipped in hot vinegar
before using, is said to prevent any Of
fensive smell from lamps.
TortOise-shell and horn combs are
prevented from cracking by being Occa-
siOnally rubbed with oil.
Imitation honey is made Of parafine
comb filled with glucose.
Horn or tOrtoise-shel may be welded
by pressing the parts together between
a hot iron, interpOsing wet linen cloth
between the iron and the object.
Mexicans subdue fractious horses by
having hood so arranged as to be pulled
down over the eyes of the horse as soon
as he manifests uneasiness. Several ap-
plicatiOns subdue the horses perma-
nently.
If a sponge, after having been used a
week, is then put away to thoroughly
dry, and another used for an equal time,
the soft, aabby and Worn-out sponge re-
covers its texture. Sponges treated IN
this way outlast three ordinary sponges,
Recent discoveries of rich deposits of
phOsphateof lime, in Canada, has caused
land near the area of deposit to go up in
price. Lumbering has been abandoned
in some instances to cultivate the new
industry, England and the continent
are large purchasers.
Mineralogists and metal-workeTs may
turn to useful account the fact that Ms.
Mesinier has made mixtures of iron and
nickel chlorides, reduced by, hydrogen
at a red heat, yield Well-defned alloys,
sometimes admirably crystalline, and
closely analogous to the meteoritic alloys
of iron and nickel
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
How Espartero Won Penoe for SDaIn.

1 have perused many an obituary no
tice on Marshal Espartero, says a CORES
pondent of London Truth, but have no
where seen the real story of the great
achievement of his life, the paeifcation
of Bergara. The Carlist army had suf-
fered great losses, but could still have
held the field for some time on the
other hand, the liberal army, after seven
years campaigning, felt truly sick Of the
business. Don Carlos mad gone TO France
for holiday; on each side the leaders
had a general desire of following his eX-
ample. It was under these circumstan-
ces7that Espartero had a conference with
MarotO, the Carlist general, for the pur-
pose of negotiating a truce. They were
old chums, of the South American wars,
but since that time they had exchanged
only cannon balls in addition to more
than one fierce proclamation. When
they met in a lonely farm at night, in
the greatest secrecy, it was feared that
quarrel, or even perhaps personal en-
counter, might arise from the occasion.
Both entered lower room, in which
table had been placed with candles, pa
per, pens and ink, and then they were
left alone. For more than five hours
Iuey were ClOSotou. " Aab were buey
doing all this time? Simply this: On
seeing Espartero, whom he knew well
for the greatest gambler that ever lived,
Maroto had taken out of his pocket a
pack of cards and challenged his foe at
tresillO. EsparterO had always been for
tunate. He won first all the cash Of his
opponent then he won his own terms
for the truce; then, article afier article,
he won the entire submission of the
Carlist army. Maroto paid his debt like
a gentleman, within twenty-four hours.
and so ended the first Carlist war.
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17

afraid-of-h horses" which is a bad
translation, for 4 should be 'Little-m man
Whose-enemies-are-afraid-of -his-horses. .
this chief having alone tracked and
killed one after the other eight Indians
who stole as many horses from him
Then the Major exhibited his weapons
The "skull-smasher" Is stone bound to
the end of a handle with a thong of
green hide and like Sairy Camps UNI
brella. is a dreadful instrument. The
Dattle-axes and tomahawks are of poI
lshed, Well-ground steel, and are mostly
made in Massachusetts" and are pro-
cured from traders. So are the scalping-
knives. the bows and arrows are OF
native manufacture, as well as the cases
sheathes and quivers, and beautifully
mace and Ornamented they are. Differ
ent tribes MAKE and wear differently
shaped moccasins, by which the trails
an be distinguished. Some of the toma-
hawks had hollow handles and heads.
70 that in war marches they could be
nsed as pipes. The Indian expert, said
the Major, takes five orsix arrows in the
eft hand and fires one after the other
almost as rapidly as man can dis
charge a revolver"
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
Whole Number 1854.
A Plea for PIaipDesS

The old maxim about reading much
but not many things IN order TO become
wise, might be applied also to eating,
since in physical IS well as IN mental
food the best results are from simplicity
and not from variety. The best guaran-
ty of health is an appetite which makes
d good square meal Of simply-cooked
and nourishing food without craving for
a multiplicity of rich and rare cakes and
sWeetmeats, pies and relishes. Pinching
economy reduces the dishes on many a
table, and so becomes an angel of health
in disguise; but in prosperous families
the bill of fare generally shows an extra
ordinary growth and needs more pruning
than it ever gets. If the family are
agreed in their tastes, there need be but
few dishes upon the table at any meal,
though there should be a judieious ex-
change, or rotation of dishes from meal
to meal. The advantages of plain living
are nemerous. The best authorities
agree that it is the most healthful. It
greatly reduces the work in the kitchen
and enables the housewife to devote
part of her time to something better. 1t
reduces the cost Of living, and this in
these times is an item worth considering
Plain living, too, serves as a corrective,
or, rather, a preventive, in the young, of
the unnatural cravings which in after
life seek qualification in dangerous stim-
ulants. Mothers would surely shudder
if they could only see what those appe-
tites they so sedulously cultivate in their
children with rich and spicy dainties
must some day lead to where dainties
are no longer at hand or have lost their
relish. Habits of plain living formed in
youth are sometimes abandoned in after
life, but it is certain such habits never
fit comfortably unless they are formed
in youth. Enforced in middle life as
necessity, they are of little avail in re-
storing health or fortune, and are sub
mittedto as heavy burdens to be dropped
at the earliest opportunity.
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
"NOt a Penny MOre.''

How many people there are in this
great city, says a New York paper, who
weep genuine tears over the tragedies of
the stage-over the unhappy fate of the
1.-TWO Orphans" and similar productions
of the playwright's brain. Or, in ro-
nance has not the incident of Victor
Hugo's Fantine selling her golden hair
and pearly teeth to buy bread for her
little Cosette aroused feelings of the
deepest emotion? If fiction can so
move the heart, how much more should
fact An incident as pitiful as anything
in romance was witnessed day or two
since by a reporter. While watching
the eager thrOng of happy people out
shopping, he noticed an incongruous fig
ure among them. 1t was that of wo-
man, tall, slight and clothed in dress
of shabby black. Her eyes wore q sad
expression, and the lines about her
mouth were tightly drawn. Whata con-
trast was this pale face with the rosy
cheeks and bright eyes on every side
The reporter regarded her with interest.
She stopped suddenly in front of large
store for the sale of human hair. Hesi-
tating a moment and giving cautious
glance up and down the crowded street,
she entered. With downcast eyes she
walked up to a counter, behind which
stood a well fed female clerk. 1t was
roll of hair about a yard long, thick and
fine. In color it was nutbroWn, with
tinge of gold-iust the shade of the wo-
mans which clung in short ringlets
around her face, and Just the shade that
poets love to write about.
'How much will you give me for that 2"
said the tremulous voice of the woman.
The shopkeeper looked at it critically,
and then coldly answered, "a dollar and
half"
The, woman gazed blankIy at her for
moment. "Is that all ?' and the pent up
tears chased each other down her care
worn cheeks.
"a dollar and half, and not penny
more, repeated the woman from behind
the counter.
'The barber that cut it off told me I
eould get ten dollars for it." said the
poor woman, choking back her tears.
''Then you had better sell it to him
we will give you but dollar and halt"
A young lady customer who had over
heard this conversation with mingled
feelings of Indignation and emotion
turned to the sales-Woman-''HoW can
you offer this poor woman such sum,
when you know that you can get twenty
dollars, at least, for that hair?" said she.
"0f course we can; that is the way we
do business. The woman has heard my
price"
'Then you shall never get a cent of
my money" replied the young lady, hur-
rying from the shop.
"Only a dollar and a half Oh, my
God! is it possible" and the wretched
woman sank down upon a chair and
buried her face in her thin hands, while
the reporter wondered what was back Of
all this, what terrible want had induced
this poor creature to part with her beau
tiful hair; and even more he wondered
at the hard heart of the ;shepkeeper.
The slight form of the woman shook
with suppressed sobs; the long ringlets
lay upon the counter.
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17
Health Hints.

Sings and Bitss.-CarbO1ate Of soda
wet and applied externally to the bite Of
a spider, or any venomous creature, VIII
neutralize the poisonous effect almost
instantly. 1t acts like a charm IN, the
case of snake-bite.
To make candied lemon or pepper
mint for colds, boil one and One-hah
pounds of sugar in half pint of water
till 1t begins to candy round the sides;
put IN eight drops of essence; pour it
upon buttered paper, and cut it with
knife.
The Morning Air-Sedentary and weak
chested folks should breath long and
deep in the cold bracing air of these
mornings. A few cubic feet of. .eoldsair,
taken with a relish, will be worth any.
amount of opiates and astringents for
quickening and healing the vital organs.
For toothache, take equal parts Of cam
phor, sulphuric ether, ammonia, lauda-
mum tincture of cayenne, and one
eighth part Of oil of cloves. Mix well
together. Saturate with the liquid
small piece Of cotton, and apply to the
cavity of the decayed tooth, and the
pain will cease Immediately.
Boils should be brought to head by
warm poultices of camomile flowers, or
boiled white lily root, or onion root by
fermentation with hot water, or by
stimulating plasters. When ripe they
should be destroyed by needle or
lancet. But this should not be attempted
until they are fnlly proved.
An exchange recommends the follow
ing as a Group preventive. First get a
e 81 -,,n1-a - fSn-a n
little bib, cut the neck and sew on tapes
to tie it on; then melt together some
talloW and pine tar; rub some of this in
all the time. Renew with the tar
occasionally.
To AHay CralUling Of the Flesh or Nsr-
Uousness-Put aStablespOonful Of bi-ear-
Donate Of soda-ordinary cooking soda
in one quart of water. Battle the en-
tire person. Certain relief.
Hasomnia.-To procure sleep, take
bromide Of potassium. Furnished by
chemists.
For Cholera Lpfdntum-The whites Of
two eggs, well beaten; then mix with
pure water, add one tablespoonful Of
orange-hour water and little sugar;
tablespoonful every hour. 1t will cure
the worst case of cholera infantum; the
egg coating the bowels.
For EGr-Ache.-Roast a raisin and bind
on as hot as can be borne.
To Remove Flesh Worms from the FACE
Take large-sized watch key, place the
stem directly over the black spot, and
press firmly on it.
To Cure C0rrs.-Apply, morning and
evening, one drop Of solution Of per
chloride of iron.
To Remove OIL Spots from Hating, CO1gs--
terpanes, etc-Wet with alcohol, rub with
hard soap, then wash with cold water.
Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1879-10-17

Dennis Hanks and Abe Lincoln were
friends in the rail splitting business.
Abe climbed to the top of the ladder,
while Dennis stayed on the ground and
saw him go up. Then they lost sight of
each other for some time, but they did
not forget that they were friends. And
so in 1854, during the riot at Charleston,
Illinois, Mr.. Hanks was selected to 60 to
Washington on business. While ON his
way there he was robbed of his money
at Crestline, Ohio, but having his through
ticket, which the pickpockets did not
get, he was enabled to get through. He
went up to the White House and in
formed the usher that he wished to see
Mr.. Lincoln; but he was informed that
he could not see him, as that was not the
day for the President to receive visitors.
Eyes, but must see him." said Hanks
The usher then asked him for his card.
81 have no card. Tell him Dennis Hanks
wants TO see him. Show me the door 10
his room," said Mr.. Hanks, as he walked
past the usher. This was done, and as
Dennis walked into the room he ex-
claimed, ,."How are you, Abe~ The
President left his desk, and, walking to-
ward him, exclaimed: "Why, Dennis,
what in the world brought you hered
and he threw his arms around the old
man and embraced him. He soon made
known shis errand, secured what he
wanted, and started for home the next
day.