davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21
4 Hill Full Of Reptiles.

Mr.. j. Il. Beeson. the well-known Cen
tral Branch contractor, gave the Patriot
pleasant call this morning, and from him
We learn the particulars of the most re-
markable snake story We have heard. In
the extension of the Central Branch road
from Beloit to Cawker City tie line passes
through the town of Glen Elder. A short
distance from Glen Elder, on the Solomon
river, is steep and rocky bluff. about fifty
i've feet high, largo portion of which had
to be blasted away to make room for the
road bed. A few days ago, while the exca'
Walton was in progress blast OF nitro-gly
cerlne caps and giant powder tore of an
unusually large part Of the bluff, and down
the declivity there came writing and
rolling a. bunch of snakes, which Mr.. Bee
son assures us was almost az large as q
barrel. They were Of different varietie {.
rattlesEakes predominating. with racers,
adders. garters. etc. When first disturbed
dangerous, but coming out into the severe
cold they were soon comparatively HARM
less, and were killed by the men without
much trouble, or covered up in the dump
by earth and stone. But this is very
small portion Of the story. Every day and
every blast. since the first batch ap-
peared, has brought another huge
bundle of reptiles. Every hodr moving,
writhing lump comes rolling down the
hills, only to separate at the foot, and
what escape tho laborer's pick and shovel,
crawl off to get covered up in the dump.
Thousands OF them have been unearthed
and killed, and every blast brings thou
sands more, far rivaling in number the IA
nous snake den OF Concordia. Not sln-
gle case of snake bite has yet occurred.
Notwithstanding it is many times almost
impossible to avoid stepping on them
Mr.. Beescn says there are no unusual
monsters among them, the great maturity
being az large round as mans wrist and
about three and half feet long. He also
says that farmers for five miles around tell
him that this is the regular winter den of
these venomous creatures, and that dur
ing the fall the snakes In that country,
which are discovered, and headed in the
direction of the bluffs. and the only way
they can be turned from their course is to
kill them. It is said to be one OF the most
remarkable sights ever looked upon, and
hundreds from the surrounding country
visit the quarries to see the snakes
dickinson (Kau.) Patriot, Jan. %.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21
Letter from Hreenville.

THE "cHILDREN's FRIEND''-DEBAT1NG
sOCIETY-sTRIPts FOR PETIT LARGE
NY-THE Y. NJ. c. A., &C.
Correspondence Of the Staunton vIsD1cAToR)
GreenriIle, Va., Feb, 17th.-Mr. W. R.
Hunter, the celebrated, "Children's
Friend" and lecturer paid our little town
a visit week or 50 ago and spent about
two weeks lecturiDg and giving stere pti-
con views to the great edifcation and de-
light of the grown people as well as the
children. MIR. H., we'll merits the hearty
cooperation of all we'll thinking people, for
the cause he labors for is most noble
one. He left here intending to return
home but since, understand he has gone
to Charl. ttesville. May he meet with
abundant success.
Our village has "waked up' so to speak
to see the great benefit to be derived Fl ON
debating societies. and in view of this
fact has organized two literary societies,
one of which is composed mainly of men
of experience and who have been members
of such societies before. 1t is known as the
"Greenvillr Debating Society,"" Mr.. JAS
N. Mitchell. president, VIM. j. Larew,
ESQ.,, vice president and Samuel A. d.
Mckee, secretary and treasurer. and meets
every Thursday evening, and on next
Thursday will discuss the question Re
solved: That compulsory education
should be adopted in connection with our
public school system.
The other society meets every Tuesday
evening and is called the Midnight star
and is composed of young men and boys
who are taking their first steps in this
line. Mr.. r: NJ. Apple is president and
P. Dohr, vice president.
Justice J. N. Mitchell has awarded three
boys stripes in the last ten days as a pun
lshment for petit larceny.
Mr.. b. F. Love the gentle manly agent for
G.. A. Crookfr's patent washing machine
is making his headquarters at this place.
He is selling territorial rights. Any per-
sons wanting to act as agents would, 1 have
no doubt find it to their interest, to try
this business.
Last Sunday being the second Sunday Of
! the month, the doors of the Y. NJ. G. A
| rooms we're thrown open to the public and
| especially the ladies a great number Of
| whom were present. The meeting was led
| by Mr.. s. Heller, who read and commented
on the 18th chapter of st Mark, followed
| by Gen. r. D. Lilly and A. e. Christian
in very appropriate remarks. The meet
ing was quite pleasant and interesting
one.
DELTA.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

Two YEARS ON HORsEEACK.-Mr
Henry Tudor started from New York
Wednesday night with the av,"ed inten
ton of riding on horseback all the way
from that city to Punta Arenas, the most
southerly point of Patagonia South Amer
lea. He takes with him an a tendant, "A
Young man who will no doubt help him to
pass the time pleasantly as possible, he be-
ing an accomplished song and dance ge-
aius. +. Tudor is impressed with the
idea that by going through the several re-
publcs of Central and South A'uerica, and
ascprtaning what articles of American
manufacture can be introduced with profit
a large trade may be established. He is
going to visit every town of importance
along the route. MIR. Tudor will pass
through Philadelphia, from that city to
Washington via Baltimore. to Richmond:
thence to M,b,... TO Brownsville, San Luis
Potosi, City OF Mexico. Here they will
deliberate as to the next move, and will be
guided altogether by the state of the roads.
Anyhow, an effort will be made to reach
Guatemala by travelling along the Pacific
coast as near as p ssible. It ia expected
the journey to Punta Arenas will occupy
two wears.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

A. Vaughn, one of the Democratic judges
of election at Petersburg, was convicted
before Judge Hughes last week, of having
tickets up his sleeve which he tried to
drop into the pile of legitimate ballots
The Judge in sentencing him to twelve
months Imprisonment said his offence was
"a scandulous abuse of the confidence Of
the Commonwealth and he might have
added that the election law under which
he was convicted was an usurpation OF the
right of Comm onwealth to punish those
of her citiz=ns who had proved nnfaithful
to her.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

THIRTY-Two OFFsPRINGs.-Oneo of the
most remarkable men IN Monroe county,
Kentucky, is Mr.. John Jacob Goodman
Mr.. Goodman was born in North Caro-.
lima in 1888, and is now in his ninety
seventh year. In 1904 he moved to Mon
roe county. then part of Barren, and has
lived in the same place ever since, period
of seventy-fve years. For upward of
forty years he Was distiller, and at the
age of sixty-6ve he could lift a 40-gallon
BARREL of whiskey and take his teddy out
of the bunghole. He is now living with
his second wife, his first having died many
years ago. Fifteen children we're the
fruit of his first matrimonial experiment,
and II of his last, making grand total of
80, q of whom lived to be married. He
has always been a moderate dram -drinker,
for 81 years a member Of the Baptist
church and AZ years a clerk of that body.
Besides this, he is lifelong Democrat,
and never failed to vote in elections OH
but one occasion IN his. life. Lie says that
his object in leaving Carolina WAS to raise
d large family of children. and 1t he has
never ceased regretting this step, as he
could have done as well i, that line in
Carolina as he has succeeded here. The
father of Mr.. Goodman died at the age of
81, and would, perhaps, ha5e lived longer.
but he broke his leg. which listened his
eath.-Glasqoao (Ky.,) Times.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

The death of Mr.. E. J. Sullivan, the
postmaster at Harrisonburg, has been
noticed. His funeral, which took place Oh
Wednesday of last week, was largely at
tended. Rev. Father McKevery, OF
Stanton, and the choir of st. Francis
church assisted at the solemn requiem
mass, said for the repose of his soul. Mr..
Sullivan was a native of county Kerry.
Ireland, and was ifty-four years of age,
He came to Virginia in 1850 and to Har-
risonburg in 1856. He was appointed post,
master by President johnson in 1865, and
has since retained that position. His son,
it is stated, has been appointed to the post
mastership.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21
Curious Legislative Implements.

A look into the pamphlet which contains
an account of disbursements for the
House of Representatives for the year
is very curious. The two hundred and
ninety-three members seem to have been
well furnished with pocket-books and pur-
ses-eight hundred and thirty-slx, nearly
three apiece. The supply OF knives was
oven more liberal-one thousand and forty
four, between three and four fer each
member. This is saying nothing of pairs
of scissors, which were plentiful. Some
Representatives have a peculiar taste in
knives. Four scissors-knives are men,
toned. one shell handle costing $3.50 and
one pearl handle costing $3.50. Several
dozens of champagne knives are charged.
One member, R. @. Mills, ordered whole
''set of cutlery" whatever that may in
clude. The following is an extract from
the clerks report under the head of sta
tionery:
One razor and equipments for T.. F.
Watson. of Pa. 5 90
One diary. IL. B. Wright, of Pa. 70
One Silica slate for W. J. Bacon, of
One opera-gl.ss for W. S. stenser, -
nf Pa. IL 90
One photograph album for A. W.
Cutter, so
Ten reams of ''shoe paper'' for R.
w. Townsend. 2 so
One opera-glass for G. E. Hooker,
of Miss. 10 90
Ono ''baby opera for W. J. Bacon,
n. Y. so
One ''songs for the Sanctuary" for
same. 8 90
Ivory pocketbook for F. H. Man
ming, Miss. 30
Family Bible for ]. J. Yeats, N. G. 20 90
Hymn book for same. on
Opera-glass for FL. D. Money, Miss. IA 20
Magic pencil for H. B. Wright. Pa. so
Pair OF dumb-bells for J. r. ChaI-
mers. l SO
Floral album for c. B. Roberts. Md. IS
Razor strap for ii. A. Herbert. l no
Nail brush for A. A. Clark, of N. J. Oh
Pack of cards for John Goode of Va. on
Stereoscope for II. D. Money of Miss so
Opera-glass for G. E. Hooker, Of
Miss. 20 90
Set of cutlery for R. q. Mills. of
Texas. IA 90
"Bards of the Bible" for n P. Banks l Is
s'Bible for Learners for same. 2 90
Three diaries for S S. Cox, of N. Y. 4 90
Now isn't this nice. Who wouldn't be
q congressman and dolve into the delights
of Stationery" baby Operas" "Dumb
Bells" "Hymn Books" Razor Straps"
bibles" and "Cards2"
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

The House began the. discussion OF the
creditors proposition yesterday and the
Senate began it Wednesday. In the House
the fight promises to be lively, but with
victory for the settlement. In the Senate
it is thought there Will be, numerically,
small opposition. The House has adopted
the uiua yoce voting feature i'll the con-
stitutional amendments, and yesterday
Gen. Echois was making earnest opposi-
ton to the substitution of magistrates
court for the county court. Tie House
has adopted resolution dis claiming any
liability on the part Of the State for " est
Virginias third of the debt.
The Richmond & Allegheny r. X. biz
is receiving various amendments. not IN
imical in character. in the Senate.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

The NOISE OF THE F1NGER.-In the
current number of the Medical Record, -
DR.. Hammond says when you poke the
end of your ginger in your ear the roaring
noise you near is the sound of the circu-
lation in your finger. Which is a fact
which anyone can demonstrate for him
self by first putting his fingers in his ears,
and then stopping them up with some
other substance. Try it, and think what
a wonder Of machine your body is, that
even the points of your fingers are such
busy workshops that they roar like small
Niagara The roaring is probably more
than tho voica 81 the circulation of the
blood. It is the voice of all the vital pro-
cesses together-the tearing down and
building up processes that are always 60
ing forward in every living body, from con-
ception to death.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21
Lent in its true Spirit-Ash Wednesday.

From the South rn Churchn1an
The 26th day of this month is the be-
ginning of Lent; time that our church
calls upon us to humble ourselves before
God on account of our sins, aid with more
intense devotion; to fast, to pray oftener
and with more zeal; in word, to take
time to be religious. This is the lesson Of
Lent. 1t comes year by year, and says to
Zach OF ms you do not spend enough time
upon your knees; you do not pray with
enough fervor; you do not read your Bible
enough; you do not worship in the sanc-
tuary enough, or with the heart you ought
20. Oh! Lent is a plain talker; and it tells
the truth. We are not humble enough, or
holy enough, or gentle enough, or loving
enough; not only, not enough so. but not
as much as we might have be- n if we had
tried more. Then in the good Providence of
God we have reached another season in
which we may take time to pray. and to
strive more in every way to b. holier and
wiser and better. Will we2 We profess
to be members of the Protestant Episco-
pal Church. We are DESTROYS of doing in
all things according to her requests; then
this is the duty she calls upon US for at
this season-take time for God and duty
Let us spend more time in prayer and
devotion of all kinds both public and pr-
waite; and this Lent will not pass away
without seeing us nearer to Christ than
we have ever been before.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

SCRATCHING DIAMONDS OUT OF A Wo~
MANS EARs.-A most daring highway
robbery was rerpetrated in broad day
light on Fifth Avenue, New York. Fri
day afternoon. Mrs. DeBerry, the wife of
Adolph DeBerry, a wealthy importer, at
43 Warren street, was walking on the
avenue with lady friend, when an ele-
caught both her diamond earrings and en-
deavored to tear them from her ea3s. He
succeeded in tearing one a4t, decorating
her ear, and made good his escape. The
police were communicated with and are
searching for the thief.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

DR.. SoUTHALL IN ENGLAND.--By
special request DR.. James G, Southall pre-
pared scientific paper, which was read
before the Philosophical Society of Great
Britain, January 9Th ultimo, by T. K.
Callard, F. G. S. The subject of the pa
per was "The Lapse of Time Since the
Glacial Epoch. Determined by the Date of
sented IS original with DR.. SouthaIl and
very striking, and it is argued with great
learning and ability. The paper was well
received by the Philosophical Society, and
excited much favorable comment.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

While we think of it, this letter brought
to light by Mr.. Conkling, will be of use to
Mr.. Sherman in his Presidential campaign:
PERSONAL.
"Ireasury Department, Washington, Jan
uary IS. 1o7S,-Dear Sir: inclose letter
from Mr.. Justice Bradley, of the Supreme
court. strongly recommending his son for
a position in the customhouse. The young
gentleman will call on you and explain
more fully. For manifest reasons 1 would
be glad to oblige Mr.. Bradley who takes
this matter greatly to heart, and 1 hopt
you may be able to give his son employ
ment as he is no doubt highly deserving
and would be meritorlous officer. have
promised Mr.. Bradley nothing defnitel.
but leave the matter to you, with the sin
cere hope that you may be able to comply
with his request. Very truly, SC.
JOHN SHERMAN.
GEN. G. A. ARTHUR,
Collector of Customs, New York.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

Rev. e. M. Howard, the Evangelist
was married at the residence of Mr.. j. W.
Lipop, at Charlottesville On the 10th inst,
to Miss Virginia McCamant, of Grayson
county, Rev. G.. L. Petrie performing the
ceremony. The newly married pair left
for Warrington. A series of meetings con-
Quoted by Mr.. Howard have just closed at
Chatham in Pittsylvania county, at
which sixty persons professed religion.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

The Directors of the Narrow Gauge 4
R. met in Harrisonburg on the 18th inst,
and approved and signed the contract
made by President P. B. Borst. with re-
sponsible party to complete that portion of
the road between Georgetown, D. c., and
Falls church in Fairfax county, Va, in
sixty days. Directors Sam'l Shacklett, j .
l.. Sibert, F. B, Borst and J. S. Loose were
present at the meeting.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

Gov. Holiday has appointed the follow
ing members of the board of visitors of the
Blacksburg Mechanical College; General
F1tzhugh Lee of Stafford, Thos. Edmonds,
of Halifax, and Judge John Il. Meredith, OF
Richmond, vice DR.. John W. Lawson,
Hon. B. J. Barbour, of Orange, and Col.
Walter Coles, of Albermarle, whose terms
have eXmred.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

Hon. C. Y. Thomas Republican mem
Der of Congress from the Danville district
one term after reconstruction died last
week at his residence, in Henry county.
He was member OF the Reconstruction
convention and most OF his efforts were
towards modifying much of its absurd
legislation, but he had so few white ma
tises gith HIM that he met with little sue
cess.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

Gen. Butler seems to be losing his grip
and fighting rather wild. He lntimated
the other day in speech in congress that
the day would come when Confederates
would be placed on the army pension roll,
and with his hearty consent. Mr.. Black
burn of KY, at once repudiated the idea
thing and the reputation was warmly ap-
plauded by the Democrats.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

The charges brought against Capt.
Richard E. Frazer, State Printer, by Mr..
Jas. E. Goode, a fSrnaer printer 10 the
Senate, have been examined 1y the joint
Committee on Public Printing ct both
houses of ,ths Virginia legislature, and
pxonounced in their official report to be
grcuha,.ess. The report wsss unanimously
adopted.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

We have received the West Virginii
journal of Education" published 81
Morgantown, and edited bv DR. ]. R.
Thompson, President If the University o.
West Virrinia. Its appearance is at
tractive and it gives promise of taking q
prominent place in its speciality.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

Attorney General Field, of Virginia
in Washington for the purpose OF in'tl''
ting proceedings before the SUI rene Cor
in the case of Judge Rives Of TIE U
Court for the Western ~ trict Nirq''
ia, who recently usnrpe tn j. 'sdirtl'1
of State co TT.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

AN INTERESTING SpIT.=-some tims

AN INTERESTING sVIF.-some time
ago Mrs. Ann Seney, wife Of Judge Geo.
seney, of Tiffin, Ohio, having satisfied her
self Of her husbands infidelity, procured
a i1ivorce and then instituted suit against
Miss Ann r. Walker, whom she charged
f Htai Mas'a and claimed $4,000 damages
n us the Judge and Miss Walker hav-
mo ma,ried in the meantime. but after
some evidence had been heard the point
waa rs;sa.1 that one woman cannot lawful
" sue another Tor seduction, and the court
taking the same view Of the matter, dis
missed tho sult.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21
GALE OF A VALUABLE TRACT OF LANDs

AS substituted Trustee in deed
Of IT, tpg W eSee g a. by Geo A III aa 9nt
day of February, 1861, and also BY III NLiaa lsSaM
virtue of decree OF the Circuit ssas:s4S1ss
Court of Augusta county rendered in the Chancery
cause Of Hangers Creditors vs.. Baylor, Trustee, /.
the undersigned will sell al public auction to the
highest bidder in front of the Court House in Staun
ton, on
Saturday. March 18th, 1879,
list day of Circuit Cour tract of land containing
l09H ACRES. This land is of first rate quality and
is vel tmbered with Pine and Oak, which can be
converted into lumber for building and fencing pur-
poses. This land lies on Middle River about five
miles Northeast of Staunton, within IOj wards of
Hundeys Mill, and adjoining the farms now owned
by George Sherman, Alexander Roudabush Masin-
cupp and Bick'e.
TER us OF SALE-Enough cash in hand to paw
the costs of sale and part OF the costs of partition in
the above cause, and the residue on credit Of one
two and three equal annual installments from day OF
personal security, bearing interest from day Of sale
and the legal title retained as ultimate secnritv
P. A. BAYLOR
feb 2l-tdS aFk Trustee
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

The waters of journalism in Baltimore
are kept in continual stir lately by the
rival papers, but the old "Sun" sails calm
ly along as usual and has "all the news. ="
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

oath, and yesterday were striving to tack
on the repeal of the election laws. We
hope there will be no weak brethren
among them.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21
ROBBERY AND INsANITY.-W.

ROBBERY AND INsANITY.-W. II.
Howard was an express agent in Omaha,
where he lived with his wife. He went
one day to place a few miles out Of the
city, collected $50 for his employers, and
did not return to his homo. His disap-
pearance was a puzzle. He had deposited
in bank, just before going away, large
sum Of money belonging to the express
company, and that was regarded as proof
Of his honesty. His social aud family re-
lations were happy, and he was temperate.
After five months, when his wife had
given up searching for him. and was pre-
pairing to return to her parents in the
East, she received letter from him, dated
in st. Paul. She went to ST. Paul, and
found him there. He was very Ill. 1t ap
pears that he was attacked on his vay
back to Omaha by robbers, who supposed
that be was carrying a great deal of
money. They bound and gagged him.
carried him into the woods, beat him
terribly, and LETT hiIt. He was taken to a
hut by some woodcaoDpe1s, but he was
delirious, and they could not learn who he
was. He slowly recovered strength. bnt
remained insane, and in that condition
wandered away. When he came to his
ssnses he was in st. Paul.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-02-21

By reduction in salary of the
Governor. 100000
Abolition of registry OF births,
deaths and marriages ......... 100000
Abolition of some 500 supervi-
sors ............. ................. 100000
Abolition of extra allowance
to sheriffs .................. 100000
Abolition of the four per cent.
commission on collections
made after LIST of March les
timated at 100000 per an
numl.., ........ ......... ......... $4,000
Abolition of the two per cent.
commission on disbursement
of school funds ESTIMATED at
$630,000 for State and $780,
600 for county and district
purposes see. $685.. ....... ........ 24,eoo, 90
Abolition of county superin-
tendents Of schools (some). $4,000, OF
Reduction IN expenses of gen.
eral administration ......... 25,ooo,o 90
Reduction in allowances made
by county judges to clerks,
COMMONWEALTH Attorney,
&c, (some). ........................ 5O.oO0,0
General saving effected in ad'
ministration of county af-
fairs by magistrates who are
taxpayers .................. 100000
Total. ...............$ 1888 800, 90
Ten cents on the 500 of State
levy which will be raised by
local administration. 1918, go
S647 1856