davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-01-16

Persons afflicted with rheumatism often
suffer for life time, their tortures being al
most without remission. The joints and mus
Giles of such unfortunates are in most cases
shockngly contortcd and drawn out Of shape
To afford tfem even temporary relief, tue
ordi AIRY remedies often prove utterly useless
Hostetter's stomach Bitters, on the other
hand, is ayouched by persons who have used
il, to be genuine source Of relief, 1t keeps
the blood cool by promoting a regular habit
Of the body, and removes from it impurities
which in the opinion Of all rational patholO-
gists, originae this agonlzing complaint and
its kindred malady the govt. Besides this
the Bitters remedy disorders Of the stomach,
lver and nerves, prevent and eradicate inter
militant and fenttant fevers, promote appe-
lite and sleep, and are highly recommended
by physicians as a desirable medicinal stimu-
liant and tonic
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-01-16

nIN PAY.-wth Stencil oatfls. vat eosss
X cts. sells dy 80 Cataloei4e free.
/ ~ ~ Nj. SPENCER 10 WGsh'H 81. ttsssfnf,
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-01-16
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& SDiea. I'd illustrated work ready
~ Az nts wanted salary or commi sion.
"a ~ Great rtdu tiun in pri OF Books aud o
"a ~ gslis Send for catalogue bedding 4 co.
4 ~ Masonic Pub, broadway y y, Beware
O. un. bRiu
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-01-16

Sold eTs, Sal Ut ana ana Tree Ga me- bs s SSs q
attorney, Ia Minne Ia otl 20 o aidress
1Ur' lie rAGGARr. /. Z 81 81. st Paul Nj a
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1879-01-16

al from the strange ship IN the citing,
spread like wildire through the village,
and half an hour before the body was To
leave, the cliff was crowded by the vii
layers. the women with their shawls tied
over their heads, leading their children
10y their hands.
Funerals are always a great attraction
TO our people, but since the Earl at the
castle was buried, none had caused so
much interest as this.
Poor Skipper Darleyl" says my old
woman. don't he feel lonesome just,
when he gets back to his ship withou,
his missus.'
Very" says |, mo doubt; he am
been married more nor two years. Lor
what good sort of female she must nave
been, all The crew seem so fond OF her
look you here, old lady, through the glass
Dye see the figure head OF the vessel
yonderi"
.sYes,N says she, resting the glass on nay
shoulder; "a figure of woman in a green
gown and yaller hair,
That he, no doubt, an exsct likeness
of Mary Ann Darley,' says /; Its yer :
common plan that, and as old Capn blst
as commanded the 'Tlda years ago, used
10 say: Whenev l follow my wlfs
goes right; as l sticks her at the end oil
nv vessel, the 'Tilda alters goes right,
"Lo-r says my wife, again looking
through the glass, How beautiful Mrs
Mary Ann barley must have been! Never
did see suca bust, hair and bearing
They are coming at last; the boats are
being let down "
The church bells tolled sadly through
the keen frosty air, and there was not 4
heart among all those on the cliff that
did not feel the deepest sympathy for the
widowed skipper.
Slowly, and with long measured
stroke came two boats. into the first OF
which we had noticed the coffin being
lowered.
The bier had been taken down to the
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27
Betrothal and wedding Rings.

Mr.. Marchant. in his work, So Be-
trothals and Bridals," says: One very
pretty form Of betrothal ring which
has fallen into disuse was the gemmel,
or gimmel-that is, double or treble
ring. This was made of two or three
hoops SO chased and engraved that.
when fastened together by single rivet,
the whole form one design. The usual
device was hand. When an engage
ment was contracted, the ring was taken
apart; one division was worn by the
fiance, one by the intended husband,
and the third by q mutual friend and
witness of the betrothal. On marriage,
the three minor rings were reunited
into one, and worn by the bride rs a
"keeper" or as wedding ring. Ter
tulian, who died A. d 2l6, tells us that
a golden ring was. in his time, sent to
the intended bride as a pledge. Sheldon
says that betrothal rings were first
given as substitutes for dowry money.
In earlier days, when the art of writing
was not so tamiliarly known as it is at
the present time, the ring had greater
significance as symbol of power. 1t
formed seal by which all orders were
signed and all things of value secured.
Therefore, the delivery of it was sign
that the person to whom it was intrusted
was admitted to the highest friendship
and trust. For this reason it became
used in marriage ceremonies; and, in
some of the earlier marriages. we find
that not only the ring, but also the
keys, were delivered to the bride. Wed
ding rings were not always made of
gold. Iron was at one time generally
used; and the Roman senators, in the
primitive days Of the republic, wore
rings of that metal. Prometheus, whose
ring was of iron, is said to have set this
fashion Among the very poor in Eng
land, rings made of rushes were used in
the marriage ceremony.
Though the ring Of gold has long been
looked upon as necessity in the mar
riage ceremony, it is by no means indis-
pensable, and civil marriages may be
contracted without it. The Puritans
abolished the ring, or rather tried to do
so; they looked upon its use as supersti-
tious and of heather origin. Quakers
generally object TO the ring en- account
of its heather origin; but the ladies Of
that persuasion have shown deter
mined preference for its continuance, on
account of the invidious position in
which n married lady might be placed
for the want oft.
Wedding rings ere placed on the LEFT
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27
Protecting Plants.

There are few plants, and those of the
hardest character, that do not need or
at least feel benefited by slight.protec-
ton ofsome kind. Bearing in mind that
we are not trying to keep out the frost,
but merely to break the force of the
strong, cold, drying winds, the nature of
this protection becomes a matter of
some importance. 1t not unfrequently
happens that the very means adopted to
preserve plants becomes the agent that
induces death, so that the sooner we fully
understand why we protect at all, or
in other words, what are we pro-
tecting against, the more likely will
our work prove useful. Coarse, light
material of any kind is suitable Tor COW
ering the surface of the soil around the
plant such as long manure, coarse
grass, leaves, spent tanbark, etc. For
protecting the tops, the more open the
covering, provided the wind break is eff
fected, the better for the plants. The
best results are frequently secured by
simply placing tall, stiff weeds around
the tops,s tying them loosely together.
After all, nothing is better than
twiggy evergreen boughs, as they
permit free passage of air, and yet pre-
vent the high cold winds from drying
the life out of theiplant beneath. Straw
tied tightly around is the worst possible
material that can be used for the pur
pose. as free circulation is thus pre-
vented. and the young shoots, if net the
whole top, is likely to decay. 1t looks
well, to be sure, but appearance in this
case is of very minor consequence. Many
ofour o-called hardy shrubs are liable
to lose their flower buds during win
ter, notwithstanding the shoots are
rarely injured, and this class should
receive a slight covering; for instance,
the rhododendrons and azaleas which
form such buds in the nrevious autumn.
Plants standing on the south side of
buildings in the full sun require slight
protection from its rays during the win
ter months, as the high temperature of
the day often receives a sudden reverse
at night, and thus the plant, even if US
ually hardy, becomes injured The
work must be done before the ground
freezes.-WeeEly Tribune
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27
Where the Toys Come From.

Toys and playthings are in continual
demand wherever there are children to
be amused, and the supply of them
year. Most of the toys which gladden.
little hearts in English nurseries come
from Germany, and the quaint old town
of Nuremberg is the center of that kind
of industry, which employs a great
many hands. and keeps the grim wolf of
poverty from the door of many an in
dustrious household. Thence come the
wooden boxes containing villages, gar
dens, sheepfolds and Noali's arks; the
grocer's, bakers and butchers shops,
which form such delightful Christmas
and birthday presents; the cube puzzles,
with pictures on each face of the blocks
of wood which fit so neatly into their
boxes; the jointed dolls, now almost out
of tiSte; the misunderstanding horses
and carts; and, last of all, the mechani-
cal toys which are wound up by clock
work, and perform such Extraordinary
maneuvres that one almost fancies them
alive. The tiny lamps, the bright re-
Electors and shining balls, which rem
der our Christmas trees so brilliant. are
also imported from Germany, as well as
the ornamental and useful articles made
of horn, bone ana lacquered ware which
make such capital presents for those
young folks who have outgrown the de-
lights of dolls and wooden animals.
The Swiss peasants who in summer
time find plenty of employment in tend
ing their cows and goats, gathering the
basket of Alpine strawberries that are
piled up in great dishes on every hotel
table, and all sorts of services for the
great army of tourists who come annu-
ally to make a peaceful invasion OF their
lovely land, are frequently showed up in
the chalets and mountain villages for
weeks together in the winter, and en-
ploy the long hours in cutting out pears
from pieces Of beechwood. often with no
other tool than a strong knife, making
wooden nut-crackers, match-boxes, and
the curl JUS little cottages which slide in
and out of well-ftted boxes, and are
universally bought by travellers as me-
mentoes of happy holidays among the
mountains Little Folks.
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27
ITEMS OF INTEREST.


The untruthful witness is tried for
perjury per jury.-Ronle Sentinel.
tits estimated that the little phyllox-
era has destroyed about $4,000, 900
worth Of vintage in France this year.
France had q, ,992 vessels, with ton
age of 900 tons, and manned by 62,-
43I sailors, engaged in the fisheries last
year.
Agriculturist 90 to the fair three days
in a week, which is oftener than is
allowable for the average young man
Danielso8UilEe Sentinel.
The pile-of gold in. the United States
treasury October l was the largest in the
world-Sl69, COG, 995, or 50, ,70l, ,495 larger
than the reserve of the Bank of England
81 allus take things as they come"
remarked the tramp, as he lifted the
apple-pie that had been left out of doors
to cool and industriously amblcd out of
sight. Courier
Over 200 statues and pieces of sculpture
belonging to the best period of Greek
art, have been recovered by German
engineer, on the site of the ancient Per
gamos, now Bergama. Asiatic Turkey.
Years and years ago it used to be saiG
that girl might be willing to be kissed
when she voluntarily put boys hat on
dreds of pretty girls are now wearing
the little round Derby hats, and looking
well under them.-Pjcdyufae.
Now those funny people who write the
health items for papers have discovered
that onions will cure rheumatism We
don't wonder att. The case of frheuma-
tism that wouldn't get upin its night
shirt, and rush out into the trackless
prairie and hide its frightened head, at
the smell of onions, deserves to wear q
iver-pad filled with four pounds of
broken glass from now till a week from
next summer.-R0ckld1ld Courier.
The Waynesboro (Ga-) Herald has
correspondent who is exceedingly tough.
He saws that in 1870 he had his right
shoulder broken. About three years
ago he received fall ard was unable to
walk for three months thereafter, and
some weeks ago he fell from wagon, and
the vehicle, loaded with about 1000
pounds of merchandise, passed over his
BODY. breaking his left shoulder and in
turing him internally. Yet, in spite OF
all these misfortunes, he is to-day lively
and well.
They were talking of shooting, when
the minister, after some pretty tall stor-
les had been told, remarked: : Once
had a trial; out of fifteen shots missed
one.n He waited until the crowd had
exhausted its compliments on his su-
perior Workmanship, when he gravely
added: MY partner shot fourteen
times and I shot once-and missed,
And he smiled just IS innocently as If
be had not accomplished anything par
ticularly worth speaking Of. - Des
Moinos Register.
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27

hand an account of the obedience that is
typitied thereby. The conversed is prob
ably the reason why the engaged band
is placed on the third right hand finger
of a tiGncee, who still possess a large
amount Of freedom, and frequently ex
ercises her power in an arbitrary man
ner. 1t is pity that the symbolism of
rings is dying out. When I was a boy,
1t was the fashion for men on the look
out for wives to wear ring on the first
finger of the left hand. If they were
engaged to be married they wore the
ring on the second finger, if married, on
the third; and on the fourth if they re-
solved upon bachelorhood. Thus the
most sensitive and modest young lady
might always with ease detect the ma
trimonial disposition = of man by a
glance. But this fashion being gone, a
girl has To make love to man before
she can ascertain his views. This is
hard upon the girl, and often very hard
upon the man. This fashion, Il my
opinion, should be revived, though the
symbolism of it might be enlarged or
modified, to save trouble. For girls
should propose this telegraphic code:
/" A ring on the first finger to denote
poverty and willingness to get married;
on the second finger, money and a dispo-
sltiOn to listen, though nothing is prom
ised; on the third finger, Already en-
gagged, and SO you needn't trouble your
self on the little finger, deliberating.
Some sucn a code would simplify
mans views, and be of great use in help
ing to save him from making an ass of
himself"
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27
How General Spinner Invented Frac-
tiOnaI Currency,

The origin Of the fractional currency,
which has been in the past few years
superseded by fractional silver, is some
what peculiar and not generally known.
The appearance of this currency, which
at first was always spoken Of as postal
currency was due to the premium on
specie. In 1862 small change became
very scarce. Gold being up and taking
with it silver. these coins disappeared
from circulation. Stockings were
brought out and the precious metals
found their way to their heels and toes.
1t was more than days search to find
a five-cent silver piece or any other
small denomination Of that coin. Peo-
pie could not find exchange for small
transactions. In buying dinner in the
market change had to be taken in beets,
eabbages, potatoes and what not. Gen
eral Spinner was then treasurer Of the
United States. He was constantly ap-
pealed to from all quarters to do some
thing to supply the demand for small
change. He had no law under which he
could act, but after buying a half dollars
worth of apples several times and re-
ceiving for his half dollar in change
more or less of different kinds of pro-
duce he began to cast around for n sub
stitute for small change. In his dilemma
he bethought him of the postage stamp.
He sent down to the postoffiee depart
ment and purchased aquantity ofstamps.
He then ordered up package of the
paper upon which government securi-
tiles were printed. He cut the paper
into various sizes. On the pieces he
pasted stamps to represent different
amounts. He thus initiated substitute
for fractional silver. This was, not
however, a government transaction in
any sense. 1t could not be. General
Spinner distributed his improvised cur
rencv among the clerks of the DEPART
ment. They took it readily, and the
trades-folk more readily. The idea
spread; the postage stamps either de-
tached or pasted upon piece of paper,
became the medium of small exchange.
1t was dubbed " postal currency From
this General Spinner got his idea of frac-
tional currency and went before Congress
with it, That body readily adopted it,
and but short time after General Spin
law was on the statute-book providing
for the issue of the fractional currency
which became so popular The fac
simile of postage stamps was put on each
piece of currency, and for long time it
was known as ''postal currency The
introduction of postal stamps as money
entailed considerable loss 10 those who
handled them. In short time they be-
came 50 worn and dis6gured that they
would not take letter on its way, and
were therefore worthless. - Washington
Star.
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27
The Postman of the Desert.

The village of Damer, which lay
almost at my feet, is the point at which
the Arabs express courier, after nine
days and nights journey across the
deserts, delivers up his mail. The wild
Bed0uin who performs this dangerous,
solitary and tatiguing journey enters the
two centers of Eastern civiliza. ion, be-
tween which he furnishes a means of
communication. For him the fragrant
gardens and well-stocked bazaars of
Damascus have no attraction; or per-
haps he fears that he might be seduced
by them, and avoids the temptation
Be that as it may, he stops on the verge
of the desert, at either end of his route,
snd swings On his little dromedary to
and fro over its arid wastes, catching
such snatches of rest as he may at the
scattered oasis and widely separated
wells, where he stops to refresh his
camel. With the coppery sky scorch-
ing him by day and the changeless blue
above him at night, rarely knowing the
shelter even of an Arab tent, carrying
with him the dates and rice sufficient
to last him for his journey, exposed
to perils from thirst and sand storms
and predatory Arabs, to whom the
fleet animal he rides is sore tempta-
ton. he is, without doubt, the most
bizarre and exceptional postman in exist
ence. One wonders whether he really
ever fathomed the mysteries of his occu-
patton, or found cut why he should
thus be kept constantly oscillating be-
tween the opposite margins of the desert
with a bag; whether he knows what is
in the bag, or, if he does, can he form
any conception why people in Damascus
should dare to know what people are
doing in Bagdad, for he can never have
experienced the sensation of wanting
either to receive OF to send letter. It
is probably with considerable feeling
OF scorn and contempt that he ministers
to this morbid craving for imparting
and receiving useless information
Then, again. what opportunities for
profound reflection he enjoys Rarely
exchanging word with his fellow man,
yet constantly battling with hidden
angers-always on the alert, and yet
never varying the eternal monotony of
sky and desert-the mystery of existence
must present the problems which civil
ization has failed to fathom in an en-
tirely new light to him, forever perched
on the back of q ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
7iO0('S M1nnzine
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27
A Plain Mans Philosophy.

"a gloomy world" !" says neighbor Black
where clouds of dreary dun,
In masses rolled, the sky enfold,
And blot the MONDAY SUM-"
" Ay, SO it is" says neighbor White,
(" But haply you and
Might shed ray to cheer the way
Come, neighbor, let us try"
A vale of tears" says neighbor Black,
'' A vale OF weary breath,
Of soul-wrung sighs and hopeless eyes,
From birth to early death !"
" Ay, SO it is" says neighbor White,
"But haply you and I,
just there and here, might dry tear
Come, neighbor, let us try"
A wilderness, says neighbor Black, .
:" A desert waste and wide,
Where rank weeds. choke, and ravens
croak,
And noisome reptiles hide y
Ay, SO it is" says neighbor White,
But haply you and
Might clear the ground our homes around
Come, neighbor, let us try"
FfederickL ang6ridge, in Sunday .Maeazin
Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1879-11-27
Iollnson,s Witness.

A farmer named johnson was on
trial before Detroit justice the other
dav for assault and battery, and when
the prosecution had finished he put q
little old man of about sixty-five on the
stand as his witness. The lawyer be-
gan:
What is your name?"
"If you'll tell me your name III tell
you mine was the prompt answer.
.sWhere doyou resiGe?"
Il won't answer no such foolish
question: I've paid taxes in this county
for fifty years, and won't be talked to
if | was child"
swell. Mr.. Blank, you saw this diff
Guilty, did you?"
..ff hadn't seen it would | be here?
Doyou 'spose want to be arrested for
forgery"
"How does anything begin?n snapped
the old man.
"Well. now. will you tell the jury all
about it,"
to know snythirg about il they must ask
me-"
"You must answer the questions"
remarked his honor.
" ] will If | want to- bat they haven't
asked any questions yet.
Ibid the plaintiff and defendant have
any hard words?" asked the lawyer.
II 'spose they did, but ] wouldn't
swear to it, =,
ssDid either one call the other a liar?"
q 'spose they did and that's what
brung on the fuss. I'm over sixty, but
il any man calls me liar I'm going TO
knock his head offir
'.Well, when the plaintiff called the
defendant liar. what was the resultg
"Why, how do | know?'
Z Didn't you see a blow struck"
/" Not there. but next day after TINS
fuss saw the purtiest fight in the worldh
One Of the Jones boys was" =,
"Did you see any part OF this fussF
"Noi How could when | was three
miles away; you ought to know better
than to ask such foolish questions. =,
"How did you hear OF this diiheultys
MIR. johnson told me-
THAT will do-you can 60.
"But 1 agreed to come here for a dollar
and swear, and I'm going to do I'll lou
needn't think you can doze-bul me
around because Tn uldra
Al constable had to haul him out OF
the box and put him out doors. but Ne
wouldn't go away until he had puI ms
head into the window and said
"If YOU think I'm scairt come out
here and put 2 chip on yoHF shoulder
- Desrott Free Press