davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Charity in the Drawinr-Room,

They were discussing charity in the
drawing-room. and one of the gentle
men was inveis hing with some sarcasm
against benevolent folk who made do
nations and have their names published
in the papers. ''Nearly all charitable
acts" he said. eloquently. shave pride
vanity as their motive. For my part
hate ostentation. remember once
when was travelling through section
of the country where was not known,
l came upon a lovely little way-station
where. in the waiting-room. there was
fasi ened to the wall a contribution-box
for the benefit of the sufferers through
the recent foundations. There was not
a soul there-not person in the Neigh
borhood knew of my presence or was
acquainted with my name, and l went
and dropped guinea in the box and
slipped away unseen. unknown. Now,
sir, what contend is that my secret
Offering was a more meritorious one
than if it had been made on public
subscription list. with loud flourish OF
trumpets.' You are quite right. !"
said one of the bystanders. ''That was
a genuine, modest charity, and don't
wonder that you brag of it.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Village Life in Western India.

In his new work on the .Industrial
Arts of India" Mr.. C. M. Birdwood
says of the typical village:
Outside the entrance of the single
village street, on an exposed rise of
ground, the hereditary potter sits by
his wheel, molding the swift revolving
clay by the natural curves of his hands.
At the back of the houses which form
the low, irregular street, there are two
or three looms at work in blue and
scarlet and gold, the frames hanging
between the acacia trees. the yellow
flowers of which drop fast on the webs
as they are being woven. In the street
the brass and coppersmiths are ham,
mering away at their pots and pans.
and further down, in the veranda of
the rich mans house, is the jeweler
working rupees and gold mohrs into
fair jewelry, gold and silver earrings.
and round tires like the moon, bracelets
and tablets and noserings, and Gnkling
ornaments for the feet. taking his de-
signs from the fruits and flowers around
him. or from the traditional forms rep
resented in the paintings and carvings
of the great temple, which rises over
the grove of mangoes and palms at
the end of the street. above the lotus
S'NSASu oesuh. 1Ao PseSO - oA
i'm the afternoon the whole street is
lighted up by the moving robes of the
women going down to draw water
from the tank, each with two OF three
water jars on her head; and so, while
they are going and returning in single
file, the scene glows like 1itian's cam
vas. and moves like the stately process
sion of the Panathenaic frieze. Later,
the men drive in the mild gray kline
from the moaning plain, the looms are
folded up, the copperslnith is silent, tho
elders gather in the gate, the lights be-
gin to glimmer in the fast-falling dark
ness, the feasting and the music are
heard on every side, and late into the
night the songs are sung from the Ra-
mayana or Mahabarata. The next
morning with sunrise, alter the simple
abluiions and alterations, performed in
the open air before the houses. the same
day begins again. This is the daily
life going on all over Western India, in
the village communities of the Dakhan,
among people happy in their simple
manners and frugal way of life, and in
the culture derived from the grand
epics of religion in which they live
and move and have their daily being,
and in which the highest expression Of
their literature, art and civilization has
been stereotyped for 5000 years"
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
That Little Hatnhet.

''Come heah. George Washington.
you black apep' exclaimed Rev. Ami
dab Bledsoe, of the Ausiin Blue-light
Colored Tabernacle, to Sunday-school
scholar who had just removed big
wad of something or other from his
mouth. The boys trembling limbs
carried him into the immediate pres
ence of the irate shepherd.
Eyer was chawin' terbacKer in de
house OBJ de Lawd."
Il owns right up. parson. I was
chawin' terbacker, but won't do so
TO NOAH"
George Washington, chawin' ter
backer am bad enough, Lawd knows;
but when yer has got so shameless yer
ont eben try to lie out of it, hit am
time to take you in hand, so yer won't
grow up and disgrace de fadder of his
country. Lean ober dat knee, George
And for about ten minutes people liv-
ing several blocks off imagined their
neishbors were preparing tough beef
steak with an axe.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Didn't See It.

An Iowa lawyer made bold stroke
to reform great public evil, but, sad
70 relate. he scored most lamentable
failure. For several years he had noted
the increase in exaggeration on the face
Of circus posters. and the decrease of
meritorious features in the ring. until
his heart became heavy. and he grieved
sorely over the deceit of his fellow-man.
He loved truth, despite his much-abused
calling, and this love induced him to
attempt a reform in circus manage
ment. When the last circus visited
the town in which he resides, he had,
from its advanced posters. made a care
full list of every beast, bird and arenic
feature advertised, and when he attend
ed the exhibition he checked off what
was actually exhibited. To his surprise
and Indignation, he found that not one
half the attractions were checked from
his list. and he at once fastened into
the courts and sued the manager. cf the
show for not showing all he promised.
But he recovered nothing. The court
decided that no circus ever did give all
it advertised, and if man was so fresh
as to expect it, he deserved to lose his
mOneV.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Daniel Gray.
NJ DIR. ]. q. HOLLAND.

In all Of the late DIR. Holland's writings we
know Of nothing which equals I'm pathos and
its value Is enhanced when 1t is known that
the author describes his own father in "old
Daniel Gray"
II shall ever win the home I'm heaven,
For whose sweet rest humbly pray,
In the great company of the forgiven.
shall be sure to find old Daniel Gray.
Old Daniel Gray was not a man who lifted
On ready words his weight OF gratitude
In the prayer-meeting Of his neighborhood.
Linked in with sacred texts and Sunday
I've heard them at least a thousand times
And hear the language of his trite devotions,
Rising behind the straight-backed kitchen
Help us, o Lord, to pray and not to faintl.''
And how the "conQuerfng and to conquer
The ioftier aspirations of the saint
He never kissed his children-so they say.
And finest scenes and fairest flowers would
Less than q horseshoe picked up on the way.
And righteous word for sin of any kind;
Alas, that the transgressor and transgression
Were linked together in his honest mind,
He could see naught but vanity in beauty,
And naught but weakness in a fond caress,
And pitied men whose views of Christian duty
Allowed indulgence in such foOlishness.
Yet there were love and tenderness within
him,
And 1 am told that when his Charley died,
Nor natures need nor gentle words could win
him,
From his fond visils at the sleepers side.
And when they came to bury little Charley,
They found fresh dew-drops sprinkled in his
hair;
And on his breast rosebud gathered early,
And guessed, but did not know, who put it
there.
Honest and faithful, consistent in his calling,
Strictly attendant on the means of grace,
Instant in prayer, and fearful most of failing,
Old Daniel Gray was always in his place.
A practical old man and yet a dreamer,
He thought in some strange, unlooked-for
His mighty Friend in Heaven. the great Re-
deenler,
Would honor him with wealth some golden |
day.
This dream he carried in a hopeful spirit,
Until in death his patient eye grew dim,
And his Redeemer called him to inherit
The heaven Of wealth long gathered up for |
him.
10 il ever win the home in heaven,
For whose sweet rest humbly hope and |
n tan<s cresf con,nnrv Of the forviven
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
The Forest Wealth of the Tenth Census

The Forest Wealth of the Tenth Census.
Up to the present time there has been
but a vague conception of the extent
and value of one of the most important
sources of the prosperity of the United
States. 1t seems the more strange
when it is considered that this great
item in the nations assets is not buried
in the earth, like its mineral wealth, but
stands proudly upon the surface, like q
mighty host, seen of all men. The en-
tire welfare-of a country is more identi-
fed with the forests that cover it than
with any other feature of the earth's
surface. The trees are the kindest
friends OF the soil; they are the guardi-
ans of its fertility; they protect the
fields from devastating floods. and
cherish the springs that feed the
streams. Without them land becomes
an, arid desert. and its people are de-
based to barbarism and poverty. Great
desolated tracts in Asia, Africa, and
along the Eastern, Mediterranean were
once blooming and garden-like; but
when the trees were cut away tho dryads
avenged themselves. Therefore it is
fitting that in the grand taking account
of stock in the national storehouse that
occurs every decade, the forest wealth
of the country should at last be accord
edits proper place.
Although the statistics concerning
the forests of most of the European
countries are generally full and accur.
ate, the institution of the forestry di-
vision of the tenth census of the United
States forms the first attempt to obtain
such information by means of the
census work of any country. In laying
out the work of his bureau. General
Francis A. Walker. the Superintendent
of the census, decided to undertake an
investigation into the extent of the
forest covering of the country as related
to agriculture; into the forest wealth as
related to manufactures, to railway
transportation and to the domestic sup
ply of fuel; and into the operations OF
the lumber industry as pursued in the
principal districts of cutting and export.
The scope of the investigation COM
prises the chief characteristics OF the
forest flora of each section of the
country, an account of the various
woods in their adoption to industrial
and domestic uses, and the methods in
vogue in the various parts of the
country for the protection and restora-
tion of the forest growth.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Breaking Down.

Men often have their hands full, are
overcrowded with business and drive
hurriedly along at it, but they may not
be overworked. We cannot always tell
when we are overworked. A man does
not always know himself, no moro than
he knows the strain on the main-spring
of his watch that will break it. But
there comes a time when it breaks-a
click, y snap. and the watch stops.
Men break down in this way. They
go on. day after day, the pressure bear
ing harder each successive day, until
the vital force gives out. and the ma
chine stops. 1t is a great pity that The
indications of this state of things can
not be seen beforehand. and if seen re-
garded. 1t is one of the last things
that men will admit to themselves.
much less TO others. They fatier
themselves that it is only a little weari-
ness of the flesh. which will pass off
with a few hours rest, when, in fact,
every nerve. power, and resource are
exhausted, and the system is driven to
work by sheer force of will. When the
oil on the shaft or in the oil-box is ex-
hausted. every revolution of the wheel
wears on the revolving part, and soon
will ruin it. Tie same is true OF the
human BODY.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
The Complexion of Criminals

In speaking of a prisoner who had
just been sent back to the cells of the
Butler street police station in Brook
lyn. Sergeant Dyer said: 81 don't like
his color. In fact, it betrays him."
When asked to explain. he said: I'VE
can nearly always tell newly dis
charged convict who has served long
term in prison by his color. which
comes over his face because he is de-
MED the sunlight. Many q man has
been picked up by that fact, and deteo-
tives keep it constantly in mind. The
face gets pallid look. with a yellow
ish cast. All of the noted thieves who
have served for long time in prison
get this hue. Some of them are sharp
enough to try to overcome it by cos
metics, and they are as particular about
fixing up their complexion, under the
circumstances, as a woman going to 3
ball. for they know that the detectives
will spot them if they once get q
glimpse of their color"
''Do not other men than criminals
have the same complexionp'
''Yes, night editors. That's where
we get mixed sometimes. ."-New York
Sun
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Threatening Children.

Being once in company with a mother
and her three children, we observed
one of them, boy about six years old,
who was particularly unruly and mis-
chievous. At one act of his rudeness
his mother, being somewhat excited.
turned to him and threatened to punish
him severely if he should repeat it. In
q few minutes the little fellow did pre-
cisely the same thing, and as the moth
er did not notice it, we ventured to say
to him: '.Did you not hear your mother
say she would punish you, if you did
that again?' The urchin, with the ex-
preston of bravado on his counten-
ance, quickly replied: "rm not afraid;
mother often says she'll whip me. but
she don't do It'll The mother smiled,
rs if her little boy had really said a
smart thing; but. alas! she was teach
ing him a lesson of insubordination
which would probably make her heart
ache. Mother, never unnecessarily
threaten; but when you do threaten, be
careful not to falsify your word.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Incidents of aarfsld's Last Hours.

The story comes from the lips of DR..
Agnew's wife. On the day set apart
for prayers by the Governor of New
Jersey, the patient was lying in his
easy chair, gazing off on the distant
sea- His wife sat by his side. Pres
emily the sound of the church-bells fell
upon the ear. As they continued, some
one called Mrs. Garfield away. In a
few moment. she returned, telling her
husband that one or two of his friends
feared that the noise of the church,
bells might not be agreeable to him.
and if they affected his nerves it could
be stopped at once. The President
looked up conidingly into his wife's
face, and said: ''Crete, the bells that
call to prayer can never injure me-"
Two or three days before his death,
Mrs. Agnow says, the patient. in q
quiet talk with DIR. Agnew. remarked !:
Doctor, seem to have two roads
before me. One is the road to recovery,
the other the road to the grave. feel,
Doctor. that I am on tho latter."-
Springfield Republican.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
An Amesbury Surgeons Mysterious
Patient,

A stranger drove into Amesbury one
evening recently 10 find a surgeon for o
man who, he said, had been hurt few
miles away. A young doctor jumped
into his wagon. and when they had
driven a mile or so the stranger told
the doctor the affair must be kept secret.
and he must blindfold him. The doctor
assented, and thick handkerchief was
bound about his eyes. After riding
several miles further they came to q
hut in the woods, and the doctor was
taken in and the bandage removed.
He saw on a cot middle-aged man
with broken leg. There was - silk
mask over his face. No word was
spoken, and the man, who was hand
somely dressed. scarcely groaned while
bis leg was set. A well-filled purse was
given to the doctor and he was driven
back blindfolded to the villege by the
mysterious stranger. who said the in
jured man was travelling incognito. The
doctor does not know in which direc-
ton he was taken, and is reticent about
the affair.-Sprina,fetd Republican.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Whalebone.

The Dutch. formerly paid So. 500 a
ton for whalebone, but it has not
brought that since 1868. In 1914 it
brought $3.50; in 1884. $545; and in
1914 it varied from 81, ,0SU for Southern
to 81, $50 for Northern bone. Inven-
tive genius is trying hard to find sub
stitute for whalebone, and has met with
some success. Butfalo-horn gives sat
isfaction. as there jig quite Similarity
between them. The horns are cut in-
to strips. which are straightened for
the dressmaker. CoNpressed cane
does not answer the purpose as well.
The best whale bone is from the Green.
land whale, from one OF Which two
thousand to three THOUSAND pounds arc
often taken. Whalebone hats and rib
bons have just come in. The former
are beautiful and very comfortable.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
which he evidently desired this match,

which he evidently desired this match.
distressed and panied him.
The dear old f,therr' he thought in
his heart. 81 hate 10 disappoint him
sor' But still he kept silence, for the
hope began to dawn upon him: '.This
girl, it seems, looks with favor on some
other man. After all, it may appear to
him that the denial Of his wishes comes
from her."
And, hattered by this thought. he
looked up hopefully rs the door few
open wide, and an old gentleman and
fair young girl came in.
He could not see her face at first, for
Mr.. Miller received her literally with
open arms.
'My pretty little one," said he warm
ly. "Welcome to your fathers oldest
TREND! And here's my son." he added,
turning her toward Harry. IF you like
him as we'll u.s."
But here cry of wonder and delight
stopped him.
.Rnse r'
..Harry''
And the two lovers sprang into each
others arms.
his old friend, who gave cry of amaze
ment. ~
THAT your son! Why that's the
jarkanapes told you of fr'
And then the whole misunderstanding
was made clear, and the two old men
laughed heartily.
ANY way, you'll marry her. and
80 I'll have my way" said old Miller.
But Harry, with grave and serious
face. declared such a marriage quite
impossible.
ITO tell the truth, am already mar
ried." said he solemnly, while Rose
crept shyly to his side. 81 thought to
steal march on you, sir, that's the
truth, ami SO Rose and got married
this very morning. Allow me to pre-
sent to you your daughter in-law."
The old man gave Rose a hug and q
hearty kiss.
"You thought yourselves mighty
smart" said he. taking such pains to
circumvent and oppose my wishes, yet
fulfilling them all the time. Welcome
home, pretty little wife ~
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
After Oornwallis, Surrender.

The diary of Col. Samuel Smith. of
the MARYLAND line at Yorktown, after
wards United States Senator from
Maryland. recites: SAB
Sunday, 21st--The enemy march'd d
out of town in three divisions. guarded
by the militia of the State, to their diff
ferent rendezvous assigned them; 1st,
to Frederick Town. in Maryland; I'd,
to Staunton. in Virginia; Sd to Fred
erick, in Virginia.
Monday, 22d-The Pennsylvania Bri-
gade marched into town. and acted as
guard and fatigue for the day.
Tuesday. 23d-Relieved by G. c. B..
who continued to collect the ordnance
and stores, small arms. etc.
Wednesday. 24th-Relieved by G. L.
B. The publick stores were examined
and taken into custidy. Maj'r Alexan-
der appointed to procure the quats for
the reg't. s ls4a te
Thursday. 25th-The Marqnis B.
marched into town for this day. l hav-
ing the ague and fever rode to Will
liamsburgh, and quartered with several
of the officers that were sick previous
to my coming out. s,
Friday. 26lh-I took medisin admin
istered by Doctor Malachi Treet, Sin'r
Surgeon at that place. 4'i s2ihf
Saturday, 27th--Went in company
with the Doctor to visit the sick and
wounded in the different hospitals in
town. '--
Sunday, 2Sth-Devoted the day to
the curiosities of the town. The cap
pitol IN the center of town is very
elligant building in which all publick
business is transacted relative to ye
State. In the center of which his Id
ship Bortilort, late Governor of the
State, is represented standing on mar
pie pil!or in full size.
Monday. 29th--Went in company
with . number of the Gent'n of Town
to see the Palace in which he, Bartilort
Liv'd--
The most magnificent publick build
ing / ever saw-afterwards burnt by
accident Next the college, sitidale &
bedlom-are three elegant publick
buildings.
Tuesday. 3Oth-This day the Field
officers of each regiment was appointed
to collect goods to the amount of f7
sterling for each present officer of their
respective batt'ns.
Wensday, 31st-Rode to the capitol
landing on an outlet from the York
River-din'd in company with d num-
of the officers on oysters and fish.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17

Sailmaker Isaiah E. Crowell. United
States navy, attached to the Wabash at
the Boston navy yard, was recently
tried by court-martial for enticing
young girls into his quarters for inn
moral purposes. The court sentenced
him to be imprisoned for five years, and
then dismissed the service. 1t was
found, however, that the young women
in the case were willing victims, and
the secretary of the navy reduced the
imprisonment to six months, at the end
of which time he was dismissed.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Bulls from German Papers.

'.After the door was closed, q soft
female foot slipped into the room. and
with her own hand extinguished the
taper"
1.-The chariot of revolution is rolling
onward, and gnasbing its teeth as it
rolls.''
s.The Ladies' Benevolent Association
has distributed twenty pair of shoes,
which will dry up many a tear"
81 was sitting at the table enjoying a
cup of coffee. when a gentle voice
tapped me on the shoulder. l looked
around and saw my old friend"
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17

A mining shaft at Tombstone, Arizo-
ma, which had not been worked for
months, was examined, and, as the
man nearcd the b ,ttom, the one at the
windiass was startled by cries of ''Hoist
like the devil ~ When the explorer
reached the surface, he said:''Why, there
are about seventeen rattlesnakes. fifty
two horned toads, one thousand rats.
and half-a-dozen Gila monsters down
there. wouldn't give a cuss for the
mine except as q side-show for me-
na0erie"
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17
Pearls on the Pacific Coast.

Every family has strings of fine pearls
for beads. The pearl oyster ahounds
along the shores of the Gulf of Califor-
MIA. and thousands of the men 60 an
nually as to picnic to dive for pearls.
They bore hole through each one of
them, Many of them would bring
81, 900 to 81. 500. or even more in prop
er markets, were it not for the holes
Neac Orleans Times
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17

The London Pail Mall Gazette says
the United States is ''the most powerful
nation in the world" The editor OF
the Gazette has evidently had a glimpse
at our navy. We thought it would
strike terror to the British sOul.-N01.
T1stO1c3s Herald.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17

Mrs. Effie Barmore. of Rockland Lake.
N. Y, short time ago celebrated her
1O2d birthday. In 1903 she was married
to Nathaniel Barmore, who died in 1870.
She has had fifiy-one grandchildren and
sixty-three great-grandchildren. At
present there are living Of her descend,
marriage. 120 persons
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17

The total debt of Texas is 81. 491, 120
of which the school. university, and
asylum bonds represent some 2.O45,-
100, and individuals hold So. AL. .O2O.
The debt in the last year has been re-
duced $5O5, 800.
The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1881-11-17

A man came into an editors room
with a large roll of manuscript under
his arm. and said, very politely. 81
have trifie here about the beautiful
sunset yesterday, which was dashed off
by friend of mine, which would like
inserted if you have ROOM" ''Plcnty
of room. just insert it yourself" re-
piled the editor gently pushing the
waste paper basket toward him.