davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

AT the Paris electrical exhibition a num-
Der of small fires and accidents have oc-
Cured. On one occasion a gentleman was
leaning over to examine closely an inter-
esting machine, when bis gold watch made
connection between two conducting wires
which happened to be exposed. The chain
Immediately became red-hot and set fire to
the waistcoat, against which part of it rest
ed. The following day another man was
almost killed by dynamo-electric machine.
Part of the conducting wires was not insu-
lated, and was lying on the floor. He
touched the stand of lamp which formed
connection through the ground to the
naked wire, and his muscles contracted SO
as to cause his hand to clench the lamp.
Ten lamps were in circuit at the time, and
so much current was passed through him
that eight of them were extinguished. He
was powerless to unclasp his hand. Every
muscle in his body was paralyzed. His face
was distorted, his lungs were so acted upon
that he could scarcely breathe. He could
only utter faint and unnatural cry. The
workmen in the place fed from the work
shop, believing that some explosion was
about to happen. A friend came up and
tried to unclasp his hand, but finding this
impossible, lifted his legs from the ground.
This broke the circuit, and his hands were
released, while burning sparks flew to his
hands in the action of breaking the circuit.
He was insensible, but has recovered and
devised an improvement to the lamp which
will prevent the recurrence of such an acci-
dent. These things foreshadow some of
the dangers to which we shall be
exposed when electric lighting comes
into general use.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22
A Mythical Publishing Firm

Publishers weekly)
There are other notable men In the PUBLISH
ing ranks Of Boston, concerning whofa sonzs-
thing ought to be said. Tho firm, Roberts
Brothers. is myth; nobody knows the srcth-
ers. but almost everybody knows a slender
pale-faced, brighteyed man, in middle life
who answers to the name Of Thomas Niles.
and did duty for sixteen years in the heass Of
Ticknor, Reed & Fields, for SEASON taking the
entire charge of the publishing business before
he gave place to Mr.. James r. Osgood BY en-
tering the firm OF Whittemore, Nees % Hall
on the other side Of the street to beesme the
chief working partner in a new Pu9isnlAg
house. The dingy old sign-board OF Roberts
Brothers hangs directly opposite the Old
South Church, and signals that the tfrm in
habits the chamber above the book store OF
Estes & Lauriat, now perhaps the largest gem
eral book store in Boston. Here, in corner,
behind green curtain, in the simplest and
cosiest Of offices, Mr.. Niles reosives the nobih-
ity sof the Intellectual world. Louisa Alcott
may be seen there at times; II. III. likes 10
drop in wheA she is in town, tfnid authors
may be seen feeling confusedly for the deSr-
latch, the mo Name" writers come in and
talk in whispers, and the general appearance
of the room gives the impression that TO puez
is the daintiest of books one need not spend
much money on household "hxlngs. Mr.
Niles has been the boldsst publisher III Beston-
he was the first American publisher, or almost
the irst, to import the English editions which
it could mot pay to reprint His skillful hand
ling of books has made the reputation of sever
al American authors. No publisher knows
how to advertise 50 well, or likes better to have
his books thoroughly cut up by the critics, es-
pecially IL the book be one as to which the
opinion of the critical public ia divided. He
introduced Jean Ingelow, Philip Gilbert Ham
merton, Edwin Arnold and "Bccs Homo" 70
American readers, and has as choice eata-
logue as any Boston publisher. He is also
said to be generous to a fault in dealing with
authors. He hides himself 10 the pablo un-
der the name of Roberts Brothers, person Of
that name being understood TO DO silent part
ner, but whosoever discovers him in bis prof-
er personality finds genial and entertaining
gentleman. His motto seems to be, "tsjs ohe
thing do"
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22
Books Received.

The Herald Of Prasso. By L. o. Rnsrsoss
Boards 308 pp., s1.oo. Boston: Oliver Dlssoe
& co.. Portland: W. =. Chandler.
Mildred and RIsie. By Martha Finley. Goth.
322 pp., s1.25. New York: Dodd, Mead 3 Co.;
Portland: Loring Short q Harnsn.
Without a Home. By Z. p. Roe. Cloth, go
pp., $3.50. New York; Dodd, Mead 8 Co.; Pcrts
land: Loring, Short s. Harmon.
The Glad Year Round. BY A. @. RlymRsen.
Boards illustrated, 90 pp., $3.50. Rsston: j. II.
osgood 8 Co.; Portland; LsrinE, Shorc 3 HEn-
mon.
The Sum. BY Q. A. Young International sCiens
tiic Series. VOL, xXxIv. Cloth, illustrated.
321 pp, $500. New York; d. Appleton ca.I
Portland; Hoyb, Fogg DoDhan.
an the Brush; or Old Tinao Social, PelfsA-
cal and Religions Life in tho sOuthw'csa-
BY the Row Hamilton w. Plerson Cleth fllus-
trated, 921 PIP. New York; d. Appleton Co.;
Psrtlandi Hoyt, Fogg Donham.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22
PRICE 5 CENTS.

hardly be over-estimated. The trustwertsAs
ness of her work is attested by Mr.. Wkkttfer.
by the Governor of Utah and ossssR United
States officials. Its force aad iAseGass speak
for themselves.
Animal Physiology. By j. Miner FOsAec-
gill, M. d. (New York: G.. P. Pstnam's Sons;
Portland; Lortsg, Short s. Harmony Is little
manual in flexible covers, iatendsd isr the use
of schools. 1t treats of animal Life, The build
Of the body, the powers of muscles, nexvss.
brain ETC., and is written in pleasant and
simple style. Various pretty nLushratka<ss
make the first chapters especially attsastlEeto
young students who will be mach pleasea with
the lively kangaroo, the placid whale, TIE
jumping frog and other animals who appear IA
its pages
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22
is now fashionable for the female "star''

of theatrical company to have her portrait
inserted in the advertisement The principal
feature of such portraits is the exaggerated
hat worn by the star The feather which sur
mounts it shows histrionic talent of a very high
degree; the wreath of flowers and ribbons
eyince clever eIocutionary powers, while the
poetical manner in which the hat is worn tip
tilted over the left ear leaves no room to doubt
the actresses ability to personate the leading
character in the best play ever written. Gen.
ius even flashes from every hair In her bangs,
and if the star doesn't draw full house it
must be attributed to the fact that the ink with
which the portrait is printed is of very infe-
rior quality. -Norristown Herald.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

THE Rochester IN. Y. Democrat and
Chronicle says the most gratifying assur-
sances come from various sections of that
State that the Republican party is thorough
ly united in behalf of its State ticket, and
that the prospects for it's election are of the
BRIGHTEST character.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

SENATOR BLAIR evidently doesn't believe
the interests of temperance will be promot-
ed by distinct party organization. In let
ter to the National Prohibitory Alliance, re-
Gently in session in New York, he uses this
language. "Stay at primaries and dictate
nominations, and if you fail to get the right
man this year, try it again, and in the end
the temperance element will drive out the
the enemy, and we shall hold the fort of one
of the great existing organizations. 1t is,
in my belief, hardly possible for us to sue
ceed in any other way. Of course there will
be times and places when and where boiling
outright should be resorted to, but as a rule
/ should insist that owned the organiza-
ton to which belonged, and if any one
was to go out should insist that it was not
me, but some other man."
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

A LONDON correspondent writes concern
ing the Confederate bonds, that certain
stock operators there are endeavoring to
make the public believe that the United
States Government will add to its list Of no
BILE self-sacrifces by an appropriation for
the payment of the bonds.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

THE following is the latest and most reli :
able Cabinet slate, according to the Boston
Advertisers Washington dispatch: Secreta-
ry of State, Frelinghuysen of New Jersey;
Treasury, Morgan or Folger of New York;
Navy, Sargent Of California; Interior, Howe
of Wisconsin; Post-ofice, James for the pres
ent and General Longstreet for the future:
Attorney General, Boutwell, of Massachu-
setts or Brewster of Pennsylvania. It ap-
pears to be regarded as certain that Messrs.
Sargent, Boutwell, and Howe will be in the
new Cabinet. Mr.. Morgan, who is mem
ber of an importing house, is said to be pre-
pairing to sever his connection with the
same, so as to qualify under the law which
forbids persons engaged in foreign commerce
to hold the Office of Secretary of the Treas
ury.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

THE confirmation of Commissioner of PEN
sions Dudley is being bitterly opposed by
leading Indiana Democrats, and if the
question becomes one of party he may be
defeated. His friends, however, are conf
dent of a successful result.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

Autobiography of Mark Brotheston, Dis
senting Minister. Edited by his friend. Reu-
ben Shapcett. (New York; G. P. Putnam's
Sons; Portland: Loring, Short & Harmony
This is a story Of curious quality, and the
reader, somewhat puzzled, somewhat bored,
will be likely to conclude that this contribu-
tion to the literature of self conscious and hy-
sterical analysis was not very well worth the
making 1t is possible that the book may
have more significance in England, where it
was written. than it can have here-but it
may not anywhere be called wholesome.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22
THE PRESS.
SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER %.

We do not read anonymous letters ana commun
cations. The name and address Of the writer In
all Indispensable, not necessarily for publica
ton but as guaranty of good faith.
We cannot undertake to return or pres vs com
munications that are not used.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

AT meeting of the Methodist clergymen
in Philadelphia, Monday, Rev. ]. w. Max
son said that, while in years gone by he had
been a member of total abstinence societies,
he was not in favor of encouraging the
young people to go into them, as he did not
believe that they did any real good for the
cause of temperance He thought that the
proper way to fight the cause of intemper-
ance was in an open manner from the pull
pit and the church.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

GEN. BAN KS says he wouldn't be govern
or of Arizona if he could.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

THE hurry of the visitors to Yorktown to
get away leads to the suspicion that they
found that spot as unpleasant as CORVALLIS
did one hundred years ago.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

EVERY regular attaehe of the PRESS is furnished
with Card certificate signed by Stanley Pullen,
Editor, ALI railway, steamboat and hotel managers
will confer favor upon by demanding credentials
of every person claiming to represent our journal.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

SECRETARY WINDOW seems to have had
walk over in the Minnesota Legislature.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

PRESIDENT WHITE of Cornell University
has promised the trustees of that institution
not to accept any political office for four
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

The Legend of st. olaf's Kirk. By George
Houghton Boston: Houghton, Mifiin s. Co.;
Portland: Loring, Short g. Harmony This is
narrative poem of which the theme is
drawn from the inexhaustible store of Morse
story. Mr.. Houghtons verse is smooth, often
imaginative. refined and strong, and he tells
the tale with directness and effect. The bal
lad which seems to be set as prologue to the
volume, is good in lyric quality and quite
striking in imagination. Some exceedingly
fortunate verse is to be looked for in the fu-
ture from Mr. Houghton's pen, and he is to be
congratulated upon first volume of much more
than average merit.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

AssIsrANT-Po POSTMASTER GENERAL TYNEB
very properly objects to being condemned
without a hearing.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

A NEW public school in New Orleans has
been named the Garfield school.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

Davis in stronger langu age even than they
apply to Malone.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

THE Ministerial Convention of colored
Baptists at Chicago was not harmonious
body, and the members fell to calling each
other liars. The Inter-Ocean printed full
account of the proceedings. Some Of the
conventionists objected to the report, but
the Rev. Mr.. Duling, the Moderator, had
the great good sense to say: Brethren, we
deserved clubbing, and we have got it. I
hope our hides will not be too thick to profit
by it,"
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

THE will of the late Henry f. Durant
makes Wellesley College his residuary lega-
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

LAST year the registration in New York
city at this time was 145,5o0; this year it is
only $4,000
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

Initia Greca. Part L. By William Smith
D. O. L., LII. d. (New York: Harpers; Port
land Loring, Short s. Harmony That this is
the twelfth edition of DR.. Smiths excellent
grammar for the use Of Greek classes at the
usefulness of his method. Some additions
have been made in the, present revision, and
among these may be noted that the cases of
nouns, adiectives and pronouns are given in
two arrangements, both as in the ordinary
Greek grammar and as taught IN the Public
School Latin Primer.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

Sir John franklin. By A. FL. Beesley
(New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons; Portland:
Loring, Short & Harmony Among the ex-
cellent volumes of the New Plutarch series,
this memoir of Sir John Franklin will be
found one of especial interest. 1t is based up
ON the great disceverer's own narratives of two
polar journeys and several other authorities.
1t opens with an appropriate survey Of Arctic
history, recording to the explorations Of the
English, Russians and Americans in the polar
regions; and after a chapter relating the events
of Franklin's early life, including his expert
ences in the naval service-it gives a cir
cumstantial account of the two arctic expedi-
tions previous to Franklin's appointment as
governor of Tasmania, and closes with the
record SO far as known, of his last voyage to
the north. The summing up of the adyen-
tages to typographical science gained by these
explorations, and the tribute to the stainless
and elevated character of Sir John Franklin
close this valuable and interesting volume.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22
w ANTS.
Wanted.

10y two gentlemen, furnished rooms without
ID board In central location. Address with
terms. References exchanged.
oe19-d1w P.o. BOX 1875.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22
Recent Publications.

Landor. By Sydney Colvin. English Men
of Letters Series. (New York: Harpers;
Portland: Loring, Short & Harmony The
circle of readers in whose ears the name OF
Walter Savage Landor is name to charm by,
is comparatively small Unique in his liter
ary as in his personal characteristics
again these two natures Of him seemed at least
in "harmony not understood ''-Landor had lit
tie in common with the great public Those
who knew him personally were greatly i'm
pressed with the magnificent nature, the Sc
we're and restrained art of the lon-like poet
and according to the measure of their under
standing of olden literature, appreciated the
profound learning, the intimate appropriation
with which the genius Of Landor laid hold up
on classic thoughts and language. He was
living memory for cur times of the times
of the Greek epic and idyllic sing
ers. The large splendor of his thought with
les fiery originality was shaped into periods of
calm beauty "majestically sedate"-(a phrase
borrowed from Landor's self to praise him.
Southey and Shelley were among his early ad-
mirers, and Mr.. Swinburn has sung of him in
elaborate and unstinted verse, poem lofty
ana luminous enough IL nlgnt Seens 10 reacn
the hearing of the old poet In whatever fiery
and large-orbited star he may now inhabit. For
three-quarters of century Landorhas delight
ed company of readers whose pleasure means
high praise; and SO juaicious and appreciative
a memoir as this by Mr.. Sidney Colvin will
serve to arouse a popular interest which may
increase the study of master et our language.
The Imaginary Conversations are alone in
their vividly dramatic presentations and their
exquisite and sympathetic beauty of delinea-
tion; yet, as Mr.. ColviR points out, the reader
will be often discouraged by the abstruse liter
airy dissertations, or the sentences crowding
fast on one another till they overleap clear
ness. Landor's faults and glories go hand in
hand-but take him all in all, he was of the
race of demi-gods Mr. Colvin's monograph
affords a careful, critical and appreciative por-
trait of Landor; and in less compass than this
volume-surely not in the space of review
can hardly be given just idea of the manifold
impulses, the great genius and powerful and
tender nature of Walter Savage Landor.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22
WANTED
Wanted, People. Carried and His His ffshlIIE.1

An Endia- Tinted Engraving. The Fami-
ly OF eight artstically and lovingly grouped; Mol-
lie sitting by her father the youngest boys be-
side their fsaandma. teuehingly beautiful
Iaemente Retail prices large size, S1.oO;
smaller size, 90 cents. Wien, Women and
Youth Wanted to sell it, Large commissions.
We pay postage Sales immense. Nothing like it.
500, 600 will be quickly Sold Dent delay. X.
H. CURRAN a. CO., sole Publishers. 22
school ss., ostOn, Mass. oc15-1w
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

Life Of James A. Garfield. By Russell H)
Conwen portland: George Stinson 8 Co.,
There is no need here to recount the story of
the Life of Americas dearest son or to speak Of
the nations love and sorrow. These things
are fresh and sacred in all mems minds. And
biography of the President SO clear, circum-
stantial and well written as this by Mr.. Con-
well will find instant reception everywhere.
Too great stress cannot be laid upon the ex.
ample of President Garfield. His was the
typical republican career-with humble begin
ming, steady and self-respecting progress, and.
the worth and greatness of the good man and
honorable statesman crowned with the highest
gift of the people. After the first poignancy of
national sorrow is passed over, let us not allow
the image of James A. Garfield ever to become
less distinct, less commanding in the peoples
sight Death has made him our President for
ever; and, whatever chosen man may guide
our country, let us see the form of Garfield
behind him, a kingly and potent shade, for
ever alive in the nations love.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

Tho Fate of Madame La Tour. By Mrs. A.
G. Paddock. (New York: Fords, Howard &
Hubert; Portland Hoyt Fogg & Donham).
Among the cherished projects of national good
entertained by President Garfield WAS that of
destroying the infamous community at Great
Salt Lake. In direct opposition to Divine laws
and those of the country, sworn at their initia-
tlon rites to lasting enmity with the United
States Government, degraded, brutal, full of
hypocrisy mo den Of snakes, no place of car
rion beasts is more subject for thorough
cleansing by fire and steel than the Mormon
city Mrs. Paddock writes with the force and
conviction of an experienced eyewitness; her
novel gives evidence of the literary power
that must feather the shaft to strike; and the
womanly reticence with which she writes, tell
ing enough to show the horrors of the situation
without needless offence proves her equal to
her humane task 1t is one of the highest
use of fiction to dramatize evil that good may
ensue and the power of spch work as Mrs
Stoves Uncle Tom, Judge Tourgee's FOOLS
Errand, and now Mrs. Paddock's story, can
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-10-22

Gar6eld's Words. Compiled by William
Ralston Balch. Boston: Houghton s. Mifflin;
Portland: Loripg, Short & Harmony. Who
ever has read the collected speeches of Presi-
dent Garfield win appreciate the difficulties
which attend the making of selections from
them Everything that Mr.. Garfield said was
so just in thought, so true in fcsfing and so
aptly expressed that at no one phrase can the
reader pause and say, Here is the end of fine
passage. One thought, with him, led to anoth-
er, expanded into new power and richness of
expression; and his entire literary legacy to
the people is so large and luminous that to
select from it is as if man should try to set
apart single ray out of the whole light of the
sun. Yet we need his words, to set seal here
and there on speech or action, to shape with
authority our patriotic purposes; and volume
like this, carefully indexed for reference, and
containing the expression of the Presidents
thought on important topics is useful, timely
and valuable.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-03-11

about to assume the great trust wbis1t
you have committed to my hands.
I appeal to you for that earnest and
thoughtful support which makes thiD
Government in fact, as in law, .
Government of the people. 7 shah
greatly rely upon the wisdom and
patriotism of Congress and of thoso
who may share with me the respon-
sibilities and duties of the Admins
tration, and above all, to promots
the welfare of this great people and
their Government, I reverently in
woke the support and blessings q
Almighty God.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-03-11

GARFIELD's Cabinet outdoes Her-
mann's in the number OF men who
have disappeared from view whom il
opened.
Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1881-03-11

The man who thinks the boy who
lives next door to him ID . good 10y
has not besn found.