davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18
Chinamt MS Secret Societies.

A Chinaman who does not belong to a
secret society has worry little chance OF
prospecting. There are few who are I'M
attached-mostly men from isolated vii
lagos in China, from which there are not
enough immigrants to form q Hoey.
Such man may possibly be tolerated,
but he cannot grow rich. If he keeps
store, no guildsman will buy from him;
if he plies sampan, he may find 1t
scuttled some day. without the least
chance of redress. If a society man
fastens quarrel on him he is ruined and
had better leave before he is murdered.
The worst feature OF the society, if pos
sible, is the protection it affords to oil
its members, it matters not what crime
they have committed. Not many years
ago wealthy Chinese merchant was
murdered in the middle of the day in
Penang. The murderer was hired as
sassin belonging to the Ghee Hin Kong
see. He called his victim to the door,
plunged dagger twice into his side.
and darted through the the crowded
street into the dark lane Of the Macao
quarter close ut hand. A thorough and
immediate search was made by the
police and friends of the murdered man.
A large reward was offered for the
apprehension of the assassin. Yet,
though he was known to be within a
space only few hundred square
wards in area, he could not be found.
And yet this man was simply paid to do
the murder. He had no grudge against
the victim, and his employer was vehe.
mently suspected OF being man who did
not belong to the society at all. The as
sassin was no doubt quietly shipped of
to China in junk some time afterward.
Many similar cases might be cited to
prove the unwavering fidelity OF the
members to the bond OF union subsisting
between them. They will risk their lib
erty, and even their lives, for one an
other without hesitation. Indeed, if one
brother betrayed another in case of this
kind, his life would not DO worth an
hours purchase; and outsiders are in lit
tie less danger. If they aid in the arrest
of guildsman they are almost certain
to experience the vengeance OF the soci-
ETY. sooner or later; and the mere ill-will
OF the guild usually means ruin. When
member has committed any grave crime
and requires the protection of his broth
rem, all he does is to cut of a lock OF hair
and tie it to his arm. He simply has to
show this to obtain u place of conceal
meut or means of escape. Hence, when
members Of o secret society commit
crimes, it is almost impossible to find
even clue to the perpetrators. Detec-
tives are useless, and rewards are offered
to no purpose.-[St. James London,
JazettA
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18

INSECT LIFE IN DEMONSTRATING in
no part of the British possessions is in
sect life so vigorous as in Burmah, and
mere particularly in the months of May
and October, when the change of the
monsoons take place. The first rains
commence usually about the 18th of
May, and are ushered in with storms of
thunder and lightning. The first show
ers seem to awaken myriads of all kinds
of flying insects, mosquitoes being the
most troublesome both to man and
beast; whilst flying ants are not far be-
hind. Against attacks of the former,
with vigorous punkah-pulling and
placing newspaper on the cane-bottom
chairs, which are almost universally
used, for the sake of GOODNESS, the old
stager can get through his dinner in
comfort, and forget his cares afterwards
in long armchair amid the grateful
fumes of so-called "Burmah" cheroot.
But the flying ants only emerge from the
ground at certain periods, on perhaps ~
to 30 nights of the whole 800, carry all
before them. They do not bite like the
mosquito, but coming in battalions, the
only resource for the beseiged is turning
out the lights, or an ignominious flight
into darkness until the plague has
passed. 1t seldom lasts more than an
hour two; but in a minute or two, if the
lights are not put out, these flying pests
will have found their way into his soup,
or have covered the joint or outlet, or be
drowning themselves in the glass of beer
OF the new-comer--for few Anglo Bur.
mans now drink that old fashioned but
liver-deranging beverage which used tc
be so universally consumed in years
gone by. but which is now replaced by
the lighter wines of France or Germany
Il Chambers Journal.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18

Feuillet: Most women spend their
lives in robbing the old tree from which
Eve plucked the first fruit. And such is
the attraction Of this fruit that the most
honest woman il not content to die with.
out having tAstsd it,
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18

ROUND AND SQUARE DANcEs.--A cor.
respondent writing from Charlottesville
Va, to the Richmond Religious Herald
relates that in certain ecclesiastical
court" the question of dancing was dis
cussed warmly and at length. Finally
it was proposed that the square dance be
sanctioned and the round dance be for.
hidden. At this junction a member OF
the convocation arose and said: "Ah
brethren, ! nightly fear that if We
authoritatively permit the square dance
that some people may soon pinch off the
corners and mako it the round dance. s.
The proposed compromise wasn't carried.
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18

Papa was at his toilet, and his young
est daughter, aged 6, who had found her
way into his dressing was watch
ing the progress Of the aiming razor with
the keenest interest. Presently her ell
der sister came in search of her, urging.
"You must como away, May, while
papa il shaving." II guess not" 70
iorted the little Wit. quickly. II can stay
cause I'm his little shaver"
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18

A small boy of Bath, Me-, had just
gone to bed the other night, when he
noise woke him up, and he said, MAN
ma, saw some cows" "Where?" she
asked. up there" said he. pointing to
the ceiling. His mother remarked that
that Was . queer place TO zee cows, and
the little follow got slightly angry and
said, well, guess they could have
bssn angel cows, couldn't theyf"
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18

A Galveston school teacher asked a
new boy: If carpenter wants to cover
. roof Is feet wide by 30 broad, with
shingles Ave feet broad by IL long, how
many shingles will he need?" The boy
took up his hat and slid for the door.
"Where are you going?" asked the
teacher. "To find carpenter. He ought
to know that better than any Of we fell
lers."
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18

Phoebe watched her, and saw her enter
florists door. In little while she
i ve out, and walked away, and Phoebe
Hred the florists in her place.
He florists wife sat behind the coun-
making up some bridal boquets.
What can do for you, Mrs. Dare,
kasked.
a great deal, Mrs. Gault, il you will,
must have long talk with you.
firstly. what order did Jane Piggot
fe here?"
}The usual spring order for Mrs. Oaks
Aen." replied Mrs. Gault.
I thought So" said Phoebe.
Id then began confidential talk, to
oh We will not listen.
Miss Piggot, here's note," said
". sThe person that brought 1t IL
ting for an answer"
kiss PiQRot took the envelope from
hands Of the servant and read the fol-
hing words:
Mss Pro0of-I write to explain the
That have sent woman to do the
xr-beds. We find German women
good for garden work, and employ
constantly. I hope Mrs. Oaks
ut object. MARTHA GAuLr.
b you object, ma'am ?" asked Jane.
hy should I objectP" said Mrs.
II shall 60 out and see her ct
VI kfker awhile. It will amuse me. y
kov the woman into the garden,
Seep tho gate locked. Sally" said
bosr after, Mrs.. Oaks went into
Faen. A funny little hQure, Al
q Up In wogstsd hood and shawl
The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-08-18

repay ner SelI-uenlaI WIN ncaNy ihtel
est.
Dollie hurried on her hat and shawl
and started on her wrathful mission.
She had gone but little way, when
whom should she meet but the faithless
Lena? Both stopped, and, for moment,
stood face to face.
shameless creaturew broke out
Dollie, thinking to crush her enemy at o
blow.
"You impudent thingH retorted the
other, not crushed bit
"How dared you write such thiugsto
my husband?" cried Dollie, flourishing
the discovered note.
II never wrote to your husbani.
answered Lena, holly, "but-"
Don't add falsehood to crime" in
terrupted Dollie. II found this in my
husbands pocket" giving the note an
other flourish.
"And l found this in lay husbands
pocketv' returned Lena, almost II
scream. "It is in your own hand and
signed with your name. How dared you
call him Dear Ras, my own pet nsme
for him, and send him q kiss in the
corner?"
"Your effrontery is unbearalleT
broke out Dollie; Il never wrote aiine
to your husband in my life!"
"Dont lie!" screeched Lena, om-
pletely losing self-control.
"Heyl what u Al thisi" cried Has-
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19
a Telegraph Operators Duel.

A Charlotte IN. c. special to the
Chicago Times says: A remarkable
affair of honor took place at Gastonia,
between this place and Columbia, S.
c.. last night. The novel feature of
the affair is that the insult and chal-
lenge were both given and the hostile
cartel accepted by telegraph, and the
combatants we're both operators More
than two years ago Reginald de
Febre, a well known telegraph opera
tor at this place, in an irritable NOM
ent received an insult from John Cove.
an operator at Greenville, s. G..
Though the two men had never seen
each other, De Febre could not forget
the insult. He has been considered
the best natured man in the telegraph
service, and was noted for the even
ness Of his temper under the most
trying circumstances. He never lost
his good humor when receiving press,
and no matter how late the special
correspondents kept him up he smok.
ed his inevitable CHAR and licked
away. But the Greenville insult was
too much for him. Ii has 50 happen.
ed that this month there has been
more than the usual amount Of tele-
graphing going on between Greenville
and Charlotte, and De Febre and
Cove have had to talk repeatedly. On
Saturday they broke out into bicker-
ing, and pretty soon the instruments
we're clicking hot words, and the
deadly insult was given and received.
"Will you meet me and give me
satisfaction? clicked De Febre.
Il will" was the curl, dot and dash
message.
"Where?"
"On half way ground. The passen-
ger trains meet at G%astonia. / will
meet you there"
The arrangements we're completed
for a meeting, and yesterday afternoon
two telegraph operators in new dust
ers got of the train at GastOnia. They
bowed frigidly to each other, and left
for the hotel accompanied by friends.
1t was decided that instead Of the pis-
toll duel practice the parties should
meet in an old field and settle the diff.
ference in man to man fashion by a
square stand up and knock down con
test, In order TO prevent interference
tho hour fixed for the meeting vas
o'clock in tho morning. The moon
was shining brightly when the two
men, accompanied by seconds, met on
the field. De Febre was a light
weight, while Cove turned the scales
at 40. After a close contest the
heavy weight told and the Charlotte
man was beaten. II was a hard fight.
and the men were badly punished. Ne
arrests.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19
Thursday Evening. May. 10. 1881.
nmoa, MpdIaan gtreet,

By the great Nashville fire some
forty buildings were burned, includ-
Ing fifteen or twenty valuable blocks.
The entire loss is not less than half a
million, and the insurance perhaps
$4,000. This is a heavy blow ia
Nashville, at a time when an unusual
tide of prosperity was setting in
Still, the place can stand it, and the
burnt district will no doubt be speed.
lily rebuilt with better houses,in a ma
jority of cases, han stood there be-
fore. Nashville has been growing
slowly, but steadily, for several years,
and of late has taken an unusual start.
Many very handsome new blocks have
been built in the last few years. A
few Of these we're destroyed yesterday
but this will only temporarily arrest
the growth of the place. The
people are abundantly able
to take care OF themselves
This is the biggest FIRE that ever ot.
cured in the state, if not in the
south, unless we except the burning Of
Columbis, South Carolina, during the
war. If it had started at night the
consequences would have been far
more disastrous. 1t is gratifying to
know that no life was lost. The pluck
and enterprise Of the people will soon
rise superior to this heavy blow. The
people Of Memphis gave but one ex-
preston when the news of the
Ere spread over the city, and
that was Of sympathy, anxiety and
regret. We congratulate our news
paper friends upon escaping with
comparatively such small loss, and ex-
psct to see the city going along in a
few months as if nothing had hap
peued.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19
OLDTrmE CARD PLAYERS.
Famous Bouts Between "DIgby"
and Judge Petit, OF Indiana.

Lafayette indy Timos.l
In the early history Of Lafayette
card playing was more than IN amuse-
ment; with a good many men it was
business" The founder Of Lafayette,
"0ld" Digby, was for many years the
/, most noted card player on the Wabash.
There aremany anecdotes of him that
have been handed down and are worth
preserving. 1.-THE old settlers are to
be believed, "0ld Dig" and the late
Judge Petit had many = lively tussle
at the card table. On one occasion
the two sat down early in the fore
noon at their favorite game Of "old
sledge," FIVE dollars a game. About
four o'clock in the afternoon, when
Petit was about $40 winner, he an
nounced to pigby that he must quit.
What are you going to quit fort" in
quired Digby. II want to go and take
care of my horse" replied Petit. In
those days every lawyer kept a horse
to ride the circuit. II can go without
me dinner" the Judge concluded, but
l am not going to abuse my horse just
to accommodate you at this game"
Petit retired with Digby's $40 in his
pocket. The next morning bright and
early they were at it again. Digby
had a big streak of luck, and before
II O'Clock had bagged $40 of Pettit's
money. Rakiug from the table the
last $40 put up he announced to Petit
that he was goingto quit. What are
you going to quit for?" inquired Petit.
why, | must 60 and feed my horse,
John" "Why,-you, replied Petit,
you havn't got any horse" well
John. if havn't got any horse" slap
ping his bands on his breeches pocket,
I've got the money to buy one!'
The game was closed. Digby who was
a bachelor, had a small one story
frame house put up on Main street,
close to where the canal now is, as an
cfice aud sleeping apartment. After
it was finished, but the plastering not
sufficiently dry to be occupied. Digby
and Petit sat down to play their ia
vorite game of old sledge. Digby's
money was soon exhausted and Petit
declared the game closed. Digby
proposed one more game, stalking his
house against a certain sum of money.
The game was played and Petit was
the winner. The next morning he
made a bargain with a house mover to
remove the building to a lot he owned
on the south side Of Main street, a lit
tie east OF the public square. The
wooden wheels were put under, and
in the afternoon it was strated up
Main street with a long team of oxen
before it, aud at dark it had just
reached the public square. That
night Digby and Petit had another
game, and in the morning there was a
readjustment Of the wheels, and the
house was started on its return to-
wards the river. 1t reached its prop
err place in the street, and was left to
be put back in its old position on the
morrow. But the next morning it
was started up town again. The next
day it took the other direction, and
by this time the whole town came to
understand it. Finally it remained
in the public square over Sunday, and
on Monday continued its way up
Main street and was wheeled on Pet
tits lot. He soon moved his books
into it and for many years occupied it
as a law Office.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19
"As Sweet as n Lamb about Six
Months DID,

Charles H. Leighton is a young man
Of Sea Cliff, and Miss Eva NJ. Leick
is a belle Of Brooklyn. They were en-
gagged to be married last winter, but
Mr. Leighton. for some cause un-
known, sought to break the engage,
ment. Miss Leick admitted that it is
always a sad thing to take a love case
to court, but she did take the case in
question there, as well as the follow
ing letter, which she had received:
You dear, darling little sugar-plum,
you are as sweet as a lamb about six
months old. | wish you to come up
on May ID. Leave the house about
2:3O. [ wish you would work a motto
Sunshine Alter the Clouds') Cor
mother. She says for you to come up,
and | wish you TO tell your mother 70
let you come for my sake.
"P. S.-Cry to work hat motto il
you can, and let me know if you can.
"P. ST. will write to let you know
all about it,"
When this letter was read in court,
Mr.. LeightOn's affection apparently
returned. He ct once sent for Rev.
Or. Hall and defendant and plaintiff
we're married.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19

pounds, and a beam ten feet long and
eight inches thick was placed upon
the stone. Two pieces Of the beam,
three feet and a half long, were
thrown in different directions. One
fell 1876 feet away, and the other 800
feet from the place of the explosion;
Smaller pieces were picked up 49O
feet away. The stone was. broken into
small pieces, which were scattered.
On the trial Nihilist Kibalchich,
the dynamite and mbmanufacturer,
tried to prove that the quantity Of
dynamite and of the explosive jelly
put in the mine was the minimum re.
ouired to accomplish the purpose
Killing the garland that no passer-
by on the sidewalks, nor the people
in the houses nearest to the
mine, could suffer any fatal injury.
The experts decide that had the mine
been exploded, it might have pro-
duced destruction and a great loss Of
life
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19

William j. Coughlin, of So%merville,
Mass, says; I'm the fall of 1876 | was
taken with a violent bleeding of the
lungs, followed by a severe cough. l
was so weak at one time that | could
not leave my bed. In the summer of
1877 | was admitted to the city hospi
tai. While there the doctors said l
had a hole in my left lung as big as a
half dollar. | was so far gone at one.
time a report went around that | was
dead. | gave up hope, but a friend
told me of DR.. VIM. Halls Balsam for
the Lungs. | got bottle, when to my
surprise and qualification | commenced
to feel better, and to-day | feel in bet
ter spirits than | have in the past
three years.
81 write this hoping every n
afflicted with diseased lungs will be
induced to take DR.. Halls Balsam for
the lungs, and be convinced that con
sumption can be cured" Sold by
druggists.
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19
Health is Wealth.

DR.. Z. c. VESTS NERVE AND BRI. IN TREAT
WILSON'S, Nervous Headache, Mental Bepres-
sion, Loss Of Memory, SpermatJrrhea, Impo-
tency, Involuntary Emissions, Premature Old
Age, caused by over-exertion, self abuse, or
oYer-indqlgence, which leads 10 misery, decay
Each box contains one months trestmont.
One dollar a box, or six boxes for ave dollN a:
sent by mail : eOaid on receipt Of.price. W.
guarantee six boxes TO cure any case, T.yitb
panied with five dollars, we will send u a mr.
chaser our written guarantee to re rurn the
money if the treatment does not effect n cura.
Guaranteei issued only by A. RILNKERT 4
70 Wholesale ana Retail DIR .ggisti, 2l5 Main
receive prompt attention. Hxxxiiii5sdkw
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19
5l1@
Trust sale.

by virtue Of a certain t'.ust dead. hearing
ID date the 18th day of j uly. IA dnI mn ras
corded in book No, lO2, p Age-37 2 Of The ReoiS.
ter,s ofhce of Shelby CT unity. Tennessesl de.
iault having been me de therein, | will, as
wednesday +, May aSth, 1851,
n n S6 M ~ Heo law Office Of. L. & B Lehman.
~ -sul9D ltreet, in the city Of Memphiss
nov nov h 1-in ~ grict ofShelby county, Tonnes
Az der =, nnRf;n al hours, sell to tho highest bid
desc al bpddOio auction, for cash, the following
SitnatsS ! cal estate, to-wit: A lot Of land
9tv ~ = 4 the city of Memphis, Shelby coun.
w, oF Ssee, beginning at the northeast cor
~ he line as fixed by the agreement Z ~
VAIL = tween Watt G. Bradford and w. a.
~ I p as, recorded in book No. 20, page IS Of
ny 4 sesister's Office of Shelby county, TenT "a.
so?' and running thence southWardly with tba
lald east line of said lot as fixed in said dsoJ
fetTe cen Watt .. Bradford and W. B. We ilons
s ~ re north line Of the alley between P oplar
an'! washington streets. and running ! banea
sgstWardly with tho north line oil said lIey ~
me west line Of the lot heretofo ~ hv rhhooyso
Sewering conveyed to j. W. Ct ump; tbencs
northWardly with the west lima Of 'Ionoo
conveyed to said Crpmp TO the soutj y 10y s9
Poplar. street: thence WestWs ,div III III
south line. OF Poplar street to n "a no ~ ~ tno
sann.ns, eeing tne premises later ,ded 10 h,
conveyed TO Benjamin n. Ii Tren, "a bv a Do
Hamnon, trustee, BY deed ,ss~i,1e p Y.
ga day OF une, 1871, recorder m ,ek NJ ~
page zO4 o. said Registers Of 90 ~. sbasui,
fne premises conveyed to s aid Benilmin p
ssmaSnoe ~ katharine A. Schafer Tbayiss.
S og 2 and herman Sehai er, by ~ ID bsaTs
given t To- correct Snsn an iS eTs, which lat isr deed
81 me premises intended 10 IL ues eilPson
deed made by Catharine A. SebsSSnvey, % II a
man man SSS a'ss her husband 3 C y az SEVER HSr
book No. 80, part Q, page fileuo Teeor ued In
9Iieei ana being tho same pr,mfsa reg iuoI
% Ssille M trankl.nd byISuis eoF EYE,
afoTes rsspI Rss IN book Nos lGS. re- lip iifa fftSSys
waived. III utfTIuiiy ot rode mp
Memphis, April 18th, ] ISL. Wan Iru.se
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19
Andrew Johnson,s Estate.

Knoxville Dispatch, 49,
A final decree was entered, yes
terday, in the Chancery court, at
Greenville, in the case Of the widow
Of Andrew johnson, Jr., VS.. the ad-
ministrators and heirs of the estate Of
the late ex- President Andrew johnson.
The decree, as we learn, was an agreed
one, with the understanding, on both
sides, that after the taking Of the &C
count, the case was to be taken to the
suprtme court. Several interesting
legal questions are involved. as between
the claimants one Of them being
whether the cotton factory at Union is
TO be regarded as personally or realty.
We learn from one Of the counsel in
the case that the net estate for distri.
button will amount to at least 500, 900,
Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-19

St. Louis Republican : General
Albert Pike, Of Washington city, ar
rived here yesterday morning, and is
stopping at the Laclede. He comes
here as the grand commander Of the
supreme council of the Thirty third
degree. for the southern jurisdiction
of the United States of the Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free
masonry, TO visit the Lodge of Per
lection" fourteenth degree, establish
ed in St. Louis within a month by
Martin Collins, inspector general tor
the state of Missouri, and member of
the supreme council. John H. Deems
is master, and w. II. Mayo secretary
Of the st. Louis lodge.