davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
Men With Coats Of Hair.

a short time ago man a little over
orty years old went into New York
museum and asked for an engagement.
He said that be was native OF War
saw, in Russian Poland, and had been
condemned to the mines of Siberia for
being a nihiiist. A popularity of the
atmosphere in the Redan gold mines,
near Tobolsk, where he was confined
for fifteen years, he said, was that it in
time caused thick growth of hair on
the bodies Of the exiles, who, in the
warm temperature, fifteen hundred
eet below the surface, worked nearly
nude.
Nihilists being now somewhat in
vogue, especially when hairy, he was
engaged st a small salary, decked in a
fanciful MEDIEVAL costume, and seated
on a platform with Barnum's veteran
What Is It." and the Spotted Boy.
He gives his name as G. Ivanovicz, end
ays that while n medical student in
Warsaw in 1862 be was sent to Siberia
for disafection toward the Russian
government. After a weary march Of
several months he and his companions
reached their destination, and were re-
quired TO labor eleven hours a day, with
black bread and salt for their food
and water for their drink. To avoid
scurvy, onions and other vegetables
were sometimes given them. but
meat was allowed only once q year,
on the birthday of the emperor.
Rude Cossack soldiers were their guards,
who spoke with invariable roughness,
and freely used the lash If offended.
Silence was enioined during working
hours, but not strictly enforced. When
ne leisure they were not allowed TO coli
lect in groups for conversation. lest they
should hatch schemes for escape, and
when not eating they generally found
refuge from their WEAKNESS in sleep.
Ivanovicz found over two hundred
medical men in the mine, together with
n number of Russians with titled fam
lilies.
The hair on his body reached its
present thickness, he said, In four years.
but others did not acquire = growth 50
speedily. He and eight others escaped
in 1877, on the birthday of the emperor.
The guards on that day were supplied
with liquor. and they became intoxi-
Gated.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
Forgotten OmclaIs.

A writer who has been giving remin-
lscences of life in Washington says:
Before this house 1.-THE one occupiedby
mr. Seward when he was attacked by
fayne) for several years afterward q
sentry paced night and day, even when
Mr. Seward had moved away and gone
out OF office. The same building was
once used as n club house, and from
1t Key just Issued when he was shot by
5ickles. This lionel sentry, still at his
post long after he had been FORGOTTEN at
the war department. and allowed to re-
main, IsuppoSe, because no one thought
1t was his duty TO relieve him. reminds
me OF several similar incidents that are
related in Washington.
The great falls OF the Potomac ar.
about sixteen miles above Washington,
and during the war there was q station
Tor the collection of provisions for the
army on the bank of the canal near these
grand cataracts. The road between
Washington and Great Falls WAS sew
eral times raided by the Confederates,
and block house was erected by the
Federals at point three or four miles
above Georgetown 70 prevent parties of
southerners from passing up and down
the road. At the close of the war the
defences about tue capital were enc
after another deserted, but nobody
seems TO have remembered the corpo>
"A lfg tguord uf.firHaA
Aqueduct road, and they remained on
duty fora year or two. After they were
relieved, the block house was set on fire
by tramps or boys, and only ii few
blackened posts now mark its site.
still more remarkable case was that
discovered by General b. r. Butler,
about ten years ago. He Was nosing
around among the appropriations, one
day, when he discovered an officer in
the capitol whose duties he did not un-
derstand. He was watching crypt"
An investigation showed that many
years ago II was proposed TO deposit the
bones of General George Washington
beneath the capitol, and a crypt WAS pre-
pared for that purpose. When it WAS
completed apublic officer was appointed
whose duty it was % watch this crypt
and prevent its desecration, and there
he had been ever since, growing gray in
the service, aud while Congress had ap-
propriated money 70 pay his salary year
after year. nobody had thought il worth
while TO inquire how he earned it.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
A Fearless Snake Catcher.

Signor D'Albertis. "A recent explorer
in New Guinea, Is a remarkably bold
geekor after snakes. In an account OF
his travels he says that at Yule Island
the natives bad found large snake
under tree, and all ran away from IL,
crying out. AT last / went TO the
natives" he continues, land tried to
ascertain the cause of their conduct, and
they made me understand why they had
fled. ] then returned to see the snake
myself, which in fact | did, although
two-thirds OF its length were hidden in
hoe in the earth. His size was such
that concluded he could not be poison
Gus, and at once grasped him by the
tail. While dragging him out OF his
lair with my two hands / was prepared
10 flatten his neck close TO his head with
one foot the moment he emerged, 30 that
he should not have the power of turn
ing or moving. While my plan sue
ceeded perfectly, and while the snakes
head was imprisoned under my foot, /
grasped his body with my hands, and,
as though had vanquished the terrible
monster. turned toward the natives with
an air of triumph. They, struck with
terror. had looked on the scene from "A
safe distance. I must confess hat tue
snake offered little resistance, although
1t writhed and twisted itself round my
arm. squeezing il so tightly as 10 stop
the circulation and make my hand
black. ] remained, however, in posses
sion OF its neck, and sooI secured it
firmly TO long thick stick / had
brought with me. then gave the rep
tile to my men 10 carry home" This
serpent was thirteen feet long. II was
kept alive and became quite tame, and
when the natives saw D'A lbertis kiss
its head and let it coil round his legs.
they howled with amaZement and ad-
miration. Six weeks after the capture
he writes: My snake continues 10 do
well; ii has twice cast its skin, is well
behaved and tame, and does not attempt
TO escape, even when put il in the sun
outside the house; and when 90 10
bring il in ii comes TO me of its own ac-
cord. II never attempts TO bite, even
when | .caress it or tease 1t. While |
am working often hold IL on my knees,
where it remains for hours; sometimes
il raises its head and licks my face with
its iorked tongue. 1t is true friend
and companion TO me. When tie
natives bother me it is useful in putting
them 10 flight, for they are much afraid
of II; it Is quite sufficient for me to Jet
my snake loose TO make them fly at full
speed" He kept this serpent fornearly
six months. and lAtterly another Of the
same species with it, till at last both
e capped. and he mourned their loss ms
Of dear friends, adding. 4" for ! leved
them and they loved me. and We had
passed long time together"
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
The European Plan.

He wasn't an old man, but he had an
ancient look around the eyes, and the
moss had got a good start on his back.
He put up at downtown hotel on the
European plan, and was assigned room
and forgotten. lie came on Monday
In the evening he took few turns
around the Office. looked hard at the
clock and hungrily at the clerk. and
went 10 his room with a pocketlul OF
apples. He was seen several times next
day with that same hungry look on his
face, and about seven o'clock in the
evening be carefully approached the
counter and said to the clerk:
"Sayi I'm gettin' ali-fred hungry.
Isn't 1t about time you had support"
Supper Why we don't have any
supper here"
Then guess I'll square up and quit.
Ididn't expect much on Monday because
It was wash-day, and let you of to- day
because I thought the women folks
might have big ironing; but I've got
o hungry now that ! must fad some
tavern where they hain't so internally
busy that they can't set out ut least one
meal dayr'-WaH Street Ncps.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
Winter PIckereI Fishing.

Winter fishing through the ice on the
different ponds in Kennebec county, Me-,
Is growing in Importance every season.
Hundreds Of pounds of pickerel are
taken weekly by the local amateur fisher.
men. Holes are chopped through the
ice, little steel rods. with red signals
flying. are placed by the sides, with a
line attached. A great FIRE Is kindled
by the shore, which sends its cracking.
flaming columns up agai 81 the dark
evergreens. The anglers ather around
and relieve the monotot > Of watching
their lines by telling stories and an
occasional nip from pocket TASKS. Ithas
already become quite q business to
supply these disciples of Izaak Walton
with "live bait" Sinners, chubs and
red-fns are the food 10 attract the fas-
tidious and voracions pickerel. These
diminutive fish are caught by the peck
In Ballard's Brook, and In the river
above the dam. These ather in holes,
generally where live spring gushes up
from the bottom, and are captured with
dip-nets and kept in half hogsheads in
cellsrs. One store has over 5000 sinners
in two capacious tubs In the basement.
Il stream Of running water flows con-
tinually through the tubs. and the fish
are fed regularly with hour paste.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
A Great CompIImentl

Edwin Booth says that the most gem
uine compliment he ever received was
on the occasion OF bis playing Iago in
"Othello " for the first time at Grass
Valley, CAL, then new mining camp.
The audience. who had not seen play
for years, were so much incensed at his
apparent villainy that they pulled out
their "shooters in the middle of the
third act. and began blazing away at
the stage. othello had the tip of his
nose shot of at the first volley, and Mr..
Booth only escaped by rolling over and
over mp the stage and disappearing
through q trap door. A speech from
the manager, somewhat calmed the
house; but even then Mr.. Booth thought
it best to pass the night In the theater,
as q number of the most elevated spec
tators were making strenuous efforts to
induce the vigilance committee to lynch
the snesking cuss."
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
Fashion Notes.

Lace is not worn with the velvet COL
lars and cuffs in the dauphin style.
The prettiest bags to wear with dresses
are finished with three tassels.
Puffings OF white lace form the upper
half of sleeves for evening dress.
Stripes of colored .gauze bordered by
satin are made up into pretty ties.
Boots buttoned very far back at the
sides are the next novelty, it is said.
Sultana shoes, laced on the side to
show The stocking, are in favor in Paris.
Heavy black silk are preferable to the
satin finished stufIs for half mourning.
The Princess of Wales is wearing
waves instead OF little carls on the fore
head.
Very few basques are left plain in
front. Some ARE cut into points and
some into curves.
Elbow sleeves are now made with
cuff covered with white lace and slightly
projecting.
Side draperies are very slightly pufFed
when worn, and are fastened in large
bow in the back.
Instead of alternating the satin and
cashmere plaits in a skirt, they are now
set in groups OF three.
Brooches of tortoise shell and feathers
in the shape of fans are pretty and fash
ionable.
Kid shoes laced by ribbons embroi-
deied in gold, are worn over bright
colored Lisle thread stockings.
Colored chemisettes with black
dresses. and black OF white chemisettes
with colored dresses Is tue rule.
The large bows OF satin fastened at
the left side of the belt supersede the
belt bouquets with many ladies'.
Sets of colored silk cuffs and collars
trimmed with gold braid are sold to
wear with dark dresses.
The most fashionable fans now carried
in London have shell sticks ai.d mounts
oil dark green feathers.
The new blue has decided tinge of
purple in it, and is very rich in velvet
and plush. 1t is called Maletot.
Gold braid embroidered on black,
dark green and plum color Is the trim
ming OF many elegant costumes.
Embroidered China Grape Is a favorite
material for evening overdresses. II is
worn either with velvet or silk.
Brocade with velvet figures in lozen-
ges, half moons. or vermicelli patterns
is liked as a trimming for black dresses
White gloves embroidered with COL
ored silk and entirely covering the arm
have superseded the long black gloves.
Porcelain buttons, with small land
scapes painted upon them, are used to
fasten the waistcoats worn with marquis
coats.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
FOR THE PAIR SEX.
The Bssenia and Cashmere shawi..

The BsEonta anu SsshmeEe Shawh.
About two centuries ago French
navigator named Begon brought from
Asia new plant, which is still called
after him, begonia. Few readers would
suspect the part this plsnt plays in the
production of the handsome shawls so
priced by ladies. The best by far OF
these are made in Cashmere. a beautiful
district at the foot of the Himalaya
mountains. The material used in
their manufacture is the finest
down from the Thibet goat. Every
one has probably remarked the
singularly graceful patterns with which
they are ornamonted, and perhaps won
dered whether they were studies from
nature or the production of the artists
brain. They are the former. Nature
in the East supplies admirably graceful
leaves on which the sun designs delicate
ornaments, and the workmen OF CASH
mere initiate them, as the Grecian
sculptors copied the curves of the acan-
thus in the Corinthian capitals. These
leaves are those of the begonia. When
the French arrived in Egypt, at the end
Of the last century. they were surprised
to see the Orientals wearing costumes,
shawls. turbans, sashes, etc, OF beautiful
cashmere work. They greatly admired
these dresses, which fell so gracefully
on the human form. When the con-
querors of the pyramids returned to
France they displayed their rich booty,
which Immediately came into fashion
among the ladies. From that period
they have constantly remained in high
favor. Their prices vary from 5000 to
$400. Under the empire, no lady with
any pretension went without cashmere
shawl. The taste for these articles,
although not 50 great as formerly, has
not entirely ceased. However, it is
very rarely now that a person wears a
real Indian cashmere; the articles in
general use are the product of French
manufacture.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
A Change of Opinion.

While New Yorker was at Mt
Clemens, Mich, last fall to try the effect
OF the mineral waters on his rheuma-
tism. he was one day approached by a
young man who asked:
Are you not Mr.. -, OF New York
city7"
~ am" was the reply, "but do not
remember OF having met you before"
Probably not, / am Smith. the
comedian"
"6mith-Smiih."
"Oh. you needn't try TO remember
me. -Four weeks ago fattered myself
that all the world knew me and admirer
my acting. came West with a COM
bination that busted in Wisconsin. and
after. walk of 6iO miles across the
country have come 10 the conclusion
that never amounted to two shillings
as an actor"
II presume you desire my aid to reach
homer"
Naturally would. bu, Il you will
see that have dinner | will let you off.
Fact is. hrve been bitten by dogs so
often, chased by farmers so frequently.
and been Obliged 10 outrun so many con.
stables that have lost all ambition.
Once I wanted thunders of applause at
every hit. Now, when l do a good
thing in the way of eluding sheriff and
his posse, I'm perfectly satisfied with
even pancakes and thin coffee as n re-
ward. ~ Val areot Heps.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17

The report of Ivan Petrof. supervisor
OF the census of Alaska, gives the entire
population OF Alaska as 30. l48. of which
$40 are whites. Ofthe total number OF In
dians. those in the northeastern portion
are estimated at about 5000. Counting
whites and creoles and all who might
become Americans, Mr.. Petroff csti-
mates about one citizen to every 1000
square miles OF territory. The SOUTH
western portion Of the Territory from
Mount st. Elias Is about 300 miles long
and from fifty to sixty miles wide,
measuring in outlying islands. That
portion of the Territory Is IS. 900 square
miles in area, and has population of
5000 Indians and 500 whites and Gre
oles all combined. This, Mr.. 'Petroff
suggests, Is Just about enough of popu-
lation for one small county in very
large area. II Is also practically dis
connected from the western portion of
the Territory, which contains $50, 600
square miles, and which latter portion,
immense as 1t is, contains only l39
whites. including four women and four
chilcren. or the white population of
Alaska about 200 are in Sitka.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
The Poem Kept Him Warm.

The French Canadian poet Frechette
tells story Of how single line of one
of his early poems kept him and his
chum warm during a cold Canadian
winter. lie and his friend were living
In the attic OF an old Quebec house, and
depended on stove-pipe passing
through the floor from lower apart
ment for artificial warmth. 1t twas not
strange that = short poem written in this
apartment should contain the line,
Shiveripg in my attic poor" But
when bis landlady saw 1t In local
newspaper her good heart got the better
of her pique, for when the young men
came home on the following day they
found n stove In the room, and were leo
tured as follows: Gentlemen, we are
very indulgent, sidering your noisy
meetings. We are not very particular
when rent day arrives. and II you shiv-
cred In your room 1t would have been
better 10 have said so privately than TO
have complained Of IL in the nowspa-
pers.S
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17

Professor Fort has presented the Ques-
ton OF premature interments 10 the
French Academy in = paper on artificial
respiration. One fact be mentions is,
that he was enabled TO restore to life .
child three years old by practicing Arti-
fetal respiration on Il some four hours.
commencing three hours and = half
after apparent death. A similar case i
reported By DR.. Fournol. Of Billanrourt.
who terminated nearly drowned per-
son after four hours of artificial respira-
tion. This person had been in the water
uen minutes, and the doctor arrived one
hour after asphyxia. Professor Fort
advocates also the utility Of artificial
respiration in order TO eliminate the
poison from the lungs and glands. The
length of time IL is desirable 10 practice
artificial respiration n any case ofap-
parent death from ssphyxia may be said
to be several hours.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
I" Johnny Tuesday,"


A bareheaded man, with his thick,
gray hair matted into a tangled thatch,
dripping with wet, walked through
Fourteenth street. lie had his hands
deep in the pockets of his greasy. kneed-
ragged pantaloons, and tattered coat
was buttoned across his chest, with the
tail of what had once been dress coat
protruding from beneath IL. Whatever
other covering his feet had was con-
cealed under pair Of immense arctics,
which, as he LramDed along, sent the
slush flying as the tread of an elephant
might. This character saluted the
policeman at the corner of Fifth avenue
with n sharp nod, and the officer re-
sponeed: "How de do, John; and how
does this weather suit youP"
John moved on toward Broadway
without replying, and the Nes0s repre-
sentative asked the policeman who he
was. To which the officer replied with
some astonishment: "Why. it's johnny
Tuesday, TO be sure. Everybody knows
him.
The reporter humbly ackno wledged
that he was nobody. and prayed TO be
enlightened, whereupon the municipal
official condescended To impart TO him
these curious facts:
Johnny Tuesday has for the past ten
yoars been a familiar figure OF our
streets. He Is demented, and believes
that he Is under bonds 70 divine
power never TO wear hat. because our
Savior did not affect that article of
headgear. During all that time he has
been before the public here. in rain or
slime, winter or summer, he has never
covered his crown with any but the
hirsute shelter provided him by nature,
and which he never cuts or trims. II
is in odd contrast with this queer mania
that he is scrupulous in keeping his
face shaven, carrying razor and a
little chunk of soap about with him for
that purpose.
Our station.houses occasionally pro.
vide Johnny Tuesday with shelter,
but as a rule he finds place to sleep in
some stable or wAreh ouse, whose watch
man has heart and compassionates the
wandercr. In the same way his food is
furnished him By the humble charity OF
the poor. among whom he is well
known. He never asks aims, and when
money is given him, AZ it frequently is.
he accepts ii and lays 1t out in candies
and cheap cakes, which he distri butes
among the youngsters OF the west side
where he spends most OF his time.
He does not talk much, and what little
he docs say no one can make much of.
But he is always cogitating profoundly.
and cnnversing with himself on the
grave topics the vulgar world could not
comprehend II he did lay them befoTciit
Where he comes from and what his
real name is no one knows. When be
made his debut rs metropolitan curl
osiiy some newspaper man wrote a
squib about him, and christened him in
IL Johnny Tuesday. the name beink sug-
Rested by that OF George Mo-. day, a
historic Phi.a ielphia eccentric now de-
ceased. who for many years Travelled
about the Quaker city without bat,
proClaiming some Bsdlamite doctrines
about the regeneration OF mankind.
Johnny Tuesday accepted the name con,
ferred on him. and 1t has stuck to him
since.-Ne1 York NeUs.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17
Matrimonial arents" do : very eoot

Matrimonial agents" do = very good
business in Paris, and some OF them
have accumulated large fortunes. II Is
stated that some of these owe their sue
cess &c liberal advertising" One, for
instance. advertises ''large selection
Of widows" and "eligible maideps"
with fortunes varying from s40.0 to
figures well up in the hundreds of
thousands. II is actually reported that
some OF these brokers have feminine
attractions on hand with fortunes well
nigh n million, who have been Obliged
TO seek this method of getting husbands.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17

North Carolina has Slty-sevcn cotton
factories In operation.
Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1881-02-17

Three or four ounces Of oil can be ex-
trActed trUm one hundred pounds Of
water
Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-12-19
The Future of So-SO.

Commenting upon the purchase of So-So by
Com. Kittson, the Turf, Field and Farm
says: Commodore N. W. Kittson, Midway
Stock farm, has capped the climax in the trot-
ting horse line by purchasing of Mr.. VIM.
Tomilson, Chicago, ILL.,, the trotting mare
$3.50, record of 2:1714. The mare was bought
through Mr.. D. w. Woodmansee, for the
Commodore's royal harem at st. Paul, Minn.,
and the price paid is said to be $40 900. There
certainly can be no objection to $3.50 as a
brood mare, as she is finely bred, over sixteen
hands high and proportionately built, all es-
sential requisites in the stud. On the other
hand, she has just the cut for a .rotter-a good
head and neck, sloping shoulders, fine length,
short back, good breathing apparatus, sound
legs and feet, long, rangy stride and glides
along like locomotive. These qualities emf
nently fit her for the turf, where with proper
handling, she should be able to reach the fore
most rank. The trotting turf can Ill afford
to lose such horse. The Commodore, how
ever. knows his own business best. So.So, b
m, foaled 1878, is by George Wilkes, dam Lit
tie Ida, by Alexander's Edwin Forrest; second
dam Ida May, by Red Jacket; third dam Anna.
by Kinkead's st. Lawrence; fourth dam said
to be by imp. Trustee.