davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
Good Literature.

This is the appropriate name of a weel,
newspaper at 30 cents year, which i,
certainly one OF the most marvellous pro-
ducts of the now famons Literary Revo-
luton" II gives for this pittance abou'
twice as much matter az either of tb,
S4.00 magazines, and is filled with the latest
news, that is worth knowing, about book,
and authors, condemned pointed opinion
of the best literary critics concerning new
and stardsrd books, with choice reading
from those Of greatest interest, reprintin,
some valuable books entire. 1t is jus
now giving seriously "Uarda Romano.
Of Ancient Egypt" an historical novel O
remarkable interest and beauty, which has
justly won rank by the eide Of Scott
l"Ivanhoe," Bulwer's "Pompeii," anc
Kingsley's "Hypatia." A series of arti
cles on "The Choice of Books" by Mr.
Charles F. Richerson, is worth, to an
thoughtful reader, for more than the cos
Of the paper. A specimene copy will b.
sent free, or the paper will be sent thre
moths on trial for the nominal price Of Il
cents, BY the publishers, the American
Book Exchange, Tribune Building, Ne,
York City.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
journalistic Amenities.

The unsophiscated readers of those
influential journals doubtless imagine
that the editor of the Petaluma Peduine
and Vallejo Vengeance are bitter and
forocious foes. 1t is quite possible that
neither of these gentlemen would speak
to the other in their respective towns
for untold wealth; it would spoil the eff
feet of the terrible personal denuncia-
tions indulged in throughout each
issue of their respective sheets. But
away from the glare of the rustic eye
the case is entirely changed. These
warriors of the flowing pen met in San
Francisco last week and took lunch to-
gether-something of almost weekly
occurrence, we understand. Happen
ing to occupy the next box to the twain
in the restaurant, we naturally over
heard some of their conversation.
"How is it, my dear old boy, you
called me 'putrid pirate of perdition'
only twice in your paper yesterday"
said the Peautae man, reproachfully,
{" 1t was hardly the square thing when
designated you as scalawag OF the
neither slums' four times on Wednes-
day"
- ss 1t was entirely through the stupid
ity of my assistant. dear old friend. l
wrote with my own hand half-column
leader headed The Crawling Reptile
Squirms Again but a high-rate circus
| ad. came in and crowded it out" re-
piled the Vengeance proprietor.
"That was tough luck" sighed the
Pedvia,e director saving away on his
crop; 81 felt it all the more as that
very day announced that you served
two terms at Sing Sing for burglary,
and there was no doubt of your having
deserted three wives in Texas"
.; "Just like your kind of thoughtful
ness" returned the other molder OF
public thought, as he ordered more
coffee. '' l was also exceedingly graft
fed and touched by your article o.
Sunday last week, to the effect that
committed forgery at nineteen and tha
my mother was colored woman"
80, don't mention it, old fellow; be
sides, didn't you say, the day before
Yesterday, that 1 cheated a blind widow
out of her last cent and was ridden or
rail in New York for infanticide?"
There was a moment of Retrospective
silence, during which both cronies wer,
too full of emotion tos peak. Finally tn,
Vallejo man said, softly:
= 81 didn't mean to tell you, Bill, oil
man-in fact, intended it as a pleas
ant surprise for you-but the truth is
am working up superb item connect
ing you with the Nathan murder, wit
absolute proofs, and affidavit of con
fession said to have been made by yo
when sick in the Penitentiary fo
arson"
"Heaven bless you, dear boy! dom
0 know how get along without you thes
dull times. However, tomorrow + IL CON
y plete beautiful little thing I've bee
working up, proving you to be tn
y younger Bender, and appealing to tn
K Vigilance Committee to turn out. L
send you proof"
And paying their checks the two a
lies lit cigars and walking off arm
e arm.-SGn francisco Post.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
BETRAYED BY the Truth.

The very amiable and worthy occu-
pant Of the position of British Vice-Con-
sui at port in the far East had often ex-
pressed to his American fellow-residents
his desire to visit their country, and
make himself acquainted with their in
stitutions. His ideas of the West had
been formed by perusal of the works
of Cooper, and it is to be feared that his
interlocutors had purposely abstained
from disturbing his somewhat highly
oolOred expectations. Finally q fur
Tough came to him, and he made ready
to carry out his cherished plan of trip
home by way of the Pacific Ocean and
the United States. Introductions were
given him to trusty practical jokers in
San Francisco, which he presented, on
arrival, with expressions of vehement
desire to encounter Indians and hunt
buffaloes. This, he was told, would be
easy, as both abounded in the neighbor-
hood of the Cliff House, and the peace
full and prosaic suburb of Oakland. An
expedition was planned and carried out,
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06

and the British brother, armed to the
teeth, performed great deeds in the en-
counter with practicable" Indians and
buffaloes furnished, it was whispered,
by theater and circus menagerie.
Exulting in the praise of his American
fl.ends, and covered with glory, he de-
parted for New York and England. His
fame stood him in good stead at dinners
and other social gatherings during his
entire vacation, and preceded him on his
return to his post, and made him quite
hero among his fellow exiles.
No American could find it
in his heart to disturb it, and all might
have gone well to this day had he only
confined himself to his character of am
ateur Leatherstocking. One day, how
ever, countryman of his came to q
"Yankee'' and denounced this hero.
s'Just think of that M said he,
s.trying to sell us. By Jove! I never
heard in all my life, you know, such
US. What do you think he tried to make
US believer 1t is all very fine to have
shot no end of Indians and buffaloes.
OF course. yoa know, w..e4e there are
so many as there are in San Francisco
and New Hampshire and Niagara, and
all those places, a plucky fellow might
do that. But he has actually tried to
make us believe the most extraordinary
story that you have ever heard about
your country, you know. He says that
he went to place called Chicago, and
he went to draw some money from 8
bank, and found that they had raised il
up and were moving it, with all the fel
lows inside. you know, going on with
their work! l say! just fancy the cheek
of the fellow, supposing he could make
us believe that!n Alas! the one true
story which the poor Consul told ha6
proved his undoing.-A. a. Hayes, Jr.
IN Harper's Magazine.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
Popular Sayings About Dogs.

An Englishman says: If you can
not bite, never show your teeth,'' or,
Don't bark if you can't bite;" while
the Scotch say, =" Great barkers are nae
biters." We also say, .'What, keep a
dog and bark myself" These need NO
explanation. and the same is true of
others, such as % Any stick will do to
beat q dog;'' Give dog bad name
and hang himi'' and, When a dog is
drowning every one offers him drink. :"
On the same principle of giving to those
who do not want, we are told that
"everyone bastes the fat dog, while the
lean one burns" :" Of course hungry
dog will eat dirty pudding" at is bad
dog that deserves no crust" and, =" 1t is
useless to tic up dog with achitterling." !"
The French language is singularly
prolific in sayings about dogs. "A good
dog never barks amiss, but not every
dog bites that barks.' "The best OF
friends must part" as Dagobert said to
his dogs. This is we'll known, and 90
Is this, " He is like the dog of Jean dc
Nivelle, which runs away when it is
called" :. A dog may look at a
Bishop ID like our own "a cat may
look at a king" ITO beat the dog
when the lion is present may be safe
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
DandellOn. .

Who does not know this harmless, little
plant which, with its bright green leaves
and golden colored flowers, adorns our
grass.plats and pasture grounds2 DR..
Whites Dandalion Alternative is prepared
from Dandalion root, in combination with
other valuable roots, barks and herbs, and
is safe and certain specific for bilious
ness, liver complaint, chills and fever
sgue, dyspepsia, kidney diseases, rheuma.
tism, and constipation Of the bowele, and
as blood purifier and reDoyator it ii
positively unequaled, removing pimple'
and sallowness, producing clear com
ple1ion. Pint bottle only one dollar
and every bottle warranted. For sale b,
G. A. Roberts.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
A Japanese School-Girl.

AMONG the list of passengers who ar.
rived last Tuesday ON the China steam.
er was Q young Japanese lady by the
name of Minci Yabu, who is ON her way
to q college in the East to perfect her
self in English. Miss Yabu belongs to
the nobility of Japan. Her father,
Sanefusa Yabu, is high official in a de-
partment of the imperial household.
She was born in the old capital of Kioto,
aud although but sixteen years of age
has some renown in her native country
as q poetess. Added to this accom-
plishment she possesses that of an artist,
devoting much of her time to landscape
painting. She is already graduate Of
the Toxic Girls Normal (English)
School. She left here, In company with
her friends, in the Eastern bound train
last Friday morning for the East, where
she will remain three years. In appear
anoe Miss Yabu is extremely petite, be-
ing much below the medium, of light
complexion, fascinating black eyes, and
the bright, cheerful countenance which
is generally found in ladies of rank Of
Japan.--San Francisco CarowicIe,
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
Powerful Ocean Steamships.

TWENTY years ago the largest steam
ers known Gin this, as in all such COM
parsons, neglecting the Great Eastern,
which was prodigy of engineering skilD
did not reach over $50 feet in length, As
feet in breadth, $500 tons in tonnage,
or 4, 900 horse power indicated. We have
before us at this moment a list of fifty
merchant steamers sailing, in the year
1860, from Southampton and other
southern ports, which the largest ves-
sells then frequented, and the list in
cludes but 10 ships of more than 800
feet in length, none Of which reached the
limits of size and power just given, and
the whole of which belonged to two
companies, viz: the ROYAL Mail and the
Peninsular and Oriental. At the pres
ent moment we have afoat and at work
the White Star Liners, some of them
455 feet in length, As feet in breadth,
and nearly 5000 indicated horse power;
the Inman Liners, comprising such ships
as the City of Berlin, 4SS feet by A 1-2
feet broad, and of about the same steam
power; the Orient, of 445 by 46 IA feet,
with engines developing $500 horse
power; the Arizona, of about the same
size, with still greater steam power and
speed and many other splendid vessels
but little inferior to any of the forego-
ing. And these grand steamers-many
of which reach the quays of New York
with greater punotuality than rail-
way trains reach the London sub
urbs from Victoria and Charing
Cross, and would reach our quays with
equal punctuality if they could avoid
the abominable sands that bar the Mer-
sey-are the forerunners of still larger
and more powerful vessels now taking
shape on the banks of the Clyde and
elsewhere, The Cunard steel ship, the
Servia, now building by Messrs. Thomp-
son, of Glasgow, is 500 feet by 30 feet,
with over 10000 indicated horsepower,
and will, therefore, doubtless possess q
speed considerably in advance of that
Of the very fastest ship at present afoat
in the mercantile marine. The Inmar
steamship City of Rome, building o1
iron at Barrow, will be still larger, hav.
ing length of SAG feet, q breadth of s.
feet, a gross registered tonnage of $1,000
and steam power nearly equal to thai
of the Servia. The Guion Line is to bt
increased by ships of almost equal sizt
and power, and the Allen Line is build
ing others equal to the finest of thu
White Star boats. Notwithstanding thu
number and magnitude of the passen
ger steamers now running between
America and this country, the traffic i
SO great that it has only been possible tt
secure accommodations by arranging
passages many weeks, and even months
in advance, while the rapidly increasin.
population and wealth of the Unitet
States and Canada make it certain tina
the interchange of agricultural produc
and manufactured goods between then
and ourselves will 60 on increasing
London Times.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
Religion of the Dakota Tribes.

COLONEL H. B. CARRINGTON, at the
American Association of Science, spoke
about the Dakota tribes, particularly
with regard to their religion. All ma
tions seem to have some traditions about
their origin, and these are often as
strange as the most active fancy could
invent or the strongest Imagination con-
ceive. The chief Of the Japanese Lega-
ton, while in this country, said: ave
have tradition in Japan that our peo-
pie came from the skies in boat, and
we have pictures that try to represent
our ancestors. know enough now to
see that our people could not sail out of
the sky; but when I see people here,
who for the first time remind me of the
pictures of our forefathers, I wonder
with awe whether America was not
their home and the ocean waves took
them to Japan He referred to the
red men of America. Perhaps some of
| the traditions will find their explanation
when the study of anthropology, ethnol-
ogy and some other sciences and sources
of knowledge has been followed for q
few years more; and, indeed, we mus
admit that some of these traditions are
of such character as to indicate an ORR
gin for them which is more than mere
fancy or imagination. Colonel Car
rington includes among the tribes OF
which he speaks, not only the Dakotas,
but also the Pawnees, Winnebagoes,
Sioux and some others. In no case has
he found any words in the Indian Ian
guage for cursing God. The Indian's
reverence for the Great Spirit is above
that of some white men who claim to be
his superior. The Indian idea of the
spirit land is that it is physical para.
disc, where every taste and longing is
promptly met. If he wants food, it is
near at hand; water springs up readt
for use; ponies and game abound; bios.
SONS, leaves and fruit never fail all is
perennial and perpetual. The Indian
conception of hell is quite different from
our own. There is the same profusion
of mercies and good things there, but
like Dives, who saw the happiness Of
Heaven beyond his reach, the bad In
dian can not partake of the pleasures
which surround him after death. Chic
Joseph was once asked if he desired te
have schools and churches ON the Wal
Iowa Reservation, He replied that hi
did lot, and GaTa Is his reason thai they
would :: teach US to quarrel about God
as the Catholics and Protestants do
We fight each other, but we don't want
to fight about God" Their mode ot
burial by raising the dead upon plat
forms beyond the reach of wild beasts,
until the dust returns to earth, is full o.
strange fancies.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
A Tombstone Imbedded iu Tree.

Since the organization of the New
burgh Cemetery Association several
weeks ago, for the purpose of improv-
ing the grounds at the g Old Town
Cemetery, adjoining the First Presby-
terian Church, much work has been
done at the graveyard, and it now be-
gins to present an improved appearance
after many years of neglect. 1t seems
that during storms limbs of trees have
been torn off, and in falling have broken
valuable tombstones. For this and
other reasons it has been found neces-
sary to thin out the trees. Many New
burghers will remember a very large
willow tree that has for years past stood
about twenty-five feet from the fence,
nearly in direct line with the north
line of Gidney Avenue. This tree at
the base was between four and five feet
in diameter, and to remove it required
considerable work. Last week Mr..
Pryer and his men began. 1t was neces-
sary to take off the large limbs, and
lower them carefully, and then dig
down and around the stump, until a
hole some six or seven feet deep had
| been made, so the roots could be taken
out. When the workmen reached the
roots they found them tangled mass,
running in all directions, and thoroughly
intertwined. They had grown around
two foot-stones. so that the latter were
imbedded in the tree from twelve to
eighteen inches, the smaller part of
them only being visible. On one stone
were the initials "P X" and on the
other "M. b. These stones were
carefully cut out and rest in the ground
at the same place where they were
taken out, which had previously been
imbedded in the roots of the tree,
which were growing about it closer
every year.
The most singular discovery, how
ever, was to follow. When the men
were ready to take the tree away, il
was necessary to cut the stump ir
pieces, as it was large and heavy. They
sawed into it, and after cutting about
fifteen inches from the surface, at q
point about three feet from the ground
the saw grated across something hard
Not expecting to find anything bu
wood so far in the tree, they made sew
eral more strokes, and stopped only
when they noticed that the sawdus
was fine white powder, which they a
once knew was marble-dust. They thel
split the stump. using powder and an ak
until they reached the curiosity, which
proved to be a marble foot-stone, il
the heart of the willow tree. The fhr
or grain of the tree had grown aroun'
it, and evidently had been too powerful
for the stone, for it had been broken il
two pieces, and the top leaned con
siderably out of its place, althougl
closely surrounded by wood. They di'
all they could to get it out, but Jul. it E wa
!, ing it up. A portion of it remained il
+ the stump, which was carried off t
, North Street, we are told, where it wa
, thrown into some dumping ground
. The small pieces that did come ou
, were thrown into the hole from whic
n the tree was taken. No initials wer
+ noticed on the pieces that were expose
o to view or taken out.-Newbnrgb a
Y .TournDJ
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
A Lady's Wish.

"Ob, how do wish my skin was as clear
and sof. as yours" said lady to her
friend. "You car easily make it so." ans
wersd the friend. "How?" inquired the
first lady. "By usiDg Hop Bitters, that
makes pure rich blood and blooming
health. Itdid for me, ms ss you observe
Cairo Bulletin,
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06

in the Windham County Conn., Trans.
cript:
$500 REWARD.
$500 in Cash will be Paid for the Recovery OF
the Bible of Mary Stevens, of Canterbury,
Conn.
Mary Stevens lived for many years in Can.
terbury, Conn, and died in East Thompson,
December I, 1904. A short time before her
death she stated that she was Mary Townley,
of Lancashire. and that when she left her
family Bible with her. The last known of this
Bible is that it was carried away by Robert
Stevens (husband Of Mary Steyens), when he
deserted her about the year 17S0.
Robert Stevens died at Arlington Four Cor
ners, in Pomfret, Conn.,, December3, 1891. 1t
is thought that he left this Bible among his
effects. The Bible was printed sometime be-
tween 1000 and 1900, and could be easily iden-
timed by the family record OF the
regarding this should be addressed to
20. Box 20l7.
The advertisement is the key to a ro-
nance, which may be briefly told. The
Mary Stevens referred to was a beauti-
full and accomplished daughter of Lord
John Townley, of Lancashire, Eng.
She was born in I717, and while yet a
young maiden she eloped with man
named Williams. Little is known of
his history, but it is probable that his
IdInl1y was Oh lower SOCIAL SCd0OlnS tndu
the Townleys, inasmuch as the bitter
opposition of the latter to the marriage
Of Mary and her lover led to the elope-
ment. To elude pursuit, when they
quit England they assumed the name Of
| Stevens, Mrs. Stevens took her moth
er's family Bible with her, which con.
tanned complete family record. They
settled in Windham County, in this
State Nine children were born to them
Soon after the birth of the last child,
Stevens deserted his wife, taking with
him the family Bible. Just before hel
death, Mrs. Stevens acquainted her
youngest daughter with the family his
tory. Stevens died in Pomfret, Wind
ham County, in 1871, and anxious
search is now being made for the Bible
which, it is supposed, he had in his pos
session at the time of his death. 1t CON
tains evidence which will establish the
claims of the heirs of Mary Townley
his wife, to an estate estimated at $1C0,
100000. Undoubtedly the Bible il
slowed away in some attic in Eastern
Connecticut.-NeWY York Sun.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
Cause and Effect.

The main sause of nervousness is indi-
jestion, and that is caused by weakness OF
the stomach. No one can good health and
SQUAD nerves without using Hop Bitters TO
strengthen the stomach, purifp the blood,
and keep the liver and kidneys active. to
carry off all poisonous and waste matter OF
the system. See other column.-Adrance
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06

Il there member in the Ohio Leg
islature who will stand on the side of
the people against the Railroad mo-
nopolies; if so, let him show it by his
actions. Offer a stringent bill which
will compel them to act honorably and
honestly, and the member who dare
sell his vote to the monopoly will be
doubly damned when he again offers
for position of public trust. The
people ask as matter of justice thai
stringent laws be enforced to protect
their property from the most heart
less set of men that ever trampled thu
laws of God and the people under foot
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06
There ia over seventy seven million
dollars worth Of property exempt
from taxation in the State.

The terrific storm which ragged last
week was one of the most severe that
has been experienced for a number
Of years. Many lives were lost from
the intense cold, and stock also suffer
ed badly.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06

The Legislature met last Tuesday,
and the session will extend until
April. They should abolish useless
offices, destroy the school book monop
olies, and COMPEL the railroad cor
porations to live up Ito the letter Of
the law, pass the necessary appropri
atioo bills, elect a United States Sen
ator, adjourn and be home by the
middle of February.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06

The State Grange at its meeting in
Columbus, almost unanimously vo-
ted in favor Of the Local Option bill.
The question is, has the Legislature
any right to pass an act to allow the
voters to force an unlawful traffic on
the minority.
The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1881-01-06

The arrangements for the inaugu-
ration on the 4th of March are being
pushed rapidly. Already the hotels
are monopolized and private rooms
are being secured. 1t is claimed that
it will be the grandest event ever wit
messed in this country.