davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16
The Progress of Illiteracy.

1t has long been our boast that the Amer
lean people are the most generally educated
in the world. We are in some danger of be-
ing deprived of the pretext for our self-glo-
rification. Accordingto Professor Gardner
OF the Albany Academy illiteracy is increas-
ing alarmingly in America. Prof. Gardner's
statistics show that in 1870 the voting popu-
lation of the United States was 1925, 1000;
the voting population of the Southern States
was 2,775,000. The number of illiterate
voters in the United States is 1856, 900, and
the same class of voters in the Southern
States was l, $4,000. Twenty per cent. of
the entire voting population of the United
States and 45 per cent. of the voters of the
Southern States could not read their ballots.
The total vote cast and counted at the last
general election in the whole country was
9.207,000 Advance sheets of census re-
ports and careful estimates say that from
21 to % per cent. were illiterate. Ten years
ago one voter in five was illiterate. The
proportion is larger to-day. Sixteen South
ern States contain one-third of the entire
vote of the country, and three quarters of
that vote was illiterate. There were AIS, 900
illiterate voters in the Eastern, Northern
aud Western States. New York has n, ,12O
illiterate voters; Pennsylvania 67,10S; Illi-
nois, AT; Ohio, 4S,97O. These 475,OOO il
literate voters Of the North showed their de-
structive power in the riots of 1877, and they
can decide every contested election. The
rapid growth of city population and illitera-
cy are evil omens for American democracy.
In 1870 illiteTacy had grown to one-sixth of
our population, and in 1880 it was one-ffth
in New Yerk State alone. Nearly so per
cent of the illiterate live in cities.
This is not pleasant showing. We are
evidently losing ground. Our common
school system, for some reason, partly on
account of its failure to hold it's own, is
falling into disrepute. That should not be.
If it be properly managed it will become
stronger than ever, and spread into regions
to which, hitherto, it has been stranger.
Its defects should be ascertained and re-
moved.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16
The New Comet.

On Friday evening last new comet was
discovered by some professor looking through
a length of stovepipe at Rochester, New York.
By the next evening it had assumed such
alarming proportions that it could easily be dis
tinguished with the naked eye, and now all
the parts are swollen and very much infamed.
The comet has taken up position just beyond
the pier at the waterworks, out on the White
fish Bay road, and resembles the comet which
exhibited to crowded houses here in 1912. 1t
is supposed to have been on a starring tour
since that time, in Europe, exhibiting to all
the crowned heads, and returns with laurels on
its brow as is customary, and dead broke. 1t
is certainly a grand celestial sight, but as it
does not appear until about two o'clock in the
morning, representative of the Sun was de-
tailed to sit up and see what it looked like, so
that an accurate description might be given.
The representative shirked the duty off onto a
girl, but as he sat up and kept her awake and
saw that she performed the duty, it is the
same to us as though he saw the comet HIM
self. The brilliant meteor appears about
twelve degrees and six minutes right ascen-
sion, thence west eighty chains and four sau-
sages; but how far it was around the other
way, to the place of beginning, our observer
could not tell, as the girls hat was in the way
ana ne ulu not WISH 10 disturb her until his
shoulder got tired. But it was certainly an
enormous comet. The headlight is blazing
orb OF electric fire, while the tail spreads out,
fan-like, and stretches away billions upon bill
lions OF miles into unmeasured and unmeasur-
able space. Still, that would not deter Mil
waukee engineer from beginning a survey, il
his salary was fixed at $500. The comet has
evidently come to stay, and as it is fastening
towards the earth at the rate of several millions
of miles day, it is evident that something i'm
portant is on the tapis, and the greatest inter-
est has been excited as to what it will do at
Albany. If it is the same comet that visited
this planet in 1872, and is swinging around on
the same circle, it will miss the earth by tri-
f1e over sixteen million miles, and then it will
be gone from our gaze like beautiful five dol
lar bill, and we shall see it no more for fifty
years to come. WE'LL the best of friends must
part. We have very little confidence though,
in the correctness of the description furnished
US by the young man who said he would sit up
and see the comet and tell us all about it. He
looked sleepy, and blushed and became con-
fused when we asked him about the comets
nucleus and radii, and said he didn't notice
that there was any. We might have known
how it would be. However, we shall try and
sit up until 2 o'clock ourself some night and
see the comet, when we go out to Green Lake
on pleasure trip, unless the tourists stopping
there get to doubling up the ante and whoop,
ing 1T up so that our bedtime will arrive before
the comet comes.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

The London Tines recently spoke of a
woman and her daughter as on trial for
fraud, when the former only was in the
dock, and the daughter brought libel suit,
in spite of correction which was promptly
made. She was non-suited, the court hold
ing that ":he right of a reporter in court
of justice is not subject to the condition
that the report should be perfectly accu-
rate. One condition is that it should be
fair. 1t would be impossible to exercise the
privilege of reporting if every trifing slip in
report deprived it of its privilege"
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

The Readjuster press of Virginia is CIV
ing the people sound education on the
subject of suffrage, and one grievously
needed in the Old Dominion. The Rich
mond Wing, the leading Malone organ, ably
argues in favor of free suffrage first as ga
right" essential under our form of govern
ment, and fully recognized in the assertion
OF the declaration that call governments de-
rive their Just powers from the consent of
the governed;' second, as ''a Duty which
should be enforced as such on all citizens
instead of restricted; and third, as ''privi-
lege" which cannot be made special among
equal citizens, without doing violence to
the genius and spirit of our Institutions
tending to establish class distinctions and
to create governing body, separate and
apart from the governed"
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

Mr.. E. V. SMALLEY of the Tribune, who
knows President Garfield intimately, doubts
that he will allow his family to accept the
fund now raising in New York. "He has
never been much in pursuit of money!" says
MI. Smailey. 81 think it would suit him
better-though of course, do not know-if
in case of his death Congress would vote
100000 to his family, or one-half of his
salary; and then, his life being insured for
$4,000, Mrs. Garfield, with her farm could
do very well. Garfeld's boys will be just as
well off without money in profusion as with
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

II was terrific gale at sea. An officious
passenger attempted to assist the captain,
and was angrily ordered off the deck. s'But
want to help you, captain," he said, 81
want to do something toward saving these
precious lives" ''Then so down in the
hold and pray till the jib quits fappin', y
replied the captain. This story is applied
by the Chicago Inter Ocean to those who
are criticising the surgeons at the Presi
dents bedside, A s~ Ia
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16
The Presidents Condition.

The Presidents condition daily grows
more favorable, and there is no reason now
to doubt of his ultimate recovery. His con-
valescence will probably be tedious, but
there is every ground for believing that the
injuries he received are not permanent, and
that he will be as we'll man as before he
was shot
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

On the fourth page of the Elmira Adver-
tiser of Saturday last were four columns of
editorial matter prepared by the industrious
and able managing editor, Charles M. Beech
er, and on the first page of the same paper
was the announcement of his death at
o'clock in the morning. He left the office
at 10 o'clock at night.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16
THE PRESS.
SATURDAY MORNING, FULLY 16.

We do not read anonymous letters and communi
cations The name and address of the writer are in
all cases Indispensable, not necessarily for publica
tion but as a guaranty of good faith.
We cannot undertake to return or preserve com
munications that are not used
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

EVERY regular attache of the PRESS is furnished
with Card certificate signed by Stanley Pullen,
Editor, Ali railway, steamboat and hotel managers
Will confer favor upon us by demanding credentials
OF every person claiming to represent our Journal
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

EX-PREsIDENT WooLsEY, one of the lead
ers in the divorce reform movement, urges
the securing of uniform divorce laws
throughout the United States. He also re-
CARDS the divorce lawyers as the chief obsta-
cles in the way of reform.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

THE Cleveland Herald says that there
are 5000 irresponsible young men in that
city who carry concealed weapons, and pro-
poses to raise for the city treasury the neat
sum of 81 900, 900 by prosecuting and levy
ing the highest fine of 5000 ON those who
narrv fban
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

BOSTON Herald: That is a very vrtuous
resolution regarding the civil service which
the Ohio Democrats adopted; but how they
must have snickered when they voted for it,
The devil is sick now. If he ever gets his
strength again, he will be the same old
Satan.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

CONGRESSMAN Speer, of Georgia, denies
that he has promised to vote with the Re-
publicans to organize the National House,
but he admits the purpose of occupying a
position of ''perfect independentism."
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16


There are for many reasons, few diseases more to
be dreaded than Eryspelas, it has, not inaptly
been termed "St. Anthony's Fire." There is no dis
ease which so completely deforms and disfgures
the visage of the patient and it may fairly be COM
pared to red mask thrown by a mocking demon
over the human face. 1t is almost as dangerous as
it is repulsive. Arising from variety of cause
running its course with paint often erds sudden
ly in DEATH The old treatment consisted of blood
letting and the use of strong drastic purgatives
The substance of the enlightened modern treatment
is all contained in DR.. Kennedy's ''Favorite Rem
edy." Use this, and you have taken the essential
total of all the best physicians in the land could pre-
scribe for Erysipelas. A case in point. Mr.. S. b.
Carpenter, of Granville, N. Y, writes that he had
for time been afflicted with this disease in both
legs, and has regained his health by the sole use
"Favorite Remedy" Other cases might be cited,
did space permit. "Favorite Remedy is also sure
in its action in all other diseases of the blood Ask
your druggist for it, address the Proprietor, DIR
David Kennedy, Rondout, New York.
jy9eod1m
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

CHARLESTON News: We hazard nothing
in saying that the restored President will be
the most popular man in the country, and
the people can be confident that the infu-
ence his popularity gives him will be used
for the general COOL If the Presidents
life be spared there will be compensation,
indeed, for the sorrowing and peril of the
last week. -
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16
Summer
Complaints

AT this season, various diseases Of the
bowels are prevalent, and many lices are
lost through lack of knowledge of safe
and sure remedy. PERRY DAVIS PAIN
KILLER is a sure cure for Diarrhea, Dys-
entery, Cholera, Cholera Morbus, Summer
Complaint, ETC., and is perfectly safe.
Read the following:
BAINBRIDGE, N. Y, March @, 1881.
instant relief for cramp and pain in the stomach.
NIcHoLv1rIE, n. Y, Feb. i 3, 1881.
cosp mhs serg Sss medicine ned know Of for dysentery
USED II 1or years. and 1t is sure cure every time.
MoNeosA, Iowa. Sonlhns March II Il, Asa Isl.
cholera fSssaS eaas aimost
' -'.. oAnsEsv11rE e Ga. T. FEB faa2gfs s. isl.
nssa asss tines pf fof b0We
complaints and it al,oays Would not feelsafe
Have sf29 HT kfInR San fsa e twsve s
should aoW 4o of efa hs family No mother
TSSsd haFa aare
v..-,.. eosyAyDono. 6.fsb y. : s5afsH E ISL:
cn,,, q s, CONSULATE, -,
Ihaye known PERRY DAVIS PAIN KILLER almost
from the day it was introduced, and after years of
observation and use regard its presence in my
household as an indispensable necessity
s. POTTER, u. S. Consul.
BURToN-oN-TRENT. Enc.
had been several days suffering severely from
diarrhoa, accompanied with intense pain, when
tried your PAIN KILLER, and found almost instant
relief. H. J. NoONE
q MONTAGUE ST, LONDON, ENG
During residence of twenty three years in India,
I have given it in many cases of diarrhna, dysen.
terry and cholera and never knew it to fail to give
relef. r. CLARIDGE.
No family can safely be without this
Invaluable remedy. Its price brings it
within the reach Of all.
For sale by all druggists at 25c., SOC.
and $1.00 per bottle.
PERRY DAVIS & SON, Proprietors,
Providence, r. l.
1un2S eod&w1y
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

THE New York Times, referring to the
effect of Guiteau's monstrous crime, very
opportunely says: ''No public business has
been delayed, no mail service has shown
signs of hindrance or paralysis, and no man
who has had any legitimate business with
any branch of the national government has
been put off until a more convenient season.
Nothing can more forcibly illustrate than
these facts the solidity of republican institu-
tiOnS'
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16

THE MAINE STATE PRESS
lie Published every THURSDAY MORNING at $3.50 a
year, il paid in advance at $500 year.
RATES OF ADvERTIsING: One inch of space the
ength of column, constitutes square"
Sl.5o per square. daily first week; 75 cents per
week after three insertions less, 81 90; continu
ing every other day after first week, 80 cent?
Half square, three insertions or less, rs cents;
one week, 90; so cents per week after.
SPECIAL NOTICES, one-third additional
Under head of "AMUsEMENTs" and "AUCTrON
SALES, 500 per square per week; three inser-
tons or less, S1.5o.
Advertisements inserted in TIE "MAINE STATE
PRESS (Which has large circulation in every part
Of the State) for 81 90 per square for first nser
hon, and so cents per square for each subsequent
insertion.
Address all communications to
PORTLAND PUBLISHING co.
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16
THE RED MASK.

A Mocking Demon Stalking Abroad. All
Danger from it averted by Skillful
Physician,
The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-07-16
ESTABLISHED JUNE 20, lS62----VOL. 10.
THE PORTLAND DAILY PRESS,
Published every day Sundays exceptedD by the
PORTLAND PUBLISHING CO.,

AT 1o9 EXCHANGE ST., PORTLAND.
TKRMs: Eight Dollars Year. To mail subscrih
ers Seven Dollars 8 Year, if paid in advance.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-01-01
COLD WEATHER.

WASHINGTON, D. C., December 81. The
signal Office reports the minimum temperature
here last night vas lis below zero: NJ seven
A. NJ. l0s below.
WiNxErEs. December 81. The thermnm-
eter registered AZ below zero. yesterday,
and there is a terrible blizzard both here and
in Minnesota.
ToRoSro. December 81. The meteor
ologacssi Office reports this morning pressure
is higher everywhere throughout the con-
tinenr. except in the vicinity Of Lake Superior
and over the Atlantic coast. The weather
has moderated a little tn the west of the
Lakes, but has become colder to east of them.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-01-01

Cabinet Neeaisg.

WAsHrxcrox. December 81. All the men,
bers of the cabinet we're in 2tten-
dance to-day, but no matter Of public interest
Vas under discussion. The receipts of Gus
toms for December will amount TO nearly
Is. 0o0. 600. and receipts of internal revenue
nearly Il. .o0o. 900.
Census Returns.
Superintendent of census publishes an ap-
proximzte statement Of the population of
states and territories, which is believed to be
very near the final figures The latter is ex-
pecied to he announced next week. The pop
uiation of Maine is given as CAS-, 9lS. and that
of Massachusetts l.1s3. .o5e. Grand total of
the country. 80 l62 $50
In THE approximate of population of cities
of above sc, 600. he gives Portland $3.50.
Fall River 1905, Boston S62, ,5s5, Provi-
dence loi.s5o, New York i.206, $50. Phila-
delphia s46.9s4, Chicago sos. .3ot. ST. Louis
s5o. .52.. Washington lf7.5o1. San Francisco
2SS, $50, Hartford 1858.
Movements Of q. :. Steamers.
L. S. steamer Shenandoah, flagship of
rear admiral Bryson, arrived a, Montevideo.
November Is. from ST. Ca,harines. Brazil.
All are we'll. Steamer Marion is expected
to leave Montevideo December 10 for Sandy
Hook.
chorage, off Vera Cruz, December l3, from
Key West, and expected to sail the 18th
tor Tuspan and arrive there the Goth or slst
The health of the ships crew is good. The
Tennessee, flagship of rear admiral Wyman.
arrived at Bridgetown, Barbadoes, December
10Th. The kearsarge arrived the same day,
having visited ST. Thomas. The Tennessee
is expected in about week for Port Spain,
Trinidad. All are well on the Tennessee
and kearsarge.
Secretary Ramsey.
The power of the President to renew Sec
retary of War Ramsey's appointment as act
ing Secretary of the Navy is brought to a
test by refusal of the warrant division to
recognize the right Of Ramsey To sign
requisitions. The Attorney Generals opin-
ion on the subject il expected Monday, and if
favorable to Ramsey's right to the position it
is to be regarded as sufficient authority to
justify the warrant division in honoring his
requisitions.
The subject of Secretary Ramsey reappoint-
ment as secretary of the navy was discussed at
length in cabinet meeting to-day, and after
critical examination of the law conclusion
was reached that authority to appoint or assign
another member of the cabinet TO perform
additional duties for ten days did not extend
beyond one appointment. Under this deci-
sion of the cabinet the resignment of Secre-
tary Ramsey becomes involved. and the navy
department is left without head. 1t is sug-
gested that President Hayes consult the
wishes of Gen. Garfield, and appoint a
probable secretary of the navy under the in
coming ADMINISTRATION.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-01-01

About twenty years ago, says the Lewiston
Journal, young man about 20 years of age,
left the town Of Winthrop, his native place.
and went West to seek his fortune. He was
poor boy, but had saved a little nest egg
amounting to about SiOO, which he took with
him. He had no definite destination in view
when he started, but drifted to Idaho, and
went into the business of cattle-raising. He
had no communication will, his friends at
home, and nothing was heard from him until
a few days ago. tall, bronzed-cheeked man
registered the name Of Frank Wadswo orth at
the Marston House in Lewiston. 1t was the
Winthrop boy. He is now
worth $4,000. He has rancho on the bor-
der Of Idaho, in the Snake river valley,
where he pastures over 1000 head of cattle.
Before coming East he sold off enough stock
to bring him 81 900 for pocket money. The
nearest city to his rancho is Ogden, Utah. 1t
is about 100 miles from Salt Lake City and
the Mormon tabernacle. Mr.. w. has q
brother living in Webster, and several rel
atives in Lewiston. He will start on his re-
turn trip to his Western home, next Monday.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-01-01

Within few weeks goods have been re-
peatedly missed from the schooners living at
the docks in Bath. CITY Marshal Merrill of
Bath wrote to the City Marshal Of Hallowell
informing him that some Of the suspected
harbor thieves were in that CITY, Thursday
night officer True arrested fellow named
Huntoon at Hallowell, and the Bath officer /.
fellow named Mcclellan at Richmond. CITY
Marshal Young Of Hallowell took the former
culprit to Bath yesterday morning.
The time has now arrived. says the Angus.
ia correspondent Of the Belfast Journal, for
the repetition Of the annual yarn concerning
the member Of the Legislature from the rural
districts who went across the river to the
United State Arsenal, mistaking that for the
State House and signed book which he SUD-
posed contained the names of duly elected
members, only coming to realize his mis-
take when lie found that he had en-
listed for five years in the U. S. Service
and the sergeant asked him to don the uni
form Of blue. Or that other story of the
member who made his way to the capitol a
day or two before the beginning Of the ses-
sion, picked out his seat, and held it by mere
personal possession.
Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-01-01
CONDENSED TELEl;ltAM Ms.

Inc armies ~ 'reece VIII take 'he neiu III
February, ana mean"tiie an uprising III tue
lslano "f 1rete against the turkish govern
ment may be expected almost any moment
Inc dowager grand huchess oi Mecklen-
burg Strelitz died at New Streiitz, FRIDAY.
Two ENJOYS from the KING OF Apyssinia
nave arrived al Cairo, Egypt
hooillard Is re-eiec'e" 10 'he Vueoec par
iia.neh'' roih Dei'n'er couh'y
Inc mayor OF Atnehs "iegraphs 'he lora
mayor vi hohuon tnat ,,'e inagn'"ce'' anu
complete statue Oh Minerva 'lctoria' tie
master piece oi Thiuias' mas just peeh us
covered, 3,
MT ri"e'' OF oaie,'' Mass', was iouh"
,roAtn 20 oea'" "e"' '"e ieeer'o'' ii De'e'iy'
'as, hishI. w ~ y,s,, -,
"e"oonef '" Dio"Hneiu s"i'eu """
oi' ''e"""S '"i Dos,""' Dee. f''', a"" n"S
"o, s'''e oe'" "e''u hon'' ""e """ e'e"
of nve persons ana hve passengers.
steamer kronnz IS Frederick Wiiheims
stranded near horhoz, D' hmark- Inc pas
senpers' ere" ana mails were iahded.
otea"ishiP "es, Tniiaue,phia ar,Heu at
Ne" .ofk yes'eruay' i,o"' Europe bringing
s-It @ .oo IN rIench go,u com.
Disir'c, attorhey nenJ' M rneips oieu al
New iofk thursday AZ hfhnlght' ageu 40.
ne was one Oh the most popular onc'ais III
Inc fartnia, from Liverpooi 10 New iork'
oiU"s"' Glow Pou"'s y, II,
aoiiee are "u"',"s NC" ,o'A i"r .. W.
'ii"e' ceIh III ioe"sSe'' 'ia'S'' 'a"N' VII
chaIee ol ueiaiea'io''. VI
Ut N"fo' Si''n's oi Ne" IorN' mas 50
iar i"'Pro'eu that HIS Ph. sieiahs are eo"hueh'
oi ms recovery
- i''ie si,i haiuis 'ho"'i' oiu was iounu
10 Ne" Iork YESTERDAY morning, aoanuoneu
D! It's nho'"er' Il" oer'h ." ooaro 'he Dos'o''
s'.a'nei-
lePor'ee 'ha' a' meeting .! coai
COMPANIES III ne" iork' Yesterday. was
voted 10 advance .Ie rates ol Goai.
ihe Oh PETERSBURG agepce nusse ahhounc-
es the conclusion OF negotiations between
Ahcsrshis lsene' ohihese amoassaoor' am
III. hu,s,.i' "a, so'eih'nen'. M
iioei 'nusor anu .ne D"''lno'e :" n,'an
70 ~ ~ ''' was "''"s"
~. T.. .,, r1;u.
H x,','s lung "'nse '. =,
polous" 'i', AZ i'e ~ -
o"'hea se''eruas ''ocni"s' De'ee'"e 'h''''
hey 'ie cause ~, VI '''e hre.
Las' nis"' Ei'1a oo'es "aS "o~e" " ue"''
at ner nolne' !" In'sourR, va
ihe Ai',"s'.i house a';n M WaE",, ~
was 'ufn'o yes'eiuas u'o' ,,ine'
IA oee"P""'S vi 'o" oa'eis es'"peu IL"
''.ii iies c p..,o
Sehooher ena'ies De"n's VI Ir"'"ehce,