davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
The Brass Band Grafton.

Bob Toombs, as he is familiarly called,
had been attending college in Georgia two
years, and was within week Of gradual
ing, when in difficulty, he stabbed one
OF the students, inflicting serious but
not fatal wound. For this act he was ex-
pelled by the faculty, who soon after were
pctitioncd by the graduating class TO allow
him to finish with them, as he had SO
nearly completed his course, and had also
been given a speakers place. Toombs
himself pctilioncd them, but both were
refused. He apparently submitted, but
on commencement day, when the chapel
was crowded with visitors, apd the seniors
vchcmcntly Grating preparatory to rccciv-
ing their diplomas, he stationed brass
band under the spreading limbs of the oak,
whose music succeeded in bringing scores
of town people, who were not then in the
chapel, and also of clearing it of nearly all
its audience.
Then, IN as cool manner as possible,
he placed himself in chair and made an
Grafton, such, it is said, as was never
spoken by student here, before or since.
Lie never recei we'd his diploma, though
after his celebrated Boston speech it was
sent to him, but was returned with the
answer, "tIang the dip,oma; when i,
would have been an hon tto me was rc
fused it now, when am an honor to it,
1t is offered me-" lie was afterwards re-
concled with the faculty, and ls now one
OF the staunchcst supporters of the college.
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
Railways and Population

a table constructed by Professor Stur-
mer of Brombery shows the length of rail-
way In several Of the chief countries of the
world and its proportion to the population.
In Europe, on the average, there are 4. 6
,kiloWetres of railway to every 10000 in
habitants. Greece has the least proportion
to the population, having only 0.O8 kilo-
metre to every 10000 of the population
Next comes Turkey with To-, Portugal Q 3
Roumania 2.4, Russia 2.8, Italy 30, ana
so upward in the scale, France having G..
Germany ~, Great Britain 81, and Swc-
den heading the LIST with 10 s, though It's
total mileage ID not onc-tifth of that of
Great Britain. In Asia it appears that
only 0.l6 kilomelrc Is averaged to every
10, 900 inhabitants; and I'M Africa the pro-
portion is only OFT. In the United States
the proportion is 32.9 TO every 10000 OF
the people; while tho whole OF America
has the average Of l7.2 and In Australia
the proportion is 1919.
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
Ihe story OF q yyoIf-Trap.

At recent pioneer meeting IN Varsar
Michigan, SIr. Hart exhibited steel tral
with this history: "rhc trap was made by
brother of Mr.. Hart, while residing IL
the state Of New York, some 40 years ago
and is considered a fine piece of workman
ship, and made OF tho best steel, 1t wa.
given by the maker to his brother, L.
Hart, when, soon after, he removed tc
Michigan, thinking it might be Of service
in the wilds of the west. Mr.. Hart located
on farm in tho township Of Tuscala,
where he now resides, over 40 years ago.
The country was then Il wilderness, and
infested with wolves. Mr. Hart caught iu
his trap the first wolf caught in Tuscoa
county, and several afterward about the
same time. He again set the trap in the
woods not far from his house, on the spot
where Eow stands the residence OF e. w.
White. 1t was fastened to heavy clog
of wood, but it disappeared suddenly ard
nothing more was heard or known of it
until about forty years atterward, when II
was discovered by Il man chopping in the
forest near Mount Morris, Grncsce county,
some l3 miles distant, suspended III the
crotch of Il tree 3G feet from the ground.
When the tree was fclcd the trap was dis.
Y.
and borne home in triumph by the sturdy
the chain attached, and which was wound
around tho tree, was concealed from sight,
being completely grown over and imbed-
ded III the growing wood and bark. The
trap hanging on one side of the crotch,
and the ring at the other end of the chain
dangling on the other side, were all that
were exposed TO view. Spcculatlons Us to
the manner in which it curlc there may
have ample scope but the most natural
theory seems to be that some powerful an
imal must have curricd the trap and clog
up the tree 10 the crotch, passed around
the tree and through the crotch again, thus
winding the chain completely around the
bouy OF the tree, and shortening it 80 as to
bo unable to eXlricate itself from lts peril
GUS situation, and there hung until it died
Of starvation, and its flesh and bones de-
caycd and dropped from Their imprison
ment, ul were dcvoured by ravcnous beasts
or bird When discovered, some no lths
ago, no tltccs Of its victim remained, save
some little bits Of hair between the jaws OF
the trap. Tie astonished Gscovcrcr cut
off section Of the tree, containing the
crotch and imprisoned trap, and took ii
home for exhibition, but its history was i'll
volved in mystery. AT length it came to
the knowledge of MIR. Hart, who recog-
nized it rs his trap, which he had set near
his house 40 years before and his brother
who had also come to Michigan, knew it to
be the identical trap that he made in New
York state, as already stated, and gave to
his brother. The section OF the tree con-
tanning tho trap shows it to be beech and
the main trunk is about five inches III di.
amctcr, while the branch Is some two III.
chcs across. A hole is cut III tho body
or more beneath the outer bark.
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
The coffin In Russian Households,

A lucrative branch of the Moscow un-
dertakers' business is the repair and hire OF
collins. The dealings in these necessary
articles arc for the most part, In other Eu-
ropcan capitals, confined to ono permanent
and final transaction. But 1t would appear
that many of the wealthy Muscoyitcs pur-
chase thell collins during their lifeline. and
keep them Mt home, where they are used
by careful housewives as repositories for
groceries and other edible stores. The
Russian rat, however, has a sweet tooth.
with which he iudusriously gnaws his way
into these grim receptacles of sugar, raisins
and spices, doing such damage to them in
the course of hia forays that they arc con-
stantly in need OF repair. The ''hiring de-
partmcnt' Of the establishments above al
Iudcd to is chiefly supported by widows Of
merchants and tradesmcn, who house the
mortal remains of Their "dear departed" In
cheap deal collins, but hire for the funeral
ceremony magnificent 'caskets," richly
decorated with velvet and gllding,in which
the plain wooden boxes actually destined
for intcrmcnt arc incloscd. At the church
yaid gate tho accommodating undertaken
tcs back his splendid shell, which has
led Its pusposc by comforting distinc.
pom the relict OF It's temporary occu.
'urlng Its transport through the pub
q. and the deceased 10 consigned
inexpensiyely.
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
--S % -
why tho PraIrieS arc IreeIeBa

A curious and interesting explanation OF
the absence of trees on tho great Western
.prairics was givcn at the meeting of tho
Academy OF Natural Science, by Thos,
Meehan. Numberless theories have been
advanced by students in natural history
why the great feeding grounds of the buff
falo should be without arborcscent vcgcta.
tion, the principal one which is supported
by distinguished authors being that of cIi-
matte influences. MIR. Mcellan's theory is
that the absence Of trees is due to artificial
causes altogether. Taught by their ncccs-
sites the early Indians mado 1t practice
to annually fire the high grass Of tho
prairies, which had the effect of making
the growth more iuxuriant and consequent
ly more inviting to the vast herds OF buifa
10, On which the aborigncs depended
greatly for their sustcnancc. 1t has been
conclusively settled that no vegetation.
save the hardy prairie grass, will appear
On ground over which fire has swept until
another ecason, so that tho yearly prairie
fires extended the area of the plateau until
they had become almost mcasuroess. Mr.
Mcchan cited several instances where trees
had grown when tho fire had been dis.
continued. Tho hypothesis was both
pleasing and plausible, and has excited
some discussion among tho sayante.
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
Unloading ANIMALS.

"Unloading your mtnagere, Mr.. Fore
paugh ?" said reporter, approaching him
recently, at wharf in New York.
eyes; but the biggest are yet to come.
MIR. Cox is down in the cellar there (point-
ing to the Steamship getting them out; 20
right down and see them"
The scene IN the hold Of tho vessel was
lively and amusing. A. crowd of German
stcvedors was apparently trying to hoist to
the open air portions Of the framework OF
tho steamer; but their real object was to
get the big boxes up tho narrow hatchway.
The lions and lcopards resented the alfront
to their dignity in being shaken and Jared,
and filled the air with their angry protests.
Heavy ropes and tackle were fastened to
the boxes, and they were h0isted to the
deck and swung TO the pier, where num-
Der of curious spectators had gathered.
"Now for the dromcdariesl" said MIR.
Cox, the agent, as the last Of the closed
boxes passed out of sight. Nearest the
hatchway stood Il large, ungainIy white
dromcdary, whose hump rakcd tho beams.
An attendant seized the halter and cried,
"Comcl" The brute was finally broush: to
the hatchway, but he declined to mount the
low platform beneath it. After many at
tcmpts he was made to knccl and creep for
ward in this position, thus clearing tho OBJ
structions overhead. AS he rose to his
feet a canvae sling was quickly passed un-
der his belly and secured the tackle. AS
he rose to the open air The animal presented
a most ludicrous appearance, his long legs
hanging, his body arched, his head and
curved neck swaying from sldo to side. This
one was comparatively quiet, but another
big fellow kicked vigorously as he cleared
the deck, scattering the stcvcloros right
and left, and frightening several women
who were crossing the gang plank. One
stubborn brute deliberately sat down, and
had to be rolled over before the sling could
be passed under him. Another cno's logs
had to be tied. All of the ten uttered un.
earthly cries, more or less angry.
The two "baby" elephants went up In
their boxes quietly, but much diplomacy
was necessary with "Charlcy," who had
attained his majority. lie made a tour of
the compartment, scattering the workmen,
before he was cajoled with lump sugar to
enter his box. "Bctscy,'' his mate, was
>lesa troublesome. On the pier an exciting
sceno occurred. Tho roaring of the lions,
the t.umpcting of the elephants and the
ciics OF the camcls caused tho spirited
horses to paw tho planks and kick. The
two large elephants which were tied to
gcther and secured to tic ail of truck
were constantly growing more rcstive, and
suddenly snapped tho stout rope, and
started for the steamer at quick trot,
smashing windows in the custom inspect.
or's office, and dispensing tAe crowd before
them" Tho keepers turned )alc. but did not
finch. The huge brute driven away
from the steamer, rushed or huge side
opening OF the freight houe. The specta-
tors expected to see then 90 into the
dock, but young Mr. Rorepaugh, ther
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
Tho "I30gardus SurprIss..

This is very simple piece of machinery.
1t can be attached to any sort of sleigh or
cutter in three minutes, without the aid of
any tool except a wrench. 1t is neat and
compact, able TO stand very heavy strain,
ana Is furnished ut a very reasonable price.
The object and workings of the invention
were clearly seen within five minutes af.
ter the party was OH the ground One was
attached to cutter, the horse started of
on trot, and several children belonging TO
the Clay school at once rushed for the
vehicle with the cry: "IIcre's Il hitch -
boy about twelve years old had only
just caught on when tho "Surprisc" "pickcd
him OH his roost, turned him end for end.
shook him till his teeth ratified, and heavcd
him clear over the walk into Il snow-bank.
1t WAS jnst three minutes from the time
the boy was picked up untll he got breath
sufficient to remark: ooh! YOU think
you've done it, don't your"
The next victim was boy with quart
OF molasseH in tin pail. The machine
given an extra pressure. as the boy was
was strong and fat, and lie was turned end
for end three times and pitched over the
port-quartcr in just seven seconds by the
mayors watch. The pail OF moasscs
struck hitching-post and was scattered u
distance of eighteen PAGES, as paced by one
OF the clcrgymcn. In two minutes from
the time he was seized, the fat boy rose to
his feet with tho remark
81 guess Pd better walk the rest of the
way homep'
In the course of an hour the "Surprisc"
was worked on fifteen different boys, none
OF whom will ever ''hitch on" again as 10 ag
as lie lives. Total surprise and utter an
nlhl hllation were complete IN every instance
and yet no victim received fatal injury.
Orders for fifty were given the inventor
ON the spot The mayor said of il:
VT is simply immense. l shall now drive
from sunrise to sunset"
One OF the savants passed his clgar-case
around and remarked:
ut will be more valuable to the world
at large than hunired-lhousand dollar
telescope
One Of the eminent divincs gave an order
for two, and added:
Its effect on the moral status of the
next generation cannot be appreciated in
IL Is probable That at least IUU OF these
machines will be at work on the principal
streets before the week is out, and If your
bay comes home limp land reserved and
humble minded, you needn't believe that
delivery sleigh ran over him unless you
want to.
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
public Library o. Paris.

The Public Library of Paris contains
1900, 600 volumes, and adds 90, 900 year
to It's store. There arc 81. 900 books of
special distinction, of which 8, 900 belong
TO the fifteenth century, and 10000 are
chct8 Gdeuurc of ilustrlous printers Some
arc wonderful specimens of the BINDERS
art, Others belonged to famous historical
personagcs; among them are two of
Guttcnberg's Bibles, printed before 1867,
whose value may be inferred from tho fact
that an inferior copy has just been sold
at London for $4,000. There arc 00, 900
manuscripts, 5000 Of which are illustrated
with miniatures; if these were for sale
many Of thcm would be valued at $40,
and over, There are more than million
autographs, 100000 engrayings and
1000 medals, many Of them most costly
---oRo was purchased for SO,
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
SO unIry.

'Reccntly," said Policeman Doyle, o.
New York, II was walking in Broadway
near Bond street. 1t was about sundown
hly attention was attracted by crowd O.
some 400 people around tho entrance tt
the straw hat factory Of Ball and Ray a
GOA. Everybody was yelling up at The
second story of the building. looked up
and there saw o young woman standing
on tho c0rnice outside the second d-storl
window.
"IIulloI' says l.
"'Pm awful hungry says She.
"Thcn she said that she and four othel
girls were locked in. Il man of many
words who stood directly behind me KEEP
shouting: Il hear IL 8 a fire. If SO be as II
is, put 1t outl'
"rhen tho young woman shouted down:
We arc all locked iu, and we can't get out;
and whatever shall wc doe When they
closed up the building they locked five oi
lis in, and we're SO very hungry
"'If so be as they're hun. ry,' says tho
man behind me, give 'cm food
''ThG girl in the window went on: 'rhc
janitor went home with the key about G
o'clock. "IIe cried "All out! !" and then
locked the door ann went home. We were
not out, and we're very hungry
"'lf so be as they can't get out,
says the man behind my car, call out
the Fire Department and get hook and
ladder
"I learned from the girls that one OF
the proprictors OF the place, Thomas J..
Ball, lived at / II East l28lh. immcdi.
ately ran to the station and told the Ser.
geant. lie tclcgraphcd TO Mr.. Ball, and Il
little later he comes down to The scene.
"'Oh, MIR. Ball, please let us out.
cause we're 80 very hungry said the
young ladies.
"Mr. Ball said he hadn't any key, and
he didn't know where the janitor lived. A
small boy appeared who said he knew the
janitor, and would fetch him, which he did,
and the girls were let out. When they
went away the man behind my car says he
to them, Now, if 80 be as your hungry,
why, 90 and eat"
Thomas l.. B Ill was found at o'clock
in tho afternoon at his place of busi.
ness, and he corroboratcd the policeman
story. While he was speaking, Ave girls
slipped out Of the door and ran down the
stairs. The reporter followed them. They
were all standing together, talking and
laughing, on the sidewalk.
care you the Unfortunate"
"Oh, please don't speak to usl" said the
oldest one.
"Why not2"
"Causc we don't want to be printed,
and we're very, very hungry"
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05

trainer, pursued them, struck his sharp
goad into the huge ear Of the neareast one,
and with blows and shouts turned the dan
gerous yoke. mates aside, and they were
then secured.
The cavalcade subsequently moved to
he Pennsylvania railroad station, where
the anlmales were shipped to Philadelphia.
'1ll never bring over such big elephants
again. said Dir. Cox; "1 won't take one
over six feet in height. Week after next
Pm going back to Berlin for eight trained
horses, and have another elephant coming
on the Oder"
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05
1T NEVER COMES. AGAIN,

There are gains for all our losses,
There are balms Sor all our pain,
But when youth, the dream, departs.
1t takes something from our hearts,
And 1t never comes again.
We are stronger, and are better,
Under manhood's sterner reign;
still we fe el that something sweet
Followed youth, with flying foet.
And will nov er come again.
Something beautiful Is vanished,
And we sigh for it in van;
We behold it everywhere,
On the earth and ia the air,
But it never comes again.
The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1881-04-05

Once again we sec him sitting in his easy
chair before the bright coal Dre. by his
side sits beautiful lady; one hand lies in
his, and the other Is tenderly slroking his
hair; but her eyes are resting upon a little
fairy who sits at the piano, silently dream
ing over some of Handci's music which
her papa" has brought home to her.
The little fairy is 'Casta Diva"
, 1881-09-04

THE election Of Mr.. Lowther, the Tory
candidate, in North Lincolnshire. is re
garded by the Morning Post, the organ Of the
"Ncw Departure" and '' Fair Trade" Tories.
as great triumph, and will probably have
the effect OF making ''fair trade" as opposed
to free trade the leading political issue III
England for some time 10 come. lowthcr,
in returning thanks for his election did not
seek to Disguise the meaning OF his victory,
and promised his Tory hearers that his party
would show much more activity for the
future in urging return 10 what he was
pleased to call "sornl commercial pril-
ciples." Tile rural constituencies of
England strongly oppose free trade, and
ever since the adoption Of Cobden's program
have been hankering after protection. The
present season, when the English farmer has
been almost ruined by the weather, is All OBJ
perfume one for the Tory politicians to raise
the issue. They can for the time being per-
suade the English farmers that American
and French competition is responsible for
much Of the agricultural depression. Any
thing is good enough for 4 Tory election
''"cry." The urban constituencies, where the
voters want cheap bread and meat, have not
yet spoken on this issue. When they 10. we
may be certain that they will not declare
against free trade ..
, 1881-09-04

ANOTHER: massacre uf troops is reported
from tie frontier. Thursday last Zen. Carr's
force, consisting Of l10 lleh and seven olll-
Gers, were attacked about tl!irty-iivc miles
from Camp Apache, Arizona, in tlle White
Mountain observation, close IL tile Now
Mexican line, by 4 force Of about 800
-tpaclcs under Ciief lie,lro, and nearly
every llian-~if not every ma1l--w:ls killed.
The attack was commenced by nj 1nttian
scouting party attached TO Gen. Carr's conl-
1nand, ami riedro's warriors coming up
immediately surrounded the command
and cut of all chance Of escape.
1t is also reported that the retl-
skins captured Fort Apache, where Gen.
Carr's wife and the wives Of SOME other
officers we're staying. Tho fate OF the poor
women may be Imagined. There seems to
be no doubt that Gen. Carr, one of the bray
est officers Of the army, Lieuts. Carter, Cruise,
Stanton. and Dr. McCreery were among tho
number killed, Troops have been dispatched
to the scene of the disaster from every point
in the Western regions.
, 1881-09-04

In these days: When every ole travels,
except those happy ones who can't afford it
and those philosophical ones who can af-
ford 1t but stay ut home because it is more
comfortable, tho question Of imDeJimcnta is
becoming Il serious one, first to the traveller,
second to thusc who help him travel. By
impcdimenta We mean baggage. There was
Il time when impedimentl meant 4 saehel,
then 4 sacllel a1la Il trunk; now the word
comprises 4 pyramid OF trunks, and trunks
Of tie largest sort, not to speak OF boxes,
strapped bundles, cases, and packages, Il
single traveller takin. moro impedimenta
than Noah carried when lie went into the
ark. and, when the traveller is 4 female,
trunks that are nearly as large as the ark.
AS in everything else, there are extremes.
There are travellers whose baggage is
a comb, 4 toothbrush, and all extra
collar, and there are travellers who
take nearly everything they have at
home. It. is no uncommon thing to
meet party Of tourists in the narrow passes
of the Alps, heading a long procession of
mules or aonkeys. some Of the poor beasts
with huge Saratoga trunks strapped on their
backs. and others so piled down with boxes,
, 1881-09-04

THE English Liberals suffered another
significant defeat in North Durham yestcr-
day. Sir George Elliot, the Tory" Fair
Trade" candidate, was elected for that con
stitucncy by Il large majority. The vote
stu0I:
Elliot u ol@}.-. ilrrff
1-aue tl4locEsl4l.. 7,cs"
At the general election Of last year the two
Liberal candidates ior the constituency
stood at the head of the poll. The figures
were:
to!. Joltcy tLDeeall- .-.............-....G,- BE-!
G.. III. Palmer tfAberal} ....--.....-. 1.!hl
Sir George Elliut Tory}.---.~~- 50y@
1t will be seen that while the Liberal cali
ditate at yesterdays election polled 1877
votes less than the leading Liberal candidate
in 1850. the Tory candidate poled 473 votes
more than I,o did Mt that time. The falling
OF III tile Liberal yute is partly due 10 Par
nell's advice to tic Irish electors to abstain
from voting OF TO vote for the Tory candi-
date. and partly to the "fair-tradc" asita-
linn
, 1881-09-04

IN another column will be found 4 de-
tnlled description Of the arrangements made
and to be made 1T the Chicago Driyin:-l'url1
for exhibitors at the Forthcoming Chicago
Fair, and for the convenience and comfort
<nd amusement of visitors thereto. The
xork is in the hands uf Il number of very
Energetic, enterprslng gentlemen. and all
the indications point 10 ii great success. Tile
fair will open one week fra1n tomorrow, anti
the yu,nbcr anu value Ut tic prizes offered
are sure to attract y large, n''ulber Ut cx-
}sabitols, and rs It consequence: Il large nsitl-
Der Of visitors. The enterprise is the first
ef the kind attempted i'll Chicago, and is ccr-
tain to meet with Hearty support FROM the
people of Chicago and surrounding country.
The sporting arrangements are ill that could
he desired.