davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
White Lie.

Not a day passes, probably, IN which
we do net listen to several of those polite
fibs which usage sanctions. For in
stance: "Cigars do not afect me IN the
least; indeed, am quite partial to the
aroma, says the white-hpped girl to her
gentleman friend, who smokes constant
" at her side; her sufferings only equaled
by those of the other girl who persists
in riding with her back to the horses
and says that the motion does not affect
her in the least, though knowing that
many times before she has been reduced
to a state of miserable sea-sickness by a
similar proceeding. "Nd at home to-
day, john" and the foGman receives
and delivers the message to visitors as
unconsciously as though there were no
moral wrong involved in the transaction.
/ recently heard an admitted converse
ton concerning the propristy and moral
ity of polite lying. Seyerll, including q
minister, asserted that both politeness
and kindness demanded that we fire.
quently say that which wedo not mean,
admire that we do not ike. assent to
that with which we do notagree, and in
many ways speak and act lies to avoid
wounding the feelings of other people.
One lady present, who Immediately re-
ceived the sobriquet of Puritan, main
tanned that. while it is not necessary to
say all that we think; while we need
never give adverse opinion unless it Is
positively called for; while we need not
obtrude our likes and dislikes, nor ex-
press our unfavorable criticism; while,
indeed, we should seek for something
which we can honestly admire and praise
in every one, all shams and subterfuges,
all seemings that were not realities, and
all words spoken with intent
TO deceive are, In plain Saxon, lies, and
no amount of kindness Of purpose can
change their moral character. A lie is
a lie-nothing more, nothing less.-E.r-
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
Pilgrims in Paterson.

Paterson, N. J., enjoys one of the
most densely populated families in
America. The City Physician of that
place, believing that an, epidemic was
breaking out in an apartment of two
rooms, threw aside the official tape and
form peculiar to our City Board of
Health, and personally visited the scene
of his suspicious. He found twenty-five
freshly arrived Hollanders IN ''the two
rooms hired for one family" and more
than that, all the members of it were not
at home at the time of his call. Ten
men were absent looking for work and
old acquaintance. Progeny was the
epidemic the Hollanders had brought
with them, and as the entire thirty-two
were healthy, happy, and able to sit up
and take their combined ninety-six daily
meals, the Doctor left them to continue
to multiply, increase and perform all the
other duties incident to decent Dutch
life. From all accounts this exhibition
exceeds anything so far produced in the
combined greatest shows on the earth.
-Neso York Commercial.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
The Kissing Question.

In very animated parlor discussion
on kissing, a young lady expressed her
self opposed to the practice of ladies
kissing each other when they met, as
many do, on the street cars, IN the
street, at their offices, and at all times
and places, in season and out of season.
She said, TO begin with, she had kisses
enough before she was twelve years old
to last her a life time. All of papas
friends and all of mammals friends must
have a kiss, and she used to think sho
was made just to be tormented by having
to kiss everybody. No doubt hundreds
of children think the same thing. 1t Is
a foolish and injurious practice; and, be-
side being distasteful t6 most children to
kiss tobacco consumers and beer drinkers,
the little innocents take diseases IN this
way and are the victims of S'cruelty to
children"
With just word for children7s rights,
and as much as | love to kiss sweet,
lovable children, I fully agree with the
young lady and endorse her sentiments,
too, concerning the kisses of grown-up
children. Many ladies actually submit
to as much torment as though they were
children, for if partial acquaintance, or
some one who apes familiarity, kiss
Perhaps the loving creatures like it;
but l know of one or two who are not
inclined to accept this expression of re-
gard. 1t actually amounts to rudeness
some times, and / doubt if a genuine
lady will presume on the patience of
friend with whom she is not most
thoroughly acquainted. Old and very
dear friends find kissing a pleasant
pleasure; but even these need not forget
that there are times and places where
the salutation should be omitted. The
young lady referred to and some OF her
friends Oady friends, of course,) formed
an anti-kissing club, and the very next
day one of the number was met by an
acquaintance and the inevitable smack
followed; but the "club lady" did not
kiss her friend, and she has now to
mourn the loss of friend whose
aristocratic connections and distinguished
pedigree made it an act OF great con
descension on her part to kiss the ''club
lady" This is what one gets by joining
an anti kissing club. However, the club
will meet as usual on Wednesday even
ing next at the same time and place. =
Washington Gazette.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
Throwing the Ratchet.

In the fourteenth century the situa-
ton of public executioner to the city of
Florence became vacant, and, as it was
q place of considerable emolument,
there were three candidates. A day was
appointed for public display of their
several abilities. The first candidate,
with knife, cleverly separated the
head of the victim from his shoulders.
He was outdone by the rapid stroke of
the second, whose glittering broadsword
struck terror into the hearts of the sur
rounding multitude. The third and
least promising held in his hand short
Ratchet, and, when the victim was ex-
tended with his head on the fatal block,
approached him, and in low whisper
inquired if he was swift runner and if
he could swim well. On being answered
In the affirmative, he desired him to
spring to his feet and cross the river.
The executioner then put on a fierce
look, swung his weapon round his head,
but, instead of making it descend on the
devoted creatures neck, struck it with
great force into the block! Shouts of
execration rose from the crowd. and the
trembling wretch, astonished at his won
derful escape, had nearly gained the
opposite bank of the river before any
steps were taken to pursue him. He
had scarcely, however, gone ten yards
on dry land when the executioner. tax
ing steady aim, threw his Ratchet with
such effect that the body continued run
ming some time after the head was eff!
From this incident the common phrase
OF throwing the Ratchet is said to be de-
rived.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
tommy and the Snake.

Did you ever see n squirrels nest.
built in high tree? A large rough nest.
made of sticks and leaves, with shells of
nuts and acorns, and all sorts of things
inside that have been bitten through by
little sharp teeth.
There was one of these nests in n tall
pine on the creek side, near log cabin.
where httle.black boy lived He had
watched the squirrels a long time, and
wanted to take out the little ones when
they were big enough for him to raise
them. Little Tommy was always hunt
ing for nests of birds or squirrels, or any
other nests lie could find.
He never wore any shoes or hat, and
his clothes were very ragged, but he
could climb any tree, clinging on with
hands and knees.
One day Alfred, white boy, showed
him silver quarter.
81 will give you this, " he said, ''if YOU
will bring me live squirrel for pet
Eyes, I will" said Tommy. at know
a nest up de pine tree on de creek side.
| will take de old one out by de neck,
and bring you young quirl"
Tommy could not say squirrel. and
SO he called it "quirl," and he did not
talk as little boys and girls ought to talk.
He said ode" instead of ''the,'' and a
great many other wrong words.
He climbed up the tall, straight tree.
When he reached the branch where the
nest was, he swung himself up, and
leaned over to see whether the old
squirrel was there. He knew how the
sharp teeth could bite. Though his
hands were hard and rough, he would
not put them into the nest without look
ing. What do yout think his eager black
eyes saw, instead of the soft young
squirrels?
A long black snake raised its head and
glided out of the nest Tommy did not
wait to look again, but slid down the
tree so fast that he nearly fell to the
ground. He was so frightened that he
lay quite still for several minutes.
When he looked up he saw that the
snake had only stretched itself out on
the branch, and did not want to move
either. Tommy ran away as fast as he
could, and told his father what he had
seen. / am afraid Alfred will never get
his pet squirrel, for Tommy says he will
not climb another tree to look for one.
He did not know before that snakes
swallow squirrels when they can find
them
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
HoKEYSucKLE KALL.

Little Pattie was eight years old. She
lived in the ''Sunny South" Her father
was a planter, as all great farmers are
called South. He lived in a village
where there were great many good and
kind people.
A poor man who lived near Patty lost
his life ON the railroad. He had three
little children. Patty used to play with
Mary, the oldest child Mary's mamma
was not strong, and could not earn
money enough to feed and clothe her
little ones.
One day Patty found her little friend,
Mary, crying. Mary was hungry. She
had had no breakfast or dinner Her
mother was sick abed. Patty cried, too,
when Mary told her what the matter
was.
But she did something more than cry
She went home and told her mother
about it. Then She carried ever so much
food to the poor woman and her hungry
Patty wanted to do still more. She
called together five of her little friends
to help her. 1t was in the early spring,
and the wood were full of honeysuckle
all in blossom.
Patty's two big brothers helped her.
Before night they had covered the in
side of an old shop, near the house, with
honeysuckle vines and blossoms. They
borrowed pictures and other pretty
things to put IN the shop.
But the honeysucIle was the prettiest
thing there, except Patty; and they
called the shop ''Honeysuckle Hall. y
Then the little ones asked the good peo-
pie to come and see it. They charged
five cents to go in; and before night
nearly all the people in the village had
been into Honeysuckle Hall.
One of the big brothers stood at the
door and took the money. The six girls
did the honors' inside the hall. Most
of the people who went in wanted to
give more than five cents. Many of
them put dollar into Patty's little hand.
At night they had taken over fifty dol
lars. Every cent of it was given to
Mary's poor mother.
Patty was happy all day long. Her
great black eyes seemed to speak her
pleasure. Her face was all smile. AS
she stood by window, with honeysuckle
III her hands and all around her, Mr..
Moser made a picture of her.
Do you want to know why she looked
so happy? 1t is because she was doing
n good deed. The poor woman and her
three little ones were hungry no more.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
A Lesson in Debt Paving

A pretty good thing on debt paying
was got off by a minstrel company in
this city recently. One dollar shade to
pay debt of six dollars, by the follow
ing manner: End man No. l owes the
middle man 81, but says he can paw him
but 81, and crossing the stage hands him
a dollar. The middle man owes end
man No. 2 81, but as the dollar he has
just received from end man No. 1 is all
that he has, he hands that to him. End
man No. 2 owes end man No l 50. and
hands the dollar he has just received to
him and pays the half he owes. Three
dollars in debts have been paid. and end
man No. 1 has his dollar back. Then.
as he owes the dollar to the middle man.
he passes it over, and the middle man in
turn pays his dues to end man No. 2.
who III turn squares himself by passing
it back to end man No. l. Thus debt
aggregating So is paid off by 81, and the
first man has his money back. There is
a good lesson in this. = Charlottesville
Journal.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
A Iunatic Pigeon.

A white fantail pigeon lived with his
family In pigeon house In our stable
ward He and his wife had been brought
originally from Sussex, and had lived re-
spected and admired, to see their child
dren of tho third generation, when he
suddenly became the victim of the in
fatuation / am not about to describe. No
eccentricity whatever was remarked in
his conduct until one day L CHANGED to
pick up somewhere in the garden gin
GERBER bottle of the ordinary brown
stone description | flung Il into the
yard, where it fell immedi-cly below
the pigeon house. That instant down
flew J1dtcyJamitjas, and to my no small
astOnishment commenced a series of
genuhections, evidently doing homage to
the bottle. He strutted round and
round it. bowling and scraping and COO
ing and performing the most ludicrous
antics 1 ever beheld on the part of an
enanmored pigeon. Nor did he cease
these performances until we removed the
bottle. What proved that this singular
alteration of instinct had become fixed
delusion was this: whenever the bottle
was thrown or placed In the yard-no
matter whether it lay horizontally or was
placed upright-the same ridiculous
scene was enacted; of that moment the
pigeon came flying down with quite as
great alacrity as when his peas were
thrown out from his dinner, to continue
his antics as long as the bottle remained
there. Sometimes this would go on for
hours, the other members of his family
treating his movements with the most
contemptuous indifference, and takingno
notice whatever of the bottle At last it
became the regular amusement with
which we entertained our visitors, to see
this erratic pigeon making love to the in
teresting object of his affections, and it
was an entertainment which never failed,
throughout the summer at least. Before
the next summer came around he was no
more.-Letker to Nature.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27

How TO CLEAN MARBLE-ToP FURNI-
TURE-It may be of some value tohouse-
keepers who have marble-top furniture
to know that the common solution of
gum arabic is an excellent absorbent,
and will remove dirt, etc, from marble.
The method of applying it is as follows:
Brush the dust off the piece to be
cleaned, then apply with a brush good
coat of gum arabic, about the consistency
of thick office mucilage, expose it to the
sun or dry wind, or both. In a short
time it viii crack and peel off. If all
the gum should not peel off, wash it
with clean water and clean cloth. OF
course, if the first application does not
have the desired effect, it should be APP
Piled again. Another method of clean
ing marble is to make a paste with soft
soap and whiting, wash the marble with
it and then leave coat of paste upon it
for two or three days. Afterwards wash
off with warm (not hot) water and soap.
- Yoafs g Scientist.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
The Southern soldier.

In the winter of 1868 the First regi-
nent of Virginia Artillery was In winter
quarters at Frederick Hall, Va. The
Second company of Richmond Howitz-
ers was camping on the grounds of DIR.
Pepdleton. Here an incident occurred
which illustrates how little regard the
volunteer had for army regulations.
Lieut.. O., of the Salem Artillery, was
graduate of the Virginia Military Insti-
tute at Lexington. He made himself
quite obnoxious to the boys by his
strict military discipline, whether in the
field or camp, or in the winter quarters.
il was his great delight to be officer OF
the dav, ON which occasion he would do
all he could to impress the men with
the idea that he was az fait in army
regulations.
One night he rode up to the place
where the Second Howitzers were
parked and yelled out in very loud
voice,
Where is the sentinel on this post p
The sentinel was sitting on a ruptured
bag of corn, engaged III parching q
quantity of the grain, more for the pur-
pose of passing the time away (of course)
than with any intention of satiating his
appetite (for all good soldiers will re-
member that an appetite was an imple
ment not marked down in the catalogue
of a Confederate soldiers accouter-
ments), and he replied;
1t amt post it's sack of corn"
"Where's your corporal
"Sleep, reckon"
"Why don't you walk your post :"
Didn't l tell you 'twa'nt post
Who's corporal of this guard :"
Chilly Mccarthy, Second Howitzers
sleeps In second cabin at head of line on
left side, replied the sentry, all during
the conversation keeping his eye on his
frying pan, which he continued to shake
to keep his corn from burning.
Young man" said Lieut.. c., lyon
don't seem to know the first duty of
soldier. Hew long have you been IN
the army ?"
Three years, one month, ten days and
eighteen hours, when the relief comes
round. 1 always keep it to the notch,
replied the sentry, singing few snatch
es from the popular song Of those days:
when the cruel war is over
"Why did younot rise, salute me and
walk your beat when 1 came up? /
shall report you to headquarters IN the
morning for neglect of duty"
Saying which the Lieutenant departed
and soon disappeared in the darkness.
After giving him sufficient time to get
off some distance, the sentinel mounted
the pile of corn and yelled ont:
"Hello there, mister
"What'll you have Il" was the reply.
Who are you, anyhow"
The Lieutenant answered: 81 am
Lieut.. c., officer of the day"
cob sbucks," replied the sentry;
"blame my hide if / didn't think you
was Gen. Lee"
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
Frugal Fare.

The Puritan farmers were remarkably
frugal in their diet. They had pease-
porridge for breakfast; bread, cheese
and beer or cider forluncheon a "boiled
dish" or "black broth, . or salt fish, or
boiled pork, or baked beans for dinner
hasty pudding and milk for supper, and
a constant succession of fruit or berry
pies at every meal when the housewife
had time to make them in addition to
her other cooking, her dairy, washing,
mending, carding, spinning, weaving
and knitting. Swedish turnips we're the
staple vegetables. The bread was gen.
orally made of corn, barley or rye meal
and, if the 1iet was rather farinaceous
than animal, there was less demand for
medicine, and larger, longer growth
of men and women than in these de-
generate days of luxury and progress.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
Down With the chila.

In the eyes of certain old oantlo,,an
who evidently were born into tbe world
In a grown-up condition, plavi-o, .I,;Id
is nuisance fit only for abolit,oSS7 To
them a park Is consecrated - the
monotony of perpetual silence. -Tbo yroIl[s
are either to be trodden by the go If
adults or else to be let alone SLrnb
and tree and bush and fern arc T., he
contemplated from a distance ~ NV
people who comprehend the fnll i-,',,ort
of the terrifying legend, Hands dffI,'
Children, If they view the rarl,s of
nature or art grouped in a orea, NJ en-
closure, are to be tied fast to higb chairs
and seated at windows whence r. nov
survey the prohibited TERRITORY w;tbaTit
stepping upon it. The world was r1ade
for old folks who never picked a flower
pulled leaf or twisted twig or node a
misstep or put anything out Of Mac or
did that which they ought not In have
done. Staid and correct In tbeir de-
meanor and exact IN their purposes those
adults may pursue their undeviatno wav
through life, regretting that all the roads
are not laid out at right angles and that
all the footways are not paved with brick
or concrete or flag-stones.
The child should not play marbles for
one of the spherical instruments of
amusement may chance to lie In the wav
of the juiceless adult who disbelieves in
children. No kites must be sent mn il
air, lest dried-out old gentlemen Trim on
the kite-strings. No velocipeds. may
speed along the park walks, for - old
person who never bestrode oneZv be
alarmed at the possibilities of tTRyinc
monster. When children need cise
they must be taken out two b in
charge of a nurse They mus HE
to walk along in comedy mani. -
ing neither to the right nor yeft.
When they see anything parrNarly
calculated to attract attention ths&nust
not cry Eli, hil' but must pucY mp
their little mouths and gently N@sper
"Oh, N.Y.
1t is maintained by the ignorant per
sons who are idiotic enough tobeheve
that little boys and girls have rights, that
childhood needs sport. This is held by
some of the grave old gentlemento be
fundamental error. They themselves
have got along through n heightened and
dreary experience without dayot hoh-
day or afternoon of play. Theyre one
with that old person of whom 1t IS
recorded that when he saw young
knitten merTily playing with its tail he
procured a Ratchet and chopped the tail
off, thus stopping the animals fun.
There is one method of sport frequent
ly resorted to by young persons when all
others are cut off That Is the making
of grimaces. Most of our young people
are adopts at it. They can stand at win
dows on opposite sides of the street and
makes faces at each other all the after
noon. This does not hurt the parks.
There are many children in this city
to-day who would like to make ugly faces
at the grim old gentlemen who would
forbid their sport Let these children
be unrestrainad in any distortions OF
countenance it may be their pleasure to
make. Philadelphia Times.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
REScrED FROM DE >Tu.

wnam }. Coughln, Of sonerYille, Mass, says: ''Tn
the Al Of 1876 taken with bleedngs Of the lungs
foil Fed by 4 cough. lost my appetite and
nes { and was confined TO nay bed. In 1871 adj
mted to the hospital The doctors said had hole in
ny lung as big a. half dollar. At time a report
Tent around that dead, I gave up hope, but
gend told me Of DR.. WILLIAM Halls BAIsAM EoR. THE
ssGs got a bottle, when, my surprise,iT COM
uanoed to feel better, and to-day feel better than
&c years past. write this hoping every one afflicted
VIII diseased lungs will take DR.. WILLIAM HALL's BAL
~, and be convinced that ooEsUMFrioN CURED.
Isfn positively say has done good than all tn
d ct medicines have taken since my siokness.'i
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27
OUR YOUNG FOLKS.


"Come hither, you msdcap dariingl
said to my four year-oid-
"Prav what shall be done TO the bad, bad girl
Who will not do as she's told?
Too well YOU love your own wee way,
While little you love TO mind
But mamma knows what is be. Tor you;
And isn't she always kind 2"
SO told her OF "Clslbanca,"
And the fearful burning ship.
do YOU thiak," said ], "such child as that
His mother would have 70 whipf"
And my heart went out with the story sad
of this boy nobly brave,
Who would NOT dare 20 disObey,
Even his life to save.
Then her eyes grew bright as the morning,
And they seemed 10 look me through.
"Ah? ahl'' thought !, you understand
The lesson have in view"
Now, what do you think OF this lad my lover
Tell all that is in your heart,
4" think" she said. " he was drefful good,
But he wasn't the least bit smart.
~ Youths CompInioa.
The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1881-05-27

in a very full report recently published
in the Philadelphia Ledger, reference is
made to the case of Mr.. George l. Ora
ham, a prominent politician and active
journalist, connected with the Philadel-
phia Sunday Mirror, who, by using the
great German remedy, St. Jacobs Oil,
was cured of q troublesome case Of
contracted during the war.
He closes his statement with-''to those
who are afflicted with that complaint, it
is worth its weight in gold "-St. Louis
Globe Democrat.