davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05
Hoodlums on a Tour.

Two remarkable adventures arrived
here on a cattle train to-day. Their
singular appearance as they stepped
across the street to a cheap restaurant at
tracted attention. A brakeman said that
they wese the smartest boys in America.
"They have just slipped in from San
Francisco" he said. "They didn't have
anything but nerve when they started
and their capital has grown"
The two boys were found in the res.
taurant eating sggr beans. 49,. One 4ss Of + them ,l ., told
we started from Frisco, but, except me
and Jimmy, the rest of us was spilled
out on the way from Reno to Chicago.
Jimmy and me-his name is Jim Shaid
and mine is Bob Elliott-we started for
New York, and that's where we're goin'
to get before we stop. Ten of us started,
and there was not $11 in the crowd. It
was a picnic getting. up to Sacramento.
On arriving there the Chief of Police
gave us five hours to get out of town.
We took the first freight train East. Me
and Jim got on the bumpers, and the
rest of the fellows hung on to the break
beams under the cars. You'd ought to
6tc IAtul WAcu CACy 6oo INV AsSAo. AAASy
looked like a Custer massacre, the sand
and gravel had cut their faces 50. -Four
of them had enough, and they went up
to Virginia City. -Four more dropped
out at Winnemucca and started back. A
young fellow that was travelling emigrant
East gave us the point. The emigrants
are hauled by the freight trains, and
they change conductors about every hum
dred miles, at the end of the freight di-
visions. To beat them, all you've got to
do is to get ahead of the train n water
station beyond the beginning of the d.
vision. The snap is to hop on the train,
borrow a conductors check from an emil
grant, stick it in your hat, and ride to
the end of the division. If you can't
borrow one, steal it, and repeat as often
as you strike a new division, and you'll
get there. Eth, JimmyY
81 should smile," said Jimmy, as ne
kicked back his chair and rose from the
table. "That's the way we did it plum
through to Chicago" added Bob, as the
pair walked toward the door. "Ihen We
watered cattle for drovers on the train to
Pittsburg. and the cattle men fixed it tor
us to Philadelphia. Well strike New
York in a day or two, and then veil take
in Wall street and hunt up u frlend jim
Keene."-PAiladelphiG Cor. ~ Y. u u.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

wires laugh. As the notes of the colo
NAL air fell away TO echoes, the "sweet
By-and-By' succeeded in numbers that
soothed the ears of the transmitters al
most into slumber; then came the "Beau-
tiful Blue Danube" and following was
the dulcet symphonies of "Annie Lau.
RE" Then the harmonies of all seemed
to combine and come sweeping down to-
gether in a strange medley-now soft and
low, now majestic and sweeping, like the
"harpof pines" whensweptby the winds.
The effect was strange and enchanting.
The mystery connected with it added to
the interest, and held those who listened
captives to a wave of melody which
seemed to have come over the city and
taken possession of every wire.
The inquiries III regard to the strange
sounds came into the central Office from
every quarter, from every police station
in the city and from many suburban
Offices. The explanation offered is that
some one who had in mind the test of
the telephones between Chicago and
New York by musical instruments deter
mined to try the plan of concertizing
among the subscribers of the Chicago
Exchange, and "played" into his phone.
That the sweet strains were heard with
more or less distinctness all wei the city
is accounted for in the fact that all the
wires run to a switch-boardat the central
office, from whence the sounds were
transmitted by induction.
The city electricians could give nc
real explanation of the phenomenon, but
attributed it to a peculiar condition Of
the atmosphere, which increased the
power of induction and conductivity
The generality Of the sounds on the wires
was best illustrated probably at the fire
alarm Office, where there are hundreds Of
wires from all parts of the city, and OF
each one of them the music was plainly
audible = hicaYo DQizu News.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05
American Fables.

A Carp which had been hooked by q.
Fisherman looked up with Tears in ih
eyes and called out:
"Pray, spare my life! I am small and.
bony and shall not make over two bites.
for you"
"bfully realize thst," replied the Fish
erman, as he tossed his victim into his
pail, "but the man who throws away
Carp in hopes to secure Bass, will go
home to eat bean soup"
DOMESTIC ECONOMY.
The Wife Of a Peasant who was in the,
habit Of borrowing her Neighbours Coffee
Mill, n day broke the article beyond:
repair, and when her husband came in
she cried out in Despair.
"Alas! We are financially ruined for
the excursion season! I have broken
Mrs. Blanks Coffee Mill, and it will cost
us thirty cents to replace it!'
"Ahl but you are, indeed, a poor
Financier!" replied the Husband. "Send
the remains home by the servant girl and
get mad at the Lady. Then you will not
be expected to pay damages, and she will
not dare ask for your Flat-irons."
THE SELFISH HUNTER.
A Wolf having chased a Hunter across.
fields and through forests for several
miles, at length had the modification Of
seeing his Prey escape him by climbing
a tree.
care you coming down." he asked a.
he looked up and licked his chops.
"Not very fast!"
81 don't complain of that" painted the
Wolf, "but what hurts my feelings is the
fact that you didn't climb a tree on the
start, instead of giving me this useless
chase. Pray have some respect for other
peoples feelings hereafter"
THE ZONES CLERK.
A Merchant who felt that his Profits
were not as large as his trade warranted
looked over his books one Sunday and
then interviewed his clerk with:
"John Henry, you have taken $500 Of
my money since January"
"That's so. I used it to buy futures
in cotton, and l lost"
"And I must send you to State P~rison!"
ooh, no! Previous to January 1 took
$500 of your money and bought wheat,
and my profits have been SO large that +
can return all your money and have
enough left to buy a race horse. But for
my business tact you would have lost all.
You'd better go visiting and give me full
charge!"-Detro1 Free Press.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05
A Curious Scot.

The following incident has not only
the merit of being true, but its principal
actor was a clever American m
whose name is well known in connection
with successful labors in the lecture field
and in original research into certain alb
struses of which she is mistress. Its
drollery could hardly be appreciated by
anybody not a native-born American,
but others may find entertainment in
sharing the confusion of the S%cotchman.
Miss Gray-the name will serve as we'll
IS another-had been separated from her
party in Switzerland for day, but was
to join them by diligence from <. She
experienced much difficulty, at the time
Of embarking, in discovering which Of
half a dozen vehicles, apparently all
starting at the same time, was the n by
which she could reach her destination;
and when at length she entered n she
was still somewhat uncertain where she
should be landed by it. She found an
American gentleman and his wife already
seated, and another countryman of theirs
soon entered, followed by a brisk and
trimly-built fellow, whose dress, air and
brogue were all strongly and unmistak-
ably Scotch.
As all the travellers shared the un-
certainty regarding the correctness of
their selection Of this particular diligence,
each in turn questioned the other, and in
this way a conversation was started which
as they proceeded on their journey,
gradually extended to other topics. Miss
Gray wore over her shoulders a Roman
scarf, and, observing it, the Scot re-
marked:
"Your route must be something like
mine, since you have been in Rome and
are going on this way"
"But | have not been in Rome"
Surely that scarf was bought there?"
"Oh, no." she replied; chat came
from a place much farther off than
Farther off than Rome" he queried.
Where then? From Venicew
"No."
From Naples"
No" was again the answer; and 8
decided negative met half a dozen other
guesses, until he said:
From st. Petersburg, then; it must
nave come from St. Petersburg"
mo, nor from st. Petersburg, either;
D Sut from a place farther off than St
Petersburg"
Farther off than St. Petersburg!" he
echoed; "but there isn't any place that il
could have come from farther off thar
81; Petersburg"
think" said Miss Gray, noticing the
s1mlles Of her countrywoman, that thi!
= think" the lady replied, as thu
pcotchman turned an inquiring look tx
VEL that the scarf was bought in New
Yes; SO it was"
voh, in New York." said the Scot
lou have been in the States then"
how do you like them?"
Naturally I like them much" Mis-
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

Gray answered, "since I was bonn there.n
~Ah, now you are Joking" her fellow.
traveller said. "Yo1 can never NV.
yourself off for an American vom.n
trary.
Indeed, and what are they9m
We'll, in the first place, If you won't
De offended, you have too fine teeth for
an American"
Two or three other reasons were added.
the evidence being conclusive to the
mind of the gentleman presenting it that
MS neighbor was attempting to amuse
herself at his expense.
NO, tits useless" he concluded. "The
rest of party, you can see for YOUR
self are unmistakably from the States;
but you are quite as Enthusiastically a sub.
lect Of her majesty"
Very good" said Miss Gray. "You
acknowledge that this lady and these
gentlemen are Americans. 1 give Won
my word that they are perfect STRANGERS
to me, and that to the best of my knowl-
edge l never saw them until I took nv
seat in this diligence. Now I will tell
you a little story that will prove that I
am an American; and they shall be thu
Judges. If they add their word to mine,
you a hardly deny my nationality any
longer"
The Scotchman, with some curiosity,
agreed to this, and Miss Gray gravely be.
gan as follows:
"There wal once a gentleman who had
a fine landed estate, richly provided with
trees. In these he took much interest,
and especially was he careful of the fruit
trees, among which was a fine cherry
tree. He had a little son of whom be
was very fond, and to whom he gave
many toys, among other things a little
"She is an American! She is an
Americana exclaimed her three compa.
triots," laughing heartily. "There is nc
doubt about that"
"Doubt about that?" echoed the
Scotchman, completely puzzled. "Wha
do you mean? She hasn't told anything
to indicate it. A gentleman with .
landed estate in England would be fond
of his fruit trees and his son. Pm sure ]
can't see what you mean"
"But you see I've convinced them thai
! am an American" Miss Gray returned
"That isall I undertook to do"
'But you haven't told the story yet,
he persisted. "That doesn't mean any
thing. What is the rest of it,"
ooh, I only said I'd prove my nation
atty" replied Miss Gray. "This lady
can finish the story for you, if you wish
I've done all l attempted"
ooh, yes, l al tell it," responded thu
other; and with the help of incidental
interpretations in the way of ornamental
ton and amplification from the others
she went on with the story, down to tn,
very last word of the immortal declare
ton of the systematically honest hatche
owner that he positively could not tell
lie.
The bonny Scot, by this time thor
oughly confused, had begun also to be
little ill-tempered, being convinced tina
his fellow-travelers were unmercifull,
quizzing him.
II cannot see," he said with som
severity, "what amusement you find il
laughing at me. The whole thing seem
to be as silly as it is rude"
"But, my dear sir" exclaimed tn
American lady, "the boy was Georg
Washington. Don't you see the pointW
It is doubtful if he did, but at leas
Miss Gray had carried her point of pro,
ing her nationality.-Boston Courier.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05
A Disguised Dollar.

Yesterday the experts Of the United
States mint in this city were called upon
to tackle a somewhat curious puzzle in
the matter of a suspected coin. The Pc
cuniary SPHINX presented its riddle in the
form Of a "daddy" dollar which had
been thrown out at n Of the banks az
spurious. The rejected dollar was fest
measured and weighed by the %coiner, and
was found to be Of the proper gauge and
of full weight, showing even an excess of
two grains over the standard. 1t was
perfectly executed and had the right
metallic ring. The color, however, was
against it. Instead of the silvery hue a
new dollar should have, it looked like a
nickel dollar. Obviously, there were nc
means of determining the spuriousness Of
this coin save by assay, and it was ac-
cordingly sent to the assayer, DIR. AL.
brecht. On being carefully analysed it
was found to contain, in addition to the
silver and the copper of the amalgam, 3
small quantity Of nickel and also Of mer
curry. Then the mystery was unraveled.
1t was a genuine dollar, nickel plated,
coated with one of the plating solutions
sold on the street corners by "fakirs" and
peddlers. The solution in question is a
mixture of quicksilver and nickel or Of
silver or Of gold. In this case it was an
amalgam with nickel, which, being
rubbed on a coin and then exposed to
heat, would have its quicksilver dis
sipated by evaporation, leaving a thin
coat of nickel on the surface Of the sill
yer. The officials at the mint could only
account for this sort of tampering with
coin as a wild freak or idle experiment.
To gold-plate a nickel coin might be re-
sorted to for purposes of profit, but to
nickel-coat silver is an irrational proceed
ing, only likely to be carried on by Q
cranky, O, Picauune, :
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

Boiled hams are much nicer if al.
lowed to stand in the water in which
they are boiled until cold; the outside
does not then turn black and dry up as it
does when taken from the water to cool,
consequently there is less waste in pre-
pairing them for the table. But always
remember to remove the lid of the kettle
SO that the steam may escape.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

Gail Hamilton says that a Mormon
is q husband who harnesses his wives
abreast, and a mar who has been .
widower three times is one who drives
them tandem.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

The Cincinnati Enquirer. denouncea
one of the noble brotherhood OF tramPa
because he refused to saw wood Tor nla
dinner" But who could blame MN De.
cause he didn't want wood for his inner
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

Paris is to try anew scheme-ad daily
paper issued twice a day-at noon and at
midnight. Gas many Parisians go to bed
at three a. m. and sleep until noon, the
new daily will practically be their morn
ing and evening paper" says the Denver
Inter- Ocean.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

The reading of a hypothetical qqes.
ton asked in a will case before tne view
York City Surrogate took nearly iorty
minutes. Mr.. Evarts cross-examlheo tne
man who answered 1t.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

eyes" said the fond mother, II have
such a dread of the ocean that ! can
bear to think of my sons going TO SEA,
and to prevent it l shall enter MIN ~ tne
Naval Academy at Annapolia."
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1883-05-05

Berlin makes about 1000 accordions
every day, the year round. No wonder
the Berliners are killing Themselves oil
by the dozen, daily.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-05-11

Disciples OF Isaac W alton. -Great
Falls Anglers Association-twelve mem
bers-held II monthly meeting last night,
and heard report from their secretary, Mr..
Theodore Friebus. This year the season
opens worse even for bass fishing than last
year, the water being very muddy and pre-
venting thus far any fishing at all. There
will not be much sport until July or Aug
ust. The Anglers Association was organ
lied November II, 1870, under the name OF
the Great Falls Fishing Club" The pres
ent officers are DR.. Smith Townshend,
President; John Hancock, Vice-President /;
Theodore Friebus, Secretary and Treasurer
The association owns eight fishing boats,
built at the Point Of Rocks after pattern
used on the Upper Potomac, where the
river abounds with rocks. They are of Hat
bottoms, with lockers in each end, and cop
per fastened; perfectly dry, and built at Il
cost Of $98 each. The association antc
pates much sport the coming season on the
upper river, with headquarters at NlcQnade $
at the Seven Locks, where the boats and
other paraphernala are kept Wash. star
Of Tuesday.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-05-11
Washington Races. The train

Washington Races The training ol
the runners on the track of the National
Jockey Club, at Washington, for the Spring
meeting, which takes place next week, at
tract o number of admirers OF horse flesh
daily. On Tuesday there were about ninety
horses on the track and many more were
expected during The week Heretofore the
Spring running meeting at that place oc-
CURED after the Pimlco meeting. This
year, however, it precede4 it, so that the
new horses will give their performances on
the National course before they go 10 PIN
leo. Maryland is very well represented
Gov. Bowie has his stable there, and has
had IL for several days. Among his horses
are Crickmore, Compensation, Welchman
Twist, My Molly, bay colt by I.egaiee, Bes
sic, Empress. Nettle, Analosta, Fair View
and Caster Davis & Hall have Ella War
field, Rosiere, Jake White and three or four
Others. William Jennings stable includes
Farewell, lnlanta, Barney, Blossom, Par
nell, Cloud, Slipper and Dance. Capp &
Smith have four or five horses Should the
weather prove favorable large attendance
Is expected.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-05-11
CiarksbuPg Items

A spirit of improvement seems to be per
vading our usually quiet town. The NJ. f.
Church has put substantial fence around
the grave yard and church, which is a great
improvement to the church "a well as to
the town. A handsome chandelier has been
placed in the M. E. Church South which is
great Improvement both as regards light
; and ornament Mr.. Geo. w. Hilton has re.
paired and painted his old store room and
opens with superior stock Of goods he
has also had his house painted, which, with
the the fine appearance of his store, makes
considerable difference in the appearance of
That part Of our village called sup town"
Mr. G. o. Woodward contemplates build
ing in a short time. Rev. J. H. Boyd ex-
pecis to have parsonage built in the fall
ON the lot adjoining the Southern Church.
Mr. c. r. Murphy intends repairing to some
extent in few days
Our farmers have been busy hauling lime,
and Judging by the increase in the amount
hauled and the marked improvement every
where il wont be long before our district
compares favorablv with any part Of the
comfy.
Our people, as far as am able to learn,
are opposed To the stopping of schools and
expect our Comfy Commissioners 10 levy
Il sufficient amount to run the schools the
full ten months dnring the ensuing year.
Onr citizens are not taking mnch interest,
IA yet ia politics, hat VIZ notice with pleas
IRE the names Of W. w. Poole for the
Orphans Court and II. j. sherwood Tor the
Legislature. We believe these gentlemen.
if elected, would give perfect satisfaction IN
their constituents
Our enterprising milliner has juss re-
turned from Baltimore with fine stock Of
goods and we would advise the ladies' b
make an early call
The Mite Society meets Friday, the llth,
az Mr.. G. II. Murphy. II yon wish 10 en-
JOY yourself cone,
We are glad to stale thai Mr. X j. Hilton,
who has been III IL, spme weeks, is conya-
Descent
Not wishing 10 occupy too mnch space in
your valuable paper, nor tire your many
readers, | will close.
May y. 1883. A. W
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-05-11
Forest Glen Items.

There is little news this week except the
arrival of people from Washington to spend
the summer
Mr. Fleming and daughter have come ia
board with Mrs. Gale, at the Alabama cot.
tage.
Mr.. VIM. Read and family moved to their
country home near here last week. The
friends Of their two attractive daughters,
Gertrude and Edith, are glad to welcome
their return.
Admiral Lee and family have moved to
their charming home near Silver Spring
The pavilions in the Park adjoining the
depot will soon be ringing with the merry
voices of the excursionists from Washing
ton.
Mr. Alfred Ray is slowly recovering from
the injury mentioned in last weeks items.
Mrs. Geo. Dunlop has recognized the
sewing society OF which she is president
and which was so successful last season un-
der her able management. A meeting of
the members was held last Saturday at her
residence.
MIR. Peter has been having the building at
the Glen thoroughly renovated and treated
to a coat Of paint, which has delayed his
intended improvements on the grounds.
This pleasant weather has brought out
the lady equestrians who frequently pass
this place to take the beautiful ride through
the Park.
The Literary Society was particularly
bright and attractive last Friday evening.
Some lovely bouquets We're presented 10
those who took part in the programme-
Three new members were admitted.
Every one is looking forward with in.
terest TO the 18th. Mr. Donoho and the rest
who are to take part in the entertainment
have been rehearsing faithfully Weexpect
something very superior. Abundance 25
cents '
May 8, 1883. OuI VIyE.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-05-11
Cedar sir0ve items.

The farmers ere preparing ~ plant corn,
hut are backward from wet weather.
Mrs. Henning Purdom and Mrs. Joseph
Williams are lying very i'll with pneumonia
Mr. Thompson Williams and Miss Hattie
King were united in wedlock on the eth
Of April. We wish them long and happy
voyage through life.
Miss Mollie King has returned 10 Balti-
GpoSe aiieF y pleasant visit in the county.
O.. =. Young 4 Bro, have completed their
hardware store. Persons will DO we'll by
giving them a call, as they eau he secom-
nodated
r. Poole, while running the saw mill for
", G. BowmsB, had one ol his fingers cut of
with ibe saw Qad RsToRly esnsped with
his life.
~~ft.,ASr-''su'pL Tins q Jno. o. Haysie
boat was sunk oy's store, a, Boyd's
.- day by eolJsion -itI N the busi-
"a, y company hands, nder Mr., IL you
!" Oonneh. repaired the boat and raised
nsi a'.er short stoppage The level had
10 be drawn off before il could he rsna,.-s
May 10, 1883. pons -"e''
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-05-11
P0iomsc IteWs

P0toNlar IteWs.
Fine weather,
Trade on the Cbesapeake and Ohio caDal
continues brisk
The Potomac Orchestra gives az exhili
ton Of musical ability al the Cromelin Ho.
tel, Great Fralls, Whit Monday, at o'clock
p. NJ. Dancing will'be INDUCED In, aud a
pleasant time Is anticipated.
A Eight occurred between two white men
near here, last Thursday evening. One had
h.a head cot badly with club. Squire
WEIGH issued warrant aud had the party
before him aud held To bail for Court,
Mr.. II. G. Harrison, Of Colorado, paid q
flying visit here last Wednesday Mr.. w.
boe liefD on y visit IN New York on bust.
geSs
Our sick are getting belieg
May 10. 1888. POTOMAC.
Rev. Mr.. Lansdale will preach at German