davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-10-04

AN OLD NEGRO WHO WENT INTO A
HEN HOUSE TO PRAY FOR INsTRUC-
TIONS.
Arkansaw Traveller.

II 1lON6s
Arkansaw Traveller.
The other night, Capt. Mavil-
ton hearing a noise, stole out to
the hen-house and found old Jas.
per Payne, a wellknown politi-
clan, creating great excitement
among the chickens. The moon
was shining brightly and the cap
tain at once recognized the intru-
der.
"What are you doing there you
thieving scoundrel?'
The old fellow dropped on his
knees, clasped his hands, and pay
ing no attention to the captain,
began to pray.
ooh, Lawd!" he said. doan
think its strange dat yer sarvant
sought SIGH er place ez dis ter
pray in, fur Lawd, when de sire
fur prayer comes on yer sarvant
he. haster hunt de nearest place
an drap down in qualification an
hub an thankfulness, an oh, my
Lawd-n
"Come out?"
"Speakin' ter me, sah?v unclas-
ping his hands and looking up.
Eyes, | am speaking to you.
What are you doing in there?"
"Who, me?"
Eyes, confound you, and / am
a great mind to shoot off the top
Of your head.n
ooh, Lawd, take kere o. yer
chile, fur / sees dat dar is still in
dis wicked lam a mighty sire to
prossycute de christian
Come out of there"
"Yas, sah," obeying. "In 'cose
| ain got no right ter trespass on
yer premises, chen dough rs gag
ed in de good work"
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-10-04
True Loves Triumph.
BY CARL BRICKETT.

At the foot of a great oak which
stretched ity pendant green branch
es protectingly over her, was seat
ed a young girl. That she was
beautiful none could deny, but the
chief charm of her perfect face lay
in it's expression Of womanly sweet
ness. A short distance away,
through the trees, could be seen
the towers of the stately residence
which was her home. But though
the child of wealth and luxury, il
was evident that Mabel Lowerie
was not happy, for her brows
were contracted with look oil
pain, and her lustrous blue eyes
we're full of tears. A football
broke the silence, and with a start
Mabel sprang to her feet.
:sMy darling, I thought that
should find here in your favor
tie nook"
A young man with a happy,
handsome face spoke these words.
and as he did so he endeavored to
clasp her in his arms, but Mabel
drew back.
"No, Royal" she said, trying in
vain to render her voice steady,
''you must not!"
"Must not embrace my betroth-
ed! Why, Mabel, that is strange
indeed"
His face still wore it's happy
smile, as if he thought she TESTED.
The girl hesitated moment as
though to gain calmness, then
she said slowly:
81 came here to-day, Royal,
knowing that I should see you,
and with the intention of telling
you something which causes me
great pain. It is this-our engage
ment must be broken-I can new
er be your wife"
The young man gazed at her in
credulously q moment, then as he
saw her sad, tear stained face, his
own grew very pale.
"Mabel !" he exclaimed, edo not
torture me! You cannot mean
what you say! What is it that
has come between us ?"
MabePs head dropped lower as
she answered, almost in a whis
per:
"My mother is very ill-so dan
gerously that the least excitement
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-10-04
Important.

When you yisir or leaEe New York
City, save baggaL expressage and car
riage hire and stop at the Grand Union
Hotel, opposite Grand Central Depot. 81
egant rooms fitted up at cost Of one
million dollars, reduced to ST. and up
wards per day. European plan. Eleva-
tor. Restaurant supplied with the best
Horse cars, stages and elevated railroad
to all depots Families can live for less
money at the Grand Hotel than al ANY
other firsi-class hotel in the city.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-10-04

Mr.. Henry Beckemeyer, st. Lib
erty, Illinois, writes, that his wife
suffered with neuralgia for years,
when he applied st. Jacobs Oil, the
magical -annihilator, which
cured her.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-10-04


he had engaged to travel a couple
of months more in the Rocky
Mountains to make sketches for
pictorial periodical.
1t happened that an artist
friend named Reginald Eaton was
about to start for home. So, to
him he intrusted a message to
Mabel, together with some of the
| sketches he had made of the ex-
quisite scenery of the Yosemite,
through which he had travelled.
Meanwhile for Mabel the time
during which she had been separ-
ated from Royal had brought with
it serious changes. First she had
been called upon to mourn her
mothers death, and then had
come the news of her cousins
sudden and unexpected marriage.
Since the few lines in which he
had hidden her farewell, she had
not heard from Royal; but the girl
was waiting for his return with
an expectant heart, longing to tell
him that she was free and that the
love she had once cherished for
him still lived. The days went
by, till one morning the papers
were filled with accounts of a ter
rible railroad accident. A train
had been thrown from the track,
and a great many of the passen-
gers had been seriously injured,
and some killed. With dilated
eyes, and face CHASTITY with hor-
ror, Mabel read of one gentleman
who had been crushed beyond re-
cognition, but who was supposed
to be an artist named "Royal Els
mond," as his clothes were mark
ed with the initials ssR. E." and
some sketches in oil bearing that
name were found in his trunk.
| A few moments later a servant
coming into the room found Mabel
stretched senseless upon the floor,
while grasped tightly in her hand
was the paper in which she had
read the fatal news. For a long
time the girl lay between life and
death, but youth and strength
triumphed at last, and, shadow
of her former self, Mabel came
back to the full consciousness of
her bereavement.
In the meantime the casket con-
tanning what was supposed to be
her lovers remains had been
brought by his friends to his ma
tive town. Day after day, as soon
as she was strong enough, Mabel
repaired to the village cemetery,
and there beside the mound which
covered the manly form Of him
she had SO truly loved she would
weep in an abandonment of grief.
| The sketches were all finished,
and Royal Esmond joyfully started
for his home. His rough life in
the mountains had improved his
appearance. The rudy bronze
| which his cheeks wore, and the
golden brown beard which he had
| suffered to grow, while it changed
him, only made him the hand
somer.
| Unrecognized he passed through
the familiar streets on his way to
the dwelling of her, whose dear
image had never left his constant
heart.
He found that Mabel was not
at home, and on being told that
she had gone to the cemetery
he turned his steps that way,
thinking to find her by her mothers
grave.
He entered the sacred inclosure,
and recognized some distance
away, bending near stately mar
| BILE monument. the slioht hlack-
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-10-04

cousin, Mr.. Doane,"
Royal recoiled as if stricken by
a sharp blow, then bitter laugh
broke from his lips:
III seel If you marry Mr.
Doane the two estates which lie
SO conveniently adjacent to each
other will be made one. AS for
mel am only an unknown artist
lit is no wonder that the wealthy
Mrs. Lowerie should look higher
for her daughter'
A cry of anguish burst from
Mabel.
"Royal! do not speak SO! you
will break my hearth Have I not
enough to bear : You know that 1
love you; but if I disobey my
mothers wishes now her death
might be on my conscience. Do
not make it harder than it is!'
| Her voice broke, and clasping
her to him Royal looked earnestly
into her lovely, upturned face.
He read there that no words that
he might utter could change her
resolution.
ooh, my darling! it is cruel! Is
there no hope of your mothers
releasing you from her COM
mands?n
Mabel shook her head.
81 have told you, Royal, how
feeble she is-if I thwarted her
now I should never forgive my
self. We must say farewell"
she broke off with sob, and rails
ing her soft lips she pressed them
one moment to his in last, ling
ering caress; then breaking from
his embrace she left him.
Sinking upon the rustic seat
near, the young man thought long
and despondently.
He had hardly realized till now
the true depth of the love which
filed his heart for the girl who
but yesterday was his promise
wife.
In vain the birds overhead
warbled their sweetest strains,
and on every side the alluring at
fractions of Nature appealed to
his eyes. Royal needed them not.
| For him the future to which he
had looked forward with such joy
full anticipations would henceforth
be q blank. How long he remain
ed there lost in thought he knew
not. At last he rose and walked
slowly away.
| The next week Mabel received
q short note telling her that by
| that time he would be far on his
way West, as he had accepted an
invitation which had been extend
ed to him by some friends to join
them on tour through California.
| News from home frequently
reached Royal, and sometimes in
| the letters which he received
MabePs name would be mentioned.
He heard that preparations were
being made for her approaching
marriage, and then, later, that her
mother had suddenly died.
| The young man had tried ever
since their last interview to drive
the haunting sweetness of Mabel
Lowerie's face from his mind, but
in vain. Day and night it rose be-
| fore him.
| At length he received a letter
| from a friend containing the fol
lowing sentences:
"Haye you heard of Arthur
Doane's sudden marriag? Much to
! his parents rage, and every ones
surprise-for you know he was
engaged to his cousin-he has
married young girl who was a
poyerness to his sisters. You
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-10-04

run. III shoot You like ! would
a snake
faint gwine ter run. sar. Use
gwine to stan right heah cause
de Lawd is wild me.
what did You 90 there for, |
sayg"
"Ter pray, sah27
why didn't you pray. ont on
the street?N
'Feerd q bein' rested fur q
fannytick, sab
why didn't you wait unity you
got homer
"Who, me I"
'"Yes, you, d--n you
"Doan cuss me eff yer please,
sab. Whut cher yer does doan
cuss me. Man cussed me once
ar | amt felt right since"
"Never mind all that. What
made you so in that hen house?"
"Dis heah hen houseY'
"D---n your ugly skinlr The
captain seized him by the collar
and jerked him.
sLook out, look out Whut
eber yer does doan jerk me. Man
jerked me onct an / amt felt
right since. Turn me loose an
I'll plain myself"
The captain release his hold
and old Jasper continued:
81 wuz comm long frum err
ward meetin', an bout de time /
got heah, | feltde need o. pra'r. I
wuz 'sputing wild myself whuder
ur not I'd vote Gle democratic tick
ct. Widout Election an how it
woul' seem ter er uninterested
party, | elm ODER heah an went
into dat house. / had gunter git
some little advice an consolation
when yer vessel coined up and
broke de spell. Eff I un'erstood
de whisper of de Lawd, He tole
me ter vote de dimocratic ticket
an ter spesholy vote fur Cap'n
Mavilton, whut am runnin fur de
legislator. | had jes' erbout
'cluded ter go down 'mong de Mig
gers an hol' meetin's in de cap
tain's faber, but vessel had ter
come up. ! see yer amt no frien'
ter dat pusson."
II am the captain, myself"
"Whut, is dat err fact? Shaker"
The captain allowed old JAS
per to take his hand.
Use glad ter meet yer out
heah, chen doah de circumstances
is er little peculiar. Wush | had
time ter talk wild yer bout de
campaign, but Use got er mon
strous sight o. wuck to do. Great
passed. o. niggers waiting fur me
ter wise wild 'em how ter vote.'
"Jasper, / hope that you will
tell 'em to vote for me. 1t isnow
time we were having good men in
Office. If elected, I shall feel that
| am not the representative Of
party, but of a people. / didn't
your motive for go
ing into my hen house, but now
that we understand each other it's
all right"
"Glad ter heah you talk in dat
way, boss, an / belebes yer'll
make er mighty fine representcr.
Say, Use gwine ter hab a few oh
de niger leaders at my house fur
dinner ter MORO Lcmme take
a couple er desc chickens long
wild me?"
"Help yourself"
"Thankee, sah."
The old fellow took down three
large chickens. He babe the cap
tain courteous good night, and
to himself as he gained
the street:
"Now, doan yer see how much
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1884-10-04

Fast Mail runs daily from Hagerstovr
20 Harrisburg. and Southern Mail from
Harrisburg to Hagerstown.
]. r. BOYD, Superintendent.
II. b. GERnARDT, Agent.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-12-31

THE NlCARAGUAN TREATY
Likely to Be Ratified to Rsbuke For
eiRn Interference,

tlBu
WAsHINGToN, ID. c., December 3d.
The leader IN the New Orleans Picdyune
In favor Of the Nicaraguan treaty has en-
boldened Southerners, who in their hearts
favor the scheme. A prominent Southern
Senator gave his views as TO the
probability of the ratification of
the treaty. Said he; "There is GO
ing TO be big fight over it, and it
promises TO be the event OF the season.
The adoption of the treaty involves dis
tinctve American policy that will be Of
fensive to nearly all the European ma
tlons. There is no doubt that the yari-
Gus foreign diplomats have been in
structed by their Governments to use all
available means 10 defeat its ratiflca-
ton. Some of these are already moving
In the matter in seeking interviews with
influential members of Congress. Per-
haps few OF the ministers may resort to
the ancient methods OF inviting Senator's
and members to banquets as the shortest
way of securing their friendship But
the Congressman of to-day is not
reached through the stomach, as he
was III tuc lilllt vi pdlI w dIu. llc 10 Sly
OF dinners and entertainments and lobby
lists. He Is apt to insist on direct aud
open conference If the diplomats want to
talk about the treaty. There is no doubt
that the opposion OF foreign governments
will incite Congress TO the ratification
of the treaty Americans do not
like the idea of being dictated to
by European nations. The dictum of the
London Times, declaring that the United
States must not ratify the treaty, is only
an argument in its favor. There are Sen
ators who may not be so welded to the
treaty, but will vote for it because il is
opposed by the European monarchies
Even If it involved the danger of war
they would favor it, for there are people
in Congress, as well as out of it, who
are not averse 10 extending American
territory inward and beyond the equator.
But strong opposition will doubtless be
aroused against the treaty, and there is
likely TO be bitter fight in Congress.
However" concluded the Senator, "the
probability is that the treaty win be
ratified"
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-12-31
Seduction or BlackmailP

BLOOMINGTON, ILL, December 3d.
The case of Hiram j. Cheser, the
wealthy merchant of this city, who
was arrested here Saturday night
at the instance of Henry Sheldon,
Of Denver, Col, who charges him with
the seduction Of his wife, causes the most
intense excitement in the city. But the
general opinion is that Cheser will be able
to prove that the whole thing is piece of
blackmail, although certain letters have
passed between him and Sheldon's wife,
but not OF such character as to wal.
rant any guilt between them. Sheldon
and his wife lived in Bloomington until
year ago, when they left for Colorado,
and at present are living in Denver. She
is peculiarly fascinating woman, md
while here was regarded as something Of
fiirt, but enjoyed fair reputation.
Cheser says he will bring suit for dam.
ages against the Chicago parties who
brought the suit against him.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-12-31
UNEARTHLY SCREAMS.
A Wild Woman Discovered in the South
Mountains of Pennsylvania.

WoRMELsDoRF, Pa, December 3d.
For several months the citizens OF this
village, situated near the foot Of the
South Mountains, q range of the Ale
ghenies, have been disturbed by the most
unearthly yells coming from the hills.
1t was generally supposed that they
emanated from some strange animal
which had taken refuge In the
mountains. Mr.. Griesemar, of
the Bethany Orphans Home, Re-
formed Church institution, at the foot of
the mountain, several times heard the
screams. Franklin Katterman, Jacob
Matthews and Theodore Startze, all old
hunters, followed up trail for several
hours, but were finally obliged to give up,
rs they were led into the mountain fast
nesses. Theodore Startze says he saw
living thing half human, half beast.
He stood still, the blood chilling in his
veins. He had his gun with him but he
dared not shoot He next started on
run and, to use his own words, flew down
the hill and did not stop until he got home.
A party Of employees at the Robsonia fur
mace shot at the animal, but missed it. 1t
is stated that the managers of the furnace
offered 5000 for the animal alive and 500
for its dead body. To-day
THE MYSTERY WAS CLEARED UP.
A party of Womrelsdorf hunters secured
the mountain. They found human foot
steps in the snow, which they tracked to
rude hut--a charcoal burners deserted
cabin. Here they found young woman,
probably twenty-five years of age. She
was thinly dressed. Her surroundings
were uncouth and she appeared much
frightened. She has wild and
haggard look, and who she is no one
knows. She threw stones down the
mountain and yelled to scare the people
away. She is of muscular build and
many think she has been following this
kind OF life for years, judging by her gen.
eral appearance. She has shown the
strength of an Amazon, and the people
have decided to let her alone until the
authorities take her in charge
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-12-31
Social Ostracism Ono of the Weap
ons Used Against the Hat
Manufacturers.
The Wives and Daughters in Sealskir
Sacques and Fashionable Gowns Do
ing the Work Of Factory Girls,
The War Carried Into the Churches
Pastors Taking Sdes--Scene
in Barbsr-Shcp

SOUTH NoRwALK, Conn, December
30.--In reply TO the recent circular Of the
manufacturers, the striking hatters have
drawn up an address TO the public, In
which many OF the statements of the
manufacturers are fatty denounced as de.
liberate fasehoods. Meanwhile the
strike goes on with no signs of yielding
on either side. A curious feature of this
strike Is that the places of many of the
employees have been filed by the wives
and daughters of the wealthy manufac
turers. Instead Of the shabbily
dressed girls and women who might be
seen hurting to their work in the morn.
Ing, there may now be seen alighting
from their carriages at the doors of tho
factories young men and matrons In seal
skin sacqpes and fashionable gowns and
bonnets. Dainty fingers that have never
before applied a needle to other than
the delicate fancy work that serves to re-
lieye their idle hours of ennui, now work
hard trimming and finishing hats as
though their next days bread depended
on their induNry.
The manufacturers themselves are
made to suffer from boycotting, both in
abusive and social way. In passing
through the streets numbers of former
friends or acquaintance turn their heads
aside and fail to see them, or openly
"cutn them.
One of the firm of Crofut & Knapp,
visited barber's shop the other day and
waited patiently until the welcome
"next' should announce his succession
to the chair When his turn came, he
advanced to submit himself to the mer-
cies of the barber's razor, but was
astounded when the barber waived him
aside and said:
"We can get along without your Gus
tom or your cash. Yes, that's what we
mean, sir NeXt!n
The BARRIERS had been made to under
stand that they could choose between the
custom of the many or the few, and the
many were chosen. The wealthy manu-
facturers of South Norwalk can now
choose between grlsly, unshaven faces or
brave the risk of practising on them
selves.
Even the churches have not escaped
the disturbing influences of this inferno
cine war. The heads Of the firm of cuC.
fut & Knapp, are deacons in the first Bap-
fist Church OF this city. A costly new
church was recently erected to which
they jointly contributed $4,000. Immedi-
ately following this generosity, reduction
of wages was announced. The Rev. Mr..
Gumbart, the pastor of the church has
made, it is said, some references to the
strike TO which the matters except. Many
of them are members of his church, and
have made known the objection TO his
expression of what they term misplaced
sympathy. Their circumstances have
produced no apparent impression on the
pastor, and it is believed that trouble will
ensue. One OF the manufacturers has de-
clared that should the whole congregation
leave the church it shall not lack support
nor the pastor his salary. 1t is not
believed the Rev. Mr. Gumbart will
change to the side of the strikers.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-12-31
A WICKED WENCH.
She Talks Drivel, and is Applauded by
Her Equals.

hor Equals.
CHICAGO, ILL.,, December S0.---There
was a mass-meeting Of Socialists at "a
West Lake street yesterday afternoon.
All Of the speakers advocated the use Of
dynamite and the employment of force in
obtaining their rights. These sentiments
called forth enthusiastic cheering. The
principal speaker was Mrs. Parsons. She
said the present economic system
produced two classes mlllionares
and paupers. The paupcrs were
now starving while there was plen-
ty in the land, the millionaires kept
it locked up In their warehouses, waiting
until the surplus production was used
and higher prices could BIO cxactcd from
the consumer. This policy was sure to
result In bloody war, and she was ready
to lay down her life whenever she could
benefit her fellow beings by so doing.
She advocated force, dynamite and the
taking of what was needed by the poor
from the Golfers OF the wealthy. She said
principle did not exist and there was no
use raising children, as there WIS no
hope that their future would be brighter
than her present LOT. Poor people might
Just az well drop their new born babies
IN the lake. She proposed TO raise her
children a. rebels and teach them to scorn
charity, and to send to perditton TIE mAn
who offered II. Shs ciossC with : aDoer
at tho people who sent their dlrty. caaA-ck
dads - ciothc lsocr cAiitsh II Alv4 uk-
lU SCHOOLS, NJ, t l ~ ts " AK i llHs an INV
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1884-12-31
DYNAMITE AT HOME.
Irish Mill Operatives Introduce the
Use of Dynamite in
America,
To Coerce Their Employers to Discharge
Their Superintendent Do
You Like 1t YOURSELF

PITTsFIELD, MASS, December 3d.
This community was thrown into great
excitement yesterday by the intelligence
that a dynamite plot had been attempted
on George l. Plunkett's wooden mill Office
in Hinsdale. Early on Sunday morning
the night Waterman OF the mill heard a
terrific explosion as he was going his
rounds, and on investigation lie found
that an attempt had been made to blow
up the office by dynamite. The
office where the attempt was
made is solidly constructed of stone.
The explosion took place about a. m,
and the terrific crash was heard for miles
around. The theory of the explosion Is
that 1t was done to brighten the proprietor
of the mill into discharging the superin-
tendent, who has for long time been
unpopular with a part of the help. About
four years ago Mr.. Punkett engaged
Oscar SuenderhGuff as superintendent
He discharged some of the Irish help and
hired Germans in their places. This
INCENsED THE IRISH,
and they have threatened vengeance upon
him. Suenderhauff and his brother were
assaulted with stones by posse of Irish
about two years ago near the mill, and
when they were about overcome by their
antagonists Superintendent Suender-
hauff was arrested, but was dis
charged as it appeared that he had
acted in self-defense. Last fall he was
walking on the railroad on Sunday and
was shot in the head by an I'M
knowns person concealed in the bushes,
who was never apprehended. The wound
was not serious. Professional detectives
have been sent for and the local officers
are ON the LOOK out. 1t is thought that the
Irish fear that Superintendent Suender-
hauff will hire Germans to I'LL their places
If he is retained. Other mill proprietors
in the county are apprehensive that this
act may lead the operatives, who are
working on short time for small wages, to
try to commit similar deeds.