davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The bee., 1884-01-05
An Oyster Yarn.
A CALIFORNIA LADY's EXPERIENCE or
THE NEW YORK BIVALVES.

never found anything but once here in
excess of my expectations, or even ap-
preaching them, and that was the New
York oysters. / had then just come
from California, where oysters are very
small and unimportant, not to say insig-
nifcant, and had often eaten hundred
there at time, and had always felt that
could eat more if I had them. So when
I arrived at the Metropolitan Hotel l Or
dered my dinner to be served in my room,
and told the waiter to bring with my din
ner strong cup of coffee and hundred
raw oysters. He looked at me moment
and then said:
"Did ! understand you to say hundred
oysters? ?"
Yes" I answered; "raw, on the half
shell, with vinegar; no lemons; and as
SOON as you can, for am very hungry"
"Ahen! iss, do you want a hundred ?"
eyes, I do. What are you waiting for
Must pay for them in advance? l want
nice large tones"
"No, no, Miss All right, you shall have
them" and he went out. l continued my
writing, and forgot all about my dinner
till he knocked and came in with my din
ner on tray, but no oysters.
"How is this ?" said l. "There are no
oysters"
"Dey's comm, Miss, dey's comin'," and
The door opened and in filed three more
sons of Aflic's burning sands, each with
big tray of oysters on the half shell. l
was staggered, but only for moment, for
I saw the walters were grinnirg, so l
calmly directed them to place one tray on
q chair, one on the washstand and one on
the bed, and said:
"They are very small, aren't they?"
"Oh no, Miss, de berry largest we've got"
Every WE'LL" said l, you can go. If |
want any more I'll ring"
When they got out intothe hall one said
to the other:
"'Fore God, JO, if she eats all them Oy-
ssers she's dead woman"
L did not feel hungry any longer. /
drank my coffee and looked at the oysters,
every one of them as big as my hand, and
they all seemed looking at me with their
horrihle white faces, and out of their one
dI..Dolical eye, until / could not have eaten
one any more than l could have carved up
p live baby. They leered at me and SEEM
ed to dare me to attack them. Our Cali
fornia oysters are small, and with no more
individual character about them than grains
of rice, but these detestable creatures were
instinct with evil intentions, and dared
not swallow one for fear of the disturbance
he might raise III my interior, so 1 set
lbout getting rid of them, for l was never
going to give up beaten before those wait
ers. 1 hung dress over the key-hOle af-
ter locked the door, and just outside my
| window found tin Waterspout that had
4 small hole in it. carefully enlarged it,
and then slid every one of those beastly
creatures down one by one-one hundred
| and two of them-they all the time cycling
me with that cold, pasty look of malig-
nifty. When the last one was out of sight
l stopped trembling, and finished my din
! ner in peace, and then rang for the walters.
You Just should have seen their faces!
One of the walters asked if would have
some more. May he never know the inter
| nal pang lie inflicted upon me, but re-
| piled, calmly:
Not now. think too many at once
I might be hurtful."
The bee., 1884-01-05
THE PRESS ENTERTAINED.

On last Saturday evening Mr..
w. II. Black, at No. 1887 M st.
n. w. entertained at dinner sever
al members of the press. The
affair of last Saturday night re-
minded one of the many fine din
ners and receptions that have
been given by Mr.. and Mrs.
Black in the past. At six o'clock
well-prepared table of edibles of
the finest description were discuss
ed and greatly enjoyed by the in
vited guests. Among those pres
ent were Messrs. w. A. Pledger,
atlanta VindicatOr, II. B. Bagby,
Indianapolis Leader, Curtis, st Lou
is, Mo-, Truth, w. Calvin Chase,
the BEE, and FL. G. Bruce. The
occasion was a happy one, and
many political questions were dis
cussed.
The bee., 1884-01-05
PERSONALS.

MIR. Philip Joseph, of Mobile,
Ala, and Editor of the Mobile
Gazette is in town and gave US 6
call Tuesday.
Hon. Fred. Douglass returned
to the city last week from his Vir
ginia lecture trip.
Mr.. w. T. Curtis, of the ST.
Louis Truth is still in the city.
Mr.. w. 7. Scott, of the Carlo
Gazette, on his arrival home was
met with a band of music and
seranaded.
Last week we wished every
body-friends and foes, merry
Xmas, now we add, a happy New
Year to all.
The bee., 1884-01-05
GEORGES SUCCESS.

Mr.. Geo. w. Williams, one of
the most popular business men
in the city, of the firm of Will
liams and Meredith, accompanied
by Mr.. Thomas Chambers and
his brother, and Thomas A. Cant,
left on a hunting expedition to
Homi, Virginia, Dec. 26th; arrived
there on the 30th, and returned
with 1S2 partridges, 63 squirrels,
48 rabbits, 8 wild ducks, 20 o'pos-
sums, 8 wild turkeys and 2 musk
rats. Mr.. Williams is as success
full in hunting as he is in the bus
iness in which he is engaged. He
is congenial, and keeps first-class
house, where our citizens can go
and have game of every dlscrlp-
ton. A happy new year to the
proprietor of the Philadelphia
House.
The bee., 1884-01-05
ALEXANDRIA, ANNALS
AND
SOUTHERN NOTES.

CFrom our Virginia Correspondent
Mr.. John A. Seaton Jr., Of Fauquier' is
here.
Mr.. Joseph Whitney has become Il 81 lb-
scriber of the BEE.
Mr.. John A. Seaton Sr-, win return t o
Alexandria to-day.
The fair of the Simpson N. E Church
at Charleston, W. Va, has been a great
success. The sum netted was Sl5o-00.
Mr.. George Cubit gave pleasant so
ciable at his residence on Washington
street. He is very popular young gen.
tleman.
Mr.. W. II. Thornton has been confined
to his residence for sometime with an slt-
tack of rheumatism.
Shiloh church is about to be rebuilt and
for the accomplishment of that purpose
soliciting cards have been issued. The
Old Dominion and Owen Literary clubs
will give an entertainment in said church
next Thursday night for the benefit of:
the church.
The Sunday school of Roberts chapel
held public review in the church last
Sunday nj: ght. Dir. James Johnson
class was aW iarded the Sunday school ban
ner for the largest collection of money.
Mrs. Fannie SeRames examined the
school at th Bereaa sessi ons. Miss Fan
ME Walker read an essay after which the
Rev. Mr.. Walker add ressed the large
audience in attendance
At IL forty five Nen lay night all the
church bells and alarm bells of this city
began to toll out the old year, and when
the town bell struck the hour of twelve
the New Year was us hered in with the
merry ringing Of bell, tn report oil guns,
and the blowing OF boi ms. The display
of fireworks was grand, the streets being
illuminated by the bu ming of calcium
lights, and the expSosi on of skyrockets
Watch meetings was ne Id at the various
churches.
Mrs. Benjamin F. Wright, and Mis-;
Rebeeca Roland OF PaI 'adelphia, are her,
visiting their sister Mn :. VIM. II. Davis
Miss Maud Harden ef Germantown, Pa.
is also guest of Mes. d avis.
Among the pronainHa It gentlemen pres
ent at Mr.. George Ghp5 rs reception last
Wednesday evening ere Mr.. W. C.
Reeves of Alexandria: county; Mr.. Al
bert B. Hopkins: Mn. Andrew Tmley
the genial F. b. BAltiiu ore; Capt. d. W
The bee., 1884-01-05
The Oleander Poisonous.

1t is stated that the oleander is deadly
poison, and may frequently prove treach-
erous fondling if not carefully watched.
1t is one of our most beautiful window
plants when covered with its large rose
like blossoms, but in these blossoms death
resides. A case is recorded of child hay-
ING eaten few flowers and being poisoned
by the same The annals of the PENN
sular War" state that number of French
soldiers went out foraging near Madrid,
and returned laden with the fruits of their
search. One of the number, with view
of securing some wood to make skewers
for the meat, cut quantity of oleander
boughs, and having stripped them of the
bark, used the wood in the meat. The re-
suit was that out of twelve who ate of the
roast seven died, and the rest were danger
ously i'll. The poisonous principle Is SO
subtle that its exhalations alone are sufh-
cient to cause very serious illness, and even
death, to those who sleep for any time
under their influence. 1t exists equally
in every part of the plant, but it is cOnsid-
erably weakened by cultivation.
The bee., 1884-01-05
Why We Eat Oysters Raw.

Dr.. William Roberts, in his interesting
LECTURES on the digestive ferments, says:
@( Dur practice in regard to the oyster is
GU lite exceptional, and furnishes striking
exa mple of the general correctness Of the
pop ular judgment on dietic questions. The
oyst, n is almost the only substance which
we esH habitually, and by preference, in
the ra W or nncooked state; and it is inter-
esting to know that there is sound phys
iological reason at the bottom of this prefer
ence. The faHn colored mass which con-
stitutes the dainty of the oyster is its liver,
and this is little less than heap of glyco-
gen. Associated with the glycogen, but
withheld from actual contact with it
during life, is its appropriate digestive
ferment-the hepatie diastase. The mere
crushing of the dainty between the teeth
brings these two bodies together, and the
glycogen is at once digested without other
help by its own diastase. The oyster in
the uncooked state, or merely warmed, is,
in fact, self digestive. But the advantage
of this provision is wholly lest by cooking
for the heat employed Immediately des-
troys the associated ferment, and q cooked
oyster has to be digested, like any other
/ food, by the eaters own digestive powers"
| London Medical Record.
The bee., 1884-01-05
4 Mothers Boy.

is there a vacant place in this bank
which could flI?" was the inquiry of a
boy, as with a glowing cheek lie stood be-
fore the President.
"There is none," was the reply. Were
you told that you might obtain a situation
here? Who recommended yOu"
'NO one recommended me, !" was the ans
wer: Il only thought would see"
There was a straightfOrwardness in the
manner, an honest determination in tho
eouEtenanee of the lad which pleased the
man of business, and induced him to con-
tinue the conversation. He said You must
have friends who could aid you in situa-
tion; have you advised with them?"
The quick flash of the deep blue eyes
was quenched in the underlying wave of
sadness, as he said, though half musingly,
My mother said it was useless to try with
out friends :" then recOllecting himself, he
apolOgized for the interruption, and was
about to withdraw, when the gentleman
detained him by asking him why he did
not stay at school another year or two, and
then enter into business life.
II have no time" was the instant reply,
'but L study at home and keep up with
the other boys"
"Then you have place already ?" said
the interrOgater. why did you leave tP"
Il have not left it, answered the boy
quietly.
''Yes, but you wish to leave it. What Is
the matter?'
For an instant the child hesitated; then
he replied with half reluctant frankness,
Il must do more for my mother"
Brave words! talisman of success any
where, everywhere. They sank into the
heart of the listener, and recalled the for
gotten past. Grasping the hand of the as
tOnished boy, he said, with q quiVering
voice: "My good boy, what is your name 2"
You shall I'LL the first vacancy that occurs
in the bank. III in the meantime you need
a friend, come to me. But give me your
confidence. Why do you wish to do more
for your mOther?'
Tears filed the boys eyes as he replied,
"My father is dead, and my sisters and
brothers are dead, and my mother and
are left to help each other, but she is not
strong, and / want to take care of her. It
will please her that you have been so kind,
and am much obliged to you."
So saying the boy left, little dreaming
that his own nObleness of character had
been as bright glance of sunshine to the
busy world he had so trembling enteredI
The bee., 1884-01-05

was performed by Rev. L. Waring
The attendants were Messrs. H
Fox, J. I'll. Burke and A. jackson
The bridesmaids were Miss Briggs
M. Slater, W. johnson and Mat
tie Parker. Mr.. Bailey is one o.
the most prominent and wealthy
colored gentlemen of Fauquier
The bride is q sweet and prepossess
ing yonng lady and very popular
in society circles. The BEE wish
them long and happy life. The
happy pair left Alexandria on The
29th for their future home ir
Fauquier.
The bee., 1884-01-05
The ShowtI.

The sewellel or shOwtl is one of the most
curious and least known mammals of
America. This little animal, which Is only
found in few isolated and barren parts
of the North West-its geographical
range being bounded on the north by Brit
ish Columbia, on the south by Oregon, and
ON the east by the high, rolling plateaus
near the Cascade range-inhabits for the
most part the small, sandy prairies adja-
cent to the rivers that run through the
dense forests of Western Oregon and Wash
ington Territory. The Indians have tra-
dition that it was the first creature endOw-
ed with life and curiOusly enough trace
their own origin to it, having, however, not
the smallest objection to cooking and eat
ing their remote ancestor, the flesh of
which they esteem q great delicacy. The
shOwtl much resembles the muskrat, with
this striking difference, that it does not
possess q tail. A full-grOwn male meas
ures about fourteen inches in length and
six inches in height has a well-deVelOped
head with large, round muzzle short, vel
vety, rounded ears, and exceedingly sharp
teeth, short, stout legs, broad feet, long,
thick, curved nails, by means of which it
can burrow home for itself in an ineredi-
bly, short time. The creature is extremely
gregarious living in colonies of from dOz-
en- to q hundred families; it eats only veg
etable food, and lays up cons derabls stores
of provision in its underground dwelling.
It's fine. thick, reddish-brOwn fur causes 10
to be sought for by the ChinOOks for the
purpose Of making robes, which they call
"shc-wel-cl,' and hence one of the names
= he animal BY chiripiDg little while
ctr its hole, the shOwtl may be induced
o come ont, and it can then be shot with
4 bow and arrow, while seeking to regain
its bUrrOw as the conformation of its feet
prevents it from moving quickly. The
meat is tender, and forms, we are told,
quite a boRae-60uche for the hungry hunter.
The bee., 1884-01-05
Housekeeping.

Every woman owes it to her family, q
well as to herself, to simplify her work as
much as possible, aud not to do things that
are unnecessary; for instauce, it is a waste
of time, strength and blacking to black
and polish the top of a kitchen stove after
each meal is prepared. OF course other
parts OF the stove can be kept nice
with little trouble, and if the top is kept
clean until the fire is out for the day, that
ought to satisfy the most painstakiHg wO-
man. A convenient arrangement for wash
ing the top of a hot stove is to have a
smooth, round stick with a soft cloth Sc
curely tied to it. A cloth is mnch better
than brush for cleaning corners.
An old hOusekeeper, and a wise woman,
said to me once that after twenty-five
years of hard work in the kitchen and par
lOr. she had come TO the conclusion that
although it might cause revolution IN the
civilized world she would never put an
other zinc under her sitting room stove.
She ampIiiied her statement, saying: "The
time / have spent on my knees securing
that zinc, If otherwise employed, would
have made me a Well-read woman, or II
devoted to my children would have been
If great benefit 10 them and comfort TO
me- Her words seemed to me to have
great force in them, and the result was that
my own stove was put up without the Gus
toTnary zine Certain members OF the
family who prophesied the destruction OF
the house by fire were surprised to find
that we were Just as well of without it.
A heavy oilcl0th with newspapers under il
was put under the stove, and although II
is a base-buFner, and we kept large room
warm with it, the experiment was a sue
cess. The oilcloth is easily taken care q.
Wash it with warm suds, then with
nix and water, wiping with
The Battles Of the Union = domestic
squabbles between man and wife.
The bee., 1884-01-05
Chinn, and Messrs. W. H. Davis, r. Whit
tier, and Geo. Cooper.

Chinn, and Messrs. W. H. Davis, R. Whit
tier, and Geo. Cooper.
Roberts Methodist Episcopal Church
was crowded Thursday evening to wit
ness the nuptials of Mr.. W. III. Madella.
and Miss Lena Walker. The happy pair
was made one by the Rev. C. G.. Key,
presiding elder of the Lynchburg district.
Rev. z. G.. Walker the father of the bride
gave her away. Mr.. Madella was atten-
ded by his cousin and namesake. The
bride was attended by her sister Miss
Fannie Walker. Messrs. p. Ii. Lump
kins and George Piper, acted as ushers.
Rev. G. T. Pinkney of Washington was
present. The couple Immediately after
the ceremony left for Baltimore. They
will return to-day.
The Bachelor Club of this city gave a
handsome supper and banquet at the Tom
tine House on New Years evening. 1t
was grand affair. Mr.. Alonza Mills,
the proprietor had personal supervision
and reflected credit upon the well known
reputation of the house. Twenty five
gentlemen were seated at the grand BAN
quet table and were served by the gen.
tlemenly sttendents Messrs Simon Lee
and George Butts. The supper was pre-
pared by the well known caterer Isaac
Tancil. The oyster biyavles was served
under the personal care of Richard RAN
dolph Lancaster, who can't be beat in
his line of business.
The bee., 1884-01-05
Mrs. O'Hara's Reception,

Probably the most cordial reception Civ
en- the New Years callers among the col
ored people was that at the residence OF
Mr.. John Patterson, No. 1882 18th street,
where Mrs. O'Hara, the amiable wife of
Hon. James E. O'Hara, of North Carolina,
kept "Open house assisted by the Misses
Mary, Chanie, and Emma Patterson, and
Miss Mary Nallc. Extensive preparation
had been made in order that the reception
might correspond with the dignity of Mrs
O'Hara's position and that OF her popular
assistants. The parlors wore the holiday
uniform ofevergreens and winter blossoms
while the dining-room presented to its
many welcome visitors everything eatable
that could tempt the appetite of the most
fastidious or epicurean taste. The ladies
were all handsomely attired and were in
the best Of spirits, receiving their callers
happily and entertaining them with choice
bits Of wit and humor. The reception
lasted from 3 till o'clock, and probably
an. hundred called to pay their respects
during that time who went away highly
pleased with the cordial manner of their
treatment. Among the large number who
called the BEE saw Messrs. NJ. M. Holland,
7. H. Greene, Daniel Atwood, Jacob II.
Richardson, Alfred j. Anderson, Henry
Lee, Alex. Powell, John F. Cook, Edw'd
Brooks, Ex-Trustees Henry johnson, and
VIM. III. Smith, the Upshaw and Bagby
brothers, and Drs. Cook and Francis.
The bee., 1884-01-05
LOUISE TO CLARA.

DEAR CLARA: You spoke the senti-
ments of my heart last week. Yes, ]
read the article referred to from the New
York Sun. NJ. NJ. FL. gave the data.
One would not have supposed that he
would have been so mean to SANDER the
poor classes of citizens as he did. !
blame the people of Washington for TAX
ing all kind of people. The very ones
who have done them some good seem to
be disregarded. Our girls look upon these
dudes who come here from other
places with profound reverence. They
Will yet be taught good lesson. / shall
be compelled to call your attention to the
single girls and married men. There was
hop given last week by the single and
married dudes. / was invited and at
tended for mere curiosity. The fact
about these private hops is meeting
place for the married dude to meet the
single girls. What is becoming of our
society? This same class look upon those
poor girls who are compelled to work for
their living when they do nothing to pro-
mote our circle. The Capt, answered dear
lone and my letter in our contemporary
and promises in the future that he will
not allow these loose characters to visit
his entertainments. The Capt. is good
man and shall not be unkind towards
him because he seems to regret what he
has done and agrees to make amends in
the future. w. Ii. B. entertained the
press at dinner last Saturday evening. l
was informed that he had everything in
style which you know he is in the prac-
tice of doing when occasions presents it
self. The occasion was stag to the
The bee., 1884-01-05

are mistaken said the Judge, I
shall go and get me a suit imme-
diately. The Judge went and to
his surprise he got a fine suit and
was well pleased.
A very pleasant card party was
given last Friday evening at the
residence of Mr.. VIM. Cole in
honor of Mr.. Joseph Williams, of
Philadelphia. Among those pres
ent were Ex-Gov. Gleares, Hon.
j. B. Devaux, Messrs. Alexander
Powell, Howard Williams, VIM.
Harris, j. A. Johnson, G. E. Cum
ey and others.
In last weeks issue of the BEE
the devil made a mistake in the
name of a very esteemed gentle
man who has been honored by
Senator Mcpherson, of New Jer-
sey, with an appointment as private
secretary to the Senator. Mr. Thorn
as @. Carmick, is an honored
and efficient clerk in the Adiutant
Generals office.
Everybody will now have a
chance to invest in real estate at
a reasonable figure. MIR. Samuel
w. Estren, who is too we'll known
for accommodation will sell at any
time fine lots so feet front by $50
deep from twenty-five to one hun.
dred dollars. The lots are be-
tween Seabrook and Lanham
station. See advertisement, and
for further information call and
see Mr.. s. w. Estren, 1109 F st.
n. w. or Marion Ducket. Bladens-
burg, Md.
There is a great deal of disatis-
faction among the friends of Mr..
John w. Hamilton of the Wash
ington Cadet Corps, on account of
the new Armory. The BEE elici-
ted the following: 1t seems that
Mr.. Hamilton was elected by the
Corps to take charge of the Ar
mory act as general agent and
rent the hall to persons of good
standing. This order has never
heen revoked it Is said, hence Mr..
Hamilton's friends claim that he is
entitled to do the renting, and
not Capt. Fleetwood, whom it is
said has usurped the rights of Mr..
Hamilton without authority. A
private caucus by Mr.. Hamilton's IS
friends was held a few days ago,
and they claim that a motion to
reconsider or an amendment to
the constitution are the only
methods that can be adopted 10
remove HIM. Mr.. Hamilton is
well known in this city as a gen.
tleman, and his wide circle of
friends honor and respect him.
The bee., 1884-01-05
A PROMINENT VIRGINIA
WEDDING.

BAILEY AND LEwIs.-Fe are
happy to announce the marriage
of J. 7. Bailey, Esq, of Fauquier
Go. Va, to Miss Bette Lewis, OF
Washington, d. C. which occurred
at Alexandra, Va, Dec. 9th 1883,
at % Wilkes st. bet. Payne and
West SITS. at 9-15 P. M. The rite
The bee., 1884-01-05

aGoods at half-price,7 said the sign;
9How much is that teapot p as ked an old
Jady who had been attracted by the an
nouucement. "Fifty cents, num-" l gEess
mi take it, then" she said, throwing down
= nnarter. The dealer let her have the tea
NOT but took in his sign before anothef
customer could come IN.
The bee., 1884-01-05
.,.I=rpE THE BEE CAN BE HAD.

WHERE lnb DIE
Mrs Polketys, NJ. Street between 18th and
., I h. Beller, Druggist corner 10th and M
''Itsr Henry Poand's, corner "a and PennSyi-
van" W-m I. Freeman, corner 18th and M Street
Northwest go o,s penrsv1vania Ave
Northwest. nua,ot onoe. nr g
sou.n . Manager, 7Sl AZ Street.
Yves West washington JAMES L. TURNER
ar montgomery st. -
~, nth washington, PEOPLES hook
r"pT l-g street, n. w.
usxandrIa, Va, BRANCH OFFICE, R. B
,1h,nson hsnr Manager, No. lS2, South Columbus
street
The bee., 1884-01-05

The Battles OF the Union = domestic
,quabbles between man and wife.