davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
An Ancient Mexican Calendar,

! Of all calendars to an inquiring and
curious mind, the oldest and most in
teresting is probably that of the ancient
people Of Mexico. When disturbed by
the Spaniards. the Mexicans (though
cruel cannibals) were developing civil
ization. Their picture writing was
passing into the condition of phonetic
signs, but it had not yet reached the
Egyptian stage. The Mexican caleb
dar depended on the combination of
numbers with pictorial signs. Arabbit,
a reed, flint and a house were the
chief and most frequently recurring
pictures. They had cycle of flfty-two
years, and Mr.. Taylor observes that
their calendar may be illustrated with
a modern pack of cards, laid ont in
rotation Of the four suits. In the
ordinary calendar periods of twenty
days had names like our months, and.
each day was a rabbit day, reed day,
flint day, or house day. The ritual
calendar was different and much more
complicated, and the curious thing is
that it resembles the queer calendars
of Central and Eastern Asiatic peoples
Among Mongols, Thibetans, Chinese,
series of signs are combined in much
the same way to reckon years, months
and days. The Mongols have a cycle
of sixty years, recorded by a sort of
zodiac Of twelve slgns-mouse, bull,
tiger, and so forth. Fire, earth, iron,
wood and water are combined in rota-
ton with these, and instead of calling
this year of grace 1884, the Mongol
perhaps calls it "male, fire, bull year.
for the notions of male and female
come as cop;ously into this system as
into the Vedic ritual. Humboldt and
other authorities have inferred that the
Mexican calendar was carried over
from Asia with the Mexican civiIiza-
tion. But the minds Of early men
work so much alike when dealing with
the same set of facts that even coinci-
dences as curious as these between the
Mongol and Mexican calendars may be
original and not borrowed. People
may say that no two sets of minds
would hit on the same extraordinary
complexities. But men do everything
first in complex way simplicity only
comes slowly, in machinery, calcula-
tion, society and everything else, in
company with high civilization.-Lon-
don Daily Ne,Cs.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Alien Land Ownership.

A bill introduced in the senate provides that
aliens WHO have not, declared their intention to
become citizens shall not acquire title to
real estate in any of the territories
or in the District of Columbia. 1t pro-
vides that no foreign corporation, more than 10
per cent. ofthe stock of which is held by aliens,
shall acquire title to any lands in the terrific
ries or in the District of Columbia, and that no
corporation, native or foreign, except railroads
shall acquire more than 900 acres. With re-
spect to grants to 'aiIroads, the bill provides
that that the lands must be sold within 10
years, or they shall revert to the government
of the United Stat s.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16

young lady. "I wore my long cashmere
mantle. for was afraid of colds, and
IL was tied at the throat with red
ribbons. and"---
"And Aunt Rebecca took il for
granted that you were the murdered
heroine OF our family ghost story" said
the colonel. archly. "But allow me ia
ask, young people. what you were SO
much interested in ?''
"Well, Sir" said Hazlewood, II had
just asked her if she would marry me-
DON'T run away Violet--and she said
Yes that is, if l could win her faith.
er's consent"
"Well?"
And would like to know what her
father says to the proposition ?" added
the young officer, laughingly, detain-
ing Violet, who was struggling to es-
cape"
"He says" answered Col. Orme,
THAT your intrepidity in facing the
ghost deserves some reward, and he
likewise supposes that his daughter
must be allowed to have her own way.
Take her, Charley, and don't spoil her!
NO thanks now, but let me go and see
after your Aunt Rebecca."
Papa" she whispered, as he arose,
with his hand on the door.
"WclI, my dear?"
Don't tell Aunt Becky that
"That you were the ghost? Just as
you please"
And ne went, chuckling. to inquire
after his sisters health. There is no
evidence that he ever did betray Vio-
let's secret; but two things may be re-
garded as settled facts in the records
OF Alnwick Place one is that Aunt
hebecca strenuously denies the exis-
tence of ghosts, and abhors the very
sight of her niece's white mantle with
cherry trimmings; the other is, that she
is particularly careful never to pass
through the solemn old haunted hall
alter sunset.-BoW Bells.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Vanity Fair.

AT Vanity Fair, as We bow and smile,
AS we talk of the opera (after the weather),
AS we chat of fashion, and tint, and style,
We know we are playing part together
You know that the mirth wear / borrow:
know your smile is mask to sorrow.
We know that under the silks and laces
And back OF beautiful laughing faces,
Lie secret trouble and dark despair
AT Vanity Fair. :.
at Vanity Fair, on dress parade,
Our colors are bright and our sabres cleaning;
But you know my uniform Is worn and frayed,
And l know your weapons, despite their
seeming,
Are dull, and worthless, and badly battered;
That close inspection will show how 'tattered
And stained are the banners that faunt above
us,
That comrades hate, while they swear they love
us,
That robed like Pleasure, walks gaunt-eyed
Care,
At Vanity Fair.
at Vanity Fair, as we strive for place,
AS push, and .jostle, and crowd, and hurry,
We know the result is not worth the race
We know the prize is not worth the worry;
That in fighting for self we must wound each
other;
That much of our gain means loss for another:
That the crown OF bay leaves fades while it
presses
The brow of the victor, with thorns-not cares
ses;
That honors are empty and worthless to wear
At Vanity Fair.
fet, at Vanity Fair, as we pass along,
We meet brave hearts that are worth the
. knowing;
Mong poor paste jewels that dock the throng,
We see solitaire somewhere glowing;
We find grand souls under robes of fashion;
Meath light demeanors lurk strength and pas
sion
And fair, fine Honor and god-liko Resistance
In halls Of pleasure may have existence
And we find pure altars and shrines of PRAYER
At Vanity Fair.
Ella Wheeler.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Ia RIIfisnn's Raw

The Canadian marine department has sent
an officer to st. Johns, N. F.. to procure u
suitable vessel for Hudson's bay service 1t is
probable that that the expedition will reach the
straits about the beginning OF July, so as TO
watch the movement of the ice, that being the
best time of the year to commence operations.
Parties of observers will be placed at different
stations along the shores of the straits, and Will
remain all winter, making observations and OBJ
tanning information concerning the navigation
of the bay and straits.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Nellie Arthur's PONY.

In one of the stalls OF tho White House stable
stands the little Indian pony which the Presi-
den brought back from his trip to he Yellow
debut, but is receiving course of training on
the White House drive. When by patience
and careful training he becomes perfectly do
cile, he will be driven by the Presidents
daughter Nellie to doGcart. He is cute
little thing, with reached name and banged
tail. HIS color is what is termed in the west
as "painted" or "calico," and what children
call ''Circus," irregularly marked W til white
and brown in about equal proportions. He was
prc-entcd to the President last summer by
Sharpnose, an Arrapahoe chief.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS HOME.
Gen, Gordon Makes a Statement of
Plans and Methods.

Gen Gordon Makes a Statement of
Plans and Methods.
In response to request Gen. Gordon has
prepared statement for publication. He says
that the ex-confederate and ex-Union officers
and soldiers who have been placed in charge of
this movement are giving attention, time and
means freely to this cause, without salaries or
pl rquisies or noneyed consideration of any
nature whatsoever. The contributions will be
deposited with the Central Trust Company of
New York, and will be paid out only for the
legitimate objects of the trust and through the
proper banking and business arrangements al
ady perfected hy gentlemen of the highest
character ut Richmond, and upon vouchers duly
audited. In order that this cause shall attain
its highest and best results, says Gen. Gordon,
it must find its own support in the hearts of the
people, and work its way to success by none of
the ordinary methods of a canvass by agents OF
otherwise. Committees will be appointed in
the different sta es and localities who will make
known by circulars or otherwise the facts, plans,
etc, to the people, but nothing more. The
contributions must be absolutely voluntary and
unsolicited.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
DECREASE OF DUTY DESIRED.
Boston Earthenware Dealers Declare the
Present Inriffa Burden.

Apeiition averaging that, while general re-
duction was aimed at and partly carried out in
the tariff act which was passed by the last Con-
gress, the duty now collected on earthenware
is actually an increase of 20 per cent. advalo-
rem over the rate assessed under the previous
law, was presented to the Massachusetts House
ofRepresentativel on the I'd inst, having been
signed by every dealer in earthenware in Bos-
ton. As matter OF fact, on every 800 worth
of common printed earthenware entered at the
custom house $50 duty must be paid, and S55
duty on every 500 in value Of the commoncst
white ware
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Paw of Government Iahnrers,

The bill relating TO the eight hour aw intro
duced by Senator Blair provides that any labor
or, workman or mechanic who has been in the
government employ since June 25th, 1865, the
date of the enactment of the law making eight
hours days work, shall be paid for each hour
he has been employed as for full days work,
ut the regular price paid by private persons in
the vicinity for II day work, without reference
to the number of hours the private persons re-
quire. Ii refers to the court of claims for adj
judication all CLAIMS to payment for labor in ex-
cess OF eight hours per day.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
A Ihree lenned Infant.

Troy, N Y folks are intere ted in the recent
birth OF healthy male child, which is provided
withan extra leg, growing from the back Of
the right hip. The limb is not as large the
childs other legs, and has little muscular
strength, but it is perfect in formation. even
to the knee and ankle ionts and toe nails. The
child is strong and active. The attending
physician ays the rudimcntary Limb can be
removed without danger, and he will sever
the appendage rs soon as the child shall
have become strong enough to bear the opera
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
RAILWAY INTERESTS,
Reduction of Freight Rates on Cattle
and sheep.

Commissioner Fink has issued the following:
Demand having been made for reduction in
the rates on cattle and sheep, on the ground
that the present tariff rates are not maintained.
notice Is hereby given that, taking effect Mon
day, May 5, 1884. reduction ol 10 cents ner
100 pounds from Chicago 10 New York. and n
core ponding reduction from other p,,in.s, will
be made IN the tariff on these classes OF live
stock, and a proportionate reduction will also
be made IN dressed beef rates, making the rn:es
on the following basis: Chicago to New York.
cattle, gross rates, so cents; sheen. gross rites
so cents; dressed bee, rs cents. The differ
ence between gross rates and net rates will rc-
main rs heretofore. The tariff rates on other
classes OF live stock remain unchanged. The
reduction IN dressed beef rates APPLIES also tn
other articles which, under the ofiieial elassifi.
cation, are carried at dressed beef rates
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
THE WEEK
In the United States and the
Old World.
WRECKED.
The City of Portland stranded, Passen.
gers and Crew safely Landed.

The City OF Portland stranded, Passon.
gers and Crew safely Landed.
The steamer City oil Portland, Capt Laroom,
ofthe International Steamship Company, bound
from Portland 10 st, John, N B., recently
struck on Northwest ledge Owls head. Tho
steamer left Portland ut $40 p. m., with 10
passengers and about two-thirls of cargo Of
freight of a general character As day was
breaking, the first pilot in charge sighted the
striped buoy on the portbow between Sheep and
fisherman's islands. In few minutes the
steamer struck the ledge, slid on amidships and
stuck fast. The buoy was then 80 feet abreast Of
the paddles port side. 1hepumps were started
at once, and the distress colors set, and boats
cleared. The officers and crew were cool and
the passengers behaved well. The mate land
ed i'll boat, and drove to Rockland, six miles
distant, torhelp. The steamer Rockland, Capt
Sawtelle, of the Boston & Bangor inc, prompt-
y answered the call and reached the scene of
the wreck In the meantime sloop from
Owls Head Capt Wallace, answered the sig
mails, and two boatloads of women and children
were transferred to the sloop without accident
The rest Of the passengers and the baggage
express freight, etc., were put aboard the Rock
land and taken to Rockland
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
After the Reward.

Secretary Chandler has received the follow
Ing tglegIHm from Lieut. Emery, comma ding
the 6sreely relief steamer Dear, at St Jo, ms.
n. F.; "Ihs ice oondi iosIs nTv consider d
favorable. Duisdce's whalers, the Narwhal ami
Esquin,aux, LEFT this week, and the Ralonia
and Arctic sail in few days. all boun I north
ward. Their early departure is due to tie
tireo : rew'il rllleh they proruSs 10 a CON.
pl sh,'
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Determined TO Ride,

Louro Carazos, collec or of customs at New
Laredo, Moxico, has issued an order to his sub
ordinates direc ing them to get on any train
they wish to, and to ride or fight; adding, "and
we will protect you, or in other words, if the
conductors attempt to put them off, one or the
other, the guard CT the conductor, must be
killed. This order was issued on account of n
difficulty between the conductor of Mexican
National trsin and one Of the Carzaos guards.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Coloring Coffee.

Tho business of coloring coffee carried on in
Brooklyn, n. y, was recently looked into
The sampe, of coloring material obtained
proved to be silesii, chrome orange, or yellow
chrome, drop black, yellow ochre, Venetian
red, charcoal, French black and gum arabic.
The only ingredient containing red is chrome
yellow. The board of health found enough
arsenic in each cup OF colored coffee to make
full medicinal dose. TIE process is resorted
to to give the bean, when it is bleached or poor
looking, bright, fresh green color.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
VETERINARIANS.
Formation of q Society by Massachusetts


Surgeons.
A society has been recently organized by
prominent veterinarians of Boston, styled the
Massachusetts, Veterinary Society. One of its
many objects is the encouraging of collegiate
and professional feelings among the graduated
members of tho veterinary rofessiun in the
State of Massachusetts, as well us with those
practising in other states; also to use its ut
most influence for the advancement Of the We
terinary profession, both as body and individ-
uals, by advocating the highest practical and
SC enttc education of students that is possible
at the schools with the present means and abil-
ity that they possess and by earnestly advising
that the period of tuition be extended to a
three years course. The association is now
tullY oraaniZed.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
AUNT REBECCA'S GHOST

II don't believe word of it" said
Aunt Rebecca.
The wine-like glow Of sunset yet il
lumined the great bay window; but
the rest Of the apartment was already
shrouded in the gray shadows of twi.
light, in whose misty indistinctness
the huge chairs of carved oak looked
like gigantic monsters from some for
eigh shore. From the walls frowned
down dark old family portraits, and
the crimson hangings above the arched
doors waved restlessly back and forth
in the draughts of wind that swept
through the vast corridor.
Il don't believe a word of itr' re-
pcated Aunt Rebecca, with more EN-
pha5is than before. ga ghost story,
indeedn'
"Tell me about it, Violet" said
young Hazlewood, to whom the deep
bay-window, with its far-off prospect
of snowy hills, yelled in gathering twi-
light, to say nothing Of pretty, Violet
Orme's close vicinage, were infinitely
more attractive than the more modern
regions Of Alnwick Place.
ut is not much of a story" said VI
o!et, flushing up to her very eyelashes
at the sound of her own sweet voice,
only years ago. long before my great
grandpa built this house, the site was
all one unbroken wood, and there was
tradition that beautiful girl was
murdered by her lover. Her grave,
they said, was beneath tho founda-
tions Of the no use; but l scarcely cred
it this part of the legend"
"Of course not" interrupted Miss
Rebccca, with a toss of her false curls.
Il have no patience with the relics of
old superstition"
"What arc you looking for, aunt?
Have you dropped anything? Shall
call for HarriS TO bring candle ?"
asked Violet, a moment afterwards
coming to her aunt's side.
Nothing, nothing" said Miss Rebec-
ca, with little embarrassment in her
voice. "Come--don't stay here any
longer in the biting cold, unless you
both want weeks medicine and doc
tors visits"
'1ts not cold, Aunt Rebecca,' plead
cd Violet. "and the starlight is so
beautiful on the stone pavement. just
let us wait until that fiery planst
mounts little higher"
But a peremptory summons from
Col. Orme himself, who had just wax
ed from a comfortable nap beside the
glowing fire in the library, to a sort of
vague wonder as to "where Rebecca!
and the young people could possibly
be" speedily settled the matter.
"Never mind, Violet" whispered
Charles Lakewood; by and by when
your father has gene to his room and
Aunt Rebecca is busy with her curl
papers in her own special dormitory,
we can have a starlight stroll through
the ghosts tsrritoryT
Violet gave him al arch glance as
she tripped after Aunt Rebecca into
the hall which led to Col. Orme's
brilliantly lighted library.
81 wish Capt. Hazlewooa wouldn't
remain out there" said Aunt Rebec--
ca, anxiously. "He will catch his
death of cold; and, besides"
besides what, Aunt Rebecca?''
"Violet." sai1 the maiden lady, ~
wish you would 60 down and see if
The housekeeper mas prepared that
rosset for my sore throat. that's a
good girl. l think | shal go to bed"
Violet went 10 o'exeeute her aunt's
behests.
How peacefully the distant liIls and
valleys slept in tiseig snowy NANTES
that glorious December night it re.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
The Abandonment of Gen. Gordon Denounced

A crowded and influential meeting Of pari-
otIc associations was he'd May in London, to
protest against the abandonment Of Gen. Cor
don. Earl Cadogn, NJ p, presided. Mr..
Henry Chaplin, member of the House OF Com
mons, described the members OF the govern
ment "a cowardly caitif crew. He offered a
resolution declaring that the abandonment of
Gordon would dishonor the government and
bring discredit upon tho coun ry. Another
menbermoee that the S crifce oil life in Egypt
was due to the want of a resolute policy on the
part of the English government. The motions
were carried unanimously
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Farmers in Council.

The Agriculturists' Association met recently
in New York. Ex-Mayor Hutchison of Utica
presided, and addressed the meeting on the
necessity Of the farmers joining the associa-
ton. Pierce odell of Hastings-on- the Hudson
advocated the formation ofa farmers and me-
chanics' national union. An invitation ias
been extended the association to hold Is agr-
cultural fair in St. Louis Mo-. by the soeicty OF
that city. No date has yet been deciGed upon
for the fair. Ik-
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
DULNESS IN CARPETS.
Philadelphia Manufacturers Propose
to Reduce Wages.

Six of the large manufacturers in Philadcl-
will have to reduce the price from seven to
six cents yard, Or little over ii per cent,
One Of the reasons for the change is the usual
one adduced in similar cases, overproduction,
and, al o, as carpet maker expressed it lately,
"the competing pauper labor of New England y
In the eastern states, The price charged IS only
five cents yard, and Phi adelphia Manutactur-
ers find it difficult to compete, with tho big
Nunn es recf.iN Cd by th..ir hnnGs
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16

1lss order changing the hour CT departure Of
the Boston 8 T. m ulsil train on the boston s
Albany road hes zen ro>cinded. lie effect
viii ne 10 maintain tie fas; nail service be-
t"een NV England and San Francisco, which
g5as asa e:'iss,
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
AGAIN SUBMERGED.
Farming Lands in Louisiana Once Nj ore
Under Water.

Under Water.
Late advices from St. Joseph report the wa
ter as high as it was three weeks ago, and still
rising The few lands planted in the past few
days are again submerged All hope for crop
in that section is prac ically abandoned Gov
c nment aid is necessary to ward off starvation
Ten thousand people in that parish are report
ed to be in need of relief. A dispatch urging
government relief was sent to Congressman
King
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16

Look at stone over which You
lave stumbled oniy long enough tc
recognize it qnieklF when you Come
thas way Ggel,.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1884-05-16
Dishonest Postmaster,

James Wallace, postmaster at North Man.
chester, Ind, has been arreste, on a charge oi
robbipg registered letters, lie 9 niessea his
guilt
Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1884-12-13
Che Wore the Steamer.

A confederate officer during the
war captured a federal steamer in
the gulf and brought it into Gal
weston. Federal steamers were
not so plentiful as the gossip of the
war would seem to indicate and
the prize was to the officer as the
apple of his eye.
Being called away to Red river
he left the steamer in charge of his
wifc-shc had his power of attor-
ncy.
His Red river expedition did not
turn out satisfactorily. His troops
were overpowered with superior
numbers and badly beaten.
Their commander returned hast
lily to get his steamer and secure
rcinforcements. On arriving IL
Galveston he learned to his dismay
that his steamer was gone.
"Where's my wife," he askec
impatiently of the servants.
s'She gone TO Missy C.'s party
Massa," said the oldest and mos
faithful of them.
Without stopping to dress. h
hurried TO Mrs. C.'s covered witt
dust and mud, and presented him
self at the door.
lie was shown in. His wife ex
cuscd herself to her cavalier.
"What is the matter?" she asked
"Wherc's my steamer 2" -sal'
the officer in tones of suppressed
excitement.
"Why. here tits, my dear" sai'
his beautiful wife.
And then she pointed to a dia
mond cross glittering on her fai
breast, -Ingleside.