davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21
LIVING ON MILK AND FRUIT.
An Extraordinary Case Which Battles the
Skill of Physicians.

New Haven Letter in New York World.
The little village of east River, on the Shore
Line road, between Guilford and Madison. and
about fifteen miles east of this city, is the latest
claimant to the possession of that no longer in
frequent phenomenon, a person who lives with
out eating. Prof. Westbrook, of New York, who
recently attempted to live wholly on milk, and
gave up the experiment after a four days trial,
is put utterly in the shade by Miss Lizzie
Knowles, of East River, who has partaken of
nothing but a little fruit and drunk nothing but
milk since the first week in February of this
year. She preserves her health and strength on
this simple diet, and is not only the sensation of
the hour for the residents of East River and all
the towns within a radius of ten miles, but is
also much sought after by the young swains who
are hunting for wife whose board bill is not likely
to be an item worthy of consideration in the
domestic expenditures. Miss Knowles is the
sixteen year-old adopted daughter of Mr.. Henry
ID. Knowles, a prosperous and well-known resi-
dent of East River. She is of medium height,
and her form shows no sign of emaciation. She
is very pretty, vivacious and an entertaining
conversationalist and is greatly admired by all
who know her. She was formerly an inmate of
the House for the Friendless. in East Thirtieth
street, your city. Her foster parents adopted
her from the institution, and gave her a good
home and an excellent education. Two years
ago she was attacked with a disease that has
baffied the skill of many doctors. When
first taken i'll she became numb, and all her
nerves were paralyzed. She lost her voice
and was very weak. but her muscles were unaf-
fected and she retained all her powers of motion.
Her prostration continued for nearly three
months, when she gradually recovered strength,
and is now able to attend to domestic duties.
Her voice has not wholly returned, and, although
everything she says is perfectly distinct, it is ut
tered in "a low but peculiarly pleasant whisper.
The strange part of Miss Knowles's case, how
ever. is that as her strength returned her appe-
tite failed. AT first she lost all desire for meat,
and finally her stomach refused to retain it.
Then her desire to eat anything at all grew
gradually less, and during the latter part of last
and the early portion of this year she rarely ate
more than one or two meals a week. For
some time her food, what little she ate,
comprised several kinds, but she took a dislike
to one article after another, until nothing re
NAMED that would tempt her appetite except
fruit and milk, and on these two articles of diet
alone she has been living since last February,
Her principal nourishment is milk. She par
takes but sparingly of fruit, and it seems proba-
BILE that she will abandon it entirely. That she
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21

the same mark, another graybeard followed suit,
and in two minutes, fifty dignifed gentlemen
were wildly trying to hit the piece of floating
bark. Two WalIstreet brokers were especially
anxious to shine as marksmen, and the contest
narrowed down to a question of skill between
these two. From wagering dollars on the result
they went to betting S. on every throw. Twenty
others took sides, and for a time nearly 500
changed hands on each throw. When the gun
was at last pronounced 'all ready, the younger
broker had lost 500.
TIL same care in getting a safe place was ex-
ercised, and at the signal the shot took the same
heavenward course. 1t fell short of the mark
about ten feet, dropping into the water with a
report that must have frightened fish far out at
sea. A great cloud of water few upward and
dropped fountain-like upon the beach and sea.
The shore was sprinkled with wet sand and mud
for some distance around. A third shot per-
formed similar evolutions, but the fourth shot
struck the point aimed at, the granite sea-wall,
sending tons of stone into the air and crumbling
the stone as if it were so much pie-crust. 1t was
said that no war vessel afoat could possibly live
after being struck with such a shell.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21

phia were able to put coal on the market there
at half the price the Wurtses could furnish
theirs. The lower operators transported 5000
tons in 1923. This destroyed ali hope the
Wurtses had of finding a sale for their coal in
Philadelphia, and they then began seeking for
means of reaching New York as their market.
They conceived the idea of connecting the Lack
awanna valley with that of the Hudson by rail
road and canal. William Wurts walked the en-
tire distance from the mines to the Hudson to
form an idea of the feasibility of such a project.
The result was the conception of the present
Delaware and Hudson canal, from Honesdale to
hondout, and the gravity railroad over the
Moeslc mountain, from the mines, to connect
with the canal. In 1924 the Wurtses obtained
4 charter from the Pennsylvania Legislature
for the LackawaXen & Delaware canal and
railroad, and from the New York Legislature
for the Delaware & Hudson canal. In the face
of the most titanic difficulties the then greatest
engineering project of modern times was
pushed by the two indomitable brothers to COM
pletion, and in 1925 the first cargo of anthracite
coal that was ever received in New York
city from the mines direct was transported from
Carbondale by the first long coal railroad and
the greatest canal ever built by private means
in this country. The coal was taken from the
Dave Mobiles lot, which had cost f3, and which
has yielded millions.
49,, to get right back to first principles. |
may say that to the accommodating spirit of
Dave Mobiles neighbor in Wayne county, in
1872, to Dawes inability to pay, and to the then
existing debtor laws of Pennsylvania, the Del
aware & Hudson Canal Company undoubtedly
owes it existence to-day"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21
THE GUN.
Satisfactory Result of Recent Experiments
at Fort Hamilton.
New York World.

New York World.
Fort Lafayette. the deserted stronghold lying
in the Narrows, between Forts Hamilton and
Wadsworth, yesterday presented an air of ami
nation. Nearly half a hundred gentlemen in
tall white hats and new spring suits crouched
behind the solid masonry on one side of the for
tification, watching with curious gaze the ac-
tons of a man clad in soldiers dress. The sol
der was Lieutenant Lalinski, and he was en-
gagged in charging a long brass air-gun with
dynamite. The spectators were gentlemen
from the city, who had been invited to witness
the first attempt at firing a large charge of
dynamite.
A thin cylindrical brass tube, six inches in di-
ameter was filled with the grayish looking ex-
plosive, which was pressed down until seven
teen pounds'had been put in. Then a cap was
screwed on the top and the missile was ready
for the gun. A score of gentlemen stood about
the gun examining its curious construction,
when Lieut.. Zalinski stepped up tenderly carry
ing the projectile.
tains seventeen pounds of dynamite, sufficient
to-, but the remainder Of the sentence was
left unfinished, for the soldier found himself
talking to the gun. His audience had disap-
peared.
The weapon was loaded. pointed towards Fort
Hamilton, half a mile distant. and a string at
tached to the trigger or valve admitting the air.
There was a hasty scrambling for places remote
from the gun, a good-natured oath as two or
three white hats were crushed, and then, from a
place of safety, somebody pulled the string.
There was a cracker-like report as the p~roiectile
rose in the air, curved gracefully downward and
dropped upon the gravel close to the waters
edge. A huge cloud of sand, smoke and gravel
shot in a thick, funnel-shaped column into the
air, sprinkling the sea with a rain of pebbles,
and a deafening report came rolling across the
water. The seventeen pounds of dynamite had
done its work and a large cellar had been
scooped out where the shot struck. The gentle
men came from their hiding places, examined
the cellar with feld-glasses aud pronounced the
shot a good one.
While steam was being got up for the next
shot the visitors wandered about the deserted
fort, whose grass-grown fagstones and rust-eaten
iron gates slowly dropping to pieces gave little
evidence of its once warlike character, The
damp, vault-like guard-room where, during the
war, hundreds of confederate prisoners had
carved their names on the granite walls, has
been captured by the flowers, and buttercups
and daisies spring from every crevice in the
stone-work, hiding the names of long-forgotten
soldiers,
The gun required some time to charge, and a
little child amused itself throwing stones at a
piece OF driftwood. It's grandfather tried to hit
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21

LONDON truth.
The career of Strousberg, who has just died a
pauper at Berlin, was more curious than edify-
ing. He came over to England as "A stowaway,
and he obtained employment as a compositor on
a provincial journal. He was next heard of as
the keeper of a sort of a lighthouse in London.
Returning to Berlin, he was employed as a
translator at the British embassy. An English
contractor had obtained a concession for a Prus-
sian railway, and had expended considerable
sums in preliminary surveys, etc. He came to
Berlin, and was recommended at the embassy to
employ Strousberg in investigating the real
value of the concession. Strousberg reported
that it was valueless, and then obtained it for
himself. This was the origin of his fortune.
He afterwards obtained contracts to make
railroads in Roumania Certain bonds were to
be issued with a Roumanian guarantee as soon
as the railroads were completed. The bonds
were printed and placed in a strong box. Strous-
berg and two trustees each had a key of the box,
which could only be opened with the three keys.
The intelligent inancialist caused two false keys
to he fabricated, opened the box, distracted the
bonds, and sold them. A number of Prussian
grandees were compromised in this swindle, and
to avoid exposure, Prince Bismarck forced the
Roumanian government to arrange the matter.
Strousberg had a huge house in Berlin, and en-
tertained largely. A few years ago he came
oAer to London and took a house in Grosvenor
Place, with a view Of shining in London society,
In this, however, he failed. He then engaged in
some Russian speculations which ruined him.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21
BIsMARCK's sUPERsTITIONs.
He Knows just the Date When His Earthly
Career Will End-Don't Like Is.
Moritz Busch, in July Harper.

Moritz Busch, in July Harper.
After the battle of Gravelotte there was some
speculation, one day at dinner, as to what would
be the result of a complete conquest of France,
and the Chancellor concluded an exposition of
his views on the subject with the words: But
we should not speak of the bear-skin before we
have shot our bear. | admit that l am super
stitious IN these matters" Perhaps something
Greek gods. 'There are not thirteen of us for
dinnerl" inquired his cousin, Count
Standardization, counting the covers
one day at Reims. "No: that's right, for the
minister has an objection to that Another
time, when there were really thirteen of us at
table, / drew the attention of Butcher, who sat
beside me, to the fact. But he bade me not to
say anything about it, as it would put the chief
into low spirits. On the 14th of October, 1870,
General Coyer met the Chancellor at Versailles
to negotiate on behalf of Bazaine. But Bis
marck does not seem to have arranged anything
definitely with him on that day. He asked in
the bureau what day of the mouth it
was. 1.-THE 14th, your Excellency." ''The
l4th! That was Hochkirch and Jena. No
business should be concluded on that day."
Perhaps it occurred to him, too, that this 18th
of October was a Friday. In 1852 he writes
from Blankenburg to his wife: Il had not as
good sport at Letzlingen this time as l had
three years ago. 1t was a Friday" And in the
same year he writes to her from Halle: II kept
cogitating all during the journey yesterday
whether, after all, it were not Friday. 1t was a
dleS neIaStuS at any rate. In proof OF which
he goes on to mention a series of small discom-
forts experienced en- route, such as an inn infested
with bugs, Infamous Coffee Jew peddlers,
some 'princesses' from the Reezenjasse."
and an obtrusive privy councillor (Geheimrath)
who Travelled in the same coupe. When the title
of count" Was about to be offered to him he
hesitated for a long time whether or not he
should accept it; for he knew that a number of
Pomeranian families which had acquired the
title had become extinct in a com
p%arativeiy short space of time. 1.-THE
country cannot afford it," he remarked,
when mentioning the matter. On the evening
of the 23d of November, 1870, as w were sitting
at tea at Versailles, he began to speak about his
death, and stated definitely the age to which it
was appointed that he should attain, and the
year in which it was appointed that he should
die. II know it, he insisted, when I remon-
strated with him on the subject; lit is a mystic
number" Seven years later, at Varzin, he re-
peated the same assurance to the narrator of
this remarkable circumstance, but added, "God,
however, only knows"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21
BLAINE'S RELIGION.
A Recent Letter Which Again Becomes In
teresting.
Following is the letter written eight years ago
by Mr., Blaine to an old college friend:

Following is the letter written eight years ago
by Mr.. Blaine to an old college friend:
WASHINGTON, March 10, 1876.
My Dear FriendI agree with you that the charge
of my being a Catholic is very provoking, considering
the motive that inspires it, and very exasperating
when l see it connived at, if not, in fact, originated
by men who sat with me in Presbyterian Bible-elass
when l was a student and you a professor in Wash
ington College. This charge is part and parcel of
the tactics of the Cameron gang to rob me of the
Pennsylvania delegates, when, in fact, four-hfths of
the Republicans in the State desire my nomination.
My ancestors on my fathers side were, as you know,
always identified with the Presbyterian Church, and
Pennsylvania several generations before the Camerons
blessed Scotland by leaving it. But while thank
ing you for what you have done to set my
I will never consent to make any
public declaration upon the subject, and for two rea.
sons: First. because L abhor the introduction of any
thing that looks like a religious test of qualification for
Office in a republic where perfect freedom of conscience
is the birthright of every citizen; and, second, because
my mother was, as you well know, a devoted Catholic.
| would not for a thousand presidencies speak a disre-
spectful word of my mothers religion, and no press
sure will draw me into an avowal of hostility or
unfriendiness to Catholics, though | have never re-
ceived and do not expect any support from them.
You are at liberty to show this to the gentleman who
urged you to write to me. Many thanks for your
kind invitations, but 1 can hardly promise myself the
pleasure of a visit to western Pennsylvania this
spring. You know, however, that a large part of my
heart is in the Monongahela valley. Always sincerely
your friend, j. q. BLAINE.
DR.. James King, Pittsburg.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21
ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SOUTH.
A Sensational Walking Match Between At
lanta Bellies.
tGa.) Special.

Atlanta (Ga.) Special.
'Ill bet ten to one on the tall gal, " said an
excited sportsman in the armory of the Gate
City Guards last night. Inside, d singular sight
was seen. The hall was fairly packed with the
elite of Peach Tree and Decatur street society.
Fair bellies. in all the profusion of extravagant
dressing, and dudes, wearing eyeglasses, family
cheered. A circle was clear around the outer
edges of the hall, leaving open the course,
twenty-five laps of which made a mile. Thar
she comes now said the first speaker in glee,
don't she kiver the ground beautiful But
tother one is gainin on her and will beat her on
the next lap" said another speaker. Sure
enough, they came. Nos. l, =, 3, and I, walking
with all the determination of Madison Garden
veterans, No. l cleared her first mile in seven
minutes, and, woman-like, tainted. Then the
trainer made his appearance, and the fainting
pedestrian was properly sponged up, given a
stimulant, and set upon the track again, but she
never regained herlead.
The fair pedestrians, who belong to some of
the most exclusive circles in the city, were ar
rayed in blue gingham Mother Hubbards,
over which was thrown yelling of white ~tarletan.
The dresses extended a little below the knee.
from whence fancy colored stockings ran down
into the daintiest of slippers, which bore striking
red %rosettes. The arms and bust were decollete
white, the hair fell over the shoulders. being
caught together by red ribbon. Around their
waists were ribbons of red, blue, green and vel
low, respectively.
For some time il had been announced by the
faculty of the Eclectic College that a walking
match OF two hours would be engaged in by
four young ladies-MisseS Landell HutchinS
Freeman and Hammond-but no one foresaw
what would actually happen. More than a thou
sand people, cheering and betting with all the
abandon Of the race course; poOl-selling among
professional gamblers, in which the names of the
young ladies were Extensively used, made such a
scene as Atlanta is heartily ashamed of today.
The pedestrians would now skip and dance, until
finally, as the two hours had nearly expired,
they grew exhausted but were still cheered on
by the gamblers, whose money was at stake on
the result. One of the girls gave way, and the
trainer had to sponge her frequently to keep her
on the track. So noisy became the audience that
the sound of the band became entirely lost.
Finally time was called, when the result was an
nounced as follows: Miss Landell, 10 miles, II
laps: Miss Freeman, 10 miles, 7 laps; Miss
Hutchins, 10 miles, / laps; Miss Hammond, 8
miles, s laps. Much indignat ion is expressed to-
day against the college faculty, many of whom
are fathers of families, for having brought about
such a scene, which was unfortunate for tho
ladies named, and discreditable to the men con
cerned in it.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-06-21

A woman is regarded as a sacred object by a
Cuban. as by a Spaniard, and a true hidalgo
would shrink from committing the slightest out
rage on her person. Spanish courtesy or gal
lantry to a lady, indeed, is often, as would be
thought, at least in America, carried to an ex-
IRENE. Hence, at a cafe, or at a place of public
amusement, in the presence of gentlemen,
ladies are seldom allowed to pay their share
of the charge, although the party may be
strangers to each other. One or more of the
gentlemen present delicately signifies to the
waiter, by a private sign, in order that he may
receive no thanks, his intention to satisfy the
demand, so that the waiter, on a request by his
fair purchaser for his account, politely replies
that the repast, or entertainment or purchased
article. of whatever kind. costs nothing"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-02-07
A Look at the Rushing River.

Cincinnati News journal.
The flood of 1888 was looked upon as some
thing phenomenal. and not likely to be repeated
in many years, if ever. That period of dark
ness and desolation is referred TO only with
shudder Not only did it represent so much loss
measured in dollars and cents, but it caused I'M
told physical suffering among many thousands
and Inconvenience multitude. The recollec-
ton of that stretch of the horrors is still bright
in the minds of all, and the scenes then painted
by nature bid fair to be repeated before the pres
ent week has passed away. glimpse of the
angry waters, rolling and tossing in mighty
volumes in great rapidity toward the gulf,
almost cOnVinceS one that nature is in
dulging in some internal connection, the
bad effects of which are intended for the
good people of the Ohio Valley. The picture
presented from any favorable spot Of the vast
body of water rushing heedlessly westward is
creased respect for the Ruler of all ellen nts.
There is a visible strength about the muddy wa
tiers that one who has neI er seen the Ohio on
rampage cannot well appreciate. 1t looks as if
1t is irresistible, and powerful enough to defy
any barrier man could erect to prevent its en-
croaching beyond its natural boundaries Stand
ing on the suspension bridge a scene of desola-
ton Is presented. Looking eastward along the
Ohio. shore can be seen line of steamers, close
ly hemmed against the bank appearing for all
the world like little school children wait
ing for chastisement at the hands of
their master, the river. The rows of
buildings along the river front from Vine street
to the water works, with the exception of those
fronting on the public landing, are submerged to
such an extent that it is an easy matter to pro
pei rowboat into the second story windows
Between Main and Walnut there is a large side
wheel steamer that is fastened to the second
floor of building, and which partially floats
over the sidewalk All that is left of the Shear
man House is the upper half of a sign announc-
ing the existence of that hostelry. Immediately
beyond the north bridge pier lies the New Rich
mond wharf boat, the roof only of which is visi-
and carried away at any moment. Further up
the stream the same picture of general ruin is to
be seen