davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

Gen Gordon was sent TO the Soudan be-
cause the British governmen mt knew him TO be
the man who knew the Soudan better than
any one else. On January IS, 1884, he left
London with carte blanche to take what meas
ures he saw ft for the retirement Of the
troops and the restoration Of the native gov
ernment. He arrived at Cairo January ~,
and Immediately ieegraI he'd to khartoum
"You are men, not women. Be not afraid.
/ am coming II was bis belief that he could
organize an army at Kbartoum, aud, be said
III am sent l will go alone" The instruc-
tions he received from SIR Evelyn Barring
were, You will bear in mind that the main
end is the evacuation Of the Soudan." Be
fore leaving Cairo be stated that his plan was
to restore the son OF the late sultan of Darfur,
to give Kordoisn to the Mshdi, and leave Fa-
shoda and Bahr Gazelle to their native rulers
He found that the first part of his plan was
impracticable because the young sultan Of
Darfur was q drunkaTd. 90 arriving at Bsr-
ber he telegraphed: DO not bother at al
about u.s. | hope the Soudan will soon be in
good order All along the Nile, on his jour
ney, Gordon invited the chiefs to 60 to Khar-
toum to an assembly Of notables, where the
independence of the Soudan was to be discus
sed On February IL he telegraphed from
Berber: Just leaving for Khartoum. Give
Soudan. The people, great and small, are
heartily glad to be freed from a union which
has only caused them sorrow." Four days
later be arrived at Khartoum and was enthu-
siastically received by the people, who rtjoic-
cd over his proclamation remitting half their
taxes, promising not to interfere with the
slave trade, and recognizing the Mahdi as sui
tan of Kordofan. The books in which the
records of back taxes were kept were publicly
burned. He threw open the doors of dismal
dungeons and made free many wretched pris-
oners. council of notables was organized,
aud Gordon was recognized az the savior of
the people. But in March uneasiness began
TO be felt in Cairo. There were rumors that
El Mahdi, with 300 600 men, would sweep
over the desert aud drive the infdel and turk
from Egypt. Gordon himself, on March I,
said There is nothing further to be hoped
for in the way Of quieting the people than has
already been accomplished, and there is a
certainty that az time advances the emissaries
of the Mahdi will succeed in raising tribes be-
tween this and BeTber" March 10, Gordon
with 5000 men atteeked the rebels at Halh
yeh, and was defeated through the treachery
of two pashas whom he afterward shot. Since
May Gordon has been beleagured by the
Mahdi's troops. He has made frequent sue
cessful attacks upon them, and has been able
to send occasional messages about his condi-
ton. The last word received from him was
after the recent battle near Gubat, when Nu-
sri Pasha arrived on a steamer from khar-
toum with dispatches dated December 29, sta
ting that he was safe and could hold out for
years. Lord Woseley's expedition for the
relief of Gordon was organized in September,
1884
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

The Burlington Hswkeye thinks the most
striking thing about the roller-skating rink is
the floor.
Many q young fop imagnes that a girl
takes an interest in his welfare, when in truth
she is only eager for his farewell.
The single eyeglass is worn by the masher.
The theory is that he can see with one eye
much more than he eau comprehend.
"You dog of printer" cried the enraged
poet, ''you have not punctuated my poem at
all "Yes, but you see, air, am not poin-
ter, TN setter" replied the printer.
80 the commander-in chief rides up"
says Michael Sullivan, reoOunting his own
valiant doings in the Orimea-''the comman-
der-in chief rides up as the army shtood in
loine of battle, and he calls out, 'Is Mike
Sullivan in the FanksT Here am, Rinerl,
seq /, stepping forward. Then let the ingage-
ment begin, SEE he"
An Oakland obituary notice referred to a
deceased citizen as having gone TO happier
home" The widow Ia about bringing libel
suit San Francisco Post.
A Vermont farmer reports that he made q
profit of S243 from six hens the past season.
He sold them early in the spring, and oonse-
quently had to plant his garden only once
SOmer0ile Journal
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13
Miscellany.
RoBinson Crusoe.

The night was thick and hazy
when the Picadilly Daisy
Carried down the crew and captain In the sea:
Aud think the water drowned 'em,
For they never, never found 'em,
And know they didn't come ashore with me.
OH twas very sad and lonely
when found myself the only
Population on this cultivated shore;
but I've made a little tavern
In a rocky little cavern,
Aud sit and watch for people at the door
spent no time in looking
For girl to do my cooking,
A. I'm quite a clever hand at making stews;
But had that fellow Friday
Just to keep the tavern tidy
And to put Sunday polish on my shoes.
have little garden
That Pm cutiyatlng lard 10,
As the things eat are rather tough and dry;
For live on toasted lizards,
Prickly pears, aud parrot gizzards,
And I'm really very fond Of beetle pie.
The clothes had we're furry,
And It made me fret aud worry
when found the moths were eating on the hair
And I had to scrape and tAnd 'em,
And boiled 'em and I tanned 'em,
TIL got the fine morocco suit wear.
sometimes seek diversion
In family excursion
With the few domestic animals you see;
Aud we take along a carrot
As refreshments for the parrot,
And a little can Of jungleberry tea.
Then we gather a. we travel
Bits Of moss aud dirty gravel,
And we chip Of little specimens Of stone;
Aud we carry home prizes
Funny bugs Of handy sizes,
Just to give the day a scieutihc tone.
II the roads are wet and muddy
We remain at home aud study,
For the goat 10 very clever at SUN
And the dog, instead Of fighting,
Studies ornamental writing,
While the cat Is taking lessons on the drum.
We retire at eleven,
Aud we rise again at seven,
And wish TO call attention as close
To the fact that all the scholars
Are correct about their collars.
Aud particular in turning out their toes
-ChdTies Cdrrgi IN 50. Nicholas.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13
BRATTLEBORO VT, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13 1885

lasts until the middle of February. June,
July, October and November are the most
unhealthy months. The distance from Khar-
toum to Cairo by the Nile is about 1900 to
1900 miles, but in less than 1900 miles in a
straight line. Going down the Nile from
Khartoum, toward Egypt Shendy and Met
emneh are the first important points reached.
These are about 30 miles distant from Khar.
toum, and are on opposite banks OF the Nile.
Berber is 1870 miles further down the river.
About midway between Shendy and Khar-
toum il the sixth cataract, which is the most
formidable position In the entire course Of
the Nile. At this point the river is contract
ed to a width OF only 100 yards in passage
between perpendicular cliffs several hundred
feet above the surface
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

Oddly enough, Mr.. W. d. Howells appar-
entity regards the word purple" in the ia
miliar phrase purple and fine linen,"
as an adjective qualifying "linen." In
the latest instalment of his cleverly written
novel, "The Rise of Silas Laphsm," in the
Century Magazine, he makes one of the char
aeters, an educated gentleman, speak of "peo.
pie whose houses are rich, and whose linen is
purple and fne."
Every body who sings, OF hears sung, Burns's
pretty song of Coming through the rye" is
apt TO picture to himself a field of this grain,
through which the lasses are seen coming.
This conception is now said to be incorrect,
the reference being to a small stream in Ayr
shire called the Rye. 1t was easily waded,
but the lasses in going across would have to
hold up the skirts of their dresses. While in
this attitude, mischievous lads like Robbie
Burns would wade out and snatch a kiss
which the assies would be obliged to give or
else let their skirts fall into the water.
On Cape Cod and in many other districts
along the New England coast II is firmly be-
lieved that a sick man esnnot die until the
ebb tide begins to run. Watchers by beds Of
sickness anxiously note the change of tides,
and il the patient lives until the food begins
to set in again believe he will live until the
next ebb. The most intelligent and best ed
uoated people born and brought up on the
New England coast are not entirely free from
this superstition, aud to them there is a weird
msaning 10 the words of Dickens in desorib-
| ing the death Of Barkis: Aud II being high
water, he went olt with the tide. -NeaO York
| Tribune.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

ONE CHINESE PEoULIARITY. All the Chi
nese delight in picking open and nibbling
melon seeds, in accordance with a Chinese
proverb which expresses the satisfaction of
always having something in the mouth. In
this respect the race are like squirrels, eX-
cept that rich mems long pointed nails do the
work even more efectually than teeth. In
every idle moment the whole population de-
votes itself to cracking melon seeds. As
they walk in the streets, or at the social chat,
to beguile the tedium of journey or to
tighten the cares of business the infallible
remedy is melon seeds. Even at the theatres
the spectators are provided with little plates
of watermelon seeds, and an attendant walks
about with large basket to replenish them
again aud again, 80 that the sound of the
cracking seeds is heard incessantly, and the
floor is invariably strewn with them. They
are offered for sale everywhere. In the dis
tTicts where melons grow abundantly the re-
freshing fruits are freely offered to all com
ers on condition Of their saving and restor-
ing the seeds. These are collected in great
bales as articles of commerce, and form the
chief cargo of many junks on the rivers.
Small children, busy merchants, great man.
darins delight in them. The poorest coolie,
notwithstanding the disadvantage of his
short nails, contrives to spare few cash for
the purchase of this luxury. l am told that
this curious passion for melonseeds prevails
throughout the empire, and that the four
hundred Millions of Chinamen are all insatia-
BILE for these dainties. The OOrRhH Magd-
sine
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

After Gen. Gordon, by means of the most
vigorous and original measures, had succeed
ed in raising the Mabdl's first siege OF Khsr-
toum, he descended the river set fire to Bsr-
Der, and sent Col. Stewart in steamer to
open communications with Cairo. ol.Stew-
art set out with an escort iD two steamers be-
sides his own; but, after going down the riv-
or POO miles, sent the escort back aud went
on. His steamer ran on to a rock, and he had
to spike her guns, throw overheard the am
munition, and abandon her. He was invited
with his party, including two European con-
suls and II Greeks, to accept the hospitality
Of a local sheikh, who, when he got them in
his power, attacked them with his followers
aud slew Col Stewart, the consus ard all his
party, save half dozen sailors, who escaped
to an island. The chief and his followers di-
vided all lhs money which they found on the
murdered men or in the steamer, and sent the
rest OF the plunder TO Berber
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

DEATH OF AN AGED HERMIT "A Bsrnvlle,
Pa, despatch OF Feb 2 says Sallie Ketner,
a mountain hermit, died yesterday in the
s4th year of her age. Sac lived for As years
in a hut which stood midway between Bern
vile and Sharlesville. She owned 80 acres
of ground. The hut was a very dilapidated
structure The roof was 30 full of holes
that she frequently used an umbrella to keep
herself dry in rainy weather. Finally the
hut tumbled in aud Miss Ketner was taken
out from the ruins aud found to bs fatally
injured. Several of her dogs were killed by
the falling timbers The woman was fond
of dogs and owned about dozen. She was
taken to the house of Frederick Eptng, who
cared for her up to her death. A number of
men at one time went TO her place and killed
number of her dogs because they thought
that they bad enough to do to provide for the
old lady. She began her hermit life about
30 years ago, owing to disappointment in
love. She was frequently seen on foot inthe
chase following her pack of hounds over the
bills. When old age came On, the farmers
in the valley cared for her.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13
tn. Napoleon Of Afrles.

A despatch from Zanzibar the other day an
nounced the death Of Mirambo, whom Stan
ley called the Napoleon Of Africa Mirambo
has for 10 years been the terror Of East Afri-
ca, and explorers used TO bring home start
ling stories about the robber chief. He prov
ed, however, to be one OF the best friends Of
the whites among African potentates, aud all
the later explorers speak well Of him. Mr.
ambo was the chief Of little district in Uny-
amwezi, about 100 miles east Of Lake Tan
ganyikS He treated the Arabs who had set
tied near him with great friendliness, aud Of
ten gave so cattle at a time rs q present to
anybody whom he esteemed. Que Of the
traders took advantage of his good nature to
obtain quantity of ivory on credit. He then
laughed at Mlrambo for trusting him, and re-
fused pay ment, and the Arabs at Unyenyem-
be turned their backs on Mirsmbo when he
asked for justice. They have rued the day
ever since they made him an enemy. He
never forgave the wrong. He beat them re.
peatedly in battle, and finally filled them with
such abject terror that they have more than
once simply barricaded themselves in their
houses when he entered Unyenyembe, aud
let him drive Of their cattle without Offering
any resistance. For years he was constantly
on the move, extending his dominion and
bringing destruction upon all tribes that did
not submit. He became the most feared aud
the most powerful chief between the Indian
Ocean and Tanganyiks. African mothers east
of that lake and south to Myssss have long
used the name Of Mirsmbo rs q bugaboo to
subdue refractory children. White travellers
and missionaries found another side to Mir
smbos character. Tney discovered that he
faithfully kept bis promises, and that when
he spoke he meant exactly what he said. He
treated one aud all kindly. A Astonishing mis-
sion station is in his chief town. Stores of
all sorts left in Mirambo's charge have been
carefully kept from damage or thieves to
await the call Of the owner. The caravans
from the coast that supply the Tanganyika
mission stations nov avoid the old route
through the Arab settlements, and go through
Mirambos country. A few white men and
the devoted followers who helped him extend
his power will mourn his departure; the rest
Of East Africa is probably very glad he is
AaaA
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13


A DIsGRACE AyERTED. 1t having been ar
ranged to indulge in a series of bull-fghts in
the Immediate vicinity of New Orleans, no
doubt as a sort of Mexican annex to the eH-
position, Mr.. Geo. T. Augell president of
the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention
OF Cruelty to Animals at once proceeded to
make vigorous protest in iha press of that
city aud to the public authorities and the
result was that Gov MoEnery instructed the
district attorney and other officers to prevent
it at all hazards Thus have these brutal
spectacles been arrested and a disgrace to
civilization been averted when it would have
caused the gravest reproaoh. In his oommu-
nication to the press of New Orleans on this
subject, Mr. Angel protested that "this bar
barous sport is in direct conflict with the
Christian and humane sentiment of this coun-
try and the world, and that it would not be
permitted in any European country except
Spain aud Portugal The Picayune, in re-
sponse to Mr., Angells appeal, reviews the
experience of Louisiana in this matter, and
concludes by sayng-"Let us not, in the light
of our present civilization, return to the bar
barsm Of forty years ago" 1t would have
been above all things unfortunate If these bru-
tai spectacles had been allowed to proceed,
and TO Mr.. Angel is due the timely action
which has secured their prevention. .-Mdss
PlOHghmdR
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

very good thing for a newspaper shop,
Where copy by bushels comes in,
And only quick hands can keep up with the crop,
Or tell at which end to begin,
And where the best heads must grow weary at times
So bothered by this and by that,
Is an excellent ofice cat
A capable, knowing, and quite thoroughgoing,
Responsible ofice cat
This business-like cat, 10 its feline way,
So silently wanders about,
Absorbing In quiet, by night or by day,
All copy that lies under doubt
And 90 bosh by the yard becomes lost to the sight
And many q bore is laid fat
BY this sensible Office cat
This useful, laborious, never uproarious,
Ehicient old office cat
The editor, missing some bothersome thing,
no longer the subject pursues,
But strokes the sleek cat a. It sits at his side,
. With smile that is meant to Amuse;
His conscience is clear, aud bic labor is saved,
Aud be sure be will never say "Scatln
To that beauteous old once cat
That careful Industrious, highly illustrloua,
Truly good old ofhce cat.
- Nefr Vork Sun
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13
Oeo,oa aav ~. s.v .nd ,nrn onr 40.

"Soms day." we say, and turn our eyes
Toward the fair hills OF Paradise.
Some day, some time, a sweet, new rest
Shall blossom, hOwer-like, In each breast.
Some tme, some day, our eyes shall see
The faces Kept 10 memory.
Some day their hands shall clasp our handa
Just over the morning lands.
Some day our ears shall hear the song
OF triumph over sin aud wrong.
Some day, some time; but, oh ! not yet;
But we will wait aud not forget
That sometime all these things shall be,
And rest be given you aud me.
SO watt my friends, though years move slow
The happy time will come, We know.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

To the notables aud the inhabitants OF the
Soudan: England has sent me with an army
to restore peace, not to collect taxes or to in
jure any one. will pay you for all supplies
and guarantee to execute Gen. Gordon's
promises Only those deserving punishment
at our hands will receive it. | call upon you
TO submit aud not listen to evil advisers.
Come into my camp and see my Off 'ers. No
one shall harm you either coming or return.
L..
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

The French ISOLATION CLAIMS. The or
igin Of the claims was as follows: Under the
treaty of alliance between France and the
United States, ratified during the war OF the
Revolution, il was stipulated on behalf OF the
United States that the colonies OF France in
America, including certain West India Islands,
should be forever guaranteed to her, and 20
years later, when France WAS fighting single
handed against nearly all Europe, she called
upon the United States to make good those
guarantees. The United States did not keep
this promise, because she could not atf ord to
keep it and so France, in retaliation, order
ed the seizure OF United States merchantmen
wherever found. Between the years 1897
and 1901, hundreds of American vessels, own-
ed by the merchantmen Of New England ports
New York Philadelphia, Baltimore, Rich
mond, Charleston and Savannah, were seized,
with their cargoes, by French war vessels, and
confscated.' Oar government denied the
rghttulness OF these captures, and demanded
that compensation should be made to its plum
dered citizens After some negotiations the
Justice Of the claims was admitted by France,
and counter claim against the United States
was presented for assistance in money and
supplies given in the war OF independence
This end of the negotiations was that the two
claims should be set of against each other,
the Uuited States agreeing TO relieve France
of the obligation to pay the spoliation claims
in return for Frances agreement to acknoWl-
edge satisfaction of her demands for aid fur
nished US in our revolutionary struggle. Thus
the United States took these claims of its citi.
zens and used item to pay its debt to France
The state department has carefully preserved
lists Of all claimants, with the amounts Of
their claims, the list Of vessels containing
1901 names, aud the list Of persons directly
or indirectly interested containing 2270 names.
There are 26ll cases in which the amounts
claimed have been specified and 337 in which
they have not, The aggregate claims amount
to between 81, 600, 600 and 81, 900, coo. These
claims have been The foot ball of Congress for
SO years, have been reported on favorably by
such eminent statesmen aud lawyers as Oush-
ing, Everett, Webster, Clayton, Cboate and
Sumner have several times been favorably
considered by either the House or the Senate,
and have twice been allowed by both branch
es Of Congress.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

An editor wants to tells us what he would
do we're be a jackass. We don't care about
knowing that; what would he do II be weren't
one is what we want 10 get at.
If there is one time more than another
when a woman should be entirely alone, 1t is
when full line of clothes comes down in the
mud.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13

DR.. d. Eeanedy, RoRdouf " T.:
DEAR SIR: Am an engineer on the Old Colony
railroad, and run tue Fall River boat train between
Fau River and Lowell, reaiding IN Taunton. For ten
years suffered everything but death from dyspepsia
Often had such binding sick headaches that could
scarcely see think this was due partly 10 Irregular
habits of cutting. and partly to the jar OF the engine
Sometimes my head would snap like neuralgia, and
again the pain would settle 10 my eyes, which would
feel big a MS hsts. My breath very often
sive, and my food soured as soon as 1t entered my
stomach. In fact my stomach felt as though it were
great and sore surface, and what agony gave me
perhaps you can imagine.
In the summer aud fall Of 1876 when we had the
heavy Centennial travel the constant jar brought
acute attacks nearly every week and thought should
have to leave the road. But kept at work until the
next spring, when grew so much worse that could
virtuallyeat nothing aud concluded that my labor,
and my life, too, were about over.
Remember that had tried every medicine heard
d and had been treated by some Of tue best physi-
DIR. DAVID KENNEDY'S FAVORITE REMEDY was
recommended 70 me. It was new To me, and with my
experience OF medcnes,yo can easily forgive me for
saying that had not particle OF faith in IT,
had taken it but few days when began TO get
better. The raw and sore feeling left my stomach,
aud the swapping pains left my head, and soon wAa
all right, and have been since. II is the only
thing that ever did me- the least good, aud it drove
every ache pain and discomfort completely out Of ms
body. Now keep KENNEDY'S FANORlTE REMEDY
with me on my engine, and It goes wherever go.
thing. One night, while ago, John Layton, an en-
gneer who runs the main line boat train from BOs-
ton came on my engine sick as death. He was worn
out with work, had high fever, aud nervous
he almost broke down crying "Nonsense, John"
said "cheer up, I've got something my engine that
will set you up in jtfy." took out my bottle of
FANORlTE REMEDY, lifted his head and gave him a
good dose. He went to bed. Two days after saw
him looking healthy as a butcher. "Dan," he said,
"What was that stun you gave the other night 2"
at was DIR. DAVID KENNEDY's FAVORITE REM
EDY, Rondout, n Y" said 1. well, don't care
whose Remedy 1t Is, it's the thing for on the
railroad" SO say we ALL Yours, etc,
DANIEL Fits.
This preparation goes to the root Of disease by pu-
rfyng the blood aud rousing every organ into healthy
action 1t is useful at home, shops, In ofhce-every
where DR.. David Kennedy, Physician aud Surgeon,
Rondout N, Y,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1885-02-13
style kentucky.

Kentucky tailor, taking measure for trous.
ers, to customer-"Will you have one or two
hip pockets 2"
Customer-"Two."
Tailor-"Pint or quart size ?"
Oustomer-"Quart"-N. Y. Sun.