davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

Interest ls revived by the recurrence OF
the phenomenon of bodies of poisonous
water in the Gulf, and newspapers are dis
cussing the subject. Five years ago, and
therefore prior to drainage operations in
South Florida, there were wide areas of
water in which fish persisted and fisher
men lost thousands in the wells of their
smacks. At that time Mr.. Silas Stearns,
who was attached to the U. s. Fish Com
mission, sent on from Pensacola to the
Smithsonian Institute two bottles of the
"poisoned water" and the report of the
analysis of DR.. Farlow, Of Cambridge,
was printed in our Pensacola Gazette Of
MAY p, 1881, from the original Ms. The
report stated that "when received in
Cambridge, May IA, 1881, the water of
both bottles gave out an excessively dis
agreeable odor of purifying organic mat
ter, and ammonia was given off in consider
able quantities as was shown by holding a
rod moistened with hydrochloric acid over
the mouths of the bottles. In one bottle
there was a greenish colored Shiny de-
post an inch deep, and the water above
was clear. In the second bottle the water
was turbid throughout and of rather a
brownish color. The microscopic exami-
nations showed that the contents of the
two bottles were alike. The greater
portion of the matter contained
in the water consisted of q mass
of amorphous slime in which we're
numerous crystals, apparently of fatty
nature. There was besides large guam
tity of eggs of some animal which were
easily recognized although partially de-
composed, and the remains Of small crus-
tacea In addition to the animal sub
stances mentioned were remains of plant
tissues, leaves and young stems, pine pol
len and diatomes of four or five different
species. From what has been said it il
evident that the slime in the water must
have been at some time not far from the
land. 1t is my opinion that the
trouble is not caused by the presence
of any vegetable substance, but that the
presence of the latter IL accidental. The
Shiny mass probably originated from q
mass of eggs which for some reason OF
other were killed near the surface Of the
water. and the smaller crustaceans in the
neighborhood have been involved in the
general mass Of slime"
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

Preston L. Bridgers, Esq, who has
been appointed by the President consul
at the port of Montevideo, Uruguay, is an
accomplished young gentleman of Will
mington. He is prominent in the mer-
camille circles of the city named, having
successfully conducted large business
there for several years, and has all the
qualifications necessary to the creditable
discharge of the duties he is called upon
to assume. He is a son of the Hon. r.
r. Bridgers, president of the Atlantic
Coast Line system Of railways, and SON.
in.law of DR.. E. Burke Haywood, of
Raleigh. The city to which he is sent as
q place of residence is one of the most
desirable in South America. 1t is large
and splendid capital, containing popu.
lation highly cultivated and refined. Its
climate is said to be delightful.-Raleigh
Nssos and O6servsr.
The captain of vessel just arrived
at Philadelphia from Arenos Bay, Gulf of
Mexico, with guano, reports the island
entirely covered with birds, which for
several days prevented the men from
working on the reefs They exhibited
little or no fear, and it was only with
clubs that the crew could make landing.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

We call attention to those desiring to escape
the rigors Of our Northern winters to the pecu-
liar advantages offered by Key West, especially
to invalids Situated rs we are, right here On
the edge of the Gulf Stream, our shores cor
stantly famed by the tropical breezes which
sweep across it, we have climate which is ct
the same time the most equable, agreeable and
healthful in the world. Everything here Is 80
entirely different from what it is In any Other
portion of the United States, that the novelty Of
change is itself agreeable. The principal growth
OF the island is the cocoaEut-palm, which is one
of the most beautiful and profitable trees in the
world. When stranger lands 10 our town and
walks along the streets beneath the shades Of its
graceful fronts, which gracefully sway to and
fro with the gentlest breeze, producing peculiar
sound as of rainfall, tastes our strange fruits and
listens to the babel of tongues on every side it is
difficult for him TO realize that he is still in the
United States There are a few strangers who
always spend their winters in Key West and al
ways with benefit
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

This-is Thanksgiving Day in the State
and Union. At the time that they were
sent out We printed the proclamations OF
President Cleveland and Governor Perry
which designated the day. Now that
the day is come we reprint extracts from
both, that the wise and eloquent counsel
of those whom Providence. working by
the democratic party, has placed in au-
thority, may be fresh in the minds OF the
people:
president Geveiandl
On that day let all secular business be sus-
pended. And lot the people assemble in their
usual places Of worship, and with prayer and
songs of praise devoutly testify their gratitude
TO the Giver of every good and perfect gift for
all that He has done for US 10 the year that has
passed; for our preservation as q united nation
and for our deliverance from the shock and
danger Of political CONFUSION for the blessings
Of peace and for our safety and quiet while wars
and rumors of wars have agitated and affected
other nations of the earth; for our security
against the scourge of pestilence which in other
iAuU6 uhS CIaimcu itS QeBO Oy nOuSdnuS duu
filled the streets with mourning; for the plente.
Gus crops which reward the labor of the hus-
bendmsn and increase our nations wealth and
for the contentment throughout our borders
which follows in the train Of prosperity and
abundance.
Governor Peny1
Greatly have we been blessed as part of ouI
common country and as State, and let us upon
that day give devout but gladstone expression tt
the gratitude which fills the hearts of our people
But while rejoicing in our blessings, whether
around our happy hearthstones, at our places
worship, or our festive boards. let US remember
that there are among US those whom prosperity
has not visited, and homes in which poverty
sickness and distress are not strangers; upor
that day. at least, let gentlehandedlchari bring
comfort and gladness to those homes, thus max
ing more universal the joyous priase of our PEG
pie, and more acceptable that praise in the sight
Him whose grandest and best teachings to maj
are Justice and Charity.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

10 tho Editor Of he PhisdsipAia Times:
read with special interest In Saturdays pa
per, your editorial refersncs 70 the movement In
Pittsburg to establish upon m extensive scals
the ramie industry. n We can make famiea
domestic product reasonably cheap il win con-
tribute vastly TO the divcrsi6cation OF our textile
industries for, in combination with wool, cotton.
silk aud fax, its uses can be indefinitely multi
piled. China, India. and moro recently France,
have hitherto been the sources Of supply Of this
silky product. Several years ago was par
tcipant In the researches into the culture OF IA
mie In the Gulf States and Ia South Jersey. 1t
Is classed among semi-tropical plants, and yet 1t
has been quite successfully produced In North
ern China, but under difficulties partially over
come Great success has attended the culture In
Louisiana, and doubtless that State viii be the
source Of supply for the proposed demand In
Pinsburg.
Some very successful plants were grown by
the United States Agricultural Department on
the Centennial grounds in 1875. Subsequently
well-matured plants were produced from the
same roots transplsnted in Camden, N. J. These
experiments were thought TO be conclusive that
tied on this coast to Louisiana, but, il successful
there, with sufficient cheapness, we would count
upon it as an invaluable auxiliary in the main
tenance and perpetuity of American industrial
supremacy.
You couple natural gas with the Pittsburg enter
prise, but not with the view of excluding Phiadel-
phia from competition in spinning ramie. Brad
ford England, has natural gas and yet it is The
leading city Of England In the dress-goods line.
A ramie spinner from that city told the writer
on one occasion that II he could be well assured
of n supply of ramie grown in America he would
| transfer his plant and become an American spin
ner.
Should not Philadelphia bestir itself and suf-
fer no opportunity for Industrial expansion TO be
neglected Her present supremacy in the entire
range of manufactures admonishes her to strive
for additional achievements in Industrial pur-
suits
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

Editors Fsoridian.' The time 10 rapld,,
preaching when our citizens must expre.. y.
selves upon the question Of city water work, -
we would keep pace with the times VIA r..
adopt these public works. now considered ..-s s''
tial In towns Of halfof our population and
Providence only helps those who helm 80
selves, and IL we fold our hands and hoard -,
little we have, We must be content 10 a.. :,
tide Of immigration dow to towns shown,
enterprise The remarkable exemp,ion '''
fires which we have 50 long enjoyed hs. cr.. .,
sense Of false security. What would be N. =
suit Of Ore on the west side Of Monros 49,.
with strong wind blowing In the presen, -.
diiion Of the trade OF the town, how MANY os,.'
stores would be Rebuilt II would perbs,. -
impossible to ind town of this size whs,a,,.
are absolutely no means of exiinguishine fra.
The good fortune we have enjoyed canuo, l..
forever. The insurance companies thre.,., :
withdraw, and as they have lost money in ~
Florida business IL is not an improbable CONT
gency. Independently of this danger ms.,.s,
watering our streets and gardens and vs,s, -
domestic uses, would seem to be suffic;an,: !
ducement to secure favorable vote 1t k..
tirely safe to assume that our present CouucT,s
elect Board Of Trustees who will moi e,,..,
any considerable amount of the peoples me-
unless they are satisfied with the projec, -
will not contract with any one who will ~,
guarantee certain results. and take upon himself
the risk and loss in event Of failure.
An artesian well IN at least nine cases nm, =.
ten would not be flowing well, anu in The oba,
case could moi possibly flow with suiiciep, So,c.
to act as protection against fire, necessi,a,in.
even with successful well, nearly as much o.
pense without the well.
Respectfully, TAx.p,xvs
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26
FROM MY SCRAP Book

A writer in an exchange says: II discovered
many years ago that wood could be made to last
longer than iron in the ground, but thought the
process SO simple that it was not well 10 make
stir about it, l would as soon have poplar or
bass wood or ash as any other kind of timber for
fence posts. have taken out bass wood posts
after having been set for seven years that were as
sound when taken out when first put in the
ground. Time and weather seemed To have no
effect upon Them. The posts can be prepared
for less than two cents apiece. This is the re-
cipe; Take boiled linseed oil and stir in pulver-
ized coal to The consistency of paint. Put a coat
OF this over the timber and there is not man
that will live to see it rot" r. CAMILLE
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26
From the London Eng. Chronicle, Oct. III
The American Exhibition. LOnd,

B-l
The American Exhibition. London.
The year 1885 will witness new departure
in the history and arrangement of exhibitions.
In London an annual exhibition has become an
essential feature of each recurring season. The
undertaking TO which London is committed is
ducts, and judging from the response already
made by the scattered atoms of the Empire, the
collection al South Kensington will be thor
Oughly representative OF the industrial activities
OF The Greater Britain beyond the seas EN-
ulating the enterprise OF the metropolis the cti-
zens OF Edinburgh and Liverpool are each about
TO have an exhibition on their own account
The most remarkable, however, of the exhibit
tons of next summer will be the one. which will
present under the cover Of one building dis
play of the arts, inventions, manufactures, pro-
ducts, and resources Of the United States. Hith
erto, the exhibition in one country of the pro-
auctions OF another has already been on the in
vitation Of the authorities Of the State In which
the exhibition has been held, aud by whom i,
had been designed and organized. II was thus
that exhibitions acquired an international char
acter. The American enterprise of next year
being an inversion of the ordinary routine,
claims TO be exclusively national in character.
though held beyond the limits OF the national
territory. The advantages it will offer, and the
benefits 1t will confer are manifold. In present.
ing to Europeans In convenient centre the best
specimens Of American manufacture and inyen.
tive genius, the old world cannot fail to derive
considerable gain and benefit. No pains are bein
spared 10 render the exhibition worthily repr..
sentative OF the great nation by whom it IL being
organized. The manufacturing and mocha nical
departments are intended to present in the ful.
lest possible manner the great inventive achieve
mens which constitute the most splendid laurels
OF American enterprise and industry. The plan
moreover, of the exhibition Is ON a scale coinci-
dent with the general current OF American con-
ceptions and the enthusiasm it has awakened
throughout the States Is u sufficient guarantee
that the performance will be az far as practical
BILE equal to the promise. The locality, from its
accessibility from all parts, is well selected. and
the popularity Of the scheme is foregone con-
clusion. The attractions which two exhibitions
each unique OF lie kind, will offer next year
ought to impsrt exceptional brightness and nc.
tivity to the season Of 100a
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

Industrially, the South is doing spenddly.
Politically, her condition Is greatly improved
over what II was even FIVE years ago. The State
governments are good. What that section needs
more than anything else is adequate educational
appliances for the children of both races. How
great this need is, and what should be done TO
meet it, are told in yesterdays HerdM by one
who knows whereof he speaks. The nation has
a duty in this matter which has been too long
neglected. 1t is delay that Is dangerous
Boston Herald
We did not see the article Of one
who knows" but it is not out of place to
remark that the proportion of illiteracy
in the South-in Florida, for instance, is
no reproach to the governing class of the
people, for it is in no wise due to lack Of
effort or liberality of expenditure equal to
that in various Northern States. Indeed,
the property holding class in Florida pay
more in proportion for educational work
than the people OF number of Northern
States-as in Maine, where the appor.
Gonment of school money was shown by
recent statistics to be $4.6l per capita,
and is in Florida 1884 per cap, while the
assessed valuation of property in proper
ton to population in Maine was about
double that in Florida. Therefore Maine
is doing little more than half as much for
education in proportion to her means as
Florida is doing. The larger proportion
of illiteracy in Florida, as we'll as the
smaller valuation of property averaged
among the individuals of our population
at large, are alike due to the number of
the colored race-who add much to the
population and little to the property of
the State, while most of those born in
slavery are among the illiterate.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

The Advance. Gazette prints can Or
dinance to provide for public and pri-
vate supply of water in and near the city
of Pensacola, and granting to S. r. Bull
lock & Co., and their associates, success
sors and assigns, the right to construct
and operate and maintain and own water
works in said city, and contracting with
them for water and fire protection and
other purposes, and for the purchase Of
said works by the city" 1t is provided
that the city shall pay six thousand dol
lars year for the use of the water works
for fire protection and flushing cutters
and sewers for the full term of fifty years
after their construction, provided that
the city shall not, after the expiration of
ten years, purchase said water works at a
price which may be fixed by mutual agree
ment. or by arbitration. The works are
to be on the "Gravity System" and two
pumping engines with capacity of four
million gallons in twenty-four hours will
supply water to stand pipe hundred
and ninety feet high. The distributive
pipe system will aggregate length of
S. 52 feet, or ten and a half miles, and
there will be one hundred fire hydrants
and four drinking fountains-from which
no water is to be carried in vessels. The
water will be delivered free to schools,
hospitals and city buildings, but all dwell
ings, stores, factories, Offices, ETC., shall
pay water rates to the company as fixed
by ordinance, ranging from four dollars
to one hundred dollars per annum each.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26
Supt. Schools of Leon County,
The Honorable, the Board of Public Instruction

The Honorable, the Board Of Public Instruction.
GENTLEMEN have great pleasure in hand.
ing you Diploma awarded you by the Board
OF Awards ct the Cotton and Industrial Expos-
ton at New Orleans for the year 18S41SS5 is
sued upon the meritOrious work of the pupils OF
your county schools. Permit me to remark
this is no common victory; to win it, is one
which will be announced, wherever the report
OF the great Exposition will go, which embraces
all christendom, and doubtless will astonish
your owa people, who seem to be so little inter.
ested in our public schools, and who seem TO be
inclined TO underrate them. I heartily con.
gratulate you, gentlemen, upon the success of
the dear children who so cheerfully responded
10 my request to send up their written work for
exhibition, 1t is eminently their victory. Re
spectfully yours, ALBERT ]. RUSSELL
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26
The Award 60 the Leon Couc
schools.

BRONSON, Nov 12, 1886.
Prot. H. ". Felksl, Tallahassee. Fin.
MY DEAR SIR: Ii Is with more than o,d,.
pleasure that hand you, as Superintendent, .,
Schools for Leon county, the certificate OF award
aud honorable mention from the Committee IF
awards on Educational Exhibits, and issred h.
the Board of management of the Worlds Iodu..
trial and Cotton Exposition Hang il where al
that come to your school may see it, and le, the
youth that did the work feel justly proud Of !,
and may it be an incentive to grander and noble,
work in the future walks of life.
congratulate you, sir, and Our State Superiu-
tendent of Public Instruction, for the victory
won at New Orleans in this department
am truly, w. II. SEBRING,
Florida Commissioner
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26
TALLAHASSEE, FLA, Nov. 81. IS.

TALLAHASSEE, FLA, Nov. 81, 1886.
General ". IL Stirring Consnussioner at Worlds
Cotton Centennial Exposition.
DEAR SIR: am pleased to acknowledge the
receipt Of your letter together with the certi6.
cate of award and honorable mention from the
Committee on Educational Exhibits of the
Worlds Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exno-
stion at New Orleans.
Though my official connection with the public
schools Of this Leon county has been severed
my interest in their welfare has not abated and
this compliment to their efficiency i. accepted
by me with something OF the feeling of self-grat-
ulatiOn.
l can assure you that this certificate is highly
appreciated by all who participated in winning
il, and that We do not forget that we owe yery
much TO your personal efforts in properly dis
playing and bringing to the attention of the com.
mlttee the educational work of our State.
With great respect, am truly yours,
II. n. FELKEL,
Late Superintendent of Schools OF Leon county.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26
Exposition Award 10 Leon County
Schools.

Editors F2oridian Will you please publish
the accompanying letter OF Maj. A. j. Russell 10
the Board Of Public Instruction of Leon county.
as know it will be very gratifying to all inter
ested in education, and especially so to the
teachers and children who participated in the
work.
This triumph should be appreciated the more
from the fact that the work was done soon after
the schools were organized after a vacation Of
four months, and consequently was not IS
thorough or comprehensive as it would have
been if done later in the term Very respect
fully, w. w. WOODWARD.
,fT
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

Bishop Young was universally be-
loved in Jacksonville by members of all
churches and scots for his many true
christian virtues, and the news of his
death was received with the profoundest
regret by all. He leaves devoted wife
in this city and q mother and sister in
Maine to mourn his loss.-Zsmes- UnioM.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

Rev. w. w. Hicks. Guiaea ms Spirfe'
nal Adviser, diets One Cent Daua.
yes.
WASHINGTON, d. O., November 1S-The jury
10 the case Of the Rev. Dr. Hicks, spiritual ar
visor Of the assassin Guiteau. against the Ess"'s
Star for $S5, 900 damages for alleged libel in the
publication Of q statement that Hicks had DO
go,iated for the transfer of Guiteaus bones V
the Medical Museum for $1,000. rendered veF
dict to-day for the plaintiff for one cent dsnf
ages.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

The Nssos steam press was kept run
ming all Friday night and printed of the
largest edition of the paper ever issued.
Extra copies can be had 10 any amount
BY applying st this Office. -Ralatko Daily
Nsscs.
The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1885-11-26

Blanks in stock at the F1oRlDlAs Office /,