davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
Improvement of Plants.
Philadelphia Record.


The constant advice given farmers regarding
the importance of improving their stock, though
having the effect of inducing them TO
realize greater profits, should not attract
their attention from the matter of the
improvement of the plants grown gen.
eral crops. Few farmers realize the fact
that wheat is very easily improved by selection,
two seasons being ample time in which to effect
a marked change in the quality and yield while
but few seasons are necessary for accomplish
ing the same with corn and oats. Unless the
seedsmen introduce new varieties we are not
usually favored with those of superior char
acter, owing to the neglect of the farmers in
selecting seed The celebrated Fultz wheat
now 80 well known, was the result of farmer
going into his wheat field and selecting the best
seed, singing out particular heads and stalks at
the same time Thus an improvement was
made in his wheat every year and Professor
Blount claims that any farmer can, by selecting
IN the same manner, add ten bushels more per
acre to the yield in comparison with what the
crop would be without such care and selection.
Great improvement has also been made IN corn
and oats in the same manner, and even rye has
been increased in yield by following the practice
for several consecutive seasons The farmers
can do more for themselves than can be done for
them by others, for the reason that by careful
selection they can improve acrop and adapt it
to their own section. The originators of new
varieties cannot produce kind that will prove a
valuable acquisition everywhere. Climatic in
huences and diversity of soils are hindrances.
and hence the reason why varieties that have
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
Indiana Notes

DR.. Jefferson Miller, an old citizen of Mont
gomery county, living near Ladoga, died re-
Gently.
Levi Amick, aged eighty years, died Thursday
last in Oregon township, Clark county, from
blood poisoning.
Howard ONeall. of Montgomery county, has
raised 3, 500 bushels of Irish potatoes this year
on fifteen acres of ground.
At Jacksonville, Mary Ann Smith has brought
suit against c. p RAIDER for breach of promise CT
marriage, and asks ST. 600 damages
Charles Carter, who was appointed by the
county treasurer to collect delinquent taxes at
Xenia, Miami county, is reported to have de-
camped with $163 so of his collections
The new Democratic paper appeared at Craw-
louisville last Saturday. and is named the Tenn
pest. From the matter contained therein, they
are evidently yawning for tempest and may yet
get whrlwind.
The evidence in the case of Harrison county
vs.. ex-Treasurer L. W. Bowling, on a charge of
defalcation, was closed at Corydon on Saturday.
The argument of the attorneys will be heard to-
day. The verdict will probably be reached to-
morrow.
The Air line road paid $3.50 an acre for the ground
upon which to erect the repair shops at Hunting
burg. Previous to the completion OF the Air
line to that town, the ground could not have
been sold for $40 The shops will be 66x2G0
feet in size, with heavy stone foundations, and
built of brick.
against George Holman of Rochester insti-
tuted about four years ago, tried at Rochester.
and then brought to Peru for a new trial on
change of venue, was decided on the l4th. the
jury finding q verdict for 500 900 for plaintiff
The case will be appealed.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16

occupy an hour, and I am prepared to prove that
the iuries for the next term are the best that
Colfax county has ever had.
I'm regard to my personal relations with Mr..
Dorsey, / can say that / had never seen MIR.
Dorsey but once before, and then only for a
moment Some time afterward some of the
members OF the bar invited me to join them in
a trip TO Mr. Dorsey's ranch, but as Mr.. Dorsey
was i'll all the time were there, had no con-
versation with him. In appointing Mr.. Dorsey
It did not occur to Ii that the fact would have
any effect upon national politics OF the general
policies of your administration. This view of
the case never entered my mind, the preserva-
ton Of the peace and good order of the county
was alone considered. Mr.. Fishback of Indiana,
who preferred the charge of appointing Mr..
Dorsey against me- may be a very reputa-
bic man. but he is brotherin-Iaw to a
very dangerous, violent incendiary named o. p.
McMains, who resides in New Mexico, and has
been convicted of murder there, although he es-
capped punishment upon technicality. have
filed with the Attorney general certified tran
script of his trial and convicti"u, together with
al the evidence given at the trial, and from
which you can see that the murder was not only
cowardly, but cruel in the extreme During the
September term of the court, decided two
causes against McMains, at which he was much
incensed. Doubtless he caused his brother-in-
Law, Fishback, to prefer the charge which re-
suited in my suspension.
'In conclusion, Mr.. President, earnestly re-
quest that you will cause, through agents of
your own choosing, the most searching investiga-
ton into my whole conduct in New Mexico,
whether a citizen or judge, and that should
you hereafter be satisfied, you must be when
fully informed, that have been faithful to the
sacred trust confded to me, You will do me that
justice which you alone can do, and which your
high sense of honor and fairness will dictate
Il have the honor to be, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant.
CIVILIAN A. VINCENT"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16

pint of alcohol at Springfield and after diluting
1t with water, had drank freely of it, and they
were both intoxicated when the accident oc-
Cured
At Carrollton, John Perine, an old citizen of
the county, came in from his farm to do some
trading. He started home under the influence
of liquor, and before he had gone many miles
fell out of his wagon and was killed. His neck
was not broken, and conclusion of the brain was
probably the cause of death
At Ottowa indictments have been found
against Willard Gentleman. Charles Fowler and
j. Hale Fowler, prominent Democratic lawyers,
who are charged with circulating forged political
circulars during the late judicial contest, with
the intent to defeat the election of Judge Gill
bert. the Democratic nominee.
Judge Yates, of Peoria is reported to be in
very feeble health, and il is not expected that he
can live long New rascalities in which he en-
gagged are being revealed almost every day. His
creditors are daily becoming more clamorous for
a definite statement. There are as many made
wretched by the loss Of valuable papers as by the
loss Of money
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
English and American Live Stock.
Chicago Tribune.


English advices report sharp decline in draft
horses there, in consequence of the foreign de-
mand for frst-cass breeding stock having failen-
Off The decline is stated to be all the way up to
40 per cent, and it is said that contractors hav
ing reduced their business, farmers have the
stock on hand, and are put to expense in feeding
unstable animals. The real animus OF the mat
ter probably is that the United States is becom-
ing pretty we'll filled up with superior breeding
stock. Also. having bought the best, perhaps
the quality of stock has deprecated in England.
The West will soon be in condition to compete
with Great Britain, not only in the export OF
high-caste horses of the several valuable herds,
but in other departments of live stock we'll
The Clydesdale, Shire. Cleveland Bay.
etc., constituting the best classes
of heavy and general draft in England. |
the Pereheron and Norman horses of France, all
have their best representatives in the United
States. Our thoroughbreds have successfully ,
contested for turf honors in England and borne
off the palm. Our trottng and road-driving
horses are without peers on earth. The highest
prices ever paid for short-horns were for Ameri-
can-b bred CATTLE to be exported to England. We
also have with US the best representatives of all
other highly valuable breeds of the civilized
world whether for beef or the dairy, and these
in large numbers. The American merino is a
breed distinctly American, and acknowledged to
be superior to any other breed Tin quality and :
weight of fine wool, while in medium and comb
ing woods we may fairly compete with Great
Britain. Again, while the superior breeds
of English swine are all largely and gen
orally represented in the United States,
our special American breeds-Poland-
China, Duroc-Jersey, Victoria and Chester
county-are known to be among the most vaiu-
able as combining strong constitutions with ear
ly maturity and superior feeding qualities. What
has been said in regard to other live stock may
as truly be said of poultry. We have not only
the best representatives of European and Asiatc
breeds, but our distinctive American breeds az
without superiors anywhere. The Argentil
&c xxr,n
soon want large numbers of live stock of every
description. and so will Uruguay. The immense
immigration now seeking those countries-from
60, 900 to 10000 yearly-are already inquiring for
improved live stock, implements, and machine
ry. Will American breeders and manufacturers
be prepared to enter that inviting field of salea
We have the material and there is no doubt but
American enterprise will be found wide awake.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
RiePs Sympathizers in Canada.

QUEBEC, Nov 15-Sr Hector Langevin. who
came here on Friday morning from Ottawa, re-
turned home yesterday afternoon. 1t is cur
rently reported that his sudden and unexpected
departure was caused by proposition to him of
some extreme measures in connection with the
Riel matter. 1t is stated he came here with the
sole purpose of ascertaining the views of the
French Canadians in Quebec upon the subject
of the Riel hanging, and that contrary to his
own private opinion, he found the population
here had actually taken a steadfast position
and demanded the communication of Riels SEN
tence While Sir Hector was here his residence
was besieged by prominent and active politicians
in the Conservative interest to gain this end
From what Sir Hector and prominent politicians
have said, Riel's fate is not sealed beyond doubt
One prominent man last night said that still
thirty hours must elapSe before the appoint
ed time of execution, and wonders might yet be
worked in the Dominion government
The attitude of the French Canadians on
the Riel question at present is one of suf-
fering in silence. The stand taken by their
newspapers in the matter is very resoiute
and the English people are very uneasy
Ali sorts of interference to save Riers neck from
the rope is being invoked. 1t is evident that
there is terrible current of feeling existing
among the French Canadians 1t is learned
from the best authority that a secret and special
meeting or the freDcn CONSERVATIVE members or
Parliament convened tonight. A French Cana
MAN minister, whose name it would not do to
name just now, will, in the event of Ries hang
ing, be burned in effigy in the streets here to-
morrow night.
Very little is talked of at Ottawa, except
the expected execution of Riel. There is con-
siderable excitement among the French Cana
dians but it is not believed that the agitation
among them will reach the point of disturb
ance.
A fight over the Riel question took place at
Montreal, late last night, between several
French Canadians and some men of other ma
tionalities. During the disturbance of The
men engaged-an Engishman-drew a revolver
| but it was snatched from him before any harm
could be done. The feeling among the French
| Canadians there to-day over the probable execu
ton of Riel was strained, but as yet no serious
| trouble is expected.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
THE DOOR-KEEPERSHIP.
The Only Office of the Next House Which Is
in Dispute.

The Only Office OF the Next House Which ls
in Dispute.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-Ordinarily, long be-
fore the 18th of November previous to a conven-
ing Of new Congress, Washington is alive with
members of the lower house, who have come
to take hand in the preliminary skirmish which
announces that the fight over the reorganization
of the House is about to begin This year con-
gressmen are as scarce now as they ordinarily
are in the middle Of the summer. No interest
whatever seems to be taken in the election of the
officers of the House other than the Door keep
er. The fact that Speaker Carlisle has walk
over, and that there is little or no opposition to
the re election Of either Leedom, Clark or Dali
ton, narrows the contest down to rather unin-
teresting fight between those gentlemen who are
anxious to be elected to the position of Door
keeper. OF these there are five or six,
each of whom is confident as
he can be that the selection will
fall on himself. Just upon what grounds this con-
fdence is based it is difficult to imagine the alb
sence of members from Washington making it
almost impossible to predict how they will vote;
and it is hardly likely that any considerable
nuhioer vi thoH nave aireauy pleugeu themselves
to support any one. The chances are, however,
that as this place was filled by a man from
Texas, named Wintersmith, it will again 60
to the South as the North is scarcely entitled to
it, and the West will undoubtedly have the ser
eeant farms, the postmaster and the clerk In
this event the candidacy of Colonel Donaldson,
OF Tennessee, would seem to be the most prom
ising, and it may be said that 1t is the general
belief here that he will secure the prize
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16

Some "Horse Sense in Regard to a Much
Talked-Of Matter.

Correspondence New York Evening Post.
The Evening Post recently had an article on
this subject which mixes up truth and fancy in
a somewhat exasperating manner. Your article
treating of Insanity and Civilization" also,
incidentally states that "overpressure in schools
dsables many brains for life.' The same idea
substantially is advanced in other issues of this
paper. and very often in the daily journals In
fact, it seems to be the fashion now to preach
recreation, and rest, and the danger of over
work and fond mothers are enjoined to coddle
their children, and to beware lest the delicate
little things be injured by pressure and competi-
ton at school.
have no hesitation in affirming that, so far AS
the country at least is concerned, much of this
is the verest trash. Statisticans, anxious to
attract the public eye by some novelty, comoile
a lot of data about the health OF school children,
and then draw conclusions therefrom in the
loosest manner. A child who goes to school is
sick: ergo, he is overworked at school. All this
might be passed by without comment as farccal
were it not that, through constant iteration it
is becoming dangerous to the rising generation.
Work is about the most wholesome thing in
life. Most of us never met person whom we
know to have been injured by it. / personally
have never found doctor who could affirm posi-
lively that more than an exceedingly small num-
Der (if any, of his child patients had suffered
from study as the primary cause of illness. 1t is
often, perhaps generally, most difficult thing
to ascertain such primary cause in any case. Pa
tlents conceal obstinately their careless or de-
PRAYED habits. But students know how rdcu
lousy false are many of the conclusions con
corning the origin of sickness among their init
mates; and it is matter of common experience
that lGleness is moro conducive to mental, mora
and physical weakness than is hard work
am of the opinion that too much in quantity
is sought to be taught in (many of the public
schools; the result of this being not that the
children study too much, but thar they dont
study anything. What the average public school
boy and girl need is more genuine mental exer
else. earlier and judiciously trained develop
ment, ard not more frequent holidays and va
cations" than now given But the parents mus,
not throw everything on the teachers; at the risk
of nervous exhaustion" they must do some
thing themselves towards keeping the children
properly at work. They must also see
that their offspring have regular habits
of life, for here is undoubtedly
where most of the trouble lies. It is not
mental work at school which hurts; it is irregu
lar, perhaps vicious, habits of living, and i'm
proper or excessive pleasureseeking which dc
the damage, and concerning which the statistic
ians are silent
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
Rieps Personal Appearance.


In appearance the captive does not bear much
resemblance to the portrait published of him in
Harpers and other journals long unkempt
beard, of light brown color, nearly overspreads
his face, almost corresponding with his sun
Drowned features. His hair is quite black and
falls nearly to his shoulders in small ringlets and
curls. His forehead is high and intellectual his
features prominent, his closely compressed
mouth and aquiline being indie
alive of the frmness he is known . to
possess. A keen piercing blue eve with heavy
dark eyebrows give the man the appearance of a
determined imperious person who would meet
death unfinchingly. no matter how or when it
came In person he is of medium build, and
since his confinement he has become slightly
stopped, and lost somewhat his former proud
bearing.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16

the inhabitants of unchrstan countries than they
do those of countries where Christianity prevails.
The reason for this is that it has proved desir-
able to let the jewellers of semi-savage coasts
know that the United States will recognize the
services of any who may be instrumental in aid
ing her citizens. The Indians on the northern
border of the British possessions have frequently
been of great service to shipwrecked seamen,
and the government has distributed numerous
blankets and other articles among them in con-
sequence. / asked an official Of the State De
partment, yesterday, whether it is found neces-
sary to use up this appropriation every year. He
replied
sit is nearly always exhausted We find too,
that it is of immense aid to US in our efforts to
protect wrecked American seamen"
what is the usual rewards" he was asked.
''That depends upon the condition of the res
cuers," he replied IA common seaman of a
foreign vessel who aids in rescuing American
wrecked seamen would rather have $40 in cash
than the finest gold medal that could be struck.
For that reason we usually give them money
reward. Captains and officers are generally
presented with gold watch, suitably inscribed,
If it has been necessary to risk their own lives
in aiding Americans. If the rescue is accom-
plished without much risk gold medal setting
forth that it is presented by the President for
services rendered in rescuing seamen, is given.
These medals are always highly priced, and the
watches thought more of hundred times
tn an they would be if they con-
tanned no inscription, which shows
that the President of the United States
presented them. I think that the Indians on the
western shores of British Columbia have been
more daring in their efforts to save the lives Of
our seamen than any other class of men on
earth. They have frequently swan out to
wrecked vessels and seized the struggling sailors
in their teeth by the clothes, and hauled them
bodily in Shore when the breakers were fear
fully destructive. The Japanese, too of late
years. have been exceedingly kind in their treat
ment of wrecked American Sailors and, in this
instance which you speak of, they did a great
deal more than could have been expected of
them under any consideration. This fund which
Congress annually provides is enc of the most
| noble appropriations made by the government"
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
Over the Hill to the Poor-House.

Louisville Commercial.
At New Albany. Uncle Joshua Leach, an old
and esteemed citizen, aged eighty eight years.
and his old wife, were sent over the hill to the
poor-house yesterday 1t will be remembered
that at the last term OF the court Mr. Leach had
suit against his SON Henry, to set aside deed
made to him for violation of agreement. The old
man had decided his farm to his son on the sole
condition that he would provide for the wants of
his father and mother so long as they should
live. This they failed to do, according to the
complaint, the old man and his wife taking ref
uge in the poor house Before the case came to
trial, Henry induced the old folks to come home
and dismiss the suit, promising that they should
be properly cared for The old man says that
things went along smoothly for awhile. but the
old way was soon resumed. They got no tea
coffee or sugar; but, instead, slop made from
wheat screenings, and this without sugar or
milk. few days ago the old man found out
that Henry had traded the farm for place in
Harrison county. where the Knights of the
Switch prevail. The old man concluded that he
and mother had better go to the county house
than submit to the indignities of his sons
family.
The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-16
Murder at Pimento, viso County.

special TO the Indianapolis Journal.
TERRE HAUTE, Nov. 15-John Harmon, a
young farmer, blew the top of The head off d
Wesley Carpenter, a farm boy of seventeen,
who was boarding with him at Pimento, in this
county. The crime was committed last night
but the murderer was not brought to the city
until this morning escaping once from his cap
tors by slipping out of his overcoat and jumping
from the wagon. He was recaptured after a
chase through the woods. Young Carpenter was
sitting by log fire. with Harmon's wife, when
Harmon opened the door, and levelng the shot
gun at his head pulled the trigger. Carpenter
fell over in the fire. The left lobe of his brain
landed on the mautlepiece, complete if it
had been removed by surgeon. Harmon then
threatened to kill his wife, but she escaped.
There is no explanation for the deed except it
was possible that Harmon was jealous. He says
he was drunk, and claims not to have any re-
memb1ance of doing the shooting