davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
SIKLEGG'S CHRISTMAS
How He Spent His First One in the
Army.

"It's purity nigh Christmas, Shorty" said 81
Klegg one day in December, as the 200th Ind.
was tramping along through the slush that was
ankle-deep in the road. Coin to hang up yer
stockin's?"
"Stockins be blowedl" replied Shorty.
"What's the use O. doin' that here? Old Santa
Claus III never come nigh the army. He's no
fool"
Pm 'fraid you're bout right" said 81,
sadly "But say, Shorty, / seen Bill Jimson
this mornin' You knowed him, didn't ye?
He's bin trampiu' round an carryin' a musket
goin' on two years. lie told me we'd be all
right Christmas, anyhow, as the Guvyment
always gives the soljers bully lay-out-roast
turkey. m cranberry sass, n eyesters, m
mince pie, m sich. Ye know when the fellers
cum 'r0und speechifyin' TO git us TO list they
told US this was the best Guvyment In the
world"
"Bill Jimsou was only a-stuffin' of ye!" said
Shorty. with smile of derisiOn. " Don't ye
b'lieve il, ST: fer tell We he's foolin We, sures
yer bawni" Shorty knew more of the world
than 81 did.
81 whistled softly for a minute or two, as the
possible truth of what Shorty had said crept
over his mind and clouded his bright visions of
q Christmas picnic.
"WaH, dunno" said he, musingly; "mebbe
that's So BIT me N Bill Jimson used to 60
to Sunday-school together n l wouldn't pose
he'd lie to me in that way"
"You'll git yer eye-teeth cut after while,
and then yon'll know more'n ye do now!" said
Shorty, with glance of pity at 81 for his SIM
plicity.
"Wonder if I'll git so 1 can lie like Bill Jim
son by the time I've bin in the army as long as
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
A Spider Under a Microscope.
Ne,D York iSun.l


A friend of an amateur naturalist wcs poking
fun at him about his collection. and said, point
ing at a common jumping spider:
why do you bother with such rubbish?"
"Take look at him through the microscope;
he is beauty" said the amateur.
The friend looked Eight murderOus eyes
glared up at him. They were arranged in two
semicirles on the front of head teeming with
malignant cunning and ferocity. The strong
jaws were open and two hollow, serrated tusks
protruded from them. No neck could be seen.
Body and head were one-a model of cruel
power, covered with stripes of silky tan and
black hair. Eight long, triplej jointed, forceful
legs. half-hdden by hair and feathers, armed
with sharp-pointed spikes like locust thorns.
ending in formidable claws hooked at their
points aud teethed like coarse combs, were bent
in the attitude of springing. The specimen
seemed as large as chipmunk, and in general
form re3embled one.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24

TO the tent just above his head. He sprang up
with as much eagerne5s as when, in his juve-
nile days he used to find candy apples, and
jumping jacks sticking out of his well-flled
hose.
The average army stocking was fearfnlly and
wonderfully made. A new one, after being
worn couple of days, looked more like nose
bag for mule than anything else.
ST soon found how the boys had played it on
him. They all knew about the box which he
had 80 anxiously expected, and which none of
them believed he would get. So, after he went
to sleep that night, they slyly pulled Off his
stockings-for 81 slept with them on, as did
nine -tenths of the soldiers-iilled them with
wormy hardtacb. bacon-rinds, beef bones, sticks
and bits of old harness, pouring in beans and
rice to fill up the chinks, and pinned them to
the tent above him.
The greatest mistake soldier ever made was
TO lose his temper on account of a harmless
joke. ST was wise enough to take it good
naturedly as ne emptied the "nosebags" and
drew them Oh his feet
It was raw December morning with keen,
nipping air. As 81 skirmished around for his
breakfast he realized that all his festive antici-
pations of few days before were doomed to
utter and irremediable disappointment.
It's tough, fer Christmas, amt it, Shorty P"
said Si. IS be gnawed his hardtack.
II his box would only come he might yet be
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
Facts About rheumatism.

Mrs. Gen. Sherman says: 1 have frequently
purchased Durangs Rheumatic Remedy for
friends suffering with rheumatism, and in
every instance it worked like magic"
Gen. Logan, United States Senator, writes
Some years ago l was troubled more or less
with rheumatism, and have been great suf-
ferer in the last year with same disease. 1 be-
gan to take Durang's Rheumatic Remedy, and
am satisfied that have been cured by its use.
recommend it to all sufferers"
Sam'l l.. Felker, of Chicago, writes: There
are few cases of rheumatism here which, like
my own, the doctors pronounce incurable; but
as Durang's Rheumatic Remedy made such a
permanent cure in me, am determined to have
them give it fair trial. and if it fails will
pay for the cost of the remedy. Inclosed find
So, for which you may send six bottles. Direct
to 173 Randolph Street"
1t absolutely cures when everything else fails.
Send for free pamphlet to r. K. Helphenstine,
Washington ID, c.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
"ToRNADb JIM"
surrenders His Sword to the Southern Historical
Seciefy.

CfcsttS%
The Jefferson City tMoD Tribune says: "Gen
James Harding recsived Tuesday package
from st. Louis containing q sword, which is
placed in his charge by Mr.. James X. Merri-
field, the well-known passenger conductor on
the Missouri Pacific Railrnd, to be presented,
together with letter from Mr.. Merrifeld, to
the Southern Historical and Benevolent Society
of st. Louis. so iT
"The sword was taken by Merrifeld. at that
time Corporal of Co. @, S5th ILL.,, Board of Trade
Regiment of Chicago) from the person of the
commanding officeroof the 1st and 4th Mo-,
(COckrelPs Brigade)isat the bloody battle of
Franklin, Tenn, Nov. 80, 1864. The Missouri
troops charged the works and were repulsed,
having lost 447 men out of 6S7 engaged. OF
these 164 men were left dead on the field. In
the charge Mortified saw the officer from whom
he took the sword leading his men and saw him
fall within so feet of the works. After the re-
pulse of the gallant Missourians Merrifield
climbed over the works and went to where the
officer fell. The officer told him he was COM
manding the 1st aud 4th No. (consOidated) and
ives badly wounded in the knee, and requested
Merrifield to take off his sword belt, as it was
hurting him severely. Merrifield did this, gave
him water from his canteen and had barely
time to regain the Federal works before charge
was made by fresh troops. He took the sword
with him and also the battle flag of the 1st and
4th Mo-, which was on the ground surrounded
by the dead and dying. He says the officer
must have been killed in the very severe firing
which ensued Immediately after he left him.
The officer was probably Col. Hugh Garland. of
st. Louis, who was in command of the 1st and
4th Mo-, and was killed in front of the works
at Franklin.
Thinking the sword would be of interest to
the Society. Mortified surrendered it to their
keeping. The sword is tastefully trimmed and
decorated with ribbon to represent the harmony
existing between the blne and gray"
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
Higher Education Among Negroes.
TAildntu constitutional


There is young negro man acting as porter
in cotton room in thiseity who has the best
university education. His classical education
is fuller than that of any person in the building,
and yet he can find nothing better to do than
such work as a cornfield hand might expect to
do. Out of class of perhaps 80 all but two
have dropped back into just such work as he is
doing 1t must be remembered that the North
does not furnish even equal opportunity with
the South for the advancemet of the negro into
even the better mechanical or industrial pur-
suits. The suggestion forces itself, therefore,
that perhaps there is a good deal of higher edu-
cation wasted. Is is hardly fair to listen to
this suggestion for some years, by which time
it may have answered itself. gentleman COM
petent to speak says: "The desire for university
education among the colored youths is rapidly
diminishing The lack of opportunity after
they leave college to use what they have ac-
quired discourages them" In the meantime
wealthy colored man of Atlanta is giving his
daughters the advantage of the best art and
classical schools in America. They are already
skilled in music and proficient in French and
German.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
L0gan's Pistol Shooting.


Gen. Logan is looking better than at any
time during the last IL months. He is build
ing q gymnasium in the rear of his house,
where he proposes to spend an hour each day
exercising with the clubs and dumb bells. Gen.
Logan is very fond of outdoor sports. He is
an admirable horseman and swordsman. and
knows how to handle rifle. He is one OF the
best pistol shots in the country. He has the
handsOmest duelling pistols in Washington.
But he is the last man to brag of his strength
or skill. When down at the Hot Springs OF
Arkansas few years ago trying to throw Oft
peculiarly severe attack of rheumatism, he
astonished the pistol experts of that pistoing
country. On one occasion a dozen young men
were practicing from the piazza of the Generals
hotel at a bottle laid on the broad crotch OF
distant tree The bottle was round. Unless
it was hit plumply in the middle it spun round
and round like top The young men were
good shots, but now and then they would miss
the somewhat difficult mark. Then the invalid
Senator would chaf them. The young men
finally became irritated, and asked the General
if he could improve upon their skill. After
little more chatting the General said:
I'll tell you fellows what | will do. There
are II of you, but I'll promise you each box
of cigars every time YOU hit the bottle if you'll
promise me box every time hit it,"
The boys accepted the proposition instantly.
"Ill shoot first and, if l hit, Pm to shoot
again and again until miss" They had no
objections, so the General fired 12 consecutive
shots, each time breaking different bottle.
while the young mems eyes opened wider and
wider. "a
"Do you want any more?" he asked, after
the 18th shot NO" said the young men
hastily, II guess not3 +
You can send those l2 boxes to my room
whenever you are ready, gentlemen" said the
General, as he lounged away. "SOme day
when have more leisure Eli give you an hours
instruction in target shooting"
But the boys neveIaheldl him to his promise.
They paid their bets, however.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
Come to Stay.

Mrs. Hendricks Ito Mr.. and Mrs. Smith, who
always manage to drop in about dinner time)
now, you must stay to dinner. The bell will
ring in very few minutes and
Mr.. Smth-Oh, thanks, Mrs. Hendricks, but
we couldn't think of it.
Mrs. Smith-Oh, no, indeed. You are very
kind, Mrs. Hendricks, but / left baby along
with the nurse, and-John, do you think the
baby will
Mr.. Smith-Oh, the baby is all right, Maria
but it looks little like rain, and l thinker
perhaps we had better
Mrs. SMITH don't mind the rain. We have
an umbrella, and, besides, haven't anything
on that water would hurt, but I'm afraid it's
getting late, and l wouldn't like to put Mrs.
Hendricks to any inconve-
Mrs. Hendricks (resignedly)-Oh it will be
no Inconvenience, / assure you, Mrs. Smith.
Mrs. Smth-Are you sure? Well what do
you think, John, shall we
Mr.. Smith-PIl-er-leave it all to you, Maria,
just as you think best about
Mrs. smith-Well, then, we may as we'll stay !;
but really, Mrs Hendricks, we ought not to.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
A LONG PENANCE.
4 Gallant Soldiers Punishment for Staying q
Trsitnr


Traitor.
The Fort Madison Uowa) Democrat of Dec.
9 gives the following touching account of the
sufferings of a soldier who, in a moment of
righteous Indignation, slew a man who
slandered Lincoln and hurrahed for the traitor
Davis:
On Saturday last there was party at the pen"
which was pleasant surprise to one of the con-
victs-a man named S. A. Trogden. The party was
composed of Maj. McLaughry, Warden Of the
Joliet IN Penitentiary; G. n. Adams E. A. Hazen,
Jasper White, H. II. Gilman. Jno. A. Price and j.
+. Morrison, all survivors of ca. c, 11Sth Ill. Mr..
Trogden was also a member of that company and
possesses brilliant record; but shortly after the
close of the war, before the heat had fairly died
away, man came into his tTrogden's) presence
speaking disparagingly of and cursing Lincoln and
loudly hurrahing for jeff Davis. Trogden or
dered the to "shut off, and the man
wouldn't "s shut" Atthis Trogden became greatly
enraged and drawing a revolver fired and killed
him. For this Trogden was tried and life sentence
pronounced. This occurred over 10 years ago.
Since the occurrence Trogden has been atoning for
sonal appearance and has not during all his time
of incarceration been punished He donated his
bounty to the widow of the man he killed.
Maj. McIaughry, and Trogdens other comrades,
working for the pardon, believing that his
almost score of years of prison life has been suf-
ficent punishment.
The old comrades INDUCED in the recital of many
scenes of the battlelelds where they had fought
and bled together, and the kind hearted men left
their convict comrade feeling much happier for their
visit.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
Is Eyery Body Drunkf

Among the many stories Lincoln used to re-
late was the following: Trndging along a lonely
road one morning on my way to the county
seat, Judge - overlook me with his wagon
and invited me to aiSeat.
We had not gone far when the wagon began
to wobble. Said ], Judges l think your coach
man has taken a drop too much"
Putting his head, out of the window, the
Judge shouted: WAY, you internal scoundrel,
you are drunk!" ,a
Turning round with great gravity, the coach
man said " Be dad .but that's the frs rightful
session your Honor's giv'n N tweP mont!"
If people knew the facts they would be sur
prised to learn howl many people reel in the
streets who never "drink drop" They are
the victims of sleeplessness, of drowsy days, of
apopletic tendencies, whose blood is set on fire
by uric acid Some day they will reel no more
they will drop dead, just because they
haven't the moral courage to defy useless pro-
fessional attendance, and by use of the wonder
full Warmers safe cure neutralize the uric acid
in the system and thus get rid of the drunk
enness in the blood. he american Rural
Home.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24

happy, so to speak; but hope had given way to
despair.
The forenoon of that Christmas day was dull
enough. The boys were let off from drill, and
spent the time chiefly in writing letters and
hunting graybacls.
Soon after noon the Sergeant Major of the
200th was seen rushing along the line of the Off
GERS tents with orders. He had the air OF
man who bore important tidings, and such
proved to be the case. His errand turned out
TO be strictly business"
In few minutes it was known through the
camp that /" Old Rosey" had issued orders for
an advance on Murfreesboro, and the army
was to be ready to move at daylight next morn
ing. Tents wagons, and everything that men
did not choose to carry on their backs were to
be left behind.
Are we goin' to have a fght?" asked ST,
with some solicitude.
Looks that way!" said Shorty.
1t looked very much that way six days later!
The quiet of the morning was followed by
the hustle and confusion of getting ready to
move. There was hurrying to and fro. Feet
and hands and tongues were busy. The officers
made the usual fuss, and kept everybody in a
stew. The Orderly Sergeants had their hands
full, as they always did at such times. There
were rations to be drawn and issued-for the
men were TO march with full haversacks; car
fridge boxes to be inspected and replCnished;
lile SiCb 10 NC ScUi tO HOSflttAS III liiC SibS
needed articles of clothing TO be supplied; all
company outfits and personal baggage to be
packed and sent back; frequent details of men
10 be made for this, that and the other duty,
and all the numberless things that apper-
tanned to the beginning of a campaign. The
army had not yet acquired the mobility OF q
year or two later, when it was in Light march
ing order" all the time, and could get ready in
80 minutes to go anywhere or do anything.
So it was that during that Christmas after
noon aud evening $4,000 men were busily en-
gagged in the work of preparation, and 81 hus-
tied around with the rest. Once in while he
thought how different it was from all his pre-
vious Christmases, and even from the one he
had hoped to have this time. But ST was fast
learning to be a good soldier and take things as
they came.
1t was late that night when the work was
finished. Then the soldiers wrapped them
selves in their blankets to get few hours of
sleep before the reveille should awaken them
for the march to battle.
That was the way ST Klegg and all the other
soldiers of the Army of the Cumberland spent
the Christmas of 1862. 81 managed, as did
most of the others, to snatch few minutes to
write a brief letter or two A great mail start
ed nOrthward the next day. Many poor fel-
low never wrote again.
1t was more than four weeks after that time,
when the debris of the battle OF Stone River
had been cleared away, that Sis Christmas box
found its way to the front. Its contents, what
was left of them, were in condition TO make
angels weep. The teamsters had pried it open
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
Miss Franklin's Presence OF Mind.
bismarck Tribune.

Miss Belle Franklin, young schoolmistress
of McHenry County, is the heroine of the Mis-
souri, slope Miss Franklin was sleeping in
shack which she had buit upon her claim,
when she was awakened by the cracking noise
of the prairie fire. Looking out across the
plain, she saw the dancing flames skmming
across the prairie. The brave girl knew that
her neighbors living half mile distant were
away from home, and the fire would soon en-
velop the house. barn, hay and grain. Jumping
from her bed, she hurried away to the low log
barn in which the farmers extra team was
tied. Harvesting the animals, she rushed them
out to the plow, and before the fire had reach ed
the premises she had turned several burrows
and formed firebreak which saved the prop
erty What q subject for an artist!
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
The Tomb of Gen. Harrison.

To THE EDITOR: A few days ago stopped
at North Bend, o., and visited the tomb of Gen.
William III. Harrison. The question has been
asked, Are Republics ungrateful?" 1t would
seem that in this case they are. / found the
tomb almost totally neglected-not even fence
around it not letter. that could find, to tell
who he was or what he was. Should the
American people forget that there was ever
such a man as Gen. w. III. Harrison, once Presi-
dent of the United States? A decent mOnu-
ment should be erected over his grave.-IRA s..
OWENS Dean O.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
What a Congressman Must Do.
TBoston Herald

An Indiana Member of Congress- with a bun
die of letters in his hand, recently remarked :
"If there is anything in the world that my
people don't write to their Congressman about
l don't know what it is. Now. look here. This
is letter from a woman. She writes: Dear
Sir: My husband left me seven years ago. and
l have not heard from him since Will you
please go to the Census Office get his present
address, and send it to me?' Now, here is an
other letter from a man who requests me to
write to the American Minister at Rome and
get him an Italian queen bee."
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
SHATTERED HOPES.

and rioted upon the toothsome dainties that
loving hearts and hands had prepared for ST.
A small section of Annabel's cake was left, and
the ravagers with a refinement of cruelty, had
written on the paper wrapped around it
This is bully cake. Try it!''
Almost everything in the box had been eaten,
and what remained was in a state of utter chaos
and ruin. Rough handling, that would have
done credit TO a railroad baggage master, had
broken bottles of pickles and jars of fruit, and
the liquids had thoroughly baptized the edibles
that the mule-drivers had spared. 1t was a
sorry mess and Sis heart ached as he gazed
upon the wreck
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
Nervous. Debilitated Men.

You ar. allowed free trial of thirty days of the
use of Dr. Dyes Celebrated Voltaic Belt with
Electric Suspensory Appliances for the speedy
relief and permanent cure of Nervous Debility,
loss of Vitality and Manhood, and all kindred
troubles Also, for many other diseases Com
guaranteed. No risk is incurred. Illustrated
pamphlet, with full information, terms, etc.
mailed free my addressing Voltsic Belt Co.,
Marshall, Mich.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
Chicago Took Him.
nv ~ ~.

INcfU IUTk olUT.I
YES" exclaimed passenger as he protected
his eyes from the light " have an affection of
the optical nerve which causes me to see double.
I am on my way to Chicago"
"To consult an Oculist. l suppose2"
NO. l have obtained job there as census
taker"
The National tribune., 1885-12-24

Young and middle-aged men suffering from
nervous debility, premature old age, loss of
memory, and kindred symptoms, should send 10
cents in stamps for large illustrated treatise
suggesting sure means Of cure. Worlds Dis
pensary Medical Association, Buffalo, N. Y.
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
Scotts Emulsion of Pure
Cod Liver Oil, with HypOphosphites.

Us use fn lung Troubles.
DIR. Hiram Cadoretto, of Jacksonville, Fla,
says: 81 have for the last 10 months prescribed
your Emulsion to patients suffering from lung
troubles and they seem to be greatly benefited
by its use."
The National tribune., 1885-12-24
A Bargain in Corner Lots

is what most men desire, but TO keep from fill
ing grave in a cemetery lot ere half your days
are numbered, always keep a supply of DR..
Pierce's "Golden Medical Discovery" by you.
When the first symptoms of consumption appear
lose no time in putting yourself under the
treatment ofthis invaluable medicine. 1t cures
when nothing else WILL Possessing as it does
ten times the virtue of the best cod liver oil, it
is not only the cheapest but far the pleasantest
to take. 1t purifes and enriches the blood,
strengthens the system, cures blotches, pimples,
eruptions and other humors. BY druggists
The National tribune., 1885-12-24

The plough boy wept, for the wreck was thorough
He fled that night from the farm to the borough.
The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1885-04-25

The Fox Got There First-The Baltimore
American tells the following at the expense of the
Elkridge Club: "There a little fox that had
just as much fun at the Elkridge hunt on Satur
day did the ladies and gentlemen who rode
after the hounds. In fact, there is nothing a
smart fox likes better than good hunt where he
feels certain that he is safe. The meet of the
Elkridgers on Saturday was at Pimlco, and the
day was such pleasant one that the turnout was
very large. A drag was laid over pretty course,
and the run was a lively one, which all enjoyed
After the drag hunt was over, fox belonging to
the club was set loose, and a run was made for
live game. The chase was lively, and the hounds
were kept busy for some time following the scent
and keeping their backs up and their tails in the
proper position. The fox was too much for them,
however, and was soon lost to sight. When the
hunters came into the kennels after the run, there
they found Mr.. Fox sitting up on the top of his
little coop, and looking as contented as if there
were no such things in the world as hounds and
fox hunters. The first hound that came up is
said to have remarked:
GLOW did you get here?"
'T amt saying word, am [ ?" said the fox.
I-<lso, Tou aot entering into the present con-
versation to any large extent, but would like to
know how you managed to shake the whole of u.s."
said one of the gentlemen in pink.
''Well, I'm not much of poet" said the fox, as
the story goes, "but you must remember that
although Mary had little lamb,
Whose fleece white snow;
Yet, when you want to catch a fox,
Don't ride to PimlicO."