davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Iron County register., 1886-09-30
AN OLD ALBATROSS.
The Ancient Sea-Bird Recently Captures
by the Mate of a British ship.

The Ancient Sea-Bird Recently Captured
by the Mate of a British ship.
The following interesting facts were
lately communicated by Captain Heard
of the British ship Duchess of Argyle
"When rounding the Horn in January
last, in latitude AZ deg. 10 MN. south
and SO deg. min. west, an immense
albatross was noticed following the ship
and feeding on the refuse thrown over
board One day as it lowered directly
over the poop noticed circular OBJ
iect- about the size of silver dollar
hang to the birds neck. l Immediately
gave orders to have the bird caught, il
possible My first mate, Mr.. Baird,
who is very handy in such matters, pro.
cured a small, flat piece of board, on
which he fastened large hook baited
with piece of pork; to this he attached
a stout fishing-line and let it drift
astern. He caught several other alba
trosses with this contrivance, but the
one l particularly wanted to capture
fought very shy of this tempting
lure. The third dap, however, he was
hooked firmly by the beak, and after
desperate struggle hoisted on board.
1 then discovered that the object ]
had seen hanging from the birds
neck was brass pocket-compass
case, fastened to the bird by
means of three strands of thick copper
wire Two of the wires had worn
through, and the third was all but gone
After some trouble as there was quar-
ter of an inch of verdigris, l succeeded
in forcing open the lid, and inside
found carefully wrapped up piece of
paper, on which was written, in much
faded ink. the following: Caught
May l.. 1912, in latitude 50 deg. 6
min. south, 40 deg. ii min. west,
by Ambrose Cocharn, OF American
ship Columbus l then procured
plated label off wine decanter with
my ships name on it, and got the car
penter to fasten it around the birds
neck. with my name, the date of cap
ture, the latitude. and also the facts of
the previous capture by the captain of
the Columbus, deeply cut into the
metal. / then let the albatross go. Be-
fore doing SO we measured the wings
and found them to be twelve feet two
inches from tip to tip. The bird was
grayish white in color, with a reddish
brown head To judge from the above
the albatross must be a very Iong-lived
bird, as it was probably at least four or
five years old when caught by Captain
Cocharn. which would make it fifty-one
years old when last caught.-Hiogo
NeaUs
Iron County register., 1886-09-30
THUNOER.STORMS.

Their Steady Increase In Germany Both
i'm Frequency and Severity.l
From certain meteorological statistics
recently published in Germany, we
learn that thunder-storms in that coun-
try have, during the last thirty years,
been steadily increasing both in tre-
quency and severity. The number of
deaths per annum from lightning has
increased in far greater ratio than
that OF the increase of population. In
the present state of our knowledge of
the Whole subject of atmospheric elec-
tricity, the cause of the phenomena of
thunder is confessedly obscure.
1t is, however, very possible that some
light would be thrown upon the ques-
tion by comparative study of the fre-
quency and severity of storms during q
heightened period and over wide geo.
graphical area.
The German saUdmts incline to the
opinion that the increase is to be at
tributed to the enormously increased
production of smoke and steam which
has taken place during the last three
decades. But although we may admit
this to be to some extent a probable
vera causa, yet, when we consider the
very local character of thunder-storms,
we should naturally expect to find that it
would follow that the neighborhoods
of large cities, and especially of manu-
featuring districts would suffer the most
severely. But the statistics referred to
show distinctly that the very reverse is
the case. The number of storms at
tended by fatal results from lightning
is far larger in the agricultural districts
than in the towns. Upon the other
hand, we ought to take into considera-
ton the protective action of lightning
conductors, with which the prominent
buildings in the towns of Germany are
well provided.-Scientifc american.
Iron County register., 1886-09-30
No True Granite in America.

There is no true granite in America,
rs geologists understand it, was the
rather surprising remark of Expert De
Loss to little gathering on Change the
other day.
He was asked to explain himself fur
ther, and he went ON thus:
well, Mr.. Dana, the celebrated ge.
ologist, says: True granite is composed
of quartz, feldspar and mica. / be-
lieve those are his exact words. Now,
this is fact; then l repeat there has
never been block of fine granite dis
covered on the American continent, nor
anywhere else in the world that / have
ever seen. All accepted granite has a
portion of hornbIende in it. This is
admitted by the modern German lithol-
ogists as natural component part of
the great paving-stone The more
hornblende that appears the harder is
the granite. In fact, all hard American
granite is called hornblende granite. -
Cincinnati Sun.
Iron County register., 1886-09-30
PARTISAN BEGGARS.

Different Species of Mendicants Who In
fest the French Capital.
Next to concierges, perhaps the beg.
gars are the greatest nuisances in Paris.
They have been augmenting SO rapidly
of late and are becoming SO aggressive
that the Prefect of Police-now that the
spirit Is abroad-has resolved to expel
them, and has issued instructions to po-
lice sergeants to get at the number and
conduct of the fraternity in their re-
spective districts. Just before they re-
ceive the final coup de balai, the Temps
has been entertaining its readers with
some sketches of their private history.
These Parisian beggaps may be looked
upon as the arstocracy of the mendi-
cant world. Begging has become a
fine art with them. They take to the
streets from choice rather than neces-
sity. They have got a sort of circular
newspaper to keep themselves posted in
coming events, and Systematically take
different beats. Rows of them may be
seen at church doors when a MARI age
or funeral is on, and they hang round
the doors of fashionable restaurants.
L HC SISdtcSb uulSeiuCcS dIIlOIlg lit
gang are those who don't beg at
all. There is an institution for the
manufacture and training of this
species. They play the role of distor-
tionists- Several joiners are kept al
work in making small wooden carts,
slaves and various contrivances for
them. Their object is to draw money
from the public by their piteous and ex-
cruciating positions, and not by solicita
ton. And, considering that many OF
them are so palpably frauds, it says a
good deal for the gullibility of the Paris
ians that they succeed. The cuis-de.
iatte-those who squeeze themselves into
sort of wooden bowl and propel them
selves along the pavement with then
hands ds-frequently combine the func
tions of thief with those of beggar, as
they are just a convenient height to
reach ladirs' pockets. According to the
Temps. there were 2, 765 beggars arrest
ed in Paris in 1884 and 4, 1873 in 1885.
When arrested they are first taken to s
central police station, where they are
asked to give an account of themselves.
Some are sent to the hospital or to the
Depot of Mendicito, others to their ma
tive departments, and the worst offend.
ers to the police court. There is in Paris
privileged or licensed class of beggars,
Tie police have always had power to
deal with others, who, on whatever pre-
tense, receive aims; but the general tol.
GRAFTON allowed ON fete days seems to
have been allowed on other days as
well. until the condition of the street:
has become intolerable Pail Mall Ga.
zette.
Iron County register., 1886-09-30
Quite Sufficient, You Know.

Two Englishman in London. "Say.
what is the title of your bookp"
Customs of the American Peoplep"
Would you not like to visit tho
United States?''
Yes, and / intend to go if the sales
of my book warrant such an expendi-
ture.''
Don't you think that it would have
been better if you had visited the coun-
try before writing the bookp"
Unnecessary. You know my wife'a
cousin went there several years ago.
..Oh. yes, that's fact. Qnite suffi-
cient, assure you. "-Arkansas 1raC-
eier.
Iron County register., 1886-09-30
PlTH AND POINT.

This jumping from Brooklyn bridge
is getting to be chestnut If some
fellow will jump from the river up on
the bridge we will go and take look at
him.-LosoeU Citizen.
IA successful operator has kindly
written book telling US how to win in
Wall street. Of course the writer
knows the way, and wrote the book for
amusement only.-N Y. Graphic.
A writer says that the overtaxing of
children is one of the evils of the age.
Some of the property-holders of Bur-
parents is about as bad.-Burlinqto
Free Press.
Don't be idle
Don't sit and loaf "Be wise to-day"
Don't build vain castles in the air:
For while you're wasting time away
Some other fellows getting there"
Merchant Ir1ceter.
The superstitious believe that while
at the washtub if the suds splash and
wet the clothes you are wearing you
will have bad luck. This must account
for the preference young ladies of to-
day show for the piano. Yonkers States
man.
-Fogg has said the meanest thing
any man ever was capable of saying.
When Mrs. F. left him alone in the
house the other evening, she remarked:
''You won't be lonely, dear?" Mo-
he replied; II shan't miss you at all.
ton Transcript.
81 will add" concluded the young
man who was applying for a situation.
''that am college graduate. 30.
that won't make any difference" was
the reassuring reply, ''if you stick to
your work. and, besides, we want some
body about the place who is strong
enough to carry in coal. IN Y Sun.
Mr.. Jones - No dinner to-day?
That's nice state of affairs. Where's
Mrs. Jones? Writing, sir.
Mr. Jones Writing what, prayf
Servant don't know exactly, sir, but
/ think she said it was new article for
the Housekeeper about "How It's Better
to Keep House Than to Board, sir, or
something of that sort.-Kansas City
Times.
"A three-year-old was discovered in
the flower garden the other day, and
around him lay innumerable sweet pea
blossoms which he had clipped off with
pair of shears 'just for fun His
mother said nothing to him. but looked
rather surprised. Presently he turned
to her and remarked in the most mat
ter-of-fact way: 'Can you tell me what
has been going on out here?' At
bans Messenger.
-"Yes," said the editor, 81 made the
mistake of my life when pitched into
the playing of our local brass band"
"Why?" asked friend. "Do they play
any better than you said they did?"
''Any bettern' exclaimed the editor.
''Good Lord! didn't tell half the
misery they cause. No, the musical end
of my criticism was all right, but it was
mpolitic-impolitic, sir. They got
cruel revenge on me-" ..Revengep
How SOP What did they do?" ''Do?"
repeated the editor with an agonized,
hunted look in his eyes. "Do? They
serenaded me- Sonaerville Journal.
Iron County register., 1886-09-30
CHAPTER TX,

That Joel Whitney's accumulations.
directed by the high ambitions of his
wife, should make rather open show
ing of themselves perhaps was only nat
ural. Also that their influence should
be apparent in the tendencies of the
son could not consistently be surpris-
ing. What Harry Whitney would have
been capable of with the quickening
thumb-screws of necessity applied
could at the most be only guessed at.
What he was under the softening hui
mors of unending plenty could not.
perhaps, be severely set upon save for
what he was not. That he would have
been of stronger fiber and of brisker
spirit even in the sunshine of much
leasure is well nigh certain, had not
his doting mother contrived unceas-
ingly to shape him into something very
fine; thing to be set down hon.
estly that he was not capable of.
That he had certain apparent
tastes for art and reading and re-
finement-as who should not with time
and money at commandments prob
ably deceived the fond mother, whose
mental well was not inscrutably deep,
into the dream that her boy had in him
something great. In this light she had
very much at heart the long-carried
idea that her son should be an artist,
which, taken together with their wealth,
might lift and float them in the end
among the social peaks. To this end she
early directed his attention to the
brush. forgetting, or not knowing.
that he or she, who from dearth of in
elination turns not to art as a child
unto its mothers milk, had best not
touch it. Joel characterized this pro-
ceeding as mess of nonsense, though
while the boy remained at school he
with an occasional "Pooh!"
that blew the subject from him.
John Earling continued very fond of
his old-time comrade, albeit his friend
had slight moral fiabbiness that dis
pleased him, but his kindness and care
less good humor was very taking and
his friends were many Ever and anon
he dropped in at the store leaving
smile, shake of the hand, and book
with John Earling. .'Cappy, he would
say, with laugh, throwing his arm
across the others neck, s'here's book;
read her. and tell me about itr' And
again: "Cappy, you're brave one. My
poor, you know; keep this
Iron County register., 1886-09-30

description, it is not intended to convey
the idea that they are necessary to the
good effect of the mode. They are,
however, very fashionable, but plain
dress goods are equally admired, and
will often be selected for toilets of this
Ba1tterick' Delineator.
Iron County register., 1886-09-30

"A Chicago jeweler is said to have
invented a self-winding watch. Now let
the same genius apply himself to the in-
vention OF self-tinding watch key.--
LoUeH Citizen.
Iron County register., 1886-09-30

-Meidsville (Ga.) hunters had fun
for three hours the other day chasing a
catamount 1t was shot nine times be-
fore it was killed.
Iron County register., 1886-09-30
ITO BE CONTINUED

The worlds ninety-four geograph-
cial societies contain $4,000 members
IN. Y. Mail
The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-18

| have for sale number of farms in
Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties
as follows: A farm of 172 acres in Canoe
at $3.50 per acre, part cash and part
time, all tillable, and a bargain. Thirty
three acres of timber land in Henry coun~
ty, near Joslyn station, S25 per acre A
farm of 1876 in Whiteside county. %
miles from Hillsdale, 81 miles from Erie,
fine farm and good bargain at $35
per acre, the privilege of 100 acres ad-
joining grazing land and meadow, with
this place if desired. A farm of 80 acres
in Coe township, miles from Port By,
ron, cheap at $40 per acre, has fine new
improvements, fruit, and all conveniences
of home farm. A farm miles north>
west of Hilsdale, in Canoe Creek, with
fine improvements, fruit, and buildings,
1870 acres, will be sold cheap iftaken soon.
Also a beautiful residence property in
Port Byron, with or without 40 acres OF
land adjoining, for sale at less than cost
of improvements, and good reasons foi
selling. | also have other residence prop
critics in Port Byron, list of which will
be furnished on application. A good
residence on Second avenue near Tenth
street, in Rock Island, cheap, for a
short time only. and for cash. Also &C
acres of timber land 3 miles from Rock
Island at $40 per acre; must be sold
soon as owner is forced to sell.
Remember, please, that l offer none
but bargains and furnish good title in
every case.
In lands in Kansas and Iowa | always
aim to offer the best bargains in the mar
ket, and visit to my Office will pay you
if you want to buy. Office over Ameri,
can Express Office. Seventeenth street
Telephone No.. 1858.
SAvILLE JOHNSTON.
The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-18
ARSENAL CHANGES.
The Reason Of Col. FL gier's Transfer
Rotation OF Officers Decided
Upon.

.
"a ieiesram from washington s'''e'
that the wholesale change OF command
ants at military posts is due 10 an opin-
i'm Of secrs,.rv,of.var Edi,co,t that
-. A.; g..
io'a''on VI oiiioeis IL 'no ''s' '"'ns io'
the country. The following is the
general order which affects Col. FIapler
H. m - 49, o.a.o
a"ons o'ne' on'9 y, vac '"'"' :.
department OF Inc united states army:
Col. Julian McAllister, relieved from
command of the Benicia arsenal, Cali
forEia. and ordered to New York as
president of the Ordnance board and the
board for testing rified cannon; Col.
Silas CrIspin, relieved from command of
lne franktord arsenal, fhiiaueiphla, ana
arsanoI CoS;forn;o. Thomas q DorIor
relieved from command of the New York
arsenal and assigned to the command of
tne ROCK island arsenal ILLINOIS, Lieut. :
H.. '". % W. '. 80 I'm
and ASSIGNED IN the command of the
Watervliet arsenal, West Troy; Lieut.
Coi. u. W. flagier, renewed from COM
in"iiu vi 'iio ho0h 1o'aua "isouai anu
orSenoI. I,;ant-CoI Aired Mordecal
from command of the Watervliet arsenal
| and ordered to command the New York
aIselai' maJ. ".li'ihi "A marye' ron
The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-18

Henry Ross, colored, was held in bonds
of $500 by Magistrate Bennett yesterday
morning, for stealing lawn mower from
Judge Peasants, and selling it at a pawn
shop in Davenport Ross went to jail
with prospects of trip to Joliet before
he gains his freedom again.
Mrs. Webster was arrested last night for
keeping house of i'll repute, and Martha
Shanks, Mollie Wilson and an other woman
were taken into custody for being in
mates. Magistrate Bennett imposed a
fine of 800 and costs upon each this
morning and all were sent to the county
iail
The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-18

MIR. George Heorath, the butcher at
2211 Fourth avenue, met with serious
accident while driving in from Milan yes
terday afternoon. He has been very il
of late, and being still feeble, his horses
became unmanageable and ran away
throwing him from the wagon and pre-.
cipitating him to the ground with fright>
full force. He was picked up uncon>
scious and remained so for several hours.
lie was conveyed to his home in this
city, where DIR. Cowden attended him.
He was badly bruised about the head,
shoulders and back, but fortunately no
bones were broken. He finally recovered
consciousness, and to all appearances to-
day was resting quietly, with no indica-
ton of fatal results. With proper care,
DIR. Cowden hopes to bring the patient
through, though his injuries are of Sc
rious nature.
The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-18
Rig Stolen

Some time between s and 8 o'clock
Sunday evening, horse and phaton be-
longing to Mrs. u n Roberts. was stols
en- from the front of the Baptist church,
where the horse was tied while Mrs. Rob
erts was attending church. Word WAS
Immediately sent to the police station
and Officer Howard started out to find
the rig. He drove up to Moline and
there heard that rig answering to the
description was seen going south toward
the Rock river bridge. Howard started
in pursuit. and at the bridge was told by
the bridge>tender that the rig had passed
over the bridge about 10 O'Clock and had
started toward Milan. At Milan, How>
ard hired another horse and kept up the
chase on horseback Nothing has been
heard from him since $50 yesterday
morning, and it is not known whether he
has overhauled the thief or not. A re-
ward of $25 is offered for the capture of
the person who stole the rig. He is de-
scribed to be a man about % years of
age, with smooth face, wearing light
suit of clothes and a light straw hat. -
Davenport Gazette.
The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-18

Not content with his nicely arranged
gallery, Mr.. Rasmussen has this spring
incurred considerable expense in making
it more roomy and still nicer by taking
in the rooms on the second floor, for sew
eral years occupied by himself and
family, The whole interior has
been reconstructed and divided into
number of rooms, each fitted for an es>
pecial purpose for the business, The
front or corner room is the la
dies parlor, on the walls of which are
hung many pictures of familiar faces of
well known people of the three cities,
There are several well executed pictures
in India ink any crayon, all of which are
nicely framed and hung in an artistic
manner. The center room is the recep-
ton room, the floor of which is laid IN
hard wood, the walls are decorated with
many specimens of the artists production
finer photograph work perhaps, than can be
found at any other place west of Chicago.
Adjoining the room in front is the print
ing room; near the reception room is the
toilet department, nicely fitted up. The
other rooms are fitted with all the con-
veniences for the production of first class
work, in fact, the whole gallery makes
one of the incest places of the kind in the
western country. The cramped stairway
the only entrance to the establishment
for many years, is done away with, and a
new and broad stairway has been built,
leading from the front up the west side
of the building. This gallery is provided
with all the latest improvements known
to the Photographic art, in the working
department. The assistants are all well
learned in the production of Photographic
art, and all who patronize this establish
ment can depend on getting first class
work, as none but the best of work is al
lowed to leave the gallery. Mr.. Ras.
mussen's success has been grand, but
true merit has won it, and the success
that he has met with, he justly deserves,
as there is doubtless no man in the bust
ness who takes more interest in the pro-
duction of good work than Mr.. Ras,
mussen
The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-18
THE FARMERS FRIEND |
John Deere Passes to
His Rest.
The Great Manufacturer
Life.
His Remarkable Career and
Grand Achievements.
From Blacksmith and Me-
chanic,
To the Greatest Plow Maker
in the World.
JOHN DEERE DEAD.
To the Greatest Plow Maker
in the World.
JOHN DEERE DEAD.


Mr.. John Deere, the venerable and
renowned pillow manufacturer, of Moline.
passed from earth at $40 last evening.
He had been in failing health for year,
the weight of declining years of a life of
unceasing toll. having began to manifest
itself last autumn, and trip was taken to
California, in hopes of bene6ting the
health of the great manufacturer; but
upon his return he appeared to sink
rather than improve and he failed gradu
ally until the hour stated, when he passed
quietly and peaceably TO his rest, like one
falling asleep after hard days work.
Death is assigned principally to general
debility, though it was FASTENED by
dyspepsia Thus ends the life of one
of the most remarkable careers thu
manufacturing and commercial world ha.
| ever known.