davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
They Sprung it on Him.

1t happened at hotel not far from
the treasury building. He was man
of serious intentions and numerous at
tentions, and she was rich and wedable
Monday night he was there, and they
sat in the hall under the stairway. II
was nook for lovers. There wasn't q
soul in sight, and he thought his golden
opportunity had arrived. Down he
Topped on his knees and clasped hei
hand.
"Dear one" he whispered, not very
loud. but loud enough. Il have loved
you with the whole strength and ardor
of a mans nature, when it is reused by
all that is pure and good and lovely in
woman, and | can no longer restrain my
pent-up feelings must tell you what IL
in my heart and tell you that never yet
has woman heard from my lips the sec.
rets that are throbbing and"
Just then rustic was heard on the
stairs above them, and card fastened
TO q thread swung down and dangled
not two inches from the lovers nose.
On it were these portentous words: Il
am something of liar myself" Then
the awful truth flashed upon him, and
he fled. AS he went out the door, six.
teen girls at the head of the stairs sent
sixteen laughs out into the damp night
air after. He makes no love in hotels
now Washington Critic.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
A Queer Faculty.

One OF the most remarkable instances
of retentive memory known is that Of
William White, colored resident OF
the county poor-house. Bill is blind
and has been since boyhood, caused by
the enlargement of the forehead, al
most covering up his eyes. He is better
known as Blind Bill. and makes his
semi-annual visit to Lexington to see the
town. He can, without a single mis-
take, tell each and every one who has
lived at the poor-house during his long
term there. covering more than twelve
years. Their names, the date of theiI
arrival, giving the day, ETC., or the
month and year. He can tell you the
number of deaths that have occurred,
the cause, also the date and day Of
death. He knows the streets of Lexing.
ton, and many of them are nilly, rough
and have number of steps and terra
ces, better than many who have lived
here longer, and with his long cane
needs no other guide to go and come
able thing about Bill is his sense OF
touch. He can tell everyone who has
lived here any length of time by taking
hold of their hand In his, and feeling
for the various marks of his different
requirements. He recognizes some by
a wart, mole, or scar, or perhaps
some enlargement of the finger joint.
Mr. Frank Mattox, citizen of the coun.
ty who lives twenty miles in one direc
ton from town and Blind Bill seven
miles in the other, happened to meet
him. Said Mr.. Mattox to someone
standing by:
bill has not felt of my hand in ten
years. wonder if he will know me
now?'
''Yes. see." said many.
Bill was directed to him, and taking
hold of his hand he began feeling it all
over, and, said he:
II know who that is. That's Mr..
Frank Mattox. atlanta Constitution.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Notwithstanding the gratuitous adj
vice Of many of the newspapers the
past week against giving Christmas
presents, a good many people have
been made happy by gifts of greater or
less value. The press seemed to have
made an almost unanimous and pre-
concerted attact upon this excellent
custom. The Chicago Herald is about
the only daily paper among our ex-
changes that seems to approve of giving
holiday gifts.
1t says: If the advice which writer's
for the press give to purchasers of
Christmas presents were to be followed
it is likely that no presents would be
bought One inveighs against useless
gifts, and urges all people to buy
nothing but articles that may be of
service to the recipient. Another points
the finger of scorn at the man who
makes his wife a present of clothes
wringer and at the wife who makes her
husband a present of piano cover Still
another declares that Christmas giving
has become nothing more than a swap
ping of presents by people who are en-
tirely able to provide themselves with
all that they may need, and that a
better observance of the season would
be for everybody to find some one who
could not return the favor with any
thing except gratitude. Another, evil
IDENTIFY a man soured early in life, says
that the whole business is nothing more
nor less than genteel blackmail, and
that the custom of permitting wives
and daughters to rob husbands and
fathers should be incontinently abol-
ished.
The person who undertook to find in
any of these suggestions an unfailing
rule of conduct would certainly abandon
the job in despair and either enter upon
a wild career of extravaganza or else
draw himself into a hole and neither
give nor receive. The Christmas season
brings out about all the human nature
that there is in the world, and it is not
to be wondered at that q great deal of
it is of a cast which does not meet with
general approval. But the man or wo-
man who undertakes to change it has
a tremendous task on hand. The Gus
tom of giving is a wholesome one, and
nothing should be said or done to check
it or bring it into disrepute. Bad as
the world is, it is probably susceptible
of proof that every succeeding Christ
mas sees more deeds of charity than the
one that preceded it, and, as for usefu
and useless gifts, nothing can accurate
ly be described as useless which serves
the double purpose of cementing friend
ships, relieving distress, or emphasizing
good will and of putting money into
circulation.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
The Old Year and the New.

The New Year is almost here. In
few days we will pull off the last leaf of
the calendar for 1886, and the new cal
endar for 1887 will mark the days for
us. We will stand one year nearer the
end of time and only fourteen short
years from the twentieth century. To
live from one century into another will
be the lot of perhaps half the people now
living. Those who live into 1900 will
see the century they have lived in con-
demned and criticised as we criticise the
centuries that have gone before. Tous,
the nineteenth century seems kind of
final achievement. Ii all the wonders
that have been done in it were chronicled,
it would make a tale as strange and mar
velous as those of ancient ma gic and
necromancy. The year 1887 marks the
centennial of the Federal constitution.
For one hundred years we have been a
nation. The year 1887 reminds us that
time is running away with us and that
the horizon of our future is rapidly mar
rowing 1t reminds us that what we
would do must be done quickly. To the
young it says, ''make haste for youth is
opportunity" to the old it says. make
haste for age is opportunity no less tho
in another dress" To each of us it
brings untried possibilities, to each it
offers chances Of redemption. If we
have abused or neglected the chances
that 1886 brought to us-1SS7 comes
with new days, and they are ours to
make them what we will. At the be-
ginning of this New Year the road to
Nadir will doubtless be thickly paved
with good resolutions. But it is better
to resolve on good though one never
attains it than never to resolve at all,
for,
Some slight good is also wrought
Beyond self-satis faction,
When we are simply good in thought,
HoWe'er we err In action.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
How to Make a Poem.

Pray. tell me truly" said to a sage,
the master OF mysteries rare.
VINO nad READ every poem of every age,
,. no matter by whom writ, or where;
fray. tell me truly, how poems are made"
- q knew that full many time
Inc sage IN the grove of the Muses. haf
strayed,
And had clothed his bright fancies ir
rhyme).
Let your genius, my son. he replied, "have
its way,
In spite. in defiance Of sense:
But govern right well its syntactical play
On number and gender and tense.
For, know you, at times the sffiatus divine
Needs a lift in a sensible way,
just as many brand of most delicate wine
Needs raisin to give it bouquet
yet though sense and exc reason are Oft il
demand
To help the rhymed syllables out,
That rhyme Is the rudder of verse, under
stand,
There is not scintilla of doubt.
30 now, If you'd count on the Muse as youi
friend,
: And would never In poetry fail,
Guide the sense OF your lines by the rhymeS
at the end,
Just as butchers steer calves by the tail.
It's The jingle that pleases the average ear
The music of rhythm and rhyme;
Keep this we'll in mind, and, my son, never
fear
But you'll rank as a poet in time"
Gath Brittle.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
Howard Paul'S Pun.

Puns in a general way are not worth
mentioning, but Howard Paul got one
off t'other night at a supper table that
may be repeated. The merits of Nat
Goodwin as an actor were being dis
cussed. An English actress, who IS here
with the Cameron troupe, declared she
did not see much in him. Then the
conversation proceeded and Lady Arch
ibald Campbell's name cropped up.
'.Ah. like her She's an admirable
actress. But she Is an unframed
amateur. while Nat is professional of
experience We'll, that's my opinion. y
stoutly maintained the Crmeronian.
That's what l call straining at Nat
and swallowing a Campbell replied
Howard Paul, and the supper proceed
ed to joyous termination.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

1t Is next to impossible to secure a
good second growth of pine in the Ser
RI Nevadas as long as sheep are per-
mitted to range unrestricted over the
mountains. They trample the young
sprouts of two or three years growth
into the ground and kill them. They
feed on the tiny shoots the first year
they appear. Even if they survive the
first few years the sheep-men frequent
" set fire to the underbrush in order to
clear the ground for feed. Fires are
also started carelessly from the camp
fires of the herders. All in all. the trees
have tough time to attain maturity.
Those who are interested in the subject
of forestry would find 1t to their advan-
tage to study this means of destruction
of trees, which we firmly believe to be
greater than all others, and see a
remedy by which such destruction can
be prevented.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

The colonel's naughty eyes became sterner
than ever. The holster was torn as he
wrenched the revolver out. A clutch at the
name, and he fell forward on the wet brown
leaves-deadl
Dumb amazement filed the horses great
eyes: he stretched out his neck and smeIled
his hfeless master inquiringly
A shot from Harry musket, fifty from the
astounded Confederates and the two Unionists
sped away unhurt into the cover of the dark
cedars.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

AS Lord Colin Campbell failed to
make out his case the costs will fall up
on HIM, or rather upon his father the
Duke of Argyll. Neither of the parties
to the suit really lose anything, having
nothing to lose. They still have as
much money and as much reputation as
they had when they went into the busi-
ness. Outside parties have lost both on
their account.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Poor Mr.. Endicott! we sympathize
with him. We have had to take lots of
"cussing" for articles that we chad not
read carefully" But if it ever falls to
our lot to have an official report to sign.
we shall glance it over and see whether
it makes any bad breaks like charging
the faithful old soldier, Gen. Miles with
disobedience of orders. 1t is the duty
of a cabinet officer to at least read ov, +
his official reports.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

The New York World says the DEM
ocratic party cannot stand still. Well
no; not in this county or State. When
the Republicans attend to their knitting
the Democratic party moves backward
at the rate of about twenty knots an
hour
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

The newspapers are waging war on
the high hats worn by ladies this
winter. The Chicago clergymen who
are"going for" the ballet ought to do
something about the high hat. though
to be sure fewer can see tho ballet when
they are worn.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

The New York Sun suggests that now
thar Sehogganing is in such vogue, the
president inyite Pan-electric Garland to
the summit ofvsCabinet Hill" and then
let him slide
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Notwithstanding DIE Presidents hat
rcd of the press, Con ress gave all the
newspapers Christmas present. 1t
gave them rest.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Among lot of coal recently mined
near louisville. Pa, was found a niece
OF crystal rock in the shape of q perfect-
" formed owl.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

There are now confined in the State
prison 444 male and IL female convicts.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
no ~ eoSTISCED.]

THE HERALD of Jan. viii contain
a complete chronological report Of al tue
important events Of 1885. Na1ep i9r IL
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Congress adjourned Dec. p, until
Jan a.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

Mr.. Parnell is seriously in in London.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27
THE RED ACORN.
BY JOHN M'ELRoY,
author Of "Anaersonuille.a ETC

tCepyrishted by National Tribune Publishing Co.,
ana published by arrangement with them.l
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27

He went to sleep again, with the sweet
strains ringing in his ears, as il in some way
part of the marvellous happenings of that
most eventful day.
Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-12-27


Quiet, Brunei"
The clamors of the gang changed to little
yelps of welcome.
is that you, Jim ~ inquired high pitched
but not unpleasant voice from the door
"Yes, Aunt Debby," answered Fortner,
aan' hev some one with me-
As the two approached, surrounded by the
fawning dogs, a slender, erect woman APP
peared in the doorway, holding above her
head by its nail and chain. one of the rude
iron lamps common in the houses of the
mountains.
Everything all right, Aunt Debby ~ asked
Fortner, as, after entering, he turned from
firmly securing the door by placing across it
a strong wooden Tar that rested in the tim
bers on either side.
Eyes, thank Godin she said with quiet fer
vor She stepped with graceful freedom over
the floor, and hung the lamp up by thrusting
the nail into a crack in one of the logs form
ing the walls of the room. aAn' how is hit
with yea" she asked, facing Fortner, with her
large gray eyes eloquent with solicitude
20, ez fur me, I'm jes ez sound ez when
left heah last week, 'cept thet I'm tireder'n
pillow mule at night, an hongrier nor bar
thets lived all winter by slckin' hits paws"
II s'pose y air tired am hongry; ye look
hit, said the woman, with q compassionate
glance at Harry, who had sank Imply into
chair before the glowing wood fire that filed
up large part of the end of the room.
''Set down by the fire" she continued, "an
I'll git We some pone an milk Thars nothin'
better ter start in on when yer rale empty"
She went to rude cupboard in the further
part of the room, whence the note of collid-
ing crockery soon gave information that she
was busy.
Fortner took a bunch of tow from his
pouch and with it wiped off every particle Of
dampness from the outside of his rifle, after
which he laid the gun ON two wooden hooks
above the fireplace, and hung the aeeouter-
ments on deer horns at its breech
"Pull off yer shoes an toast yer feet he
said to Harry. AThe ire'll draw the tiredness
right out
Harry's relaxed fingers fumbled vainly
with the wet and obstinate shoe strings. Aunt
Debby came up with large bowl Of milk in
each hand, and great circular loaf of corn
bread under her arm. She placed her burden
upon the floor, and with quick, def fingers
I0osened the stubborn knots without an APP
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-02-18
THE CHAMPION SPEAKS.
sullivan Sends His UItimatum 20
Paddy Ryan.

Boston, Feb. 19.-John l.. Sullivan
arrived here from WoOnsocket this morning.
On seeing Ryan's letter he wrote the fol-
lowing:
To the Editor of the Globe: I regret ex-
ceedingly that / was not at home yesterday
when Paddy Ryan's braggadocio letter came,
for should have promptly telegraphed him
70 go and get some stuff, as l was his man.
The first l knew of his challenge was few
moments ago, when l arrived here from
Woonsocket. Mr.. Ryan need not ask "Who
Is really justified In calling himself the cham
pionI'' for /, John l.. Sullivan of Boston, am
the champion pugilist of the world. and when
they defeat me they can take my laurels. I
will not deviate one particle from my
ultimatum, which is the same as you
published, fight to finish within
six weeks after signing articles with kid
gloves, for $4,000 side, only five friends of
eacn man 10 be present. i am not desirous
or again entering the ring, but as long as
live and am in as good condition as / am now,
will hold the cake. well understand how
he feels chafed on all sides for having to sue
cumo TO mere Boston boy" as he termed
mo prior 10 our Mississippi City fight Yet
he found out his mistake. In conclusion I
will say that this ends all correspondence be-
tween Ryan and myself. Let him go and
fight some other man, or either put up or
shut up, for will not fight him on any other
terms. The idea of his wanting TO fight for
the gate receipts, the winner to take so per
cent. and the loser 20 per cent, shows the
world what a man is willing to do-take 20
per cent. and receive good pounding, Just
what he will get whenever he stands In 'front.'
of John L. Sullivan of Boston, champion Of
the world.
Sullivan left this afternoon for Marlboro,
but he will return to this city on Monday
for few days to await the answer from
the champion paper fighter" as he terms
Paddy RYAN
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-02-18

Indian lands, by fine of not more than
$500 and imprisonment of not more than
one year, was passed. The bill for the
allotment of lands in severalty to the HI
dams was taken up, but at 2 O'Clock it went
over, and consideration Of the education
bill was resumed. The senate agreed TO an
amendment striking out the special appro-
priation tor school buildings. An amend
ment by MIR. Teller was also agreed to, pro-
viding that none of the money appropriated
by the bill should be paid TO state until its
legislature should accept the provisions OF
the bill Mr.. ingalls, amen dment to limit
the moneys going TO each state to its pro-
portion of illiterates between the ages of 10
and IL was srejected-yeas II, nays %. An
amendment by Mr.. Plumb, making the
legislature of a state the determining au-
thOrity for the application of that portion
of each states quota which the bill requires
to be applied to the education of teachers,
was agreed to. Mr.. Maxey's amendment
to insert the words ''from moneys In the
treasury not otherwise appropriated, was
rejected-yeas 10, nays 80. A debate
ensued as to industrial education in the ter
ritOries. and Mr.. ingalls, moved TO strike
out the section applying to the territories,
but his motion was rejected-yeas %, nays
26. Mr.. Malone moved an amendment re-
quiring the governor of a state to furnish
the secretary of the interior each year par
ticulars as to the population, white and col
ored, of each school district. the number Of
white and colored children of school age in
each district. and the number attending
school, Pending action on this amend
ment the senate went into executive ses-
sion and soon adjourned.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-02-18
YIRGINIA,S DEBT.
A Bill Introduced to Facilitate Efs
settlement.

RICHMOND, Va, Feb. 17.-In the senate
to-day the bill prepared by Lieut.. Gov.
Messy was introduced by Senator Wing
field. to facilitate the settlement of the pub
lib debt of the state. A lengthy preamble
gives the history of the debt, the apportion-
ment of one-tenth to West Virginia, the
reasons that impelled the general assembly
to pass the Riddleberger bill and the equities
of the whole case. The bill authorized tho
governor to appoint three citizens of Vir'
ginia as board Of commissioners 10 confei
with the bondholders, and to acquaint then
with the material and financial condition Of
Virginia and explain the facts which make
the settlement under the Riddleberger acl
Just and equitable, and its acceptance by
the necessity for the probation of their ins
terests. The commissioners were empow'
cred to take steps to adjust with West Vir.
ginia just proportion of the state debt az
II existed prior to the 1st of January, 1851,
to be borne by West Virginia and not By
Virginia The bill further provides thai
that amount secured to be paid by West
Virginia shall be divided pro rata among
the holders of West Virginia certiti-
Gates which have been issued under the diff
ferent acts of the general assembly OF Vir-
ginia or which may be issued before the 1st
of January, 1887.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-02-18
Ciamoring for Bread.

PAsPEBIAc. Que, Feb. IA mob
gathered again yesterday afternoon, de-
manding provisions. and to-day they have
again assembled. More trouble is expected.
The ringleaders are not those who are in
want. 1t Is said that the rioters are Metis,
a eross-breed between the early AcadianS
and Micinac Indians. The French and
English poor are not likely TO give any
trouble to the authorities. None of those
engaged in Mondays disturbances have vet
been arrested. The local. authorities are
powerleSs to deal with large and organ
lied mob, and the situation causes anxiety.
Peaceable lives and valuable property are
entirely at the mercy of the mob element,
and unless the government sends force of
police at once 10 assist the local authorities
II is feared that acts of violence will be
committed and perhaps bloodshed.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-02-18
Prospect. sim Gloomy.

PIrTsBURG, Pa, Feb. 17.-There seems
to be no immediate prospects of an amiea-
bic settlement of the coke strike at present
The demands made are widely at variance
The English miners want an advance in
wages. but have few other demands whic h
they press The Hungarians and Germans,
however, have list as long as the Persian
Code. They demand that nobody shall be
prosecuted for the rioting and illegal acts
committed during the strike. They say
that the men at present under arrest and
all those against whom indictments have
been found or are to be made shall go Scot
free. They also ask for an advance of
wages, the total abolition Of company
stores. the appointment of check measur-
ers, who shall keep tally on the present
time keepers, the making of all wagons of
the uniform size and that each miner shall
have the right to be hoisted out of the
mines at any time as many times a day as
he may desire. The syndicate is willing to
grant an advance after March Is, provided
the men will return to work at once at the
old rates, but positively refuse to make any
other concession. Another meeting will be
held on Thursday. when definite action will
be taken. Nearly 1000 strikers gathered
at the Beeson works to-day to persuade the
employees TO quit work. Many of the strik-
ers were armed and trouble is feared il the
men refuse TO join the strike.