davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
WHOLE NO. 1856
ChocO' ale.

There is no reason why Monroe County
should not afford large portion of the
chocolate which is consumed in the Unit
ed States. We have climate and soil
which is admirably adapted to its pro-
duction, and it will certainly pay hand
some profit upon any proper investment
made in its cultivation. The name is de-
rived from the Aztec chocolate, and it is,
as we know, nutritious drink, and is
prepared from the cocoa, which is the
fruit of the thcobroma cocoa. The tree
is found in Central America, South Amer
lea and Mexico, and in the West India
Islands. 1t is beautiful evergreen,
growing to the height of from twelve to
twenty feet; produces both fruit and
flowers during the entire year, and is one
of the handsomest plants known. The
fruit is about five or six inches long, and
about two and half in diameter and is
shaped like pod of okra. 1t turns yell
low when ripe, and contains generally
from twenty to thirty beans in the fruit.
These are arranged in rows in rose col
orcd pulp, which is sometimes eaten.
The fruit ripens in June and December,
at which time the beans, which are about
the size Of shcllcd almonds, arc separated
from the pulp and dried in the sun, when
they are ready for the market. They are
thcn roasted like coffee, which causes the
shells to separate from the beans. These
shells are sorted by winnowing and form
an inferior cocoa. The seeds thus pre-
pared arc sometimes used for food after
being boiled long time, but if they are
to be made into chocolate they are ground,
mixed with starch, sugar and other sub
stances, and made into cakes. The best
chocolate, however, is simply made from
shcllcd beans, which are parched and
ground like coffee. The irregular pieces
into which the seeds separate after being
shcllcd are called nibbs, and are the pur-
est form in which cocoa can be bought.
Collector Harris is now experimenting
with some of the seeds, with a view of
starting cocoa farm. 1t takes about
three years fer the plants to come into
bearing. Key West (Fh.) Democrat.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
The Part He Forgot.

The following colloquy occurred in
the court room in this city the present
week:
Young Attorney-IIave you stated all
that you remember of the conversation
which you had with Mr.. Blankl
Witness-Yes, sir.
Young Attorney-That, then, was the
whole conversation, was it notl
Witness-No, sir. l do not think I
remember all.
Young Attorney-What part of it
don't you rcmemberl
The witness answer was lost in the
laughter that ensued at the attorneys
expense. --Ehmira Gazette.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
XIV.-NO. 3d. WOODSTOCK, WEDNESDAY, 4l9S

not give any proof other than his own as
sertion. Now we may believe every
word he says, but cannot grant his claim,
simply because there is no legal proof.
Perhaps the persons whom he knew he
could prove it by, are dead or nobody
knows where, consequently his claim is
rejected. But this does not necessarily
end the matter, as the claimant may ac-
cidentally stumble on some proof that he
knew nothing about, and send to Wash
ington and revive his claim. On the
other hand, man may assert that he
contracted rheumatism on the 18th day
of December, 1868. We will go to him
and take his full statement, and then ask,
"Can you prove this" ooh, yes" he
will answer, and then we will ask him
for the names of his witnesses. He will
probably give me two, for instance, liv-
ing in different parts of the country. I
will go to one and ask him if he knows
that Mr.. Smith contracted rheumatism
on such day. He may say: "Well, I
remember that Mr.. Smith complained of
itching pains in his leg that morning.
He had been on picket duty the night be-
fore and that morning borrowed bottle
of liniment from one of the boys and
rubbed his leg for some time" I'll 60
to the other witness and he will say,
eyes, remember Smith was complain
ing that day. told him we were going
to have serious trouble and that he had
better drop back and go to the hospital,
but he said, 4 came here to fight, not to
go to the hospital" Well, he will
suffer from rheumatism after that and
know that he contracted it that night
while on picket duty, and has two wit
ncsses to prove it, so he gets pension.
If man is entitled to pension and can
prove it by competent witnesses he has
no trouble in securing it.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14

Clara-Well, Henry, this is pretty con.
duct. Mother was here to supper and
you never made your appearance.
Henry-Nery sorry, my love-couldn't
helpit Met Boojum-would have me
GO to the theatre.
Clara (suspiciously)-Indced! What
was the play aboutl You know Ialways
like to hear.
Henry-Sorry | can't oblige you. Boo
jun talked to me so that didn't hear a
word.
Clara-What did you seel
Henry-Nothing. Boojums sister and
her hat sat in front Of me. -Pailddelphil
Call,
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
The Town Cow.

One of the most annoying things that
the country people has to contend with
(says the West Union (O.) Defender is
the ordinary town COW. When the farm
er leaves home he puts in the bottom of
his sleigh or sled bountiful armful of
hay. This answers the twofold purpose
of scat and to keep the feet of himself
and the good wife warm. He arrives at
town, unloads his wife in front of some
store, and proceeds to hitch his team at
some point about the public square. No
sooner is his back turned than dozen
starved cows Immediately surround his
sled, and before he can say "Jack Robin
son with his mouth open," every straw in
his sled has gone through the gastric
orifices of the aforesaid COWS. We no.
ticcd one particularly careful fellow the
other day. After hitching his team he
took his hay and carried it into the court
house yard. He was going to have the
deadwood on that bunch of hay and de-
parted for saloon with grin on his
face. We watched the proceedings with
considerable interest. lie was not out
of sight until three or four long horns
opened the gate and proceeded to the
pile and chewed it up. Clubbing these
lean kind does no good. In fact they
rather enjoy the fun. You can take an
ordinary stick of cordwood and bounce
it from off their carcasscs fifty feet high
and they will turn around and smile at
you They don't even grunt when you
have hit them hard enough to stavc in
their ribs. Such punishment seems only
to act as tonic; it whets their appetites
and makes them enjoy the repast which
the farmer has hauled to them from his
home many miles distant. And after it
is all over just notice the peculiar look
they give the man who came to town sit
ting on a pile of hay, as he departs for
home on the bare boards! The town
cow is nuisance but at the same time a
necessity in all rural villages. A ''home
without mother" would not be a more
lonesome spectacle than rural village
without its herd of lean long-horned,
stump tailed cows.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
Evolution Of the Horse.

Professor Schmidt, in recent work
traces the genealogy of the horse through
four or six stages of evolution, according
as the European or American line of de-
scent is followed. Each stage is marked
by distinct advance in the process of
elimination of the toes, of which the one
toed hoof of the present horse is the final
outcome. 1t is shown that the earliest
ancestors Of the European horse had three
toes, while those Of the American horse
had four, end in later fossil forms these
are found to di'anr''r gradually until
the one-toel hooi IS rcached.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14

Ruthic was almost four years old and
her mamma thought it would be such a
pleasant surprise to papa if the postman
should happen to bring him picture of
his dear little girl on her birthday
Papa's business called him away from
home great deal 1t had been five long
months since he had seen his little daugh-
ter.
One sunny day Mrs. Kingman put on
Ruth's brocaded cloak and wide lace col
lar. She tied on her bonnet very care
iully and off they started for the photo
graphcr's Ruth said that Fanny needed
an airing, so the dolly had to 90 too.
Mamma thought it would be an easy
thing to get n pretty picture of such a
sweet little face as that under the big
trillcd bonnet. But when Ruth found
herself behind the screen, all alone with
strange man, the sweet little face be-
came very funny little face. She began
to cry. Such a strange machine, with
the big glass eye, that looked right at
her
Mamma ran in to comfort her, and the
photographer showed her his bird and
his kitty, She wouldn't stand again
unless mamma would hold her hand.
They were afraid they couldn't get any
picture at all. But after while the man
thought of her dolly out in the other
room and went and wheeled her in.
is this your child, madam, " he asked
Ruth. Ruth looked shy, but nodded.
"WclI, madam, said he ''that is fine
looking child, and l should really like to
take he! picture"
"WeIl, you cam" said the proud little
mother; shut I'm afraid she will cry if !
don't take hold of her hand"
The photographer told her she might
do so, if she would set her child very
good example, and stand very still.
"Therc, that will do, said he in u min.
ute; 81 think We have a very good
picture of Miss Fanny"
Miss Fanny's photograph reached papa
on Ruth's birthday, and papa was very
glad to see her. But it was to the other
dear little face looking right at him out
Of the picture that he gave all his kisses.
Our LihleOnes
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
Forever Young.

The wild world hastens on its way;
The gray.haired century nears it close;
Its sorrow depens day by day;
The Summer blush forsakes tho rose.
But, darling, while your voice | hear,
And while your dark-brown eyes | sec,
Sad months and sunless, seasons drear,
Are all the same, all glad, to me.
Despair can never reach me
While your soft hand hold,
While your cyes love and teach me.
never shall grow old
They say that love forsakes the old:
That passion pales and fades away;
That even loves bright locks of gold
Must lose their charm and change to gray.
But, darling, while your heart is mine,
And while feel that you are true,
For me the skies will ever shine
With Summer light and tenderest blue.
Yes, let old-age deride me!
scorn his mocking tongue.
Dear love, with you beside me,
am forever young!
-Belgrduia.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
War Prices In the South.

A few days ago a party of gentlemen
were discussing high prices in the South
during the latter part of the civil war.
81 paid $50 a yard for a suit of gray
cotton jeans" said the first speaker, "and
the suit of clothes cost me $3.50 after be-
ing cut and made"
"rhe biggest trade made during the
war, said No. ., twas $50 for spool of
cotton thread"
"And l." said No, 3, "paid SIS for a
shave"
"IIow could man carry enough
change in his pocket to buy anythingl"
| ventured to ask. ,...
"They stuffed it in their hats, boots,
pockets, or most anywhere it would
stick, replied No. 1.-BaraeseM, Ga,
Mail.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
The Thirteen Superstition.

Some of the fashionable people of Bos-
ton are firm believers in the superstition
which is opposed to thirteen at table.
this often leads to awkward complica-
tons, for their dinner parties are fire.
quently arranged for fourteen. When
this is the case and on ofthc guests can.
not attend, and does not appriSe the
hostess of this fact until the day of the
dinner, great exertions are made to OBJ
tain the one necessary to make up the
original number and many ladies accept
short invitations in order to help their
friends out of their dilemma. When the
one desired cannot be found, it is often
convenient for a member of the family to
be indisposcd. This, of course, makes
the number of diners even, but it is
doubtful if it prevents any of them from
dying within the year Boston Budget.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14
CHILDREN'S COLUMN.


II anything unkind you hear
About some one you know my dear,
Do not, Ipray you, It repeat
When you that some one chance to meet;
For such news has leaden way
OF clouding DER sunny day.
But il you something pleasant hear
About some one you know, my dear,
Make hasto-to make great haste 'twere well;
To her or him the same to tell;
For such news has golden way
OF Lighting up cloudy day.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1886-04-14

The total area in cotton now slightly
exceeds 1s, 900, 900 acres. The tendency
TO extension of area is westward, especial
ly beyond the Mississippi.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15
Only Two Bottles. Messrs

Only Two Bottles. Messrs. John
ston, Holloway 81 Co., wholesale drug
gists OF Philadelphia, Pa, report that
some time ago gentleman handed
them dollar, with a request to send a
good catarrh cure to two army officers
in Arizona. Recently the same gentle
man told them that both of the officers
and the wife OF well-known u. s. A.
General had been cured of Catarrh by
two bottles of Eley's Cream Balm.
Not a liquid or snuff. Price so cents.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

Probably the most supcrbly beau
tiful woman ever married in this
country to foreign diplomat was
Mrs. Bass, of Mississippi. After
having passed several winters in
Washington, she married the Cne-
Waller Bernatti, man Of rare ac-
compliments, but in no ways good
looking. Her beauty was SO cele-
brated when she was the Widow
Bass that the mere mention of it
snflices to recall to many through
out the country the vision Of her
superb presence. "A daughter of
the gods, divinely tall and most di-
vincly fair The Cheyalier Ber-
natti, after his marriage, went to
Turkey, where he was the Minister
TO italy for some years, and the
Sultan presented Nine. Bernatti,
with an exquisite necklace of pearls.
He died, and she returned here to
recover from the United States
Government considerable sum OF
money for cotton destroyed on her
Mississippi plantation. When last
in Washington she was accompanied
by her daughter, Bliss Bass, who has
inherited her mothers fair, sunny
face, wealth Of light brown hair, and
imperial person.-EG.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15
I NE SALES.
Il Chance for Moderate Capital
and Earnest W0rkcers-

THAVE FOR SALE as ATTORNEY and as
/ owner, one farm of 24l acres, part lime
stone, and all productive land large house,
outbuildings, fruit and nevertailing spring;
200 acres tillable five miles from town, and
conyenientto churches, schools and mills
Also, one farm, productive slate la d, and
in good state of cultivation, ll6 acres; five
miles from town; good building and plen
ty of fruit
Also 35 acres choice and, wo miles from
town, no mproyements--plenty OF land and
choice location for truck farm.
These properties will be sold on long time,
only requiring moderate cash payment and
lien upon property Tor deferred payments
For terms call on or address
j. NELSON WISNER,
100 If Attorney.
1.-THE farm Of 24l acres is susceptible Of
division into two very desirable farms?'
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

A FEW WORDS REGARDING THE PRODUCT
I'VE CAPACITY OF TIE SOIL.

FEW WORDS REGARDING THE PRODUCT
I'VE CAPACITY OF TIE SOIL.
Before estimating upon the pro-
spective yield of location some con-
siderat;on must be given that which
the crops viii take from the soil and
the amount of fertilizing material ne
cessary for securing the results de-
sired. There are sections in which
two, and even three, crops may be
grown in ono year upon the same
soil, nor is it diificult matter to
grow two crops in nearly ali portions
of the United States, provided the
soil is rendered capable of withstand
ing the double taxation upon it. We
often hear of the exhaustion of the
soil. Such term should become OBJ
solete True scientific agriculture
does not admit OF soil exhaustion.
Pro gress is the order of the day, and
he who undertakes farming without
determining to have each succeeding
year witness bis soil increase in fer
tility, no matter what kind of crops
are grown, will have something to
learn in regard to his calling. In
the use of piece of land we have the
advantage of the material upon which
to operate. If we take from it we
must add to it. 1t is only tho agent
for our use, and can only DC expect
cd to produce by changing the COM
plexion and character of tho substan
ces given it for the purposes desired.
Hence, we may grow an early crop of
some quickly maturing plants, to be
followed by those that may be plant
ed later in the season. And by good
cultivation and the systematic use OF
fertilizihg food, there is no limit
known as yet regarding the product
i've capacity of the soil.--Farn,,
Field and Stockmdn.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

"If wanted TO get good square
judgement on something | had done,
I'd rather go to newspaper office
for it than to any Of our courts of
justice. / know the justice Of jour
nalists, their integrity, and the pur-
ity of their motives. ! know why
they probe into mems characters.
No man whose character is pure
need fear all the presses in America.
The best way to be safe from SO
called newspaper attacks is to be
Christian. The reporters are the
best detective forces in this country.
They have brought more rascals to
justice, and punctured more shams
than all other agencies combined
ReU. Sam Small.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15
They HAD Travelled.

81 am sorry you two ladys are 60
ing all that distance alone,' said
to some friends going East some
time ago. IF i see anybody on
tue train ! know, III put you in
his charge
"non't I'd rather not" one of
them answered.
.sWhv ~
Because you always get more
attention from strangers. We are
all right If we have any chab-
eron hell be bored to death, and he
will be disagreeable all the way.
If we have none, every man on the
train Wildcat our service, and he'll
only be to glad to attend to us
That's queer. | never thought
OF that.
"AIy boy, men are always in
search Of adventure, and a formal
introduction or an intimate acquain-
tacen makes it . duty and duty is
always disagleeable."
eWell, | suppose you are right
''Do yousee that gentleman there?
He's been quietly looking around to
see what pretty women are on the
train. Before we get to Port Cos
Ia he'll be asking my sister if he
can do anything for her. She's
prettier than | am But what he
is willing to do for her he'll do for
me TO keep me sweet. !"
~ don't think you'll get left
yourself"
Between you and me and the
window / don't think / will.n
And I left them with their ar
rangements all made as to how they
were going TO treat every man on
the cars.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

"Pray, my lord" asked q gentle
man of a Judge, "what is the differ
ence between common law and equi-
tyr every little in the end, " re-
sponded his Iordship; Eat common
law you are done for at once; in
equity you are not SO easily dispos-
ed Of The former is a bullet which
is instantaneously and charmingly
effective; the latter an anglers hook,
which plays with the victim before
it kills him. Common law is prus-
sic acid equity is laudenum.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15
ST ST CLAIR HOTKy,
MARTIRSBURG. w VA.

I HAVE refurnished this large and commo-
l dious House--the leading Hotel of the
CITY. Parlor and all the chambers fitted
and furnished in first-class order. All ar
rangements and management orderly and
respectable Table unexcelled Summer
boarders accommodated. Transient travel
lers made comfortable by home-ike atten
ton. Kind and obliging employees In eve
nv department Bath rooms in the house.
Families or person desiring board respectful
" referred to Rev. r. II. Pitt. Hon. j. II.
Ge.tinger, Dr. J. O. Hover, Mr.. Frank
Thomas and oher guests, citizens OF Mar
tinsburg. T II. DORSEY,
in IL Proprietor.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

Senator Malone is the qucerest
dressed man in the Senate. His
100 pounds of skin and bones are
bound round with clothes which
make him look like fashion plate
of so years ago, settled and materi-
allied. His long black frock coat
is cut in the shape Of two inverted
bells, with big chest, little waist,
and the skirts below there full, like
those Of o woman. He wears the
finest linen of Old Ireland, and his
little hands arc bound at the wrists
with ruflied sleeves which almost
turn back over the black of his coat.
His vest is always open at the
waist, and at times he leaves it en-
tirely unbuttoned. He wears gold
spectacles, has q long gold watch
chain and n white tie.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

TNHE undersigned respectfully niorns the
citizens Of Martinsburg and Berkeley
county that he has opened Coal and Wood
Office and Flour and Feed Sore at SO Queen
Street, where all orders il my line win re-
ceive prompt attention. have put in pair
of Fairbanks new scales and all coal sold by
me will be weighed and full weight guar
anteed Piedmont and Cumberland run Of
mine, Fine and Lump Coal; also best quail.
ty Nut and Egg anthracite coal always on
hand.
Farmers having Corn, Oats and Hay 70 sell
are solicited to zee me before selling. Thank
ing the public for the li5e. al patronage ex-
tended me, and soliciting your further favors
am respectfully yours,
jY24-fy, j. w ROE ERTS
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15
ADVANTAGEOUS PHOTOGRAPHY.

4 FINE sx10 frame given TO every one
cetting DoZen Cabinet or Instantaneous
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

The Best Salve In the world for Cuts
Bruises, Sores, Ulcers, Salt Rheum, Fever
Sores, letter, Chapped Hands, CailbIains
Corns, and all Skin Eruptions, and positive
~ "ures Piles, or no pay required. 1t is
warranted to give perfect satisfaction, or
money refunded. Price 20 cent Fer box.
For sale at K. q. Williams, 81. 4 Bro.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

Charley Ito Clara, who has al
ready eaten two dishes Of ice-cream) /:
Will You have another dish, dear2
Clara-Thanks, Charley, no more.
Charley-Just one more, for my
sakei
Clara-WeIl, for your sake, | will
just take one more.
To explain the apparent impossi-
bility of Charley's conduct it is
necessary to add that the CONVEX
sation did not take place at a res
taurant, but at an evening party.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15

Zittle's Hundred Years Almanac
makes the following prediction for
the present year, 1886: The Planet
Mercury reigns this year. 1t is a
small star, not very brilliant, and of a
variable and uncertain nature. Its
aspects are good in combination with
good planets, and bad in combination
with bad planets. 1t finishes its
course once in the year. It's nature
is dry and cold. The year under
this planet will be more dry than
moist, more cold than warm. The
springs will be warm in March, dry
in April, cold and rough in May.
Fruits will suffer much The sum
mers will be very wet and vegetable
crops good. Tho falls will experience
much rain and early frosts. The
winters win be severe and there will
be much snow. Grain crops will be
good, but fruits will be scarce.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-15
A Starting Discovery.

Mr.. VIM. Johnson, of Huron, Oak. writes
that his wife bad been troubled with acute
Bronchitis for many years, and that all REM
edies tried gave 40 permanent relief, until
he procured a bottle Of DR.. Kings New Dis
covery for Consumption, Coughs, and Colds,
which bad magical effect and produced a
permanent cure II Is guaranteed to cure all
Diseases Of Throat Lungs, or Bronchial
Tubes.
Trial Bottles Free at Il. O. Williams 8
Bros. Drug Store. Large Size Sl.00.