davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Surgery for Piano Players.

"Surgery for piano-forte players as recommended by one of the leading piano-forte teachers of this city, and now being rushed at in San Francisco to degree that will at least make this an interesting spot for the rest of the mu- sical world to watch, in seeing how such large average of the venturesome come out. Tho clever physician, with his knife made expressly for the purpose, and his cocaine, admits he knows little about piano-forte playing, but is told that the results of the operation are sat isfactory. There then follows something about liability to Gloss of grip" etc.
 During the halcyon era of piano art, when Liszt was electrifying Europe, and Mendelssohn and Chopin wing with each other in the production of, compost tions embodying the utmost artistic per lection; and when gigantic Beethoven was astonishing Vienna with succession of his sonatas-why was there no kniv- ing then7 Surgeons were skilful fifty years ago, and knew as much of the mechanism of the hand as to-day. There were enthusiasts in those days who would have gone to the bottom of this method and as readily yielded themselves up to a trial of it, and yet we do not read of any ham-strung artists coming to the front. Yes, there was one who tried a royal road to perfection. Poor Robert Schumann essayed some expediting method on his third finger, and ran him. self hopelcssly and disastrously out of the field of executants. He has stood as warning monument from those days as to mechanical contrivances and all sorts of extraneous dodges, and it would be we'll for every intending victim to the knife method to first read through his 'Advice to Young Musicians. .''-San Francisco Chronicle.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Charging for C Sass"

When Bostt n was Fanny Kemble's home. and her summers were spent here and there in rural Massachusetts, she en- gagged worthy neighbor to be her char ioteer during the season of one of her country sojournings. With kind-hearted loquacity he was beginning to expatiate on the country, the crops and the history of the people around about, when Fanny rcmarked, in her imperious, dogmatic fashion:
 ''Sir, I have engaged you to drive fo1 me, not to talk to me-"
 The farmer ceased, pursed up his lips and ever after kept his peace. When the vacation weeks were over, and the dame was about to return to town, she sent for her driver and his bill. Running her eyes down its columns, she paused.
 'What is this item, sir2" said she. '1 cannot understand it."
 And with equal gravity he rejoined :: ssSass, $5. I don't often take it, but when do charge. ''- Boston Beacon.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Making Slate Pencils.

In the northwestern part of the town of Castleton, Rutland county, Vt., is the only manufactory in the United States of white slate pencils. The stone as it comes from the quarry is first sawed into blocks from four to seven inches wide, according to the length desired for the pencils. These are split quite easily with chisel into slabs little thicker than the finished pencils-say, 5-16 inch. These are passed through a blaming machine and over an emery belt
 make them fiat, smooth, and of a uniform thickness of about 3-16 inch. Next they are pushed into the jaws of a "crocodile," which consists of pair of steel plates, in the under one of which are six rows of curved knives, each set so as to cut little deeper than the one which went before it. These plough out parallel grooves half way through the slab, which man then turns and lays upon steel plate having ridges which just fit these grooves. This slides back under the six rows of teeth of a second "crocodile'' lying in wait along side, which cut the grooves on the other side, and leave the pencils side by side. Lastly, they are broken and rolled for an instant to point them, upon an emery belt. A man can give this last touch to about 8, 900 in day. The average, daily output is 30, ,ooo, and the mill gives em- ployment to some twenty five hands. The old plan was to saw out square pen cils from the slab with circular saw, one by one. These were boxed and dis tributcd among poor families, who whit tied them round by hand at from a quarter to half dollar per thousand, The Crocodile" has spoiled this busi- ness.-Neao York Eoening Post.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
4 Washington Silk Factory.

Considerable interest having been aroused by the announcement of the es- tablishment of silk factory at the Agri- cultural department, Star reporter called upon Mr. Philip Walker, special agent of the division of entomology, who is charged with carrying out the details of the work, and elicited the following information:
 For three years past Congress has ap> propriated sum of money to be used by the commissioner of agriculture in en- deavoring to establish the cultivation of silk in the United States. Part of this money has been employed in looking over the ground and making experiments preliminary to the more systematic ones which it is now the purpose of the com missioner to undertake. These new ex- periments will be conducted under the authority of clause in the last agricultu- ral appropriation bill authorizing the trial, at some point in the District of Columbia, of some new machinery for reeling silk from the cocoon automati cally.
 The silk industry of the United States, in most of its branches, is one which has been established upon a firm foundation; bat for raw material of the best class the silk throwster and weaver have been obliged to seek foreign markets. There are two grades of this raw material con- monly called spun and raw silk. The former is produced from silk waste and pierced cocoons, and, fterpreliminary operations of maceration and carding, is spun somewhat after the manner of cot ton. This operation has been success fully carried out for some years by several important establishments in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, and the in- dustry may be said to be firmly estab- llshed.
 But as good unp;erced cocoons are not used in this work there still remains no outlet in the United States for this pro- duct, and the officials of the department of agriculture have found that it was necessary, in order to make the culture of silk success, that they should also assist in the establishment of market l for the choicest product of the silk-raiser the whole or unpierced cocoon. From these cocoons, is produced raw silk. It is needless here to go into the details of the process by which the continuous fla ments of several cocoons are unwound and united into strong, elastic, and well-rounded thread of raw silk, though it is this kind of work that is to be per formed in the annex to the agricultural building during the coming year. Washington Star.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Travelling in south AfrIcaJ

In a few hours we arrived at Cookhouse Drift, then merely thick forest of prick ly pears. We drove up to low-roofed wayside canteen, where I was ordered Not asked) to dismount. I did SO, and was about to enter the hovel before me, but the entrance was we'll guarded by innumerable pigs, who, evidently by their appearance, had been greatly revelling in the cactus fruit. There were dog also, who looked willing, able and anx- ious to eat me, ''skin and bone, and hymn book too" However, the old host ap- peared at the door, drove the faithful guardians away, ushered me in, and pro. duced the proverbial Cape smoke (bran- dy) in decanter: it made me feel very ill and sleepy. We were then on very high bank, and just below was the Great Fish river, rolling and roaring fore. To my surprise and dismay I was next ordered by the driver to "omba," with pointings to the river and then to the opposite bank. Foul play seemed to be the programme; there was no bridge and to swim was impossible. But, descending to the edge of the water, I was surprised to find fraiI rope stretching from the opposite bank, on which was suspended small box. Into this they showed me much against my will, with number of mail bags. I was immediately shot down to ths centre of the rope, and there hung in . most pleasant situation, with the sky above me and a tearing torrent beneath. A sudden jerk! held tight; then from the opposite bank two Kaffir boys pulled me with leisurely pauses to land. Therd I found dilapidated Cape buggy, minus tent and cushions, with two raw- boned horses, who perhaps had been fed on prickly pears, but had not thrived on them; so once more I resumed my journey.--London Globe.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22

The system of fleeing walters is becom- ing as general and, we may say perni. cious, in this country as it is in Flu rope. One of the proprietors of the Hoffman House in New York, talking upon this subject the other day, said: "The young man that can't average $7 or $S day in tips is not considered good. Mind you, we are opposed to tips here, lut it is impossible to stop it. It is a foolish habit. I have fine looking young men every day who offer to work for nothing, and many offer to pay for the privilege. The other night a party from Texas sat here for several hours. At the next table sat a well-known theatrical manager who is noted for his liberality. Every time he ordered drink he gave the waiter a quarter. The Texans noticed this and, not proposing to be outdone, gave their boy fifty cents and $1. He must have made during the night at least $50 or $40. It's got now, I am sorry to say, so that no one thinks of sitting down to take drink without giving the boy ten cents. There are fifteen boys here, and in the busy season you can imagine what these tips amount to. Why, there are no young men in the town, save the sons of rich parents, who dress better or live higher than ours do. One of them, who is married, lives in fiat that he certainly pays $1200 year for"
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Dust Storms,

A recent number of the An1e7ic1n Mo- teorological Journal contains an article on the notorious dust storms of Pekin. These occur in the dry season, especially in winter and early spring. They come on at irregular intervals, perhaps six or eight times in the season, and last about three days. The wind is westerly, most often northwest, and blows fresh or high. The condition of the streets of Pekin, evil as that is, would not account for the heavy clouds of dust that come down with the storm. The mouth and eyes have to be protected from the fine dust, which penetrates the closest room, and makes food to taste gritty. This abundant dust is spread over a large area. It extends eastward from Pekin to the sea, and southeastward it regular ly descends as far south as the Yellow river, and sometimes Shanghai, ten de- grees of latitude away. The writer of the paper says this vast quantity of dust must come from the great des- erts of Mongolia. A series of observations during one of these storms showed fall in the barometer. The clouds, which the day before had been unbroken, rapidly cleared away, the sun was so obscured that it could be inspected by the naked eye, and it was also fet in a ring. The wind showed di- urnal variations, the air was dry and one had feeling of malaise and ner- vousness. After the wind went down, barometer remained high for day or two, andits descent there was another, but much less marked, dust storm. T.e storm thus appears to have been gale accompanying an area of high pressure, which came from the desert of Gobi and travelled eastward. The dryness of the wind and its abundant dust were in part due to this desert, which lies west and northwest of Pekin, and is not far away. In his great work on China Rich thofen discusses the geological effects of these storms, which are observed through out the south and west of the Desert of Gobi, and further west are much worse than at Pekin.-Nature.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
HUMOROUS.

A special train-A lady's court dress. Weighs that are dark-The coal dealers.
 The telephone operator has perpetual boiler day.
 A sentimental exercise-Women's eyes swimming in tears.
 Window shutters are put up as orna- ments. They are only blinds.
 The best way to keep a young lady's affections is not to return them.
 So far as we know, Jonah was made the first secretary of the interior.
 There is man of such violent temper that he delights in beating carpets and caning chairs.
 ''You are trying to make game of me-" said the buzzard to the sportsman who fired at it.
 Prisoner to warden who is giving him his rations)- "Wotl eat that2 Not mel I'll leave the jail first"
 A collector of curiosities wants to get the original brush with which the signs of the times were painted.
 "This is evidently clearing-out sail," said the captain of yachting trip as he looked around at his sea-sick passengers.
 'Did the audience strike you favor ably" Orator-''Not very; had my best suit on, and the rotten eggs don't wash off easily"
 A recent medical journal devotes seven columns of its space to the denunciation of kissing, yet we are reliably informed that the pernicious habit is spreading.
 If man has his hair cropped close he is said to give himself the air of prize- fighter. If he wears his hair long he is said to be crank. This is the long and short of it.
 Baseball Captain: You say that you can catche Tramp: Yis, SOFT. B. B. Capt: You don't look like it. What kind of catcher are you2 Tramps Ratcatcher, yer homer.
 t'It looks like the scene of great batI tle," remarked Q traveller, viewing the work of recent cyclone in the West. ''You're right" sad the native solemnly, "the place was tuck by storm" Merritt-'T see you have a new ser want girl" Little Johnny (confid dentially) -"Yes and l tell you she's a corker." Bridget (speaking up)-'Indade Oim not, SOFT. Oi cum from Limerick"
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22

In Oregon the catching and canning of salmon employ 2,002 white men in various capacities. It employs 2,500 Chinese. It employs 15 tugs and steam boats, and makes business for half a dozen more employed regularly in the traffic of the river. It employs besides hundreds of boatmakers, sailmakers and net-weavers. It is the basis of the pros- perity of the city of Astoria, and attracts much of our foreign commerce. Indi- rectly, its benefits reach every business and nearly every person in the state of Oregon. The decrease in this seasons run of salmon leads the Oregonian to sound this note of warning: "The ncc- essity of taking steps to keep up the salmon supply is now more than ever apparent. It is necessity that cries aloud. We cannot go on much longer reaping where we do not sow. In few more years, if nothing is done, the annu- al salmon runs will cease and an industry which brings into the state each year nearly $3, 900, 900 of foreign money will die out D
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22

Capt. Joseph Whitridge, who recently died near Springfield, Ohio, at the age of s3, had made thorough preparation for death up to certain point. Thirty years ago he put away heavy plank of burr oak, and, after letting it season for twenty years, had his coffin made of it. He bought winding sheet and placed it in the coffin, which was stored away in dark room. Twelve years ago he dug a vault in field near his house, walled it up, covered it with sandstone slabs, and placed powder weighing seven tons for the headstone. He was buried in this coffin and grave.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Earth Waves.

A capital way to discover the passage of earth waves is by means of the oil in a kerosene lamp. If the lamp be of glass and half filled with kerosene oil, 'when the shocks come nipples will be seen to advance regularly along the surface of the oil. These are not ripples like those made by a jar of a building, etc. They run across the oil steadily, not tremu- lously, and follow one another with reg ularity. Such is the reporters expert ence. The test was made several times. The oil being at the level of the eye its motion is easily seen. The shocks here came from the west, perhaps little north of west, as this oily tell tale indi- cated. Raleigh (N. O Neaos.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
They still keep up ancient traditions in


 the untrammelled West. At Murray, Ida ho, on the opening of the term of the dis trict court, the case of Mrs. Peck, charged with attempting to bribe jury, was called. Judge Buck, addressing the father of the defendant, spoke as fol- lows: 'It has come to my ears that you have come into the court room armed to-day. Have you any arms with you?" The gentleman denied that he was armed. The court, however, took the precaution to declare recess of five minutes and disarm such as were supplied with guns. The following day, while Colonel Single ton was testifying in ,he same case, Jack McAauley called him liar. Colonel Singleton sprang to his feet and drawing a revolver covered McAauley with the weapon. The sheriff arrested both men and disarmed them. Judge Buck, ad- dressing the prisoners, said: ''The court fines you $500, McAuley, and you will be confined until the fine is paid" Colo nel Singleton was also fined $200 for coming into court armed, and Mrs. Peck $200 for attempted bribery.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22

A couple recently married felt the financial pressure of wedding tour, says the Homestead, of Springfield, Massa- chusetts, but conceived a scheme by which to thwart the process of custom and save the item of expense. They went to the station, accompanied by a party of friends, and boarded train, with good-byes said all around, the friends extending the regulation wishes for safe and happy tour. Oh, no! They walked through the car and out at the end opposite, sped down Water street around to their home, where they, remained in seclusion week while friends thought them away en- toying the honeymoon.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
The Alarm Sounded.

His papa was clergyman who strictly enforced the rule that the young scion should attend Sunday service despite his tender years. Imagine the feelings of this dominic parent, when pausing at his study door, he discovered the young man in the act of cxpelling large bum- blebec, waving his small arms frantically in the air aud crying: ''Sh-hl sh-hi Get out of here! Get out l tell you, or papa'll preach you to death. ."--ASnNSep olis Tribune.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
MO-. 13.

We shall confidently expect an exodus of dentists to Chilli. Mir. Clement Car penter, formerly secretary of the Ameri- can legation at Santiago, and just home from South America, says Chili is paradise for dentists, who live like nabobs in the finest palaces, drive the finest equipages and stand high gener- ally. The Chilian ladies are wealthy and extremely vain, and asa rule do not have good natural teeth.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Consolation.

Because dark clouds have crossed the sky Shall the sun refuse to shinea Because the morning has been wet May evening not be fact Sometimes the night has rayless been Shall s.ars forget to glistens Although the winter has been drear, To summer birds we listen. My life has & metimes rayless been, Enshrouded sorry grief; May never time assuaging hand Bring softly sweet relief. Although my soul be overwhelmed With buffettings of sorrow. Shall my weak heart ne'er stronger grow, Or see glad tomorrow. Ah, yes, God showers the selfish soul With sorrows bitter rain; The purest heights are often reached Through suffering and pain; And deepest griefs in love were mean, To purify and strengthen; The souls that opens toward God Grows as lffe's shadows lengthen.
 Helen M. Winslotc,
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22

dentistry cost but'littlc. It is the work and skill for which the patient is obliged to pay. You will excuse me-" said my informant looking at his watch, sas I have an engagement at my office at this hour"
 A laboratory can be fitted up with all the necessary tools for the practice of dentistry at cost of from $500 to $400. --Bro0kZyn Edole
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Bluo Skies.

Sad twilight trails her heavy clouds Into the night. One sullen zone Of mist, in nearer circling shrouds, Sweeps cut the hills our love has known. Cold blasts go sobbing overhead, When hark! the west winds herald cries, And by his sweet persuasion led, Behold one far faint sparkle sped Thro' rifted mists, keep glad eyes, Dream happy things Above are spread
 Blue skies! Life eager heart of mine is storm; Thou canst not part the lowering years. Closer and deeper phantoms form, Thy near horizon veils in tears. The world drifts from thy yearning sight, But hark! what free wind hither flies. Singing of strange unseen delight! A star shines in the death-wrack's flight. Dream thou of morn and Paradise; Over thy grave shall watch tonight
 Blue skies!
 Ellen IT. Butler.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Loving Our Enemies.

A village priest was featuring one of his parishoners.
 "Auguste, poor brandy is your greatest enemy"
 "Ah, your reverence, have you there Are you not always saying in the pulpit that we should love our enc mics q''
 ssTrue, but I didn't say that you should swallow them. ''-TM- Bits.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22

Kawara and Nure, the two young Japanese cadets who are accompanying Count Saigo, the mikado's minister of marine in his tour of inspection of the navy yards of this country, will enter the naval academy at Annapolis this fall. There is provision in the law governing admissions to the academy which provides for six cadets from Japan, who shall be under no expense to the government
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
In the Railroad Train.

A gentleman carrying very heavy satchel finally succeeds in getting it into the rack. A lady seated directly beneath manifests lively fear.
 "oh, monsieur, supposing it should fall2n
 "Reassure yourself, madame, there is nothing in it that can break. ."-Frenc1 Fun.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22

A Saratoga barber has made quite : reputation as performer on the harmonica. There is nothing extraordi. nary about this. Barbers have unusual facilities for practicing the mouth organ.
Connecticut western news., 1886-09-22
Connecticut Western News.
 PUBLISHED AT
 CANAAN, llTchFlElD CO.,, CONN.,, EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING. &G MCKLET, Editor and Proprietor. Local News a Speciality,
Local News a Speciality,
TERNIS,

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