davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01
A Handy SON.

A middle-agcd, entcrprising look
ing passenger said he was a lawyer
in a Wisconsin town, and the hand
some, dashing young man, who was
flirting with a pretty girl in the front
end Of the car, was his son.
Is your son lawyer, too?'
No, he never comes near the Of
flee. Does not know anything about
law. But he is q great help to me,
though.
Assists you in court, then, or in
hunting up your witnesses, or taking
dispositions, does he?
No, he dosn't. The fact is, he
won't do anything. He is gentle
man Of leisure, he is, and does moth
ing but wear fine clothes, and HAYES
fine time Don't know how / could
get along without that boy, though.
sAhp
Guess you don't understand me.
That boy is always flirting with wo-
men, and seems to prefer the mar
ried ones. He's u rakish lad, you
know, and has been the cause Of sew
eral divorce suits in the last year.
Six of them are in my hands, on one
side or the other. If the boy does
as well this year, I've promised to
take him into partnership
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01
spne soldiers wit.

SAVED FROM PUNISHMENT BY HIS PLEAD
ING EXCESSIVE LOVE FOR THE FLAG.
A brigade was encamped near
Charleston, Va, says Allen II. Hail.
in the Grand Army Sentinel, and a
guard had been detailed to protect
the property Of the citizens in the
neighborhood and strict orders given
against foraging or taking anything
without paying for it. The colonel
of one of the regiments was out one
day with his staff and all of sudden
he came upon a private OF his regi-
ment with sheep on his back, evil
IDENTITY just killed He rode up to
the soldier and asked him:
Where did you get that sheep?"
He answered: up in the field
"Did you buy him 2,
''No, sir; l just killed him; So"
"Why, don't yon know that strict
orders have been issued against do
ing anything like that9"
'Yes, sir, | know it, and will tell
You how it was. | was going along
the road whistling the "Star Span
gled Banner and this sheep held up
his head and looked straight at me
and said. "ba-a, ba-a, = and, sir, / up
and killed him, as / won't allow any
thing to say 'ba-a' at me when Pm
singing or whistling the Star Span
glei Banner
Il is needless to say the colonel
told him to go ahead. The fellows
wit saved him that time.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01
ADubious story.

One of the vets who is looked up
on as leader at reunion or camp
fire, recently told the following on
one of the latter occasions sat the
battle of Shiloh, one of the fellows
who found it uncomfortable at the
front decided to withdraw, and for
an excuse gathered up a wounded
man, slung him over his shoulder and
started back. On the way cannon
shot came along and took off his
burdens head. Pretty soon he met
a surgeon, who asked where he was
going with that man.
"Back to the hospital to get his
wound dressed
What's the use of taking him back
He's got no head on him! !"
The fellow glanced over his shoul-
der, and, for the state of affairs, ex
claimed:
'sThe id liarl He told me he
was shot in the leg ]"
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01

The Rev. Mr.. S. was visiting
recently the Jail to minister to the
spiritual wants Of the.prisoners.
On entering the jail he met two
men in the corridor who looked as
If they might need a little good
counsel Being aprompt, outspokep
man, the minister went straight to
business, first addressing the elder
Of the two men, when something like
the following dialogue occurred
Minister-'Iow long have you
been in here Y
About two hours
There was short pause. The
clergyman looked at him curiously
for moment, then he turned to the
younger man and said:
How long have you been in here Il
i came in with him. pointing to
the elder man.
Another pause ensued, and anoth-
err question was fred at the elder Of
the two.
What are you here for?'
Well, | came here to fix the gas
pipes, was the prompt answer. Do
you object?'
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01
A Glaostly Coffin.
IT HAUNTs THE ROOF OF A WEST VIRGIN
Ia HOUSE in WET WEATHER.

Ia HOUSE IN WET WEATHER.
On prominent street in Wheel
ing, West Virginia, daily passed by
hundreds Of people, there stands a
two-story brick building, around
which clings an airof mystery which
renders it an object Of curiosity to
the entire neighborhood, and which
affords 10 those inclined to be super
stitious in unfailing source of weird
and blood-chilling stories The build
ing is an old one, having been erect
cd some forty years ago, and is at
present occupied by q German labor
or and his family, in whose compost
ton q dread of the supernatural APP
pears to have nc part. The roof OF
their domiciIe is an old-style peaked
one, and upon the side facing the
street there may be seen family when
the weather IS dry, but very promi-
nent when rain is falling, the sug-
gestive outlines Of i full.sized coffin.
The grim reminder Of the fate which
must finally overtake all stands with
its foot toward the cave and its head
to the comb or opex, and from the
opposite sidewalk assumeson sunny,
bright days, = somewhat reddish
tinge. When the roof becomes wet
with falling rain the outlines become
more distinct, and in heavy storms
it stands forth rs prominently rs
though printed in jet black ink upon
virgin paper. For many years this
unpleasant object has been visible,
no one being able or willing to solve
the mystery with which it is sur
rounded. Once the owner OF the
premises caused the shingles Of the
roof to be removed and replaced with
new ones, in the hope of thus getting
rid of the sion of the grave. For y
time he seemed to have been success
full, but one day, during heavy rain,
a passing pedestrian familiar with
the story, glanced at the roof, and
there, faint yet perfect, was the old
coffin. Since that time the impress
sion has gradually become more dis
tinct, until now it is rs bright as be-
fore. People in the neighborhood
talk vaguely about mysterious lis
appearance and a probable murder
years ago, but Of this nothing def
mite can be learned Certain it is,
however, that many believe the out
line Of the coffin is. not Of human
origin, and that it silently marks the
spot whereon crime in some form or
other was unquestionably committed.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01

A little boy asked his father a few
days ago if it was wicked to say Rot
terdam. Why, no, my son." repli-
ed the fond parent. Rotterdam is
the name Of a large and fourishing
city. Why doyou ask ? Because, 7
replied the young heir, "sister has
eaten all my candy, and just hope
it will Rotterdam teeth off -
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01


said Miss Prizes. i am poor, you
see, have got TO support myself
and keep my two little brothers at
school. And there are so few things
I that woman can dor
Mr.. Ashley looked kindly down
at her.
Suppose you come home with me,
said he. Mira will be very glad to
have you keep her company for q
few days,-and you can be deciding
what next to do. And | think it
will perhaps be "a more restful at
mosphere than that of Mrs. Rextons
house.
Mira received the new guest with
warm cordiality. She was plump
good-natured old maid, who loudly
commended Miss Prices Judgment
in abandoning the charge of Mink
Hollow School
There are great many easier
forms of committing suicide than
teaching school, said she. And
what you need for the present, my
dear, is little rest, and peace of
mindl'
The week that followed was,-at
least so thought Dorothea Price
the happiest she had ever spent.
But alas that happiness should be
so short-lived
Miss Mira came to her on Satur-
day night with three square wrinkles
on her forehead.
Dolly 7 said she, I'm in guam
Diary Il
about what p said Dolly.
Not for myself, for Frank p adj
ded the old maid. You see, Dolly.
he's in love-
In lovep Dolly turned crimson,
the blood seemed turned to fire
through all her pulses.
And he can't muster courage to
ask the girl to have himp pursued
Miss Mira.
/ should think he had courage
enough for anythtng," said Dolly in
a low voice.
'Ah, you don't understand him.
said Miss Mira, shaking her head.
Men are so queer where woman is
concerned. And now the question
is this. IF were to 90 to her,-if
/ were to tell her that he loves her
/ can't bear to see Frank suffer, and
yet do nothing 2
1T is what you ought to do said
Dolly, in trembling voice. .Ifany
woman has been fortunate enough to
gain has love-
well, she hasp said Mira, exul
family. "And that woman is you,
Dolly Pricei'
Afraid of me!' gasped Dolly.
"He ~
Dear mel! said Miss Mira, off
there isn't the spotted calf in the
clover meadow again | must run
and shut him upl'
But it is to be surmised that she
stopped second in her brothers Ii
brary first,--for when she came back
after q victorious sortie upon the
spotted calf, she found Frank and
Dolly-engagedl
i thought how it would be, said
Miss Mira, wisely
And Mink Hollow School is now
presided over by masculine giant,
with voice like March gale and
decided prediction for corporal
punishment
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01
To succeed I'm Life.

Learn your business thoroughly.
Keep at one thing--in no wise
chance.
Observe system and order in all
you do and undertake.
Never fail to keep your appoint
ments, or to be punctual.
Be self-reliant; do not take too
much advice, but rather depend on
yourself.
Never be idle, but keep your
hands or mind usefully employed OK
cept when sleeping.
Use charity with all; be generous
in thought and deed help Others
along LIES thorny pathway.
Aecustom yourself to think and
act vigorously, and be prompt and
decided for the right against the
wrong.
Make no haste to be rich, remem-
bering that small and steady gains
give competency, with tranquility Of
mind.
Make few promises. Always
speak the truth, and nothing but the
truth; and in your business rela.
tons be guided by strict integrity
and unllinching honesty.
Develop a wealth OF character BY
personal courage. Possess the cour-
age TO speak your mind when it IS
necessary you should do so, and 20
hold your tongue when prudent you
should do SO; to acknowledge your
ignorance rather than seek credit
under false pretenses.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01
PROHIBITION pARTY's CHICKS.
JUDGE .. F. cRAMER.

JUDGE q. #. CRAMEk.
Had Blaine been chosen President,
And poured the blushing wine
At banquets in the White House spread
When statesmen came 10 dine,
oh. what a pious clamor now
Would rend the moral skies,
How party Prohibitionists
Would press their weeping eyes!
They sought Republican defeat
Not theirs to bring reproof
To Bacchanalian feasts beneath
The Presidential roof.
Old beaded rye and booming ale,
With civil service toast
These Prohibition party's chicks
Have homeward come to roost.
And Prohibition well may praise
The oily-feathered brood,
While temperance customs pass into
aInnocuous desuetude.n
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01
From R. =. T.iepsner. A.

Red Bank, N j. I have been troubled
with Catarrh 80 badly for several years
that it seriously affected my vtice. |
tried DIR. --'s remedy without the
slightest relief. One bottle of Ely's
Cream Balm did the work. My voice is
fully restored and my head feels better
than for years.
Im regard 40 Ely's Cream Balm
mend It as the best remedy ever used.
DR.. ] >. Vaughan, Dentist, Muskegon,
Mich See adv't.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01

/ don't believe in special provid-
ences. When a mule kicks a man
and knocks him anywhere from eight
to twenty feet off / don't lay it to the
Lord l say to myself; "That man
got little too near the mule"
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01

Pride is located halfway between
vice and virtue, and a little of it
won't hurt saint, and a good deal
of it often helps a sinner.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01
THE SCHOOL uA'Au.
BY SHIRLEY BROWN.
o-GIoI:)-


Mrs. Rixton has prepared an nm
usually inviting supper this evening.
The people in Mink Hollow always
laid themselves out in the CASTRO
nomic line, during the school
ma'am week For in this antiquat-
ed corner Of the State of Connecticut
the school.teacher boarded around
from house to house, thereby enab-
lino the trustees to save several dol
lars month to the educational fund.
And there had gone a rumor through
the scrubby pine woods that Miss
| Price. the new teacher, had once liv-
ed in the suburbs of Hartford, and
carried a clean pocket-handkerchief
4 every day. And although the Mink
\ Hollowites disapproved on the prin-
ciple of mad extravaganza and
wasteful pride, there was q certain
novelty about Miss Price that COM
mended her to the public estima-
ton:
y 'Crimps her hair an wears high
heeled boots,' Milo Dexter, the big
gest boy, had reported.
Keeps bottle o cologne in her
desk whispered Mary Barry, mys-
teriously.
Style is all very well in its place,
said old Mr.. Furbush, but dunno's
we pay the teacher for bein' fine
1 ladyi How is she in Pare and Tret
and the rules of English grammar?
That's what Tide admire to know
And so, spurred on by the breath
Of these vague rumors, Mrs. Rixton
had washed her calico bed-quilt,
! beaten the tattered breadths of her
rag. carpet, and killed chicken, in
order to have chicken pot-pie for
supper the first day.
Il won't be beat by nobody, at
housekeepin', said Mrs. Rixton, as
she sliced up early green apples to
make a turnover and sent Billy,
her youngest hope, to the grocery
store for New Orleans molasses to
sweeten the same.
When Dolly Price arrived, howev-
er, Mrs. Rixton could scarcely con-
ceal her disappointment.
Why said Mrs. Rixton, 'she is
just like any other gal! Here, Ben
jamin, set this ere turnover out on
the cellar shelf to cool. Pears to me
as if slim thing like her couldn't
be noways fit to teach school.
NO more she ain'tr' said Benja
min, licking the ends of his fingers
where the New Orleans molasses had
exuded from the rim of the turnover.
And she won't teach long-you may
bet your head on thatP
Coin to be married, eh?" said
Mrs. Rixton.
The big boys and gals is goin' to
be too much for her. said Benjamin,
winking at his mother. YOU see il
we amt We amt forgot the day
she wouldn't give us half-holiday
when 'Bijah Lambton found the big
bee tree on Frost Mountain FL
she'd been anyways accommodating we
wouldn't have cared. But bee tree
amt come across every day, am she
needn't been so hateful
Get outp said Mrs. Rixton but
in her secret heart she admired the
pluck and spirit of her eldest son
Benjamin.
In the School Board opinions were
divided. Old Deacon Burr didnt
1approve of women-teachers no how
They hadn't authority enough. i
took man to collar the young fel
lers in Mink Hollow.
Mr.. Ashley did not suppose tina
the Mink Hollow district school was
like reformatory or lunatic asy
lum If the young people Of Mini
Hollow could not behave themselve
like ladies and gentlemen, they haC
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01

The great struggle Of life is first
for bread, then butter on the bread
and at last sugar on the butter.
This is the best any Of US can do.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-05-01

no business to cross the threshold OIL
the schoolhouse. He, for one, was
for backing up Miss Prices authori-
ty on every point.
Deacon Burr shook his shining
bald head. Young folks would be
young folks, he said And what
the Mink Hollowites needed was a
good, square-shouldered Teller like
Lemuel Bucknor, that knowed how
to put 'em down and keep 'em so u"
Miss Price had come to the dis
trict armed with testimonials, flush
ed with youth and hope, prepared
to conquer all difficulties. But one
week at Mink Hollow suflieed to
change the. aspect of things. And
on the very second day Of her stay
at Mrs. Rixton's yellow farmhouse,
affairs eliminated. The young dem
liens of Mink Hollow fatty refused
obedience Billy Necker flung his
slate through the window. Joab
Dart let loose his dog among the
smaller scholars and lively cannon
ade of spit-balls ensued.
Teacher, Betsy Bliss is polxin' me
in the ribs 7 bawled Keturah Rixton.
Teacher, mayn't John Hovy stop
whislin in my yers 2 whined Sallp
Topliff'.
'Ther amt no woman here big
enough to sass mel said Master
Hovy, scrambling into the window.
sill, where he began to execute
double shuttle after the most approx
ed style of negro minstrelsy.
And Miss Price, terrified out of
her wits, climbed on the top of her
desk, to be out ofthe reach of Leo's
teeth.
Ofcourse this ended matters. The
boots and howlings became terrific
the scholors burst into uproarous
rebellion. Tom Pike pinched Leo's
tail, and Hezekiah Hall fired off
rusty carbine in the woods to the
rear Of the school house, and poor
little Miss Price, taking refuge in
ignominious flight, fairly ran away
from the scene of revolt.
Mr.. Ashley was sitting at his desk
in the little library at Ashley Cot
tage, when his sister Mira put her
head into the door
Are you busy, Frank p she said.
Not especially. Why?'
'The school-ma'am wants to see
you,' said she-and close on her
words followed Dolly Price pale and
trembling.
ooh, Mr.. Ashley, couldn't main
tain order," said she. They have
turned me out of the school-house.
I'm so sorry, but | couldn't help it,
And with tears and sobs she told
her story.
Mr.. Ashley listened intently.
This won't do said he. "Mira,
be so good as to tell Sam to put Old
Black into the chaise' We must
teach these young rascals the differ
ence between might and right
Must l go back p faltered Dolly.
'Of course you must
'But I'm afraid?'
You will not be afraid if / 90
with your
'Not-not with you,' whispered
Dolly.
The uproar was still in mid career
when Mr.. Ashley helped the school
ma'am out Of the chaise, and follow
ed her into the school house. Some
how it was all done in single mo-
ment. Leo, the bowling dog was
nearly throttled, and flung through
the window on heap of newly cut
fire-wood-Joab Dart was sprawling
in the aisle, on the fiat Of his back.
John Hoyy found himself suddenly
devoted to his studies, and Betsey
Bliss was compelled meekly to ask
Miss Prices pardon for her inso-
Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1886-03-04

The Cana,s Chief Departs.
PANAMA, March 8. DE Lesseps and
party left here yesterday and were to
sail for Europe from Colon to day.
Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1886-03-04
A Murder Trial Attracting Much
Attention.

New YORK, March 3.-The trial oi
James T. Holland, who shot and killed
Tom Davis. was resumed to-day. The
court room was crowded and among the
spectators were many Texans. Counsel
for Holland read the depositions oi
friends and neighbors OF the defendant
in Texas, including one from Governor
Ireland, giving Holland good charsc.
ter. The prisoner then took the stand
and in his own behalf he described the
meeting and negotiations leading up to
the purchase of the alleged counterfeit
money. He stated that after $40, 900 in
good money had been counted out and
put into the bag and $500 paid for it and
before Davis confederate in the next
room had had time to substitute another
bag, he (Holland) rose and said, ''Well,
let's CO." Davis said: mo, don't be in
a hurry; wait till the old man comes. .
said. 'I'll go now," and Davis said:
"You must not 60 out now. The house
is fall Of detectives" l replied: "I'll
take my chances" Davis said: "You
must not 60" l said: 81 will go. "
and then Davis said: Drop that
bag or I'll kill you, | said; Il want that
bag, Mr.. Woodward" held on to the
bag and he rushed at me and got hold OF
me, and Just then voice from another
room said, "Kill him," 1 Strengthened
up then and pulled my pistol and shot
Davis. and hearing noise behind me |
turned and fred another shot through
the partition. | then put my pistol
away, opened the door and walked out.
Holland said he shot Davis becanse he
believed the latter would kill him.
Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1886-03-04

The Prosecution Rest Their Case.
witnesses missing.
HoLLIsrEH, March 3.-The prosecu-
tion in the Prewett trial rested their case
-. .,,.a.,f,,, e., of .ha sh .r;a
''s' - 1'A.sse'ii ~ : ~ ~ !
10 nnd ionr witnesses VINO nad peeh SUD
penaed. The defense then placed on
the witness stand John Nantes. by whom
IL. ......aa - vrova .ha aanrsors
'Aey as'eP's1 " P'o's 's
character oil Powers. Inc quea'ion OF
admitting testimony of specific acts was
brougbt nm bv the prosecution. who oh.
:.s !. -. ,s..aa,..,;. .s..u -.
Jee'eu " ''s '"s.ouuo''on' 'oAf
argument, the Court decided In favor OF
the prosecution, and the testimony was
sxcluded. Nantes continued that he bsd
..., . s..-. p v.,,.,. e..
oeeh away iso" Des onsy n'e yea.s'
pus pi.or ~ ~ .sss."s nSwe,s lepusa
slon ~, .'as'oasne S'a,.,a enssI ,s anu
spi'elalness wrs pAo en,y .1, es,uenue
WAS elsen " in9s' p1s'olne'a, n ueo. ~ :
s pus'eInsiu s.s sau ~ . !; oousu, WY .es''
neu 10 ene corresponding Boou cnaraceer
Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1886-03-04
A TRAIN DrroHED
And Robbed BY sixty Mexican
NuflnWs.

eFuthA AWns
Ell PAso, Texas, March 3.-A freight
train on the Mexican Central Railroad,
Conductor Karl North, was ditched and
robbed at Kilometre, north Of San Fran.
cisco station, last night, by band Of
sixty Mexican outlaws. The train con-
sisted Of seven cars, which were all
ditched. The outlaws first robbed and
then stripped completely naked all the
train hands. They then tied their
hands behind their backs, in which con.
dition they walked into San Francisco
station. Nobody. however, was hurt.
The cars were broken open and large
amount Of freight was taken by them.
Troops are securing the country in
search Of the band Of outlaws. From
the similarity of operations it is sup
posed this outrage was committed by the
same band which sometime ago robbed
the stage in the State Of zacateeas. The
stage contained besides the driver three
men and one young lady, all belonging
to the best families of Chihuahua. The
outlaws robbed them OF their valuables
and every particle Of clothing, and in
that condition allowed them to proceed
in the stage. just before leaving their
victims the robbers, out of consideration
for the young lady, gave the
people in the stage sheet which
they used in common as a lap
robe, and thus made their way to the
nearest station. Yesterdays outrage
occurred in tie state Of Jaliseo, often
called "the robber State" from the fire.
quency with which lawless exploits oc-
cur in 1t. San Francisco Station lies
between the big cities Of Leon and
Lagos. in populous neighborhood.
Later dispatches to the El Paso Times
tend to place different face upon the
affair. 1t is now said the freight train
referred to was simply ditched by the
displacement of two rails, but not
robbad