davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
VOL. XVI.
A Christmas Gathering.

 The Christmas time has come again; the gladsome Christmas time; The evergreens are berried bright, the boughs are white with rime; From every steeple far and near the joy bells pealing ring The voice of mans good will to man speaks forth in everything. Warm glow the lights by cottage hearth, in lordly mansions high, And many a tale of love is told heath frosty starlit sky, As merrily the sleigh bells ring and silvery laughter sweet Blends with the crunching of the snow be- meath the ponies' feet. Here, strains of joyous music come from yon der crowded hall, And sounds or mrth and twSnkling feet pro- claim the Christmas ball; And glowing cheeks and gleaming gems and brighter eyes are there Tones of manhood, childhood's grace, and nlaidens' bushes fair. The mist,e.oe hangs coy aloft, it's polished beads of white Mixed with the laurel and the bay and scar let berries bright Of glistening holly, whilst the yew peeps graceful from beneath The glowing mass, and over all is t~ ined the ivy wreath. The little ten.year-old cavalier assumes a mannish air, The six-year fiirt throws, concious, back her wealth of golden hair; A riper beauty sheds her smile white haired knight upon, Whilst younger manhood envying turns, and looks half jealous on. So Winter, once again made young, bethinks him of his Spring; And Spring locks up in Winters face whilst youth is on the wing, Forgetting, even as shs smiles, Old Time another pace Hath travelrd forward and hath touchd, un- seen, Ter winsoms face. Ring on. ring on, Christmas bells peal out upon the air; Grasp hands, O Ostalwayt, bearded men; smile on, Q maldens fah: :-T E Laugh larsms bnght-hsird' little ones, in your white bloosom'd primed; Pay royal homage, one and all, to happy Christmas ti ne The time of mutual good wil the season to forgive, Forget we bygone injuries, but kindnesses let live Let love strew flowers OCT the young, whilst Friendship cheers the old. Erase the black lines of the Past-the Future write in god!
 London Societu,
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
Unknown Islands in the Pacific.

The factthat two islands of considera- ble size have recently been discovered in the Pacific Ocean, shows that we have yet much to learn of this great watery expanse. The latest discovery is an island lying less than 100 miles from the northern coast of New Guinea. It has been named Allison Island, is nearly three miles long, rises from 100 to 150 feet above the sea, and has abundant timber. Several specks of fertile and inhabited land, some of them much larger than Allison Island, have been found within few years at a distance of one hundred to two or three hundred miles > from the New Guinea coast, and similar discoveries are made once in while in various parts of the Pacific.
 Oceanica is so large that no map of it can be given in an atlas except on a minute scale. We see hundreds of groups and solitary islands huddled to. gether on the maps, and get the idea that the Pacific is thickly studded with verdant bits of land. The fact is, how ever, that vessels may sail among these islands for many weeks without once coming in sight of land. Only few months ago a crew that had been ship wrecked in the great island region oi the Pacific, rowed north for forty days before they reached Hawaii, the nearest land. Mir. A. R. Wallace, who has travelled widely in the Pacific, ex. pressed the opinion some time ago that there are still good many islands there that have never yet been seen by white men.
 Once in a while Pacific trader finds some new or little known island, and opens trade with it's inhabitants. | business thrives, he keeps his secret a: long as he can, so as to enjoy monopo ly. It was found while ago, wher the Woodlark Islands were explored that an Australian firm had carefully charted the islands several years before and had been quietly trading there, al unknown to the other Pacific merchants -Neo York Sun.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
HUMOROUS.

A tug is the only thing that has its tows behind. .
 Butter is now 'protected," but the cows still kick.
 The darkest hour is when you can't find the matches.
 Physic beats the faith cure, because 1t has the inside track.
 The advent of a cyclone is always a sad blow to tho community.
 If you want 10 find out how great man is, let him tell it himself.
 "An opinion that gains ground" is an opinion of judge ill land case.
 Exposcl to many trying situation the jurymar.
 A restaurant keeper can make both ends meet by serving calrs head and ox-tail soup. Sometimes mothers secrctc the crrinR boy for fear the father will hide him | when he comes home. This is tho only country in the world where the men cl, all her rulers except their wives by ballot. You would not perhaps expect it, but it is fact, that well water will some- times make people sick. An exchange says: "Start your boys in the right track" That's easier said than done. It requires considerable switching sometimes. N-'
 It is said that mule will not bray il . brick is tied to his tail. In tying the brick we recommend letting the job out to the lowest bidder.
 Mrs. Shelling.on Jones' Really, my dear, you owe it to your friends to get new dress suit. Mir. Shcllington Jones Well, if I do l shall havc to owe it to my tailor.
 It wasa hungry man who warbled, "Mcet me by moonlight alone, oh, Sally, thou fairest of cooks, and bring from tho larder bone to regale your affectionate | Snooks."
 It is said that the human race is destined to bo bald and toothless. This need not alarm the people seriously. A great many have been born that way, mud the race is none the worse for it.
 It is proposed that people who do not | wish to be interviewed shall wear a small oyster shell on the lapel of their coat. When fellow begins to ask questions, point to it, which will signify. "I am dumb"
 An aggrievcd individual thrust his head into the editorial sanctum and began his tiradc of abuse: "Base minion" "Nc," said the editor without looking up, and thinking that he recognized the foreman of the composing-room, 'leaded nonpareil, please.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
On the Framing of Pictures.

The framing of cngravings is matter of great nicety. Firstly, the margin should be cut 10 suit the size of the pic. turc. A vast t'meadow" of white is offensive to good taste, and tends to dwarf the engraving portion. The fash ion of ebony frames with beading of pi!t is bold and harsh and funercal in as- pect where the engraving or etching Is large. The simple squarc-edged frame of oak unvarnishcd, with slight inner rabbit of gold, is about tho best and most suitable; but here again the tone of the wall must be considered. But whatever tho color or character of tho frame for the engraving or etching, it must not De elaborate. --.As-t yoWrNAk
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
The "Chipnswas Redeemed.

In a western town dwclls Elder R, -- a clergyman very well known through out his state for his ability and shrewd. ness. It is pretty generally believed on account of his evident knowledge of the ways of the world, that he was rather rapid in his youth. Among his skepti- cal ncighbors is hotel keeper of jovial disposition and liberal heart. When ever the elder had a specially convincing and sweeping discour prepared it is his wont to give sps cial invitations to his dcubting friends to be present, and these are sometimes accepted with the proviso that the dominic and his lady shall meet the party at the hotel at dinner on au appointed day during the week, so they may have an opportunity to defend themselves. On these occasions dinner often lasts tho whole afternoon, and the elder is obliged to parry the combined blows of the opposition.
 On one occasion mine host found his match in the clergyman in worldly way, and it was this circumstance that set out to relate. The landlord returned on certain Saturday evening from a trip to the far vest and next morning found him with his wife, seated in front pew. When the plate was passed, he felt in all his pockets, but could find only a comb, jackknife, and circular piece of ivory marked 5, which is supposed by poker players to represent value. This latter was dropped in the plate under the vigilant eye of the pastor, but un- noticed by the sexton, whose eyes had been dimmed by age. On receiving the collection, the pastor missed t:e ''chip," and asked the sexton for it. The latter had thrown it away, supposing it to be a mark of disrespect from some scoffer. Elder R--knew his man, and caused the representative of value t3 be recover ed. Next morning as the landlord was dilating upon his trip to crowd of friends in his office, Elder N ap- peared, and advancing to the counter placed the chip down with the click so familiar to connoisscurs, and asked, "can you redeem that this morning, Brother S---"
 Of course s could not do less than hand out five-dollar bill, an d the elder departed, after expressing the hope that he might always be as lucky. Mine host says he shall not ''sit down" with a preacher again.-Harpsr's Magazine.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15

According to the New York Neaes, ''the lawyers who have so long been the contr olling men in politics are losing their power. The Knights of Labor ex- clude liquor dealers, bankers and law yers from membership. This is one of the straws which show how the wind blows. In France and England where the labor vote is largest, the literary class are the most popular. Something like this seems to be coming about in New York. Henry George makes his living by his pen, while two newspaper re- porters have been chosen for members of Congress. In Brooklyn, MT. Bell, a young journalist, almost overcame a majority of 5000, his opponent being a well-known Wall street manipulator and a man of great wealth and energy. It looks as though iu future literary men will be preferred by the working people to the lawyers"
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
The Early Watch.

The watch is about three hundred years old. The first that were made were almost as large as dinner plate and had weights. A man must have felt queer lugging one of those clumsy things about in his inside vest pocket, with the weights hanging down his trousers leg. Or perhaps he kept them in his coat tail pocket. The early watch had only one hand, though it must have taken both hands to wind it, the opera tion requiring to be done twice day. If man faithfully discharged his duties towards his watch he had very little time left for anything else. --Sytings.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
The Fleet and Wary Antelope.

A Fort Keogh (Montana) cores. pendent of the Philadelphia Times says that thousands of antelopes have ap- peared in that vicinity this season. The writer adds: To hunt the antelope suc- cessfully requires more than ordinary skill. With the exception of mountain sheep, antelope are the most difficult game animals to approach on this conti- nent. A bear will stand up and actually seek fight; a buffalo bull will run at first, but once wounded a standpp fight to the bitter end is the probable out come; an elk can be approached and slain without exercising extraordinary precautions, and deer is sometimes as dangerous and belligerent as moun- tain lion. On the other hand, the ante- lope first, last, and all the time depends upon his legs for safety, and it is fair to say that they arc the feetest, as they are the most graceful, of quadrupeds. There is no fun in store for the green horn who attempts to hunt this animal without understanding it's ways and habits. Anybody can hunt and kill a bison, bear, and many of the other large game animals; but tho antelope demands the most skillful of huntsmen to compete with its keen senses of sight and smell, not to speak of that other important adjunct, extreme fleetness of foot. The power of scent is wonderfully acute in them, for it seems that they can ''smell man' at 600 yards and beyond with the most astonishing exactness. Their tenacity of life is beyond all con- ception. have frequently seen ante- lope with one leg shot away and hang ing by the tendons alonc outrun and es- cape from the fleetest plains ponies. Their race in not long one 0ot more than six or seven miles,, and it is possible that an American horse might run them down, but as q rule nothing on th- prairie can catch them, and the grey hound is about the only four-footed beast in existence that can be depended upon to keep pace with them and possi- bly, outrun them.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
Hints to RheumaticS.

A doctor says in Casseps lkagasine: If l were now to guess at the life histories of those matronly ladies who lean as grace fully as they can on their silken umbrel- las, I should say that their trouble, if not hereditary, arose from dietary errors and want of sufficient exercise. They have been busy people, perhaps-busy at some kind of business which took up all their time; they did not require exer- else, they thought, being always on the move, one way or another-with only the walk to and from church on Sunday to count for relaxation of mind. They forgot, or they did not know, that nov ing around at the duties of business is not exercise in its proper sense; that ex- ercise must be pleasurable to be of any avail; that mind and body must both have change. Probably the digestion began to fail before twingc of rheu- matism took place; they had little appc- tite for breakfast, except for that cup of tea and toast. They often felt weary before the day was half ovcr-tired. l emphasize the word 'tired" because this feeling is universal at the outset of chronic rheumatism. Sometimes their backs ached in so weary way that even appetite was interfered with, and de- pression of spirits caused them to take very gloomy views of life indeed. Cordials would be suggested. An! these cordials, what deal of mystery they have to account for. Giving bua temporary lelief, requiring to be taken oftener, and still more often, as the taking of them becomes habit, injur- ing the digestion, producing irrita- bility of temper and restless nights, they never fail to increase the troubles they arc meant to quell, and shorten life itself
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15

Various things were missing from time to time in the poorhouse at Omaha, and 3 search revealed the following articles in the room of an insane girl: Sixty-four plates, 35 saucers, A bowls, A spoons, deep dishes, 32 knives, 1a asmall dishes, 1 coffee pot, molasses pitchers, 4 milk pans butter tub, hatchet carving knife, 1s butter plates. towels, napkins,
 etc, This was kleptomania by the whole
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15

There is at Leeds, England, an Orni- biological Association. Among other things they study the songs of wild birds. Not long ago they pittcd full song, acclimated nightingale against a Yankee mocking bird. They sang to- gether and then they sang apart. First the nightingale led off, until everything he sang was duplicated and improved upon by our national songster. Then the mocking bird struck off into new field of song; the nightingale listened, but did not repeat. He pined away and died within a week.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
The ShOplifter's Work.

A shop-keeper said to a St. Louis Globe Democrat reporter: 'sThe amount of goods stolen from large dry goods store during the year IS insignificant,
 when you consider how apparently neg ligent merchants are in piling articles upon the counters. When shopliftcr is caught and her deeds are written up il paper the readers at once conclude that stores are constantly preyed upon by the professionals. But professionals arc scarce and they do not last long, for their very actions while making a raid
 confess them to the clerks. Oh, there is no necessity for detectives, I assure you, for it is an easy thing to detect thieves, and detectives are lia- b!e to enter into colIusion with them. Understand that these shoplifters are always women, for men are so out of place in a dry goods store that they always feel as if cvcrybody's eyes were upon them when they enter. 'T do not believe women become skill full thieves, and if they do their greed generally leads them to try to carry away too many things. It is only during a rush that the shoplifters dare try to ply their nefarious trade. For instance,
 when sacrifice sale is advertised, our clerks look out for them, and if you have noticed you will See that when shop filters are arrested it was during rush at store. Holiday times arc occasions for their depredations, but they escape with only trfng spells. Probably a large store only loses a few hundred dol lars worth of goods in a year, and that amount is not missed from big stock" !"
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
The Silent Song.

 O, tho sweet, sweet songs that were never
 sung,
 That never were writ or read; The songs of g'ee when life was young, And the sun shore bright o>erhead. The songs of passion when love first gaxed In the eyes that bl ssed h's own; The songs of Ambition, whose fires once
 b.azed
 On altars, now coll as stone. The songs of joy when our pulses leapt In rapture beyond control; The songs of Peace whose white light swept Across fainting soul: The songs of Faith, which lifted again That fainting soul toward heaven; The songs Of Hope-on our lips they have lain, r... But have never to earth teen given. Ah, ct them rest in the silence, then; l That is better than words could be; 1 They are far too sweet for the thoughts of men To set to melody, Only in heart and soul still must ring The songs no mortal can hear; | Which our death-siilled lips shall learn to sing Where the golden harps ring clear.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
Disappointment.

"Hcrc is book mentioned in this paper entitled Hints on Husbandry,'" said Miss Smiggle; ''I think rn go down town and buy mo copy" Her brother, to whom the remark was ad- dressed, smiled and said nothing. That evening at the supper table he inquired: "Did you get the book you spoke of to-day, Miranda9 "Ye-es," was tho somewhat reluctant reply. "And how did you enjoy ita" "Well, l reckon it's good enough book, but the title is kind O disappointin. "-- Merhdntc 1rareler.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15

The New York Tribune brings up the subject of the absolute retirement into which the Presidents of the United States are forced by custom. With the exception of John Quincy Adams and Andrew Johnston, who was elected United States Senator, tho example set has been one of rigid abstention from any interference or participation in public affairs. Ex- Congressman Amos Townsend of Cleveland, who was an intimate friend of General Garfield, said: 1: sIt was the one thing that made Gar field anxious and cost him much un- easiness after his nomination for the Presidency that if he should be elected his career would end with the Presiden- tial office. In talking with me about it he said: I am now fifty years of age My mother is seventy. My people have all lived to a good old age, reaching seventy-five to eighty years. It is reasonable to suppose that 1 have twenty five years of active life yet before me. If I am elected President and then re- elected, which is the most that I can expect, I shall be only fifty eight years of age. That will be the time when am required to sit down and fold my hands, bridle my tongue and remain a passive spectator of all that is going on around me. It is not 8 pleasant thing to look forward to. It makes me dread the future My reply was to him that a man with his intellectual tastes and habits of study, with opportunities of travel which would be afforded him as an ex-President had much of pleasure possible after hls retirement, and ir time he came to look upon the brighter side of the picture. My own opinion i that retired Presidents should be mad, life Senators of the United States. Tha would give them position that would enable them to make use of thei valuable experience for the benefit of tn, country. We should have only two O three Presidential Senators at the mos at any one time. Being Senators fo life they would have no obligation t. ningls in party strife, and their counsel veuad bs inyalnable to tho county"
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
MISER JOHNS SHADOW.
A HOLIDAY STORY,

'Ill foreclose on him, of course will !" he softly chuckled as he rubbed his hands together. q lent him the money and he can't pay it back, and why shouldn't take his house and lota l'll take walk up that way. They needn't call me an old miser, and say I'm hard hearted. It's straight matter of busi- ness. lend money on mortgage; if the money isn't repaid I'm entitled to the security. That's straight business the world over."
 It was 'Old John White," as every man, woman and child in the town called him. When they didn't refer to him by that name it was to speak of him as Miser John," 'Stingy White" or ''Mean John." Men had tried to recall one kind or liberal act on his part, but in vain. Women had sought to find ex- cuses for his selfshness and avarice, but it was hard thing to do. If he had ever been married if wife or child had shared his lot--no one could remember 1t. He llved alone-selfsh, penurious and friendless. No man entered his gate unless in financial distress and driven to put himself in the maw of the shark. No child ever halted an instant in front of the grim, tumbled- down building Miser John called home.
 It was almost Christmas time. The winter winds were like the teeth of wolves, and now and then the light snow was caught up and whirled over street and housetop in spiteful way. The rich shivered as they stepped from their doors; the poor suffered even as they re- mained within.
 Miser John left his checrless home for a walk of mile, and as the winds took hold of him he fairly gasped for breath. His garments were old and thin and worn, but he had planned that they must do him for the winter.
 'It isn't SO very cold" he said to him. self as he hurried along. "All this talk about the poor suffering so much is non. sense. Let lem move around and keel their blood circulating and they will bt warm enough"
 He held ,nortgagc on the little homo of Clark, the mechanic. Death had en tered the mans family hat come-a great factory had shut down and left scores of men without work O wages. There was interest due as vel as principal, and the day had come whel the law would permit Miser John to com mence proceedings of foreclosure. H. was not the man to delay an hour. Tn misfortuues of others were nothing t, him. If he owed a debt he had to pa, it; if others owed him it would go hart but what he would have the amount.
 srn just pass the house-softly pas by it." he whispered as he came near it "There ought to be half an acre o ground there, and want every inch o it. And want Clark to leave the hous in good repair, and to be out as soon a possible. I'm not to blame that his bo died, nor for his sickness, nor for tn trouble at the factory. People who Dor row money must pay it back"
 Itwas lampight as he paused in iron
 of tho house. It was better buildin than he had hoped for, and the lan' seemed all there to the last inch. Mise John was softly rubbing his hands whe he noticed an object leaning on tn
 fsnce few yards away. It did not seer
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15

churches to ring the requiem of the dy. ing year, and then to peal the deep toned bells to welcome in the new, men came to them and said:
 ''When that is done you must toll the death of Miser John. He died an hour ago" ."-Detroit Free Press.
Connecticut western news., 1886-12-15
C MCKLEY, Editor and Proprietor.
Local News a Speciality.
T TERMSf

A man who has been living at Hart Fell, Kentucky, without skull, died re. gently. Five years ago, during a fit he fell into 6 fire and remained there until the top of his skull was burned almost to . crisp. The doctors removed this and made an artificial covering for the brain. A thin film formed over it, and, strange to say, the man lived and retained all his faculties