davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
TIMBER PRESERVATION.
A Simple and inexpensive Way of Pro.
venting the Growth of Destructive

venting the Growth of Destructive
Fungi.
The cheapest operation to protect our
woods, and quite sufficient for many
purposes, is TO season or thoroughly
dry the timber, reducing the contained
moisture from eight to twelve per cent.
of the weight of the wood; and when in
this condition, with a circulation of air
around it, to prevent the collection and
absorption of moisture, the wood will
last indefinitely, as the fungi can not
grow in such surroundings. Every one
is more or less familiar with the sound-
ness of timber in the upper parts of
buildings, while in lower parts near the
foundations it is often decayed on ac-
count of moisture.
In many situations, however, where
timber must be used, the conditions of
growth of the fungi are present, and it
will decay; some species can be used
which resist the attacks of the fungi for
long period, but the final result is de.
cav unless the wood is treated to some
process preventing the growth of the
fungi, which must be capable Of doing
either one of two things. l. Unjust
keep the fibers dry, preventing the abb
sorption of moisture. 2. If the wood
must be in damp place and kept moist
some antiseptic must be present, sutii-
Gent to prevent the growth of any OF
the various kinds of destructive flung
Timber entirely submerged does not
come under these considerations. Ia
use the first process successfully means
more than thin coat of paint or tar or
seasoned wood when exposed to con
tinued moisture. 1t must be some sub
stance which penetrates the tissues O
the wood sufficiently far, in case the OK
terror surface is broken, to prevent an.
absorption of moisture. Wood impreg
mated with the heavy tar or the lighte
oils is protected more from the fact 81
prevention Of access of dampness to th
fibers than by the contained antisept,cs
unless in the exception of a great pc
centage of creosote. In the secon'
method the moisture is permitted t.
come in contact with the fibers of tn
wood, and reliance depends upon til
antiseptic. In this case, the entir
wood should be saturated to give til
greatest measure of success, not merel
an exterior protection of half-inch Q
so in depth, the latter fact, as before g,
planned, being the cause of many of til
failures which have taken place. I'll
autiseptic treatment, to succeed, mu
destroy all the germs which have foun
Judgment in the timber, and also thos
which may come from the exterior
Popular Science Monthly.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
No Restriction Of Rights.

III see, " said one member Of the Da-
kota Legislature to another, Congress
has passed a bill restricting the powers
of Territorial legislatures
Restricting their powers! ! hadn't
heard any thing about il"
swell, it's fact"
'.Then suppose we can't play poker
any more. I've got my opinion -"
s.Oh, nothing is said about poker"
.Shuts off some of the appropriations,
then, / suppose?"
NO."
"Cut down the members pay?"
..That remains unchanged.
..Any thing against adjourning and
going on excursions?"
II think moi"
"Well, dozen laws couldn't prevent
us from selling out to the railroad COM
panies, so don't see where any of our
privileges have been restricted. With
draw-poker, big pay, liberal appropria-
tons, far-reaching excursions and an
nual passes, / guess we will have all we
ever had. What did tho law you
spoke of refer to, anyway" -Esteltine
| Cd. T.) Bell.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
The Republican Attitude.

What is the attitude of the Repub-
lican party in this year 1886 regarding
Civil-Service reform, and what does it
betokenp There is abundant condem-
nation of the Administration for fail
ures to keep its pledges in this re-
spect; but what do Republicans
pledge themselves to do in case
power is given to themp Nothing
at all. In Maine, Vermont and Hi
nois there is in the platform a general
and rather Indifferent reference to
the matter. In most of the States it is
not mentioned at all as an item of the
Republican creed. In Indiana alone
do the Republicans, with apparent
earnestness, approve the enforcement
of the law and call for an extension of
its principles. And this while the
Democratic President, in spite of all
mistakes and violations, is doing more
and withstanding more in support of
the principles of the reform than any
Republican President has had the in
dependence and courage to attempt,
and Democratic conventions all over
the land are committing themselves,
without express qualification, to ap-
proval of his Administration, and in
many instances especially commencing
his devotion to Civil-Service reform.
1t looks as if Republican politicians
did not want any extension of Civil
Service reform principles until after
they get an opportunity to turn out
Mr.. Cleveland's appointees and fill the
offices again with their own class.
Suppose Mr.. Cleveland continues, as
he has thus far gone on, retaining in
Office many Republicans. even after
the expiration of the term fol
which they were appointed by a Re-
publican President under the law
which a Republican Congress would
not repeal, although its repeal was de,
sired by Civil-Service reformers; ap.
pointing in conspicuous cases Repub.
licans Of approved character and fit
ness to office; improving and strength
ening the executive regulations by
which the Civil-Service act is applied
where they are weak-and suppose
that, with this record, he should be re-
renominated by the Democratic party
do Republicans think the record the,
are making will induce the people t
turn Mr.. Cleveland out in order tt
make MIR. Blaine, or any Republican
whose reputation as reformer is M
better established, President?-Bosto1
Herald.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
A VACATION iDYL.

Well. vacation is over. I've come back to
town, ... y,.,.,l,- =
With heart that's deal worse for wear,
And my spirits, once light, are decidedly
down.
] ap lonesome. Perhaps tits as we'll to de.
I'm in love!
I've the symptoms exactly-I dream and I
pine,
You see Pm inspired to write
Bad verses, and that's an infallible sigh
, But fancy man in this curious plight.
love tlro!
The moon which ilumines this hot, sultry
Reminds me how, one month ago,
wandered with Dorothy, piquant and
bright.
On the cliffs down at Newport. We talked
well you know,
Not much sense.
Hove her. adore her. But can forget
The days with dear Imogen spent
In the mountains? And how in sweet inter
course met
Her spirit and mine as together we bent
Ger "Lucile.'
Now, one of these two charming girls, have
sworn,
will marry. But which shall it be?
For welded to either I'd certainly mourn
For the other who seemed just as charm.
ing to me.
IL despair
But must decide, for els cruel to play
A letter from each! / am lucky to dawn
Let me see. you'll congratulate. y "ushern
Great Scott!
Both engaged!
N. Y. Neil and Express
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
PITH AND POINT.

"A New York man asserts that his
dog can count Probably because he's
seen him figure in scene with a young
man trying to get over the fence. -Ch'.
ca0o Inter- Ocean.
1t is said Bernhardt has two anbi-
tons. One is to get fat, the other to
write good poetry. She can never fat
ten herself writing poetry. It is too
in.-Chicago Tribune.
Swift sad the reason a certain uni-
versity was learned place was, that
most persons took some learning there,
and few brought any away with them,
so it accumulated. IN. Y Witness.
THE editor of our esteemed con-
temporary across the river" said a sar-
castle village journalist, sis very fresh,
but the malady doesn't extend to his
news columns. Somerrille Journal.
No, it is not hard to write funny
paragraphs; all you have to do is to
procure pen. some paper and ink,
and then sit down and write them as
they occur to you. 1t is not the writ
ing, but the occurring, that is hard
Ne,0 Haven NesOs.
"A little girl, visiting ne;ghbor
with her mother. was gazing curiously
at the hostess new bonnet, when the
owner queried: '.Do you like it, LauraP"
The innocent replied: ''Why, mother
said it was a perfect fright; but it don't
scare me! Exchange.
As between dog and dude for
summer resort pet said a young lady
as young man left her side, give me
the dog. " '.Whyp" asked her compan:
ion. 1.-THE dog never says any thing.
''Neither does The dude, does hep" .'No;
but he makes me tired talking so much. "
= Washington Critic.
Customer Ito drug clerk)-Wha,
do you charge for arsenic? Drug Clerk
(suspiciously )-What do you want il
for? Customer am French candy
manufacturer. Drug Clerk (suspicions
allayed) -Oh. 1 beg pardon, sir; ]
thought perhaps you wanted to take it
yourself. IN Y San.
--Algernon-Do you know / don't
believe there is any thing in the theowy
that fish is gweat bwain foodp Angus
tus-Why, Railways supposed that was a
fact Have you eaten much fish? Al
gernon-O, ya-as, an awful lot. Angus
tus-Well, then, l guess you're right,
old chap. The Rambler.
Eyes, said Kentuckian who had
been in the Far West, 'Indians are
powerful fond Of whisky. Let 'em once
get the taste of whisky an they'll give
up every thing for it. An old chief out
in Western Dakota offered me pony.
saddle, bride, blanket and dom know
what else for pint of whisky had with
me- "And you wouldn't give it to
himp" "Not much. That was the last
pint l had left. But it shows how fond
Indians are of whisky. IN. Y Sun.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
PRESS PARAGRAPHS.

"A society has been formed in
Brooklyn to prevent premature burials.
Something of this sort is the only thing
that will save the Republican party Of
Missouri from an untimely grave.-St.
Louis Republican.
A Philadelphia editor who has
just been visiting Mr.. Blaine tells an
interviewer: Understand me, James
G. Blame does not seek the nominal
ton, for he told me So" This is rare
case, indeed, of journalistic innocence
and credulity.- Chicago Times.
considering the horrible failure
Blaine made in the brief time he was
running the foreign policy of the Gov
eminent, Democrats can regard his as
saults upon the foreign policy of the
present Administration with equanim.
ity.-Cleveldnd Plai'sdealer.
The Republicans Of Indiana
want the purity of the ballot-box main
tanned. 1t will be recalled to mind
that several regiments of soldiers from
other States voted in nearly every
ward in Indianapolis under the direc-
ton of the Republican committee, dur
ing the war.-Bufalo Times.
On the 4th of next March Will
lam Malone steps down and out of the
Senate never to return. There have
been men IN this country who, in their
day and generation. felt the full weight
of the peoples scorn and hatred, but
not one among them all ever sounded
the depths of misery that Malone is
destined to reach. atlanta Lonstits1-
ton.
1t is astonishing that bright Re
publican correspondents should scoul
the South in all directions, diligently
interview the negroes, and still hear
never word about the Freedmen
Bank, or the old forty -acres-and-a-mul,
confidence game. 1t is suspected tina,
these interviews are very ably and
carefully edited before they areprinted
l-St, Louis Post Dispatch,
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
CARPET-MAKlNC.
More Than Four Thousand Looms Run.
ming i'm the;United States.

More Than Four Thousand Looms Run.
ming in the;Unitcd States.
Recent Investigations show that there
are in the United States 4, 211 looms de-
voted mainly to the weaving of extra
and medium super carpets, Of these
looms 2,1S9 are in Philadelphia, the re-
mainder being scattered from Auburn,
N. Y, to the Eastern companies. In
States they are as follows: Pennsyl.
vania, 2, S9;New York, 800; Massachu.
sets, 375; Connecticut, 347. The aver.
age yield of an ingram power-loom is
thirty yards per diem, and the possible
yield of the entire country in
extra supers is 37,S99, 900 yards per an
mum. The value of the same is. at
sixty cents per yard, 1922, 739, 400. But
all ingram power looms are not run
ming on ''extras," and allowances will
be made accordingly. The growth of
the brussels industry is interesting. In
1886 brussels carpets were being woven
in a few cellars in Philadelphia by hand.
About that time, also, the Auburn On.
W State prison, under Mr.. Barber,
was turning out body brussels, and the
old factory at Astoria, which f. S.
Higgins bought in 1S45, was one
of the first to make brussels.
The brussels manufacture, since the
Bigelow loom was perfected. is familiar.
Since the war the great companies at
Hartford, Lowell and Clinton have as
sumed large proportions, and turn out
each year a magnificent product in
brussels, and other concerns are grow
ING up about them In the decade past
Philadelphia has doomed and contains
to-day large proportion of the brus-
sells machinery of the country. There
are in the United States, in position or
about to be placed, 1,197 brussels looms
The number in each State is as follows:
Pennsylvania, 4S5; New York, 106;
Connecticut, 1903; Massachusetts,, 1872;
New Jersey, 10. The average yield Of
a brussels loom is fifty yards a day, and
all the brussels looms in the country
running on regular time would yield
1885, 900 yards in one year, Sundays
and holidays excluded. Averaging
stouts and five-frame goods at 81 per
yard, the value of our total brussels
product would be S17,955,000. The
largest tapestry concern in the
United States is that of the Alexander
Smith & Sons Company at Yonkers, N.
Y. They have $50 looms on tapestries,
and can turn out probably 455, 900 yards
per month.-Philadelphio Carpet Trade.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
GOVERNMENT DOCKS.
Tho Insignificant Capacity of the United
States Yards for Dockage.

Tho Insignificant Capacity of the United
States Yards for Dockage.
In the course of the rehabilitation OF
the United States navy, docks and navy
yards require very serious considers
ton, for, after ships and guns, there
are no requirements of more Importance
for naval purposes. The capacity Of
the Government yards for dockage is
very insignificant, owing to which the
bottoms of our ships are but seldom
subjected to scrutiny, and this, above all
others, is the part of the integrity OF
which we need to be most assured. The
few docks that we have are generally ap-
propriated by vessels under repair, and
the cruising ship is debarred the use of
this means of guarding her safety and
providing for her speed. A very slight
accident may disturb the copper on the
bottom of wooden ship. which may
result in serious consequences if she be
sent to cruise in waters where she will
be exposed to the influence of the teredo.
and the neglect to clean the bottom when
loaded with grass or barnacles might SO
impair speed as to make the difference
between capture and failure in chase.
Docking for such purposes as inspect
ing and cleaning the bottom is the ex-
ception in our practice, as the demands
of repairs are considered paramount.
A ship in which the repairs approach or
lie below the water line must be placed
in a dock. and months being often re-
quired to complete the work, the dock
is closed to all other purposes, and our
ships are frequently sent from one navy
yard to another to take advantage of a
dock that may be- vacant.
The embarrassments that have att
tended this course in the past, while our
fleet has consisted of copper-sheathed
wooden ships, will be increased by the
introduction of iron and steel hulls.
which demand much more care and
more frequent removals of such hinder
ances to speed as will attach themselves
to their bottoms.
The Government has at present but
three stone dry-docks and one floating
COCK. Inc laCCeT Is Ill USE dt vi 1S"
mouth, New Hampshire; the stone
docks are at the navy yards in Boston,
New York and Norfolk.
A stone dock is in process of con-
struction at Mare Island, California;
this is of dimensions capable of receiv-
ing ships of the first class. Its length
is $50 feet; breadth, 70 feet; depth Of
water over the sill, 27.6 feet, and it will
admit a ship of AGO feet in length. When
completed it will supply great want
on the Pacific coast.
1t requires no argument to show that
the Government needs great increase
in it's facilities for dockage; the neces-
sity of a plentiful supply of docks is
recognized by all powers, and we can
not pretend to be blind to our own de-
ficiency. This is want that must be
provided for, but it is well to study all
points that bear on the subject, and to
mature some plan of operations before
we embark in work which involves
great expense, and the success of which
must depend on the thoroughness with
which all the factors are considered be.
forehand. --Rear-Admiral B. Simpson,
| in Harper's Magazine.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29

dazed silence. feeling excessively small,
but seeking to comfort himself with the
thought that it might be possible SO to
disguise himself as not to be recognized
by Mr.. Gray and his daughter when he
should present himself at Verdon.
Would it not be well to give them false
name at present and delay his visit for
some days?
But while he thus unused in dire con-
fusion of spirit Miss Minna Gray, turn
ing to him, said blandly:
''Do you stop at Verdon, Mr.. Weth-
erby?"
''Eh?- aw-you take me for
"For Mrs. Merrow's brother, of
course. She told me yesterday that she
expected you. You see, father and I
have only run down this morning to
meet sister and her family, who were to
join tbs at Cousin Merrow's and all re-
turn home together. Let me introduce
you to my sister and my brother-;n-in
law, Colonel Steele, turning to the
tall gentleman and the pale lady, who
had been spectators of the whole scene.
al shall be most happy when
when we arrive at the station Atpres-
ent must positively look after my va
lise, as J. think we are approaching the
station and will have only minute for
alighting."
"Your valise? Here it is under the
seat! You see''-with charming smile
tive could all read the name on it, and
that is how we came to know who you
were"
The next station was not Verdon
nevertheless. Mr.. Wetherby, with his
baggage, alighted there and took the
next train homeward. To the inquiries
of a friend, to whom he had conf
dentally communicated his intention Of
marrying an heiress, he briefly replied
that he had seen the girl and did not
quite fancy her. And it is observable
that on all of his travelling trips he. is
strangely silent and uncommunicative
with his fellow passengers. Cincinnati
Times.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
THE DARK CONTINENT.
The Chief Embarrassment Experienced by
Travellers in Africa.


Travellers in Africa.
It is difficult for us Americans who
stay at home and lead rather humdrum
lives to realize the mighty changes
which are taking place in other lands.
Here is Africa, for instance, which is
being attacked by civilizing influences
from every quarter. The English are
hard at work in Northeastern and
Southern Africa, the French in North
Africa, while the Germans and Portu-
guese are penetrating that continent
from the east and west coasts. The
Portuguese Government is building
railroad from Loanda, on the west
coast, to Ambaca, two hundred and
twenty-three miles inland. Another
road is soon to be constructed to Congo
land. In the meanwhile white travellers,
principally Germans, are making them
selves at home in all parts of the in
terror. They are welcomed every
where, and oddly enough their chief
embarrassment is the desire of the Afri-
can Princesses to marry them. One
Serpa Pinto had to fly in the night from
an Ambuella Princess who offered him
the alternative of marriage or death.
Herr Buchner had the utmost difficulty
in declining a marital alliance with a
sister of Muata Yano. who offered
broad acres and herds of cattle if he
would only be her spouse. Herr Hopf-
ner has been adopted into an African
tribe as the Kings son. John Dunno.
Scotchman, is the most important
chief of the thirteen in Zululand, and
there are scores of other white men
who are becoming all powerful in the
interior of Africa. The next century
will see great change in the status Of
the Dark Continent. -Denaorest' $
Monthly.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29

by the way, was it not James
ID. Blaine who some time ago said he
had retired from politics and was go
ing to devote the rest of his time to lit
erary laborsa Since tho laboring men
of Maine have concluded to oppose his
candidates it appears that it would
have been better for Mr.. Blaine ii he
had kent this promise. CHICAGO Meas.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
Bostonese Inquisitiveness.

Mr.. D., Western man, came
East, and found at his hotel a landlady
who was much interested in his person
al history. He was unable to answer
all her questions satisfactorily.
..Did you ever see Daniel Webster?"
.No."
'.Were you born in Webster's day9'
mo-
..Weli, you don't look SO very old. "
'.No, I'm not so very old. ("
"Well, how old are you, anyway"
..'Old enough to mind my own affairs,
and trouble nobody"
"Well, how old is that" Youths
Companion.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29
A Woman's Reason.

Mortified Husband What's this ]
see? Another new dress?
Calm Wife--Yes; isn't it beautyi
And it only cost eighty dollars, includ-
ing the ribbons
Eighty furies! You had one just
like it last year that only cost forty
II know it. but dear, this was adver-
tised as a bargain. "-RNladelplie Cal
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29

"A horse thief, lately arrested in
Denver, had ridden his stolen animal
four hundred miles from Nebraska,
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29

Customs disbursements. =. IS l9a, l9I %
Internal Revenue disbursements. $500 90
Diplomatic disbursements. ....... TIA ,561 10
Treasury disbursements 5,692, 424 90
Judiciary ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 100000 90
Interior civil disbursements. 33S, 1850 90
Receipts for customs ;. ...... 875266 90
Receipts for Internal Revenue. 3,424,57O 90
Receipts for sales public lands. Nl,68 90
stamps. :. ;: ssl,1r 90
nments. =. essO4 90
sources. ........... -. 15s,l7s 90
doned property ............... ;. 5s7.es5 90
Total since 1861. .s12, 500, 40 OF
Cincinnati Enquirer.
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29

Color blindness is said to have pecp
first reported in 1777,
The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1886-09-29

rhe Co1ored Man Knows When He Is
Justly Treated and When He Is Being
Used as a Tool-Another Proposed ''Ex-
.s.3,,. ~ .-s.-sss4.s l-I.=f