davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
A Carribean Contorti0nist.

A correspondent of the New York Times, describing tour in the West h. dies, pictures human curiosity met on the way, as follows:
 Presently the great attraction of St. Lucia appeared-the grand star contor- tionist of the Caribbees. This was col ored fellow of uncertain age, short and thick in body, with arms as long as an apes, and head three or four sizes too large, mouth certainly five inches across, which he kept constantly open; the usu- al flat nose, and immense round eyes that bulged out of his head in manner any thing but pleasant to see. f was told that this singular being was an idiot, but the telling of it was hardly necessary. His grand act was putting his toes in his mouth. He sat down on the ground and put nearly all the front part of one foot in his mouth and then made the usual professional pause and smile waiting for applause and pennies. But neither-being forthcoming, he made a new start and put the ends of both feet in his mouth-thus suggesting the start ling possibility of his carrying the act still further and swallowing himself en. tire.
 Still receiving no pecuniary reward no1 even any encouragement, he procured three or four bananas, broke them into quarters, and began new feat. This was to lay piece of banana on the oper palm of his left hand, hold the arm out straight, strike his arm at the elbow witt the right hand, and thus "shoot" the piece of banana into his mouth. It wen, in every time, but it would have beer strange if it had not, for his mouth nigh taken In small pumpkin with equal ia | cility,
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
A Big Baptizin' by Military Order.

Gen. Stevenson relates the following incident of the war. He said that in his command was very devout and energetic chaplain, exceedingly earnest in regard to the spiritual welfare of the soldiers, especially before going into battle.
 "The preacher" said Gen. Stevenson, ''came down to where Billy Wilson's Zouaves were incamped and had talk with Billy. He said that his efforts had been wonderfully blessed; that he had baptized fifty men from one regiment, a hundred from another, and so on, enum- erating the fruits of his religious labor, and he suggested to Billy that as they were on the eve of battle it would be well for him Cthe chaplain) to talk with Billy's men.
 "Billy was very proud of his command, and he turned to the chaplain and said 'That ain't necessary; I'll save you that trouble. Adjutant,' said he, calling an officer, you just go and make a detail of 300 men, and take lem down to the creek and have lem baptized. No blamed regi- ment in this corps shall go ahead of Billy Wilson's Zouaves.'
 "And," continued the General, laugh ing heartily at the reminiscencc, "blamed if the Adjutant didn't obey Billy's or. ders."
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28

The American Exhibition building for 1887 is being very ingeniously contrived in London. Like Solomon's Temple, the various parts will arrive ready to be fitted into each other without noise or confusion, and the structure will arise fairy like. Its component parts are made to fit any section, and will be bolt ed together without the slightest friction. No skilled labor, indeed, it is said, will be required in its erection. The cast iron chair will rest on 700 stout iron posts, sunk in deep beds of concrete. This will be firmly secured and bolted, and upon it will rest the wall plates. Upon these will be lifted the whole of the main rafters, previously bolted to- gether. The roof is to be of six spans, the largest extending to sixty feet. The rafters, pillars and girders are all of iron. It is intended to erect press pavilion, an Atlantic cable office, an electric eleva. ted railway and reproductions of the frontages of the more remarkable public buildings and institutions in the United States.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
Clothing For Dogs.

Furnishing decorations and clothing for dogs is developing into great trade, !" said a manufacturer to reporter for the New York Mail and Express recently. 'In Paris alone nearly 2,O0O persons are engaged in this business, and the trade represents nearly $1, 900, 900 capital. The rage for dressing canine pets has now reached New York from Paris. Every variety of dog has his peculiar dress and proper toilet and toilet-cases, with pow der, sponge, comb, and so forth. It would be rank breach of dog manners for bulldog to appear on the street in the dress of another; indeed the dog would pine away from sheer modification. Smooth terriers wear bracelets on some of their legs and bear in mind always put the ring on the left leg. That is the fashion. As to collars, blankets for cool wcathor, netting for warm weather, the rule holds good-everyone to its own and no other. We'll very soon have aristo- cratic dogs appearing on rainy days in long-legged boots made of doeskin and fastened on with rubber rings. At cer- tain seasons of the year dogs must be muzzled, and this calls for fancy and decorated muzzles."
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
The Hawaiian Volcano.

Mauna Loa (pronounced as if spelled Mowna Lo-a, accented on the first sylla- ble of each word, and signifying the Long mountain) is the largest in bulk of the volcanic cones of Hawaii, its night being 1850 feet above the level of the sea, or 155 feet less than that of Mauna Kea Kay -ah, signifying the White noun tain), and its base being co-extensive with great part of the island. Its crater pit or calderon, called Mokua weowe o Mo-koo- -ah-way- o-way-o, ac- cented on first, fourth and sixth syllable, and signifying the Red island), is elliptic in shape, its long diameter 13, 900 feet and its short 5000, and its depth about 800 feet. Its irruptions, which occur at irregular intervals of three, four, seven, eight and eleven years or so, are of the grandest proportions known, the volume of lava ejected, as estimated, ranging from 1T, 900, 900, 900 to 50, 900, ooo,o 900 o1 cunic feet. The largest outburst occur red in 18sO-18S1.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
The First Blood.

When, on the night of April IS, 1861, the Pennsylvania troops filed into the rotunda, they were followed by the GUS tomary black man, who in those days at- tended military organizations to carry the target. This descendant of Ethiopia had been roughly handled by the Balti- more hoodlums, and when he entered the rotunda he gazed around with an air of satisfaction, as though he thought that at last he was safe. Taking off his cap, he pulled from his head handker- chief saturated with blood from wound inflicted with brick, and as he went through the rotunda the blood dropped from the handkerchief along the stone floor. This was the first blood of the war. I narrated the incident to Gov. Curtin of Boston the following year. He expressed surprise that he had never heard of it, and on his return sent ono of his staff to Pottersville to see if the colored man was still there. He found him rejoicing in the name of Nichola: Riddle, and he had him photographed, kindly sending me one of the photos.- Ra. Rw1V Rsesa.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
Insurance Risks in the Couutry,

"What sort of risks do you steef cles1 off" was asked of the loss-adjuster in tho farm department of a well-known insuH ance company.
 "Creameries, skating-rinks, and, In . great many cases, country school-houses are declined by our company. Creames. ies are generally of tender-box construc> tion. Kinks, while sometimes built @. curely against loss by fire accidentally started are just now the object of con demnation by the public. We in thu case are afraid of the incendiary's torch{ So, too, in the case of country schooA houses. The people in the district gst . loggerheads regarding the location of th1 building-some wanting it in one plsce rnd some in another. It is finally buftt and it is very often the case that some dark night it is reduced to ashes. WI keep special watch on risks of this kind and as soon as we find the people fghtl ing we cancel the policy at once."-OA<s cago Tribune.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
An English agricultural journal serious

An English agricultural journal serious ly urges that in time of abundant and cheap wheat it should be purchased in large quantities by the Government, and stored away in public :granaries, in order to insure the country at least one years supply in any contingency. ''It argues, '" says the American Cuhiuator, "that the home food production in Great Brit ain is now so very deficient that, in case of war, prices would go up at bound and cause terrible distress among the people before source of supply could be developed. This measure, involving the purchase of grain for storage, might relieve the market so much as to change the present agricultural discontent in England, and put an end to the demand for protection; but it really reminds us of the historic time in Egypt when Joseph laid up grain in the years of plenty to serve for food in the years of famine."
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
HUMUROUS.

Foot pads-Corn plasters
 When business house is in ''shaky" condition is it proper to speak of it as a firm?
 A petrifed clock has been found ih Rome. Another indication of hard times.
 Every man has some hobby, and every girl looks forward to the time when she will have hubby.
 There is any amount of good reading in the dictionary, but it is distributed In very tantalizing manner.
 The husband may boast of ''holding the reins," but it's generally the wife that says where the wagon is going.
 Now is the time that the straw hat smiles because it did not succeed ID its desire last November to make itself felt. A carp said to be 28s years old has been taken out of the river Spree. This shows that fish can stand sprees better than men can. .....- It is reported that Henry Bergh is car rying his sympathies for animals so far that he is cultivating bald spot on his head as pasture for flies. -..
 More than four thousand devices foS coupling have been patented,s and yet thousands of bachelors and maidens go it alone in this country.
 Little maiden (who is spending tho afternoon with her aunt)-Auntis, mother said I must not ask you for any, thing to eat, but Pm awful hungry.
 Mistress-Why, Delia' what in tho world have you donef Della -Shurs' ma'am, the master said the gas waa leaking, and l put up the pail to catch | it.
 Joy never kills. A man has even been known to survive the shock of find. ing forgotten fve-dollar bill in tho watchpocket of his last summers pantar looms.
 A number of Philadelphia ladies have formed an association to do all kinds oJ mending for bachelors. They will 6na it difficult matter to mend the bach elors' habits.
 ''What murderous-l looking villain the prisoner isl" whispered the old lady la her husband in thepolice court room. '1s be afraid to get near him." "6ht' warned her husband, ''that isn't the pr1s oner, he hasn't been brought in yet. Ita 1 the iudgen
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
Eoyally Entertained.

The chairman of a delegation from Spink county, Dakota, to a territorial convention was telling on his return how we'll they were entertained at Huron, where the gathering was held.
 "Brass bands, suppose" said one.
 nYes, I believe they had a band" |
 Banquet, tool" !,
 "Yes, but we wasn't there"
 "Speeches of welcome, drive around the city, grand ball, etc., probablyi"
 "Yes, they had all such things, but we didn't take much stock in 'em."
 "Pd like to know then why you think our delegation was so we'll entertaineds :"
 "Why, you see the mayor took each one of us round separately and asked our private advice on hoss trade he wa9 about making with the city attorney How's that for hospitalitya"-EstelinA Bell
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28

Referring to the purpose of the Audu- bon Society to prevent bird-destruction a correspondent of Forest and Stream says: "As the country became cleared of timber and more thickly inhabited, the birds have been destroyed in large numbers and insects have gained the as. tendency. There are birds worn by oul city belles that alive would accomplish more good work for mankind than the average fashionable belle, although she lived for century. The eyes and beaks of these dead birds cry out in shame against the cruel fashion that causes their slaughter"
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
Cfrcenses.

The greatest modern patron of rough and-tumble sports is the prince of Baroda, in the province of Guzerat, India. The revenue of the pricipality exceeds the official expenditure by more than e1, = 900, 900, and nearly the whole of that surplus is invested in what the old Roman would have called circenses- beast shows and trials of strength. The guicowar, as the native call their prince, is in the mar ket for all sorts of circus novelties. He keeps stone walled stables full of tigers, leopards, cheetahs, and fighting dogs, and has special corps of beast-tamers to train his fighting elephants. A present of specially ferocious brute of that sort is sure passport to his favor. The monthly elephant fights are generally fol- lowed by the contests of two legged prize fighters, ,-pugilists, club-duellists, and 6utters-professionals of the latter school using their heads with the skill of me- rino ram. Butting-matches are kept up till one of the champions fall stunned and the fistic encounter, too, would make MT. Bergh speeches. with rage, for the boxers use an iron 6st-ring very similar to the cestus that made the mills of the old Grecian prize-fghters so murderous. The Baroda Sullivans would think bare knuckle match an absurdly tame affair, and that their views has made various Saxon converts is proved by the circum- stance that the fetes of the guicowar arc attended by crowds of British sportsmen from Bombay and Hyderabad. = Chicago TIanes
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
Tho Sinking of the Tecumseh

This accident occurred during the at tack made by Admiral Farragut on the dcfenses of Mobile, August 5, 1864. Far ragut had been blockading this port with his squadron, ever since the beginning of the year, but had been unwilling to make any attack upon the forts, because he had nothing but wooden vessels. In the lat ter part of July four monitors were sent to him, the Tecumseh, Winnebago, Man hattan and Chickasaw, and immediate preparations were made to attempt the entry of the bay. Eearly on the morning of August 5, the fleet, headed by the Te- cumseh, moved up the bay. At about 2 o'clock, when the head of the column came abreast of the fort, the latter opened fire, and the acton soon became general. The Tecumseh had fired two guns, and had loaded and was about to fire again, when large torpedo exploded under her, blowing an enormous hole in her bottom, just under the turrets. She lurchcd from side to side, careened vio- lently over, and went down head fore most. An incident is told of her brave commander, Captain Craven, that should always be linked with his name, as Sid ney's is with the cup of cold water. At the instant of the explosion, the pilot and he instinctively made for the narrow opening leading to the turret below. Cra- ven drew back. "After you, pilot" he said There was no afterward for him; the pilot was saved, but he went down with his ship. Captain Jouett, of the Metacomet, on seeing the Tecumseh go down, instantly sent boat to the rescue of her crew, in charge of Ensign Yields, an officer of the volunteer navy. The boat pulled toward the wreck, and sue. ceeded in saving the pilot and nine of the ships company. Two officers and five men had also escaped in one of the Tecumseh's boats, which was towing alongside, and four swan to the fort, where they were made prisoners; thus from over one hundred men on the wrecked ship, twenty-one were saved.- Inter Ocean.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
Congressional Musicians.

Among the members of congress, Sena- tor Hawley is the best known singer. He has fine baritone, which he uses to ex- cellent advantage. The senator's reper- toire is quite extensive, but his favorites are some quaint old drinking songs, and in their rendition he is well nigh inimita- ble. Senator Blackburn, of Kentucky, is basso, and good singer he is too. His favorite is "Old Kentucky Home. :" Senator Voorhees,, of Indiana, is another singer of congressional renown. His voice is baritone, and he sings num- Der of selections very nicely. Not a great while ago he sang his favorite, "A Hundred Years Ago." in his committee room, to company of friends, and they do say that it was magnificent perform ance. Brown, of Pennsylvania, has the best tenor in congress, and it has been thoroughly cultivated. It is high, fine and sweet voice. MT. Brown is quite fond of the higher order of music, al- though he sings some plaintive ballads in a manner that would do credit to pro- fessional. Hanback,, of Kansas, is an- other tenor. Ills voice is not as finely cultivated as Browns, but it is powerful and sonorous. He would make good chorus singer in comic opera were it not for his bald head. Hanback, likes the serio-comic songs of the day. He belongs to the Elks, and is a regular at tendant upon their meetings. He can give grand reception as we'll as sing g song. Sometimes his selections are o1 the patriotic order and sometimes they partake of the comic, but he seldom sings anything sentimental. There are quite a number of singers in congress, enough in fact to furnish choruses for severa opera companies, but the gentlemen men
 toned are those who have achieved repu tations on account of their musical gifts and attainments. 7rauelLer.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
A Washington correspondent speaking

A Washington correspondent speaking of the late Mrs. Benjamin F. Brewster, explains how she, very attractive wo- man, happened to marry so notoriously plain man: Both had been married be- fore, she to Frcnchman and he to a Russian lady. When widowed, the only thing left her by her husband was three children, whom Brewster adopted as his own. She was so entirely without means, thou gh of excellent family, that she ob- -tainea position in the treasury Tor self support. She was there when the Phila- delphia lawyer, having occasion to call at the department, passed her desk and overheard her remark: "That is the ugliest man I have ever seen." Turning to her, and lowing very politely, he said "Thank you, madam; always like tc hear a lady express herself frankly. This ackward circumstance was soon followed by an introduction and his falling in love with her. In proposing he is reported to have said: "You are charming and am hideous; but it will not be the first instance of the meeting of Beauty and the Beast. You may never love me
 but, if you will accept me, shall always try to deserve your love-" That is the way to win woman, and he won her They are believed to have been entirel, harmonious and devoted to one another
 The ex-attorney general, albeit singular ly fantastic in dress, and often in man l ners, is extremely polite and kind-heart
 cd. and has host of friends.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
Milk as a Beverage.

A St. Louis milkman tells a Globe Democrat reporter that "milk is the lat est craze in the drinking line. The fluid was made fashionable by Miss Ellen Ter ry, the actress, understand, who drank 1t freely, when the Anglomaniacs followed her example because it was so English, YOU know Now it is sold in saloons and drug stores, and there are lunch houses like Delicatessen, each of which retails as high as 125 gallons day, by the glass. Think of one place. selling 1s5 gallons of milk day to drinkers. Such a thing would not have been dreamt of five years ago. The popularity of milk as bever- age is due to the fact that it is not only fattening, but that it is stimulant also, and better vitalizer than any phos- phates or other medicines the doctors can prescribe for you. It stimulates with out intoxicating, which is further rec ommendation for it."
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
In the Night Watches.

The clock was on the stroke of twelve and old man Stuffey was awakened by muffled voices in the hall below.
 "Wifc,"h he said, "what is that2'
 ''lt's Sary and her young man, "replied the wife.
 "Taint morning, is it2'' he asked.
 sI don't know what time it is"
 'I will see about this," he said, get ting up and putting on his boots.
 In a few minutes his wife heard dull thud down stairs, and shortly after the old man returned.
 q am not an astronomer" he said, and I cannot explain it, but saw the Son rise few moments ago, and it is now midnight"
 Then he looked refectively down al the toe of his boot, took them both off, blew out the light and went back te bed.-Merchant IrdUeler.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
A Very Rich Man.

MT. William K Vanderbilt is extreme ly particular about his wearing apparel. He has French valet, who looks after all his belongings and chooses his ties and shoes. His clothing is all made in London and sent to New York every three months by order. He wears cost ly diamond ring on his small finger and small diamond studs when in full dress. He invariably wears a high silk hat, and, like most blondes, looks his best when in full dress suit. He has a pleasant bari tone voice for singing, and is member of St. Bartholomew's, like his brother, Cornelius.
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
A Hard Question in Arithmetic

A teacher in the public schools had promoted little pupil, and meeting her few days later, said:
 "Wcll, Lizzie, how do you get on in your new class2"
 "Oh, pretty we'll. Imissed in arith- metic o-day, but it was an awful hard question"
 'Let me hear what the question was, J said the teacher.
 'It was: How many chickens had the boy2'" said little Lizzie, and the sympa, thizing teacher agreed that it was pug zler.-Sdn Franciscan
Connecticut western news., 1886-04-28
NO. A..
Caste in India.

Caste, like a terrible nightmare, is firmly fastened upon the social life of India. It will take generations of civil izing influence to make these lethargic people realize that the system is evil. It is not easy for us to understand it. The following description, by gentleman in India, shows little of its pernicious working.
 During severe famine, man, with his wife and child, applied to mission ary for help. They had come from dis tance, and were thin and pinched with hunger. Food was at once brought, but, hungry as they were, they would not touch it. The child was on the ground hunting for and eating the raw rice that was scattered about the door. Rice be- ing given them, they commenced to cook it, but devoured it before it was half done. They would not lose caste by eat ing food prepared by any one not of their grade.
 There are four principal castes. The Brahmins, or priests, are the highest. They consider it beneath them to labor. To tend cattle or to milk a COW would be pollution. Formerly, if low-caste person touched them, even by accident, they could kill him on the spot with i'm punity. The people yield to them as superiors as matter of course. When high-caste man came into a meeting, whole bench was vacated, the occupants taking seats on the floor. The natives usually travel third-class on the railway. These cars are so crowded there is no room to sit apart. This has tendency to break down caste.
 The railway companies had difficulty in supplying them water to drink. A high-cast man could not drink water brought by a man of lower caste. By employing high-caste man, all can bt supplied.
 In their villages each caste lives by it self. Each has it's own shops, or bazaars Below the regular castes are the outcast those who have broken over some O. the various restrictions. Youths Com l 7)dni0n