davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

l remember an amusing anecdote, showing
the business quickness of All Sin" told me
by the late Sir Whampoa, q rich Chinaman
of Singapore, who was knighted by Queen
Victoria for his services to the British navy
Singapore, it will be remembered, was ia
vorite stopping place for Admiral Semmss
and the Alabama Whampoa's business was
that of naval contractor, and he generally
supplied Semmes with stores, and thus the
two men got acquainted Semmes was very
quick at figures, and was proud of his gift in
that line Now the Chinese in all their cal
culations use a machine called an abacus,
which resembles an Old fashioned multiph-
cation table on wires. IL is clumsy instru-
ment to look at but is wonderfully expedi-
tious in the hands Of an expert
As the two men were reckoning up their
accounts, Semmes exclaimed impatiently.
"Whsmpos, why do you persist in using that
stupid abacusr The Chinaman replied by
laying wager that Semmes could propose
any mathematical problem he chose, each to
work it out his own way, and that be
(Whampoal would get the right answer first.
"Done!" cried Semmes The problem was
given, and Semmes began to scribble and
figure, while the old Chinaman's finger.
ratified over his abacus In an incredibly
short time Whampoa stopped and declared
the answer. Semmes looked up astonished
then, tearing up his paper, he exclaimed. il
tones of the deepest disgust, Beaten, by
and by Chinamanln Semmes WAS not tn,
only smart white man" that has had to ad
nit the same fact.-Once Week
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

An interesting incident was the first ap-
pearance in public of a young singer who
holds a responsible position as soprano in one
of the leading choirs of the city. Before the
young lady was more than 3 or 4 years old
she accompanied her mother to church. and
to her the singing was by far the most i'm
pOrtant part Of the service The child's voice
was pleasing being much admired by those
of the congregation who heard her. On one
occasion the minister announced the hymn
which is usua IL sung to the tune Green
field" The little singer felt that she was
familiar with this tune and could do justice
to the hymn.
As the first stanZa was sung the child's
voice assembled above the others, and many
in the congregation STOPPED singing to listen
20 the young singer. When the second stanza
was begun the few who took up the air with
the choir stopped singing, and as the choir
continued with the regular words of the
hymn the child took up solo, which was
heard all over the little church. In clear
tones she sang go Tell Aunt Nabby,n etc, a
song adapted to Greenfield" the familiar
,une.-Troy Times.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

The most observed guests at the hotels are
those married couples in which the man is
old and the woman is young There are al
ways many of them at Saratoga They are
always the same combination-a ri h wild
over who marries a poor and pretty girl
Money will buy nearly everything on earth,
and handsome wife is not one of the excep-
tions. A married pair sit on the veranda in
sight from my window as write. He is 60,
and there isn't romantic hair among the
gray Of his head or whiskers. He has a ca
pacious paunch. He can see his legs now,
for they are laid comfortably out in chair,
but he couldn't get full view Of them
standing. He has TO use spectacles in read
ing his newspaper His entire aspect Is one
of plethoric old age. She is 20, and she is an
embodiment of youthful freshness She was
working girl in millinery store, at So a
week. until two years ago. Then the portly
old sexsgenarian offered marriage to her,
and 80 she is now Saratoga belle.
"Why shouldn't she be satisfied" he said
yesterday to crony of his own age. "She
has luxury in the place of poverty. Does
she love met No; or at least not in a roman
tic way don't expect her to. She respects
me, she respects herself, and she won't gel
into any scandal Now, John, you're rich
widower, and sincerely advise you to buy G
young handsome wife. Be careful to pici
out a sensible girl. who has had to work hare
for a living, and who, therefore, will appre
oiate good fortune. Don't make love to her
| There's girl who might do"
/ 1t was in the Indian Grove, where children
and nursemaids abounded. A particularly
| pretty maid, in white cap and apron, wa
| taking five cent ride on one of the donkey
| kept for rent to the children. She was a
| pretty as picture, and her position mad
her piquante
THAT nurse girl is a sort of govsrness 70
some children for friend of mine,n tn
matter of fact man continued. ''She ha
enough education to be very intelligent, sh
has acquired nice manners by service in
cultured family, and she only lacks tn
clothes TO be lady. Marry her, old fellow
and life will he worth living again. Sara
toga Cor. New York Star
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09


A gentleman tells me that he has seen one
of the most extraordinary pieces of executive
dispatch in his life. II was coming down
the Hudson River road" he said, "two or
three days ago, when the train was stopped
by a wreck near Hudson. A freight train
had been thrown off the track The engine
was lying imbedded in hole, one car was "
ing across the track; another bad lost its
trucks and was fat on the track, and the
tender of the locomotive was also deeply i'm
bedded
We had waited there an hour and half
or two hours, and twenty trains had been
stopped They had yanked one of the cars
up on jack screws, as if to run trucks under
it, and shen get it out of the way It looked
as if We were going to stay until night, and
we began to think about finding a steamboat
or buggy or something to get on to New
York, when all at once an engine and wreck
ing car heaved in sight.
Before the engine had come to stop we
could hear the roadmaster's voice ring out,
giving his orders before he had seen the sit
uatlon. He seemed TO be as familiar with
everything on the spot as if he had been there
all night There was an engine off at some
distance, but doing nothing He called out to
the engineer to come up and make fast to the
buried locomotive. In half minute the en-
CINE was attached and pulling to get the
other out of the hole, and at the second effort
the great mass Of iron came up suddenly, and
was hauled out of the road
Pass that rope over the top of that car,
and make fast to the tree FOUNDER" he cried.
1t was done. Now 500 of you lay hold OF
that rope" he shouted. The entire little
army, under the inspiration of that voice
| lay hold of the rope, using the tree for 6
purchase, and they pulled the car across the
track square and out of the way by mair
| strength.
Come on here with that engine, y he erie.
again, make fast to this truck With an
other tremendous pull the whole thing can't
| out of the ground like tree by the roots
and was rushed off Now start that frs
train cried the man In less than two min
| utes from the time of his arrival, what looked
to be weeks job was out of the way ant
the passengers went on.-New York Letter
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

] think the so called sharpers of New York
city are the most unprogressive robbers in
the country, for they try to work strangers
by the same tricks they played thirty years
ago. Only last week an ancient trick was
attempted on my friend and fellow attorney
on the Wabash legal staff, in New York city.
My associate is young and has a western
look, facts which the dull Drained Gotham
crook took as evidences OF verdancy. When
the St Louis railroad lawyer entered New
York city he went to the Wabash Office and
thence to the Metropolitan hotel, where he
put up
When we walked out on the street after
dinner, well dressed fellow approached
him and said cordially, LET me see, sold
you bill of goods once. Your name isf-
johnson" said the st. Louis lawyer, taking
in the situation and giving that false name
"Yes, johnson" said the New Yorker, land
you're in the "Gimlet business at St
Louis" said my friend seeing that the man
wanted his business and city. Eyes, the
gimlet business at St. Louis" said the crook.
"Where are you stoppingF" "At the Metro
politan," said my friend. Eyes, yes,n said
the crook "I'll come up to the Metropoli-
tan this afternoon and see you" do come
up" said my friend, his eye Jwinkling with
western humor as he spoke. Il have just
won large prize in the Louisiana lottery,
and would like to have you 90 with me and
identify me at the New York office of the
concern" The crook bit his lip nervously,
looked sharp at my friend as if he thought
him detective, made laundering reply
and in less than half minute stepped into
the crowd and disappeared. Railroad At
torney in Globe-Democrat.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09
A BIG SNAKE STORY.
A Reptile as Uniqne as the Sea Serpent
The Porpoise Snake.

A Reptile as Unique as the Sea Serpent.
The Porpoise Snake.
/, alone, ons day in Jnne, was fishing on
the banks of the bayou Yucatan, under the
shade of an oak, in north Louisiana, having
left my sailboat several hundred yards from
me, in order 10 escape the hot sun.
had hardly seeted myself conveniently
when dark object was seen approaching on
the surface of the water. At first thought
it was an alligator. but on closer observation
discovered it to be an enormous creeping SER
pent When this huge monster was within
few yards Of the spot where | was seated
gathered some stones about the size of goose
eggs and struck him eleven times, and,
strange to relate, the blows did not appear
to worry him to any great degree, as he
never once left the surface of the water. but
continued unconcernedly at a slow pace up
stream.
| Immediately left my rod and reel and
hastily scampered to my boat 1t was only
question of several minutes before was in
midstream in hot pursuit of this object,
which was soon overtaken. When within
close proximity noticed it to be blind and
apparently harmless. Fearing, however, an
attack, seized my rifle, and, taking aim at
its head, fired. The bullet lodged in the col
lar bone and broke his neck. There was a
slight movement of the tail, little slashing
of the water, and all was over the monster
floating down stream. Curious to learn the
species of this peculiar reptile, made a lasso
from stout rope which | had in my boat
and threw it around its body, thus enabling
me to tow it ashore.
a critical examination developed the fact
that had captured monster snake never
before seen by me- 1t had head resembling
long funnel shaped horn, the body being
similar TO small kegs joined together. What
made matters more queer, each key had g
bunghole some of the bungs being on toI
| and some on the sides. Hauling the tail OF
the bank (which was by no means an easy
task, out of curiosity to learn the content
of the kegs, | opened one of the bungholes
by means of jackknife, and found it Il
| contain a very fine purified oil.
| Just at this irncture my uncle who is al
| old fisherman and has been member of tn
city council, came up, and the minute hi
eyes fell on the captive, with frantic gesticu
lations he exclaimed that had captured
| lOlse stiuOHl Sttu tues
waters
The oil in the kegs found to be pure, IN
aduterated porpoise oil had twelve forty
nine gallon oil barrels sent to the bank an
filed them all The oil was shipped to tn
most extensive watch making establishment
in this country, and brought a handsom
sum.
By way of explanation, would say tina
this snake obtains the oil by plunging ii
sharp head into the side of the porpoise an
drains every drop of oil from its body.
The snake had fifty-three kegs and wa
sixty-nine feet long
| still have possession of the kegs an
bungs the head having decayed), which
prize.
Should any one doubt the veracity of tn
statement, can exhibit the kegs and hung
New Orleans Picayune.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09
THE CITY OF THE DEAD.


They do neither plight nor weu
In the city of the dead she ,oprs
In the city where they sleep AVA ave.. ~, ranee
But they lie, while o'cr 1neii a,, 80
winter blight and summer i {. en ~ eoxers.
nnnsr.d banpv whisperings OF ho"ei~
Anu . nun. -, reither wed nor pighf,
And the dsy is like the nighu,
Anu ~ -, - of other kind than ours.
They do neither sing nor sigh
In the burgh of by and by,
where the streets have grasses growing, cool
and long;
But they rest within their bed,
Leaving all their thoughts unsaid,
Deeming silence better far than sob or song.
No, they neither sigh nor sing
Though the robin be awning
Though the leaves of autumn march a million
strong.
There is only rest and peace
In the city of Surcease,
From the failings and the wailings meath the sum-
And the wings of the swift years
Beat but gently DER the biers,
Making music to the sleepers every one
There is only peace and rest;
But to them 1t seemeth best,
For they lie at ease, and know that life is done.
Richard T. Burton.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

Probably no one thing has caused such
general revival of trade at Hartz &
Bahnsen's drug store as their giving away
to their customers of so many free trial
bottles of DR.. Kings New Discovery for
consumption. Their trade is simply
enormous in this very valuable article
from the fact that it always cures and
never disappolnts. Coughs, Colds Asth-
ma, Bronchitis, Group, and all throat and
lung diseases quickly cured. You can
test 1t before buying by getting a trial
bottle free, large size 81, Every bottle
warranted.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

There is i'll Paris, a current story has it, an
educated besgar in the person of a young
man formerly pupil of the Ecole Normale,
comes up to the terrace of a cafe. and adj
dressing himself to the most intelligent look
ing man present, invites him to ask any his
torical question he can think of, any date OF
French history, from the earliest to the
present time, saying, Il will answer at
once" He generally fulfills his promise with
remarkable alacrity and with equal sagacity
passes around the hat.-ChicGco Hernld
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

,a downcast, stared into va
hs ey nd ON the clear window glass bis
~ fingers traced vague form Of ship&
T,ben suddenly his glance would be fixed on
the easement where was making my obser-
vations, and, feeling that be was watched,
with timid gesture he would draw down
the muslin curtain. Towards the middle of
March no longer saw him near the window
pane. His bones made him suffer more and
more, his too feeble legs could no longer carry
him, and his headaches were redoubled. He
now passed whole days lying on his little bed,
turning over for the hundredth time the
leaves of the picture book where were seen
the sea and the big ships with their white
sails. He had not given up the idea Of his
journey When will we gor' he asked of
his sister; and when the latter had explained
to him that they must wait for fine weather,
ne replied IN his sharp, thin voice, ut is
because an in hurry; want to get well
quickly, very quickly, so as not to see you
cry any more" And he began to repeat to
himself the names of the towns through
which they would pass. He already knew
them by heart-Ch antilly, then Clermont,
| Amiens Abbeville and at last the sea-
| 7once tnHt we are No1ueT, sdiu He, din
sure that my bones will not pain me any
more.n While waiting he wished to have
the big pink shell from the mantelpiecs by
him, and, his ear placed against its pearly
valves, he listened attentively to the distant
NOISE of this sea that should deliver him from
all his suiferings.
Towards Easter heard no longer the dull
rumbling of the sewing machine. Their,
was no more working in the little home, ant
yet a light from a lamp gliding one of tn,
windows well into the night, showed tina
they were always watching there near tn
bed of the sick child. He is much worse,
murmured the porter's wife, pressing in
stinctively against her skirts a chubby littl
boy; she has not long to live. The poor sou
it will be a release!n
One morning l passed under the porch
little coffin carried by two undertakers me
and followed by the family. 1t was Littl
Cab, who was at last setting out on his jour
ney towards the unbelievable sea of the III
known--Translated from the French for Tn
Boston Transcript.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

In the pursuit of the goo1 things of
his world we anticipate too much; we
eat out the heart and sweetness of world
ly pleasures by delightful forethought of
them. The results obtained from the use
of DIR. Jones Red Glover Tonic far exceed
all claims. 1t cures dyspepsia, and all
stomach, liver, kidney and bladder
troubles. 1t is perfect tonic, appetizer,
blood purifier, sure cure for sgue and
malarial diseases. Price, 30 cents, Of
druggists.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09
MAY SOD BLESS YOU"
A Boston Paper-Hanger's Trouble and
How he Got Out of It-Plain
Words from the Sunny South

When we are IN trouble we cry for help. When
are relieved often forget to be thankful.
But not always Mr. ". W Griffin of Trout creek,
St Clair Co. Ala, writes: Il had bad attack of
chils and fever; my system was full of malaria,
For two years was scarcely able TO work at all.
Some times my heart would paptate for two
hours at time: my legs would get cold to the
knees, and fully expected TO di. In September.
1881 bought a bottle of Shaker Extract of Roots
or Seigel's Curative Syrup of your agent, R. NJ.
Kin and before | had taken the fist bottle | fit
better. and in short time was able to go to work.
May God bless you Tor the good you have done"
Mr.. Vim. j. Mccain, 90 Randall street, Boston.
writes: six months ago began to throw up my
food after eating. thought was going into con
sumption, | soon began to have pain IN the chest,
stomach and sides. got little sleep and woke all
tired ont l once lost five pounds in four days. /
began using Shaker Extract Of Roots, or Seigers
syrup, and when l had finished the sixth bottle |
could eat three square meals day, and go to
sleep the minute | struck the bed am paper
hanger by trade, and have worked every day since
took the second bottle, and gained eighteen
pounds. | ought to be thankful and am"
This remedy opens all the natn al passages OF
the body expels the poison from the blood and en-
ables nature to rebuild what disease has de-
stroyed.
Shsk Extract Of Roots Seigels Syrup, is
sold hy all druggists seud to the proprietor, A.
j. White. 81 Warren street, New York.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

1t is becoming quite the thing for foreign
ers of wealth to see this country by contract.
The railroad companies agree to show the
country from Maine to Mexico, with pri-
vate car, for a certain sum This includes
board, car fare, guides and mules for the
mountains, and, in fact, every necessary ex-
pense of an extended trip-The Argonaut.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

The mother and brother of Mary NJ.
Patten, deceased. (whose maiden name
was Nettlebush) supposed to live in or
about Rock Island. are requested TO write
to Fry & Babb at "a LaSalle street, Chi
cago, who desire information to aid them
in proving her heirship and finding her
property so as to close up her estate in
the probate court of Cook county.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

You are feeling depressed, your appe>
tite is poor. you are bothered with head
ache, you are fidgety, nervous, and gen.
orally out OF sorts, and want TO brace up.
Brace up, but not with stimulants, spring
medicines. or bitters, which have for
their basis very cheap, bad whisky, and
which stimulate you for an hour, and
then leave you in worse condition than
before. What you want is an Alternative
that will purify your blood, start healthy
action of liver and kidneys, restore your
vitality, and give renewed health and
strength. Such a medicine you will
find in Electric Bitters, and only SO cents
bottle at Hartz & Bahnsen's drug store.
BUCKLEN's ARNICA sALvE.
The best salve in the world for cuts,
bruises, sores, ulcers. salt rheum, fever
sores, letter, chapped hands, chilblains.
corns and all skin eruptions, and posi-
lively cures piles, or no pay required. 1t
is guaranteed to give perfect satisfaction
or money refunded. Price 25 cents per
box. For sale bv Hartz & Bahnsen.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

Young ladies on the eve of marriage.
now give spinster dinners, at which fe-
male friends only ere entertained. They
are allowed to talk of every thing, and
never fail to mention the numerous cura-
tive benefits of DR.. Bulls Cough Syrup
that cures all coughs, colds, bronchitis,
Group and sore throat.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

Is natures own true laxative. 1t is the
most easily taken, and the most effective
remedy known 10 cleanse the system
when bilious or cos,ive; to dispel head
aches, colds and fevers; to cure habitual
constipation, indigestion, piles, etc.
Manufactured only by the California Fig
Syrup Company, San Francisco. Cal.
Hartz & Bahnsen, agents, Rock Island,
Ill.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09
Five Harvest Excursions.

The Burlington route. c., B. & Q. R.
R., will sell from principal stations on lis
lines, on Tuesdays, September 18th
and 25th, and Oct. 9th and 23d, harvest
excursion tickets at half rates to the
farming regions of the west, southwest
and northwest For tickets and further
inform alton concerning these excursions
call on your nearest c., B. & Q. ticket
agent, or address P S Eustis, Gen, Pass.
and Ticket agent, Chicago
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

God gives every bird its food but does
not throw it in the nest. There is food
for reflection in the thought that War
ner's Log Cabin sarssparilla will purify
the blood, thus ensuring good health,
with which may come all blessings. 81
for 1870 doses, of all druggists.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

By the Cashier process some new works at
Oidbury expect to produce 1.50O pounds of
sodium daily, from which ton and half Of
aluminium can be produced week. This
process reduces the cost of aluminium from
forty shillings per pound to fifteen shillings
or less, or from $1,000 to e1,6OO per ton
New York Sun
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

The latest remedy for snake bites is a
are not so many cases now as when 1t was
fashionable to administer spiritus fru,
menti by the quart.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

Belva Lockwood has been married
twice. She ought to know how 10 WOO
the presidency with better prospects of
success than now attend her
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

Among the dead letters this year was
one addressed to Charles Dickens, the
lecturer, requesting copy of your
latest novel. Cricket on the Hearth.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

Was Mrs. Paran Stevens really robbed
of 100000 worth of jewels, or is it
only a sort of matrimonial bait forsa
dnke2
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

A sort of Knights Of Labor has been
started in London called the Amalga-
mated Society Of General Laborers. 1t
is composed of every description of la.
borers in the metropolis.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

Fires on stock ranges in northwestern
Montana and Idaho have done an i'm
mense amount of damage
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09

At this season of the year piano dealers
think themselves in luck if they sell one
piano a week.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1888-10-09
An Important Element

OF the success of Hoods Sarsaparilla is
the fact that every purchaser receives a
fair equivalent for his money. The fa-
miliar headline 100 Doses One Dollar, "
stolen by imitators, is original with and
true only of Hoods Sarsaparilla. This
can easily be proven by any one who de-
sires to test the matter. For real econ
omy, buy only Hoods Sarsaparilla.. Sold
by all druggists.