davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
The New York Flremen.

A firem an is on duty every hour Of
the "a, except an hour each for three
meals day. This is theoretical, Of
course, and practically no one supposes
that this limit is anywhere near reached.
But since the first of January last the
actual working time of the department
has been extended ly numerous fires
away beyond the average, and, further,
beyond the time usually employed by
men in other vocations. The year 1887
was period Of average activity in the
matter of fires. In that year therc were
1920 fires, extra and needless alarms
not counted. This is an average of a
trife moro than eight day. These
were distributed from the Yonkers lins
southwark, but by far the greater pro.
portion wcrs south OF Fifty ninth
street.
Every company in the city is aroused
by every alarm. A loud bell sounds in
every station for every alarm rung in
any quarter of the town, and it is rule
of the department that at the first stroke
of the bell every engine shall be
made ready, the horses hitchcd in, and
the men dressed and in place for action.
This means that even as far away as in
Riverdalc, where engine SO is located,
fire near the Battery at any hour Of
day or night will call the men to readi-
ness for duty. Eight times day of this
sudden preparation is no child's play.
and it is made all the moro tr troublesome
by the fact that most fires occur at night.
In 1887 there were 1888 fires between 6
P. NJ. and A. NJ, against 1876 fires
between G A. M. and P. NJ The
quarter of tho day most subject to fires
is between 6 p. NJ. and midnight. In
1887 at these hours there were III.
Even fircmcn who are stationed in the
busiest districts, therefore, share in the
general work of protecting the city to
the cxtcnt of having their rest broken
and being kept inccssantly upon the
alert. At every alarm every man turns
out from his bunk and has tily dons his
clothes, the horses rush from their stalls
and the drivers clap down tho suspended
harnesses. If the figure tollcd off on
tho gong proves to represent district
to which the firemcn OF that station are
not bound to respond, til, harnesses arc
raised, the horses are led back to the
stalls, and the men return to their
hunks. Before the mon have more than
dropped into dozc after this the gong
clangs once more; and this keeps up
through every night and day New
York Sun.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
An Old Weather Record.

Mr.. ]. D. Whitson gives the Chicago
journal these memoranda:
1858, dry summer; following winter
very cold; ice "A inches.
1854, very hot summer; winter cold
est ever known.
1855, average summer; winter in
tensely cold.
1856, average summer; winter very
cold.
1859, dry summer; winter intensely
cold.
1860, average summer; mild fall; win
ter cold; six weeks sleighing to
March 1.
1861, hot summer; winter cold; sleigh
ing from December Is to April /.
1868, mild and dry summer; winter
cold; thermometer 81 below zero, and
cold to February Is.
1866, hot aud dry summer; very cold
January and February.
1867, dry summer and mild fall; win
ter set in December SO, and cold till
March 1.
1868, summer hot; severe winter from
November 20 to January 10.
1869, summer very dry; winter from
December 1, steady and cold.
1871, very dry fall; winter set in De-
cember 8, cold to spring.
1874, dry and mild fall and pleas ant;
winter set in November 90, and cold to
April 90
1876, summer hot and dry; winter
very cold, ice 2S inches.
1880, dry summer; severe winter,
December 20 extreme cold, and 50 be-
low zero in Texas.
1881, average summer; winter very
cold, November 20, ice ten inches, and
snow from Maine to Virginia.
1882, dry summer; winter cold, De-
ccmber s, 1S' below, severe winter.
1883, dry and hot summer; severe
winter, February 1, 140 below.
1884, average summer; cold winter,
December II, @ below; January 10, Is
| to go below
1885, average summer; severe winter,
| December 90 below.
1886, dry summer; cold winter, De-
cembcr, Ice 10 inches, January 200 be-
| low.
1887, dry summer; winter cold from
December 20, ice 90 inches and colder
weather predicted.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
Ready Wit

W. S. Gilbert the dramatist, coming
down from great reception, in Lon
don, stood in hall waiting for the SER
want to bring him his coat and hat. AS
he stood there, heavy swell, descend
ing, took Gilbert for a servant in wait
ing, and called cut to him:
Call me four wheeler !"
Gilbert placed one glass in his con-
tcmplativc right eye, and looking bland
ly at the swell, said:
"You are a four-whceler y
"What do you mean?' said the
swell. Sid Gilbert: You told me to
c,ll you four-whcelcr, and have done
so. really couldn't call you hanson,
you know. - Argonaut.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
Tho Mirage.

They tell us that when weary travellers
deem
They view through quivering heat across
the sand
Great rocks for shadow in weary land,
And clustering palms, and fairer yet, the
CLEAN
Where smiles in light to laugh in sound the
stream.
This is work of tame enchanter's wand,
But that reflected here true visions stand
or far-otf things that close beside them
seem.
So, worn with lifes hot march, when near at
hand
A happier world we see upon us BEEN,
Where death and parting need not be our
theme,
None here by toll forefought, by grief un-
manned,
Prophets of Science, hush your stern COM
mand.
Oh! bid us not to hold it all dream.
1.-The Spectator.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
HUMOROUS.

The public will surely sour on the
vinegar trust.
Old flames frequently get together
and make parlor match.
The parlor is probably the most fire.
quented of all court rooms.
Don't judge by appearances. A brand
new coat may cover wire dummy.
If you just itch for anything, you may
be able to get it by scratching around
lively.
1t reads trifle paradoxical to sec a
cargo OF salt cod noticed under the head
of fresh arrivals.
Two heads are better than ono, es-
pecially for man who wants to go round
the country with circus.
The sign "Beware of the Dog" is no,
hung up "that he who runs may read"
lut "that he who reads may rum"
Perhaps some of tho people who are
looking for nice, fat jobs could bc ac-
commodated if they would apply at
lard rendering establishment.
Papa, where's Atoms" 'Atomsl !
don't know, my boy. You mean Athens,
probably" "No, I mean Atoms--thc
place where everything is blown to-"
"Do you rectify mistakes hcref'
asked gentleman as he stepped into
drug store. eyes, sir, we do, if the
patient is still alive" replied the ur-
bane clerk.
A London druggist has hit the popu-
lar taste for good bargains. In his win
dows he displays a card that reads,
"Come in and get twelve emetics for
one shilling
A school teacher recently asked her
class the question: "What is pilota'
The smart boy answered: 1T is lot
where they grow pie-plant," and was
| sent to the foot of the class.
I Grandma Coming in unexpectedly
Why, Tommy, what have you been do
ing to Polil She looks as if she'd had
connipton fit! Tommy-Polly said
something about wanting me to
crack her, and l did.
"Therc is something about you, Mr..
! Sccondshclf, which tells me that you
must have had -historyp and she
gazcd upon HIM with intense, soulful
eyes. "No, m'm," he said: Il amt
just right there, but it's only cigar
ettcs."
"WIll you love me when I'm oldl"
sang the ancient soubrette. "How
| old2" came in shrill voice from the
| gallery. The singer did not reply, but
the audience smiled when the curtain
dropped, showing century plant in full
bloom.
Merchant (buying bill of goods OF
Chicago drummer) What is your usu-
al time, thirty days2 Chicago drum
mcr (abscnt mindcdly-Yes; or $40.
l always pay tho fine -oh-er--I bog
pardon; yes, thirty days, or per cent.
off for cash.
When yesterday asked you, love,
One little word to say,
Your brother interrupted us;
So please say yes terday.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
A Man Attacked by Squirrels.

Col. J. L. Culbertson of Edwards.
port, Ind, tells this story Of his expe.
rienco in 1854 or thercabouts, the timo
of the great migration of squirrels from
the east to the west. The Evansville
Courier, which publishes the story, says
that the colonel is a gentleman of 'un-
questioned truth and honesty" He was
young man then, and one day took his
rifle and went about mile from town
to hunt. He was going through the
woods when he met the army of squir-
rels. They became SO thick around
him and seemed so fearless that he stood
in amazement. Finally he struck one
wlth.a stick. The squirrel uttered a
sharp squeak and instantly myriads of
squirrels from all directions rushed to
the defence of their associate and at
tackled Mr.. Culbertson, who kicked
them off and clubbed at them with his
gun. They climbed up his legs, jumped
upon his back, and on top of his head.
He fought desperately, but the more he
succeeded in hurting the louder the
chattering and screaming around him
became, which only brought greater
numbers of the infuriated little animals
to the attack. They bit his legs and
arms and gashed his face and neck and
lacerated his hands, fairly scrambling
over each other in their fierce assault.
He dropped his gun and retreatcd as
fast as he could, fighting desperately as
he went. Blood strcamed down his
face and neck and hands. They bit
him through the ears, and held on until
they actually tore their hold loose. lie
got out of the woods, and still scores
followed him and clung to him until
they were pulled off by the clerk and
others in store iato which young Gull
bertson rushed for assistance. Some Of
the friends who helped to pull off tho
squirrels, and who saw him come into
town literally beset with them, still re-
side at Edwardsport. His friends
washed his wounds and stayed the flow
of blood which tricklcd down his legs
and back and gushcd from his face and
neck, and, with good care and atten-
ton, he slowly recovered.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
The Little Grave on the fill


There's a spot on the hillside far away,
Where in summer the grass grows green;
Where, beneath rushing elm trees shade,
A moss covered stone is seen.
'Tis a quiet and unfrequented spot,
A solitude lone and wild;
Yet-somebody's hopes are buried there
'Tis the grave of a little child.
In winter, alasl that messy stone
Is hid meath a shroud Of snow;
But around it, in springtime, fresh and
sweet
The daisies and violets grow;
And DER it the summer breezes blow,
With fragrance soft and mild,
And the autumn's dead leaves thickly strew
That grave Of a little child.
And every year there's redbreast comes.
When the month of May is nigh,
And builds her nest in this quiet spot
Mid the elm trees branches high;
With her melody sweet by the hour she
trils,
As if by the scene beguiled;
Perhaps-who knows' tits an angel comes
To the grave of that little child.
Yes, somebody's hopes lie buried there,
Some mother is weeping in vain.
For though years may come and years may
go,
Twill never come back again.
Yet blessed are those who die in youth,
The pure and undefled;
Some road to Heaven, perchance, runs
through
That grave of little child.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
A New International Language.

A common language for the whole
civiiz, Il world has been for several Gen.
turies one of the dreams of poets.
philosophers and rcligioniits. 1t has
been one of those ideas that would not
down, but which in spite of failure after
failure has continued to recur at inter-
vals with new claims for interest a. ma
tions OF the world hav, been knit closer
and closer together. Leibni,z tried the
task of formulating such language in
The latter part of the seventeenth cea-
tury, but gave it up IN despair. Bishop
Wilkins, Abbo Sicard. Bachmeier and
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
Emperor Dom Pedro's Generosity.

The following story is told of the
emperor of Brazil: Tho other day at
Cannes the editor Of a scientific Ere nch
journal waited upon his majesty, with
the request that he would contribute
some articles on matters of scientiiic in-
tercst connected with his dominion.
"Certainly," replied the emperor, but
what rate of pay do you givef The
man of letters though little surprised,
having named what he was in tho habit
of giving, Dom Pedro aided, smiling:
'Ycs, that will do very we'll. You see
l would gladly write for nothing, but l
am not at liberty to do so, as ever since
/ began writing | have given every
pcnny l have earned by my brains to an
orphan asylum iu my capital Il Home
Journal.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
Making Butter in Uruguay.

One of the curious customs of
Uruguay is the manufacture of butter
The dairy man pours the milk warm
from the COW into an inflated pig or
goat skin, bitches it to his saddle by a
long lasso, and gallops five or six miles
into town. When he reaches the city
the butter is made, and he pcddles it
from door to door, dipping out the
quantity desired by each family with a
long wooden spoon.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
An Alabama Negro in Saxony.

Among the curiositi,s oil the popula-
ton statistics of the Kingdom of Sax
ony is the application for naturalization
of negro boy, native of Ala5ama,
who arrived in Hamburg as cabin boy
at the age OF 10 years, has since re-
mained in Germany, and. after having
been baptized iato the Lutheran church
at Brcslau three years AGO, has now con-
Gu lie to SELL. IN Chemnitz Il Paris
American Register.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
What watcrspouts at Sea Indicate.

The photographic Offico has just
published an account of several re-
markablc waterspouts recently observed
by masters of vessels on the Atlantic.
The phenomenon is important, not only
lccausc tn, waterspout sometimes causes
disaster at sea, but also because it is an
indication to the mariner of the exis-
cnce and bearings of dangerous hur-
ricane vortex. As a rule the position
Of the centre of hurricane relative to
watcrspout formed within its storm cir
c,e is northwcsterly- the whirling water
pillar usually occurring in the southeast
quadrant of the cyclone. 1t is desir-
able that all shipmasters should care
fully note and report any large water
spout seen at sea, as it is generally an
index of an extensive cyclonic move
ment. - New York Herald.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
A Unkind Cut.

81 hear that you are engaged, Ma
miel'
''It is true"
'Thcn mother was right"
"What aboutp
"She said you would be engaged be-
fore leap year was over. p Bost on
Courier.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
So LONDONDERRY. vi. THURSDAY, MARCH 49, 1885,

Dick Spriggs said the other day that
if he did not read the papers for him
self every morning ho would imagine
from Uncle Zeko's appearance that
Northwestern had slumped off about
600 points, ,-[Detroit Free Press.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
A Curious Fact About San Francisco.

A curious fact about San Francisco is
that it is about half way along line
running from the eastcrnmost point OF
land to the westernmost owned by tho
United States By drawing a line from
tho western cad of the Aleutian Islands
TO the eastern end of Maine, it will be
fouad that tn, tolden Gate on the
Pacific is in about the middle OF it
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-22
TIE LONDONDERRY SITTER.

A-Entered at tho Post office A. South
Londonderry, as second class nattsx.
The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1888-11-15
STATE NEWS.
Called and Condensed from our Ex.
changes.

At the State Fair in Macon last
week, Hancock county was awarded
the $1,000 for the best county dis
play, Talbot county, second prize,
500, and Houston county, third
prize, $500.
If Georgia could turn into cloth
in her own borders the 100000 bales
of cotton raised in the State, the
aggregate value OF the crop could
be made almost double what it is
now when the whole crop goes to
New England and Europe.
Mr.. Jacob G. Avery, a prominent
merchant Of Canton, died Sunday
week. He was man whose char
acter was above reproach, and high
" esteemed BY all who knew him.
His funeral was attended by large
concourse Of people.
The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1888-11-15
POWDER SPRINGS.

Married, last Sunday morning near this
place, by Judge Mathews, at the residence
Of the brides father, Mr.. g. W. Broad
we'll, Miss Lou Broadwell to Mr.. Homer
Meadows. May happiness and prosperity
ZEE theirs through life.
Mr.. Ben. F. Camp, of Knoxville Tenn.
is visiting relatives and friends here.
Mr.. James N. Matthews, who has beer
travelling over the west for the last two
months for recaperation and sight seeing
returned last Friday, looking very much
improved ia health. He gives grand
description Of mis- trip and Of the west.
Mr.. John N. McEachrn, who has been
in Texas tue years returned to this place
last Monday and will spend some time
here among his old friends.
That genial and cleVar-hearted Tom
Butner, ofRome, formerly of this place
was in town Sunday.
A vacant tenant house on the farm Of
Mr.. J. w. Bingham two miles west OF thu
place was burned last Ftnday night. Aa
incendiaCys torch did the work.
QUxNTUM SUBJECT
The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1888-11-15
A COWARDLY ASSAULT.

Mr.. G. f. Beckett, by request was stop
ping at Major Henry Myers house Tues
day night, as a protection to the ladies,
during Mr.. Myers absence in Atlanta.
Mr.. Beckett responded to knock at the
door, when an unknown white man, giving
has name as L. Moore, said he wished to
see him relative TO his mistreatment Of a
friends children at the Male Academy.
Mr.. Beckett told him that he was no long
er connected with thr school, Suddenly
the man struck Mr.. Beckett on the side
of the head with a brick. The blow stun
ned Mr.. Beckett for second, but he
grabbed his antagonist and hurled him
over the 5anisters to the ground, distance
of about seven feet. The man fell on a
flower pot and smashed it, but before Mr..
Beckett could reach him, he scrambled to
his feet and started towards the front gate
Mr.. Beckett pursued him and struck him
several blows with his fist in the back
At the front gate an accomplish, boy
about Is years old, came to his rescue with
knife. The man urged Here, boy, cut
his throat" Both men then started to
attack Mr.. Beckett. and he retreated to-
wards the house. when the men fled. A
black, SLOUGH hat was left where the man
fell from the porch. MIR. Becketts ear
| was cut and side of the head bruised, but
nothing serious. 1t was cowardly attack
| and deserves the condemnation of every
law abiding citizen. We trust the guilty
parties will be detected and punished.
1t was an outrage that is universally con-
demned by our people The would-be-as-
sassins mistake the sentiments and tenn
per of cur people when they engage in such
lawless acts. Let the parties be ferretted
out aud pay the penalty due their bastard
ly crime.
The ladies in the house were very much
frightened to have their premises Invaded
in such manner. The parties had called
at Mr.. Crosby's, where Mr. Beckett boards,
enduring for Mr.. B., and they we're told
he was at Mrs. Green's. This shows the
unknown parties were not citizens OF the
town and were not particular as to Their
4 indentiGcation. The man who made the
attack wore wooden shirt and black
SLOUGH hat Q weeks growth of BEARD on hi
face and ned moustache He was short
and stnmpy and about IS years of age
The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1888-11-15
SMYRNA.

Rev. DIR. Thomas, of Atlanta preacbs6
in the Methodist charch here Sabbath
night His sermon wac practical and I'M
pressiwe.
Rev, Mr.. Barrett .of the Episcopal
church, preached for us recently, very ac
ceptably.
Rev. Mr.. Baker gave US one of his 40
BILE, heart-searching sermons Sunday
How blest we are in having peace and
the unity of the spirit ca our village.
Mrs. Sallie Pitts and her sister-in-lsw,
Miss Josie Pitts will return to Virginia
to-day. T. F. J.
The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1888-11-15
is MARRIAGE AFAILURE
SIX CHILDREN AT A BIRTH.

Dallas, Tex, Nov. 9.-Mrs. Judge
Hirsch, of Navarro county, gave
birth to six children on the after
noon of Saturday, Nov. 3. The
mother and children are doing well,
and the father is trying to be happy.
A reporter who visited the home
stead yesterday, Iodnd about 100
people present, all examining the
brood of babies. There are four
boys and two girls. TIE father,
George Hirsch, is 81 and his wife
q. They have been married five
years, and have three children be-
sides the recent accession. Hirsch
is of German descent, and has nam
ed the boys Frederick, Mills, Cleve-
land and Thurman. The girls are
Victoria and Louise. All are per-
fectly proportional, but very small.
The babies all seem healthy. The
Hirsch family is poor, and the moth
er is large, healthy woman. The
babies are all tagged to preserve
their identity.
The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1888-11-15
GEORGIA LEGISLATURE.

Mr. LIarrell has introduced a bill
to sell the State Road.
Mr.. Brady has introduced his ia
nous BRADY guano bill"
Bill Glenn has introduced a bill
to appropriate $4,000 to colored
schools, instead of the Atlanta Uni
versity.
The Georgia Legislature passed
resolutions Saturday endorsing the
administration of President Cleve-
land and renewing the iealty OF the
State to Democratic principles of
anti-monopoly and tariff reform.
JUDGE w. NJ. Sessions, who had
retired from the race for Judge of
the Blue Ridge Circuit, on Satur
day last entered the race again.
The vote was taken Monday morn
ing in Joint session of the legisla-
ture. Senator Frank Rice, of Full
ton, nominated W. ]. VIM for
Judge, which was seconded by Hon.
Bill. Glenn, of Whitfield. Judge
w. M. Sessions was nominated by
Senator Weir Boyd and received
several seconds. The balloting re-
suited in Winn's election on the
first ballot. VIM received 148
votes and Sessions 81. Hon. Geo.
R. Brown, of Cherokee county, was
elected Solicitor of the Blue Ridge
Circuit, there being NO opposition.
Judge Winn's-term of Office begius
the FIRST of January next.
Judge Thomas J. Simmons was
eleceed Associate Judge of the Su-
preme Court for six years.
THE winners in other circuits
were:
Northern Circuit-Judge, Sam
~el Lumpkin; Solicitor, ". M.
Howard.
Atlanta Circuit Judge, Marshall
D. Clarke; SOEcitor, Charles D.
Hill.
Pataula Circuit- Solicitor, J. NJ.
Griggs.
Middle Circuit-Solicitce', Oscar
HI. Rogers.
Flint CircuFt-Solicitor, Emmett
Womack.
Augusta Carcuit-Solicitor, Boy
kin Wright.
Macon Circalit-Solicitor, w. H.
FELTON,, Jr.
Southern circuit -Soliosor, Dan
W. Rountree.
The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1888-11-15
ROSWELL.

The Cobb County Sunday School Goa
vention met at this place on last Saturday.
The attendance was sG.all Saturday, b&t
Sunday the crowd swelled until large
concOurse of people were present. Gen,
VIM. Phillips gave very interesting lee.
ture on Sunday. We hope that it may be
like bread cast upon the waters.
Mr. E. j. Dunn, of Austell, was over
last week soliciting subscriptions for 8
new weekly paper to be printed at this
place and called the Roswell Opinion. y
He succeeded in getting enough to start
his paper, and will ship the press in at
once.
Elder w. L. Wootteh preached at the
Baptist church on last Sunday.
REPORTER.