davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13
ODD WEDDING RINGS IN AFRICA.
Some Weigh Thirty Pounds and are Worn
Around the Neck.

Some Weigh Thirty Pounds and are Worn
Around the Neck.
Lieut. Won Francois, the American ex-
plorer, has recently described strange
custom among the Bayanzi, who live for
many miles along the Upper Congo. The
custom would seem to make life a good
deal of burden to their married women.
Brass rods, which are the favorite cur
rcncy II the country, are welded into
great rings around the necks of the
wives. Many of these rings worn by the
women whose husbands are well to do,
weigh as much as thirty pounds, and this
burden must be carried around by the
poor women as long as they live.
"Frequently," says Lieut., Won Francois,
zone sees poor woman whose neck is
raw and sore under the heavy weight, and
in places the skin is rubbed off by the
ring. This is sure sign that the ring
has been recently Yielded around her
neck, for after time the skin becomes
calIoEsed, and then the strange ornament
produces no abrasion. But the weight
is an Inconvenience; they never get used
to it, and 1T is perpetual task upon their
energies. In every crowd of women may
be seen number who are supporting the
ring with their hands, and thus for time
relieving their weary shoulders of the
heavv burden. 1t may be said that with
every movement of their bodies the rings
give them discomfort.
"a ring is never put around woman's
neck until she is believed TO have attained
her full physical development. Once on,
it is no easy matter to get it off. The
natives have no such thing as a file, and,
though they can hammer lot of brass
rods into one, it is very difficult for them
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

heavy sandstone, or other like article,
until both sides are thoroughlysmooth.
When this process is completed a
strong decoction ofnutgall is sprinkled
over the green leather and then the
tanning is commenced. The nutgalls
are boiled in water over a slow fire
until they become liquefed, aud the
strained liquor furnishes all the tannin
used. Nutgalls are abundant in the
regions furnishing exports to Hankow
and considerable quantities are sent
to the United States. There were re-
ceived at Hankow from other native
ports in the last year 1875 piculs, as
entered at the foreign customs.
1.-The next process to which the
skins are subjected is a peculiar one.
a sort of furnace is built underground,
with an opening in circular form, from
which dense smoke issues wnen the
fuel is fired. The fuel required is eth
er wheat straw or a species of grass
gathered from n mountain side. Moth
ing else, it is believed, will answer the
required purpose.
During seven days the hides are
passed back and forth through the
smoke issuing from the furnace, and,
unless it is to be BACKED, the tanning
of the leather is thus completed. Ii
it is to be BACKED a liquor of vinegar,
in which iron has been left to corrode,
or solution of nutgalls and copperas
is ordinarily used, but at times simple
lampblack is used.
''The yellow-brown color giving to
the leather by the smoking process is,
however, considered to be of remark
able beauty, and is, therefore, greatly
preferred by manufacturers and wear
ers.
The leather is made soft by sprink-
ling it with saltpeter during the smok-
ing, accompanied by repeated and VIC
lent kneading of it, drying in the air
instead of by exposing to the sun. The
strength of the solution of saltpeter as
applied is said to be kept secret, no
apprentice being initiated to the know.
ledge of it until he has served for three
years."
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13
The Eagle Can't Be DOwned.

From the Rockies comes story
that three vultures attacked an eagle
in his nest on a mountain peak the
other day Although attacked from
three points, the king of birds gallant
~ held his own and slew two of the
vultures. The manner in which the
eagle did this was peculiar. Singing
out one of the attacking birds it
grasped it tightly about the neck,
burving lis taIons deeply in the flesh,
and then, rising almost perpendicular
" for about 100 feet, allowed its
prisoner to drop in a stunned con
dition on the rocks below. Two falls
served to kill the first victim, but three
were required to knock out the second.
The survivor, seeing the fate which
had befellen its companions, turned
tail and started rapidly down the
mountain side. uttering shrill cries as
it feW.-BOStOn journal.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13
NU UIHEK mo NORTHWEST R1I r TA'

has in so short period gained the rep
utation and popularity enjoyed by the
WISCONSIN CENTRAL LINE From
n comparatively unknown factor in the
commercial world, it has been trans
formed to an Independent, influential,
grand Through Route, with magnif-
cent depots, superb equipments and I'M
surpassed terminal facilities. Through
careful catering to details, it has won
for itself reputation for solidity, safety,
convenience and attention to its pat
rons, second to no railroad in the
country. Pullman sleepers, models OF
palatial comfort, dining cars in which
the cuisine and general appointments
are up to the highest standard, and
coaches especially built for this route,
are among the chief elements which
have contributed towards catering sue
cessfully to q discriminating public.
Located directly on its line, between
Chicago and Milwaukee, and St. Paul
and Minneapolis, and Chicago and Ash
land and Duluth, are the following thirty
ing cities of Wisconsin and Michigan:
Burlington, Waukesha, Fond du Lac.
Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha. Stevens
Point. Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire,
New Richmond, Hurley, Wis. Iron
wood, Mich, and Bessemer, Mich.
For details, information, lowest cur
rent rates: berths, etc., via this route,
to any point in the Northwest, apply to
nearest Ticket Agent, or address
WINS. MELLEN, JAMES BARKER,
General Manager. GenL Pass. & Ticket Agts
MILWAUKEE,.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13
TANNING IN CHINA.
How the Celestials Produce the Beautiful
Brown Leather of the Flowery
Kingdom.

Chinese shoes are, of course, made
chiefly of cloth, with felt soles, so that
all the processes of the leather indus
try are in a very backward condition
in the flowery empire. Their tanning
is patriarchal in its simplicity. This,
according to Consul Shepard of Han
kow, is the way they manage:
"a vat is prepared generally sunk
in the ground-capable OF holding
about thirty hides. They are covered
and left to soak in u solution CT lime.
called by the natives milk of lime
They are kept in this bath sixteen days
and upward, according to the season.
cold weather requiring more time than
warm. The hair is then loosened, and
then the hides are taken singly, spread
upon bench, and thoroughly put
through scraping process to remove
the hair and the offal from the flesh
side. The tool used for this is of pecu-
liar construction. 1t is shaped like q
capital letter II. one side being a steel
or iron blade, and the other the handle,
the cross-bar merely connecting them.
The blade is about Il foot in length
and the handle. two or three inches
less. The workman places the handle
against his breast for greater ease and
power, and with this forcible applica-
ton of the tool to the hide the HAIR is
speedily removed The hide is then
turned with the flesh side up, and by q
similar manipulation all offal is re-
moved and the hide is reduced to a
quite uniform thickness. A thorough
washing follows, and the skin is
cleansed of all remains of the lime.
The refuse hair is saved for agricul-
tural purposes, and the scrapings of
the flesh side are boiled down for glue.
'sAfter the cleansing the hides are
subjected to vigorous rubbing with a
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13
BY the Wayside.

1 looked in the face of a little child,
AS sat in the hating train,
Her eyes of blue, clear, bright and mild,
Were like twin violets after rain.
she looked up in a shy sweet way,
winch spoke as only glances may.
And then smile, as radiant bright
As sun-glow on a ripping stream,
She gave me, with the summer light
Fell all about in yellow CLEAN,
There was naught which she could gain,
For Unjust go and she remain.
A free-wil Offering of gladstone cheer
From pure soul new-come from God
More precious even than penitents tear,
As grateful as dew the thirsty sod,
Was that which came from the stranger
child,
AS she stood by the wayside, looked and
smiled.
My soul viii be richer for aye and day,
viii be warmed through the circling years
begOne
by that winsome smile of the child of the
way
Whose face was as bright as the glow of the
dawn,
Twas only look of kindness and cheer,
But look may bring heaven very near.
-AntOinette Wakeman
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

The Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western
Railway has been well named the Fishing
and Hunting Line of Wisconsin, passing,
as it does, through thousands of acres of
but partially explore woods and within
easy reaching distance of lakes and
streams that have never been fshed by
white men, all well stocked with the game
fish for which Northern Wisconsin waters
are noted. The woods ABOUND with game;
deer, bear, wolf, mink, beaver, pheasant
and other game are quite plentiful.
THE ONLY LINE
From Milwaukee to the new Iron Mining
District in Wisconsin and Michigan that
reaches ALL of the developed Mining
SEMER, IRONWOOD AND HURLEY.
Direct line to ASHLAND aud DULUTH
Sleeping cars between L Inland and
CHICAGO.
The GUIDE Book, and other descrip1av>
matter, containing full information, maps
and engravings of the country trsversed
by the line, will be sent TO any address OF
application to the General Passenger
Agent.
CHAs. L. RYDER, Gen. Agent, 105 Wash
ington ST., Chicago.
City ticket Office, GO Clark ST., Chicago.
Chicago Depot, Cor. Wells and Kinzi(
Sts., 60. & N. W. R'y.(
City ticket office, 102 Wisconsin ST.,
Milwaukee.
Fl. f. WHlTCOMB, CHAs. V. McKINLAY,
Gent Manager. GenI Pass. Agent.
MILWAUKEE, WIS.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

Woman who increase largely in flesh
after the rings have been fastened on
their necks are in danger of strangling
to death, and instances OF this sort have
been known to occur.
Yet these woman regard the cumbrods
ornament with pride, imagine that it in
hances their Importance and beauty, and
wear the burden With light hearts. Brass
is the money of the country, and by put
ting 1t around their wives necks the men
are pretty certain that it won't be stolen
or fooiishly expended. But it is an odd
ana cruel sort of savings bank
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13
OUR LOW WHEAT AVERAGE.

Suggested Reason Why Old England Excels.
1t is continual puzzle to very many.
why with our superiority in implements,
and full equality of skill, with almost
virgin soil, we only get an average of -
bushels of wheat per acre, while the
average in England is nearly or quite,
twice as much on soil that has been titled
for centuried. We have no doubt that
larger proportion of farmers, who living
easily on their own land, become wasteful
and negligent. But even our best far
mers scarcely reach the English average,
unless IN the northwest, and the reason
doubtless Is that the mild English climate
allows the cereals TO grow more or less in
every month of the year, and always
gives them season more than twice as
long as our climate permite. There the
growth of these plants-lOvers of cool
ness and moisture-begiDs in February
and continues until August. Here our
soil is usually frost bound until April,
and by July l, further growth is stopped
by the heat, and its attendant rust. Thus
we must be obliged to be content to raise
only such varieties as ripen very early,
| and these canaot attain the development
that longer term Of growth would give.
If our orchardists were confined to only
the very earlp sorts of apples, pears.
plums or grapes, how posr would be the
average of their produce. We find the
fruits that take the whole season to ma.
ture, or that take even more and mature
In the cellar, to be only the largest and
handsomest, but much the finest in flesh
and flavor.
It is rule of nature. We find among
ourselves that young people who grow
rapidly and mature precociously are sell
dom or never so strong, healthy or long
lived az those that take more time TOR
their physical development. In the far
northwest, within the influences of the
ocean Gu rent of the north Pacific, the
climate resembles that of the west of
Europe, being highly favorable to grassy
plants of northern origin, but unfavorable
to such heat lovers as maise, tomatoes,
melons, peach trees, etc.
A friend, who writes from the Snake
River valley, in Idaho, on the line of
Washington territory, says he threshold
out 60 acres of Volunteer wheat that
averaged % bushels per acre-a gift of
nature; for the ground WAS neither
ploughed, ha rowed nor sown. it is TO be,
remembered that in these virgin lands,
that weeds which make their growth
when wheat does, and so compete with it
and overcome it, by growing faster, have
not yet got their fatal footing. The same
writer said there was a great deal of
wheat there that yields from 40 to 60
bushels per acre. The kinds of wheat
grown in England have longer and larger
heads than ours, and usually longer grain
and straw. They entirely fail to keep up
with the rapid growth here. On the
shores of the Mediterranean, and espec-
tally in Algeria, the climate is nearer
ours, and we have fou1d some of their
grains of value here The Tribune.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

II is estimated that $4,000 hooking
birds are caught monthly in the immedi-
ate vicinity of New Orleans. There are
SO many of these birds caught In Louisi-
ana that it is thought they will soon be-
come extinct.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

Butler. Ga. claims to have a vein OF
natural gas. 1t is found at depth OF
3I7 feet in round, hollow and very
rough places which appear to have
come from the fusing of the sandy soil
by intense heat.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

A man at Atchison, Kan, builds an
addition to his house every time a
daughter marries, in anticipation, he
says, of the time when size will bring
her husband and children home to live
with him
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13
LEGAL BLAN K9
FOR SALE.
AT THE
WOOD CO, REPORTER 0FF|cE {,

FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Appeal-N office, Affidavit and Undertaking.
Attachment-Warra and Affidavit.
Bill of costs.
Garinshee Aifdavits.
Summons.
Observation-Disclosures and Affidavit.
Subpenas.
Summons-with filing and Return.
Venire.
And a full line of blanks used by any Justice
If the Peace.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Land Contracts, Bond for deed,)
Lease-No. for Farm land.
g. term Of years for cit,
property.
Mechanics Lein-Petitionf for material am
labor
Mortgages-For real estate-Prepared speci-
ally for Wood County Records.
Warranty Deeds-Prepared for Wood County
Records.
Ch&.tel Morris age-Nol !.
&" 8. Several Notes.
Satisfaction of Mortgage.
Assignment .
Notice to Tenant to grit Premises.
Gencralfiadave for Pnsion,
Physicians afidavits for Pension.
Saloon License bonds.
General Power of Attorney.
Quit-Claim Deed-No. /. form 1885,
Search Warrant, and Affidavit.
STATIONERY
No. l. Legal Cap-Linen.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

ROBERT HARDING, a young London
socialist, has hit upon scheme which en-
ables him to make public speeches of
considerable length whenever he wishes
TO, spite of the Inference of the police.
When he wants to speak in the public
squares he padlocks himself with q chain
police come around, but they have to
spend some time getting him anfa5tened,
and meantime Harding puts in his time
talking
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

Fast Mail Line with Vestibuled Trains be-
tween Chicago, Milwaukee, st. Paul and
Minneapolis.
Trans-COntinenta1 Route between Chicago,
Council Bluffs Omaha and the Pacific Coast
Great National Route between Chicago, Kan
sas City and st. Joseph, Mo.
500 Miles of Road reaching all principal
points in II inois Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa,
Missouri and Dakota.
For maps, time tables, rates Of passage and
freight etc. apply to the nearest station agent OF
the CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE & ST. PAUL RAILWAY,
or to any Railroad Agent anywhere in the World.
ROSWELL MILLER, A. HI. CARPENTER,
General Manager. Gent Pass. and Tkt. Agt.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

THE Sioux treaty commissioners are
still hard at work trying to convince the
Indians that it will be better to sign the
treaty, dispose of part of their big reser-
walton to the government and put the
balance to some practical use by diyld-
ing it among the members of the tribe
leaving each to do as white landowners
do-get a living off his own section or
starve. There is no doubt that the In
dams would appear better if they could
be induced to do this. But indians are
both lazy and suspicious, They do not
want to work for a living if they can help
it, and they fear the new treaty is trap
to compel them to work or starve. The
prospect that the treaty will be accepted
is, therefore, very remote. This IS to be
regretted, bat it can't be helped. The
Sioux indians have been assigned their
big reservation by treaty, and If they
choose to keep it they certainly have
right to do SO.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

f1g-For information in reference to Lands and
Towns owned by the CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE q ST.
PAUL RAILWAY COMPANY, write to FL. Ct. HAUGAN,
Land Commissioner. MilMaukee WISCONSIN.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13
JOB DEPARTMENT.

We have in this department complete line
of job Material and Type for doing frst-clasa
job work on short notice and at the lowest
living prices. We do all kinds Of Pamphlet
and Law Brief work known to the trade.
Call in and get prices.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-13

A NOTABLE feature in connection with
the extension of the Northern Pacific
system into Manitoba is the terms of
contract made with the government of
that province. The bonding limit Is
fixed at $4,000 mile ard the govern
ment retains $4,000 worth of bonds, the
company selling the other 5000 IN order
to complete the work. The government
agrees to make up deficiencies, but Will
carefully scrutinize the cost. STOCK
watering by the company is thus avoided
CRANKY Senator Blair has new scheme
for making everybody happy. He wants
the senate committee on inter state com
merce to investigate a new system of
rapid telegraphy, with view to its pur
chase by the government. Senator Blair
insists that this will be cheap and easy
way of bringing the wicked Western
Union to its knees and compelling it to
eerve the public at reasonable rates or go
ont of business. If there is anything IN
the heavens above or in the waters undo
the earth that Sen. Blair would not have
regulated by act of congress it must be
something that the senator from New
Hampshire never heard of.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1888-08-11
LOCAL HAPPENINGS.

Brerities. s.-George H. Wittig has
introduced the greatest invention of
the age for the comfort OF infants-the
Holman Adjustable Baby Carriage"
This ingenious contrivance is convert
ible Mt will in few seconds from car
riage to crib, from crib to cradle, from
cradle 10 sleigh, or from any one to
any other. II is fine and cheap, too.
Eleven hogs were impoun.ed, by
bailiff Williams Tuesday. Seven were
from Eckhart, four were Frostburgers,
and their liberation cost their owners
$3.50.
Special attention is called to the
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1888-08-11
w HOLE No. S79.

Newell patent automatic trapdoor,
elsewhere printed, affords a fair idea
OF the value of this invention in all
mines where economy and absolute
safety are either essential or desirable.
1t does away with trap-door keep ers
and all accidents arising from their
negligence advantages alone suf-
fclent to warrant its adoption. But
there are others Of great importance
as stated in the description, altogether
furnishing an array of reasons which
will commend themselves to careful
mlne-owners. The firm owning the in
ventlon, Messrs. Newell, Bear & Mich
ener, make far offer to replace old
mine-doors with this machine without
interrupting mine operations and thus
put it on trial. If it does not give salts
faction they will take it out. Nine
owners will incur no expense whatever
in this event. If it answers the pur-
pose, as claimed, liberal terms of pay
ment are available.
AS stated in these columns two
weeks ago, Joseph Bear, of this place,
is one of the firm.
Dozen the shaJt-A party of summer
guests, comprising Misses Jones, Lane,
Walker, Graves, Frazer, Smith, Pat
tison, Arthur, Wilson, Graves, Geigan,
Mrs. Helen and children, and Messrs.
Thompson and Bertram Graves took
the 1912 train for Borden Shaft We'd
nesday morning on II mine exploring
trip. At the Shaft they were met by
Rev. l.. h. Markwood, of this place,
who thence accompanied them. Under
the careful and instructive guidance of
James Tenant pleasant and profita-
Bile trip was made; the theory and
practice of mining were explained, and
its labors and dangers Illustrated. The
ladies exhibited marked interest in all
they saw and heard, and in addition to
Mr.. Tenant expressed appreciation of
courtesies shown the party by Messrs.
Charles 7. Barnard and d. d. Price.
Married At the residence of the
BRIDES parents. at II o'clock a. M,
Tuesday, August 7, 1888, by Rev. j.
p. Wilson, Mr. JOE H. HITcHINs. of
Kansas city, Mo-. and Miss MAGGIE
MATHENY, daughter of Robert Mathe-
ny, Of Homecoming, this county. The
wedding was quite private, onl y Il linn
tied number Of friends being present.
The bridal gifts We're numerous and
exceptionally fine. After an elegant
dinner the happy pair took the noon
train for their future home in Kansas,
accompanied by the best wishes of in
Vulnerable friends. The groom is a
young man OF sterling character, fine
attainmcnts and Industrious habits,
and the bride young lady whose
qualities, graces and beauty have made
her social favorite.
Potiticai.- Harrison and Morton
pole, $50 feet high, was raised Tues
day afternoon on Federal hill, Frost
burg's highest point. 1t is visible
from all over town and makes fine
show. The top is surmounted by
"coon" and broom-reminiscent of the
sweep of lS40-and bright national
flag is unfurled below. Messrs. Henry
Bath and Alexander and H. P. Grit
fifth superintended the work. After
the erection George l.. Wellington
and David w. Sloan, of Cumber-
land, delivered eloquent addresses
the former occupying an hour, the lat
ter twenty minutes-to an assemblage
of 800.