davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
Their Age and so Forth.
Gladstone is IS

Gladstone is IS
Meissonier. the painter, is 10
Tennyson is IS Pope Leo is ~
Prof MOmmsen the historian, Is 10
John Bright Is 75 Robert Browning is %.
Cardinal Newman Is Sc Louis kossuth 10
S.
Neal Dow is 81. Ferdinand de Lesseps IL
81
David Dudley Field is 81. Bonamy Price is
30.
Cardinal Manning Is 20 Hannibal Hamln
Is IS
Oliver Wendell Holmes is rs. Hamilton
Fish Is 20.
Minister Phelps is expected in New York
next week.
Admiral Porter is 20. Verdi. the composer
Is %.
p. 7. Barnum is ~ James Freeman
Clarke is a.
Marshal Won Moltke is 81. Theodore ID.
Woolsey is So.
George Ticknor Curtis is -. Ex-President
Jules Greyy Is a.
Gen. Sheridan is busy on the proofs of his
forthcoming book.
Nine. Carnot is said to look not more than
"twent v five"
The wife Of Munkacsy, the artist, will soon
visit this country.
The father Of Gen. Custer still lives at Mon
roe, NJ cb., aged -!
Henry T. Coxwell the baloonist. now past
30, has made 1OJ asc-nts.
Elizabeth CadY stanton at y Is as much in
terested in this world as ever.
DR.. Hostetter, who is in Southern Califor-
MIA, Is rapidly grow NJ strong again.
"May ORrll' will sail for England April
% Charles ID ickens vii! sail June -.
Albam has been asked To make an engage
ment with the Paris Grand Opera
Thomas y. Page. the Nirginian novelist,
is about 10 make his appearance as poet
Frederick H. drinks much milk, which is
sometimes quail fed with little whisky.
Denis Kearnev, the sand-lotter, has left
Washington for bis home in San Francisco.
Mrs. Aver widow Of the pill man, is still
good looking, and is said 10 be worth S25,
O0O, 900.
Lady Randolph Churchill will visit America
this summer in company with her husband.
The first volume OF the Life and Letters OF
George Perkins Marsh" by Caroline G. Marsh,
is In press.
Wilkie Collins says he has written some OF
the most entertaining scenes in bis novels
while suffering from the tortures OF govt.
Justices Lamar aud Harlan are the only
members of the United States Supreme Court
who do not own houses In Washington.
A large number OF letters written by Ma
poeon J., TO his brother King Louis OF Hol-
land, have been discovered at Boksmeer,
Holland
George VIM Curtis has over the chimney
Of his private office: MY flame expires; but
let true hands pass up an unextingushable
torch from sire 10 son"
John Ruskn's latest freak is that he i'm
AGNES himself an elephant, and stands for
hours holding his head aud swaying his body,
after thu fashion Of the great pachy derm.-
Cincinnati Times star
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
Didn' { Like His Humor.

Prankish Man (to wife) ii wonder
what could have gwen me such cold'
1t surely wasn't coming out too soon
after tax NJ Il Turkish bath"
Wife-"Thats just exactly what it
was. Wy. you ought to have more
sense than to act that way"
Mani don't think it was the Turk
ish bath.
Wife-''But | know ii was"
Man-"But am confident il was not
for, you see. have never taken Turk
ish bath"
Wife-"I don't know about that but
/ do know one thing. You va got less
sense than anv man l ever saw.
Man--"Why. Mary. just wanted to
be little humorous.
Wife--''Well. then, why didn't you
be- To be humorous is to be pleasant,
and If you had wanted TO he pleasant
you would simply have said Il know
that Turkish bath couldn' have 9 ven
me this cold. for have not taken one.
Then. having arrived at II perfect an.
Outstanding. we could have talked OF
something else. ~ kansito Jraceier
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
the hall. asked az to his wife's wherea.

the hall, asked as to his wlfe's wherea-
bouts. The Professor replied with a
thoughtful air that 'he supposed she
was up stairs. making bargain to sell
the house 10 some one; he really didn't
know
There are not few newspaper men
whose wives are constant helpmates In
their profession. The wife of Frank c.
Carpenter. the Washington corresponds
ent. used to clip, every day. from a
which might in future be OF use to her
husband. These she would date and
then file away in envelopes in cabinet
made for the purpose. Consequently.
Mr. Carpenter has lots of clippings on
any subject that was ever written about
IN the public press lie says it is the
best thing of it, kind IN existence. and
his wife is responsible for Il.
Phil. WEIGH. of "rare-b t. celebrity.
asserts that his wife makes better Jokes
than he does, and Mr.. Welch himself
by no means possesses the profession nal
characteristics of an undertaken II
Mrs. Welch is funnier man than Mr..
WEIGH their household must be howl
ing one.
Truly, it is not the woman who talks
or goes TO conventions who does the
greatest work. Some day these literary
helpmates may be rescued from their
domestic obscurity and we will have
title pages conveying the information
that this book was written by John
Smith; revised and edited by Mrs
Smith. "-Neto York World
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
A Vast CatastrOphe.

Chinese newspapers and private let
ters from Picking brings details of the
overflow of the Yellow river in Septem-
Der of last year. This event was dis
missed with the notice of few lines 10y
most American newspapers, solittle do
we know of the real condition of our
brothers on the other side of the globe.
Yet no catastrophe so vast has occurred
IN the world during this century. AS
it is liable to recur at future times. a
brief descr ption OF its cause and It's ef-
fects NAV be of interest:
The Hoang-Ho. or Yellow river
drains the great basin of North China.
ms the NJ ssissippi does the central states
of the Union. Ii bears a Singular like
ness TO our great river in several par
ticulars. chief of which is the crooked
ness of its course, its sudden huge SER
pentine bends.
1t drains like the Mississippi. hill
ranges of great fertility. carrying their
rich alluvial SOL to the delta at its
mouth. This rich silt, or mud. as in the
case of the Mississippi. chokes up its
mouth. until the river is forced TO oozs
its way through innumerable bay Gus to
the sea-
In both rivers the spring rains and
melting of the snow on the noun
tans near its source produce sudden
devastating floods. The water disre-
CARDS its crooked channel, and rushes
straigh. across plantations. villages and
cities.
The Chinese. like the people along
the Mississippi, have found it necessary
TO build ramparts OF either side of the
murderous river to protect them from
its fury; but the Chinese began this
work nearly three thousand years ago.
As the increasing deposit of silt near its
mouths closes them. the water is forced
back into its bed. and rises higher than
the surrounding country each year. nee
e,sitatIng higher levees.
Ten times since b. c. 1900 tho vast
flood has broken through these barriers
and found new way for itself to the
sea. In 1852 All outbreak occurred,
and the mighty flood went back to the
channel through which it flowed when
our Savior was on earth. Each out
burst is nee 'ssarly accompanied by
large loss of life and destruct on of pro-
perty.
On the 27lh of last Sep,cm Der ere
vase broke the dyke. AMI "A body of
water five hundred m les long. seventy
foot deep and mile wide burst upon the
plain. This plain-a territory of ten
thousand square miles. occupied by over
three thousand villages-was submerg-
ed The destruction of human life is
estimated at five millions. None of the
water has vet reached the sea; it forms
vast lake of death where last year was
fertile populous plain.
The Chinese government has given
nearly three millions Of dollars. besides
the annual revenue from a great prov
ince, to rebuild the dykes and "a popula-
ton equal to that OF our middle states is
swarmlng now like ants about the
banks OF the huge current. trying to
put curb upon it, knowing that it is a
curb which. at some future time. it will
surely break through again.-ETchangc.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
Men Great When Young.

Charles James Fox was in Parliament at
nineteen.
The great Cromwell left the University of
Cambridge at eighteen.
John Bright never was at any school day
after he was fifteen years old.
Gladstone was in Parliament at twenty
two, and at twenty-four was Lord OF the
Treasury.
Lord Bacon graduated at Cambridge when
sixteen, aud was called to the bar at twenty
Doe.
Peel was in parliament at twenty-one, and
Palmerston was Lord of the Admiralty at
twenty-three-
Henry Clay was in the Senate Of the United
States at twenty-nine, contrary to the Consu.
tuition.
John Hampton, after graduating at oxford,
was a student at law in the Inner Temple al
nineteen.
Gustavus Adolphus assembled tie throne at
sixteen; before he was thirty-four he was one
Df the great rulers OF Europe.
Judge Story was at Harvard at fifteen, In
Congress at twenty-nne, aud Judge Of the
Supreme Court Of the United States at thirty
two.
Condo conducted a memorable campaign at
seventeen, and at twenty-five he, and Tu-
renne also we're Of the most illustrious men
OF their time.
Martin Luther had become largely dstin-
EulSneu AT lNeuLF"IOur, huu at UltN-slt Hdu
reached the topmost round Of his worldwide
fame.
Webster was In college at fifteen gave ear
nest OF his great future before be was twenty
five, and at thirty was the peer OF the ablest
man in Congress.
Washington was a distinguished colonel in
the army at TWENTY-FIVE, early in public af
fairs, commander of the forces at forty-three
and President at tfty-seven
William II. Seward commenced the prac-
tlce Of Law al twenty-one, at thirty one was
president of State convention, and at thir-
" seven governor OF New York.
Maurice OF Saxony died az thirty-two, con-
coded TO have been Que OF the profoundest
statesmen and one Of the ablest generals
which ChristendOm has seen
Napoleon at twenty-five commanded the ar
my Of Italy. At thirty he was not only one OF
the most illustrious generals OF all time, but
one Of the great lawg vers Of the world. At
forty-six he saw Waterloo.
The great Leo Y was Pope at thirty-eight;
having finished his academic training, he took
the Office OF cardinal at eighteen-only twelve
months younger than was Charles James Fox
when he entered Parliament.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
Twain's Successor.

Mark Twain is compiling a volume OF
American humor. As the greatest hum
orist since Shakespeare. Mr.. Clemens
is richly equipped for such work.
Humorists come and humorists go, but
Samuel is likely to 1--we 50 long as the
light of a smile delights in falling upon
the shadow of frown; so long as the
music of laugh shall seek to break in
upon the WEAKNESS Of sigh. Nearly
every village, accepting the statements
OF the village newspapers, has pro-
duced Mark Twain. Some young.
fellow. with shrewd imitation, writes
few jokes for the Hctmdl County
FtreStde, and the editor. with his keen
eye of discovery, at once sees II humor-
ist of great merit the successor of
Mark Twain. is climbing. hand over
hand. to an eminence of national re-
cognition. The young fellow is thrilled.
He looks upon his work ut the village
store rs the degradation Of genius, and
suddenly feels that his friend are too
familiar with him. He secures posi-
ton on the village paper. and. one dav.
holds up with trembling fingers daily
paper that has reproduced one OF his
paragraphs. Years ago he was incin-
ed TO be "a student, and now. feeling
that slang instead of learning. stimu-
latcs the development of humOr. he
throws his books aside. He tries TO
write dialect of which he has made
no study. and in his attempt 20 be ver-
satlle. writes rhymes. which, in their
unevenness limp with sort of stagger-
ing str.ng-halt. The village paper
changes hands and the new proprietor
tells him that his services are not need
ed. lie is rather glad of this for it
gives him an opportunity of taking
down his cross fences and broadening
his field. He goes TO a city and seek
ing the Office of newspaper that has re-
produced some Of his work the poor
est. doubtless-asks for a position.
The editor has never heard of the sue
cessor of Mark Twain. The successor.
stunned and sex at heart, goes back
to his village and in an article contrl-
buted to local paper. sars that Mark
Twain has written himself out. "
Other disappointed "humor SITS" or
SUCCESSORS reproduce the article.
but the author of "lnnocents Abroad"
continues to live at the "head Of h
profess on
No man can take Mark Twains place.
Other men are musine. and some of
them create strong humorous charac-
tiers, but no man, II seems TO III, can
any nearer surpass Twain land to take
his place must be to surpas hm) than
any man can excel the dramas of
Shakespeare ArkdnSdD Trace err.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
Why Mrs. Folsom Is in Paris

Mrs. Folsom mother OF Mrs. Cleve.
land, is in Paris for the purpose of or
dering costumes. Many gowns are
now ready for the wife of the President
and her friends. Among them is IL
gown of crepe de- chine, with draper les
of embroidered French muslin. corsage
of crepe, draped with bretelles. An
other Is of gold lace. embroidered with
flowers of every color; to- soften the
harsh effects of gold. Persian draperies
are scattered here and there. A pink
silk robe is draped with amethyst vel
vet. and ball dress OF yellow bengal
inc has a skirt covered with point lace;
on the left side are two panels OF ben.
galine, embroidered with golden wheat
ears. One magnificent gown has a
skirt of rose colored tulle drapery, with
bands of Renaissance embroidery and
fringed with fine beads. Around the
bottom are rows Of rose colorod ribbon
and on the front spray OF roses. The
corsage and train are OF brocade. the
former ornamented with embroidered
bretels. The elbow sleeves are Of tulle
and embroidery. and over the should
ers is thrown light tulle scarf LON
don Life.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
THE ERA OF DIVORCE,
Want OF Mutual Performance IL
Much to Blame In Many Cases.

In Continental Europe a divorced woman
usually fetches up in a convent Hamlet
advises Ophcls to betake herself 10 that
refuge OF the distressed, and probably more
peace OF mind can be secured for desolate
heart within the peaceful precincts of the
elolster, far from the busy din of society
than the haunts OF the world could afford.
But we imagine that few young brides pro-
pose when they throw OIL the orange blossoms
10 substitute the vail which means lifelong
seclusion. They do not look so far ahead.
They merely study their case in view OF its
present surroundings. They declare that
they cannot endure a union which is hateful
aud so, with no thought in their minds, but "A
yearping for separation and freedom, they
take the leap madly, and a good many OF
them fud they have hoped out OF the frying
pan Into the ire.
We read constantly that men are not marry
Ing as they used; that matrimony is so er-
pensive that young men can not afford IL, and
our svmpsthies are invited for the old maids
who threaten to crowd our social halls incon.
veniently But perhaps, IL the truth we're
known, there are rather too many marriages
than too few Certainly the fact that In the
city OF Chicago there 10 one divorce for every
thirteen marriages would seem to imply that
the number OF improvident marriages. con.
trscted there Is too large, and probably the
proportion OF divorces to marriages IL quite rs
large here as there 1t 10 not wholesome In.
dicaticn that the divorce calendar should be
so long
1t implies q want OF mutual forbearance
and reciprocal consideration on the part Of
young married people. IL means that they
ere not reasonably tolerant Of each others
defects and weaknesses Possibly II many
ladies who apply for divorces realized exactly
how they would lie less impatient with their
husbands; and IL men appreciate the total
wreck which In a majority Of cases fellows
the Issue of n decree OF divorce, they, too
might forbear more aud give less cause for
irritation aud broils.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25
Valuable Points by Plumber.

If you want point or two about
cleaning waste-pipes without sending
for plumber" SAID retired member
of the fraternity to u reporter who was
complaining of the trials OF house
ownership. Just listen to me.
III | were still in the business
would not give away what | am going
to tell you now. but as I'm out of it
do not see why | may not help n
friend.
"Onc of the most frequent and try
ing annoyances. he continued, as he
flashed his $500 diamond ring at the
reporter. lis the obstruction TO the
free, quick outlet of the waste water of
the washbasin, the bath-tub, and
k tchen sink. This is caused 10y a
gradual accumulation of small bits of
refuse material papers. rags. meat,
bone. or grease. which check and
finally entirely stop the outflow of the
waste. and then the plumber is called
to remove the stoppage with his force
pump. Sometimes this is accomplish.
ed, but often the pipe has TO be cnt.
and there is great inconvenience and
expense.
Just before retiring at night pour
into the clogged pipe enough liquid
soda lyo to fill the trap as it is call
ed-or the bent part of the pipe just
below the outlet. B1 sure no water
runs into it until the next morning
During the light the I've will convert
all the offal into soft soap. and the cur
rent of water in the morning Will wash
it away and leave the pipe rs clean as
new. See? This is practical chemis-
try. yet few chemists would ever think
of it"-NeO York 1etegram
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

raising bananas and cocoanuts. and now
derive the greater part Of their incomes
from these articles Of ready and proita-
BILE sale. So Jamaica gentleman and
fruit-grower on tho steamer told me.
and certainly this first look on the is
land seems to confirm his statement.
for there are bananas and cocoanuts
growing everywhere. -HaUanG Letter.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

The weather bureau is about to attempt
a novel experiment Carrier pigeon, are
to be pressed into the service where un
reliable Geographic communicate exists.
With this end in view pigeon cotes have
been established at Key West Fla, an
at other points along the Flor da coast.
If the trials to be made turn out success.
fully a regular carrier service will he
established between the main land, the
Bahama islands and Cuba.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

Mrs. II. i. Stowe noS scarcely we CHS
more tlan hundred p0un :, and is not
mach larger than a good sized l2-year old
girl. Ter face Is most expressive, and al
ways bears a gentle and kindly look. Her
thin gray hair is neatly arranged over a
broad and thoughtful brow, beneath which
are eyes that always twinkle merrily when
she speaks of sub ect Of interest. Het
mouth is more expressive than any otEel
feature. 1t constantly speaks. though nc
word is spoken. She EN-. oys good joke
at all time..
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

Engineer Charles :. Homer Of the Old
Colony road, who recently died in Provi-
dence, II. l., n soldier under Gen.
Butler. When the tr, ops occupied Ann
apolis in 1851, the general found that all
the locomotives had been taken away ex-
cept broken down one. He called on
the ranks for some one TO repair it, and
Homer stepped out and reckon Il he coIld
fix it, and he oil, using wood mainly in
the repairinr. The 10 omotve did 60 d
service, and as a reward Gen. Butler Of
fered the engineer lieutcnant's commits
SIGN, but he refused it.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

One OF the most sensational ents re-
Gently occurring in Washinr on was tbs
purchase of new straw hat by Alto ney-
General Garland. The fac that Mr..
Garland has worn his discarded hat for
twelve long years, as he himself testitcs,
makes his late purchase an event o. con-
siderable interest But men do reck less
things in presidential year
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

= 1t is now given out that Harr, 4. Car
fed, son of the late president, will marry
Miss Belle Mason on the same day that
his sister is married to J. Stanle, Er wn.
The double wedding is to take place at
! their homestea at Mento. Miss Mason
is a relative o. Mrs. Garfield. aud the two
families have always been on terms of the
closest intimacy.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

= After many trials the international copy.
right bill has passed the senate, and is
now Jefo-e the house for final action.
When the bill becomes a law Amer can
writers and authors will have the product
of their brains protected from the piracy OF
foreign publishers. If anything needs
protection to day 1t Is American literature.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

The National Educational association
Of the n te states will holl It's thirty
seventh annual meeting In san Francisco.
july n to 90 %. There are indications Of
an immense gathering Every state and
territory will bc represented, and also
many fer, In Cou.tr''s
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

prosperous business man Of Syracuse,
y. y, was recently sued for breach of
promise and So 900, and determin I'd "a
fight it out. When the fair and aggrleved
maiden turned into evidence satchel
containing 200 Of his love letters he threw
up his hands, and the jury gave he Sc
cents on the dollar 70 damages.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

Bismarck is the man to whom credit Is
due for the settlement by arbitration Of
the trouble between the United State, and
Morocco. Much as the old fellow dislikes
American pork. he doe n Z want the Unit
ed STATES to abandon hog raising and &c
into the fighting business.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

In Wyoming territory for at least tree
months in each year, for all between the
ages of seven and sixteen education is
compulsory, AMI TO all residents Of the
territory between five and twenty-one,
from primary school to university in
cluded, Is absolutely free.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-05-25

Trusts, combinations, pools, etc., organ
lied TO limit production and enhance the
cost of articles of necessity. are by no
means OF modern origin. They are, in
fact, about as old as human greed, and
that is exceedingly ancient More than
five hundred years aso the parliament OF
King Edward Ill. OF England, undertook
to remedy ~ law certain evils OF that
sort described as follows "The merchants
do ingross all manner OF merchandise
yendable, AMI sud lenly do enhance the
price of such merchaudi within the
realm, putting 10 sac By ordinance made
betwixt them, called the Fraternity and
Guild of Mschlnts, the merchandise
which be most dcar, an keep in store the
other till the { hat dearth or scarcity
chiefs" very rngent regulat ons were
imposed, but 50 e of tie remedies pre-
scribed were vastly worse than the dis
ease. 1t Is easier TO diagnose the trouble
than to prescri safe and radical cure.
Rutgers Coll e. New Brunswick, y.
j., IS in mourning over the loss o a fayorite
student, Clarence G.. Scu lder, who was
killed in the gymnasium while pyacticing
high Jump. lie displa ed the horizon
tai pole lie wish d to leap, AMI the shaft
literally passed IL oich his body, dis
lance of twenty one inches. In his last
words he said H. should meet his beloved
class ESQ beyoad He was related to
thewell known missionary family, late OF
Chicago, where a sister now lives. Mr..
footsteps afer h's prop sed seminary
course hal fitted him for his work in
India.