davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28
A Novel Scheme.

English Iron says: According to American contemporaries a large company, backed by the usual mill ions of dollars, has proposed to the United States Secretary of the Navy a striking and possibly effective scheme for the defense of Pblladel- phia harbor, and the harbors of other cities from the attacks of an enemy's fleet by shooting ignited petroleum at the unfriendly ships from the bottom of the river and burning them up." The originators of the petroleum defense scheme have induced the American govern ment to give directions for a p,elim- mary examination of Philadelphia harbor, and company has been or ganized to develop the plan and show its practicability. It is pro- posed to sink perforated iron pipes in the river bed, and the approaches to the harbor, through which petro- leum can be forced to the surface of the river by machinery and ..at a high pressure. In this way aferce stream of blazing oil can be sent
 down on the enemy's fleet to de- stroy it or drive 1t away. It is claimed by the projectors that a
 flame can be produced in this way
 as high as ships mast, and sent with terrific force on the attacking
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28
The TenderfOet.

Zan Hickland, a pioneer of the Greenhorn, was much of wag in his day and enjoyed tantalizing timid people and tenderfeet. We remember one night while stopping at his house how sick he made a couple of tenderfoot agents of the government who had just come out to look after Indian affairs. They, too, had halted to eat and sleep at the Hickland mansion. In those days mire host on the Greenhorn kept murderous looking Mexican as hunter, who would go out into the hills and kill deer, antelope or bear to supply his masters table. On occasion we speak of he had brought in the hind quarters of a royal ble eck-tail deer, and part of it had been cooked for supper. When all had been seated about the table for a few moments and eating had commenced in earnest, one of the tenderfeet was heard to ask of the other in whisper, "What meat is thIs?" Just at that juncture the villainous looking hunter, with his clothes besmeared with blood, pass ed through the dining room.
 Zan, Tn surly tone, saluted him:
 "Gabe, you villain what meat is this you have brought in to-day?'
 "Buck, sir" said Gabe.
 "You scrondrel. Didn't Itell you to get squaw? What C o you mean by such conduct? Now pack your duds and leave this ranch immedi- ately."
 Just then one of the tenderfeet was observed to hastily take some thing from his mouth and chuck 1t under the table, while the other leap- ed to the door and unloaded his stomach in hurry. Fried Indian was too much for them and they cast 1t up.-El Paso Tribune.
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

vessels many miles from the point where the oil is supplied to the sys- tenn of submerged pipes, and even iron vessels could not pass through this lake of fire, because it could be made to extend may miles along the river. An experiment in con- nection with the scheme is to be made at Fort Mifin shortly, and great things are expected from the pending experiment.
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28
A Thrilling Adventure.

Harry Hartle of Boston, had a thrilling escape from instant death at Niagara Falls on the 10th inst. He was warned not to climb the ice mountain without creepers, but per sisted in doing so, and told his guide that his services would not be required until his return. Just as he was about to plant his foot on the summit he slipped and fell headlong, bounding from one pro- jection to another. He was precip- itated into the waters, and disap- peared for a time from view.
 Tom Conroy, the noted guide, armed himself with pike and started to the rescue. He leaped from one cake of ice to another and after falling into the water half a dozen times or more himself, he succeeded in rescuing Hartie, who was nearly dead from the shock of having been so long in the cold water. Hartle was taken to his hotel and will probably recover.- Examiner.
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28
Edward ". Reyes, Walnut Grove
 VaquerO, Kills a Mexican.

Frank Raymond arrived in town last evening, from Walnut Grove, having in his custody a cowboy named Ed. Reyes, who shot and killed Mexican, at an early hour on Thursday morning, a short dis tance above Peter Verdiers place on the Hassayampa, Reyes was in terviewed at the county jail this morning by a Journal-Miner repre- sentative, but beyond stating, what every man in present circumstances would state, that he was justified in the killing he refused to tell any thing of the causes leading up to the killing. From other sources it is learned that Reyes and the Mex ican, who was a stranger and whose name could not be learned, had been at the lower dam of the Wal nut Grove Water Storage company, and had come from there together. They had stopped on the road and had engaged in drinking and play ing cards, and were apparently very friendly. This seemed to be the condition of affairs when they ar rived at Peter Verdier's place and laid in a fresh bottle of whisky, and started away from there on good terms. They had not proceeded over halt mile when the tragedy occurred, being apparently the out growth of a drunken quarrel be- tween them. Lark Pierce, of Wal nut Grove, was with them at the time, and was the only witness to the affair. The Mexican was shot in the left side of the abdomen, the bullet ranging upwards. After the shooting Reyes returnedto Verdier's place and told what he had done, and requested that some one take him to Prescott. His story was at first not believed, but a lantern was procured, and proceeding about half a mile above the store the dead body of the Mexican was found, F. Raymond, who was stopping for the night at Verdier's, consented to ac- company him to town, which he did arriving as stated last night.
 Reyes says he is a native of Cal ifornia, but that his parents reside in the Indian territory. He is twen- ty-three years ofage, and claims to have lived in Walnut Grove about six or seven years, having been re- gently employed as vaquero for James Simth.-Journal Miner.
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

The cross-breed buffalo is the latest innovation in live stock. The domesticated buffalo promises to be the most profitable live stock of the future. An able article in the Ameri- can Agriculturalist for December describes the only two herds of do- mesticated or cross-bred buffalo in America, and is accompanied by it. lustrations of the cross-bred buff falo steer, COW and calf, with which is contrasted the native animals. The advantages and pecuniary pro- fit from the cross bred buffalo are very great. A cross with the Gallo way will make a very fine robe, which will sell at thirty dollars. The half-bred animal is much heav- fer in the hind quarters and more beefy than the aboriginal buffalo. The hair is somewhat longer and thicker on the hind quarters and less dense on the shoulders in the half-breed, which adds to the value of the robe. The meat commands a fancy price, and breeding animals are not to be had for any money. -Ex.
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28
Cattle Growing in the Vest.

H. NJ. Taylor, agent of the de partment, makes a report in which he says that the climax of depres- sion in this industry seems to have been reached that the production of beef is decreasing, while the de- mand is at the same time increas- ing; in other words that while the population of the country and of the world, and the demand for beef are increasing, the production of beefis decreasing and that the range area of the United States is growing less every year.
 As to the benefit arising from the cattle-growing associations, he says:
 ''The benefit to be derived from associations is not merely theoreti- cal or speculative. Take, for in- stance, the Colorado Cattle Grow ers' Association, the oldest in the range country. Its usefulness has grown with every year of its exist ence. The record it has made stands as an unanswerable argument in favor of association effort. The cost of maintaining 1t has been merely nominal to its members, and 1t has proited the industry hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's mem bers would go out of the business if they could not have the benefits ob- tained through it's agency. What this association is to the stockmen of Colorado, the Range Association can be made to the stockmen ofthe entire range country. It is possi- ble that there are yet stockmen who are too obtuse to grasp the situation, but 1t is as certain as anything can be that these men will not survive the attacks being made upon that business, and that but a few years will elapse when tue cattle business of the plains will be in the hands ofthe men who have the intelligence to understand its needs, and the courage, manhood and liberality to do whatever is necessary to save it. AS to feeding in the arid region he says:
 "There Is a growing tendency to utilize all of the available lands for irrigation, and the production of forage crops. Probably not more than one acre in POO of the entire arid belt is susceptible of being brought under ditch with the hope of getting an ample water supply. But the increased quantity of feed this small area is capable of pro- ducing would be sufficient to winter feed one-fourth or more of all cattle now grazing on the great plains. ln time a system of water storage may be developed so as to save the vast volume that now runs to waste. wkich will double the available supply. When this time arrives the risks of winter will have depart ed,
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28
Bill ArpS' Story of Sam Jones.

Bill Arp tells this story of Sam Jones part in Sherman's march to the sea, in the Atlanta Constitution :: "Sam Jones and few dare devils hung on their Hanks and stole horses and mules most every night, and hid them away off in the swamps. Sam was nothing but Q boy of six teen, but they say that he stole over one hundred, and gave them all away to the poor people who lost their stock. You see he got some old blue Yankee clothes and put them on. and went about among the guards who had charge of the extra horses, and he made out like he was a Yankee, too, and he gen erally carried with him bottle of whiskey and a deck of cards, and he got them drunk and gambled with them, and before morning he would have several of the horses and mules away off in a swamp. He was just as full of mischief then as he is now, though his mischief was of different kind. He was fighting the Yankees then and he is fighting the old boy now, and there isn't so much difference after all."
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

The following fact was demon strated by the experience of the late unpleasantnesS: During our civil war city-bred men stood long marches better, were subject to less disorders and recovered gunshot wounds more readily than country bred meD,"
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

The Monrovia Messenger says :: The tin mine, of which mention was made two weeks ago, promises to be a bonanza to the owners. An assay of the mineral proves that it is fine quality of tin, and the ex- tent of the deposit is practically in- exhaustible,
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

The bones of the mastodon re- gently unearthed by some pioneer miners near Salmon Falls, Idaho, are on exhibition at Shoshone. Its ribs are nine feet long, and the whole mass of bones is estimated to weigh 5000 pounds.
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

General Benjamin Butler is 8 slave to the weed. Some days he smokes as high as twenty cigars a day. No wonder he is nervous and troubled with insomnia,
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

The Tribune says that a good many counterfeit five-dollar pieces are in circulation at Elpaso. Look out for them.
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

On the night of January 21st, the thermometer register T degrees be- low zero at Flagstaff.
The St. Johns herald., 1889-02-28

The total indebtedness of Gra- ham county is $127, ,422 26.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-25

CHAPTER VII.
Urtas was situated beyond Bethlehem,
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-25

found, however, loving and motherly
heart in old Rachel whose chord of sympa-
thy was always easily touched, but which
was now set into deep vibrations, and her
heart went out to the poor young stranger.
He realized. too, how true and heartfelt
was her sympathy. Rebecca stood partly
hidden in the shadows, thus to hide sweet
tears Of tenderness and compassion which
would force themselves up and stood glist-
ening upon her long dark eye lashes. If
Paulus noticed it, and we dare say he did,
he must have been deeply moved to know
that such precious tears were shed for him.
He retired for the night in that quiet abode
and enjoyed a calmer, sweeter sleep than
he had known since his sorrow. Sweet
dreams carried him far away and beside
the face of little Ruth, that of Rebecca,
with her beautiful eyes also lowered near.
When morning awoke him he was much
refreshed. and could not be deferred from
setting forth again on his almost hopeless
search. Rachel and Rebecca begged
him to remain or at least to stop
there when worn out with fatigue.
He promised to call on his return with
good or evil news, and his whole face lit up
as he told Rebecca that perchance he
would have little Ruth with him and she
might then judge for herself if the child
were not as lovable as he had depicted.
Confidingly, poor Rebecca spoke of the help
her father would surely render upon his
return from Jerusalem which she thought
would be soon. So Paulus set out again,
calmer and more trustful to the Most High
than he had yet been, and he cherished old
Rachel's "God bless you, my SOM" as
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-25

whether that was long since dead, and a
presentiment of evil was lurking in his
bosom, aroused by the words of the angry
man whom he had so uniustly repealed.
Aram, as we inferred from his converse
ton, was then an impoverished mer-
chant. He was Judean by birth and edu-
cation and had spent many years in Alex
andria, where he had acquired wealth.
Now, in his old age, he returned to his ma
tive land, there to spend the last few years
of his life. He had no longer any friends
there, and had even out-lived, as far as posi-
BILE, old associations. He deemed them, how
ever, of little account while he had his fair
daughter with him, beautiful girl of
eighteen, his life and Joy. But misfortune
followed in his footsteps, and he found
himself among strangers and in poverty.
He turned for help where he expected to
find it, only to be repealed. Despair and
anger united, almost depriving him of rea-
son. Revenge took possession OF his mind
and heart, and seemed tie sweetest of
thoughts. He imagined that ne was labor
ing to avenge insults offered his daughter.
Thus passion seems to clothe itself in
reasons garb when presenting itself to our
weakness to be embraced.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-25

forced HIM to raise her in mis- arms, ex-
claiming, 'Come, little one, with me, to
see the newborn Kingr
Ruth first stopped down to pick her little
flower, fondly pressed it to her heart and
allowed herself to be carried on As the
old man gladly fastened forward he did
not notice how dropping were the life and
spirits of the little flower he held on his
heart.
Soon the small but chosen number of
shepherds reached the lonely cave without
the walls of Bethlehem, and entering rev.
ereutly and awe-s tricken, To- there they
beheld mother and child, that blissful
young mother pressing her God to her
bosom, that Incarnate Gcd from whose
countenance shot forth such dazzling
light, that same God whose beauty will en-
rapture US and be our beatifie vision one
day in heaven. Timidly the shepherds en-
tered, their souls filed with enthusiastic
alteration, shielding their eyes from light
too bright, too divine to be endured by poor,
weak human beings. The infant Savior,
who later uttered with the wondrous
sweetness of his own voice, these words:
had already that attraction, though no syl-
liable passed his infantile lips, but the i'd
vine Babes heart spoke to little Ruth. She
climbed down from the shephard's shoulder
and approached near, so near. where the
others dared not venture. She knelt by
the mother's=knee, took the Babes
tiny hand in her little one and
pressed the blessed laurel to the
Infants lips. That kiss turned the leaves
to deepest red, emblem of his love for the
child's little soul. The light from the
blessed countenance was not too great for
the child Ruth, for as she knelt there, still
holding the Babes tiny fingers with one
hand and the laurel spray with the other,
she bowed her head upon the Virgins
knee, and behold her soul 1Fas flooded with
greater, more dazzling light, for in a
moment she was face to face with that same
Christ as Judge, who placed an imperisha-
BILE laurel crown upon her brow and she
ioined,the bright band overhead who were
singing and still continue to sing, glories to
the Son of David.
Strength had failed. The little one must
soon have died in any case from fatigue,
and cold, and hunger. Perchance the morn
ing sun might have shone upon little
dead form on Judea's hills. But her pas
sing away was destined to be sweeter. be-
ing led as she was from one life to the
other by the King of Life himself, who
held her hand within his own magic clasp
as He led her.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-25

and the country between the two places
was mostly taken up with pasture land,
where daily numerous grazing herds
might be seen, tended by the shep-
herds so famous in Judea. Rachel and
Rebecca lived on the outskirts of that
little village and every day an anxions,
youthful face might be seen peering into
the distance as if expecting to see some
one coming every moment; but day by day
the expression became more and more
anxious. Rebecca had long since expected
her father and she feared that something
i'll had befallen him, since he was old and
infrm. Not unfrequently when Rebecca
was looking for her father would she find
herself wondering when the poor youth,
who had so thoroughly aroused her sym
pathy, would come again with his sad or
joyful tidings. But each day saw the fair
girl return to her little home with sadder
expression and heavier heart than when
she set out.
One evening poor Rebecca was more de-
pressed than usual; still, she took her old
post in the same mechanical manner,
straining her eyes fora ray of hope. The
beauty and the quiet of the scene around
her absorbed her for few moments, and
she forgot her grief, or at least did not
realize what that something was that
weighed heavily upon her heart. AS she
looked upon the beautiful setting sun, gol-
den tinted clouds and soft landscape, she
pondered on what must be the ravishing
beauty of Him who made nature, which,
lovely as tits, bears but the slightest con-
ceivable impress of his own beauty. Glanc-
ing up Rebecca started back as hope arose
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-25
UGH blow that it broke the old mans

such blow that it broke the old mans
heartr'
NO." replied Rebecca, }" he was spared
that frightful shock. He died knowing
naught of the little ones absence, if indeed
she was gone at the time of his death.
But, OH it was so pitiful to hear that
young man murmur Ruth, Ruth for that
was the child's name. I think 1 hear his
voice still in my ear"
'Where is that young man nowa When
was he here, Rebecca.n
He left US to continue his hopeless
search, but promised to stop here on his
return with good or evil news. 1 told him
that my father would have shown interest
were he here.''
Let me be alone, cnlld,' SAID the old
man, and long he renamed there swinging
to and fro, repeating and repeating: "And
Esias knew naught of it. The sins of the
parent were visited upon the heads of the
children. What if my sins should fall on
my child, my innocent child Oh God,
protect and spare herl
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-25
CHAPTER V.

Ten days or more had passed since the
death of Esias and the loss of Ruth. Pau
lus was still in search of his sister, catch
ing at each CLEAN of hope; but now he was
nigh physically exhausted from travel and
want of food, and was also mentally worn
out from grief and suspense. Thus sick at
heart he reached the village of Urtas, hav-
ing left Jerusalem and Bethlehem behind
him. So weary was he that he advanced
towards one of the first cottages, there to
seek refreshments and shelter for the
night The twilight was rapidly changing
into darkness, and lights were beginning
to appear here and there through the vii
lage. One was in the house towards which
he advanced The door was opened by a
beautiful Judean maiden of olive complex
ion, black, hair, and wonderfully express
sive dark eyes. The light that revealed
her to Paulus showed him also an aged
matron whose dignity of carriage and calm
expression would have made her worthy
sight of old. The pure white hair waved
over a brow which although touched by
the hand of time, was lofty and noble.
Her eve, when raised, seemed to penetrate
far beyond the things around her. AS
Paulus stood reverently gazing upon her,
her eyes were downcast, her head humbly
bent forward, and her hands clasped over
a book of prophecies which foretold that
the time of the Redeemer was near at hand.
She was earnestly praying for Him to
come and take away the sins of his I'M
gateful people. The maid who had per-
mitted Paulus to enter advanced toward
the aged woman, laid her hand gently upon
her shoulder and begged her to arise and
make welcome weary visitor who sought
food and rest. Rachel, as she was called,
approached and, as is customary among the
Hebrews, knelt to unfasten his sandals,
with that instructive hospitality with its
chivalrous touch which is so rapidly fading
away as our modern civilization is rushing
its rapid strides of progress. Paulus drew
back and duplicated her not thus to honor
one so unworthy. The best in the humble
household was LAID before the guest, and
Rebeccs, for it was indeed she, waited
upon him anticipating every want, and
welcome for the night was heartily ex-
tended. That rule of hospitality never to
ntrude by word or hint upon strangers
confidence, was strictly adhered to by
Rachel and Rebecca.
The heart of Paulus warmed to that
peaceful home. Long had he smothered
all grief in his own heart, but now he felt
an irresistible desire to lay it before some
one, where he knew it would be received
with sympathy, something that our human
heart Graves, especially when laden down
with sorrow The kindness and gentleness
of those around him encouraged him and
as if following blind impulse he recounted
his sad experience touchingly, modestly,
stopping cow and then to control his too
powerful feelings. When he had done, he
begged pardon of those before him for hav-
ing thus thrust his grief upon them. He
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1889-12-25
THE LAUREL BRANCH.
A Christmas Story in Ten Chapters.
By Miss EMMA MCCORMICK.
CHAPTER 1.

nHE SUN WAS JUST SINKING Be
h hind the western hills Of fair Judea,
that small strip of land whose historic
glory had already faded, and whose
- ao..;,,,. -, +ba on v,,ord cour.aa of civ,