davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
HIS GARMENT WAS WORTHLESS.
A Savage Tries to Turn Newspaper Into
Wearing Apparel.

A Savage Tries to Turn Newspaper Into
Wearing Apparel.
New York SUM-
When savage people first come into con-
tact with the whites none of the wonders
that they see is regarded with more sus-
picion than large sheets of paper. The
native is apt to regard paper as a sort of
cloth, and the fact that it tears easily and is
worthless for most of the purposes to which
cloth is put convinces him that it is fraud.
One or two Congo travellers have told of the
disgust with which the natives at first re-
garded paper. The Congo tribes, by the
way, are on the lookout for sharpers, and it
is pretty hard work for anybody to sell
them bad quality of cutlery or CLOTH
Savages soon find, however, that paper is
not intended to serve the purposes OF cloth.
Then they cease to look upon it as a fraud,
but they do not think it ranks high among
the white mans manufactures, and they
have little use for it.
A while ago Mr.. Lumholtz was travelling
in the interior OF Queensland, Australia,
where he met many natives who had never
seen white man before. One day crowd
of natives were in the white mans camp
carefully inspecting the explorer and his
baggage, when newspaper l0ppened to
drop OUT of his pocket. The natives un-
folded and spread it out on the ground.
They decided that it must be an article of
wearing apparel, and one of them tried it
on. He wrapped it around his shoulders
like shawl and sat down on the ground
arranging his covering this way and that,
and watching the faces OF the crowd to see
what they thought OF his elegant garment,
covered as it was with many thousands Of
curious marks.
Presently, however, an accident hap
pened. While the savage was arranging
his shawl, and trying to bring the corners
together in front of him, the garment began
to tear at the nape of his neck. A howl
from the crowd called attention to the disas-
ter. The savage took his covering of, ex-
amined the mischief he had wrought, made
the tear little longer, and then with his
finger poked hole through the paper. That
settled the fact that the article was worth
less. The newspaper suddenly lost all in
terest for the natives, who turned their at
tention to less destructible objects.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

who waited two hours with the closest atten-
tion while preparations were being made for
a great race, and while he thoughtlessly
turned around to spit, the race was won.
HOW TO SAVE MONEY.
However, I saved $25 on this race by not
betting on Triher. My companion then
said we would feel more interest in the race,
he thought, if we would bet little. said
I would be willing to bet if I saw anybody
who wanted to bet. He said that wasn't
necessary, we could go down to the pool
room and trouble the pool little and it
would be all fixed for us. As I understand
it, this IS a system BY which party Of
obliging young men agree to take all the
money bet ard add it up and give back what
is due each man, more or less. Igot my
friend to buy me S. worth of bet on horse
called Eric. 1t was then wonderful what
an interest I felt in Eric. wanted his
autograph to take home with me. He looked
grand to me. He was the most graceful
horse 1 ever saw. Before that the other
horses looked tolerably well, but afterward
they seemed to have caved in at certain
points and they walked lame.
1 now heard some one say They're off,
I saw roll of dust like big caterpillar
crawl around the track and then
5000 throats made the statement
that Eric had won. With a massive
judgment worthy Of one much older
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
DIFFERENCE In EGGS.
100 Hens Produce in Shells About 1877
Pounds of Chalk Yearly.

100 Hens Produce in Shells About 1877
Pounds of Chalk Yearly.
Popular science.I
In form and general aspect the difference
among birds eggs is endless. Some are
elongated, some are spherical, some are dull
on the surface, some are polished, some are
dark. and others gray or white, others very
bright. The shape of eggs offers as much
diversity as their size and weight. They
may be thrown, however, into six different
typical forms-the cylindrical, the oval, the
spherical, the ovicular, oviconical and the
elliptic. The ovicular form of eggs belongs
to the Passere and Gallinace, the oviod to
the rapacious birds and the Palmipedes, the
conical to the wading birds and some Pal
mipedes, the short to some game and many
stilted birds, and the spherical to nocturnal
birds of prey and the kingfsher.
1t farmer has q flock OF 100 hens they
produce in egg shells about 137 pounds of
chalk annually; and yet not pound OF the
substance or perhaps not even an ounce,
exists around the farmhouse within the cir
cult OF their feeding grounds. The mate
rials of the manufacture are found in the
food consumed and in the sand, pebble
stones, brick dust, bits of bones, ETC., which
hens and other birds are continually pick
ing from the earth. The instinct is keen
for these apparently innutritious and refrac-
tory substances, and they are devoured with
as eager relish as the cereal grain or in
sect. If hens are confined to barns or out
buildings it is obvious that the egg-produ-
cling machinery cannot be kept long in
action unless the materials for the shell are
supplied in ample abundance.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
THE CHARM WOULDN'T WORK.
All Right for Tiger Hunting, but No Good
Against TomcaIs.

All Right for Tiger Hunting, but No Good
Against TomcaIs.
New York Evening World.i
In one of the large newspaper Offices in
this city is employed a boy who, although
very bright in something's, is exceedingly
dull in others. In the same Office is a re-
porter who, although still young, has spent
years in travelling the broad expanse of
Gods domain. He has penetrated the wilds
of Asia, traversed the burning sands of
Africa, gone whaling near the North Pole
and chased American big game from Texas
to Montana.
This traveller one day recently was re-
lating to group of fellow reporters some
of his adventures in Africa, the Office boy
being very attentive listener. When the
reporter finished his tale the boy approached
him. The tale had worked up his feelings
and he was anxious to hear more. He
wanted to know how they caught the lions
and tigers, of which he had read so much
about and which he had often seen in Cen
tral Park.
The traveller, who is fond of a joke, told
the boy that the hunters simply stood still,
when they met lion or tiger, and stared
them. This charmed them, and they would
not bite. Then the hunters caught hold of
their tails and ,yanked them into large
basket, which they always carried along.
This answer apparently satisfied the boys
curiosity, and be left the office that night
with smile upon his face.
The next morning when he appeared at
the Office he presented a sorry sight. A
large piece of courtplaster was stuck across
his cheek and his hands were new with
scratches. He made direct for the man who
had told him how they caught lions and
tigers, and, in fearful voice, said: "You
cannot catch tomcats that way, can you?"
Now the other Office boys guy him about
the way to charm tomcats.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
THE GERMAN SOLDIER.
Illustrating the Awful Respect He Pays to
His Superior.

Illustrating the Awful Respect He Pays to
His Superior.
From Berlin Letter.1
We saw recently little squad dawdling
along in their uniforms through the heat,
the most ambitionless hot, weary or lazy
souls, dragging one foot after the other as
if cannon ball were tied to each. Poor
fellows" we thought, show plainly every
line about them tells the oppression and
misery of the whole brutal systeml' When
all at once to our amazem ent, they stifened
up like ramrods, flung one leg out in front
at an angle of 45 degrees with force enough
to kick down rampant, and then brought
the heels of their ironclad members down
upon the pavement like blacksmith's
hammer, the sparks flying in all directions.
We looked on in amazement, wondering
what had happened to them, when in the
distance appeared a diminutive corporal,
the occasion of the whole excitement. The
same awe of their superiors runs through
the entire German army. A common soldier
having his boots blacked will instantly
stand aside before Incorporation is completed,
as corporal steps up, He, in turn, gives
place to an officer, and in few minutes
three Of these accommodating individuals
are standing in row, bolt upright, with
their trousers turned up and each one with
boot blacked. When the fourth has been
served he passes along with dignity, and
each of the other three takes his turn in reg
ular order, until the common soldier is
finally reached.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

paid no attention to anything except to revel
in the reflections that usually visit one when
one has achieved a success. The driver took
US through several streets, ,some of which
had already grown familiar, and landed US
opposite church. He descended, opened
the door and announced San Carlos. We
looked up and recognized the hotel. re-
monstrated with the Mexicsn and, am
panied to say, the Deacon swore; but the
man answered pleasantly, "Si, senor," and
the Deacon was mortified.
SOME DIFFERENCE.
While we were endeavoring to impress
upon this benighted descendant of mixed
ancestry the difference between hotel and
an academy of fine arts q man from the
hotel accosted us. The man spoke English
and was consequently the proper individual
upon whom we could lay our burden; we did
so without stint He laughed and said
something to the driver, then the driver
laughed and invited us to re-enter his
vehicle. We thanked the stranger when he
assured us that we were ''all right now,"
and departed.
Inside of ten minutes our coachman halted
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

Soldiers Monument tn the american Cemetery.
cathedral, entered the Gale la del Rio and
continued to the second Gale la del Rio,
then, after traversing the length of block,
we turned to tine right. Then we pursued
our way along this street, looking for the
academy. Not seeing any building bearing
signs of an academy, we turned to the lett
at the earliest opportunity and followed a
dead wall to a corner. Passing young
man in glasses, the Deacon made bold TO
aeeost him, but he hurried on, giving no
sign.
/ suggested to the deacon that the youth
evidently considered us as of the Scribes
and Pharisees, but be said that he was
dumb and far-sighted. 1 approached a
policeman and inquired courteously of him
the direction to the San Carlos Academy.
1t was a genuine relief to have him indicate
affably and in an ineligible way, that we
must turn around, go back to the north end
of the Plaza Mayor, turn to the right and
take the first street leading west, until we
saw the sign. We did so, and inside of half
an hour we brought up without accident on
the opposite side of the street from the hotel
bearing the name of the academy.
SEVERAL SITUATIONS.
We exchanged congratulations, prayed in
front of a church for the repose of the
policeman's soul, and returned TO the
Plaza. Every place is reached from the
Plaza, and we could not lose ourselves by
keeping within hailing distance of it. Ar
irving at this sanctuary, took a seat on a
bench under the shade of the trees, blessing
the man who planted them, aud enjoved a
cigar. Then we started out again, walked
around four blocks, familiarizing ourselves
with the vicinity, but not reaching our
destination.
suggested to the Deacon that we engage
q hack; certainly any hack driver would be
familiar with every nook in the city. We
had encountered dozen hacks before this
way out of the difficulty occurred to us; but
now there was not hack in sight. We
looked down one street, and two blocks
away we saw building jutting out from
thoroughfare at right angles with the one
we were inspecting. A hackman was in
waiting there and we approached him. He
was engaged. Finally we discovered and
hailed red flag. Could this Jehu take us
to the San Carlos Academy? I put the in
quiry distinctly in accent and manner not
to be misunderstood by even q Mexican
hackman This man smiled and said Isl,
Senor," with confidence leaving no room
for doubt.
We.entered his vehicle in absolute faith
that we should be at the academy forth
with. We were SO well satisfied that we
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
Future of the steam Engine.

1t has been thought that the sphere of the
steam engine would be greatly eircum-
scribed in the future by the growing de-
velopment of electricity, but Prof. Thurs
ton, OF Cornell University, in an article in
the North american Reuieao, is inclined to
the view that this invention is capable of
vast improvement, and that it has not yet
begun to exhaust Its inherent powers. On
the basis of the greater developments in the
application of inventions to the steam en-
CINE. Prot. Thurston predicts that the next
generation will see it consuming one pound
of iuel per hour for single horsepower;
that ships of 10000 tons will be driven at
the rate of 40 miles an hour; that the
American continent can be spanned by fly
ing trains in two days, and that transporta-
tion between the cities of the Atlantic and
those of the Pacific coasts will be so cheap
that the general average OF living will be
vastly improved upon what exists to-day.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

In paper recently read before the So
ciety of Chemical Industry in England, the
singular fact was pointed out, with refer
enee to the relative rapidity OF combustion
and rapidity of "detonation" of explosives,
that dynamite cartridge one foot in n.length
occupied only one twenty y-four-thousandth
part Of second in explosion. At this rate
ton OF dynamite cartridges about seven
eighths of an inch in diameter, placed end
to end, and measuring one mile in length,
would be consumed in about quarter of
second by detonating cartridge at each
end; while similar train, if simply ignited,
would occupy several minutes for its COM
bustion.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
Danger of CeIluloid Manufa cture.

The French Government is about to in
vestigate the manufacture of celluloid, with
view to lessening the danger to life and
property which attends the making of that
infammable material. During the past two
years three celluloid factories in France
have been burned, and in each case loss of
life and serious injuries were involved. 1t
is believed that the French authorities will
prohibit the manufacture of celluloid,
within safe distance of inhabited houses
The process of making celluloid, which is
composed in great part Of gun cotton, is too
dangerous to be permitted in settled neigh
borhoods, and there is no question as to the
propriety of such establishments being iso-
lated. The terrible explosion about two
years ago in New Jersey was not without
its lessons in this respect.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

than am, L had won the first money ever
made on a horse race. At first 1 thought l
would 60 down stairs and place myself
under the influence of glass of lager foam.
"But no, thought to myself, ST will not
let prosperity turn my head in this way.
will be calm. First will get my money
before the cashier is too sorely tempted to go
away with it. So I went down to the pool
room and sent in my ticket. 1 received my
original investment and 60 cents in cur
rency, which I carefully concealed in the
Inning of my chimisette. do not know yet
what I will do with it. Some think it
would be good idea to 60 the continent
with it for few months. Others say buy
Western Union, while still others say, buy
unimproved real estate on Fulton street and
wait ior it to advance. I do not know
whether will do either. Possibly will
wait till get over to Paris, where things
are cheap, owing to pauper labor, and then
will buy watermelon.
1 remained little longer at the races, but
was SO wrought up by the excitement that 1
felt quite giddy. That is one trouble about
racing. A winner becomes so excited that
he is untitled for almost any kind Of busi-
ness afterward.
THE HACKMAN's PREY.
Finally went below and ate ham sand
wich, which soothed my nerves great deal.
I would have enjoyed the day better if the
evening papers hadn't dropped in, all along
during the afternoon, with additional ac-
counts of the suffering at Johnstown. Why
will the press print and circulate such news
on the grounds where people are trying to
have little fun? heard several sensitive
people criticise the papers for this while
was at the races, and I thought I would
mention it here and call the attention of
the press to it so that it may never occur
again.
Those who have never left Jerome
Park by means of the carriage gate,
should try it once for the exhiliration Of
the experience. We were told that we
could get carryall there for Fordham
and thus 90 home ahead of the
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

the ancient and modern Mexican schools,
the European schools, and may be the
Dutch, or some other schools.
demonstrated mildly with him upon this
assumption OF his, and this intensified his
zeal He proceeded unhesitstingly to dis
course to me, touching the preservation of
values, the art OF correct drawing and other
points OF a technical character, until sus-
pected him of artfuily infringing the copy
right in some guide book. To tell him so,
however, might incur his displeasure, 50 1
surrendered.
SAN CARLOS ACADEMY.
We learned the general direction of the
academy from our landlord, who is genial
encyclopedias of Mexico; as he has his busi-
ness to attend to, however, and cannot ac-
company US, we find it little inconvenient
to return to him for information every time
we need it. Following the general direc-
ton, we pass up Jesus street to the Presi-
dents palace, skirting one side of the Plaza
Mayor. (You will pardon my occasional
indulgence In Spanish phrases, upon the
ground of social and climatic infuence.)
We continued on our way, pleasing our
selves with a passing view of the grand
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23


clude we belong to the band, shall see
everything, otherwise they will surely
be upbraided and reduced to a state
of humility. Holding this view and
being sensitive, I have made it a rule
to console any interested inquirer by assur-
ing him that have been there, or that am
Just on the way.
The Deacon knows Dothing about art or
artists; the schools are to him a venerated
mystery. 1 am further impressed with the
belief that he is afflicted, in slight degree,
with color blindness; that there is but little
reliance to be placed in him except perhaps
in blacks and the delicious peach bloom
and these only under certain conditions.
In these circumstances it was quite natural
for him to insist that he should visit the
academy; that we should there have an op-
portunity to enjoy the difference between
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

quette. You ask me how to reorganize a
last years poplin dress, cut intwain as the
French say, ,and produce new garment with
accordion pleatings and selviges to it, or
how to be happy while being married.
can tell you instantly. But if you rush up
hurriedly and ask me what ticket No. 1902
will be worth in London where the Derby
sweepstakes are for ESQ each for 3-year-
olds, half forfeit, e300 to second and
e150 to third. black to mate in three
moves, each colt to weigh in at 126 pounds,
fllies at 121, entries Duke of Portland's b.
C. Donovan, by Galopin, dam Mowering IT.
Loates); also Mr.. j. Gretton's blk. C. Mi
guel, by Fernandez. dam Cream Cheese-or-
Limberger-for -that-Matter, 156 (G. Barrett);
also D. Baird's br. C. Eldorado, by Sterling,
dam Plainhower, 126 Ct. Cannon); also Mr..
Abingdon's br. C. Pioneer, by Galopin, dam
Moorhen, 126, etc., where betting, we will
say, is to on Donovan, 12 to against Ell
Dorado, II TO each Pioneer and Laureate,
by Gosh, dam by Politics, supposing Don
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
The Eins, Tower Elevators.

A test was recently made at the Eifel
Tower, in Paris, which will be of great in
terest not only to American manufacturers,
but to the large number oe American Wis
itors to the Paris Exposition. The en-
gineer of the American firm of Otis sub
jected the Otis lift to a final trial before
handing it over for public use. The eleva-
tor was heavily loaded, raised to a consid-
cradle height and there fastened with ordl-
nary ropes. The steel wire with which it is
worked was then detached, and the ropes
were cut. The enormous machine began to
fall. 1t soon began to move more slowly,
swayed for a moment from right to left,
then stuck on the brake and stopped. Not
pane of glass in the lift had been broken
or cracked, and the car stopped without the
slightest shock.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
Artificial silk.

The serious epidemics which have from
time TO time threatened the existence of the
silk industry of France and other countries
have drawn the attention of scientists to the
problem of initiating the product of the
silkworm. The difficulty has been over
come by the chemists, who now produce in
their laboratories not only clever substi-
tute for, but an actual imitation of natural
silk. The elasticity of this artificial pro-
duct is said to be analogous to that of raw
silk. 1t can be dyed by the ordinary pro-
cess and it is said that in brillianey, tex
ture and general beauty it even surpasses
the natural product of the cocoon.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
Life of Steel Rails.

The life of steel rails is fixed by a German
commission at an average of 35 years. This
is the result of observations extending over
six years made on railways in Germany,
Austria, Hungary, Holland and Belgium
The conditions assumed are an annual
traffic of 8, 430, 600 tons and a minimum and
maximum wear and tear of O,OO7 and O,O17
millimetres.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

Lighting Railway Carriages by Electricity.
After the terrible experience of the last
few years of fires started in railway trains
during an accident by stoves or lamps, it is
reassuring to know that at least one source
of danger is. being removed by the superses-
sion by the electric light of the oil lamp on
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23
Consumption of Coal by Ocean Racers.


The tremendous speed which has lately
been attained by the Atlantic racers entails
a prodigious expenditure in fuel. Cons1d-
ering the consumption of coal even on the
crack steamers so lately as ten years ago, it
is almost appalling to read that one of the
ocean flyers on her last trip used "only"
22o tons of coal day, or something over
1000 tons, in itself cargo for sailing ship
Of the first class during the entire voyage. 1t
seems safe to predict that the efforts of the
engineers will now be devoted quite as
much to the more economical application of
power as to the generation of more power
by their engines. The profit represented by
saving in the consumption OF coal has be-
come quite as important an object Of desire
in the Atlantic passenger trade as the at
tainment of high speed.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-23

and blandly opened the door. We crept out
and the first object that attracted my atten-
ton was the hackman who had intimated
that he was engaged, standing in the place
where we had left him. Directly over his
head was the sign of the building we were
in search of. But no sane man would have
considered this building place ior art to
display itself. 1t had a portal and stone
paved court, which was storehouse for