davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28
HALF BIRD, HALF BEAST, /,
Description of a Strange Creature Found in
the Australian WiIds.

Description of a Strange Creature Found in
the Australian WiIds.
San Francisco Chronicle
One OF the most curious of all Australian
animals is the ornithorhynchus paradoxus.
1t is paradoxical, being half bird and half
mammal. 1t lives chiefly in the water, and
seeks its food by means of its bill in the
mud, like ducks. As this animal has had
great attention called to it by the Darwin
ans, who use it as an illustration of a con-
Meeting link between species. it will be we'll
to give rather minute description of it. It
certainly is most odd-looking affair. The
adult animal is about 90 inches in length
from the end of the bill to the end of the
tail. The body is rather long and COM
pressed, and thIckly covered with very
glossy hair, among the roots of which is a
layer OF soft, short, waterproof felt or wad-
ding.
The head is small and round. with small
bright eyes and no external cars. although
the internal ears are perfectly deyeloped
and the hearing acute; and instead of the
muzzle, mouth and the teeth of an ordinary
quadruped, the creature is furnished with a
bill like that of duck. The legs are short;
the forefeet have each five toes. with strong
burrowlng claws and a connecting mem
brane for swimming which extends even
beyond the claws, but is capable of being
folded back, so as not to impede their use
when burrowing. The hind feet are smaller
than the fore feet; they also have five toes.
armed with claws and webbed, but the web
does not extend beyond the base of the
claws.
The hind feet of the male have sbarp
spurs, like that of q cock, which are merely
rudimentary in the female. These spurs
were at one time enormously supposed to be
fattened, about half as long as the BODY.
covered with long and coarse hair and
nearly naked on its under surface. This
animal is lively and active, and SO readily
alarmed by the approach of danger as not
to be easily shot, diving before aim can be
taken. 1t is usually to be seen with ouIy
its head above the water. 1t prefers the
twilight to the glare of the day, and its
voice resembles the growl of small puppy.
1t carefully dresses and pecks its fur. and
when asleep rolls itself into ball.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28
SOME VERY KNOWING PUPILS.
Brooklyn Teachers Ruse, Which Didn't
Deceive the Wary Principal.

A Brooklyn Teachers Ruse, Which Didn't
Deceive the Wary Principal.
Brooklyn Eagle.1
There is a cruel story in circulation con-
cerning certain teacher in one of the pub
lie schools who has been highly compli-
mented because of the success attending the
examination of her pupils. 1t was noticed
that her class of boys seemed to be able to
solve all the problems. When question
was asked every boys hand in the class was
raised. The principal of the school was
putting the questions and the lady teacher
would call on a pupil to make the answer.
Although more than q score of questions
were asked, in no instance was an improper
answer given. The principal was SO pleased
at the result that he made special refer
ence to Miss Dash's proficiency as
teacher in each of the classrooms
he visited. Probably. envy was caused
by the fact that in no other
classroom did the pupils seem to be as well
up in their studies. One of the teachers,
whose pupils did not acquit themselves very
creditably, made an investigation, and, by a
judicious outlay of candy, succeeded in
gaining the confidence of one of the boys
under Miss Dash's care.
s'Now, Johnny" said she, show is it that
all you boys know the answers?''
"We don't all know" said Johnny,
munching a caramel.
did,
"Miss Dash tells us all to put up our
hands when the question is asked. We
boys who don't know the answer put up our
LETT hands and the boys who know the
answer put up their right hands, and then
Miss Dash only asks the boys who have a
right hand up"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28

eyed gentle creature, who walked into the
midst of the combatants, gave them all
round friendly sniff, and behaved himself
about as well as any little lamb would have
done under the same circumstances. HE
will never fight" said to the interpreter
"oh, yes, he will, they will force him
to it."
'But thought you used blooded bulls,
bred for the purpose. and imported from
Spain"
$50 we did once, but not now. 1t is too
expensive: 1t don't pay. The management
would be bankruptl'
"Then these are just ordinary every day
buIls?''
'Si, 81 Sonora, the market must have
meat. the bulls must die. Here or in the
slaughter house, it does not matter!'
This startling revelation would have
shocked and Mortified me, han 1 been any,
where but in Cuba, where one soon ceases to
be surprised at anything, and falls into the
philosophical habit of taking all he hears
and sees and experiences for granted. But
was right about that bull, for he couldn't
or wouldn't fight. At least he didn't. He
was pricked with swords, fired with torpe-
dos and finally driven from the ring. The
grand procession, which consisted of about
as seedy lot of Picadors and Branderel-
leros as could be imagined, looked disguised.
They wrapped their faded tawdry searfs
about their threadbare costumes, pitiful imi-
tations of the rich garbs worn by the famed
Spanish fighters of old, and prepared them
selves to receive bull No. 2. y He did evince
little more spirit than his predecessor, but
his face wore an expression of great weari-
ness.
WANTED TO DIE.
He was evidently very old, and undecided
whether he wouldn't rather die than live.
anyhow. He was finally killed. The third
victim stumbled into the ring, coughed con-
sumptively, and deliberately laid down and
composed himself to sleep. He was the
tiredest bull of the lot Bull No. was
attacked on his entrance by nimble-footed
banderillero, who flung a scarf >over his
face. Then a rakish looking Picador,
mounted on a shaky horse, with uncertain
legs and no tail, horse lame, blind, old,
weak, long past all fear of bulls or any
thing, except the fate which imposed on
him the necessity of living, stuck a pole
with an awl on the end into the bulls hide,
which angered him and caused him
on his part to charge on the poor
old blind horse and gore its bony sides,
scattering its entrails on the ground A
more sickening sight cannot be imagined.
But the more the bull cores the horse. the
more the brave Cuban enjoys the sport
When this goring business grows monoto-
nous, barbed sticks with rockets on the end
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28

bark, from which the inmates had fled.
They had, apparently, not so much as
known that a war was in progress. Clearly,
they had not hurried themselves in the har-
vestlng OF their corn, most of which vas in
the tield. A few bushels, as Zapoly had
said, were piled, not husked, by the cabin.
These the scouts had taken for the use of
the army. While the men were packing it
he, as his wont was, had been hunting for
curiosities. 1t never occurred to the ac-
eomplished nobleman that he was doing
what man would be hanged for should
such man be found rifing his mothers
castle on the Danube in her absence. Under
pile of leaves which seemed to him not
normal he had found quite "cache" of do
mestic implements, and under these, neatly
wrapped in corn-husks, was the necklace in
question. How under the heavens had it
come there? This question, in one or an
other form, spoken aloud or only whispered
to himself, accompanied Harry Curwen for
days.
But the very next night events occurred
which prevented Harry from going out him
self to the place where Zapoly had found
these relics, to see if he could not find the
Indians who left them there. Colonel Trot-
ter had been ordered out with large re-
connoitering party, and had marched but
lew niles WHeu MS auNduce ONeTbOOk anu
killed two of the Indians. By one of their
shots one of his own men was wounded. For
some reason or other the whole party at
once returned, as accommodating parties
will. Colonel Gordon, a Kentucky officer
in the force, was disguised, and marched of
the same men to recover the lost laurels
The men went unwillingly enough, and
from the number of stragglers who came
back it was clear to Harry and his friend
that they had no stomach for the fight, But
Harmar would not let these two accom-
pany the expedition, telling them that he
should have more work for them at
home. Sure enough, indeed, before the
next evening, the whole body Of the Ken
tuckians came running back into camp,
and when Gordon himself appeared, de-
jected and angry, it seemed that all the
80 regulars he had with him had been cut to
pieces. When, weeks after, muster, of the
militia men took place, it proved that they
had all found their way back to Fort
Washington. All this showed that war
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28

throng of the brave days of the Coliseum a
Rome presided over by Nero. There is the
Presidents box, hung with the national
hags and pitted with the uniformed officials
comprising his suit. There are the mem
bers of the old noblesse, the representatives
OF the court, of society, of fashion, presenting
galaxy of distinguished men and beautiful
women. The Guiana with her splendid
dark eyes flashing from behind the gauzy
mesnes Of the graceful mantilla. La Senor-
lta, pale, petite, POLITICALLY charming, sitting
shyly In the background. La Creole, slen-
der, sinuous, languid, lazily swaying to and
tro a feathered fan. The mulatto. swarthv
boldly handsome, Haunting her brazen
charms on all alike; the ebonv-faced
negress with the Spanish eyes and magnif-
cent African proportion. Then amid a
waving of hats and a deafening cry of
Bravo Toros comes the glittering pro-
'cesslo OF picadors, banderilleros and
matadors clad in rich Spanish costume. .wav-
ing crimson scarfs and brandishing long,
naked swords. Lusty cheers, loud and
prolonged, greet them as they bow low be-
fore the Presidents box as the ancient glad
lators bowed before the Emperors of wore
and place themselves in attitude Of combat.
BRAVO ToRo.
Now door is swung widely on its hinges
and amid a hushed and breathless silence
the bull dashes into the arena, when COM
mences fight between man and beast,
which must terminate in the death of either
the one or the other. Bull after bull is let loose
among the men and horses and the excite
ment gradually increases. 1t wakes intense
as plunging horse throws rider, and
brave Banderillero lunges with his sword a
maddened bull. Blood covers the ground.
red scsrfs fly like flames through the hot,
sultry air, swords CLEAN in the glaring
tropical sunlight and clink one against an
other; more furious, more perilous. more
desperate grows the fght-s contest to the
death, each and everyone for himself and
Providence for them all. Suddenly the
bull cores the sides of the horse, and the
skillfuI malador sticks into the bull a
naked sword. To the very hilt he
thrusts the thin sharp blade down between
shoulder blade and spine! 1t is masterly
stroke, and the big, cumbersome animal
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28
CHAPTER XII.

To the white woman-if so she may be
called who was as black as the smoke of the
lodge and the sun of July, August. Sep
teinber and October could make her-Clen-
denin's eager kiss and scream of recognition
brought back set Of emotions which had
been dead for years. She had not schooled
herself to the deafand dumb, blind and numb
stolidness of the life of Shawnee squaw,
Rather, she had been sehooled to it BY the
years which had passed over her since she
was taken from her fathers home. The boy
had dreamed of her all this time. And She
no, not once in month had she thought Of
him. But now, with his embrace and
scream of delight. his eager volume Of
questioning, of which she understood moth
ing, the girl was changed in one instant.
Twenty times in the first year Of her
captivity she had tried to escape Twenty
times the poor child had been caught in the
attempt and brutally punished. And now,
for months, not to say for years, the poor
thing was fast ceasing to be more than q
thing, had neither looked backward nor
forward. She had not looked up to God.
She had asked no questions and made no
struggle. Literally, she had hewed wood
and drawn water. The night and
morning when Sarah Paris and Mary Tit
comb had been thrown upon her hospitality
which was on her heart, soul, mind, and
even body. But she could see that they
had no suspicion that she was other than
the savages around her. If she thought Of
escape with them, it was with that dead
feeling that nobody cared whether she lived
or died-nay, with the certainty that she
herself did not care. It is hard to describe
such numbness; impossible, of course, to
tell the feelings Of thing, hardly q person,
who does not feel. And now, this young
fellow caresses and kisses her.
She could see nothing in him Of the little
boy whom she had so often dressed when be
was baby. But, just as he had known her.
not by her person, but by her voice. she
recognized in him, not his boy voice, but his
fathers. The electric spark flashed across.
and she was herself again.
But they could not understand each
others words any better than she and Sarah
Paris had understood each other. And the
assistance she rendered from this moment.
not only TO her brother, but to Curwen. "a
poly, and the other three, was not the as
sistance Of white woman, but that Of
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28

glares for the last time on his antagonist;
glares with pleading, suffering, reproachful
eyes, and then calmly, heroically lays him
self down to die. 1t is a solemn moment!
Even the half savage assemblage is awed.
The splendid majesty of the huge beast
makes itself felt, but only for an instant,
the instant of death. No sooner has the
convulsive shuddering of the mammoth
limbs settled into repose, than the deafen
ing clamor breaks forth afresh. Shouts of
'Bien pegado hombrel' Bravo toroi'
rend the air. Ribbons, flowers, scarfs,
laces, mantillss, fans, gloves, purses are
thrown at the successful matadOr, who
makes his way to the Presidents box, pre-
sents his victorious sword, and amid four
ish Of trumpets quits the scene of the bloody
afray.
This was the bull fight had in my mind
when one hot Sunday afternoon during the
carnival, 1 drove to the Plaza de Toros in
havana. This was the bull fight 1 had
read about-confdently expected to see. To
say / was disappointed in my expectations
does not begin to express my chagrin at the
miserable spectacle / was unfortunate
enough to witness. A hundred years ago in
old Spain, Ishould have seen such a fight
as the one above described. But, alasl the
bull fight is in its decline and is no more
what ii once was.
A MODERN BULL FIGHT.
The fight which I witnessed in Ha-
vana gave one about as good an
idea of the fight so famous in Spain, as
the burlesque Of an opera will give an idea
Of the opera itself I should say the bull
hight Of to-day is parody on the bull fight
OF yesterday. And cruel, inhuman parody
at that, degene=ating each year into a scene
Of more fragrant torture. 1t is no exaggera-
tlon to say that q slaughter house would
present scene Of mild humanity when CON-
pared to the barbarous saysgery which now
attenos tins the national amusement of both
SuOa and Spain. That any but race of
Sannloals could look unmoved on such
Dloooy and rapacious cruelty is astounding,
1y ano yet these people, accredited with the
nlgnest civilization, find rapturous pleasure
IN the tortuTes inflicted upon poor dumb
animals ior their edifcation and delight.
The bull hight that saw in Havana would
have been ludicrous if it had not been SO
Dioody- For, absurd and incomprehensi-
bic as It may seem, the bulls refused to
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28

tight To be sure they only showed their
good sense, but this kind of sagacity is not
to be desired in this kind of animal. The
managers of the Playa de Torosadvertise
tight with bulls and men, and those bulls
must fight those men, or the populace will
make short work of those managers. In or
der to stir the bull to action every conceiva-
bic means of torture is resorted to. As the
doors are thrown open a short knife is
plunged into his neck. This proceeding
gives gusto to his entrance. The first bull
which bounded into the arena was a mild
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28

season the last mentioned performance
takes place. If you have never seen bull
fight, you naturally desire to do so. You
have been told that it is in its decline after
a career of centuries, but this does not mat
ter. You have in your mind vast smphi-
thester of circular seats crowded with tier
on tier of human faces. Your fancy pic
lures the gorgeous trappings and brilliant
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28

h A V A n A,
April 1o.-There
is nothing perhaps
more indicative of
the national char
scter of q race
than its amuse-
ments. In Cuba
the favorite forms
of diversion are
gambling, masque
balls and bull
fights. Every
Sunday during the
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28
DECREASING, CRIME.

The clergymen of the district were unan-
imously opposed to the scheme when first
started, thinking that another music hall''
was not likely to have much better effect
than those which. as they knew by expert
ence, had already done 80 much harm.
Their opposition availed nothing, though
they did what they could, both by example
and precept to prevent people from goi1g
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28
A Centennial suEge.lIo

II was decided that President Harrison
SAould merely bow to the guests passing be-
fore him, at the reception, as Washington
did. But why didn't the committee pro-
vide an apparatus as above, to please the
great army Of handwriting fends 2-Puck.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28
A CUBAN BULL FIGHT.
Lillian Spencer Draws Two Pen Pict-
ures of the Savage Sport.
TIE HAvANESE EASILY PLEASED.
old, Decrepit Bulls Turned Into the Arena
to Be Slaughtered.
VERY BLACK OUTLOOK FOR CUBA

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DrsrArcH.1
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-11-21
KILLED HIS OWN BOY.

Ezra Baxter Loses His Life Through the
Acc dental Discharge Of "a Winchester.
SPOKANE FALLS, Nov. D.-tSpecir'. Ezra
Baxter. fifteen year old boy living alone
with his father in cabin on the river bank
below town was shot dead this evening by
the accidental discharge Of Winchester
rifle in the hands Of his father, Harmon
Baxter. While the boy was outside carry
ing IN wood, the father picked up Win
chester rifle which wis lying on the bed, he
put IL in the rack when the hammer caught
ON the bed clothes, causing the gun to dis
charge. The ball passed through the
wall and struck the boy. who
happened 10 be in range, in the
head, passing clear through. He uttered an
exclamation and fell, expiring in three
quarters Of an hour. Baxter was an invalid
and the boy supported him by doing odd
jobs about the city.
Baxter came here n few months ago from
Miller. Dakota, where bis divorced wife,
VINO il married again, and several other
children, now live. The father is heart
broken over the death Of his son. He ia
confined in the city Jail, pending an investi-
CATION by the coroner's jury.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-11-21
North caroIlna,. celehrntInn.

FAYETTEVILLE, n. G., Nov. 2O.-The cen
tennial celebration of the ratification by
North Carolina Of the federal constitution
began to-day. Great crowds are in the city
and the decorations are profuse, the ma
tional colors predominating. Gov Fowle
made patriotic speech. paying a glowing
tribute TO the constitution as by far the best
model civil government ever devised.
Speaking 10 the ex-Confedcrate soldiers
present, he told them 10 cherish the reolec-
tions Of their soldier life and be able 10
show 10 the world, II occasion ever arose,
that they are ready 81 sutpaes The record
mnde by them in behalf Of the ilag Of this
united country.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-11-21
Stanley and Emin Reported to be
Rapidly Nearing the Out
posts of Civilization.
Men Belonging to the Party Arrive
In Safety With News of
the Expedition.


BERLIN, Nov. a.-Reichs Anzctger pub
fishes n dispatch from Capt weissmann.
dated Mpwapwa. Oct. II, saying four Of
Stanley's soldiers and one Of Emin's men
have arrived there. They left Stanley al
Neukmma, August 10. Emin and Casati
had with them 300 Soudanese soldiers and
large number Of people conveying great
quantity of ivory. Stanley was bringing
$40 Zensibaris and six lieutenRnts. Barring
Unforeseen accidents, the expedition should
rench Mpwopwa Nov. 20. Both Emin and
Stanley had frequent battles with parties Of
Mahdists, and were uniformly victorious.
LONDON, Nov. 20.-Capt. wiseman tele-
graphs that Henry NJ. Stanley arrived as
Mpwapa, Nov. 10.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-11-21
PROSPEROUS MIsSoULA.
Home and Outside Capital Seeking Invest
ment In the County

u,..,,,, NJ" s s' '"p"'s' r",
exclusive announcement IN the lNpEpESD-
EST this morning OF the first authentic in
formation of the Maintain Rapvav o.,,,
-. -. -.,..s'', ~ i'""""s ''ni-
Piiy P'"us ieia.iNe 70 thelr western ex-
tension 10 Missoula and the coast. was well
come news 20 our people. The Garden City
wanna ,h, ar -, ,ros,,or,,,, 4, ha. -.
"'ai' Wv va ~ p'''pei"y "aS io"e eA-
pected, and the increased activity in bust
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-11-21
A FAMILY AFFAIR.
The Relief Of Mrs. Parnell Not Matter for
the Public.

The Relief OF Mrs. Parneli Not Mnuef ior
the Public.
LINCOLN, Neb., Nov. @.-InAnswer to the
question IL the Irish National League Of
America was going TO take any public steps
TO relieve the straitened circumstances of
Mrs. Parnell, President John Fitzgerald re-
piled in the negative. He said; II think
any public movement in that direction
would be indelicate and indecent, an insult
TO the Parnell family and slur upon the
character of her distinguished son. The re-
ported sad condition of Mrs. Parnell could
not possibly have resulted from the neglect
of her family. Parnell himself expressed
painful surprise when the intelligence was
conveyed 10 him, as be had made ample ar
rangements TO supply her financial welfare
Some Of those who are urging a public sub
scription for Mrs. Parnell are men who in
their craving for notoriety have nc
conception of honor or decency, but
/ hope the innate delicacy of the
Irish character will prevent the Irish
men of America from playing into
the hands of the pretended patriots and
philanthrophists. Mrs. Parnell's family
can and will care for her wants without un.
called for public interference"
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-11-21
SPARKS FROM THE WIRES.

All the horse car lines OF Brooklyn were
running yesterday.
A serious epidemic Of measles in Chill
carried OF upwards Of coo children in July
and August.
A fire nj Baldwinsville. New York, last
night destroyed the Seneca hotel block and
two large houses adjoining, entniling loss
Of $250,0OO
Fred Drumming and wife. of Prescott, ,Ari..
were found dead IN their house this morn.
ing The woman bears the marks of vio-
lence, Drumming evidently killed his wife
and then took poison.
Secretary Window said yesterday TINT
while not now prepared 10 state the exact
nature Of his forthcoming recommendation
On the silver question he desired 10 have
the public informed that none OF the news.
pnper publications. pufporting 10 give the
features Of his plan are correct.
The bnrk Blackdalo, LOO tons. from
Liverpool for New York in bnllnst. went
ashore ON Long Beach last night. Her cap
tain was drunk and ran her ashore uotwith-
standing the warning signal frm0 the life
station. The crew were taken ashoie ox-
cept the drunken captain, 8ho il fused 20
leave the vessel.