davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
PERSONAL GOSSIP.

PRINCE HENRY XIV, of Reuss, is coming
to the fore IA a composer of symphonies.
JOHN RUsKINs faculties seem to be in pretty
good condition. He recently sold painting by
Meissonier which cost him 1000 francs for 1000
francs
MRS MARY H. HUNT, leader of the move
ment for scientifctemperance instruction, has
been invited to attend the closing exercises of
the Naval Academy at Annapolis. on May %,
to inspect review of the class in the study to
which she is devoted.
ARTIST WHISTLER, the pugihstic American
who is skilled in painting eyes black and blue,
has removed his pictures at the Paris Exposi-
ton from the United States department to the
British. Otherwise the English art exhibit is
in fairly good condition.
THE Comte and Comtesse de Paris will cele-
brate their silver wedding on May 80 and their
children intend to present to them picture by
Mile. Abbema. 1t contains three views, di-
vided by punches of pink roses, entwined with
white lilies. The first represents the Roman
Catholic chapel at Kingston-on-T Thames, where
the Comte and Comtesse were married; next is
view of York House. Twickenham, which was
their residence for several years; and the third
represents the beautiful Chateau d'Eu, their
favorite seat in Normandy.
Mr.. g. A. SALA relates comical story Of one
of his Maori experiences, which arose out of
the natives seeing naked Englishman enjoy
ing himself in hot spring bath. For some
reason, which no mortal creature can compre-
hend, the natives got it into their heads that
the Englishman must be Lord Rosebery, and
they inquired with an air of tenderness whether
this was not the case. Mr.. Sala assured them
that twas not necessary that every naked Eng
lishman should te Lord Rosebery; whereupon
he was asked what was the probable age of the
gentleman. Mr.. Sala said modestly that he
ventured to guess 200, whereupon the natives
left him with great awe, and were heard dis
cussing with gravity the history of the naked
Englishman, who was not Lord Rosebery, but
who was 200 years old.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
SPECIMEN FISH STORIES.

FRANKLIN NesOs: Two Oil City boys went
to Garland few days ago on trout fishing ex.
pedition, and returned yesterday with S@
speckled, spotted maculated or dotted beauties
vulgarly called trout The fishers, being only
l5 years old, are presumably too young to lie.
and the probabilities favor the truth Of their
story.
BROOKLYN Standard: A big catfish was
caught last Wednesday. and found to have
among other things in its stomach, pocket
corkscrew. On account Of the corkscreW most
people will think this is q Maine fish story, but
it isn't; the fish was caught at Henderson.
KY, where it is generally thought that bung-
starters take the place of corkscrews
HoNEsDALE Herald: The employees in Har-
tung's meat market, on Friday afternoon last
were greatly mystifed and somewhat alarmed
by strange noises in the large refrigerator at
tached to the establishment. Upon opening
the doors large silver eel was found in posses
sion, foundering and Topping around as if he
was the owner Of the ranch. He was nomatch,
however, for the butcher boys, and in a few
minutes his four feet lineal measurement
turned the scales at ~ pounds Upon examfn-
ing the ice the perfect imprint Of the coiled eel
was found in the largest crystal block. It is
supposed in some way. frequent occurrence.
the hsh became imbedded in the block and
escaped the notice of the handlers until nber-
ated BY thawing out as described.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
PENNSYLVANIA PRODUCTS.

A WHITE robin is nesting again, as in former
years, in the yard of School Teacher Benfeld,
near Allentown.
E. 8. CREMER, of Saxton, in throwing a
cigar-stub out of a car window struck bridge
and fractured his wrist.
ON the old Garrett farm, near Carlisle, is y
well which affords good eel fishing, 1t is
thought to be connected with Cohocken Run.
BENJAMIN and George Kintnsr, twins,
aged n, have visited Wyalusing to have their
photographs taken. They are so alike that
they often puzzle intimate friends.
JENNIE BLACK, who robbed a Washington
county man Of $40 and swallowed the bills when
arrested, was at once taken critically i'll. It is
thought the arsenical ink on the notes
poisoned her.
A PRoMINEN Meadville railroad man says
many enginee rs are afflicted with kidney all
ments, due to the constant jarring Of the en-
gine. A bit of rubber hose under the seat
breaks the jar.
A TIoGA man hid jug in his oat bin. Some
body foun it, partook of it, and in hastily re-
placing it spilled some of the contents. A
horse ate enough Of the oats soon after to act
in a silly manner.
A 6-YEAR-oLD daughter of John Rice, Of
Shippensburg, went to the stable with the cat
W caIcn AuAOe' oIe was lying uo"ns intent
upon the cat, when suddenly a tiny mouse
pumped down her throat. No i'll effects have
followed.
ANDREW MERTz, Of Butler county, has
wonderful pet squirrel. It not only comes to
him when he calls it, but is a frst-class ratter.
There is hardly day passes that the squirrel
does not 60 out to the stable and kill two or
three good sized rats.
A GALLTTzIN liveryman hired out horse
worth $50 which was returned to him
fohndered. He tied up its head with chain
to push the medicine down its throat. The
horse gave quick jerk, and its tongue, catch
ing in the chain, was pulled out by the roots.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
LITERARY SWINE.

At times the apparent worldly success of
the wicked is calculated to dishearten those
who are trying to keep within the narrow
path. Just now for instance the writers of
filthy books are very numerous, and some of
them are certainly reaping harvest ofgold
that many worthy men of letters have never
been able to obtain. Some critics are in
clined to believe that this foul mushroom
growth of pernicious literature is serious
menace to the literary taste of the American
people. No doubt those who read the mod
ern novels that are founded on the breach of
all the laws of decency and morality will
not be improved in any way, least of all in
taste. Indeed, it may be questioned whether
the readers OF such books possess any taste
that can be spoiled.
But the effect Of the noisome productions
OF the native school of Zola worshipers is
not likely to be widely felt in America.
The success of the books and the size of the
author and publishers profits have been
hugely exaggerated. 1t has yet to be said
in truth that any author won a national
reputation or one that would last decade
by making immoral books. The writer may
y ,ver, but his ballast of filth will bring
his Nel to destruction at last. For
while th- little band of wallowers may seem
to flourish, but the day wall surely come
when their habitation will know them no
more, and the works of worthy authors will
abound everywhere
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
THE SNAKE INDUSTRY.
Massachusetts Hunter Who Goes FIsh-
ing for the RaftIers.

Ing for the RaftIers.
They hunt the rattlesnake every summer in
Massachusetts for his OIL which is believed to
be cure for deafness, and as such Is worth
So an ounce. But the Yankee hunters native
ingenuity has hit upon an ingenious method Of
capturing the festive RATHER, which may not be
very brave, but is certainly very effective.
Choosing a redhot summer day in the season
the rattlesnake hunters saunrer forth into the
region where the reptiles are known to abound
One man carries al1sh-p0le, another sharp
acythe. The fsh-pole has stout wire attached
to It and there is an ordinary pickerel hook on
the end of the wire. Moving cautiously
through the grass so as not to disturb the Sleep
ing snake, who is almost always found basking
In the warm sun near q loose ledge Of rock, one
of the men prods his snakeship more or less
gently with the ish-pole, being careful also to
hold the hook invitingly near to the rattler's
head.
Like any other sleeper suddenly interrupted,
the nearest irritating object. which is the fish
hook, and very accommodatingly allows the
sharp tines to penetrate his jaws. He may
rattle and hiss and wriggle and writhe and
shoot out ounces of his deadly venom, but the
poison meets but the vacant air. The man
with the fish-pole holds the entrapped rattle
snake at safe distance, while his comrade
moves up and, with one well-aimed blow OF
his trusty soythe. sewers the snakes head from
its body: The body then is deposited in bag
and the hunters go In search of other game.
The most famous hunter of rattlesnakes
after this provincial method is Isaac Spur,
who lives in the southern part Of the county,
near Mount Everett, region long noted for its
snakes. Spur always goes out Just before a
Storm for at that time, he says, experience
proves that the rattler comes out of his hole.
He has caught thousands of snakes in his
time, and has acquired such knowledge of their
habits that he can trap one every time. Years
ago he found them much more plentiful and
much larger. He caught one once which was
II feet long and IS years old. When Spur
dressed the snake for his oil he found young
woodchuck in his stomach. Spurr's reputation
as snake-catcher extends far and wide, and
when the geological folks want a snake for ex-
hibition they always drop Spur a line, and
caught by him were taken to the Central Park
Zoo, and are there now.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
REFORM Or spOILSl

There was some fitness in the resolution
of the Republican administration to restore
to the railway mail service, the clerks who
were removed by the Democratic admins
tration simply to make room for Democrats.
That was an attempt at least to rectify a
violation of the principles which both ad-
ministrations professed and which both
ought to respect But the heroic effort to
compress a thousand removals and appoint
ments into yesterdays holiday before the
civil service rules went into effect, could
not allow time for investigating the cases,
and was an unmistakable case Of shoveling
out the spoils. A still more remarkable
step is the appointment to responsible po-
sition, of Vandervoort who was removed
not by the Democratic, but by Republi-
eau administration, for neglect of duty to
the extent of absence from work 265 days in
a single year. The present administration,
after its pledges on the subject, ought to pay
as much respect to the requirements Of
efficiency in the postal service as the admin
istration of President Arthur did.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
LIQUOR DEALERS HOPE DEFERRED

The announcement yesterday, as coming
suthoritatively from Judge White, that the
decisions in the license cases were fully con-
sidered, and that there will be no. rehear-
ings, seems to postpone at least the hope of
the disappointed dealers for new chance.
The Judge, it is stated, expects to seek rest
and recuperation in the Bermudas for a few
weeks; and the indisposition of the other
Judges to interfere with actions OF their as
sociate, whom they delegated to this duty,
will leave the unlicensed dealers no alter
native but to close their places and either
await the future or seek new occupations
Their announced determination to respect
the law and abstain from the traffic until
they receive legal authority to carry it on,
is notOnl. good citizenship but good policy
'orthemselves.. 1t would be final blow to
.heir hope of scouting new hearing if they
placed themselves in antagonisn to the law.
So we can rely on their carrying out their
resolution in good faith.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
A RATHER SMALL DIFFERENCE.

The ez1saaiiaiiizE tkst tks ~aees question
In thu FhilFsAa Haal mines would fS Ekfss-
faetoaly settled seems to have been un.
founded. The resolution of the miners OF
this district adopted yesterday, is generally
taken to mean a strike, as a rejection Of the
scale heretofore supposed to be practically
accepted.
The fact that some of the official leaders
of the miners organization had advised the
acceptance of the other rate, and the other
obvious fact that the miners organization
appears to be divided, would give a strike
rather unwise appearance. The princi-
Piles of organized action In the interests OF
labor are poorly understood, if it is not
seen that strike is only to be resorted to
for the most important and clearest pur-
poses, and then only unless there is a good
chance of success. The influence to be ex-
erted as between this and other districts
where even lower wages are reported to be
offered, is also an important factor of the
situation.
The difference between the rates offered
and that asked does not seem to an outsider
large enough to justify the loss and dangers
of strike. A scale of 7115c for the sum-
mer and 1870 for the winter, and one of
"a cents for the entire year would be the
same, If the amounts of coal mined were the
same in each half year. The fact that more
coal is mined during the period of lake
shipments would make some difference; but
it cannot be a very great deal on the aver
age ton of coal all the year round.
This fact permits the hope that the ques-
ton may be settled without strike. The
miners and operators cannot be 2 cents per
ton apart at the most. 1t would be almost
criminal foolishness for either to permit a
strike over such a small difference.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
DEATHS OF A DAY.
Hon. WIlIinmH. Rnrnnm.

NEW HAVEN, CONN, April 30.-Hon. william
II. Barnum, Chairman Of the National Demo-
cratic Committee died at 9:45 this morning at his
, home at Lime Rock. He has never been strong
since last fall, though able to be about since his
serious illness Immediately following the election
The direct cause Of his death was overwork at the
Democratic National Headquarters during the
campaign. He was not strong when the cam
paign opened, but was forced to work and put il,
time closely. He went home this week and was
prostrated at once.
Mr.. Barnum was born in Lime Rock, Conn.
about 90 years ago and died within mile Of his
birthplace. He was at the head Of the largest car
wheel manufacturing firm in the State, which
gives employment to Is, 900 people. MIR. Barnum
was repeatedly honored by the people of Con-
necticut, having served the State q number OF
years in both branches Of Congress. As Chairman
Of the Democratic National Committee during
two Presidential campaigns It fell to MIR. Barnum's
lot to raise and disburse over sl0O0 COO for cam.
paign expenses, and to this work, as in his pri-
vate business, he gave his personal attention, and
every incidental item was scrupulously attended
Mi. Barnum, who succeeded Abram s. Hewitt
as Chairman OF the Democratic National Commit
tee after the nlden campaign In 1875 the latter
gentleman having resigned, vas selected because
of his pre-eminent fitness as business man, as
brightest politicians in the country. He had been
q member of the committee since the Greeley
movement in 1872. and had probably drawn more
largely on his private res0nrcesHOf the success OF
the Democracy than any other member Of the
party.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
AN AEGIO-AMER1cA ALLIANCE.

An American statesman Of the first rank
told the Washington correspondent Of The
DISPATCH on Sunday that he thought an
alliance between the United States and
England would be good for both countries.
He was able to show that England would be
q valuable ally, and that in helping us she
would be helping herself 1t is a curious
coincidence that at this very moment pro-
posal should have been seriously made by
an Englishman to knit the two countries To-
gether by the marriage of Prince Albert
Victor, eldest son of the Prince of Wales
to an American girl. Such is the suggestion
ofa Tory mOssback, by name Sir Edward
Sullivan.
It appears that Queen Victoria wants
Prince Albert Victor to become respecta-
bic and take wife. The Radical members
of Parliament are already restiEe at the idea
Of the marriage settlements that viii be
asked for il the Prince marries, after the
7hion Of the Guelph family, pOrtiOnless
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01

princess. Moreover, even pauper princesses
of the Protestant persuasion are in short
supply and quoted at premium in Europe.
An eligible bride to the young man who has
the best chance to succeed Victoria on the
English throne cannot be found. Then
uprises Sir Edward Sullivan to advise the
young Prince to look toward the setting sun
for q wife.
Evidently Sully, If he will permit the
abbrevia.ion so often applied to far more
important party of Boston, has in mind a
lovely American heiress, whose fathers
money bags would enable the young couple
to dispense with the reluctant largesse OF
English commoners. 1t is not unlikely
that Papa Wales and Lord Salisbury will
regard this matrimonial scheme with favor.
The young man is probably as susceptible
to the charms of American beauty as his
father, and all that would be needed 70 gain
his consent would be to show him the girl
and add in whisper the size Of her bank
account.
This marriage, Sir Edward Sullivan
thinks, would promote an era of good fellow
shin between the two great branches of the
English speaking race. Perhaps it would,
If Prince Albert Victor behaved himself
properly. But if he followed in the steps
of his royal father, the American eagle
would be screaming and unsheathing his
claws in no time at all. The marriage
might bring war if Prince Albert took to
staping out late O. nights, or sleeping with
his boots on, or otherwise ill-treating his
spouse.
Minister Lincoln should be required to
give the young sprig of royalty clean bill
of health before any American girl should
permit herself to be wooed and won by the
son of the jovial ''Tummy."
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
WICKED MIR. PLUMMER.

Just now there is tinge of melancholy
in the appearance of Mr.. Elliott F. Shepard
The foreign missions have been filled up
but the cup of the great religious editor has
not. tits empty, unless stray tear or two
has fallen into it. With the truly good
man in such broken state it is sad to heal
of his receiving stab in the back from a
brother; blow from one in whom he had
reposed the confidence of a soul naturally
trustful. But the story must be told.
A few days ago the Business Mems Re.
publican Association, of New York, had q
banquet. To this feast that deserving young
person, Mr.. Russell Harrison, was invited.
Colonel Shepard knew it, and he thought.
fully posted himself at the entrance
to the courtroom, SO that he might
smooth the way of the Presidents son to q
choice seat at the table beside the good edi-
tor himself A goddess party by the name Of
John F. Plummer was also invited to the feast
and he also knew that Mr.. Russell Harrison
was to be guest. Mr.. Plummer was also
brim-full of thought for the comfort of the
Presidents son, and when he saw Colonel
Shepard in his watch tower, in the language
of the goddess, he went him one better.
That is to say, he sailed out into the street
and crooked his arm through young Mr..
Harrison's as soon as he appeared. Then
he marched him carefully under the lee of
the outwitted Colonel to q seat where he,
John f. Plummer, could fill him full of
choice suggestions and reminders, together
with the viands.
1t is not recorded whether Colonel Shep-
ard went out and wept bitterly. But it was
enough to have made him weep to see Mr..
Plummer fourishing, as the Colonel would
say, ''like green baize tree" on the soil
which the religious editor had himself
watered with his tears and prayed over in
the night season close to the coat-room.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
BOSTON GIRLS IN THE BOWERY.

P$ NztABIIEH TByHBBBB Hail In Iha Henri
of Now York City.
BosToN, April 80.-Thirty- five or forty of the
Hubs most fashionable young ladies have
adopted new fad. They propose to establish
an institution in the Bowery in New York City,
like Toynebee Hall, in the heart of London,
which is to be the model after which the Bowery
institution will be patterned. The poor women
in the neIghborhood will be invited to visit the
institution, and there learn from the fair tutors
something about the art and science Of making
home attractive, even where there is little
money to begin. Certain well-accepted reforms
in cooking will also be introduced, and there
will be Kitchen supplied with all modern ap-
pliances for making food eatable and 1igestible.
The idea underlying this project is that the re-
fining influence of a neat and attractive and
cleanly kept home for the workingman will be
the best possible stimulant to his moral prog
ress. He will leave the dramshop severely
alone, spend his nights at home, and always
aim to save his money. It is said that the Lon
don institution is highly successful.
Of course the girls, many of whom belong to
the Oldest families, will take turns making
trips over to New York for missionary work
among the deserving women in the lower
wards, and this will become very fashionable.
There is an attempt to keep the purposes of
the project as well as the identity of the young
ladies secret until the opening Of the instit1-
tion
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-01
TAKEN FROM LIFE.

What's in name? Most of the alphabet,
In Russia.
Equal to Emergency.-"Did you BRING
field glass with you9''
'.Never thought Of that; but we can drink out Of
the flask
she-Grandmamma is s6 years old, and
she danced a minuet here tonight.
He dust from the theater)-Why, she Is almost
old enough to appear in the ballet.
Attended To.-Hotel Clerk-Shall I put
your diamonds in the safe, Mrs. FOotIights?
Distinguished Actress-NO, thanks; have al
ready contracted for the seasons advertising.
Three A. MI say, ofshur, ishn't that
high-stoop, brown-stone house mine ~
1sYes Mr.. Saunders. that's your house."
ssWell wish when it Chic) comes thish way
gain you'd stop 1t,
The Point of Honor.-Teacher-Adams,
do YOU know who made that noise?
]. Adams (who Is the guilty one)-I know, but Dc
not like to tell.
Teacher-You are 3 gentleman, sir.
Happy this week is the man who has
bought an old mansion with full line OF some-
body elses ancestors. He can entertain his guests
without shame while the pictured wigs and ruf-
nes look down on atter-day Republican simplicity.
The Crpsus of the Hour.--J ones-Who Is
bnAb utStAiB BuA1nCN-AeOAAA6 --eA1 1-"~-o
diamondsG
Robinson-I don't know; but I'll bet he had
window to rent for the Centennial, or else he's
furniture mover
The Rev. DR.. Wurdleigh-Yes, my only
course Is to resign.
Mrs. A.-But why are the women Of the parish
50 bitterly opposed to your
The Rev. Dr.-Beeause prayed for ram tns
Sunday before Easter.
A Free Trip.-Citizen Ito railroad super
intendentl-Can you give me free TIP over yops /.
road to Philadelphia?
superintendent with great oorulany)-Cer-
tainly, my dear sir, certainly; but must caution
you to look out for trains.
A Distinct Decline.-Mrs. B--Ins
Browning Cult has rather su0sided In your Guy,
has Il not9
Mrs. L. ffrom Chicago)-Yes, indeed Now thae
we have got on to his curves t Is scarcely an ex-
aggeration to say that Browning Is already IN the
soup.
Matrimonial Prizes. = Miss Clara =
Mamma. ID. De Hooper asked me to be his wife
last night
Mamma-of course. you accepted hims
Miss Ciara-I told him would give him an an
swer later.
Mamma-Accept him immediately His nther
has window on the line Of the procession.
IRON Lts