davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
The End of Feathered Joker.

Mir. H. B. Parker of Salem, H., re- lates a good bird story. 'I was en- gagged in the monument and tombstone business," he writes, ''and made and put up in the Catholic cemetery of south ern Illinois town a stone imitation of rustic cross, standing on a pile of rocks Some few days after had set the cross up had some other work to do in the cemetery, and my attention was called to a large woodpecker of the yellow hammer variety very lndustriously tap ping away at my cross. I said to my self, 'Old fellow, don't think you will pan out very we'll on that stump watched him with some curiosity. He came to the same conclusion apparently in little while, and flew to dead tree that had been left standing about 20 feet from the cross, tried that awhile, and then flew back to the cross, seem- ingly puzzled to account for things, then back and forward for some little time, testing the difference apparently, when all of sudden he left and started for the timber about half mile distant.
 'I continued my work, thinking no more of the matter, but in the course of half an hour, l should judge, on look ing up I saw some ten or twelve birds
 
 over my head making toward the cross, one, seemingly in the lead, who lit on the cross and commenced tapping for dear 1 life. Most of the others lit on the tree, but finally all got to work on the cross. I sat down and watched the proceedings. The original woodpecker seemed to be running the business, as he would fly back and forward from trss te cross till
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
South Sea Etiquette.

The Samoans sleep on cocoa mats, with bundle of bamboo sticks as a pillow. The mats are hung about the beams of the hut during the day. During rainy or windy weather cocoamat curtains are let down around the sides of the hut, which in shape is something like large field tent, but made of a matched roof, supported by bamboo sticks; no flooring save the spreading out of mats as occa- sion may require. The position of eti- quette in the houses is squatting one, legs drawn und derneath. This is na- tional one, considering no chairs are used, but it is expected of the white vis- itor. Fashion is as strong an autocrat in the South seas as in Paris, and when you are in Samoa you must do as Samo- ans do. They are cleanly of their bod ies, washing often and using soap, if they have it, oftener bark similar to our soap bark.-San Francisco Chroni-
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27

he had them all at work picking away. They did not seem to be very we'll satis- fed, but he would, as it looked to me, encourage them by seemingly getting something for his work by his actions. so judged, anyway. At last he flew back on the tree by himself, watching them, and thought could see gleam of fun in his eyes, He then, as they were all busily engaged, gave one of his woodpeckerian screeches, and left for the woods in high glee. The rest looked at each other, and I came to the conclusion they were settling in their minds, if they had any, that they were sold, and looked mad; and they all started hot-foot for the timber. It was then about time for dinner, and started for home, somewhat amused at tho af- fair.
 "After dinner went back to finish my work, and had to pass the cross on my way to the job I was doing, and mo- ticed good many feathers lying around in the lot, all from the yellow hammer bird. I couldn't account for them and went up to the cross to examine more closely when discovered the dead wood- becker lying on the rock at the cross, every feather picked as clean as possible and his head all picked to pieces. l came to the conclusion that it was the joker who had paid so dear for his fun. "
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
Eat Before You Drink.

"A large proportion of intemperance in the use of stimulants," philosophical physician, ''may be laid to the light breakfasts eaten by most people. Break fast Is the most important meal of the day, and sufficient importance is not at- tached to it in the majority of house. holds. After the long fast enforced be- tween supper or late dinner and seven or eight in the morning, person in good health should feel hungry; and it is at this hour of the day that the heartiest meal may be eaten with the least proba- bility of bad results. The man who starts out ill the morning after having eaten hearty breakfast will seldom, unless suffering from chronic indiges- tion, experience any of the discomforts which might follow similar meal at any other time of day. The chances are he will also enjoy happy frame of mind all day; whatever be his custom, he will find himself with an excellent appetite. Eating creates appetite. The very opposite resulrs will follow the other course in this matter, and the man who has not had good breakfast will not en- joy a good dinner. I have treated 8 good many cases of habitual drunken ness, and in great many of them have found that the evil practice of tippling was begun to satisfy gnawing, faint sensation in. the stomach in the morn ing, which was nothing more or less than disguised hunger. ."-Butalo Er- press.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
Cause and Effect.

A young man, under examination for admission to the University of Edinburg, was asked if he had studied logic, and replied affirmatively.
 "You understand the difference be- tween cause and etfect?" inquired the professor.
 'I do."
 'Did you ever know an instance where the effect was in advance of the cause.
 "Yes, sir"
 sMention it." said the professor, in great amazement.
 ''Well, when man pushes a wheel barrow ahead of him. ."-Atlanto Con- stitution.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
No Stoves or Chimneys.

There is not stove or a chimney in all Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The weather is seldom cold enough to re- quire fire for heating purposes, and all the cooking is done with charcoal on 8 sort of shelf like blacksmith's forge. There must be different fire for every pot CT kettle and generally two persons to attend them, one with pair of bel lows, and the other to keep the pots from turning over, for they are made with rounded bottoms like ginger beer bottle. No laundry work is ever done in the house, but all the soiled clothes are taken to the nearest brook, washed in the cold running water, and spread upon the stones to dry in the sum-
 2oxths ConY,onion.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
The Cattle of Holland.

The Netherlands, including Friesland, Groninger, Zealand, Gelderland, Overys- sel and Flanders have from remote an- tiquity, been celebrated for fine milking Holstein- -Friesian cattle have, under this name-probably a misnomer-attained wide celebrity in the United States, from the immense messes of milk which they give. The Flanders COW was selected by Guenon as the representative of the best milking qualities in COW.
 There are variations in color of the several varieties of the Netherland cat tie, from nearly black to nearly white, and white -belted. The Holland COW and the Friesian-now called the Hol- stien- Friesian in the United States-are probably the best representatives of the improved varieties of race of cattle that in the days of Cesar, were required to pay tribute to the Roman Empire, partly in kind, and probably for the reason of their superiority-in those long past days-in milk and flesh.
 It will not be necessary to enter into 8 discussion of the merits of the several sub- divisions of the race. It is enough to say that in the early days of the de- velopment of the Durham in England now called Shorthorn-it was probably due to a cross of the Netherlands cattle that the Shorthorns today show such wonderful heredity in the occasional production of great milkers, as we'll as deep-milking families of Shorthorns where this heredity has been carefully preserved .-Pruirie Farmer.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
Two Views of Innkeepers.

Shenstone's lines, says Joel Benton in the New York World, will forever stand out as the most notable ascription to the old time tavern. They have often been found fault with, we are told, as being a disparagement to ordinary hospitality and of human nature, but they appeal by their pathos to one side of our com mon experience. Shenstone says:
 Who'er has travelled lifes dull round,
 Where'er his stages may have been,
 May sigh to think he still has found
 The warmest welcome at an inn.
 It is almost cruel to parody so touch ing eulogy, but it is said wag who once saw these lines appropriately dis played at hotel wrote beneath them the following stanza:
 Whoe'er has travelled much about
 Must very often sigh to think
 That every host will turn you out
 Unless you've plenty of the chink.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
s.Grand Com bat" in India.

Prince Alexander of Russia, during his recent visit to India, was enter tained by the Rajah of Jeypoor in a fashion suggestive of old Roman days. A grand combat of animals, took place in the great courtyard of the Rajah's palace. A score or more of wild buffaloes, antelopes and other savage horned beasts of the Himalayas, guarded and goaded on by Hindoo banderilleros, some on foot, some mounted on ele- plants, dashed together in terrific melee, goring and trampling one another Spanish bull.hght, but more picturesque md exciting. -Ftun1 k<slis,
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27

The last report of the British Regis. trar General shows that there has been steady decrease in marriage in the Uni ted Kingdom since 1873. The propor- ton was then 17. $ to every 1000 popu- lation. Now it is Al. The industrial depression in the large towns and cities of Great Britain is thought to be re- sponsible for the decrease to large ex. tent, although the increased cost of liv. ing also operates to that end. This is borne out by statistics in this country. In Massachusetts and some other States the proportion of marriage to 1000 pop ulation has been decreasing for some years This cannot be due to industrial depression, and the only other inference is that young men find it more difficult to keep up with the social requirement. in married than in single state, Whatever may be the cause, observes tho New York Ne,es, it is regrettable mat. ter. The integrity of the family or Ranixation is tho sAlvatdon e9 tho modem eta4s.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
Where Grows Are Held Sacred.

Crows are held sacred in Colombo, Ceylon, and in consequence exist in great numbers, being about as plentiful as the sparrows in our parks. A con- gregation of them, which had chosen a tree just outside my open window, walk ened me at daybreak with chorus of caws. Some ventured as far as the win dow-sill, and felt much like shying 8 bat at them, but I was constrained by the fear that such an act of sacrilege might be the means of getting me very much disliked
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
Tomatoes Rare in England.

American readers, accustomed to see tomatoes in some shape on the table nearly every day of the year, will scarcely appreciate how nearly that familiar vegetable comes to being rare delicacy in England. Ten years ago it was an exception to Mud this delightful fruit on the tables of any but the wealthy; but today they are to be found in most houses during the season, their extensive cultivat ation having brought down the price so as to make them come within the reach of all. The tomato, or love apple as it was formerly called, originally came from South America, but it was not until the climate of the United States was found to be eminently adapted to their growth that they came into general use, the taste for the same spreading to Europe. Itis, in addition to its valuable hygienic qualities, one of the most. profitable fruits to cultivate, and we know of one private gentleman who sends no less than one ton to mar ket daily in the early season, the price paid for the same averaging Sd. per pound, all of them being grown under glass. Few come to perfection in the open air, owing to the short duration of sunshine in England. Like the olive, it was long time before people became accustomed to the peculiar and delicate flavor, but each day they grow in popu- larity, so much so, indeed, that Cape Town has been requisitioned for a sup. ply of the same when they are out of season here. London Iattler.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27

That part of Mason and Dixon's line dividing the States of Pennsylvania and Delaware has for years been an imagin- ary one, and has been so completely lost and obliterated by time that the aid of the Legislature of the first named State has been invoked to discover its loca- ton. The commissioners of the coun- ties in Pennsylvania bordering on Della ware say that nearly all the monuments that were set in the Mason and Dixon line have been nut Hated, destroyed or removed from their proper location, and that it is impossible to determine in which State large amount of property is situated. It is believed that when the lost dividing line is discovered it will show that from 500 to 500 acres now claimed by Delaware IS ln Pennsyl vania, and that member of the Dela- ware Legislature is really resident ot Pennsylvania.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
Fascinating MOorish Bazaars.

On the Rue de la Tyre, principal street of New Algiers, North Africa one sees many of those fascinating Moorish bazaars into which, let those who enter, leave all thoughts of economy behind. So bewitching arc these displays of oriental goods embroideries, rugs, Moor ish jewelry and Arab stuffs, that it is simply impossible to escape without in- vesting, either for ourselves or for our friends. It is especially difficult to re- sist them, as the Moorish merchant, who is himself picturesque addition to the scene, places his goods at your feet, as it were. He is almost willing to kiss your hand if you will only be amiable enough to make him an offer for his goods, and then haggle over the price with him. He will usually gladly ac- cept your offer of onc-half the original price, but it takes. time and patience, and those who buy hurricdly must pay accordingly. What exquisite antique embroideries one finds here, so delicate as to look almost like web of silk. There are such beautiful old shades of faded colors, blended with artistic taste, and producing an effect impossible with our modern materials. Old costumes of richly embroidered satins, velvets and brocades tell of by-gone splendors; belts and sashes of cloth of gold and metal buttons, and fringcs which show the taste for lavish display.
 Then the peculiar Kabyle ware; what possibilities this holds Exquisite trays beset with colored stones; vases, ink stands and the jewelry worn by the women of those mountain tribes. This delicate tiligree work in metal, inlaid with turquoises and red stones is, to my mind, the oddest and most characteristic ware which one can find in this country. --Nsw XerA 0hs~esv.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
Land Worth Ss.OOO. GOO an Acre.

The highest price ever paid for piece of Chicago real estate was that given by Mir. H. H. Kohlsaat for the northwest corner of Dearborn and Madison streets. The dimensions of the property are 20 by 40 feet, and the price paid was $15O,- 900, which is equivalent to $7500 per front foot, $1S7. 50 per square foot, $1. 80 per square inch, or about $S, OO0,- GOO acre. The corner is considered one of the finest in the city, Chicago Jour. xoh
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27

Joe Howard says in the New York Press that many men have an idea that an execution is most impressive affair. On the contrary, it is very tame and common incident in civilized society. So long as the condemned sands with face uncovered it is indeed solemn occasion one calculated to stir the kindliest feel ings in every observers heart-but when the black cap Is drawn and the face is concealed, it is impossible to consider, from any point of view, the figure stand ing or the figure when lifted high in air ss that of a human being. That, by the way, is very remarkable psycholo- gic fact. In order to appreciate the hu- manity of the man about to suffer, it is absolutely essential that you should see his face.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
HUMOROUS.

Speaking of wagers, what was it Al phabet.
 The lady who never marries should be named Ida Kline.
 The ideal beau is not always wom- an beau ideal.
 This Union ought to be able to bear AZ states with fortitute.
 The sheriff is no longer cute chap an execute chap, we mean.
 A Chinaman's head may be called | comet because it has a Celestial tail
 There are 5000 telegraph operators :;, London and they are all living on 'tick."
 Another good cure for insomnia is to have the nurse sleep up in the attic with the baby.
 A lady refers to the time she spends in front of her looking-glass as ''moments of reflection"
 What horse did Lady Macbeth ride be- fore she bade fond adieu to her wicked husband9 The nightmare.
 It is not always safe to judge from ap- pearances, but it is pretty safe to judge from disappearauces, at least in the case of defaulters.
 Dyspeptic traveller Conveying the menu card): Oh, that I had the wings of dove! Waiter (promptly): Pigeon pot-pie for one. A travellng man who found cause for complaint at European hotel remarked that the bill of fare should be called tho bill of unfairness.
 s'Lets see" said the judge to the thief, ''the ring is eighteen carats fine; the penalty is eighteen dollars fine, and you can set this down as final"
 A kiss is said to be something which s'comes by male but never by post" This is an error; we have often known kisses to come by the gatcpost.
 sI married for love-" said one. 'I married for money, admit" said another. ''What did you marry for, aunty2" 'I married forever"
 Cholly Gocularly)-s'Take that pen cil out of your mouth. Billy-t'Say, mister, who owns this mouth9" Cholly IA syndicate, probably, judging from its size"
 Miscries of trade Druggist awakened at 3 a. m.)-What do you wishs Voice Cat the door)-If you'll let me look in your directory to see how to address this letter I'll buy the postage stamp of you.
 Brightly-What would you do, doc- tor, if you had bad colda Doctor (crushingly)-Id consult a reputable physician, sir! Brightly (calmly)-I don't suppose you could tell me where l could find one, doctor, could youa If fun you'd be at, go. joke with cat
 And play the old game with its paw: But joker, beware! If you value your life,
 Don't j,ke with your mother-in-law.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
Good By.

When we have said good-by to some dear
 friend,
 Or watched receting loved ones from the
 shore Then turned away, since we could do no
 more To make their happiness complete, we send Hosts of good wishes after, as we wend Our homeward way; beg Heaven to out
 pour
 Its blessings on the ones that we adore, And God his gracious favor to extend. There are so many foes! Land, sea and
 sky
 Have now unheard-of dangers! But this
 cry Disturbs the heart in silence. We defend Aux cities from curious eyes pretend To be indifferent, seem cold d shy, When with our tremb ing lips we say 'Good-byr'
 -Marcia Dapies in Times Democrat
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
A man connected with the penitentiary

A man connected with the penitentiary says that nearly all newly arriving con- victs go to their cells serene in the belief that they will be taken out within few days. They a.e thoroughly convinced that the lawyers who defended them,
 from whom they have doubtless had the sweetest and most encouraging assur- ances, will perform wonders to secure their relief, and be nobly assisted by the relatives and friends of the prison
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27

The New York Herald states that ''the law making train robbery punish able by death in Arizona will not change matters to any perceptible extent. It is simply legalizing what Arizonians always did whenever the robbers were caught.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27

A commission which was recently ap- pointed by the French Senate to study the consumption of alcohol in France re- potts that the new diseases of the vine, such as phylloxera, have produced a complete revolution in the drinking tastes of the French, spirits being now taken instead of wine. As consequence drunkenness and crime are much more rreyalent
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27
VOL. XVIII.
The Ring My Mother Wore.

The King My Mother wore. It Is not set with precious gem,
 'Tis but quaint and curious thing. Yet moro than jeweled diadem
 prize this dear old-fashioned ring. She laid it in my trembling hand
 And bade me wear it evermore; There's magic il its narrow band,
 The wedding ring my mother wore. Two names in letters old and dim,
 That time and use have worn away, Are graven on its narrow rim,
 The records of vanished day. Those names are writ on marble now, The parted twain have met once more, This ring records each solemn VOW The wedding ring my mother wore. Dear patient hand that lies at rest
 Dear ring that binds my .ul to her! Be this my future holy quest ... To see in it, Gods messen8sf, My passport to the city fair,
 When th's fantastic scene is OCT. Dear emblem of our circle there,
 The wedding ring my mother wore.
Connecticut western news., 1889-03-27

peared to lift itself in giant throes to the sky, the clouds to whirl down to meet them. From an almost calm, passion ate ou,breaking of the elements came; from zephyr, furious tempest was born. The transparent blue of the heav- ems became inky black. Little notion less clouds were transformed into writh- ing, twisting, battling monsters, and, as if shaken from their folds, flashes of lightning came, the angry believing of the watery orchestra was answered bytkc deafening overture of the thunder, and the rain fell, drenching and binding.
 In speeches. agony, with limbs par alyzed by fear, Kate Erskine sat holding the hand of her friend. In every wave she saw hundreds of hideous faces; hundreds of monstrous hands, ready to clutch and drag her down to fathomless depths. Then, mast and sail were blown away, and the White Wings lay helpless wreck in the through of the sea.
 Of what followed Kate knew nothing, until her eyes opened upon avery differ ent scene-upon clear sky through which the moon was sailing, unclouded; upon calm sea, over which little boat was being urged by strong arms; upon face bending over her with pity.
 "Mr. Liston, -" she gasped.
 'Am safe."
 s'The otherss"
 ''Are making merry, have no doubt, over the accident" .....
 "You say nothing of the saving part you played. !"
 "It was no more than any man should do for any woman," he answered, ignor- ing the desperate chances he had taken; "a thousand-fold less than I would do for you, Miss - cannot call you thus coldly-for you, dear Kate." Pulling the boat under the shadow of trees that fringed a grassy bank, he rest ed upon the oars, and pleaded, with all the strength and nobleness of his man. hood, his love.
 "Long ago." he said, 'I should have | told you of this, Kate, but black and horrible shadow hung over me. Enemies netted me in web of crime, dishonor and disgrace. This very day my perfect innocence was established, and without blush of shame, can face the world, can offer you the love long hidden in my heart, and ask you, darling, to be mine, that may ever be by your side, to save you from danger" -e
 "Three times you have saved my life," she faltered, hesitated, and hid her blushing face in her hands.
 ''And you will permit me to claim my reward, Kate9'
 From her burning lips he took his an- swer, and on them left the seal of be- trothal. Then he hurried her home, for fear of bad consequences from exposure. May Allison saw them coming, took in the situation at glance, rushed to meet Kate, fairly ran her up stars, and sent Liston away laughing, as she exclaimed
 70 dear, how shamefully I am neglected. No alligator will try to de vour, snake bite or ocean to drown, SC that can catch a nice young man."
 "Have a little patience, dear," whis pered Kate, sympathizingly, "and you time will come"
 It did, and before the flowers bloomec again. Yankee Blade.