davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
VAST CATACOM BIS
In Which Early Christians Took
Shelter from Persecution.

Shelter from Persecution.
There are sixtv-one catacombs, writes
a foreign correspondent, which were
originally quaIries from which the Ro-
mans obtained the cement and stone for
building their city. In these subter-
ranean passages the early Christians
took shelter in times OF persecution.
There they celebrated the Lords supper
and held their "agape" or love-feasts.
These catacombs extend twenty-five
miles from the walls of Rome into the
''campagna" or fields around. There
exist underground no less than 200
chapels, also 600 shafts or decents,
some with steps, others like holes for
ventilation; through the holes the bodies
OF their martyred brethren and sisters
in faith and in times OF persecution food
and raiment were let down to the
Christians below.
There are in the catacombs twenty
two miles of streets, or subterranean
passages. On one OF these decents is an
inscription. blessed are the dead which
die in the Lord henceforth," an extract
from the Revelation. The early Chris
tians deposited their dead in the chap
els, which had tombs like shelves super
posed in layers. On these lodges the
bodies of the Christians were placed
after having been embalmed. There is
in each a central tomb called the Tri-
umphal ark. In this common tomb
forty, or even "a hundred, bodies Of
martyrs were brought down with songs
OF triumph and Thanksgiving TO God
as they went step by step singing the
10th psalm.
The immensely of the catacombs can
be imagined by comparing them to five
extensive spiders webs placed one up
on another in entire completely; no one
knows where they begin nor where
they end. If those passages Of about
two feet wide could be joined to form
one single street they would extend
800 miles in length. Imagine these 900
miles all bordered by tombs and you
have an idea of the immensely of the
catacombs. Tombs upon tombs, graves
upon graves, catacombs upon cata-
combs. Sometimes you go down 80
feet under ground, sometimes 100, and
even $50 feet. They resemble the
layers of strata in coal mine. God has
preserved these vast catacombs to be
silent witnesses of his truth as it was
protested 1900 years ago. The cata-
combs are named cemeteries becaus
that word means "a sleeping-place, ="
and declares the faith OF the primitive
Christians on the subject of death. The
word death" is not found in the cata-
combs; you may travel league after
league in them and it is not death but
life, that is expressed everywhere.
These early Christians never said of
their departed friends they are dead, ="
but "they sleep" During 40 years
100000 Christians have been intomed
in the catacombs; OF this number 2,000,-
600 died as martyrs.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
--------~ -
FACTS IN HUMAN LIFE.
The Average Of Life-Marriage And
Longevity.

There are 1904 languages in the
world, and it's inhabitants profess more
than one thousand religions. The
number of men is about equal to the
number of women. The average of
life is about 33 years. One-quarter die
previous TO II. To 1000 persons only
one reaches 100 years Of life; to every
100 six reach the age of %, and not
more than one in 600 lives to 80 years.
There are on the earth 1000, 900, 900 in
habitants, of these 80, 033, 033 die every
year; 81 1924 every day; $3.50 every hour,
and 60 every minute, or one every sec
ond. The married are longer lived
than the single, and above all, those
who observe sober and Industrious
conduct. Tall men live longer than
short ones. Women have more chances
of life in their favor previous TO fifty
years of age than men have, but fewer
afterward. The number of marriages
is in the proportion of 70 to every 1000
individuals. Marriages are more fire.
quent after equinox, that il, during the
months of June and December. Those
born in the spring are generally of a
more robust constitution than others.
Births are more frequent by night than
by day, also deaths. The number oil
men capable of bearing arms is calcu'
I lated at one-fourth of the population
Golden Argosy.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
Discouraged

Fire was discovered in the principal
hotel of town ! Georgia. About two
hours later man stepped up to the
proprietor of the hotel and said:
Look here you ought TO be arrested
for obtaining money under false pre-
lenses"
How SOP"
"Why, you advertised your hotel as
strictly fireproof."
We'll" replied the proprietor, 1.-THE
hotel is still standing"
''Of course, but look at It, My room
was demolished-my two trunks are
burned up"
"My dear SIR" said the proprietor,
II advertised my hotel as fire-proof,
but in the advertisement no mention
was made of your baggage. 1t is not
my fault that you go about the country
carrying combustible luggage. | must
say. sir, that you are very hard
to please"
"And, another thing" shouted the
injured boarder, Il have sustained SER
ious bodily injuries. My hand you, see,
is frightfully burned"
Eyes, but / insist that my advertise
ment said nothing in regard to your
hand. Here you come along, burn
your hand aud blame me for saying
that my house is fire-proof. | must say
that you are the most unreasonable man
/ ever saw"
You are the biggest fool | ever
saws the injured man exclaimed.
We'll, but have | made contrary
claims? Does my advertisement take
cognizance of such possibility?
simply advertise my hotel as fire-proo
and here you claim that | have obtain
ed money under false pretenses simply
because | happen to be the biggest foo
you ever saw. 1t is really dsscourag
ing. ! have "a notion To quit the hote
business. The human family is un
grateful '-Arkansaw Traveller.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
ABOUT GENERAL TALENT.
Why Persons Endowed With It
Hardly Ever Make a Mark In His

Hardly Ever Make a Mark In His
tory.
The progress of the world in valua-
BILE knowledge has been in all ages
mainly due to men in whom one faculty
dominated the rest and determined the
profession or pursuit of the individual.
To the accumulated discoveries and in
ventions of such men, says the New
York Ledger, we owe all the glories OF
civilization. Rousseau said rightly
that ii was better 10 be great in one OF
the arts or sciences than conversant with
many. He meant that il was better for
the individual-for his interests, his
reputation; but il is also better for man.
kind Had Newton's faculties been on
par one with another; had he possess
ed what is called a balanced mind, !"
he had never discovered the principle
of gravitation or written the Principal.
1t was because one mental attribute
overtopped and overshadowed all the
others, compelling them to its uses,
that he achieved such wonderful
triumphs in abstract science.
Men of general talent, who possess
no salient faculty directing them to one
special subject of study and research,
seldom make their mark in the history
OF their own times. and never achieve
enduring fame. They shine in society,
they are popular, they are useful in
their day and generation, but they add
little to the golden store of knowledge
TO which men who are great In particu-
lar branches OF science and art are con-
tinually contributing new and inesti-
mable treasures. These latter rarely
possess the social qualities most priced
by the world at large They are alb
sent, taciturn. reserved. The gay and
thoughtless vote them dull and uncom-
panionable, perhaps; but remember
they are thinking for all time, for all
humanity.
If a great philosopher happen TO boil
his watch while he holds the egg in
his hand 10 time the cooking, or TO
take up his pretty wife's finger and
use it as tobacco-stopper, as Newton
is said to have done with a young
lady's, let US, before we ridicule such
eccentricities, recolect how the absent
mind was employed -what reaches il
was making after hidden things, what
mysteries it was unvailing. what i'm
portant practical truths it was deduc-
ing from objects which the million pass
with unobservant eyes.
We take it to be a principle in ra-
tional education, that the master facul-
ty, when it tends to the useful, or the
beautiful, in science or art, should al
ways be cultivated Nuture gives to
one man talent and a prediction for
natural science; TO another faculty and
taste for mechanics; TO a third genius
for poetry. and il is impossible to make
the poet shining light in mathematics
or chemistry. or the chemist or mathe-
matician an epic poet.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
Ath sI-plaving Sultan.

The present sultan is one of the most
enthusiastic chess amateurs in Europe.
lie will play the game for hours without
intermission, and will not allow any
matter OF state TO interfere with the
problem in which at the time he is en-
gagged. His ministers often find them
selves unable 10 approach the Imperial
presence, for the reason that the sui
tan j. deep in ~ game. They and their
stateslalt have to wait until the sultan
has checkmated his adversary or de-
cided upon the next move. Abdul
Haulid has his own court chess-player,
a Hungarian, who receives n handsome
salary for letting the sultan win "A few
games of him each day. 1t is said
that the present court CHEESEMAN'S pre-
decessor was dismissed from Office be-
cause he ngenerousy insisted on pro
filing By his imperial antagonist every
time. The Hungarian master there.
fore plays a very poor game to the
sultan, and makes a point of looking
crestf.ulen at each defeat whereat the
house of Otham crows with delight and
claps his hands. London Court
journal.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
No ioi ouOIs ms 'cts, Serpen:s or
Plants.

While discussing venomous reptiles
it will perhaps not be out of place TO
add little information which seems TO
me remarkable. and which will be news
to nearly all who live east OF the noun
tains. When I arrived on Puget Sound
| was informed that there were neither
poisonous serpents. insects nor plants
on the sho 'es or islands of the sound.
Having never seen q place entirely de-
void of poisonous animal or Vegetable
life / was rather inclined 90 doubt the
assertion, though assured by many Old
settlers. as well "a new. that such was
the case. However. a carr full inyesti-
CATION since then has convinced me
that it is true. la all my hunting and
fishing expeditions | have never seen a
specimen Of poisonous reptile, insect or
plant. / notice an entire absence oil
both poison oak and ivy, which ! have
heretofore encountered wherever have
been. A. far as j can Learn. what
have said in regard TO Puget Sound
also holds true of all the country lying
west of the Cascade range. Forest ano
Stream.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
/ large City Needs.

There are localities in every one OF
our great cities, says the Christian
Union, that are the suburbs of hell.
Post-mortem preaching In hades
would have as much hope as preaching
in some of these localities while we do
nothing to improve them. There
ought to be straightway organic d in
New York city Company with al least
81 ZOO. 900 Capital to erect either in
New York city tenements, or in the vi
cinity, cottages which would make pos
sible decent home for men of incomes
not exceeding $50 day.
What democratic America needs is
a democratic Christianity. We cannot
travel TO heaven in first-class and sec.
ond-class coaches. Our schools are
democratic, our conveyances are dem
ocratic, our theaters are democratic; it
il only our churches that keep Dive.
and Lazarus apart. The rich and poor
meet together except when they pre-
tend to reflect that the Lord is the
maker of them all; then they separate
10 WOrnlp MIN. EcCleSlasCl
cal soup-houses can not take the place
of Christian churches.
If workingmen are able TO form theil
own primaries, organize their own la
Dor unions, direct the affairs of theil
own lodges, they are not incompetent
to govern their own churches.
The babe can not grow until the un
bilical cord i cut. What we want il
our churchless wards is churches no
missionary chapels. tn,
poor resent patronage; are jealous o
! their independence; but covet sympa
thy and fellowship, and they are right
Whatever refuses them fellowship anC
offers them patronage is rejected, an,
such rejection is to their honor.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08

The French minister OF war, Mons.
de Freycinet, has obtained grant OF
ioo,o0O,O0O, which will be chiefly ex-
pended in fortifying the northern from
tiers OF France. This means beyond
question that France calculates upon
tho annexation of Holland by Ger
many as soon as the breath Is out of
- old kings body. Bismarck has,
ady given what diplomats call a
.cScol to declare intentions. He
as signifed that Luxembourg will be
Omitted into the German Zollverein,
and he has refused permission to the
old duke of Nassau, the heir presump-
i've, to abdicate his rights in favor of
ais son. BY declaring their intention
TO fortity their northern boundary the
French like the high minded nation
they are, make proclamation that they
VIII not annex part of Belgium in
compensation for Germany's too prob
able annexation of Holland. There
fore they cannot leave their northern
frontier defenceless, for a German
army of occupation in Holland could
march to Paris in week if there
were not lines of fertilization at i'm
portant points, connected by strategic
railways. The French are praying
that there will be time given them for
the work, and this depends largely
upon the vital thread of the king of
Holland which is already within the
shears of Atropos. II they are ready
they will not be molested; if they are
not molested they will have grand
exhibition; If they have grand ex-
hibition many citizens of the
United States propose to aave "a
good time in Paris. So that we all
have personal interest in the fate of
the king of Holland.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
Making he Re p1nses.

Little Girl Cat church)-"All we,
like sheep, have gone astray"-mam-
ma, isn't Mrs. Upjohn's sacque seal
slSinp
Mamma-Hush, Bessie. Attend TO
your responses-"Andt there is no good
in us"-can't you see it's nothing but
plush Chicago Tribune.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08
They Were ircnmsptct.

He held her hand-why should he not'
The maid did not OBJECT;
They were alone, the liglt was low
They both were circumspcct
He pressed il. too--of course he did;
What mortal man would not
She sat quite still, she did not scream,
Or fee the hated spot.
He bent his head and she bent hers,
And that which then beiel
This youthful pair you Il have 10 guess,
For | shall never tell
-SomerVille journal.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08

Those who think the German EN-
peror's order for the expulsion OF all
French cooks from his palace is TO
show his enmity to France are mistak-
en-. as it probably springs from his
preference for the good old dishes Of
the Fatherland. In New York, where
there is certainly no repulsion to
France, and an idolatry Of French art,
there has been all the same revolt
from French dishes, and the most pop
?ular restaurapters are Italians. The
gay OF French culinary has gone by
in almost every European country.
even in Spain, which follows the lead
Al France in so many things. Every
hotel in Madrid has interpoated into
the menu dishes OF Spanish origin,
such as puchero and various ollas.
Frederick the Great was a passionate
admirer OF French civilization, and
1made it court etiquette to speak
French, to read French literature in
,preference TO German, TO dress in
French style, and to eat French dishes.
His descendants have adopted health
Ter standard, manly Germanism,
which deserves imitation, not censure;
and in stimulating this Bismarck has
shown himself true patriot, and has
rendered an inestimable service to his
,countrymen.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08

The native Samoan is described as
ot bright copper color, tall of stat
ore, inclined to robustness, possessed
of stupendous strength and endurance
snd very chivalrous. The women are
of medium height, finely formed, with
beautiful faces and dark, soft eyes.
The Samoans are said to be models OF
virtue and industry. More than half
the population are Christians, who
read their bible and live up to its
teachings. Their greatest OF all cere'
monies is the courtship and wedding,
The government OF Samoa is limited
monarchy, invested in king and two
assemblies, called "FonO." The
members of these two bodies repre-
sent villages and localities all over the
Islands. Each village, also, has ;
chief, who governs by right of birth
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08

A granite figure OF Captain Miles
Standish is TO be erected on the old
Standish farm at Duxbury, Mass. The
monument will be fifteen feet high.
and will represent Standish in the full
military dress of the colonial period
The original homestead was destroyed
by fire in 1866, but other house was
erected by his son in 1867, near the
spot. The land was given to him by
the colony in 1880, and always remain
ed in the family until the middle Of
the Last century. The hill whore the
monument will stand is $50 feet high
and commands fine view of Plymouth
and Duxbury harbors, and is a land
mark TO navigators entering Mas
sachusetts bay. 1t is estimated that
the monument will cost S75, 900.
Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-02-08

The students az Montreal who wont
on n strike because classmate was
expelled find themselves in an unde-
sirable position. They expected that
after few days they would be coaxed
by the college authorities to return TO
their studies. As their expectations
were not realized, they asked TO be re-
admitted but have bee:l refused
The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1889-04-11

Winkler, Chicago; J S Sankey, Oh cage; S
S Day, Paxton, III: r II Sabin, Milwaukee;
Miss d Shepherd, Racine; Alex Bailey,
Salem; Mrs w Cornwell: Chicago; Geo Ca
boon and wife, Chicago; Miss Ida r. Sill
yerman, Chicago; Clark, Racine; A J
Blake, Racine; + e Mccall, Boston, Mass;
J Fl Hollis, Milwaukee; y \ Taft. Mass;
G A Wlnslow, Chicago; A d Dudley, New
York; J M Rubenstein, Chicago; Fred L
Day, Chicago; D w Fox, Milwaukee;
D L Burgess, Salem; E s Warren, Chicago;
John J Witler, Lost Plain, N Y; J S
Campbell, Mass; Geo W George, Milwau-
kee; s NJ Frank. Chicago; L E SAKE, Mil.
wankee' Henry LANCER; Chicago; Chas E.
Wells, Milwaukee; r L North, Jr, Chica
go; Frank Smith, Chicago; A G Freese,
Chicago; Chas MAILER. Chicago; A Fl Good
win, Boston; John c Struck, Madison; F
Ermele, Chicago; W D W Kellogg, Beloit
Edward Spring, Waukegan; G E Lampher'
Rrckford, I'll.
Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-08-17
.Mndnm. nrn non 4 woman sulfra.

MADAM, are YOU woman sutfra-
ristY" mo. sir; haven't time to be.
"Havent time! We'll, il you had the
privilege of voting, whom would you
support "Thc same man I've sup,
norted Tor ten years. "And who is
that2' "My husband
Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-08-17

revenue obtained from these lands In
the way of taxes will decrease the
general annual leyies.
AS the school tax constitutes q
large part of the expense of govern
ment. and as the revenue derived
from school lands will enable the
Legislature in short time TO reduce
the school leyies to almost nothing,
1t is easy to see that your taxes will
be greatly reduced, in this respect
by State government.
With Statehood there will be avail
able other public lands as follows:
Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-08-17

Increase ~ cost Of State Government . $500
By changing the system OF county
government now in vogue to that
proposed by the Consultation, by
which officers are TO be paid fees in
stead Of salaries, there will be saved
annually to the counties of the State
The following amounts, to wit:
Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-08-17

The exact quantity Of the lions
share is not stated; but il is all the
lion rnn get
Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-08-17

able other public lands as follows:
ACRES.
University grant ......... 4o,OeO
Penitentiary land. ....... l6O
Agricultural College lands. 10000
Scientific School lands. 100000
Normal School lands. ...... 100000
Charitable Institutions. 80. 100000
pohlic huildinps $4,000
The proceeds from the sales Of
these lands will provide all necessary
buildings for the respective purposes
mentioned, and eventually furnish
sufficient income for their main
4 tenancc
UNTIL STATEHOOD Is SECURED
All these public lands are unavailable
for the purpose of relieving taxation
and furnishing homes for settlers.
CHARACTER OF THE CONSTITUTION.
The Convention that framed the
Constitution was IN no sense partisan
one. In its organization both political
parties were represented by delegates
from every county. Strong Republican
counties sent minorities of Demo
cratic, and Democratic counties min
critics OF Republican delegates. This
happy combination Of political forces
was reflected in the spirit which at
every stage OF It's deliberations ami
mated the Convention.
Every material, industrial and pro-
/ fessional interest was represented ia
its membership, and it was wholly
fee from all outside influences.
9 The business and taxpaying por-
ton of our people was especially
prominent and watchful Of every in
y terest Of vital concern.
Q We believe that the Constitution
y finally adopted is in an eminent dc
I; I, gree conservatiyely progressive
p one. The powers conferred upon the
: Legislature are commensurate with
% the needs Of the State, while the re
Y striction placed upon legislative ac
@ ton are such rs experience in Other
" States has shown TO be wholesome
at or necessary. A careful pernsal o
" its provisions will, we think, satisf,
n any candid mind, that State govern
"a ment administered in harmony will
te its spirit and intent, will cause al
immediate and wonderful increase il
S SS the wealth, population and happiness
sSS Of the people.
GA For quarter of a century tn
sio pioneers OF Idaho have been patient
o.o LAYING the foundations of the futur
-oo State They have at all times uphel
the power and dignity of the nation
90, Those who emigrated hither in tn
ny first flush of early manhood, are no
,il gray with age, and surrounded b
ter their children and grandchildren,
ion They have partly redeemed IL
wilderness which they found, and }
nty their heroic sacrifices paved the We
AK. for the higher civilization upon whiC
in they are entering. They rememb
,sa- with inexpressible tenderness, the
il old homes in the East, and long
nm. be again restored to the full RICH
sed of citizenship under the Constitute
,ers of the United States.
To accomplish this end we respe'
u. fully invite you to give the Consul
'' ton submitted herewitha candid &C
sideration, and ratify the same
your sutfrages
WM IL. CLAGGETT, Shoshone Coun
A. j. PrNKnAM, Alturas County.
CnAs. NJ. HAYS, owyhec County,
WIN. j. MCDONNELL, l4atan County.
HENRY ARMSTRONG, Logan County,
GEo AINsLrE, Boise County.
JAS. w. REID, Nez Perez County
80 8 f. TAYLOR, Bingham County,
CuAs. A. CLARKE, Ada County,
y FnANN p. CAvANAu, Gilmore Coun
- -
Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-08-17
s.sI1L DIRECTORY

cOmnil'' J, 3, Hickey
,rRNs OF COURT -
ILh ~ and October iith.
st-JlIn sS i md september sr fS,.
= pfil no 80 ~ November lsth.
III v ssa ~, n Septemher rita
lsih ~ All ana September Soth'
,ssoor LAND OFFICE
spL AehfV" Perry J, Arson
Il ,....."., WliLam IL, Danilson'
Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-08-17
Nv. CURTIS,
A-bEALER M
fdware,
Stoves,
aware, etc.
-:o:-
'1g Of all kinds neatly and
n cone Give me o trial.
!, FOR SALE.

|, FOR SALE.
ratser patent breech load.
Il sau together with rcloading
sa, Sllcll belt. The gun Is in
4 F' f,1,, and viii be sold cheap
0'll'at This office and sec Il.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1889-03-08
lilGHGATE.

The district school closed on the 2d Jus.
tine Lambert and Albert Sears were absent
but one half day each. The whole number
of scholar, was 50, with an average attend-
ance of 10. Mis-, Pelton has proven Il thor
ough and popular teacher
+. u. HcmIck has been appointed liquor
agent for the town, The dam is nearly out
Of the way of high water, and experts pro-
nounce it thorough job.--Wilhe Cassons
of the st. John>bury academy is at home on
visit.-Ihe Bnebe place is offered tor sale.
Michael Hunt j, very low.-John Sheltus
is improving rapidly from his broken les.