davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
The Oldest Office.HOlder.

A Washington letter to the Philadel- phia Times says: I met the oldest ofice- holder in the United States recently Judge James Lawrcnceson, who has been connected with the Post Office De- partment for 70 years. He was 86 years old yesterday. When he was a lad of 16 ho entered the Baltimore Post Office. After remaining there for 15 years An drew Jackson transferred him to Washington, and for the past 55 years he has been in the Post Office Depart. ment in Washington. He is the Notary Public of the Department and Mir. Wan amaker was the twenty fifth Postmaster General that he has sworn in. Judge Lawrenceson still retains his mental wig or, and his hearing and sight are as good as they were 50 years ago. He is little man, dwarfed by his age. His face is smooth-shaven and his hair is silvery, tinged with gold. He is full of anecdotes and relates with a relish sto- ries about the Post -master-Generals who have come and gone in the past half century,
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
Was There Ever Such a Dog I

A correspondent sent me some time ago an excellent dog story which he had cul.ed from Sunday school paper published here in Boston, says a writer in the Post. The dogs name was Punch, and he is described as a resident of Bos- ton. He had been accustomed to have three extensive meals day, which his master, thinking quite rightly to better his condition by so doing, reduced to one meal, per saltum. The result is thus described:
 Our dogs first day was anxious and expectant. He ate his heavy meal, and parked in vain for his supper. The second was like unto it; the third and the fourth Punch began to consider. The family, watching that midday meal on the fourth day, saw Mir. Punch di- vide his portion into two equal shares. One of these he seized and pushed under a bench, then, returning, devoured the remainder. At supper-time the same performance was gone through. At breakfast ''his cupboard was bare," but he had provided for three meals day, and ever since, like well-regulated dog, puts himself upon ''rations.
 Can any of my correspondents match or confirm this interesting and not-in credible tale2"
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
A HOt-Bed of Crime.

Torture by starvation seems to be legal in Minsk jail in Russia. Eight peasants are lying there accused of the murder of the chief forester on Prince Radziarll's estate of Dabidgraski, who three months ago was found hanging in solitary part of the forest. It was evi- dent that he had been lynched for his unceasing tyranny over the peasant ts. Eight men were arrested on suspicion, and it has just come to light that during their detention they have been deprived of food, sometimes for three days to- gether. In spite of these atrocious measures not one of the prisoners has confessed. Minsk, by the way (ancient province of Lithuania), seems to be a hot-bed of crime in Central Europe. To mention all the cases of brigandage, arson, murder, mysterious disappearances and public lynchings which are reported each week would take whole news paper. Swindles and forgeries are too common to be even noticed by the au- thorities, and nine-tenth of the Jew population are either convicted or sus- pected fences. Domestic servants are
 being almost entirely dispensed with,
 as in very many recent cases they have
 been found to be in league with the brigands. These facts are strenuously suppressed by the press-censure ofice.-
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
The Big California Trees.

The California red wood trees grow in belt, starting just north of here, with in fifteen miles of the coast, and moro than two from it. They need much moisture. About six miles from Santa Cruz is remark able cluster of them, called par excellence the big trees,
 though certainly most of the ''or dinary'
 red woods would attract crowds of visitors in the east. But in this particu- lar spot of the forest among all the rest, about thirty trees of enormous size throw all their comrades into signii- canoe. These trees are all of them more than 12 feet thick and 200 feet high. Ten of them are more than 15 feet thick and 250 feet high, and half . dozen, still more vast, are dignlfied by special names, such as the Giant, Gener- al Grant, General Fremont, General Sherman, etc. Tho Giant is the largest of all, though barely so, and is 21 feet thick, 60 feet around and more than 300 high. Their apparent height was to me trife disappointing. Situated as they are, in the midst of tall forest, we could not get far enough away to appreciate their elevation above the sur- rounding summits. But when you sec trunk that takes you twenty long paces to circle, and thirteen men joining finger tips to surround, you realize that it is of enormous size. Worcester Spy.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
Hereford Cattle.

That the Herefords are a distinctly pure race of English cattle, and of great antiquity,is undoubtedly true, but it is as probably true that they are allied to the Devons. The origin of both these breeds is difficult to trace, and they have valuable qualities in common. Both are wonderfully prepotent when crossed on other cattle. If the cross is by Here ford bull, the red body and white face are apt to follow; and if the cross be on pure Hereford COW, the color usually follows the dam. The Herefords are hardy and prolific, mature early, and are considered the best grazing cattle in England. They have no superiors in the United States, and of late years tho bulls have been extensively used as sires on the great cattle ranches of the West. They do not come in the category of milking cattle, though many of them are good milking cows. In England the young cattle are largely bought by farmers at the fairs for feeding, and no breed has risen faster into public favor, as beef makers, in this country. In England Herefords, at the Smithfield shows, at g months old have weighed 14S0 pounds; at 23a months, second prize steers have weighed 1868 pounds; under three years Q years, 7a months), 1894 pounds; at three years and four months, weights came to 2074 pounds. A COW II years and four months of age weighed 2324 pounds. -Prairie Fd,nsr.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
Keep Your EyeSight.

Dr. F. Park Lewis spoke recently, says the Buffalo Courier, upon weak eyes and near sighted people. He stated that while people with near sighted eyes might show no loss of sight for years, still sighted eyes should be treated with care. The best light for the eyes was sunlight. A good light must be strong, white and steady.
 The heat of artificial light was then con- s1dered. Sunlight has the least heat rays; electric light came next; kerosene and gas were last and so the worst for the eyes. He closed by stating that in reading the back should be to the light,
 the eyes should be shaded and never be used when tired. One should not read with an uncertain light nor on the cars.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

Remarks the Boston Commercial: The financial loss which the phenomenally mild winter caused many manufacturers and merchants it is impossible to esti- mate. Some businesses suffered SO much that it will only be with great difficulty and after long time that they will be able to entirely recover from the effects of the seasons poor trade. Not only the clothing dealers, the furriers, and tho sleigh and skate manufacturers suffer, but many other tradesmen as we'll All of which goes to show on what an uncertain and conventional basis our whole industrial and mercantile sys- tem rests. Should the average tempera- tnre of the United States be hereafter but . few degrees more or less than it has been in tho past, or should men sud- denly sgree to wear entirely different e3othiag from what they do now, busi- peas in gensral throughout the country ~su1d bs esavulssd, if not for the time
 e1irsly raralyssd.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
CANAAN, CONN.,, WEDNESDAY, MAY 8. 1889

arc as false as the serpent-womanl You beau"
 She comprehended him in an instant, though his voice was choked into si- lence.
 She flung away the scarlet cluster and put her arms tenderly about him.
 "Dear Guy," she whispered, 'I love him; but if you are unwiling-if it takes away any of the home feeling for you-it only remains for you to say so, and"
 Her voice died away, her head dropped on his shoulder.
 There was an instant's silence, and then Guy said, bravely:
 "Well, so let it be. My father is trump, and you are the only woman alive who is worthy of him. And I sup pose people would say six years was too much difference in our ages, although how they're to get over the fifteen years l he added, with rather forced laugh.
 And then and there Guy Paley learn ed his first lesson in self-abnegation.
 Dorcas picked up her holly berries and went to the library, where her prom ised husband stood.
 "I have just seen Guy," she said.
 '1sn't he pleaseda'
 "Yes, I think he is," hesitated Dorcas. "Guy is strange boy-a noble nature. I am not sure, Horace, "'she adled, with dimness in her eyes, 'that would have married you if ] could not always have had Guy with me-"
 "And my true wife will be Guys true mother!' said MT. Paley, drawing Dorcas tenderly to his side. NiOht
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

Commander William T. Sampson, superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, read paper on "Coast Defences" at a meeting of the Naval Institute at Annapolis, Md. In the course of his remarks he said he was convinced that if the port of New York veEe blockaded for few months, the loss that would result to the Nation would be as great as would be produced in the city by bombardment. To pro- vide against such blockade Comman- der Sampson suggested the building of three first -class vessels, to cost $10, 900, . 900; three rams to cost s, 900, 900 and twenty torpedo boats, to cost $2, 900, 900.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
The Smallest Screws Made.

It is asserted that the smallest screws in the world are those used in the pro- duction of watches. Thus the fourth jewel wheel screw is the next thing to being invisible, and to the naked eye it looks like dust. With glass, however, it is seen to be a small screw, with 260 threads to the inch, and with Q very fine glass tho threads may be seen quito clearly. These minute screws are 4-1000 of an inch in diameter and the heads arc double. It is also estimated that an or dinary lady's thimble would hold 100,. 900 of these screws.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

According to statements and figures presented by the Rlil,oay Age, this promises to be remarkable year for the extension of railroads in the United States. It says that 666 new lines with a contemplated mileage of 53, 436 miles have been projected during the first three months of the year. Of these IA, SIS miles are under construction or contract, and 9617 more have been sur veyed. The entire mileage projected is nearly equal to one-:hird of the entire system of the country now in operation, and the Railray Age says "the prospect is that the roads projected and in vari- ous stages of development during 1889 will exceed in aggregate mileage our en- tire present completed system"
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
Growth of Naples.

There is a popular notion that soft naples grow much more rapidly than those of the sugar bearing kind called hard or rock maple. The soft maple naturally grows on low, rich, marshy ground, which may cause its greater luxuriance in such conditions. Where both have been transplanted on high ground there is little diffe rerce in growth. The hard maple is few days later in putting forth leaves in spring, but otherwise is just as desirable as the other, and for sugar making is much moro so. Courier, Journal.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
How to Put It Out

Zinc, placed upon the fire in a stove or grate, is sail to operate as an effective extlnguisher of chimney fires. Accord ing to this representation, when fire starts inside a chimney, from whatever cause, piece of thin zinc, about four inches square, is to be put into the stove or grate connecting with the chimney. The zinc fuses and liberates aciduous fumes, which, passing up tbe fue. are said to almost instantly put out whst- ever fire there may be, [.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

The diminutive Swiss can .on of Basic (city) is setting shining example to all the-gzeat European Powers in the mat ter of popular ed ucation. says the Paris American Register. Throughout the ter ritory not only are the schools of every description free, but the > cantonal government also furnishes all school books and utensils gratis. Public ia, struction up to the point of entering a university, therefore, does not cost the pupil or his parents cent. In addition to this universal iberality the cantonal government also defrays the expense of burials. In many other ways, too, does the govern ment provide for the people by the dis tribution of gratuities and largesse in one form and another.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
A Perfect AutOmatOn.

''This automatic dude is great suc- cess."
 '1 don't agree with you. It has been wound up, but it don't go."
 II know that, my dear; that's why it is such a great success. Did you ever see real dude that would workf'- Bds0r,
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

A writer in the New York Sun says that ssby common consent Cardinal New man is the greatest living master of 8 pure, id,omatic, luminous, elegant style.
 MT. Matthew Arnold is to be classed in the same category. Mir. Thackeray wrote a style of inimitable beauty-terse, lucid, witty. Nathaniel Hawthorne hal command of a wonderful ocabulary and most suggestive and surprising style" !"
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

There is great market in Germany for American furs of all kinds. Tlere is scarcely a furred animal but whose skin is found for ile in German and Russian shops. Among those are the opossum, lyn red fox, sea otters, bear skin and coon.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
HUMOROUS

A brilliant essay would hardly be con- f:dered light reading.
 To get the lay of the land one must procure copy of the national air.
 He 0enderly)-" May see you pretty soon9" She reproachfull)--"Don't you think l am pretty now9"
 It is one of the paradoxes of life that the more wife keeps her husband in hot water the colder he grows toward her.
 Although the right of property in man has ceased to exist, we often find the practical joker selling his acquaint- ances.
 The Italians may be light hearted enough people in their own country, but here it is common to find them in the dumps.
 Indians, as rule, have very small and shapely feet. Our youngest boy, how ever, says that ''The Last of the Mohi- cans'' is simply immense.
 ''At what age were you marrieda" she asked inqmsitively. But the other lady was equal to the emergency and quietly responded "At the parsonage"
 To neutralize the smell of cabbage while boiling, cook onions at the same time. If you wish to destroy the smell of onions burn the house down.
 ''How was it your little sister got 50 much of the cake when l gave it to you all for yourselfl" asked his kind aunt. Because" replied little Johnnie, rub ping his eyes, 'She snatched it.''
 Mrs. Parvenu-s'What do you think of sseststss of venusa" Miss Waldo 'I must confess that the face seems to me rather hard" Mrs. Parvenu- "Perhaps you forget that it is done in marble"
 When young lady shows you her photograph and asks your opinion of it it is always safe to say: 'It looks splen- did" It is not, however, considered dangerous to add, But it isn't any handsomer than the original"
 MT. Jonathan Trump-'What's tho matter with young Darlington2 He's go- ing to the Conservatory with Dolly Flicker as pale as aghost.' Miss Pene- lope Peachblow-"Going into decline, take it, from what know of Dolly"
 A widow was summoned to her door to receive splendid turkey. "Who sent it2 asked the lady. ''I was tould not to lisp" replied the Hiberniau. "Ah, can guess, responded the lady. "Be- dad, that's just what told Deacon Grant,"
 Ardent Suitor to Kansas young wo- man)-"Mss Gracic; may I hope that Mss Oracle Candidate for alderman)- "Mr. Chugwater, before proceeding any further will you please tell me how many votes you can control in the second ward2"
 Servant 0o widow only recently be- reaved)-"There is an old-clothesman at the door, mum, what wants to know have you got any cast-off garments to sella' Widow (with burst of grieD- "Ah, no, Bridget, not now, not now! Tell him to call few days later."
 Miss Westend (on Chestnut streeD- "What stylish young lady that is look ing into that jewellers windowl won- der if she is married woman2' Mir. Westend-'' There is gentleman with her, and judge from his nervous man. ner and worried look when she admires some particularly expensive gem that he is her husband"
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria may be deposed, but will not probably be kId- mapped as his predecessor was. Three hundred young men have voluntarily formed themselves into Q body guard Their badge is deaths head and they are armed with swords, revolvers and yatagans made. entirely of Bulgarian steel
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
Time Brings Wisdom.

Jack Borrowit furiously)-To think of it! There's Twitchell, my friend of five years, refused me paltry ten dollar loan this morning.
 Lambrequin-Maybe that's because he's known you five years, Jack.-Ltts.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
No Shamming There.

Bagley: II understand your wife is sick"
 Bailey: "Yes, she hasn't spoke word for three days"
 Bagley: ''By graciousl She mus be pretty sick wonlan"
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

It is very dull week in Russia, ob- serves the New York Mail and Express, in which the assassination of his impe- rial and unhappy majesty the Czar IS not attempted at least once.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
VOL. XVIII.
Every Inch A Man.

Every Inch A Man. She sat on the porch in the sunshine As I went down the street. A woman whose hair was silver, But whose face was blossom sweet Making me think of garden,
 When in spite of the frost and snow Of bleak November weather,
 Late, fragrant lilies blow. heard footstep behind m.,
 And the sound of merry laugh, And knew the heart it came from Would be like comforting staff In the time ard the hour of trouble, Hopeful and brave and strong One of the hearts to lean on,
 When we think all things go wrong. turned at the click of the gate latch, And met his manly look; A face like this gives me pleasure Like thspage of pleasant book. It told of Q steadfast purposa
 Of brave and daring will; A face with promise in it
 That God grant the years fulfill. He went up the pathway singing; I saw the woman's eyes Grow bright with a worthless welcome As sunshine warns the skies. Back again, sweetheart mother" He cried, and bent to kiss The loving face that was lifted For what some mothers miss. That boy will do to depend on; hold that this is true From lads in love with their mothers Our bravest heroes grew. Earth's granuest hearts have been lovin
 hearts
 Since time and earth began; And the boy who kisses his mother Is every inch a man.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

In round numbers this country con- sumes annually 1,5oO, 900 tons of sugar, with the probability of the consumption exceeding 2,OOO, 900 tons before the close of the century.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
listening.

Little stars with golden feet Wandering in the realms of light Softly move nor wake the earth Slumbering in the lap of night Silent stand the listening trees Every leafiet now an ear, While the dreaming mountain sends His deep, solemn shadow here
 Flowers of beauty, rich and rara
 Breathe their fragrance oa the ain Harkl What music do hear Floating on the air so sweeti ls't the nightingale that sings Plaintive in her lone retreati No, 'tis she whom I adore,
 Singing of her hope and love- While the stars " tn golden feet Wander pensive, far above
 And all nature seems like me
 Filled with wondrous ecstasy.
 -Washin0ton Star.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

"Another aristocrat in the milk busi- ness" exclaims the London Prorisioner, because Lady Shaftesbury has opened 8 . dairy in B u-nemouth.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

The shipments of wheat from Cali for mia to the Australian colonies this year promise far to exceed those of all former years,
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

The New York Court of Appeals has recently decided that a person who has paid fine for drunkenness is 8 criminal
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

At the present moment no country in the world is so agitated by labor dis putes and labor strikes as the German empire
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

He: Jenny, you are brick. She between gasps): Yes, a pressed brick.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
Connecticut Western News.
HUDLIeHKD AT CANAAN, uTchFiflD CO, c0KN., EVERY WEDNESDAY, MORNING.
& (. MXLEY, EdltQr and Proprietor.
Local New. a Speciality,
rKRMs,

920O pr year. if paid strictly in advaAss. q los pead at tho expiration of thrss nsnths oA4k vn b. charged
 0lnsn desring thelr papeEp disoon- tlA1e4 nnst give notice at the Kx1InArsoH of tAG6 0uhocrtphons, any prsvlous n0tios not bsAnG su1nciant; and unless all arrsarAgss arc DaiA, papsrs w1n not then bs disconN1usd ~ q ths option of ths pubhshsx.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

"Guyl"
 'I shall be twenty-one then, and my own masterl" added the boy, "and I'll work like slave to get good profes- sion, and if you'll marry me, Dorcas, I'll make the best husband that ever was to you, for I m desperately in love with you, that I am!" Dorcas burst out into laughter. "Guy," she said, ''what child you are"
 "But you do love me, don't youa' s'Yes, of course love you, but not a bit more than do Cecil Parker or little Frankie Games" "Dorcas!" "Well, trifle more perhaps, because Tve had the careo you these four weeks, and you've really behaved very decently, but" 'Promise me, Dorcasp' 'I won't, Guy"
 "We're engaged, all the same," said Guy, with deep sigh of relief. 'It is a bargain. And now you may get me my bowl of gruel."
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-06-03

swept away. Nothing but small two-story
frame house remains. II was near the edge Of the
wave, and thus escaped One side was taken oil,
ana the rum makes picture OF misery. The walk
up to wrecks Of houses was interrupted In many
places by small branch streams. Occasionally
across the Oats could be the body Of victin'
The stencil arising from the mud is sickening 10
an extreme degree Along the route were slrewH
tin utensils, pieces Of machinery, iron pipes lI0
wares OF every conceivable kind OF stofe. !"
the midst Of tho wreck clothing-store dummy
with hand in the position OF beckonlns 10 pc
son, stands erect and uninjured.
It is impossible to describe the appeHtaN Jo,,n
Main.st Whole houses have been sweP' 49,
this street and become lodged. Inc wre0k =
piled az high as the seoond-story "inoo~S' ..
reno,,sr conld step from the wreck into 'he auui.
,nr,pm ~ the opcra House. The ruins consist Oh
ra,ts ~ bonses. trees, sawIlogs, reels from tne
,rtts factory. Many houses have their sac "h,rs
s,d ,oofs torn up, and you can walk drecuy
into what had been second-story oeufooniS Vi
20 IN nv way Of the top. Further uptown rai'
:, ,oss lodged in the street and did great uamage
TIL. h.st description that be given OF the gen.
cal annsnreuoe of the wreck is to imagine num-
her Of ohildrens blocks placed closely together
and draw your hand through. them In almost
sverv direction. AZ the beginning OF the wreck
are which IL at the opening OF the Valley oil the
Conemsugh. one can look up the valley Tor mites
and NOT see o house Nothing stands but an oid
woollen mill,